Oct. 1, 2024

Ninety-seven-year-old former Ferris State student, administrator Bette Hartig to reign as grand marshal for 2024 Homecoming

Cherished Ferris State University and Big Rapids community member Bette Hartig will have a new role she said she never expected: Homecoming grand marshal.

Hartig, 97, will be highlighted during the 2024 celebration on Saturday, Oct. 5.

“I am in awe. This is terribly kind of the university to give me this honor,” Hartig said. “I am delighted with the opportunities I have had to engage with President Bill Pink and look forward to spending time that weekend with ‘my boyfriend.’”

Hartig studied at Ferris State in the 1960s. She came to Ferris State College as an employee in 1970, serving two years as a “house mother,” followed by two years assisting the director of housing, before coordinating student activities and serving as a director in the Rankin Center, the precursor to what is now the David L. Eisler Center.

“I have always been happy in Big Rapids, returning after some time as a secondary school teacher in Port Huron,” Hartig said. “Through most of my career to now, I remain close to Ferris and the campus.”

Though she retired more than 30 years ago, Hartig’s community presence has remained strong through ongoing participation in arts-related activities. Also, Hartig recently wrote her memoir.

She said being asked to serve as grand marshal for Ferris State’s 98th Homecoming was a complete surprise.

Hartig will take part in the 10:30 a.m. parade through downtown Big Rapids. She will be presented to the crowd during the football contest against Roosevelt University at Top Taggart Field.

Ferris State’s contest against the Lakers, first-year participants in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, begins at 2 p.m.