Ferris State President Bill Pink is shown here kicking off a busy 2023 Founders' Day
celebration with a dedication of the new Center for Virtual Learning on the Big Rapids
campus. As part of Founders' Day, President Pink hosted the annual president's address
to discuss the state of the University.
Ferris State University will continue looking for ways to connect with potential students across Michigan, working with partners in 20 community colleges and specialized Student Success Hubs in five locations.
“If we are going to stay relevant and we are going to be responsive, we will need to listen to these communities and deliver what they need,” Ferris State President Bill Pink said during an annual Founders’ Day address. “That is the collaboration that brings results, rather than presenting a slate of programs chosen by Ferris, which are ineffective for their local goals.”
Pink’s address was one of several activities for students, employees and community members at the Aug. 31 event.
Pink highlighted the Student Success Hubs being developed through the university’s Extended and International Operations unit, where community colleges will have Ferris State staff pursuing cooperative goals from their bases in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, Kalamazoo and Traverse City.
“I never want to lose that presence and collaboration with our community college partners,” Pink said. “We are glad to be known for that across the state and will continue that commitment.”
The president acknowledged local responses brought to the Traverse City hub’s contacts may be vastly different than those in Detroit.
“These are important conversations on what do we need to do, what our presence should look like,” Pink said. “It is a significant matter for each of these hubs, which includes being contributors to the success of the largest community in the state.”
Pink acknowledged the Big Rapids campus’ presence regionally as the only state university positioned to serve Mecosta, Osceola and Lake counties.
“I feel a sense of responsibility to support the people around us in collaboration with the industry that is here,” Pink said. “That includes a commitment to the ‘ALICE’ (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) people of these three areas. They are not, for obvious reasons, after an Associate of Applied Sciences or Bachelor of Science degree. They are looking for learning that will help them better feed their families. Our Career and Professional Development office, part of Extended and International Operations, can be the very answer to benefit the people around us, every day.”
A gathering of Ferris State’s students, employees, and the Big Rapids community followed in pristine late summer conditions as the annual Founders Day Extravaganza was held on the Robinson Quad.
A new addition well received by the bold of heart was a zip line, acquired by the Bulldog Beginnings committee. Jeremy Zimmer, a senior in the Digital Animation and Game Design program from Wyoming, went up the steps and safely returned to the quad rapidly.
“It was really fast,” Zimmer said. “I felt the rush.”
Zimmer also enjoyed engaging with Crimson and Gold registered student organizations,
community nonprofits and other university operations who offered giveaway items and
outreach along the quad’s walkways.
“It is a lot of fun coming out to the Quad instead of sitting around,” Zimmer said.
“I get to meet new people and really enjoy those experiences.”
The talk was refined but welcoming at a sun-drenched table serving as the base for the Ferris State Debate Team.
Seth Brott, a Howard City native, balances studies in Information Security and Intelligence with presidency in the Information Security and Intelligence Association student group and vice presidency of the Speech and Debate Team. Brott walked the quad throughout the summer as a Ferris Orientation Leader and made clear that confidence is what the Debate Team can offer to fellow students.
“We can really help in this regard, because we know they have the capability,” Brott said. “Joining our team is a real opportunity to grow as a presenter and a person. We are seeing lots of people today, there has been some real interest, and that is great.”
This annual event to acknowledge Ferris founders Woodbridge N. and Helen Ferris saw campus and community leaders dishing Jones Ice Cream to visitors of all ages, with games, giveaways, and free music to celebrate the Sept. 1, 1884, founding of the Big Rapids Industrial School, which has become Ferris State University.