HCC NOW! Magazine Spring 2009

HCC NOW! Hutchinson Community College

R e n o C o u n t y ’s C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e s e r v i n g S o u t h C e n t r a l K a n s a s

Rock Named HCC Alumnus of the Year HCC’s Tech Par tnerships with USD’s Win-Win for Both Nine Retire With More Than 200 Years Combined Ser vice to HCC

True Blue Excellence

President’s Corner

“Hutchinson Community College continues to meet the needs of the citizens of Kansas with the development of several essentially recession proof career areas and Centers of Excellence.”

Dr. Edward Berger

Hutchinson Community College continues to fulfill its mission of Expanding the Tradition of Excellence Through Learning and Collaboration. Enrollment increased by approximately three percent this year reflecting a consistent trend over the last few years. Generally, community colleges seem to be very sensitive to economic conditions. When economic times become difficult, enrollment increases. Typically there are more people who return to community colleges for training and retraining when jobs are either threatened or eliminated. Additionally, with the market declining, many families who had college savings accounts in equities for their children will be considering community college education as an economical choice.

Hutchinson Community College continues to meet the needs of the citizens of Kansas with the development of several essentially recession proof career areas and Centers of Excellence. The Center of Excellence in

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Allied Health Education has been enhanced with the Physical Therapy Assistant program that will begin in the Spring Semester 2010. Additionally, the Kansas Board of Regents approved a Respiratory Therapy Program which will be in development next year. These programs mesh with the Surgery Technician, Associate Degree Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Paramedic, Radiology Technician, and Health Information Technician programs that are already thriving. Additionally HCC has the largest Certified Nurse Aide Program in Kansas and a rapidly growing bridge program that ladders a Paramedic or Licensed Practical Nurse to the Associate Degree Nurse in one year.

Another Center of Excellence that will become a reality for Hutchinson Community College in 2010 is the Center of Excellence in Biotechnology. The Biotechnology and Physical Science Building will be completed in 2010. Programs in Biotechnology and Chemistry Technology have been approved by the Kansas Board of Regents and will be in place for the fall semester 2010. The Chemistry Technology Program was a result of a need expressed by local industry for individuals who had a strong background in chemistry but not necessarily a degree. The Biotechnology Program, developed with the assistance of the University of Kansas, is a response to the expanding number of careers in the field and recognition that the BioDefense facility that is going to be located in Manhattan will spawn significant growth in the Biotechnology Industry in Kansas.

The third Center of Excellence is Public Safety. Hutchinson Community College has the largest and most complete curriculum and enrollment in public safety offerings in Kansas. The Emergency Medical Services programs have everything from entry level courses to Paramedic and continuing education offerings. Fire Science provides a range of offerings from week-

end academies to traditional programs.

Criminal Justice also has a wide range of offerings and a good partnership with the Hutchinson Correctional Facility. Along with the Centers of Excellence are other strong programs in agriculture, business, manufacturing, construction and computer technology.

The transfer side of Hutchinson Community College remains a strong foundation for the College. HCC students out perform native students at universities and are recognized by universities as strong contributors to the colleges that they transfer.

As Kansas copes with the economic downturn, Hutchinson Community College will continue to be a strong force getting Kansans back to work and the Kansas economy back on track.

HCC Now! Vol. 16, No. 2

Editor: M.L. Stark Hinkle Design/Layout: Amber Brawner Contributors: Steve Carpenter 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! is published twice yearly by the office of Marketing and Public Information.

HCC Now, Spring 2009

Retirees nine Retire from HCC in 2009 Nine faculty and staff member will end long and distinguished careers at Hutchinson Community College this spring with their retirements from the College.

Among the group, they represent more than 215 years of service to the college.

The group will be honored at HCC’s graduation ceremonies in May.

Roy Broxterman

Roy Broxterman, Instructor of Business, retires with 38 years of service to HCC. He began his career with the College in 1971, and has served as one of the most popular instructors on campus. He has taught primarily accounting courses, including business math and accounting I and II. Known for his caring and dedication to students, Broxterman is one of only three instructors to have been honored with the Golden Dragon Award (given to the outstanding faculty member at HCC) twice (1993 & 1999), and will become the first three-time honoree in May, when he is again recognized with the annual award.

He has also been recognized twice with a NISOD Excellence Award for Teaching (1994, 2000) and was selected to Who’s Who Among American Teachers three times (1996, 1998, 2000) A Kansas State alumni and avid Wildcat fan and season ticket holder, Broxterman intends to continue to travel to Manhattan to attend as many KSU games as possible, and may venture to other cities to watch his beloved Wildcats. He also intends to spend more time devoted to his hobby of cycling, and will continue to teach on an part-time basis, and online.

He is also active on campus, as a member of the HCC Alumni and Friends Board and Quarterback Club, and is also involved with several business and charitable organizations in Hutchinson.

“Roy has the ability to make difficult accounting principles understandable to his students and is committed to student success.” said Kathy Larson, Department Chair of Business, Agriculture, and Family and Consumer Science. “Roy has also been very involved in other activities across campus”

HCC Now, Spring 2009

Clark Jacobs

Clark Jacobs, Director of the Business and Industry Institute, retires with 32 years of combined service to the college. Jacobs began his career with the Small Business Development Center, and has worked primarily with area businesses and industries to assist in meeting their workforce needs through specialized training programs, workplace ethics programs and assisting with hiring processes and certifications. Jacobs has also been a key member of the HCC Rapid Response team, which responds to businesses when employees are facing layoffs or terminations due to the economy or business climate. His experience in industry, both before joining the college staff, and during a period when he left the college briefly in the 1980’s, has proven an invaluable resource.

Jacobs, who will retire along with his wife, Jan, plans to travel the country, in addition to visiting children and grandchildren residing out of state. He also plans to keep active with a variety of home improvement projects and small repair projects, both for his home and others in his community.

Jan Jacobs

Jan Jacobs, Secretary for Instructional Services, retires with 33 years of combined service to the HCC campus. Jacobs has been primarily responsible for maintaining the academic schedule for the entire HCC campus and outreach centers, coordinating instructors, monitoring teaching load, and scheduling rooms and equipment for individual courses.

In addition, she has assisted with several other tasks in the instructional area, including instructor evaluations and statewide assessments and surveys.

“Jan is going to be very, very hard to replace in more ways than one,” said Dr. Sue Darby, Dean of Instruction. “She is an extremely conscientious worker, coming in early, staying late, whatever it takes to get the job done. Plus, she is pleasant and cheerful, even when she has changed a room for a faculty person three times or

the program didn’t work properly. Everyone in our office will miss her good cheer and work effort.”

Jacobs, along with her husband, Clark, plans to spend time in Hutchinson with her mother. The duo will be planning trips to Alaska and other vacation destinations, in addition to visiting her children and grandchildren and volunteering for several community organizations.

Donn Jones

Donn Jones, Station Engineer at Radio Kansas, retires with more than 11 years of service to the college.

Donn came to Radio Kansas in 1997 finishing a lifetime career in radio engineering.

At Radio Kansas, he served as station engineer, helping build, maintain and repair equipment. During these years, he assisted in the upgrade of all the studios rebuilding old wiring and installing new equipment. Over the last few years he assisted in the installation of new HD Radio transmitters, digital microwaves and finally the new KHCC transmitter site east of Hutchinson.

“Donn was always good for a great radio story and shared many colorful incidents of his past,” said Ric Jung, Director of Engineering at Radio Kansas. “When he entered radio in the mid fifties, it was changing from being the dominant broadcast medium to sharing audiences with the newly devised television service.

At the same time FM radio was in its infancy but AM was still king. Radio was moving into top 40 programming and was found in every well-equipped car. Top 40 was a large part of every young person’s social and entertainment life and served to build the careers of entertainers such as Hank Williams or Elvis Presley. Growing up with country radio and living near Nashville, Donn met many famous names and seemed to know the life story of all the great country musicians.”

Jeanette Klosterman

Jeanette Klosterman, instructor of Business, retires with 37 years of service to Hutchinson Community College.

Klosterman began her career at HCC after her graduation from Emporia State University, starting in Story cont’d on Page 8

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Alumnus of the Year konrad rock - True Blue Supporter of HCC especially talented in pursuing the field with a way of making you love the subject, wanting to delve deeper and deeper into why things happen.”

“Another (important instructor) was Joe Brewer, who taught organic chemistry,” Rock added. “He had the same demeanor (as Elliott) and was capable in a very special way in helping you understand the basic principles and getting you to enjoy the coursework, instead of as drudgery, making it interesting instead of meaningless.”

The 2009 Alumnus of the Year credits Hutchinson Community College, and the faculty who taught there during his time at the school for his success in life and in his chosen career.

Dr. Konrad Rock, retired Hutchinson periodontist and dentist, has been recognized by the HCC Alumni and Friends as the Alumnus of the Year.

Rock, who graduated from Hutchinson Junior College in 1960, credits the influence of two instructors at the time in guiding him toward a career in the sciences, and ultimately into dentistry.

“There were two of my professors at that time, who stand out and have ever since,” Rock said. “Fred Elliott taught general chemistry. He has recently passed away.

Mr. Elliott was honored several years ago in the (HCC Now!) magazine, and I remember writing him a letter, because he had a very significant impact on me in the field of sciences, which was where I felt I was heading toward at the time. But, Fred and I developed a bond, as instructor and student, and his basic mannerisms and talent in teaching struck me as being far above average and he was an important person in my college career. He was

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Rock also has fond memories of another administrator at HCC, coach and athletic director Sam Butterfield, despite being beaten by the coach in a friendly poker game.

“Sam and I developed a good relationship as instructor and student, and then later as friends when I came back to Hutchinson,” Rock said. “He was very important to me as a member of the faculty.”

“My second year at Hutch, I was a cheerleader, and we went with the team to Ark City, to the regional tournament,” Rock added. “Several of us, including Sam and Coach Bill Goldsmith, were playing a safe and honorable game of poker, really a very innocent type of thing, but if I remember right, Sam took all of my quarters.”

Rock, described by his friends as a “straight arrow,” spent most of his youth in Hutchinson participating in goodhearted, harmless fun, but lifelong friend, classmate, Mike Wamsley, recalled one time where Rock landed in some hot, but icy, water.

“As kids, we used to skate on the North side of the Reformatory (now the Hutchinson Correctional Facility), where there were a couple of artificial ponds,”

Wamsley said. “They had a dike built around them and we used to ice skate there a lot. The water was about only chest deep, so even if the ice wasn’t great and you fell through, you weren’t going to drown.”

“One time Kon went out there to skate, and he had his car there, an old 54 Ford if I remember correctly, parked on the dike,” Wamsley continued. “We had had an ice storm, and there was enough ice to get the road slick. So Kon gets his skates on and gets ready to skate, looks back and here’s his car, it had slid off (of the dike) and down onto the pond. He really couldn’t drive it back out of there, so he had to call a tow truck. The Hutchinson News got wind of the story, and it made the front page of the newspaper. The problem was, Kon was supposed to be in school. His parents found out about it in the newspaper.”

Rock survived his “icy” ordeal, and attended Hutchinson Junior College following his graduation from Hutchinson High School. He was very involved on the HJC campus, competing as a member of the men’s golf team two seasons, and as president of the Dragon Club, a student athletic support organization. Rock was also elected to the cheerleading and yell squad both years he attended the College.

Some of his fondest memories include working with the Dragon Club to raise support and spirit for the athletic teams on campus and in the community.

“We built, as members of the Dragon Club, a giant mascot dragon,” Rock added. “We built it down in the basement area of Lockman Hall, where there were just concrete walls and a dirt floor. The thing was about 20 feet long and had a large papier-mâché head with a jaw that would move, and a body and tail. It took about six guys and one inside the head to

HCC Now, Spring 2009

Pictures of Konrad Rock taken out of the HCC ‘59 and ‘60 yearbooks.

move it and we would carry this thing and wind our way across the floor before games, building up excitement for our team, much like a mascot would today. We even had a fire extinguisher rigged up inside the mouth so it would look like it was breathing fire.”

Rock also recalled the initiation ritual that incoming freshmen were required to do to participate in the Dragon Club, which required them to dress up, sometimes in drag with inverted peach baskets as skirts, and walk down Main Street in Hutchinson.

The Dragon Club was very active on campus, attending both football and basketball games. The Club, along with the women’s sister organization, the Dragonettes, would hold pep rallies, including parades downtown, and would promote HJC activities through the community.

Sometimes they would get the band together to play on the trailer, pulling them through the streets to bring attention to a home football game or a key basketball matchup.

HCC Now, Spring 2009

Rock enjoyed being a cheerleader, but said he and his teammates would not be up to the standards of todays more athletic and gymnastic college cheerleaders.

“We were not nearly as athletic as cheerleaders are today,” Rock noted. “They do much more in the area of gymnastics and we were much more limited in our physical abilities. We were more vocal in our support.”

After graduating from HJC, Rock attended the University of Kansas where he received a degree in sociology. He then attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he completed his dentistry degree and a post-graduate residency in Periodontics (the study of gums and gum diseases). While at KU, Rock met his wife, Brenda, and they married the summer after graduation.

Following his graduation from dental residency, Rock returned to Hutchinson, where he became the first periodontist in

central Kansas, and was, in fact, the only practitioner between Topeka and Denver, Colorado. He started in private practice, but in 1972, joined the staff of The Dental Center, alongside classmate Wamsley. He practiced there until his retirement in 2005.

While practicing dentistry in Hutchinson, Rock again became involved with Hutchinson Community College, serving two years as president of the Quarterback Club.

“My first involvement (with HCC) was with the Quarterback Club, where I was a member and became very active in that group,” Rock said. “I served two years as president, and enjoyed the fact that I was able to do so. I was involved in getting teams to come play in the Quarterback Classic, and that was always interesting to contact schools around the country to get them to come and participate.”

Rock also enjoyed serving as the emcee for the two banquets held to honor HCC’s national basketball championships in 1988 and 1994.

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Alumnus of the Year After a few years with the Quarterback Club, Rock was persuaded to try something different, and volunteered to be on the Advisory Board for the HCC Endowment Association. Rock would be an integral part of a key component in HCC’s history, serving as President of the Association during the time of the merger of the Endowment and the Foundation.

“When I was President, the one thing that happened, partly because of my efforts and those of Dick Parker, was the merger of the Endowment and the Foundation,” Rock added. “We worked together quite hard, to bring together as a united group, the Foundation and the Endowment.”

Another lifelong friend and fellow alumnus Jake Clark remembers Rock as being very loyal to the College, and a great friend.

“Kon has always been a very loyal supporter of athletics, and everything within the College,” Clark noted. “He’s always

been very active doing that, and, while he was never as ornery as Wamsley and myself, we always had a lot of fun. “ Clark and Rock have been close for many years, working together in supporting the college, and Clark thinks the Alumnus of the Year honor couldn’t have gone to a more deserving individual, despite some “history” between the duo.

“Kon did have a few dates with my wife at one time,” Clark joked. “But that didn’t bother me, that was long before I was ever in the picture. Seriously, I was just thrilled when he got this honor. He’s been very generous with his time and money in all of these organizations. He’s just a great individual, very sincere, and, I must say, not as wild as Wamsley and I.” Since his retirement, Rock has moved to Lake City, Colorado, in the Southwest corner of the state among the San Juan Mountains. He started going to the town in 1949, with his father to a group

of summer cabins there. Later Rock’s father purchased the cabins and the land surrounding them, and Rock built a home there in 2002, sitting on the side of a mountain at 9,000 feet above sea level.

He retired there full-time in 2007, and now is very active in the arts community of Lake City, along with serving as an ordained priest in the Episcopalian church in both Lake City and in nearby Creede, Colorado.

Rock, and his wife Brenda, have two grown children. His son, Brian, resides in Kansas City, Missouri with his wife, Janelle. They are architects and have two daughters, Ava and Gretchen.

His daughter, Stephanie, resides in Indianapolis, where she has worked for the Eli Lilly Company the last 10 years.

She has two children, a son, Nathaniel and a daughter, Zoe.

October 23, 2009

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HCC Now, Spring 2009

State Welding Competition Held at Ade-Wifco RCIC Hutchinson Community College hosted a TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding competition for post-secondary students at the Ade-Wifco Reno County Industrial Center on the HCC campus, on Wednesday, April 8.

Nearly 50 students from throughout Kansas and Nebraska tested their skills in TIG welding (also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), completing both physical welding processes in the welding booth and written testing. The TIG welding process is most often used to weld thin sections of light metals, including aluminum and stainless steel.

Sophomore Brody Miller (Hutchinson Community College) was the overall champion of the event. Nine other

students were recognized with top ten finishes in the event, including (in rank order): Martin Meiseinheimer (North Central Kansas Technical College); John Massey (Hutchinson Community College); Cocy Meireis (North Central Kansas Technical College); Eric Johnson (Wichita Area Technical College); Mike DeHaven (Manhattan Area Technical College); Charles Kinyon (North Central Kansas Technical College); Josh Martin (Central Community College-Hastings, Neb.); Edgar Marrufo (Wichita Area Technical College); and Don Miller (Cowley Community College).

The contests were judged on the quality of the students’ welds, along with the scores on written testing.

Industry representatives from several area companies served as judges and competition directors, including representatives from; Airgas, ESAB, Lampton Welding, Linweld, Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric, Welco and Fabsource.

HCC Broadcast Technology Students Shine at KAB Competition Three Hutchinson Community College Broadcast Technology department students captured awards at the annual Kansas Association of Broadcasters competition. The students will receive their awards at the annual KAB banquet in Wichita on April 6.

Freshman Daren Dunn (Plevna) took home the top prize in Sportscasting, with a first-place trophy. Dunn’s broadcast defeated entries from the University of Kansas (2nd) and Kansas State University (3rd). Sophomore Erik Mai (Hutchinson) won a second place award for his 60 second radio public service announcement, while freshman Dan Kampling (Hutchinson) also received a second place award for his 60 second television public service announcement.

HCC Now, Spring 2009

Photos courtesy of Laurie Moody

The KAB competition includes broadcasting and journalism programs from across the state, including both two- and four-year journalism and broadcasting students.

Laurie Moody serves as the advisor and coordinator for the Broadcast Technology program. The HCC students broadcasts monthly news and feature shows throughout the academic year on Hutchinson cable channel 13.

HCC Debate & Forensics Wraps Up National Champion Season The Hutchinson Community College Debate and Forensics teams again wrapped up a stellar season with another National Championship title, and a host of individual national champion awards for team members.

The HCC team was named the national champions for the Debate and Forensics Novice National Tournament, held in Houston, Texas in March. The team defeated one of the largest competition fields in tournament history, which included 33 schools (both two- and four-year institutions) from 17 different states.

Four individual team members won national titles , with Ryan McFarland (Hutchinson) champion in Lincoln-Douglas debate; Daniel Carroll (Hutchinson) champion in informative speaking; Kenton Strait (Wichita) champion in dramatic interpretation; and Strait and Carroll champions in dramatic duo.

Overall the team won 22 total awards at the championship.

The HCC team also performed well at the American Forensics Association National Individual Events Tournament and the Phi Rho Pi Community College National Tournament. HCC finished third as a team at the AFA tournament, while McFarland was named national champion again at the Phi Rho Pi meet in debate, pairing this time with Noah Fugate from Kansas City Kansas Community College. Carroll was awarded two gold medals in informative speaking and oral interpretation at Phi Rho Pi, while Kendall Strait (Wichita) combined with his brother, Kenton, to win a bronze in dramatic duo. Kenton also won a bronze in oral interpretation.

The HCC Debate and Forensics team is coached by Andy Kemp, along with assistant coach Travis Roberts. Both are instructors in the Department of Language, Literature and Communication.

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Story cont’d from Page 3

the fall of 1972. She has taught a variety of courses throughout her years at the College, ranging from business machines and calculating machines, through personal finance and accounting I. Klosterman, along with her close friend and colleague, Roy Broxterman, has been instrumental in the development of a strong collaboration with the Wichita State University Barton School of Business, assisting in the development of a transfer scholarship program for the outstanding graduates of the HCC business programs. She is also known for her dedication to students, and her patience in the classroom, helping students at all levels to understand and succeed in the classroom.

In her retirement, Klosterman plans to stay busy, with plans to do some traveling, teach part-time, spend more time with her grandchildren, and do some volunteer work. As she quipped, “I may be busier than I am now!”

“Compassion and commitment to her students are the top two things that come to mind when I think of Jeanette.” said Kathy Larson, Department Chair of Business, Agriculture, and Family and Consumer Science. “She has been a role model for advising because of the care she takes to get to know students and assess their needs.”

Shirley Reissig

Shirley Reissig, Fiscal Systems/Accounting Manager in the HCC Business Office, will retire in April with six years of service to Hutchinson Community College, and several years in higher education throughout the state.

At HCC, Reissig was responsible for budget management, purchasing processes and payments and assisting in the annual auditing process for both the Business Office and other offices on campus.

Reissig, known for her sincere smile and patience with faculty and staff in guiding them through the office procedures, also assisted with the automation and conversion of many HCC business and fiscal practices to paperless options.

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“Shirley was the definition of the word professional, her contribution to the smooth operation of the finance function at Hutchinson Community College cannot be overstated,” said Carter File, Dean of Finance and Operations. “ She was a great person and strong employee.

Working with Shirley was a joy and her absence will be felt. The entire finance and operations staff, wish her a wonderful retirement.”

In her retirement, Reissig plans to spend time with her family, including her grandchildren residing in the area. She also plans to spend time organizing and scrapbooking family photos and mementos she’s collected through the years, in addition to several other projects she has planned around the home.

Jerry Stuckert

Jerry Stuckert retires after six years of service to Hutchinson Community College.

Stuckert works in the office of Student Support Services, as a math tutor and educator, and also assisted with advising and the coordination of campus visits for students served by the SSS office. Stuckert also taught several courses in mathematics, including basic algebra. Prior to coming to HCC, he spent 31 years teaching and coaching at the high school level, and was in school administration for seven years.

Stuckert plans to spend more time playing golf and has a long list of home improvement projects to finish. In between, he hopes to take some cooking classes and travel. He will also remain on staff parttime to teach a few mathematics courses.

Dana VanGotten

Dana VanGotten will conclude her 27-year career at HCC this spring. She has spent the past seven years as the Secretary to the Athletic Director.

Prior to her time in athletics, she worked in the records office, as a receptionist for the Student Union Information Desk and also served several years in the residence halls as a secretary.

VanGotten has performed a variety of jobs in the athletic department, including assisting with season ticketing, ticket sales, travel for the teams and budgeting.

She has also been a tireless Blue Dragon and Lady Dragon supporter through

the years, attending a variety of athletic events.

“Dana has been integral to our athletic department,” said Athletic Director Randy Stange. “She keeps our athletic staff organized and I am very sorry to lose her.

She is a loyal Blue Dragon fan, and she has been so helpful to me, in keeping our department running smoothly. She has definitely played a role in our success on and off the field.”

In her retirement, VanGotten plans to spend time with her parents, enjoying time with her grandchildren and possibly doing some volunteer work, but is most looking forward to putting up her feet and relaxing for a while.

Tom Worthing

Tom Worthing concluded his 25 years as an instructor and coach at Hutchinson Community College this past fall, with his retirement in September.

Worthing served in a variety of roles for the College, most recently as an instructor of intermediate and college algebra. He was honored with the Golden Dragon Award for Teaching in 2004, as the top instructor at HCC. Worthing also spent 12 seasons as the head coach for the Lady Dragons women’s basketball team from 1982-93.

He still ranks first in total wins in HCC history with 225, and ranks fifth in winning percentage with a .660 average. He also led the women’s team to five 20+ win seasons.

“He had a magic in the classroom,” said Pamela Turner, Co-Department Chairperson for Natural Science and Mathematics.

“He loves people, especially students, and his eyes would light up when he was on his game teaching math. His students always knew he would go the extra mile for them. He cared deeply about their success. It’s impossible to imagine the 1000’s of lives he’s impacted throughout his career - all for the better of each one he has taught or coached.”

Worthing remains busy since his retirement. This past winter, he completed a two-story barn construction project on his property near Hutchinson. He has also created a backyard waterfall and a flower and vegetable garden that he plans to fill with plants this spring and summer. He also travels, particularly to visit grandchildren on the East Coast and hosting their visits to Kansas.

HCC Now, Spring 2009

Endowment News Kevin Magnus Scholarship Hutchinson Community College alumni Jay Fredrick (’87) and wife, Jenny, has established the Kevin Magnus Memorial Scholarship through the HCC Endowment Association. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student pursuing a career in theatre at the College.

Fredrick established the scholarship to honor his classmate and friend Magnus (’87), who tragically passed away several years ago.

“Kevin was one of the most talented Kevin Magnus in character. and gifted actors I had ever known, and most importantly, he was my friend,” Fredrick said. “I didn’t want him to be forgotten, and I wanted people to know how special he was, and just how talented he was.”

Fredrick, a native of Hutchinson, and Magnus, from Arkansas City, became close friends while performing in the Theatre department together in 1986 and 1987. The duo was very successful during their career at HCC, with both earning nomination for the Irene Ryan Scholarship Award for Acting Excellence from the American College Theatre Festival for their performances in HCC Theatre productions.

William T. Brewer, chairperson of the HCC Fine Arts Department and the Delos V. Smith, Jr. Performing Arts Endowed Chair, remembers the two fondly.

“They were very close for the two years they were here,” Brewer said. “That whole group (of actors) was really, really tight. They were just a great bunch of kids and very talented.”

Brewer remembers Magnus as being an accomplished actor, and a bit of a character.

“He was a really interesting guy,” Brewer added. “I couldn’t throw anything at him (in acting) that he wouldn’t handle, or at least try to handle. He had a great sense of humor, and was talented in so many

HCC Now, Spring 2009

ways.”

“Kevin was a hard-working, married student at the time,” Fredrick added. “He worked really hard for the love of acting and theatre. But, most of all, Kevin was a wonderful human being and friend.”

When Brewer last talked with Magnus, he told him that he was in Montana hanging out with his guitar, singing songs and enjoying life. Brewer lost touch with him after that, but encountered his brother, Eric, who is also an actor and acting coach in Kansas City, at a regional theatre event several years later, and asked about Magnus. Eric had to inform Brewer that Kevin had died in an accident two years prior. Magnus, and his performances at HCC, had an important influence on his brother, and ultimately led him into his current career.

“Kevin was always never less than totally believable onstage,” Eric Magnus said. “His sense of commitment to the character and the story had a maturity that was well beyond his years. In my eyes, at least, he seemed to have a fearless spirit onstage that outshined his fellow performers, yet he never upstaged his stage partners. His work onstage inspired me to begin auditioning for shows late in my academic career. My passion and love of theatre had its seeds in watching Kevin. He was a unique man and is missed very much by his family and large network of friends.”

Fredrick caught up with Brewer earlier this year, establishing contact through Facebook. Fredrick, who is a private contractor with the United States Marines in Iraq, inquired about his friend, Kevin.

“Jay didn’t know (of Magnus’ passing),” Brewer said. “He ‘facebooked’ me this summer, and asked about Kevin. I wrote him back, and unfortunately, had to tell him he was deceased and had been for several years.”

Upon hearing the news of his friend’s death, Fredrick contacted the HCC Endowment Association and worked with Cindy Keast and Brewer on establishing this scholarship.

Jay Fredrick and Kevin Magnus in a 1987 HCC production.

“I contacted Bill a few months ago, and asked if he had any idea of where Kevin was, and how he was doing,” Fredrick noted. “Bill informed me of his passing and it really hit me hard. So, that’s when I contacted Bill and said, I want to do this for Kevin.”

“Jay just got it in his head to do this,” Brewer noted. “And so, he did. He really took it upon himself, to want to get this done. He’s hoping that others who knew Kevin will also want to help and contribute to this scholarship.”

Fredrick, and his wife Jennifer (’87), have been married for 19 years. Fredrick went on from HCC to attend Pittsburg State, where he had a theatre scholarship and had numerous lead roles in campus and community productions. Since his graduation, he lived in Chicago where he was a project coordinator for a financial printing company. The couple moved to Colorado in 2008, and a friend asked Fredrick to take on a civilian project, training Marines in the use of a special camera in Iraq.

The couple has fond memories of their time at HCC, and wanted to give back to the college, and at the same time, remember their friend.

“At that time, we had a lot of talent, and we put on some amazing plays and musicals in Lockman Hall,” Fredrick added. “The students I want to benefit from this are the students who are just as passionate and have the same love of the theatre as Kevin did. With that, that makes him still alive in spirit and thought.

My wife and I will miss him so. I will miss my friend.”

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Gowans Renovations Pay off in National Events Since the renovation and improvements to Gowans Stadium, the new facility has played host to a variety of events, including the Class 4A State football championships.

Now, Gowans will prepare to take the national stage, with two upcoming NJCAA championship events.

The NJCAA National Outdoor Track and Field Championships will begin at Gowans Stadium on May 21-23, in the first of three appearances for the meet in Hutchinson. HCC and Gowans will host not only the 2009 meet, but also the national meet in 2010 and 2011. More

than 600 elite-level athletes and coaches will come to Hutchinson to compete, with hundreds more spectators and fans expected to flow into Hutchinson. (see schedule of events below).

In December, Gowans will also host it’s first NJCAA Bowl Championship Game, with the first Salt City Bowl Game. HCC, in conjunction with the city of Hutchinson, will host the game on December 5, 2009.

“It’s another example of the dividends of having a venue like Gowans Stadium here in Hutchinson,” said Hutchinson

Community College president Dr. Ed Berger. “It continues to bring events and people into community.”

For ticket information on either event, contact the HCC Athletic Office at 620-665-3530.

2009 NJCAA National Outdoor Track & Field Championships - May 21-23, 2009 Thurs., May 21 9:00 AM Women’s Combined Events st

(100 M - HJ - SP - 200 M)

10:00 AM Men’s Combined Events 12:00 PM 3:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:50 PM

(100 M - LJ - SP - 400 M)

Discuss Men - Trial & Final Discuss Women - Trial & Final 10,000 Meter Run - Woman’s Final 10,000 Meter Run - Men’s Final

Fri., May 22nd 9:00 AM Men’s Combined Events (110 HH - Disc - PV - Jav - 1500 M)

9:00 AM Women’s Combined Events

(LJ - Jav - 800 M) All Javelin Events are conducted at Don Michael Field.

Transportation provided if needed.

Field Events -Fri., May 22nd 10:00 AM Triple Jump Men - Trials & Finals

10:00 AM Shot Put - Men - Trials & Finals 1:00 PM Triple Jump - Women - Trials & Finals 1:00 PM Shot Put - Woman - Trials & Finals 4:00 PM Javelin - Men - Trials & Finals (Don Michael Field - Transportation provided if needed)

5:00 PM Pole Vault - Women - Trials & Finals Running Events - Fri., May 22nd 12:00 PM 3200 Meter Relay (W) Final 12:20 PM 3200 Meter Relay (M) Final 12:45 PM 400 Meter Relay (W) Prelim 1:00 PM 400 Meter Relay (M) Prelim 1:15 PM 1500 Meter (W) Prelim 1:30 PM 1500 Meter (M) Prelim 1:45 PM 400 Meter Dash (W) Prelim 2:00 PM 400 Meter Dash (M) Prelim 2:25 PM 100 Meter Hurdles (W) Prelim 2:40 PM 110 Meter Hurdles (M) Prelim

2009 soccer Schedule Aug. 22 Aug. 23 Aug. 28 Sept. 9 Sept. 12 Sept. 14 Sept. 18 Sept. 20 Sept. 22 Sept. 25 Sept. 28 Oct. 3 Oct. 5 Oct. 10 Oct. 12 Oct. 16 Oct. 19 Oct. 22 Oct. 26

Scrimmage Scrimmage Cowley @ Neosho Allen Garden City Northern Oklahoma @ Indy @ Maple Woods @ Cowley Dodge City Barton Hesston Butler @ Northern Oklahoma @ Johnson @ Cloud @ Coffeyville Region VI Playoff

TBD TBD 4 pm 1 pm 3 pm 4 pm 3 pm 3 pm TBD 4 pm 4 pm 3 pm 4 pm 2 pm 3 pm 2 pm 3 pm 2 pm

2:55 PM 3:10 PM 3:25 PM 3:40 PM 4:00 PM 4:10 PM 4:25 PM 4:40 PM 5:00 PM 5:25 PM 5:45 PM 6:00 PM

100 Meter Dash (W) Prelim 100 Meter Dash (M) Prelim 800 Meter Run (W) Prelim 800 Meter Run (M) Prelim 400 IH (W) Prelim 400 IH (M) Prelim 200 Meter Dash (W) Prelim 200 Meter Dash (M) Prelim 3000 Meter Steeplechase (W) Final 3000 Meter Steeplechase (M) Final 1600 Meter Relay (W) Prelim 1600 Meter Relay (M) Prelim

Field Events - Sat., May 23rd 9:00 AM Javelin - (W) - Trials & Finals

(Don Michael Field - Transportation provided if needed)

9:30 AM Long Jump (M) - Trials & Finals 10:00 AM Pole Vault (M) Trials & Finals

11:00 AM Long Jump (W) Trials & Finals 11:00 AM Hammer (M) Trials & Finals (Fairgrounds - Transportation provided if needed)

11:30 AM High Jump (M) Trials & Finals 1:00 PM Hammer (W) Trials & Finals (Fairgrounds - Transportation provided if needed)

2:00 PM High Jump (W) Trials & Finals

(Practice Field Open for Warm-Up All Day)

Running Events - Sat., May 23rd 12:45 PM NATIONAL ANTHEM 12:50 PM Special Award Presentation & Recognitions 1:00 PM 400 Meter Relay (W) Final 1:10 PM 400 Meter Relay (M) Final 1:15 PM 1500 Meter Run (W) Final 1:25 PM 1500 Meter Run (M) Final 1:35 PM 400 Meter Dash (W) Final

2009 football Schedule Aug. 29 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Dec. 5

@ Northeast Oklahoma Highland @ Dodge City @ Fort Scott Butler @ Coffeyville Air Force Prep @ Independence Garden City Region VI Semifinals REgion VI Championship NJCAA Bowl Game

1:40 PM 1:50 PM 2:00 PM 2:10 PM 2:15 PM 2:25 PM 2:35 PM 2:45 PM 2:55 PM 3:05 PM 3:10 PM 3:15 PM 3:40 PM 4:20 PM 4:30 PM 4:55 PM

400 Meter Dash (M) Final 100 Meter Hurdles (W) Final 110 Meter Hurdles (M) Final 100 Meter Dash (W) Final 100 Meter Dash (M) Final 800 Meter Run (W) Final 800 Meter Run (M) Final 400 Meter IH (W) Final 400 Meter IH (M) Final 200 Meter Dash (W) Final 200 Meter Dash (M) Final 5000 Meter Run (W) Final 5000 Meter Run (M) Final 1600 Meter Relay (W) Final 1600 Meter Relay (M) Final AWARDS PRESENTATION

2009 volleyball Schedule TBA 7 pm 7 pm TBA 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm TBA 7 pm 1 pm 1 pm TBA

Aug. 18 Aug. 22 Aug. 28-29 Sept. 1 Sept. 3 Sept. 4-5 Sept. 9 Sept. 12 Sept. 16 Sept. 17 Sept. 25-26 Sept. 30 Oct. 3-4 Oct. 6 Oct. 10 Oct. 14 Oct. 17 Oct. 21 Oct. 23-24 Oct. 28 Oct. 29 Nov. 2 Nov. 6-8 Nov. 19-21

Cloud Scrimmage @ Butler Scrimmage @ Iowa Western Invite @ Pratt* @ Hillsborough @ Hillsborough Invite Colby* Seward County* Dodge City* @ Hesston College Hutch Invite Barton County* @ IA Western Invite @ Colby* Garden City* @ Seward County* Pratt* @ Dodge City* @ Tyler Tournament @ Garden City* Butler County @ Barton County* Region VI Tournament NJCAA Tournament

TBA TBA TBA 6:30 pm TBA TBA 6:30 pm 2:00 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm TBA 6:30 pm TBA 6:30 pm 2:00 pm 6:30 pm 2:00 pm 6:30 pm TBA 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm TBA TBA

All Home Games at Hutchinson Sports Arena • For Ticket Information Call 620-665-3530

10

HCC Now, Spring 2009

Athletic Updates Cagers Earn All-America Honors

By Steve Carpenter

Hutchinson Community College had two basketball players earn NJCAA All-America honors following the 200809 season, with one selection to both the men’s and women’s team.

Turning in one of the most dominant seasons ever by a Hutchinson Community College football player, sophomore defensive tackle Eugene Kinlaw was named the NJCAA National Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts in 2008.

Heather Robben

Lady Dragon basketball freshman Heather Robben became the second Lady Dragon in two years to earn NJCAA All-America honors.

Robben, a 5-foot-9 freshman from Wichita, was named NJCAA honorable mention All-American.

Robben, a Maize High School product, follows in the footsteps of another Lady Dragon who went to Maize, Amanda Fessenden, who was a 2008 NJCAA honorable mention All-American. Robben and Fessenden are HCC’s only All-Americans in program history.

Robben’s stellar freshman season at HCC helped the Lady Dragons win the Region VI Tournament and qualify for the NJCAA Women’s National Tournament for the first time 32 years. The Lady Dragons went 1-2 in the NJCAA Women’s Tournament.

For the second-straight season, the Blue Dragon basketball program has produced a first-team All-American.

Freshman guard Darius Johnson-Odom earned first-team honors in Division I men’s basketball for the 2009 season.

Johnson-Odom, a 6-foot-2 guard from Raleigh, N.C., is the sixth NJCAA first-team and 24th overall All-American in Blue Dragon history.

This is the latest postseason honor for Johnson-Odom, who was named first-team All-Jayhawk West and first-team All-Region VI. Johnson-Odom was also named 2009 Jayhawk West Freshman of the Year.

Johnson-Odom’s honor follows the AllAmerica status earned by guard Bobby Maze in 2008.

HCC Now, Spring 2009

Kinlaw Named Defensive Player of the Year, Three Gridders Earn All-America

Kinlaw is the first HCC football player to earn National Player of the Year honors.

“It feels really nice.

I wasn’t expecting this,” Kinlaw said.

“We had a really great year.”

Eugene Kinlaw

In addition to the National Defensive Player of the Year honor, Kinlaw, also garnered first-team all-Jayhawk Conference and league Defensive Player of the Year awards as well as first-team NJCAA and JC Grid-Wire first-team All-America honors.

The Blue Dragon team set one more record this season with the naming of three firstteam NJCAA All-Americans.

In addition to Kinlaw, running back La’Darrian Page, and return specialist Gage McKinnis were all named to the first team All-America team released in November. This marked the first time that the La’Darrian Page Blue Dragons have had three first-team All-Americans in the same season.

Page, Kinlaw and McKinnis played huge roles in the turnaround of the Blue Dragon football program this season. After winning only six games in the previous three seasons combined, the 2008 Blue Dragons went 7-4, tied for third in the Jayhawk Conference, advanced to the Region VI championship game for the first time since 1995 and achieved a No. 19 final national ranking.

Page is a 5-foot-9, 175-pound running back from Kansas City, Mo., who transferred from Missouri Western. He was the Jayhawk Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Page had one of the best seasons for a running back in HCC history with the fourthbest single-season performance of 1,340 yards. He became Hutch’s first Jayhawk Conference rushing champion since Jamison Palmer in 1998 and the first 1,000-yard rusher in a season since 2003.

Page is the 13th 1,000-yard rusher in program history and his 1,340 yards rank 11th on the career chart.

Page finished the season with 266 attempts, a 5.0 yards-per-carry average, 10 touchdowns and a long of 60 yards. He had seven of 11 games of 100 yards or more and a career high of 196 yards against Dodge City.

Kinlaw, a 6-2, 295-pound sophomore from Homerville, Ga., led the Jayhawk Conference in tackles for loss with 45, which totaled 180 yards. He had 11 quarterback sacks.

Kinlaw was fourth on the team with 65 total tackles (49 solo, 16 assisted). He also registered four passes broken up, 15 quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles, two blocked kicks and one safety.

Hutchinson High product Gage McKinnis, a 5-8, 174-pound return specialist, became the first Blue Dragon since 1999 to return two kicks for touchdowns in the same season.

McKinnis was one of only three freshmen to earn first-team All-America honors in 2008.

McKinnis led the Jayhawk Conference in kickoff returns with an average of Gage McKinnis 33.8 yards on 14 returns and two touchdowns of 97 against Dodge City and 82 against Air Force Prep.

The 97-yard return against Dodge City was the second longest kickoff return in HCC history.

He was second in the league in punt returns at 14.1 yards per return on 11 returns.

11

MorningSky and Villmer Named All-Kansas Academic Two top sophomore-level students at Hutchinson Community College have been recognized by Phi Theta Kappa as members of the all-Kansas Academic Team.

Sophomore Autumn MorningSky (Fairfield) and sophomore Justin Villmer (Haven) were selected to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Kansas Autumn MorningSky Academic Team.

The duo was honored in Feburary, at the 14th annual Phi Theta Kappa Honors Luncheon, held in Topeka in conjunction with the February Kansas Board of Regents meeting.

MorningSky and Villmer will each receive a $300 scholarship and an additional $1000 scholarship if they attend a Regents School. 48 students were selected to the team from the community colleges in the state of Kansas. The team is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, The Kansas Assocation of Community College Trustees and the president’s of the state’s community colleges.

MorningSky is majoring in journalism, with plans to attend the University of Kansas. She has won several awards for journalism from the Kansas State Press Association, and is the co-editor of the HCC student newspaper The Collegian. She is also on the Dragon Dolls dance team and the English Departmental Scholar.

Villmer is majoring in accounting and is a tutor in the HCC accounting department. He plans to continue his education in the accounting field at Justin Villmer either Wichita State or Emporia State. He is also a tutor with HCC’s Student Support Services and is active in his local church.

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.

Photos courtesy of KACCT-Craig Mosher

ONTJES NAMED KBCA JUNIOR COLLEGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR

Ontjes led the Lady Dragons to numerous team records in 2008-09, but most importantly led the HCC women’s team to the 2009 Region VI championship and a berth in the NJCAA Women’s National Tournament for the first time in 32 years.

Ontjes will be honored at a reception on Aug. 5 in conjunction with the annual KBCA All-Star games in Topeka.

Ontjes guided the Lady Dragons to a 31-6 overall record, a school record for

12

victories and the first time that HCC has won 30 or more games in women’s basketball.

Ontjes is 55-14 in two seasons at Hutchinson. He posted the second-most wins (40) in his first 50 games as HCC women’s coach. He was also the second fastest to 50 wins, doing it in 62 games.

HCC went 13-3 in the Jayhawk West in 2009, tying for second place and tying a school record for league victories.

The 2009 Lady Dragons produced the third-best offensive season in program history at 72.1 points per game.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Carpenter

Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball coach John Ontjes has been named the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association’s “2009 Coach of the Year” for women’s junior college basketball, the organization announced.

HCC Now, Spring 2009

Two former Lady Dragons, Ludmila Amaral (’08) and Thais Franca (’06) helped California UniversityPennsylvania to a school record 40-2 record this season, and a berth in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

Amaral, the PSAC West Athlete of the Year, led the team in hitting percentage (.424), kills (3.67) and blocks (1.14). She earned first team AVCA all-Region honors. Franca also earned all-region honorable mention honors. Franca battled injuries for most of the early portion of the season, but finished third on the team in kills (2.17), second in blocks (0.81) and fourth with a .262 hitting percentage.

Jill Atkinson has recently completed the School of Trust and Financial Services in Omaha, Nebraska. Atkinson, who resides in Hutchinson, is an assistant trust administrator with First National Bank of Hutchinson.

Lamar Ballard has recently been cast in the new BET reality television show Harlem Heights. Ballard, who is a fashion model in New York City, has modeled wear ranging from Reebok to Jean Paul Gautier.

Ballard, along with his girlfriend Ally Love, share relationship advice and their lives as young, upwardly mobile African-Americans living in the city. The show broadcasts on Monday evenings on BET. Trisha (Becher) Bernstein was recently honored by the city of Aurora, Illinois, for her recent role in saving the life of a fouryear old child. At a private party, a young girl fell into the pool and was lifeless when pulled on to the deck. Bernstein, who was employed by the pool but scheduled to be off-duty that night, performed CPR until paramedics arrived, and was credited with saving her life through her actions. She was recognized by the Mayor of Aurora and the City Council with a plaque to recognize her quick action during a council meeting. Bernstein, the daughter of HCC Track and Field Coach Pat Becher, had served as a manager and lifeguard at the Salt City Splash

HCC Now, Spring 2009

while attending HCC. Bernstein lives with her husband, David, in Cary, Illinois.

Kelsey Boesker has been named a loan processor at Hutchinson Credit Union, after several years in the medical field. Boesker holds a CNA license from HCC. Christine Brown is a computer lab aide and first grade aide with USD 480 in Liberal. She has a son, Tanner Lanning, who turned a year old in February.

Brandon Cameron (’07) earned all-Kansas College Athletic Association honorable mention honors in basketball. Cameron, who played for the Blue Dragons in ’06 and ’07, averaged 12.4 points and 4.5 rebounds for the McPherson College Bulldogs this past season.

Greg Fitts recently moved to Lawrence, after several years of living in Dallas. He and his wife, Mary Jane, have five adult children, ranging in age from 35 to 20.

Jessica Henning Gehring (’07) lives in Buhler, Kansas. She and her husband, Chris, both attended HCC, where she was a business administration major, and Chris studied radiology.

Andrea Girk (’08) is a surgical scrub technician at Western Plains Regional Medical Center in Dodge City. Girk enjoys driving dune buggies in her spare time, and was featured in a recent article on the hobby in The Wichita Eagle.

Stan Goetz has been named the Director of Human Resources and the Planning and Zoning Director for Kingman County. He joined the county staff after 30 years with PGI Twine Division. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Kingman.

Phil Huston has been named to Chief Executive Office for CUBIS Financial Limited. Huston has worked in several executive positions in the telecommunications and marketing industries and is a native of Haven.

Blue DragonNotes

Carla Jackson has been promoted to the Vice President of Risk Management at First National Bank of Hutchinson. She has been with First National since 1993 and resides in Hutchinson.

Jason Jones has been named the new executive director of the Randolph Area YMCA in Moberly, Missouri. Jones started his career with the YMCA as a part-time work study student while enrolled at HCC. Jones, and his wife, Tracy, have two sons, Nick and Alex. The couple live in the Moberly area.

Dr. Jeremy Landry graduated from the Cleveland Chiropractic College of Kansas City in December of 2008. He received his Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and his Doctor of Chiropractic from the college. He plans to open his own practice in partnership with another physician in the Shawnee, Kansas, area.

Gayla Leeper has been named an agent with the Farm Bureau Financial Services of Hutchinson.

Before moving into financial management, Leeper taught mathematics at both Nickerson High School and at HCC. Michele McCartney is the creative design manager for the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center. She creates and designs the brochures, ads, fliers and banners for the center, and resides in Hutchinson.

Bradley McGrane (’08) has been accepted into the Hutchinson Fire Department. McGrane lives in Haven.

Octavio Hinojosa Mier has been nominated for Miller/Coors “Lider of the Year” award, which recognized the work of Hispanic leaders in the United States. Mier lives in Washington, D.C., where he is the executive director of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute. He and his wife, Gina, and daughter, Alexa, live in Virginia.

13

Blue

Dragon Notes

Bill Miller (’75) has been named as an assistant football coach at the University of Kansas for coach Mark Mangino. Miller, who was a safety on the 1974 and ’75 Blue Dragon teams, has been coaching for 31-years, including stints at Texas-Arlington, Nevada, Oklahoma State, Michigan State and Florida.

Miller will serve as co-defensive coordinator and linebacker coach for the Jayhawks.

Luke Naccarato has been named to manager trainee for the Convenience Store department at the Kroger Accounting Services of Hutchinson. Naccarato graduated from Pittsburg State University in May of 2008. He resides in Hutchinson.

Nicole Kerschner Nee lives in Highland, Kansas, where she works at Elwood High School in the special education department. She and her husband, Patrick, have a son Donovan Richard.

Nancy (Robertson) O’Kane Schrag is an independent contractor and tour director, leading student and adult groups on various outings throughout the United States and abroad. She and her husband, Joe, recently returned from the 2008 Olympic Games in Bejing. She and her husband reside in Wakarusa.

Staff Sergeant Ryan Pierce has been named the Kansas Army National Guard Non-commissioned Officer of the Year. Pierce is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and is an armor crewman stationed

with D Company, 2-137th Infantry Battalion in Salina. He is a maintenance worker for the city of Newton. He resides in Newton, with his wife, Traci, and his three children, Kaitlin; Madison and Rylie.

Cassie (Kramer) Rangel has returned to HCC to teach medical transcription and terminology in the Health Information Technology program. She worked at several medical facilities in Kansas and Massachusetts before returning to Hutchinson. She is the proud “parent” of a schnauzer puppy named Kirby.

Kathleen Rivers is a McNair Scholar at Kansas State University.

She is studying Music Education at KSU. Rob Ryan has been named the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. Ryan has coached 22 seasons, including 11 in the National Football League. Ryan served as the defensive coordinator for the Blue Dragon football team in 1996, with the team finishing top in the nation in total defense with 228 yards per game, sacks (56) and an NJCAA record 49 turnovers.

Bryan Saindon has been promoted to Executive Director of the Ellis County Chapter of the American Red Cross. In addition to his duties with the Red Cross, Saindon is a full-time student at Fort Hays, where he is majoring in business.

Tonya (Mosiman) Sebrant has joined Coldwell Banker-Stucky and Associates in Newton. She will specialize in real estate sales, with an emphasis in the Moundridge area. She resides in Moundridge with her husband, Shane, and three children, Kalyah, Keira and ZiZi. Candice Swedenborg is employed at the Boeing Wichita Credit Union. She resides in Park City.

Taffnee (Smith) Tucker (’92) lives in Independence, Kansas with her husband and son Jacob. She was a member of the Lady Dragon volleyball and track teams during her time at HCC. Dr. Rebecca Weller has joined the Emergency Department staff at McPherson Memorial Hospital. She completed her board certification in April of 2008 in Chicago, and moved to McPherson with her husband Stephen. In addition to attending HCC, Dr. Weller also completed part of her medical school rotations in Hutchinson.

Joey Young has been named the editor of the Mount Hope Clarion. He previously worked as a staff writer for The Harvey County Independent. Young resides in the Mount Hope area.

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, Spring 2009

In Memoriam Dr. George W. Atkinson, 89, Norton, Feb. 13, 2009 Jason R. Bether, 27, Rural Reno County, Feb. 5, 2009 Raymond I. Brackett, 73, Hutchinson, Dec. 31, 2008 Nancy M. Brentlinger, 51, Hutchinson, Mar. 25, 2009 Arnold Buck, 76, Wichita, Jan. 21, 2009

Mary Lou Haag, 73, Hutchinson, Dec. 2, 2008 Max Harbacek, 74, Hutchinson, Dec. 16, 2008 Christopher A. Hatfield, 41, Anthony, Dec. 10, 2008

Donald D. Mitchell, 80, South Hutchinson, Dec. 4, 2008 Agnes I. Moore, 97, South Hutchinson, Feb. 23, 2009 William E. Parks, 70, Hutchinson, Jan. 4, 2009

LaVern A. Henderson, 68, Phoenix, Nov. 6, 2008

John S, Perry, 72, Hutchinson, Oct. 30, 2008

Ronald L. Hicks, 54, Stafford County, Dec. 22, 2008

Elizabeth L. Riley, 80, Hutchinson, Dec. 9, 2008

Carl D. Hoyt, 77, Hutchinson, Nov. 24, 2008

Virginia R. Seck, 93, Buhler, Mar. 3, 2009

Vera E. Hull, 82, Hutchinson, Nov. 5, 2008

Matthew C. Soper, 22, Quenemo, Nov. 29, 2008

Raymond H. Juma, 69, Hutchinson, Jan. 11, 2009

Margaret A. Miller-Beal-Stalcup, 72, Park City, Oct. 27, 2008

Edith King, 96, Overland Park, Dec. 29, 2008

Marc A. Waller, 58, Hutchinson, Jan. 16, 2009

Audie Curry, 89, Buhler, Feb. 26, 2009

Donald G. McCamant, 80, Hutchinson, Jan. 3, 2009

John R. Williams, 79, Tampa, Dec. 28, 2008

Elizabeth A. Dye, 79, Hutchinson, Jan. 12, 2009

Jimmie D. McClelland, 70, Hutchinson, Feb. 17, 2009

Gaynelle “Gayle” Elliott, 53, Sedgwick County, Feb. 23, 2009

Eugene R. McClellan, 70, Phoenix, Nov. 16, 2008

Lois J. Potter Garrison, 78, Louisiana, Jan. 6, 2009

Clarence E. Might, 90, Hutchinson, Jan. 26, 2009

Judith L. Cabral, 49, Hutchinson, Nov. 6, 2008 Karen K. Carter, 58, Newton, Mar. 26, 2009 Gary F. Conklin, 72, Manhattan, Nov. 6, 2008 Duane L. Crow, 60, Leavenworth, Feb. 17, 2009

Marjorie Jean Woleslagel, 85, Hutchinson, November 16, 2008

HCC Wedding Bells

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

WEDDINGS

Calling all Blue Dragons...

Plans for a reunion are underway for this fall’s homecoming game.

For more information please contact:

Stan Cody 949-768-1928 or

Dana Hinshaw 620-665-3322

HCC Now, Spring 2009

ENGAGEMENTS

Aug. 29

Pedram Rahbar / Erin John

Nov. 9

Rebekah Drake / Benjamin Collogan

Sept. 6

Chad Rice / Brandi Kissick

Nov. 30

Kathy Jo Jasso / Christopher Finecy

Nov. 2

David Butler / Lindsay Gregory

Nov. 16

Rebecca Hoskinson / Andrew Behnk

Nov. 6

Jennifer Andel / Brandon Jones

Nov. 16

Leslie Dukes / Tyler Epp

Nov. 9

Stephen Armstrong / Kristin Harper

Nov. 20

Leann Goodhart / Kevin Dalton

Nov. 16

Tyson Mullen / Emily McCurry

Nov. 26

Donielle Cook / Scott Geesling

Dec. 10

Michael Koch / Lindsay Luckeroth

Dec. 3

Julie Herl / Carl Parker

Dec. 28

Michael Winkler / Leah Long

Dec. 7

Jessica Neufeld / Malcom White

Dec. 28

Travis Kershner / Megan Gore

Dec. 10

Jessica Ward / Keith Unruh

Jan. 8

Jeremy Rusco / Wendy Fehrenbach

Dec. 14

Natalie Schick / Kelly Friesen

Jan. 11

Cory Kowitz / Stephanie Greene

Jan. 14

Carmen Cramton / Andrew Clark

Jan. 14

Nathan Brocksmith / Janell Montagne

Jan. 14

Erika Allender / Harley Ewing

Jan. 25

Andrew Behnk / Rebecca Hoskinson

Jan. 18

Courtney Wilson / Donnie Crawford

Feb. 8

Adam Pickett / Jessica Branscom

Jan. 25

Samantha Olsen / Matt Hildebrand

Feb. 8

David Ruzicka / Casey Waggoner

Feb. 22

Edith Beachy / Norman Bontrager

Feb. 15

Leo Betzold / Patricia Hagman

Mar. 1

Rhea Curran / Elijah Gehring

Feb. 22

Kristian Sundahl / Andrea Mesa

Mar. 8

Elizabeth Worthington / Brandon Huntley

Mar. 22

Ricky Snyder / Mandy Klusener

Mar. 15

Anna Petz / Jake Flickinger

Mar. 22

Katie Bauman / Andy DeGraffenried

Mar. 29

Kelly Olson / Shane Chandler

15

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 9.

The 2009-10 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.

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

67501

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

Expanding the Tradition of Excellence Through Learning and Collaboration

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

POSTAL CUSTOMER