President's Letter
From the Alumni Director
On Campus
Applause
From Pac-Man to Haute Cuisine
Fairman, Nisbett and Wall
Homecoming Roundup
The Wacky World of Patents
And the Top Reason for Doing an Internship is...
Bulldog Bites
The Sailor Home From the Sea
Rocket Man
Beyond the Basics
Class Notes
In Memoriam
Alumni Events

From the Alumni Director

   Being here everyday I sometimes take for granted how hallowed these halls are, how exciting a home hockey weekend is, or the sense of anticipation each new semester brings. Attending Ferris State University is an extraordinary experience that all of us as Alumni share. Sometimes I wonder if we let how special and important those experiences are fade as we attend to the day-to-day details of our lives. This past February, a group of students from Marion, Mich., led by their counselor and Bulldog Alumna, Janet Roubal (AS ’99), reminded me again how special a place a college campus can be.
   The group arrived on campus late in the afternoon. It was cold, the kind of day that makes you wonder – who could possibly want to tour campus now? Yet as the students poured off the bus, I could see they were excited – even the chaperones looked eager! One of our student tour guides showed them around, hitting all the highlights of campus – the renovated Timme Student Services Center, FLITE Library, the Student Recreation Center, and more. Suddenly, listening to these students and watching their reactions to our facilities and the information they were learning about our programs, made me realize – we were cool! In fact, I answered so many student questions and butted in so often I should probably apologize to the tour guide. Later, as they watched our women’s basketball team take on Saginaw Valley State, they led the cheering with such enthusiasm that even our athletic staff managing the game were pumped!
   How many of us know these kind of high school students who are looking for information and help in applying to college? I’m willing to bet the answer is most of us. As an Alumnus, you can recommend students who are applying to Ferris – and, your recommendation ultimately waives their $30 application fee! Last year, several hundred Alumni assisted students with their applications. It’s easy to do. Simply go to the Ferris Alumni Association Web site, www.ferrisalumni.org/feewaiver.htm, and print out the Fee Waiver Form. Future Bulldogs will be glad you did.
   The days ahead are packed with exciting activities for Ferris Alumni and friends.
For example, did you graduate in 1954? Our annual Spring Reunion banquet, Thursday, May 6, will honor you and your classmates by inducting you into our special Alumni group, The Society of Golden Eagles.
   Or are you looking to play some world-class golf on a course not normally open to the public? The annual Bulldog Alumni golf outing will be held at the Egypt Valley Country Club – site of the Farmer’s Charity Classic, an annual Senior PGA Tour stop – on Monday, May 17.
   To participate in these and other events, go on-line at www.ferrisalumni.org or call us toll-free at 888-FSU-DOGS (378-3647). Your interest and participation is invaluable. It forms a foundation of excellence for generations to come. Plus, in the present, you’ll have a great time!
   I look forward to visiting with all of you, especially our class of 1954 and those who are joining the ranks of Alumni in 2004. Go DAWGS!
Sincerely,

Jeremy Mishler, E ‘96