Tabor College Connection Fall 2015

The Tabor College

Connection Fall 2015 • Vol. 70 / No. 1

Inside: Tabor Students in Thailand Signature Campaign Update New Nursing Degree

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From the President

Follow along with Dr. Glanzer’s travels and campus events on Twitter. @presglanzer

Tabor College claims to be a decidedly Christian college. In today’s society, the term “Christian” does not always carry a positive connotation. Nor have Christians always been positive examples of the person whose name they claim.

Even those of us who intentionally follow Him in life come up short of reflecting Him positively. Yet when Christ-like living is modeled and engaged in, being Christian is a beautiful thing and society becomes a better place.

Decidedly Christian is a term that we have chosen to use to describe who we are. It is what we hope we have always been, who we genuinely are, and who we intentionally want to be. You might say, it is our brand, a primary identifying mark describing us.

When you ask anyone in the marketplace what is Tabor College known for—regardless of which campus—or what is the one thing that makes Tabor distinctive from other schools, the answer we most often hear is that we are a Christian college.

Decidedly Christian can mean different things to different people. Whenever we have students or employees who make bad choices, misbehave or offend someone, the person communicating his/ her experience with me often ends the conversation with, “And I thought that Tabor is a decidedly Christian college.” Being decidedly Christian is not an arrival point, but a journey.

So what does it mean to be a decidedly Christian school? May I suggest four characteristics that I believe describe Tabor College.

1. Tabor provides an environment where Christ can transform lives. Tabor is named after Mt. Tabor where the transfiguration of Jesus is reportedly to have happened. The name was chosen with the vision that transformation of lives would happen at Tabor. The designer of the H. W. Lohrenz Building had this in mind. One would walk up the steps like walking up the mountain, through the columns of knowledge into the halls of learning to be transformed. Seeing students experience God working in their lives is our highest calling. For some, this is discovering and choosing to follow Christ for the first time in their lives. For others, it means choosing to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus. For others, it means using their chosen vocation as a means of service or shifting to vocational ministry. Transformation is central to being decidedly Christian. As our logo with two overlapping “T’s”

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communicates, one stands for Tabor and one for the cross and together they mean transformation.

2. Tabor upholds a commitment to Jesus Christ and the scriptures. Central to being decidedly Christian is a faculty, administration and staff who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The scripture is their authority for faith, doctrine, life and conduct. Not only are students transformed, but faculty, administration and staff also experience God’s work in their lives and live out their faith in ways that influence, inform and inspire others to be committed followers of Jesus in their chosen vocations. Living with the tensions of truth, grace, love, accountability, belief and relationships is part of fleshing out this commitment.

3. Tabor evidences a commitment to the integration of faith and learning. A liberal arts education is a wonderful way to explore how faith affects the various aspects of life: to recognize all of creation as an expression of the creativity and grandeur of God; to long for justice and set things right in the world; to understand the needs of mankind and hunger for healthy relationships; to learn how to critically think about the issues facing society infused with the person of Christ; to appreciate beauty; to compete with character and integrity. All of these and more are part of our mission to prepare people for a life of learning, work, and service for Christ and His kingdom.

4. Tabor provides a setting where Christian living is encouraged. Following Christ in our daily living has its challenges. Growing in discipleship is part of who we are. We do not always get this right and it often looks and feels messy. Tabor does not exist in a bubble. All the ills of society are part of life at Tabor and yet we strive to live in such a way that allegiance to Him and honoring Him is part of our normal day-to-day living. Traditional-age residential college students and adult learners both need settings where they learn to grow in grace and truth. Love, acceptance and forgiveness are normative. Searching for truth and living up to His standards are central.

Positive affirmation and loving discipline are part of our life together in community. We discover a redemptive power in a community that is decidedly Christian.

Decidedly Christian, this is our calling, our mission and our way of living. We are growing in each of these. You might call it “the Tabor experience” developing Christian minds, hearts, hands and feet with Christ in His kingdom. I would be happy to visit with any of you personally, by phone or email, about what it means to be decidedly Christian.

President Jules Glanzer

Connection A magazine for Tabor College alumni & friends Editor Katrina Hancock katrinah@tabor.edu Contributor Aleen Ratzlaff aleenr@tabor.edu Senior Designer Diane Steiner dianes@tabor.edu Photographer/Webmaster Vance Frick vancef@tabor.edu Student Photographer Courtney Reed Sports Information Director Anthony Monson anthonym@tabor.edu Tabor College 400 South Jefferson Hillsboro, Kansas 67063 (620) 947-3121 tabor.edu Tabor College Mission: “Preparing people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and His kingdom.”

Front cover: Campbell, Avery, Jaxon and Jeremy Glanzer.

Photo by Courtney Reed.

@TaborCollege /TaborCollege

inside

Fall 2015 Vol. 70 No. 1

Homecoming 4 Signature Campaign Update

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Education Abroad

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New Nursing Degree

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Sharing the Gospel in Thailand

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Academic Awards

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Sports 18 Following the Light

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Alumni News

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Board of Directors: Lyndon Vix (Chair) Diana Raugust (Vice Chair) Theodore Faszer (Secretary) Brent Kroeker (Treasurer) Darrell Driggers (at-large) Craig Ratzlaff (at-large) Loren Balzer (at-large) Jose Cabrera Roger Ediger Rick Eshbaugh Del Gray (Faculty Rep.) Jeral Gross Jeremy Johnson (Student Rep.) Loretta Jost

Mark Jost David Karber Mike Kleiber Jerry Kliewer Elaine Kroeker Bill Loewen Nate Loewen Dean Nachtigall Dennis Penner Elaine Setzer-Maxwell Tim Sullivan Wilbur Unrau Richard Unruh

For up-to-date news, go to tabor.edu/news

/taborcollege /taborcollege /company/tabor-college

Created by alumnus David Vogel (g’12) Tabor has a new app for your smartphone.

Go to the app store, search “Tabor College” and download it for free.

/taborcollege

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Alumni, families and friends gathered at Joel H. Wiens Stadium to watch the Homecoming football game between Tabor College and Kansas Wesleyan.

The Bluejays defeated the Coyotes 14-7. For more on the football team, go to page 18.

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H o m e c o m i n g

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Homecoming 2015

Recent alumni gather at Druber’s Donut Shop The Tabor College Concert Choir performs at Music Fest

Host and Hostess Mallory Zuercher and Elliot Money

Visitors are updated on the progress of the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts

Bill Loewen, Daryl Nikkel, Sam Harder, Al Friesen and Jim Friesen compete in the Homecoming Golf Classic

Kevin Nickel, Joel Allen, Justin Ball, Nathan Vogel and Garrett Daugherty compete in the 800 meter alumni race—Vogel won with a time of 2:00.61

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Dr. Mark Nachtigall gives a science presentation titled “FreezeDrying Drugs in the Pharmaceutical Industry”

Jenessa Hlad’s family, athletic training staff and students honor her memory at the dedication of the Jenessa Hlad Athletic Training Facility

Decade reunions under the bleachers at halftime of the football game

The Bluejays put up a total of 245 rushing yards en route to a 14-7 Homecoming victory over Kansas Wesleyan

Cousins Jenny and Leah Blough at the Kids Zone

Sean Girior participates in the alumni track and field reunion throwers’ competition

Austyn Driggers enjoys activities at the Kids Zone

Baseball and softball tailgate reunions

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Golden Brunch

Class of 1955 (Front row, L to R): Lois (Grauman) Reimer, Roland Reimer, Naomi (Lepp) Wiens, Ed Wiens; Back row (L to R): Eloise (Franz) Faul, Elinor (Ewert) Kliewer, Loyal Martin, Rosella (Schroeder) Martin, Elton Berg

Rod Hamm and President Jules Glanzer announce the Alumni Medallion Award winner, Jeremiah Randall (g’04) Rosette (Hofer) Loewen and Steve Toews visit at the Festival Dinner in Wichita President Jules Glanzer and Alumni Merit Award winner, Dr. Dwight Klaassen (g’58)

Class of 1965 (L to R): Alfred Gerhardt, Karen (Jost) Enns, Melvin “Pete” Enns, Karen (Bartel) Wiebe, Harry Siemens, Gordon Wiebe, Richard Unruh, Calvin Buller, Dianne “Debbie” Reimer, John Goertzen, Virgil Ediger, Joyce (Reiswig) Loewen, John Wall, Elaine (Quiring) Nikkel, Bill Kliewer, Janet (Fast) VanHouten, Glenn Harrison, Dona Warkentin, Kenton Entz, Diana (Toews) Wiens, Paul Block, Lois (Lepp) Funk, Curtis Funk, Ruth (Sawatsky) Miller, Jack Braun, Nora (Wedel) Nikkel, Carol (Loewen) Ratzlaff, David Brown

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“Opal: A Musical Adventure”

“Conquer the Land” — Workers sing about the difficulties of lumber camp life in 1904 Oregon: (L to R) Kari Schmidt, sophomore; Michael Beye, junior; Alisa Ediger, sophomore; Reuven Isaac, sophomore; Benjamin Schmidt, senior; Casey Guthals, sophomore; Jamiah Evans, freshman; Ryne Preheim, sophomore; Olivia Kliewer, senior

The town gossips are busy at the Harvest Social: (L to R) Jamiah Evans, freshman; Casey Guthals, sophomore; Olivia Kliewer, senior; Heather Loewen, junior

Two sweethearts finally get hitched in “Everybody's Looking For Love”: (L to R) Heather Loewen, junior; Ryne Preheim, sophomore; Reuven Isaac, sophomore; Benjamin Schmidt, senior; Casey Guthals, sophomore; Olivia Kliewer, senior

Opal looks in a Sears and Roebuck catalog to help her friend, Mr. Givens, find a wife: (L to R) Molly Wiebe, sophomore; Ryne Preheim, sophomore

The cast included Michael Beye, junior; Alisa Ediger, sophomore; Jamiah Evans, freshman; Casey Guthals, sophomore; Reuven Isaac, sophomore; Olivia Kliewer, senior; Heather Loewen, junior; Ryne Preheim, sophomore; Benjamin Schmidt, senior; Kari Schmidt, sophomore; Molly Wiebe, sophomore.

Lumberjacks square dance during “Night of Shooting Stars” at the Harvest Social: (L to R) Benjamin Schmidt, senior; Ryne Preheim, sophomore; Reuven Isaac, sophomore; Michael Beye, junior

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Signature Campaign Update

Center for the Arts

Board approved $13 million “Vision without action is a daydream.

Action without vision is a nightmare.” — Japanese proverb

$1.7 million needed $11.3 million raised

During the past few months, vision and action have come together in the Center for the Arts project. In October, the sewer was rerouted and College Park was cleared for the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts. Anticipation, excitement and just plain hard work characterized Nov. 3-4 when we hosted a planning summit with BGW—the architect working for us—Hutton Construction and the Center for the Arts Planning Committee. Plans were approved for the construction drawings to be created. At our

The Signature Campaign $15.7 million raised $4.4 million

Endowment Enhancements Annual Fund

$11.3 million

Center for the Arts

fall board meeting, the members approved a $13 million facility. As we look ahead, from now through January, construction drawings will be created and February through March, bids will be received from subcontractors. Construction is anticipated to begin in late April. The long held dream is becoming a reality.

Jules Glanzer Tabor College President

Site Clearing

Dalke Construction removed trees 10

College Park cleared for spring construction

t a b o r . e d u / s i g n a t u r e - c a m p a i g n

Paying It Forward In 1952, Elmer Bob Kroeker attended Tabor for his freshman year. He grew up in Enid, Okla., and Dr. George Franz—a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church Kroeker attended growing up—paid for his first year at Tabor.

Kroeker never forgot that gesture of generosity and has been donating to Tabor’s Endowed Scholarship Fund every year since 1991. His willingness to give back to other Tabor students is because of his faith.

“To be raised Mennonite Brethren, you don’t forget it,” Kroeker said. “I didn’t forget Tabor.”

In May, Kroeker made his annual donation for the scholarship fund, but his generosity in 2015 did not stop there.

Kroeker loves old tractors. He bought a Holt tractor in 2005. On and off for the next five years, he would spend time restoring it.

“It was quite unique to some extent,” he said. “It’s not real rare. There were 337 made of the one that I had. I’ve restored eight. It’s just something to do.”

The restoration project was one he did not complete for a very good reason.

“I really didn’t want to finish it because, to finish it, you have to start it with a crank,” he said. “Well, that leaves me out.

I’m not going to mess with that.

“I finished as far as I wanted to go,” he added. “I wouldn’t take it to the show because I wouldn’t be able to start it. Then I had the idea that I’d rather have it in the museum where the machine kind of belongs.”

With the tractor not completely restored, Kroeker and his wife, Connie—who currently live in Round Rock, Texas, a suburb of Austin—decided the tractor needed to be sold to someone who would finish the restoration.

Peter Holt is the CEO of Holt Cat—the largest Caterpillar dealership in the United States— and chairman, CEO and owner of the National Basketball Association’s San Antonio Spurs. Holt is also the great-grandson of Benjamin Holt, founder of Holt Manufacturing Co. In the mid-1880s, the company produced the first horse-drawn “link-belt combined harvesters.” Holt went on to manufacture steam traction engines. With his great-grandfather’s tractor manufacturing history, Peter became a collector of Holt tractors. Today he buys, refurbishes and displays Holt tractors in a museum in San Antonio.

Kroeker decided he wanted to sell his tractor to Peter Holt and then donate the money from the sale to Tabor.

Kroeker worked with Kim Wiens—a Tabor advancement officer working in Texas—to organize the sale of the tractor.

“I started making calls to get to Mr. Holt,” Wiens said. “This was a challenge. Mr. Holt also owns the San Antonio Spurs and it’s impossible to get to him. After several calls and emails, I was

able to reach Bill Boyle.”

Boyle is the sales manager for Holt Cat in San Antonio. He immediately expressed interest in the purchase of Kroeker’s tractor. Within a week, Wiens met with Boyle. A week later, Holt made an offer to buy the tractor and Kroeker accepted. Within a month, the deal was done.

“We met and they brought a check and a truck to haul the tractor,” Wiens said. “The tractor went Kim Wiens to Dallas where it will be completely restored to running condition.”

Holt knows exactly the right people who will finish what Kroeker started and restore it to its original condition.

“Between his (Holt’s) technical/mechanical school, the class and the teacher will restore it to look like new,” Kroeker said.

In a few years, Kroeker’s wish of having his tractor displayed in a museum will become a reality.

“In 2018, Holt Cat is having an antique tractor show in San Antonio,” Wiens said. “The event will feature 12 Holt tractors that will be working and running at the show. Bob and I plan to attend and hopefully meet Mr. Holt. The tractor will then be located in the showroom of their corporate headquarters.”

Kroeker graciously donated the proceeds to Tabor and designated the gift for the Center for the Arts. Retired from IBM, Kroeker has been using its matching gift donation since 1991.

Tabor submitted an application to IBM for a matching gift and is awaiting approval from the company.

“This was what we wanted,” Kroeker said, “to give to Tabor and to get the tractor to the Holt Family.”

Twenty-six seconds changed College Park forever.

Visit tabor.edu/signature-campaign and watch the transformation.

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Education Abroad Tabor’s newly developed master’s program in entrepreneurial ministry leadership sent six students and one professor on a 10-day trip to Thailand in June.

The group visited businesses and church ministries across the country with Khmu, Thai, Burmese and Laotian believers. They encountered ministries run by MB Mission, Create International and a variety of local entrepreneurs. They spent time meeting Khmu and Laotian ministry leaders at the Changed Life Center.

They climbed and prayed on “Prayer Mountain.” They even celebrated and participated in baptisms with Burmese Christians in the Gulf of Thailand.

One highlight was spending time at the Abundant Life Home, which provides a loving family for HIV/AIDS orphans, in the village of Ang Sila. This ministry was the entrepreneurial brainchild of missionary Karen Huebert-Sanchez, mother of current Tabor student Sierra Sanchez.

Rick Bartlett, director of theological education at Tabor, accompanied the students to Thailand.

“This trip is a significant component in the EML program,” Bartlett said. “I’ve been on trips like this with students on multiple continents and when taking a group overseas, I look forward to the experiential learning that takes place. There is nothing better for integrating faith and learning. This trip surpassed my expectations from an academic and ministry perspective.”

The EML program has, as a requirement, a course in an international location. The goal of the EML program is to help students think entrepreneurially. This course, International Advance, offers students the opportunity to see innovative leadership in a different cultural context.

Aubrey Smith, a graduate student in the EML program, said the trip exceeded her hopes.

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“Before the trip, I honestly had no expectation other than to be a learner,” Smith said. “I knew we would be observing the entrepreneurial work of Christian missionaries and ministry leaders overseas, but I had no idea the depth in which we would observe them.

“These entrepreneurs have an understanding that their work involves seeing a vision, adapting to changes in the vision and constant faith to carry it out,” she added. “That’s the life of an entrepreneur in Thailand.”

The experience was life-changing for graduate student Joe Wuest, who had never traveled beyond U.S. borders.

“So much of my preconceived notions about other cultures and missions were shattered,” Wuest said. “I heard God speaking to me so clearly for the first time in years. So much of the ministry being done in Thailand resonated with me. I felt a desire to either be a part of it there or replicate it in America.

“The people in Thailand who have accepted Christ as their Savior have a different light about them,” Wuest added. “They are passionate, compassionate and fearless in their desire to spread the gospel. A desire burned within me to be more like these believers—to be more passionate about how I love others and how I help point them to Christ.”

Fellow student Lee Waldron echoed Wuest’s sentiments.

“God opened my eyes to a faith I was not accustomed to seeing,” Waldron said. “I interacted with so many men and women who are living radically for Jesus and putting their faith in serving the Lord.”

The group also spent time with one of MB Mission’s “Team 2000” missionary couples, now in Chiang Mai, Andy and Carmen Owen. Andy, a Tabor alumnus, told the group they would go back to the United States deeply affected.

Smith also spoke to the life-changing impact of the Thailand trip.

“I am not sure at what point this occurred for me,” she said.

“Perhaps it was our encounter with the fearless Khmu leaders in Chiang Rai or the walk around the Buddhist Temple in Chiang Mai. Maybe it was witnessing God’s powerful work within a Burmese church service in Bangkok or perhaps seeing the innocent little faces at Abundant Life Orphanage. Whatever the experience, I quickly became one of those unsuspecting visitors who was forever changed.”

The majority of people living in Thailand are Buddhist. Many of the missionaries there are trying to introduce the story of Jesus Christ to the Thai people.

“They have a passion to see their nation come to know God,” said EML student Jessica Garcia. “Their faith is strong and their vision for ministry is not limited by their lack of resources.”

Some students experienced God calling them to become more focused on their faith.

“I felt God call me out of a spiritual slumber,” Wuest added. “I heard Him, rather vividly, remind me of who He created me to be.

A lot of this centered around my gifts and abilities. For the past four to five years, I have felt uncertain about the path or journey I need to go on next. I believe God began answering some of those questions and doubts I had about myself.”

To learn more about the master’s program in entrepreneurial ministry leadership, visit us online at tabor.edu/EML.

Master of Science in Nursing Program Tabor College has been approved to offer an accredited master of science in nursing degree beginning in January 2016. Tabor’s MSN degree will offer an emphasis in nurse education, nurse executive leadership or nurse informatics.

“By providing a graduate program to complement our hugely successful RN to BSN program, Tabor offers nurses a comprehensive solution to their educational needs,” said Brett Andrews, executive vice president of Tabor College in Wichita.

The MSN degree is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses with essential skills that will make them effective leaders in decision-making, planning, finance and human resources. Successful graduates with this executive leadership degree are often nurses pursuing management, executive or educational roles.

“Nurses who obtain an MSN degree will find they have many more opportunities from which to choose,” said Marlene Pietrocola,

BSN Pinning Ceremony on Sept. 20, 2015

chair and associate professor, division of nursing. “I believe that a Tabor graduate with an MSN degree will be able to teach online and in the classroom, lead health systems and implement evidence-based solutions that can revolutionize health care in their community.“ Tabor’s new MSN degree will offer: • A curriculum with specialized courses in organizational theory, health-care finance, health policy, human resources and health-care systems • Faculty and preceptor guided practicum experiences designed to provide knowledge and mentoring • A required evidence-based project that gives the student an opportunity to document learning experiences • Current information and techniques taught by professionals who have advanced degrees in nursing • One-course-at-a-time format so a student can complete the degree in 24 months • Online learning for greater flexibility • Christian view integrated throughout the program The primary reason Tabor decided to offer an MSN degree is to help former students achieve higher success in the workforce. The process began two years ago for Tabor to offer the MSN degree.

Tabor’s faculty have been working to obtain accreditation for the past 12 months.

“Our BSN alumni have been asking for this graduate nursing degree,” Pietrocola said. “With the recent changes in health care, our nursing practice community strongly supports this degree as it will better prepare nurses for the complexity they will face with patients and the health-care system.”

For more information, visit us online at tabor.edu/MSN.

Why the Tabor Fund Needs Your Support Each year, Tabor College relies on the generosity of many people to provide unrestricted gifts to meet critical needs.

The Tabor Fund—sometimes called the Annual Fund—provides the needed resources to keep Tabor’s financial position strong.

Your Tabor Fund gifts provide the following: • • • • • •

Scholarships for students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600,000 Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000 Maintenance projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200,000 Science equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150,000 Faculty development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100,000 Unforeseen needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBD

Please consider a year-end gift now!

Our fiscal year goal is $1.15 million. Please take this opportunity to send a generous gift in the return envelope provided in the center of this magazine.

Our students thank you, our faculty thanks you and we all thank you!

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Sharing the Gospel in Thailand Hearing God’s calling in life is something with which many of us struggle. Knowing where to go and what to do are key in our relationship with Christ. Several Tabor alumni and current students heard the call to go to Thailand this summer to spend time playing basketball, but more importantly, praying for strangers.

This past summer MB Mission took 70 people—11 current Tabor students and five Tabor alumni—to Bangkok and Chonburi, Thailand, on a cross-cultural mission trip and a basketball tour.

Two basketball teams— both a men’s and a women’s—were part of Action Basketball 2015, a program supported by MB Mission that gives college basketball players the opportunity to travel overseas and compete.

Their motto was “One Team – many different assignments and locations.”

“We often have spots where musicians can find their place in the church, we have places for teachers, but where do athletes go?” said Mark Thompson, Leah Remboldt and Tena Loewen Action Basketball’s Program

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coordinator. “Where do athletes go if they want to serve God with their abilities? This is one avenue where if you are a basketball player and you are passionate about your relationship with Christ, you can go on mission for three weeks.”

A third team, formed from Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church in Hillsboro, focused on other ministries: teaching English, hosting a Vacation Bible School, painting a mural and playing with local children. Each participant had to be at least 17 years of age and raise $4,200 to travel.

“MB Mission highly encourages individuals going on mission to raise their support from the community of people that they have been blessed to be a part of,” said Joanna Chapa, a missionary at MB Mission. “Raising support includes financial, but also prayer and mentoring from their sending communities and churches.”

Plans for the Thailand trip began a year ago, when Thompson had encouraged Leah Remboldt, and husband Zac, both Tabor alumni, to be leaders on the 2015 trip.

“I loved that I was able to be a part of the whole process of praying and inviting and seeing it all come around full circle, instead of just joining in January,” Leah Remboldt said. “I would’ve missed all of the planning—the prayer. I did a lot of praying for people to go.”

Last fall, Remboldt worked in Tabor’s cafeteria for three months and began praying for men and women to go to Thailand.

“I prayed a lot during that time,” she said. “I prayed for a lot of the basketball players who ended up going.”

Remboldt’s dream was to travel with a group from Parkview MB Church in Hillsboro. Twelve people from Parkview began praying, fundraising and planning. The entire group needed to raise $47,000.

One young man had worried about not raising enough money, but he was reassured when told his airline ticket had been purchased. The Lord answered prayers and the Parkview group ended up raising more than $50,000.

“God provided all of what we needed,” Remboldt added. “All along I knew He was going to provide. I just didn’t know how. I just knew He would give our team stories of His provision.”

Several years ago, Tabor basketball player Tena Loewen, junior, felt called to go to Thailand.

“My brother, David, went to Thailand with MB Mission on their basketball team four years ago, and ever since then, I thought it would be cool to go,” Loewen said. “I was too young that year to participate, so I was thinking

about going two years after that. However, God had a better plan, and through a series of events, I really felt called to stay home that summer.

“After I obeyed that call, God started to place the country of Thailand on my heart. It was popping up everywhere—in my textbooks, on random videos, in conversations with people,” she said. “Last spring and summer, as the leaders of MB Mission started dreaming about the Action Basketball team for the summer of 2015, I started praying. At the end of last summer, one of the leaders at MB Mission approached me about being a captain for the women’s basketball team. I had a great peace and excitement about it, so I said ‘Yes.’” Loewen joined her brother, David—a 2014 Tabor graduate—as team captains. Loewen was joined by current teammates Sierra Sanchez, sophomore; Kaleigh Troxell, junior; Kayla Wilgers, senior; and Mallory Zuercher, senior. They traveled with men’s basketball players Lance Carter, junior and John Jedneak, senior. Katie Mount, a Tabor alumna, served as the women’s coach.

From June 24-29, the group spent time in Fresno preparing for the trip by team-building, praying, practicing and becoming familiar with the Thai culture.

On June 30, the group landed in Thailand and would spend the next 15 days experiencing a different culture. They competed against several Thai university teams, a pro team and a high-caliber team of select high school athletes. Their mission was to serve people through education, evangelism and community projects.

Several people visited Abundant Life Home, an orphanage run by missionary Karen Huebert-Sanchez, mother of Tabor basketball player Sierra Sanchez. For two years, Huebert-Sanchez has been praying for a group to come and teach English at a small elementary school in her neighborhood. Her prayers were answered when the Parkview team formed a relationship with people at the school, which allowed them to teach English and host a Vacation Bible School.

“A lot of the kids came to VBS in the evening,” Remboldt said.

“There was one night where 40 kids said ‘Yes’ to Jesus.”

At first, Remboldt was tentative about sharing the gospel.

“It was a little outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “I also felt like (Jesus) wanted me to ask them ‘Do you want to have a relationship with me?’ and I was like, ‘Alright, we’ll do that, whatever you want.’

“I shared the Good News with them,” she added. “We had a translator there, so (the children) were hearing it in Thai. I asked them, ‘So, does anyone want to have a relationship with Jesus?’

and 40 kids raised their hands.”

It was a seed planted. One of the children, who is living at Abundant Life Orphanage, is named Isaiah, 10. Remboldt said she believes he will spend eternity in heaven, despite the fact he may not entirely comprehend his decision to follow Jesus at his age.

“We just have to depend on the Holy Spirit to grow the seeds in their heart,” she said. “It may not be real for them for a while, but maybe when other teams come or when other Christians cross their paths, they will be able to understand more.”

Others accepted Christ at the basketball camps.

“Someone would also share their testimony at the camp and we would give away tracts, Bibles and shirts to anyone we played against,” Loewen said.

The life-altering impact this trip had on the lives of those in Thailand had the same effect on those who traveled more than 8,600 miles to meet them.

“This trip has really encouraged me to be bold in sharing my faith,” Loewen said. “I also learned a lot about trusting God and being patient in His timing. He knows exactly what He is doing, and all I have to do is obey on a daily basis.

“I am also really excited to be back at Tabor with a group of others who went on this trip,” she added. “I think God wants to do some big things on campus this year and I know God wants to use us as a part of it.”

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Online Programs Recognized Affordable Colleges Online has ranked Tabor College fifth overall on its list of Best Online Colleges in Kansas for 2015-2016. Tabor ranks high on the list because of its superior record of delivering online instruction. Tabor is the only Mennonite school to be recognized on the list.

“We are honored to be recognized as a college that provides a quality educational experience to students that need the convenience of an online delivery,” said Jules Glanzer, president of Tabor College.

Ranked schools meet a number of criteria and metrics, including: • Must offer a bachelor’s degree or higher • Must be a public or private, not-for-profit institution • Must offer at least one fully-online bachelor’s degree program “Tabor’s online programs are dedicated to providing an educational experience that is both academically excellent and thoroughly integrated with the Christian faith,” said Brett Andrews, executive vice president of Tabor College in Wichita. “Additionally, we offer our students exceptional customer service and individualized attention.”

Affordable Colleges Online is a leading resource for online learning and college affordability information. According to a recent study by the Babson Survey Research Group, the online student population in the country is now over 7 million, not to mention the 15.3 percent of Kansas students who are enrolled exclusively in distance education courses. ACO has distinguished its ranking scale by the use of Peer-Based Value. The PBV score compares the cost of each program to the cost of similar programs with the same qualitative score.

“We wanted to highlight the schools in each state that are driving innovative learning and meeting demands of students,” said Dan Schuessler, CEO and founder of ACO. “These schools are not only offering great programs, but they have expanded their program excellence to the much-desired online environment.”

Professor of Business Administration, Norm Hope, Ph.D.

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Tabor in Top Tier U.S. News & World Report has ranked Tabor College 41st overall in its 2016 Regional Colleges Midwest Rankings list. A year ago, Tabor was ranked 49th on the same list and has been ranked by the organization since 2003. U.S. News ranks over 1,600 schools for best quality and best value. It has been ranking undergraduate colleges since 1988 and graduate schools since 1994.

“I am thankful that U.S. News recognizes Tabor College as a top tier college in the Midwest,” said Tabor College President Jules Glanzer. “Moving up eight spots in the ranking is a credit to all faculty and staff for the quality work they do in helping provide an excellent education to those who choose to attend Tabor. Being recognized by them for the 12th year in a row demonstrates Tabor’s commitment to excellence.”

U.S. News uses indicators to capture academic quality that fall

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into a number of categories including assessment by administrators at peer institutions, retention of students, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, graduation rate performance and high school counselor ratings of colleges.

The indicators include input measures that reflect a school’s student body, its faculty and its financial resources, along with outcome measures that signal how well the institution does its job of educating students.

“It is gratifying to know that those who vote for the USNWR rankings, including our peer colleges, recognize Tabor’s commitment to academic excellence,” said Vice President for Academics Frank Johnson. “Tabor graduates are highly sought out by employers. It is an honor to be part of a community that celebrates the integration of academic, athletic and co-curricular programming.”

NAIA Academic Award for 15 Teams Tabor College’s Department of Athletics announced that 15 of its 18 varsity athletic teams earned the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Scholar-Team Award for their academic efforts in the classroom during the fall and spring semesters of the 2014-2015 academic year.

Each varsity team must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the academic year in order to receive this award.

The women’s tennis team led the way for the Bluejays finishing 53rd in the nation with a cumulative GPA of 3.67. With 15 teams selected for this honor, Tabor is the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference leader in academic excellence.

“Part of the mission of the athletic department is to support learning,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Rusty Allen. “Our coaches work hard to impress upon their athletes the importance of excellence in the classroom. God has blessed us with talented athletes and students. I am proud of our coaches and players and look forward to continued academic excellence.”

Below is a list of cumulative GPAs for each varsity team: Baseball – 3.02 Division II Women’s Basketball – 3.49 Men’s Cross Country – 3.56 Men’s Indoor Track & Field – 3.06 Men’s Outdoor Track & Field – 3.05 Men’s Soccer – 3.23 Men’s Tennis – 3.06 Softball – 3.15 Volleyball – 3.52 Women’s Cross Country – 3.58 Women’s Indoor Track & Field – 3.34 Women’s Outdoor Track & Field – 3.32 Women’s Soccer – 3.41 Women’s Swimming – 3.03 Women’s Tennis – 3.67

This year marks the first for the baseball team to earn the NAIA Scholar-Team Award. The Bluejays also competed in the Avista-NAIA World Series for the second year in a row.

Head Baseball Coach Mark Standiford acknowledged the efforts by his team in achieving this academic award.

“I am very proud of the way we took care of business both on and off the field,”Standiford said. “To be an NAIA Scholar-Team and to make it to the World Series speaks highly of our team’s character and strong work ethic. This team understands what the real definition of being a successful student-athlete really is.”

Vice President of Academics Frank Johnson said the studentathletes are to be congratulated for their hard work.

“I commend each of these scholar-athletes as well as the many faculty and coaches who contributed to their success,” Johnson said. “Tabor College is blessed to have nearly every varsity squad represented on the NAIA Scholar-Team roster.”

2015 Baseball team

NAIA Champions of Character Tabor College has once again been named an NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star institution for its pursuit in promoting the highest character in its intercollegiate athletics. Throughout their competitive seasons, coaches and athletes focus on the five core values of the Champions of Character program: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.

“Character in competition is an important value for the Tabor Athletic Department,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate

Athletics Rusty Allen. “I appreciate the way our coaches and athletes work at maintaining high standards.

We are honored to have achieved the NAIA Champion of Character gold status.”

Tabor was one of 29 schools across the country to be awarded gold status after it finished the 2014-15 year receiving 96 of a possible 100 points on its scorecard. The 96 points placed Tabor eighth overall and first in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Tabor and the University of Saint Mary were the only schools in the KCAC to receive gold status.

“It is an honor to be named a Five-Star Champions of Charter institution,” said Karol Hunt, Tabor’s Champions of Character liaison and chair of the KCAC Champions of Character Committee. “To reach the gold status is a reflection of the support of Tabor’s coaches and athletes in living the five core values, not only during competition, but also on campus and in Several football players interact with students at Marion Elementary School outreach programs in the community.”

Photo courtesy: MES Principal Justin Wasmuth

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Football Tabor’s football team—ranked No. 8 in the NAIA at the end of the regular season—finished off a 9-0, undefeated Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference schedule by beating rival Bethel College 26-17.

It was the Bluejays’ first outright KCAC regular season title since 2005. Both perfect conference seasons came under the direction of Head Coach Mike Gardner.

“We had a team who totally believed in what we were doing,” Gardner said. “We stayed relatively healthy, had multiple players playing key roles and the coaching staff got us prepared each week.”

The Bluejays finished with only one loss during 2015 and earned a spot in the NAIA Football Championship Series with a 10-1 overall record.

The sole blemish on the season was a 9-7 loss in the second week of the season to No. 12 Northwestern (Iowa) College. After that game, Tabor outscored its opponents by 236 points. For the first time in the history of the program, Tabor hosted its first home playoff game in Hillsboro Nov. 21 versus No. 9 Doane College. The Bluejays won 16-14 and advanced to the NAIA quarterfinals.

Twenty-two Bluejays were awarded with KCAC All-Conference honors, including five on first team, six on second team and 11 honorable mention. Senior quarterback Simon McKee was named KCAC Offensive Player of the Year and senior defensive lineman Dylan Delk earned the KCAC Defensive Player of the Year award. Coach Gardner garnered his fourth KCAC Coach of the Year award.

“Anytime you can retain good people who share your vision, over time the outcome is generally fantastic,” Gardner added.

KCAC Offensive Player of the Year, senior quarterback Simon McKee Junior running back Joseph Donnell scored 12 touchdowns and compiled 993 rushing yards during the regular season

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KCAC Defensive Player of the Year, senior defensive lineman Dylan Delk

Volleyball Postseason Honors KCAC First Team:

Tena Loewen, junior; Katelin Horstick, senior

KCAC Second Team:

Amy Horner, junior

KCAC Honorable Mention:

Keeley Kroeker, freshman

Volleyball Champions of Character Award recipient:

Miranda Leibold, junior

Tabor College volleyball had a tremendous season as the Bluejays finished 23-12 overall and 15-5 in the KCAC with a third

KCAC First Team, Tena Loewen

place finish in the conference.

“Our team was a new team this year and certainly gained speed as the season progressed,” said Head Coach Amy Ratzlaff. “Our last half of the season was very good volleyball, and the team united to battle some great games.”

In conference play, Tabor played seven matches to five sets and won six of those matches.

“The most memorable game was our first round of KCAC play verses Oklahoma Wesleyan,” Ratzlaff added. “An unbelievable number of fans came out and cheered us to victory. This team was a very remarkable team in numerous ways, both on and off the court.”

KCAC First Team, Katelin Horstick

KCAC Second Team, Amy Horner

Tennis The men’s and women’s tennis teams had an excellent fall and played in four tournaments. The highlight was sophomore Jessica Emoto, who won the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Central Region Qualifier in Omaha, Neb., and qualified for the ITA Small College National Singles Championship in Sumter, S.C., where she finished seventh. Emoto was one of eight female studentathletes from the NAIA who qualified for this event.

Facing a new level of competition, Emoto adjusted well.

She lost her Harrison Faber, junior

first match, 2-6. 2-6, to No. 3 seed Lauren Stratman—who is also ranked No. 3 in the nation—from Westmont College. Emoto lost her second match, 1-6, 0-6, against Alyona Vasilyeva from Georgia Gwinnett. In her final match, Emoto defeated Puck Luttikhuis 6-4, 6-4. Using a game plan based on consistent aggressiveness, Emoto did not allow Luttikhuis to ace her with her serve and forced her into making more than 60 errors.

“Jessica has set a goal to return to the Jessica Emoto, sophomore national tournament next year,” said Head Tennis Coach John Ruder. “As her coach, I will make every effort to see that she accomplishes that goal by helping her raise her game to an even higher level of play.”

In addition, Emoto won the KCAC Individual tournament in No. 1 singles and finished second with Heidi Klaassen, sophomore, in No. 1 doubles.

Sophomore Lindsey Stroud finished second in No. 6 singles.

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Women’s Soccer

Men’s Soccer

The women’s soccer team came into the 2015 season picked to finish fifth in the KCAC, but ended the year at 4-11-2 overall, 2-6-2 in the conference. In five games, the Bluejays lost by only one goal.

“Despite the deficits, we continued to fight and not let off, battling day in and day out,” said Head Coach Ian Thomson.

“Although our record was not what we wanted, each player grew throughout the season, showing great talent. Tabor women’s soccer will take this season as a learning experience and continue to grow stronger on and off the field.”

This fall the men’s soccer team achieved two of the most significant victories in Head Coach Grant Brubacher’s nine years at Tabor. In September, the Bluejays beat a nationally ranked opponent for the first time with a 2-0 win over No. 18 University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. USAO finished the year ranked No. 6. In October, Tabor defeated Kansas Wesleyan University 2-1 and ended the Coyotes’s 54-match unbeaten streak in conference play that spanned six seasons. The team finished the year 7-10 overall, 4-6 in the KCAC. “The men battled hard all season, but injuries to key players and some inconsistency in our play left us out of the playoffs for the first time in four seasons,” Brubacher said. “Many young players gained experience and the future of the program looks bright as they continue to grow and mature.”

Spring Jones, junior

Bransyn Felty, junior

Cross Country At the beginning of the season, the women’s cross country team was ranked fifth, while the men were ranked 10th.

The men’s team was able to stay healthy throughout the season and every runner ran lifetime personal bests. A few runners even dropped several minutes from their 8K times. At the KCAC race, the men finished seventh.

The women’s team had injuries and obstacles to overcome, which dwindled the squad size and handed setbacks. Despite these challenges, the women had multiple lifetime personal bests and finished the year 11th in the KCAC. Freshman Julie Loewen received Honorable Mention All-KCAC and was only two places—seven seconds—away from qualifying for the NAIA national meet.

“Next year will be different, with bigger squad sizes on both sides,” said Head Coach Brian Grime. “We are only losing three seniors, so with the upcoming recruiting class, both squads will be much stronger and have more depth.”

New Cross Country Coach

Follow Bluejay Sports on Twitter @GoTaborBluejays

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Brian Grime was hired as the new men’s and women’s head cross country coach and assistant track coach. Grime comes to Tabor after spending the past two years at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, working as the assistant cross country and track-andfield coach. He was actively involved in all aspects of the program including recruiting, working with alumni, fundraising, designing/implementing weightlifting programs for distance runners, planning practices, managing workouts and monitoring team academics.

Grime is a native of Tiffin and graduated from Tiffin University in 2012 with a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice, with a concentration in forensic psychology. In May, he earned his master of science degree in criminal justice, with a concentration in homeland security administration, also from Tiffin University. While at Tiffin, Grime competed all four

years on the Dragons’ track-and-field and cross country teams, including the school’s first ever nationally ranked cross country team.

“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to coach cross country and track at Tabor College,” Grime said. “Tabor has a lot to offer and I believe through their Christcentered approach, a program can be built here that will last. I am fortunate to join a staff that is dedicated to improving the lives of student-athletes and excited to provide my own contribution.”

Following the Light

Four Tabor graduates followed a dream and now it’s become a reality in Denver, Colo., in the form of Lighthouse Church. Here’s the story of how Josh Shaw (g’12) heard God’s calling, followed His voice and is using the power of prayer to save souls.

Q: How did the four of you meet?

JOSH: The four of us—Josh and Brianne (Greene g’11) Shaw, Graham (g’11) and Maggie (Cornish g’11) Faul—all met at Tabor. Brianne and Graham knew each other all four years of school. Maggie and I transferred into Tabor during our junior years. It wasn’t until the team’s final year at college where our relationships began to develop into something life-long and powerful. We were all part of a worship and prayer movement at Tabor. Each week anywhere from five to 150 students would gather for prayer meetings throughout the campus on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We were the “leadership” of these meetings and through our time spent praying together and seeking the good of our campus, our friendships grew. We saw God do amazing things in those prayer meetings. When God shows up, He tends to create lasting relationships.

Q: Where did the idea come from to start a church?

JOSH: All of our team was at the National Mennonite Brethren Youth Conference in San Antonio four years ago. One morning I was reading my Bible and journaling before we started the day. As I was reading through the book of Isaiah, I felt God tell me, “Stop reading, get on your knees and listen to me.” I was frustrated by God’s interruption—as sad as that sounds—but I eventually got on my knees and began praying. All of a sudden, I felt God draw me into a vision. This was the first time anything like this had ever happened to me, so I wasn’t sure what to do. In this vision, God showed me the city of Denver, Colo. I saw the downtown center and the beautiful mountains in the backdrop. Then I saw a lighthouse on top of the mountains. When I saw the lighthouse, God said, “Josh, I want you to go back home to Colorado and I want you to plant a lighthouse. I want you to plant a lighthouse to bring my children back home.” Once I received this vision, I drew it in my journal and wrote what I heard. Afterward I shared

my vision with Graham and the rest of my friends. They all affirmed my vision and calling to plant a church.

Q: Why plant a church in Denver?

JOSH: From a personal perspective, Colorado is home for Brianne and me. Our family is here. Our friends are here. We feel most called to the place we grew up. From a strategic church-planting perspective, Denver is a city that needs a lot more gospel-preaching churches. It has 2.8 million people, but only 7 to 10 percent of the city claims to have a relationship with Christ. This leaves 2.5 million people in need of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Q: How has your faith grown through this experience?

JOSH: It has grown immensely. We have seen God do amazing miracles right before our very eyes. Every time we feel that we are unable to do this or feel overwhelmed by Satan’s attacks and schemes, God shows up and wins a battle for us. This past year we saw a young lady freed from demonization and set free to worship Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Also, God told Brianne that He would provide us chairs, a sound system and more. In a matter of one week, God faithfully showed up and someone generously donated over 100 chairs, a full sound system and a truck.

Q: What have you learned about yourself and others through this time?

JOSH: I have learned that I am a weak man who needs the love of Jesus. It is a daunting task trying to reach a city with the good news of Jesus. It is fearful and wearisome. Some days I wake up and think I can do it on my own. In these moments, I remember that it is not me who is planting this church. It is not me who will raise $185,000 for our church. It is not me who will save my family and friends. It is Jesus. Jesus is my only hope, not my job, my family, my wife, my son, my friends—nothing. It has taken a lot of hard conversations and rebukes to learn that I am not my own god. I must rely on Christ for this whole process.

To learn more about Shaw and Lighthouse Church, visit tabor.edu/stories.

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Alumni News Marriages

Randy (g’99) and Amy (Banz g’00) Wertenberger, Andover, Kan., a girl, Ellie Faith, Jan. 5, 2015

Derek Hamm (fs’06/f’15) and Katherine Goering (g’09), married in Newton, Kan., Oct. 10, 2015

Bradley (g’13) and Jessica Prescott, Newton, Kan., a boy, Atticus, Nov. 11, 2014

Jared Redding (g’11) and Emma Payne, married in Hesston, Kan., Aug. 29, 2015 Allen-Neufeldt

Shewey-Wall

Trevor Morris (g’15) and Sara Sagner (cs), married in Wichita, Kan., July 11, 2015 Matthew Wiebe (g’15) and Clarissa Berglund (g’12), married in Gettysburg, S.D., June 20, 2015

William Enger

Brylee Goodrich

Tyler Jones (g’14) and Paige Hughes (g’14), married in Reedley, Calif., June 20, 2015 Grant Shewey (cs) and Lauren Wall (cs), married in Hillsboro, Kan., June 12, 2015 Jordan Moshier (g’14) and Daniele Wendland (g’14), married in Wichita, Kan., June 6, 2015

Aviah Jarosz

Collin Jost

Zacchaeus Jordan

Daniel Lightner

Jesse Allen (cs) and Tara Neufeldt (cs), married in Buhler, Kan., May 30, 2015

Avery Retting

Ellie Wertenberger

Joel Hofer (g’57), Junction City, Kan., Sept. 22, 2015 Wilmer Harms (fs/fbd’51), North Newton, Kan., Sept. 17, 2015 Roger Franz (fs’56), Sanger, Calif., Sept. 13, 2015 Jeremiah J. Dick, son of Cody (g’08) and Misty (Moon g’09) Dick, Buhler, Kan., Aug. 30, 2015 Eva (Willems fs’42) Classen, Maple Valley, Wash., Aug. 17, 2015 Kathryn (Schroeder fs’39) Heinrichs, Hillsboro, Kan., Aug. 14, 2015

Amanda (Klassen g’44) Loewens, Hesston, Kan., July 22, 2015

Zach (tcw g’14) and Janelle (Rust g’14) Goodrich, Park Hill, Okla., a girl, Brylee Hope, Oct. 24, 2015

Leona (Thiessen g’48) Friesen, Hillsboro, Kan., June 28, 2015

Andrew (g’05) and Angela (Kroeker g’04) Jost, Hillsboro, Kan., a boy, Collin K., Sept. 3, 2015

Tyler (g’08) and Cheri (Mount g’09) Weinbrenner, Inman, Kan., a girl, Bristol Rae, June 23, 2015

Will (g’08) and Jesica (Brucks g’08) Enger, Brady, Texas, a boy, William Henry, March 26, 2015

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LeOra (g’69 Ratzlaff) Grunau, Hillsboro, Kan., Oct. 5, 2015

Births/Adoptions

Andrew and Emily (Hasty g’09) Toews, Halstead, Kan., a girl, Esther, May 14, 2015

Bristol Weinbrenner

Deaths

Jenessa Hlad (fs’15), Sylvan Grove, Kan., July 24, 2015

Art and Amber (Wilcox g’04) Wolf, Puyallup, Wash., a girl, Anna Margarethe, July 26, 2015

Esther Toews

Sean (g’09) and Amanda (McDonald g’09) Retting, Colorado Springs, Colo., a girl, Avery Layne, Feb. 3, 2014

Mason McCarty (g’15) and Diedre Derksen (g’14), married in Wichita, Kan., May 29, 2015

Brian (g’06) and Lindsay (Wiebe fs’07) Lightner, Newton, Kan., a boy, Daniel Carey, Sept. 17, 2015 Atticus Prescott

Jesse and Bailey (Estelle g’05) Jordan, Kansas City, Mo., a boy, Zacchaeus Dean, Aug. 21, 2014

Thaddeus (g’13) and Anna (Richert g’13) Jarosz, Colorado Springs, Colo., a girl, Aviah Eden, Feb. 5, 2015

Paul Wesley (g’50), Omaha, Neb., July 24, 2015

Alyce (Faul fs’52) Loewen, Hillsboro, Kan., June 26, 2015 Leroy Ediger (g’62), Fresno, Calif., June 25, 2015 Cecelia (Beckmann g’48) Dick, Mountain Lake, Minn., June 23, 2015 Alice (Schmidt fs’52) Ewert, Friendswood, Texas, June 22, 2015 Kenneth Kornelsen (fs’53, ff’66), Vista, Calif., June 22, 2015 Richard Gerbrandt (g’56), Bakersfield, Calif., June 18, 2015 Teena (Weaver tcw’14) Johnston, Sedgwick, Kan., June 9, 2015 Estil Schale (g’40), Bakersfield, Calif., June 9, 2015 Amanda Nisly (g’71), Hutchinson, Kan., Mar. 30, 2015 Evelyn (Loewens fs’45) Stoesz, Mountain Lake, Minn., Jan. 19, 2014

A l u m n i

n e w s

Alumni News – 1960s

2000s

Rev. Dolores (Flaming fs’63) Wiens’ photography was shown at Red Cliff's Gallery in October. This showing featured the beauty of the Southwest with emphasis on Utah. The photos selected featured a group of five wildflowers.

Dr. Deborah Kroeker (g’02) was recognized by the Wichita Business Journal as an International Outreach “Health Care Hero” for her work in improving health care around the world and in Wichita. A pediatrician, Kroeker became a faculty member of the University of Kansas-Wichita in 2010. Her interest in international work led to developing a Global Health Rotation for pediatric and internal medicine residents. She has led several groups of Wichita State University’s physician assistant students to study in Bolivia. Kroeker recently traveled to Mongolia, for the second time in two years, as part of a Medical Education International team, which operates as an arm of the Christian Medical and Dental Association.

Ken Reddig (g’68) was voted to the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention Board of Directors. He is a member of the Interlake Eastern Suicide Prevention Committee in the province of Manitoba and a board member of the National Council of Persons with Lived Experience, a council of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

1980s Paul A. Folmsbee (g’82) was nominated to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Mali by President Barack Obama on Sept. 18, 2014, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 23, 2015.

Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, he served as executive director for the Bureau of African Affairs in the Department of State. Known as a talented leader and manager, he has served with distinction in many of our nation’s most demanding positions and challenging posts. He is the recipient of five Department of State Superior Honor Awards, five Meritorious Honor Awards and a medal from the Polish Government for service in Afghanistan working with Polish troops.

Phil Eitzen (g’81) was named the 2015-2016 board chairman for the Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma—the state's largest insurance and property casualty agents association. Eitzen is the owner of The Eitzen Agency, Inc., in Fairview, Okla., and has served on the IIAO board the past several years. “I am truly humbled to be selected to serve as board chairman of the Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma,” Eitzen said. "I have served on the board of directors in various capacities and look forward to leading our outstanding officer team over the next year.”

1990s Sylvia Penner (g’99) was one of seven attorneys named on the Wichita Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list for 2015. The annual “40 Under 40” list recognizes 40 Wichita-area professionals under 40 years of age who are rising leaders in their respective fields. Penner is a member of the Environmental Leadership Council and Young Professionals of Wichita. She serves as an adjunct professor of business ethics for Tabor College in Wichita in the master of business administration program. She also provides pro bono legal advice for Wichita’s Union Rescue Mission, Hilltop Urban Church and World Impact Ministries.

Dr. Alisa (Jost g’07) Schmidt recently completed her residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Smoky Hill in Salina, Kan.

2010s Brooke Eitzen (g’13) was selected as a recipient of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Kansas City-Heartland Roundtable Scholarship. The $2,000 scholarship was accompanied by a trip in September to the annual CSCMP conference in San Diego, Calif. This award is given annually in support and development of emerging supply chain management professionals. Eitzen is working on her master of science in operations research at Kansas State University.

Eric Weinbrenner (g’13) was a 2016 nominee for Maize Unified School District 266 for the Kansas Horizon Award Program—a Kansas State Department of Education program that recognizes exemplary first-year teachers in the elementary and secondary classrooms who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding.

Drew Gomes (g’14) was awarded “Team Member of the Year” for the San Diego Padres, Ballpark Operations. It was voted on by his peers and managers of the Padres organization.

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Upcoming Events

Jan. 4-22 Interterm (includes trips to Western Europe, India and Arkansas)

Jan. 25 Spring semester begins

Feb. 19 Scholarship Dinner

March 14-18 Spring Break

March 17-22 Concert Choir Tour

April 3 Concert Choir Concert

April 10 Concerto Bella Voce Concert

April 24 Instrumental Concert

April 29 President’s Dinner

May 1 All Sports/Hall of Fame Banquet

May 8 Spring Oratorio Concert

May 9-12 Final Exams May 14 Commencement

For a complete list of events, visit tabor.edu/calendar.

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