Contact

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

CONTACT Spring 2018

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

— Benjamin Franklin

Angelique Archuletta, senior, studies in the upgraded Martha (Wessling) Bieber Biology Lab.

CONTENTS

2

6 10 12 13 15 16 19 20

4 Fine Arts spotlight 6 Commencement 2018 — What you need to know 7 Internship takes alumna to South Africa

Kansas Wesleyan University Spring 2018

KWU President & CEO: Matt Thompson, Ph.D.

Contact is the official alumni magazine of Kansas Wesleyan University and is published by the office of Marketing and Communications.

Vice President of Admissions & Advancement: Melanie Overton, Ed.D.

Managing Editor: Jim Beechwood Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications: Amy Adams Graphic Designer and Magazine Layout: Amanda Colgrove ’15

Follow us!

Provost: Damon Kraft, Ph.D. Senior Development Officer: Jody Jorns Office Manager: Linda Baumberger Development Officer: Jennifer Rein G’10

8 Alumna talks about career helping Saline County elders

12 Coyotes Can! Fall Wesleyan Journey to Costa Rica

9 Alumni who make Salina home

13 Celebrating Coyote accomplishments

10 President celebrates five years with KWU

14 Professor talks about growth

Board of Trustees Executive Committee: Emily-May Richards, Chair Jeff Bieber ’71, Vice Chair Jon Starks, Secretary Steven Michel, Treasurer Charlie Grimwood, Ph.D., Immediate Past Chair KWU Foundation: Ken Ebert, Chair Dale Bradley ’59, Vice Chair Kansas Wesleyan Alumni Council: David Branda ’76, President Randy Lamer ’06, Vice President Rick Dahl ’99, Treasurer Lori Trow ’82, Secretary

18 Alum recalls his time at KWU fondly 19 KWU announces launch of Social Work program 20 Athletic news

Writing Assistance: Amy Adams David Toelle ’08

Send address changes to: Advancement Office 100 E. Claflin Ave. Salina, KS 67401

Photo Credits: Tanner Colvin ’11 Amanda Colgrove ’15 For news about KWU, visit www.kwu.edu/news.

To change your contact information or to share news, click the MYKWU portal on the top banner of our website: www.kwu.edu.

Contact Information: Website: www.kwu.edu Alumni email: alumni@kwu.edu Advancement and MARCOM: (785) 833-4341 Read Contact Magazine Online: Website: www.kwu.edu/news

Alumni Engagement Officer: Kendall Carter ’17

@goKWU or @KWUCoyotes

Kansas Wesleyan University

Kansas Wesleyan University

A message from

President Matt Thompson and his wife Jennifer celebrate KWU’s birthday in September.

President Matt Thompson I often tell prospective students that the most reassuring feeling is landing where you know you are called to be, and that is exactly how I felt when I was offered the presidency at KWU five years ago. I was intrigued by the strong alumni affinity, impressed by the faculty and staff, and enamored with the Salina community. I was excited for the chance to serve as a college president, to work with a team to enhance the experience and opportunities for academic, spiritual and personal growth for our students.

I accepted with a grateful and humble heart, knowing that this would be a special opportunity for me and my family. We had spent most of our lives living on college campuses, involved in student life and alumni and donor engagement, and the close-knit KWU campus would provide a perfect fit for us. And our Floridian trio was thrilled about the potential of building snowmen!

It has been a blessed journey, and one that our family has embraced wholeheartedly. We have been intentionally active in campus activities as well as fully engaged in the Salina community.

From having family meals in Shriwise Dining Hall and handing out snow cones during move-in day to sharing meals and game nights in our home

with nearly every student group, the quality time we share with our KWU family is an important and fulfilling part of our daily lives.

As I reflect on the last five years, I am particularly proud of the academic accomplishments that have helped many graduates attain acceptance into graduate schools and secure outstanding employment opportunities.

The exceptional work of our Advancement Office has provided additional scholarship resources and funds to complete the Graves Family Sports Complex and to enhance the science labs.

I’m so grateful for our faculty and staff whose work helped us achieve HLC and NCATE reaccreditation and a perfect 3.0 financial rating.

While there have been so many memorable moments over the past five years, as our motto reminds us, there is no “victory without toil.”

There have been challenges along the way that have led to improvements in our Nursing program, changes in campus emergency management and crisis communication procedures, processes to make transferring to KWU easier, the creation of a human resources office that has implemented compliance and key processes, and additional clubs, sports and

activities and special visit days to attract new students.

We are on solid ground, with impressive students who will be engaged citizens, global thinkers and change makers in their communities.

We have momentum, the strong support of alumni, state and local leaders, and degree programs that equip future businessmen and women, emergency responders, doctors, social workers, teachers, nurses, law enforcement personnel, lawyers and scientists with the critical skills they need for success.

I look forward to achieving more milestones, embracing new opportunities, meeting more alumni and continuing to advance the mission of Kansas Wesleyan University.

Coyote Proud,

Matthew R. Thompson, Ph.D., President & CEO Follow Dr. Thompson on Twitter @KWUPRES

4

1

7

9

2

5

10 6 8 3

1

Cousins Lenora Danielson, of Belleville, and Arlene Wolfe, of Concordia, decided to take a road trip to visit KWU’s campus and happened to stop by during Homecoming weekend. Their grandmother, Maud E. Thompson, and grandfather, Pete Jorgensen, both attended Kansas Wesleyan.

2

Former KWU professors Consuelo Diaz and Dr. Wes Jackson ’58 embrace at the Breakthrough Reception.

3

Jeffrey Bieber ’71 shakes hands with senior Dylan Boyd, president of the Biology Club, after Boyd spoke about students’

SAVE THE

appreciation for the remodeled biology lab. The lab was named in honor of Bieber’s late wife, Martha (Wessling) Bieber, whose passion for the sciences was rooted in her nursing career.

4

Annabel Fredrickson ’59 rehearses with other choir alumni for a Showcase Concert.

5

Raul Neri (left) and Britney Lewis were crowned the 2017 Homecoming King and Queen at halftime of the football game.

6

Heather Morgan ’02 speaks at the Alumni Awards Dinner after receiving the Alumni Achievement

Award. Morgan is the executive director of Project 17 at the Kansas State University Advanced Manufacturing Institute.

7

Former professors Drs. David Fancher ’64, Yuan Chiang and Wes Jackson ’58 stand with President Matt Thompson at the Breakthrough Reception. Fancher and Jackson were honored with emeritus status at the reception.

8

Gordon Gorton ’67 (from left), Harry Scott ’70 and Jerry Spears ’63 show off Kansas Wesleyan beanies during the Golden W Luncheon. The Class of 1967 was inducted at the event.

DA

OCT. 5– TE 7 Homeco ming Weeken d

& Family 2018

9

During the Breakthrough Reception, it was announced that the university’s Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer was named in honor of Dr. Yuan Chiang.

10

Rev. Glenn Tombaugh ’74 and David Branda ’76 enjoy some time on the slide at the tailgate party.

3

Leaving a Legacy Nelsons Continue Support

Chemistry Lab to Be Renovated Thanks to Gift

K

K

ansas Wesleyan University recently received a $100,000 gift from Jim ’77 and Charlotte Nelson that will benefit the university’s signature Teacher Education program, as well as a variety of student success initiatives. The Nelson family has a tremendous legacy at Kansas Wesleyan, as more than 80 members of the extended family have attended KWU. A portion of the donation will go toward the Dr. Albert ’50 and Elizabeth Street ’49 Nelson Endowed Scholarship Fund. The Students utilize the Albert Nelson Student Success Center scholarship fund was established before class.

Rudnick Gray Cary. He was chief felony in 1981 by Jim’s parents, Albert and Elizabeth. Since its inception, the scholarship prosecutor for the Dallas County District has benefited 37 Teacher Education students from Attorney’s Office, 1982–87, and was formerly assistant district attorney for Dallas County.

Kansas.

Jim was chair of the KWU Board of Trustees The Nelsons’ donation will also go toward 2011–12 and vice chair 2010–11. At KWU, facility planning for expanding the Albert he played football and basketball and was a Nelson Student Success Center, also named for resident assistant.

Jim’s father, and Memorial Library, as well as Charlotte had a very successful career in other facility upgrades. All of these projects are finance, breaking several gender barriers. focused on providing a high-quality living and She then went into nonprofit work with the learning environment for KWU students.

Community Foundation of Dallas.

Jim retired from the law firm DLA Piper

ansas Wesleyan University is pleased to announce that the chemistry lab in Peters Science Hall will soon be renovated, thanks to a $100,000 pledge from Barbara A. Hauptli ’54.

“I am all for supporting the sciences.

That is the future,” Hauptli said. “I think small, faith-based schools are the backbone of the country. I’m just so proud of Kansas Wesleyan and what it does. It is a wonderful asset to Salina.”

The renovation of the chemistry lab is part of KWU’s focus on its science, technology, engineering and math programs. Thanks to Hauptli and other supporters, students will have top-quality labs paired with the small classes and hands-on experiences that have long characterized KWU’s program.

Hauptli is a long-time KWU supporter. She has served on the Board of Trustees, including as the chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee, which guided the more than $6 million capital campaign for the Student Activities Center. She received the Alumni Service Award in 2006 and is a member of KWU’s Pioneer Society.

Loyd Sees Need for Emergency Managers W

hen Robert Loyd ’68 completed his degree in Business at Kansas Wesleyan, he took the natural path to continue his education by pursuing an M.B.A. It was while he was in graduate school that he realized business was not his passion. He was intrigued by an offer to participate in a student firefighter program at Oklahoma State, and this sparked a 38-year career as a fire protection specialist.

His cousin, Marlene (Loyd) Lee ’61, has served on the KWU Board of Trustees since 2010. It was Lee who

shared with her cousin the news that KWU was launching an Emergency Management degree program.

“We see a growing need for emergency managers,” Loyd said.

“Just in the past year, there have been so many natural disasters. This program has space to grow, and it is uniquely placed here in Central Kansas to train emergency managers for work in rural counties.”

Loyd has provided a $45,000 gift to the university’s Emergency Management program. This gift will allow for a mock command center

on campus to benefit students in the program, and be used for a campus emergency command center and as a back-up center for Saline County Emergency Management. He is also inspired by the program’s partnership with K-State Polytechnic’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program.

“KWU is ‘leaning forward into the foxhole,’” said Loyd.

“UAS systems are being used in natural disasters to aid emergency responders, and I think it is terrific that KWU students will have the opportunity to learn this skill.”

Robert Loyd ’68 talks through ideas for a mock command center for Kansas Wesleyan.

4

s t r A e Fin

2

T H G I L T SPO

3

Young Alums Shine on the Stage Aine Hakamatsuka ’12

Professional Singer, New York City

From Salina to New York City, Aine Hakamatsuka dazzles crowds with her pearly soprano voice and enchanting stage presence.

In the last six years, she has performed at well-known locations like Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A modern rendition of Giancarlo Menotti’s The Telephone in New York’s Upper West Side garnered accolades from The New York Times: “loads of personality, especially from Ms. Hakamatsuka.”

Her success began with wise mentors and big roles at Kansas Wesleyan University.

A native of Japan, Hakamatsuka chose Wesleyan for her undergraduate degree because of the opportunities she would miss out on at a bigger school.

“I was very spoiled. The smaller the school is, the more attention you get from the professors, which is a huge plus,” she said.

Wesleyan is unique even among smaller colleges in terms of the budget and energy it commits to producing operas.

Hakamatsuka sang lead roles three years in a row — something very few of her professional colleagues can claim. It helped her land jobs straight out of college.

“That’s not an experience you get all the time, unless you go to a small school,” she said.

Hakamatsuka continued polishing her skills at the Manhattan School of Music, one of the most prestigious music conservatories in the world. It was an eye-opening opportunity and a dream come true. She studied under elite opera singers and professional coaches while earning her master’s degree.

These days, Hakamatsuka is the one sharing her passion with the next generation. When she’s not performing, she teaches private voice and piano lessons. Most of her students are 5 to 10 years old, plus a few teens and adults.

“I love teaching and will never get tired of it,” she said.

5

5 1) Alicia Mora plays during the Arts Showcase Concert at Homecoming and Family Weekend.

2) Tasha Deiser (left) plays Shelby Thorp and Brianna Anderson plays Percy Talbott in the fall production of the musical The Spitfire Grill.

3) The 2017–18 Debate and Forensics team includes (back row, from left) Megan Kline, Katlyn Downey, Autumn Zimmerman, Josh Davis and (front row, from left) Katie Merrill, Dakota Yates, Cassity Morlan and Tanner Bowles.

4) Tina Butts plays the part of Amahl in the opera Amahl and the Night Visitors.

5) Rebecca Copley, director of vocal studies, sings with the choir during the Art Showcase Concert at Homecoming and Family Weekend.

6) Christian McQueen sings a solo during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day worship service.

7) Malik Swift paints en plein air in front of Pioneer Hall as part of his Painting I class.

Ben Waugh ’13

Theatre-Based Performance Artist, Colorado Front Range It was the first month of grad school, and in a room full of actors, only Ben Waugh knew how to program the light board and turn off the lights.

A lot of colleges separate acting from the technical side of theatre, but Waugh learned both at Kansas Wesleyan.

“I was very lucky I went to Wesleyan. If you were a theatre major, you had to make your own show as your final thesis project,” he said. “It’s something Wesleyan gave me that I have used exponentially.”

Waugh’s career took root after completing his master’s degree at Naropa University in Boulder, CO. On any given weekend, he could be delighting an audience as a circus aerial performer; managing a technical production; acting with innovative troupes like Band of Toughs and Control Group Productions; or leading his own theatre company.

His style pushes boundaries, bringing together diverse aspects of theatre and performing arts.

“To me as a postmodernist, it’s just as valuable to make people question something or make them smile and laugh,” he said.

Waugh’s company, The Great Perhaps Performance Collective, just received a large grant to produce a show in Boulder in September. The Great Migration, an original theatre piece, will feature stories from people who migrated across the Mexican border as children. Waugh and his team conducted the interviews and wrote the script.

A college internship laid the foundation for Waugh’s business success. He spent two summers at the Salina Community Theatre, working under Wesleyan alum Shannon Garretson ’03.

“It was a remarkable program that allowed me to see the business aspect of theatre,” Waugh said.

Next up for this performing entrepreneur: teaching classes for up-and-coming performance artists. He also dreams of buying rehearsal space that young professionals can rent for a discount.

6

Nicholas Petron ’68 to address Class of 2018 at Commencement

2018

Commencement Activities Honors Dinner

6 p.m. | Friday, May 11 Muir Gymnasium

Baccalaureate Ceremony

11 a.m. | Saturday, May 12 University United Methodist Church

Class of 2018 Photo Noon | Saturday, May 12 front of Pioneer Hall

Commencement Ceremony 3 p.m. | Saturday, May 12 Mabee Arena

Graduation Reception 4:30 p.m. | Saturday, May 12 Muir Gymnasium

More information on Commencement Weekend events can be found at www.kwu.edu/graduation2018

Nicholas “Nick” Petron ’68, professor and chair of the Department of Theatre at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY, will deliver the keynote address to the Class of 2018 at the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 12.

At Kansas Wesleyan University, Petron majored in Speech and Theatre and was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges. The 1968 KWU Coyote Yearbook described him as “a thespian at heart, a politician by avocation, and a journalist because he has a lot to say.”

During his four years at Kansas Wesleyan, he served as president of the Fine Arts Club, president of Pi Sigma Upsilon social and service activities fraternity, and president of the KWU chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honor Society. He wrote a column for the Advance student newspaper and was involved in intramurals, the International Fellowship of Christians and Salina Community Theatre.

Petron received his professional Actors Equity card at age 19, playing the Prince in The King and I in summer stock in New Jersey. He followed that role with 12 years of stage work. As a KWU senior, Petron directed The Fantastics, the first student-directed and student-produced musical to be performed at the university.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from KWU, Petron went back to New York for his M.A. at Adelphi University. Petron is a member of SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). He has worked in feature films with Al Pacino, Bruce Willis, John Cusack, Tim Matheson and Kate Capshaw. Petron’s TV commercial credits include spots for Ponderosa Steak House, Eagle Brand snacks and more. For the Children’s Television Workshop, producers of the classic “Sesame Street,” he was the voice for Y, Up and Down and Pizza. He won an Ace Award for radio commercial direction. Petron has directed stage productions of Uncle Vanya, Holy Ghosts, The Rimers of Eldridge, Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, Moonchildren, Steel Magnolias, subUrbia and Uncommon Women and Others.

During his tenure at Adelphi University, he has had the pleasure of teaching and working with such luminaries as Jonathan Larson (creator of Rent) and Dr. Jacques Burdick (teacher at the Yale School of Drama and founder of the B.F.A. Acting and Technical Design program at Adelphi).

Fall graduates were honored at the Fall 2017 Recognition Ceremony on Dec. 8.

Healing

Music

Internship allows alumna to help others through music

“I found healing power in music, myself.”

– Sadie Smith ’17 LEFT: Sadie Smith enjoys the view after hiking up Lion’s Head Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.

RIGHT: Smith leads God Has Many Faces, a program that nurtures interfaith understanding, in Delft, a township in Cape Town. The workshop was focused on sacred music, and Smith taught youth basic singing techniques, including breathing and posture. Photos courtesy of Jiale Hu.

Alumna Sadie Smith ’17 believes in the restorative power of music.

She has felt it on a personal level and witnessed it build connections between disparate people.

Smith found herself at Kansas Wesleyan after taking a break from studying opera in Wisconsin. Her father, The Very Rev. Robert Nelson Smith, had taken the job of dean, president and CEO of Saint Francis Community Services. Smith came to Salina to be with her parents. They encouraged her to take some general education courses, so she enrolled at KWU. It was an easy decision to add voice lessons to her list of classes. By the end of her first semester, she was enveloped in the Music Department.

Though she found a place at KWU, her path was not always easy. Smith struggled with depression and spent some time hospitalized to treat a major depressive disorder. When she returned, she confided in KWU vocal

instructor Rebecca Copley.

“She told me, ‘We will bring you back to what you love,’ ” Smith said.

The two then worked only on pieces that made Smith happy. The process helped her adapt to her return to KWU and the music program.

“I found healing power in music, myself,” Smith explained.

That personal understanding of music created a call for Smith.

“I am passionate about singing and music and people,” Smith said.

“I’m trying to find a way to make my passions work together.”

Smith sought out an opportunity to apply her bachelor’s in music toward healing and community building at the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM) in Cape Town, South Africa.

The organization works with victims from war-torn countries and of domestic violence, those with HIV/ AIDS, and criminal offenders and excombatants through workshops that use personal stories, drama and art. Smith completed an internship at IHOM in October that involved assisting with developing and facilitating workshops, working with youth, teaching music and helping with social media.

At IHOM, Smith used the experience in instruction she gained during college. Through KWU’s

7 partnership with Salina Community Theatre, Smith was introduced to opportunities to teach. She also drew on what she learned in her vocal pedagogy classes. The youth she worked with in South Africa hadn’t had the opportunity to take music classes or lessons, so the first hour of instruction focused on basic technique — how to stand and how to breathe.

“I would tell them of a study I read about how, when people sing together, after a while, their heartbeats begin to sync,” Smith said. “Each singer has something to contribute, but singing together, we become a community.”

The youth, who were from different backgrounds, learned songs from multiple faiths and cultures. They performed the songs at the One World Healing Festival in Paarl, South Africa.

“As soon as they were done, the kids were asking, ‘Can we do it again?’ They were really proud of the work they had done,” Smith said.

One of Smith’s final experiences in South Africa was at a lecture by Pearl Means, a Native American activist and author. Smith had been asked to sing a song following the lecture and, at the last moment, she changed her selection to “We Shall Overcome,” a piece that she felt represented a community’s hope to overcome tragedy. Afterward, she was approached by a South African woman who remembered singing that song in church during apartheid and an American man who had sung the song during protests of the Vietnam War. Though the two came from different countries and cultures, the song spoke to them in similar ways.

Before leaving the U.S. for Cape Town, Smith said, “I want to keep an open heart and mind. I’m seeking a vision for the future — a sense of what I am meant to do.”

She found some of that direction during her internship and plans to eventually attend graduate school to study ethnomusicology — the study of music in its cultural context. Both her personal experiences and her time in South Africa have demonstrated music’s ability to elevate and bring people together.

“Music helps us find ways to bridge gaps,” Smith said.

8

Compassionate Care for Saline County Elders and Caregivers

C

aring for an older loved one can be a complicated cocktail of emotions: hope, despair, stress, uncertainty, gratitude and more.

Most caregivers take on the role with little or no formal training. Wesleyan alumna Lindsay Huenefeld ’12 is passionate about using her nursing degree to provide respite for caregivers “Society has often cast away and keep seniors in the elderly, thinking they their homes as long as possible. don’t serve a purpose, don’t Huenefeld is the add value through jobs. But director of Sunflower Adult Day Services, a I have always gravitated Salina nonprofit that toward the elderly.” supports caregivers – Lindsay (Verhoeff) Huenefeld ’12 and offers therapeutic activities for adults with a wide range of disabling conditions.

She took on the managing role in February 2017 after five years as a geriatric nurse.

“Society has often cast away the elderly, thinking they don’t serve a purpose, don’t add value through jobs.

But I have always gravitated toward the elderly,” she said.

In addition to managing a staff team of 14, Huenefeld oversees admissions, program operations, building maintenance, volunteers and community education.

“I’m always surprised at how many people don’t know about us or lump it into long-term care,” she said. “We are very different from long-term care.”

On average, a one-day stay in longterm care costs $172 in the state of Kansas, according to Huenefeld. Adult day services are roughly one-third of that price and help delay placement into long-term care — often for two years or more.

For more information about Sunflower Adult Day Services, visit www.sunfloweradultday.org

Lindsey Huenefeld ’12 has been the director of Sunflower Adult Day Services since February 2017.

“It speaks to what we do, how effective it is!” said Huenefeld.

Huenefeld’s nursing team does a complete health assessment and develops a personal plan of care for each participant. Caregivers can catch up on chores or take time for themselves while their loved one is at Sunflower.

The testimonials on Sunflower’s website speak volumes: “Della started attending Sunflower Adult Day Services two days per week. At Sunflower, she was able to resume the painting, gardening and musical activities that were such an important part of her life. Pete got the periodic relief and support he needed to be able to care for Della at home right up to the end of her life.”

Personal experience fuels Huenefeld’s work with caregivers. She helped her own mother care for her

grandparents in their final years of life.

It’s what led her into nursing.

“I’ve always felt like this is exactly what I wanted to do,” she said.

Part of Kansas Wesleyan’s mission is to prepare students for their careers while equipping them to be responsible leaders in their communities. Huenefeld, a Salina native, exemplifies this type of caring service. She’s also building bridges from Saline County to the world beyond.

Sunflower is partnering with Johns Hopkins University for a two-year study investigating the effects of adult day services on overall caregiver health. Researchers are collecting data from similar programs throughout the country. Huenefeld said it will be helpful to have verified statistics from right here in Kansas when new participants consider Sunflower.

9

Making Salina Home Each year, students who have made Salina their home away from home choose to make it their permanent address after graduation. Many who are from out of town or out of state secure jobs—some that started out as internships—at local businesses.

Here is just a sampling of recent graduates among the nearly 2,000 Salina alumni.

Eddie Balluch ’12 Broker Pathway Financial Solutions

Travis Godfrey ’12 Sales Representative Long MacArthur Ford

Justin Thacker ’13 Systems Engineer Eagle Technologies

Hannah Holt ’14

Promotions Director and On Air Talent Rocking M Media Group

Lindy (Peterson) Thacker ’14

Wraparound Facilitator and Targeted Case Manager Central Kansas Mental Health Center

Alyssa Lane ’15 Orchestra Director Salina South High School

Kora Bergstrom ’17 Financial Accountant Salina Regional Health Center

Catherine Massey ’17

Licensed Insurance Agent State Farm Insurance/Dauane Briggs

Kaitlyn (Schwartz) Schneweis ’15, G’17 Community Learning Coordinator Salina Public Library

Aymet Demara ’17 Primary Counselor Saint Francis Community Services

Trail Spears ’17

Volunteer & Development Coordinator Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Salina

Devin Rizzo-Foden ’17 Human Resource Specialist OCCK Inc.

10

The hallmarks of Dr. Thompson’s presidency are connections and thoughtful change In January 2013, the Kansas Wesleyan Board of Trustees voted unanimously to select Dr. Matthew R. Thompson as the 19th president of the university. Since then, Dr. Thompson has brought a studentcentered focus to leadership and decision-making at KWU. That mindset is seen everywhere, from his day-to-day interactions with students to the development of a new liberal studies curriculum to improvements to campus facilities.

“He was always coming to

various sporting events and campus activities, and even brought treats to the residents’ halls during finals week!” alumna Kaitlyn Schneweis ’15 G’17 said. “Dr. Thompson was instrumental in making the campus feel like a second home.”

The sense of welcome extended to Thompson’s home, where his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Darcel, share meals, conversation and games with students. In Fall 2013, they had their first group of students, the year’s resident assistants, over for a meal.

Since then, they have hosted 4,104 students, faculty, staff members and community members.

“While I am incredibly proud of the ‘numbers,’ ” Jennifer Thompson explained, “I am even more pleased by the things that can’t be captured on a chart. Changes that happen across campus because of conversations around the table: understanding student needs and interests, rumors addressed and ideas explored. It’s also nice for students to sit on a couch, pet our dog, Wesley, and share a meal.”

To benefit students’ academic experience, one of the first major tasks undertaken by Dr. Thompson was an evaluation of the curriculum and programs. This campuswide work took a close look at how KWU could best offer the knowledge, competencies and skills that students would need for meaningful lives and successful careers in an ever-changing world.

The new Liberal Studies program,

“Dr. Thompson was instrumental in making the campus feel like a second home.”

– Kaitlyn (Schwartz) Schneweis ’15, G’17

FALL 2014 New majors: Environmental Studies and Community Resilience; Ministry Studies; 3+2 Engineering Dual Degree Program; community college articulation agreements.

APRIL 2013 Dr. Matt Thompson joins the KWU family.

FALL 2013 Opened K-Dub Hub: One-stop shop for students and parents to address any issue, concern or question. Part of the effort to make KWU student-centered.

launched in Fall 2015, centers around the interdisciplinary categories of self-awareness, human expression, community and world exploration, and natural world stewardship.

The element of world exploration was supported by the addition of Wesleyan Journey, which allows juniors and seniors to take an academic trip in or outside the U.S. at low or no cost. New majors were introduced, and memorandums of understanding and articulation agreements were pursued in order for students to leverage past work.

Four degrees were launched online, recognizing that higher education isn’t just for students who can travel to campus.

The physical look of the campus has changed over Dr. Thompson’s five years, as well. Work on the Graves Family Sports Complex began in February 2014, and the first game was played on Oct. 3, 2015. The project brought first-class

MARCH 2015 First International Music Festival held.

FALL 2014 First KWU students spend a semester with The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.

SUMMER 2015 $1.2 million of technology upgrades expand WiFi and fund installation of new fiber-optic cable in every campus building thanks to Sunflower Bank.

FEB. 2014 Construction of $7.5 million project Graves Family Sports Complex begins.

SEPT. 2013 Dr. Thompson inaugurated as the 19th president of Kansas Wesleyan.

Festivities included a carnival.

JUNE 2015 Board of Trustees adopts revised Statement of Connection with The United Methodist Church.

FALL 2014 Wesleyan Journey is launched. Every qualified student can have an academic and service travel experience, with trips in or outside of the U.S. at no or low cost.

Matt Thompson at the 2017 Commencement Ceremony.

facilities for student-athletes and offers a point of pride for the KWU community. Upgrades to KWU’s science classrooms, made possible by the Breakthrough Project, elevate the instructional environment. Features that add to the campus’s vibrant student life, such as the new sand volleyball courts, have been added after student feedback.

Whether it is careful consideration of academic opportunities; strengthening relationships with community members, alumni and The United Methodist Church; or addressing technology needs, the motivation always comes back to benefits for students.

“Dr. Thompson has demonstrated his commitment to each individual within the university by getting to know them personally,” alumnus and current graduate student Jake Curran ’16 said. “He has been a great mentor and friend to me, through providing references for me, as well as getting me in contact with professionals in the surrounding community. His generosity has made, and continues to make, an impact on my life.”

Number of people hosted in Thompson’s home:

4,104

Number of people hosted outside the home:

588

Dollars raised:

$14,898,745

(Twice the previous 5 years) Students graduated since Spring 2013:

709 undergrads; 158 M.B.A.s

DEC. 2016 Teacher Education program receives approval for continued accreditation.

FALL 2015 New Liberal Studies curriculum launched. New or redesigned majors and concentrations offered, including Art Therapy, Forensic Computing, Health Science, Music Theatre and Web Design.

SEPT. 2015 KWU partners with Saint Paul School of Theology to offer the nation’s first 3+3 theological studies undergraduategraduate program.

11

JAN. 2016 First online degree programs offered, including Emergency Management, Criminal Justice and M.B.A.

FALL 2016 Men’s and Women’s Bowling and Wrestling begin competition.

OCT. 3, 2015 Graves Family Sports Complex opens.

The field was named in honor of legendary coach, Gene Bissell.

SUMMER 2016 Summer Bridge Program launched to assist incoming students who need additional college preparation.

JAN. 2017 Eisenhower Scholars Competition returns to KWU.

MARCH 2017 The U.S. Department of Education gives KWU the highest possible Financial Responsibility Composite Score (3.0).

JUNE 2017 The university receives reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

FALL 2016 Breakthrough Project, an effort to raise funds to upgrade, install and maintain science equipment, launched.

OCT. 6, 2017 Martha (Wessling) Bieber Biology Lab is dedicated during Homecoming. The lab was made possible by funds raised as part of the Breakthrough Project.

FALL 2019 KWU will launch Bachelor of Social Work program.

SPRING 2018 Approved by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church for continued listing without qualification.

Wesleyan Journey 12

COSTA RICA | FALL BREAK 2017

Coyotes Can! Cross-Cultural Teaching and Learning in a Costa Rican Classroom

TOP PHOTO: Kansas Wesleyan sent 17 students to Costa Rica during Fall Break.

Pictured left to right, back row: Margo Samuelson, Ryan Cantrell, Chantel Vasquel (interpreter), Kindra Anderson, Matt Hansen, MaCahla Leslie, Ian Reiss-Hodges, Shelby Mann, Dylan Boyd, Brianna Brooks, and Breynna Rose. Front row: Angie Pavey, Madison Butler, Emily Gardner, Kayla Hockett, Madison Mayberry, Martha Bray, Torie Cox, Sarah Eurit. Kneeling: Marcos Montero (local tour guide and bus driver).

LEFT: Martha Bray and Ryan Cantrell help to plant a community Christmas tree to symbolize the newfound partnership between La Tigre, Costa Rica, and KWU. In addition to working in the school and at the community center, KWU students collected donations from faculty and staff. They took seven suitcases filled with books, school supplies, teacher supplies, jump ropes, board games, playground balls and flash cards.

RIGHT: Sarah Eurit (left) and Madison Butler cut flash cards for a La Tigre class.

LEFT: Angie Pavey, assistant professor of Teacher Education (from left); Chantel Vasquez, the group’s interpreter; Madison Butler; Torie Cox; Ian Reiss-Hodges (kneeling); Kindra Anderson; Margo Samuelson; Shelby Mann; Brianna Brooks; and Dylan Boyd show their Coyote pride while exploring near La Fortuna Waterfall.

RIGHT: Kindra Anderson enjoys time with a La Tigre student during activity time, a combination of recess and P.E.

Coyote Accomplishments Washington Connections

During the fall semester, two KWU students interned in Washington, D.C., through The Washington Center, a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization. In addition to their time on the job, students also take an evening course, attend leadership and professional development events, and compile a professional portfolio.

Emma Reitz, a senior studying Graphic Design, interned at the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. She assisted the director of marketing and development with campaigns, such as Giving Tuesday, and did design work for promotional and educational pieces.

Joseph Layton-Santos, a senior studying Communications and Business Management, interned at Double R Productions as a production assistant. He assisted with editing and filming different projects.

For the spring semester, three more KWU students are working at internships through The Washington Center. Jensyn Pettit is working with the United States Marshal Service, Christopher Stadler with American Public Transportation Association in their security, risk, and emergency management division, and Alison Casey with Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell, P.C. (CBM).

Disney Dreams Come True

Brianna Bosley ’17 and junior Nissa Inzunza are both headed to the House of Mouse for the spring semester. Bosley, who graduated in the fall with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Chemistry, will participate in the Disney Professional Internship Program as a Chemistry intern. She will work in both Animal Kingdom and Epcot analyzing the salt and freshwater aquatic animal systems and marine mammal holding areas for different measurements such as pH, organic carbon content, dissolved oxygen and more.

Inzunza, a Marketing major, will participate in the Disney College Program, where she will be enrolled in a Corporate Analysis course, along with a Leadership Innovation seminar. She will learn how the Disney brand markets itself and the strategies used to stay innovative. Throughout the program, she will also be working in the theme parks developing social and people skills.

The Drone She’s Looking For

As part of Michelle Barkley’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems minor, she designed and constructed a fixed-wing drone. The minor is offered by KWU through a collaboration with Kansas State University Polytechnic that allows KWU Emergency Management majors to cross-register.

Proven Defender

Kelsey Plummer, a fall 2017 Teacher Education graduate, was named NAIA Volleyball National Defender of the Week in November.

She was the first student to receive this award in Coach Fred Aubuchon’s career. Plummer picked up multiple honors and recognitions during the season, including setting new school records for total blocks and assisted blocks in a season. Off the court, Plummer was offered a position with USD 305 following graduation.

Something to Talk About

Senior Communications major Dakota Yates’ qualitative research paper was selected by the Southern States Communication Association for publication and presentation at its annual convention April 6 and 7 in Nashville, TN. The paper, titled “Political Memes and Cultural Division: How the Usage of Metaphor Shapes the Political Other,” addresses how memes, during the 2016 election, reflect the growing divide between people and political groups in the U.S. This paper was a part of Yate’s capstone class.

Briana Bosley ’17

Learning from Leaders

Autumn Zimmerman, a junior majoring in History, Computer Programming, Pre-Law and Speech, attended the National Student Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. The forum brought together diverse college students from across the country.

As they considered the leadership model of Jesus, attendees gleaned insights about strength of character, healthy relationships and great leaders of the past.

Nissa Inzunza

Animal Advocate

Dylan Boyd, a senior Biology major, worked last summer as an intern at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary in Red Lodge, MT. Boyd observed the head animal care specialists for two weeks before working on his own. He discovered professional methods that enrich animals’ lives in captive settings.

Dylan Boyd

13

14 Kirk Cusick leans against his favorite tree on campus, a cottonwood.

The Kansas Legislature designated the cottonwood as the state tree in 1937, calling it the “pioneer tree of the prairie.”

seeds Not just planting

Environmental, Sustainability, and Resilience Studies professor talks about growth

K

irk Cusick plants seeds. He does it in the traditional sense by digging into the soil, dropping in a small kernel and covering it up. He also plants possibility into students’ minds, so that they can nurture their own ideas for addressing environmental problems.

“We can’t continue to look at environmental problems in a tunnel,” he said. “These problems aren’t just about science. If we don’t look at it with a broad lens, we won’t see the root of the solutions.”

For Cusick, that root is educated, creative people who want to invest time

is also interdisciplinary. “Students need and energy in their communities. Cusick is an instructor of biology and co-director to have an understanding of sociology, psychology and business,” he said. of Environmental, Sustainability, and Students in his Community and Resilience Studies at Kansas Wesleyan Lifestyle Transformation course start by and executive director of Whispering keeping journals of their own behavior Cottonwood Institute. The farm he to gauge how their choices are affecting grew up on is central to the institute. He the environment. Then transformed it into an they take a broader look environmental classroom “I am not a real and apply those same that features a variety of believer that you observations to the larger habitats and is a source university. They study the for organic produce can teach about behaviors, measure the that supplies the KWU the environment impact, develop a plan dining hall. Students of in a brick and for change and research all ages come to observe, the cost of implementing test and work there. mortar setting.” change. Then they have He also has helped to start gardens at – Kirk Cusick to present that plan to stakeholders. A past class schools and assisted successfully convinced dining services living facilities. He is working with to stop using plastic silverware and Saint Francis Community Services on Styrofoam plates. beehives that youth can use to learn The most recent class studied the about environmental issues and business. effect of switching from compact Kansas Wesleyan will soon have its fluorescent bulbs to LEDs. They found own on-campus prairie garden east of that in the course of 25 years, the Peters Science Hall, spearheaded by university could save $1.774 million by Dr. Stephanie Welter in the Biology using the more energy-efficient bulbs Department and Cusick. throughout the university. The change “I am not a real believer that you can would improve the university’s carbon teach about the environment in a brickfootprint as well. An initial investment of and-mortar setting,” he said. $208,337 would be needed to purchase Each of the classes he teaches at new bulbs. The class recommends that KWU has an outdoor element. For example, biology students, in partnership KWU should consider beginning such a project with Memorial Library. with the Friends of the River, gather “Too many students are paralyzed samples from the Smoky Hill River at by the scope of climate change,” Cusick Oakdale Park in Salina and at Cusick’s said. “The Transformations course farm to take back to the Martha (Wessling) Bieber Biology Lab for testing. teaches them that they can mitigate these problems.”

He believes that environmental work

FACULTY, STAFF & BOARD NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

15

Emeritus Status

Lori Wright, associate professor of art, displayed an exhibit of her work, “More Than a Glance,” in The Gallery at Kansas Wesleyan. The collection of work is in a variety of media and was completed during Wright’s sabbatical during the Fall 2017 semester. Her work was a study of the eye.

Photo credit: Tom Dorsey / Salina Journal

Dr. Damon Kraft has accepted the position of provost after filling the position on an interim basis for the past year. Kraft started at KWU as a professor in the English Department.

Dr. Bill Backlin will return to Kansas Wesleyan to take the role of academic dean. Backlin was the provost during the 2016–17 academic year.

The American Football Coaches Association selected Kansas Wesleyan fourth-year head coach Matt Drinkall to attend the 2018 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, which took place in January at the AFCA Convention in Charlotte, NC. The prestigious program is aimed at identifying and developing premier, future leaders in the football coaching profession. Under his leadership, the football program has achieved a 27-6 regular-season mark over the past three seasons.

Dr. Tricia Petak has successfully completed her Doctorate in Business Administration from California Southern University. Dr. Petak is an assistant professor in KWU’s Department of Business and Accounting. She completed a Master of Business Administration with a finance concentration from Argosy University in 2011. Her bachelor’s degree is in economics with a business minor from the University of Kansas.

Jan Shirk ’17, executive assistant to the president, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management this fall.

Dr. David Silverman’s essay, “(Re-)Visionist History in Sergio Leone’s (De-)Mythologized Old West: The Civil War, Vietnam, and ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly,’ ” was published in the book The American Civil War on Film and TV: Blue and Gray in Black and White and Color. The collection, published this past October, includes essays from across disciplines that explore representations of the American Civil War in film and television. Silverman is associate professor of Communications Studies.

Bryan McCullar has moved into the position of interim director of the Albert Nelson Student Success Center.

Dr. Jesse Henkensiefken, associate professor of music, performed Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major for Unaccompanied Cello during World Cello Day at the Lawrence Art Center on Sept. 21. The event marked the U.N. International Day of Peace.

Doug Dutton, Assistant Chief Financial Officer

Paula Hermann, who has served as senior director of marketing and communications for the past 4.5 years, has moved into the new position of senior director of special events.

Dr. Melanie Overton’s role at the university has expanded. She is now the vice president for admissions and advancement.

New Hires Jim Beechwood, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Kendall Carter ’17, Alumni Engagement Officer Shannon Masteller, Assistant Manager of Yotee’s Shawna Beckman ’06, Field Education Director for the Social Work program

Two retired KWU professors, Dr. David Fancher ’64 and Dr. Wes Jackson ’58, have been granted emeritus status. The Board of Trustees approved the recommendation, and a public announcement was made during KWU’s Breakthrough Reception, a celebration of the sciences, on Friday, Oct. 6, during Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Dr. Fancher majored in Math and Physics at KWU and was one of the eight fellow science majors who became known as the “Physics Gang of Eight.” He is published in the Journal of Physics and Chemistry Solids and the Journal of Applied Physics. Dr. Fancher joined the KWU Physics faculty in 1969 and also served KWU in a variety of roles, including baseball coach, dean of students and vice president of academic affairs.

Dr. Jackson, who spent several years teaching biology and coaching track and cross-country, co-founded The Land Institute in 1976 on the south side of Salina. The world-renowned research facility has made advances in perennial wheat initiatives and sustainable agriculture. He has been recognized with esteemed awards including being named a Pew Conservation Scholar, a MacArthur Fellow, and a recipient of the Genius Grant.

Board of Trustees Kansas Wesleyan is pleased to announce John M. Redding ’91 as a new member elected to the Board of Trustees, and Randall W. St. Clair ’66 elected as Trustee Emeritus.

Redding and St. Clair join a distinguished group of 23 civic and business leaders who set the future of the university. Redding, of Salina, is the Chief Lending Officer/Vice President of The Mortgage Company (Salina). He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from KWU. Redding previously served on the KWU Board of Trustees, 2006–15.

St. Clair, of Parkville, MO, previously served two full terms on the Board, 1997–06 and 2007–17. He is a past recipient of the Alumni Service Award.

Class Notes 1972 1977

Nicholas Rinaldi retired from the U.S. Post Office.

Christopher Cantrell will work for the next five years at LISA (Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques) near Paris, France. He is an expert in atmospheric chemistry and will study the Paris plume — the cloud of pollution that regularly shrouds the French capital.

1994

Angie (Chesney) Coble was featured in a Salina Journal Work Force profile. Coble is a law clerk for the U.S. District Court in Wichita.

2000

Members of the Salina Alumni Chapter joined the campus in celebrating KWU’s birthday in September. Pictured left to right: Gordon Gorton ’67, Joyce Gorton ’67, Stan Razak ’73, Kathy Razak ’70, Beverly Salmon ’57, Pat Murray ’69 and Bob Murray ’71.

2007

Thomas O. Marschall is the new athletic coordinator at Teague Middle School in the Aldine School District. He is head football, head track and head soccer coach and oversees day-to-day operations on campus.

Nakeshia Dent works for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General as a Veterans Claims Examiner.

of admissions and outreach for the graduate program at the Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder.

2002

Eric Brown was hired as trust officer in Bennington State Bank’s Trust and Wealth Management division.

2009

Kendal Barlow married Kally Johns ’16 on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. Rebecca Lyne and Sean Grove were engaged Feb. 3, 2018, in front of the JW Bean Memorial Wishing Well on KWU campus.

2005

Andrew Joseph Gabel is a systems engineer III lead at Boeing in Oklahoma City.

Trina (Bierman) Dibbini was named an assistant principal at Manhattan High School.

Sarah (Vanek) Kromer and her husband, Ryan, welcomed their first child, Rhett Wade, on March 16, 2017.

Kromer works for USD 266 in Maize, KS. Misty (Walker) Bradley was named USD 305’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in Salina, KS. She teaches math at South Middle School.

2012 2013

Brittany R. Corcoran is working as a police officer for the Whittier Police Department in Whittier, CA. Nathan Holt was promoted to assistant director

2014

2015

Kaitlyn (Schwartz) Schneweis G’17 was hired as the community learning coordinator for Salina Public Library. Myers Hendrickson was named the offensive coordinator for the the football team at Northern State University, Cedar Rapids, IA.

2016

Rumi Mamenari started the Master of Science program in Forensic Science and Technology at Emporia State University last fall.

2017

Trail Spears was hired as the volunteer and development coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina. Tammy Garner is a senior accounting assistant at Koch Industries.

Sebastian Ramirez was accepted into the Long Beach Police Academy.

Send Us Your News!

On Jan. 25, 2018, the High Plains alumni chapter gathered in Goodland, KS. Back row pictured left to right: Lonnie Whiteker, Lloyd Holbrook ’59, Marlene (Danills) Whiteker ’72, Chet Ross ’52, Travis Witman ’90, Angie (Holton) Witman ’88, Tanner Nelson ’17, Dick Short ’69, Sarah (Walter) Short ’70, David Branda ’76, Jane (Danills) Philbrick ’80, Samantha Philbrick ’10, Brady Philbrick, Jennifer Rein G’10, Kendall Carter ’17. Front row: Jim Ross, H. John Sanders ’61.

Send your news and photos related to births, death, marriages, job changes, achievements, etc. to alumni@kwu.edu or Kansas Wesleyan University Advancement Office, 100 E. Claflin, Salina, KS 67401. When sending in photos for publication, please submit digitally in the highest available resolution. We look forward to hearing from you!

17 the transition of the library catalog from cards to digital and the addition of computers in the library.

Leslie Cusick Fernandes ’77 created artwork for the new Martha (Wessling) Bieber Biology Lab that depicts scenes from the prairie. She is an artist and the education coordinator for River Bend Nature Center, Wichita Falls, TX. Of the project, Fernandes said, “The work is inspired by an old book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, in which the author, Robert M. Pirsig, describes the awesome nothingness of the prairie. I wanted to juxtapose this vast sense of nothingness with the reality of the underlying complex prairie ecosystem.”

In Memoriam William M. “Bill” Grevas passed away at Nov. 11, 2017, at age 56.

Bill was KWU’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement from 2013 to 2015. He helped complete the capital campaign for the Graves Family Sports Complex and facilitated the launch of the Vanier Family Scholarships.

Sara Huber passed away Sept. 12, 2017, at age 99. Sara was an administrative assistant at KWU for 36 years, retiring in 1979. In the fall of 1947, Sara began her career at KWU in the dean’s office and eventually moved to the president’s office where she served six university presidents (two acting presidents). She was married to retired music professor Harry Huber, who preceded her in death on Jan. 13, 2017. During the couple’s careers at KWU, Sara hosted uncounted receptions for Harry’s music students and was involved in many additional activities. Memorial gifts can be made to the Huber Scholarship by contacting the Advancement Office.

Emma Evelyn Deeker Bissell, of McPherson, passed away Sept. 10, 2017, at age 93. Evelyn was married to longtime Kansas Wesleyan football coach Gene Bissell who preceded her in death in 2016. She was an avid Coyote fan. She rarely missed a game during her 44 years in Salina and hosted students in her home for holiday meals.

During her professional career, Evelyn taught at the Asbury School of Nursing and was an elementary and high school nurse for USD 305 for 21 years. Additionally, Evelyn was an active

member of the University United Methodist Church in Salina.

The Honorable Danny Dale Boyer ’62, of Salina, passed away Jan. 31, 2018, at age 77. He served on the Board of Trustees from 2001–10 and received the Alumni Achievement Award in 2000. Boyer earned a master’s degree from Emporia State University and graduated from Washburn Law School. He served as a Kansas District Court judge 1993–2007 and then joined Boyer Law Offices. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Frazell Boyer ’61.

Kenneth S. Carman, of Silvis, IL, professor emeritus, passed away Nov. 28. He taught mathematics, physics and computer science at Kansas Wesleyan for 33 years. Ken’s undergraduate education at Oregon State College was interrupted by his service in the United States Army 1942–46.

He received his master’s degree from University of Tennessee-Knoxville. While in Salina, he volunteered as the first male “pink lady” at the Salina Hospital and at Little House, a local nonprofit, as an ESL teacher. He also taught Sunday school for many years at Church of the Cross in Salina and was affiliated with First Baptist and Quayle Methodist. A Contact article on Ken’s retirement in 1986 described him as “a highly respected scholar by his colleagues.”

Ruth Marie (Detter) Cox, of Salina, passed away Oct. 20, 2017. She served as Kansas Wesleyan’s Director of Library Services from 1991 to 2002.

She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Emporia State, and was also librarian at St. John’s Military School and assistant librarian at Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary, Nashotah, WI. She also taught in schools in Kansas, Missouri and Texas. During her time at KWU, Cox oversaw

Dr. Daniel C. King, of Salina, KS, passed away Aug. 25, 2017. He served on Kansas Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees, including in the role of chairman. King attended KWU for a year before enlisting in the Air Force. After his time in the Air Force, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University and opened Town and Country Animal Hospital in Salina with his wife, Nancy.

Clara “Jane” Valcoure, of Salina, KS, passed away Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. She worked as an administrative assistant at KWU for 18 years. She and her husband, Jim, established an endowed scholarship fund, and two of their children, Mike and Michelle, graduated from Kansas Wesleyan.

Delores Ann (Abbott) Doolan ’43, of Cincinnati, OH, passed away Jan. 29, 2017.

Virginia (Harz) Muninger ’49, of Kanopolis, KS, passed away July 7, 2016.

Arthur D. “Randy” Kuhn ’50, of Tulsa, OK, passed away Aug. 24, 2017.

Marvin N. Pratt ’51, of Salina, KS, passed away Aug. 5, 2017.

The Rev. Robert “Bob” E. Eades ’51, of Wichita, passed away Dec. 4, 2017.

Tracy Wayne Dilling ’52, of Salina, KS, passed away Aug. 8, 2017.

Verna Mae Johnson ’52, of Salina, KS, passed away Dec. 3, 2017.

Harry Petheram ’60, of Cedar City, UT, passed away July 7, 2017.

Carol Irene (Albright) Stuart ’66, of Crescent City, FL, passed away Oct. 30, 2017.

Cleo Shull (Roark) Harris ’68, of Dighton, KS, passed away July 12, 2017.

Dr. Ralph Erle Matkin ’69, of Southern California, passed away July 24, 2017.

Robert R. Fischer Jr. ’70, of Dayton, OH, passed away June 29, 2017.

Larry Doain Cunningham ’74, of Salina, KS, passed away Dec. 14, 2017.

Steven Jay Rich ’98, of Gladstone, MO, passed away Sept. 2, 2017.

18

Alumnus on Fast Track to Success

T

he past few years have been a whirlwind for John Terry ’15 G’16.

He graduated with a bachelor’s in Biology in 2015, finished his M.B.A. in a year, passed his General Securities Representative Exam and Uniform Combined State Law Exam with flying colors, and started a job with Edward Jones in Wichita. To top it all off, he’ll marry fellow Kansas Wesleyan alumna Chelsey Kohman ’14 this summer. Terry sees the fast pace as a positive progression and feels his time at Kansas Wesleyan helped propel him forward.

Q: What was your undergraduate experience at Kansas Wesleyan like?

A: I made the decision to come to KWU due to the small class sizes and the one-on-one attention you can get from the professors. I was also drawn to the school due to the

strong sense of community and how you can really develop relationships in a school of this size.

My undergraduate experience was full of exciting opportunities that could not have existed elsewhere. I had the opportunity to be a Biology and College Algebra

tutor in the Albert Nelson Student Success Center during my last two years. I also had an opportunity to be a member of the KWU men’s golf team during my first two years. During my last year of my undergraduate experience, I was given the opportunity to attend a service learning trip to Costa Rica. It was an amazing experience that I am blessed to have been a part of.

Q: Why did you decide to return to KWU to pursue your M.B.A.?

A: I chose to pursue an M.B.A. at KWU due to the accelerated program which allowed me to finish my M.B.A. in 11 months. No other program, would allow me to work at the fast pace (with which I am the most comfortable) to complete my M.B.A. My two biggest takeaways from the M.B.A. program are that I was able to develop and hone my leadership style and my leadership skills. The second takeaway is the importance of effective communication and clarity in all aspects of both work and social life.

Q: What does your work as a registered representative with Edward Jones entail?

A: As a registered representative with Edward Jones, I partner with

individuals, families and businesses to help them reach their longterm financial goals. I do this by understanding my clients’ unique and individual needs and goals. We then use our established process to create personalized tailored solutions to their long-term financial needs and goals, such as preparing for retirement, preparing for college expenses or preparing for the unexpected. By using our Edward Jones process, I am able to help people reach further than before.

Q: How did your M.B.A. prepare you for your career?

A: By working toward and earning a M.B.A. from KWU, I was able to develop the communication skills and leadership skills needed to operate an efficient and effective business. I am able to more effectively lead my career by utilizing the principles learned in the M.B.A. I am very excited for what lies ahead, and I am forever grateful to KWU for the experiences, the knowledge and the skills I was able to develop during my time at the university. KWU is a special place, and I am blessed to have spent time there.

Alumnus’s invention continues to make the list What’s usable in space, filled with ink and recommended as a stocking stuffer? The Fisher Space Pen! Invented by alumnus Paul Fisher ’35, the pen was used on the Apollo 7 mission, and continues to travel to space with NASA today.

The pen has been mentioned on numerous shopping and lifestyle lists including msn.com’s “50 Gifts

Made in America” and NYmag. com’s “40 Last-minute Gifts on Amazon for the People You Almost Forgot.”

According to the company’s website (www.spacepen.com), the pens “are handcrafted and able to write underwater, over grease, at any angle, upside down, 3-times longer than the average pen, in

extreme temperatures ranging from (-30°F to +250°F), and in zero gravity.”

Fisher was awarded the Alumni Service Award in 1968 and the Alumni Achievement Award in 1998. His company continues to produce high-quality pens in Nevada and is co-owned by Cary Fisher, Paul’s son.

CORRECTION: The Fall 2017 issue of Contact incorrectly identified Jim DuBois ’03 in a story on the university’s Emergency Management program. DuBois was interim director of the program when it began in 2013.

19

President Thompson announces a partnership with Saint Francis Community Services.

The Very Rev. Robert Smith and Cheryl Rathbun, of Sant Francis Community Services, helped celebrate the news.

KWU, Saint Francis collaborate to address need for Social Workers Agreement will lead to addition of Social Work degree at KWU and expanded opportunities for internships and observation social work but also in other appropriate The need for qualified social workers areas, such as nursing, addictions counseling, has been evident in Kansas as well as at the psychological services and nonprofit national level. To help strengthen the field management. of social work, Kansas Wesleyan University and Saint Francis Community Services “The partnership with Saint Francis will announced a partnership to develop a benefit students in many service-focused Bachelor of Science in Social Work program majors,” Kansas Wesleyan’s Interim Provost, that provides field experiences Damon Kraft, Ph.D., said. throughout a student’s course “We have learned from “We are fortunate to the success of our Teacher of study. have partnerships, like Education program that “There is a need across this one, that enrich the real-world experience spread the state of Kansas for social educational experience throughout the course of workers, especially in the at KWU and produce study leads to more confident area of child welfare,” Saint professionals ready to and knowledgeable graduates.

Francis Community Services meet the needs of the We are fortunate to have CEO/President the Very Rev. community.” partnerships, like this one, Robert Smith said. “The new – Damon Kraft that enrich the educational Social Work program will experience at KWU and be designed so that students will have multiple observation and practicum produce professionals ready to meet the opportunities built into the curriculum. They needs of the community.” will be more prepared for the challenges of Saint Francis will underwrite the initial hiring of the Director of the Social Work the job when they graduate.”

Program and Director of Internships Saint Francis and Kansas Wesleyan will positions at Kansas Wesleyan. Kansas collaborate on developing the program to meet the needs of Saint Francis and other area Wesleyan will pursue accreditation for the program through the Council on Social Work partners. They will work together to develop Education, which is a three-year process. internships for KWU students, not only in

KWU-Bethany Rivalry Series to be named First Bank Kansas Smoky Hill Showdown The newly formed rivalry challenge series between Kansas Wesleyan and Bethany College now has a name. The series will be called the First Bank Kansas Smoky Hill Showdown. First Bank Kansas is the presenting sponsor of the Smoky Hill Showdown.

The name for the rivalry series was selected from names submitted by fans of both Kansas Wesleyan and Bethany and then selected by a committee consisting of representatives from Kansas Wesleyan and Bethany.

The Smoky Hill Showdown name was first submitted by Angela Fuller ’12, G’16 , of Salina, KS. Fuller is a two-time Kansas Wesleyan graduate, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and her M.B.A. She currently works as a shift lead in dispatch at the Salina Police Department.

Three others later submitted the Smoky Hill Showdown name — Lisa Boyles, of Webber, KS, Carson Montgomery of Almena, KS, and Dehring Scudder of Rogers, AR. The Smoky Hill Showdown awards two points to the winner in the regular-season conference meetings between the teams. If no conference regular-season competition is scheduled, the team that finishes higher at the KCAC Championship earns the two points. As a unique twist that represents the service emphasis at each of the institutions, the athletics programs will conduct three community service campaigns during the year, giving two points credit for the school that “wins” each of the campaigns, which will be held during the year in conjunction with the rivalry.

To learn more about the Smoky Hill Showdown, including an updated scoreboard, visit www.kwucoyotes.com/ smokyhillshowdown.

20

Athletics Fall 2017 Review Volleyball

Volleyball was named KCAC Co-Champions, winning the conference for the first time since 2014, with a 19-3 record in conference play and 26-10 overall. KWU had five All-KCAC players, including three first team selections in Kelsey Plummer, Valerie Most and Hannah Reynolds. Plummer and Most were named to the AVCA All-West Central Region team, and Plummer was named Honorable Mention All-American by both the NAIA and the AVCA. Coach Fred Aubuchon picked up his 400th career win on Oct. 12 vs. Oklahoma Wesleyan and became KWU’s all-time wins leader on Sept. 9, passing Tracy Rietzke ’77 with his 173rd win at KWU. KWU also had 10 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes, the most in the KCAC and second highest total in the NAIA.

Women’s Soccer

Women’s Soccer appeared in the KCAC Championship match for the 13th consecutive year this season, falling to Oklahoma Wesleyan in the championship match. After a slow start, the Coyotes picked up momentum during the season, the first under the direction of Kat Benton (’07, G’09), winning eight of their last 11 matches of the season, including an upset of 13th-ranked Ottawa in the KCAC Semifinals. Seven Coyotes were named All-KCAC, headlined by first team selections Valerie Ochoa, Antonia Burrell and Jane Potter. Burrell was also named All-Region by United Soccer Coaches.

Men’s Soccer

Men’s Soccer finished 10-10 overall and 7-4 in the KCAC under first-year coach Diego Cocon (’14, G’17), earning the No. 4 seed in the KCAC Championships, falling to NAIA second-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan 1-0 in the conference semifinals. Six players were named All-KCAC, with four second team selections in Diego Rodriguez, Richard Perez, Cam Hunter and Luis Barrera.

Cross Country

Cross Country was under new leadership in 2017, as Luke Samford took over the reins in late July. The men’s team finished third at the KCAC Championships as Christian Perez and John Greening received Honorable Mention All-KCAC honors. Perez qualified as an individual to the NAIA National Championships, finishing 271st overall in the race. The KWU women finished in 12th place at the KCAC Championships.

Football

Football had another outstanding season, finishing third in the KCAC with a 6-2 conference mark and an 8-3 overall record. Since 2015, KWU has had its best three-year run in school history, with 27 wins. KWU had 18 All-KCAC selections, including five first-team nods in Demarco Prewitt, Trenton Poe-Evans, Ayrius Brown, Garrett Updegraft and Christian McQueen. McQueen received the Dr. Ted Kessinger KCAC Football Champion of Character award, and defensive coordinator John Michaletti was the KCAC Football Assistant Coach of the Year.

Poe-Evans was selected as a First Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and the Associated Press. Updegraft was named to the second team by both. Updegraft was also a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award, honoring the top small college defensive player in the country. Head Coach Matt Drinkall was selected to the AFCA 35 under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute and hosted a session at the AFCA convention.

Follow the Coyotes all season on

Twitter @KWUCoyotes

Winter Update

21 Left: Ithello Cross goes up for a basket during a men’s basketball game against St. Mary’s.

Wrestling

Wrestling has enjoyed many successes in the program’s second season of competition. KWU won its first-ever dual match on Nov. 29, over Ottawa 26-24 at Mabee Arena. Junior Taylor Moeder has been impressive for the Coyotes, earning KCAC Wrestler of the Week honors five times, and a 27-1 record, his only loss coming to the NCAA Division II eighth-ranked wrestler.

KWU qualified two wrestlers for the NAIA National Championships. Moeder qualified at 141 pounds and Tanner O’Donnell qualified at 184 pounds; both were KCAC Champions in their respective weight classes.

Men’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball had its best season since 2008–09 under second year Coach Anthony Monson.

KWU finished the season 16-13 overall and 14-8 in the KCAC, the most conference wins since 2006–07 when KWU won 17 conference games.

The 16 overall was the most wins in a season for the program since 2008-09. Senior Terell Gandy was named as the KCAC Defensive Player of the Year in addition to being a Third Team All-KCAC selection and named to the All-KCAC Defensive Team. Senior Jamon Fulton was named Honorable Mention All-KCAC and Darius Hammond was selected to the All-KCAC Freshman Team.

Women’s Basketball

Women’s Basketball finished the season with a 15-16 record overall and a 12-10 record in the conference, earning the sixth seed in the conference tournament. Head Coach Ryan Showman picked up his 100th career win on Jan. 3 vs McPherson and is one of only two coaches in KWU history to win over 100 games. KWU picked up a pair of key wins over defending conference tournament champion Tabor. KWU had two players earn Honorable Mention AllKCAC honors in sophomore Courtney Heinen and junior Gabbie Miller.

Bowling

It’s been a successful second full season for the bowling programs. The men had several top-five finishes this season. The men qualified for the USBC ISC/ITC Collegiate Sectionals in Dallas, TX, on March 9–11 by virtue of being ranked in the Top 80 among all collegiate bowling programs in the country at all levels. The men also qualified for the NAIA National Bowling Tournament on March 23-25 in Highland, IN, after finishing the regular season ranked in the Top 20 among NAIA-only bowling programs in the country. The women also have several top-five finishes this season. Samantha Jewell became the program’s first ever individual winner winning the SWIBC III title on Oct. 21.

Middle: Kirsten Andersen fields the ball during a women’s soccer match.

Right: Tanner O’Donnell takes down his opponent during a wrestling match.

Indoor Track

The Men’s Indoor Track team finished 11th and the Women finished 12th at the KCAC Indoor Track Championships Feb. 2–3 at the Plaster Center in Pittsburg, also the home of the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships this year. KWU had three Honorable Mention All-KCAC performances, with Michael Sarafin earning two by finishing fifth in the 3000m run and seventh in the 5000m run. John Greening earned the other by finishing eighth in the 800m.

Spring Preview Baseball

Baseball opened its season with a four-game series Jan. 26–27, going 4-0 against Central Christian.

KWU opened the home portion of the season on Jan. 27, the earliest home start in school history. Many key returners are off to strong starts, including Rex Campbell, Ricky Hockett and Aaron Hurd. Hurd, who returned to the field this year after missing last year, hit a homer in the first game on Jan. 27 against Central Christian. Several newcomers will see action as well, as KWU had to replace seven of eight position starters from a year ago. Zach Lehman, Ollie Greco, Bailey Watros and Yodai Nakamura all look to be early contenders for playing time. Key pitching returners include Wyatt Formo, Travis Schnoor, Ryan Cantrell and Kyle Robinson. Campbell will also see time on the mound. Top newcoming pitchers will be Jakob Sandoval, Rodney Bond and Brandon Johnson.

Softball

Softball opened its season Feb. 9–10 in Fort Worth, TX. Following the departure of Hailey Torrez, Kevin Jannusch will lead the Coyotes after successful stints at now-closed Ashford (Iowa) and at Incarnate Word (Texas). The Coyotes have to replace several key spots this season, including the entire infield and one outfield position. Key returners for the Coyotes include outfielders Emily Sparks and Ashlee Gutierrez, pitcher Kylie Ross and infielder Kayla Kruel. Several newcomers will look to fill key roles for the Coyotes.

Tennis

Women’s Tennis looks to make the KCAC playoffs this season after missing last season by one match.

KWU returns Chelsea Bearrick, Mallory Lantz and Katie Andrews; newcomers are Paola Vargas, Brianna Mendoza and Jessica Smith. Vargas reached the semifinals of the ITA Tournament in September, the first time a women’s tennis player has advanced that far in the tournament.

Men’s Tennis is poised for another strong run this season. After reaching the KCAC Tournament last season for the first time since 2009, the Coyotes are looking to advance deeper into the playoffs this season. Top returners for the Coyotes include Mario Rincon, Felix Diaz and Michael Moody.

Key newcomers are Luis Soto, Luckian Campos, Rodrigo Vera, Kyle Rice and Shingi Chingaya.

Golf

Golf saw Randy Syring take over the program as of Jan. 1 after Howard Mahan ’16 served as interim coach during the fall. The women’s program had strong performances in the fall, finishing third at the SCU Invitational, winning the Ottawa Invitational and finishing second at the KWU Invitational.

Seniors Kiah Rash, Tiara Diaz and Palmer Bosanko, along with junior MacKenzie Fabrizius, will lead the women’s team. The men also started the fall strong, winning the SCU Invitational, and finished second at the KWU Invitational. The young team will be led by juniors Ben Hadden and Coleman Houk, and sophomores Troy Watson and Logan Vacca.

Freshman Cameron Becker also had a solid fall.

KWU hosts the KWU Spring Invitational March 26–27 at the Salina Country Club.

Track and Field

Track will look for some strong performances in the outdoor season. KWU has a nice mix of sprinters, jumpers and throwers along with a sold distance corps on the men’s side, with several individuals capable of scoring points for the Coyotes. The women will be led by Bailie Troll in the distance events. Several others will look to compete well for the Coyotes during the outdoor season.

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit 122 Salina, KS 67401

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

SAVE APRIL

27,

2018

T H E

DATE Silent and Live Auction & Dinner

Register at WWW.KWU.EDU/GOLF

Register at WWW.KWU.EDU/YOTES

COYOTE CUP GOLF OUTING

NIGHT WITH THE YOTES

Friday, April 27, 2018 Salina Country Club 9 a.m. Shotgun Start

Saturday, August 18, 2018 Tony’s Pizza Events Center Doors Open at 5:15 p.m.