Ferris employee passes away
Ferris employee Scott Atwell passed away on Friday, December 19 due to what is believed to be natural causes according to a campus-wide bulletin sent out by news services manager Sandy Gholston.
Atwell, who served as a reference librarian in FLITE, was found unresponsive in the library around 3 pm.
In addition to serving as a member of the FLITE staff, Atwell was also a specialist for Ferris in the fields of art, music, philosophy and religion and published much of his own writing on the subject of music.
Atwell served on several committees during his time at Ferris State University including the Athletic Advisory Committee; Library Promotion/Merit Committee; search committees for administration, faculty, and staff; Ferris State University Library for Information, Technology, and Education (FLITE) Core Planning Team as the Ferris State University Faculty Advisor for Michigan Christian Campus Ministries among many others.
The University will be offering grief counseling to any faculty, staff and students who knew Scott and might find the counseling helpful.
Multiple events headline Martin Luther King week
From January 19-22, the University will host multiple events in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The 21st Annual MLK Faculty and Staff In-Service with Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Dr. David Pilgrim will take place in the newly opened University Center on Jan. 19 from 10 am-noon.
An open discussion entitled “Ferguson, What Would MLK Do?” will take place Monday, Jan. 19 at 2 pm in the University Center’s room 203.
The 29th annual Freedom March will take place later the same day at 4 pm starting in front of the University Center Bookstore.
The jam-packed Monday will end with a 5-Star Event called “Culture Shock.” It is scheduled for 7-8:30 pm in Williams Auditorium.
The MLK Unity Ball will cap off the week of celebration on Wednesday, January 21 from 8-11 pm in University Center room 202A.
It includes live music, light refreshments and displays that support the idea of Unity from Ferris students.
Semi-formal dress is encouraged to this event.