April 6, 2026

Investing in the next generation: Dr. Eric Warner and his Ferris State colleagues give back to support Bulldog students

Giving back to Ferris State University students isn't just a gesture for Dr. Eric Warner. He argues it's an extension of the work he does in the classroom every day.

A professor of Spanish and French at Ferris State, Dr. Warner has seen firsthand what happens when faculty and staff show up for their students beyond the classroom. His involvement with the university’s day of giving, One Day for Dawgs, began with a simple goal: a dedicated scholarship endowment for a program. This year’s giving day is Wednesday, Apr. 8.

The Spanish for the Professions program, which Warner helped launch in 2015, needed an endowment to support the students who invest so much in their education, often as a secondary major to accompany a broad range of primary programs.

"These students invest so much in their education," Warner said. "I knew several colleagues and I wanted to invest back in our students."

Warner rallied his colleagues, past supporters, and community champions around that shared goal. Initial donors ranged from alumni to community members, but it was colleagues within the institution who led the charge.

One Day for Dawgs provided a valuable platform for Warner and the program, something that can be difficult to come by.

"This event helps us connect our supporters with a quicker and easier way to give back," he said. "Visibility and credibility are super important for donors and community members, and One Day for Dawgs helps people see all the ways they can invest in the long-term success of our students and our institution."

Warner pointed to last year's Costa Rica study abroad trip as a vivid example of donor impact, regardless of fundraising total. An extra $1,000 raised from the 2025 giving day translated directly into additional museum visits and cultural enrichment activities. From exciting soccer matches to Latin dancing to conversations with Costa Rican university students, donors enabled experiences that no classroom can fully replicate.

"One Day for Dawgs and the support people give to groups like ours can send a message of solidarity,” Warner said. “That vote of confidence that people believe in this work and how important it is to support our students and create opportunity. Our students appreciate that support so much."

For faculty and staff colleagues who may be on the fence about giving, Warner's advice is heartfelt: "Support the causes you believe in, and try to diversify that support," he said. "There are so many groups on this campus that are deserving. We have incredible and unique areas that don't always get a chance at the limelight, but they still do wonderful work every single day."

He encouraged donors to think about the range of ways their gifts can make a difference — from endowed scholarships that create lasting, long-term opportunities, to direct support for experiences like study abroad trips that change a student's life in a single semester.

"I think there's something for everyone on One Day for Dawgs," Warner said. "There is a cause out there for you that will so greatly appreciate your support as you help their students achieve graduation and become successful members of society."

One Day for Dawgs returns on April 8. Dr. Warner and the Spanish for the Professions team look forward to this annual chance to show their students exactly how much they mean to the faculty and staff at Ferris State.

Learn more and make your own impact on the incredible students at Ferris State University by visiting ferris.edu/oneday on Apr. 8.