Concordia University's outgoing president—Rev. Patrick T. Ferry, PhD—is being celebrated this week with Ferry Fest, a series of celebratory activities at both the Ann Arbor and Wisconsin campuses.
The Ann Arbor campus launched Ferry Fest on Monday, April 26. From sidewalk chalk to to coordinated t-shirts, “Thank you, Dr. Ferry!” was visible at every angle of celebration. The celebrations will continue this week at CUW.
After 30 years of distinguished service to Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor—with eight of them as president of the Ann Arbor campus—Rev. Patrick T. Ferry, PhD, will retire in June 2021. A search for his successor is underway.
In addition to a special Chapel message and Ferry’s Last Lecture (recordings of which will be shared soon), there was a surprise event that Ferry wasn’t expecting: The “Milestone Run.”
What he thought was a routine, daily run with Vice President Ryan Peterson and Head Cross Country Coach Alli Unger ended with a lap on the track. Not only were some of the significant campus achievements that have occurred at CUAA under Ferry’s tenure marked on signs throughout the lap, but nearly 100 students, faculty, and staff were circled on the track to cheer him as he ran his surprise lap.
In addition, over 60 miles were run yesterday in President Ferry’s honor, pledged by members of the Concordia community.
Check out a few of the many milestones that have taken place at CUAA under Ferry’s leadership of the CUAA campus.
July 1, 2013
Ann Arbor and Wisconsin officially merge
Related: CUAA merge with CUW approved by Higher Learning Commission
September 2015
Dedication of the renovated Kreft Center for the Arts
Related: Kreft Center for the Arts at Concordia University opens to the public
October 2015
North Building acquisition
Related: CUAA’s new North Building opens to the public
October 2015
Cardinal Stadium dedication
Related: CUAA to dedicate Cardinal Stadium
Fall 2016
Nursing launched (6 cohorts now graduated!)
Related: CUAA’s first nursing cohort: Alpha class soars
June 2018
Groundbreaking for Thunder Sports Complex.
Related: CUAA breaks ground for the Thunder Sports Complex
Fall 2018
Memorized Romans 8
Related: Concordia releases spiritual life survey results
January 2021
Physician Assistant program launched
Related: They’re here! Physician Assistant’s first cohort begins classes
2013-2021
Over 15 academic programs added
Related: CUAA continues six year enrollment climb
2013-2021
8 Cardinal athletic programs added
Related: Banner year for Cardinal athletics
On June 30, 2021, Rev. Patrick T. Ferry, PhD, will conclude 30 years of distinguished service to Concordia University, with 24 of them as president. A multitude of thanks are due…
- For your firmly rooted values…
- For dreaming big…
- For going the distance…
- For building a foundation for the future…
Ferry Fest celebrations continue! See more about what’s happening on Wisconsin’s campus this week at cuw.edu/ferryfest.
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