Celebrating President Ferry’s 30 years at Concordia University!

David Meineke
Parent

MEMORY: My fondest memory of Dr. Ferry is when my daughter, Allison, went to CUW. I visited her early in her freshman year. After attending Chapel, I greeted Dr. Ferry upon exiting. He said,... read more.

Rev. Dr. Ron Mudge
Employee

MEMORY: I have fond memories of the times that you opened your home to our Pre-Seminary students, fed us pizza, and let us lounge around with you in your living room. In that intimate and... read more.

APPRECIATION: Thank you for your firm and gentle leadership and for keeping the focus on Jesus and His grace.

Colin Shepard [1996]
Alumni

APPRECIATION: Thanks President Ferry! You are a positive inspiration! Wishing you (and your family) all the best in retirement and a warm thanks for all you’ve done to positively impact... read more.

Mary Rowley [2013]
Alumni

MEMORY: I participated in the SERVE living-learning community, and one activity was to visit President Ferry at his home. He sat on the floor and ate pizza with us and spoke very humbly about... read more.

Larry Sohn
Employee

MEMORY: President George W. Bush's 2004 commencement visit was a highlight. First announcing the visit on April Fool's Day brought questioning looks as we began six weeks of intense... read more.

APPRECIATION: Your steadfast commitment to Concordia's mission has been a hallmark of your administration. No matter the audience--whether Annual report, Board meeting, Chapel presentation, or... read more.

Farrukh Nazarov [2014]
Alumni

APPRECIATION: Thank you, Dr. Ferry, for the best years at CUW. I appreciate all of my experience.

Lisa Rhonemus [2015]
Alumni, CUAA

APPRECIATION: When CUW and CUAA first became one, I wasn't the most understanding. After getting to know President Ferry and seeing the life that was breathed into CUAA, I am now immensely... read more.

Susan Suleski
Employee

APPRECIATION: When I began working here 4 years ago, I had a feeling I was working someplace special. It didn't take long before my feeling was confirmed. I started posted all of the many... read more.

Cathy Melan
Employee

APPRECIATION: Thank you, President Ferry, for leading with vision and for keeping Concordia connected to its Godly mission. Your daily leadership example reminded us that we are all servant leaders... read more.

John Schaeffer [2014]
Alumni, CUAA

APPRECIATION: Thank you for inviting our basketball teams into your home for dinner when we had CIT in Wisconsin. It was way better than Subway!

Alexa Doebele
Employee

APPRECIATION: Thank you for your leadership and faith, thank you for your dedication to Concordia's mission and values, and thank you for all the support you have shown over the years to the... read more.

Andrea (Adams) Michel [2016]
Alumni
Andrea's Tribute

APPRECIATION: As a student/alumna: Thank you for keeping Christ at the center of everything you do and say. It never went unnoticed! As an employee: Thank you for always being such a willing photo... read more.

Rev. Dr. David Maier [1978]
Alumni, CUAA

APPRECIATION: Pat, I never would have thought that our paths would have crossed prior to 2009, but I am surely thankful they did. Your kindness and wisdom, leadership and vision as Concorida... read more.

Doug Mason
Friend of Concordia

APPRECIATION: Dr. Ferry, all of us at Gonser Gerber LLP wish you, Tammy, and your family the very best in the years to come. You have served Concordia and your Lord with humility, distinction and... read more.

Lilas Nzuzi [2012]
Alumni
Lilas's Tribute

APPRECIATION: The Nzuzi's family will never forget your tremendous generosity. We were able to attend college in one of the most prestigious schools in Wisconsin thanks to your scholarships. May... read more.

Kevin Reimer [1996]
Alumni

APPRECIATION: One of the great blessings of my life is crossing paths with Dr. Ferry. He was one of two history professors on the CUW faculty, so I was in one his classes nearly every semester. Our... read more.

Prof. Lori Woodall-Schaufler
Employee
Lori's Tribute

MEMORY: President Ferry, on stage! Guys and Dolls, 2018

APPRECIATION: Pat, Thank you for your wonderful leadership all these years! Your grace, diplomacy, and commitment to Christ has always been visible and felt throughout the University. I especially... read more.

Rev. Dr. Jason Soenksen
Employee

APPRECIATION: President Ferry, I am grateful for your devotion to CUW's Christian mission. You have been not only our president, but also a pastor to us. You dealt with adversity with grace and... read more.

Patrick Ntula [1997]
Alumni

APPRECIATION: I had you first as my history teacher in 95. It was wonderful to have you as a teacher first, then later as President of CUW. I will always be filled with gratitude towards you and CUW,... read more.

Rev. Dr. Kevin Voss
Employee

APPRECIATION: Thank you, President Ferry, for being supportive of the Concordia Center for Bioethics and the work of all of the Institutes as we enable students, and others, to serve Christ in the... read more.

Olivia Klemm [2001]
Alumni

MEMORY: I was blessed to take one of Dr. Ferry's last history classes that he taught while also serving as President. All I remember is that I came across a graded assignment with a... read more.

APPRECIATION: I had the privilege of being a student worker in the Office of the President for 2 years during Dr. Ferry's early years of presidency. Even though you, Dr. Ferry, were of course... read more.

Dr. Sharon Chappy
Employee

APPRECIATION: Pat: It has truly been my honor to work with you. You are such a role model, not only as a leader, but also as a genuine, caring, kind, and compassionate human being. I wish you the... read more.

James Buck [2019]
Student
James's Tribute

MEMORY: This picture of James, President Ferry, and Skylar Petrik was taken in 2018, in the Coburg Lobby during the putt putt golf tournament put together by Res Life.

Leah (Kangas) Wierschke [1995]
Alumni

APPRECIATION: Dr. Ferry, I thank God for the opportunity to have had you as my history teacher for several classes during your first few years at CUW! God blessed you with the gift of sharing history... read more.

Dan Brieschke
Employee, CUAA

APPRECIATION: Thanks for modeling and sharing countless ways to keep the main thing, the main thing. Concordia University Ann Arbor is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping... read more.

Dr. Wanda Routier and Carol Burns
Employee
Wanda Routier's Tribute

APPRECIATION: In the beginning, you came to BC Religion class one day, and in that brief morning exercise, the students felt their voices heard, their presence valued, and they made a friend! With... read more.

Rev. Dr. John Oberdeck [1972]
Employee
John's Tribute

MEMORY: In 2002 I received the call to the theology faculty of CUW. While considering the call my wife, Ginny, and I were at our 30th Reunion from the class of 1972. While meeting with Dr.... read more.

Susan Groth
Friend of Concordia

APPRECIATION: What extraordinary work you have done. What strong leadership you have provided. What deep faith you demonstrate. Gene and I were blessed to be part of the Board of Regents during your... read more.

Sandy Barrette [2004]
Employee

APPRECIATION: I was honored to begin my CUW career working for the Office of the President and for you, President Ferry. I had the privilege of a closer vantage point than some to witness the way you... read more.

Jennie Pries
Employee, CUAA

APPRECIATION: Congratulations on a stellar career, Dr. Ferry! Being a president of one university for so long is such a wonderful accomplishment, but then overseeing TWO universities is quite... read more.

Johanna Anderson [2013]
Employee
Johanna's Tribute

MEMORY: CIT 2019 with the CUW Pep Band and Freddy!

Dr. Rachel Pickett
Employee

APPRECIATION: President Ferry, congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for your many years of service. I will always remember how welcome you made me feel when I interviewed for my faculty... read more.

Dr. Carrie Bath-Scheel
Employee

MEMORY: Many years ago, right after Dr. Ferry took the position of President at CUW, I interviewed him for a doctoral paper I was writing on moral leadership. Here is what my interview... read more.

Dr. Wendy Goldbach
Employee

APPRECIATION: Thank you, Dr. Ferry, for your leadership and service, especially for being a thoughtful, compassionate president of our university! This couldn't have been easy, especially in the... read more.

Jennifer Kraft
Parent

APPRECIATION: Thank you for your years of service in continuing to build upon the mission of CUW. It is truly apparent that the institution is guided by the mission. We have seen this in the decorum... read more.

Rev. Randy Duncan [1988]
Employee, CUAA

APPRECIATION: Words can hardly express my gratitude for you, President Pat Ferry. Your vision and faith has given our Ann Arbor campus the ability to not just survive, but to thrive. You have a... read more.

Brian Betts
Friend of Concordia

APPRECIATION: All Praise and Thanks be to God who has blessed President Ferry with the gifts to be a servant in the church. Know that you have been a blessing to my wife and I, my son Caleb, who will... read more.

Jerry Novak [2010]
Employee, CUAA

APPRECIATION: CONCORDIA has been “close to home” for myself and my family for many, many years. As an employee and alumni of CUAA, then transitioning in to an employee of CUWAA, I have... read more.

Dr. Joey-Lynn Bialkowski
Employee, CUAA

APPRECIATION: During my first week at Concordia I gifted you the book The Mentor Leader by Coach Tony Dungy as a thank you for opportunity to begin serving at CUW under your leadership. Shortly... read more.

Tom Ries [1974]
Alumni

APPRECIATION: Thank you, Pat, for your profound dedication to Lutheran higher education and for giving yourself so passionately to Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor these many decades as... read more.

Tom Van Duzer [1973]
Alumni, CUAA

APPRECIATION: While I've never met Dr. Ferry, I want to thank him for taking on the task of renewing Concordia Ann Arbor. Thanks for keeping it alive and helping it to grow into what it is... read more.

Linda Sproul [1992]
Employee, CUAA
Linda's Tribute

APPRECIATION: Thank you, President Ferry, for giving the most memorable breakfast keynote addresses for our 50th reunion attendees! Everyone looks forward to these reunions and you always make it so... read more.

Paul Naumann
Friend of Concordia, CUAA

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.

Charles Schulz
Employee, CUAA

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.

Lonnie Pries
Employee, CUAA

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.

Rev. John Rathje
Employee, CUAA

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.

Allan Buss [1986]
Alumni

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.

Sarah Thurmond
Employee, CUAA
Sarah's Tribute

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!

Peter Hoft [1996]
Alumni

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.

Mark Baden
Employee

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.

Dr. James Pingel
Employee

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.

Dr. Liz Paly [2007]
Employee

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.

Dwayne Lueck [1971, 1973]
Alumni

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.

Rev. Dr. Jameson (Jamie) Hardy [1996]
Alumni

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.

John Stollenwerk
Friend of Concordia

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.

Dick Laabs
Friend of Concordia

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.

Terry Donovan [1965]
Alumni

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.

Dwayne Jobst
Friend of Concordia

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.

Sandy Vick
Employee

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.

Beckie Kruse [1996]
Employee

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.

Mark Polzin [1963]
Alumni

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.

Rev. Tom Eggebrecht [1986]
Alumni

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.

Rev. Scott Kruse [1996]
Alumni
Scott's Tribute

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.

Michelle Wagner
Employee
Michelle's Tribute

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.

Ferry Tribute

Dr. Ferry Welcomes President Bush, 2004

Ferry Tribute

Zoey Leash Passing, 2014

Ferry Tribute

Commencement, 2018

Ferry Tribute

New Alumni Hats Off Celebration, 2018

Ferry Tribute

Newsroom Alumni Gathering, 2019. Josiah Buss, '15, and Michael Bahr, '16

Ferry Tribute

Buck's Game, 2017. Dr. Bob Barnhart, Matthew Scholz, and Mark Scholz, '15

Ferry Tribute

National Youth Gathering, 2019

Ferry Tribute

Alumni Rooftop Social, 2016

Ferry Tribute

National Youth Gathering, 2016

Ferry Tribute

1970 Junior College Reunion, 2015

Ferry Tribute

National Youth Gathering, 2007. Rev. Art and Audrey Schroeder, '39

Ferry Tribute

1,000 days of running! 2015

Ferry Tribute

The Ferry Family, 1997

Ferry Tribute

CIT at CUAA, 2015

Ferry Tribute

President's Run Poster, 2004

Ferry Tribute

Bluff Project, 2006

Ferry Tribute

Preaching for Reformation 500, 2017

Ferry Tribute

Plaster Building dedication with Ted Batterman, 2019

Ferry Tribute

Thunder Sports Complex dedication with Kay Haab, 2018

Ferry Tribute

President's Run Poster, 2011

Ferry Tribute

Plaster Building Groundbreaking, 2018

Ferry Tribute

President Ferry chaperones his Father's Honor Flight, 2014

Ferry Tribute

Luther Statue Dedication, 2016

Ferry Tribute

Helping in a Bethesda College Religion Class, 2016