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    Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten, Ferrum College’s 10th president, was invited to the White House recently to take part in the roundtable discussion, “State Strategies” Compassion in Action Roundtable. The discussion, which centered around President George W. Bush’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative, involved government officials, policymakers, business leaders, foundation representatives, philanthropists and faith-based and community leaders from around the country. The roundtable discussion focused on some of the promising models and programs that are partnering with the government to serve the underrepresented constituencies.

    In 2005, Ferrum College was the top Virginia recipient of faith-based initiative funds and received $14.6 million in a low-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program. The money was used to fund FerrumPLUS!, the college’s most ambitious campus renovation project in 50 years. The project included the renovation and transformation of a multi-level student and alumni center, renovations to several original campus buildings, and the construction of two new apartment-style residence halls.

    The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) was created shortly after President Bush took office in 2001. It was designed to give charitable and community groups, as well as religious ones, a level playing field when competing for government funds to provide essential services. To date, 33 governors and more than 100 mayors have Faith-Based and Community Initiative offices or liaisons.

    Ferrum College President, Dr. Jennifer Braaten says, “It was a great privilege for the College and for me personally to be invited to this important roundtable discussion at the White House. It presented a wonderful occasion to share with others the story of our community campus development efforts at Ferrum and it was also inspiring to hear individuals from around the country talk about the remarkable ways in which the partnerships resulting from these faith-based and community initiatives have changed lives and provided opportunities that might not otherwise be available for all Americans.”

    For more information on the roundtable discussion, or for an interview with Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten, contact the Public Relations office at (540) 365-4301.

    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 College President Takes Part in Roundtable Discussion on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at White House
For immediate release: June 28, 2007	Contact: Natalie Faunce, (540) 365-4301 nfaunce@ferrum.edu
Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten, Ferrum College’s 10th president, was invited to the White House recently to take part in the roundtable discussion, “State Strategies” Compassion in Action Roundtable. The discussion, which centered around President George W. Bush’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative, involved government officials, policymakers, business leaders, foundation representatives, philanthropists and faith-based and community leaders from around the country. The roundtable discussion focused on some of the promising models and programs that are partnering with the government to serve the underrepresented constituencies. In 2005, Ferrum College was the top Virginia recipient of faith-based initiative funds and received $14.6 million in a low-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program. The money was used to fund FerrumPLUS!, the college’s most ambitious campus renovation project in 50 years. The project included the renovation and transformation of a multi-level student and alumni center, renovations to several original campus buildings, and the construction of two new apartment-style residence halls. The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) was created shortly after President Bush took office in 2001. It was designed to give charitable and community groups, as well as religious ones, a level playing field when competing for government funds to provide essential services. To date, 33 governors and more than 100 mayors have Faith-Based and Community Initiative offices or liaisons. Ferrum College President, Dr. Jennifer Braaten says, “It was a great privilege for the College and for me personally to be invited to this important roundtable discussion at the White House. It presented a wonderful occasion to share with others the story of our community campus development efforts at Ferrum and it was also inspiring to hear individuals from around the country talk about the remarkable ways in which the partnerships resulting from these faith-based and community initiatives have changed lives and provided opportunities that might not otherwise be available for all Americans.” For more information on the roundtable discussion, or for an interview with Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten, contact the Public Relations office at (540) 365-4301. 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.
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