The semester is winding down, which means our time with President Ferry as leader of Concordia University is coming to a close.
After 30 years of distinguished service to Concordia University Wisconsin—with 24 of them as president—Rev. Patrick T. Ferry, PhD, will retire in June 2021. A search for his successor is underway.
Groups across campus have rallied to offer a slate of celebratory activities and opportunities to say farewell to Ferry. Students, along with faculty, staff, alumni, and Concordia supporters, are invited to save the date for the events below.
Ferry Fest for Alumni and Stakeholders
Beginning Monday, April 5
- Through June 15, 2021 | VIRTUAL TRIBUTE—Show your thanks and appreciation for Ferry by sharing a memory, well wish, or picture of your time with him. Tributes may be submitted at cuw.edu/FerryTribute. You may also view all tributes that have been submitted to date at cuw.edu/FerryTribute.
Wednesday, April 28
- 4 p.m. | FINAL RUN—Shh! It’s a surprise for President Ferry. We want P. Ferry supporters out in full force on the football field to greet our president with cheers as he ends his routine, daily run on campus. Wear Concordia blue. Bring a homemade sign, noise maker, or spirit gear to welcome him through with fanfare.
Thursday, April 29
- 7:30 p.m. | LAST LECTURE—Ferry will leave us with some parting wisdom, and, no doubt, grace us with a memorable story or two. Stop by the Terrace Room or catch it via the livestream here: cuw.edu/LastLecture. If you plan to attend in person, please let us know here. The Terrace Hall’s COVID-19 capacity is 50 people, so please RSVP early.
Friday, April 30
- All day | BOW TIE DAY—No one rocks a bow tie like President Ferry. Whether you’re at work or at home, we invite you to show your Ferry pride by donning his favorite fashion accessory. Take a picture and post to social using #FerryFest. Don’t have a bow tie? It’s easy to make one! Click here for a tutorial.
- 9:30 a.m. | SPECIAL CHAPEL—President Ferry will deliver his final chapel message as president of the university. Three special commencement awardees will also be honored during this time. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person chapel seating is limited to students, employees, and special guests, but all are invited to watch the livestream here: cuw.edu/CUWChapel.
Ferry Fest for Students
Monday, April 26
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | FERRY FEST T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY—Stop by the caf hallway to pick up your Ferry Fest t-shirt. Plan to wear it on Wednesday for the Final Run.
- 8pm | STRESS RELIEF WEEK/FERRY FEST YOGA—Mind, body, spirit! Manage your stress and care for your body with a little virtual yoga. Students are invited to show up in person to the Albrecht Lounge or tune in via Zoom webinar using the link found here.
- 8:30 p.m. | NOTE OF THANKS—After participating in some pre-finals-week Yoga, students are invited to write a thank-you or farewell note to President Ferry. Stop by Albrecht Lounge to upload a thank-you note, memory, or photo into President Ferry’s virtual tribute.
Wednesday, April 28
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | FERRY FEST T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY—Stop by the caf hallway to pick up your Ferry Fest t-shirt. Plan to wear it on Wednesday for the Final Run.
- 1-3 p.m. | STRESS RELIEF WEEK/FERRY FEST BAGS TOURNEY—Grab a partner and head to Regents Courtyard. No need to sign up for this event. Student Events will slot you in as you arrive.
- 4 p.m. | FINAL RUN—Shh! It’s a surprise for President Ferry. We want students, faculty, and staff out in full force on the football field to greet him with cheers as he ends his routine, daily run on campus. Wear your Ferry Fest t-shirt or Concordia blue. Bring a homemade sign, noise maker, or spirit gear to welcome him through with fanfare.
Thursday, April 29
- 9-11 p.m. | STRESS RELIEF WEEK/FERRY FEST DODGEBALL TOURNEY—Throw off some steam ahead of Finals Week. Show up in teams of five in the gym and get ready to pummel each other! No sign-up required.
- 7:30 p.m. | LAST LECTURE—Stop by the Terrace Room or catch it via the livestream here: cuw.edu/LastLecture. Ferry will leave us with some parting words, no doubt gracing us with his trademark storytelling prowess. If you plan to attend in person, please let us know here. The Terrace Room’s COVID-19 capacity is 50 people, so please RSVP early.
Friday, April 30
- All day | BOW TIE DAY—No one rocks a bow tie like President Ferry. Show your love from P. Ferry by donning his favorite fashion accessory. Take a picture and post to social using #FerryFest. Don’t have a bow tie? It’s easy to make one! Click here for a tutorial.
- 9:30 a.m. | SPECIAL CHAPEL—President Ferry will deliver his final chapel message as president of the university. Three special commencement awardees will also be honored during this time. All students are invited in person, or you can catch the livestream here: cuw.edu/CUWChapel.
- 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | FERRY FAREWELL BASH—Stop by the Chapel Courtyard for a festive scene. Take in the live band (Good Morning Bedlam), play some lawn games, and snack on some of President Ferry’s favorites: Diet Coke and cookies.
Ferry Fest for Faculty and Staff
Beginning Monday, April 5
- Through June 15, 2021 | VIRTUAL TRIBUTE—Show your thanks and appreciation for Ferry by sharing a memory, well wish, or picture of your time with him. Tributes may be submitted at cuw.edu/FerryTribute. You may also view all tributes that have been submitted to date at cuw.edu/FerryTribute.
Wednesday, April 28
- 4 p.m. | FINAL RUN—Shh! It’s a surprise for President Ferry. We want faculty, staff, and students out in full force on the football field to greet our president with cheers as he ends his routine, daily run on campus. Wear Concordia blue. Bring a homemade sign, noise maker, or spirit gear to welcome him through with fanfare. Stay for a brief presentation of his retirement gift.
Thursday, April 29
- 7:30 p.m. | LAST LECTURE—Ferry will leave us with some parting wisdom, and, no doubt, grace us with a memorable story or two. Stop by the Terrace Room or catch it via the livestream here: cuw.edu/LastLecture. If you plan to attend in person, please let us know here. The Terrace Room’s COVID-19 capacity is 50 people, so please RSVP early.
Friday, April 30
- All day | BOW TIE DAY—No one rocks a bow tie like President Ferry. Whether you’re at work or at home, we invite you to show your Ferry pride by donning his favorite fashion accessory. Take a picture and post to social using #FerryFest. Don’t have a bow tie? It’s easy to make one! Click here for a tutorial.
- 9:30 a.m. | SPECIAL CHAPEL—President Ferry will deliver his final chapel message as president of the university. Three special commencement awardees will also be honored during this time. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person chapel seating is limited to students, employees, and special guests, but all are invited to watch the livestream here: cuw.edu/CUWChapel.
Wednesday, May 12
- 4:30-6:30 p.m. | FACULTY/STAFF FAREWELL RECEPTION—Employees, this is your chance to bid President Ferry farewell in person. Stop by the CCES for some beverages and individually packaged charcuterie boxes. Please RSVP by clicking here. Registration closes May 5.
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