2023 Midland Magazine

Career as a

BASEBALL EXECUTIVE

LAURIE

SCHLENDER

‘85

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBERS

JODY

JODI

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Amber Barton ‘02

Steve Feye ‘76

Bret Griess

Rev. Peggy Hall

Jody Horner

Rico Munn ‘93

Brett Richmond

Mary Shannon

Mark Shepard

Tony Urban ‘92

Tom Walker ‘81

FROM THE PRESIDENT LETTER

As we embark on the 140th year of Midland University, we have so much to be proud of as an institution.

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brett Richmond is President and CEO of Methodist Fremont Health – a position he has held since October 2018. He has more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience having worked for Heartland Health System (now Mosaic Life Care) before joining the then Fremont Area Medical Center in 2008. Prior to entering healthcare, he worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Brett received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri and his Master of Business Administration in Finance and Management from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Brett has been active in the Fremont community, volunteering and serving on a number of boards including the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Fremont Development Council, the Fremont Family YMCA, the Fremont Public School Foundation, and the Fremont Area United Way. He also currently serves on the board of the Nebraska Hospital Association as Chair Elect. Brett and his wife, Heidi, have three children, Carter (22), Conner (20) and Charlie (17).

Mark Shepard has served as Superintendent of Fremont Public Schools (FPS) since 2014. Previously, Shepard served as the Associate Superintendent for Lincoln Public Schools from 2008 to 2013 and was Assistant Superintendent for Business for FPS from 1995 to 2008. His background and experience include teaching and coaching basketball for five years, and serving in administrative roles for 24 years in school districts in Illinois and Nebraska. He earned undergraduate degrees from Wayne State College and Peru State College, along with graduate degrees from Northern Illinois University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Shepard has served on numerous local and state boards, including the Fremont Family YMCA Board, Care Corp/Lifehouse Board, and the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors - serving as Chair in 2008. He was appointed by former Governor Mike Johanns to serve on the Nebraska Public Employers Retirement Board for six years, beginning in 2005. He has also served on many Nebraska school finance initiatives throughout his career.

Mark and his wife, Kim, have six children. Their oldest daughter, Taylor, graduated from Midland in 2015 and currently serves as an instruction coach and girls basketball coach at West Point High School in Nebraska. Their son, Clayton, is a 2017 Midland graduate and is a teacher and coach in Cambridge, Nebraska. Daughter Jessica graduated from Notre Dame and plays for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA, as well as with a professional team in Italy. Samantha is a 2023 Midland grad who will begin her teaching career in Douglas County West Public Schools this fall.

Emma and Sarah are a senior and sophomore, respectively, and each is a member of the Midland women’s basketball team.

Not only does Midland have a rich and tradition-filled history, but we have a future that has endless possibilities.

We rolled out Midland University Online in 2023, and we are excited for our Online programs to provide opportunities for adults and non-traditional students to gain the skills necessary to open doors and achieve their goals. It’s just another example of how Midland is relentlessly relevant in its pursuit of providing life-changing opportunities for our students.

There are so many achievements to celebrate at Midland University. We are thriving in the classroom and our students are earning recognition at the national level for their accomplishments.

Outside of the classroom, Midland continues to excel in athletics, arts, student organizations, and other extracurricular activities.

We recognize our students, faculty, and staff who strive every day to inspire others to learn and lead in the world with purpose. It’s important for us to develop the “whole person” at Midland. It’s not only vital for our students to be leaders in the classroom, but to be leaders on the court, on the field, on stage, on campus, or in the community.

We are so grateful for so many outstanding Midland alumni across the globe. You are setting the standard for future Midland students with your accomplishments and the impact you are making in so many ways. Through the business world, healthcare, education, and so many other avenues, you are truly making a difference in the lives of so many people, and we applaud you for that.

I hope you will enjoy the 2023 edition of the Midland Alumni & Friends Magazine. The magazine gives us the opportunity to tell just a few of the many great stories that are taking place across campus, and across the country. We celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni, and look forward to our current students creating their own path for the future.

My best wishes to all of you and thank you for all you do for Midland University.

Go Warriors!

Jody Horner Midland University President

MIDLAND FOOTBALL

MIDLAND UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL COACH

JEFF JAMROG HAS NEVER BACKED AWAY FROM A CHALLENGE. THAT’S WHY THE IDEA OF TAKING OVER A PROGRAM THAT WAS COMING OFF A 1-10 SEASON, AND HAD WON JUST SEVEN GAMES IN THE PREVIOUS THREE SEASONS COMBINED, WAS NOT A DAUNTING TASK FOR HIM.

12

CAREER AS A BASEBALL

WHEN LAURIE SCHLENDER (BROWN) ‘85 TALKS TO YOUNGER EMPLOYEES ABOUT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, SHE ALWAYS TELLS THEM TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE YOUR CAREER PATH MAY LEAD.

20

GROWING HOCKEY IN FREMONT

“WE’RE REALLY GRATEFUL TO MIDLAND HOCKEY PROGRAMS FOR WHAT THEY’VE DONE. IT HAS REALLY HELPED US A LOT WITH THE LEARNING TO SKATE AND INTRODUCTION TO HOCKEY PROGRAMS, AS WELL WITH THE FREMONT FLYERS MITES PROGRAM.”

32

FROM MIDLAND TO RALSTON

BLESSEN ‘94, SCHROEDER ‘90 HAVE TRAVELED THE EDUCATION ROAD TOGETHER

The lives of Jody Blessen ‘94 and Lisa Schroeder ‘90 have been intertwined for more than 30 years. They both grew up in small towns in northern Nebraska, less than 30 miles apart. Each of them found their way to Midland University and became members of the women’s basketball team. After graduation, education was the calling for each of them and eventually, they would both find their way into the Ralston Public School District (RPS), first as classroom educators, and later as elementary school principals. To top it all off, they were married in 2019.

Although they were not at Midland at the same time, basketball provided a connection as Schroeder’s younger sister, Lori, was a teammate of Blessen’s. “I got to know Lisa through Lori, and now Lori is actually one of the paraprofessionals at my school,” Blessen said. “I was a teacher at Ralston when Lisa arrived here and she has not only made me a better teacher and administrator, but a better person.”

Schroeder serves as principal at Meadows Elementary school in RPS, a position she has held since 2011. Blessen is in the same role at Seymour Elementary and has been there since 2015.

While their paths have been different, and there have been a few detours along the way, the focus was always on being educators and helping others.

“Being an educator was always the goal,” Schroeder said. “I enjoy people and 99 percent of what we do is building relationships with kids and families. We both work well with people, so it fits our personalities. There’s no bigger impact you can make on kids than to become an educator or coach.”

Schroeder was a four-year member of the Warriors squad, graduating with a journalism degree before eventually earning her Elementary Education endorsement in 1994. She immediately jumped into teaching/coaching in her hometown of Winside, Nebraska, teaching

fifth grade and serving as the school’s head volleyball and girls basketball coach. She then transitioned to teaching and coaching at Russell Middle School in the Millard Public School District before stepping away from education for a few years.

“At that time, I felt education was changing a little bit and it got frustrating,” Schroeder said. “I think when push came to shove, I knew I belonged back in education. Jody always spoke very positively about Ralston, and it turned out to be the exact feel I was looking for. I taught middle school for a couple of years, then became an assistant principal. I learned so much from our principal at the time (current RPS Superintendent Jason Buckingham).”

During her time away from education, she stayed involved in coaching by serving as an assistant for legendary Midland women’s basketball coach Joanne Bracker.

“I learned so much from coaching with Mrs. B,” she said. “She set the bar high for everyone in her program. When she recruited, she looked for people with character and perseverance, and I have used some of those same methods to try and build a great school. It’s amazing to see so many women who played for her that are now in leadership positions today. I may not have always been the easiest person to deal with on certain days, but she would never give up on you. There are so many successful people today because of the foundation she built.”

| Blessen ‘94, Schroeder ‘90

Blessen’s basketball career took a different turn than Schroeder’s, due to injuries. The impact Coach Bracker had on Blessen came in a much different scenario. “I was only able to play one year because of injuries,” she said. “I walked into her office, prepared to tell her I would no longer be able to play and that I was planning to transfer because I needed my scholarship money to continue at Midland. She told me she wanted to keep me as part of the Midland family, and they worked with me to keep my scholarship. That says a lot about the type of person she was.”

The late Coach Bracker was one of the many individuals who inspired Blessen and Schroeder to be the leaders they are today. Although it has been three decades since graduation, Midland still feels like home to each of them.

“It takes a village, and we always had a great village at Midland,” Schroeder said. “We were so lucky to have people there who supported us and picked us up when we needed it. We were both back on campus recently, and it was great to drive around and bring back all the memories, but also see all the exciting changes that are taking place. Jody and I are so blessed we ended up at Midland and even though it’s been 30 years, you’re always a Warrior.”

Being a part of Ralston Public Schools has brought many of those same vibes to each of them. Blessen arrived at RPS 24 years ago after spending her early teaching and coaching years in her hometown of Randolph, Nebraska, and one year at St. Paul Lutheran School in Arlington.

“I have been surrounded by amazing people in Ralston,” she said. “We have a great staff, families, and students and when times are challenging, they pull us back in. No two days are ever the same.”

They both spent time in the classroom before becoming administrators, something they both believe added great value and experience to their current roles.

Jody Blessen ‘94

Lisa Schroeder ‘90

“There is no way I would be good at this job without having 20 plus years in the classroom,” Blessen said. “Teachers work extremely hard, and we want to be right there with them through the process. We would never ask our staff to do anything we wouldn’t do ourselves. We want to be in the trenches with them.”

“Our staff is so appreciated, and they are the people who keep all of this moving forward,” Schoreder added. “We both have incredible people working for kids and their families. They are the ones who make us look good.”

Blessen and Schroeder have shared many of the same experiences over the past four decades. They also share two dogs, Johnny and June, at their home and consider them family, along with the hundreds of students that have made their way through their buildings over the years. What they try not to share at home are work stories, although that tends to inevitably make their way into the conversation.

“It can be hard to separate work from home, and sometimes, we have to consciously say there will be no more talk about work,” Blessen said. “But in many ways our two buildings are very similar, so we go through the same things. It is nice to be able to bounce things off each other.”

FROM MIDLAND TO RALSTON | Blessen ‘94, Schroeder ‘90

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND MIDLAND?

The people, the different opportunities to get involved, and the environment. In my senior year of high school, I toured Midland and immediately felt like this was the place I wanted to spend my college years. I was able to be involved in various activities while maintaining my academics. Most importantly, all my professors/ colleagues truly cared about me and my academics, and that is something I value.

WHAT MEMORIES OF MIDLAND WILL YOU ALWAYS CARRY WITH YOU?

Every day while I was there has been a memory. Although I miss my time in college, I am now doing what I love to do, and I have Midland to thank for that.

HOW HAS MIDLAND CHANGED YOU?

I have seen so much growth. I couldn’t have done it without God, family, professors, friends, etc. I have created the best friendships/mentorships at Midland, and that is something I will treasure for years to come.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?

I will be a Middle School Music teacher with Bennington Public Schools. I want to support, love, and cherish the relationships I build with my future students.

OLIVIA ENGEL

CLASS OF 2023

MAJOR Music Education HOMETOWN

Columbus, Nebraska

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Women’s Golf, Cru, NMEA, SAAC, Phi Omega Sorority, Choir, Band, Theater, Resident Advisor, Admissions Ambassador

DRIVE PUTS MIDLAND STUDENTS IN CHARGE OF THEIR CAREER PATH

In its search to find a curriculum structure that would provide a roadmap for its students, Midland University developed a framework that has allowed students to set their own course for their future.

The DRIVE framework puts the student in the driver’s seat for their four-year academic experience at Midland. The university-wide framework is designed to develop skills, create experiences, and prepare students for a future in whatever field they choose.

Launched in the fall of 2020, the DRIVE framework is built on five key attributes – Digital Fluency, Research & Critical Thinking, Innovation, Vocation & Leadership, and Engagement & Expression. When Midland began re-evaluating its curriculum goals five years ago, it was critical for faculty and academic leaders to put a plan in place where students could easily navigate and understand their college path.

“We didn’t have clear institutional learning goals, and that was something we had to address,” said Dr. Jamie Simpson, Chief Academic Officer. “We

adopted the vision to be relentlessly relevant, and we needed our students to understand why these core requirements were relevant to them.

“As we started to do our review, we discovered that the vast majority of our classes were already focused on these skills. It allowed us to stay true to the heart of Midland, which is getting a liberal arts education. We want our students to be prepared for a career after Midland, and we’ve seen that employers value individuals with a liberal arts education.”

Brenda Wilberding ‘07, former Director of the Midland University Career Studio, said her conversations with employers have revealed that DRIVE helps students gain critical skills that will help give them the edge in a competitive job market.

“The top four of the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) competencies focused on by employers when it comes to career readiness are critical thinking, leadership skills, professionalism, and communication, and these are all skills

students are getting at Midland,” Wilberding said. “They’re getting a broad education, which not only prepares them for the major they are going into, but also for additional competencies.”

It is also vital for students to understand why the class they are taking is relevant, even if it doesn’t fall within their major. “We know there is value in these classes, but we don’t often do a good job of explaining what that value is,” Simpson said. “The value of a Midland education is that we will give you the skills we know employers want, and help you take the classes that develop these skills, as well as reinforce them outside of the classroom and through our Career Studio.”

The five key attributes focus on providing relevant outcomes for students, regardless of major, and give them a better understanding of why classes that may not be directly related to their major will provide lifelong skills. “We believe this helps students better articulate the skills they are developing in college, and allow them to take what they have learned to potential employers,” Simpson said.

Digital Fluency - Allows students to master digital tools and transform from users of technology to creators within their chosen field. “In doing our research, we learned that students were not graduating with digital skills relevant to a career field,” Simpson said. “As we rolled out our 1:1 iPad Initiative in 2019, this seemed like a great opportunity to make sure our students have the digital skills they need to be relevant in whatever discipline they are studying.”

Research and Critical Thinking - Students will investigate ideas, identify credible sources of information, and translate facts into meaningful analysis. “There is so much information in the world today,” Simpson said. “We want students to be able to use all this information to make informed decisions and solve problems.”

Innovation - Students consider new ways of thinking about every issue and identify the steps needed to turn ideas into action. “We are innovative at Midland, and that is one of my favorite things about being here,” Simpson said. “We want our

students to stand out in their careers, so we work with them to come up with new ideas and approach challenges from different perspectives.”

Vocation and Leadership - Gives students the opportunity to explore their interests and personal strengths to transform their passion into a profession. “Midland is affiliated with the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), and part of our Lutheran tradition is vocation and knowing what our purpose is,” Simpson said. “Leadership can mean so many different things and can prepare our students to oversee people, present new ideas, and find their roles.”

Engagement and Expression - Students will observe and experience diverse perspectives, changing from spectator to participant on local, national, and global issues. “We want our students to be able to communicate effectively, both oral and written,” Simpson said. “It’s important they can communicate and engage with others and understand those different perspectives.”

There are many aspects of the DRIVE framework that students will carry with them as they enter the workforce. Wilberding believes those skills will rise to the forefront during the interview process. “Our students are well-rounded and have had experiences involving critical thinking,” she said. “When they get into interviews, they can talk about these experiences, what they’ve learned in the classroom, and how they are relevant in the workplace.”

DRIVE becomes a key component of a student’s four-year experience from their first day of classes. But prospective students are learning the value of DRIVE from their initial visit to campus. “It’s part of our visit guide, and when faculty members meet with prospective students, they will talk about DRIVE as part of the academic experience,” Simpson said. “For parents, it’s important for them to hear why DRIVE is important and why we want to see students develop these skills that employers want. Our goal is to make sure our students are not just successful in the four years they are at Midland, but that they are set up for success in whatever comes next.”

MIDLAND UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL

SETTING A STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD

It wasn’t so much the challenge of rebuilding a storied football program that had Jamrog convinced this was the right job for him, it was the people he would be working alongside during the process.

“I had known Dave for many years as a player and a coach, and he told me many great things about President (Jody) Horner,” Jamrog said. “I’ve always believed that for any program to be successful, the visions of the university’s president, athletic director, and head football coach have to be aligned. I saw that alignment and felt like this was the right place.”

Everything clicked for the Warriors that season, starting the year 5-0 before ending with a 7-4 mark that provided a quick turnaround from the past, and set the tone for the future.

“That first year, guys bought into what we were doing,” Jamrog said. “The older players that stuck around showed the young guys the right way to do things and their hard work paid off. We won our first couple of games, which was already more than they had won all of the previous season, and you could see they started believing in themselves.

Midland University football coach Jeff Jamrog has never backed away from a challenge. That’s why the idea of taking over a program that was coming off a 1-10 season, and had won just seven games in the previous three seasons combined, was not a daunting task for him.

“When I interviewed for this job, (former Midland Director for Athletics) Dave Gillespie told me it will be the toughest job I’ve ever had, but also the most rewarding,” Jamrog said. “Most of the coaching jobs I’ve ever had involved rebuilding, and I love a challenge.”

Not only did Jamrog accept the challenge in 2016 when he became Midland’s head coach, but he, and his program, have thrived ever since. The Warriors have been a model of consistency in his seven years at the helm. During that time, the Warriors have produced a 46-27 record and have posted seven consecutive winning seasons, the only program in the state of Nebraska to accomplish that feat. Those 46 victories are also more than any program in the state during the same time frame.

Beginning with his playing days at the University of Nebraska, Jamrog has been well versed in the ways of a winning program. In his five years as a player, the Cornhuskers averaged more than 10 wins a season and went to five bowl games. He would later enjoy successful stints at Nebraska (and a handful of other schools) as both an assistant coach and administrator before landing the head coaching job at Minnesota State University-Mankato in 2004. In that first season, he led the team to its first winning season in a decade. The six-game improvement in victories was not only a school record, but tied for the fifth-largest singleseason jump in Division II history.

Jamrog worked to establish a winning mindset when he arrived at Midland, both on and off the field.

“We set standards for the type of young men we wanted in this program,” he said. “I have great respect for the guys who stuck around, and came back for another year hoping things would be different. We had to make some tough decisions, but we worked hard to not only bring in local talent, but players from across the country. Everyone blended into the team and the community, and it brought out the best in everyone.”

Lucas Schawang ‘17 was one of those players that stuck around, looking for better results. It was evident to him early on that things would be different. “Coach Jamrog held us to high standards across the board, whether that was in class, the weight room, or on the field,” Schawang said. “On the field, he is the greatest competitor I’ve ever met. He brought in great assistant coaches who had the same mentality he did. He also changed the rules for classroom expectations. It’s not often you see a coach who is running study halls and checking in on classes.”

“I think the biggest message we tried to convey is that you give yourself a chance in life if you do things the right way. That means being on time for class, weightlifting, and meetings. If you put in the work every day, and bring the right attitude, great things will happen.”

“I’ve always believed that for any program to be successful, the visions of the university’s president, athletic director, and head football coach have to be aligned. I saw that alignment and felt like this was the right place.”

Head Coach Jeff Jamrog

The winning season changed the culture of the program, and gave a senior class that fought through its share of adversity, a memorable parting gift.

“That season impacted a lot of us for the rest of our lives,” Schawang said. “You saw what it took to be successful, and the effort and time it takes. For me, looking across the board and seeing what Midland University should look like was the best. We created a bond as teammates and grew into a family. It went beyond football, it was the Bible studies, ping pong games, leadership council, and visits with Coach Jamrog in his office that made me a better man.”

Establishing the right culture is important for any team, at any level, to be successful. In his four years as the Warriors defensive coordinator, Denny Honnold has witnessed what a positive culture can do for a group of young men. “Everything we do here is about relationships,” he said. “We want to put people in positions to succeed, and not just in football. Coach Jamrog has established that winning culture, and it’s fun to be a part of a winning program. But it goes beyond that. It’s the way players are treated, having fun, and having a family atmosphere. Those are the moments you are going to remember more than the score of any game you played.”

When he was looking for a school to continue his football career, Theo Blum ‘21 had some inside information on the Warrior football program. His father, Darryl, was a member of two conference championship teams in the 1980s under legendary coach Don Watchorn. “My dad would tell me stories of Coach Watchorn, so in my mind, I knew finding a program run by a strong leader would be important in my decision,” he said. “Coach Jamrog ended up being that person for me. From the first time I met him, I could tell he was genuine and had a clear vision of what he was looking for in players for his program.”

Blum not only became a standout linebacker during his four years with the Warriors, but forged relationships that carried far beyond the gridiron.

“The friends I made being part of Midland’s program are the same friends I stay in touch with today,” he said. “It felt like everyone was my brother in a big family. It was such a unique experience. We had players from all over the country with different upbringings, cultures, ethnicities, and races. Having relationships that extended far beyond the weight room and football field is something I’m really grateful for.”

It’s not by accident that a locker room filled with 150 players, each with his own story, meshes so well together. Honnold says recruiting is more than just finding good football players, it’s finding the right football players. “It all starts with finding guys

who are passionate about education, as well as football, and are willing to put in the work,” he said. “We pride ourselves on bringing in good people and good teammates. We want to find guys who know what it takes to win in all aspects of life.”

Building a program the right way is something Jamrog learned early on in his coaching career from one of his mentors, legendary Nebraska coach Tom Osborne. “I remember him telling me that as a head coach, you are going to have to make tough decisions, and you have to make decisions that are in the best interest of the program, not Jeff Jamrog,” he said. “We want to do things the right way, and develop that total person in all aspects. I think that’s why it’s so important for our players to be involved in Bible studies, have mass/chapel before every game, or contribute to our community by working with groups like the Special Olympics.”

With all the consistency the program has shown over the past seven years, the one thing that has eluded the Warriors is a trip to the postseason. Much of that is due to the fact that two of the biggest powerhouses in the NAIA, Morningside and Northwestern, reside in the Great Plains Athletic Conference along with Midland. While an 8-3 record last season, the best under Jamrog’s watch, was not enough to earn a playoff berth, that could change in 2023 as the NAIA has expanded its playoff field from 16 to 20 teams.

“It’s great for our conference because it’s been a two-team race, and now we have a chance to

maybe get three teams in,” Jamrog said. “As a program, we need to keep working hard and paying attention to detail. We need everyone involved to get to the next level.”

Chase Lypsis ‘23, was part of that eight-win season in 2022 and believes that season can be a springboard for greater heights for the program. “We laid down a foundation of what it takes to win and the players that are back saw that first-hand,” he said. “Nothing would make me happier than seeing those guys succeed next year, and for years to come.”

As he broke the school’s all-time sack record, Lypsis witnessed the camaraderie that exists within the program during his record-setting season. “Every single person on our sideline was rooting for me to get that record and when I finally did, the sideline erupted,” he said. “That made me realize how close we all are, and how much everyone cares. I felt like the record wasn’t just mine, but the entire team’s. It was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Playing and coaching football have been a part of Jamrog’s life for more than 40 years. At 58, he still has unlimited passion for the game he loves.

“I love competition, just ask my wife, kids, and siblings,” he said. “I love the recruiting part and getting to know kids and families. I’ve coached this game at almost every level there is and I’m enjoying myself as much now as I ever have.”

MIDLAND UNIVERSITY GROWS ONLINE GRADUATE AND DOCTORAL OFFERINGS

In its efforts to meet the needs of all students, Midland University continues to grow its graduate and doctoral online learning through a wide range of programs.

In addition to the traditional oncampus undergraduate offerings, Midland University Online offers 23 online programs that feature a doctoral degree, masters degrees, certificates, and endorsements that will allow students to advance their careers.

“This is an exciting time for Midland University,” Midland University President Jody Horner said. “We believe our online programs will be beneficial to so many students who are looking for the flexibility they need to further their education. Whether they are beginning a new career or looking to move ahead in their current career, Midland University Online will provide the opportunity to advance their purpose.”

A variety of online graduate programs are available to enable students to utilize their talents at a professional level. Students can now earn a new Doctorate of Education Degree in Leadership and Innovation (EdD). The EdD in Leadership and Innovation is designed for midcareer working professionals from a range of industries who are interested in promoting change within their organizations. The program challenges students to bridge the gap between theory and practice and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide solutions to organizational and societal problems.

Master’s Degrees are available in Business Administration; Education in Leadership; Teaching and Learning;

Principal MEd Endorsement; Business Intelligence & Analytics; Learning & Talent Development; Sport Administration & Leadership; and Special Education.

The new Business Intelligence & Analytics program focuses on integrating external and internal sources, data, and factors to analyze and recommend strategies in a variety of business disciplines, and will equip students with technical and professional skills in the analytical field.

The new Special Education program is designed to expand the expertise of educators and give them the components needed to teach, consult, and provide services related to behavioral needs of children with disabilities.

“These new programs, alongside our existing online programs, were developed with our partners to make certain the curriculum and skills align with the demands of the workplace and that graduates are ready to apply their learning on day one,” said Brady Woudstra, Associate Vice President of Graduate and Online Operations.

Education Endorsements and Certificates are available in Behavior Intervention Specialist Endorsement, English as Second Language Endorsement, High Ability Learner Endorsement, Classroom & Behavior Management, and National Board Certification Preparation. Graduate level Business Certificates will be available in Accounting, Applied Data Analytics, Business Intelligence & Data Analysis, Business Strategy, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Finance, Healthcare Management,

Marketing Management, and Project Management.

Woudstra said Midland University Online not only works to meet the demands of its students, but works to fill a void in the marketplace. “Midland continues to lead the charge of being a higher education institution focused on relevance and marketplace needs,” he said.

“This is true not only for the traditional undergraduate students in Fremont, but for our current and future graduate and non-traditional students studying online.

“Midland University Online has a portfolio of offerings, including customized training and formal degree programs, to provide any individual or organization the pathway to their goals,” Woudstra said. “While these new programs offer the flexibility, frictionless experience, and speed that modern learners have come to expect, Midland Online also provides the personal and intentional support of our faculty and advising staff that is second to none. We understand the challenges of taking the next step, or possibly first step, in an individual or organization’s goals, and we have the team to support our community of learners along the way.”

To learn more about Midland University Online and available programs, visit midlandu.edu/online.

Midland University Online received an Omaha’s Choice Award for Adult Education in 2023.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND MIDLAND?

My campus visit came when Fremont had a flood in 2019. We had no way to get out of Fremont, but the care of Midland’s faculty and staff made our visit as comfortable as it could be. Through that experience, I was able to get to know people throughout campus and the community. It was important to find a school with similar cultural values as my own, and I found that through Midland.

WHAT MEMORIES OF MIDLAND WILL YOU ALWAYS CARRY WITH YOU?

I think the most significant memory I will carry with me throughout life is the impact I have had on a few select students. Seeing students grow and pursue what is meaningful to them has brought me joy, and I’m forever grateful for the faculty, staff, and student connections I have made.

MIDLAND UNIVERSITY GOLD CLUB

alumni.midlandu.edu/goldclub

What is GOLD CLUB?

GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Club aims to engage young alumni of Midland University through various networking events both on and off campus, as well as build a culture of philanthropy among alumni through giving of time, talent, and treasures to support Midland students.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Networking opportunities

• Professional development

• Social events

Mentoring opportunities

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

HOW HAS MIDLAND CHANGED YOU?

Prior to joining Midland, I wasn’t someone who wanted to be super involved. I started to realize I could create my own story and got involved with different clubs and organizations. I’m thankful for the involvement Midland gives students and have found myself loving every second of creating a difference in students’ lives.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?

I plan to pursue both my Masters and Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology with an emphasis on counterterrorism and global defense. I also intend on teaching at the graduate level someday.

CARTER WELCH

CLASS OF 2023

MAJOR Human Performance/Exercise Science HOMETOWN

Bloomer, Wisconsin

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Pi Gamma Mu, Psi Chi, Blue Key Honor Society, SAAC, Powerlifting, Residence Life, Student Body President

Alumni punch card

• Exclusive invitations to various on campus events

• Access to exclusive GOLD Club directory

Chance to pay it forward to future students

To be an active GOLD Club participant, make an annual contribution to the University in any amount to pay it forward and help pave the way for all future Warriors to reach their full potential.

Why is giving annually important?

• 100% of Midland students receive scholarships and financial aid. Your gift supports this effort.

• Helps increase the participation rate of alumni who give, which can result in more grants and an increase in Midland’s rankings. Helps ensure the success of current and future Warriors and gives them the opportunity to have a great college experience like yours!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GOLD CLUB SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT ALUMNI.MIDLANDU.EDU/GOLDCLUB

Senior Legacy Challenge

The inaugural Senior Legacy Challenge gave the class of 2023 the opportunity to say “thank you” to the programs that impacted them and made a difference in their lives.

WHAT WAS THE CHALLENGE?

Seniors were asked to give $20.23 in honor of their grad year to the program of their choice. Seniors donated to areas all across campus from Powerlifting to Nursing to Student Scholarships. Our seniors made a direct impact and left their legacy!

WHAT WHERE THE RESULTS?

Our seniors definitely rose to the challenge. We had 31 seniors donate over $800 total.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SENIOR LEGACY CHALLENGE OR HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE VISIT ALUMNI.MIDLANDU.EDU/SLC

CAREER AS A BASEBALL EXECUTIVE

A HIT FOR LAURIE SCHLENDER ‘85

When Laurie Schlender (Brown) ‘85 talks to younger employees about career opportunities, she always tells them to keep an open mind because you never know where your career path may lead. She’s speaking from experience.

Schlender never planned on a career as a baseball executive, but with more than 20 years of experience in the Omaha Storm Chasers organization, she has no regrets about where the road led. She has been a critical cog in the Storm Chasers’ organization, and has thrived in many different roles, the past three as Vice President/ General Manager.

After graduating from Midland with an accounting degree and earning her CPA, she began working at a firm in Omaha. After taking some time off to be at home with her young children, she started her own consulting practice and had several clients in the Metro area. One of those clients was the Omaha Royals (now Omaha Storm Chasers), as she assisted their business office.

She eventually became a part-time accountant for Completely Kids, where she stayed for more than six years. Then she got an offer she simply couldn’t refuse.

“I received a call from a former colleague who worked with the Royals and told me they had an opening for their controller position and asked if I was interested,” Schlender said. “I remember looking at my husband and telling him I didn’t think I could say no. It was something I had to try because I loved baseball.”

Her love for the game blossomed while growing up in the small town of Quimby, Iowa (population 250). “We were Minnesota Twins fans and went to several games at old Metropolitan Stadium, watching players like Harmon Killebrew and Rod Carew,” Schlender said. “My dad coached baseball, and I played softball, so sports were always a big part of our lives.”

When she started working as a controller for the Royals in 2008, little did she know her path to becoming a baseball executive was underway. Along

Laurie Schlender ‘85

with being controller, she was involved in office management, IT, human resources, and community relations. “The longer I was there, the more I became a resource for everyone because I knew quite a bit about the day-to-day operation,” she said.

She was promoted to Assistant General Manager in 2011 and named Vice President/General Manager in October 2019. Her life in baseball was far different from what she had envisioned growing up. “I never grew up thinking I was going to work in baseball,” Schlender said. “I went to college to be an accountant, and there was no such thing as a sports management degree, so I never even thought about working in sports. The Royals were one of the clients of the accounting firm I worked for, and I always had the thought that it would be cool to work for them someday, so it’s kind of weird how that all worked out.”

It’s a big reason she encourages the younger generation never to close the door on an

opportunity. “I always tell our younger employees that you need to learn the business on a broader basis because the more you know, the more you can contribute,” she said. “I encourage them to look for opportunities outside of the box. You may not think it’s what you want to do, but until you try and see how it interacts with other parts of the business, you’ll never know. You might find something that’s the right fit for you like I did.”

When Schlender was ready to decide on a college, it turned out Midland was the right fit as well. Although much like her career in baseball, it wasn’t part of her initial plans. “My plan was to go to Morningside University because it was my mom’s alma mater, and it was close to home,” she said.

“A recruiter from Midland (Chris Vaage) came to our high school, and I probably looked at it as an opportunity to get out of class, so I went and visited with her. She was fantastic and had a personality that drew me in, so I stayed in contact with her. I eventually came for a visit and really loved the campus and the Fremont community.”

While the influence of Vaage got Schlender in the door to Midland, it was the impact of a professor that kept her at Midland.

“When I started in the business department, I met accounting professor Mick Shadbolt and eventually became his work study,” she said. “He became a great mentor to me and really pushed me, and I think connecting with him is what kept me going. That’s not something you would get at every school. Midland overall was a great experience for me because I got involved and made a lot of friends.”

Her accounting background keeps Schlender heavily involved in the day-today financial operations of the organization. But she wears many hats during the week, everything from meeting with fellow GMs in the International League to handling customer complaints. She meets weekly with fellow staff members, the ownership group, as well as baseball executives from across the country. Schlender also serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Union Omaha soccer team, who play their home games at Werner Park, and is in constant communication with the GM of the Union.

The work doesn’t end when the games start, as Schlender meets with fellow staff members on game days, ensuring everything is ready to roll at the park. Prior to the first pitch, she checks in with Storm Chasers’ manager, Mike Jirschele to make sure everything is good on his end. She then makes her way through the crowd, greeting and visiting

with fans along the way. “I always have that fan who has a great idea they want to share with me,” she said with a laugh.

In her role as General Manager, Schlender finds herself in the minority regarding women holding high-ranking positions in MLB organizations. There is only one female GM (Kim Ng of the Miami Marlins) among 30 Major League Baseball teams. While the number of women working in baseball operations has increased over the past five years, more work still needs to be done.

“The first winter meetings I went to, there were two women in a room of 60 people,” Schlender said. “My first thought was, this needs to change. There are more female GMs at the lower levels, so it’s getting better. But it’s still very male-dominated. I’m fortunate that with the Storm Chasers, we have an ownership group that welcomes a very diverse staff, not just women. When we are going through the hiring process, we are trying to recruit diverse candidates.”

Schlender is hoping to do her part to get all candidates more involved in sports management. “I look forward to partnering with Midland to help more students get experience working in sports,” she said. “It’s about the challenges and the opportunity to grow and to mentor other people. When you have success impacting other people, it’s so much more important than money.”

“It’s about the challenges and the opportunity to grow and to mentor other people.

When you have success impacting other people, it’s so much more important than money.”

Laurie Schlender ‘85

GLOBAL WARRIORS WORKING TO MAKE STUDENTS FROM FAR AWAY FEEL AT HOME

Lucas Weyrich ‘22 arrived at Midland University in 2017 as a freshman, thousands of miles from home, with many questions to ask.

Things that most people take for granted, like getting a driver’s license, a social security card, or finding a job, can be a complex process for someone from another country, with no knowledge of how processes work in America.

A native of Bad Urach, Germany, Weyrich found many challenges as he tried to navigate being a new fish in a very large pond. “There weren’t always resources available for international students,” Weyrich said. “It was a struggle because even though these were all little things, they began to add up.”

Weyrich began talking with staff across campus about providing information and guidelines for international students. Not long after, he was approached by Dr. Lawrence Chatters, the Vice President for Student Affairs at the time, about starting a new student organization for international students.

“He told me that international students were often an overlooked minority on campus, and this would be a chance for me to leave a legacy at Midland,” Weyrich said.

At that moment, Global Warriors was born. After nearly two years in existence, Global Warriors continues to grow on campus and is providing resources and support for students who have come from far away to make Midland their home.

Jordann Heckart, a former Student Success Advisor at Midland, served as the group’s staff sponsor for the past year. She said there were 81 international students at Midland during the 2022-23 academic year, and that Global Warriors provided a common place for many of those students to thrive.

“All these students are athletes, and that’s what brings them to Midland,” she said. “What Global Warriors tries to do is build more support for each other. We have a group app that we can connect through, we work with staff to provide more resources, and we try to have very clear cut policies of what they do when they get to Midland, and what they can do to maintain that going forward.”

Adrien Patigny is a junior from Is Sur Tille, France, and a member of the Men’s Track and Field team. His friendship with Weyrich got him involved in Global Warriors and he remains an active member.

“Lucas and I agreed that international students needed more assistance as they arrived and stayed in the United States,” he said. “I have other international students as friends, and many of them share these same issues, which brings all of us closer together. Having a group such as Global Warriors helps us push through these challenges that people might not be aware of.”

Weyrich believes one of the greatest values of Global Warriors is having older students lend their experience and advice to newcomers. “When freshmen get here, they don’t always know how things work,” he said. “We have upperclassmen who give them direction and share their experiences. We have so many nationalities represented at Midland (25 different countries), and one of the great things about Global Warriors is that it’s a place to get to know people, learn their backgrounds, and share common stories.”

The goal of Global Warriors is to provide a space where students can find answers and support each other through a process many college students take for granted. “Reaching out for help can be hard, and we want our students to feel comfortable when they have a question and need help,” Heckart said. “These students have shared experiences, and we want them to pull together and support each other.”

Patigny said he would encourage any international student to become part of Global Warriors. “It will be a very positive experience,” he said. “Every individual has something to bring to the group. They will meet new people from all over the world, and relate to them. The organization is there to help students in need of guidance on any subject.”

A LIFE REMEMBERED JOANNE BRACKER

To understand the magnitude of Joanne Bracker’s impact during her coaching career at Midland University, all you had to do was take a look at her yearly Christmas card collection.

“We had a bulletin board at our house where mom kept all her Christmas cards,” Troy Bracker, her son, said. “If we had 100 cards on that board, 90 of them would be from former players, including some who might have only played for her a year or two.”

The longtime Midland women’s basketball coach passed away on February 1, 2023 at the age of 77 after a battle with cancer. Her life, legacy, and career was celebrated during an event at the Wikert Event Center in March. Hundreds of former players, colleagues, and many others impacted by her had the opportunity to share stories and recall so many great memories of Bracker’s life.

In her 42 years as women’s basketball coach, professor, advisor, camp instructor, and many other titles, Bracker impacted the lives of countless individuals with whom she crossed paths with. That impact resonated far beyond the basketball court and into the lives of her former players and students.

“I am the person I am today, and have been able to succeed in many different aspects of my life, because of Coach Bracker,” said Mary Jo (Reilly) Giesselmann ‘84. “She was an amazing woman and a wonderful coach, mentor, and more than anything, friend.”

The numbers associated with Bracker’s coaching career tell the story of one of the most successful women’s basketball coaches in the history of the sport. She accumulated 742 wins during her 42-

year career, making her the winningest coach in NAIA history at the time of her retirement in 2012. She guided the Warriors to eight NAIA National Tournament appearances, including a fourth-place finish in 1985. The Warriors finished nationally ranked in 13 of those seasons, ranking as high as No. 3 following the 1982-83 season.

Bracker was inducted into the inaugural class of the National Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999, and is also a member of both the Midland University and Dana College (her alma mater) Athletic Halls of Fame. She was an assistant coach in the 1989 Olympic Festival and was a member of the Olympic selection committee in 1992 and 1996. Bracker also served as national president of NAIA Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

When Midland University started its women’s basketball program in 1970, Bracker was appointed as the first coach. Women’s athletic programs were new to many universities at that time, and Bracker worked tirelessly to make sure the program, and her players, would be successful. “She did whatever it took,” Troy said. “There weren’t a lot of women’s teams at that time, so she was scheduling games against bigger schools like UNL, UNO, and Kearney State (now UNK) just so they could find games.

“They didn’t have buses or vans for her team to use, so she would survey her players to see who had the most reliable cars so they could drive to the game. She also had to take care of hiring officials, and I remember her bringing home the players’ uniforms after the game to get them washed and ready for the next game.”

Bracker was instrumental in helping the women’s game advance throughout the years. Ann (Albrecht) Prince ‘91, a former player and assistant coach for Bracker, remembers her as someone who always looked out for the best interest of the sport, and her program. “She loved the game and wanted to continue to advance the game,” Prince said. “She fought for equal opportunities in the sport and against the gender bias that still remains prevalent within the sport.”

Prince had the opportunity to not only play for Bracker, but was next to her on the bench for 14 years as an assistant. That experience has helped transform Prince into one of the most successful high school coaches in Nebraska, having coached the Elkhorn North girls to three consecutive Class B state championships.

“It was awesome to have such a knowledgeable and successful coach as my mentor to help me learn and grow in the coaching profession,” she said. “She was an amazing teacher who had very high expectations and took the subject matter very seriously. She had a major influence on my life and made me a better basketball player, person, student-athlete, coach, and teacher.”

What resonated most with Prince was Bracker’s ability to pay attention to every small detail in coaching. “She always did things the right way,” Prince said. “She didn’t use gimmicks to get ahead. She taught the fundamentals, how to play man-toman defense, and get your kids to work hard and play together.”

That attention to detail was what often separated her teams from their opponents. Troy said his mom’s organizational skills were always on display, even away from the basketball court. “Her practices were very detailed and when she organized basketball trips that involved so many people, everything would be put in chronological order down to the last minute,” Troy said. “My dad and I would joke that those organizational skills often spilled over into our vacations. We would always have lunch at a certain time, or have to be at the hotel by a certain time.”

JOANNE BRACKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

In honor of her legacy at Midland University, friends and family of Coach Joanne Bracker started a scholarship to support a women's basketball student-athlete each year. Gifts will be matched!

To make a donation to support Coach Bracker's scholarship, visit ALUMNI.MIDLANDU.EDU/JOANNE

Bracker’s teams were battle-tested and often played their best in the biggest games. She also wasn’t afraid to push her players when necessary, something that became evident early in her career. “Her incredible coaching ability started with her first team,” Karen Moeller ‘71, said. “Our only loss that season was to Wayne State. She came in after that game and told us we played “like a bunch of clowns.” We didn’t lose another game the rest of the season, including a rematch with Wayne State. Even though I only played for Coach Bracker my senior year, the impact she had on my life is immeasurable. I am thankful to have had her as my coach, and a lifelong friend.”

Her dedication for every individual to succeed went beyond her work as a coach. “She was an advisor to many students over the years and she took pride in helping students have a good college experience and get where they needed to be,” Troy said. “I remember being a kid and hanging out in the gym while mom was teaching a dance class. She was always willing to fill in if someone needed a partner.”

Troy said his mom was a “quiet competitor” who might not have shown a lot of emotion on the outside, but had a competitive drive on the inside. “She always wanted to make sure they put the best product on the floor,” he said. “If they played their best, and lost, she could live with that. The only time she was disappointed is if she felt they didn’t play well, or if there was something she could have done differently.”

If their performance was less than satisfactory for Coach Bracker, they knew immediately when she

walked into practice the next day. “I do remember several players telling me that anytime mom showed up to practice wearing a black sweatsuit, they knew that was going to be a hard practice,” Troy said.

Maintaining relationships with players beyond graduation was vital to Bracker. Troy said it was not uncommon for Bracker to get visits from former players, or attend sporting events that involved former players, or their families. As busy as her life was as a coach, she also made sure her presence was felt as a mother, and grandmother.

“I was involved in athletics as a kid and she always would get to whatever events of mine she could,” he said. “I remember how proud she was of her three grandkids, and was very good at supporting them in whatever they were involved with. My daughter, Shelby, was a track athlete. She would tell me the story that after my mom got sick, my dad would position his truck at the meet so they had a view of the finish line. Shelby would finish the race and could see my mom watching the race through binoculars.”

Her commitment to Midland University was unparalleled. Coaching for 42 years at one place is rare territory, and Midland unveiled how much her time was appreciated by placing her name on the court at the Wikert Center following her retirement. “I know it was something she didn’t expect, but was very appreciative of,” Troy said. “I think it was a recognition for what she did, not only for the basketball program, but for the athletic department as a whole. She received interest from bigger programs over the years, but she was happy at Midland.”

“She was an amazing teacher who had very high expectations and took the subject matter very seriously. “

Ann (Albrecht) Prince ‘91

UNIVERSITY CLEF DWELLERS HAVE BEEN CARRYING NOTES FOR SEVEN DECADES

When Reagan Gausman ‘23 was a senior at Columbus High School, she was undecided where the next step would be on her academic journey. Gausman, who was in an a cappella group at CHS, traveled with her fellow performers to the Midland University Festival of Arts. It was there that she got to see the university’s Clef Dwellers perform. “I was trying to decide where I wanted to go to college,” Gausman said. “That was one of the deciding factors. I loved watching them and I thought they were fun. I was excited and eager to be part of them.”

Gausman joined Clef Dwellers as a sophomore and performed with the group for three years. Midland’s top contemporary a cappella ensemble performs many times throughout the year and has been a campus fixture since the 1960s. Joel Johnston, Director of Vocal Music at Midland, said the group has changed with the times. “It has been through several different styles. In the 1960s it was a USO-type variety show,” he said. “Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it was a vocal jazz group and currently, it is more of a contemporary a cappella group, comprised of 24 students.”

Gausman said she learned about the Clef Dwellers tradition once she became a member. “I know it has grown and changed over the years,” Gausman, an arts management major with a theater concentration said. “It has been an honor for me to be part of that legacy with others. It is just really cool to be part of something that means so much to so many people over the span of many, many years.”

Clef auditions are held the first week of school every fall. “Pretty much all of the singers that make Clef are already involved with the university choir. They actually learn the audition piece during our arts retreat, which is a week before school starts, and then we have the auditions,” Johnston noted.

The group does four main concerts during the academic year, including the finale in May. The group, however, has many other performances. “We perform seven or eight times on our spring tour,” Johnston said. “Clef also performs more than a dozen more times throughout the year at school functions, community events, and those types of things, so they may perform 20 to 30 shows a year.” During the spring tour this year, the group performed in the Kansas City area and had the opportunity to meet Clef members from several decades ago.

“There were about a dozen alumni that came to the concert and a couple of them were Clef Dwellers from 1963, ”Johnson said. “It was quite a bit smaller, but they did do some USO

tours internationally back during that time. I don’t know if that has happened for quite a while, although it is really something on my bucket list to try and plan a little bigger tour, not just for Clef, but for the university’s choir.”

An alumnus shared a story with Johnston about a performance that was scheduled in the late fall of 1963. “They were getting ready to do a show and I think it was on local television in Kearney, but it got canceled because the news came out that day that President John Kennedy had been assassinated,” he said. “He still gets tears in his eyes when he tells that story. It was really quite emotional.”

Just like their counterparts from the 1960s, the Clef Dwellers of today enjoy performing. Gausman notes the group sings an eclectic set list. “We did a Michael Jackson medley and ‘Before He Cheats’ by Carrie Underwood,” she said. “We’ve done a lot of Pentatonix songs and a really fun one was ‘I 2 I’ from A Goofy Movie.” The group also did a music video of ‘I 2 I’ with children. “We invited young kids to come hang out and be part of the video,” she said. “We had all of our younger siblings come and do it. Everyone had a great time.”

Johnston said that Midland is a bit unusual from other colleges in that educators are really collaborative within the arts. “One of the things that makes Clef so good

is that so many of our students are also involved in theater productions and they’re not just great singers, but they’re really good on stage,” he said. “There is also a lot of crossover between the vocal and instrumental departments, and a lot of crossover from the dance program, too. That’s a little unusual because some of those departments at small colleges and universities don’t always play nice with each other. But we do here and that is a great selling point to prospective high school students who come here and want to do multiple things. We make it work and it makes all of our departments better.” That strong partnership includes Pat Fortney, Interim Director of Arts and former Director of Instrumental Music, and Dan Hays, Director of Theater Activities.

For Johnston, working with talented students makes his job rewarding. “You’re working with the cream of the crop as far as singers,” he said. “They are talented not just vocally, but they are also great on stage. They are fun to watch. They love to perform and it is a joy to be a part of because of their talent, energy, and commitment.”

Gausman said she is grateful she was a part of Clef Dwellers. She would recommend joining the group to any incoming Midland student. “It is a close-knit group that creates really awesome music,” she said. “You get to collaborate and share it with a lot of other people. It was a really fun experience with an extremely fun group.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CLEF DWELLERS, AND OTHER VOCAL MUSIC GROUPS AT MIDLAND, VISIT MIDLANDU.EDU/ARTS.

MIDLAND ALUMS DOING PART TO CONTINUE HOCKEY GROWTH IN FREMONT

During Wyle’s tenure, Sidner has become a hub of activity. She has also helped form a strong partnership with her alma mater. The men’s and women’s hockey teams call Sidner their home ice and many Midland players and coaches have helped with the youth programs.

“We’re really grateful to the Midland hockey programs for what they’ve done,” said Scotland native Angus Laing ‘21, who is the associate director of ice programming and a former Midland goalie. ”It has really helped us a lot with the Learning to Skate and Introduction to Hockey programs, as well with the Fremont Flyers Mites program.”

Wyle said there is a “great relationship” between Sidner and Midland.

“Having been a student there, I understand what the Midland campus is all about and what the philosophy is,” she said.

Although the partnership has always been strong, Wyle notes that there were challenges in the rink’s infancy.

“Back in 2004 there was no hockey culture in this town,” she said. “One of our biggest challenges we had was trying to fill the ice and get people interested in it. There were a lot of negative connotations back then about hockey being expensive and being a violent sport. It took us quite a few years to really build a hockey program.”

Wyle said what really helped the Sidner youth hockey program was when Midland started their men’s and women’s teams.

“The youths that were doing the intro (program) were interested in coming out and watching the Midland games and the players were participating, so it was kind of the perfect partnership.”

Laing plays a major role in that partnership. Following graduation, he pursued a professional hockey career. After that didn’t work out, he returned to Fremont to work at Sidner. His responsibilities include developing programs.

“My goals are to really interact with the community around Fremont and give something for the younger kids around here to commit to, learn from, and build basic skills moving on into their life,” he said. “It is big to me to give back in that sense, where kids in this town have a place that they can go and be part of a team, work together, and learn communication skills and things like that.”

Wyle,

Ice Arena director, was a student at Midland University in 2004 when she was looking for a job.

“They were opening the ice rink and I applied here,” the Winnebago native said. “Upon my graduation from Midland I got hired as the full-time director.”

“Jason White (Midland women’s coach) actually used to be an employee here at the rink,” she said. “He understood the partnership that needed to happen here. So when those young kids came in and started playing hockey, he right away got them involved in the intro to hockey program which actually gave us access to additional coaches. We started to build a relationship that way and started to build both of our programs.

Laing and Wyle run the Introduction to Skating Program, which has seen upwards of 40 kids on the ice at one time.

“What is really nice is we’re paired with the Midland hockey programs,” Laing said. “The players will come out and work with the kids, too, so there are a lot of coaches on the ice and they get a lot of one-on-one experience with them.”

From there, many children move into the introduction to hockey program. Children learn

Angie Wyle’s ‘06 professional advancement has paralleled the growth of the Sidner Ice Arena.

the Sidner

Angie Wyle ‘06 Angus Laing ‘21

the basic skills of the game and receive equipment that they return at the end of the five weeks.

“What is great about our program is that we have a wide variety of hockey gear that we can give out to kids so it basically costs them nothing in terms of gear,” Laing said. “One of the things that can deter parents away from hockey is the cost, so we’re really proud of being able to offer them that and make it as cost easy for parents as possible”.

While the Midland athletes play a big role in the introduction to hockey program, they also contribute to the Fremont Mite program that is for 6-and-under and 8-and-under children.

“They come out and help run stations and demonstrate drills for that,” Wyle said. “That is a huge help because a lot of our coaches that we have in our association are new to the sport themselves, so they struggled with demonstrating skills and doing some of the basic stuff. Having the Midland guys and girls has been a huge help.”

The Midland players also assist when Sidner has its “Try Hockey for Free” days where children get to try the sport at no cost for an hour.

Wyle said there have been some strong relationships developed between the Midland athletes and the children.

Zach Eddington, the captain of the men’s team, worked with a second-grade girl with special needs in the learn to skate program.

“They developed a special bond,” Wyle said. “Zach gave her all of the one-on-one attention that she needed. By the end, she was skating all by herself and was absolutely loving it. It was neat for me to see that.”

While the children get to learn the game from collegiate hockey players, the experience is also beneficial for the athletes.

“The kids get that close coaching time with real hockey players and people in the community that they are going to look up to,” Laing said. “But on the other side of it, I think it is a great learning experience for the Midland students. We’re very grateful for their time and commitment to our programs. I think the one thing we can give

to them is that experience of giving back to the younger generation.”

While the programs of UNO, the Omaha Lancers, and Lincoln Stars have helped spark interest in hockey in Nebraska, Wyle said the Midland program has played a significant role locally.

“I think that just opened up a lot of doors for kids,” she said. “They were able to see it and enjoy it.”

There were lean years in the beginning of the youth hockey programs at Sidner.

“We started the program around 2010 and we struggled to get enough kids to even play a game against another team,” Wyle said. “We had kids from 4-years-old to 12-years-old trained to all be on the same team just so we could play.”

The director said there were 20 kids involved in the first year. Today, there are more than 200 kids in the Fremont Flyers program.

“But we’ve had probably another 200 come through our intro program this year as well,” she said. “Those teams have also had tremendous success.”

A Fremont Pee Wee team (12-and-under) won a premier regional tournament in Denver before capturing a championship at an international tournament in Canada.

“It is overwhelming to me to see that,” Wyle said. “To come from nothing to where we are right now. We’re competitive not only in the Midwest, but internationally”.

The connection with Midland has helped build that foundation.

“It has been really neat to see some of the bonds that have been formed with the Midland athletes and our younger athletes,” Wyle said. “I think it has been beneficial for everyone.”

Scholarships

ESTABLISHING A SCHOLARSHIP AT MIDLAND UNIVERSITY

Students are at the center of all that we do at Midland University, and scholarships can help open doors to lives of limitless possibilities. Midland University has a diverse student population, and many students are the first generation in their family to attend a four-year school, or have unique family circumstances. For many students, financial aid and scholarships are the difference between attending Midland and having to choose another school, or being able to continue their education at Midland. Scholarships change the lives of students and strengthen our institution.

Our student scholarship process is simple and is a powerful way to honor a family member, friend, or group, and support programs that are important to you. Scholarships can be tailored to benefit students who are majoring in a field of study or academic program, who participate in certain activities or organizations, who demonstrate financial need, or who have backgrounds and interests similar to your own. By supporting Midland’s scholarship program or establishing a new scholarship fund, you are creating a legacy that will last a lifetime.

FOR A LISTING OF ALL NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS AT

HOW DO I SET UP A NAMED SCHOLARSHIP AT MIDLAND UNIVERSITY?

STEP 1 | DETERMINE YOUR GOALS

Start by visiting with the Midland Advancement Team to determine your goals and the type of scholarship you wish to establish. We will discuss the student criteria and a name for your scholarship.

STEP 2 | FUND YOUR SCHOLARSHIP

The Advancement Team will work with you to determine which type of scholarship best suits your goals:

• ANNUAL/FUNDED SCHOLARSHIP

An annual or funded scholarship can be established with a minimum of $2,500 annually for at least four years. You can continue this scholarship for as long as you like. The scholarship award goes directly to the students, but will discontinue when you decide to stop funding the scholarship.

• PERPETUAL SCHOLARSHIP

A minimum of $25,000 is required to establish a perpetual scholarship. The contribution may be received in one disbursement or over a two or threeyear period. After the scholarship total reaches $25,000, it will immediately be directed to student scholarships and you will receive recognition in perpetuity for a $1,000 scholarship award each year. Award recognition will increase $1,000 for every additional $25,000 gifted to the scholarship.

Family members and friends can also give to your scholarship. Donors who establish a perpetual scholarship through their estate will also become members of our Victory Society.

STEP 3 | CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESS

Once your scholarship begins to be awarded, you are contributing to a student’s success at Midland! Each year, you will receive a report to notify you who received your scholarship, be invited to the annual Midland Scholarship Luncheon, and receive recognition on Midland’s website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT STARTING A SCHOLARSHIP, CONTACT:

MIDLAND, VISIT ALUMNI.MIDLANDU.EDU/SCHOLARSHIPS

2022-2023 MIDLAND UNIVERSITY

ANNUAL REPORT

Thank you to all of our Midland University alumni, friends, business partners, and donors who supported us in 2022-2023! Your continued support through our annual fund, major gifts, scholarships, pledges, and planned gifts have a tremendous impact on our university, and on our students. From all of us at Midland, thank you for your generosity!

BY THE NUMBERS

ATHLETICS/BOOSTER CLUB

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20

11:00 AM | Golden Warrior Lunch - Cafeteria ‡

1:00 PM | Homecoming Campus Tour - Anderson Breezeway †

4:00 PM | Golden Warrior Welcome & Social - 505 Brewery ‡

6:00PM | Warrior Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony - Wikert Event Center Lobby ‡

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

9:00 AM | Golden Warrior 50 Year Reunion - PDRs ‡

11:30 AM | Alumni Tailgate - Heedum Parking Lot

1:00 PM | Homecoming Football Game vs. Doane - Heedum Field

5:00 PM | Volleyball Game vs. Mount Marty - Wikert Event Center

PLANNED GIFTS

6:30 PM | *Luther Reunion - PDRs ‡

6:30 PM | * Watchorn Football Reunion - Eikmeier Commons ‡ (*Immediately following volleyball game)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

8:00 AM | Homecoming Worship

10:30 AM | Alumni & Legacy Banquet - Wikert Event Center Lobby ‡ †

FOR QUESTIONS, CONTACT THE OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT AT 402-941-6523.

MIDLAND UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS OR ORDER YOUR HOMECOMING T-SHIRT SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT MIDLANDU.EDU/HOMECOMING