Friends University Focus Magazine Fall 2020

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FRIEND S UNI V ER SIT Y FALL 2020

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“Our faith shines brightest in the darkness. Because that light is not our light, but is the light of Jesus. We talk about ‘moonlight,’ but the moon has no light. The moon only reflects the light of the sun. In the same way, we don’t have any light of our own. We only project the light of the Son. And as we continue to walk, to trust, and to believe, in a season of struggle, our faith shines brighter than in the seasons of ease and joy. Our prayers spoken in the darkness are powerful, and will echo throughout eternity.”

— James Bryan Smith Associate Professor of Religion Dallas Willard Chair for Christian Spiritual Formation Founder and Executive Director of the Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation

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President Dr. Amy Bragg Carey Vice President of Enrollment Management Deb Stockman Associate Vice President of Advancement Brie Boulanger Director of Alumni Relations Michael Walz Public Relations & Communications Manager Laura Fuller

Friends University Board of Trustees Dr. Kneeland Brown Dr. John Lewis Bob Casper Regina Miller Kim Dugger Attwater Paul Moore Brent Edmisten Jim Nagy Lynn Ghormley Jeff Ramsey Kevin Henderson Renae Ryan Dr. Kevin Hoppock Dr. Kent Walkemeyer Dr. Jace Hyder C. Patrick Woods

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Focus on Resilience 4 6 8 10

Tools of resilience

We’re all in this together Living a legacy with Friends

PHOTO BY MICKEY SHANNON

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT This year of COVID uncertainty has pushed us to exercise our resilience muscles and we have learned that we have capacity for more than we expected. But even when we find ourselves distracted by disruption and longing to regain control, we know God remains faithful, hears our prayers and strengthens us every day.

We know that even in some of the darkest moments, the brightest light can shine. We press forward and use our God-given callings and resources to

inspire the next generation of leaders through an excellent education. At Friends University we don’t seek to merely survive this challenging season, we will thrive and live according to the purpose God has called us to.

Dr. Amy Bragg Carey President, Friends University

Strength in the storms

ON THE COVER Friends University students returned to in-person classes for the fall semester.

PHOTO BY STEVE RASMUSSEN

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Focus magazine is published two times per year by University Advancement/Marketing and Communications, 2100 W. University Ave, Wichita, KS 67213. It is published for the alumni and friends of Friends University.

friends.edu news@friends.edu

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TOOLS OF RESILIENCE

BY ANNA CAREY

PHOTO BY STEVE RASMUSSEN

Second year MFT graduate student, Marissa Ingle.

Launching into space and saving burning buildings — those were the heroic childhood dreams of graduate Caleb Janssen.

Even from a young age, he wanted to do something that would make a difference.

But he never expected that he would end up with a career as a sponge.

The ability to absorb the hurts, joys, and everything in between for their clients is what Cohort 55 of the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program puts into practice each time they settle into their therapy rooms at the Center on Family Living located in the Marriage and Family Therapy building on the Wichita campus. And like a sponge, the therapist must exude flexibility and resilience.

An MFT student in their final semester is already at capacity, but Janssen found himself sprinting to the finish line when unforeseen hurdles started popping up — specifically the COVID-19 pandemic. With that came a need for everyone in the MFT program to flex those adaptability muscles.

The Center on Family Living (CFL) was already fully booked when calls started flooding in with COVID-related concerns.

CFL clients, many of whom are under-served minorities, had to be turned away. Then, with little notice, the university — along with the rest of the world — went virtual, forcing the center to close its doors.

Many used this opportunity to slow down and adjust to a new pace while working at home, but for Program Director Rebecca Culver-Turner the chaos was just beginning to brew. She recalls such agonizing questions as, “How do we keep our heads above water and keep the learning experience going for our students? And then how do we still provide care to our clients?”

After seeing clients “on ground” for 25 years, Clinical Director Jennifer Jay said, “We had to immediately pivot.” That pivot

PHOTO BY LAIS BOSCO

The MFT Cohort 55 at their graduation ceremony after receiving an award recognizing their fortitude and resilience during the 2020 pandemic.

was diving into the world of tele-mental health — a video-conference therapy medium that was under-researched, unsupported by accrediting bodies, and the only option left. In about a week’s time legal documents were re-written to include telehealth, a new manual was drafted, students were trained, and services were launched. But the focus was the same for students and directors alike: maintaining consistent care for clients.

The nature of incoming calls was the same: depression, anxiety, stress,

THERAPY IS OFTEN KEY TO LEARNING NEW RESILIENCE TOOLS. trauma, fear. But those with alreadyparalyzing conditions were now elevated, a result of the pandemic.

Many similar themes also rose to the surface: lost jobs, financial stress, fear of illness, school decisions. Weighing all of this, the clinic decided to suspend cost for services for a few months.

It was an easy decision to make according to Clinic Manager Bethany Gray, and it removed a significant barrier for both students and clients. But the other lingering barrier for many was technology. Janssen attempted to set up his clients with electronic forms and Zoom accounts but realized he was privileged to have luxuries as simple as wi-fi. “A lot of people don’t have the

capacity to have [access to the] internet,” he said. Others were anxious about video technology.

Recent graduate Sarah Lyon, a member of the Cohort 55 class, also found it challenging to really get a sense of what was happening for clients when they were only able to interact via video.

“A lot of the work that I do relies on this empathic ability to just get the vibe from the client,” she said. “You have to work a lot harder to get that information through telehealth.”

But the clients who did opt-in for telehealth included individuals from all over the state of Kansas. Many from outside Wichita, especially in rural areas, struggle to find good care options in their area. This ability to expand services across the state was significant. And Lyon found that many of her clients were excited by the simple opportunity to let their therapists into their home—the space where they can really put their guard down.

In her New York Times article, Eilene Zimmerman defines resilience as “the ability to recover from difficult experiences and setbacks, to adapt, move forward and sometimes even experience growth.” Resilience is dictated by genetics, history, environment, and situational context but we all have coping tools in our toolbox.

It’s not a reservoir that empties over time; — it keeps replenishing as individuals adapt and strengthen. Therapy is often key to learning new resilience tools.

Lyon was forced to expand her absorbent resilience sponge in

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the complexities of learning a new platform, approaching graduation and working her way through her first pandemic — all while helping her clients build up their own resilience.

If you were to talk to the directors and managers of the MFT program and the Center on Family Living they would say that the real heroes during this major pivot were the students. Alternatively, if you were to ask students like Janssen or Lyon, they would tout the praises of their supervisors.

While it was a collaborative effort, the students’ resilience was recognized with an award presented at their graduation ceremony. The resilience award applauded their ability to embrace ambiguity and maintain professionalism.

Jay says her students “learned even deeper levels of what they were capable of.” Perhaps like Janssen discovered, this stalled world has made us more privy to the spongy-ness within ourselves that we weren’t aware of — a flexible adaptability, a willingness to let others in, an understanding of our emotional capacity, and an expansion of grace and empathy for ourselves and others.

HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS Friends University Center on Family Living, visit friends.edu/ center-on-family-living United Way, call 211 or visit 211Kansas.org to find available resources in your area

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WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

BY AMY GEISZLER-JONES

“AS QUAKERS, WE HAVE AN IMPORTANT LEGACY OF ABOLITIONISTS AND PEACEMAKERS, AND WE BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE IS A SPECIAL LIFE CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD WITH INHERENT WORTH AND DIGNITY.” — DR. AMY BRAGG CAREY

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“IT’S IN OUR DNA TO HELP OTHERS.” — DR. JERRY SMARTT

Being part of Latino Leaders, which includes extensive mentoring with professionals in the student’s career field, faculty and peers, “definitely opened so many doors for me,” said Bustillos-Chacon.

The success of the Latino Leaders program, whose participants have to show leadership, academic excellence

that includes training, conversations and special events. This spring she put together an event called “The Power of the Crown,” which brought attention to the issue of hairstyle discrimination laws.

Aluko draws on ideologies of famous Quaker, Bayard Rustin, who was the main organizer of Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington. Aluko, a PHOTO BY STEVE RASMUSSEN

The numbers were telling Jerry Smartt that something needed to be done.

When Smartt — who has been Friends University’s director of foreign languages since 1975 — saw federal figures about trends and population demographics, she realized a large segment of America’s population reflected two cultures and two languages in specific: Spanish and English. Having grown up in a border town in Texas where she was immersed in two cultures herself, she realized the growing numbers of Hispanics would need leaders and individuals who could advance and make an impact in their communities.

A year later in 2017, Friends University launched its refocused bachelor’s degree that prepares students for the high-demand field of Spanish translation and interpretation and started its Latino Leaders scholarship program and a Hispanic American Leadership Organization chapter.

Those initiatives have resulted in increased enrollment and retention numbers of Hispanic/Latino degreeseeking students. In the fall 2020, 131 Hispanic/Latino degree-seeking students were enrolled at Friends, up from 88 in fall 2017; the student retention rate for this year is 73 percent compared to 69 percent between the fall 2017 and fall 2018 semesters.

For Kim Bustillos-Chacon, who was part of the first Latino Leaders recruitment class in 2017, the scholarship allowed her to be the first person in her family to attend college. BustillosChacon finished her double degrees in psychology and Spanish in three years and is now pursuing a master’s in forensic psychology with California Baptist University. Her goal is to work for the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit.

Crystal Aluko, director of multicultural engagement & student affairs.

and service qualities, has led to discussions for similar scholarship or leadership development programs for other underrepresented students, according to Smartt and Chrystal Aluko, who was hired in early 2019 to direct Friends’ new multicultural engagement and diversity program.

Enriching our culture, encouraging more engagement between students from different backgrounds and strengthening the support network for all students are additional ways students can positively be impacted at Friends University. Aluko has been developing diversity and inclusion programming

first-generation college student knows first-hand how instrumental meaningful connections can be for students to accomplish educational goals.

In a statement following the increase of social justice protests in 2020, Friends president Amy Bragg Carey noted that inclusion has always been important at Friends, which was one of the first universities in Kansas to admit women and African American students.

“As Quakers, we have an important legacy of abolitionists and peacemakers, and we believe that everyone is a special life created in the image of God with inherent worth and dignity,” Carey wrote.

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STRENGTH IN THE STORMS

BY BRIAN WHEPLEY

Growing up on a farm near Fowler, Justin Weber saw grit in the weathered faces of Kansans making a go of life on the dry plains of southwest Kansas.

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“Tough people made it through the Depression and the Dust Bowl,” said Justin, a 1985 Friends University graduate in religion/philosophy who pastors Honey Creek-New Providence Friends Church and lives and runs the store in Eldora, Iowa. “They were not quitters. They were faithful, hardworking human beings … a little rough around the edges like I am.”

His family and faith — influenced by educators who helped “broaden, inspire and illuminate me” — carried him through an ordeal this year — illness from COVID-19 that put him in the hospital for 55 days, much of which he can hardly recall.

The virus began working away on Justin in mid-March with fatigue and fevers but not common symptoms like a cough. A positive COVID test led to wife Krista and daughter Rachel hauling semi-lucid Justin to an emergency room in Grundy Center where a doctor – a “lifesaver” – intubated Justin and had him rushed to Waterloo’s larger Allen Hospital. It became his home for nearly two months. There, he’d spend weeks in the ICU, suffering from pneumonia, sepsis, renal failure which led him to be put on dialysis, while being strapped in bed and isolated from family. At times, he could barely lift a finger.

“COVID couldn’t take away my love for my family and the people who love me. It couldn’t take away my faith,” Justin said.

“It could not take my humor or joy.”

Justin played football at Friends and had a bit of a rocky journey, leaving school for a time. Upon his return, he embraced his religious education under Richard Foster and others, “I was so hungry for God and wanted to know the Scriptures better.” He returned to Fowler after graduation, as his mother had terminal cancer, but eventually went on to Earlham School of Religion in Indiana.

Justin met his wife, Krista, during seminary, and they married in 1993.

Stops at churches in Illinois and Indiana followed. He took a break from ministry to tend to their youngsters, Jonathan, now 22 and working at NFL Films, and Rachel, a University of Northern Iowa student.

Now he serves in New Providence and

runs the Pickin’ Preacher vintage shop.

Both Krista and Justin note the caring of Allen Hospital’s providers. With visits by family banned, hospital staff picked up the slack — singing songs and holding a computer tablet so Krista and other family could speak to Justin.

Gradually getting better, he moved to a rehab unit and on May 20 made quite the exit. Cheering staff lined the halls, his family wrapped him in hugs, Justin sang the Doxology and praises for caregivers.

Back in Eldora, hundreds lining a road welcomed him.

He’s been rebuilding his strength and done physical and other therapy, but then life brought another ordeal, a windstorm that swept Iowa on Aug. 10. Justin did what he could, loaning generators and

“COVID COULDN’T TAKE AWAY MY LOVE FOR MY FAMILY AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE ME. IT COULDN’T TAKE AWAY MY FAITH. IT COULD NOT TAKE MY HUMOR OR JOY.” — JUSTIN WEBER

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collecting food.

His illness touched many, with his name hitting prayer lists from British Columbia to Africa. “It was amazing to know how many people are praying for Justin and us,” Krista said. “All that support was pretty overwhelming.”

The virus tried but couldn’t take his life. Justin maintains it has “taken away a degree of my arrogance” while providing a “deeper sense of empathy.” He thinks his family suffered more, saying “it was not that tough for me.”

Krista coped with prayer, but also via a playlist of affirming songs and some journaling. Her children were able to be with her, Jonathan helping with practical things and Rachel talking matters through, keeping mom from being a “basket case.”

The Webers mention time as something they’ll never regain. He lost two months outright and more with healing. Krista wonders where the year went – suddenly spring and summer are gone and Iowa’s on the long slide to frigid winter. Another loss is a sense of security, with Krista recalling a restaurant visit where her discomfort rose with the number of diners who were mask-less.

Like any long-married couple, the Webers have been through the challenges of relationships, raising kids, moving where the Lord and churches call. All building perseverance, acceptance and resilience.

“We knew it was going to be a long haul, but there was a peace that came over me early on, that we’ll deal with it,” she said. “That helped keep me going, that fortitude, and knowing we just had to be patient.”

“There are all kinds of things that can happen to us in our lives that are not the Will of God; they are just things that happen,” Justin said. “I don’t think I believe for a minute that God saved me when there were other Christians and other faithful people who died that were praying to the same God I pray to.”

Justin believes he was lucky, fortunate and blessed by God primarily through people to have survived and endured COVID-19. He will be forever grateful.

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LIVING A LEGACY WITH FRIENDS

BY BRIAN WHEPLEY

“WE WERE ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR WHAT FRIENDS GAVE US IN EDUCATION AND FRIENDSHIPS.” — DR. DAVID PAULS

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Dr. David Pauls remembers a crystallizing moment during his years at Friends University when he clearly realized that no matter how much he liked music and the Singing Quakers, he should pursue a longtime passion — science — for his life’s work.

As a Singing Quaker, Pauls had won a solo competition his sophomore year, but as a junior he didn’t even make it to the semifinals, said Pauls, a general surgeon in Manhattan. He recalls returning to his hotel, stowing his disappointment somewhat and digging into his studies. “I just pulled out my Organic Chemistry book and starting plowing through homework. And I thought, maybe this is telling me, ‘This is where you need to be. You need to be focused,’” said Pauls, who earned math and chemistry degrees in 1984.

By the time Pauls plowed into that textbook, Friends had provided him plenty of opportunities to test and refine his direction. Initially planning to gather prerequisites at Friends and transfer elsewhere for engineering, Pauls said, “once I got there I really enjoyed it and decided to stay.” So he pursued a degree in math and then, deciding he wanted to become a doctor, added a second major in a field where Friends also could prepare him well: chemistry.

Navigating life and career paths and getting a degree at Friends is nothing unusual for the Pauls family. Through the years and across generations, Friends University has provided them a place to grow their faith while earning a quality education.

Dr. Pauls’ younger brother, John, and wife, Susan, are Friends graduates.

The doctor’s wife-to-be, Kathy Riggs, also earned her degree in elementary education in 1984, a whirlwind year where they graduated, married, honeymooned and settled into a “dumpy apartment” near the KU School of Medicine in Kansas City. Kathy put her training to good use, supporting their family during the lean years of medical school. Now, with grown children, she volunteers at church and other organizations. And there’s grandparenting to do.

PHOTO BY JEFF MOORE

(Left to right) Kendall and Hannah Ens with son Isaac, Dr. David and Kathy Pauls, Aaron and Ashley Pauls.

Two of their children Aaron and Hannah graduated from Friends. Aaron earned a degree in English in 2011, and met Ashley Bergner, his future wife and a communications/journalism major, at Friends. Hannah earned a visual communications degree in 2014, a year after her now husband, Kendall Ens, finished his in graphic design. The four younger Pauls also live in Manhattan — joined in June by Hannah and Kendall’s son, Isaac. Their third child, Ethan, attended K-State, and he and his wife, Hannah, live in Colorado with son Owen, born in February.

Their father’s years in medical school brought lessons in fortitude and humility.

“Everybody’s a smart kid there,” he said. “That is a big shock for a lot of people. We had five kids drop out the first week of class. Everybody was used to getting A’s and probably not working really hard for it. And now, you’ve got to really bust it to even stay on top of it, even keep up with it, much less be at the top of the class.”

In five years of residency, Dr. Pauls had to draw on his faith and some of the lessons from his years at Friends.

“Resilience is the biggest thing you

learn. There were times you worked 36 hours straight. Fortunately, we had good friends. It was almost like the soldiers in foxholes. We covered for each other and you learn physical stamina. You just learn to kind of gut-through it.”

Looking back at their Friends years, he said, “We were always grateful for what Friends gave us in education and friendships. We’ve been appreciative for what it’s done for our kids, the opportunities it gave them, the relationships they’ve been able to develop through it. We’ve appreciated that it seems to have maintained its focus on Christian education.”

Son Aaron found in Friends a school where he could study and continue to play tennis, while zoo science drew Hannah. Now a communications specialist at the K-State Union, she’s thankful for the opportunities Friends provided. Hannah had a part-time job in the communications office at Friends while she was a student and eventually was won over to that field.

At Friends, she gained lessons in perseverance that are helpful amid COVID. During her years, the Falcon yearbook went from being a class — with

faculty support and grades at stake — to a student organization. Hannah’s proud to have led the move to resurrect the yearbook, getting sponsors, gathering photographs, arranging distribution and more. “My experience in student government — and faith — helped put me in a position to do that,” she said.

Being pregnant and isolating during the pandemic was stressful, but Hannah feels blessed to have been able to spend more time at home with her mom than normal times would allow. Her extended Manhattan family forms a protective, supportive “bubble.”

“I see my mom and dad being very generous with their time and resources in the community,” Hannah said. “One of the biggest things my parents have modeled is that you should do things for the happiness of it, because you love it, and not just for the money.”

By the time her son, Isaac, and her brother’s son, Owen, head to college, Friends University will have been around for about 140 years. Those “future Falcons” — as their grandfather calls them — can expect to find Friends a place where they, too, could deepen both their faith and their knowledge.

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LAMENT AND BLESSING IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC

BY GUY CHMIELESKI

During one of our first virtual chapels of this pandemic season, two of my colleagues, Haley and Luke, introduced three simple but powerful questions to our campus community at Friends University: 1) What has the pandemic taken from us? 2) What has it not taken from us? 3) What has God given to us during this season?

With these questions, we are able to lament what has been lost, acknowledge our new reality, and recognize blessings and new opportunities. These questions, when given space to permeate our minds, hearts, and souls, may be used by God to provide us with a healthy and helpful framework for persisting through this.

still pieces of a pre-COVID-19 way of life that remain. Can we see through the pain of loss enough to notice these important items? Identifying what we have not lost, I believe, is just as important for us as recognizing what has been lost.

For me, it was important to understand and acknowledge that much of my loss came in the form of inconveniences. I still have my family. I still have my job. I still have my home.

I still have my health. I recognize my losses were minor, not major.

I know this is not everyone’s story. But it’s my story (at least as of this writing in mid-summer), and that is something tangible I can hold on to.

What has the pandemic taken from us?

What an incredible season of disruption, disorientation, and loss.

Globally, we have lost lives, jobs, and a collective sense of normalcy. At the campus and individual level, we lost a spring (and possibly more) on campus, which meant the loss of things like faceto-face time with friends and faculty; spring sport seasons and fine arts performances; and a great many “lasts” for our graduating seniors, including their spring graduation ceremony.

As these losses began to pile up, they also followed us home; even in the best of scenarios, there was still change and loss to mourn. Though my kids initially celebrated being able to sleep in, they quickly felt the forfeiture of close connections with friends. They also missed out on the spring sport season.

It’s necessary to lament in the midst of our pain and confusion. The Bible is riddled with examples of lament; they serve as reminders, even permission, to express our grievances and pain to God.

What has God given to us during this season?

While much less obvious in the midst of our current disorientation, I believe God is providing each of us with blessings of some shape or form. God is aware of our situation — and hurts with us. Yet in the midst of the pain, I believe there are hidden blessings, if only we have eyes to see them.

For example, this time of disruption has given me an abnormally large amount of time with my family. Time with all seven of us in the same place had become a rarity outside of family vacations. Additionally, the open time in my calendar provided space that has sparked some creativity and innovation within that likely would not have found place amidst the rhythms and routines that had previously been shaping my life.

As we consider these three questions, we see that there are layers and layers to uncover. But I believe that as we provide the time and the space for the Holy Spirit to work in us through reflecting on these questions, we will have new eyes to see, even as we continue serving.

This article also appeared in the CCCU magazine.

What has it not taken from us?

Every family has experienced this pandemic in different ways, but there are

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University News CYBER SECURITY DEGREE PROGRAM NOW INCLUDES COMPTIA SECURITY+ CERTIFICATE

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY IS THE FIRST UNIVERSITY IN KANSAS TO OFFER DYSLEXIA AND LITERACY INTERVENTIONIST CONCENTRATION Friends University is now offering a new Master of Education concentration in Dyslexia and Literacy Intervention. Friends University and the Fundamental Learning Center have joined forces to provide teachers with professional training in dyslexia that will count toward a Master of Education degree at Friends University. This is the first concentration of its kind in the state of Kansas.

In November 2019, the Kansas State Board of Education unanimously approved recommendations requiring training for pre-service and in-service teachers in working with dyslexia. The joint partnership will allow teachers pursuing their Master of Education to effectively train, prepare and teach those with reading difficulties. Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that is neurobiological in origin and characterized by challenges with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities, according to the Kansas State Department of Education. One in five students is affected and suffers from dyslexia and each student is affected differently. Early assessment and intervention is the key to student’s success.

The Friends University cyber security degree program prepares students with the skills needed to protect people, systems, applications and technologies.

Beginning this fall, the CompTIA Security+ certificate is included with the degree program. Students will also be equipped with the skills needed for a wide variety of cyberrelated certification exams with the necessary training in an everchanging technology landscape.

Friends University cyber students will also experience real-time, hands-on training in the stateof-the-art INTRUST Bank Cyber Security Laboratory, which utilizes the most comprehensive cyber defense training platform available.

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FRIENDS UNIVERSITY OFFERS A NEW CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE FOR ADULTS THIS FALL “The bachelor’s degree in criminal justice gives students the opportunity to understand the theories and research of the field and apply that knowledge to current events and real-world situations.”

— Dr. Tor Wynn Associate Professor Sociology and Criminology

Friends University introduces a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program beginning this fall. The new degree will be offered to adult students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.

The new degree is designed with a blend of flexible schedules and frequent program start dates to enable students to remain in their job while gaining more knowledge and work toward advancing in their careers.

The criminal justice system is diverse, and the Friends University criminal justice degree program offers students a solid educational foundation across a broad spectrum of criminal justice topics and issues that are intrinsic to law enforcement and correctional systems. The legal and behavioral concentrations give students the option for a more specific area of study.

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY INTRODUCES NEW IN-DEMAND BUSINESS CONCENTRATIONS FOR TODAY’S COMPETITIVE JOB MARKET Friends University is pleased to begin offering three new competitive concentrations to their business degree programs this fall. The new concentrations include Supply Chain Management with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree.

In addition, Sports Management and Project Management will be available with the Master of Business Administration and Global Master of Business Administration degrees.

“Management concentrations are among the top business degree concentrations sought after by today’s college students who are preparing for their future in the business sector,” said

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Dr. James Long, professor of finance, division chair of business and information technology at Friends University. “These three new specific concentrations give students the opportunity to pursue their interests and gain the necessary leadership skills needed to be successful in a competitive job market.”

Friends University recognizes the industry demand for students to be

equipped with the skills required with the Supply Chain Management, Project Management and Sports Management concentrations. Quality managers are sought after in many different facets of business and managing people and essential goods are crucial for our society.

Selecting a major that offers future career growth and job security is an important decision for today’s college students.

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U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKINGS Friends University has earned national rankings from U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings in the following categories:

SINGING QUAKERS PAST AND PRESENT SING WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS During the initial spread of the COVID-19 virus, Friends University Singing Quakers past and present wanted to spread hope and encouragement during trying and hectic times. They came together virtually to sing Gilbert M. Martin’s arrangement of “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” The piece was directed by Friends University legend and retired director of the Singing Quakers choir for 45 years, Dr. Cecil Riney. The group spread hope during the stressful unknowns and helped remind us to turn our eyes upon Jesus, the ultimate Healer, Judge and Father. The song can be heard at https://youtu.be/sKQpInle9W8.

THE NEW SOUNDS OF CAMPUS Creativity is no stranger to the Friends University Fine Arts department. With the onset of the pandemic and classes set to resume, the Fine Arts department had to be creative and think outside the box to keep faculty, students and staff safe. One solution was to set up large tents in a parking lot and hold classes under the big top and on the lawn of the campus.

Students still receive the same superb instruction in a new and creative setting and our campus community gets to enjoy the sounds of the Fine Arts department’s classes. The music certainly offers a sense of calm and peace during a unique time.

TOP REGIONAL UNIVERSITY — MIDWEST Friends University is ranked #98 in the Midwest, at #4 among all Kansas education institutions and as #2 among private universities in Kansas.

TOP PERFORMERS ON SOCIAL MOBILITY — REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES Friends University ranks at #63 based on how well schools graduated students who received federal Pell Grants and #2 among all Kansas higher education institutions.

NEW RANKINGS FOR DORMS AND HEALTHCARE PROGRAM Niche.com has released the 2021 Best College rankings based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Friends University is ranked #23 in the nation for Best College Dorms in America and #1 in Kansas for Best College Dorms. rntobsnprogram.com Best Nursing Programs ranked Friends University at #34 for the Best Healthcare Administration Programs in 2020 (online and on-campus).

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FRIENDS UNIVERSITY WELCOMES NEW FACULTY TO CAMPUS Friends University is pleased to welcome the following new faculty to campus this fall

DR. ROJA ESMAEELI Dr. Roja Esmaeeli serves as the new Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering. She received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz and her master’s degree in energy systems from Alzahra University. Dr. Esmaeeli moved to the U.S. where she received her doctorate from the University of Akron in mechanical engineering. While pursuing her Ph.D., Dr. Esmaeeli held the position of Graduate Research Assistant at the Center for Tire Research which is a National Science Foundation funded research center.

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SHELDON MBA Sheldon Mba serves as the Assistant Professor of Music Theatre and Dance. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance Performance from North Carolina Central University and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. Mba has performed in a wide range of roles and his choreographic works have been featured at The National Black Theatre Festival, American Dance Festivals, various colleges and throughout the Durham, N.C. area. He uses his movement background combined with theatrical training to groom actors to become confident with their bodies.

FOCUS | DR. RAYVON T.J. MOORE Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore serves as the Director of Choral Studies and Singing Quakers Director. Dr. Moore earned his bachelor’s degree in choral music from the University of Southern California, his master’s degree in choral conducting from California State University, Fullerton and his doctoral degree in conducting from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, N.Y. Moore has an extensive choral conducting resume and is a versatile performer. He has sung back up for The Rolling Stones, Barry Manilow, Patti Austin, Andrea Bocelli, Kathleen Battle and Deborah Voigt.

He specializes in topics on conducting pedagogy, concert programming and interpreting African American spirituals.

Dr. Moore will also be the new director of the Wichita Chamber Chorale.

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DR. MOSES B. RUMANO Dr. Moses B. Rumano serves as the Division Chair for Education.

He received his undergraduate degrees in history and religious studies from the University of Zimbabwe and Africa University. He then moved to the U.S. where he earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Otterbein University and further pursued his doctoral degree in educational administration from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Dr. Rumano previously served in several educational roles as the Associate Professor in the School of Education and Human Development, the Chair of the Education Department, and Director of the Education Graduate Programs at Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

JENNY VENN Jenny Venn serves as the Visiting Assistant Professor of Graphic Arts and Interim Program Director: Visual Arts. She received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in fine arts from Fort Hays State University and completed an Impact Design for Social Change Residency at the School of Visual Arts, in New York, N.Y. Venn has held roles in graphic design as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Wichita State University, Adjunct Instructor of Art at Friends University, Adjunct Instructor of Art and Design at Fort Hays State University and Assistant Professor of Art, Graphic Design at the University of Wyoming. She also educated impassioned artists and designers at Gordon Parks Academy, a media arts magnet school, and designs independently for clients.

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RAMSEYER EARNS KCAC ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR NOD

BY LEVI CONVIRS

“Rob is a gifted and capable leader that has, in a short period of time, built an excellent team of coaches and administrators.”

— Dr. Amy Bragg Carey Friends University President

Friends University Athletic Director, Dr. Rob Ramseyer, has been chosen as the KCAC Athletic Director of the Year for 2019-2020. Ramseyer was formally recognized at the Sport Management Conference, held in Aug. at Bethel College.

“We are thrilled that Rob has been named the KCAC Athletic Director of the Year,” said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, Friends University President. “Rob is a gifted and capable leader that has, in a short period of time, built an excellent team of coaches and administrators with a depth of experience and passion for Falcon athletics. He’s a dedicated professional that garners a great deal of respect from his colleagues and is a champion for our student-athletes and our mission. This is a very well-deserved honor and we are blessed to have Rob at Friends University.”

Falcon Athletics has made tremendous strides both on the playing surface and in the classroom during Ramseyer’s twoyear tenure at Friends.

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This season, the Men’s Soccer Falcons captured the KCAC tournament championship for the first time since 2007 while qualifying for the NAIA National Tournament. The Women’s Soccer Falcons also advanced to the NAIA tourney for the first time in 15 years, while the Women’s Indoor Track & Field Falcons kept their dynasty ticking by claiming the KCAC Indoor Championship, their combined 11th straight conference title spanning both the indoor and outdoor seasons.

On the academic side, the Falcons boasted a cumulative GPA of 3.24 for the spring semester. The programs also had solid representation on the KCAC Scholar Athlete list, including leading the conference in Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, Volleyball, Women’s Tennis and Baseball.

“I am honored and grateful to receive this award,” Ramseyer said. “There are many great Athletic Directors in this conference and to be selected by them is humbling. However, ADs receive these awards because they work with good people. We have dedicated student-athletes, great coaches and athletic staff, and a supportive University administration. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish together.”

Under Ramseyer, the Athletic Department has now added a

Graduate Assistant Intern program, supplying the Falcon athletic programs with graduate assistant intern coaches.

The program also includes an Administrative and Sports Information Graduate Assistant Intern.

An intern program with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is another addition that Ramseyer has overseen.

This agreement allows for scholarship money to be available for FCA students at Friends while also providing an FCA staff member on campus for 20 hours per week to assist with mentoring the FCA student interns and connecting with student-athletes.

Ramseyer also facilitated a partnership between Friends University and the City of Wichita for use of the West Side Athletic Field. Now the permanent home of the Baseball Falcons, Friends University has overseen improvements to the field, including installing artificial turf on the infield.

This past fall, a new IronTurf was installed on Adair-Austin Stadium, meaning the Falcons joined the New England Patriots and Sporting KC of the MLS on the short list of teams that sport the new turf.

Ramseyer also helped to initiate the addition of a Powerlifting program along with new Director of Strength and Conditioning coach Joe Belden.

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PUGA NAMED COSIDA NAIA BASEBALL ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA® OF THE YEAR

BY LEVI CONVIRS

Friends University senior first baseman, Troy Puga, was selected to receive the prestigious honor of College of Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) NAIA Baseball Academic All-America® of the Year. This marks the second CoSIDA Academic AllAmerica® of the Year nod for the Falcon baseball program in the past three years, with Augie Isaacson also receiving the award in 2018.

The honor also includes Puga’s third straight CoSIDA Academic All-America® recognition. A Pueblo, Colo. native,

Puga’s impact transcended both the playing field and the classroom.

A unanimous first-team All-KCAC performer last season, Puga was fourth in the conference in hitting (.385), while hitting a league-high .444 in conference games.

Before the spring season was cancelled this year, Puga was hitting a robust .349 along with a .495 on-base percentage and a .547 slugging percentage.

A Health Sciences/Biochemistry major, Puga has also earned both NAIA and KCAC Scholar Athlete honors during his Falcon tenure.

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“I am extremely honored to receive this prestigious award,” Puga said. “I would like to thank my teammates, coaches, professors, administration, family, friends and everyone who has supported me along the way. I am grateful that I am able to represent Friends University and our baseball program. Putting in the work on the field and in the classroom has been a challenge, but it is incredible when it culminates into something of this magnitude. Friends University has provided me with so many great memories and I am so thankful to be a Falcon for life!”

“This is an incredible recognition for Troy and very well deserved for him and our program,” said Adam Neisius, Friends head baseball coach. “Troy was a tireless worker on and off the field and I’m so proud of him. This is our second Academic All-America® of the year in the last three years, this speaks volumes of the type of studentathletes we have in the Friends University baseball program.”

Puga was honored in a virtual presentation by the CoSIDA Academic All-America® New Media Committee.

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FRIENDS UNIVERSITY SET TO WELCOME FOUR NEW MEMBERS INTO ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2020

BY LEVI CONVIRS

Friends University announced the four inductees that were chosen to enter the Athletics Hall of Fame. The new members for the class of 2020 are: Tony Sheffield, Cole Davis, Aaron Howell and the 1985 Volleyball team.

“Congratulations to this year’s well-deserved inductees into our 2020 Hall of Fame class,” said Dr. Rob Ramseyer, Friends University athletic director. “I always look forward to honoring and giving recognition to those that have helped build and enrich the tradition we currently enjoy here at Friends University. I really appreciate our committee’s diligence in putting this class together despite how different things had to be this year.”

TONY SHEFFIELD A three-year letter-winner in both Basketball and Baseball, Sheffield was a two-time All-KCAC men’s basketball performer while also earning allconference baseball honors during his senior season.

Sheffield was selected as Team MVP twice on the basketball team and led the KCAC in scoring (23.4 ppg) while ranking second in the league in rebounding (10.8 rpg) as a senior in the 1979-80 season.

He also scored a career-high 42 points against Bethel College and pulled down a career-best 17 rebounds vs. Sterling.

On the diamond, Sheffield batted .349 as a junior in the 1978-79 campaign before being named Team MVP his senior season and receiving All-KCAC recognition as a pitcher.

Off the field, Sheffield served as President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes from 1979-80.

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COLE DAVIS Davis was the mastermind behind the conference and national powerhouse that the Friends University track & field programs have become.

Before stepping down as head coach of the men’s and women’s track & field teams in the fall of 2019, Davis guided the women’s outdoor track & field squad to their fifth straight KCAC championship, with the men’s team finishing as the conference runner-up.

The championship gave Davis his 10th KCAC Coach of the Year for indoor and outdoor track.

During his time in Wichita, Davis mentored over 150 Individual Conference Champions and his athletes have broken over 80 school records. The Women’s Program has not placed lower than third at any track and field conference championship meet since his arrival and they have won the Indoor & Outdoor Conference Titles for five straight seasons dating back to the 2015 Indoor Championship.

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Prior to Davis’ arrival, Friends University had one national champion in program history. But that’s ancient history now, as the Falcons have won eight national titles in just the past four years.

The national success culminated with the Women’s Indoor Falcons finishing fourth at the 2018 NAIA National Meet, resulting in the first trophy in any sport in school history.

The Falcons weren’t done though as the women’s outdoor team posted a sixth-place showing at the NAIA Outdoor Championships, the highest finish in team history.

Overall, Davis has recruited and developed 85 NAIA All-Americans in the events of the 60, 100, 200, 400, 600, 60 Hurdles, 4x100, 4x400, 4x800, Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, Pentathlon, Heptathlon and Javelin.

AARON HOWELL A two-time first-team All-KCAC running back, Howell rushed for 1419 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2003 before exploding in the 2004 season.

In 2004, Howell earned KCAC Offensive Player of the Week honors on two occasions and led all of NAIA in allpurpose yards per game (185.4) and rushing yards per game (157.7). He also ranked fourth in the nation in scoring per game (10.0) and 42nd in total offensive yards per game.

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1985 VOLLEYBALL TEAM The Falcons posted an undefeated season in the KCAC and captured the District 10 championship by defeating Fort Hays State University twice due to the double elimination format. The Falcons then advanced to the NAIA National finals in Milwaukee, Wisc. with a victory over Bethany Nazarene in the BiDistrict finals in Bethany, Okla.

The postseason recognition saw head coach Dave Waldie named the District 10 Coach of the Year and the Falcons place a pair (Stacey Blankenship, Jana Mullen) on the All-District 10 volleyball team.

The honorees will be inducted during an award ceremony at a still-to-be determined date.

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FRIENDS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS LEARN HANDS-ON FINANCIAL LESSONS IN THE NEW STUDENT LED INVESTMENT GROUP The Student Led Investment Group, (SLI), is a unique, hands-on learning opportunity for Friends University students to make real-world investment decisions with real money. Students receive credit and although it is geared toward finance majors, anyone is welcome to join.

The faculty, staff and Board of Trustees evaluated the commonly asked question of a student led investment program from prospective and current students. Upon further research and incorporating this into an academic practice while integrating the Friends

RISE values into the experience, the SLI group was established.

The group was entrusted $100,000 from the Friends University Endowment

by the Board of Trustees and an outside party donated an additional $11,000.

The funds are guided under the Friends University investing policies and any revenue generated from the group is rolled into the Friends University Endowment fund and will be used to fund future student scholarships.

Students are gaining a practical application in the world of finance. They must report the financial activity to the Friends Board of Trustees which provides accountability, upward communication and board visibility, all of which are relevant life lessons. “Students can take these valuable lessons and apply them in their future careers and community involvement,” said Dr. James Long, professor of finance, division chair of business and information technology and SLI sponsor.

“We are pleased to be able to offer this kind of opportunity for Friends students and partner with them as they participate in this real-life learning experience,” said Paul Moore, senior wealth strategist, INTRUST Bank and Friends University Board of Trustee member. “The approach to a program like this also creates a lifelong affinity of alumni as they can see the impact of these funds through educational scholarships for years to come.”

For additional information or to donate stocks or funds, contact Brie Boulanger, vice president of university advancement, at brie_boulanger@ friends.edu or 316-295-5525.

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY RECEIVES A SPECIAL GIFT FROM THE LEWIS FAMILY Friends University Board of Trustee Member, Dr. John Lewis, along with his mother, Ann Lewis and brother, Walter Lewis, presented Friends University with a photo print displayed outside the President’s Office of Friends dignitaries from the Friends World Conference held in Oxford, England in 1952. In attendance at the world conference was 27-year old, W. Macy Lewis, the late husband of Ann and father to John and Walter.

It is an honor that the Lewis family shared a part of their family history with Friends University. This was the third world conference which was attended by famous Quakers Bayard Rustin, D. Elton Trueblood and several members of the famous Cadbury family known for the Cadbury chocolate.

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

Distinguished Alumni for Outstanding Achievement in R.I.S.E. Values (Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence) STAN LEACH Stan Leach, president and founder of Equipping Leader Ministries, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from nearly 40 years working in various areas of ministry: youth ministry, foreign missions, new church development, denominational leadership, leadership development, coach and counselor to churches in crisis, and friend to many pastors in churches of all shapes and sizes.

Leach is a 1979 graduate and has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Friends University He also holds a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. After serving most recently as Superintendent of Evangelical Friends Church Southwest for 16 years, he felt God calling him to a new season of helping churches of all sizes prepare for the specific challenges that are on the horizon in a culture that is increasingly closed to the idea that church and Christianity are relevant to real life.

Leach has been married to Sandi since 1982 and they have three grown daughters, two sons-in-law and six grandchildren. Since returning from Central America in 1989, they have resided in Orange County, California.

Distinguished Alumni for Outstanding Christian Leadership and Service DR. ANDRÉ J. THOMAS Dr. André J. Thomas graduated from Friends University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts. He also holds a master’s in music from Northwestern University and a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Illinois. Most recently, Thomas is the retired Owen F. Sellers Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities, and Professor of Choral Music Education at Florida State University. He was appointed Professor of Choral Conducting and Interim Conductor of the Yale Camerata 2020-2021. Dr. Thomas was also a previous faculty member at the University of Texas, Austin.

Dr. Thomas has conducted various choral organizations in the United States and internationally, to include Australia, Europe, Philippines, Vietnam, New Zealand, China and Israel. He is also a distinguished composer, arranger and author.

Dr. Thomas has been recognized by various musical organizations for his excellence and contribution to music over his long and distinguished career.

Distinguished Alumni for Outstanding Achievement in the Fine Arts

MICHELLE HENDERSON Michelle Henderson graduated from Friends University in 1981 with a bachelor’s in music education and in 1991 earned a Master of Music in Church Music. Henderson is the Chairman of the Fine Arts Department and Director of Choral Music at Wichita Trinity Academy where she has taught for 16 years. She is also the musical director for the Trinity Academy musical theatre productions. Prior to joining Trinity Academy, Henderson taught at Wichita USD 259 and Friends University for 10 years each, respectively.

During her tenure at Friends University, she was Assistant Director and accompanist for Singing Quakers and co-producer of Symphony of Spring.

Henderson and her husband, Kevin and their three children, Katie (Henderson) Braeuer, Scott Henderson and Kelli Henderson all graduated from Friends University as well. Henderson is also the daughter of Dr. Cecil and Verna Riney, who like her father share the gift of music and knowledge with her students.

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D O NO R

PRO FILE

Donor Profile RALPH (BOB) AND PAULINE BUSBY Pauline: Tell us a bit about yourself. Family, career, hobbies?

I was born and raised on a farm two miles from the town of Haviland, Kan. My faith in God was instilled in me at a young age. For many years when I was growing up, I was a member of the 4-H Club of America and what I learned during that time helped me later in my career as a teacher.

I attended Friends Haviland Academy and graduated in 1953. I went on to attend Friends Bible College, (now known as Barclay College) and graduated in 1955. During those years, I was involved in many activities: choir, Glee Club, quartet, band, sports and piano lessons. My mother was a music teacher at Friends Haviland Academy in the early years and she wanted either my sister or me to follow in her footsteps.

That did not happen. I went on to attend

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Friends University and earned a degree in home economics and a minor in music.

My teaching career started at Florence High School in Florence, Kan. I was there for two years and moved to Rupert, Idaho where I taught at the Minidoka County High School for a year. Kansas was calling me home and I began working in Wichita as a home economist for the Gas Service Company. I became engaged and married the guy that would wink at me in study hall when I was a freshman at the Friends Haviland Academy. Ralph and I have one son who is married to Tina, two wonderful granddaughters and two-energetic great-grandsons.

I continued my teaching career for 26 years in the Wichita junior high and middle schools until I retired in 1991.

I enjoy more time for church work, crafting, sewing and traveling in my retired years.

When did you attend Friends and what was your major?

I attended Friends from 1955 and went on to graduate in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in home economics and a minor in music.

What are your favorite memories from your time at Friends?

My favorite memory would be singing with the Singing Quakers under the direction of Fred C. Mayer. Some of my other fond memories are, the Cecilian Singers, directed by Dr. Cecil J. Riney, Omicron Tau Sigma, Student Christian Association, Gospel Band and Sports Club. It was noted in the yearbook for 1956 that the choir took the longest trip in their history, traveling over 3,000 miles to Calif. Now they take trips to other countries!

Why do you feel it’s important to give back and why Friends?

I look back on the education I received from the Christian schools I attended and am truly grateful for those years.

Many things have changed because of COVID-19 and I want to give back so the students of today can have successful careers.

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MARK STEVEN CANNON, ‘88, died July 15. After starting his career in the building material business, Cannon later followed his lifelong passion for education and became a middle school teacher, coach and school counselor in Texas.

Fall 2020 Class Notes IN MEMORY “In Memory” passages with more details were submitted by family and friends. Information received after Aug. 1, 2020 will be included in the next issue. We reserve the right to edit as space allows.

Mary Jane Appel, ‘55, died March 31.

FLOYD NERI BROWN, JR., ‘48, died April 10. He served his country during the Korean War before working as a Conscientious Objector at the State Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Brown later obtained his teaching certificate and returned to Friendswood, Texas where he taught band, choir, music, and numerous other classes for nine years before serving as a superintendent, junior high principal, and on the board of education. Upon his retirement from education, he formed Brown Associates to assist the elderly with estate management needs.

Stephen Bruce Campbell, ‘66, died April 10. He was inducted into the Friends University Sports Hall of Fame as a prestigious foursport letterman. Bruce coached several state track winners and successful football and basketball programs. After leaving education, Bruce pursued his dream of auctioneering and appraising, and owned BidN-Buy Auctions and Realty.

Shirley Gale, ‘52, died March 4.

Frank William Hoover, ‘69, died March 6. He was a member of Wagonmasters, an active supporter of Wichita Festivals and retired financial advisor. He was proud and honored to be selected as Admiral Windwagon Smith XIV.

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VERNA RINEY, died Sept. 8. She was the beloved wife of 69 years to Dr. Cecil Riney, retired Singing Quakers director and namesake of the Riney Fine Arts Center.

Riney taught piano lessons for over 50 years and her gift of hospitality was evident in many decades of welcoming students, faculty and friends into their home throughout their tenure at Friends University.

RICHARD (SCOTT) JIMMERSON, ’93, died on Aug. 9. He enjoyed hiking, being outdoors, and most of all spending time with family and friends.

Herbert Jeffrey, ’62, died June 12. He farmed on a homestead in Northbrach, Kan. where he designed farm implements and was part of a team that created Accu-flex which was built and patented in both the U.S. and Canada.

John Jema, ’88, died in 1992.

Philip L. Nagley, died Sept. 22. He was a beloved history and political science professor at Friends University. He joined the Friends faculty in 1948 and established the Friends Model United Nations and was the curator of the Friends Fellow Museum until it’s closure. He was popular with students and influenced the lives of many.

Mickayla Sorell and her eight-year old daughter, Natalia Lopez tragically passed away on March 30.

Sorell was a marketing major from 2014 to 2017.

Kathleen (Coyne) Winters, ‘64, died March 24. She retired as a business teacher for USD 356 in Conway Springs.

CLASS NOTES

1950s Marshall P. Stanton, ‘57, was inducted into ShelterBox USA Hall of Fame after raising more than $100,000 to provide emergency shelter and supplies to people who have lost their homes to disaster or conflict.

1980s CLARENCE L. (CLANCY) WALZ, ’61, died April 18. Walz spent most of his career working in sales, eventually retiring from Augusta Tire in 2008. He was a member of the American Iris Society and a man of faith in Jesus who treasured time with friends and family.

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Michelle Becker, ’83, was selected as a 2020 Executive of the Year by the Wichita Business Journal for her outstanding work at Profit Builders.

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Kelly Presnell, ’87, was named Arizona Photographer of the Year for 2019 by the Arizona Newspaper Association. Presnell is a six-time National Press Photographers Association Regional Photographer of the Year and has been recognized in other contests including Best of The West, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, National Press Photographers Association, the Arizona Press Club and the Associated Press.

1990s Jolynn Berk, ’92, was promoted to the Chief Marketing and Communications officer at Rise Against Hunger, an international hunger relief organization.

Dr. Michael Dreikorn, ’94, ran for Lee County Commission in Florida.

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JERREE FORBES, ‘90, is the new Executive-inResidence at Friends University for the Master of Health Care Leadership program. He received his Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and Master of Science in Management from Friends University and his Doctorate in Education, Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University. Forbes’ extensive career brings a unique perspective of first-hand experiences of the health care industry to advise on the Master of Health Care Leadership program, mentor students on career opportunities and serve as an adjunct professor.

Tammy Ensey, ’95, owner of the 133-year-old Elgin Hotel, opened a restaurant and bar to serve overnight guests at her 12-room historic hotel, and serve area residents and other visitors in the town of Marion, Kan.

CYNTHIA HANCOCK, ’81, accepted the position of accompanist for the elementary, middle and high school in Hugoton, Kan. She also serves as a worship leader for Awana, a children’s ministry at Bethel Friends Church in Hugoton.

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AMY DERSTEIN, ’01, owns and teaches dance at the Paquita Dance Center in Wichita, Kan. She is also a choreographer for the Christian Youth Theater (CYT).

BEN HUTTON, ’08, was selected as a 2020 Executive of the Year by the Wichita Business Journal for his accomplishments at Hutton Construction.

2000s Kenneth W. Allensworth, ’09, was appointed as the Medical Center Director at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, W.Va. Maureen Berry, ’09, a music teacher at Robert Martin Elementary for the Andover USD 385 school district and co-director of the Children’s Trojan Choir had the choir’s virtual performance featured on KWCH during the pandemic.

Ken Collins, ’01, is running for reelection of the Kansas House of Representatives District 2 seat.

DAVID EVENDEN, ’07, published his fourth book, Intro to Cybersecurity: A Practitioner’s Study Guide. It is a condensed study tool to help aid information security professionals through professional information security certifications.

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Greg Edmoundson, ‘00, accepted a position as the Vice President of Network Development for Tilson, a national network deployment and IT professional services firm.

Kathy Fagan, ’03, joined POWERS Insurance & Risk Management’s new division called POWERS Surety Bonds as the Senior Bond Account Executive in St. Louis.

Kristen Hickey, ’00, teaches dance at the Paquita Dance Center in Wichita, Kan. Randi Hill, ’00, was promoted to the Command Chief for the 184th Intelligence Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard and will lead approximately 1,300 airmen.

Dr. Xavier Whitaker, ’00, begins his new job at Azusa Pacific University as the Dean of Students, beginning November 2. Dr. Whitaker will oversee key areas of student engagement, including campus life, commuter life, graduate and professional student engagement, international students and scholars, judicial affairs/Title IX, and residence life.

Justin Jamis, ‘07, and Krysha Jamis, ’03, moved to North Carolina where Justin is the pastor at Kipling United Methodist Church and Krysha is attending Duke Divinity to pursue her call to ministry.

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ABBY BELT, ’18, was featured on Meet a Missioner Monday with the Maryknoll Lay Missioners. Abby is serving in Haiti with local educators assisting with workshops, formation, and lesson planning. She also is working with the community to develop a soccer program between some of the schools.

DR. TERRI GAEDDERT, ’01, was promoted to Associate Dean of Academics and Student Success at Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus.

2010s Kris Adams, ’13, accepted a position at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center in the marketing department as the Community Outreach and Graphic Design Specialist.

Mason Biehler, ‘19, was awarded the Friends Teacher of Promise award, which qualified him to attend the Kansas Teacher of the Year convention and banquet.

Biehler also received the Dr. Benjamin Mevey Memorial Scholarship and was presented a Golden Apple award from the USD 259 Wichita school district for his dedication to his students and an outstanding job as an elementary physical education teacher.

Garrett Casey, ’10, received a Ph.D. in Chemistry from The University of Nebraska and recently joined the chemistry faculty at Southeast Missouri State University.

Colin Holthaus, ’10, was selected to serve as the director of Kansas Correctional Industries (KCI). Holthaus has previously held positions at the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, BNSF Railway and Frito-Lay. CJ McClellan, ’10, launched a new podcast on food called A Fresh Perspective along with Jenni Lulzer.

Marty Mortimer, ’18, owner of Sioux City Beef Jerky, gained distribution of the Freddy Falcon Friends University branded beef jerky in the Johnson’s General Store convenience store chain located throughout western Kansas as well as the local grocery store in Marion, Kan.

Aaron Mussat, ’10, staff chaplain at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Medical ICU, teamed up with the ICU nursing director to help patients fighting COVID-19 in a You Tube video titled, Caring During COVID-19: A Day in the Life of a Medical ICU Chaplin.

SUNNY OVERHOLT, ’14, an art educator from USD 259 Northwest High School, was selected as the 2020 Friends University USD 259 Fellowship recipient.

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Caroline Teter, ’18, received the 2020 Hunter Advocacy Award, which is bestowed upon a member of the early childhood education community who has shown outstanding devotion and commitment to supporting family childcare providers in Kansas.

2020s Kate Albers, ’20, has accepted a position as a therapist at Adult, Child and Family Counseling in Wichita, Kan. Panya Amphone, ’20, accepted a position as the Director of Orchestra for USD 259 Wichita Public Schools at Mayberry Cultural and Fine Arts Magnet Middle School. He is also pursuing a Master of Music Education in Instrumental Music from Wichita State University.

Haley Amspacker, ’20, opened a private therapy practice, Bloom Therapy LLC, in Olathe, Kan. Bonnie Arredondo, ’20, opened a private therapy practice, The Therapy Place, in Wichita, Kan. offering therapy from a Christian perspective.

MAGGIE NEWLIN, ’16, and her sister Ellie Newlin create typographic pieces of art for ICT Chalk Talks.

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KAREN HOLLON, ’20, opened a private therapy practice, Breathelife Therapy That Heals LLC, in Wichita, Kan.

Kyle Huser, ’20, accepted a position as the K-12 band and choir teacher at Crest Schools, USD 479.

Elyssa Jo Day, ’20, accepted a position as the band co-teacher for USD 259 Wichita Public Schools at Robinson Middle School, Gordon Parks Academy and Curtis Middle School.

Sara Hall, ’20, joined Shine Integrative Therapy, a private practice located in Newton, Kan. Christine Hargrove, ‘20, accepted a full-tuition scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science at the University of Georgia. During the course of her studies and pursuit of licensure, Christine will be working with the ELEVATE Couples Relationship Enrichment Lab. Pamela Hernandez, ’20, accepted a therapist position with the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center where she has been serving children of all ages, adults and families as part of her clinical internship.

Elaine Level, ’20, is continuing her education as a doctoral student at the University of Kansas Medical Center pursuing her doctoral degree in nursing practice with a specialization in psychiatric/ mental health practice.

FACULTY/STAFF/ BOARD NOTES Robert Brooks, assistant professor of music and director of jazz program, and his wife, Lara Brooks relocated to Wichita, Kan. last summer and were selected to star in an episode of “HGTVs House Hunters.”

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Sean Cash, assistant professor of business management, is one of the co-host’s of the Saunders & Cash podcast which was featured in the Wichita Eagle.

The podcast highlights entrepreneurship across Kansas by interviewing business and technology leaders about their business success stories.

Katrina McFarland, ’20, joined Heritage Family Counseling in Wichita, Kan. Hannah Milligan, ’20, accepted a positon as the music teacher for Derby Public Schools at Tanglewood Elementary.

Holly Reynolds, ’20, accepted a position at the Marshfield Counseling Center, a private practice in Marshfield, Mo. Jared Shetler, ’20, accepted a position as the vocal music teacher for USD 259 Wichita Public Schools at Allen Elementary.

Madison Welch, ’20, accepted a position at Horizons Mental Health Center in Hutchinson, Kan. as an Outpatient Therapist for Community Services.

Mikhail Yearmin, ’20, accepted the choir director position at Liberal High School, USD 480.

DR. AMY BRAGG CAREY was selected as a 2020 Executive of the Year by the Wichita Business Journal.

This award honors leaders who have accomplished great things in making their business grow and thrive.

Dr. Carey also received the Wichita USD 259 Good Apple award on behalf of Friends University. The Good Apple award recognizes those who provide exemplary service to the district and its students. Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, Deb Stockman, Preston Todd and Dr. Joan Griffing were all recognized as outstanding partners to the Wichita Public Schools and received 2020 Good Apple Awards. In addition, she met with Wichita community leaders, Chamber of Commerce members, alumni and donors, both in-person and virtually, at the Friends University Community State of the University address. Dr. Carey highlighted the goals of the university, areas that are excelling, shifts in higher education and the new faculty members at Friends.

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DR. ARLEN HONTS, professor of business, was named the recipient of the Rotary Club of Wichita annual Service Above Self award. The Service Above Self award is the highest honor awarded by Rotary Clubs and the recipient is selected by a committee of club members and judged on four categories; club service, community service, vocational service and international service.

Dr. Gretchen Eick, professor of history emerita, has written six books and edited a seventh since she retired from fulltime teaching in 2013.

Her double-biography and history of Native American physician, activist, and writer, Charles Ohiyesa Eastman and his Anglo wife Elaine Goodale Eastman is available in ebook and hardback is titled They

Dr. Russell Arben Fox, professor of political science, director of honors program and Model UN sponsor, has written and contributed to several news articles.

The articles include The Washington Post, Trump encourages Pompeo to run for Senate but secretary of state rebuffs him and Pompeo denies Trump’s request for Senate bid; the Hays Post, INSIGHT KANSAS: How are counties handling their authority?; and the Lawrence Journal, Opinion: County power little noticed until now.

Met at Wounded Knee: The Eastmans’ Story. Her novels include Maybe Crossings (2015), Finding Duncan (2015), The Hard Verge: Britain, 2025 (2019) and The Set Up, 1984: Classified until 2064 (2020).

She also edited with Cora Poage an anthology of writing titled The Death Project: An Anthology for

These Times (Blue Cedar Press) which collects stories, memories, poems, interviews and expository writing on death, dying, grieving, and letting go from a variety of religious, ethnic, and racial perspectives. She and her husband, the poet Michael Poage, live half the year in Bosnia and Herzegovina teaching and writing.

RACHEL MILLARD, director of marketing, was recognized by the Wichita Business Journal for Women Who Lead-Marketing & Communications.

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Dr. Joan Griffing, Tim and Gail Buchanan endowed chair of the division of fine arts and professor of music; Jamie Knight, assistant professor of piano; and Leslie Nicholas, adjunct music professor, were selected as the featured guest artists for the annual Kansas Music Teachers Association’s fall conference.

They presented a short recital and participated in a question and answer session.

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Dr. Christopher Habben and Dr. Sarah Lyon were scheduled to present on Mixed Reality Simulation for training Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at the International Family Therapy Association in Switzerland in March. The event was canceled due to COVID-19 however the American Association for

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DR. JERRY SMARTT, professor of Spanish, was selected as an honoree for the Wichita Business Journal’s 2020 Women in Business Awards.

Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) stepped in and invited them to present their work and host a special session on The Evolution of Clinical Simulation in Family Therapy Training Programs at the annual Institutes for Advanced Systemic Family Therapy event.

STACEY HODGES, adjunct professor of marriage and family therapy (MFT) and Friends University Kansas City campus MFT advisory board member, received the Jan LaFever Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award for the outstanding work she has done teaching at the Friends University Kansas City campus. Hodges, with specialties in traumafocused therapies and sexual addiction treatment, works with Veteran couples and families at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in Kansas City (KCVA).

DR. SARAH LYON, assistant professor of marriage and family therapy (MFT) and Kansas City site director and internship supervisor, was elected to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Board of Directors for a threeyear term, starting January 2021. The AAMFT is the professional association for marriage and family therapy representing the professional interests of more than 50,000 marriage and family therapists throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.

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Aaron Krone, associate professor of art, was accepted into 11 international online art competitions and received several awards including the Crystal Award of Merit for the Gallery Ring competition in the people category.

Kurt Priebe, assistant professor of drama and media attended The Kansas Thespian and Oklahoma Thespian conferences. He hosted a college booth representing Friends University and presented workshops on scene design, stage makeup effects and digital movie-making, and served as a judge for stage management and short film competitions.

KEN SPURGEON, assistant professor of history, was named the primary Historical Consultant for the Kansas Oil Museum.

He is in charge of programming, school visits, and historical presentations.

Dr. Matthew Schloneger, associate professor of voice, served as an adjudicator in the virtual national semifinal round of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) National Student Auditions, published an article Technology Translated to Teaching: Exploring Vocal Dosimetry in the January 2020 issue of the NATS Journal of Singing, and was a coauthor of Effects of Straw Phonation and Neutral Vowel Protocols on the Choral Sound of Two Matched Women’s Choirs in the Journal of Research in Music Education and Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises in the Choral Rehearsal: What’s the Deal with the Straw? in the Choral Journal.

Kassia Waggoner, assistant professor of composition, was elected as the High Plains Regent for Sigma Delta Tau, an international English Honor Society; received the W.A. Young Excellence in Teaching Award; and has had papers accepted for presentation at the South Atlantic Modern Language Association, Atlanta, Ga., the Southwest Popular American Culture Association, Albuquerque, N.M. and the Rhetorical Society of America, Portland Ore.

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DEB STOCKMAN, vice president of enrollment management, was selected by the Wichita Business Journal as a Woman Who Leads in a Major Company.

Dr. Michelle Robertson, professor of marriage and family therapy, published an article called A Retrospective Review of Parent-Reported Anxiety and Emotional Functioning in Children with Developmental Challenges After Participation in the Brain Balance® Program.

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Friends University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding this policy: EEOC/Title IX Coordinator, Friends University, 2100 W. University Ave., Wichita, KS 67213, (316) 295-5000. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, 230 S. La Salle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604; www.ncahlc.org; 1-800-621-7440.