Review - McPherson College Magazine, Fall 2023

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MC P H E R S O

Top Bulldogs!

Seniors Maria Miranda (Scholarship), Joey Bellisario (Participation), and Tavian Gray (Service) were recognized as the 2023 Top Bulldogs during halftime of the Homecoming football game on Saturday. These students were selected by their peers as being the top example of living out the McPherson College mission of scholarship, participation and service.

Michael

Josh

Amanda

Christi

Hannah

Marty

Brenda

Carol

Rick

McPherson College Exceeds Challenge Establishing A Future $1.5 Billion Endowment

McPherson College announced in July that it has met the match on its historic double-match endowment challenge. The anonymous donor committed an estate gift totaling $1 billion which combined with the challenge commitments bring the endowment to $1.592 billion.

The McPherson College Board of Trustees also voted unanimously to name the McPherson College endowment after two late alumni and professors, Drs. John Ward and John Burkholder. McPherson College President Michael Schneider announced the milestone at an on-campus event attended by more than 200 faculty, sta , trustees, students, and friends of the college.

The total funding of $1,592,000,000 will result in one of the largest endowments of any small liberal arts college in the United States.

The donor agreement allows the anonymous donor to pay out over time, or it is all paid in full upon the donor’s death, the latest time at which McPherson College would have access to the anonymous donor’s $1 billion. Most other gifts to meet the challenge will come over time as part of estate commitments.

“Today is historic, not just for McPherson College, but for all small liberal arts colleges in America,” said Schneider at the announcement. “I am incredibly grateful to our anonymous donor for giving us an unprecedented opportunity—and responsibility—to build and implement our strategic vision of becoming a destination learning community. We have also been given an amazing opportunity to honor two legendary alumni and professors, Dr. Ward and Dr. Burkholder.

“Now, the work begins to build a bridge to our future endowment. We need to carefully plan how the income from the endowment is deployed to reimagine and construct the campus of the future, build a much-needed rural health pipeline in Kansas, create a center for the future of automotive engineering, and work to make

college more a ordable for all our students. There has never been a better time to be a part of the McPherson College community!”

The McPherson College Board of Trustees named the McPherson College Endowment the Ward-Burkholder Endowment. Dr. Ward graduated from McPherson College in 1950 and had a distinguished career in higher education, first as a professor of agriculture at McPherson College for 12 years and later at the University of Nebraska. Dr. Burkholder graduated from McPherson College in 1949 and was a professor of biology at the college for nearly 40 years. Many members of the Ward and Burkholder families were on hand at today’s event.

“Naming faculty on this massive endowment highlights the unique faculty-student relationships found at McPherson College, including the times John and John were themselves students. Priceless might be a fitting word to describe the influence that faculty, sta , and administration of McPherson College have on the lives of its students,” said Marty Ward, a McPherson College trustee and son of Dr. John Ward. “The Ward and Burkholder families are honored and grateful to everyone who has participated in the Ward/Burkholder Endowment. On behalf of Dad and Dr. Burkholder –thank you.”

According to the terms of the double-match gift challenge that concluded on June 30, the anonymous donor agreed to contribute $2 for every $1 given by others.

Donations of this scale do not usually go to colleges with the size or location of McPherson College. It gives the school the rare opportunity to build and sustain the small liberal arts college of the future. McPherson College is following its student-first values, directing the funds toward its academic programs and making college more a ordable and accessible—ensuring talented

people in places like Central Kansas have the opportunity to thrive over the long term.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, the senior United States senator from Kansas, attended the announcement.

“McPherson College has taken an innovative approach to training students to meet the demands of the McPherson community and the surrounding area,” said Sen. Moran. “The great work at McPherson College is attracting donors who want to support institutions o ering young Kansans opportunities to thrive during college and long after they have graduated. I look forward to continuing to support these e orts at the federal level.”

McPherson College’s student-centric plans include a renewed collaboration on rural health initiatives, plans for state-of-the-art science and engineering facilities, and a huge boost for students facing challenges a ording college. Specifically, this includes McPherson’s Community by Design strategic plan, which includes East McPherson, the campus master plan; a new Kansas Center for Rural & Community Health; and McPherson College’s Student Debt Project, which has proven to be a pioneer in college a ordability.

The new Kansas Center for Rural & Community Health will ensure the next generation of practitioners can use the latest technology and techniques to help improve healthcare in rural Kansas. McPherson College’s groundbreaking Student Debt Project, which has established a successful partnership with local businesses, has made McPherson College significantly more a ordable. The program, where McPherson College donors match 25 cents for every dollar a student contributes to their education, will be expanded in the future as a result of meeting the match, not only making a McPherson College education a ordable for more students but also serving as a blueprint for other colleges across the country struggling with keeping student debt low in the face of rising costs.

“McPherson College has been a special place for Richard and me for over a decade,” said Dr. Melanie Lundquist. “We especially appreciate President Schneider and Provost Gutierrez’s innovative, problem-solving leadership. Supporting McPherson’s one-of-a-kind automotive restoration program has also been one of our greatest pleasures. Richard was honored to donate his classic Ferrari to the program, and we are both thrilled that this unique program – and McPherson College -- will be on solid footing for perpetuity due to this phenomenally generous matching gift.”

The Lundquists committed $50 million to the match and donated his classic Ferrari to the college’s automotive restoration program.

The announcement was recorded live at https://www.facebook.com/McPhersonCollege

www.mcpherson.edu/endowment

President’s message

Dear McPherson College Alumni, Friends, and Family,

McPherson College has always valued its strong connection with the local McPherson community. Those ties were evident this past year as the community celebrated McPherson College’s milestone accomplishments and continued support for our lofty ambitions.

It has been a historic year for the college. In 2023, we surpassed the goal set in the Community by Design strategic plan to “build” a $1 billion endowment. Bolstered by a generous anonymous gift and the tremendous support of alumni and friends, the college met and then surpassed the $500 Million Endowment Match. With a secure future and focus on the newest strategic plan – Community by Design 2.0 — McPherson College achieved many milestones this past year, including 99% placement of the graduating class. Campus building projects, such as the Campus Commons and Boiler House are underway, and the Sport Center expansion and renovation will be completed in February.

Speaking of milestones, the Automotive Restoration program continues to inspire and bring awareness to the entire campus with its second-in-class win at Pebble Beach this past August. This accomplishment is a culmination of 10 years of unprecedented commitment by faculty, sta and students.

The past year has set McPherson College on an exciting trajectory that will impact campus and the community for decades. Using Community by Design 2.0 as a guide and with nearly 1,000 alumni living and working in McPherson County who embody the ideals of McPherson College, I am encouraged for the future.

I continue to be overwhelmed by the positive response from alumni and friends to our recent accomplishments and future plans. I want to thank each of you for your support of McPherson College and wish you and your families health and happiness in the New Year!

Michael P. Schneider President, McPherson College

Auto Restoration Students Win First-Ever Honors At Pebble Beach

McPherson College’s 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet secured second in class at the 72nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance—the first time in the history of the show a car restored by students landed a podium spot. The vintage car, restored by the college’s Automotive Restoration program students, won Second in Class for the Postwar Luxury category. The victory marks the first time in Concours history that a student-restored car has ranked in the top three in any class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This year’s Concours featured 216 cars from 18 countries and 30 states, with just a small percentage of entrants winning special recognition.

“Many car collectors dream of just competing at Pebble Beach their entire lives, so for our students to earn second in class is truly an exceptional achievement,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “This is 10 years in the making, with students, alumni, and faculty pouring their heart and soul into this restoration project of the Mercedes-Benz to make this vision a reality. This accomplishment puts our students on par with the professionals of automotive restoration. As an alumnus and president, I could not be prouder of everyone who had a hand in this historic day for McPherson College. Today is a great day to be a Bulldog.”

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the oldest Concours in the United States and is widely considered the most prestigious car show in the world. Thousands of applicants vie for a spot at the Concours, where automotive aficionados, industry professionals, collectors, and other enthusiasts converge every year to see the best of the best in classic cars. This year that included the students at McPherson College.

“Congratulations to these Kansas students and their outstanding accomplishment for placing second in class and making history as the first student-restored car to place in the top three at Pebble Beach,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on social media. Moran is the senior senator from Kansas.

“It was heartening to see McPherson students, many of whom were recipients of our Phil Hill Scholarships, competing on our show field with a car they had researched and restored themselves,” said Concours

d’Elegance Chairman Sandra Button. “Their efforts were truly deserving of being showcased here, as evidenced by the fact that their Mercedes placed Second in Class. Their knowledge, their abilities, and their dedication to perfecting even the smallest details of a challenging restoration project provide me with great hope for the future of classic cars.”

McPherson College is the only college or university in the U.S. with a bachelor’s degree in automotive restoration. This has helped the school gain the support of noted car collectors like comedian Jay Leno and other important figures in the classic car industry. The unprecedented win at Pebble Beach will continue to attract support for this unique program.

“I could not be more delighted to see the hard work of our students rewarded with a much deserved and historic class award,” said Brian Martin, the senior director of auto restoration at McPherson College and crew chief for the team of students. “There is something extremely validating about competing with the best in the field and showing that we belong. I have always believed the automotive restoration students at McPherson College were world-class, and we proved it.”

The award-winning car was celebrated at Homecoming in October and is featured at the McPherson Museum in a Classic Car exhibition. It is expected to appear at other Concours in the future and will continue to provide learning opportunities for students.

“The automotive restoration program at McPherson College has taught me so much about classic cars and given me the opportunity of a lifetime to come to Pebble Beach,” said Jeremy Porter, a current student from Seneca Falls, N.Y. “Winning second place was just the icing on the cake, and shows what students are capable of achieving.”

“As the only automotive restoration program in the country, we are used to making history, but winning second place at the Concours is truly special,” said McPherson College Provost Amanda Gutierrez. “This performance shows that McPherson College is a powerhouse: in the classroom and the classic auto industry.”

MC RECOGNIZED: ‘Great College to Work For’ and US News & World Report

McPherson College is a great place to work, according to a new survey by the Great Colleges to Work For® program. The results in a special edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education recognized McPherson College for the ninth year. McPherson College was also on the survey’s Honor Roll for the eighth year.

The results are based on a survey sent to over 103,000 faculty and staff at 194 colleges nationwide. In all, just 72 of the 194 institutions achieved recognition on the list for specific practices and policies. The survey included only 42 colleges on the Honor Roll, an elite group of institutions that are standouts within their enrollment size. McPherson College was recognized in 6 categories and was the only Kansas school earning recognition.

President Michael Schneider points to some basic practices, such as the college’s compensation plan and benefits, including retirement contributions made after one year of employment, as reasons why people like working for McPherson College. Monthly all-campus meetings, called ‘huddles’, share information from across campus and foster community involvement. Programs like training from the Kansas Leadership Center, which develop adaptive problem-solving skills, and other significant professional development investments in the operating budget sets McPherson College apart from other college campuses.

Classic Cars of MC at McPherson Museum

Visitors to the McPherson Museum & Art Foundation will have an opportunity to see several unique cars this winter in a temporary exhibition through March. The museum is hosting Classic Cars of McPherson College, featuring the award-winning 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet which received a remarkable second-in-class finish in the Post-War Luxury class at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The restoration took seven years to complete and thousands of hours of research and work, all done by students in the Automotive Restoration program at the college.

The exhibit includes other cars from faculty and the college’s collection dating back to 1907. A rare 1910 Auburn Baby Tonneau, on loan to the museum from Chris Paulsen, professor in the automotive restoration program, is one of only four known to exist. The car’s restoration was completed by the Paulsen family in 2022. It was invited to compete at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2022, where it was the oldest car to complete the 70-mile Tour d’Elegance held before the Concours.

One of the earliest examples of the automobile, a 1907 Holsman, is also on display. The vehicle was originally purchased by the grandfather of a former college biology professor, Gilford Ikenberry, and has been in the family its

For the eighth consecutive year, McPherson College has earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report on its 2023-24 “Best Colleges” list for Regional Colleges in the Midwest. This year, the college climbed 10 places in the rankings. McPherson College was also ranked on the “Best Value Schools” and “Top Performers on Social Mobility” lists.

“It is an honor to be included on such a well-respected list,” President Michael Schneider said. “It’s further proof that McPherson College is being recognized for the work being done by our faculty and staff to ensure quality education, excellent student experience, and value.”

“We have some of the highest placement rates in the country, with more than two-thirds of our graduates having jobs or graduate school placement before they even graduate,” President Schneider said. “Combined with our focus on eliminating student debt, we are proving to students and families that a McPherson College education is the best choice, and our campus improvements are putting the needs of our students first to create a living and learning environment for the 21st century.”

entire lifetime. It was restored by McPherson College students in the auto restoration program. A 1929 Lincoln Model L “Town Car” from the college’s collection is another of the cars on display. This is one of 72 “Town Cars,” a body style characterized by an open driver’s compartment and sumptuously appointed rear enclosed passenger compartment.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our community and visitors from the surrounding area to see the Mercedes and appreciate what the automotive restoration program has accomplished with this car,” said Tyler Glidden, the museum’s executive director. “We are grateful for the relationship we have with the college. Our student workers come from the college, its employees serve on our board, and the college has shared resources and helped with other exhibits. It’s an important partnership for us.”

The McPherson Museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and admission is free. It is located at 1111 East Kansas Ave.

Teaching Awards faculty

McPherson College announces the recipients of the 2023-24 Teaching Awards. The awards are presented at the annual Honors Convocation held during Homecoming. This year’s recipients are Dr. Jamie Fuqua and Professor April Counts.

A committee of students and last year’s teaching award recipients reviewed more than 20 nominations from students and faculty colleagues to select one tenured faculty member and one non-tenured faculty member to receive the awards.

This year’s non-tenured award recipient, Dr. Jamie Fuqua, is an assistant professor of health science. She received several nominations from students and faculty and was recognized for her work in restructuring the new health science program to better meet student needs.

In her nomination, students commented on her genuine interest in the success of her students. One commenter said, “She is always there to help. I have not experienced a moment when she has not o ered support for my schoolwork or future endeavors. She goes above and beyond for her students and makes sure that her coursework is laid out so it is manageable and understandable.”

April Counts, assistant professor of teacher education, received the tenured faculty teaching award. She was recognized for her thoughtful help in training new teachers and sharing her classroom experience to make her classes fun and interactive.

“April ensures her students understand what they are learning not only to get a degree but to become professionals,” said one nomination. “She makes a personal connection with each of her students, and no one feels left out in her classes. She is honest, helpful, intelligent in her field, and will find an answer if she doesn’t have one.”

Dr. Jamie Fuqua

April Counts

Jd. Bowman, professor of theatre, recently achieved the Theatre Department’s commitment of producing 20 Kansas premieres at McPherson College in 20 years with the production of “The Sound Inside” on Nov. 10-11, 2023. This includes two world premieres in conjunction with Tectonic Theater Project in New York City and two world premieres in with local authors. For this accomplishment, Professor Bowman occasionally worked with lawyers representing the work prior to publication of the scripts. The benefit is two-fold: not only do students get to work on the newest published work but audiences in central Kansas get to understand the way theatre is changing as an art.

Mike Dudley, associate professor of technology, attended a workshop presented by the Kansas Center for Career and Technical Education at Bonner Springs High School. “Troubleshooting Tips for the Sewing Teacher” was presented by Dawn Sommers and focused on solving sewing issues and exploring various textiles.

Luke Chennell, associate professor of technology, was a featured presenter at the 2023 Des Moines Concours D’Elegance. He gave historical presentations on four cars at the event and interviewed the owners. The cars included a 1902 Haynes-Apperson, a 1922 Duesenberg, a 1953 Corvette, and a 1963 Buick Riviera.

Norman Hope, professor of business, and Rick Tuxhorn, director of endowment and special projects, attended the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA) annual board meeting with a group of students. Professor Hope was installed as the chairman of the organization, and Tuxhorn was elected as a board member to the KSCPA Educational Foundation. The KSCPA is a professional society for CPA’s and associates that provides a platform to discuss various accounting, auditing, and tax issues, continuing education and various benefits for its members. The Educational Foundation Board awards scholarships each year to accounting students attending Kansas colleges and universities.

Kirk MacGregor, associate professor of philosophy and religion, was elected vice president of the North American Paul Tillich Society at the annual philosophy and religion conferences in San Antonio. The election places him in line for president of the organization in 2026. He also published an article, “Fallen Humanity and Its Redemption: Mainstream Sixteenth-Century Anabaptist Views vis-à-vis Arminian Baptist and Traditional Baptist Positions” in the Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry 20.2 (2023): 173–88. His book review of Adam Lloyd Johnson’s “Divine Love Theory: How the Trinity is the Source and Foundation of Morality” (Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic, 2023) was also published in the Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry 20.2 (2023): 273–76. He presented the paper “The Pro-Choice Biblical Ethic of American Evangelical Scholars Before the Religious Right” at the 2023 Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting and the paper “The Mainstream Sixteenth-Century Anabaptist Theological Anthropology” at the 2023 Evangelical Theological Society Annual Meeting. He moderated the session “Tillichian Cartographies and Hip-Hop Aesthetics” at the 2023 American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting. He moderated the session “Systematic Theology: General Studies I” at the 2023 Evangelical Theological Society Annual Meeting.

Duke Rogers, associate professor of business, attended the Great Plains Economic and Business Annual Conference at the Omaha Branch Office of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank.

Dustin Wilgers, associate professor of biology, was elected to the Natural Science Hall of Fame from his alma mater, Southwestern College. The induction ceremony was on November 11, 2023. Additionally, he published his most recent children’s book “Merry Morpho: A Butterfly’s Effect,” a rhyming picture book inspired by one of his travel classes to the Amazon Rainforest.

Ken Yohn, professor of history, along with Jeremy Porter, automotive restoration student, and Kristi Sojka, director of library services, addressed the Seventh Annual Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium on International Motor Racing History at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, N.Y., in November. The presentation, entitled “Teaching Motorsports History at McPherson College,” provided an overview of McPherson’s program from three perspectives: the student experience within the program and the specific challenge of preserving, cataloging, and digitizing a collection of 100-year-old Duesenberg blueprints; methods of research, document, archival, and library support and resource management; and a faculty perspective on curricular structure and best teaching practices.

Career Program Featured By NACE

McPherson College’s career and experiential learning program was recently featured in an article published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The article noted that 80% to 85% of McPherson College students work at any given point in the year, including the academic year and breaks. The article acknowledged an initiative led by Amy Beckman, executive director of career and experiential learning, that incorporated NACE career readiness competencies into student job descriptions and supervision.

“It was a great opportunity for us to put some intentional purpose behind what we are coaching and mentoring our student employees in and finding out what our students are learning on the job,” Beckman said regarding the work done in her office to ensure students are career ready.

NACE is a professional association that connects nearly 17,000 college career services professionals, university relations, and recruiting professionals. It serves as the leading source of information on the employment of college students and forecasts hiring and trends in the job market.

The McPherson College career initiative has allowed Beckman to target mentorship programming for supervisors and training for student employees to connect the competencies to their work. She plans to add more training for supervisors about how to have high-impact practices within the work they assign to students and how to engage in reflective conversations with students about what they are learning and how they can apply that to their current work, other jobs, and schoolwork.

“We are leveling up our experiences, so we feel more confident when sending our students out into the community to do internships and to work, and we want our employers to be confident that our students are well-prepared,” Beckman said.

Last year, 80% of McPherson College’s graduates had at least one internship or field experience before graduation. Three-quarters of the class had secured a job or graduate school placement before graduating, and after six months, 99% reported having a job or working toward furthering their education.

athletics

FALL

Football

The Bulldogs got off to a hot start in the new KCAC-only format, starting 4-1 with road wins over Sterling and Ottawa and securing their first-ever win over Avila University. However, the KCAC’s Kessinger Division proved to be the tougher of the two, as the Bulldogs closed their schedule against three opponents receiving recognition in the NAIA National Rankings. The Bulldogs placed 11 players on the All-KCAC teams, with Nehemiah Figueroa grabbing First-Team honors with six interceptions, putting him tied for third in the NAIA. Second-Team selections include Chris Shaw, Marquis Willoughby, Brysen Kerby, Kevin Dodd, and Harley Blaske. Traven Lewis-Johnson, Tristan Szabo, Alvin Poole, Jacob Goad, and Taeylon Garland each picked up Honorable Mention nods.

Volleyball

It was a challenging season for the McPherson College volleyball squad as they overcame injuries to grab the fourth seed in the KCAC Tournament thanks to a 19-7 record and a 9-4 mark in conference play. The Bulldogs posted a 10-2 record at the Sport Center. Four Bulldogs received All-KCAC honors, with Hadley Waldren and Zoe Fernandez each securing a First-Team selection. Bridget McHugh was a Second-Team pick, and Petra Fernandez received Third-Team honors.

Men’s Soccer

For the first time since 2003, there was a new leader in the McPherson College men’s soccer locker room, as first-year head coach Kent Freund took the program's reins. The Bulldogs had a lot of fresh faces on the pitch, including sophomore transfer Anthony Pereira, who scored a team-high 10 goals to become the first Bulldog since 2018 to achieve double-digit goals. Pereira was also named to the All-KCAC Honorable Mentions list.

Women’s Soccer

The women’s soccer squad got the season rolling with a 7-1 win over crosstown rival Central Christian College. Caitlin Buendia and Olivia Rodriguez each scored two goals in the victory. The Bulldogs picked up wins over Sterling College and Bethel College. Rodriguez and Kelcie Turner were each selected as All-KCAC Honorable Mentions.

www.macbulldogs.com

Cross Country

The Bulldogs had a pair of national qualifiers this season, with freshman Chloe Clevenger on the women’s side and freshman Azariah Gonzalez for the men, each able to run in the National Meet in Vancouver, Wash. Clevenger broke her school record in the 6k by 23 seconds at the KCAC Championship meet in Winfield, Kan. Gonzalez had a great day at the conference championships, finishing 20th overall and running one of the fastest times ever for a first-year student, and the 8th best time in McPherson College history.

Bulldog Athletics adds Women’s Bowling

McPherson College Director of Athletics, Josh Daume, announced the addition of a varsity women's bowling program set to begin competition in 2024-2025. It became the 19th varsity program at McPherson College.

Tennis

The McPherson College tennis teams had an outstanding fall with several KCAC individual titles. On the men’s side, Marcus Nardy, Daniel Marcano, and Texas Ranger Schmidt each wrapped up KCAC singles championships. Doubles teams Michael Beltran and Martin Millos and Arthur Nardy and Marcano brought home KCAC doubles titles. Beltran and Millos also competed in the ITA Cup in Rome, Ga., finishing 1-2.

On the women’s side, the Bulldogs swept all three doubles titles behind a strong showing by the top duo of Camila Sanchez and Taimi Nashiku. The doubles teams Vanessa Hofer and Bella Ellerbee and Grace Maxey and Alexandria Garcia completed the sweep. Maxey put together a dominant performance in the singles tournaments, winning each match with a score of 8-0, while Hofer grabbed a singles championship.

"We are excited about adding women's bowling to our sports offerings," Daume said. "In looking at potential sports to add, women's bowling quickly rose to the top, and we feel like this will be an excellent addition to the college. This will provide even more opportunities for women to participate in varsity competition while receiving an outstanding education at McPherson College.”

Bowling was added as an NAIA championship sport in 2019-2020 and continues to grow in popularity. Fellow KCAC schools Avila, Ottawa, Kansas Wesleyan, and Saint Mary offer women's bowling as a varsity sport, while over 50 schools across the NAIA sponsor the sport.

Starlite Lanes in McPherson will serve as the home venue for McPherson College Bowling. Starlite recently installed new Brunswick synthetic lanes throughout the house and offers 16 lanes, a full-service pro shop, and a restaurant.

"I've had the opportunity to work with women's bowling at my prior institution and truly believe in the value it can add to an institution,” Daume said. “It's an exciting sport that our fans will enjoy. We will build a program here that will attract high-quality student-athletes who want to compete at a championship level."

A national search for a head coach has begun.

support

FACE OF GIVING

The impact of donor-funded, endowed scholarships is significant for McPherson College students. Nearly 220 students are recipients of named scholarships this year. That’s roughly one-third of all McPherson College students! Through generous donations from alumni and friends, McPherson College awarded nearly 300 named scholarships this academic year, totaling over $1 million.

Here’s what some recipients had to say about receiving their scholarship.

“I want to say thank you for the Blake Reed Mac 2 Mac Scholarship. It was an honor to be selected for such an important award. Since I became a student here, I felt like I was home. I drove myself to be a better student leader, which took a lot of work and growing up. Getting the opportunity to receive this award made me feel validated for my efforts. After I graduate this upcoming May, I plan to go back to Texas to teach and coach.”

– Alvin Poole, senior, Houston, Texas

“Thank you for the Class of 1972 Endowed Scholarship Fund. Without it, I wouldn't be able to be at McPherson College. I am now majoring in Spanish Language and Literature and minoring in Business. Overall, my college experience has been outstanding. You are the reason why I'm here. Thank you for contributing to my success.”

– Wendy Diaz, junior, McPherson, Kan.

“It is an honor to receive the Alumni Legacy Scholarship. I am an Elementary Education major, and I love spending my days off at the schools volunteering. I am looking forward to taking my interterm educational practicum in Chicago to learn more about teaching in a diverse community. This scholarship has been a huge blessing as I continue college. Thank you again for your generous gift!”

– Malia Pfeiff, freshman, Moundridge, Kan.

Town & Gown relationships o er wins for colleges and communities.

In communities with a college or university, the relationship between the community and the institution is often called a town-and-gown relationship. Like most relationships, they can be defined on a spectrum from good to bad.

The bad relationships end up being fractious and non-productive; however, good relationships are a win-win for both institutions. For a community, a positive relationship with a college or university boosts the economy, draws a diverse and talented employee pool, and adds to a vibrant culture unique to college towns. For a college or university, the benefits support attracting and retaining top students, faculty, and staff.

“When town and gown relationships are really good, they create a collaborative community in which the two entities work side by side and see each other as assets to building something bigger,” said Matt Lindsey, president of the Kansas Independent College Association.

Lindsey has seen the relationship from both sides. He has served as president of the Kansas Independent College Association and Foundation (KICA) for more than 11 years, where he advocates on behalf of the 20 private, non-profit accredited colleges and universities in Kansas. He also worked for City Centre Development Corporation, San Diego’s downtown redevelopment entity. As a program associate, Lindsey focused on rethinking downtown transit through public-private partnerships.

In the 2022 economic impact report compiled for KICA schools, the combined economic contribution of McPherson College was $44.1 million. As a result of operations, student spending, and visitor spending, McPherson College supports 320 jobs. It contributes an estimated $2.6 million in state and local taxes through spending in the local and statewide economy. McPherson College alumni generate $69.5 million in economic output for the state and contribute $4.3 million in state and local taxes. Of more than 3,500 alumni in Kansas, nearly 1,000 live in McPherson County.

According to Lindsey, while state and local economic impact are significant indicators of the college’s contribution to the local and state economy, they are a snapshot of the overall impact. There are areas where it is harder to quantify the impact of a college or university on a community, such as access to fine and performing arts, student, and sta support of local churches and schools, and enhancing the overall quality of life of a community.

“Economic impact on a community is very important,” he said. “Just as important is the cultural impact a college has on its community, and that is much harder to quantify. Economic impact is a useful reminder of the value an institution has on its community, but it’s better to focus more on the future, where we are going, and have future-oriented conversations.”

Economic impact conversations can tie into local employer needs and job growth. A college can be helpful in being a good partner with employers by recognizing how it trains and adapts its graduates to meet employment needs in the future.

According to Kasi Morales, executive director of the McPherson Industrial Development Company (MIDC), McPherson College has been a tremendous community partner throughout the years.

“The focus of MIDC is to recruit workforce to the area and encourage partnerships with industry and training providers,” she said. “McPherson College has been a partner in helping both educate future- workforce and in workforce retention.”

McPherson is regularly highlighted as one of the most ‘Industrialized Towns in the Nation’, Morales said. There are approximately 50 industries providing 5,200 manufacturing jobs in McPherson County.

“As communities seek to grow and diversify and think about future strategies, they see a college as someone who needs to be at the table to help map out the future,” Lindsey said. “When a community and a college work together with mutual reciprocity, both entities have assets to bring to the table.”

According to Lindsey, the kind of relations that lead to collaboration and are mutually beneficial take constant care. Communities and colleges are constantly changing and always reinvigorating their constituents. Building positive relationships between the two entities needs to be proactive.

“MIDC and our local manufacturers are particularly interested in the possible expansion of the college’s automotive program to create an engineering program,” Morales said. “The expansion will make the college an

even greater community partner that directly supports some of the county’s largest industries.”

With increasing opportunities to work together with various community partners, college’s must be willing to take risks, according to Lindsey.

“As our world gets increasingly messy and a polyglot society of values, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences, our relationships feel fractious. In a moment of declining attitudes of all institutions, it feels risky to become a partner,” Lindsey said. “Positive relationships can’t come from a place where one entity is trying to fix the issues of another. It has to be an open door to each other.”

Leaning into the risks, however, is when each can gain the most benefit. Developing partnerships must be ingrained in the institution’s culture and come from leadership, according to Lindsey.

“Attention to these relationships needs to permeate every corner of the institution,” he said. “That’s not to say it is just senior leadership’s job. It must be all of us, especially for smaller colleges, like most KICA schools, because we are all part of both groups. It also goes beyond the students and sta to include the alumni and board. We all have to be part of taking care of that relationship.”

Lindsey points to some best practices for communities and colleges when caring for their relationship. Making sure there is a seat at the table for strategic discussions, knowing the assets each brings, and balancing the frustrations with the assets are a few.

“From the community’s perspective, there will always be flashpoints. For example, issues like student behavior or housing,” Lindsey said. “Balancing those frustrations with understanding the assets those same students bring to the community not only as students but also as young professionals.”

There are colleges in our area that are getting the balance right. Lindsey points to Ottawa University, which has stayed connected to its downtown revitalization and understands how its student population interacts and fits into the community strategy. Sterling College is also having strategic conversations with its community about housing and daycare to address these challenges.

“I also like what McPherson College is doing in light of its major gift announcement,” Lindsey said. “You are beginning to have those strategic conversations about what your future looks like within McPherson and taking the time to make plans that will have a positive impact.”

TOWN & GOWN BEST PRACTICES

Examples of Town-Gown initiatives that have had a positive impact on communities.

• To ease the tension of only hearing from one another when something goes wrong, Penn State initiated the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program that paired fraternities with College Station families so they could get to know each other - interacting positively, elevated the level of kindness and respect to address issues before they arose.

• On Friday nights before every home game, the Kansas State University marching band performs its “pub crawl” at almost 40 establishments in Manhattan. The pub crawl increases the bond between K-State students and Manhattan residents, according to Frank Tracz, marching band director. Dennis Cook, director of the Aggieville Business Association, said the pub crawl has a positive financial effect on Manhattan because it brings business to local restaurants, and the band charges a minimal fee to raise funds for the program.

• The City of Dearborn and the University of Michigan have partnered on the Town & Gown Bike Ride for two years. The 6.2-mile ride and 3.1-mile walk takes participants on a loop through campus and Dearborn’s downtown. Faculty, staff, and students ride or walk alongside members of the Dearborn community, including Dearborn’s police chief, who participated this year.

In McPherson:

• The McPherson Chamber of Commerce collaborates with the college each fall to welcome new students to the campus and community. Town tours on the trolley, a Main

Street scavenger hunt, and social media campaigns where students take photos of themselves in a local business are just some ways local businesses have connected with McPherson College students. “The downtown businesses are thrilled to participate in what we call College Connections,” said Debbie Hawkinson, McPherson Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Beyond the potential for new customers or employees and the think local first message, College Connections are the first opportunity to start building valuable relationships and show all students that McPherson Welcomes You!”

• The college is also an active participant at the McPherson Museum. The museum regularly employs students, and the college assists with at least one classic car exhibit annually. Students have also utilized the museum for classroom projects, developing exhibits displayed as part of their curriculum. “The relationship between the museum and the college is very important to us,” said Tyler Glidden, executive director. “The college offers resources that help us with exhibits, and its students and staff are active as employees and board members. The classic car exhibits draw many out-of-town visitors to the museum each year.”

The McPherson Chamber of Commerce collaborates with the college each fall to welcome new students to the campus and community

President Schneider & Mayor Brown talk about the future

2023 was a historic year for McPherson College. The college surpassed the goal of building a $1B endowment set out in its Community by Design 2.0 strategic plan. While this accomplishment secures the college’s future, it also allows a unique opportunity to intentionally plan a multi-year timeline for implementing initiatives identified by the campus community in the strategic planning process.

Community by Design 2.0 focuses on five areas, prioritizing student body growth over the next few years: East McPherson growth (the college’s concept to transform McPherson College from a small traditional residential campus to a modern destination campus), wellness and inclusion, student and employee retention, the Student Debt Project, and program growth.

In the following year, President Michael Schneider will engage local stakeholders in strategic planning conversations to gather input and ideas from the wider community. In the first of many of these conversations, President Schneider sat down with McPherson Mayor Tom Brown to discuss the future of McPherson College. Their discussion touches on many initiatives outlined in Community by Design 2.0.

Mayor Brown: “I see East McPherson becoming an increasingly important retail, restaurant, and recreational center for McPherson. When you think about developing retail and other outlets, they must be convenient to campus, especially if we are talking about growing to nearly 2,000 students. As a city, we need to find a way to get people to East McPherson — by foot or bike. If we can develop those paths, it would show a partnership and an effort to provide utilization that we don’t currently have. We want to encourage more public and private partnerships and generate opportunities for entrepreneurship that don’t exist yet. It will be important to remember that everyone wants something and feels like they have a stake in the process. I think our community must have a vision of becoming a legitimate ‘college town.’”

President Schneider: “That’s right. It will be a challenge to provide balance for everyone so they can see themselves in our plan and build a thought-

ful economic model that makes the best use of our resources. It will require having the right voices at the table as we plan. The college must ask how it can benefit the community and then look to experts and successful examples in other communities to guide us. For example, we are exploring resources like the Urban Land Institute to help us think about how the college can connect local industry with Main Street through McPherson College.”

Mayor Brown:“Internships and possibly apprenticeship programs could become a real hotbed for future employees. Involving McPherson’s biggest industries, such as Viega and Pfizer, to develop opportunities for students and exploring ways the college can assist with training to address the needs of industry would be a win-win in the end for everyone.”

President Schneider: “Internships and jobs are a significant part of retaining our students. Instead of focusing on just getting through college, we show

Michael Schneider

Tom Brown

students there are opportunities to live and work here. As we grow, we can build programs that turn into jobs, serving as a conduit that supports the Student Debt Project. Modeling our career-focused efforts to become a bridge between the college and local industry is what we hope to achieve. It will take time to scale this concept. In the meantime, we encourage our faculty to engage more with local businesses and industries to learn how we can support them, and we need local businesses to be receptive to working with our students, helping them grow into future employees. There is an opportunity, especially in our health science program and when we add the automotive engi

work here but live somewhere else. I think the college can actively partner in developing housing and neighborhoods.”

Mayor Brown: “One of the areas lacking in McPherson is entertainment and recreation geared toward college students. There are opportunities around individual sports. We need to consider if there are ways we can better connect given McPherson’s strong interest and passion for sports.”

President Schneider: “Sports are a great connecting point. I’m interested in generating local fan support around sporting experiences. I think there are opportunities for partnerships around bringing in entertainment, like concerts and talent that appeal

the people getting hired are changing, which brings up housing challenges in our community. Creating the right housing options and community living will attract students who see McPherson as a place to stay after graduation.”

President Schneider: “Thinking about housing differently is a big challenge. We are trying to move away from the traditional residential campus to a more modern living community. This ranges from affordable housing to residences for employees with higher expectations. When considering our housing portfolio, it will be important for us to think about our students and what is important to the greater community. Affordable housing is always a priority, but we can’t forget about all the other ranges of housing for our faculty and other professionals. We want to avoid a situation where they

“When considering our housing portfolio, it will be important for us to think about our students and what is important to the greater community.”

to the college and community. I’ve also been thinking about the spiritual connection students seek and the connections we can encourage between our students and local churches. Those are the relationships that build community, a support system, and a desire to want to live here.”

Mayor Brown: “McPherson wants to be a place where you will be taken care of if you come here. I believe McPherson College can renew our community, and the community can provide a family for the students who choose to come here.”

President Schneider: “One of McPherson’s greatest assets is its history of business and industrial development. The people who made McPherson a great place to live and work were focused on the future. People ask me all the time how they can help the college. The best thing somebody can do is help make a student want to stay after graduation and live in McPherson. This means that local individuals and businesses will need to engage in making McPherson more inclusive.”

BUILDING A BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE LEARNING FROM OTHERS ALONG THE WAY

In July, when McPherson College announced it had met the match on its historic endowment double match with over $1.5 billion in future commitments, President Michael Schneider stated the college’s work begins now to build a bridge to that future.

“We need to be thoughtful about how we plan and execute our operation today given the transformational gifts that are coming. The Community by Design 2.0 strategic plan is a good starting place,” he said.

Given the time an estate gift provides and using the Community by Design 2.0 strategic plan as a foundation, the college can carefully strategize for its future. This includes learning from other colleges and universities pursuing similar goals.

The next several years will be spent executing the goals outlined in the Community by Design 2.0 plan, while learning from other institutions. McPherson College will be working closely with its trustees and constituents to develop a portfolio of aspirations from different institutions rather than just picking one institution as a model, said President Schneider.

“There is a lot to learn from aspirant institutions as we build a bridge to future endowment,” he added.

These are a few institutions that provide inspiration for McPherson College.

• Private

• Grinnell, Iowa

• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,759

• Acceptance Rate: 11%

• Tuition: $64,862

• Four-Year Graduation: 84%

Like McPherson College, Grinnell College is committed to helping its students graduate with no college debt. With a board of trustees dedicated to intergenerational equity and budget surpluses, Grinnell has committed $5 million annually over the next decade to help its students. The resources of its $3 billion endowment ensured the college and its trustees that it could ride out any market volatility.

Beyond its no-loan initiative, Grinnell College also encourages experiential learning and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, reflected in its new Humanities Center. The $112 million center brings humanities and social studies departments together in one building in an innovative learning space that encourages multidisciplinary collaboration, active inquiry, and student research. Students and faculty helped design the facility with technology-rich classrooms, flexible spaces that can be reconfigured for various uses, spaces that facilitate informal collaborations, and learning laboratories that enable research and interdisciplinary thinking.

The center affirms the college’s commitment to creating communities within the residential education model and focusing on a diverse residential experience.

photo: Wikipedia

Creighton University

• Private

• Omaha, Nebraska

• Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,290

• Acceptance Rate: 76%

• Tuition: $47,000

• Four-Year Graduation: 72%

In the last 20 years, Creighton University has pursued an aggressive expansion plan fostering community development in its North Omaha neighborhood. The university is a significant landholder in North Omaha, with a campus size of 118 acres in an urban core. Since 2000, Creighton has built new facilities for administration, student housing, academics, and athletics. Many new buildings are designed to reflect the area’s historic significance.

The university regularly partners with businesses and groups in downtown Omaha with similar interests in development, including Mutual of Omaha, Peter Kiewit, and Sons’ Inc., along with city and neighborhood organizations and institutions like the Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha City Council, the Mayor’s Office, and Omaha Public Power District. Working with various groups, Creighton has assisted in developing several areas around the university that benefit its students and the community.

Midtown Crossing is a seven-building, 16-acre mixed-use development near the campus with condominiums, apartments, dining, entertainment, and shopping. Many of the Midtown Crossing’s restaurants and retail partners are Omaha-based businesses. Other neighborhood developments near the University include Civic Square, the former Omaha Civic Auditorium site that will feature affordable housing, offices, and a grocery store, and the Capitol District, another mixed-use urban development with apartments, offices, retail, and restaurants.

While it’s impact on the surrounding neighborhoods in Omaha is significant, in 2021 Creighton University expanded its health science program to Phoenix. The campus includes an accelerated nursing program along with doctor of medicine, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy programs, and a master of physician assistant studies. The campus has provided an influx of healthcare, bioscience, and medical education in the midtown Phoenix area.

University of Chicago

• Private

• Chicago, Illinois

• Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,470

• Acceptance Rate: 5%

• Tuition: $65,619

• Four-Year Graduation: 89%

The University of Chicago is in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The university values the partnerships between its students and neighbors and works with organizations to assist small businesses and nonprofits. The university and its students aim to help local entrepreneurs address challenges and develop new strategies for growth.

This summer, the university announced its plan to partner on a state-of-the-art lab incubator to support entrepreneurs and start-up companies focused on life sciences. The space will focus on start-up companies of University of Chicago faculty members, helping to extend the impact of their research, discoveries, and intellectual property.

The university also commits to helping students graduate debt-free through its Odyssey Scholarship Program. The program provides loan-free education to students from lower-income families or first-generation college students. The university offers a guaranteed summer internship to all first-year program scholars and encourages study abroad experiences by providing additional aid to offset costs associated with studying abroad.

Over its 125-year history, the university has nurtured a liberal arts education integrated into a world-class research institution. Its targeted research led to the discovery of REM sleep, the world’s first sleep research laboratory, and advances in understanding quantum mechanics. Today, more than 80% of University of Chicago students participate in research, and it is home to more than 140 interdisciplinary centers and institutes.

photo: Creighton University

photo: University of Chicago

Community By Design 2.0 Progress Update

Community by Design 2.0, McPherson College’s vision for the future, was shaped by the campus community, not a strategic planning committee. In dozens of listening sessions, faculty and staff had the opportunity to discuss what community means to McPherson College and how the next strategic plan ensures campus success while uplifting the college community. In May, the latest campus strategic plan was completed and campus leadership in conjunction with the board of trustees drafted a multi-year timeline for implementing the plan’s initiatives.

McPherson College’s culture is integrated into the four strategic initiatives in the Community by Design 2.0 plan. They include:

• ACADEMIC PROGRAM GROWTH

Exploring the addition or expansion of programs across campus to attract and retain students.

• EAST MCPHERSON

The college’s concept of transforming McPherson College from a small traditional residential campus to a modern destination campus.

• WELLNESS AND INCLUSION

Designing an inclusive community where institutional and individual holistic wellness is valued.

• $1 BILLION ENDOWMENT

Planning for future resources that will ensure the college lives out its mission and vision to execute the strategic plan.

With the enrollment challenges coming out of the pandemic, the campus will prioritize student body growth over the next few years. While the college focuses on growth through increased retention and new students, the graphic outlines the Community by Design 2.0 priorities over the next five years.

Growth Mindset

• Student Debt Project White Paper

• Student Debt Project White

• Center for Automotive Research Engineering

• Center for Automotive Research Engineering

• Hybrid Advising Model

• Team You

Growth Mindset

East McPherson

East McPherson

• Hybrid Advising Model

• Team You

Wellness and Inclusion

Wellness and Inclusion

$1B Endowment

$1B Endowment

QUICK WINS

With a focus on Community by Design 2.0, McPherson College was able to achieve many milestones over the past year.

• Campus Commons

• Holman Fieldhouse

• Boiler House

• Dorm Remodeling

• Options on Key Expansion Properties

• Campus Master Plan Framework

• "Great Colleges to Work For"

• President's DEI Counsel

• Health Science Scholars

• Campus Outreach

• Endowment Match Challenge

• Building Community Campaign

• Annual Giving

• 99% career placement for the class of 2022.

• $15,100 average debt per graduate for the class of 2022.

• Completed Center for Automotive Research study, which recommends an engineering program.

• Progress on “Team You” with the addition of a new advising model including three new full time advising positions.

• Increase in fall-to-fall student retention.

• Remodeled residential hall rooms and common spaces.

• Remodeled and expanded athletic spaces.

• Foundation poured on new Campus Commons to be opened in 2025.

• New campus events space, the Boiler House, set to open in August 2024.

• Recognition as a “Great Colleges to Work For” by The Chronicle of Higher Education with Honor Roll recognition.

• In 2023, McPherson College surpassed the goal set in the strategic plan to “build a $1 billion endowment.” This accomplishment secures the college’s future.

• $62M raised on a $20M goal for the 3-year Building Community fundraising campaign.

• Over $30M in equivalent advertising value from excellent press related to the $1B endowment and Path to Pebble Beach media campaigns.

Class of ‘73

Class of ‘03

Class of ‘83

Athletics Enshrines the 2023 Hall of Fame Class

The McPherson College Athletic Department enshrined their 25th Hall of Fame class in a ceremony held during Homecoming 2023.

Tyler Tank ‘12 – Soccer

NAIA All-American, 3x First Team All-KCAC, KCAC Defensive Player of the Year

Erikka (Viehman) Nielsen ‘09 – Softball

2x First Team All- KCAC

All-Time Home runs leader (20)

Derrick Toney ‘13 – Track & Field

4x All-American High Jumper, School record holder in both indoor and outdoor High Jump

Steve Sell – Radio Voice & Bulldog Fan for over 40 years

Kelly Unruh ‘85 – Basketball

1,000-point scorer, 2x First Team All-KCAC

Matapony (Collette) O'Cain ‘05 – Softball

All-KCAC honors all four years at Mac

Amongst All-time leaders in Batting Average

Five alums named Teacher of the Year!

In October, school districts named their teachers of the year. These teachers can apply for regional and, eventually, state recognition.

Congratulations to these Bulldog teachers:

• Rochelle Napier '21, Plum Creek Elementary, Buhler

• Leslie Specht '19, Lincoln McCandless Elementary, Hutchinson

• Krissy Matthaei '00, USD 259 Wichita

And congratulations to McPherson teachers, Brian Peters BS '08/M.Ed. '14, Lincoln Elementary and Kellea Martens BS '13/M.Ed. '16, Eisenhower Elementary, who were nominated by their buildings.

from the director

Dear MC alumni and friends,

As an alumnus of McPherson College, class of 1988, I am back to where my adult life started. Upon returning to my alma mater, memories of my days as a student have often filled my head. Coming down the sidewalk to my campus office each morning sparks excitement and joy in the work I am now doing as the new Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations.

What led me back to McPherson College?

One big draw was the Student Debt Project. Although living in Missouri, in 2021, I began to connect with my alma mater as a mentor to students. My intense affection for our students and my passion to share MC with fellow alumni through engagement initiatives are at the forefront of my work today and into the future.

The Alumni Board is a dedicated group of colleagues I work closely with. These MC alumni share decades of knowledge by serving the college. They give their time and effort to bring our Bulldog family together. The Board is instrumental in making MC Homecoming a memorable time for all. They aim to increase the number of alumni returning for Homecoming every year. The Board is also preparing a plan for engagement with alumni, their families, and friends.

I am dedicated to bringing more alumni into a deeper relationship with McPherson College. Bulldog Meet-Ups are being planned throughout the country in 2024. Event dates and details will be listed in the monthly alumni e-newsletter. Look for phone calls and e-mails and check the McPherson College Alumni Facebook page for event details.

I look forward to learning more about how the college can connect with you, my fellow alumni.

Billy

Jamison

director of alumni & constituent relations

www.mcpherson.edu/alumni

MC Honors Young Alumni

Each year, McPherson College recognizes the accomplishments of young alumni during the Honors Convocation at Homecoming. This year, five alumni — Adeola (Grillo) Coker '94, Erin '95 & Nathan '98 Swenson-Reinhold, and Paul '00 & Renata (Lichty) '02 Prose — received Young Alumni Awards on October 20 in a ceremony at Brown Auditorium.

Adeola (Grillo) Coker, San Antonio, Texas, graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry and received a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998. She is a pharmaceutical scientist and educator with over 20 years of experience in academic pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry. She currently serves as the director of the Master of Science in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences program at the University of the Incarnate Word, Feik School of Pharmacy in San Antonio, where she has been a professor since 2009. Before that, she was a senior scientist at Human Genome Sciences, Inc., in Rockville, MD. She is an active volunteer, serving as a science fair judge for the Alamo Regional Academy of Sciences and a project mentor for the American Chemical Society, mentoring high school students in science. She serves on the volunteer engagement and management committee for Each One Teach One, a San Antonio non-profit organization that helps adults gain literacy. At McPherson College, she serves as a mentor for the Student Debt Project.

Erin & Nathan Swenson-Reinhold, Frisco, Texas. The Rev. Dr. Erin Swenson-Reinhold graduated from McPherson College in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies. She earned a Master of Social Work in 1997 from the University of Kansas and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in 2016 from the Portland Seminary at George Fox University in Oregon. She works as the pastor for group life at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas and has 20 years of therapeutic experience. She has served in various counseling and pastoral positions in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Florida, and Nebraska. She also o ers private counseling and coaching through Journey Counseling & Coaching Services. Nathan, a 1998 graduate of McPherson College with a Bachelor of

The Young Alumni Award aims to recognize the achievements and life-long potential for accomplishment of the college's younger alumni. The award is given to alumni who address and overcome challenges in their professions, are involved in service to others or their church, and actively support McPherson College.

Science Degree in Psychology, also has an extensive career in counseling and pastoring. He is currently a partner with GBS Fundraising, an organization that strengthens charitable causes, and owns Summit Coaching and Behavioral Counseling. In 2005, he received a Master of Divinity and was ordained into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. He later earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Portland Seminary at George Fox University. He is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and is a certified DISC behavioral consultant.

Paul & Renata (Lichty) Prose, McPherson, Kansas. Dr. Paul Prose is a 2000 graduate of McPherson College, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and played on the Bulldog football team for three years. He earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University in 2009. In 2015, he purchased the McPherson Veterinary Clinic after practicing there for three years, and in 2017 added the McPherson Pet Resort. In 2023, Dr. Prose added a satellite veterinary clinic in Newton, Kan. Dr. Renata Prose received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in chemistry and Spanish from McPherson College in 2002 and played for the women's soccer team for three years. She earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2006 from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. She has practiced dentistry in McPherson since 2011 and, in 2017, established Mid Kansas Dental. She volunteers locally with Step MC and with the Kansas Mission of Mercy. Both regularly host student interns, serve as volunteers at Camp Colorado for the Church of the Brethren, and were youth group sponsors for the Columbus Mennonite Church. Renata served on the McPherson College Alumni Board from 2012-2016.

From left, Renata (Lichty) Prose, Paul Prose, Adeola (Grillo) Coker, Erin Swenson-Reinhold, Nathan Swenson-Reinhold.

why I give

A Perfect Giving Record

My personal significance regarding Power Day has evolved over the years. Initially, my participation in Power Day was as an employee of McPherson College and member of the President’s Cabinet, where I supported my colleagues Karlene Tyler and Dave Barrett, who co-hosted the earliest years of the event. I felt it was important that in my position I show support for my employer (which just so happened to be my alma mater).

I remember requesting my contributions be directed to the Sharon Knechel Fund for the Development of Student Leaders and Teacher Education program, since those areas were significant in my undergraduate experience.

As time progressed and I moved on from MC, it was still important that I contribute to the place that had given so much to me. So, I thought it would be fun to give as soon as the Power Day online giving portal opened every year. I literally set an alarm to be up at 12:01 a.m. to give the first gift for each year’s Power Day. It has now become an annual tradition. And I make my donations in my son Harrison’s name, giving him the distinction of being the youngest Power Day donor!

My gifts to MC are rooted in my fond memories of the Enhancing the Legacy fundraising campaign, which took place during my time as a student. As my legacy, I desire for Harrison to value the act of giving. And there’s no better place to give than MC.

ShaRhonda Maclin is one the many alumni who have given on Power Day every year since 2015, the inaugural year. Join the giving on Thursday, March 14, 2024, for the 10th Power Day extravaganza.

support our students

ONLINE:

www.mcpherson.edu/giving

BY MAIL:

McPherson College Advancement Office 1600 E. Euclid St. PO Box 1402 McPherson, KS 67460

Amount: $1,000 $500 $200 $100 Other $

Designation: MC Fund Student Debt Project Scholarships Other

Special Instructions

Name Phone Email

Address City State Zip

ShaRhonda Maclin ‘00 Board of Trustee

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Elizabeth Varner Padilla ’65, Kansas City, Mo., recently announced her new book “The Lost Princess of Alicante,” historical fiction published by Atmosphere Press.

P. Lee Miller ’66, Waterloo, Iowa, and his son Grant Miller received the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair in August. The award was presented to 39 Iowa farm families for their efforts in taking steps in their farming operations to improve and protect the environment and natural resources of the state.

Karin Stiggins Gillette ’83, Hutchinson, Kan., teaches middle school and high school business classes and yearbook at USD 359, Argonia.

Alan Gumm ’83, Mount Pleasant, Mich., was invited in November to write an article for the Frontiers of Psychology journal summarizing the research of his theories of music teaching and conducting. He is a professor of music education at Central Michigan University.

Billy Jamison ’88, McPherson, began work in July as director of alumni and constituent relations at McPherson College.

Dimitri Tamalis ’90, San Antonio, Texas, recently accepted the position as vice provost in the Office of Academic Affairs at the University of the Incarnate Word. He joined UIW from his previous position as the associate dean of the College of Health and Human Development at California State University, Northridge.

Tim Cossaart '92, Hays, Kan., realtor for Re/Max Pro, was voted The Best of the Best in the Real Estate Agent category in 2023 by The Hays Daily News.

Sherry Zweifel Pruter ’95, Great Bend, Kan., began work this past June as the new school principal and administrator at Central Kansas Christian Academy.

Dennis Kingery ’96, San Diego, Calif., is the new chief financial officer at Frontwave Credit Union in Oceanside. Previously, he served as VP of finance at San Diego Workforce Partnership.

Bryce Brewer '96, McPherson, was promoted to Executive Vice President at Peoples Bank and Trust.

Jennifer Williams-Roland ’96, Corpus Christi, Texas, accepted a position in August as deputy athletic director for external affairs with Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi. Previously, she worked as a coach, teacher, and director of athletics in public education for 17 years.

Sarah Hendricks Wagoner ’00, South Bend, Ind., was recently interviewed for the story “What is Science of Reading and why you are hearing so much about it?” by Indiana news station WSBT. Science of Reading is a research-based approach to teaching children how to read that Sarah has started using in her 3rd grade classroom at Clay International Academy. Indiana schools will eventually be required to adopt Science of Reading aligned methods.

Rana El-Halabi Salman ’01, Austin, Texas, recently released her first book “Sales Essentials: The Tools You Need at Every Stage to Close More Deals and Crush Your Quota.” McGraw Hill published the book.

Tim Hayden ’02, Wichita, Kan., is the new superintendent at Renwick USD 267 Andale. Most recently, he was principal at Amelia Earhart Elementary in Goddard USD 265.

Amanda Wells Samland ’03, Denver, Colo., is the new head librarian at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora.

Eric Sader ’09, Bloomington, Ind., was awarded the 2023 Inclusive Excellence Award by Indiana University. The award recognizes faculty members who display exceptional leadership in fostering diversity and inclusion on campus and in the surrounding Bloomington community.

Stephanie Stroh Dunback ’13, Cibolo, Texas, is assistant principal at Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District.

Colby Patton ’15, Oxford, Kan., began a new position this fall as counselor at Winfield High School.

Austin Ehret ’17, Tenants Harbor, Maine, has accepted a position as a restoration mechanic at Mechanical Arts.

Liz Thornton ’20, Wichita, Kan., is serving as the coordinator for student conduct and community standards at Wichita State University. She is also the advisor for Aftershock Student Ministry.

Kouvr Rae to Lauren and Shelton Thigpen ‘11, McPherson, July 4, 2023.

Solace Grace to John ‘12 and Katie Naccarato Davidson ‘13, Valley Center, Kan., December 4, 2023.

Tyson Lee to Samantha and Tyler Bruton ‘14, Wichita, Kan., June 13, 2023.

Emma Ann to Cole ‘14 and Ashley Frankenbery Long ‘16,

Landry Jaye to Derek ‘15 and

Lance Andrew to Garrett and Cami Engelbert Taylor ‘15, Wichita, Kan., May 2, 2023.

Elliana Grace to Nathaniel Noriega and Krystal Huerta ‘20, Dallas, Texas, November 3, 2023.

Tessly Jewel to Tatelyn Lasley ‘21, Lamar, Colo., October 13, 2023.

Miles Oliver to Amber and Andrew Skinner ‘12, Liberal, Kan., April 7, 2023.

Lucile Horner Vaughn ’42, Bridgewater, Va., June 12, 2023.

Alvina Dirks Nelson ’45, Salina, Kan., November 6, 2022.

Martin H. Andrews ’49, Oklahoma City, Okla., March 13, 2023.

Neva Mae Nemeyer Bailey ’51, Morrill, Kan., August 9, 2023.

Geraldine “Jerry” McConkey ’52, Maple Lake, Minn., July 21, 2023.

Doris Kesler Metzler ’52, Bridgewater, Va., July 23, 2023.

Berwyn L. Oltman ’54, Winter Garden, Fla., June 20, 2023.

Rowena Merkey Wilson ’54, Wichita, Kan., July 12, 2023

Kathryn Forsyth Oltman ’55, Winter Garden, Fla., June 21, 2023.

Lois Stinnette DeLauter ’56, Littleton, Colo., June 4, 2023.

Arlene Merkey ’56, Park City, Kan., August 12, 2023.

Jack A. Borth ’58, Copeland, Kan., November 14, 2023.

Irvin L. Wagner ’59, Norman, Okla., September 15, 2023.

Daryle D. “Butch” Howell ’60, Gonzales, Texas, October 12, 2023.

Kenneth Holderread ’61, McPherson, November 28, 2023.

Henry J. Harnly ’63, Cuchara, Colo., November 11, 2022.

Perry R. Long ’63, Sidney, Ohio, July 9, 2023.

W. Leslie “Les” Wilson ’63, Orrville, Ohio, June 27, 2023.

George M. Kegin ’64, Covington, Okla., July 4, 2023.

Karen Wright Smith ’66, Great Bend, Kan., August 10, 2023.

J. Leon Swigart ’66, Girard, Ill., October 15, 2023.

Linda Hawkins Miller ’70, McPherson, September 29, 2023.

Pat Stauffer Nippert ’72, McPherson, September 19, 2023.

R. Danny O’Dell ’73, McPherson, October 17, 2023.

Patricia Schrag Reimer ’80, McPherson, April 28, 2023.

Timothy P. “Tim” Cox ’82, Cushing, Okla., August 6, 2023.

Ramona Esquivel Gates ’82, McPherson, July 18, 2023.

Jewelene Moorehead Cole ’86, Hutchinson, Kan., May 2, 2023.

Brett Whitenack ’09, McPherson, June 18, 2023.

Maryclare Konicek, longtime retired secretary for maintenance department, McPherson, September 18, 2023.

David O’Dell ‘72 and Evy Boese, McPherson, July 9, 2023.

Sarah Neher ‘13 and John Regier, Beatrice, Neb., September 3, 2023.

Jake Tiernan ‘20 and Lydia Hoffman, Salina, Kan., April 15, 2023.

the Path to Pebble