A 5k run and a “Real Life 101″ exercise highlight Ferrum College’s philanthropy week. Here is a press release from the college:

A 5K (3.1 mile) run will cap a week of philanthropic activities for Ferrum College students March 22 – 25.  “The Ferrum Philanthropy 5K will be a good way to bring the faculty, staff and students together for a single cause,” said Director of Development  Hugh Haskins. “All the money they raise will be donated to the Ferrum Fund, which pays for scholarships, campus improvements and student research opportunities.  It’s a good way to help students understand how much the college depends upon money from sources other than tuition and fees.”

Students are encouraged to seek donations or sponsorships from their departments.  Those who do not may enter the run with the donation of three cans of food to be donated to the Saint James Food Bank in Ferrum.  The first 50 people to register will receive a Ferrum Philanthropy 5K T-shirt.

A trivia contest will also reinforce the college’s business model, by asking students questions about funding for activities such as transportation for team sporting events. “All colleges depend upon the support of their alumni to carry out their collective mission,” said Haskins.  “We aren’t asking today’s students to give, but we are hopeful that once they enter the working world, they will remember where it all started, and will want to help the students who come after them.”

The trivia contest will be held  in Franklin Hall during lunch each day during Philanthropy Week, and prizes will be awarded from Applebee’s, Wendy’s, El Rodeo and Sheetz.  In addition,  three autographed items from famous sports figures  will be awarded as grand prizes.

Other Philanthropy week activities include faculty and staff serving students lunch in the cafeteria, and an exercise called Real Life 101, in which students choose a career and a salary, but learn how quickly they can go broke if they are unaware of expenses such as taxes, rent and car payments.  “Two alums,  who know the ropes will help with that exercise,” said Haskins.  It’s another way for today’s students to interact with alumni and see that the Ferrum experience doesn’t end at graduation.

For more information on Philanthropy Week activities, contact the Hugh Haskins in the development office at (540) 365-4299 or via email at hhaskins@Ferrum.edu.