From 3 to 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, in the Rankin Dome Room Ferris employees were awarded for being with Ferris State University for anywhere between five and 40 years of service.

Marry Kilgallen was honored for 40 years of employment at Ferris, the longest number of years anyone has been honored for being with the university.

Stating that she enjoyed the dessert, Kilgallen said the afternoon event was “wonderful.”

“It was so nice to see all the people there,” Kilgallen said, as she wondered aloud how many people had shown up to fill the room.

Kilgallen said that it is difficult for her to comprehend how long it’s been working for the school. “I don’t feel that different than I did 40 years ago,” Kilgallen said.

The key to her success, she said, has been the fact that she enjoys what she does.

An associate professor of English, Kilgallen is retiring at the end of this semester to move back to Pennsylvania where she grew up. She would also like to spend time catching up with relatives, traveling, gardening, and doing her family’s genealogy.

After growing up surrounded by reading, Kilgallen said she chose English to study because it “seemed to be a good fit.”

One of Kilgallen’s noted contributions to the academic community on campus, as her faculty profile points out, is her job serving as the editor of The Prism, the English department’s literary journal.

In a different college on the other side of campus, Rebecca Kowalkoski reflected on the awards as well. Also given was an employee service award for service at Ferris State University to Kowalkoski who celebrated 35 years with Ferris State.

Currently serving as an academic counselor in the College of Business, Kowalkoski said she has “thoroughly enjoyed” the many different jobs she has filled on campus. According to her profile on the Ferris Web site, she has been everything from a hall director to admissions counselor to director of director of orientation, before finally receiving her position, helping out first year and transfer business students.

“Each position was a building block towards the next position,” Kowalkoski said.

Kowalkoski sees her accomplishments as helping students on their way to success. “I hope I have been able to provide the guidance to the students and to the faculty (and) staff over the years.”

“FSU has a lot to offer,” Kowalkoski said, “there are lots of opportunities here and it is fun to help guide the students towards their educational and career goals.”

When asked what their favorite thing was about Ferris State University, both women said that it was people that they enjoyed most.

Kilgallen had hesitated a little saying it was “difficult to choose one favorite thing,” but said after that really “the people make the difference.”

Kowalkoski, however, did not hesitate. She emphasized right away the role the other individuals who she works with plays in her job satisfaction. “The people are like an extended family.”

Ferris is “the best kept secret in Michigan,” said Kowalkoski, explaining that this lies with the uniqueness of the programs that are offered. “We have so much to provide to the state.”

Ferris Fest 2008 was held again on the Quad on Saturday, April 26, despite the wind and mildly low temperatures. With various rock bands, a country artist, and headliner, R&B singer Baby Bash, Ferris Fest went over well with the crowd. The food, games, and student organizations also helped make the annual end-of-the-year celebration a big hit once again.

To start off the six-hour festival, Ferris’ own “Bulldog Idol” winner, Keenan Bowman, was the first gig of the day. People of all ages watched and listened and later were able to buy food from Sharon’s Country Restaurant food stand or Domino's food stand.

Hot dogs, brats, pizza, chips, and drinks—along with Maui Wowi’s smoothies—were just a few of the things available at the Quad.

Games like the blow-up obstacle course, which was at the event last year, bouncy boxing, the giant slide, sumo wrestling outfits, and mini-golf kept many of the young and old participants occupied when music wasn’t playing.

Pie throwing was also a popular event. Many people were stopping and watching people get pied in the face and started laughing and clapping when it happened. The photo booth was also a big hit with many people in line.

Along with all of this, the student organizations were set up to help promote themselves and some, like Delta Zeta, the National Organization for Women, Public Relations, the Music Industry Management Association (MIMA) and Bulldog Radio, were selling or giving out candy, buttons, pens and flyers, among other things.

As for emceeing this year, BreakSk8, a famous skating dance group from the MTV hit show, “America’s Best Dance Crew,” was the group chosen. They were skating around, signing autographs, taking pictures with the crowd, and dancing on top of emceeing.

One Ferris student and Alpha Xi Delta member, Eileen Xayasane, said, “I don’t like the cold weather, but I’d be outside to see [BreakSk8]. I already have their autographs; I just need a picture now.”

As the second performance of the day, local favorite Ultraviolet Hippopotamus jammed some rock-like tunes. Shane G, winner of this year’s rap battles, hosted by MIMA, kicked off the Second Stage performance after them. Also playing on Second Stage, again hosted by MIMA and Bulldog Radio, were other local bands Saraph, The E.T.’s, and The Happy Accidents.

The Frantic, the Chicago Battle of the Bands winner, beating Plain White T's and Chevelle, performed on the main stage and rocked out with some of the band's popular songs. The Frantic also had a table where merchandise could be purchase, which allowed the band to give autographs and take pictures with the crowd.

After another Second Stage performance, the country solo artist, Danielle Peck, sang on the main stage around 3:30 p.m. She sang a few different songs including, “Findin’ a Good Man” and “Bad for Me.”

Before Baby Bash performed, BreakSk8 skated on stage for the last time and threw a couple of t-shirts the members wore throughout the day into the screaming crowd. They then performed the famous “Beat It” dance from their Michael Jackson tribute on “America’s Best Dance Crew” before leaving and letting Baby Bash take over the stage.

Baby Bash played his hit single, “Cyclone,” which he sang first on stage. The song went digitally platinum, meaning that song was downloaded over one million times. He is the number one Latin artist on MySpace as well.

People were crowded around the stage, pumping it up, and girls were screaming and were even on people’s shoulders to get a better view of him and The Stewey Brothers.

Ferris Fest ended with the big pop/R&B star around 6 p.m.

Ferris Fest was sponsored by many organizations and businesses, but reoccurring sponsors were, MIMA, Bulldog Radio, Entertainment Unlimited, Finance Division of Student Government, YNOT Racing, and a newbie, Sharon’s Country Restaurant, and many Greek organizations.

Dr. Richard P. (Rick) Duffett, vice president of administration and finance, has announced he will retire on June 30, 2008. Duffett has served Ferris for 33 years in various positions within the university.

In his current position as vice president of administration and finance, Duffett provides leadership for a division that employs approximately 450 employees. Departments under his direction include Ferris Finance, Bookstore, Conference Center, Golf Course, Ice Arena, Purchasing, Racquet and Fitness Center, Risk Management, Investments/Grants, Capital Projects, Human Resources, Public Safety, Physical Plant, Residential Life, Dining Services, Intercollegiate Athletics, Information Services and Telecommunications.

Duffett’s efforts on FSU’s behalf have earned him the admiration and respect of faculty, staff and administrators, including FSU President David Eisler who expressed his appreciation for Duffett’s service.

“Rick is an extraordinary person. The qualities I truly admire in him are that he always places others before himself, always does his absolute best for the university, and he sets very high expectations and he meets them.

“I am very pleased for Rick that he and [his wife] Connie will be able to do some of the things they’re looking forward to in this next stage of his life,” said Eisler.

Duffett credits his staff with much of his success.

“I have enjoyed working at Ferris. I have most enjoyed working with what I consider truly outstanding staff, hardworking people who moved the organization forward. They make it fun to come to work every day,” he said.

Charlotte Bongard, finance and position control analyst, said, “He’s an awesome V.P. I’ve been at Ferris for almost 20 years and Rick’s always had an open door policy. He really cares about his people. Whenever he is meeting with someone in the area, he walks around to the other offices to tell everyone ‘hello.’ He will be greatly missed.”

Director of Budgetary Planning and Analysis Sally DePew credits Duffett with spearheading a number of initiatives that have benefited Ferris.

“A lot of changes on campus, expansion of facilities, deferred maintenance…he’s had a lot of ideas to improve the financial health of the university. The new special summer program of ‘ten dollars a day’? A lot of that was his brainchild,” said DePew.

The “Hot New Summer Deal” program provides students with a private room and unlimited dining for ten dollars a day during summer semester.

“I’ve been here 30-plus years. He and I have always been colleagues in different divisions, but I couldn’t do what I do without Rick and his staff’s support,” she added.

Director of Athletics Tom Kirinovic talked about Duffett’s dedication and foresight.

“Rick championed some things others may not have. He not only saw to the financial security of the institution, he always wanted to make sure if we corrected something, such as when we installed the new track, we maintained it. You could call it taking care of our investment but it’s more than that.

“I consider him a friend. If someone were struggling, you could pick up the phone and call him, and he would do what he could to help.

“There was a period of time early in my career here when he would come over and work with our goalies and coaches even though he was no longer in the hockey program. He was a very good hockey player. I think the time he spent with those students benefited both them and him,” said Kirinovic.

Duffett was FSU’s first head hockey coach and served seven years in that capacity, from 1975 to 1982.

“It’s been a terrific place to work,” said Duffett.

“I’m very grateful for all the great things that have happened to me here. What I’ll miss the most is the energy that comes to campus every fall. I love being on campus. Our students are wonderful people; they keep you young. I will miss their new ideas and ways of doing things.”

Duffett’s immediate post-retirement plans are quiet ones.

“Connie and I are going to take some R&R for five or six months. We will stay in the area; this is our home. I imagine it will be quite an adjustment, moving from one phase of life to another.

“The most satisfying piece of my time here is the growth of the university during this period. Ferris is one of the real up-and-coming universities in Michigan. Students come here for a great education and they leave ready for great jobs.

“My daughter Krista and my wife Connie took their grad work in IT here. Krista is now working for Sony BMG in New York. Connie is retired from Dow Corning.

Kirinovic said, “Anyone who works a long time somewhere wants to leave the place better off than when they started. Rick worked every day to make that happen.”

Duffett previously served as the president and vice president of the Michigan Higher Education Group Self-Insurance and Risk Management Facility. He earned his doctorate in College and University Administration and master’s degree in Educational Administration from Michigan State University.

Son Sean and his wife, Grace, reside in Seattle, Wash.

Representative Pam Byrnes, chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee called Monday’s meeting to order at 10 a.m. sharp. Representatives Agema, Bauer, Booher, Caul, Gonzales, Jackson, McDowell, and Smith also were present. Ferris State hosted the meeting at the Interdisciplinary Resource Center.

The purpose of the meeting was for the subcommittee to hear the testimonies of five Michigan university presidents regarding the need for increased state funding of higher education. In addition to Ferris State University President David Eisler, Michael Rao of Central Michigan University, Thomas Haas of Grand Valley State University, Leslie Wong of Northern Michigan University, and John Dunn of Western Michigan University were on the agenda.

Eisler was the first speaker. He began by thanking the subcommittee “for their strong action to make good on the delayed payment from last August. For Ferris State University, this represented $4.5 million, an amount we could not have cut from our budget without significantly impacting on the quality of the education we provide.”

He went on to explain how Ferris established a contingency fee of $8 per credit, a move that would raise about half of the $4.5 million without permanently raising tuition. After the university received the delayed payment, the FSU Board of Trustees acted to return all collected monies to students. Fees to that date added up to more than a million dollars.

“In times of reduced funding to higher education, it is not a decision made lightly to return $1.1 million. There were many, many things our university could have done for our students to improve their education with those funds. However, it seemed to me the only right thing for us to do, and I want to publicly salute the members of our Board of Trustees who had the courage to do so,” said Eisler.

At one point, he made individual references to the number of students at Ferris from each of the representatives’ districts. The total number is more than 2,000 students.

Eisler used vivid charts to show the disparity between Ferris growth and reduced state funding.

“Ferris is the fastest-growing public university in Michigan. This fall we enrolled 13,087 students. This is the first time in our 124-year history that enrollment at Ferris has exceeded 13,000 students.

“Not only has Ferris grown 19 percent since 2001, our student growth represents 22 percent of the overall growth in Michigan public four-year college enrollment during this period.”

Unfortunately, this growth was not rewarded by the state.

“Michigan punishes universities for enrollment growth. Unlike our K-12 partners, additional students at public universities do not generate additional state funding,” said Eisler.

“In 2001 Ferris State University received $6,094 per Full-Year Equated Student (FYES). Today that number is $4,324 per FYES, a 29 percent decrease. If Ferris had not grown during these seven years, the university would now be receiving $5,534 per student.

“If funding had kept up with inflation, the state would now be paying $7,247 per student, a difference of $2,923 per student. Using this year’s FYES enrollment, this represents more than $33.5 million that Michigan has disinvested in higher education,” he added.

Eisler said that while the state continues to encourage more Michigan citizens to complete a college degree, it has transferred much of the financial burden of those degrees to students.

“Had the state funded enrollment growth and increased state support by even the more conservative Consumer Price Index during these past seven years, today our average tuition would be $5,534, an increase of only 2.1 percent since 2001.

“This fall will mark the sixth budget I have set for our university. To date during my presidency we have not received a budget increase. In three of those years I have been forced to make midyear reductions. It is far past time to change the erosion of support for higher education in Michigan. Seven years is too long for the check to be in the mail.”

Anyone interested in reading President Eisler’s entire testimony and reviewing the presented charts may find them at ferris. edu/htmls/administration/president/ house_2008.htm.

Earth Day, celebrated every April 22, was founded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson. The first Earth Day was a 1970 grassroots demonstration that accumulated close to 20 million demonstrators from various schools and communities. It gained momentum after the senator’s invitation for all to participate on behalf of the environment was featured in the New York Times.

Ferris student chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has taken a particular interest in Earth Day as part of its focus on green chemistry and environmental awareness. Along with Ferris Recyclers, the group featured a booth in the Rankin Student Center that offered suggestions about how to reduce your ecological foot print, how to start recycling and other tips on how to “live green.”

ACS also featured a presentation by Dr. Gary Hiel on Thursday about green chemistry.

ACS has been doing events throughout the year about green chemistry. The group featured guest speaker Atilla Pavlath earlier in the year.

Pavlath, former National ACS president and employee of the United States Department of Agriculture, talked about pros and cons of renewable energy technology.

ACS also won the Green Chemistry award at the society’s national conference in New Orleans this year.

“Our chemistry chapter has received green chemistry recognition from the American Chemical Society now for three consecutive years, one of a select number of universities from throughout the country (twenty-five last year) to be so recognized,” said RSO advisor Pasquale Di Raddo.

When asked why ACS had such a vested interest in green chemistry DiRaddo explained, “Several years ago the American Chemical Society, trying to ward off criticisms about the chemical industry’s role in releasing high amounts of chemical byproducts and toxins, began to encourage chemists to discover and develop alternative environmentally friendly approaches to making products as pharmaceuticals and biodegradable plastics.”

The Sustainability Conference on Feb. 27 offered discussion on how the FSU campus and the city of Big Rapids could further encourage a more ecological mindset.

The Michigan Energy Conference discussed whether or not to bring more renewable energy source power providers to the state.

“We believe that the green scene mindset will be around for the foreseeable future because many of this generation of students seem more aware of its critical importance in reducing waste chemicals,” said DiRaddo.

The success of recent events, such as The Big Event, were praised and planned again for next year. But both outgoing President Joe Viviano and Student Government advisor Dr. Daniel Burcham stressed the importance of keeping track of specifics of both old and new events and programs.

As far as what went well or what went wrong for future event planners, Burcham said “We might as well have a checklist.”

Viviano held a long discussion on what events and programs the group would like to continue in the fall. There was not one of the past year’s major expenditures that the group disapproved of, whether it was an event such as the WILL Conference or a service such as free legal counseling provided to students.

One new program that the group is still working on has the organizers hoping it will shine a new light on diversity.

Starting in the fall, a student facilitator training program will begin to train certain students to lead discussions on important issues between students and the campus community. This will be part of a new program from the Student Government diversity committee.

Diversity is one of the things that the General Assembly decided earlier in the semester that they wanted to focus on for the future. Robbie Rankey was absent during that last spring semester meeting, but he has been working on the diversity project and heading up the committee from the beginning.

Rankey, the vice president of Student Government, explained during the previous meeting that he had met with Dr. David Pilgrim and set up meetings outside of the regular Student Government meetings in order to fully outline the diversity plan.

When Rankey met with General Assembly members outside the regular meetings, he said that this was Student Government’s chance to help the campus experience true diversity.

Rankey said that when students did get a chance to discuss issues of diversity during this past year, it was primarily “responsive” discussion, as a result of something either addressed in The Torch or from something someone posted on Facebook.

What the committee is trying to accomplish, he said, is a way to address possible controversy before a controversial event or speaker comes to campus.

An event that Rankey cited was “Why is Your RSO Black,” which resulted from a letter to the editor published in The Torch last fall.

The way the committee has decided to do that is to get students to act as facilitators for those discussions between other students. These facilitators could also head up small discussion groups to follow up any large scale controversial discussion.

After talking with Dr. Pilgrim, Rankey explained that Pilgrim had agreed to design workshops for students to become facilitators. This weekend class would be sort of a “bootcamp on how to lead these discussions,” said Rankey.

Although this is a Student Government plan, Rankey said he hopes the whole campus will be involved, working hand in hand with other student groups and Dr. Eisler, president of Ferris State.

This will be designed as a set of, what he hopes, are productive forums where students will be there for other students to help sort out how they feel about things going on around them. One way the committee hopes to accomplish this is to invite those who have a “vested interest” in the issue, such as the head of those groups involved in an event, said Rankey.

“The thing that excited me,” said Student Government member Iris Everett, “is the training.” Everett continued to say that she believed that people desire to have discussions about issues relevant to their lives “but they don’t know how.”

He made the coffee. He answered the phones and he took pictures. Best of all, he wrote for the news section.

Oh yes, he’s a great writer. I always liked his in-depth writing about nothing or something, even if he turned it in 24 hours after the deadline.

He kept me on my feet when I wanted to sit down. I remember the days he suggested we cover certain events, whether on or off campus, because I overlooked them.

I remember the days he took the initiative to go to certain events, write about it, and tell me about it after it was all said and done.

Regardless of the order he choose to follow, I was always grateful to have him around. I’ll always remember him for the mind blowing office conversations, random facts and his inquisitive spirit.

My favorite line is “Hey Ebony, would you happen to know…” Oh, how I’m going to miss the questions he asked that I never had the answers to.

The news section won’t be the same without him. He is irreplaceable.

So this farewell goes out to Thaddeus Gommesen. As he graduates Ferris State and journeys on his way, I wish him luck.

I wish him many blessings and fun times. May happy moments and heartfelt courage fill his life. As he enters the military after graduation I wish him safety and a feeling of fulfillment.

While I already think he is a great person, I honestly hope he becomes all that he can be. I thank him in advance for fighting for my freedom. I thank him for putting his life on the line so that I may live in peace in this place we call America.

For those of you who didn’t know him personally, he is one of the best news writers to grace the pages of The Ferris State Torch.

His charming personality speaks through his writing and his "I’ll do it" attitude will live on in the Torch office after he’s long gone.

He will be missed.

When you see him around campus these last few days, congratulate him on his success and thank him for having the courage to fight for your freedom.

So Thaddeus, as you make your first footsteps in the real world, don’t forget about us. If you’re ever feeling down or just need a random reason to smile, think about all the good times we’ve shared at the Torch and remember those memories are only a blink away.

Thanks Thaddeus, for all that you did and for all that you will do.

Marijuana Complaint
On April 21 at 10:15 p.m., officers investigated a marijuana complaint. The investigations led to a male student in Brophy hall. The student was referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Stolen Check
On April 21 at 6:20 p.m., there was a report of a theft from a student’s room in Ward hall. The victim reported a stolen check.

Vehicle Damage
On April 21 at 3:25 p.m., officers received a vehicle damaged complaint from lot 47. The hood ornament on the vehicle had been damaged sometime in the previous evening.

Backing Up
On April 21 at 3 p.m., there was a two-car accident in lot 27. Both vehicles were backing up and struck each other.

Egged
On April 21 at 2:30 p.m., there was a report of a damaged vehicle in Finch court. The vehicle had been egged and there is suspicion that something was put in the gas tank.

Checking Handles
On April 20 at 11:05 p.m., a person was spotted checking door handles in lot 4. A warrant was sent to the prosecutor’s office for attempted larceny.

Crazy Ex
On April 18 at 10:10 p.m., officers received a report of a student receiving threatening phone calls. The suspect was a former girlfriend who was referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Mirror broken
On April 19 at 9 p.m., there was a report of a damaged vehicle in lot 4. The mirror of the vehicle had been broken off.

Broken Window
On April 19 at 3:15 a.m., officers received a report of a broken window in the stair well of Vandercook hall. The investigation continues.

Noisy
On April 19 at 2:30 a.m., officers assisted hall staff in Ward hall with a noise complaint. One person was issued an MIP.

Intoxicated
On April 19 at 2 a.m., there was an intoxicated person at Taggart hall. The person was checked by an ambulance due to the level of intoxication at the time. The person refused medical services and was issued an MIP.

Ticketed
On April 18 at 10:30 a.m., officers stopped a vehicle on the sidewalk in front of Brophy hall. The driver was ticketed.

Hit and Run
On April 17 at 10 a.m., there was a hit and run accident in lot 15. The accident had occurred sometime in the previous two hours. The damage was done to the passenger front corner of the vehicle.

Ticket Totals
From April 15 to April 28 public safety identified 481 violators. Each violator was ticketed for a total of $8,250. Actual amount depends on whether the ticket was paid, voided, or reduced.

Vehicle Registration Side Note
Vehicle registration will begin on June 2 at 8 a.m. for those who have a housing assignment for Fall 2008. Students can register online at ferris.edu/ htmls/othersrv/campussafetey. There will be no letters sent out this year.

Awards Ceremony
Today from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Williams Auditorium the Student Leadership and Activities Office will hold its annual Torchbearer Awards Ceremony. The awards recognize the achievements of students, RSOs, and faculty/staff. This event is free and all are encouraged to attend.

SAT
On Saturday, May 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Science 102 the Scholastic Achievement Test will be held. Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Susan Montgomery at x3628 or montgos@1@ferris.edu

Pig-nic
On Saturday, May 3, from noon to 5 p.m. the Office of Multicultural Student Services will hold its annual pig-nic at Hemlock Park. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Andrea Beck at x2617.

Step-show
On Saturday, May 3, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Williams Auditorium the Office of Multicultural Student Services will hold its annual step show. There is a charge and all are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Andrea Beck at x2617.

Spring Concert
On Sunday, May 4, at 4 p.m. at the Big Rapids High School auditorium the Voca Lyrica Women’s Choir will perform. Tickets are $5 at the door and all welcome to attend. For more information, contact Helen Sobers at x3695.

Pancakes
On Monday, May 5, from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at Westview Dining Student Government will sponsor Pancakes with the President. There will be free pancakes and sausage. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Student Government at x2611.

Distinguished Alumni Awards
On Thursday, May 8, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn the Golden Eagle Society Induction class of 1958 will recognize the class of 1968 with awards. The cost is $25 per person. For more information, contact Brandi Behrenwald at x2345.

Summer Registration
On Monday, May 19, students will have a final chance to register for summer classes. For more information, contact the Records Office at x2792.

Summer Classes
On Tuesday, May 20, summer classes will begin on Ferris State campus. For more information, contact the Records Office at x2792.