As the state of Michigan works to significantly increase its number of college graduates by 2030, Ferris State University has been and will continue to play a key role in meeting that goal, President Bill Pink told graduates attending commencement ceremonies on Friday.

Pink fired up graduates and attendees at the Dec. 15 morning and afternoon ceremonies, reminding them of the celebration they were attending while addressing the work he looks forward to Ferris State graduates doing in communities across Michigan and beyond the state’s borders.

“Today, we get to celebrate the young men and women in front of me,” said Pink, who celebrated his birthday in part by awarding 400-plus degrees to attending graduates in Jim Wink Arena of the Ewigleben Sports Complex in Big Rapids.

“The state of Michigan has a goal of 60 percent of adults earning a skill certificate or college degree by 2030. We want you to stay in Michigan. We need you to make a difference in our state because that is what Ferris State graduates do. They make a difference. They make a difference here in the state of Michigan.”

About 92 percent of Ferris State graduates stay in Michigan and build their careers.

LaShanda Thomas, chair of Ferris State’s board of trustees, spoke about the value of education. More specifically, she spoke to the added value of a Ferris State education.

“As someone who greatly values a college education, I would like to share wisdom about the value of a Ferris State education. It opens doors and employment opportunities,” Thomas said. “This education will be an important part of your future. On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I wish to bestow best wishes upon you.”

The morning commencement ceremony highlighted College of Arts, Sciences and Education and College of Engineering Technology graduates, while the early-afternoon session featured graduates of the colleges of Business and Health Professions.

Graduates and commencement attendees also heard wisdom from the featured speaker, Joshua Pardon, a faculty member from the College of Business and the Television and Digital Media Production program. Pardon, the 2023 Distinguished Teacher Award winner, spoke about curiosity and pride.

“Members of the Class of 2023, your curiosity must not stop today,” Pardon said. “Your community and our society need your curiosity now more than ever for what lies ahead for lifelong learning and engaged citizenship. If you’re curious, you will care. If you are curious, you will want to know how stuff works. If you are curious, you will want to know how people work. I applaud you graduates as you step into this ever-changing world. Never forget that your curiosity will be your greatest asset. I said you graduate of the class of 2023 and make us all proud and we will always be Bulldogs.”

In closing, as she addressed graduates at the two ceremonies, Dr. Emily Coles, president of the Ferris State Alumni Association, offered a warm welcome.

“It’s my pleasure to salute you for the first time as alumni of Ferris State University,” Coles said before offering a reminder to graduates as they leave campus and head out into the world. “Remember, no matter where life takes you, you will always be a Bulldog.”

The students participating in commencement activities on Friday are among the nearly 800 graduates receiving degrees and certificates at the close of Ferris State’s Fall 2023 semester.