FALL 2016
STERLING guard + guide
FROM THE DESK OF THE
PRESIDENT
If there is anything that makes you appreciate librarians, coffee and a supportive family, it is working on research that culminates in hundreds of pages of writing for a doctoral dissertation. This, in addition to my regular schedule at the College, made my summer go very quickly. I would not have accomplished the necessary tasks at work and in higher learning without many people. It takes a great support system to accomplish a feat such as a doctorate, and I am continually blessed by those around me. No doubt you, as alumni and friends of this College, understand that the right outcomes are only obtained through right foundations. Any good project must start with a good plan. In spring 2016, we concluded our five-year strategic plan that led to many wonderful improvements for the College. This plan served us well and moved us forward as an institution in important ways. We strengthened and developed our academic core and established the groundwork to move forward. This academic year, we begin our new strategic plan – Guard and Guide. We must continue to guard the things that make us who we are as Sterling College: our heritage, our standards and our high view of Scripture. We must safeguard the investment we have established as it supports growth for our future students. And as those involved have sought the Lord for His guidance in developing Guard and Guide, we will lead Sterling College into the next phase of development. We are called, individually and corporately, to guard and guide the resources that God has put before us without reservation. We guard and guide not only to create strong graduates or to strengthen our institution, but to increase our influence as Christ’s ambassadors. I ask you to pray for our students as they travel through the book of Isaiah during chapel this year. Pray that they see the character of God unfold, including the hope that is in the foretelling of the Messiah and our Redeemer’s love for us. Pray that they see God doing something beyond themselves, developing us as agents of change who reveal the love of God to a world in desperate need of real hope. Join me also in prayer as Sterling College petitions the Lord for direction in our day-today decisions as well as in the execution of our strategic plan. By His grace, and for His glory,
Scott A. Rich
MISSION STATEMENT Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith.
S T E R L I N G M A G A Z I N E FA L L
FEATURE STORIES
2016
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IN THIS ISSUE
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FREEMAN LECTURE SERIES
BRIAN IVIE
GUARD AND GUIDE
In the News 04 Warrior Athletics 06 Commencement 2016 08 Brian Ivie 10 Guard and Guide 12 Planning Comes Full Circle 16
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PLANNING COMES FULL CIRCLE
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Q+A: RANDY WADE ’90
Where God Leads 18 Alumni News 21 In Memoriam 23
PRESIDENT Scott A. Rich, M.B.A. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS Scott Carter ’88, M.S.A. | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Brad Evenson | MANAGER OF ALUMNI AND MARKETING Teryn (Frizell) Irvin ’12 | WRITER FOR MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Rebecca Swartz | CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kara N. (Stineman) Smith ’14 | WEB AND VISUAL ARTS SPECIALIST Christopher Steen | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF THE COLLEGE Ken Brown, Ph.D. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT Dennis Dutton '82, M.A. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION AND INSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVES David Landis Jr. '88, M.Ed. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT LIFE Kimberly Christian, M.P.A. | ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Gary Kempf | POSTMASTER send address changes to 125 W. Cooper Ave. Sterling, KS 67579 | WEBSITE sterling.edu PRINTED BY Mennonite Press, Newton, Kansas. Letters and comments can be sent to marketing@sterling.edu.
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IN THE
NEWS DUTTON WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD Dennis Dutton ’82, vice president for enrollment, was recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award from the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals on June 1. Nominated by two former co-workers, Matt James ’13 and Jordan Stineman ’12, Dutton is credited for his commitment to Sterling College and the community, along with his abilities to
Bob served as a math professor and department chair at Sterling College. In addition to piano lessons, Barbara taught first grade at Sterling Grade School from 195567. Both of them impacted lives through their service to the College and the Sterling community. 4
FALL 2016 STERLING
Ray and his wife, Tiffany (Herrington) ’89, have three children, Hayley ’16, Josiah and Isaac. Josiah began his senior year at Sterling College this fall; Isaac started eighth grade. Ray also comes from a large family of alumni. Ray’s father, the Rev. Donald Ray, graduated in the class of 1962. Ben Ray’s brother, sisters and several nieces and nephews have attended Sterling College.
create a family-like workplace and remember people’s faces and stories. In their nomination letter, they wrote:
KIMBERLY CHRISTIAN JOINS AS VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT LIFE
“Dennis truly loves people. He remains invested in the College that gave him his degree because he sees the difference it has made in his life and in the lives of others, and he wants that for the next generation.”
In June, Sterling College welcomed the new vice president for student life, Kimberly Christian. Christian is essential to the student experience through leading the student life staff and working with the Campus Activities Board and Student Government Association.
BARBARA THOMPSON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS ESTABLISHED The Barbara Thompson Endowed Music Scholarships will award scholarship support to students who participate in music programs at Sterling. The scholarships are made possible by a gift from Robert ’45 and the late Barbara “Barbie” (Dietz) ’47 Thompson, honoring Barbara’s time as a piano instructor at the College.
junior high school, as well as build a new junior high school.
RAY NAMED TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES Ben Ray ’82 was named to the Board of Trustees at the May 2016 meeting. Ray is the pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Derby, Kansas, and serves as the chaplain to the Derby Police Department. He is also on the Derby Process for Success team, a group that studies the community and its needs. He was co-chair for the team during the $66 million city bond issue to make upgrades to the grade schools and
“We are thrilled to have Kimberly joining the staff of Sterling College and believe that her Christ-centered leadership and professional background will be integral in planning for the future. She is such an engaging person and has a wealth of experience that we are eager to have working with our student body,” said Scott Rich, president. Christian comes to Sterling from Purdue University where in her residential role she was responsible for 800 undergraduate students, promoting their well-being and academic success. Christian holds an M.P.A. in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University and a B.A. in Human Communication from Colorado Christian University.
NEW FACULTY DR. KAREN BAEHLER Associate Professor of Education Baehler brings a wealth of education and experience to the Sterling Teacher Education Program, having been an educator for 32 years within the middle school, high school, and college/university levels. Baehler completed her doctorate in curriculum and instruction at the University of Kansas. She also holds an M.Ed. from Wichita State University and a B.S. in Secondary Education with a major in Social Sciences from Kansas State University.
BROOKMAN FINISHES THIRD IN NATION The Sterling College Debate Team earned another top-ten finish with sophomore Gage Brookman forging new ground at the National Forensic Association Lincoln-Douglas Debate National Tournament. Brookman finished third, marking the first time a Sterling College student has broken into the round of eight. The team took sixth place in Debate Sweepstakes, the College’s second highest finish to date. Contributing to Sterling’s sixth place team finish was Brookman, senior Cody Campbell, freshman Amanda Del Toro, sophomore Bryce Harner and senior Darren Kootz-Eades. This was Sterling College’s seventh year in the top 25 nationally.
OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS ADDS NEW ROLE Dr. Spencer Wagley began serving as the newly formed role of associate vice president for academic affairs on July 1. Wagley has worked at Sterling College in the Department of Education as a faculty member since 2006. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from Capella University, an M. Div. from Hardin-Simmons University and a B.S.E. from East Texas Baptist University.
DR. GLENN BUTNER Asst. Professor of Theology and Ministry Butner comes from Marquette University where he held the Theology Department Teaching Fellowship and Wade Chair Research Assistantship while completing his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology. His writing has been published in many theology journals including Modern Theology and The International Journal of Systematic Theology. He holds an M.Div. from Duke Divinity School and a B.A. in Economics and Religious Studies from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
RYAN CORWIN Asst. Professor of Communications and Digital Media Corwin ’12 comes to Sterling College from Boys and Girls Clubs of Hutchinson where he was the director of marketing and communications. In 2015, he was awarded the Marketing and Communications Award for Online Video Advertising from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He holds an M.A. in Strategic Communications from Regent University and a B.A. in Communication and Theatre Arts: Communication from Sterling College.
DAWN ELISERIO Interim Pro-Rata Asst. Professor of Education Eliserio has a diverse background in education with classroom experience in both public and private schools. As a graduate from Dordt College, she holds her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and B.A. in Elementary Education with a concentration in special education, an endorsement in early childhood, and a minor in reading.
DR. RACHEL GRIFFIS Asst. Professor of Language and Literature Griffis joins the Department of Language and Literature with extensive work in her field. Along with multiple publications, conference presentations, awards and fellowships, she also taught classes at Baylor University and Chapman University. Griffis holds a Ph.D. in English from Baylor University, an M.A. in English from Chapman University and a B.A. in English from Azusa Pacific University.
AMY KOSEK Asst. Professor of Mathematics Kosek joins the full-time faculty this year after teaching as an adjunct lecturer in mathematics and serving as director of academic support last year at Sterling. Kosek holds an M.S. in Mathematical Science from The Ohio State University and a B.S. in Mathematics from The College at Brockport, State University of New York.
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W A R R I O R AT H L E T I C S
BASEBALL RECORD-SETTING SEASON CULMINATES IN WORLD SERIES APPEARANCE The 2016 season was one for the record books for the Sterling College Warrior Baseball Team, finishing fifth in the final coaches poll. The team set a school record for wins during their 52-16 season, which included winning the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship and National Opening Round Championship en route to an Avista-National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics World Series appearance. “We couldn’t be more proud of a group of guys that personified winning with humility. What our coaching staff and players accomplished is impressive, and they have raised this program to a national level,” said Gary Kempf, athletic director.
Sterling finished the season with the best batting average in the NAIA, hitting .354 as a team. The Warriors excelled as well in pitching, placing ninth in the nation with a staff ERA of 3.03. After winning the KCAC Tournament Championship, the Warriors advanced to the National Opening Round Jamestown bracket as the No. 1 seed. Winning their National Opening Round tournament guaranteed the team a spot to compete for the national championship in Lewiston, Idaho. The team won two games before being eliminated from competition by Faulkner University, who finished the tournament in second place.
TENNIS RETURNS TO STERLING COLLEGE Sterling College announced its return to tennis competition with the launch of the men’s and women’s tennis programs, beginning in the 2017-18 season. Lonnie Isaac has been named head coach of the tennis programs. Isaac, an accomplished coach, comes to Sterling from Bethel College where he established a successful tennis program over the past decade, including five NAIA national appearances. 6
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Isaac will also provide experience and service to the Sterling College Office of Admissions as an athletic representative and liaison for recruiting during the 2016-17 academic year. Isaac is a graduate of Bethel College and is a Hillsboro, Kansas, native. He and his wife, Tracy, have three children: Tessa, Rhain, and Logan.
WARRIOR ATHLETICS
ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS
BLAKELEE COOPER FINISHES 2ND AT KCAC CHAMPIONSHIP Senior Blakelee Cooper of Hoisington, Kansas, had a record-breaking finish in the 2016 KCAC Women’s Golf Championship. Cooper recorded an 87 each day, which propelled her to finish tied for second place with a 174 overall score. Cooper’s second-place finish set a new school record for best finish in the women’s golf program. Cooper was also named to the KCAC All-Conference First Team, as well as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete.
LADY WARRIORS DUO RECOGNIZED AS ALL-CONFERENCE AWARD WINNERS Sterling College was represented in the KCAC All-Conference Basketball Awards with two Lady Warriors earning recognition: junior Hailey Davis of Haven, Kansas, on First Team and sophomore Jordin Greer of Hoisington, Kansas, on Defensive Team. Davis led the team with 16.4 points per game while Greer contributed 12.4 points per contest.
FOUR WARRIORS NAMED ALL-AMERICAN The Sterling College baseball team had four players named to the 2016 NAIA Baseball All-America Teams, selected by the NAIA-Baseball Coaches Association All-America Committee. Senior Beau Kallas of Draper, Utah, and junior Kendall Radcliffe of Chicago, were named to Second Team. Honorable Mention was given to junior Kade Wagner of Riverton, Utah, and senior Ryan Pope of Yuba City, California.
SOFTBALL RECOGNIZED ALL-CONFERENCE The Sterling College softball team was represented in the KCAC All-Conference Awards with three Lady Warriors earning recognition: sophomore Dominque Salgado of Sylmar, California, (First Team – Unanimous) led the Lady Warriors in batting average (.503) and RBIs for the 2016 season. Freshman Tiah Grass of Pendleton, Oregon, and Miranda Escalera of Santa Clarita, California, (Honorable Mention) both had a big year offensively as Grass led the team with 12 home runs and Escalera batted .405 with 15 doubles.
MANELY NAMED KCAC ATHLETIC TRAINER OF THE YEAR Pete Manely, director of athletic training at Sterling College, was named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year. Pete has served the College for 13 years, holding additional titles at the school and the NAIA such as: director of graduate program development, co-chair for the Department of Exercise Science, associate professor of athletic training and president of the NAIA Athletic Trainers’ Association since 2013. Manely supervised the athletic training coverage at the 2013 and 2014 NAIA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Nationals. “We are thrilled for Pete to receive this recognition and further confirmation of the great work he is doing here at Sterling College. Pete takes great pride in his work and strives to build relationships with students, athletes, parents, coaches and fellow athletic trainers. We are truly blessed to have servant leaders like Pete here at Sterling,” said Ken Brown, vice president for academic affairs.
FOLLOW THE WARRIORS facebook.com/scwarriors @SterlingCSports @SterlingCSports
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COMMENCEMENT 2016
“Use your life to build God’s kingdom and shift the culture for good. … If you love radically, forgive radically and serve radically, you will live out a great story.”
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Kimberly (McCreery) Kuo 2016 Commencement Speaker
McCreery Teaching Award presented to Swartz
The McCreery Teaching Award recognizes and encourages excellence in teaching and is presented to a faculty member whose efforts have provided noteworthy and innovative instruction to Sterling College students during the academic year. Assistant Professor of Art and Design Daniel Swartz is a regular recipient of positive student feedback featuring
comments including “very engaging” and “fantastic professor” on course evaluations. He frequently brings professionals from the field of art and design into the classroom through Skype conversations and in-person visits to give students exposure to current trends in the industry. In addition to teaching at Sterling College since 2011, Swartz is the chair for
the Department of Art and Design and the faculty adviser for the Sterling Art League. He also continues to work as a freelance illustrator. He holds an M.F.A. in Illustration from the University of Hartford, an M.A. in Visual Arts Studio with an emphasis in painting from Ball State University, and a B.S. in Illustration from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Ray and Hoover Named Outstanding Female and Male Graduates The Outstanding Female and Male Graduate Award in conjunction with the Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award is presented to two students who exemplify outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills and involvement, and who portray an enthusiastically Christian faith. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher and are voted upon by faculty and staff.
Hayley Ray of Derby, Kansas, earned a B.S. in Elementary Education with summa cum laude academic honors. Ray was on the volleyball team all four years, breaking the career kills record finishing with 1,381 all-time kills. She ended her season being named an NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete and All-KCAC First-Team.
Josh Hoover of Elbing, Kansas, graduated with a B.S. in Athletic Training and Health Science: Pre-Physical Therapy with cum laude academic honors. He played on the men’s junior varsity basketball team his first two years at Sterling, served as the student athletic trainer for basketball during the 201516 season, and served on campus as a resident assistant.
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FREEMAN LECTURE SERIES
Brian Ivie addresses students, alumni and friends of the College during a reception following his address to campus.
BRIAN IVIE D I R E C T O R O F T H E D O C U M E N TA R Y “ T H E D R O P B O X ”
As an award-winning director, Brian Ivie is the first to admit that there is one story he never could have created – his own. “The story of a boy, a young man, who did not want to become a Christian but did,” said Ivie. It’s not the tagline of a blockbuster hit, but Ivie certainly entertained the crowd in Culbertson Auditorium on April 22 with his honest and real opinion of Christianity, Christians, servant leadership and the powerful miracle that God performed in Ivie’s life. To pursue his childhood dream of becoming a director, Ivie attended the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. While a student in 2011, he read a Los Angeles Times article about Pastor Jong-rak Lee, who was saving babies in South Korea with a drop box he had built into the side of his house. Ivie decided that Pastor Lee’s life would make a great story to tell. It was only after he decided to make a documentary about Pastor Lee that he would realize that life without Christ was shallow and fake. Ivie started a Kickstarter funding campaign for $20,000 to help finance his project. He never thought he would reach that goal, but God’s plan was bigger. “(One $50,000 camera) and $65,000 later, me and 10 of my friends who had no business making a movie flew 6,000 miles to Seoul, South Korea, to make a doc-
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umentary, a short film, on the man who built a mailbox for abandoned babies. And although I thought I was just there to help this man, or show this man, or film this man saving babies off of the street, I had no idea God was going to save me because I didn’t know I needed to be.” The trip alone did not convince Ivie to become a Christian, but he was intrigued. He began listening to preachers and realized that all of the messages pointed back to the Gospel. When Ivie heard a preacher quote 2 Corinthians 5:21, everything clicked. “‘He made him who knew no sin to become sin so that through him, we might become the righteousness of God.’ And like a movie in my own head, I see Jesus Christ take my place throughout my entire story. My story.” Since then, Ivie has become a Christian and shares the Gospel with many of the people and groups he meets. His research on direct personal evangelism and the Jesus Movement in the 1960s and 1970s inspired him to begin his own street ministry. “To me, being a servant leader isn’t about being on stage. It isn’t about putting on a show. It’s not about having a lot of followers. It’s not about having a cool
Pastor Lee picks up a baby from his famous “drop box.” Lee is the subject of Ivie’s documentary, and Ivie has made several subsequent trips to South Korea to visit Lee since their initial meeting.
haircut or cool clothes or anything like that. I think it’s about looking at the person in your path, looking at the person in your classroom, on your iPhone contacts, on your Facebook feed, on your Twitter feed, and trying to get in front of them and tell them where to find real life. That’s what being a leader is about: telling them where to find real life and building up a capacity to be rejected.” Ivie challenged Sterling students to accept Christ if they have not already done so. “The Bible is a window into a different life. And it’s not easier. It’s a lot harder, but it’s a lot better. And whatever it takes for you to get that window open and jump out … get out into that life and you won’t walk away because you will see God show up way too much. And it will become impossible to live for these petty things—for these vain things that the world lives for. I assure you.”
FREEMAN LECTURE SERIES UPCOMING SPEAKERS:
PHIL VISCHER animator • puppeteer • writer • voice actor songwriter • founder of Jellyfish Labs founder of Big Idea Productions September 30, 2016
SEAN MCDOWELL author • gifted communicator Christian Apologetics professor at Biola University recognized in the top 100 apologists April 7, 2017
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guard + guide
+I AM PROUD OF HOW MUCH THE STAFF AND FACULTY AT STERLING COLLEGE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH SINCE 2012. TAKING A LOOK BACK AND EVALUATING OUR GROWTH IS NOT JUST A GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE, IT ALLOWS US TO SEE HOW RICHLY GOD HAS BLESSED THE COLLEGE IN MANY AREAS. THE MOMENTUM CREATED HAS CERTAINLY ALLOWED US TO DREAM BIG AS WE MOVE INTO THE NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH. SCOTT RICH, PRESIDENT
Sterling College has committed to outstanding Christian liberal arts education for 129 years, and we will continue to guard the mission of the College. Every generation before us had its challenges to overcome, and they weathered those challenges while holding fast to the mission of Sterling College. We must continue to guard our beliefs as culture and federal regulations continue to shift the landscape of higher education and we guide the College into its future. The strategic plan that concluded with the 2015-16 academic year allowed Sterling College to improve in many
ways. We focused on strengthening our academic core, enriching our student experience and developing the infrastructure that will allow Sterling College to expand. Moving into the strategic plan Guard and Guide, we will continue to nurture our foundation of a Christian environment in which we prepare students to be highly qualified and leaders in their field. Our eight initiatives focus on the areas that we believe will best prepare us for the future.
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+ STRENGTHEN
Sterling College exists to educate, to develop and to support students. Thus, it is fitting we focus on the academic profile to introduce Guard and Guide. This is manifest by integrating faith and learning as we continue to grow signature programs. Opportunity for growth exists through the expansion and support of our academic student organizations, such as the Honors Program.
THE ACADEMIC PROFILE
+ FOSTER A VIBRANT SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY
The high view of God and Scripture that is held at Sterling is paramount to the Christian worldview that students encounter in the classroom, regardless of their specific discipline. The integration of faith and learning that students receive at Sterling is unique and not only includes classroom academic experience but is also applied to extra-curricular activities. For example, we will expand opportunities for Ministry Teams and continue strong chapel and convocation programming to nurture and support a Christ-centered community. An important part of growing faith is the ability to serve others and learning to see Christ in many situations. Students will have the chance to model servant leadership through community service and missions work locally and globally.
+ GROW
Sterling has been blessed with near-record enrollement in recent years. Guard and Guide calls for strategic growth by identifying student demographics that are most likely to flourish at Sterling. Emphasis will be placed on targeted initiatives for student enrollment including strategic academic programs, athletic teams and activities that appeal to today’s students.
ENROLLMENT STRATEGICALLY
+ MANAGE REGULATORY COMPLIANCE COMMITMENTS
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As the College prepares for the future, there will almost certainly be an increased demand for regulatory compliance. Sterling chooses to embrace these commitments by strengthening policies and procedures, fostering relationships with regulators at state and national levels, and to partner with strategic coalitions. This will allow the College to be a trusted partner to these important constituencies and to contribute to solutions as we act as servant leaders in our community.
+ DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE GIVING
+ SUPPORT OUTSTANDING FACULTY & STAFF
Generous donors who support the values we hold dear are a large reason Sterling College exists today. The College will continue to reach many lives for Christ and His Kingdom work through initiatives that include growing the Sterling Fund and annual giving campaigns. We look forward to continuing our partnership with volunteer leaders who have worked vigorously to perform tasks that impact many of our alumni. We cannot wait to see what God has in store for the College over the Guard and Guide years and how His blessing will be revealed as we seek to train student leaders, provide valuable instruction and exhortation in the faith.
Our people are the reason students have an edge over their competition. Faculty and staff truly care for and encourage young minds to reach their full potential. To support these employees, Sterling College has established professional development funds. We believe, however, that we can further our support by implementing new policies to encourage continuing education for all employees. We will also improve our evaluation of employees to maintain consistent practices across the institution. Time and again we hear from students and alumni about how professors, coaches, staff or our president made a difference in their development to become ready for vocation, for life and for leadership. We value our employees and we will continue to provide further opportunities for them to succeed at Sterling College.
+ EQUIP STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS
The Sterling experience is largely influenced by the aforementioned staff that are so valuable to the College. We would like to build on the existing framework to revise and upgrade tangible programs and plans that can influence and equip students for success. These include pairing students with employers for internships and career services support. Our Office of Career Services offers students an essential, six-step career-readiness program that follows them from the beginning of their freshman year, through graduation, and follows them throughout their career. The Office of Student Life will enhance services to provide a comprehensive co-curricular education experience for students. This includes additional training for student life staff and implementing a first-year program that will partner with the Foundations of Servant Leadership class.
+ IMPROVE
FACILITIES, TECHNOLOGY, & INFRASTRUCTURE
Strides were made under the previous strategic plan that included connectivity upgrades. Since initiating Guard and Guide July 1, the Office of Innovation and Technology installed 54 switches, increasing the College’s wireless capacity. Not only is keeping up with technology important for our institution, but we must prepare our students for what they will find in the workplace upon graduation. Sterling College has plans to expand academic, residential and athletic spaces, further develop campus-wide landscaping and grounds, and continue with an innovative technology plan.
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From 2011-16, Sterling College executed a strategic plan that had three main objectives: strengthen the academic core, enrich the student experience, and develop the infrastructure. Sterling College focused on strengthening its academic programs through nine focused areas. The College made marked growth in all areas, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our leadership, faculty, and generous gifts from alumni and friends of the College. As this chapter closes and the College looks forward to what lies ahead, let’s take a look back at some themes and major accomplishments that took place as a result of this plan.
Strengthen the Academic Core Many of today’s careers blend fields of study, and candidates with experience in both subjects are valuable to employers and in ministry. Sterling College now offers 14 hybrid majors to fit this growing trend. Developed by the National Advisory Council, our faculty, and professionals who are currently working in these areas, the interdisciplinary majors have been a great success with students already taking advantage of this new offering. Faculty at Sterling College have long been one of the College’s greatest strengths. It is not uncommon for faculty to take extra steps to encourage students to reach their potential. During the course of this strategic plan, Sterling’s faculty also increased their professional qualifications. Sterling realized a 10 percent increase of faculty holding terminal degrees or doctorates over the five-year plan.
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10% in c r e as e o f fac ult y h o l d in g t e r m in al d e gr e e s o r d o c t o rate s.
DEVELOP the INFRASTRUCTURE Endowed scholarships create huge opportunities for Sterling, and more importantly, for the students they benefit. These scholarships allow students to attain the Sterling experience for themselves as they prepare them for additional education and vocations. Since 2011, Sterling has received more than $1.9 million in gifts to the endowment.
P L A NNI NG COME S
FULL C I RCLE
$1 .9M E N D O WM EN T GR O WT H
+50
ST U D E NT I NCR E A S E IN E NR OL L M E N T
ENRICH THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE The Ross and Fern Freeman Lecture Series for Servant Leadership was founded in 2014 on the idea that servant leadership not only has the potential to influence societal change, but can also provide both practical and successful management skills. The Series seeks to educate individuals on the various values and applications of leadership by highlighting the servant leadership attributes present in others. Sterling looks forward to welcoming Phil Vischer and Sean McDowell to the distinguished speakers that have encouraged the community of Sterling. STERLING COLLEGE
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CHRISTIAN BROTHERHOOD IS NOT AN IDEAL WHICH WE MUST REALIZE; IT IS RATHER A REALITY CREATED BY GOD IN CHRIST IN WHICH WE MAY PARTICIPATE. DIETRICH BONHOEFFER IN LIFE TOGETHER Having served in five churches since graduating from Sterling College, Randy Wade ’90 has had his share of experiences moving in and out of congregations and brings valuable wisdom for all of us. Wade is currently the lead pastor at Piedmont First United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Oklahoma. Married to Debbie (Landis) ’90, they have three daughters: Bekah, Anna and Lydia. STERLING MAGAZINE: YOU’VE MOVED AROUND OVER THE YEARS. WHAT WAS IT LIKE MOVING INTO STERLING? RANDY WADE: I came to Sterling because I wanted a college that was distinctly Christian and where I could continue to play football. The other schools I visited were either too uptight (I’m not exactly a dress code kind of guy) or didn’t seem to be all that serious about making Jesus Christ anything more than an auxiliary part of their academic and campus life. Sterling fit who I was. It allowed me to be academically and theologically inquisitive while still maintaining a living and active faith. The life I live (and love) now would not have been possible without Sterling. On the most obvious level, it is where I met my wife, Debbie. We met when we were both freshmen and married
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in July after we graduated. But beyond that, my experiences in the classrooms of Sterling set me on a course I never would have imagined for myself.
“
SON, FIRST THING YOU NEED TO KNOW IS ONLY A FOOL WEARS A JACKET AND TIE IN EAST TEXAS IN THE SUMMER.
I was not a great student in high school. My biggest concern as an incoming freshman was whether or not I would flunk out. Much to my surprise, I found myself actually engaged by what my professors were teaching, and when the end of the first semester rolled around, I had not only survived, but done well. I am grateful to all of my professors at Sterling but particular-
“
ODDLY ENOUGH, THE ONLY ONE THAT DOESN’T KNOW THE “LAY OF THE LAND” IS THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN PUT IN CHARGE OF LEADING.
ly to Dr. Arn Froese and Dr. Tom Keith in behavioral science and Dr. Dale Snyder and Dr. Tony Petrotta in theology and Bible. I had never thought of myself as “scholarly material,” but nearing graduation, they were encouraging me to continue my studies. Without their encouragement, I never would have considered applying to a world class university like Duke. But I did, and Duke accepted me, and I found that my Sterling education had prepared me better than most of my peers from larger and more prestigious universities. Sterling College is a special place. It is unusual in this world to have the access to professors that students have at Sterling. In four years, not only can you learn a great deal but you can actually become friends, and that’s pretty cool. And because there aren’t 20,000 other students at Sterling like at state schools, you have the ability to build relationships with a much more diverse group of people at Sterling than at other places. I know this runs counter to what people would think, but what I’ve seen at large universities is that because they are so large, people tend to group themselves with people just like themselves. But at Sterling, you live day in and day out with people who are genuinely different than you are – people you never would have spent time with otherwise. And that mirrors our community in church and the world around us.
current appointment. Altogether, my wife, Debbie, and I moved to six different communities in three states before our 25th wedding anniversary. We know something about moving. SM: WHAT IS IT LIKE TO MOVE INTO A NEW CONGREGATION? RW: Moving as a pastor is always interesting. Beyond the ordinary trials and tribulations of the move itself, the pastor is coming into a church community that is usually long-established and already has a deep history together. Oddly enough, the only one that doesn’t know the “lay of the land” is the one who has been put in charge of leading. And truthfully, you never know what you are going to find in those first few days. My first charge as a “head pastor,” where I was responsible for preaching (and everything else it turned out), was in a little church in rural east
Randy Wade has served in ministry ever since graduating from Sterling and currently serves as the lead pastor at Piedmont First United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Okla.
SM: WHAT HAS GOD HAD IN STORE FOR RANDY SINCE GRADUATING FROM STERLING? RW: I am a United Methodist minister. We move. One of the particularities of our polity is we are sent for one year at a time to serve at the church to which we have been “appointed.” At the end of each year, we can either be re-appointed to our current church or sent to another as the bishop sees fit. As is the case with most ministers, I moved fairly quickly in the early years, spending just three years in each of my first two churches. In my second two churches, I enjoyed stays of seven and nine years. I am currently beginning the third year at my
Texas that looked like a Norman Rockwell painting—a beautiful white church with a steeple set in a grove of trees and surrounded by a cemetery that went back more than 150 years. It was perfect, idyllic. I was 27 years old and very nervous as Debbie and I drove up that first Sunday morning in late June. Since we were moving from out of state to finish some seminary work, we hadn’t yet met anyone from the church. As we rounded the curve that brought the church into view, we could see seven or eight men, all in their 50s or 60s, on the front porch. We parked. I stepped out of the car in my best dark suit and tie and intro-
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duced Deb and myself, and each of the men introduced himself to us in return. Then there was an awkward silence. Finally, one of the men broke the silence by saying, “Son, first thing you need to know is only a fool wears a jacket and tie in east Texas in the summer.” It was good advice; it was really nice to not have to wear that jacket and tie in summer. I loved that church. But you can’t understand people and value what they have to offer without knowing them. Such is the value of experience in a particular community. SM: ESTABLISHING THOSE RELATIONSHIPS CAN TAKE TIME AND IS ONE OF THE SCARIEST AND HARDEST PARTS OF MOVING. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE LOSS OF ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY THAT COMES WITH MOVING? RW: Moving is difficult on many levels, but the most difficult part of moving is the change, and in many cases, the losing of established relationships. When we move from a place to another place, there’s an unavoidable disruption in our relationships. It’s common, even emotionally necessary, for us to grieve the losses we
incur when we move. But when the Scriptures teach us “not to grieve as others who have no hope,” it speaks a truth beyond just death. It speaks to all kinds of grief, including the changes of relationship caused by moving. Not only is it true that in Christ Jesus we will ultimately be reunited with our Christian friends again, it’s also so that in Christ Jesus we will be brought new Christian friends in the place to which we have been called. But it takes time. It takes shared experience. It takes hanging in there long enough to get to know people. It takes having the courage to let other people know you. Christ provides the path of relationship with Him and with each other in every place we live, and because relationships are what matter most, every place is therefore full of potential blessing and joy.
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I FOUND THAT MY STERLING EDUCATION HAD PREPARED ME BETTER THAN MOST OF MY PEERS FROM LARGER AND MORE PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITIES.
SM: IN CONCLUSION, WHAT WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT MIGHT YOU HAVE FOR YOUR FELLOW WARRIORS? RW: I hope my experience in moving can be helpful the next time you move or the next time someone moves into your community or church. It can be a very trying and difficult time for those who are trying to find their place. So please reach out to them. And if you are the new person, give it time and trust in God, because sometimes even the most awkward beginnings lead to the best friendships. We have a unique community, a unique bond, a unique sister and brotherhood in Christ in which we may participate. But even given all that Christ has done, it still takes patience, effort and courage. And most of all, it takes time.
Randy and Debbie pictured at an event while students at Sterling. They now have three daughters: Bekah, Anna and Lydia.
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STERLING
ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNI NEWS FROM ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD
1960s Dr. Daniel Pauls ’67 retired after three years of postgraduate training, two years in Pakistan, 31 years of private practice in internal medicine in Parsons, Kan., and seven years as medical director of the Community Living Center at the Topeka VA Medical Center. David Leebrick ’69 retired in December 2014 after 40 years as a process engineer in the semiconductor industry. He is the holder of three U.S. patents.
1970s
Randy Henry ’72 recently retired from serving as a lecturer in business law at Sterling College for the past 35 years.
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ty and Virginia Commonwealth University.
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Larry Dashiell ’76 retired from serving as senior director of schools in Portland, Ore. Scott Downing ’79 is now the special teams coordinator/running backs coach at Liberty University.
1980s
Gary White ’73 recently retired from serving as assistant principal at Salina South High School. White served as head football coach and in student life at SterA
ling College from 1984-88.
Tony Pujol ’89 has joined the men’s basketball program at the University of Wyoming as an assistant coach. Tony previously coached at Alabama UniversiC
1990s David Earle ’91 recently relocated from South Carolina to the Kansas City area where he is the vice president for advancement at Stonecroft Ministries. Michael Brennan ’98 recently moved to Ardmore, Okla., from Houston to accept the position of senior technical trainer at Valero Energy Corporation. Amy Thompson ’96 recently accepted the facilities rental and special events coordinator position at the Kansas State Fair. Tashia (Gregston) ’99 and Alex D
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ALUMNI NEWS
Rodriguez welcomed home Adeline Mae, born on Dec. 27, 2015.
moved to Benton, Ark., where Brandon accepted the senior pastor position at Gateway Church.
rick welcomed home Henry Edward, born on March 14, 2015.
2010s
2000s
Kaylee Beutler ’14 recently began the nursing program at Mid-America Nazarene University.
Jaron ’12 and Teryn (Frizell) ’12 Irvin welcomed home their son, Josiah Thomas, on June 5, 2016. Brother Izaiah welcomes him with a heart full of joy. B
Kory ’03 and Aaron Smith welcomed Gwyneth Isabel to the family on Jan. 31, 2016. Siblings Mirren, Rhys and Calum are thrilled with the arrival of their new baby sister. Gabe Eliserio ’08 is now the defensive coordinator at Sterling College. Naomi ’09 and Eddie Fitzpat-
Reggie ’15 and Hannah (Enfield) fs17 Langford celebrated the birth of their son Ezra King on April 13, 2016. C
Kerby Rice ’13, A.T.C., graduated from Wichita State University this year with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Bay (Baker) fs15 and Giles Sandoval celebrated the birth of their son Grey Arrow Sandoval born on May 21, 2016. D
Brandon ’13 and Erica (Herman) ’11 Morrow recently
WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send us your news at alumni@sterling.edu or call us at 620-278-4228. FOLLOW STERLING COLLEGE SterlingCollege
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@SterlingCollege
01
Annette (Ensz) ’12 married Jonathan Zampatti on April 9, 2016. Trent Stutzman ’12 and Katie (Reynoso) married on Dec. 31, 2015. 01 Emily (Walker) ’14 married Josh Hood ’16 on June 18, 2016.
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FALL 2016 STERLING
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Sterling College • Sterling College Alumni • Sterling College Parents • Sterling College Warrior Athletics
@SterlingCLife • @SterlingCNews • @SterlingCSports
03
Kayla (Van Nover) ’15 married Mark Alan fs15 Hemphill on June 3, 2016. 02 Hannah (Gardner) ’15 married Connor Kraus on June 4, 2016. 03 Taylor Fair ’16 married Ashtyn (Lampe) ’16 on May 22, 2016.
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04 Hunter Morgan ’16 and Tennissa (Williams) ’16 married on May 7, 2016. Emily (Allen) ’16 married Dayton Winter on June 18, 2016. 05 Kyle Zila ’16 married Melissa (Jackson) ’16 on June 11, 2016.
ALUMNI NEWS
IN MEMORIAM
If you would like to honor a dear friend or mentor, you may send a donation in their name or purchase a personalized brick for the Sterling College Legacy Walk. For more information, go to www.sterling.edu/giving.
EMPLOYEE | LEADERSHIP
1950S
1970S
Mary E. Bolton-Vohs former Board of Trustee member (1989-91)
Richard H. McGrew ’50 Carl B. Orr ’50 Samuel Andreasen ’51 Lois M. Sieverling ’51 Thaine E. Beitler ’52 Viola F. Moberly ’52 Jack R. Carinder ’53 Bess Bass Kirby ’57 Elizabeth C. Vincent ’57 Raymond A. Miller ’58 Anna Mae Robertson ’59
Robert Wayne Hall ’70 Michel A. Fabin ’72 Karen A. Gant ’72 Dennis W. Pauls ’74 Randy L. Freeman ’78
1960S
Derek S. Dabovich ’92 Wanda June Doran ’93
Hadley Hicks former Baseball and Football Coach (1987-88, 2005, 2007-13) Mildred M. McAllister former Food Service Director (1978-88) Robert Maurice Reed ’39 former Board of Trustee member (1951-56)
William Wesley Learned ’60 Dee Jay Reiff ’60 Betty Ann Zerener ’60 JoAnna A. Kerschner ’61 Maxine Millsap ’62 Amos R. Williams ’62 Harold Dewalt ’64 Gale L. Palmer ’66
1940S Marvin W. Melville ’41 Richard E. Johnson ’44 Ann Belle Tedford ’45 Vina E. Holmes ’46 Richard C. Wyatt ’46 Dorothy P. Danford ’47 Frank Edward Patterson ’49
Alumni Awards
1980S Lynette L. McLaurine ’83 Joan Davison ’85
1990S
These alumni have distinguished themselves as discernibly different through their profession, service and ministry. They illuminate the values of Sterling College by demonstrating professional excellence, investment in cultural change, community advancement and obedience to Christ’s teaching. Join the Warrior community as we celebrate their accomplishments at various events and activities Homecoming Weekend, October 13-15. Alumni awards will be presented October 14 during the Alumni Banquet.
Distinguished Service Award Dr. Thomas C. Simpson ’69
Physician, leader, healer, communicator, relational bridge builder. Tom has delivered decades of dynamic leadership in the community, for Sterling College, in the healthcare industry, and in his church.
Sterling College Alumni Award Teddi Bryant ’88
Innovator, creative, entrepreneur and DJ. As a small business owner and personal trainer, Teddi connects people and helps others improve body, mind and soul.
Sterling College Young Alumni Award Matt Ehresman ’10
Author, blogger, writer, ministry and worship leader. Matt is quickly making his mark.
STERLING COLLEGE
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