"I hope the few who read these pages will be baptized in the old faith that in social cooperation lies the possibility of self-realization.."
Woodbridge N. Ferris
Woodbridge N. Ferris, a native of New York, became a remarkable individual
of Michigan. His influence continues to effect the lives of thousands through
the practical school he founded in 1884 in Big Rapids, Michigan which has
grown to be Ferris State University. As a two term progressive Governor
of Michigan 1913-1917 he championed the conservation of natural resources,
signed into law the Michigan Historical Commission, faced the perplexing
labor-management challenge of the 1914 Copper Strike and in 1914-1915 contributed
wisely to the peaceful settlement of the Ohio-Michigan boundary disputes.
These actions and others earned him the title "Good Gray Governor."
In 1922 he was elected to the United States Senate where he observed the
"Roaring 20's." Shortly before his death in 1928 he penned a visionary
undelivered speech to the Senate in which he analyzed and called for the
creation of a separate Cabinet level, Department of Education, fifty-one
years before it was accomplished.
Perhaps the qualities of character which his son Carleton summarized
in his Preface and Mr. Ferris reveals in his humble Autobiography will now
help others advance his mission to "Make the World Better."
"I confess that there is no very reason for writing this book. Thousands
of American men and women have made invaluable contributions to the progress
of mankind without feeling called upon to 'tell the tale.' This is not an
autobiography. It is a small sheaf of memories, prepared first for the edification
of the immediate members of my own family. Second, for those among my thousands
of students who feel that I may have been to them a real source of inspiration.
The majority of Ferris students who have achieved success have traveled
essentially the same road I have traveled."
Woodbridge N. Ferris
Certain it is that anyone who reads his autobiography cannot avoid the
conviction that my father possessed one characteristic that is revealed
consistently throughout his entire recital modesty. This trait of character
undoubtedly explains the fact that his own compilation is essentially a
bare recital of facts, unembellished with few exceptions with incidents
in his life of a 'human interest' character."
Carleton G. Ferris
"Mr. President, it is taken for granted by everybody that education
must occupy a prominent place in the affairs of a democracy. Notwithstanding
this fact, I am not at all sure that the American people and even some of
its lawmakers, fully realize the absolute necessity of universal education
in a democracy."
Woodbridge N. Ferris
Undelivered Address, U.S. Senate, 1928,
William A. Sederburg, Ph.D. Richard A. Santer, Ph.D.
16th President, FSU Project Team Leader