Aug. 21, 2024

Documentary celebrating Ferris State’s 140 anniversary among two weeks of activities welcoming students to campus as fall semester kicks off

The premiere of a documentary celebrating Ferris State University’s 140th anniversary is among the two weeks of activities planned for students kicking off the fall semester.

Bulldog Beginnings events feature many enriching, entertaining and educational activities as new and returning students come to campus.

Many activities will highlight the anniversary year for Ferris State. The Aug. 28 premiere of a documentary, “Legacy of Opportunity,” celebrates Ferris State’s 140 years while looking ahead to the future.

The Hollywood-style premiere, with a red carpet, photos and movie theatre refreshments, will be Wednesday, Aug. 28, beginning at 7 p.m. in the David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive. The public is invited to attend.

Before and after the premiere, however, Student Activities Coordinator Ben Avery said many of the student-focused activities will begin on the Robinson Quad during the popular Bulldog Welcome event on Friday, Aug. 23, from 7 to 11:30 p.m.

“It should be a great evening for some live-band karaoke and a showing of the movie ‘School of Rock,’” Avery said. “We will have food available, and you can bring a blanket, a jacket and your friends to really enjoy a night under the stars.”

Bulldog Beginnings continues hitting its stride during the weekend before classes begin on Monday, Aug. 26.

Featured events include Speed Friending and DEC Late Night Saturday, Aug. 24, in the Eisler Center that afternoon and evening, respectively.

“Our committee focused on making Bulldog Beginnings offerings valuable to the most readily accessible campus audiences,” Avery said. “We have nearly two dozen campus leaders contributing to arranging a workable and engaging schedule to give new and returning students a chance to make new friends.”

First-year students have a social on Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m., sponsored by the First Year Peer Coaches with Career and Professional Success on the Robinson Quad.

“This event, along with the Rec Fest we will hold on Monday, Aug. 26, for club and intramural sports, is a student’s best chance to learn about joining other students in their favorite competition or activity,” Ben said. “With Founders’ Day following on Thursday, Aug. 29, this may be a new student’s chance to connect and start on a Ferris journey with others who are finding their way and ready for fun.”

Founders’ Day features an extravaganza on Robinson Quad, west of the Eisler Center, from 3 to 6 p.m.

“We will have a caricature artist, midway game trailers, to bring on a carnival atmosphere and a traditional ice cream social, along with a resource fair for departments across campus and area businesses,” Avery said.

Following the Labor Day weekend, Bulldog Beginnings activities continue with a Get Acquainted Day sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Services from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4 on the Robinson Quad, an Open Mic night on Monday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Eisler Center’s Rankin Fireplace Stage and the Bulldog Bonanza from 4 to 7 p.m. on the Robinson Quad followed by Laser Tag, hosted by Entertainment Unlimited, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11 in the David L. Eisler Center ballrooms.

“After meeting with student groups and organizations during Bulldog Bonanza, we hope everyone takes time to enjoy Laser Tag in the ballroom area,” Avery said. “Throughout the schedule, there are other departmental offerings for a diverse range of campus departments and student organizations.

Details and updates for Bulldog Beginnings are available on the website.

“We encourage every student to take advantage of these opportunities to be on our fantastic campus and make new friends while having all kinds of fun through games, crafts and activities,” Avery said.