HCC NOW! Spring 2011

PRESIDENT’S CORNER is close to home, making living arrangements easier. Students from out of area recognize that Reno County is a great place, with many amenities that other communities do not enjoy. Another reason identified for choosing Hutchinson Community College is the availability of a wide range of programs of study and the success of students who complete these programs. The tradition of excellence for transfer students is attested to by HCC students out performing native students at four year colleges or universities.

“There is nothing that a person

can do that is more important than opening doors so that students have opportunities to attain an education that can change their lives.”

Dr. Edward Berger

Hutchinson Community College has been successful over the decades for numerous reasons. Certainly the quality faculty and their caring attitude for student success are critical, as are facilities and technology that are reflective of student learning needs.

When visiting with students as to why they choose Hutchinson Community College there are consistent themes.

Location is usually cited first.

Students indicate that the College

Another factor important for students when making a college choice is access. Access means different things to different students. Economic access is a part of that equation.

Keeping costs affordable and providing scholarship opportunities is often a critical element in students choosing to attend HCC. Physical access is important also, which has been augmented by having online degree options and interactive telecourses available. Hutchinson Community College aggressively tries to eliminate barriers to participation, whether they are cost, time and place of class or personal barriers such as housing and child care.

All of these elements are important, but what is not as evident is the support that Hutchinson Community College receives from the community, from alumni and from generous individuals who are committed to the success of students. Every year hundreds of thousands of dollars are raised to provide scholarships. These

scholarships give students access to opportunity, avenues to growth and portals to change. There is nothing that a person can do that is more important than opening doors so that students have opportunities to attain an education that can change their lives.

Prospective students recognize these factors, they sense that success is within their grasp when they make a campus visit. Students can feel the tradition of excellence that surrounds the campus. As a result, approximately 80 percent of students who visit the campus end up enrolling at Hutchinson Community College.

After becoming a student at Hutchinson Community College the learning experience comes clearly into focus. Highly qualified faculty, small class size, extensive student support services and a friendly collegial climate helps to assure the success of the student.

The True Blue Tradition of Excellence permeates Hutchinson Community College, from the outstanding faculty to the pristine condition of campus and the proud alumni. It is no wonder that Hutchinson Community College attracts some of the most outstanding and talented students in Kansas.

These are individuals who will have stellar careers in their chosen professions and will be community leaders of the future. They will perpetuate the legacy of the True Blue Tradition of Excellence.

hutchinson community college • hcc now! spring 2011 • Vol. 18, No. 1 Editor: M.L. Stark Hinkle Design/Layout: Janae DeWeese Cover PHotography: David Mencl Contributors: Steve Carpenter 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

2

HCC Now! Spring 2011

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

A publication of Hutchinson Community College and Area Vocational School 1300 N. Plum • Hutchinson, KS 67501 www.hutchcc.edu

R etirees Honored for Years of Service One of the bittersweet moments for the Hutchinson Community College campus each graduation is the recognition of retiring faculty and staff. Ten individuals will conclude their service to HCC this spring with their retirements.

The group has combined for an impressive 134 years of service to HCC.

The group will be honored at HCC’s graduation ceremonies in May. The group includes faculty and staff from all areas of the college. One has more than 30 years of service to the college, while two others have provided more than 25 years to the institution.

Dr. Suzanna V. Darby, Dean of Instruction, retired in the fall of 2010, after 11 years of service to the college.

Dr. Sue Darby

Darby replaced Dr. Becky Paneitz in 1999, and immediately instituted major changes in classroom delivery at HCC. As an advocate of multimedia in education, Darby began encouraging faculty to incorporate new technologies into their teaching methods. She was also an advocate of creating access through distance education, and helped pioneer the distance education program at HCC, which now accounts for more than 25 percent of the total enrollment at HCC.

Janet Hamilton has held many positions in her 27 years at HCC, but for the last six months, she has served as the Co-Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Hamilton began her career at HCC in 1984, in the department of Continuing Education. As she joked, “I was responsible for outreach classes: scheduling, finding faculty, and even selling books out of the backs of cars.”

During her career, she has seen the expansion of HCC through the merger of the Area Vocational School, and the growth of Career and Technical Education in all types of career fields at HCC.

Darby will remember her time at HCC fondly.

“I am thankful I had the opportunity to serve the students in creating a positive learning environment.

I will miss the wit and wisdom of Dr. Berger. From him, I learned the fine art of politics, the importance of external fund-raising, and the insightful knack of people-wrangling.”

In her retirement, Darby plans to remain involved in education, but also pursue her hobbies of gardening and reading, in addition to serving as a community volunteer.

“This was an opportunity for me, a liberal arts graduate, to fall in love with career and technical programs, and the opportunities that education provides for students and their families. I have been very fortunate to work with some very high quality folks and have had jobs that were different every day, providing a lot of variety and challenging me to think.”

Hamilton will retire to a new challenge; a full-time job as the Program Officer for the Hutchinson Community Foundation, where she will return to her educational roots in social work and community engagement.

William T. Brewer began his career at HCC in the spring of 1984, to begin a drama program in conjunction with the construction of the Stringer Fine Arts Center.

Since that time, Brewer has built one of the strongest and most recognized community college theatre programs in the country.

He served as the first endowed chair at the community college level, with the creation of the Delos V. Smith Endowed Chair for Fine Arts.

William Brewer

retirees

He has enjoyed the challenge of bringing fine arts and theatre to the campus and community, and

Janet Hamilton

raising the understanding of the arts as a foundation to a solid education.

Brewer has enjoyed being involved with a host of talented students and faculty through the years, and noted that he will miss those relationships in his retirement.

“I’ve spent my entire career in service to students,” Brewer said. “I’ve worked with some of the finest artists and art educators in the state and region.”

In retirement, Brewer is looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and also volunteering with projects for Habitat to Humanity.

Retirees Cont.’d on Page 12 HCC Now! Spring 2011

3

A

lot of college athletes have interesting stories behind some of their injuries.

Jack Parker is no exception, although his story is a little out of the “norm.”

Parker, a halfback on the 1947 Blue Dragon team, was anxiously trying to run out the final seconds on the clock in a tilt against the Butler Grizzlies.

Parker was running side to side toward the end zone, when he was broad sided by a player from the El Dorado squad and injured his knee.

“I never even saw the guy that hit me,” Parker noted.

Parker was slightly distracted at the time. For, instead of wanting to preserve a Dragon victory, or even maintain a crucial possession of the ball, Parker had a different reason to want time off the clock.

That night was supposed to be the first date between Parker and his future wife, Alice Stoffer. Parker was trying to hang out near the end zone, to be first in the lockers and be ready for the important evening. Instead, his future went down a slightly different path.

4

HCC Now! Spring 2011

“I was late for my date,” Parker joked.

“I spent several days laid up in bed.

But, Alice took care of me and won the approval of (Parker’s adopted family) the Kents. She brought me this threelayer cake with a football player on top, and that just sold them on her.”

Jack Parker, a long-time Hutchinson Community College supporter and 1948 alumnus of HCC, has been chosen by the HCC Alumni and Friends as the Alumnus of the Year.

It is only fitting that Parker’s memories of the college are tied to his late wife Alice. When asked about his favorite memory of HCC, he had no hesitation.

“It was when my wife said yes,” Parker noted.

Jack Parker is a case study in what hard work and perseverance can do. A selfmade entrepreneur, Parker came from humble roots to become a successful businessman and community member with an outstanding record of service and giving in Haven and Reno County.

Parker, along with his brother Richard, came to Hutchinson on a train from Pampa, Texas in 1936. The duo, who

had lost their parents, decided to run away from the home where they were living.

Hutchinson teacher Maddie Kent, along with her family, took the boys in and gave them a home.

Jack and Richard both went on to attend HCC and become successful businessmen, each following separate but parallel paths of hard work and determination.

For Jack, his story began after his service in World War II. The young veteran returned home and enrolled in HCC. With the blessing of Dean Lockman, Parker and fellow alumnus Harold Nevius found an innovative way to afford their education. “(Dean Lockman) let me and Nevius skip school to work at the State Fair,” Parker said. “We’d make enough hauling ice to go to school for the whole year.”

The pair would haul around ice, in blocks sometimes as large as 300 pounds, to the vendors and even to the railroad cars passing through Hutchinson. They would perform the physical and back-breaking work of breaking and tossing the ice blocks around to get the deliveries done.

After graduation, Parker went on to a job with Derby Oil in Galva. He returned to Haven in 1957, and had a lumberyard there. He had several different business interests through the years, but returned to HCC in the 1960’s to take some metalworking classes that led him down his final career path.

“It sure got me ready for football season,” Parker added.

The courses sparked Parker’s interest in the industry, and he went on to found Haven Steel in 1966. He discovered a niche market making springs for the mobile home industry, and later worked with his brother, Richard, to manufacture parts for Krause Plow.

Parker was a successful player for the Blue Dragons, starting at halfback for coach Charlie Sesher on the 1947 team that went undefeated and won the first ever Salt Bowl Championship. Parker even scored a touchdown in the win.

“You couldn’t have asked for a nicer guy to play for than (Sesher),” Parker said.

With Parker’s leadership, Haven Steel went on to become a multi-national company, and today remains one of the major manufacturers of mower blades in the US. He sold his interest in the company in 1986.

The Richard and Jack Parker Student Union was named in honor of their many contributions to Hutchinson Community College. Jack Parker has a long legacy for giving to HCC. “There is no doubt that Jack Parker is a fine example of what it means to be True Blue,” said Dr. Edward Berger, president of HCC. “He has remained loyal to HCC since the beginning, and knows the value of education and hard work in being successful in life.”

Parker, along with his wife, set up a special scholarship through the Haven Methodist church, to encourage Haven High seniors to pursue higher education.

Since its establishment in 1985, it has provided many scholarships to HCC and other universities and trade schools.

Parker will be presented with his award during a special luncheon at the May graduation ceremonies.

HCC Now! Spring 2011

5

Shaun Hill, the only Hutchinson Community College football player currently playing in the National Football League, was inducted into the HCC Quarterback Club Hall of Fame on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011.

Hill becomes the 11th member of the Quarterback Club Hall of Fame, and is the first Blue Dragon athlete to be enshrined. Hill was a two-year starting quarterback for the Blue Dragon football team in 1998 and 1999 for head coach David Wheeler.

At the completion of Hill’s HCC career, he was No. 2 on the career yardage list with 2,948 yards and 23 touchdowns.

In his sophomore season in 1999, Hill completed 48 percent of his passes for 1,688 yards – third best in HCC history at that time – and 14 touchdowns. Hill left HCC as the program’s career leader in total offense (3,536 yards) after rushing for 588 yards in his two seasons with the Blue Dragons.

After Hutchinson, the Parsons, Kan., native, signed with the University of Maryland. In the spring of 2002, Hill signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He also spent time in NFL Europe and signed a free-agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2006. He was traded to the Detroit Lions in the spring of 2010.

6

HCC Now! Spring 2011

Auto Collision Repair Class Helps Wichita DAV

student news

Partnering with local Hutchinson community area businesses, the HCTEA and HCC students and faculty donated their time and skills to refurbish an emergency response truck used by the Medical Center. The vehicle will be used to support federal disaster drills and exercises, including a planned FEMA drill in May of 2011.

Seven HCC students worked on the project this past fall, performing metal restoration, pre-paint preparation and other repair work needed to bring the vehicle back up to top working standards.

The work represented the partnership created by the merged program between Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College. The students learn together at the HCTEA auto collision repair program.

The Automotive Collision program at HCC leads to a variety of careers in the automotive field.

Students can pursue certificate or degree options, and many students begin the program while still in high school through the HCTEA.

Students in the Automotive Collision program at Hutchinson Community College, along with the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy (HCTEA) students, worked together on an important community service project for the Disabled American Veterans group and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita.

HCC Students in Automotive Collision Repair classes stand next to repaired DAV truck.

SkillsUSA Partners with American Red Cross HCC will assist the Reno County Chapter of the American Red Cross with storage solutions and facility updates, helping them provide more efficient services to the public. This will include painting, carpeting, and installing shelving and storage cabinets.

program areas will work together throughout the spring semester to complete this community service project.

The Hutchinson Community College SkillsUSA chapter is contributing $1000 toward the completion of this project.

The award was presented in a press conference held at the Red Cross headquarters on February 24, 2011.

The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded an $8,245.31 grant to Hutchinson Community College for the HCC SkillsUSA Community Service Grant for the Hutchinson American Red Cross Chapter project.

HCC students in more than 15 technical and career

Large checks were displayed in a donation ceremony by a representative from SkillsUSA, The American Red Cross and Lowes.

Students and Staff in the HCC Ag Diesel Program work on different projects during the March 2 Ag Diesel Open House. Over the past year the Ag Diesel facility was repaired and re-painted.

HCC Now! Spring 2011

7

student news

Student Focus: William Gates

William Gates, graphic design student from Hutchinson, KS, submitted a logo for the Florida Blueberry Festival.

The logo is among the top ten logos submitted out of over 400. The winning logo will be announced in May, with a cash prize of $1200 and $1000 awarded to winner’s institution.

All Kansas Academics Named

Eric Schrag (Hutchinson) and Josh Collins (Hesston) have been named to the All-Kansas Academic Team for 2011.

Each will receive a $300 scholarship and an additional $1000 scholarship if they attend a Regent School. The team is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, The Kansas Association of Community College Trustees and the presidents of the state’s community colleges.

Schrag is an English major with a 4.0 grade point average. He is a member of the Honor Student Council, and is the co-chair for the Student Affairs committee for the group. He is also a member of the Christian Challenge, a peer tutor and a member of the President’s Honor Roll at HCC. Collins is a general studies major with a 4.0 GPA. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and the vice chair of student relations on the Honors Student Council. He is the online editor for the HCC Collegian and is a math tutor and writer for The Hesston Record.

Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society for students attending community and two-year colleges. Membership is based on high grade point averages and other criteria, with members focusing on scholastic achievement and service to community and campus.

Scholarship Recipients Student Focus: Amber Aden & KNEA

Congratulations to Amber Aden for being recognized as Outstanding Underclassmen in the Kansas National Education Association Student Group of Future Teachers. The HCC chapter was named Outstanding Local Chapter and most improved chapter. HCC Instructor Rachel Santine was named the KNEA Outstanding Academic Advisor for Kansas.

8

HCC Now! Spring 2011

HCC Business Students Marissa King, Joseph Fisher and Sarah Hirsh were awarded the Center for Management Development Scholarships by the Wichita State University Barton School of Businesses at a banquet held April 6, 2011. Also receiving

scholarships (not pictured) were Devin Younts and Michayla Schoonover Ferguson.

D ragons Earn All-American Honors

alicia robinson (Telford, England) was named a second team all-American by the NJCAA. Robinson is the third all-American in the history of the program.

She scored 12 goals and 15 assists in leading the team to a No. 3 ranking last year with a 21-1 overall record.

Joe Mitchell (Wichita) became the 25th Blue Dragon men’s player to earn All-America status, with his selection to the honorable mention team by the NJCAA. Mitchell helped HCC to a 26-7 record, and the semifinals of the Region VI game. He averaged 18.2 points per game, and finished eighth in the Jayhawk Conference in scoring last year.

meshak williams (Sylvester, Ga.) earned second team AllAmerica honors for the Blue Dragon football team.

In his career, he finished fourth on the career sacks list with 19.5 He also had 107 tackles and 29 quarterback hurries.

Cordarrelle patterson (Rock Hill, S.C.) earned second team honors as a return specialist.

During the football season, Patterson ranked sixth in the nation in overall return yardage, and led the Jayhawk Conference in kick returns in 2010.

shawn lewick (Pretty Prairie) posted an 8-2 overall record in 2010, in guiding HCC to a third-place finish at the NJCAA World Series.

He set a single season record for strikeouts with 95 and the best ERA on the team at 2.28 on the year.

athletic news

dorrian roberts (Wichita) earned honorable mention honors as cornerback for HCC. Roberts had 55 total tackles, including 37 solo, in 2010, to go with three interceptions, including two in the Salt City Bowl championship.

jackie patterson (Frisco, Tex.) earned second team All-America honors from the NJCAA in 2011.

She was the Jayhawk West MVP, 2011 Freshman of the Year and Region VI Tournament MVP. She averaged 13.8 points and 7.5 rebounds a game to help the Lady Dragons to a 30-3 record and a top five national ranking.

HCC Now! Spring 2011

9

student news

Siemens Partners with HCC Honors Students Present in Texas

HCC Honors students Josh Collins, Eric Schrag and Dana Johnson were selected to make presentations at the Great Plains Honors Conference in Arlington, TX. The Great Plains Honors Conference is part of the National Collegiate Honors Conference.

Hutchinson Community College and Area Vocational School has announced a gift from Siemens Energy, Inc. to the Richard E. Smith Science Center.

Dr. Edward E. Berger, president of HCC, announced the gift at the Dillon Lecture Series lecture on April 5. Kevin Hazel, Vice President of Supply Chain Management for the Americas Region of Siemens Wind Power, was the lecturer and joined with Berger in announcing the donation.

The donation will be used to provide enhancements to the Richard E. Smith Science Center. The Center is a hub for education in the physical, biological sciences, and provides additional space for studies in allied health, biotechnology and chemical technology.

Siemens Energy is the world’s leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. Further information is available at www.siemens.com/energy.

In December 2010, Siemens celebrated the opening of a 300,000-square-foot wind turbine nacelle assembly facility in Hutchinson, Kansas. A nacelle is the part of the wind turbine that houses the gearbox, drive train and other electricity generating components of wind turbines. This manufacturing plant in Hutchinson represents the first major wind turbine equipment factory in Kansas.

Debaters Win Another National Title The HCC debate and forensics team won more than 150 team and individual awards during the 2010-2011 competition year, and finished the season with five national championships between the duo of Angel West (Fort Scott) and Davis Mattek (Salina). The same team won the state championship in junior college debate earlier this year.

10

HCC Now! Spring 2011

C ongratulations Graduates!

The first graduating class of the Physical Therapist Assistant program. Graduates include:

Monie Arnett, Neil Ehling, Alexis Marie Entwisle, Dawn Christine Ferguson, Emily Joy Garder, Melissa S. Hawkins, Erica Nicole Johnson, Ramona A. Kane, Cassity Jo Kramer, Maura Leigh Lau, Jeromy McAlister, Jessica Nicoll, Christina Patton, Janet Racette, Teresa L. Robinson, Catrina Miller Rohloff, Jenni Elizabeth Schermuly, Brandi Beryl Stegman, Scott J. Suppes and Stephanie Marie Towell.

student news

Students take National Title at Ag Conference Hutchinson Community College again brought home “the Rock”, as they won the Sweepstakes Trophy at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Conference in San Diego.

The victory marked the fifth time in the last ten years, and the seventh overall title for the HCC judging teams. The teams swept the community college competition, in addition to winning the top overall team honors.

The HCC teams won four individual team competitions, taking the top honors in Ag Computers, Crops, Dairy Cattle and Livestock.

In the Ag Computers contest, HCC won first in Excel and Access, while Jacinda Dickinson (Glasco) was first overall in testing and Access.

In Crops, the team won the overall title, but also were first in agronomic quiz, lab practical and in identification. Zach Langford (Buhler) was first overall, and won the title in identification, while teammate Jordan Simon (Haven) was first in the lab practical portion.

In Dairy Cattle, the team took the overall title, along with winning the reasons portion of the competition.

Individually, Luke Strecker (Lexington, Va.)was

first overall, and won the reasons title. In Livestock, the team was first overall, and won the sheep competition, while Austin Thompson (Newton) won the overall individual championship.

In addition to the team honors, Strecker was honored by the group with Academic All-America honors for Livestock Judging. He is the fourth individual in the history of the HCC program to earn such honors. The award takes into consideration his record as a judge, in addition to his academic success at HCC.

HCC Agricultural Students celebrate another successful national championship season at the recent NACTA conference.

The HCC agricultural teams are coached by HCC instructors Dale Conard, Bill Disberger, Richard Geist and Steve Sears, while Ryan Sill, from the Kansas Natural Resource Conservation Service coaches the soils team.

John Rimmer Remembered

Hutchinson Community College lost a member of the True Blue family, with the passing of John Rimmer this past January. Rimmer, who was honored with the College’s highest award - The Founders Award in 2008, passed away at the age of 93, following a bout with pneumonia.

Rimmer is remembered for his many contributions to HCC, and the Rimmer Learning Resource Center bears his name in recognition of that support.

Rimmer was an early supporter of the Presidential Scholarship program, and remained an active supporter of the program until his passing. He enjoyed personally sponsoring scholarships and meeting with the young HCC students to encourage them in their academic careers. He also played a key role in the construction of the Shears Technology Center, sponsoring a classroom in conjunction with HUBCO.

Rimmer was chairman of the board of HUBCO, Inc. until his retirement in 2006. He spent more than 55 years as a successful businessman in the Hutchinson community.

He met his wife, Bethe, while enrolled in computer classes at HCC in 2000. He is survived by Bethe, and his children, John Rimmer Jr., Jane Rimmer Hart and Ann McPherson.

HCC Now! Spring 2011

11

retirees Jeannette Cecil has been working with students as the Director of Student Support Services since 2003.

part of her job that Cecil has found the most enjoyable.

As Director, Cecil helped the SSS office provide tutoring and counseling services to first generation college students. That additional support has proved invaluable in helping those students achieve their academic potential.

“I will miss all the fine folks here that have helped our students to be successful,” Cecil said.

“I have made many, many dear friends, and I will always remember those special moments when a former student would come by the SSS office and say, ‘Thanks for all you did for me.’”

Cecil has personally helped many students find the additional academic assistance they needed to be successful students at the College, and has also provided emotional support for those students who feel overwhelmed at times by the increased responsibilities of being a college student. It is that

Cecil will not be taking it easy in retirement, as she will be continuing her career in education, serving as a para-educator at Wiley Grade School in Hutchinson. She will also continue to stay on at the college as a part-time instructor.

Rick Nees has seen the HCC Heating, Refrigeration, Ventilation and Air Conditioning program through a period of tremendous growth and development.

Rick Nees

With the completion of the Industrial Technology Center, Nees has been instrumental in developing a state-of-the-art program in the commercial and residential aspects of the HVAC industry. He has also helped develop industry partnerships, and worked toward the integration of more energy-saving technology in the curriculum.

Working in the new HVAC labs in the ITC has

Being able to help students grow and develop their artistic talents has been a high point of Roy Swanson’s 34-year career at HCC. With the addition of the Stringer Fine Arts Center to the HCC Campus, Swanson has seen growth and support for arts both on campus and in the community grow.

Starting as a studio instructor in January of 1977, Swanson has spent years perfecting his own skills while helping students realize their own talents.

Swanson indicated that the students will be the one thing he will miss most about HCC.

A very well respected musician in his own right, Batchelor responded to the challenge by putting his own stamp on the program. The program has continued to grow and flourish under his guidance, and now is one of the top Instrumental Jazz programs in the country.

Batchelor plans to remain very busy in his

HCC Now! Spring 2011

“I’ve really enjoyed the rewards that come from watching your students gain more technical skills,” Nees added. “The opportunity and support the administration afforded our classes and students, has been rewarding beyond my expectations.”

Nees will continue to give to the community, with plans to start a small, low-cost, repair business that serves retirees, and hopes to continue his own education by taking some additional technical classes in the future.

Swanson plans to continue working part-time, and continuing to pursue his own artistic interests. In addition, he hopes to be able to spend more time with his children and grandchildren after his retirement in May.

Batchelor was hired to replace Bryce Luty, regarded by many as the “founder” of the HCC Instrumental Jazz program.

12

been one of the high points in Nees’ career, and he’s enjoyed watching the constant advancement of energy-saving technology and industrial automation.

“I have enjoyed being able to work in a profession that I love, sharing ideas and goals with my colleagues, and the many students that I have been able to work with. It’s been a challenge trying to make sure my advice, suggestions and recommendations were beneficial in helping guide my students, but I have enjoyed seeing the progress that they’ve made.”

Daryl Batchelor began his career at HCC 13 years ago, hoping to fill some pretty big shoes.

Daryl Batchelor

JeaNnette Cecil

Roy Swanson

retirement. He is planning to teach part-time in the McPherson College jazz department, and will be assisting his wife with her business as well.

Batchelor will also be busy musically with the band, Main Street, based out of Manhattan. The group features American Idol finalist Jessica Furney and saxophonist Craig Treinen.

“I’ll continue playing as much as possible, and hopefully a little bit more,” Batchelor said. “(Main Street) is a really good band. There are great players in it right now. That’s kind of taking off.

I’d like to get some gigs in Hutch, so people can hear us.

retirees Tana Goertz started as a student at HCC in 1995, and became a full-time employee in 1996. She was the secretary in the Continuing Education department, and worked evenings, while attending school during the day.

Since that time, she’s worked in Admissions and finally became the Assessment Coordinator in the Student Services office.

tana Goertz

Goertz coordinates and organizes all of the testing services for the College, including ACT testing, both in Hutchinson and Wichita. She also assists in administering a variety of workforce testing, including Work Ready and exams for the

Chris Vaughn began her career at HCC in September of 1999, as a secretary in the Financial Aid Department. She was eventually promoted to Financial Aid Technician, and was primarily responsible for administration of the Pell Scholarship program disbursements, along with gathering other financial aid information to pass along to the Financial Aid Advisors.

When Vaughn began at HCC, registration used to be a long, multi-day process, with students standing in long lines to complete paperwork and payments to enter HCC. Automation has streamlined that process, and Vaughn considers that one of the biggest and most important changes on campus in her 11 years of service to HCC.

The people at HCC have been one of the perks for what she has called , ‘a dream job.”

“The campus is truly a showcase in the area of architecture, but the instructors and students are what make the college,” Goertz noted.

Goertz is looking forward to more free time in retirement, and is planning more trips to Montana to see her grandchildren.

“We were in line for days, waiting on the students, and now that is all done in our offices,” Vaughn noted. “It is more productive and better for our students and staff.”

Vaughn will miss her co-workers and the students that she worked with while at HCC, but is looking forward to spending more time with her family in retirement. She also plans to spend more time enjoying her hobbies of reading and quilting.

Jeanine Keevert will retire from HCC with 11 years of service to the college. She began her career in July of 2000 as a Purchase Order Clerk, and was promoted in August of 2008, to Secretary to the Vice President of Finance and Operations.

Working with the staff in the business office has been one of the highlights of her years at HCC, and she has really enjoyed her interaction with the other staff at HCC as well.

Jeanine Keevert

FAA. For each type of test, Goertz has had to take tests to pass the provider’s requirements before becoming a certified examiner for the group or organization.

The changes in technology have been one of the biggest challenges for Keevert, and she listed the many technological advances, including the online

chris vaughn FACTS payment system, and the intent system as some of the major changes on campus since she arrived at HCC. Keevert also mentioned the breakfasts that Dr. Berger hosts with staff as one of the most enjoyable parts of working at HCC. In her retirement, Keevert is looking forward to being able to travel with her husband, and will also camp and fish as time permits. She also hopes to have more time to indulge her hobby of riding motorcycles and being able to take the bikes on the road for extended travel.

HCC Now! Spring 2011

13

Blue Dragon Notes

blue dragon notes Cody Barilla will be taking the position of Reno County Extension agent for the Reno County Extension office. Barilla is married and he and his wife, Hannah, live in Manhattan.

Michael Bracey showed his award winning photography exhibit, “Africans Within the Americas”, at the Hutchinson Art Center.

Connie Kastens Copenhaver is a special education teacher at Chaparral High School. She and her husband, Tracy, live in Anthony with their three children.

Nathan Cox was hired to work at the Hutchinson office for Congressman Tim Huelskamp. Cox has also worked as a field director for Huelskamp and Sen. Pat Roberts.

Elizabeth “Libby” Doxon is involved as an Orientation & Mobility Specialist at Prairie Independent Resource Center, Inc. PaT Egbert has been promoted to Procurement Officer II, at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

He has been working at HCF since 1999.

Marla Eriksen has been named Vice President of Human Resources and Marketing at Luminous Neon Art & Sign Systems. She was previously the Human Resource Manager and Customer Development Manager.

Patrick Gardner has been hired at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility as a corrections officer.

DeeAnn Goertzen is the senior customer service representative for Pleasant Hill Grain. She and her husband, Fred, live in Gridley.

Mike Hall (‘65) retired this past December, after 39 years with the Topeka Capital Journal. He and his wife, Linda, have one son, Ben, who is completing his medical residency in Wisconsin.

Deborah Hamm is the superintendent of Oxford USD 358. She resides in Oxford with her family.

Tim Holt (‘65) has been reappointed to the Kansas Real Estate Commission by Governor Parkinson and was elected chairman of the group. joshua seachris (‘96) received his Ph.D. in philosophy

from the Univ. of Okla. He is currently Grant Administrator of the Character Project and Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Wake Forest Univ.

Shanda Swinehart has been named to the Ulysses Economic Development Board. She is an insurance agent with State Farm Insurance in Ulysses.

Candis Sykes was promoted to payroll accounting manager at Kroger Accounting Services – Hutchinson.

Shaun Vandiver has been named the new men’s basketball coach at Emporia State. He was a member of the 1988 NJCAA Championship Blue Dragon team.

Duane Wagler is the copy editor at the Colorado Springs Gazette. He is working on a Master’s of Social Work at Denver University.

Alicia Warner has been named an administrative assistant at The Trust Company of Kansas.

Douglas Warner has been promoted to Accountant III at The Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

alumni Spotlight: Cassie Keast

Current Hometown: Mission, KS Family: Terry Jenkins III (fiance) - getting married in September!

Career: Student at the University of Kansas Medical Center - pursuing my Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (will graduate in December). I also graduated in 2009 from the University of Kansas with my Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics.

Years Attended HCC: Fall 2005-Spring 2007 Graduated from at HCC: Associate of Arts degree in Biology, 2007 HCC Activities you were involved in: Campus Activities Board, Circle K, HCC Student Support Services – General Biology Supplemental Instructor and English tutor, Natural Science Department Scholar/Tutor, HCC Dorm Resident Assistant, HCC Blue Dragon Track team, Presidential Leadership Scholar, Fall Homecoming Queen, Participated in the 4th & 5th Annual Endowment Scholarship Fund Telethon What makes HCC special to you? HCC was my home away from home. I felt very welcome and comfortable at HCC. I truly felt like I had a second family while I was there. HCC was big enough to get the full college experience, but small enough to not become overwhelmed. HCC also had wonderful instructors.

My instructors knew me by name, and they were always willing to help. It was the perfect place to start my college education.

14

HCC Now! Spring 2011

Wedding Bells & In Memoriam Weddings

Engagments

Amanda Lorenson/ Nick Trout

May 29, 2010 Devin Younts/ Colten Flickinger

Mary McKee/ Andrew Johnson

June 12, 2010 Melanie Bergkamp/ Mason Newell March 5, 2011

Kathleen Emery/ Aaron Yoder

June 12, 2010 MacKenzie Stramel/ Erik Lutz

Madeline Grimmett/ Benjamin Epp June 17, 2010 Jessica Steffan/ Tony Andrews

June 11, 2010 March 5, 2011 March 20, 2011

Kaleigh Braun/ Jared Doke

June 21, 2010 Kaitlyn Brungardt/ Tanner Buller March 30, 2011

Jolie Koehn/ Rick Green

July 10, 2010 Courtney Beasley/ Jordan Anschutz April 14, 2011

Angela Neises/ Jon McDonald

July 10, 2010 Audrey Herrera/ Wes Haines

Laci Beck/ David Radke

July 17, 2010

Joni Gehrt/ Grady Wenderott

July 24, 2010

Alumni, former students, current students and staff are indicated by italics.

Allison Stafford/ Travis Petersheim July 31, 2010 Hope Dechant/ Rocky Gallardo Erin Harper/ Derek Hodgson

Aug. 29, 2010

Kimberly Adelhardt / Casey Pritchett Sept. 4, 2010 Stacey Hoefer / Todd Webb Sept. 25, 2010 Anna Poovey/ Wes Curry

Oct. 9, 2010

Katie Rupp/ Joshua Teets

Oct. 9, 2010

Haley Johnson/ Kurt Stropes

What’s New with You?

July 31, 2010

Cassondra Huxman/ Chad Basinger Aug. 7, 2010

Oct. 20, 2010

Carissa Shive/ Adam Comer Nov. 20, 2010 Steffany Aden/ Adam Gehring Nov. 28, 2010 Abby Burkhart/ Jamie Heinz Nov. 29, 2010

April 14, 2011

We’d like to share your career news, weddings & engagements, educational news and in memoriam updates.

Contact the Alumni & Friends at 620-665-3348 or by emailing alumni@hutchcc.edu-

Harold Dale Murphy, 67, Newton, Dec. 2, 2010

Kenneth D. Koop, 64, Hutchinson, March 6, 2011

Opal L. James, 94, Hutchinson, Oct. 16, 2010

Dorothy A. Elliott, 83, Topeka, Dec. 9, 2010

Willa M. Searl Jones, 93, Des Moines, March 6, 2011

Wanda L. Nelson Holmes, 96, Hutchinson, Oct. 22, 2010

Jeffrey Lynn Woodson, 67, Hutchinson, Dec. 14, 2010

Norma M. (Cook) Hayes, 76, Chickasha, March 21, 2011

Dr. Laurel G. Case, 89, Pertland, Oct. 25, 2010

Theda Arlene Lee, 87, Hutchinson, Billie G. “Bill” Castle, 78, Hutchinson, March 21, 2011 Jan. 7, 2011

Preston M. Tolbert, 27, Liberal, Oct. 29, 2010

Edwin E. Miller, 88, Hutchinson, Jan. 27, 2011

Frederick L. Lager, 59, Hutchinson, March 21, 2011

Winifred P. Culver, 92, Sterling, Oct. 29, 2010

Cara Jean Nelson Bredfeldt Mark, 79, Hutchinson, Jan. 29, 2011

Alfonzo L. “Al” Cauley, 73, Hutchinson, March 31, 2011

Mario Inchauriga, 35, Hutchinson, Nov. 1, 2010 Dean Commer, 83, Wichita, Nov. 2, 2010 Glenn Ellis Holmes, 76, Wichita, Nov. 21, 2010 Orlin Val Dean Heyen, 78, Stafford, Nov. 23, 2010 Gilford “G” “Scooter” Livingston III,

28, Liberal, Nov. 24, 2010

Betty Ebeling, 69, Hutchinson, Nov. 27, 2010 Virginia Marie Woods, 92, Hutchinson, Nov. 28, 2010 David S. Lenz, 37, Hutchinson, Nov. 30, 2010

Brian P. Halula, 47, Hutchinson, Jan. 29, 2011 John Robbins Rimmer, 93, Hutchinson, Jan. 29, 2011 Stefanie I. Gisick, 33, Wichita, Feb. 2, 2011 Richard L. Toland, 54, Ottawa, Feb. 15, 2011 Kit Wagner, 63, South Hutchinson, Feb. 20, 2011 Beth McGonigle Boeka, 69, Stafford, March 2, 2011 Lucille Jarvis, 97, Winfield, March 2, 2011

Paul F. “Frank” Blea, 66, Hutchinson, March 31, 2011 Jenny Lee Arwood, 96, Lyons, April 5, 2011 Sara P. Hill, 93, Cleveland, April 5, 2011 Christopher D. Schmidt, 36, Hutchinson, April 6, 2011 Wilma B. French, 92, Partridge, April 7, 2011 Steve Boese, 63, Hutchinson, April 9, 2011 Ralph W. Noyes, Jr., 78, Hutchinson, April 18, 2011 Norma W. Missidine Lillibridge, 96, Hutchinson, April 20, 2011

Friends Remembered

Janice Marie Nevills, 70, Wichita, Oct. 6, 2010

HCC Now! Spring 2011

15

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 95 Hutchinson, Kans.

67501

Hutchinson Community College 1300 NORTH PLUM • HUTCHINSON, KS 67501-5894

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

POSTAL CUSTOMER

The Hutchinson Community College Alumni & Friends launched the Blue Dragon Discount Card many years ago, to offer cardholders discounts at Hutchinson restaurants and stores.

With nearly 100 vendors, the Blue Dragon Discount Card is the biggest in the area, and the card of choice for many. Our participants say it generates new customers and draws back old ones.

We are currently accepting new vendors for our card. There is no cost to participate on the card, and listings are free. Your only requirement is to provide a discount or service to your potential customers. Our deadline for new members is June 10.

The 2011-12 card will go on sale on August 1. Funds from the sale of the cards provides scholarships to the neediest of students – many of whom are working parents trying to improve their educational opportunities. For them, the money raised from our discount card sales makes college possible.

For more information on the HCC Blue Dragon Discount Card, or to place your business on the card, call 665-3565 or 665-3348.