In 1998, the Ferris State Alumni Association established the Pacesetter Award to recognize individuals who demonstrate leadership and service to their professions, community, service organizations and alma mater, and who, when nominated, have graduated within the previous 13 years. Congratulations to our 2024 Ferris State Alumni Association Pacesetter Award Winners.
Andrew Kalinowski
Andrew Kalinowski
Andrew Kalinowski graduated Ferris State University with bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and PGA Professional Golf Management in 2015. He currently serves as vice president at CIM Group and has played a pivotal role in supporting infrastructure projects valued at more than $5 billion, with a focus on renewable energy, sustainability and data. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Altior Healthcare, leading initiatives that expanded access to mental health services for young adults, and in leadership roles at venture-backed organization Keeta, Deloitte, and Ernst & Young, where he managed financial operations for companies with revenues up to $72 billion.
Kalinowski is a member of multiple professional organizations, and holds CPA and CMA certifications. He has served as President of the Grand Rapids Young Professionals and on the board of the Santa Monica Pico Neighborhood Association, where he advocated for the welfare of more than 13,000 residents. His leadership has helped shape organizations and foster professional development, volunteerism, and community engagement, particularly for young and emerging business leaders.
Beyond his professional career, Kalinowski is deeply committed to community service. He has provided pro-bono consulting to minority-owned businesses and economically disadvantaged communities through Grand Rapids Opportunity for Women and Spring GR. A board member of The Ferris Foundation, he established the Kalinowski Family Leadership Endowed Scholarship to support future leaders.
Samantha Rosen
Samantha Rosen
Dr. Samantha Rosen is a pediatric optometrist with Corewell Health’s Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Ophthalmology. A 2015 graduate of Ferris State University with a Doctorate in Optometry, she went on to complete a competitive pediatric optometry residency at Illinois College of Optometry. As the first optometrist hired by Corewell Health, Rosen has played a pioneering role in establishing and growing pediatric eye care within the hospital system. Her expertise in managing medically complex cases and her commitment to patient care have earned her a place among the top 10 percent of hospital providers in patient satisfaction rankings.
Rosen is an active member of the Michigan Optometric Association and has participated in its Leadership Training Program, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She is a national speaker on pediatric eye care and has published articles in optometry journals, furthering the education of her peers. Her efforts to improve collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology within the medical field are paving the way for a more integrated approach to eye care, particularly in pediatric settings.
In addition to her clinical work, Rosen is dedicated to shaping the future of her profession. She is developing the first optometry residency program at Corewell Health, in partnership with Ferris State’s Michigan College of Optometry. Her passion for education and mentorship is evident in her work with students and residents as she strives to expand access to pediatric eye care.
Anthony Sesto
Anthony Sesto
Dr. Anthony Sesto is lead optometrist and owner of Normandy Optical in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. A 2016 graduate of Ferris State University with a Doctorate in Optometry, he has transformed his practice since purchasing it in 2017, expanding to eight locations and adding 10 doctors to the team. Sesto specializes in fitting contact lenses for patients with corneal diseases and dystrophies, significantly improving their quality of life. His contributions to the field include founding the Michigan Optical Laboratory to enhance the quality and efficiency of eyeglass lens production for his patients.
In addition to his professional success, Sesto is a committed member of the Michigan Optometric Association, serving on committees and as a Michigan liaison for Vision Service Plan, where he helps develop policies to improve patient care. He also consults for Eyefinity Practice Management and serves as an adjunct faculty member at Ferris State’s Michigan College of Optometry, where he mentors fourth-year optometry students, sharing his expertise in specialty contact lenses.
Beyond his professional achievements, Sesto is deeply engaged in community service. He launched the “Power of Sight” program in celebration of Normandy Optical’s 75th anniversary, providing free eye exams and glasses to community members in need. As a board member of the Ferris State Alumni Association, Sesto stays connected to his alma mater and supports its continued success.
2024 Pacesetter Video Spotlight
