Torch News Briefs

Gender Exhibit challenge students’ preconceptions

An exhibit about defining gender, investigating stereotypes and gender inequality will be held until Oct. 23 in Helen Ferris Hall.

The Office of Housing and Residence Life’s Harmony Project committee is hosting the event. Photos, videos and information will be featured. The exhibit titled, “He. She. Us.” is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Additional information is available by contacting Mentley at (231) 591-6850.

New program to help students with financial decisions

Ferris State University has launched a new initiative to allow students to promote financial literacy and awareness to their peers. This program established by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is designed to help students make educated financial decisions.

The Financial Awareness Student Team (FAST) mentors will speak to freshman in 100-level course, visit events on campus, and hold office hours to give students a chance to partake in one-on-one financial counseling. Students can learn more at ferris.edu/HTMLS/admision/financialaid/FinancialLiteracy/index.htm.

BR Planning Commission approves Panera Bread

There is new hope in Panera Bread coming to Big Rapids. Initially Panera Bread couldn’t move forward with their construction because their neighboring property, McDonald’s, would not allow them to use their entrance and exit. The Big Rapids Planning Commissions board has proposed an entrance and exit in the back of the property to Clark Street. Details of the new café are uncertain until entrance easement issues are solved.

Downtown BR Fall Festival approaches

Big Rapids’ annual Fall Festival begins Oct. 23 with the scarecrow judging 3 p.m. at City Hall in downtown Big Rapids. The festival continues on Oct. 25 and 26. The sole event on Oct. 25 is the Chili Cook-off in the City Hall parking lot beginning at 5 p.m.

On Oct. 26, the festival is in full swing with the Children and Pet Costume Parade at 10:30 a.m. Activities such as putt-putt, Trunk or Treat, pumpkin carving, inflatables and a climbing wall will be going on until 1 p.m.

Ferris State University is a sponsor of this event while the Big Rapids Downtown Business Association hosts the event. More on the festival at downtownbigrapids.com/fall-festival/.

Energy Conference held in GR

Ferris State University is set to cohost the sixth annual Michigan Energy Conference on Oct. 24 at Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids.

Ferris State President David Eisler will be apart of the panel discussion. Joining him will be president Thomas Haas of Grand Valley State University and president Steven Ender of Grand Rapids Community College.

The event, themed “Powering the Future,” will include breakout sessions on different energy topics, networking opportunities, and exhibitors.

The event begins at 8 a.m. and students may attend for free. Registration is $95 for nonstudents.

More information, including registration, is available at ferris.edu/mec/.