al · ly
noun; plural noun: allies
a person or group that is associated with another or others for some common cause
or purpose
verb
to associate, connect, or unite
The transition to college can be challenging, but it is part of the process that will lead to your growth as a productive member of society. As a First-generation student, you may encounter this transition with a bit more anxiety and apprehension than some of your peers. As the founder of Ferris, Woodbridge Ferris so famously said, “I am here to help, if you let me”. Those words still reign true today. We are here to help, but you must be willing to reach out for that help.
Below you will find a list of topics based on questions students often have. We have tried to identify First-Gen Allies in offices and departments across campus to help cover all facets of university life. First-Gen Allies are faculty and staff from around the university that understand the challenges you may be facing, many were first-generation students themselves, and are willing to help you through whatever it is you have questions about. Be sure to point out that you found their contact information on the First-Gen Allies page.
Resources and Allies for First-Gen Students
You can get help from:
Ask this First-Gen ally for help:
Omar Gonzalez
Senior Coordinator of Recruitment
Ask this First-Gen ally for help:
You can get help from:
Birkam Health Counseling Center
Collegiate Recovery, Education and Wellness (CREW)
Scott Winkle
CREW Ferris Coordinator
Tammie Fogal
CREW Therapist
You can get help from:
You can get help from:
Student Conduct Incident Reporting Form
Ask this First-Gen ally for help:
Nicholas Campau
Associate Dean of Student Life
You can get help from:
Ask these First-Gen allies for help:
Dave McCall
Associate Professor
Cindy Smith
Education and Career Counselor
You can get help from:
Ask this First-Gen ally for help:
Mickey Albright
Coordinator of Career & Volunteer Center
You can get help from:
You can get help from:
Dining Services
231-591-3747 or [email protected]
You can get help from:
Disability and Accessibility Resource Center (DARC)
Ask these First-Gen allies for help:
Julie AlexanderDirector of Disability and Accessibility Resource Center
Cindy Smith
Education and Career Counselor
Ashley Hawley
Secretary in Disability and Accessibility Resource Center
You can get help from:
You can get help from:
You can get help from:
Financial Aid Office
Student Financial Services
Ask this First-Gen ally for help:
Debi Whitman
Student Financial Services Coordinator
You can get help from:
Ask these First-Gen allies for help:
Nicholas Campau
Director of Student Conduct
Associate Dean of Student Life
You can get help from:
Big Rapids Spectrum Walk-In Clinic
Ask this First-Gen ally for help:
Christy Bourdlais
Interim Director of Birkam Health Center
You can get help from:
Center for Career and Professional Success
College of Business Internships
Ask this First-Gen ally for help:
Angela Roman
Director of Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services
Mickey Albright
Coordinator of Career & Volunteer Center
You can get help from:
Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)
Ferris Youth Initiative (Alumni of Foster Care)
Office of Multicultural Student Services
Office of International Education
Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center
Ask these First-Gen allies for help:
Angela Roman
Director of Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services
You can get help from:
You can get help from:
You can get help from:
Ask this First-Gen ally for help:
Brittany Taylor
Department of Public Safety Dispatch Specialist
You can get help from:
Office of International Education
Ask this First-Gen ally for help:
Lisa vonReichbauer
Assistant Director of Office of International Education
You can get help from:
Disability and Accessibility Resource Center
Ask these First-Gen allies for help:
Karen Royster-James
Supervisor, Academic Support Center (ASC) & Structured Learning Assistance (SLA)
Cindy Smith
Education and Career Counselor
Ask this First-Gen ally for help:
Nick Palmer
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) Coordinator
You can get help from:
You can get help from:
You can get help from:
Office of International Education
Ask this First-Gen ally for help:
Lisa vonReichbauer
Assistant Director of Office of International Education
You can get help from:
First-Gen Allies
Mark Dyke
Assistant Professor
Sheila MacEachron
Department Head/Associate Professor
Richelle Williams
Secretary in College of Health Professions
Emmanuel Jadhav
Associate Professor of Public Health
Jerelyn Smith
Dental Hygiene Clinic Operations Supervisor
Michael Berghoef
Professor of Social Work | Department Chair
Dawn Fox
Associate Professor of Social Work
Elizabeth Post
Associate Professor of Social Work
Joanie Hazelton
Associate Professor of Social Work
Rita Waters
Associate Professor of Social Work
Dave McCall
Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Kristin Conley
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Jody Gardei
Manager of Staff Training & Development
Tia Brandel - Wilhelm
Volleyball Coach