The Executive Director of the “Johnnie Reporter,” Larry Junker, wrote a little commentary on Faith in the Freshman. Even though my alma mater closed almost a quarter of a century ago, the alumni remain active. “Never will thy spirit die!” Read Larry’s comments on the book……
The Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry (M ’81), president of Concordia University Wisconsin, called the Alumni Association office a number of months ago to tell us he had recently completed a book entitled, “Faith in the Freshman.” He asked if the office staff would review it if he e-mailed a copy to us. After reviewing the book, and I admit that once I started it I couldn’t put it down, I was convinced that this book would be a winner. I shared it with Wallace Behrhorst and Roland Mueller; and they, too, felt this was an excellent book. They provided Dr. Ferry with some corrections and additional information. And now the book has been published as Pat says, “This is recommended reading for parents who have a son or daughter who is going into college or is already in college.” I believe it is just plain good reading, for it tells the story of a young man from Colorado who came to St. John’s College to play basketball. This is compared to Pat’s son who overcame adversity to walk on and play basketball at Valparaiso University, an NCAA Division I school. Great Story, Pat!
Pat was invited to share some of his story with the alumni who were gathered at the 2010 Winfield Johnnie Reunion this past June at our “Talk About The Times” session on Saturday morning. At the end of the session Pat told the audience that for every book sold that morning he would match that amount for the Alumni Association to be put into its General Scholarship Endowment. He also left a number of books with the Association for it to publicize and sell and the same conditions would apply.
Pat, thank you for a great book and also for helping out with the scholarship program of the St. John’s College Alumni Association.
