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Ferris Alumnus Creates HVACR Scholarship Endowment

“My intention is to give someone the same opportunities I had at Ferris. My hopes are to build the HVACR program and make a difference in enrollment,” said Karl Huffman, president of Hedrick Associates. “A scholarship might make the difference in someone coming to Ferris or not.”

This scholarship will be awarded annually to a full-time student majoring in the HVACR program that demonstrates financial need and has a minimum 2.5 GPA.

“When a graduate like Karl gives back it is a testament to this institution and our faculty; as well as a means to ensure the success of future HVACR engineering technologists,” said College of Engineering Technology Dean Tom Oldfield.

Huffman was a member of the first graduating class of the HVACR bachelor’s degree program in 1984 after receiving an HVACR associate’s degree in 1982. He describes his interest in the first four-year HVACR program as highly determined by his personal relationship with key professors including Dick Shaw, Mitch LeClaire and Russ Stevens. Through their mentorship, Huffman was able to create a successful career and hopes to inspire future students who aspire to follow the same path.

“Karl is a good example of people that Ferris has treated very well. He got the education he needed to be successful and felt the need to give back. He took a gamble on being in the inaugural class of the HVACR bachelor’s degree program and was always a part of making it successful,” said Shaw, a retired emeriti faculty member of 27 years for the HVACR program.

“I am extremely proud of the leadership he has shown by giving these endowments to help students in the HVACR program. The importance of endowments is that they will be there forever. They are our future and help Ferris to be a vibrant, well-attended university. I hope others will follow Karl’s lead,” Shaw added.

As energy solutions become a growing concern, the HVACR program at Ferris prepares students for a career in energy management. Offered the option of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, students learn about new technologies and engineering methods throughout their course of study. They are given an opportunity to develop their expertise by using an up-to-date HVACR equipment lab. Applying their skills in a real-world setting, students perform energy and system analysis for many West Michigan companies and industries during degree completion.

For more information or to make a gift to the Karl E. Huffman Family Scholarship Endowment, please contact the Ferris Foundation at (231) 591-2365 or [email protected]. Details about establishing scholarships or endowments may be obtained from the Advancement Office at (231) 591-3825.