May 29, 2025

From quiet beginnings to campus leader: Lianna Moodie’s story of remarkable campus involvement at Ferris State

Lianna Moodie hugged Ferris State University President Bill Pink as she received her Bachelor of Finance degree, her black commencement gown buried under a remarkable 10 pieces of regalia celebrating her campus involvement.

"You could say I’ve done a lot while at Ferris," Moodie said with a smile, recalling how her ensemble became a lighthearted topic among friends and ceremony guests throughout the day.

Behind her celebratory attire is a long journey of personal growth. Moodie, a Petosky native, initially found herself confined to her residence hall after arriving on campus, hesitant to step beyond her comfort zone and scared of making mistakes.

“I was so scared to socialize and put myself out there,” she said. “I distinctly remember praying one night and asking for help finding friends, pushing myself, and getting involved in my time here. After that semester I made a vow to myself to be more outgoing, and I’m so grateful I did!”

Embracing her newfound commitment to be involved, Moodie jumped right into campus life and activities including:

• Participating in the Honors Program.
• Serving as vice president of the first-generation student group.
• Joining Tri-Alpha, the first-gen student honor society, where she received the Most Outstanding Student award.
• Serving as treasurer for the Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Ferris State chapter.
• Joining the Student Alumni Gold Club, which helps coordinate the mascot program among many other activities across campus.
• Being an active member of the Gamma Iota Sigma Risk Management and Insurance Fraternity.
• Working and volunteering for the Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center.

Moodie’s extensive slate of activities helped shape her educational journey and take steps toward her professional ambitions. She attended many professional events ranging from national conferences to the annual Ferris Foundation for Excellence Gala.

“I’ve made so many valuable connections during my time at Ferris and I am so thankful for everyone who helped me and helps students along the way,” Moodie said.

She has made connections, networked, and done essentially everything a professor could ask a student to do. Moodie is graduating as a well-connected professional and plans to take the summer after graduation to evaluate her many opportunities and think about her future.

“I’m really excited to take a few months and explore all my options. I don’t know if I want to go to graduate school or immediately enter the workforce in finance or risk management,” she said.

Graduating with honors with her bachelor’s degree in Finance and a minor in Risk Management and Insurance from Ferris State, she has a lot to explore in the coming summer.

“I’m eager to begin whatever comes next. But first, I’m really excited to see my family and take a few trips to reconnect with friends. It’s been a busy few years here at Ferris State!”