Tabor College Connection Summer 2022

Summer 2022 • Vol. 76 / No. 3

Inside:

Tabor celebrates 112th Commencement Concert Choir performs original composition Back-to-back honors for two student athletes

on g in all k a H bre ence d n sid u o Gr w Re Ne

From the President Breaking ground implies hope. When farmers break ground planting wheat in the fall, they have hope for the rains that will come and the harvest they will gather in the summer. As we begin construction on our new residence hall, our hope is for the thousands of students that will have seeds of faith planted in their hearts. We hope for the “rain” that will fall as blessings in their lives, the people and conversations and God’s Word that will stimulate them to grow in their understanding of and obedience to God. We hope for the multiplied harvest when these graduates go out, taking Christ into the world.

We celebrated God’s work in residence life at the President’s Dinner this spring. It reminded us that Tabor College is so much more than courses and degrees and career preparation. We do those well, as evidenced in our graduates finding jobs and going on to graduate school. More than that though, the Tabor experience involves community.

Authentic, intentional, messy, real, raw, thriving, sweet, encouraging community. Stories at the President’s Dinner Program revealed cherished lifelong friendships formed at Tabor. I think our size and location foster one of the greatest communities anywhere. Alistair Robertson (g’84), our Commencement speaker, highlighted this theme in his address.

Immediately following the Commencement ceremony I had the privilege of witnessing a profound moment. A graduate came and asked to take a picture with Karen and me. This young man grew up in foster care in a big city. He struggled through college, but along the way he chose to follow Jesus. He was starting a job two days later as a social worker in a high school in his hometown. He was so excited!

Then the moment happened. His Bible professor came up to congratulate him. The newly-minted graduate lit up and said, “Thanks for pushing me! I didn’t like it at the time, but I know so much more about God and the Bible because of you. I’m going to tell my students about God.” This is the harvest we toil for.

It has been a remarkable year! Karen and I have so thoroughly enjoyed meeting and reconnecting with so many people in the Tabor family. We quickly fell in love with Tabor students, faculty and staff. It was sad to say “goodbye” to many graduates at Commencement.

I want to share a special thank you to those who have already responded with pledges or gifts to build the new residence hall. I am humbled by your generosity and partnership in the work God is doing at Tabor. We were blessed to be awarded a $1.5M Mabee Challenge Grant! Would you help us raise the remaining $2.2M by April 2023 so we can receive the Mabee Grant and complete the new residence hall?

You are part of the Tabor family. I hope you enjoy reading about recent Tabor events, reconnecting with our Tabor family and “meeting” new family members in this edition of the Connection.

President David S. Janzen

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Connection

In This Issue

Summer 2022 Vol. 76 / No. 3

2 From the President 5 Mabee Challenge Grant

A magazine for Tabor College alumni & friends Editor Adam Suderman adam.suderman@tabor.edu Contributor Aleen Ratzlaff aleenr@tabor.edu Senior Graphic Designer Diane Oborny dianeo@tabor.edu

6 Batista’s Tabor testimony

4 Greater Tabor community gathers to celebrate residence life at President’s Program

10 Tabor College celebrates two Commencement ceremonies

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Photography Students Collin Brown Brendon Green Dalton McAlister

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

Tabor College Mission: “Preparing people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and His kingdom.”

@TaborCollege /TaborCollege /taborcollege /taborcollege /company/tabor-college /taborcollege TaborCollegeKS Tabor Webcast

15 Teichler, professor & composer

18 Spring Sports Roundup

The Arts – 25th annual Dr. Richard G. Kyle Faculty Lecture

Tabor College 400 South Jefferson Hillsboro, Kansas 67063 (620) 947-3121 tabor.edu

10 112th Tabor Commencement

17 Winter Sports Roundup

Graphic Design Students Josiah Jost Caleb Kliewer

Contributing Photographer John Cramer

9 Undergraduate & Beyond

16 New men’s basketball coach

Photographer Michael Klaassen michaelwklaassen@tabor.edu Director of Alumni Relations Rod Hamm rodneyhamm@tabor.edu

7 Ongstad conquers trials

Penner, Shieldnight earn back-to-back honors

20 Robertson at Commencement 21 Alumni News 23 Jay Day Bluejay cutout

Administration

Board of Directors

David S. Janzen, President Rusty Allen, Executive Vice President of Operations Ron Braun, Vice President of Philanthropy Michael James, Vice President of Finance and Business, CFO Frank Johnson, Executive Vice President of Academics and Compliance

Susan Franz Koslowsky, Chair Diana Raugust, Vice Chair Ted Faszer, Secretary Jeral Gross, Treasurer Roger Ediger, At Large Craig Ratzlaff, At Large Loren Balzer Eric Driggers Natalie Ford, Student Representative Melissa Gutierrez Andrew Jost Mark Jost Kelly Kirby Jerry Kliewer Nate Loewen Wendell Loewen, Faculty Representative Dean Nachtigall Jeff Nikkel Dennis Penner Craig Quiring Pat Redding Elaine Setzer-Maxwell Dan Strutz Tim Sullivan Orson Thomas Wilbur Unrau Richard Unruh Denise Wiens

Faculty Leadership Amy Ratzlaff, Ph.D. Cand., Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance, Assistant Athletic Director, Associate Dean of the School of Professional Studies Rick Bartlett, M.Div., D.Min., Associate Professor of Ministry, Director of Theological Education, Associate Dean of the School of Graduate Studies Christopher Dick, Ph.D., Professor of English, Faculty Chair Wendell Loewen, D.Min., Professor of Youth, Church & Culture; Faith Front Director; Faculty Representative to the Board of Directors; Associate Dean of the School of Liberal Arts

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Greater Tabor community gathers to celebrate residence life at President’s Program A residential life celebration, indeed.

After breaking ground on its newest residence hall, Tabor College capped May 6 by celebrating “Residential Living Through the Years” at its annual President’s Dinner and Program. Speakers spanned nearly 60 years of Tabor’s history, ranging from graduates of 1968 to present day.

The day served as a catalyst as Tabor seeks to raise an additional $2,236,229 for its newest residence hall. If that number is hit by April 2023, the Mabee Foundation will provide an additional $1.5 million (see more on page 5). Construction timelines have the project set to be finished by August 2023.

The evening’s program showcased Tabor residence life through skits, music, testimonies and President David Janzen’s closing address.

Student testimonies included Natalie Ford (JR, Fort Collins, Colo.), David Moss (SO, Haysville, Kan.) and Jakim Ricketts (SR, Livingston, Mont.). Moss and Ricketts are firstyear roommates and have formed a tight friendship in just 10 months.

“I had a lot of personal struggles with basketball, and I wasn’t performing to my expectations,” Ricketts said. “That led to some confidence issues

as a person, but Moss was there every day to encourage me. He still is. He reminded me that I’m not just a basketball player and a student…. I’m a child of God.” Alumni testimonies included Celeste Worthy (g’17), Paul and Gladys Klassen (g’68), and Barry Raugust (g’72).

“We look for opportunities through the year to get together,” Raugust said of his family’s connections at Tabor. “It’s friends from 15, 20-plus years ago for my kids. That doesn’t happen at most colleges. It’s something that really makes Tabor special. The dorms are changing in a good way, but the students who shared earlier in the program remind us that the dorms are still a feature of Tabor College.”

The Tabor Concert Choir and iChoir, from Interterm, shared two songs that they performed earlier in the semester and on tour. Those pieces included “I Will Rise,” written by Chris Tomlin, and “Oh Love,” written by Elaine Hagenberg and George Matheson.

London Eichelberger (FR, Higginsville, Mo.) and Aubrey Laird (FR, Wichita, Kan.) performed a set of three skits based off the relationship dynamics of the 1968 film “The Odd Couple.”

From laughs, relationships, joys and triumphs, the tenor of the evening struck at the heart of Tabor’s residence life.

“A residence hall is not simply a home for our students,” President David Janzen said. “It represents a milestone in life transformation, celebrating and learning of how God led them to Tabor and the plans He has for their lives. We’re incredibly grateful for the gifts that have been given, helping us provide new, quality housing for our students.”

An exciting program capped “Residential Living Through the Years,” the theme of the 2022 President’s Dinner. Top left: President David Janzen gives the keynote address at the program. Bottom left: Aubrey Laird (FR, Wichita, Kan.) and London Eichelberger (FR, Higginsville, Mo.) present one of their three skits. Top right: David Moss (SO, Haysville, Kan.) was one of three students to speak on their residence life experience. Bottom right: the president and First Lady Karen Janzen mingle with guests during the dinner.

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Pictured (left to right) Scott Ramser, architecht, WDM Architects; Cody Palmer, president, Vogts Construction; Taylor Morrow, student body president; Sara Sigley, director of residential education; Dr. David Janzen, president; Ron Braun, vice president of philanthropy; Judy Hiebert, chair of housing task force; Lou Thurston, Hillsboro mayor; Susan Franz Koslowsky, chair of Tabor board of directors.

Tabor College receives a $1.5M challenge grant from Mabee Foundation Fundraising efforts for a new residence hall received a major boost with the announcement of a $1.5 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation. Tabor College will seek to raise an additional $2,236,229 to receive the money. The requirement must be met by April 12, 2023.

With the official groundbreaking on Friday, May 6, the challenge grant represents a significant milestone in fundraising. It will build momentum on the $2.7 million that has already been secured by Tabor’s advancement office and its leadership.

“The Mabee Foundation has been such a wonderful partner to Tabor College over the past 40 years,” President David Janzen said. “We are incredibly thankful for the donors who have already given to this new residence hall project, and we look forward to meeting those who will help us complete this challenge. We’re deeply motivated by the thousands of lives we know God will impact in this residence hall.”

The building, which will house 86 students, would add an additional 28 double rooms, 12 single rooms, and six triple rooms to campus housing. It will be located on the corner of Adams and B streets, just southeast of Dakota Hall and to the northeast of the Business Studies building.

“There is still significant work that needs to be done,” said Ron Braun, vice president of philanthropy. “God has been faithful in bringing support to campus, and we look forward to completing this task in the coming months.”

Dating back to the library addition in 1983, the challenge grant is now the seventh that Tabor has received from the Mabee Foundation. Other projects include the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center (1989), Campus Recreation Center (1992), Solomon L. Loewen Natural Science Center (1997), Townhouse Residence Halls (2006), and the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts (2017). The Mabee Foundation has issued grants that total over $1.2 billion in its 74-year history.

Gifts for the residence hall can be made by check or by visiting www.tabor.edu/give. Contact Braun via email, ronb@tabor.edu, or by phone, 620-947-3121 (ext. 1710) to discuss a gift of appreciated assets, stocks, commodities, real estate, an IRA gift or a legacy gift through an estate.

Join us now to build for a lifetime of memories Your gift or pledge will help us receive the $1.5 million Mabee Challenge Grant.

With your prayers and gifts of support, new student housing will be a reality!

Send your gift for Residence Halls by check, give online at tabor.edu/give (residence halls) or contact Ron Braun, VP of Philanthropy, to discuss a gift of appreciated assets, stocks, commodities, real estate, an IRA gift or a legacy gift through your estate. Email ronb@tabor.edu or call 620-947-3121, ext 1710.

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A L U M N I

S P O T L I G H T

A home away from home: Batista’s life-changing experience at Tabor College “Go here.”

Andrea ‘Dre’ Batista (g’10) walked between the Student Center and H.W. Lohrenz Administration Building in fall 2005, pondering what would lead her to Kansas from her hometown of Hagerman, N.M. As she processed, a still, small voice uttered those exact words in Batista’s ear.

Seeking to walk in obedience with the Lord, the words set Batista’s sights on Tabor College.

A yearning filled Batista’s heart as she began her freshman year. It was understanding that God called her to Tabor, but also a struggle of not being at home to help her family as her mother had died two years earlier.

As she built relationships with her track & field and volleyball teammates, authentic community became something so refreshing that it defied any expectation she had before arriving as a student.

“As hard as it was culturally and learning new behaviors and relationships,” she said, “I learned a difference between religion and a relationship with God. It was as much, if not more, a spiritual shift than an academic shift in college.”

For Batista, that understanding grew out of being paired as a freshman with a senior volleyball player for Bible studies, and hearing former Head Coach Amy Ratzlaff explain how volleyball was not just a sport, but a platform for growing into a deeper relationship with God.

A decorated career, especially in track & field, became metaphoric of Batista’s time as a Bluejay.

A dynamic two-sport athlete, Batista played three years of varsity volleyball and became a do-it-all runner under Head Coach Dave Kroeker in track & field.

Like the pace of a sprint, the straightaways were Batista’s hunger to grow with her peers and make sure her family was taken care of 635 miles southwest of Hillsboro. Yet the curves, much like the strenuous finishing kick of a 400-meter dash, were the trials of Batista completing her degree and conquering fears and concerns to trust her later calling to return home to New Mexico.

During her junior year, Batista had a bill due in order to stay on campus. Finances were tough at home, pushing her to lean on God’s prompting to initially bring her to Tabor. Falling to her knees in prayer, Batista was soon met with a phone call from financial aid. A gift to the college was given specifically to help students cover costs of attending Tabor.

It was down to the penny of the amount on the statement on Batista’s desk.

“It was to the point of I know the Lord wanted me to go here, but I was still struggling,” she said. “I was still learning about my faith, and I asked if the Lord was closing the door. He said, ‘This is still your place of transformation; now watch me work.’”

A “home away from home” was especially true for Batista. Delphos, Kan., the home of former teammate Audra (Atwell, g’10) Schenk, became an extension of her Tabor community. Ahead of her senior year, she remained in Kansas as a farmhand for the Atwell family.

Batista has even made a trip to the Sunflower State almost every summer since graduating. A trip to Kansas is never complete without a visit to Ratzlaff or former biology professor, Dr. Karrie Rathbone.

While just a snippet of Batista’s time at Tabor, these visits give her a reminder of the growth she experienced as a Tabor student.

She currently serves as a science teacher at Lake Arthur High School in Lake Arthur, N.M., helping students see their potential. No matter how far or near from home, she covets the opportunity for them to find their “road to Mt. Tabor.”

“Kansas was my wilderness, and the Lord took me away from home (for) that very reason,” Batista said. “He touched some very painful places in my life. He said, ‘Now that you’re to this point, you have to go back and deal with those things you’ve never Andrea Batista (first row, second from right) came to Tabor College as a two-sport athlete. dealt with.’ As I began teaching, the Lord told me, The transformation within her faith helped propel her to a thriving career as an educator.

‘These students don’t always know how to be happy Also pictured: Back row (L to R): Jordan (Crosson g’11) Schuette, Heather (Witham g’09) and laugh. You have to show them. If you want them Norcilus, Amy Ratzlaff. Front row: Carly (Kroeker g’10) Hiebner, Audra (Atwell, g’10) to be happy and laugh, you have to be happy and Schenk, Batista, Brianna (Unruh g’10) Combs. laugh as much and show them how to do it.’”

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M.Ed. helping propel Ongstad in career, testimony Thoughts of what was to come swam through Amy (Lautt, g’01) Ongstad’s mind. Going through cancer treatment inside the Bismarck (N.D.) Cancer Center, she’d pause, reflect and simply ask why.

A mother of four kids, Ongstad was within her first year of Tabor College’s Master of Education in Neuroscience & Trauma program. She didn’t want to stop her graduate classes, but she also knew she wanted to be there for her kids amidst her cancer diagnosis.

The Lord, as He had and continues to do, provided a path.

A passion for kids led Ongstad to elementary education as her major at Tabor. After receiving her diploma in May 2001, she spent a year on staff at Mountain View Community Church in Fresno, Calif. She later moved home to Harvey, N.D., meeting her husband, Sam, and running a farm together.

While she was first a stay-at-home mom, Ongstad began homeschooling her two oldest sons in 2014. When their youngest child was born in 2019, the children began attending public school, and Ongstad got her first taste of working as a paraprofessional in special education. She began as a substitute, but later earned a part-time role.

“I felt limited in that I couldn’t make connections with kids,” she said.

“There wasn’t much consistency, but I also knew I didn’t want to work full time.”

That opened the door to more training, and Ongstad came across a Facebook advertisement for Tabor’s newest master’s program.

“God had far bigger plans than using it to help me work in the school system,” Ongstad said. “I didn’t know it then, but it was the program I needed for the coming months of my life.”

Finishing her first term of the M.Ed. program, Ongstad went in for an annual checkup with her doctor. That checkup led to her startling diagnosis of breast cancer.

“It felt like some kind of cruel joke,” she said. “I had just started this dream program, and I loved it. I didn’t know how I was going to do a master’s program, be a mom of four children and have cancer.”

Corresponding with Dr. David Stevens, M.Ed. program director, a plan was put in place for her to continue the program.

“God had far bigger plans than using it to help me work in the school system,” Ongstad said. “I didn’t know it then, but it was the program I needed for the coming months of my life.”

It wasn’t without hiccups, however. From surgeries to treatments, her professor and classmates even experienced Ongstad’s participation in a class Zoom call as she sat in the back of an ambulance amidst cancer, a kidney stone and a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Learning how to handle trauma became a powerful coping mechanism amidst her diagnosis.

“God used this master’s program to help me through my own trauma,” said Ongstad, now in remission. “I was living it out in daily life.”

With her kids ranging from the ages of 3 to 13, questions of their mother’s future were understandable. In those situations, and countless others, the Lord provided. Whether it was their church, family or her M.Ed. cohort, “Jehovah Jireh” was there.

“I’m not going to lie, there were periods of grief and mourning, times when we all experienced her pain alongside her, times when we were scared that we would never see Amy finish the M.Ed.,” Stevens said.

“There were times I was afraid I would not hear her voice again. And it was during those times that Amy would shock me, and broaden my own views of human potential, positivity and faith.”

Ongstad has begun work toward a paraprofessional position with CREA—Central Regional Education Association, serving 57 school districts in central North Dakota.

Her determination has left an indelible mark on the opening cohort of Tabor’s newest master’s program.

“When she told me she was in remission, she ended her note with a sentence full of truth,” Stevens said. “’Whatever experiences this new chapter of your career brings, know that you will never be the same. You have been touched by the transforming power of God, whose ways and timing are perfect.’”

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Celebrating academic accomplishments of students & faculty The end of the 2021-22 academic year brought 17 awards and scholarships for graduates and returning students. These awards provide Tabor College with the opportunity to honor excellence in and out of the classroom.

Clarence R. Hiebert Excellence in Teaching Award Given to the faculty member who best exemplifies the qualities of excellent teaching Dr. Aleen Ratzlaff, Communications Kornelius Hiebert Outstanding Student Merit Award A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 is required as well as a demonstrated leadership on campus Natalie Ford (JR, Fort Collins, Colo.)

Dakotah Whiteley (JR, Abilene, Kan.) Fran Jabara Leadership Award An endowment used to recognize and reward leadership gifts in graduating students William Boney (SR, Van Alystyne, Texas) Taylor Morrow (SR, Topeka, Kan.) Nikkel Presidential Service Award Demonstrated involvement in on- and non-campus ministry, shown tendency for providing service to others around them without regard to their own circumstances Toby Penner (SR, Whitewater, Kan.) Abigail Sechrist (SR, Hillsboro, Kan.) Herman and Louise Friesen Music Scholarship Awarded annually to a music/music education major that exhibits honesty, integrity and self-discipline

(L to R): Boney, Morrow, Ford, Whiteley, Sechrist, Penner William J. Johnson Scholarship Preference given to juniors and seniors, chemistry students, and considering a graduate program Kole Long (SR, Maize, Kan.) Solomon L. Loewen Scholarship Preference given to juniors and seniors, biology students, and considering a graduate program Victoria Gonzales (JR, Grand Prairie, Texas) Richard Wall Memorial Scholarship Preference given to biology students, and considering a graduate program

Olivia Jury (SO, Hillsboro, Kan.)

Jada Vence (FR, Florissant, Mo.) Tara Sheets (JR, Azle, Texas)

Jonah Kliewer Choral Music Scholarship Endowed in honor of Dr. Jonah Kliewer and to be given to a student pursuing choral music

David B. Wiens Memorial Scholarship Preference given to a sophomore/junior/senior majoring in mathematical sciences

Mollie Beaver (SO, Wichita, Kan.)

Kekoailanaki Vincent (FR, Wichita, Kan.)

Dr. Karol Hunt Sport Management Scholarship Awarded to a human performance major, preference given to a student with a concentration in sport management, minimum 3.0 GPA required

Don C. and Frieda K. Peters Scholarship Preference to a female who has completed their freshman year, majoring in natural sciences

Brianna Hable (JR, Shawnee, Okla.)

Aubrey Bahner (FR, Topeka, Kan.)

Jenessa J. Hlad Memorial Scholarship Awarded in Hlad’s honor, preference to student majoring in exercise science or related field, minimum 3.0 GPA required

Robert Watson Memorial Award Established in memory of a long-time faculty member in the business department

Vianay Ortega (JR, Jerome, Idaho)

Jazmin Sandoval (JR, Las Vegas, Nev.)

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Tabor degrees propelling Long, Swink to graduate school & beyond Kole Long and Laney Swink each brought a vision for their career to Tabor College.

Four years later, those goals have been ironed out, and Long (Maize, Kan.) and Swink (Fort Gibson, Okla.) will begin preparation for doctoral and graduate work, respectively.

Long, a biochemistry and biology/biomedical science double major, will head to the University of Oklahoma to complete a Ph.D. in biochemistry. A master’s degree is available in two years, but a full four- to fiveyear stay will give Long his doctorate in his field of study.

Swink, an exercise science and psychology major, is attending Langston University to start a three-year graduate program in physical therapy.

The duo represents a growing trend of students who are both participating in Tabor’s graduate programs and pursuing other educational avenues after finishing in Hillsboro.

Long’s journey began as a freshman in high school, hearing his chemistry teacher, and a biochemical engineer, compliment his eye in the laboratory. The Solomon L. Loewen Science Building became Long’s home while at Tabor.

He began conducting research alongside Dr. Josh McLoud, assistant professor of biology, in his junior year. It allowed him to do hands-on experimenting that led him to presenting at the Kansas Academy of Science Conference on the “ITS barcoding region of fungi.”

“Dr. McLoud and Dr. (Norman) Schmidt helped me see what I wanted to do and positioned me to apply for grad school,” Long said.

Swink’s journey as a double major helped craft her path as she begins

graduate school. She recalled meeting with Jim Paulus, assistant professor of psychology, on her visit and seeing the crossover between exercise science and psychology.

Having endured injuries as a member of the Bluejay women’s basketball team, she saw her path forward. It wasn’t just to help athletes, but to be a listening and supportive ear in any type of injury or accident for any age group.

“I know what my teammates and I have gone through with injuries,” Swink said. “To not have someone to talk it through with you and support you is tough. I realized how cool it would be to understand what’s going on in someone’s mind as they recover.”

Both Long and Swink said their support systems at Tabor have been invaluable.

Long was baptized as a sophomore, building his relationship with Jesus and connecting on a deeper level with his peers and professors.

“I’ve grown in my faith a lot here,” Long said. “Due to all the opportunities I had, I knew I wanted to be baptized, and I’ve had a lot of professors who have helped me get to where I am now.”

“Send me” has been the motto of Swink’s time as an undergraduate student. The words are tattooed on her arm and have helped mold her spiritually, academically and athletically.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”—Isaiah 6:8 (NIV) “It embodies who I am,” she said. “When I visited Tabor and was thinking of whether or not I’d go here, (my Mom) said, ‘Just remember, look at your arm.’ That reminds me of why I came here and where I’m going.”

Support Tabor

with your prayers and gifts!

Your dollars can:

• Build Residence Halls • Fund Scholarships • Enable Excellence

Ways to Give: • • • •

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

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T A B O R

C O L L E G E

C O M M E N C E M E N T

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Tabor College celebrates two Commencement ceremonies The 112th Commencement of Tabor College was unlike any prior to this year’s.

Students of the Class of 2022, including 124 undergraduates (online and on-campus) and 49 from Graduate & Online, were honored in separate ceremonies with their family and friends.

A significant increase in Graduate & Online enrollment marked the college’s second year of holding Commencement in the Richert Auditorium of the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts.

Dr. David Janzen took part in his first Commencement as Tabor president and between the two ceremonies, over 1,000 guests were welcomed to campus.

Following the president’s opening greeting, Toby Penner (SR, Whitewater, Kan.) gave the undergraduate address, highlighting the accomplishments and memories of the Class of 2022. He challenged his classmates to not let their collegiate accolades be their defining moment.

“So often God speaks to us through other people and it’s important we open ourselves to new relationships wherever we go next,” Penner said.

“We also need to continue to learn. Don’t get me wrong, a college degree is an amazing accomplishment and something that we should be very proud of. If we leave Tabor thinking that we have nothing else to learn, we will miss valuable lessons God wants to teach us in the coming days, months and years. We need to make Jesus the center of each day. Not each Sunday or holidays, each and every day.”

Amy (Lautt g’01) Ongstad spoke on behalf of the Graduate & Online students for the afternoon’s ceremony.

A part of the inaugural cohort for the M.Ed. in Neuroscience & Trauma, Ongstad emphasized the relationships they formed through this breakthrough program.

“We have President David Janzen presents one of two posthumous degrees to the family of Christopher Castillo.

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shared our joys and struggles, cheered each other on, prayed for each other, and dared to be vulnerable,” Ongstad said. “We hoped to find acceptance in our weaknesses. Our lives have been woven together through our time at Tabor, and the connections we’ve made here will remain long after we finish.”

A Feb. 27 car accident tragically killed Tabor students, Christopher Castillo and Johnethon Aviles. Castillo was scheduled to graduate in May, while Aviles was set to finish in December 2022. Janzen and Dr. Frank Johnson, executive vice president of academics and compliance, presented a posthumous degree to Castillo’s family. The Aviles family will receive his posthumous degree at Commencement in May 2023.

The Tabor College Concert Choir was featured in the morning, singing “Celebrate” by Keith Hampton. The performance was highlighted by solos from Betsy George (JR, Omaha, Neb.) and Jessica Klein (SO, Bel Aire, Kan.).

The keynote speaker of this year’s Commencement was Alistair Robertson (g’84). Serving in social work for nearly 40 years, Robertson spoke of God’s calling into the profession and what has been an awardwinning career. After living in Kansas from 1981-2002, he has spent the last 20 years at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, Calif.

Robertson’s speech, titled “A Life’s Journey of the Weird and of God’s Grace,” centered around God’s hand in his story.

“This is my passion, joy and ministry,” Robertson said. “My prayer for each graduate is that you’ll find your passion. What brings you joy?

Integrate your spiritual gifts into your work, so that work becomes a place of worship and that you live a life of purpose with gratitude.”

Hooding ceremonies were conducted by the director of each graduate program: Mark Posson, director of nontraditional & business programs, assistant professor of business; Dr. Rick Bartlett, director of theological education & associate professor of ministry; and Dr. David Stevens, M.Ed. program director and associate professor of education.

The presentation of the honor cords was conducted by Dr. Chris Dick, professor of English and faculty chair. Janzen presented diplomas and Rod Hamm, director of alumni relations, provided each graduate with a Bible.

William Boney (SR, Frisco, Texas), senior class president, provided the final address on behalf of the undergraduate class.

“I’ve learned a lot here at Tabor College, and most of what I’ve learned is that we are all different in some way,” Boney said. “We have students here from all over the United States, and even from all over the globe. We have students who are the first in their family to graduate from college and I’ve got to meet so many different people from different cultures, and I’m forever grateful for that. Tabor gives students opportunities that bigger schools couldn’t.”

Tabor College celebrated its Graduate & Online students in the 1 p.m. ceremony. Top left, Mbala Henri Ngolo gives the invocation at the Graduate & Online ceremony.

Top right Jamie Driggers greets President Janzen on stage. Middle left, Eric Kruckenberg is hooded for his M.Ed. in Neuroscience & Trauma degree. Middle right, Andy (g’94) and Carmen Owen join Tassanee (Sanchez, g’20) Becker and her husband, Joel, after the ceremony.

Bottom, Tena Loewen (g’17) received her M.Ed. and celebrated with her family members.

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2 Tabor College celebrated its Undergraduate students in the morning ceremony. 1) President David Janzen awards JoJuan Thompson (SR, Richmond, Calif.) his diploma. 2) Lindsay Rader (SR, Joplin, Mo.) reads Ephesians 2:4-10 during the undergraduate ceremony. 3) The Tabor College Concert Choir performs “Redeemed of God,” written by Dr. Clarence Hiebert and Dr. Jonah Kliewer. 4) Rodolfo Vasquez (SR, Tulare, Calif.) high-fives faculty through the reception line. 5) Tabor College awarded 123 diplomas to its undergraduate class. 6) Leon Marcikic (SR, Subotica, Serbia) celebrates alongside Ron and Cora Regier. 7) James Liburd (SR, Elizabeth, N.J.) hugs Mark Standiford, Tabor head baseball coach. 8) Rheanna Smith (SR, Reno, Nev.) celebrates with Joyce Kessler.

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T H E

A R T S

Professor Shin-hee Chin and Dr. Sheila Litke presented the 25th annual Dr. Richard G. Kyle Faculty Lecture on April 19 in the Richert Auditorium of the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts. They presented “Butterfly Masks,” which is a collaborative presentation that integrates visual art pieces with Robert Schumann’s piano music. Litke finished her 22nd year at Tabor, serving as professor of piano, associate arts director, and music department chair. Chin is professor of art, finishing her 17th year on campus.

The Tabor College Concert Choir went on its first tour in two years. The tour, “Faith, Hope, Love,” was built on 1 Corinthians 13:13, emphasizing that love is the foundation of living a life devoted to Christ and His teachings. The students and faculty made 10 stops through Oklahoma and Texas. They also had three other spring performances in Kansas, including Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church (Feb. 27, pictured) and First Mennonite Church (April 3) in Hillsboro, as well as Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church (March 27).

Tabor College hosts 4A State Solo & Small Ensemble Festival Tabor College served as host to the Class 4A State Solo & Small Ensemble Festival on May 11.

The event featured 1,070 students from 53 Kansas high schools, allowing Tabor to showcase its campus and facilities by welcoming the largest music festival it has ever hosted.

After a tornado traveled through Andover, Kan., on April 29, Andover Central High School was unable to host the event on April 30. That left a limited window for these musicians to compete and perform before the end of the semester.

“What a wonderful opportunity for Tabor College,” said Dr. Sheila Litke, festival coordinator and Tabor performing arts department chair.

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“We, as a music department, are honored that the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) felt we had the facility and ability to host the event as well as plan and organize it within 12 days.”

Instrument and vocal performances were spread across campus, allowing over 1,500 visitors to interact with faculty, staff and students and experience campus life at Tabor.

“With directors coming from all across the state, many left amazed with the beautiful campus, facility and staff that we have,” Litke said. “I couldn’t be prouder of the student helpers, my colleagues, as well as the many faculty and staff that helped throughout the entire festival. We have certainly put Tabor College on the map.”

Concert Choir performs original composition of Dr. R. Christopher Teichler Composition is firmly entrenched in the musical DNA of Dr. R. Christopher Teichler.

In the last 12 months, Tabor College audiences have heard Teichler’s talents on stage and across multimedia.

Teichler wrote “13,” a song based on Psalm 13 and performed by the Tabor Concert Choir. A music video was filmed, produced and released on Oct. 1, 2021, by Austin Calam (g’18), owner of Kairos Studios. The video starred Mallory Ediger (cs). The Inauguration of President David Janzen featured “Sun, Rain, and Wind,” which Teichler wrote from a poem by Jean Janzen for the Sept. 24, 2021, event.

Audiences were also treated to “The Good Samaritan” on Mother’s Day. Teichler wrote and produced the cantata in 2016. The performance told the story of the parable found in Luke 10:25-37.

Teichler told Dr. Greg Zielke, director of music, of the cantata when he arrived in Hillsboro in fall 2019, and he recalls it striking Zielke’s attention.

During the 2020-21 school year, Zielke told Teichler he wanted to perform the cantata in spring 2022.

“Hearing these groups perform my writing inspires me to want to do more,” Teichler said. “I feel I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”

As he began writing the cantata six years ago, Teichler said he was struck by a piece that had four Psalms interwoven with stories of four people who lived in Jerusalem at the time.

In his composition, Teichler chose to add Old Testament text through breaks in the parable.

“Rather than just saying, ‘Here’s the text with some music to it,’ it’s putting the story and other scripture into perspective and contemplating who we are as Christians,” he said.

Teichler’s career in music has taken him to four different universities through the Chicago area, including Wheaton, Trinity, Northwestern and DePaul. He is also the Composer in Residence for the MidCities Chamber

Singers, a choral group that performs in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, metroplex.

He has taught composition, conducting, aural skills, trumpet and piano through more than 30 years in music. He directs the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and Bluejay Band at Tabor.

As he prepares for his fourth year at Tabor College, Teichler said he hopes his passion for the arts continues to inspire future generations of musicians.

“I want to help each student craft their vision for their future and do what I can to get them there,” he said. “I hope I can fill in some gaps along the way to benefit them in the short and long term. It’s truly a collaborative process, and I aspire to see them become as well-rounded as possible.”

The second annual Tabor College

Arts Hall of Fame Saturday, September 10, 2022 Shari Flaming Center for the Arts – Tabor College – Hillsboro, KS Induction Ceremony (open to the public) – 7:30 pm, Richert Auditorium visit tabor.edu/tickets to reserve free tickets Inductees: Judy Harder (g ‘68), Theatre Larry Warkentin (g ‘62), Music 15

Penner, Shieldnight earn back-to-back honors as male & female athlete of the year Toby Penner and Zoe Shieldnight have left a lasting legacy with Tabor College Athletics.

One year after celebrating their selections as male and female athletes of the year, the duo won the awards for a second time at the Year in Sports Celebration in the Shari Toby Penner Zoe Shieldnight Flaming Center for the Arts.

The end-of-year event commemorated their decorated careers as Bluejays.

Penner’s track & field career is etched in Tabor College record books.

He is a three-time national qualifier in outdoor and also qualified twice for indoors.

Penner won the conference championship in the 400M hurdles (53.58) in early May. He ran the same race at the NAIA National Outdoor Track & Field Championships, earning All-American honors and placing fifth (52.23).

In his final indoor season, Penner, along with teammates Dillon Callaway (FR, Sapulpa, Okla.), Nick Montoya (SO, Pueblo, Colo.) and Caden Cunningham (FR, Richmond, Texas), smashed the school record in the distance medley relay at 10:07.69. He also came in ninth nationally in the 600M run (1:20.22).

After graduating on May 21, Penner will now pursue his master’s degree in Communications at Wichita State University. He is also using his final year of track eligibility as a Shocker.

“The biggest thing I’ll take away from Tabor is learning how to interact, live with, and witness to people who are different than me,” Penner

said. “The Tabor campus has certain spaces and groups that are very diverse and as a member of the track team that helped expand my perspective in a number of areas and mature in my faith, specifically.”

Shieldnight earned honorable mention NAIA All-American honors for a second-straight year. She averaged 10.5 points per game, shooting nearly 50 percent from the floor. She also earned first-team All-KCAC honors in consecutive seasons.

Following her wedding this summer, Shieldnight will teach math at McPherson Middle School in McPherson, Kan. With less than three months separating her graduation from Tabor and her first year of teaching, Shieldnight is thankful for the support of her Tabor coaches, teammates and professors and how they prepared her for this next step.

“I want to help guide students who might be going through a difficult time,” Shieldnight said. “I want to share with them the things I’ve gone through and how it shaped me as a basketball player and a student.

There is life application in basketball, and I look forward to using what I’ve learned with my students.”

Other 2021-22 Tabor Athletics award winners Mighty Bluejay Male Newcomer Female Newcomer Unsung Hero Breakthrough Athlete Coach of the Year Fan of the Year Female Athlete of the Year Male Athlete of the Year

Payton Eskridge, women’s soccer Caden Cunningham, cross country/track & field Kassidy Beam, women’s basketball Jim Gassman, baseball Mary Yandell, softball Grant Brubacher, men’s soccer Sarah Tham, Ph.D., assistant professor of education Zoe Shieldnight, women’s basketball Toby Penner, track and field

Warren named Tabor men’s basketball coach Matt Warren was officially announced as Tabor’s new men’s basketball coach on April 12. Warren comes to Hillsboro after serving as associate head coach at Warner University in Lake Wales, Fla. “My family and I feel incredibly blessed that the Lord has led us to Tabor College and Hillsboro. We felt at home the moment we stepped on campus,” Warren said. “Tabor has everything a student-athlete needs to thrive in their faith, academics and athletics, so I am eager to get to work on the court with our team. I want to thank President David Janzen, Matt Warren Athletic Director Marty Ziesemer and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to lead this prestigious program.”

After arriving at Warner in May 2017, he quickly moved into the role of associate head coach, helping it to four-straight, 20-plus win seasons. Warren played a major role in three regular-season titles, three NAIA National Tournament berths and one NCCAA National Tournament appearance.

Prior to coaching at Warner, Warren made a stop at Combine Academy in Orlando, Fla. He spent one year working with international players as the head coach and director of basketball operations of Combine Academy Red Star before transitioning into the Combine Academy general manager and head coach.

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Warren had two stints at Indian River State College (2011-12 and 201415) in Fort Pierce, Fla. In 2013-14, he served as a student manager at the University of North Florida under Head Coach Matt Driscoll. His two-year stay in Jacksonville, Fla., included day-to-day operations of video editing, player development, game preparation/scouting and academics.

He completed his B.S. in Sports Management at the University of North Florida (2014) and his M.S. in Management from Warner University (2018).

Tabor Athletic Director Marty Ziesemer is excited to have Warren lead the men’s program.

“On behalf of the search committee, we are pleased that Matt will be joining the Bluejay athletic family as our next men’s basketball coach,” Ziesemer said. “We were very impressed with his plan to develop and invest in our student-athletes not just on the basketball court, but in academics, faith and character or life in general.”

Driscoll congratulated Warren on the opportunity to lead the Bluejays’ program.

“Matt has earned this opportunity and will hit the ground running, bringing your men’s basketball program to the upper echelon of the league quickly,” Driscoll said. “He has always been that person that wasn’t concerned if he was planting or watering. He just wants the seed to grow, which demonstrates his servant’s heart.”

Winter Sports Roundup CHEERLEADING

The Tabor cheer squad worked hard at developing new skill sets and pushing themselves to new heights. Our athletes are able to execute a higher level of stunting and tumbling, requiring them to be strong athletes. On top of what the team does at home games, they have worked at events to help bring Tabor and the local community together.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Tabor swept the season series against Avila and Sterling, but saw its season come to an end against Kansas Wesleyan in its opening game of the KCAC Tournament. It picked up its final conference victory on Senior Night, knocking off McPherson, 79-61. Montel Stewart (SR, G, Palm Bay, Fla.) led the Bluejays in scoring at 9.8 points per game. Tabor split its annual non-conference tournament, hitting a season high in points and knocking off Langston (Okla.), 93-65. After 15 years at the helm, Head Coach Micah Ratzlaff announced his resignation at the end of the season. Tabor is grateful for his faithful service to the student-athletes in his program.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Bluejays continued their remarkable run, qualifying for the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship for the seventh time in nine seasons.

Tabor finished 22-9, including 19-5 in KCAC play. It’s the seventh time the program has reached 20 or more wins under Head Coach Shawn Reed. Zoe Shieldnight (SR, F, Gore, Okla.) was named an honorable mention NAIA All-American for a second-straight year. She was also named a first-team KCAC All-Conference selection and led the Bluejays with 10.5 points per game. Sammy Jo Peterson (SR, G, Cottonwood Falls, Kan.) was a third-team KCAC AllConference pick. Alyvia Owens (SO, F, Hutchinson, Kan.) and Kasey Rice (SR, G, Shawnee, Okla.) each earned honorable mention honors, while Kassidy Beam (FR, G, McPherson, Kan.) was named to the All-Freshman team.

MEN’S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD

Tabor’s 11 national qualifiers was the largest for any indoor or outdoor track roster in program history. The meet took place March 3-5 at South Dakota State in Brookings, S.D. Dillon Callaway (FR, Sapulpa, Okla.) 1,000M 12th, 2:29.51 Caden Cunningham (FR, Richmond, Texas) 3,000M 22nd, 8:45.65 William Colgin (SO, Canton, Kan.) Triple jump, 20th, 13.96M Toby Penner (JR, Whitewater, Kan.) 600M, 9th, 1:20.22 Vance Shewey (FR, Meade, Kan.) High jump, 15th, 2.01M Dashaun Sanford (SO, Houston, Texas) High jump, 22nd, 2.01M Garrett Kinsey (JR, Norman, Okla.), Jerah Schmidt (SO, Goessel, Kan.), Pierce Klaassen (JR, Ark City, Kan.), Alan Catana (SO, Cleveland, Texas) 4x800M relay preliminaries, 16th, 8:17.78 Nicolas Montoya (SO, Pueblo, Colo.), Callaway, Penner, Cunningham, distance medley relay, 14th, 10:15.16

WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD

The distance races anchored Tabor’s efforts at the KCAC Championships. The distance medley relay team of Danielle Allison (FR, Oakley, Kan.), Destiny Cooper (SO, Hurst, Texas), Brooke Wiebe (FR, Newton, Kan.), and Emma Willison (SO, Buhler, Kan.) took home the gold medal (13:14.76). Willison, Allison, Wiebe and Sonya Zimmerman (FR, Newton, Kan.) finished third in the 4x800M relay.

Zimmerman and Wiebe also starred in the 800M, finishing fourth (2:25.56) and seventh (2:29.94), respectively. A talented group of underclassmen helped the roster strike in Wichita and have it poised for great improvements in 2022-23.

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Spring Sports Roundup BASEBALL

Tabor returned to its first NAIA National Tournament since 2017.

Assigned to Bellevue (Neb.) to open the postseason, the Bluejays’ season ended after a 7-5 loss to Concordia (Neb.). Tabor finished 38-19, grabbing a third-place finish in the KCAC for a 12th-consecutive season. The Bluejays’ bats were a major catalyst in 2022. They led the NAIA in home runs (118) and finished inside the Top 10 in runs (531), runs batted in (505), hits (641), and doubles (143). Nine players earned KCAC All-Conference honors, including first-team selections Leo Aguilar (SR, C, Arlington, Texas), Kelsey Weems (SR, OF, Charlotte, N.C.), Tanyon Schafer (SR, OF, Topeka, Kan.), Miguel Ramos (JR, DH, Wichita, Kan.), and Austen Seidel (SR, P, New Braunfels, Texas). Second-team selections included Cody Moore (SO, 1B, Midlothian, Texas), Victor Sanchez (SO, SS, Vega Alta, Puerto Rico), and Rodolfo Vasquez (SR, OF, Tulare, Calif.).

Drake Girard (JR, 3B, Midlothian, Texas) earned honorable mention honors.

SOFTBALL

Tabor (20-25, 15-9 in KCAC) won eight of its final 10 games in the regular season, but saw its year end against Ottawa, 4-3, in the conference tournament. Taylor Sheppard (JR, P, Rigby, Idaho) was one of 13 Bluejays to earn All-Conference honors, earning unanimous first-team KCAC All-Conference honors. Analeisa Bejarano (JR, 1B, Tucson, Ariz.) led the conference in on-base percentage (.520) and was top three in batting (.438) and slugging (.750), but finished with second-team honors. Other secondteam selections included Mary Yandell (JR, 2B, Moore, Okla.), Alyssa Martinez (SO, C, Eastvale, Calif.), and Jordyn Farren (JR, DP, Galt, Calif.).

Honorable mention selections were Leilani Rios (FR, P, Downey, Calif.), Zoe Brewer (JR, P, Lake Mathews, Calif.), Courtney Bossman (SR, UTL, Citrus Heights, Calif.), Vivi Ortega (SO, SS, Jerome, Idaho), Alicia Lopez (JR, 3B, Eastvale, Calif.), Laura Savage (FR, OF, Florence, Kan.), Rachael Gray (JR, OF, Ovilla, Texas), and Rheanna Smith (SR, OF, Reno, Nev.).

MEN’S GOLF

Playing its third season since its program reboot, Tabor finished eighth at the KCAC Championships at Buffalo Dunes in Garden City, Kan. The Bluejays had their best 18-hole round of the season, tallying a 315 during the tournament. Logan Mathews (SR, Ada, Okla.) and Osacar Saldivar (JR, Pharr, Texas) played their final tournament for Tabor. The Bluejays’ championship roster was rounded out by Andreas Aho (FR, Menahga, Minn.), David Darrah (FR, Wichita, Kan.), and Ryan Hill (FR, Mohave Valley, Ariz.). Mathews was also named to the 2022 KCAC Champions of Character for men’s golf.

WOMEN’S GOLF

Valdisa Andov (SO, Pekanbaru, Indonesia) shined at the KCAC Championships, finishing second and just two strokes behind the tournament champion. Andov finished third as a freshman, giving her back-to-back, top-three conference finishes. She finished her sophomore season with two-straight, second-place finishes. Madison Guerra (FR, Dinuba, Calif.) finished second on the team at the conference tournament, shooting her best round of the year at 95. The exciting finish to 2021-22 will serve as a springboard for next season as all five of its starting golfers return to campus. Andov and Tara Sheets (JR, Azle, Texas) were also named 2022 KCAC Champions of Character for women’s golf.

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MEN’S TRACK & FIELD

For the first time in program history, Tabor brought home two All-Americans from the NAIA National Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Vance Shewey (FR, Meade, Kan.) finished third in the high jump (6’11”). Prior to traveling to Gulf Shores, Ala., he won the KCAC Championship (6’9.75”) and entered nationals as the No. 1 seed. In his final meet as a Bluejay, Toby Penner (SR, Whitewater, Kan.) also earned All-American honors by placing fifth in the 400M hurdles (52.23). That came after winning the race at the conference meet (53.58).

Jacob Skinner (JR, Yale, Okla.) concluded his career at nationals, placing 19th (14.80) in the preliminaries of the 110M hurdles. Tyke Owens (SO, Frisco, Texas) narrowly missed the finals in the 100M dash, finishing 16th (10.64). Zack Johnson threw discus in Gulf Shores, finishing 16th (151’9”) out of 27 throwers.

The men’s 4x100M relay qualified, but an inadvertent bump from an opponent dropped Tabor’s baton to the track, and they were disqualified.

WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD

Jordyn Lowrie (SO, Oakley, Kan.), in her first year with the track team, was Tabor’s lone recipient of a bid to NAIA Outdoor Nationals in Gulf Shores, Ala. Lowrie competed in the high jump, entering Nationals with a ‘B’ Standard jump of 5’4.5”. She jumped 5’4.5” in her trip south, finishing in 11th place. The Bluejays finished eighth out of 12 teams in the KCAC Outdoor Championships.

Kylie Crist (SR, Quinter, Kan.) concluded her career as an All-Conference selection in javelin, finishing third and throwing 116’2”. The 4x800M relay team of Danielle Allison (FR, Oakley, Kan.), Emma Willison (SO, Buhler, Kan.), Sonya Zimmerman (FR, Newton, Kan.) and Brooke Wiebe (FR, Newton, Kan.) finished third (9:58.13). Lowrie and Wiebe were joined by Dekayla Gaines (FR, Edmond, Okla.) and Destiny Cooper (SO, Hurst, Texas) as the fourth-place finishers (4:07.26) in the 4x400M relay. Senior Abigail Sechrist wrapped up her career with a seventh-place finish in the 3000M steeplechase (12:19.09).

MEN’S TENNIS

The Bluejays reached the KCAC postseason bracket for a second-straight year. Tabor’s season ended in the opening round, 4-2, against Kansas Wesleyan.

Ethan Kutz (SO, Sheridan, Wyo.) and Raul Moreana Chan picked up a No. 3 doubles win against the Coyotes. No. 1 doubles partners, Mateo Garcia (JR, Bogota, Colombia) and Noe Hauschildt (FR, Saint Andr De Sangonis, France), fell 6-2. Mickel Alexander (SR, St. George, Grenada) and Jean Paul Fort (JR, Lima, Peru) dropped a nail-biter in No. 2 doubles, 7-5. Fort and Kutz pulled out key victories in singles, but the Coyotes came out on top. Hauschildt earned KCAC All-Conference second-team honors, while Garcia was selected for honorable mention.

WOMEN’S TENNIS

After knocking off Bethel, 4-0, to open the postseason, Tabor’s season ended in the semifinals against Southwestern, 4-1. An impressive group of upperclassmen were at the forefront of the Bluejays’ roster. Olivia Brubacher (SR, Hesston, Kan.) played alongside Liliana Wait (SR, Parker, Colo.) in No. 1 doubles.

The seniors dropped a tightly contested match, 7-5. Both rebounded in singles, but Brubacher’s match was called early. Tara Stewart (FR, Craigavon, Northern Ireland) and Marisol Blair (SO, Topeka, Kan.) helped even the doubles’ matches.

Brubacher was a KCAC All-Conference, second-team pick, while Wait and Geanna Richard (SO, Brooklyn, N.Y.) were both honorable mention.

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Robertson celebrates God’s faithfulness as Commencement keynote speaker Alistair Robertson (g’84) had no idea how much weight a magazine advertisement could carry.

A pre-med major at Cal State University-Northridge, Robertson was pursuing a degree in the medical field, thanks to his mother’s influence as a nurse. At the same time, he was walking alongside his best friend that was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Feeling moved to be a source of hope and light in his life, Robertson felt God put a call on his heart to study psychology or social work and help those with mental illness or other needs.

On a later afternoon, Robertson was reading a copy of Campus Life, a Christian magazine for high school students. It’s where he found a full-page advertisement that read, “Tabor College, Liberal Arts Christian College, highly accredited for Social Work.”

He had not heard of a Mennonite Brethren church, but his pastor affirmed his decision to move to Kansas.

“I felt it was God’s way of revealing and affirming that I was to study social work at Tabor College,” Robertson said. “… My pastor told me that I’d meet wonderful, God-honoring people and that I would be in good hands.”

Nearly 40 years after graduating from Tabor, Robertson returned to campus to deliver the keynote address at the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.

“Tabor has such a deep, personal connection with its students, but first and foremost with God’s kingdom,” Robertson said.

“For me, I’m excited to be at a place where my faith journey took root.

Robertson found a home in Hillsboro and also met his wife, Sevia (Holmskog, g’82). Her parents, Norman and Beverly, coached and taught at Tabor College. Beverly taught English for 19 years, while Norman coached men’s basketball and taught for eight years.

After finishing his bachelor’s degree, Robertson had brief stints at Prairie View Inc. in Newton, Kan., and Menninger-Children’s Hospital in Topeka, Kan. That led him to his master’s degree, studying social work at the University of Kansas in the early 1990s.

He and his wife remained in Kansas until 2002, deciding to move to

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California and join the Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, Calif. He has been at the hospital since 2002.

A heart for service has also been a mainstay in his family’s life.

From 1991-92, Robertson and his wife served as missionaries at Children’s Haven International in Reynosa, Mexico. Short-term missions work has also taken him to Kenya, leading training for social work and healthcare workers.

Alongside his current role at the hospital, Robertson serves as an adjunct professor of social work at Fresno Pacific University.

Tabor also stretches to their children. They have two adult sons, Malachi and Josiah (g’17).

His journey of finding Tabor College and shaping God’s calling on his life has taken him across the globe. However, it provided the framework of his Commencement address, “A Life’s Journey of the Weird and of God’s Grace.”

“Tabor has such a deep, personal connection with its students, but first and foremost with God’s kingdom,” Robertson said. “For me, I’m excited to be at a place where my faith journey took root. I’m so grateful and indebted for the invitation to speak.”

Secondly, the invitation to speak was meaningful because of he and his wife’s relationship with the President and First Lady.

“My wife and I have so much appreciation and respect for David and Karen Janzen,” Robertson said. “They are lifelong friends, and it stretches back a generation too with my in-laws and their parents as well. It’s truly a family thing.”

Alumni News Marriages Joshua (g’20) and Brenna (Peters g’20) Kliewer, Hesston, Kan., on March 5, 2022.

Avery (g’18) and Mikaelyn (Dick g’17) Franz, Henderson, Neb., on March 5, 2022.

Justin and Breanna (g’09 Wray) Sparkman, Elkhart, Kan., on June 27, 2020.

Andy (g’22) and Kayla (Roth g’21) Kinser, Kingman, Kan., on April 30, 2022.

Franz/Dick

Kinser/Roth

Kliewer/Peters

Lucille Faul

Trevor Shafer

Avery Sparkman

Erwin Bartel

Elfreda Fast

Patricia Neufeld

Donald Regier

Dorothy Thompson

Rev. Kenneth Unruh

Sparkman/Wray

Births/Adoptions Nathan (g’2005) and Abby (Loewen g’2007) Faul, Huron, S.D., a girl, Lucille Rose, March 5, 2022.

Jerrod and Emily (Heizelman g’10) Shafer, Wichita, Kan., a boy, Trevor Jerald, March 13, 2022.

Justin and Breanna (g’09 Wray) Sparkman, Elkhart, Kan., a girl, Avery Lynne, Feb. 23, 2022.

Dawson (g’15) and Mallory Waltner, North Newton, Kan., a boy, Brayden Henry, March 14, 2022.

Deaths Rev. Kenneth Unruh (g’56), age 90, New Ulm, Minn., June 12, 2021.

Antonio Thompson-Tape (g’81), age 61, Visalia, Calif., Jan. 15, 2022.

Erwin Bartel (fs’57), age 84 , Fairview, Okla., Feb. 19, 2022.

Dorothy Thompson (g’98), age 56, Wichita, Kan., March 25, 2022.

Bill Kliewer (g’65), age 78, North Newton, Kan., March 31, 2022.

Donald Regier, (fs’50), age 89, Littleton, Colo., April 12, 2022.

Patricia Neufeld (g’83), age 63, Phoenix, Ariz., April 26, 2022.

Elfreda (Penner g’38) Fast, age 104, Hillsboro, Kan., May 2, 2022.

Dean Kliewer (g’55), age 89, Dinuba, Calif., May 14, 2022.

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

Upcoming Alumni Directory Tabor College is partnering with PCI to publish an updated printed alumni directory in 2023.

This summer all alumni will be receiving postcards and e-mails asking that you verify and update your contact information. PCI is a trusted company and the college encourages all alumni to respond so that we have the best information possible for the directory. If you have any questions, contact Rod Hamm in the alumni office.

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A L U M N I

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

N E W S

Alumni News – 1960s

2000s

Dr. David J. Schroeder (g’64) was honored with the Ray Ackerman Leadership Award at United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Snowflake Gala on April 4, 2022. The Ray Ackerman Leadership Award is given each year to individuals who have exemplified leadership in support of United Way of Central Oklahoma’s work. Named for Ray Ackerman, a veteran volunteer, this award honors those who share his tireless efforts and devotion to United Way’s mission, setting the standard for Dr. David Schroeder volunteerism, leadership and caring.

Schroeder has been an integral part of the United Way of Central Oklahoma mission for more than 25 years. In addition to serving in various capacities on the Board of Directors & Trustees, Community Investment Committee, Allocations Subcommittees and Research & Community Initiatives Committee, he provided key guidance as the chair of the May Tornadoes Relief Disbursement Committee following the May 2013 tornadoes.

He has also been active with the Edmond Mennonite Brethren Church, the Western Oaks Christian Church, the Oklahoma City Friends of the Library Board and annual Friends Booksale, and the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma.

Keresa (Stepanek) Britton (g’08) earned a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in gerontology from Northcentral University in May 2021. Her dissertation, titled,“Dancing With Mom: The Shared Identity Between Caregiving Daughters and Their Mothers With Dementia: A Qualitative Narrative Study,” was awarded the NCU 2021 Dissertation of the Year. Britton is the owner-operator of an academic coaching and editing service, specializing in tutoring doctoral students throughout their doctoral program and dissertation writing sequence. She plans to continue providing advocacy and support services to dementia caregivers through workshops, social media groups, and one-on-one support.

Be Connected!

Share what’s new in your life with the Tabor community Please share your info/photos of marriages, births, career updates, recent honors/awards, etc.

Email: alumni@tabor.edu Facebook DM: /TaborCollege Instagram DM: /taborcollege Text: 620-877-7227 Call: 620-947-3121 xt 1708 Online: tabor.edu/alumni-friends and click “Be Connected”

SAVE THE DATE Come home for Tabor family, friends & fun

tabor.edu/homecoming 22

Our 4th Annual

Jay Day of Giving

Jay Day 22 is coming soon and we’re so excited to share it with you!

Oct. 14, 2022

This year’s theme, #JaysTakeFlight, is why we’re bringing JJ to you.

Join us in giving to support Tabor students!

Go ! s y a J We’ve created this cutout for you to use at home, work, school, or on vacation. Take a picture with JJ or with friends and family and post it to social media with this year’s hashtag #JaysTakeFlight. We want to celebrate you, the Tabor College community, and how your time at Tabor propelled you forward. Let’s take flight together!

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Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit #20 Hillsboro KS

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

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

Upcoming Events Aug. 15/16 Evening & Day Classes Begin Sept. 10 Arts Hall of Fame Sept. 30-Oct. 1 Homecoming Oct. 6-12 Fall Break Oct. 14 Jay Day of Giving Nov. 21-25 Thanksgiving Break Dec. 2 Christmas Festival Dec. 4 Messiah For a complete list of upcoming events, please visit our calendar online at tabor.edu/calendar.