This story is taken from the Spring 2013 issue of the Points of Pride newsletter published by University Advancement and Marketing. The annual edition features some of the talented and driven graduating students who have demonstrated a drive to succeed by doing their best work and taking full advantage of their time at Ferris.
College of Business
Carlvin Dorvilier
Age: 22
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Advertising/Integrated Marketing Communications
He is: “A highly motivated student who has aspirations to – forgive the cliche – conquer the world,” said David Pilgrim, vice president for Diversity and Inclusion and Ferris Youth Initiative adviser. “Despite some significant challenges in his upbringing, he has excelled in his studies. His interest in international marketing was aided by two study-away experiences, in South Korea and Italy, respectfully. He is one of Ferris’ shining lights.”
Awards and honors: 2012 American Association of Advertising Agencies MAIP finalist, Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Academic Team, Ferris Cross Country Dean’s Academic Award, placed fourth in Men’s Health 2012 Urbanathlon in Chicago
Campus and community: Ferris International Conversational Speaker, Ferris track team member, Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization vice president, Student Government representative, resident advisor
Point of Pride: “I am proud to be a Bulldog.”
What inspired him to pursue this degree: “To be limited has been one of my greatest fears. Pursuing a degree in Advertising/Integrated
Marketing Communications has eliminated that fear, because it incorporates all aspects
of marketing communication, such as advertising, sales promotion, public relations, direct marketing, personal selling, online communications and social media.”
A formative experience at Ferris: Establishing a close relationship with David Pilgrim as a member of the Ferris Youth Initiative, a program that provides support and learning opportunities for foster care youth and low-income orphans who attend the university.
“Dr. Pilgrim challenged me to explore the world … He taught me to lead by example,
to treat others with respect and always to seek new challenges.”
His plan: “I will continue to learn by reading books and interacting with others. I have a
job after graduation, and my goal is to earn a lot of money – not for the money, but
for what I will have to become to earn the money.”
Carlvin eventually would like to work as an international marketing executive for a respected brand, and “I hope my degree takes me to a position where I can positively affect the lives of others.”
Favorite Ferris tradition: Ferris Fest, “hands down!”
Advice for students: “We all have dealt with at least one painful moment in our life that ultimately changed
who we are. But, right now, you should only suffer from discipline or regret. The
difference is that discipline only weighs ounces, while regret weighs a ton. Take
full advantage of your college career and be remembered as a leader and one who truly
cares for others.”
An adventure: Taught basic conversational English courses with eight Korean-speaking students at
Dankook University in Jukjeon, South Korea during a study-abroad opportunity. He also
directed a promotional lipdub video to build awareness about its international program.
A passion: Running.
“I do not jog. I run. I run to test my body’s limits and seek to break those limits.
With every location, my run becomes more intriguing, not difficult. Running is to
be healthy and a chance to be extraordinary – to have a connection with people around
the world who are willing to go through the same pain to improve their own lives.”s
Facing adversity: “Coming to Ferris was a challenge I had to overcome. But with every challenge, you
can create new opportunities. I lost my mother when I was 16 and had a father who
chose his own path. The only issue was his path wasn’t with us. Relocating to Michigan
from North Carolina was a daunting transition.”
Favorite Big Rapids restaurant: Vivo’s
Favorite season: Fall. “It’s not too hot, not too cold.”
No. 1 on his bucket list: To go Wing Suit flying. “If you don’t know what it is, I encourage you to look it
up and join me in the future.”
Favorite TV character: Barney Stinson from CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother.”