The Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit will be held Friday, Nov. 4 from 5:30
to 9:30 p.m. in the Steelcase Ballroom of the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand
Rapids. Alumna Dana King will be keynote speaker, joined by President Bill Pink.
In its fourth decade, The Ferris Foundation continues its pursuit of endowment gifts as a source of perpetual support for Ferris State University. On Friday, Nov. 4, alumna Dana King will be the keynote speaker for the 2022 Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit, which begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Steelcase Ballroom of DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids.
Associate Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of The Ferris Foundation Bob Murray said King’s vivid interests and efforts on behalf of her alma mater made her an obvious choice to speak at this annual celebration.
“We asked Dana, a great contributor of her time and talent to the Foundation Board of Directors and the fundraising cabinet for the new Jim Crow Museum, Archive, and Research Facility, to offer her thoughts to our supporters at the Benefit,” Murray said. “We are so happy to honor an amazing alumna and celebrate our success.”
Dana King
King received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Ferris during its Spring 2022 commencement exercises. She has had a distinguished career as a nationally-known broadcast journalist who transitioned to an award-winning career in classical figurative sculpture. In addition to King, Murray noted that President Bill Pink, who is in his first year leading Ferris, will be a highlighted speaker at the Nov. 4 event.
A focus on how the Foundation impacts students will be highlighted in displays from corporate sponsors and university departments to review during the reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. before the program starts.
Murray said sponsorship opportunities continue through Friday, Oct. 21, with a range of ticket purchase options for individuals and groups. He noted a special ticket rate for Ferris faculty, staff and emeriti.
“Interest from faithful and newfound businesses and corporations are a key element to each Benefit’s success,” Murray said. “We look forward to sharing our vision for Ferris and its future with our guests that evening.”
Established in 1991, The Ferris Foundation receives, invests and distributes endowment gifts, which provide a source of perpetual support for the university. The Opportunity Endowed Scholarship and faculty and staff merit grants are key components of The Ferris Foundation’s efforts.