In this issue we introduce you to Frances Capucelli, whom we believe may be Ferris’ oldest living graduate. When Frances attended Ferris Institute, Woodbridge Ferris had already served two terms as Governor of Michigan, and was perhaps already contemplating his run for the U.S. Senate. The 1919 issue of Crimson and Gold (as the yearbook was then called) has a photo of Capucelli along with other students studying shorthand. There is also a photo of the Typewriting Room and the Telegraphy department.

Technology has changed greatly since then, and Ferris has changed along with it. It would have been impossible in those years just after World War I to visualize that future students would study DNA analysis as part of their degree in Forensic Biology, use Global Positioning as a major component of a degree in Surveying Engineering Technology, or learn HyperText Markup Language as part of a degree in Visual Design and Web Media.

Such technological and cultural changes are taking place with increasing rapidity, which is one of the reasons why I believe the University must become a “learning centered” university. By this I mean that we must be educating students for life; our students must learn how to learn; students must learn from doing through internships and other experiences; and finally, we at Ferris must help guide student development
toward success.

I believe it is essential that we focus on learning, not teaching. Consider it this way - if I teach well but my students do not learn, what is the value of this experience? The measure of our success is more than what we do; it is in the outcomes of our efforts.

I first introduced my “Vision for Ferris and Its Future” last April. Since then, staff members devoted sessions during Summer University to exploring ideas for implementing these concepts, and during our Fall Convocation faculty facilitators led their colleagues in discussing these concepts.

In studying the responses from both groups, I found many insightful observations, ideas and comments. The results of these on-going discussions have created a university-wide effort to help guide Ferris into becoming a learning-centered university. You may follow our progress through the planning section of the president’s Web pages.

Through the course of our discussions thus far, one thing has become quite clear. We must maintain an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect among members of the Ferris community for this vision to become a reality. Reaching our goal will help us better serve the Frances Capucellis of the world and all our alumni, students, and varied constituencies to not only embrace, but shape the future.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a joyous holiday season. This time of year affords us an opportunity to reflect on our daily lives, and just how much our family, friends and community mean to each and every one of us. As 2005 approaches, I hope you will consider a visit to campus. We are very proud of you and Ferris stands ready to welcome you home to campus any day of the year.

Sincerely,

David L. Eisler
President