From the President
The last time I took a picture on the cheek walls of the Mary J. Regier Building was my sophomore year at Tabor in 1988. A foursome of friends, Jarrod Goentzel (g’90), Lisa (Braun g’90) Klaassen, and my now wife Karen (Isaac fs’88) Janzen, met at the MJR and took a picture before making our annual trip to E&M’s Diner in Durham. It is a precious memory of these lifelong friends and happy times as we navigated our college experience and considered our futures.
Tabor is on the cusp of transforming this iconic building into a Business and Entrepreneurship Center. Architect designs are nearly complete, a challenge grant application is being submitted to the Mabee Foundation, and about half the funds have been raised. The project will triple the size of the historic MJR with a new building that connects to the Solomon L. Loewen Natural Science Center. I love how this design communicates that entrepreneurship is for anyone, whether in the sciences, arts, humanities, athletics, education, business or other disciplines.
The MJR served thousands of students over the years, from Ladies Home and dining hall to music then math and
computer science and a variety of other uses. I wonder how many more lives will be transformed and relationships developed in the new building.
This year’s chapel theme at Tabor is “Being Transformed” and we are focusing on the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. In this issue of the Connection we celebrate many people who have experienced God’s transformation during their years at Tabor and beyond.
I believe that telling our stories, giving a testimony, inspires wonder. When we see what God did in someone else’s life, we wonder what He might do in ours.
Greg and Darcie Baltzer are a wonderful example of how Jesus used Tabor to shape their faith, develop lifelong friendships and launch their lives together. Earning a computer science degree in a liberal arts context prepared Greg for a dynamic vocational journey that now has him leading in the Amazon corporate office, and Darcie is serving in an evangelical urban church. Greg is a great example of what prominent industry leaders are now saying: in an age of AI, developing skills in the liberal arts is as important, if not more so, as developing technical skills. Tabor is a place where students thrive in both.
I hope you enjoy this edition of the Connection, and I hope that God is continuing to transform you in beautiful ways.
President
David S. Janzen
P.S. Thank you to so many of you who prayed this year over my prostate surgery. My surgeon says the cancer is gone and there is no need for further treatment. Praise God!
Connection
Fall 2024
Vol. 79 / No. 1
A magazine for Tabor College alumni & friends
Content Editor
Adam Suderman
adam.suderman@tabor.edu
Photo Editor
Mike Klaassen, M.A. michaelwklaassen@tabor.edu
Design Editor
Diane Oborny
dianeo@tabor.edu
Contributors
Karen Janzen
Katariina Kaikkonen
Lois Wollman
Photography Students
Brendon Green
Justin Morwood
Stella Shinn
Aidyn Waldrop
Tabor College
400 South Jefferson Hillsboro, Kansas 67063 (620) 947-3121 tabor.edu
Front Cover: Every August, a new class of freshmen and transfers completes “The Ascent.” Students process from the Centennial Plaza to the H.W. Lohrenz Administration Building. The Centennial Plaza represents the centrality of Christ to the campus community. To the side of the cross, the kneeling servant facing away from the cross represents the desire to be servants of Christ, reaching out to the world that is lost. Once they cross the lawn, they enter through the ‘columns of wisdom’ to begin their years as scholars at Tabor College. These students will reverse this process at Commencement.
Tabor College Mission:
“Preparing people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and His kingdom.”
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In This Issue
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View or subscribe at tabor.edu/connection For up-to-date news, visit tabor.edu/news
Administration
David S. Janzen, Ph.D., President
Ron Braun, B.A., Vice President of Philanthropy
Frank Johnson, Ph.D., Provost
Caleb Loss, M.B.A., Vice President of Business & Finance, CFO
Faculty
Leadership
Academic Affairs Council
Frank Johnson, Ph.D., Provost
David Faber, Ph.D., Faculty Chair
Aaron Smith, M.B.A., Director of Assessment
Jim Paulus, Ph.D. Candidate, Director of General Education
Amy Ratzlaff, Ph.D., Member-at-Large
Kristen Hays, Ed.D., Member-at-Large
Daniel Creamer, Ph.D., Member-at-Large
4 Baltzer at Amazon
5 Student Business Start
6 Meyer Thriving After Tabor 20
7 Greenhouse Growth
8 Tabor Global Diversity
10 Alumni Award Winners
11 Class Reunion Photos
12 Homecoming 2024
14 TC Grads Return
15 Brubacher Leads Admissions
16 A Krebs Trio
17 NATS Champions
18 An Unruh Family Tradition
19 Haynes’ Growth at Tabor
20 Celebrating 150 Years
21 Remembering ‘Doc’ Kyle
22 Alumni News
24 Calendar of Events
Board of Directors
Susan Koslowsky, Chair
Noelle Jost, Vice Chair
Ted Faszer, Secretary
Jeral Gross, Treasurer
Roger Ediger, At Large
Craig Ratzlaff, At Large
Orson Thomas, At Large
Eric Driggers
Norris Friesen
Aaron Garza
Vonda Graf
Melissa Gutierrez
David Faber, Faculty Representative
Brian Harris
Andrew Jost
Kelly Kirby
Nate Loewen
Pryce Holloway, Student Representative
Sylvia Penner
Craig Quiring
Pat Redding
Daniel Rodriguez
Elaine Setzer-Maxwell
Jerome Wichert
Denise Wiens
Baltzer at Amazon
A Krebs Trio
Meyer Thriving After Tabor 20
Remembering ‘Doc’ Kyle
From Tabor classroom to Amazon headquarters
It has been over 30 years since Greg Baltzer (g’88) walked Tabor’s campus as an undergrad.
From his first job after graduating to his current position in corporate partnerships at Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle, Wash., a liberal arts education at Tabor helped catapult Baltzer in over three decades in computer science.
Baltzer is in his sixth year with Amazon and works with its global telecom partners. Working within a field that demands constant change, he has seen his education and interests evolve to match the explosion of the tech industry.
Having stretched into fields outside programming, Baltzer noted his passion for sitting down with people, understanding the problems they’re solving, and coupling that with his tenure in technology.
“There is an element of, ‘can this rate of change energize you or are you excited to get out of bed each morning to think about what’s to come and what can be done now?’” Baltzer said. “It’s a really important aspect of the computer science industry.”
Tabor and the Hillsboro community are imprinted throughout Baltzer’s résumé.
He noted using linear algebra in his earliest days with Brite Voice Systems, recalling his days sitting in Dr. Frank Brenneman’s classroom. Sitting in the philosophy classes of Dr. David Faber triggered further interest in critical thinking, while the teaching of Glen Diener, longtime Tabor computer science professor, helped deepen his interests in the technology field.
“We’re entering a new stage in the ethics and application of technology,” Baltzer said. “Tabor absolutely has a role in training people to be leaders in this field. I learned how to make more efficient tools and now we’re learning how to make thinking systems and Tabor is positioned to do this well as it brings this program back to campus.”
In the early 2000s, Baltzer helped multiple venture startups before later transitioning into roles with MTN Satellite Communications and Samsung. While at Samsung, Baltzer served as the global lead for Cloud infrastructure (digital storage) and also worked on product architecture, partnership management, and business development.
Now, he is part of a brand that holds nearly 10 percent of the global online retail market and netted $213,000,000 in revenue in 2023 (according to forbes.com). Baltzer’s initial role was with Amazon Web Services, its cloud business that has grown exponentially since launching in 2006.
“Amazon is always reinventing what we did before,” Baltzer said. “There are a lot of famous materials about the intention to disrupt our own business and find new ways to do them cheaper or in a different way.”
Son of Daryl and Marie, Baltzer and his wife Darcie (Wilkins fs’89) relocated to Seattle from her hometown of Geneva, Neb., in 2018. He also travels annually with friends from Tabor, including Corey Jost (g’88), Paul Reimer (g’88), Braden Decker (g’88), Rob Benton (g’88), and Mike Wiens (g’87).
“You have to have godly counsel and it’s great to have friends that you feel fit that category and have for 40 years,” Baltzer said.
After meeting with David and Karen Janzen, Tabor College president and first lady, Baltzer is thrilled knowing the college will be part of teaching and instructing the next generation of computer scientists.
“We’re entering a new stage in the ethics and application of technology,” Baltzer said. “Tabor absolutely has a role in training people to be leaders in this field. I learned how to make more efficient tools and now we’re learning how to make thinking systems and Tabor is positioned to do this well as it brings this program back to campus.”
Greg (g’88) and Darcie (Wilkins fs’89) Baltzer. Photo courtesy Greg Baltzer.
A dream & idea: Green a part of growing family business
Brendon Green (SR, Wichita, Kan.) easily envisioned photography as part of his future.
As he wrapped up his junior year at Tabor College, an even bigger idea began to take shape. Alongside his sister-in-law, Rachel Smith-Nava, the duo opened Go Ostrich Designs. Based in Wichita, the company sells her art, and they both design a Christian clothing line and other accessories. They’ll soon be adding his photography under the business as well.
They have participated in the Hillsboro Arts & Craft Fair for the last two years and traveled to various markets through the greater Wichita area.
“I don’t think either of us saw it getting to this point in the first few years,” Green said. “We’ve increased our advertising after prioritizing in-person events and our website has grown beyond where we thought it would at this point.”
A faith-based business is a partial by-product of becoming a Christian while attending Tabor.
During his freshman year, he began attending the baseball Bible study led by Hillsboro middle school teacher and coach Phil Oelke.
“The way he spoke out interested me,” Green said. “Over the last three to four years, he has been trying to meet with me weekly. He has been guiding me on the questions I’ve had.”
That led to his baptism in a local river between Hillsboro and Peabody.
“Tabor has blessed me with a Christian worldview,” Green said. “I know it’s what I believe in now and I’m living it out. Going into the business world with that perspective is different than where I once was. It’s why so many things have changed how I feel about business and what we produce and sell.”
Green said Lily Arthur, assistant professor of accounting, has also been instrumental in establishing the accounting and finance of their business.
“She and I met quite a few times and helped us kickstart our website and insurance while helping us prepare our taxes,” Green said. “Her classes have been really helpful in preparing me to keep our ‘books’ annually.”
He’s also in his third year working for the Tabor Communications Office, noting his work as a photographer under the leadership of Mike Klaassen, (g’13), Tabor digital content manager.
“I grew up working in lumberyards and not in an office setting, so working with them has shown me different aspects of what that environment looks like,” Green said. “You have to know how to have more relationships, and shooting photos at campus events has allowed me to get to know a lot of people.”
your prayers and gifts!
Your dollars can:
• Grow Our Endowment
• Fund Scholarships
• Enhance Ministry 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 620-877-7194
Brendon Green (SR, Wichita, Kan.). Photo courtesy Catherine Seiwert.
TABOR 20: Meyer guiding students at Ebenfeld
Cody Meyer (g’24) serves as associate pastor of youth ministry & discipleship at Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church in Hillsboro, Kan.
The nudge on Cody Meyer’s (g’24) heart was unmistakable. Toward the end of his January 2022 trip to France, God continued to carve a path toward ministry.
Meyer was awarded the Tabor 20 Scholarship, which is given to students attending MB churches. He now serves as full-time, associate pastor of youth ministry and discipleship at his home church, Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church, outside of Hillsboro.
After returning from France, Meyer taught the junior high youth group at Ebenfeld. The previous two summers, he served as a counselor at Camp War Eagle in Rogers, Ark., going into his junior year. He and classmate Dalton McAlister (fs’23) served as co-youth leaders for highschool students at Ebenfeld for one year before he did it alone as a senior.
“With each experience, my calling into ministry became more evident,” Meyer said. “Doing that for a year with Dalton and then moving into an adaptive ministry leadership major helped me see that I was passionate about teaching the Bible to these students.”
Meyer said the experiences were invaluable, given the tools the Tabor 20 Scholarship provided and the trips he participated in.
“From your relationships with your peers to your professors, you have shared values of faith and that teaching is grounded in God’s truth,” Meyer said.
Meyer cherishes the opportunity to speak these lessons to his students, understanding he can help guide them with some of the questions he had when he was their age.
“How can I prompt that discussion and thought process of understanding what God calls them into?” Meyer said. “I want to challenge these students to think deeper and not
become complacent in their relationship with God. I love creating that space of comfort and vulnerability so they can be open with one another.”
Home Churches for Tabor 20 Students
California
Laurelglen Bible Church (Bakersfield)
Mountain View Community Church (Fresno)
Reedley M.B. Church (Reedley)
Colorado
The Micah Project/Bloom Church (Littleton)
Kansas
Buhler M.B. Church (Buhler)
Community Bible Church (Olathe)
Ebenfeld M.B. Church (Hillsboro)
Hillsboro M.B. Church (Hillsboro)
Koerner Heights Church (Newton)
New Beginnings Church (Ulysses)
North Oak Community Church (Hays)
Parkview M.B. Church (Hillsboro)
Ridgepoint Church (Wichita)
Zoar M.B. Church (Inman)
Minnesota
Community Bible Church (Mountain Lake)
Lake Region Mennonite Church (Frazee)
Montana
Lustre M.B. Church (Frazer)
North Dakota
Cornerstone Community Church (Harvey)
Oklahoma
Crosspoint Church (Enid)
Cross Timbers Church (Edmond)
Faith Bible Church (Lawton)
Oregon
Kingwood Bible Church (Salem)
South Dakota
Bethesda Church (Huron)
Prairie Bible Church (Carpenter)
Texas
Grace Point Church (La Grulla)
Utah
Greenhouse Community Church (Saratoga Springs)
Washington
Good News Fellowship Church (Ferndale)
Greenhouse Church now in second decade of ministry in Utah
Jason (g’98) and Nicole (Glanzer g’99) Quiring returned to Henderson, Neb., in July 2009 seeking what God had next. Having spent seven years in youth ministry at South Mountain Community Church in Salt Lake City, they processed the next steps and didn’t know if Utah would remain part of their future.
Four years after moving back to the Midwest, the Quiring family moved back to Utah and began opening Greenhouse Church in Saratoga Springs. Drew (g’15) and Allie (Jost g’16) Pankratz joined the church’s staff in 2016.
“We went to Utah for the position(s) the first time, but we fell in love with the people and the place,” Jason said.
The Quirings spoke of the church’s missional and relational model, immersing themselves in the region to bring longevity in relationships and trust. When church numbers remained relatively small, they didn’t shy away from the people God had put before them.
“We never wanted to grow faster than we could grow healthy,” Jason said. “God really took us up on that prayer because it was really slow going for the first several years and in the last two or three it has been much more noticeable growth.”
The fields were ripe and the workers were few in an area where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) were cautious of evangelical Christians.
“There are some families that first met Jason and Nicole when they first moved back and some are just now exploring our church,” Allie said. “There have been some moments where we’d wonder what’s next, but we just deeply desire a healthy church full of life change.”
God’s faithfulness was also seen before the Pankratz’s arrival. Drew shared that after moving to Saratoga Springs, they found out the church had a “3-3-3” campaign, praying for three minutes at 3 pm each day for three leaders to join the church.
The Pankratz’s arrived along with Tabor classmate Logan Whitney (g’16).
“Really, I think we were all just so excited to say yes to where God was leading us after Tabor,” Drew said. “We didn’t know what that might mean at first, and after attending a few conferences with Multiply, we explored what it would look like to live in a new context and culture that really needs Jesus.”
Both families shared a nationwide investment into the greater Greenhouse community over the last 10-plus years. Roughly 50 Tabor graduates or students have interned/ worked at the church or immersed themselves through
(L to R) Allie (Jost g’16) Pankratz, Drew Pankratz (g’15), Jason Quiring (g’98), and Nicole (Glanzer g’99) Quiring are a part of church leadership at the Greenhouse Church in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Photo courtesy Jason Quiring.
missional work. All three Hillsboro churches, Ebenfeld, Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren, and Parkview, have been part of sending groups to lead VBS and/or Game Changers, an annual summer sports camp.
“There are so many people who began praying for our family from the moment we graduated from Tabor and moved to Fairview, Okla., and then through Henderson, Neb.,”
Immediate family members that attended Tabor
John J. (fs’31) and Sara Quiring
Alden (fs’62) and LaVerna (Epp fs’62) Quiring
James (g’91) and Lynette (Quiring g’89) Cross
Craig (g’96) and Christine (Regier g’96) Quiring
Lonnie (g’93) and Lisa (Oman g’93) Quiring
Ian Quiring (g’24)
Jules (g’74) and Peg Glanzer
Jeremy (g’98) and Jodi (Seibel g’99) Glanzer
Matthew Glanzer (g’01)
Keith (g’79) and Jan Pankratz
Paul and Andrea (Pankratz g’13) Schrag
Cole (g’17) and Laura (Pankratz g’18) Younger
Rod and Lynette (Rempel g’99) Jost
Josh (g’10) and Rachel Jost
Nicole said. “We’ve had something so special in the families that have surrounded us in prayer in each place we’ve lived.”
Sunday worship service held in a rented dance studio.
A GLOBAL MISSION
Students thriving in cross-cultural settings
Tabor College’s geographic lines stretch beyond its Hillsboro, Kan., campus.
The college seeks to fulfill its vision of providing a lifetransforming, academically excellent, globally relevant, and decidedly Christian education, and equip students who cross country lines with the tools they need to thrive around the globe.
Whether on its physical or “online” campus, Tabor’s international growth has been integral in its enrollment.
Thirty-one additional countries were represented across undergraduate and master’s programs, spanning six continents. Over the past five years, Tabor has seen students from 25 countries complete their degree(s).
2024
Foreign Countries at Tabor College
Australia China France
Malaysia
Portugal Belize
Colombia Germany Mexico
Spain Benin Congo
Ghana
Brazil
Nepal Sweden
Ecuador Haiti
Panama Switzerland Canada
England
United Kingdom
Japan
Venezuela
Indonesia Peru
Chile Finland
Poland Uruguay
Ignacio Fabeiro, a freshman from Montevideo, Uruguay, wasn’t sure who he’d meet at Tabor or where they’d be from. Seeing so many students from Spanish-speaking countries brought a taste of home.
Recruited to play soccer for the Bluejays, the game runs deep in Fabeiro’s personal and country roots as Uruguay was the first-ever winner of the World Cup in 1930.
“I figured there would be some international students on campus, but not as many as there are,” Fabeiro said. “Having so many students raised in a similar context helped me adapt to my new life here.”
Cocone Matsuzawa transferred to Tabor from Central Methodist University (Mo.). Her move to the Midwest was her first trip out of Japan. Living with her grandmother, mother, and younger sister, Matsuzawa shared her value for community, finding it both in Concert Choir and on the volleyball team. A fun surprise was meeting Ko Osuga, a Tabor sophomore from Osaka.
Rafael Marins (g’14) is in his first year back on campus after moving from Sao Paulo, Brazil to Hillsboro to attend college and play soccer. He and his wife Alyssa (King g’12) recently moved back to Kansas to take jobs at Tabor. He became the full-time head coach after the 2024 season.
While difficult to be far from home, he attests to the community he found on campus.
“Tabor offers a great curriculum to help students be prepared for the world ahead of them,” Marins said. “Like
“As an institution, we’d like to reach a point where we have over half our students engaged in an international trip of some type during their time at Tabor,” Jost said. “We are not there yet but we have seen more and more students exploring opportunities and we’re optimistic our goals can be reached soon.”
my experience, I truly believe our students can go anywhere globally and succeed. But most importantly, Tabor prepares our students to serve God wherever they go.”
Dr. Sarah Tham, assistant professor of education, is a native of Malaysia and spent the better part of her career in other countries. She co-led a trip to Indonesia last spring, immersing Tabor students in different cultures.
It’s also why Tham enjoys professors, speakers, guest lecturers, etc., who can speak to a different upbringing.
“There were a lot of cultural norms that students were prepared for, but seeing them play out and having to navigate the thoughts, feelings, and opinions, and remain culturally respectful while representing the family of Christ was beautiful,” Tham said of the trip. “Students ‘tried’ new foods, responded with openness and just basically loving others through their actions and smiles.”
Craig Jost, director of the Carson Center for Global Engagement and assistant professor of intercultural studies, spent 20 years with his family as missionaries in Brazil, France and Portugal.
In his current role, he teaches and guides students to dig deeper into discipleship in new or familiar environments. He hopes that more students continue to pursue global engagement. In 2025, Tabor will send out four international trips and also be sending students for internships in other countries.
“As an institution, we’d like to reach a point where we have over half our students engaged in an international trip of some type during their time at Tabor,” Jost said. “We are not there yet but we have seen more and more students exploring opportunities and we’re optimistic our goals can be reached soon.”
Tabor undergraduate and master’s students represent 31 countries and six continents, including (L to R) back row: Cayetano Morales (FR, Eagle Pass, Texas), Molelwa Abendelwa (FR, Congo), Joshua Jedretich (JR, Melbourne, Australia), Ignacio Fabeiro (FR, Montevideo, Uruguay). Front row: Naera Tschus (SR, Steinach, Switzerland), Cocone Matsuzawa (SR, Tokyo, Japan).
Ens, Funk, and Kliewer receive alumni awards at Homecoming Dinner
Gordon Ens (g’63)
Gordon Ens’ legacy in medicine and laboratory work will far exceed his decorated career.
Ens began his work at the University of Colorado Medical Center the year he graduated. Over the next six decades, he played an integral role in facilities throughout North America, including Canada and over five U.S. states. Some, but far from all of his accomplishments, include three laboratory devices designed to improve blood coagulation testing, a unique blood culture bottle for testing pediatric patients, an 11-year tenure as the founding editor of the Clinical Hemostasis Review newsletter, a manufacturing and marketing distribution agreement for Corgenix in Denver, Colo., and numerous clinical studies and papers in peer-reviewed publications.
He founded or co-founded four clinical reference laboratories and three clinical laboratory supply distribution companies. He also served as the laboratory director for seven facilities and chief executive officer for six companies.
Eric Funk (g’11)
Eric Funk serves in emergency care for CoxHealth, a leading hospital and family of clinics supporting families through the Ozarks and southwest Missouri.
Funk entered medical school immediately after finishing on campus. While at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, he was given the Neurology Clerkship Top Achiever Award. He concluded his Emergency Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., in 2018, serving as Chief Resident for two years and was awarded Outstanding Resident after his stay. He began in Springfield, Mo., at CoxHealth in 2018 and has served as Quality Director in the Emergency Department since 2020.
Eric is also a gifted speaker, writer, and presenter, with extensive work in and outside the hospital. He is also an entrepreneur, creating a medical newsletter and his “foam” take on the Scandinavian yard game, Kubb.
Jerry Kliewer (g’78)
Jerry Kliewer has become one of the preeminent leaders in agribusiness in the United States. He returned to the Central San Joaquin Valley in California and dove into his agricultural career. He owns and runs three businesses: a fruit-packing plant, a cold storage facility, and a sales company. His crops include peaches, plums, nectarines, grapes, citrus, and kiwi fruit. He is responsible for importing the mega kiwi from Greece to the United States producing 10 percent of all kiwi grown nationally. Their sales company is one of the largest shippers of fresh fruit in the country, while also running one of the world’s best fresh fruit import & export companies.
Kliewer is a member of the California Tree Fruit Board and the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee, which he previously chaired. He is a member of Reedley M.B. Church and currently serves on the church council. He was also named Board Emeritus at the fall meeting of the Tabor Board of Directors. Kliewer served nearly 20 years on the board.
(L to R) Jerry Kliewer (g’78), Gordon Ens (g’63), Eric Funk (g’11).
Homecoming Class Reunions
Back row: Larry Nikkel, Sherwin Ratzlaff, Norm Ewert, David J. Dean Schroeder, Phyllis (Dick) Nickel. Front row: Carol Dick, Nevonna (Thomas) Schroeder, Marion Jo Entz, Judy (Loewen) Dick.
Back row: Jack Heinrichs, Barb (Schellenberg) Harms, Marv Harms, Joyce (Heinrichs Scott) Loewen, Brenda (Hofer Kliewer) Follmer, Roger Gossen, Allen Regier, Paul Kliewer, Jules Glanzer, Richard Klassen, Tim Hauck, Roger Penner, Mike Martens. Front row: Jay Huber, Kathy (Houghton) Ahlenius, Aleen Ratzlaff, Jodi (Thesman) Gossen, Carol (Thesman) Wink, Debbie (Jackson) Breeden, Darla (Hofer) Loewen, Darla (Reimer) Klassen, Denise (Johnson) Hendrickson, Rebecca (Wiens) Penner, Miriam (Harms) Davis, Ruth (Engle) Houghton.
Back row: Alistair Robertson, Gary Speese, Russell Doerksen, Tim Franz, J. Edward Epp, Bev (Just) Vogel.
Middle row: Mark Isaac, Laurie (Plenert) Isaac, Lynn (Isaac) Wiebe, Betsy (Hendrich) Janzen, Mark Janzen, Lisa (Dachtler) Epp, Sharon (Foth) Birkey, Debbie (Dalke) Dick.
Front row: Connie (Klein) Suderman, Starla (Reimche) Gerber, Sharon (Janzen) Loewen, Susan Franz Koslowsky.
Back row: Brad Just, Esther Richert, Megan (Lady) Ozias, Angela (Kroeker) Jost, Rachelle (Regier) Fryzek, Jenny (Goertzen) Leach. Front row: Jennifer (Johns) Henrikson, Heidi Braun, Tammy (Carlson) Thiessen, Dionne (Jost) Loewen.
Back row: Billie Jo (Reimche) Reutter, Donald “Bo” Classen, Russ Claassen, Brett Crist, Jason Klassen, Eric Bartel, Darci Perkins, Stephanie (Mueller) Decker, Mark Arrasmith, Kathleen (Farren) Ford. Front row: Michelle (Penner) Ediger, Becky (Klassen) Klassen, Kristi (Hiebert) Friesen, Jennifer Harms, Cathy (Faszer) Beachy, Charla (Regier Unruh) Dardis, Richelle (Prieb) Arrasmith.
Back row: Ryan Loewen, Luke Zielke, Elizabeth (Janssen) Paschke, Nicole (Tunks) Swanstone, Stacey (Warkentin) Neufeld, Deidre Derksen, Amy (Janzen) Clements, Elizabeth (Nachtigall) White, Aaron Garza, Nathan Lawson, Benjamin Wiens. Front row: Tyler Davis, Dayna (Wohlgemuth) Davis, Kaitlyn Brown, Cora Ruhl, Samantha (Hines) Cannon, Justine (Langer) Garza.
Tabor College
October18&19,2024 HOMECOMING
President David Janzen, middle, gives special recognition to President Emeritus Larry Nikkel (left) and President Emeritus Jules Glanzer (right) at the Homecoming Dinner.
Alumni Merit recipient Gordon Ens (g’63) spent over 60 years in medical and laboratory work nationally.
Alumni Merit recipient Jerry Kliewer (g’78) owns and operates three businesses in sales, fruit packing, and cold storage in the San Joaquin Valley in California.
Many classmates reunited, including back (L to R): Collin Brown (g’24), Josiah Jost (g’23), Joshua Gaede (g’22), Caleb Kliewer (g’23), Noah Spicer (g’23), Sam Buller (g’24). front: Bethany (Yutzy g’23) Spicer, Eva Franz (g’22).
Alumni Medallion recipient Eric Funk (g’11) serves in emergency care for CoxHealth in Springfield, Mo.
Music Fest kicked off Saturday’s festivities with performances from For His Glory (CCM), Chamber Voices, the Jazz Ensemble, and the Concert Choir.
Audiences were entertained with three performances of “Guys & Dolls.”
Tabor’s DECA team sold caramel apples, helped by many students including Andreas Aho (SR, Menahga, Minn.), Gracie Kidd (JR, Galva, Kan.), Madison Nelson (JR, Turlock, Calif.).
A Deonte Hill (SR, Temple Hills, Md.)
touchdown catch with 24 seconds left sealed a thrilling, 25-21 win over Sterling. Sean Hunter (SR, Katy, Texas), pictured, had 17 carries for 83 yards in the victory.
Class
Christian Tuiasosopo (SR, Copperas Cove, Texas) and Sonya Zimmerman (SR, Valley Center, Kan.), middle couple, were named host and hostess. Left are Allison Johnson (SR, Wichita, Kan.) and Jacob Goertzen (SR, Reedley, Calif.). Right are Andelyn Johnson (SR, Monument, Kan.) and Kekoa Vincent (SR, Park City, Kan.). Not pictured: Zach Beachy (SR, Peoria, Ariz.), Jeff Tuten (SR, Scottsdale, Ariz.), Natalie Goodman (SR, Wichita, Kan.), and Faith Hazzard (SR, San Marcos, Calif.)
The Bluejay Bash included a pulled pork meal on the Lohrenz Lawn between the football game and volleyball match.
Hundreds, including Josh Wiebe (g’17) and family, enjoyed the Dutch Lunch with verenika, Hillsboro Sausage, cherry moos, pie, and more!
Bluejay volleyball hosted the Univ. of Saint Mary, falling to the visiting Spires (14-25, 14-25, 23-25).
For this year’s Homecoming exhibition titled “Square Roots,” art and design alumni were invited to submit one image of recent work to display in the Ebel Gallery.
(L to R) Bear Shewey and Colson and Landon Loewen playing catch with JJ. They are the sons of Clay (g’13) and Mallory (Flaming g’13) Shewey and Jeremy (fs’04) and Dionne (Jost g’04) Loewen.
The
of 1974 meets for lunch in the Franz Family Heritage Lobby.
Coming Home: 11 graduates join faculty & staff
The opportunity to hire Tabor College graduates is a blessing for the campus community. Within the calendar year, 11 graduates have chosen to return to their alma mater and instruct, guide, or teach our student body.
This fall, Tabor hired several key positions, including CFO, athletic director, dean of enrollment, and our first professor of computer science after reintroducing the major in fall 2023.
Learn more about these individuals and Tabor’s entire faculty & staff by visiting www.tabor.edu/faculty.
Ben Brown (g’14)
Residential Educator
“I’ve never forgotten the moments I had as a student and the relationships I built. When I saw a position that opened in Student Life I knew this was something that I was supposed to come back and do.”
Wyatt Dickinson (g’20)
Accounts Receivable Specialist
“It feels like I have been called back to work at Tabor because I think He wants me to serve back to a place, to His people, that poured so much into me during my time here as a student. This is so special to me as I know it is by God’s grace that He has directed my paths back and it feels amazing to follow His will on my life.”
Allen Ediger (g’88)
Controller
“I am excited that God called me to serve in a stewardship role for the financial resources He has and continues to provide Tabor. Although my role at Tabor provides limited direct contact with the students, being even a small part of preparing Tabor’s students to be a Christian influence
in the future opportunities God provides them is incredibly rewarding. I praise God for calling me “home” to Tabor!”
Nicholas Ediger (g’16)
Director of Grounds
“I was ecstatic to get a call asking if I would be interested in being the grounds director. Hillsboro is home to me and Tabor is a big part of that. I’m the third generation in my family to find my spouse and work at Tabor. Having the opportunity to give back to the college and community that has helped shape me is a true blessing.”
Thomas Gaskell, M.B.A. (g’17)
Head Women’s Soccer Coach
“Coaching-wise, my players can expect someone authentic. I want them to trust me to come to my office and call me more than just a coach - a person and a role model - someone they can look to in their lives. On the field, I want to be attacking, win games, and score lots of goals.”
Alicia Lopez, M.B.A. (g’22)
Accounts Payable Clerk & Assistant Softball Coach
“Tabor is an amazing place filled with many amazing people who helped me through college. Being at Tabor since fall 2018 has allowed me to develop relationships with numerous people around campus. I am most excited about my job this year and to test my knowledge within the field I majored in.”
Josh Jones, M.B.A. (g’20)
Residential Educator
“God has done so many great things in my life. I love helping people and feel like a strength of mine is being able to connect with anyone. This allows me to have genuine relationships with students.”
Jeremy Jost (g’01)
Custodian
“Tabor was very influential in forming me into who I am today, and I’d like to help the next generation have that same experience. Plus, living in Hillsboro is super economical.”
Alyssa (King g’12) Marins
Student Life Administrative Assistant
“I have a long family history with Tabor, so it’s always been close to my heart. The skills I have acquired in my healthcare administration roles have prepared me to serve Tabor to the best of my ability.”
Rafael Marins (g’14)
Associate Men’s Soccer Coach
“God opened this door at Tabor exactly when my wife and I decided to bring our family back to Kansas. For us, this was God’s answer to our prayers to open doors to opportunities that align with our family values and help me grow in knowledge and as a leader.”
Toby Penner, M.A. (g’22)
Assistant Professor of Communication
“I am beyond excited to return to the Tabor community as a faculty member. I look forward to interacting with students daily and supporting them on their academic and spiritual journeys. God used my years as a Tabor student to call me into a deeper relationship with Him. I hope to play a small part in that process for students in my role.”
(L to R) Back row: Wyatt Dickinson (g’20), Toby Penner (g’22), Benjamin Brown (g’14), Allen Ediger (g’88), Jeremy Jost (g’01).
Front row: Josh Jones (g’20), Alicia Lopez (g’22), Alyssa (King g’12) Marins, Nicholas Ediger (g’16), Rafael Marins (g’14). Not pictured: Thomas Gaskell (g’17).
Brubacher assumes new role as Dean of Enrollment
Grant Brubacher (g’06) opened his newest chapter at Tabor College in May 2024.
Named Dean of Enrollment Management, Brubacher assumed leadership of the Admissions office and recruiting efforts for undergraduate and graduate students. He concluded his 17th and final season as men’s soccer coach in November.
“Since starting in May, I’ve enjoyed working alongside our Admissions office, coaches, and program directors in identifying and recruiting students excited about Tabor’s mission,” Brubacher said.
Brubacher’s road to the Admissions office began as a student at Tabor. He earned a B.A. and M.B.A. in business administration from his alma mater. Before completing his degree, he felt called to work with people and saw that take shape on campus.
“Tabor offered me that opportunity through my first, fulltime role in financial aid and God has opened other doors for me to coach and move into administration,” he added.
Born and raised in Hillsboro, Brubacher has long been a part of the Tabor community. He and his brothers Scott (g’03) and Andrew (g’08) all attended and played basketball and/or baseball. Their father, Don (g’74), was inducted into the Tabor College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014, spending 31 years as athletic director and coach for Bluejay basketball and soccer for both men and women.
Grant, a 2018 Tabor Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, is thankful to have grown up in Hillsboro and been integrated into the greater Tabor community through his life and career.
“As the child of a longtime college employee and alumnus, I strongly believe in Tabor’s mission,” Brubacher said. “My current role allows me to expand on the opportunity to offer students the experience thousands of alumni share.”
He is married to Vickie (Collins g’07) and they have three children, Weston, Oliver, and Brielle.
Johnson named VP of Advancement at Tabor College
Tabor College has named Dr. Frank Johnson as its new vice president for advancement.
Johnson was first named vice president of academic affairs and Title IX coordinator in 2010 and was then promoted to provost in fall 2023. He is currently in his 15th year as a member of the college leadership team. He will continue to provide leadership to Tabor’s academic office through the 2025 spring semester. The position change will begin after hiring a new vice president of academic affairs.
“Thank you to President David Janzen for granting me the privilege of stewarding Tabor’s advancement efforts,” Johnson said. “The past 10-plus years have prepared me to step into a new venture, and I am humbled that God would entrust this integral position to me.”
Johnson will work closely with the president’s office, including Ron Braun, vice president of philanthropy.
Johnson, Tabor’s longest-tenured vice president/dean of academics, has provided invaluable leadership to the college’s academic programming. Tabor now boasts over 30 degrees on campus, including in-person undergraduate classes and two master programs that meet online and in-person.
“Dr. Johnson has been a tremendous support to me and played a vital role in bettering Tabor’s future and fulfilling our mission as a college,” Janzen said. “He demonstrates a passion for what God is doing at Tabor and will be a wonderful leader in growing Tabor’s endowment, raising annual scholarship funds, and leading capital campaigns. We’re thrilled that our advancement efforts will be under his leadership.”
Grant Brubacher (g’06), Dean of Enrollment.
Dr. Frank Johnson, Provost (becoming VP of Advancement in 2025).
A “Tabor” Krebs Family Tree
A ‘yes’ to working at Tabor College opened a door Daniel Krebs (g’93) didn’t see coming.
He returned to his alma mater as director of student success in July 2022. When Daniel accepted the position at Tabor, he asked his father, Don, to join him at Tabor. It was one of two positions he previously held, including dean of student life from 1999-2008.
Now in his third full year, Daniel’s son, Nicholas, is the third member of the family currently on the Tabor campus. Don volunteers in the office, utilizing over 40 years of experience in education to mentor and serve Tabor students.
“Once Dad joined and Nick committed to coming here, I realized it’s a rarity,” Daniel said. “I realized how unique it is to work alongside your dad and other staff members will tell me how cool it is to see us together. I definitely don’t take that for granted.”
With stops in five school districts across Kansas, there is no denying Don’s passion for supporting students. Now at age 82, that has never wavered.
“To see a change in a student’s life over months to years, it’s still just so gratifying,” Don said after mentioning that Tabor is one of the most special places he has ever worked. “I don’t take any of the credit, the glory is God’s and the wonderful ways He blesses their lives.”
Joined in the department by Mike Barter, assistant director of student success, the trio provides academic mentoring, tutoring, and disability services. Daniel said it’s most special to set academics aside and discuss students’ walk with the Lord.
“One of the greatest blessings is mentoring and discipling a student in their spiritual walk,” Daniel said. “It ties perfectly into helping that student become successful in and out of the classroom.”
Nick, a Berean Academy graduate, is a freshman at Tabor. He has already plugged in with CCM (leading music in chapel) and Share, Prayer & Dare (SP&D) on Wednesday evenings. He is especially proud to see how his father and grandfather have influenced past and present Tabor students.
(L to R): Daniel Krebs (g’93), Nicholas Krebs (FR, Newton, Kan.), Donald Krebs (fst’00-08, st’23).
Much like his parents, aunts and uncles, and grandfather, Nick is quickly integrating into campus.
“It’s dope because I see how people really appreciate what my dad and grandpa do,” Nick said. “I only hear good things about them, and it’s cool and makes me proud of where I came from.”
Family Tree
Donald Krebs (fst’00-08, st’23)
Daniel Krebs (g’93, fst’98-99, st’23) and wife Angie (Brungardt g’93)
– son Nicholas Krebs (cs’24)
Matt Krebs (g’94, fst’96-00) and wife Judy (Enns fs’92)
Beth (Krebs g’01) Schobert and husband Keith (g’02)
Anna (Krebs g’95) Berg
Abigail (Krebs g’02) Goertzen
“Having the opportunity to meet so many new people, I’ve liked it a lot,” Nick said. “With the opportunities music has offered, there is something special about leading your peers in worship, hearing their voices, and seeing everyone join in together.”
Daniel is one of eight siblings or in-laws to graduate from Tabor, including his wife Angie (Brungardt g’93).
“This position, from the beginning, was a door God opened,” Daniel said. “God used Tabor in wonderful ways in my life, so this opportunity to work at Tabor has been gratifying for me and my family.”
Daniel was the first of six Krebs’ children to attend Tabor. While his father didn’t fully grasp what the college would mean to his family at first, he’s thankful God opened the door to Hillsboro.
“From the beginning, I saw how my sons changed at Tabor, and overall, I’ve got the six best children and sons and daughters-in-law I could have ever asked for,” Don said.
A Krebs
at Tabor College
Three students finish first in NATS Competition
Three Tabor College students won their division and four were named finalists at the West Central National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition at Wichita State University on Nov. 8-9.
Betsy George (Grad., Omaha, Neb.), Aden Frederick (JR, Scott City, Kan.), and London Eichelberger (SR, Higginsville, Mo.) each placed first, while Hannah Thurston (SO, Marion, Kan.) finished sixth after reaching the finals. Ten students attended the competition and nine reached the semifinals.
Students from Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming colleges participated. Other KCAC colleges were Kansas Wesleyan, Friends, and Bethel. Other participants included, but were not limited to, the University of Nebraska and Nebraska-Omaha, Kansas State, and Northern Colorado.
Eichelberger (upper college), George (adult), and Thurston (lower college) placed in Musical Theatre. Frederick (third year post-high school) placed in Classical. It’s the second-straight year that Tabor had three or more students reach the finals.
“These finishes speak to the fact that we have tremendous students in our department, and I’m very grateful for the work they put toward excelling in their performances,” said Gregory Zielke, D.M.A., director of choirs. “It is very significant to have this level of exposure in our field and we can use this as a tremendous recruiting tool in recruiting topquality students.”
Tabor’s other participants included Shay Sullivan (JR, Bixby, Okla.), Atiera Langenberg (SO, Wichita, Kan.), Lexi Milne (JR, Inman, Kan.), Kamryn Gooch (SO, Hillsboro, Kan.), Viggo Shafer (JR, Andover, Kan.), and Emma Hubert (FR, Belleville, Kan.).
George said reliving the Nov. 9 awards ceremony still feels surreal, recalling the joy of winning at such a prestigious event.
(L to R): Back row: Gregory Zielke, D.M.A. (g’79), director of choirs, David Martens (g’85), director of contemporary Christian music, Viggo Shafer. Third row: Shay Sullivan, Aden Frederick, Julia (Schroeder g’98) Jost, adjunct professor of music. Second row: Jennifer Epp (g’02), accompanist, London Eichelberger, Atiera Langenberg. Front row: Betsy George (g’23), Lexi Milne, Hannah Thurston, Kamryn Gooch. Years and hometowns included in story. Photo courtesy Betsy George.
“The sense of camaraderie and support among all of Tabor’s performers was truly inspiring and made the experience even more rewarding,” George said. “Dr. Zielke and (accompanist) Jennifer Epp pushed me to do my very best and it’s been such a privilege working with all of the professors and instructors during my time at Tabor.”
• Christmas Gatherings • Family Reunions • Weddings • Camps • Conferences • Corporate Events • Retreats
Family & friends: Tabor a mainstay for the Unruh family
A family gathering is a houseful of Bluejay banter for the Unruh family.
Kiana Unruh, a fifth-generation student on campus, smiled when she reflected on her family gatherings. That only grew when she thought about writing her own Tabor College story.
Among many graduates in her extended family, her mother, Charla (Regier Unruh g’94) Dardis, late father, Craig (g’93), and brother and sister-in-law, Jonathan (g’23) and Lauren (Christensen g’24) Unruh, all attended Tabor.
“I’d come to Homecoming when I was younger, and even from when my brother was here not that long ago, I see Tabor from a different
perspective,” Unruh said. “It’s so different. I never knew how comfortable I’d be here.”
Unruh’s time at Tabor also encapsulates its core values: Christcentered, learning, involvement, community, and service. She has been part of the Women’s Mentoring program since her freshman year, serves as a volleyball team captain, secretary for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), vice president for Student Activities Board (SAB), and youth sponsor at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church.
Unruh is thankful for the doors that Tabor has opened, broadening her experience off the volleyball court.
Last fall, Hunter Dudley (g’23) and Pryce Holloway (JR, Oklahoma City, Okla.) helped significantly boost FCA, becoming one of the state’s biggest ‘huddles’ on college campuses. She joined its leadership team this fall.
Unruh also participated in Game Changers, a summer sports camp in the Salt Lake City, Utah area. (Read more about this camp and the local MB ministry on page 7.)
“My circle of friends has grown so much because I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and tried different things on and around campus,” she said. “I did choir all freshman year so I got to go on the tour on Spring Break and I’m friends with so many of them to this day. It helped me get outside of the sports world.”
The icing atop her college years is learning stories about her father from family and friends.
“I’ve heard so many stories about pranks and memories they have of my dad and I probably wouldn’t have heard as many if it weren’t for the family and family friends who also came to Tabor,” she said. “It’s really special to be able to hear about memories of him.”
First-year volleyball coach Adam Brewster said Unruh’s naming as team captain shows the strength of her relationship with her teammates.
“Not only has she improved in her ability on the court over the past year, but she has embraced such an integral role for our team,” Brewster said. “Even though she hasn’t had a starting spot, her honest and caring personality will help her be wildly successful now and in her future after Tabor.”
Kiana Unruh (JR, Meade, Kan.).
“Fully surrender”: Haynes giving time & talents to the Lord
Football first opened the door to Tabor College for Moises Haynes (SR, Valencia, Calif.).
Once he turned the handle and stepped through, God’s plans extended far past the playing field.
It’s where he saw that football was not an identity, but a platform God would use. Experiencing a brief stretch of homelessness as a family also challenged Haynes in where his identity stood.
Having spent time at institutions at all levels, he felt peace that God wanted his college years to culminate in Hillsboro, Kan.
“I was all about football previously, and it became my ‘everything,’” Haynes said. “I grew up in a religious home, but it wasn’t until arriving last fall (August 2023) that God taught me through my adversity to put him at the center of everything. Whether it’s sports, grades, or relationships, He deserves everything and I’m so blessed to have learned that here.”
A renewed focus has reinvigorated Haynes as he prepares to graduate in May. He is diving deeper into his relationship with the Lord, enjoying his final games as a Bluejay, and preparing for chiropractic school after finishing in December 2024.
Haynes spent his final semester at Tabor as a resident assistant (RA), affirming what God wanted to do through him while he was on campus.
During RA training, Haynes felt prompted to surrender control and understand identity far exceeds one sport, class, or hobby.
“I remember I went to church and it’s where I had my ‘Ah-ha’ moment,” Haynes said. “The Holy Spirit was moving through me and I realized even more that I came here to know the Lord on a much deeper level.”
Mentoring and discipleship from current and former classmates have been impactful, noting conversations with Carson Duba (g’24) and teammate Rodell Jones (SR, Galveston, Texas).
“Rodell is a leader on the team, extremely intelligent, and puts God firmly in the center of his life,” Haynes said. “We have such a tight relationship and keep each other accountable.”
“I was all about football previously, and it became my ‘everything,’” Haynes said. “I grew up in a religious home, but it wasn’t until arriving last fall (August 2023) that God taught me through my adversity to put him at the center of everything. Whether it’s sports, grades, or relationships, He deserves everything and I’m so blessed to have learned that here.”
A biology major, Haynes has thrived in the classroom. Immersed in his senior research studying and finding unknown bacteria, he credits his professors for pushing him.
“Dr. (Ryan) Calvert is tough in the classroom and won’t make it easy on you, but he’s only pushing me so that I can be my best now and in the
future,” Haynes said. “He’s a great professor and I appreciate that he keeps his office door open and gets to know me outside of class too.”
While undecided on which chiropractic school he’ll attend, he aspires to be in orthopedic chiropractic medicine and work alongside athletes in their training and recovery.
Meeting doctors on his campus visits who worked alongside Olympic athletes only pushed Haynes further to see where the Lord will take him in the future.
He may be one of Tabor’s best in catches (29) and touchdowns (5), but Haynes isn’t in the business of celebrating individual accomplishments.
“I have plenty of love for the game, but I play for God, my teammates, coaches, and my family,” Haynes said.
It resonated deeper when former teammate Joe Bolden (g’24) sent a text this fall, thanking Haynes for coming to Tabor. He asked why and got a quick, prompt response in return.
“You made me find love for the game again.”
“You can’t replace the blood, sweat, and tears with your teammates,” Haynes said. “I’m so thankful God brought me to Tabor and gave me these lifelong friendships.”
Moises Haynes (SR, Valencia, Calif.).
Remembering “Doc” Kyle: 41 years at Tabor College
A legacy well-lived.
One of the longest-tenured professors in Tabor College’s history, Richard “Doc” Kyle, 85, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024. He was a celebrated professor, co-worker, advisor, and friend to many on the Tabor campus.
Over 41 years of teaching, Kyle bestowed knowledge upon his students and colleagues, bringing his passion for his faith and Bible and history courses to thousands of students.
“I have fond memories of my history course with Doc Kyle as an undergraduate in a Lohrenz classroom,” said Tabor President David Janzen, Ph.D. “He spoke with authority and passion that, combined with his memorable personality, made him a legend in Tabor’s history. We will miss Doc Kyle’s presence on campus and in our community, but his legacy will live in a faculty lecture series named in his honor.”
Kyle’s passion for learning and educating came as a student and a professor.
In 1999, Kyle was awarded the first of two recognitions as a Fulbright Scholar. He first taught American Studies at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academic in Kyiv, Ukraine, and then at Grodno State University in Grodno, Belarus in 2005-06.
The storied Tabor professor also published 12 books and penned pieces featured in more than 160 publications.
Kyle began a faculty lecture series in 1997 and it was later named in his honor in 2004. Dr. James Titah, assistant professor of chemistry, delivered the 26th lecture of the series in April 2023.
“Doc Kyle was a quintessential professor,” said Tabor Provost Frank Johnson, Ph.D. “He would take his notes to class and then seldom use them, simply speaking from the wealth of wisdom he had collected over the years. He was tough yet fair to students and was quick to engage them in the hallway or at events. Doc Kyle helped influence two generations of students. The world is a better place for his work and service at Tabor College.”
Kyle led over 30 Interterm/study trips, including the first European tour in January 1981. Over 700 students took part in these trips, culminating with his final tour in his final year as a professor in 2013.
“Doc Kyle was a quintessential professor,” said Tabor Provost Frank Johnson, Ph.D. “He would take his notes to
class and then seldom use them, simply speaking from the wealth of wisdom he had collected over the years. He was tough yet fair to students and was quick to engage them in the hallway or at events. Doc Kyle helped influence two generations of students. The world is a better place for his work and service at Tabor College.”
Kyle’s time at Tabor was both in the classroom and on the football field. He served as interim head coach in 1974 and defensive coordinator in 1973, 1975-76, and 1978-93.
His decorated playing career at Kutztown University (Pa.) culminated with multiple honors as the college’s most valuable player (1957 and 1958) earning four professional contracts with the Baltimore Colts, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Los Angeles Rams. He was inducted into the Kutztown Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.
Kyle was preceded in death by a son, Bryan (g’96), and survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce (g’82), and son, Brent (g’99).
Richard “Doc” Kyle (ff’72-13), professor emeritus.
Celebrating 150 years since Russian Mennonite immigration through CMBS
by Peggy Goertzen (g’92)
Mennonites viewed emigration to America as a step of obedience to God to maintain their faith distinctive and cultural identity in the face of the loss of their rights and privileges in South Russia (now Ukraine), Russian Poland and Prussia.
As part of this larger movement, Mennonite Brethren (MB) and Krimmer Mennonite Brethren (KMB) sold their lands, packed up their families, and made the move to America beginning in 1874 and in so doing identified themselves as committed disciples of Jesus Christ, who not only accepted Jesus for salvation but followed after Jesus in word and deed (Nachfolge) testifying to grace, forgiveness and peace based on the Word of God.
MB and KMB congregations were established in the first three decades in the Midwest corridor from Manitoba and Dakota Territory south to Kansas and Oklahoma. Spiritual descendants of these early MB and KMB elders (Jakob A. Wiebe, Peter Ekkert, Abraham Cornelsen, Abraham Schellenberg, Peter Regier, Heinrich Voth, and others) worked to found a school that would help build and train our young people in Biblical truth and liberal arts education. Tabor College was founded as such a place in 1908.
Our first-year faculty of Tabor College H.W. Lohrenz, P.C. Hiebert, Peter P. Rempel, Zach Bartel, Katherine Friesen, and Tina Schultz, together with tutor Gustav Nickel, supported by the Tabor College School Association (now known as the Board of Directors) and its first chair J.K Hiebert worked to support and fulfill the dream of these emigrants and train young people to be a witness for the Kingdom of God and be valuable and godly citizens of their community in all areas of service.
Part of preserving this history is through the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies (CMBS), which opened in 1974. It is comprised of a museum, archive, historical library, and research area that works to
Peggy Goertzen (g’92), director of the Center of Mennonite Brethren Studies, stands beside a wooden chest (left) that came stateside with the Abraham L. Schellenberg family in June 1879.
collect, preserve, display, interpret, teach, and publish the story and history with its context and beliefs.
Through offering research services, translation, consultations, workshops, seminars, historical celebrations, annual dinners, heritage tours, and publications CMBS seeks to establish a testimony of God’s dealings with the Mennonite Brethren and inspire future generations to continued faithfulness and discipleship and further research into the history, life and thought of Mennonite Brethren.
Russian Mennonite immigration children’s book for sale
The Center of Mennonite Brethren Studies (CMBS) and students from the 2024 spring class of Advanced Graphic Design (taught by Professor Derek Hamm, fs’06) produced an ABC book to educate and celebrate the coming of Mennonites to Marion County, Kansas 150 years ago.
The narrative is written in the voice of “a young Menno” who has left South Russia (present-day Ukraine) for America with family and illustrated with images and items that are part of the immigration and settlement story of 1874.
CMBS director Peggy Goertzen and assistant director Angela Vix (g’21) wrote the stories. Design students include: James Aboaba (g’24), Dillon Callaway (g’24), Carson Duba (g’24), Zach Henneberg (g’24), Taryn Lawler (g’24), Tara Stewart (fs’24), Chazni Barker (SR, Eureka, Kan.), Romaire Curry (SR, Kansas City, Kan.), Brendon Green (SR, Wichita, Kan.), Hannah Kliewer (SR, Hillsboro, Kan.), Adrienne Selzer (JR, Newton, Kan.), Aidan Unruh (SR, Hillsboro, Kan.), Adrian Yin (SR, Hillsboro, Kan.)
The book is available for $20 and can be purchased through CMBS. Contact Goertzen via email, peggyg@tabor.edu, or phone, 620-947-3121 (ext. 1211) to learn more or purchase a copy.
Alumni News
Bolden/Hendricks Cobb/Brubacher Ensz/Hamilton Frederick/Janzen
Hix/Tschetter Potucek/Werth Schmidt/Allison Shafer/Rempel
Williams/Crisp
Marriages
Austin and Janae (Rempel g’10) Shafer, married in Hillsboro, Kan., on Feb. 3, 2024
Kacey (g’22) and Caitlin (Crisp g’22) Williams, married in Newton, Kan., on May 24, 2024
Jordan (g’24) and Johnna (Swiers g’23) Maxfield, married in Callaway, Minn., on June 1, 2024
Cobie (g’23) and Emma (Heide g’24) Villegas, married in Newton, Kan., on June 14, 2024
Caleb and Teegan (Werth cs) Potucek, married in Newton, Kan., on June 15, 2024
Aden (cs) and Amber (Janzen cs) Frederick, married in Scott City, Kan., on June 22, 2024
Tanner and Olivia (Brubacher g’21) Cobb, married in Kansas City, Mo., on July 6, 2024
Mateo (g’23) and Hadlye (Clark cs) Garcia, married in Burns, Kan., on July 20, 2024
Jerah (g’24) and Danielle (Allison g’24)
Schmidt married in Oakley, Kan., on July 20, 2024
Luke (cs) and Payton (Eskridge g’24)
Kaden and Tianna (Tschetter g’24) Hix, married in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Aug. 16, 2024
Jordan (g’24) and Ja’Neysha (Hendricks g’24) Bolden, married in Wichita, Kan., on Sept. 6, 2024
Trenton (g’23) and Abby Kate (Hamilton) Ensz, married in Huron S.D., on Sept. 21, 2024
Clayton and Sammy Jo (Peterson g’21) Happy, married in Cottonwood Falls, Kan., on Oct. 12, 2024
Aidan (cs) and Jewel (Norris g’23) Unruh, married in Elmdale, Kan., on Oct. 19, 2024
Births/Adoptions
Justin (g’17) and Holly (Reimer g’17) Goble, Fresno, Calif, a boy, Westley Justin, Jan. 21, 2024
Rafael (g’14, st) and Alyssa (King g’12, st) Marins, Wichita, Kan., a boy, Leo Oliver, Jan. 25, 2024
Josh and Heidi (Versaw g’10) Oliver, Manassa, Colo, a boy, Elijah Victor, April 7, 2024
John (g’17) and Abigail Jedneak, Conway, Ark., a girl, Elliot Grace, May 20, 2024
Connor and Tiffany (Culberson, g’20) Wainscott, Grandview, Mo., a girl, Abigail Jean, May 22, 2024
Devin (fs’20) and Zoé (Shieldnight g’22) Rust, Hesston, Kan., a boy, Kayden Miles, July 17, 2024
Caleb (g’19) and Christine Gaede, Lenexa, Kan., triplet boys, Jett Menno, Whit Caleb, and Gates John, Sept. 6, 2024
Deaths
William Lubbert (g’74, fst’74-76), 71, Vancouver, Pa., March 3, 2022
Allan Wiebe (fs’43), 100, Salem, Ore., Dec. 1, 2023
Peter Friesen (g’63), 95, Winkler, Manitoba, June 11, 2024
Lori (Hobbs g’82) Glover, 64, Park City, Kan., June 25, 2024
Rebel Dee Benton (tcw’10), 62, Hutchinson, Kan., June 27, 2024
Kenneth Johnson (g’65), 81, Bakersfield, Calif., July 1, 2024
Naomi (Durchsprung g’83) Loewen, 63, Hutchinson, Kan., July 3, 2024
Westley Goble Leo Marins
Hawkins, married in Wichita, Kan., on Aug. 9, 2024
Rolando Mireles (fb’1980-2004), 75, Rio Grande City, Texas, July 9, 2024
Dr. Richard Kyle (ff’1972-2013), 85, Colorado Springs, Colo., July 15, 2024
Kristin (Adams g’92) Kliewer, 54, Newton, Kan., July 20, 2024
Marvin Funk (fs’65-01), 92, Kinsley, Kan., Sept. 6, 2024
Edith (Eitzen g’62) Penner, 89, Hillsboro, Kan., Sept. 10, 2024
Elijah Oliver Kayden Rust Abigail Wainscott
Alma (Isaac g’58) Schmidt, 90, North Newton, Kan., Sept. 24, 2024
James O. Harms (fs’61), 81, Newton, Kan., Sept. 24, 2024
Werner Epp (g’61), 86, Osborne, Manitoba, Oct. 3, 2024
Naomi (Lepp fs’53) Wiens, 91, Fresno, Calif., Oct. 9, 2024
Marcia (Kliewer g’62) Shewey, 84, Fairview, Okla., Oct. 21, 2024
Susan (Loewen fs’71) Froese, 72, Newton, Kan., Oct. 25, 2024
Martha Jane (Thiessen g’53) Loewen, 95, Hillsboro, Kan., Nov. 1, 2024
Alumni News
2000s
Talashia Keim Yoder (g’04) graduated from the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary on April 27, 2024, with a Master of Arts in Christian Formation. She was also the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Christian Formation, courtesy of the church and ministry department at the seminary. She serves as the pastor of Christian Formation and Worship at College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Ind.
2010s
Jeremy Reiswig (g’13) completed his residency in training at the University of Kansas SOM-Wichita Family Residency Program at
Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. in June 2024. He will be practicing with West Wichita Family Physicians in Wichita, Kan.
Annaliese (Wiens g’18) Wieler successfully defended her Ph.D. dissertation in biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame (Ind.).
2020s
Sammy Jo (Peterson g’21) Happy was appointed operations director of Pioneer Bluffs, an organization dedicated to preserving ranching heritage in the Flint Hills. It’s a homecoming for Happy, graduating from Chase County High School (Kan.) before attending Tabor College.
CODES g – graduate fs – former student cs – current student f – faculty ff – former faculty st – staff fst – former staff fb – former board tcw – Tabor College Wichita
Rebel Benton Werner Epp Peter Friesen Lori Glover Kenneth Johnson
Kristin Kliewer
Martha Loewen
Naomi Loewen
Edith Penner Marcia Shewey
Upcoming Events
March 17-21 Concert Choir Tour (Kansas) April 27 Spring Oratorio May 3 Commencement Oct. 17-18 Homecoming 2025
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.