At Hampden-Sydney, connections are truly powerful—and sometimes, they run in the family. Drew Blankenship ’25 was introduced to the College at a young age, thanks to his father, David Blankenship ’85. Growing up, Drew attended Hampden-Sydney Football games with his dad, giving him an early glimpse of the place that would eventually become his college home.
During his senior year of high school, over winter break, Drew returned to the Hill and was greeted by then-Dean of Admission Jason Ferguson ’96, who led him on an unforgettable two-hour tour. By the end, Drew was hooked. The homey feel of the campus, combined with the close-knit community and the natural ease of making friends, set the stage for his future at Hampden-Sydney and made his transition to the College feel like the perfect next step.
“To me, Hampden-Sydney is like a mini utopia,” Drew says. “I instantly made a ton of friends when I arrived on campus. Living in Cushing Hall allowed me to meet and connect with many people, and I’m still friends with them today.”
Throughout his time at Hampden-Sydney, Drew feels he has grown both personally and academically. He noted that he has become more personable and outgoing compared to his freshman year, a change he attributes to the supportive campus environment and interconnectedness of the community. Academically, his writing and speaking skills have improved, thanks to the College’s Rhetoric Program.
In the summer of 2023, Drew traveled beyond the College to Oxford, England, with other Hampden-Sydney students through the Virginia Program at Oxford, studying at St. Anne's College, where he focused on history and literature. Additionally, he has broadened his academic interests at Hampden-Sydney, exploring courses in history, languages, and painting.
“It's great to see how much students genuinely care about their academics here,” Drew says. “I was very academically driven in high school, and I still am. So, it's nice to see that many students here are truly invested in what they’re learning and how they’re learning.”
Drew highlighted the impact of Professor of History Robert Blackman, Townsend Professor of Economics and Business Kenneth Townsend, and Elliott Assistant Professor of Fine Arts Ray Kleinlein, with whom he is now in his third semester of painting. He credits these professors with challenging and pushing him to excel throughout his academic journey.
When he's not immersed in academics at Morton Hall and Brinkley Hall, two of his favorite places on campus, Drew seeks to make an impact on campus. He took on key roles in student government, serving as chair of the Student Senate before becoming student body president. In addition, he has been actively involved with the Student Finance Board, is a Wilson Center fellow, and is a brother of Chi Phi fraternity, where he served as president during his sophomore year.
“On a bit of a whim, I joined the Student Senate my freshman year because I was interested in student government,” Drew recalls. “It was another way for me to get involved and connected me with the deans and different aspects of campus through the nature of the work. There’s also a bit of political ambition—I enjoy being a leader and decision-maker, especially when it’s in service to others. Over time, it became a real interest and an avenue where I could put my energy and brainpower to good use.”
This drive to make an impact on campus has led Drew to build meaningful relationships with influential mentors. He shared that he looks up to Dean of Students Richard Pantele ’13, a fellow Chi Phi brother whom Drew considers both a mentor and a friend.
“I really look up to Dean Pantele; he’s been a personal mentor to me, guiding me with student government and my role in Chi Phi,” Drew says. “He’s also a genuinely kind and helpful person who understands what it means to be a Hampden-Sydney student, so I turn to him for advice whenever I need it.”
Looking ahead, Drew has big plans for the future. After graduating this year, he intends to travel, embracing new experiences and broadening his horizons. With an open mind, he continues to hone his skills and explore his passions, eager to discover career paths that resonate with him. He is considering pursuing a Ph.D. and entering the field of education, where he hopes to inspire others as he was inspired during his time at Hampden-Sydney. Regardless of where his journey leads, Drew is committed to growth and ready to take on the next chapter with curiosity and determination.