2018 Alumni Success Stories

The founder and curator of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum recently brought his newest exhibit to the David L. Eisler Center as Ferris State University opened its 2018 Black History Month Celebration with that display and a presentation by Ferris alumnus Khalid el-Hakim.

In what he described as a “perfect storm” of circumstances, Ferris State University alumnus and Big Rapids native Adam Stirn operated a Zamboni in Gangneung, South Korea as part of a team of six ice technicians who were selected to work at the hockey venue for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

An alumnus of Ferris State University’s Marketing program has been named the first “Friend of the Torch,” as the staff of the award-winning student newspaper created the honor to express its thanks for photographer Kevin McDermott’s contributions to its publication and coverage abilities.

Larry Johnson. a 2010 graduate of Ferris State University’s Master of Criminal Justice Police Administration, joined with Michigan State Police Director Kriste Kibbey Etue and nine other initial appointees to form the School Safety Task Force.

Jon Mandrell, a graduate of Ferris State University's Doctorate in Community College Leadership program, has assumed the presidency of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Kimberly Koster, who earned her Criminal Justice Administration Master of Science degree from Ferris State University in 2005, has become the first woman to serve as the city of Wyoming's chief of police and fire services.

1993 Criminal Justice alumnus Kevin Salter is on familiar ground as he continues his law enforcement career as police chief with the Flint Township Police Department.

Alumni Kari Sederburg and Kurt Hofman have been appointed to the Ferris State University Board of Trustees, bringing a broad range of firsthand experiences to the Board about the difference a Ferris education can make for students and their futures.

JW Marriott Grand Rapids has promoted Ferris State University alumna Becky Oldani from general manager of Ruth’s Chris Steak House Grand Rapids to director of food and beverage for the hotel.

Gerald Vincke, who was recently installed as bishop of the Salina, Kansas diocese of the Catholic Church, said even during his earliest pursuits as a student at Ferris State University there was a foretaste of what would become his life’s calling.