The Ferris Foundation in Grand Rapids
Ferris State University’s Grand Rapids Advancement office provides the vision, leadership,
and management for fundraising efforts in West Michigan. The office brings together
university partners to strategically develop funding models and cohesive messaging
to share with the community. Barbara Benda ([email protected]), Executive Director of Leadership Gifts and Relationships Grand Rapids Region and Associate
Director of The Ferris Foundation, leads this effort in partnership with the Ferris Grand Rapids Council.
Ferris Grand Rapids Council
The vision of the council is to build a robust Bulldog community that ensures every
area student has an accessible pathway to a Ferris education and a successful career.
A group of dedicated volunteers, the council collaborates with the Ferris Foundation
to cultivate Bulldog Pride, support Ferris' economic impact, and increase educational
opportunity in the Grand Rapids area.
Ferris State University in Grand Rapids
In Grand Rapids, Ferris State University meets students “where they are”. Beyond traditional
college recruitment, Ferris Grand Rapids works with under-connected and under-represented
communities: listening, identifying needs, and finding partners.
Since 1991, Ferris Grand Rapids has been building these bridges for the educational and professional achievement of current and future students while cultivating a vibrant and supportive community around them. This important work is not done alone, in a vacuum. Our work engages partner organizations that in turn make our programming more robust and valuable to students.
Ferris State University has laid institutional foundations in Grand Rapids for many years. Moving forward, our work will focus on our strengths:
- Ferris Grand Rapids will address financial barriers with comprehensive scholarship
development. Ferris Grand Rapids will cultivate a welcoming and inclusive outreach
to diverse populations, meeting students of all backgrounds and walks of life “where
they are”.
- Ferris Grand Rapids will echo the larger university’s commitment to graduating students
who are ready to work, emphasizing hands-on experiences and real-world skills. Through
collaboration and community partnerships today, we will offer our students and the
larger Grand Rapids community a head start on the agility and scholarship to adapt
for tomorrow.
- Ferris Grand Rapids will remain a community of learners. Collaborating in meaningful ways is dependent on the humility to acknowledge that no person or institution has all the answers. Ferris Grand Rapids is unencumbered by the restrictions of a conventional institution. Instead, we are a living, adaptive organization that is very comfortable in ambiguous space.
Dawg Catcher Fall Service Project
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Highland Park
700 College NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The Ferris Grand Rapids Council and the Ferris Foundation invite you to the Third
Annual Ferris Grand Rapids Council Fall Service Project at Highland Park! Bring your
family to join in promoting Bulldog Pride by giving back to our West Michigan community.
This event is an opportunity to come together, enjoy the outdoors and give back while
representing Ferris State University
The park has a playground and splash pad. Bring the kids for a day of giving back and fun. All Bulldogs and Bulldogs-to-be are welcome to the Dawg Catcher event! QUestions? Click the link below, or email Barbara Benda ([email protected]), Executive Director of Leadership Gifts and Relationships Grand Rapids Region and Associate Director of The Ferris Foundation
For more information, click here.
Growing Opportunity: A Partner Celebration
May 11, 2022
Each year, the Ferris Grand Rapids Council hosts its signature fundraiser to highlight and honor the local successes of Ferris State University and its students in Grand Rapids. Proceeds from the event benefit college scholarships to local students through the West Michigan Opportunity Scholarship.
For more information or to become a Growing Opportunity Sponsor, visit the event website.
Alumni Events
View all alumni events
West Michigan Opportunity Scholarship
In the West Michigan area, there are talented students who have dire need, but aren't
eligible for scholarships because they come in just under the usual scholarship GPA.
The West Michigan Opportunity Scholarship broadens scholarship availability beyond
those who are already high-achieving, creating a base of support for West Michigan
Ferris State University students to succeed. Support this scholarship online.
Selected Partnerships and Locations
Richard Antonini II (Co-Chair)
Partner, Plante Moran
Ferris State University: Accounting
LinkedIn
Dan Bailey
VP/Project Executive, Rockford Construction
Ferris State University: Construction Technology & Management
LinkedIn
Wayne Bersano
Agent, New York Life Insurance Company
Ferris State University: Hospitality Administration/Management
LinkedIn
Chuck Christmas
EVP - Chief Financial Officer, Mercantile Bank of Michigan
Ferris State University: Accounting
LinkedIn
Mary E. Dale
Global Vice President of Human Resources, Convivial Brands
Ferris State University: Applied Speech Communications
LinkedIn
Jean K. Elder
CEO and Senior Partner, J.K. Elder and Associates
Ferris Foundation Board of Directors
Ferris State University: Honorary Doctorate, A&S D. Pub Srv
University of Michigan: Development Psychology, Education, Organizational Development
LinkedIn
Mary Anne Jones
CFO and SVP of Operations, Priority Health
Ferris State University: Accounting
LinkedIn
Susan K. Jones
Professor of Marketing, Ferris State University
Ferris Foundation Board of Directors
Northwestern University: Advertising, Political Science
LinkedIn
Andrew Kapanowski
Real Estate Sales Specialist, NAI Wisinski of West Michigan
Ferris State University: Business Administration
Brad Laackman
President & CEO, Honor Construction
Ferris State University: Construction Management
LinkedIn
Andy Maier
Vice President Of Business Development, Freshwater Digital
Ferris State University: Business Administration/Advertising
LinkedIn
Evvia Marshall
Sr. Consumer Insight Analyst, Priority Health
Ferris State University: Computer Information Systems
LinkedIn
Drew Mayer
Account Manager, Trace3
Ferris State University: Business, Management, Marketing and Sales
LinkedIn
Paola Mendivil
Owner, El Granjero
Ferris State University: Business Administration
LinkedIn
Andy O'Brien
Benefits Consultant, Axios Incorporated
Ferris State University: Business Marketing
LinkedIn
David Pagan
Security Police, Spectrum Health
Arbor Circle and Bethany Youth/Social Work
Ferris State University: Criminal Justice
Laura Smith
Director - Account Management, VisiQuate, Inc
Ferris State University: Project Management
LinkedIn
Betsey Spayde RPh
Property Manager and Owner, FMG Properties, LLC
Ferris State University: Pharmacy
LinkedIn
Mike Van Diepenbos (Co-Chair)
Group Manager – Business Banking, Comerica Bank
Ferris State University: Business Administration
LinkedIn
Carolina Puerta-Estevez
Talent Acquisition Advisor, Corporate
Human Resources,Acrisure
Ferris State University: Public Relations
LinkedIn
