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President's Letter |
Sir Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." I am continually reminded of this while doing one of my favorite activities meeting with Ferris State University alumni. I enjoy hearing about the lives they are making for themselves and their families, and the difference they make for their communities. I frequently learn from them how pivotal experiences at Ferris have been in their success. It is deeply gratifying to see firsthand the results of our University's efforts, learning about the success of our graduates and the warm place they hold in their hearts for our University. As we prepare to wish success to the graduating class of 2006, it is exciting to imagine what the future holds for them. For so many of our graduates, the transition from student to alumni marks the beginning of a commitment to generosity generosity toward family, community, country and yes, generosity toward their alma mater. Lieutenant Colonel David W. Morris, a recent addition to the Ferris Foundation Board of Directors, is an exemplary case in point. Morris is a senior pilot with the Michigan Air National Guard. He was activated for two wars, Operations Allied Force and Iraqi Freedom, and also participated in Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. His long list of decorations includes the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the NATO Medal. He also is a member of Ferris' Old Main donor society. In my office I have a 30 mm. shell Col. Morris presented to me. Seeing it reminds me of the many sacrifices our men and women of the Armed Forces make for our country. To recognize this service, last fall the University created a Military Veterans Scholarship Program. This keeps alive the wonderful tradition of veterans at Ferris State University, providing a $1,000 annual scholarship and waiving out-of-state tuition fees for qualified veterans enrolling at Ferris. Encouraged by this support, 35 new veterans enrolled for winter semester. This has been a wonderful year for our University. We have enjoyed the largest enrollments and the highest student retention in our history. Your strong financial support has created a record year for our development efforts, both in terms of dollars raised and the number of people who have participated. I again invite you to visit campus especially if you have been away for some time. While the new buildings on campus are impressive, even more impressive is feeling the vitality of the Ferris community. Our most recent class of alumni are now beginning to make their lives through a generosity of spirit, which is the truest form of both generosity and living. Please let me hear about your impressions of campus and be sure to let Crimson & Gold know about your most recent accomplishments, no matter what year of your graduation or how long you may have been out of touch. From the most recent graduates to others who are reconnecting with the University, the Ferris community continues to grow in both size and vibrancy. Thank you for your many contributions to this success. Sincerely, David L. Eisler |
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