Ferris State Computer Information Technology students repair watches to build skills while helping local shelter transform lives
Nov. 13, 2024
as the timepieces were returned to service in a learning exercise for Ferris State
University Computer Information Technology students. The Our Brother’s Keeper shelter
in Big Rapids received men’s and women’s watches in the Fall 2024 semester. (Photo
courtesy Brendan Bender)
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. —
A Ferris State University professor says students learn a great deal about Computer
Information Technology by repairing wristwatches, but their classroom project has
a far greater impact.
Ferris State University students worked on watches below for repairs and ultimate
donation. (Photo courtesy Brendan Bender)
Associate Professor Jimmie Joseph said students learn about the intricate workings
of watches and apply those skills to computers that are increasingly essential – and
smaller. Once repaired, the watches are donated to the Our Brother’s Keeper shelter
in Big Rapids, an organization that helps guests become more self-sufficient.
“I wanted them to work with a digital device that is very precise and very small in
its scale,” Joseph said. “They learn intentionality in their work as they perform
maintenance on these watches.”
Students earning Computer Information Technology degrees gain hands-on experience
and knowledge to manage the hardware, software, databases and networks on which many
organizations depend.
Joseph said the student volunteers open the watches, diagnose the problems and get
them back in working order.
He then brings them to the shelter, which collects materials to help clients begin
new lives.
Our Brother’s Keeper, 405 S. 3rd Street, works with clients to be strengthen self-sufficiency
and teach important life skills that guests can utilize once they transitioned into
permanent housing. The watches help clients stay on time for work when they gain employment.
“The staff at Our Brother’s Keeper were very happy to have them available for their
guests,” he said.
Zack Vanderzanden from Walkerville is a senior in the Computer Information Technology
program and a member of the Bulldog Computer Professionals club. The recent repair
project was the second he had taken part in this year.
“We had a group of about five students come in on a Friday and work together on the
watches, which was a really good learning exercise and opportunity for collaboration,”
Vanderzanden said. “After our spring semester efforts were completed, I told my family
about it and my grandfather said, ‘I have a watch that is not working, it may just
need a battery.’ I was able to get his watch running, which was a great feeling.”
Joseph intends to continue with this watch maintenance project in the semesters to
come.
“We know it provides an opportunity for Ferris’ CIT/CIS students to do what they do
best, which is to help others,” Joseph said.
Ferris offers Associate of Applied Sciences, Bachelor of Science degrees and the option
to minor in Computer Information Technology and Computer Information Systems, through
coursework in the College of Business.
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