Traditions offer students, faculty, staff and alumni the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities that instill pride in their institutions. When I reflect on Ferris State University's heritage and longstanding traditions, a number of thoughts come to mind:
Our mission. Twenty-two words declare, "Ferris State University will be a national leader in providing opportunities for innovative teaching and learning in career-oriented, technological and professional education." This simple yet distinctive mission statement that guides us today represents the very essence of our institution's founder, Woodbridge N. Ferris. He believed every student willing to work for the opportunity should be provided an accessible, career-focused education.
Our mascot. The bulldog perfectly represents Ferris State and all we have worked to achieve. A bulldog, despite its relatively minor size and stature, possesses superior strength, tenacity and courage. It also reflects a certain degree of stubbornness.
The Alumni Building. Built in 1929, it is the oldest building remaining on campus, having survived the fire of 1950 that all but destroyed Ferris Institute. Every time I walk through the grand old entrance and glance down at the original "FI" tiled into the floor, I am reminded that Ferris has survived the tough times.
The "Victory Bell" at Top Taggart Athletic Field, rung by the team after a football win, and the recently re-dedicated Carillon Tower with its musical chimes serve as audible reminders of Ferris State's fierce pride and newly rekindled spirit of cooperation.
Homecoming. Every year, I am increasingly aware of and impressed by the heightened interest and participation of the campus community in this time-honored weekend celebration of our football team and our alumni returning to Ferris.
I try to keep thoughts and images of these traditions in the back of my mind while I attend to the business of the University. I do this out of a recognition that what we do today will underwrite the historical chapters of our University's future.
We have the potential to build new Ferris customs, ceremonies and landmarks onto our already rich heritage, traditions that will represent today's Ferris in the hearts and minds of tomorrow's students.
What many of our students and alumni, as well as my colleagues and I, have discovered is that tradition doesn't come easily. There is no set formula for creating an event, introducing a monument, or initiating a celebration that guarantees that crucial spark of excitement and nostalgia.
We are beginning to "hit the right chords" for establishing new Ferris customs that spring from and enhance our existing heritage. A great example would be the revival and appearance of the Ferris Band Alumni at the 1998 homecoming. The Band Alumni participated in the re-dedication of the Carillon Tower and then played with our Pep Band in the Homecoming Parade and at the football game. I am confident that the Alumni Band will return for next year's festivities, again providing the excitement and nostalgia of different generations performing together in perfect harmony.
It is my hope that each of you will take a little time to reflect on what aspects of Ferris are or were important to you. In the many years of sweeping change and growth that Ferris has undergone this past century, our most visible outward signs of success may be the beautiful new buildings under construction. However, the real evidence of Ferris State's success is reflected by the achievements and involvement of our students, alumni and friends.
William A. Sederburg
President,
Ferris State University
