June 11, 2025
‘Legacy of Opportunity’ documentary, reflecting on Ferris State’s mission and future, honored by statewide media organization
A documentary about Ferris State’s University’s first 140 years and its impact on students and the community earned top honors from a statewide media organization.
“Ferris State University: Legacy of Opportunity,” received an Award of Excellence in the Best News Special award from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, competing against network news stations from across the state.
The project tells the story of Woodbridge and Helen Ferris’ goal to provide a quality education to anyone willing to learn, and how the founders’ vision is still the university’s guiding principle.
The video is available here.
The documentary was created by Ferris State professor Nick Kuiper in collaboration with students Kelsey Meyers, Nolan Harris, Chad Andres, and Alex Valentini. Together, they contributed to the film through videography, writing, and editing.
Kuiper, a professor in the Television and Digital Media Production program and the documentary’s lead editor, takes pride in knowing that the project has opened doors for his students.
“It’s great for me to see the students win recognition for all their hard work,” Kuiper said.
A Ferris alumnus himself, Kuiper considers the university home. He values the hands-on nature of the TDMP program and is passionate about continuing to grow it, ensuring students have access to the same kinds of opportunities he once had.
“Giving students experience in the classroom that will prepare them to be successful is why I came to Ferris,” Kuiper said. “Ferris gave me the opportunity when I was a student, and I can pass that on to students now.”
To create the film, the students conducted 16 interviews across the state and dedicated hundreds of hours to research, writing, and editing.
Kuiper alone logged more than 500 hours of editing, in addition to transcribing and utilizing hours of interview footage, on top of being a professor. Their combined efforts resulted in a compelling hour-and-seven-minute documentary.
“There’s nothing better than doing something hands-on,” he said. “The program prepared me well, and I thought that I could add to it.”
The Michigan Association of Broadcasters is a statewide organization that promotes the wellbeing, cooperation, and prosperity of the owners, managers, employees, and specialists engaged in the business of broadcasting. It seeks to help members better serve their community, audience, advertisers, and staff through providing solutions to their problems and satisfying their needs.
The film is currently in the running for a Michigan Emmy Award.