Significant changes are fast-approaching for Laura Gooseberry, a Negaunee native,
who will depart Ferris State University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Health
Care Systems Administration, following Fall 2017 Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 16,
in Big Rapids. Shortly thereafter, she begins her required internship with Henry Ford
Health System’s Office of Clinical Quality and Safety, in Detroit.
"I am excited to receive this real-world experience since you can only study concepts for so long," Gooseberry said. "It is especially nice that this opportunity with HFHS will fold into my minor, which is Lean Health Care. This will help broaden my internship experience and I believe it will boost my employment prospects."
Gooseberry received an Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship earlier this year, and also earned a Crimson Scholarship, as she came to Ferris, in 2014, based on her academic successes at Negaunee High School.
"Both of these awards, from the university, have been super important," Gooseberry said. "It has alleviated some of the stress I might expect from trying to secure loans and other resources to meet my expenses each semester."
Laura's mother, Sue, received her Associate of Applied Sciences degree from Ferris' Medical Records program, in 1985, and her father, Bill, earned his AAS in Marketing, in 1986, from the College of Business. This family affiliation qualified her to apply for the Legacy Scholarship, which was approved following a review by the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Gooseberry has also focused on academic excellence during her time at 
Ferris, as she has made the College of Health Professions dean's list each semester
she has been on campus.
“My degree requires that I complete two internships,” she said. “This opportunity with Henry Ford Health Systems is all-encompassing and will give me exposure to their efforts to reduce waste and improve processes.”
Gooseberry has also been a Ferris student employee, having spent her last 10 months on campus as a member of Annual Giving’s “Phone-A-Thon” team.
“It has opened my eyes to consider my educational experience as I speak with alumni who have told me about the changes they have gone through in their careers,” Gooseberry said. “They are often excited to relate stories about the Ferris that they knew and to learn of how the campus and the university are evolving.”
Gooseberry wore her cap and gown along with a cord that will now be available to each Ferris graduate as they approach their commencement and life as a Bulldog alumna or alumnus.
“I was encouraged to buy a cord at Grad Fair,” she said. “I thought about it, and since I have actively tried to encourage alumni to support the university, maybe I should consider myself a part of that group, now. I felt since I have gained so much through my experiences here, I should be open to joining the effort and begin my own efforts to support Ferris. Every little bit of support helps the university.”
As a graduate of the College of Health Professions, Gooseberry participated in Fall 2017 commencement ceremonies the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 16. She will move on from the familiarity of the Ferris campus to new experiences in the city of Detroit, and its surrounding metropolitan area.
“I feel like many college graduates are nervous since graduation presents a big change
in our lifestyles,” Gooseberry said. “I find that I am excited by the variety of entertainment
choices that will be coming my way. This is bringing me to the next step, trying to
find a job and begin my career. I’m looking forward to all of it.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Laura Gooseberry, a 2017 graduate of Ferris State University’s College of Health Professions, is shown in her cap, gown and student philanthropy cords, prior to Fall 2017 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 16. Gooseberry will complete her Health Care Systems Administration requirements with an internship in the Office of Clinical Quality and Safety with Henry Ford Health Care, in Detroit. The top photo was taken prior to commencement while the second was taken at commencement, on Dec. 16.