FERRUM, VA, November 4, 2026 — Ferrum College recognized the generosity of its donors and the lasting impact of their support on students while honoring four outstanding alumni during its Celebration of Impact: Donor Appreciation and Alumni Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Franklin Hall’s Blue Ridge Mountain Room. Held during Homecoming Weekend, the event brought together alumni, students, employees, and friends to recognize the people whose generosity, achievements, and service continue to shape Ferrum College and its future.
The program featured a student impact message by Hannah Dix from Bassett, Virginia, a senior theatre major who is graduating this semester; she shared how the support of faculty, mentors, and donors has shaped her Ferrum experience and helped her prepare for the future.
“Ferrum College has become so much more than a school to me. It has become a place where I have grown into a more confident and capable person,” Dix said. “What makes Ferrum special is the people. I love our motto: ‘Not Self, But Others.’ I’ve always felt supported here, whether it was through encouragement from a professor, guidance from a mentor, or simply knowing there were people who believed in me.”
Dix spoke particularly about the importance of scholarships and the encouragement they represent.
“The scholarships I’ve received are more than financial assistance. They are a reminder that someone believes in my future,” she said. “Knowing that others have invested in my education motivates me to work harder and take full advantage of the opportunities I’ve been given.”
She concluded by thanking the donors whose generosity helps students pursue their goals.
“Because of their generosity, I am one step closer to achieving my goals and building the future I have always hoped for. Thank you for believing in students like me. Your support is making a lasting difference in my life and other students.”
During the program, Ferrum College President Mirta M. Martin; Chris Watters, vice president for Institutional Advancement; Corretta Patterson ’97, director of Alumni and Family Relations; Brooke Gill ’05, president of the Alumni Board of Directors; and Brenda Martin, donor stewardship administrator, joined in expressing appreciation to members of the College’s giving societies: the Arthur Society, 1913 Society, Ruth Society, Beckham Society, Ferrum Fund Society, Panther Club, and Iron Panther Club.
The celebration highlighted the meaningful connection between donor generosity and student opportunity, recognizing the alumni, families, and friends whose continued investment helps make a Ferrum College education possible.
The College also presented awards to four outstanding alumni whose professional accomplishments, leadership, community service, and commitment to Ferrum exemplify the enduring impact of a Ferrum education.
“Today we’ve witnessed the extraordinary power of the Ferrum College spirit, alive in every life that we have celebrated here today,” Martin said. “Frank Boxley reminds us that the education received here prepares students not only for careers, but for leadership and impact. Greg Craddock reminds us that courage, service, and integrity can transform organizations, communities, and lives. Darrell and Bonnie Huffman remind us that a life dedicated to faith and service leaves a legacy that extends far beyond ourselves. Each of our honorees demonstrates what is possible when talent is guided by values, success is measured by service, and leadership is rooted in purpose.”
Frank A. Boxley III ’17 received the 2026 Outstanding Young Alumni Award, which honors graduates within 15 years of earning their degrees who have demonstrated professional success, leadership, and service to their communities and alma mater.
Boxley serves as vice president of finance at Foot Levelers, Inc., in Roanoke, Virginia, where he leads financial planning and analysis and partners with executive leadership on strategic planning and business performance. His career has included leadership roles in supply chain management, procurement, and operational finance, including oversight of operations across three manufacturing facilities in Paris, France. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Ferrum College and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Reflecting on his continued involvement with Ferrum College, Boxley spoke about the welcoming culture that has kept him connected to his alma mater.
“The culture of genuine care is why staying connected to Ferrum means so much to me,” Boxley said. “Having access, as a young alumnus, to sit on the alumni board, to have a seat at the table, and the opportunity to be engaged in the platform to give my time, talent, and treasure back to Ferrum, to this institution, is an extraordinary privilege that I do not take for granted. Ferrum doesn’t just educate you and send you on your way. It welcomes you back to campus. It gives you the opportunity to help shape the future generation.”
Greg Craddock ’92 received the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award, which is presented after review of a nominee’s lifelong record of professional accomplishment, ethical leadership, service, and embodiment of “Not Self, But Others.” The award recognizes graduates who have achieved exceptional professional success, served their communities, remained actively involved with the College, and demonstrated an enduring commitment to its mission and values.
A former Ferrum football player and U.S. Army Ranger and Special Forces noncommissioned officer, Craddock built a career spanning military service, national security, and business leadership. He serves as chief executive officer of Patriot Group International, a government contracting company providing intelligence, security, defense, and mission-support services. Under his leadership, the company has earned national recognition for its growth and workplace culture.
Craddock’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional accomplishments. He helped establish the Global Dagger Association, a nonprofit supporting former members of the intelligence community, and joined Ferrum College’s Board of Trustees in 2024, where he serves as second vice chair. His generosity also helped establish the Craddock Veterans Lounge in Stanley Library, providing a welcoming space for student veterans and military-affiliated members of the campus community.
Reflecting on the honor and the importance of investing in Ferrum’s future, Craddock emphasized the role of the College’s supporters and leaders in creating opportunities for generations of students.
“Any time we come back, we thank and honor the past, but we always have to keep an eye on the future, and this group of people is helping us get here,” Craddock said. “We’ve got the leadership in place, and we’ve got the people who can make that vision happen and continue to happen, so that a young Hannah Dix, or a young Greg Craddock, or George Yancey, can have the same kind of opportunity.”
Darrell E. Huffman ’74 and Bonnie L. Huffman ’75 received the 2026 Beckham Medallion, Ferrum College’s highest tribute. Named in honor of the College’s first president, Dr. Benjamin M. Beckham, the medallion recognizes individuals whose professional achievements, community service, and dedication to Ferrum College exemplify the institution’s motto, “Not Self, But Others.”
The Huffmans have devoted more than five decades to Christian ministry, community service, and mentoring future generations. They co-founded New Life Church in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1985, where Darrell has served as pastor for more than four decades. Their work has included supporting ministries worldwide, counseling and community outreach, and mentoring emerging leaders.
Since 2012, they have also led the East Coast Youth Camp at Ferrum College, introducing hundreds of young people and many youth leaders to campus and helping strengthen their connection to the institution. Their continued support of Ferrum’s athletic programs, youth initiatives, and students reflects their enduring commitment to the College and its mission.
Bonnie Huffman reflected on the role Ferrum played in their lives and the path that led them to a lifetime of service.
“It was my divine appointment to come to Ferrum, and to find my place called there. It was a stepping stone. Each one of us has a stepping stone, and I take that with passion,” she said.
Darrell Huffman added, “We are so honored to receive this award. Ferrum has been an absolute foundation stone in our lives.”
Together, the four honorees represent the far-reaching impact of a Ferrum education, demonstrating how leadership, generosity, and service can strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations.
Through the Celebration of Impact, Ferrum College recognized the powerful connections among donor generosity, student success, and alumni achievement. The College remains grateful to the alumni, families, and friends whose continued investment in its mission helps ensure that future generations of Panthers can enter with promise and leave with purpose.
Click here to learn more about alumni awards and recipients.
Click here for more photographs in Ferrum College Flickr album for Homecoming 2026.
