Tabor college connection spring 2016

Spring 2016 • Vol. 70 / No. 2

Inside:

Creating a Space for Creation Art by Number Meet the Graduates Alumni Spotlight

ge 016 e l ol t 2 C r men o b e Ta enc m m Co

President’s Welcome

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

Signatures matter.

Tabor College Board Chair Lyndon Vix closed this year’s President’s Dinner by pointing out the significance of signatures. Those of us that still write and receive checks sign on the line or endorse the back as a promise to make good on the financial transaction – an act we often don’t think about twice. As ordinary as our signature is, it can stand for so much more than a financial promise.

Tabor College is dependent on signatures. Donors’ signatures stand for scholarships, new buildings and Christ-centered learning.

Kirby Fadenrecht's signature made commitments for Tabor over 50,000 times during his 35 years of service. My signature brings meaning to diplomas, notice of appointments and certificates of awards.

We are in the process of negotiating the final contracts to begin work on the Center for the Arts. The signed contract means the start of building. The onetime park on the corner of campus will soon be transformed into a construction zone with equipment and contractors hustling about to build our Shari Flaming Center for the Arts.

So many people, so many of you, put your signatures on the line to build this building, and each signature means so much more than a promise to pay. The

This spring we signed the final contracts to begin work on the Center for the Arts. The signed contract means the start of building.

The one-time park on the corner of campus will soon be transformed into a construction zone with equipment and contractors hustling about to build our Shari Flaming Center for the Arts.

Shari Flaming Center for the Arts is being built because of Christ’s signature on our lives, and because we want His signature on the lives of our students – students who will make the world more as He intended it to be, so that others will see the signature of Christ in the world.

In this edition of The Connection, you will see God’s work being done at Tabor because of your signatures. I am thrilled to show you the final drawings of the Center for the Arts: the artful exterior, the beautiful lobby, the black box theater and the grand auditorium.

Through the stories included in this issue you will read the vision for performing arts programs from the perspective of our professors. You will hear stories of our graduates and alumni—their hopes for the future and their accomplishments so far. You will see photos of smiling and proud students, faculty, alumni and parents as they participate in commencement events.

All of these events represent Christ’s signature—His promise that he will make good on the lives of those who follow Him.

President Jules Glanzer

2

Connection Spring 2016 Vol. 70 No. 2 A magazine for Tabor College alumni & friends Editor Amy Doane amydoane@tabor.edu Contributor Aleen Ratzlaff aleenr@tabor.edu

inside 2 From the President

Senior Designer Diane Steiner dianes@tabor.edu

4 Creating a Space for Creation

Photographer/Webmaster Vance Frick vancef@tabor.edu

10 Meet the Graduates

Student Photographer Courtney Reed

14 Adult and Graduate Studies

Asst. Sports Information Director Nathan Duell nathand@tabor.edu Tabor College 400 South Jefferson Hillsboro, Kansas 67063 (620) 947-3121 tabor.edu Tabor College Mission: “Preparing people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and His kingdom.�

@TaborCollege /TaborCollege /taborcollewge /taborcollege

8 Art by Number 12 Commencement 2016 16 Sports Report 20 Alumni Spotlight 22 Alumni News

Board of Directors: Lyndon Vix (Chair) Diana Raugust (Vice Chair) Theodore Faszer (Secretary) Brent Kroeker (Treasurer) Darrell Driggers (at-large) Craig Ratzlaff (at-large) Loren Balzer (at-large) Jose Cabrera Roger Ediger Rick Eshbaugh Jeral Gross Norm Hope (Faculty Rep.) Mark Jost David Karber

Mike Kleiber Jerry Kliewer Elaine Kroeker Lisa Kroeker Bill Loewen Nate Loewen Dean Nachtigall Dennis Penner Elaine Setzer-Maxwell Tim Sullivan Wilbur Unrau Richard Unruh Molly Wiebe (Student Rep.)

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

/company/tabor-college /taborcollege 3

Creating a Space for Creation Soon construction will be starting on the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts on Tabor’s campus. This is the next step to a 50-plus-year dream to do more to encourage the arts at Tabor. The new facility will house Tabor’s performing and visual arts programs, serve as the college chapel, function as a concert hall and provide a gathering place for community events.

“If Christians want to influence culture, we need to participate in creating the media that culture consumes,” said Laurel Koerner, assistant professor of theater. “This isn’t limited to art or media that explicitly identifies itself as ‘Christian’ or contains overt Christian themes. God is honored in the exercising of your talents, in the pursuit of His glory through the excellent execution of skills.”

Building a facility is only one part of the vision for the arts at Tabor. Professors work every day to create opportunities for developing artists to practice their gifts and talents.

“As instructors, we all want our students to do well,” said Dr. Shelia Litke, professor of music. “I have often said that I want to give my students the skills and experiences they need so they can go beyond what I am able to do.

“With so many musical and art interests among the students, the Center for the Arts allows us to help our students accomplish the goals they have for themselves as well as offer opportunities that our current facility does not allow.”

The vision for the building directly reflects Tabor’s vision for the arts. When complete, the building will offer auditorium seating for an audience of 800, a black box theater, three rooms dedicated to group and individual rehearsals, four student studios for visual arts, an art gallery and space for planned program growth.

“The facility will serve as a focal point of activ-

4

ity on campus not only for students of the arts, but for the entire student body,” said David Martens, director of contemporary Christian music. “It will draw people from the area—both new students and patrons of the arts—and serve to advance the mission of Tabor College in Hillsboro and the surrounding area.”

Dr. Jen Stephenson, assistant professor of music, agrees.

“We excel at bringing the campus together with members of the greater community to have a shared experience with our music and theater productions,” Stephenson said. “The new facility will enable us to reach a wider audience, as well as to have more events on campus, which will enable us to broaden our societal impact and our student involvement.”

The idea of a central location for activity excites the faculty as they think and strategize about the future of arts programs on campus. Even as construction is beginning, the team at Tabor already envisions its future.

“We are already making plans for choral and instrumental festivals and camps, inviting ensembles from across the state and beyond to come to campus to perform and work with our own students and faculty,” said Dr. Brad Vogel, Music Department chair. “I am also in conversation with professional touring musicians who will enjoy the new Richert Auditorium.”

The Center for the Arts is scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2017. Until then the Tabor community and supporters will watch, plan and dream about the future.

“There are no limits,” said Vogel, who also chairs the Division of Performing and Visual Arts. “Thanks to the generosity of so many and the tireless work of President Glanzer and his staff, I believe we’ll be able pursue anything we can dream. And that is very exciting.”

Tabor College Theater Performs Pulitzer Prize Winning “Proof” Tabor College’s Theater Department performed its spring play, “Proof,” in March. “‘Proof’ is a great story, filled with tension but not without humor,” said Director of Theater Laurel Koerner. “It raises some questions about mental illness and heredity. Catherine fears she may be taking after her father, a brilliant mathematician whose mental capacities peaked early and dissolved not long after. Is her troubled state caused by grief, stress or something inherited and unavoidable?”

The play premiered off-Broadway in 2000, then moved to Broadway. It won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play. In 2005 the movie was released, adapted for

the screen by Rebecca Miller, directed by John Madden, and starred Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, Jake Gyllenhaal and Hope Davis.

Tabor’s performance featured Molly Wiebe of Hillsboro, Reuven Isaac of Wichita, Alisa Ediger of Aurora, Colo., and Benjamin Loewen of Huron, S.D., as the cast. Stage managers were Kari Schmidt of Wichita and Cody Kroeker of Henderson, Neb.

5

Tabor College Oratorio Chorus and Community Orchestra Tabor College’s Spring Oratorio was held May 8 at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church. The annual spring event featured a selection of works by Antonio Vivaldi and showcased student, faculty and community performers.

“I chose an all-Vivaldi program for spring because Vivaldi’s music is very bright, full of rhythmic energy, cheerful and works in such a way that it just draws the listener along with it—it’s springy,” said Dr. Brad Vogel, Music Department chair, who conducted the concert. “I believe the audience very much enjoyed the endless supply of bright melodies and also enjoyed the outstanding collection of instrumentalists brought to Tabor to join with the student and faculty performers.”

Vocal solos were performed by Nicholas Ediger of

6

“I chose an all-Vivaldi program for spring because Vivaldi’s music is very bright, full of rhythmic energy, cheerful, and works in such a way that it just draws the listener along with it—it’s springy,” said Dr. Brad Vogel, Music Department chair, who conducted the concert.

Hillsboro, Casey Guthals of Manhattan, Olivia Kliewer of Hillsboro, Rachael Morris of Kansas City, Kan., Krista Neifert of Pratt, Zach Neumann of Osborne, Ruth Springer of Berryton, and Dr. Holly Swartzendruber, adjunct professor of voice and vocal pedagogy.

‘My Strength, My Song’ 2016 Concert Choir Tour The Tabor College Concert Choir traveled throughout Kansas and Oklahoma for its annual spring tour, with performances at nine different churches and schools. The choir closed out the tour with a home concert and a final performance in McPherson.

Dr. Brad Vogel, the choir’s director and professor of music, was excited for his students to share their music with the theme “My Strength, My Song.”

“The central verse is Psalm 118:14,” Vogel said.

“The texts of the songs are about triumph and God’s grace and strength delivering us.”

The Concert Choir’s repertoire for the concert program included a set that encompassed Palm Sunday through resurrection to address the Easter season.

“The choir’s year of work together culminates in the

spring tour,” Vogel added. “The group enjoys traveling and performing to enrich the lives of others through its music. Our desire is to share God’s message of redemption and victory through our performance.”

Vocal Trio

Being on campus for Interterm this year turned into a unique opportunity for Casey Guthals, Rachael Morris and Ruth Springer.

When Hillsboro High School hosted the Trojan Classic at Tabor’s gym, Dr. Brad Vogel, Music Department chair, consented to form a small group to sing the national anthem. The women agreed and a new trio was born.

The trio has performed six times since their first appearance including singing the national anthem at the KCAC Basketball Championship games in Wichita. During the Opera Showcase, the trio sang “Three Little Maids” and at the President’s Dinner in April the group performed “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” as arranged by Vogel. They also got to play a hand in arranging when they performed “Go Light Your World” at Tabor’s Education Department banquet.

“The Music Department at Tabor does a great job in giving students opportunities that other schools would give to faculty,” Springer

said of their experiences. “This is a rare opportunity for undergrad students.”

Guthals, Morris and Springer all finished their second year at Tabor and each has her own story of how God led them to the choir.

Morris is a business major who will graduate a year early in May 2017. She doesn’t know her post-graduation plans yet, but hopes they involve teaching and playing a part of solving world hunger. Guthals and Springer are both music education majors and have their sights set on teaching high school music and choral conducting.

Morris sums up her Tabor story by reiterating the breadth of experience she has been given.

“In order to be successful at life, I need to give up my own dreams and surrender my life to God,” she said. “He will either reshape the dreams I have, or completely change them and blow my old ones out of the water.”

7

Art by Number

The Signature Campaign has been Tabor’s most successful capital campaign to date. The new Center for the Arts will be enjoyed by both students and the greater community. We are grateful for the generous contributions of our supporters. The direct impact to student success and potential growth is incredible.

$12 million

2,000+ donors

already given to build the Center for the Arts

have contributed

1 in 5 students

20 faculty

participate in performing arts programs

35

performances in 2015/16

10,000+ square feet of rehearsal and classroom space

Starbucks coffee bar open for visitors

8

teach performing and visual arts

830 seats

in the Richert Auditorium

student 4 studios dedicated to visual arts

1 art gallery

showcasing student and faculty work

Tabor Needs Your Investment When you choose to give to the Tabor Fund, you’re making an investment in the future of students at Tabor College. Did you know that the majority of dollars given to the Tabor Fund go directly to support student learning through scholarships?

This year Tabor had more than 140 graduates from its undergraduate, graduate and online programs. The stories of 2016 graduates Jared, Ashton, Logan and

Truett are examples of what your donations do to support education at Tabor.

As you consider a gift to the Tabor Fund, think about your experience at Tabor and what your gift would mean to a future journalist, teacher, pastor or nurse.

A return envelope is enclosed for your convenience.

To help meet the immediate need of $545,000, please return your generous gift by June 30.

Help secure your future and the future of the arts at Tabor College by contacting staff at (620) 947-3121 ext. 1709 to learn more about charitable gift annuities and how you can participate.

Make a Gift that Pays You Back for Life As part of the Signature Campaign, Tabor is not only building a new arts facility, but also setting up an endowment to care for future maintenance and improvement needs. In order to fund the endowment, Tabor staff are working with MB Foundation to establish a unique opportunity—a gift that pays you income.

A charitable gift annuity makes it possible for you to support the arts at Tabor College for generations to come while receiving income for the rest of your life.

A charitable gift annuity is an agreement between a donor and Tabor College. The donor makes a gift to MB Foundation designated for Tabor College, in this case specifically to the endowment for the Center for the Arts facility. In exchange the donor receives a lifetime stream of income with tax benefits.

A goal of $2 million has been set to fund the endowment.

Eighty-five-plus gifts may provide $2 million for Tabor’s Center for the Arts Endowment Gifts Needed

Gift Amount

1 $200,000+ 2 $100,000 10 $50,000 25 $25,000 50 $10,000

85 $2,000,000 9

Brought to Tabor for an Eternal Impact Meet the Graduates: Ashton Bowen

Ashton Bowen came to Tabor from Rose Hill to play softball.

What she found was a brand new life. Bowen was drawn to the homey feel of Tabor’s campus when she came for a visit, but her first love was softball. She wanted to continue to play the sport she loved, and Tabor was offering the opportunity.

During her sophomore year, Bowen was invited to join a friend at the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church one Sunday morning. She doesn’t remember the specifics, but something spoke to her that morning. Bowen filled out the visitors’ card asking a pastor to pray with her and committed her life to Christ during that meeting.

When you first meet Bowen, you see a quiet woman, but as you get to know her better you see the passion she has for serving those around her.

“I love the community at Tabor,” Bowen said. “You really see people caring for each other.

She has put that passion into action serving as a peer mentor with the Student Life office, as an usher at Hillsboro MB, which she now calls her home church, and of course as a leader on the softball team.

“Ashton is very well-known on our team as a leader as well as a great role model to the younger players to always work hard, giving 100 percent of your efforts and heart to your teammates no matter what your role may be,” said softball coach Suzanne Unruh.

It’s no wonder Bowen chose elementary education as her major.

Bowen said she hopes to finish her career at Tabor by student teaching in both a kindergarten classroom as well as for middle school math.

“Her passion for working with students is exciting,” said Lynette Cross, Education Department chair at Tabor. “Ashton has a promising future as an educator.”

Bowen agrees that God certainly used her time at Tabor to glorify Him. Tabor has made an eternal impact on her future.

“I think the biggest life lesson I have learned while at Tabor is just to have faith that all things will work out and to not stress about anything,” said the senior. “God has a timing for everything.”

Where Adventure Meets Passion Meet the Graduates: Jared Janzen

Being pulled out of his comfort zone was just what Jared Janzen needed to grow in his education and faith. Tabor gave him the tools to write a new story.

Janzen grew up in Newton and by the time he was in the senior year of high school had several full-ride offers to colleges around the country. It only took one visit to hook him on the Tabor experience.

Well, that and some convincing by his parents and admissions counselor to take a look at the campus.

“In high school I was very quiet, very uninvolved and didn’t have much of a social life,” Janzen said. “Now I’m a different person.”

Looking at his college career that statement is hard to fathom.

Janzen completed a double major in English and Communications with a minor in Music. He was the editor of The View, the Tabor College student-run paper, and led a staff of 11. His involvement in performing arts varied from participation in the string ensemble to accompanying student vocalists to teaching piano through Tabor’s Music Preparatory School. Janzen didn’t stop there. He’s been involved in the student-led Underground men’s ministry and multiple Bible studies over the years and even ran on the cross country team for a year.

With all that experience, Janzen could do just about anything after graduation, but his passion is leading him toward journalism. Dr. Aleen Ratzlaff, communications professor and Janzen’s adviser, has been impressed with this work ethic.

“Whether he’s writing a literature review for a research assignment or interviewing someone for a feature article, he’s come to recognize the importance of considering his audience as he crafts his words,” she said.

He passion isn’t going unnoticed by others either. Last year 10

Janzen received the Evangelical Press Association scholarship and was recognized for his commitment to good writing and potential career in journalism. While at Tabor Janzen has completed two internships. Connie Faber, editor of The Christian Leader and internship supervisor for Janzen, commented on his career path.

“We need Christian students who are prepared to be outstanding journalists and communication professionals and who will bring their faith and Christian worldview to their work,” Faber said.

During a trip to Southeast Asia over Interterm his junior year, Janzen developed a thirst for other cultures. Now he’s looking to combine his love for the written word with missions in a career.

“Combining overseas missions with journalism has been a dream of mine for over a year, so this opportunity would be exciting for me to test it out,” he said.

Although that’s his goal, Janzen may not end up working in missions right away.

He has accepted a position as editor of the Harvey County Independent and began work shortly after graduation this spring. The position will be an exciting challenge for Janzen, who is confident Tabor prepared him for what is next in his career and life.

“I still have room for improvement, but Tabor has helped me to grow into a man of God who finds joy in being with others.”

The Heart of a Servant Leader Meet the Graduates: Logan Whitney

Logan Whitney is a Presidential Leadership Program scholar, participates in Concert Choir, serves in several campus ministries and he almost didn’t come to Tabor. Whitney had his eye on another college to help steer his career path, but when he visited Tabor it instantly became his first choice.

“I came to campus and immediately fell in love with Tabor’s friendly environment,” Whitney said, who calls Aurora, Neb., home. “I could certainly see that Tabor was where God wanted me to be, and I haven’t regretted my decision.”

From the moment he committed to Tabor, God used the relationships in Whitney’s life to speak to him. He knew he was going to get a deep dive into full-time ministry as a career option, but he was involved in band, theater and choir in high school and wanted to continue his love for performing arts. Whitney chose to stay involved with Concert Choir at Tabor because he knew Dr. Brad Vogel from vocal clinics during his high school experience.

Joining Tabor’s Concert Choir has opened Whitney to incorporate worship songs into the junior high youth group he leads and gives him a better understanding of worship through song.

“When the end result is to enrich and encourage others, and glorify God, self-sacrifice has greater importance than just a fine musical performance,” said Vogel of Whitney’s time in choir. “And there is also joy in this self-giving. I think Logan embodies this well.”

Through relationships on campus, Whitney was able to develop his passion for ministry. In his freshman year, Whitney founded a new ministry program called Silence Breakers to discuss addiction to pornography. Since then the group has spoken at Southern District Youth Conference and the National MB Youth Conference.

“It has been an amazing thing to see Logan mature and grow not only in his understanding of God, but also in the leadership skills God’s given him for ministry,” said campus chaplain Ryan Lee. “He has been leading

middle school students in a local church and also heading up a program at Tabor that sends college students to Wichita to work with inner city children.”

In addition to the local opportunities, Whitney had a summer internship at Mountain View Community Church in Fresno, Calif. He has also worked with Lee to start a men’s mentoring program that involved 15 students paired with men from the Hillsboro community.

“God is doing some cool things here at Tabor and Logan is just one example of that,” Lee said.

It was through Tabor connections that Whitney found his first career experience. Following graduation in May, he joined the staff of The Greenhouse church in Saratoga Springs, Utah, to focus on young adults.

“You need to know who you are if you truly want to help others,” Whitney said. “Tabor has really helped me see who I am as a person and see how God has wired me. I’m most excited about my next step in Utah because it’s very relational, which is how God created me.”

11

Tabor College Celebrates 106th Commencement

Tabor College celebrated its 106th Commencement ceremony Saturday, May 14. Approximately 2,000 parents, family and friends gathered at Joel H. Weins Stadium and via live stream on the Tabor Webcast channel.

Tabor’s graduate numbers were one of the largest at a total of 174.

12

There were 105 candidates for graduation from the Hillsboro campus and another 69 candidates from the Wichita and online programs. The number of master’s candidates, 20 in all programs, was the largest in Tabor College history.

President Jules Glanzer welcomed the crowd, applauding the graduates for their hard work and commitment to Tabor throughout their education.

He also gave a nod to family and friends who supported and sacrificed for their loved ones.

“Tabor’s graduation celebration is always a bittersweet experience for the faculty and staff,” Glanzer said. “We have had the honor and pleasure of getting to know these students, helping them expand their perspectives and pushing them to grow to their fullest potential. They have entrusted us with their future and now we send them into the world to use their skills and knowledge.”

Among other honors and recognitions, two Tabor College graduates received a leadership award given to graduates of four-year private colleges in Kansas.

Jeremy Johnson and Amy Vaughn were awarded the Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award. The award is given to seniors who have not only demonstrated leadership while at Tabor, but also their capacity for future leadership. The award recipients are nominated by faculty and staff.

“All of our students leave Tabor with the capacity for leadership in their field, but Jeremy and Amy have shown a special dedication to their work both in the classroom and out,” said Glanzer.

Representatives from the Hillsboro and Wichita campuses each addressed the audience with their thoughts on the Tabor experience.

Allie Jost of Sheridan, Wyo.,

spoke to the class about the breadth of learning she received and how Tabor has prepared her for a career as an educator.

“In my experience here, I have learned much more than how to teach,” Jost said. “I have learned that what I do is not about me, but it is about glorifying God above all else. We were encouraged to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth by showing compassion, grace and service to our coworkers and students.”

Wichita was represented by Lee Waldron who received his master’s degree in Entrepreneurial Ministry Leadership. Waldron, who is originally from Shafter, Calif., spoke about the perspective a Tabor education has provided.

“We have been training and learning and studying and discerning and growing, not so we can just go get a paycheck, but so that we can use these gifts to contribute to society and to God’s kingdom, and we must believe that our contributions matter,” Waldron said.

Bryce Unruh, a 1991 Tabor College graduate, delivered the commencement address to graduates. Unruh went on to earn a master’s degree in mathematics from Colorado State University and work in aerospace engi-

neering. He urged the class to explore the possibilities in front of them and not accept known limitations, but to pursue what can only be imagined.

“Here is what I want you to take away; I am an explorer and you are an explorer,” Unruh said. “I would like to challenge each of you graduates to consider yourself an explorer in this universe. It is through exploration that you truly discover your place in the universe.”

Glanzer had a few final remarks for students.

“Our graduates should be very proud of their accomplishments,” he said. “I hope they take what they’ve learned at Tabor and apply it to all areas of life, sharing God’s love for His people wherever they are.

I also hope they look back at their time at Tabor not only with fond memories, but with a sense of pride for their alma mater and the lasting impact it has made on their lives.”

13

Nurse Faces Challenges Head On Meet the Graduates: Truett Sweet Tabor College’s Wichita and online campuses provide unique opportunities for students who don’t want or need a traditional undergraduate experience. Regardless of where they study or how they earn their degree, Tabor makes a lasting impact on their lives.

Truett Sweet, who called Marysville, Kan., home, came to Tabor’s BSN program after finding his calling during a certified nurse’s aide course. Through Tabor Sweet realized he wanted and needed to continue his education.

Sweet finished his course work and participated in the nurse pinning ceremony this spring.

“Tabor has taught me to be comfortably uncomfortable,” said Sweet. “I will always do my best to seize opportunities that present themselves and never hesitate if the

“Tabor has taught me to be comfortably uncomfortable,” said Sweet. “I will always do my best to seize opportunities that present themselves and never hesitate if the challenge makes me a little uncomfortable. If you aren’t a little uncomfortable, then chances are you aren’t challenging yourself.” challenge makes me a little uncomfortable.

If you aren’t a little uncomfortable, then chances are you aren’t challenging yourself.”

Sweet has moved to Oklahoma to work in an intensive care unit and said he hopes to pursue additional leadership roles through his new position.

New Programs and Technology Boost TCW Over the last year Tabor College Wichita and Online has undergone several major changes. The technology and program changes promise to increase enrollment and make the logistics of teaching and learning online even easier for students and instructors. Several of the updates are highlighted below: • Successful launch of the Master of Science in Nursing. Every member of this cohort is a Tabor alum.

• First students of the Entrepreneurial Ministry Leadership master’s program graduated in May. • Debut of the technology-assisted classroom featuring Zoom Presence. Tabor is the first institution in the state to implement this technology and has become a pacesetter for other institutions.

• Growth of online programming. Tabor has six fully online degree programs and more than 30 fully online general education courses.

• Implementation of Canvas Learning Management System for teaching online courses is a technology upgrade for faculty and students.

14

$600,000 Grant Received for

FaithFront

In July, Ministry Quest, Tabor’s current leadership program for high school youth, will become Faith Front.

During the past four years, Tabor has operated MQ, which the college acquired from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in 2011. Tabor’s vision to adopt MQ, and commitment to continue the program, clearly demonstrated the college’s passion for youth leadership development.

Tabor has received a $600,000 grant to establish Faith Front, which is part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s High School Youth Theology Institutes initiative.

HSYTI seeks to encourage young people to explore theological traditions, ask questions about the moral dimensions of contemporary issues and examine how their faith calls them to lives of service.

Faith Front is designed to equip Mennonite Brethren and other Christian youth, ages 14-19, develop theological competencies essential for ministry leadership with

“Our aim is to inspire participants to learn and utilize a model of innovative theological reflection and engagement with culture,” Loewen said. “Our ultimate goal is to identify, equip and empower a growing community of called, skilled and equipped leaders for the church.”

special emphasis on pastoral ministry and other church vocations.

Dr. Wendell Loewen, professor of Youth, Church and Culture, will direct the program with the help of Tabor’s religion professors and a variety of denominational leaders.

“Our aim is to inspire participants to learn and utilize a model of innovative theological reflection and engagement with culture,” Loewen said. “Our ultimate goal is to identify, equip and empower a growing community of called, skilled and equipped leaders for the church.”

The heart of the program is a summer mobile “intensive” retreat designed as a lab to help participants engage their culture by interacting with a variety of global issues that call for Christian action.

Faith Front will include the following: workshops that encourage local churches to cultivate a culture of calling, on-campus retreat weekends that help high school students explore what it means to think theologically, a ministry innovation program that offers Faith Front graduates the opportunity to strengthen their leadership competencies and ministry tools, and establishment of a ministry leadership center that can catalyze and centralize denominational leadership development efforts.

15

Haude, Myers Inducted into Tabor College Hall of Fame Erica (Hemmert) Haude and Aaron Myers were awarded one of the highest honors given by Tabor College Athletics when they were inducted into the Hall of Fame in May. “Our annual Hall of Fame and Sports Banquet is a unique opportunity for the Tabor Athletic Department to honor both the past and the present,” said Rusty Allen, Tabor’s vice president of Enrollment Management and Athletics. “The evening was all the more special to me as Aaron is the son of long-time former Tabor athletic director and baseball coach Gary Myers, and Erica was a player I recruited, then coached for four years.”

Haude played basketball at Tabor College from 2002 to 2006 and was a four-year letter winner. She was selected KCAC Freshman of the Year during her first season. In her sophomore year she was named to the KCAC All-Conference First Team. Her junior year, Haude was a unanimous selection to the KCAC All-Conference First Team, was an NAIA Academic All-American and was an NAIA Division II Honorable Mention All-American. As a senior, she was again a unanimous First Team All-Conference player, was named the women’s basketball KCAC Player of the Year and was selected to the KCAC All-Defensive Team. Haude’s crowning achievements included being selected as an NAIA Academic All-American and a NAIA Division II Second Team All-American.

“While I cherish the stage of life I am currently in, there is something really special about my years

16

at Tabor, and I reflect on those memories with great fondness,” Haude said. “It was during that time that I learned to push myself physically, mentally and spiritually to new levels. There was a deepening of my faith, my values and my work ethic that happened as I competed, learned and invested in those around me.”

Aaron Myers underscores the impact his time at Tabor had on his life.

“My years at Tabor were formative and baseball was a big part of that,” Myers said. “It was amazing to play with such great teams and to be able to play for my dad as well. It is a great honor to join those who have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame, one that I am thankful for and hope to be able to live up.”

Myers was a four-year letter winner in baseball while attending Tabor College from 1992-1996. His sophomore year, he was a KCAC All-Conference First Team unanimous selection and was also named to the All-District 10 First Team. As a junior, Myers was one of the KCAC’s leading hitters with a .410 batting average, and was again named to the KCAC All-Conference First Team. Myers’ batting average his senior year was .426, which again earned him the honor of being one of the KCAC’s leading hitters and merited him a place on KCAC All-Conference First Team. During his senior year, he was the Tabor College Male Co-Athlete of the Year. Myers currently holds eight records in the Tabor College Baseball Record book.

“The two individuals being inducted into the Hall of Fame this spring not only had outstanding athletic careers while at Tabor College, but their contribution since graduating is something we are all very proud of,” Allen said.

Through her role as director of student success at Tabor, Haude regularly sees students facing the same challenges she remembers facing during her college experience.

“My time as a student-athlete was a time of learning that who we are becoming and the way we invest ourselves relationally are what will really last in life,” Haude said.

Pouring into the lives of others is something especially meaningful to Haude and Myers alike. Myers currently works for two mission organizations serving in the U.S. from his home in South Dakota. Like the missions groups with which he serves, Myers’ life centers on the Acts 1:8 call to be a witness locally, nationally and globally.

“Athletics prepares one for hard work, perseverance and working through adversity,” Myers said. “It also taught me a lot about working on a team—something that is core to the missionary experience.”

BLUEJAYS IN ACTION

Winter and Spring Sports Wrapups Baseball

Basketball

The 2016 season saw Coach Mark Standiford win his 300th career game in just eight seasons while his Bluejays won their fifth consecutive KCAC regular season baseball championship with a league record of 28-8. Tabor ranked in the top 40 nationally in 22 statistical categories. Eleven of those rankings were in the top five nationally. Entering postseason play, Tabor was ranked No. 13 in the country.

Manny DeLeon was named NAIA Baseball Player of the Year–a first in Tabor history. Six Bluejays were named to the AllKCAC team including DeLeon, Michael Baca, AJ Shaw, Thomas Longworth, Raulier Martinez and Alex Couch. Shaw earned a conference Gold Glove award, and DeLeon was named the KCAC Player of the Year. DeLeon had an historic season breaking school records in single season homers (24), career homers (34), single season RBI (103), and career RBI (150). He led the NAIA in six categories: RBI per game (1.717), total bases per game (3.333), home runs, total bases (200), RBI and slugging percentage (.897).

He was second in hits (99) and HR per game (.400).

Following unprecedented wins of both the KCAC regular season and tournament championships by both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, they once again traveled to the NAIA National Championship tournaments in Branson and Sioux City. The No. 6 nationally ranked men played through the first round and the No. 13 ranked women played through the elite eight.

Micah Ratzlaff and Shawn Reed received KCAC Coach of the Year honors. Lance Carter was named KCAC Player of the Year and Jonathan Gibson received the KCAC Defensive Player of the Year. Carter and Tena Loewen were named NAIA Second Team All-American. Morgan Ediger was KCAC Freshman of the Year.

Five women and two men received NAIA Academic All-American nods: Loewen, Samantha Short, Kaleigh Troxell, Kayla Wilgers, Mallory Zuercher, Thomas Bacon and John Jedneak.

17

BLUEJAYS IN ACTION

Winter and Spring Sports Wrapups Softball

Swim Team

Picked to finish third in a very competitive and expanded KCAC, the Bluejay softball team struggled through a disappointing season mired with injuries and a difficult early season schedule.

Tabor finished 14-34 overall and 5-15 in the KCAC. The Bluejays were led by All-KCAC selections right fielder Stormie Bush, third base Araselly Vargas, left fielder Kellyn Holt, and catcher Sara Vela. Bush had a team high .357 batting average. Vargas led with six homers and 38 RBI while winning a KCAC Gold Glove award.

Holt led the Bluejays with six triples and 24 stolen bases. Vela hit .292 and managed a young and decimated pitching staff.

Tabor Swim participated in the NAIA national championship in Columbus, Ga. The men’s swim team made history by scoring the first ever Bluejay points at the national meet. Tabor broke four school records and scored 14 points, finishing 17th overall. The women’s team did not score any team points, but had significant time drops in every event and broke two school records.

Follow Bluejay Sports on Twitter @GoTaborBluejays 18

Tennis

Track & Field

Jessica Emoto led a talented young and improved Bluejay women’s tennis team to an 11-6 record and a fifth place finish in the KCAC with a 4-3 league mark. Emoto finished the season ranked No. 8 in the NAIA, was a unanimous First Team All-KCAC selection for the second consecutive year, and was the unanimous selection for league MVP. Emoto was 15-1 in singles play including an 8-0 mark in the KCAC. She was 12-4 in doubles play including 7-1 in the conference. Emoto’s other post-season accolades include the KCAC Scholar Athlete of the Year and the ITA Central Region Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportmanship Award. Heidi Klaassen was a Second Team All-KCAC selection and earned the KCAC Sportsmanship Award. The women’s team won the Team of Character award for the KCAC. The men’s tennis team took significant strides in 2016 finishing with 5-12 overall record and a 2-6 mark in the KCAC. The Bluejays were anchored by a pair of European imports in Illia Filanchuk from Ukraine and Angel Miguel from Spain. Filanchuk was Tabor’s No. 1 singles player with an 11-5 record while Miguel held down the No. 2 singles position. The pair partnered up at No. 1 doubles with an 11-5 record as well. Filanchuk was named to the all-conference second team as well as unanimously winning the KCAC Newcomer of the Year award. Harry Faber earned the KCAC Sportsmanship Award.

Both Tabor’s men’s and women’s track and field teams saw massive improvements in 2016 with NAIA national qualifiers on either team. Each team placed fourth of 11 in an increasingly competitive KCAC field. Three women and one man represented the Bluejays at the NAIA national championships in Gulf Shores, Ala., on May 26-28.

Leading the women’s team were national qualifiers Aaliyah Carter in the 100 meters, Amy Horner in the triple jump, and Alyssa Windle in the shot put. Carter broke a 26-year-old school record in the 200 meters and garnered All-KCAC honors in the 100, 200, 4 x 100 relay, and 4 x 400 relay. Amy Horner earned all-KCAC honors in the triple jump, and the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relays. Windle was the KCAC champion in the discus and finished second in the shot put and third in the hammer. Other all-conference award winners were Julie Loewen, Ashton Kroeker, Sarah Hagen, Jamiah Evans and Taylor Vogt.

The men’s team was represented at the NAIA national championships in Gulf Shores, Ala., by Austin Kurtz in the javelin throw.

Kurtz finished 15th at nationals and was all-KCAC and runner-up in the event at the conference meet. Other all-conference performers included Cole Younger, Utopia LaStrap, Tyler Parrish, Josh Richert, Thomas Bacon, Si Luc, Robert Phillips, Jonathan Gibson, Daniel Quiring and Johnny Loera.

Tabor College Jobs Board Whether starting a career or looking for a change, Tabor’s online jobs board can help you find the perfect fit.

Positions listed include a wide range of opportunities from entry level to the top spot at many companies and organizations.

Visit online at tabor.edu/jobs today!

19

Because They Came, We Know the Lord Alumni Spotlight: Joanna Chapa Joanna Chapa thought she knew where her life was headed when she chose Tabor College. Her passion for leading worship and discipleship made Tabor a perfect fit for furthering her education. She got involved right away as a worship leader for the i268 and SP&D ministries. Chapa served as a team member for Ministry Quest, now called Faith Front, and the MB National Youth Convention Planning Team for three national conferences. Along with other students she started the Eve-to-Eve small group ministry that is still going strong on Tabor’s campus. It was clear that after four years at Tabor, Chapa was called to ministry.

While in high school and at Tabor, Chapa had the opportunity to go on several short-term mission trips.

During her third year at Tabor, Chapa took her first foray into full-time missions. She went on a six-month trip with MB Mission’s TREK program to Japan and received a semester of credit for her time in the program. In the next few years, God made His call even more specific.

As she reflected on her time in missions, a message her grandmother repeated throughout Chapa’s life took on a new meaning. “‘Porque ellos vinieron, nosotros conocemos al Señor . . . because they came, we know the Lord’ is a phrase that she says and has shaped the reality in my heart of how someone’s obedience can affect an entire family, community and eventually other nations,” Chapa said.

The call to life as a full-time missionary took years to unfold. Chapa would say it began before she was even born. She grew up in South Texas in a place where 80 years prior Mennonite Brethren missionaries started planting roots. Her grandmother was among those affected and is forever grateful for the people who made

“’Porque ellos vinieron, nosotros conocemos al Señor . . . because they came, we know the Lord’ is a phrase that she says and has shaped the reality in my heart of how someone’s obedience can affect an entire family, community and eventually other nations,” Chapa said. it their life’s work to change her world. Now Chapa is extending that legacy by accepting a call to full-time missions in Peru. She is joining a group already working in the country to be a coach and mentor for Peruvian churches.

“I am so looking forward to working alongside of Joanna,” said Stacy Kuhns, who is Chapa’s teammate in Peru. “I am confident that she will be a great fit to the discipleship house I run, Casa Caminata, and help the girls in our house grow closer to the Father. She is a lover of God and a lover of people.”

Chapa is eager to see where the journey takes her and God next. One thing is certain that God will not stop with her.

“What I’m most excited about in the future is seeing the local Peruvian churches sending missionaries around the world,” Chapa said.

To learn more about Chapa’s work in Peru, email chapajoanna@gmail.com or follow her on Facebook.

20

Glorifying God through Big Dreams Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Regier For Jonathan Regier, Tabor opened up a new world of possibilities and opportunities. He may not have thought much about it when being recruited to come to Tabor, but the conversations he was having as a high school senior would impact the rest of his life.

“Two big reasons I came to Tabor were Judy Harder in the theater program and Brad Vogel in the Music Department,” said Regier.

His hopes were realized early on. Regier was involved in almost every theater production while at Tabor. In his freshman year he was cast as Ellard in “The Foreigner.” It was during this show that Regier saw the power of telling good stories to inspire change, but he learned another lesson as well.

“I saw what a tremendous gift and service laughter and entertainment are to our community,” he said.

Regier made a big impression from the start of his time at Tabor and credits Harder for her infectious love of the craft and commitment to telling the truth.

“Early on I was impressed with Jon’s regard for the creative process,” said Harder of her experiences working with Regier. “He showed up ready to work, took on challenging roles, and set high goals for himself, never wanting to settle for less than his best. He was a team player, respecting each member of the casts, crews and audiences.”

Those developing friendships and partnerships chipped away at Regier’s perspective on acting as more than just a hobby.

“Before my experience at Tabor I never felt encouraged to pursue acting as a career,” he said. “After Tabor, all I knew was that I didn’t want my acting to be over.”

Following graduation Regier moved to Virginia with two fellow alums and improv group partners, Landon Tucker and Michael Woods. During that time the last bit of hesitation and fear fell away, and Regier began to pursue acting as a profession.

Now in L.A., and building career momentum, Regier finds that com-

mon misconceptions about acting and Hollywood were never true. He compares his journey to that of the servant in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25: 14-30.

“The only wicked servant is the one who doesn’t even try to do anything with the talent his master gave him,” Regier said, adding he knows God has been at work in Hollywood for a long time and sees that through the missions of various churches and organizations, such as the Hollywood Prayer Network, with a heart and calling for the area and the entertainment industry.

Over time, God has shown Regier that acting was his vocation all along and used Tabor and the relationships built there to open his heart and mind to a bigger dream.

“I experienced good theater and fell in love with living truthfully under imaginary circumstances,” Regier said. “I had the opportunity to try so many different things and figure out what moved me. This is one of Tabor’s strengths that a larger school can’t touch. Tabor helped shape who I am.”

2016

HOMECOMING O C T O B E R 21 - 2 2

Plan a visit to Hillsboro to attend this year’s Homecoming activities!

Featured events include: • History of Tabor College Football Exhibit • Presentations by Tabor Science and Business Departments • Tabor Theater Production • Tabor College Golf Classic And much more!

21

Alumni News

Brynley Enns

Gideon Froese

Rudy Giffin

Marriages Benjamin Schmidt (g’16) and Courtney Reed (cs’16), married in Wichita, Kan., on Dec. 12, 2015 Rafael Marins (g’14) and Alyssa King (g’12), married in Wichita, Kan., on Oct. 17, 2015

Births/Adoptions Marins/King

Tanner (g’13) and Casie (Greenlee cs’16) Giffin, Hillsboro, Kan., a girl, Rudy Baelin, April 1, 2016 Andy (st’16) and Kristen Davis, Hillsboro, Kan., girls, Cora Dawn and Violet Jane, March 17, 2016 John (g’89) and Charla Enns, Enid, Okla., a girl, Brynley Eryn, May 21, 2015, adopted March 1, 2016 Kevin (g’07) and Jill (Crawford g’07) Larson, Garden City, Kan., a girl, Bethany Diann, Nov. 22, 2015

Schmidt/Reed

Connect with us ONLINE!

Update your info, send us pictures and tell us about your recent honors/ awards online at tabor.edu/alumnifriends.

Click on the Be Connected tab to submit your information!

CODES

g – graduate fs – former student cs – current student f – faculty ff – former faculty st – staff fst – former staff tcw – Tabor College Wichita

Brett (g’12) and Stephanie (Ens g’12) Eitzen, Wichita, Kan., a girl, Claire Danielle, Oct. 10, 2015 Luke (g’08) and Carrie (Schroeder g’10) Froese, Castle Rock, Colo., a boy, Gideon James, Sept. 18, 2015 Luke (g’00) and Joanne (Entz, g’99) Haidle, Henderson, Neb., a boy, Levi William, Aug. 27, 2015

Deaths Norma (Funk fs’47) Penner, San Jose, Calif., April 25, 2016 Ferne (Kornelsen g’50) Hiebert, Moundridge, Kan., April 19, 2016 Willis Herbel (fs’60), Hillsboro, Kan., April 4, 2016 Laird Landis (fs’08), Junction City, Kan., April 1, 2016 Menno Friesen (g’55), Goshen, Ind., March 23, 2016 Glenys Ortman (g’56), Sioux Falls, S.D., March 4, 2016 Grace Weber (fs’50), Wichita, Kan., Feb. 25, 2016 Luella Popp (fs’38), Hillsboro, Kan., Jan. 23, 2016 Dr. Jake Friesen (g’44), Reedley, Calif., Jan. 20, 2016 Howard Ratzlaff (fs’53), Oak Harbor, Wash., Jan. 10, 2016 Orville Wiebe (g’52, ff’70), Richmond, Va., Jan. 4, 2016

22

Levi Haidle

Bethany Larson

Carolyn (Ens g’65) Klassen, Garden City, Kan., Dec. 30, 2015 Edward Willems (fs’41), Goddard, Kan., Dec. 17, 2015 Esther (Klaassen fs’43) Schroeder, Buhler, Kan., Dec. 13, 2015 Joyce (Balzer fst’87) Unruh, Newton, Kan., Dec. 14, 2015 Ruth (Hiebert fs’64) Penner, Hillsboro, Kan., Nov. 8, 2015 Lewis Hagen (fs’57), Hillsboro, Kan., Dec. 8, 2015 Dr. Paul Toews (g’62), Fresno, Calif., Nov. 27, 2015 Neysa Eberhard (fs’53), Newton, Kan., Nov. 4, 2015 Iona (Karber fs’50) Redemer, Beaver, Okla., Nov. 8, 2015 George Faul (g’54), Dallas, Ore., Nov. 3, 2015 Myrna (Warkentin g’62) Garrick, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Oct. 6, 2015 Juanita (Seibel g’49) Hiebert, Bakersfield, Calif., Oct. 4, 2015 Susan Campbell (fs’75), Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Sept. 29, 2015 Lowell Hiebert (fs’48), Fresno, Calif., Aug. 16, 2016 Beverly (Isaak fs’57) Klassen, Falls Church, Va., Aug. 4, 2015 Elfrieda (Loewen g’44) Reimer, Shafter, Calif., April 20, 2015

Alumni News – 1980s Alistair Roberston (g’84), was named Pediatric Oncology Social Worker of the Year by the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers (APOSW). Robertson is in his 15th year of service at Valley Children’s in Madera, Calif.

Steve Webster (g’83), former “Voice of the Tigers” and Hays broadcaster, was honored by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters with the Hod Humiston Award. The award is given annually to a Kansas broadcaster who has made significant contributions to the field of sports broadcasting, and is named for Hod Humiston who was the first television sportscaster in Kansas when he did play-by-play coverage of college games for KTVH (now KWCH TV), Wichita.

A L U M N I

1990s Brett Crist, M.D. (g’94), was chosen as a member of the 2016 Class of Columbia’s Favorite Doctors, selected by the readers of Inside Columbia magazine.

Crist is in his 11th year of practice at the University of Missouri’s Orthopedic Institute in Columbia, Mo., where he is an associate professor of Orthopedics, co-director

N E W S

of Orthopedic Trauma Service, and director of the Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship.

2010s Brooke Eitzen (g’13), completed her Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering degree at K-State and has joined the staff of Deloitte Consulting in Kansas City as their business analyst.

Kirby Fadenrecht Celebrates 35 Years Tabor and Hillsboro communities gathered this spring to thank Kirby Fadenrecht for 35 years of service at the college. For the past three-anda-half decades Fadenrecht has served students, faculty and staff in the business office.

During that time Fadenrecht has kept the books in the black, managed the food service contractor and maintenance crews and served as the human resources office. Most importantly, he spent time getting to know the students he served, often providing wise counsel—perhaps over one of this famous pies.

His service to students has been one of the things that makes Fadenrecht well-known on campus. During the school year, Fadenrecht could regularly be seen talking with students or at one of the many events cheering on their successes. Students have been welcomed in Fadenrecht’s office to sort out difficult questions or share life’s joys.

“Kirby’s service to Tabor is unmatched,” said President Jules Glanzer. “He has a deep understanding and belief in Tabor’s mission. It goes beyond a day-to-day routine and includes every part of his life. You don’t often have the opportunity to work with someone so fully committed to the lives of students. But that’s just who Kirby is.”

At the celebration, Tabor gave Fadenrecht a rocking chair—a cherished gift usually saved for retirees—to thank him for his work at the school.

Fadenrecht will be missed on campus everyday as he moves to a new position with the McPherson school district. Upon his departure Glanzer gave Fadenrecht a “gold pass” to all things Tabor. He will be welcomed back to the cafeteria and any Tabor event free of charge.

Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies

The Mennonite Heritage Tour participants

The Dr. Wilmer Harms Anabaptism finalists 23

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit #20 Hillsboro KS

Tabor College Connection 400 South Jefferson Hillsboro, KS 67063 Address Service Requested

Please contact us if your address is incorrect: advancement@tabor.edu

Fall 2016

Performing Arts Events

October 21-22 Fall Theater Productions

October 22 Homecoming MusicFest, 10:00 a.m., Wohlgemuth Music Education Center

October 28 Amy Prickett, Guest Recital, 7:00 p.m., Tabor College Chapel

October 29 Tabor College Voice Festival & Competition

October 30-31 Performing Arts Encounter Days

November 13 Piano Extravaganza, 4:00 p.m., Tabor College Chapel

November 20 With Praise & Thanksgiving Choral Concert, 4:00 p.m., Hillsboro MB Church

November 20-21 Performing Arts Encounter Days

December 1 Instrumental Christmas Concert, 7:00 p.m., Hillsboro MB Church

December 4 Messiah, 7:00 p.m., Hillsboro MB Church

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