Aug. 25, 2025
Ferris State greets freshmen with Bulldog Welcome celebration and opportunities to make lifelong friends
Ferris State University freshmen were welcomed Sunday with an experience different from that of any freshman class in the last 30 years – being serenaded by a marching band.
The university kicked off the 2025-2026 academic year with a weekend of activities for new students that included a Bulldog Welcome celebration at Top Taggart Field.
The event included the rebirth of the Marching Bulldogs, and the debut of the university’s first cheer and STUNT team, and words of encouragement from head football coach Tony Annese and head volleyball coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm.
Ferris State President Bill Pink told students to enjoy their new Bulldog Welcome t-shirts and barbecue dinner. But he also encouraged them to get to know the people around them, today and throughout the year.
“One of the things about college is that you will make friends for a lifetime,” Pink said. “Some of the people you see right now, some of the people you will go to class with, some of the people you’ll live in the same building with, these are people who, if you do it right here at Ferris State, you are talking about people who will be friends for the rest of your life.”
Pink also encouraged the new students to take advantage of opportunities for fun and enrichment, but also to use the resources in place to assist them along the way, whether it is academic help or physical and mental wellness support.
“You make these years count,” he said. “When you need help, ask for it. When there is something you don’t understand or just isn’t quite right, we’ve got people to help you. The worst thing you can do is allow yourself to stay in uncertainty, or to stay in depression, Do not let that happen to you. If you need help, you can ask!”
Students started moving into residence halls on Thursday in advance of Monday’s first day of classes.
The Office of Student Life and Student Government organized a Bulldog-to-Bulldog event on Saturday night at Williams Auditorium that included music, entertainment, and prizes in addition to informational student panels.
Student London Holcomb of Spring Lake said she enjoyed the energy of the marching band and cheer team – and making new friends.
“This has been pretty cool,” she said, sitting with new roommates Jocelyn Shattick and Ava Ruster, both of Mason. “Everyone has been so welcoming and I’m ready to get started.”