F
erris State University will jam to no shortage of old-school Motown tunes as part
of its 2014 celebration of homecoming.
This year’s homecoming theme is “Bulldogs Get Down with Motown” as festivities kick off on Sunday, Sept. 28 and run through Sunday, Oct. 5.
“We’re hosting homecoming a little early this year, but we have a great theme this year that is focused on Motown music, and we couldn’t be more excited about what we think will be a great week of activities,” said Jeremy Mishler, director of Alumni Relations. “We look forward to the return of our alumni to engage with our current students, faculty and staff during one of Ferris’ longest-standing traditions.”
The homecoming festivities kick off on Sunday, Sept. 28 with the Bedsheet Banner Contest. Registered student organizations and residence hall groups create their banners on twin-sized bed sheets, reflecting the “Get Down with Motown” theme. The banners will be displayed in the University Recreation Center.
On Monday Sept. 29, competitions begin with the popular lip sync contest at 7 p.m. in Williams Auditorium.
The kickball tournament will be held on Tuesday Sept. 30 at Top Taggart Field. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. and the tournament starts at 7 p.m.
Keeping with tradition, the annual homecoming bonfire will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 1, beginning at 8 p.m. in Lot 61 by Brophy/McNernery residence halls. The event will include music by DJ Jose, a karaoke competition, games, and the bonfire hosted by the Veterans Association. Wednesday also marks the first day of voting for Homecoming King and Queen.
Thursday, Oct. 2 the Homecoming Comedian Show will begin at 7 p.m. in Williams Auditorium. The show will feature performances from T.J. Miller, Jerrod Carmichael and Sarah Tiana. This is a free event, however, parental discretion is advised.
On Friday, Oct. 3, the Alumni Association and the Center for Leadership Activities and Career Services are collaborating to host the "Motown Mixer," a networking reception for alumni and students. The event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Granger Center Atrium. Business attire is required.
The celebration culminates on Saturday, Oct. 4 with tailgating beginning at 11 a.m. in Lot 37. The colleges of Arts, Sciences and Education, Business, Engineering Technology and Pharmacy will be hosting tailgate celebrations. The CET tailgate includes the popular chili cook-off. There will also be an HVACR tailgate and a Black Alumni Welcome Tent as part of activities outside of the football stadium. The homecoming parade starts at noon in downtown Big Rapids. Following the parade the Bulldogs will take on the Findlay Oilers at 2 p.m. at Top Taggart Field. During halftime the King and Queen will be crowned. Additionally, the Grillin’ Guys will return to broadcast their radio show live on 107.3 FM from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Good food will be grilled up for the VIP tailgate. The Tailgate on Ice event takes place prior to the Bulldog hockey team taking on the University of Michigan at Ewigleben Ice Arena. The tailgate runs from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include all the food, fun, a game ticket and a parking pass. The tailgate cost is $10 for season ticket holders and Blueline Club members.
Finishing up homecoming, on Sunday, Oct. 5, will be the PGA Golf Management program hosting its fall tournament at Katke Golf Course from 12 to 5 p.m.
“Homecoming is a tradition that brings everyone together. Getting involved and attending the events brings an opportunity to join not only Ferris students, but also community members and alumni,” said Shannon Ramso, a senior in the Elementary Education program and overall chair for this year’s homecoming activities. “The activities include a little something for everyone and are amazing for getting out and enjoying Ferris and Ferris football.”