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Ferris Foundation for Excellence Gala

November 7, 2025, 5:30 PM,  JW Marriott, International Ballroom in Grand Rapids

 

The countdown is officially on!

In just a few days, we will gather for the spectacular Ferris Foundation for Excellence Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating student scholarships and Ferris State University Champions. We can't wait to share this memorable night with you, and we want to ensure your experience is as seamless and extraordinary as the event itself.

To help you prepare for an unforgettable evening, here are a few key logistics and details:

Brutus and the marching band at the 2024 Gala
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Event Essentials at a Glance

  • Date: November 7, 2025
  • Time: 5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception, 6:30 p.m. Program/Dinner
  • Venue: J.W. Marriott, International Ballroom, 235 Louis NW, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Attire: Black-Tie Optional
  • Hosted by: The Ferris Foundation 

Smooth Arrival & Parking

We've arranged the following to make your arrival as stress-free as possible. The JW Marriott offers Self-Parking or Valet Parking on-site.

Self-Parking

  • To pay in advance for self-parking (you will need your parking ticket):
    • Scan the QR code
    • Scan your parking ticket
    • You will see the event rate
    • You can pay with Apple Pay, Visa, or Mastercard credit cards
    • A receipt will be generated which you can save or email
  • You can scan the QR code and pay any time before exiting
    • When exiting the parking structure, scan your ticket at the gate in the box labeled “1”.
    • The system will recognize that you already paid and the gate will lift.

Please note: Currently, American Express is not accepted with the QR code; however, you can pay with an American Express at the exit and still receive the same rate.

Valet Parking

  • Pull up to the main entrance, leave your car with the valet service attendants.
  • At the end of the event, go to the valet cashier, pay for parking, and your car will be brought back to the main entrance.

Agenda Highlights

5:30 PM: Cocktail Reception

6:30 PM: Welcome Remarks

7:00 PM: Dinner Served

7:45 PM: Panel of Champions: Dr. Bill Pink, Jay Cooke, Sylvester Hester, Laurie Placinski, Jennifer Wheeler

8:15 PM: Building Champions Ask!

An Evening of Impact & Entertainment

Get ready for a night of inspiration and fun! You will experience the sights and sounds of Ferris State University everywhere you turn! We can’t wait to see you!

We Are Here to Help

Your comfort and enjoyment are our top priorities. If you have any questions before or during the event, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 231-591-2365

On-Site: Go to the registration table for assistance.

We are so excited to celebrate with you and make a meaningful difference together. Thank you for your support of The Ferris Foundation.

See you on Friday!

 


2025 Sponsors

Become a sponsor

Golden Sponsors

Wieland Excellence in Construction

 

 

 

Silver Sponsors

 

The Meijer Foundation

 

Rockford

 

Russ and Chris Visner

 

Walgreens
 

 

Bronze Sponsors

Vital Source

 

Dr. Emily Hancock

 

GAA Solutions

LM Manufacturing

 

Granger Group

Owen Ames Kimball

PepsiCo
Pioneer Construction

 

Bulldog Sponsor

CLS

 

 

 

Graphics Sponsor

Verdant Graphics

 

 

 

Other Sponsors

AHC Hospitality
Peter Basso Associates
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Brill Company
CAPTRUST
Corewell Health
Crystal Mountain
Feyen Zylstra

Fishbeck

gentex corporation

Gordon Food Service
Granger Construction

GRCC

Huntington Bank

 

M&M Family Foundation

 

Mercantile Bank
Mika Meyers
Neumann/Smith Architecture
Progressive
Varnum
Vectors
West Michigan Credit Union
Wolverine Power Marketing Cooperative

 

Stage Furniture

Custer