The 2024 Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit will celebrate Ferris State University’s 140 years while sharing a dynamic vision for the university’s future.

The event is planned for Friday, Nov. 8 at the JW Marriott, 235 Louis St. in Grand Rapids. Proceeds from the benefit support the foundation’s mission of developing external support for Ferris State students, faculty, and staff. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Ferris State President Bill Pink said the benefit will highlight the university’s mission of providing a quality education to anyone in Michigan, and how that work has developed leaders serving the state and beyond.

“This year’s Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit will provide us with an amazing opportunity in Grand Rapids, in the heart of West Michigan, to celebrate a rich 140-year legacy of Ferris State University achievement and set a course for our next 140 years,” Pink said.

The Ferris Foundation was established in 1991 to receive, invest and distribute endowment gifts to provide a source of perpetual support for the university. The Opportunity Endowed Scholarship and faculty and staff merit grants are key components of The Ferris Foundation’s efforts.

“Ferris State University has a longstanding commitment to ensuring access to a college education for students that spans its 140-year history – a legacy started in 1884 by Woodbridge and Helen Ferris,” said Arlen-Dean Gaddy, who chairs the foundation’s board of directors. “Today, our work at The Ferris Foundation is as inspired as ever by that ongoing commitment to our students.”

The Ferris Foundation Executive Board includes chair-elect Jenifer Cuter, Class of 2001; Secretary Emily Hancock, Class of 1976; Kathy Mullins, vice president for University Advancement and Marketing, Class of 2013; treasurer Amanda Matheson, vice president for Administration and Finance; and Jennifer Todd, executive director of The Ferris Foundation and associate vice president for Advancement.

“On behalf of The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors, we look forward to celebrating this outstanding legacy and sharing the great things our people are doing at Ferris State University with everyone as we continue to move Ferris forward,” Gaddy said.

The program will honor former Ferris State leaders and recognize academic programs that have provided generations of students with in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Pink, Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives David Pilgrim, and other special guests are planned to participate in the program.

“Our annual benefit is a wonderful celebration of Ferris State University’s mission and the remarkable achievements of our students,” Mullins said. “This is going to be a night you won’t want to miss, and one you will remember for years to come. While our university has proudly served our community for 140 years, we are just beginning to unlock new possibilities for the future.”   

Pink said the benefit is an evening to bring students, faculty, staff, alumni and other university supporters together to reflect on the work that has happened and what is to come.   

“This will be a night for the Bulldog family to come together to celebrate our past, current and future impact,” Pink said. “Our generous donors bless us with support that helps break down the barriers for student access to a Ferris State degree and to ensure innovation and excellence remain at the heart of our work.”

For more information, including about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Kimberly Erickson at (231) 591-3825 or email FerrisFoundation@ferris.edu. 

_{Photo and release credit to Ferris State University.}