Tabor College Connection Summer 2025 by Tabor College

From the President

Life is short.

James 4:14b says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

In the long line of history, our lives are just a blip.

The question is, “What will you do with the one life you are given to live on Earth?” Matthew 7:19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

On our coffee table is a stack of books. One, a gift from a Tabor alumni physician, is titled “Younger Next Year; A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You’re 80 and Beyond” by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge. It contains helpful advice on living well in my stage of life. Another was a gift from the wife of a Tabor alum whom we visited while he was on hospice. “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande gives thoughtful perspectives on dying well. The contrast has been powerful as I’ve been reading the former while Karen reads the latter and we exchange observations. We both hope to live well and die well.

In recent months several close friends and family have passed away, including a high school and college lifelong friend. Former Tabor President A. LeVon “Lee” Balzer passed away on May 11, 2025. He arrived at Tabor in 1988 during my junior year, and then went to become President of John Brown University in 1994. His legacy includes

buildings and programs built, but more importantly, the people who were pointed to Jesus through these efforts. You can read more on page 19.

At the President’s Dinner in March, we launched the ambitious $90 million Next Century Campaign. As part of this campaign, on Tabor Day, April 30, 2025, we broke ground for the new Business and Entrepreneurship Center that will transform and expand the former Mary J. Regier Building. As I sat watching this event unfold, I wondered how H.W. Lohrenz felt on April 30, 1918, when the original building burned down at this location, and in 1919 when they laid the cornerstone for the Mary J. Regier Building and in 1920 when they held the first classes in the new Administration Building. Although these might seem like treasures on earth, I see them as tools for storing up treasures in heaven.

I believe that people will be our treasures in heaven. When we point someone to Jesus. When we study the Bible together. When we encourage someone in their faith and obedience to Jesus. When we talk about spiritual things that result in someone choosing to follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we are storing up treasures in heaven. As I looked out on our student body during a chapel talk this past semester, I recognized that these are our treasures in heaven, our Tabor students, staff and alumni. We build buildings as tools, as places and contexts where we can store up treasures in heaven. We recognize that it is God who saves and leads, and He chooses to use us in the context of college academics, athletics, the arts, activities and residence life.

So what are you storing up for yourself? I hope it is treasures in heaven.

President David S. Janzen

President David S. Janzen, Ph.D. (g’90)

Connection

Summer 2025 Vol. 79 / No. 2

A magazine for Tabor College alumni & friends

Content Editor

Adam Suderman adam.suderman@tabor.edu

Photo Editor

Mike Klaassen, M.A., (g’13, tcg’21) michaelwklaassen@tabor.edu

Design Editor

Diane Oborny dianeo@tabor.edu

Contributors

Karen (Isaac fs’88) Janzen

Katariina Kaikkonen (g’23, tcg’25) Lois (Epp g’88) Wollman

Contributing Photographer

John Cramer

Taryn Lawler (g’24, tcg’25)

Photography Students

Brendon Green (g’25)

Justin Morwood (g’25)

Aidyn Waldrop (g’25)

Tabor College

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

Front Cover: Tabor College broke ground for its Business & Entrepreneurship Center on April 30. For a list of participants, visit www.tabor.edu/becgroundbreaking/

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

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In This Issue

View or subscribe at www.tabor.edu/connection

For up-to-date news, visit www.tabor.edu/news

Administration

David S. Janzen, Ph.D. (g’90), President

Ron Braun, B.A. (g’75), Vice President of Philanthropy

Frank Johnson, Ph.D., Provost

Caleb Loss, M.B.A., Vice President of Business & Finance, CFO

Faculty Leadership

Academic Affairs Council

Frank Johnson, Ph.D., Provost

David Faber, Ph.D., Faculty Chair

Aaron Smith, M.B.A., Director of Assessment

Jim Paulus, Ph.D. Candidate (g’94), Director of General Education

Amy Ratzlaff, Ph.D., Member-at-Large

Kristen Hays, Ed.D., Member-at-Large

Daniel Creamer, Ph.D., Member-at-Large

4 Next Century Campaign

6 Affordable Tabor Education

7 Vence Committed To Jesus Christ

8 Rankin’s Beautiful Artistry

9 Wiens’ Legacy in Arts

10 Loewens’ Servant Heart

12 115th Commencement

14 Graduate Courses in Ministry

16 Celebrating Academic Accomplishments

17 Celebrating Athletic Accomplishments

18 A Powerful Arts Legacy

19 Remembering Lee Balzer

20 Look Back at Sports

21 Shewey’s Historic Career

22 Alumni News

23 Remembering Marvin Sellberg

Board of Directors

Susan Franz Koslowsky (g’84), Chair

Noelle Jost (g’88), Vice Chair

Ted Faszer, Secretary

Jeral Gross, Treasurer

Roger Ediger (g’77), At-Large

Craig Ratzlaff, D.D.S. (g’87), At-Large

Orson Thomas (g’09), At-Large

David Faber, Ph.D., Faculty Representative

Pryce Holloway, Student Representative

Eric Driggers (g’01)

Bob Ewert (fs’69)

Norris Friesen, Ph.D. (g’72)

Aaron Garza, Ph.D. Candidate (g’14)

Vonda Graf (g’91)

Melissa Gutierrez

Brian Harris, D.Min.

Andrew Jost (g’05)

Nate Loewen, M.D. (g’80)

Sylvia Penner (g’99)

Craig Quiring (g’96)

Pat Redding (g’87)

Jonathan Rempel

Daniel Rodriguez

Elaine Setzer-Maxwell

Jerome Wichert (g’85)

Denise Wiens (g’83)

Tabor announces Next Century Campaign to raise $90 million

Since its inception, Tabor College has equipped thousands of students to live lives of learning, work, and service for Christ and His Kingdom. In 1920, Tabor’s two longest-standing buildings opened. To start their second century of existence, Tabor has raised $30 million since 2021 and seeks to raise a total of $90 million by 2030.

Capital Projects

$11 million is needed to expand and restore the former Mary J. Regier Building. Design work on the new Business & Entrepreneurship Center (BEC) is nearly complete, and $9 million has been raised. The original building will be completely remodeled and will include a north expansion. Because of your wonderful generosity, you’ve helped give our students the incredible opportunity to have a premier space to foster the calling God has put on their lives. With a Kingdom focus, this space will prepare students to start companies, nonprofits, and other ventures to take Christ to the world.

The H.W. Lohrenz Administration Building will be enhanced and restored to maintain its history and add key features to cement its place on Tabor’s campus. Plans include restoring its exterior brick, replacing windows, reglazing the Corinthian columns, adding an elevator, and restoring historic stained-glass windows on the east side of the building.

We opened our newest residence hall, Jost Hall, in 2023. An East Hall renovation is coming soon and we plan to build new residence halls in the coming years.

The former Mary J. Regier Building will be renovated and an atrium and north building will be added to become the Business & Entrepreneurship Center (BEC). It will be attached to the west side of the Solomon L. Loewen Natural Science Center.

Scholarships & Programs

Our Annual Fund is essential to support our students. It helps them excel as they dive deeper into their faith on campus and prepares them for the calling God has given them for their careers. Your support helps fund scholarships and extra-curricular activities such as athletics, arts, clubs, and other student-led organizations. Your gifts allow our students to thrive. Because of your support, we have re-launched or started programs in data analytics, computer science, and nursing (through a partnership with Hesston College), a new M.B.A. concentration in healthcare leadership, and will soon launch graduate courses in ministry.

Tabor students develop AI applications on Nvidia GPUs in re-launched Computer Science major.

Endowment Growth

The growth of our endowment is critical in keeping Tabor College affordable for future generations of students. Tabor’s Endowment has grown by 50 percent since 2021! Because of these incredible gifts, we established our first fully funded endowed professorships in August 2023. We aspire to reach $50 million by 2030 to help ensure we remain accessible and affordable for all students.

The college launched its first fully funded endowed professorships in August 2023. Visit www.tabor.edu/endowments to learn more about the recipients and namesakes of each position.

Capital Projects

Total $40,680,000

Raised $15,453,562

Needed $25,226,438

Scholarships and Programs

Total $16,000,000 Raised $7,453,665 Needed $8,546,335

Endowments

Total $34,000,000

Raised $7,750,000 Needed $26,250,000

A Defining Impact

“The Next Century Campaign builds on our legacy with a bold vision to enhance our campus, strengthen programs and ensure a thriving future. With your partnership, Tabor will continue to prepare students for a life of learning, work, and service for Christ and His kingdom for the next century and beyond.”

– David Janzen, Ph.D. (g’90) President, Tabor College

“Even in my short time at Tabor College, I’ve been amazed at the passion and drive of our students. They are eager to learn, take risks, and integrate their faith into their careers. I’ve already witnessed students step out in faith, whether launching a new idea, leading with integrity in a project, or trusting God with their next steps. The Business & Entrepreneurship Center will only deepen those opportunities and equip students to bring their God-given talents into the business world confidently and purposefully.”

–

Jeremy Ensey (fs’92)

Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center Director & Assistant Professor of Business

“This campaign clearly indicates Tabor will continue to be a strong force for future generations. The Lord has been faithful and we will continue to honor him as we move boldly into the future, staying steadfast to our mission as we build on the foundation that has been laid. With prayer and the faithful generosity of the Tabor family, we can ensure the college thrives for decades to come.”

– Susan Franz Koslowsky (g’84)

Chair,

Tabor College Board of Directors

“I enjoy my Tabor College education because it has helped shape my Christian worldview and how I see business. I ask my professors thoughtful questions and get biblically grounded answers. I loved serving on the building committee for the Business & Entrepreneurship Center because I enjoyed talking to other students about what they wanted to see in the building and then getting to represent them at the meetings and relay what the students wanted to see. I am so excited about the new building.”

– Tayton Smith SO, Elbing, Kan.

1 2 3

By donating at www.tabor.edu/nextcentury or contact Ron Braun at ronb@tabor.edu or 620-947-3121, ext. 1710 for more information or to make a gift via check, or assets such as stocks, property, or cryptocurrency.

The message of God’s blessing and encourage others to participate.

An Affordable College Experience Kukula family shares their story as Bluejays

Joe (g’98) and Shonna (Unrau g’99) Kukula and their family are passionate about Christian education.

As their oldest son, Creighton (SO, Elbing, Kan.), began to weigh his options for college, a realization of keeping Christian education part of his future became vividly clear. Creighton, the oldest of their three children, graduated from Berean Academy in Elbing, Kan., and decided to attend Tabor College in fall 2023.

When comparing Tabor’s scholarships to those of an in-state public institution, Creighton’s second choice, the Kukula family found the cost difference to be less than $200.

Putting an affordable price on a college degree at a Christian, liberal arts institution was significant.

Scholarships such as the Lohrenz ($35,000), Tabor 20 ($30,000) and Legacy ($28,000) offer opportunities for students to significantly cut costs. Whether entering as a freshman or a transfer, merit scholarships of $14,000 or more are also available to students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and can be stacked with participation scholarships for a combined $20,000 or more.

“Being on scholarship has made Tabor much easier and stress-free,” Creighton said. “I appreciate how Tabor has one set price with everything included and no extra fees.”

Creighton is a recipient of the Tabor 20 Scholarship and both parents spoke to the value of adding the new Legacy Scholarship for children and grandchildren of the college’s graduates.

“We go to Koerner Heights [Church in Newton] and several students are at Tabor now because of the Tabor 20,” Shonna said. “There are people we went to school with and they don’t attend an MB church, so it’s really good to have an option for them.”

The three eldest members of the Kukula family have attended or graduated from Tabor College, including (L to R): Creighton (SO, Elbing, Kan.), Shonna (Unrau g’99), and Joe (g’98). Averett and Emory are students at Berean Academy in Elbing, Kan.

When moving away from home, both parents spoke of Tabor’s value in community and seeing their own spiritual lives deepen. “The tight community and that feeling of family were important to me,” Shonna said. “You feel like you know everyone or at least know the names of most students. The environment encouraged spiritual growth in a time where you’re on your own for the first time.”

Daughter of Wilbur (g’72, fb’10-22) and Vernelle (Schroeder g’73) Unrau, Shonna has enjoyed seeing Creighton become a third-generation Tabor student.

When moving away from home, both parents spoke of Tabor’s value in community and seeing their own spiritual lives deepen.

“The tight community and that feeling of family were important to me,” Shonna said. “You feel like you know everyone or at least know the names of most students. The environment encouraged spiritual growth in a time where you’re on your own for the first time.”

Because of his time on the Tabor basketball team, Creighton’s oncampus community has been similar to his parents’ experience.

“I would tell any student that college is exactly what you make of it,” Creighton said. “Community [on campus] is everything. I can’t vouch for every community with public colleges, but Tabor has a great community of students, faculty, staff, and Hillsboro residents that make you feel loved and cared for.”

Joe said there are relationships, regardless of the era of a Tabor graduate, that will last a lifetime.

“Tabor’s not just a destination, but an experience we’ve carried on.”

Comparative College Net Costs

Based on 2022-2023 IPEDs Data

Source: National Center for Education Statistics 2022-2023 Data

To learn more about the scholarships in this story and others available, visit www.tabor.edu/scholarships.

A servant’s heart: Vence thrives in sciences, finds faith in Jesus

Easter Sunday was the perfect exclamation point to Jada Vence’s (g’25) time at Tabor College.

Arriving in fall 2021 to major in health sciences and play soccer, she carried an unquestioned thirst to learn of the Christian faith. In her second-to-last week on campus, Vence shared her testimony at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church and explained her recent decision to follow Jesus Christ.

Vence said her heart is full as she trusts the Lord in her next step, whether that be as a physician assistant, family practice doctor or pediatrician.

“To share my decision publicly meant so much to me,” Vence said. “Through my testimony, God spoke in the plan He has laid out for me, and it was so exciting to share it with the church.”

Vence was a 2021-22 recipient of the Richard G. Wall Endowed Scholarship, and it gave her the opportunity to meet with Robert (g’68) and Joyce (Regier fs’68) Wall, brother and sister-in-law to the former Tabor professor (fs’69, ff’77-04) and scholarship namesake.

Joyce and Vence met for Bible studies during her time at Tabor and helped integrate her into the community and local church.

She also worked alongside James Titah, Ph.D., Allen Hiebert Chair of Science, for her senior research, “Synthesis and Preliminary Characterization of Schiff-Base Ligands Derived from Amino Acid Tryptophan and its Ni(II) Complex.”

“To share my decision publicly meant so much to me,” Vence said. “Through my testimony, God spoke in the plan He has laid out for me, and it was so exciting to share it with the church.”

They studied Bio-Inorganic Synthesis, researching synthesized compounds derived from amino acids for potential medicinal applications such as anti-cancer, malaria, and tumor agents for new drug development. She and other classmates presented their research in April at the second-annual Scholarship Showcase on campus.

That academic and spiritual mentorship drove Vence to pursue

Jada Vence (g’25) presented her senior research, “Synthesis and Preliminary Characterization of Schiff-Base Ligands Derived from Amino Acid Tryptophan and its Ni(II) Complex,” at the secondannual Scholarship Showcase on April 25.

internships or job shadows at local health facilities. She was also an orientation leader at Freshman Orientation for three years.

She interned, shadowed, and worked alongside numerous staff members at the Hillsboro Hospital and worked with a hospice care team out of McPherson over her final year as a Tabor student.

“I’m very passionate about helping people, studying science and learning about the body,” Vence said. “Having that 1-on-1 connection with my professors was also important to me. You don’t get that at a bigger school.”

Vence, who will soon get married near her home in Florissant, Mo., said she looks forward to staying connected with her classmates and also participating in any soccer alumni contests.

“It’s bittersweet,” Vence said of graduating. “Having accepted Christ here, I grew closer to a lot of people, and I stepped out of my comfort zone. I am going to miss it, but I know God has a plan for me.”

Her heart and paintbrush: Rankin’s love for art & community

Grace Rankin (SO, Gypsum, Kan.) sees a limitless canvas.

It begins with a visual of what Rankin brings to life through her artistry, but more so, an understanding of where this gift comes from.

“I’m obsessed with story-telling,” she said. “It stems from God’s work as an artist and storyteller. He brings it all together. Art bridges the gap between life here on Earth and connecting with God. I can physically paint a picture, but someone can see it and it can affect their soul. That is crazy. Art is a high calling because you need to tread reverently. After all, we’re speaking to people’s hearts. We connect with people in their experiences in what we see and hear.”

Whether it’s the small watercolor business Rankin operates or thinking back to the moments she practiced her craft in her basement growing up, she is grateful that her career has led her to Tabor College.

Looking to find an associate’s degree in art, Rankin visited Tabor and got a firsthand glimpse of classes led by Shin-hee Chin, M.F.A., associate professor of art.

“She invited me to come in and see what they were doing,” Rankin said. “I fell in love with her as a person and told my mom that’s who I wanted to learn under. I didn’t know she was world-famous at the time but as a person I really liked her.”

Chin asked Rankin to submit her work to galleries and that happened when her painting, “Sunset in Gypsum, Kan.,” was juried into the 50th Prairie Art Exhibition in Sterling, Kan., in April 2024.

This event was the first of what Rankin hopes to be more in the coming years.

“Every artist has their perspective they’re bringing to their work and you can’t get it anywhere else,” Rankin said. “You’re selling your perspective of the world. Then you wonder if you have a good perspective that people want to hear and Shin-hee will say, ‘You do.’”

A part of a group of roughly 30 art majors, Rankin said it provides the tight-knit community she sought. It rang especially true when her classmates and professors stood alongside her.

“Grace is talented, highly creative, and has a deep love for painting,” Chin said. “I believe the time she spends painting is one of the ways she finds deep fulfillment and joy. Tabor’s excellent liberal arts program and Christian education are crucial for artists like Grace. We’re able to provide a well-rounded education that nurtures both the mind and spirit, which I consider essential for a Christian artist.”

A graduate of Huron High School in Huron Park, Ontario, Canada, Rankin now resides near her mother’s hometown of Gypsum. She said she experienced culture shock when first arriving at Tabor. In her second year on campus, she has flourished in arts activities and attends Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church on Sundays.

“After transferring (in 2023-24), I saw that people here are authentic in their faith,” she said. “I have really enjoyed where I’ve lived (Jost Hall and quad) and being around the girls and the Tabor community.”

Ed & Naomi Wiens Faculty Fellow established at Tabor College

The Ed & Naomi Wiens Faculty Fellow has been established as an endowed position for Tabor College Music.

This is Tabor's fifth endowed position, representing the college’s dedication to supporting its faculty and recognizing donors and former professors for their gifts and service to the college. The first three fully endowed positions were unveiled in fall 2023.

As students, the Wienses sang in the choir under the leadership of Herbert C. Richert (ff’35-66). Naomi played violin as a soloist and in ensembles in churches and with the Tabor choir. Ed sang in the men’s octet alongside his roommate and future choir director, Jonah Kliewer, D.M.A. (g’55). Naomi taught her children beginning piano, and some the violin and taught private violin lessons to a few other students.

The Wienses celebrated 66 years of marriage. They are now home with the Lord, as Ed passed away on July 15, 2022, and Naomi on Oct. 9, 2024.

Residents of Fresno, Calif., and members of Bethany Mennonite Brethren Church, Ed and Naomi frequently

“They desired to leave a gift to develop musical talents at Tabor to bring glory to God in church and school ministries,” the family said. “We are honored that Tabor can use their contribution in establishing an endowment to ensure that a gifted faculty member can cultivate and enrich students’ musical abilities for greater service.”

hosted Tabor presidents in their home when they visited the state. They visited campus through building campaigns, homecomings, and attended all graduations for their children and grandchildren who attended Tabor.

The Wiens’ children, Jonathan (g’82), Joel (g’82), Loren (fs’84), and Carolyn, said their parents often shared their appreciation and value of music, saying it exemplified the spirit of creativity and beauty God gave us.

Visit www.tabor.edu/endowments to learn more about Tabor’s endowed positions.

Henry (fs’27) & Esther (Gaede fs’27) Lepp, Naomi’s parents

Elaine (Lepp fs’57) Karber, Naomi’s sister

Lois (Lepp g’65) Funk, Naomi’s sister

Margaret (Wiens g’46) Faul, Ed’s sister

Jonathan (g’82) & Denise (Loewen g’83) Wiens, Ed & Naomi’s children

Joel (g’82) & Colene (Wiebe g’82) Wiens, Ed & Naomi’s children

Loren Wiens (fs’84), Ed & Naomi’s son

Eric (g’11) & Stephanie (Wiens g’11) Funk, Ed & Naomi’s grandchildren

Julie (Wiens g’11) Arnold, Ed & Naomi’s granddaughter

Benjamin Wiens (g’14), Ed & Naomi’s grandson

Natalie (Wiens g’15) Mizell, Ed & Naomi’s granddaughter

Karlin Wiens (fs’07), Ed & Naomi’s grandson

Alex (g’21, st’22) & Allie (Maxfield g’21) Wiens, Ed & Naomi’s grandchildren

Ed (fs’53) and Naomi (Lepp fs’54) Wiens.

Wiens & Lepp Family History at Tabor College

Loewens bless Tabor community through volunteer work

A heart to serve is at the core of Harold (g’71) and Darla (Hofer g’74) Loewen’s home.

Five years after returning to Hillsboro, Kan., the Loewens are deeply knitted into the fabric of the Tabor College community. Work projects and volunteering aside, the opportunity to connect and minister to students drives the former Bluejays to participate.

Darla attended Bethel Mennonite Brethren Church in Yale, S.D., providing a key touchpoint of church outreach.

“We’d have many missionaries and Tabor leadership come to stay at our home,” Darla said. “I’d hear so many different things in conversation about service and my dad, Ben, was very involved in church conference activities so our vacations often circled that.”

Harold’s grandfather, Martin Abram (M.A.) Kroeker served as a pastor, was a longtime advocate of the Mennonite Central Committee, and served in leadership for the Mennonite Brethren Board of General Welfare and Public Relations.

“He was highly influential and having come from Russia, he was interested in people’s physical and material needs,” Harold said. “That impacted me as a social work major at Tabor. Our professor, John Bower (ff’68-78) had us involved in many different things locally and with people that came in to speak to us.”

Only a few months after marrying in 1974, the Loewens began serving as missionaries in São Paulo, Brazil. While challenging, it helped set a

foundation for their marriage and their family’s future. Harold also served as pastor for a Portuguese-speaking congregation.

“When you’re newly married in a new place, it changes your lifestyle and we realized we don’t have to have everything,” Darla said. “Going through that together changed us.”

They returned to North America in 1977 and Harold worked as a Tabor admissions counselor, while Darla worked in the dining hall for evening meals. Harold pastored two congregations, including Ebenezer Mennonite Brethren Church in Doland, S.D., (1980-88) and Vineland Mennonite Brethren Church in Vineland, Ontario, Canada (1990-95). That culminated with returning to South Dakota to manage the Hofer family farm until returning to Kansas in 2019. Darla ran a bed & breakfast for 13 years while running her family farm.

After beginning to drive buses for the local school district, Harold now frequents the driver’s seat of Tabor buses and takes students to numerous academic and athletic events. Darla’s handiwork is across campus, including work on costumes used in musical theatre productions and the organization of its detailed storage facility. When the Shari Flaming Education Commons opened in fall 2021, Darla helped stain the beams and floorboards repurposed from the old Tabor gymnasium bleachers.

After a 1997 flood at James Valley Christian School in Huron, S.D., Darla served on committees for rebuilding its auditorium. Before the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts opened, President Emeritus Dr. Jules

Glanzer (g’74) toured the Huron facility and she provided guidance for the future of Tabor’s arts facility.

“I worked with Todd Jost (fs’83) and [Assistant Business Professor] Lily Arthur (g’96) to help organize the storage facility,” Darla said. “I’ve learned so much from Lily and I’m so thankful I get to ‘play’ in that room and help in that space.”

Harold’s ‘why’ came to be in one of his earliest trips with Tabor softball.

“One of the girls asked me what time we were leaving and where we were going next and I said, ‘I don’t know, I’m just the bus driver,’” Harold said. “She looked at me and pointedly said, ‘You are not just the bus driver, you’re a part of our team.’ That made me think of my role very differently. I’m someone they can hang out with or talk to. Being three times their age, you wonder about connectivity with their generation. I’ve found there is no barrier and sometimes I forget that.”

Friends of Jon and Elizabeth Duba, leaders of Byron Bible Camp in Huron, the Loewens connected with their son Carson (g’24) when he arrived at Tabor.

After he started a Bible study, Darla made food for their twice-a-week gatherings. From those group members to later hosting Tabor resident assistants and directors, they’ve continued to have an open door to the campus community.

“Tabor is a transformational place,” Harold said. “When these students come to our house, I’d ask them what Tabor has done for them and hear things like, ‘I’ve made my faith my own,’ and it’s a little different for everyone. When we see students maturing in their faith and see them grow through community, their teams, on-campus… it’s really cool to see lives changed.”

It’s a message that rang true as students in the 1970s and community members over 50 years later.

“Tabor has brought our past and present together,” Darla said. “I used to feel like it was segmented, but there is a sense of togetherness when you see the people you went to school with.”

Above: Harold (g’71) and Darla (Hofer g’74) Loewen are frequently seen alongside Tabor students, investing, serving, and mentoring them on and off-campus.

Lower left: Harold frequents the Tabor bus, driving athletic teams across the country.

Lower right: Darla plays a major role in managing and updating the Loewen Storage Room inside the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts.

Celebrating the 115th Commencement of Tabor College

Cocone Matsuzawa (g’25), one of 140 undergraduates recognized in the Commencement program, shakes hands with President David Janzen, Ph.D. (g’90). (L to R) Andelyn Johnson (g’25), and Abigail Andres (g’25), participate in The Descent from the H.W. Lohrenz Administration Building.

(L to R) Kreeland Avery (g’25) and Kalep Woods-Crane (g’25) celebrate with men’s basketball head coach Joshua Roach.

Tabor’s Class of 2025, including undergraduate (pictured) and graduate students, represented 30 states and 16 countries.

Glenn Maiden (g’25) celebrates his graduation.

Melinda Rangel, Ed.D., Marvin Sellberg Professor of Business Administration & Entrepreneurship, gives the keynote address for M.B.A. and M.Ed. graduates.

Cathy (Faszer g’94) Beachy spoke to the undergraduate class about her journey with the Copper Hills Center for the Arts in Peoria, Ariz.

(L to R) Logan Dybowski (g’25), Justin Morwood (g’25), and Apostolo Zuniga (g’25) process to the Richert Auditorium as part of The Descent.

Alongside David Stevens, Ed.D., M.Ed. program director, Sarah Tham, Ed.D., M.Ed. professor & assistant professor of education, hoods her daughter, Hannah Au Yeong (tcg’25), during the graduate ceremony. Forty-two graduate students were recognized in this year’s program.

Brooks Gardner (g’23, tcg’25) and Alyvia Owens (g’24, tcg’25) meet after the afternoon ceremony to commemorate their M.Ed. graduation.

Undergraduate Commencement

Photos and Livestream at www.tabor.edu/commencement

(L to R) Taryn Lawler (g’24, tcg’25) was one of the first to complete an M.B.A. in Global Sports Leadership after the concentration was announced in 2023-24. She is joined by Katariina Kaikkonen (g’23, tcg’25).

Graduate Commencement

Photos and Livestream at www.tabor.edu/gradcommencement

The Tabor College Concert Choir performs “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” written by Isaac Watts and arranged by Mark Miller.

Graduate Studies in Ministry courses approved for fall 2025

Crafted by a dedicated partnership between Tabor College and the Central and Southern districts of Mennonite Brethren (MB) churches, courses in Graduate Studies in Ministry (GSM) will begin at Tabor in fall 2025.

The courses will run over eight-week modules in a hybrid learning model and provide essential skills in preaching, pastoral care, spiritual formation, church administration, and cultural engagement. Additionally, pastors can utilize these courses to equip future ministry leaders in their congregations and build a sustainable model for leadership development in Mennonite Brethren churches.

Pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the district-selected steering team of seven pastors and Tabor faculty anticipates launching a master’s degree for the 2026-27 academic year.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Tabor College to serve its member churches,” said Tabor Provost Frank Johnson, Ph.D. “Elements of this initiative have existed for some time, but in God’s timing, the door has now opened. While a formal degree will not be available this fall, we intend for credits to transfer to the degree upon full HLC approval.”

Born out of the goal to see more Mennonite Brethrentrained church planters, missionaries, pastors, and other leaders, these graduate-level courses will equip students to serve their local church and beyond.

“An individual church could not possibly pull off an initiative of this magnitude,” said Southern District minister Brian Harris, D.Min. “It requires the expertise that Tabor offers and the experience and relationships from our churches. It will be key for our pastors to look and say, ‘I see these people and they are the harvest workers we’re looking for.’ We’re asking the pastors to recruit this next wave of students. It’s bringing those two pieces together.”

Wendell Loewen, D.Min, is one of the college’s three steering team representatives. Serving as special assistant to the president at Tabor, Loewen said pastoral buy-in has been a critical component in the infancy of these courses.

Graduate Studies in Ministry Courses

• Serving conference churches to develop harvest workers & church leaders

• Robust and spiritually formative education at an affordable price

• Online applications open June 1!

“The way this is structured is we’ll utilize pastors with appropriate degrees to be involved as instructors or cohort facilitators,” Loewen said. “They could be a go-between between the instructor and the student. We will also have mentors who are seasoned pastors who may not have a terminal degree but can walk with the student through two years of courses.”

As a Tabor graduate and now pastor at Bethesda Church in Huron, S.D., Aaron Garza (g’14) is thrilled to know fellow alumni will have the opportunity to serve alongside him with a Tabor undergraduate degree or graduate-level certification.

“I’m excited that the same school that I went to and prepared me for ministry can be more intentional at a larger scale,” said Garza, a Ph.D. Candidate. “In opening these courses and this program, we’re creating that relational funnel where camaraderie among leaders is developed and sent out through our denomination. We’re helping facilitate relationships with shared convictions and having new leaders born out of this, prepared for the work before them.”

New to Tabor’s biblical studies faculty in 2024-25, Eric Foster-Whiddon, Ph.D., has quickly built an appreciation for the conference’s vision for theological education.

“We’re thinking about theological education from an Anabaptist, MB perspective at a graduate level,” FosterWhiddon said. “It’s looking at things like church history, but with an Anabaptist lens. We will use the MB Confession of Faith as a foundational element in theology classes. As we’re thinking through systematic theology, the touchpoint is this document, what it is, how it works, and how it integrates.”

In his 10th year as lead pastor at Community Bible Church in Olathe, Kan., Aaron Halvorsen, M.Div., said the broad nature of the courses may help someone involved in a non-pastoral role or short or long-term missions.

“If some of my church elders wanted to do something like these courses, I’d be really encouraged by that,” Halvorsen said. “Even if it’s not a primary teaching pastor, I think there is a space for that person and for someone who hasn’t gone to formal seminary but wants to improve their skills in ministry.”

Alongside Tabor College administration and Central & Southern District pastors and leaders, Graduate Studies in Ministry course planning began in Aug. 2024. Pictured are (L to R) front row: Frank Johnson, Ph.D., Tabor provost, David Janzen, Ph.D., (g’90), Tabor president, Brian Harris, D.Min., Southern District minister, Wendell Loewen, D.Min., special assistant to Tabor president. Back row: Eric Foster-Whiddon, Ph.D., assistant professor of biblical studies, Aaron Garza, Ph.D. Candidate (g’14), senior pastor at Bethesda Church in Huron, S.D.

While the program continues to take shape, Daniel Rodriguez, M.Div., Central District minister, said the steering team will play a vital role in the full curriculum and leadership development.

“Two things that pastors are really liking about this are that Tabor is allowing pastors to be part of it and the role the steering team is taking in vetting curriculum, faculty, and making sure everything aligns with our Confession of Faith,” Rodriguez said. “They’re thrilled to be in a relationship with future students and pastors.”

Learn more about Tabor’s Graduate Studies in Ministry Courses at www.tabor.edu/gsm

Learn more about all other graduate offerings at www.tabor.edu/online.

Steering Team Members

• Wendell Loewen, D.Min.

Special Assistant to the President, Tabor College

• Frank Johnson, Ph.D.

Provost, Tabor College

• Eric Foster-Whiddon, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Tabor College

• Brian Harris, D.Min.

Southern District Minister, Southern District Conference, Owasso, Okla.

• Daniel Rodriguez, M.Div.

Central District Minister, Central District Conference, Omaha, Neb.

• Aaron Garza, Ph.D. Candidate, (g’14)

Senior Pastor, Bethesda Church, Huron, S.D.

• Aaron Halvorsen, M.Div.

Lead Pastor, Community Bible Church, Olathe, Kan.

Celebrating academics, leadership, service at Honors Convocation

Tabor College celebrated 16 students and faculty at its final Chapel of the academic year. The Academic Honors Convocation celebrates and recognizes the outstanding academic achievements within the student body.

Larry and Elaine Nikkel Service Award

“Jesus taught us to love consistently and sacrificially, just as He demonstrated. I also love learning people’s stories and listening to what makes them who they are today. I would like to believe that my pouring time into the people around me accomplishes even a small piece of these goals and leaves a lasting reflection of Jesus’ love on their lives. Professor Ryan Loewen and the entire Krebs family (especially close with Mr. Daniel Krebs in Student Success) all showed me what it looks like to give your minutes (and hours) to a person and the impact that can have on their lives. They all communicated they truly cared about my life and wanted to be a part of it, even if it was just a listening ear. I love witnessing their heart for the people around them and aspire to reflect Jesus’ light in the way they do.”

— Katherine Dudte (g’25)

“God has taught me to stop looking at just myself and look around at other people’s lives. I wonder who they are, and, in a sense, I’m drawn to them. I want to make them feel loved just like (my friend) Trenton Ensz (g’24) did for me. He showed me the love of Jesus, and sometimes that’s all I can think of. There’s a song called “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath, and in the song, he says, “Give me your eyes so I can see, everything that I keep missing. Give me your love for humanity.” I feel a strong conviction and pull towards this when I hear it because it speaks towards the redemption story of Jesus Christ in everyone’s life.”

— Jacob Goertzen (g’25)

Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award

For a full list of award and scholarship recipients, visit www.tabor.edu/2025honors

“At Tabor, God has equipped me to lead my peers by providing amazing leaders who encourage and pour into me. Being discipled by others has been important to my calling of making disciples and inspiring others to walk freely and faithfully in their unique identities in Christ. I’ve been inspired in learning for the sake of knowing God through all facets of knowledge, but especially through visual art. God has equipped me to thrive as a student by providing curiosity, passion, and diligent pursuit of what He has created me to know. The faculty, staff, and professors have been amazing resources. I will take all I have learned into my career as an artist and teacher.”

— Sonya Zimmerman (g’25)

Through my time at Tabor, I’ve discovered that my purpose in life is to help others feel seen and to welcome them into God’s Kingdom. Each of my leadership opportunities has reinforced this identity. Whether it be welcoming my peers into the presence of God through worship, welcoming new students to campus as the Student Director of Orientation, or supporting my peers through the campus ministry council, God has grown my heart for service and provided amazing opportunities to exemplify his love.”

Zach Beachy (g’25)

Kornelius Hiebert Outstanding Student Merit Award

“God has equipped me in so many ways throughout my life. In my education, God has given me the strength and confidence to overcome adversity and the ups and downs in college. God has also offered guidance and wisdom through my time at Tabor. One of my biggest inspirations is my internal motivation to learn and further my education. Another one is my family, seeing their success, pursuing my goals and completing my degree.”

Reese Hefley (JR, Hillsboro, Kan.)

“I am intrinsically motivated and always want to do the best I can at what is presented to me. Initially, arriving at Tabor was difficult; however, God provided me with various opportunities to learn and grow through interactions and time spent with my professors, my peers, and my activities or extracurriculars.”

— Noah Basinger-Beard (JR, Peck, Kan.)

Gardner, Bowin named Male and Female Athlete of the Year at Year-End Sports Awards

Brooks Gardner (g’23, tcg’25) and Kloe Bowin (g’24, tcg’25) were named Male and Female Athlete of the Year at the Year-End Sports Awards for Tabor College Athletics.

Gardner snapped the all-time tackles record for Bluejay football, besting Jake Schenck’s (g’05) total of 342 stops with 346 of his own. He capped his career with 94 tackles in the fall while earning unanimous, first-team allKCAC honors and being named an NAIA all-American in special teams. He

Brooks Gardner (g’23, tcg’25)

was a unanimous, first-team all-KCAC selection at linebacker in the Bissell Division, tabbed an NAIA Scholar Athlete, and named Academic all-KCAC. Bowin excelled in her final season as a Bluejay, scoring 9.8 points per game while dominating the paint alongside teammate Alyvia Owens (g’24, tcg’25). She was named second-team, all-KCAC and received honorable mention honors from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). She was also named an NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete and a KCAC Scholar Athlete.

Kloe Bowin (g’24, tcg’25)

Other Year-In-Sports Award Winners

Male & Female Athlete of the Year

Brooks Gardner (g’23, tcg’25)

Football

Kloe Bowin (g’24, tcg’25)

Women’s Basketball

Male & Female Breakthrough

Athlete of the Year

Kalep Woods-Crane (g’25)

Men’s Basketball

Kloe Bowin (g’24, tcg’25)

Women’s Basketball

Male & Female Newcomer of the Year

Cameron Pair (JR, The Colony, Texas)

Football

Neve Mulrooney (FR, Luton, England)

Women’s Soccer

Unsung Hero of the Year

Adrian Yin (g’24)

Football

Head Coach of the Year

Mike Gardner Football

Assistant Coach of the Year

CJ Hill (g’05) Football

Mighty Bluejay of the Year

Aidan Martinez (tcg’25)

Baseball

Fans of the Year

Ron (g’68) and Cora Regier

Years of Service Award

Grant Brubacher (g’06, tcg’19)

Men’s Soccer/Women’s Soccer/Asst. Baseball

Karol Hunt, Ph.D. (ff’87-18, fst’87-24)

Athletic Administration/ Track & Field/Cross Country

Celebrating Seniors of Performing Arts

Over the past four-plus years, the artistic talents of 16 seniors have filled the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts with incredible instrumental, choral and worship music performances. Between Tabor College Musical Theatre, Concert Choir, Chamber Voices, and Symphonic Band, the work of these students has been a delight to thousands in attendance. We’re grateful to have enjoyed their God-given talents and are excited to see what’s coming next.

“These students have contributed to the Music Department in countless ways and have been leaders and role models for the other students. I have appreciated their enthusiasm and work ethic in developing their musical skills as well as encouraging others.”

– Sheila Litke, D.M.A., Professor of Piano & Performing Arts Department Chair

“Our seniors created a legacy that resonates with and motivates our younger students. It is such a powerful example of work ethic, passion, and an adventurous spirit that unabashedly announces that God is the source and receiver of their gifts. They will continue to do wonderful

work and I’m sure they’ll be tremendous ambassadors for Tabor College Music and Theatre.”

– Gregory Zielke (g’79), D.M.A., Professor of Music & Director of Choirs

“Kekoa, Ethan, Seth and Barry have been active members in our instrumental program during their time at Tabor. Through Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Bluejay Band, each of these gentlemen brought their skill, wonderful attitude and teachable spirit to their ensemble participation. I’m sad to see them go, but excited to see what the future has in store for each of them!”

– Christopher Teichler, D.Mus., Associate Professor of Music & Director of Instrumental Music

“It has been a privilege over the past four years to work with, travel with, make music with, and generally live life with the students involved in For His Glory during their time at Tabor. It is always difficult to say goodbye to graduating seniors. The students in this class of 2025 have particularly shown leadership and personal growth over their tenure at Tabor. They will be missed!”

– David Martens (g’85), M.M., Director of Contemporary Christian Music & Fine Arts Technical Director

Senior 2025 performing arts graduates include: top row (L to R): Abigail Andres, Seth Auchterlonie, Zach Beachy, Angela Castillo, Romaire Curry. Middle row (L to R): Jamie Dooley, London Eichelberger, Barry Ma, Ethan Medeiros, Haley Peake, Kathy Perigo. Bottom row (L to R): Josh Strid, Sarah Tharman, Jeff Tuten, Kekoa Vincent, Aidyn Waldrop.

Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. A. LeVon Balzer

“As an important part of God’s Kingdom and an arm of the church, Tabor College is to continue following God’s call with a vision and maintain a clear evangelical identity in Christian higher education. God provides a beam into the unknown future. As we respond to His will, we move along within that beam, and His will becomes realized in the lives of His people. We press forward, be future oriented, and be persistent.”— A. LeVon “Lee” Balzer, Focal Point, Tabor’s alumni magazine, 1988

It is with heartfelt remembrance that we honor the life of Tabor College’s 10th president, A. LeVon “Lee” Balzer, Ph.D. He passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Tulsa, Okla.

A visionary leader and lifelong educator, Balzer’s career spanned 44 years, including his time as Tabor president (1988-94).

“Dr. Balzer combined warmth and approachability with professionalism and class,” said Tabor President David Janzen (g’90), Ph.D. “He was distinguished, but not aloof. He led the campus by example, valuing and embodying rigorous academics with an authentic love for Jesus and love of people. As students, we knew we would be held to high standards and loved through our challenges.”

LeVon "Lee" Balzer, Ph.D., was Tabor's 10th president (1988-94). Alongside his wife Alice (Zielke), the couple deeply appreciated Christian higher education and the mission of Tabor College. Photo courtesy Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies.

Balzer’s ties to Tabor predate his presidency as his mother, Helen (Hamm g’26) Balzer, and brother, Robert Balzer (fs’47), both attended. He grew up within five miles of Larry Nikkel (g’64), President Emeritus and the 12th to lead the college’s highest office.

His career in education brought him and his wife, Alice (Zielke), to four different states before coming to Hillsboro in 1988. Just before Tabor, Balzer served 13 years at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Wash. He held numerous educational and administrative roles in the sciences, including professor of biology, education coordinator of environmental education, dean of instruction, and dean of arts and sciences.

“His time in Seattle gave him a tremendous boost for the rest of his professional career,” Nikkel said. “He ushered in a new perspective of higher education at Tabor and his expertise greatly benefited the college during and after his presidency.”

Inaugurated as Tabor’s president in October 1988, Balzer’s drive for the classroom included a new honors program, work in psychology, communication, history, and athletic training, and an increased focus on spiritual distinctives. Off-campus, he oversaw the start of musical groups such as Harvest Crew, a sports ministry team, a testimony team, and a service workday in Wichita for new Tabor students.

“Lee brought a love for academics with him to his presidency,” said former President H. David Brandt, Ph.D. (1995-98). “It showed in the planning efforts that he did, but also in his relationship with faculty and with students.”

The Wohlgemuth Music Education Center (1989) and Campus Recreation Center (1992) were built and funded during Balzer’s presidency. Jefferson Street, which once ran north and south through campus in front of the library and what is now the Kliewer Plaza, was closed during his presidency and the college’s landscaping was given high priority. Tabor began fundraising for the Solomon L. Loewen Natural Science Center under his leadership, and it was completed in 1998.

The Balzers helped the goal of enabling young people at Tabor “to achieve their highest potential as developing leaders who love God and want to serve people.”

“Lee and Alice were so hospitable when I was invited to return to Tabor’s campus as a Bible conference speaker during his presidency,” said former Tabor president Vernon Janzen (1980-87). “I saw how well Tabor continued under his gifted and God-given leadership.”

After his tenure at Tabor, Balzer spent 10 years as president at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark. Established in 2013, the Balzer Family Endowed Scholarship was named at John Brown University. He earned his B.S. in education and a minor in biology from the University of Oklahoma in 1957. He later earned his M.N.S. in biology, history, and philosophy of science in Norman, Okla., in 1960. He completed his Ph.D. in biology and science education at Ohio State University.

“When Tabor celebrated its Centennial in 2008, Lee helped me understand the role of the president in the institution,” President Emeritus Jules Glanzer (g’74) Ph.D., said of his time in office (2008-21). “He was a person who was thoughtful, dignified, focused, and understood academics and the role of a college president.”

** The Center of Mennonite Brethren Studies (CMBS) provided biographical information for Balzer’s career.

New record athletic achievements highlight spring & winter seasons

Bluejay record books were rewritten during the 2024-25 academic year. Tabor College athletes broke numerous records in the winter and spring seasons. Here’s a look at some of their accomplishments.

Cody Moore (g’23, tcg’25)

Baseball Moore surpassed Kelsey Weems’ (g’22) career record when he hit his 44th career home run against Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He finished with 53 over his Bluejay career.

Evan Williams (g’25)

Baseball

Williams put up a school-record 18-strikeout performance against Southwestern College in April. He topped the previous record of 16 by Hayden Wheeler (g’19) and Austen Seidel (fs’22).

Winter Sports Highlights

Cheyenne Washington (g’24, tcs’25)

Softball

Washington tallied 25 home runs over her two-year Tabor stint to set a new career record.

Kassidy Beam (g’24, tcs’25)

Basketball

Beam set the new women’s basketball 3-point career record, tallying 205 makes over her four-year career. She topped Taylor Deniston’s (g’19) record of 172.

• Kalep Woods-Crane (g’25) led all KCAC scorers in men’s basketball, scoring 21.9 points per game. The dynamic guard topped 30 points four times, highlighted by a 46-point performance in an overtime win over Bethany College on Feb. 13.

• Seven members of women’s basketball earned all-KCAC honors, including Kloe Bowin (g’24, tcg’25) and Alyvia Owens (g’24, tcg’25) as second-team, and Madie McCoy (g’24, tcs’25), Lillie Veer (SO, Newton, Kan.), and Kassidy Beam (g’24, tcs’25) as honorable mention.

Spring Sports Highlights

• After concluding its season in the conference tournament championship game, baseball saw three players recognized with all-KCAC first-team honors, including catcher Garryn Plummer (g’25), second baseman Jared Mack (JR, Rosharon, Texas), and third baseman Marcelo Aguirre (g’25).

• Softball picked up back-to-back seasons of 20-plus wins for the first time since 2017-18, earning a No. 7 seed in the conference tournament. Darcy Gillen (g’24, tcs’25) led a talented group of 14 seniors, receiving all-KCAC first-team honors at shortstop.

• Men’s golf finished in the top half of the KCAC at the championship tournament in Garden City, Kan., placing fourth. It was led by Andreas Aho (g’25). He turned in rounds of 76, 73, and 74 to finish seven over par and 11th place overall.

• Valencia Andov (g’25) finished as runner-up at the KCAC Championship women’s golf tournament in Joplin, Mo. It gave her back-to-back, top-five finishes after taking fifth as a junior.

• Tabor’s men’s tennis was recognized as the recipients of the KCAC

Sonya Zimmerman (g’25)

Track & Field

Zimmerman set the women’s 800M record three times this spring, topping her own record twice and finishing with a season-best time of 2:16.57.

Matt Veloz (g’25)

Track & Field

Veloz eclipsed the men’s 3,000M steeple chase at the KCAC Conference Championships with a time of 9:30.71.

The senior bested Jeremy Jost’s (g’01) previous record of 9:37.40.

Dakota Voortman (JR, Knights Ferry, Calif.)

Track & Field

Voortman became the first Tabor athlete to finish the heptathlon, placing sixth (2,554 points), in Tabor’s trip to the Friends University Spring Open.

• Vance Shewey (g’25) finished fourth at nationals, leaping 6’10.25”. Caleb Wehrman (SO, Edwardsville, Kan.) finished fourth in the pole vault, 13’7.50”, while Ivan Jirak (FR, Oakley, Kan.) also matched that finish in the shot put, 47’10.50”, at the KCAC championship meet.

• Julianna Maxfield (SO, St. Edward, Neb.) and Sonya Zimmerman (g’25) were the two women’s indoor national qualifiers, each running in the 800M. Maxfield was sixth in her preliminary heat, 2:19.44, while Zimmerman finished seventh in hers, 2:21.94.

Team of Character, which is voted on by opposing coaches for performances on and off the court. Jacob Goertzen (g’25) was recognized as Tabor’s honoree.

• Fiorella Villa (JR, Guayaquil, Ecuador) of Tabor women’s tennis was recognized as a 2025 NAIA Spring Sport Daktronics Scholar-Athlete for a second consecutive season.

• Vance Shewey (g’25) won his fourth-straight championship in the conference outdoor track & field championship, leaping 6’11”. Ivan Jirak (FR, Oakley, Kan.) picked up his second top-five finish of his freshman season, placing fifth in the shot put, 47’0”.

• Sonya Zimmerman (g’25) won the 800M, 2:17.64, at the conference championships, and was one of six to be named 2025 NAIA Spring Sport Daktronics Scholar-Athletes, including Adrienne Selzer (JR, Newton, Kan.), Andelyn Johnson (g’25), Julianna Maxfield (SO, St. Edward, Neb.), Kaitlyn Drake (SO, Elsmore, Kan.), Kylie Arnold (JR, Salina, Kan.), and Sydnee Gardner (SO, Wichita, Kan.)

The Final Leap: Shewey reflects on his Bluejay career

Vance Shewey’s athletic career was nearly void of track & field.

Even in middle school, he didn’t know if it was the sport for him. After a few family and friend suggestions, Vance gave it a try, and the decision has paid off for the Meade, Kan., native.

With only one meet remaining, Vance is putting the finishing touches on one of the best athletic careers in Tabor College history. He wrapped his collegiate career as an eight-time national qualifier, six-time all-American, seven-time KCAC champion, and the only athlete to win the outdoor conference championship in the high jump all four years.

At 7’1”, Vance is tied for No. 1 jump in men’s high jump into the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

The lone accolade not on Vance’s résumé is a national championship. He has placed in the top four in six of his eight nationals’ trips, finishing as runner-up in both trips as a sophomore and indoors as a junior.

Even if he walks off campus without a first-place finish, he said he has jumped with a lot of peace in his final season at Tabor.

“I have given it all I have, and the Lord truly blessed me with more than I could have ever imagined,” Vance said. “I feel like I can just go out and jump and won’t be defined by the mark I get.”

Vance was a three-time medalist and state champion at

Meade High School and stepped into his time at Tabor unsure of what his career might include. Despite a few nerves, he qualified for NAIA Indoor Nationals in his first meet as a freshman and the confidence began to soar on and off the track.

It’s where his confidence grew that propelled him even further.

“I was pretty quiet as a freshman,” he said. “As I saw my confidence grow, I knew the Lord was teaching me that what I do on the track doesn’t define me; instead, it’s what He says about me. Whatever happens, happens, and my identity in Christ is something that carried me in my career and I’ll never lose that truth in my life.”

From the beginning, high jumping was a family affair.

His uncle, Andy Shewey (g’86), coached “remotely”

through high school and became his permanent coach once he arrived in Hillsboro. Whether it was meeting for lunch in the dining hall or time spent at Joel H. Wiens Stadium before or after practice, it only solidified Vance’s decision to first attend and compete as a Bluejay.

When he jumps at nationals for the final time, a full cavalry of family and friends will be there to cheer on Vance.

Among others, planning to be near mat side are his parents

Stan (g’88) and Rebecca (Wichert g’93), sisters Kierra (g’23, tcg‘25) and Kyra (cs), and uncles and aunts Andy (g’86) and Kerry (Langhofer g’86) and Dale (g’92) and Shawna.

It only represents a fraction of the family support Vance has felt while attending Tabor.

“My teammates make practices fun and having my family there too makes meets so much more fun,” Vance said. “Being able to talk to my family before and after, I know they’re proud of me regardless of how I finish. I don’t get too high or low and it keeps me even-keeled.”

NOTE: This story was written and printed before the 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships on May 21-24.

Results of Tabor’s trip to the national meet will be posted to www.taborbluejays.com.

Vance Shewey (g’25) carried a national-best leap of 7’1” in the men’s high jump into the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships.

Vance Shewey (g’25)

Alumni News

Crist/Albin Loewen/Thorne

Marriages

Jesse and Julianne (Loewen g’19) Thorne, married in Whitefish, Mont., on Oct. 5, 2024

Caleb and Allison (Crist g’22, tcg’24) Albin, married in Newton, Kan., on Nov. 23, 2024

Jeremy (st’24) and Rachel Nelson, married in Hillsboro, Kan., on Feb. 14, 2025

Births/Adoptions

Matthew (g’17) and Heidi (Klaassen g’18)

Molden, Aurora, Colo., twin girls, Lucy Lorine/Myka Willojean, June 25, 2024

Derek (fs’06, f’14) and Katherine (Goering g’09) Hamm, Matfield Green, Kan., a girl, Sofia Emma, Nov. 22, 2024

Carson (g’24) and Glory (McVay g’25) Duba, Wichita, Kan., a girl, Nova Belle, Dec. 24, 2024

Jonathan (g’23) and Lauren (Christensen g’24) Unruh, Meade, Kan., a girl, Kennedy Rae, March 14, 2025

Nicholas (g’16) and Lauren (Neufeld g’16) Ediger, Hillsboro, Kan., a boy, Levi Reed, May 2, 2025

Deaths

Gail (Tessman g’65) Loewen, 80, Sun Lakes, Ariz., Jan. 30, 2024

Pamela Unruh (g’74), 71, Arvada, Colo., July 13, 2024

John E. Toews (g’58), 87, Auburndale, Mass., Sept. 29, 2024

Esther Wiebe (g’51), 96, Hillsboro, Kan., Oct. 24, 2024

Erma (Friesen fs’56) Martens, 87, Fresno, Calif., Nov. 2, 2024

Dale Harms (fs’61), 88, Arkansas City, Kan., Nov. 12, 2024

Dorothy A. (Vogt g’51) Heidebrecht, 92, Fresno, Calif., Dec. 29, 2024

Karen (Ziegfeld g’03) Gastelum, 44, Humble, Texas, Jan. 7, 2025

Marvin Sellberg (ff’68-78, 82-90), 99, McPherson, Kan., Jan. 23, 2025

Peggy (Bergen g’75) Harden, 71, McCook Lake, S.D., Feb. 9, 2025

Alyssa (Catron g’10) O’Neill, 37, Overland Park, Kan., Feb 12, 2025

Sherwin Ratzlaff (g’64, fb’89-06), 82, Enid, Okla., Feb. 15, 2025

Ramona (Friesen fs’56) Karber, 88, Enid, Okla., March 4, 2025

Floyd Bergen (g’62), 86, Norman, Okla., March 13, 2025

Floyd Bergen William Braun

Brenda Friesen

Paul Friesen

Karen Gastelum Peggy Harden

Dale Harms

Dorothy Heidebrecht Alyssa O’Neill

Sherwin Ratzlaff

Shirley Jost

Pamela Unruh

Esther Wiebe

Nova Duba Levi Ediger

Lucy/Myka Molden Kennedy Unruh

Elfrieda (Ediger g’47) Hildebrandt, 95, Clovis, Calif., March 18, 2025

William ‘Bill’ Braun, D.M.A. (ff’67-70), 86, Reedley, Calif., March 18, 2025

Brenda (Truitt g’90) Friesen, 56, Enid, Okla., March 19, 2025

Paul Friesen, Ph.D. (g’59, ff’90-99), 91, Reedley, Calif., March 19, 2025

Marvin Sellberg, longtime business professor, passes away at 99

Marvin Sellberg (ff’68-78, 82-90), passed away on Jan. 23, in McPherson, Kan. Sellberg played a major role in Tabor College’s business department, teaching over two decades.

As a Tabor professor, he was active in the Associated Colleges of Central Kansas and the Kansas Wheat Commission. In 1974, he attended the World Food Conference in Rome, Italy, and presented on such topics as the “Perspective of a Farmer on Hunger” at later conferences. He was known as a man with a big heart, and many of his students affectionately referred to themselves as “his disciples.”

“Marvin’s legacy is imprinted on business leaders and entrepreneurs globally,” said President

David Janzen, Ph.D. (g’90). “His dedication to the classroom and care for his students was instrumental in helping shape the Tabor business major into what it is today.”

In fall 2023, donors honored him with one of Tabor’s first three endowed professorships. Melinda Rangel, Ed.D., was awarded the Marvin Sellberg Professor of Business Administration & Entrepreneurship.

Sellberg was a 1946 graduate of Central College and received his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago in 1949. After spending his first ten years at Tabor, Sellberg taught four years at McPherson College before returning to Hillsboro in 1982.

CODES

g – undergraduate grad

tcg – master/graduate grad

tcc – certificate holder

cs – current undergraduate student

tcs – current master/graduate student

f – faculty

st – staff

b – board

fs – former undergraduate student