Crimson & Gold
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President's Letter |
These are extraordinary times for our University, the state of Michigan and the country as a whole. The types of financial pressures and economic challenges we are experiencing are the most severe in decades.
At Ferris we are engaged in a campus-wide examination of our operating budgets, finding ways to reduce our costs and to keep the career-oriented educational opportunities we provide affordable for our students. As part of this effort we will restrain tuition increases for next year, creating additional stress on our budget.
In the midst of these challenges there are remarkable successes. We have experienced record enrollments. Ferris State University is again the fastest growing public university in Michigan. Also, for the past eight years the cost to educate each student at Ferris has annually increased only 2.9 percent, less than the rate of inflation.
We continue to enjoy a very special relationship with Big Rapids. The “Year of the Dawg” article describes the placement of fanciful bulldogs throughout our community by Leadership Mecosta. The second year of our vibrant Festival of the Arts has further strengthened ties between the Ferris and Big Rapids communities.
Next fall begins a yearlong celebration of our 125 years as an institution of higher education. We encourage you to return to campus for the special activities scheduled to celebrate our founding by Woodbridge and Helen Ferris in 1884.
As we look backward we also chart our future. Building on the strong foundation of our values, mission and vision established last year, our Strategic Planning and Resource Council, chaired by professor Robert von der Osten, has moved aggressively forward on our new strategic plan. Although we are challenged by the present, we are also positioning for our future, by investing in our Big Rapids campus with
• A complete remodel to The Rock dining facility for Fall 2009
• New student apartment housing replacing the East Campus Apartments for Fall 2010
• A new home for the Michigan College of Optometry for 2010-11
Additionally, in Grand Rapids we have partnered with Michigan State University. In 2010 the third year of our Pharmacy program will be housed on the top floor of MSU’s new Secchia Building in the heart of Grand Rapids’ “Medical Mile.”
More than ever Ferris needs you. Our faculty and staff work to help prepare the next generation of leaders who will help rebuild our nation’s economy. Our career-oriented focus is precisely the preparation for success that is so very much needed in today’s society. With your support we will continue to achieve great things, celebrate our heritage and move aggressively into the future.
Sincerely,
David L. Eisler