Tabor College Connection Fall 2022

Fall 2022 • Vol. 77 / No. 1

Inside:

Entrepreneurial vision at Tabor New executive leadership A Look at Tabor construction

ege 22 l l Co g 20 r bo omin a T ec m Ho

From the President David Wiebe, who grew up in India. I was humbled by this incredibly generous gift which brings a smile to my face every day and serves to remind me as I conduct God’s work at Tabor that I am His and I have nothing to fear. This desk connects the past and present with hope for the future.

Valuing the past Tabor has a rich history of people who have given their lives and fortunes to God’s work. In this issue of the Connection, we celebrate Dr. Will Johnson who along with other prestigious faculty established a remarkable science program at Tabor that continues today. Tabor continues to send graduates to medical school and Ph.D. programs thanks to the efforts of current faculty and the pioneering work established in former years. This fall, Tabor celebrated four individuals who were inducted into the Arts and Athletics Halls of Fame and another six accomplished alumni who were recognized at the Homecoming Dinner.

My Tuesday morning routine, when I’m not on the road fundraising, involves grabbing my hard hat and walking across campus for the weekly construction meeting at the new residence hall.

Construction progress is going great, and Cabinet members Cathy Castle and Terry Ens are providing excellent leadership to this project.

Framing is well on its way, making it easier to imagine students living and studying, and socializing in the spaces. As I pass the H.W. Lohrenz Administration Building, I imagine Lohrenz, our first president, overseeing its construction and the Ladies Home (Mary J Regier Building) a hundred years ago. These buildings define the Tabor College campus and connect the past and present with hope for the future.

I recently received a valuable gift from my sister Kristin’s (Janzen, g’87) husband Eric Wiebe (g’89). He designed and built an exquisite adjustable standing desk for my office. It is made of cherry wood, carefully designed to conceal all mechanics and cabling. It is a custom desk with engravings of Isaiah 43:1 (“do not fear, you are mine”), wheat, the vine and branches, the Tabor seal, my father’s signature, and even a logo from my software company. On the front of the desk is a cross made out of a rafter from the first MB church in Nagarkurnool, India, built in 1903 by D.F. Bergthold, Eric’s great-grandfather.

The cross was a gift from Eric’s father, Tabor Board Emeritus 2

Embracing the present The fall semester has been outstanding at Tabor!

Students are remarkably respectful, kind, and joyful. Our freshmen have the best average incoming GPA in 15 years.

The Honors program was launched under the direction of Dr. David Faber. Student-athlete junior Tobias Stewart completed publishable Chemistry research with Dr. James Titah. Athletic teams are thriving both in spirit and wins.

There is excitement for new coaches in men’s basketball and women’s volleyball. The choir has almost 50 singers.

The Homecoming Musical was fantastic. In the second week of classes, Academic Convocation, sponsored by the new Gil and Rhoda Friesen Lecture Series, ended with about 40 students committing to follow Jesus. That evening, about 90 students gathered for prayer for these students. Students have also organized 26 Bible studies. There is a sense of revival on campus. Tabor is thriving in culture, academics, arts, and athletics; and accomplishing its mission.

Looking to the future There is tremendous hope for the future. The Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center launched with the support of a $90k grant from the USDA and a collaboration with the City of Hillsboro. God has brought Tabor excellent new faculty and staff who are developing new programs. Following a national trend, enrollment was down in fall 2022, but our staff is working hard to increase spring 2023 enrollment through retention and new transfer and graduate students.

Ron Braun and the Advancement Team have been blessed by your gifts of over $6M for the new residence hall, and we work to see how God will provide an increase in endowment and annual funds to continue providing a decidedly Christian education.

President David S. Janzen

Connection

In This Issue

Fall 2022 Vol. 77 / No. 1 A magazine for Tabor College alumni & friends Editor Adam Suderman adam.suderman@tabor.edu Contributor Aleen Ratzlaff aleenr@tabor.edu

4 Entrepreneurial vision at Tabor

14 A look at Homecoming 2022

Senior Graphic Designer Diane Oborny dianeo@tabor.edu Photographer Michael Klaassen michaelwklaassen@tabor.edu Director of Alumni Relations Rod Hamm rodneyhamm@tabor.edu Photography Students Collin Brown Brendon Green Taryn Lawler Graphic Design Students Josiah Jost Caleb Kliewer 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.” @TaborCollege /TaborCollege /taborcollege /taborcollege /company/tabor-college /taborcollege TaborCollegeKS Tabor Webcast

16 Dr. Will Johnson’s legacy

24 Gil & Rhoda Friesen Lecture Series

View or subscribe at tabor.edu/connection For up-to-date news, visit tabor.edu/news

2 4 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 23 24 25 26 28

From the President Entrepreneurial vision at Tabor New executive leadership Look at presidential cabinet Tabor’s newest employees Celebrating Judy Harder Celebrating Larry Warkentin On & off the field, Tobias Stewart 2022 Class Reunions A look at Homecoming 2022 Dr. Will Johnson’s legacy Women’s XC makes history Two new Athletics HOF inductees A Look at Tabor construction Exaudio: Listen & Live John Jedneak’s call to ministry Alumni Awards Remembering Deanne Duerksen Gil & Rhoda Friesen Lecture Series Celebrating 2022 at Tabor Alumni News & Updates Upcoming Events

Administration

Board of Directors

David S. Janzen, President Ron Braun, Vice President of Philanthropy Frank Johnson, Executive Vice President of Academics and Compliance Cathy Castle, Vice President of Finance and Business, CFO

Susan Koslowsky, Chair Diana Raugust, Vice Chair Ted Faszer, Secretary Jeral Gross, Treasurer Craig Ratzlaff, At Large Roger Ediger, At Large Eric Driggers Melissa Gutierrez Derek Hamm, Faculty Representative Andrew Jost Mark Jost Kelly Kirby Nate Loewen Dean Nachtigall Jeff Nikkel Dennis Penner Sylvia Penner Craig Quiring Pat Redding Jazmin Sandoval, Student Representative Elaine Setzer-Maxwell Daniel Rodriguez Tim Sullivan Orson Thomas Richard Unruh Denise Wiens

Faculty Leadership Amy Ratzlaff, Ph.D. Cand., Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance, Associate Athletic Director, Associate Dean of Academics Derek Hamm, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Graphic Design, Faculty Chair, Faculty Representative to the Board of Directors

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A new vision for entrepreneurship propelling Tabor on and off-campus Tabor College has become the entrepreneurial hub of Marion County and continues to spread its wings through south-central Kansas.

After securing a $90,000, one-year grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City of Hillsboro, the college has secured the finances and resources to significantly boost entrepreneurship on- and off-campus.

Tabor and its partners recently launched the Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center (CKEC), serving as the supporting entity to local and regional entrepreneurs.

“Tabor is helping foster entrepreneurship with the leadership of the City of Hillsboro,” Professor Staci Janzen said.

“The center wants to enhance economic development in the surrounding communities.”

Whether it’s as an aspiring entrepreneur who wants to learn more about starting a business, those who need to cultivate an idea, or a business that’s already in place, the CKEC will be able to serve all three.

“Whether it’s prospective or current students, or you’re a part of the community, we are here to support you,” Janzen said. “If you want to hone in on your idea, we want to cheer you on and walk alongside you in your pursuits.”

Professors, including Janzen, are meeting weekly with Tabor students who want to start or grow their businesses.

BUS 531 Entrepreneurship Laboratory—a repeatable,

President David Janzen (L) and Hillsboro Mayor Lou Thurston (R) 4

eight-week graduate course—can be taken up to six times.

The course is designed to meet any student at any stage of their process.

The college will use its former Welcome Center, located at D and Lincoln streets, as a business incubator. Tabor will provide staff to operate the facility, offering a minimum of 10 office hours for walk-ins, appointments and business mentorship. Hillsboro funded start-up costs and payment for facility leadership.

While there is a physical space represented on campus, leadership views the CKEC as an umbrella that extends well outside of Tabor’s campus. As many as 10 local businesses have begun working alongside Tabor.

Dr. Melinda Rangel

Hillsboro and Marion, Kan., also announced a partnership with NetWork Kansas to host the Kansas Ice House Entrepreneurship Program, a five-week class to develop entrepreneurial skills for business and life.

That class is led by Dr. Melinda Rangel, associate professor of business administration and director of Tabor’s Graduate & Online M.B.A..

Professor Janzen said a mentorship network is also growing, allowing local businesses to come alongside budding entrepreneurs.

“Our mentor network are people who love the ‘process,’” she said.

The inquiries for all stages of business are regularly arriving, helping Tabor’s presiStaci Janzen dent, Dr. David Janzen, realize the need is there to support business growth of current students and neighboring rural communities.

“Tabor is leaning into entrepreneurship significantly,” the president said. “Receiving USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant provides excellent external validation of our vision for transforming communities and people through innovative thinking and economic development. We are so excited to launch this center.”

Come & join the Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center!

CENTRAL KANSAS

Entrepreneurship Center AT TA B O R CO L L E G E

• Traditional entrepreneurship through a Christian lens • Participate as a community member, graduate, or undergraduate • Diverse & exciting academic and extracurricular program

Our goal is to provide the resources and tools necessary to help aspiring entrepreneurs bring their ideas to fruition. We hope to see everyone use their creativity and innovation to start businesses that serve their community and honor God. Have an idea? Come join us and get started!

To learn more about available opportunities, please email ckec@tabor.edu 5

Castle, Loewen move into new roles in 2022-23 The first day of the fiscal year brought a significant change to Cathy Castle and Dr. Wendell Loewen’s positions on campus. Both moved offices, playing key roles in the business and promotion of Tabor College.

Loewen, entering his 25th year at Tabor, added special assistant to the president for constituent engagement to his titles on campus. Entering her second year, Castle moves from financial aid to become the newest vice president of business and finance.

“I love Christian education, and I love seeing students grow,” Castle said. “I enjoy watching students grow in their relationship with Christ and seeing them develop their passions. I love how that is combined at Tabor.”

It’s a celebratory moment for Loewen, who views the role as a perfect fit to where God has called him in his time at Tabor.

“One thing I’ve wanted to do here is walk the bridge between the church and the academy,” Loewen said. “I wanted to be able to speak both languages, and it’s what I’ve endeavored to do.”

While Castle is in her second year in higher education, she is no stranger to Christian schools. She spent nearly 20 years in a similar leadership role at Trinity Academy in Wichita, Kan., and Kansas City Christian in Prairie Village, Kan.

Cathy Castle (L) and Dr. Wendell Loewen (R)

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Castle noted her opportunity and excitement to work alongside Tabor’s business office, including Ruth Funk, Naima Loera Mexsen (g’19), Angela Vix (g’21), and Tia Granger.

“I love leadership, and my hope is that I can bring my experience of working in a position like this to Tabor,” Castle said. “I have great people working with me, and that was encouraging to know I had people experienced in their roles.”

Prior to arriving at Tabor in 1997, Loewen was a youth pastor at Fairview Mennonite Brethren Church in Fairview, Okla. He spent two years working alongside Youth Mission International, which was folded into what is now Multiply. He also served nine years as Southern District youth minister and also had a two-year stint as campus pastor at Tabor. What was once known as Ministry Quest is now Faith Front, and Loewen serves as program director.

Whether it be camps, conferences at the district or national level, his experience within the MB Conference provides a rich foundation as he connects with churches.

“The position formalizes what I’ve been doing over the last 25 years,” Loewen said. “I’ve thought that some Advancement role would be something I could fit into.”

Presidential Cabinet begins work in 2022-23 At the conclusion of President David Janzen’s first year, he sought opportunities to bring more voices to the table. After personnel changes within his administration, his Cabinet was officially installed.

Joined by 10 others from around campus, the group brings key positions to the Executive Conference Room in the Shari Flaming Welcome Center to gauge feedback from around campus.

“Being able to increase communication and representation in decision-making will only strengthen Tabor College,” Janzen said. “The 11 members of the Cabinet are ‘all in’ on our mission, vision and values, building upon what God is doing in the lives of our students.”

The Cabinet has played a vital role in multiple initiatives through Members of the Tabor Presidential Cabinet (L to R) Back row: Miriam Kliewer, Ron Braun, Dr. Greg the fall semester.

Zielke, Grant Myers, Terry Ens, Dr. Frank Johnson. Front row: Diane Oborny, David Ediger, Dr. David As Tabor builds upon its Janzen, Dr. Wendell Loewen, Cathy Castle increased GPA requirements, a more diverse and expansive list of scholarships have been made available to incoming freshmen or transfers. That includes the creation of Miriam Kliewer David Janzen, Ph.D. the Ad Astra Scholarship. It is designed to commuExecutive Assistant to the President President nicate a simple, affordable price for students with the highest financial need. It was inspired by the Ron Braun Wendell Loewen, D.Min. Kansas state motto, “Ad Astra per Aspera.”

VP of Philanthropy Special Assistant to the President A wide range of interest and experienceCathy Castle, M.S. based scholarships were added to the options VP of Business & Finance Grant Myers, M.B.A. of arts and athletics in hopes of helping every Dean of Enrollment Management David Ediger, M.S. student see how they can fit at Tabor.

Athletic Director “The Cabinet analyzed these new options, Diane Oborny touching their areas of expertise, and were able Terry Ens Senior Graphic Designer to make improvements to what we offer,” the Director of Facilities & Operations president said.

Greg Zielke, D.M.A Frank Johnson, Ph.D. Janzen credited the Business Office, Arts Director & Professor of Music Executive VP of Academics & Compliance Financial Aid and Admissions teams for speaking into how the scholarships would be administered and budgeted. He also said the messaging, created and designed by the Communications Office, and delivered desire to remain in Hillsboro, so they can participate in arts or athletics,” through multiple networks will help Tabor recruit the “whole” student.

Janzen said.

The Cabinet, recognizing a growing number of undergraduate students In support of our residence hall construction, the Cabinet members who continue into the M.B.A and M.Ed. programs, decided to allow these have helped source additional funding to close the remaining funds of the students continue to live in the dorms when space is available.

Mabee Challenge Grant. They continue to seek new donors, building upon “Even though these are primarily online, we’ve seen students who a record-breaking year of giving in 2021-22.

Tabor College Cabinet

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New Employees & New Roles Riley Ballou-Lyngstad, M.B.A., Sports Information Director**

Serena Hanson, LMSW, Assistant Professor/Director of Social Work

Ballou-Lyngstad (g’21) enters his second year at Tabor College, beginning his tenure as sports information director and continuing to serve as director of video streaming production. He spent one year as the SID graduate assistant while competing in cross country and track & field. He earned his B.A. in health/physical education-sport management and M.B.A at Tabor.

Hanson comes to Tabor after working as a prevention & protection supervisor through Foster Care Adoption & Independent Living Services, Kansas Department for Children and Families. She also taught as an adjunct in the University of Oklahoma School of Social Work. Hanson earned her LMSW from Newman University (Kan.).

Nicholas Bradley, Admissions Counselor

Elizabeth Heftie, M.Ed., Graduate/Online Recruiter

Bradley (g’20) joins the admissions office after completing his B.A. in psychology and human performance at Tabor College. He was named Outstanding Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2020 and was a two-time Academic All-American as a Bluejay in men’s swimming (2018-20).

Heftie joins Tabor College Graduate & Online after working as a special education teacher in Millard (Neb.) Public Schools. She earned her B.A. in communication studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed her M.Ed. in special education at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

Cathy Castle, M.S., VP of Business and Finance**

Daniel Krebs, M.A., Director of Student Success

Castle spent one year as associate director of financial aid. Prior to arriving at Tabor College in August 2021, she spent 13 years as the director of operations at Wichita Trinity Academy. Castle earned her M.S. in ministry at Pepperdine University (Calif.) and graduated from the Young Executives Institute at the University of North Carolina. She received her B.B.A in accounting from East Tennessee State.

Krebs (g’93) comes to Tabor after working as the tutoring coordinator and writing paraprofessional at Hutchinson Community College. He also taught Bible and English at Berean Academy (Kan.), and Bible, College Speech and English at Sunrise Christian Academy (Kan.). He earned his B.A. in English at Tabor and his M.A. in educational ministries from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.

Kristen Davis, Admissions Counselor

Wendell Loewen, D.Min., Special Assistant to the President for Constituent Engagement**

Davis brings an extensive history in customer service to her new role as admissions counselor at Tabor College. Davis has also worked in prekindergarten classes and is wife to Tabor’s assistant baseball coach and adjunct instructor, Andy Davis. She earned her B.S. in social sciences from Pittsburg State University (Kan.).

David Ediger, Athletic Director** Ediger (g’95) spent three years as associate director of athletic communications at Tabor College. Before moving back to Hillsboro in July 2019, Ediger worked 15 years in secondary education, including honors and recognitions as an athletic director and administrator. He earned his B.A. in health & physical education at Tabor and completed his M.S. at Emporia State (Kan.).

Adam Giger, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Giger comes to Tabor after spending two years as an assistant at Warner University (Fla.). Giger helped lead the Royals to back-to-back regular season conference championships, and was also a member of the program for his final two years of his playing career. He completed his B.S. in business management at Warner.

Tia Granger, Accounts Payable Clerk & Coordinator of Athletic Auxiliary Services Charles Greener, Assistant Football Coach Greener begins his first season as the wide receiver coach for the Bluejays.

He previously coached wide receivers at Sidwell Friends High School in Washington, D.C. He earned his B.A. in education from Saint Louis University (Mo.).

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After completing his 25th year in the Bible department, Loewen adds Special Assistant to the President for Constituent Engagement to his title.

His new role will work closely with Advancement and Academic Affairs, spending time with churches and building on Tabor’s foundation through the MB Conference. Loewen completed his D.Min. in youth and family ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Kurt McDonald, DSL, Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication** McDonald enters a new role at Tabor College after a brief stint as an adjunct professor in sociology. He also worked in lifestyle and business coaching while working for Sprint in management and training. McDonald is also a published author in the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership. He completed his doctorate in strategic leadership at Regent University, and his MEI at Tabor.

Katelyn Newton, M.B.A., Head Athletic Trainer** Newton, a nationally-certified athletic trainer, is entering her fifth year at Tabor, but first as head athletic trainer. She graduated from Wichita State University with a B.A. in athletic training and holds a M.B.A from Tabor.

Casey Quiggle, M.B.A., Head Volleyball Coach Quiggle arrives at Tabor after serving as head coach at Sheridan (Wyo.) College. He had previous stops at Southwestern Community College (Iowa) as head coach and also served as an assistant at the University of Jamestown (N.D.) He earned his B.S. in political science from Central College (Iowa) and his M.B.A from the University of Phoenix.

Riley Ballou-Lyngstad

Nicholas Bradley

Cathy Castle

Kristen Davis

David Ediger

Adam Giger

Tia Granger

Charles Greener

Serena Hanson

Elizabeth Heftie

Daniel Krebs

Wendell Loewen

Kurt McDonald

Katelyn Newton

Casey Quiggle

Krista Richert

Kevin Roehrich

Matt Warren

Alex Wiens

Thomas Wiese

Celeste Worthy

Krista Richert, Office Manager for Enrollment Management

Alex Wiens, Financial Aid Representative

Richert arrives at Tabor after serving as client account administrator and administrative assistant at MB Foundation. She also held the latter role at Salem Home in Hillsboro. Richert is also an active member at Ebenfeld MB Church, serving as Christian Education director and singing on the worship team.

Wiens (g’21) served as a loan associate at MB Foundation for two years. He also previously worked as an operations coordinator at the same office. Wiens returns to his alma mater, graduating with a B.A. in business management.

Kevin Roehrich, Assistant Football Coach Roehrich, Tabor’s new offensive coordinator, spent last season as the associate offensive coordinator, offensive line and tight ends coach at Doane University (Neb.). He helped the Tigers finish 26th nationally and third in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) in rushing. He earned his B.A. in sport and fitness administration/management from Doane.

Matt Warren, M.S., Head Men’s Basketball Coach Warren spent the last five seasons at Warner University (Fla.) He most recently served as the Royals’ assistant head coach, helping lead them to four-straight, 20-win seasons and three NAIA National Tournament berths.

Warren earned his B.S. in sports management at North Florida and his M.S. in Management at Warner.

Thomas Wiese, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry Wiese arrives at Tabor after spending seven years at Ottawa University as associate professor of biochemistry. Prior to his time at Ottawa, he spent 19 years at Fort Hays State University in chemistry. He earned his B.S. in biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and completed his Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of North Dakota.

Celeste Worthy, M.S., Assistant Director of Student Success** Worthy (g’17) spent one year as career services coordinator & academic support. Prior to coming to Tabor in November 2021, she worked as a teller/banker at KeyBank and was also a marketing consultant at Rome Business School. She earned her M.S. in higher education student affairs at Fort Hays State University and received a B.A. in business marketing at Tabor College. **returning employee in new role

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Harder reflects on storied career at Tabor

Courtesy photo

“What about those years?”

Judy (Prieb, g’68) Harder sat at home in February 2022 and pulled out photo book after photo book, marveling over that question and 100 playbills. She reflected over the people who assisted her through her tenure as director of theatre and associate professor at Tabor College.

Whether it was a love for the arts, community, music or students, 26 years of productions fit hand-in-hand with Harder’s vision for theatre at Tabor.

A tenure worthy of recognition in the Tabor Arts Hall of Fame.

––––––––––––––––––––– Harder recalls exploring the H.W. Lohrenz Administration Building as her father, Wes Prieb, directed his senior English class in “Oliver.” Chalk in hand, she’d draw her latest creations as she heard them rehearse and talk about the performance.

Add in her mother Lucille’s influence as a piano teacher, an eye for art and creativity was in place in Harder’s formative years.

“They both had a love for beauty,” Harder said.

The second she stepped into middle and high school, she was diligent in practicing clarinet and piano. She performed in a handful of plays in high school and college, choosing to explore a music major in college.

Feeling like she wasn’t cut out to be a musician or music teacher, she chose to major in English at Tabor. Upon graduating, Harder and her husband, Keith (g’68), spent time in Boston, Mass., and then later moved to Elkhart, Ind., where they were leaders of a neighborhood Christian community, The Fellowship of Hope.

Returning to Hillsboro in 1986, a friend offered a word of encouragement as she explored the next steps in her career. “‘Do something that would feed your soul. Just take some time. Just do something.’”

Judy Harder joins cast members of “Necessary Targets” for a group photo in February 2003.

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Harder said, “I thought to myself, ‘I think I’ll take a theatre course.’”

While earning her master’s degree at Wichita State University, she served as an adjunct in directing theatre. Her earliest days of directing at Tabor included the first of three productions of “Fiddler on the Roof” in fall 1987. She also directed two productions at Hillsboro High School alongside longtime teacher Dave Clark, including her first show, “Godspell.”

She completed her M.A.C. in 1990, leading to her promotion of full-time assistant professor of communications. Harder taught public speaking and theatre courses while developing the Communication department at Tabor.

Whether it was her family or peers and professors Jack Braun, John McCabe-Juhnke or Leann Toews, Harder had a support base as she dove head first into directing and teaching.

“I always had people cheering me on,” Harder said. “I can’t say enough about the encouragers in my life. They hired me as an adjunct to develop the Communications department. That wasn’t me, so I helped, but my love was and is theatre.”

––––––––––––––––––––– Shows at Tabor College are truly a community-wide effort.

Whether it was being able to use Hillsboro High School facilities, the construction or deconstruction of all sets, or the countless hours of practice and volunteer work behind the scenes, it was not a “one-man department.”

“In reality, it was the whole college and community that made our shows possible,” Harder said.

Harder’s eye and heart for theatre were contagious. She credited Braun, her predecessor, and then choir director Dr. Paul Wohlgemuth for holding such a high regard for arts in education.

One of her proudest accomplishments? The diversity of majors in her productions.

“I once did a count to see if we had tapped every major on campus for our casts, and we had,” Harder said.

In total, Harder directed more than 120 productions on the Tabor campus. That included repeat performances of “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Into the Woods,” “Music Man,” “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and “Godspell.”

In the eye of Tabor’s 12th president, it’s a standard that was awardwinning.

“One of the things I really appreciate about her is while people went to her productions to be entertained, she saw what she did as more than entertainment,” President Emeritus Larry Nikkel said. “She wanted to use that medium to provide more depth to a story. It was especially true in how she led and taught her actors. They acted not just out of spoken lines, but in empathy and insight.”

Composing a life in music: Honoring Dr. Larry Warkentin

Courtesy photo

Dr. Larry Warkentin’s love for music was kindled at 400 S. Jefferson.

As a Reedley, Calif., native and an Immanuel High School graduate, he trekked to Hillsboro in the fall of 1958 to craft his career aspirations.

Two of choral music’s most influential minds, Herbert Richert and Dr. Paul Wohlgemuth, gave Larry his foundation for more than 30 years in choral music. It’s a career that moved him amongst his professors in the Tabor College Arts Hall of Fame.

––––––––––––––––––––– Paula (Berg) Warkentin remembers watching her peer and soon-after husband hone his craft inside the Mary J. Regier Building. Originally planning to major in English, he’d walk from practice room to practice room as his path to music and composition continued to unfold.

A common bond and love for music brought them together. So much so, that Larry wrote “I Corinthians 13” for their Aug. 17, 1962, wedding at First Mennonite Brethren Church in Wichita, Kan. That same year, then Fresno Pacific College President Art Wiebe called Larry and asked him to come to teach piano. They moved back west, and he began teaching part-time at FPC while earning his master’s degree at Fresno State University.

After completing his post-graduate work in 1964, they moved to Los Angeles where he earned his doctorate in choral music and composition at the University of Southern California. It is the same doctoral program that Wohlgemuth and later Choral Director Jonah Kliewer earned before also teaching at Tabor.

Larry began full-time work at FPC in the fall of 1966.

––––––––––––––––––––– Paula said they set a five-year window of seeing what Fresno had in store for them.

Her husband would stay in touch with his classmates from USC, many of whom taught at some of the largest universities in the country. When they’d share some of their challenges, he felt it was his calling to remain in Fresno.

“He thought, ‘My heart is at Fresno Pacific where I could have a Christian

influence on people,’” Paula said.

“This just became his life.”

Larry spent 36 years at the university, teaching music theory and composition, and influencing generations of students through his instruction and his writing.

He has been recognized over a dozen times through the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Awards. His work has been featured in Worship Hymnal, Sing Alleluia, Hymnal a Daughter Rhonda Langley (L) Worship Book and Covenant Hymnal. & Paula (R) He was also commissioned to compose a work, later titled “Koinonia,” for the Mennonite World Conference in Wichita in 1974. Per the request of Dr. Jonah Kliewer, Larry also wrote the song that was sung at Tabor’s Centennial Celebration in 2008.

Amidst his heart for composing was a heart for people.

It’s part of what Tabor First Lady Karen Janzen, both Larry’s former student and colleague, remembers about their time together. He also performed at the Janzens’ wedding.

“I’d walk into his office, and he’d be at his piano writing,” she said.

“He’d have paper and pencils all over with stacks at each side. I’d step in and he’d say, ‘Yes, Karen, how can I help you?’ He’d put everything down and immediately talk with me. He was never in a frenzy, just very thoughtful and in the moment with his students and peers.”

––––––––––––––––––––– Paula watched the Tabor College Arts Hall of Fame in August 2021, seeing eight of the school’s most prominent professors be enshrined in the inaugural class. Of note in the class were Larry’s former choral professors and also Carl Gerbrandt (g’62), Larry’s high school and college classmate.

His wife said it was a bit stunning hearing of Larry’s induction. She also knows that Larry’s story would not have been possible without his time at Tabor.

“Larry went to Tabor at a bit of a crossroads in his life,” she said. “It was at Tabor that his love of music was affirmed due to people like Herb and Paul, who encouraged him and became his mentors. He would be so honored to know that he was recognized with this group of people.”

Support Tabor

with your prayers and gifts!

Your dollars can:

• Build Residence Halls • Fund Scholarships • Enable Excellence

Ways to Give: • • • •

Mail a check Give online at tabor.edu/give Gift stock or other assets Contact Ron Braun, VP of Philanthropy ronb@tabor.edu or 620-947-3121, ext 1710.

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Stewart thriving on the field & in the classroom Tobias Stewart didn’t have to do much research to know he was interested in Tabor College.

Degree of interest? Check. Opportunity to still play football? Check. With an academic and athletic scholarship in hand, the Greenville, Ala., native traveled 945 miles in August 2020 to begin his time as a Bluejay.

Dr. James Titah (left) and Tobias Stewart (right)

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When evaluating whether he’d continue with engineering during his sophomore year, Stewart felt a tug on his heart to remain in Hillsboro. After praying and seeking God’s wisdom, his desire to stay was met with a chemistry major.

“You can be innovative and be yourself,” Stewart said.

“You can create cures and do so many things to help people.

I only took one chemistry class in high school. I liked it then, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do.”

That decision came with the opportunity to conduct research with Dr. James Titah, assistant professor of chemistry. The pair have been working on Schiff bases and combining them with metal complexes.

The process? They took an amino acid, a building block of a protein, and bound it with organic compounds aldehyde and/or ketone. Once those are bound, a Schiff base is formed, and those are soluble in water. When they’re bound with a metal complex, it helps them combine with other parts of the human body.

Titah and Stewart have been collaborating to find different combinations that work in the human body. The Tabor

junior stayed in Hillsboro over the past summer, digging deeper into his new major.

“I was doing a research class, and one of the first things (Dr. Titah) said he wanted us to do was Schiff bases,” Stewart said. “He had a couple other students starting it, but I branched it into my own thing.”

It’s just one part of a transformative experience for Stewart at Tabor. Not thinking he’d initially play college football, Stewart jumped at the opportunity when the offer was made. He’s now in his third year as an offensive lineman, feeling it was the next part of God’s plan for college.

“When I got here, I wasn’t as good at football, and I wasn’t that outgoing,” Stewart said. “I met so many people from different places and backgrounds, and I blossomed as a player and a different person. I’ve grown so much. My teammates are my brothers, and the coaches care so much.”

Stewart pointed out his friendship with Carson Duba (JR, Huron, S.D.), and the relationship they’ve built 1-on-1 and with their peers.

“I’ve always had an open mind and to look for new opportunities,” Stewart said. “Coming to Tabor, I was excited for a new beginning. It has helped me grow spiritually because I’ve met so many people. Carson is my brother, and I talk to him about anything. I’ve seen faith in a new way, and I love seeing how people interact with Jesus.”

As he concludes his junior year and has seen how God has worked in his life, his reminder remains the same to new peers on campus.

“I remind people they’re here for a reason.”

Homecoming 2022 Class Reunions

1972

1962 1982

1992 2002

2012 13

T A B O R

C O L L E G E

H O M E C O M I N G

Cayman Garduno (SR, Pueblo, Colo.) & Brittany Baum (SR, Broomfield, Colo.), the center couple, won Homecoming host and hostess.

2 0 2 2

The Concert Choir performed at Music Fest on the Dr. Jonah Kliewer Plaza.

Alumni & students enjoyed the annual Dutch Lunch.

Tabor College dropped a hard-fought, five-set match against Bethany College.

Betsy George (JR, Omaha, Neb.) starred as The Witch in “Into the Woods.”

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Three performances of “Into the Woods” highlighted the weekend.

The Tabor and Hillsboro community celebrated Homecoming with a downtown block party.

Tabor knocked off Ottawa University for a 24-19 Homecoming win.

Homecoming Dinner emcee Lisa (Braun, g’90) Klaassen and a quartet of students entertained guests.

Emma Soyez (FR, Marion, Kan.) and Victoria Kaiser (JR, Rose Hill, Kan.) dance with friends at the block party.

The Class of 1972 and six alumni were recognized at the Homecoming Dinner.

A pie-eating contest was a hit during the downtown block party.

Chase Nash (FR, Mulvane, Kan.) holds his pie plate in victory alongside his fellow contestants.

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To the work: Celebrating the legacy of Dr. Will Johnson “To the work! To the work! We are servants of God, let us follow the path that our Master has trod…”

The music of an early 1870s hymn “To the Work!” was a constant in Dr. Will Johnson’s mind. So much so, his son, Dr. Carey Johnson (g’73), said he regularly heard his father hum the melody.

It’s the perfect illustration to a Tabor College pioneer, knowing the second he arrived on campus, he was answering God’s call for the work put before him.

Seventy-five years later, the imprint of his work has not been forgotten.

––––––––––––––––––––– Johnson and his family moved twice before settling in Shafter, Calif., when he was 7 years old. The family farmed in the Central Valley, but labored as they lived in at least eight locations over the next 20 years. While difficult, his childhood of living on the farm brought a foundation of a strong work ethic, curiosity and interest in agriculture.

Those influences took him to Bakersfield Junior College for two years, leading to his degree in dairy science at the University of California Davis in 1937.

Johnson was pursuing graduate studies at Kansas State University in 1947 when he received word from Tabor President P.E. Schellenberg (1942-51) about his aspirations for chemistry. It would be a brand-new program and the fourth Tabor president wanted Johnson to take the lead.

While working as a record keeper on a large dairy farm, Johnson went to hear Tabor President A.E. Janzen (1935-42) speak in Shafter. The fire was ignited to see what this Kansas college was about. Johnson chose to attend Tabor, studying bible courses and preparing to teach during the 1939-40 academic year.

After returning to California, Johnson received a phone call from Zoar Academy in Inman, Kan., in December 1942.

He spent 18 months at the academy and then later taught

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at Inman High School. He met and later married his wife, Georgina Kornelsen, an Inman resident and longtime Tabor librarian (1961-92).

It was only the beginning of his stay in Kansas.

––––––––––––––––––––– Johnson was pursuing graduate studies at Kansas State University in 1947 when he received word from Tabor President P.E. Schellenberg (1942-51) about his aspirations for chemistry. It would be a brand-new program and the fourth Tabor president wanted Johnson to take the lead.

Carey reiterated how big of a step this was for his father, but from his time spent hearing about Tabor in Shafter to his one year of classes, a calling was put in Johnson’s heart.

After taking the job, that calling was quickly confirmed.

“It was the opportunity to teach at Tabor College,” Carey said of what sold his father. “It wasn’t just to teach at a Christian college. He never thought about moving on to somewhere else. He was incredibly loyal to Tabor.”

Thirty-five years after starting the program, including 33 years as chemistry professor and two as business manager, Johnson saw nearly 100 students graduate with chemistry degrees. Over half of them went on to earn a Ph.D. or other medical degree.

Johnson didn’t want the credit; he was passionate about seeing God glorified through the work of his students.

As his tenure continued, he was particularly gratified of the reputation that his department built at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

“He was very proud of the reputation of Tabor at KU,” Carey said. “A recommendation from Tabor, and from him, meant a lot to those professors. His students got in more often than not.”

Johnson, known for his expectations and goals of academic excellence, was also celebrated for his innovation and ability to adapt in an ever-changing field. Carey said his father’s love for research influenced himself, his sister and so many of his students.

Later in his career, it was a sabbatical year that took him to Zambia in 1970. He was also diligent in taking part in summer courses that were funded by the National Science

Foundation. It was stops at the University of Southern California, Appleton, Wis., and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. While completing his graduate work at Iowa State University in the 1970s, Carey also saw his father come to Ames to take a course in nutrition.

“Even as he approached his retirement, he wanted to keep up on things,” Carey said.

“He’d bring everything he learned back into his teaching.”

Retiring in 1982, the family chose to remain in Hillsboro. Johnson was a very active supporter of Tabor, including academics, athletics and a scholarship that still stands today in his name.

He watched with pride in his eye as the science department, which once sat in the third floor of the H.W. Lohrenz Administration Building, moved from the bottom floor to its own space, the Solomon L. Loewen Natural Science Center, in 1997. His name is recognized in the atrium of the facility.

“Tabor College gave me the best opportunities to help students prepare for a life of serving God and mankind as a physician or other medical field, as an educator, as a practicing laboratory or basic research chemist.”

– Dr. William Johnson Courtesy of the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, September 2004 No matter if it was his first graduating class in 1951 or his final seven students in 1982, his hope and prayer never wavered.

“Let us hope, and trust, let us watch, and pray, and labor till the Master comes…” ** This story includes quotes from a writing, “At Tabor 35 Years,” that Dr. Will Johnson gave to faculty and the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies in September 2004. Photos and historical information were provided by Dr. Carey Johnson and the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies.

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Women’s cross country earns first national ranking It didn’t take long for Rylan Hincher to see the possibilities for his women’s cross-country roster. With the same top five runners back in 2022, a foundation was set from the get-go.

After its first three meets, the women’s roster earned the program’s first-ever national ranking. Sitting at No. 25, Tabor College was one of only two ranked KCAC teams, including No. 3 University of St. Mary.

It didn’t stop there, either. Hincher said this group was hungry to take continued steps forward.

The Bluejays made a statement from their opening meet, finishing third out of 14 teams at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic in Hutchinson, Kan. That included four schools from the NCAA D-II ranks and seven from the NJCAA. Brooke Wiebe (SO, Newton, Kan.) was Tabor’s top finisher, placing ninth (18:53.44). She was followed closely by Emma Willison (JR, Buhler, Kan.) and Danielle Allison (JR, Oakley, Kan.) with finishes of 13th (19:08.85) and 21st (19:23.93), respectively.

The team finished as the runner-up at the KCAC Championships in Winfield, Kan., on Saturday, Nov. 5. It was their highest team finish since 2007.

Wiebe and Allison catapulted Tabor at the conference championships.

Wiebe took fifth with a new PR (18:44). She was followed by Allison (18:57), who took ninth. Their finish guaranteed spots at the NAIA National Championships. Willison (17th, 19:35) and Sonya Zimmerman (SO, Valley Center, Kan.) and Adrienne Selzer (FR, Sharon Springs, Kan.) gave Tabor five runners inside the top 30.

“With them, I’m reminding them it doesn’t matter who is first, second or third among them,” Hincher said. “If you all run fast and we’re really competitive, it makes our team better. When we go to races and we’re within one or two seconds of each other, it’s fun to watch. They feed off one another.”

Whether it’s as a legacy family or the Tabor20 Scholarship for students from Mennonite Brethren churches, the Tabor cross country coach said it’s allowed a number of his runners to appreciate the opportunities that Tabor gives them in and out of athletics.

“Being able to represent an institution that believes what they believe, that’s really important,” Hincher said.

Tabor Bluejay Women’s Cross-Country Roster Danielle Allison Emma Willison Aubrey Bahner Sarah Dark Allison Johnson Brooke Wiebe Sonya Zimmerman Kaylee Deangelis Sydnee Gardner Adrienne Selzer Alison Visser

JR JR SO SO SO SO SO FR FR FR FR

Oakley, Kan. Buhler, Kan. Topeka, Kan. Mead, Okla.

Wichita, Kan. Newton, Kan. Valley Center, Kan. Ada, Okla.

Wichita, Kan. Sharon Springs, Kan. Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa

A look at Tabor College Athletics • Football earned its sixth win after shutting out Bethany College, 35-0, on Senior Day. Gustavo Villareal (SR, Dinuba, Calif.) continued his excellent season, building upon his team-leading nine touchdown passes and four rushing scores. A 60-yard touchdown catch against Bethany catapulted Jarien Allen (FR, Tallahassee, Fla.) atop total receiving yards, reaching 387 for the fall.

• Valdisa (JR) and Valencia Andov (SO) gave Tabor women’s golf one of the strongest duos in the KCAC. Both sisters, hailing from Pekanbaru, Indonesia, finished in the top three at the Friends University Tournament at Crestview Country Club in Wichita, Kan. • Emma Rhodes (JR, S, Claremore, Okla.) finished second in the KCAC volleyball in assists (879) and seventh in service aces (41). Katie Lowery (SO, MB, Auburn, Calif.) finished 10th in solo blocks (17), while Kallie Cathcart (SR, OH, Holly, Colo.) finished 14th in the conference in total points (288).

• Alan Catana (JR, Cleveland, Texas) finished 15th (26:02) at the KCAC Cross Country Championships, qualifying for NAIA Nationals and leading the Bluejays to a third-place finish. Catana is now a two-time national qualifier. Dillon Callaway finished 21st (26:23) at the conference meet, beating his previous personal best by 42 seconds.

NOTE: All stories & statistics were published as of Nov. 7, 2022.

See more sports updates, including recaps, rosters, and photos at www.taborbluejays.com.

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Phelps, Chippeaux selected for Tabor College Athletics Hall of Fame Jason Phelps (g’04) and Emily (Post, g’13) Chippeaux were named to the Tabor College Athletics Hall of Fame on Sunday, Oct. 2. The two former Bluejays were inducted in the Franz Family Heritage Lobby of the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts.

“It is an honor to induct both Jason and Emily into the Tabor College Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Tabor College Athletic Director David Ediger. “Both are quality individuals who excelled at their craft while at Tabor, and we loved having them back on campus for this prestigious honor.”

Phelps, Tabor’s all-time leader in interceptions (16), was a three-time NAIA All-American and first-team All-KCAC selection. He also holds the team record for interceptions in a season (8, 2001), which remains one of the top single-season performances in KCAC history. Phelps still sits atop Bluejay record books in career interception return yards (250). Phelps was voted team MVP in his second year at Tabor and played an instrumental role in sending the college to its first playoff game in school history.

Chippeaux was a seven-time NAIA National qualifier in Tabor College track and field. She competed at outdoor nationals all four years as a Bluejay, and participated in indoor nationals as a freshman, junior, and senior. She also earned first-team, All-KCAC outdoor honors in triple jump (x4), long jump (x3), and high jump (x2). Chippeaux totaled nine first-place finishes in conference meets, including three championships in the outdoor triple jump. Her career culminated with two, top-10 finishes nationally, placing seventh in the indoor triple jump and eighth in the outdoor high jump.

Chippeaux becomes the 16th member of Tabor track and field to be named to the Hall of Fame. She is the first since Ashley (Scherrer) Malcom in 2018. Phelps is the 10th inductee from Bluejay football. He follows Chad Duerksen (g’03), who was inducted in 2021. He’ll also join coaches Tim McCarty (2019) and Mike Gardner (2019).

Tabor College Hall of Fame inductees, the last five years

NAME SPORT INDUCTION YEAR Jason Phelps (g’04) football 2022 Emily (Post, g’13) Chippeaux track & field 2022 Tina (Frick, g’11) Clark volleyball 2021 Chrissy (Previtera, g’03) Glanzer women’s soccer 2021 Chad Duerksen (g’03) football 2021 Hiram Finney (g’97) men’s basketball 2021 Jake Schenck (g’06) football 2019 Mike Gardner football 2019 Tim McCarty football 2019 Ashley (Scherrer) Malcom track & field 2018 Donya Anderson women’s basketball 2018 Grant Brubacher soccer, basketball, baseball 2018 Find a full list of Hall of Fame inductees at www.taborbluejays.com/halloffame.

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Residence hall construction set for June 2023 finish

The construction of Tabor College’s newest residence hall is set to wrap in mid-June 2023. The building, totaling $7.4 million, will include two residence halls and 86 beds.

That includes 28 double rooms, 12 singles and 6 triples. Terry Ens, director of facility operations, said that all decisions have been made for exterior and interior construction. They’ve assembled a committee to finalize interior décor. The Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant is still open, which would add $1.5 million to the money raised. “This is truly an exciting chapter in Tabor’s history,” President David Janzen said. “We praise God for the funds that have been given and ask that you prayerfully consider supporting this project as we continually seek improvements to campus housing and the work He is doing through our students.”

Generous donor covers cost of Tabor’s brand-new home for Facility Operations

The work of Tabor College’s brand-new space for Facility Operations is nearing completion. Just northeast of the D and Adams street intersection, the building will dramatically increase workable space for Director Terry Ens and his team. Ens’ crew is currently finishing the final stages of the project on its own. “This team, from Day 1, has had to make the most 20

of what they’ve had,” Ens said. “We’ve been given the opportunity to create something for ourselves to do what we do best, which is to support others. We want to make other people’s jobs better. I’m proud of the work being done and the collaboration of our team.”

Toms presents sixth annual Exaudio Lectures Dr. Cynthia Toms, professor of global studies and kinesiology at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif., provided a snapshot of our faith through appreciating our food and supporting a global shortage at this year’s Exaudio lectures.

The day’s theme, “Health for Human Flourishing,” was broken into two parts. Her opening lecture, “Faith and the Global Food System: Eating as an Act of Worship,” came during the morning Chapel service. She concluded her series with a 7 p.m. presentation of “Health for the Nations.”

Toms, the founding director of Westmont’s Global Studies Minor and Fellows Program and Global Health Semester in Uganda, has devoted her studies to better understanding nourishment and how we can be better stewards of what God provides.

“I believe that our relationship with our resources, and how we view and understand them, can have a significant impact on God’s work in the world,” Toms said. “We have an opportunity to serve God through a better appreciation and understanding of God’s gifts.”

Specifically, Toms noted that 30 percent of all food grown in the United States is wasted. The majority of that comes from buying too much or not eating leftovers.

Heeding Christ’s example, Toms said, could mean adopting a view of gratitude for food as a precious symbol of life from God and more deeply appreciating the process and people that help put food on our plates.

“Would that change the way we use our food as a resource or how much we waste?” she said.

She also said that data supports nutrition as a foundational principle in physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. She called on the Church to be a core tenant in advancing human flourishing.

“We’re seeing evidence that the entire economy can benefit when the most vulnerable are healthy,” Toms said.

The Tabor Exaudio Lectureship in Vocation and Service is an annual academic lectureship in which a scholar is invited to present a meaningful expression of Christian discipleship that arises from their professional discipline. The purpose of the lectureship is to challenge and encourage believers in their individual and collective calling of work and service for Christ and his kingdom. The term exaudio is a Latin word that means to listen, comprehend, and respond faithfully.

The five previous speakers include Dr. David Janzen (2021), Beth A. Silvers, J.D. (2020), Dr. Lee C. Camp (2019), Dr. R. Mark Shipp (2018), and Dr. Scot McKnight (2017). You can learn more about the event, including archived videos, at www.tabor.edu/exaudio.

Tabor College Graduate Studies

Earn a Graduate degree in Business • Education January 2023 Class starts

• Relevant • Convenient • Affordable tabor.edu/online – learn@tabor.edu 21

“’John, I see you being in ministry someday.’”

Standing in Brainerd, Minn., John Jedneak stared in curiosity trying to understand why his basketball coach would say that.

He knew he wanted to explore playing college basketball and play at a Christian school, but ministry? Not even on the radar.

Central Lakes Community College had become a recruiting pipeline for Tabor College men’s basketball, but Jedneak’s journey as a Bluejay was more providential than he could have ever thought.

––––––––––––––––––––– Jedneak and his mother took a visit to Hillsboro that semester, and he made his pledge soon after. Yearning for direction, he felt a connection to campus and sought to be obedient in God’s plans.

Arriving in fall 2014, Tabor became a safe haven amidst Jedneak’s journey.

Battling the entanglement of sin in his own life, he wanted to know what a daily walk with God looked like and that opened the door to a difficult, but prosperous journey in his two years on campus.

Discontentment rolling through his heart and mind, Jedneak recalled talking to his mentor after his first year at Tabor. He wasn’t sure he wanted to continue with basketball, and he wondered if he should go home to Minnesota. “’Pass the test.’”

“Pass the test? Pass the test?!” Jedneak thought angrily, wondering what he could mean.

Difficult at first, Jedneak saw his “Genesis 22 moment” and found that basketball and relationships in his life had become his idols. It was time to shift priorities.

“I went back to my room (on campus) and took a box I had and put things inside that represented memories of a past relationship,” Jedneak said. “I pushed it over, I surrendered it to God, I knew I needed it to end.”

“The Holy Spirit was illuminating the word of God for the first time in my life,” Jedneak said. “God was demonstrating His love to me and realizing how wrecked I was. That was the major turning point.”

Spring Break 2015, Jedneak traveled home to Princeton, Minn., for two weeks. He wrote 22 pages in his journal, and having handed over his past, the fire had officially been lit.

“The Holy Spirit was illuminating the word of God for the first time in my life,” Jedneak said. “God was demonstrating His love to me and realizing how wrecked I was. That was the major turning point.”

Jedneak said it was friends, such as Jesse Allen, Dawson Waltner and Devin Dick, who poured into him and helped kindle his relationship with Jesus. He’d also often sit inside the office of Campus Pastor Ryan Lee, seeing faith through his own eyes.

“Those guys showed me what it looked like to walk with Jesus and loved me,” Jedneak said. “My life was radically changed. Jesus was moving

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Courtesy photo

Discerning a call: Jedneak finds home in ministry

(L to R) Abigail, John and Josie Jedneak every day, and I’m tasting and seeing him daily. He took my story and planted a fire in me.”

The lens toward John’s future never changed, either.

Over a two-year stretch, upward of 15-20 people had told him to explore ministry, and after a trip with MB Mission to Thailand, he officially opened the door.

––––––––––––––––––––– After graduating from Tabor in 2017, Jedneak spent nine months at a discipleship program at the Kanakuk Institute in Branson, Mo. He then joined KLIFE in Conway, Ark., a discipleship ministry for 5th-12th grade students.

Through his work with these students, Jedneak would think back to his 10- to 16-year-old self, wanting to be the light and paint a clearer picture of what it looks like to be a godly man.

“I didn’t have the vision for what it meant to a be a man, disciple and follower of Jesus,” Jedneak said. “I see the potential, and I believe these students are the church of today. I love engaging them, equipping them, and sending them out in their schools.”

That viewpoint has changed as he continues in his first year as high school pastor at Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin, Tenn.

Having discipled 20-30 students himself, Jedneak has found what he “lives and breathes for.”

“I don’t have to do anything by myself,” he said of working with his students. “I can turn their attention toward Christ, and He can radically change their life, a generation, and a nation. For one person to take time to invest in one individual, and for God to ignite that, the potential is beyond what we can comprehend.”

Four alumni awards given at Homecoming Dinner Dennis (g’71) and Connie (Klassen, g’72) Fast, one of two recipients of the inaugural Alumni Ministry Award, have spent 40-plus years in ministry in Hillsboro, Kan., as well as Fresno, Kingsburg, and Reedley, Calif. Their service has impacted countless families within the MB Conference. They have three children and 15 grandchildren. Kindra Goertzen (g’06), awarded the Alumni Medallion, is an awardwinning communicator, currently serving as a creative manager at the United Way of the Plains in Wichita, Kan. Over the past 16 years, Goertzen’s work has been recognized regionally and nationally, helping craft compelling campaigns and creating systematic change to social issues. Ken (g’72) and Marilyn (Friesen, g’70) Fast, given the second Alumni Ministry Award, have devoted their careers to education, global missions, and service, including 30-plus years of coaching and teaching at Pan American Christian Academy in Sao Paulo, Brazil. They have three children and 10 grandchildren, featuring four generations of Tabor College students. Dale Flaming (g’62), awarded the Alumni Merit, has been on the cutting edge of scientific innovation since the inception of Sutter Instrument in 1974. Still actively inventing today, the company’s wide array of equipment is represented in laboratories across the globe, aiding work in physiology and neuroscience research.

Tabor College gave out four alumni awards at its annual Homecoming Dinner on Friday, Sept. 30 in the Regier Atrium of the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts. It also honored the Class of 1972 on its 50th reunion. (L to R): Ken Fast, Marilyn Fast, Dale Flaming, Kindra Goertzen, Connie Fast, and Dennis Fast.

Deanne Duerksen, longtime Tabor registrar, passes away at 77 Deanne Duerksen, former Tabor registrar, passed away on Sept. 4, in Hesston, Kan. Deanne spent 41 years in the registrar’s office, serving faithfully and playing an integral role in the academic success of countless students. Her love for the Lord was evident in her hospitality, love for the community, and serving and volunteering in church. Friends and family gathered to remember her life on Saturday, Sept. 10 at First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro.

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Gil & Rhoda Friesen add Tabor College to estate planning Since graduating in the 1960s, Tabor College has been a fixture in the lives of Gil and Rhoda Friesen.

Gil (g’64), a business administration major, and Rhoda (g’66), who studied biology, support Tabor through an endowed scholarship, the brand-new Gil & Rhoda Friesen Lecture Series, and have also chosen to write the college into their estate.

The John W. Dick/Gilbert & Rhoda (Krause) Friesen Scholarship has been in place since 1991, and the lecture series came from mutually agreeing to support the college before their estate gifts went into effect.

Even as Gil reflected on seeing his father help fund the Tabor gymnasium project, he and Rhoda’s “why” was very simple.

“Tabor is our family,” Gil said with a smile.

They sat down to write their estate and agreed they wanted Tabor to be represented as an additional beneficiary. While the estate gift was in place, the lecture series became the perfect opportunity to make an immediate impact on students’ lives.

The lecture series kicked off at Academic Convocation on Aug. 22. Dr. Noe Garcia, senior pastor at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Ariz., was the guest speaker. In attendance, Gil and Rhoda witnessed 40 students respond to an invitation to follow Jesus.

“Tabor embodies what we think Christian education should be,” Gil said. “I want as many people as possible to have the opportunity of earning a decidedly Christian education.”

If you would like to include Tabor College as a beneficiary in your estate, or open an endowed scholarship to support future generations of Tabor graduates, call or email Ron Braun, vice president of philanthropy, at 620-947-3121 (ext. 1710) or ronb@tabor.edu.

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2022

THINGS TO CELEBRATE AT TABOR COLLEGE

40 students responded to an invitation to follow Jesus at Fall 2022 Academic Convo

93% of May 2022 graduates finished in 4 years or less at Tabor

26 student-led Bible studies on campus in Fall 2022

35% of May 2022 graduates surveyed advancing to post-

graduate studies

20 new Tabor 20 students from

3.43 average GPA in

MB churches

Tabor Class of 2026, highest in at least 15 years

enrolled Fall 2022

Vance Shewey and Toby Penner earned

47 singers in Fall 2022 choir

third and fifth place at NAIA National Track Meet

32 students graduated in the first

MEd in Neuroscience and Trauma cohort $1.5M Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant for the New Residence Hall

6 Lohrenz Scholars with 30+ ACT scores in Tabor Class of 2026

$5.65M given to Tabor in 2021-22, second highest year ever

Women’s Cross Country ranked in top 25 nationally for first time

$750k Sunderland Foundation gift for the New Residence Hall

New Maintenance Shop nearing completion

7 teams advanced to year-end NAIA national competition: men’s cross country, men’s soccer, women’s basketball, men’s indoor track, men’s baseball, and men’s & women’s outdoor track 25

Alumni News Births/Adoptions Dawson (g’15) and Mallory Waltner, North Newton, Kan., a boy, Brayden, March 14, 2022 Lucas and Greta (Wiebe g’12) Williamson, Lenexa, Kan., a boy, Brax Henry, April 7, 2022

Darrah/Logan

Graf/Hernandez

Klein/Rempel

Wiens/Maxfield

Marriages Alex (g’20) and Allison (Maxfield g’21) Wiens, married in Hesston, Kan., on March 19, 2022

Jada Dickinson

Josh (g’22) and Abigail (Berggren g’22) Gaede, married in Hutchinson, Kan., on May 28, 2022 Devin (fs’ 20) and Zoe (Shieldnight g’22) Rust married in Newton, Kan., on June 5, 2022 Erlin and Abigail (Funk g’13) Obando Araya, married in Hesston, Kan., on June 18, 2022

Brax Williamson

Trevor and Tessa (Isaac g’20) Yoder, married in Hutchinson, Kan., on June 18, 2022 Jameson and Macey (Darrah g’22) Logan, married in Wichita, Kan., on July 16, 2022 Caleb (cs) and Iris (Klein cs) Rempel, married in Hillsboro, Kan., on August 6, 2022 Cristian and Marissa (Graf g’19) Hernandez, married in Oklahoma City, Okla., on August 14, 2022

Ryan (g’19) and Kathleen (Frankenberry g’19) Stearns, Benton, Kan., a boy, Brooks Ashley, April 7, 2022 Wyatt (g’20) and Emily (Kemling g’20) Dickinson, Beloit, Kan., a girl, Jada Joelle, Sept. 21, 2022 Philip (g’18) and Aleya (Hill g’19) Ediger, Hillsboro, Kan., a girl, Emmaline Dawn and Joseph David, Oct. 18, 2022

Deaths Evelyn (Langenegger fs’58) Thiessen, age 81, Fresno, Calif., Jan. 8, 2021 Marlene (Bartel fs’59) Lautt age 81, Lodi, Calif., March 19, 2021 Andy Lavern Neufeld (fs’50), age 89, Clovis, Calif., July 10, 2021 Herbert Swartz (g’55), age 89, Harrisonburg, Va., July 31, 2021 Alfred Gerhardt (fs’64), age 78, West Chester, Pa., Jan. 24, 2022 Homer George (g’83) age 99, Harrisonburg, Va., Jan. 29, 2022 Richard Thiessen (fs’58) age 83, Fresno, Calif., April 10, 2022 Donnivan Bartel (fs’69), age 71, Burrton, Kan., April 27, 2022 Nellie (Hamm fs’49) Jost, age 93, Hillsboro, Kan., May 15, 2022 Marcia (Hiebert fs’64) Goentzel, age 76, Valley Center, Kan., June 1, 2022 Robert “Bob” Franz (g’72), age 71, Lawrence, Kan., June 2, 2022 Orletta (Brandt fs’50) Heide Wiebe, age 91, North Newton, Kan., June 8, 2022 Dale Jost (g’66), age 77, Hesston, Kan., June 22, 2022

Deanne Duerksen

Naomi Dyck

Robert Franz

Janice Friesen

Homer George

Janice (Heinrichs g’79) Friesen, age 70, Wichita, Kan., June 23, 2022 Guy Morrison (fs’80) age 61, Sanger, Calif., June 24, 2022 Dr. Albert “Al” Isaak (g’59) age 84, Greenville, S.C, June 28, 2022 Dr. Edwin Wiens (g’55) age 89, Fresno, Calif., July 15, 2022

Viola Gossen

Albert Isaak

Marlin Janzen

Wayne Janzen

TO READ OBITUARIES: visit www.tabor.edu/obituaries

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Dale Jost

Cal Redekop (ff) age 96, Harrisonburg, Va., July 20, 2022

A L U M N I

Robert Lautt

Kermit Ratzlaff

N E W S

Cal Redekop

Naomi (Hiebert g’50) Dyck, age 96, Fresno, Calif., July 23, 2022 Richard Kliewer (fs’87) age 54, Newton, Kan., Aug. 10, 2022 Viola Gossen (g’52) age 98, Hillsboro, Kan., Aug. 15, 2022 Deanne (Goering g’86 & staff emeritus) Duerksen age 77, Hesston, Kan., Sept. 4, 2022 Al Vogts (g’82) age 62, North Newton, Kan., Sept. 12, 2022 Robert Lautt (g’59) age 85, Lodi, Calif., Sept. 15, 2022 Kermit Ratzlaff (g’42) age 100, Hillsboro, Kan., Sept. 27, 2022

Herbert Swartz

Al Vogts

Edwin Wiens

region’s consumer protection program and was responsible for supervising the compliance examination staff, as well as 1,100 state non-member financial institutions in the region.

1980s Dr. Paul Klaassen (g’89) received an award for 25 years of faithful service in Ark City, Kan., at the inaugural SCK Health Foundation Gala held last spring. Hannah Klaassen (g’19) former Miss Kansas 2018 and also Paul’s daughter, emceed the event.

Wayne Janzen (g’78) age 66, Okeene, Okla., Sept. 26, 2022 Marlin Janzen (g’61) age 82, Hillsboro, Kan., Oct. 21, 2022 Lavina (Schroeder fs’54) Wohlgemuth age 88, Reedley, Calif., Oct. 22, 2022

Alumni News – 1960s Dr. David Schroeder (g’66) was awarded the Ray Ackerman Leadership Award by United Way of Central Oklahoma. The Ray Ackerman Leadership Award is given each year to individuals who have exemplified leadership in support of United Way of Central Oklahoma’s work. Named for Ray Ackerman, a veteran volunteer, this award honors those who share his tireless efforts and devotion to United Way’s mission, setting the standard for volunteerism, leadership and caring.

Ray Jackson

Paul Klaassen

David Schroeder

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1970s Lawrence “L. Ray” Jackson, (g’75) former FDIC deputy regional director for the division of depositor and consumer protection in the Chicago regional office, received the 2022 American Bankers Association’s Distinguished Service Award for Compliance. The award, which recognizes leadership, initiative and accomplishment in banking regulatory compliance management, as well as volunteer service through ABA, was presented during ABA’s Regulatory Compliance Conference in Orlando.

Jackson retired after 39 years of service with the FDIC with 32 years specializing in the consumer protection area. As the deputy regional director, he served as the executive level official for the

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Upcoming Events Dec. 10-Jan. 8 Christmas Break Jan. 9 Evening Classes Begin Jan. 10 Day Classes Begin Jan. 21 Church Spirit Night, Basketball vs. Sterling College March 20-24 Spring Break May 6 Commencement For a complete list of upcoming events, please visit our calendar online at www.tabor.edu/calendar. Athletic schedules are available at www.taborbluejays.com.