As I visit with our alumni and friends I am continually reminded of the difference Ferris State University has and is making in the lives of our alumni, students, faculty and staff. The experience of a Ferris education truly does change lives.
    Over the past year as a university community we have worked to develop a vision for our future that emphasizes creating a "Learning-Centered University." We are currently hard at work making this vision a reality.
    As a result, we are committing funding to new faculty and student scholarships. We have begun a process to renovate and improve our classrooms, technology and furnishings with a goal of addressing all classrooms in a five-year timeframe. We are implementing a hardware replacement cycle for faculty and staff computers and designing a meshed wireless network that will cover our campus footprint.
    We have initiated a University-wide effort to create a consistent message and identity as part of a truly integrated marketing program for Ferris State University. Later this spring we will assess the effectiveness of current student engagement efforts and compare these to national data and models.
    To ensure that we can educate increased numbers of Ferris students with an educational model developed around small classes, which promotes faculty/student interaction, and that does not use graduate assistants, we have developed a funding formula that rewards colleges for enrollment growth. I encourage you to observe and participate in our efforts as we focus our university efforts on student learning.
    This issue of Crimson & Gold showcases the life-changing difference of a Ferris education. I like to think that our University has a long reach in terms of the effect it has on its graduates, as well as how they change the world around them.
    Right on the Big Rapids campus, current student Valarie Franklin is pursuing her own course to a degree and ways to change the world despite Brittle Bone Disease. The recognition that her service dog, Sunny, received is, of course, a recognition of Valarie's own drive and determination.
    In Grand Rapids, Ferris' other major home, Sparky McEwen is applying the lessons he learned about teamwork as a Bulldog to work for the Rampage of the Arena Football League. In addition to making their mark in the athletic world, both Sparky and Clarence Coleman are giving back to Ferris by taking part in alumni events.
    Farther afield, another former Ferris athlete, Jeff Hephner, is now pursuing a successful acting career. On location in Wilmington, N.C., Hephner harked back to the determination and work ethic he learned as a Bulldog and how that carried over from the basketball court to the movie set.
    Across the ocean, U.S. diplomat Tim Essebaggers and recent graduate Catherine Badrak are taking what they learned at Ferris and applying it to their positions in Romania and France, respectively.
    We are very proud of you and our University. Thank you for continued help and support of Ferris State University.

Sincerely,

David L. Eisler, President