BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Seven hundred and eighty-four students completed the requirements for certificates, associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at Ferris State University and Kendall College of Art and Design during the semester that ended in August 2018.

Students graduating with honors were recognized for high academic achievement on the basis of GPAs computed on a 4.0 scale. Undergraduate degree designations use Latin levels of recognition: Summa Cum Laude, 3.9 to 4.0; Magna Cum Laude, 3.75 to 3.89; and Cum Laude, 3.5 to 3.74.

Area students who graduated include Blake Beauchamp, of Escanaba, who received his Bachelor of Applied Science in digital animation game design; Kristi LaMarche, of Escanaba, who received her Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene and graduated Summa Cum Laude; and Alexis Pillion, of Newberry, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in health care systems administration.

Ferris State University is a four-year public university with campuses in Big Rapids, Grand Rapids and satellite campuses across the state. Ferris offers more than 180 educational programs, including doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, through eight academic colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Services, Engineering Technology, Health Professions, Kendall College of Art and Design, Michigan College of Optometry and Pharmacy. Founded in 1884 by educator, Michigan Gov. and U.S. Sen. Woodbridge N. Ferris, the university’s mission is to be a national leader in career-oriented, technological and professional education.