Ferrum, VA, September 9, 2026 — Ferrum College Athletics’ 40 West Challenge Launch-A-Thon raised $229,118 through more than 2,400 gifts, surpassing its $225,000 goal and generating an extraordinary show of support for the College’s student-athletes.
Held August 27 through September 7, 2026, the campaign rallied alumni, parents, families, friends, fans, and supporters of Ferrum College around a shared goal: providing additional resources for the College’s 21 athletic programs as they compete at the NCAA Division II level and in Conference Carolinas.
“The success of this year’s 40 West Challenge Launch-A-Thon is a tremendous reflection of the people who believe in Ferrum College and Ferrum Athletics,” said Vice President for Athletics Cleive Adams ’02. “We set an ambitious goal of $225,000, and because of the incredible hard work of our student-athletes and coaches and the continued generosity of our alumni, parents, families, friends, and supporters, we exceeded that goal, raising $229,118.”
Gifts made during the campaign will support Ferrum College’s athletic teams by helping cover expenses such as team gear, training, travel, apparel, and other competition-related costs. For the more than 400 student-athletes representing Ferrum, that support means greater access to the resources needed to compete, grow, and succeed on and off the field.
“This extraordinary response from the Ferrum College community reflects the unwavering commitment our Panther family has to the success of our student-athletes,” said Ferrum College President Mirta Martin. “Surpassing the $225,000 goal is an incredible achievement, yet the true measure of this campaign is found in the lives it will touch, the opportunities it will provide, the dreams it will help advance, and the message it sends to our student-athletes that the entire Panther family believes in them. We are profoundly grateful to our alumni, friends, parents, families, faculty, staff, trustees, and donors whose generosity made this record-breaking Launch-A-Thon possible.”
The Launch-A-Thon comes as Ferrum Athletics continues its transition to NCAA Division II competition and moves toward full NCAA Division II membership. The campaign’s success reflects the momentum behind Ferrum Athletics and the growing investment in the College’s student-athletes and programs.
“This accomplishment is about so much more than a number,” Adams said. “It speaks volumes about the strength of the Ferrum Family and the belief in what we are building together. As we continue our journey toward full NCAA Division II membership, this support provides essential resources for our student-athletes and demonstrates the momentum and pride surrounding Ferrum Athletics.”
Adams also credited the student-athletes and coaches whose efforts helped drive the campaign, as well as the many supporters who answered the call.
“On behalf of our entire Athletic Department, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made a call, shared our message, made a gift, encouraged a student-athlete, or simply believed in our vision,” Adams said. “Your investment in Ferrum College and our student-athletes is an investment in our future. We are incredibly grateful for your continued belief, generosity, and commitment to the Panthers.”
Although the Launch-A-Thon has concluded, supporters can continue to give to Ferrum College Athletics throughout the year at www.ferrum.edu/ferrum-giving/athletic-giving/.
