FERRUM ALUMNI AND FRIENDS FELLOWSHIP ON ALASKAN CRUISE

September 2, 2003

     More than 50 alumni and friends of Ferrum College recently returned from a 7 day Alaskan cruise, where they fellowshipped and worshipped together. The cruise, which sailed August 8-15, offered an opportunity for the group to be spiritually enriched while enjoying one of the earth’s most beautiful landscapes—Alaska.

     The group gathered for an early morning time of devotions, prayer, and reflection.  Guest speakers and musicians included Nancy Vanzant, a member of Fort Hill United Methodist Church of Lynchburg, Chaplain Wes Astin '74, and Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten.

     Braaten, president of the College, said, “The spiritual journey was magnificently paralleled and enhanced by our travel through one of the most stunning places I have ever visited. Each day was a gift. The beauty of the region seemed to intensify as we looked both within our hearts and out to the vistas as evidence of God’s hand at work. I think we were all moved to a new level of rejoicing in God’s creation.”

     Alice Hall, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Franklin County, member of Redwood United Methodist Church, and passenger on the cruise, has traveled widely from Hawaii to England, yet she relates, “It was the most wonderful vacation I have ever done in my life…. The fellowship was just great. We were like a family…. I would recommend it to anyone.”

     President of the Danville District United Methodist Women Peggy Oakes, of Dry Fork, says the journey “was the most exhilarating and breathtaking experience I have ever had,” and “We had a really good time—I’d go again.” Oakes says that people who were not traveling with the Ferrum group joined in the fellowship and morning worship services. “The Lord does work in miraculous ways—anywhere you are.”

     Departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the cruise went through the inside passage on its journey to Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, and Seward. The group concluded the trip in Anchorage.
Plans for a July 2004 alumni and friends Eastern Caribbean cruise are underway. To learn more, please contact Chaplain Wes Astin ’74 at (540) 365-4286.

     Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. For more information on Ferrum, visit www.ferrum.edu. # # #

Ferrum Alumni & Friends Cruise to Alaska With President, Faculty

The Alaskan Cruise August 8-16th, 2003
Next year's Caribbean cruise details are here!
Click to download the Word document with the specifics!

The Above Photos by Dr. Ken McCreedy

Next Year's cruise is being planned! Details available soon!