W
hile Ferdie travels in Europe and Asia, on a working sabbatical, the time is right to celebrate his remarkable career—before he adds another part to it. In July,
Ferdie will become assistant to the headmaster for alumni relations. His major advantage, again, will be his gift of connectivity. If not all students and parents in the last 30 years can say they know him, Ferdie may well know them. (So many people were happy to contribute
“From the outset, Ferdie understood two interrelated principles: first, that attracting the best mix of diversely
to this article that the Bulletin has saved material for a “roasting” when he decides to retire.)
talented students would
Ferdie’s devotion to Taft remains the bedrock of his service. For years he has stood at
community, and, second,
the center of this modern, inclusive school and of policies for the future of independent
created would transform
create a uniquely spirited that the vibrancy so Taft’s place in the
schools nationwide.
community of residential schools.”
Having mentored scores of admissions people at home and abroad, Ferdie continues to
be a leader for many organizations—including ASSIST (American Secondary Schools for
—Lance Odden,
headmaster emeritus
International Students and Teachers—a nonprofit that sponsors international students and teachers for a year’s study in the United States). While the assembly of residential schools may still appear from a distance as “a small world of its own,” Ferdie and his cohorts have another world in view.
c A lacrosse coach for many years, Ferdie has also coached scores of admissions officers— many of whom have gone on to become admissions directors or heads of school. The Leslie D. Manning Archives
Taft Bulletin Winter 2007
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