Old School Milwaukee Alum and “Faith in the Freshman”
Most of Concordias 130-year history was spent in central city Milwaukee. One of the graduates of the old campus recent read “Faith in the Freshman.” The story sparked a few memories, and he offered some reactions in a note to me. . . Read the rest of this entry »
A CUW Father’s Reponse to “Faith in the Freshman”
I enjoy getting feedback on the book, and I am pleased to pass on the comments of readers. Parents of college kids, just like Tammy and me, relate to the story on lots of levels. Read the reaction of one of our CUW parents that I received recently: Read the rest of this entry »
Kansas — There is No Place Like Home!
A St. John’s alumna recently read about her alma mater in “Faith in the Freshman.” She took a little exception to my disparaging remarks about her native state! I assured Karen, however, that the grown-up version of myself has a much higher opinion of Kansas than my eighteen-year-old self. Read her response to the book below: Read the rest of this entry »
Sheboygan Lutheran High School Taproot Dinner Reflections
Recently I had the opportunity to speak at Sheboygan Lutheran High School’s “Taproot” Banquet — a dinner for donors and friends. It was a tough act to follow four very articulate students — the kind of students we are accustomed to seeing on our campus once they graduate from Sheboygan Lutheran. Read the rest of this entry »
Robert Holst, President of Concordia-St. Paul, Comments on “Faith in the Freshman”
Now in my fourteenth year as the president of Concordia University Wisconsin, I have enough retrospect to be able to reflect on a few things with particular appreciation. Among the many blessings I have enjoyed has been the opportunity to interact with my colleagues who are presidents across the Concordia University System. One of them, Bob Holst, from Concordia-St. Paul, has announced his plan to retire at the end of this school year. I will miss him a lot. Read the rest of this entry »
Waukesha Rotary Book Event
Readers of Faith in the Freshman will recognize the characters Billie and Lefty. I took Lefty along to a book event I had this week at the Waukesha Rotary. My dad (Lefty) enjoyed the book (for those of you who might have wondered). He also loved hearing me talk about it to the Rotarians. Read the rest of this entry »
Brand New! “Faith in the Freshman” Feature with News Journalist Mark Concannon
Recently news journalist Mark Concannon visited Concordia’s campus and interviewed Andrew and me for a feature that he was producing on the book. As you watch, please ignore my poor defensive skills. It wasn’t that long ago that I could take Andrew one-on-one, was it? Actually, it has been a few years, but those days are behind me. I was disappointed that they didn’t use any of the deep bombs that I hit on the video. Maybe there were none. I don’t remember.
In any case, enjoy the feature. Until somebody buys the movie rights to the book and puts “Faith in the Freshman” on film, or until the documentary is produced for an ESPN special, this will cover it pretty well!
Andrew Invited to Join “Athletes in Action” in China
Before he heads to Ithaca and Cornell later in August, Andrew has accepted the invitation to join an Athletes in Action team traveling to China. Read the rest of this entry »
Rolf’s Reflections
The President of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) read Faith in the Freshman and offered this brief reflection:
My wife and I just read Faith in the Freshman, and we both loved it. Not only is the story compelling, but the sheer honesty makes it gripping. We thank God for the gifts given to you and to Andrew.
Rolf Wegenke, Ph.D., President
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
St. John’s College — Freshman Year Revisited
Recently I had the opportunity to talk about Faith in the Freshman for the St. John’s College Alumni Reunion in Winfield, Kansas. Even though our alma mater closed in 1986, Johnnies continue to return to the campus each year for these alumni gatherings. Read the rest of this entry »
A Letter from an 18-Year-Old who Relates to “Faith in the Freshman”
I was grateful for the following letter from Eric, an 18-year-old who deals with Type 1 diabetes every day. Many of Concordia’s freshmen will read the book this fall. Few of them will relate to the story like Eric does!
Dear Dr. Ferry, I am currently reading your book Faith in the Freshmen. I’m an 18 year old kid who has diabetes, just like your son Andrew. In the small town of Sussex, WI, all I have thought about since i was young was the game of basketball. Basketball has rewarded me in so many ways, including keeping me fit, which helps keeping my blood sugars in tact. Your story is moving and motivational to me. Being a freshmen in high school I made the JV team. Then my sophomore year I was placed on varsity because, like your son, I can shoot the lights out. Due to some unfortunate circumstances I had to quit right before my junior year. Not playing for my last two years of high school really upset me and I still practice daily and have a passion for the game. I was wondering if you could give me some advice of how to get my name out to college coaches. I miss the competitive nature of the game, Division I, Division II, Division III, JUCO, it doesn’t matter…the love I have for the game is amazing, and playing college basketball, no matter what level, has been a dream of mine. If you don’t have the time to lend me some advice that is completely fine. Once again thank you for the amazing story that has truly changed my life. Also thank you for reading this e-mail. Sincerely, Eric Moderski
Around the Tower Book Review
Usually you can count on a favorable review when your own brother-in-law is the writer! Check out Tim Saleska’s review of Faith in the Freshman written in the recent Concordia Seminary student publication. Tim is professor of Old Testament at the seminary. See the review embedded below. ~Pat
About the Town
Over the last several weeks, Faith in the Freshman speaking engagements have kept me busy around town. I have met lots of nice people who are doing some great things in our community. Read the rest of this entry »
Contact Pat Ferry
A Freshman’s Parent and “Faith in the Freshman”
As part of Freshman Orientation this Fall, I had the chance to interact with parents of new students utilizing the book as a springboard for conversation. I was eager to help them with that leap of faith of letting go! Some of them have begun to read the memoir, and one of them recently wrote to me on Facebook. Her letter is below:
Read the rest of this entry »