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‣ 2020 ANNUAL REPORT The Ferris Foundation

This is a historic time at Ferris State University. Our comprehensive campaign, “Now and Always,” has passed the $100-million mark and is making an important difference today for our University, our programs and, most importantly, our students. The Ferris Foundation endowment now exceeds $95 million, more than five times its value in 2003. This is the power of donor support and the difference you create for Ferris State University.

To provide perspective on the enormity of your efforts and their success, over 21,000 donors have now supported Ferris State University during this campaign. This includes donations from 830 faculty and staff and 850 gifts of over $10,000. In addition, more than 11,000 of our campaign donors are alumni, a true testament to the life-changing impact a Ferris degree has for our graduates.

We believe you will enjoy reading about the philanthropic and volunteer efforts of long-time supporter and good friend Emily Hancock and the assistance provided to our students through the Student Hardship Fund, created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on our students. There are beautiful memorial tributes to the University’s 12th president, Dr. Robert Ewigleben, and legendary Bulldog Football head coach Bob Leach. We dearly miss these champions and all we lost this year who loved Ferris State University, embodied its true spirit of opportunity, and made a lasting difference for the University.

With your support and generosity, we are moving forward in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few short years ago. Your extraordinary support of student scholarships has helped us keep the dream of a Ferris education alive for all students. As a result of our combined efforts, we are the only public university in Michigan where the average net price of attendance has declined over the past 10 years. Thank you for keeping the opportunity of our education affordable for students, whatever their financial means.

On behalf of our University, our faculty, staff, students and dedicated volunteers, we are so very thankful for your support along each and every step of this journey of success. Together we are establishing a powerful legacy that makes a difference in the lives of our students, faculty and staff…Now and Always.

David L. Eisler, president Ferris State University

Kurt Hofman, chair Ferris Foundation Board of Directors

STUDENT HARDSHIP FUND DEMONSTRATES COMMUNITY COMMITMENT TO FERRIS STUDENTS

This spring, Ferris State University, The Ferris Foundation and the Alumni Association established The Ferris State University Student Hardship Fund in response to the sudden shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the outpouring of offers of support for students that followed. Many students faced significant hardships brought on by sudden food and housing insecurity, loss of income, unforeseen travel expenses and technology needs to facilitate their virtual learning participation.

Driven by two generous lead gifts, the Student Hardship Fund received more than $135,000 in support from over 480 gifts, including 386 Alumni donors. One of those lead gifts was made by Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education Librarian Fran Rosen. Rosen’s motivation for supporting the fund was simple: “It was that immediate urgency to help students not have to make the decision to drop out of school or not be able to finish a class, when really all they needed was just a little help.” Rosen’s gift, combined with another gift from President David and Patsy Eisler, kickstarted the Student Hardship Fund.

More than 2,000 students received one-time, emergency-use funds to help them during the unprecedented situation. Jessica McFarland, a junior in the Allied Health Sciences Program, lost her on-campus job due to the shutdown, and her family could offer little to no financial support. “I had an apartment and my lease required me to still pay for rent. I lost my on-campus job, which previously paid my expenses,” McFarland said. “The Student Hardship Fund helped me to pay my rent, utilities and car payment.”

Zachary, a student in the CAD/Drafting and Tool Design Program who chose to give only his first name, said that he was incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support students received from the community. “People like me, that don’t have anyone out there to help them…can worry a little less when it comes to buying essential items like toilet paper, shampoo and even food. I wouldn’t even be able to graduate this semester with my degree. I can’t express how thankful I am.”

“We care deeply about every Bulldog, and the developments brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic only added to that resolve,” Joy Pulsifer, dean of Student Life, said. “Our No. 1 priority continues to be the health and well-being of our students. The establishment of this fund allowed us to help many more students, to ensure that they could continue to be successful academically.”

For more stories about how the fund impacted our students, please go to - https://spark.adobe.com/page/lpzw7krxcCgAx/.

ALUMNA HANCOCK COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING FACULTY AND STUDENT RESOURCES

- By Caitlin Schmidt (Senior, College of Business)

Big Rapids native Emily Hancock has a mission: “I have the opportunity to be able to help students be able to go to school.” Supporting students on their path through education is what motivates her long-time support of Ferris State University.

Hancock’s grandfather was W.D. Cramer, an early member of Ferris faculty who enjoyed a long career teaching Botany and Zoology. Cramer Hall, located on Ferris’ main Big Rapids campus, was built in 1968 and named in honor of Cramer’s contributions to the university.

Hancock herself graduated from Ferris with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy in 1976: “The education I received at Ferris was my foundation, and I am committed to developing resources that help students gain an education,” said Hancock.

With her long-time relationship to and passion for Ferris, Hancock and her late husband, Bruce G. Hancock, established the Cramer Family Endowment in 2006. This endowment includes the Bruce G. and Emily F. (Cramer) Hancock Endowed Scholarship, supporting students in the College of Pharmacy; Alfred S. Cramer Memorial Scholarship Endowment, supporting students of accountancy in the College of Business; W. D. Cramer Memorial Scholarship Endowment, specifically for College of Pharmacy students; Bruce G. and Emily F. (Cramer) Hancock Scholarship Endowment for the College of Engineering Technology; and W. D. Cramer Scholarship Endowment for Science Educators, directed to science educators in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Cramer Family Endowment also includes an unrestricted fund to support faculty development in the College of Pharmacy and Michigan College of Optometry. “I’m so excited about being able to be part of faculty development,” Hancock said. “It is important to recruit, retain and support the best teachers, so they can be successful in the classroom and inspire their students to pursue excellence. If faculty have the ability to explore and bring the students in on that, everyone benefits.”

Following her education at Ferris, Hancock also earned a Doctor of Pharmacy from Purdue University in 1992 and a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University in 2008. She joined The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors in February 2020 and currently resides in Indianapolis.

Hancock believes that everyone has something that they’re passionate about and, for her, that is giving back to Ferris, a place that helped her develop the foundation for her future.

EISLERS CREATE $700,000 ENDOWMENT TO SUPPORT FOSTER YOUTH AT FERRIS

To this day, Patsy Eisler, wife of Ferris State University President David Eisler, counts her blessings for having been adopted at the age of eight months by a caring South Haven, Michigan couple. Their love and support forever changed her life.

To memorialize her adoptive parents, the late Norris and Irene Johnson, the Eislers established a $350,000 scholarship endowment in their honor. This scholarship supports orphans and foster care youth, giving them the opportunity of a Ferris education and to earn their Ferris degree.

The Eislers’ gift was matched by The Ferris Foundation through the Ferris Futures Scholarship Challenge, creating $700,000 in scholarship support for the University’s growing population of former foster care youth.

“A gift such as this will be of tremendous benefit to the students in the Ferris Youth Initiative. It will provide them with the opportunity to see college as something that is ‘within their reach."

“Because Patsy was adopted, she holds foster care youth near and dear to her heart,” David said. “When discussing our gift, scholarship support for Ferris’ foster care youth was an especially meaningful way to honor Patsy’s parents. We both have been moved to tears by our foster youth’s personal stories of adversity. Patsy and I are deeply passionate about doing everything we can to give these students the hope and support to succeed, and to make them feel welcome at Ferris, which, for most, is their only home.”

The Eislers’ gift established the Norris and Irene Johnson Scholarship Endowment, providing financial assistance toward cost of attendance to former foster care youth who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree full-time. Recipients of this scholarship will be known as the “Johnson Scholars” and will be able to utilize a host of academic, professional and life skills support services available through the University’s Ferris Youth Initiative (FYI) program, administered by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion.

The Johnson Scholarship will award up to $5,000 per year toward cost of attendance at Ferris.

“My parents would be very pleased that we are supporting young people who have a similar background to mine,” Patsy said.

According to the National Foster Youth Institute, only half of youth raised in foster care end up finishing high school, and less than three percent graduate from a four-year college.

“A gift such as this will be of tremendous benefit to the students in the Ferris Youth Initiative. It will provide them with the opportunity to see college as something that is ‘within their reach,’” said Janette Ward, independent living coordinator and campus coach for the Ferris Youth Initiative. “Many students who have experienced foster care have limited or no financial resources, which can create the potential for a large amount of student debt from having to take out loans to pay for college.”

The Johnson Scholars endowment will begin awarding in the 2021-22 academic year.

For more information about the Ferris Futures Scholarship Challenge, visit ferris.edu/giving/ferrisfutures, or contact The Ferris Foundation at FerrisFoundation@ferris.edu or (231) 591-2365.

PULTE ENDOWMENT CREATES SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES IN CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

The philanthropic mission of Bill Pulte, founder of Pulte Homes, is reflected in a $1-million gift from the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, presented during the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame’s Distinguished Constructor Awards Banquet.

The gift has provided a $700,000 award to establish the William J. Pulte Scholarship Endowment, which received a match from The Ferris Foundation as part of the Ferris Futures Scholarship Challenge. The remaining $300,000 supports the Construction Management Experiential Technical Learning Endowment, focused on program and student development through enhancement of the Construction Technology and Management (CTMG) Program.

“This transformational gift and the endowment it creates will make an important difference for our students and the Construction Management program not just now, but for generations to come.”

Karen Pulte, director of scholarship programs for the PFCF, sees great potential in opportunities to support Ferris students and the greater construction industry through this gift.

“Bill recognized the importance of having a skilled and responsive workforce to assure the quality and value of each home that the corporation produced,” Karen said. “We are thrilled that the William J. Pulte Construction Practices Lab in the Granger Center for Construction and HVACR will expand his legacy and benefit all CTMG students, along with those who receive support from the Pulte Scholarship Endowment.”

Suzanne Miller, a CTMG professor and program coordinator, said the PFCF award was “a fantastic way to reach all students in the program.”

“The endowment donation will benefit students whose circumstances might have made their education costs insurmountable,” Miller said. “We are here to develop leaders in the construction industry, with a greater ability to augment student learning in our Practices Lab, thanks to this astounding gift from the Foundation.”

Ferris President David Eisler expressed gratitude for the generosity of the Pulte family and their foundation.

“Bill Pulte was truly a legendary leader in the home building industry,” Eisler said. “This transformational gift and the endowment it creates will make an important difference for our students and the Construction Management program not just now, but for generations to come.”

RILEY GIFT WILL HELP CREATE WILDLIFE EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY

Ferris State University was a “perfect match” for The Riley Collection, an assembly of wildlife artifacts and a Detroit-area property valued at more than $1 million, said Leonard A. Kruszewski, executor of the George F. Riley Estate.

Established in February 2020, The Card/Riley Conservation and Wildlife Education Center will serve as the new permanent home for The Riley Collection, which includes animal mounts, trophies, artifacts and artwork assembled by the late George F. Riley, who passed away in January 2018.

“It was clear this was something Ferris State would treasure. It seemed a perfect match.”

Kruszewski spoke glowingly of his interactions with the Ferris team that championed the university’s proposal to the Riley estate. He cited engagement with Kristi Haik, past dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education; Bob Murray, associate vice president for advancement and executive director of The Ferris Foundation; and Carrie Weis, director of The Fine Art Gallery and the Card/Riley Conservation and Wildlife Education Center.

“All of the proposals we received met the wishes of the donor in different ways. But Ferris State University stood out due to the passion of the people behind the proposal,” Kruszewski said. “It was clear this was something Ferris State would treasure. It seemed a perfect match.”

In addition to the collection, Ferris received from the estate a gift of property located in Farmington Hills, Michigan, valued at $1.1 million. Proceeds from the sale of the Farmington Hills property helped to fund the enhancement and expansion of the Card/Riley Conservation and Wildlife Education Center.

Utilizing the proceeds of the property sale, construction has already begun in the existing space. Improvements will include upgraded lighting and expansion of existing displays, as well as several new displays, including a Marine Exhibit and and Arctic Exhibit. There will also be displays on conservation efforts and indigenous plant life, among others. The center is slated to reopen in the Spring 2021.

Ferris has also committed to using items from The Riley Collection to reach other groups around the state. Some of the outreach efforts will include an outdoor skills program, as well as enhanced educational kits to be shared regionally.

“That is the other aspect that made Ferris a perfect choice,” said Kruszewski, who will sit on the Card/Riley Wildlife Education Center’s Advisory Committee to offer his expertise and to help make the center a Michigan destination. “Ferris has demonstrated a commitment to share their educational knowledge in wildlife education along with pieces of George’s donation with institutions from the East side of the state, first, and other Michigan institutions.”

2020 GROWING OPPORTUNITY EVENT

Note: The annual Growing Opportunity event stands as the signature fundraising event of Ferris State University’s Grand Rapids Council, a volunteer group of alumni and community members dedicated to building Bulldog pride in Grand Rapids. Though the 2020 event could not be celebrated in person due to public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the council shared the following message:

“We have been excited to share highlights and honor the partnership between Ferris and Cherry Health through the 2020 Growing Opportunity event. Although we were not able to gather in person, we were filled with inspiration and gratitude for the efforts of our Ferris and Cherry Health partners and their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are grateful to all of our 2020 Growing Opportunity Sponsors for staying with us as we transitioned to a new and, hopefully, temporary “normal.” While we've had to think on our feet and have learned from our successes and challenges every day, our partnership continues to shine through.

“It is not too late to join in a celebration of our efforts. We invite you to grab a glass of your favorite beverage and enjoy a short film about our work here.”

To learn more about Growing Opportunity and Ferris’ partners or to make a gift to the West Michigan Opportunity Scholarship (which will be matched 1:1 by the Ferris Futures Scholarship Challenge), please visit ferris.edu/giving/growing.

2020 FERRIS FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE BENEFIT

The 2020 Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit also was presented virtually due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. The university was pleased to have Jeff Blashill, head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, serve as emcee for the event, which offered multiple video presentations and opportunities to give. Blashill is a 1998 graduate of Ferris’ College of Business.

Joining Blashill via video was Stephanie Leonardos, president of Amerikam, a manufacturing industry partner of Ferris for more than 20 years. David Eisler, President of Ferris State University, and Kurt Hofman, Chair of The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors, also provided comments via video. Hofman is a 1983 graduate of the College of Engineering Technology and a member of Ferris State University’s Board of Trustees.

The 2020 virtual event was attended by more than 1,000 people online and raised sponsorships and gifts totaling more than $110,000. Proceeds from the event will support The Ferris Foundation Opportunity Scholarship and faculty/staff Merit Grant awards.

To view videos from the event, please visit its website at: https://www.ferris.edu/giving/ferris-foundation/foundation-benefit.htm

The 2021 event will be held Friday, Oct. 29 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

THE FERRIS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2020/21 FOUNDATION OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP:

William Arntz, Junior, Psychology, Gowen, MI

Jacquelyn Beaver, Senior, Psychology, East Peoria, IL

Mary Firestone, Sophomore, Television/Digital Media Production, West Simsbury, CT

Caitlin Fowler, Sophomore, Hospitality Management, Jackson, MI

Taylor Gentle, Sophomore, Social Work, Kawkawlin, MI

Kelsea Hector, Senior, Elementary Education, Kentwood, MI

Kayla Jepsen, Junior, Allied Health Sciences, Centreville, MI

Madalynn Lefler, Junior, Pre-Physical Therapy, Big Rapids, MI

Arianna Lozano, Senior, Biological Sciences, New Era, MI

Berani Martinez-Maldonado, Junior, Allied Health Sciences, Grand Rapids, MI

Jessica McFarland, Junior, Allied Health Sciences, Montague, MI

Karina Palomino, Senior, Mechanical Design, Grand Rapids, MI

Hanna Pollard, Sophomore, Criminal Justice, Rockford, MI

Cassie Pung, Junior, Elem. Education, Westphalia, MI

Gabrielle Romero, Junior, Psychology, Kimball, MI

Shannon Rossman, Senior, Social Work, Central Lake, MI

Mallory Sager, Senior, Accountancy, Niles, MI

Blerim Sefa, Junior, Criminal Justice, Farmington Hills, MI

Kara Vega, Sophomore, Social Work, Stanwood, MI

Stacy Washington, Senior, Criminal Justice, Saginaw, MI

Brittany Wenger, Junior, Criminal Justice, Cassopolis, MI

For more information on the Ferris Futures Scholarship Program, visit https://www.ferris.edu/giving/ferrisfutures/homepage.htm.

THE FERRIS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED NEARLY $45,000 IN EXCEPTIONAL MERIT GRANT AWARDS TO EIGHT FACULTY AND STAFF:

Andrea Johnson, manager of Satellite Clinics for the Michigan College of Optometry, received an award to fund the purchase of devices and services for indigent and disadvantaged patients of the University Eye Center.

Lenna Westerkamp, Nursing Lab instruction support specialist in the College of Health Professions, received an award to bring real-world clinical experiences and technology to the classroom.

Sonali Kurup, professor in the College of Pharmacy, received an award to support a research project and two mentored research students to complete the project.

Melinda Isler, university archivist and Special Collections librarian, received an award to create a new combined repository of historic documents and photographs with greater public access.

Daniel deRegnier, professor in the College of Health Professions, received an award to fund the purchase of a high-definition display to project high-quality images for students’ instruction in the Clinical Laboratory Science programs.

Julie Herrema and Mariah Lab, both assistant professors in the College of Health Professions, received an award to provide training to faculty, staff and students regarding suicide awareness and prevention.

Andrew Peterson, of Extended and International Operations/eLearning, received an award to acquire the hardware and software required for production of Esports broadcasting.

Patrick English, professor in the College of Engineering Technology, received an award to support the latest in hands-on opportunities for students in testing batteries, and starting and charging systems.

COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

IN MEMORIAM: DR. ROBERT L. EWIGLEBEN

Ferris State University and Bulldog Athletics were saddened by the loss of Robert L. Ewigleben, who served as Ferris’ 12th president and played a key role in the growth of its athletics programs.

Widely regarded for his leadership in higher education, Ewigleben amassed a record of achievement during his more than 30 years as a teacher and administrator. Ewigleben grew up in Michigan and worked as a machine operator in Lansing to pay for his education. He began his career as a mathematics and chemistry teacher in Croswell, Michigan. He later served as a principal and superintendent. He culminated his career as president of what was then Ferris State College, where he served from 1971 to 1984.

Ewigleben was an internationalist and was instrumental in forging relationships with universities throughout the world, and for building exchange programs between Ferris faculty and those in Belize, Columbia, and the Asian and African continents.

Outspoken and direct, Ewigleben transformed Ferris as its chief administrative officer. There were more than 40 curricular and programmatic changes during this time, preparing the way for Ferris to become a university. His many accomplishments at Ferris include the creation of the Professional Golf Management degree (the first of its kind in the nation), bringing NCAA Division I hockey to Ferris and development of the $6 million Manufacturing Resource and Production Center.

Ewigleben established the Michigan College of Optometry, the state’s only such program, and was also instrumental in the creation of Ferris’ Doctorate of Community College Leadership just over a decade ago.

In his retirement, Ewigleben was a consistent donor for the sports complex and student athletes. The sports complex, which was built during his tenure, was subsequently named for him: the Ewigleben Sports Complex.

For his leadership, direction, and foresight, Ferris State University will be forever grateful.

IN MEMORIAM: ROBERT LEACH

Ferris State University was saddened by the loss of legendary Bulldog Football head coach and longtime supporter Bob Leach, who passed away on May 27, 2020.

“We’re truly saddened to lose such a great Bulldog with the passing of Coach Bob Leach,” said FSU Athletics Director Perk Weisenburger. “In addition to being a Hall of Famer and a revered coach, he was also one of the most outstanding human beings I have ever known. He meant so much to so many and our thoughts are certainly with Mary Louise, the Leach family and all those impacted by his loss.”

Leach, who guided the school’s first-ever unbeaten team in 1968, remained a loyal and dedicated supporter of the Bulldogs and continued to attend Ferris events along with his wife, Mary Louise, to the very end. They were strong supporters not only of Ferris State Football but also Bulldog Volleyball, in addition to other varsity teams and student-athletes.

Each summer, Leach also took part in the annual Bulldog Football Golf Outing, often playing with his sons Randy and Dean, and he played a key leadership role over the years in helping develop and maintain the longstanding tradition of Ferris State Football.

Leach was inducted into the Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame as a charter class member in 2000, and his 1968 squad became the first team to earn induction into the hall of fame in 2017.

“There’s no question he impacted so many young men that came thru his program, many of whom he continued to impact as adults and they still have such great respect for him to this day,” said FSU head football coach Tony Annese. “As a head coach at Ferris State, he was a true Bulldog and certainly left a lasting legacy. We offer our support and condolences to his family.”

Under Leach’s leadership, members of the 1968 football team have also continued to be supportive of Ferris State University, as they later established a scholarship endowment to benefit future Bulldog gridiron student-athletes and were instrumental in helping raise funds to bring back the Victory Bell at Top Taggart Field.

“Bob and Mary Louise Leach were some of the first people I met when I came to Ferris State 25 years ago,” said Ferris head volleyball coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm. “Bob was kind, thoughtful and inspiring. Without hesitation, I know that I would not be coaching today and we wouldn’t have had the success we’ve had without Coach Leach.

“His watchful eye from four rows up at our home matches, his regular prayers and his unwavering enthusiasm for the Bulldog spirit have made all of us in Ferris State Athletics and Bulldog Volleyball better people,” she added. “He was a dear friend and mentor to many and will be missed.”

IN MEMORIAM: DENNIS NICKELS

The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors was saddened by the death of long-time Ferris supporter Dennis Nickels, who passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2020.

NIckels joined The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors in 2014 and was re-elected to serve for a third term at the November 6, 2020 board meeting. Dennis also was a thoughtful, strategic and passionate member of the Now and Always Campaign Cabinet. He brought care and passion to his work and commitment to The Ferris Foundation, the Now and Always campaign and Ferris State University, as a whole.

NIckels was an alumnus of Ferris State University who worked tirelessly to transform it, and he was well respected and beloved in the Ferris community. In addition to his other service to the university, Nickels also served as an active member of the Pharmacy Strategic Planning Task Force, the Pharmacy Forward Steering Committee and the MBA Advisory Board. He gave of his time, energy and financial resources to support students, faculty and staff at Ferris for generations to come.

Nickels’ and his family’s association with Ferris State University is long and storied. His father, Edward W. Nickels, graduated from the College of Pharmacy, and Dennis’ wife, Randi, earned a Business Education degree at Ferris. To honor their family, Dennis and Randi established the Edward W. and Barbara J. Nickels Memorial Scholarship to support Pharmacy students at Ferris state University in December 2016. The scholarship is awarded to students who have the greatest financial need in Ferris’ College of Pharmacy program.

The Nickels family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to The Ferris Foundation at 420 Oak Street, Prakken 101, Big Rapids MI 49307 or online at: https://www.ferris.edu/giving.

THE FERRIS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS WELCOMED FOUR NEW DIRECTORS IN 2020

Paul T. Doyle

Paul T. Doyle earned a Bachelor of Science from the College of Education and Human Services in 1979. He was a student-athlete on the men’s basketball team and a former assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, and also was recognized with Ferris’ Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008. Doyle has served on several Grand Rapids-area boards, including the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, as chair; the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, as chair; RoMan Manufacturing, as director; and the Kentwood Board of Education, as president.

Doyle, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, was a recipient of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation Leadership and Philanthropy Award and the Grand Rapids “GIANTS” Leadership Award for Community Health. He serves as an adjunct faculty member for Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine.

Doyle and his wife, Celeste, who earned her Associate in Applied Sciences in Social Services at Ferris in 1979, have been married for 42 years. They have three daughters and four grandchildren.

Arlen-Dean Gaddy

Ferris gave Arlen-Dean Gaddy, a self-proclaimed “less-than-exceptional high school student,” the opportunity to study operations and production management. Though he only spent two years at Ferris before transferring to Ohio State, he made some lifelong friendships and even met his wife at Ferris.

Joining the foundation board not only gave him the opportunity to return to Ferris, but it also gave him the chance to see what he could do to support the Jim Crow Museum. In Gaddy’s mind, it was fascinating to have a world-class collection of artifacts from the Jim Crow era housed at the university.

“Dr. David Pilgrim has made himself a nationally renowned figure in not only racist memorabilia but in the laws and the culture of the Jim Crow era. I was captivated by that,” Gaddy said.

Another recent project that Gaddy is glad that he has been able to assist with while on the board is the Student Hardship Fund. After The Ferris Foundation Associate Director Barb Benda approached him about it, he immediately remembered when he was a student at Ferris in the mid 1980’s, and considered how much he would have benefited from a fund like this one, especially in the midst of a pandemic such as COVID-19.

Gaddy sees the work being done by the foundation as necessary because the cost of higher education continues to rise, but one of the best ways to overcome poverty is via education. Therefore, the work being done by the foundation plays a key role in increasing the likelihood that students will not have to experience poverty.

Emily Hancock

Emily Hancock is a 1976 graduate of Ferris State University’s Bachelor of Pharmacy program. Hancock earned a Doctor of Pharmacy from Purdue University in 1992 and has received honors from her home state and alma mater. She has served in a variety of roles for the state of Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration since 2003. She is currently serving on the National Academy of State Health Policy’s Prescription Drug Cost Workgroup. Hancock continued her learning with a Master of Public Affairs, from Indiana University, in 2008.

“Ferris President David Eisler asked me to take part in his Commission for the Future several years ago. I view my involvement with The Ferris Foundation as a wonderful opportunity, one that is very much in alignment with my philosophy,” Hancock said. “I have also served the last two years on the College of Pharmacy’s Strategic Planning Task Force. The education I received at Ferris was my foundation, and I am committed to developing resources that help students gain an education while furthering my interests in helping to nurture faculty development.”

Hancock’s grandfather, W.D. Cramer, was an early member of the Ferris faculty who enjoyed a long career teaching Botany and Zoology. As a Big Rapids native, she has received honors in her own right. She was the Indiana Hospital Pharmacist of the Year in 1995 and received a Ferris Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007.

“Dr. Hancock’s familiarity with the institution and her extensive policy background will be an asset to our board,” Bob Murray said. “We believe Emily will add greatly to what is already an outstanding group of directors for the Foundation.”

Dr. Alton Smith

Dr. Alton Smith graduated from Ferris with honors, earning his Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine with a minor in Pre-Medicine. Originally from Jamaica, Smith attended high school in Detroit and received his medical degree from the Wayne State University College of Medicine in 2000. Robert Murray, the executive director of The Ferris Foundation and Associate Vice President of Advancement, said Smith is a welcome addition to the directors.

“He is a great representative of his college, and Alton brings an interesting and capable skill set to this role,” Bob Murray said. “An immigrant and a veteran of our armed forces, Dr. Smith brings a dynamic viewpoint and impressive skill set to this role. As a clinical professor at Oakland University’s School of Medicine, Alton offers valuable experience in higher education.”

Smith served as a combat medic in the Gulf War through the U.S. Army Medical Corps and is a board-certified radiologist at William Beaumont Hospital-Grosse Pointe.

THE FERRIS FOUNDATION

The Ferris Foundation is the fundraising arm of Ferris State University. Since 1991, The foundation has been responsible for receiving, investing and distributing endowment gifts, which provide a source of perpetual support for Ferris State University.

In January 2015, The Ferris Foundation’s role expanded beyond managing endowments, becoming the umbrella organization that receives and acknowledges all gifts to the university, including annual gifts that meet present needs, with the goals of enhancing stewardship and communication with donors, creating a more efficient and unified approach to philanthropy, and further strengthening the foundation’s mission as a valued and trusted intermediary between Ferris State University and its donors.

For a complete list of members of The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors, visit https://www.ferris.edu/giving/ferris-foundation/board.htm.

Ferris State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran or military status, height, weight, protected disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable State or federal laws or regulations in education, employment, housing, public services, or other University operations, including, but not limited to, admissions, programs, activities, hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, or retention. Retaliation against any person making a charge, filing a legitimate complaint, testifying, or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding is prohibited. Students with disabilities requiring assistance or accommodation may contact Educational Counseling and Disabilities Services at (231) 591-3057 in Big Rapids, or the Director of Counseling, Disability and Tutoring Services for Kendall College of Art and Design at (616) 451-2787 ext. 1136 in Grand Rapids. Employees and other members of the University community with disabilities requiring assistance or accommodation may contact the Human Resources Department, 420 Oak St., Big Rapids, MI 49307 or call (231) 591-2150. Inquiries and complaints of disability discrimination may be addressed to the 504 Coordinator/Educational Counselor, 820 Campus Dr., Arts and Sciences Commons 1017, Big Rapids, MI 49307 or by telephone at (231) 591-3057. Other inquiries or complaints of discrimination may be addressed to the Director of Equal Opportunity, 120 East Cedar St., Big Rapids, MI 49307 or by telephone at (231) 591-2152; or Title IX Coordinator, 805 Campus Dr., Big Rapids, MI 49307, or by telephone at (231) 591-2088.