Ferris State University students enjoyed carnival games, food and entertainment at the Spring Fling on May 1 outside the David L. Eisler Center.
The event, designed to give students a break from the stress of the school year’s closure, featured typical carnival attractions like corn dogs and funnel cakes, a petting zoo, a bounce house relay race and a live band.
Students welcomed the opportunity to relax before the end of the academic year. Dental hygiene freshman Gwen Kautz expressed gratitude for events like the Spring Fling.
“It was a much-needed break from the stress of finals,” Kautz said. “It really helped me relax and reminded me to appreciate all the friendships I’ve made this year.”
Other students echoed this sentiment, noting that the event helped foster a sense of community during a time when feeling isolated is all too common.
As the rain subsided and the skies began to clear, organizers adapted setups to the safety of students and equipment, transforming the damp outdoor space into a lively scene.
The Spring Fling provided a welcoming mental health break for students. Balancing academic pressure, financial concerns, social challenges and homesickness can be difficult for college students, making breaks important.
Elementary education freshman Hannah Kazimierc described the Spring Fling as a significant event to de-stress before finals with fun, free food, and socializing.
“I didn’t expect it to be so wham-bam, carnival this, carnival that, but it’s really cool,” Kazimierc said. “The free food helps, it’s just fun, music, friends, all that good stuff.”
Kazimierc also stated that she appreciated the carnival atmosphere and the opportunity to hang out with her friends as her first year of college neared its end.
Despite several setbacks, Ferris State University’s Spring Fling event overcame the odds to provide students with a memorable conclusion to the academic year.
Diagnostic medical sonography and health care systems administration freshman Isabella Dodson described the event as a fun and social occasion before the summer and final exams, giving students a mental escape from the stress.
“It means a bunch of fun and getting together with my friends before they all leave for the summer,” Dodson said. “It takes my mind off of the big exams coming up and helps my mind go someplace else for a bit.”
Dodson also expressed a mix of sadness and excitement at the last event of her freshman year, while also looking forward to next year.
Overall, the Spring Fling was a hit, offering students one last adventure before heading home for the summer.
Ferris State’s decision to proceed with the Spring Fling despite less than perfect conditions sent a strong message to students: their well-being matters. With the event scheduled just ahead of finals, the university underscored the importance of taking breaks, de-stressing and finding balance between academic success and mental health.
The availability of fun activities, music and opportunities to build connections reinforced a culture of care, signaling students that they are valued for their grades and overall well-being.
The Spring Fling remains one of the signaling events that the school year has come to a close. Students will be welcomed back to campus in August to begin the 2026 school year.
