BIG RAPIDS – Hino Trucks, a division of Toyota, donated a new medium-duty truck to the School of Automotive and Heavy Equipment at Ferris State University. The truck, one of six donated throughout the country and the only one in Michigan, will be used by students in all five programs in the school, said Mike Ropele, associate professor of Automotive Management.

Alumnus Chris Russell (Automotive Management ‘02), Hino sales support coordinator, is the catalyst behind the donation. Russell credits Ferris’ educational mix of hands-on technology and management training as the reason for his career success. He is pleased to be able to give back and provide opportunities for current and future students to advance their learning in the classroom.

LANSING – Ferris State University’s Automotive Management program is expanding to its second off-campus location in January 2010.

The program is being offered at Lansing Community College’s University Center in downtown Lansing and is geared toward the working adult.

“This is a powerful partnership between Ferris State University and Lansing Community College and a great opportunity to offer one of Ferris’ more unique programs to a wider variety of students,” said Greg Denny, Ferris Automotive Management professor.