Dr. Michael Evans President, Peru State College
It's time to create the future. Like all good colleges, Peru State is guided by a carefully crafted Strategic Plan. The current plan, Engaging the Future, is the result of more than a year of deliberate effort by the entire College community, and it launched in 2018. _The plan is intended to span five years, ending in 2023, and it lays out four overarching goals: • Goal One: Academic Excellence Through Engagement • Goal Two: Transformative Student Experience • Goal Three: Sharing the Peru State Story • Goal Four: Excellence for the Future. Each Goal has a description that spells out its meaning and scope, and each comprises Outcomes that spell out what Peru State College students will do. For example, under Goal One, there is "Outcome #1: Peru State College students will graduate with the knowledge, skills and professional dispositions that will enable them to obtain fulfilling employment within their fields of study, gain admission to graduate study, and become leaders within their communities." The Outcomes are linked to specific priorities within the Nebraska State College System Strategic Plan.
The Peru Stater Peru State College Foundation Board of Trustees Chair, Jeff Greenwald ('71), Lincoln, Neb. Vice Chair, Elton Edmond ('88, Masters '16) Secretary, Al Urwin ('82), LaVista, Neb. Co-Treasurers, Cindy (Plantenga '82) and Tim ('84) Hoffman, Lincoln, Neb. Assistant Co-Treasurers, Jeff ('83) and Robin (Nelson '82) Smith, Lincoln, Neb. Terri Armknecht Bishop ('92), Auburn, Neb. Elton ('88, Masters '16) and Connie (Sims '87) Edmond, Lincoln, Neb. Dr. Judy Green Grotrian ('72), Nebraska City, Neb. Fritz Stehlik ('74), Omaha, Neb. Ivan Wineglass ('94), Bellevue, Neb. Peru State College National Alumni Association Board of Directors Chair Kim Vrtiska ('90), Falls City, Neb. Chair-Elect Elton Edmond ('88, Masters '16), Lincoln, Neb. Secretary/Treasurer Mark Czapla ('87), Unadilla, Neb. Branden Bender ('95), Nebraska City, Neb. Dan Cotton ('76), Peru, Neb. Rich Daly ('68), Lincoln, Neb. Connie (Sims '87) Edmond, Lincoln, Neb.
2 The Stater
Each Outcome is then broken down into Strategies, and each Strategy has one or more action items beneath it. For example, Outcome #1 under Goal One has two Strategies: • Strategy 1- Enhance opportunities for academic distinction • Strategy 2-Reach out to alumni and community leaders as partners. And Strategy 1 has two action items: enrich Honors Program opportunities and prominence, and create a new leadership credential open to all students. The action items give the College specific accomplishments to pursue, and the plan is built to allow the attainment of those accomplishments to serve as evidence of the successful completion of the Strategies, Outcomes, and Goals. Engaging the Future has served the College well, and most of the action items listed within it have been accomplished. As we continue work on the remaining tasks, it's time to begin the process of creating the next Strategic Plan that will launch in 2023. The College will start by pulling together a small Steering Committee. The committee's charge will be to create the overall process for the development of the new plan. Who should be included on the core Strategic Planning committee? What
sorts of sub-committees will be needed? How will students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others be included in the process? How will progress be communicated, and how will people have the opportunity to share their thoughts? What will the timetable be? A strong Strategic Plan envisions the future, but it also enables the College to create it. It gives the College the framework, structure, and action steps to build a future state that aligns with the vision we hold for it. And it provides a yardstick by which progress can be measured, allowing for adjustments along the way. This process will work best when everyone who cares about Peru State College gets involved. We'll need everyone's voice, everyone's ideas, and everyone's creativity as we work together to imagine Peru State thriving in the years to come. What will the College need to succeed? What should it look like? What should it become? We will count on you to contribute your thoughts to this process. Together, we will create a bright future for Peru State College that continues the momentum established by Engaging the Future and the Strategic Plans that came before it. Warmest Regards, Michael Evans, Ph.D., President
Carlos Harrison ('51), Shenandoah, Iowa Mary Lu (Hicks '68) McCoy, Omaha, Neb. Chuck ('69) and Alice (Massoth '69) Mizerski, Lincoln, Neb. Tyler Nutsch ('13), LaVista, Neb. Mark Shively ('79, Masters '93), Palm Springs, Calif. Fritz ('74) and Char (Lutz '74) Stehlik, Omaha, Neb. Kris (Kubert '94) Vrtiska, Falls City, Neb. Ivan Wineglass ('94), Bellevue, Neb. College President, Dr. Michael Evans Managing Editor, Sports Editor, Ted L. Harshbarger ('77) Editor, Kent Propst ('81) Graphic Design, Rebecca Oetjen Johnson ('04, Masters '17) Contributors and Photography, Susan Lunzmann Unruh ('94), Jason Hogue, Brandi Hull ('15), Kim Regan • Please submit information, stories, suggestions and corrections to us by email at pscfoundation@peru.edu by phone at (402) 872-2304 or by mail at: The Peru Stater do Peru State College Foundation PO Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421-0010
Ted L. Harshbarger Interim CEO, Peru State College Foundation
Those of you who received and read the Stater last fall know I wrote my initial column on challenges and opportunities. While mulling over potential topics for this edition, I kept coming back to the aspect that I could expand on my initial column and continue my discussion on opportunities. In doing so, I am looking at one of the different definitions of opportunity - that being "a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something." Going into this role, I knew there would be several challenges facing the Foundation Board and staff. However, I was not deterred by that. I knew there were opportunities to make a difference and hopefully, we have done so. Over the course of the past six to seven months, Kim, Susan, and I, along with the guidance from the Board of Directors, have dove in headfirst into a number of items from planning and hosting several major events to bringing back the National Alumni Association to doing a thorough review of our scholarship program. The fall events were successful and by the time this is published, we hope to have had a very successful National Alumni Association Chili Feed. The opportunity to bring alumni and friends together is always a highlight for all involved.
In addition, with your generosity, our opportunity to secure funds through the Giving Day and End-Of-Year Campaign was successful and will be of benefit to the College and its students. The biggest opportunity in which the challenge is being met has been working through the Foundation's scholarships. This spring, our Financial Aid office will have the opportunity to award a significantly larger amount in scholarships for students. Also, you may have seen that we have taken the opportunity to promote scholarships weekly on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ PeruStateCollegeNationalAlumniAssociation. This has proven to be a hit with our viewers. We hope you will take the opportunity to check this out and to consider giving to one of our many existing scholarships or to establish one of your own. Soon, the opportunity to enhance the facilities on campus is going to become a reality. The potential for new athletic/ wellness/recreational buildings could happen sooner than later. Then, a much-needed opportunity for a renovation of the student center will be on the horizon. Watch for the opportunity to assist in making those things happen! An additional opportunity will be to re-establish the Recent Alumni Board. They
were just getting started before the pandemic and we have not yet had an opportunity to bring the group back together. We hope to do so in the very near future. Obviously, we have other opportunities in which we can enhance our services through the Foundation. There are several things on our plate which include revising the Foundation website, restoring a process to systematically provide donors with documentation on their scholarship endowments, and planning for some additional alumni events. The list of opportunities could go on and on. I hope you can see the Foundation is back and starting to thrive again. Foundation staffing isn't where it has been, but that too will be considered. We welcome all our alumni and friends' thoughts and comments on what we can do to better provide the opportunities to serve you. Please feel free to reach out to us and let us know what opportunities you see out there for the Foundation. Ted L. Harshbarger ('77) Interim CEO
Upcoming Alumni and Friends Events Start 2022 with Peru State College events! Mark your calendars today! From regional activities to alumni awards - this year will be packed with fun events for the whole family. Learn more atfoundation.peru.edu and click on the ''Events" tab. While the list may be short at this time, more will be added each month as they are finalized. April 14 - Thousand Oaks Alumni Excellence Awards April 20 - Inauguration of President Michael Evans April 30 - Baseball Alumni Reunion May 7 - Commencement May 27 -Athletic Department Alumni Golf Tournament June 20 - Charter Day Giving September 3 - Swenson Presentation @ Oak Bowl
September 17 - Winter-Spring Student-Athlete Presentation @OakBowl September 30 - All College Banquet (honoring classes of'71, '72 '73) October 1 - Homecoming October 19-20 - Giving Days October 21-22 - Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction November 12 - Senior
Ifyou are interested in participating in, or organizing an eventfor Peru Staters, reaeh out to Us by email at pscfoundation@peru.edu, call (402) 2304, or write Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.
The Stater
BRINGING THE ART OF AFRICA TO PERU STATE COLLEGE An Incredible Gift of Art Will Transform the Campus of A Thousand Oaks
Dr. Natalie Hahn - a long-time traveler, As UNICEF Representative to Malawi, supporter of the arts at home and abroad, Hahn organized the campaign, Democracy and after a 38-year career with the United Is Good for Children. Prior to the campaign, Nations - has given Peru State College more school fees and uniforms had kept countless than 150 pieces of African Art. children out of school as families could The Dr. Natalie Hahn African Art not afford the costs. Through UNICEF's Collection will be displayed in every academic campaign, school enrollment jumped from building on campus, on the campus grounds, 1.2 million to 3.2 million children. With and in the Administration Building. World Bank assistance, Hahn organized a Hahn writes, "I adore Peru State College project to install water pumps in Ndirande, for it's an important part of Nebraska Malawi. Managed by women, the initiative heritage having been founded 150 benefited 300,000 people. years ago and the first college in Her determination to serve her home our beloved state. The Campus of A state of Nebraska by giving back became Thousand Oaks, nestled in a beautiful evident in 1998 when she launched the park and garden, was perfect for my Malaika Foundation to enhance global outdoor African sculptures." education initiatives in Nebraska schools and Honoring a request to display these universities. Since then, more than 2,500 works outside a typical gallery, the College teachers have attended global education is working to create individual exhibitions workshops. Humanities Nebraska named Natalie in at least eight academic buildings. This means that as students, faculty, staff, and Hahn the 2020 Sower Award recipient. visitors walk around campus, they will be The Sower award is presented annually to surrounded by incredible works of African an individual who has made "a significant art and culture. contribution to public understanding of the This collection, visible and accessible humanities of Nebraska." across campus, will bolster student (and Natalie earned bachelor's degrees from the visitor) global awareness. It will also well serve University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Ohio the College's mission to provide students State University before going on to earn a of all backgrounds access to engaging Master of Public Administration and a Doctor educational experiences to strengthen and of Education from Harvard University. She enrich communities, Nebraska and the has received honorary doctoral degrees from world. the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Hahn continues, "I am most impressed Nebraska Wesleyan University. with the leadership of President Michael Evans and the devoted staff who are coordinating the displays-Jason Hogue, Brandi Hull and Lily Ellis. At last, my African Art has found a perfect home."
About Dr. Natalie Hahn Natalie Hahn, a life-long Nebraskan, served 38 years with the United Nations. A native of Polk, Nebraska, Hahn credits her global career to serving as a 4-H International Farm Youth Exchangee to New Zealand and to receiving Rotary International Fellowship to India. With the United Nations, Hahn initiated programs for rural youth in East and Southern Africa and organized programs empowering women with access to savings and bank loans. In Nigeria, Hahn also worked with agronomic teams to introduce improved and more nutritious food crops to rural families . For this success, the Yoruba Peoples honored Hahn with a chieftaincy and bestowed the title, Balogun lyalaje, meaning "the person who empowers."
4 The Stater
~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Stater
5
Here, There, & Everywhere: Joanna Evans' Journey to Peru By Kent Propst ('81)
"I like learning. I like challenges," Joanna Evans said. "I've always really liked not doing the same thing all the time." With a life history that is as varied as it is unimaginable, the wife of new Peru State President Michael Evans has certainly followed a circuitous route to Nebraska's first college. For a New York City-born, Brooklyn-raised, Smith College-educated mother of two who has spent most of her life in the eastern U.S ., Joanna might not appear a natural fit for a small, rural, Midwestern college. Nothing could be further from the truth. "It's lovely. The thing that struck us after we moved here is the welcoming nature of the community," she said, emphasizing community in the broad context of southeast Nebraska. "There is something different about Nebraskans in terms of genuine hospitality. I like rural and country living." Nowadays, much ofJoanna's time is committed to representing the College and hosting events at the President's Horne on Hoyt Street across from campus. That's a far cry from the way she spent much of her life pre-Peru. Passion for adventure During her junior year at prestigious Smith College, Joanna had a chance to do a year of study at another college through an exchange program. She selected Bowdoin College in Maine so she could pick up some courses toward her biology major unavailable at Smith. At Bowdoin, she met a fellow undergraduate by the name of Michael Evans. They met initially over shared conversations about outdoor adventures. Both of them were involved in a student organization, had similar interests, and the rest, as they say, is history. Twin sons, a three-month excursion to the Australian Outback, renovation of a 1790s-era farmhouse (which they lived in for years without proper plumbing or electricity), several years in a berrned-in home surrounded by farms in rural Indiana, and a host of other switchbacks along the trail has made the journey both colorful and rewarding. Joanna Evans began her professional career teaching a combined class of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders in the rural town of Goshen, Massachusetts, after obtaining her bachelor's degree (biology and education double major) and master's, also from Smith College. Over the next 25 years, her vocation included stints as a "dorm parent" and residence life head at a college prep boarding school, editor of educational assessment materials for a publishing company, and freelance marketing consultant/writer/editor. The career unfolds And then, after moving to Indiana so Michael could pursue his doctorate, there were jobs as education director at a community arts center and at Indiana University as director of its high school dual credit program and director of field placement for the IU School of Education. She also spent nearly a decade as director of admissions for three college prep boarding schools in New Hampshire, New York, and Maine. And she worked at the University of Southern Maine, helping it explore the possibility of launching an international high school on its campus, before taking a position at Southern New Hampshire University as the Project Manager for the School of International Engagement. Forty years ago, Joanna and Michael were married in another rural Massachusetts home that dates back at least to the 1790s; this house was co-owned by her late father and two of his college buddies. The home is still owned by a shared family trust, and the Evanses go back as often as they can. The house is where Joanna came, early on, to love rural life. As soon as school let out for the summer, Joanna's family escaped from New York City to western Massachusetts. The house, which has now been in the family for 70 years, is still as it was in the nineteenth century--no electricity or running water, with a long lane that in winter or inclement weather requires a hike, snowshoes, or skis to access. Kerosene lamps and candles provide light in the evenings, the outhouse offers a choice of two seats, and water comes from a hand-pumped well.
6 The Stater
The Bobcat family expanded when President Michael and First Lady Joanna arrived last summer. From left are Michael, Lauren Watkins (son Miles'swife), Dylan, Laurel Derose (Dylan's girlfriend), Joanna, and (front) Miles with Otzi the Australian shepherd puppy, pictured recently in front of the Al Wheeler Activity Center. Otzi is named for the Iceman discovered in the Alps.
Love for quilts, quilting Fireplaces, wood-fired heating and cooking stoves were, and are, the order of the day. And piles of quilts . ..which led Joanna to a passion that continues to this day. In fact, one of her activities is editing U ncoverings, the research journal of the American Quilt Studies Group. This is her second stint editing the publication. Coincidentally, AQSG is headquartered in Lincoln, Neb., so proximity is an unanticipated benefit of her relocation to Nebraska. Joanna is also involved with a quilt-making group in southeastern Nebraska. Joanna is currently dedicated to her newest learning opportunity - that of being the spouse of a college President. For now, she is taking it all in and learning "how to keep all the balls in the air," she said.
"It's nice to be a point in my life where I'm not working 75 hours each week on my own job. Now I'm learning to focus on things I never thought I'd be doing," including welcoming a steady stream of guests to events on campus and at the President's Home and cheering on the Bobcats. One of her joys is listening to Peru State alumni tell their tales, each one a little different, but nearly all with a common theme. "The consistency with which we hear stories of lives transformed by Peru State is phenomenal," she said. It's unlike anything she experienced at any of the other stops on her journey to Peru. "The best thing is, the tradition continues today," Evans added. "Our faculty continue to build strong, lifelong relationships with their students. Their dedication is impressive."
Daycroft, 1985
Daycroft, 2019
_,
The Stater
7
PROUDLY PRESENTING THE 2021 PERU STATE COLLEGE H Annually we give thanks and recognition to the many alumni and friends of Peru State College who support our students, faculty, and staff with their gifts to the College's Foundation. J"hese people, along with many businesses and organizations also included here, make a critical difference in the lives of PSC students. The following list reflects gifts received during the 2021 calendar year ending December 31, minus any who have requested anonymity. While we strive to make it complete and accurate, errors and omissions do occur. If you believe you were inadvertently left off the list, or have any other corrections, please reach out to us in any of the following ways. Mail: Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010
Carolyn (Wing '60) and Larry Law
Donald ('64) and Ardith Rut
Leona (Christen '61) Dostal
Linda Qeffers '64) and Gerald Kreimeyer
Keith ('61) and Virginia ('61) Hawxby
Frances (Sanders '64) and Gordon Steinbrook
Robert Heng ('61)
JoAnn (Hauptman '65) Barry
Sandra (Craig '61) Marhews
John Barton ('65)
Darlene (Critel '61) McCord
Gary Bedea ('65)
Joan (Wesolowski '61) Mulder
Daniel ('65) and Carol (Thornton '68) Coffey
Rose (Clancy '61) Parli
Gene ('65) and Judi D'Allemand
Gordon Pilmore ('61)
Ilma (Gobber '65) Gottula
Michael Roddy ('61)
Alvin Henrichs ('65)
Laverna (Roos '61) ;nd William ('55) Sayer
Judith (Beran '65) and Dennis Herherington
Phone: 402-872-2304
Donna (Francis '61) Schwertley
Merlin Kastens ('65)
Email: pscfoundation@peru.edu
Ronald ('62) and Patricia Carnes
Dan ('65) and Marilyn Leuenberger
Again, and on behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of Peru State College, our heartfelt thanks. We hope you, as well as many others, will want to be included on our 2022 Honor Roll of Donors!
Glenn ('62) and Judith Irwin
Bruce ('65) and Linda (Renz '66) Mau
Myrna (Bohling '62) and Ray ('62) Meister
Marion ('65) and Barbara (Lasko '65) Miller
Gordon ('62) and Jean Ohnoutka
Mariedirh (Greenlee '65) Pagel
1940s
Henry ('55) and Marcia (Hinton '59) Schwartz
Kenneth ('62) and S. Jane (Kunkel '64) Rhodus
Frank Spizuoco ('65)
Joan (Thickstun '46) Buhrmann
Bertis ('56) and Georgia (Bauer '56) Adams
Richard ('62) Stock
Donald Wright ('65)
Ruth (Emigh '48) Nixon
Betty (Neil '57) Barrett
Arlin Stuhr ('62)
Diane (Kennedy '66) Berlett
Evelyn (Gatz '48) Yanders
Bill ('57) and Sharon (Reagan '57) Beck
Wendell ('63) and Carol Armstrong
Kenneth ('66) and Rebecca Boatman
David Lang ('49)
Ben ('57) and Carol (McKee '53) Duerfeldt
Karen (McIntire '63) Hamm
Mary (Riley '66) and Robert ('59) Bohlken
Colleen (Williams '49) Tillman
Keith Johnson ('57)
Russell ('63) and Kay Hicks
Dale ('66) and Marilyn Duensing
Charles ('57) Krumme
Ronald ('63) and Nancy Kelley
Louis ('66) and Judy Frirz
1950s
Harlan Oestmann ('57)
Sharylin (Vrtiska '63) and Vern Knock
Stanley Johnson ('66)
Gertrude (Merzger '50) Ettleman
Lee ('57) and Kathleen Ogle
Charlotte (Wheeler '63) Lunsford
Robert Krofta ('66)
Charles Carlos Harrison ('51)
Duane ('57) and Priscilla Overgaard
Linda (Beery '63) Moree
Peter Lynch ('66)
Rurh (Damon '51) Leslie
Fred Rothert ('57)
• Susan (Hulbert '63) and Joseph ('64) Perina
Harold ('66) and LaRue Marshall
Verne Meier ('51)
Mary (Nurzmen '57) Wenninghoff
Mary Ann (Graham '63) and Clifford Private
Gloria (Epps '66) and Wayne ('59) Pressnall
Sherry (Clites '51) Penney
Muriel (Rieke '58) Docker
Larry Rarhe ('63)
Garth ('67) and Glori~ (Bean '70) Adams ,
Grace Pfister ('51)
Richard Heywood ('58)
Robert Reitz ('63)
Lonnie ('67) and Carol Bohling
Otto ('51) and Janet Rarh
Robert Norvell ('58)
Rex Rhodes ('63)
Lowell ('67) and Mary Brown
Anna (Lollman '52) and Delbert Falsken
Wayne ('58) and Kay (Ward '58) Rydberg
Arlan Richardson ('63)
Ray ('67) and Connie (Rademacher '67) Cain
Carol (Duerfeldt '52) and Kenneth Whitcomb
Francia (Larson '58) Witt
Tom Sewell ('63)
Richard Duponcheel ('67)
Lavon ('53) and Gleora (McCage '75) Covault
Robert ('59) and Mary (Rilex '66) Bohlken
Enoch ('63) and Judy Shepherd
Paul ('67) and-Arlene (Borcher '67) Fell
Sharon ('53) and Mat Ocker
Nadine (Knople '59) and William Cusack
Larry ('63) and Ramona (Grindle '61) Swett
Kenneth Gayer ('67)
Frances (Heim '53) Whited
Virginia (Ferguson '59) and Richard Meyerkorth
Laurel (Elscher '64) Brewer
Michael ('67) and Janice Guilliatt
Norma (Reiman '64) Clinton
Vernon ('67) and Gail Krenzer
Rocky ('64) and Penelope (Hays '65) Edwards
Nancy (McCullough '67) Nealon
Robert ('64) and Judy Eichenberger
John ('67) Patterson
Linda (Stephens '64) Gomon
Charles ('67) and Gail Pratt
Virginia (Adkins '64) Janis
Carol (Hawley '67) Schmucker
Jerry ('64) and Christina ('88) Joy
Eloy ('68) and Jo Arellano
Michael ('64) and Sandra (Pearson '61) Ramirez
Richard ('68) and Dawn (Nebola '69) Daly
Lloyd ('64) and Betty (Painter '64) Russo
Antoinette (Martin '68) Faulkner
Loren ('54) and Elsie Argabright Regina (Stander '54) Colbert Jeanne (Malek '54) Wall
Wayne ('59) and Gloria (Epps '66) Pressnall Harry ('59) and Arlyne Weichel
Marilyn (Hawxby '55) and Fred ('56) Clements Mary (Trussell '55) Gorden Joann (Moore '55) and Virgil ('55) Mulligan Ronald ('55) Paap William ('55) and Laverna (Roos '61) Sayer
1960s Vernon Aylor ('60) John Cbrist ('60) Charles Francis ('60) Jan (Lillerhorup '60) and Jere ('60) Krakow
8 The Stater
-
-
Carol (Crabtree '68) Martin
Gary Rosso ('70)
Jon Tackleson ('72)
Scott ('76) and Laurita (Tackett '76) McKercher
Mary Lu (Hicks '68) and John ('68) McVicker
David Sackles ('70)
Dean Teten ('72)
Alan Seybert ('76)
E. ('68) and JoAnn (Schultz '65) McGaughey
Martha (Seibert '70) and Gary ('68) Schaffer
Jon Tritsch ('72)
Raymond ('76) and Carol (Shiells '00) Woerlen
Romona (Ogle '68) and Richard ('69) Moore
John ('70) and Rita Seeba
Roger ('72) and Linda (Dieckhoff'69) Vogel
Ario Wusk ('76)
Cheri (Combs '68) and Nick ('69) Petrillo
Margaret (Lutt '70) and Richard ('69) Smith
Raymond ('72) and Jean Waters
Rhonda (Gobber '77) and Steve Burbach
Gary ('68) and Martha (Seibert '70) Schaffer
Mike ('70) and Katherine ('15) Tynon
James Wilson ('72)
Dennis Curtis ('77)
Ralph Schawang ('68)
Mary (Blezek '70) Woolsey
Robert ('73) and Susan Beaver
John ('77) and Phyllis ('80) Dierking
Forrest ('68) and Peggy Shores
Neal Bower ('71)
Kirk ('73) and Mary (Goergen '73) Dau
Ted Harshbarger ('77)
Bruce ('68) and Kathy Vickrey
Evelyn (Hillers '71) Bueche
James ('73) and Paula Desbien
Dale Hoepker ('77)
John Bernadt ('69)
John ('71) and Mary Ann ('73) Chaney
Mark ('73) and Kim (F~tters '98) Hahn
Joseph ('77) and Stella Kotnik
John Creamer ('69)
Steven Drake ('71)
Rena (Merritt '73) and Richard Hall
Colleen (Burger '77) and Dale Kreifels
Diane Freet ('69)
Gail (Folkers '71) Panders
Danny Jeanneret ('73)
Susan (Hannan '77) and David Pease
Patsy ('69) Harpster
Eldonna (Gobber '71) Forrest
Randall ('73) and Jeanine Luther
Fritz ('77) and Charlene (Lutz '74) Stehlik
Clarence ('69) and Janet Haws
Jayne (Engel '71) and Jim Hlavac
Roger Michaelis ('73)
David ('77) and Kim Stemper
Larry ('69) and Marian ('93) Henderson
Jeffrey ('71) and Judy Greenwald
Carole (Rarick '73) Obermeyer
Stephen ('78) andMary Jo Chatelain
Larry Landwehr ('69)
George Hanssen ('71)
William Peterson ('73)
Rhonda (Ahl '78) and Sandor Chomos
Richard Linder ('69)
Michael ('71) and Virginia (Adkins '64) Janis
Fred ('73) and Pamela Robertson
Dan Ehmke ('78)
Alice (Massoth '69) and Chuck ('69) Mizerski
Michael Johnson ('71)
J/.y Van Housen ('73)
Ed ('78) and Debra (Riha '80) Harris
Elizabeth O'Connor-Gunn ('69)
Robert Kiser ('71)
Terry ('74) and Patricia (Schultz '74) Criger
Mary (Priefert '78) Scott
Nick ('69) and Cheri (Combs '68) Petrillo
Gloria (Crawford '71) and Dick Kline
Thomas ('74) and Linda Froehlich
Shirley ('78) and William Synder
Robert Ridenour ('69)
Robert Lisee ('71)
Charles Heim ('74)
Sherry Taylor ('78)
Marilyn (Sugden '69) and Robert Scheinost
Darwin ('71) and Shelly McHugh
Mary (Hill '74) and Jon Howery
Douglas ('78) and Diana (Sullivan '78) Thomas
Richard ('69) and Margaret (Lutt '70) Smith
Mark ('71) and Kathleen (Reuter '81) Weiler
Trudy Qones '74) and Fred ('73) Lainson
Lance Wilson ('78)
Ronald Steiner ('69)
Lanny ('71) and Mary (Kem '93) Williams
James ('74) and Elayne Landwehr
Jeffrey Jacob ('79)
Linda (Dieckhoff'69) and Roger ('72) Vogel
Mary (Wenzl '71) and Philip Wolfe
E. ('74) and Marlene (Meyer '72) Neddenriep
Virginia ('79) and David Pippert
Dan ('69) and Susan (Gibson '69) Vokt
James Bailey ('72)
Jack ('74) and Sheryl Stanley
Sharon (Dietrich '79) and Ronald Russell
Vicki (Hall '72) and Robert Beilke
Gayle Swisegood ('74)
Mark Shively ('79) and Jay Genoa
1970s
Earl ('72) and Jean Dowdy-Brown
Vickie Adams ('75)
William Snyder ('79)
Gloria (Bean '70) and Garth ('67) Adams
Rodrick ('72) and Wanda (McKim '73) Bruce
Russell ('75) and Julie Barnes
Van Allen ('70)
Maureen (Hauptman '72) Carpenter
Gleora (McCage '75) and Lavon ('53) Covault
1980s
Robert ('70) and Paula Babbitt
Paul ('72) and Linda Chatelain
Robert Craig ('75)
Stacy ('80) and Barbara Applegate
Larry Cotton ('70)
Dan ('72) and Connie (Fritsch '73) Collin
Peggy (Kreifels '75) Groff
Laura (Lutz '80) and Ralph ('80) Blevins
Donald ('70) and Claudia ('71) Dougherty
Linda (Niebuhr '72) Davis
John ('75) and Marie Trayer
Phyllis ('80) and John ('77) Dierking
' Donald ('70) and Pamela Duncan
R. J. ('72) and Dianne (Dunn '73) Dickson
Dennis Williams ('75)
Debra (Riha '80) and Ed ('78) Harris
Barbara (Richard '70) Easley
Steven ('72) and Nancy (Necomb '98) Gage
Robert ('76) and Dorothy Applegate
Jack Moles ('80)
Roger Evans ('70)
Judy (Green '72) and Charles ('71) Grotrian
John ('76) and Jean Chatelain
Charlotte (Lash '70) Grone
Larry Humphrey ('72)
Dan ('76) and Cheryl Cotton
Carmen (Gerstenschlager '80) and Kevin ('80) Sterner
James Head ('70)
Richard ('72) Mezger
Michael ('76) and Janet Davis
Ronald ('70) and Linda Jones
Ed ('72) and Christie (Ubben '71) Myers
Ruth (Gottula '76) and Donald ('77) Doxon
Mary Kloepping ('70)
Robert ('72) and Judy (Henning '71) Peterson
Gail Harmon ('76)
Lynda (Shanahan '70) Moser
Kathleen (Hoemann '72) and Richard Rattell
Mitzi (Stehlik '76) Hoback
Rene Bourn ('82)
Ronald Nolte ('70)
Joan (Bachenberg '72) Shurtliff
Lennie ('76) and Dianne (Rees '76) Lahman
Janet (Dunn '82) and David Dingman
Martin ('70) and Ruth (Leuenberger '71) Paper
Steve Stemper ('72)
Ann (Boring '76) Martinez
Norman ('81) and Valerie Parish Kent ('81) and Becki (Young '80) Propst Kathleen (Reuter '81) and Mark ('71) Weiler
Mick ('82) and Katherine (Toews '82) Haney Kathleen (Fleming '82) Pitz!
The Stater
9
Dave Rossell ('82)
Mary (Shaffer '89) Grimes
Ben ('95) and Jamie (Brownfield '96) Royal
Al ('82) and Kristin Urwin
Bradley ('89) and Andrea Smith
Audra (Williams '95) and Jeff ('95) Schawang
Thomas ('06) and Jari (Wehmeier '07) Dunekacke
Brett ('95) and Cheri (Spiegel '95) Taylor
Kristin (Delaney '06) and Joseph ('06) Tynon
Kip ('83) and Julie (Brinkman '81) Allison
James Cole ('07)
Roxanne Gottula ('83)
1990s
Angela Wilson ('95)
Kimberly (Kuhlman '83) and Brad Oliver
Judy Oanssen '90) Bors
Marcy Barber ('96)
Richard Rummel ('83)
Judy (Mullins '90) and Donald Hughes
Jerry ('96) and Teresa (Grooms '99) Breazile
Laurie (Graham '83) Schulte
Michael Knake ('90)
Jennifer (Slattery '96) and Scott ('96) Heese
Rusty Fuller ('07)
Jeff ('83) and Robin (Nelson '83) Smith
Kory ('90) Lind
Kimberly (Micek '96) Oates
Debra (Spohr '08) Haveman
Janine ('83) and Troy Saltzman
Holly (Baumgartner '90) Meyer
Cindy ('96) and Lou Varley
Donna Neeman ('08)
Diana (Shores '83) and Mark ('82) Watton
Kim ('90) and Kristine (Kubert '94) Vrtiska
Rebecca Zabel ('83)
Brian ('91) and Melissa Boyce
Teresa (Goracke '97) and Andrew ('96) Plummer
John Korthals ('09)
Ronda (Schroeder '84) Chab
Cathie (Cave '91) and Jerry English
Michael Poland ('97)
Julie (Stephens '09) Thompson
Mary (Neels '84) and Jack ('87) Frary
Ronald Hester ('91)
Tressa ('97) and Kory Wallinga
Patrick Harrison ('84)
Heath ('91) and Judy (Truelsen '91) Miller
Nancy (Necomb '98) and Steven ('72) Gage
2010s
Tim ('84) and Cindy (Plantenga '82) Hoffman
Wei Chong ('92) and Stan Tan
Kim (Fetters '98) and Mark ('73) Hahn
Brenna McSweeney ('10)
Raymond Peterson ('84)
Terry ('92) and Anita Clark
Marry Haverty ('98)
Susan (Binns '10) Reynolds
Lori (Vrtiska '84) and Bryan Seibel
Denise (Meyer '92) and Brian Daake
Michelle (Degraw '98) and Michael ('95) Steadman
Joann (Quigley '11) Logomasini
Bob ('85) and Jody Oohnston '85) Bowman
Amy (Ammeter '92) and Douglas Drake
Wayne Dolezal ('85)
Matthew ('92) and Traci (Adams '04) Hug
SaraBeth Donovan ('85)
Holly (Gerdes '92) and Jon Jenkins
Becky Gauchat ('85)
Troy ('92) and Suzanne Uhlir
Rebecca (Hoffman '85) and Lee ('82) Kohrs
Timothy ('93) and Lisa Bowen
Alan ('85) and Carol (Brady '82) Lunzman
Diana Conradt-Mullen ('93)
Randy ('85) and Cara (Fritsch '84) Simpson
Marian ('93) and Larry ('69) Henderson
Todd Slagle ('85)
Scott ('93) and Amy (Snyder '91) Jones
Todd ('86) and Brenda (Pawling '86) Anderson
Dana (Briley '93) Stovall
Sally (Dean '86) and Roy Berke
LoReese (Lowe '93) Tibbs
Jason ('98) and Ronda (Reiman '99) Stinson KC ('99) and Kelle (Nott '00) Carnes Scott Johnson ('99)
Tony ('93) and Mary (Miltenberger '92) Uhlir
Carol (Wilton '86) Chappell
Mary (Kern '93) and Lanny ('71) Williams
Patrick ('86) and Amy (Sass '86) Dennis
Lisa (Connolly '94) Abraham
Vince ('86) and Bonnie (Mick '86) Henzel
Jason Fortik ('94)
Ritchie Nelson ('86)
Laura Gerdes ('94)
Ann (Scheitel '86) and Steve Severin
Christopher ('94) and Carrie Stangl
Jeffrey ('86) and Melissa Slagle
Brent ('94) and Lisa Strittmatter
Susan Oarvis '86) and David ('80) Thomas
Susan (Lunzmann '94) and Michael Unruh
Amy (Goering '87) Clark
Nancy (Ryan '94) Vogt
Mari-Ann (Henry '87) and Milo Pesek
Ivan Wineglass ('94)
Russell Smith ('87)
Susan (Biere '95) Abrahams
Anne (Gerdes '07) and Dustin Elliott
Maxwell ('09) and Caitlin ('13) Kathol
Melissa ('11) and Craig McLaughlin Laura Rademacher ('11) Sheri Grotrian ('12) Robert Williamson ('12) David Bierman ('13)
2000s Kelle (Nott '00) and KC ('99) Carnes Steven Heine ('00) Corey Hobscheidt ('OO) Carol (Shiells '00) and Raymond ('76) Woerlen Jenifer Busing ('01)
Brian Bradley ('86)
Crystal (Ellis '07) and Taylor ('09) Dunekacke
Amy (Hollesen '01) Wynn Melissa ('02) and Scott ('02) Gibbs Daniel ('02) and Nikki (Moody '04) Hayes April (Barton '02) and Aaron Schneider Sue(Ball'02)Woebbecke Ted (Kasha '03) and Jonathan Kaufman Scott ('03) and Lisa Kahle Traci (Adams '04) and Matthew ('92) Hug Stephanie (Arnold '04) and Gary ('05) Mercer Nancy (Cooper '04) and Gale Merz Linda Bowden ('05)
Ronald ('88) and Shelly Brockhaus
Branden Bender ('95)
Anita (Downing '88) and K. Hueftle
Brandy Feighner ('95)
Elton ('88). and Connie (Sims '87) Edmond
Alfred ('95) and Cathy Fingar
Christopher ('05) and Lindsey (Baumgartner '06) Lindner
Michael ('88) and Stephanie Gerdes
Todd ('95) and Kristin Gottula
Gary ('05) and Stephanie (Arnold '04) Mercer
Darwin ('88) and Tricia Gushard
Pamela (Ritchie '95) and Tyson Holcomb
Nathan Morrissey ('05)
Christina ('88) and Jerry ('64) Joy
Lisa Parriott ('95)
Emily Oantzen '05) Volker
David ('05) and Lesli Bremer
Caitlin ('13) and Maxwell ('09) Kathol Daniel Mettler ('13) Shawon Nixon ('13) Tyler Nucsch ('13) Devon Roesener ('13) Blake Steagall ('13) Cory Vasek ('13) Jeremy ('14) and Gina Bittner Cassie (Leonard '14) Tangen Susan ('14) and Richard Witt Beau Godwin ('15) Charlotte Grooms ('15) Brandi Hull ('15) Marshall Klontz ('15) Katherine ('15) and Mike ('70) Tynon Jaymi ('15) and Bill Victor Holly Chandler ('16) Dustin Gerdes ('16) Corey Wickersham (' 17) Ryan ('18) and Rachel Christensen
2020s Dawn Castle ('21)
10 The Stater
.
Friends and Organizations
Michael and Joanna Evans
James Maxwell
Sonja Torsiello
Bina Adkins
Lyndsey Farncombe
Veronica Meier
Janel Townsend
Wayne and Joan Albury
Bill and Rhonda Farney
Jared Meyerkorth
Daniel Trout
Jeri Allgood
Todd and Laurie Felderman
Ean Miller
Arthur Turnipseed
Matt Atkinson
Norma Fensler
Yazmin Morales
Ronald Uecker
Linda Baber
Richard Flynn
Ron and Ginger Mueller
Linda Vanderneck
Wade Bentley
Inez Foster
Laurie Nachtigal
Terri Vrtiska
Brian Bitenieks
Marge Fredrickson
Jason and Tracy Nahlik
Susan Wages
Jeannette Blanc
Patricia Fuhrmann
Wallace and Kathleen Nehls
Elias Wallace
Gregory Bogard
Gregory and Marcia Galardi
Michael Neu
Debbie White
Sally Bogard
Shirley Gallentine
Annie and Adam Neveau
Paula Whitney
Mary Bohling
Michael Gilbert
LaRhea Nichols
Trudy Wickenkamp
Timothy Borchers and Susanne Williams
Mike and Jenn Gilbert
Kristi Nies
Elaine Williamson
Eulalia Bradley
Margaret Gilmore
TurkanOcal
Kelvin Windham
Edgar and Carolyn Bredemeier
Norma Gilmore
F.John Ogle
Tracey Winkelhake
Felton Brown
Sue Green
Gary Ogle
Meghan Winy
JulieAnn Buddecke
Chris and Lisa Gutschow
Amanda Palmerton
Esther Wyant
Jon and Kristin Buscher
Sharon Haberman
Susan Peschel
Cindy Cammack
Haco Electric Haco Electric Co
Robert and Laura Phares
Yvonne Chandler
Katie Hampton
Tanis Polete
Kathryn Chatelain
Dan and Elaine Hanson
William Powell
In addition, we apologize for inadvertently missing a couple of donors from our 2020 listings. We appreciate the continued support from Elton ('88) and Connie (Sims '87) Edmond and former president Dr. Richard Flynn.
Beth Conrardy
Jerrold and DeAnn Hanson
Dave Radell
Jeanene Cordes
Janet Hawley
Fred and Susan Raybourn
Kevin Coroneos
Brad Hayes
Donald and Kimberly Regan
Chris, Pam, Jake, and Payton Coughlin
Sharon Hersemann
Thomas Riehle
John and Sara Crook
Dave and Jean Hillyer
Jennifer Rieken
Janice Cross
Paul Hinrichs
Eric Robinson
JohnCrorty
Jason and Michelle Hogue
James and Walta Ruff
Terry and Jill Dasher
Dan Hoins
Rogene Russell
Wayne and Betty Davidson
Kenny and Stephanie Holmes
Kyle Ryan
Spencer and Vivian Davis
Eric Hostetler
Nick Scarcello
Robert and Kathy Dawson
Kam Johnsen
Sarah Scigo
Donald Dodge
Leann Kaffenberger
Gregory and Darolyn Seay
Joey Dominguez IV
Diane and Barry Kennedy
Barry Showalter
Jesse and Kim Dorman
Richard Kennedy
Suzanne Showers
Robert Dougherty
Jason Kennedy
Benjamin Simpson
Jeannene Douglass
Richard Kirchnavy
Kelsey Smilanic
Suzanne Drews
Irene Lager
Kim Smith
Roger Drews
Joanne Lahm
Shanel Stewart
Doug and Jackie Dunn
Craig Latscha
Kim Stiens
JoAnnDunn
Kelsi Leininger
Dawn Stoklasa
Edwin DuPree
Patricia Longley
David and Linda Sundberg
David and Heather Earnest
Robert and Cathy Ludwig
Jean Thrasher
Calvin Egger
Joel and Helen Lundak
WrickTomas
Long Bicentennial Fund update In early 2021, a $100,000 gift from Dr. Daryl and Peggy Long of Peru established the Bicentennial Fund. Their intent is, in part, to help alumni understand the tremendous power of investment earnings. As of December 31, 2021 the Long Bicentennial Fund had grown to $133,748.72, according to Foundation Interim Director Ted L. Harshbarger. And it's only just beginning. Their gift was invested in a mutual fund, with an unusual provision: it cannot be accessed by Peru State College until 2067, the 200th anniversary of the college's founding. By then it will have grown to millions. Doc Long, who taught at Peru State for half a century before retiring in 2017, also stipulated that by 2067 Peru State can use two-thirds of the balance, with the rest remaining invested for later harvest. It's a lesson Daryl and Peggy Long hope will encourage others to invest in Peru State College, in ways large or small.
The Stater 11
Family Creates New Scholarship Honoring Floyd and Doris Vrtiska The legacy of the late Sen. Floyd and Doris (Wagner '47) Vrtiska at Peru State College continues to grow with the establishment of the Floyd and Doris Wagner Vrtiska Scholarships. Gifts from their children, Mrs. Lori (Vrtiska '84) Seibel of Lincoln, Neb., Kim Vrtiska ('90) of Falls City, Neb., and Dr. Terri Vrtiska of Rochester, Minn. have created the scholarship endowment with the Peru State College Foundation. Two scholarships will be awarded this fall to students from either Pawnee or Nemaha Counties in Nebraska who major in education. Floyd and Doris Vrtiska were from Table Rock in Pawnee County, and their children all grew up there. The Vrtiskas already had an endowment with the Foundation to support Peru State students who intern in the Nebraska Legislature. Floyd Vrtiska was a state legislator from 1992-2004 and a fierce advocate for Peru State and southeast Nebraska. Doris Vrtiska passed away in 2007 and Floyd in 2020. Additional gifts to the scholarship fund and/or the legislative internship from friends and admirers of the Vrtiskas are always welcomed and can be gifted to the Peru State College Foundation. The College and Foundation are grateful to the Vrtiska family for their ongoing support.
Art In Pieces: Beyke's Unique Style By Jeremy Skiba, News Channel Nebraska
Pablo Picasso once said that "art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life." That statement is true for artist Rod Beyke ('93) of Stanton. Beyke is a retired art teacher who taught at Stanton, Auburn, Howells, and Dodge public schools in Nebraska. He put down the paintbrush and hung up his smock in 2019, retiring from the teaching life. Soon after, the Hastings native created an art studio in his garage at home and continued to make work in his retirement. Beyke specializes in a form of art he calls "painting with paper," an idea that a former student of his came up with. "I had a project where students do a similar project I came up with, and one of my students wanted to tear paper, rather than use scissors. I thought it looked really need and I stole her idea," Beyke said. "Gradually, it evolved from there." Beyke will shred magazine pages
through a paper shredder for little pieces that he glues onto his canvas to create an image. Each piece of artwork usually takes 35 to 40 hours to complete. The process took longer before his daughter and his son-in-law, who is an art teacher in Randolph, Neb. , bought him a paper shredder. He's created numerous pieces of work and says that making art is what keeps him going and busy in retirement. Wildlife, rock stars, and landscapes commonly are featured in his work. "Some people may look at me and think it's insanity, gluing little pieces of paper on a board, but it's what keeps me sane," Beyke said. "Everyone has talents that they are born with, God-given talents." Beyke and his wife Karen raised their family of four in Peru. You can stay up to date with his artwork and contact him on his Facebook page, Rod Beyke Art. (This article appears courtesy ofthe author and News Channel Nebraska. Kent Propst contributed to this story)
End-Of-2021 Campaign Makes For New Opportunities Thanks to 254 gracious individuals, the Peru State College Foundation had a successful end-of-year campaign to wrap up 2021. Over $95,000 was donated to the Foundation for a variety of causes - from various scholarships to athletics to the student center campaign to the areas of greatest need. The total was down slightly from the 2020 giving season at press time; however, gifts were still coming in. In 2020, over $99,000 was raised from 205 donors. The Peru State College Foundation truly appreciates all gifts as the supports allows all of us to change students' lives. Every gift, regardless of the amount, supports the important role the College plays in preparing students for their futures. There are many ways to give. Ifyou want to make a donation today, go to www.peru.edu/foundationlgiving and click on the highlighted "Give Online" link.
12 The Stater
Help a Young Bobcat Through Mentoring The Peru State College Career Services and TRiO/ SSS (Student Success Services) is partnering with the College's Foundation to build an alumni-student mentoring program. The mentoring program will be designed to be flexible in order to fit a variety of needs of both students and alumni. The offices are seeking alumni interested in either or both of the following: Mentoring- Connect with students to focus on career and personal development. Share your time and knowledge, offer ideas and advice based on real-world experience, help the mentee define goals and ways to achieve them. Flash Mentoring- Participate in one-time or short-term mentoring by answering on-off questions, participating in informational interviews, career panels, guest speaking, coffee talk, etc. For more information or to express your interest in participating, please contact: Dana (Briley) Stovall ('93). Career Services Specialist (dstovall@peru.edu or 402.872.2287); Peggy (Kreifels) Groff ('75), Student Intervention Coordinator (pgroff@ peru.edu) or 402.872.2438): or Ted L. Harshbarger ('77), Interim Director of the Peru State College Foundation (tharshbarger@peru.edu or 402.872.2304).
Alumni Excellence Award Set for April 14 . .. we hope! Peru State College and the Foundation initiated a new recognition program in 2019 with the inaugural Thousand Oaks Alumni Excellence Awards. The second, 2020 class was selected and preparations made .... . . .and then COVID happened. For recipients Jack Moles ('80), Lori (Vrtiska) Seibel ('84), Alec Gorynski ('07) and the late Pat Haverty (Masters '08), 2020 and '21 passed with no awards ceremony thanks to the pandemic. Fingers crossed and COVID permitting, they will at last be honored on the Peru State campus on Thursday, April 14 at 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. It is open to the public and will be held in conjunction with Peru State's Research and Creativity Expo.
Thousand Oaks Alumni Excellence Awards recognize outstanding alumni from the School of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs, School of Professional Studies and School of Education. Recipients have demonstrated exceptional service to the College or community and/ or demonstrated outstanding achievement in their career or their community. Alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the College may nominate alumni for this award using the form found on the peru.edu website; Alumni tab, search for Thousand Oaks Alumni Award.
Jack Moles, Class of 1980
Lori (Vrtiska) Seibel, Class of 1984
Alec Gorynski, Class of 2007
Patrick Haverty, Class of 2008
A long and distinguished career in Nebraska education continues for Jack Moles, currently Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association. Moles began his career with the Bartley (Neb.) Public Schools as a teacher and coach before adding administrative duties. He was high school and junior high principal at Arapahoe before spending a year as Superintendent for Amherst Public Schools, then 22 years as superintendent of the Nemaha.Valley Schools and Johnson County Central Public Schools. Now residing in Lincoln, Moles leads the NRCSA as it represents 199 school districts with more than 86,000 students, along with Educational Service Units and state colleges. NRCSA supports and promotes quality education programs for students in rural Nebraska. As the groups' Executive Director, Moles provides a direct voice in legislative matters, promotes active involvement of rural schools in state and national educational policy and program issues, and is the group's liaison with the Nebraska Department of Education, among other duties.
Early in her career, Lori (Vrtiska) Seibel was the epidemiologist for the City of Lincoln (Neb.), where she resides. She eventually transitioned, within city government, to serving as an assistant to two Lincoln mayors. In 1998 she was appointed the first President and CEO of the then-new Community Health Endowment of Lincoln (CHE). CHE was formed from the proceeds of the nearly $38 million sale of the former Lincoln General Hospital. Since then, CHE has grown to nearly $80 million, and, in addition, returned nearly $40 million in grants and awards to achieve CHE's vision of making Lincoln "the healthiest community in the nation." CHE invests in health-related projects and programs and convenes the community around important health issues. The native of Table Rock, Neb. has a masters degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is the daughter of the late Sen. Floyd and Doris (Wagner '47) Vrtiska, who hold a special place in Peru State College history.
Alec Gorynski ('07) recently joined the Lincoln (Neb.) Community Foundation as its President & Chief Executive Officer. Throughout his career, Gorynski has led efforts to maximize community impact through philanthropy, planning, and collaboration. He has more than 15 years of experience working across private, nonprofit, and government sectors includes most recently as the Vice President of Community Development and Corporate Philanthropy for First National Bank of Omaha, and as President of the First National Community Development Corporation. Previous roles include Vice President of Regional Community Affairs for Bank of the West. and Deputy Grant Administrator in the Omaha Mayor's Office. Born and raised in Lincoln, Gorynski obtained his bachelors degree in psychology and criminal justice at Peru State, and his masters from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Gorynski will lead the LCF through its next chapter and generation of growth and impact. The Lincoln Community Foundation has a long history of facilitating philanthropic partnerships for the benefit of Lincoln, and for leading the efforts to transform the community through its community leaderships initiatives such as Prosper Lincoln.
Pat Haverty (Masters '08) left a big mark wherever he went. Tragically, his upward path was cut short when he passed away in September 2020. He will be represented by family at the awards ceremony. Haverty was Vice President for the Lincoln (Neb.) Partnership for Economic Development when he died. The Partnership works to support the Lincoln business community through development, retention, expansion, entrepreneurship, and talent strategy. Haverty previously served as executive as executive director of the Nebraska City Economic Development group from 2005 -09, and as the city administrator for Nebraska City from 2009-11. He attended Peru State as an undergraduate, playing football for the Bobcats, before he transferred. Haverty returned to obtain his masters in 2008, and he served as an adjunct instructor for PSC from 2009 until his passing.
The Stater 13
Norman Parish: Peru's Greatest Journalist By Kent Propst ('81) It would be hard to dispute that
Norman Parish III ('81) of Chicago will go down in history as one of the greatest journalists Peru State College ever produced. While the college has produced numerous award-winning journalists, even though the program was never large - and the major was eliminated years ago - arguably, none boast a resume' like the current Deputy Managing Editor for the Chicago Sun-Times. Yet when quizzed about his career, Parish often turns the conversation to his other loves. The former Bobcat track and field athlete has been a volunteer coach for youth for most of his adult life. His work mentoring young black journalists, his church work, and a passion for the arts he credits to his late father Norman Parish Jr, are things for which Parish is equally proud. Parish heaps praise on the foundation he received from Peru State for much of his success. "Every student could have his or her own ideas and aspirations," he reminisced. "That's what the faculty wanted for you - they made you feel you could go out and conquer the world." Parish has certainly had his conquests in the world of journalism. He is in his
second stint at the Chicago Sun-Times. Previous posts were at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Arizona Republic, the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, and the Milwaukee Journal, to name a few. Ironically, Parish's double major at Peru State didn't include journalism. His undergraduate credentials are in Mass Communications, and in Speech and Drama. He later earned a Masters degree from Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville. Again, Parish credits Peru State with providing him with diverse opportunities and experiences. Performing in plays, writing for the Pedagogian student newspaper, DJing on the low-power campus radio station KPSC, running track, all have served him well during his career. As he reminisced about Peru recently, the names and memories came flooding back. Dr. Royal Eckert, Everett Browning, Dr. Myron Apilado, Paul Fell and Jerry Joy were among those he recalls for helping him along the way. Apilado, now deceased, was the Dean of Student Services when Parish was searching for a college; he remembers being impressed by the suave, articulate, sincere administrator, who played a major role in his decision to attend Peru. When asked about how he even found
out about the small, rural college in Southeast Nebraska, Parish credits his high school guidance counselor - and his father. His dad, worried about Parish's interest in his then-girlfriend, "wanted me to go away," he chuckles. In those pre-internet days, Parish filled out a questionnaire and his high school counselor fed the information into a computer. It generated a list of potential colleges, and his dad quickly developed an interest in Peru State. "Dad was all for it. It had everything I was interested in, plus economically it was
Robin Smith ('82)
Jeff Smith ('83)
Michael Johnson ('71) of Lone Tree, Colo. visits with Norman Parish during 2021 Homecoming activities.
very reasonable," he said. They learned that a number of Chicago students were enrolled too. "Peru at that time, like a lot of places, did have some racial issues," Parish reflected. "Not on campus, but in the community. The college itself provided a protective shell." After graduating from SIUE, Parish's career in journalism got off to an inauspicious start. "I was working at a Montgomery Wards and got a chance to write full-time for the weekly Chicago Citizen newspaper chain."
Edmond, Smiths New Foundation Officers Changes to leadership of the Peru State College Foundation were made at their November '21 meeting. Elton Edmond ('88, Masters '16) was elected vice chair, while Jeff ('83) and Robin (Nelson '83) Smith were added as co-assistant treasurers. All are residents of Lincoln, Neb. The Smiths will assist longtime co-treasurers Tim ('84) and Cindy (Plantenga '82) Hoffman, also of Lincoln. Jeff Greenwald ('71) of Lincoln continues as Foundation chair, with Al Urwin ('82) of LaVista, Neb. remaining as board secretary. Fritz Stehlik ('74) of Omaha was selected to lead the audit committee. Terri (Armknecht '92) of Auburn, Neb. agreed to join the investment committee. All terms are for one year.
14 The Stater
Elton Edmond ('88, Masters '16)
His first big break at a daily newspaper came in 1986 when Parish was hired by the Jackson (Tenn.) Sun. It was an eyeopener. "I did a lot of.stories dealing with race," he said. ''At that time there was a lot of carryover in western Tennessee from the Jim Crow era." There weren't a lot of black journalists in the area, and it's likely where Parish got his inspiration to mentor young black journalists. Parish also became involved in regional and state press associations, and began volunteering to coach at high schools and local clubs in track and field - a passion that cpntinues to this day. In 1987 he moved to Gary, Ind., to write for the local Post-Tribune. Two years later he relocated to Milwaukee, Wisc., to report for the then Journal (now JournalSentinel). It was an exciting but often times grim position. "I did a lot of reporting on urban affairs issues, urban violence. There were lots of shootings on the black side of town," he said. "I did a series on a family being raised in a violent neighborhood." His next stop was two years at the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. Ironically, one of his most notable assignments was writing a series of stories for them about serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, the "Mjlwaukee Monster," who murdered, dismembered, and cannibalized at least 17 victims. "Since I knew Milwaukee, and the story
I
was breaking, I was sent there to do a piece on my way to a convention," Parish said. "I ended up staying several weeks and writing a series of stories" that were award-winners. Next up was four years with the Arizona Republic in Phoenix, where his sister and mother had recently moved. "I wanted to cover politics and broaden my experience," he said. Parish covered the state legislature and state agencies. He also helped found a black journalists group there and served on the National Association of Black Journalists board. He followed that up with is longest stint, ten years with the St. Louis PostDispatch. His wife Valerie is from St. Louis and wanted to move home, and their daughter Ashley grew up there. "I covered a zillion different beats," he chuckles. "We bought a home. I started running again, for the first time since Peru, and began competing in 'senior' meets. Our daughter started in track - I didn't want her to!," he laughs. "I wanted her to go into speech and drama or something." After a decade, it was his tern to move home when he was hired by the Chicago Sun-Times and stayed for eight years. "It was a dream of mine to work there, I read the paper as a kid. Just a great experience - I mean, (famed film critic) Roger Ebert worked there. "It was great to be back in Chicago," but changes were coming. His parents and parents-in-law died. And print journalism
was in decline, a trend that continues, to his concern. Eventually, he took a buyout. "I was depressed," Parish admits, and took a few months off, then he joined a daily suburban publication, the Daily Southtown, first as a news editor and then as metropolitan editor until 2019. He continued his volunteer activities - track, arts, mentoring young journalists, church. That fall he experienced an opportunity to combine two of his greatest passions journalism, and mentoring youth - when he joined the organization Report for America. Parish recrl.lited prospective journalists, including those of color. It grew from 60 to 300 journalists, who had opportunities to sharpen their craft and be placed in newsrooms. Last fall Parish returned to the SunTimes as Deputy Managing Editor of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/ Administration and Planning. When asked which job was his favorite, he laughed. "I guess I'd better say the one I'm doing now! But it's great to help shape the newspaper. Diversity and Inclusion wasn't even a 'thing' when I started. "I have more impact now than at any other time my career," he added. Parish has no plans to retire anytime soon - he has too much drive. 'Tm thankful someone still thinks I can contribute. But eventually I'll probably be that little old guy at the local supermarket, bagging groceries . . .honestly, I think ifI
hit the lottery, I'd still work." In the meantime, Parish is busy on a documentary about his father. The elder Parish was the proverbial "starving artist" while working other jobs in Chicago, but eventually came to run his own gallery in Washington, D .C. ''About the time I left for Peru, his career began to take off," Parish said. His D.C. gallery, now closed, featured black artists and works depicting the black world. He's the executive producer and has been, with others, hard at work on it for three years. They hope to wrap it up this spring and premiere it in Washington, D.C. this year. Again, Parish gives a lot of credit to Peru for his willingness to take on the project. "I've never done anything like it, but I'm always eager to learn new things. When this is done, I'll find something else to work on." In addition, that is, to his volunteer coaching, mentoring aspiring young journalists, and church work. Not to mention spending time with wife Valerie, a banking clerk, and daughter Ashley, a pharmacist. Of course, there's also the day job at the Sun-Times. ''As Doc Eckert said when I graduated, 'Don't look back, look forward'." But with a career and life like his, one can't blame him for a fond look back as the years pass by.
National Alwnni Association Back Up and
Bobcat Hall of Fame Nominations Welcomed
Running
Peru State College athletes, coaches, teams and others have been honored as inductees into the College's Athletic Hall of Fame for their superlative achievements. They represent a legion of Bobcats who have contributed not only to Peru State's rich athletic tradition, but also to their respective communities. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee meets annually in late April to make selections for the upcoming fall induction ceremonies. The committee is comprised of distinguished alumni and friends. Members represent each decade of Bobcat athletics • from 1950 through the 2000s. The committee's primary mission is to select individuals, coaches, teams, and those deserving of meritorious service, from a pool of nominees, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Nominations are accepted through April 1 of each year in order for a nominee to be vetted by the committee. To nominate an individual or team for induction, please print and compete the nomination form available at https://bit.ly/3HhfuJg. Completed forms and supporting documentation should be submitted to the Peru •State College Foundation by email at pscfoundation@peru.edu or by mail at Hall of Fame, c/o Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421. Questions, please call 402-872-2304. For more information about the Hall ofFame, view the site at www.pscbobcats.com/ honors/hall-offame.
After almost a two-year absence due to die coronavirus and other changes, the Peru State College National Alumni Association (NAA) is back up and running. The NAA's mission is to promote the unique legacy of Peru State College through lifelong involvement. The Board of Directors met in December to restart the NAA and to discuss future plans for uniting Bobcat alumni while helping maintain and supporting Nebraska's first college. Members of the Board heard from President Michael Evans and his wife, Joanna, on their backgrounds, as well as their thoughts on how their first six months had gone. In addition, Dr. Evans shared many ideas for the future betterment of Peru State. Kim Vrtiska ('90), Falls City, Neb. was elected to serve as chair of the NAA. Joining him in leadership roles are Elton Edmond ('88), Lincoln, Neb. as chair-elect and Mark Czapla ('87), Unadilla, Neb. as secretary/treasurer. The NAA welcomes any ideas, comments, or thoughts from the Bobcat alumni. They may be submitted to the Peru State College Foundation at pscfoundation@peru.edu or by mail at PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010.
The Stater 15
Winter Sports Updates and Highlights By the time this issue of the Stater is published, the winter sports teams will either have wrapped up their seasons or will be close to doing so. The men's basketball team was 10-13 at the time of this release having played a rigorous schedule which included a pair of exhibition games against NCAA Division I opponents. The Bobcats were still in the hunt for a post-season Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) berth with six conference games remaining. Likewise, the Bobcat women's basketball team was still looking for a Heart postseason berth with seven conference games left on the schedule. Peru State was 8-13 overall at the time of this writing. Both the cheer and dance teams continue to make strides in their third and second actual years, respectively, as competitive teams. Each team will have participated in several invitationals with the ultimate goal of making their respective national championship competitions. The Bobcat bowling teams will also be concluding their season by the time this issue is published. The history-making teams and individuals will look to continue their efforts and earn high finishes in the conference tournament which could result in a national berth. To see how the winter sports teams seasons finished up, go to: www.pscbobcats.com.
A First for Women's Bowling Kassidy Haberman made Peru State women's bowling history as she became the first Bobcat women's bowler to be named to an all-tournament team. Haberman finished fourth overall in the individual bowling competition at the Morningside Invitational this past December. Haberman (Sioux Falls, S.D.) bowled games of 155, 213, 158, 181, 176, and 190 for the fledgling program. Her six-game • average was a 178.8 and netted her a spot on the all-tournament team. Kassidy Haberman
A Moving Performance The Peru State dance team made a little history in the 2021-22 competition season. The Bobcats, including (from left) Isabella Watkins, Haven Appel, Grace Greenwood, and Azlyn Fendrick (partially hidden) competed in the Universal Dance Association National Championship in Orlando, Aa. in January and captured ninth place in the championship round in the porn division. Coached by Noah Roddy, the squad is in only its second season as a competitive sport at PSC.
Football Defense One of the Best in the Country, Best Against Run At the conclusion of the '21 season, the defensive side of the Peru State football team was among the NAIA's elite. In the regular season the Bobcat defense gave up just 211.3 total yards per game, which was second in the NAIA. Opposing teams averaged 154.3 pass yards per game, good for fourth in the NAIA. No NAIA team was better against the run than the Bobcats. The Peru State defense gave up a paltry 57.0 rushing yards per game for best in the country. The Bobcats tied for fourth in the NAIA in sacks with 36 on the year. Peru State under Coach Casey Creehan finished the 2021 season going 7-4 overall and 3-2 in the Heart North Division.
In Search Of Class of 1952 'Lost' It's been awhile since the Class of '52 left Peru State to build their lives and careers. Somewhere along the way, we've lost track of many- including graduates and former students listed below. Please help us update our records if you can by sending updates/addresses on any of the following. You can reach us by email at pscfoundation@peru.edu, by phone at 402-8722304 weekdays, or by mail at Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE. 68421-0010. Cecelia Augustyn Marceille Badberg Betty (Howard) Berry Corinne Burger Marjorie (Strayer) Busch Ruth Coe Elizabeth Downey Vincent Frederick Eunice Freed
16 The Stater
Nadine (Sodmann) Gobber Betty (Auxier) Grossenbacher Charles Hall Marlene (Boardman) Johnson Art Lindsey Kenneth McMaster Marvin Michels Marilynn (Foss) Mitchell Ernest Otis
Phyllis (Howell) Petereit Donna (McFadden) Peterson William Santiago Mary (Kavanaugh) Sharp Robert Startzer Merritt Swinney Mary Taylor Eunice Todd Roy Volz
Men's Bowling Makes History The Peru State men's bowling team made Bobcat athletic history last November when they captured their firstever tournament title in just their second year of competition. The 'Cats won the Bronco Open hosted by Hastings College in Hastings. Peru State went into the playoff round as the second seed after their six individual games on Saturday and 16 Baker-style games on Sunday. Peru State topped Morningside in the Issac Skalak finals in a best-of-five competition. It came down to the final frame before the 'Cats pulled out the win. Members of the winning team were Isaac Skalak (Lincoln), John Baeten (Topeka, Kan.), Zach Phillips (Topeka, Kan.), Creyton Nisley (Hutchison, Kan.), and Kyle Millet (Ogden, Kan.). Later, Skalak became the first Bobcat bowler to become an individual champion. He did as the team participated in the Mustang Invitational hosted by Morningside in Sioux City, Iowa, on December 4. He bowled games of 224, 255, 212, 202, 199, 213 for a sixgame average of 218 and was named to the all-tournament team.
Birkle Earns Academic AllDistrict Honors The 2021 Academic All-District®Volleyball Teams, selected by CoSIDA (College Sporrs Information Directors ofAmerica), recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom. r Peru State volleyball senior Cheyenne Birkle (Holden, Mo.) was among those recognized on the NAIA District 3 Team. A 5-6 libero, Birkle played in all 33 of the Bobcat Cheyenne Birkle h th" mate es 1s season. She led the team in digs with 497 while averaging 4.44 digs per set. In addition, she added 19 service aces and 67 assists. The CoSIDAAcadernicAll-America®program separately recognizes football and volleyball honorees in four divisions - NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and the NAIA. A K-12 health and physical education major, Birkle was the only Heart ofAmerica Athletic Conference volleyball player to earn the first team honors. Birkle is the first Bobcat volleyball player to earn all-district honors since 2016. The CoSIDAAcadernicAll-District" teams are divided into geographic districts across the United States and Canada.
T{'. / &.J
Dittman Earns Repeat Academic All-America Honor In December, Peru State graduate student Dylan Dittman (Omaha) earned his second-straight CoSIDA Academic All-America®First Team recognition for Bobcat football. Dittman, the Bobcats' starting center for the past four years, was the only football player from the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) to earn the honor. He helped lead the offensive line Dylan Dittman and the team which averaged 260.7 yards per game of offense while producing their first winning season since 2017. The summa cum laude graduate was a social science education major. This spring, Dittman is completing a long-term substitute teaching position in the Rock Port, Mo. school district. The four-year starter was also a two-time Campbell Trophy Semifinalist. In addition, he will be a three-time NAIA and Heart -Scholar-Athlete. Dittman was very involved in several community service activities while on campus.
Devin Adams Named to AFCA All-America First Team For the first time in eight years, the Bobcat football team has a first team All-America honoree. Peru State's Devin Adams (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) was named to the All-America First Tearn Defense by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). The 5-11, 262-pound Devin Adams sophomore defensive lineman is the first Bobcat to earn the honor since Tyler Ford ('15, Lincoln, Neb.) was named All-America Offense First Team as a tackle in 2013. _ Adams was third on the Bobcat team in total tackles with 43. He had nine solos and led the team in sacks with seven and tackles for loss with 17. At the end of the season, Adams was named the Heart ofAmerica Athletic Conference (Heart) North Division Defensive Player of the Year. Also, Adams earned Heart Offense First T earn honors as a punter. The Bobcats finished the season with a 7-4 mark - their best since 2017. The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best - the coaches themselves.
The Stater 17
Kyle Pond named Bobcat Associate Athletic Director
Kyle Pond
Peru State College has announced that Kyle Pond is the new Associate Athletic Director for Bobcat Athletics. Pond began
his duties at Peru State in January. Pond noted, "We could not be happier to be here at Peru State. From the first interview it was clear that Peru is full of genuine people, and it just felt like home. We are grateful for the opportunity and really looking forward to our future at • Peru State." Wayne Albury, Athletic Director at Peru State commented, "Bobcat athletics will benefit from the energy and administrative skill Kyle brings to our programs. Kyle has hit the ground running and is already making a difference." Pond previously served as Associate
Athletic Director at Southwestern College where he managed all aspects of the athletic department including coaching hires, development, recruiting and compliance management. Prior to this he served as the Assistant Athletic Director, the Champions of Character Liaison and as Head Men's Soccer Coach at Southwestern. He has also had experience with Sterling College as the Assistant Soccer Coach. He received a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Ste~ling College. Pond is joined in Nebraska by his wife, Jordan, and two children.
Fangman Named Sports Information Director at Peru State
Tyler Fangman
Peru State College has announced that Terrance "Tyler" Fangman III is the new Sports Information Director for Bobcat Athletics. Fangman began his duties at Peru State in January.
- Fangman writes, "I am excited to begin my professional career here at Peru State College as they have competitive athletics and wonderful facilities. I look forward to working in the athletic department to showcase all of our athletics and adding to some of the top programs in the Heart of America • Athletic Conference and the NAIA." Wayne Albury, Athletic Director at Peru State writes, "Tyler is a great story teller and a dependable communicator. I am looking forward to growing the audience for Peru State athletics with him." Fangman was previously employed by
University of Nebraska-Omaha athletics and as a Sportswriter for the Saturday Tradition covering all 14 schools in the Big Ten, and communicating with managing editors. He also worked as a producer and as an on-air host for Nebraska Football and the men's and women's basketball programs with KRNU. Fangman also worked as a producer, writer and host for th~ UNLimited Sports daily podcast. Fangman earned a bachelor's degree in Sports Media and Communication from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Spring ~ports Have Busy Schedules . .. Weather, Pandemic Permitting The Peru State baseball, softball, and women's golf teams practiced hard over the winter and while doing so mainly indoors, the teams are looking forward to getting on their fields or courses to show what they have accomplished. By the time this article is published, the Bobcat baseball team may already have played 20 games - that is, if Mother Nature permits them to do so. Peru State opened its season in January and was scheduled to have played every weekend into the spring. The 'Cats are looking to improve upon
their 26-28 -1 overall mark and their 20-10 Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) record from 2021. The Bobcats have several returners to go along with a good recruiting class, with their eyes on a return to the national tournament. The Peru State softball team was scheduled to open its 2022 campaign late in February against several non-conference opponents before opening Heart play in the middle of March. The Bobcats made significant strides last year after having the 2020 season basically wiped out by the coronavirus
18 The Stater --- - - - -
pandemic. Peru State finished 17-31 in 2021 and 11-22 in the Heart while just missing the post-season conference tournament. The very young women's golf team will compete in several tournaments this spring which will culminate with participation in the Heart Championship at the end of April. The team has just one senior on the squad to go along with one sophomore and six freshmen. For updates on Bobcat athletics, please go to: www.pscbobcats.com.
Wanted: Lost Alums, Class of'92 We hope you can help put the following members of the Class of '92 back on the mailing list for the Peru Stater. Shelly Abel Renee (Jordan) Bilstein Michael Black Dawn Carlson Nancy Carnahan Lisa (Hytrek) Cecil Susan (Stoll) Clayton Michael Constantino Brian Dawley Morris Freedman Kerry Frields Jeffrey Gall Larry Golka Deborah (Elmlinger) Grosser Deanna (Swales) Hansen Robert Hansen Kurt Hasley Ken Hatten Cynthia (Higer) Higer Whitney (Nielsen) Jackson David Johnson David Jones Greg Kotas Shana Leggett Lisa (Gottula) Lockwood Michelle (Marschman) Luethke Ursula McLendon James Murphy Sheri Noordam Bridget O'Neil Shawna Ploog Joel Rabe Warren Roberts Lori (Brammer) Russell Theresa (Taylor) Schafers Sean Scheutz Kurt Schulte David Smith Caroline(Hunzeker) Stephenson Beverly Stokebrand Sandra Zabel Ulysses Zeigler
Follow the Bobcats at pscbobocats.com!
Bobcat forward Isaac Simpson fires a three pointer last fall in Peru State's exhibition game against the Nebraska Corn huskers in Lincoln. He is a 6'8 senior from Papillion, Neb.
Look at Those Bobcats Go!
1990s
1950s
Jodi (Hytrek) Becker ('91) ofNeshkoro, WJS. has been named superintendent of schools for the Almond-Bancroft School District in Almond, WJS. Jodi previously wmked for 24 years in education as a high school English teacher and as a director of instruction.
The lace Bobcat football great Bob Lade ('54) and the lace former Peru Scace assistant coach Paul Gilbert have been honored by Tarkio (Mo.) Tech by having a scholarship named in their honor, alongwith former Tarkio College foocball standout Al Reynolds. Lade was a standout on unbeaten PSC reams in 1952 and '53, when Gilbert coached alongside Al Wheeler. Lade and Gilbert lacec coached cogethec at Tarkio College. JaAnn (White '58) Rademacher and husband Earl, long time educarors and residents of Kearney; Neb. were humbled robe named K.iwanians of2021 by the Golden K Kiwanis. The couple volunteers at Kiwanis programs chat involve education and were recogniz.ed for their community involvement.
1960s Mike Guilliatt ('67) was recogniz.ed as the 2021 professional advisor of the year by the FrecnontArea Community Foundation. Mike has been in the business of financial planning for ovec 40 years. He served a lengthy teem as a Peru Scace College Foundation board mecnber. 1970s
Dennis Williams ('75) ofScella, Neb. was recogniz.ed by the Nebraska High School Officials Association in November 2021 for serving as a volleyball referee for ovec 25 years. Ted L. Harshbarger ('77) ofHumboldc, Neb. was recognized by the Nebraska High School Officials Association in Novecnber 2021 for serving as a volleyball referee for over 25 years. He is interim Executive Director of the Peru Scace Foundation.
1980s Kevin Mowery ('89) recently cook a new position as a mortgage loan advisor with Fairway Independent Morc,,oage Corporation in Omaha, Neb. Kim Schreiner ('85) recently retired from the Scace ofNebraska Depanment oflabor and is now pursuing a Mascec of Divinity degree at Phillips Theological Secninacy.
Nebraska native and Lincoln, Neb. resident Timothy R. Mittan ('86) has been named the director of the Nebraska District of the U.S. Small BusinessAdminisrration Office. He spent three years as associate director for the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Cencec of the SBA, located in Long Beach, Cali£ Based in Omaha, the Nebraska District Office oversees 10 SBA Development Center service locations, five SCORE locations, and two SBA-Funded Women's Business Centers.
20 The Stater
Jim Gilbert ('93) ofHolcomb, Kan. will be inducted inro the Nebraska Eight-Man Football Hall of Fame in June. Gilbert rushed for more than 5,000 yards for Table Rock (Neb.) High in the rnid-1980s. Kenneth Myers ('93), math instructor ac Peru Scace, was appointed co the Sidney; Iowa, city council. His experience as an educator, principal and previous experience as a city council mecnber will bring a fcesh perspective, according ro Sidney Mayor Petet Johnson. Richard Carlson ('96) ofWahoo, Neb. celebrated his 25th annivecsacy as a score director with Spartan Nash Company in January. 2000s Darin Garfield ('01, Masters '16) will be recogniz.ed Friday, March 11, ac the Pinnacle BankArena in Lincoln, Neb. during the halfcime of the Class A Girls Scace Basketball Championship as the NFHS NSAA Scace Wrestling Coach of the Year for 2020-21. Garfield has caught and coached at Cencral City for many years. Ryan Hogue ('01) ofKeamey; Neb. was honored as the Region N Assistant Principal of the Year by the Nebraska Association of Secondary School Principals in November 2021. Gary Mercer ('05) was nominated by one of his students and selected by the radio station STAR 104.5 in Omaha, Neb. as Teacher ofthe Week Gary has caught eighth grade history for 16 years and is currently at Lewis and Clark middle School in Bellevue, Neb. Aaron Thumann ('05, Masters '11) of Fremont, Neb. has been named head varsity foocball coach at Bellevue East High School.
Peru Scace cross country CoachJames Cole ('07) has been promoted co Major in the NebraskaArmy National Guard. Wade Coulter ('07) ofLincoln, Neb. was recently named the new head girls baskecball coach at the one of Lincoln's newest high schools- Lincoln Norchwesc-which will open next full. Alec Gorynski ('07) was named president and CEO of the Lincoln Community Foundation. LCF works to improve Lincoln's quality of life and foster community collaboration to address challenges and opportunities. Skyler Johnson ('09) of Omaha helped make Nebraska history recently. He, along with fellow alum Fred Whitted ('11), were part of the first all-black crew co officiate a Nebraska School Activities Association
semifinal foocball game this past full. Johnson and Whitced were among the founders of Peru State's Black Student Union during their days on campus.
Sydney Annbruster ('19) graduated in December from the University ofNebraska Medical Cencec in the mascec of physician assistant program.
Kristen (Delaware attd. '13-'16) and Cody (attd. '11-'15) Sullivan welcomed the arrival of their first child, son Casen James in December.
2010s
Marissa (Wusk) Vinsky ('19) was recently selected co participate in the University of Nebraska at Kearney's 'Women Investing in Nebraska" grant for Head Scare preschool programs. Wusk, an eatly childhood development coordinator for Southeast Nebraska Community Action, will be provided with four tuition-free, graduate-level courses designed co increase Head Scare educator's knowledge about appropriate STEM activities for preschool-age children.
Allison (Slager '09) Dworak and husband Adam of Plattsmouth, Neb., welcomed the arrival ofEvan Warren in January.
Brice King ('11) has been named the superintendent at Humphrey Public School (Neb.).
Fred Whitted ('11) made history this full when he, along with fellow alum Skyiec Johnson ('09), were part of the first all-black crew to officiate a Nebraska School Activities Association playoff semifinal foocball game. Whitted and Johnson were among the founders of Peru State's Black Student Union during their days on campus. Curtis Larsen ('14) has been named the new head football coach for Plattsmouth High School (Neb.). Daniel Borst ('15) ofMoreno Valley; Cali£ has been promoted to lead pecsonal trainer at Anytime Fitness. Daniel is currently working on launching a program co help high school achletes in their pursuit of college scholarships. Jazmin (Hernandez) Borst ('16) was recently named program director with Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program in Moreno Valley; Cali£ Jazmin provides individual, family and group counseling for chose who are dealing with substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Eric Behrens, who was head men's basketball coach at Peru Seate from 2014-17, is stepping down as boys basketball coach at Omaha Cencral High at the end of the season. He will be achletic director at the new Omaha Westview High..Behrens has amassed nearly 400 victories and seven state Class A (largest dass) championships during his years at Cencral. Ben Watkins ('17) was a defensive graduate assistant coach for the Fresno Seate Bulldogs (Cali£) football team this past year. The Bulldogs won the New Mexico Bowl over the University ofTexas El Paso and finished with cen wins on the season. Ben, a native of Omaha, played foocball for Peru Scace and was a four-year letter winner. Alexandra Kinney ('18), a student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, has been awarded the Rex Higley and Cora Mae Briggs scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonsrrace academic excellence and professional promise. Hannah (Baldacci) Lindsay ('18) recently accepted a position as the foundation coordinator for the Faith Regional Health Services Hospital in Norfolk, Neb. Thomas Norvell ('18) accepted a position with Baird Holm LLP. Thomas works in the Finance and Creditors' Rights section. Tanner Fischer ('19) is now a counselor with the Tripp-Delmont School District in Delmont, S.D.
2020s Brad Rose ('20) has accepted a graduate assistant position for Scren,,ach and Conditioning at Morehead Seate University (Ky.).
Bobcats In Love! Whitney Higgins (attd. '05-'07) and Brad Kalkwarfwere married October 2021 in Nebraska City, Neb. Gustavo Arcia (attd. '10-'12) and Sofia Carolina were married in November 2021. Brooke Earnest ('14) and Dustin Gerdes ('16) were married in November 2021. Nicholas Lechtenberg ('18) and Cassie Watts were married in December 2021. Michael Tackett ('10, Master's '20) and Rachel Cottier were married in January. Michael is a high school math teacher at Bellevue Ease (Neb.). Taylor Thompson ('20) ofNorfolk, Neb. and Tianyuan 'Johnny" Zhang were married in January.
Bobcat Babies Dr. Tyree Sejkora ('02) and husband Cole Witchauerwelcomed a baby girl in January, Kora Dayvie Witchauer. Lance Meyer ('11) and wife Leah of Sc. Paul, Minn. welcomed their baby boy, Conrad Arthur Meyer, in November. Anthony Traynor ('12) and wife Chelsie ofValley, Neb. welcomed a baby girl in November. Nicolette (Dannelly '13) and Tyler Coble welcomed a baby girl, Vaeda Louise, in November co their Platte Center, Neb. Home. Ryan Grabowski ('13) and wife Anne ('14) ofKearney, Neb. welcomed a baby girl in November, Averie Jane. Mallory (Hull '15) and Logan ('16) Paben welcomed a baby boy co their Omaha family in December, Ledger James. Elizabeth (Bowman '18) Brahm and husband Devon ofSwanton, Neb. welcomed baby girl Charlycce Virginia Jane into their family in December.
Peru Scace College assistant professor of psychology Dr. Kelli Gardner and dean of student life Dr. Matthew Thielen welcomed a baby boy, Charlie, in November. Emeritus Professor of English Dr. Bill Clemente and wife Dr. Linda Clemente welcomed their first grandchild, Malakai, in December.
Peru Scace senior admissions counselor Ashleigh Eickhoff and husband Adam are proud parents of a baby boy. Harrison Alfced joined their family of five in December. Peru Scare assistant professor of English Charles Hicks and academic adviser Skye Hicks welcomed Eleanor Lee into their family in December.
Bobcats We Will Miss. .. 1940s
Phyllis R. (Quick) McGill ('41) ofLincoln, Neb. passed away November 2021. Phyllis was an avid bridge and pinochle player, as well as, an avid reader.
Word has been received chat V-12 Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Robert JWeimer (attd. mid-40s) passed away An,,<>ust 2021. Bob was an internationally known geologist, tead1ec, influential researcher and innovative explorationist. Marjorie (Griffin) Schuett (attd. '46), longtime resident ofFremont, Neb., passed away in January. Margaret May (Spellman) Harrold ('47) ofAdams, Neb. passed away last December. Margaret started her teaching career in a one room school house near Pickrell, Neb. She retired in 1990 after teaching at Adams, Neb for nearly 30 years. Carol Elizabeth (Wanrow) Koerner ('48) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away October 2021. Carol taught in rural schools in Pawnee County. Afi:er moving co Lincoln she worked for Goodyear for 30 years. Gerald E. Clayburn (~9) of Oelwein, Iowa passed away June 2021. Jerry was a teacher and coach, as well as a vice principal. Afi:er retiring from teaching he established the Clayburn Construction Company. Jerry had a keen interest in history, was an orchardist and an active community member. Beverly (Hauptman) Dea ('49) of Shelby, Iowa passed away last December. While a student at Peru Stare Beverly met hec late husband, Donald ('50) at a Valentine's Day dance.
Word has been received chat Verna Mae
(Hahn) Lang ('49) passed away in April 2021. 1950s
Word has been received chat Verne Meier ('50) of McLean, Va. passed away June 2021. After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and became a submariner. Verne went on co have a fulfilling career as an electrical engineer working for NASA, Boeing and GE. Eilene (Seethe) Thiesfeld ('Si) ofLincoln, Neb. passed away lase December. Eilene caught elementary school and was an active volunteer. Donna Rae (Callaway) Thoms ('Si) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in November 2021. Donna and her husband Gerald ran Thoms Enterprise, a feed, fertilizer and propane business, for 26 years. Charlene Mae (Hestennan) Schafer ('52)
ofMorongo Valley, Calif passed away in November 2021. Swenson Award winner Dean A. Thiesfeld ('52) ofLinc.oln, Neb. passed away October 2021. Dean caught school, served in the National Guard and worked in the insurance business where he evencually become the Vice President ofBlakely Crop Hail Insurance Co. Word has been received chat Roger Weberg (attd.'55) of Mesa, Ariz. passed away in November 2021. Roger caught PE and health and roached. He also was a baseball sc.ouc for the Achletics, Twins and the Reds. Roger Kiekhaefer (attd. '54-'55) passed
away lase Decembec. Roger owned and operated many Falls City, Neb. businesses throughout the years. He also was very active in the Falls City c.ommunity chat he loved and was awarded the c.ommunity Distinguished Service Award. Gwendolyn "Gwen" (Hays) Vaughn ('56)
passed away lase Dec.ember. Gwen caught business and typing cla= at Auburn (Neb.) High School for over 30 years. Dr. Donald L Niemeier ('57) ofAmelia,
Ohio passed away Sepcernber 2021. Don caught math and science and roached in Iowa, California, Ohio, Florida and Germany and impacted many lives as an educator. He also served in administrative roles at Wittenberg University, Ohio and West Liberty University, W Va. Eleanor (Bentzinger) Tehee ('57) ofLinc.oln, Neb. passed away in October 2021. Nancy (Rinne) Kasbohm (attd. '57-'58)
ofNebraska City passed away in January. She was baptized and c.onfirmed at Bechel United ChurchofCbrisc. She was amuse in Columbus (Neb.) and Nebraska City, and lacer worked at the Educational Service Unit there and ac the Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center. Word has been received chat Ruth (Ballard) Lindsey ('58) ofBrookings, S.D. passed away in Occober, 2020. Ruch caught school and
while living in Germany for the Department of the Army. She also worked for South Dakota Scace University for over 20 years. Jerry L Payne ('58) passed away lase De-
c.ember. Jercy attended Peru Scace after serving as a Navy c.orpsman during the Korean Wac. He caught for over 40 years at Hamburg and Algona, Iowa.
for over 30 years.
at Meservey-Thornton High School.
Janet (Gauchet) Biennan ('651 a longtime
Jeff had a great love for his students and athletes and was greatly loved in renun by chem.
Hastings, Neb. resident, passed away in November 2021. Janee was employed by Hastings Public Schools for many years and caught in the same Alc.ott Elementary room for 25 years. Ralph E. Shaffer ('66) ofShenandoah, Iowa
Evelyn (Stirba, Hermsmeier) Rahe ('58) of
passed away in November 2021. Ralph was a
DeWitt, Neb. passed away in January at the age of 100. Evelyn caught for over 40 years. Evelyn loved music, c.omposing songs and was known for playing the a=rdion. She helped organize and played in cheA=rdion Jamboree at the Wilber (Neb.) Czech Festival.
music teacher for 35 years, who was loved by his students, and was a well-known area piano tuner for some 50 years.
1960s Clyde Haskins ('60) ofOmaha, Neb.
passed away lase Dec.ember. Clyde caught and roached in Genoa before going into the banking business. He was the Executive Vice President ac Geneva Scace Bank for many years. Chris A. Salberg ('60) ofSpringfield, Neb.
passed away in October 2021. Chris caught for 35 years ac Placceview (Neb.) High School. He also roached baseball, crack, basketball and football. Before he retired he was the achletic director and a.5filStailt principal. Leonard Allgood ('6i) of Papillion, Neb.
passed away in January. Leonard was a '53 graduate of Peru Prep. He was a Papillion-LaV!Sta science teacher for 36 years and served as department chair. Leonard was a legend in the school system for frequently setting off fire alarms after demonstrating a chemical reaction, as well as, for his 'how much dire is in the hole' extra credit test question. Annabelle (Ross) Anderson (attd.'6i) of
Shenandoah, Iowa passed away November 2021. Lynn Osterholm ('6i1 longtime educator in Omaha, passed away in Sepcernber 2021. Lynn caught machernatics in OPS and Ralscon Public Schools, and along with his wife the former Pauline Kish ('59) were active in Peru Stace's Omaha Alumni Association. Larry Hausman ('62) of Pore Calhoun,
Neb. passed away March 2021. Larey played football and was a four-year letterman at Peru Scace. He caught and coached football as well as wrestling, gymnastics, and swimming. Victor R. Bade ('63) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in January. He had a 43 year teaching career which included 39 years at Beatrice Public Schools. Victor also sold seed for 22 years and farmed for neatly 30 years. Melissa Jarecke ('64) passed away Novem-
ber 2021. Melissa worked for over 53 years in real estate and believed helping people find homes was her vocation. Mary Patricia Sheehan ('64) of Elko, Nev.
passed away October 2021. Pac caught school
L Darlene (Hahn) O'Brien ('67) of Geneva, Neb. passed away in November 2021. Darlene devoted 40 years of her life co teaching and was a substitute for an additional nine years.
James (Jim) Findlay (attd. '67-'70) of
Stella, Neb. passed away in January. He was a life-long farmer in the Scella area. One ofhis annual highlights was co hose a gathering for July4 fireworks.
1980s Dar1ene (Kolacny) Warnick ('88) of Auburn Neb., formerly a long time resident ofTable Rock Neb passed away November 2021. 20i0s
Adam F. Hestennann (attd. 'i3- 'i5) of Auburn, Neb. passed away November 2021. Adam was a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Poscal Service.
2020s Elsie Magwire (attd. '20-'21) ofNorfolk, Neb. passed away in October, 2021. Elsie was involved in track and was a state qualifier all four years at Boyd County High School (Neb.). She also was a powetlifcer and was a scare, national and world rec.ord holder.
Louise (Lundstedt) Smith ('68) ofBraymer, Mo. passed away in January. Louise was an English teacher and librarian for Braymer High School.
Ryan R. Byrd (attd. '19-'2i) of Fairbury, Neb. passed away in January. He was seeking a psychology degree with a minor in ale.oho! and drug c.ounseling. He was on the College's Dean's Lise.
Gary D. Schoenrock ('69) ofLinc.oln, Neb.
Friends We Will Miss
passed away in October 2021. 1970s
Donna Dee (Farson) Fenske ('70, Masters '04) ofPawnee City, Neb passed away
November 2021. Deedee touched the lives of many during her neatly 30 years as a teacher. Harlan Glathar ('70) ofAuburn, Neb. passed away lase Decembec. Harlan raised cattle and was a long time farmer in southeast Nebraska. Janet Frana ('7i) ofNebraska City, Neb.
passed away lase Dec.ember. Janee worked at the Otoe County Treasurer's Office for over 30years. Janine Hauschild ('74) ofLinc.oln, Neb
passed away November 2021. Janine caught for a number ofyears and then worked in retail. Thomas C. Ridenour ('69) passed away
November 2021. Tom held the title of#1 rebounder in Nebraska high school boys basketball for many years. Tom caught and roached in Colorado and Nebraska. Dale Thomas (attd. '78-'79) ofAuburn Neb. passed away lase Decembec. Dale was the announcer for Bobcat football for many years through chis past season. Dale was known for his quick wit, unending support of his c.ommunicy, and kind heart. Ronald Bridges ('75) passed away in November 2021. Ron was teacher and roach as well as a machinist for 25 years, as he loved working with his hands. Jeffrey J. Tudor ('77) ofThomcon, Iowa
passed away lase Dec.ember. Jeff played football ac Peru Scace. He caught and roached
Patricia Gilbert ofLas Vegas, Nev. passed away in August, 2021. Pac was a volleyball roach and instructor at Peru Seate in 1977- 78. Mar1ene J<Yj ofLas Vegas, Nev. passed away August, 2021. Marlene was a scar achlece at Shubert High School (Neb.). She couched many lives through teaching and c.oaching women's achletics. Marlene was the Director ofWomen's Achletics at Peru Seate from 1976-78. Jennifer Reeves ofAuburn, Neb., wife of Peru Scace Director ofFacility Services Darrin Reeves, passed away lase Decembec.
Friend of Peru Scace Henry "Hank" DeKoning ofBurchard, Neb. passed away November 2021 after reaching the age of 100.
Help Reconnect
Class of'72 During Homecoming next fall, the Class of '72 will be invited to reunite to celebrate 50 years since they left Peru State. But we need your help to be sure the following "lost" alumni get on the invitation list. Please help us update our records if you can by sending updates/addresses on any of the following. You can reach us by email at pscfoundation@peru. edu, by phone at 402-872-2304 weekdays, or by mail at Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE. 68421-0010. Floyde Anderson Connie Beard Janet (Fisher) Bletscher Dale Bohling Beth (King) Bouwens Barbara Carpenter Bonita Cattle Donnell Cattle Gregg Coyle Dennis Dasher Dixie Decoteau James Diblasi Dorothy (Dux) Elder Jack Gaines Priscilla (Miyoshi) Glover Diana (Vestal) Gordon David Harris John Helm Robert Hillyer Warren Jensen Donald Krieger Imogene (Boucher) Lebeau Elda Lindquist John Lutt Judy (Voboril) Macholan Emanuel Maniatis Alvin McAlister Kathy Moore Kenneth Morris Faye Morton Sharon (Bates) Nielson Sandy Otte Nathaniel Parks Ron Poppe William Samson Judy Schamp Michael Summers Beverly Telschow Dayle Tennal Daniel Wirth
The Stater 21
Chism, Mahan Leading Schools of Education, Professional Studies Leadership of the schools of Education and of Professional Studies is now in the hands of Ors. Dwayne Chism and Amber Mahan, respectively. Chism joined Peru State in 2019 as assistant professor of education, while Mahan joined the faculty in 2016 as assistant professor of criminal justice. Mahan has a bachelors degree from Morehead State University in Kentucky. Her masters was obtained from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and her Ph.D. from Capella University. She spent almost ten years performing criminal and crime scene investigations alongside detectives and law enforcement agencies. Mahan also worked for the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services performing child abuse and neglect investigations. Before that she was a youth care specialist at Uta Halee Girls Village.
Chism was interim dean of Peru State's School of Education before he was appointed to the position permanently. He was executive director of school support and supervision for the Omaha Public Schools from 2014-19. Before that Chism was professor and coordinator of a collaborative program involving Omaha Public Schools and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He's also taught elementary school early in his career and was principal at two elementary schools in Bellevue, Neb. Chism received his bachelors and masters degrees and an educational endorsement from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). He also gained his doctor of education degree from UNO.
Dr. Dwayne Chism
Dr. Amber Mahan
Alumni Chili Feed is Back After Pause A nice February day turned out to be a great day to be a Bobcat! Good food, good ballgames, and a nice crowd made for an excellent situation for the National Alumni Association's annual chili feed. After a year's pause due to COVID-19, Bobcat alumni, family, and friends gathered in the Al Wheeler Activity Center on February 5. Many of those in attendance have been long-time attendees while others joined for the first time. The crowd was treated to two Bobcat basketball team victories over the visiting Baker Wildcats. In addition, the athletic department recognized a number of fall studentathletes for their athletic and academic honors. Watch for information this Summer/Fall for the 2023 chili feed! We hope to see more of you there!
22 The Stater
Students Also Contribute During Annual Giving Day After a year off due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Peru State College Foundation hosted its second annual giving day last October 21. As an update to what was previously reported, the 24 hours of giving resulted in donations of $58,293, which easily topped the amount garnered in 2019. In addition to the gifts, though, Peru State students contributed by participating in various volunteer events throughout the week. "The Peru State College Giving Day is a way for the Bobcat family to contribute to a cause - whether through volunteerism or philanthropy," said Ted L. Harshbarger, Interim CEO of the Peru State Foundation. The Giving Day goals were set at securing 154 donors on Giving Day and 154 student volunteers during the week. The number 154 is significant as Peru State's first day of classes was on October 20, 1867 - 154 years ago. While the number of donors came up short, well over 154 student volunteers put in numerous hours of service according to Crystal Hutson, Director of Student Activities and Programs at Peru State. At least 12 different student groups reported on their Giving Day service activities. Student organizations reporting their efforts include Peru Association of Student Athletes (PASA), Students Active in Leadership (SAIL), Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), Science Club, Student Senate, Black Student Union (BSU), Campus Activities Board (CAB), Math Club, Peru Student Education Association (PSEA), National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Peru State Catholic Union (PSCU), and People Respecting Individual Differences and Equality (PRIDE). PASA did a week-long collection of personal hygiene and winter-related items which were donated to local causes. Over 350 items were collected for those in need in southeast Nebraska. The bowling and baseball teams were the top collectors. SAIL handed out birthday cookies for Peru State's 154th birthday and assisted at the Antiquarium in nearby Brownville. The Science Club volunteered to scare people at the Indian Cave Haunted Hayrack rides. BSU picked up trash around the campus while PRIDE picked up trash around the complex. CAB held a "bowling for boobs" event where they raised money for breast cancer and donated the funds to the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Math Club cleaned the Peru State wellness trail to prepare for the Residence Hall Association's haunted trail. PSEA members read books to the children in the Peru State Day Care. The NSLS went trick or treating in town to collect items for the Peru State Bobcat Bites food pantry. The PSCU, along with members of the Bobcat baseball team, planted trees around the community. The staff at the Foundation truly appreciates the efforts of the students and their organizations for their volunteerism during the second giving day. Plans are underway for 2022! The tentative dates for the 24-hour event are October 19 and 20 which will coincide with the College's 155th birthday of its actual first day of classes. To learn more about Peru State's Giving Day, go to www.peru.edu/foundationlgivingday. Top Photo Peru State's Black Student Union executive committee led an effort to pick up and clean up around campus during last fall's Giving Day event. Volunteers included (from left) Marlon Warren, Kijana Owens, Justice Walker, Micayla Lane, Jonas Bailey and Aaron Thomas. Middle Photo Giving Day at Peru State last fall wasn't just about alumni gifts to the College. Scores of students engaged in community and/or campus service projects, volunteering well more than 150 hours of time and talent to worthwhile causes. Here members of the Peru State Catholic Union work with Ken Hatten ('92), land and water resources assistant for the Nemaha Natural Resources District, to plant trees along the Steamboat Trace trail near Peru. Bottom Photo Students from the Peru State Education Association volunteered their time to read to kids enrolled at the Peru Daycare as part of PSC's Giving Day event last fall, including (left) Megan Mendick and Krista Menninga. Giving Day gifts generated more than $58,000, and students volunteered well over 150 hours to various local and area causes.
The Stater 23
Inside this Peru Stater you'll find ...
Peru The Peru Stater Stat PSC Foundation
-Coll~ P.O. Box 10 rnuNoAnoN Peru, NE 68421-0010
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID OMAHA, NE PERMIT NO. 498
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Page4
Bringing Africa to Peru State
Page6
Here, There, & Everywhere: Joanna Evans' Journey to Peru
Page7
Hail to the Chief: Inauguration Set for April 20
r
Page 8-11
2021 Honor Roll of Donors
i
Pages 12-15
Alumni News and Features
Pages 16-19
Bobcat Athletics
Page 20-21
News About People You Know
Page 22
Campus Updates
The Peru Stater is published twice each year by the Peru State College Foundation. Send your comments, news items and address changes to: The Peru Stater c/o PSC Foundation PO Box10 Peru, NE 68421-0010
For more information about Peru State College, Nebraska's first college, visit www.peru.edu or find us on Facebook. For more information about the Peru State College Alumni Association and Foundation, visit foundation.peru.edu or call us at 402-872-2304 or email us at pscfoundation@peru.edu.
I