Ferris Department of English, Literature, and World Languages

Ferris Department of English, Literature, and World Languages The Facebook gathering place for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends

The Department of English, Literature, and World Languages provides a strong and broad-based education in writing, literature, linguistics, and world languages through an array of majors, minors, and general education courses. We cultivate an appreciation of languages and literatures, enriching the communities we serve and preparing students to thrive in an increasingly complex and diverse society

. Faculty offer courses stressing cultural studies, international literature and issues, world languages, children's and adolescent literature, minority literatures, and women's studies. In supporting Ferris's degree granting programs, courses in journalism, technical communication, written communication, and languages are designed to specifically support particular programs on the Ferris campus

05/11/2026

Congratulations to Delaney Beckett on her completion of her honors associate certificate and graduation from Ferris with a double major in biology and Spanish for the professions! Delaney has gone above and beyond by taking honors courses and doing study abroad in Costa Rica. In addition, she was a member of the Ferris State Disc Golf Team and did consistent volunteer work. She was a campus leader through her participation in the Student Alumni Gold Club, the Disc Golf Team, and the Honors Program. She helped organize a successful welcome event for new honors students in which they learned to play disc golf and helped clean up the campus disc golf course. We are proud of her accomplishments!

05/11/2026

🎓✨ Graduating Student Spotlight ✨🎓

Today we celebrate Rachel Kukuk from Macomb, Michigan! 💙 Rachel graduated with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Spanish, combining language, advocacy, and service to diverse communities ⚖️🌎

When reflecting on her Spanish journey, she says:

"Studying Spanish has helped shape me both personally and professionally by allowing me to better understand different cultures and communicate with a wider range of people.

One experience that stood out to me was creating advocacy and community-based project in my Spanish course this semester, especially because it was connected to immigration rights and access to reliable information for Hispanic communities. This project showed me how language can be used as a tool to help others and make important resources more accessible. 🤝📚✨

In the future, I hope to use Spanish in a career related to criminal justice so I can better serve and communicate with diverse communities." 💬⚖️🌍

Felicidades, Rachel! 🎉 We hope your interest in advocating for and working with the Hispanic/Latinx community continues to grow and comes to fruition in meaningful ways. Wishing you much success in this new chapter and everything ahead! 💫

05/10/2026

🎓✨ Graduating Student Spotlight ✨🎓
Today we celebrate Delaney Beckett from Chesterfield, MI. Delaney majored in Spanish for the Professions while completing pre-Optometry courses, and will begin the Optometry program at Michigan College of Optometry here at Ferris in Fall 2026 👓📚

“The Spanish program here at Ferris, and studying the language and surrounding culture, has truly shaped me into the person I am today. It has opened my mind to global perspectives, strengthening my analysis of the world around me and deepening my empathy and understanding I am able to show to others. This has proved valuable to me in both my daily and professional life in a medical setting.

One of the most meaningful experiences was my internship in Grand Rapids last summer. At The Other Way Ministries, I was able to utilize my Spanish abilities in various outreach programs to serve and connect with the Hispanic & Latino community here in Michigan. 🌎🤝❤️

I look forward to providing bilingual eye care, based in cultural competence, passion for eye health, and love for my patients, using the skills I learned from the Ferris Spanish Program." 👁️✨

¡Felicidades, Delaney! 🎉 Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving others through language and healthcare will make a meaningful difference in so many lives. We cannot wait to see all you accomplish! 💫

05/09/2026

🎓 Graduate Student Spotlight✨️

Today we celebrate Madailein Miller from Kaneohe, Hawai‘i.
Madailein an Honors student is graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. Her journey reflects a strong commitment to language learning, cultural understanding, and future work in healthcare, in her own words:

"In 2024, I decided that going to Costa Rica to learn Spanish with no prior experience was somehow a good idea. Looking back, it absolutely was. Two years later, I not only gained a strong understanding of Spanish and completed my minor, but I also developed a greater understanding of the world and the importance of cultural connection 🌎💬

Currently working in the medical field, one of the most meaningful experiences for me has been being able to communicate with patients in their native language, even if imperfectly at times. The Spanish for Social Services and Spanish Culture for the Professions courses especially helped shape my perspective on language, culture, and patient care 🏥🤝

In the future, I hope to use my Spanish as a Physician Assistant to help increase access to bilingual healthcare professionals and provide culturally competent care to every patient I serve 🌟"

¡Felicidades, Madailein! 🎉💙 Your dedication to language learning, cultural understanding, and compassionate healthcare will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

.tica

05/08/2026

🎓 Graduate Spotlight: Jesús Calderón-Hurtado ✨

Originally from Battle Creek, Michigan, Jesús graduated from Ferris State University in 2025 with a degree in Facility Management and this year is graduating with a B.S. in Spanish for the Professions 🌎📚

Jesús shares how studying Spanish shaped both his academic and personal journey.

"Throughout my time studying Spanish, I have developed stronger communication skills and a deeper understanding of Hispanic and Latino cultures, which has helped me both personally and professionally.

Studying Spanish has also allowed me to connect more with my community and feel proud of my cultural background 

One meaningful experience that stands out to me was my internship with Voces in Battle Creek, where I helped support community events, assisted families at the front desk, created bilingual materials, and worked directly with the Hispanic community 🤝  That experience showed me how important language and cultural understanding are when helping others and building trust within a community."

¡Felicidades, Jesús! 🎉 Your dedication to language, community, and service continues to inspire those around you 💙✨

05/07/2026

Spotlight on our recent graduates! 🌟🎓📚

Today we are catching up with one of our recent graduates! ✨ Since graduating in December, Isabel VanDusen, from Sparta, Michigan, has continued building a path that connects language, healthcare, and global experiences 🌎🩺✈️

Isabel shared with us how studying Spanish and traveling abroad influenced her perspective, future goals, and connections with others:

"I received my bachelor’s in Spanish for the Professions and I am currently working toward my degree in sonography.
Using the Spanish language has not only helped me communicate while traveling in Spanish-speaking countries but has also shaped my perspective on life.
I greatly appreciate how my trip to Costa Rica (summer 2024) gave me new life experiences that showed me the importance of connecting with world cultures. This inspired me to continue my journey by living abroad in Spain in the summer of 2025.
The best part of traveling abroad to Costa Rica and Spain were the connections I made and friendships I developed with those around me.
In my future, understanding Spanish will help me develop stronger relationships with my patients, and I look forward to connecting with more and more people as I continue my world travels.” ✨🌍

¡Felicidades, Isabel! 🎉👏
You’ve worked hard to create these opportunities for yourself, and we are excited to see where your journey takes you next. 🚀🩵

.tica

05/05/2026

Final presentations 🌎✨

Students in Contemporary Culture and Society in Hispanic America explored geography, history, culture, identities, and future trends through thoughtful and visually engaging poster projects, highlighting learning that goes beyond memorization toward deeper analysis and meaningful connections 📚🧠🎨

05/02/2026

🌟 Outstanding Student Spanish for the Professions Major Spotlight 🌟

We are delighted to recognize our students whose dedication, purpose, and growth truly stand out.

Today, we celebrate Isabella Dykstra from Holland, MI, an Honors student pursuing a double major in Dental Hygiene and Spanish of the Professions, along with a minor in International Studies.

Here is Isabella’s reflection on her experience studying Spanish with us:

“The Spanish program at Ferris has helped me rediscover my identity and reconnect with my Mexican heritage. It has also guided me toward working in clinical dental settings that serve Spanish-speaking communities. I hope to apply my bilingual skills to enhance cultural competency, reduce language barriers, and improve access to care for the Hispanic/Latino community.

The Spanish program has enriched my college experience in so many ways. I participated in the Costa Rica Faculty-Led program over the summer in 2024, and it changed my life. I truly appreciate my three Spanish professors, Lucero Flores-Páez, Eric Warner, and Gustavo Rodriguez. ✌️”

Isabella’s journey reflects the impact of language learning when it is connected to identity 🌎, community 🤝, and professional purpose 🎯

¡Felicidades, Isabella! 💙🎉 We can’t wait to see the difference you will make ✨🚀

04/30/2026

🌟 Outstanding Spanish Minor Spotlight 🌟

Meet Addison Noble from Allendale, MI, an Elementary Education major and Spanish minor.

🏅 We celebrate Addison as our Outstanding Spanish Minor, an honor that reflects her dedication, growth, and commitment to using Spanish in meaningful ways. ¡Felicidades! 🎉

Addison shares: “Spanish has given me so many opportunities to connect with others on a deeper level while embracing different cultures. It has also taught me patience, with myself and with others. I’m excited to use my Spanish to build meaningful connections with my future students. In my classroom, I hope to reflect the same positivity and inclusivity my Spanish teachers always brought to theirs.”

Her journey with Spanish is a reminder of how language can shape both personal growth and future paths.

04/28/2026

Join us in celebrating Audrey Phillips! As the inaugural recipient of the Spanish for the Professions Scholarship! 🏆🌟 Audrey is setting an incredible example for our Spanish program and demonstrating the real-world impact of language studies.

In her own words:

"Hi, my name is Audrey Phillips and I’m from Fremont, Michigan. I’m currently majoring in Spanish for the Professions with a minor in Legal Studies.

Learning Spanish has given me a passion for the Hispanic community that I hope to foster into a lifelong career. I’ve been able to make friends with people from across the globe, analyze international politics, and come alongside Spanish speakers in my own community.
Learning the Spanish language has also opened the door for me to travel to Honduras this summer, where I’ll be partnering with local Garífuna community. I anticipate many more adventures in the years to come!" ​🌎✈️🇭🇳

We can't wait to hear about your experience in Honduras, Audrey. ¡Felicidades! ​🎉🙌🎊

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Department Of English, Literature, And World Languages 820 Campus Drive, ASC 3080
Big Rapids, MI
49307

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Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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