(231) 591-2365
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Prakken 101
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Ferris State University Faculty and Staff Giving
As a Ferris State employee, you see and encourage the growth of our students every day. When you make a monetary gift, you go above and beyond to empower students and inspire success. By committing to give as little as $3 each pay period, you can make a difference for Bulldog students year-round.
Faculty & staff giving links
Fundraising Event Planning
Faculty and staff members are encouraged to use the following resources to plan their engagement and fundraising activities at Ferris:
The Golden Lanyard Faculty and Staff Giving Program
The Golden Lanyard is a symbol of your commitment to empowering students and inspiring success through your philanthropic support.
It's easy to get involved and participate. Simply make a gift using any of the options described on this page. Faculty and Staff who contribute financially to support Bulldog students will receive a golden lanyard acknowledging their generosity. This program is evergreen, growing alongside your support of scholarships, programs, and everything that makes the Ferris State University experience special. The giving and activity pins currently available as part of the program are detailed below!
Faculty and Staff giving program participation pin - awarded for any giving participation
Fiscal Year leaf pin - awarded for any giving participation in a fiscal year
Faculty and Staff giving program Alumni donor pin - awarded for any giving participation from alumni faculty and staff
One Day for Dawgs team captain pin - awarded for participating as a team captain during One Day for Dawgs
Carillon Tower Pin - awarded for reaching $1,000 lifetime giving
Bulldog Statue Pin - awarded for reaching $5,000 lifetime giving
Old Main Pin - awarded for reaching $10,000 lifetime giving
Woodbridge Statue Pin - awarded for establishing an endowed scholarship
Why the symbol of a Tree?
The Giving Tree is a beacon of the renewing opportunity that Ferris State faculty and staff collectively create for all students of Michigan, all the people in our states, all the time.
The Tree symbol represents empowering education, honoring generosity, and building community support around the causes that bring people together. The philanthropy of our donors, supporters, and volunteers provides growth and sustainable support to generations of Bulldog leaders. Our collective efforts reinforce the founding principles of this storied institution and nourish the trailblazing vision of Ferris State University.
Recently popularized in modern media by Shel Silverstein’s children’s book of the same name, the symbol of a Tree or Giving Tree has long represented philanthropic values. Abundant cultural references utilize the Tree to encompass interconnectedness, nurturing behavior, giving, renewal, and growth.
Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism include references to sacred trees. While the concept of the “Tree of Life” prominently appears in Norse mythology, Christianity, Judaism, and many more religions around the world. Traditional values like wisdom, giving, spiritual growth, renewal, and togetherness often accompany these depictions of the symbolic Tree.
We believe the Tree strongly symbolizes the sustained growth and nurturing investments in the future of our students that Ferris State faculty and staff make every day. Our Bulldog family tree is made even stronger when our community collectively impacts students through volunteering and giving. The symbol of the Tree strongly aligns with the university’s core values of collaboration, ethical community, and opportunity.
We hope you’ll join us in empowering students, inspiring success, and amplifying Ferris State University’s mission of preparing students for successful careers, responsible citizenship and lifelong learning.
Contact Us
Jennifer Yontz-Barger
Annual Giving Manager
(231) 591-3817
[email protected]
Ben Withey
Advancement Communications Specialist
(231) 591-3835
[email protected]