The
past few months have provided a wonderful opportunity to meet many
dedicated members of the Ferris community—students and parents,
faculty and staff, alumni and supporters. I have enjoyed hearing
about your experiences, memories and ideas for Ferris State University.
Through these conversations I have developed a deep appreciation
for your pride and commitment to our University.
We are all excited by our growth at Ferris this
fall—the largest increase since 1966 and the second largest in history.
Enrollment at the Big Rapids campus was 10,280, the Kendall College
of Art and Design enrolled 924, and system-wide Ferris enrolled
11,822 students. We note with pride a 2 percent increase in retention
of returning students and a higher overall grade point average of
entering students.
We continue to develop innovative degrees, as
well. Our new courses of study in Forensic Biology and Digital Animation
and Game Design reflect the changing realities of society, technology
and the workplace. The “Heart of Arts” article in this issue explores
the ways that students in Ferris’ bachelor of arts programs, as
well as Kendall College of Art and Design’s Master of Fine Arts
programs, are preparing to be the next generation of “knowledge
workers” while fulfilling their own intellectual and creative drives.
The school Woodbridge Ferris founded has always
been proactive—both in the classroom and in society-at-large. The
inclusive policies Ferris adopted very early on at his school are
part of his lasting presence here at the University. Appropriately,
this fall we celebrated the 150th birthday of our co-founder Helen
Ferris. As her husband Woodbridge said, “Whatever there is in the
Ferris Institute that resembles the work of the teacher of teachers
had its origin in the 17 years of living service rendered by Mrs.
Ferris.”
It was the honor of a lifetime to be inaugurated
as your 18th president. Inaugural ceremonies in early October provided
an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, alumni and community
members to celebrate our wonderful heritage and the exciting future
ahead of us. In the best traditions of Ferris, I pledge to dedicate
our energies so that a we are a true “learning university,” continually
striving for excellence. I hope each of you will join Patsy and
myself in giving back to Ferris so that others can continue to make
the fullest use of the opportunities the University offers.
For Homecoming our theme was “The Year of the
Bulldog.” Many of you were able to cheer our football team, enjoy
the parade through Big Rapids and finish the day off at the dance
reception. We look to carry this enthusiasm throughout the year.
To this end, each semester students at Ferris log thousands of hours
in community service. This giving back to the community is an important
element of school pride as well as individual development.
There are many ways for alumni to become involved
with the University, such as providing internships, making classroom
presentations and, of course, giving financial support for scholarships
and other student needs.
Finally, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday
season. As a member of the Ferris family, I extend the invitation
for you to visit the campus to take in a sports contest, cultural
event or just to see the phenomenal growth of our University and
campus.
May this next “Year of the Bulldog” be your best
yet.
Sincerely,
David
L. Eisler, President
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