Montana State to honor Michael Ferris with Blue and Gold Award during homecoming week

BOZEMAN - Montana State University alumnus Michael Ferris will receive the university's Blue and Gold Award on Friday, Sept. 25, as part of MSU's homecoming festivities.

The Blue and Gold Award, among the most prestigious granted by MSU, honors individuals who have rendered excellent lifetime service or brought national or international distinction to MSU or the state of Montana. Recipients must have achieved prominence through service to one or more of the following: profession, family, country, world, university, philanthropy or humanity.

Ferris, a native of Choteau, graduated from MSU in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. While at MSU, he was an active campus leader, serving as ASMSU student body president and participating in Phi Sigma Kappa and Les Bouffons. His wife, Donna Ferris, also graduated from MSU in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in microbiology.

Mike Ferris earned an MBA from Wichita State University and built a distinguished business career that included more than 25 years with Vulcan Materials Co., where he rose to president of the chemicals division. He later served as president and CEO of Pioneer Companies, Inc. and, together with his wife, co-founded AirWater Technologies, a company providing complete cooling and refrigeration solutions. He also owned and operated Pure Water Components.

Together, Mike and Donna Ferris have maintained a lifelong connection to the university. For more than five decades, they have supported MSU through their leadership, service and philanthropy. Their contributions have funded scholarships in engineering and natural sciences. They have also contributed to the Presidential Scholars and Hilleman Scholars programs. Their gifts to the university have exceeded $1 million, and they have also committed a planned gift through the estate planning process.

The Ferrises are members of the MSU 1893 Society, which recognizes those who have made a planned gift commitment to the university. In addition, Mike Ferris has served on the MSU Engineering Advisory Council, the Advanced Technology Board of Directors and the MSU Alumni Foundation Board of Governors, including a term as board president from 2011 to 2016. Starting in 2000, Mike Ferris also played a leadership role in MSU fundraising campaigns, including the university's first comprehensive campaign.

"Through his vision and guidance, the campaign transformed the university's future," said Fran Albrecht, MSU Alumni Foundation president and CEO. "Through his professional accomplishments, volunteer leadership and extraordinary generosity, Mike Ferris has exemplified the spirit of Montana State University and created a lasting legacy of opportunity for future generations of Bobcats."