Sept. 17, 2024
Ferris State Criminal Justice program celebrates golden anniversary of first graduates on Sept. 21 with campus-wide festivities
With origins that date back to 1972, Ferris State University’s School of Criminal Justice is ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first class of graduates who completed the program in 1974.
This 50th anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, with activities beginning in the morning and running through the evening on the Big Rapids campus.
Nancy Hogan, a professor at the School of Criminal Justice, said the program has grown from an initial two-year program to today featuring bachelor’s and master’s programs in criminal justice for students.
The Criminal Justice program at Ferris State University will prepare you for a successful career in law enforcement, corrections, and a wide variety of local, state, and federal agencies where you can make a positive impact on your community.
“We really want our guests to celebrate and recognize all that this program is and what it has brought to the criminal justice system in the state, Midwest, and beyond,” Hogan said. “It is important that they come to reflect on what they accomplished by being part of us here.”
“Our event is more of a celebration and gathering than an event with a formal program. We want our alumni to connect with what Ferris and Big Rapids are now, with plenty of time to enjoy peers from their days as students, and other alumni.”
Hogan said 1974 was the first year for graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree.
“Most of that founding class will be with us for the celebration, and we are so thrilled by that,” she said.
The celebration’s organizing committee was intentional about offering alums and friends a chance to see more of what Ferris State has become in the last 50 years.
Celebration registration begins at 11 a.m. in the university’s Interdisciplinary Resource Center, 1301 S. State Street. Attendees will enjoy lunch, campus tours, and opportunities to engage students and friends.
After free time to relax and explore the city in the late afternoon, a cocktail reception begins at 5 p.m. in the ballrooms of the David L. Eisler Center. College of Business Dean Logan Jones will offer remarks.
Ferris State President Bill Pink address the gathering, followed by the School of Criminal Justice Chair John Walsh, venerable Criminal Justice faculty member Terry Nerbonne.
Walsh and Hogan said assembling the celebration schedule was an honor.
“We are glad to bring current Law Enforcement Academy students in for this event. They can share their experiences and learn from our alumni who are veteran officers or taking part as a ‘look back’ on successful careers,” Walsh said. “President Pink said to ‘bring people home,’ which we accepted as a goal and believe this is a great way to achieve that.”