Dr, Vanderhoof, CHUMS Returns

by Destiny Cooper

Dr. Lara Vanderhoof’s time at Tabor has been a blessing and an amazing experience for her over the years. She has had the opportunity to minister to students, faculty and staff and create lasting memories.

Vanderhoof said she has gained so much insight and experience that she will cherish for a lifetime. The study abroad trips, field trips, lectures and serving as the Social Justice Club adviser have provided Vanderhoof with unique opportunities.

Vanderhoof has received awards and achievements to commemorate her service at Tabor, including the Clarence R. Hiebert Excellence in Training Award in 2018 and Who’s Who in Social Sciences Education in 2018. She is also a Kansas State Supreme Court Approved Mediator.

She has also contributed, edited and reviewed content for various publications and journals, and she has guided Tabor’s Societal Challenge and Social Work program.

What Vanderhoof said she will take away most from Tabor is the attitude of servant leadership, the importance of listening intently, and the perspective of the student’s voice, along with holistically caring for students while providing a well-rounded Christian liberal arts education.

As Vanderhoof transitions into a new journey, she hopes to never forget the importance of building relationships.

“Spending time with students has yielded great joy in seeing these young adults become excited about serving Jesus in the world,” she said.

As Vanderhoof closes her time at Tabor, she will teach in Tabor’s Master of Education program this summer before transitioning to Central Christian College in McPherson, Kansas, as Chief of Academics Officer.

CHUMS MAKES POST-COVID COMEBACK

by Millie Sechrist

Part of the mission for CHUMS is to make a difference in the lives of elementary school students by showing them Christ’s love through mentoring relationships. CHUMS gives Tabor students the opportunity to work with a Hillsboro Elementary student semiweekly.

CHUMS has been happening for more than 25 years but had to pause the past two years because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“The elementary students get the mentoring and the tutoring, but for the Tabor students, it is helping them give back to the community,” said Sara Sigley, staff adviser and former CHUMS mentor.

Being a CHUMS mentor has been a special experience for senior Rolanda Reed, and she was excited for its return after COVID-19.

“I gained a sense of community,” Reed said. “Tabor is a community, but CHUMS extends that community to the elementary school kids.”

Reed said she is thankful for the support she had as an elementary school student, so she sees the importance of supporting these elementary students who need extra support.

“For both students that I have worked with, they were very hesitant and did not have a lot of confidence,” said Reed. “It was so memorable helping them build that confidence.”

CHUMS is a great way for Tabor students to serve the community and get connected with young students.

Sigley said, “The kids benefit both socially and academically. They have someone who is there to help them to be a positive role model for them.”