FERRUM, VA (May 12, 2026) – The campus community celebrated the achievements of Ferrum College students, faculty and staff during its annual Academic Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 17, 2026 in Vaughn Chapel.
Following an invocation by Chaplain Dave Taylor and welcome by Ferrum College President Mirta Martin, she was joined by Athletic Director Cleive Adams for the presentation of the President’s Cup to two seniors who exhibited excellence in athletics, campus and community leadership, character, and academics.
Adams described Gabriel Alvarez as “the ideal student-athlete throughout his four years at Ferrum College. He has embraced every opportunity afforded to him, whether on the court, in the classroom, through student life, or in student employment. Gabriel truly embodies the Ferrum motto, ‘Not Self, But Others,’ and it is evident in his daily interactions with faculty, staff, and his peers. As a team captain for the Men’s Tennis program, Gabriel has served with integrity, pride, and loyalty, as well as assisting the Women’s Tennis program, “demonstrating a genuine dedication to the success of others.”
Alvarez has also been a prolific contributor to Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine, winning first prize for photography in the Fall 2025 issue. He has served the college and community as a resident assistant, a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the National Society of Leadership and Success, a peer tutor, a choir member, and a pianist at a number of informal and occasionally formal events. At this ceremony he also received awards for Outstanding Student in Psychology and Outstanding Student Researcher in Psychology. At commencement he was recognized with an academic excellence award for earning a 4.0 grade point average.
The second recipient of the President’s Cup is Erin Harden, who completed three B.S. degrees this semester, in Biology, Biological Chemistry, and Pre-Professional Health, with a pre-med emphasis. A Boone Honors scholar and member of Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Harden received the Outstanding Student in Biology Award in 2025 and the 2026 Pre-Professional Health Sciences Pre-Med Award. She also served as a lab assistant with Dr. Katie Goff for several years.
A Women’s Basketball team captain and 2025 ODAC All-Sportsmanship Team honoree, Harden was a dedicated leader on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for four years, including serving as secretary in 2025–2026. She was also been actively involved in community service through Ferrum College’s athletic programs. Adams described Harden as a leader who consistently sets the standard through her actions, “a great teammate who genuinely celebrates the successes of others over her own personal success.” He emphasized the pride and excellence with which she represented her team, the College, and her community—truly reflecting Ferrum’s motto, “Not Self, but Others.”
Provost Richard Grant said, “This is a wonderful day for Ferrum because we get to celebrate our very best students. These students have achieved so much in their time here!” He then introduced Dean of Faculty Eric Vanden Eykel, who presented the undergraduate academic awards listed below, assisted by academic program coordinators. Members of the ODAC All-Academic Team for 2024-25 were also listed in the program. Newly inducted members of honor societies were recognized, as well as student leaders of campus media organizations: The Iron Blade, Ferrum Radio, and Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine.
During the ceremony, the Panther Singers sang the hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Follett S. Pierpoint and the spiritual “This Little Light of Mine,” directed by Program Coordinator for Music and Theatre Emily Blankenship-Tucker.
Among the special awards presented in the second half of the program was the Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award, chosen by the faculty to honor a senior who holds an excellent academic record, has participated in extracurricular activities, and has demonstrated creative initiative in making Ferrum College a better place to study, work, and live. Ashli Wuss received this honor and the Jennie West Outstanding Social Work Student Award. Before completing a B.S.W. in Social Work this spring and earning a Boone Honors Program medallion, she presented her research on domestic violence and middle school children at the Rally in the Valley social work conference. Her mentors noted that, “as President of the Social Work Club, she has shown strong leadership, initiative, and commitment to strengthening student engagement,… promoting collaboration among students who share a passion for social work and community service. Her leadership has helped foster a sense of connection and professional growth among students.”
The Lillie Warwick Slaven Award, presented to outstanding student leaders at Ferrum College since 1969, went to junior Olivia Newbill, who is preparing for a career in education. In 2025 she was awarded a Virginia Teaching Scholarship. Mentors have recognized “her selfless dedication to teaching and serving others,” noting that they have “seen her take a leadership role in every volunteer education opportunity available, showing a genuine calling to mentor the next generation. Her infectious joy, energy, and commitment to the betterment of our community reflect the exact kind of outstanding student leadership and noble character this award was established to honor.”
Awards from The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation are presented to students and community members at colleges nationwide, selected by the faculty based on their merit and in recognition of their fine spiritual qualities, which they apply in their daily living. Hailey Turner, a senior administrative assistant who supports all the faculty through the Dean of Faculty’s office, is one of two Ferrum College recipients this year. She also received a Pre-professional Health Sciences academic award in the General Health emphasis area and completed a B.S. in Health Sciences this semester. The Sullivan award nomination recognized that her “proactive attitude and capability make her an invaluable asset to our campus community…. Whether she is assisting a student or a colleague, Hailey’s approach is defined by her willingness to go the extra mile;… she won’t stop until she helps you find the right person or solution. Hailey is always working and sacrificing to do the work behind the scenes that needs to happen for students, faculty and staff to accomplish their goals.”
Senior Mattie Green received the other Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and the James T. Catlin Citizenship Award. As the editor-in-chief of Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine this semester, she received an editor commendation and Chrysalis Staff Member of the Year award at this ceremony, as well as the Outstanding Student in Art & Design Award. She was commended for her “steady and extraordinary” leadership as president of the Arts and Media Club and for community service with the Empty Bowls program.
Green has won numerous awards for her contributions of writing and art to Chrysalis as well as organizing open mike nights and the magazine’s end-of-semester reveal. She was also commended for teaching her classmates a great deal about magazine layout and InDesign. Before completing both a B.A. in graphic design and a B.S. in marketing this spring, Green presented a solo multimedia art exhibit called “Pixels and Pages.” In marketing courses she has been commended for taking her real-world expertise as an Appalachian artist and multi-disciplinary creative into the classroom, enriching discussions with academic excellence and insight, generously sharing her knowledge and entrepreneurial experience with others.
The Exemplary Faculty Award was presented to Dr. Ed Hally, associate professor and program coordinator of Political Science, and chair of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Nancy Brubaker, last year’s recipient, introduced Hally with a humorous and heartfelt tribute to his eighteen years of service to the College, the community, and his profession–including some inside jokes his students would get. She described him as “a beloved and favored teacher who provides his students with the content, confidence and humor to make it through the curriculum and into employment or a graduate program with the tools needed for success. She quoted several students and alumni, including one who wrote that he “is the type of professor students want to stay in contact with after they graduate. His openness and support make one feel comfortable enough to joke around with him, often inevitably at his expense. I was so fortunate to have had his guidance as a student at Ferrum, and am still fortunate to have his friendship now, a decade after my freshman year.”
Hally has directed a number of important campus programs and committees, including the Quality Enhancement Plan and assessment programs required for accreditation. He served as assistant director of the Boone Honors Program for several years. He has produced a number of conference papers, articles, and book chapters in his field, including six chapters in a book published by Routledge this spring, Short Games and Active Learning in Political Science: Beating the Clock. He is currently writing a book on political satire intended for classroom use as well as general readers interested in politics, current affairs, or the mass media.
Ferrum College Board of Trustees Chair Scott Showalter ’73 presented the Sam Lionberger, Jr. Trustee Awards—established by the Board to honor exceptional contributions by faculty and staff. Nominated by Staff Council and Faculty Council, this year’s honorees were Rachel Walton ’15 (staff) and Professor of English Lana A. Whited (faculty).
Walton, who serves as director of Stanley Library, completed an M.A. in Information and Library Science from the University of South Carolina in 2025, as well as leading a number of new initiatives in the College’s library operations, tutoring services, and first-year experience program. She has been commended for her work building partnerships with all departments of the College and the Franklin County community. The Roanoker magazine included Walton in its “40 Under 40” Class of 2026, an annual recognition of forty Roanoke Valley professionals nominated by readers and chosen by the magazine’s editorial team for their outstanding leadership, early career achievements, and community involvement.
Whited has held the Forrest S. Williams Distinguished Teaching Chair since 2024, a position designated for a member of the humanities faculty to further scholarly and teaching endeavors. In this role she leads professional development opportunities for all faculty each semester. An expert on the works of J. K. Rowling, she has written numerous journal articles and chapters in peer-reviewed books, as well as editing four collections of essays about fantasy literature and writing a scholarly book about the American true crime novel. She has given presentations on literature and writing for many college and community events, podcasts, and conferences, as well as leading a number of academic and community book groups. Whited directed the Boone Honors Program from 2007 to 2024, and served as interim director in Fall 2025.
Academic Excellence Awards were also announced at the Commencement Ceremony on May 2 and those graduating students with perfect grade point averages of 4.0 are listed below.
President Martin commended all those who “faced challenges with determination, courage, and grace.” She said, “Some of you broke records, reached new heights, and celebrated milestones. Others navigated personal obstacles with quiet resilience. And all of you did it while keeping your focus on learning, growth, and excellence. Thank you for your perseverance, your heart, your commitment, and your belief in each other.”
Click here for more photographs from the Academic Awards Ceremony.
The Iron Blade Editor Commendation
Grace Weaver – Rocky Mount, VA
The Iron Blade Staff Member of the Year
Danielle Wilburn – Rocky Mount, VA
Chrysalis Editor Commendation
Scout Lynch – Ferrum VA (fall editor)
Mattie Green – Rocky Mount, VA (spring editor)
Chrysalis Staff Member of the Year
Mattie Green – Rocky Mount, VA
Ferrum Radio Commendation
Tyjee Covington – Warrenton, NC
Olivia Holland – Ferrum, VA
Hamblin Accounting Award
Jonathan Nicacio – Naples, FL
Outstanding Student in Finance Award
Samuel Whitt – King, NC
Gerren Jones – Hubert, NC
Alexandria Dixon Outstanding Student in Business Management Award
Emily Wood – Huddleston, VA
Outstanding Student in Marketing Award
Gavin Stone – Dunnsville, VA
Renee Dove – Burlington, NC
Outstanding Student in Sports Management Award
Andrew Fisher – Collinsville, VA
Garrett Pancione – Warrenton, VA
Ken McCreedy Outstanding Criminal Justice Award
Sarah Rah – Lorton, VA
Outstanding Student in Health and Fitness Management Award
Jackson Hutchison – Whitby, Ontario
Jachob Walters – Arlington, TN
Outstanding Student in Exercise Science Award
Jadyn Patton – Suffolk, VA
Frank Benjamin Hurt Award – Political Science
EJ McArthur – Wade, NC
Outstanding Student in Recreation Leadership
Kyle Holcomb – Virginia Beach, VA
Eric Lee Baker Award – English
Cierra Feazell – Hardy, VA
Jasse Scholarship in History Award
Sarah Montgomery – Rocky Mount, VA
Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar in History Award
Richard Reiter – Troutville, VA
Richard L. Smith Academic Enrichment Award – History
Ashly Cutcliff – Dumfries, VA
Outstanding Student in Spanish Award
Alyssa Lagomarsino – Glen Gardner, NJ
Brianna Emery – Ferrum, VA
Outstanding Student in Music Award
Sarah Gallagher – Rocky Mount, VA
Theatre Arts Achievement Award
Nicholas Gore – Reidsville, NC
Outstanding Student in Art and Design
Mattie Green – Rocky Mount, VA
Outstanding Student in Agricultural Sciences Awards
Maegan Cash – Bedford, VA
Outstanding Student in Biology Award
Taryn Blankenship – Dublin, VA
Allyson Tubbs – Glen Allen, VA
Peter Perez – Charlotte, NC
Outstanding Student in Environmental Science Award
Mallory Kiser – Union Grove, NC
Nathan True – Roanoke, VA
Outstanding Student in Chemistry Award
Anna Newman – Haw River, NC
Trevor Jeffries – Lanexa, VA
Outstanding Student in Forensic Science Award
Hannah Wray – Rocky Mount, VA
Pre-Professional Health Sciences Pre-Med Award
Erin Harden – Clifton Forge, VA
Mason Moffett – Cary, NC
Pre-Professional Health Sciences Pre-Therapy Award
Jadyn Patton – Suffolk, VA
Macie Bell – Traphill, NC
Pre-Professional Health Sciences General Award
Hailey Turner – Rocky Mount, VA
Rylie Turner – Rocky Mount, VA
Computer Science Award
Brett Mason – Lincolnton, NC
Media and Communication Award
Stone Gibbs – Wirtz, VA
Outstanding Student in Psychology
Gabriel Alvarez – Maracaibo, Venezuela
Anna Milliron – Vinton, VA
Outstanding Student Researcher in Psychology
Gabriel Alvarez – Maracaibo, Venezuela
C. P. Minnick Award – Philosophy/Religion
Hannah Wray – Rocky Mount, VA
Acey-Wood-Rose Award for Excellence in Religious Studies
Riley McClintock – Stafford, VA
Excellence in Nursing Award
Makayla Sprouse – Collinsville, VA
Jane Addams Social Work Achievement
Carissa Carter – Dry Fork, VA
Jennie West Outstanding Social Work Student Award
Ashli Wuss – Huntington, NY
Dr. Betty N. Bailey Silver Weaver Award – Teacher Education
Sierra Pope – Elk Creek, VA
Delta Kappa Gamma Outstanding Women in Education Award
Abby McGuire – Goodview, VA
Charles A. and Marion C. Skinner Award for Excellence in Education
All-Level Education
Elijah Davis – Penhook, VA
Teachers of Promise Awards
Elijah Davis – Penhook, VA
Hannah Williams – Vinton, VA
Kalee Bunn – Fancy Gap, VA
Kaylee Brooks – Martinsville, VA
President’s Cup – Student-Athletes
Gabriel Alvarez – Maracaibo, Venezuela
Erin Harden – Clifton Forge, VA
Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award
Ashli Wuss – Huntington, NY
James T. Catlin Citizenship Award
Mattie Green – Rocky Mount, VA
Lillie Warwick Slaven Award
Olivia Newbill – Rocky Mount, VA
Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards
Mattie Green – Rocky Mount, VA
Hailey Turner – Rocky Mount, VA
Exemplary Faculty Award
Ed Hally
Sam Lionberger, Jr. Trustee Awards
Rachel Walton (staff)
Lana Whited (faculty)
Gabriel Alejandro Álvarez Rincón
Maegan Denice Cash
Kayleigh Franklin
Stephen Aiden Hedgepeth
Jackson Roderick Stewart Hutchison
Gerren Allen Jones II
Abigail McGuire
Garrett Joseph Pancione
Sierra Faith Pope
Reagan Cierra Smith
Nathan True
Rylie Turner
Jachob William Walters
Samuel Charles Whitt
