Ferris Alum Jeff Blashill Of Detroit Red Wings To MC Ferris Foundation Benefit

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University alumnus and Detroit Red Wings Head Coach Jeff Blashill will serve as the master of ceremonies for The Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit, a virtual celebration set for introduction during the first week of November via social media.

Kim Erickson, the administrative assistant for The Ferris Foundation, said that with the 2020 Benefit being conducted virtually, rather than the typical large-venue gathering, Associate Vice President for External Relations Jeremy Mishler suggested Blashill as the event's master of ceremonies. The schedules matched. The National Hockey League's 2019-20 season concluded on Monday, Sept. 28. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he expects the 2020-21 season to begin on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.

"We were glad to have Jeff Blashill's contribution of time and talent to this event," Erickson said of Blashill, a 1998 graduate of Ferris' College of Business and a former Bulldog goaltender and assistant coach. "Our videographer Hannah Crouch joined Jeremy in a visit to Detroit to gather Jeff's segments. Having his support would be next to impossible for a typical Foundation Benefit, because of his obligations to the Red Wings and the demands of their schedule."

Associate Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of The Ferris Foundation Bob Murray said emeriti Foundation Board member Stephanie Leonardos, a member of the university's "Now and Always" campaign cabinet, and Board of Trustee member Kurt Hofman, chair of The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors, will be among the people to join President David Eisler in presenting the Benefit's virtual program.

"We are glad each of these leaders has agreed to offer their perspective in this special and unique event," Murray said. "Their collective message will be an uplifting one, despite the changes that are necessary in this year's Benefit, to assure the health and safety of our community of Ferris supporters."

Erickson noted multiple sponsorship levels for The Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit. Funds raised support Opportunity Scholarships for deserving students and Exceptional Merit Grants to support faculty and staff members with innovations that advance the university's engagement and learning goals.

"We have already received some higher-level sponsorships which are crucial to the success of this event," Erickson said. "I welcome email inquiries about these opportunities to support the mission of The Ferris Foundation."

Murray said more information about The Ferris Foundation for Excellence Benefit, in its 22nd year, is forthcoming.

"We can always celebrate and make a contribution in support of The Ferris Foundation and the Ferris mission, regardless of the situation," Murray said. "We look forward to the chance to thank the corporations and individuals who make so many good things possible for Ferris students, faculty and staff, and acknowledge our gratitude that evening."

More information on the Ferris Foundation For Excellence Benefit Can Be Found At This Link:
https://www.ferris.edu/giving/ferris-foundation/foundation-benefit.htm