Ferris State University Department of Public Safety Director Bruce BorkovichThe “Friend of the Torch Award” was created by Ferris State Torch student staff members, in 2017-18, to honor an individual outside of the Torch who regularly displays a willingness to support the efforts of the student newspaper. That support may come in assisting staff members or advocating on behalf of the publication, among other things.
Ferris State University Director of Public Safety Bruce Borkovich, who has served as the chief of police on campus since 2013, is the second recipient of the “Friend of the Torch Award.”
“Whether he is doing an interview with us or giving us story ideas, I can always count on Chief Borkovich to be transparent and helpful. Without his help, the Torch would struggle to cover some significant campus events, and our coverage wouldn’t be as thorough,” said Megan Lewton, the 2018-19 Torch editor-in-chief. Lewton has also served as news editor and as a news reporter for the Torch.
The staff noted that Borkovich is one of the most critical sources of information for Torch reporters and that he has made himself available to meet with Torch staff members.
“Chief Borkovich makes everything easier by always making himself available to sit down for an interview, even on short notice. He’s enthusiastically helped with any story or problem I’ve ever come to him with. His willingness to communicate has led to better coverage and a more transparent campus for everyone,” said Grant Siddall, a 2017-19 Torch news reporter.
The inaugural recipient of the “Friend of the Torch Award,” in 2018, was photographer Kevin McDermott.