Brutus Ferris, the official mascot of Ferris State University, is a busy dog, appearing at more than 100 events during the 2022-23 academic year. 

That hectic schedule puts wear and tear on a dog’s costume, required maintenance throughout the year. Student Alumni Gold Club members signed up for the One Day for Dawgs fundraiser in the spring of 2023 and set to work supporting Brutus.

Dedicated to connecting with alums and Bulldog fans across the country, their efforts raised $2,900 toward the mascot program, eclipsing their goal thanks to the generous contributions of the Ferris State community.

The Brutus mascot program is coordinated by the Student Alumni Gold Club, a registered student organization on campus service as the official student extension of the Ferris State University Alumni Association. The SAGC manages the busy mascot schedule, handles Brutus at events, and collaborates with event staff behind the scenes. 

“The mascot’s schedule each semester includes athletic events, ribbon cuttings, student life functions, admissions activities, community requests, and many more appearances around campus and across the state,” said Delaney Beckett, a sophomore from Chesterfield, Michigan, who is dual-majoring in Elementary Education and Spanish, and the president of the SAGC. “These extra funds allow Brutus to be more versatile and engaging at the many events he supports. He can really represent the university as the face of Ferris State.”

One Day for Dawgs is Ferris State University’s annual day of giving, empowering university groups to raise funds for the causes they care most about. Fundraising activities range from supporting scholarships and academic programs to funding new equipment or helping make sure the mascot can buy a new pair of oversized shoes.  

Cody Langlois is a Welding Engineering Technology program senior from Marne, Michigan, and a former Bulldog mascot student. 

“These funds are so important to help us bring Ferris State pride everywhere we go,” he said. “We do more than 100 events a year, often in the suit for hours or outside, and it really wears on the equipment. Donors help make sure Brutus continues to look great and represent our university well.”  

Helping Brutus bring Ferris State pride to events across the state wouldn’t be possible without the support of volunteers and donors engaged with the program. “We just want to say thank you for your generous gifts and supporting the program,” Langlois said. “You make us feel cared for and empowered. Going out of your way to help students means so much to us.”

One Day for Dawgs is set for Wednesday, April 10. Additional information on how to get involved and stay up to date is available online at ferris.edu/oneday.  

Looking ahead to what is in store for this year’s event, Beckett added, “Connecting with our alumni and university community is really the most important part of the program. I hope everyone is excited to participate this year and we can’t wait to reconnect and hear your stories.”