Tabor College Connection Fall 2022

From the President

My Tuesday morning routine, when I’m not on the road fundraising, involves grabbing my hard hat and walking across campus for the weekly construction meeting at the new resi dence hall.

Construction progress is going great, and Cabinet members Cathy Castle and Terry Ens are providing excellent leadership to this project. Framing is well on its way, making it easier to imagine students living and studying, and socializing in the spaces. As I pass the H.W. Lohrenz Administration Building, I imagine Lohrenz, our first president, overseeing its construction and the Ladies Home (Mary J Regier Building) a hundred years ago. These buildings define the Tabor College campus and connect the past and present with hope for the future.

I recently received a valuable gift from my sister Kristin’s (Janzen, g’87) husband Eric Wiebe (g’89). He designed and built an exquisite adjustable standing desk for my office. It is made of cherry wood, carefully designed to conceal all mechanics and cabling. It is a custom desk with engravings of Isaiah 43:1 (“do not fear, you are mine”), wheat, the vine and branches, the Tabor seal, my father’s signature, and even a logo from my software company. On the front of the desk is a cross made out of a rafter from the first MB church in Nagarkurnool, India, built in 1903 by D.F. Bergthold, Eric’s great-grandfather. The cross was a gift from Eric’s father, Tabor Board Emeritus

David Wiebe, who grew up in India. I was humbled by this incredibly generous gift which brings a smile to my face every day and serves to remind me as I conduct God’s work at Tabor that I am His and I have nothing to fear. This desk connects the past and present with hope for the future.

Valuing the past

Tabor has a rich history of people who have given their lives and fortunes to God’s work. In this issue of the Connection, we celebrate Dr. Will Johnson who along with other prestigious faculty established a remarkable science program at Tabor that continues today. Tabor continues to send graduates to medical school and Ph.D. programs thanks to the efforts of current faculty and the pioneering work established in former years. This fall, Tabor celebrated four individuals who were inducted into the Arts and Athletics Halls of Fame and another six accomplished alumni who were recognized at the Homecoming Dinner.

Embracing the present

The fall semester has been outstanding at Tabor! Students are remarkably respectful, kind, and joyful. Our freshmen have the best average incoming GPA in 15 years. The Honors program was launched under the direction of Dr. David Faber. Student-athlete junior Tobias Stewart completed publishable Chemistry research with Dr. James Titah. Athletic teams are thriving both in spirit and wins. There is excitement for new coaches in men’s basketball and women’s volleyball. The choir has almost 50 singers. The Homecoming Musical was fantastic. In the second week of classes, Academic Convocation, sponsored by the new Gil and Rhoda Friesen Lecture Series, ended with about 40 students committing to follow Jesus. That evening, about 90 students gathered for prayer for these students. Students have also organized 26 Bible studies. There is a sense of revival on campus. Tabor is thriving in culture, academics, arts, and athletics; and accomplishing its mission.

Looking to the future

There is tremendous hope for the future. The Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center launched with the support of a $90k grant from the USDA and a collaboration with the City of Hillsboro. God has brought Tabor excellent new fac ulty and staff who are developing new programs. Following a national trend, enrollment was down in fall 2022, but our staff is working hard to increase spring 2023 enrollment through retention and new transfer and graduate students. Ron Braun and the Advancement Team have been blessed by your gifts of over $6M for the new residence hall, and we work to see how God will provide an increase in endowment and annual funds to continue providing a decidedly Christian education.

President David S. Janzen

Connection In This Issue

A magazine for Tabor College alumni & friends

Editor Adam Suderman adam.suderman@tabor.edu

Contributor Aleen Ratzlaff aleenr@tabor.edu

Senior Graphic Designer Diane Oborny dianeo@tabor.edu

Photographer Michael Klaassen michaelwklaassen@tabor.edu

Director of Alumni Relations Rod Hamm rodneyhamm@tabor.edu

Photography Students Collin Brown Brendon Green Taryn Lawler

Graphic Design Students Josiah Jost Caleb Kliewer

Tabor College 400 South Jefferson Hillsboro, Kansas 67063 (620) 947-3121 tabor.edu

Tabor College Mission: “Preparing people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and His kingdom.”

David S. Janzen, President

Ron Braun, Vice President of Philanthropy

Frank Johnson, Executive Vice President of Academics and Compliance

Cathy Castle, Vice President of Finance and Business, CFO

Faculty Leadership

Amy Ratzlaff, Ph.D. Cand., Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance, Associate Athletic Director, Associate Dean of Academics

Derek Hamm, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Graphic Design, Faculty Chair, Faculty Representative to the Board of Directors

2 From the President 4 Entrepreneurial vision at Tabor 6 New executive leadership 7 Look at presidential cabinet 8 Tabor’s newest employees 10 Celebrating Judy Harder 11 Celebrating Larry Warkentin 12 On & off the field, Tobias Stewart 13 2022 Class Reunions 14 A look at Homecoming 2022 16 Dr. Will Johnson’s legacy 18 Women’s XC makes history 19 Two new Athletics HOF inductees 20 A Look at Tabor construction 21 Exaudio: Listen & Live 22 John Jedneak’s call to ministry 23 Alumni Awards 23 Remembering Deanne Duerksen 24 Gil & Rhoda Friesen Lecture Series 25 Celebrating 2022 at Tabor 26 Alumni News & Updates 28 Upcoming Events

Board of Directors

Susan Koslowsky, Chair

Diana Raugust, Vice Chair

Ted Faszer, Secretary

Jeral Gross, Treasurer

Craig Ratzlaff, At Large

Roger Ediger, At Large

Eric Driggers

Melissa Gutierrez

Derek Hamm, Faculty Representative

Andrew Jost

Mark Jost Kelly Kirby

Nate Loewen

Dean Nachtigall

Jeff Nikkel

Dennis Penner

Sylvia Penner

Craig Quiring

Pat Redding

Jazmin Sandoval, Student Representative

Elaine Setzer-Maxwell

Daniel Rodriguez

Tim Sullivan

Orson Thomas

Richard Unruh

Denise Wiens

Entrepreneurial vision at Tabor

A look at Homecoming 2022 Gil & Rhoda Friesen Lecture Series

16 14 24

A new vision for entrepreneurship propelling Tabor on and off-campus

Tabor College has become the entrepreneurial hub of Marion County and continues to spread its wings through south-central Kansas.

After securing a $90,000, one-year grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City of Hillsboro, the college has secured the finances and resources to significantly boost entrepreneurship on- and off-campus.

Tabor and its partners recently launched the Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center (CKEC), serving as the sup porting entity to local and regional entrepreneurs.

“Tabor is helping foster entrepreneurship with the leader ship of the City of Hillsboro,” Professor Staci Janzen said.

“The center wants to enhance economic development in the surrounding communities.”

Whether it’s as an aspiring entrepreneur who wants to learn more about starting a business, those who need to culti vate an idea, or a business that’s already in place, the CKEC will be able to serve all three.

“Whether it’s prospective or current students, or you’re a part of the community, we are here to support you,” Janzen said. “If you want to hone in on your idea, we want to cheer you on and walk alongside you in your pursuits.”

Professors, including Janzen, are meeting weekly with Tabor students who want to start or grow their businesses.

BUS 531 Entrepreneurship Laboratory—a repeatable,

President David Janzen (L) and Hillsboro Mayor Lou Thurston (R)

eight-week graduate course—can be taken up to six times. The course is designed to meet any student at any stage of their process.

The college will use its former Welcome Center, located at D and Lincoln streets, as a business incubator. Tabor will provide staff to operate the facility, offering a minimum of 10 office hours for walk-ins, appointments and business mentor ship. Hillsboro funded start-up costs and payment for facility leadership.

While there is a physical space rep resented on campus, lead ership views the CKEC as an umbrella that extends well outside of Tabor’s cam pus. As many as 10 local businesses have begun work ing alongside Tabor.

Hillsboro and Marion, Kan., also announced a partnership with NetWork Kansas to host the Kansas Ice House Entrepreneurship Program, a five-week class to develop entrepreneurial skills for business and life.

That class is led by Dr. Melinda Rangel, associate professor of business administration and director of Tabor’s Graduate & Online M.B.A..

Professor Janzen said a mentorship network is also growing, allowing local businesses to come alongside budding entrepreneurs.

“Our mentor network are people who love the ‘process,’” she said.

The inquiries for all stages of business are regularly arriving, helping Tabor’s presi dent, Dr. David Janzen, realize the need is there to support business growth of current students and neighboring rural communities.

“Tabor is leaning into entrepreneurship significantly,” the president said. “Receiving USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant provides excellent external validation of our vision for transforming communities and people through innovative thinking and economic development. We are so excited to launch this center.”

Dr. Melinda Rangel

Staci Janzen

Castle, Loewen move into new roles in 2022-23

The first day of the fiscal year brought a significant change to Cathy Castle and Dr. Wendell Loewen’s positions on campus. Both moved offic es, playing key roles in the business and promotion of Tabor College.

Loewen, entering his 25th year at Tabor, added special assistant to the president for constituent engagement to his titles on campus. Entering her second year, Castle moves from financial aid to become the newest vice president of business and finance.

“I love Christian education, and I love seeing students grow,” Castle said. “I enjoy watching students grow in their relationship with Christ and seeing them develop their passions. I love how that is combined at Tabor.”

It’s a celebratory moment for Loewen, who views the role as a perfect fit to where God has called him in his time at Tabor.

“One thing I’ve wanted to do here is walk the bridge between the church and the academy,” Loewen said. “I wanted to be able to speak both languages, and it’s what I’ve endeavored to do.”

While Castle is in her second year in higher education, she is no stranger to Christian schools. She spent nearly 20 years in a similar leadership role at Trinity Academy in Wichita, Kan., and Kansas City Christian in Prairie Village, Kan.

Castle noted her opportunity and excitement to work alongside Tabor’s business office, including Ruth Funk, Naima Loera Mexsen (g’19), Angela Vix (g’21), and Tia Granger.

“I love leadership, and my hope is that I can bring my experience of working in a position like this to Tabor,” Castle said. “I have great people working with me, and that was encouraging to know I had people experi enced in their roles.”

Prior to arriving at Tabor in 1997, Loewen was a youth pastor at Fairview Mennonite Brethren Church in Fairview, Okla. He spent two years working alongside Youth Mission International, which was folded into what is now Multiply. He also served nine years as Southern District youth minister and also had a two-year stint as campus pastor at Tabor. What was once known as Ministry Quest is now Faith Front, and Loewen serves as program director.

Whether it be camps, conferences at the district or national level, his experience within the MB Conference provides a rich foundation as he connects with churches.

“The position formalizes what I’ve been doing over the last 25 years,” Loewen said. “I’ve thought that some Advancement role would be some thing I could fit into.”

Cathy Castle (L) and Dr. Wendell Loewen (R)

Presidential Cabinet begins work in 2022-23

At the conclusion of President David Janzen’s first year, he sought opportunities to bring more voices to the table. After personnel changes within his administration, his Cabinet was officially installed.

Joined by 10 others from around campus, the group brings key positions to the Executive Conference Room in the Shari Flaming Welcome Center to gauge feedback from around campus.

“Being able to increase com munication and representation in decision-making will only strengthen Tabor College,” Janzen said. “The 11 members of the Cabinet are ‘all in’ on our mis sion, vision and values, building upon what God is doing in the lives of our students.”

The Cabinet has played a vital role in multiple initiatives through the fall semester.

As Tabor builds upon its increased GPA requirements, a more diverse and expansive list of schol arships have been made available to incoming freshmen or transfers. That includes the creation of the Ad Astra Scholarship. It is designed to commu nicate a simple, affordable price for students with the highest financial need. It was inspired by the Kansas state motto, “Ad Astra per Aspera.”

Members of the Tabor Presidential Cabinet (L to R) Back row: Miriam Kliewer, Ron Braun, Dr. Greg Zielke, Grant Myers, Terry Ens, Dr. Frank Johnson. Front row: Diane Oborny, David Ediger, Dr. David Janzen, Dr. Wendell Loewen, Cathy Castle

Tabor College Cabinet

David Janzen, Ph.D. President

Ron Braun VP of Philanthropy

A wide range of interest and experiencebased scholarships were added to the options of arts and athletics in hopes of helping every student see how they can fit at Tabor.

“The Cabinet analyzed these new options, touching their areas of expertise, and were able to make improvements to what we offer,” the president said.

Cathy Castle, M.S. VP of Business & Finance

David Ediger, M.S.

Athletic Director

Terry Ens

Director of Facilities & Operations

Janzen credited the Business Office, Financial Aid and Admissions teams for speak ing into how the scholarships would be admin istered and budgeted. He also said the messag ing, created and designed by the Communications Office, and delivered through multiple networks will help Tabor recruit the “whole” student.

Frank Johnson, Ph.D.

Executive VP of Academics & Compliance

Executive Assistant to the President

Wendell Loewen, D.Min. Special Assistant to the President

Grant Myers, M.B.A. Dean of Enrollment Management

Diane Oborny

Senior Graphic Designer

Greg Zielke, D.M.A

Arts Director & Professor of Music

desire to remain in Hillsboro, so they can participate in arts or athletics,” Janzen said.

The Cabinet, recognizing a growing number of undergraduate students who continue into the M.B.A and M.Ed. programs, decided to allow these students continue to live in the dorms when space is available.

“Even though these are primarily online, we’ve seen students who

In support of our residence hall construction, the Cabinet members have helped source additional funding to close the remaining funds of the Mabee Challenge Grant. They continue to seek new donors, building upon a record-breaking year of giving in 2021-22.

Miriam Kliewer

New Employees & New Roles

Riley

Ballou-Lyngstad, M.B.A., Sports Information Director**

Ballou-Lyngstad (g’21) enters his second year at Tabor College, beginning his tenure as sports information director and continuing to serve as direc tor of video streaming production. He spent one year as the SID graduate assistant while competing in cross country and track & field. He earned his B.A. in health/physical education-sport management and M.B.A at Tabor.

Nicholas Bradley, Admissions Counselor

Bradley (g’20) joins the admissions office after completing his B.A. in psychology and human performance at Tabor College. He was named Out standing Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2020 and was a two-time Academic All-American as a Bluejay in men’s swimming (2018-20).

Cathy Castle, M.S., VP of Business and Finance**

Castle spent one year as associate director of financial aid. Prior to arriv ing at Tabor College in August 2021, she spent 13 years as the director of operations at Wichita Trinity Academy. Castle earned her M.S. in ministry at Pepperdine University (Calif.) and graduated from the Young Executives Institute at the University of North Carolina. She received her B.B.A in accounting from East Tennessee State.

Kristen Davis, Admissions Counselor

Davis brings an extensive history in customer service to her new role as admissions counselor at Tabor College. Davis has also worked in prekindergarten classes and is wife to Tabor’s assistant baseball coach and adjunct instructor, Andy Davis. She earned her B.S. in social sciences from Pittsburg State University (Kan.).

David Ediger, Athletic Director**

Ediger (g’95) spent three years as associate director of athletic communica tions at Tabor College. Before moving back to Hillsboro in July 2019, Edi ger worked 15 years in secondary education, including honors and recogni tions as an athletic director and administrator. He earned his B.A. in health & physical education at Tabor and completed his M.S. at Emporia State (Kan.).

Adam Giger, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

Giger comes to Tabor after spending two years as an assistant at Warner University (Fla.). Giger helped lead the Royals to back-to-back regular season conference championships, and was also a member of the program for his final two years of his playing career. He completed his B.S. in busi ness management at Warner.

Tia Granger, Accounts Payable Clerk & Coordinator of Athletic Auxiliary Services

Charles Greener, Assistant Football Coach

Greener begins his first season as the wide receiver coach for the Bluejays. He previously coached wide receivers at Sidwell Friends High School in Washington, D.C. He earned his B.A. in education from Saint Louis University (Mo.).

Serena Hanson, LMSW, Assistant Professor/Director of Social Work

Hanson comes to Tabor after working as a prevention & protection super visor through Foster Care Adoption & Independent Living Services, Kan sas Department for Children and Families. She also taught as an adjunct in the University of Oklahoma School of Social Work. Hanson earned her LMSW from Newman University (Kan.).

Elizabeth Heftie, M.Ed., Graduate/Online Recruiter

Heftie joins Tabor College Graduate & Online after working as a special education teacher in Millard (Neb.) Public Schools. She earned her B.A. in communication studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and com pleted her M.Ed. in special education at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

Daniel Krebs, M.A., Director of Student Success

Krebs (g’93) comes to Tabor after working as the tutoring coordinator and writing paraprofessional at Hutchinson Community College. He also taught Bible and English at Berean Academy (Kan.), and Bible, College Speech and English at Sunrise Christian Academy (Kan.). He earned his B.A. in English at Tabor and his M.A. in educational ministries from Gor don Conwell Theological Seminary.

Wendell Loewen, D.Min., Special Assistant to the President for Constitu ent Engagement**

After completing his 25th year in the Bible department, Loewen adds Special Assistant to the President for Constituent Engagement to his title. His new role will work closely with Advancement and Academic Affairs, spending time with churches and building on Tabor’s foundation through the MB Conference. Loewen completed his D.Min. in youth and family ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Kurt McDonald, DSL, Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication** McDonald enters a new role at Tabor College after a brief stint as an adjunct professor in sociology. He also worked in lifestyle and business coaching while working for Sprint in management and training. McDonald is also a published author in the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leader ship. He completed his doctorate in strategic leadership at Regent Univer sity, and his MEI at Tabor.

Katelyn Newton, M.B.A., Head Athletic Trainer**

Newton, a nationally-certified athletic trainer, is entering her fifth year at Tabor, but first as head athletic trainer. She graduated from Wichita State University with a B.A. in athletic training and holds a M.B.A from Tabor.

Casey Quiggle, M.B.A., Head Volleyball Coach

Quiggle arrives at Tabor after serving as head coach at Sheridan (Wyo.) College. He had previous stops at Southwestern Community College (Iowa) as head coach and also served as an assistant at the University of Jamestown (N.D.) He earned his B.S. in political science from Central College (Iowa) and his M.B.A from the University of Phoenix.

Krista Richert, Office Manager for Enrollment Management

Richert arrives at Tabor after serving as client account administrator and administrative assistant at MB Foundation. She also held the latter role at Salem Home in Hillsboro. Richert is also an active member at Ebenfeld MB Church, serving as Christian Education director and singing on the worship team.

Kevin Roehrich, Assistant Football Coach

Roehrich, Tabor’s new offensive coordinator, spent last season as the as sociate offensive coordinator, offensive line and tight ends coach at Doane University (Neb.). He helped the Tigers finish 26th nationally and third in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) in rushing. He earned his B.A. in sport and fitness administration/management from Doane.

Matt Warren, M.S., Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Warren spent the last five seasons at Warner University (Fla.) He most recently served as the Royals’ assistant head coach, helping lead them to four-straight, 20-win seasons and three NAIA National Tournament berths. Warren earned his B.S. in sports management at North Florida and his M.S. in Management at Warner.

Alex Wiens, Financial Aid Representative

Wiens (g’21) served as a loan associate at MB Foundation for two years. He also previously worked as an operations coordinator at the same office. Wiens returns to his alma mater, graduating with a B.A. in business management.

Thomas Wiese, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry

Wiese arrives at Tabor after spending seven years at Ottawa University as associate professor of biochemistry. Prior to his time at Ottawa, he spent 19 years at Fort Hays State University in chemistry. He earned his B.S. in biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and completed his Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of North Dakota.

Celeste Worthy, M.S., Assistant Director of Student Success**

Worthy (g’17) spent one year as career services coordinator & academic support. Prior to coming to Tabor in November 2021, she worked as a teller/banker at KeyBank and was also a marketing consultant at Rome Business School. She earned her M.S. in higher education student affairs at Fort Hays State University and received a B.A. in business marketing at Tabor College.

**returning employee in new role

Riley Ballou-Lyngstad

Nicholas Bradley

Cathy Castle Kristen Davis

David Ediger

Adam Giger

Tia Granger

Charles Greener

Serena Hanson

Elizabeth Heftie Daniel Krebs Wendell Loewen

Kurt McDonald Katelyn Newton

Casey Quiggle

Krista Richert

Kevin Roehrich

Matt Warren

Alex Wiens

Thomas Wiese

Celeste Worthy

Harder reflects on storied career at Tabor

Judy (Prieb, g’68) Harder sat at home in February 2022 and pulled out photo book after photo book, marveling over that question and 100 play bills. She reflected over the people who assisted her through her tenure as director of theatre and associate professor at Tabor College.

Whether it was a love for the arts, community, music or students, 26 years of productions fit hand-in-hand with Harder’s vision for theatre at Tabor.

A tenure worthy of recognition in the Tabor Arts Hall of Fame.

Harder recalls exploring the H.W. Lohrenz Administration Building as her father, Wes Prieb, directed his senior English class in “Oliver.” Chalk in hand, she’d draw her latest creations as she heard them rehearse and talk about the performance.

Add in her mother Lucille’s influence as a piano teacher, an eye for art and creativity was in place in Harder’s formative years.

“They both had a love for beauty,” Harder said.

The second she stepped into middle and high school, she was diligent in practicing clarinet and piano. She performed in a handful of plays in high school and college, choosing to explore a music major in college.

Feeling like she wasn’t cut out to be a musician or music teacher, she chose to major in English at Tabor. Upon graduating, Harder and her hus band, Keith (g’68), spent time in Boston, Mass., and then later moved to Elkhart, Ind., where they were leaders of a neighborhood Christian com munity, The Fellowship of Hope.

Returning to Hillsboro in 1986, a friend offered a word of encourage ment as she explored the next steps in her career.

“‘Do something that would feed your soul. Just take some time. Just do something.’”

Harder said, “I thought to myself, ‘I think I’ll take a theatre course.’”

While earning her mas ter’s degree at Wichita State University, she served as an adjunct in directing theatre. Her earliest days of directing at Tabor included the first of three produc tions of “Fiddler on the Roof” in fall 1987. She also directed two productions at Hillsboro High School alongside longtime teacher Dave Clark, including her first show, “Godspell.”

She completed her M.A.C. in 1990, leading to her promotion of full-time assistant professor of commu nications. Harder taught public speaking and theatre courses while devel oping the Communication department at Tabor.

Whether it was her family or peers and professors Jack Braun, John McCabe-Juhnke or Leann Toews, Harder had a support base as she dove head first into directing and teaching.

“I always had people cheering me on,” Harder said. “I can’t say enough about the encouragers in my life. They hired me as an adjunct to develop the Communications department. That wasn’t me, so I helped, but my love was and is theatre.” –––––––––––––––––––––

Shows at Tabor College are truly a community-wide effort.

Whether it was being able to use Hillsboro High School facilities, the construction or deconstruction of all sets, or the countless hours of prac tice and volunteer work behind the scenes, it was not a “one-man depart ment.”

“In reality, it was the whole college and community that made our shows possible,” Harder said.

Harder’s eye and heart for theatre were contagious. She credited Braun, her predecessor, and then choir director Dr. Paul Wohlgemuth for holding such a high regard for arts in education.

One of her proudest accomplishments? The diversity of majors in her productions.

“I once did a count to see if we had tapped every major on campus for our casts, and we had,” Harder said.

In total, Harder directed more than 120 productions on the Tabor cam pus. That included repeat performances of “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Into the Woods,” “Music Man,” “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and “Godspell.”

In the eye of Tabor’s 12th president, it’s a standard that was awardwinning.

“One of the things I really appreciate about her is while people went to her productions to be entertained, she saw what she did as more than entertainment,” President Emeritus Larry Nikkel said. “She wanted to use that medium to provide more depth to a story. It was especially true in how she led and taught her actors. They acted not just out of spoken lines, but in empathy and insight.”

“What about those years?”

Courtesy photo

Judy Harder joins cast members of “Necessary Targets” for a group photo in February 2003.

Composing a life in music: Honoring Dr. Larry Warkentin

Dr. Larry Warkentin’s love for music was kindled at 400 S. Jefferson.

As a Reedley, Calif., native and an Immanuel High School graduate, he trekked to Hillsboro in the fall of 1958 to craft his career aspirations.

Two of choral music’s most influential minds, Herbert Richert and Dr. Paul Wohlgemuth, gave Larry his foundation for more than 30 years in choral music. It’s a career that moved him amongst his professors in the Tabor College Arts Hall of Fame.

Paula (Berg) Warkentin remembers watching her peer and soon-after husband hone his craft inside the Mary J. Regier Building. Originally planning to major in English, he’d walk from practice room to practice room as his path to music and composition continued to unfold.

A common bond and love for music brought them together. So much so, that Larry wrote “I Corinthians 13” for their Aug. 17, 1962, wedding at First Mennonite Brethren Church in Wichita, Kan.

That same year, then Fresno Pacific College President Art Wiebe called Larry and asked him to come to teach piano. They moved back west, and he began teaching part-time at FPC while earning his master’s degree at Fresno State University.

After completing his post-graduate work in 1964, they moved to Los Angeles where he earned his doctor ate in choral music and composition at the University of Southern California. It is the same doctoral program that Wohlgemuth and later Choral Director Jonah Kliewer earned before also teaching at Tabor.

Larry began full-time work at FPC in the fall of 1966.

–––––––––––––––––––––

Paula said they set a five-year window of seeing what Fresno had in store for them. Her husband would stay in touch with his classmates from USC, many of whom taught at some of the largest universities in the country. When they’d share some of their challenges, he felt it was his calling to remain in Fresno.

“He thought, ‘My heart is at Fresno Pacific where I could have a Christian

influence on people,’” Paula said. “This just became his life.”

Larry spent 36 years at the univer sity, teaching music theory and com position, and influencing generations of students through his instruction and his writing.

He has been recognized over a dozen times through the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Awards. His work has been featured in Worship Hymnal, Sing Alleluia, Hymnal a Worship Book and Covenant Hymnal.

He was also commissioned to compose a work, later titled “Koinonia,” for the Mennonite World Conference in Wichita in 1974. Per the request of Dr. Jonah Kliewer, Larry also wrote the song that was sung at Tabor’s Centennial Celebration in 2008.

Amidst his heart for composing was a heart for people.

It’s part of what Tabor First Lady Karen Janzen, both Larry’s former student and colleague, remembers about their time together. He also per formed at the Janzens’ wedding.

“I’d walk into his office, and he’d be at his piano writing,” she said. “He’d have paper and pencils all over with stacks at each side. I’d step in and he’d say, ‘Yes, Karen, how can I help you?’ He’d put everything down and immediately talk with me. He was never in a frenzy, just very thoughtful and in the moment with his students and peers.”

Paula watched the Tabor College Arts Hall of Fame in August 2021, seeing eight of the school’s most prominent professors be enshrined in the inaugural class. Of note in the class were Larry’s former choral professors and also Carl Gerbrandt (g’62), Larry’s high school and college classmate.

His wife said it was a bit stunning hearing of Larry’s induction. She also knows that Larry’s story would not have been possible without his time at Tabor.

“Larry went to Tabor at a bit of a crossroads in his life,” she said. “It was at Tabor that his love of music was affirmed due to people like Herb and Paul, who encouraged him and became his mentors. He would be so honored to know that he was recognized with this group of people.”

Courtesy photo

Daughter Rhonda Langley (L) & Paula (R)

Stewart thriving on the field & in the classroom

Tobias Stewart didn’t have to do much research to know he was interested in Tabor College.

Degree of interest? Check. Opportunity to still play football? Check. With an academic and athletic scholarship in hand, the Greenville, Ala., native traveled 945 miles in August 2020 to begin his time as a Bluejay.

junior stayed in Hillsboro over the past summer, digging deeper into his new major.

“I was doing a research class, and one of the first things (Dr. Titah) said he wanted us to do was Schiff bases,” Stewart said. “He had a couple other students starting it, but I branched it into my own thing.”

It’s just one part of a transformative experience for Stewart at Tabor. Not thinking he’d initially play college football, Stewart jumped at the opportunity when the offer was made. He’s now in his third year as an offensive line man, feeling it was the next part of God’s plan for college.

“When I got here, I wasn’t as good at football, and I wasn’t that outgoing,” Stewart said. “I met so many people from different places and backgrounds, and I blossomed as a player and a different person. I’ve grown so much. My team mates are my brothers, and the coaches care so much.”

Stewart pointed out his friendship with Carson Duba (JR, Huron, S.D.), and the relationship they’ve built 1-on-1 and with their peers.

“I’ve always had an open mind and to look for new opportunities,” Stewart said. “Coming to Tabor, I was excit ed for a new beginning. It has helped me grow spiritually because I’ve met so many people. Carson is my brother, and I talk to him about anything. I’ve seen faith in a new way, and I love seeing how people interact with Jesus.”

As he concludes his junior year and has seen how God has worked in his life, his reminder remains the same to new peers on campus.

“I remind people they’re here for a reason.”

When evaluating whether he’d continue with engineering during his sophomore year, Stewart felt a tug on his heart to remain in Hillsboro. After praying and seeking God’s wis dom, his desire to stay was met with a chemistry major.

“You can be innovative and be yourself,” Stewart said. “You can create cures and do so many things to help people. I only took one chemistry class in high school. I liked it then, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do.”

That decision came with the opportunity to conduct research with Dr. James Titah, assistant professor of chemis try. The pair have been working on Schiff bases and combin ing them with metal complexes.

The process? They took an amino acid, a building block of a protein, and bound it with organic compounds alde hyde and/or ketone. Once those are bound, a Schiff base is formed, and those are soluble in water. When they’re bound with a metal complex, it helps them combine with other parts of the human body.

Titah and Stewart have been collaborating to find differ ent combinations that work in the human body. The Tabor

Dr. James Titah (left) and Tobias Stewart (right)

Cayman Garduno (SR, Pueblo, Colo.) & Brittany Baum (SR, Broomfield, Colo.), the center couple, won Homecoming host and hostess.

The Concert Choir performed at Music Fest on the Dr. Jonah Kliewer Plaza.

Alumni & students enjoyed the annual Dutch Lunch.

Tabor College dropped a hard-fought, five-set match against Bethany College.

Betsy George (JR, Omaha, Neb.) starred as The Witch in “Into the Woods.”

Three performances of “Into the Woods” highlighted the weekend.

The Tabor and Hillsboro community celebrated Homecoming with a downtown block party.

Homecoming Dinner emcee Lisa (Braun, g’90) Klaassen and a quartet of students entertained guests.

Emma Soyez (FR, Marion, Kan.) and Victoria Kaiser (JR, Rose Hill, Kan.) dance with friends at the block party.

The Class of 1972 and six alumni were recognized at the Homecoming Dinner.

A pie-eating contest was a hit during the downtown block party.

Tabor knocked off Ottawa University for a 24-19 Homecoming win.

Chase Nash (FR, Mulvane, Kan.) holds his pie plate in victory alongside his fellow contestants.

To the work: Celebrating the legacy of Dr. Will Johnson

“To the work! To the work! We are servants of God, let us follow the path that our Master has trod…”

The music of an early 1870s hymn “To the Work!” was a constant in Dr. Will Johnson’s mind. So much so, his son, Dr. Carey Johnson (g’73), said he regularly heard his father hum the melody.

It’s the perfect illustration to a Tabor College pioneer, knowing the second he arrived on campus, he was answering God’s call for the work put before him.

Seventy-five years later, the imprint of his work has not been forgotten. –––––––––––––––––––––

Johnson and his family moved twice before settling in Shafter, Calif., when he was 7 years old. The family farmed in the Central Valley, but labored as they lived in at least eight locations over the next 20 years. While difficult, his childhood of living on the farm brought a foundation of a strong work ethic, curiosity and interest in agriculture.

Those influences took him to Bakersfield Junior College for two years, leading to his degree in dairy science at the University of California Davis in 1937.

Johnson was pursuing graduate studies at Kansas State University in 1947 when he received word from Tabor President P.E. Schellenberg (1942-51) about his aspirations for chemistry. It would be a brand-new program and the fourth Tabor president wanted Johnson to take the lead.

While working as a record keeper on a large dairy farm, Johnson went to hear Tabor President A.E. Janzen (1935-42) speak in Shafter. The fire was ignited to see what this Kansas college was about. Johnson chose to attend Tabor, study ing bible courses and preparing to teach during the 1939-40 academic year.

After returning to California, Johnson received a phone call from Zoar Academy in Inman, Kan., in December 1942. He spent 18 months at the academy and then later taught

at Inman High School. He met and later married his wife, Georgina Kornelsen, an Inman resident and longtime Tabor librarian (1961-92).

It was only the beginning of his stay in Kansas. –––––––––––––––––––––

Johnson was pursuing graduate studies at Kansas State University in 1947 when he received word from Tabor Presi dent P.E. Schellenberg (1942-51) about his aspirations for chemistry. It would be a brand-new program and the fourth Tabor president wanted Johnson to take the lead.

Carey reiterated how big of a step this was for his father, but from his time spent hearing about Tabor in Shafter to his one year of classes, a calling was put in Johnson’s heart. After taking the job, that calling was quickly confirmed.

“It was the opportunity to teach at Tabor College,” Carey said of what sold his father. “It wasn’t just to teach at a Christian college. He never thought about moving on to somewhere else. He was incredibly loyal to Tabor.”

Thirty-five years after starting the program, including 33 years as chemistry professor and two as business manager, Johnson saw nearly 100 students graduate with chemistry degrees. Over half of them went on to earn a Ph.D. or other medical degree.

Johnson didn’t want the credit; he was passionate about seeing God glorified through the work of his students.

As his tenure continued, he was particularly gratified of the reputation that his department built at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

“He was very proud of the reputation of Tabor at KU,” Carey said. “A recommendation from Tabor, and from him, meant a lot to those professors. His students got in more often than not.”

Johnson, known for his expectations and goals of academic excellence, was also celebrated for his innovation and ability to adapt in an ever-changing field. Carey said his father’s love for research influenced himself, his sister and so many of his students.

Later in his career, it was a sabbatical year that took him to Zambia in 1970. He was also diligent in taking part in summer courses that were funded by the National Science

Foundation. It was stops at the University of Southern California, Appleton, Wis., and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y.

While completing his graduate work at Iowa State University in the 1970s, Carey also saw his father come to Ames to take a course in nutrition.

“Even as he approached his retirement, he wanted to keep up on things,” Carey said. “He’d bring everything he learned back into his teaching.”

Retiring in 1982, the family chose to remain in Hillsboro. Johnson was a very ac tive supporter of Tabor, including academics, athletics and a scholarship that still stands today in his name.

He watched with pride in his eye as the science department, which once sat in the third floor of the H.W. Lohrenz Administra tion Building, moved from the bottom floor to its own space, the Solomon L. Loewen Natural Science Center, in 1997. His name is recognized in the atrium of the facility.

– Dr. William Johnson Courtesy of the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, September 2004

No matter if it was his first graduating class in 1951 or his final seven students in 1982, his hope and prayer never wavered.

“Let us hope, and trust, let us watch, and pray, and labor till the Master comes…”

** This story includes quotes from a writing, “At Tabor 35 Years,” that Dr. Will Johnson gave to faculty and the Cen ter for Mennonite Brethren Studies in September 2004. Pho tos and historical information were provided by Dr. Carey Johnson and the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies.

“Tabor College gave me the best opportunities to help students prepare for a life of serving God and mankind as a physician or other medical field, as an educator, as a practicing laboratory or basic research chemist.”

Women’s cross country earns first national ranking

It didn’t take long for Rylan Hincher to see the possibilities for his women’s cross-country roster. With the same top five runners back in 2022, a foundation was set from the get-go.

After its first three meets, the women’s roster earned the program’s first-ever national ranking. Sitting at No. 25, Tabor College was one of only two ranked KCAC teams, including No. 3 University of St. Mary. It didn’t stop there, either. Hincher said this group was hungry to take continued steps forward.

The Bluejays made a statement from their opening meet, finish ing third out of 14 teams at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic in Hutchinson, Kan. That included four schools from the NCAA D-II ranks and seven from the NJCAA.

Brooke Wiebe (SO, Newton, Kan.) was Tabor’s top finisher, plac ing ninth (18:53.44). She was followed closely by Emma Willison (JR, Buhler, Kan.) and Danielle Allison (JR, Oakley, Kan.) with finishes of 13th (19:08.85) and 21st (19:23.93), respectively.

The team finished as the runner-up at the KCAC Championships in Winfield, Kan., on Saturday, Nov. 5. It was their highest team finish since 2007.

Wiebe and Allison catapulted Tabor at the conference championships. Wiebe took fifth with a new PR (18:44). She was followed by Allison (18:57), who took ninth. Their finish guaranteed spots at the NAIA National Championships. Willison (17th, 19:35) and Sonya Zimmerman (SO, Valley Center, Kan.) and Adrienne Selzer (FR, Sharon Springs, Kan.) gave Tabor five runners inside the top 30.

“With them, I’m reminding them it doesn’t matter who is first, second or third among them,” Hincher said. “If you all run fast and we’re really com petitive, it makes our team better. When we go to races and we’re within one or two seconds of each other, it’s fun to watch. They feed off one another.”

Whether it’s as a legacy family or the Tabor20 Scholarship for stu dents from Mennonite Brethren churches, the Tabor cross country coach said it’s allowed a number of his runners to appreciate the opportunities that Tabor gives them in and out of athletics.

“Being able to represent an institution that believes what they believe, that’s really important,” Hincher said.

Tabor Bluejay Women’s Cross-Country Roster

Danielle Allison JR Oakley, Kan.

Emma Willison JR Buhler, Kan.

Aubrey Bahner SO Topeka, Kan.

Sarah Dark SO Mead, Okla.

Allison Johnson SO Wichita, Kan.

Brooke Wiebe SO Newton, Kan.

Sonya Zimmerman SO Valley Center, Kan.

Kaylee Deangelis FR Ada, Okla.

Sydnee Gardner FR Wichita, Kan.

Adrienne Selzer FR Sharon Springs, Kan.

Alison Visser FR Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa

A look at Tabor College Athletics

• Football earned its sixth win after shutting out Bethany College, 35-0, on Senior Day. Gustavo Villareal (SR, Dinuba, Calif.) con tinued his excellent season, building upon his team-leading nine touchdown passes and four rushing scores. A 60-yard touchdown catch against Bethany catapulted Jarien Allen (FR, Tallahassee, Fla.) atop total receiving yards, reaching 387 for the fall.

• Valdisa (JR) and Valencia Andov (SO) gave Tabor women’s golf one of the strongest duos in the KCAC. Both sisters, hailing from Pekanbaru, Indonesia, finished in the top three at the Friends University Tournament at Crestview Country Club in Wichita, Kan.

• Emma Rhodes (JR, S, Claremore, Okla.) finished second in the KCAC volleyball in assists (879) and seventh in service aces (41). Katie Lowery (SO, MB, Auburn, Calif.) finished 10th in solo blocks (17), while Kallie Cathcart (SR, OH, Holly, Colo.) finished 14th in the conference in total points (288).

• Alan Catana (JR, Cleveland, Texas) finished 15th (26:02) at the KCAC Cross Country Championships, qualifying for NAIA Nationals and leading the Bluejays to a third-place finish. Catana is now a two-time national qualifier. Dillon Callaway finished 21st (26:23) at the conference meet, beating his previous personal best by 42 seconds.

NOTE: All stories & statistics were published as of Nov. 7, 2022. See more sports updates, including recaps, rosters, and photos at www.taborbluejays.com.

Phelps, Chippeaux selected for Tabor College Athletics Hall of Fame

Jason Phelps (g’04) and Emily (Post, g’13) Chippeaux were named to the Tabor College Athletics Hall of Fame on Sunday, Oct. 2. The two former Bluejays were inducted in the Franz Family Heritage Lobby of the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts.

“It is an honor to induct both Jason and Emily into the Tabor College Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Tabor College Athletic Director David Ediger. “Both are quality individuals who excelled at their craft while at Tabor, and we loved hav ing them back on campus for this prestigious honor.”

Phelps, Tabor’s all-time leader in interceptions (16), was a three-time NAIA All-American and first-team All-KCAC selection. He also holds the team record for interceptions in a season (8, 2001), which remains one of the top single-season performances in KCAC history. Phelps still sits atop Bluejay record books in career interception return yards (250). Phelps was voted team MVP in his second year at Tabor and played an instrumental role in sending the college to its first playoff game in school history.

Chippeaux was a seven-time NAIA National qualifier in Tabor College track and field. She competed at outdoor nationals all four years as a Bluejay, and participated in indoor nationals as a freshman, junior, and senior. She also earned first-team, All-KCAC outdoor honors in triple jump (x4), long jump (x3), and high jump (x2). Chippeaux totaled nine first-place finishes in conference meets, including three championships in the outdoor triple jump. Her career culmi nated with two, top-10 finishes nationally, placing seventh in the indoor triple jump and eighth in the outdoor high jump.

Chippeaux becomes the 16th member of Tabor track and field to be named to the Hall of Fame. She is the first since Ashley (Scherrer) Malcom in 2018. Phelps is the 10th inductee from Bluejay football. He follows Chad Duerksen (g’03), who was inducted in 2021. He’ll also join coaches Tim McCarty (2019) and Mike Gardner (2019).

Tabor College Hall of Fame inductees, the last five years

NAME SPORT INDUCTION YEAR

Jason Phelps (g’04) football 2022 Emily (Post, g’13) Chippeaux track & field 2022

Tina (Frick, g’11) Clark volleyball 2021 Chrissy (Previtera, g’03) Glanzer women’s soccer 2021

Chad Duerksen (g’03) football 2021 Hiram Finney (g’97) men’s basketball 2021

Jake Schenck (g’06) football 2019

Mike Gardner football 2019

Tim McCarty football 2019

Ashley (Scherrer) Malcom track & field 2018

Donya Anderson women’s basketball 2018

Grant Brubacher soccer, basketball, baseball 2018

Find a full list of Hall of Fame inductees at www.taborbluejays.com/halloffame.

Residence hall construction set for June 2023 finish Generous

The construction of Tabor College’s newest residence hall is set to wrap in mid-June 2023. The building, totaling $7.4 million, will include two residence halls and 86 beds. That includes 28 double rooms, 12 singles and 6 triples. Terry Ens, director of facility operations, said that all decisions have been made for exterior and interior construc tion. They’ve assembled a committee to finalize interior décor. The Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant is still open, which would add $1.5 million to the money raised. “This is truly an exciting chapter in Tabor’s history,” President David Janzen said. “We praise God for the funds that have been given and ask that you prayerfully consider supporting this project as we continually seek improvements to campus housing and the work He is doing through our students.”

The work of Tabor College’s brand-new space for Facility Operations is nearing completion. Just northeast of the D and Adams street intersec tion, the building will dramatically increase workable space for Director Terry Ens and his team. Ens’ crew is currently finishing the final stages of the project on its own. “This team, from Day 1, has had to make the most

of what they’ve had,” Ens said. “We’ve been given the opportunity to cre ate something for ourselves to do what we do best, which is to support others. We want to make other people’s jobs better. I’m proud of the work being done and the collaboration of our team.”

Toms presents sixth annual Exaudio Lectures

Dr. Cynthia Toms, professor of global studies and kinesiology at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif., provided a snapshot of our faith through appreciating our food and supporting a global shortage at this year’s Exaudio lectures.

The day’s theme, “Health for Human Flourishing,” was broken into two parts. Her opening lecture, “Faith and the Global Food System: Eating as an Act of Worship,” came during the morning Chapel service. She con cluded her series with a 7 p.m. presentation of “Health for the Nations.”

Toms, the founding director of Westmont’s Global Studies Minor and Fellows Program and Global Health Semester in Uganda, has devoted her studies to better understanding nourishment and how we can be better stewards of what God provides.

“I believe that our relationship with our resources, and how we view and understand them, can have a significant impact on God’s work in the world,” Toms said. “We have an opportunity to serve God through a better appreciation and understanding of God’s gifts.”

Specifically, Toms noted that 30 percent of all food grown in the United States is wasted. The majority of that comes from buying too much or not eating leftovers.

Heeding Christ’s example, Toms said, could mean adopting a view of gratitude for food as a precious symbol of life from God and more deeply appreciating the process and people that help put food on our plates.

“Would that change the way we use our food as a resource or how much we waste?” she said.

She also said that data supports nutrition as a foundational principle in physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. She called on the Church to be a core tenant in advancing human flourishing.

“We’re seeing evidence that the entire economy can benefit when the most vulnerable are healthy,” Toms said.

The Tabor Exaudio Lectureship in Vocation and Service is an annual academic lectureship in which a scholar is invited to present a meaningful expression of Christian discipleship that arises from their professional discipline. The purpose of the lectureship is to challenge and encourage believers in their individual and collective calling of work and service for Christ and his kingdom. The term exaudio is a Latin word that means to listen, comprehend, and respond faithfully.

The five previous speakers include Dr. David Janzen (2021), Beth A. Silvers, J.D. (2020), Dr. Lee C. Camp (2019), Dr. R. Mark Shipp (2018), and Dr. Scot McKnight (2017). You can learn more about the event, including archived videos, at www.tabor.edu/exaudio.

Discerning a call: Jedneak finds home in ministry

“’John, I see you being in ministry someday.’”

Standing in Brainerd, Minn., John Jedneak stared in curiosity trying to understand why his basketball coach would say that.

He knew he wanted to explore playing college basketball and play at a Christian school, but ministry? Not even on the radar.

Central Lakes Community College had become a recruiting pipeline for Tabor College men’s basketball, but Jedneak’s journey as a Bluejay was more providential than he could have ever thought.

Jedneak and his mother took a visit to Hillsboro that semester, and he made his pledge soon after. Yearning for direction, he felt a connection to campus and sought to be obedient in God’s plans.

Arriving in fall 2014, Tabor became a safe haven amidst Jedneak’s journey.

Battling the entanglement of sin in his own life, he wanted to know what a daily walk with God looked like and that opened the door to a dif ficult, but prosperous journey in his two years on campus.

Discontentment rolling through his heart and mind, Jedneak recalled talking to his mentor after his first year at Tabor. He wasn’t sure he want ed to continue with basketball, and he wondered if he should go home to Minnesota.

“’Pass the test.’”

“Pass the test? Pass the test?!” Jedneak thought angrily, wondering what he could mean.

Difficult at first, Jedneak saw his “Genesis 22 moment” and found that basketball and relationships in his life had become his idols. It was time to shift priorities.

“I went back to my room (on campus) and took a box I had and put things inside that represented memories of a past relationship,” Jedneak said. “I pushed it over, I surrendered it to God, I knew I needed it to end.”

“The Holy Spirit was illuminating the word of God for the first time in my life,” Jedneak said. “God was demonstrating His love to me and realizing how wrecked I was. That was the major turning point.”

Spring Break 2015, Jedneak traveled home to Princeton, Minn., for two weeks. He wrote 22 pages in his journal, and having handed over his past, the fire had officially been lit.

“The Holy Spirit was illuminating the word of God for the first time in my life,” Jedneak said. “God was demonstrating His love to me and real izing how wrecked I was. That was the major turning point.”

Jedneak said it was friends, such as Jesse Allen, Dawson Waltner and Devin Dick, who poured into him and helped kindle his relationship with Jesus. He’d also often sit inside the office of Campus Pastor Ryan Lee, seeing faith through his own eyes.

“Those guys showed me what it looked like to walk with Jesus and loved me,” Jedneak said. “My life was radically changed. Jesus was moving

every day, and I’m tasting and seeing him daily. He took my story and planted a fire in me.”

The lens toward John’s future never changed, either.

Over a two-year stretch, upward of 15-20 people had told him to explore ministry, and after a trip with MB Mission to Thailand, he offi cially opened the door.

After graduating from Tabor in 2017, Jedneak spent nine months at a discipleship program at the Kanakuk Institute in Branson, Mo. He then joined KLIFE in Conway, Ark., a discipleship ministry for 5th-12th grade students.

Through his work with these students, Jedneak would think back to his 10- to 16-year-old self, wanting to be the light and paint a clearer picture of what it looks like to be a godly man.

“I didn’t have the vision for what it meant to a be a man, disciple and follower of Jesus,” Jedneak said. “I see the potential, and I believe these students are the church of today. I love engaging them, equipping them, and sending them out in their schools.”

That viewpoint has changed as he continues in his first year as high school pastor at Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin, Tenn.

Having discipled 20-30 students himself, Jedneak has found what he “lives and breathes for.”

“I don’t have to do anything by myself,” he said of working with his students. “I can turn their attention toward Christ, and He can radically change their life, a generation, and a nation. For one person to take time to invest in one individual, and for God to ignite that, the potential is beyond what we can comprehend.”

Courtesy photo

(L to R) Abigail, John and Josie Jedneak

Four alumni awards given at Homecoming Dinner

Dennis (g’71) and Connie (Klassen, g’72) Fast, one of two recipients of the inaugural Alumni Ministry Award, have spent 40-plus years in ministry in Hillsboro, Kan., as well as Fresno, Kingsburg, and Reedley, Calif. Their service has impacted countless families within the MB Conference. They have three children and 15 grandchildren. Kindra Goertzen (g’06), awarded the Alumni Medallion, is an awardwinning communicator, currently serving as a creative manager at the United Way of the Plains in Wichita, Kan. Over the past 16 years, Goertzen’s work has been recognized regionally and nationally, helping craft compelling campaigns and creating systematic change to social issues. Ken (g’72) and Marilyn (Friesen, g’70) Fast, given the second Alumni Ministry Award, have devoted their careers to educa tion, global missions, and service, including 30-plus years of coaching and teaching at Pan American Christian Academy in Sao Paulo, Brazil. They have three children and 10 grandchildren, featuring four generations of Tabor College students. Dale Flaming (g’62), awarded the Alumni Merit, has been on the cutting edge of scientific innovation since the incep tion of Sutter Instrument in 1974. Still actively invent ing today, the company’s wide array of equipment is represented in laboratories across the globe, aiding work in physiology and neuroscience research.

Tabor College gave out four alumni awards at its annual Homecoming Dinner on Friday, Sept. 30 in the Regier Atrium of the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts. It also honored the Class of 1972 on its 50th reunion. (L to R): Ken Fast, Marilyn Fast, Dale Flaming, Kindra Goertzen, Connie Fast, and Dennis Fast.

Deanne Duerksen, former Tabor registrar, passed away on Sept. 4, in Hesston, Kan. Deanne spent 41 years in the registrar’s office, serving faithfully and playing an integral role in the academic success of countless students. Her love for the Lord was evident in her hospitality, love for the community, and serving and volunteering in church. Friends and family gathered to remember her life on Saturday, Sept. 10 at First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro.

Gil & Rhoda Friesen add Tabor College to estate planning

Since graduating in the 1960s, Tabor College has been a fixture in the lives of Gil and Rhoda Friesen.

Gil (g’64), a business administration major, and Rhoda (g’66), who studied biology, support Tabor through an endowed scholarship, the brand-new Gil & Rhoda Friesen Lecture Series, and have also chosen to write the college into their estate.

The John W. Dick/Gilbert & Rhoda (Krause) Friesen Scholarship has been in place since 1991, and the lecture series came from mutually agreeing to support the college before their estate gifts went into effect.

Even as Gil reflected on seeing his father help fund the Tabor gymnasium project, he and Rhoda’s “why” was very simple.

“Tabor is our family,” Gil said with a smile.

They sat down to write their estate and agreed they wanted Tabor to be repre sented as an additional beneficiary. While the estate gift was in place, the lecture series became the perfect opportunity to make an immediate impact on students’ lives.

The lecture series kicked off at Academic Convocation on Aug. 22. Dr. Noe Garcia, senior pastor at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Ariz., was the guest speaker. In attendance, Gil and Rhoda witnessed 40 students respond to an invitation to follow Jesus.

“Tabor embodies what we think Christian education should be,” Gil said. “I want as many people as possible to have the opportunity of earning a decidedly Christian education.”

If you would like to include Tabor College as a beneficiary in your estate, or open an endowed scholarship to support future generations of Tabor gradu ates, call or email Ron Braun, vice president of philanthropy, at 620-947-3121 (ext. 1710) or ronb@tabor.edu.

Marriages

Alex (g’20) and Allison (Maxfield g’21) Wiens, married in Hesston, Kan., on March 19, 2022

Josh (g’22) and Abigail (Berggren g’22) Gaede, married in Hutchinson, Kan., on May 28, 2022

Devin (fs’ 20) and Zoe (Shieldnight g’22) Rust married in Newton, Kan., on June 5, 2022

Erlin and Abigail (Funk g’13) Obando Araya, married in Hesston, Kan., on June 18, 2022

Trevor and Tessa (Isaac g’20) Yoder, married in Hutchinson, Kan., on June 18, 2022

Jameson and Macey (Darrah g’22) Logan, married in Wichita, Kan., on July 16, 2022

Caleb (cs) and Iris (Klein cs) Rempel, married in Hillsboro, Kan., on August 6, 2022

Cristian and Marissa (Graf g’19) Hernandez, married in Oklahoma City, Okla., on August 14, 2022

Births/Adoptions

Dawson (g’15) and Mallory Waltner, North Newton, Kan., a boy, Brayden, March 14, 2022

Lucas and Greta (Wiebe g’12) Williamson, Lenexa, Kan., a boy, Brax Henry, April 7, 2022

Ryan (g’19) and Kathleen (Frankenberry g’19) Stearns, Benton, Kan., a boy, Brooks Ashley, April 7, 2022

Wyatt (g’20) and Emily (Kemling g’20) Dickinson, Beloit, Kan., a girl, Jada Joelle, Sept. 21, 2022

Philip (g’18) and Aleya (Hill g’19) Ediger, Hillsboro, Kan., a girl, Emmaline Dawn and Joseph David, Oct. 18, 2022

Deaths

Evelyn (Langenegger fs’58) Thiessen, age 81, Fresno, Calif., Jan. 8, 2021

Marlene (Bartel fs’59) Lautt age 81, Lodi, Calif., March 19, 2021

Andy Lavern Neufeld (fs’50), age 89, Clovis, Calif., July 10, 2021

Herbert Swartz (g’55), age 89, Harrisonburg, Va., July 31, 2021

Alfred Gerhardt (fs’64), age 78, West Chester, Pa., Jan. 24, 2022

Homer George (g’83) age 99, Harrisonburg, Va., Jan. 29, 2022

Richard Thiessen (fs’58) age 83, Fresno, Calif., April 10, 2022

Donnivan Bartel (fs’69), age 71, Burrton, Kan., April 27, 2022

Nellie (Hamm fs’49) Jost, age 93, Hillsboro, Kan., May 15, 2022

Marcia (Hiebert fs’64) Goentzel, age 76, Valley Center, Kan., June 1, 2022

Robert “Bob” Franz (g’72), age 71, Lawrence, Kan., June 2, 2022

Orletta (Brandt fs’50) Heide Wiebe, age 91, North Newton, Kan., June 8, 2022

Dale Jost (g’66), age 77, Hesston, Kan., June 22, 2022

Janice (Heinrichs g’79) Friesen, age 70, Wichita, Kan., June 23, 2022

Guy Morrison (fs’80) age 61, Sanger, Calif., June 24, 2022

Dr. Albert “Al” Isaak (g’59) age 84, Greenville, S.C, June 28, 2022

Dr. Edwin Wiens (g’55) age 89, Fresno, Calif., July 15, 2022

Cal Redekop (ff) age 96, Harrison burg, Va., July 20, 2022

Darrah/Logan

Graf/Hernandez

Klein/Rempel Wiens/Maxfield

Deanne Duerksen

Naomi Dyck

Robert Franz Janice Friesen

Homer George

Viola Gossen Albert Isaak

Marlin Janzen

Wayne Janzen

Dale Jost

Jada Dickinson

Brax Williamson

Naomi (Hiebert g’50) Dyck, age 96, Fresno, Calif., July 23, 2022

Richard Kliewer (fs’87) age 54, Newton, Kan., Aug. 10, 2022

Viola Gossen (g’52) age 98, Hillsboro, Kan., Aug. 15, 2022

Deanne (Goering g’86 & staff emeritus) Duerksen age 77, Hesston, Kan., Sept. 4, 2022

Al Vogts (g’82) age 62, North Newton, Kan., Sept. 12, 2022

Robert Lautt (g’59) age 85, Lodi, Calif., Sept. 15, 2022

Kermit Ratzlaff (g’42) age 100, Hillsboro, Kan., Sept. 27, 2022

Wayne Janzen (g’78) age 66, Okeene, Okla., Sept. 26, 2022

Marlin Janzen (g’61) age 82, Hillsboro, Kan., Oct. 21, 2022

Lavina (Schroeder fs’54) Wohlgemuth age 88, Reedley, Calif., Oct. 22, 2022

Alumni

News – 1960s

Dr. David Schroeder (g’66) was awarded the Ray Ackerman Leadership Award by United Way of Central Oklahoma. The Ray Ackerman Leadership Award is given each year to individuals who have exemplified leadership in support of United Way of Central Oklahoma’s work. Named for Ray Ackerman, a veteran volunteer, this award honors those who share his tireless efforts and devotion to United Way’s mission, setting the standard for volunteerism, leadership and caring.

1970s

Lawrence “L. Ray” Jackson, (g’75) former FDIC deputy regional director for the division of depositor and consumer protection in the Chicago regional office, received the 2022 American Bankers Association’s Distinguished Service Award for Compliance. The award, which recognizes leadership, initiative and accomplishment in banking regulatory compliance manage ment, as well as volunteer service through ABA, was presented during ABA’s Regulatory Compliance Conference in Orlando.

Jackson retired after 39 years of service with the FDIC with 32 years specializing in the consumer protection area. As the deputy regional director, he served as the executive level official for the

region’s consumer protection program and was responsible for supervising the compliance examination staff, as well as 1,100 state non-member financial institutions in the region.

1980s

Dr. Paul Klaassen (g’89) received an award for 25 years of faith ful service in Ark City, Kan., at the inaugural SCK Health Foun dation Gala held last spring. Hannah Klaassen (g’19) former Miss Kansas 2018 and also Paul’s daughter, emceed the event.

CODES

g – graduate fs – former student cs – current student f – faculty ff – former faculty st – staff

fst – former staff fb – former board tcw – Tabor College Wichita

Ray Jackson

Paul Klaassen David Schroeder

Robert Lautt

Kermit Ratzlaff

Cal Redekop Herbert Swartz Al Vogts

Edwin Wiens

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