Free servings of Jones Ice Cream will be available Thursday, Aug. 29 as Ferris State
University celebrates Founders' Day with the annual Ice Cream Social and Extravaganza
on the North Campus Quad. This event is the first celebration of the university's
135th anniversary, with others to follow during the 2019-20 academic year.A traditional event at Ferris State University will serve as the first opportunity
to celebrate the institution’s 135-year history of service to and presence in west-central
Michigan. Founders' Day 2019 takes place Thursday, Aug. 29 on the main campus in Big
Rapids.
A variety of activities throughout the day will bring the Ferris State student body,
faculty and staff together with members of the Big Rapids community, according to
History Task Force Chair Mary Kay MacIver.
“The Ferris community has always been proud of its heritage,” MacIver said. “Our founders,
Helen Gillespie and Woodbridge Nathan Ferris, possessed a progressive core belief
that everyone deserved an education, regardless of their gender, age or ethnicity.
From the Big Rapids Industrial School, to the Ferris Institute, to Ferris State College
to Ferris State University, we have witnessed many changes over the past 135 years
and there is much to celebrate. But what endures is the Ferris’ hands-on, practical
approach to education that is expressed through our mission to prepare our students
for successful careers, responsible citizenship and life-long learning.”
Ferris President David Eisler will deliver his annual State of the University address
at 11 a.m. that day, with a picnic for faculty and staff to follow on the North Campus
Quad.
“This 13th Founders’ Day celebration is an opportunity to honor our founders, celebrate
our past, present and future, and commemorate the legacy entrusted to us,” Eisler
said.
The Founders’ Day celebration continues from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the annual Ice
Cream Social, featuring Jones Homemade Ice Cream served by local dignitaries. The
University Pride Committee and History Task Force will also be handing out free t-shirts
commemorating the university’s 135th anniversary and special buttons honoring the
tradition. The day also includes the annual Founders’ Day Ice Cream Social.
The event is a welcome event for area nonprofits, who promote their volunteer opportunities
to the student audience. Five-Star registered student organizations are also on the
Quad, promoting their activities and causes. There are also games, giveaways and activities,
along with raffle prizes including a large screen TV. Organizers from the Center for
Leadership, Activities and Career Services said that the drawing for major prizes
will take place at 6:30 p.m. and registrants must be present to win.
The Big Rapids Industrial School opened on Monday, Sept. 1, 1884. The university will
continue to celebrate its 135th anniversary through the 2019-2020 academic year with
a variety of programs, promotions and special commemorative graphics.