The mission of York College is to provide a quality liberal arts education, equipping students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, and service consistent with Christian ideals.
John Hamm (YC ‘’69) was named the 2008 YC Alumnus of the Year at Homecoming. Owner of Hamm Auction and Real Estate in Pratt, KS, John also preaches for the local church in Isabel. He’s well known in south central Kansas for directing a teen session at Silver Maple Camp for almost 30 years. He continues to teach Bible classes at the camp and helps out wherever he can.
he LORD bless you and he bless you and he LORD bless you and he bless you and he LORD bless you and keep y keep ou; ou; ou; ou; The L The L The L The L ORD ORD ORD ORD make His face shine upon make His face shine upon make His face shine upon make His face shine upon make upon you and be gracious to you and be gracious to you and be gracious to you and be gracious to you gracious y y ou; ou; The L The L The L The L ORD lift up ORD lift up ORD lift up ORD lift up up His countenance upon His countenance upon His countenance upon His countenance upon upon you and give you peace.” you and give you peace.” you and give you peace.” you and give you peace.” and Num. 6:24-26
This letter is a special one for me as it is my last opportunity as President to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your faithful support of York College. So many of you over the years have allowed your daughters and sons to be students at York College, which is the ultimate expression of trust and confidence. All of us on campus are grateful. You have sacrificed your time, energies and financial resources to support Christian education in this part of God’s world. You continue to make a difference for good in the lives of hundreds of students as they experience spiritual growth on this campus each day. You are wonderful!
Next month my friend and colleague, Steve Eckman, will begin serving as the 20th President of York College since its founding in 1890. He has a great heart and multiple talents which our Lord will bless to increase his effectiveness for the years yet to come. I will continue my service to this ministry as Chancellor and work along side of you and Steve to ensure the spiritual and financial future of York College. Who knows how many more miles Darlene and I may yet travel for the sake of this great Kingdom work.
May God continue His watch care over you and those you love.
Sincerely,
Wayne Baker, Ed.D. President
YORK COLLEGE HERITAGE is published by the Office of Advancement for alumni and friends of York College. Correspondence can be sent to: Steddon Sikes Director of Publications 1125 East 8th Street
Profile Excellence in Profile Excellence in
rian R. Kohlscheen, one of the most likeable guys in professional baseball. Ok, I made that up, but I bet it’s true. After all, the 2008 World Series Champion returned my call seconds after he saw my number on his caller ID and gave me a phone interview from his hotel room in Mexicali (northernmost city in Latin America). Thirty minutes of his career scouting time on his dime… very likeable.
As the Central Regional Supervisor for the Philadelphia Phillies’ scouting staff, Kohlscheen has the ring to show he belongs to the best. And I’m not talking about his wonderful bride of 24 years, Clarice (Brown ’78), at least not yet.
In the grand scale of things, relatively few people get to claim a world victory. This “master scout” has now done it twice, once with the Atlanta Braves in 1995 and now with the Phillies, giving his alma mater in York, Nebraska, an opportunity to do a little bragging about his accomplishments.
With all three sons, Trevor, Stephen, and Connor, accompanying him and Clarice to the final three games at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, I asked him if there were any special moments in the series. “The boys almost caught Utley’s homerun!” he replied, referring to Chase Utley’s sixth inning HR in game 3. “With Stephen at 6’6" and his long arms, I thought he had a chance, but someone else got their glove in the way.”
When I visited with Clarice earlier that day on the phone about her World Series experience, she too talked about that almost moment but added, through what I thought sounded like chattering teeth, “The pictures of us at the Series in the cold and wind and rain don’t do it justice. You had to be there.”
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“God’s reaching for you by giving you Jesus. You won’t be able to reach back until you make this fundamental realization, and once you do, you’ll discover that is the source of your unshakeable joy.”
“We sometimes fall under the impression that we aren’t worthy or good enough to be helped when going through adversity. Looking at what Christ did for us we are probably correct, but the beauty of God is that he is reaching for us anyway. If we just reach out to Him, He can and will pull us through anything.”
Monica Gibson Monica Gibson Senior—Loves Park, IL Psychology
“God is reaching for you, and putting himself out there for you, all you have to do is abandon your pride, give yourself to him, and you will be greatly rewarded.”
John Richards Richards John Richards Richards Senior—Littleton, CO Biology
“God reaches out to us in all kinds of situations and times in our lives. We don’t have to be at rock bottom from the poor decisions we’ve made to reach back.”
Brian (second from the top left) was a member of the Frater Sodalis social club while a student at YC and played baseball and basketball.
2008 World Series: Stephen, Trevor, Connor, Brian, and Clarice at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Brian R. Kohlscheen (’78)
Wife: Clarice (Brown ’78)
Children: Dr. Trevor Vaughn, Stephen (19), and Connor (15)
bkohlscheen@msn.com
In 1977, Brian transferred from the University of Nebraska his sophomore year to York College to get more playing time in baseball under Panther Head Coach Steve Small. The Holdrege, Nebraska, native then went on to play first baseman and catcher for Kearney State College (UNK) where he earned his bachelors degree in History and Physical Education.
After graduation, he played two years of semi-pro ball for the Beatrice Bruins in the Jayhawk League, then began coaching, first on the UNL coaching staff and later as assistant and head coach at York. Coach Kohlscheen spent a total of five years with the Panthers (1982-84, 1987-1990) before joining the professional ranks of baseball.
He enlisted in the military for three years between his YC coaching stints, serving in the Army as a Colonel’s aide in Germany.
In January of ’91, he began his work as an area scout for the Atlanta Braves and stayed with the major league organization ten years. During that time the Braves were one of the most successful franchises in baseball, winning their division title an unprecedented 14 consecutive times and the World Series in 1995. Among the players Kohlscheen signed were Kerry Ligtenberg, a runnerup in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 1998, and Adam LaRoche, who made the Topps’ All-Rookie Team.
Since 2000, Brian has been with the Phillies as the Central Regional Supervisor.
Brian and Clarice, who will celebrate their 25th anniversary next year, reside in Norman, Oklahoma and worship with the Westside Church of Christ.
I’ve decided this would be as good a spot as any to offer up this humorous side note I found on the web when I was researching Brian’s interesting tidbits. In an interview with a reporter a few years ago, Brian said, “Without a good wife, you couldn’t survive in this business. When I call Clarice and I’m sort of down, she straightens me up. She says, ‘You go to work and watch a baseball game, then you try to give away a million dollars to some kid.’”
I asked Brian if his family was proud of dad. “Steddon, they’re proud of themselves because they have a part in this too,” he said, not really acknowledging the limelight of the question. “With all the days I’ve had to be away from home and on the road, they’ve made the sacrifice as a family for me to be here.”
Then he added, “It was an incredible experience to create and share those beautiful memories with family, but I have to tell you, for Clarice and I, our greatest accomplishment is that we have three boys that are members of the church.”
It went silent at this point in our interview – not because of my being taken back by the comment but because I was writing frantically on my notepad, trying to recall word for word that poignant statement. Before I could get in another question and seemingly to make sure I got the point he was making, Brian said, “I’m telling you, the World Series was great and all, but more importantly, we have eternity to look forward to together.” (Now is that a likeable quote coming from one of the most likeable guys in professional baseball or what?)
Brian will admit that he hasn’t always thought about life in this way. “When I came to York, I was on the other side of the street. I watched closely people like Clarice; you could see Christ in them. They walked their
A native of Holdrege, NE, Brian was a standout high school athlete in multiple sports for the Dusters. Among his records was one for the most assists in a basketball season. Today his mark of 133 is still second in the record books.
talk and were very patient with me. Tommy Schulz probably got tired of all the questions I threw at him.”
“He would say, ‘Brian, if you find it in the Bible, I’ll change’. And then I would look up whatever we were talking about, and it would be in there, just like he said.”
He mentioned Coach Steve Small’s influence and having a good mentor in Coach Dale Neal. Later in his YC coaching days, he talked of the impact made on his life by others such as Dub Hannel and Doc (referring to Mabrey Miller). Brian didn’t become a Christian when he was a YC student. However, in 1982 within a month of his return to campus as an assistant coach, he decided it was time.
“The World Series was great and all, but more importantly, we have eternity to look forward to together.”
“The seed was planted when I was a student. I was fortunate,” he said in reference to having a second opportunity to make the decision.
When asked how this win has changed things, Kohlscheen said, “People always think you’re smarter than you are after something like this. I’m the same guy. I just get credit for it.” He also added that anytime you’re seen as the best in the business, others want to copy whatever you’re doing.
“It’s rewarding when your work has really done something on a national level.” Then he added, “It’s humbling at the same time to know that these are God’s gifts.”
Yep… just a very likeable guy. ! —by Steddon Sikes
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teven W. Eckman, a 1971 graduate of York College, has been selected as the 20th President of York College, effective January 15, 2009. The announcement came in early October from Chairman of the YC Board of Trustees H. Jarrell Gibbs.
Eckman. “York has had a tremendous impact on our lives academically, spiritually, and by blessing us with a wonderful life together. We look forward to serving God together with the dedicated faculty and staff at York in impacting lives of young people and serving the church in the North Central States. We pray our work will allow us, in some small way, to repay this institution for what it has given us.”
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“We are pleased that Steve Eckman has accepted the important task of leading York College,” said Gibbs. “It is exciting to have such a godly man, who brings many years of successful service in Christian college education. As a graduate and former staff member of the college, Steve’s love and understanding of this great institution makes him a wonderful choice.”
A national presidential search began this past spring after Dr. Wayne Baker announced that he would retire by the end of 2008-09 academic year. Baker, who is in the thirteenth year of his presidency, recently accepted a new role as Chancellor of York College and will dedicate his energies totally to fundraising.
Eckman started his career as Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at York College in the 1970s. He later served in a variety of roles with Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, Texas. His positions at LCU included Director of Admissions, Director of Financial Aid, Dean of Students, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, and Associate Professor of Bible. Eckman has also served as Senior Grant Administrator for the J.F. Maddox Foundation.
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“We are so appreciative for the many years of dedicated service Dr. Baker has given as President of York College,” Gibbs said. “His continuing service as Chancellor speaks well of his love for this place and our confidence in his leadership.”
Dale Larsen
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A native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the President-elect is well-versed in higher education and development and has a variety of experience in Christian colleges and universities. For the past two years Eckman has served as Executive Vice President at Ohio Valley University located near Parkersburg, West Virginia. Before that he was Senior Vice President of Advancement, overseeing outreach functions of the college, including community, church and corporate relations, as well as fundraising and development.
“LaRee and I are humbled and honored by the opportunity to once again join the York College family,” said
Eckman is known for his work as a consultant in business, leadership development, team building and employee relations. He is a frequent presenter at workshops, lectures, retreats, and conventions. In addition to working in a university setting, he has served as pulpit minister for the Taylor Street Church of Christ in Hobbs, New Mexico. Eckman has also volunteered as a board member for several nonprofit and community improvement organizations. He is a member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Christian Education Association. Eckman is presently completing work toward a Doctor of Ministry and holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Biblical Studies degree from Abilene Christian University. He has also completed additional coursework in higher education administration from Texas Tech.
Steve and his wife LaRee (Scroggin), York College class of 1971, have two grown sons: Jarred and Jeremy. !
“We are drinking from wells we have not dug and eating from vines we did not plant.” Deut. 6
Many visitors to York College and many students have heard Dr. Wayne Baker say these words in reference to the great heroes of this institution. That list has included faculty and staff whose long hours ensured that a Christian college would survive and grow — donors who generously gave for facilities, programs and scholarships over many years — trustees who sacrificed their retirement years and their fortunes for the sake of the college’s mission. And the list goes on.
As President Baker begins a new chapter in his service to the school, it is clear that for decades to come the impact of his leadership will be felt at York College. Students, twenty . . . thirty years from now, will be drinking from
springs of water dug by his hands and enjoying fruit from seeds he planted.
The threads of his vision and love for this place are permanently woven into the YC tapestry.
With the addition during the past twelve years of new science labs in Sack Hall, the Mackey Center (cafeteria, student center, bookstore, and post office), the Prayer Chapel, Holthus Field House, Gibbs Hall (men’s apartments) and the women’s apartments, the YC landscape has undergone a major transformation under Dr. Baker’s watch.
The joy he felt at the dedication of the Prayer Chapel with his childhood friend John Smith and Jack and Barbara Rowe, who helped finance the move of the century-old church building and its
renovation, made it one of his greatest days in office.
“I praise God for my friends and for the providence that allowed this to happen,” Baker said during the ceremony. Focusing on the students, he told them, “This is your place, your place with God.”
In January 2009, Baker will transition from his role as President to a new one as Chancellor. Wayne and his wife Darlene will likely log many more miles on behalf of York College. His title and daily tasks may change but his work to secure good will and funding for the college will carry on, assuring that there will continue to be a Christian college in York, Nebraska and that students will always have their “place with God.”
Looking Back Looking Looking Back Looking Looking
Construction on the Phyllis J. Mackey Center began in the fall of 1997, one year after President Baker took office. In a style reminiscent of “Old Main”, the facility contains the Mabrey and Madge Miller Student Center, the campus dining complex, the McCloud Bookstore, campus post office, Cornerstone Room, and the Offices of Advancement.
The biology laboratory was the first to be relocated in 1997 in the Dean Sack Hall of Science (acquired by the college in 1995) with chemistry and physics labs soon to follow. Over the last twelve years York College has successfully advanced in its four-year programs, offering now over 40 bachelor degrees and disciplines of study. The economic impact that YC has on the community of York alone is estimated to be $25 million each year.
In the last cold days of 1999, the century-old St. Paul’s Church was slowly moved from its original home seven miles north of York to its new location on campus. It took five years of remodeling and many hours of volunteer labor before the Prayer Chapel was rededicated on October 6, 2004. It not only is a place of prayer for students but also hosts weddings, meetings, devotionals, and special music programs.
Longtime friend and benefactor of York College, Mr. Kelly Holthus and his entire family invested in President Baker’s vision of a winter practice facility for Panther Athletics. Complete with an elevated 200-yard condtioning track and 35,000 sq. feet of astroturf, the Holthus Field House opened for business in 2003 and quickly proved invaluable to the sports teams as well as the community of York.
Two residential-style apartment buildings were erected on opposite ends of the main campus in 2006. Each apartment unit houses four students, who have individual bedrooms and share a living room and kitchen. There are also large commons areas on the main floor of each building. Gibbs Hall (men’s residence) is located at 9th and Delaware Avenue, and the women’s residence at Kiplinger Avenue.
Sellout performances proved this play had it all melodrama, great music, comedy, horror, and themes of love, vulnerability, self-destruction and greed, not to mention real characters that were caught up in the trappings of the world they lived in.
york College Theatre has been performing during Homecoming for decades. The same goes for the Music Department’s Concert Choir during alumni chapel. But when directors John Baker and Dr. Clark Roush decided to join forces and produce a Broadway-style musical, audiences got the best of both worlds.
Little Shop of Horrors may not be listed among the standard musicals of the day, but it makes for a fun and entertaining production. The comedic tale of a downand-out floral assistant who discovers a carnivorous exotic plant that wants to take over the world is, in a word, strange.
Audrey II, a plant resembling a Venus Flytrap that requires blood to survive, grows to become argumentative, crude, and a big bully to the hero of the story, Seymour Krelborn (Jason Hernandez). While singing the blues when it can’t get enough food, Audrey II pursues its scheme for world domination.
During homecoming weekend the audience went right along, enjoying every minute of it.
Pulling off a production of this kind required the efforts of both departments in YC’s fine arts community. For over
five weeks, grueling four-hour rehearsals were required. “The students often had a one-hour vocal rehearsal, followed by one hour of choreography in the afternoon. That was followed by at least two more hours of dramatic rehearsal in the evening,” said Dr. Clark Roush, musical director for the production. Roush continued, “This show took an extreme amount of dedication by the actor-musicians.” A live band under the direction of Roush was also part of the performance.
For Baker, costuming and demands of the set design were not extreme. The musical required ordinary stage blocking instructions and a relatively small cast list for this type of venture. Getting a plant to come alive and grow into a monstrous body-swallowing villain by the end of the show was a radical departure from the norm. Staging the plant required help from a New York company who provides theatrical props and supplies for Broadway and many other theaters.
“That was a fun day,” Baker said. “When those large crates were delivered to campus, everyone couldn’t wait to see what was inside.” At six feet tall and wide,
a final
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the biggest of the crates barely fit through the Gurganus Hall doors. A small army of theatre students persisted and wrestled it inside. Finally, while pulling the plants out of the packaging and giving the four Audrey II puppets a quick tryout, the collective response was, “this is going to be awesome!” It was. !
a udrey (Renee Willard) and Seymour (Jason Hernandez) embrace in
farewell. (above)
transfer from UW Sheboygan, makes his first appearance on the YC stage as the hero of the story. (right)
performing live on stage!
john I. Baker III, Associate Professor of Communications, is in his 12th year as Head of the York College Theatre Department and has directed over 60 productions in his career. Founder of the Yorkshire Playhouse Children’s Theatre and the YC Traveling Children’s Theatre, Baker’s appeal is to all ages. Before moving to York he was the creator, producer, writer, and lead puppeteer for The Magic Storybook , a children’s television show in North Dakota.
In 1997 John received the Creative Artist of the Year Award from the North Dakota Speech and Theatre Association, and in May of 2000, he became one of the first three inductees into the Dakota Stage Wall of Fame. He received the Dale R. Larsen Teacher of Achievement Award from York College in 2006. A member of the Yorkshire Playhouse Board of Directors, John and his wife, Carol, have two children, Courtney (19) and John W. (17).
nick Harless debuts in his first YC stage performance as the crazed dentist who loves to inflict pain on his patients. (left)
little Shop of Horror cast (clockwise from the front) AudreyRenee Willard, Seymour - Jason Hernandez, Mushnik - Stephen Detlefs, Orin - Nick Harless, Derelict, Bernstein, & MartinLandon Roseberry, Audrey II (Voice) - Matthew Carlson, Audrey II (Manipulation) - Kayla Lawrence, Ronnette - Elise Hart, Crystal - Maegan Simpson, Chiffon - Sara Firm, Derelict, Customer, & Snip - Matt Ward, Mrs. Luce - Martha Kinyon, and inside Audrey II (Manipulation) - Nick Parsons. (top middle)
An Olympic agnostic. That’s what I was. Sure, I heard about the Olympic Spirit and how it lifted the hearts of women and men all over our planet. It sounded like the Christmas Spirit, which arrives each December with enough might and magic to temporarily transform even confirmed grumps into decent human beings.
Yet I was skeptical. The Olympics remained just another sports event. A mammoth enterprise, to be sure, but not a gigantic, wonderful, world-changing one.
Then I covered two Olympics – one in Athens, another in Beijing – and became a convert. I am a believer.
I work as a sports columnist in Colorado Springs, hometown of the United
States Olympic Committee, and one of the perks of my job is covering the Olympics. I spent nearly a month in Athens in 2004 and nearly a month this summer in Beijing.
Sitting here, typing away, looking back, the memories descend like a happy avalanche. So many good times. So many kind women and men. The Olympic Spirit does operate like the Christmas Spirit. It swoops down, seizes the hearts of women and men, helps them become more kind and more open and then –poof – it vanishes.
Something so intense can only fail to linger, but that’s part of the fun. I look forward to Vancouver and the 2012 Winter Olympics for a fresh encounter with the Spirit.
I began my journalism journey in a
little house in York, Nebraska, where our magnificent staff labored in a simple office. Bryan “The C” Lessly and Todd “The Mod” Kepple and Ken “Scoop” Gates and Don “The Funk” Anderson and my great friend Pam “Gunay” Clark created The Spokesman, which was only the greatest campus newspaper of all time. Advisor Tim Brunner – that lovable tyrant – somehow managed to tolerate our staff’s many, many quirks. He was a wonderful, patient teacher, and my Spokesman friends were great allies. Nobody could have asked for a better start. Writing for a newspaper is what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s still what I want to do. And covering the Olympics brings together everything I enjoy most about my job. You hop on a jet and fly a long way from home. You cover high drama
with huge stakes every day. And you get to eat tasty, exotic food while your company picks up the tab. While enjoying French, Indian or Spanish food in Beijing, I often asked myself, “What could be better?”
Covering an Olympics is thrilling and overwhelming. You stay in dorm-like accommodations with hundreds of journalists from all over the world, and rise each morning for a communal breakfast followed by a frantic day of watching games and writing.
There’s a central bus station reserved for media, and buses take you to events all over the host city. Beijing officials removed half its cars from its streets this summer, but epic traffic jams remained the norm.
Yet journalists didn’t worry about
traffic. Our buses were blessed with their own lane and zipped quickly all over the city. This was also true at the 2004 Athens Olympics. It was a guilty pleasure to repeatedly whiz past hundreds of stalled vehicles.
The Olympics expands the horizons of any sports fan. I covered Olympic basketball, soccer, gymnastics, cycling, indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, softball, baseball, table tennis, swimming, shooting, track and field, triathlon, wrestling, judo, badminton, weightlifting, boxing and the marathon, and I’d have a difficult time picking my favorite.
Excitement invades the most unlikely of events. Watching the shooting competition, for instance, might seem boring. A few men or women line up in a silent room and fire at miniscule targets. It seems like a nice destination for a long nap.
But when you see competitors from across the globe competing for the ultimate stakes, a surprising sense of tension enters the room.
This summer, I watched a bald American pistol-shooter named Jason Turner gun his way out of medal competition, back into medal competition and, finally, on his last two shots finish a few decimal points short of bronze. His winding saga to fourth place took place in a couple hours, and they remain some
of my best Olympic hours. (Turner, who works as a bartender in Colorado Springs, later was awarded the bronze after North Korea’s Jong Su Kim was busted for doping.)
My Olympic schedule, like virtually every other journalist, was jammed. The typical reporter covering the Olympics rises at about 8:30 to catch a morning event and keeps riding those buses all day. I often slipped into bed at 3:30 a.m. for a few hours of sleep before beginning the routine anew the next morning. There are so many highlights. I watched Michael Phelps win four of his eight medals. And the United States men’s basketball team reclaim its gold medal. And the beach volleyball tandem of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh slam its way to world supremacy.
Yet some of the best moments sneak up on you. In 2004, I covered the men’s
Photos: (top left) David Ramsey (YC ‘79) onsite in Beijing, China. Fireworks explode above National Stadium during Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Olympic circles: (l-r) LeBron James goes up for a shot against China’s Yao Ming in the Olympic opener; An all-out fight for possession in the US Soccer Team’s 1-0 win over Brazil for the gold; Michael Phelps lets lose a primal yell after another gold-winning performance; Shawn Johnson watches the US flag raised for her gold medal on the balance beam; US wrestler Henry Cejudo of Colorado Springs celebrates his defeat of Japan’s Tomohiro Matsunaga for the gold.
heavyweight weightlifting competition which featured a heavily tattoed man from Colorado Springs named Shane Hamman.
I walked into a surreal scene. The world’s strongest man, Hossein Rezazadeh, was preparing for his final lifts, and the packed house was roaring its support. All this sounds typical for a sporting event, but this wasn’t typical. Rezazadeh hails from Iran, and the crowd’s ultra-loud chant of “E-RAN, ERAN, E-RAN” probably damaged my hearing. I know little about weightlifting,
but even a novice could see Rezazadeh employed primitive technique.
Didn’t matter. He lifted 581 pounds, with ease, to clinch a gold medal. Dozens of his Iranian fans sprinted to the stage. These fans smothered the massive Rezazadeh with kisses on his cheeks.
All of these fans were male. The Iranian women, restricted by their culture, remained in their seats, watching this male kissing marathon.
The Olympics feature a blessed “We are the World” vibe. During the weeks of competition, it’s obvious how much
we all share. And I do mean all of us.
At the 2004 Olympics, I wandered into a small group of reporters interviewing a cyclist. That’s what journalists do, especially at big events. We gather around athletes, either jot down or record what they say and then write our stories.
This was different. The cyclist and the reporters all hailed from Iran. Once they spotted an American in their midst, they stepped back to widen the circle, stopped asking questions and engaged in a mass staredown. Without saying a word, these
Iranians commanded me to depart.
It was a chilly moment. The menacing looks on their faces reminded me of the expression mom used to give me after she saw my algebra grade. What had happened to the Olympic Spirit?
It hadn’t vanished. It still flickered.
A few minutes later, one of the reporters approached me. He quickly – and quietly - explained Iranians could not be seen talking with an American. He never specified exactly who was watching.
But, apparently, the all-seeing eyes had departed, and it was safe to talk.
“I like Americans,” said the reporter, who wore slacks and longish hair. “My people like Americans.”
Long pause.
“But our governments …” He spoke fluent English, learned while he studied at the University of Tehran. Maybe someday York students will learn Persian while they study at the Harvard of the Great Plains. Hey, it’s a thought.
before Christopher Columbus was born.
My favorite Chinese destination was the Summer Palace, which once served as the royal family’s retreat from Beijing’s heat and hassles. Several dozen ornate buildings surround a lake, and the showcase building rests atop a hill that overlooks Beijing.
It’s a long, tough climb to the top, especially for a weary middle-aged man, but the climb was worth every step.
The view was overwhelming. Standing high above the lake, watching dozens of paddle boats floating lazily along, I enjoyed a cool breeze while relaxing 7,500 miles from home. I had covered a game that morning. I would cover another
game that night.
I had only one wish.
I wished the old Spokesman gangThe Mod and The C and Scoop and The Funk and Gunay - was standing right beside me. !
David Ramsey is a featured columnist and sports writer for The Gazette in Colorado Springs. He is a proud member of York’s class of 1979. His grandfather, Leon Ramsey, helped reopen York College in the 1950s, and all of David’s brothers and sisters – Mary, John, Paul and Sarah – are York grads.
The Iranian could see, from my ID badge, that I lived in Colorado.
“I have a sister,” he said. “She lives in Ah-rah-roar. Never Den-veer.”
“Aurora?”
“Yes, yes. She loves it. I want to visit Colorado, see those mountains. Is it nice there?”
“Wonderful!”
“I want to go, but I can’t get a visa.” We laughed, agreeing that it might take a few years – or a few decades – for that visa to arrive.
I wrote earlier about the crammed schedule that challenges any Olympic journalist, but fortunately it’s not all work. During many afternoons in Beijing, I enjoyed long breaks and grabbed chances to tour the city’s incredible collection of ancient buildings. I saw the Forbidden City and The Great Wall and the Summer Palace and the Lama Temple and the Temple of Heaven and the Temple of Earth. And that’s a partial list. In the United States, we get excited about Constitution Hall or Mount Vernon, which date all the way back to the 1700s. In China, residents shrug about the Forbidden City, completed in 1420, 31 years
Photos courtesy of Mark Reis: Olympic cyclists pass in front of the Tiananment Gate in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square during the men’s cycling road race; The US men’s basketball team celebrate their gold medal victory; Russian-American gymnast, Nastia Liukin, was the 2008 Olympic Individual All-Around Gold Medalist.
ometimes age doesn’t matter. When the Legacy Alumni (pre-1956) get together, they might as well be 18-21 years old again. At least that is how they behaved July 15-17, when their reunion was held on the York College campus. Over 40 people attended from the classes of 1944 to 1956. This group spent three days pouring over photo albums, yearbooks, and newspaper clippings brought from home. The relaxed atmosphere of the Mackey Center was the perfect fit for reminiscing those past college days.
But it wasn’t all relaxation! Two tee times were required for everyone who took on the summer heat to play a round of golf at the York Country Club. Some spectacular shots were witnessed by Steddon Sikes; such as, Marilyn (Oakie) Shingleton’s thirty foot par putt on hole 6 and Norman Menzie’s chip-in for par at the 16th.
Reunion organizers, Gary and Maxine (Miller) Bracken, planned a 1950’s theme for the Homecoming Banquet. The entertainment for the evening was provided by Betty Jean (Riggs) Haney, Janice Menzie, Ramona (Burgett) Ellison, Marilyn Shingleton, Joyce (Klingman) Moore, Keith Megill, and the Brackens.
But the highlight of every reunion is always the chapel time they spend together in worship and remembrance of the ones of their number who are no longer with us.
We are happy to announce the Legacy Alumni have established an endowed scholarship to help students who need financial help to attend York College. This scholarship fund drive was headed up by Chuck Chipman from the class of 1953. Over $10,000 has been raised to date, and donations are still being accepted.
It is not too soon to “Save the Date” for the next reunion, which will be held on the York College campus, June 15-17, 2010. We hope to see everyone back and S S S S S
many others in two years! If you would like to help with the next reunion, please contact Sue Roush, Director of Alumni and Community Relations. !
Photos (lower left to upper right): The YC experience wouldn’t be the same without singing at chapel; Vernon Phelps gave an enlightening presentation of the Amistad Event; Barbara (Blauch) Walch entertains with a story during banquet; Don and Ramona Ellison read the names of alumni who have passed away since the last reunion; Banquet served in the Mackey Center; Janice Menzie, Ramona Ellison, Maxine Bracken, & Marilyn Shingleton provided the quartet music.
Students study in the library, later renamed in honor of librarian Kathleen McGehee when the columns were added in 1958. Originally built as a gymnasium in 1911, McGehee Hall boasted “the finest indoor track in Nebraska”.
On the links: Ed & Marilyn (Oakie) Shingleton, Janice and Norman Menzie, Ruben Lopez, and Gary Bracken
On the links: Ed & Marilyn (Oakie) Shingleton, Janice and Norman Menzie, Ruben Lopez, and Gary Bracken
IRA Charitable Rollover extended through 2009!
Congress has extended the IRA charitable rollover option through December 2009. For individuals age 70½ and older, this tool may be an advantageous means of giving to York College and other nonprofits during 2009. A charitable rollover counts toward the donor’s minimum distribution requirement, it is a convenient means to give, and it may reduce taxes.
To learn more about IRA charitable rollovers and whether using this option could benefit you, go online to:
www.york.edu/alumni/gifts_rollover.asp or call the YC Advancement Office at 402-363-5664.
Wells of Refreshing Water
Drinking from a well someone else dug can sneak up on you sometimes. I and my wife, Kay, certainly never expected a “well” experience during a teacher-parent conference at York Elementary School. Being the father of four kids, I have sat through many (many) conferences including a few impromptu visits, but that’s another story.
Ms. Saprina Howard (YC class of 2000) teaches third graders at York Elementary. Our fourth child, Ann, is one of her “kids,” and the day had come to learn about how our daughter was faring in Ms. Howard’s classroom. What we got was a whole lot more than an update on Annie’s “abc” skills.
The basics were well covered but the unexpected drink from the well came while Ms. Howard talked about the kids in her class – her compassion for their hurts – hopes for their futures – the possibilities for their lives. It was the most faith-laced conference I remembered or could imagine. Afterwards, the first (and best) word we could come up with was “wow.” High standards. Deep conviction. A faith that shines into this present darkness.
We were pleased for Ann but thought even more about the kids who may only see Jesus in the “face” of this third grade teacher. For each of those children, Ms. Howard represents a deep, refreshing well.
How many participants came
together to dig this well of hope for these kids in York, Nebraska? Of course, there is Saprina and her decisions of faith and discipline. There are all those who helped pay for her education. But there is much more: the tireless work by Dr. Pat Simpson when YC’s education program was beginning; the sacrificial leadership of Dr. Kathleen Wheeler who has pushed the program forward; teaching and mentoring by many YC faculty and staff; donors who sacrificed for students (including Saprina) they would never know. In total, the blessing represents a great gift from many partners and it is a gift that will continue to give for years to come.
Classrooms full of kids need their own glimpse into the “face” of Jesus. YC’s grads respond to that need every day in schools across the country, giving excellent instruction and so much more.
How are you and I expending our labor and resources today? What wells are we digging and who will be blessed? Thank you to our donors in 2008 whose gifts helped York College prepare the next “Ms. Howard” so more kids may be blessed. ! by
Brent Magner VP for Advancement
2008 Challenge 2008 Challenge Challenge M M M M Met! et!
By press time, nearly 600 donors had provided “new” qualifying gifts that allow York College to receive the entire $500,000 from the 2008 Challenge donor. “It has been amazing to watch old friends and new stretch their gifts to ensure the college receives this important funding. The impact for our students who are the beneficiaries of enhanced financial aid and a tuition freeze is enormous. In light of today’s economy, the success of this fund raising drive could not have come at a better time,” said President Wayne Baker. Final totals on qualifying gifts will be reported at www.yor k.edu in mid-January.
Work has already begun to secure the next part of this four-year challenge gift. The 2009 Challenge will last from January 1 until December 31, 2009. The challenge amount for 2009, once again, will be $500,000 and will match “new” gifts during that time period. The total challenge from this anonymous donor is $1.5 million for York College.
Simple parchment journals record the reflections of three York College seniors. Michelle Peck, Carl Jurgenson, and Brandon Pigorsch, senior education majors, traveled to Washington, D.C. to study and learn about teaching the Holocaust.
Accompanying her students on the two-day whirlwind journey was Erin DeHart, Assistant Professor of Education. DeHart charged her students to absorb all that surrounded them as they toured the Holocaust Museum, presenting each with an empty notebook.
“Each had a journal where they marked their moments in time so they could remember how they felt ... remember when they teach their students about the Holocaust,” DeHart told the student body during an October chapel program. “I hope their talks and photos will inspire you to start a conversation with us. We will be happy to share our thoughts with you.”
Middle Grades Education major Peck stepped up to the microphone and made a statement, “I am not the same person I was when I walked into the Holocaust Museum.”
Peck put her powerful reaction to what she had witnessed into words on the pages of her journal: “One doesn’t simply go in the Holocaust Museum to look around. It’s not your normal museum. I can’t tell you what it felt like to be there. The feelings that were shoved in my face
then are now a steady burn in my everyday life.”
Journal entry ... “I’ve seen hundreds of pictures of dead bodies and starved men and women but never like this ... every other time it was a three by five picture in a safe environment; but here the pictures consume me. I can’t escape ... everywhere I look more faces stare back at me. It’s as if they are asking me to fix it and I can’t. I’ve never felt so hopeless.”
... “I’m standing in a freight car ... they say 100 people would be crammed in here and I don’t think I could handle so much as 50. How did we get to this point? How could we let people die this way? Why didn’t they do something anything?!,” Peck wrote.
She told the students at chapel, “That day I felt things I had never felt before. With every picture, every display, every video clip my brain told me to get out of that place. To walk away and not burden myself with the emotions ... it was precisely that thought that made me stay. I needed to be in that place ... because it was going to change me if I allowed it. That day the Holocaust became more than just facts and figures, it became people and places. That day I became a part of it all, and I am not the same.”
Jurgenson, a Secondary History major, also spoke from the heart about his life-changing visit to the Holocaust Museum. “The Holocaust Museum is different than all of the other museums in Washington, D.C. It’s not there to celebrate or honor lives given willfully. These people had their lives taken from them.”
Jurgenson told fellow students he’d seen photos and read statistics, but “It was hard to be in the boxcar (used by the Nazis for transporting Jews and others to internment/death camps such as Auschwicz) for more than a minute. The emotions were too much. We can talk about the horrors, but until you experi-
ence the emotion of it, it’s hard to understand.”
Senior Education major Pigorsch journaled the following entry: “One of the most captivating parts of the museum for me was the shoe display. These abandoned shoes were the only remains of some people. The stale smell of the exhibit made me wince a bit as I was walking through. I examined the shoes of all different sizes and try to capture an image of who would have worn these shoes. Exhibits like this bring a sense of reality and how crazy the human race can be. To deny and ignore that this tragedy had ever taken place is absurd.
One of the thoughts that stayed constant for me during the day was how people can hate so much. God created us to love and create relationships, not destroy especially through grotesque measures. I am beside myself after making my trip through the museum. I am full of mixed emotions (sadness, anger, and confusion). I am in shock and awe.”
DeHart understands what her students are feeling. She understands the many levels on which the Holocaust speaks to a person and hopes her students will share their experience with others on campus ... and later with students of their own. !
by Marcia Schlegelmilch York News-Times
(above) Assistant Professor of Education Erin DeHart, Carl Jurgenson, Michelle Peck, and Brandon Pigorsch at the museum in Washington, D.C. (top) Brandon lights a candle at the Holocaust Museum.
(left) A display in Sack Hall was created about the trip and the students’ research.
Education
·M.Ed., Texas Tech University, 2005
·B.A., Biblical Studies, York College, 2001
Career
· April 15, 2008 York College Athletic Director Jan. - April, 2008 YC Interim Director of Admissions 2005-2007 YC Assistant Dean of Students
· 2003-2005 Worked with student athletes, TTU 2001-2002 YC Admissions Counselor
Contact
·(402) 363-5635 jastark@york.edu
ared Stark has few peers when it comes to his enthusiasm for Panther Athletics and passion for the success of the student athlete. The 2001 YC graduate is at home in his new role as Athletic Director overseeing the eight sports programs on campus, and he’s giving it all he has.
Recruitment, budgets, schedules, fundraisers, staffing needs… just a portion of the new responsibilities for the Lincoln, Nebraska native. Why he would take such a demanding role is discovered in Stark’s fundamental philosophy that the talents and abilities of the individual athlete are
only as good as the whole person.
“I believe athletics is a key platform for student learning,” said Stark in a recent interview. He outlined the components of spiritual development, academic progress, and social responsibility and growth as all being part of the total package. “Coaches are powerful mentors for student athletes, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”
For Stark, the importance of training an athlete for life is not unlike the college’s mission of equipping students to lead lives of purpose and service. “I’ve
noticed that when students commit to our mission, they develop a sincere affection for God’s people and His purposes. We want to instill in our current student athletes a complete sense of responsibility and thankfulness for the opportunities they have.”
He then added, “I want to see character development as a result of faith development.”
As an alum, Stark would like to give other YC graduates more ways to stay connected to their alma mater. “I think the passion of York alumni is not easily paralleled. In the coming years I’d like to increase our athletic exposure via the college website,” he said. “I know many alums would relish being able to stay connected by logging on to the web to view a basketball or baseball game.”
In addition to live webcasting, Stark also plans to implement an athletics newsletter in his second year as A.D. As he put it, “Once a Panther, always a Panther.” !
1939
Dr. Raymond Peterson celebrated his 90th birthday on Sept. 27, 2008. After his graduation, he became a faculty member and coach in Franklin, Nebraska. Then, in 1941 he enrolled at the Dental College at the University of Nebraska. Congratulations can be sent to him at 1903 Westwood Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92706
1948
Leon and Lois (Shaneyfelt ‘50) Buttermore celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with friends and family on December 22, 2008. Congratulations can be sent to 2102 W C St, North Platte, NE 69101
1964
Ron and Delores (Peters) Friberg have recently moved. They would like to hear from classmates and friends at Box 245, Nelson, NE 68961 delores.friberg@gmail.com
1968
Dan and Jill (Beaty ’67) Amundson own and operate Rock Village Court. They can be reached at 21691 State Hwy 112, Cassville, MO 65625 rock003@centurytel.net
1969
Donnie and Naida (Jambura) Harrington work for the US Agency for International Development and have recently moved back to the U.S. from Kabul, Afghanistan. Friends and classmates can contact them at 201 Apple Blossom Court, Vienna, VA 22181 nmh1123@gmail.com
1970
Wendy (Bachman) Lopez is working as a payroll advisor for Newmont Mining. 16022 East 107th Avenue, Commerce City, CO 80022 twdenver@msn.com
1972
Mike Arnold lost his battle with cancer on March 30, 2008. He was a great husband and father and an inspiration to many, many people. Condolences can be sent to his wife Yvonne at yaa131@hotmail.com
James D. “Jim” Blake, 56, passed away on October 18, 2008 after suffering a massive heart attack. See page 19.
Condolences can be sent to his wife Glenda at 1404 Robertson Ave, Worland, WY 82401
1973
Debbie (Sellers) Broadway and her husband Mark have two children Joshua and Casey. Classmates can reach them at 5750 S Michigan, Springfield, MO 65810 dabrodway@sbcglobal.net
1976
Ron Dickerson passed away on June 3, 2008. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bartine Dickerson of Ennis, Texas. Ron worked as a police sergeant in York for many years before retiring. Condolences can be sent to 705 Phillips Drive, Ennis, TX 75119. Russell and Kathy Scott recently moved their business, Allegro Music Academy, from their home into the Shops of Spanish Village in Dallas. They have three studios with two full-time and two part-time music teachers. www.therussler.com/Allegro 1331 Chippewa Drive, Richardson, TX 75080 RDSKWS@aol.com
Louie and Francille Vesel are currently employed as a teacher and education advisor. 910 Harrison, Abilene, TX 79601 louis.vesel@gmail.com
1978
Dallas Brown is looking forward to the December publication of his third book of spiritual poetry, “The Spirit Leads Home.” His first two books are “Heavy Rain and Light Breezes” (March ‘07) and “Escape Death’s Shadow” (Jan. ‘08). Deborah is a social worker for the state of Texas. They have one child, Jeremy. 6105 9th St, Lubbock, TX 79416 brownie217@sbcglobal.net
Douglas and Robin (Miller) Henley would like to hear from friends and classmates at 100 Silver Fox Trace, Yorktown, VA 23693 q8btdt@cox.net
1979
Glen and Judy (Edwards) Kingery are spending life in Abilene, TX, where they fill their days doing a lot of lathe work and enjoying semi-retirement. They would love to hear from former classmates and friends at 1118 Barrow, Abilene, TX 79605 Judyabilene@aol.com
1981
Paula Rivoire wants classmates to know she is alive and doing well, despite a gift being attributed in her memory in the summer 2008 issue of the York College Heritage magazine. We apologize for the “misplacement” and hope it only leads to classmates getting back in touch. 901 W Sycamore St, Sherman, TX 75092 Rivoi9@aol.com
1982
Donna (Rogers) and Mark May are doing well. Mark currently works for Hallmark Cards. 4100 N Bellefontaine Ave, Kansas City, MO 64117 mmay64@kc.rr.com
1984
Alexia and Paul Maben have moved. Paul is working as an engineer for Cingular Wireless. 3120 W College St, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 tigerkoi@sbcglobal.net
Dean May works as a project coordinator for MultiCare. 21804 Mt. Hwy E., PMB 57, Spanaay, WA 98387 dmaychine@hotmail.com
Brent and Jane (Houtz ’85) Parrett have two children, David and Rachel. Brent is a Sr. Vaccine Specialist for Merck. 4105 NE 143rd, Edmond, OK 73013 brent.parrett@coxinet.net
1985
Sharon Marie (Kirby) and Michael Clark (’86) recently moved back into the house that Sharon’s parents lived in for over 30 years. Sharon is working as a first grade teacher for Wichita Collegiate School, and Michael works for Cox Communications. They have three children: Devin, Lillian and Crey. They would love to hear from classmates and friends at their new address. 4859 N Hillcrest Bel Aire, KS 67220 smclark@cox.net
1987
Patricia M. Silversmith is currently working for the Department of the Interior as a park ranger. She can be reached at PO Box 2372, Livingston, MT 59047
1988
Christopher and Susan Cash are enjoying life in Arkansas. Chris was an educator for 10 years and then became an Aflac agent. After being a homemaker for several years, his wife has returned to teaching. Both are active with the local church as well as an outreach ministry in the inner city of West Memphis. Chris still enjoys directing worship and has very fond memories of his time at YC. Looking back he would not have spent that time anywhere else. He thanks everyone who shaped his life while he was at York. 302 N Worthington, West Memphis, AR 72301 christopher_cash@us.aflac.com
Brian and Amy (Nelson ‘94) Holcombe have two children, Peyton and Elise, and Brian is the president of First Bank. 78440 Blackstone Ct, Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203 californiaarrow@hotmail.com
1991
Maja (Miller) Ledgerwood has authored her first book. See Milestones, pg. 18
1995
Kim (Wheeler) Hibbs is working for AAA Oregon/Idaho. She would like to hear from classmates and friends 7710 N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217
Brandi Polluck is working as a 5th grade math teacher for Keller ISD. She has one child, Alexis. Classmates and friends can contact her at 3214 Monterra Bluff Lane 704, Fort Worth, TX 76177 brandi.pollock@kellerisd.net
Karen (Harvey) and Nathan Smith would like to announce the birth of Brenna Paige on May 20, 2008. She joins brother Brady who turned two five days later. Congratulations can be sent to Karen.L.Smith@comcast.net
1997
Brad and Terri (Bond) Dillan are excited to be “home” in Imperial again after living elsewhere for a year. Brad works in management for Lamar Fertilizer while Terri acts as part-time bookkeeper for Lamar Fertilizer and full-time mother of five children. Friends and classmates can welcome them home at P.O. Box 1423, Imperial, NE 69033 btdillan@gpcom.net
1998
Wes and Rachel (Forehand ’94) Hanson are happy to welcome the arrival of Elizabeth Faith Hanson. She was born on August 18, 2008. She joins big brothers Eric, Andrew and Stephen. Congratulations can be sent to 52320 SE 3rd St, Scappoose, OR 97056 hansonwears@netzero.net
Paul and Amy (Gilmer) Montford are celebrating the arrival of their second son, Landon, on June 20, 2008. He joins his older brother Ethan. Paul is working as a sales consultant for Dice Inc, and Amy is the Assistant Director of Contact Center Technology for Principal Financial. Congratulations on their new family member can be sent to 105 NW 14th St, Grimes, IA 50111 montfords@mchsi.com
Tony and Christy Rasmussen are expecting their third little girl in December. Tony is working as a commercial agent for Union Agency, Inc. Well wishes can be sent to 2944 N 72nd St, Lincoln, NE 68507 trasmuss22@hotmail.com
Ryan and Bethany (Close) Schrader are celebrating Ryan’s recent promotion to store manager for Walgreens. 1817 S. “D” St, Spokane, WA 99224 ryanbethany@qsyllc.com
Jeff and Lynn (Pafford) Smith are enjoying life with their two kids, Shawn and Kylee. Jeff is a classroom educator for Riverdale Unified, and Lynn is working in student support for PreLicenseTraining.com. 775 Serena Ave, Clovis, CA 93619 jeffandlynnsmith@yahoo.com
1999
Dana (Dudak) Carlson and her husband Andrew, announce the birth of Chelsea Catelyn, born on April 28, 2008. Dana is at home with both kids while Andrew continues teaching. 4639 Windstar Way, Palmdale, CA 93552 ddudak@hotmail.com
Jane Jasnoch is employed as a business development programs manager for the National Student Loan Program. She gave birth to a boy, Mason Thomas, on October 27th 7210 N 16th St, Unit 1, Lincoln, NE 68521 jjasnoch@hotmail.com
2000
Tanis Blount has accepted her first stateside teaching job with Coolidge ISD in Coolidge, TX. She is teaching Language Arts and Reading at a year round school and loves it! 709 E Commerce Apt.1, Mexia, TX 76667 tanissab@hotmail.com
Jason and Sara Rice are enjoying life in San Antonio. Jason is working in financial planning for Wells Fargo, and Sara is a Federal Reserve bank examiner. 14500 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216 jason.l.rice@wellsfargo.com
Jody (Peplinski) Roff is enjoying her new role as the Lead Physician Assistant at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center. She is still working part time at South Coast Medical ER in Laguna Beach. Jody also has a new address: 29895 Farmingham Ct, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 jpep7@hotmail.com
2001
Ben Berry and Erica Towell (’06) are engaged to be married Dec. 27, 2008 in York. Ben is working on a Master of Arts in Missions at ACU and Erica works there as an administrative assistant in the Graduate School of Theology. They have plans for mission work in Japan. 1525 Washington Blvd, Abilene, TX 79601 bencberry@gmail.com
Mandi Jo Fraser is spending her time as a caseworker for RegionV Systems. 420 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68505 mandrajo@hotmail.com
Dave Kinzer goes crosscountry 1,863 miles on his bike. See Milestones, pg. 18
Brian Kite is a financial center manager for Wachovia. He would like to hear from friends and classmates: 3004 Franciscan Drive Suite 1827, Arlington, TX 76015 briankite@ymail.com
Sara (Hand) McWatters is enjoying life with her two children Avari and Keegan. She is employed as a 2nd grade teacher for Crowley ISD. 1213 Estes St, Benbrook, TX 76126 mcwatters4@sbcglobal.net
Veronica “Roni” (Arellano) married Kenneth Miller, on November 22, 2008. She walked down the aisle to “Sanctus” by the YC Concert Choir. 6942 Lake Dr, Apt G, Dublin, CA 94568 vsall@hotmail.com
Rachel (McCauley) and Tim Wylie recently moved to Montana from Baton Rouge. They are expecting to give their two children Maya and Casal, another sibling in March. 1811 Emigrant Ct, Missoula, MT 59801 timandrachelwylie@yahoo.com
2002
Mark and Summer (McNeese ‘03) Dickinson are enjoying life in York with their two children Ethan and Finn. Mark began his new position as the Residence Life Coordinator and Director of Intramural Athletics at YC in June. Summer continues to serve as an English instructor for the college. 1125 E 8th St, York, NE 68467 sdickinson@york.edu
Rachel (Russell) and Christopher Lamm are both working as teachers, Rachel for Frenship ISD and Christopher for Lubbock ISD. They have one child, Lincoln, and would like to hear from friends at 3504 102nd St, Lubbock, TX 79423 rlamm@frenship.us
2003
Trent and Amber (Rhodes ’02) Colle were married on September 8, 2007. Trent is a teacher and coach at McCool Junction Public School, and Amber is a rehabilitation aide at York General Hospital while also finishing up her RN degree. Classmates can keep in touch with them at 903 Iowa Ave, York, NE 68467 trentcolle@hotmail.com
Don and Kelli (Davis ’04) Cornell had a baby boy on August 11, 2008. Gavin Davis was 7 pounds, 7 ounces and 21 inches long. Congratulations can be sent to 8781 S Taylor Drive, North Platte, NE 69101
Eric Eckert produced an awardwinning film. See Milestones, pg. 18 Ricky and Jama (Sebold ‘04) Grafe were married on June 9, 2007. Jama completed her M.A. in ESL in May 2008. She is now an elementary and ESL teacher for Avalon Charter School. Ricky and Jama would like to hear from classmates at 4444 E Covina St, Mesa, AZ 85205 jlsebold@aol.com
Amberlyn Joy Keller is currently searching for a teaching or counseling job. She sends smiles and blessings out to everyone she knows. Send some back to her at 3507 Palm Desert Ln., Missouri City, TX 77459 ajkeller15@yahoo.com
2004
Zachary Foster is currently living in Kearney and working for the county. It is his daytime gig as he is also pursuing his “fame and fortune” as a writer. He recently self-published some of his work. One of the works is about lessons learned at YC outside of the classroom. Another is a book of poetry written in the last four years. If you wish to check these out, you can go to http://stores.lulu.com/ fosterza. Zachary would love to hear from anyone who went to YC from 1999 to 2004. 600 E 23rd St Apt 305, Kearney, NE 68847 zachfoster71@hotmail.com
Jenny (McDaniel) and Eric Harbaugh had a baby boy, Emmett Lowell, on May 30, 2008, to add to their first two children Jorah and Joley. Congratulations on their new addition can be sent to 105 S Plum, Pretty Prairie, KS 67570 jennymac_24@hotmail.com
2005
Sammie (Ballowe) and Sean Johnson recently moved into a new home. Sammie is the office manager for Garco Construction, and Sean works for UPS. Their new address is 2816 7th Ave N, Great Falls, MT 59401 climb21up@hotmail.com
Anya Kozlova graduated with her Masters. See Milestones, pg. 18 Will and Jeri (Sebold) Roberts were married on October 27, 2007. Classmates and friends can contact them at 2720 Sandhutton Ave Apt 5, Rockford, IL 61109 jdroberts16@aol.com
Heidi Smith is working as a cook at York College and attending grad school online studying World History. She would love to hear from old friends. She also has a new address: 623 Grant Ave #11, York, NE 68467 lynn2425@hotmail.com
Chris Starr is currently employed as District Manager for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. He would like to hear from classmates and friends at 8312 Woodiron Dr, Duluth, GA 30097 cstarr@ajc.com
2006
Heather (Summers) Hall is living in Alabama with her two children Jaelynn and Amaya. She would like to hear from friends and classmates at P.O. Box 9091, Mobile, AL 36691 Michael and Jessica (Duncan ’04) Peralta have a new addition to the family. Zoey Rachel was born on February 29, 2008. Michael is working on his Master’s Degree in English at Wichita State University, and Jessica is working at Rainbows United teaching children with autism. They also have a new address: 2315 N Somerset St Apt. 104, Wichita, KS 67204 jessicaperalta82@hotmail.com
Holly (Curtis) and Brian Thompson and their child Kevery Curtis are doing well in South Dakota. Brian is a draftsman in the Bridge Dept. for the State of South Dakota Department of Transportation, and Holly is a youth development specialist for Capital Area Counseling. Old friends and classmates can reach them at 300 N Hemlock Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 life_thruthelens@yahoo.com
Lynn (Miller) and Jason Wunder welcomed into the world a beautiful baby girl, Hayley JoLynn Wunder, on May 4, 2008. The happy family would love to hear from classmates and friends. 5909 111th St Ct East, Puyallup, WA 98373
Jeremy and Pamela (Keesee ’02) Layden are enjoying life in Kansas. Jeremy works in custom furniture for Moore Log Homes and Brotherwood Furniture. Pamela is a tutor and teacher for Robinson Middle School and The Bridge of Topeka. They would like to hear from classmates and friends. 201 SW Elmwood Ave, Topeka, KS 66606
2007
Rusty S.E. Ridley is in his second year of working at York College. He is the McCloud Residence Hall Manager and Student Leadership Coordinator. On September 19, Rusty received commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air National Guard. He will be a Public Affairs Officer for the 153rd Airlift Wing in Wyoming. 1125 E 8th St, York, NE 68467 rridley@york.edu
P P P P Panther milestones
M M M M M aja (M (Miller) Ledger iller) Ledger iller) iller) wood wood wood’ ’’ ’ ’ s s s s s passion for books, accompanied by an avid interest in history, has led her to become an author - Pocahontas: Princess of Faith and Courage. Check out her website at www.majaledger wood.com. Maja was inspired by her young daughters to write this book for educators, homeschoolers, and parents like herself, who want their students and children to understand the frequently unsung courage and faith of America’s historical icons. Married in 1996, she and her husband, Thad, have three daughters: Taylor, Trysta, and Theresa. 20292 Tucker Rd, Greenleaf, ID 83626 majaledgerwood@msn.com
2001 2001
2005 2005
Anya Kozlova Kozlova graduated from Pepperdine University in April of 2008 with a Masters in Public Policy, concentration in International Relations and Economics. She is now working in Washington, D.C., as a Europe and Asia Program Associate for the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). She’s also happy to be a lot closer to her sister Lena Lena (’97) (’97) (’97) (’97) (’97), Lena’s husband Jason, and niece Jennifer who live in North Carolina. 804 N Garfield Street, Arlington, VA 22201 anyaokozlova@yahoo.com
John and Martha Bryant financially adopted Anya and Lena in their education at YC and as both of them earned their masters at Pepperdine. John, a former Trustee at York College, was put in touch with the Kozlovas by his brother Marvin, who initially studied with and baptized Lena when he was a missionary to the Ukraine.
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Whompy Whompy” Kinz ” Kinz ” Kinz ” Kinz ” Kinzer er er er er and his friend Gavin road their bikes cross country this summer from International Falls, MN (on the U.S./Canada border) to New Orleans. The 1,863-mile road trip took 34 days, June 10-July 13, costing them $1,266.24 each (return flight included). Why? What better way to see the country than on a bicycle! Their trip also raised money for WCYC – Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp. Dave is a music teacher for the Waterloo Community School District. 213 Maryland Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701 whompy@hotmail.com www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/kinzer 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003
E E ric J. E ric J. E Ecker cker cker t t’’ ’’ ’ s s s s s film Cloverpeep was winner of the NPC Outstanding Achievement in Film and the nationwide PEEPS® on Film competition. It was filmed in April of 2008 as an entry into the York Peep Show and starred Gerry Ray (‘07), Luke Mills (‘08), Rusty Ridley (‘07), and a handful of other York College students and alumni. Eric is the New Media Director for the York News-Times and is a videographer/photographer for Havoc Films. He and his wife Lindsey (G Lindsey (G Lindsey (Gusaas) usaas) usaas) have two daughters: Hadley and Zoey. 306 E 4th, York, NE 68467 eckert@havocfilms.com www.cloverpeep.com
To submit news for the Heritage, please visit us on the web at www.york.edu/ alumni and click on the link Update Your Information. To submit photos, email Sue Roush at smroush@york.edu
GoodSearch.com is a search engine with a unique social mission. It’s powered by Yahoo!, so you get the same great search results, but each time you do a search, GoodSearch makes a donation to York College. 50% of all ad revenue generated from the site is donated to the charity of the user’s choice. The money GoodSearch donates comes from its advertisers, so it doesn’t cost the users or the organizations a penny.
GoodShop.com is the new online marketplace that donates a percentage of your online purchases to York College. You can choose from hundreds of popular online merchants and the experience of shopping through GoodShop is the same as going to the retailer directly.
So, the next time you are surfing be sure to check out these two websites and benefit York College at the same time!
2008-09 Alpha Chi
A student must be in the top 10 percent of the junior or senior class to be eligible for the Nebraska Epsilon chapter of Alpha Chi, a national honor scholarship society.
(1st row) Brittany Ellis, Charity
Erin Sams, Amber
Regennitter, Jamie Van Gieson, Renee Willard,
Soderholm, Caleb Rush; (2nd row) President Wayne Baker, Michal Dudrey, Keri Bornschlegel, Nicole Melby, Ginger Hodson – Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Physics; (3rd row) Taylor Ettwein, Patrick Good, Dr. Ray Miller – Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dustin Kinnison, and Bevin Carroll. Not pictured – Nick Jones.
New Technology on Hand
Students to receive an iPod touch beginning next fall
A new initiative is being launched in August that will see the power of the internet and technology at the fingertips of every student taking twelve or more hours. “Every full time student that goes through the registration line in the fall will be handed an iPod touch,” said Willie Sanchez, Director of Admissions.
After making the announcement to the student body in chapel, Sanchez and others from his staff were inundated with questions from current students about the iPods. “Everyone’s excited about getting a free iPod and the programs that are being developed for their education,” he said. “This will be a huge upgrade to how students get their information and the overall campus communication process.”
“Of course they’re all interested in the music and movies that are available at a few touches on the screen,” commented Sanchez, “but this initiative really is about using today’s technology in stepping up how we educate today’s student.” !
1972
James D. “Jim” Blake , 56, died on October 18, 2008 after suffering a massive heart attack. Jim was a member of the Worland Church of Christ where he served as a deacon for many years and was in charge of the education program. He had a profound impact on those he attended church with, but he also affected the lives of many outside of the church by leading small groups and being an example of the message of the Gospel.
He was the purchasing agent for Admiral Beverage and celebrated his thirtieth anniversary with them last February. He was a member of the Washakie Medical Center hospital board and a member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters in his community. Cooking for his family was one of his favorite things in life. He was well known for some of the best BBQ around the area and
Prayer’s Answer
A 2002 graduate of York College, Lorisa Norton’s return to campus is a Godsend. Literally.
For the past five years Professor Norton has lived in Texas, where, after completing her MS in Social Work at the University of Texas—Arlington, she has worked for a foster care agency.
Ten hours up the road, Michael Becker, Associate Professor of Psychology and Head of YC’s Behavioral Sciences Department, had been praying about the new social work program and was trying to hire for a position. Norton accidentally sent an email to Becker because his name was next to the intended recipient in her e-mail address book.
Upon receiving the communication, Becker realized she might be just the person he was looking for and asked her to make the trip to York for an interview. During this same time in her life, Lorisa had also been praying for an opportunity that would allow her to leave Dallas and get back into a smaller town with more of a close-knit community.
They were the answer to each others’ prayers.
“I am very excited to be here,” said Norton. “I enjoyed my time as a student at York, and you always wonder if you could come back, and I have.” !
by Nathana Faddis
# You’ve Got Mail!
YC Connect is a free electronic newsletter that gives you current updates and important news on what’s happening. To join the group, email newsletter@york.edu.
operated his own business, J.D.’s Barbeque. He was active on the planning committee for the Wyoming State BBQ and Blue Grass Festival each year.
Jim was known for building relationships with others, seeing their value and knowing they had something to offer. He cared deeply for people of all ages, was conscious of their feelings and offered no pretense. His giving heart led him to frequently open his home to others. He guided his family with diligence and unwavering faith and was an example of wisdom, kindness, stability and strength. Jim was a model father and husband who consistently portrayed the message of faith, hope and love. There were over 650 people at the funeralwhich was wonderfully managed like a celebration and tribute to the life of a Godly Christian man.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Glenda, and two daughters: Sarah (YC class of 2002) and Katie.
1952-2008
James O. Grimes passed away November 28, 2008 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A member of the Woodburn Church of Christ, Jim was 85 years of age. He founded in 1953 and operated Money Handling Machines, Inc., which continues to be a successful business based in Omaha and operated by his three sons, Dave (‘76), Mark (‘78), and Scott (‘80). All three of his daughters-in-law and three of his six grandchildren are also York College alums. The youngest three grandchildren are current YC students.
Jim’s faithful and sacrificial support of Christian education on our campus has led to the progress and strength of churches of Christ all around the world and especially in the north central United States. His leadership for many years as Chairman of our Board of Trustees and his service as an elder of the church plus his love and dedication to his family have made him an inspiration and mentor to many of us.
Anonymous
The Clock Clock Clock Clock Clock
The Clock Clock Clock Clock Clock
Society Society Society Society Society
Society Society Society Society Society
$50,000 AND UP
Mr. and Mrs. H. Jarrell Gibbs
Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Holthus
Mr. and Mrs. John Kooiker
Mrs. Lorraine Levitt*
Mr. and Mrs. David Lynn
Mrs. Mabel McKnight*
Mr. and Mrs. Edward McLoud
Mrs. Sandra Olson
$20,000—$49,999
Mr. Don Freeman
Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Hannel
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Lawrence
$10,000—$19,999
Mr. and Mrs. Don Angus
Mr. Harvey Childress*
Mrs. Sue Childress
Dr. and Mrs. Wilbur Dabbs
Miss Olive Devine*
Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Harms
Mr. and Mrs. Steve McCann
Mrs. Mary Taylor*
Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Watts
Dr. David Worley
$5,000—$9,999
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Anderson
Dr. and Mrs. John Bryant
Mrs. Elnora Carruth
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Deal
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Denewiler
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Edwards, Jr.
Mr. Byron Fullerton
Mr. Robert Hall
Mr. and Mrs. Van Harrold
Mr. Adron Hawkins
Mr. and Mrs. Darrel Hoyt
Drs. Joe and Jackie Humphrey
Mr. and Mrs. Richard James
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Jacobs
Ms. Ruth Short recognizes leadership giving to York College. Members of the Clock Tower Society are a nationwide collection of alumni, friends, parents and other supporters who give a minimum of $1,000 in one year. Blessing students through competitive scholarships, a highly
qualified faculty and a professional staff, Clock Tower Society members assure that the college remains a vibrant fellowship of learning and community of faith. Thank you to each member of this year’s Clock Tower Society and thank you to every donor in 2008 for your partnership with York College. F F F F F ounders ounders ounders ounders ounders’ C ’ C ’ C ’ C ir ir ir ir cle cle cle cle cle
F F F ounders ounders ounders ounders’ C ’ ’ Circle cle
continued
Mr. and Mrs. G. W. “Bill” Knight
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Nill
Mrs. Margaret Parker
Mr. Dave Richardson
Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Woods
$2,000—$4,999
Anonymous (2)
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Arterburn
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brackett
Mrs. Mary Clark
Mr. and Mrs. Don Drennan
Mr. and Mrs. Dimitri Gaitanopoulos
Mr. Jerry Gallagher
Mr. and Mrs. Galen Groves
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Gunselman
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hance
Dr. and Mrs. E. LaVerne Haselwood
Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Hawley
Mr. and Mrs. Keel Hendricks
Miss Sherri Herndon
Mr. and Mrs. Don Hornbaker
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hornbaker
Mr. and Mrs. Chester James
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Kinnison
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Mangan
Drs. Tyler and Kelli Mason
Mrs. Wanda Middleswarth
Dr. and Mrs. L. Ray Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Don Millican
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Morrow
Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Murphy
Mr. and Mrs. J. Lindbergh Presson
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Reischl
Richfield Church of Christ
Mr. and Mrs. Perry Rubart
Dr. Dorris “Dottie” Schulz
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sheldon
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Sheldon
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Shipman
Mr. Dale Talmage
Mrs. Elaine Townsdin
Dr. and Mrs. Wayne White
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Willis
Mr. and Mrs. Drew Woodburn
$1,000—$1,999
Mrs. Roberta Andrews
President and Mrs. Wayne Baker
Mrs. Wylene Baker
Mr. and Mrs. Lenard Boesch
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Brazell
Mrs. Erma Carstens
Mr. and Mrs. Rodger Chambers
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Colwell
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Conway
Mr. Dan Dolby, Jr.
Dr. and Mrs. Telfer Epp
Mr. and Mrs. Don Fischer
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Fleck
Mr. and Mrs. Bart Florea
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ganus
Mr. and Mrs. Rod Genrich
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Harris
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Henderson
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Houston
Dr. and Mrs. W. Ray Jouett
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kroeker
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lambert
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Leopard
Mr. Charles Locke, Jr.
Mr. Ron Losher
Mr. and Mrs. Brent Magner
Mrs. Shirley Magner
Mr. and Mrs. Quinton Martin
Mr. and Mrs. Kimball Matkins
Mrs. Betty McCune
McPherson Ave. Church of Christ
Mr. Leo Miller
Dr. and Mrs. Mabrey Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Derryl Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Norris
Northside Church of Christ
Northwest Church of Christ
Mrs. Willa B. Patterson
Miss Maribel Poundstone
Mr. Alonso Rivera
Mr. and Mrs. Gayland Roberts
Mrs. Dulcie Robinson
Mr. and Mrs. Phil Roe
Dr. and Mrs. Harold Rosenau
Mr. and Mrs. James Ross
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Schoof
Mrs. Ermalee Scroggin
Dr. and Mrs. Paul Stelzer
Miss Joan Stirlen
Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Touchton
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Villet
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Waldrop
Drs. Harold and Harriet Walker
Dr. and Mrs. James Wilkison
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Willard
Mr. and Mrs. Wilburn “Dub” Wilson
Anonymous (2)
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
AVAYA Foundation
Becton, Dickinson and Co.
Boeing
Cedar Foundation
Chevron
ConocoPhillips
Cornerstone Bank
Cornhusker Christian Children’s Fdn.
Euphrasia Martin Foundation
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Gibson Holdings, Inc.
GlaxoSmithKline Corporation
IBM Corporation
Indian Center
Marlin Oil Corporation
Metz Mortuary
Modern Methods, Inc.
National Helping Hands Chapter
Nebraska Independent College Fdn.
O. J. and Ann Weber Family Fdn.
R. L. Craft Co.
Renaissance Charitable Foundation
Self Storage Co. of Iowa, LLC
Shell Oil Company Foundation
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Tulsa Christian Foundation, Inc.
Valero Energy Foundation
Wal-Mart Foundation
York Community Foundation
(* indicates deceased)
The Cat The Cat The Cat The Cat Cat’
College Village Collection Village Collection Village Collection Village Collection Collection
The Trustees’ Wives Chapter of Helping Hands is offering this opportunity to purchase a 3” x 5.5” x ¾” wood replica of Gurganus Hall. This custom-designed keepsake is the seventh in this beautiful collection. A new design from the York College campus will be added each year.
Order now!
Gurganus Hall was originally built in 1957 as the church building for East Hill Church of Christ. The building was then acquired by York College and dedicated in 1974. Named for Howard C. Gurganus, former Assistant to the President and longtime supporter of the college, it is the main rehearsal and performance venue for the theatre and music departments.
A limited supply of the Mackey Center, Arch, Prayer Chapel, McGehee Hall, Hulitt Hall, and Middlebrook Hall replicas are also available to order.
Mail information and payment to:
Mail information and information Office of Advancement 1125 East 8th Street York, NE 68467
Mail information and Mail information and payment to:
The Concert Choir has accepted an invitation to participate in a special performance of the music of Eric Whitacre in New York City this summer. The concert will feature a new work by Whitacre and will be conducted by the composer, accompanied by Distinguished Concerts Orchestra International. York College will join with other select choirs from across the country for this performance in Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center on Sunday, June 28, 2009.
(Above) Jennifer Witt and Nick Parsons take the royal march after being crowned during Homecoming ceremonies. (Right) AllConference defender Benny Hanaphy takes on three opponents. (Inset) Ryan Touchton ‘62, Bryan Jacobs ‘62, Paul Touchton ‘61, and Roger Lowry ‘66 team up in the Homecoming Tournament.
Spring High School Days and Songfest ‘09 April 2-4, 2009
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
Concert Choir Winter Tour ..................... January 4 - 10
Second Semester Registration ...................... January 12
Reception for Steve Eckman ........................ January 22
Shine Retreat .......................................... February 6 - 8
YC Theatre The Crucible .......... February 26 - March 1
Spring Break ........................................... March 14 - 22
Spring High School Days ........................... April 3 - 5 (Songfest ‘09 ......... April 2 - 4, 7:30 p.m.)
All-College Banquet ......................................... April 23
RoundUp .................................................. May 17 - 23
Summer Session II ............................ June 3 - June 18
Soul Quest ‘09 ........................................... June 14 - 20
NYC Choir Performance, Lincoln Center ........... June 28
New Student Orientation ........................ August 22 - 24
Classes Begin ............................................... August 26
Homecoming and Fall H.S.Days ............. October 9 - 11
Concert Choir Spring Works Concert............ April 28 Commencement ................................................ May 9 Summer Session I .............................. May 13 - June 1
