Ferrum College held its annual Boone Honors Banquet on Sunday, April 21, to recognize the eight graduating seniors of the Boone Honors Program.
The Boone Honors Program was established in 2001 under the direction of Dr. David Homeland named and endowed in honor of former Ferrum College President Dr. Jerry Boone and Mrs. Shirley Boone. Program members complete five honors designated seminars, twelve hours of enrichment projects, and language study through the intermediate level. Many receive a travel scholarship for study abroad. At Commencement, students completing all requirements are presented the Boone Honors Medallion.
This Spring, the program will have eight students who will graduate on Saturday, May 4.
2024 Graduates:
Emily Arrington: Moneta, VA
B.S., Agricultural Sciences (Animal Science emphasis)
Aubrey Billings: Roanoke, VA
B.S., Health and Human Performance (Exercise Science emphasis)
Madison Cline: Riner, VA
B.S., Agricultural Sciences (Horticulture emphasis)
Sarah Crawford: Roanoke, VA
B.S., Elementary Education
*Nathan Girardi: Rome Italy
B.S., Business Administration (Sports Marketing emphasis)
Ryan Gobble: Abingdon, VA
B.S., Agricultural Sciences (Animal Science emphasis)
*Daphne James: Fairfax, VA
B.S., Environmental Science
Reagan Lawson: Claudville, VA
B.S., Political Science
B.S.W., Social Work
At the banquet, each student invites a faculty member to speak on their behalf highlighting their personal and intellectual growth and showcasing the rich mentorship between Ferrum students and faculty. Each student also has an opportunity to invite family and friends to share in the special occasion.
Ferrum College President Mirta M. Martin commended the students on their care and ambition demonstrated by their achievements and that they will carry with them after graduation. “You want to solve what ails the world today, and for that I am grateful. I have great hope and great expectations because I see in you those who have the opportunity and those who have engaged in assuming and embracing the responsibility to solve the problems of our world today. Perhaps among you is the individual who can find the cure to cancer. Perhaps among you is that diplomat that finds peace for this world.
“I know it is within each one of you, and for that I am very grateful, because I know that we at Ferrum College have given you the ability, the knowledge, the education you need to go out and transform the world. Our faculty are internationally known scholars; more importantly, they are individuals who care about each one of our students. They wish to instill in their students their wisdom and their passion for their discipline, and that, they do. Our faculty are second to none. Our staff are dedicated and pursuing each and every day the goals of this institution. And so, I have no doubt that when you leave us that you will be true to our motto “Not Self, But Others.”
