Ferris State University Construction Management Alumni Network looks to surpass last year’s success during 2026 Day for Dawgs

Mark Dyke had a simple goal when he took part in starting the Construction Management Alumni Network at Ferris State University: to make something that could help people stay connected with each other, and stay involved with investing in the success of future Ferris students.

In the spring of 2026, alumni and donors from all over America helped ensure that goal was achieved during One Day for Dawgs. It was the first year of Ferris State University’s day of giving event, and the Construction Management Alumni Network was able to raise nearly $15,000 for a newly created scholarship fund. This year’s event will take place on April 8.

In an article posted on Ferris State University’s website, Dyke, who serves as associate professor at Ferris, as well as program co-coordinator in the Construction management program, was quoted as saying about last year’s event, "Honestly, I was blown away. For our first year doing this through the alumni network, the level of support was incredible. It was great to see people step up and rally behind the program."

The overwhelming show of support was thanks to the hard work of alumni and volunteers, who were able to finish third of all the various campus fundraising teams. It was an impressive lift for a program who was participating in the day of giving for the first time.

The success was due in large part to a few alumni who signal boosted the cause by reaching out to their networks. From there, the momentum started to pick up speed. Dyke recalled watching the messaging increase and the excitement build during that fundraising push, and is excited to take part again this year. He said, "We set our initial goal last year just above average for what groups typically raise. We blew past that amount pretty quickly thanks to our awesome alumni. I remember texting the Executive Committee asking what we should raise the goal to next. We raised it and hit that one. Then raised it again, and again. We’ll definitely start higher this year!"

By the end of the Day for Dawgs event, the Construction Management team not only beat every goal it had set, but it also finished third across all groups taking part. There were more than 90 total causes doing the 2025 fundraising event.

Speaking on why he thinks his group did so well in their first outing, Dyke said, "Construction people get things done, and we are competitive by nature. It is also a very relationship-driven industry. Our alumni stay connected, and when people saw their classmates and colleagues getting involved, it created a ripple effect that brought more people in."

The money that was raised during the Day for Dawgs directly goes into funds supporting scholarships for students in the Construction Management program. Last year’s results have set high expectations for this year’s Day for Dawgs, but the group is confident. 

Dyke went on to talk about how for him and his team in the Construction Management Alumni Network, the work they are doing is personal. He said, "It means opportunity. Scholarship support helps take some of that financial pressure off our students so they can focus on learning, getting involved, and building the skills they need to be successful. It makes both the student and the industry stronger."

Coming off of being in the top three last year, the team is yet more excited to keep the momentum going to make sure every gift is impacting the next generation as much as possible. They hope to fund scholarships so that students do not have to work so hard to juggle full time classwork, internships, jobs, and other life challenges.

Talking about his plan for this year, Dyke said, "The goal this year is to build on what we did last year and get even more people involved. We have our eye on moving up even higher. We know it will be a challenge, but that is a big part of what makes it fun. Supporting our students is some of the most important work we can do, so we hope you’ll join us in that effort."

Dyke had a message for any industry partner or Construction Management graduate who is considering giving this April 8: “The program gave you something. Now it's your turn.”

He went on to further make his case, saying, "It is one of the easiest ways to stay connected and make a real impact. At the end of the day, it is not just about fundraising. It is about investing in the next generation of construction professionals."

More information about Ferris State University can be found at the school’s website.