Founders' Day Activities Adjusted for Social Distancing, Information, Enjoyment to Continue

The celebration of Ferris State University’s 136th anniversary is Thursday, Sept. 3. This fall, Founders’ Day, a part of the Bulldog Beginnings celebration to kick off the 2020-21 academic year, holds onto common elements while adjusting to circumstances that have arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services Assistant Kathryn Thomas said students will have an opportunity to learn about campus and Big Rapids community support systems available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day. However, this year’s Resource Fair will be virtual.

“When the fair begins, students will be able to check-in, online and learn about our partners in various campus departments, those Crimson and Gold, or organizations and operations previously known as 5-Star groups, the legacy registered student organizations and many nonprofits from around the area,” Thomas said. “Participating groups may offer a live contact for the entire Resource Fair or some segment of the event. We hope students will check-in and learn more about how they can contribute to the excellence of the campus and community.”

Palate-pleasing tables will be set up on the quad and in the University Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., where stocks of frozen novelties will be available.

“We will have Ferris Catering staff at those locations, as they are trained in university-approved food handling procedures,” Thomas said. “The celebratory activity is sponsored by CLACS, Ferris’ Grounds department, Dining and Catering, the UC and the Office of The General Counsel. We want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe celebration this Founders Day.”

Ferris President David Eisler’s annual address will be available at 11 a.m. on Sept. 3, via Zoom.

Other Founders’ Day activities include:

• “Helping Others Rise,” a presentation based on the book “Haste to Rise: A Remarkable Experience of Black Education during Jim Crow,” by David Pilgrim, vice president for Diversity and Inclusion, and Franklin Hughes, a multimedia specialist in Diversity and Inclusion. The event will be held via Zoom from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
• A History Task Force geocaching event throughout campus. The geotrail launched on Aug. 28; and
• The Traditions Walk at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Groups of five to 10 students will be led around campus by a guide to different locations representing traditional and or historical importance.

For more information, visit the Bulldog Beginnings website.