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

Along with telling some stories and selling a few books, I have had the opportunity to help others get better acquainted with Concordia University.  I also have engaged audiences on the subject of Type 1 diabetes and have asked for their prayers and support in the quest for a cure.

Below is a brief note from a Rotarian whose club I addressed last week.  He is a Cornell alumnus and was excited to learn of Andrew’s plans. 

Hi Dr. Ferry and Andrew, – What a pleasure it was to have you both visit our Rotary of Milwaukee/North Shore meeting last Monday.  As President/Elect for the coming year 2010-2011, and on behalf of all our members, I want to thank you for visiting us and telling us such a marvelous story of faith, as it relates to basketball, family, and life.  It certainly could be theme for any fine sermon as there are many stories connected to this, evident in your book, which I’m reading with great interest.  We hope you had a useful and informative dinner with the new basketball coach at Cornell.  And for Andy, I have alerted my fraternity brothers (Sigma Phi) of Andy’s move to Cornell next year and know that your experience there will be a highlight of your life as you enjoy the people, the team, Ithaca, and in general, all that Cornell will be offering to you.  Thanks again, Dr. Ferry, for your inspiring talk at our meeting and continued success at Concordia as you lead your fine school into the future.  God Bless you and Andy – Owen Perry.

Also below is the list of presentations that have been a part of my recent routine.  Summer’s schedule is filling fast!

• April 7 – New Berlin Noon Rotary
• April 14 – Port Washington/Saukville Basketball Banquet
• April 15 – Barnes & Noble Book Signing at Bay Shore Town Square
• April 16 – Book table at the Women’s Leadership Institute National Conference
• April 17 – Rite -Hite YMCA
• April 21 – Alexian Village Book Club
• April 25 – Christian Athletic Scholarship Banquet
• April 27 – West Bend Sunrise Rotary
• May 11 – Thiensville – Mequon Noon Rotary
• May 19 – Mitchell Field Noon Rotary
• May 24 – Northshore Milwaukee Noon Rotary
• May 27 – Cedarburg/Grafton Noon Rotary
• June 18 -20 – St. John’s College Alumni Reunion
• July 26 – Waukesha Rotary
• October 18-20 – Mid-South District LCMS Professional Church Workers Conference

We are getting close to ordering our third printing and my speaking calendar is getting much busier, too.  Remember, every dollar raised goes to support Concordia’s ministry and the Juvenile Diabetes research Foundation!

Dear Dr. Ferry,

I wanted to drop you a note just to let you know that someone outside your “intimate inner circle” thoroughly enjoyed your book.  I could relate to your story on so many levels and was amazed that both of us even have a daughter named Rachel (ours however is Rachael).  The years for me have flown by also and can’t believe I will be turning 50 very soon.

Your inferences to TV and music choices just made me chuckle.  I haven’t thought about some of my favorites from way back then for far too long.

I have always believed that everyone has a story to tell.  My take on yours is that thus far it’s quite a love story.  Thank you for sharing it and bringing me down memory lane.  Thank you for your continued guidance at CUW — it’s the right place for my kids to be.  Most importantly, I offer thanksgiving for you as such a faithful Shepherd.

I would like nothing better than to meet Andrew someday.  He is remarkable in so many ways and CUW would be lucky to have him as a leader.

Kyle was very happy with his own personalized copy — he appreciated your kind words.  His final season is rolling by way too fast and just thinking about his run ending soon really makes me sad.  We are very excited for CIT though and hope to be able to say hello at some point during the tournament.

Sincerely,

Sue Barth and Family

“I finished your book – “Faith in the Freshman” – last weekend while attending the conference championships for women’s soccer, men’s soccer, & volleyball in the Chicago area last weekend.”

“The book is outstanding! – read it in two nights!  The rotation and juxtaposition of your experiences as a freshman and those of Andrew’s challenges which he overcame hit home in many ways.  This is a very inspiring story on many levels – overcoming extremely difficult situations that life hands out – taking the next step in life as a college freshman and all of the challenges of homesickness, making new friends, adjusting to the new setting & the freedom/responsibility college brings, etc. – letting go as a parent – taking risks – parents and their roles in their children’s sports – helicopter parents – goals & stick-to-itiveness – faith – and family – just to name a few.  All this is surrounded by a great shared passion for the game of basketball.

Once again – very well done!  Congratulations!”

Dr. G. Steven Larson, Commissioner
Northern Athletic Conference