The (2010s)
C S E PUNN M O A C (C
) N O I T
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IN THIS (ISSUE) News from your class agent News From Your Class Agent 1 What’s New With You? 2 Alumnae Share Culture Shock 2 25 Years of Graduate Education 2 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees 3 Inauguration Date Announced 3 Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Eick 3 Spring Alumni Events 4 From the Desk of Lisa Tilma 4
Michael Clifford, G’11 2010s Class Agent clifford@friends.edu You are invited to the inauguration of President Dr. T.J. Arant.
Life sure changes after walking across the stage at Commencement. I have had the privilege of staying at Friends University as a staff member since I graduated in May 2011, and I can tell you in full confidence, I enjoyed finals time much more last semester since I didn’t have any! I enjoyed watching as our fantastic choirs performed in the Christmas Candlelight Concert, the fall sports teams wound down and winter sports booted up for their seasons. It was a wonderful sight to see the Christmas trees lit up across Rose Window Plaza with festive colors and student club paraphernalia. Despite being less than a year removed from being an undergraduate student, it is clear to see what an amazing opportunity these current students have to learn, grow, and find out what kind of person they are going to be. What stands out to me is how much it means to a student when someone, maybe a professor, coach, or another student, chooses to care about their life. Sometimes it is in very small ways but it seems to make all the difference.
As we are now starting new jobs, going to graduate school or starting families, we have an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those around us. It can be as simple as a genuine smile or telling someone “I hope you have a great day!” One of the great things about this class letter is that it gives us an opportunity to stay connected to one another, celebrate each other’s successes and even offer words of encouragement or prayer for those who may need it. I encourage you to let me know what you have been doing since you attended and / or earned your degree from Friends University. I would love to be able to share your news with all our fellow 2010s alumni. You are always welcome to send me an email or you can even fill out the form on the top of page 2 and send it to the Alumni Office. They will make sure I receive your news. I hope you have a wonderful day and find ways to change the world, one small gesture at a time.
WHAT’S NEW WITH (YOU?)
Friends University is more than just getting a degree, but developing a lifelong friendship, which is why we want to stay connected with you as a member of the Friends University Alumni Association. If you have some exciting news that you would like to share with your classmates, let us know! You can update your information online at www.friends.edu/update-your-information. Use your ID number to process the changes quicker.
Spring 2012 • The (2010s)
Alumnae share international experiences with students
CAMPUS (CONNECTION)
Though Friends University is in the heartland of America, its people have traveled to all corners of the globe. The Cultural & Social Issues Committee of Falcon Activities and Campus Events sponsored “Culture Shock: International Missions” on Oct. 5, 2011 to allow two such alumnae to share their stories traveling to a foreign country. Star Little, G’11, served with Mission of Hope Haiti in Titanyen, 45 minutes north of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Liz Wine, G’04, shared her story teaching at a small school for missionary children in Rwanda, Africa through Evangelical Friends Mission. They each described their experiences abroad, especially concerning how the culture of the country they visited differed from America’s. Star and Liz hope that the evening sparked some interest in going overseas. “For those who are interested in overseas work, it was a great opportunity to get a glimpse into what it is like,” Star said. The two alumnae also had the unique honor of coming back – as special speakers – to the same college they graduated from. “We don’t realize until much later how deep of an impact a place can have on one’s life,” Liz said. “Friends not only prepared me to be a successful professional, it also laid a strong foundation for my spiritual life, and for social involvements, as well as expanding my worldview.” Star had similar sentiments: “I loved being back on campus and felt honored to speak!”
25 YEARS of GRADUATE EDUCATION Since 1986, Friends University has offered graduate education for professionals ready to take their careers to the next level. Friends University’s graduate offerings have grown from two programs and 41 students to 12 programs and more than 700 students. Currently, graduate students account for more than one-third of enrollment. Looking to the future, “the Graduate school’s next big step is to begin considering doctoral degree programs, as well as adding additional master’s degrees,” said Dr. Evelyn Hume, dean of the Graduate School. Learn more at www.friends.edu/grad-25.
ATHLETIC HALL of FAME Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 In between the women’s 2 p.m. and the men’s 4 p.m. basketball games Garvey Physical Education Center
Ron Becker, G’80/M’96 football, basketball, tennis
The Friends University Athletic Hall of Fame currently honors 55 inductees, including athletes, coaches and supporters. This year’s inductees were selected by a committee of staff and alumni based on nominations received from members of the Friends University community. Congratulations to the following alumni and coach who will be inducted into the 14th annual Athletic Hall of Fame.
Inauguration the Presidential
Robert “Bob” Moore, 1957-1967 coach, athletic director Joseph “Joe” Hill, G’04 football
James Erik “Rick” Tjaden, G’72 football
Faculty Spotlight of
Dr. T.J. Arant Thirteenth President of Friends University
Hold the Date
Lori (Cox) Carter, G’90 volleyball
Friday, the Thirtieth of March, Two Thousand Twelve 2100 W. University Ave. | Wichita, Kansas Learn more at friends.edu/inauguration.
In this issue of the Campus Connection class newsletter, we are pleased to spotlight Friends University faculty member Dr. Gretchen Eick and her awardwinning book titled, “Dissent in Wichita,” a work which chronicles the civil rights movement in the Midwest from 1954-72. Winner of three prestigious prizes, “Dissent in Wichita” begins with an account of the Dockhum’s Drug Store sit-in, the first sustained student sit-in of the modern civil rights movement.
About Dr. Arant
“Dissent in Wichita” is a welldocumented reminder that Kansas has been divided along racial lines and a detailed analysis of NAACP internal power struggle throughout the years.
As Friends University’s new president, Dr. T.J. Arant’s engaging nature and passion for excellence make him an ideal fit to take the University to the next level. Dr. Arant hails from the east with a doctorate in English from Duke University; a master’s in English from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; and a bachelor’s from Vanderbilt University. While the role of teacher is among the most fulfilling for Dr. Arant, he describes his family as his great joy: his two grown daughters and his wife, Susan, a fundraiser and former director of alumni affairs at a small, private college.
Dr. T.J. Arant Thirteenth President of Friends University
Dr. Eick is a professor of history at Friends University, has received two Fulbright fellowships and was a professional lobbyist in Washington D.C. She was presented with the W.A. Young award at the 2009 commencement ceremony at Friends. Her book is available through the Wichita campus bookstore or on the publisher’s website at www.press.uillinois.edu or at Amazon.com.
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 Between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. basketball games. Wichita Campus
SEE YOU (SOON!) FROM THE DESK OF (LISA TILMA)
Friday, March 30, 2012 • Wichita Campus
Annual Easter Egg Hunts
Saturday, March 31, 2012 • Topeka Education Center Saturday, April 7, 2012 • Wichita Campus
Chili Cookoff
Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012 from 5 to 7 p.m. Wichita Campus
Applications due for 2012-13 Alumni Scholarships Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 at 5 p.m.
Graduation Fair
2012 Commencement Exercises Wichita - Saturday, May 5, 2012 INTRUST Bank Arena, 500 E. Waterman
30th Annual Urban Chicago Trip Reunion
Friday, May 13, 2012 • Wichita Campus
Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wichita Campus
Many thanks to everyone who had an opportunity to write the Alumni Office and share all the exciting things that have been happening in your lives since the last issue of Campus Connection. I am excited to say that with our new layout of the class newsletters, we received a record number of updates from our readers! Even more exciting is that we were able to spotlight some of our alumni in the various class letters as an opportunity to not only
Alumni Office 316.295.5900 800.794.6945 ext. 5900 alumni@friends.edu www.friends.edu/alumni
MORE (INFO)
Inauguration Ceremony for President T.J. Arant
Friends University does not discriminate against academically qualified students on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, 230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604; www.ncahlc.org; 1-800-621-7440.
Stay up-to-date with Friends Flash! at www.friends.edu/friends-flash!
showcase their accomplishments and talents, but also to hopefully reacquaint them with former classmates and introduce them to you as a new friend or business contact. As I’m sure you’ve heard, it’s not only what you know but who you know in today’s world to be successful. So isn’t it nice to know you will always have Friends? Best wishes to all our alumni and their families for a blessed New Year - we look forward to seeing you and hearing from you in 2012!
Lisa Tilma, G’01/M’04 Executive Director of Alumni Relations