BIG RAPIDS – Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Ferris State University’s commitment to a mission of fostering educational opportunity remains as strong as ever.
Opportunity will be the theme of the 11th annual Foundation for Excellence Benefit at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids on Friday, Nov. 6. Highlighting this black-tie affair is author and award-winning actress Jane Seymour, a leading activist, humanitarian and philanthropist. Seymour, working for more than 25 years to improve the lives of children around the world, and investing her time and money in other charitable endeavors, is this year’s featured speaker for The Ferris Foundation’s signature event.
“For 125 years, Ferris State University’s mission has centered on providing opportunities for students to pursue a college education. Opportunity was part of the vision of our founders, Woodbridge and Helen Ferris, and the value of opportunity endures today,” said John Willey, vice president for Advancement and Marketing at Ferris and executive director of The Ferris Foundation. “Ferris State University and The Ferris Foundation are as committed as ever to helping students who dream about a college education live that dream even in these challenging economic times. Jane Seymour has a great story to tell and we look forward to her inspirational words on Nov. 6.”
Seymour has showcased her talents through Broadway productions, motion pictures and on television, most notably, through her Golden Globe-winning role as Dr. Michaela Quinn from the series “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.” Among her most notable film credits are starring in the James Bond film Live and Let Die and Somewhere in Time set on Michigan’s Mackinac Island. More recently, Seymour co-starred in the comedy Wedding Crashers with Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn and played a role in the comedic feature Blind Dating. She also has appeared on “Dancing with the Stars.”
Seymour is an established author whose work includes the autobiographical Remarkable Changes: Turning Life’s Challenges into Opportunities, which chronicles her story and 20 personal stories of others who, through crisis, have experienced positive transformation.
The 11th annual Foundation for Excellence Benefit commences at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and a VIP reception with Seymour. At 7 p.m. dinner will be served and followed by the program which begins at 8 p.m. Seymour will deliver her address at 8:30 p.m.
Proceeds from the Foundation for Excellence Benefit promote excellence among Ferris students, faculty and staff through the Foundation for Excellence Scholarship program, Exceptional Merit Grants program and other university endowments.
Tickets are $250 per person. Sponsorships are available.
Individuals attending the Foundation for Excellence Benefit are asked to RSVP no later than Oct. 30 by contacting Kim Erickson at The Ferris Foundation office at (231) 591-2365.
Award-winning Actress Jane Seymour Highlights Ferris Foundation Benefit
