Winter 2019 • Vol. 73 / No. 1
Inside:
New Teaching Faculty Farewell to MJR Tabor NOW!
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From the President
Follow along with Dr. Glanzer’s travels and campus events on Twitter. /presglanzer
The entire Tabor community is enjoying the addition of the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts to the Hillsboro campus. The time, energy, hard work of all those involved in seeing this dream become a reality was worth it. The sacrificial gifts to enable Tabor to build the facility debt free is a demonstration of the dedication, commitment, and generosity of our people. How we view ourselves, the kind of experience we can provide for the students, and the eternal impact of the activities and events are a tribute to all who helped make it happen. Not long ago, we hosted a group of student leaders in our home. I asked them to describe for me the tone and mood of the student body. With smiles on their faces and excitement in their voices, they told me how different they thought the attitudes and mood of the student body was this year compared to previous years. They talked about a new attitude on campus, about intentional spiritual conversations, professors who were engaging them, and the unity they felt. When I asked them what they attributed it to, they all, almost in unison, said CHAPEL. They liked the speakers, music, upbeat mood, and seeing the professors and staff in chapel. And they loved the conversations that followed in class about what the speakers presented. The Richert Auditorium allows us to
gather for worship, learning, spiritual conversation and identity shaping. Now we face a new challenge. We are realigning our operations and building upon our stable financial foundation. The Signature Campaign had a significant impact on our operations. Annual Fund giving was down, reserves were used to maintain our operations, and tuition revenue did not keep up with expenses. During the next two years we need to raise $4.6 million for the Tabor Fund, refrain from borrowing for operations, and restore our reserves. In addition we are focusing our efforts on creating efficient and relevant academic programming, and an irresistible experience that provides value for our students. We are committed to being good stewards of our operations. Given these realities, we are launching Tabor NOW!, a two-year, $4.6 million campaign to assist in rightsizing operations and creating an irresistible student experience. Gifts to Tabor NOW! will be used to continue to create and maintain a beautiful park-like campus, embed a culture of excellence and hospitality, provide scholarships for students, increasing salaries for faculty, coaches, and staff, and providing concerts, theater, and athletic events for the community. On page 19 of the Connection, you will find more information about Tabor NOW!. I ask you to pray for Tabor, consider a gift and a two-year commitment to Tabor NOW!, and encourage your friends to join you in supporting Tabor.
President Jules Glanzer
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Winter 2019 Vol. 73 No. 1
inside
A magazine for Tabor College alumni & friends
4 New Teaching Faculty
Connection
2 From the President
Editor Don Ratzlaff donr@tabor.edu
6 Double Debut
Contributor Aleen Ratzlaff aleenr@tabor.edu
12 Farewell to MJR
Senior Designer Diane Steiner dianes@tabor.edu
18 Project SEARCH
Student Designer Chloe Willems
8 Homecoming 2018 15 Miss Kansas 19 Tabor NOW! 20 Fall Sports Update
Student Designer Shannon Martens
22 Alumni News
Photographer/Webmaster Michael Klaassen michaelwklaassen@tabor.edu
23 Tabor by the Numbers
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.” Aerial Cover Photos: Courtesy Matthew Potucek and Duncan Duell Twitter: Hillsboro Trojan Drone @TrojanDrone @TaborCollege /TaborCollege /taborcollege /taborcollege /company/tabor-college /taborcollege Tabor Webcast
We’re Online! Visit tabor.edu/connection to read the latest issue of The Connection and pass it along to friends and family. If you would like to receive an online copy of the magazine, please sign up by visiting tabor.edu/connection.
For up-to-date news, go to tabor.edu/news
Board of Directors: Susan Koslowsky 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 Tim Frye Faculty Rep Jeral Gross Mark Jost David Karber Kelly Kirby Mike Kleiber Jerry Kliewer
Lisa Kroeker Bill Loewen Nate Loewen Dean Nachtigall Jeff Nikkel Dennis Penner Michael Prichard Student Rep Elaine Setzer-Maxwell Tim Sullivan Wilbur Unrau Richard Unruh
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Baker Jawabrah Al Hourani
Mykhailo Cherenkov
Brenna Haines
Craig Jost
Josh McLoud
Jenica Moore
Rachel Pedigo
Amy Ratzlaff
New teaching faculty bring expertise and diversity Students returning to Tabor College this fall may have noticed eight new teaching faculty for the 2018-19 academic year. This year’s cadre of first-year instructors includes several with international backgrounds and unique personal experiences. “God has truly blessed us with these new faculty,” said Frank Johnson, Tabor’s executive vice president of academics and compliance. “I look forward to working with them as we seek to provide a unique and decidedly Christian college experience – in all the places where learning happens, from classrooms to dorms to the courts and fields of competition and beyond.”
Baker Jawabrah Al-Hourani
Baker Jawabrah Al-Hourani, associate professor of chemistry, comes to Tabor via his hometown of Al Karak, Jordan. His research focus is in drug design and discovery (medicinal chemistry) for cancer treatment. “Since my mom died in her 50s from a cancer-related illness, I am passionate about finding better treatment for cancer diagnosis and recovery,” said Jawabrah Al-Hourani, who is known informally as “JB” on campus. Jawabrah Al-Hourani earned his doctorate from Chemnitz University of Technology in Germany. His primary goal for students this year is “for them to see God’s awesome creativity and love as they study his creation in chemistry,” he said. Baker and wife Erica Koby are raising three young children. 4
Mykhailo (Michael) Cherenkov
Mykhailo (Michael) Cherenkov, who hails from Dimitrov – now Myrnograd – in the Donetsk region of Eastern Ukraine, has accepted a two-year assignment as visiting professor of philosophy and religious studies. He also serves as executive director of Mission Eurasia Field Ministries based in Wheaton, Ill. “I am interested in a fresh perspective on the development of Christian traditions in contemporary contexts,” Cherenkov said. “My personal biography is connected with the history of the underground evangelical church in the USSR; however, it seems to me that today this experience of Christian nonconformity is no less relevant.” He added, “In my studies and lectures I am trying to present how different Christian traditions can enrich each other and take new life in different contexts, how they can preserve and at the same time renew themselves, and how they can influence society.” Cherenkov holds a doctorate in religious studies from H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy and a doctorate in philosophy from Donetsk National University. He describes himself as an evangelical with a Baptist background, and is ordained as a Baptist missionary pastor. He and wife Nina have four daughters, and they love reading books and watching movies.
Brenna Haines
Brenna Haines, assistant professor of education, is a native and current resident of Newton, Kan. She said education and math have been passions of hers for a long time. Haines comes to Tabor College with a doctorate in education from George Washington University. She said her primary goal in the classroom is to see her students embrace the challenge and service commitment of becoming a teacher. She and husband Charles have two children and love to canoe and kayak together when they have spare time.
Craig Jost
Craig Jost, a Hillsboro native, is the new director at the Carson Center for Global Education, which seeks to develop globally minded students. He also is assistant professor of international studies. “My area of study is somewhat hard to define,” Jost said. “I got my undergraduate degree in landscape architecture, and during that time I was involved with a campus ministry. Upon graduation, I decided I would follow what I believed was God’s calling me to – churchplanting in Brazil.” After almost four years in Brazil, Craig and wife Fabiana returned to the U.S. to study at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, where Craig earned a master of divinity degree with a focus on church planting and missions. Jost said his goal in the classroom is: “That students would experience a transformation in their worldview in regard to themselves and the world around them, becoming more aligned to Christ’s passion for the world and God’s glory.” The Josts live with their two teenage children.
Josh McLoud
Josh McLoud, a native of Weleetka, Okla., has joined the faculty as assistant professor of biology. “My love for science began when I was a young country boy exploring the wilderness, and was strengthened by my science teacher, Miss Sue Cramer, in junior high and high school,” he said. “Miss Cramer wasn’t just a teacher, she was an excellent individual that went above and beyond to develop our interest in science, and she gave the subject a breath of life.” McLoud has a master’s degree in botany from Oklahoma State University, and anticipates completing his doctoral degree in biological science from the University of Tulsa in December. His goal at Tabor is to inspire his students to be lifelong learners “who can transfer their understanding of the sciences and their faith journey to areas and issues outside the college, as well as within their own lives.” He and wife Reachel have been married for 11 years and are raising two young sons, Seth and Kent. “We enjoy taking bike rides together as our son Seth learns to ride his bike,” McLoud said. “I enjoy taking my sons fishing and swimming as well as going to various science museums and zoos. I personally love to scuba dive as well as make things.”
Jenica Moore
Jenica Moore, a native of Moscow (Kan.), is assistant professor of athletic training and athletics health care and will be applying her knowledge in those areas at Tabor.
“I grew up playing sports and have always been a sports fan,” Moore said about her interest in the field. “The human body has always fascinated me, so when I decided what career to pursue, I combined the two interests to pursue my current career helping athletes return to sport.” Moore earned her doctorate in physical therapy at Wichita State University. Beyond her roles at Tabor, Moore describes herself as a “dog mom” to a doodle mix named Ella. “I also enjoy traveling as much as possible, reading good books on a variety of topics, and exercising for fitness.” Moore said her primary goal in the classroom is that she might have a Christ-like impact on the lives of her students. “I also hope they gain a broad knowledge of the athletic training profession that stimulates their future careers,” she added.
Rachel Pedigo
Rachel Pedigo is assistant professor of education with a focus in international education. “I was prompted to embrace the study of international education after teaching in Morocco in North Africa and in Romania, a former communist county,” she said. Pedigo has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Florida Atlantic University, and is working on her dissertation in that field through Liberty University with the hope of graduating with her doctorate in spring or summer 2019. A West Palm Beach native, Pedigo said her primary teaching goal at Tabor is to help students know what God’s will is for their life and give them the tools to do what God wants them to do. Pedigo is responsible for four cats: Juliet and London, who live with her, and Romeo and Maracca, whom she brought back from Morocco but are currently living with her parents in Florida. “I enjoy traveling and going to different events and museums around the area,” she added.
Amy Ratzlaff
Amy Ratzlaff is no stranger to Bluejay volleyball fans, but the successful former head coach is returning to the classroom as assistant professor of health and physical education. “I have a passion for teaching and there is such a need to not only teach children all the basic skills of a long and healthy life, but to motivate older students and adults to promote wellness in their own lives,” she said. Ratzlaff, a Hillsboro native, is married to Damian. They live in Hillsboro with Grayson, a ninth grader, and Darian, a high school senior. Daughter Alex is a junior at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and son Christian is in medical school in Arkansas. “Our favorite hobby is getting to the next game,” she joked about her family’s interest in athletic endeavors. As for the college classroom, Ratzlaff said, “My primary goal is to connect with students and educate them how to promote physical education and health to their own students as they teach and coach, as well as to educate them on how to take their own wellness and physical activity to the next level in all areas of health – physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health.” 5
A Busy Start for the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts Calendar of events for the first full semester this fall AUGUST
Aug. 27 – Chapel: President Glanzer and CCM Aug. 29 – Chapel: Activity/Ministry Fair
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 5: Academic Convocation Sept. 8 - Worship Arts Seminar Sept. 10 - Chapel: Exaudio Lecture Series, Dr. Mark Shipp Sept: 12 – Chapel: Ryan Lee and CCM Sept. 17 – Chapel: “Heart of Man” Sept. 18 - Recital Series: Jen Stephenson Sept. 19 - Chapel: Michael Suderman Sept. 24 – Chapel: Lee Waldron Sept. 25 - Jazz at the Atrium Sept. 26 – Jazz Artist Residency; Chapel: Denver Bierman, Nachtigal Lecture Sept. 29 – National Opera Association conference
OCTOBER
Oct. 1 - Nachtigal Lecture Oct. 3 – Chapel: Sara Jo Waldron Oct. 6 - KMTA District VI Auditions Oct. 8 – Chapel: Andy Owen Oct. 10 – Chapel: Bob Setor, SIM Oct. 11 – Viva Italia! (Voice Studio Recital) Oct. 18-21 - “My Fair Lady” musical Oct. 22 – Chapel: Kevin Larson Oct. 23 - Jazz at the Atrium, Broadway Cabaret Oct. 24 – Chapel: Roy Moye III Oct. 26 – Recital Series: Voice Festival recital Oct. 27 – Voice Festival competition 6
Oct. 27 – Heart of America Band dress rehearsal Oct. 28 – Heart of America Band Concert Oct. 29 – Chapel: Hannah Klaassen (Miss Kansas) Oct. 29 – Symphonic Band dress rehearsal Oct. 30 – Symphonic Band “Young People’s Concert” Oct. 30 – Symphonic Band Collaborative Concert with Moundridge High School
NOVEMBER
Nov. 4 – Chapel: Heidi Schmidt (MB Mission) Nov. 5 – Band director symposium Nov. 6 – Wheat State League Choral Festival Nov. 7 – Chapel: Brian Allen Nov. 9 & 10 – Fall opera: “Hansel and Gretel” Nov. 11 – “From Sea to Shining Sea,” a dramatic multimedia organ concert Nov. 12 – Chapel: Sara Jo Waldron Nov. 14 – Chapel: Heidi Schmidt, MB Mission Nov. 17 – Music and theater audition day Nov. 18 – Fall Choral Concert with Hillsboro Area Ministerial Assoc. Nov. 19 – Chapel: Greenhouse Church Nov. 26 – Chapel: Ryan Lee Nov. 27 – Jazz at the Atrium Npv. 28 – Christmas Chapel Nov. 29 – Prep School student recital Nov. 30 – Denver and the Mile High Orchestra Christmas Show
DECEMBER
Dec. 2 – Handel’s “Messiah” Dec. 3 – Music Juries Dec. 8 – Symphonic Band Christmas Festival
Double Debut When the curtain rose promptly at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18, it launched not only the first of four homecoming performances of the Tabor College production of “My Fair Lady,” but also opening night for Richert Auditorium as the state-of-the-art venue for major theatrical productions within the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts. The familiar storyline featured a rough-around-the-edges Eliza Doolittle (played by sophomore Victoria Boyd), who enters Henry Higgins’ study for speech lessons to lift herself from her life as a lowly flower seller in the London streets. She becomes the subject of a bet in which Higgins (played by senior Cody Kroeker) claims that Eliza, by the power of polished speech, will pass for high class in just a few weeks’ time. The musical included many memorable tunes, including “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Get Me to the Church on Time” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” For director Laurel Koerner, the move to Richert Auditorium from the traditional H.W. Lohrenz Chapel created new opportunities for staging productions. “The technology and system that this auditorium includes allows us to do scenery and lighting effects to a degree we have not been able to before,” Koerner said. “We have a designated orchestra pit, which is another delightful quality we haven’t had before. In the past, we’ve always had to design the sets, and in some way hide the orchestra somewhere – which is uncomfortable for them and creates a lot of design challenges for us. So, the overall quality that we’ll be able to achieve will surpass anything Tabor’s seen here before.” The new fly stage – with its massive system of pulleys and pulls – enables scenery pieces to be “flown” to new locations quickly and permits more complicated scene designs than previously possible. An additional improvement is the all-L.E.D. lighting that can change bulb color on command as well as reduce the heat generated by traditional lighting. The facility has designated space for a scene shop, which gives set designer and technical director Ethan Koerner unprecedented space for building sets with convenient access to the main stage. The smaller Prieb Harder Black Box Theater nearby offers cast members space to rehearse or warm up prior to going on stage. But with additional advantages come additional pressures. “It does feel like a lot of attention is being paid to what this space is capable of,” Koerner said. “So we tried to choose a show that would allow us to demonstrate what it can do and what our program can do while supporting our existing mission of putting the education of our students first and bringing meaningful artistic experiences to the community.” FACING PAGE: Eliza Doolittle (Victoria Boyd) sings “I Could Have Danced All Night” as the house help observes: Mrs. Pearce (portrayed by Madie Hill) and her two maids (played by Maryn Robson and Megan Staats). TOP PHOTO: Henry Higgins (Cody Kroeker) dozes in his study. MIDDLE PHOTOS: The costumes created for the townspeople and ensemble reflected the vision and skills of costume designer Lily Arthur. BOTTOM PHOTO: This massive system of pulleys and pulls were used to manipulate the new “fly stage” in Richert Auditorium.
Photo courtesy David Mayes
“My Fair Lady," Richert Auditorium draw rave reviews at Homecoming
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Sunshine and warm temperatures contributed to the enthusiasm and enjoyment of Tabor College Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 20. A mix of traditional and new events helped provide an exciting and eventful experience for alums, their families and Tabor College friends.
Alumni & Friends Dinner/Theater Night
The Regier Atrium in the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts provided new space for meeting and eating at the Alumni & Friends Dinner on Friday evening.
Alumni Award Winners
On Friday evening, the Alumni & Friends Dinner/Theater Night filled the Regier Atrium inside the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts. Following a mouthwatering meal and memorable conversations around the tables, three alumni received formal recognition for their career contributions: Jason Reiswig (G’09) received the Alumni Medallion Award for launching and leading Missions in the Amazon; Judy Prieb Harder (G’68) and Dean Nachtigall, D.O. (G’68), each received an Alumni Merit Award. Harder was feted for her contributions in Tabor theater with 74 productions over 26 years, and Nachtigall (G’68) was recognized for his accomplishments in orthopedic and hand surgery.
A meeting of the minds:
Tabor’s ninth president, Vernon Janzen (1980-87), shares memories with Larry Nikkel, Tabor’s 12th president (1998-07), prior to the Festival Dinner.
The 50-year class
The 50-year class of 1968 was honored during the Alumni & Friends Dinner/Theater Night, with 27 classmates on hand.
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Homecoming 2018
Alumni & Friends Golf Classic
Jeremy Ensey, Tim Young, Carl Helm and Daniel Moss (from left) formed one of the 17 foursomes that competed in the Tabor College Alumni & Friends Golf Classic at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton on a chilly Friday.
Football Game
The Bluejay football team stoked enthusiasm by defeating Sterling College, 34-0, in Saturday’s afternoon game in Joel H. Wiens Stadium. The supportive crowd saw star running back Drevion Cooper amass 196 yards and Trey McGee 127 yards as the Bluejays accumulated 390 rushing yards for the game.
Homecoming Host & Hostess
Seniors Shanae Strate and Jonathan Neymour were selected by their fellow students to serve as hostess and host for this year. The ceremony took place during halftime of the football game.
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Music Fest
On Saturday morning, a number of alums gathered again in the Richert Auditorium for “Music Fest,” an opportunity for Tabor vocal and instrumental groups to put their abilities on display.
Kid Zone
A young future Bluejay gives a high five to a friendly giraffe in the Kid Zone created by the education department in the Campus Recreation Center.
Druber's Donuts
On Friday night, several alumni and students revived a longtime Tabor tradition by driving to Druber’s Donuts in Newton for late-night conversation and favorite pastries.
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Homecoming 2018 cont. Play
Directed by Laurel Koerner, and with an outstanding cast led by sophomore Victoria Boyd as Eliza Doolittle and senior Cody Kroeker as Henry Higgins, “My Fair Lady” generated rave reviews as the inaugural theatrical performance in the new state-of-the-art Richert Auditorium. Just over 1,500 tickets were sold.
Concert
On Friday morning, David Vogel, a Tabor College grad, presented a wellreceived concert of Broadway classics for participants in the Lifelong Learning Program. He was accompanied by musicians Bruce Major, Bradley Vogel and David Martens.
MJR
After “Music Fest,” about 75 people gathered in front of the Mary J. Regier Building to bid a final farewell to the 98-year-old structure. Completed in 1920 following an annuity gift of $15,000 by Mary J. Regier, the building was intended as a resident hall for female students. Through the years, the building was renovated and remodeled to serve the changing needs of Tabor students. During the farewell gathering, onlookers shared their memories of the building and afterward many toured the structure for a final time.
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Farewell to the MJR Amid the celebration and joy of Tabor College homecoming weekend, around 75 alums gathered late Saturday morning, Oct. 20, to say thank-you and farewell to a brickand-mortar companion known today as the Mary J. Regier Building. After 98 years of service to students, the “MJR” has been deemed to be too costly to maintain and awaits demolition. The building will be taken down in time, but the memories shared by those in attendance will keep its memory alive for years to come. Known as the Music Building for many students, the Tabor College choir opened the gathering with, “Christ, We Do All Adore Thee,” the signature hymn of Herbert C. Richert, patriarch of Tabor’s strong music tradition over 31 years of service. Peggy Goertzen, director of the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, shared the building’s life story. The project became necessary when the original Tabor College building burned to the ground on April 13, 1918. Supporters were devastated by the loss, but also determined to rebuild an administration and classroom building. Mary J. Regier’s generous gift of a $15,000 annuity provided the financial support for constructing a second building – a women’s dormitory with a campus cafeteria in the lower level.
ABOVE: The basement of the Mary J. Regier building served as the college cafeteria from 1920 to the mid-1960s. FACING PAGE: Although the interior of the building has been deemed too costly to maintain, the exterior of the 98-year-old structure is an icon for many Tabor College students and alums.
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“It was the thinking of the time that it was OK for young men to live off campus unsupervised,” Goertzen said. “It was not OK for young women to live off campus unsupervised. So, her thinking was that she would give money to build a dormitory for the young women to be supervised.” As part of her generous gift, the college’s board of directors agreed that for as long as she wanted, Mary J. could live in the new building. She became matron of the dormitory for next 20 years. “As a counselor, they called her the House Mother with a strong mission spirit,” Goertzen said about Mary J. “She loved her girls, and there are pictures in the annuals of Mary J. Regier with the girls who lived here.” Of course, male students weren’t allowed to visit the residential floors. “The rooms are tiny – just single iron beds with barely room for a chest of drawers,” Goertzen said. Meals were served in the co-ed dining hall in the lower level. “We have pictures of the interior where the students are being served and eating,” she said. “That was sort of your social group. You didn’t get the freedom to choose where you would get to sit. You got in line, marched in and sat where the next seat was open.” The dining hall continued to provide meals into the mid-1960s, when a new campus cafeteria was completed. The MJR Building then became known as the Music Hall. Tabor’s vocal music program was found a home on the third story, with a lot of band drills and pianos upstairs. In early 1990, the vocal music program moved into the new Wohlgemuth Music Education Center; the band remained in the MJR until 1991, when computer services and business classes were assigned to the third floor. The second floor, meanwhile, offered tiny offices for teachers, tutoring rooms and math classes. In later years, the lower story housed the photo lab and yearbook office with art rooms at the south end. The graphic design program was established in the old dining hall and the kiln was in the old boiler room. “This building has been used in a multitude of ways,” Goertzen said. “Lots of people have given their time and energy to the programs and the spiritual life of Tabor College in this building. Mary J. Regier, she started it all. She was the one who gave her money for the dream, and it worked. It’s been useful for God’s kingdom here.” The historical impact became personal as alums in the audience shared stories and memories during an openmicrophone time, adding depth and humor to the significant impact of one modest red-brick building affectionately called the “MJR.”
A PRAYER FOR CLOSURE “Heavenly Father, thank-you so much for the memories you’ve given us. Thanks for the impact that facilities have on our lives. Above all, thank you for what you did in and through these walls and the rooms, and all that we know as the Mary J. Regier Building. We ask that as we continue to live our lives that we would not forget you, how you have shaped and molded us and how this place is a sacred place. So we dedicate ourselves again to you, and we thank you again for Mary and all the people who served here, for all the experiences you gave us, and we thank you, Father, that all of that comes from your good hands. In your name we pray, Amen. – President Jules Glanzer Mary J. Regier
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Miss Kansas: Hannah Klaassen Miss Kansas reign is rooted in service Hannah Klaassen’s path to the 2018 Miss Kansas title this summer was the result of hard work, persistence and a deep desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. “I was thinking about what I could do to get more involved with volunteering, and I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, or who I wanted to help,” the Arkansas City, Kan., native said about her sophomore year at Tabor College. “I just knew I wanted to do more than I was doing to help my community and my state. I figured I might get involved in Miss Kansas, because I know it really opens up opportunities for women to volunteer and help different people in their community. That pushed me to do a lot more volunteering, and to go out of my way to help people. It was very, very good for me.” Klaassen tested pageant competition after a friend encouraged her to enter the Teen division at age 16. Preparing for the Miss Kansas Pageant three years later was no small effort. Each candidate participates in preliminary competitions that include a 10-minute private interview with the judges, plus swimsuit, evening gown, an on-stage question and a talent event. She said it took a village to prepare her for the competition. “I had a lot of behind-the-scenes help from my family, some teachers and some friends. The paperwork you fill out is the first thing the judges see – that would be a resume, a contestant questionnaire about what you like to do to exercise and eat right to prepare for the swimsuit competition. I also had choreographers helping me with my talent (tap dancing).”
“I just knew I wanted to do more than I was doing to help my community and my state. I figured I might get involved in Miss Kansas, because I know it really opens up opportunities for women to volunteer and help different people in their community. ” – Hannah Klaassen Each contestant also was required to write a “platform statement,” which is a one-page paper about their area of social interest. “For me, it was all about mental health and educating people on how to keep healthy, and what mental illness is,” Klaassen said. Her choice of topic was inspired by life experiences. “I have a family member and two of my best friends who have dealt with either anxiety or depression or mental disorder,”
she said. “It’s been interesting to support them during that time, and see how they learn to deal with it in their daily lives. “It’s kind of hard to see the negative stigma,” she added. “I have a friend who thought she was a failure because she needed depression medication to help her get through her day. I don’t want anyone to feel like they’re a failure if they’re on medication, or that they’re any less of a person because they have that. Something I’ve really tried to stress this year is that mental illness and physical illness should be treated the same.” During pageant week, Klaassen and the 31 other contestants presented their skills before the panel of judges. “I felt like I did my best in each event, but I did not win any preliminary awards,” she said. “Usually, the girl who wins preliminary awards is likely to make it into the final 10 or 15. This year, only two of the four preliminary winners made finals – I hadn’t won a single preliminary award.” Even so, Klaassen heard her name called for the top 10 finalists, and later the top five. “I was shocked,” she said. “This means there’s only four other girls left – I could actually win.” For the concluding challenge of the pageant, each of the five finalists was asked to respond to a final question on
Wearing her Miss Kansas crown and sash, Hannah Klaassen came to the Tabor campus in October to speak in chapel about her platform statement: mental health and educating people on how to keep healthy.
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BELOW: “I was told by the Miss Kansas board and previous Miss Kansas, ‘You’re going to mature 10 years during one year of being Miss Kansas.’ I’m still waiting for that to happen. I’ve definitely learned to be independent and I’ll definitely mature a lot.” FACING PAGE: Hannah Klaassen said she plans to resume her Tabor College education next fall. “I’m excited to come back, I’m ready to be with friends and I’ve loved every class I’ve taken at Tabor.”
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stage. Hannah’s question was: “How would you make education better in America? “I said just pay teachers more,” she said. “Teachers need it in order to help their students and get the things they need to teach. I thought my answer was pretty obvious, but I got a lot of good feedback from the audience.” When Klaassen heard her name announced as the winner, she was speechless. “I remember just standing there and thinking, are you sure? The first runner-up was a wonderful 24-year-old woman who was beautiful, talented and smart. I thought she would be great for the job. There’s no way they’d chose a 19-year-old girl from Ark City.” As the reigning Miss Kansas, Klaassen’s days are filled with opportunities and obligations. She is taking a year off from college to pursue her statewide appearances. “It’s a full-time job,” Klaassen said. “Somebody told me, ‘We’ll keep you busy enough where you won’t be able to go to school for the year, but you’ll have it paid for by the time you go back.” As Miss Kansas, Klaassen competed in the Miss America Pageant at Atlantic City, N.J., in early September. “My experience of Miss America was different from previous years because they were making some changes,” she said. “There was some drama with that, but overall we still had a good bonding experience. The biggest difference was there were 51 contestants for Miss America and 32 for Miss Kansas. It was more intense, but in a good way.”
With the national pageant in her rear-view mirror, Klaassen is focusing on opportunities for personal growth and service in her home state – and it’s been a challenging schedule. “I was told by the Miss Kansas board and previous Miss Kansas, ‘You’re going to mature 10 years during one year of being Miss Kansas.’ I’m still waiting for that to happen. I’ve definitely learned to be independent and I’ll definitely mature a lot. I’ve been learning a lot by driving to public appearances all by myself. I know once I do more school talks, I’ll be driving sometimes four hours one way.” Klaassen is focused on her the personal goals. “Preparing for Miss America, they told us they really wanted us to know who we are and what we want out of our lives. The (Miss Kansas) board is really good about asking me what my goals are for this year that can help me in 10 to 15 years. They want this year to give me lasting skills that can help me through the rest of my career and the life that I want to have.” One of Klaassen’s biggest goals is to see every middle school and high school in Kansas print hotline numbers on the back of student IDs. “I know there’s a couple of schools that now have them,” she said. “I think it would be great to have numbers you can call, text and chat online with. Students need access to that.” Klaassen also is looking beyond the end of her reign. “I hope to get a master’s degree in family counseling and dance/movement therapy,” she said. “I’ve looked into a lot of expressive therapies and I think they are really needed. You don’t have to sit in a doctor’s office and talk to them about your problems – you can have therapy in a lot of other ways that are really helpful. I’ve met with a lot of mental health centers in Kansas to help me discover which path I want to take in psychology.” Her path definitely includes returning to Tabor College next fall for her junior year. “It’s kind of scary to think about it because I don’t know of very many people who take a year off from their education,” she said. “I know it will be kind of hard, but I also have a lot of good things that have encouraged me. These months as Miss Kansas, I think, will be hardest of my life – but in the best way. Anything else I do will be a piece of cake. “I’m excited to get to come back,” Klaassen added. “I’m ready to be with my friends and I’ve loved every class I’ve taken at Tabor – all the way from the Bible classes, to my psychology classes and the music department. This year has been kind of a teaching year for me. It’s been different than I thought it would be. While growing up, I always thought I wanted to be famous – a public figure, a star. It’s a lot different when you’re actually basking in the spotlight. It’s been interesting to deal with. I’ve really enjoyed it, and I think throughout the year I’ll get more and more used to it.”
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Tabor College Project SEARCH interns double in year two Coming off a successful inaugural year in 2017-18, Tabor College Project SEARCH has doubled in size as it begins its second year with six interns. Locally, Project SEARCH is a collaborative partnership between the college and the Marion County Special Education Cooperative, with Tabor designated as the official site of the program. Robert Haude, program director, said the program serves all of Marion County by connecting young adults with disabilities to a work experience while receiving job skills training. “Last year, all three of our interns successfully completed the program and graduated in May,” Haude said. “Additionally, each of the three interns secured employment before their graduation.” One graduate works in a secretarial role at a local church, another is a dietary aide at St. Luke’s Hospital in Marion and the third graduate is employed in facilities operations at Tabor. The local program is guided and supported by a steering committee comprised of Tabor College and MCSEC personnel as well as parents and volunteers. “The steering committee has seen this thing grow and mature into an established program going into our second
Tabor College Project SEARCH representatives Ryan Ronsee (left) and Ryan Hutton carried the program banner through the Old Settlers Day Parade in Marion in fall. Walking behind them is skills trainer Tim Gile and program director Robert Haude.
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year,” Haude said. “Three years ago, this program was chosen as the program our county would use to provide services for people who needed extra support in pursuing employment.” This fall, six interns are participating in the program – five from Marion County and one from McPherson. “We’re really excited about doubling the numbers,” Haude said. “That’s a big deal from one year to the next. It took a lot of hard work, but I think the steering committee wanted to do that.” During a recent Senior Visit Day, an additional five high school seniors expressed strong interest in the Project SEARCH program; four of them participated in the event. Haude said with growing interest at the high school level, Project SEARCH is looking to expand its outreach. “We have decided to have a program that serves people who have accepted their diploma but are out of high school, up to age 30,” he said. Meanwhile, Project SEARCH keeps in touch with the interns who have come through the program. “They all have a job developer who follows them as long as they need, to maintain success in their new job,” Haude said. “They’ve all learned a lot of great skills in Project SEARCH, but oftentimes it’s hard to transfer the skills to a new environment. So the job developer helps them within their new environment and get them established. “Deb Reinhart is providing some strong leadership for that,” Haude said. “She follows them as long as they need her to. Eventually, she won’t need to follow them. They’ll be independent.” Haude said Project SEARCH has opened money market accounts at Central National Banks in Marion and Hillsboro, where people can donate toward the operational costs that keep the program running for the future. Haude credits Project SEARCH’s connection with Tabor College as a key to the program’s success. “The leadership at Tabor has just been amazing to work with,” he said. “They’ve accepted this program as one of their own. Tabor is a community that is welcoming, that sees people first and provides a nurturing environment for people to grow.”
Tabor
NOW!
A campaign to ensure a strong, sustaining, and preferred future. While we are immeasurably blessed to be able to build the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts debt free, the Tabor Fund fell short. As a result, we need to restore our reserves, refrain from borrowing and shore up our operations. Gifts to Tabor NOW! will keep Tabor a desirable choice for high school students seeking a decidedly Christian education.
Our challenge: We need $4.6 million between now and June 30, 2020. With your gifts, we will... • Raise $1.15 million for the Tabor Fund for 2018-19 • Refrain from borrowing by raising $2.0 million for operations • Restore $350,000 to our reserves • Raise $1.1 million for the Tabor Fund for 2019-20
Will you consider making a gift and a two year commitment to TaborNOW!
Tabor
NOW! Mail: 400 South Jefferson Hillsboro, Kansas 67063 Online: Tabor.edu/TaborNOW! Phone: 620-947-3121 ext. 1710 19
Fall Sports Update FOOTBALL
Having graduated 24 seniors from Tabor’s 2017 KCAC co-championship team, the Bluejays went 2-4 to start the 2018 season. Under the leadership of Coach Mike Gardner and his assistants, Tabor ended the season riding a fourgame winning streak, including a 38-21 victory over Avila University, ranked 22nd in the NAIA. During the streak, Tabor outscored its opponents 145-39. Running back Drevion Cooper rushed for 1,474 yards, which was secondbest in the NAIA. Cooper was named a second-team AllAmerican. Tabor’s offense finished eighth in NAIA rushing yardage. CJ Hill received the KCAC Assistant Coach of the Year Award.
VOLLEYBALL
The Bluejays jumped to a 5-1 record out of the gate, but finished 14-17 overall and 5-8 in the KCAC. Tabor made it to the semifinals of the KCAC tournament before losing to eventual champion McPherson. Offensively, Jessanna Nebel led Tabor with 217 kills and Keeley Kroeker delivered a team-high 374 assists. Defensively, Olivia Duerksen registered 12 solo blocks and 40 block assists to lead the team. Mikayla Peterson added a team-high 207 digs. Nebel received All-KCAC first-team honors as an outside hitter; Kendra Kroeker made the third team as a middle blocker.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Tabor battled to a 6-8-4 overall record, but managed a 5-4-4 winning record in the KCAC under Coach Ian Thomson. Senior Araceli Wallace Carmona was named to the All-KCAC second team as a defender. Receiving allconference honorable mention were senior Alexis Olivares, junior Hannah Armand, senior Courtney Yochum, junior Karla Monray, and senior Ruby-Ann Fines.
MEN’S SOCCER
Tabor completed its season with a 7-10-1 record, including a 5-7-1 mark in the KCAC for a seventh-place finish among the 13 schools. Senior Oscar Moyano was named to the All-KCAC second team as a defender, and sophomore Christopher Aguilar was selected for the third team as a midfielder.
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WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
With a roster of seven runners, Tabor competed for team and individual honors this fall. Setting the pace in most races were senior Julie Loewen and juniors Emily Kemling and Lindsay Crist. Loewen placed first in the Cottonwood Challenge. In the KCAC Championships, Loewen placed sixth, Kemling ninth and Crist 21st in a field of 102 runners. Loewen and Kemling qualified for the 2018 NAIA National Championships field.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
With four runners on the roster, the men competed mostly for individual improvement. Sophomore Garrett Kinsey was the first Bluejay to cross the finish line in four of the team’s five races. Among the 107 runners competing at the KCAC Championships, Kinsey placed 55th, Micah Allen 86th, Josh Gaede 95th, Jacob Skinner 99th, Dallas Forno 102nd and Cody DeRosier 104th.
GOLF
For the first time in 13 years, Bluejay golfers were back on the links this fall. In his inaugural year, Coach Mike Jamieson recruited six freshmen on the men’s side; freshman Erin Morrison was the lone female golfer. Tabor ended the abbreviated season by hosting the first Tabor Invitational at Sand Creek Station in Newton; 17 teams from five states competed. Tabor finished in 11th place, only 19 strokes behind the winners. Tabor’s Logan Matthews tied for second place among 63 players. LEFT FROM TOP: Tabor defeated Sterling College, 34-0, to the delight of homecoming fans. The win launched the Bluejays on a four-game winning streak to end the season. Tabor hitter Jessanna Nebel attacks the ball in a home match against Ottawa University. Goal-keeper Ruby-Anne Fines clears the ball for Tabor. Oscar Moyana defends the Bluejay goal during Tabor’s 1-0 win over the University of Saint Mary. RIGHT FROM TOP: Emily Kemling (left) and Julie Loewen pick up the pace during a cross-country race. Both competed in the 2018 NAIA Women’s Cross Country National Championships. Sophomore Garrett Kinsey led Tabor’s men team by finishing 55th among 107 runners in the KCAC Championships. A Tabor College golf team returned to competition this fall after a 13-year absence. 21
Alumni News Marriages
Becker/Harris
Byrum/Coppadge
David (g’14) and Brielle (Lund g’14) Loewen, married in Hillsboro, Kan., on Oct. 27, 2018
Elma (Jost g’50) Lohrenz, Omaha, Neb., Sept. 10, 2018
Tim (fs’16) and Lauren (Fox cs) Schoeneberg, married in Hillsboro, Kan., on Aug. 4, 2018
Allen Baldwin (g’79), Milwaukee, Wisc., Aug. 9, 2018
Matthew (g’17) and Heidi (Klaassen g’18) Molden, married in Hillsboro, Kan., on July 21, 2018
Molden/Klaassen
Schoeneberg/Fox
Peter Larson
Solomon Jordan
Remi Mullins
Lana Wichert
Jerilyn (Thesman g’70) Ruttan, Overland Park, Kan., Aug. 6, 2018 Harold Kruger (g’61), Holdrege, Neb., July 23, 2018 Sarah “Sally” (Peters fs’39) Fleming, Hesston, Kan., July 13, 2018
Lois Maxine (Herbel fs’42;g’45) Hiebert, Overland Park, Kan., Jun. 23, 2018
Births/Adoptions
Edgar Krieger (g’58), Lawrence, Kan., June 30, 2018 Lorene “Rene” (Toews g’58) Pauls, McPherson, Kan., June 27, 2018
Philip J. Bartel (g’79), Meade, Kan., June 21, 2018 Dorothy (Loewen g’44) Weber, Sedgwick, Kan., June 20, 2018 Adelia (Heinrichs fs’48) Tschiegg, North Plains, Ore., June 19, 2018 Dora (Schellenberg fs’47) Wirsche, Reedley, Calif., June 15, 2018 Arturo Pena (g’86), Wichita, Kan., June 13, 2018
Joel (g’15) and Jessica (Vix g’15) Allen, Hillsboro, Kan., a girl, Bree Mavis, Aug. 29, 2018
Rev. Earl Yount, Sr. (fbd), Lenoir, N.C., Jan. 29, 2018
Kevin (g’07) and Jill (Crawford g’07) Larson, Hillsboro, Kan., a boy, Peter Crawford, Sept. 3, 2018
Jonas Hofer (fs’47), Reedley, Calif., Dec. 2, 2017
Andrew (g’09) and Michelle Looper, Marion, Kan., a girl, Tessa Marie, Aug. 8, 2018 Jacob and Kyndra (Vix g’17) Mullins, Wellington, Kan., a girl, Remi Lynn, May 16, 2018
Zac (g’09) and Leah (Kopper g’10) Remboldt, Hillsboro, Kan., a boy, Connor Joel, April 26, 2018
Deaths Dr. Sharon Zenger (ff,’89-’97), Olathe, Kan., Nov. 25, 2018
Zoe Wiens
Tanya Eshbaugh (fs’00), Cawker City, Kan., Nov. 25, 2018
CODES
Stephen Vincent (ff’07-’12), Reedley, Calif., Nov. 11, 2018
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Alice (Wiens g’47) Bartel, Hillsboro, Kan., Aug. 8, 2018
Dakota and Kristen (Harris g’14) Becker, married in Chapman, Kan. on May 26, 2018
Jesse and Bailey Estelle (g’05) Jordan, Gretna, Neb., a boy, Solomon James, April 26, 2017
g – graduate fs – former student cs – current student f – faculty ff – former faculty st – staff fst – former staff tcw – Tabor College Wichita
Cyndi (Vogt fs’74) Isaac, Dinuba, Calif., Aug. 25, 2018
Calvin “Cal” Douglas Siebert (fs’54; g’56), Iowa City, Iowa, July 3, 2018
Brent (g’07) and Cindy (fs’07) Wichert, Buhler, Kan., a girl, Lana Mae, April 30, 2018
Connor Remboldt
Lucille V. (Voth fs’43) Cornelsen, Buhler, Kan., Aug. 28, 2018
Matthew and Molly (Coppadge g’13) Byrum, married in Albemarle, N.C., on July 7, 2018
Andrew (g’11) and Kelsey (g’12) Wiens, Topeka, Kan., a girl, Zoe Adeline, Oct. 26, 2018
Bree Allen
Anna (Kliewer g’52) Loewen, Hillsboro, Kan., Sept. 16, 2018
Rose Marie Vinduska (g’81), Newton, Kan., Nov. 11, 2018 Paul Henry Siemens (g’95), Houston, Texas, Nov. 18, 2018 Lonn Richards (ff’75-’93), Hillsboro, Kan., Nov. 8, 2018 Wilhelmina Mary (Hellman) Klassen, (fs’49), Denver, Colo., Nov. 7, 2018 Patricia Hein (g’71), Wichita, Kan., Nov. 6, 2018 Helen Marie Vogel (fs’53), Wichita, Kan., Nov. 2, 2018 Rev. Melvin Warkentin (g’55), Enid, Okla., Oct. 26, 2018 Jeremy Hicks (fs’93), Grove, Okla., Oct. 17, 2018
Rev. Ricardo Pena (g’47), Mission, Texas, Dec. 25, 2017 Linda Irene (Olfert g’49) Berg, Garden City, Kan., Dec. 16, 2017 Donald Faul (g’58), Reedley, Calif., Oct. 1, 2017
Alumni News – 2000s Charity Stahl (g’02) received her Masters of Arts in Language Teaching from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
2010s Dr. Kristen (Harris) Becker (g’14) has graduated from Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry in May 2018. She is working as an optometrist at Gary B. Wiener, MD Chartered of Salina, Kan. While attending school she was named Oklahoma College of Optometry’s Optometric Student Association “Member of the Year” chosen by faculty and students for her involvement in various optometry events including organizing the Dr. Smith 5K Memorial Run, NSU football and soccer Sports Vision Screenings, and volunteering at the Special Olympics Lions Club International Openings Eyes event, Tulsa Bedlam Diabetic clinic, and Hispanic Health Fairs. She also received the Dr. Robert Johnson Pediatric/Vision Therapy Award and Honor Society Award having demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, citizenship, leadership, and NSU activities. Dr. Cora Ruhl (g’14) graduated from KU-Med in May 2018 and has entered her first year resident at Siouxland Medical Education Foundation in Sioux City, Iowa. This residency is a three-year family medicine residency. At the end of that time, she plans on coming back to Kansas and practicing in a rural area. Dr. Hannah Vogt (g’14) has graduated from medical school and is entering her first year at the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Via Christi Hospitals. Connect with us online! Update your info, send us pictures and tell us about your recent honors/awards online at tabor.edu/alumni-friends. Click on the Be Connected tab to submit your information!
TABOR COLLEGE BY THE NUMBERS 2018
ACCREDITATION AFFIRMATION
4
Gold Status NAIA
CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER
• Teams named NAIA Scholar Teams
3.14 • GPA of all athletes
Scholar teams 9 •• KCAC KCAC championship
6
1
teams
#1
RECEIVED from our
generous constituency
97%
ATHLETICS
15
$3.5M
• Higher Learning Commission • Social work program accredited by CSWE • Nursing program reaccredited by CCNE • MSN degree accredited by CCNE
goal is to
TRANSFORM students’ lives
OF GRADUATES
earn a bachelor’s degree in four years or less
ARTS
ST
SHARI FLAMING CENTER FOR THE ARTS
theater, chapels, YEAR • Music, Starbucks and more...
$28K
HOPE SCHOLAR GRANTS
Awarded to faculty and students for scholarly activities
EXTERNAL AFFIRMATION
15
7
TH YEAR IN ROW
Named a “BEST COLLEGE” IN THE MIDWEST by U.S. News & World Report
TH COLLEGES AND
Among the “BEST
UNIVERSITIES IN KANSAS” by College Consensus
#1
9
MOST AFFORDABLE Online MBA
programs at Small Colleges 2018
TH
B
Ranked among the “BEST ONLINE COLLEGES” in Kansas by SR Education Group
GRADE AWARDED
by Forbes Financial Ratings of Private Colleges 23
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