HCC Now Fall 2009

HCC Now, Fall 2009

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President’s Corner

“Students, parents, counselors and employers recognize this tradition of excellence, knowing that there will be access to faculty, technology, and support services that will make students successful when they transfer or enter the workforce.”

Dr. Edward Berger One of the popular gauges of success at colleges is enrollment. Usually the first question asked about the college is whether enrollment is up. Although not the only gauge of success, it is an indication that the education provided is meeting the needs of students, providing them access to opportunity to either successfully enter the job market or transfer to a university. This year will set record enrollment numbers at Hutchinson Community College with fall enrollment up nearly 12 percent for the semester. If these trends continue through the year, over 10,000 students will enroll in over 100,000 credit hours. When that is coupled with over 8,000 students taking noncredit classes, Hutchinson Community College is impacting on the lives of over 18,000 Kansans annually.

While Hutchinson Community College has striven to increase access to quality higher education with an outstanding faculty, affordable tuition, physical access with distance education and off site classes, the development of high demand programs, and scholarships to talented students, we recognize that the economy has been a major

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contributing factor to the enrollment increase.

The three factors that carry most significance in community college enrollment are college location, tuition cost and program availability.

Students select Hutchinson Community College for those same reasons, but HCC provides the added advantage of the “True Blue Tradition of Excellence.” Students, parents, counselors and employers recognize this tradition of excellence, knowing that there will be access to faculty, technology, and support services that will make students successful when they transfer or enter the workforce.

Those facts being in place, there are some very interesting statistics regarding the student population of Hutchinson Community College. In 2008, 41 percent of the students who graduated from high school in Reno County attended Hutchinson Community College in the fall of 2008. If one looks at service area counties, nearly 16 percent of the students who graduated from Harvey and McPherson counties in 2008 attended Hutchinson Community College in that fall semester. If the class of 2008 is examined in an extended time frame, from 2006 to 2009, 72 percent of the Reno County class of 2008 and approximately 55 percent of the 2008 classes in McPherson and Harvey County high schools attended Hutchinson Community College. This is indicative of the opportunity and access that Hutchinson Community College provides to all of South Central Kansas and the recognition of the opportunities provided by HCC.

industry. Certain economic trends influence much of what is experienced in higher education, however the tradition of excellence at Hutchinson Community College is evident from the classroom, to the grounds and facilities to the success of our graduates.

Recently the City of Hutchinson recognized Hutchinson Community College with its “Bravo” award for the appearance of campus.

The pride of the maintenance staff in the care of facilities is truly exceptional. The appearance of campus and the receptiveness of faculty and staff result in over 70 percent of students who visit Hutchinson Community College choosing to enroll at Hutchinson Community College. That tradition of excellence was further validated this year with ACT recognizing Hutchinson Community College as the only educational institution in the nation to receive its National Workforce Readiness Award.

The True Blue Tradition of Excellence is exemplified in all that Hutchinson Community College does.

HCC Now! Vol. 17, No. 1

Editor: M.L. Stark Hinkle Design/Layout: Janae DeWeese

The value of the community college experience is further validated by students who have graduated from regents universities returning to community colleges to attain training in high demand occupations. There are statistics that now indicate, nationally, that more students who graduate from universities return to community colleges than continue to graduate schools.

Contributors: Steve Carpenter, Shelby Robinson

Hutchinson Community College is on the cutting edge of program development and responsiveness to the demands of the community, students and business and

HCC Now! is published twice yearly by the office of Marketing and Public Information.

A publication of Hutchinson Community College and Area Vocational School 1300 N. Plum • Hutchinson, KS 67501 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602 www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org 312-263-0456

HCC Now, Fall 2009

It’s been 50 years for a group of former Blue Dragon gridders, but the trip down memory lane was a memorable one for the members of the 1959 Blue Dragon Football team.

A group of nine former HCC players came together this fall to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their time as Blue Dragon footballers. The team was on campus October 17, to watch the HCC/ Air Force Prep game. The reunion was the idea of Nickerson native Stan Cody (’59) who began organizing the reunion last spring from his home in California.

“I was sitting in my shop in my garage, actually spitting seeds and seeing how high I could spit them,” Cody joked. I kept hitting this box up on a shelf and wondered, what’s in that box.”

When Cody pulled it down, it was a stack of HJC football programs and a box of game tapes from 1958 and 1959.

“I wondered how far back that was, and realized, wow, that’s 50 years, and that’s a long time,” Cody added. “I started to

HCC Now, Fall 2009

wonder if I could get any of these guys back (to HCC) for a reunion.”

Cody was able to track down 18 former Blue Dragons, and 12 were able to come to town for at least part of the reunion.

The group enjoyed a tour of Gowans Stadium, which looks dramatically different than it did in 1959. The team also caught up with former coach Sam Butterfield, who was an assistant for the 1959 squad under head coach Bill Goldsmith.

“It’s beautiful,” said Jack King (’59) of the newly renovated stadium. “I really enjoyed seeing it. It was nice to get back (to Hutchinson) and see everybody.

Some (of the team) I haven’t seen since we left, so that was nice to catch up.”

“It was great to have Sam Butterfield with us,” Cody noted. “Having him there, that really built our egos up that he would come out. He is just a fantastic person and was a great motivator for our team.”

King, who was a freshman tight end in

1959, remembers that the team, while they didn’t win championships, did make an impact in the league.

“We had a good team,” King added.

“We gave (our opponents) a little grief now and then.”

One memory that stands out for the group was an improbable game with Dodge City, where the Blue Dragons came from behind 20 points in the second half to tie the game at 20-20.

“It was cold that day,” King noted. “I don’t think in the second half, there were more than six people in the bleachers.”

With nine minutes to go, HCC mounted a comeback.

“We just got some breaks, and took advantage,” King said. “One (play) was a pass to me right in the end zone. This guy knocked the heck out of me, and Lee Williams slid on his stomach through the end zone and caught the ball.”

“Sam asked when I

Story Continues on Page 8

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Hutchinson Community College’s efforts in the areas of workforce development were recognized recently, as the college was awarded the ACT Workforce Readiness Award.

The award was presented to HCC by the American College Testing (ACT) Corporation as part of their 50th-anniversary celebration during a ceremony “Recognizing

Exemplary Achievement in College and Career Readiness.”

As an ACT area testing center, Hutchinson Community College provides job profiling and other support services to area businesses and industry. The college also administers the ACT WorkKeys assessments, which helps students and employers evaluate potential areas of strength and weakness in preparation for

entering the workforce. Students also have the option to prepare toward a National Career Readiness Certificate, a program provided by ACT that helps students develop the necessary employment skills to compete in the workforce.

“ACT could think of no better way to celebrate our 50th anniversary than to recognize those who have achieved exemplary success improving college, career and workforce readiness,” said ACT CEO and Board Chairman Dick Ferguson. “ACT honors those who use our research and solutions to help their students and citizens achieve education and workplace success.”

HCC is the first recipient of the award, created in 2009 to recognize achievement. Five other award categories were also presented by ACT, recognizing different areas of achievement in student and workforce development throughout the United States. HCC was the only community college to be honored, and the only recipient from the state of Kansas.

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HCC Now, Fall 2009

U.S. Representative Jerry Moran (Kansas) was on hand to present the award to Dean of Student Services Randy Myers and Dr. Edward E. Berger, President of Hutchinson Community College.

“Many consider Hutchinson Community College as one of the premier colleges within (the community college) system,” Moran noted. “Particularly when it comes to workforce training, they are recognized as the premier institution.

Our ability to have small business succeed and prosper, particularly within the economic times we are now encountering, it is very much related as to whether businesses can employ the people who have the necessary skills, attitude and approach to work that make that business a success.”

“This award recognizes the hard work of Jackie Long and Jillene Cunningham, Co-Chairs of the Computer and Industrial Technology Department, and Randy Myers and his staff in Student Services, for their work in assisting students and employers in reaching their employment goals,” said Dr. Berger.

“This award shows Hutchinson Community College’s commitment to True Blue Excellence in the area

HCC Now, Fall 2009

of meeting workforce demands, for both the employer and employee, and shows our commitment to being the premier institution in the state of Kansas for providing services that are needed for economic and community development.”

Work Keys® is a national system, administered by ACT, for creating a better fit between workplace requirements and an individual’s skills. Certified job profilers help employees identify the levels of

proficiency needed in eight skill areas for job success. These levels are established for both entry level performance and also for effective performance in each area.

More information regarding the WorkKeys assessments, or any of the career testing services available at Hutchinson Community College, is available on the college website at www.hutchcc.edu

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Fall Financial Disclosure Where our students come from

What our students look like

8,852 Enrollment last year 57% Women 28 Average age 80% Working students 450 Dorm students 10.8 Average credits load 683 Graduates last year 49% Graduates in transfer programs 51% Graduates in career and technical programs 9,211 Noncredit students 250 GED students

Revenues Fiscal 2008-2009 What our employees look like

368 Full-time 392 Part-time (including student workers) 116 Full-time instructors 231 Part-time and adjunct instructors 65% Instructors with master’s degrees 14% Instructors with doctorates 14.5:1 Student/Faculty ratio

Tuition & Fees 22% County Sources 43% Misc.

3%

State Sources 32%

Expenditures Fiscal 2008-2009 Scholarships Transfers 5% 1% Maintenance & Operations 12%

Other stats

Instruction 43%

Institutional Support 14%

$60,000,000

4,000

80 $605,449

Economic impact on the area Number of classes offered every year Number of class locations Academic scholarships last year

51% - of the college’s resources are used for instructors’ salaries, library costs, distance education expenses and office support.

14% - is used for institutional staff salaries, data processing, insurance, grants, research and human resources

Student Services 15% Academic Support 8%

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Public Services 2%

Utilities, maintenance and repairs total 12% Recruiting students, advising them and providing activities for them - along with record keeping accounts for 15% of the budget.

HCC Now, Fall 2009

HCC Alumnus accepted at Harvard Med School Former Presidential Scholar and AllKansas Academic Team member Tyler Goetz has recently been accepted to the prestigious Harvard Medical School.

Tyler Goetz, a 2006 HCC Alumnus, has been accepted in the 2009 fall class of Harvard Medical School. Goetz, a Hutchinson native, received his Associates of Arts from HCC in 2006.

After HCC, he attended Washburn University, where he graduated in May with Summa Cum Laude honors in Biology and Biochemistry.

Goetz, a former Presidential Scholar at HCC, credits HCC with a foundation that has allowed him to succeed at the highest levels.

mentor Dr. Kenneth Gaeddert, instructor of Biology.

“I believe the person at HCC that made the greatest impact on my life was Dr. Gaeddert,” Goetz added. “He was my Presidential Scholar Mentor and allowed me to do science research with him for the first time in my life. I really enjoyed the opportunity.”

Goetz’s acceptance into medical school fulfills a long-time dream. Goetz first knew he wanted to be a doctor early in life and has never wavered from his goal.

“There were many professors at HCC who provided me with a strong foundation to continue my education at Washburn on into medical school,” Goetz noted. “HCC also provided me leadership opportunities and my first research experience.”

“I can remember, in the second grade, writing a book about what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I wrote, A Doctor, of course,” Goetz said. “I love helping people and through my pre-clinical experience, I have really enjoyed patient interactions. The ability to change someone’s life forever, for the better is very attractive. (Medicine) is what I love, and thus it was the perfect choice for me.”

Goetz’s involvement with the Presidential Scholar program while a student at HCC was a pivotal point in his academic career. His experience with the research and mentoring portion of the program made a significant impact on Goetz, including the influence of his

Goetz was very involved in campus activities at HCC, including Phi Theta Kappa. He continued his involvement at WU, as an AmeriCorp volunteer and serving as a volunteer at a community clinic in Topeka, providing medical care to the needy.

Goetz is not sure what area of medicine he will practice in the future, but plans to stay busy during his studies. He hopes to return to the Midwest, even possibly Hutchinson, after graduation.

“Directly after graduation, I will then have a residency and then possible fellowships after that,” Goetz added.

“I’m not sure where I would practice, but I do enjoy the Midwest, and specifically my home state of Kansas. I am also looking into pursuing additional degrees while at medical school, such as my PHD, MBA, MPH, or other areas of interest in addition to my MD.”

HCC graduates receive pharmacy degrees In 2006, Hutchinson Community College had seven pre-pharmacy students accepted into the University of Kansas Pharmacy School, which is an unusually high number accepted from a single school into the program.

This past May, that same group graduated from KU and reunited for a group photo. The proud graduates include: Tyson Mullen, Karen Kobs, Ryan Stratman, Bryce Martens, Robert Moore, Allyce Schenk, and Chase Rice.

HCC Now, Fall 2009

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Skills USA The Hutchinson Community College Computer and Industrial Technology programs again took home several top honors at the recent SkillsUSA National Championships.

The National SkillsUSA Championships, were held June 22-27, in Kansas City, Missouri. The HCC team brought home three medals, including two gold championship medals.

The animation team of Kyle Budd (Newton) and Lance Mannebach (McPherson) took first place in the team competition in 3D Visualization and Animation, while Joey Barden (Newton) was first individually in Technical Drafting.

The team of Kyle Dockum (McPherson) and Garrett Rathbone (McPherson) took third in Television-Video Production. Ryan Sidesinger (Topeka) placed fourth nationally for his SkillsUSA Pin design for the state of Kansas.

The HCC Quiz Bowl team finished seventh nationally. The team included Lance Scott Brown (Hutchinson); Kelly Bruce (Moundridge); Maranda Barnes (Hutchinson); Clark Jester (Hutchinson) and Thomas Smith (Kansas City).

David Kilby (McPherson) placed sixth in Extemporaneous Speaking, while Kurtis Gibson (McPherson) was eighth in

Story Continued from Page 3 came off the field, ‘Did you tip the ball to that guy?,’” King joked. “No coach, I just broke up the play.”

Both Cody and King credited Bill Goldsmith and his staff, including Butterfield, with making their time at HCC memorable and important.

“Goldsmith never played with words,” Cody added. “He was really good.

When I graduated (from Nickerson), I wrote him a letter about a football scholarship. After three letters I never heard anything, so I just went out for football. About halfway through my freshman year, he called me in his office and told me he’d never seen anyone as determined to get on a team as me.”

Cody was also grateful for a chance to succeed at HCC. “When I graduated, I could only read on about a third-grade level. I was a good listener,” Cody added. “I didn’t have to take any test to get in (to HCC), and they gave me a chance. Nobody in Nickerson knew I couldn’t read, but they didn’t give me much chance of graduating. I got to HCC and they bent over backwards with me. I will never forget that they gave me a chance, and I went on from there

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Technical Computer Applications. Johni Smith (Winfield) was 17th in Architectural Drafting, while the team of Blake Nafzinger (Hutchinson) and Brittney Bell (Wichita) took 12th in web design.

The advisors for the HCC group are Vince Puyear (Skills USA chair/computer drafting), Tracy Chadwick (drafting), Tim Evans (mechanical engineering), David Fry (computer science), Matt Malone (computer science), Laurie Moody (broadcasting), John Morrell (computer science), Eric Vahling (computer science), and Jackie Long and Jillene Cunningham, co-chairs of the Department of Computer and Industrial Technology.

SkillsUSA is a student chapter that prepares students for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations (formerly known as Vocational Industrial Clubs of AmericaVICA). This is the second consecutive year that HCC has been represented at the National Championships.

to complete graduate work at UCLA. I came a long way from not being able to read much. I will never forget what they did for me.”

With the return of the 1959 team, a circle is also completed in the annuals of Blue Dragon football history. Ironically, the 1959 squad played host for a reunion of the first Blue Dragon football team from 1929, during the season. The ’29 squad also got to watch HCC win that year, with a 20-0 victory over Parsons.

Catching up with the 1959 Blue Dragons:

Stan Cody – Originally from Nickerson, this 1959 sophomore played offensive line and linebacker. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and a 33-year educator with two published books. He now resides in Laguna Hills, California.

John Lanning – Originally from Haven, Lanning was a freshman in 1959 who played running and defensive back. He moved on to Wichita State and later earned degrees in finance and communications at LSU. In 1964, he started Lanning Management Company; Lanning now lives in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Phil Liberty – Originally from Wichita, Liberty was a sophomore quarterback who earned first-team all-Jayhawk Conference honors in 1959. After a tour of duty in the United States Navy, this Blue Dragon put in 37 years with IBM and now plays competitive tennis.

Bill Ediger – Originally from Inman, Ediger was an all-Jayhawk Conference honorable mention selection at center. He spent time in Greece

doing agricultural development, then returned to Kansas, working jobs at Dillons and as a car salesman. He now resides in Hesston.

Mick Bula – Originally from Lyons, this sophomore back transferred to Fort Hays State after his time at Hutchinson. He received an MS from the University of Kansas. Over the years, he’s owned or operated some 40 businesses and had been a teacher and he now resides in Colorado.

Jack King – This sophomore receiver earned all-Jayhawk conference first-team offensive and defensive honors and was an All-America receiver who went on to play and earn honors at Kansas State. King still lives in Hutchinson.

Woody Kasselman – A graduate of Pawnee Rock High School, Kasselman was a sophomore lineman. He got his degree from Emporia State and embarked on a high school teaching and coaching career that lasted more than 30 years.

Gail Griffin – This 1959 Blue Dragon sophomore hailed from Natoma, Kansas. After graduating from Hutchinson, this offensive and defensive lineman returned to Natoma to start a very successful family farming operation. He remains in Natoma today, Marvin Paepke – Originally from Arlington, freshman back and kicker in 1959, he went on to the University of Kansas and competed in track and field for the Jayhawks. After KU, Paepke went on to a 37-year career in education, moving to Overland Park in 1969, where he still lives today.

Special thanks to Steve Carpenter for his contributions to this story.

HCC Now, Fall 2009

In tough economic times, people look to make the most efficient use of resources.

Hutchinson Community College, in partnership with both USD 308 in Hutchinson and USD 373 in Newton, have been doing that for the taxpayers of the area for more than 16 years, in a unique partnership that allows for topnotch technical training and an efficient use of resources to help grow Kansas industry and business.

In 1993, Hutchinson Community College merged with the Central Kansas Area Vocational and Technical School (CKAVTS), beginning a new phase in the history of the college.

As part of the merger, the USDs, along with the College, began a partnership unique in

Kansas, to provide both secondary and postsecondary technical education under one roof, with a sharing of resources to the benefit of both.

In Hutchinson, programs in machine technology, building trades technology, automotive collision repair and automotive mechanics were brought together, while in Newton, the building trades, machine tech and welding programs were combined under a single umbrella. In Newton, these merged programs are taught at the newlyrenovated Brooks Regional Center for Career and Technical Education, while the programs in Hutchinson will have a new home this year with the completion of the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy at 1500 Plaza Way, just East of the HCC campus.

“Both centers train students, starting in their junior year in high school, plus adults from the communities, in the programs,” said Jackie Long, Co-Department Chair for Computer and Industrial Technology.

“High school juniors and seniors, who are making career decisions early and getting career exposure early, can begin those programs right away, while they are also open to adult postsecondary students who want to pursue a career education. Students who earn credit and

HCC Now, Fall 2009

participate in those programs in high school, can bring their credits to Hutchinson Community College, and continue in certificate and degree programs.”

What makes the programs unique is the shared resources between the institutions.

With the combined enrollment between the institutions, the programs are viable.

Equipment and capital investments in materials and projects, that might not be possible if the institutions ran separate programs, can be supported.

“Students that attend these programs at these locations, are taught by the same instructors and follow the same curriculum with the same outcomes, whether they are secondary or postsecondary students,” said Steve Porter, Dean of Workforce Development.

“We use funding efficiently and do not duplicate services. This partnership has increased the quality of life for graduates, in terms of increased learning and earning power with an increased availability of services for citizens and better resources for employers.”

Porter and Long both stress the word partnership in this program. HCC does not run the programs, but rather serves in partnership with the USD, to provide the services to both the secondary and postsecondary students. In addition, the programs are also available to area high schools within commuting distance of each school.

Long equates this program to similar partnerships with the Hutchinson Sports Arena and Gowans Stadium,

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Merged Programs in that they provide a community resource for all.

“The partnership is huge,” Long noted.

“These opportunities are not understood very well by students and parents, because I think it’s sometimes hard for us to explain. But, this is not unlike what we do with Gowans and the Sports Arena, where we try to offer more efficient use of our resources, by creating a partnership that allows for more efficiency, and by streamlining processes and equipment. We share those resources for the betterment of our community, and the benefit of our taxpayers.”

Dr. David Flowers, Superintendent of USD 308, concurs with the success of this partnership.

“By not duplicating efforts, students gain educationally because they get high quality teachers, and our high school students have the opportunity for dual credit,” Flowers said. “In the area of Career and Technical Education, our students have the opportunity for a seamless ‘two-plus-two’ experience, taking CTE classes in high school that move directly into an Associate’s degree at HCC.” “Our stakeholders gain because they pay for facilities that can be used by both educational institutions,” Flowers added. “This arrangement also benefits stakeholders in

other Reno County school districts. Because those districts are able to send students to the CTEA at HHS for part of the school day, they don’t have to duplicate the infrastructure for these CTE courses in their schools, while also receiving the opportunity to receive HCC credit and participate in a two-plustwo program.”

Long and Porter are proud of the success of these merged programs, which will celebrate their 17th anniversary this year.

“The Area Vocational School part of our name (at HCC) represents our merger, and our shared partnership with these programs,” Porter added. “The college is always looking for ways to collaborate, and this is an example of that. These programs are among the most resource-intensive programs that the centers have, making it even more critical that we share in those programs. There’s a lot of capital investment.”

Long emphasized that the programs are also unique, in the amount of hands-on education that the student receives.

“People get a lot of education per credit,” Long commented. “It is very focused, and a very hands-on way of teaching, because of this merger.

There is a very different focus for these programs as compared to other institutions. They operate with a high level of hands-

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on skills and training. Students who come from these programs know how to perform those required tasks, versus only learning from lecture material or reading content.”

While the programs at this point are focused in the areas that were merged in 1993, there is always room for new collaboration and growth. The program has recently expanded to provide training in the area of health professions, EMS education and Public Safety, funding with money from a grant obtained by HCC in partnership with USD 308.

“It is an exciting time to be involved in Career and Technical Education in Hutchinson and Reno County,” said David Patterson, Director of the Hutchinson Career & Technical Education Academy. “The combination of our new facility and the on-going relationship between USD 308 and Hutchinson Community College provides for the best possible opportunities for the students of Hutchinson, Reno County and beyond.”

HCC Now, Fall 2009

Construction continues to progress on Phase Two of the Science Hall renovation this winter. The facility, which is scheduled to be opened in the Spring of 2011, has several new classrooms already in use.

Photo by Shelby Robinson

Bud Janner Hutchinson Community College lost a true leader and friend with the passing of long-time Board of Trustees member George “Bud” Janner this past August.

An alumni of HCC, Janner had served as both board president and as a board member of the HCC Board of Trustees for many years.

“Bud epitomized the phrase True Blue,” said HCC President Dr. Edward E. Berger. “As an alumnus of HCC, Bud always had the best interests of the college in mind, and really took pride in the progress and growth of the school. He truly enjoyed serving the community.”

Janner, a 1976 alumnus of HCC, served as a Blue Dragon cheerleader during his time at the college and remained a loyal supporter of the college throughout his life. During Janner’s time on the board, he saw a great deal of change in the HCC landscape, including the renovation of Rimmer Learning Resource Center, the Industrial Technology Center and the Ade-Wifco Reno County Industrial Center.

Janner was an active member of the Hutchinson Community. He graduated from Hutchinson High in 1953, and married his wife, Glenda, in 1955. Janner worked for several organizations throughout his life, including Zephyr Manufacturing, United Way of Reno County, the Reno County Chamber of Commerce, but Janner spent most of his career in real estate, and had just recently retired from Plaza Astle Realty in Hutchinson.

In addition to his community service at HCC, Janner was also active in the Hutchinson Rotary, the Hutchinson High School Alumni Assocation, the Knights of Columbus and the Kansas Jaycees. He was also a past president and member of the board for the Hutchinson Board of Realtors.

Janner is survived by his wife, Glenda, their three sons and six grandchildren.

HCC Now, Fall 2009

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HCC Teams Get it Done in the Classroom & on the field Hutchinson Community College athletic teams have again been honored as among the best in the nation in academic achievement.

The HCC women’s track and field team was honored as the nation’s top academic team in 2009, by the National Track and Field Coaches Association (NTFCA). The Lady Dragons posted the top team grade point in the nation, with a 3.770 grade point average. Two members, Kayla Boss and Christina

David were also cited for their individual GPA of 4.0. HCC bettered fellow Jayhawk Conference teams Butler (4th) and Cloud County (6th) in the team standings.

The HCC men’s track team also was honored as one of the top academic teams, finishing fifth in the nation with a 3.378 grade point average as a team.

HCC trailed fellow Jayhawk Conference member Butler (3rd) by just 200th of a point. This is the second consecutive

season that both the men’s and women’s teams have been honored by the NTFCA for academic achievement.

The HCC Lady Dragon softball team was also named as one of the top academic teams in the junior college ranks, finishing seventh as a team with a 3.320 team grade point average. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association recognized their achievement with a Top Ten All-Academic Team award for 2008-2009.

blue dragon coaches honored by peers Two HCC women’s coaches have been recently honored by their peers with coaching awards for the 2009 season.

Ronda Shirley

HCC women’s volleyball coach Ronda Shirley has been named by the American Volleyball Coaches Assocation (AVCA) as the 2009 Midwest Region Coach of the Year for NJCAA Division I. Shirley led the Lady Dragons to a 33-9

finish this season and a ninth-place effort in the NJCAA Division I Volleyball Championships. The team won 19 of their last 21 matches to overcome a rocky start to the season and finished the improbable run with a win over Barton to take the Region VI title for the fifth time in the last six years.

This is the first AVCA region coach of the year honor for Shirley, who is 347157 in her 12 years at the helm of the Lady Dragons.

HCC women’s soccer coach Sammy Lane was honored as the 2009 Jayhawk Conference Coach of the Year, after leading the Lady Dragons to an undefeated regular season at 16-0-1.

HCC’s season came to an end in the Region VI semifinals, where the Lady Dragons fell to eventual Region VI

champion Johnson County, 1-0.

Lane has been the head coach at HCC for five seasons, and in that time he has compiled a record of 70-22-2. This is the third time Lane has been honored as Jayhawk Coach of the Year, also winning in 2005 and 2006.

Sammy Lane

The Lady Dragon women’s soccer team finished the season ranked 15th in the NJCAA national poll.

Help Select Next year’s Distinguished Alumnus HCC Alumni and Friends is seeking nominations for the 2010 Alumnus of the Year.

To be eligible, alumni must have excelled in their fields of endeavor, been involved in significant ways with the college, community, state or county, and have attended HCC for at least two semesters.

The award can be given posthumously.

To submit a nomination, send a letter to HCC Alumni and Friends, 1300 N.

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Plum, Hutchinson, KS 67501 or email keastc@hutchcc.edu.

Include the following: • The nominee’s name, phone number, address or email address • Your name and phone number • And reasons for the nomination Please return the nominations by Friday February 12, 2010.

Prior honorees are: Norman Krause, Jack Caton, Guy Holt, Al Wagler, Barbara “Skip” Patton, John Baldwin, Helen Weeks Stone, John Crutcher, Dick Parker, Jack Campbell, Stewart Oswalt, Merl Sellers, Robert Gilliland, Delos Smith Jr., Dr. Leo Rogers, Jake Clark, Frances Garcia, Dallas Crable, Ron Sellers, Charles Brown, Mike Wamsley, and Konrad Rock.

A committee of Alumni board members will make the final selection.

HCC Now, Fall 2009

Ken Baker has been named the general manager at Radio Kansas.

Baker lives in Hutchison.

Sheila Bean works for the State of Kansas as a case manager. She graduated in 1999 with a degree in Paralegal studies. Since then she has taught in South Korea,and Turkey, teaching English as a second language.

Chanda (Kliewer) Brown is currently working as a nurse and pursuing a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia. Brown has also worked in ICU and as a flight nurse.

Paul and Evelyn Brown were chosen to serve as the grand marshals for the Haskell County Fair Parade. The pair lives in Montezuma, and have been married for 60 years.

Major Gary Dangerfield (’86) has been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Before his promotion Major Dangerfield has been awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service medal, two Oak Leaf clusters and The Army Achievement medal.

Major Dangerfield and his wife, Rhonda, have five children, Ashley, Alex, Karrie, Genevee, and Pehyton, and one grandchild, Nehemiah. The family lives in Fort Leavenworth.

Eric Duft has been promoted to associate head basketball coach at Weber State University, Ogden, UT. Weber was previously an assistant coach at HCC. Duft and his wife, Sherri, have four children.

Mike Edwards is currently running a “Get Fit in 5 Weeks Boot Camp” at Bodies Elite. Before becoming a fitness trainer, Edwards worked as a corrections officer for 10 years after his graduation from HCC’s Criminal Justice Program. He resides in the Pratt area.

Josh Gill recently opened a second chiropractic office in Inman. Gill’s other office is located in Hutchinson.

Sean Gooding has been named the Lane County Emergency Medical Services Director/Rural Fire Chief of Lane County. Gooding and his wife,

HCC Now, Fall 2009

Ruth, live in Dighton with their three children, Jacob, Gage, and Emma.

Laura Goss is selling insurance for the New York Life Insurance Agency.

Goss currently lives in Hutchinson.

She was the first recipient of the Isla Hunter/PEO Chapter EK Scholarship at HCC. Deb Hagen has been named as the coordinator for the Friends in Action program at Hutchinson Community College. Prior to joining the staff of the Volunteer Center, she worked at ESSDACK. Hagen resides in Hutchinson.

Patrick Hilboldt (’06) was the head coach of the Hutchinson Monarchs. Hilboldt currently lives in Hutchinson.

Lori Hogle has been named the public relations and communications assistant at FHLBank in Topeka.

Hogle lives in Topeka. She previously worked for Associated General Contractors of Kansas.

Chester Horse is making and selling jewelry in his Hutchinson home. He was recently featured in an article in The Hutchinson News praising his work. He played football at HCC, while attending school, before finishing his studies at Sterling College.

Blue DragonNotes

coaches in The College Insider.

McRoy is now an assistant coach at Arkansas State. He was a member of the 1994 National Championship Blue Dragon basketball team.

Angela Murray has been named as a nursing instructor for North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit. She resides in the Beloit area, where she enjoys riding horses and camping with her family.

Tyson Mullen (’05) has been named a pharmacist at J&J Health Market in Lakin. Mullen and his wife, Emily, who also graduated from HCC, live in Lakin.

Sherri Nusser has joined Prairie Star as a phlebotomist. The Buhler native worked at the Medical Center for 13 years prior to joining the Prairie Star staff.

Louise Reimer will be traveling to Peru to teach English as a second language. Reimer will be teaching kindergarten through secondary school and will also help with women in support group through The Mission Society. She resides in the Pratt area.

Chase Rice has been named a pharmacist at Moffet Drug in Norton. Rice and his wife, Abby, also an HCC graduate, live in Norton.

Nicole Koehn has been hired as a Corrections Officer I in the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. She will provide jail security for the office.

She resides in the Salina area.

Kyle Rosine recently signed with Emporia State University’s baseball program. Rosine was 1-2 with nine saves; he also had a 2.49 ERA and struck out 32 in 25 1/3 innings.

Melody Lofthus was named June Employee of the Month at PrairieStar Health Center. Lofthus also received her one-year service award from PrairieStar. She resides in Hutchinson.

Joseph Ryan (’96) lives in Jersey City, New Jersey. He received his AAS in Criminal Justice Administration from HCC.

Chris Long has been named the new Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for the Walnut Creek Extension District. Long will be working with 4-H in the district.

Long resides in Ness City.

Elwyn McRoy was named No. 23 on Jason Belzer’s list of top 25 midmajor assistant men’s basketball

Preston Sauers received a Rising Star award from the Kansas Health Information Management Association and was also named the group’s president. Sauers is the department manager of health information management at the Ellsworth County Medical Center.

Sauers obtained his Associates in HIT from HCC and now is a member of the advisory council for the program.

13

Blue

Dragon Notes

Andy Sawyers has recently been named the hitting coach for the Kansas State Wildcats baseball team. Sawyers coached the Blue Dragons from 2000-02 with a record of 87-30, with two postseason appearances.

Nathan G. Siemens has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, Texas. Airman Siemens is a 2003 graduate of HCC and is a native of Moundridge.

Sonny Victory has recently painted a large mural on Paul’s Grocery, in Stafford. The mural is a salute to the Stafford High School Trojans. He studied art at HCC before attending Wichita State.

Former Blue Dragon Harrier gives Back All the Way from Iraq Former HCC Blue Dragon runner Peter Euler has found a unique way to make an impact while serving his country half a world away.

Euler, who is stationed as an officer in Iraq, has set up the first “Relay for Life” in Iraq. Euler began the project back during his first tour of duty in 2005, and has continued to raise money for cancer research in the United States.

Euler attended HCC from 1995-97 and competed as a member of the HCC men’s cross country team. After graduating, he attended Pittsburg State, and joined the Army ROTC unit there, shortly after September 11, 2001.

Todd Vogts will be taking a job as a journalism teacher in Ransom.

Vogts left his job as editor at The Ledger in Moundridge and will be moving to Ransom. Vogts graduated from HCC in 2006.

Thad Weber (’06) threw a no-hitter for the Erie SeaWolves, a class AA affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Weber was the 16th round draft pick for the Tigers in 2008. He was the Jayhawk Conference MVP in 2006 as a sophomore for the Blue Dragon baseball team.

Blazer R. Walker graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Walker is now stationed in Tucson, Arizona.

Jill Zimmerman has been selected as the agriculture agent with the Cowley County K-State extension office. Zimmerman lives in Winfield.

Euler has been participating in the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” program for years, beginning as a high school student. As a runner, it was a natural fit to be involved in the event.

His event in Iraq was a bit different than Relay events conducted in the States. Working with five units of Army personnel, the groups ran laps around the base for security reasons, rather than the traditional road races through neighborhoods and cities that are held stateside. The group was able to raise more than five thousand dollars through donations and pledges, which was then sent to local chapters of the American Cancer Society here in the United States.

2009-2010 Basketball Schedules Jan. 4 Jan. 9 Jan. 10 Jan. 13 Jan. 20 Jan. 23 Jan. 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 1 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 17 Feb. 20 Feb. 24 Feb. 27

Men’s Basketball Friends U. JV Neosho County (Coffeyville, Kan.) Independence (Coffeyville, Kan.) Butler Barton (Great Bend, Kan.) Colby Pratt (Pratt, Kan.) Cloud County Seward County Dodge City (Dodge City, Kan.) Garden City Butler (El Dorado, Kan.) Barton Colby (Colby, Kan.) Pratt Cloud County (Concordia, Kan.)

7:00 1:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 7:30 8:00 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 8:00 7:30 8:00

woMen’s Basketball

Dec. 28-30 Peoria Holiday Classic (Peoria, Ill.) TBA Jan. 8 Neosho County (Coffeyville, Kan.) 11:00 am Jan. 10 Independence (Coffeyville, Kan.) 5:00 pm Jan. 13 Butler 5:30 pm Jan. 20 Barton (Great Bend, Kan.) 6:00 pm Jan. 23 Colby 5:30 pm Jan. 27 Pratt (Pratt, Kan.) 6:00 pm Jan. 30 Cloud County 5:30 pm Feb. 1 Seward County 5:30 pm Feb. 3 Dodge City (Dodge City, Kan.) 5:30 pm Feb. 6 Garden City 5:30 pm Feb. 10 Butler (El Dorado, Kan.) 5:30 pm Feb. 17 Barton 5:30 pm Feb. 20 Colby (Colby, Kan.) 6:00 pm Feb. 24 Pratt 5:30 pm Feb. 27 Cloud County (Concordia, Kan.) 6:00 pm

We Want to Hear From You!

HCC Alumni, we would love to include your achievements in the next issue of HCC Now. Simply fill out the form at the website listed below:

http://www.hutchcc.edu/alumni/alumupdat.htm or contact us by email at: Alumnihcc@hutchcc.edu

14

You can also contact us by post at:

Hutchinson Community College

attn: Alumni-HCC Now!

1300 N. Plum

Hutchinson, KS 67501 Are you an alumni who is not currently receiving a copy of HCC Now!? Contact us at the website below, and we’ll add you to our mailing list. http://www.hutchcc.edu/alumni/newslet.htm

HCC Now, Fall 2009

In Memoriam Vicki L. Norwood, 57, Albuquerque, NM., Oct. 28, 2008

Larry L. Feese, 71, Hutchinson, Apr.12, 2009

Jeanette M. Keeler, 73, Omaha, NE., Aug. 15, 2009

Gary L. Forbes, 66, Hutchinson, Mar. 8, 2009

Richard D. Glaze, 78, Hutchinson, Apr. 17, 2009

Tommy D. Phillips, 40, Sterling, Aug. 20, 2009

June V. Eklund, 89, Salina, Mar. 12, 2009

David M. Mai, 56, Lawrence, Apr. 23, 2009

Leon W. Heidebrecht, 75, Port Charlotte, FL., Aug. 28, 2009

Skeet Poulton, 63, Liberal, Mar. 12, 2009

Gary Cunningham, 62, McPherson, Apr. 24, 2009

Donna K. Graves, 59, Kansas City, MO., Aug. 31, 2009

Renee L. Giesy Reece, Olathe, Mar. 19, 2009

Maxine A. Morgan, 94, Hutchinson, May 7, 2009

James O. Vrana, 53, Windom, Sept.

3, 2009

Laverne S. Kirby, 86, Garden City, Mar. 24, 2009

Misti Widhalm, 33, Branson, MO., June 1, 2009

Corinne L. Moran, 85, Hutchinson, Sept. 4, 2009

Dorothy E. Bird, 92, Hutchinson, Mar. 26, 2009

Vivian P. Piteri, 98, Hutchinson, June 3, 2009

Sarah S. Hughes, 88, Hutchinson, Sept. 11, 2009

Karen K. Carter, 58, Newton, Mar. 26, 2009

Cornelius Dukelow, 88, Lenexa, July 1, 2009

Maurice R. Lawson, 94, Hutchinson, Sept. 13 2009

Catherine A. Flickinger, 56, Sterling, Apr. 3, 2009

Lenora V. Musick, 83, South Hutchinson, July 30, 2009

Ruthie Stevens, 56, Hutchinson, Sept.

13, 2009

Dorothy E. Woods, 98, Hutchinson, Apr. 6, 2009

David Bowen, 39, Hutchinson, Aug. 9, 2009

Betty A. Winter, 89, Hutchinson, Sept.

26, 2009.

Edna M. Wernet, 86, Hutchinson, Apr. 7, 2009

Jimmie J. Schnurr, 77, Hutchinson, Aug. 9, 2009

Debra Schall, 57, Gloversville, NY., Sept. 27, 2009

Ron L. Zink, 62, Hutchinson, Apr. 8, 2009

R. Eugene Schroder, 93,Bel Aire, Aug. 12, 2009

Katharine B. Enfield, 94, Hutchinson, Oct. 1, 2009

Shawn Gose, 40, Winfield, Apr. 8, 2009

George Janner, 74, Hutchinson, Aug. 13, 2000

HCC Wedding Bells

(Alumni/Former students, current students and staff are indicated by italics)

WEDDINGS

ENGAGEMENTS

2008 Sept. 20 Mychel Pflughoeft/Adam Dolezal Oct. 25 Mandy Klusener/Ricky Snyder

Apr. 12 Morgan Seachris/Sam Wilk Apr. 12 Jacqueline Moore/Matthew Ehler Apr. 28 Stefani Childs/Quentin Sage May 03 Angie Froese/Dustin Plett May 10 Alicia Sanchez/ Michael Intfen May 10 Brenda Choitz/Jason Hadley May 12 Megan Koster/Cane Griffiths May 16 Michelle Andrews/Cole Mawhirter May 16 Lisa Chapman/Dustin Staib May 23 Megan Miller/Derek Law May 23 Tara Wiens/Nathan Oswald May 28 Diane Riat/Bryan Fishburn May 30 Stefanie Childs/Quentin Sage May 31 Kacey Long/Brandon Allen May 31 Stacie Ybarra/Michael Nachtman June 10 Ashley Gomez/Jared Johnson June 13 Ashley McGinnis/Israel Hernandez June 13 Alison Suiter/Daren Fyffe

2009 Jan. 24 Donielle Cook/Scott Geesling Feb. 28 Carmen Cramton/Andy Clark Mar. 19 Kellie J. Sheppard/James E. Schmalrized Mar. 28 Brandy Valek/Christopher Jones May 03 Joni Bontrager/Josh Hodge May 30 Courtney Wilson/Donnie Crawford Aug. 19 Emily Gale/Kerry Burt Aug. 23 Aunya Brown/Brandon Cameron Sept. 6 Dinah Collins/Zach Strange

HCC Now, Fall 2009

June 13 Mikaela Trim/David Coon June 19 Milissa McReynolds/Heath Steffen June 25 Kayla Stanley/Adam Young June 26 Sarah McGlynn/Brock Johnson June 28 Alisha Dreiling/Aaron Bruce July 05 Sara Blide/Christopher Teeter July 17 Kristi Stillwell/Jeremy Dean July 17 Jennifer Deere/Christopher Scheuber July 22 Stephanie Butler/Nathan Ravenstien Aug. 16 Jackie Burkhart/Bret Christiansen Aug. 25 Angel Leamon/Scott Sheely Aug. 30 Tracy Boll/Michael Voth Sept. 27 Amber Young/Bret Toews Sept. 27 Jessica Hulse/Nicholas Yagel Sept. 27 Johannah Dryden/Stephan Moore

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