The Insider: This is what determination looks like
Trying to describe David Ferrier in one word is a difficult task. “Fanatic” fits. “Spirited” fits. But his friends and co-workers around campus say “inspirational” is probably the best word of all. In addition to his day job, Ferrier's love for Tulane sports has led him to attend every game he could.
During a basketball game in Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse, David Ferrier, center, is recognized for his devotion to athletics and his inspiration to the Tulane community. With him are J. Malbrough, manager of mail services, left, and Vince Granito, associate director of athletics. (Photo by Parker Waters)
For more than 30 years, Ferrier has been a part of the Tulane community beginning with a job working part-time in the bookstore as a stock clerk and cashier, and most recently as a mail technician on the uptown campus.
Today, Ferrier, who has a form of cerebral palsy, can be seen regularly cheering on the Green Wave at basketball, baseball, football and volleyball games, where he also works as an usher.
If he looks familiar, it may also be because he works out almost daily at the Reily Student Recreation Center and was recently recognized by Tulane athletics as “an example of determination and hard work in the face of adversity.”
Jason Riggs, Ferrier's supervisor in mail services, says Ferrier's recent recognition during halftime at a men's basketball game was much deserved.
“He was very happy, proud and overjoyed. Seeing him raise that plaque over his head at half court and slowly spin around to show the entire crowd was priceless,” says Riggs. “He is an inspiration to all of us.”
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