Arlen-Dean Gaddy
Eager to help lead The Ferris Foundation’s wide-ranging philanthropic work in moving Ferris forward will be Arlen-Dean Gaddy and Jenifer Cutter as chair and chair-elect, respectively, of the board of directors.
Both based in Grand Rapids, Gaddy, vice president of Erhardt Construction, and Cutter, regional manager of AHC Hospitality, are among six executive board members and 22 directors at the heart of The Ferris Foundation’s goals, service that dates back to its 1991 start, supporting Ferris’ mission.
“I am thankful for the confidence The Ferris Foundation Board has shown by electing me to serve as board chair,” Gaddy said. “I look forward to leading the partnership between The Ferris Foundation Board and the university in this new role. Together, we will work to continue to make a difference in the lives of our students, faculty and the entire Ferris State University community.”
Cutter, a Class of 2000 graduate of Ferris’ College of Business, was more recently appointed to The Ferris Foundation’s Board of Directors in December 2021 and is rising fast in a group charged with receiving, investing and distributing endowment gifts that provide perpetual support for Ferris. The directors’ mission is generating and managing private support, and Cutter is enthusiastic about this opportunity.
Jenifer Cutter
“Joining The Ferris Foundation Board has been an impactful experience in so many ways. Having the opportunity to make a deep impact for current and future Ferris students while carrying out the mission to share and expand upon the university’s exceptional attributes and successes is incredibly rewarding,” Cutter said. “I am both honored and humbled to be voted in as chair-elect to help lead The Ferris Foundation; I am eager to continue the critical work necessary to keep moving Ferris forward.”
The Ferris Foundation supports faculty and staff work through its merit grant program and student success through opportunity endowed scholarships. Its two major annual events are The Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit and the Growing Opportunity Celebration. This spring, Growing Opportunity is Wednesday, May 10, at Secchia Piazza in Grand Rapids, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit will occur at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids on Friday, Nov. 10, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The two signature events are part of The Ferris Foundation’s mission of greater support and access to higher education. During fiscal year 2022, The Ferris Foundation awarded 2,478 scholarships totaling $2.4 million to support 1,048 students.
Kathy Mullins, vice president for University Advancement and Marketing and interim executive director of The Ferris Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the leadership Gaddy and Cutter will provide.
“This is an exciting time for Ferris State University and for The Ferris Foundation,” Mullins said. “Arlen and Jen are strategic community leaders that are committed to championing and elevating the mission of Ferris State University, and I am thrilled to be partnering with them in this important work.”
The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors includes community, business, professional and industry leaders, a Board of Trustee liaison, alumni and current faculty and staff members.
For more information about The Ferris Foundation, Growing Opportunity and Benefit and how to support any of Ferris’ many causes and programs, visit the website.