Construction and technology management senior Curt Sutherland died on Thursday, April 3, after a battle with cancer that dates back to 2019.
Sutherland was president of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity chapter at Ferris. The 23-year-old was planning to join the Christman Company in Lansing as a project engineer after he graduated.
Ferris State President Dr. Bill Pink released a statement on Sutherland’s death.
“Curt was inspiring. He was determined to complete his Ferris State education despite all his health battles,” Pink said. “Finishing the degree meant so much to him, and he meant so much to his classmates and professors. Our hearts go out to his family, both at home and here on campus.”
Sutherland’s fight with cancer began when he was 18. According to a university feature on Sutherland, chemotherapy, surgery and other methods of battling the disease had made up the past few years for him. Then, last summer, his cancer returned.
Travis Hill, the alumni advisor for Lambda Chi Alpha, will remember Sutherland for how he navigated his leadership role.
“During his time as President of Lambda Chi Alpha, Curt had a business mindset, so he was able to address the chapter’s needs and how they would tackle them,” Hill said. “He was always there to listen and support other members when needed. As the chapter advisor, I saw Curt’s growth and success the moment he joined Lambda Chi Alpha in fall 2022, and [was] already living the values that the fraternity stands for and what we teach in our ritual. I am lucky to advise him in a leadership role and proud to call him my brother.”
Sutherland was president of Lambda Chi Alpha during the 2024 spring and fall semesters.
Lambda Chi Alpha made an Instagram post honoring Sutherland the day after he passed.
“Despite his diagnosis, Curt put everything he had into everything he did,” The post read. “He never hesitated to do the right thing. But before anything else, Curt was our friend. A friend [whom] many of us hold very close to our hearts. This news is devastating, and our chapter will never be the same without his presence. You touched so many hearts, Curt, and I hope that you can finally get the rest that you’ve needed. Your spirit burns eternally within the hearts of those who love you. Thank you for being our friend, and we miss you so much.”
The comments in response to the post house an outpouring of condolences, prayers and love.
The Torch will continue coverage of Sutherland’s life as more details are released in the coming weeks.