Student Homecoming Committee organizers have announced that Nick Offerman, widely
known for his television roles on “Parks and Recreation” and “Fargo,” has been secured
for an 8 p.m. performance Thursday, Sept. 28, in Ferris State University’s Williams
Auditorium.
Offerman, who received the Television Critics Association Award for his role as Ron Swanson on “Parks and Recreation,” and a Golden Globe nomination, for his portrayal of Karl Weathers in “Fargo,” will begin his “Full Bush Comedy Tour” on Saturday, Sept. 30 in Missoula, Montana. Comedian and Finance Committee Chair Lacie Tryan said the Student Homecoming Committee conducted surveys last year, and is thrilled to bring in an entertainer of Offerman’s stature.
“We learned that students would be willing to pay for a bigger entertainment show, and that they were good with a charge of between $5 and $10 for a ‘name’ talent,” Tryan said. “Our survey offered them five options, and Offerman was the most popular choice. We listened to them, and made Nick’s performance happen.”
Ferris students will have the initial opportunity to purchase tickets, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 5 on a first-come, first-served basis, at a cost of $10 apiece. Ticket sales will be conducted at the Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services, or CLACS office, in the University Center.
“We suggest that students get their tickets early if they want to see this show,” Tryan said. “We anticipate we will sell out Williams Auditorium, and would begin a public sale on Tuesday, Sept. 19, if we have not already reached our 1,644 seat capacity. Those tickets will be $20 apiece.”
An Entertainment Unlimited Comedy Competition will be held Saturday, Sept. 9, to determine the Ferris student, faculty or staff member, or alumna/alumnus who will serve as the opening act on Sept. 28.
The theme of Ferris’ Homecoming 2017 activities is “Unleash Your Inner Dawg.” The week’s events begin Wednesday, Sept.
27 with a showing of “Spiderman: Homecoming,” in the University Center Ballroom. Following
Offerman’s Sept. 28 performance, the annual Homecoming Bonfire will be held at 8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 29 in Lot 61. A Homecoming Parade, in downtown Big Rapids begins Saturday,
Sept. 30 at 12 p.m., with Ferris hosting Wayne State in football beginning at 3 p.m.
The Ferris hockey team will host its Crimson and Gold Game, beginning at 6 p.m., which
is among a variety of events that day, offered by campus social groups, Alumni Relations
and colleges of the university.
PHOTO CAPTION: Actor, author and entertainer Nick Offerman will be the featured 2017 Homecoming Comedian at Ferris State University’s Williams Auditorium, on Thursday, Sept. 28, in an 8 p.m. show.