FERRUM, VA, October 23, 2023 – Ferrum College is pleased to announce this year’s alumni award recipients: Beth Simms ’09, Young Alumni; Nancy Swartz Beach ’75, Distinguished Alumni; and Scott Showalter ’73, Beckham Medallion. The 2023 award recipients were recognized in the annual Alumni Awards Ceremony during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Members of the Class of 1973 were also inducted into the Golden Panthers during the event.
The alumni awards tradition began decades ago with recognition of several College founders and leaders from the 1920s. Winners are nominated by alumni, faculty or staff, reviewed by the Nominations Committee of the Alumni Board of Directors, and approved by the president. Mr. Glynn Loope ’86, Alumni Board of Directors president, presented the awards in Saturday’s ceremony on behalf of the College.
Ferrum College President Mirta Martin brought greetings to the Golden Panthers, the awardees, and their guests. “What a joy to gather and recognize these three members of the Ferrum College family who embody the very best of who we are and who live out our motto, ‘Not Self, But Others.’ We are proud to honor Ms. Simms, a young alumna who has already had a tremendous impact on her hometown community as well as the College, and Ms. Beach, who aided countless students in their pursuit of higher education and, in doing so, served her alma mater in providing access for all learners in our academic community,” Martin said.
“The presentation of this year’s Beckham Medallion, our institution’s highest honor, is especially fitting and well deserved,” she continued. “Mr. Scott Showalter’s career and life of service are truly exemplary and his gifts of time and philanthropy are great and impactful. As he is a member of the Class of 1973, surrounded by many of his classmates, friends, family and Dr. Beckham’s great-grandsons, we recognize Chairman Showalter today for his devotion to his alma mater at his 50th reunion. Today’s celebrations shine bright in Ferrum’s history.”
The Young Alumni award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated professional and personal success since graduating from Ferrum College within the last 15 years. Beth Simms, a 2009 Ferrum College graduate who currently serves as vice president of the Alumni Board of Directors, was recently named County Administrator for Patrick County, Virginia. During her acceptance speech, Simms recalled moments from her Ferrum journey and how much the College means to her. She also had a call-to-action for the audience. “I’m challenging each of you to bring people to Ferrum College. You don’t understand the uniqueness, the specialness of this place online or in print. So, if you have an opportunity, please bring somebody here and let them experience Ferrum College,” Simms said.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to a graduate who has a record of exceptional career achievement and service to their community, church or other organizations; was active in college life; and remains involved and supportive of Ferrum College. Nancy S. Beach ’75 returned to her alma mater as an educator and director of academic accessibility for over 30 years and retired in 2023. When accepting the award, Beach shared she has deep gratitude for the College from her student experience as well as her years on the faculty. “I was embraced by a community of staff, faculty and students who fostered intellectual curiosity, who encouraged individuality, and who nurtured a sense of belonging,” Beach said.
The Beckham Medallion, named after Dr. Benjamin M. Beckham, the first president of Ferrum College, is the highest tribute bestowed upon alumni. The distinction honors those who exemplify the College motto, “Not Self, But Others,” and who have demonstrated exceptional career success, service to their community, and dedication to Ferrum College. Scott Showalter ’73 credits Ferrum for his success. “I can say unequivocally I would not be where I am today without coming to Ferrum College; it was very transformational,” Showalter said. He also gave credit to his wife for always encouraging him. “She’s always been supportive, so I accept this award on behalf of us both for the contributions we have made together,” he said.
After the awards ceremony, the recipients watched the Blackhats win the Homecoming game from the president’s suite.
