digital magazine spring 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS A Different Ending
4
Student Updates
8
Shifting the Stats
12
Dragon Educator of the Year
16
Retirees 17 Board of Trustees Updates
18
Athletic Updates
20
Blue Dragon Alumni Notes
28
Celebrations & In Memoriam
30
SPRING 2020 • VOL. 27, NO. 1
HutchCC Now! is published twice yearly by the office of Marketing and Public Relations. In addition to alumni, and friends of the College, distribution is set to postal patrons in the HutchCC service areas. Questions or Feedback, email: marketing@hutchcc.edu A publication of Hutchinson Community College 1300 N. Plum Hutchinson, KS 67501 www.hutchcc.edu Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 30 North LaSalle, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602 www.hlcommission.org • 312-263-0456 Hutchinson Community College is an equal opportunity provider. Hutchinson Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, military status, sexual orientation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law, or by college policy. The following person has been designated to monitor compliance and handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies (www.hutchcc.edu/equity): Coordinator of Equity & Compliance 1300 N. Plum St., Hutchinson, KS 67501(620) 665-3500 equity@hutchcc.edu
What a year 2020 has been! And we’re barely halfway through it. Let’s all hope we turn the corner soon and can resume some level of normalcy sooner rather than later. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit home in early March, it caused us to not only adapt not only how we teach, but forced many of our students to learn in new ways. I must commend all of our students, especially those who put forth the effort to complete their studies and achieve a degree or certificate as a member of the class of 2020. I would also like to give special thanks to the family and friends of our students for their patience, understanding, sacrifices and support. As we plan for fall, it is currently our goal to resume face-to-face classes while also offering a robust schedule of online and hybrid learning. As we have done from the onset of this pandemic, we will continue to monitor the information available to us and rely on recommendations from professionals at the local, state and national levels. We will make the best decisions we can based on that information. The power of education can’t be measured, unless you count its power to create a career, a life, the ability to provide for a family and, most importantly, to pave the way for a brighter future. Dr. Carter L File
CONNECT WITH US #HUTCHCC HutchCC NOW! Spring 2020 3
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(Left) A darkened hallway in Lockman Hall during the campus-wide shut down in April 2020. (Top) HutchCC Facility staff deep cleaned all rooms & surfaces in campus buildings. Once completed, doors were marked and remained off-limits to visitors.
The COVID19 pandemic began to directly impact Hutchinson Community College on March 14, 2020. As events and higher education instutions altered plans, HutchCC anticipated changes as well. In a matter of days, the majority of courses were moved to an online delivery platform. Schedules and adaptations for hands-on training was created. The campus closed and locked the doors on March 19, with the bulk of employees working remotely. The quarantine period effected everyone. Students managed to find ways to juggle stay-at-home orders with essential jobs, childcare and online learning. Professors interacted with students through pre-taped video lectures, group video chats, individual phone calls and all forms of digital communication. A limited number of technical programs held labs in small sections, with all attendees wearing safety gear and maintaining social distancing. Among the changes in plans was the 2020 Commencment Ceremony. Held in a virtual format, over 1200 students were awareded certificates & degrees in the YouTube published video. While the pandemic changed the course of history, Blue Dragons showcased True Blue Excellence.
(Above) Automation Engineer Technology students discuss updates on the Building Trades project while wearing protective gear in the AET lab on campus.
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(Top Left) Accounting instructor Kim Johnson recorded all of her lectures each week from an empty campus classroom. (Top Middle) Paramedic/ EMS Instructor Wade Kennedy teaches a virtual lesson from him home in April 2020. (Top Right) HutchCC Cosmetology student Darrian Pickering practices weft slicing with cholesterol on her babe head at home. (Right) Psychology instructor Dr. Amanda Smith, printed the ID photo of each student in her class and taped them to the normal chairs that students would sit in. This helped when delivering her lectures in a virtual format.
I was presented the opportunity to help during the COVID19 pandemic through my work ministry, Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan, KS. A travel program had been created by Ascension to ask for assistance in areas that had been hit harder with the pandemic. I was in Avilla, Indiana at a long term care facility for four weeks helping aid in their staffing shortage as well as assisting with COVID positive residents. There are so many memories that I can think of from this experience but one that is so vivid in my mind. The facility had been short of PPE, just like every other facility around the country. By the assistance of some colleagues I was able to help the facility get hundreds of donated gowns toward the end of my second week at the facility. I had chills after hearing this news and it fueled me to pick up the additional two week extension to stay in Indiana. This experience has most certainly aided in shaping my future career. I have a better understanding and respect for the individuals who staff long term care homes, especially in the middle of a pandemic. Working alongside these individuals helped put into perspective the role I could see myself taking on at one of these facilities. This is something I never thought I would say, but I could absolutely see myself becoming an administrator or a Director of Nursing (DON) in a LTC facility at some point in my nursing career. We’ll see just what the future has in store.
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(Above) Practical Nursing graduate, Abby Bernhardt of Lehigh, KS celebrates her pinning ceremony in the front yard of her home in May 2020. HutchCC Practical Nursing instructors traveled over 800 miles to every class members’ home for a social-distancing pinning celebration. “While the cancelation of the traditional ceremony was unfortunate, we felt this was a great opportunity to show our appreciation to our students as well as their family and friends for being there to support the students during these challenging times”, stated Sandy Pangburn, Practical Nursing Program Coordinator. (Left) President File and Vice President Hoss record portions of the virtual online commencement ceremony on May 8, 2020. Over 1200 names were displayed and read in the graduation ceremony which can be seen on YouTube. (Below) Stringer Fine Arts Center Recital Hall was the location for this year’s commencement video.
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STUDENT NEWS
Downbeat magazine has honored HutchCC student Bralen Martin with two different awards. Martin, a member of HutchCC Badinage, received a 2019 award for his solo performance in the song “Dream On”. In Spring of 2020, he received recognition as the national Community College winner for his musical arrangement of “Eye of the Tiger”. Martin credits the HutchCC Jazz Program for inspiring his success. “It astounds me to this day that I almost didn’t join Badinage. The profound impact it has had on my life is unquantifiable, and I honestly cannot say where I would be if not for the relationships, knowledge and experiences I gained through the incredible program.” “Bralen is one of the most remarkable students I have ever seen.” Neal Allsup, Professor & Director of Choral Activities, shares. “First, his musicianship is absolutely ‘Top Shelf ’. Second, he has a need to constantly be given a challenge to work on. His problem-solving skills are on a different level. Give Bralen a project and he, not only figures it out, but has devised several other possibilities to complete or add on to the project.” Martin, a 2020 HutchCC graduate, plans to attend Wichita State University in the fall and study computer science.
STUDENTS EXCEL AT KANSAS COLLEGIATE MEDIA AWARDS Like many events that were scheduled in recent months, the annual Kansas Collegiate Media (KCM) Spring Conference was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the physical gathering didn’t take place, the organization conducted a virtual judging to reward the students who had submitted entries. Both The Hutchinson Collegian, HutchCC’s student newspaper, and Dragon’s Tale, its student magazine, excelled bringing home a combined 30 individual awards. The Hutchinson Collegian received the Silver Medal in overall excellence among twoyear newspapers. Student contributors that received honors: Cody Schroeder, Brenna Eller, Baily Pennycuff, Tabitha Barr, Bre Rogers, Shea Hubbs, Bailey Young, Amanda Carney, Aaron Strain and Laci Sutton. The Dragon’s Tale magazine received the Overall Gold Medal in the magazine division, losing only to Kansas State University’s Manhappenin’ Magazine. As a publication in competes against yearbooks and magazines from both four and two year institutions in the state of Kansas. Student contributos that received honors: Dustin Curiel, Shannon Leininger, Bre Rogers, Sydnee Shive, Matthew Folkerts, Alexa Flores, Myranda Stika and Sarah Loomis. HutchCC NOW! Spring 2020 8
STUDENT NEWS
YOUNG KANSANS 2020 OUTSTANDING FEMALE & MALE STUDENTS NAMED Two Hutchinson Community College students were recognized as the 2020 Young Kansan Award winners during the college’s virtual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8. Ellie Schwertfeger of Turon and Guo Hao Teh of Selangor, Malaysia, were recognized from a field of students nominated for the honor. The Young Kansan Award recognizes the outstanding male and female graduate each year at Hutchinson Community College and is chosen by a vote of the faculty and administration at the college. The award is sponsored by RCB Bank. Each winner received a plaque and a cash honorarium in recognition of their achievements. Schwertfeger is graduating with an Associate of Science degree. While attending HutchCC, she has been involved in many campus activities including the Leadership Scholarship Program, Resident Assistant, Tutoring, Collegiate Farm Bureau/Block and Bridle, Phi Theta Kappa and Student Government Association. She plans to attend Kansas State University to major in Agribusiness. Teh, better known around campus as “Rex,” is graduating with an Associate of Science degree. He has been active in Student Government Association, Resident Assistant, Campus Activity Board, Circle K, Honors and Ping Pong Club. He plans to major in Management Information Systems at either Wichita State or Kansas State.
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ambassadors of the year Ashton Baxa and Grant Graber have been selected as the 2019-20 Wes Christopher Ambassadors of the Year. Ashton is a 2018 graduate of Osborne High School. She graduated from HutchCC in May of 2020 with an Associate of Science degree and will be transferring to the University of Nebraska Kearney to complete her studies in Finance. In addition to serving as an Ambassador, Ashton was a Leadership Scholar and student tutor, a member of the Honors program, Phi Theta Kappa, Campus Activities Board, and Ambassador Leadership team, and served as the President of the Student Government Association. Grant is a 2018 graduate of Eisenhower High School in Goddard. He graduated from HutchCC in May of 2020 with an Associate of Science degree and will be transferring to Kansas State University to complete his studies in Agronomy. In addition to serving as an Ambassador, Grant was a Leadership Scholar and member of the Crops Judging team, Ambassador Leadership team, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and Ping Pong club. The Ambassador group, comprised of students from all areas of the college, assists the Admissions Office with recruiting and conducts campus visits and tours throughout the year. The group also contacts current and prospective students to address questions about the College. The Wes Christopher Ambassador of the Year Award is named in honor of Wes Christopher, a 2002 graduate of Hutchinson Community College and former ambassador who passed away in 2005 as the result of a motorcycle accident.
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STUDENT NEWS
WHICH STUDENT TYPE ARE YOU? FIRST TIME REGULAR STUDENT • I will attend HutchCC after I graduate from high school (or earn my GED). • I want to seek a degree at HutchCC. • Only degree seeking students are financial aid eligible at HutchCC. • I have never attended HutchCC before.
HIGH SCHOOL I am a current high school student wanting to take college classes at HutchCC, while in High School.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT • I am a student from outside the United States wanting to attend HutchCC. • I am currently an international student at another college in the United States.
TRANSFER STUDENT • I will attend HutchCC after transferring from another college. • I want to seek a degree at HutchCC. • Only degree seeking students are financial aid eligible at HutchCC.
RETURNING STUDENT
I have already attended HutchCC in the past.
GUEST STUDENT • I will attend HutchCC just to take some courses. • I am over the age of 18 and not seeking a degree. • I will not be using any federal financial aid. • I am a student at another college planning to take one or two classes from HutchCC.
Whether you’re a first-time student at Hutchinson Community College or you’ve taken classes with us before, preparing for college can be challenging, even confusing at times. Let us help guide you through applying online, help you track your progress as you go, and make sure you don’t miss anything. Visit: HutchCC NOW! Spring 2020 11
STUDENT NEWS
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Most people can identify career fields that for one reason or another are dominated by a particular gender. Nurses, elementary school teachers, those who work in machining and other STEM-related fields would all be examples. Thanks to the support of a Perkins Grant, Hutchinson Community College is working to change that, specifically in technical fields. Nontraditional fields are defined as “occupations or fields of work for which individuals from one gender comprise less than 25 percent of the individuals employed in each such occupation or field of work.”
Mechanical Maintenance and Industrial Electrical Technology.
“My advice to future blue dragons would be if you’re on the fence about a tech program just do it! Seriously, the During the summer of 2020, HutchCC has been worst thing that happens is you don’t like it. Best thing promoting specific technical programs – Ag Diesel, that happens is you do and you didn’t waste a semester Automation Engineering Technology, Machine or two just taking gen eds. Technical programs are nice Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, because you stay with the same group of people for two and Welding – with the goal of increasing enrollment by years. They’re in all your classes with you, you basically become like a family. There are also internships available, females in these high-demand, high pay fields. so you can even earn some money going to school while Emerald Brown, from Abilene, KS looked into the gaining more experience. Most importantly though HutchCC Automation Engineer Technology (AET) the instructions are like no others I’ve ever had. They Program at the encouragement of a friend. really care about your success and want to see you push yourself.” “While it was at the opposite end of the spectrum from what I had initially wanted to do; it was hands on and I Kaitlyn Tiani, of McPherson, chose to pursue a technical really had no clue what I wanted in life. I branched out in trade at HutchCC because she was looking for a career my freshman year and took solar energy classes. After that that was high-demand and could weather a recession. She I started looking to see how many qualifications I could loves the hands-on aspect and gaining new skills. “This receive in my two years at Hutch.” Brown graduated in field keeps me on my toes and it is something different May 2020 with AAS degrees in AET & Manufacturing all the time.” Engineering Technology, and Certificates in Industrial HutchCC NOW! Spring 2020 13
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ALL-KANSAS ACADEMIC TEAM TWO STUDENTS FROM HUTCHCC NAMED TO TEAM Two Hutchinson Community College students joined their peers when Kansas saluted the scholars for their academic accomplishments March 12 in Topeka. Representing the state’s 19 community colleges, a private college and a technical college, these scholars were named to the 2020 All-Kansas Academic Team. The event was sponsored by the international headquarters of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees and the Kansas Council of Community College Presidents.
Ambassadors, the Honors Program, and the Student Government Association President. Pankratz graduated from Inman High School and is attending HutchCC with plans to transfer on for a mechanical engineering degree. Pankratz was involved in the Honors Program, PTK, and volunteered at his church.
Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society for students attending community and two-year colleges. HutchCC’s recipients are Ashton Baxa and Benjamin Membership is based on high grade point averages and other criteria, with members focusing on scholastic Pankratz. achievement and service to community and campus. Baxa is from Osborne, Kansas and pursing a degree in Business with the hope of being a financial planner HutchCC’s PTK chapter is sponsored by Dr. Ryan one day. In addition to PTK, she was involved in Diehl, HutchCC’s Curriculum/Program Improvement Coordinator. HutchCC NOW! Spring 2020 14
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ACADEMICS
2020 DRAGON EDUCATOR PROFESSOR AWARDED TOP HONOR FOR 2020
Kimberly Newberry, Professor of Sociology, was selected as the 2019-20 Dragon Educator of the Year. Instructors are nominated by Hutchinson Community College students, and then complete a selection process conducted by the Student Government Association. Newberry was honored during the virtual commencement ceremony held on May 8. NeNewberry teaches Fundamentals of Sociology, Marriages and Family, Honors Marriage and Family and Cultural Anthropology as well as providing academic
advising to students. She received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2000 and earned her Masters of Arts in Sociology from Kansas State University in 2003. It is Newberry’s second time being selected as Dragon Educator of the Year, having been previously chosen for the 2014-15 school year as well.
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ACADEMICS
RETIREMENTS Congratulations to the following individuals retiring during the 2019-2020 academic year.
PATRICK HALL
Head Volleyball Coach 2012 - 2020
CAROL LIST
Simulation & Skills Lab 2003 - 2020
SUE ANN OSTERHOUT
STEPHEN HAYS
JACKIE LONG
DAVID POWELL
Kansas Small Mines Safety & KSBS Trainer 2008 - 2020
DENNIS HICKS
Part-Time Custodian 2014 - 2020
CHARLES KERSCHEN
Religion & Philosophy Instructor 2003 - 2020
JAMES LEBARON
EMS Continuing Education Coordinator 2007 - 2019
Career Development & Placement Coordinator 2000 - 2020
KATHY MENDENHALL Speech Professor 1997 - 2020
JEANNE MILES
Health Care Training Coordinator/ Trainer 1990 - 2019
BETH OLIVER Cashier 2008 - 2020
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Social Sciences Professor 1995 - 2020
General Maintenance 1998 - 2019
JOSE PRESAS Custodian 2013 - 2020
ROSEMARY SAYERS
Radio Kansas Music Librarian 2001 - 2019
TERESA SHORT
Radio Kansas Membership Director 1983 - 2019
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January 9, 2020 marked the end to a 28-plus-year the state of Kansas and finds himself inspired by those stint on the Hutchinson Community College Board of who would be considered non-traditional students. It Trustees for Darrell Pankratz. shows how taking the time for education at HutchCC can drive good change in an individual’s life. As a nine-year veteran of secondary education, being a trustee on the board allowed him the opportunity he Pankratz said he was incredibly grateful to the many desired to stay in education while serving the Hutchinson faculty and staff he has met during his time at HutchCC. community. “I have learned to know a number of instructors Over the past 28-plus years, Pankratz said he had the throughout my tenure,” Pankratz said. “I always feel a privilege of working with both Edward Berger, the sense of commitment to learning and student success former HutchCC president, and Carter File, the current when visiting with faculty. Many great ones have retired, HutchCC president. and they are missed. Fortunately, Hutchinson and HCC can attract quality educators, and the tradition “They have led a great organization that is focused on continues.” being nimble, responsive, and accessible to students,” Pankratz said. While Pankratz does acknowledge that there are still changes that need to be made, he upholds that his only Over the years, Pankratz has found himself vouching regret is “I am not an alumnus, but maybe it’s not too for HutchCC as one of the best values in education in late.” HutchCC NOW! Spring 2020 18
ADMINISTRATION
Faculty Focus:
Amber Brawner POSITION: Visual Media Design Professor/ Coordinator EDUCATION: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Kansas State University TIME AT HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE: 14 years WHAT MAKES HUTCHCC SPECIAL TO YOU? I have always loved the campus community we have here at the college! I have made some great lifelong friends over the last 14 years. Starting out in the marketing department, I was able to interact with people from all parts of the institution and really enjoyed it. When I moved over to the faculty side, I realized how much I love being able to teach students the skills they need to get their career started and hearing their success stories down the road. I am proud to be part of the Blue Dragon family!
REMEMBERING TONY Long-time Board of Trustees member and avid Blue Dragon supporter, Tony Dyer passed away May 22, 2020 at the age of 82. A 1958 graduate of HutchCC, Dyer played football for the Blue Dragons for two seasons. He eventually returned to HutchCC as a defensive football coach and track & field coach for four years before moving into a corporate sales job in Hutchinson. In 2003, Dyer was elected to the HutchCC Board of Trustees. “We’ve had really good people on the board,” Dyer noted. “People that want the best for the students and the school. When you take care of your customers, and the kids are our customers, then they will take care of you. A lot of our students are referrals and a lot come here because they knew someone who came here and had a good experience.” For Dyer, the best part of serving on the HutchCC Board was talking to current and potential students about the college he cared so much about. “I think this is the best community college in the state of Kansas, when you look at the academics, athletics, music programs and the whole campus. It is just an impressive place.” Dyer was named HutchCC Alumnus of the Year in 2014. He stepped down from the Board in 2014 but his legacy and acts of service will not soon be forgotten.
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ATHLETICS
HALL OF FAME HUTCHCC QUARTERBACK CLUB
The HutchCC Quarterback Club Hall of Fame HEATHER ROBBEN became the Blue Dragon enshrined four new members in on February 22. women’s basketball’s all-time leading scorer in Three athletes and one contributor made the cut for 2010 and held on to that record for four seasons. 2020 to bring the overall number of Hall of Famers up to 43 – 37 individuals, five contributors and one team. Robben was the leading scorer on Hutchinson’s 2009 Region VI Tournament championship team, the first The Class of 2020 is made up of Vic Boucos regional title team in 32 seasons. She was Hutch women’s (contributor), Angie Melland-Schrock (track and basketball’s first two-time All-American – honorable volleyball), Heather Robben (women’s basketball) and mention in 2009 and third team in 2010. Robben Ben Davis (men’s basketball). scored 1,072 career points. She still ranks eight in career scoring average (15.3) and seventh in 3-pointers (137). VIC BOUCOS was elected to the hall as a contributor based on his many years of service to both the Her 543 points as a freshman are second most by a Quarterback Club and Hutchinson Community College. freshman and eighth most in single-season history. Heather moved on to Wichita State then to Emporia Vic was a long-time member of the Quarterback Club State University to close out her collegiate career. She and a long-time employee of Hutchinson Community is now an assistant coach at East Central University in College in plant facilities. Upon his official retirement Ada, Oklahoma. from Hutchinson Community College as a full-time employee, Boucos still serves as the facilities leader at BEN DAVIS, A one-year Blue Dragon, made that year the Hutchinson Sports Arena. count as he helped the Blue Dragon men’s basketball team win the 1994 national championship. He joins ANGIE MELLAND-SCHROCK, A Roy Hairston and coach Steve McClain as members of native of Hutchinson, was a two-sport athlete the 1994 team to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame. for the Blue Dragons as a track and field athlete and a volleyball player from 1985-87. Davis’ 776 points scored were second to “Pooh” Hairston’s 880. Davis still ranks eighth on the Blue During her time at Hutchinson, Angie held five Dragon single-season scoring list, fifth in made field different school records. She still holds the top school goals (304) and second in rebounding (470). Ben earned mark in the outdoor heptathlon at 4,360 points, which second-team NJCAA All-America honors in 1994. she set at the 1986 NJCAA Championships. Melland-Schrock still ranks No. 3 in the outdoor 800 He went onto the University of Arizona and was meters, third in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles, taken with the 43rd overall pick of the 1996 NBA second in the javelin and fifth in the indoor 400 meters. Draft by the Phoenix Suns in the second round. Melland-Schrock went on to the University of Kansas Davis has also played overseas and in South America. to continue her track career and still resides in Now a resident of Atlanta, Davis was voted onto the Blue Dragon 75th Anniversary team in 2006. Hutchinson. HutchCC NOW! Spring 2020 20
ATHLETICS
(Top) Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 during halftime of the men’s basketball game. (Far Left) Robben puts up a basket during her 2009 season at HutchCC. (Left) Archived photo of Melland-Schrock during her 1986 season at HutchCC. (Below) Davis in a 1994 game while playing for the Blue Dragons.
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service award HUTCHCC SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR EARNS NATIONAL HONOR Hutchinson Community College Sports Information Director Steve Carpenter has been named the 2020 recipient of the NJCAA Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award by the National Junior College Athletic Association.
NJCAA Salt City Bowl, the NJCAA Division I Track and Field Championships in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017 and the NJCAA Division I Volleyball Championships in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Hired in 2004, Carpenter is the first sports information director in the long and storied history of Blue Dragon Athletics. Before coming to HutchCC, Carpenter covered Blue Dragon Athletics as Sports Editor of The Hutchinson News from 1995 to 2003.
Carpenter also has a multitude of duties for the KSHSAA state football, basketball and volleyball championships that are contested in Hutchinson each year.
“Steve Carpenter is as good as they come as a sports information director,” Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. “He is respected locally and nationally. Events that Hutchinson Community College puts on or are hosted by on our campus benefit from having Steve on staff.” In addition to his duties as Blue Dragon Sports Information Director for 14 intercollegiate athletic teams, Carpenter also serves as president of the Jayhawk Conference Sports Information Directors Association. Over the past 16 years as Blue Dragon SID, Carpenter has worked several Jayhawk Conference and Region VI events – including official scorer for Region VI baseball and stats for Region VI basketball tournaments. Carpenter also serves as KJCCC men’s golf official scorer as well as working in several capacities for Region VI volleyball, cross country, track and field and soccer tournaments. Carpenter is part of the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament statistics committee and has been directly involved with the
“His ability to do so many tasks at a high level make him the go-to person for a wide range of needs,” Gooch said. “Steve is a kind man that makes time for all and truly works hour upon hour to make sure all student athletes, coaches and teams get the recognition they deserve. The most unselfish part is he does it for those not only at Hutchinson Community College but our conference, region and NJCAA as a whole.” Founded in 1959, the NJCAA Service Award is the most tenured honor handed out by the Association. It is given to those - most often not an athlete - who have made significant contributions to two-year college athletics on a national level for an extended period of time. In 2017, the NJCAA renamed the honor to the Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award in recognition of the 28 years of dedicated service by its third Executive Director, who became the first female chief executive of not only the NJCAA but of any national collegiate athletic organization in the United States. After nearly three decades with the Association, Leicht retired from the NJCAA in 2017.
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ATHLETICS
SPIRIT SQUAD BRINGS HOME TITLES The Hutchinson Community College Spirit Squad captured three championships on March 8 at the Region VI Cheer and Dance Championships. The Cheer Squad won the 2020 Region VI Championship in the Large Coed Division after a runner-up finish the year prior. The Dragon Dolls dance team also earned a Region VI title by winning the Hip Hop Division, an improvement of two spots from last year. Daniel Schule and Lindsey Peuser won a Region VI championship in the partner Stunt Division. With a different partner last season, Peuser was the Region VI Runner-up The Dragon Dolls dance team also placed second in the Jazz Division and second with Brevin Armstrong as a soloist.
KIBET WINS PAIR OF NATIONAL TITLES Sophomore distance runner Andrew Kibet finished on a high note in his first and only indoor track season at Hutchinson Community College. After a regular season and regional championship with five school records broken, Kibet saved his best for last, winning a pair of national titles at the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Kibet claimed his second and third national championships as a Blue Dragon – he was the 2018 national cross country individual champion as well. He is now a six-time NJCAA All-American, combining cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. “This has been so good,” Kibet said about winning his most recent national titles. “I was so happy about it.” Kibet first completed the mile, where he won the title with an NJCAA national meet record of 4 minutes, 4.51 seconds. The old record was set by Dodge City’s Eluid Njubi in 2000. Kibet broke that mark by 0.35 seconds and beat his own Blue Dragon record by 4.29 seconds as well. He would go on to win a national championship in the 1,000 meters, finishing with a time of 2:25.9. Kibet was dominant at the indoor championships, scoring 20 of Hutchinson’s 23 points, as the team finished 12th overall in the standings. Story written by Adam Kolb, The Hutchinson Collegian • Published March 13, 2020
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ATHLETICS
coach’s corner It’s certainly an understatement to say the COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption to the lives of just about everyone. Our coaches are no exception to this. While they’ve been forced to adapt in their personal lives, they’ve also been forced to perform their coaching duties in ways they never expected. This includes staying in constant contact with their current players to monitor their coursework, meeting with coaches and players via Zoom, spending countless hours on the phone and providing Facetime campus tours with recruits. To provide a little levity, we surveyed the ten head coaches of Blue Dragon sports, asking them one simple question:
Not counting the sport you coach, what is your favorite sport and why? DREW DALLAS Head Football Coach
I love the game of baseball, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals. I grew up watching the Cardinals with my Dad and Grandpa and enjoy the memories of watching those games on TV and going to the ballpark as a family growing up. My family is originally all from St. Louis and Cardinal baseball is part of the St. Louis culture and way of life there. I played baseball all the way through the age of 18 and always enjoyed being on the diamond and competing during the spring and summer seasons. My first coaching job out of college was as a baseball coach at my alma mater Salina Central HS.
STEVE ECK Head Men’s Basketball Coach
My favorite sports to play are baseball and golf. But my favorite sport to watch is track and field. I really enjoy watching track on TV and really miss not having the national track meet at Hutch this spring. I will miss the state track meet at WSU this spring. I just enjoy watching their hard work pay off.
PATRICK HALL Head Volleyball Coach
Without a doubt, surfing—so elemental, unpredictable and punishing of excess hubris. I’m certainly no accomplished surfer, but you needn’t be to appreciate the breadth and range of the experience. From the meditative calm of a glassy sunrise session to the adrenaline pumping chaos of a storm break, I can never quite find the words to approximate the experience.
SAMMY LANE Head Women’s Soccer Coach
My favorite other sport is golf, I love the fact that it’s a game you can play for a lifetime. I enjoy being out side with my friends and telling stories in the 19th hole. I also really like the fact that the game is about integrity, you can tell a lot about a person by how they mark their golf ball on the green or how they apply the rules!!
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ATHLETICS
JOHN ONTJES Head Women’s Basketball Coach
JUSTIN RIGGS Head Cross Country Coach
My favorite sport would be golf because how difficult and challenging it can be.
My favorite sport outside the sport I coach is basketball. I like sports that have a lot of movement and showcase athleticism. I enjoy the individual expression through movement that basketball inspires.
JAIME ROSE Head Softball Coach
RYAN SCHMIDT Head Baseball Coach
Volleyball. I love the fast-paced intensity of the game and how quickly the momentum can change.
ROBERT SPIES Head Track and Field Coach
Tennis is a sport that can be played at all levels and is a life long sport. My family enjoys playing, when a coach’s schedule allows, as it is a great way to spend time together as well as partake in exercise. It’s also fun playing even if you are not very good at it!
Basketball. My dad is a former college basketball coach and teacher. I grew up watching and learning the game through him. I loved playing the game and growing up learning it from the inside out. I now enjoy coaching my kids in the recreation leagues in Hutch.
CHRIS YOUNG Head Golf Coach
My favorite sport of all time is basketball! It was my first love when I was a kid growing up. Basketball has given me a lot of opportunities as an adult as well. I have coached basketball at the DI level, and that gave me the ability to travel and see places I may never had seen. I was also able to coach all of my own kids in basketball when they were growing up and that has formed a bond with them that no one can take away. I am grateful for the game of basketball! It is the sport I love most....other than golf.
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ATHLETICS
Drew Dallas is the 18th head coach in Blue Dragon Football history, named to the position on December 31, 2019. Dallas succeeds Rion Rhoades, who spent 13 seasons at the helm of the Blue Dragons Dallas was Rhoades’ offensive coordinator and assistant head coach and tight ends coach for the 2019 season, a season that saw tremendous offensive and overall team success, including a five-week stint atop the NJCAA National Rankings – which was a first in Blue Dragon Football history. The 2019 Blue Dragons finished 10-2, tied for second in the KJCCC and won the Salt City Bowl. Hutchinson’s final No. 3 national ranking was the highest final ranking in the program’s 89-year history. Dallas comes from a football coaching family. His father, Dave, was a head coach in the KCAC at Ottawa University for eight seasons and Kansas Wesleyan University for 17 seasons. Dave Dallas amassed 132 wins in his time as a head coach. Under Drew Dallas, the 2019 Blue Dragon offense ranked No. 1 in the Jayhawk Conference and No. 3 in the NJCAA in scoring average at 44.8 points per game.
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Before coming to Hutchinson, Dallas was at NCAA Division II Angelo State University from 2011 to 2018. He coached tight ends in 2011, receivers from 2012-2015 and was Angelo State’s offensive coordinator from 2016-18. Angelo State won the Lone Star Conference championship in 2014 as well as making it to the second Division II national playoffs. ASC also played in the 2017 and 2018 Heart of Texas Bowls. As the offensive coordinator, Dallas produced 17 allconference offensive players. The 2017 team led the LSC with 37.3 points per game. Angelo State ranked seventh nationally in 2017 in total offense and eighth in passing. One of the top recruiters on the ASC staff, perhaps the top recruit Dallas brought to Angelo State was Markus Jones, who was a two-time LSC all-league player, 2019 Harlon Hill finalist and 2018 Gene Upshaw Award winner.
ATHLETICS
FACILITY UPDATE
The Jack Mull Family Football complex sits at the northwest corner of Gowans Stadium and serves as the lockerooms, coaching offices and weightroom to Blue Dragon Football. In early 2020, an interior renovation project began to give the lockerroom and office areas a much needed facelift. Using private funds, the project overcame a recruiting obstacle by updating the facility with a larger and more secure locker room, and simpler office structure to ensure the staff have better communication and oversight for the building and athletes.
Before Angelo State, Dallas was quarterbacks and receivers coach at Kansas Wesleyan. There Dallas mentored seven all-KCAC receivers in 2009 and 2010. During his playing days as a quarterback, Dallas started his collegiate career at Fort Hays State in 2004 and 2005. He finished his collegiate career at Kansas Wesleyan in 2006 and 2007. Dallas graduated from Salina Central High School in 2004. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Health, Physical Education & Recreation from Kansas Wesleyan in 2009 and his Masters of Education in Educational Administration from Angelo State in 2013. Dallas and wife, Heather, have two daughters, Hayden (9) and Parker (3) and a son, Cooper (7). (Left) Coach Drew Dallas looks over to Gowans Stadium from the Jack Mull Family Football Complex. (Right) Dallas family at the Dec. 31 press conference announcing Drew Dallas as the next Blue Dragon Football Head Coach.
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BLUE DRAGON NOTES
MICHAEL ABLES was named executive director of the Reno County Historical Society.
ASHLEY LAKEY was honored as one of the Newton Area Women of the Year.
TAYLOR STAHLY was named to the Louisiana Tech Women’s Basketball All Decade Team.
DAVE BRUNER was named the new Fort Scott Fire Department Chief. He has worked 25 years full-time at the Fort Scott Fire Department.
TANNER LUBACH is a Minor League Development Coach with the Houston Astros.
JOSHUA STIEBENS joins the staff of Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered.
CARL BUCHANON was appointed Chief of the South Bend (IN) Fire Department, where he served as Battalion Chief for 13 years.
DOUG MCKINNEY retired after
KARL DAWN STOVER was
34 years with the North Central Regional Planning Commission.
recognized at the 2020 Kansas Association of Agricultural Educations Ag Ed Symposium as the Kansas Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Teacher and the Kansas Association of Career and Technical Educators Outstanding Teacher in Community Service.
MICHAEL DAVISON was named to Halstead High School Hall of Fame. DIEGO ESPARZA has been named Interim Assistant Director for Student Engagement at Fort Hays State University.
DARRELL GALLEGOS is the new owner of Farm Country Ford in Concordia, KS.
COLLIN HOEFFNER was welcomed to the McPherson Fire Department as a Firefighter/EMT. PEGGY HUEY retired from the University of Kansas on July 31, 2019. She previously worked at Hutchinson Community College for 24 years.
KYLEE NACCARATO was named
Autodesk North American Sales Development Rep of the Year.
JAMIE PATRICK was named to Colorado State’s Women’s Basketball All-Decade Team.
SHANE RICHARDS has been named head football coach at Sacred Heart High School in Salina, KS.
STEPHANIE SIGLER was recognized in Washington D.C. by the NG911 Institute, citing her as an outstanding 911 public safety professional as part of the 9-1-1 Honor Awards.
HOLLY TERRELL has joined Newton Medical Center as Director of Radiology. FRED VAN RANKEN has been named superintendent of Newton USD 373.
JUSTIN WARD has joined the Independence (KS) Police Department.
LISA SMITH was named Vice President of Finance at Superior Boiler
SPRING 2020 SNAPSHOTS
ABC’s “Nightline” Co-anchor, Byron Pitts, shares at the March 10, 2020 Dillon Lecture Series in the Hutchinson Sports Arena. Pitts spoke on overcoming an educational and economical struggle to pursue his career as a national journalist and news correspondant.
Students gather on the front lawn of Lockman Hall to create a snowman on February 13, 2020.
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A free hot cocoa bar was set up in the Parker Student Union for students as part of the Winter 2020 Homecoming celebrations. The weeklong events centered around the theme of Roaring Twenties.
ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:
DAN W. FORKER, JR. CURRENT HOMETOWN: Hutchinson, KS CAREER: Senior & Managing partner of Forker Suter, LLC YEARS ATTENDED HUTCHCC: 1959 - 1961 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Since 1987, Forker has filed 643 bankruptcy cases, filing his first Chapter 12 farm reorganization case in 1987 and his first Chapter 11 large business reorganization case in 1988. All of his reorganization bankruptcy cases proceeded to confirmation and successful reorganizations. Forker is a member of the American Bar Association, the Kansas Bar Association and the Reno County Bar Association. He has served as past chairperson for Real Estate, Probate, and Tax Section of the Kansas Bar Association as well as two terms as chairperson of the Bankruptcy Section of the Kansas Bar Association.He is a contributing author on the 2009 publication of the KBA Bankruptcy Handbook and author of the Chapter 12 chapter. In March 2020, Forker was inducted into the American College of Bankruptcy in Washington D.C. as part of the 31st class. He was one of two 2020 nominees selected from the 10th Federal Judicial District which includes the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming.
SPRING 2020 SNAPSHOTS
Employees & students wore red in honor of the American Heart Association Heart Month. The National Wear Red Day helps to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and saving lives.
Dr. Phillip Finley, a public health advisor for the CDC, came to campus as the speaker for the Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday celebrations. He shared his experiences and knowledge with students & community members in an additional lecture on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
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Lisa Bolyard, Controller for Midwest Superstore, speaks during the Lunch, Listen & Learn event on March 11. In partnership with the Honors Program and HutchCC Business & Industry, the luncheon was organized by Rebecca Smith for her student honors project.
CELEBRATIONS & IN MEMORIAM Eileen F. Romanelli, Havertown, PA, September 11, 2018 Jackie Joe “Jack” King, 77, Edmond, OK, May 14, 2019
David E. Ash, 72, Salina, KS, December 30, 2019 David G. Hoskinson, 72, Ville Platte, LA, and Burrton, KS, January 3, 2020
Renee E. (Flagler) Willm, Earl F. Weidman, 85, 56, Wichita, KS, Hutchinson, KS, February 3, 2020 March 21, 2020 William H. “Bill” Sellers III, 67, Wichita, KS, February 4, 2020
Alberta Rosalie Hall, 93, Janet F. (McGonigle) John L. Zielke, 89, Shell Hutchinson, KS, Ritcha, 82, Hutchinson, KS, Knob, MO, October 9, 2019 January 4, 2020 February 7, 2020 John W. Smith, 72, Hutchinson, KS, November 22, 2019
Charles H. Terry, 65, Jefferson City, MO, January 4, 2020
Lynn D. Schriever, 73, Hastings, NE, February 11, 2020
Richard D. Magie D.O., 68, Fort Worth, TX, November 28, 2019
Sherman D. Gunn, 79, Hutchinson, KS, January 4, 2020
Betty Jo (Taylor) Hunt, 87, Hutchinson, KS, February 16, 2020
Orival W. Linder, 89, Clay Center, KS, November 28, 2019
Valeria A. “Val” (Machgan) Graber, 82, Moundridge, KS, January 4, 2020
Emery D. “Bud” Kittle, 83, Sterling, KS, February 16, 2020
JoAnn (Bilsten) Drews, 82, Hutchinson, KS, November 30, 2019 Shirley L. (Hill) Detter, 101, Hutchinson, KS, December 3, 2019 Lance P. Darrow, 80, Hutchinson, KS, December 5, 2019 Franklin T. Fee, 89, Hutchinson, KS, December 5, 2019
Mary E. (Endres) Hertach, 72, Lawrence, KS, January 7, 2020 Brian D. Vossman, 60, Kansas City, January 12, 2020 John E. Whiteman, 83, Little River, KS, January 18, 2020
Claire D. Graber, 90, Pretty Prairie, KS, Diane “Adele” (Paulsen) January 23, 2020 Sumner, 65, Cornville, AZ, Wayne E. George, 83, December 6, 2019 Amarillo, TX, Wanda O. (Pruitt) Walsh, January 23, 2020 83, Hutchinson, KS, December 13, 2019 Michael R. Shanley, 68, Eau Claire, WI, December 13, 2019 Gary L. Hughes, 72, Hutchinson, KS, December 14, 2019
Alan K. Oeser, 78, Claflin, KS, February 27, 2020 Shelly A. Waters, 52, Hutchinson, KS, February 27, 2020
LeEtta M. Kramer, 97, Topeka, KS, Janet Hamilton Newton, January 14, 2020 64, Lawrence, KS, Craig G. Dickinson, 50, December 25, 2019 Newton, KS, February 2, 2020 Betty J. (Adelhardt) Shelton, 65, Hutchinson, Dennis L. Rayl, 57, KS, December 25, 2019 Hutchinson, KS, February 3, 2020
Phillip “Phil” E. Foss, 71, Enid, OK, March 31, 2020 Linda Housh, 72, Hutchinson, KS, April 1, 2020 Thomas E. Huffman, 71, Hutchinson, KS, April 3, 2010 Krista L. Baehler, 32, Omaha, NE, April 4, 2020 Bonita C. Fee, 87, Hutchinson, KS, April 6, 2020 Rex Gaskill, 77, Minneapolis, MN, April 10, 2020 Deanna A. Mitchell, 78, Belton, MO, April 21, 2020
Tamara K. (Heitkotter) Shriver, Salina, KS, February 29, 2020
Robert Dean (Bob) Beltz, Haven, KS, 92, April 22, 2020
Glenn E. England, 99, Council Grove, KS, March 1, 2020
Robert E. Albright, 88, Burrton, KS, April 30, 2020
James L. “Jim” Fowler, 74, Hutchinson, KS, March 2, 2020
Gerald J. Rebel, 76, Manhattan, KS, Myrna L. (Applegate) Robinson, 92, Hutchinson, March 5, 2020 KS, January 24, 2020 Betsy Lou (Davis) Ledin, Terry A. Janzen, 67, Marion, KS, January 24, 2020
Roy W. Nachtigal, 87, Hutchinson, KS, March 27, 2020
56, Hutchinson, KS March 7, 2020 Michael A. Slider, 65, Lithia, FL, March 7, 2020 Terry L. Myers, 71, McPherson, KS, March 10, 2020 Randall J. Dumler, 58, Hoisington, KS, March 21, 2020
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William “Bill” A. Pulliam, 77, Hutchinson, KS, May 2, 2020 Rita R. Heim, 67, Leavenworth, KS, May 12, 2020 Katy Sparkman, 31, Lyons, KS, May 13, 2020 Richard Wayne O’Neil, 68, Manhattan, KS, May 13, 2020 Leo Allen Davis, 68, Elkhart, KS, May 17, 2020 Tony Dyer, 82, Hutchinson, KS, May 22, 2020 Eugene Dow Hutchinson, 90, Owasso, OK, May 22, 2020
CELEBRATIONS & IN MEMORIAM
WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS Chelsie R. Potter and Brandon Pechanec
August 7, 2019
Torie Arnberger and Justin Blew
September 26, 2019
Kellie Neises and Blake Randels
September 28, 2019
Tarynn Stueder and Benn Kirmer
September 28, 2019
Jamie Marshall and Matt Meier
October 19, 2019
Kaitlin L. Unruh and Robert J. Weve
October 26, 2019
Paula Richardson Dodge and Kent Vosburg
October 10, 2020
Alumni, former students, current students and staff are indicated by italics.
Share Your News!
We would like to share your career news, weddings & engagements, educational news and in memoriam updates. Contact the Alumni & Friends at 620-665-3348 or by emailing: alumni@hutchcc.edu
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