President Sederburg received a historic medallion.
Two very special guests attended this year's Florida Alumni Luncheon. The event, held at The Meadows Country Club in Sarasota, featured guest speakers Woodbridge N. Ferris III, great-grandson of Ferris State's founder, and David Spathelf, son of former FSU President Victor F. Spathelf.
Spathelf presented President William A. Sederburg with the medallion his father had received from the Alumni Association in 1969, on the 85th anniversary of the founding of Ferris. Victor passed away last October at age 88.
"Dad didn't give many compliments," said Spathelf. "But when he did, he meant them. He said, 'Ferris is in good hands with Bill Sederburg.' It is our family's honor to present you with this medallion; wear it at graduation in memory of another Ferris President whose vision helped build our institution."
"Receiving this medallion at this time is particularly significant," said Sederburg. "We're remodeling the President's Room at Rankin Center, which holds the portraits of former Ferris presidents. The most predominant portrait in the room is of your dad, and the medallion is clearly pictured in that painting. This is a special treat; thank you so much."
W.N. Ferris III spoke about how the University's reputation has grown through the years under the watchful eyes of caring alumni.
"Ferris State University enjoys a reputation as one of the finest universities in Michigan, if not the country," said Ferris. "My great-grandmother, Helen Gillespie Ferris, was often called an angel for the way she watched over her loved ones. Today's angels are the FSU alumni."
The luncheon was hosted by alumnus Hugh Wriggelsworth and former Alumni director, Bob Leach and his wife Mary Louise.
During Spathelf's 18 years (1952 1970) as President, the institution grew from five buildings to more than 80.
(left) David Spathelf presents his father's medallion to President Sederburg.
(right) Speaker Woodbridge N. Ferris III (on right), reminisced about his great- grandfather.
