Heartfelt motivational speeches, shared by three honorary doctorate recipients, were
among highlights of Ferris State University’s Spring 2017 ceremonies, May 5-6, in
Big Rapids.
Spring commencement kicked off Friday with a mid-afternoon College of Health Professions
ceremony followed by an evening session for graduates from the Doctorate in Community
College Leadership program, the College of Arts, Sciences and Education and the College
of Pharmacy. Commencement concluded, Saturday, with a morning ceremony for College
of Engineering Technology graduates, an early-afternoon session for the College of
Business and a mid-afternoon session for the Michigan College of Optometry and the
College of Education and Human Services. This spring, approximately 1,900 students
earned Ferris degrees.
President David Eisler addressed Class of 2017 members with messages of pride as
he saluted their achievement and further acknowledged the graduates’ families, friends
and others who played roles in this success.
“As a university community, we are immensely proud of each of you. It is a true honor
to stand before you, the Class of 2017,” he said told the large crowds in ceremonies
hosted in Jim Wink Arena. “This is a wonderful opportunity for you to reflect on your
accomplishments, here, at Ferris State University. Your success is built upon the
collective efforts of so many people who care about you and take great pride in your
growth and development.”
Featured speakers were Ferris’ 2017 honorary doctorate recipients: Mary Garvelink,
an alumna as well as the president and principal owner of Commercial Design Engineering,
of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Jeff Rowe, an alumnus and a retired executive vice president
of Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, from Flint; and Mickey Shapiro, a financier and developer,
from Bloomfield Hills. Each will speak at commencement ceremonies germane to their
professional experiences. Garvelink was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of
Business and Industry, Rowe was an Honorary Doctorate of Health Services and Shapiro
was an Honorary Doctorate of Business and Industry.
Addressing College of Health Professions graduates, Rowe spoke of the value of a
college degree and of being appreciative of people who played a positive role in their
successes.
“Nobody gets to this point in life without people supporting you,” he said. “I hope
you realize how lucky you are to get a college education. It is a great gift. Many
people don’t have such a chance. Getting a college education is one of the big check
boxes that will allow you to be successful in life. If there’s someone special, who
helped you get to this point, make sure you go out and thank them.”
Garvelink’s address to College of Engineering Technology graduates was in part a
reflection on her own Ferris history, her ongoing connection to Ferris and words of
wisdom to prepare graduates for what awaits them.
“Today, we’re celebrating the 2017 graduating class, a class I was in, 45 years ago.
This brings back many memories and I’m so happy for all of our graduates and I want
to personally congratulate each of you,” she said. “One of the pillars of Ferris’
mission statement Is to prepare students for successful careers. Each of you has completed
a first step in a successful career, by graduating. Another pillar is to prepare students
for lifelong learning. I encourage you to always be curious, always ask questions.
I can’t put enough importance on asking questions. Keep learning. Be prepared for
those unexpected surprises.”
Shapiro, addressing College of Business graduates, spoke about opportunities Ferris
afforded him while he encouraged Class of 2017 graduates to recognize opportunities
and be prepared to take advantage of them.
“Ferris gave me an opportunity to apply myself and I took at advantage of it … small
class sizes and faculty who care provided me an environment that helped me become
a better student,” he said. “I encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity
you get and don’t let it pass you by.
Shapiro added, “My mother always wanted a doctor, in the family, and you have made
her very happy.”
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PHOTO CAPTION: Ferris State University celebrated commencement ceremonies for the
Class of 2017 over a two-day period, May 5-6, on main campus in Big Rapids. The ceremonies
were hosted in Jim Wink Arena.