Torch News Briefs February 15, 2012

Ferris Fest headliners

The 2012 Ferris Fest Headliners are set to be announced this Friday at the Ewigleben Ice Arena as the hockey team hosts Bowling Green State University beginning at 7 p.m.

Ferris Fest will be held on Saturday, April 21 this year. The event is put on by the student organization Entertainment Unlimited.

For more information regarding Ferris Fest, contact Alex Lorenz at lorenza2@nullferris.edu. Also, students can see event notices by visiting facebook.com/ferrisfest or twitter.com/ferrisfest.

Grant received for single-parent students

Ferris is working on implementing a “Keys to Degrees” program for single students with children. FSU received a $64,775 grant from Endicott College in Massachusetts and the Kellogg Foundation for this program.

According to the university wide notices, the grant will be used to put on specific educational events and activities for the families of students while they pursue a college degree. The goal of the program is to strengthen graduation rates for single-parent students.

The grant will be used during three semesters beginning with the fall 2012 term and applications for the program will be available online later in the spring 2012 semester.

For the program, Ferris will be pursuing similar efforts at Endicott College and Eastern Michigan University.

Ferris alumnus brings exhibit to campus

Ferris State University alumnus Khalid el-Hakim brought his nationally-known exhibit to Ferris on Monday. The event was free and open to the public as part of Black History Month activities sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Services.

El-Hakim’s exhibit, “Drum Majors for Justice,” is a celebration of the contributions of African-Americans in politics with a focus on individuals who were inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Detroit public school teacher and activist is the founder of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum.

When el-Hakim attended Ferris, he was greatly influenced by current vice president for Diversity and Inclusion David Pilgrim, keeper of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia. During this time el-Hakim became extremely interested in the creation of a project that would have a lasting impact on young people.

To visit the Black History 101 Mobile Museum website, go to blackhistory101mobilemuseum.com.

Sign a Stud for Habitat for Humanity

Students, staff and community members will be offered an opportunity to sign a stud and make a donation to Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity. This will take place Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Rankin Student Center Atrium. The times people can sign are between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Each signature will cost one dollar, and the purpose is to help raise awareness of poverty in the community.

For more information on this event, contact Katey Way at ferris_habitat@nullyahoo.com.