This year’s Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit will showcase the university’s dedication to scholarships and grant opportunities.
The event will acknowledge 2010 Merit Grant recipients, as well as showcase benefits the Ferris Foundation has made to education.
During 2010, the Ferris Foundation provided 12 Foundation for Excellence student scholarships and nine Exceptional Merit Grants.
Proposals supported by the Exceptional Merit Grant include support for the automotive service technology associate professor Russ Leonard’s biodiesel research through the biodiesel lab, as well as finance and information systems professor Greg Gogolin’s work in digital forensics.
Administrative Assistant to the Ferris Foundation Kimberly Erickson said a major part of the university’s success is contributed to the faculty.
“Ferris has the hands-on, small classrooms and faculty experts that a lot of universities don’t have,” said Erickson. “We have faculty experts who can provide students the knowledge that employers are looking for.”
According to Erickson, proceeds from the event will benefit the Ferris Foundation for Excellence scholarships as well as the Ferris Foundation for Excellence Merit Grants for faculty and staff.
Electrical/electronic engineering technology student Peter Diep said he receives nearly $9,000 annually in scholarships from various sponsors. Diep said he sees the benefits the university’s scholarship opportunities provide Ferris students.
“I feel Ferris is really working hard to help students financially,” said Diep. “I feel a lot less stress about financial aid each semester knowing I’ll have enough to attend classes.”
Erickson said the event will also include potential donors who can help move the university forward.
“It is a great night for Ferris, and our guests will leave knowing a little more about Ferris State and what makes it unique” said Erickson.
The benefit will take place Nov. 5 from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the J.W. Marriott in Grand Rapids. Tickets for the benefit are $250 per person; sponsorships are available. Guests attending the event are asked to RSVP no later than Oct. 30.
For more information on the event or to RSVP, contact Kimberly Erickson at ericksok@nullferris.edu or call ext. 2365. n