May 21, 2025

Eight years in the making, former Ferris State hockey player Lucas Finner earns Doctor of Pharmacy

It was an eight-year journey for Lucas Finner, who initially arrived at Ferris State University laser-focused on his college hockey career.

Skating for the Bulldogs, Finner balanced his efforts on the ice and his work in the classroom.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology (Pre-Pharmacy) in spring 2021 from the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, Finner reflected fondly on his complete Ferris State journey as a hockey student-athlete turned graduate student in the College of Pharmacy’s doctoral program.

Through the years and his life experiences, Finner has gained perspective on a long college journey marked by successes.

“Four years to get my degree in Biology, while balancing life as a student-athlete, followed by four more years working my way to earning my Doctor of Pharmacy,” said Finner, a native of Elmhurst, Illinois. “It’s definitely a lot to balance.”

The Ferris State Doctor of Pharmacy requires at least six academic years of full-time college study – two years Pre-Pharmacy plus four professional years. Accordingly, Finner’s Ferris State choice was about more than playing college hockey as time passed. Coming to Big Rapids, developing short-term and long-term goals, Finner lived the best of all worlds as a student-athlete.

“I went to Ferris State to play hockey,” he said. “At the same time, I learned about its pharmacy program. I knew Ferris State had a really good program. I was blessed with the opportunity to do both at Ferris State.”

Finner felt a nudge down a career path. “I’ve always had a curiosity about pharmacy. I like to help people too. I thought it was a great route to go.”

Before joining the Ferris State program, Finner played junior hockey for the Nanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League. There, he earned accolades, including being named the Clippers’ “Most Exciting Player” during the 2016-17 season. He totaled 25 points in 31 games and played in 55 more the prior season with Nanaimo.

On the ice, Finner was a solid player for the Bulldogs with 17 career goals – including seven on the power play. The 17 goals with 23 assists added up to 40 points for longtime, legendary head coach Bob Daniels. His first career goal came in Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor against the University of Michigan on Nov. 2, 2017. 
 
Being a student-athlete is challenging. That is especially true for a student-athlete like Finner, who focused on earning his Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

“It definitely got tough at times,” he said. “But the good thing about it is that you get a lot of support here from coaches, teammates and the university. What I love about being here is that everyone wants you to succeed. That lets you know that your success is possible if you put in the work.”

Beyond the coaching staff, however, Finner had a network of people in the Big Rapids community cheering him on throughout his Bulldog journey, including Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller, his wife, Heather, and their family.

Heather was among the well-wishers inside a packed Jim Wink Arena on Friday, May 9, as one of the many people cheering on Finner, including some of his family.

“Lucas was the first to come into our lives in August of 2018 as a Ferris State University freshman hockey player,” Heather said. “From the very beginning, he brought not only his passion for the game but a quiet determination, kindness and humility that made him an instant role model for our two young boys (Cameron and Cooper). Two years later, when Max joined the team and came to Big Rapids, it felt like our family was simply growing in the most natural way. Max had his own unique spark—driven, thoughtful, and always one to step up when needed.”

Max played two seasons for Ferris State and had four points on one goal with three assists in 38 games.  
Their growth, according to Miller, is a big part of the college experience.

“Watching them both grow from teenagers into mature, driven young men has been one of the greatest honors of our lives,” she said. “They were more than just college hockey players — they were family. Our boys idolized them, cheered for them at every game, and learned from their discipline, sportsmanship and heart both on and off the ice.”

There was a special twist to a great day for the Finner family. While Lucas graduated with his Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State in Big Rapids, Max graduated in Chicago.

“Now, fast forward eight years, and here we are—full of pride and emotion—watching Lucas graduate as Dr. Lucas Finner with his Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University. On the very same day, Max is graduating from Roosevelt University with a degree in Cybersecurity and preparing to ship off next week for basic training in the U.S. Army, where he will go on to serve in the Cyber Operations division,” Miller said. “To say we are proud is an understatement. These two young men are on their way to making a real difference in the world.”

Lucas Finner is excited about this next chapter of life.

“After eight years of school, I am looking forward to getting out there and working to see where life takes me from here,” he said.