Messages of affirmation, inclusion and welcome will be spread across walkways on Ferris State University’s Big Rapids campus on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Students, faculty and staff will be among individuals supporting the fourth annual “Chalk The Walk For Inclusion” with their effort and actions.
Event organizer Maggie Walcott said that this activity originated in 2017, following civil unrest in Charlottesville, Virginia and may be an even more valid exercise given the societal implications of current times.
“Our Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services had been chalking welcome messages on Ferris walkways, prior to our collaboration that began three years back,” Walcott said. “This year, it is our great desire to make students feel welcome, to know that they were missed, and affirm that their desire to learn is to be celebrated.”
The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Walcott said they have ample supplies and quote suggestions that participants can use.
“We will have a table right by the Woodbridge N. Ferris statue in the North Quad, with plenty of chalk and messages to ponder,” Walcott said. “President David Eisler stopped by last year and took a piece of chalk to offer his favorite quote. So, this is certainly a drop-in event. We look forward to the company and collaboration of our faculty, students and staff in what is a perfect opportunity to participate while respecting social distance guidelines.”
Walcott welcomes any questions about “Chalk The Walk For Inclusion” on Aug. 25 by email.