Review - McPherson College Magazine, Fall 2020 by mcphersoncollege

FALL 2020

McPHERSON COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Measuring Success B E Y ON D WI N S & L OS E S

Virtual Homecoming

Like many events in 2020, Homecoming was held mostly online with virtual reunions and livestreamed activities. Some athletic events were held on campus with masking and social distancing in place. Queen Taylor Cunningham and King Tyler Dunn were crowned during halftime of the football game while the band ensembles performed a virtual concert from Hess Fine Arts Center.

McPHERSON COLLEGE MAGAZINE

COMPETING WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Director of Athletics Chandler Short ‘15 and Vice President for Academic Affairs Bruce Clary ’77 discuss how athletics and academics successfully co-exist at McPherson College.

ATHLETICS

MEASURING SUCCESS BEYOND WINS & LOSSES

A HISTORY OF CHAMPIONS

The idea to measure the success of a college athletic program beyond the wins and losses of its teams is a concept that Alan Grosbach ’08 can trace back to his time at McPherson College. 2 NEWS

On the cover:

Frederick Watts, senior from Channelview, Texas, is a business ﬁnance major and has played all four years on the men’s basketball team.

4 AUTO RESTORATION

Fall 2020 | Vol. 109, No. 2 McPherson College 1600 E. Euclid PO Box 1402 McPherson, KS 67460 (620) 242-0400 (800) 365-7402

6 FACULTY & STAFF

12 FALL ATHLETICS

The Review McPherson College Magazine is published twice a year by the Ofﬁce of Marketing and Public Relations for the alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the college. Editor - Tina Goodwin director of public relations Design - Brian Lundberg director of marketing, Corey Long ‘17 graphic designer

www. mcpherson.edu The Review welcomes and reports the news of our diverse alumni and friends. Their activities may represent a variety of viewpoints which may or may not be endorsed by the college. McPherson College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or physical or emotional disability. © 2020 McPherson College

Contributing Staff Monica Rice director of alumni and constituent relations Dave Barrett ’90 advancement ofﬁcer Jeremy Nelson athletic communications director Kendra Flory ‘00 advancement assistant

Carol Swenson, former sports information director and longtime supporter of Bulldog athletics, recounts the pursuit of championships at MC.

32 ALUMNI NOTES

McPherson College Administration Michael P. Schneider ‘96 president Abbey Archer-Rierson ‘16 chief of staff Bruce Clary ’77 vp for academic affairs Amanda Gutierrez vp for automotive restoration Christi Hopkins vp for enrollment management Chandler Short ‘15 director of athletics Marty Sigwing ’16 director of facilities Brenda Stocklin-Smith ‘16 director of human resources Rick Tuxhorn ’16 vp for ﬁnance Erik Vogel ‘98 vp for advancement

news MC Joins New Racial Equity Leadership Alliance

McPherson College is among the 51 inaugural member institutions of the Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance recently announced by the University of Southern California Race and Equity Center. The USC Race and Equity Center works with professionals in educational institutions and corporations to strategically develop and achieve equity goals, better understand and correct climate problems, avoid and recover from racial crises, and cultivate sustainable cultures of inclusion and respect. McPherson College has participated in the USC Race and Equity Center’s Campus Climate Survey since 2019, and as a member of the new Alliance will have access to a number of additional resources developed by the Center. “McPherson College understands the importance of equity at all levels on our campus,” President Michael Schneider said. “Having access to the research and organizational resources of the USC Race and Equity Center will provide us with powerful tools as we continue to improve our strategies and practical approaches surrounding diversity and inclusion. I am looking forward to how this collaboration will help us better serve our students and community.” As a member of the new Alliance, McPherson College can participate in 12 eConvenings, professional development sessions that focus on particular aspects of racial equity, conducted by nationally respected leaders in race relations. The Center is also developing an online repository of resources and tools for Alliance members that includes equity-related rubrics, readings, case studies, videos, and other resources. Every employee across all levels at each of the Alliance institutions will have full access to the virtual resource portal. Additionally, Alliance members will participate in two new workplace climate surveys in addition to the student survey. Beyond the resources available to Alliance members, the presidents of each member college will meet quarterly to share strategies, seek advice, and identify ways to leverage the Alliance for collective impact on racial equity in higher education. The presidents will also come together occasionally to craft rapid responses to urgent racial issues confronting the nation, and will collaboratively determine what to do, how to respond on their campus, and communicate in a unified voice to policymakers, journalists, and other audiences. McPherson College’s most recent efforts to become a more inclusive campus include working with the Kansas Leadership Center to diagnose and engage the campus in solutions to develop a more inclusive culture through meaningful dialogue, training, and new initiatives. A campus task force meets regularly to evaluate progress on its goals, which include engaging and inclusive programming, retention of underrepresented students, more diverse applicant pools, ongoing education and conversations with employees, and serving as leaders in the community. The college has also supported diversity and inclusion training for all student leaders, as well as any interested student, through the Student Government Association. The training has expanded this year to include all resident assistants and orientation leaders, and academic mentors. A student workgroup began meeting over the summer to discuss actions that the college can implement to support student efforts in creating and promoting antiracism activities, and a student-initiated organization, VOCAL (Voices Of Change And Leadership,) has facilitated campus-wide conversations this semester.

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For the fifth year in a row, McPherson College was recognized by U.S. News & World Report on the “Best Colleges” list for Regional Colleges in the Midwest in 2021. Additionally, McPherson College was included on five of the publication’s other lists including Most Innovative Schools. McPherson College was recognized again as a Best Value School by the publication. Only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included on the “Best Value Schools” ranking list. When evaluating colleges for this list, U.S. News & World Report considers the most significant values to be among colleges that are above average academically and takes into account academic quality as well as cost. McPherson College was also included in the top twenty schools for Ethnic Diversity, Schools with Most International Students, as well as in the top twenty of Top Performers on Social Mobility. www.mcpherson.edu/news

B.Y.O.A. New adventure program takes advantage of outdoor spaces in Kansas

Students at McPherson College have the opportunity to set out on their own adventures and explore all Kansas has to offer through a new program on campus called Build Your Own Adventure. Offered through the college’s Bulldog Adventures organization, it provides gear and planning information to assist students in taking advantage of the great outdoor spaces in Kansas on their own time. Bulldog Adventures, a program introduced by McPherson College last year, provides opportunities for students to participate in monthly adventures and on-campus outdoor activities. Offering ventures like hiking, float trips, a fishing derby, and lawn games, Bulldog Adventures utilizes outdoor spaces in and around campus to engage students and develop leadership skills. “We have great participation in our monthly outings but also wanted to give our students the ability to explore Kansas on their own,” Tony Helfrich, director of Bulldog Adventures, said. “For many of our students, our adventures are their first exposure to this part of our state.” Adventure gear for hiking like backpacks and trekking poles along with fishing gear, tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear, disc golf sets as well as other gear like binoculars and hammocks are available for students to check out and use on their adventures. The gear, which was donated to the college through The Outdoor Fund by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, is offered at no expense to the students. www.mcpherson.edu/bulldog-adventures

RECORD ENROLLMENT McPherson College reported record enrollment for the fifth year in a row bolstered by a new student cohort of 300 and an increase in overall retention. Enrollment was confirmed on September 11, 2020, which marked the point when enrollment numbers became official for the fall semester. Total headcount for the fall semester was 864, and fall-to-fall retention increased to 76 percent. Total headcount includes 790 full-time degree-seeking students, and 25 graduate students, as well as part-time students. “McPherson College continues to make great progress despite the challenges of this year,” President Michael Schneider said. “Our Student Debt Project and Bulldog Adventures programs encourage students to return to McPherson College, and new academic programs like Health Sciences are attracting new students.” www.mcpherson.edu/news

President’s message

STUDENT LIFE

Dear McPherson College Alumni, Friends, and Family, The past year has presented several new and unique challenges for our campus. Despite these challenges, McPherson College has persisted because of our adaptive and caring faculty and staff, the resilience of our students, and a strong financial and strategic foundation. Our philosophy surrounding athletics is a driving factor in the strength of that institutional foundation. We realized several years ago that we did not want to use athletics as a way to inflate enrollment. Rather, we wanted to make our existing athletic program stronger and better to recruit the right student-athletes and the right coaches to McPherson College. Most recently, our athletic department worked with partners across campus, current student-athletes, alumni, and collegiate athletic professionals to develop a strategic plan for MC athletics. The plan focuses on core values that guide the decision-making process and outlines strategic initiatives directed toward developing and engaging coaches, enhancing student experience and scholarships, and using existing momentum to elevate the program. Our student-athletes are a very important part of our campus. They make up over half of our student population, add diversity of background and experience to our campus, and cultivate Bulldog pride across our community. I am proud of their accomplishments on the field and in the classroom. And, I am proud of the work done across campus to embrace our mission to develop whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service. We will be able to gather again as Bulldog fans and cheer on our favorite sports. When that time comes, I encourage you to come to a baseball or softball game, show up to a basketball, volleyball, soccer, or football game, attend a tennis or track & field meet. No matter the results of the competition, supporting our student-athletes always reminds you why it’s a Great Day to Be a Bulldog!

Michael P. Schneider President, McPherson College

FALL 2020

AU TO

R E STO R AT I O N

$1 MILLION MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE McPherson College announced a $1 million matching gift challenge from Florida philanthropist and automotive enthusiast, Dano Davis. The gift supports business curriculum development, student experiences, and scholarships for students enrolled in the automotive restoration program. Davis hopes his gift motivates others to support McPherson College’s Automotive Restoration program. Any gift designated to the restoration program – for lab and classroom support, scholarships, the tool fund, endowment –qualifies for the match. “I became acquainted with the college through its students who visited the Brumos Collection on a college-sponsored spring break trip in 2018. I was so impressed that I hired one of the students to work for me,” Davis said. The following year Davis attended the student-led car show on the college campus, bringing two cars from the Brumos Collection. “Visiting campus and seeing the commitment of the faculty, staff, and students was inspiring. I knew I wanted to do something to help support not only the technical aspect of their automotive education but also the business side of it.” Davis was the principal owner of Brumos Motorcars, a successful dealership group, and Brumos Racing, which fielded a team for many years with drivers such as Hurley Haywood, who is tied with five wins as the most successful driver at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Davis’ family founded the well-known grocery store chain, Winn-Dixie. The chain grew to 1400 stores in 13 states and $14 billion in sales. They sold the company in 2011.

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In January of this year, Davis opened The Brumos Collection, a collection in Jacksonville, Florida, that focuses on the development of the automobile and the Brumos Porsche racing legacy. The museum is housed in a building that was created to resemble the Ford assembly plant that once operated in Jacksonville. “As a successful businessman and entrepreneur, Mr. Davis recognizes the importance of a well-rounded education in preparing students not just for a first job but for a long career,” Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, said. “His investment in our students expands academic opportunities in a way that makes for a lifetime impact in the collector car world.” Davis’s $1 million commitment will support developing business workshops that enhance the curriculum in the restoration major and scholarships to students in the restoration management track. The gift allows the program to explore other creative ways for students to experience multiple facets of the collector car world by working with industry professionals to share their knowledge. For more information or to make a gift, contact Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, at gutierra@mcpherson.edu or visit: www.mcpherson.edu/giving

news

#PathToPebble follows student-led restoration

This Year’s Progress Report: • The engine has been fully rebuilt and run on a test stand. • The drivetrain, front axle, and rear suspension are completely built and ready to hang on the car. • Both front seats and rear bench are complete, and the carpet and door panels are started. • All rust repair and damage from a small accident in the past have been repaired, and the paint process has begun.

Four years ago, the Automotive Restoration program set its vision on competing to win at Pebble Beach. Today, the restoration of a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet has achieved significant milestones, and the program is setting its sights on joining the distinguished field of entries at Pebble Beach in 2023. Students began working on the project in 2016 after the car was unveiled at an event in Pebble Beach. Students apply and are hired to work on the car in various capacities. In addition to the actual restoration work, the project also provides opportunities for students to practice research, archival, and documentation skills. It has brought industry experts to campus for demonstrations and lectures, provided senior capstone projects, and been used in classrooms whenever possible. The project is reaching a turning point in the restoration as more components start coming back together. Over the past four years, many students have taken their turn in the restoration process, but the students in the program today realize they are part of the final steps of the process. The progress of this undertaking can be followed at #PathToPebble on Facebook.

Industry Advisors: • Alumna Mariah Bruins, owner of MRestoration Design, met with the team to advise on bodywork and paint preparation. • PPG representative Steve Pisano met with the advanced paint class and worked with the Mercedes-Benz team. • Other experts who have mentored students at different points in the process include Richard Barnes and Bob Lapane. Barnes demonstrated and explained techniques that helped students restore the top of the vehicle, and Lapane lectured and demonstrated assembly of the rear axle. Both work with Paul Russell & Company. Project supporters: • The 300 SL Foundation – Generously funded one full year of student project team wages on the project. • Aeristo – Provided nine historically correct leather hides for the interior of the project.

Program receives unique vehicle

Car collections can be defined by a number of factors. Some focus on a particular marque, age, or historical significance, but one thing every collection shares is the desire to obtain a unique or rare find. McPherson College was fortunate to receive its own rare find when a 1956 Austin-Healey 100M LeMans Roadster was recently donated to the college’s collection. The vehicle was donated to the college this fall by Bill and Cheryl Swanson of Arroyo Grande, California. It has been beautifully restored and immediate plans call for some engine diagnostics as well as use for research and documentation. There were only 640 100M LeMans cars produced between 1953 and 1956 with only around 100 remaining today. “For collectors who are interested in ensuring that knowledge and skills around these vehicles are preserved and passed on, donating them to McPherson College makes a lot of sense,” Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, said. “We are thrilled that, when it was time for the Austin Healey to leave their collection, the Swansons thought of us.”

Wheels of Change This summer, McPherson College presented a six-week virtual series titled “Wheels of Change.” The series explored the people, innovations, and art of the automotive industry with McPherson College Professor Ken Yohn. People from across the country and even globally tuned in for the episodes that blended fascinating topics - from the advent of the automobile, to the car’s impact on war and globalization, to how automotive styling drove art for the people. The series is now available to watch online at: www.mcpherson.edu/wheels-of-change

FALL 2020

athletics FALL

When the spring seasons were cancelled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the McPherson College athletic department transitioned its focus on establishing operational protocols for a return to campus in the fall. The NAIA outlined its Return-to-Play plan for the 2020-2021 seasons, which included its decision to move all fall national championships, with the exception of cross country, to spring 2021 and gave autonomy to the conferences in deciding whether to play games in the fall.

After the win, the Bulldogs played just two more games in the final five weeks of the season. They lost a 4-0 decision at home against Bethany College on Senior Day, and another 4-0 loss to Kansas Wesleyan three weeks later on November 1. They are slated to play five regular season games in the spring, leading up to the KCAC tournament in April.

Athletic Director Chandler Short served on the KCAC COVID-19 Task Force along with two KCAC presidents, three other KCAC athletic directors, the KCAC commissioner, and two athletic trainers. The task force assisted the KCAC moving forward with a plan to have games in the fall, shortening seasons, and moving all the conference championships, minus cross country, to the spring. All fall sports, with the exception of football, were given the green light to begin competitions on September 5. Football’s opening weekend was moved back to September 12. Below are short recaps of each of the Bulldog fall sports teams:

Men’s Soccer

The McPherson College men’s soccer team had an outstanding, albeit shortened, fall season. The Bulldogs ﬁnished the fall with an overall record of 6-2-3 and were 6-2-1 in KCAC play. The season got off to a rocky start. Having been picked third in the pre-season KCAC standings, the Bulldogs opened 2020 on the road at Sterling College. The Warriors shocked the Bulldogs, winning the opener, 2-0.

Women’s Soccer

The McPherson College women’s soccer team wrapped up the fall portion of its season ﬁnishing with a 2-5 record. All seven of the completed contests were KCAC games. Amid the uncertainty of sports in the COVID-19 landscape, the Bulldog women opened the season on the road against the Sterling College Warriors, winning that contest 2-1. The Bulldogs dropped the next three decisions, a 3-1 loss at home to Tabor College, and shutouts on the road 2-0 at Friends University, and 3-0 at York College. They got back in the winning column with a Homecoming victory over Avila University, 2-1, in double overtime.

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That ﬁrst loss woke up the Bulldogs, who from there went on a nine-match unbeaten streak. The streak started with a 1-1 tie against national powerhouse USAO. The Bulldogs won six matches in a row, defeating Friend University on the road, 4-2, York College on the road, 2-1, Avila University on Homecoming, 7-0, Bethany College at home on Senior Day, 2-0, Bethel College on the road, 2-1, and Tabor College at home, 1-0. They tied the next two matches, 0-0 against Kansas Wesleyan at home and 1-1 at Central Christian College. Their ﬁnal match of the fall was a 5-0 loss at home to nationally ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University on November 14. The Bulldogs will play four matches in the spring, two non-conference and two KCAC, before the conference tournament in April.

news The Bulldogs began their season on the road at Sterling College. Mac put the KCAC on notice, defeating the Warriors, 58-40. The next week, they were brought back down to earth when they hosted the Bethel College Threshers. The Threshers handed the Bulldogs their ﬁrst loss, 55-21. The Bulldogs looked to rebound the following week on the road at Tabor College. On their ﬁrst offensive possession, starting quarterback Joshua Pisik, a junior from San Diego, was knocked out of the game with a season-ending leg injury. The Bulldog rallied behind the injured QB, and came back to defeat Tabor, 21-14.

Volleyball

The McPherson College volleyball team completed the fall portion of its schedule with a 9-4 overall record and a 6-2 record in KCAC play. The Bulldogs welcomed 11 new faces to the squad this season. It took the new-look Bulldogs some time to gel with one another. They were inconsistent, going 6-4 in their ﬁrst 10 games. However, things started clicking in their ﬁnal three matches of the fall with Bulldogs wins, all in straight sets, including a 3-0 road victory over Ottawa University, the KCAC pre-season number one pick.

Riding the coattails of that emotional win against the Bluejays, the Bulldogs rode the momentum into their Homecoming game the next week against the Friends University Falcons. The Bulldogs outlasted the Falcons, 20-17, to move to 3-1 on the season. They dropped the next two games on the road, at Southwestern College, 45-7, and at Ottawa University, 31-13. After a week off, the Bulldogs were at home against the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes, who were also coming off back-to-back losses. The Bulldogs played very well, but some costly turnovers in the second half opened the way for a 41-27 Coyote victory.

The Bulldogs will return after the winter break to prepare for a run at the KCAC tournament. They will play postponed games against York College, Avila University, and University of St. Mary before playing all of the KCAC teams a second time to determine the conference regular-season champion. The KCAC tournament will be held in April

Cross Country

The 2020 men’s and women’s cross country season wrapped up with a sixth-place ﬁnish by the men, and a 10th-place ﬁnish by the women at the KCAC Championships hosted by Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas.

Football

The McPherson College football team under the direction of second-year head coach, Jeremiah Fiscus, was able to play seven games this fall, before the ﬁnal two games were cancelled due to COVID-19. The Bulldogs ﬁnished the fall with a record of three wins and four losses.

The Bulldog harriers were able to compete in ﬁve regular-season races, as well as the end-of-the-season KCAC race. The highlight of the season for the MC cross country program was the installation of the new Bulldog XC course and hosting the inaugural McPherson College Carol Swenson XC Invite to open its season.

www.macbulldogs.com

FALL 2020

staff

Matthaei retires after 31 years in Academic Affairs ofﬁce Marylyn Matthaei, senior administrative assistant to the VP for Academic Affairs, retired from McPherson College in June 2020. Matthaei began working as the administrative assistant to academic affairs in August 1989. Four chief academic ofﬁcers and three presidents have come and gone, but Matthaei was a consistent and reassuring presence in the Deans’ Suite. Both Bruce Clary, current CAO, and President Michael Schneider relied on Matthaei to provide stability, integrity, and support in good times and bad. The following was shared by Clary at a service awards banquet where she was recognized.

The word that best captures Marylyn’s special qualities is professionalism. The legitimacy and level of trust that faculty, students, and staff give an academic affairs office rest on the office’s reputation for competence and professionalism. For thirty years, college constituents, both internal and external, have respected Marylyn Matthaei and trusted her to represent the college at its best. Whatever qualities the word professionalism evokes, you will find those qualities embodied in Marylyn. She is dependable and hard working. Marylyn rarely misses a day of work. She works straight through without a break, eating a bowl of instant oatmeal or a sandwich at her desk, always willing to stay late to do what must be finished, putting in extra hours preparing board materials, taking minutes on Board of Trustee weekends, and seeing that honors convocations and Commencement weekend go off without a hitch. Marylyn is trustworthy. Arguably, no other current college employee has been trusted with more confidential information than Marylyn—with nary a hint of breaching that confidence. Her mind is a secure repository of everything no one else has a need to know. Marylyn is competent. She is known in particular for two exceptional competencies. First is her legendary ability to take minutes 6

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of meetings that capture, nearly verbatim, the discussion that takes place around the table. Thanks to her ability to listen carefully and type quickly, the business of the faculty and the college has been thoroughly and accurately documented. The minutes of the thousands of committee meetings she has recorded over 30 years fill 54 thick binders in the VPAA’s office alone, and those don’t include the minutes of the hundreds of Board of Trustee meetings she has recorded. Second, Marylyn is an exacting copy editor. Again, thanks to this valuable skill, those meeting minutes, the materials provided to the Board of Trustees, and even some of the college’s publications are free of embarrassing errors. Finally, Marylyn is polished. Her telephone etiquette; her tact and sensitivity; the graceful greetings and hospitality she extends to those who come into the office; her business attire and appearance (Casual Friday is not in Marylyn’s vocabulary)—all comprise a finished professional exterior that is but an extension of all her excellent internal qualities. Marylyn and her husband Mark have a daughter, Kristi; a son, Ben; and a daughter-in-law Krissy—the latter two both alums of the college. Marylyn herself earned her B.A. in English at McPherson College in 1996, seven years after she began her employment here.

faculty

news

MC Teaching Awards Dr. Stephen Hoyer and Dr. Becki Bowman were the recipients of the 2020-21 Teaching Awards. The awards are traditionally presented at the college’s annual Honors Convocation, which was not held this year. A committee of three students and last year’s teaching award recipients reviewed more than 35 nominations from students and faculty colleagues to select one tenured faculty member and one non-tenured faculty member to receive the awards. This year’s non-tenured award recipient, Dr. Hoyer, is an assistant professor of psychology. Students who nominated Dr. Hoyer emphasized his gentle, compassionate nature; his passion for his subject matter; and his knack for explaining complex theories in understandable terms. His nomination included comments like “He is a very understanding person,” and he has “provided a certain level of leeway given the pandemic situation,” which students have “much appreciated.” Students also noted that Dr. Hoyer “gives great feedback” and “answers any questions no matter how silly they are.” Dr. Bowman, professor of communication and recipient of the tenured faculty award, received nearly 25 percent of all the nominations in this category. In an interesting twist, she received as much acclaim for instructing her colleagues as she did for her work with students, who praised her not

Jd. Bowman, professor of theatre, virtually attended the Theatre Communications Group (TCG) National Conference entitled “Re-Emergence.” The conference focused on crisis management in a pandemic as well as trainings in equity, justice, and advocacy for members of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ in the theatre community. Julia Largent, assistant professor of communication, is co-editor of the recently published book titled “Eating Fandom, Intersections Between Fans and Food Cultures.” She also co-edited a special issue of Fan Studies Methodologies in Transformative Works and Cultures. Kirk MacGregor, associate professor of philosophy and religion, recently had his sixth book, entitled “A Historical and Theological Investigation of John’s Gospel,” published by Palgrave Macmillan. Additionally, he published articles including “The New Being in Pure Land Buddhism” in the Bulletin of the North America Paul Tillich

Dr. Stephen Hoyer

Dr. Becki Bowman

only for her effective, well-prepared class sessions but also for her ability to inspire and motivate them. “Dr. Bowman inspired me to pick up a second major and has supported me every step of the way,” said one student nomination. The committee especially noted that Dr. Bowman does an exceptional job provoking students to think through issues on their own. As one student says, “She not only teaches, but she inspired students to ask questions and to look deeper.” As the current faculty chair, Dr. Bowman devoted her summer to preparing her colleagues for teaching in socially-distanced classrooms using blended course design. Her colleagues praised her for the effectiveness of her work, her commitment to helping them be the best they could be in the face of a pandemic, and her unﬂagging positive attitude.

Society; “Tillichian Courage as Theologically Foundational to the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder” in the International Yearbook for Tillich Research; “Can One Be Both a Calvinist and a Molinist?” in the Evangelical Dispensationalism Quarterly Journal. He also presented papers at the 2020 annual meetings of the American Academy of Religion, Evangelical Philosophical Society, and Evangelical Theological Society. Jamie Makatche, library director, was added to the editorial board for “portal: Libraries and the Academy,” a publication of Johns Hopkins University Press. Dustin Wilgers, associate professor of biology, has published “Savanna Spider, Super Scientist and the Science-Fair Mystery,” the second book in his children’s book series. The book series is supported ﬁnancially by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. A portion of the proceeds from the book sales are donated by the Chickadee Checkoff Fund, which supports conservation of non-game wildlife in Kansas.

FALL 2020

Baldetti Joins College As New Director Of Health Care Initiatives Dr. Nick Baldetti joined McPherson College as executive director of Health Care Initiatives in August. Dr. Baldetti advises the college’s incoming Health Science Scholars, oversees experiential learning opportunities for the health science and healthcare management majors, and instructs the health systems course. Last fall, McPherson College announced the new academic program focused on creating health-related career pathways for students while engaging them in the community. The initiative includes a partnership with McPherson Center for Health, the local hospital, as well as a $1 million gift to fund the program, including ten $25,000 scholarships for students committed to community health. The hands-on experience offered is a unique feature of the program. Every student will participate in multiple field experiences or rotations, and McPherson Health Science Scholars will be matched with signature outreach being developed to solve issues in the community. This academic year, two outreach opportunities have been secured for the Health Care Scholars. They will get hands-on experience at McPherson County Health Department and Disability Supports of McPherson. Sophomores in the program will participate in orientation and introduction to health care professions at the McPherson Hospital, and an introductory class in health systems is offered for freshmen. Students interested will also have the ability to obtain CNA certification to supplement their degree with Hutchinson Community College, The Cedars, and Moundridge Manor. “Dr. Baldetti is a great fit for the mission of this initiative,” President Michael Schneider said. “In small communities, you need to be resourceful uncovering ways to build a healthy community. With Dr. Baldetti’s experience in public health, we will explore placing our students out in the community working to solve health care challenges while gaining experience for a career as a health care professional.” Prior to coming to McPherson College, Dr. Baldetti served Reno County as public health director and health officer for six years. He advanced in his position there in only two years after beginning with the county in 2013 as a health educator. Under his leadership, the health department was named the Public Health County of the Year and recognized three times by the Governor’s Public Health Conference for Promising Innovative Practices in Public Health. He sits on the board of directors for the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System and Horizons Mental Healthcare and the advisory boards for Creighton University’s Master of Public Health, Wichita State’s Public Health Science, and the University of Kansas Medical School Master of Public Health programs. He holds the D.B.A. in health economics from Creighton University, the M.S. in health and human performance, and the M.B.A. from Pittsburg State University. He earned his undergraduate degree from Wayne State College. He has held faculty rank at the University of Kansas Medical School in Wichita since 2014 and has taught at both Wichita State and Creighton.

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A COVID Journal, continued

For faculty, staff, and administration at McPherson College, the fall semester has been like no other semester in recent memory. President Michael Schneider reﬂects on the situation and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic in a journal, and other members of the campus team reﬂect on their time in the classroom and working with the hundreds of students that called campus home during these challenging times.

July 8, 2020 Campus huddle with employees: • Introduced the new health and safety protocol. • Onboarding students will be different and we will create a less dense campus. • Same day PCR testing will be available on campus by early September. • The campus will be in masks when not in personal spaces or outside and unable to social distance. MY TAKEAWAY: This year will present a major challenge balancing individual preferences with institutional needs.

July 28, 2020 Zoom Forum with new and returning students/families: • Hosted the forum with students Nicole Abunaja, Student Atheletic Leadership Team, Tyler Dunn, SGA president and Courtney Weesner, M-Club. • Spent a lot of time talking about move-in and check-in—limit two guests per student, health and safety training requirements and “Welcome Week” activities. • Examples were given on how hybrid classes will work and that nearly every class will have an in-person component. • Answered a lot of questions about athletic participation protocol, residence halls and dining hall. Daily health checks are required for every athlete, residence hall capacities will be reduced and students will reserve times to eat in the dining hall or take-away meals. MY TAKEAWAY: Leadership can come from anywhere at anytime. I witnessed it over the past several weeks thanks to senior Nicole Abunaja who has hosted all three of our Zoom Campus Forums with me. She has provided me solid advice and support the past several weeks.

August 17, 2020 First day of fall semester 2020: • It’s been 162 days since we were in class last spring. • The campus has done excellent work preparing and executing plans for students to see this day. • Special shout-out to Director of Facilities and Safety Marty Sigwing for all his work and leadership. • Students are doing a great job following the protocol —wearing masks and social distancing when needed.

news MY TAKEAWAY: Inside Higher Education and The Chronicle of Higher Education both said students would not show up. Well, here they are on campus doing what they need to do for us to navigate the year. Likely another enrollment record. First day of class and you can see the dimples rise above the masks from all those happy students excited to be back in college. It was a good day.

August 28, 2020 Opening Convocation—Campus update to employees, students, families and board of trustees: • Huge thanks to our students for following the health and safety protocol. • A few precautionary symptomatic quarantines but no exposures or positive cases yet. • We have a lot to be proud of—record enrollment, students reducing debt, students getting jobs, new academic programs like the healthcare initiative and new campus center in planning phases. • Students are exactly where they need to be—in college at MC ensuring their futures as we safely and successfully navigate the year.

September 30, 2020 Student Debt Project kick-off event. • Hosted more than 200 students and mentors on Zoom to introduce the second full year of the Student Debt Project. • Students are already making progress with expected debt at graduation under the national average by over $10,000 per student. • In a year of disappointment, this is clearly a bright spot for our students and MC. MY TAKEAWAY: When the pandemic started in March my thinking was that all colleges would be operating the same with national guidelines. This is not the case. Our entrepreneurial mindset across campus is paying off with programs like the Student Debt Project that are able to continue to engage students in meaningful activity.

October 2-3, 2020 Homecoming 2020 via Zoom. • We knew it would not be in person, but did not expect the good turnout—reunion turnout was incredible and the best in my tenure at MC. • I was able to speak at every Zoom reunion. • Athletic teams performed well and we crowned Homecoming royality. MY TAKEAWAY: When options are limited and out of your control people value extra effort.

November 9, 2020 Campus update for students, families, employees, and trustees: • Cases in McPherson County are increasing with more than 70 new cases over the weekend with over 200 active cases. In addition, McPherson County is back to Phase 2 of the

Kansas Reopening Plan and McPherson County passed a mask ordinance for the first time. • ICU beds in central Kansas are limited. • Nine cases associated with campus since last Friday, November 6 with more than 70 students in quarantine. Most student cases involve a Halloween party and employee cases involve no exposure to anyone associated with campus. • I made the decision in consultation Bruce Clary, our chief academic officer, and with faculty to allow students to finish the last seven days of the semester online. In addition, all finals will now be conducted online. • The campus remains open and safe but given the increase in cases and other data it makes sense to de-densify the operation and provide more flexibility for students to finish the year online. MY TAKEAWAY: Although the semester did not end exactly as we planned it will be ending good enough so that we are in a great position to start interterm in January.

December 11, 2020 Campus update for students, families, employees, and trustees: • When the pandemic started we cringed when we heard the new cases in McPherson County that 10 new cases were added in a week. We are now adding 10 new cases in a day and active cases are in the hundreds. • We received our rapid test at the campus clinic. Testing will be a good mitigation tactic for the new semester. MY TAKEAWAY: Our health experts on the board of trustees have been excellent advisors the past several months. For years, students pushed to get a health clinic on our campus. I am thankful to Drs.Paul and Marla Ullom-Minich for making this a reality as Partners in Family Care has been a rock for our campus this past year.

December 31, 2020 Campus update for trustees sharing calendar year-end highlights: • Graduates from May 2020 continue our tradition of high career placement rates as 95 percent have been placed in jobs or graduate school. • The campus engaged in rich discussions and started important initiatives related to race, diversity and inclusion during the semester. • Building Community Fundraising Campaign is near goal in the first 18 months. • Eight seven-figure donors to the campaign so far. • More total donors than ever before to MC with new friends and record numbers of alumni gifts. • Alumni board is the most diverse in our history. MY TAKEAWAY: While many of my colleagues at other institutions describe their year as a “mess.” I would describe ours as filled with patience and grace. I am thankful to my family, our campus community, alumni, friends and the greater McPherson Community for offering whatever I needed during this uncertain time. Read more journal entries at: www.mcpherson.edu/covid/journal

FALL 2020

Professor looks for humor while doing his part Luke Chennell, associate professor of technology

COVID class, day 63: Last day. Time to get serious. We did it. Every single colleague of mine and students at the school put in a tremendous effort to get through and make this happen. Finding the humor in things that can be very dark is, for me, one of the best coping mechanisms. Ambrose Bierce and I would probably be great friends. I channeled my inner Bierce over the last 62ish days. That said, I made a conscious decision to teach and teach hard this semester because it was vitally clear to me how important this was to a place that changed my life and to which I owe the comfort I find myself in today. By teaching what others gave of themselves to teach me, I wanted to make secure for my students the possibilities I’ve enjoyed. It was not without risk but in my estimation worth it. I am fortunate enough that I have a defined end to such an endeavor. I will take some time to decompress, work with wood, take care of the perpetual projects involved with the ownership of an old house and a fleet of quirky machines. Most people don’t have this luxury. I know a lot of doctors and nurses. I’ve been inured to the lives they lead. Their work is constant, difficult and exhausting in normal times. Every single one of them I know right now is burned out, frustrated and worried. There is no easy end in sight for any of them. In the coming days they will deliver hard news to families, take risks beyond what anyone should ask of them, and cry together in the closets of our squeaky clean but overloaded hospitals. I found my way to do my part for others by teaching and finding humor in the ways I could. You will be called on in the coming days to do your part. For all of those who give of themselves at their own risk, please answer up to the task.

Semester of challenge builds leadership opportunities for Student Life team Gabbrielle M. Williams, director of student life, and Liz Thornton ‘20, student affairs support staff coordinator

We finally made it! The semester we never thought would end has flown by. As our students traveled home for winter break, the Student Affairs staff had time to reflect on everything that has happened in this once-in-a-lifetime semester. As our students packed to go home for the holidays it felt like a part of campus was missing. The hustle and bustle of the cafeteria at noon, Metzler lobby on NFL game nights, and late-night Dotzour hallway conversations have come to an end. We already miss our students dearly!

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This semester has brought our team together in ways we never thought imaginable. We have made changes to long-standing systems and protocols, and to our surprise, some of those things have changed for the better. Our on-call structure has become more efficient as it allows more time for work/life balance for our resident assistants (RA’s) and our residence life staff. Residence hall programming took an intentional shift to help provide resources for residents to focus solely on academic goals, self-reflection and meaningful conversations, which was instrumental in helping students to combat virtual learning fatigue and the stress of limited social interaction. Our partnership with Client Centered Counseling also had a positive impact on mental health and wellness in students who struggled with adapting to the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic. Moments that we can appreciate are how our student leaders have stepped up to adjust to everything that has changed this semester. Our Student Activities Board (SAB) has been the leading force for clubs and organizations by successfully displaying the possibility of hosting safe, in-person events that abide by health and safety regulations. Campus traditions such as Bulldog Madness, $2 Tuesday, Bowling Night, and Bingo were all safely accomplished. As one of our college’s three pillars, service is always our priority. We upheld this standard by honoring our first responders and essential workers during the Color Run: The Run to Remember this September. The Color Run attracted 150 people, with participants and student volunteers who all displayed their dedication to our community standards by wearing masks and maintaining social distance guidelines. Taking inspiration from Donald H. McGannon, who once stated, “Leadership is action, not position,” we believe that this semester has called up all of us to display a sense of servant leadership - a leadership style that allows us to step outside of self and to be of service to others. We have appreciated the efforts of all of our colleagues across campus who have come together to help Student Life deliver meals to quarantined students. We would be remiss to not publicly acknowledge our colleagues at Fresh Ideas Dining Services, our Office of Facilities, staff, faculty, cabinet and athletic coaches for their efforts in helping us serve the students with hot and healthy meals delivered right to their doorsteps. Here in Student Life we miss our students daily, we miss the conversations, the laughs, and when they come into the Royer Center to take candy when they think that no one is watching. We are hopeful for another successful semester to come in January, and we cannot wait for the students to return. Our call to action to our students over the break was to remember this quote, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few moments, and that includes you.” A number of memories from this semester will be shared on the Student Life Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages. Please follow us on all platforms @_mcstudentlife and find our semester in review posts using the #MCYearinReview hashtag. Happy New Year!

support

news THE FACE OF GIVING Student-athletes at McPherson College are selected to serve on the Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT). The students who serve on SALT develop valuable leadership skills as they address changes in rules and regulations, organize community service, and build a positive image for McPherson College Athletics. SALT representatives play an important role in bridging the gap between administration and student athletes. The committee is designed to incorporate ideas and opinions from student athletes into legislative and campus decisions that affect their academic and athletic pursuits. “I really enjoy being able to work together with my peers to host events for all of the student athletes,” Gage Maccoy, a senior basketball player from Lenexa, Kansas and social media coordinator, said. “I am very proud of the Gala that we host at the end of the year to celebrate all of the student athletes.” The members of SALT represent the largest student population on campus by communicating the concerns and needs of all student athletes to make sure they can be successful in their sports and in the classroom. SALT members regularly attend all sporting events, support athletes with shirts, hats, and other items, as well as host a student athlete appreciate week. While offering opportunities to support their peers, SALT also serves as a leadership training program for the student athlete representatives. “SALT has allowed me to become a strong, conﬁdent leader for the women’s basketball team and the MC Athletic Department,” Nicole Abunaja, a senior from Phoenix, Arizona and SGA representative, said. “It has made me even more certain that I want to stay involved in athletics as a career after I graduate.”

SALT – Student Athlete Leadership Team 20-21

From top: Nicole Abunaja, Riley Bradbury, Jadin Fleming, Gage Maccoy, Josh Rivers, Christie Silber, and Quashad Washington.

You can support our students by giving to the McPherson College Fund online at: www.mcpherson.edu/giving

Or contact the development ofﬁce at (800) 365-7402.

FALL 2020

ATHLETICS

Measuring Success BEYON D W I N S & LO S E S by Alan Grosbach ’08

NAIA Director of Return on Athletics

The idea to measure the success of a college

athletic program beyond the wins and losses of its teams is a concept that Alan Grosbach ’08

can trace back to his time at McPherson College, both as a student and as sports

information director. That concept is one of the key drivers of the new initiative he directs at the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) called Return on Athletics.

Return on Athletics (ROA) is the NAIA’s proprietary approach to the management of collegiate athletics, according to its website. Through the collection and analysis of institutional data submitted by members, ROA can demonstrate how athletics can have a positive impact on an institution’s financial health. Institutions can analyze data and conduct peer school comparisons to identify opportunities to drive enrollment, improve student success, and grow net return on athletics. Grosbach was a member of the last class of agriculture science to graduate from McPherson College and worked in the college athletic information office all four years. He served as sports information director for the college for three years after he graduated.

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“McPherson College does a really good job of thinking about where athletics fits into the overall success of the college,” he said. “It works at making athletics better, but not better at all costs. This was something the college was emphasizing around the same time I was getting involved in my career and was very intentional about athletics being good in the right way.” Grosbach leaned on this philosophy along with his interest in research when he volunteered to help explore how the NAIA could gather and analyze data from its members to help them make decisions around their athletic departments. In 2012 Grosbach left McPherson College to work at the NAIA national office where he managed all of the communication around its championship events and eventually became associate director of athletic communication. While in this capacity, Grosbach helped develop and manage the ROA platform. It was initially rolled out to a small group of member schools, which grew to about 90 in the second year. This year the tool was introduced to all 250 member schools. “The NAIA serves a certain type of institution. It’s a niche,” Grosbach said. “As we were developing ROA we were looking at how we could continue to add value to our members and leverage data to give them a strong resource–a blueprint for success.”

“Most of the work to date has been in building the Market research showed that there were no organizations platform,” he said. “It’s an exciting time now because we are providing this kind of information for schools like McPherson moving toward ways to enhance the tool for our members. I College. Larger state universities were doing this kind of data am looking forward to more members experiencing the value collection and analysis to make decisions about athletics, but of the tools we are providing them.” it was not affordable for smaller schools. Grosbach and his A robust athletic program is an asset for any institution colleagues could see that a tool like ROA would not only be a and, when managed well, adds to its overall success. Grosbach strong resource for its members but also a marketing tool for believes that a strong athletic department is not about the wins the NAIA to attract strong members to its organization. and losses but about the strength of the experience. Ultimately, Schools report data annually to the NAIA national office for an experience that provides the support for student-athletes its ROA platform. Data collected includes institutional to be successful not only on the field but also in life will have a information, such as positive financial impact on the institution. Additionally, the demographics, along impact of a vibrant athletic program spills over to the entire with sport-specific student body. information that “Generally, our members recruit athletes from a wide looks at the expense radius,” he said. “I experienced that at McPherson College. We and revenue for the had two great programs – individual programs. athletics and automotive The survey also restoration – that were so collects student-level wide-reaching and data, which includes brought people to enrollment, persistence, campus from all over the financial aid, and sport country. When growing as participation. Throughout the a person, I thinks it is year Grosbach also conducts important to have that research through advisory exposure to diversity of groups and surveys of Return on Athletics (ROA) is the NAIA’s proprietary approach thought on a campus.” students, presidents, chief to the management of collegiate athletics. Grosbach hopes that financial officers, athletic McPherson College will benefit from the work he is doing on directors, and vice presidents of admissions. a national level. “NAIA membership is diverse and every campus does “In my opinion, McPherson College is in a really strong things differently,” Grosbach said. “Data around athletics can position from an athletics standpoint,” he said. “I think this be fairly easily standardized across campuses so that resource will help continue its mission. That’s my selfish hope, institutions can compare themselves to different groups. The anyway, from somebody who cares about the college.” data can help institutions understand how a variety of factors can impact its success. I like to think that we provide more than just the raw data. The ROA tool adds color to the data to help our members make decisions.” He gave an example of how the tool helped one president decide whether it was advisable to add back a sport that was previously dropped. “The tool provided the resources for that president to The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), have the data to show that, based on other institutions in his headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of region, it was not a viable option,” Grosbach said. “Instead, the small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-drivpresident was able to pivot in a slightly different direction with en intercollegiate athletics. Since 1937, the NAIA has administered programs dedicated to championships in one of the current programs in the athletic department and balance with the overall college educational experience. still meet the expectations of success.” Each year more than 77,000 NAIA student-athletes have the Although Grosbach enjoyed the development process of opportunity to play college sports, earn over $800 million in creating the ROA platform, he is much more excited about how scholarships, and compete for a chance to participate in 27 the tool can benefit the member schools. He is currently national championships. McPherson College has been a exploring how to leverage outside data sources like the member in good standing with the NAIA since 1937. National High School Federation to find recruiting “hot beds” for NAIA schools.

FALL 2020

Matt Hoffman ‘08 Relationships! Oh, and coaching against former Bulldogs!

Angelina Fiorenzi Froese ‘09 Basketball was something I fell in love with at a young age and something I’m still in love with to this day! Getting to be around these young women who share that passion and help them grow as athletes and individuals is what I love the most! Also, being told I played some role with why they loved their years here at Mac is not only important to me, but very rewarding!

Benjamin Denton ’10 Coaching gives me a chance to help teach young men and women not only a sport but life skills that can make them better leaders moving forward in life.

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Austin Brown ‘11 I coach because I was led and taught by great coaches. I want to teach them the skills that I learned from being a part of a team. The skills that will give them a better life.

Ashley Pizzuto ‘11 Coaching is important because it provides an outlet for students, something to look forward to when they didn't have the best day. It is a place they can be them and be around others that they have something in common with. Coaching is important to me because the girls need me and I need them.

Mitchell Leppke ‘13 Coaching is a privlege & provides an incredible platform to serve. To help young people become the best version of themselves, in all facets of their lives, is an incredible blessing & far more important than any win/loss record. Watching them grow & take ownership of what they want to acomplish in thier lives makes every challenge worth while.

James Adam Temaat ’13 Myself and current Bulldog, Tuck Lang, after he scored his 1,000 point last season.

Heath Hewitt ‘14 I coach to build relationships with young athletes and to teach them the skills they will need for success in their life.

Megan Mason ‘14 Coaching gives me the opportunity to teach young athletes not just about the sport but life lessons. Being able to form relationships, accountability, work ethics are just a few of life lessons that are taught through sports and as a coach I love that I get to be apart of that.

Aspen Tharp ‘14 Coaching is important to me because I love to empower young women to not just be better athletes, but better people.

Ashlee Bevan ‘15 Coaching gives me the opportunity to make a difference in a kid’s life! Sometimes, a coach is a kids biggest motivator which means a lot to me knowing that some kids don’t have much of a home life.

Derek Bevan ‘15 Being a coach is never a job. It’s an opportunity for impact. People always talk about the impact their coach had on them, but what is overlooked is the impact the players have on their coach. Both ways is usually a bond that is built for life. Coach is always someone you can call on and they will be there.

FALL 2020

ATHLETICS

without

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Compromise The philosophy of the McPherson College Athletic Department is built around ﬁve key values developed by a planning team consisting of coaches, athletic administration, campus administration, recent alumni, college trustees, and collegiate athletic professionals. The team developed a strategic plan that sets the department’s vision through 2024. That vision is to consistently compete for the KCAC Commissioner’s Cup without compromising its values.

Members of the ‘52 championship football team were on the ﬁeld for the coin toss as honored guests of the 2019 Homecoming game.

FALL 2020

According to Athletic Director Chandler Short, the values drive the decision-making process for the athletic programs. These core values include: Believing that winning is a by-product of doing a job well, and that job is developing whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service. Pursuing active relationships with students by serving as teachers and mentors ﬁrst. Building a community of fans through collaboration. Focusing on being great rather than unique. Sincerely caring about what happens to student-athletes after graduation.

For many years, McPherson College has viewed its athletic program as an integral piece of its overall mission to develop whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service. Additionally, student-athletes continue to be the largest group of students on campus. Short explains that athletics is not seen as a means to inﬂate enrollment but if done correctly, athletics will be an asset to the entire institution. In a conversation with Short and Bruce Clary, vice president for academic affairs, they talk about how athletics and academics successfully co-exist at McPherson College. CS: Other institutions are using athletics to grow enrollment. That is not the case at McPherson College. Everything we do goes back to our values. Our focus is on the programs we have and how we can make them great instead of adding another sport. It’s a combination of recruiting the right athletes, the right coaches, and the correct staff to make sure what we do is inline with the mission and vision of McPherson College. BC: We are all working toward the same goal to develop whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service. There is a role in that for athletics as well as for academics. I’m not sure that we give coaches the recognition they need as teachers. Coaches have a really important role as educators. If athletics is teaching students more about themselves, then in some ways the things that make the biggest impact on our students are the things they learn from coaches. It’s critically important that we not just hire the best faculty but also hire the

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Chandler Short ‘15 Director of Athletics

“The McPherson College athletic experience is as much an academic experience as it an athletic experience. That’s the environment we create here. I like to remind our student-athletes that the most important piece of paper they might obtain here is a letter of reference for a future job, more often than not, those come from faculty.”

best coaches. I think we have coaches who always try to convey to our students that athletics has gotten them to this level and now they have the opportunity to get a degree that is going to change their life.

BC: When I ﬁrst took this position, in 2014, there was a huge chasm between the athletic department and the faculty. It was an adaptive challenge to help both areas recognize that we are all working toward the same goal. While working through that challenge, I had a really good partnership with athletics and tried to help my faculty understand the complexities of the athletic department. Faculty have a better understanding today of the work coaches do within the very restrictive attendance policy that we have. We continue to look for ways to bring our faculty and coaches together, but I think they communicate better now than ever.

CS: And coaches are developing those relationships with student-athletes early on. They are sharing our philosophy with student-athletes in the recruiting process. Coaches are preparing them before they even get to our campus and making sure we are getting the kind of students who will be successful here. I think you are absolutely right about the role of the coach in a student’s life. To say they are a teacher is correct. The McPherson College athletic experience is as much an academic experience as it an athletic experience. That’s the environment we create here. I like to remind our student-athletes that the most Bruce Clary ‘77 important piece of paper they might VP for Academic Affairs obtain here is a letter of reference for a future job. More often than not, those come from faculty.

“Faculty have a better understanding today of the work coaches do within the very restrictive attendance policy that we have. We continue to look for ways to bring our faculty and coaches together, but I think they communicate better now than ever.”

BC: Dr. Doris Coppock speaks about the origins of athletics based on Greek ideals that athletics is an absolutely integral part of education. Even in Plato’s “Republic,” there is dialogue about what is the ideal education and athletics continues to play a big part in that. There was the notion of a whole person, which is captured in our mission but also in the whole American education system. Unlike the rest of the world, athletics is associated with the academy in our country. In other countries athletics is set apart and participation is on a club level. We have an implicit connection with the way we look at athletics and academics – a notion that a complete education includes athletics. At McPherson College that history aligns with our college mission. The question: is how do we make sure we are fulﬁlling that mission and engaging the whole person?

CS: I don’t think we can have this conversation without mentioning the work done in academic services by Carole Barr and Linda Barrett. Coaches and faculty know when they send students to academic services they will be provided the resources they need. We have some of the best academic resources in the KCAC, and it shows we take academics seriously. All the credit goes to the academic services ofﬁce; it is the glue that holds all of this together.

CS: I agree. We have done a lot of work on communications. The Intercollegiate Athletic Committee (a group that includes faculty, the registrar, coaches, SGA representation, and student-athlete representation) reviews the athletic schedules and NAIA legislation changes that affect eligibility and then reports to the faculty. The faculty is able to provide feedback and we can work on a plan together. It has been an important liaison between the faculty division and athletics. BC: I think when our alumni see the efforts we have made to upgrade the student-athlete experience, they have responded to it favorably. Historically, it has been challenging for us to make that alumni connection. If they had a poor athletic experience, it tends to color their entire college experience. Having a successful athletic program does engender a more loyal and committed alumni body.

CS: We are looking for ways to make a deeper connection with our alumni - trying to connect their stories with our current students. Finding a deeper connection with our alumni enhances the current experience of our student-athletes, and exploring creative ways to incorporate that on the athletic side can have a positive impact on our student retention. I am constantly impressed with and proud of our student-athletes. It is rewarding to watch them develop from freshmen to seniors. I cannot be more proud when I see that. It validates what we are trying to do.

FALL 2020

ATHLETICS

A History of

CHAMPIONS

by Carol Swenson

former McPherson College sports information director and longtime supporter of Bulldog athletics

Historically, championships haven’t been commonplace in McPherson College athletics. The school’s ﬁrst conference championship came in 1923 when the football team swept through the Kansas Conference, going 7-1-1. The next 20 years saw the men’s basketball team win back-to-back conference titles in 1928 and 1929 before tying for titles in 1934 and 1938. Then, following a hiatus for World War II, the Bulldogs again topped the conference basketball race in 1946. The Bulldog baseball team won McPherson’s only conference title in the sport with their win of the 1952 KCAC tournament. The win set the stage that year for another conference title, this time in football – McPherson’s second football title. Sandwiched by 7-2 and 8-1, second-place KCAC teams, the 1952 football team under coach Chalmer Woodard, regarded by many as the best team in school history, the Bulldogs ran the table - going undefeated in KCAC play - led the nation in several offensive statistics and tied William Jewell (20-20) when the undefeated teams met in Liberty, Missouri, for the mythical “Small College” national title and ﬁnished the season with an 8-0-1 record. Following that

Dr. Doris Coppock ‘48 Dr. Doris Coppock has been a pioneer. She played women’s sports at McPherson College before there were many organized sports for women. And as a McPherson College coach, she would continue to champion the cause of women’s athletics at MC. She coached every women’s sport the college offered as well as men’s golf and assisted in track & field. She coached the women’s tennis team to back-to-back conference championships in 1976 and 1977 and was named KCAC Coach of the Year in both of those seasons. She was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1993, and served as the NAIA women’s basketball national chair for two years and sat on the National Examinations and Ratings Committee when the decision was made to change from six to five players and the 30-second clock was introduced. Her long career at MC spanned more than 40 years from 1950 to 1992. “I’m not sure I thought about my legacy while I was coaching. I always just wanted to be fair, give students a chance to achieve, and enjoy their experience.”

KCAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

1928 Basketball (M)

1952 Baseball

1966 Cross Country (M)

1929

1952 Football

1971

1934

1975 1976

1938 1946

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Runner up 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974.

Art Ray Coach Art Ray set the standard for Bulldog track & field and cross country during his time at McPherson College. He joined the Bulldog staff in 1966 and coached for nine seasons. Ray led his squads to four KCAC cross county titles and five runner-up finishes as well as two KCAC women’s track & field titles and seven men’s runner-up finishes between 1969 and 1977. His athletes established 21 school records including every relay, and were participants at the NAIA national championships on an annual basis. Twice the District 10 Cross Country Coach of the Year, Ray also received KCAC track as well as cross country Coach of the Year honors. In December of 1970, Ray was selected to serve as coach for a group of select American athletes participating in a pre-Olympic meet in Berlin, Germany. “I got into coaching because of good coaches, and I stayed in coaching because I liked the kids,” Ray said. “I tried to make it something they enjoyed doing. Building relationships was the key.”

season, Woodard would be hired away to become the head coach at Southern Methodist University. The 1950s saw the Bulldogs post winning records in seven seasons, the best overall decade in school football history, a decade capped by another eight-win season (8-1-0 overall but second in the KCAC) in 1958. When McPherson graduate Doris Coppock returned to the campus to teach physical education in 1950, she directed the move of women’s athletics from the realm of intramural sports, under the WAA umbrella, into that of intercollegiate sports, first as part of the AIAW and eventually the KCAC/NAIA. A pioneer in women’s intercollegiate athletics, Dr. Coppock was key in the movement. In 1993, she was deservedly inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. Highlights of her coaching career included her 1975 basketball team winning the Kansas AIAW championship, a season which included wins over Kansas State and Wichita State, and winning five AIAW or KCAC tennis team championships in the mid to late 1970s. For nine seasons from the late 1960s through 1976, the Bulldog men consistently battled for the top spot in KCAC cross country as they won four conference team titles and finished second four more times. Not to be left behind, the McPherson women won their first official KCAC championship in women’s athletics in the spring of 1976 when they won the inaugural KCAC outdoor track and field championship which they followed with a second straight title in 1977.

1976 Outdoor Track & Field (W)

1976 Tennis (W)

1977 Outdoor Track & Field (W)

1977 Tennis (W)

1976 Golf (M)

1981 Basketball (W)

FALL 2020

Meanwhile, the men couldn’t quite break through as they finished second at the conference meet seven times in eight years. The school’s second conference title in women’s basketball would come in 1981 as the Bulldogs posted a school-record 19-win season, a win total tied in 2008, but which was good for only a third-place KCAC finish. After winning the school’s only KCAC team championship in golf in 1976, the sport was dropped from the intercollegiate schedule for the 2001-02 season along with soccer and tennis. With a change in administration, soccer was resurrected for the 2003-04 school year and tennis returned in 2006-07. Football returned to the forefront of MC sports as the first decade of the 2000s was coming to an end. The 2009 squad rose to the #12 spot in the NAIA rankings as it finished second in the KCAC race and earned a spot in the NAIA national playoffs with an 8-1 record, 9-2 overall. That was just a foretaste of things to come as 2010 saw McPherson win its first KCAC football title since 1952, going undefeated in KCAC play (9-0); it carried an undefeated record and a #6 NAIA national ranking into the first round of the national playoffs, where its record-breaking 10-1 season came to an end.

2003 Softball

2008 Soccer (M) 2009 Soccer (M)

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Roger Trimmell ‘73 Roger Trimmell, also known as the “Father of Dogball,” coached men’s basketball for 27 seasons from 1982-2008. He holds a career record of 371-345 and his teams qualified for the NAIA District 10 playoffs six times. Trimmell's overall conference record is 221-211 which gives him the most victories in KCAC men's basketball history. He was named KCAC Coach of the Year twice, once following the 1983-84 season and again in 1995-96 after a 12-4 record and second place finish in the conference. The Bulldogs accumulated four second place finishes and four third place finishes. He coached 61 All-Conference athletes including three KCAC Players of the Year. Trimmell was inducted twice into the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame - once as a high school and college coach and then again as a member of the 1968 undefeated State Basketball Championship Wamego Red Raiders. He is widely credited for coining the popular campus phrase – “It’s a Great Day to Be a Bulldog!” “My goal as a coach was to develop a competitive team in a disciplined program,” he said. “I asked our players to play hard, play smart, play together, and represent the college and community in a responsible manner.”

2010 Football

2012 Basketball (M) 2013 Basketball (M)

Men’s basketball was seemingly always knocking on the door of a conference title between 1988 and 1996, as they finished second in the conference race four times and third three times. But, then in 2010, the Bulldogs began a run of four straight appearances in the NAIA D-II National Tournament, a run that included a KCAC regular-season title in 2012 and a pair of KCAC post-season tournament titles. In 2011 and 2012 the Bulldogs earned berths in the Elite Eight and Final Four of the national tournament, capped by a school-record 33 wins and 33-4 record in 2012. A new day dawned for Bulldog track and field in the decade of the 2010s as the men won three outdoor titles and one indoor conference championship, in addition to a combined three second-place finishes. Meanwhile, the Bulldog women won the 2014 outdoor title after finishing second indoors.

Since 2013-14, the Bulldog men and women tennis teams have won a combined eight KCAC championships. Volleyball’s best KCAC finish prior to 2018 was a third-place tie in 2006. After tying for fourth place in 2017, McPherson won its first-ever KCAC title in 2018, powering undefeated through its KCAC schedule (12-0), climbing to the #18 position in the national rankings and winning a spot in the NAIA National Tournament, where they finished the season with a school-record, 34 wins (34-4 overall) and the #22 spot in the post-season rankings. After years of seeing maybe one or another team competing for a KCAC title, the Bulldogs are now competing for the coveted championship rings across the board. It’s a great day to be a Bulldog!

Following its resurrection in 2003, the women’s soccer team placed second in 2007, while the men followed with a KCAC second place, NAIA playoff season in 2009, followed by an undefeated KCAC championship and a second straight NAIA playoff team in 2010. In 2014, the men would tie for another KCAC regular-season title, then capping the season with a KCAC post-season tournament title.

2014 Outdoor Track (M/W)

After many years of playing second ﬁddle in the KCAC to its in-county rival, the Bulldog men and women tennis teams have recently established themselves as the teams to beat.

2018 Volleyball Team

2014 Tennis (W)

2015 Tennis (W/M)

2017 Indoor Track (M)

2019 Tennis (W)

2014 Soccer (M)

2016 Tennis (W/M)

2017 Tennis (W/M)

2019 Tennis (M)

2014 Outdoor Track (W/M)

2018 Outdoor Track (M) 2018 Volleyball 2018 Tennis (M)

FALL 2020

ATHLETICS

THE EVOLUTION OF

Bulldog Athletics by Steve Sell

local sports radio personality and former longtime sports editor of the McPherson Sentinel I came to McPherson in the fall of 1979 to become sports editor of The McPherson Sentinel newspaper. My first impression of McPherson College's athletic program, wasn't a positive one. Upon arrival, I visited the athletic offices, commonly known as "The Microdome." I wondered at the time how the school could recruit to a facility where the coaches' offices were cramped and the gymnasium was something out of the 1920s. At that time the Bulldogs had to play their home basketball games at the high school. But it didn't take long for the college to realize it had to get with the times and be more forward-thinking if it wanted to remain viable in the ever-improving KCAC or risk being left in the dust. Behind then Athletic Director Paul Graber, the Center for Physical Education and Sport was built and became the home of Bulldog athletics. At the time, it was state of the art and the envy of many schools in the KCAC. Since then, there has been more forward-thinking. Additions were made to the Sport Center with more weight training space and updated locker rooms. McPherson College stadium was renovated in 2003 with an artificial surface installed. While work to this day still needs to be done on the press box, the stadium is serviceable. The forward-thinking trend has continued. The baseball and softball complexes recently built in the south part of town are among the best in the KCAC and a big draw to recruits. It's no wonder the Bulldog baseball and softball programs were contending for KCAC championships when the season was halted last spring. The tennis complex has been enlarged and, along with playing at McPherson High School's outstanding complex, players have the best of both worlds. Again it's reflected in the success of the program, as both the men and women have become the KCAC's gold standard the last five years with numerous trips to the national tournament.

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When I came to town, McPherson College had a limited niche of supporters, mostly graduates who stayed in town to continue their occupations. But with the increased success, the average fan became curious. The high-water mark came when the Bulldog football team ended a long drought by winning the KCAC championship and made a second straight appearance in the national playoffs. That was about the time the men's basketball program went on a four-year run of qualifying for the national tournament, during which time fans flocked to the Sport Center. A highlight of those teams was that a good part of the success was due to the recruitment of players from McPherson High School's highly successful teams coached by McPherson College alum Kurt Kinnamon. The improvement of Bulldog athletic success has been reflected in its recent high standing in the KCAC's Commissioner's Cup, which is based on the combined finishes of 18 athletic programs during the year. McPherson College has moved into the upper third of the conference. Additionally, the Bulldogs have done well in the classroom with numerous NAIA Scholar-Athletes. McPherson College has come a long way in my more than 40 years of covering its athletics – and all for the better.

Generations

of SHAPING LIVES by Dave Barrett ’90

McPherson College Advancement Ofﬁcer

The role that athletic influencers have played in the history of McPherson College has been huge for me personally and for the longevity of our institution. We are an institution that has survived and put ourselves in a position to thrive for many years to come, due in part to these people. When I arrived on campus in August 1986, I was ready to set the world on fire and take my place in McPherson College folklore. Roger Trimmell ‘73 was the men’s basketball coach at that time. During our first team meeting, he said, “McPherson College is not a stepping stone to the NBA, but if you apply yourself you will be in a great position to be successful for the next 40 years of your life.” Coach Trimmell was passing along the advice and knowledge that he received from Paul Markham ’47 and Doris Coppock ’48. Dr. Coppock is the matriarch of McPherson College athletics, and her contributions to women’s athletics are unmatched. Before most colleges had organized sports for women, McPherson College had women’s basketball, thanks to Dr. Coppock. What makes Trimmell, Coppock, Gerald Holman, Roland Wray, Glenn Gayer, Carol Swenson, Tim Swartzendruber, Syd Smith, and many others special is that they were well-accomplished in many disciplines - business, the arts, history, languages, and PEOPLE. The time spent with these individuals on bus rides, in classrooms, and in the cafeteria discussing subject matter that may have been about anything but sports, shaped the lives of many Bulldogs. It is no coincidence that our student-athletes have found success in a plethora of areas. Sports have been a part of McPherson College for over 100 years but I take a great deal of pride in the accomplishments of my contemporaries who are doctors, attorneys, educators, and entrepreneurs. Many have achieved success and have not forgotten that MC was the place where it all started. They are just as interested in our teams and the overall success of the college as they were when they were students. They have supported from afar and nearby as spectators and mentors, providing internships, and partnerships. We are all charged with being caretakers of this program and supporting the next generation of Forever Bulldogs!

FALL 2020

ATHLETICS

Bulldog Coaches What coaching means to me...

LaMonte Rothrock ‘80 Getting to know the whole person happens when you coach student athletes.

O’Brien Byrd ‘99 Coaching for me is really one of the best ways you can truly be an impact on a young persons life. Helping shape, channel, and inﬂuence their journeys is what makes this such a humbling path. Life lessons are learned and applied daily between those white lines. My ﬁnal question to my seniors after their awards banquet ends: “Did Columbia Falls Wildcat Soccer give you as much as you have given to our program?” These boys are family. Shout out to McPherson College for the privilege of playing for the Bulldogs, oh so many years ago!

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Ryan Ben-David ‘00 I've been fortunate enough to coach many young

men and women on several levels. I am blessed to have been a small part of their journey.

Dana Cordova ‘00 Being able to help student athletes achieve their academic, athletic, and personal goals. Helping young women ﬁnd their voice and empowering them to chase their dreams thru sports.

Dan Holtry ‘00

Renee Bearden ‘07

life-long lessons that they will carry with them for a

game. There’s so much more than winning.

Love the opportunity to reach student athletes on a whole new level through coaching. Teaching lifetime.

Matt Holtry ‘03 Having a positive impact on as many student athletes lives as possible before I die.

Elizabeth Salazar ‘04 Coaching to me is about being a role model to these young girls; letting them know that you can be a mom, have a career, and basically rule the world if you want! Shout out to coach Hoffman, Stephenson, Segovia, Wright, and Trimell thanks for believing in this girl from the valley!

It’s not just about the sport, it’s about the relationships and lessons that are taught within the

Jamie Harvey ‘07

Basketball made me into the person I am today. Without it, I have no idea what I'd be doing. I love

coaching kids to compete and teaching them the game as I learn from them as well. Most of all, I want them to apply everything I am teaching them to the real world.

Jeremiah Fiscus ‘08

Every day that you get to coach is an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to be best that you can be. It’s an opportunity to help someone else be the best they can be. It’s an opportunity to give back to people, to give back to an organization, and an opportunity to give back to society. Every day you get to coach you will ﬁnd something to learn from and something that humbles you. Every day you get to coach is a truly a blessing. #GoBulldogs

FALL 2020

why I give

Families reflect on endowed scholarships for athletes “It has been rewarding to see the level of the scholarship grow due to the group of donors consisting of alumni, local businesses, and families in and around McPherson and beyond. “It is our hope the annual recipient of the award not only benefits from the financial assistance of the scholarship, but also recognizes the honor bestowed upon him as being recognized for pursuing a passion for basketball similar to Pat. “The greatest impact for our family has been the ability for Pat’s nephews and niece (who never had the chance to meet him) to observe the experience of the event each year where the comradery of the attendees is on full display. They are enamored with the group that gathers to celebrate the life he lived.”

The Noyes Scholarship was created by friends of Pat and the Noyes family. Pat died in 2001 with nine members of the Oklahoma State basketball team, where he was director of basketball operations. Pat and his brother Dan both attended McPherson College. The endowed scholarship has raised more than $100,000 and is awarded each year to a men’s basketball player. The scholarship honors Pat as the ultimate competitor who always put the success of his team ﬁrst.

The Blake Reed Mac2Mac Scholarship was established in 2010, honoring Blake Reed who served for four years as football manager for the McPherson High School Bullpups and another four years for the McPherson College Bulldogs. Quite simply, Blake loved football – high school, college, or professional. He also loved people. He always saw the good in everyone and encouraged them to be their best whether it was on or off the ﬁeld. Like a coach, Blake always wanted McPherson High School football players to join the McPherson College team. He was a constant recruiter for the Bulldog team.

Dan Noyes: “The scholarship is the result of a collective think tank consisting of Erik Vogel, Dave Barrett, and Michael Schneider (prior to his presidency) – all of them are friends of mine who also knew Pat and had a desire to create a legacy in his memory while “paying it forward” to students involved with the men’s basketball team.

support our students ONLINE:

www.mcpherson.edu/giving

BY MAIL: McPherson College Advancement Ofﬁce Amount: Designation:

$1,000

$500

Noyes Scholarship

1600 E. Euclid St. PO Box 1402 $200

$100

McPherson, KS 67460

Other $

Blake Reed Mac2Mac Scholarship

Other

Special Instructions Name

Phone

Address City

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State

Zip

alumni news

Ronnie and Terri Reed: “When Terri and I approached McPherson College about the possibility of establishing a football scholarship in Blake’s name we hoped to honor not only his love of football, but also his affection for others. The scholarship honors his desire, determination, and dedication to achieve levels of success on and off the football ﬁeld. “We were astonished at the many examples given to us by the college staff, fellow students, and athletes who knew Blake and respected the example he demonstrated of living with and handling adversity at an extreme level. While never complaining or expressing frustration, Blake displayed a positive attitude when facing challenging situations. “The Reed family has had the privilege over the past ten years to be members of the “extended” Mac2Mac family and to share many memories with past recipients and their families.”

Connect to MC!

Access our social media channels and website to keep in touch.

Dear MC alumni and friends,

from the director

After a life-long battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Blake died on August 3, 2010, at the age of 22. His family established the Blake Reed Mac2Mac Football Scholarship as a legacy for his commitment to Bulldog football.

Recent months have given us all the opportunity to value quality teamwork. Teams of medical professionals caring for the physical wellbeing of patients. Teams of researchers building on one another’s work to find a safe and reliable vaccine. Caregiving teams focused on providing comfort and support for ailing family and friends. At McPherson College, there is a long tradition of valuing working as a team. This value, exemplified many times over through the stories of MC Athletics shared in this edition of the Review, gives students the opportunity to strive toward a common goal with others who are passionate about competition and physical activity. Even more importantly, this value spill into classroom and community work exemplified by shared efforts like Brush Up MAC and Bulldogs Give Back. It should not come as a surprise that MC has been integrating athletics into campus through the lens of the campus pillars of scholarship, participation, and service for generations. Our mission statement – to develop whole persons – gives the opportunity to integrate the physical with the mental, spiritual, and emotional lives of students. Athletic teams and venues may look different from when you attended MC as sports continue to evolve. But the basic values of teamwork and participation will continue to provide the foundation for current and future MC students to develop as whole persons who integrate teamwork into all aspects of their lives and careers.

www.mcpherson.edu/alumni-update www.facebook.com/MCalumni

Monica Rice director of alumni & constituent relations

www.linkedin.com/school/mcpherson-college www.mcpherson.edu/alumni

FALL 2020

A N N O U N C E M E N T S Dr. Irvin Wagner ’59, Norman, Oklahoma, professor of trombone at Oklahoma University, was honored with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Trombone Association. Brad Elliott ’89, Wichita, Kansas, was named a 2020 Executive of the Year by Wichita Business Journal. Brad is chairman and CEO at Equity Bank.

Lora Kirmer ’16, Emporia, Kansas, graduated from Kansas State University in May with an MA in communication studies and a graduate certiﬁcate in dialogue, deliberation, and public engagement. Bryce Garner ’17, St. John, Kansas, was recently elected as the youngest Safford County, Kansas commissioner on record. Josh Hall ’17, McPherson, was awarded the Renwick Recognition of Excellence by Renwick USD 267 for his work at Andale High School, Andale, Kansas. Josh teaches drama and journalism. Ivanna Moyer ’18, McPherson, is a fourth grade teacher with USD 305 Salina Public Schools.

Tracey Hughes ’91, Kansas City, Missouri, is serving on a worldwide panel addressing racism in roller derby and was recently featured on “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.”

David Deramee ’19, Buna, Texas, teaches government and economics and coaches football and baseball at Buna High School.

Marylyn Matthaei ’96, Salina, Kansas, retired in June after 31 years of service to the academic affairs department at McPherson College.

Morgan Sechler ’19, McPherson, was awarded a Golden Apple award from KAKE in her ﬁrst year of teaching for her engaging virtual classrooms. She was nominated by the Bowman family. She is the USD 418 district-wide remote teacher for Kindergarten and ﬁrst and second grades.

Ryan Mackey ’01, Durham, United Kingdom, recently completed an M.A. in musicology with an emphasis on music theology at Durham University. He earned distinction for his degree program and was awarded distinction for his master’s dissertation. He is continuing at Durham University working towards a Ph.D. in musicology. Christina McPherson Beaird ’07, Olathe, Kansas, had an article published in Marketer Journal in August by the Society for Marketing and Professional Services. The title of her article is “Transplanting Adaptive Reuse Practices into Marketing and Business Development.” Nick Grummert ’08, Valley Center, Kansas, is principal at Abilene Elementary School in Valley Center. Eric Sader ’09, Bloomington, Indiana, was selected as a 2020-21 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Faculty Fellow to partner with Indiana University’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning to provide programming and support for instructors seeking to enhance equity and inclusivity in their teaching. Eric was also elected vice-chair of teaching and pedagogy for the Academy of Legal Studies in Business.

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Cameron Oram ’19, Provo, Utah, works at Vivint as well as at a solar company in California where he is a director of sales. Aryana Archuleta ’20, Newton, Kansas, is the third grade teacher at Goessel Elementary School. Lillian Oeding ’20, Wichita, Kansas, is assistant art director and graphic designer at BowerComm. Cali Godwin Oram ’20, Provo, Utah, is working as business development coordinator at Relic Advertising.

alumni notes M A R R I AG E S Aaron Milam ’11 to Ashley Naputi

Taylor, Texas, November 12, 2020.

Chase Ozbun ’12 to Abby Jones

Rose Hill, Kansas, June 26, 2020.

Claire Krizek ’13 to Spencer Moore

Wichita, Kansas, October 10, 2020.

Cami Engelbert ’15 to Garrett Taylor Katie Hill ‘07 to Kevin Earnhart Jackson, Missouri, November 15, 2020.

Mira Coulter ‘12 to Boris Nounagnon Wichita, Kansas, September 19, 2020.

Alaina Johnson ‘16 to Mason Polston ’19

Forest Lake, Minnesota, September 27, 2020.

Wichita, Kansas, October 17, 2020.

Mariah Wedel ’15 to Chaz Delaney

Hutchinson, Kansas, August 1, 2020.

Bailey Brown ’16 to Austin Budke

Wichita, Kansas, October 24, 2020.

Lora Kirmer ’16 to Dustin Michelson

Emporia, Kansas, March 20, 2020.

Sunny Smart ’16 to Chris Morris

Grove, Oklahoma, October 31, 2020.

Grant Barrett ‘19 to Reganne Barker ’21

McPherson, October 10, 2020.

Rhianna Smith ’19 to Samuel Reed

Cameron Oram ‘19 to Cali Godwin ’20

McPherson, June 13, 2020.

Provo, Utah, October 4, 2020.

A N N I V E R S A R I E S

B I RT H S

60 YEARS

Russell ‘62 and Norma Schreiber Miles ‘62 Leonard, Missouri, September 17, 2020. 55 YEARS

Barbara and Glenn Walker ’68

Brookville, Kansas, November 20, 2020.

Savaya Shalom to Danielle and Erik Vogel ’98 McPherson, August 17, 2020.

Rylee Machell to Steven and Danielle Lucore Jackson ’05

Springﬁeld, Missouri, September 5, 2020.

FALL 2020

B I RT H S

Amari Diamond Deshawn to Alfred ’10 and Adrielle Harvey Grifﬁn ’09 Omaha, Neb., Aug. 13, 2020.

Hayden Bryce to Kaitlin and Cody Doll ’09

Wallace McCammon “Mac” to Wallace and Kiley Loesch Stromberg ’10

Collette Shirlee to Will ’11 and Haley Cook Powers ’11

Everly Grace and Annalise Hope to Jessica and Garry Deason III ’12

Audrey Ann to Nicole and Mitch Leppke ’13

Paxton to Zachary ’13 and Megan Pohlmann Mason ’14

Penelope Grace to Simone and Jacob Reinhardt ’13

Jaylee Clare to Kitrina and James Temaat ’13

Hanzal and Hallie to Yosa Figueroa ’14

Ronin William to Bret and Isabelle Moyer Scott ’15

Stevie Ann to David Selby and Miranda Clark ’16

Tulsa, Oklahoma, July 22, 2020.

Minneola, Kansas, October 21, 2020.

Joplin, Missouri, August 18, 2020.

Quincy, Illinois, November 21, 2020.

Yuba City, California, April 16, 2020.

Pinehurst, N.C., June 30, 2020.

Colony, Kansas, February 10, 2020.

Fort Hood, Texas, November 8, 2020.

Colorado Springs, Colorado, July 23, 2020.

Wichita, Kansas, November 8, 2020.

Kansas City, Missouri, August 8, 2020.

Jasper and Tavean to Shelby and Jacob Cooper ’13 Hutchinson, Kansas, August 31, 2020.

Alijah Armias to Azaria Romero ’17 and Brian Cano Sixto ’18 Salina, Kansas, December 11, 2019.

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Asher Sean Paul to Dominic ’19 and Brooke Racette DeLuca ’19 Utica, New York, November 9, 2020.

MCPHERSON COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Bexley George to Kelsey and Xander Lehn ’19 Aurora, Colorado, July 28, 2020.

alumni notes I N

M E M O R I A M

Dorothy Barrett Caﬂisch ’43, Kingsport, Tennessee, March 20, 2020.

Norma Jean Watkins Wolf ’59, Pasco, Washington, August 3, 2020.

Elva Jean Harbaugh Naylor ’46, McPherson, December 6, 2020.

David G. Hughes ’61, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, August 6, 2020.

Roland D. Kesler ’48, Quinter, Kansas, October 21, 2020.

Carolyn Beach ’62, Torrance, California, August 10, 2020.

Doris Crumpacker Morse ’48, McPherson, November 30, 2020.

Anita White Lysell ’62, Wichita, Kansas, November 25, 2020.

John Kidwell ’48, Bridgewater, Virginia, July 16, 2020.

Jerald J. Hadley ’63, Larned, Kansas, July 8, 2020.

Arlene Prentice Kiner ’48, Aline, Oklahoma, September 17, 2020.

Ray S. Hutchison ’68, Thomas, Oklahoma, September 18, 2020.

Theodore “Ted” C. Geisert ’49, Kingman, Kansas, November 6, 2020.

John J. Williams ’68, Wilder, Idaho, October 6, 2020.

Anita Norlin Hopkins ’49, McPherson, September 15, 2020.

Ellen T. Gill ’73, Canton, Ohio, March 27, 2020.

Mary Jo Dell Christy ’50, Dallas, Oregon, November 13, 2020.

Michael D. Halley ’75, Saint Charles, Missouri, October 1, 2020.

Daniel Albert “D.A.” Crist ’52, Quinter, Kansas, October 12, 2020.

Jerry L. Tobias ’77, Conrad, Iowa, October 21, 2020.

Earnest R. Hoffa ’52, Conrad, Iowa, August 16, 2020.

Dennis L. Allison ’78, South Hutchinson, Kansas, August 5, 2020.

Betty Jo Baker Johns ’53, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, October 23, 2020.

Gayla V. Green ’83, McPherson, September 30, 2020.

JoAnn Royer Mack ’53, Dallas Center, Iowa, November 11, 2020.

Nadine Decker Spence ’85, McPherson, November 20, 2020.

Leland Wilson ’53, La Verne, California, September 1, 2020.

Jon M. Johns ’90, Newcomerstown, Ohio, October 26, 2020.

Lee D. Hogle ’54, Ames, Iowa, June 27, 2020.

Jennifer L. Holcomb ’07, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, August 25, 2020.

Phyllis Kingery Ruff ’54, Ankeny, Iowa, August 3, 2020.

Christover S. Lange ’11, Choctaw, Oklahoma, August 22, 2020.

Vernon L. Dossett ’56, McPherson, December 3, 2020.

LeAndra Breann Stang ’18, Limon, Colorado, October 18, 2020.

Robert P. Sies ’56, Grants Pass, Oregon, November 8, 2020. Elwyn J. Taylor ’56, Ames, Iowa, August 24, 2020. Garner J. Berg ’58, Hays, Kansas, November 25, 2020. Charles “Chuck” Ebbert ’58, Shawnee, Kansas, November 16, 2020. D. Edward “Ed” Emmert ’58, Hutchinson, Kansas, August 18, 2020. Robert L. Hill ’59, McPherson, September 30, 2020.

Florence Crago, former board of trustees member, Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away July 31, 2020. Mary Melhorn, wife of McPherson College Past President Jack Melhorn, Wichita, Kansas, passed away September 16, 2020.

Jerry L. McPherson ’59, Kansas City, Kansas, November 22, 2020.

S AV E

THE

DAT E

2021 Homecoming O CTO B ER

1-3,

2021

www.mcpherson.edu/homecoming

FALL 2020

then

1977 Craig Holman â&#x20AC;&#x2122;79 was a stand-out on the MC tennis team. Among his many accomplishments on the court, he also competed in the NAIA national championships and holds a career record of 67-15 with wins over competitors from Kansas State and the University of Nebraska. His father, Gerald, coached the MC menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tennis team for 12 seasons from 1972-83, compiling a conference record of 50-33 for eight winning seasons and two KCAC championships.

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& now

2020 MC tennis teams today are playing on new courts that recognize the Holman family’s long-time connection to MC tennis. The expansion of the Bulldog Tennis Center is the most recent update to the college’s athletic facilities. The Holman Family Courts added three new courts alongside the existing Doris Coppock Courts and allows the college to host men’s and women’s tennis competitions on campus. The college intends to dedicate the courts during the 2021 Homecoming weekend.

www.macbulldogs.com

FALL 2020

Non-Proﬁt Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #1148 Wichita, KS

McPherson College 1600 East Euclid PO Box 1402 McPherson, KS 67460

C.A.R.S. Club Car Show

The annual C.A.R.S. Club Car & Motorcycle Show at McPherson College is scheduled for May 8, 2021. Visit www.mcpherson.edu/cars for more details.

Editorial: Students working to reduce debt

In an editorial that appeared in the Wichita Eagle, President Michael Schneider writes about Kenajah Upchurch, a sophomore in -Go y-As-You business management from Houston, How To Pa e Debt Free at and Gradu who balances her studies while playing women’s basketball and working three part-time jobs. She is one of 170 students currently participating in McPherson College’s Student Debt Project, all on a path to graduate with little to zero student debt. CO LLE GE

FIN AN CIA

L AID 101 :

www.mcph

erson.edu/

“GREAT COLLEGES TO WORK FOR” AGAIN

debtproject

their future ng – or future well-bei student’s – for granted. c year, more financial health Schneider 21 academi By Michael will be College of the 2020-20 McPherson By the end I College students President, ns owes McPherson at my future, Debt Projthan 200 six America be “When I look of every in the Student about 20 one out nt that I will 40 mentors participating alarming, Roughly feel confide my to one of and Even more a enjoying – parents ect, each assigned advice on building student debt. are over 50 able to start monthly those in debt nt nest egg after college who offer percent of and financial their retireme life sooner personal Student spending g about setting rents loans. achieve budget, grandpa college track to without worryin debt.” staying on their families’ student goals, and office assists to pay off ons. es generati Career Services internships them. Our debt permeat paid manin finding help them re in business each student e work to h, a sophomo year to put a heavy or other part-tim Kenajah Upchurc And this didn’t want Houston, their debt. their self-described pay down agement from reduced family. A on have already debt on her on to ed McPhers students ch, SO burden of debt at graduati Kenajah recogniz way to get ent Kenajah Upchur average projected “budget person,” Debt Project as a ation: Managem national average. She below the Student Business Administr Houston, Texas you-go plan. 35 percent College’s she on a pay-asyear because, McPherson through college academic am incentive, project this sense. I for every As an added joined the my business 25 cents appeals to apply later.” College matches says, “It earn and so I can relax now amount of students work “typical” dollar the willing to student or comes litercollege debt. “typical” s financial . Every student There’s no toward their g still Project combine in our program different a while Debt matchin need from and financial hips, her studies The Student Project who balances Student Debt n, jobs, mentors students eliminate Their family and working into the Kenajah – acy educatio perspective. basketball to help . 170 on leader, and financial the college women’s one of about personal playing financial spectrum funds from campus orientati Kenajah is , says across the jobs as a for loans. rt clerk – in the program incomes stretch part-time their need and Wal-Ma is – participating line coach, – to zero this program currently a little breathvolleyball students with little gives her be. Because to graduate as it should she doesn’t 25-cent match And that’s the extra all on a path and means money. than just in her budget sacrifice study about more ing room student debt. hours or as many a way to c. work simply to pandemi a is not have on. It’s – even amidst Debt Project time for work. The Student before graduati And it’s working loan debt budget I feel off college skills like my future, at pay life short g look start embracin 9 cutting “When I setting, and be able to equally about ent, goal Despite COVID-1 that I will this spring, year, of a confident time managem schedules – aspects sooner after In just one discipline, their work in the my life mentorship of ting long about value enjoying participa the worrying serve students the intrinsic the students Project students in n that will me. college without Student Debt college educatio 2019-2020 Project student debt,” Kenajah told their projectd. to reduce Student Debt into adulthoo were able on average, Loan Gap loan debt, college degree to reduce more ed student earning a the Student were able of grapn ideal of Plugging each. That’s in The America by $10,000 But the prospect pated and well. “gap” is – piled on percent reduction in their antici lingo, the loan debt remains alive on than a 30 debt at In student loanstudent will owe at years of student prospective debt at graduati pling with should have a anticipated student loan the project. long c angst – the amount scholarships months in top of pandemi families thinking on after all just a few to are and their graduation graduation, literally pays contributions college students average choices. It most more and personal a campus U.S., the about their by where the hard is ge, on College, and on is Across avera The gap aid, like McPhers students applied. debt at graduati financial nt. prepares attend a school student loan stop their not only slightly lower gap to thoucolleges than 30 perce ity that It’s only apply for bridge the to commun them $29,076. percent e – but helps where 58 leaving students off the balance. – and debt-fre academically their here in Kansas, loans to pay ly healthy of 2019 left loans than dollars in start a financial for more sands of of the Class private apply and life. students public of $27,216 further extends post-graduation Sometimes respective average debt which only s with an needing – of about payments they end up college campuse of debt. college Making average cycle . Kansas the vicious per graduate takes most by rmonth, it and grandpa was designed $200 per so their parents Debt Project – and/or loan gap, their student The Student graduates fill that to pay off moun365-7402 College to than 11 years KS (800) ng with a McPherson ents – more a McPherson, end up graduati never take students don’t loans. because we We did it tain of debt. that way. have to be But it doesn’t

“When I look at my future, I feel conﬁdent that I will be able to start enjoying my life sooner after college without worrying about student debt,” Kenajah said.

McPherson College is a great place to work and it’s been conﬁrmed again this year. The annual survey published in The Chronicle of Higher Education recognizes McPherson College as a “Great College to Work For” for the sixth year in a row as well as on the survey’s Honor Roll for the ﬁfth year in a row. McPherson College is the only Kansas school earning recognition on the lists.

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Review - McPherson College Magazine, Fall 2020

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