Incoming Panthers for the class of 2027 were introduced to the Panther Nation through Connection Weekend Aug. 10-13.
New students met and connected with other classmates, returning students, faculty, and staff. Throughout the weekend, new students learned all about the culture of the life on campus, resources and facilities, and how the college operates.
Dean of Campus Life Jill Adams sent an email last spring asking for student Connection leaders.
“There were no requirements; I asked students if they wanted to be more involved and become leaders, and we had a great response!” Adams said.
The festivities kicked off with the New Student Induction Ceremony in Vaughn Chapel. There, they signed the Ferrum College Honor Code to seal their commitment to both the college community’s values and to graduate.
They were then paired with a Connection leader who mentored each group of freshman through the weekend’s activities and served as a resource.
Friday evening, all freshmen were then brought to the Ferrum Fitness Center to participate in the PlayFair activity.
Saturday morning, freshmen attended a variety of sessions to learn about campus resources, including academic resources, campus police, alcohol, and Title IX. That afternoon, students worked to uphold the college’s motto of “Not Self, But Others” and gave back to the community by packaging 50,000 meals during the Harvest Pack service project for those in need.
The weekend continued with giving back to the community on Sunday, with the Freshmen Day of Service in partnership with Ferrum Forward. Different groups worked with many organizations and businesses, including the Panther Packs program, Saint James United Methodist Church, and Phoebe Needles.
After all faculty, staff, and students began the new school year on Monday, the first day concluded with Convocation–gathering the entire college community together to open the fall semester. An all-campus picnic took place in Franklin Hall following the ceremony.
“I arrived in January, so this is my freshman year at the college, too,” Mirta Martin, interim president, shared. “This is my favorite day of the year–welcoming our students home–only second to Graduation. The energy and excitement is palpable. Ferrum College is a magical place, and it’s going to be an amazing year!”
To learn more about campus events throughout the year and admissions deadlines, visit https://www.ferrum.edu/
