PHOTO CAPTIONS: Six hundred and fifty-five students, among 950 total graduates this
month, were registered to participate in the Fall 2018 commencement ceremonies that
were hosted on Saturday, Dec. 15 in Big Rapids.
Stories of perseverance and opportunity were offered as watchwords to Class of 2018 graduates as Ferris State University hosted its fall commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 15 in Big Rapids. Nine hundred fifty students completed their degrees and certificates as the Fall 2018 semester concluded, and 655 in that group registered to participate in Saturday’s ceremonies.
The morning session honored graduates from the colleges of Business and Health Professions.
The afternoon session recognized graduates of the colleges of Arts, Sciences and Education,
Education and Human Services, Engineering Technology and the Doctorate in Community
College Leadership program. Ferris President David Eisler offered greetings to the
graduates in the morning and afternoon sessions, urging them to pause during the celebration
and reflect on their accomplishment.
“The collective efforts of many people have contributed to your success,” Eisler said. “They care about you, as a person, and for the success you will achieve on your chosen career path.”
Eisler offered the afternoon session graduates, their families and supporters stories of Class of 2018 members who demonstrated tenacity in overcoming personal struggles to achieve their goal of earning degrees. Brendan Lauinger, of Fenton, was in foster care and credited the Ferris Youth Initiative with helping set his course to persevere and complete his studies in Plastics Engineering Technology. Sierra Mosley, of Oak Park, saw Ferris’ Biology program as her opportunity to follow a lifelong dream and career path, choosing to attend the university from among several prospective institutions. Mosley was an active member of Standing in the Gap and the African Student Union, Ferris registered student organizations.
“With talent, determination and commitment, each of you can achieve extraordinary things,” Eisler said.
Saturday's afternoon session marked the first fall commencement ceremony where graduates of the Doctorate in Community College Leadership program participated with more than 20 from the faculty and staff of Harper College in Palatine, Illinois visiting Big Rapids to receive their hoods.