Monday Music Jam
2026-06-06 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-06-15 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, 20 Museum Dr., Ferrum, VA, 24088
The Monday Music Jam at Ferrum College is a free weekly event on The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Every Monday of the year at 7:00, anyone can join in for an evening of authentic old-time and bluegrass music. You can play instruments, sing, dance, or just listen and enjoy.
Arrive any time between 7 p.m. and 8:30. Chairs are available for everyone and if you have mobility issues, or you’re carrying a big instrument, you can pull up right to the door. When the weather allows, the jam will move from the Blue Ridge Institute’s museum lobby to the Leo Scott Pavilion at the farm museum right across the road (Rt. 40).

Mark Twain and Music
2026-06-16 09:30 - 13:00
This lifelong learning program about Mark Twain and music will include discussion by Professor of English Lana A. Whited, with musical selections performed by Fair and Austin Robey, followed by lunch.
While Mark Twain is celebrated for his razor-sharp wit and literary realism, less well known is his lifelong interest in music, spanning both American popular music and the European grand operatic tradition. Influences upon him and his writing included spirituals and the Delta blues, the Presbyterian church, contemporary songwriters, classical composers such as Richard Wagner, and the habits of piano-playing and singing that filled his household in Hartford, Connecticut.
Twain’s letters, personal journals, and novels such as Huckleberry Finn and Pudd’nhead Wilson reflect how Twain used music as a tool for social commentary, character development, nostalgia, and humor. Throughout Twain’s public career, his writing about music illustrates the same key tension existing between Samuel Langhorne Clemens and his famous persona, Mark Twain–between the serious writer/critic and the amateur, or “mucker” (as he termed it). For example, he both enjoyed opera and wrote, “I have attended operas, whenever I could not help it, for fourteen years now; I am sure I know of no agony comparable to the listening to an unfamiliar opera.” The evolution of Twain’s tastes and attitudes concerning music explain how his biographer Albert Bigelow Paine, who had earlier found the author “wanting in artistic taste,” could write that by age 70, Twain had “a passion for music.”
Presenter Bios:
Professor of English Lana Whited, the longest-serving full-time member of the faculty at Ferrum College, wrote her master’s thesis on Mark Twain and music at the College of William and Mary. She is the author and editor of essays and books on fantasy literature, and author of the scholarly book about true crime fiction, Murder, In Fact.

Fair Robey enjoyed a long career teaching music in the Franklin County Public Schools and currently serves as music director at Saint Peter’s-in-the-Mountains Episcopal Church. She is a member of her family’s popular local band, The Robeys. She has served as accompanist for many productions of the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre at Ferrum College.

Austin Robey is Director of Admissions at Mountaintop Montessori School in Charlottesville and a member of his family’s popular local band, The Robeys.
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026Location: Phoebe Needles Center, 732 Turners Creek Road, Callaway, VA 24067Doors Open: 9:30 AMProgram Begins: 10:00 AMLunch Served: Noon
For more info: 540.483.1518 or events@phoebeneedles.org or visit the Adult Programs tab at phoebeneedles.org. Click ticket link for this event to purchase tickets!

Monday Music Jam
2026-06-22 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-06-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, 20 Museum Dr., Ferrum, VA, 24088
The Monday Music Jam at Ferrum College is a free weekly event on The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Every Monday of the year at 7:00, anyone can join in for an evening of authentic old-time and bluegrass music. You can play instruments, sing, dance, or just listen and enjoy.
Arrive any time between 7 p.m. and 8:30. Chairs are available for everyone and if you have mobility issues, or you’re carrying a big instrument, you can pull up right to the door, or near the pavilion. When the weather allows, the jam moves from the Blue Ridge Institute’s museum lobby (or sometimes indoors in Grousbeck Hall) to the Leo Scott Pavilion at the farm museum right across the road (Rt. 40).
See the Facebook page Appalachian Music at Ferrum College for more photos and video.

Franklin County Future Builders Academy - Concrete Week
2026-07-06 09:00 - 2026-07-10 15:00 | Ferrum College
Ready to get your hands dirty and explore a career that builds the world around you?
Join us for a FREE, fun, hands-on week for high school students interested in construction, engineering, design, and skilled trades. Focusing on the world of concrete construction, youth will explore the skilled trades using real tools and materials, and gain jobsite safety skills, all while being taught by industry professionals.
Transportation will be provided each day from The Franklin Center to Ferrum College’s beautiful campus. Students will also be provided lunch each day of the camp experience.
The camp is free for high-school-age students thanks to the generous sponsorship of Procon Inc. and Ferrum College in collaboration with the Franklin County Office of Economic Development.
Sign up today at https://buildsmartinstitute.classe365.com/…/application.
Event by Build Smart Institute, Ferrum College and Franklin County Office of Economic Development.
Click here for information about Carpentry Week, July 15-17.
See also Build Smart web page about 2026 Camps.

Franklin County Builders Academy - Carpentry Week
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-17 15:00 | Ferrum College
Ready to get your hands dirty and explore a career that builds the world around you?
Join us for a FREE, fun, hands-on week for high school students interested in construction, engineering, design, & skilled trades.
Focusing on the carpentry trade, youth will explore the skilled trades using real tools and materials, and gain jobsite safety skills, all while being taught by industry professionals.
Transportation will be provided each day from The Franklin Center to Ferrum College’s beautiful campus. Students will also be provided lunch each day of the camp experience.
The camp is free for high-school-age students thanks to the generous sponsorship of Virginia Housing and Ferrum College in collaboration with the Franklin County Office of Economic Development.
Learn more and sign up today at https://buildsmartinstitute.classe365.com/…/application.
Event by Build Smart Institute, Ferrum College and Franklin County Office of Economic Development.
Click here for information on Concrete Week, July 6-10.
See also Build Smart web page about 2026 Camps.

Monday Music Jam
2026-07-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, 20 Museum Dr., Ferrum, VA, 24088
The Monday Music Jam at Ferrum College is a free weekly event on The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Every Monday of the year at 7:00, anyone can join in for an evening of authentic old-time and bluegrass music. You can play instruments, sing, dance, or just listen and enjoy.
Arrive any time between 7 p.m. and 8:30. Chairs are available for everyone and if you have mobility issues, or you’re carrying a big instrument, you can pull up right to the door, or near the pavilion. When the weather allows, the jam moves from the Blue Ridge Institute’s museum lobby (or sometimes indoors in Grousbeck Hall) to the Leo Scott Pavilion at the farm museum right across the road (Rt. 40).
See the Facebook page Appalachian Music at Ferrum College for more photos.

Monday Music Jam
2026-07-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, 20 Museum Dr., Ferrum, VA, 24088
The Monday Music Jam at Ferrum College is a free weekly event on The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Every Monday of the year at 7:00, anyone can join in for an evening of authentic old-time and bluegrass music. You can play instruments, sing, dance, or just listen and enjoy.
Arrive any time between 7 p.m. and 8:30. Chairs are available for everyone and if you have mobility issues, or you’re carrying a big instrument, you can pull up right to the door, or near the pavilion. When the weather allows, the jam moves from the Blue Ridge Institute’s museum lobby (or sometimes indoors in Grousbeck Hall) to the Leo Scott Pavilion at the farm museum right across the road (Rt. 40).
See the Facebook page Appalachian Music at Ferrum College for updates and more photos.

Monday Music Jam
2026-07-27 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-08-03 07:00 - 20:30 | Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, 20 Museum Dr., Ferrum, VA, 24088
The Monday Music Jam at Ferrum College is a free weekly event on The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Every Monday of the year at 7:00, anyone can join in for an evening of authentic old-time and bluegrass music. You can play instruments, sing, dance, or just listen and enjoy.
Arrive any time between 7 p.m. and 8:30. Chairs are available for everyone and if you have mobility issues, or you’re carrying a big instrument, you can pull up right to the door, or near the pavilion. When the weather allows, the jam moves from the Blue Ridge Institute’s museum lobby (or sometimes indoors in Grousbeck Hall) to the Leo Scott Pavilion at the farm museum right across the road (Rt. 40).
See the Facebook page Appalachian Music at Ferrum College for updates and more photos and video.

2026-27 Opening Welcome for Faculty and Staff
2026-08-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Garber Hall 106, 80 Wiley Drive, Ferrum, 24088, United States
All faculty and staff,
Please save Monday, August 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on your calendars for the fall semester Opening Welcome. We will plan to gather in Garber 106 to hear highlights and updates from the past year and summer. Afterwards, you are invited to lunch in the dining hall.
Kind regards,
Courtney Brown
Chief of Staff & Operations Officer,
Liaison to the Board of Trustees

Photograph of campus courtesy of Dr. Bob Pohlad

Student Check-in for Fall 2026
2026-08-07 09:00 - 2026-08-09 14:00 | Franklin Hall
Fall 2026 Semester Student Arrival Information
FERRUM, VA — Ferrum College will welcome students for the Fall 2026 semester beginning Friday, August 7, 2026, with check-in and orientation activities held in Franklin Hall. Please review the important details below.
All students must check in before going to their residential hall.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7: NEW STUDENT CHECK-IN

New Resident Students (Last Names A–J): 9:00 – 11:00 AM
New Resident Students (Last Names K–Z): 12:00 – 2:00 PM
New Commuter Students: 1:00 – 2:00 PM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9: RETURNING STUDENT CHECK-IN

Returning Resident Students (Last Names A–J): 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Returning Resident Students (Last Names K–Z): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Returning Commuter Students: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

MONDAY, AUGUST 10: CLASSES BEGIN

HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP?
Jill Adams
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
Dean of Students
Franklin Hall Room 108
540-365-4541 or jadams@ferrum.edu

Book Launch for "Staying Alive in Bear Country" by Professor Emeritus Pete Crow
2026-08-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Phoebe Needles Center, 732 Turners Creek Rd., Callaway, VA, 24067, United States
Staying Alive in Bear Country is a novel based on original Old Joe Grady tales told over the years by Professor Emeritus of English Pete Crow. The book will be published July 30, one year after Dr. Crow’s death. He wrote the novel and Dr. Lana Whited helped finish it in preparation for publication, along with his family and publisher. His wife Beth Crow ’79 designed the book cover.
Published by Black Rose Writing.
A discount is available from the publisher for preorders of this book.
All are invited to a book launch at Phoebe Needles Center in Callaway.
August 8, 2026, 4-6 p.m.
Please bring an appetizer to share.
Another book launch will be held on August 9, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Church of the Nativity
8849 Ray Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27613
Website on Author Peter Crow and this book.
Note that these events are hosted by the Crow family and, in Callaway, the Phoebe Needles Center. Ferrum College is helping to publicize the book launch for a beloved professor emeritus who began telling these stories during his many years in Ferrum.

“Staying Alive in Bear Country is the magnum opus of Pete Crow’s heart, his lifelong project, and a synthesis of many of his life’s passions and experiences.”
Dr. Lana Whited
Click here for more on Pete Crow’s career.
Ferrum College news release on this book.

Opening Convocation for Students, Faculty and Staff
2026-08-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Swartz Gym, 435 Ferrum Mountain Road, Ferrum, VA, 24088, United States
The opening convocation on the first day of classes brings together students, faculty, and staff to kick off the 2026-27 academic year at Ferrum College.
Hear greetings from student, administrative, and athletic leaders in Swartz Gym and join in a lighting ceremony before enjoying a Ferrum Family Dinner in the Franklin Hall dining hall.

Monday Music Jam
2026-08-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, 20 Museum Dr., Ferrum, VA, 24088
The Monday Music Jam at Ferrum College is a free weekly event on The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Every Monday of the year at 7:00, anyone can join in for an evening of authentic old-time and bluegrass music. You can play instruments, sing, dance, or just listen and enjoy.
Arrive any time between 7 p.m. and 8:30. Chairs are available for everyone and if you have mobility issues, or you’re carrying a big instrument, you can pull up right to the door. When the weather allows, the jam will move from the Blue Ridge Institute’s museum lobby to the Leo Scott Pavilion at the farm museum right across the road (Rt. 40).

Monday Music Jam 2026
Photos by Dr. Bob Pohlad

Monday Music Jam
2026-08-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, 20 Museum Dr., Ferrum, VA, 24088
The Monday Music Jam at Ferrum College is a free weekly event on The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Every Monday of the year at 7:00, anyone can join in for an evening of authentic old-time and bluegrass music. You can play instruments, sing, dance, or just listen and enjoy.
Arrive any time between 7 p.m. and 8:30. Chairs are available for everyone and if you have mobility issues, or you’re carrying a big instrument, you can pull up right to the door. When the weather allows, the jam will move from the Blue Ridge Institute’s museum lobby to the Leo Scott Pavilion at the farm museum right across the road (Rt. 40).

Monday Music Jam summer 2026
Photos by Dr. Bob Pohlad

2026 Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony
2026-09-05 08:30 - 11:30 | Franklin Hall
The 2026 Ferrum College Sports Hall of Fame inductees will be formally honored during an on-campus Hall of Fame Ceremony on the morning of Saturday, September 5.
Later that day, they will be recognized during the halftime of Ferrum’s home football game against Emory & Henry University, with kickoff set for 2:00 p.m. at W. B. Adams Stadium. For more information about attending this year’s Sports Hall of Fame ceremony and to register, click here.
Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony
September 5, 2026
Registration: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Program: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Blue Ridge Mountain Room, upper Franklin Hall
Inductees will receive tickets for themself and three (3) guests, which will include a football ticket.
All other attendees – RSVP guests $30 per person for the meal and $10 per person for the football game ticket for online pre-registration.

2026 Alumni Awards and Donor Appreciation Ceremony
2026-09-26 08:30 - 23:30 | Franklin Hall
Ferrum College is excited to recognize our 2026 Alumni Award recipients and express our appreciation to those leading the way in supporting the College and our students.
September 26, 2026
8:30 am to 11:30 am
Ferrum College
Blue Ridge Mountain Room, Upper Franklin Hall
(Breakfast Buffet)
Click here to register for the event.

2025 Alumni Award Recipients

Ferrum College Blue Ridge Folklife Festival and Arts & Crafts Show
2026-10-24 09:00 - 17:00 | Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, 20 Museum Dr., Ferrum, VA, 24088
Join us at the longest-running folklife festival in western Virginia! Since 1973, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival has presented authentic regional folk music, craftspeople, draft horse and dog handlers, car builders, tractor restorers, country cooks, moonshine tale tellers, and much more!
Always the fourth Saturday in October, this legendary festival is coordinated by the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum (BRIM), the official State Center for Blue Ridge Folklore and a major venue on The Crooked Road Music Trail.
Celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of the Blue Ridge region, this year’s festival will offer a full day of live entertainment, traditional demonstrations, handcrafted arts, and family-friendly activities, while introducing new artisans, interactive experiences, and expanded attractions. In a new arts and crafts show, more than 100 artisans will offer handmade jewelry, folk art, woodworking, pottery, textiles, and other unique creations.
Guests can also enjoy moonshine tastings with Five Mile Mountain Distillery and relax in the beer and wine garden. Traditional foods such as country ham biscuits and fried apple pies are always popular at the festival.
For Ferrum College alumni, this year’s festival will include an alumni breakfast and a lounge area inside Franklin Hall off the patio, instead of a tent outside. The Office of Alumni and Family Relations will provide details in upcoming publicity and the college website Alumni pages. Click here for alumni breakfast registration.

2026 Alumni Breakfast - 53rd Blue Ridge Folklife Festival and Arts & Crafts Show
2026-10-24 09:45 - 10:30 | Franklin Hall
We welcome alumni home to Ferrum College during the 53rd Blue Ridge Folklife Festival and Arts & Crafts Show.
Alumni Breakfast
Saturday, October 24, 2026
9:45 am to 10:30 am
Ferrum College
Franklin Dining Hall
Pre-registration is required if you plan to attend the alumni breakfast, at $10.00/per person, which includes tax.
Click here for alumni breakfast registration.
Admission to the folklife festival is free this year. To purchase tickets for the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival parking, visit www.ferrum.edu/brim/blue-ridge-folklife-festival.
Please contact the Alumni Office at 540.365.4216 | alumni@ferrum.edu if you have any questions, have dietary restrictions, or will need special accommodations.

Homecoming Weekend 2026
2026-10-30 - 2026-11-01 | Ferrum College
Save the date for Homecoming 2026 at Ferrum College, happening Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 1! Join us for a lively weekend of connection, celebration, and Panther pride. Festivities will include class reunions—highlighted by the 50th reunion of the Class of 1976 and their induction into the Golden Panthers, and the 60th reunion of the 1966 Ferrum Junior College Football Team and cheerleaders—along with athletic events, the traditional homecoming football game, tailgating, social gatherings, and plenty of chances to reconnect with friends old and new. Mark your calendars and start making plans to be back on campus—we can’t wait to welcome you home.
Check for details, registration, and updates at this link.

2025 photo by Dr. Bob Pohlad

Class of 1976 Golden Panthers Reunion
2026-10-30 16:30 - 21:00 | Franklin Hall
Save the date for Homecoming 2026 at Ferrum College, happening Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 1! Join us for a lively weekend of connection, celebration, and Panther pride. Festivities will include class reunions—highlighted by the 50th reunion of the Class of 1976 and their induction into the Golden Panthers, and the 60th reunion of the 1966 Ferrum Junior College Football Team and cheerleaders—along with athletic events, the traditional homecoming football game, tailgating, social gatherings, and plenty of chances to reconnect with friends old and new. Mark your calendars and start making plans to be back on campus—we can’t wait to welcome you home. More details coming soon!
Class of 1976, your reunion is part of the following event:
Friday, October 30 – All Graduating Classes – Ferrum Alumni Gathering.
We will recognize the following during this event: All Golden Panthers,
Class of 1976 50th Reunion and Golden Panthers Induction.
Also included: 1966 FJC Football Team, Mascot, and Cheerleaders (National Runner Ups – 60th Reunion).
Check in and reception for this event at 4:30 p.m., Friday
Dinner and presentation from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Optional dancing until 9:00 p.m.
See separate registration for theatre option starting at 7:30 p.m.
Special events for the reunion class also include Saturday – Class of 1976 Tailgating in the field behind W. B. Adams Stadium, 1:00 p.m. – a potluck event.
Click here for registration.
Golden Panther Chairs:
Martha Arnold Phillips 1976
Chip Phillips 1977
Click here for Homecoming Weekend details.
Contact the Office of Alumni at alumni@ferrum.edu or 540.365.4216 if you want to know more about upcoming events, becoming a member of the Steering Committee, hosting an event, etc.

Ferrum College Sweetheart Society - Valentine's Event
2027-02-13 17:30 - 21:00 | Franklin Hall
You’re invited to the Ferrum College Sweetheart Society Valentine’s Event, a festive evening celebrating love, connection, and community at Ferrum College.
While the Sweetheart Society honors alumni couples who met on campus, this event is open to everyone who would like to attend.
Whether you’re married, dating, longtime partners, single, an alumnus/a, or simply looking for a fun and elegant Valentine’s celebration, we welcome you to join us for a memorable night on campus.
Date: Saturday, February 13, 2027
Location: Blue Ridge Mountain Room, Franklin Hall
Evening Itinerary
5:30 PM – Registration/Check-in/Optional Photos
6:00 PM – Welcome Remarks & Special Presentation
6:30 PM – Dinner & Music
8:00 PM – Music & Optional Dancing
9:00 PM – Adjournment
Click the link to register now and take advantage of early bird and advance registration discounts:
2027 Alumni Sweetheart Society Valentine Event
Early Bird Registration (expires January 31, 2027)
$50/couple
$20/single
At the Door
$70/couple
$35/single
Enjoy an evening of great food, music, selfie photo opportunities, and more as we celebrate love in all its forms.
Space is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot early.
Students can use dining dollars if you have them available. Student ID number needs to be provided during registration. Student registration via Presence.
Let us plan an evening of romance and elegance for you.
Minimum dress attire: formal/semi-formal
(Optional black-tie event for those who wish to go all out!)
Color theme: black, gold, red, and white.
All are welcome to participate.

2026 Valentine’s Event
