For a second consecutive year, a Ferris State University student has been selected
for a Breaking Traditions Merit Award from the state of Michigan, as Electrical Engineering
Technology junior Kaylie Bohn, from Unionville, was honored Thursday, May 12 by the
State Board of Education.
The award recognizes Bohn’s excellence in a nontraditional career and technical education program. She earned several college credits in technical courses while at Unionville-Sebewaing High School, and said that she has always had an interest in the subject.
“We did a lot of work with electricity, in high school, as this is kind of the way the world is going,” Bohn said. “Technology is so important, as well as equipment that runs on electricity. I wanted to be part of it.”
Associate professor and program coordinator Gareth Todd nominated Bohn for the award, as she had served an internship at Consumers Energy’s Jackson headquarters following her freshman year. Bohn said that she was aware of varied internship opportunities through Ferris, and will work this summer at the utility’s Electric Field Lab in Bay City.
“I found out about Consumers from a family friend, and I do like working for them,” Bohn said. “I’m also interested in learning more about situations where my creativity can best be put to use.”
Beyond Todd’s oversight of the award application process, letters of support for her candidacy came from EET professor Ronald Mehringer, and associate professor Robert Most. Bohn also answered questions, and submitted a short essay as part of the process.
“I had to answer questions about pursuing a nontraditional career, and how I might hope to promote nontraditional careers,” Bohn said. “I’m honored to have received this award.”
Bohn was commended April 19 as the College of Engineering Technology’s first Nontraditional Recognition Dinner was held on the Ferris campus. Quincee Denault, of Lowell, who received a Breaking Traditions Merit Award from the state, last year, was selected as Outstanding Nontraditional Student. Denault was the president of the Women In Technology registered student organization, and has graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology and Business. A 2016 Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Sustainability graduate, Stacie Larson, of Eaton Rapids, received the Nontraditional Student Community Service Award, and freshman Megan Cramer, of Grand Rapids, was named as the Nontraditional Rising Star Student Award winner.
In awards presented to CET staff, associate professor of Construction Management Suzanne
Miller was selected for the Outstanding Nontraditional Student Advocate, and Plastics
Engineering Technology associate professor Larry Langell was honored for Nontraditional
Student Exceptional Support.
PHOTO CAPTION: Kaylie Bohn of Unionville, a junior in Electrical Engineering Technology, received a Breaking Traditions Merit Award from the State Board of Education Thursday, May 12. This is the second consecutive year that a College of Engineering Technology student at Ferris State University has earned this recognition.