K A NSA S W E SLE YA N U N I V ER SI T Y
CONTACT SPRING 2021
Women at Wesleyan:
Long-Time KWU Professors Share Stories
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2021
A message from
President Matt Thompson Preparing Students for Success
Kansas Wesleyan University Spring 2021 Contact is the official magazine of Kansas Wesleyan University and is published by the Office of Marketing and Communications. Managing Editor: Brad Salois, Director of Marketing and Communications Design: Karen Bonar, Associate Coordinator of Marketing and Communications Writing Assistance: Karen Bonar Eric Brown, freelance writer Skylar Nelson ’21, Marketing and Communications intern Brad Salois Photo Credits: Karen Bonar Tanner Colvin ’11 Amanda Colgrove ’15, G’18 Diane Dowell Brad Salois Dr. Trish Petak NAIA National Office KCAC Vice President of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing Ken Oliver Send address changes to: Advancement Office 100 E. Claflin Ave. Salina, KS 67401 alumni@kwu.edu (785) 2 833-4341
Here at Kansas Wesleyan, we are well into spring. This is the time of year that our entire campus seems to bloom with fragrance, as the trees, lilacs and other flowers emerge from their winter slumber. The buildings seem to breathe with new life, students seem to walk with a swagger and the heartbeat of the campus quickens just a bit. KWU is always beautiful, but the visual appeal of approaching campus on Santa Fe with the trees in full bloom on a clear Kansas day is unparalleled. There are few things better. However, a beautiful campus does not just happen. There are countless hours of work and maintenance behind the scenes. Our phenomenal Plant Operations staff monitors the grounds and works on the buildings to prepare our campus for its shining moment. Much like the flowers that bloom in spring, there are many blossoms in the arrangement of the Kansas Wesleyan bouquet. Some are front and center and visible, but many are behind the scenes. It begins with academics and student success, where our Provost, Dr. Damon Kraft, has been recognized as one of the nation’s top first-year student advocates. Damon has been instrumental in leading a culture change on our campus, one that has led to significant, measurable increases in student success. KWU’s retention is at its best levels ever, diversity, equity and inclusion are at the forefront of our decisions, and academic support services have drastically increased in recent years. Our faculty are, of course, some of the main drivers in preparing our students for real-world success. One of our newest majors, Social Work, is led by two alumnae, Kelly Hopkins ’15 and Krysten Rodenbeek ’04. Both have wonderful stories and are tremendous educators, and I look forward to seeing them drive the program toward 2023 accreditation. Speaking of tremendous educators, Professor Barbara Marshall and Dr. Dorothy Hanna, two of our longest-tenured professors, are spotlighted in this issue. Rare is the student from the past 25 years who did not interact with one of these wonderful individuals. They have given so much to KWU, and it’s a pleasure to see them recognized. Dealing with both success and failure is a part of preparation for life, and there are few better avenues for learning those skills than KWU activities. This spring, Tabetha Deines ’22 became KWU’s first indoor track All-American in 10 years and Men’s Bowling qualified for the NAIA’s first national championship in that event. Debate and forensics has continued to excel, albeit at the end of an era, as long-time coach Gary Harmon announced his retirement this spring. Gary was honored with a prestigious state-wide award and KWU will christen a scholarship competition in honor of his legacy. Students also learn how to interact with their peers at KWU. Events like T.A.L.K., a monthly student-led forum on diversity-related issues, help foster a campus community willing to have difficult, but necessary, discussions. Many campus ministry events also facilitate these types of discussions and relationships. We are blessed with a robust cadre of 12 employee and volunteer campus ministers. Finally, we provide top-notch facilities where students can develop their skills. The best example of that in the region is our Nursing Education Center, which opened this winter. We’re also excited about recent renovations to athletic facilities and forthcoming updates to residence halls. We have also partnered with the Salina Family YMCA, an agreement that will benefit both organizations and provide free memberships to faculty, staff and students! Here at KWU, we are able to do all these things due to the generosity of our supporters. We thank the Olson estate and Mac Steele for their gifts during the past few months, two of the top gifts in school history. We have countless examples of alumni who have demonstrated success in their chosen field. I look forward to seeing countless more emerge from KWU, like campus lilacs in the spring. All the best, Matt Thompson, Ph.D., President and CEO
Kansas Wesleyan and Salina Family YMCA Announce Next Stage in Partnership For nearly 135 years, Kansas Wesleyan University and the Salina Family YMCA have stood just miles apart. The two organizations have always enjoyed a strong relationship, but have now taken that partnership to another level. KWU and the Y announced March 15 that they would advance their long-standing partnership with new, tangible benefits to both organizations. All full-time, on-ground KWU faculty, staff and students will receive free membership to the Y, while KWU will provide two graduate assistants to help run Y sports programs and will employ a strength and conditioning coach that will work for both organizations. The university will provide additional support services at the Y’s main Salina location as well. The announcement strengthened a long-running relationship. KWU has hosted “Tumble in the Jungle,” an annual Y-sponsored regional gymnastics event that includes more than 500 competitors, for the past several years. The university also helped house the Y’s “Campus Connections” program this past year, contributing study space for middle school students at the edge of KWU’s campus, and has sent numerous students to intern or work part-time. In recent years, KWU students have aided multiple departments at the Y, ranging from study assistance to information technology to wellness and sports camps. One of those students, Evin Miller ’20, was recently hired as a fulltime marketing specialist, and many others have continued to volunteer or work for the organization part time after graduation. “KWU has always had an excellent relationship with the Y,” agreed Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU president. “This agreement deepens our collaboration and provides an incredible benefit to our faculty, staff and students. We believe in partnering with strong, local organizations to enhance the work of both groups. I’m impressed with Angie Lassley’s leadership and the work of the Salina Y as a major contributor to the health of
Photos by Karen Bonar
On March 15, Kansas Wesleyan University announced a partnership with the Salina YMCA. Members of the YMCA Board of Directors are pictured here, alongside members of the KWU President’s Council.
On March 15, Kansas Wesleyan University announced a partnership with the Salina YMCA. Pictured (from left) is Salina YMCA President/CEO Angie Lassley with KWU President Matt Thompson our community.” The latest KWU/Y agreement provides not only access to mobile apps that encourage fitness and help develop sport skills, but also access to Y services at any location in the country. That gives KWU employees and students workout options at more than 2,600 Y locations. Family and spouses can also be added on to the membership at significantly discounted rates. In addition, both groups may use each other’s facilities, as needed, after regular business hours. This could
include for activities such as gatherings, socials and KWU intramurals. “This is a great partnership for both of our organizations,” said Lassley, President and CEO of the Salina Family Y. “Both KWU and the Y are dedicated to bettering the Salina community. As we begin this agreement, we look forward to partnering in that goal and finding new, unique ways to accomplish it.” For more information about the Salina Family YMCA, visit salinaymca. org.
“This agreement deepens our collaboration and provides an incredible benefit to our faculty, staff and students. We believe in partnering with strong, local organizations to enhance the work of both groups. I’m impressed with Angie Lassley’s leadership and the work of the Salina Y as a major contributor to the health of our community.” — Dr. Matt Thompson KWU President 3
Mindful of Mental Health
Global COVID-19 pandemic reinforces importance of services for students
T
he global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened awareness of mental health, and brought to light the importance of taking steps to maintain it. That light is also shining brightly at Kansas Wesleyan. “In the last five years, I’m seeing more students talking about and addressing their mental health issues,” said Scott Jagodzinske, campus minister at KWU. “I think part of that is because the school talks about it — in high schools and
colleges or universities.” Six months after the global pandemic shuttered much of the country, the nonprofit Active Minds surveyed high school and college students across the U.S. The September 2020 survey showed more than 75 percent of students reported their mental health worsened during the shutdown. Students reported an increase of stress (up almost 85 percent), anxiety (up almost 83 percent) and depression (up almost 61 percent). Although awareness about mental health concerns has increased, a spring 2020 survey by the Healthy Minds Network and American College Health Association indicated a concerning trend. Those groups found that access to mental health services since the pandemic started had been more limited. KWU, however, has increased
access to such services during the past 18 months. A variety of means to support students now exists at KWU, including two free counseling sessions at Veridian Behavioral Health, as well as on-campus counseling sessions. “I think as a college, we are a lot more hands-on and direct with issues we know students are dealing with,” Jagodzinske said. “Instead of waiting for students to come to them, the university — coaches and faculty — is more aware, cognizant and being more proactive. At Kansas Wesleyan, I’ve seen huge steps in how we are proactive, rather than reactive or after the fact.” Bridget Weiser, vice president for Student Development, said many staff have received Mental Health First Aid training in order to better be able to identify student needs.
“It helps you figure out how to talk to people who are experiencing difficult situations,” Weiser said. “Especially with COVID-19, there’s more uncertainty and anxiety, so universities are providing support. It’s OK to not be OK. That needs to be discussed.” One strength for KWU is its on-campus instruction. In comparison, Active Minds reports that in September 2020, less than half of college students nationally were receiving in-person, on-campus instruction. “Being at KWU, it’s helpful because we have on-campus classes,” Weiser said. "Seeing students in-person allows students to drop in and visit with a counselor.” Part of the recent expansion of campus mental health offerings included a campus wellness puppy
named Ellie. “During these times, people need a variety of support,” Weiser said. “The goal is to maintain campus morale, reduce stress, boost staff, faculty and student well-being, emotional support ... and to guarantee a smile. The health and general happiness of the students, faculty, and staff at KWU is of paramount importance to the Student Development Office.” When the idea was discussed, she welcomed the addition of a four-legged member to the Student Development office. “There are people constantly in the office, or asking to take her to their office,” Weiser said. “She’s a regular stop on most of the campus tours now.” In the September 2020 Student Mental Health Survey, Active Minds reported more than 56 percent of college students indicate being
around a pet is a positive coping mechanism to support their mental wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I knew that she would be wellreceived, but I’m surprised at how much everyone loves her,” Weiser said. “So many students have pets at home and can’t bring them to campus. We have several regulars who come in to visit her. You can tell it’s made a positive impact.” Ellie, a hypoallergenic mini Goldendoodle, was born on Nov. 18. She recently began first grade in Salina’s MuttSchool. Eventually, Weiser said, the goal is for Ellie to be trained and receive her AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate. Once she becomes CGC certified, the plan for her is to then focus on becoming a professional therapy dog.
By Karen Bonar
KWU INTRODUCES “LET’S TALK” PROGRAM TO AID STUDENTS, STAFF
In an effort to proactively address mental health, Kansas Wesleyan University recently introduced the nationally recognized program, “Let’s Talk,” to campus. “It is a challenging age, because traditionally from ages 18-22, you are experiencing community from different walks of life you’ve never interacted with before,” said Shelby Reep, T-LMLP. “You’re facing challenges in establishing your own identity. You’re establishing your tone for your professional career and personal life.” Reep is a doctoral psychology intern from Salina Regional Health Center. She approached KWU in the fall and suggested implementing the “Let’s Talk” program. Reep had previous professional experience with the program, which is on a variety of college and university Reep campuses. It provides free, confidential visits with a mental health professional on campus. At Kansas Wesleyan, the program is offered on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and students, faculty or staff simply drop in. The sessions last up to half an hour, and “typically they will leave with recommendations for treatment or coping skills or suggestions of how to solve their problems,” Reep said. Discussions can encompass anything, and she said one obstacle some face is reluctance to try professional counseling because of the stigma attached to it. “You don’t have to be in crisis to come to therapy,” Reep said. “You could
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just have an issue with your roommate. “I’m a firm believer that mental health matters at every life stage. College is such a unique time because you’re coming into your own. I think that having mental health and therapy is crucial for helping build those connections to establish a healthy path for your future.” When students begin to have new experiences, it can bring into sharp focus previous realities. “I would say college is also the time people typically realize they’ve experienced trauma (growing up),” Reep said. “They’re interacting with peers and saying, ‘Your dad didn’t do that?’ or ‘Your family didn’t talk to you like that?’” Processing childhood experiences or new college experiences is an important step in transitioning from childhood and being a student into life as a young adult in the workplace. Sometimes a struggle doesn’t have a name. “College students can struggle with purposelessness, confusion of their own reality and wrestling with the big ‘Who am I?’ question,” Reep said. Anxiety is a common struggle as well. “There’s a lot of anxiety around doing it right,” Reep said. “Students will think, ‘How do people perceive me?’ ‘Am I being judged?’ ‘Am I doing it wrong?’” According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are considered the most common mental illness in the
Photos by Karen Bonar
Jacob Lovell plays with KWU therapy dog, Ellie, in the Student Development office.
U.S., with 40 million adults, age 18 and older. This translates into about 18 percent of the population. Even with high numbers, less than 40 percent of those who struggle receive treatment. Addressing struggles and stress points is vital, and Reep said learning to address them during college will help later in life. “The goal is not to avoid stress or struggle,” she said. “The goal is to learn how to manage stress and your own experiences in the midst of struggle. I’m not trying to make the anxiety and pain and stress go away. We need to experience all of the emotions. It’s about learning how to show yourself compassion in the moment and acceptance of things you cannot change, and manage how to change and move forward, reaching for a good life.” Some suggestions for developing healthy coping skills include: mindfulness-based relaxation techniques, grounding techniques, deep breathing and body movement. While Reep’s internship will conclude in July, she said the groundwork is in place for the future. “We established this as a rotation in the residency (at SRHC), so future interns can continue this relationship,” she said. “My biggest hope is that this is the start of something, laying the foundation for future providers and future students.” By Karen Bonar
KWU senior Adreah Novotny plays with Ellie on the Bevan Green.
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KWU results from the 2021 DECA state meet: Individual Events:
Entrepreneurship Operations Cameron Becker, 1st Fashion Merchandising and Marketing Austin Wiley, 2nd Financial Accounting Matthew Whitsitt, 1st Hotel and Lodging Haylie Rodriguez, 1st Maddy Beckett, 3rd Human Resource Management Taylor Lang, 1st Lauren Flowers, 3rd Managerial Accounting Matthew Whitsitt, 1st Marketing Management Ryann Kats, 1st Matthew Freriks, 3rd Restaurant and Food Service Management Karley Benson, 1st Nathan Mercer, 2nd Retail Management Taylor Lang, 1st Sales Management Meeting Ryann Kats, 1st Travel and Tourism Eli Truhe, 1st Emily Monson, 2nd
Team Events:
Business Ethics Nathan Mercer and Matthew Whitsitt, 2nd Maddy Beckett and Linda Himes, 3rd Business-to-Business Marketing Ryann Kats and Emily Monson, 1st Event Planning Karley Benson and Lauren Flowers, 1st Maddy Beckett and Linda Himes, 2nd International Marketing Dillon Harriger and Taylor Lang, 1st Marketing Communications Eli Truhe and Austin Wiley, 1st Karley Benson and Emily Monson, 2nd Sports and Entertainment Marketing Eli Truhe and Austin Wiley, 1st Cameron Becker and Matthew Freriks, 2nd Lauren Flowers and Dillon Harriger, 3rd
Prepared Presentation:
Entrepreneurship - Starting a Business 6 Dillon Harriger, 2nd
DECA’S DOMINANCE For the fourth consecutive year, Kansas Wesleyan’s DECA program asserted itself as the top team in the state. The KWU squad won 39 of a possible 41 medals and took first place in 15 of 18 events at the DECA state meet Jan. 29 in Hillsboro. Eli Truhe, Taylor Lang and Ryann Kats led the way with three first-place medals, with Kats earning a pair of individual first-place finishes in Marketing Management and Sales Management Meeting. Kats also paired with Emily Monson to win the Business-to-Business Marketing event, while Truhe teamed with Austin Wiley for a pair of firstplace finishes (Marketing/ Communications and Sports and Entertainment Marketing). Truhe won the individual Travel and Tourism event as
well, while Lang won both Human Resource Management and Retail Management in individual competition and paired with Dillon Harriger to win International Marketing. “We had a large graduating class this past year,” said Dr. Trish Petak, DECA Coach and chair of the Department of Business and Accounting. “Our newcomers were key to our success and faced a steep challenge to acclimatize to the program, due to our practices being virtual. They worked incredibly hard and we could not have had this level of success without that work. The individuals who returned from previous teams performed phenomenally all year in practice, and continue to do so today. I’m proud of their dedication and desire to improve, even after all the success they’ve had
during the previous three years.” DECA is an organized business competition that either presents students with case studies in their chosen event or allows students to prepare a business-related presentation. Every case study challenges the individual or team with a recent, realworld problem, and the competitors then have a limited time to develop a presentation in response. The results from the state meet qualified the entire KWU team for the national DECA competition, which was slated for April 17-20. Shortly after press time, Matthew Whitsitt and Karley Benson placed third in their respective events at DECA Nationals. For more information, visit www.kwu.edu/ DECA2021.
A look at KWU’S 2020-21 Student Body
749 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
(FT/PT)
TOP SIX STATES
Kansas
Texas
54 MBA STUDENTS TOP MAJORS
California
Oklahoma
Missouri
1. Nursing 2. Criminal Justice 3. Sports Management 4. Business Administration 5. Exercise Science 6. Psychology
Colorado
PERCENT OF UNDERGRADUATE BY RACE/ETHNICITY
NEWEST MAJOR Social Work
Student Body Demographics 1% American Indian 1% Asian
STUDENT TEACHER RATIO 11:1
1% International 5% Two or more Races 11% African American 21% Hispanic 60% Caucasian
21%
The KWU DECA team won 39 of 41 possible medals at the state meet on Jan. 29.
are first-generation college students
59%
live on campus
20.5
is the average age
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“Dr. Kraft has excelled from the moment he arrived at Kansas Wesleyan. His influence on the KWU culture has led to a dramatic increase in retention, and clear, measurable metrics in the areas of institutional learning outcomes and diversity initiatives.” — Dr. Matt Thompson KWU President
KWU Selected for First-Ever Gardner Institute Equity in Retention Academy Kansas Wesleyan has been selected to be part of the Gardner Institute’s first Equity in Retention Academy. The Equity in Retention Academy is a multi-part online workshop intended to help colleges and universities create and implement plans to improve equity — across racial, socioeconomic and other differences — both in keeping students enrolled and helping them be successful. KWU joins 10 other schools from across the country, including the University of Alabama, the University of AlaskaFairbanks, Radford University, Shippensburg University and UNC Asheville. “This is a tremendous honor for Kansas Wesleyan,” said Dr. Damon Kraft, KWU Provost. “Our university is committed to continual growth and learning, and the Gardner Institute is one of the premier opportunities for that learning. To be one of only 11 schools nationwide selected for this opportunity is wonderful, and shows our dedication to equity in the student success process.”
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KWU Provost Kraft Earns National Recognition I
n February, Kansas Wesleyan Provost Dr. Damon Kraft was named one of the 10 recipients of the national Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate award, an honor presented by the National Resource Center and Cengage. The award honors college faculty, administrators, staff and students across the country for their work on behalf of first-year students. Kraft became just the second academician from Kansas to earn this respected recognition in the past 15 years. “Dr. Kraft has excelled from the moment he arrived at Kansas Wesleyan,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU President. “He has always demonstrated a drive to truly advocate for the success of our students, and he has brought that passion to our campus. His influence on the KWU culture has led to a dramatic increase in retention, and clear, measurable metrics in the areas of institutional learning outcomes and diversity initiatives. Kansas Wesleyan would not have achieved its recent success without Damon’s efforts, and I’m thrilled that his hard work has been recognized on a national level.” Kraft arrived at Kansas Wesleyan in 2011 as an assistant professor, and had an immediate effect. Within a year, he was the co-creator of “The Best of KWU,” a yearly event dedicated to excellence in student scholarship across campus. The event remains an annual staple of the KWU calendar, and one of the top honors a student can receive. Kraft rose to the position of associate professor before moving to the Assistant Provost role in 2016 and the Provost role one year later. There, he continued to excel. Kraft was the team lead for the implementation of KWU’s institutional learning outcomes (ILOs), ideas and goals that are embedded into all majors, general education and cocurricular experiences. He also spearheaded
campus-wide diversity initiatives, not only outside the classroom, but inside as well. There, he has helped promote classroom techniques that recognize the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion across campus. Perhaps Kraft’s chief accomplishment, however, is in the area of student success. Since many of Kraft’s initiatives were implemented, KWU has posted its two best fall-to-fall retention rates ever, including 68.49 percent in the fall of 2019. This success was helped by the implementation of an early alert system, which targeted students needing assistance. The system included notifications and involvement of coaches, advisors and other faculty members. Finally, Kraft was the head of the campus’ academic response to COVID-19, which included facilitating faculty transferring courses to an online format in the spring of 2020. He also led a university-wide calling campaign, which called every student on file multiple times during the semester to ascertain struggles and academic needs. It is believed this helped contribute to KWU’s strong retention rates continuing, even as the pandemic continued. “I am truly honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Dr. Kraft. “It is a privilege to help create an environment where all students can flourish and grow into the best versions of themselves, both personally and academically. I thank my colleagues for the nomination and for their support, and I thank the students, faculty and staff of KWU for embracing what were, at the time, new ideas. I look forward to the continued growth and success of KWU.” For more information on the Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate award, please visit http://www.sc.edu/FYE. Story By Brad Salois; Photo by Karen Bonar
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Nursing Education Center
The front hallway of the new center includes historical nursing items from KWU and the Asbury School of Nursing.
Shingirai Chingaya learns about intubation in the Performance Lab.
The new Nursing Education Center building has significant ties to Salina Regional Health Center.
helps form future nurses
Nursing adjunct faculty instructor Dan Mather demonstrates intubation techniques to nursing seniors in the Performance Lab. From left are: (seated) Carly Hieber, Kaitlyn Clements, Elizabeth Graham, Darby Miller and (standing) Shingirai Chingaya. Charles Winchester works in the newlycompleted simulation lab, which is on the lower level.
Marley Neal participates in a simulation lab with instructor Linda Henningsen.
The Kansas Wesleyan University Nursing Education Center opened for classes on Jan. 12. The $5.5 million facility was KWU’s first new entirely academic building on-campus in more than 50 years, and features expanded classrooms and
study spaces, but state-ofthe-art technology. Laerdal named KWU a Center of Excellence for its equipment, as students can train in spaces that truly simulate hospital rooms. These were just some of the changes that helped
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Photos by Karen Bonar
KWU’s program receive full approval from the Kansas State Board of Nursing in March. The Nursing Education Center's virtual dedication was held on Feb. 19, and can be viewed at: portal. stretchinternet.com/KWU.
FAR LEFT: Kansas Wesleyan University Art Department chair Neil Ward installs a wall of sculpted hands in the Nursing Education Center. LEFT: Salina Regional Health Center President/ CEO Joel Phelps tours the computer lab in the Nursing Education Center on Jan. 28, 2021, with Janeane Houchin, Director of Nursing Education, and KWU President Matt Thompson.
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Harmon’s Summation
• Recipient of the NFHS “Outstanding Speech/ Debate/Theatre Educator Award” by the KSHSAA (2020-21). • Member of the Kansas Speech Hall of Fame (Kansas Speech Communications Association). • Member of the National NFL Coaches Hall of Fame (National Speech and Debate Association).
• Co-authored of a high school Debate textbook entitled, “Argumentation & Debate: A Strategic Perspective." • Salina Teacher of the Year and the Kansas Speech Communications Teacher of the Year, twice.
Associate professor will retire after 16 years at KWU
Coaching was always something Gary Harmon felt drawn to do. “I wanted to coach athletics — that’s what I thought I wanted,” he said with a laugh. “But my debate teams did a lot better than my athletic teams did.” Harmon, who taught speech, debate, forensics, rhetoric and other communication theory classes at Kansas Wesleyan University, will retire following the Spring 2021 semester. Since 1989, competitive Forensics was an occasional activity at KWU, said Barbara Marshall who chairs the Division of Fine Arts. “Gary Harmon was brought in to turn the program into a Debate program with Forensics competition,” she said. “His recruitment of great young people and his influence on students has been wonderful.” Unlike athletics, debate competitions do not divide universities by size. KWU routinely competes in the national Pi Kappa Delta tournament. “We might meet Purdue University or Harvard University,” Harmon said of the tournaments. “We’ll meet Ohio and Ohio State and Florida and all the big schools from California, but size doesn’t seem to make any difference. We’re able to compete against them and win.” Harmon began his professional career as a debate coach in 1965 at Wellington High School. “They’d never had a debate program, and saw debate on my transcript and decided I should do that,” he said. It was his first full-time position as a teacher, and he taught English in addition to athletic and debate duties. He also assisted with the high school plays. After a few years, Manhattan High School recruited him to coach its debate team. For three decades, he taught English and coached high school debate and forensics at Wellington High School, Manhattan High School, Chaparral High School and nearly 20 years at Salina Central High School.
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During the course of his teaching career, he experienced many successes (see upper sidebar, right). Giving back to the debate and forensics community was important to Harmon, and he founded a high school Debate camp in 1986 that still operates today. He also created the High School Debate Showcase at the Kansas State Fair, which operates in conjunction with the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA). Recently, Harmon was selected to receive the 2020-21 NFHS “Outstanding Speech/Debate/ Theatre Educator Award” by the KSHSAA. The award represents Section 5, which encompasses Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Following his secondary education career, Harmon taught at a few courses at KWU and the Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus. Eventually, he was recruited to work in the Communications Studies and Theatre Arts Department full time at KWU. The skills that are honed in debate and forensics help prepare students for a variety of professional situations, Harmon said. “But it’s also one of the extracurricular activities that influences the professional life of a student the most,” Harmon said. “Every kid that I’ve ever taught comes back and says, ‘I use debate every day.’” The skills are transferable, starting with the research required to prepare for debates. “It causes you to do such a high level of critical thinking,” Harmon said. “You take something from two different areas, apply it and are able to see the connections and build upon that. “It’s also a good confidence builder. You’re probably going to be speaking better than anyone else in your area and are a good advocate for thoughts and ideas. On the job, you’re also a solution maker. You’re the one that comes up with the ideas that nobody else had thought of because of those critical thinking skills.”
By Karen Bonar
Gary Harmon teaches a public speaking class. Following 16 years of teaching at KWU, he will retire this spring. Photo by Karen Bonar
A scholarship competition will be established to honor Harmon’s legacy at Kansas Wesleyan. Debate and forensics competitors will be eligible and multiple winners will be selected. To learn more, visit KWU. edu/admissions.
KWU TEAM SNAGS NATIONAL TITLES
Kansas Wesleyan University’s Debate and Forensics team capped its 2020-21 season March 25-28 at the National Christian College Forensics Invitational (NCCFI), a national competition centered around Christian educational institutions.
The team: • won three individual national titles and finished third in the team standings. • Bryce Boyd (Oklahoma City, Okla.) won the national title in both parliamentary debate and the varsity extemporaneous speaker competition. • Abby Wray (Wichita, Kan.) took home a national title in dramatic interpretation.
The debate and forensics team also finished in the top-15 nationally in three categories at the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament, held virtually March 18-21. The Coyotes finished: • 14th in individual event sweeps • 15th in debate sweeps • 15th in combined sweeps
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Students T.A.L.K. about diversity D’Andre Childress wants to talk about it. He wants to discuss the death of George Floyd. He wants to address tragedies Black communities experience. He wants to share college experiences. He wants to weigh in on mental health. This school year, he and friends Anthony Bargas, Jr. and Jhalen Haynes began Teach Authenticity, Learn Kindness (T.A.L.K.), a student-led discussion forum. The idea for T.A.L.K. grew during remote education a year ago, and snapped into sharp focus after the death of Floyd on May 25. “I felt the last thing I wanted to do was go back to school and nobody talks about it,” Childress said. “I didn’t want to go to school and not have anyone acknowledge the (racial) tension.” He discussed the possibility of a student forum with his coach, Myers Hendrickson. On Aug. 19, the first forum launched in Fitzpatrick Auditorium, with the help of Haynes and Bargas. “A lot of students felt comfortable to share our uncomfortable experiences,” Haynes said. “We became closer as peers. We can overcome some of the issues we battle daily. We can create our own family.” The program received support from Dr. Allen Smith, the director of Diversity and Student Success, and Brandon Cheeks, the student success advisor in the Office of Diversity, as well as several members of the board of trustees. “We want to get to the point where young people can hear different ideas and different perspectives, instead of feeling they have to be careful and avoid the landmines,” Childress said. The trio is making plans to continue to grow the program, possibly to other college or university campuses, and possibly, into middle or high schools, he said. One avenue for growth is on digital platforms, including YouTube and a podcast. “As we keep going, we find new ways to reach out,” Childress said. The podcast is on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and new episodes are released on Mondays. “We hear students talk about how it’s great
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(From left) Chardinee Hunkin, Malik Young and Celine Wetiba clap along with “We Shall Overcome,” the closing hymn at the Black History Month Celebration Feb. 5 in Mabee Arena.
KWU Celebrates Black History Month
Photo by Karen Bonar
KWU senior D’Andre Childress, center, is pictured with friends Anthony Bargas, Jr., left, and Jhalen Haynes, right. The trio works on a podcast and weekly campus discussion called T.A.L.K., an acronym for Teach Authenticity, Learn Kindness. that we’re having conversations,” Childress said. “We’ve had some great turnout and people have shared different perspectives and stories. “Even if there are just a few people, they can hear stories and form a non-biased opinion. They have knowledge to understand one another.” Expanding knowledge and experience base is something Haynes said he finds valuable. The support of the coaching staff of the football team is invaluable during the process. “I think that’s what allowed me to feel more comfortable to have these talks, to say, ‘I’ve had my share of tough experiences, but many people here at KWU are able to help you feel comfortable,’” he said. With geographic diversity and a mix of urban
and rural teammates, Haynes said a multitude of opportunities exist for education and conversations. “Some teammates are asking questions because they want to learn and to know the answer,” he said. “I do have brothers who (fit some stereotypes), but our identity is not a stereotype. My parents have raised my four brothers and I to be educated, strong Black men. The further I get out into the world, the further I am able to show (Black men are) more than meets the eye. I have learned that I can change the narrative for someone who will ask questions.” For more information: twitter.com/gotalk2020 To listen: https://li.sten.to/TALK101
By Karen Bonar
ABOVE: Brody Carrasco sings “God is Good” during the Black History Month celebration in Mabee Arena. CENTER: Kenya Cox, the president of the Kansas NAACP and executive director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, speaks at the Black History Month. RIGHT: Dr. Trent Davis, a Salina City Commissioner, spoke about his experience with racism during college and his professional career. Jhalen Haynes, left, talks with Dr. Trent and Dr. Pamela Davis following the Feb. 5 Black History Month event. The event was sponsored by the KWU Multicultural Student Union. Photos by Karen Bonar
Dr. Leonardo Rosario plays “African Dance No. 4” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor as Dr. Gustavo do Carmo accompanies him. The evening included music by KWU students, faculty and the St. John’s Missionary Baptist Choir.
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Legacy of Learning
Dr. Dorothy Hanna and Professor Barbara Marshall discuss lengthy careers English philosopher Alan Watts once said, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” In the early 1990s, Kansas Wesleyan’s Dr. Dorothy Hanna may have taken that statement literally. A chemistry professor by day, she began taking a ballet class at night. The other students eventually dropped out of the class, but Dr. Hanna stuck with it. “I stayed, so I wound up taking the class with [the instructor] for advanced ballet students, which was pretty funny, because I wasn’t really all that good,” she recalled with a chuckle. At least one person on KWU’s campus disagreed with Dr. Hanna’s personal assessment of her dancing capabilities – Associate Professor of Communications Studies and Theatre Arts, Barbara Marshall. The latter needed some dancers for KWU’s rendition of the famed musical “Oklahoma!” and she knew her colleague in the Department of Chemistry fit the bill. Marshall recalls that moment being “lots of fun,” as she reminisced about Dr. Hanna’s ability to sing and dance. Of course, the two professors share more than a theatrical moment together. Dr. Hanna, who is the Chair of the
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Division of Natural Sciences, arrived at KWU in 1983, with Marshall joining her on campus four years later. Together, they have seen many changes, not just to facilities, but also the opportunities offered to students. During their tenures, they have taught and coached thousands of students within the KWU halls and walls, including children of former students. At times, they have mentored some of the same pupils, depending on their interests and majors. Being at KWU doesn’t just give Marshall and Dr. Hanna the opportunity to teach others, but mentor them, as well. “I think it’s about [students] finding their way,” Marshall stated. “I’ve seen too many people who just get lost, but that doesn’t really happen at a smaller school. There are enough people who say, ‘Hey! Where have you been? I’ve missed you!’” “[It’s satisfying] seeing students come to realize that they could do a lot a more than they thought they could do,” Dr. Hanna added. “We can take the time to mentor and encourage them and see them develop more fully into the people they could be.” “The Power of And” is undoubtedly a significant mantra at KWU — one engrained within the campus culture. Marshall and Dr. Hanna have played a vital role in challenging students to take on more and step outside of their comfort zone. They have seen students go on to become leaders within their career fields, or even venture into a new arena, equipped with skills they learned during their time on campus. “I’ve always thought when it comes to new experiences, you can’t just say to
TOP: Dr. Dorothy Hanna works with students in the lab in an undated file photo. BOTTOM: Barbara Marshall applies paint to the face of a student for the show “Crazy for You” in 2001.
Photo by Karen Bonar
Professor Barbara Marshall, left, and Dr. Dorothy Hanna, right, have each taught at KWU for more than 30 years. “[It’s satisfying] seeing students come to realize that they could do a lot a more than they thought they could do,” Dr. Hanna said. a student, ‘Why don’t you try this? Or, why don’t you do that?’” Marshall said. “No, you’ve almost got to grab them by the shirt and pull them through the door, because they are uncomfortable doing brand new things.” Before arriving at KWU, Marshall lived in Los Angeles. With aspirations to be a famous performer, she took voice lessons from Bernie Wayne, who wrote songs for Tony Bennett, Elvis Presley and the track, “There She Is,” which became synonymous with the Miss America Pageant. She remembers working at a restaurant in Beverly Hills in the 1980s, when she spotted Muhmmad Ali sitting at a table. As she rushed to meet him, the aging heavyweight boxing legend put up his hand and said with a low, booming drawl, “Slow down.” “I thought, ‘That is true,’” she recalled. “Slow down. Enjoy what’s in front of you, not just the racing here and there and the next place.” As someone intimately familiar with
the physical elements of planet Earth, Dr. Hanna agrees wholeheartedly with Marshall’s notion. “I think I enjoy seeing students wake up to a real fascination with the nature of the physical world, how things work, why things work the way they do and just becoming curious about it,” Dr. Hanna said. “That’s what attracted me to the sciences — that idea of understanding on a deeper level what is going on in the physical world, which is really remarkable, beautiful and amazing. It’s satisfying to see that kind of attitude wake up in students.” Wake up – two words that hopefully Marshall and Dr. Hanna haven’t said to their students too often in the last 30-plus years. More importantly, waking up is the event that takes place before dreams become reality. Through the decades, two of KWU’s most tenured professors have seen students make their dreams come
Scholarship competitions to honor Prof. Marshall and Dr. Hanna will begin in the coming months. Dr. Hanna’s will recognize students in the STEM fields, while the Prof. Marshall scholarship will be geared towards those in the fine arts. For more information, visit KWU.edu/admissions.
true — from research scientists at NASA to performers in Los Angeles. Together, they have taught others to not only embrace change, but be the change — and dance with it. By Eric Brown
TOP: Dr. Dorothy Hanna in a 1987 file photo. BOTTOM: Barbara Marshall teaches class in a 1998 file photo.
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Hopkins’ Calling Helps Move Social Work Program Toward Accreditation While sitting inside Kansas Wesleyan University’s Pioneer Hall as she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, it was not uncommon for a student to tap Kelly Hopkins ’15 on the shoulder and say, “You’re a mom. Do you have any Tylenol?” Hopkins, who is the current KWU Social Work Program Director, was a non-traditional student and a mother of four children. Surely, she had medicine in her purse that could ease a fellow student’s headache, right? Regardless if she had medicine to relieve someone’s physical pain, Hopkins knew the real reason for sitting in that classroom was to help others overcome their emotional pain. A few years prior, Hopkins and her husband were having a conversation, when he asked her what she wanted to do in the future once their children graduated. “From that conversation, I decided to seek out volunteer opportunities in the community,” she said. “I thought that if I got involved in some volunteer [work], it would translate into something I could do when the kids were grown and gone.” In 2012, Hopkins began volunteering with Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS) in Salina. She soon entered the organization’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program and was sworn in after completing the required classes. “It was through that experience of working with kids in foster care that I started to feel a calling,” Hopkins recounted. “I started to see the need that was out there for these children — trauma situations that were happening, and I was suddenly very compelled that it was what I wanted to do.” Hopkins met with her family and expressed the desire to turn her volunteer work into a career. As her children enrolled in public school, she also sought to expand her education. In searching for a degree to fit her calling in the human services field, she chose to start her journey in Kansas Wesleyan’s Psychology program. KWU Chair of the Division of Social Sciences, Dr. Steve Hoekstra, was one of Hopkins’ professors. Hoekstra now has the privilege of being her colleague, but he remembers the dedication she put into finding her purpose. “She was very conscientious and worked hard to do what she needed to do and balance everything with her family and the extra challenges that are associated with being a non-
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Photo by Karen Bonar
Kelly Hopkins ’15 teaches the class Social Work With Communities and Organizations on March 3 in Pioneer Hall. traditional student,” Dr. Hoekstra said. Hopkins added, “Through that education and what I learned, I then discovered the direction I need to go was [to become] a social worker.” During her undergraduate studies, Hopkins found another opportunity to help others, as she began serving at the Central Kansas Mental Health Center as a case manager, supporting parents with children suffering from severe emotional disturbances. “I think because I was a parent, it was just kind of a good fit that I could use my knowledge to help support these other parents,” she noted. Upon graduating from KWU in 2015, Hopkins immediately pursued a master’s degree in social work. As she expanded her education, more opportunities emerged. In 2016, she began working part-time as the CASA supervisor for CAPS, while also starting a private practice at Cornerstone Clinic. Hopkins recalls sitting in family court on multiple occasions and hearing the judge say, “I wish we could deal with the grief these children
are suffering from.” Through those comments, Hopkins’ private practice was born. She soon established “grief groups,” developing curriculum for children suffering from traumatic events and creating an environment for them to share their feelings with peers in similar circumstances. As she thrived as a CASA supervisor and within her private practice at Cornerstone, Hopkins’ work in the community was not going unnoticed. In 2017, CAPS promoted her to Program Director for Chris’s Place Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and the Saline and Ottawa CASA program. While managing the day-to-day operations of the CAC, Hopkins also served as a forensic interviewer and worked with law enforcement officials in the prosecution of cases. Her position also allowed her to interact with other social workers. She saw some of the struggles they went through and the trauma they experienced themselves, and thought maybe there was a way she could help. “In those types of experiences, I saw the
opportunity to teach social workers and share these experiences, [and felt] I could make a bigger difference in that,” she stated. Hopkins’ desire to help educate other social workers came to fruition when she was offered a position as an adjunct professor at KWU in 2017. Two years later, she made the leap to fulltime educator, becoming the director of KWU’s Social Work program. One of Hopkins’ main tasks as director is to oversee the accreditation of the bachelor’s degree program. Navigating through the paperworkfilled process requires the program to hit three benchmarks before being fully accredited. The program will remain in the candidacy phase for the next two years, with the expectation of achieving accreditation by February 2023. Hopkins then hopes to complete her doctorate in social work three months later, allowing her to seek accreditation for KWU’s master’s program. Tyler Paulson ’14, a fellow non-traditional student and Psychology major, struck up a friendship with Hopkins during their time as undergraduates. Together, they helped one another through the challenges of balancing family and education in order to achieve their career goals. Paulson is not only excited about the strides KWU’s social work program is making, but is also pleased to know his good friend is leading the charge. “It’s a very special thing, especially in this climate that colleges find themselves in — for KWU to be seeking this and to be putting people in a position to have careers in a field that is always going to be expanding,” he said. “What makes this even more special to me is that it is kind of being chauffeured by a KWU alum, who is very competent and very motivating, not just to students, but to her fellow alumni.” As she sat in those classrooms at Pioneer Hall several years ago, Hopkins likely did not imagine herself one day standing in front of students as a professor. What started as a desire to volunteer in the community has now transformed into an impact that will last for generations. As a social worker and clinician, she’s helped countless children, parents and first responders overcome their emotional pain. Now as an educator, she is paving the way for future social workers to do the same. By Eric Brown
LIFE GUIDES LESSONS When faced with obstacles, people in professor Kyrsten Rodenbeek’s ’04 life often gravitated to her for help. In turn, she couldn’t avoid the pull to dedicate her life to providing that assistance. Following a seven-year-long career as a counselor, Rodenbeek joined Kansas Wesleyan University’s Social Work major as an educator during the 2019-20 school year. She teaches upper-level courses in counseling practice and places seniors in their internship and field work positions. While Rodenbeek has traditional experience in her field, she became enamored with holistic practices after working in psychiatric residential therapy. Upon seeing how meditation, gardening, yoga and similar practices aided clients, she began to independently study yoga and nutritional psychology. She also continues to work as a counselor at Live Well Therapy in tandem with her teaching responsibilities at KWU. “Teaching was always part of my future plans, but I thought I’d teach after I turned 50,” she said. “I’ve always taken interns and trained people for various jobs. I’m just a lover of knowledge and sharing it.” To create a well-rounded social worker, Rodenbeek highlights the need for students to first understand the core values of the study before immersing themselves in it. In doing so, they create a solid foundation to help others without ignoring their own needs. “I put a lot of emphasis on self-care for future social workers,” Rodenbeek said. Working so closely with fractured families and struggling individuals can take a toll on anyone, and she wants to prepare her students to handle that stress. To grasp this notion of self-care, she finds it helps students to gain experience within the field via presentations by community members involved in social work, tours through social work agencies and service learning. This involvement encourages them to build familiarity and confidence in the field, long before graduation looms. When the final year for a student rolls
Social Work Program Goals: Goal 1: Prepare social workers to practice in an ethical and competent fashion with diverse client populations on both the micro and macro levels. Goal 2: Integrate social work practice with social scientific research through an interdisciplinary learning environment and emphasize the importance of lifelong learning for both students and faculty.
around, Rodenbeek, as field director, thoughtfully places each of her students into field work that suits them. “I have to be very in tune to every student’s individual needs, based on their different backgrounds,” she said. In terms of KWU’s social work program, Rodenbeek is both excited and ambitious regarding the future ahead. “I’d like for us to be one of the top social work programs in Kansas,” she said. “Salina is the perfect home for social work.” Born in the small town of Bremen, near the Kansas-Nebraska border, Rodenbeek attended KWU after transferring from Cloud County Community College in Concordia. During her years at CCC and KWU, she participated in both track and cheer. Following her graduation from Kansas Wesleyan University in 2004, she began her service as a family preservation therapist for Saint Francis Ministries. In this role, she learned how key one’s environment is to all facets of their life. By seeing someone’s home, she could begin to understand potential discord in their outside life. She spent an additional two years as a psychiatric residential therapist. Outside of her positions at KWU and Live Well Therapy, she volunteers with the Salina Area United Way, specifically in their ROAR program dedicated to children’s reading. She helps with the Bennington Wellness group by writing workouts, and recently acquired grants that supplied 30 families with workout equipment. She also frequently oversees the clinical supervision of fellow counselors working towards their master’s degree. “I love people, and these were all perfect opportunities to pull people into having ownership of their wellness,” Rodenbeek said. No doubt, Rodenbeek’s passion for helping people will play an important part in helping move KWU’s Social Work program forward in the years to come.
By Skylar Nelson
Goal 3: Develop leaders and practitioners committed to the advancement of human rights and social justice through social policy practice and other forms of advocacy. Goal 4: Teach students to integrate the relationship between theory and practice by providing various service-learning projects, strong field education placements, and leadership development. Goal 5: Promote dedication to personal and spiritual growth and to continuous self-care as an important foundation for the social work vocation.
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Hoekstra returns reinvigorated from sabbatical Every seven years, faculty at Kansas Wesleyan are given the opportunity to take a sabbatical. Psychology professor and KWU’s Chair of the Division of Social Sciences, Dr. Steve Hoekstra, knew he was overdue for a period of rest. Thus, he capitalized on the opportunity in the fall. “Part of the mission of the sabbatical is to rejuvenate and come back with new ideas and new energy,” he said. “So it is not just to improve one’s personal career, but to improve the institution.” Professionally, Dr. Hoekstra began examining different ways to creatively engage with students in the classroom. Using the 2010 movie, “How to Train Your Dragon,” he is teaching the traditional psychological concepts through incentivized learning. This semester, students (aka villagers) earn rewards (extra credit) by completing side quests (quizzes). The villagers then use their bonus points to purchase items such as
Photo by Karen Bonar
Dr. Steve Hoekstra holds a discussion during Honors Seminar in Leadership class. “swords and shields,” which protect them from deductions during combat (exams). “We’ve just changed the language a little bit to make it fun,” Dr. Hoekstra said. “The students seem to be enjoying it.” While making learning fun and exciting is important, Dr. Hoekstra also wants to effectively
engage with students on more serious issues. As someone who teaches social psychology, topics pertaining to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have been a part of Hoekstra’s classroom discussions for years. With DEI issues now at the forefront, he believes it is important to have those tough conversations, regardless of
perspective — and to be active in making a change. “We’re probably not going to solve the issue of racism, but we can help make our communities more accepting and more understanding, and figure out ways to work together better,” he said. Dr. Hoekstra steps back into the classroom this semester knowing the COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the way colleges and universities operate. The time away allowed him to focus on how KWU can better prepare for the future and adapt to changes quickly, when needed. “You do try to stay out of the busyness associated with college life [during a sabbatical], so just having a change of context and change of schedule gave me a little bit more breathing room,” he said. “So I think my students have noticed a different sort of energy this semester.”
START GIVING BACK EARLY
“With a young family and all the related expenses, it can be easy to put off charitable giving. However, because of the importance of a faith-based education, our family has chosen to make it a priority to support KWU.” – Annetta Flax ’13
By Eric Brown
Deines Earns All-American Honors at NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships Junior Tabetha Deines became Kansas Wesleyan’s first NAIA Indoor Track All-American in 10 years as she finished fifth in the 800-meters at the NAIA Indoor Track National Championships in March. Deines crossed the line in 2:15.94 to earn the result, one year after falling during the preliminaries and failing to make the finals.
Men’s Golf claims second straight KCAC Title Shortly after press time, the Kansas Wesleyan men’s golf team claimed the KCAC Championship for the second consecutive time - two years apart. Senior Troy Watson won the overall title. For more information, check out this summer's Coyote Connection or visit KWUCoyotes.com.
Save the Date
Homecoming 2021 October 15–17, 2021
Ralita ’07 and Brandon ’05 Cheeks family
www.kwu.edu @goKWU or @KWUCoyotes |
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Kansas Wesleyan University |
Kansas Wesleyan University
Join the Cheeks and Flax families in giving back to the Kansas Wesleyan annual fund, which invests in scholarships, academic programs and support services that benefit the entire campus. Gifts of any size are welcome, and you can also make a $60,000 gift by referring a student.
www.kwu.edu/givenow
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HISTORIC SPRING SEASON
This spring, for the first time in school history, all
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24 sports at Kansas Wesleyan were in action during one semester. On this page, you see photos from what was truly a historic spring season
(see other accomplishments on pages 20 and 30). 2
1) Maddy Beckett prepares to serve during the March 20 win over Oklahoma Wesleyan. 2) Softball’s Bailey Rivas throws to first base while facing Morningside. 3) A.J. Range passes the basketball in a Feb. 20 contest against Avila in Mabee Arena. 4) The KWU Women’s Flag Football team takes the field for its first-ever game, a contest against Ottawa on Feb. 28 at the Graves Family Sports Complex. 5) Baseball’s Trey Lopez takes a pickoff throw during an earlyseason series at the newly renovated Dean Evans Stadium. 6) Stevie Williams maneuvers past a defender while facing Sterling College.
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Faith & Football
While Rev. Nick Talbott’s location on the football field is on the sideline, his faith is always front and center. “I believe that God’s love is infinitely bigger than we can imagine,” he said. “God’s grace is something we can all experience at any time, at any place.” Talbott was appointed the lead pastor at University United Methodist Church in July 2019. In tandem with his responsibilities to the congregation are his responsibilities to student-athletes at Kansas Wesleyan University. “I want to set up experience-based encounters where students can learn from example,” Talbott said. It can be as simple as the five minute reflections he led for the football team on Fridays. Bringing reflections to practice or the sideline helps move faith from a “Sunday only” experience into everyday life. “That’s where learning takes place,” Talbott said of the sideline or practice field. “If we can relate God to something they’re passionate about, those lessons seem to penetrate the soul, rather than feel forced.” Even though his life revolves around faith, Talbott said church was not something he experienced as a young child. “I had no concept of traditional church,” he said. “All I knew was smoke and light and hipster preachers.”
As a teenager, Talbott began attending church at the Southern Baptist Church behind his home. “They were a wonderful group of people who loved me unconditionally,” he said. “They saw my gift of speaking and allowed me to preach as a 16- and 17-year-old.” His wife, Amber, grew up in the Methodist Church, and when their oldest was born, Talbott made the switch to that denomination himself. “I realized I wanted to find a denomination that empowered women, that allowed my daughter to live into the gifting and call (to minister and preach) that I had found,” he said. Even though he loved preaching, Talbott did not formally enter ministry for almost 10 years. He spent the first 13 years of his professional life coaching football and wrestling in high schools around Wichita, as well as at Bacone College in Muskogee, Okla. Throughout that time, he continued to remain involved at church by playing guitar. “At 30 years old I made a career change,” Talbott said, of his shift into ministry in 2013. He took a job as a youth director and worship leader in Hillsboro, where he was the assistant wrestling coach and also assisted with football stats at the high school. Talbott was next appointed to Stockton and Woodston, where
Rev. Nick Talbott serves as the assistant coach for the KWU football team and chaplain to the baseball team. He ministers to students, as well as the congregation at the University United Methodist Church. he continued to coach high school sports as he nurtured and grew the congregation. “This has been a great appointment because it mixes my worlds together: ministry, preaching, worship leading and working with a school,” Talbott said of his 2019 move to Salina. “It’s been a godsend because it takes me back to what I was called to do and what I love to do. “I didn’t leave coaching and teaching because I disliked it. I left it because I felt God was calling me into a new season.” The religious affiliation of Kansas Wesleyan University is an asset, as is the ability to speak freely about a
relationship with Christ. “Instead of having to be cryptic, I can call a spade a spade,” he said. In addition to serving as the wide receivers coach for the football team, Talbott serves on the KWU Campus Ministry team. Talbott said he tries to live life by one simple principle. “Do not be confined to titles and ideas of what we think ministering or pastoring or coaching or Christianity looks like,” he said. “So many students believe they cannot do something because of a situation they come from. God is in the business of using imperfect people to accomplish perfect things.”
By Karen Bonar
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Best fundraising year ever for KWU
$1 million Pledge for nursing scholarships Peters science hall / ROOm 201
This current fiscal year Wesleyan has raised more than $8 million. Each and every gift matters, because we are changing the lives of our students on the campus of Kansas Wesleyan University. 24
KWU endowment value:
$40 million
Vanier lobby / Peters science hall dean evans stadium
Endowment valued at more than
Raised more than $7 million in cash gifts, including: • $1.7 Million in annual operation and
$52,000 per student
(The highest in Kansas) salina softball fields
scholarship gifts.
• $175,000 in successful grant applications • More than $500,000 to special projects and programs.
• More than 165 new cash gifts to the
KWU Foundation (Foundation total raised exceeds $4.8 million).
WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH future focuses:
• Facilities • Retaining/attracting new faculty • Academic scholarships esports room / Peters science hall
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Pioneer Society members provide annual support for the university in the amount of $1,000 or more ($500 for alumni who graduated within the last 10 years, faculty and staff). If you are interested in joining the Pioneer Society, please contact Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing, at (785) 833-4342.
Fiscal year 2020 to present
PIONEER PARTNERS ($25,000+) Roy and Donice Applequist Earl Bane Foundation Jeffrey and Margie Bieber ’71 Blue Beacon International Great Plains Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Dane G. Hansen Foundation John and Mary H. Hart Foundation Kent ’72 and Pat Lambert The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation McCune Foundation Don McIntyre Trust Middlekauff Foundation Jerry ’59 and Margaret ’61 Norton Saint Francis Ministries Salina Regional Health Center Salina Regional Health Foundation Darwin L. and Delma M. Sampson Fund C & R Schauf Foundation Steve ’65 and Jewelda Scofield McDowell (Mac) Steele Lester T. Sunderland Foundation Jack and Donna* Vanier
LOCKWOOD CIRCLE ($10,000–$24,999) Gustaf ’14 and Hannah ’16 Applequist Vivian Bray Carlene Childs Bruce Culley Kenneth ’63 and Janet ’64 DuBois
Dr. David ’64 and Patricia Fancher Barbara A. Hauptli ’54 Glenda Kline Robert Meyer ’73 Miller Family Charitable Trust NAIA National Center for Women & Information Technology James and Emily-May Richards Joy ’58 and Leo Schell Randy ’66 and Mary Ann St. Clair Verla Nesbitt Joscelyn Foundation Lee and Christine Young Royce and Donna Young
T. W. ROACH CIRCLE ($5,000–$9,999) ACM Removal – Kansas, LLC Barbara Arensman-Snyder ’53 BCBS of Kansas Foundation Lee ’65 and Marla ’64 Beikman Richard and Joyce Brown Senators Robert and Elizabeth Dole Pauline Eaton ’49 Ken and Karen Ebert Pauline Greenhaw Nadim ’65 and Sally Haddad ++ Fred and Sarah Hays Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation KWU Alumni Association Marshall Family Foundation/Larry and Barbara Marshall James and Eileen Moon ’66
Stephen ’73 and Lorraine ’74 Richards Garry Rowson ’63 Salina Arts & Humanities Commission Morrie and Sydney Soderberg Kevin and Rhonda Young Zimmerman Family Foundation/Mark Zimmerman and Dr. Carolyn Hofer-Zimmerman
SCHUYLER CIRCLE ($2,500–$4,999) Advantage Trust Company Elaine Alatalo John Betterson ’69 Dale ’59 and Susanne Bradley Martin ’66 and Wanda Brotherton Dr. Robert ’66 and Patricia Bruchman Phil Coleman ’68 Dean Ellison ’80 and Mary Ann McElligot Dianne Fahring ’74 Larry ’64 and Janis ’65 Frutiger ++ Darlene Harris-Lindsley ’55 James ’64 and Marva ’65 Harvey IBM Corporation Matching Grants Marilyn ’68 and James Kirk Tim Kowalski Sarah Anne ’61 and James Lindblad Robert Loyd ’68 Dr. William McCreary ’69 Steven and Pamela Michel Julie Sager Miller and Mark Miller Donald and Cheryl ’68 Monaghan Bob ’71 and Pat ’69 Murray Jeffrey ’85 and Darlene Nicholson Barbara Marshall Nickell Jane ’80 and Brady Philbrick Portis United Methodist Church Kevin Reay S & B Motels, Inc./Stan and Ursula Weilert Richard ’69 and Sarah ’70 Short Daniel and Jessi Stang ’81 The Rev. Dr. Marshall and Janice Stanton *Helen Stephenson ’50 Dr. Matthew and Jennifer Thompson UMB Bank
STANTON CIRCLE ($1,886–$2,499)
Pioneer Society member Byron K. Norris ’72 (front seat) takes a spin in a 1937 V-12 Lincoln Limousine on June 21, 2019. In the back seat (from left) is Sandy Norris ’73, along with Ken and Karen Ebert (2019 Alumni by Choice).
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John ’69 and Mary Baker Lila Berkley Mike and Debra Berkley Judy Joyce Calcote First Bank Kansas Focus on the Future Foundation Steve and Pat Freemyer
Pioneer Society guest Janet Jolley ’00, and members Patricia Marietta ’71 and former KWU Assistant Provost Kathleen Barrett-Jones await a ride at Rex Russell’s Auto Museum near Mentor during the Pioneer Society Social on June 21, 2019. Robert P. ’69 and Micaela Gibson Dr. Sean ’93 and Kim ’01 Herrington Dr. A. Wayne Lowen and Brigid Jensen-Lowen Patricia Marietta ’71 Sandee Merriam Robert ’71 and Patricia ’69 Murray Kenneth and Michelle Oliver Jeanette Otto Dr. Paul ’66 and Karla ’65 Peters Robert and Karen Pinkall ’58 Mary ’98 and John Quinley Martha Rhea Betty ’51 and Charles Rudasill Martin ’72 and Cynthia Ruegsegger William Salmon ’57 Marlene Selden ’55 Eugene ’60 and Glenna Sheets Larry ’78 and Joy Smith Kenneth Stephenson Cary and Phyllis Tucker R. Estelle Wade
STOLZ CIRCLE ($1,000–$1,885) James and Betsy Alexander Anderson Family Foundation/Robert and Marcia Anderson Lucerne Anton ’76 Tim ’76 and Pat Ault-Duell Bank of Tescott Mike Baumberger ’96 Patrick Beatty Dr. Kent and Dena Berquist Rhonda Bethe Dr. Ginny Bevan Dr. Steven ’62 and Jane Blair Douglas ’92 and Jandrea ’89 Blumanhourst Boeing Gift Matching Program Dr. Scott and Anamari Boswell Philip ’71 and Linda Bowman David Branda ’76
Dr. Pete and Rosie Brungardt CAD Law/Charlie Ault-Duell ’05 The Rev. Victor ’66 and Eileen ’64 Calcote Dr. J. Marc ’75 and Victoria Carpenter Wayne Chauncey ’67 Dr. Yuan and Grace Chiang Dr. Rebecca Chopp ’74 and Frederick Thibodeau Clark, Mize & Linville, Chartered The Rev. Harold Cooper ’59 Debora Cox Dr. Kent ’65 and Adrienne Cox Marshall ’62 and Sandra Crowther Andrew ’64 and Linda Deckert Max Dewey ’60 Disabled American Veterans Melaku Dissassa ’76 Jaclyn Douglass ’79 Betty Garrison Dr. Frederic ’62 and Carolyn Gilhousen Joann Goldstein Michael ’84 and Wendy ’85 Gonzales Eric ’64 and Mollie ’63 Haberer Harbin Construction Co. The Rev. Duane Harms Michael ’82 and Shauna Hastings Vincent ’67 and Elaine Heuring Brian ’63 and Pat Hogan Lloyd Holbrook ’59 Hometown Disposal, Inc./Bob Butts Larry ’57 and Barbara Houdek James Jarvis ’58 Jerry Jones and Dr. Kathleen Barrett-Jones *Maxine Kaiser ’41 Kansas Independent College Foundation Kansas Wesleyan Women’s Auxiliary Dr. David ’79 and Susan Laha Marlene Lee ’61 Mahaska The Rev. Loren ’56 and Donna ’57 Marler The Rev. Bruce Marshall ’60 and Janice Rundle Marshall ’61
David Martin ’65 Tom and Teresa Martin Dr. Gordon and Evelyn Maxwell James ’57 and Karen ’81 McClain Colette McMosley Bryan ’65 and Dee ’68 Meall Dr. Patricia Ann Michaelis ’71 Bryan and Peggy Minnich Earl Montgomery ’63 Wayne Montgomery Roger and Sissy Morrison Harold ’49 and *Evelyn ’50 Nelson Byron ’72 and Sandy ’73 Norris Northwest Florida Tech. Solution Dr. Melanie and Rev. Charlie Overton *Kaye ’57 and Barbara Pearce Nick ’68 and Regina Petron Lorrayn Pickerell ’72 C. Bruce ’75 and Linda Preston Kay Quinn ’84 Michael and Susan Ramage Sean Reay *Chester Ross ’52 Kay ’64 and Max Russell Ryan Mortuary/Stephen Ryan Dr. John ’70 and Rosemary Sachs Salina Rotary Club Stephanie Scheck Wayne Schneider The Scoular Co. Sterling College Steven and Patsy ’94 Stockham Sunset Properties/Pat and Linda Bolen John and Chrissy Swagerty Dr. Clifford ’51 and Jo Trow United Capital Management University of Akron Barry ’10 and Lisa Weis Randy and Frieda Mai Weis J. W. Welch ’72 Wilbur Development LLC/Tom Wilbur Wimer Family Charitable Foundation Marc Wingo ’01
MAYO CIRCLE ($500–$999) Annetta ’13 and Tom ’05 Flax Marcus ’79 and Michelle Greene Dr. Steven and Anne Hoekstra Bryan McCullar Jan ’17 and Bill Shirk Bridget Weiser Steve Wilson * Denotes deceased ++ Includes Employer Matching Gift
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2021-22 Scholarship recipients announced Shaquoia Williams — Eisenhower Scholarship
The estate of Dale Olson left a gift that will support both spiritual and academic activities at Kansas Wesleyan University, including Campus Ministry (left photo) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs (right photo).
Olson Estate Donates More Than $4 Million to KWU; Largest Gift in School History It was announced this winter that more than $4 million from the estate of Dale Olson, a Salina native and longtime supporter of Kansas Wesleyan, was donated to Kansas Wesleyan University upon his September 2019 passing. It is the largest single gift in KWU history. The Olson’s gift will, in part, help support the STEM and Campus Ministry efforts at KWU. Olson, a Salina native whose father’s concrete company laid the original Pioneer Hall steps, attended KWU from 1945-47 following a stint in the Naval Reserves. He noted that the head of the KWU Mathematics Department played a key role in his academic success. Olson would complete two years of pre-engineering courses at KWU before transferring to Kansas State University, where he graduated in 1951 with a Mechanical Engineering degree with a petroleum option. He married his late wife, Marceline, in Salina in 1952. She would support him as a wonderful
Marceline and Dale Olson
homemaker, as he rose to become one of four senior engineers with Conoco (now Conoco Phillips). Dale Olson retired in 1988, but maintained his ties to Salina and KWU. “Dale and his family meant a great deal to our university,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing. “Although he graduated from another institution, he always maintained his ties to Salina and, more specifically, to KWU. He went on to accomplish great things and, because of his generosity, more students will be able to follow in his footsteps. We thank the Olson family for this incredible gift.” Olson would later endow one of the largest scholarship funds at Kansas Wesleyan, one that would average $5,800 per student annually for 33 students. He and Marceline also gave half a million dollars for the construction of the track that bears their family name at the Graves Family Sports Complex.
KWU Receives Gifts from Local Philanthropist A lot is said at Kansas Wesleyan about community, and the power of the Salina region to help students become whatever they set out to be. There may be no better example of that than Mac Steele, a local philanthropist who recently made multiple donations to the KWU Nursing program. “Health care is a critical need for our country right now, even prior to COVID-19,” offered Steele. “We need great educational centers for our future nurses, and I believe the new Nursing Education Center enhances Kansas Wesleyan’s ability to be just that. I hope this scholarship
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opportunity attracts high quality students who stay in Salina after graduation, and I hope it challenges new individuals to give back to this great program and worthy cause.” Steele donated $1 million for Nursing scholarships for juniors and seniors, a sum that will be spread over the next 30-plus years. He also made a donation to the Nursing Education Center itself, where the largest classroom (both in the building and in the university) bears his name. “Mac is a great friend to Kansas Wesleyan,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement,
Admissions and Marketing. “We’re thankful for his passion for giving back and supporting our community, and look forward to seeing these gifts bear fruit in the educational lives of countless individuals over the next three decades.” Steele, a lifelong resident of Salina who graduated from high school in the area, is known for his passion for the community and numerous investments in keeping the area thriving. He has made multiple donations to area schools and foundations to work toward the betterment of Salina and the surrounding area.
Kansas Wesleyan announced its newest Eisenhower Scholarship recipient, Shaquoia Williams, on Feb. 16. Williams (Wichita, Kan./Wichita Heights HS) will major in Biomedical Chemistry at KWU, with an eye towards a future career in veterinary science. “We’re excited to have Shaquoia become a part of the KWU family,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing. “She distinguished herself throughout this process, both with her academic prowess and her true passion for her future career, and we look forward to her becoming a Coyote.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated the Eisenhower Scholarship in the late 1960s. He selected KWU, the closest institute of higher education to his childhood home of Abilene as the university that would house his named scholarship. The scholarship would be presented to students who exhibited high academic achievement. Several years ago, KWU resurrected the scholarship after a brief hiatus, and a halfday competition was designed to select the winner(s).
Katelin Keough — Chopp Scholarship Kansas Wesleyan University announced Katelin Keough, a transfer from Hesston College, as the winner of the inaugural Dr. Rebecca Chopp Scholarship Competition, contested virtually in early March. Keough (Albany, Ore.) intends to major in Communications and will join KWU this fall. “We are so excited to launch the Chopp Scholarship Competition,” said Ken Oliver, KWU vice president of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing. “This is a great way to recognize the unique talents that transfer students bring. We had a great group of applicants for the scholarship, and while we hope many join the KWU family, Katelin distinguished herself throughout the process. We couldn’t be happier to have her join us this fall.” The Dr. Rebecca Chopp Scholarship Competition honors the 1974 KWU alumna who went on to become dean at Yale, the provost of Emory University and the president of both Swarthmore College and Colgate. She would go on to serve as the first female chancellor at the University of Denver, where she served until 2019. Chopp remains DU’s Chancellor Emerita.
McMosley Scholarship Kansas Wesleyan announced March 23 the spring winners of the Bill McMosley scholarship competition, held in a virtual setting during late February. The winners come from four different disciplines and four different Kansas cities. “These four individuals add to our fantastic incoming class,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing. “They
each bring unique gifts and talents to campus, and we look forward to them joining the Coyote pack in August!” The Bill McMosley Scholarship Competition honors the long-time KWU Director of Bands, a stint that ran from 1999–2013, and was heavily involved in other musical events and educational efforts in the region. He passed away in June 2020.
Madeleine Johnson Vocal
Abril Vazquez-Ortiz Theatre
Alexander Rodriguez Debate/Forensics
Katrina Barragree Band
Johnson (Hugoton/Hugoton HS) intends to major in Music Education or Math and join one of KWU’s vocal groups.
Vazquez-Ortiz (Wichita/Wichita Southeast) will major in Theatre and join KWU’s company.
Rodriguez (Chanute/Chanute HS) will be a part of KWU’s debate and forensics program as a Psychology or Political Science major.
Katrina Barragree (Kansas City/ Saint James Academy) will be in KWU’s band and major in either History or Network Management and System Administration.
KWU receives grant to recruit female STEM students
Mac Steele
KWU continues to advance the cause of women in STEM fields. Alumnae like Dr. Meriah (Forbes) Moore ’11 and Dr. Stephanie Milam ’10 show the potential of KWU graduates in these arenas. Now, the university has received a grant from
the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) that will enable a long-term plan to promote KWU Computer Studies to incoming female students. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our university,” said Dr. Annie
Hoekman, Computer Studies department chair. “We were also one of only 18 schools nationally to be a part of NCWIT’s ‘Learning Circles’ program. We have always believed there are wonderful opportunities for women in STEM at KWU, and now,
the future is bright for these programs at KWU!” For more information on NCWIT, visit NCWIT.org.
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Class Notes IF YOU HAVE UPDATES
for class notes, please contact the Advancement Office at (785) 833-4341 or alumni@kwu.edu.
1950s President Matt Thompson talks with the bowling team prior to the team’s departure for the NAIA national championship.
The KWU men’s bowling team won the NAIA Unaffiliated Group Championships on March 7, which propelled them to the NAIA Bowling National Championship in Michigan.
(Ruth) Elaine (Kocher) Fox ’58, has moved to Cheyenne, WY, where she was delighted to meet her neighbors, fellow alumni Allan ’66 and Patsy ’65 Morgan.
Bowling rolls to nationals It was an historic season for the Kansas Wesleyan men’s bowling team, as the squad advanced to the NAIA National Championship with a dramatic win over Midland March 7 at The Alley in Salina. KWU took an early 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and held on, with a spare from junior Nathan Mercer clinching the win in the seventh game. It was the second time in four years that the
squad had advanced to the highest NAIA tournament, but this year’s is special. 2018’s appearance was in the NAIA Invitational, when bowling was classified as an emerging sport by the NAIA. The 2021 event saw KWU finish eighth in the nation. For more information on KWU Athletics, please visit www. kwucoyotes.com.
Commencement 2021 will take place on Saturday, May 15 at 10:30 a.m. It may be viewed at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/kwu/. Montric D. Santee ’12 will deliver the Commencement address.
HOUK NAMED DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT AND ALUMNI AND PARENT ENGAGEMENT Kansas Wesleyan University has named alumna Claire (Massey) Houk ’17, G’21 Director of Recruitment and Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement. Houk enters her new role following several months as the Associate Director of Admissions. In her new position, she will assist with strategy regarding recruitment and admissions processes, as well as helping to manage the day-to-day processes in the admissions office. In addition, she will take the lead on many campus events, both virtual and on-ground
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when possible, and will manage communications to alumni and parents. “This position is an excellent fit for Claire,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing. “She has excelled in her role within admissions and was a key driver in our increased enrollment in the fall. I expect that, moving forward, she will continue to perform at a high level and bring new ideas and vision to this position.” Houk graduated from KWU in 2017, when she was the recipient of
the Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award. While a student, she competed on the women’s golf team, sang in the Philharmonic Choir and Wesleyan Chorale and was a member of the award-winning Alpha Chi honor society. She will graduate from KWU’s MBA program in 2021. “I’m excited to take on this new position,” said Houk. “As a Kansas Wesleyan alumna myself, it will be a pleasure to help foster relationships between fellow KWU graduates. I look forward to seeing the Coyote Pack continue to develop!”
1990s
Kelly Scott Parrson ’91, Menominee, MI, has two children, five grandchildren and his pup. He has a master’s from University of Nebraska in health science. He spent 20 years in the army as a Captain and was wounded in Iraq which sent him into early retirement. He reports he was the World Powerlifting Champion. Mike Trotter ’97 has moved to Melbourne, FL, where he is the Senior Director at Expense Reduction Analysts.
2000s
Wesley DePriest ’02, has moved to La Salle, CO, and is the Operations Manager for All American Oilfield Services. Lisa (Bradford) Fairbanks ’04, moved back to Salina. She is the owner of Wahoo’s Inc. Elizabeth Harns ’05, has moved to La Mesa, CA, where she is the manager of Quality Engineering at Quidel.
Dr. Jamie ’06 and Aaron ’04 Johnson have moved to Westwood, KS. Jamie is an optometrist with Holt Optometry in Shawnee. Dr. Kenneth Baxa ’09, Hoisington, KS, is a rheumatologist at Clara Barton Hospital and Clinics in Hoisington, and has outpatient clinics in Marion and Lindsborg.
2010s
Traves Liles ’15, has been accepted into the Bauer School of Business at the University of Houston. Tracer Paul ’15, of Manhattan, is now the Executive Director at Colbert Hills Golf Course in Manhattan. Jonathan Dewey G’18 finished his specialist degree in the field of education. He is now the Assistant Principal at Pomolita Middle School, Ukiah Unified School District, Ukiah, CA. Michelle Barkley ’18, Saline County’s Director of Emergency Management, recently completed her master’s degree in the discipline from Adelphi University in New York.
In Memoriam Dr. William Lewis Matthew ’51, Olathe, passed away Nov. 10, 2020. Alan R. Zimmerman ’53, Wichita, passed away June 22, 2020. Kaye Pearce ’57, Belle Vista, AR, passed away Dec. 6, 2020. He was also a member of the KWU Board of Trustees from 1994-2000. Patricia Ann (Strnad) Taylor ’57, Pekin, IL, passed away Oct. 5, 2020.
Glenn L. Headley ’58, Salina, passed away Dec. 27, 2020. Dawna (Clawson) Green ’62, Randall, KS, passed away June 16, 2019. Gordon Everett Walle ’62, Tescott, KS, passed away Nov. 1, 2020. Martha (Longwell) Lusk ’66, Topeka, passed away Jan. 24, 2021. John Edward Bowersox ’70, San Antonio, Texas, passed away July 9, 2020. William (Bill) Lumley ’71, passed away Feb. 13, 2021, in Toms River, NJ. David V. Finocchiaro ’72, Lakeland, FL, passed away July 31, 2020. Philip Eugene Ascher ’74, Smolan, KS, passed away Sept. 6, 2020. Charles R. (Chuck) Simms, II ’74, Littleton, CO, passed away Dec. 6, 2020. Joseph E. Snyder ’76, Great Bend, formerly of Larned, passed away Dec. 28, 2020. Albert (Bert) Gagnon ’77, Salina, passed away Jan. 26, 2021. Dr. James J. (Jim) Shafer ’80, Salina, passed away Oct. 7, 2020. Malinda (Mindy) Bunjes Wilson ’82, passed away Feb. 25, 2021. Stephen Eric Chin ’87, Lebanon, IN, passed away Feb. 19, 2020. Patrick Ziegler ’88, Salina, passed away Dec. 28, 2020. Roxane (Sullivan) Russell ’92, Solomon, KS, passed away March 10, 2020. Charles D. Norman ’98, Dighton, KS, passed away July 13, 2020. Sharon (Baxter) Bahr ’04, Tampa, FL, passed away Sept. 27, 2019.
Yotee online store launched
Claire (Massey) Houk ’17, G’21
KWU is proud to announce the launch of Yotee’s Online, a store dedicated to offering the university’s supporters the chance to purchase KWU gear from wherever they are. “For the past several months, we’ve received questions about how supporters and alumni can purchase KWU gear,” said Rhonda Bethe, Chief Financial Officer and head of the Business Office, which oversees Yotee’s. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer this option to help spread the Power of AND across America!” The store launched March 1 and has received numerous orders. Learn more at Yoteeonline.com.
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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit 122 Salina, KS 67401
100 E. Claflin Ave. Salina, KS 67401-6196
INTERESTED IN DIFFERENT WAYS TO GIVE BACK TO KWU?
Refer a Student
Referring a student who chooses to attend KWU for four years is the same as writing a $60,000 check!
Amazon Smile and Dillon’s/Kroger
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Volunteer
Give back by volunteering at a KWU event this fall!
Estate Plan
You can include KWU in your estate planning process. Call the Advancement Office at (785) 833-4341 for more information.
Guest Lecturer
Use your experience to teach the next generation, and serve as a guest lecturer or speaker at a KWU event.
Host Family
The host family program, one of KWU’s most beloved traditions, provides a homeaway-from-home for students.
Stay up to date with the latest from campus at www.KWU.edu/news!
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