Fifty years of service, impact, and community engagement will be honored tomorrow, as the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program celebrates its golden anniversary.
The event will take place in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room of Franklin Hall and will bring together alumni, faculty, students, and community partners for a day of connection.
“This celebration offers an opportunity to reconnect with classmates and colleagues, reflect on the program’s history, and recognize the many ways social work graduates continue to serve communities across the region and beyond,” explained Social Work Professor Martha Haley-Bowling.
The day will begin with check-in and registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by ACES Training from 9 a.m.-11:45 a.m. After a lunch break, the afternoon program will begin at 1 p.m.
The event will feature several distinguished speakers, including Ira Colby, founding father of the Ferrum College BSW Program. Alumni speakers include Holly D’Heron ’09 and Ralph Branch III ’14. The afternoon will conclude with a Phi Alpha Initiation Ceremony, recognizing student achievement and commitment to the profession of social work.
The Ferrum College Social Work Program continues to maintain strong academic standards and community involvement. In 2025, the program received full accreditation following its review by the Council on Social Work Education, a process that takes place every eight years.
Faculty and students also remain active in the region through service and experiential learning opportunities. Students have partnered with organizations such as the Rescue Mission of Roanoke, where they have completed internships, assisted with childcare programs, and led workshops focused on workforce readiness and life skills.
Immediately following the formal program, attendees are invited to continue the celebration at an alumni social at Jose’s Mexican Grill in Ferrum.
In addition to celebrating alumni and program history, organizers are inviting community involvement through sponsorship and vendor participation.
“We’re currently seeking sponsors and vendors who would like to be part of this dynamic experience,” said Social Work Professor Jame’E Hairston. “Sponsoring a space is a great way to showcase your organization, connect with attendees, and support the future of social work.”
The Social Work Alumni Day will also feature two raffles, one supporting the Ferrum College Social Work Program and another benefiting the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center in Rocky Mount.
Tickets for this event are on sale now for $15 and can be found here.
“Whether you are an alum, a current or former faculty member, a field supervisor, or a community partner, your role has helped shape the strength and impact of the Ferrum BSW program,” Haley-Bowling said. “We hope you will join us for this meaningful occasion.”
