FERRUM, VA (April 15, 2025) – The Boone Honors Program at Ferrum College held its annual banquet on April 11, 2025. Members of the program, faculty, visiting family, and Board of Trustees members gathered in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room on campus to honor graduating seniors Kylie Atkins, Kayla Fedison, Trent Ray, Noah Smiley, Zachary Smiley, Aiden Wade, and Haley Woodward.
Each senior honors student who attended selected a mentor to speak on their behalf. This year, the mentors included Associate Professor of Biology Katie Goff, Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science Dana Ghioca-Robrecht, Head Women’s Soccer Coach Erin Saleeby, and Titmus Farm Manager Sarah Isley. The mentors spoke of their students’ exceptional leadership during their years at Ferrum, their passion for their chosen fields of study and career plans, and their engagement in research and service to the College and the larger community.
“The students we recognized at the Honors Banquet exemplify the very best of Ferrum College—intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, and a deep commitment to personal and professional development. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and the support of our dedicated faculty. They represent a bright future not only for our institution, but for the communities they will go on to serve,” stated Ferrum College President Mirta Martin.
During their introductory remarks, President Martin and Boone Honors Program Director Daniel Murphy also recognized Professor of English Lana Whited for her 17 years of service as program director, praising her beneficial influence and contributions to the honors program. Last summer, Whited was appointed to the Williams Distinguished Teaching Chair, and Murphy began directing the Boone Honors Program.
Whited provided a talk on “The Most Fulfilling Jobs in America,” based on a survey about job satisfaction reported in a 2024 article by Andrew van Dam in The Washington Post. The survey showed that higher levels of education increased the respondents’ pride in their employers and ability to contribute to the community through work, but did not increase the low numbers of those asserting that their main satisfaction in life came through work. Whited referred to Robert Fulgum’s book It Was on Fire When I Lay Down on It to close with reflections on additional ways to explore “the meaning of life.”
The Boone Honors Program was established in 2001 under the direction of Dr. David Howell, dean of arts and humanities, professor of religion, and director of faculty development, and is named in honor of former Ferrum College President Jerry Boone and his wife, Shirley. Program members complete five honors-designated seminars, twelve hours of enrichment projects, and Global Perspectives coursework. Many receive travel scholarships. At their commencement ceremony, students completing all requirements are presented the Boone Honors Medallion. Click here for more information about the Boone Honors Program.
Pictured left to right: Titmus Agricultural Center Farm Manager Sarah Isley, senior Trent Ray, senior Kayla Fedison, Associate Professor of Biology Katie Goff, senior Aiden Wade, Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science Dana Ghioca-Robrecht, senior Haley Woodward, and Head Women’s Soccer Coach Erin Saleeby. Click here to view additional event photographs.
Kayla Fedison, Roanoke, VA
B.S., Health and Human Performance (Exercise Science), Health Sciences: Pre-Therapy
Trent Ray, Richlands, VA
B.S., Health Sciences, Veterinary Science
Noah Smiley, Staunton, VA
B.S. Computer Technology and Information Systems
Zachary Smiley, Staunton, VA
B.S. Health and Human Performance (Exercise Science)
Aiden Wade, Ferrum, VA
B.S. Environmental Science
Haley Woodward, Roanoke, VA
B. S. Health Sciences, Medical Science
December 2024 graduate: Kylie Atkins, Burkeville, VA
B.S., Biology
