Ferris State University Vice President for Student Affairs, Jeanine Ward-Roof (third
from the left) is shown here accepting the award on behalf of the university.
LANSING, Mich. – Ferris State University was among numerous college advocates, from across the state, recognized at the sixth annual conference for the Michigan College Access Network. As part of the conference, the College Access Impact Awards dinner was hosted, in Lansing, on Tuesday, March 8. Eight award categories highlighted the hard work and dedication of 22 individuals and organizations.
The Beacon Award recognizes those individuals and organizations that strengthen success through partnerships. Ferris earned MCAN’s Beacon Award for its philosophical and financial support of MCAN’s mission and activities through the AdviseMI program. AdviseMI has placed trained, near-peer college advisers in high schools that serve significant numbers of low-income and first-generation college-going students. The program’s goal is to increase the number of high school students who enter and complete postsecondary education. Advisers are recent college graduates from the partner institutions.
In all, the Beacon Award was presented to 12 partner colleges from AdviseMI, including: Alma College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris, Grand Valley State University, Madonna University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Michigan-Flint, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University.
“Every one of the individuals and organizations recognized from this year’s awards have played a vital role sparking change statewide and in their communities,” said Brandy Johnson, executive director of MCAN. “We know one of the most successful drivers for people is to hear personal accounts of perseverance when it comes to higher education. This year’s award-winners are a fantastic group of individuals and organizations who are on the ground and working to drive change by increasing the number of Michigan residents with postsecondary degrees and certificates in our state.”
MCAN’s mission is to increase college readiness, participation and completion rates
in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going
students and students of color. For more information, visit the MCAN website. Interested people may also find the MCAN Facebook page.
FULL PHOTO CAPTION: Representatives from the 12 AdviseMI partner colleges accept their
Beacon Awards. Pictured from left to right are:
Craig Aimar, assistant vice president of enrollment and director of admissions at
Alma College; Don Loppnow, interim president at Eastern Michigan University; Jeanine
Ward-Roof, vice president for student affairs at Ferris State University; Thomas Speakman,
director of admissions at Central Michigan University; Gayle Davis, provost and executive
vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Valley State University;
Mark Schroeder, director of admissions at Madonna University; Dawn Aubry, director
of admissions at Oakland University; Ray Metz, vice president for enrollment management
and student life at University of Michigan Dearborn; Jennifer Paul, director of admissions
at Saginaw Valley State University; Christopher Tremblay, associate provost for enrollment
management at Western Michigan University; Chris Waters, associate provost and dean
of undergraduate studies at University of Michigan Flint; Mark Jackson, director of
the APEX scholars program at Wayne State University; Brandy Johnson, MCAN executive
director; and Dan Hurley, CEO of the Michigan Association of State Universities.