KWU Contact -- Fall 2020

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

CONTACT Fall 2020

Stepping Forward:

How KWU Has Moved Into a New Normal Dr. Matt Thompson and Gabe Serrano ’20, this year's recipient of the Fran Jabara Award, show their Coyote spirit during the 2020 Commencement Ceremony on Bissell Field at Graves Family Sports Complex on August 15, 2020.

2020

A message from

President Matt Thompson Controlling the Controllable

Kansas Wesleyan University Fall 2020 Contact is the official magazine of Kansas Wesleyan University and is published by the Office of Marketing and Communications.

Managing Editor: Brad Salois Design: Amanda Colgrove ’15, G’18 Writing Assistance: Eric Brown Bob Davidson David Toelle ’01, ’08 Photo Credits: Karen Bonar Amanda Colgrove ’15, G’18 Tanner Colvin ’11 Franco Rivas ’15 Brad Salois Editorial Assistance: Kris Heck ’20 Vice President of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing Ken Oliver Send address changes to: Advancement Office 100 E. Claflin Ave. Salina, KS 67401 alumni@kwu.edu (785) 833-4341

It seemed like a fairly normal spring. We all remember it. The smell of fresh-cut grass, the mercury starting to rise on the thermometer and the promise of summer yet to come.

Then March 12, 2020 arrived.

That was the day after KWU’s women’s basketball team won its opening round game in the NAIA Tournament. The Coyotes looked dominate in the process and were on course to challenge the nation’s top-ranked team, Concordia (Neb.). We all know what happened from there. Within days, countless colleges and universities throughout the country — including Kansas Wesleyan — had shifted to online instruction and the status of much of our country changed.

I bring women’s basketball to the forefront because of a saying used by Coach Ryan Showman ’04. In his coaching philosophy, he emphasizes controlling the controllable. That is, not worrying about the things that you cannot truly alter. Too often, however, organizations focus on outside, external influences before first controlling what they can control, their internal community's standards, practices and culture. Working on those three things has been our focus these last few months at Kansas Wesleyan, and that is how we have continued to move our university forward into a new normal.

In terms of COVID-19, we can’t stop the virus. We can’t manifest “bubbles,” such as those created by professional sports, and even if we went to online classes, students would be at risk in their home areas. We can, however, use the knowledge of our staff, local medical personnel and statewide experts to put into place practices that help keep our campus safe. We can control how we approach the virus, how we respond and our mitigation techniques. Our COVID-19 task force has done this while working in close collaboration with the Saline County Health Department. As we go to press, we have less than 20 positive cases so far this semester. All have been short-term illnesses that have recovered quickly with no apparent aftereffects, and we have no evidence of community spread on campus.

Despite the COVID challenges, the university is thriving. We have record enrollment and record giving to the university. The nursing program and its new building are developing quickly. We have added two new sports in the last six months (women’s flag football and men’s volleyball). Our alumni base continues to flourish, including those who are giving back in new and unique ways (you'll read about some of them in this issue). These are a few of the many metrics that should make us all proud to be a part of the Coyote pack.

In this issue, you’ll read about a topic close to my heart — diversity, equity, and inclusion. This has been a focus of the university’s for some time, but as we all know, the idea jumped to the forefront of our national consciousness this summer. We believe that while national and worldwide ideas are crucial, we must also look at what we, as individuals, can directly control. We must look at how we approach diversity, equity, and inclusion at KWU, in our homes and in our personal lives in order to truly bring national change.

To encourage this, we named Dr. Allen Smith the inaugural director of KWU’s Office of Diversity and Student Success. Dr. Smith is assisted by Brandon Cheeks ’05, who holds the title of student support advisor. I am excited about the efforts both have already brought and believe they will help further enhance our campus community. Our goal is for the new normal to feature the graduation, career success and community involvement of all of our students.

Finally, we can control our strategies and our processes, both of which we have overhauled in particular areas. Our enrollment is at its highest point in nearly a decade (803 students), and retention and persistence continue to be outstanding as well. This is the result of a campus-wide commitment by faculty, staff, coaches and administrators. Awareness of KWU has increased with a multi-faceted marketing campaign. All of these efforts have caused two national groups to rank KWU as the fourth-best private college in Kansas.

This moves us closer to our long-term goal of being the destination private university in the state, all because we have focused on controlling the controllable.

As we move toward the holiday season, we enter into a time to give thanks. I am thankful for our faculty, staff and students for their hard work, their dedication and their commitment to the mission of KWU, a mission that has taken a significant step forward in the face of adversity (as our motto ever reminds us, “Victory Not Without Toil”). I am thankful for our community, which has wrapped its arms around us in support and aid during this unusual time, and I am thankful for you, our alumni and supporters, who have given us the ability to focus on controlling the controllable.

All the best,

Matt Thompson, Ph.D., President and CEO

Christmas by Candlelight Moves to Virtual Format KWU’s long-running holiday tradition, Christmas by Candlelight, will move to a virtual format and premier Sunday, Dec. 6. Fili Creative, a video company owned by Gus Applequist ’14, will record, edit and produce the KWU musical ensembles and multiple area high school choirs to provide a true holiday spectacle to remember. The show will be recorded at locations throughout Salina, including various spots on campus, and alumni and friends of the university will be able to log on and view the show, for free, at a set time, as if they were attending the concert in-person.

To learn more, visit www.kwu.edu or call the Advancement Office at (785) 833-4341.

University Introduces New Faculty Members A diverse group of new faculty, including individuals with experience in Pakistan and Brazil, was announced as the newest members of the Kansas Wesleyan University team in mid-August.

Dr. Hassan Niazi comes to KWU from Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., where he spent the past six years as an accounting instructor.

There, he taught courses at multiple levels on a variety of topics, including business communication and small business management.

Niazi also worked in part-time roles for Career Point College (San Antonio, Texas) and the Lahore School of Economics (Lahore, Pakistan), and co-founded ShopUS Ltd., an online retail store connecting consumers from Pakistan with U.S. and European markets.

At KWU, Niazi will serve as an assistant professor of Accounting.

Dr. Leonardo Rosario is KWU’s new director of strings.

Rosario earned a Master of Music in Violin Performance at the Boston Conservatory and a Doctor of Music Arts from UNC Greensboro. He has played in professional orchestras as a violinist in Brazil and in the United States, and has participated in national and international performance tours in ten countries with some of the world’s most leading conductors.

Rosario claimed second prize at the International Chamber Music Competition of the Chamber Music Foundation of New England in 2008, and served as the Assistant Concertmaster of the Fayette (NC) Symphony and Boston Conservatory Orchestras.

Dr. Eileen St. John is the university’s new director of Teacher Education.

Dr. St. John joins KWU from Bethany College in Bethany, WV, where she served as the chair of the Education Department and director of the master’s program. She also developed that same program and helped it earn written approval from the Higher Learning Commission during her time there. St. John, who will serve as an assistant professor of Teacher Education, has also made stops at the University of Pittsburgh, Medaille College and others in a collegiate education career that spans more than 20 years.

Dr. Taryn Gilbert Howard joins KWU as an assistant professor of English. Gilbert Howard comes to KWU from Texas Tech, where she

earned her doctorate in American Literature this past spring.

She is familiar with Kansas, having earned her masters in literature from Wichita State in 2014 and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in 2010.

Finally, Gustavo do Carmo is the new accompanist in the Department of Music.

He comes to KWU from the University of Iowa, where he studied Piano Performance and Pedagogy.

He has extensive performance experience throughout the region and has been a part of multiple published recordings. Gustavo anticipates defending his doctoral dissertation this spring.

Recent Promotions Paying Dividends Kansas Wesleyan recently overhauled its admissions, marketing and advancement teams to incredible results. The changes started with a new Vice President and went through advancement, admissions and the marketing and communications offices (MARCOM), all of which are now under one umbrella.

Ken Oliver, former senior director of development, was promoted to vice president of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing, and now oversees all three offices.

The work of Admissions helped lead to the largest student population, 803, at KWU since 2011. Enrollment is up nearly 12% and KWU's retention rate is the second-best in school history, trailing only last year's figure. Claire Massey ’17 and Angela Keopraseuth ’99, both of whom were promoted to Associate Director positions, helped drive an overhauled and rejuvenated staff of counselors to achieve excellent results.

Top left to right: Ken Oliver, Claire Massey ’17, Angela Keopraseuth ’99, and Brad Salois. Bottom left to right: Franco Rivas ’15, Melissa Anderson, Linda Baumberger, and Michelle Dolan.

A key part of drawing students is, of course, making students aware of all Kansas Wesleyan has to offer.

The MARCOM staff, led by a newly promoted Director of Marketing and Communications Brad Salois,

has executed an integrated, diverse campaign over the course of the past few months that includes radio, television, social media, print and five billboards, including ones located in both Wichita and

Kansas City. Franco Rivas ’15, the department’s graduate assistant, continues to churn out excellent video work to help disseminate KWU’s message.

The advancement staff, fresh off a record year of fundraising, faced new challenges this year but rose to the occasion by implementing virtual events. Alumni Association chapters hopped on board, in one case literally. The KWU Alumni Association chapter in Chicago took part in a virtual boat tour of the city. Other virtual events were held by the KWU Alumni Relations office to great success.

Melissa Anderson (Director of Advancement) and Linda Baumberger (Coordinator of Advancement Services) were promoted, while Michelle Dolan joined the team from nearby Sacred Heart high school.

Dolan serves as the Director of Development and Stewardship.

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PREPAREDNESS Wins the Day at KWU

It was Thursday, February 27 and the high temperature was 53 degrees. One of the first warm fronts of 2020 was heading toward Salina, promising a wonderful weekend. Individuals from across campus sat in a circle of chairs inside Mabee Arena for the semiannual President’s Town Hall discussion, which was a standard gathering until one of the final speakers. Dr. Lonnie Booker, campus emergency manager, spoke just moments before the conclusion of the meeting “Our faculty, staff and gave the room a jolt and students have with his words. He spoke about the preparation for all experienced the coronavirus and the constant change possibility of a worst-case over these past scenario, of possible food shortages and the need to several months, restrain panic, leaving the but our campus room somber and, in many community has cases, stunned.

The fact was, however, continued to that campus leadership achieve excellence had not only heard of each and every day.” COVID-19, but had — Dr. Matt Thompson initial meetings with Booker prior to that town KWU President and CEO hall. There was a plan in place, but Booker’s words at the town hall were, in some senses, a seminal moment and proved to be prescient. They also expanded the circle of those prepared, which was quickly needed in the days to follow. By March 12, the KWU athletic season was over, and

by March 18, the university had shifted to fully online instruction. The President’s Council joined with numerous leaders from around campus, many of whom were in that town hall, to form KWU’s COVID-19 Task Force. That group would go on to meet multiple times a week for the next six

months in order to develop plans, policies and procedures to help keep the KWU community safe.

While quick decision-making, in many instances, has been necessary throughout COVID-19, growing from those decisions and taking lessons regarding continual improvement has been the hallmark of the Kansas Wesleyan response.

“I’m so proud of how we’ve continually grown and learned throughout the COVID-19 crisis,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU president. “Our faculty, staff and students have all experienced constant change over these past several months. Many have continually adapted and learned throughout the pandemic, but our campus community has continued to achieve excellence each and every day.

Keeping our students safe has been our priority and we have accomplished that, thanks to the hard work of so many on campus. Those who have fallen ill have recovered quickly, and we have successfully and aggressively quarantined all who have been exposed.”

In the area of academic delivery, KWU purchased a series of webcams that follow the instructor around the room, replicating the look and feel of the classroom experience. This allows a student in quarantine — someone who has been exposed to the virus — or one who has tested positive and, thus, is in isolation, to be present remotely in the classroom. In short, it improves the educational experience for someone who, in many instances, may be forced to miss as much as three weeks of class time.

In terms of events on campus, the university was able to hold an in-person commencement ceremony on August 15.

The event was held outdoors, face coverings

were required and each graduate had access to a limited number of tickets. Those ticket holders were spaced out, under the watchful eye of ushers, in the Graves Family Sports Complex seats. That set the stage for the school’s fall model, which requires social distancing and the wearing of masks at all venues, whether it be for athletic events, fine arts or other happenings. Access has also been heavily limited, with no outside tickets available to any KWU event during the semester. Access to tickets is limited to students, faculty, staff and, in the case of athletics, select season pass holders.

Everyday campus life has also been affected, as in the classroom, students often have assigned seating in order to help possible contact tracing. Even on the rare occasions that seats are not formally assigned, students are required to be spaced out and never sit directly next to another student when in the classroom. Students are constantly reminded of expectations via signage throughout the campus, and there are also plexiglass barriers at numerous locations throughout campus, including The Den and multiple offices. Speaking of The Den, a third on-campus dining location was opened to promote social distancing. This location, located in the KWU Music Center, features grab-and-go items and beverages.

“From the first day that COVID-19 entered our lives, we’ve planned for this moment,” offered Dr. Thompson. “We’ve planned how we could continue to provide excellent educational experiences, and truly serve students at an elite level. We continue to work hard and improve our strategies every day, but I’m so proud of all the hard work that has enabled us to have an inperson, on-ground semester and to keep our community safe while doing so.”

STAY HEALTHY, COYOTES Wash your hands frequently, with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

6 ft

When possible, practice social distancing.

Stay at least six feet away from other people.

Face coverings are required on campus in indoor public spaces, and outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained.

If you are sick, DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING. Return to your home and seek medical attention by phone.

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4 5 1) Ivy Miller ’20 waves at the crowd during the socially distant Commencement Ceremony in August at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

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2) Campus is marked with numerous new signs encouraging face coverings, hand washing and social distancing.

3) Michelle Jensen assists Peyton Hatter during one of two move-in days this fall.

4) Lori Wright (right) provides Jaevion Moreland with feedback during a drawing class that moved outside to draw from nature in a socially distanced setting.

5) Kelcie Baliey, Amanda Cheney, Jordyn Scott and Makenzie Archer gather in front of Pioneer Hall with masks on the first day of school.

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6) Hunter Capsey assists a customer at The Den from behind a new plexiglass barrier.

7) Alex Escobedo and Oscar Campa enjoy an orientation session with his classmates during move-in week.

LEFT: An example of the signage present on every campus building exterior door.

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“DIFFERENT ” M&M’S ARE LIKE PEOPLE, WE’RE ALL

on the outside, but the same inside.

KWU welcomes a new office of diversity to campus

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A yellow box sitting on the window ledge behind Dr. Allen Smith’s desk contains packages of peanut M&M’s and serves an important purpose. Not as a mid-afternoon snack, though the temptation is real.

“M&M’s are like people,” Smith said. “We’re all different on the outside, but the same inside.”

KWU students are frequent recipients of the candy that Smith hands out as he settles in as the university’s first director of Diversity and Student Success.

He’s joined by Brandon Cheeks, a 2005 Wesleyan alumnus who serves as a student support advisor.

Their office, located on the third floor of Pioneer Hall, is open to all KWU students who might seek counsel, support, prayer, guidance or just a sympathetic ear.

Smith’s task is to lead and support initiatives that will enhance equality and inclusion on campus, in addition to teaching and providing student support.

The mandate is straightforward and essential.

“To create a culture and environment where every student, no matter what their physical, cultural or racial background is, feels like they can have success here at Kansas Wesleyan,” Smith said. “What’s the culture, what’s the environment, what do you see, what don’t you see and sharing that with (President) Dr. (Matt) Thompson and (provost)

Dr. Allen Smith, director of Diversity

Brandon Cheeks ’05, student support advisor

Dr. (Damon) Kraft and letting leadership know what we do really well and what we can improve on.”

Smith came to KWU in June as a student advisor and remains pastor at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Salina, where he has worked since 1999. He has afternoon office hours, but is seldom there. He’s typically out and about on campus, introducing himself to students and doling out M&M’s.

Not a new idea The idea of an Office of Diversity isn’t a recent development, but rather the culmination of years of discussions between Smith and Thompson.

“Dr. Thompson and I met over the years throughout the community,” Smith said. “He said ‘at some point I’d love for you come over and help advance the issue of diversity and inclusion.’ So we started in that small capacity, which was a support advisor.

“I was finishing my doctorate (in leadership). I said I’d like to spend more time with the university and he said ‘we’d love to have you.’

One thing led to another and next thing you know we created this

position. And it’s been great.”

Cheeks, who hails from Memphis and a 2005 graduate, transferred to KWU from Southwestern Illinois College and played basketball for Coach Jerry Jones for four years. “My goals are to be able to help the students to feel like they are included and that they’re a part of not only the university, but of the community,” he said. “To support any student I come in contact with and help them, whether it’s spiritually or in their personal life.

“We knew we needed an office for diversity that supported all of our students and to make sure that all of our students were seeing themselves reflected on campus,” Thompson said. “It’s been a longtime goal of ours and we thought we needed to take the next step. Through work with Dr. Smith it became obvious that he would be a great choice and he had interest. Things just sort of came together at the right time.”

“It’s rewarding,” Smith said. “It’s one of those things that right now makes you get up early and stay up late because I see it as a major opportunity to impact the lives of young people who come here to Kansas Wesleyan.”

'How do we make a difference?'

The advent of the Office of Diversity couldn’t be more timely with racial equality and social justice at the forefront of the nation’s conscience following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and the shooting of Jacob Blake by police this summer.

LEFT: King Fanene, Brandon Cheeks ’05, and Brody Carrasco gather at the 2020 Worship with the Coyotes service in August.

RIGHT: Dr. Allen Smith welcomes new students to Kansas Wesleyan University during an outdoor orientation session during Weeks of Welcome.

Smith said the unrest and quest for equality inside, take on a position, be a part of the is a frequent topic on campus. administration, be a part of the campus, “They’re talking about it, amazingly to then I see that as a real opportunity for me more in a ‘what can we do, how do change. we make a difference, how do we use our “I’m not naïve enough to think that platform, no matter how change is big or small?’” he said. happening “How do we use that as just because a voice for change and people want defining what change to be in the looks like and defining street, they what is real change and want to what’s superficial or march, some surface change?” people on “They want to have television justice and social justice want to issues have been arising a make a lot of lot,” Cheeks said. “They noise. That’s want to be heard, want not change their voices heard and because — Brandon Cheeks ’05 people have knowing what they’re saying is reality, it’s not Student Support Advisor complained just a myth in their for a long head.” time. To me change will not happen until there are A need for change policies and decisions that impact the greater Smith says marches and protests are fine, good of everyone.” but just a start.

Cheeks, who’s an assistant principal at “I don’t consider outward displays as Salina South Middle School and Smith’s being change,” he said. “I see some emotions assistant pastor, says education is the key. that need to be channeled, but I need to “You need to educate others about the say if we feel this way so strongly about injustices you face and the different realities anything then what are we going to do? you face in your life just because of the color What’s the next step? of your skin,” he said. “If somebody can “It was (Representative) John Lewis who just listen and hear you, that will hopefully said, it’s one thing to walk with Martin help. You don’t have to agree, but don’t try Luther (King), which is great, but he went to persuade someone it’s just in their mind on to have a career because he wanted to be when they’re living it.” Smith concurs. in the arena, in the setting, where policy was “A sport may bring you here, but don’t made, where systemic decisions that have leave here with just that,” he said. “Leave held people back in the past.” here with a degree, leave here with an Smith said that’s why he came to KWU. educational advancement opportunity that “If I want change I can stand on the says ‘I’ve sustained a level of learning that outside and walk along Claflin (Avenue) or now I can go out into the world and begin walk along Cloud (Street),” he said. “But to impact my own life and the lives of others when Dr. Thompson said come on the because of that which I have attained.’”

“My goals are to be able to help the students feel like they are included and that they’re a part of not only the university, but of the community.”

Booker Shares Social Justice Ideals It’s been a busy few months for Dr. Lonnie Booker, chair of the Center for Public Policy and Safety. Dr. Booker was, of course, an integral part of the forming of the COVID-19 Task Force, which has helped drive the policies and procedures to keep KWU safe throughout the pandemic.

In August, Booker participated in a panel discussion on re-opening college campuses that was facilitated by the American Association for Blacks in Higher Education. He joined individuals from Arkansas Tech, Chattanooga and other colleges and universities to discuss best practices for re-opening in the age of COVID-19. September marked even more events for Booker, as he was one of six KWU staff and faculty to appear on “Good Day Kansas”, a mid-day show on NBC’s Wichita affiliate. He also was interviewed for a radio appearance on “Social Justice Hour”, a program airing on a pair of stations in his native Texas, where he discussed the intersection of social justice and emergency management.

“With the rise in demand for emergency managers, it’s important to make sure that individuals coming into the field understand how to implement equity and social justice,” said Booker. “However, it’s important to not only educate the new managers coming into the field, but also to be certain that individuals with field experience keep these factors in mind as they strategize regarding the best usage of resources.”

For more information on upcoming media appearances by faculty members, follow KWU on social media.

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Stepping into the Future: the Past five years at KWU There are many adjectives that could be used to describe the last five years at Kansas Wesleyan. Growth-laden, progressive, and in the case of 2020, challenging all come to mind, but the most relevant adjective of all? Successful.

KWU has progressed toward its long-term goals while growing its relationship with the Salina community, a community that provides it with opportunities its competitors simply don’t have — jobs, internships and support.

Approximately 40% of KWU students have part or fulltime jobs in the Salina region, which provides an economic boost to the area. The annual economic impact over the last five years is $40 million, during which time enrollment has grown to more than 800, the largest figure in nearly a decadew.

The positive numbers don’t stop there, as the KWU endowment has grown to more than $32 million.

Advancement successes have also included $16.7 million in cash gifts, as well as $20 million for campus improvements. That includes the Graves Family Sports Complex, the Nursing Education Center and a recent energy-saving contract with Energy Solutions Professionals (ESP) that will both help the environment and save utility and operating costs in the long-term. More specifically, that contract includes water-saving features, HVAC improvements and new LED lighting at locations throughout campus.

KWU students complete

>10,000 hours of volunteer work each year Raised more than $16.7 million in cash gifts

98% career placement rate

Raised and secured more than $20m for campus improvements • • • •

$8M Graves Family Sports Complex $5M Nursing Education Center $4M General Updates $3.9M ESP

>800 total students

Increase of full-time faculty and staff

$40 million Economic impact to Salina

Raised more than $7.4 million for annual operations and scholarships

Increased the KWU endowment to

>$32 million

New Scholarship Competition Opportunities As KWU’s enrollment has grown during the past five years, the university has added numerous high-level students to its ranks. During the coming year, there will be three primary scholarship competition days held at KWU. Eisenhower Scholarship Competition: The Eisenhower Scholarship competition is a biannual, by invitation event, held in November (virtual) and February (onground) for students in their senior year of high school who meet the invitation requirements. The competition is designed to recognize new traditional, undergraduate students who exhibit academic achievement, community service, and leadership. This scholarship will cover the full cost of tuition for on-campus students for the 2021-22 academic year. Applicants must participate in an interview and submit an essay to be eligible to receive the scholarship.

Rebecca Chopp ’74 Transfer Scholarship Competition: One of KWU’s newest events is the Dr. Rebecca Chopp ’74 Transfer Scholarship Competition, named after the KWU alumna who served as the President of Swarthmore College and Chancellor of the University of Denver.

This will be an annual event held in February for students who have completed 24 hours of transfer-eligible coursework.

The competition is designed to recognize transfer students who exhibit academic achievement, community service, and leadership. This scholarship will cover the full cost of tuition for on-campus students or 75% of tuition costs for off-campus students for the 2021-22 academic year.

Applicants must participate in a virtual or in-person interview and submit an essay to be eligible to receive the scholarship.

Bill McMosley Talent Scholarship Competition: Wesleyan’s talent competition, held to honor the late Bill McMosley, long-time director of bands, is a biannual event held in December (virtual) and February. Areas include vocal, instrumental, orchestra, Rise Up!, theatre, The Howl and debate. Major scholarships will be awarded to the top six finishers in each category.

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Family honors mother through endowed scholarship “Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.”

Abigail Adams, the second woman to claim the prestigious position of first lady in the United States, spoke these words more than 200 years ago. At the time she uttered them, she may not have realized how many people would live them out.

Growing up in a small Nebraskan farm town in the 1940s and ’50s was not easy for the Franzen family. The five siblings, Lavern, Al ’65, Ellene ’66, Karen ’68, and Lois Franzen ’74, all knew what it meant to work hard for everything they had. Their mother Ruby also instilled in them a passion to pursue knowledge and education. As a result, four of the five siblings became first-generation college students, earning bachelor’s degrees at Kansas Wesleyan.

“My oldest brother (Lavern) wasn’t able to take advantage of [higher education], but he always supported all of us going on to college, “Dr. Karen (Franzen) Johnson, stated. “That in and of itself was very special — other members of the family who couldn’t take advantage of it still supported the rest of us being able to do so.”

Of course, there were financial challenges that came with being the first generation of Franzens to pursue higher education. Despite the obstacles in front of her children, Ruby served as a powerful motivator, propelling them toward their educational endeavors.

“I always remember her saying ‘Whatever you have in your mind can’t be taken away from you, so get as much education as you can,’” Ellene (Franzen) Austin, recalled. “Education was really important to her.”

The Franzens eventually moved to Colorado, where they graduated from Adams City High School in Commerce City. From there, Al attended the University of Colorado

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Al ’65, Ellene ’66, Karen ’68, and Lois Franzen ’74

before younger sister Ellene convinced him to join her at KWU. Karen and Lois later followed in their older siblings’ footsteps, making the trek to Salina and ultimately carving out their own career paths.

After earning a degree in business and international relations, Al spent some time as a KWU recruiter in New York before moving back to Colorado and starting a highway heavy construction business. He later transitioned into real estate, selling homes in the state of Washington for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. After a successful five-year period, he began looking for ways to give back.

Recognizing how much KWU meant to him and his family, he started an endowed scholarship fund.

“We all had a very good feeling about going to Kansas Wesleyan,” Al recounted. “[The university] gave us a good, solid foundation to move on in life.”

Al’s three younger sisters also pursued their passions following their time at KWU. Ellene traveled to Europe and completed her master’s degree at the University of Colorado.

As a school teacher, she was also instrumental in helping Outward Bound establish its non-profit status in Colorado. Karen earned her Ph.D. in administration, becoming a school principal in the state of California.

Lois, the youngest of the family and a nursing major, received her master’s and enjoyed an accomplished career in the medical field.

Much like Al, KWU held a special place in the hearts of each of his younger sisters, leading them to make their own contributions to the scholarship fund. As a result, the endowment was renamed the Franzen Family Scholarship to honor their mother.

Karen recalls how Ruby, while not being able to attend college herself, took night courses, became a real estate agent, and learned how to keep the books for the family business.

Through these endeavors, she supported her family and pointed them to higher education.

“She modeled for us what she wanted us to do,” Karen stated.

“Looking back on it, that was pretty amazing.”

After seeing the impact higher education had on their lives, the Franzen family wanted to assist

current and future first-generation college students. Rather than a onetime donation, the family established the endowed scholarship to accrue interest over time and help as many students as possible.

“The endowment keeps it going forever,” Al noted. “And that’s the idea behind it — that it’s not all spent at once and given to any one person and then it’s gone. This is something that is perpetual.”

When Ellene looks back at her time at Kansas Wesleyan, she sees the many doors of opportunity that opened in her life. She views giving back to other first-generation college students as way to not only ease a financial burden, but encourage them to pursue their own passions and dreams. Her message to them is one filled with challenge, motivation and accomplishment.

“This is probably one of the hardest adaptations you’ll have to make in your life — adjusting to college, being responsible for yourself, and deciding to stimulate your mind and expand it,” she said. “It will change you forever. It will change your mind, interests, activities, and relationships with other people forever, so don’t give up.”

THE KANSAS WESLEYAN ENDOWMENT IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR AREAS: • 45% Scholarships Scholarship funds make education more affordable for approximately one-third of all KWU students.

• 28% Permanent Endowment — Restricted The endowment distributes 5% of the total market value of the funds annually to KWU for specific needs, determined by the donors.

• 17% Permanent Endowment — Unrestricted The endowment distributes 5% of the total market value of the funds annually to KWU for general operational support.

• 10% Quasi-Endowment Annual earnings above the 5% annual distribution are moved to the quasi-endowment to be used at the discretion of the trustees for special projects or capital needs.

Make a Gift that will GIVE FOREVER Supporters who wish to make a gift that will assist the students, faculty and staff at Kansas Wesleyan University are encouraged to contribute to the KWU Foundation’s permanent endowment. The endowment acts as a donor to KWU’s annual distributions. Funds from the endowment are used either for general operations or for specific programs, determined by the donor at the time of the gift.

The KWU Foundation understands that supporters might need to spread out a larger gift over time. Gifts can be committed and paid over a period up to five years.

Establish a Permanent Named Fund — For a gift of $15,000 or more to the endowment, supporters can create a permanent fund bearing their name or a name they choose. At the time of the gift, supporters can determine where annual income will be directed, such as support of a particular degree or facility, or it can be used at the discretion of the Foundation for the most urgent university needs.

Establish a Scholarship — Scholarships help our students offset the cost of their education and can bear the name of endowed or pass-through.

Scholarships can bear the name of the donor, or an alternate name (such as an individual being honored) can be selected. 98% of our students currently receive financial support.

Make a Legacy Gift — Naming Kansas Wesleyan Foundation in your will or trust is an excellent way to show your commitment to our students.

Estate gifts can be restricted to a particular program or department, or may be unrestricted to address the university’s current needs. Donors who name Kansas Wesleyan or the Kansas Wesleyan University Foundation in their estate become members of the Heritage Society.

For more information on the Kansas Wesleyan University Foundation. Please contact Ken Oliver, Vice President of Advancement, Admissions & Marketing, ken.oliver@kwu.edu or (785) 833-4342.

Athletics Announces Hall of Fame Inductees

Kansas Wesleyan University will induct three individuals and a trio of softball teams into the Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Athletic Hall of Fame in a virtual ceremony to be conducted in late October. For more information on this year’s virtual induction ceremony, please visit www. kwucoyotes.com.

Murad Dibbini ’01 — Men’s Soccer Murad Dibbini is one of the top men’s soccer players to ever don a KWU uniform. He earned First Team All-KCAC honors all three years at KWU, and was named the KCAC Player of the Year in 1999. He led his team to two KCAC titles, was a three-time NAIA All-American and still holds the school record for goals and points scored. Dibbini helped the Coyotes win three consecutive National Small College Athletic Association Men’s Soccer National Championships in 1997, 1998 and 1999. He was a four-time Dean’s Honor Roll and two-time President’s Honor Roll honoree.

He graduated from KWU with dual degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in Health, Physical Education and Recreation and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, both in 2001. After graduation, Murad, along with his brother Mike and teammate JC Walsh founded the Salina Soccer Club.

Lisa (Tripp) Hall ’98 — Volleyball Lisa (Tripp) Hall was a four-time All-KCAC honoree, earning Second-Team honors as a freshman and sophomore and unanimous First-Team honors as a junior and senior. She was a key piece in the turnaround of the volleyball program as the year before her arrival, the team was winless in the KCAC and by the time she was a senior (1998), the program won its first KCAC Volleyball regular season title. Lisa was also named the 1998 KCAC Player of the Year in helping the Coyotes win the KCAC Championship that year. She also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-KCAC honors three times and was a three-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete.

Nathan Haberichter ’92 — Track and Cross Country Nathan Haberichter was a three-time KCAC champion, and twotime NAIA national qualifier in the steeplechase. He was the KCAC Championship Meet MVP as a senior when he scored 38 points, bringing home wins in the 5000m, Steeplechase, 1500 and narrowly missing a fourth win in a photo finish in the 800m. He also qualified for the NAIA National Cross Country Meet as a junior in 1990. Haberichter, a native of Clever, Mo., originally came to KWU with aspirations of playing basketball for the Coyotes, but turned to track and field instead. He also served as student body president as a senior. Haberichter enjoyed all this success despite running for four different coaches during his career.

1989, 1990, 1991 Softball teams Kansas Wesleyan enjoyed continued success on the softball diamond for the three years under the direction of coach Russ Martin. After finishing second in the KCAC regular season, third in the conference tournament and fourth in NAIA District 10 in 1989, the Coyotes would not lose a KCAC contest the next two seasons, going a combined 20-0 in 1990 and 1991, winning both the regular season and tournament titles. The 1990 squad finished third in NAIA District 10 and in 1991 the Coyotes were district runners-up.

Kansas Wesleyan adding Men’s Volleyball

An exciting, fast-paced sport is coming to Mabee Arena in 2021-22. Kansas Wesleyan has announced the addition of men’s volleyball as the university’s 24th varsity sport. Men’s volleyball will be the second sport added under the leadership of Director of Athletics Steve Wilson, as women’s flag football was added a year ago and will begin competition this spring. The men’s volleyball season runs from January to April. The national championships are held during the second week of April. Teams are allowed up to 28 playing dates for the season. A national search for a coach is underway.

For more information on KWU Athletics, please visit KWUCoyotes.com.

11

FORMER MARINE

Overcomes the Odds It seemed like a normal day for Tyler Paulson ’14 in September 2006. Well, as normal as it could be for a United States Marine thrust into the War on Terror. Paulson was stationed in Fallujah, Iraq on his first tour of duty. Driving an assault amphibious vehicle (AAV), his mission was to provide route security and transport for the busiest supply route in central and southern Iraq.

Paulson knew the potential risk of hitting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or roadside bombs.

As the lead driver for a 12-vehicle platoon, he understood that risk was exponentially higher for his AAV. In fact, Paulson had previously come in contact with IEDs, but emerged relatively unscathed each time.

That September day told a much different story.

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Paulson’s AAV struck a large IED, setting off a destructive blast and injuring all four soldiers inside.

Paulson sustained permanent damage to his left eye and what he believed at the time to be a strong concussion.

“Everybody is still alive and doing well from that one vehicle incident,” he stated. “But it triggered me for years because every time I would drive down the road and see anything out of place it would give me an anxiety attack.”

Anxiety attacks were not the only issue. Paulson’s concussion turned out to be far more severe. In 2009, following a second tour in Iraq, he hoped to reenlist. However, a brain scan during a visit to the Naval Hospital in Camp Lejeune, N.C., revealed a traumatic brain injury to Paulson’s frontal lobe. Accompanying the test results were diagnoses for

depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Given the option to remain in the Marines in a non-combat, administrative role, Paulson chose not to reenlist and received an honorable discharge.

“If I wasn’t going to have the career that I envisioned, then I figured it was time for me to make my own path in the civilian world,” he said.

Paulson felt confident his skills gleaned from the military could translate seamlessly into civilian life, but he soon learned the path he hoped to carve was far rockier than anticipated. In his two tours, the former corporal endured hardships many civilians rarely experience.

He lost close friends he served alongside — brothers in arms he never got a chance to tell goodbye.

While living along the North Carolina coast on Topsail Island, Paulson found himself stranded on a proverbial island as well. In the civilian world, there didn’t seem to be many people who understood his experiences or could help him cope. The weight of loss and grief became a heavy burden to bear and those

around him began to see a decline in his behavior.

“It was definitely me that wasn’t in the right mindset and I definitely didn’t utilize many of the skillsets I learned in the Marine Corps,” Paulson admitted. “In the Marine Corps, you don’t try to do everything alone. You always have a team to do that with. I was trying to push through this civilian thing – the first time of feeling that kind of freedom as an adult on my own, and I was failing miserably.”

Fits of rage, flashbacks, nightmares, bouts with substance abuse as well as suicide attempts alerted Paulson to his need for help.

Fortunately, a phone call with his stepfather, a Vietnam War veteran who understood PTSD, allowed Paulson to redirect his course.

“He told me on the phone ‘I would like for you to come home and I would like you to consider getting help at the [Veterans Affairs hospital]. I really think you need it.’” Paulson recounted. “He was a man of few words growing up, but to know he knew what it was like, I trusted him.”

Paulson packed his bags and moved back to his hometown of Salina, Kansas in 2011.

LEFT: Paulson presents his work at the 2014 Best of KWU. RIGHT: Lindy (Peterson) Thacker, Tyler Paulson, Karissa Petty, Aggrey Imbulani and Francine Jiles line up for Commencement in 2014. TOP: Paulson pictured while serving in Fallujah, Iraq.

He received treatment at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, sometimes five days a week. Undergoing every therapeutic treatment option the VA offered, Paulson says the process was difficult, but helped him navigate through the rough waters in his life. The next step — earn his bachelor’s degree.

A 2004 graduate of Salina South High School, Paulson previously spent one year in college before joining the Marine Corps. He always wanted a college education, but now doctors were telling him the prospect was bleak due to his brain injury. Undeterred, he looked into enrolling at Kansas Wesleyan, but had just missed the enrollment period. In the interim, he took classes at Cloud County Community College, earning his associate’s degre.

With a degree under his belt, Paulson enrolled at KWU in 2012.

Continuing to receive treatment for his PTSD, he also sought a better understanding of his condition through education, leading him to KWU’s Department of Behavioral Science and Human Services. There, Paulson met professor Gerald Gillespie and immediately developed a strong desire to learn from him.

While the professor inspired the student through research and lectures, Gillespie found a fascination in what his pupil did outside the classroom. In his spare time, Paulson wrote a blog about his struggles with PTSD – a digital resource for fellow veterans. He also spoke on various veteran panels and met with others who had similar issues. The education he received at KWU bolstered his capacity to support former service men and women.

“I’m sure [Tyler is] engaged with circles of people that lots of other counselors are not in contact with,” Gillespie noted. “People have difficulty coming forward to counselors or feel like that they can’t find people who really understand what experiences they have gone through. And that’s understandable.

To have Tyler and others like him there in those positions where they can help, I think that’s a critical need in our culture now.”

Taking at least 18 credit hours per semester while regularly visiting the

VA was no easy task, but Paulson had the support of his family, friends, professors, and classmates. One such person was Kelly Hopkins ’15, a fellow non-traditional student and current social work program director at KWU. A classmate of Paulson, she remembers his determination to overcome any obstacles standing between him and a higher education.

“He’s still a Marine through and through,” Hopkins said. “He fights until the end. No one is going to tell him he can’t do something.

When I’m talking [with others] about people overcoming adversity, I always talk about Tyler.”

Hopkins saw firsthand Paulson’s ability to attend classes while recovering from a back surgery his first semester, balance a hectic schedule and utilize an array of unconventional study methods.

Flash cards became his best friend on exam days, helping him retain information.

In May of 2014, Paulson did what doctors said he couldn’t, and earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Although he gained abundant knowledge about how the brain operates, the greatest lesson was much more practical.

“The biggest takeaway wasn’t anything scientific,” he said.

“It was that there are a lot of ordinary people who go through extraordinary experiences, who suffer tremendously from those things, yet are able to live outstanding lives.”

Ultimately, Paulson gives God the glory for bringing peace and joy to his life. Married with a wife and two children, the former Marine is now a Christian youth mentor and is actively invested in the lives of high school seniors.

He still finds time to speak at events about the effects of PTSD, encouraging military veterans to seek help.

“It takes a real man or real woman to stand up and say ‘I need help,’” Paulson stated. “That’s strength, that’s not weakness. And if you have any inkling of thought in your mind that you need help, then you should chase that with all of you.”

Paulson chased after the help he desperately needed with everything he had – and what he got in return was a life filled with immeasurably more than he could ask or imagine.

Woman of Many Talents If you’ve been around Kansas Wesleyan these past two years, chances are good that you’ve met Kristin (Kris) Heck ’20 and her dog, Priscilla. The two have been a ubiquitous presence on campus since Heck retired from the Army in 2018. Heck is, with a few possible exceptions, the area’s resident historical expert on KWU after completing her senior thesis, Surviving and Thriving: KWU History, 1986–2012, in May. She spent the summer of 2018 in President Thompson’s office conducting historical research, and in the spring of 2020, got the call from KWU again.

As a former county attorney and two-time member of the U.S. military, Heck was someone KWU thought of during the early spring transition in the MARCOM office. When long-time office director Paula Hermann left the position and no candidates for a replacement were readily apparent, Thompson called Heck.

“We knew that we needed a project manager to help our MARCOM team succeed,” remembers Thompson. “Kris had experience with details and managing multiple projects simultaneously during her time as a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Army, and we knew she valued the university and what it could accomplish. We also needed someone who knew KWU, who we wouldn’t have to get up to speed on who we are and what we do. Kris brought so many strengths to the work.”

Heck’s different experiences, and coming from different fields, gave then-assistant director Brad Salois new and increased responsibilities. When she asked to step aside in April, Salois was promoted to the director position.

“Because of Kris’ life experiences, she was able to mentor me in ways that even the best MARCOM mentors — of which Paula was one — couldn’t. I credit her with helping me feel more comfortable and more capable of taking the reins of the department, and believing in the skills that previous mentors had provided to me,” said Salois.

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World Traveler

RETURNS TO SALINA

We’re back.

Such were the driving words in a viral — not COVID-19 viral, just popular — video on the Kansas Wesleyan social media pages in August. The creative force behind the piece that approached 10,000 people reached was Franco Rivas ’15, who could have said those words himself in March. That was when he returned to KWU to serve as a graduate assistant.

Rivas is the university’s chief videographer, working out of the office of Marketing and Communications, and has been a key player in KWU’s increased messaging efforts over the past few months. He has been the individual responsible for the university’s ability to produce additional COVID-19 related videos, helping KWU get information about its protocols out to the campus and to the public.

Rivas, a native of La Calera, Argentina, first came to KWU in 2014 to play soccer for two years (2014 and 2015), graduating in 2015. Since leaving Salina he has lived and worked in Australia, Spain, England and Argentina.

“I’ve been traveling for seven years and I’ve learned the most from people,” Rivas said. “People ask me all the time ‘why are you coming back to Kansas?’ People have the mentality that if you’re not in a big city, what are you doing? I’ve learned so much from people here in Kansas, I always felt that I need to come back to learn a bit more from them.”

“I think Franco’s time in Salina helps ground him,” said Annie Boswell, part of Franco’s university host family. “He has a deep appreciation for the type of

connection he’s found here at KWU.” The year began with Rivas residing in Barcelona, Spain, with two friends producing a newsletter, Weekly.gg, that focuses on Esports video gaming, which Rivas was introduced to while at KWU. A desire to return to the U.S. was intensifying, but he wasn’t sure how to do it. During a trip to Salina in December to visit friends and his former KWU host family, the Boswells, Rivas learned the MBA program might provide a way back.

“I wasn’t planning on doing an MBA, to be honest, I wanted something more related to video and artistic part of things,” he said.

“But I’ve always been involved with business and creative stuff and I think this will be helpful.”

In order to return, however, Rivas had to navigate COVID-19 at its height. He interviewed while in Argentina, returned to his Spain home to gather his belongings and narrowly made it out of the country, getting a seat on the last flight to the U.S. before international travel was halted.

The adventure didn’t end with his arrival in Kansas. Having been in Spain, Rivas was required to go into quarantine for 15 days and did so at the Boswell’s house. He cleared quarantine, but then the Kansas stay-at-home order was issued, leaving Rivas (who lives on campus as a GA) as one of the few people able to come to KWU offices regularly.

He took advantage quickly, filming a virtual tour that became key in the recruitment process.

His first international stop was Australia, where he worked one semester as a soccer coach and budding freelance videographer and designer.

He returned to Argentina from Australia and learned of a course at an academy in Barcelona that taught

Franco Rivas ’15 returned to serve as the university's videographer.

coding and design for websites, which also interested him.

He was accepted and spent four months in Spain as a student and teacher before heading to England in May, 2018.

Enthralled with what he’d seen of Esports at KWU, Rivas applied for a web designer job with Fnatic, a global Esports entertainment company thats deals in competitive video gaming and gear with headquarters in London.

“Fnatic is like the Chiefs in football, the best out there,” Rivas said. “It was the best job I’ve ever had. I worked with general graphic designs and marketing assets.

I worked on the release of new clothing and assets for social media to promote their clothing. Same with their teams or local London pages.”

Rivas told the company of his love for videography and ultimately was given an opportunity to show his stuff.

“I went to events with them to film and take photos,” he said.

Rivas grew weary of London’s massive size and weather, though,

and returned to Barcelona to produce the newsletter with his friends in April, 2019.

Rivas’ next plans? They include producing and editing KWU’s first television commercial in nearly five years. Plans currently call for the commercial to air on Hulu to targeted audiences…but what of Rivas’ post-graduation goals?

His career goal is to combine videography and sports, and he knows where he wants to work.

“It might sound crazy, but as soon as I finish the MBA I’m going to the Kansas City Chiefs and see what’s up,” he said. “I love the Chiefs and would love to work with them. We’ll see.”

Rivas says Salina and KWU will remain part of the equation.

“I know I’m going to move once my master’s is done, but I will always come back to visit,” he said. “I put my host family really high up in my life right now. They opened their doors to me in terms of support when they knew nothing about me.

I’m a family guy, all Argentines are.

They did a lot for me.”

Class Notes If you have updates for class notes, please contact the Advancement Office at 785-833-4341 or alumni@kwu.edu.

2010s

1960s

Crystal Stegman ’11 is now married with last name Rodenbeck. She is a Doctor of Chiropractic at Live Free Chiroplus.

Dr. Aaron E. Blair ’65, North Potomac, MD, has been named Scientist Emeritus with the National Cancer Institute, NIH.

1970s

Michael D. Helmer ’72, Shawnee, KS, is now retired and looking forward to traveling soon with his wife Brenda. Their son, Heath, lives in Salt Lake City and their daughter, Sunnie, was married on Aug. 23, 2020.

1980s

Gary Upshaw ’86, is deployed in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, having served nearly 30 years with the Army.

Brenda Tolson-Markas ’87 is the President and Founder of CIH Enterprises, Inc., in Gypsum, KS.

2000s

Kerri (Galvan) Hubbs ’00, after 20 years in nursing, has taken a year to grow her mechanical business, which now has three locations in Ohio.

She plans to return to school to attain her Ph.D. in the coming years and pursue teaching.

Kristen (Grover) Becker ’00 earned her EdD in Leadership Studies from the University of the Cumberlands Summer 2020.

Brad A. Kelly ’04 is an Assistant Principal at USD 383, Manhattan-Ogden, KS. Amanda (Allen) Young ’05 and her husband Christopher, had a son, Joel David on October 3, 2019. Amanda is teaching 5th and 6th grade Language Arts and History at Chrysalis Charter School in Redding, CA. Since graduating from KWU, she taught at South Middle School for four years, then moved to Germany and taught for five years at international schools. She moved to Redding, CA, to attend a Christian ministry school where she met her wonderful husband.

They married on May 13, 2016.

Joni L. Hopkins ’05 is now an FS at Federal Reserve Bank.

Kaci Lewis ’10 and Dustin Hoffer ’10 are married.

Amanda Colgrove ’15, G’18 is now the Head of Community Engagement at the Salina Public Library in Salina, KS. Collin English ’15 is now teaching at the Tolleson Union High School District Alexander P. Walsh ’17, is now an accountant with Berman and Weber in Kansas City, MO. Meagan Contreras ’18, G’20 is the Game Operations Manager and Athletics Administrative Assistant at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Marjorie (McMillin) Rose, ’53 Gladstone, MO, passed away February 27, 2020.

Rev. Gerald L. “Toby” Toburen ’56, Olathe, KS, passed away June 4, 2020. Toby was employed as an ordained minister with the United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

Leslie F. “Les” Toburen, Jr. ’57, Salina, KS, passed away August 30, 2018. Les was “honorable mention little all American” at KWU and was a retired teacher.

Judith L. (Nelson) Sorrell ’57, Valley Center, KS, passed away June 16, 2020.

John Heckman ’58, Newton, KS, alumni association member and husband of Roberta Greever Heckman, passed away April 21, 2020.

Wallace “Rocky” Welton ’59, Abilene, KS, passed away July 4, 2020. Rocky was a multiple All KCAC football honoree and a member of the KWU Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a founding member of the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association and was inducted into the KWCA Hall of Fame, National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame, the KSHSAA Hall of Fame and the Garden City High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Autumn Gillespie ’18 is now a State Park Police Officer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Stephen Earl Ascher ’65, Salina, KS, passed away August 9, 2020. Steve was a Professional (Chemical) Engineer and worked for Wilson and Company for many years.

Jordan Matheney ’19 is the Coordinator of Admissions Services at Kansas Wesleyan.

William Midgley, Jr. ’65, Chesterfield, MO, passed away March 2, 2020.

Chloe M. Miller ’19 works at Fort Scott Community College as an Adjunct Professor.

She recently had a baby and married Derrick Whitt in August.

James (Jim) McKain ’68, Salina, KS, passed away May 15, 2020. Jim was a teacher at USD 305 Salina for 27 years. He also co-founded The Country Playboys who played at dances all over Kansas and entertained at local area nursing homes for over 50 years.

In Memoriam Elaine (Watkins) Brennan ’42, Centennial, CO, passed away March 17, 2020.

Eulalie “Tiny” (Moorman) Hargrave ’45, Plainville, KS, passed away October 25, 2019.

Virginia A. (Snyder) Vishneske ’46, Wichita, KS, passed away January 27, 2020.

Marjorie (Stanley) Wolfersperger ’47, Delta, CO, passed away December 10, 2018.

Kathryn “Katie” (Johnson) Weckel ’50, Salina, KS, passed away August 23, 2020. She and her husband, John Weckel ’50, were on the debate team at KWU. She was a dedicated teacher, excellent cook, accomplished home decorator, wonderful seamstress and active in many organizations. A scholarship fund in her honor has been established at KWU. Donald Rose ’52, Gladstone, MO, passed away February 15, 2019. He and his wife, Marjorie (McMillin) Rose met at KWU.

Glenda (Helbert) Smith ’70, Thornton, CO, passed away March 20, 2020.

Fredric W. (Fred) Elliott ’70, Salina, KS, passed away March 29, 2020. He was an accomplished mechanical and neon artist with works in private collections throughout the country. He constructed popular neon sculptures for six Smoky Hill River Festivals, and was a long-time commercial sign painter and frequent opinion columnist for the Salina Journal.

Steven M. Dreiling ’79, Hammondsport, NY, passed away April 7, 2020.

David Penrod ’87, Soldier, KS, passed away September 9, 2019. He pursued his career with the Veterans Affairs – Prosthetics Services, and after his retirement he was able to continue his passion for farming/ranching full-time.

William F. (Bill) McMosley passed away June 23, 2020, in Williamsburg, IA. Mr. McMosley was an Associate Professor of Music at KWU from 19992013, and entertained many donors at Pioneer Society social events after his retirement.

15 15

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit 122 Salina, KS 67401

100 E. Claflin Ave. Salina, KS 67401-6196

SCHOLARSHIPS Central Kansas Scholarship

(McPherson, Ottawa, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Dickinson, Marion county residents)

High school or home school students who reside at addresses in these counties and are new to KWU are eligible for this opportunity. This opportunity offers $17,500 per year (up to $70,000).

Saline County Scholarship (Saline County Residents)

Students who graduate from a Saline County high school or home school or reside at a Saline County address are eligible for $17,500 per year (up to $70,000), regardless of whether they choose to live on campus during their college experience. This scholarship is made possible in part by the kind support of the Jack K. and Donna Vanier family.

Ad Astra Scholarship

(Kansas Residents or Transfers)

Students graduating from a Kansas high school or home school, anyone who transfers to KWU from a Kansas college, or Kansas residents are eligible to receive $15,000 per year for up to four years (up to $60,000) for undergraduate coursework.

Legacy Scholarship

(Children and grandchildren of alumni)

All children and grandchildren of alumni who enter KWU with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible for a 50% tuition legacy scholarship.

The opportunity applies to full-time, on-ground, on-campus. new undergraduate students. 

United Methodist Scholarship (UMC members)

Current members of the United Methodist Church are extended a 50% tuition scholarship. The scholarship opportunity applies to full-time, on-ground, on-campus, new undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 who submit a letter from the church where membership is held.

Valedictorian Scholarship

The Valedictorian Scholarship recognizes Kansas residents that are graduating high school seniors who have achieved Valedictorian status (per high school counselor) with a minimum GPA of 3.9.

Home school students must have a 29 ACT score. This is a full tuition scholarship.

To learn more about these great scholarship opportunities or to refer a student, please call the KWU Admissions Office at (785) 833-4305 or visit www.kwu.edu/admissions.