Congratulations to honors students completing an honors certificate this semester!

Four honors students recently completed their Senior Symposium and the honors bachelor’s certificate, receiving their medallion. For the Senior Symposium, Dakota Gray, a computer information systems major, presented his research on documentation. Bryce Phelps, a biology-pre-dentistry major, shared his research on bloodroot, a medicinal plant used in dentistry. Laurie Prentler, a hospitality management major, presented her work on how to prevent human trafficking in the hotel industry. Emma VanDongen, a television and digital media production major, talked about the documentary she created, “Sanford Strong,” about the flood in Sanford, Michigan in 2020.

In addition, five students completed the honors associate certificate, receiving their cords: Juliana Carey, a biotechnology major; Caitlin Fowler, an education major; Lauren Herald, a nursing major; Caitlyn McDonell, a biology-pre-dentistry major; and Sydney Mingori, a psychology major.

Each year, the Honors Program also gives leadership and service awards to honors students completing the program. Although most awards are given in the spring, this December, we awarded a leadership stole to Laurie Prentler in recognition of her leadership in the Honors Program and at Ferris. Laurie chaired the Honors Events Committee for three years starting in her freshman year, drawing on her expertise in hospitality management. She also served in other leadership roles at Ferris, including as co-organizer of last year’s Torchbearer Awards Ceremony. Laurie received a Torchbearer Award last year in recognition of her outstanding campus leadership.

Kudos to all honors students graduating from Ferris this semester– we’re proud of you!