Stomps and loud chattering were heard as students, faculty, and staff filled Swartz Gym to commemorate the beginning of a new school year.

The new chaplain, Pastor Michael Little, opened the ceremony with a prayer, and M’Kayla McBride, senior class president; Josh Jordan, student activities representative; Makaila Veney, junior class president; and Kolby Snow, sophomore class president; took to the podium to introduce themselves and welcome students back to campus.

Interim President Mirta Martin addressed the gym and led off with some hard-hitting statistics about the number of students expected to have a degree by 2025.

“Roughly 44.4 % of American adults will have either a two- or four-year degree by 2025, (and) 60% of all American adults will need a college degree just to maintain our nation’s position in the world,” Martin said.

She continued to say that now more than ever, there are more young Americans attending college, yet the number of people earning a degree is not keeping up. She assured students that the college will aid them in their journey. She urged students to continue dreaming about the endless possibilities.

“Our mission here at Ferrum College is to make sure you graduate, and your number one job when you are here is to dream about the endless possibilities for your life,” Martin said.

Martin then led the campus in a lighting ceremony, a new tradition she hopes to continue.

“Today, we pass to you a symbol of inspiration and aspiration. It is the flare, the light, the passion for education that is present in the hearts of those who are here today, and those who have come before us. This burning flame is a symbol. It is the torch of knowledge that was given to us by our mentors over the years and now it’s our turn to pass it along to you,” she said.

Students also participated in a pledge to graduate and sang the alma mater.