Warren HensonAn alumnus of Ferris State University’s Applied Speech Communication and Criminal Justice Administration programs will offer his thoughts on competition, community and the importance of education Tuesday, Oct. 1 as the Sports Speakers Series debuts for the 2019-20 academic year.
Sports Communication Program Director Sandy Alspach, a professor of Communication, said Warren Henson’s “Saving Lives Through Sports” story is one of perseverance. Henson will speak at 6 p.m. in the Interdisciplinary Resource Center, room 120.
“Warren came to Ferris, with plans to earn his bachelor’s in Criminal Justice,” Alspach said. “He had struggled to develop as a college student and accepted the suggestion that he consider a new program. After finding his bearings and learning to be successful in the ASC program, the School of Criminal Justice accepted Warren and he earned his Master of Science degree. It really speaks to the founders’ mission at Ferris, that there was a willingness to work with Warren, so that he could achieve his goals. He is a great representative of the university.”
Sponsors for Henson’s presentation include the Sports Careers registered student organization, the Lambda Alpha Epsilon Criminal Justice fraternity and the Sports Communication and Criminal Justice programs. Alspach said Warren’s talk is free and open to the public and will serve as a chance to meet and support Ferris’ men’s and women’s basketball teams, who will be in attendance.
“He is a federal probation officer and the coach of FA Heat, a Flint-area AAU basketball team that competes nationally,” Alspach said. “Warren has been able to help young men save their lives, by being a leader and mentor, when they could very well go either way. This is also a chance to show Ferris’ basketball teams some support before they head into their preseason and schedules that go on to the ‘Heart to Heart, Hand in Hand’ charity game, in April, which supports Area 5 Special Olympics.”
Alspach said the Sports Speaker Series continues in January 2020 with a Ferris alumni speaking each month of the spring semester.
“We have alumni working in a wide variety of sports-related disciplines, but not all of our speakers found their opportunities or career paths taking a direct relationship with sports,” Alspach said. “The skillset developed by Sports Communication students is valuable in a number of professions.”
Anyone with a disability who wishes to attend a Sports Speaker Series presentation can contact Alspach by email or by calling (231) 591-2779.