Contact Magazine - Spring 2022

K A NSA S W E SLE YA N U N I V ER SI T Y

CONTACT Spring 2022

The next generation of music:

Alumnus Jeff Bieber ’71 helps kickstart Sams Chapel renovation Phase 2 of the $26 million Power of AND Campaign includes a $4.5 million music campaign, which will allow the university to renovate both departmental music spaces and Sams Chapel.

Spring 2022 CONTACT

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2022

A message from

President Matt Thompson Faith, Hope and Love

Kansas Wesleyan University Spring 2022 Contact is the official magazine of Kansas Wesleyan University and is published by the Office of Marketing and Communications.

Managing Editor: Brad Salois Design: Karen Bonar, Theresa Stevens Writing Assistance: Juno Ogle Skylar Nelson ’21 Photo Credits: Karen Bonar Tanner Colvin ’11 Amanda Colgrove ’15, G’18 Diane Dowell Franco Rivas ’15 KWU Athletics KWU Yearbooks and Archives Editorial Assistance: Kris Heck ’20 Vice President of Advancement and University Operations Ken Oliver Send address changes to: Advancement Office 100 E. Claflin Ave. Salina, KS 67401 alumni@kwu.edu (785) 833-4392

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On March 12, I received a phone call that reminded me what’s truly important. Rev. Nathan David Stanton ’91, a member of the Board of Trustees, passed away that morning.

I lost a friend. Kansas Wesleyan lost a great alumnus who affected so many lives. The Great Plains region of the UMC lost a champion, and a family lost a beloved son, husband, father, brother and uncle.

The Scriptures tell us in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “Three things will last forever — faith, hope and love — and the greatest of these is love.”

In my nine years as president, I have met many individuals with a deep love of Kansas Wesleyan. It is rare, however, to possess the combination of love and community, with a true empathy to the challenges of others. That was Nathan Stanton's entire ethos. His understanding of bringing people into community, of sharing the love of God and reaching people across all divides was unparalleled. Nathan knew that faith could bridge differences, that it could bring people together and that, by showing God’s love to our world, hope could explode into a soul that had lost it. That's why campus ministry was one of his passions, and the deepening of our relationship with University United Methodist Church (see page 17) will be part of his legacy.

Nathan, of course, was part of an extensive legacy at KWU, led by Rev. Dr. Marshall P. Stanton, his father and former university president and trustee. After his 1991 graduation, Nathan went on to pastor four United Methodist Churches, including Wichita Saint Mark, a historically Black church. He spent more than eight years in UMC administration at the Great Plains Conference, where he led programs that formed new congregations and supported those already in place.

In all that he accomplished, and in the countless individuals whose lives he touched, he never forgot KWU. His funeral was held March 18 in Sams Chapel, and individuals from across the state and region reached out in the aftermath of his passing.

Nathan was one of the giants on whose shoulders our future is built, the future of a community that produces faith (in its many forms), hope and love. This is a community that believes in more, not only for Kansas Wesleyan but for each other. It believes in the very idea of AND; that is, that there can be more for the human soul and the human experience. It embraces each other for our differences, not just in beliefs, skin color or societal constructs, but for the differences that comprise our very spiritual beings. This is what faith, hope and love can generate. We are deeply fortunate to live in community with people like Nathan, who believe in these traits, possess them and share them with so many.

Exciting things are happening at Kansas Wesleyan, and you’ll read about a number of them in this issue. As you do, however, please don’t forget about faith, hope and love. We have them here at KWU, thanks in part to people like Nathan Stanton. I hope you have those attributes in your life as well, and that you share them with those around you, to encourage others and build a community that cares. That's what Nathan did. May we all be inspired by his example.

All the best,

Matt Thompson, Ph.D., President and CEO

The Contact Magazine is printed by Consolidated Printing.

Contact Consolidated for all your printing needs!

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The Power of AND Campaign

KWU’s largest comprehensive campaign ever!

$26 Million

G OAL $21.2 million Pledges and cash (in hand) raised

$4.8M Left

$5.2M Phase 2

$2.9 million

Raised toward $4.5 million Music campaign

$16M

Phase 1

The KWU Power of AND Campaign will involve each phase of the new strategic plan (see pages 18-19) and will dramatically change the future of our institution. Whether it’s Fine Arts, Athletics, facilities, activities or campus infrastructure, all sections of KWU life will be touched by these efforts! Learn more at KWU.edu/powerofandcampaign.

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ALUMNUS LEADS EFFORT TO REVITALIZE SAMS CHAPEL F

ond memories of performing Handel’s “Messiah” in Sams Chapel are one reason Jeff Bieber ’71 is spearheading an effort to revitalize the music experience at Kansas Wesleyan University.

“The ‘Messiah’ was very moving,” said Bieber, who majored in English and business. “There were so many elements involved. It was not only the KWU choir, but it included individuals from the community, students from Bethany and musicians who played in the Salina Symphony.

“We would pack Sams Chapel for two performances. It really felt powerful.”

KWU performed the Messiah annually near Christmas. It was part of the Salina Community Chorus from 1965 until the early 1970s.

Bieber, who grew up in rural Colorado, immersed himself as a student at Kansas Wesleyan, where he was an early example of the Power of AND. “Singing in the choir, being editor of the Advance university newspaper, participating on the track team and golf team, serving on the student council … all of these experiences broadened the scope of my education and, I believe, assisted me in the development of my leadership capabilities,” said Bieber, a longtime Board of Trustees member who served as chairman from 2019-21.

These memories are at the heart of his recent $3 million gift, which helped kick off Phase 2 of the Power of AND Campaign. The KWU Music program will receive $1.5 million of the gift; $500,000 will help fuel the Community Resilience Hub, KWU’s curriculum surrounding climate change; and the remaining $1 million will help fund a third major project, unannounced at press time.

“Each year that I served as a

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trustee gave me more and more understanding that KWU was definitely key in preparing me for later life,” he said. “The trustee experience has also continued to grow my commitment and love for KWU. What in life is more important than developing young minds to go out into the world and achieve great things?”

The portion allotted to the music program will help fund improvements to Sams Chapel.

Additional plans for improvements to the Music Department include completely gutting and renovating the current music classrooms, offices and practice spaces in order to fully revitalize them.

“The gift solidifies Wesleyan’s commitments to the arts,” Bieber said. “It gives students activities besides athletics to search for their interests and capabilities.”

Upon graduation from KWU, Bieber went to work for Deere and Company. He was assigned to visit John Deere dealerships in Missouri, eastern Kansas and eastern Nebraska.

The John Deere brand was one familiar to Bieber. His father owned a John Deere dealership in Cheyenne Wells, CO, where he grew up.

“One day my father called and announced that he was ready to retire and asked if I would be interested in purchasing the dealership,” Bieber said.

He and wife Martha lived in Kansas City at the time, where she taught nursing.

“I didn’t ever think I’d go back to my little hometown. But when you start working for a big corporation, you start at the bottom,” Bieber said.

“I was putting about 90,000 miles a year on a company vehicle and spending four nights per week in a motel. It wasn’t the best life for a newlywed couple.

“It was a tough decision for us to make. We had a life in a big city. But

Courtesy photo Jeff Bieber ’71 with his late wife, Martha. Bieber said he has fond memories of performing the “Messiah” in Sams Chapel during the Christmas season; he performed in the choir and Martha played with the orchestra.

we finally decided to do it; it’s been a fun ride ever since.”

The transition from employee to

owner yielded a new set of obstacles.

Yet Bieber said he felt equipped to tackle the challenges.

Photos by Tanner Colvin ’11

KWU music performs during the Homecoming 2021 concert in Sams Chapel.

“Each year that I served as a trustee gave me more and more understanding that KWU was definitely key in preparing me for later life. The trustee experience has also continued to grow my commitment and love for KWU. What in life is more important than developing young minds to go out into the world and achieve great things?”

— Jeff Bieber ’71

“In general, I believe the classroom experiences I had, plus the roles in extracurricular activities, built confidence to accept the challenge of leadership,” he said. “The communication skills I developed at KWU were of great assistance in employee management and customer interaction. It takes confidence to sell very expensive, large pieces of farm equipment and also to assure the customer that you can provide high quality service and support for that equipment.”

While the skills served through his professional career, Bieber said he probably wasn’t a model alumnus.

“I would attend a Homecoming now and then and would give when I felt I could, but my commitment to growing my business was a much higher allegiance than KWU,” Bieber said.

It was about seven years ago at homecoming when friend Kent Lambert ’72, trustee emeritus, broached the topic of becoming a trustee.

“I was introduced to President Matt Thompson and was impressed with his steadfast leadership and loyalty to KWU. That’s when I made

the decision to become a trustee,” Bieber said.

While on the board, he served as its chair from 2019-21. During the latter portions of that time, KWU began work on a strategic plan.

“These efforts to solidify and grow KWU’s future are very exciting, and the potential to be successful is gratifying,” Bieber said (see pages 1819 for additional information). “It is a commitment to bringing success to Kansas Wesleyan 10 to 15 years down the road. This committee that was put together really worked hard at discovering what our strengths are, what our weaknesses are, what our challenges are.

“The meeting last year included about 60 people. It was a combination of administration, faculty, trustees, individuals from the community and foundation board members. It was truly a collective effort to put together this long-range plan.”

Developing a long-range plan is essential, he said, and pointed to the statistic that in Kansas, there is 1 college for every 26,000 people,

compared with the national number of 1 person to every 70,000 in the population.

“We know that small colleges are struggling financially,” Bieber said.

“It’s a necessity to be sure that we can survive. We need to be sure we are going to be successful in the future.”

This is where the improvements to Sams Chapel come in.

“The new entry will make a really grand entrance, not only for students but for visitors who come to hear music presentations,” Bieber said.

“Expanding the stage is important, too.”

Bieber’s late wife, Martha, who was a Marymount College graduate, played the bassoon in the Salina Symphony, so the gift honors her love and music legacy, as well.

“I have deep feelings within me to give back, not just as an alumnus but also to leave KWU in a position to continue its 135-year legacy,” Bieber said. “I think back to the exhilarating feeling I would get when helping perform Handel’s "Messiah," along with my late wife Martha. Our gift to KWU will help the arts program live robustly for years to come.”

By Karen Bonar

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Gus and Hannah Applequist gift $500,000 to music campaign The Music program at Kansas Wesleyan University was a blessing for Gus and Hannah Applequist. It was on the stage in Sams Chapel where Gus ’14 first saw Hannah ’16, and it’s where they performed in a multitude of ensembles — both vocal and instrumental.

This spring, the couple is contributing $500,000 to KWU’s campaign for music, which will renovate and improve Sams Chapel and Music Department spaces.

They previously made a $10,000 donation to update equipment for the Communications Department. The current $500,000 gift, which marks the first major donation for the couple, will help improve the practice space on the first floor of the Music Department.

“I’m most excited about a large percussion room and practice rooms that are properly soundproofed,” Hannah said. “We never had soundproofed practice rooms.”

As a student, she was strongly encouraged to participate in other musical performances in Salina. In 2012, she joined the pit orchestra for "Les Miserables" at Salina Community Theatre.

“They needed a timpani player, and I played percussion,” Hannah said. “I had never really played timpani before; I didn’t know how to read the notes.”

It was during that experience when she met Dean Kranzler, the director of percussion ensemble at KWU. After some time spent learning and practicing, she was invited to substitute in the percussion section of the Salina Symphony.

“They approached me after the concert and said, ‘Can you just stay in the section from now on?’

Now they’re my second family,” Hannah said.

A graduate of Golden Plains High School in Rexford, Hannah said she didn’t intend to pursue music in college. She planned to explore becoming a vet tech at a community college; that changed when faculty from KWU visited her high school.

“They came to my school toward the end of my senior year and had me play drums for a couple songs,” Hannah said.

She was challenged to consider a different major and explore music at KWU. “The Wesleyan campus was approachable,” Hannah said. “I came from a small school. There were 12 kids in my class. While the campus was bigger than I was used to, it was still an easy transition for me.”

For Gus, attending KWU wasn’t exactly on his radar. A Salina native and 2010 graduate of Salina Central High School, he had plans to experience college outside of his hometown. Gus enrolled and attended university in Chicago briefly.

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Photo by Karen Bonar Gus ’14 and Hannah Applequist ’16 are pictured March 4, 2022, in the music department.

“I spent the summer before my freshman year of college working at a Bible camp in Nebraska.

When I arrived in Chicago, it was too hard of a transition,” he said. “I got there, and the sun doesn’t really set because of the glow of the city, and there was a plane flying over every 90 seconds.

I made it a week total before I went home.”

He explored local options, but wasn’t optimistic because it was nearly a month into the semester.

Yet, because he played with the Salina Symphony and was a familiar face to KWU’s music faculty, he was encouraged to enroll at the university.

Wesleyan gave the couple the opportunity to be in many different musical groups. While Gus wasn’t originally interested in choir, he joined to spend more time with Hannah.

“I joined choir so I could go on choir tour with you guys,” Gus said to Hannah. “It was one of the best decisions I made in college, honestly. I think choirs are unique. In orchestra, we are all playing together, but in choir, everyone has to breathe together.”

“It syncs your heartbeat and rhythm. You feel like one instrument,” Hannah added.

The duo went with 30 choir students, faculty and staff for a European tour in May 2014, with stops in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria.

The opportunity to meet and mingle with alumni during tours, both domestic and international, left an impression on Gus. “You meet alumni and stay in people’s houses

and realize the effect the music has on them,” he said. “It was really life-changing.”

Immersion in Salina’s performing musical arts has been part of the couple’s relationship from the beginning.

“This isn’t out of the blue for us. We’ve supported music in Salina for a long time,” Gus said. “We’re supporters of the Salina Symphony, The Stiefel Theatre and Theatre Salina and believe in their missions, as well.”

He graduated with a bachelor’s in Business Management and has been a member of KWU’s Foundation board since 2020. Gus was also the recipient of the 2021 Alumni Service Award.

Hannah graduated with a degree in Music Performance, and teaches percussion at her studio, Applequist Percussion Studio, in downtown Salina. Gus used his business acumen to start Fili Creative, a Salina company that handled production work on KWU's recent commercial (see page 12), among many other recent regional projects. They continue to play with Theatre Salina, Salina Symphony, KWU and Everyday Lights, a local folk and Americana band.

Supporting improvements for the KWU Music Department was the natural next step.

“This is a vote of confidence for music at Wesleyan, but also for the Salina community,” Gus said. “We want to see the Salina music community grow and develop and unify.”

By Karen Bonar

ALUMNUS CONTINUES SUPPORT OF KWU SCIENCES Dr. Dave Fancher ’64 and “Gang of Eight” rally to provide cutting-edge equipment for next generation of KWU students “If you’re coming here to teach, I don’t want you. I want someone who’s going to make this university great.”

Those words, spoken to Dr. Dave Fancher ’64 by former Kansas Wesleyan President Dr. Paul Renich, helped inspire decades of loyalty and generosity to KWU. Fancher’s most recent $250,000 gift to KWU’s sciences is but a drop in the bucket of what he’s contributed over the years. With his fellow alumni, known at KWU as the “Gang of Eight,” he has driven support of the sciences, athletics and even the building of the Student Activities Center, which opened in 2008.

Fancher’s time at KWU began when he walked onto campus as a freshman in 1960. Initially set on taking advantage of the 3+2 Engineering program partnership between KWU and Kansas State University in Manhattan, which would have allowed him to earn degrees from both universities, he studied math and physics.

“Seeing the quality of education that I was getting — plus, at the time I came in, there were five others that came in from small Kansas towns who also majored in physics — I just decided, ‘I’ll stay here four years and graduate,’” he said.

Those fellow physics majors would go on to become some of Fancher’s closest friends and comprise the Gang of Eight. In addition to Fancher, the group includes the late Paul Beckman ’64, Dr. Kent Cox ’65, Larry Frutiger ’64, Nadim Haddad ’65, Dr. James Harvey ’64, Gary Scoggan ’64 and Dr. Ed Temple ’64.

“One of the things that was important in getting our group together is that we had a physics club, and we did lots of activities, went on several trips with Dr. Charles Creager,” Fancher said. “One of the many stories that I have about that is when we went to the University of Denver. While we were there we went to the Garden of the Gods.

“It’s an impressive area with some

Gang of Eight Paul Beckman ’64 Dr. Kent Cox ’65 Dr. Dave Fancher ’64 Larry Frutiger ’64 Nadim Haddad ’65 Dr. James Harvey ’64 Gary Scoggan ’64 Dr. Ed Temple ’64

interesting rock formations; one of their most impressive ones is called ‘The Kissing Camels.’ I always thought it would be fun to climb up them, so Kent Cox, Jim Harvey and I decided to go over there and start climbing. Dr. Creager almost had a heart attack.”

Over the years, the Gang of Eight traveled throughout the United States, visiting physics labs at universities across the country, such as the University of Denver, University of Oklahoma and Southern Methodist University. As they traveled, KWU alumni all over the country welcomed them into their homes.

Another professor who played a part in bonding the Gang of Eight was Dr. N. Paul Stucky, who would take students on trips to Mexico.

There, they would camp out in an old school bus, which included a stove for them to cook on. They spent their nights in sleeping bags under the stars.

Following his graduation, Fancher himself earned a doctorate in solid state physics, then returned to Kansas Wesleyan in 1969, this time as an educator.

It was that same year that KWU hit a rough patch in its history. With threats of low enrollment due to the Vietnam War and layoffs on the horizon in 1970, Fancher worried his new position at KWU was in jeopardy.

Fate was on his side. In 1971, Dr. Creager left KWU, and Fancher was able to retain his position as an educator and, on two separate occasions, served as academic dean.

Photo by Karen Bonar Dr. Dave Fancher ’64 speaks during the dedication of the Stucky Optics Lab during Homecoming 2021. Fancher and a group of his fellow students, dubbed the “Gang of Eight,” helped raise funds to improve the sciences on KWU’s campus.

He was in KWU’s employ for 15 years.

He never forgot Dr. Paul Renich’s charge of making the university great or the friends he made at KWU. During their 40th graduation anniversary, the Gang of Eight was given a tour of Peters Science Hall.

“We go back into the storeroom, and we’re looking at the equipment, and this is the same stuff we had when we were here, and it was old then,” he said. “That really got me involved back in Wesleyan again — that need to say, ‘I want these students to have better equipment.’”

Fancher, along with the Gang of Eight, played a large role in the fundraising for updated science facilities at KWU, which includes the N. Paul Stucky Optics Lab, dedicated during Homecoming 2021, and the Creager Physics Lab, both named after the prominent professors in their KWU education.

“I just started calling and writing letters to former students and faculty,” he said. “The process snowballed and became even better than I expected.”

The group raised more than $100,000 for the lab in Dr. Creager’s

name.

“He played an important part in our whole group, not only teaching the classes but also advising us on next steps,” Fancher said.

Their time and energy quickly reaped rewards. Following that first year of fundraising, in which they garnered $750,000, KWU’s biology professor at the time contacted Fancher, letting him know that the classroom equipment had helped two students recently land jobs.

Joining him in these generous endeavors is his wife, Patty, a graduate of Marymount College, who has also shown significant commitment to KWU. “As we’ve come back over the years, she’s met the current faculty and been very impressed with them and President Thompson and Ken Oliver,” he said. “She’s felt strongly about donating money for a scholarship.

“Anything that I think is helpful for Wesleyan, I want to get involved in. I left a lot of blood, sweat and tears here — about 15 years worth.”

By Skylar Nelson ’21

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Learn More About the KWU Foundation and many ways to give back to KWU!

GIFTS OF STOCK OR SECURITIES

ENDOWMENT

Contributing securities that have appreciated in value is often more helpful than gifts of cash! Stocks and bonds that have increased in value, when sold, can result in a taxable capital gain. Capital gains taxes significantly reduce sale proceeds, and donating stocks like these can help avoid this penalty.

$

$46M

$

$41M

$

$34M $32M

$31M

$ 2018

Those donating may also receive a charitable income tax deduction for the market value of the gift, as valued on the date it is transferred to KWU’s account.

As always, consult your financial advisor before making such a gift.

Number of endowed scholarships offered

$

RETAINED LIFE ESTATE

$ 2019

2020

2021

Projected 2022

BEQUESTS Gifts made through a will or trust, called bequests, enable you to retain control of your assets during your lifetime. For many KWU alumni and friends, a commitment to include KWU in a revocable will or trust is the most effective way to make a major gift commitment.

No matter your decisions, your will should be prepared with the help of an attorney and reviewed regularly.

$

LIFE INSURANCE

$ $

186

Fall 2018

189

Fall 2019

192

Fall 2020

200

Fall 2021

Gifts of life insurance enable you to make a substantial future gift by making small premium payments over time. You may change the beneficiary of an existing policy, or you may purchase and donate a new or existing policy and transfer ownership to the KWU Foundation. If you choose the latter, the contract’s value and premiums may qualify for an income tax deduction.

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Endowed scholarship recipients currently hail from 13 different states!

You may transfer ownership of a personal residence or property to the KWU Foundation, and still retain the right to use the property during your lifetime. Because you transfer ownership of the property to the foundation, you receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction.

In most cases, you continue to be responsible for maintenance and property taxes, but you benefit from the deduction and eventual lowering of estate taxes and probate costs.

10% 17%

Endowed 45% Assets 28% PERMANENT ENDOWMENT - UNRESTRICTED: The endowment distributes 4.8% of its earnings annually to KWU for general operational support.

PERMANENT ENDOWMENT RESTRICTED: The endowment distributes 4.8% of its earnings annually to KWU for specific needs determined by the donors.

QUASI-ENDOWMENT: Annual earnings above the 4.8% annual distribution are moved to the quasi-endowment to be used at the discretion of the trustees for special projects or capital needs.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarship funds make education more affordable for approximately a third of all KWU students.

5%

Judy Bauer ’73

BAUER ’73 GIFTS ESTATE TO KANSAS WESLEYAN Kansas Wesleyan received a new gift toward its Power of AND Campaign, as the estate of the late Judith (Judy) Bauer ’73 has been donated to the university. The gift is valued at nearly $300,000, the majority of which will go toward KWU’s music campaign.

“Like so many alumni, Judy Bauer had fond memories of her time at Kansas Wesleyan,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of advancement and university operations. “She was an active, engaged student and wanted to provide opportunities for others to have similar experiences. We are thankful for her gift and her remembrance of Kansas Wesleyan.”

During her time at KWU, Bauer was an Eisenhower Scholar and member of the Social Guidance Committee. She invested a great deal of her time in the Home Economics Club.

In fact, she was state treasurer of the Kansas Home Economics Association. She went on to settle in Oklahoma, where she retired from Avis Rental Car in the Tulsa area. Judith passed away in early 2021.

Bauer’s gift moved Kansas Wesleyan to more than $2.9 million announced toward the $4.5 million music campaign goal.

Inaugural Strings Day features Stein family members

Dr. Leonardo Rosario, KWU's director of strings, directs the combined strings orchestra.

Edmund Stein, left, and Rudoph Stein, right, perform in the KDOT Auditorium (former Marymount Fine Arts Auditorium) on Feb. 11.

Photos by Tanner Colvin ’11

On Feb. 10, KWU and the Salina Arts and Humanities Horizon Grant program teamed up to host the inaugural Salina Strings Day! Students from local high schools and KWU had the opportunity to learn from and play with nationally known musicians Rudolph and Edmund Stein. The Steins are the sons of the late Eric Stein, longtime director of Music at Marymount College and founder of the Salina Symphony.

Local high school and KWU students perform at Strings Day.

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Department of Music the focus for Phase 2 of the

Power of AND Campaign Music has always been an integral part of the Kansas Wesleyan experience. Whether it has been Christmas by Candlelight, student-led singing groups, the Philharmonic Choir and its tours or one of the many concerts provided, KWU is a place that embraces the heart of music. Now, the university will move one of its most beloved spaces into a new era.

The university announced Feb. 16 that Phase 2 of the Power of AND Campaign will include a $4.5 million music campaign. This will allow the university to renovate both departmental spaces and Sams Chapel, an effort that will include the construction of new faculty offices, practice rooms and a lobby and entrance specific to the chapel itself.

“Sams Chapel has been the soul of the campus for more than 90 years,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU president. “Virtually everyone who has come through campus since 1926 — when the chapel was dedicated — has memories of that space. By renovating the chapel, we will allow it to flourish for a new generation and to be a space for our community. We will do this while respecting its history, legacy and everything it means to our university.”

KWU has received nearly $2.9 million toward its goal of $4.5 million for music. The university is more than halfway to its overall campaign goal of raising $26 million by June 2024.

In Phase 1, which began in June 2019, KWU greatly increased its overall number of scholarship opportunities, with a focus on Nursing, Fine Arts, Business and the sciences. Included in those new opportunities were the Central Kansas and Ad Astra scholarships, which focused on students from Kansas and, more specifically, certain counties in the central part of the state. Thanks to the support of the Jack and Donna Vanier family, a third opportunity — the Saline County scholarship — helped KWU invest in students from its home county.

The university’s endowment grew to $45 million, nearly twice its size at the time of President Thompson's inauguration nine years

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Courtesy rendering An architect’s rendering of the music educational space in the lower level of Sams Chapel.

ago. Capital improvements included the Nursing Education Center, KWU’s first new, on-campus education facility in 50 years. The university also invested in other capital improvements, including residence hall renovations, new labs, remodeled classroom spaces and energy-saving initiatives throughout campus. The total capital improvement investment exceeded $10 million during this time.

“The support we saw during Phase 1 of this campaign has been fantastic,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of advancement and university operations. “Continued work throughout our campus will enable us to better serve students through improving both their practical and educational experiences. The music campaign is a tremendous example of that philosophy.”

The campaign ties in to KWU’s long-range strategic plan in numerous ways. That plan is based upon four principles: Integration, Stewardship, the Coyote (student) Experience and Holistic Academics. Each area is covered within Phase 2 of the Power of AND Campaign.

TOP: Longtime trustee and Alumni by Choice recipient Emily-May Richards enjoys the presentation and unveiling of phase 2 of the Power of AND Campaign on Feb. 17 at the Salina Country Club. MIDDLE: Stan Razak ’73 visits with fellow attendees at the kickoff event. BOTTOM: KWU supporter Donice Applequist (right) was among supporters who attended the evening to learn about the improvements planned for the Music Department.

Courtesy rendering An architect’s rendering shows the exterior of the addition that will be added to the south end of Sams Chapel. It will provide additional space for students, as well as an elevator and restrooms. Along with the addition, the interior of Sams Chapel will be renovated, as will practice space, classrooms and faculty offices on the first floor (see architect’s rendering, below right).

“As a faith-based institution, we are called to be good stewards of the gifts given to us,” said Oliver.

“This campaign will ensure that one of our crown jewels, Sams Chapel, will be strong for generations to come. It will provide a different type of energy to our campus life, increase community resources for the arts and improve KWU’s ties with Salina overall. We are also confident that the renovation and creation of new music department spaces will provide practical experience for our students, thereby increasing our holistic academic environment.”

Photos by Karen Bonar MIDDLE: Salinan Mike Money discusses his parents’ experience with KWU’s Music Department. ABOVE: The Howl of Kansas Wesleyan Pep Band performs at the kickoff.

To give to the Power of AND Campaign (Sams Chapel), visit www.kwu.edu/give or call (785) 833-4342.

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Marketing efforts continue to expand KWU maintains traditional marketing strategies while expanding to new platforms Kansas Wesleyan’s marketing continues to reach heights never before seen, but the university’s marketing strategy does not act alone.

“Our marketing strategy and planning has worked alongside our enrollment strategy,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of advancement and university operations. “We believe we can move the university forward in central Kansas, first and foremost, and that is where many of our efforts have focused. We have, however, also worked in the remainder of Kansas, as well as contiguous states, to develop relationships that can help promote the name and successes of KWU.” One of the highlights of the university’s recent marketing efforts was this year’s KWU commercial.

Two students, Elizabeth Schaefer and Sispako Vehikite, provided the voiceover and Fili Creative, a company that includes four KWU alumni, completed production.

The spot has run roughly 160 times throughout the region since Dec. 31, including 10 times on NBC Wichita’s (KSN) Super Bowl Sunday coverage and several others during that station’s Winter Olympics programming. KWU also was the exclusive sponsor of KSN’s medal count, which was a nightly feature on the channel’s news programming that included a KWU voiceover and logo.

“To have an ad run on Super Bowl

Screen shot of one of KWU’s television ads.

Sunday was a coup for KWU,” said Brad Salois, director of marketing and communications. “One of our goals this year was to put KWU in front of more people than ever before, and major sporting events is one of the best available avenues to do that.”

The university has also used the commercial to reach into new markets, including the Joplin, MO. media market, which reaches several counties in Southeast Kansas.

KWU’s ads in that area included spots on the Jan. 23 Chiefs/Bills game, Feb. 12’s Oklahoma/Kansas basketball game and March 17’s primetime coverage of the second round of March Madness.

“Southeast Kansas has been a difficult market for us in the past,” offered Oliver. “By working with

Here are some places where you can see KWU’s marketing in the coming months! More partnerships and agreements are added regularly.

April 21, 27: "The Late Late Show" — KBSS, Salina* KWU will run a commercial on the Salina signal for KWCH, CBS’ Wichita affiliate. The ad will run both April 21 and 27.

12 CONTACT | Spring Spring 2022 2022

stations in the Joplin market, we hope to deepen our pool of inquiries and thus, use our improvements in other areas — both on-campus and in our pre-enrollment communication — to draw additional students.”

The university has also pursued growth in digital advertising. KWU ran four separate campaigns on Hulu early in the year — another university first — and has utilized Spotify for much of its audio-related advertising in 2021-22.

Finally, print has remained an integral element of its strategy, but its usage has changed. KWU has helped promote "The Magazine," a regional publication focusing on happenings in Saline County and the immediate area. The university has also used a quality relationship with

April 30: Eisenhower Marathon — Abilene The university will serve as a sponsor for the Eisenhower Marathon, located in Abilene. A KWU banner will appear on course, and the university’s logo will be included on all the runners t-shirts!

May 7: Kentucky Derby Pre-Race KSN, Salina* KWU’s commercial will run on KSN’s Salina signal during the pre-race coverage of the Kentucky Derby.

Main Street Media, a conglomerate based in Russell, to place ads in numerous, smaller papers throughout Kansas and Nebraska.

“While large-scale newspapers are continuing to shift to digital — or are simply consolidating or dying out — small-town newspapers remain an important part of Americana,” said Salois. “Local news is needed, and for many of these communities, weekly newspapers like these provide the main way to get it.”

Efforts continue to plan KWU’s marketing ventures for 2022-23.

Look for more information on social media and KWU.edu as partnerships and agreements are reached.

“We have approached marketing from two sides,” said Salois. “Digital and streaming methods are often best for the recruitment of students, although there are some exceptions.

After all, parents and grandparents — who still use print, traditional TV and terrestrial radio — influence college decisions! The other side of the coin is friendship, or community, marketing. That is, how we share our story with supporters, friends, alumni and the community, who may or may not have a stake in future students. This is the sharing of KWU’s name, message and mission with as many people as possible. This sets KWU up for success not only now, but in the future. It’s another way that we build our legacy and further KWU’s strategic plan.”

May 29: Indianapolis 500 KSN, Salina and Hays/Great Bend* KWU will have commercials during the Indianapolis 500 on the KSN signals for both Salina and Hays/Great Bend.

Rolling Hills Zoo KWU is proud to continue its affiliation with the Rolling Hills Zoo, an important regional non-profit, by sponsoring select events.

The university is expected to have a table at each event, in addition to social media mentions and possible signage.

KWU’S ALUMNI RELATIONS HAS TAKEN A NEW, EXCITING STEP FORWARD, HELPED BY SEVERAL FAMILIAR FACES Hannah Holt ’14, G’16, Salina radio personality and the 2021 KWU Young Alumni Award winner, is now KWU’s alumni engagement representative. In the part-time position, Holt will assist with major events, help schedule area socials and work with the alumni council at its regular meetings.

Holt is a fixture in the Salina community, having not only been on the air with Meridian Media (and its predecessors) since 2015, but also having worked with numerous non-profits in the region. Her work with the United Way is well-known in the region — Holt has gone as far as to solicit donations while on the roof of a local restaurant in winter. She was the 2021 Heart of Gold recipient from the Love, Chloe Foundation, as well.

She continues her work with Meridian Media.

In addition, Michelle Dolan, director of development, stewardship and alumni, has taken on the leadership role in day-today alumni communications and relations. Dolan spearheads the university’s relationship with the Alumni Association and will work hand-in-hand with the alumni council on a regular basis.

Claire Houk ’17, G’21 continues to assist with the Parent and Family Association, and Kre’tien Webb ’18, G’20 has moved to a newly created position, regional representative for admissions and alumni. Webb’s

“With these four leading the way, our alumni relations are in great hands.”

Hannah Holt ’14, G’16

Claire Houk ’17, G’21

Michelle Dolan

Kre’ Webb ’18, G’20

territory will be the Kansas City area.

“Alumni relations is about energy, passion and devotion, and these four individuals have shown those qualities time and time again,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of advancement and university operations. “Few people have more passion for Kansas Wesleyan than Hannah Holt. Her ties in Salina will help us take our community relations to even greater levels, and her presence will bring new energy to our university events. We also credit Michelle Dolan for her hard work in our day-to-day communication with alumni. Building relationships is a critical part of engaging those who

— Ken Oliver, VP of advancement and university operations have graduated from KWU, and there are few better at that than Michelle. We’re also thankful for the hard work of Kre’ Webb, who will help us move the university forward in the Kansas City area, and for Claire Houk, whose leadership and dedication has helped her offices thrive during COVID-19.”

KWU plans to use the talents of these individuals to grow alumni relations in new and exciting ways, including more annual alumni events. The focus will remain on Homecoming and Spring Alumni, Family & Community Weekend, but other events will be added as well. In addition, special events are being discussed for each age group: seniors, young alumni and families.

These could eventually include trips overseas or to locations such as Las Vegas or Disneyland.

“With these four leading the way, our alumni relations are in great hands,” Oliver said. “I look forward to seeing everything they accomplish!”

The university is in the second year of its sponsorship of the pancake tortoise exhibit, which helps support that particular animal and includes signage at the exhibit’s location.

Meridy’s Restaurant, Russell KWU is included on placemats given to each customer at this restaurant, located just off I-70 in Russell. More than 75,000 were used during 2020-21!

May/July/August: Safari Breakfast August 13: Run for the Hills (5K, other runs)

KWU is currently in the midst of agreements with State Theatre (Larned), Dream Theatre (Russell), Sherman Theatre (Goodland), Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (Wichita) and USD 305 (Salina) for promotion and/or sponsorship.

Wichita West High School The university is one of a handful of schools — including Emporia State and Wichita State — featured on window wraps in one of the school’s classrooms.

1886 administration building.

KWU releases historical video tour In the midst of unprecedented growth, Kansas Wesleyan is taking a look back at its past. The university has launched a new video historical tour, available on YouTube and the university’s website.

“During the past few months, many of our communications have focused on the idea of legacy,” said Brad Salois, director of marketing and communications, whose team managed the project. “This video is built on the same principle. By looking at the construction history of KWU, we remember the hard work, dedication and commitment that’s made our university what it is today.”

The tour breaks down the history of KWU by building, leading with the early administration building that would become known as Lockwood Hall. Numerous individuals from KWU and the Salina community provided the voiceovers, scriptwriting was completed

by Kris Heck ’20, and the video editing process was done by Tanner Colvin ’11.

To view the tour in its entirety or chapter by chapter, visit www.kwu.edu/ historicaltour.

In addition, the university continues to have billboards in Lyons (Mile 130.15 of KS 14), Hutchinson (Mile 242.4 of KS 96, Mile 237.29 of U.S. 50), Concordia (Mile 201.2 of U.S. 81), Salina (Mile 87.45 of I-135), Moundridge (Mile 46.58 of I-135) and Wichita (2518 E. Douglas, 1001 E. Murdoch). * = Local TV signals are available over-the-air and through selected regional cable providers. For example, KSN’s Salina signal is accessible through Cox and via over-the-air methods.

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SPRING ALUMNI, FAMILY & COMMUNITY WEEKEND THURSDAY, APRIL 21 9 a.m.—7 p.m.

6:45 p.m.—7:15 p.m.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 22

9:30 a.m.—2 p.m.

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6:45 p.m.—7:15 p.m.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 23 8 a.m.

8:30—10:30 a.m.

10 a.m.

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10:30 a.m.—noon 11 a.m.

Noon—3 p.m.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 24 11 a.m.

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Art Gallery Student Exhibition/Senior Showcase | The Gallery Musical Performance Reception | North Lobby, Sams Hall of Fine Arts Sugar (Spring Musical) | Sams Hall of Fine Arts — Fitzpatrick Auditorium | $ Tickets available online or from KWU Music Department Office | (785) 833-4528

Alumni Weekend Headquarters | Hauptli Student Center in SAC Art Gallery Student Exhibition/Senior Showcase | The Gallery Alumni College | KWU campus Visit classrooms and attend a lecture by our professors.

Campus Tours | Meet in the Student Activities Center KWU Campus Picnic | Bevan Green | $ 7x7x7 Lecture Series | Peters Science Hall 201 Seven speakers, seven minutes each and seven different topics Campus Tours | Meet in the Student Activities Center Athletic Practices and Fine Arts Rehearsals Best of KWU Reception | Vanier Lobby, PSH Best of KWU Student Presentations | PSH 201 Musical Performance Reception | North Lobby, Sams Hall of Fine Arts "Sugar" (Spring Musical) | Sams Hall of Fine Arts — Fitzpatrick Auditorium | $ Tickets available online or from KWU Music Department Office | (785) 833-4528 KWU Student Glow Tiki Bash | Bevan Green KWU Social | The Library — Sports Bar & Grill | $

KWU Volleyball Alumni Tournament | Mabee Arena & Muir Gymnasium Alumni Weekend Headquarters | Hauptli Student Center in SAC Campus Tours | Meet in the Student Activities Center Lilac and Geranium Sale hosted by KWU Women’s Auxiliary | The Bevan Green | $ Prayer Brunch | Hauptli Student Center in the SAC | $ KWU Tennis Conference Match | Salina Country Club KWU Photo Booth | SAC & Graves Family Sports Complex Alumni Council Meeting | Backstrom Conference Room Campus Tours | Meet in the Student Activities Center KWU Softball Game | Salina South High School Softball Fields KWU Spring Football Game | Bissell Field/Graves Family Sports Complex The Garage — Museum | 134 S. 4th St. Salina | $ KWU Family Activity at the Alley (Bowling, Video Games, etc.) | $ Scholarship Gala | The Hilton Garden Inn | $ Guest of honor — Honorable William P. Graves ’76, former Kansas Governor

UUMC Church Service | University UMC featuring the KWU Philharmonic Choir KWU Baseball Tailgate | Bethany College, Lindsborg Sugar (Spring Musical) | Sams Hall of Fine Arts — Fitzpatrick Auditorium | $ Tickets available online or from KWU Music Department Office | (785) 833-4528 KWU Baseball vs. Bethany | Lindsborg

$ = cost associated with this event

For a complete listing of all Spring Alumni, Family & Community Weekend events, visit

www.kwu.edu/springweekend |

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2022 Night with the Yotes Sees Great Success The 11th annual Night with the Yotes was held on Friday, Feb. 18, at The Temple in downtown Salina, and it was a rousing success! A record-breaking $125,000 was raised in support of athletics and fine arts.

Trustee Emeritus Randy St. Clair ’66 (Gerald Lilly Award) and Ryan Showman ’04 (Randy Bemiss Award) received the evening’s special commendations.

Photos by Tanner Colvin ’11 LEFT (TOP): Supporters gather at the Night with the Yotes fundraiser, which was held at The Temple for the first time. LEFT (BOTTOM): Randy St. Clair ’66, left, was the recipient of the Gerald Lilly Award. ABOVE: Bidders participate in the silent auction.

Kansas Wesleyan University

COMMENCEMENT | 2022

May 14, 10 a.m. | Tony’s Pizza Events Center | www.kwu.edu/graduation2022

Spring Spring 2022 2022

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Coyote AthletiC Corner The Coyotes went into the spring season leading in their bid for a third straight kCaC Commissioner’s Cup, a feat never before accomplished!

WoMen’s boWling

Women’s Bowling was one of the final four teams competing at the NAIA National Championships, contested March 24-26 in Grand Rapids, Mich. The Coyotes dropped their opening round matchup, but came all the way through the loser’s bracket to reach the final four before losing to the eventual national champion (SCAD Savannah). The finish was the program’s best (men’s or women’s) at the national championships.

T Men’s volleyball Wrapped up its inaugural season at the Great Plains Athletic Conference tournament in late March. The Coyotes earned the first win in program history Feb. 8 in McPherson, beating Central Christian College in straight sets.

Men’s basketball Advanced to the NAIA Tournament for the first time since 2007 and defeated #19 Indiana-South Bend in the opening round! The win was sparked by five Coyotes in double figures, and was just the second NAIA Tournament victory in program history. The Coyotes’ 23-11 record was their best since 2006-07.

Four starters and four of the top five reserves are expected to return.

The winter also saw Tabetha Deines, Stephanie Martinez, Eryk Kyser and Kalil Murphy qualify for nationals in indoor track. Deines led the way, as she became a three-time 16 CONTACT | Spring 2022 All-American with an eighth-place finish in the 1000-meters.

ed

ry

KWU Announces Increased Ties with University United Methodist Church Kansas Wesleyan has announced multiple steps designed to better its relationship with University United Methodist Church (UUMC) that will enhance the university’s campus ministry programs.

Rev. Nick KWU will provide a grant Talbott to UUMC that will pay a portion of Rev. Nick Talbott’s compensation. In turn, Talbott will expand his role in KWU’s campus ministry program and become the official campus pastor. He will be one of two KWU ministers, joining fellow local Methodist minister Scott Jagodzinske.

“Rev. Talbott has helped spearhead portions of

our host family program, along with driving the increase in campus ministry programs,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU president. “We’re thrilled to welcome him as an official part of the pack."

This change continues the recent growth of KWU’s Campus Ministry programs. The university, for example, has an assigned chaplain for each activity and athletic program.

“Spiritual development has always been a critical part of the KWU experience,” said Dr. Thompson.

“Increasing our campus resources in this area has been a goal for some time, dating back to a 2018 Campus Ministry Visioning committee that was driven, among others, by James ’77 and Charlotte Nelson. We're thankful that so many have prioritized this critical campus need.”

KWU has also moved its Campus Ministry offices

to UUMC, helping centralize these resources for students.

Taking the next step!

Scenes like these don’t happen accidentally. It takes hard work and everyone working together to help nurture the environment. In the spirit of KWU’s Community Resilience Hub, here are some things you can do to help the environment.

Plant a tRee. KWU has earned Tree Campus USA distinction for three consecutive years.

RedUCe, ReUSe, ReCyCle. KWU is implementing additional recycling on campus.

USe long-laStIng lIgHt bUlbS. KWU made significant changes in 2020-21 to reduce water usage and implement LED lighting in most campus locations.

Spring 2022

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Spring 2022

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Just show up.

These three words, wisdom imparted to a 21-year-old college graduate who just moved to New York City, helped land Christian McQueen ’18 a role in the North American Tour of “Anastasia The Musical.”

“I remember that Michael Spicer and Karen Babcock Brassea said, ‘Go to everything. Even if it’s early, even if you think you won’t get seen, go to every audition. Just show up.’”

The advice from Spicer, the executive director of Theatre Salina (then known as Salina Community Theatre, or SCT), and Babcock Brassea, KWU theatre professor who has acting and directing experience in New York, Chicago and Europe, paid dividends. But not immediately.

“I would not be on this tour right now if I didn’t go to my very first audition,” McQueen said.

The first audition he attended in 2018 was a casting call for a national tour of "Fiddler on the Roof."

“I would never be in that show, but I showed up,” McQueen said.

He sang 16 measures of his prepared musical piece.

“The casting director sits back in the chair and said, ‘You’re totally wrong for the show, but if you want to work on your song for a little bit, I can give you some pointers.’

“That never happens. He had me sing through my song two more times and gave me pointers and tips. He completely went out of his way to help me out.”

McQueen was not cast for that show.

“I thought it was the last time I would ever see that man in my entire life,” he said.

“Two years later, he emails me out of the blue. This guy remembered me from casting and kept my information on file.”

The project didn’t pan out, and two additional years passed.

“I haven’t seen this man face-to-face in four years, but he remembered me from that very first audition,” McQueen said.

“He said, ‘I am casting the national tour of "Anastasia," I would love for you to audition.’”

McQueen submitted an audition tape.

“He said, ‘The creative team wants you in the show, they really like you,’” McQueen said. “If I didn’t go to that first audition, I wouldn't be where I am today.

“I don’t know what has happened in the last five months, but the universe opened up. I am so blessed. I know a lot of this is hard work and staying consistent and

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McQueen ’18 reaches new heights in touring Broadway production

persevering through adversity. It is nothing but the universe and God at work.”

In the past three years, McQueen continued to work as an actor in regional productions or smaller shows around the country.

Upon graduation from KWU, McQueen moved to New York City. When the COVID-19 pandemic closed most of the country — including the performing arts — McQueen said he wasn’t sure if he could stay the course.

“The pandemic was very hard on the arts. I have friends who are exceptionally talented, and they left the city,” McQueen said. “I can’t tell you how many times during the pandemic I thought, ‘Maybe it’s time to go find something else.’

“I thank God every day that He allowed me to stay through this pandemic.”

As a member of the ensemble, he gets to portray a variety of characters, including Czar Nicholas II, former emperor of Russia, and Count Ipolitov. During the play, Ipolitov sings “Stay, I Pray You,” which is a farewell to the family’s homeland.

“I had a very emotional moment when I was singing it,” McQueen said of a performance in the fall. “There was a little girl sitting in the front row. The song begins a cappella, and I could overhear the conversation she was having with her mom. She said, ‘Mom, why is he sad?’

Throughout the entire song, the mom was explaining to the daughter what being a refugee is — what it means to have to leave your home.

“That is the purpose of art — to have these beautiful conversation that many families should have. It was beautiful how the child asked and the mom took the time to explain to the child exactly what was going on. That’s the reason we do what we do … I got to witness it first hand.”

In addition to expressing life through art, McQueen said he is working to sharpen his professional skills.

“I’m trying to learn as much as I can from the other actors,” McQueen said.

“Everybody in this show is stunning. The level of talent … is beyond what I ever expected it to be. I'm so grateful to be part of this.”

While he is a member of the ensemble, McQueen is also training to be an understudy for Gleb, the primary antagonist in the play.

“You get to shadow another actor and learn everything you can from them,”

Christian McQueen ’18 performs in Tuck Everlasting at the former Salina Community Theatre in 2018.

Photo by Karen Bonar

McQueen said. “Brandon Delgado is about six years older than me. He’s so knowledgeable and wise, every time I talk to him, I learn something new.”

On the morning of March 6, McQueen learned he would be performing the role of Gleb that afternoon.

“It went better than I could have imagined. Everyone was supportive,” McQueen said. “It’s your job as an understudy to be prepared to step in when asked.”

When he took the stage as Gleb, McQueen made history as the first Black man to perform in that role in a Broadway production.

“I never thought I would break a barrier like that, but it is nice to be recognized,” he said. “Representation matters. People seeing someone like me singing music like this helps them think they can do this.”

The tour, which began in November 2021, runs through August 2022.

“I’m so grateful to have had my time in Kansas. I would not be where I am today if it were not for the people I met along the way,” McQueen said. “I know a lot of people are coming to see the show in Omaha. I’m looking forward to seeing everybody, because it’s been awhile since I’ve been in Kansas.”

His Kansas experience centered around Kansas Wesleyan University and the Salina community.

“I didn’t even know where Kansas was on the map before I came for a campus visit,” McQueen said. “As most students do, I fell in love with the campus, the people, and fell in love with everything it meant to be a Coyote.”

A native of Southern California, McQueen said his original plan was to play football at Kent State in Ohio.

During a football combine, however, a coach noticed him.

“Coach Matt Drinkall (former KWU football coach) made me feel like I was the only person in the entire world,” McQueen said. “I felt coach genuinely cared about me as a person, not just a football player.”

In addition to football, he participated in choir during high school.

“Most of my coaches in high school were like, ‘That’s a waste of time,’” McQueen said. “They would tease me and poke fun at me.”

When he was being recruited by coach Drinkall, the topic of choir came up.

“Here was a college coach asking if it was something I was interested in. I

said, ‘I am,’” McQueen said. “Without skipping a beat, he said, ‘That’s awesome.’ It was not the reaction I was expecting.”

McQueen was introduced to the director of choirs, who also encouraged him to become a Coyote.

While his original plan was to study physics, that trajectory was short lived. Early in his freshman year, he opted to depart from the science track.

It was during that year when the KWU Theatre department was putting on a production of “Godspell.”

“It absolutely changed my life,” McQueen said. “Up to that point, the only thing that had given me fulfillment was football. Being on stage was possibly the most fulfilling moment of my life. It gave me the rush of life. Being on stage, performing, telling a story and moving people with my art — that is what moved me.”

Spicer cast McQueen in the production.

“It’s not just his talent, which is considerable, but also his personality and his ability to work with a lot of different people, and to work hard,” Spicer said.

While he appeared on stage at KWU, he also appeared in productions at the SCT, including “Into the Woods” (2016), “In the Heights” (2017), “Tuck Everlasting” (2018) and “Mama Mia” (2018).

“I think the real hook for him was when we did “In the Heights.” He played Benny in that and was just stellar,” Spicer said. “That’s when he began to develop an interest in pursuing this as a career.”

McQueen said his junior year was pivotal in his desire to pursue acting. He received support and encouragement from all sides.

“The last symphony teacher pulled me aside and said, ‘You’d be spitting in our faces if you didn’t at least try [acting as a profession].’ President Thompson pulled me aside and gave me encouragement.

It felt like everyone at Kansas Wesleyan had my back,” McQueen said.

He also approached Babcock Brassea, who joined KWU as a professor in 2015, with questions about working as a theatre professional.

“I remember his sophomore or junior year he sat down and said, ‘Do I have what it takes to make it?’” Babcock Brassea said. “I said, ‘I don’t know. I think you’re talented, but do you have what it takes to be rejected? Do you have what it takes to get up day after day

when you’ve been rejected several times in a row? To keep auditioning?”

He worked with several directors at the Salina Community Theatre, including Babcock Brassea, Michael Spicer and Vickee Spicer.

“There is nothing better than a patient coach. Someone who recognizes your potential and will take his time and show me what I could be,” McQueen said. “Michael Spicer was always patient with me, even when I was fresh and just learning. I’m so grateful I had him. I would not be where I am today if it were not for him.”

Spicer said SCT staff have encouraged students throughout the years to follow their acting dreams.

“We were all very honest with him about his gifts and talents. Where his strengths were and where he would be more challenged,” Spicer said. “We encouraged him to move forward.”

Guidance from the community and within the classroom provided diverse perspectives.

“When Karen showed up, she was so excited, which got me excited,” McQueen said. “Karen was always trying to bring out the best in me.

“I think the biggest thing is everybody believed in me, and there is nothing stronger than the power of belief. When people believe in you, you feel like you can do anything. I’m grateful I had people who believed in me, because there were times that I didn’t believe in myself.”

A Kansas Wesleyan alumnus and a familiar face from the SCT stage being on a national Broadway tour is exciting to those back in Salina.

“It’s thrilling to know our folks are out there, that it is possible,” Babcock Brassea said. “It’s a time of building your reputation and continuing to grow as an artist.”

Spicer described the tour as a stepping stone for McQueen.

“It’s a great step to being seen nationally and by people who can represent him and help his career at a higher level,” Spicer said.

For McQueen, being able to travel the country as an actor at the age of 25 is exciting.

“I’m so grateful to be where I am,” McQueen said. “I’m working with Broadway directors and producers and choreographers. I’m meeting people I would have never imagined. I know this will only breathe more life and greatness into my career. I’m only getting better by the day.”

By Karen Bonar

Spring 2022

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KWU Debate and Forensics Wins School Record 9 National Championships

M

arch was a month to remember for head coach Kiefer Storrer ’13 and KWU’s Debate and Forensics team.

The squad competed in two states, traversed much of the Southeastern U.S. and competed in person for the second time this season, taking part in Pi Kappa Delta’s national championships (PKD, Orlando, Fla.) and the National Christian College Forensics Invitational Elizabeth (NCCFI, Lynchburg, Va.).

Schaefer The team’s response to its busy schedule? Winning nine national titles, all of the varsity variety, which sets a new school record.

“This has been a challenging month, but what a month it’s been for our program,” Storrer said. “For many of our debaters, this was their first inAbby person nationals, and our team Wray

truly rose to the occasion. With our nine titles and other honors, I believe this will be a season that our program will remember for many years to come.”

Abby Wray (Wichita) and Elizabeth Schaefer (Lyons) led the way for the Coyotes, winning three national titles apiece. Schaefer and Wray became the third and fourth individuals in program history — joining Megan (Kline) Yates ’19 and Dakota Yates ’18 — to win three or more varsity national titles in a single season.

Wray captured the national title in Interviewing and, alongside Savannah Bonilla (Salina), Parliamentary Debate at Pi Kappa Delta’s national tournament. She went on to win Program of Oral Interpretation at the NCCFI tournament and was also named a Pi Kappa Delta All-American, an honor based on Debate success, academic honors, ethics and service. Wray is the third Coyote to receive PKD Varsity All-American laurels, joining Autumn Zimmerman ’19 (2019) and Meriah (Forbes) Moore ’11 (2011).

Schaefer, meanwhile, earned top honors at the PKD tournament in Dramatic Interpretation and Prose before winning Prose Interpretation at the

“I believe this will be a season that our program will remember for many years to come.”

— Head Coach Kiefer Storrer ’13 NCCFI meet.

Bryce Boyd (Oklahoma City) was KWU’s other standout, winning Extemporaneous Speaking at NCCFI for the fourth straight year. Boyd also won that event at PKD, giving him six varsity national titles for his career. That ties Dakota Yates for the most in program history.

Finally, the Coyotes were the top team in the middle division (based off number of entries) at NCCFI, adding one more national title to their resume, and Storrer was elected to PKD’s at-large council, where he will represent KWU in service to the organization.

KWU Debate and Forensics has now won 67 national titles, including both varsity and junior varsity/novice, since 2006.

KWU Dominates State DECA Meet for Fifth Consecutive Year Kansas Wesleyan’s DECA team continued its impressive winning streak at the recent state meet, held Jan. 28 at Tabor College in Hillsboro. It was the fifth consecutive year that KWU finished as the top team in the state.

This year, KWU matched up against the likes of the University of Kansas, Fort Hays State University, Tabor College and Cowley College.

Overall, the team earned first place in 11 of the 14 total events in which it competed. Students had the opportunity to compete in either individual or team (duo) events. In those events, KWU took 24 of the 26 possible medals.

The winning group was composed of 13 teammates – seven returning competitors and six newcomers.

“I love seeing my returnees continue to perform at the highest level; somehow, they just keep getting better,” said Dr. Trish Petak, DECA coach and associate professor of Business and Accounting. “What’s most impressive about this team is their positive attitude and trust in

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my leadership. I shook up partners and had them branch away to mentor two newcomers, and I’ve also recruited some very strong students to simply give DECA a try.

All earned medals and gained some confidence.”

DECA presents students with real-time business problems and/ or opportunities, and students present possible solutions to a judge. Students select specialized events in areas such as: accounting, entrepreneurship, hospitality, management and marketing. They’re provided a case, and individuals are given 30 minutes to prepare their solution, whereas teams are given 60 minutes to prepare theirs.

The DECA international competition will take place in Baltimore, Md. from April 9-12, where more than 1,000 students from around the world will also be competing.

This publication went to press before the competition. To see results, visit www.kwu.edu/news.

2022 DECA state results:

Individuals: Karley Benson (Garden City, Kan.) – first place, Restaurant and Food Service Management; first place, Hotel and Lodging

Teams: Maddy Beckett (Halstead, Kan.) and Alexis Utz (Kansas City, Kan.) – first place, Business Ethics; first place, Event Planning

Matthew Freriks (Stinnett, Texas) – third place, Marketing Management; third place in Sales Management Meeting

Courtney Beers (Olathe, Kan.) and Linda Himes (Texarkana, Ark.) – second place, Business Ethics; second place, International Marketing

Taylor Lang (Hutchinson, Kan.) – first place, Retail Management Brian Nelson (Jamestown, Kan.) – first place, Financial Accounting; first place, Managerial Accounting Paige Welk (Laguna Niguel, Calif.) – first place, Sales Management Meeting

Trey Duffey (Topeka, Kan.) and Connor Waltz (Niceville, Fla.) – first place, Sports and Entertainment Marketing; first place, International Marketing Ryann Kats (Prairie View, Kan.) and Emily Monson (Cheney, Kan.) – first place, Marketing Communication; second place, Business-to-Business Marketing

Photo by Karen Bonar Dr. Meredith Drees discusses projects with students in her Leadership class in Spring 2022. Drees, the chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy, returned to her full load of classes after battling stage 4 cancer.

PROFESSOR PREVAILS AGAINST CANCER It might sound strange to some, but Dr. Meredith Drees says she was actually glad she had cancer.

Drees, chair of KWU’s department of Religion and Philosophy, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2021 after troubling mammogram results. A biopsy confirmed the cancer, and the following MRI showed it had spread to her sternum. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, which is often a terminal diagnosis.

“My oncologist explained this is different from being stage 4 and having it all through your organs,” she said. “It was one metastasis. It still says that on the paperwork, a stage 4 but a curable stage 4, they said.”

She underwent chemotherapy, which was rough on her body.

“It really just knocked me clear down. I got to the point where I couldn’t move and I even had some convulsions. I could not eat. That was intense,” Drees said. “But then I would always clear up within about a week. I had a week to recover, and then they’d do it again.”

After four rounds of chemo, she was to have 12 rounds of Taxol, a drug used to treat several types of cancer. She had to end that treatment early due to an allergic reaction, however.

Even with that setback, Drees received some good news when surgeons removed the tumor.

“There was not any cancer in the margins around the tumor. They removed the tumor, but

there was still some in my lymph nodes,” she said.

Radiation treatment was next, with extreme doses across her chest, “bombing” the spot on her sternum where the cancer had spread. The radiation gave her second-degree burns.

“But I made it. And after that they said, ‘OK, right now you’re cancer-free,’” Drees said.

During her treatment, Drees taught her classes virtually, but in October was able to return to the classroom. Her students prepared a welcome with doughnuts and balloons.

“That was one of the most powerful moments of my whole life, really, walking into that classroom — the idea that I could be back again and that life could go on,” she said.

And life is moving forward. Her book, “Aesthetic Experience and Moral Vision in Plato, Kant, and Murdoch: Looking Good/Being Good,” based on her graduate research, was published in August. She finished the final edits of the book during her treatment.

“I don’t know how I did that, looking back,” she said.

Along with her Christian faith and the support of her husband, family in her native Hill City and the university, Drees said her life coach was a big help in getting through her treatment.

She had begun working with him a few years ago to help her balance teaching, working on the book and other aspects of her life.

“We talked about limiting beliefs and that if

you’re having a situation, you could respond to that situation in a positive or negative way. We kind of have the power to create our own reality, and that connects with a lot of my philosophical studies,” she said.

Her coach continued working with her — free of charge — during her treatment.

“He had me in this positive place the whole time, I was determined I was going to be OK. I will go on and have like a rebirth after this,” Drees said.

She also worked with a naturopathic oncologist as part of her medical team and credits him with her recovery. She now eats organic foods and uses organic cleaners and cosmetics.

“I actually feel better than I’ve felt in years,” she said. “I have a lot of energy. I’m exercising every day. I have five classes, and I’ve got a bunch of new opportunities that are coming together.”

Her experience has also given her a different outlook on life and the experience of others.

“I would say I have a lot more gratitude. I try to focus on that,” she said. “I really am glad I went through something that helps me relate more to other people who have gone through things like that. It’s not the same as everybody else’s, but it’s a trial that I’ve had to overcome. Now, maybe I can better appreciate things that other people are having to go through and overcome.”

By Juno Ogle

Spring 2022

CONTACT 23

Fiscal year 2020-21 & 2021-22 through 2/15/2022

PIONEER PARTNERS ($25,000+) Roy and Donice Applequist Philip E. Ascher Trust Earl Bane Foundation Jeff ’71 and Martha* Bieber Margie Bieber ’71 Anonymous Dr. David ’64 and Patricia Fancher Great Plains Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church John and Mary H. Hart Foundation Barbara A. Hauptli ’54 JRI Investments/Jason and Lisa Ingermanson The Land Institute Patricia Marietta ’71 Jerry ’59 and Margaret ’61 Norton Dale C. Olson Estate Salina Regional Health Foundation Darwin L. & Delma M. Sampson Fund C & R Schauf Foundation Schmidt Foundation Steve ’65 and Jewelda Scofield St. Francis Ministries McDowell (Mac) Steele Verna E. Tombaugh Estate Jack and Donna Vanier Family

LOCKWOOD CIRCLE ($10,000–$24,999)

T. W. ROACH CIRCLE ($5,000–$9,999)

Gustaf ’14 and Hannah ’16 Applequist Barbara Arensman-Snyder ’53 Lee ’65 and Marla ’64 Beikman Lila Berkley Richard and Leah Blanchard The Rev. Victor ’66 and Eileen ’64 Calcote Bruce Culley Fred and Sarah Hays Kent ’72 and Pat Lambert Robert Loyd ’68 Mahaska McCune Foundation Robert Meyer ’73 Miller Family Charitable Trust NAIA National Center for Women & Information Technology Jeffrey ’85 and Darlene Nicholson Emily-May and James Richards #ABC Joy ’58 and Leo Schell Teresa ’88 and Darrell Schultz Randy ’66 and Mary Ann St. Clair Verla Nesbitt Joscelyn Foundation

BCBS of Kansas Foundation David Branda ’76 Martin ’66 and Wanda Brotherton Carlene Childs Andrew ’64 and Linda Deckert Max Dewey ’60 Senators Robert* and Elizabeth Dole Kenneth ’63 and Janet ’64 DuBois Pauline Eaton ’49 Ken and Karen Ebert #ABC Dean Ellison ’80 and Mary Ann McElligot Nadim ’65 and Sally Haddad ++ Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation KWU Alumni Association Marshall Family Foundation/Larry and Barbara Marshall Donald and Cheryl ’68 Monaghan Bob ’71 and Pat ’69 Murray Stephen ’73 and Lorraine ’74 Richards S & B Motels, Inc/Stan and Ursula Weilert Gary Scoggan ’64 Marlene Selden ’55 Patsy ’94 and Steven Stockham White Raven LLC/ Kevin and Rhonda Young, Lee and Christine Young, Royce and Donna Young Zimmerman Family Foundation/Mark Zimmerman and Dr. Carolyn Hofer-Zimmerman

SCHUYLER CIRCLE ($2,500–$4,999)

Ginny Bevan ’56 with Bob Murray ’71 at the Pioneer Society Social on Oct. 16, 2021.

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Bennington State Bank John Betterson ’69 Dale ’59 and Susanne Bradley Dr. Robert ’66 and Patricia Bruchman Wade Carter CAD Law/Charlie Ault-Duell ’05 Phil Coleman ’68 Dianne Fahring ’74 First Bank Kansas Focus on the Future Foundation Steve and Pat Freemyer Darlene Harris-Lindsley ’55 James ’64 and Marva ’65 Harvey Dr. William McCreary ’69 Dr. Patricia Ann Michaelis ’71 James and Eileen Moon ’66 Barbara Marshall Nickell Jeanette Otto Jane ’80 and Brady Philbrick Mary ’58 and John Quinley Kevin Reay ’11

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 and university operations at (785) 8334342.

Photo by Karen Bonar

Trustee Emeritus Kent Lambert ’72 (left), Stan Razak ’73 and Kathy Razak ’70 (right) at the Pioneer Society Social on Oct. 16, 2021.

Betty ’51 and Charles Rudasill Wayne Schneider #ABC Morrie and Sydney Soderberg Daniel and Jessi Stang ’81 The Rev. Dr. Marshall and Janice Stanton Dr. Matthew and Jennifer Thompson Vivian and Lee Velasquez

STANTON CIRCLE ($1,886–$2,499) Judy Joyce Calcote Dr. Rebecca Chopp ’74 and Frederick Thibodeau Dr. Kent ’65 and Adrienne Cox Robert P. ’69 and Micaela Gibson George Gish Hometown Disposal, Inc./Bob Butts Marilyn ’68 and James Kirk Barbara Livergood A. Wayne Lowen and Brigid Jensen-Lowen David Martin ’65 James ’57 and Karen ’81 McClain Steven and Pamela Michel Dr. Paul ’66 and Karla ’65 Peters Lorrayn Pickerell ’72 Patricia ’12 and Gordon Reimer Martin ’72 and Cynthia Ruegsegger Ryan Mortuary/Stephen Ryan William Salmon ’57 Richard ’69 and Sarah ’70 Short Kenneth Stephenson R. Estelle Wade

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Douglas ’92 and Jandrea ’89 Blumanhourst Philip ’71 and Linda Bowman Richard and Joyce Brown Dr. Pete and Rosie Brungardt Camperland of Oklahoma LLC Dr. J. Marc ’75 and Victoria Carpenter Wayne Chauncey ’67 Dr. Yuan and Grace Chiang Clark, Mize & Linville, Chartered The Rev. Charles ’70 and Sharon Cooper The Rev. Harold Cooper ’59 Marshall ’62 and Sandra Crowther Diane ’73 and Addison Davis Diabetes and Wellness Clinic LLC Disabled American Veterans Thomas ’73 and Dr. Mary Nell Duell Ent Credit Union Jerome ’82 and Cynthia ’83 Fassler Larry ’64 and Janis ’65 Frutiger ++ Betty Garrison Dr. Frederic ’62 and Carolyn Gilhousen Joann Goldstein Michael ’84 and Wendy Gonzales Dr. Charlie and Pat Grimwood #ABC Eric ’64 and Mollie ’63 Haberer The Rev. Duane Harms Michael ’82 and Shauna Hastings Kristin Heck ’20 Dr. Sean ’93 and Kim ’01 Herrington Delma Hitchcock ’57 Brian ’63* and Pat Hogan Lloyd Holbrook ’59 Dana Howerton JAE Electric/James A. Reed Dr. Karen ’68 and Gerald Johnson Jerry Jones and Dr. Kathleen Barrett-Jones Kansas Independent College Foundation Marlene Lee ’61 Will Lynch The Rev. Bruce Marshall ’60* and Janice Rundle Marshall ’61 Colette McMosley

Bryan ’65 and Dee ’68 Meall Julie Sager Miller and Mark Miller Bryan and Peggy Minnich Earl Montgomery ’63 The Rev. Wayne and Norma Montgomery Byron ’72 and Sandy ’73 Norris Ken and Michelle Oliver Kaye ’57* and Barbara Pearce Nick ’68 and Regina Petron Joel and Patricia Phelps Robert ’58 and Karen ’58 Pinkall C. Bruce ’75 and Linda Preston Kay Quinn ’84 Michael and Susan Ramage Stan ’73 and Kathy ’70 Razak Thomas ’71 and Janet Renich Martha Rhea Mark Ritter ’02 Chet Ross ’52* Kay ’64 and Max Russell Dr. John ’70 and Rosemary Sachs Stephanie Scheck Jack Sheahon ’74 and Anita Huntley Eugene ’60* and Glenna Sheets Larry ’78 and Joy Smith Mark and Lisa Speer Bert Stevenson ’66 Sunset Properties/Pat and Linda Bolen John and Chrissy Swagerty Mike Tacha ’63 Justin Taylor ’16 The Rev. Glenn ’74 and The Rev. Dianne Tombaugh Dr. Clifford ’51 and Jo Trow Cary and Phyllis Tucker Richard ’74 and Shirley Warner Barry ’10 and Lisa Weis J. W. Welch ’72 Wilbur Development LLC/Tom and Marlis Wilbur Charles ’70 and Nancy Williamson Weimer Family Charitable Foundation Marc Wingo ’01 Donald Wismar ’66

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 #ABC Denotes Alumni by Choice recipient ++ Includes Employer Matching Gift Spring 2022 CONTACT

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Alumna contributes to NASA’s newest space telescope

Dr. Stefanie Milam ’02 is pictured in front of a portion of the JWST in the clean room at Northrop Grumman 26California.

CONTACT | Spring 2022 in

While Dr. Stefanie Milam’s latest project will reside a million miles above the earth’s surface, her collegiate roots are firmly planted at Kansas Wesleyan.

“I worked with and have known a lot of people in my career path who have gone to prestigious schools and come from long lines of professional scientists,” said Milam ’02, the James Webb Space Telescope Deputy Project Scientist for Planetary Science at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. “Sometimes I would get flack for going to a small school. My career is a demonstration that education is what you make of it. The education I received at Wesleyan benefited me in a way I could not have gotten at other institutions.”

On Dec. 25, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) launched from Kourou in French Guiana. It is NASA’s latest telescope to launch and was completed in conjunction with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). NASA worked on the JWST, while the CSA provided some instrumentation and the ESA provided the rocket for launch.

The launch was more than three decades in the making (the JWST project began in the early 1990s), but the launch was only one portion of the JWST’s journey. Once deployed in the rocket, the JWST required several steps to be considered “fully deployed.” First, the sunshield unfolded. Next, the secondary and the 18 gold mirrors that comprise the telescope unfolded. These first critical steps were complete on Jan. 8.

“It took a long time to get to this point,” said Milam, who has been working on the project for 10 years. “It’s exciting now that the deployment is done, and we can focus on the instruments and getting the science started.

“We even turned on one of the instruments and saw images!”

The alignment of the mirrors, which could take up to three months, has begun.

“We have to take each one of those segments — they move independently — and we move them to make the images look like one,” Milam said. “It’s a very

long process.

“We also have to make sure the optics to each of the four science instruments are also aligned. Once the optics are all set, we start testing and calibrating the instruments themselves so they are ready for science!”

The target is to begin full operations from the telescope in summer of 2022.

“There’s not a lot of overlap with Hubble as far as capability (of the JWST),” Milam said. “Hubble is an optical telescope. It sees light and color the way we do. It’s sensitive to what the sun is omitting.

“Webb is looking at the heat from objects. It’s a thermal telescope. It’s studying tiny heat signals from the distant universe. It’s also sensitive to different kinds of chemistry that Hubble cannot study in any kind of detail, including wavelengths we cannot study from the ground at all. That is why we have this telescope, why we’re sending it a million miles away and why it is an infrared telescope.”

Milam’s work on the telescope included the ability of the JWST to track objects in the solar system and ensure there was capability to study our nearest neighbors.

“If we want to observe solar system objects, we have to track them with the telescope,” she said. “Objects in the outer solar system, like Pluto, move really, really slow, making a giant telescope track it is fairly easy to do. When you look at Mars, it moves really fast across the sky, especially when it’s close to Earth which is when we observe it.

“It gets even more challenging when you think about asteroids or even comets who come into the solar system from the outer solar system. Making sure we can do science on those types of objects was a very high priority for me.”

In addition to tracking objects in the sky, the JWST will also be able to study the chemistry of solar system objects as well as planets around other stars.

“By looking at the atmosphere (of other planets and moons), we’ll get a sense of what kind of the composition and how things like weather or geologic processes

affect the chemistry,” Milam said.

“We can see what the plumes of gas are that come out of the surface (of big moons). Does it look like ocean water or does it look like magma?

What is it, what is the composition?

More importantly, once these geysers spew out, does it freeze on the surface and alter the surface composition?

When looking at other planets, we want to know if they have water in their atmosphere. If they have water, do they have other molecules similar to Earth’s atmosphere?

“The composition of exoplanet atmospheres are extremely interesting and what we really want to study.

JWST will give us clues on what objects to do follow-up work with. ” The information gathered will help shape future space telescopes and missions.

“As we were building the James Webb, we tried to take into consideration all the potential for science opportunities, to make sure it is fully capable,” Milam said. “And that's just (the science) we know.

There will be things that come up that we don’t know. That will be one of the fun innovations of this telescope.

“When Hubble launched, it wasn’t capable of studying objects in our solar system. We didn’t know exoplanets were a thing. We didn’t know how far back in time Hubble could see. It took clever scientists thinking and other discoveries to push the capabilities with Hubble.

What's even cooler is to think about what the James Webb can do that we don’t even know yet.”

In all, the telescope cost NASA $9.66 billion. The lifespan of the JWST will be limited by the volume of fuel on board. Originally, Milam said the fuel was slated to last for 10 years.

“We had such a beautiful launch that it looks like we can sustain operations for more than 10 years,” she said. “It will be determined once we get into orbit. The preliminary calculations suggest it could be closer to 20 years. That's probably the best news we’ve gotten from preliminary review.

“It’s amazing to think of the discovery space that will open up over the next 20 years.”

Launching a project of this magnitude was a long, complex and often tedious process. As an infrared telescope, a shield is necessary to

Dr. Stefanie Milam ’02 is pictured with a small-scale version of the James Webb Space Telescope.

block any light or heat from the sun. The result is the cold side of the shield, where the telescope resides, is in excess of –380 degrees Fahrenheit.

“We overtook the test chamber that was used for the Apollo missions,” Milam said. “We refurbished it and made it cold and like the environment where JWST will be.

We practiced focusing the mirrors and turning on the instruments and using them in those conditions. If something went wrong, we asked, ‘Why?’ and ‘How do we fix it or prevent it from happening again?’

Then we tested it again.

“Everything we did up until launch was to be sure we would not have to service this observatory.”

At 1 million miles, the JWST is more distant from the Earth than the Hubble (340 miles) or the moon (239,000 miles). It is in orbit at a gravitational point with the Earth and sun, rather than around the Earth.

The JWST will always remain on the anti-sunward side of Earth in order to block thermal energy from the sun, Earth and moon.

“We have never sent astronauts that far into space,” Milam said.

“This is well beyond the moon. It is not easily accessible with current

technology, especially if you want to come back. Even a robotic mission to service this telescope has not been developed yet.

“If an instrument dies in the next five years, there is no way to access it. We knew it was going so far away that we had to test everything that we knew could fix it remotely.

On Hubble, instruments are in compartments. An astronaut could unlock it and pull it out and replace it. We don’t have that capability.

Each instrument was integrated one at a time, is a tangle of cables and hardware, is mounted on the back of the mirror on the cold side of the telescope and is concealed and protected. The cold side of the telescope is so cold that if anything came near it that had a rocket, that fuel or any gas from that emission would freeze onto the surface of the telescope and contaminate it.”

The JWST was originally conceived to look deep into space, and Milam said it is important to have these tools.

“It’s the nature of humanity. We are explorers. We want to know,” Milam said. “We want to know how the universe began. Studying what happened beyond the Big Bang and

Courtesy photos

how we came to be is something this telescope will start to address.

“We want to know if there is another earth out there. We want to know if there is potential for life beyond our own planet. We want to know how black holes evolve.

These are exploration questions. It’s discovery, innovation, challenges.

“The more we learn, the more we realize we don’t know. Every question that gets answered leads to more questions.”

Now that the telescope is fully deployed and in its orbit, Milam and her team are working with the commissioning team to get the observatory ready for science.

“Now, it’s getting through the next five months, fingers crossed, everything works, the instruments turn on, the mirrors are aligned, we are able to track objects,” Milam said. “I was working at STScI (Space Telescope Science Institute) the day the first image came in and it was fantastic to see photons coming from and observation with the observatory!

“The most exciting part for me will be the moment we get our first science data. I’m still anxiously awaiting that huge moment.”

By Karen Bonar

Spring 2022

CONTACT 27

Bessie (Green) Burbridge, 1917-22 Notable Early Black Female Student

1900 Dr. Caroline (Carrie) Matson, 1906 KWU’s First Female Administrator

After graduating from KWU, Carrie was hired as a Latin instructor and taught from 1907 to 1930. She served as KWU’s first female administrator, Dean of Women.

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Kansas Wesleyan University records hold limited information about her attendance and graduation. After attending KWU, she was one of the first instructors at Salina’s Dunbar Grade School, 1922-23.

Anne (Curphey) Brown, 1923 First Woman to Lead a United Methodist Church National Board Anne was elected general secretary of the Methodist Board of Missions in 1964, becoming the first woman to head a national board or agency in the United Methodist Church. Kansas Wesleyan awarded her an honorary doctorate in 1966.

Anne Hudson, 1925 First Recorded Black Graduate Agnes was a lifelong Salina resident who dedicated her life to teaching. A large portion of her teaching career was spent at Dunbar Grade School, Salina’s segregated school. She taught there from 1927 until the school closed in 1955, but continued teaching in Salina until her retirement. She passed away in November 1997.

1950

Dr. Ginny (Zook) Bevan, 1956 Advocate for Collegiate Women’s Sports The university hired Ginny in 1957 as an instructor in Women’s Physical Education.

After a long and productive career, during which she developed and grew KWU’s women’s athletics program, she retired in 1997 as a full professor after 40 years with KWU. During her career, she was also dean of women and interim academic dean. She was the head coach for women’s track and field, tennis, softball, basketball and volleyball. KWU awarded her an honorary doctorate in 2011. In 2019, the green space in front of the Student Activities Center was named Bevan Green, in honor of her numerous contributions to KWU.

1970

Dr. Rebecca Chopp, 1974 First Female Chancellor, Denver University Dr. Chopp was the first person in her family to seek an advanced education, and she chose KWU as the institution to help fulfill that dream. The Denver University Board of Trustees appointed her the school’s first female chancellor in 2014. Prior to assuming the DU Chancellorship, she was the first female president at Swarthmore College, where she worked from 2009-14. Dr. Chopp’s advanced degrees include a master’s in divinity from St. Paul School of Theology (1977) and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (1983). Additionally, she received six honorary doctorates from other colleges and universities. She was the 2009 KWU Commencement speaker and has dedicated her life to helping others achieve their own educational goals. KWU has a scholarship dedicated to transfer students in Dr. Chopp’s name.

Brenda (Brown) McDaniel, 1973 Kansas Master Teacher Brenda is a lifelong educator recognized as the Salina Master Teacher in 200203. She taught in the Salina school district for three decades. While there, Brenda encouraged her own students to “educate yourself, study well and give back to your community.” She was the 2017 KWU Commencement Speaker.

2000

Dr. Stefanie Milam, 2002 NASA Research Scientist Dr. Milam holds a Ph.D. in Astrochemistry and is an expert in rotational spectroscopy, observations and laboratory modeling of astrochemistry and molecular astrophysics of the interstellar medium,

evolved stars, star formation regions and comets, with an emphasis in isotopic fractionation and astriobiology of primitive materials. In 2021, an asteroid 40706 (1999 RO240) was named after her. She was the 2019 Commencement speaker.

CONTACT 29

For additional information about Dr. Milam’s recent work, please Spring 2022 see story on pages 26-27.

In early March, the lights leading to Pioneer Hall were turned to blue and yellow to show support for Ukraine.

Photo by Karen Bonar

International students reflect on situation in Ukraine A brief evening stroll across campus brought Leoni Enzlmuller to an abrupt halt. Instead of the typical purple lights adorning Pioneer Hall on the campus of Kansas Wesleyan University, the trees were lined with blue and yellow.

“My first thought was, ‘Why is it blue’ because I didn’t see the yellow. Then I saw the yellow, then I realized it was because of Ukraine,” said Enzlmuller, a sophomore from Austria. “We will not often see blue and yellow at KWU, but it’s important to make a statement. The situation there is way bigger than our rivalry with Bethany.”

Just a year ago, Enzlmuller was enrolled at university in Vienna, Austria, about an hour and a half from the border of Ukraine.

“It’s surreal. Last Thursday, I woke up and read the news and was shocked,” she said. “You couldn’t have seen it coming because nobody believed it was coming. Nobody thought Putin would really do it.”

On Feb. 24, Russian president Vladimir Putin launched an invasion into the country of Ukraine, which is located on its western border.

KWU senior Zofia Selwesiuk, who is from Wroclaw, Poland, was startled by the news.

“I saw all the tweet notifications

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and I got scared because I knew Russia was up to something since 2014, but I didn’t think they were actually going to attack,” she said.

Leoni “My family lives Enzlmuller on the opposite side of Poland. So if anything happens, they will have time to evacuate.”

While Poland shares a border with Russia, Selwesiuk said she feels Poland’s membership in both the European Union and NATO will deter any sort of Russian invasion.

Her social media feed is filled with friends and countrymen assisting refugees.

“My family is helping people evacuating from Ukraine. My dad spent more than 30 hours last week helping make packages for moms who came with babies,” Selwesiuk said. “Everybody is donating things.

I saw a picture from a train station where Polish moms left a bunch of strollers for Ukrainian moms to grab when they get out of the trains.

People are hosting families from Ukraine.

“People drive from cities all over Poland to the Ukrainian border to help people who are running away.

Some people from Poland are driving through Slovakia and Romania to help refugees at other parts of the Ukrainian Zofia border.”

Selwesiuk For Selwesiuk, a member of the women’s tennis team set to graduate in May, the opportunity to share about her home region is a welcome one. Friends and teammates are inquiring about her family’s safety and security.

“I’m glad people are asking and not assuming things. It was also nice to share my perspective,” she said.

According to Selwesiuk, relations between the Polish and Ukrainian countries were tumultuous at times. Her grandfather was born in a portion of Poland that is now part of Ukraine.

“I think when he was 5 or 6, his family had to run away because Ukrainian people were murdering Polish people in the area,” she said.

“Now that there is a war in Ukraine, I didn’t know how people from Poland were going to react. There is history, but seeing the tragedy, they wanted to help.”

Selwesiuk said Ukraine is one of the few countries that was part of the former U.S.S.R. that is not yet in the United Nations or European Union.

“I feel like Russia is trying to send a message to the western world that they’re not going to let anybody mess with them,” she said. “Ukraine is one of the last countries they could get back. I feel like they’re trying to keep Ukraine from joining NATO.” Enzlmuller said the war in Ukraine is difficult to comprehend.

“I couldn’t believe that he really attacked Ukraine,” she said. “For Americans, it’s so far away. It’s hard to understand the reallness of it. I have the feeling not many people here are thinking about it or really know how bad it is.

“But all people in Europe are affected by it. If Putin goes over the Ukraine border and another country tries to help Ukraine, he will attack them, too.”

Much like Enzlmuller halted to observe the lights, KWU paused to remember those affected — including its own European students — by this catastrophic conflict.

“For me, I was surprised when I saw the lights,” Enzlmuller said. “I was surprised, but I think it’s the right thing to do.”

By Karen Bonar

Class Notes

If you have updates for class notes, please contact the Advancement Office at 785-833-4392 or alumni@kwu.edu.

1960s

Jacquelyn Kasper ’65, retired as a distinguished alumna from the University of Arizona College of Law in 2009. She was a Reference and Government Documents Librarian and taught legal research for 19 years. She earned a library science degree from the University of Southern California and worked at the Tucson Public Library for 16 years before law school (JD 1988).

She is currently writing a biography of Arizona's first female lawyer (Sarah Herring (Sorin), Tombstone 1892).

Troy D. Zeigler ’66, wrote a book, “Awakening the Leader Within — Forging Your Unique Pathway.” This book is a 100-page read that provides a simple step-by-step process for gaining greater control over one’s personal life.

1970s

Kathy Carman Henderson ’73, moved to Costa Rica at the end of 2021 where her daughter and family live and work. She is building a small house across the street from them.

Christopher Cantrell ’77, France, is a researcher with Le LISA (Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques). He is currently in the middle of a five-year stint working in France as part of the French President’s initiative “Make Our Planet Great Again,” a program designed to bring scientists from abroad to work in France.

Cantrell is designing an atmospheric measurement campaign involving dozens of scientists, mostly from France, but also from throughout Europe.

The goal is to better understand the atmospheric chemistry of the mixing of urban emissions with those from the biosphere. The experiment is summer 2022, followed by data analysis and publication.

1980s

P. Julinne (Roberts) Samuelson ’81, was named KMEA Outstanding High School Teacher and Teacher of the Year in 2020-21. Julinne is the Band/Vocal Instructor at Quinter Junior Senior High School in Quinter, KS. Lisa Epson Settles ’88, will retire May 2 from BNSF Railway after 30 years in its Information Technology department. She and her husband,

David, plan to retire to Panama City Beach, FL.

1990s

Kris Mitchell ’90 is finishing her 31st year at Frink-Chambers School in McAlester, Okla. She has been a Falcon her whole life as she went to school and graduated from there. She and a couple of friends have opened a gym (BarBenders Fitness) where she does weight, speed and agility trainings.

They also have a pro wrestling company (NCWO) where they train pro wrestlers and have four events a year.

Angela D. (Chesney) Coble ’94, was appointed to the Kansas Court of Appeals in January 2022.

2010s

Lindsey Kepka ’11, G’13, a high-school alternative teacher in Hutchinson, KS, was recognized by KSDE (Kansas State Department of Education) as a winner for the 2022 Kansas Horizon Award and will be inducted into the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN).

Aine Hakamatsuka ’12, is now living in New York City where she is a self-employed musician.

Traves Liles ’15, got married in March 2021, joined JP Morgan Chase as a relationship banker and attained four banking licenses.

Rumi “Noel” Mamenari Delgado ’16, started a new career as a crime scene investigator at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab. Wyatt Hofstra ’18, is a 7th-12th Grade Special Education Teacher/MS AD/Valley Falls HS Head Football Coach/HS Asst. Baseball Coach with Keystone Learning Services in Ozawkie, KS. He recently completed his Master of Science in Special Education: High Incidence through Fort Hays State.

Nissa Inzunza ’19 G’21, is working in the Marketing Department of the Orlando Magic.

In Memoriam

Virginia Hanchett ’49, Hill City, KS, passed away Feb. 9, 2022.

Grace (Stewart) Satran ’50, Wakeeney, KS, passed away Nov. 1, 2021.

Elinor (Wiley) Haas ’57, Abilene, KS, passed away Oct. 31, 2021. She taught English and literature at Abilene High School for 37 years.

Gary A. (Coach) Lapo ’58, Belleville, KS, passed away Oct. 15, 2021.

Rev. Richard “Dick” Near ’59, Central City, NE, passed away Oct. 19, 2021.

Mary (Osepchook) Brumbles ’64, Altamonte Springs, FL, passed away Dec. 14, 2021.

Joyce A. Markle ’65, Brookfield, MO, passed away Nov. 22, 2021.

David Rous ’65, Duluth, MN, passed away Nov. 20, 2021.

Larry Mitchel Hays ’66, Frisco, TX, passed away Sept. 2, 2021.

James Zaiss ’67, Ft. Myers, FL, passed away Aug. 27, 2021.

Donald Monahan ’68, Bellevue, WA, passed away Jan. 10, 2022.

Judith M. Bauer ’73, Broken Arrow, OK, passed away Aug. 1, 2021. See page 9 for more information.

David Backstrom ’78, Saint Charles, MO, passed away in August 2021.

Denise Kay Standerfer ’84, Mulvane, KS, passed away June 23, 2021.

Rev. Nathan Stanton ’91 passed away March 12 after a lengthy battle with illness. Stanton was serving his seventh year on the KWU Board of Trustees, and had pastored four churches before moving to the Great Plains Conference UMC office. There, he worked as Coordinator of New Church Development and Director of Congressional Excellence. Stanton's service of death and resurrection was held March 18 in Sams Chapel.

Sherri (Young) Kohman ’96, Abilene, KS, passed away Dec. 12, 2021.

David E. Moore ’97, Abilene, KS, passed away Nov. 10, 2021.

John Ray Perret ’98, Salina, passed away Feb. 8, 2022.

Beau Cline ’10, Rosamond, CA, passed away mid-September, 2021.

FACULTY/STAFF: Consuelo Diaz, Salina, a longtime professor of Spanish and Portuguese, passed away on March 12, 2022. Prof. Diaz taught at KWU from 1968 until 2008, when she retired with faculty emerti status.

John (Jack) L. Morris, Wichita, died March 8, 2022. He was a professor for many years at KWU and Adams State in Colorado.

Spring 2022

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