The Ferrum College class of 2025 pictured in full regalia on the steps of Schoolfield Hall. Photo: Brad Holley
FERRUM, VA, May 3, 2025 – Ferrum College celebrated its 109th commencement today, Saturday, May 3, under partly sunny skies in Hart International Plaza as 154 graduates representing seven countries, thirteen states, and 69 Virginia localities received their diplomas. The commencement ceremony included a keynote address by National Baseball Hall of Famer and Ferrum College alumnus Bill Wagner ’94.
Provost Delia Heck opened the ceremony by welcoming all those gathered to celebrate the seniors’ achievements and spoke to the students who were about to earn their diplomas. “Our goal at Ferrum College is to empower you to change your world. We say that you enter with promise and leave with purpose. You have reached that liminal moment when you turn the promise we have seen in you into purpose,” Heck said. “You leave here with gifts and talents that have been broadened, refined, focused, and developed. Your degrees will open doors and lead you along pathways we can only begin to imagine.”
Following the singing of the National Anthem by Emily Blankenship-Tucker, Rachel Blankenship-Tucker, and Emily Walker ’25, and an invocation by Pastor Michael Little, President Mirta Martin took the podium to welcome the crowd gathered for the celebration. Martin then introduced the secretary of the Board of Trustees, Amanda Cox ’04, who gave her greetings on the behalf of the board.
“You will each write a story that no one else can write. And while none of us can predict the future, I can tell you this: your Ferrum College experience–what you’ve learned, how you’ve learned, how you’ve grown, and the people you’ve become–will serve you more powerfully than you may yet know,” Cox told the seniors.
In her remarks, Martin praised the graduates for their perseverance: “What you have accomplished is extraordinary at a time when fewer than half your peers even begin college, and fewer still finish. You did not give up. You stayed the course. You held on to your dreams. And now you stand on the threshold of something magnificent.”
Following her remarks, Martin introduced Senior Class President Makaila Veney ’25, who spoke about the lasting impact Ferrum College will have on her and her classmates.
“This campus has been our home, and though we may be leaving, the impact it has had on us will forever stay,” said Veney. “As we move on to new opportunities, whether that be a job, further education, or another path, we are ready. We have the skills, the knowledge, and the determination to succeed. We are not just graduates; we are the future.”
Next Martin introduced Wagner as the commencement speaker. Wagner told the seniors, “Ferrum has always been about more than just academics. It’s about values. It’s about grit. It’s about community. It’s about becoming the kind of person who makes a difference….This place has prepared you for more than just a job; it has prepared you for life.”
Following his address, Martin presented Wagner with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree for his lifetime of excellence and service. “Billy Wagner’s extraordinary journey—from humble beginnings to the pinnacle in professional baseball–exemplifies the values we cherish: perseverance, humility, and Not Self, But Others. His legacy continues to inspire all who strive for excellence while remaining grounded in faith, family, and community,” said Martin.
Interim Dean of Faculty Eric Vanden Eykel and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Innovation Officer Jason Powell then joined Heck and Martin in the conferral of graduate degrees and recognition of graduate candidates. Twenty-one graduate degrees were awarded, including six in Athletic Coaching, two in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, ten in Psychology, and three Educational Specialists.
Martin and Heck next recognized eleven Senior Academic Excellence Award winners, who each earned a 4.0 grade-point average throughout their years at Ferrum College: Lily Allen, Jordan Christine Booker, Madison Cruz, Kayla Elaine Fedison, Kyle David Markowitz, Macey Victoria Moore, Elizabeth Parrish, Trenton Sayers, Emily Lauren Walker, Heather Whitlow, and Haley Woodward.
Following the recognition of the Boone Honors Program graduates by Assistant Professor of English Dan Murphy, director of the honors program, undergraduate degrees were awarded in a series of heartfelt processions across the stage. These included five associate’s degrees and 128 bachelor’s degrees.
The new graduates, now alumni, were then welcomed to their new role in the campus community by Ferrum College Alumni Association President Glynn Loope, a 1986 alumnus. “Make your best years as a student on these grounds, the ones in front of you. Remember…once a Panther, always a Panther,” said Loope. “As I mentioned in the beginning of these remarks, I didn’t want to leave in May of 1986. I learned that I really don’t have to. We don’t have to. Ferrum College is a way of life. I sincerely hope that it becomes that way for you,” Loope noted, prior to administering the alumni oath to the new alumni.
After Martin’s closing remarks, Mike Ferguson ’81 led those gathered in the singing of the College’s alma mater.
Graduation events also included a nursing pinning ceremony and a traditional baccalaureate service on Friday evening in Vaughn Chapel.
An archived livestream of the event can be found here.
A photo album from the event can be found here.
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