Ferrum, VA, October 1, 2025 — Ferrum College students taking Introduction to Environmental Science toured the Star City Compost facility in Roanoke on Monday, September 15, 2025. Mr. Davey Rogner Stewards, the business owner, walked students through the fascinating process of turning food waste into a healthy soil amendment through his innovative composting process. Stewards also shared the challenges and benefits of owning and running the business.
Instructor of Biology Chekka Lash said, “We thoroughly enjoyed the tour; it was an enriching experience for everyone involved. Our students particularly benefited from the opportunity to connect their academic learning with real-world industry practices. Stewards’ enthusiasm for composting is infectious. He has a wonderful ability to make the subject both accessible and fascinating.”
Mr. Levi Briggs from Metz Culinary Management, the Ferrum College food service provider, also joined the class on the tour to learn more about composting and potential solutions for reducing or repurposing waste on our campus.
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Environmental Science and Sustainability Dana Ghioca-Robrecht called the trip “an excellent hands-on learning opportunity about the composting process. Experiences like this enhance our students’ understanding of sustainable practices and reflect the dedication of our faculty in providing engaging, innovative environmental education beyond the classroom. Thank you to Professor Lash for organizing this valuable visit and to our students for their enthusiasm in exploring sustainable solutions for our environment.”
Star City Compost wrote in Facebook on September 15, “It was fun to have Ferrum College out today to learn about composting. Theres a lot to learn and we’re always available for educational tours.”
“At Ferrum College, we believe education is at its best when students can connect classroom learning with meaningful, real-world experiences,” said President Mirta Martin. “This visit to Star City Compost exemplifies the kind of innovative opportunities that prepare our students to be thoughtful leaders in sustainability. I am proud of our faculty for creating these experiences and of our students for embracing them with such energy and curiosity.”
