A Memorable Ferris Experience Prompts Devoted Alumnus to Pay It Forward

Being proud of Ferris makes it easy to give back.

“Ferris gave me a chance, or should I say, Ferris took a chance on me. I embraced that chance and created a life I love. That is why I give to students now and to future students at Ferris State University.”

Luke Wyckoff created three scholarship endowments at Ferris and has directed his estate gifts to support the areas he feels passionate about. They include the Wyckoff Family College of Business Endowment, the Wyckoff Family Debate Scholarship Endowment and the Wyckoff Family Speech Forensics Scholarship Endowment. “It is a privilege to give back to Ferris, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support the programs that mean so much to me. My favorite thing about Ferris is the community. I made lifelong friends at Ferris who helped shape me into the person I am today.”

“I have a strong sense of pride as a Bulldog, and it’s been a lot of fun being an alumnus. Bulldogs can go very far in this life. I want to be there for the alumni and current students.”

A native of Sheridan, Michigan, Wyckoff was inspired by his father and his grandfathers, all successful businessmen and respected community members. He saw firsthand how to be successful through their love and passion for their work, community and family.

Luke is a second-generation Ferris graduate. His father graduated from Ferris in 1962 in the Construction Management program at the Ferris Institute. Ferris was a familiar place growing up, where he felt like he belonged and could excel.

Luke Wyckoff graduated in 1991 with an associate’s degree in Audio/Visual Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing/Sales in 1993 from the College of Business. After spending 12 years at Development Dimensions International (DDI), an assessment and leadership development company, he is now the founder and president of Wyckoff Consulting, an executive search firm, and the founder and chief visionary officer of Social Media Energy, the nation’s leading provider of outsourced social media and digital marketing services. An entrepreneur at heart, Wyckoff has built a multimillion-dollar company from scratch with nothing more than a vision and an idea.

“My sense of pride runs deep for Ferris, and it’s an honor to give back to the place that gave me a chance. I was very active on campus, starting as a freshman. I played in the band and was at every football and hockey game with the pep band. I was also active in my fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, the debate team and finished strong as a founding member of the Ferris Rugby Team. So, I can say that in the five years I was at Ferris, being very involved on campus made it easy later in life.”

Luke lives his life with a giving heart. His passion and enthusiasm for his family, work and the Ferris State University community is contiguous. Luke recently moved back to Big Rapids and will be getting married to his beautiful Licy. Luke’s family now includes Luke, Licy and their son, Kal-El.

Luke was honored with the Alumni Pacesetter Award in 2000. The Pacesetter award was established by the Ferris State Alumni Association to recognize individuals who demonstrate leadership and service to their professions, community, service organizations and alma mater and who, when nominated, have graduated within the previous 13 years. Luke was then honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019. The Ferris State University Distinguished Alumni Award is bestowed on individuals who demonstrate leadership and service to their profession, community, service organizations and alma mater. These award recipients help guide our multicultural society toward the celebration of our own diversity through their accomplishments within their vocations and avocations.

“I am grateful to be part of the Ferris community, and I am thankful to be able to give to a place that took a chance on me. I will be fulfilled if I can help at least one student with that same opportunity.”

Luke’s gratitude has taken the form of making the unmatched Ferris experience more accessible to deserving students. If you feel a similar love for Ferris, learn more about the many ways to express what is in your heart through giving. Simply contact The Ferris Foundation at (231) 591-2365 or FerrisFoundation@ferris.edu today.