Ferrum College - The Ferrum Newsstand

Brian J. Clark of Henry, Va., received the Senior Academic Excellence Award. Clark, who maintained a 4.0 grade point average in all his college classes, was on the Ferrum’s Dean’s List for all eight semesters. Both Brandi R. Kent, of Union Hall, and Michael J. Menard, of Ferrum, maintained a 4.0 gpa in all Ferrum classes. In addition, three students finished with gpas above 3.9 and nine students above 3.8.

The Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award was presented to Melody L. McIlvain of Milton, De. The award recognizes a student who exemplifies leadership, initiative, honor, and outstanding character. The recipient must also have demonstrated an excellent academic record, extracurricular involvement, and enhancements to Ferrum College.

Receiving the James T. Catlin, Jr., Citizenship Award for best demonstrating citizenship and leadership abilities was Laurie A. Borslien from Chesapeake, Va.

The Class of 2003 was comprised of 139 graduates, 84% of whom are from Virginia. The remaining 22 or 16% are from 14 other states, including California, Connecticut, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Texas, and Washington. The graduating class was composed of 73 men and 66 women.

Leading in the number of majors were Business Administration and Criminal Justice programs. Twenty students were double majors.

The school’s highest alumni honor, the Benjamin M. Beckham Medallion, was bestowed on Mr. Bobby W. Thompson ’70, vice president for business affairs for Ferrum. Thompson, of Ferrum, was recognized for his selfless service to family, church, community, and career.

The Cheatham Fellowship, established through the Willis P. and Mae C. Cheatham Endowment for Professional Development to further scholarly and teaching endeavors, was awarded to Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Frederic Belle Torimiro. Torimiro will expand service-learning opportunities for students.

Rachel K. Denham, associate professor of art, received the Exemplary Faculty Award from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. Recipients must demonstrate excellence in teaching; commitment to value-centered education; civility and concern for students and colleagues; and service to students, institution, community, and a local church. The award carries a stipend of $1,500.

Two retired faculty, Rev. Wesley J. Nelson and Ms. Carol B. Sandridge, were given emeritus status.

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. # # #

Additional Links:

Commencement Fact Sheet
Ferrum's Commencement Website

30% of FERRUM COLLEGE 2003 GRADUATES FINISH WITH HONORS BUSINESS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEADING MAJORS
For immediate release:	Contact:
May 10, 2003	Lisa J. Bowling, (540) 365-4307
Ferrum College’s 87th Commencement Ceremony on May 10, 2003 included some of the most accomplished graduates in the school’s history. More than 30% or 42 of the seniors completed their bachelors as cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude graduates. Several students and faculty received the school’s top awards in the event which included remarks by Virginia former governor, The Honorable Gerald Baliles.	Commencement Speaker Former Gov. Baliles
Brian J. Clark of Henry, Va., received the Senior Academic Excellence Award. Clark, who maintained a 4.0 grade point average in all his college classes, was on the Ferrum’s Dean’s List for all eight semesters. Both Brandi R. Kent, of Union Hall, and Michael J. Menard, of Ferrum, maintained a 4.0 gpa in all Ferrum classes. In addition, three students finished with gpas above 3.9 and nine students above 3.8. The Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award was presented to Melody L. McIlvain of Milton, De. The award recognizes a student who exemplifies leadership, initiative, honor, and outstanding character. The recipient must also have demonstrated an excellent academic record, extracurricular involvement, and enhancements to Ferrum College. Receiving the James T. Catlin, Jr., Citizenship Award for best demonstrating citizenship and leadership abilities was Laurie A. Borslien from Chesapeake, Va. The Class of 2003 was comprised of 139 graduates, 84% of whom are from Virginia. The remaining 22 or 16% are from 14 other states, including California, Connecticut, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Texas, and Washington. The graduating class was composed of 73 men and 66 women. Leading in the number of majors were Business Administration and Criminal Justice programs. Twenty students were double majors. The school’s highest alumni honor, the Benjamin M. Beckham Medallion, was bestowed on Mr. Bobby W. Thompson ’70, vice president for business affairs for Ferrum. Thompson, of Ferrum, was recognized for his selfless service to family, church, community, and career. The Cheatham Fellowship, established through the Willis P. and Mae C. Cheatham Endowment for Professional Development to further scholarly and teaching endeavors, was awarded to Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Frederic Belle Torimiro. Torimiro will expand service-learning opportunities for students. Rachel K. Denham, associate professor of art, received the Exemplary Faculty Award from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. Recipients must demonstrate excellence in teaching; commitment to value-centered education; civility and concern for students and colleagues; and service to students, institution, community, and a local church. The award carries a stipend of $1,500. Two retired faculty, Rev. Wesley J. Nelson and Ms. Carol B. Sandridge, were given emeritus status. 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. # # # Additional Links: Commencement Fact Sheet Ferrum's Commencement Website