FERRUM, Virginia – Ferrum College has established a Black Hats Football Endowment to provide continual and lasting support for the Ferrum College football program.
The announcement comes on the heels of a record-breaking fundraising year for the football program. The endowment will complement the gifts the football program currently receives annually.
The creation of this endowment was made possible through the estate gift of Elizabeth A. "Betsy" Flanagan, who passed away in February of this year. Her gift was made in memory of her late-husband and former Ferrum football player, Harvey "Mike" Mitchell III '80.
Flanagan began her career at Ferrum College, progressing from assistant director of admissions to executive assistant to the president within four years. She later spent fifteen years as Virginia Tech's Vice President for Development and University Relations.
"I have heard of Betsy Flanagan's generosity of spirit for many years, and this gift confirms that although her time at Ferrum was brief, she exemplified our motto, 'Not Self, But Others,' said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Wilson Paine. "This is the next natural step in honoring the football program's rich history of student success, on and off the field, since its inception in 1955. This endowment represents Ferrum College's commitment to the long-term health of its football program."
Supporters of the Ferrum College football program now have two ways to give: an annual gift and/or an endowment gift. An annual gift to the football program goes directly into the program's account and is available immediately. An endowment gift is invested and only a certain percentage used each year. This policy enables the endowment to provide a recurring and lasting stream of funds for the football program.
Both options are valuable for the football program. Individuals are encouraged to support the program in whichever way they prefer: an annual gift or an endowment gift.
"The establishment of this endowment is a testament to what this program has meant to so many of our alumni and it will benefit our program in perpetuity," stated Director of Athletics, John Sutyak. "We are extremely thankful for this gift that has made the endowment possible."
"This incredible donation made by Dr. Betsy Flanagan is a perfect example of the awesome support we have for Ferrum football," said Head Football Coach Cleive Adams. "A donation of this magnitude is a prime example of the impact our program has on the lives of so many men, past and present. The impact this endowment will make on our program provides a huge advantage moving forward and sets a standard for the support needed for Black Hat Football to compete at a high level in this region."
Alumni, family and friends should reach out to Paine at wpaine@ferrum.edu for information on how to become involved with the Black Hats Football Endowment.
