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SECTION HEADER

SPRING 2016

HONORING A LEGEND New field at the Graves Family Sports Complex honors beloved longtime head football coach, Gene Bissell

Kansas Wesleyan University Spring 2016 Contact is the official Alumni magazine of Kansas Wesleyan University and is published by the office of Marketing and Communications

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

Q&A with President Thompson

2–3

Home Sweet Home

Online Degrees at KWU

Coyotes Are Getting Their eGame On

Homecoming 2015

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications: Paula Hermann

Where Are They Now? Dr. John Khanjian

Imagining in 3D

Marketing Assistant: Thomas Cunningham

KWU Marching Band Takes the Field

Managing Editor: Paula Hermann Editor: John Elmore

Director of Alumni Relations: Jennifer Rein Director of Communications: John Elmore

10–11 Learning Beyond the Borders 12

The Power of AND

Ballin’ for Peace

Speakers and Performers Enhance KWU Experience

A Class Act: Barbara Marshall-Nickell

Graduation 2016

Coyote Pride

18–19 Advancing the Mission 20

In Memory of Gene Bissell

21–22 People 23

Coach Showman Finds the Right Mix on the Hardcourt

24–25 Sports Update

Office Manager: Linda Baumberger KWU President & CEO: Matt Thompson, Ph.D. Executive Vice President & Provost: Nancy H. Cummings, Ed.D. Executive Committee of Board of Trustees: Dr. Charlie Grimwood, Chair Emily May Richards, Vice-Chair Steve Michel, Treasurer Dr. Donna L. McKinley, Secretary KWU Alumni Council: David Branda ’76, President Randy Lamer ’06, Vice President Rick Dahl ’99, Treasurer Lori Trow ’82, Secretary Send address changes to: Jennifer Rein Director of Alumni Relations 100 E. Claﬂin Avenue Salina, KS 67401-6196 Contact Information: Website: www.kwu.edu Alumni Email: alumni@kwu.edu Contact: contact.magazine@ kwu.edu Writing Assistance: Thomas Cunningham Mike Hermann David Toelle Design: Rushing & Associates Design, Inc. Power of AND brochure, Julie Hess Designs Photo Credits: Lori Brandi Tanner Colvin Jeff Cooper John Elmore Katy Kitchen

Above: Former football players join Gene Bissell on the new turf field at halftime on October 3. Below: Tim Chapman ’99, installed a coyote statue he designed, “Spiritus,” on the north plaza of the Graves Family Sports Complex.

Q&A MATT THOMPSON

Q&A

with KWU President Matt Thompson

Now that the Sports Complex is complete, what is the next “big project” on the horizon for KWU? As we approach our 130th anniversary in 2016, we will focus on student scholarships. We want to attract and retain the brightest and the best students at Kansas Wesleyan, and there are many qualified students who can’t afford KWU. We pride ourselves on keeping tuition as low as possible — 99% of our incoming class receives financial aid. But for many, it is still not enough to choose KWU. We are fortunate to have alumni, friends and organizations who support endowed scholarships, and we will be focused over the next year on increasing those dollars. In addition, we have begun discussing upgrades to the science labs. What is being planned for the 130th anniversary? We are planning a special celebration in September around the actual anniversary date (September 15). We will also be celebrating our history at Homecoming (September 23–25) and at various events throughout the year. Make plans now to be here — it’s a celebration you don’t want to miss!

stellar faculty and rich curriculum. This fall our first eSports, wrestling and bowling teams will be in full swing, which will also provide opportunities to attract new students. We are also mixing up our marketing strategy to reach prospective students (and parents) through digital marketing platforms. Will you describe a few special moments for you this academic year? There are so many moments that make me proud to be a part of this university. The opening of the Graves Family Sports Complex was extraordinary and a dream come true. I thoroughly enjoyed watching senior Hannah Applequist perform a solo on the vibraphone at a concert in November. It was amazing to see our community and students come together to send off our teams to national tournaments in November. The fall play was spectacularly entertaining. And, Christmas by Candlelight is always a special event for my family and the campus and Salina communities. What is new and exciting this winter/spring? We are in the process of redesigning our website, and a new, refreshed site will be launched in early spring. It will include an interactive campus map with video tours. We are promoting our online degree programs in full force. As a test site for The Upper Room’s new college-based program, KWU will begin implementing the program this spring. And, our second set of Wesleyan Journey courses will be taking off to Costa Rica and Germany!

What is the strategy to increase enrollment? My vision is to increase enrollment to 750 students within the next year, and one of the ways we will do that is by offering online degree programs and enhancing our online course offerings. Online opportunities allow students everywhere to take advantage of our

“ There are so many moments that make me proud to be a part of this university.” — KWU President, Dr. Matt Thompson

HOME SWEET HOME

Home

t e e w SHome

It was more than ten years in the making, and when the Coyote football team took its home field for the first time in nine years, there were cheers heard ’round the country. On an unusually warm October 3, football Saturdays returned to campus with the opening of the Graves Family Sports Complex. In full fanfare, the event made history as a record 2,000+ fans packed the new stadium to celebrate the milestone and to witness the dedication of the new Gene Bissell Field. Beloved longtime football coach, Gene Bissell and his wife Evelyn, joined by their children Mark Bissell and Nancy Terhune ’75 and their grandchildren, were honored with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Coach Bissell, who remembered cutting the grass on the original Gene Bissell Field in Glenn Martin Stadium with a push mower, had never before stepped on an artificial turf field. He was joined at halftime for a photo with members of his Coyote football teams from 1952 through 1978. He was also presented the football after the Coyotes scored the first touchdown on the new field. Alumni from across the country returned to campus, many for the first time in decades, to be part of the celebration. After the Coyotes beat McPherson handily, 48–7, fans left the stadium with a poster of the opening kickoff that evening.

The stadium, which will be dedicated during Homecoming 2016 (Saturday, September 24), is still undergoing finishing touches. Throughout the spring and summer, the plaza will be completed, stretching across Fourth Street to the railroad tracks. The ticket booths will be constructed, and the Glenn Martin Stadium memorial will be erected, using stones from the original Glenn Martin Stadium.

HOME SWEET HOME

ONLINE DEGREES

WESLEYAN Again! You had a great undergraduate experience at Kansas Wesleyan University, and we invite you to come back to earn an M.B.A. completely online! The program, designed for the working professional, includes hallmark M.B.A. courses as well as a variety of customized courses. And, you can get it all for nearly $15,000! Advance your career with an online MBA from KWU this year! Visit www. NY A kwu.edu/MBA, contact N I BEG EEK Joyce Kelley at kelley@kwu. 8-W N! edu or call admissions at 785.833.4305 to learn more! SESSIO

Five Reasons to Get Your KWU MBA: 1. ACCREDITED by The Higher Learning Commission 2. AFFORDABLE Total cost under $15K* 3. FLEXIBLE Start during any eight-week session 4. ACHIEVABLE Finish in as little as one year 5. OPTIONS Take all classes online or choose our hybrid option with some on-campus courses * Technology fees apply for online courses

ONLINE MBA NOW AVAILABLE!

FOUR DEGREES NOW ATTAINABLE ONLINE n

Emergency Management

Criminal Justice

Interdisciplinary Studies

Master of Business Administration

Completing a degree at Kansas Wesleyan University just got more convenient. The university was granted approval by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to begin offering online degree programs in January 2016. The university now offers three full online undergraduate degrees in Emergency Management, Criminal Justice and Interdisciplinary Studies as well as Master of Business Administration (MBA). “This is a historical moment for Kansas Wesleyan,” said Dr. Matt Thompson. “It opens the door for many rural students seeking degrees, business leaders who are looking to advance their careers by attaining a degree while juggling jobs and families, and it will allow people all over the world to tap into the teaching excellence at our university.” “Online degrees give students more flexibility,” said Dr. Nancy Cummings, Executive Vice President and Provost. “Attending classes on campus may not fit everyone’s lifestyle. We can now offer quality education, at a price point lower than most online degrees in Kansas, that can accommodate the needs of many people.” The Emergency Management program has been recognized in the past two years for its quality and affordability by several national organizations. Criminal Justice graduates who enter police academies typically place in the top ten percent of their class. Interdisciplinary Studies is ideal for those 4

who need to complete a degree or those looking for an all-encompassing liberal arts foundation to launch into graduate studies. The MBA program, which is under $15,000, can be completed in a year with the accelerated online program. For more information about online courses and degrees, visit www.kwu.edu/online.

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT When members of the Kansas Wesleyan Debate team walk into a tournament with big state universities, they are not looked at as an underdog. In fact, after winning 29 national championships in the past 11 years, under the direction of Gary Harmon, the team has proven to be confident and competitive. The team has already upset large state institutions in its fall competition, and it is poised for another stellar spring season.

KWU DEBATE TEAM

competition this fall, KWU debaters garnered 15 Nutcracker Awards, presented for individual achievements, on their way to their fourth firstplace finish of the season.

In the six fall tournaments in which they have competed, the Coyotes won four first-place honors and finished second overall twice. Tournament fields have typically included 20–40 universities from up to seven states, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Central Missouri and the University of South Dakota. The team’s most impressive finish was at the Storm Classic Swing Speech and Debate Tournament at Southeastern Oklahoma University, where it won both the Debate Sweepstakes and the Combined Sweepstakes ahead of Texas Christian University and Missouri State University. In its final

COYOTES ARE GETTING THEIR eGAME ON

Last fall Kansas Wesleyan students joined the world of online team video game competition with the formation of the KWU eSports team. The roster boasted 25 members from a variety of academic disciplines. Layne Shirley, a junior Computer Science major, founded the team. “It began with a group of students playing on Friday nights for a gaming club,” said Shirley. “I saw the potential to compete against other schools and attract students to Kansas Wesleyan.” The team uses a shared computer lab with 30 PCs loaded with “League of Legends.” Students play video games in competition with each other and in contests against students from other colleges around the United States. KWU has been accepted as an official “League of Legends” team by Riot Games, developer of the game. KWU is among 729 teams that signed up with the Collegiate Star League (CSL) for online intercollegiate “League of Legends” competition this academic year. On Oct. 23, 2015, KWU eSports defeated Loyola University of Chicago, 2–0, in a five-on-five, best-of-three match. With a loss to Texas State University on Dec. 11, KWU eSports finished 3–4 in its initial fall season, tied for fourth place in the Midwest Region 1. Graduate Assistant Alex Walsh coaches the team. He played “League of Legends” while attending the University of Kansas, and this past year he ranked in the top 3.5% of players in North America. “I watch the professional scene quite a bit, and that’s where I get a lot of my strategies that I am teaching the team,” said Walsh. “I am excited to help KWU eSports reach the next level.” Fans can watch KWU eSports Friday night competitions at www.twitch. tv/kwu_esports. For more information, visit www.kwu.edu/esports. 5

HOMECOMING 2015

ALUMNI UPDATE

Jennifer Rein ’10 Alumni Director

ALUMNI UPDATE

Homecoming 2015 was one to remember! With the opening football game in the Graves Family Sports Complex and the dedication of Gene Bissell Field, the excitement and energy on campus was electrifying. Many alumni and football players returned to campus to witness the historical event. The Class of 1965 was inducted into the Golden W Club. We honored many alumni with awards, and among the Hall of Fame inductees were the softball teams from 1995–1998, many of whom attended the breakfast.

As we begin 2016, we are making plans for another monumental celebration — our 130th anniversary! Make plans now to attend Homecoming & Family Weekend, September 23–25. In addition to the traditional awards ceremonies, we’re planning a family carnival that you won’t want to miss. Special thanks to alumni Tanner Colvin ’11 and Katy Kitchen ’04 who captured many of the shots at Homecoming! Be sure to check out all the photos of Homecoming 2015 at www.kwu.edu/homecoming2015.

SAVE THE DATE! HOMECOMING 2016 CELEBRATING 130 YEARS, SEPTEMBER 23–25

Members of the Nelson family gathered during Homecoming as Harold ’49 and Evelyn ’50 Nelson received the Alumni Service Award. The Nelson family legacy at KWU includes more than 80 graduates, dating back to 1902 with B.O. Peterson and as recent at Jayden Jackson, who is on track to graduate this spring. Pictured are: Back row: Doug Nelson ’84 and wife Janice Nelson, Jim Nelson ’73 and wife Charlotte Nelson; Michelle Nelson Jensen; Anita Nelson Wiley ’88 and husband Jack Wiley. Front Row: Jillian Nelson; Marge Nelson and Bert Nelson; Evelyn Nelson ’50 and husband Harold Nelson’49; Annabelle ’59 and Jim ’61 Fredrickson; Sonia Nelson ’70; Margie Nelson Chatfield ’71. Standing: Tyler Klug and Karson Stroda. Sitting: Kyle Berquist, son Jack Berquist and wife Allie Berquist; Amber Klug Atchison ’09 and husband Chance Atchison.

DR. JOHN KHANJIAN Religion Faculty 1977–1987 Dr. John Khanjian has devoted his life to teaching college students. His faculty positions have taken him across the U.S. from California to Kansas and throughout the Middle East from Syria to Lebanon. He began his teaching career in his homeland of Syria at Aleppo College (consisting of high school plus freshman and sophomore university level). After earning his Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University in California, he returned to teach at the seminary in Beirut where he had received his Bachelor of Divinity, a graduate degree now offered as a Master of Divinity. In 1976, Dr. Khanjian and his wife Pauline, with their newly adopted five-month-old twins, moved to Claremont, where Pauline’s mother lived. In 1977, he saw an ad in The Chronicle of Higher Education for a Religion faculty position at Kansas Wesleyan. He taught KWU religion classes from 1977–1987, becoming department chair, and was instrumental in forming a Christian Education major. Pauline, a child and family therapist with an M.Ed. from Wheaton College, taught English and psychology at KWU. In 1987, Dr. Khanjian was called upon to serve as dean of the American Armenian International College, a sister institution of the University of LaVerne, CA, eventually overseeing its closure in 1993 and moving over to the main campus to teach.

Following Lebanon’s devastating 16-year civil war, in 1995 Dr. Khanjian became president of Haigazian University in Beirut, an Armenian Evangelical school. He rebuilt the academic and administrative infrastructure and renovated the war-torn campus. Under his seven-year presidency, enrollment grew from 300 to 550. He was knighted by the president of the Republic of Lebanon, receiving the Medal of Cedars. At commencement on July 2, 2002, the university granted him an honorary Doctorate in Humanities, after which he returned to teaching at LaVerne. Pauline passed away from cancer in 2005. From 2007–2010, Khanjian headed up the Evangelical Theology Academy of Armenia, a tiny seminary with about 25 students in the capital city of Yereban. He returned to LaVerne for a third time, as Senior Adjunct Faculty, where, at age 83, he now teaches one Old Testament class each semester. “I like working with young people,” he said. “I always thought this was what I would do.”

NEW DIMENSION FOR ART MAJORS

KWU FINE ARTS DIVISION SHINES THIS SPRING Among the many concert performances, recitals, exhibits and programs offered by Kansas Wesleyan University in spring 2016 are these notable opportunities to enjoy the artistic expression of students, faculty and guest artists. Spring Choir Tour Thursday, March 10–Tuesday, March 15 Home Concert March 22

Neil Ward, assistant professor of graphic design, has introduced the world of 3D printing to students in the art department.

Imagining in Spanish sculptor and painter Pablo Picasso said, “Everything you can imagine is real.” Those words speak loudly to anyone who wants to explore the potential of 3D printing and modeling. Kansas Wesleyan University offers a concentration of Art courses on this cuttingedge subject, thanks to Neil Ward, assistant professor of Art and Design, who collaborated with Dr. Dave Kraemer, professor and chair of Computer Studies, to lay the groundwork for studies in this area. “This is a natural outcome for sculptural arts,” said Ward, “but it requires a knowledge of computer software and actual physical 3D printing, plus basic art skills, a sense of aesthetics, and the elements and principles of art and design.” Ward gained 3D sculpting experience during his graduate program at Nottingham Trent

University in England. He wandered over to the engineering and product design building, where the techs let him create pieces on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines using subtractive manufacturing techniques to remove material and 3D printers that build layer upon layer of resin. At KWU, Ward helped Dr. Kraemer set up 3D printers in a computer lab in Peters Science Hall. In Ward’s office is a small, high quality 3D printer, used in creating models, sculptures and jewelry pieces for Art classes. Ward said the 3D printing and modeling concentration could provide young artists with a unique focus that is unavailable in any other setting. Potentially, 3D modeling might be used for art therapy, allowing patients to hold a physical model of their disease. Another area is prosthetics, which is beyond the resources of KWU but not outside a student’s imagination.

Neil Ward will host a 3D Printing and Modeling demonstration from 5–7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 in The Gallery of Sams Hall of Fine Arts. The event is free, and open to the public. 8

The KWU Philharmonic Choir and the Wesleyan Chorale will travel and perform in concert throughout the North Central states on their annual spring tour. Stops will include Kansas City, MO, Wisconsin, several locations in Iowa, and Osborne, KS. Keep an eye on www.kwu.edu/ChoirTour2016 for tour destination details. The choir will perform its tour program in a home concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22 at University United Methodist Church in Salina. KWU International String Festival March 29–April 1, 2016 Classes in Hall of the Pioneers Performances in Sams Chapel Kansas Wesleyan University presents its 2016 KWU International String Festival, March 29–April 1. Participants will enjoy three days of master classes and performances featuring world-renowned guest artists, KWU string and piano faculty, and the Kansas Wesleyan String Orchestra. The international faculty for the festival represent six countries: Canada, China, Germany, Russia, USA and Uzbekistan. The performances are free and open to the public. Visit www.kwu.edu/StringFestival2016 for festival details. Into the Woods April 8–10, 15–17, 22–24, 2016 Salina Community Theatre This fractured fairy tale musical is being staged collaboratively by Kansas Wesleyan Theatre and Salina Community Theatre (SCT), with performances at SCT. A childless baker and his wife endeavor to lift their family curse by journeying into the woods, where they encounter Rapunzel, Cinderella, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Little Red Riding Hood and other classic fairy tale characters, and through a number of dark twists they all must learn the responsibility that comes with getting what you want. Visit www. salinatheatre.com to obtain tickets. This is the second Kansas Wesleyan collaboration with SCT. Theatre Executive Director Michael Spicer directed KWU’s 2015 spring theatre production of Godspell. SCT regularly recruits KWU student and alumni talent for its productions.

MARCHING BAND TAKES THE FIELD

The Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Marching Band is a dream come true for Sarah Bernard-Stevens, who is now directing the only marching band in the KCAC. Bernard-Stevens, assistant professor of music, bassoon instructor and director of bands, says marching band is in her blood. She honed her musical marching skills at Alliance (KS) High School, where she played bassoon and was the drum major. While studying Music Education at the University of NebraskaLincoln, she made a bold attempt to join the Cornhuskers Marching Band. “They needed baritone players. That was my ticket in. I learned to play one and passed the performing test, but when I tried out, I had no arm strength,” she said. “The marching baritone is very heavy, and I couldn’t hold it up for an entire four-minute song! But I did play my bassoon in the UNL Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble.” At Kansas State University, while earning her master’s degree in Music Performance and Conducting, she assisted with the 350-member marching band, helping band members find their places on the field while learning their halftime routines. In 2012, when she joined the Kansas Wesleyan faculty, she dreamed of starting a marching band, but she didn’t have the adequate number of students until fall 2014.

TAKING THE FIELD

“When I came here, we had only 12 kids in band, so it was too small to do this,” said Bernard-Stevens. “We did a lot of building and worked on fundamentals to give us a better sound. Then we were in the twenties, and I thought it was a good time to start it.” The 25 students in the fall 2014 marching band and drumline began slowly, learning paradestyle marching. Bernard-Stevens described this as a kind of “training-wheels” period, sticking to pre-game festivities and pep band duties. When 37 music and non-music majors enrolled in band for fall 2015, there were enough students to produce a football pre-game show. “What really sparked this whole thing was the new stadium on our campus,” noted Bernard-Stevens. For the stadium’s grand opening, the band performed its first half-time show. Joined on Gene Bissell Field by Cheer and Dance members who filled in spaces in the configuration, the musicians formed a giant “W” while playing the Kansas Wesleyan fight song. The marching band was well received by the students, alumni and community members who attended the football games in the new Graves Family Sports Complex. Bernard-Stevens is proud of how the band enhances the game day atmosphere and hopes that each year it will grow a little bigger.

WESLEYAN JOURNEY

LEARNING BEYOND THE BORDERS Outcomes are essential to academic institutions — what are students learning in their courses, and what are they doing as a result of that new knowledge? For many of the 36 students who participated in the first Wesleyan Journey courses offered by Kansas Wesleyan during fall break 2015, the outcomes were life changing. The service-learning courses, offered in Business, Psychology and Music, provided students in a variety of majors opportunities to learn teamwork, overcome cultural and language barriers, meet new friends and grow intellectually, personally and spiritually.

“I was surprised by the unexpected. The power and beauty of community in areas much poorer than our students’ own communities, and the questions that were raised about problems with affluence, privilege and opportunities taken for granted.” — Gerald Gillespie “After playing ‘Let it Go’ from Frozen for the game musical chairs, several elementary students came up to us at recess and asked that we play it again so they could sing along with us. We knew there would be a language barrier, but we were all surprised at how easily we were all able to communicate with the student musicians through music!” — Sarah Bernard-Stevens

“This journey had a huge impact on me personally,” said Brittany Clancy. “I experienced many things that shaped and changed my way of thinking and broadened my thoughts and ideas. It helped me learn patience and trust, and how to relax and be thankful for what I have. It was the best experience of my life.” Students who participate in the Business course studied Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and learned essential teambuilding and leadership skills prior to heading to the Florida Keys. They applied their newly acquired skills on an overnight sailing excursion, during a service day at the Dolphin Research Center and through various team and leadership activities. Sixteen students spent the week in the tropics of Costa Rica, working in a marginalized community with school children and community members. Psychology course participants engaged in a variety of community projects and visited agencies and clinics exploring cross-cultural approaches to mental health and addiction. Students who took the music course performed and interacted with school children and local community bands. Both groups learned to overcome fears by participating in a guided canyoneering experience and explored the 10

“Servant leadership is thinking about others rather than yourself.”

e sailors th of e om s m ro f ed rn “I lea the sea, m ro f g n vi li ir e th e k who ma sometimes n a c fe li e pl im s a g n vi ha g.” be the most rewardin — Amber Benning

WESLEYAN JOURNEY

“Throughout the time that the team “Sail A Servant Journey” wasAbout: together , thereLeadership were many Key West, Florida experien ceslearned and life Nine students leadership lessonsprinciples that from Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly perhapsPeople; changed our course of life for Effective participated in a leadership profile analysis and applied leadership and the better.” — Tracer Paul teamwork to water activities, a service day at

natural beauty of the tropics by hiking inactive volcanoes.

the Dolphin Research Center and an overnight sailing excursion.

“I learned that sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to grow.” — Regina Tolbert

“Communication Through Music” Costa Rica Students learned how communities in Costa Rica view and support music education by visiting schools and interacting with school children and community bands; team activities, including group teaching and hiking through the tropical rain forest, helped develop essential personal and professional skills.

Wesleyan Journey courses are open to all on-campus, full-time students. Those who have completed four semesters at KWU (or transfers who have completed three semesters) may register for one Journey at no additional cost (European destinations require a minimum fee). A $250 deposit, which is refunded during the course, is required at registration. For more information, visit www.kwu.edu/wesleyanjourney.

FALL 2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

“This course presented a unique opportunity for me to learn some more effective servant-leadership skills, and it has given me so many new ways to look at life, to work out problems, to look deeper within myself so that I can better understand who I am. ” — Tim Burns

“The trip might be over but our journeys are just beginning.” — Laura Nevins

“Sail About: A Servant Leadership Journey” Key West, Florida Nine students learned leadership principles from Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People; participated in a leadership profile analysis and applied leadership and teamwork to water activities, a service day at the Dolphin Research Center and an overnight sailing excursion. “Communication Through Music” Costa Rica Students learned how communities in Costa Rica view and support music education by visiting schools and interacting with school children and community bands; team activities, including group teaching and hiking through the tropical rain forest, helped develop essential personal and professional skills. “Still Issues in Paradise? Addiction, Mental Health and Community” Costa Rica Students worked in a marginalized community with school children and adults exploring mental health and addiction problems and treatment options; they witnessed the role that nature plays in shaping psychological well being; students overcame fears through canyoneering.

THE POWER OF AND

THE POWER OF

AND

At KWU students are encouraged to get involved in the classroom AND in the community, explore academic interests AND participate in activities, learn AND serve in Salina AND the world.

Elizabeth Nims ’17, begins her day with an 8 a.m. Art class. As a Resident Assistant, she was up until midnight doing floor checks, so she makes a quick stop by the Student Development office for a cup of coffee before class. At noon she joins her fellow Wesleyan Chorale music mates for a 45-minute practice. She grabs lunch and is off to an afternoon core Liberal Studies class. She’s coordinating the “Feed My Starving Children” event on campus with more than 1,100 volunteers, so she spends some time making phone calls before she begins a two-hour study session. It’s Tuesday, so she ends her day at Tuesday Night Alive where she is active in the worship planning team. Whether you attended KWU in the 1950s or in the 2000s, you, like Nims, most likely participated in a variety of activities while pursuing your degree. Our campus provides opportunities for developing leadership skills, enhancing physical strength and honing talents through numerous athletic, intramural and co-curricular activities. “I love that I can do so much while pursuing my degree,” said Nims, who is from Santa Clarita, CA. “I also like that I can be a big fish in a small pond. At bigger universities classes are so large that you can feel like a number. Here, everyone counts, and the opportunities are limitless.” The university offers 23 NAIA athletic teams and nearly 20 intramural sports and activities. Students can gain leadership experience through student government, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, service events and Campus Ministries. In addition, KWU offers experiences in yearbook, newspaper, radio and television. Many students enjoy competing with other universities on the nationally award winning debate/forensics team and with the new eSports team. And, more than 80 students are active in seven vocal and instrumental music ensembles. Campus life is structured so that students can pursue their degrees and participate in multiple activities. Christian McQueen ’18, for example, is a standout on the football team and on the musical stage. He often sings the National Anthem prior to football games, participates in nearly 30 Chorale performances each year, has had a role in a musical and is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “We offer many leadership opportunities, service experiences and out-of-the-classroom experiences, and nearly all students report being involved in multiple activities,” said Bridget Weiser, executive director of Student Development. “When students graduate, we want them to be prepared for professional and personal success, and these opportunities allow them to gain valuable skills that will give them a solid foundation,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, president & CEO.

Please share the enclosed brochure with someone who would be an ideal fit for Kansas Wesleyan!

BALLIN’ FOR PEACE Hicks Goes One-on-One With Gang Violence

Los Angeles during 2007. At a Los Angeles Clippers game, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa recognized Ballin’ for Peace members with a certificate of appreciation for their exemplary work in southern California. Ballin’ for Peace provides positive recreational activities for youth and adults. It also offers free workshops, employment opportunities, educational grants, scholarships, health care services and entertainment programs. Ryan is the backbone of the organization. His responsibilities include event planning, marketing, fundraising, media production and public relations; skills he honed while at Kansas Wesleyan. He credits his Communications professors, Paul Green and Richard Pezzuolo, and his basketball coach, Jerry Jones, as major influencers in his growth as a student.

Since launching Ballin’ for Peace, Ryan Hicks has made a positive impact on the lives of countless at-risk youth.

Ryan Hicks ’05 made the most of his time at Kansas Wesleyan. In addition to playing two sports (basketball and soccer) and working as a Resident Assistant, Hicks was recognized twice as the Communications Student of the Year. In the first few years after graduation, Hicks and his father, Kenn, launched Ballin’ for Peace in the Los Angeles area, which quickly gained national attention by making a positive impact on the lives of at-risk youth. Ballin’ for Peace has been a huge success and has received praise from news stations (CNN, ABC, and NBC), national magazines (Sports Illustrated and SLAM), local newspapers, politicians and the Los Angeles Police Department. In September of 2014, Hicks became the first person to be honored as part of the Marriot Rewards’ Year of Surprises. The Year of Surprises program was initiated by Marriott International in 2014 to honor outstanding community members that deserved to be celebrated. Marriot sponsored a night dedicated to celebrating Hicks and his work. The evening was hosted by two-time NBA Champion Jordan Farmar. Ballin’ for Peace is modeled after the Venice Beach Outdoor Basketball Championship, an event founded by Kenn Hicks in 1979, which prospered for more than 20 years. NBA players, such as Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce, participated in the annual summer events. Ballin’ for Peace was established to combat gang violence. With the help of organizations like Ballin’ for Peace, gang-related homicides decreased by more than 26 percent in

“Mr. Pezzuolo and Mr. Green provided me with valuable guidance and expertise. They truly cared about their students. They inspired me to turn in quality work. Although I was busy with my classes, basketball, soccer, and Resident Assistant duties, the work ethic instilled in me at KWU was the catalyst that motivated me to persevere and to continue to develop in the field.” This year Hicks plans to continue strengthening the organization’s national influence with events, contests, workshops, and audio and video production. He is working on a recording “Ballin’ for Peace, West to East,” which is a follow-up to two previous projects featuring well-known music artists and DJs. For more information about Ballin’ for Peace, visit www.ballinforpeace. org. Watch the Marriot Year of Surprises video at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=EHZHfgzScS0.

“ Although I was busy with my classes, basketball, soccer and Resident Assistant duties, the work ethic instilled in me at KWU was the catalyst that motivated me to persevere and to continue to develop in the field.” — Ryan Hicks ’05 13

AROUND CAMPUS

NEW TO KWU

Dr. Bill Backlin

KWU welcomed several new staff and administrators this academic year. Dr. Bill Backlin was named assistant provost in January. In this newly created post, Dr. Backlin’s duties include assessment, accreditation, online/distance education, directing the Hazen Center for Teaching Excellence and overseeing Memorial Library and the Student Success Center. He last served as vice president for Academic Affairs at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, KS.

Also new to KWU this academic year are two alumni who joined the Student Services team. Joshua Tackett ’11 is the new Student Financial Planning Services Coordinator and Jasmin (Blass) Dauner ’13 is the Academic Services Coordinator.

SPEAKERS AND PERFORMERS ENHANCE KWU EXPERIENCE The KWU academic calendar is typically filled with a wide range of experiential opportunities that can enhance the KWU experience outside of the classroom, and this year has been no exception. Students, alumni and the Salina community have enjoyed a variety of fascinating speakers and activities. African-American Storytelling Through Dance The INTERSECTIONS series — a platform for discussing matters that matter that began in 2013 — continued with the nationally renowned Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre’s visit to campus. The Chicago-based troupe shared its athleticism, dance prowess and meaningful storytelling through dance theatre with students in the music and theatre programs, and with members of the Cheer and Dance teams. The dancers also performed for the Salina community at the Steifel Theatre. Stage Secrets Fine Arts students enjoyed a visit from Nicholas (Nick) Petron ’68, who has achieved success in radio, television and theatre. Petron received the Division of Fine Arts Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award during Homecoming activities.

In addition, Stephanie Jackson joined KWU as the Admissions Office Manager, and Kristan Hernandez is the new Administrative Assistant to the Provost. Michael Johnson ’15 joined the Student Development team as Campus Recreation Coordinator, and Amanda Olivier, from the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas, began serving as a campus advocate for KWU.

Joshua Tackett ’11

Reﬂections from Both Sides of the Camera This winter the Department of Communication Studies hosted its annual Media Reflections symposium, featuring local and national media gurus. Perspectives: Telling the Story in Front of and Behind the Camera featured presentations by Larry Hatteberg — a 51-year veteran news anchor at Wichita’s ABC affiliate KAKE-TV, and Mark Reinstein — a photojournalist and retired White House Press Corps member. True Heroes KWU will host several activities the last week of April as part of Genocide Awareness and Holocaust Remembrance Week. Dr. Edith “Edie” Eger will make a third visit to campus to share her harrowing experience as a survivor of the Holocaust. Dr. Eger and her sister were moved around concentration camps as slave laborers and on May 4, 1945, were liberated from Gunskirchen Lager near Lambach, Austria.

Jasmin Dauner ’13

Michael Johnson ’15

MBA Students Learn from Key Business Leaders The MBA program at KWU welcomed back top-level resident executive Larry Britegam, chief strategy officer at The Bennington State Bank, to lead its spring 2016 Executive-in-Residence program. Mr. Britegam recruited the best and brightest top executives from the region as guest lecturers to interact with MBA students throughout the semester. Experts represented a variety of areas, ranging from entrepreneurship to international business. They were drawn from such companies as Clark, Mize and Linville, Salina Regional Health Center, Salina Regional Airport Authority, Solomon Corporation and Great Plains Manufacturing. JOIN US FOR UPCOMING PLAYS, CONCERTS AND SPEAKERS! VISIT WWW.KWU.EDU/CALENDAR FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

BARBARA MARSHALL-NICKELL From growing up on a cheese farm in Wisconsin to landing the role as the first Quaker Oats Lady, Barbara Marshall-Nickell enjoyed many interesting experiences before bringing her talents to Salina, KS, in the fall of 1987. Where did you grow up? Marshall-Nickell: My parents were Swiss cheese makers, then dairy farmers in southeast Wisconsin. I went to first grade in a one-room school, where we could listen to lessons for the older kids. Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, a Lutheran-affiliated school, recruited me — a dyed-in-the-wool Methodist — for its nationally acclaimed Nordic Choir. We toured communist Romania in 1973. What did you do after college? Marshall-Nickell: I was a Speech/Theatre major, with an English minor. My first job was in a small central Iowa town, teaching sophomore English, running the forensics program, and directing and producing school plays. While doing summer barn theatre, I met Eric Marshall, one of the directors. When he returned to Los Angeles for his doctoral program, I followed. We got married the following summer. What did you do in L.A.? Marshall-Nickell: I took acting classes with Jeff Corey, who was blacklisted during the communist scare, and studied voice with Bernie Wayne, who wrote “Blue Velvet” and “There

She Is, Miss America.” I did TV commercials and was the original Quaker Oats lady. For a short time, I belonged to a theatre improv group, Theatre of Note. I worked at Lawry’s Prime Rib in Beverly Hills, training the waitresses and serving celebrities. What would people be surprised to learn about your family background? Marshall-Nickell: My maternal grandfather was a champion gymnast in Switzerland, and my mom and her siblings and my dad were gymnasts. My Aunt Marie Hoesly, at age 35, was on the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team in Helsinki in 1952. What unique honors have you received? Marshall-Nickell: I was voted “Fairest of the Fair” at the 1972 Lafayette County Fair in Wisconsin. I rode in a parade doing the royal wave. That was so embarrassing, but it was better than being named the Pork Queen or the Dairy Princess. In what ways have you sought to empower women? Marshall-Nickell: I was invited to join a private women’s sorority in Salina, a philanthropic group that raises up women and provides scholarships to female students. I was on the planning committee for Women of Achievement for a few years and did workshops for the Girl Scouts on using creative story for empowerment. 15

GRADUATION 2016

GRADUATION 2016 Wednesday, April 6 Salute to Graduates 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hauptli Student Center

DR. DEAN ELLISON ’80 Vice president of CMC Development Services for ExecuPharm

The Class of 2016 will be addressed at Commencement exercises on May 7 by a KWU alumnus who has made significant scientific advances and is a recognized leader in industry and government regulatory agencies.

Friday, May 6 Nursing Pinning Ceremony 4 p.m. Fitzpatrick Auditorium Senior Picnic 5 p.m. Student Activities Center Patio Seniors and their families are invited to attend Honors and Awards Convocation 7 p.m. Sams Chapel Ceremony for all students who are receiving achievement awards and their families

Saturday, May 7

Dr. Dean Ellison ’80, a Goodland, KS native, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and minored in math and history. He was highly active in campus activities including serving as officer of the Chemistry club, a member of the debate club, an Academic All-American football player, a member of the tennis team and a participant in various intramural sports.

Baccalaureate Service 11 a.m. University United Methodist Church

Dr. Ellison earned a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas, and began hands-on analytical method development at Merck Pharmaceutical in Princeton, New Jersey, which launched a robust career in pharmaceutical management.

Commencement 3 p.m. Mabee Arena Reception immediately following in Muir Gymnasium

As senior director at Merck, Dr. Ellison led numerous product development teams and directly managed departments of more than 150 staff on three continents. His team produced the cholesterol-reducing agent Zocor, the HIV protease inhibitor Crixivan (approved in a record timeframe), and the diabetes drug Januvia (the first real-time-release product). He also worked with government regulators and industry executives to help shape policy. In addition, he was a teacher and mentor at Martin House Learning Center, developing math curriculum for elementary school children in Trenton, NJ. He has published more than thirty scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, has authored numerous book chapters and is a frequently invited speaker at both domestic and global conferences. Dr. Ellison is currently vice president of CMC Development Services for ExecuPharm, which provides clinical research support services for the pharmaceutical industry including staff placements.

Senior Class Photo Noon Front steps of Pioneer Hall

Can’t make it to campus for the Commencement ceremony? Watch it from anywhere in the country with our livestreaming option. Information is available at www.kwu.edu/graduation2016.

COYOTE PRIDE

MARLA ’64 AND LEE BEIKMAN ’65 Bound to the KWU Community The decision to become a KWU Coyote was easy for Marla (Morgan) Beikman ’64. She began attending Kansas Wesleyan alumni and campus events at a very young age, tagging along with her parents, Everett C. ’37 and Margaret Morgan. “Many of my parents’ lifelong friends were KWU graduates, so when it came time to select a college, Wesleyan seemed a very natural choice,” she said. Taking full advantage of the opportunities available on campus, she was involved in student government, Gamma Delta Gamma, pep band, Academic Fellows and cheerleading. It was in Dr. Wes Jackson’s Biology lab, where she was partnered with Lee Beikman ’65 and found true love. She and Lee have been married for 50 years. “My roommate has remained my lifelong closest friend, and I married my college sweetheart, so my love for KWU is both deep and wide.” Lee, who was pursuing a math major, but was encouraged by his professor to look at another major after a year of calculus, switched to biology and enjoyed a fruitful 37year career with the United States Department of Agriculture. His job took the family to New York, Hawaii and Texas, where they currently reside. “KWU not only prepared me for my profession, but it also taught me to give back to others and the larger community,” said Lee, who played intramural basketball and participated in the biology club. The couple, who are members of the Golden W Club, credits KWU faculty for making a tremendous impact on their lives. “What a rare privilege it is to attend a college where we can be influenced by such world-transforming people as Wes Jackson, and have them remember us when we were their students. Certainly our experiences in large public university graduate schools brought home how lucky we were at Wesleyan,” said Marla. Giving back to her alma mater was a value that was modeled by her mother, who contributed funds in honor of her father to support the Morgan Strength Training Center and the Morgan Family Scholarship. Over the years Lee and Marla have shared their time, talent and treasure with KWU. Marla has served as a Board of Trustees member for seven

years, including a stint as board secretary and currently as the chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee. As Pioneer Society members, they have provided leadership gifts to the Graves Family Sports Complex and Mabee Arena, and they have made numerous gifts to Fine Arts and special projects throughout the years. They have also joined the KWU Choir on tours to Europe in 2014 and to the British Isles and Ireland in 2010. “Working with so many dedicated board, faculty and staff members is such a privilege, and going on the international trips with our choir is not only fun, but it makes us so proud of our students.” One of Marla’s favorite quotes is: “We build on foundations we did not lay. We warm ourselves at fires we did not light. We sit in the shade of trees we did not plant. We drink from wells we did not dig. We profit from persons we did not know. We are ever bound in the community.” “We benefitted so much from those who proceeded us and contributed to KWU, so we feel it is our duty now to pass that along to those who follow us,” said Marla. “None of us can do everything, but each of us can find ways to contribute that will make a difference.”

LEAVING A LEGACY

ADVANCING New VP of Advancement Appointed Melanie Overton, Ed.D., was named vice president of Advancement in January, following the resignation of Bill Grevas, who was named director of the Greater Salina Community Foundation in December. Dr. Overton has spent the past four-and-a-half years as the assistant general secretary for schools, colleges, and universities in the Melanie Overton General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Division of Higher Education of The United Methodist Church (GBHEM).

TAKING IT TO THE HOOP When deciding how to include KWU in their estate plans, Dean, ’54, and Betty (Conrad) Groves reflected on their KWU experience. Dean played football his sophomore year and lettered in track and golf, but he excelled at basketball. In 1991, he was inducted into the Coyote Athletics Hall of Fame. He was a member of the 1954 KCAC Men’s Basketball championship team, which was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. The honor he most cherishes is being selected for the 10-man basketball roster of the decade for the 1950s. “Basketball is my sport, which is why we chose to create a scholarship to support the KWU Men’s Basketball program,” said Dean. Betty studied at KWU during the 1950–51 school year and then went to work as a secretary for KWU Business Manager Lester Ruegsegger and as a receptionist for President Stanley Tricket. She and Dean were married in 1953.

Dr. Overton brings a wealth of higher education experience to KWU. She spent two years at Vanderbilt University overseeing assessment, strategic planning, finance, and marketing for the university’s M.S. in Clinical Investigation, and she served as dean of students for five years at Lambuth University in Jackson, TN. At the GBHEM, Dr. Overton worked with 119 schools, colleges and university related to the United Methodist Church, and led college presidents through the National Association of Schools and Colleges of the United Methodist Church (NASCUMC) in clarifying their mission, identifying a program niche and directing resources in support of the mission. Dr. Overton has a certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and has led fundraising initiatives in her positions at Vanderbilt and NASCUMC. Dr. Overton received a B.S. in Business, summa cum laude, from Lambuth University, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration, summa cum laude, from Dallas Baptist University and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University — Peabody College, where she received the Dean’s Scholarship Award.

Establishing an Endowment

The Betty and Dean Groves Endowed Men’s Basketball scholarship, to be established by an estate gift, will provide a scholarship annually to a student-athlete on the KWU Men’s Basketball team who is in good standing academically and athletically.

“We are honored and appreciative,” said Mike Hermann, director of Athletics. “This legacy gift from Dean and Betty will have significant impact for our program, both in providing resources for young men representing Kansas Wesleyan on the basketball court and in modeling outstanding philanthropy for other university supporters.”

A member of the Institutional Advancement team can walk the donors through the process. KWU advises donors to consult their attorney or financial advisor throughout the process.

Donors decide how they want their funds to be used for the good of the university. This may include special projects, a program or event, a particular salaried position, a scholarship or any number of other opportunities. They may honor someone in the naming of the endowment. The details of the endowment plan are then documented in a Statement of Testamentary Provision. Donors may choose to pay in full or to begin paying toward the endowed fund while they are still living, or they may establish the gift through their Last Will & Testament.

THE MISSION

LEAVING A LEGACY

PROMOTING FACULTY EXCELLENCE

Academics have always been a part of their lives, so when Jerry ’59, and Margaret (Williams) ’61, Norton considered where they would like to donate their money, both now and after they are gone, they liked the idea of creating an endowed faculty excellence fund at Kansas Wesleyan in honor of the KWU faculty who taught them years ago. When they sold their house and moved to a condominium, they used money from that sale to start the fund, with more gifts to follow during their lifetimes and through their estate. “We have expressed our gratitude to KWU over the years, and I served for nine years on the university Board of Trustees,” said Jerry. “We hope this fund will help in recruiting and retaining your best faculty.”

he joined the faculty for four years at Chicago-Kent College of Law and for 44 years at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He retired last July as Professor Emeritus. Margaret earned a master’s degree in Far Eastern Art History from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in Library Science from Rosary College, and taught art history for 35 years at Triton Community College in River Grove, IL. The Jerry and Margaret Norton Faculty Excellence Fund will be used to assist with faculty publications and research, including undergraduate research opportunities with students and faculty, and for travel expenses incurred when faculty attend conferences or pursue research.

Jerry earned a law degree and practiced law for four years. Following graduate legal studies, 19

IN MEMORY OF GENE BISSELL

DR. F. GENE BISSELL 1927–2016

“ He has touched the lives of hundreds, maybe even thousands, in his lifetime, and his legacy will remain at Kansas Wesleyan forever.” — KWU President, Dr. Matt Thompson

It is nearly impossible to have a conversation about Kansas Wesleyan football without the mention of longtime coach Gene Bissell. The stories are plentiful, and each one ends with a smile, a laugh or an endearing word about Coach Bissell. In fact, forget football. Bissell’s name comes up among alumni and supporters from many aspects of the university because his long service touched so many Coyotes.

In addition to his role with the football program, Bissell was a member of the faculty, well regarded for his instruction in statistics. At different times in his career he served as head coach for track, tennis and golf, and assistant basketball coach for several years. Following his retirement from the gridiron, he remained as athletic director and continued to serve the institution in several capacities until his retirement in 1994.

On January 28, 2016, Bissell, 89, passed away in Salina, a community that he and his wife, Evelyn, called home for nearly 70 years.

After retirement, he was named to the Board of Trustees in 1994 and served until 2005, including a three-year stint as chair (2000–03). Even late into life, he would ride his bicycle to football practice and provide support to the coaching staff. He also joined former Governor Bill Graves as the co-chair of the recent $7.5 million Sports Complex fundraising drive.

Bissell, who was born in Akron, Ohio, graduated from Heidelberg College in three years. He was a three-year starter at tackle and co-captain of the 1948 Student Prince team that went undefeated and won the Ohio Athletic Conference. He also lettered in basketball and baseball. He pursued graduate studies at the prestigious Case Institute of Technology (later Case Western Reserve University). Then, Gene made the trek west to accept the assistant football coach position at Kansas Wesleyan University in 1950. After the 1951 season, the 26-year-old Bissell was named head football coach, a position he would hold for 26 seasons (he took a sabbatical from coaching in 1962). While he remains the winningest coach in KWU history with 116 victories and four KCAC championships to his credit, it was not the outcome of the games that was most important to Bissell. It was the relationships and the development of young men ready to take their place in society. Those men, and the countless others that he mentored while in Salina, have become Bissell’s legacy. “I consider myself very fortunate that I was privileged to be a part of the Kansas Wesleyan football team for four years under Coach Gene Bissell,” said Bill Graves, former Kansas governor, who played from 1971–74. “He was a great coach, a wonderful teacher and role model that’s influenced my life ever since. But first and foremost, he was a great husband and father to Evelyn, Nancy and Mark. I learned a great deal from him, and while football was a significant part of that experience, there was so much more he taught about responsibility, integrity, hard work and perseverance. He meant so much to so many young men and women throughout his teaching and coaching career.”

On October 8, 1994, the field at Glenn Martin Stadium was dedicated as Bissell Field in his honor. When the Sports Complex was completed in 2015, the field was again dedicated as Bissell Field during the October 3 ceremony. “It was so special to have Gene and Evelyn and their family with us on October 3 as we dedicated the new Bissell Field,” said Dr. Matt Thompson. “He has touched the lives of hundreds, maybe even thousands, in his lifetime, and his legacy will remain at Kansas Wesleyan forever.” Bissell was an inaugural member of the Kansas Wesleyan University Athletics Hall of Fame, inducted in 1986. He was also a member of the North Royalton (Ohio) High School (1984), Heidelberg College (1989) and NAIA (1991) halls of fame. Always generous and planning for the future, Bissell supported the establishment of the Dr. Franklin Gene Bissell Scholarship Fund in 1975 by the W Clan. Over the years he and Evelyn have supported the fund, which provides a scholarship to a deserving student-athlete each year. The Bissell family has asked that memorial gifts be made to the scholarship fund or to University United Methodist Church. Bissell was buried in Evelyn’s hometown of New Florence, Missouri. A celebration of life was held at KWU on February 20.

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI NEWS Share your news with your classmates by emailing alumni@kwu.edu.

PEOPLE 1942 Dorothy (Barekman) Preston, of Denver, CO, passed away Oct. 3, 2015. 1947 Frieda (Stutzman) Atwater, of Altadena, CA, passed away in November 2015. 1950 Dr. Glen Eaton, of Salina, KS, passed away at age 87 on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015. Dr. Eaton, a Salina anesthesiologist for 30 years, served on the KWU Board of Trustees from 1966–1969 and from 1972–1981. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pauline (Jennings) Eaton ’49, who also served as a trustee from 1986–1995 and from 2001–2005. John Courter, of Pittsburg, KS, passed away on Nov. 4, 2015. After graduating from Kansas Wesleyan, he became a KWU admissions counselor and later served as director of University Services and then Dean of Students. He also served as a member of the KWU Board of Trustees from 1982–1985. Louis Fabritiis, of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away on Dec. 8, 2015. He was a science teacher for 25 years at Pennsauken (NJ) Middle School. 1951 Former Kansas State Senator Ben Vidricksen, of Salina, KS, passed away on Sept. 14, 2015. He served in the state senate for 21 years, from 1979–2001, and was re-elected five times. He was assistant majority leader for 16 years and served as finance chairman for the “Ad Astra” Capitol dome sculpture project. His accomplishments included the Highway 81 Comprehensive Transportation Initiative and he was known for his efforts to expand Interstate 135. A stretch of that freeway near Salina was named after him in 2002. 1954 Blaine Cormon, of Crosby, TX, passed away July 9, 2015. He earned a Master of Science

and Ph.D. from Purdue University and went to work for Humble Oil and Refining Company’s Research and Development Center, eventually retiring from Exxon Research. Harold Frazell, of Salina, KS, passed away on February 3, 2016. He was a 16-year veteran of the Army Reserves, was a high school teacher and Coach. He worked in admissions at KWU from 1966–1968 and was an assistant football coach under Gene Bissell. 1960 Forrest Middleton, of Temple, TX, passed away Dec. 21, 2015. After KWU, he was employed by the Boy Scouts of America as a District Scout Executive in both Oklahoma and in Texas. He became an independent carpenter/contractor and eventually owned a Guarantee Carpet Cleaning and Dye Systems franchise in Austin, Texas. Wes Jackson will step down in June as president of The Land Institute, which he co-founded in 1976. He will continue working with The Land Institute by writing, working with ecological studies and lecturing occasionally. 1963 Gerald Childs, of Olathe, KS, passed away July 30, 2015. He was a retired high school teacher and coach. At Kansas Wesleyan he played football and basketball and in 1963 was the third-highest scorer (1,073) and fourth-highest rebounder in team history. When he was inducted into the KWU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1987, he held the KWU record for most free throw attempts. He and his wife Carlene were dedicated supporters of KWU Athletics. Sharon (Forst) Harper, of Pittsburg, KS, passed away May 22, 2015. She earned a master’s degree from Pittsburgh State University in 1972. Her teaching career, from which she

retired in 2007, included schools in Salina, Cherokee and Mineral, KS. She also was a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker and worked with the social services organization, Class Limited, to place developmentally disabled adults in work positions and home environments. 1968 Ed Fender traveled to Lima, Peru, on April 18, 2014, for five weeks of adventure. He hiked along the edge of the Colca Canyon and went boating on Lake Titicaca. He also canoed the Madre de Rios River at the Ed Fender headwaters of the Amazon in the rainforest. He then volunteered for three weeks with Project Abroad’s Inca Project, assisting with archaeological work that included hiking and exploration in the Andes Mountains, cleaning and mapping existing ruins and Inca trails, and excavations. 1969 James Fleagle, of Enterprise, KS, passed away Dec. 8, 2015. He worked as a librarian at the Eisenhower Museum in Abilene and was pastor of Enterprise United Methodist Church. 1971 Betty (Gaumer) Fitzgerald, of Glen Elder, KS, passed away Oct. 5, 2015. She earned a M.Ed. from Kansas State University and taught Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Spanish at Tipton High School in Tipton, KS. 1974 Darrell Smith, of Culver, KS, passed away Aug. 1, 2015. He retired from St. John’s Military School in Salina, KS, in 2013, where he was assistant director of facilities.

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI NEWS Share your news with your classmates by emailing alumni@kwu.edu.

PEOPLE cont. 1978 Dean “Barney” Wisehart, of Monte Vista, CO, passed away Dec. 21, 2014. Russell Neely, of Milan, MI, passed away May 11, 2014. Prior to his medical retirement, he was a human resources specialist with the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita. 1990 Betsy (Johnson) Rittel, who teaches second grade at Schilling Elementary School in Salina, KS, was nominated for 2015 Kansas Master Teacher for USD305. On December 19, 2015, Kathy Mastin, of Salina KS, was awarded the Peter John Loux Award. She was recognized as an outstanding Kansan who has demonstrated an exceptional desire and dedication in overcoming the difficulties caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis, which she has had since she was a toddler. 1992 Timothy DeLay, of Brighton, CO, passed away April 21, 20014. He worked for many years as an appraiser for Roller Auction Company in Denver. 1999 Tina Donnelly, who teaches special education modified classes and co-teaches algebra at Salina South High School in Salina, KS, was nominated for 2015 Kansas Master Teacher for USD305. 2002 Tavarus Glaspie, of Longview, TX, passed away April 6, 2014. 2004 Terri Van Slyke of York, PA, completed an M.A in Coaching and Athletic Administration in 2014 from Concordia

University Irvine in California. In April 2015 she was named head women’s basketball coach for Penn State York, a campus of Pennsylvania State University. 2005 Phil Beckner was hired last summer as assistant Men’s Basketball coach at the University of Nebraska, an NCAA Div. 1 Big Ten Conference school. Previously, the Buckeye, AZ, native spent seven years at Weber State University (Ogden, UT). There, he helped to develop NBA All-Star guard Damian Lillard, the 2012–13 NBA Rookie of the Year with the Portland Trail Blazers. Beckner played Men’s Basketball at KWU all four years. 2007 Korte Maupin married Levi Warren on March 14, 2015. They live in Derby, KS, a suburb of Wichita. She teaches fifth grade at Pleasantview Elementary in Derby. 2008 Scott Moore, who majored in Communications, was hired last fall by KSNW-TV3 in Wichita, KS. As the morning production assistant and ﬂoor director, he oversees ﬂoor operations during the weekday morning news program. 2014 Devan and Katy Atkinson, of Spring, TX, celebrated the birth of their son, Kai, on Nov. 18, 2014. Maddy Christner, of Garden City, KS, took first place in the Open Category of the 14th Annual Southwest Kansas Photography Exhibition held in August 2015 at Garden City Arts in Garden City, KS. Her winning entry, titled “Hunter,” is a photo of her mother’s cat, Trixie, peering intently at something off-camera. Scott Moore

2015 Tracer Paul accepted a paid internship for spring 2016 to assist in planning and coordinating special events for the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation (www. sportkc.org/). The privately-funded nonprofit organization has partnerships with the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting Kansas City Major League Soccer team, and many others. FRIENDS OF KWU Dr. Arthur Jeffery “Jeff” Hopper, of Columbus, OH, passed away July 12, 2015. He served as KWU chaplain from 1959–61. On Easter Sunday in 1964, he was arrested with several colleagues on the steps of a Methodist church in Jackson, MS, as part of efforts to integrate the southern Methodist churches. Rev. Gerald Martin, of Wichita, KS, passed away Nov. 9, 2015. He was a member of the KWU Board of Trustees from 1983–89. For more than 50 years, he ministered in churches in Iowa, Ohio and throughout Kansas.

GOOD CHEMISTRY

HOME AGAIN! The 2015 fall season will be known as the year that the Kansas Wesleyan football and soccer teams came home! The inaugural football game in the new Graves Family Sports Complex — the first played on the new Gene Bissell Mike Hermann Field and the first Director of Athletics played on campus since 2006 — lived up to expectations! It was perfect October football weather. The Homecoming crowd enjoyed a fun pregame gathering on campus and more than 2,000 fans filled the stadium. Headlining the list of honored guests were Coach Gene Bissell and his wife, Evelyn, there to witness the first game back on Bissell Field. And the undefeated football team, under second-year head coach Matt Drinkall, romped to a 48–7 victory over McPherson. It was a long time coming, and, on that night, it felt like it was worth the wait. Our teams benefited from “home field advantage.” The football team was 4–0 at Graves, contributing to a 10–1 regular season record and first NCAA postseason appearance since 2002. The men’s soccer team was 2–2–1 on the new pitch, including an impressive 1–0 loss to #2 Oklahoma Wesleyan, a first-year KCAC member. The women’s soccer team was 4–0 in the stadium during regular season; plus it won the KCAC quarterfinal over Friends, 5–0. After winning the 2015 KCAC title, the Coyotes hosted and beat Our Lady of the Lake in penalty kicks in the NAIA Opening Round to advance to the national championship site in Orange Beach, Alabama. Even Sacred Heart got into the act, winning all three of its home games at the new stadium, earning a KSHSAA playoff bid. Not a bad first year at the Graves Family Sports Complex where all of the home teams combined for a 15–2–1 record! The dust has not settled yet at the Graves Family Sports Complex. This spring, the final touches of ticket booths, monuments and west-side fencing will be complete. And, the Coyote track team will have a home practice site, utilizing the eight lanes of the Dale and Marceline Olson Track to prepare for KCAC competition. Plans are already underway for the fall 2016 season, including the football season opener as the Coyotes host Waldorf at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10. It’s another chance for Kansas Wesleyan to be home again, where it belongs!

GOOD CHEMISTRY Coach Showman Finds the Right Mix on the Hardcourt Women’s Basketball Head Coach Ryan Showman ’04 spends countless hours working with his team in the gymnasium and in the weight room, and he is developing a winning tradition at KWU. But according to Showman it is not the hard skills that are putting “Ws” in the win column. Mental toughness and teamwork, on and off the court, he says, is what is boosting the Coyotes further up in the national polls. Showman took the reins in 2012–13, and with a seven-game winning streak, the team finished 18–13 and made it to the KCAC championship game. The 2013–14 season, in which the Coyotes posted just 16 wins, was a game changer for Showman and his coaching staff. “I came to realize that being successful as a team depends on developing effective relationships,” said Showman. “We had to make a big culture change, from how we coach, to the way we play, to how we support each other on and off the court. This year we have seen the benefit of what was learned from that season.” Under Showman’s direction, coaches and players worked on developing effective conflict resolution and positive communication and listening skills. He

is seeing positive results from putting his upperclassmen through a leadership program every spring and summer. He also created a Unity Council, made up of eight team members voted on by the team, as a bridge between the players and the coaching staff. He empowers them to handle the small fires so he and his coaches can work on the most important issues. “To be successful, we need good team chemistry and trust between players, something that carries over to the rest of life, into jobs, relationships, anything and everything,” said Showman. “Mental toughness is huge for our team — fighting through adversity together, staying positive and enjoying playing with each other. I want our players to be excited to compete for their teammates, their coaches and their fans.” Last season the team finished 20–10 and earned NAIA Scholar Team honors. The Coyotes were ranked No. 5 nationally in the NAIA Division of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Academic Top 25 Honor Roll. Building on that momentum, KWU began this season ranked No. 24 in the first NAIA coaches’ poll and had compiled an 18–5 record going into the last games of the season. Visit www.kwucoyotes.com to find out how the team finished the season.

FALL SPORTS UPDATE The fall sports season at Kansas Wesleyan was again a successful campaign as all fall sports teams (Football, Volleyball, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Cross Country and Men’s Cross Country) finished in the top half of the KCAC conference standings. Three teams had appearances in the NAIA National Championships: Football, Women’s Soccer and Men’s Cross Country. CROSS COUNTRY The Men’s Cross Country team made its first appearance in the NAIA National Championships since 1992 by virtue of a second-place finish in the KCAC championship held at Marion Lake, KS. This was the first year that the conference had two automatic qualifiers to the National Championships due to now having 12 participating teams in the conference. At Nationals, KWU as a team finished 33rd in the race. Trail Spears and Nick Robinson were Honorable Mention All-KCAC. Women’s Cross Country was sixth in the conference championships and were led by Betzabeth Garcia and Chelsea Kostyak. Look for both teams to remain solid into next years they return with a majority of runners. FOOTBALL The Football team had its best season in school history with a record-setting ten wins, finishing 10–2. The Coyotes reached the NAIA Football Championship Series for the first time since 2002, where they faced defending national champion (and eventual 2015 National Runners-up) Southern Oregon in the first round. KWU finished second in the conference and was led by KCAC Player of the Year Jake Curran at quarterback, who set several school records this season. Eighteen KWU football players earned All-KCAC honors.

MEN’S SOCCER The Men’s Soccer team saw its unprecedented, and KCAC-record-setting, 54-match conference unbeaten streak come to an end with a loss to Tabor during the season. KWU had gone six full rounds through the conference schedule without losing a match, a streak dating back to the 2009 season. The Coyotes proved they are a highcaliber team, playing No. 2 Oklahoma Wesleyan to a 1–0 decision, the closest any other team in the conference came to the KCAC newcomer Eagles. Seven Coyotes were named All-KCAC, led by Jesse Lennon’s First Team All-KCAC nod. Lennon also earned NSCAA All-Region honors. KWU finished the year 9–8–2 overall and 6–3–1 in conference play. WOMEN’S SOCCER For the first time since 2012, the KWU Women’s Soccer team advanced to the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship Blake Reynolds Opening Round by winning the KCAC Tournament in a 4–0 decision over Oklahoma Wesleyan on November 14 in Topeka. It was the second win over the Eagles for the Coyotes, as KWU also blanked the conference newcomers 3–0 in the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Game of the Week on October 21. Unfortunately, KWU saw its 45-match conference unbeaten streak come to an end with a 1–0 overtime loss to Ottawa on October 31. KWU had gone five complete runs through the conference slate without a loss, dating back to the 2010 season. KWU hosted the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship Opening Round on November 21 against Our Lady of the Lake University from San Antonio, TX, and the Coyotes advanced on penalty kicks, 5–4, to the final site in Orange Beach, AL. KWU faced defending national champion Lindsey Wilson, dropping a 5–0 decision to the eventual National Runners-Up. Seven Coyotes were named to the All-KCAC teams, highlighted by

Cynthia Chavez being named the KCAC Newcomer of the Year. Chavez, Roxy Gomez and Kate Salmonsen were all named NSCAA AllRegion, and Gomez and Breanna Bodiford were selected as NAIA Women’s Soccer Honorable Mention All-Americans. Coach Blake Reynolds was selected by NSCAA as the NAIA Plains Region Coach of the Year and was one of seven coaches on the ballot for NAIA National Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year. VOLLEYBALL Volleyball had another successful run through the season, finishing 26–13 overall and 16–4 in the conference, reaching the KCAC Jess Lovejoy Championship final Assistant coach, for the fifth straight Women’s Volleyball season. Seven Coyote Volleyball players earned All-KCAC honors, and assistant coach Jess Lovejoy was selected as the KCAC Assistant Coach of the Year. Senior Jori Mote and Lovejoy also received AVCA AllRegion honors. FALL ACADEMIC SUCCESSES A total of 23 studentathletes earned Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors this fall. Coyote Volleyball led the entire NAIA with 10 ScholarAthletes. KWU also had two Academic All-District selections in Volleyball’s Haley Thompson and Women’s Soccer’s Karlee Perez. Perez also went on to become KWU’s 17th Academic AllAmerica selection.

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW BASEBALL Building on the momentum of the 2015 season that ended with the Coyotes playing the KCAC championship game, second-year head Baseball coach, Bill Neale, faces a rebuilding task, graduating 12 seniors last spring. Senior outfielders Jordan Rouselle and Dustin Stokes will lead the offensive attack, while junior Brandon Wescher is the top returning pitcher. The KCAC season will begin with a four-game series against Bethany on March 13 and 14. After finishing third in the league a year ago, the Coyotes will find the competition tougher with the addition of Oklahoma Wesleyan and York, both programs that have played in the NAIA World Series in the past three years. The 2016 KCAC title will be determined in the six-team tournament in Great Bend on May 4–7. GOLF The Kansas Wesleyan Women’s Golf team is defending its 2015 KCAC title, but without tournament medalist Kamie Rash, who graduated and is now serving as an assistant coach. Coach Randy Bemiss’s women’s team was more balanced in the fall with top performances by Kiah Rash, Kaylee Crawford and Kelcey Edwards, plus newcomers MacKenzie Brewster and Palmer Bosanko. The men’s team, which finished third in the KCAC Championship a year ago, is poised to make a run at the top spot. Having five returning players, plus two standout recruits, has created competition for the starting lineup. The team won the Ottawa Invitational in the fall and placed well in several other events. The two KCAC Championships will be played at Buffalo Dunes in Garden City. The women will play April 18–19, followed by the men, April 22–23. SOFTBALL After back-to-back KCAC softball tournament championships, head coach Daryl Hoelting is charged with replacing eight of nine starters in 2016. Senior outfielder Brooke Hawkins, who hit .356 as a junior, is the only returning starter. However, the Coyotes have a strong recruiting class that could again push Kansas Wesleyan to the top of the KCAC standings. The conference season starts March 23, when the Coyotes host Bethany, and wraps up with an eightteam tournament in Great Bend on May 4–6.

TRACK The Kansas Wesleyan Track program takes a major step forward in 2016 as the team will have a larger roster with more events covered under the direction of head coach, Brent Bailey. Senior Louis Edminston and junior Garrett Young will lead the men’s squad. Edminston competed in the marathon at the 2015 NAIA Outdoor Track National Championships and qualified again for the 2016 event. The women’s team will be led by juniors Kara Reimer and Keara Lenard, along with sophomore Chelsea Kortyak. Lenard is a three-time national qualifier in race walk.

TENNIS With four returning starters and an outstanding recruiting class, fourth-year head coach Bob Warkentine may have his best men’s tennis team this season, looking to qualify for the fourteam KCAC postseason tournament for the first time since the format was adopted. Sophomore Samir Lopez, who was the #1 singles player a year ago, will lead the returnees. It’s a young, but talented team with four freshmen, three sophomores and only one senior. Newcomer Mario Rincon won the #1 single championship in the fall Individual KCAC Tournament. On the women’s side, sophomore Djurdjina Vrhovac and junior Cassidy Cook return at the top of the lineup for the Coyotes. For the past six years, the women’s team has played its best tennis at the end of the year, earning a spot in the KCAC tournament spot each time by finishing in the top four in the conference. The tennis championships will be played on April 29 and 30 in Wichita.

100 E. Claﬂin Avenue Salina, KS 67401-6196

SAVE THE DATE! HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 23–25, 2016!

KWU BY THE NUMBERS

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VOLUNTEERS RECRUITED FOR THE “FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN MOBILEPAK MEAL ASSEMBLY” EVENT ON CAMPUS IN JANUARY

CONCERT-GOERS FILLED SAMS CHAPEL DURING TWO PERFORMANCES OF CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED BY OUR STUDENT BODY

29 NATIONAL DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIPS WON BY DEBATE & FORENSICS IN 11 YEARS

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63 KCAC ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS WON SINCE 2005

FANS ATTENDED THE FIRST FOOTBALL GAME AT THE NEW GRAVES FAMILY SPORTS COMPLEX ON OCT. 3, 2015