The Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit in its Silver Anniversary Year to Feature Prominent Alumni Offering Perspectives on Leadership

Opportunities are still available to attend and sponsor the silver anniversary of The Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit, which takes place on Friday, Nov. 10 at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids. 

The leadership-themed program features the perspectives of three Ferris State alumni who have had great success in their fields. Vivian Pickard, Class of 1977; Paul Doyle, Class of 1979; and Rich Antonini II, Class of 1986, highlight a panel discussion in West Michigan following a 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour and dinner. 

Pickard, a 2014 Distinguished Alumnus, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services Administration. At the time of her receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Ferris in 2016, she said Ferris State is “an institution that helped to shape me, both personally and professionally.” Pickard has directed the GM Corporate Relations and served as president with the automaker’s foundation but has always held the opportunity to mentor students and young professionals among her highest priorities. 

“I believe if young individuals feel as if I have anything to offer them, by meeting for a lunch or dinner, I would give them my direct number, then answer my phone, talk with them and direct them to my administrator, so we could get something scheduled,” Pickard said. “I was blessed to have so many supportive people in my life who did things for me and mentored me for no reason, so I am compelled to do so, to this day.” 

Doyle earned a Bachelor of Science from the School of Education in Recreation Administration and Management. He built a career in the field of community health in Grand Rapids, including serving as the founding board chair of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute. The 2008 Ferris Distinguished Alumni Award recipient said his experience as a Ferris State student-athlete and coach got everything started for him. 

“Being part of the basketball program provided a platform to develop leadership qualities that you can take forward,” Doyle said. “In my case, I found this supportive in being an advocate for social causes, excellence in education and making community better for everyone. Woodbridge Ferris exemplified leadership from the first days of his institution, our founder wanted the opportunity for education to be accessible to everyone, a courageous stance for his era that was not popularly held throughout society then. That kind of vision, belief and commitment is an example of leadership that can provide benefit for everyone.” 

Antonini recently retired as a partner with Plante Moran in Grand Rapids, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. His background varies greatly from Doyle, who was raised in Brooklyn and Antonini was the son of Ferris alumnus Richard Antonini, who was Foremost Insurance CEO and chairman until the that company’s merger with Farmers Insurance in 2000. Like Doyle, athletics had a significant role in Antonini’s personal development. Rich said Math professor John Linnen was a wonderful inspiration and coach during his days as a Ferris student.  

“My father clearly had his part in my maturation, but my focus and responsibility certainly grew as I came to be an upperclassman and member of the club hockey team, under Coach Linnen,” Antonini said. “He gave me a new perspective on leadership. All along, there were faculty members who supported and challenged me, which helped me to be confident in accepting leadership roles in my early career, rather than turning away from them. I was not always comfortable going with the choice as it was made, but it certainly was a foundation for my advancement and successes.” 

Proceeds from the benefit are used in the grassroots mission of developing external support for Ferris State students, faculty, and staff. For more information, contact Kimberly Erickson at (231) 591-3825 or email FerrisFoundation@ferris.edu.