CUW Helps “Feed My Starving Children”
A few weeks ago Andrew and his Cornell teammates helped with a “Feed My Starving Children” event in Ithaca at Trinity Lutheran Church (where my seminary classmate and basketball teammate, Rob Foote, is pastor). This weekend was Concordia’s turn to help provide nutritional meals for hungry people around the world. The event was an amazing success. We hosted 1,363 volunteers who filled 1,516 boxes. That translates to 327,456 meals already on the way to children who need the food. Now those are some nice stats! See the Fox News story here.
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 »
The 130th Academic Year of Concordia University Wisconsin
The busy weekend of moving in and orienting new students is behind us. Now classes are underway! Local ABC affiliate, WISN, did a story about our new pharmacy program. View it here.
LCMS Convention and National Youth Gathering
Houston and New Orleans are both hot and humid places in the summertime. These southern cities have been the host sites over the last several days for two national gatherings of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod — the Convention and the Youth Gathering. A visitor to both, like me, is left with the impression that the two events don’t have much in common besides sultry venues. Given a choice, I’ll take the Youth Gathering every time. Read the rest of this entry »
A Review Outside the “Intimate Inner Circle”
I’ve received another review to share. – Pat
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. Read the rest of this entry »
Official Book Launch at Concordia University Wisconsin
Faith in the Freshman Cover
I’d certainly love to see you at the Thursday, November 19th “Launch” of “Faith in the Freshman” at Concordia’s Todd Wehr Auditorium. Join me from 7-9 p.m. for some storytelling, refreshments, and friendly conversation. Here is a chance to get a little Christmas shopping done early! Copies of this story of hopes and hoops will be on sale, and I will happily sign one for you or your gift recipient. We can even gift wrap one, if you like! Join us!
5 Questions with Dr. Patrick Ferry – Ozaukee News Graphic
I recently sat down with reporters from the Ozaukee News Graphic to discuss topics including the book and the University. The full article is embedded below.
Fall Presidential Forum at Concordia
Our blog is a wonderful opportunity to talk about a range of issues and themes that emerge in Faith in the Freshman. In anticipation of that we have created categories for dialog and discussion. One of these is titled “Concordia Conversations.” Christian higher education is a big part of my book, and Concordia is a place where the story continues to unfold day after day. Last night we had a good “Concordia Conversation” on campus!
Once a semester our Student Government Association sponsors a forum for me and other administrators on campus to interact with students. Usually on a Monday night, SGA leaders were careful to avoid scheduling the forum on an evening when the Packers might be on TV. They were obviously less concerned about avoiding a conflict with my beloved Denver Broncos who were en route to their sixth straight victory with a win over division rival San Diego. That’s okay—I’d rather spend an evening with Concordia students any time! Read the rest of this entry »
Pie the President – Concordia Homecoming 2009
Some fun at Concordia’s homecoming festivities, Pie the President.
Patrick Ferry with a little pie on his face at the recent homecoming events.
CU Later Diabetes!
“CU Later Diabetes”! The Concordia t-shirts (beautifully colored in CUW Lake Blue and Sunrise Gold) showed our team’s determination to defeat this disease. Our captain, Peter Ferry, recruited our largest ever contingent of Concordia zoo-walkers for the annual JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) fundraiser. The Concordia team raised over $2300 to support research aimed at finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. Peter’s younger brothers, Andrew and Stephen, both are afflicted with type 1 diabetes. Some of Andrew Ferry’s story is chronicled in “Faith in the Freshman: A Story of Hopes and Hopes.” Click the read link to see more pictures. Read the rest of this entry »
Conversations and Common Ground
Among my goals for writing Faith in the Freshman was to stimulate some conversations about things that are important to me. The art of parenting; wrestling with faith; dealing with disappointment; etc.
One specific topic that I hope we can dialogue about is diabetes and its impact–especially type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) and what young people like my sons, Andrew and Stephen, experience each day. With that in mind, I was delighted to hear from Bruce even before the book went to press. He has been involved in our marketing effort, and as he became more familiar with the material Bruce found that he had something in common with me. Thanks for writing, Bruce! Read the rest of this entry »
Faith in Concordia's Freshmen
Concordia University students return to classes
I do have faith in the freshmen! This year we have a record number of them on campus. If initial impressions are a reliable indicator of what to expect, then I am very excited about the new students welcomed to campus. I have faith that they will have a positive impact on campus and will take their Concordia experience with them from here. The rippling effect will spread from Lake Michigan’s shore and reach far and wide! 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 »