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.
Luke Edington
Luke Edington, President of 3DXTech Additive Manufacturing, has built a distinguished career in plastics engineering and additive manufacturing, leveraging a foundation established at Ferris State University. A 2014 graduate of the Plastics Engineering Technology program, Edington began his professional journey at Gentex Corporation in Zeeland, where he quickly advanced from engineer to manager, leading a team of 80 and implementing initiatives from 3D printing capabilities to large-scale manufacturing relocations. His hands-on Ferris education prepared him to excel in these complex roles from day one.
Following his tenure at Gentex, Edington contributed his expertise at Royal Technologies and as a manufacturing consultant at Plante Moran, providing guidance to organizations worldwide. His pragmatic, solutions-focused approach — rooted in his Ferris experience — enabled him to deliver measurable impact for clients, while earning an MBA to further strengthen his ability to communicate and lead across diverse teams. Edington joined 3DXTech as Director of Operations, quickly achieving early success in developing organizational systems to support growth. Today, as President, he draws upon his cumulative professional experiences and Ferris State foundations to drive innovation and operational excellence in additive manufacturing.
A dedicated Bulldog, Edington has served on the Ferris State Alumni Association Board of Directors for over a decade and advises the ITM program. Beyond his professional work, he contributes to the West Michigan community through volunteering and support for organizations including the West Michigan Mental Health Foundation, Family Promise of West Michigan, Gilda's Club, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and Kids Food Basket.
Edington credits Ferris State University for instilling the values of determination, hands-on problem-solving and impact-driven leadership that have shaped his career and personal life. He and his wife, Lauren, a NICU nurse, continue to support the communities and causes they cherish, exemplifying the enduring influence of a Ferris State education.
Taylor Goldthwait
Taylor Goldthwait is a Project Manager at Granger Construction and has distinguished herself as a leader in the construction industry while advancing diversity and inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated field. A 2018 graduate of Ferris State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Goldthwait entered the profession equipped with a rigorous, hands-on education that prepared her to lead complex projects with confidence and precision.
Born and raised in Big Rapids, Goldthwait cultivated a strong sense of community and work ethic early in life. At Ferris, she benefited from transformative mentorship, most notably through the CARE program and Professor William Gasper, which guided her toward construction management and instilled the confidence to excel in her chosen path. Graduating as the only female in her cohort and the first woman in her family to earn a college degree, she set a precedent for future generations.
Goldthwait joined Granger Construction as a project engineer following a successful internship, quickly earning promotion to Project Manager. Over seven years, she has managed approximately $100 million in higher education construction projects, including Ferris State University's Center for Athletic Performance, Alumni Building Renovation, Early Learning Center and the Top Taggart Residence Hall. Her leadership combines technical expertise, strategic planning and mentorship, fostering both team success and individual growth.
Beyond her professional achievements, Goldthwait remains dedicated to giving back to Ferris and the construction management community. She serves as Vice President of the Construction Management Alumni Network, leading initiatives to support students, raise scholarship funds and expand professional development opportunities. Committed to mentoring young women and advocating for equity in the trades, she exemplifies the impact of a Ferris State education in shaping capable, socially responsible leaders.