John and Rhea Smith Greenhouse Dedicated

The $660,000 John and Rhea Smith Greenhouse was dedicated on Saturday, Sept. 7, in the College of Arts and Sciences Building. The 2,498-square-foot addition is built on the single-story roof level at the east end of the Science Building.

“The new greenhouse will serve as a living laboratory, where Ornamental Horticulture students can study plant biology, plant-pest interactions and soil science,” said James Hoerter, head of Ferris State’s Biology department. “The space also will support general biology and biotechnology, in which students with a broad range of interests will study plant production, reproduction and classification.”

The John and Rhea Smith Greenhouse was made possible thanks to contributions made over the years from the Smiths, their daughter, Pat Shaffner, and other generous donors. John Smith joined Ferris in 1953 as special assistant to President Victor Spathelf, served as vice president for business operations and retired in 1971 as interim president.

At the dedication, Shaffner recalled her parents’ warmth and generosity, as well the time they both spent in their garden.

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