CAMPUS COMMONS
New landmark building opens on campus.
M c PHERSON COLLEGE
McPherson College officially opened its new student center – the Campus Commons – with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 24, 2025. Community members, alumni, staff, and students were on hand as SGA president Kenya McCain and chief of staff EJ Landrum, along with trustees and President Schneider welcomed everyone into the new building.
On the cover:
As part of the event, a rare 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, donated by trustee Dr. Richard Lundquist, was lifted to the ceiling of the atrium, where it will serve as a striking centerpiece of this landmark building.
CAMPUS COMMONS
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CREATING COMMUNITY AND BELONGING IN A NEW SPACE
A spirit of connection has come to life with the opening of the new Campus Commons — a dynamic space designed for collaboration, access to student resources, and simply being a great place to hang out.
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SURVIVING AND THRIVING THE ENROLLMENT
CLIFF
The Enrollment Cliff refers to a significant drop in the number of students enrolling in colleges and universities, driven by a decline in birth rates that began during the 2007 recession.
McPherson College 1600 E. Euclid PO Box 1402 McPherson, KS 67460 (620) 242-0400 (800) 365-7402 www. mcpherson.edu
Contributing Staff
Billy Jamison ‘88
McPherson College Administration
Michael P. Schneider ‘96 president
Abbey Archer-Rierson ‘16 chief of staff
Josh Daume director of athletics
Amanda Gutierrez vp for auto restoration
Aaron Meis executive vice president
Taylor Oswald human resources leader
Matt Pfannenstiel vp for enrollment
Marty Sigwing ’16 executive director of operations
Matt Skillen dean of faculty
Carol Summervill vp for finance
Erik Vogel ‘98 vp for advancement
College Adds Mechanical Engineering
New degree to start in August 2026
The Higher Learning Commission approved McPherson College to o er a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering starting in August 2026. The new degree further diversifies the college’s academic o erings and advances its position as a practical, future-oriented, and innovative campus.
The mechanical engineering degree builds on the college’s historic academic strengths in automotive restoration, natural sciences, and mathematics while considering the local and regional economy.
“Developing this new academic program helps meet the specific needs of our local economy and expand our reach to meet labor needs in the broader automotive industry,” said President Michael Schneider. “McPherson College will provide an academic program that many college-bound students seek, leveraging our strengths in math, science, and automotive restoration technology. And, it will engage area industries to o er students hands-on experiences.”
According to Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, mechanical engineering comes after a national study to explore how McPherson College can build on the success of automotive restoration.
“In fall 2023, McPherson College contracted with the Center of Automotive Research (CAR), an internationally recognized, independent organization
based in Detroit that researches significant issues related to the future of global mobility,” said Gutierrez. “The purpose of the study was to explore the viability of McPherson College starting an engineering program.”
After careful market analysis, CAR recommended that McPherson College leverage its strength in automotive restoration to develop comprehensive engineering and computer science programs, including foundational tracks like mechanical and electrical engineering. Building on the success of the automotive restoration program’s experiential learning model, the new engineering program will include industry-informed labs and ample co-op and internship opportunities.
Department of Labor statistics show that mechanical engineering is an in-demand job field with the number of open positions projected to grow by 10% annually. There are career opportunities in many fields, including agriculture, energy, transportation, and automation.
“This means that demand is going to continue to grow for mechanical engineers and our graduates will have a tremendous opportunity to begin their careers in a variety of fields,” Gutierrez said.
Learn more about the Engineering program and the curriculum at:
www.mcpherson.edu/engineering
HLC Reaffirms McPherson College Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reaffirmed McPherson College’s accreditation following the June meeting of its Institutional Actions Council. As part of the reaffirmation, the HLC invited the college to pursue the Open Pathway for its next 10-year accreditation cycle — signaling confidence in the college’s ability to meet its mission and maintain high institutional standards.
The Open Pathway allows institutions to focus on innovation and strategic initiatives as part of their accreditation process. Institutions on this pathway typically undergo a virtual assurance review in year four and then choose and implement a Quality Initiative project between year five and nine, concluding with a comprehensive evaluation in year 10.
“We are excited to join the HLC Open Pathway,” said Matt Skillen, vice president for academic affairs. “This new accreditation pathway will allow us to align our ongoing work in accreditation with our ambitious strategic initiatives.”
McPherson College completed its most recent 10-year accreditation review during the 2024-25 academic year, culminating in a peer review team visit in April. The next full accreditation review is scheduled for the 2034-35 academic year.
Preparation for the review was a significant institutional effort, involving the creation of a more than 35,000-word assurance argument supported by nearly 500 pieces of evidence. The argument demonstrated how the college meets HLC’s five core criteria for accreditation: institutional mission, ethical and responsible conduct, quality of teaching and learning, and institutional effectiveness.
“The preparation for this comprehensive accreditation review was a remarkable campus-wide effort,” said Sandra Hiebert, director of institutional assessment and academic compliance. “Dozens of faculty, staff, and students contributed to the assurance argument and prepared the campus for our site visit team. We had confidence going into the site visit because everyone on campus was engaged and excited to share our college’s story with our accreditors.”
McPherson College is among the 950 colleges and universities accredited by the HLC and has maintained continuous accreditation since 1921.
president’s message
Dear McPherson College Alumni, Friends, and Family,
Just before the start of this academic year, we began celebrating a milestone in McPherson College history — the opening of the Campus Commons.
The 55,000-square-foot campus hub is a signature addition to our expanding campus, featuring dining services, a co ee shop, a campus store, and plenty of spaces for students to gather. It’s also home to Student A airs, the Dalke Center for Career and Experiential Learning, the Peoples Bank Welcome Center, and a one-stop enrollment service designed to better serve all students. Outdoor balcony spaces overlook campus, and a three-story atrium showcases classic cars hanging from the ceiling — a tribute to our passion for the automobile.
This new building is spectacular, and it’s just the beginning of what’s to come at McPherson College. Achievements like this happen because of people with bold vision, the generosity to support it, and the persistence to see it through. The Campus Commons stands as an inspiration for the hard work ahead as we strive to grow our campus.
While higher education will always face challenges, McPherson College is well-positioned to meet them. New programs, such as engineering and the exercise science degree, align with job market demands. Partnerships, such as the ones with the McPherson hospital, YMCA, and the University of Kansas School of Medicine expand learning opportunities. The Student Debt Project continues to help students reduce their college debt, and campus expansion and renovations are enhancing the student experience.
The Campus Commons is one example of our commitment to current and future McPherson College students — made possible through the ongoing support of our alumni and friends.
Please join us for the Grand Opening of the Campus Commons on September 26 during Homecoming or stop by campus anytime and take a look at this remarkable new space.
Michael P. Schneider president
Collaboration With KU School Of Medicine Advances Rural Healthcare In Kansas
McPherson College and the University of Kansas School of Medicine are partnering to promote rural healthcare in Kansas. Over the next 12 months, this collaboration will provide students with experiential, service, and research learning opportunities.
“The collaboration will o er a wide range of opportunities for McPherson College students,” said President Michael Schneider. “Building a partnership with the KU School of Medicine expands opportunities for our students statewide and allows us to work with KU School of Medicine admissions on joint recruitment e orts. These initiatives will help better prepare students for careers in rural healthcare.”
Together, McPherson College and KU School of Medicine’s Salina campus will explore partnerships in academic health science scholarships, rural health promotion, healthcare career development, and community health resources, including joint grant funding. The collaboration also aims to establish partnerships with the Health Occupations Students of America organization, develop new service projects, and co-host tabletop simulation events.
McPherson College students will have increased access to KU School of Medicine’s Rural Scholars and Urban Scholars programs, providing guaranteed admissions for qualified undergraduates. Additionally, faculty, sta , and students from KU’s Salina campus will visit McPherson College as guest lecturers in classes and at pre-professional organization activities. The collaboration will also facilitate connections between McPherson College undergraduate researchers and KU School of Medicine students. As part of the collaboration, KU School of Medicine will provide a scholarship for one McPherson College student to participate in mentored student research and team-teaching experiences.
“Rural healthcare is in crisis,” said Dr. Tyler Hughes, dean of the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Salina. “This collaboration is aimed at helping rural students have access to the pathway that leads to a satisfying career in the medical field. Teamwork between KU School of Medicine-Salina and liberal arts colleges in Kansas will aid in building a pipeline of excellent medical professionals for rural patients throughout our state.”
McPherson College’s commitment to healthcare education continues to grow. In addition to its well-established natural science program, the college launched a new Health Science program in 2020, o ering academic tracks in clinical, administrative, behavioral, and community health. The college also partnered with the McPherson Center for Health to provide hands-on learning experiences in clinical and non-clinical areas of the hospital. In June 2024, McPherson College received $2.1 million in congressionally directed funding from Senator Jerry Moran to support rural and community health initiatives.
Partnership Offers New Master’s Degree
McPherson College students majoring in Philosophy and Religion now have an opportunity to earn both a bachelor's and a master’s degree through a new partnership with Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. This collaboration allows qualified students to complete their undergraduate coursework on campus at McPherson and online graduate coursework through Bethany.
Under the new articulation agreement, students who maintain a 3.5 GPA during their first three semesters at McPherson College are eligible to pursue a master’s degree at Bethany, enabling them to complete both degrees within five years. The program applies to traditional Philosophy and Religion majors and those on the Philosophy and Religion: Pre-Law track.
In 2018, the Department of Philosophy and Religion introduced a pre-law track in response to data showing that students of philosophy and religion consistently score high on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and have high law school acceptance rates.
“If a student wants to pursue a PhD or law school, this new option will look very good to graduate school programs, as it shows that the student can succeed in graduate-level coursework,” said Dr. Kirk MacGregor, associate professor of Philosophy and Religion at McPherson College.
BEST OF SHOW: 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II
C.A.R.S. Club Car Show Attracts Record Crowd
One-of-a-kind classic automobiles were displayed during the Annual C.A.R.S. Club Motoring Festival at McPherson College on May 3. In its 25th year, the car show broke attendance records with over 500 cars on the field, drawing thousands of spectators.
Several unique cars were displayed this year, including a 1914 Mercer Raceabout, a 1915 Stutz Bearcat, and a 1911 Lozier Indianapolis race car. Other vehicles included the 1936 Ford Custom — America’s Most Beautiful Roadster at the Grand National Roadster Show this year that three McPherson College alumni worked on for Rad Rides by Troy — a 1957 Jaguar XKSS, a 1953 Abarth 1100 SS Ghia, and a 1934 Nash Ambassador 8 LWB Brougham. General Motors also brought cars from its historical collection, including the 1959 Corvette Stingray Racer Concept, 1974 Pontiac Banshee Concept, and 2003 Cadillac Sixteen Concept.
The best of show award went to the 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Gurney Nutting Owen Sedanaca Coupe.
What makes this car show unique is that, alongside the rare classic cars, automotive restoration students also present vehicles they are restoring.
“The car show brings alumni, current students, and incredible cars together in one place for the biggest event on campus,” said Devin Ro , car show chair. “It draws all types of cars in a one-of-a-kind student-run show that everyone puts a lot of e ort into.”
In addition to the wide variety of classic automobiles, the event featured entertainment provided by the McPherson College Jazz Band and the McPherson High School Jazz Band, complimentary trolley service to Main Street, and food trucks. The show is always free to spectators.
www.mcpherson.edu/cars
CBS Sunday Morning Spotlights McPherson College
This spring, CBS Sunday Morning featured McPherson College’s Automotive Restoration program in an episode airing on March 16. The eight-minute segment is on the college’s website at www.mcpherson.edu and can also be found on YouTube.
“We are thrilled to be featured on this distinguished and beloved news program,” President Michael Schneider said. “It’s the perfect format to highlight a degree program that makes McPherson College unique and introduce this hidden gem of the Midwest to a wide audience.”
The segment drew a national audience of 101.6 million viewers. Additionally, CBS a liates across the nation re-ran the Sunday Morning piece later in the week on their local channels as part of their CBS News Roundup. This covered 909 airings in every major market. Several CBS a liate radio stations also ran an article featuring an interview with President Schneider. This included 62 CBS radio a liates in markets such as Boston, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Detroit, New York, St. Louis, and San Francisco. It drew the attention of print and online outlets, including Hagerty, Motorius, and a shout on Instagram from Ben Napier, star of HGTV’s Home Town television series.
CBS Sunday Morning is one of America’s most widely watched and respected television news magazines, featuring unique stories since 1979.
Lee Cowan, CBS national news correspondent, followed McPherson College students to the Amelia Island Concours in February 2024 and visited campus in March for the story that focuses on the one-of-kind automotive restoration technology degree program.
www.mcpherson.edu/cbs
Continental Gurney Nutting Owen Sedanaca Coupe
PHOTO: John Morris
Students Receive Grants For Innovations
For over a decade, McPherson College has supported student entrepreneurship by awarding mini-grants that help students develop innovative solutions to everyday challenges. With more than 300 grants awarded to date, the college recently announced the newest recipients of the Horizon Fund Grants.
This spring, the Horizon Fund granted six projects ranging from a game to teach elementary students about ecosystems to an a ordable recording studio. The individual grants range from $100 to $500, and students can reapply for continued funding of existing Horizon Fund Grant projects.
Abbey Archer-Rierson, chief of sta and head of the entrepreneurship program at McPherson College, said, “The Horizon Fund Grant is just one of many ways McPherson College demonstrates its commitment to entrepreneurship and supports entrepreneurial students on our campus. The grants have supported a variety of wildly creative ideas, and this most recent round of funding is no exception.”
Recipients of the spring 2025 Horizon Fund Grants are:
Fabian Camacho, elementary education, Liberal, Kan. –build an ofrenda (a traditional altar to honor deceased loved ones) for Dia de Los Muertos – “It is more of a goal to build community among students and bring people together. Though it’s a Mexican holiday, everybody can contribute to it.”
Canon Cavanaugh, history, secondary education, Hutchinson, Kan. – a ordable recording studio – “I’m meeting the community’s need for art, the artists’ need to express themselves, and the general need for bands to have a ordable material they can play.”
Environmental Stewardship Students – Wyatt Conklin, Summer Dorn, Amanda Goering, Grant Harned, Ty Kraemer, Breckyn Porter – EcoPyramid demo decks for testing in local classrooms – “There are plenty of games that are inspired by nature or based on the concepts of ecology and conservation. The flexibility of EcoPyramid to be fast paced enough to be played in a classroom setting, but variable and strategic enough to be played by older players over and over, makes the game unique and well-suited for the edutainment industry.”
Elijah Leck, health science, McPherson, Kan. – ceramics/pottery studio – “I have found great pleasure, satisfaction, and learning experiences in working with clay, and I think others could too. I want to help others who need some sort of physical output and might discover how working with clay can be a healthy practice.”
Ryhan Lucas, biology and Spanish minor, Shawnee, Kan. – study abroad to learn more about creating a non-profit organization that addresses health issues – “I want to develop a non-profit organization that o ers low-cost medical services from physicians and mental health professionals who understand the cultural stressors that minority populations often experience.”
Malia Pfei , elementary and special education and communication minor, Moundridge, Kan. – special education and life skill supplies for a local classroom – “I have seen first-hand the impact this can have on teachers and students. As someone going into education and working as a paraeducator at Eisenhower Elementary School, I see the need for updated supplies and a wider variety of supplies.”
Students from the Environmental Stewardship class teaches local elementary school students how to play the EcoPyramid game. The game was one of the projects that received a Horizon Fund Grant.
FACULTY NEWS
Dr. Jonathan Frye, professor of natural science, presented the preliminary results of his current research project at the 157th Annual Meeting of the Kansas Academy of Sciences, in a talk entitled “A Preliminary Description of Soil Properties and Biodiversity Across a Prairie Restoration Chronosequence in McPherson County, Kansas.” In 2023, the Penner Family, including Marci Penner, Liz Penner King, and Tom King ’77, invited Dr. Frye to use their family farm and its prairie restorations as a field research site. In the first phase of his research project, Dr. Frye worked alongside McPherson College students Tanner Cardoza ’25, Amanda Goering, and Ty Kraemer. This ongoing research project is being funded by a grant from the REAP Foundation to Dr. Frye.
Kelsy Gossett Dennis, assistant professor of photography, was part of an exhibition with two other regional photographers at the Wichita Art Museum, where she also presented an artist talk about her work. The show, “Let Me Take You Down,” was exhibited from April through August.
Michaela Valli Groeblacher, associate professor of art, received the top award at the 56th Annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition at the Hays Art Center in Hays, Kan., for her sculpture “Stone and Bone.” Her sculptures “The Reader” and “Song for Mimbres” were also juried into the Topeka 34 national 3-D art exhibition at the Sabatini Gallery in Topeka, Kan. Both entries won top awards.
“Song for Mimbres”
Dr. Kirk MacGregor, associate professor of philosophy & religion, published his article “Applying Tillich’s Category of Christ’s Resurrection to the Buddha’s Trikaya and Laozi’s Apotheosis” in the Bulletin of the North American Paul Tillich Society 5.1 (2025): 24-28.
Dr. Ruth Mbah, associate professor of business, along with two of her students — Caden Hardgrave and Alyssa Nutt, both seniors — published an academic article. The article, “The Impact USAID Budget Cuts on Global Development Initiatives: A Review of Challenges, Responses, and Implications” was published in the Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal in April.
Dr. Herb Smith, professor emeritus of religion, presented a lecture in April on “Near-Death Experiences – Globally” at Bethel College for the Life Enhancement series. This summer, he will present “Christianity Around the Globe” for the Pennsylvania United Methodist Bible Conference and present “The Virgin Mary – Cross Cultural” and “The Socio-Political Context During the Biblical Age” for the Pennsylvania Chautauqua Society. Dr. Smith recently published articles in the Messenger on “the Octogenarian Moses” and “Theories of Atonement.”
Matt Cotton, adjunct professor of history and political science, defended his dissertation, earning a doctorate in history from the University of Washington, and graduated in June.
TENURE & PROMOTION
• Professor Amber Dittert granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor of Mathematics
• Professor Kelsey Gossett Dennis granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor of Photography, Art and Design
• Dr. Ruth Mbah promoted to Associate Professor of Business
• Dr. Kirk MacGregor promoted to Professor of Philosophy & Religion
• Professor Chris Paulsen promoted to Professor of Technology
• Dr. Duke Rogers promoted to Professor of Business
• Dr. Kim Stanley awarded Emeritus status
• Dr. Ku Sup Chin awarded Emeritus status
SABBATICAL
• Dr. Becki Bowman, professor of communication, approved for sabbatical
• Professor Ami Martinez, assistant professor of English, approved for sabbatical
RETIRED
Brenda Stocklin-Smith Human Resources director
Brenda Stocklin-Smith, M.Ed., PHR, SHRM-CP, began working at McPherson College in 2012, bringing an extensive background to her role as human resources director. She played a key role in helping McPherson College earn national recognition in the Chronicle of Higher Education on the “Great Colleges to Work For” list for the past 10 years. The list highlights standout institutions by enrollment size and is based on surveys of hundreds of schools. Brenda also led efforts to introduce leadership training to all staff by coordinating programming from the Kansas Leadership Center. She managed employee benefits, Title IX responsibilities, and mentored many students pursuing a career in human resources. She retired in January and remained as a consultant during the transition to the new director, Taylor Oswald.
www.mcpherson.edu/directory
athletics
WINTER/ SPRING
DEFENDING CHAMPS!
Men’s & Women’s Tennis
The men’s and women’s tennis teams successfully defended their KCAC Tournament championships in April, once again advancing to the NAIA National Tournament in Mobile, Ala., under interim head coach Craig Holman ’79.
The women’s team captured both the KCAC regular season and tournament titles, finishing with a 21-8 record, including a perfect 12-0 conference mark. Three Bulldogs earned All-KCAC honors: Alexa Garcia (first team), Vanessa Hofer (second team), and Taimi Nashiku, (third team).
The men’s team finished 19-9 overall and 10-2 in KCAC play. Earning the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament, the Bulldogs knocked off Ottawa University in the final to win their 10th consecutive KCAC tournament title. Arthur Nardy and Celien Botlan earned first-team All-KCAC honors, while Oscar Brouwer was named to the third team. Nardy also received NAIA third-team All-American recognition.
In May, Alex Mailes was named McPherson College’s new director of tennis. Mailes comes to MC following a season at Campbellsville University in Kentucky. A native of Joplin, Mo., Mailes played collegiately at the University of North Dakota.
Men‘s Basketball
After a slow start in KCAC play, the McPherson College men’s basketball team rallied to finish 10-12 in conference play and 12-17 overall, earning the No. 7 seed in the KCAC tournament. The Bulldog’s season ended with a quarterfinal loss to Friends University.
The Bulldogs were led by seniors Curtis Rose and Collin Storr, who both received All-KCAC honors. The squad was especially tough at home, posting a 9-4 record at Holman Fieldhouse.
Women‘s Basketball
Despite being highly competitive in many contests, the 24-25 women’s basketball team finished the season winless.
Following the resignation of head coach Josh Nichols in April, the Bulldogs welcomed Alex Moorehead as the new leader of the squad on May 5. Coach Moorehead joins the women’s basketball program following a successful tenure at Ave Maria University in Florida, where he led his teams to a 67-51 record over three seasons.
Cheer
The Bulldog cheer squad made history in April, competing in the 30th NCA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla., — the first national competition in the program’s history. Competing in the Spirit Rally Division, the squad finished with an overall score of 84.15 to finish as national runners-up. www.macbulldogs.com
In addition to their second-place finish, the team received the NCA/NDA “Go Be Great” Award, which recognizes a squad that has gone above and beyond to make a difference through community service.
The cheer squad was also the recipient of the first-ever McPherson College Athletics Director’s Outstanding Service Award, presented to the team at the annual MC Student-Athlete Awards Gala.
Following the resignation of head coach Krista Williams in April, the Bulldogs welcomed Toni Snyder ‘21 as the new director of spirit. Snyder returns to McPherson College after leading the spirit programs at KWU and William Woods.
Baseball
The Bulldog baseball team capped another strong season by earning the No. 6 seed in the KCAC Tournament in Joplin, Mo.
Led by All-KCAC selections Jace Essig (first team), Marcus Patton (third team), and Francisco Paradis (third team), the Bulldogs finished the season 27-26 overall and 20-16 in KCAC play.
The Bulldogs boasted one of the top offenses in the conference, racking up 175 extra-base hits and 76 home runs.
In its inaugural season, the women’s bowling team made an
The Bulldogs captured their first-ever tournament win on Jan. 25 at the Eagle Invitational, hosted by Avila University in Belton, Mo. They went on to earn the No. 3 seed in the KCAC Tournament, where they defeated Avila University and Hastings College to finish fourth among nine teams competing.
The Bulldogs also qualified for the USBC Team Sectionals in Fort Worth, Tex. — one of the top 80 women’s teams across
all divisions of college bowling. Ranked No. 44 entering the tournament, the Bulldogs placed ninth out of 18 teams in their sectional.
Shotgun Sports
The McPherson College shotgun sports team once again competed at the ACUI Collegiate Clay Target National Championships in San Antonio, Tex.
The Bulldogs placed 19th in the sport shooting competition, led by a strong performance from Tate Brewer. In trap shooting, the team finished in 17th with key contributions from Dominic Leech, Zach Hawley, Riley Sojka, and Laci Turner.
Softball
The Bulldog softball team was led by freshman Savannah Robles, who earned All-KCAC third-team honors and a Gold Glove award for her outstanding defensive play in the outfield.
The Bulldogs finished the season 12-16 overall and 8-18 in KCAC competition. Season highlights included a win over nationally ranked Benedictine College and a Senior Day sweep of Southwestern College.
Track & Field
The men’s track and field squad found success during the 2025 indoor and outdoor seasons.
The Bulldogs placed fifth at the KCAC Indoor Championships, earning 65.5 points. Standout performances came from Rinaldo Moore, who won the 60-meter hurdles and placed second in both the 200 and 400 meters, and Kobe Brown, who finished third in the 200 meters.
The men also placed fifth at the KCAC Outdoor Championships with 62 points. Gold medalists included Lamar Gordon in the discus and Kenjuan Hampton in the 110-meter hurdles. Other medalists were Brown (second, 200 meters), Amarion White (third, 110-meter hurdles), and Gordan (second, shot put). Gordon, Brown, and Moore qualified for the NAIA National Championship.
On the women’s side, the Bulldogs placed seventh at the KCAC Indoor Championships, led by gold-medalists Kara Alexander (shot put) and Charity Williams (60-meter hurdles).
During the outdoor season, the women’s squad finished eighth. Alexander and Cara Schultz finishing first and second, respectively, in the shot put. Schultz, a freshman from Pretty Prairie, Kan., also took gold in the discus.
Athletics Recognized By Community Organizations As Volunteer Of The Year
The McPherson YMCA and McPherson Recreation Commission (MRC) recognized the McPherson College Athletic Department as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year at an awards luncheon in January at the McPherson Opera House.
“Through unwavering dedication, compassionate hearts, and an unrelenting commitment to making a difference, the McPherson College Athletic Department has consistently gone above and beyond to support our mission,” said Quinlan Rageth, YMCA interim CEO. “Their selfless service, tireless work ethic, and inspiring leadership have truly set them apart, making them the perfect choice for volunteer of the year.”
Over the past academic year, McPherson College athletes participated in approximately 1,000 hours of community service. At the awards luncheon, the women’s basketball program was specifically recognized for conducting the YMCA Little Dribblers basketball program in 2024, and the men’s and women’s soccer programs were recognized for conducting the YMCA/MRC Spring Soccer Academy for many years. In addition to YMCA and MRC service projects, Bulldog teams participate in High-Five Fridays at the local elementary schools, Brush Up MAC, and provided volunteers at Burnin’ Down Main, among other yearly community service projects.
“Our student-athletes love serving the McPherson community,” said McPherson College Athletic Director Josh
Employees Recognized for Years of Service
The college community celebrated 18 employees and trustees for their years of service with a reception, dinner, and awards program at the McPherson Community Building in March. The annual recognition night celebrated the work of faculty, staff, and board of trustee members who have served the college for five to 30 years.
“The outstanding achievements and accomplishments by the honorees in the classroom, within individual departments, and in the McPherson community propel the college beyond being a great college to work for,” President Michael Schneider said. “These honorees facilitated world-class experiences for our students, and it is in this deep sense of campus community where our students excel to be future leaders.”
“Along with their coaches, they have embraced the opportunity to live out this important part of the college’s mission. While they don’t do it for recognition, this is a tremendous honor for our department, and we are humbled to receive this award from the YMCA and McPherson Recreation Commission. We look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.”
Those honored included:
30 Years Renee Carlson, custodian
25 Years Bryan Midgley, professor of psychology
Allan van Asselt, professor of chemistry
20 Years Jd Bowman, professor of theatre
Amanda Gutierrez, vice president of automotive restoration
15 Years Ed Barr, professor of technology
Kerry Dobbins, professor of history
T.J. Eskildsen, men’s basketball head coach
Manjula Koralegedara, professor of chemistry
10 Years Matt Pfannenstiel, associate vice president of enrollment
Christi Paulsen, ERP manager
Jamie Pjesky, director of academic advising & student success
Tammy Sigwing, assistant controller
5 Years Jerod Corbus, executive assistant to VPAA
Timothy Frye, associate professor of math
Board of Trustees John Holthus, Randee Koger, Craig Little
Daume.
From left to right, Kent Freund, head coach men’s soccer; Ian Thomson, head coach women’s soccer; Courtney Ward, soccer; Jayla Moore, basketball; Josh Nichols, head coach women’s basketball; at awards luncheon.
Science/Allied Health
Lauren Machado is among the many recent McPherson College graduates who received her degree without the burden of student loan debt due to her participation in the Student Debt Project.
In the eighth year of the Student Debt Project, participants made payments totaling $2 million, while charitable donations contributed nearly $400,000 toward eliminating college debt — more than in any previous year. Charitable donations provide the matching funds that offer vital support, helping nearly 30% of seniors in the Student Debt Project graduate with zero debt. This year, more than 400 students actively participated in the program, supported by 40 alumni and professionals serving as mentors.
During her time at McPherson College, Lauren played soccer, and participated in SALT (Student-Athlete Leadership Team), Gamma Beta Phi (a service-based honor society), and worked as a student intern in the athletic training department. With her bachelor's degree in health science in hand, she has been accepted into a nursing school program and will continue her education this fall.
You can support our students by giving to the McPherson College Fund online at:
www.mcpherson.edu/giving
Or contact the Advancement office at (800) 365-7402.
Lingenfelter Concert Series brings Boston Brass to campus
Bringing its one-of-a-kind musical experience to campus, Boston Brass performed at McPherson College in the Fern Lingenfelter Artist Series springs concert in January. In addition to the concert, the college also hosted a masterclass for all area band students.
Since 1986, Boston Brass has set out to provide an uncommon musical experience. From exciting classical arrangements to burning jazz standards and the best of the original brass quintet repertoire, Boston Brass offers audiences to a unique brand of entertainment. The ensemble’s lively banter, touched with humor and personality, delighted the McPherson audience.
The quintet has played to audiences in all 50 U.S. states and over 30 countries. Though it regularly concertizes as a quintet, Boston Brass also performs with orchestras, concert and marching bands, organists, and jazz bands and regularly collaborates with composers to create new works for the brass canon.
Admission to all Lingenfelter concerts is free thanks to a generous commitment to McPherson College honoring Fern
Lingenfelter. An alumna of McPherson College, Lingenfelter taught piano for many years both on campus and at her studio downtown. Her son, Steve Clark, chairman of Clark Investment Group of Wichita, established the fund that supports two annual music performance events with particular emphasis on piano.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
The next Fern Lingenfelter Artist Concert will be on Sunday, November 9 at 4 p.m. in Mingenback Theatre. The piano duo concert will feature two of McPherson College’s most accomplished alumni musicians, Jean Hendricks ’69 and Dan Masterson ’83.
Lauren Machado, Elizabeth, CO Health
CAMPUS COMMONS
Creating community and belonging in a new space.
Current students and alumni often cite the strong sense of community at McPherson College as one of the most positive aspects of their college experience. That spirit of connection has come to life with the opening of the new Campus Commons — a dynamic space designed for collaboration, access to student resources, and simply being a great place to hang out.
“Ultimately, our goal is how we are going to create community here,” said Dan Falk, dean of students. “We want to create a sense of belonging where students feel like it’s their living room.”
Building a sense of belonging through collaboration is a top priority for the Student Affairs team. With offices on the second floor, directly across from a large student collaboration space, the team is intentionally positioned to engage with students, clubs, and organizations. The new space features meeting rooms, an upgraded resource room for making banners, signs, and t-shirts, and dedicated offices for resident assistants.
“It will be important for clubs and organizations to lead the way in showing how the space can be used,” said Ashley Templeton, director of student transitions.
“There are so many possibilities. Student Affairs should be a hub of activity, but also a place where students can just hang out.”
The team is excited about the intentional collaborative spaces, but also sees potential in areas where students naturally gather, like the dining area and coffee shop on the first floor. They plan to take their lead from students and how they choose to use the space, with ideas for both organic pop-up events and more structured programming during evenings and weekends, such as opening the space for live music.
feeling and we want people to sense that the moment they walk in.”
The feeling of community will be strengthened by the ability to access all the student resources in one place. Both Falk and Templeton are looking forward to collaborating more closely with colleagues in nearby offices — something that will benefit students directly.
“It will be really easy to walk a student over to another office and solve a problem together,” Templeton said. “It breaks down silos. And students will see that when we work together, and all have the same answers.”
“We’ve seen in exit interviews that some students are missing a true sense of belonging,” Templeton said. “When students don’t form multiple connections across campus, they often don’t feel like they have enough reasons to stay. We want to bridge that gap. I also think students will see that the college built this for them — that they are valued.”
Falk echoed that the Campus Commons reflects the college’s investment in students and the future of the campus.
“This building tells students they are part of a progressive, modern campus,” he said. “Our goal is for the Campus Commons to become a place where students are naturally spending time instead of just staying in their rooms. It’s a
Falk added, “Better and easier access to all student services shows how much we care about them.”
There are still logistical questions to address, like building hours and after-hours access, but many details will be worked out once students and staff begin using the space. For the Student Affairs team, the vision is clear: the Campus Commons should be a vibrant hub where all students feel welcome to meet and connect.
“I think we will know it’s a success when it’s a little chaotic, a little loud, and a little messy,” Falk said. “Students have to feel comfortable to do that.”
First Impressions
CAMPUS COMMONS AND THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE
The admissions team knows that students who visit campus are not only more likely to enroll but also more likely to stay. They have been preparing how to leverage the new space to attract more visits and boost retention.
Matt Pfannenstiel, vice president for enrollment management and student success, and the admissions team have spent the academic year planning how this new environment will impact prospective students and their families. Beyond the improved aesthetics, they hope the new building will serve as a powerful, tangible example of the dedicated team behind every student’s success at McPherson College.
“We talk a lot about building your team to prospective students,” Pfannenstiel said. “When prospective students walk into the new Campus Commons, they will quickly see the various resources we have to help them do that.”
With all the student-facing services in one place, the new building will be a hub of activity for current students and give prospective students and their families an idea of what community looks like at McPherson College. During visits, the admissions team will highlight the unique resources available at the college, like the Student Debt Project, internships and career preparation, and student support services, all of which will be housed in the new building.
bigger events in the Peoples Bank & Trust Welcome Center on the third floor, Pfannenstiel and his team are looking forward to meeting students and families in some of the smaller places in the Campus Commons. The individual spaces offer private areas for conversations and feature video screens for presenting information to visitors. The Coffee Shop will provide a relaxed place for families to meet with admission counselors while students are meeting with faculty or on a campus tour.
“A first-time visit can make or break a prospective student’s decision to attend,” Pfannenstiel said. “I believe a space can define how much pride the college has in itself, and that will be immediately apparent when students and families walk into the Campus Commons.”
There are various things the individual college departments will be working through when the building opens, such as how working in such close proximity will impact student flow through the building, the best ways to utilize student workers, and cross-training for them.
“It might take us a little time to work out the logistics from the college’s perspective,” Pfannenstiel said. “But from the student side, I’m sure there will be more energy around the visitor experience — and after seeing the space, hopefully they’ll be saying they can’t wait to come back.”
The Peoples Bank & Trust WELCOME CENTER
ENROLLMENT
Surviving and thriving the Enrollment Cliff
Rising operating costs, skyrocketing student loan debt, and changing perceptions about college degrees are putting small colleges and universities across the country at risk of closing. Last April, an article in the Hechinger Report — a national nonprofit newsroom reporting on education — noted that, on average, one university or college per week had announced plans to close or merge.
Adding to these concerns is a long-anticipated challenge: the Enrollment Cliff.
The Enrollment Cliff refers to a significant drop in the number of students enrolling in colleges and universities, driven by a decline in birth rates that began during the 2007 recession. According to research conducted by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), the total number of high school graduates peaked in 2025 and is expected to decline steadily through 2041. Nationwide, college enrollment is projected to fall by approximately 13%.
There is nothing that can prevent the Enrollment Cliff, but McPherson College is implementing strategies to survive and thrive in this existential crisis.
Institutions like McPherson College need to be innovative in developing strategies that increase student access and success to mitigate some of the expected decline in the number of future high school graduates, according to Colleen Falkenstern, director of evidence and strategic initiatives at WICHE.
“It’s important to remember that demography need not be destiny,” Falkenstern said. “There remains a lot of opportunity in education — both K-12 and post-secondary — as well as workforce and economic development, to work collaboratively to develop meaningful pathways for students to access and succeed in education and training after high school.”
The Enrollment Cliff, also known as the demographic cliff, is real, but often overstated, according to Aaron Meis, executive vice president at McPherson College. Meis has spent more than 30 years in enrollment management roles at private and nonprofit tuition-dependent institutions. He completed his dissertation research at the University of Pennsylvania on the strategies that financially stable small, private colleges and universities use to strengthen their bottom lines.
“The national decrease through 2041 is roughly 500,000 students,” he said. “The decrease in Kansas is predicted to be around 6,000 students. It’s a challenge, but it’s more of a hill than it is a cliff. Every institution will face this same challenge, so we are not the only small, rural college that will have to deal with it.”
The demographic cliff is not homogeneous. The most substantial declines will be felt in the Northeast, Midwest, rural schools, and among male graduates. Unfortunately, these are some of the most significant draw areas for many Kansas Independent College Association schools, according to Matt Lindsey, president of the KICA.
It becomes a supply issue, especially in Kansas, explains Lindsey. Kansas has a sizable number of private, non-Division I colleges, none of which are considered Ivy League or “Ivy League light.” Add to that the number of smaller regional public institutions, and it becomes many institutions offering similar experiences.
“Becoming distinctive is the way the majority of the schools that will thrive need to be focused,” Lindsey said. “Thankfully, McPherson College has a head start on that.”
Distinctive programs, like Automotive Restoration, generate attention to the entire campus and help drive enrollment in other programs. Lindsey noted other areas where colleges can draw on to develop distinction, such as campus experience. Residence halls, dining halls, and health care accessibility all become important distinctions to students touring campuses, he said.
Besides the cars hanging from the ceiling, the new Campus Commons will distinguish McPherson from other colleges that students visit.
“The new building distinguishes the college in the marketplace by putting the student experience front and center — creating new opportunities for students to study, collaborate, have fun, and build a stronger sense of school spirit,” Meis said. “All of which helps improve our retention rates and strengthen our ability to keep the students we recruit rather than becoming overly dependent on recruiting new students each year.”
Prospective students are shopping for institutions in an increasingly competitive environment where many small, private institutions all look the same. The Campus Commons design was based on current student feedback about how they want to build community and access student resources. The new building houses all student services — including dining, student affairs, admissions, registrar, financial, and career — and provides many opportunities for building community through collaboration spaces, private areas for conversations, and gathering spaces for events.
Sports also remain a critical tool for schools like McPherson College, offering another opportunity for distinction, according to Lindsey. New sports programs, like women’s flag football, which will begin at McPherson College in the fall of 2026, not only attract students to McPherson but also
attract women, who generally retain at a greater rate than men, Lindsey said.
“Unique sports programs like eSports, field hockey, and women’s flag football become tools to address becoming a place where students from other places want to attend,” Lindsey said. “Launching sports programs with higher retention become a better bet when trying to answer the business questions at hand.”
Academic programs that respond to the marketplace can also distinguish campuses and attract students. Four years ago, McPherson College introduced a health science program to its curriculum, addressing the need for healthcare professionals in rural areas. It plans to expand the program with the addition of partnerships with both the University of Kansas Medical School and Kansas State University, as well as local partnerships with the McPherson YMCA and its existing agreement with the McPherson Center for Health.
SOURCE: Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. (2024). Knocking at the College Door. www.wiche.edu/knocking
The college will add an exercise science program in the fall of 2026. The program builds on existing strengths in sports studies and health sciences, aligning with the mission of fostering practical and impactful education. The new program addresses the growing interest among college-bound students in health fitness and sports-related fields, while responding to the rising demand for qualified professionals in the strength and conditioning and exercise physiology sectors.
Mechanical engineering is also planned to launch in the fall of 2026. The degree builds on the college’s historic academic strengths in automotive restoration, natural sciences, and mathematics while considering the local and regional economy. Department of Labor statistics indicate that mechanical engineering is an in-demand job field, with the number of open positions projected to grow by 10% annually. There are career opportunities in many fields, including agriculture, energy, transportation, and automation — many of these industries can be found in McPherson.
“The college is very focused on bringing new programs to the market,” Meis said. “One way to compete in the face of the demographic decline is to compete in new markets. By starting new programs in mechanical engineering and exercise science and other new activities like pep band, women’s flag football, and a student-run graphic design
non-profit, the college is going after students that it hasn’t competed for before.”
While the anticipated enrollment decline is a significant challenge, it reminds institutions to focus on issues that have always been important in higher education. Institutions that effectively address these challenges well will be in a better position moving forward, according to Lindsey.
“McPherson College has always been focused on an excellent customer experience for prospective students and on bringing new academic and athletic programs to the market,” Meis said. “These practices should support strong new-student classes in the coming years.”
For all the “noise” surrounding the threats to small colleges and universities, the challenges focus schools like McPherson College on doing what they have done well historically.
“I like to remind people that Kansas hasn’t seen a college closure since 1992,” Lindsey said. “It’s a testament to how stubborn and adaptable small private colleges are in Kansas. Their communities care about them and their role within the community. It also points to the willingness to find ways for them to survive.”
alumni news
Citation of Merit Award Recipients Honored
The McPherson College Citation of Merit award recipients for 2025 are Richard Brindle ’72, Paul ’89 and Marla ’87 Ullom-Minnich, and the Appel family, including Colleen Appel ’74, Gayle Appel Doll ’76 and Rick Doll ’76, Mark Appel ’78 and Kathy Burkholder ’82 (posthumously), Bruce Appel ’83 and Joelle Neher Appel ’84, and Lori Appel-Flores ’85.
These recipients exemplify the college’s mission of Scholarship, Participation, and Service through their lifelong commitment to the values they developed as students at McPherson College. The college honored this year’s recipients at the Evening of Recognition banquet hosted by the Advancement O ce in April at the McPherson Community Building.
Richard Brindle ‘72
Richard Brindle graduated from McPherson College in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in history. While a student at McPherson College, Rick participated in varsity basketball and student government, serving as president of his senior class. Following graduation, he served in the Colorado and Connecticut Air National Guard from 1972 to 1978 as a sta sergeant.
Rick’s professional career was in oil production, retiring from Texaco after 22 years and more recently working as a consultant. He focused on streamlining and reducing horizontal drilling costs, supervising over 150
horizontal wells over the past 27 years. He was recognized many times for his work and was part of the first team sent to Russia to repair wells and stimulate production in Siberia.
He has dedicated much of his life to helping others. Rick volunteers with Healing Waters International, assembling water purification units that are sent to Africa and Central America. He regularly assists the Orphan Grain Train, which distributes clothing and supplies to mission sites in the former Soviet Bloc. The Brindles are long-time members of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, where Rick served as president for five years.
The Brindles have supported McPherson College in many ways. They have hosted sta in their home, contacted fellow alumni about attending Colorado gatherings, and have been loyal members of the President’s Giving Club for over 30 years.
Rick and his wife, Kristine, have three sons and live in Castle Rock.
Paul ’89 and Marla ’87 Ullom-Minnich
For more than 30 years, Drs. Paul and Marla Ullom-Minnich have been serving the rural health needs of McPherson County. The practice they founded with two other physicians, Partners in Family Care, also o ers McPherson College students, faculty, and sta convenient on-campus access to health care.
Front row from left – Colleen Appel, Rick Doll, Gayle (Appel) Doll, Marla Ullom-Minnich, Paul Ullom-Minnich and back row from left – Bruce Appel, Rick Brindle, Mark Appel. Not pictured are Lori Appel-Flores and Joelle (Neher) Appel.
In addition to their busy medical practice, Paul and Marla are involved in their community, church, college, and international organizations. Paul is a Network Site Coordinator for the O ce of Rural Medicine and a preceptor for medical students and residents for the Kansas University School of Medicine, and Marla is a clinic assistant professor volunteer in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and co-director of the South-Central Kansas Medical Education Network at the Kansas University School of Medicine in Wichita. Paul also serves as the medical director for the McPherson County Health Department.
In 2010, Paul helped start the Haiti Medical Project and continues to raise funds and is the chair of the working group that manages the project. Both are active in the McPherson Church of the Brethren. Marla was a leadership chair and served on the pastoral search committee, and Paul serves on the Youth Team. Marla was a member and chair of the Outdoor Ministries Team for the Western Plains District, and Paul served on the Association of Brethren Caregivers Board and the Church of the Brethren Mission Advisory Board.
Both have also given their time to mentor McPherson College students interested in health care careers, hosting shadowing experiences, participating in mock interviews, and speaking on panels. Paul also served on the college’s Board of Trustees for 20 years, and both were recognized with the Young Alumni Award in 2002.
APPEL FAMILY
The Appel family was recognized collectively as active and generous alumni. The Appel siblings and their spouses remain connected to McPherson College through their engagement and philanthropy. Their parents, Hans and Gwenna Appel, immigrated to the Unites States from Denmark and cultivated Appel Farm in Iowa. While none of their children took on the family business, the siblings have been intentional about stewarding and transitioning their inheritance and legacy in ways that align with their shared values and generosity.
Colleen Appel McVeigh ‘74
The eldest of the Appel siblings attended McPherson College for two years and graduated from a Minnesota university with a degree in elementary education. Throughout her life, Colleen has passed on her talent and love of writing to students during her 21 years as a public-school teacher, and she has used it to focus her work and life on service learning and community involvement. Colleen is an active volunteer in her church and community organizations dealing with grief, providing shelter, and ensuring a ordable housing.
Gayle Appel Doll ’76 and Rick Doll ‘76
Gayle is a retired associate professor at Kansas State University. She directed the Center of Aging and is currently the part-time Associate Dean for Academic and
Faculty A airs for the College of Health and Human Sciences at KSU. Recently, she has shared her considerable experience with McPherson College, consulting with the new Health Science program. Gayle is also an accomplished artist and the Manhattan Watercolor Studio group president. She and her husband, Rick, are active leaders in their church. Rick is the executive director of the Kansas Leadership Institute, a mentoring program for new school administrators at Kansas State University. He is the former superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools where he was recognized as the Kansas Superintendent of the Year in 2014. He was honored by the college in 1996 with the Young Alumni Award and currently serves on the McPherson College Board of Trustees.
Mark Appel ’78 and Kathy Burkholder ’82 (posthumously)
Mark graduated from McPherson College with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and studied plant pathology at Kansas State University. He worked at the Appel family farm before starting a career in construction. Before he retired, he was a design engineer for a national company. His wife, Kathy, worked as a director of program development and management at Kansas State University before her passing in 2021. Mark is active in his church and the president of his homeowners’ association.
Bruce Appel ’83 and Joelle Neher Appel ‘84
Bruce is a professor and head of the Section of Developmental Biology in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and the Diane G. Wallach Chair of Pediatric Stem Cell Biology. In 2021, He was awarded the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes Outstanding Investigator Award. It is an eight-year grant to fund his lab’s research on nervous system development. Mark volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and the Northern Plains Brethren Disaster Ministries Rebuild. After two decades of nursing, Joelle earned a master’s degree in acupuncture at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and treats patients at her clinic in Denver. She has been an active community volunteer with the Denver School of Science and Technology and Stand for Children in Denver.
Lori Appel-Flores ‘85
After receiving a master’s degree in professional counseling, Lori has spent 30 years working in family preservation, foster care/adoption, and as a case worker for individuals with developmental disabilities, and as a clinical care reviewer, the first in the state of Kansas and Arkansas, where she worked. She and her husband now live in Florida, where she volunteers for the Women’s Club of Pensacola, donating food and helping with fundraisers.
2025 Evening of Recognition Awards dinner and program https://youtu.be/9m6wXHd7fW8
Greetings from McPherson College!
We hope you enjoy this issue of Review. Be sure to mark your calendar for the exciting upcoming Bulldog events. You won’t want to miss out!
Campus Commons Grand Opening –September 26 at 10 a.m.
Homecoming – Making New Mac Memories, September 26-28. Details and registration are online at www.mcpherson.edu/homecoming
Bulldog Meet-ups – Look for McPherson College coming to your town this fall! See schedule below.
It’s a Great Day to Be a Bulldog!
Billy Jamison
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Please take a moment to give us feedback on the Review magazine and other college communications. Go to: www.mcpherson.edu/review/survey
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
Check website for complete and updated schedule: www.mcpherson.edu/homecoming
BULLDOG MEET-UPS
COMING UP...
NASHVILLE, TN - October 25, 2025, Lane Motor Museum
LONG BEACH, CA – January 10, 2026, Mercedes-Benz Classic Center
DALLAS, TX - February 2026, Date TBD, Pappasito's Cantina Restaurant
LINCOLN/OMAHA, NE AREA - February 2026, Date & Location TBD
CHICAGO, IL AREA - March 28, 2026, Location TBD
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - April 2026, Date & Location TBD
C.A.R.S. CLUB SHOW - May 2, 2026, McPherson College Campus
COLORADO SPRINGS AREA - June 2026, Date & Location TBD
FORT WAYNE, IN - July 1, 2026, COB Annual Conference Alumni Luncheon
Noon Honors Convocation/Young Alumni Awards; Brown Auditorium • Kristen (Cossaart) Graff ’96 • Shanna (Hayden) Coulter ’04 • Shawn McGowan '97
2:30 p.m. Athletic Coaches Meet-n-Greet; Bulldog Tennis Center
5:00 p.m. 50th Reunion for Class of 1975; $25/person, Peoples Bank & Trust Welcome Center, Commons
6:00 p.m. Athletic Hall of Fame Induction; No charge, McPherson Community Building
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Classic Vehicle Cruise-In; Downtown McPherson
7:30 p.m. Mystery Theatre: “And Then There Were None”; Brown Auditorium
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
8:00 a.m. Blake Reed Miracle Mile & 5K Run; $30/person McPherson Stadium (west entrance)
10:00 a.m. Alumni & Kid’s Punt, Pass & Kick Contest; Football practice field
10:00 a.m. Campus Commons Grand Opening Celebration; Campus Commons atrium
11:00 a.m. Scavenger Hunt; Campus Lawn
Noon Alumni Gamefest hosted by Social Gaming Club; Mingenback Theatre
1:00 p.m. Football vs Ottawa; McPherson Stadium
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 5th Quarter Party; Boiler House
6:00 p.m. Volleyball vs St. Mary; Holman Fieldhouse
7:30 p.m. Mystery Theatre: “And Then There Were None”; Brown Auditorium
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2025
10:15 a.m. MC Choir Performance during Service; First Church of the Brethren
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Art Exhibit Reception; Friendship Gallery
Billy Jamison director of alumni & constituent elations
Denver Meet-up
why I give
Sean McCrae, DVM ’09
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine – Emergency and Critical Care
MC Sports: Soccer, Track & Field
MC Participation: Hispanic American Leadership Organization
Sean was one of 43 first-time Power Day alumni donors on March 13, 2025.
“I chose to give on Power Day to give back to the college that gave me a chance and helped me get to where I am today,” he said.
Dr. McCrae received his bachelor’s degree in biology from MC in 2009, then earned his DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2021.
Gifts from Sean and other young alumni secured a $12,500 Power Day match funded by another MC young alum. Together, MC young alumni donated $35,185 during Power Day 2025, contributing to scholarships, the Student Debt Project, academic programs, and athletic teams. While a student at MC, Dr. McCrae was a four-year player for the Bulldog soccer team and competed in track and field.
“I hope my gift can help support the Men’s Soccer Team to help provide continued success to that program,” he said.
Mark your calendar for the 12th annual Power Day online giving extravaganza on March 12, 2026.
www.mcpherson.edu/giving
Merrie Cline Monteagudo ’87, San Diego, Calif., after more than three decades in journalism, has begun a position as university archivist and adjunct professor of journalism at Point Loma Nazarene University.
Brad Elliott ’90, Wichita, Kan., was recognized in the Wichita Business Journal’s Power 50, a group of industry leaders in the Wichita community who have been influencers for good in 2024.
Mike Horner ’99, North Kansas City, Mo., recently received a Citation of Excellence from UNIMA-USA, an international puppetry organization, for his show “How to Snag a Sea Monster.” This is the highest honor a puppet production can receive in the United States. Mike also received a 2025 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant for the creation of a new show for What if Puppets, the theater company he has worked at for 18 years. The new show, “T-Rex Ate My Toothbrush,” will premiere in September 2025.
Ben Proctor ’00, Hesston, Kan., was approved in February by the Hesston USD 460 board of education to be the district’s next superintendent starting July 1.
Candy Aschenbrenner ’01, Oakley, Kan., completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Chamberlain University. She is the assistant director at Logan County EMS.
Juli Greep ’04, Hutchinson, Kan., was inducted into the Wesley College Athletics Hall of Fame for her coaching career. She was also named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association DII All-American Committee. Juli is currently a physical education teacher and volleyball coach at Burrton, Kan., USD 369.
James ’06 and Amanda Snell ’06 Keith, Burnsville, N.C., owners of The NuWray Hotel, were recognized by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein for their work following Hurricane Helene. The hotel served as a community hub during the tumultuous time.
Katie Hill Earnhart ’07, Jackson, Mo., is library director at Cape Girardeau Public Library, which was named the 2024 Library of the Year by the Missouri Library Association.
Nick Grummert ’08, Valley Center, Kan., is director of human resources at USD 265 Goddard Public Schools.
Brendan Netherton ’08, Denver, Colo., is assistant principal and athletic director at George Washington High School and was recognized as the CADA League Athletic Director of the Year.
Rachel Arnold Detring ’10, Farmington, Mo., graduated in January with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Governors University.
Kiley Loesch Stromberg ’10, Pinehurst, N.C., was nominated by the International Academy of Digital Arts for Best Sports Website and Mobile Site in the 29th Annual Webby Awards. Kiley is creative director and a web designer with Loesch Studio.
Rebecca Grosbach Schippert ’10, Kearney, Neb., is a private surgical first assist at Contemporary OB/GYN.
Heidi Lyne Garrison ’15, Ellsworth, Kan., is staff accountant at Ellsworth County Medical Center.
Marissa Patton ’16, Salina, Kan., is the 2025 president of the Salina Area Young Professionals, following MC alum Lora Kirmer ’16, who served as the organization’s president in 2024. Marissa has been the community relations specialist for the City of Salina since 2021. Lora is community engagement coordinator at Geoprobe Systems.
Sawyer Pittenger Ptacek ’17, Russell, Kan., counselor at Russell Junior-Senior High School, was recently recognized by the Kansas School Counseling Association as the 2025 Multi-Level School Counselor of the Year and as one of four finalists for the 2025 Kansas School Counselor of the Year.
Nathan Stitcher ’17, Hays, Kan., graduated in December with a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing. Nathan is sales operations analyst at Cargill, Inc.
Toni Snyder ’21, McPherson, is the new director of spirit programs at McPherson College.
Myriah Webster ’21, Valley Center, Kan., is a senior accountant for Ruffin Holdings LLC.
Samantha Coraliss Mayaka ’22, Oakland, Calif., recently launched Coraliss Home, a luxury home staging business inspired by her passion for interior design.
Hannah McKay Russo ’22, Penn Hills, Pa., has earned a Master of Social Work and is working as a school-based Partial Hospitalization Program therapist at Wesley Family Services.
Kendra Maples ’23, McPherson, teaches physical education at Washington Elementary School. She is also head tennis coach for the boys team at Salina South High School.
Natalia Ahrens ’24, Santander, Cantabria, Spain, recently moved to Spain to teach as an English language assistant with the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program.
Zoe Carmichael ’24, Garner, N.C., is empowering women and gender minorities by teaching basic car maintenance through car care workshops. She is owner of Knowledge Is Power Car Care and offered her first workshop in April.
Kurtis Ebling ’24, Lindsborg, Kan., is working as the archivist and education coordinator at the McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation.
Tristan Jeffers ’24, Dover, Ark., is an assistant football coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Palmer Moe ’24, Detroit, Mich., is a historical vehicle technician at General Motors Design.
www.mcpherson.edu/alumni-update
Roxane Ayres ’11 to Trevin Prieb Canton, Kan., October 25, 2024.
Liz Thornton ’20 to Kaitlynn McGaha Wichita, Kan., July 5, 2024.
Cole Miller ’22 to Meghan Smith ’23 Newnan, Ga., May 30, 2025.
Damion adopted by and Ben Ale-Ebrahim Bloomington, Ind., January 2025.
65 YEARS
Gerry ’61 and Deanna Shellenberger ’61 Maxey, McPherson, January 1, 2025.
Quinlan
Elaina to Calon Bibbs ’18 and Codi-lane Jones ’20 Siloam Springs, Ark., May 16, 2025.
IN MEMORIAM
Isabel Crumpacker Torrey ’44, Wilsonville, Oreg., April 12, 2024.
Ethmer Erisman ’46, Warrensburg, Mo., April 15, 2025.
Elizabeth “Betty” Kimmel Sampson ’46, McPherson, March 28, 2025.
Carl L. Kasey ’47, McPherson, November 21, 2024.
Donald Keim ’49, Nampa, Idaho, November 6, 2024.
Sybil Miller Keim ’49, Tucson, Ariz., October 31, 2024.
Milford J. Peterson ’50, Wichita, Kan., November 1, 2024.
Marie Miller Stevens ’50, Lima, Ohio, October 19, 2024.
Marilue Bowman Watkins ’51, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, February 8, 2025.
Lucille Christopher Bruns ’52, Hutchinson, Kan., March 29, 2025.
C. Richard Friedley ’52, McPherson, March 27, 2025.
James M. Sheaffer ’52, Chadron, Neb., February 3, 2025.
Mary Snyder Swinger ’52, Colorado Springs, Colo., March 21, 2025.
Ruth Moors Hill ’53, McPherson, May 20, 2025.
Mildred “Minnie” Beck McGonigle ’53, Hutchinson, Kan., January 2, 2025.
Elmer C. Fike ’54, Mountain View, Mo., January 20, 2025.
Maxine Coppock Gibbons ’54, McPherson, May 15, 2025.
Phyllis Johnson Royer ’54, Lincoln, Neb., December 19, 2024.
Donald R. Goodfellow ’55, Lyons, Kan., December 12, 2024.
G. Dale Royer ’55, Lincoln, Neb., December 28, 2024.
Leo Landhuis ’56, Pittsford, N.Y., November 19, 2024.
Leon C. Neher ’57, McPherson, November 18, 2024.
Lewis M. Dorris ’58, McPherson, May 15, 2025.
Raymer D. Cox ’60, Cushing, Okla., March 30, 2025.
Galen E. L. Horton ’60, Overland Park, Kan., September 2, 2024.
Robert L. Sifrit ’60, Little River, Kan., May 21, 2025.
Gordon Switzer ’61, Modesto, Calif., February 28, 2025.
Donald E. Willits ’61, Rossville, Kan., March 26, 2025.
Robert L. Atwater ’62, Leavenworth, Kan., December 10, 2024.
Charles S. Cupp ’62, Greenville, Ohio, June 27, 2024.
Billie Mitchel Switzer ’63, Modesto, Calif., September 7, 2024.
Richard K. Brown ’66, Ossining, N.Y., December 20, 2024.
Billie R. Dowers ’66, Hutchinson, Kan., February 28, 2025.
Michael A. Rausch ’66, McPherson, April 19, 2025.
Charles E. Helfrich ’67, Fruitland, Idaho, December 27, 2024.
Arthur V. McAuley ’67, Kansas City, Mo., February 10, 2025.
Eugene E. Roth ’69, Carlisle, Pa., March 10, 2025.
Donald H. Stead ’69, Slidell, La., March 23, 2025.
Dianna Christensen Heidebrecht ’71, McPherson, January 25, 2025.
Stephen B. Hughbanks ’72, Wichita, Kan., November 16, 2024.
Steven K. Fulmer ’76, Kansas City, Mo., December 14, 2024.
Virginia Horn Luty ’78, McPherson, January 12, 2025.
Gail Myers Bowker ’80, Grandview, Mo., March 8, 2025.
William C. Snyder ’83, Wrangell, Alaska, November 4, 2024.
Juna Killingsworth Keever ’03, Hutchinson, Kan., April 6, 2025.
Kenyatta T. Harden ’13, Wichita, Kan., November 29, 2024.
Holly to Brett ’20 and Jamie Siess ’19 Carter McPherson, December 5, 2024.
Parker Lee to Ben ’20 and Kylee Martin ’20 Falconer Hortonville, Wis., May 28, 2025.
Bette to Trenton and Sawyer Pittenger Ptacek ’17 Russell, Kan., April 24, 2025.
IN MEMORIAM (cont’d)
Gerald J. Holman
Gerald J. (Jerry) Holman, 94, passed away in McPherson on January 29, 2025. In 1968, McPherson College President Jack Melhorn, his former sociology professor, offered Jerry a position at the college. He went on to serve as director of development and later as the college’s tennis coach, roles he held until his early 60s. He took great pride in the young men he coached, following their careers and accomplishments long after their time on the court.
Before joining McPherson College, Jerry worked for 13 years at Household Finance, where he rose to district manager and supervised most of the offices in the Los Angeles division.
He and his wife, Eloise, traveled extensively by car throughout the U.S. and enjoyed boating, even navigating the eastern seaboard from Florida to New England. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and his son, Craig Holman, who serves on the McPherson College Board of Trustees and as an assistant tennis coach.
“Jerry was an inspirational fundraiser and coach,” said President Michael Schneider. “Much of our success today is because of the work he did many years ago. I will always remember the early years of my presidency at McPherson College when Jerry found every opportunity to encourage me. We will miss our friend and coach.”
Galen Snell
Galen Robert Snell, 91, passed away in Reedley, CA, on February 14, 2025. His foresight and vision as president of McPherson College shaped the institution’s trajectory. After earning his doctorate from the University of Arizona, Dr. Snell served as Dean of Students and taught psychology at McPherson College for three years, until 1970. He returned two years later as president, helping to secure a solid financial foundation for the college. Though he did not consider himself an administrator, Dr. Snell was instrumental in launching the automotive restoration program and laying the groundwork for it to become the nation’s only four-year degree program in automotive restoration.
After his time at McPherson College, Dr. Snell decided to fulfill one of his lifelong dreams of becoming a farmer. He moved his family to McFarland, CA, where he farmed almonds and was joined by his son to farm raisin grapes. Later, he and his wife, Ruth, moved to Arizona, where they developed ranch lands in western New Mexico and developed and operated a Mobile Home Park in Camp Verde, AZ. He was also the CEO of Glencroft Retirement Village, now Glencroft Center for Modern Aging, in Glendale, AZ. He and Ruth were married for 72 years and provided counseling and mentorship to many people, helping them out of difficult situations.
“Galen was a beloved president, and alumni from his era always enjoyed seeing him at reunions when he was able to come back for Homecoming,” President Michael Schneider said. “His founding vision for automotive restoration is a legacy for which we will always be grateful. Since I started at McPherson College in 2002, Galen and Ruth have been such a blessing to me and my family. He showed many of us more kindness than we could have ever expected.”
Dr. Galen Snell with two McPherson College automotive restoration students during his last visit to campus in 2018.
McPherson College 1600 East Euclid PO Box 1402
McPherson, KS 67460