Jan. 24, 2024

Ferris State to Welcome the Loved Ones of Students During ‘Bulldog Family and Friends’ Weekend Feb. 2-3

Ferris State University students can warm up a cold early February stretch by welcoming family and friends to the Big Rapids campus for a weekend filled with fun activities.

Set for Feb. 2-3, Bulldog Family and Friends Weekend has shifted this year to the winter season with a wide range of activities, including a carnival, open skate, a movie night and the fan experience of Ferris State Athletics contests with the Bulldog hockey team taking on Bowling Green State on Friday, with puck drops at 7:07 p.m., and Saturday, at 6:07 p.m.

The nationally ranked women’s and men’s basketball teams are hosting Michigan Tech on Saturday, tipping off at 1 and 3 p.m., respectively.

“Bulldog Family and Friends Weekend allows students to show their support systems, parents, friends, grandparents, whatever the case is, the beautiful campus community of Ferris State and all that it has to offer,” said Justin Harden, Ferris State’s University Recreation and Wellness Programs director. “It allows families and friends to visit their student in the college setting and see what life is like. The time in college is so impactful on young students’ lives, and it’s great to show that space and community to the people who support and love our students.”

The weekend begins on Friday with registration from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Founders’ Room of the David L. Eisler Center, located at 805 Campus Drive. The evening wraps up with a movie night featuring “Ratatouille.” The movie night event includes popcorn and light refreshments.

Following the Bulldog hockey game, there will be an open skating night in the Ewigleben Ice Arena, 210 Sports Drive, from 9 to 11 p.m.

A second registration event will be held Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon in the Founders’ Room.

The Family and Friends Tailgate Party is inside the Student Recreation Center, 401 South Street, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The tailgate features a family-friendly lunch from Reed City’s Pere Marquette Bistro and Catering. Following the women’s and men’s basketball and hockey games will be a second open skate in the ice arena.

Tom DeLuca will return to campus for his nationally popular hypnosis show at 7:30 p.m. in the David L. Eisler Center Ballroom.

Harden said Ferris State students get the opportunity to serve as hosts to Bulldog Family and Friends Weekend.

“Everyone knows that students are the ones who almost always travel home to see their people,” he said. “This event allows that switch and provides a weekend for family and friends to visit their student.”

Harden said parents can enjoy a firsthand look at the student experience at Ferris State, their home away from home.

“The main things parents get out of this weekend is the opportunity to see campus life and to learn about the Ferris community and the events or activities Ferris offers students,” he said, noting that some students don’t get many opportunities beyond move-in day, move-out day and holidays to connect with family face to face. This weekend provides a chance to see the community that will help shape their child’s future for the next four or five years.”

This year’s move to the winter season allows students and their guests to enjoy different aspects of the Ferris State experience.

“We have some great people and awesome spaces on campus that have worked with us to be able to host this event in the winter with plenty of spaces for our planned activities,” Harden said.

Visit the Bulldog Family and Friends Weekend for more information about Ferris State-branded apparel discounts at Ferris Outfitters, local accommodations and more.