Art and Kay Cummings
For Ferris State University alumnus Art Cummings, giving back to his community has always come naturally and felt like a responsibility after entering the workforce.
A 1975 graduate from the second-ever class of the Criminal Justice program at Ferris State College, Cummings enrolled in the program because of the practical approach in the classroom that taught real, on-the-job skills and boasted a 95 percent job placement rate.
“I remember that to this day, the whole college was geared toward practical, usable degrees that were in demand and immediately hirable,” Cummings said. “Ferris also had resources for students that I had never heard about before. The people in our program helped students secure LEAP grant funding, scholarships, and additional resources that made a huge difference in attaining our education.”
During his time at Ferris, Art would also meet his future wife, Kay, a Pharmacy student.
“I remember having to go to the library a lot just to spend time with Kay, but as it turns out that really helped my grades immensely!”
Cummings was hired as a police officer immediately after graduation, alongside two classmates, into the Buena Vista Township Police Department near Saginaw.
“The degree really enabled the three of us to succeed. We were trained to come out of the program with a strong skillset and we really felt like we made a difference, both in that department and in the community.”
While still a recent graduate, Cummings was asked by program coordinator Bob Parsons to serve as a member of a new advisory committee to provide feedback on the program. While serving on that committee he was inspired to pursue his graduate degree in criminal justice at Michigan State University and build connections with other Ferris State alumni through his involvement with the programs.
After completing his graduate degree, Cummings moved to Jupiter, Fla. with his young family and quickly became involved in supporting the community.
“Getting into law enforcement, you develop the mindset that everything you do is serving your community in the first place,” Cummings said. “When our children were young in Jupiter, the first thing I did was start volunteering to help with a tee-ball organization and I ended up having to run the whole team.”
Soon Cummings was volunteering with the local baseball and softball athletic boards as a part of the larger Jupiter Tequesta Athletic Association.
Because of his consistent leadership and involvement, Cummings was asked to join the JTAA executive board, and in the mid-1990s, he was elected as president.
During his tenure, Cummings enjoyed the opportunity to coordinate volunteers and work with more than 5,000 families, and even becoming the director of the National Softball World Series to help host the event in Jupiter during that time.
Inevitably, while making connections and serving as a volunteer throughout the region, Art and Kay became even more involved in many aspects of community service.
“There was a while there, about 10 years, where Kay and I really lived at the fields while serving on those boards,” he remembers. “But we eventually became even more involved, volunteering with Jupiter hospital and the Loxahatchee Historical Society. Really, I just enjoy being involve in groups that help improve community resources, and it becomes hard to say no when you can make a difference.”
Cummings most fond memories are reconnecting with people and getting to hear their stories years later.
“When you’ve coached and volunteered to help so many people over the years, you can’t even remember them all but what’s important is they remember what you did to help them. Hearing those memories and that you made a positive impact on someone’s life – it just feels good.”
Cummings advocates the importance of philanthropy and volunteer work in improving communities and that a Ferris State education equipped him for a life of giving back.
“We left Ferris knowing how to roll up our sleeves and do the work. The nature of the programs taught us that we didn’t need to be put on a pedestal or seek recognition to contribute positively to communities and organizations that help make people’s lives better. It is always a rewarding experience, but the reward comes from the work itself and seeing all the lasting good you can do when you’re willing to help out and contribute however you can.”
Remembering the resources that were available for them during their time at Ferris and staying connected with the university made Art and Kay’s decision to give back an easy one. Establishing the Arthur and Kay Cummings Endowed Scholarship last year, after a long history of giving, Cummings shared his advice for anyone interested in giving back to Ferris.
“Stay in touch – with the university, the program, and your colleagues. Keep an eye on what the program is doing, where it’s looking to grow. There are always opportunities to give back, whether it’s by providing feedback to make the program better or finding ways to contribute to the program and help get students where they want to go.
Art and Kay are still involved in consulting, volunteering, and contributing around
their community. They most enjoy watching their granddaughter play softball. After
his many years of coaching and volunteering, Art is still asked to help with the team,
and he still finds it hard to say no.
Ferris in Your Community feature written by Ben Withey