Changing Lives at Ferris

William P. Maher R.Ph., D.D.S., M.S., graduated from Ferris State University's College of Pharmacy in 1976. He went on to earn a degree in dentistry and practiced in both fields for 19 years. A sitting professional on the Board of Dentistry and a Diplomate on the American Board of Endodontics, he is also certified by the American Board of Dentistry.

William applied for pharmacy studies at Ferris after having a negative experience at another institution. Ferris accepted him despite a low grade point average, and refused to accept two of his classes from his transfer institution to bring his GPA up to a 2.0.

When he met with Clark Andresen, assistant dean for the College of Pharmacy at the time, William asked why Ferris had taken such exceptional measures to allow him to attend. Clark answered, "We believe everyone deserves a chance—don't waste it."

William would later say his life changed at that moment. He did very well at Ferris and graduated with a 3.64 GPA. He also said that without his pharmacy degree from Ferris he would not have been able to attend dental school.

He and his wife, Eleanora, are donors to Ferris through the charitable gift annuity program. The Mahers' first annuity, given in 2007, was a unique donation for the University. William had purchased a large portion of gold in the form of South African Krugerrands. He donated ten of the coins to the University through his annuity. Since then, he has created additional annuities and continues to give back to the University that gave him a chance.

"I absolutely love the people at Ferris," William says when asked why he continues to engage and donate to the University. "Stephen Durst is a wonderful dean, and Dave Eisler is the best president Ferris has ever had."

William went on to say that he feels a gift to Ferris was a donation well-made.

"Ferris State University has some wonderful people who are attentive to students, and the caliber of education is above reproach."