April 26, 2024
Ferris State celebrating 2024 commencement with ceremonies planned to be meaningful for a special class
Ferris State University will celebrate the graduation in Big Rapids and Grand Rapids with ceremonies planned to be meaningful for a special class.
Ferris State President Bill Pink knows what this moment will mean for graduates who will cross the stage during the ceremonies – transitioning from one important life chapter to the next.
“This fall marks 140 years of educating and ultimately graduating Ferris State University Bulldogs,” Pink said. "Our graduates don’t just have a piece of paper when they leave here. They have successful careers in high-demand fields. We are extraordinarily proud of our alumni and the role that they play in ensuring Ferris State remains relevant and responsive in an ever-changing world.”
The university is bestowing 1,800 degrees and certificates, with 1,300 students participating in ceremonies. Pink said the Class of 2024 is particularly special.
“They are one of the first classes to matriculate that may not have experienced a high school graduation because of the events of 2020,” he said. “Ferris State is so honored that we can provide and share in this meaningful graduation experience for this cohort of students.”
The ceremony for the College of Health Professions, Doctorate in Community College Leadership, College of Pharmacy, and Michigan College of Optometry is planned for 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3 on the Big Rapids campus. It will be followed by a 7 p.m. ceremony for the College of Engineering Technology.
Ferris State celebrates graduates of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, followed by the College of Business at 1:30 p.m. All Big Rapids ceremonies are planned for the R.L. Ewigleben Sports Complex, 210 Sports Drive.
Graduates can reserve up to six tickets using the online ticketing system. No extra e-tickets can be distributed by the Commencement Office or the individual college commencement coordinators.
The office is unable to replace lost tickets. Guests can watch the ceremonies via a live stream on the Commencement Office website. Click for more information.
KCAD will celebrate graduates from December 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 classes on Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. at the Forest Hills Fine Art Center, 600 Forest Hills Ave SE, in Grand Rapids.
“It is a great pleasure and honor to celebrate the remarkable achievements and creative growth of our graduating students,” KCAD President Tara McCrackin said. “These talented emerging artists and designers have dedicated themselves to expanding their skills and pushing the boundaries of their disciplines, and we are proud to share their passion with the entire community.”
KCAD’s Class of 2024 Valedictorian Sophia Forystek, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Medical Illustration, will deliver the student address.
Tickets are required to attend. Each graduate can reserve up to eight tickets. After the initial distribution, a lottery will be held for any student interested in additional tickets.
The ceremony will be live streamed on the KCAD website and Facebook page.
KCAD’s 2024 Annual Student Exhibition is on view to the public in Grand Rapids at 17 Fountain St. NW from Monday, April 29, through Saturday, May 4. The public closing reception is Friday, May 3, from 4 to 7 p.m.
For people interested in but unable to attend commencement, the Ferris Big Rapids ceremonies are streamed live via the Ferris State Video YouTube channel. Watch the online stream by clicking the link. That live stream will be courtesy of Ferris Cable 22.
Spring 2024 Ferris State graduates join current and future Bulldogs as members of the Ferris State Alumni Association, a network of alumni making a difference in Michigan, across the country and worldwide.
Visit the commencement website for more information.