One Hundred Forty-Seventh
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One Hundred Forty-Seventh COMMENCEMENTSaturday, the First of May, Two Thousand Twenty-One FERRIS FIDELITY As constant as the Northern Star Our faith we pledge to thee. Our word, our bond, our oath, our trust To you fidelity. From the promise of the crimson dawn To sunset’s mellow gold Thy spirit shall prevail. We pledge allegiance as of old Ferris State, All Hail! Words and Music by Graham T. Overgard WELL DONE! Earning a college degree is one of life’s landmark They lived their lives in service to others—Woodbridge accomplishments, and the Ferris State University as an educator, two-term governor of the state of community could not be more proud of each and Michigan and a United States senator, and Helen as every one of its graduates. a revered teacher who—in the words of President David Eisler during his 2003 inaugural address— It has been our privilege to accompany you through- “symbolizes one of the greatest strengths of our out this educational journey, and the entire Ferris university, the caring commitment of our people.” community is extraordinarily pleased to honor your achievement. This is just the beginning. Woodbridge and Helen believed that all students should have the opportunity to pursue a higher Ferris State University graduates boast the drive to education if they were willing to work for it. Their discover, inspire and serve with a sense of purpose. goals to prepare students for successful careers, responsible citizenship and lifelong learning are part You now belong to an exceptional group of Bulldog of our university’s mission today. alumni—leaders in all facets of business, education, industry, health care and public service who dared to By its adherence to these principles, Ferris State imagine more. University is recognized as a pioneer in career- oriented education and a leader in new occupational We are confident that, together, we have helped programming. create a commitment to responsible citizenship and lifelong learning. The efficacy of this distinctive educational approach is reflected in the growth of the institution over the past And we are thankful, because, through you, the world several decades. When Ferris became a state college in is about to get better. the fall of 1950, it consisted of one permanent structure, the Alumni Building, and some surplus Army barracks. ROOTED IN OPPORTUNITY Fewer than 1,000 students were enrolled, and there were less than 50 faculty members. The campus Recognized as a statewide leader in higher education, covered less than 20 acres. Ferris State University is playing a key role in the development of Michigan’s workforce, economy Today, enrollment is more than 11,000 students and and communities. Our academic and professional the 935-acre campus comprises 116 educational, community serves more than 11,000 students on administrative and maintenance buildings, student our main campus in Big Rapids, 24 off-campus sites activity facilities and residence halls. throughout Michigan, and at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. The educational opportunities available at Ferris are fueled by selection of credentialed and committed Ferris offers more than 190 undergraduate and faculty, the special care taken in the development of graduate degrees in professional and technical curricula, a commitment to providing state-of-the-art high-demand fields. With state-of-the-art facilities equipment for instruction in technical areas and the and resources, a collaborative work environment and use of advisory committees to keep programs in touch industry advisory boards that keep us on the cutting with the current needs of industry. The university’s edge of practical instruction, we help students enter concept of “laddering” enables students to build from the job market with an advantage. a two-year to a four-year program according to their careers and personal goals. Ferris is a welcoming community of people and perspectives from all over the United States and Students’ social life is an extension of the classroom at around the world. We are distinguished by our strong Ferris, where it’s easy to get involved and be engaged by heritage of providing opportunity to all. a lively schedule of athletic, cultural and recreational events. It’s where lifelong friends are made. Ferris State is the only state university in Michigan that bears the name of its founders, Woodbridge and Helen Ferris. They opened Ferris Industrial School in 1884 to provide worker retraining following declines in the lumber and mining industries. Though inspired by the economic conditions of the day, their philosophy of combining instruction in marketable skills with a liberal arts education remains relevant today. 2 MISSION STATEMENT Ferris State University prepares students for successful careers, responsible citizenship and lifelong learning. Through its many partnerships and its career-oriented, broad-based education, Ferris serves our rapidly changing global economy and society. VISION STATEMENT Building on the vision of our founders, Ferris State University will be an agile and transformational university. By integrating theory and practice, we will foster opportunity, discovery, and professional preparation for a dynamic global society. CORE VALUES Collaboration: Ferris builds partnerships within the university and the global community that promote shared goals and success. Diversity: Ferris commits to be an inclusive university community that respects the dignity of the individual and promotes the acceptance of others. Ethical Community: Ferris implements policies, procedures, and actions to promote transparency, advance our mission and foster integrity, civility, and respect within and beyond the university. Excellence: Ferris dedicates itself to innovation and quality execution that sustains and promotes relevance in a changing world through best practices and benchmarking. Learning: Ferris promotes hands-on, transformative learning; balancing theory and practice; encouraging teamwork and innovation; and emphasizing critical thinking—all are fundamental elements of career success. Opportunity: Ferris honors the legacy of our founders by encouraging and supporting all who wish to acquire the knowledge, leadership, and communication skills that are the foundations of personal success. 3 May 1, 2021 Dear Graduate, Congratulations on your graduation from Ferris State University. Today you have reached an important milestone. Receiving a college degree places you within a unique and special segment of society. You now belong to an exceptional group of individuals—Ferris State University alumni, who are leaders in all facets of business, education, industry, health care and public service. We are extraordinarily proud of you and your achievements. On behalf of our faculty, I extend our congratulations to you on this most special of days. Like you, we understand that commencement is just the beginning of exciting and rewarding opportunities. We are confident that, together, we have helped create a lifelong commitment to discovery, learning and continued growth. When we may be of assistance to you, please call upon us. As you enjoy this day, I encourage you to pause and thank those who have helped and supported you throughout this educational journey. It is important to remember that today’s achievement stems not only from your own efforts, but also those of family, friends, faculty, fellow students and scholarship donors. You have now joined a learned community of more than 130,000 Ferris alumni. You and your fellow alumni are ambassadors of the University to those within their professions—employers, co-workers, clients—and to personal acquaintances. In this role you can encourage prospective students to make use of the free online application process to become students at Ferris State University. There are many, many other ways you can maintain a close relationship with your alma mater. Please keep in touch with your University and classmates through the Alumni Association Online Community at ferris.edu/alumni. I hope you will come back and visit us often. I look forward to hearing from you. Please accept my best wishes for your continued success. David L. Eisler President 4 HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS 2010–2019 For many years, the university has recognized at commencement the distinguished service and exemplary accomplishments of one or more persons by conferring upon them honorary degrees and citations. The names of those upon whom such honors have been conferred in the past 10 years are as follows: 2010 Jennifer Ramsey Wallace, Doctor of Public Service 2011 Ken H. Mooyman, Doctor of Business and Industry 2012 Rick DeVos, Doctor of Business and Industry Dr. JoLaine R. Draugalis, Doctor of Business and Industry Dr. Brent Knight, Doctor of Public Service 2013 Richard L. Antonini, Doctor of Business and Industry Lupe Ramos-Montigny, Doctor of Public Service Dr. Joel Robertson, Doctor of Health Services 2014 James Gartner, Doctor of Business and Industry Susan P. Wheatlake, Doctor of Public Service 2015 Dale R. Hagerman, Doctor of Health Services Karl W. Linebaugh, Doctor of Business and Industry Frederick E. Shell, Doctor of Public Service 2016 Jeffrey F. Harrold, Doctor of Business and Industry Robert Hegbloom, Doctor of Business and Industry Vivian R. Pickard, Doctor of Humane Letters 2017 Mary Garvelink, Doctor of Business and Industry Jeff Rowe, Doctor of Health Services Mickey Shapiro, Doctor of Business and Industry 2018 Alex Gorsky, Doctor of Health Professions Teresa A. McKay, Doctor of Business and Industry Robert M. and Ellen A. Thompson, Doctors of Humane Letters 2019 Timothy P. Murphy, Doctor of Public Service Michael S. Shibler, Doctor of Public Service Teresa L. Weatherall Neal, Doctor of Public Service 5 DISTINGUISHED TEACHERS 1963–2020 1963 1995 Ralph E. Pattulo Maude Bigford 1965 Judy Schott June B. Carr 1996 1966 Michael Keating George H. Wells 1997 1967 J. Randall Vance Garnet E. Zimmerman 1998 1968 Walt Hoeksema Karlis Kazerovskis Mitch LeClaire 1969 1999 Frank J. Karas James (Ted) Walker 1970 Maryanne Heidemann Robert K. Harry 2000 1971 Daniel Noren Kenneth O. McManis Richard J.