Michael J. Van Diepenbos
Michael J. Van Diepenbos, of Cascade, is rolling up his sleeves and getting to work as he settles into his role as an appointee to The Ferris Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Van Diepenbos, senior vice president and the group manager of Comerica Bank’s business banking practice for the west and southwest Michigan regions, was officially approved for the appointment by Ferris State University’s Board of Trustees in December 2022 in Big Rapids. A Ferris alumnus, Van Diepenbos earned an associate degree in Architectural Technology from the College of Engineering Technology in 1987. Soon after, in 1989, he moved to the College of Business and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Van Diepenbos continued his education at Western Michigan University, where he was awarded a Master of Business Administration with a Finance concentration in 1994.
With a service mindset, Van Diepenbos joins a board of individuals committed to securing and administering financial support for students, faculty and staff.
“It’s a tremendous honor to join The Ferris Foundation Board, and I’m grateful to work with so many talented community leaders as we seek to advance the mission of Ferris State University,” Van Diepenbos said. “Preparing our students for lifelong success is the responsibility of all who serve our university. Our Bulldog students, faculty and staff are at the center of the Foundation’s work, and I’m proud to assist in creating the positive change that is Ferris State University.”
An engaged alumnus, Van Diepenbos joined Ferris’ Alumni Association in 2012. He is its immediate past president. In the Alumni Association, he has chaired its Legacy Scholarship program, was on its Distinguished Alumni and Pacesetter Awards Committee, and served eight years as an executive committee officer. In 2016, Van Diepenbos co-founded the Ferris State University Grand Rapids Council and has been a co-chair since. The Council consists of business and community leaders who have raised more than $500,000 to support scholarships for Ferris students from Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties.
Kathy Mullins, vice president for University Advancement and Marketing and interim executive director of The Ferris Foundation, welcomes Van Diepenbos’ appointment. Mullins, who has strong West Michigan ties coming to Ferris in December 2022 from Grand Rapids Community College, is familiar with Van Diepenbos’ past work and enthusiastic about what he will do in the future supporting Ferris students, faculty and staff of a university now led by President Bill Pink.
“I am thrilled that Mike has joined the Ferris State University Foundation Board of Directors,” Mullins said. “As an alum and community leader, he brings expertise and energy to the board that will serve our students and community well. This is an exciting time at Ferris State University with many positive changes on the horizon as Dr. Pink continues to move Ferris forward at record speed, and Mike is just the Bulldog to keep pace.”
Van Diepenbos’ West Michigan activism includes serving on the Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School Board, where he chaired its finance committee for years. He is also a St. Paul the Apostle Church member and has served as a member of the pastoral committee and finance committee chair. He was an adjunct tax and accounting professor at Grand Valley State University. In addition, Van Diepenbos has served as a Junior Achievement instructor and a Grand Rapids Public Schools tutor.
Van Diepenbos lives in Cascade and has been married to his wife, Liz, for more than 30 years. The couple has two adult children, Eric and Sarah.