08/21/23
FERRUM, VA, August 21, 2023 – The summer is a time for updates and repairs to be done to campuses across the Commonwealth. While Ferrum College staff worked diligently on facility maintenance and technology updates, there was a special individual on campus working on the restoration of one of the eight historic buildings on the 700 acre campus – John Martin, husband of College president, Mirta Martin.
“When Mirta and I first arrived at Ferrum, we were awed by the striking combination of the College’s natural and built beauty,” Martin said. “Our arboretum, hills, lakes, and trails serve both as classrooms and as our playground and backyard, while the two pedestrian academic malls on main campus provide us with gardens and green spaces – a natural front porch – where students and faculty, and staff can interact, support, get to know one another, and just relax.”
The window restoration project gave Martin a chance to continue his love for history.
“One of the great privileges I have in my working life is to be part of the preservation and construction teams that care for many of Virginia’s most cherished buildings. These include many buildings in Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, many Colonial era homes, historic churches and museums, Capital Square and the Governor’s Mansion, and many historic buildings on college and university campuses. I am also working to renovate our family home (circa 1900 – about the same age as Ferrum) with dependencies that date back to the late 18th century. Working on historic structures lets me indulge in my passions for engineering, building, and history.”
Martin connects preserving the assets from the past with the need to enhance spaces for contemporary learning.
“Lining the academic malls are Ferrum’s eight Historic District structures. They are an enduring testament to the contributions of so many coming together to support the College’s mission; to provide an accessible opportunity for higher learning, especially for those who otherwise would not have one. They continue to fulfill this mission today.”
Additionally, Martin is hands-on in refreshing the outdoor spaces on campus to make them more engaging and welcoming for all of the Ferrum community as they return to begin the 2023-2024 academic year. “You’ve seen us cleaning and pruning and planting. This Spring’s Service Day, with its 20-some outdoor improvement projects, really kick-started some noticeable changes. With this many acres, it’s an ongoing process stretching over a period of years.”
A List of Ferrum’s historic buildings can be found here.
