Help us celebrate President Ferry’s 30 years at Concordia University
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Friend of Concordia
MEMORY: My claim to fame with Dr. Ferry is "I knew him when." I knew him when... * he first came onto the CUW faculty and shared a cubical with Randy Ferguson, while I had an office... read more.
MEMORY:
My claim to fame with Dr. Ferry is "I knew him when." I knew him when... * he first came onto the CUW faculty and shared a cubical with Randy Ferguson, while I had an office in "carpet land;" * he wore a regular tie until, he decided to look more professorial; * he would remarkably weasel his way to the rim at noon basketball (before he gave it up for running); * we stood in the back of a bus in Mexico City witnessing to a woman in Spanish; * as Chairman of the Faculty Development Committee, his hilarious comedic monologues put Letterman to shame; * he preached his "This Is Not the Gong Show" sermon after the infamous Kurt Johnson debacle; * we swam in the pool at LaPlaya after his powerful "Tale of Two Cities" speech; etc.
Employee
MEMORY: We have been been so blessed to have Dr. Ferry, a man of the church, at the helm. As a leader, he understands the power and significance of words to set the tone and point the way... read more.
MEMORY:
We have been been so blessed to have Dr. Ferry, a man of the church, at the helm. As a leader, he understands the power and significance of words to set the tone and point the way forward. As a pastor, he has always spoken those words in the light of God's revelation in Christ, with Law and Gospel, and in a steadfast hope in God's care. His commitment to the university's mission and motto, Christ First in Everything, is contagious. He will be sorely missed. May the Lord raise up for us another such servant of the Word who so combines faith in God with love for the neighbor.
Employee
APPRECIATION: President Ferry has been an awesome leader for Concordia and an even greater example of what it means to be humble, Christian man. Thank you for your dedication to your Lord and Savior... read more.
APPRECIATION:
President Ferry has been an awesome leader for Concordia and an even greater example of what it means to be humble, Christian man. Thank you for your dedication to your Lord and Savior and for allowing Him to work through you for His purpose during your time on this earth. Your focus on the mission of bringing others closer to Jesus is inspiring. Thank you.
Employee
APPRECIATION: Thank you, President Ferry, for your courage to keep Jesus first as you have embodied His love, especially toward students through the years. Your devotion to God's mission through... read more.
APPRECIATION:
Thank you, President Ferry, for your courage to keep Jesus first as you have embodied His love, especially toward students through the years. Your devotion to God's mission through CUWAA has been evident! Though life is indeed too often like a three act play with a bad third act, watching you serve with a joyful heart - especially on the CUAA campus - has inspired me to see beyond this life to serve and love in similar fashion. I have appreciated your openness to listen and make time to talk, even with your many commitments. You have been used by God to transform our world for the better, and indeed changed my life, personally and professionally. Thank you.
Alumni, CUW
APPRECIATION: God raises us up for His purposes and we can see that with you, Dr. Ferry. You were Called at just the right time and like a good leader you surrounded yourself with the right people.... read more.
APPRECIATION:
God raises us up for His purposes and we can see that with you, Dr. Ferry. You were Called at just the right time and like a good leader you surrounded yourself with the right people. You led like a servant and a churchman! You have led like a servant leader and with humility. What a joy to see Concordia "blossom" under your tenure and know your passion for the future of CUWAA. You used your gifts for the good of the whole church and the mission of Jesus. There was never a doubt in my mind that you cared about the students and the mission that all know Jesus as Savior. One of my favorite memories was sitting with you and our very young family signing the agreement for our Pastoral Ministry Endowment. We've all grown since then! Even you!
Employee
MEMORY: My favorite memory was when my husband Jeremy got you to sing karaoke at the Christmas party, I am told that was the first time you got up to sing (and the last, too). Also, I got to... read more.
APPRECIATION: Dr. Ferry, It has been a true pleasure getting to know you and your family. I am thankful for your pastoral heart and focus on our students. Wishing you abundant blessings!
MEMORY:
My favorite memory was when my husband Jeremy got you to sing karaoke at the Christmas party, I am told that was the first time you got up to sing (and the last, too). Also, I got to take your "stand up" around campus for photo shoots!
APPRECIATION:
Dr. Ferry, It has been a true pleasure getting to know you and your family. I am thankful for your pastoral heart and focus on our students. Wishing you abundant blessings!
Alumni, CUW
APPRECIATION: Dr. Ferry was one of my favorite profs at CUW. He made church history come to life in the classroom and he always kept my attention when he preached in chapel. I also enjoyed seeing him... read more.
APPRECIATION:
Dr. Ferry was one of my favorite profs at CUW. He made church history come to life in the classroom and he always kept my attention when he preached in chapel. I also enjoyed seeing him every three years at alumni reunions at the National Youth Gatherings. It always amazed me how he would take time out to visit with me and ask me how my family and work were going. Thank you for your Christian care, Dr. Ferry!
Employee, CUW
APPRECIATION: CUW has been blessed to have you. Your enthusiasm for the students, faculty, and staff is inspiring. Look at how much growth has happened under your tenure. Your biggest mistake may be... read more.
APPRECIATION:
CUW has been blessed to have you. Your enthusiasm for the students, faculty, and staff is inspiring. Look at how much growth has happened under your tenure. Your biggest mistake may be asking me to be the commencement speaker. May God bless you and your family! Keep running.
Employee, CUW
MEMORY: President Ferry will soon be giving his "last lecture," but I was there for his first lecture at CUW. When he was just a candidate for the Office of the Presidency, he came... read more.
APPRECIATION: There are so many things to thank you for Dr. Ferry, but in particular I want to thank you for your support of Lutheran schools and reminding us constantly about the importance of... read more.
MEMORY:
President Ferry will soon be giving his "last lecture," but I was there for his first lecture at CUW. When he was just a candidate for the Office of the Presidency, he came and guest-lectured in my Colonial American history class (being taught by Professor Cario, now our Provost). Somehow his lecture went from discussing the three cash crops of the southern colonies to the Trinity and the Church of Christ Triumphant in a heartbeat. I'm not sure I did so well on Dr. Cario's colonial quiz the next class period, but I loved Dr. Ferry's words and passion for God's Word. A few years later, he was the Chair of my Senior Seminar on Old West outlaws. Thus my Mt. Rushmore of outlaws remains Butch, Billy, Jesse, and Pat. Many thanks to you Dr. Ferry!
APPRECIATION:
There are so many things to thank you for Dr. Ferry, but in particular I want to thank you for your support of Lutheran schools and reminding us constantly about the importance of family. Wishing you all of God's richest and continued blessings now and in the future.
Employee, CUW
APPRECIATION: Dear Dr. Ferry, I have been part of the Concordia University family for the past 17 years beginning with my return to school to achieve my Transitional Doctoral Physical Therapy Degree... read more.
APPRECIATION:
Dear Dr. Ferry, I have been part of the Concordia University family for the past 17 years beginning with my return to school to achieve my Transitional Doctoral Physical Therapy Degree in 2003. In 2007 I received my degree and then began as an Adjunct Instructor in the PT program in 2008. I served as an adjunct instructor till 2013 when I accepted a full-time faculty position. I have appreciated all the humble and strong leadership that you have provided all through the years. I always looked forward to your sermons and words of wisdom whether at chapel services or at commencement ceremonies. When I really began to feel the personal commitment of “placing the students first” was when our university had to adapt due to the pandemic and all of the changes we all had to make to safely accommodate our students. I truly believe that is was through your amazing leadership and heart-felt appreciation of what the faculty did to continue successful instruction throughout this experience , that greatly contributed and encouraged all of us to finish successfully each semester. I feel it has been an honor and privilege to serve under your great leadership. Even though I did not have a direct and frequent interaction with you, I, like so many felt your constant commitment and encouragement to me, part of the faculty, but most importantly to our students. I will miss you. I also wish you much happiness and enjoyment in your retirement years. May you celebrate, with all of us, your many accomplishments and enormous influence that will be ever present for many years to come. Best wishes always. Sincerely, Dr. Liz Paly PT, DPT Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Program
Alumni, CUW
APPRECIATION: This comes from one sports enthusiast to another. I appreciate the fact that we may not be celebrating your wonderful achievement and servanthood as president of CUW, if it were not for... read more.
APPRECIATION:
This comes from one sports enthusiast to another. I appreciate the fact that we may not be celebrating your wonderful achievement and servanthood as president of CUW, if it were not for your love of sports. You have shared publicly you had an athletic gift of playing basketball and that you went to St John's Winfield for one major reason - to play ball! It was that love to play ball that led you to St John's, not only play ball, but you met Tammy and became a follower of Jesus Christ and a part of the LCMS. It takes drive, tenacity, and a love for the game (and running marathons) to excel, and that has carried over to shine as president, and so many have been blessed because of it. I'm impressed! Keep running! God be with you, Pat!
Alumni, CUW
MEMORY: One cold wintry night, Dr. Ferry took me and one of my friends to Madison Wisconsin to see a debate, Jesus Christ Historical or Mythical, with Dr. Paul Meier. This experience was a life... read more.
MEMORY:
One cold wintry night, Dr. Ferry took me and one of my friends to Madison Wisconsin to see a debate, Jesus Christ Historical or Mythical, with Dr. Paul Meier. This experience was a life memory that I will never forget, as the Holy Spirit moved my buddy, who at the time was an atheist and did not believe in Christ. The time that Dr. Ferry spent with us and the close contact we had with him, allowed for the Lord to work within the experience to help create faith in a man who openly was an unbeliever. Later on in life I was able to visit this former CUW alumni and he recounted to me the importance that this event had in his life as well. Thanks Pat, for spending time with these two lowly students and driving all the way to Madison.
Friend of Concordia, CUW
APPRECIATION: Pat, you are leaving a legacy which you built further from others to be enhanced by the next generations of leadership at Concordia. I feel so much a part of Concordia due to you and... read more.
APPRECIATION:
Pat, you are leaving a legacy which you built further from others to be enhanced by the next generations of leadership at Concordia. I feel so much a part of Concordia due to you and your colleagues sense of warmth and spirit. I hope that your future finds you at a parish to share your Lutheran ministry, your kindness, leadership and pleasant personality to the parishioners and the community. Our parish churches need men with your attributes today more than ever. God be with you, as you undertake your next challenge! You will be missed and after so many years working with you, not forgotten by me!
Friend of Concordia, CUW
MEMORY: When Pat first arrived at Concordia, he was under consideration as a pulpit assistant at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls. As president of the congregation at the time, I... read more.
APPRECIATION: I am forever grateful to Pat for his support of the mission and ministry of LUMIN Schools. In its early years, before LUMIN Schools established its own management infrastructure, Pat... read more.
MEMORY:
When Pat first arrived at Concordia, he was under consideration as a pulpit assistant at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls. As president of the congregation at the time, I was asked to interview Pat along with the chairman of the board of elders. Needless to say, Pat made a favorable impression on us and we recommended him to the church council. Pat accepted the position and blessed the congregation with many excellent sermons. As Pat's career later blossomed at Concordia, I often thought about that long ago interview of a young college professor and was thankful it turned out the way it did. What an embarrassment it would have been to deny a future university president the opportunity to serve as a pulpit assistant!
APPRECIATION:
I am forever grateful to Pat for his support of the mission and ministry of LUMIN Schools. In its early years, before LUMIN Schools established its own management infrastructure, Pat offered the expertise of various university staff resources to help build a network of urban Lutheran schools that would become leaders in delivering a high quality Christian education to low income students. That generosity established a strong foundation for what has become a long term partnership between Concordia and LUMIN Schools, a relationship that now benefits faculty and students in both organizations. Thank you, Pat!
Alumni, CUW
MEMORY: Sandee and I first met Pat over 20 years ago. He was traveling to Atlanta for a youth conference and called to see if we could meet. We met at the Canoe Restaurant on the banks of the... read more.
MEMORY:
Sandee and I first met Pat over 20 years ago. He was traveling to Atlanta for a youth conference and called to see if we could meet. We met at the Canoe Restaurant on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. We talked about strategy, brand management, brand protection and putting students first. Since then Pat has surrounded himself with an outstanding leadership team that has developed this little, tired and unknown school into a beautiful campus with a world class pharmacy school and an outstanding business school. He never lost sight of our responsibility to the church to educate Pre-seminary students and teachers. He has always been guided by strong Christian principles and has enjoyed the counsel of his wife Tammy.
Friend of Concordia, CUW
MEMORY: I always enjoyed Dr. Ferry's chapels at the Lutheran High Schools. Not surprisingly his message to the students would have some type of sports theme. He was not afraid to share his... read more.
MEMORY:
I always enjoyed Dr. Ferry's chapels at the Lutheran High Schools. Not surprisingly his message to the students would have some type of sports theme. He was not afraid to share his success, or lack thereof, with him on the team. While his kids attended Milwaukee Lutheran I don't think Pat and Tammy ever missed a game or event, juggling their schedule with Concordia and Milwaukee Lutheran. One of my personal favorite chapels was when Pat used the lyrics from the Beatles songs to share the message of Jesus to the students. His tenure at CUW was "The Long and Winding Road" but today I want to say thank you for the lives you have impacted. To God be the Glory!
Employee, CUW
MEMORY: One memorable event happened in 2004. Dr. Ferry announced on April’s Fool’s Day that year the graduation commencement speaker. In his email, he assured us that this was not... read more.
APPRECIATION: I was part of the Advancement staff from 1987 to 2019 and experienced firsthand the presidency of Dr. Ferry. His accomplishments and legacy will be noticed for many years to come. ... read more.
MEMORY:
One memorable event happened in 2004. Dr. Ferry announced on April’s Fool’s Day that year the graduation commencement speaker. In his email, he assured us that this was not a joke, it was for real that President George W. Bush was coming to CUW. The planning that happened during April to May - Graduation Day was intense. On Graduation Day, most things went as planned but the weather caused outdoor receptions to be moved indoors and many guests had to stand out under a tent in pouring rain until the field house doors. It was an honor to be part of this event.
APPRECIATION:
I was part of the Advancement staff from 1987 to 2019 and experienced firsthand the presidency of Dr. Ferry. His accomplishments and legacy will be noticed for many years to come. Retirement is a time to look back with pride on achievements made, to remember with appreciation the many special people and moments shared, and to celebrate the future with all its possibilities. Congratulation and God’s Best to You.
Employee, CUW
MEMORY: Before he was President, Rev. Dr. Ferry was an engaging, well-loved member of the faculty. Spring of 1994 highlighted this talented man in a cameo appearance in the Spring musical,... read more.
MEMORY:
Before he was President, Rev. Dr. Ferry was an engaging, well-loved member of the faculty. Spring of 1994 highlighted this talented man in a cameo appearance in the Spring musical, Pirates of Penzance. He was the head constable, dancing and singing his way on stage, leading his clumsy array of officers through some of the best choreography the Todd Wehr Auditorium has staged. Physical comedy requires the actor to be "all-in" and President Ferry inspired us to be "all-in" whether we were on stage, on the court, in the classroom, or in the cafeteria. I recognized this as a freshman back in the 90s and see it today, as a staff member. Thank you for being, "all-in" for Concordia, President Ferry!
Alumni, CUW
MEMORY: My first meeting with Pat was at a lunch with Ron Meyer, Duane Hilgendorf, and Pat, where we were discussing a role for me on either the Board of Regents or the Foundation board. I had... read more.
APPRECIATION: My major thought about Pat is his enthusiasm consistent with the University's mission and its commitment to excellence. Without this enthusiasm, the ability to get his audience... read more.
MEMORY:
My first meeting with Pat was at a lunch with Ron Meyer, Duane Hilgendorf, and Pat, where we were discussing a role for me on either the Board of Regents or the Foundation board. I had only marginal contact with the University in the more than 40 years since I graduated from the former high school department. Pat was able to articulate why the role of each of these boards was changing, how they were differentiated, and why they were important. It soon became clear that I was really going to like working with this guy, especially at the regent level, which was where my skill set would have been most useful. I never regretted that decision and always remember the meeting.
APPRECIATION:
My major thought about Pat is his enthusiasm consistent with the University's mission and its commitment to excellence. Without this enthusiasm, the ability to get his audience charged up about the idea or the issue, CUW would not be nearly where it is today. It may well have failed. Merely having an idea is not enough; it needs a champion. Pat is not merely a champion, he is a champion for the right things.
Alumni, CUW
MEMORY: One of my favorite memories with Pat was standing out on the front lawn of his home in Milwaukee the day he received the news that he had been elected as CUW president. I remember the... read more.
APPRECIATION: President Ferry has been a mentor and friend for 24 years, since I became his pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. He was gracious enough to agree to assist with... read more.
MEMORY:
One of my favorite memories with Pat was standing out on the front lawn of his home in Milwaukee the day he received the news that he had been elected as CUW president. I remember the pure joy on his face and the honor he felt to have been elected to this new position. He and Tammy had already sold their house, as they had planned to accept a position at Concordia, Austin, but then he received the Call to CUW. It was a shockingly joyful day as the unexpected news filtered throughout the community and the larger church. It was a true joy for our family, because we now knew that our newfound friends would be remaining in the Milwaukee area. This all meant that our families would grow up together, and it is a joy to say that our families remain close to this day.
APPRECIATION:
President Ferry has been a mentor and friend for 24 years, since I became his pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. He was gracious enough to agree to assist with preaching duties, to serve as an advisor, and to support the congregation in many and various ways. It was such a joy to watch Concordia continue to grow and thrive under Pat's leadership, and to see true servant leadership in action as he served the entire Concordia community. I am blessed and honored to be able to call him my friend, and wish him, Tammy, and their whole family nothing but the best as they move on to this next chapter.
Alumni, CUW
MEMORY: My favorite memory is of President Patrick Ferry preaching one final time at St. Paul in Grafton on St. Patrick's Day of 2021. There our congregation was able to surprise him with... read more.
APPRECIATION: Thank you President Ferry for being my History of Christianity teacher while I was a student at CUW. In addition, it has been an honor to partner alongside of you, together with St.... read more.
MEMORY:
My favorite memory is of President Patrick Ferry preaching one final time at St. Paul in Grafton on St. Patrick's Day of 2021. There our congregation was able to surprise him with a gift of running shoes and a final prayer and blessing.
APPRECIATION:
Thank you President Ferry for being my History of Christianity teacher while I was a student at CUW. In addition, it has been an honor to partner alongside of you, together with St. Paul, Grafton, WI as you faithfully led one of our mid-week Lent Services every year for 28 years. Your leadership as President at CUW has helped Concordia move from the classrooms to the community with the powerful proclamation of Jesus.
Employee, CUW
APPRECIATION: Since I began working at Concordia Wisconsin in alumni relations, I have had the pleasure of being more involved with President Ferry and getting to know him better. Not only is he a... read more.
APPRECIATION:
Since I began working at Concordia Wisconsin in alumni relations, I have had the pleasure of being more involved with President Ferry and getting to know him better. Not only is he a great man of faith and integrity, which has made him a great president, but he has an unwavering passion for the students and carrying out the mission of Concordia. His passion for the students carried forward as they became alumni. President Ferry was always willing to participate in the alumni events and enjoyed learning more about them individually. He cared deeply on how they were doing post graduation. It has been a joy and honor to serve with him. Congratulations, Pat! Wishing you God's guidance and blessings on this next phase of your journey.
Dr. Ferry Welcomes President Bush, 2004
Zoey Leash Passing, 2014
1,000 days of running! 2015
The Ferry Family, 1997
CIT at CUAA, 2015
President's Run Poster, 2004
Bluff Project, 2006