Hey Bulldogs! Welcome to this last episode of Ferris In Focus. We’ve got a fun episode for you, so be ready to tune in!
Written by Aimee Reynoso Cupido and Jess Miller | Featured Image/Produced by Kayla Muter
Wrapping Up the Semester with Ferris in Focus
As the semester comes to a close, Ferris in Focus delivers a final episode full of community highlights, student stories, creativity, and campus pride. From local businesses and adoptable pets to reflections from our students, this episode captures the heart of Ferris State.
Big Rapids Life: Huntey’s Clubhouse
We kick things off at Huntey’s Clubhouse, a trusted daycare and preschool serving families in the Big Rapids area. Huntey’s is more than just a childcare facility—it’s a learning environment focused on helping children build essential life skills through structured, play-based learning.
Their curriculum includes:
- Language & Literacy
- Math & Problem Solving
- Science & Exploration
- Social-Emotional Development
- Creative Arts
- Physical Development
Huntey’s staff emphasizes consistency in daily routines and integrates play into their educational structure to support well-rounded development.
📞 Interested in learning more?
Call: 616-557-6887
General Inquiries: hello@hunteysclubhouse.com
Enrollment Questions: enroll@hunteysclubhouse.com
Visit: Huntey’s Clubhouse Website
Animals of the Arc: Meet Maggie
Next up, we head to Animals of the Arc, where we meet Maggie, a two-year-old cat who’s fully vaccinated, spayed, and ready to find her forever home. Once Maggie gets comfortable in a new environment, her playful and energetic personality shines through.
Though she’s not fond of other cats, Maggie has lived with dogs and does well with them. She’s looking for a loving home and a new snuggle buddy.
🐾 Interested in adopting Maggie?
Visit: ArcofMecostaCounty.com
Call: 231-796-2683
Program Spotlight: Public Relations at Ferris
This week’s Program Spotlight highlights the exciting world of Public Relations (PR) at Ferris State. The program focuses on strategic communication—crafting press releases, working with media, and connecting organizations to their audiences.
Dr. Patrick Bishop, PR professor and program champion, shares,
“Public Relations directly affects the bottom line of an organization by communicating with its targeted audiences about what matters most.”
Junior Mason Yarnell adds,
“PR is important because it’s the connecting link between businesses and the outside world—beyond just marketing campaigns.”
Students also participate in PR Pro Tours, where they engage with real professionals in the field. Many credit Dr. Bishop for his mentorship and help in securing meaningful internships.
College Kids Cars: Gavin’s 2001 Ford F-150
In this segment of College Kids Cars, we meet Gavin Rudlaff, who drives a well-loved 2001 Ford F-150 XLT. This truck, inherited from his late grandfather, has over 270,000 miles on it and remains Gavin’s only vehicle.
Despite the mileage, the truck has only required two repairs: a new alternator and a pressure switch replacement. It features a stock 5.4L Triton V8 with 231 horsepower and an 8,300-pound towing capacity.
🚗 Stay tuned next semester for more student rides on College Kids Cars.
Gaming Nostalgia: Rhythm Heaven Fever
Ferris State student Alex Debenick takes us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with Rhythm Heaven Fever for the Nintendo Wii. This quirky rhythm game introduced Alex to a genre he now loves and helped him positively channel his ADHD.
He highlights his favorite mini-games—like “Monkeys Throwing Balls,” “Screwbot Factory Competitive,” and “Love Square”—while praising the game’s catchy soundtrack and layered challenge progression.
Back to the Arc: Meet Eloise
We briefly return to Animals of the Arc to introduce Eloise, a six-year-old spayed cat with a loving personality. Declawed in the front and treated for a skin allergy with steroid medication, Eloise is playful and affectionate, ready for adoption and a new home.
Senior Sequence Reflections
Later in the episode, senior production students reflect on their growth over the semester. From learning video production and editing skills to working on projects like Forest on the Paris Fish Hatchery and a feature on Professional Golf Management, the students recount the highs and challenges of their creative journey.
Memories of late-night lab sessions, planning meetings, and shared meals highlight the strong camaraderie and personal development that marked their final semester.
A Cinematic Finale: Bobby Goes Boom
The episode ends with a powerful short film by James David Whitmore, who plays a fictional version of himself undergoing a surreal audit of his creative potential. Confronted with distractions, procrastination, and unfinished work, James chooses to finish his abandoned script, Bobby Goes Boom.
The story ends with a quote from Confucius:
“It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.”
As James walks through the door as a “completed filmmaker,” it’s a reminder to keep pushing forward—even when progress feels slow.
Final Thoughts
This semester’s Ferris in Focus episode beautifully weaves together student creativity, campus pride, and community connection. From quirky games and old trucks to program highlights and personal growth, it’s a heartfelt farewell to the season.
We’ll see you next semester for more stories, more voices, and more Ferris pride.