John Thomas Ferrington passed away on May 20, 2001 at the age of 38. He received his degree in Viticulture and Enology in 1988. He was recognized by his colleagues as an accomplished grapegrower and winemaker with a finesse for crafting Pinot noir. Ferrington was fluent in four languages and completed a master's level studies at Montepellier, France at the Ecole de viticulture et Enologie.
Richard and Barbara Ferrington established the scholarship fund in memory of their son. Their endowment is to be awarded to a student in the Department of Viticulture and Enology with a strong interest in crafting high quality Pinot noir wines, John's passion.