Sept. 26, 2024

Ferris State’s 2024 Homecoming celebration offers traditional events, activities for alumni, campus and community members

Ferris State University’s 98th Homecoming celebration will feature opportunities for students and friends of all ages to enjoy the seasonal beauty of Big Rapids and campus together as a Bulldog family.

Homecoming is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5 with events planned before and after the day.

Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Brandi Behrenwald said signature events like tailgating activities and kickoff for the Homecoming football contest against Roosevelt University from Illinois have earlier start times than in recent years, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.

“Because Ferris is celebrating its 140th anniversary, we will have memorabilia and other gifts, along with all things crimson and gold to celebrate being Bulldogs,” Behrenwald said. “We will have a ‘make-your-own’ baked potato bar we expect will go over well with our alumni and university friends on an early fall day.”

Nonagenarian Bette Hartig, a Ferris State emeritus and 1965 alumna, will be grand marshal of the Homecoming Parade, which steps off at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Big Rapids.

Center for Student Involvement and Entertainment Unlimited coordinator Ben Avery said the lineup for the procession starts at 9 a.m. at Big Rapids Middle School.

“I am really looking forward to seeing our students dive into this year’s Homecoming events,” Avery said. “The opportunity is right there for campus groups, departments, registered student organizations, or athletic teams to sign up in advance and participate since it is a great chance to engage with the community.”

Behrenwald said the Alumni Board’s membership plans to actively engage fellow alums and others at their tent along “Reunion Row.”

“We are so glad our Bulldog leaders are offering their time to support our mission and greet fellow alums,” she said. “There will be a henna artist, a caricaturist and a face painter around our tent to give that crimson and gold touch to anyone looking to build on their spirit for the game.”

Alums can also engage with a variety of tents and friendly spaces during the day on Saturday, as Reunion Row will be in full swing.

“There are fraternal organizations and nearly all of Ferris State’s colleges who have reserved spaces,” Behrenwald said. “We are so pleased to collaborate with those groups who are involved each year, or now look to add their welcome to everyone who comes out for the tailgate.”

The Phi Zeta chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma’s Zeta Theta chapter and Ferris State’s Nuclear Medicine program are celebrating 50th anniversaries. Nuclear Medicine friends and notables will gather at the College of Health Professions’ tent.

During Homecoming week, Entertainment Unlimited and the Alumni Association also actively engage Bulldogs and the community.

Avery described the Homecoming comedy show as a powerhouse, with Nate Jackson and Atsuko Okatsuka as dual headliners to bring the laughs for students and others interested in the show on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Williams Auditorium, 630 S. Michigan Ave.

He said Ferris State students with valid ID will have first admission to Williams Auditorium, starting at 6:30 p.m. 
“We were glad to have this lineup come together as we expect our audience will really enjoy the show, with Saturday Night Live cast member Molly Kearney as their opener,” he said.

Building toward the Homecoming weekend, Ferris State students can enjoy drop-in games of dodgeball from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, in the Student Recreation Center, 401 South St. and a pep rally and bonfire Friday, Oct. 4, from 7 to 10 p.m.

“Thursday is a chance to have some friendly competition and maybe meet somebody new. Friday night, we will have live music, food and a giant bonfire,” Avery said. “We hope to see as many students on campus and anyone with an interest joining us in Parking Lot 6A, across from The Rock Café.”

The David L. Eisler Center ballrooms, 801 Campus Dr., will be the scene of the annual Fall Reunion. Behrenwald said the chance to honor Ferris State graduates, young and old, is a great tradition.

“We will celebrate the Class of 1974 as our Golden Eagles. We will also present our Above and Beyond, Pacesetter Awards and pay tribute to our Distinguished Alumni,” she said. “We are grateful Ferris President Bill Pink is joining us for our event on an active night on campus.”

Homecoming events are listed online. Tickets for Ferris State’s volleyball match, Saturday evening Oct. 5, and the Bulldog hockey game that night can be purchased through the Athletics website.