Skip to Top NavigationSkip to ContentSkip to Footer
Ferris State University BulldogFerris State University Logo

Ferris Celebrating 125th Anniversary, Founders' Day Highlights Kick Off

logoBIG RAPIDS – One simple statement characterizes Ferris State University: “If it hadn’t been for Ferris…”

Many Ferris graduates will note “If it hadn’t been for Ferris…” they would not be where they are today. Alumni credit the school’s faculty and staff with giving them educational opportunities not found elsewhere.

The vision for educational opportunities for all began 125 years ago when Woodbridge N. and Helen Gillespie Ferris came to Big Rapids with the dream of creating a school catering to the general masses. On Sept. 1, 1884, Big Rapids Industrial School welcomed its first class of 15 students. Today, more than 13,500 students call Ferris home, studying not only at the university’s main campus in Big Rapids, but in Grand Rapids and more than 20 off-campus sites