2024 The Peru Stater (Nebraska) - Spring issue

Spring 2024 Vol. 69, No.1

A CAMPUS ON THE GO OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

NEW SCHOLARSHIPS

HONOR ROLL DONORS

More Students Wanted | Page 4

Eight more added | Pages 8 & 9

Thank you | Pages 14-18

Turning the Corner

Dr. Michael Evans President, Peru State College Peru State College enjoys an excellent reputation and a broad network of alumni and friends. Nevertheless, Peru State’s overall enrollment has been in a slow decline for several years.

Several factors are influencing this decline, with the pandemic leading the way.

The pandemic was hard on enrollments nationwide, and many families in this region continue to struggle. For a couple of years, more students than usual had to leave College to start jobs, take care of family members, and respond to other needs.

All of us at Peru State are eager to reverse the downward enrollment trend, and we are taking a wide range of steps to improve both recruitment and retention. These steps include: • Project ROAR. In a separate piece in this issue of the Stater, we share some great news about Project ROAR. Construction has begun on the first two buildings, and we expect that work to take about 18 months.

This means in the Spring 2025 semester, we’ll be able to cut ribbons, open the doors, and provide exciting new opportunities for activity and recreation to our students!

We believe these new buildings will have a powerful impact on student recruitment— student-athletes and non-athletes alike—in addition to helping with retention.

• Online Education. Also, in this issue of the Stater, we discuss the new Online Education Division. We have created this new division to manage the recruitment, retention, and marketing for our online program, and we are overly excited to see this team grow the online student body significantly.

• Quad project. The geothermal project that has torn up the Quad for the past several months is coming to an end. The geothermal wellfield will serve the Library and CATS

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buildings well for years to come, and the newly designed Quad is truly wonderful. The highlight is a large, circular plaza with outdoor tables and chairs, strings of lights overhead, and even outdoor charging stations for phones and laptops. The sidewalks are wider, and the ADA accessibility has been greatly improved.

College President: Dr. Michael Evans Managing Editor, Sports Editor: Ted L. Harshbarger (’77) Graphic Design: Rachel (Rippe ’12) Meiergerd Contributors and Photography: Susan (Lunzmann ’94) Unruh, Brandi Hull (’15), Kim Regan, Kelcie Keeling, Gwyn Williams, Dr. Evi (Steffens ’06, Masters ’08) Wusk, Bekka Rinne, Paul Rieken, Reagan Connelly (’24), Ean Miller, Dr. Michael Evans, Amanda Oppel, Jon Firmature, Kent Propst (‘81) and Dr. Jesse Dorman

• Level Four. Under the leadership of Athletic Director Kyle Pond and VP for Enrollment Management Jesse Dorman, the Athletics Department has transformed its approach to recruitment and roster management. The result should be somewhat larger rosters for most sports and a significant reduction in the recruitment swings that have swayed the last several years.

Under the new plan, coaches are asked to maintain specific roster sizes and recruit at least a specified minimum number of first-year students. We should see benefits on the courts and fields as well as in our overall enrollment data.

Peru State College Foundation Board of Trustees Chair, Jeff Greenwald (’71), Lincoln, Neb. Vice Chair, Elton Edmond (’88, Masters ’16), Lincoln, Neb. Secretary, Al Urwin (’82), La Vista, Neb. Co-Treasurers, Jeff (’83) and Robin (Nelson ’82) Smith, Lincoln, Neb. Julie (Ramsey ‘95) Bauman, Falls City, Neb. Connie (Sims ’87) Edmond, Lincoln, Neb. Mike Gerdes (‘88), Auburn, Neb. Cindy (Plantenga ’82) and Tim (’84) Hoffman, Lincoln, Neb. Lori (Vrtiska ’84) Seibel, Lincoln, Neb. Fritz Stehlik (’74), Omaha, Neb. Ivan Wineglass (’94), Bellevue, Neb.

• High school student cultivation. Until recently, high school students did not hear a lot from Peru State until they became seniors—and by then, many had already made up their minds about the college they would attend.

We shifted that approach to begin outreach to high school sophomores, gradually ramping up contact through the junior and senior years.

We are already seeing the benefits of this new approach, with increases in the number of inquiries and applications.

• More active marketing. Director of Marketing Kelcie Keeling and her team have been working hard to get news and information about Peru State into newspapers and other media, along with a significantly stronger social media presence.

Student recruitment is the top goal for the Marketing Department, and they are improving our footprint on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and other outlets dramatically. Peru State has also been featured in several Pure Nebraska segments on 1011 KOLN-KGIN recently, which gives the College invaluable exposure.

• Website updates and improvements.

We have been working for several months to upgrade the Peru State website. We have signed on with a new web-hosting vendor, and we have been taking significant steps to improve our site’s SEO. As you may know, Search Engine Optimization is all about getting Peru State to appear higher on the list of results when someone searches online for college opportunities. We have facilitated a major transformation in our SEO, and that will get even better once we launch with the new web vendor in March.

National Alumni Association Board of Directors Chair Kim Vrtiska (’90), Plattsmouth, Neb. Vice Chair Elton Edmond (’88, Masters ’16), Lincoln, Neb. Secretary/Treasurer Mark Czapla (’87), Unadilla, Neb. Branden Bender (’95), Nebraska City, Neb. Dan Cotton (’76), Peru, Neb. Rich Daly (’68), Lincoln, Neb. Connie (Sims ’87) Edmond, Lincoln, Neb. Carlos Harrison (’51), Shenandoah, Iowa Mary Lu (Hicks ’68) McCoy, Omaha, Neb. Chuck (’69) and Alice (Massoth ’69) Mizerski, Lincoln, Neb. Tyler Nutsch (’13), LaVista, Neb. Mark Shively (’79, Masters ’93), Palm Springs, Calif.

Fritz (’74) and Char (Lutz ’74) Stehlik, Omaha, Neb. Kris (Kubert ’94) Vrtiska, Plattsmouth, Neb. Ivan Wineglass (’94), Bellevue, Neb.

Published twice annually for alumni and friends of Peru State College by the Peru State College Foundation. Submit address changes, name changes, information for class notes, stories, suggestions, and corrections by email to pscfoundation@peru.edu, by phone at (402) 872-2304, or by mail at: The Peru Stater, c/o Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010.

We have a lot of other initiatives under way, and we are confident we’ll see a strong rebound in enrollment for Fall 2024 and beyond. We would also like to ask for your help in this effort. Please consider becoming a Peru State Alumni Ambassador; our Ambassadors can help with outreach to prospective students in their towns, answering questions, holding open houses, and helping students learn about the amazing advantages at Peru State.

If you would like to serve as a Peru State Ambassador, please contact Ted Harshbarger, Executive Director of the Peru State

Foundation, at tharshbarger@peru.edu.

And in the meantime, please share information about Peru State with your networks—repost tweets, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and keep the energy and excitement building!

Optimistic Outlook for 2024 4. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Recent renovations and additions to campus facilities have created a more vibrant and conducive learning environment for current and future students. In addition, Project ROAR will be a much-needed addition for recreational and athletic activities.

6. Arts and Culture Celebrations: The College actively supports and celebrates artistic and cultural expression through events, performances, and exhibitions.

April 2-29 - Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) “What Were You Wearing?” Art Installation – AV Larson Art Gallery

I hope this letter finds you well and thriving in all your endeavors and that the year 2024 has started off on a great note.

As executive director of the Peru State College Foundation, I am excited to share some of the remarkable achievements and positive developments that have taken place at our beloved alma mater.

The continued support and engagement of so many of you has played a crucial role in making these successes possible, and we are grateful for your commitment to the Peru State community.

Following is a list of things (in no particular order) for which we can be optimistic about in 2024 and beyond for the Campus of a Thousand Oaks!

8. Expanded Internship Opportunities: The College has forged partnerships with organizations and companies, providing students with increased internship opportunities and real-world experience.

Watch for more on this in the future.

3.Innovative Academic Programs: Peru State continues to introduce new academic programs to prepare students for the rapidly evolving job market, ensuring they are wellequipped for success. This is occurring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Mark your calendar and take part in activities for Peru State alumni and friends. Check out the Foundation website (peru.edu/foundation) for updates and other events.

February 8-29 - Art Show featuring the Dr. Natalie Hahn Collection

– AV Larson Art Gallery

Ted L. Harshbarger Executive Director Peru State College Foundation

2. Alumni and Student Success Stories: Our graduates and current students continue to make us proud with their outstanding achievements in various fields, proving the caliber of education and opportunities available at Peru State.

Alumni Event Calendar

5. Environmental Sustainability: The recent completion of the geothermal project shows PSC’s commitment to promote ecofriendly practices and allow us to reallocate energy dollars to academics.

7. Renewed Alumni Engagement Events: We are revitalizing our alumni engagement events as we try to create more opportunities for you to connect with fellow graduates and stay involved in the Peru State community.

1. Philanthropic Impact and Increased Fundraising: Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, the Peru State College Foundation has continued to increase our levels of fundraising. We provide vital resources for scholarships, innovative programs, and campus enhancements. Thanks to all our donors for creating a legacy of giving that continues to inspire.

Join The Celebrations!

9. Athletic Achievements: The Bobcat sport teams continue to compete and represent Peru State in one of the toughest NAIA conferences in the country. The Bobcat student-athletes earn many athletic and academic accolades.

10. Flexible Learning Options: Peru State has adapted to the changing educational landscape by offering flexible learning options, including online and hybrid courses, to meet the diverse needs of our student body.

Peru State College remains steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the holistic development of every student who walks through our doors.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Peru State College family. Your ongoing support and dedication to our alma mater will continue to shape the future and the success of our students. I invite you to stay connected, attend upcoming events, and be a part of the exciting journey that lies ahead!

March 4-29 -Art Show featuring the East Central Nebraska Conference (ECNC) Art – AV Larson Art Gallery

April 9 - Thousand Oaks Alumni Excellence Awards and Research/ Creative Expo – Performing Arts Center May 4 - Commencement – 10 a.m. – Al Wheeler Activity Center May 8-29 - Senior Art Show featuring Creyton Nisly and Elena Martin – AV Larson Art Gallery May 24 - Athletic Department Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament – Table Creek Golf Course – Nebraska City June 6 - Omaha Alumni Event – German American Society June 20 - Charter Day Scholarship Drive September - Back To School Giving Week October 18 - All College Banquet (honoring Class of ’74 and

affinity classes) October 19 - Homecoming TBD - Hall of Fame Banquet TBD - Hall of Fame Calendar dates are subject to change. If you have questions or are interested in participating in an event for Peru Staters, reach out to us at pscfoundation@ peru.edu, (402) 872-2304, or Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE 68421-0010.

Go Bobcats!!

P.S. You will find evidence of the preceding in many of the stories found in this issue of The Stater. Peru State is doing remarkable things and will continue to do so with everyone’s help!

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More Students to Gain from Newest College and Foundation Scholarships The transformative journey for Peru State College students begins with the realization that Peru State is the place for them. It is a place where our mission is to guide every aspiring student toward their path to success.

We understand making college education accessible is a crucial step, ensuring the doors to this fantastic opportunity are open to all. The College proudly provides an array of generous scholarships tailored for future Bobcats.

To ensure our alumni community is well-informed, we are sharing information regarding the diverse scholarships awaiting talented individuals. We aim to help people discover how these opportunities can shape the educational journeys of aspiring students, opening doors to a brighter future.

Dr. Jesse Dorman, Peru State College’s Vice President of Enrollment Management, noted, “For most awards we strongly encourage students to apply early and be admitted before January 15 each year.

Applying early enhances each student’s opportunity to maximize the scholarships they may qualify for, ensuring that the path to our high-quality education is readily accessible to them.”

Below is a recap of just some of the exciting scholarship opportunities available.

Career Scholarships The Career Scholarship program, through the State of Nebraska, is providing $1 million in scholarships to each of the three state colleges for students pursuing careers in critical workforce areas. Peru State offers multiple options under these degree programs: Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Education, and Computer & Management Information Systems.

As part of the program, students will participate in one or more programembedded internships with participating employers.

At Peru State, the minimum eligibility requirements are an ACT of 18 and grade point average of 2.7.

Currently, recipients receive $8,500 per year, which covers full tuition and partial room costs.

Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) The Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) is a cooperative program between Peru State and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). Students admitted into RHOP must be from a rural background.

The program's purpose is to recruit and educate students from rural communities who plan to return to rural areas to practice.

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It represents a commitment and dedication to quality health care for rural citizens of the state. Students accepted into the program receive full tuition awards.

Upon completion of Peru State’s RHOP program, students will be admitted into their specific program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Currently, Peru State has been allocated multiple seats in the pharmacy, nursing, physician assistant, medical laboratory science, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and radiography programs at UNMC. Candidates must apply for admission and be accepted to Peru State by Dec. 1 of each year and then must apply for the RHOP program. For more details on the RHOP program, please visit peru.edu/rhop/apply.

Corrections Leadership Program The Corrections Leadership Scholarship Program provides scholarships to Peru State criminal justice students who are completing a degree while working at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI) during the school year and summer.

The goal of the program is to develop students to become leaders as employees in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. Those accepted into the program receive $12,500 per academic year, divided equally between the fall and spring terms, and applied to students’ accounts. Such funds may be used towards tuition, fees, books, room, and board.

There is an additional $2,500 housing allowance available for the summer, in addition to the pay received for hours worked at TSCI. Eligible students must be 18 years of age or older prior to beginning employment at TSCI; must have a valid driver's license, be a graduate of an accredited senior high school or received an equivalent of a high school diploma; and pass a criminal background check conducted by the Nebraska Department of Corrections, the Corrections Office Behavioral Assessment, pre-employment medical exam, and a drug test.

For more information on the Corrections Leadership Scholarship Program, visit peru.edu/corrections/.

Many Other Scholarship Opportunities Peru State offers many other scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Competitive scholarships are subject to availability and are tuition waiver scholarships unless noted otherwise in the information found at peru.edu/admissions/ costaid. Most have an application deadline

of Jan. 15. One example of these is the Bobcat Bound Scholarships, which range from $2,000 to $8,500 each year.

In addition to the competitive scholarships, Peru State offers Invest in Success Awards which are based off a student’s high school GPA. The priority deadline for these awards is March 1.

Special scholarships are available for athletics, art, and music. The award amount is at either the coach or instructor’s discretion.

Foundation Scholarships The Peru State College Foundation currently provides nearly $800K worth of scholarships annually to the College’s Admissions and Financial Aid Offices to distribute. These scholarships are made possible by gifts to the Foundation by alumni and friends.

Presently, there are more than 175 different scholarships offered through the Foundation. In addition, starting in the fall of 2024, there will be at least nine new endowments to be given out.

The scholarships cover most academic and/or extracurricular areas offered at Peru State with many awards without any restrictions. This means that the Foundation awards can cover tuition, room, board, books, fees or any other need a student has!

New students are considered for Foundation scholarships after they have applied and been accepted to the College.

Returning students need to annually complete a short online application.

Final Notes Help the College Reach New Heights and Enrollment Goals! As alumni and friends of Peru State College, encourage your sons, daughters, guardians, grandkids, or anyone else who might benefit to check out the many opportunities there are to secure some type of financial assistance at Nebraska’s First College.

Dorman added, “Please reach out to us. We love engaging with prospective students and families to share the exciting opportunities and resources that await them – especially to learn more about any of the scholarships we have available for students.”

Claire Niemeyer and Charli

Jeremy Matsuzewski

Eryn Snethen

Jacob Bowman

Be sure to read the related story to learn the impact scholarships are having on current PSC students!

Haven Wilson

Scholarships Increasingly Vital To Academic Success and Careers As the cost of a college education continues to rise, the need for scholarships and other aid grows too. While Peru State College is considered an excellent value as compared to other colleges and universities, students increasingly find it difficult to fund their education.

Several current Peru State Bobcat students were asked a series of questions regarding scholarships and how it impacts their educational journey. A portion of their responses follows.

They include Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) students Claire Niemeyer (senior biochemical science major from Falls City, Neb.) and Raelynn Sugden (junior prenursing major from Seward), Neb.; Career Scholar education majors Layla McIntyre (sophomore elementary education major from Papillion, Neb.) and Eryn Snethen (senior elementary education major from Falls City, Neb.).

Career Scholar business majors Jacob Bowman (junior management major from Auburn, Neb) and Jeremy Matuszewski (junior computer management and information systems major from Bellevue, Neb.), and Foundation/Athletic scholarship earners Skyler Wilson (senior mathematics teaching major from Omaha) and Haven (Appel) Wilson (senior alcohol and drug counseling and psychology major from Omaha). And yes, Skyler and Haven are married!

How has this scholarship influenced your academic journey and your approach to learning?

Most of the responses focused on the importance of working hard and developing time management skills. Niemeyer noted it had encouraged her to never fall behind, while Sugden stated the scholarship has shown her that people think she was worth the investment, so she feels the need to prove them right.

Coming from a one-parent family, Snethen always worried about the financial burden of college. However, the scholarship has made her goal possible. Matuszewski also worried about the financial challenges, but the scholarship has allowed him to give more attention to his coursework.

McIntyre and Bowman both indicated they were putting their maximum efforts into schooling to be the best they could be and to accomplish their goals.

The Wilsons both appreciate the scholarships they have earned, as it has allowed them to focus more on school and their respective athletic teams rather than stressing as much on how to pay for school, or perhaps taking a job rather than participating in sports.

In what ways has the scholarship enhanced your college experience beyond academics?

The RHOP scholars both noted that it has opened doors to the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the expectations they are facing when they transition to the Omaha campus. Peru State students who complete the healthcare program are guaranteed entry to advanced studies at UNMC. Business majors Bowman and Matuszewski noted that their internship experiences requirement for the scholarship - have been eyeopeners for them. In addition, for Matuszewski, it has already led to a full-time offer after graduation if he desires to accept it.

McIntyre and the Wilsons noted opportunities to do things outside their majors such as being involved in campus activities, things they might not be able to do if they had to work instead of getting a scholarship.

Can you share a specific achievement or project that you were able to pursue or contribute to because of this scholarship?

Niemeyer said she decided to become an RHOP ambassador and to mentor younger RHOP students. Haven Wilson has taken on the role of the dance team captain, which requires helping choreograph gameday and competition routines, while Skyler added he has been able to be a leader in the Peru Association of Student Athletes.

How do you plan to leverage your education and experience gained at Peru State College to make a positive impact in your community or chosen field in the future?

McIntyre wants to teach and inspire her future students, while Niemeyer plans to be a physical therapist in a small rural community.

Snethen is student teaching in a first-grade classroom in Syracuse, Neb., and is seeking a teaching position for the fall.

Matuszewski noted that the leadership opportunities he has garnered at Peru State are helping develop his leadership skills. This year, he is Vice President of Technology for Nebraska Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate (formerly PBL).

Haven plans to become a school psychologist.

Skyler wants to become a high school math teacher and coach.

Have you had the opportunity to engage with any mentors or faculty members who have played a significant role in your academic and personal development?

Sugden credited her advisor, Deb Clopton, lab coordinator in the School of Arts and Sciences, for being an excellent mentor on everything from science courses to take, how to study, and what to study, in addition to being a big supporter of her.

McIntyre credited her advisor and other members of the School of Education staff. Both

Bowman and Matuszewski lauded different advisors and professors in the School of Professional Studies.

Bowman said he has only had positive interactions and relationships, and was particularly grateful for the help received from Dr. Jody Woodworth, assistant professor of business, and Dr. Sheri Grotrian, professor of business Matuszewski stated that advisor Brad Griffin, instructor of computer and management information systems, and Dr. Greg Galardi, associate professor of business, had helped make him who he is today.

Skyler noted his education and math professors have played major roles in his development not only as a teacher, but as a young man. Haven stated she feels very prepared to enter her future career thanks to the encouragement of all her professors.

What advice do you have for future students who may be aspiring to receive similar scholarships or achieve academic excellence in college?

Skyler commented, “If there was one piece of advice that I have learned through my journey, it would be, always work hard even when no one is watching. Being able to work hard and stay disciplined builds character and will eventually be rewarded.”

Niemeyer added although the RHOP scholarship does ease a lot of stress about money, it did much more, as she believes it is about providing healthcare for small towns and rural areas.

“As cheesy as it sounds, hard work is really the key to achieving anything,” McIntyre said. Bowman quoted Teddy Roosevelt about nothing coming easy and that it requires late nights studying especially while balancing a part-time position.

Have you had other family members who attended Peru State College?

Sugden’s grandmother, the late Jean Glynn Sugden, was a 1969 elementary education graduate, and her grandmother’s sister-in-law, Marilyn Sugden Scheinost, was also a 1969 graduate.

Snethen’s mother, Jessica Howard Snethen, graduated in 2002 with majors in elementary and elementary special education. Eryn noted that listening to her mother’s experiences at Peru State encouraged her to follow her. Jessica also earned a master’s degree in education in 2007.

Niemeyer’s older brother, Colin, earned his bachelor's degree in biochemical science in 2018. He also was a RHOP recipient and earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UNMC in May 2022.

Matuszewski’s father, Dean, earned a bachelor of applied science in business administration – management in 2011 as a non-traditional student.

Finally, Bowman’s grandfather, Bob

Engles, was a 1973 graduate with a degree in management. Engles is the current vice chair for the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees. Jacob’s younger sibling, Jessica, is a current freshman at Peru State.

Final Notes Bobcat alumni, family, and friends – as you can see from the answers provided by our future Peru State graduates that scholarships are essential and more importantly, are available.

Please encourage any potential student who is considering a post-secondary education to look at what Peru State has to offer and to have them apply for the available scholarships at peru.edu/admissions/costaid.html

Raelynn Sugden

Skyler Wilson

Layla McIntyre

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Project ROAR is getting real!

Construction crews have been working for several weeks on the first two buildings for Project ROAR: the Recreation Dome north of the Oak Bowl, and the Diamond Building next to the baseball/softball fields at the Centennial Complex.

The Recreation Dome is the airsupported structure that will house the 70-yard practice field, two basketball/ volleyball/badminton/pickleball/tennis courts, and a weight room. This building will dramatically expand opportunities for students on campus to get up and get

moving, year-round.

Everything from enhanced practice options for the football team to informal pick-up games of tennis or basketball will become possible.

The Diamond Building is the hardsided facility that will include locker rooms for the baseball and softball teams, coaches’ offices, a small meeting/classroom, restrooms and concessions for baseball and softball spectators, and more.

These facilities will benefit Peru State students, faculty, and staff, and they also

Bobcats Unite:

Send Future Educators to PSC! As most of you know, Peru State has a long history of excellence in education.

As Nebraska's first college, our legacy is deeply rooted in preparing outstanding teachers.

Today we continue that tradition by equipping aspiring educators with the skills, knowledge, and passion they need to excel.

However, we face a critical challenge in Nebraska and beyond: a shortage of dedicated and qualified teachers. The need for exceptional educators is pressing, and we believe that our alumni, who have experienced the power of a Peru State education, are uniquely equipped to help our College address this issue.

We invite you to join us in identifying and nurturing the next generation of teachers. You, our esteemed alumni, are valuable ambassadors and your recommendations carry immense weight.

If you know of high school students who exhibit a passion for education, a love of learning, and a desire to make an impact, we need your help in referring them to Peru State.

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Making a recommendation is simple!

You can connect future students in any of the following ways: 1. Scan the QR Code that is within this article or 2. Email admissions@peru.edu or 3. Call our admissions office at (402) 872-2221 and provide the name of, and contact information for, the prospective student.

Your support will not only contribute to filling the critical need for educators in our state and nation, but will also grow the legacy of Peru State preparing fantastic teachers.

Bobcat teacher graduates can be found throughout Southeast Nebraska and beyond doing good work with young people: teaching, coaching, and leading in their communities. Thank you for helping us connect the next generation of educators to Peru State where we take pride in preparing exceptional educators!

will provide much-needed indoor space for community organizations and schools in the surrounding towns.

Already, the steel support beams have gone up for the Diamond Building, and crews are moving a lot of dirt—and letting it settle appropriately—at the Rec Dome site. It’s exciting to see the construction actually under way for this transformational project, the largest such project in Peru State history and the first major new construction in more than 40 years.

“Many thanks to everyone who has

contributed to this project. We’re still raising funds for the remaining three buildings, so please consider giving, or giving again,” noted Ted L. Harshbarger ‘77, executive director of the Peru State College Foundation.

Peru State anticipates opening the Rec Dome and the Diamond Building in about 12 months—the Spring 2025 semester. Peru State has never had space like this before, and we are eagerly looking forward to the ribbon-cutting!

New Academic Programs Planned for Peru State These are exciting days at Nebraska’s first college. Just as the facilities at Peru State College are growing, so too is its curriculum.

Beginning in the fall of 2024, there will be four new academic programs available at Peru State College.

The Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees approved Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees in Healthcare Administration, Public Safety Leadership, and Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science/Arts degree in Creative Marketing at the November 2023 meeting.

The BAS degree in Healthcare Administration requires the completion of a technical Associate of Applied Science degree or the equivalent in prior course work and prior learning through life experience. Coursework will provide the skills that help navigate the unique challenges of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, outpatient offices, and ancillary services.

The Public Safety Leadership BAS

degree will help develop leadership skills to complement a background in public safety.

Students will develop skills needed to face the leadership role demands in public safety, including law enforcement, military, fire, and corrections.

The BAS Leadership degree will have a strong core of business and leadershipfocused courses to enhance students’ skills in areas such as human resources, risk management, talent directors, and managers.

The Creative Marketing degree is offered as either a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. Students will gain knowledge in social media theory, marketing, consumer marketing research, graphic design, and written communication, allowing for the creation of innovative marketing solutions as part of an organizational marketing strategy.

The academic programs are pending final approval from Nebraska’s Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education.

Playing the Long Game: Great Year for Bicentennial Fund

Daryl Long taught many great lessons during his 50 years as a Peru State College faculty member. Even now, years after his retirement, Doc Long is as determined as ever to share his knowledge with Peru State alumni, through the Daryl and Peggy Long Bicentennial Fund.

Established in early 2021 with a $100,000 gift to the Peru State College Foundation, the intent is to demonstrate the power of time in financial growth.

While the College will ultimately be the beneficiary of the Long’s philanthropy, the basic rule – invest early and wisely, and stay the course – applies to anyone seeking financial wellbeing.

By the end of 2023 – less than three full years after “investing” in the Long Bicentennial Fund – that $100,000 had grown to $138,290.86.

As Doc Long knows, that growth in the stock market isn’t linear.

In fact, after a strong performance in 2021, the Long Fund lost $24,000 in a weak 2022 market. But it gained it back - and a good deal more - this past year, growing by more than 26 percent by this past Dec. 31.

Professor Emeritus Long, a man of science, knows there is no magic to investing. The earlier contributions are made, and the longer they are allowed to work, the better.

The Bicentennial Fund is set up to work on Peru State’s behalf until 2067, and history has shown that by then it will be worth millions. At that point Peru State will have access to two-thirds of the fund; the other third will be reinvested, and the process will resume.

Doc Long, and his late wife Peggy, encourages alumni to follow their example, including giving a portion of their own portfolios to the Peru State College Foundation. Most of all, they hope alums will learn the value of time in the stock market.

It’s called “playing the (L)ong game.”

Bobcat Card Gives Back Through Western National Bank Calling all Peru State College alumni, family, friends and fans – our Bobcat card is officially LIVE! The Bobcat debit card/checking account gives back to Peru State, and an account can be opened online in five minutes or less from anywhere in the US! With the Bobcat debit card from Western National Bank, every time a customer uses it to make a purchase, Western National will donate $0.05 to the college. The more you swipe, the more money Western National Bank donates to Peru State!

Key Features of the Bobcat Debit card and mascot checking account include: • NO MONTHLY SERVICE FEES • NO MINIMUM BALANCE ˏ This account will require a

monthly direct deposit of a payroll or regular deposit of at least $250.

• NO OVERDRAFT FEES ˏ Overdraft cover feature will allow you to overdraw your account up to $200 without being charged a fee for the overdraft ˏ Items that will overdraw your account more than $200 will be returned unpaid without any additional fees • Free Bobcat/Peru State College mascot branded VISA debit card ˏ Every time you use your debit card to purchase anything (ex: groceries, gas, online purchases, Venmo, etc.) $0.05 for every debit card swipe will be donated to Peru State College ˏ Free Nationwide ATM usage at

Excellence Awards To Recognize Four

Dahms, Reeves, Stangl and Vrtiska Gain Thousand Oaks Awards Four Peru State College graduates will be honored for their notable careers in April at the annual Thousand Oaks Alumni Excellence ceremony, according to PSC President Dr. Michael Evans.

The guests of honor at the event on campus on Tuesday, April 9 will be Dr. Jeff Dahms of Omaha, the Honorable Randy Reeves of Clearwater, Fla., Christopher Stangl of Frederick, Md., and Kim Vrtiska of Plattsmouth, Neb. Dahms, who obtained his masters degree in 2007, will be the representative for Graduate Studies. Reeves, a 1987 alumnus, is the selection for the School of Professional Studies. A 1994 alumnus, Stangl is the School of Arts and Sciences choice, while Vrtiska, a 1990 graduate, is the selection for the School of Education.

“These honorees represent the kind of excellence Peru State College is known for,” said Peru State President Michael Evans. “Peru State prepares students for meaningful careers, and these honorees have reached impressive levels of success.

We are delighted to recognize them with this award.”

The Thousand Oaks Alumni Excellence program, established in 2018,

is sponsored by the Peru State College Foundation. Recipients must have demonstrated exceptional service to the College or community and/or outstanding achievements in their career.

Nominations are submitted to the Peru State College Foundation. Top selections are forwarded to the Deans of the respective academic areas for review, then reviewed by Foundation staff and a team of Peru State alumni. A list of finalists is forwarded to President Evans and members of his cabinet for final approval.

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Locations include Summerfield, Kan., and in these Nebraska communities – Cairo, Byron, Chester, Cook, Tecumseh, Syracuse, Lincoln, Louisville, Peru, and Wymore.

April 9 Recognition The honorees will be recognized as a part of the activities hosted by the College and Foundation on Tuesday, April 9. They will have an opportunity to speak to students and staff at a luncheon and then in the classroom prior to their recognition ceremony.

The awards presentation will begin at 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center on the College campus. The public is invited to attend.

More information about the recipients will be published in the next Peru Stater.

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Thomas Legacy To Continue With New Scholarship

New Scholarships Endowment To Aid Instrumental Music Laurie (Graham ‘83) Schulte wasn’t a music major while attending Peru State, but the instrumental music program in particular played a major role in her college and personal life.

The Omaha resident, along with husband Dr. Steve Schulte, have chosen to create the new Band Endowment through the Peru State College Foundation – and they hope others will help build the fund.

“Playing clarinet in concert band, marching band and woodwind ensemble, and either baritone sax or keyboard in jazz band, connected me to a great group of people,” Laurie said. “Later I joined the choir and show choir and became their accompanist.”

“Drs. (David) Edris, (Gil) Wilson, (Thomas) Ediger and (David) Evans helped non-music majors feel welcome – even though Doc Wilson had to convince me to work on an elementary music endorsement,” she said.

That led to her teaching elementary school and/or elementary music for 19 years, most of it at the former Peru Elementary School. In fact, that school is where she met her future husband, a dentist, when he spoke to students about dental health.

Unlike most endowments with the Peru State College Foundation, which focus on student scholarships, the Band Endowment will support band activities.

Garth and Gloria (Bean) Adams

Adams Scholarship Set Up For Marines Veterans of the U.S. Marines Corps are the focus of the newly established Garth and Gloria Adams Scholarship with the Peru State Foundation.

Gloria (Bean ‘70) Adams established the scholarship in honor of her late husband Garth

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Steve & Laurie (Graham) Schulte “We recognize how expensive a band program can be to implement,” she said. “We want to support the band program as a viable option for musicians to connect, both music majors and others.”

Steve’s own connection to Peru State include parents, Bill ’53 and Janice (Redfern ’52) Schulte and a grandmother Alfie (Nicholas ’26) Redfern, who attended the college. Laurie’s aunt Barb Lewellen and her late husband Bob both were longtime members of the college staff and faculty, respectively.

For Laurie, she knows firsthand “the value in having a group of ‘peeps’ - those people with whom you connect, hang out, and build as a college family” that can come from involvement in band.

As she concluded, “Rikki tikki tacky ticky sis boom bah – if you are a marching Bobcat, you know the rest! Send a check to the band endowment and please help them out.”

(‘67), who she met at Peru State. Garth was a native Peruvian who served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 until 1976. He spent time in Vietnam as a platoon leader and transport officer, and at Camp Lejeune, N.C. and Cleveland, Ohio.

After leaving military service, Garth worked in sales, management, and various entrepreneurial roles until retiring in 2005. He passed away in February 2023.

The Adams Scholarship is laddered, with $500 provided for the first year at Peru State.

The award doubles to $1,000 in the second year, $1,500 in year three, and $2,000 for the fourth year. If no USMC veteran applies, the scholarship can be awarded to a member of any branch of the military, or to a descendant of a veteran.

Gloria Adams taught school for several years after graduation, then got into the publishing business. She was the first female vice president and publisher for Penton Media, later joining PennWell Publishing as senior VP. She remains active in the industry through her consulting business, G. Adams and Associates.

Though neither Neal nor Annie Thomas were Peru State graduates, their ties to the college were deep and strong ones.

That connection will continue for as long as there is a Campus of a Thousand Oaks thanks to the newly-established Neal and Annie Thomas Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship requirements are simple: a full-time Peru State student from Nemaha (Neb.) County, where the college is located.

Neal took over the family wholesale beer distributorship in 1941 and operated it until he passed away in 1978. Annie, who later served as Mayor of Auburn, took over the operation along with sons David and the late Dale Thomas, who was longtime public address announcer for Bobcat football games.

Several of the Thomas siblings and their spouses graduated or attended Peru State – sons Dennis ‘76 and wife Dianne (Coatney, attd’ 74-76), Doug ‘78 and wife Diana (Sullivan ‘78), Dave ‘80 and wife Susan (Jarvis ‘86), and Dale (attd. 78) and wife Suzzy (Fisher ‘85) and daughter Leslie Thomas-Bratrsovksy ‘88. In addition, other family members have attended

Neal and Annie Thomas and graduated from Nebraska’s first college.

Neal and Annie realized the importance of a college education and understood that financing one is a major obstacle for many.

They felt blessed that several of their children received scholarships to attend Peru State.

Annie Thomas passed away in February 2023. Now, the Thomas family is paying it forward with the new scholarship endowment.

Ann Boice Scholarship Established, Supports Reading and Education Ann (Rogers) Boice ’71 had a love of the arts, especially literature. As a teacher, a librarian, and as the voice of more than 30 books for Radio Talking Books of Nebraska, she was always anxious to share that love with others.

After her passing in March 2023, her family established an endowment to fund the Ann Boice Scholarship with the Peru State College Foundation. It will be awarded every year to an Education major, preferably to one who has worked as a school paraprofessional, librarian, or some other school setting.

Ann married her husband Ray Boice in 1960, and they raised two children. She was a Kansas native, and they first lived in Hayes, then moved to Shenandoah and LeMars in Iowa, before a stop in Nebraska City.

It was during that time in Nebraska City that she enrolled at Peru State, commuting to class while teaching piano lessons and raising their children. After graduating with honors in 1971, she taught for 26 years at a rural country school.

Her family noted Ann had a passion for individualizing reading and comprehension programs, and for sharing classic literature.

After retiring from teaching, the Boice’s moved to Gering, Neb, and later to Omaha, where

Ann (Rogers) Boice reading for Radio Talking Books of Nebraska was another example of sharing that love.

“Peru State helped me find my passion, and I highly recommend you share your passion with the world,” Ann noted in the Winter 2017 Peru Stater. “Each of us can make a difference.”

Through the Ann Boice endowed scholarship fund with the Peru State College Foundation, Ann Boice and her family are making sure that passion carries on.

Business Scholarship Set Up

By Jeff Greenwald For someone who, by his own admission, had little to do with his alma mater for more than 40 years after graduation, Jeff Greenwald has been catching up fast in recent years.

The 1971 alumnus, who has chaired the Peru State College Foundation Board for the past two years (and will again in 2024), has created the Jeff Greenwald Scholarship with the Foundation.

Recipients will be business majors, with first choice being graduates of Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast High School and second choice to grads from Falls City (Neb.) High. Recipients can renew the scholarship if they remain in good academic standing.

Greenwald spent his early life in Falls City before his family moved to Lincoln, attending Southeast High. He then enrolled in the University, but noted that after an admittedly enjoyable first year, he “wasn’t invited back.”

But his mother had attended Peru State, and he had an uncle in Lincoln who was acquainted with then-President Neal Gomon. To Jeff ’s surprise, he one day got a call from Pres. Gomon encouraging him to enroll that fall.

As Greenwald noted, it’s hard to say no to a college president; he went to Peru the next day, and just that quickly he was a Bobcat. And this time, Greenwald chose to take advantage of the opportunity and pay his academic dues on his way to a degree.

After completing his studies, he moved on, enjoying a highly successful career in the

Wineglass Scholarship Memorializes Brother

Jeff Greenwald insurance industry in Nebraska. He and his wife Judy raised a family, he built a company, and other than occasional visits with friends from college days, he didn’t have much to do with Peru.

That all changed in 2019 when he sold his insurance business and retired. Lincoln friends Butch (‘69) and Dobey Haws – Jeff knew Butch from Falls City – introduced him to former college President Dan Hanson.

“I was invited to join the Foundation board and encouraged by Dr. Hanson along with Butch and Dobey to accept,” Greenwald noted.

Since then, Greenwald has generously supported numerous causes and campaigns with the Foundation, as well as giving significant amounts of his own time and energy. Now, he has decided to add his name to the list – now approaching 200 – who have permanently endowed funds with the Peru State College Foundation.

Matthew Wineglass never had the opportunity to visit Peru State College. In 1992, at the tender age of 30, his life was tragically cut short by sickle cell anemia, just as his younger brother Ivan (‘94) was gearing up to make the transition to Peru. “(Matthew) is the reason I chose to transfer to Peru, complete my college education, and continue playing basketball,” Ivan noted. “He was my hero, and witnessing how he navigated adversity profoundly shaped my approach to life.”

After attending another college full-time and participating in basketball for three years while serving full-time as a member of the U.S. Air Force, Ivan was somewhat disenchanted. He contemplated leaving behind college and sports to focus solely on his Air Force career.

However, back in Georgetown S.C., brother Matthew was adamant. He insisted that Ivan fulfill what he had initiated both academically and athletically. Having competed against Peru State and observing the coaching philosophy of the late Coach John Gibbs, Ivan reached out to Gibbs.

The rest, as they say, is history at Peru State.

Ivan, the last first-team men’s basketball AllAmerican, has since become a distinguished member of the Bobcat Hall of Fame. He continues to contribute to his alma mater by serving on the Peru State College Foundation

Matthew Wineglass

Board and engaging in various other capacities.

But Ivan is quick to acknowledge, “If not for (Matthew) I would never have played ball again.”

This sentiment prompted Ivan to establish the Matthew Wineglass III Optimist Scholarship through the Peru State College Foundation.

While Matthew may no longer be present, his legacy lives on at Peru State, aiding students in advancing their education.

Ivan has specified that recipients of the scholarship be officers in the Peru State Optimist Club, a student organization he played a pivotal role in founding. Currently active in Optimist Club activities throughout Nebraska, Ivan is retired from the State Farm Insurance Companies and resides in Bellevue, Neb.

Teachers to Benefit From Novell McCord Scholarship To Support Teachers Scholarship

Darlene (Critel ‘61) McCord and her husband David have endowed a new scholarship to support teacher education majors.

The McCords currently live in Omaha, though Darlene came to Peru State from her hometown of Waco, Neb. She taught for five years after obtaining her degree and substituted for many years after that while raising their family.

David is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate and owner of McCord Engineering since 1995.

Recipients of the new Darlene and David McCord Scholarship must attend Peru State College full-time, major in education, and have demonstrated financial need. The scholarship can be renewed if the recipient maintains those criteria in good standing.

David & Darlene (Critel) McCord

Ginny (Aufenkamp '82) Novell took a roundabout road to a teaching career. But when she arrived at the profession, she had found her true calling.

Novell passed away this past October, but her husband Del (‘80) and their sons have made certain she will be forever remembered at Peru State College. They have established the Ginny Novell Memorial Scholarship with the Peru State College Foundation.

Born in Vienna, Austria but raised in Nemaha (Neb.) County, Ginny earned a two-year degree from then-Kearney State College. Later she enrolled at Peru State, where she met Del, and in 1982 Ginny earned a business degree.

Family, and her job at the hospital in Auburn, kept her occupied while Del taught and coached in the public school there. Eventually though, Ginny returned to Peru State and obtained her

Del & Ginny (Aufenkamp) Novell Master of Science in Education degree in 1991.

Teaching opportunities in Douglas (Neb.) and Rock Port (Mo.) followed, until the Novell’s moved to Holbrook, Ariz. She taught there another 14 years before the Novells both retired.

They then moved back to Johnson, Neb. to be near family and friends, and where Del remains after Ginny passed.

The Ginny (Aufenkamp) Novell Scholarship will be awarded to a teacher education major in the final year of their undergraduate studies, as a memorial to her love of teaching.

Contributing to New or Existing Scholarships Additional gifts to any of the newly-endowed scholarships, or to any other endowment fund, are always welcome and can be made through the Peru State College Foundation. You can make a tax-deductible contribution online at https://bit.ly/PSCGiving (case sensitive) or you can send a check to the PSC Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010. For more information or if you have questions, call 402-872-2304 or email pscfoundation@peru.edu.

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9

Campus News

Halvorsens Return to Bobcatland

Inaugural Holder of Al Wheeler, Jr. Distinguished Chair Begins Role

This past fall Dr. Brandon Ruehle began his position as the inaugural holder of the Al Wheeler, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Environmental Management, Policy, and Sustainability (EMPS) at Peru State College.

The distinguished chair position is the first endowed chair position in the Nebraska State College System, and was created from a generous gift from Dr. Al Wheeler, Jr. of Clemson, S.C. Ruehle, originally from Midlothian, Texas, earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Texas A&M University, his master's in biological science from Tarleton (Texas) State University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.

After completing his Ph.D., Ruehle worked for regional councils in New Zealand, similar

to state governments in the United States, primarily focusing on freshwater ecology.

While in Texas visiting family in 2022, Ruehle attended the 97th American Society of Parasitologists conference in College Station.

Dr. Richard Clopton, a Professor of Biology at Peru State College, received the Clark P. Read Mentor award at the conference and, during his acceptance speech, mentioned how Peru State would be creating a new faculty position.

Ruehle, familiar with Clopton’s work in parasitology, emailed him requesting more information about the position.

“I had always wanted to try my hand at academia,” said Ruehle, “and Peru State provides an excellent opportunity to realize that goal.”

Ruehle and his partner Kate Dawkins moved back to the United States, and he officially started his position at Peru State in August 2023. Last fall, Ruehle taught courses in Introductory to Zoology and Human Anatomy – both of which had lab components.

This spring, he is teaching Animal Behavior, Botany, and Ecology. Ruehle is settling into his new position, teaching courses, and exploring ways to maximize his impact as the Distinguished Chair. Being the inaugural holder of the first endowed chair position in the Nebraska State College System is not lost on him.

“Being given this opportunity so early in my career is incredibly humbling,” said Ruehle.

Addy, Wade, Charlie, and Sara “It’s honestly a joy to walk around campus where we fell in love. I see memories everywhere,” commented Sara (Mencl ‘13) Halvorsen. She and her husband Wade ’13, returned to Peru State College as new staff this year.

Last spring, Wade was hired to serve as the Bobcat football team’s defensive coordinator with defensive backs as a primary responsibility. The K-12 health and physical education graduate came to Peru State with experience at the collegiate and high school level.

Halvorsen most recently was the defensive coordinator and assistant coach at Westside High School – a perennial powerhouse in Nebraska Class A football. A third-generation Bobcat, Halvorsen played football for the Bobcats, as did his father, Todd ’85. His greatgrandmother, Hazel Peckham attended Peru State in the 1920s.

As a senior, Wade served as one of the team’s captains while playing as a defensive back.

In addition to playing football, he was the initial student interviewer for the Bobcat Buzz and Student Athlete profile while working in the sports information department.

In addition to coaching at Westside, Halvorsen spent three seasons on the Kearney (Neb.) and Aurora (Neb.) High School staffs. He earned one of his master’s degrees while serving as a graduate assistant for the Concordia (Neb.) Bulldogs – a former foe of Peru State’s.

Sara was hired as the College’s Education Support and Disability Services Coordinator.

After graduating from Peru State with a degree in psychology, she has earned master’s degrees in human services from Concordia and in school counseling from the University of Nebraska – Kearney.

She has spent most of her career working with young people and is passionate about working with underserved populations. Sara was an elementary school counselor for the Westside Community Schools, and prior to that she was a middle and high school counselor. Sara also did community work with at-risk families, specifically geared towards access to early childhood care and education.

While at Peru State, Sara was a Bobcat cheerleader for several years. She was also a Top Cat, Admissions Ambassador, and a tutor. Like Wade, Sara had another family member attend Peru State. Her grandfather, John Mencl, came to PSC and played basketball in 1940.

Both Wade and Sara were part of the initial group of students who became part of the Calvert Schools’ Teammates mentoring program in Auburn, Neb. Wade and Sara are living in Peru and feel it is a cool experience to be back. They noted that their daughters, Adeline and Charlotte, love cheering for their dad as he coaches.

Dr. Wendy Waugh Assumes Role As Vice President of Academic Affairs

This past September, Dr. Wendy Waugh began her role as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs for Peru State College.

Dr. Waugh oversees the college's academic programs, faculty development, curriculum enhancement, and strategic planning. With a

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commitment to fostering innovation, academic excellence, and a student-centered approach, Waugh is expected to lead Peru State College to new heights of educational achievement and growth.

"I am thrilled that Dr. Waugh has joined the Peru State community,” said Dr. Michael Evans, President. "Her experience in academic leadership, and her experience with the Nebraska State College System, will be an outstanding asset for the College. I am looking forward to her collaboration and contributions as we continue to develop the best possible academic experience for our students.”

Dr. Waugh comes to Peru State with 32 years of experience in higher education, with the last four years in administration.

Prior to joining Peru State, she served as the Dean of Graduate and Adult Programs at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she led the administration and expansion of graduate programs. Her visionary leadership

and collaborative approach have consistently garnered praise and produced transformative outcomes.

Previously, Dr. Waugh was the Dean of Graduate Studies and the School of Business, Mathematics, and Science at Chadron State College. While at CSC, Dr. Waugh coordinated curriculum, accreditation, policy, staffing, schedules, and graduate programs.

She also served as Department Chair for the Business Academy and taught graduate and undergraduate business courses. She presented at national conferences and published many journal articles and critical thinking and active learning.

“In my first five months as VPAA, I have been learning new processes, examining accreditation and compliance, reviewing the curricula, and most importantly, making connections with all the amazing faculty, staff, and students at Peru State College. The amount of support and acceptance I have

felt in my short time here has been inspiring.

The collective feeling of “family”, everyone’s willingness to share their talents, and the welcoming nature of the campus are pervasive and will serve us well as we forge into a bright new future. It is a privilege to be part of the caring and committed team that is Peru State,” stated Waugh.

Dr. Waugh holds a Ph.D. in Organization & Management: Information Technology Management Specialization from Capella University, an MBA from Chadron State College, an MSE in Education (business specialization) from the University of Nebraska – Kearney, a BA in Secondary Education, and BS in Management, Electronic Data Processing from Wayne State College.

Dr. Waugh filled the role previously held by Dr. Tim Borchers, who left Peru State College after eight years to become president of West Liberty University in West Liberty, W.V.

Peru State Taking on the World Peru State is making bold moves to extend its mission to even greater numbers of students.

The College has been offering courses online for more than two decades. We were one of the first colleges to move into the online space, and currently about 36% of our students are entirely online.

Starting almost five years ago, the Peru State leadership began to explore opportunities with “OPMs”—Online Program Managers. These companies take on some of the major responsibilities, including marketing and student recruitment and retention—in exchange for a revenue-sharing percentage.

Enrollment in Peru State’s online program had been declining for several years, so the leadership saw the move to an OPM as an opportunity to inject new expertise and fresh strategies into the enrollment effort.

Ultimately, the College signed on with an OPM called Archer Education. Initially, the move had the desired result: enrollments rebounded significantly. In subsequent years, however, enrollments started to decline once more, and so the College recently decided to terminate its contract with Archer and bring those operations back in-house.

Before Archer, Peru State struggled a bit with the online program because it was piled on top of the already considerable workloads that several staff were shouldering.

The marketing for the online program, for example, was added to the campus Marketing team’s duties. Recruitment was added to the Admissions team’s to-do lists. And so on.

In making the decision to pull the operations back in-house now, we realized we could not return to that model and somehow expect better results. So instead, we have created a dedicated team—the Online Education Division (OED)—whose entire focus is marketing, recruitment, and retention for the online program.

We hired Dr. Amanda Oppel as our inaugural Chief Online Education Officer, and she has already hired four staff members for the OED: two online recruitment

Veteran Team Aims to Build Online Studies Program

Dr. Amanada Oppel counselors and two online student support specialists. This team has been charged with increasing enrollment in the online program as quickly as possible.

Dr. Oppel and the OED team are committed to carrying on the Peru State College mission providing an exceptional enrollment and educational experience for all online students. The OED team will work with the Peru State staff as a team to successfully help students achieve their educational aspirations.

The United States has many anonymous, cookie-cutter online programs that do little to make students feel engaged, supported, and heard. As it has always been, our online program will continue to emphasize Peru State’s values and unique approach to education.

The OED is brand-new, and it will take time to become fully functional. We are extremely excited, however, to see what this new approach can do for the College and our students. If we can help even greater numbers of students complete the bachelor’s or master’s degree they seek, this move will be a success for everyone involved.

Alumni who are interested in considering a graduate degree, or a new undergraduate degree, online from Peru State should go to peru.edu/online/. Review the information and hit the “Apply Here" button when ready!

Exciting times are ahead as five newcomers to the Peru State College staff were hired this fall to start the College’s Online Education Division (OED).

Joining Dr. Amanda Oppel, the new Chief Online Education Officer, are Ryan Gray and Emily Roberts as online recruitment counselors, and Stephanie Jones and Megan Stone as Online student support specialists.

Dr. Oppel has served in several leadership roles, including Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, Vice President of Enrollment Services, and Chief Operating Officer of an online university. Oppel recently received her Doctor of Education from National American University.

A Georgia peach, Ryan Gray is a graduate of Augusta University with degrees in psychology and sociology and has worked for both private and state colleges on-campus and online. Gray has worked in higher education since 2016.

A Nebraska native, Emily Roberts has a Master of Management in higher education degree and is pursuing her doctoral degree. She began her work on a traditional college campus and spent the last years working for an online university.

A 20-year career in higher education is what Stephanie Jones brings to the OED team with the last five years focusing on improving the student experience for online students. She brings a wealth of experience in financial aid, which will be beneficial for future PSC students.

With experience in TRIO (a federally funded student support program), Megan Stone will be able to help to find innovative ways to help future PSC online students to reach their educational goals. Stone recently received a Master of Science in organizational development.

Peru State offers an array of online programming, including a Master of Science in Education-Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Science in Organizational Management, with tracks for Entrepreneurial and Economic Development, Healthcare Administration, and Strategic Leadership and Communications.

Undergraduate online programs include Accounting, Computer and Management Information Systems, Criminal Justice Administration, Criminal Justice Counselor, Criminal Justice Legal Studies, Finance, Healthcare Business Administration, Human Resources and Risk Management, Management and Leadership, Marketing, Psychology, and Public Administration.

Visit www.peru.edu for more information.

Ryan Gray

Emily Roberts

Stephanie Jones

Megan Stone

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Alumni News

Garrett and Sierra along with (l to r) Huxley, Axel, and Roux

A Paws-itive Sign

By Heather Stewart Co-Editor, The Sabetha (Kan.) Herald Sierra Renner (‘19) and her then-fiancé Garrett Goering have three “fur-babies,” with two being deaf. To communicate with them, the couple uses sign language.

“I had no intent of adopting a special needs dog, nor did I seek the opportunity out,” Sierra said. “It just happened. It’s been a most rewarding/fulfilling.”

Renner’s Story While a student at Peru State College in 2017, Sierra Renner turned a tragic experience into a “paws-itive” one, when she adopted her special needs pup, Huxley.

“I was working in Peru, and a customer [Sara (Grafton ’94) Pruitt] mentioned she had a very special pup who she was looking for a home for,” Sierra said. “I had no intention of getting a dog at this time, and I was a resident’s assistant for the girl's dormitory - which is still my favorite job to date - so I

brushed off the possibility.

“Our campus had just faced the tragedy of losing a student by suicide, and a lot of our residents were trying to cope with this loss, myself included,” Sierra said. “I couldn’t get the pup out of my mind.

“I talked to my doctor and campus counselor and found out I could get Huxley as an Emotional Support Animal [ESA]. That is exactly what I did, and he provided lots of joy to our dormitory! I know it’s cliché, but Hux [Huxley] certainly saved my life/mind at that point in time,” Sierra said.

Huxley - who is a double merle Australian Shepherd - is deaf. Sierra brought Huxley home just before Christmas in 2017.

With a new challenge of communicating with Huxley, Sierra channeled her grief to learn and teach sign language to Huxley.

“I believe the focus of training him and learning how to communicate with him was very healing through the tough time,” Sierra said.

A Growing Family Over a five-year period, the family grew to include three dogs, two deaf and one working dog.

A family in Wetmore, Kan. had a litter of Border Collie pups, and Garrett and Sierra went to look at the litter.

“They were all so cute,” Sierra said. “The owners said, ‘If no one is looking to adopt that one, we thought about keeping him.’ Garrett immediately indicated that he wanted the one in reference, which is how we ended up with Ax [Axel].”

Roux, a double merle Mini Australian Shepherd, was born deaf.

“My aunt Kylie lives in Norfolk, Neb., and she tagged me in a post on the Animal Shelter of Northeast Nebraska’s Facebook page,” Sierra said. “It explained that she was deaf.

Garrett and I wanted to be sure we had the time/space/energy for this. We scheduled a meet and greet for Ax and Hux to meet her.

“When I arrived at the shelter, she was waiting in the lobby with a ‘hold’ sticker on the outside of the crate. Other people were looking at her when I arrived, but she was eyeballing me while waiting my turn. I knew she belonged in our family right away!”

Learning the ASL language While Sierra was growing up, her family didn’t practice sign language at home, but at school and as she got older, in certain working environments, sign language was present.

“I was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate, so my speech has somewhat been impacted by this,” Sierra said. “In previous work, it was tricky for hearing impaired clients to read my lips due to the birth defect – I had to learn American Sign Language [ASL] to be able to communicate effectively.

“I cannot communicate fluently with ASL, but I am very familiar with general terms and now, more dog-command like term,” she said.

Sierra said the dogs know “sit,” “stay,” “lay down,” “come here,” “car,” “mail,” “potty,” “no,” “good dog,” “mom/dad’s home,” “all gone,” “food” and “water,” among others.

Sierra said that they “speak and sign” concurrently with all their dogs.

“Axel, despite being able to hear, knows

the signs,” Sierra said. “I am certain our non-hearing pups can sense our tone and vibrations of our voice, so we will forever speak to our deaf dogs! We never intentionally taught Ax the signs, but he knows them as we speak alongside the command. We can give a quick sign without speaking, and they will each obey the command with or without any verbal commands.”

Sierra said, in terms of having a deaf dog, there is no difference on the dog’s part.

About Sierra and Garrett Sierra grew up in Lincoln, Neb., and graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School. She attended Peru State College and studied psychology and criminal justice.

Then, she pursued graduate school online through Bellevue (Neb.) University in Bellevue, where she studied industrial and organizational psychology and graduated with her masters in 2021.

Throughout her schooling, Sierra interned at a vocational rehabilitation center for the Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled (IDD) population.

“I gained further working experience with roles in the IDD realm which is where my heart lies,” Sierra said. “I then worked my way into a Human Resources role, which aligned well with my master's degree. Near the end of my master's program, I applied for the Human Resources Director role at Kanza Mental Health and Guidance Center.

“I value working for a Community Mental Health Center and find it very rewarding. I have since been promoted to the Director of Operations, and I am thrilled to be onboard the team as we are preparing to shift to a new care model.” Sierra said. “I love what I do.”

Sierra and Garrett met in late 2017.

In January 2019, Sierra moved to the area, and they were married this past September.

(This article first appeared in the Sabetha (Kan.) Herald in August. Some parts have been edited due to space constraints. It is reprinted with permission.)

Life Saver Award To Trooper Alex Hoffman

Alex Hoffman and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen

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Nebraska State Trooper Alex Hoffman ’19 has been honored for heroism on duty for his life-saving actions during an incident this past November.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen presented Hoffman with the Nebraska State Patrol Life Saver Award in December ceremonies. Fellow law enforcement officer and Lincoln (Neb.) County Deputy Tyler Schultz was given the patrol’s Public Service Award for his role in the event.

On the night of Nov. 23, the Lincoln County Sheriff ’s Office got a report of a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 80. Trooper Coffman was the closest to the scene and responded immediately, locating the two vehicles on their sides and partially submerged in the water of Fremont Slough. Coffman found two young boys standing in the freezing water and carried them to his patrol vehicle to get warm. Returning to the crash scene, he was alerted that another child was still inside

the vehicle. Deputy Schultz arrived at the scene and assisted Trooper Coffman as they tried to extricate the one-year-old girl from the vehicle. The girl was still buckled into her car seat and was partially submerged in the water.

Coffman and Schultz both entered the freezing water to reach the girl. Coffman submerged himself to get inside the vehicle and cut the seat belt away; Schultz was then able to pull the girl to safety through a broken window.

All parties involved in the crash were transported to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The NSP Life Saver Award is presented to NSP personnel for their actions to preserve life while responding to a life-or-death situation.

The NSP Public Service Award is presented to non-NSP personnel, including civilians, for heroic actions.

Nurses With Purpose: Christen Travels to Africa When you have an opportunity to do something you have dreamed of, why not do it? That is what Hannah Christen, a 2018 Peru State graduate, did this past October.

Christen was a member of a Nurses with Purpose group that traveled to Africa on a medical mission trip. Nurses with Purpose, established in 2017, is a volunteer organization that focuses and promotes preventative healthcare outreach during medical missions abroad.

The vision of Nurses with Purpose is to provide continual preventative healthcare to underserved communities. Its mission is to create sustainable solutions along with their partners.

Christen stated “Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and when you mix that with what you do every day professionally, it wasn’t a hard decision to make. Caring for others is something I’ve always been good at and making a difference in people’s lives is how I want to leave my mark in this world.”

The following is a daily synopsis of Christen’s trip after arriving in Johannesburg, South Africa, and was primarily gleaned from her Facebook posts. While the story largely focuses on the care provided, it includes some of the “extras” the group was able to do when off duty.

Day Zero After packing all the medical donations she garnered, Hannah made the long flight from Omaha to her destination. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, it took some time to get through customs.

The group of nurses was driven to the apartment complex where they would be staying.

After dinner, the nurses met to sort through the mountains of donations that they would use during their mission.

Their first pop-up clinic was in "Clay Oven".

“I spent the day at our medication and wound care station. A little boy had injured his hand, so I was delegated to clean and bandage his wound.

The little guy was so tough,” she noted.

After seeing and tending to all those that came through, they walked through the Clay Oven neighborhood to see the living conditions of its residents. “It certainly was a mix of emotions. I know I will forever be grateful for the things that I have and never take them for granted,” Hannah wrote.

Day Two Our group treated 68 individuals of all ages. The language barrier was more prevalent, so it was harder to communicate. It was also extremely dusty! “I had dust all over my scrubs and all up in my nose,” Hannah said.

After packing up their gear they were all ready to get home and shower off the dust and grime.

“It made me feel bad for whining because I was just there for the day... this is their every day without a hot/cold shower to go home to,” she noted.

Before returning home they visited the Oppenheimer Gardens, which is essentially a city park that contains both the Oppenheimer Tower and Credo Mutwa Cultural Village. This historical site sits right in the heart of Soweto.

Day Three

Day Four The group’s start time wouldn't have been until noon but the whole team woke up extra early for a hot air balloon ride. “Before traveling to South Africa, I hadn't imagined I was going to be able to check this experience off my bucket list,” Hannah said.

The destination was Nkosi's Haven, a nonprofit orphanage that's been running since 1999.

This orphanage offers holistic care and support for destitute HIV/AIDS infected mothers, their children, and resulting AIDS orphans (infected or not).

After a tour led by one of the older kids, they had lunch with Gail Johnson, the founder and director of the orphanage. Then they split the kids and mothers into three separate groups.

Day One

“Every day I was just increasingly amazed by the level of diversity in Johannesburg,” Hannah said. “You could walk down the street once and you would be walking past people from several different countries. There are over 10 languages in Johannesburg, and most of the population is fluent in all.”

Hannah said. “The clinic we're helping run is for a group that NWP has been working very closely with for a while.”

“By the time we got to Regatammogo there were so many people there waiting to be seen! I didn't work at any of the regular stations at first but instead got to help serve food,” she said.

“After we finished serving, I found myself at the eye exam station.”

“My job here was to conduct a mini eye exam and hand out the correct strength of reading glasses to those who needed them. One of my fondest memories was helping a little girl find a pair of glasses that really worked for her. I'm a book nerd who loves to read and the little girl's reaction after she placed a pair of glasses on her face was just the biggest treat I could ask for,” Hannah said.

“It reminded me just how much of a difference we are getting to make in people's lives,” she added. “We had an older woman come through with a wound to her leg. We cleaned it, treated it, dressed it, and gave her enough wound care supplies to last until the area had another pop-up clinic.”

“It's crazy to think, if the leg gets worse and it needs to be amputated would she even be able to be seen by a surgeon? How would she fare at home with limited access to medical supplies?

To what extent would losing a limb affect her family?”

“This clinic was my favorite of them all because I felt like here is where I made my biggest contributions,” Hannah noted.

“Today we're spending our morning in Rosebank Market to visit the Everard Art Gallery and shopping for an outfit to wear to the traditional African themed dinner planned for later this week,” she wrote. “I bought my dress for 950 Rand (originally priced at 1100R but it's expected that people barter). The art gallery was cool, but we couldn't stay long. Many local artists of Johannesburg created all the pieces on display.”

“We headed off to Regatammogo for our final pop-up clinic. Most of the patients we're going to see are senior citizens suffering from high blood pressure, high sugars, and arthritis,”

The older kids were put in one group so that we could talk to them about some more serious things.

Gail had expressed that for the first time a couple of kids at the orphanage had become pregnant, so she requested the nurses talk to the kids about sex education and the risk of teen pregnancy.

“The sessions went well, considering it's always an awkward conversation for anyone to be a part of,” Hannah said. After the more "serious" part of the visit, they went outside for a dance party.

“The kids showed us their moves and then we showed ours (or lack thereof in my case),” Hannah noted. “It was a blast! Before leaving we got to hand out some goodies and the kids were just all there for it. Time at the orphanage was the best experience I had on this trip!! It was sad saying goodbye to everyone, but it was time to go.”

Days Five, Six, and Seven The fifth and sixth full days were more for the nurses to tour and learn more about the culture and enjoy some activities. Hannah conquered her fears and enjoyed a zip line challenge. Then the group headed to Lesedi Cultural Village.

Rich in history, it allowed them to experience the diverse cultures of South Africa.

They were greeted at the entrance with a song before going to the theatre for some drumming lessons. After that they walked through the four different tribes: Zulu, Sotho, Xhosa, and Pedi (Limpopo). Following lunch, they stopped at the Lion & Safari Park for a predator tour.

On Day 6, Hannah and the nurses did a variety of things including visiting Nelson Mandela’s house and the Hector Pietersen Memorial – one of the most powerful memorial grounds in Soweto. They toured Soweto’s most talked about street, Vilakazi Street, where both Mandela and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu resided.

The seventh day was the group’s last full day in South Africa. They headed into the wild to Tshikwalo Lodge. They went on a three-hour safari, where they spotted more zebras, kudus, monkeys, a giraffe, and a herd of elephants.

Upon returning to the lodge, they dressed for a traditional African-themed dinner/celebration.

Each nurse was presented with a global humanitarian certificate, which was a tearful experience for Hannah.

Day Eight Heading home, Hannah noted it was a day of mixed emotions.

Talking about her experience, Hannah stated, “Again, what a beautiful experience this whole trip was. From serving others, experiencing Johannesburg, and making new friends...South Africa and Nurses With Purpose will forever have a piece of my heart. I gained more insight on other cultures, made new friends, networked, and further increased my desire to serve others in every area of the world I can.”

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The 2023 Peru State College Honor Roll of Donors 44 First-Time Donors…Should You Be on Next Year’s List?

Donations Doubled in 2023…Thanks to 550 Generous Contributors Annually we give thanks and recognition to the many alumni and friends of Peru State College who support our students, faculty, and staff with their gifts to the College’s Foundation.

These people, along with the business and organizations also included, make a substantial difference in the lives of PSC students.

The following list reflects gifts received during the 2023 calendar year ending last December 31 and who have not requested anonymity.

While we strive to make it complete and accurate, errors and omissions do occur. If you believe you were inadvertently left off

1940s Lois Christensen '43 Marian (Hunzeker) Smith '46 L. Gene '48 and Wendy Stewart Evelyn (Gatz) Yanders '48 Lloyd '49 and Mary (Becker '55) Hunzeker Colleen (Williams) Tillman '49 Joan (Johnson) Marfice '49 1950s Betty (Parriott) Oliver '50 Kenneth Wolford '50 Otto Rath '51 Sherry (Clites) Penney '51 Ruth (Damon) Leslie '51 Charles Carlos Harrison '51 Grace Pfister '51 Verne Meier '51 Lee (Stoddard) Ferguson '52 Tom '53 and Patricia (Sailing '53) Hopkins Frances (Heim '53) and Dale '54 Whited Sharon '53 and Donna Ocker Bill Schulte '53 Harold Rasplicka '53 Mary (Handley) Hoag '54 Jenis (Craig) Reasoner '54 Regina (Stander) Colbert '54 Mary (Becker '55) and Lloyd '49 Hunzeker William '55 and Laverna (Roos '61) Sayer

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the list, or have any other corrections, please reach out to us in any of the following ways: Mail: Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010 Phone: 402-872-2304 Email: pscfoundation@peru.edu Again, and on behalf of everyone at Peru State College, our heartfelt thanks. We hope you, as well as many others, will be included on our 2024 Honor Roll of Donors!

Ronald Paap '55 Phyllis (Constant) Didleau '55 Greta (Evers) Holscher '55 John Christ '55 Bertis '56 and Georgia (Bauer '56) Adams Charles '56 and Vickie (Lecure '71) Pickering Lois (Puppe) McMullen '56 Sharon (Freeman) Johnson '56 Janet (Cotton '57) and Gary '63 Dahmke Betty (Neil) Barrett '57 Harlan Oestmann '57 Muriel (Rieke) Docker '58 Ray Ehlers '58 Robert Norvell '58 Robert '59 and Mary (Riley '66) Bohlken Ralph '59 and Kathy Aranza Virginia '59 and Richard Meyerkorth Jean (Ruyle) Rottman '59 Nadine (Adcock) Fahrlander '59 Janice (Shurtleff) Phillips '59 Jerry Patterson '59 1960s Gary '60 and Marian (Schmidt '60) Anderson Connie '60 and Kent '61 Wichman Frederick '60 and Carlene Miller Carolyn (Wing '60) and Larry Law Marlene (Allgood '60) and Robert Ballance Donald Kasbohm '60

Jan (Lillethorup) Krakow '60 Charles Francis '60 Marie Antalek '60 Ronald Stoltenberg '60 Keith '61 and Virginia '61 Hawxby Sandra (Pearson '61) and Michael '64 Ramirez Laverna (Roos '61) and William '55 Sayer Ramona (Grindle '61) and Larry '63 Swett Darlene (Critel '61) and David McCord Lamarr '61 and Mary Gibson Gerald Jeanneret '61 Leona (Christen) Dostal '61 Connie (Erisman) Biggers '61 Donna (Francis) Schwertley '61 Francis Hajek '61 Michael Roddy '61 Glen '62 and Patsy (Melcher '62) Beran Ellen (Hunzeker '62) Hajek Gordon '62 and Jean Ohnoutka Glenn '62 and Judith Irwin Ronald '62 and Patricia Carnes Gaylin Sudik '62 Jon Iverson '62 Gary '63 and Janet (Cotton '57) Dahmke Susan (Hulbert '63) and Joseph '64 Perina Gary '63 and Mary (Jarvis '63) Schlange Mary Ann '63 and Clifford Privatt Russel '63 and Judith Workman Russell '63 and Kay Hicks

Ronald '63 and Nancy Kelley Sharylin '63 and Vern Knock Charlotte (Wheeler) Lunsford '63 Linda (Beery) Moree '63 Lee Haeberlein '63 Michael Leahy '63 Milan Kloepfer '63 Robert Reimers '63 Robert Reitz '63 Charles '64 and Mary (Sautter '66) Caverzagie Jerry '64 and Christina (Banks '88) Joy Lloyd '64 and Betty (Painter '64) Russo Robert '64 and Judy Eichenberger Linda (Jeffers) Sims '64 Virginia (Adkins) Janis '64 Norma (Reiman) Clinton '64 James Minor '64 Nellie Sasseen '64 Daniel '65 and Carol (Thornton '68) Coffey Bruce '65 and Linda (Renz '66) Mau Judith '65 and Dennis Hetherington Gene '65 and Judi D'Allemand Dan '65 and Marilyn Leuenberger Chuck '65 and Shirley Niemeyer Ilma (Gobber) Gottula '65 Mariedith (Greenlee) Pagel '65 JoAnn (Hauptman) Barry '65 Donald Wright '65 Frank ’65 and Suzanne Spizuoco Mary (Riley '66) and Robert '59 Bohlken Charles '66 and Nancy (Check '66) Gordon John '66 and Mary (Inglis '66) Rinne H. Dean '66 and LaRue Marshall Kenneth '66 and Rebecca Boatman Jon '66 and Treva Davis Diane (Kennedy) Berlett '66 Gary Fritch '66 Stanley Johnson '66 Elsie Snyder '66 Ray '67 and Connie (Rademacher '67) Cain Paul '67 and Arlene (Borcher '67) Fell Gary '67 and Carol (Henderson '67) Henning Vernon '67 and Gail Krenzer Michael '67 and Janice Guilliatt Leland Schneider '67 Carol (Hawley) Schmucker '67 Nancy (McCullough) Nealon '67 Darrell Plumb '67 John Witler '67 Kenneth Gayer '67

Leonard Tomlyn '67 Richard Duponcheel '67 Stanley '68 and Barbara '68 Johnson John McVicker '68 and Mary Lu (Hicks '68) McCoy Romona (Ogle '68) and Richard '69 Moore Cheri (Combs '68) and Nick '69 Petrillo Gary '68 and Martha (Seibert '70) Schaffer Douglas '68 and Diane Cotner Bruce '68 and Kathy Vickrey Carol '68 and Robert Martin James '68 and Susan O'Donoghue Richard Daly '68 Teresa (Hummel) Minard '68 Antoinette (Martin) Faulkner '68 Dee (Rice) Campbell '68 Carol Chandler '68 Douglas Cramer '68 Kennard Stoner '68 Ralph Schawang '68 William Kerins '68 Renee (Bose '69) and Leon '71 Bose Richard '69 and Martha (Caldarulo '97) Gibson Larry '69 and Marian '93 Henderson Paul '69 and Yvonne (Pfannebecker '78) Horel Richard '69 and Margaret (Lutt '70) Smith Gregory '69 and Jackie Reinders Clarence '69 and Janet Haws Marilyn '69 and Robert Scheinost Patsy Harpster '69 Mary (Martin) Kanter '69 Gail (Ankrom) Masonbrink '69 Mildred (Hinton) Appleoff '69 Eleta Eisenhauer '69 Elizabeth O'Connor-Gunn '69 Gerhart Wehrbein '69 John Bernadt '69 Richard Linder '69 Ronald Steiner '69 1970s Donald '70 and Claudia '71 Dougherty Glenrose (Jackson '70) and Robert '71 Meier Martin '70 and Ruth (Leuenberger '71) Paper Martha (Seibert '70) and Gary '68 Schaffer Margaret (Lutt '70) and Richard '69 Smith Wayne '70 and Elaine (Flattre '70) Stuck Mike '70 and Katherine '15 Tynon Donald '70 and Charlotte Duncan John '70 and Rita Seeba Barbara '70 and Ron Easley

Gloria (Bean) Adams '70 Berton Faulkner '70 David Sackles '70 Donald Wiechec '70 Gary Rosso '70 James Head '70 Larry Cotton '70 Mary Kloepping '70 Ray Uher '70 Leon '71 and Renee (Eberhard '69) Bose John '71 and Mary Ann '73 Chaney Ronald '71 and Susan (Ritter '72) Meyer Rodney '71 and Janie (Riepe '76) Montang Vickie (Lecure '71) and Charles '56 Pickering Mark '71 and Kathleen (Reuter '81) Weiler Nancy (Schlange '71) and Kent '72 Wilson Daisy '71 and David Malcom Jeffrey '71 and Judy Greenwald Jayne '71 and Max Fredrickson Darwin '71 and Shelly McHugh Eldonna (Gobber) Forrest '71 Evelyn (Hillers) Buethe '71 Willa Jean (Sodmann) Stutheit '71 George Hanssen '71 Michael Johnson '71 Robert Kiser '71 Robert Lisec '71 Steven Drake '71 Rodrick '72 and Wanda (McKim '73) Bruce Larry '72 and Barbara (Fritz '73) Jones Patricia '72 and Danny Hunsberger Terry '72 and Deborah Ratliff Raymond '72 and Jean Waters Paul '72 and Linda Chatelain Kathleen '72 and Richard Rattell Edward Myers '72 Richard Mezger '72 Maureen (Hauptman) Carpenter '72 Pam (Miyoshi) Miyoshi-Smith '72 Harriett (Smith) Leech '72 Nancy (Wilksen) Crook '72 Charles Klingler '72 Dean Teten '72 James Wilson '72 James Bailey '72 Jon Tritsch '72 Steve Stemper '72 Susan Hanley '72 Esther '72 and Richard Halbert Robert '73 and Beth (Drees '77) Rut

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The 2023 Peru State College Honor Roll of Donors Rick '73 and Kyle Black Fred '73 and Pamela Robertson Rena '73 and Richard Hall Robert Engles '73 Carole (Rarick) Obermeyer '73 Bonnie (Stemper) Hiykel '73 Danny Jeanneret '73 Fritz '74 and Charlene (Lutz '74) Stehlik Bob '74 and Lucienne (Giersch '76) Winter Janet '74 and Bruce Kirkendall James '74 and Elayne Landwehr Randy '74 and Kathryn Hansen Jack '74 and Sheryl Stanley Charles Rombach '74 Charles Heim '74 Michael Headley '74 Thomas Craig '74 Craig '75 and Susan (Henricksen '78) Dallegge Nancy '75 and Dale Nutzman Robert '75 and Deb Krajicek Debra '75 and Glen Stinn Russell '75 and Julie Barnes David '75 and Kathryn Chatelain John '75 and Marie Trayer Dennis '75 and Patti Brady Peggy '75 and Rodney Groff Vincent '75 and Wendy Sunderman David Laincz '75 Gleora (McCage) Covault '75 Dennis Williams '75 Robert Craig '75 Ruth (Gottula '76) and Donald '77 Doxon Lennie '76 and Dianne (Rees '76) Lahman Laurita (Tackett '76) and Scott '80 McKercher Raymond '76 and Carol (Shiells '00) Woerlen Linda '76 and Douglas Dickeson Michael '76 and Janet Davis John '76 and Jean Chatelain Anne '76 and Russell Collingwood Joseph Cluley '77 John '77 and Phyllis '14 Dierking Kathleen (Pietzyk '77) and Philip '85 Hall Colleen (Burger '77) and Vernon '90 Kreifels David '77 and Kim Stemper Joseph '77 and Stella Kotnik Rhonda '77 and Steve Burbach John Herbst '77

Ted Harshbarger '77 Ed '78 and Debra (Riha '80) Harris Yvonne (Pfannebecker '78) and Paul '69 Horel Richard '78 and Penny (Baker '78) Kimball Robert '78 and Katie Garcia Stephen '78 and Mary Jo Chatelain Rhonda '78 and Sandor Chomos Helen '78 and Tim Pugh Anne (Oestmann) Fitzgerald '78 Karen (Doeden) Spracklin '78 Mary (Priefert) Scott '78 Kevin Hart '78 Lance Wilson '78 Sherry Taylor '78 Shirley '78 and William Snyder Sharon '79 and Ronald Russell Phyllis (Butrick) Kreutzer '79 Beverly Pietzyk-Hardy '79 Mark ’79 Shively and Jay Genoa

Russ Freitag '83 Mary (Neels '84) and Jack '87 Frary Cara (Fritsch '84) and Randy '90 Simpson Lori ('84 Vrtiska) and Bryan Seibel Christina (Hosfelt '85) and Alan '86 Carothers Philip '85 and Kathleen (Pietzyk '77) Hall Theresa (Polsley '85) and James '86 Krajicek Todd '85 and Maggie Ross SaraBeth Donovan '85 Todd '86 and Brenda (Pawling '89) Anderson Patrick '86 and Amy (Sass '86) Dennis Vince '86 and Bonnie (Mick '86) Henzel Richard Shepard '86 Michelle (Workman '86) and Christopher ‘86 Salberg Mark Czapla ’87 Connie (Sims '87) and Elton '88 Edmond Pamela (Sherwood '87) and Kevin '88 Cosgrove Susan '87 and Paul Rice Amy '87 and Rick Clark Mary '87 and Thomas Rathe Kevin Rahner '87 Nancy Glasgow '87 Ron Pape '87 Christina (Banks '88) and Jerry '64 Joy Kenneth '88 and Gerilynn (Becker '88) Kerby Michael '88 and Stephanie Gerdes Darwin '88 and Tricia Gushard Beverly (Hawkins) Schwab '88 Judith (Scheer) Ruskamp '88 Bradley '89 and Andrea Smith Susan '89 and David Pease RoxAnn ('89 Dalton) and Douglas Coudeyras Mary (Shaffer) Grimes '89 Paul Bennett '89 Darren '89 and Amy Oestmann

Thank

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1980s Debra (Riha '80) and Ed '78 Harris Scott '80 and Laurita (Tackett '76) McKercher Becki (Young '80) and Kent '81 Propst Kevin '80 and Carmen (Gerstenschlager '80) Sterner Stacy '80 and Barbara Applegate Lonnie '80 and Darla Bane Jack '80 and Shelley Moles Del Novell '80 Julie (Brinkman '81) and Kip '83 Allison Kathleen (Reuter '81) and Mark '71 Weiler Tami (Snyder '81) and Darrell '82 Wellman Bill '81 and Joan Bruhn Deb '81 and Kevin Kinney Sheryl (Schultz) Larson '81 Rita Bristol '81 Cindy (Plantenga '82) and Tim '84 Hoffman Mark '82 and Diana (Shores '83) Watton Charles '82 and Emily Hummel Al '82 and Kristin Urwin Kathleen (Fleming) Pitzl '82 Rhea (Harshbarger) Spears '82 John Teten '82 Jeffrey '83 and Robin (Nelson '83) Smith Laurie (Graham) Schulte '83 Suzanne (North) Whisler '83 Kimberly Hill '83

1990s Vernon '90 and Colleen (Burger '77) Kreifels Steven '90 and Erin (O'Grady '91) Sayer Randy '90 and Cara (Fritsch '84) Simpson Judy (Mullins) Hughes '90 Holly (Baumgartner) Meyer '90 Judy (Janssen) Bors '90 Amy (Snyder '91) and Scott '02 Jones Nancy '91 and Larry Merz Janice (Henning) Smith '91 Teresa (Frye '92) and Ryan '93 Rischling

Merri ('92 Kolb) and Brad Johnson Steven '92 and Lisa Andersen Wei '92 and Stan Chong Jennifer '92 and Steven Wurzelbacher Jeff Janssen '92 Marian '93 and Larry '69 Henderson Timothy '93 and Lisa Bowen Dana (Briley) Stovall '93 Sara (Johnson) Veigel '93 LoReese (Lowe) Tibbs '93 Diana Conradt-Mullen '93 John Ramsey '93 Christopher '94 and Carrie Stangl Jason '94 and Dawn Fortik Kurt '94 and Maria Schlange Susan '94 and Michael Unruh Kristi '94 and Mickey Tunstall Peter '94 and Penny Dennis Mary (Nutzmen) Wenninghoff '94 Joan (Rinne) Fink '94 Ivan Wineglass '94 Ben '95 and Jamie (Brownfield '96) Royal Jeff '95 and Audra (Williams '95) Schawang Julie '95 and Matt Bauman Susan (Biere) Abrahams '95 Rhonda Brown ‘95 Paul Czapla '95 Diane (Coover) Thomas '96 Martha (Caldarulo '97) and Richard '69 Gibson Denise (Coupe '97) and Lee Kurpgeweit Jeffrey Hammer '97 Travis '98 and Kerry (Brandt '01) Evans Shawn '98 and Audrey (Fulton '98) Gibbs John '98 and Renee Sayer Sean McLaughlin '98 Celeste '99 and Lukas Jones Deborah (Larson) Breuer '99 Jeffrey Dean '99

Scott '03 and Lisa Nelsen Alan Gregersen '03 Stephanie (Arnold '04) and Gary '05 Mercer Krystal (Nolte '04) and Ben Howard Roger Virost '04 Christopher '05 and Lindsey (Baumgartner '06) Lindner Emily (Jantzen) Volker '05 Andrew Adams '05 Charles Benson '05 Karen Decker '05 Thomas '06 and Jari (Wehmeier '07) Dunekacke Joseph '06 and Kristin (Delaney '06) Tynon Joanna '06 and Braden Cielocha Ryan Odle '06 James '07 and Michelle Daberkow Melissa Davis '07 Christina '08 and Jason Wunderlich Debra (Spohr) Haveman '08 Justin Fulton '08 Julie (Stephens) Thompson '09 John Korthals '09

Dan and Sue Anderson Mark Beischel Mark Benson Douglas Bereuter Ray Boice Timothy Borchers and Susanne Williams Carolyn and Edgar Bredemeier Martha (Russell) and Ronald Brestel Robert S. Brigham Joe Burnett Renee S. Burrus Cindy Cammack Yvonne C. Chandler Jane B. Cheek Sara and John Crook Wayne and Betty Davidson Spencer and Vivian Davis Jesse and Kim Dorman Joyce Douglas Mike Ely Michael and Joanna Evans Richard and Jani Flynn Ken and Donna Frohlich Patricia Fuhrmann Gregory and Marcia Galardi Barbara and John George Wanda Griest E. Colene Hance DeAnn Hanson Dan and Elaine Hanson Jean and Dave Hillyer Suzanne Houlden Rogene Howard Vicky Jones Pat Kavanaugh Kelcie and Shane Keeling Meghan R. Krajicek Tammie Lang Craig Latscha Grace Leu Denise Lickteig Daryl Long Patricia Longley Helen Lundak Ruth McMaster Maxine L. Mehus Veronica Meier Amy Mincer Carolyn and Ken Murphy Kathleen and Wallace Nehls LaRhea Nichols

k you!

2000s Carol (Shiells '00) and Raymond '76 Woerlen Kathrine '00 and Mike Foster Ann (Scheitel '00) and Steve Severin Steven Heine '00 Kerry (Brandt '01) and Travis '98 Evans Karen (Weber '01) and Michale Horky Daniel '02 and Nikki (Moody '04) Hayes Scott '02 and Amy (Snyder '91) Jones Darlon Rohlff '02 Sheri Grotrian '02 Ted '03 and Jonathan Kaufman

2010s Lisa Parriott '10 Raedeahna Gerdes '10 Melissa '11 and Craig McLaughlin Todd '12 and Michelle (Tynon '14) Krause Robert Williamson '12 Wade '13 and Sara (Mencl '13) Halvorsen Cory Vasek '13 David Bierman '13 Devon Roesener '13 Phyllis '14 and John '77 Dierking Jeremy '14 and Gina Bittner Susan '14 and Richard Witt Katherine '15 and Mike '70 Tynon Beau Godwin '15 Craig Brown '16 Ryan '18 and Rachel Christensen Brenda Lutz '18 Daniel Cunningham '18 2020s Jouvurnen Hinkert '20 Daniel Gardiner '22 Randee (Witt '23) and Daniel Castillo ‘22 Kelli Kramer '23 Friends and Faculty/Staff Wayne and Joan Albury

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17

The 2023 Peru State College Honor Roll of Donors Friends and Faculty/Staff Cont.

Kathleen Ogle Gary Ogle Janet Owen Jan W. Passmore Carter Peterson Jim and Julie Pittenger Dean and Leann Pohlman Cheryl Prater Kimberly and Donald Regan Jennifer and Paul Rieken Donna and B. Rook James and Walta Ruff Gregory and Darolyn Seay Maynard Skinner Kim L. Smith William and Shirley ’78 Snyder Barbara J. Steck Linda Sundberg Marlys Swenson-Waller Carrie Teichrow

Jacqueline Uhri Terri Vrtiska Linda Warren Marvin and Corinne Wastell Alfred G. Wheeler, Jr. Daniel and Jennifer Wilke Earl Wittmer Jody Woodworth Esther E. Wyant Darla Zink Jennifer True Businesses and Organizations Abel Foundation Aegon Transamerica Foundation American Society of Parasitologists Auburn State Bank Barbara Anna Thomas Trust BNSF Railway Company Bridges Investment Mgmt Inc Clifford & Bradford Athletic Foundation

Creating Art, Creating Memories The Peru State Art Department has produced many talented individuals over the years and the program has been an important part of many Bobcat students’ experiences. Whether painting, sculpting, running their own business, or creating graphic designs, PSC art majors have a wide range of backgrounds.

In this feature by Ted L. Harshbarger ‘77, who has written prior stories on PSC authors and musicians, we will look at experiences of several alumni art majors who are accomplished in their various occupations.

Heath Miller “I have always liked to draw from an early age, and growing up in a print shop, I never ran out of paper,” stated Heath Miller ‘91, of Lincoln, Neb. “The two things I really enjoyed drawing as a child were sprint cars and football players.”

For Miller, the biggest change in his industry has been the advent of computers, which really were not used much when he was in college.

His first job out of college was as an illustrator for a computer magazine. The first six months at the magazine, he worked with colored pencils and watercolors.

Eventually, he started using art software for technical illustrations of the inside of computers.

The programs were simply better tools to create these types of illustrations. Miller was still drawing but was now mostly using a mouse instead of pencils and paints.

After four years at the magazine, he moved to Cliffs Notes where he started down the path of art with animation and 3D software. By learning those new tools, it set Miller up for his career in broadcast TV for the last 26 years.

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Community Insurance Group Inc Cornhusker Bank Countryside Bank Enterprise Holdings Foundation Farm Credit Services of America Forvis Frontier Bank General Electric Foundation Home Depot JEO Foundation Lifetime Vision Center Mark E. Leibman Family Charitable Fund Nebraska Arts Council Nebraska Community Foundation Nebraska FBLA-PBL Inc. Karl H. and Wealtha H. Nelson Family Foundation State Farm Companies Foundation Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Vandeberg Family Foundation Vincent & Marie Kreifels Family Foundation

Major Accomplishments

Miller identifies two major accomplishments he is most proud of during his career.

One of his favorite accomplishments was designing the logo for KOLN/KGIN - Channel 10/11 back in 1999. Growing up watching 10/11 as a kid he never thought he would work there or design a logo that almost everyone in Nebraska has seen.

His second biggest accomplishment was the painting he was commissioned to do of Coach Al Wheeler for the alumni class of 1968. Former PSC Art Professor Paul Fell ‘67, approached him about doing a painting of the legendary Coach Wheeler for the entrance to the Al Wheeler Activity Center on campus. Miller had not painted in some time, but immediately said yes.

“It is an honor to have a painting of mine on display hanging at the school.” he said.

Reflection on College Years

“I couldn’t have made a better choice than Peru State,” noted Miller. He wasn’t planning to attend PSC, but his Beatrice High School counselor thought it would be good for him to tour the campus.

Miller took his portfolio in case he was able to meet one of the art professors. The admissions ambassador saved the art room for last on the tour so he could have time to check it out. That’s when he met Ken Anderson, one of the art faculty members.

Anderson noted the department had recently moved into the AV Larson building. Miller couldn’t believe how big the space was. After visiting Anderson and showing him his portfolio, Miller was offered an art scholarship. At that point, he knew Peru State was the place for him.

During his time at Peru State, Miller noted that he learned so much from Anderson and the late Dr. Leland (Shorty) Sherwood ‘57. Their doors were always open if you needed advice, had questions, or just wanted to hang out to see what art they were creating.

Miller often thinks of projects he did in college and wonders how he would approach them now after having real world experience. He recalls Anderson always asking art students, “What if....?” He notes he still asks himself that a lot when he’s working on his animation projects to this day.

He still stays in contact with Anderson to this day as he said, “he has made a very large impact on my life.” Miller lives in Lincoln, Neb. with his wife the former Judy Truelsen ‘91. Heath continues to work for KOLN/KGIN as a graphic artist/promotions. In addition, he does graphic work for KSNB and KNOP.

create.”

Tennal was also mesmerized by the paintings adorning their family walls. She later found out that the paintings were done by her dad’s mom, the late Dayle Tennal ‘72, who also attended Peru State. Learning about her grandmother’s background and after attending art workshops and taking art classes in high school, Pickerill became interested in art education.

She is presently teaching 9-12 art in the Nebraska City Public Schools and lives in Unadilla with her husband, Sam.

Classes at Peru State and Changes Since Then

The art courses Pickerill took while at Peru State are all applicable to her art teaching career today as she passes down the skills and techniques she learned to her current students.

Today’s technology has made more art resources readily available and continue to evolve. Pickerill’s students can find inspiration from anywhere they look, whether it be social media or digital art platforms.

As an educator, she has adapted to the continually evolving changes by using different media to present and incorporate into her teaching but also stresses the importance of originality.

As an educator, Pickerill is proud of her students when they have small victories in the classroom or when they are successful in competitions.

In addition, she also values the production of her own art in her own time. Her professors pushed her to create art for myself, not just for an assignment. Her proudest accomplishment is having sold a piece of artwork to someone in each of the 50 states and four different countries.

Networking has been a vital part of Pickerill’s career in art education. Even after 15 years of teaching, she is still in contact and asks questions of her art professors, cooperating teacher, and fellow art teachers. She also uses social media to make connections and continues to build a strong professional network.

Challenges and Role of Continued Learning

Pickerill was offered an unexpected teaching opportunity while she was still in college. So, she learned early on, especially in the art field, to jump on opportunities, because they don’t come around very often. As she has continued her teaching career, she has learned to expect daily/yearly challenges and has navigated those challenges.

Being a life-long learner was something which was instilled in her during her time at Peru State and she has continued with this frame of mind. It is important for Pickerill to keep up with the latest art trends and changes in technology, whether it be through taking a class, visiting a gallery, or researching different techniques.

Pickerill’s Reflections

“Your career path does not have to be linear or follow your intended trajectory,” remarked Pickerill. “The skills you learned and your passion for creativity will always be with you as you embark on your own professional journey.”

Pickerill notes that art has a “voice,” and it is important to let it speak. She tries to provide her students with the necessary tools to express themselves which will open doors for visual communications.

One of her fondest memories was being greeted with open arms by her Peru State College art professors on day one. Pickerill said they were all caring and understanding, even when they showed her tough love on occasion.

Some additional favorite memories were when Prof. Ken Anderson came to one of her basketball games and seeing how long Prof. Randy Waln could grow his goatee each year. Finally, she recalls the privilege of studying under the late Dr. Leland Sherwood.

Pickerill noted that each one of her professors shared their vast knowledge of art production, taught her life lessons, and now, even catches herself using some of each’s sayings to her own students.

The passion quickly turned into designing for many other things as well.

Merz notes he uses his education every day. From widespread use of programs and color theory and composition, he continues to learn and grow with the graphic arts industry. “You have to pay attention to the world around you and evolve with it,” Merz said.

He and his wife Emily (Baber ’12) own and operate Merz Ink and have three locations – Auburn, Nebraska City, and Falls City. In addition, they are the proprietors of The Cat Cave Spirit Store on the Peru State campus.

The programs he uses in his business are always changing and improving the way they work. In addition, styles are always changing so he tries to stay up on what is current.

Accomplishments and Professional Connections

“I am consistently finding new accomplishments to be proud of,” stated Merz. “We have had continued growth in our business every year of operation. We have worked on large projects with large companies but continue to serve all consumers.”

Logan, Daphne, Emilie, and Dax Merz noted recent accomplishments include doing a bus wrap for Crete High School and 100 feet of wrestling wall mats for Falls City High School.

The cultivation of new relationships is one of the biggest assets an artist, and a business owner, has. Merz said you should never take meeting someone for granted. He has made good connections with customers in the most random places just by having a conversation and keeping the relationship active.

He believes word of mouth will get more business than any billboard. Also, “happy” customers will tell others about their pleasant experience and in turn you get another customer. Merz also noted that unhappy customers will also tell others. He tries to keep all customers happy and if there is an issue, he tries to fix it.

Challenges and Opportunities

Merz noted the biggest challenge he has faced has not been with day-to-day art or production work but balancing his own workload with that of his employees. Merz learned that being prepared and organized saves him from losing customers.

Opportunities abound and the adage “you learn something new every day” is never far from Merz’s mind. “If you stop learning, you will be left in the dust,” he said. He learns most from social media platforms. Merz also pays attention to fashion trends to see what people are wearing to try to implement those ideas into his designs.

AI (artificial intelligence) will be the biggest development to impact the design world according to Merz. He is trying to stay true to his craft and tries to avoid AI as it isn’t quite there for what he does but does use it for simple things such as changing backgrounds in photos.

Merz Reflections

Merz suggests that any art major stay passionate and never lose the fun. He encourages people to exercise the artistic side of their brain and to always be kind and honest.

On thinking about favorite Peru State moments, Merz said there are far too many to name.

However, Professors Ken Anderson and Randy Waln had a significant impact on the way he perceives the world and the art that is all around us.

“Things we all take for granted had to be designed by someone. Think about that. The keyboard I’m typing on was designed by a team of people down to the font of the keys,” he said.

Merz did share one anecdote, when Anderson told him that he had the worst painting he had seen in 30 years of teaching. Merz noted it was not said with malice, but Anderson saw potential in him and knew it would motivate him to do better. Merz knows it takes a great teacher to know students well enough to motivate them.

Merz said there were many faculty members throughout his time at Peru State College that influenced and guided him along the path of figuring out who he was. “But at the risk of missing someone, they will remain unnamed. You know who you are!”

The Stater 19

Look At These Bobcats Go! 1950s Regina “Jean” (Stander ’54) Colbert of Weeping Water, Neb. was awarded the Modern Woodmen’s Hometown Hero Award in August. Jean was recognized for her boundless energy and tireless dedication to her community.

Dr. Robert Bohlken ’59 professor emeriti of communication and theatre art at Northwest Missouri State University received the International Listening Association’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Bob is a lifetime member of the ILA and has delivered 20 research presentations at ILA conferences.

Bob established and taught listening behavior courses at NWMSU. He and his wife Mary (Riley ’66) reside in Maryville, Mo. They are longtime supporters of Peru State and recently established a scholarship for elementary education or language arts students.

1970s Edgewater Insurance, LLC, proudly announced the addition of Jeff Greenwald ’71 to its Board of Directors in January.

Edgewater Insurance has over 50 years in the insurance industry and was pleased to add Greenwald, with his expertise, to their board.

Greenwald is currently the chair of the Peru State College Foundation.

Hearts United for Animals celebrated 20 years of service to pets and the people who love them in October. Founded by Carol Wheeler ’74 HUA is a no-kill animal shelter. HUA has provided medical and rehab care for countless strays and abused animals. Carol and her husband Denny are longtime residents of Auburn, Neb. Teresa Gebers ’78 of Norfolk, Neb. retired after 37 years of teaching. In addition to teaching, she served as a foster parent to 85 children over the years. Teresa enjoys traveling and spending quality time with friends and family.

1980s Mary (Beccard ’82) Farris of Nebraska City, Neb. was presented the Philanthropist of the Year award by the Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund. Mary and her husband Nile, owners of the Valentino’s Restaurant in Nebraska City, were honored for their donations to community, school and church organizations.

Dave Uldrich ’82 coached cross country for Tri County Northeast (Neb.) High School this fall and had a qualifier in the girls race at the Nebraska School Activities Association Class D State Championship.

Lori (Vrtiska ’84) Seibel of Lincoln was featured in an article in the Lincoln Journal Star discussing poverty in Lancaster County.

Seibel, the CEO and president of the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln,

20 The Stater

is working with other agencies to combat the situation in the capital city. Seibel is a member the Peru State College Foundation Board of Directors.

Seattle Spartan Super 10K and was invited to represent the USA and compete in The Obstacle Course Racing World Championships 2023.

Shawn Ostransky ’86 coached the Fullerton (Neb.) High School girls golf team as they participated in the Nebraska School Activities Association Class C State Championship.

Kelli Jurey-Reetz ’95 of Indianola, Iowa is the new high school special education teacher for the Clarke Community (Iowa) School.

Margaret Spiers ’86 of Nebraska City, Neb. continues helping others through Christmas Wishes, an organization she founded 2018. Margee provided blessing bags to cancer patients and nurses last holiday season.

Dean Farley ’87 of Syracuse, Neb. was an assistant volleyball coach for the Gretna East Griffins which qualified for the Nebraska School Activities Association volleyball state championships.

Elton Edmond ’88, Masters ’16 of Lincoln, Neb. was awarded the Rotary Golden Wheel in October. Elton founded Mentoring Plus, where he has developed programs to mentor underserved youth, giving them social, emotional, and professional skills. He was selected by Lincoln South Rotary Club.

Elton serves as the Vice Chair of the Peru State College Foundation.

Angela “Angie” (Sellin ’97) Smit was recently promoted to Register in Probate, Juvenile Clerk and Judicial Assistant for Green Lake County circuit court in Green Lake (Wis.).

Lisa (Vierow ’98) Othmer is teaching K-12 vocal and instrumental music for USD 113 at Axtell (Kan.) Public School.

Louie Keim ’99 coached cross country at Thayer Central (Neb.) High School this fall and had a qualifier in the boys and girls races at the Nebraska School Activities Association Class D State Championships.

Kellie (Vallinch ’99) Solomon was an assistant coach for the Papillion-La Vista South Titans volleyball team which qualified for the Nebraska School Activities Association Volleyball Championship.

Solomon is a former Peru State volleyball player.

2000s

1990s Julia Perry ’90 of Peru, Neb. has accepted a position with Nebraska Public Power District as an ET auditor.

Phil Burlingame ’92, Masters ’03 coached the unified sports bowling team at Bellevue West (Neb.) High School this fall.

Burlingame led his team to the Nebraska School Activities Association Class A State Championship competition.

Margo LaBrie ’92, Masters ’95 of Aurora, Neb., a fourth-grade teacher and head girls basketball coach at Hampton Public Schools, recorded her 200th career win in December.

Margo played volleyball for the Bobcats.

Trudy (Carsh ’93) Fankhauser of Humboldt was recognized as the “Woman of the Year” during the opening night of the Richardson County Fair in September. The very active community member taught for many years in the HTRS school system.

Stacy (Anderson ’94) Taylor has been named as a “Rural Hospital CFOs to Know” in Becker’s Hospital Review recent edition.

Becker’s honors those who are dedicated to optimizing healthcare in rural areas. Stacy is the CFO at Nemaha County Hospital (Neb.). She has managed the hospital’s financial and business responsibilities for 16 years.

Wendy Livingston ’95 has been named executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Jeld-Wen Holding, Inc. Mark Meadows ’95 of Juniata, Neb. was among the top performers at the

Darin Garfield ’01, Masters ’16 of Marquette, Neb. was named the National High School Athletic Coaches Association wrestling coach of the year. Darin teaches physical education and coaches at Central City (Neb.) Public Schools. During his tenure the Bison have captured four state championships and two state runner-up finishes. He has coached 11 state champions, including one three-time champion and four two-time champions. Darin will be inducted into the Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association Class of 2024 Hall of Fame. Darin played football for the Bobcats and was a Swenson Award recipient.

Ryan Hogue ’01 was recognized by the Nebraska Coaches Association for his years of service as a coach.

Carrie (Alexander ’03) Geyer of Firth, Neb. has been promoted to enablement content manager at Perceptyx.

Meghan (Scanlan ’03) Jennings of Elkhorn, Neb. was an official at the Nebraska High School State Volleyball Championships in November. Jennings was a former Bobcat volleyball player.

Jamie (McBride ’03) Perkins of Temple, Texas has accepted a new position as administrator at The Brazos of Waco.

Shawn Wehenkel ’03 coached the Auburn (Neb.) High School girls’ golf team as they participated in the Nebraska School Activities Association Class C State Championship.

Cody Hawley Masters ’04 coached cross country at Falls City (Neb.) High School this

fall and had a qualifier in the boys race at the Nebraska School Activities Association Class C State Championship.

divisions in the Nebraska School Activities Association Class C State Championships.

Conn played football for the Bobcats.

Sunshine (Mikkelsen ’04) Taylor of Brownville received the Rising Star award at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce Banquet in November. Taylor and her husband, Ryan, own Scarlet + Green and Korner Kitchen.

Keith Willis-Auger attd. ’12 - ‘14 has accepted a position as the special teams coordinator/wide receivers coach at Central Methodist University (Mo.). Keith played football for the Bobcats for two seasons.

Katy (Thomas ’07) Billings of Auburn received the Community Leader of the Year in November at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Billings manages the Wellness Center of Auburn and is on the Auburn City Council.

Jeff Dahms Masters ’07 was an assistant coach for the Omaha Skutt (Neb.) High School Skyhawks football team. Skutt participated in the Nebraska School Activities Association Class B state championship in November.

Gail (Kiefer Masters ’07) Froeschl and husband Marty served as grand marshals of the 2023 Cobblestone parade in Falls City, Neb. Vicki Hume ’07 is the new PK-12 principal at Essex (Iowa) Community Schools.

Kristopher “Kris” Miller ’09 of Hiawatha, Kan. has accepted a position at the Hiawatha World newspaper. Kris will oversee news and editorial content.

Kelley (Scanlan ’09) Steele of Plattsmouth, Neb. served as an official at the Nebraska High School State Volleyball Championships in November. Scanlan played volleyball for Peru State.

Mary Trecek ’09 of Bellevue, Neb. received her doctorate from Vanderbilt University (Tenn.) in 2023.

Jamie Wolbert ’09 of Hays, Kan. earned her Master of Special Education from Fort Hays State University in July.

2010s Jerlyn (Cummins ‘09’, ’20) Balfany has accepted a position with Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing as a governmental accountant.

Tahrae Bonnes ’10 has accepted a position with Kearney (Neb.) Public Schools as an elementary resource teacher.

Nathan “Nate” Jeter ’10 is the new high school principal for the Nodaway-Holt R-VII school district (Mo.).

Julie Coatney ’11 of Peru, Neb. earned her lean six sigma black belt certification in September.

Amanda Drier ’13 earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver in December.

Nate Bohy ’15 of Omaha, Neb. was sworn in as a probation officer for the State of Nebraska in October.

Brent Brown ’15 was sworn in as a Peru, Neb. City Council Member. Brown is a member of the Nemaha County Sheriff Department. He played baseball for the Bobcats.

Delaney (Rees ’15) Roberts accepted a position to teach fourth grade at JohnsonBrock (Neb.) Public Schools.

Dean Wood ’15, Masters ’16 coached the unified sports bowling team at Bennington (Neb.) High School this fall. Wood led the Badgers to the Nebraska School Activities Association Class B State Championship competition.

Logan Paben ’16 of Omaha, Neb. was an assistant coach for the Elkhorn South Storm football team which participated in Nebraska School Activities Association Class A State Championship game. Paben played football for the Bobcats and was the winner of one of the NAIA’s top awards – the A.O. Duer Award.

Cristal Quinonez ’16 has joined the coaching staff of NM Storm, a club volleyball team in N.M. Cristal played volleyball for the Bobcats.

Whitni Redman ’16 has joined the faculty at Binghamton University (N.Y.) as an assistant research professor.

Nita Whitney ’16 of Auburn, Neb. displayed her art in the Kimmel Gallery at the Morton-James Public Library in Nebraska City last August. The exhibition was entitled “Just Nita”.

Mary “Meg” Grose ’18 has been named the head volleyball coach at New Mexico Highlands University. Meg was a four-year starting setter for the Bobcats and a two-time NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete.

Jason Mayer ’18 of Omaha, Neb. was one of 15 finalists selected to participate in the Wild West Songfest in Deadwood, S.D.

Jan DeBuhr ’11 was re-elected to serve as the Auburn Chamber of Commerce president for 2024. DeBuhr works for Apace Auburn.

Padyn Borders attd. ’19-’20 was promoted to the position of recruiting coordinator for men’s basketball for the University of Nebraska. Padyn played basketball for the Bobcats.

Andrew Conn ’12 coaches both boys and girls cross country this fall at Palmyra (Neb.) High School. He had qualifiers in both

Charles “Chaz” Dunn ’19, ’22 is the new varsity baseball head coach for Lincoln (Neb.) High School. Chaz played baseball (continued on page 21)

Look At These Bobcats Go! Bobcats in Love! Bobcat Babies! for the Bobcats. He was a three-time Heart of America Conference scholar-athlete and a Swenson award winner.

Susan (Sisco ’19) Peoples is the new K-6 art teacher at Chase County Schools in Imperial, Neb.

Schools Repertoire and Resources Chair for the Nebraska Choral Directors Association.

Morgan is the vocal music instructor at Platteview (Neb.) High School.

Gretchen Tharp ’22 has been accepted into the University of Missouri Master of Library and Information Science program.

April Ascheman ’20 of Tecumseh, Neb. was sworn in as a probation officer for the State of Nebraska in October.

Lorenzo Anderson ’23 has signed a contract to play professional basketball for the Irbis Almatay in Kazakhstan. Lorenzo was a starting player for the Bobcat’s basketball team.

Maggie (Tomek ’20) Badertscher is the new kindergarten teacher for Johnson County (Neb.) Central Schools.

Bailey Bitz ’23 has accepted a teaching position at Millard (Neb.) North Middle School.

Jessica (Weickert ’20) Finke served as an assistant coach for the Beatrice (Neb.) High School girls golf team which qualified for the Nebraska School Activities Association Class B State Championship.

Sebastian Boelhower ’23 presented at the Nebraska Music Educators Association conference. He also was the recipient of a NMEA student teacher grant.

2020s

Dominic Montero ’20, a former offensive lineman for the Bobcat football team in 2019, is the owner of two indoor football teams which will begin competing in the American Football League this spring.

Montero is the owner of the Cedar Rapids River Kings and the River City Rage. The Rage will call the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, their home. After graduating from Peru State, Montero played professional indoor football for the Salina Liberty and Bismarck Bucks before serving as the general manager and offensive line coach for the Topeka Tropics.

Madison “Madi” Panko ’20 accepted a position with Johnson County (Neb.) Central Schools as a second grade teacher.

Hannah Sexton ’20 of Lincoln, Neb. was an assistant coach for the Lincoln Southwest Silver Hawks volleyball team which participated in the Nebraska School Activities Association state volleyball tournament in November. Sexton is a former Bobcat volleyball player.

Taylor Finke ’21 was an assistant coach for the Gretna (Neb.) East golf team this fall.

Sohail Mohsini ’21 of Brentwood, Calif. has accepted a position with Paycom as an outside sales representative.

Destiny (Maguire ’21) Okpalefe of Omaha, Neb. has accepted a position in the marketing department of Right at Home as a social media specialist.

Danielle Pfister ’21 is the new third grade teacher at Auburn (Neb.) Public Schools.

Alexandra “Lexi” Chavarria ’22 has accepted a third grade teaching position at Rancho Santana (Calif.) School.

Chris Giittinger ’22 has accepted a position with Fiserv as a dispute expert.

Braden Hawley ’22 has accepted a position with Johnson County (Neb.) Central Schools. Braden is teaching music, chorus and band.

Morgan Kroll ’22 will serve as the Small

Jerica German ’23 was recently hired to teach second grade for the Auburn (Neb.) Public School system.

Austin Martin ’23 served as an assistant director for the Pawnee City (Neb.) One-Act Play which finished as the runner-up in the Nebraska School Activities Association Class D1 State Championships in December.

Cheyan Rokey ’23 has accepted a teaching position at Auburn (Neb.) Public Schools.

Cheyan will be teaching algebra and mathematics.

Friends Joan Albury, former head women’s basketball coach at Peru State accepted a position at Auburn (Neb.) Public Schools teaching mathematics and computers. Joan is in her 35th year of teaching. She and husband Wayne have 3 children. Daughters Whitley ’16 and Morgan ’19 are graduates of APS and son Eli is a senior.

member for the Auburn (Neb.) Public Schools.

Dr. Amber Mahan, former dean of school of professional studies is the new director of professional standards and development at Cass County sheriff’s office.

Long-time Peru supporter Daryl Obermeyer of Brownville, Neb. was honored by the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts with the 2023 Soil Stewardship Conservation Award in September. Daryl and his wife Jackie have operated a cow/calf and rotational cropping system that includes cover crops for several decades in Nemaha County (Neb.).

Faculty & Staff Dr. Sara Crook, professor emerita of political science and history, presented a program “Nebraska’s Winding Road to Statehood in the Footsteps of a Female Settler” in Indianola, Neb. in August. Dr. Crook portrayed Barbara Kagi Mayhew Bradway.

Dr. Dan Holtz, professor emeritus of English, was the September speaker in the One Book, One Brownville presentations at the Schoolhouse Art Gallery and Nature Center in Brownville, Neb. Dr. Holtz presented a program on Willa Cather’s writings. He concluded his presentation by singing Three Women, an original composition about Cather, Aldrich and Sandoz.

Dr. Frank Lynott, associate professor of health, physical education, and recreation, and four students attended the SHAPE Nebraska state conference. The four students were honored with “Major of the Year” awards.

Wayne Albury, long-time head baseball coach and athletic director for the Bobcats, is the new athletic director and baseball coach at Lighthouse Christian College (Fla.).

Dr. Kathi Nehls, associate professor of history, presented a program at the Schoolhouse Art Gallery and Nature Center in Brownville, Neb. in August. Dr. Nehls addressed Americans past acceptance of Native Americans. The presentation was sponsored by the Brownville Fine Arts Association.

Dr. Michael Barger, former professor of biology, was named the Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Stephens College (Mo.) in June.

Angela Seidl, assistant director of human resources at Peru State College, is serving on the Auburn (Neb.) Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

First Lady Joanna Evans presented a program on vintage quilts made in the 19th and 20th centuries at the Schoolhouse Art Gallery and Nature Center in Brownville, Neb. in October. Joanna is the editor of Uncoverings, the research journal of the American Quilt Study Group. She is also a freelance writer and editor. The presentation was sponsored by the Brownville Fine Arts Association.

The Eta-Delta chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta honor society at Peru State College was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Best Chapter Award for Division 1 by the Phi Alpha Theta National Committee. Advisors for the group are PSC faculty members, Dr. Kathi Nehls, associate professor of history; Dr. Jason Phillips, assistant professor of history; and Erik Davis, assistant professor of history.

Elizabeth Kernes-Krause of Julian, Neb. was recognized in September as a 2023 Awards of Achievement recipient by the Nebraska Association of Schools Boards (NASB) directors and staff. Kernes-Krause has been a longtime board of education

Bobcats In Love Darrick Ramaekers ’12 and Stefeni Bond were married in November in Franklin, Ind. J.L. Thomason ’12, Masters ’14 and Vickie Sheley were married in December in Florida.

J.L. played baseball for the Bobcats and later was an assistant coach for the baseball team before taking on the head softball duties.

Vickie had served as an athletic trainer for Peru State for more than a decade.

Angi Bridgmon ‘15 and Brian Pugh were married in November.

Kellan Garber ’17 and Shelby Brown were married in November in Lincoln, Neb. Matthew Sontag ’17 and Jenna Gruber attd.’13-’16 were married in October in Omaha.

Hailey Bouwens ’19 and Quinton Flynn ’19 were married in November in Lincoln, Neb. Hailey and Que met at a Peru State intramural slo-pitch softball game when he hit a line drive that hit Hailey in the head. Que scored a run, Hailey sustained a concussion, her team won the game and, as they say, the rest is history.

Sierra Renner ’19 and Garrett Goering were married in September.

Elizabeth “Liz” (Busboom ’12, Masters ’14) Ambegbeto and husband Komlan of Omaha. welcomed a baby boy Noah Thomas in July. Noah was welcomed home by big sister Zafirah.

Amanda ’13 and Ryan ’15 Arnold of Fulshear, Texas are proud parents of a son, Marshall Jett born in July. Marshall was welcomed home by big sister Mackenzie and big brother Maverick.

Alejo ’11 and Tara (Carstens ’13) Gonzalez of Las Vegas, Nev. are proud parents of a son, Diego Andres, born in August.

Emily (Maresh ’13, Masters ’16) Restau and husband Nick of Milford, Neb. welcomed a baby boy, Rustin Wayne in August.

Matt Novak ’14 and wife Kayla of Blair, Neb. welcomed a son, Colsen David in September.

Cassie (Leonard ’14) Tangen and husband Zachary are the proud parents of a baby boy born in December. Thomas Levi was welcomed home by three big sisters and one big brother. Cassie is the director of the honors program and instructor of math.

Makalah Scheele ’21 and John “JT” Lonnborg ’20 were married in September.

Devon Moore ’17 and wife Amber are proud parents of a daughter, Cameron born in August.

Destiny Maguire ’21 and Michael Okpalefe ’21 were married in September in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The couple met at Peru State during their freshman year.

Garrett ’17 and Antonia (Kean ’17) Harring of Falls City, Neb. welcomed Zayne Joseph to their family in November. Zayne was welcomed home by a big brother Max and sister Hallie.

Bailey Bryant ’21 and Kaleb Williams ’22 were married in December. The couple are making their home and teach in Grand Island, Neb.

Jarvis Green ’18 and wife Ale of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a son born in September. Amos Ariel was welcomed home by a big brother.

Olivia Welch ’22 and Brandon Sullivan ’21 were married in Nebraska City, Neb. in July. Oliva and Brandon met while attending Peru State.

Rachel (Loecker ’19) Nesteby and husband Forde welcomed a baby boy. Odin William Wayne arrived in October.

Addison Gyhra ’22 and Noah Wynn ’22 were married in Auburn, Neb. in October.

Morgan Ritchie ’19 and Lucas Homolka are proud parents of a baby girl, Raelyn Mae, born in December.

Bobcat Babies…

Erin Snyder ’19 and Amos Allen welcomed a daughter, Nyla Faye, in July.

Ryan Chappelle ’03 and wife Courtney of Smyrna, Ga. are proud parents of a baby girl, Anniston Carol, who arrived in October and was welcomed home by two big sisters.

Mike Mertens ‘08 and wife Justine of Hastings, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Philippa Elizabeth born in December. Pippa was welcomed home by big brother Henry.

Bailey (Kuhlmann ’20) Hickey and husband Jesse of Stella, Neb. welcomed a baby girl, Morgan Alice in September.

Mattie Nichols ’23 and Garrison Dodge of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a son.

Burke Patrick arrived in December.

Alex O’Brien ’10 and wife Emilee of Geneva, Neb. welcomed a beautiful daughter, Brynnlee Maelene in November 2022.

Kesha (Beethe ’12, Masters ’17) and Marshall Klontz ‘15 of Bonney Lake, Wash. are proud parents of a baby boy.

Boone Elliot was born in October.

The Stater 21

Bobcats We Will Miss (continued from page 21)

Bobcats We Will Miss...

1940s Marvin Thomas attd. ’40 – ‘41 formerly of Topeka, Kan. passed away in November.

Marvin established the architectural firm Marvin L. Thomas & Associates. His firm provided design and construction management services and left significant footprints in numerous buildings throughout the state of Kansas. Marvin published a book, was an accomplished artist but his greatest pride and legacy is his family.

Helen (Wylie ’42) Adrian of Yerington, Nev. passed away in May. Helen enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom, gardening and baking.

Norma (Vohs ’42) Sporhase of Norfolk, Neb. passed away in March 2023. She was a schoolteacher and active in her church.

Jean (McGaugh ’43) Ward of Aurora, Neb. passed away in January. Jean was an avid reader and word search puzzle fan.

Word has been received that Joe Geist ’45 passed away September 2022. Joe enlisted in the US Navy during WWII and served in the Naval Reserve for 22 years. He was a product design engineer for Goodyear and held numerous patents. Joe was the vice president of Geist, Inc. a company founded by his father. He was a dedicated blood donor who donated well over 30 gallons and drove the train at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo (Neb.).

Colleen (Gauchat ’45) Rader of Brock, Neb. passed away in December. Colleen had an immense passion for music. She played the organ, piano and bugle. Colleen was also an avid gardener.

Joan (Lovelady attd. ’46) Hodges of Julian, Neb. passed away in April 2023.

Richard “Dick” Mastain ’46 of Ashland, Ore. passed away in April 2023. Dick attended Navy officer training at Peru State, where he ran the mile in 4:35. He was an educator and administrator. Dick also worked for the Peace Corps as a consultant in Nigeria. Dick played basketball for the Bobcats and was a Hall of Fame team inductee.

Word has been received that Shirley (Raper ’48) Stevicks passed away in January 2023.

Children and teaching were Shirley’s first love.

Bernard “Bernie” Bliefernich ’49 of Geneva, Neb. passed away in August.

Bernie was proud to have served in the Navy in WWII. He was an educator, and the majority of his career was spent as a superintendent. Bernie was known for his woodworking abilities and was an avid golfer.

At the age of 70 he hit two hole-in-ones and continued golfing into his early 90s.

Dorothy (Maynard ’49) Hallstrom of Omaha, Neb. passed away in March 2023.

22 The Stater

At Peru, Dorothy was the band majorette when she met the one and only love of her life, future husband, Tom ’49, who was a Bobcat basketball player. Dorothy and Tom were married over 73 years. Dorothy taught school for over 25 years. She was selected to be in the very first class of Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award winners for excellence in teaching.

1950s Robert Boesel ’50 of Arlington Heights, Ill. passed away in June 2023. He was a beloved teacher and taught English and sponsored the yearbook for 36 years. Robert married late in life and was a stay-at-home dad before there was the term. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, photography and trips to Disney World and Disney Land.

Katherine (Kinghorn attd. ’50 – ‘51) Smidt formerly of Shenandoah, Iowa passed away in December. Katherine loved to play the piano.

Carolyn (Yohe attd. ’52) Foss of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in May 2023. Carolyn worked at Bryan Hospital for 20 years and was an avid bowler.

Word has been received that Monica (Zeiner ’53) Prim of Overbrook, Kan. passed away in February 2023. Monica taught elementary school and loved to bake, cook, knit, sew, and quilt.

Edward Allen ’54 of Maricopa, Ariz. passed away in October. Ed was an avid golfer, loved to bowl, play pool and hunt.

Kenneth Hoag ’54 of Sedona, Ariz. passed away in August. An Army veteran, he founded a business forms company that he operated for over 30 years. Ken enjoyed traveling, tennis, golf, and card games. Ken is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Mary (Handley ’54).

Shirley (Buchholz ’55) Meinzer of Falls City, Neb. passed away in November. Shirley taught school and was active in her church and community.

Eula (Anderson ’55) Nook of Parkersburg, Iowa passed away in May. Dianne (Lidolph ’56) Trout of Filley, Neb. passed away in November. Dianne considered herself a farmer. She and her husband ran a hog operation and developed an award winning registered black angus cattle herd. Dianne was known as the “cookie lady”.

Lee McGinnis attd. ’56 - ‘57 of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in October. Lee met the love of his life, Bev while at Peru State. Lee farmed and raised livestock.

He continued to help with the McGinnis Family Farms operation until his passing.

Lee enjoyed boating, water sports and snow skiing.

Marilyn (Meyer ’58) Naggatz of Valparaiso, Neb. passed away in August. Marilyn was an elementary school teacher and very active in her church.

Jon Riley Ruby ’58 of Denver, Colo. passed away in December. Jon taught history and drivers education but found his true calling as the head boys’ swimming coach. He coached swimming for over 25 years, which led to the development of two All-American swimmers. Jon played basketball and football for the Bobcats.

Ruth “Eileen” (DeFreece ’58) Turner of Omaha, Neb. passed away in July 2023.

Eileen was a giving person with a quick wit, wonderful sense of humor and a beautiful smile.

Wayne Pressnall ’59 of North Platte, Neb. passed away last July. In 1959, at a summer job at Yellowstone National Park, he met his future wife, Gloria Epps. He visited Gloria for the holidays and wrote a letter to her every day until they were married in June 1960.

Wayne lived a very interesting and active life full of love and adventure. He is survived by his wife Gloria ’66.

1960s John Wayne “Buddy” Bookwalter ’60 of Visalia, Calif. passed away in April 2023.

After teaching for a short time, he accepted a position with Dean Witter where he remained for 35 years. John loved challenges and was forever optimistic in all situations.

He was a punter for the Bobcats and ran track. John met his lifelong love Beverly (Mehlin attd.) at Peru State.

Donald Kasbohm ’60 of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in September. He was active in his community and served on several boards. Don played football for the Bobcats.

Gerald “Jerry” Jeanneret ’61 of Omaha, Neb. passed away in August. He worked for the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department for almost 30 years. Jerry was a pitcher for the Bobcats and was a loyal fan of Bobcat baseball.

Dr. Mary Ellen Neumann ’61 of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in November. Mary earned her PhD from Vanderbilt University (Tenn.). She was a sensitive and impassioned woman who put her whole heart into everything she did.

Gordon Pilmore ’61 of Dodge, Neb. passed away in August. Gordon taught and coached for 37 years. Gordon coached four teams to consecutive State Football Championships and had four undefeated teams. Gordon compiled a record of 196 wins and 92 losses and was named ’97-’98 Coach of the Year by the Nebraska State Coach’s Association.

In 2019 he was inducted into the Nebraska 8-Man Hall of Fame.

Vernon Thomsen ’61 of Omaha, Neb. passed away in December. Vernon was a teacher and a coach. His 34-year coaching career included 11 years as head coach at the high school level and 20 years as head football coach at the college level. Overall, his teams had 300 wins, 74 losses and 4 ties.

Vernon’s teams produced 38 professional football players. Vernon played football for the Bobcats.

William Essman attd ’62-’63 of Thedford, Neb. passed away in September. Bill taught industrial arts and coached football. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and cribbage.

Lanny Richards ’62 of Bellevue, Neb. passed away in January. Lanny had a 35-year career teaching and coaching in the Bellevue Public School District. Lanny enjoyed fishing, golfing, working on cars and finding odd jobs to do around the house.

Sharylin (Vrtiska ’63) Knock of Terre Haute, Ind. passed away in December.

Sharylin was a dedicated educator. Her unwavering commitment to her students and passion for nurturing young minds left a lasting impact on generations of children.

Caroline (Fiene ’63) Palmer of Falls City, Neb. passed away in October. Caroline taught in rural schools. She and her husband ran a dairy business, farmed, and raised livestock. Caroline enjoyed growing flowers, cooking, and baking.

Thomas Aitken, Jr. ’64 of Falls City, Neb. passed away in August. Tom taught English, speech, journalism and AP courses at Falls City High School. He was also an adjunct instructor at Peru State. Tom was an avid gardener and loved hunting and fishing.

Word has been received that Bill Hunsaker ’64 passed away in January 2023. Bill was a dedicated teacher and coach. Bill was a member of the 1963 mens basketball team that was inducted into the Peru State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.

Laurena (Fisher attd. ‘64) Sayer of Auburn, Neb. passed away in November.

Laurena dedicated herself to providing a meaningful home life for her family. Laurena was a farm girl at heart, a mean poker player, quilter, birder and avid gardener who would not hesitate to pick up her shotgun to dispatch anything bothering her chickens or digging holes in her garden.

Edus (Dirks ’67) Volkmer of Red Oak, Iowa passed away in December. Edus taught in rural school districts in southeast Nebraska and Iowa.

Martha “Marty” (Haberman attd ’67 ‘68) Clausen of Parker, Colo. passed away in November. Marty was a caring and loving person who was the rock for her family.

Alta (Sandoz attd. ’68, ’71) Breunsbach passed away in May 2023. Alta taught English to students while in Japan doing

mission work. Alta and her husband traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and every continent except Antarctica.

Vivian (Masters ’68) Parker of Syracuse, Neb. passed away in October. Vivian was a lifelong educator and proudly took credit for teaching many young students the finer points of square dancing.

Rev. Steven Brodersen ’69 of Carroll, Iowa passed away in July 2023. Steven served in the U.S. Army and taught high school. In 1985 he was ordained and served multiple parishes until his retirement in 2017.

Father Steve was a gifted pianist and enjoyed golfing, gardening and traveling.

Elizabeth Dunn ’69 of Falls City, Neb. passed away in August 2023. Elizabeth began her teaching career at a country school at the age of 16 in 1934. She earned her bachelor’s degree by attending summer school and night school.

David L. Swantek ’69 of Cheyenne, Wyo. passed away in July 2023 surrounded by family. Dave was a teacher, principal and superintendent in Nebraska and Wyoming schools for 35 years.

Word had been received that Stanley Adkins attd. ’69-’71 passed away in May 2023. “Stan the Man” worked hard his entire life and enjoyed hunting pheasants and mushrooms, fishing and riding motorcycles.

1970s Word has been received that William D. Anstey attd. early ‘70s of Cumberland, Iowa passed away in March 2023. Dean was known for his thoughtfulness and his ability to build lifelong relationships. His sense of humor was one of his most memorable attributes.

Carl Richards ’71 of South Lyon, Mich. passed away in July 2023. Carl was a teacher and well known for his extensive historical knowledge of South Lyon.

Charles Shellhase ’71 formerly of Fairbury, Neb. passed away in November.

Born to a family of jokesters, Charles enjoyed entertaining others.

Bradford Johnson attd. mid ‘70s of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in December.

His family ran the grocery store in Peru for several years. Brad’s favorite job was at Christmas time working for Santa Claus and donning the red suit.

Terry Leech ’73 of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in November. Terry enlisted in the Army and served two tours in Vietnam. He worked over four decades in the insurance industry. Terry was known for his volunteer work in his community. He enjoyed family vacations and had a passion for the outdoors.

William Peterson ’73 of Round Rock, (continued on page 23)

Bobcats and Friends We Will Miss...

Texas passed away in December. After earning his Juris Doctorate Bill established a private law practice. He was called to public service at the U.S. Department of Justice as an immigration attorney. He was appointed to be a U.S. Immigration Judge in 2000 where he served with distinction on the federal bench until his retirement in 2013. He built acoustic guitars, was a private pilot, marathoner, and author. Bill played football for the Bobcats.

1980s Teri Fox-McCloskey ’80,’93 of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in October. Teri worked in the public power industry for over 30 years.

After retiring Teri owned and operated Citizen Printing, a print shop established by her father.

Ginny (Aufenkamp ’82, Masters ’91) Novell of Johnson, Neb. passed away in October.

Ginny retired after 33 years of teaching. She held a National Board Teaching certificate (one of less than 3000 teachers nationwide). Ginny enjoyed camping and boating, but mostly loved spending time with her grandkids who called her Nana. Ginny is survived by her husband Del ’80, who she met at Peru State.

1990s Jamie Reichart ’91 of Bowling Green, Fla. passed away in October. Jamie had a career in sculpting, carving and art directing. His artistic vision touched projects at Henry Doorly Zoo (Neb.), Disneyland, and Disney World.

Deanna (Swales ’92) Hansen of Coal Valley, Ill. passed away in October. Deanna had a varied career, made friends wherever she was and lived by the Golden Rule.

Stanton Sim ‘92 of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in November. Stanton was a man of many interests that found joy in the simplicity of life.

Tamir (Anderson ’94) Riley of Coconut Creek, Fla. passed away in December. Tamir played basketball for the Bobcats and was a Swenson Award recipient. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame as an individual in 2013 and as a team member in 2023. Tamir is survived by her husband, Cornelius ’91, and children Tiera, Jayde, and Cornelius III. She was the assistant director of finance for the city of Coral Springs, Fla. 2010s

Mark Alloway attd. mid ‘80s of Coffeyville, Kan. passed away in October. Mark was a machinist, an avid fisherman and enjoyed the farm life, raising cattle and hogs. Above all, what mattered most to him was spending time with family and friends.

Librado Lopez ’15 of Cortland, Neb. passed away in November. Librado owned and operated the Wil-Bol Lanes in Wilber (Neb.).

He enjoyed bowling and singing and was active in his church.

James Bornschlegl attd. mid ‘80s of Scottsbluff, Neb. passed away in August. Jim enjoyed hunting for arrowheads and hiking the Oregon Trail. He was avid hunter and fisherman and had several master anglers.

Friends We Will Miss

Dedra (DeGarmo attd. ’84-’85) Russell of Superior, Neb. passed away in September.

Dedra worked in banking for over 26 years and enjoyed crafting and baking.

Laurence Dubois ’85 of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in January. Laurence proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He worked for Nebraska Public Power District.

Laurence is survived by his wife of 40 years Sally (Martineau ’86).

Carol (Paulsen ’86) Gobber of Syracuse, Neb. passed away in May 2023. Carol worked as a teacher and librarian.

Dale Ossowski ’89 of Hastings, Neb. passed away in July 2023. Dale was employed by Magellan Midstream Partners for 34 years.

Dale was passionate about his involvement in his community. He was an avid gardener, landscaper, and fisherman. Dale lived by the motto always leave a place better than you found it.

Phyllis Adams longtime resident of Peru, Neb. passed away in January. Phyllis loved gardening and canning. She was also known to enjoy an “occasional” game of cards, something she was very good at. Phyllis worked in the Student Records office as an academic records clerk, a position she held for over 25 years.

Joan Bockenstedt of Elkhorn, Neb. passed away in August. She was an adjunct instructor for Peru State.

Terry Hager of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in July. Terry worked in the facility services department at Peru State. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Ann Hendrickson, longtime Peru, Neb. resident, passed away in November. Annie was very active in the Peru community and enjoyed playing cards.

James R. “Richie” Kincaid of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in August. Richie was a financial aid specialist at Peru State.

Dr. Sharon Ocker Lived A Life of Service, Excellence Dr. Sharon Ocker (’53) of Sioux City, Iowa passed away in November, leaving behind a legacy of service and excellence. He was 92.

A regular contributor to The Peru Stater, his insights on earlier days at Peru State were fun to read by those who lived through those times, and even those who didn’t.

Ocker, born and raised in Cook, Neb., was known as a standout on some of Peru State’s best football teams; he is a Hall of Famer by virtue of his membership on the 10-0 team of 1952. He was student government president, sung in choral groups, and was on the residence hall council, among many other campus activities.

That was to set the tone for the rest of his life. He spent three years in the Army, then later taught, coached, and was an administrator in both Table Rock and Diller in Nebraska, while earning his masters from Peru State.

Ocker then joined the faculty at Morningside College in Sioux City, spending the next three decades there, including 23 years chairing its education department and 18 directing its graduate programs.

A charter member, president, and editor of the Greater Siouxland Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, he was two-time president of the Morningside Kiwanis Club. Ocker wrote more than 15 history books and/or booklets, including the history of Morningside men’s basketball.

Alumnus, longtime Registrar Dr. Kelly Liewer passes Dr. Kelly Liewer (‘57) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in December. Many alumni will remember him as College Registrar from 1968 until he retired in 1998.

Liewer, a native of Butte, Neb., and former Bobcat football player, was a former principal and school superintendent in St. Edward and superintendent in Palmyra, both in Nebraska, before joining the Peru State staff.

The Liewers lived in Peru for many years, where they raised their family of five children. Kelly and Thelma later moved to Auburn, then to Lincoln.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Thelma (Conyac ‘57), also a former Peru State staffer, last May.

Long-time friend of the College, Janet Rath of Green Valley, Ariz. passed away in August.

Janet was a very involved and devoted mom and a dedicated PTA volunteer. She loved to knit, needlepoint, and create stained glass art. Janet and her husband Otto ’51 enjoyed traveling, playing golf and spending time with family.

The Stater 23

Long-time PSC professor and administrator, Dr. Bill Snyder, noted this was not only a tremendous gift, but it will provide all who view the art, a chance to learn more about Africa and its history. Snyder stated, “We can do a great job of understanding where we came from. Art is extraordinarily important. Only through art can we discover who we are and determine where we want to go.”

Many family members and friends of Dr. Hahn attended. She told the crowd, “I have been looking for 40 years to find a place for my African art. I have finally found it in Peru State College.” Continuing, Hahn added, “I’ve dealt with a lot of colleges and universities, but I’ve never received the reception, leadership, intellectuality, and commitment to Africa as I have Peru State College.”

In addition to the dedication of the art, a dance and drum performance by the African Culture Community of Omaha was presented.

Peru State Celebrated Dedication of African Art Collection Tuesday, September 26, 2023, will long be remembered as an incredibly special day in Peru State College’s long history. On that day, the College, along with a throng of guests from across Nebraska and the country celebrated the dedication of the Dr. Natalie Hahn African Art Collection.

Peru State President Dr. Michael Evans noted that Dr. Hahn had given the College “an amazing gift.” The art was donated through the Peru State College Foundation. Dr. Evans welcomed the many guests to the dedication held in the College’s Performing Arts Center.

Royalty Reigns in Richardson County, Ties To Peru State College

Those queens with PSC ties who attended the pre-coronation reception were: (front row l to r) Rhea Spears, Harriett Leech, and Gayle Shipley. Back (l to r): Julie Lambert, Gina Bittner, Julie Showalter, Mandy Bowen, and Michelle Glathar.

24 The Stater

Glassie – Keynote Speaker Following the performance by the ACC, Dr. Henry Glassie finished the afternoon by addressing the audience on Prince Twins Seven Seven, a Nigerian artist. Dr. Evans called Dr. Glassie the author of the “definitive book” of the painter, sculptor, and musician. Three of Twins Seven Seven’s work are included in Hahn’s contribution.

Dr. Glassie noted that Prince Twins Seven Seven is one of the most important artists coming out of Africa. He noted that Prince Twins Seven Seven, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 67, was part of the great art renaissance that began in Africa in the early 1960s and formed a revolutionary artist group.

Hahn Art Throughout Campus Dr. Hahn donated 200 pieces of art. Many pieces of the collection are displayed in the academic buildings on campus with an explanation accompanying each piece. It can be viewed during the College’s regular business hours.

In February, selected pieces of the collection will be on display in the AV Larson Art Gallery. We encourage you to stop by and enjoy this art collection of a lifetime!

This past September at the Richardson County Fair in Humboldt, Neb., there was a grand celebration at its annual coronation. One of the highlights was the crowning of the 100th fair queen.

As part of the 100-year celebration, all past living queens were invited to attend. Of the previous 99 years, at least 20 of them were Peru State graduates, had attended the College, or are working at the College.

Ten of the 20 who had ties to Peru State were in attendance and recognized at a reception as part of the Wednesday evening festivities. The eldest queen in attendance was Harriett (Smith) Leech, the queen in 1945. The 97-year-old addressed the crowd and answered many questions.

After teaching for several years as many did in the ‘40s and ‘50s, Mrs. Leech earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Peru State in 1972.

The 20 PSC graduates or attendees who have earned the Richardson County queen title include (queen year listed first followed by PSC graduation year/attendance): the late Rose (McGinnis) Wiltse 1933/’42, the late Louise (Peterson) Harshbarger 1941/attd. summer 1940, Harriett (Smith) Leech 1945/’72, Marian (Hunzeker) Smith 1946/’46, the late Betty (Ast) Remmers 1951/’59, Romona (Ogle) Moore 1955/’68, Gayle (Stake) Shipley 1956/attd. ‘50s, Judith (Wolfe) Weible 1958/’64, Rhea (Harshbarger) Spears 1975/’82, Diane (Stanley) Augustyn 1979/’83, Julie (Nanninga) Showalter 1983/’88, Julie (Findlay) Lambert 1987/’00, Gina (Wilhelm) Bittner 1991/current Professor of Education, Sara (Glathar) Martin 1995/’01, Mandy (Nemechek) Bowen 1998/’05, Allison (Glathar) Haines 2009/’16 & Masters ’23, Michelle (Tichy) Glathar 2011/’23, Toni (Kean) Harring 2012/’17, Lyndsay (Harlow) Jaeckel 2013/’19, and Randee (Witt) Castillo 2018/’23.

The late Louise Harshbarger and Rhea Spears are mother and daughter while Sara Martin and Allison Haines are sisters.

Peru State Recognizes Its 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees Peru State College, the Peru State College Foundation, and the Athletic Department celebrated the induction of the 31st class into its Athletic Hall of Fame in mid-October.

The Hall of Fame weekend began Friday night with a banquet, acceptance speeches and plaque presentations. On Saturday, the inductees were officially inducted into the PSC Hall of Fame at halftime.

The Bobcat football team made things even more exciting with a 37-31 win over the Graceland Yellowjackets in the beautiful Oak Bowl. Peru State scored with 19 seconds left on the clock allowing the Hall of Fame crowd to continue their celebration.

Five individuals and the 1992-93 women’s basketball teams were honored during the two days of events.

Individuals inducted included Jim Callender (Silver City, N.M.), the late John Gibbs, the late John Gilmore, Kurt Hasley (Signal Mountain, Tenn.), and Fred Marisett (Omaha). Each of the individuals or a family representative shared some of their favorite memories and what Peru State meant to them.

Shawn Gibbs spoke on behalf of his father while Roger Radkiewicz spoke for his uncle John Gilmore.

Callender and Marisett are now retired while Hasley is a semi-retired private investor while working at the Berean Academy High School which his son attends. Hasley is a strength and conditioning coach at Berean Academy, and he also teaches martial arts classes at the Chattanooga Jiu Jitsu Academy. In addition, he volunteers at the Tennessee Aquarium in the horticulture department.

The 1992-93 women’s basketball team and coaches were recognized with a certificate of achievement. Head coach, Dr. Wayne Davidson, who turned 89 on the day he was informed of his team’s induction, provided comments, along with former players Lora (Gulley) White and Angie Wilson. White and Wilson provided much of the comic relief for the evening with some of their remembrances of their team’s playing days. At the end of their presentation, the women’s team presented a special autographed ball to Coach Davidson.

Team members in attendance from the 1992-93 team included: Coach Davidson (Wentzville, Mo.), Assistant Coach Vince Henzel (Lincoln), Kristi (Cummins) Baker (Blair), Lora (White) Gulley (Black Jack, Mo.), Jody (Jansky) Kerchal (Urbandale, Iowa), Bobbi (Stutzman) Moraski

HOF Individual Inductees (l to r): Jim Callender, Kurt Hasley, Fred Marisett, Roger Radkiewicz representing his uncle – the late John Gilmore, and Shawn Gibbs – representing his father – the late John Gibbs.

(Bellevue), Velvet (McCollum) Phillips (Houston, Texas), Jennifer (Trouba) Rasmussen (Albion), Tamir (Anderson) Riley (Coconut Grove, Fla.), Jill (Parker) Scanlon (Wahoo), Sheila (Sughroue) Vomacka (Omaha), and Angie Wilson (Topeka, Kan.). Janelle (Henderson) Trinkle (Leavenworth, Kan.) joined the group on Saturday. Other team members unable to attend were Amanda Nannen (Omaha), Becky Fisher, Sarah GainesOsburn (Fairfax, Mo.), and Jennifer (Dappen) Rathman (Yellville, Ark.).

To learn more about each of the honorees, please go to pscbobcats.com/ honors/hall-of-fame The presenting sponsor, Bridges Trust donated their banquet table to the athletic department and asked that student-athletes be their guests. Those Bobcat student-athletes representing their respective teams were football – Colin Shields (Wichita, Kan.) and Will Mueller (Springdale, Ark.); women’s basketball – Josiee Sobotka (Tobias); and men’s basketball – Easton Hall (Schuyler), Quentin Wright (Flower Mound, Texas), and Luke Lee (Frisco, Texas).

Additional Hall of Fame event sponsors included Guilliatt & Associates (Fremont), Jerry & Christina Joy (Stella), and Jeff &

Robin Smith (Lincoln).

The Peru State College Foundation is responsible for the Bobcat Athletic Hall of Fame and works in conjunction with the College and athletic department to coordinate the annual event. The purpose of the Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame is to foster an appreciation of the past, an enjoyment of the present and an anticipation of future memories to be made by the Bobcats flourishing thirteensport program.

Nominations are due by April 1 each year. For more information on how to nominate, please visit this link: https://bit.ly/HOFNOM. STATER NOTE: Sadly, we learned over the holiday break that Tamir Anderson Riley, a member of the 1992-93 women’s basketball team, passed away on December 23.

1992-93 Women’s Basketball Team and Coaches (l to r): Bobbi Moraski, Velvet Phillips, Jennifer Rasmussen, Head Coach Wayne Davidson, Assistant Coach Vince Henzel, Jill Scanlon, Sheila Vomacka, Jody Kerchal, Kristi Baker, Lora Gulley, Angie Wilson, and Tamir Riley.

The Stater 25

Sponsorship Shout-Out

Cole, Karly, Jon, Zach and, Aidan

Firmature Joins Foundation Team Changes to the Peru State College Foundation took a major step forward in January with the addition of Jon Firmature to the staff.

Firmature will serve as Development Officer, according to Foundation Board Chair Jeff Greenwald (‘71). He joins the private, non-profit corporation whose mission is “to provide assistance and support for Peru State College.”

"At the Peru State College Foundation, our goal is to support our students and faculty by securing the resources necessary for their success," Firmature said.

The Foundation team now includes Ted L. Harshbarger (‘77), executive director; Kim Regan, controller; and Susan (Lunzmann ‘94) Unruh, office assistant; and Firmature. It’s governed by an allvolunteer Board of Directors currently numbering 13.

“Needless to say, Jon’s presence and past experience will bring a fresh look to our efforts in support of the Foundation and College,” Greenwald said.

Firmature comes with extensive experience in non-profit work. The Omaha resident most recently served the Iowa West Sports Plex as its executive director.

Previously he was Director of Development for the Credit Advisors Foundation in Omaha, and Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Sarpy (Neb.) County.

From 2002-2019 Firmature was

President of the Small Business Consultant Group in Omaha. He’s also worked in the media and human resources fields and is a University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate.

A strong background working in the non-profit and fundraising fields isn’t just something Firmature does – it's who he is.

He has a lengthy list of volunteer activities including church, youth sports and community betterment activities.

"I am proud to work with a dedicated team that is passionate about advancing the mission of the Peru State College Foundation, making a positive impact on the lives of our students and the broader community," he said.

It’s been several years since the Peru State College Foundation had a staff member focused primarily on fundraising and development. From as many as six fulltime staff to as few as two part-timers over the past four years, it’s been a challenging period of transition for the nearly 70-yearold Foundation.

That time hasn’t been spent idly, Greenwald notes. New and additional board members, changes in internal processes, and revised job descriptions for the staff have brought the Foundation to a point where the Board was ready to move to the next stage.

Nor have the fortunes of the Foundation languished, Greenwald noted. It began 2024 with the biggest treasury in its history

Wanted: Class of ‘94 Missing Alumni The Class of ‘94 has a fair size “wanted” list, and we hope some of you detectives can help locate some of the following perpetrators.

The members of the class who are listed below are not getting the Peru Stater, and we’d like to change that.

If you can provide addresses/updates on any of the following, please send via email to pscfoundation@peru.edu, by phone at (402) 872-2304, or by mail at Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE 68421-0010.

26 The Stater

One of the fun things the Peru State College Foundation has the opportunity to do annually is to host events, such as Homecoming and the Hall of Fame, which recognizes our outstanding alumni and friends.

In addition, there are many other events which are held throughout the year.

All events take a considerable amount of time and planning, as well as funding to host.

This past fall, the Foundation’s events received generous support from several local businesses and individuals to help fund the activities. There were multiple levels of partnership opportunities.

Those businesses providing financial support included Arbor Manor Steakhouse and Hotel – Auburn, Bradley Electric – Auburn, Bridges Trust – Omaha, CHI Health – St. Mary’s – Nebraska City, El Portal Mexican Restaurant – Auburn and Nebraska City, Happy Life Nutrition – Auburn, Lanes End Sports Bar & Grill – Auburn, Lifetime Vision Center – Auburn, Lunzmann Realty Inc. – Auburn, Meyer-Earp Chevrolet – Auburn, The Flower Shoppe – Auburn, and Weaver & Merz Law Office – Auburn and Falls City.

Individuals contributing to the success of the events were Mike ’67 and Jan Guilliatt – Guilliatt and Associates of Fremont, Neb., Jerry ’64 and Christina (Banks ’88) Joy of Stella, Neb., and Jeff ’83 and Robin (Nelson ’83) Smith of Lincoln, Neb. The Foundation truly appreciates the support provided by the businesses and individuals and lauds them for their loyalty to Peru State College.

at more than $22 million, thanks mostly to the loyal support and generosity of alumni and friends of Nebraska’s first college.

Firmature has already begun to get out and start meeting some of those friends, both on an individual basis and in groups.

He’s heard all about the intensely loyal alumni base and the rich history of Peru State and is ready to experience it for himself.

"We are committed to fostering a culture of philanthropy and engagement within our community to ensure the continued growth of and excellence of Peru State College," Firmature noted.

The current fundraising campaign, Project ROAR, will certainly be a high priority for Firmature. Already the largest fund drive in Peru State history, its progress has slowed in recent months and is ready for Firmature to make his mark.

Yet Firmature knows that bricks and mortar aren’t necessarily priorities for all of Peru State’s alumni and friends.

Scholarships, support for academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs provide many opportunities for charitable giving.

Julie Cummings Mount Mary DeVries Gillespie Barbara Fricke Arens Alyce Hestermann Weiss Christina Hlavac Johnson Michelle Hummel McCaslin Karen Jowza Foggo Shelley Lambelet Huey Sheri McMullen Wilson Amy Ortgies Wickert Rebecca Spencer Mcarthy Patricia Case

Charles Coatney Cindy Dierberger David Dietze Tammy Everhart Brian Gerloff Santosh Gyawali James Havel Michael Hummel John Ingersoll Darren Marshall Stephen McCoy Jon McKinney

Connecting the interests of prospective benefactors with the needs of Peru State College are Firmature’s, and the Foundation’s, goals.

“The generosity of our alumni support allows Peru State College to provide scholarships and to support our programs that will only empower our students to reach their full potential, just as our alumni have done."

Ultimately, it’s not about the Peru State College Foundation – it's about the College.

The Foundation is simply the vehicle Peru State faithful use to show their love and appreciation for the Campus of a Thousand Oaks.

Greenwald expressed his appreciation to Foundation Board members Lori (Vrtiska ‘84) Seibel, Jeff Smith (‘83) and Connie (Sims ‘87) Edmond for their work as members of the search committee.

To contact Jon Firmature, email jfirmature@peru.edu, call (402) 872-2304, or write to him at Jon Firmature, Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

Sean McLucas Felicia Medley Ernest Miranda Katherine Nicholson Lynn Nissen Richard Nix Alan Orf Tena Popken Brian Priess John Sautter

Pippert Taught in Two Millenia

When reflecting on his career at Peru State College, faculty emeriti Dr. David Pippert can say he taught in two different centuries. Dr. Pippert technically retired July 1, 1999, but came back to the College to teach an adjunct class in the spring of 2000 to accomplish the two-century status.

Dr. Pippert began his career at Peru State in the fall of 1977 when he was hired as the Chair of the Science and Mathematics Division. With this position, he supervised the faculty members in math and science, taught chemistryrelated courses, and worked with students doing independent research projects.

Since retiring, he, and his wife Ginny, a 1979 non-traditional graduate with a biology major, haven’t had the time for “rocking chair moments.” Dr. Pippert noted that he feels busier than before retirement, but the difference is that their busyness is of their own choosing.

He added his wife’s interest in biology hasn’t waned as she spends plenty of time in their vegetable garden and grows a wide variety of flowers. Dr. Pippert noted the late Dr. Al Brady was one of her favorite instructors.

The Pipperts spend a considerable

amount of time in Minnesota as that is where their three sons and families have settled. When time permits, they enjoy traveling. They have taken a cruise/land tour of Alaska, a trans-Canada train trip, a cruise/land tour of the southeastern United States just before covid hit, and have been to Hawaii several times. In addition, their biggest outside the USA trip was a ten-day venture in South Africa.

Dr. Pippert’s favorite Peru State memories center around his interactions with the students and faculty. He is particularly proud the science and math faculty were able to take many non-trad, older students, give them confidence in their abilities, and help them attain productive and significant careers in the sciences, education, and health-care professions.

The Pipperts are still very connected with many of their former colleagues.

They live in Auburn, Neb. and attend numerous College functions where they meet up with former faculty and staff.

Dr. Pippert offered the following advice for current and future Peru State students – “Take advantage of the unique resources that are available at PSC.” As to current and future faculty/staff members, Dr. Pippert encourages all to “continue to provide the students the best education possible and maintain a close relationship with the students.”

In closing, Dr. Pippert noted he believes Peru State has a long and proud history and has made a strong contribution to southeast Nebraska.

EDITORS NOTE: At the suggestion of another faculty emeriti, Mr. Ken Anderson, we will be featuring at least one former faculty or staff member in future Staters. It is a wonderful way to salute some of the past individuals who have helped make Peru State College the place it is today.

1984 + 40 = Lost Alumni Don’t look now, Class of 1984, but it’s been four decades since you left Peru State College.

Following is a list of members of that class who have been disconnected from their alma mater. We hope, with the help of alert readers, to reduce the “lost” list.

If you can provide addresses/updates on any of the following, please contact us by email at pscfoundation@peru.edu, by phone at (402) 872-2304, or by mail at Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE 68421-0010.

A copy of this Stater will be provided to any on this list for whom we obtain addresses.

Far Too Many Missing From the Class of 2004 Keeping track of Peru State College alumni is a challenge. But keeping track of the “lost” alumni – those for whom we have no contact – from the Class of 2004 is one of our biggest challenges.

Following is a list of alumni with whom we’d like to reconnect. If you can help us track down any of them, we’ll send them a copy of this Peru Stater. Addresses/updates can be sent by email to pscfoundation@peru.edu, by phone to (402) 872-2304, or by mail to Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE 68421.

Lacey Balke Reed Stephanie Becker Stohlmann Rachel Bilslend Alloway Hillary Galatas Mason Diane Hardy MandinaBarton Vanessa Jones Jones Melanie Jungjohann Blackman Linda Kroese Wendt Beverly Likert Szugye Carolyn Lingenfelser Gershovich Shelli Mark Mueller Kimberly McCown Ashlock Tami Noerrlinger Badertscher Elizabeth Parachini Strecker Kristie Peters Wemhoff Julie Renda Gray Anne Shirley Reese Brenda Sindelar Grigsby Christine Strecker Gilmore Ryan West Krier Jodi Witt Wilson Pamela Andrews Kevin Arlt Heather Baack Michael Baker Justin Bartling Chad Becker Lance Best James Boling John Bosco Guadalope Calleroz

Andrea Caniglia Justin Clearman Anna Crook Monte Crunk Daniel Dostart Leslie Durr Jennifer Easterwood April Farwell Rebecca Fochek Luke Fohl Joshua Furnish Michelle Goodeill Kenneth Griffin Jean Gutschenritter Lucas Haines Ted Hair Christopher Henson Ashley Hespen Jennifer Hewitt Amy Higa Alvin Hill Grace Johnson Terry Jones Todd Kile Darlene Kirby Kara Kline Yukino Koyata Jennifer Kreifels Angela Kroeten Pamela Marshall Vagas Mathiesen Kimberly Mathis Maegan McArdle Kirk McManus Erin Moyer Jacquelyn Moyer Melissa Munch Nathan Munter

Dillon Musil William Newcomb Randi Nielsen John Oberg Travis Olander John Owen Angela Phillips Brook Placke Patricia Potter Scott Price Dawn Ramsey Diane Retchless Sarah Rice Kimberly Rippe Colin Roberts Brian Robertson Duane Rose Heidi Ruoff Pamela Schroeder Julian Seay Michael Shepard Meredith Sides Ryan Siems Monica Sievers Rebecca Steele Jamie Stires Joseph Studebaker Tiffany Taylor Diane Thornston David Trichel Jason Warner Lisa Wentzel Rebecca Williams Michael Wilson Allison Zwygart

Kay Albin Godsey Diana Devich Davis Natalie Hart Sisco Ardella Lacy Crawford Sharon McCorkle Clelland Evelyn Wieckhorst Ferguson Teresa Arms Donnie Auxier Jennifer Birdsley

Paul Crawford Cary Culler Coleen Davis Leonard Fangmeyer Teri Heiliger Jim Heineman Carl Lemon Ann Lutz Joseph Marx Frank McNamara

John Moran Angela Ossian Valla Pendleton Raymond Peterson Donald Pounds Carla Purnell John Queen Michael Rengstorf Yvonne Strope

The Stater 27

Bobcat Athletics Jason Smith Leading Bobcat Women’s Basketball Program

Jason Smith This past summer, Peru State College hired Jason Smith to lead its women’s basketball program.

Smith was most recently at NCAA DII Cedarville (Ohio) from 2021-23, where he posted a 24-31 record. His program led the nation at all levels in free throw percentage 83.8% during the 2022-23 season.

Prior to his stint at Cedarville, Smith spent ten successful seasons at Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn.

At Bryan, he built a program which became a perennial NAIA powerhouse, and he became the school’s all-time winningest coach.

Smith led the Lions to an overall record of 219-85 including a 157-49 record in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). His teams claimed

five regular season titles, four league tournament championships, and made six appearances in the NAIA Division II National Tournament. He was the AAC Coach of the Year on three occasions.

At Bryan, he coached four NAIA All-Americans, 23 All-ACC players, 12 All-AAC Freshmen Team players, five All-AAC Defensive Team players, two AAC Freshmen Players of the Year, two AAC Defensive Players of the Year.

In addition, Smith’s prior experience included six years as either a head or assistant men’s coach. Smith got his coaching career started at the University of Kansas as the Varsity Manager and Film Technician for the legendary coach Roy Williams from 1989-91 and was a part of the 1991 Final Four Team that finished as the National Runner-Up. Smith has earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Mo. When Smith was hired, athletic director Kyle Pond noted, "From the start our hiring committee had the mentality of hiring a top tier coach to lead and transform this program."

At the time of his hiring, Smith stated, "First of all I am very thankful and honored to be the head women's basketball coach at Peru State. Second, I want to thank Kyle Pond and the administration at Peru State for this great opportunity.”

Smith and his family are living in Nebraska City and attend Calvary Community Church.

FOLLOW PERU STATE SPORTS AT

PSCBOBCATS.COM

28 The Stater

Mike Sybrant Hired as WBB Assistant A Broken Bow native, Mike Sybrant, was hired this past fall as Peru State College’s assistant women’s basketball coach.

Sybrant was most recently the assistant women's basketball coach at NCAA DII South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City, S.D. In his four years as one of the Hardrockers’ assistants, Sybrant served as the recruiting and travel coordinator, and video editor.

While Sybrant was at South Dakota School of Mines he was the recruiting coordinator, made the recruiting calendar for the coaching staff, and conducted players evaluations, recruiting calls, campus visits, film evaluations, recruit emails and offcampus contacts as permitted.

Sybrant has had other college stops as the assistant coach at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., and as an assistant at Upper Iowa University, a NCAA DII program, in Fayette. His first collegiate coaching experience was as a graduate assistant at the University of NebraskaKearney.

Blended into Sybrant’s experiences are teaching, coaching, and administrative work at four high schools in Nebraska – Ansley, Dodge, Palmyra, and West Holt.

Mike Sybrant Peru State women’s basketball head coach, Jason Smith is pleased to have added Sybrant to his coaching staff. Smith said, “Coach Sybrant has a vast amount of experience at many different levels of women's basketball including high school, junior college, Division II, and athletic administration."

Sybrant has a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and Master of Arts in Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

He is living in Nebraska City.

Bobcat Women’s Hoops Enjoying Renewed Success With an 9-7 record through mid-January, the Peru State women’s basketball team is on pace to do something a Bobcat team has not done in many years – finish with a winning record.

While there were many returning players for the ‘23-’24 season, there is a new coaching staff. At this point, the two aspects are melding well for the Bobcats.

The season started with four wins out of five before Peru State suffered six losses in a row. In most of the losses, the Bobcats were in the contest late into the fray.

Since that time Peru State has won five in a row – all in Heart of America Athletic Conference action – under first-year Coach Jason Smith.

Two Bobcats – seniors Maddy Duncan and Samantha Stewart – have each reached the 1,000-point plateau in their careers as Bobcats. Another senior, Kaylan Larry, was named the Heart of America Conference Player of the Week in December for her 57 points in two wins.

Peru State is aiming to participate in the Heart post-season tournament for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign.

For the complete schedule, go to pscbobcats.com/sports/womens-basketball/ schedule/2023-24. If you cannot attend a Bobcat event, you can watch them at https:// www.heartconferencenetwork.com/peru/

Kindle Returns as Assistant MBB Coach This fall Reggie Kindle returned to the Peru State men’s basketball program for the second time to serve as the Bobcat assistant coach.

Kindle was most recently the head coach of Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa, from 2021-2023. He coached three All-Region players, multiple Spartans were awarded ICCAC Player of the Week honors, one NJCAA National Player of the Week, 27 Academic All-Region Players and won five games against NJCAA Top 20 DII Opponents.

While at Southwestern Community College Coach Kindle kept a 100% graduation rate and a 100% retention rate while bringing in ten additional recruits during the 2021 season.

Kindle returns to Peru, where he had previously had a two-year stint as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator from 2019-2021. He will again serve as the head coach for the varsity reserve program.

He earned his bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Benedictine University at Mesa in Mesa, Ariz. During his time at Benedictine, he was team captain and upon graduation became a student assistant for a year. Kindle previously played collegiately at Riverside Community College in Riverside,

Peaks and Valleys for Peru State MBB Reggie Kindle Calif., and at Benedictine University in Springfield, Ill. Second-year head coach Roman Gentry was pleased to be able to hire Kindle.

Gentry stated, "Reggie has a strong work ethic and is a tireless worker. He brings head coaching experience at the junior college level as well as assistant experience in the Heart.”

Coach Kindle is married to Peru State volleyball head coach Madison Kindle.

They reside in Peru with their dog Missy.

Peru State Baseball Hires Chris Stout as Assistant Coach

It has been a case of highs and lows, or peaks and valleys, for the Bobcat men’s basketball team during the first part of the 2023-24 season.

After starting the season 6-1 and receiving votes in one of the early NAIA Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Polls, Peru State went 3-6 and was sitting at a 9-7 record through mid-January.

During the slump, the Bobcats were competitive in all but one of the contests.

The home court advantage has not been on Peru State’s side at press time as they were

3-4 in the home confines and are 5-3 away from the Al Wheeler Activity Center. The Bobcats won one neutral site contest.

Senior David Wingett Jr. was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Player of the Week November 20 and has led the roster in scoring.

Follow the Bobcats online at https:// www.heartconferencenetwork.com/peru/ You can find their complete schedule at https://pscbobcats.com/sports/mensbasketball/schedule

Another Strong Year Despite Injuries for Men’s Cross Country Since Revival Head coach James Cole ’07 was looking forward to the 2023 season for the men’s cross country team - that was, before injuries and recruiting defections.

Coach Cole stated, “Despite the challenges, the 2023 men’s team stacked up right behind the 2022 year for the second-best year since the program’s revival in 2020. I truly believe that a healthy 2023 team would have finished ahead of the 2022 group.”

Gavin Smith led the Bobcat unit this

Before Grinnell, Stout coached collegiately two years each at Marietta College in Ohio and North Carolina Wesleyan College. His other coaching experience includes stints with the White Sands Pupfish of the Independent Professional Baseball League in New Mexico (two years), North Pitt (N.C.) High School (two years), and Nevada (Iowa) High School (five years).

In addition, Stout has worked at the Stanford University All-Star Baseball Camp After many years of running 5K races, in the areas of on-field coaching, evaluating, the NAIA changed the length of a women’s and as a practice instructor. cross country race to 6K, prompting some Peru State head baseball coach, Blake different training for most women’s teams.

Beaber, is excited to have Coach Stout on That is one of the obstacles faced by this his coaching staff. Beaber commented, year’s Bobcat team, in addition, to some “Coach Stout brings a wealth of knowledge unfortunate injuries. to our pitching staff and has been with Naomi Wilson led the Peru State team some great programs in the past. He is also this season and was named as the MVP by a great recruiter and will be a big part of coach James Cole (’07). Cole noted that what we are building here.”

Wilson and Lydia Lang were the team’s top Stout has a bachelor's degree from North two runners for the season.

Carolina Wesleyan College and an associate About the 2023 season, Cole stated, of arts degree from Marshalltown (Iowa) “The challenge with this season becomes CC. comparing a season where the average race

past season in all seven races in which the team competed and earned MVP honors.

Other top harriers for Peru State in 2023 were Brady VanBoening and Ty Brockhaus.

Smith, along with Benjamin Klemesrud and Brandon Kristensen, were named 2023 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes. For Smith, it was his second time earning the honor.

The 2024 season looks promising as the team only loses one senior – Matthew Ramold.

New Race Length for Women’s Cross Country

Chris Stout Chris Stout was hired to serve as the Peru State College assistant baseball coach this past fall.

Stout was most recently the assistant head coach and pitching coach at NCAA DIII Grinnell College (Iowa) from 20202023. He was responsible for managing a 22-person pitching staff in all aspects of training.

distance was nearly 3.5 miles to the previous 20 seasons in the program’s revised history which had shorter distances. In comparison, this year’s team was 12th in averages in 21 seasons.”

Seven harriers received DaktronicsNAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition. Sarah Davis-Kovarik, Isabella Watkins, Naomi Wilson, Emma Larson, Madison Witter, Lang, and Phoebe Wilson. It was the third time that Davis-Kovarik and Watkins were recognized while Wilson and Wittwer earned their second honor.

Seniors on this year’s team were Naomi Wilson, Watkins, and Davis-Kovarik.

The Stater 29

Bobcat Athletics

Football Provides Excitement, Near Misses Daunt Overall Outcome

The 2023 Bobcat football team had the opportunity to do something that had not happened in over 30 years - three winning seasons in a row. Unfortunately, the ball didn’t bounce the Bobcat way, but was oh so close.

An overtime loss and a one-point setback kept Peru State from being 7-4, but instead finished the campaign with a 5-6 mark. The Bobcats, under the leadership of second-year head coach Phil Ockinga, did finish with a 3-2 mark in the Heart North conference which tied them for second.

Ockinga noted, “We made great strides as a team with the senior leadership during the season both mentally and physically. I proud of this team and the growth we made believe that moving forward we will take this past season. I am looking forward to another major step as a program in the next building off of the growth made into the 12 months. The future of Bobcat football is offseason and into next season.” extremely exciting.”

An all-important area where the team Peru State was much improved on excelled was in the classroom. Eleven offense as they averaged 385.7 yards per Bobcats were named Daktronics NAIA contest while scoring 29.5 points per scholar-athletes. They included Addison game. The Bobcats also showed a dramatic Schneider, Allison Schneider, Alyssa Bock, improvement on special teams.

Chantal Paniagua, Kennedy Miller, Kylee Ten players garnered Heart North All Fischer, Regan Hagey, Rylee Hellbusch, and Conference recognition.

Sidney Peck. It was the second time that Freshman Duke McClinton, a defensive Bock, Hellbusch, and Peck received the back, shared Co-Freshman of the Year recognition. honors. McClinton had six interceptions Allison Schneider and Paniagua and six pass deflections, forced two fumbles were named to the College Sports and had a fumble recovery.

Communicators 2023 Academic All-District® McClinton also earned First Team AllTeam as well.

Conference recognition. Joining McClinton Peru State had six seniors on its team this on the First Team was senior defensive past season – Schneider, Hein, Paniagua, lineman, Devin Adams. It was Adams’ third Bock, Sidney Peck, and Paige Chanay. year on the first team.

Earning First Team All-Conference Offense recognition were running back Keyon Henry-Brooks and wide receiver

Improvements Made by Bobcat Volleyball; Eleven Earn Scholar-Athlete Honors The Peru State College volleyball season concluded on Halloween with a win over conference rival Graceland. However, the Bobcats came up short of making the postseason conference tournament.

The squad, under the direction of second-year head coach Madison Kindle, finished the season 9-22 overall and 4-13 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Peru State improved its overall win total by two from the prior season. Their competitiveness showed a program taking many matches to five sets.

Freshman Erison Vonderschmidt earned Heart Second Team All-Conference as an outside hitter while senior setter Allison Schneider earned honorable mention recognition. Both were named to the Omaha World-Herald’s NAIA All-Midlands Team.

Coach Kindle commented, “I am so

Quarterback Colin Shields signals first down in the Bobcats’ win over Missouri Valley Jordan Kempf.

Recognized as Second Team Defense members were linebacker Kile Bentley, defensive back Ashley Thompson, and Kempf as a kick returner. Tight end Buddy Belcher was the lone Second Team Offense pick.

Earning honorable mention were offensive lineman Ahmad Baker, wide receiver Kaleb Herbel, and defensive lineman Zahir Washington.

Eleven players earned Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition – Kaleb Herbel, Bentley, Mack Boekhout, Seth Leddy, TJ Soules, Will Mueller, Zahir Washington, Jeremiah Dilbert, Lander Imbimbo, Landon Searles, and MJ Nelson.

In addition, Imbimbo and Colin Shields were named to the 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Team.

Peru State loses nine seniors of its 2023 roster – Adams, Bentley, Boekhout, Justin Chitwood, Henry-Brooks, Leddy, Mitch Mitchell, Mueller, and Soules.

Dupuis Promoted to Assistant Volleyball Role Prior to the start of the 2023 volleyball season, Peru State College promoted Gabrielle (Gabbi) Dupuis to the assistant coach role. Dupuis had been with the Bobcat program as a graduate assistant during the 2022-23 academic year.

Head volleyball coach Madison Kindle was thrilled to be able to have Dupuis take the assistant role. Kindle said, “Gabbi had already been such a great asset to our program and has all the qualities to help Madison Kindle

30 The Stater

take our program to the next level.”

As part of her responsibilities, Dupuis led the varsity reserve program during the fall while working to develop those players into varsity caliber athletes. She is also in charge of social media platforms for the Bobcat volleyball program including Facebook, Instagram, and X. Dupuis is the vice president of the Central Missouri Volleyball Club and has served in that position since 2018. As

chair of the tournament committee, she was responsible for CMVBC sponsored tournaments. She was also assistant volleyball coach for the Central Missouri Volleyball Club since 2017.

Dupuis graduated from the University of Saint Mary (Leavenworth, Kan.) in 2021 with a bachelor of science in biology.

Fifty Years Gone - Lost Alums 1974

2023 Homecoming Court

60-year Class (l to r) Larry Swett and Robert Reimers

Flatwater Reunion – Dr. Gary Zalud and Dr. Dan Holtz

How time flies. It’s been half a century since the Class of ‘74 made its way out into the world.

We are wondering where in the world the following class members are, and we ask for your help. The Class of ‘74 will be special guests at Homecoming 2024, and we’d like to get the following on the invitation list. A copy of this Stater will also be sent to any we find.

Addresses/updates can be provided in any of the following ways. By email, pscfoundation@peru.edu; by phone, (402) 872-2304; or by mail, Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421.

Thanks in advance for any assistance you might provide!

Jo Fichter Heermann Joanne Grosserode Doxon Karen Henry Green Patty McLaughlin Barry Carla Walkinshaw Gilliland-Osberg Carlene Welter Dean Roxanne Wurtele Golden Dean Anstey Ronald Christman Robert Comiskey Roger Craft James Dalrymple

Henrick Frohling Penny Griffin Cindy Hillman William Hunter Charles Jackson Michael Kelly Steven Lawson Ziyad Nather Charles Pavolis Merle Rakes Dennis Siems Gordon Thompson

50-year Class (l to r) Barbara Jones, Roger Michaelis, Beth Eickhoff, Daryl Wusk, Joyce Wusk, Doug Fritz, Ann Jeffrey, Roger Rosenthal, Robert Rut, and Fred Robertson

2023 Homecoming Celebrated “Cats from the Past” A fantastic week of activities and even(Borcher) Jeffrey, Barbara (Fritz) Jones, better weekend as many Bobcat alumni Roger Michaelis, Fred Robertson, Roger and friends celebrated the 2023 annual Rosenthal, Robert Rut, Joyce (Finke) homecoming festivities held September 29 Wusk, and Daryl Wusk. and 30.

Two members of the Class of 1963 also The theme for the week was “Cats from attended the banquet – Robert Reimers the Past.” Students and staff were able and Larry Swett. to enjoy disco balls, sock hops, aerobics, Those in attendance at the banquet and many other things representative were treated to a performance by of the past. For some students, it was an “Flatwater Reunion” – a duo featuring educational experience as they had never Dr. Dan Holtz and Dr. Gary Zalud who heard of a sock hop! presented Nebraska through song and On Friday and Saturday, Peru State story. Dr. Holtz is a Peru State Emeritus College alumni and friends came to the Professor of English while Dr. Zalud is Campus of a Thousand Oaks for a variety Emeritus Professor of Literacy Education at of events. Alumni kicked off their weekend the University of South Dakota. at the President and First Lady’s residence One of the longest parades in many before participating in the annual allyears was enjoyed by the Bobcat faithful college banquet Friday evening.

Saturday morning. It was followed by An annual highlight of the banquet was a lunch and carnival in front of the TJ the recognition of the 50-year honorees Majors building. who received a special medallion which has At halftime of the football game in the been produced based upon a drawing by beautiful Oak Bowl, the Peru State student the late Dr. Leland “Shorty” Sherwood, a body crowned seniors Devin Adams of beloved art professor.

Pembroke Pines, Fla., and Alyse Foster of Ten members of the Class of 1973 Indianola, Neb., as their king and queen. were in attendance and included Beth Foster’s mother, Katie (Gilbert) Foster was (Wheeler) Eickhoff, Douglas Fritz, Ann a 2000 graduate of PSC.

President’s Home Reception

Homecoming 2024 is set for October 18 and 19.

The Stater 31

Inside this Peru Stater you’ll find…

Page 6

Project ROAR is Getting Real!

Page 7

Excellence Awards to Recognize Four

Page 11

New Online Education Division and Leadership

Pages 18-19

Creating Art, Creating Memories

Pages 20-23

LOTS of Bobcat News About People You Know!

Page 25

Hall of Fame Celebrated

Page 26

Firmature Joins Foundation Staff

The Peru Stater is published twice each year by the Peru State College Foundation. Send your comments, news items and address changes to: The Peru Stater c/o PSC Foundation PO Box 10 Peru, NE 68421-0010 For more information about Peru State College, Nebraska’s first college, visit www.peru.edu or find us on Facebook.

For more information about the Peru State College Alumni Association and Foundation, visit foundation.peru.edu or call us at 402-872-2304 or email us at pscfoundation@peru.edu.

The Peru Stater

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