F2009 Peru Stater by Peru State

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Fall 2009 Vol. 54, No. 2

New President Dan Hanson:

Dr. Hanson At a glance

Passion, pride, appreciation for PSC A strong base, plus the feeling of family: intangible, perhaps, but elements which are nonetheless vitally important to new Peru State College President Dan Hanson. Hanson and his wife, Elaine, enjoyed the same qualities throughout their 30-plus-year association with Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa. The Hanson’s found those attributes and more when they traveled 300 miles to the southwest when Dan assumed the presidency in August. “It is an honor to be given the opportunity to serve an institution with such a rich history,” Hanson said. “I take very seriously that I have been entrusted with the leadership of such a special college. “Virtually everyone I’ve met has a passion, a pride, and an appreciation for Peru State College,” he said. “And they should.” Hanson said he had some awareness of PSC prior to being nominated for the presidency about a year ago. Peru and Waldorf athletic teams competed occasionally through the years, so he knew of – but not a lot about – the Campus of a Thousand Oaks.

“I didn’t know of its long traditions or its impressive heritage,” he said. Once he became a candidate for the 33rd presidency of Nebraska’s first college, Hanson began to heavily research the institution. It didn’t take him long to discover some of the qualities that made PSC appealing. “I became aware rather quickly of Peru’s commitment to access to students – we provide a strong education at affordable prices. It has many of the attributes of a small private institution without the cost. “Peru is not only the oldest college in Nebraska, but it’s one of the fastest-growing. Our finances are strong, and I learned of some very innovative programs here. Clearly, it’s a very solid, thriving institution.” While the job posed new and exciting challenges, the decision to participate in the search did not come easily. Hanson has spent most of his career at Waldorf. He and Elaine met there. Both of their parents live in the area. Their daughters attend college in Iowa. Their lifelong friends are there. The Hanson’s were not about to leave just for a change of scenery. Hanson’s candidacy moved

Born: Feb. 1955, Minneapolis, Minn. Early Years: Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa High School: Titonka (Ia.) College: Associates degree, Waldorf (Ia.) College; Bachelors, Wartburg (Ia.) College; Masters, Minnesota State University-Mankato; Ph. D., Iowa State University

Dr. Hanson through the process until he was eventually named a finalist. Hanson and the other remaining candidates were invited to the Omaha airport last January to meet the 24-member search committee comprised of students, faculty, staff, alumni and officials from the Nebraska State College System (NSCS). The day before the interview, Dan and Elaine decided to visit campus, unannounced and unescorted, to see the Campus of a Thousand Oaks for themselves.

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One Rate, Any State: PSC eliminates out of state tuition

Peru State College will conduct a groundbreaking three-year pilot program that will allow students who live outside of Nebraska the opportunity to pay in-state tuition rates beginning this fall. The college already offers a single tuition rate for online courses, so the program will apply to those students pursuing their degrees on-site. “The reality is that high tuition costs have put college out of reach for far

from Nebraska’s borders,” Carpenter too many people, especially during these difficult economic times,” noted added. “Since Peru State already offers Stan Carpenter, chancellor of the some of the most affordable tuition Nebraska State College System which rates in the region, we anticipate governs Peru, along with Chadron this program will be well-received and Wayne State Colleges. by potential students and further “This pilot program presents enhance our already strong onan opportunity for students who wouldn’t otherwise have the financial campus enrollments,” he added. “The side benefit is that it also has the means to get a top quality education potential to significantly impact rural without compounding costs just economic development in southeast because they may live five miles

Family: Wife Elaine, married 33 years; daughters Heather, a graduate student at the University of Iowa, and Abby, a senior at Wartburg College Career: Admissions staff, Waldorf College; faculty, Waldorf College, developed its two-year curriculum in computer information systems; later developed Waldorf’s four year program in CIS when the institution transitioned to a four-year college (mid-1990s); director of academic technology, Waldorf; academic dean/vice president, Waldorf (seven years); also served as assistant football coach at Waldorf. Appointed 33rd President of Peru State College, Feb. 2009; assumed presidency, Aug. 2009. Nebraska by exposing more individuals to this region of the state. “Conventional wisdom is that students who move to a state to attend college have a higher chance of staying in the state after graduation or returning at some point in their careers. Roughly 86 percent of our graduates live and work in Nebraska following graduation,” noted Carpenter, who served as President of

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A great time to be At a great place

Peru Stater Fall 2009

One rate Continued from p. 1

PSC throughout most of the 2008-09 Dear Friends: academic year. The past several weeks have been Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman a time of exciting transition for Peru was among those lauding the effort. State College, me and my family. “This is the innovative and creative I began my duties as PSC’s 33rd thinking that we need throughout president on Aug. 1, 2009. From the higher education and industries all moment I stepped foot on campus across Nebraska,” he told an Omaha I have been welcomed with open World-Herald reporter this past arms by faculty, staff, students and summer. community members. Current tuition rates at the After having worked more than 30 institution are $122.50 per credit years at a small private college in Iowa, hour for on-campus undergraduate it’s comforting to already feel at home Dan Hanson courses, $180 per credit hour for in a new place. It has also been reassuring to know that I am surrounded by online undergraduate courses and trustworthy, hard-working people who are focused on doing what is best for $210.75 per credit hour for online the institution. I will do everything I can to encourage continuance of that kind graduate courses. of commitment to purpose under my leadership. The NSCS Board of Trustees will There is very clearly a great deal of pride in the Campus of a Thousand Oaks receive annual reports regarding the across southeast Nebraska and beyond. My goal is to continue to build upon program and determine its future the college’s reputation for academic excellence and position the institution to after three years. be successful far into the future. For additional information, contact Many times since the announcement of my appointment as President of Peru the PSC Admissions Office at 1-800State College I have been asked “why there?” The answers are fairly simple. 742-4412 or online at www.peru.edu. When I interviewed for the job last January I could not have been more impressed with what I saw: commitment by highly qualified faculty and staff, vibrant and growing programs, and a beautiful campus that has been revitalized with more than $40 million in infrastructure improvements. There is a clear commitment on this campus to our mission – educating students. The students also impressed me with their commitment to the institution. More than 50 showed up to ask questions of me during the interview process. It was during the two-and-a-half-day interview process that the following initiatives emerged as the initial focus for my administration. We will seek to: •Reenergize and build the on-campus experience. •Empower the campus community around a common vision. •Engage with the external community. •Continue to use online programming strategically to expand the college’s mission The process to achieve these goals will not only involve active listening, but also identifying and focusing on key strategies. I will begin by administering College President a stakeholder survey focused on learning more about the perception of core Dr. Dan Hanson values, distinctiveness and key initiatives for the institution. I have also begun meeting with members of the campus community and Editor/Foundation Executive key external constituencies. Through this process I hope to identify strategic Director themes that can be used as a springboard for the strategic planning process in Kent Propst (’81) anticipation of the Higher Learning Commission’s accreditation visit in 2011. Assistant Editor/Alumni & It’s an exciting time to be part of Peru State College, and I am honored to Development Coordinator have been chosen to lead the institution into its next chapter. I hope that the Krystal Nolte (’04) experience I bring having previously served in a variety of roles, from faculty Contributing Writers to vice president of academic affairs, allows for a trust in my vision. I see only Sandy Fisher good things ahead for PSC. Kristi Nies Sincerely, Laura Osborne (’93)

Dan Hanson, Ph.D. President

Photography Angela Allgood (‘93) Dr. Bill Clemente Becky Johnson (‘05)

Stater Talk

We appreciate the time taken by our readers to send in comments about the Stater and would like to share a few of them. Please send your comments, suggestions and story ideas to Krystal Nolte at the Foundation office at PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421, email her at knolte@peru.edu or give her a call, 402-872-2395.

“How great it is to receive the Peru Stater again!! …Peru holds a special place in my heart.” —Fran Heim Whited (’53, ’62) “Receiving the spring edition of the Peru Stater was like a gift from Heaven sent. Thank you many times over.” —Sidney Timmons (’41) “It’s great to be receiving the Peru Stater again. Thank you!” —Larry Henderson (’69)

The Peru Stater is published twice each year by the Peru State College Foundation. Special thanks to the PSC Marketing and Communications department and the PSC Sports Information office. Send your comments, news items and address changes to: The Peru Stater PSC Foundation PO Box 10 Peru, NE 68421-0010 You may also call us at 402-8722304 or email us at pscfoundation@ peru.edu.

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Let the good times roll

A funny thing happened on my way back to Peru State…. My association with PSC stretches back to the mid-1970s, and after a slight detour to Idaho (2003-2008) I returned in Sept. 2008. Familiar though I was with PSC, it’s changed – incredible improvements to the campus, record enrollments, amazing technological advances, new faces. Such a remarkable transformation. My role changed, too. No longer a college employee, I now work for the Kent Propst private, non-profit corporation the PSC Foundation, which generates and disburses charitable gifts to assist the college. Year One was not a walk in Neal Park. I was – am - a rookie learning a new trade. The Foundation needed some reorganization. Communications with alumni and friends needed attention. The college was seeking a new president. Many challenges faced the Foundation, some that I had not anticipated. Then, just days after I started, Lehman Bros. collapsed, stocks plunged and the world economy went south. Foundation assets dropped, and fundraising in this environment - even for a noble cause like Peru State College - is no picnic. So why the silly grin I’m seen sporting these days? First of all, your college is in excellent condition; there is a good feeling on campus. President Dan Hanson brings new vision and energy to Nebraska’s first college. In his first months he has already met many of you, and outreach is a top priority. Avail yourself of any opportunity to meet Dan and his delightful wife and partner, Elaine; you will come away inspired. We have a great, dedicated staff in the Foundation office. The all-volunteer Foundation Board has evolved, and has worked extremely hard as it dealt with multiple obstacles. They work hard because PSC deserves it, in good times or tough ones. As most Stater readers know, the need is as great as the cause. As ever, most Peru students require financial assistance to pay their college bills. Today, with so many families under financial stress due to the economy, that need is amplified. Our growing student body, as great a thing as that is, multiplies the need. Financial famine coupled with more mouths to feed creates a cause of urgent proportions. It is why scholarships are now the primary focus of our fundraising efforts. The College is vibrant and growing even in such turbulent times. Three factors critical to institutional health – faculty, facilities and finances – are exemplary at today’s Peru State College. You need to know all of this. For a time, communication with alumni and friends was sporadic. That’s too bad, because there has been a remarkable story to tell; it is why the Peru Stater was reconstituted. Despite these tough times on planet earth, your Campus of A Thousand Oaks is doing remarkably well. And there is more greatness ahead. Please do your part to keep Peru rising. This is the time to help build Peru State College. You hear it often at PSC these days, and it’s true: it’s a great time to be a Bobcat! Kent Propst ‘81 Executive Director Peru State College Foundation

On-campus growth paces enrollment hike President Dr. Dan Hanson announced the college is poised for another record for fall enrollment, with preliminary figures reflecting a strong 6.31 percent increase. With time remaining to register for online and off-campus classes, PSC’s current total headcount stood at 2,173 students, compared to 2,044 at the same time a year ago. PSC officials anticipate that 200300 more students will have enrolled by mid-October. Trends indicate that total enrollment this fall will climb to a record 2,400 students – the most in the college’s 142-year history. The most dramatic growth area is on-campus enrollment, which increased more than 10.5 percent to 946 students. Online enrollment climbed above 1,100 students, an increase of more than six percent. Freshman enrollment was up nearly 6.5 percent to 231 students, just four students shy of an all-time record for the institution. The gains also impacted campus housing, increasing the use of residence halls

11 percent. Hanson attributed the college’s success to a redesigned scholarship program that rewards campus involvement and leadership, a new pilot program that offers instate tuition rates to all out-of-state students, continued growth in the college’s online programs, targeted marketing strategies and an increase in student satisfaction. “This is an exciting time for Peru State College,” Hanson said. “We have talented, energetic faculty and staff who are committed to the college’s mission – providing the very best education possible to our students and contributing to the future of southeast Nebraska and our entire state. “The dramatic growth in oncampus enrollment is the result of an intentional effort over the course of the last year, and we could not be happier with the vibrant campus community that resulted,” Hanson said.

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Dr. Hanson

students, more than 50 of them came and asked great questions. After that session, Elaine told me ‘I don’t know Continued from p. 1 about you, but I’m coming here’,” he It was a turning point. chuckled. Over the next 24 hours, Hanson Within days Carpenter called and transitioned from having a curious offered Hanson the position, and interest in the opportunity at Peru on Feb. 27, 2009, the NSCS Board State, to a genuine sense that this is of Trustees voted to approve him where he wanted to spend the rest of as President of Peru State College. his career. Still, it was to be five months before “We visited the campus because his term would begin, and Hanson we wanted to have a context for our wasn’t about to leave unfinished conversations with the committee. business at Waldorf. ‘Place’ is an important part of any “I had a sense of obligation,” he institution. We liked the layout of said simply. the campus and the rolling hills Loyalty, responsibility and surrounding it. dedication being attributes prized “We discovered a beautiful setting, greatly by Peru State, it was hard to well-kept buildings, and a renovated, argue with his logic. historic campus,” Hanson said. “We His first months on the job have were impressed. It’s the kind of place been a whirlwind. Hanson has we like: a small college in a rural immersed himself in the Peru State setting.” College experience, attending just Then came the airport interview about every meeting, ball game, with the search committee, and concert and art opening. the Hanson’s knew they had found He has been meeting, individually something special. or in very small groups, with every “I could tell by their questions, faculty and staff member at the these people cared deeply about Peru college. “A complex institution like State College,” Hanson said. “They Peru State College won’t make the were committed to Peru and to its right changes to benefit students if its students. That was very appealing.” people aren’t involved in decisions,” The next day, NSCS Chancellor he said. Stan Carpenter, who was himself Hanson has also begun meeting serving as president at Peru State at with school superintendents, mayors, the time, called Hanson. economic developers, “He wanted to know if chambers of commerce, I was serious about the service clubs and other opportunity,” Hanson leaders from southeast said. “Elaine and I had Nebraska. Both he and talked about it all the Elaine are committed way home from the not only to the college airport, and my answer itself, but to the region to Stan was there was it serves and the people very definitely a strong who live here. interest. He is learning Next came the coup about PSC academic de grace – the early programs and student February on-campus services, hosting interview. Hanson student groups described it as a for dinner in the Dan Hanson pressure-packed twoPresident’s House, and and-a-half days filled with meetings hitting the road to meet alumni and and interviews. other supporters. “The commitment of faculty and All the while Hanson is listening staff came through clearly,” he said. more than talking, evaluating “The support from people in southeast everything and formulating plans. Nebraska, and their knowledge of Because of the strength of PSC’s the important role we (PSC) play, personnel, academics, finances, was evident. I could tell this was a enrollment, and physical facilities vibrant campus and college. and resources, he has the benefit of “When we held our forum with the

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Next up for a renovation: Jindra Fine Arts Building

By Laura Osborne, ‘93 “Codes Upgrade Project.” The official title is rather unimpressive – the actual work being done, is quite the opposite! The Jindra Fine Arts Building on the Campus of a Thousand Oaks was closed last spring for massive renovations that are expected to take approximately two years to complete. The project is the latest in a long series of major upgrades of PSC facilities. The price tag for the renovations is approximately $6.6 million. The money to pay for the changes is coming from the Nebraska Task Force for Building Renewal created by the 309 Fund bill. The intent of that fund is to keep state buildings maintained. Changes will include new rooms for choir, band, recording studios and offices as well as a new elevator and remodeling of the Benford Recital Hall. When done, the building – which opened in 1966 - will also serve as a FEMA-certified storm shelter. The process began this past summer with asbestos abatement work. As the renovations continue, a new third floor will be added to the west end of the building which will house the new choir and band rooms as well as the recording studio spaces. The new elevator will be added to the northwest area as well. The new choir and band rooms are needed to relieve safety concerns. It was found that the previous choir and band rooms’ sound pressure levels were found to be potentially hazardous for instructors to endure for long periods of time. “We looked at ways to try and soak up some of the sound with drapes and other means, but nothing would provide a significant enough improvement in the space we had,” said Bruce Batterson, Vice President for Administration and Finance at PSC. Batterson is in charge of the renovation project. “The new rooms will combine more space with drapes, and absorbent panels.” Since a new art gallery was created in the A.V. Larson building during its recent renovation, the previous gallery in Jindra will be converted

Bruce Batterson into new office space. The recital hall floor will be leveled and a flexible seating and performance arrangement utilized for future performances there. Doing so will allow for the staging in the hall to be oriented to face any desired direction. Seating capacity in Benford will be reduced from 213 to 100, Batterson said. Previously, three office spaces existed on the second floor over the south entrance to the building. Those offices will be renovated resulting in two offices rather than three. Windows are being added to the building as well so that more offices and rooms will have sunlight. New high-efficiency thermal heating and cooling systems will be installed as well. The renovations are expected to take about two years. Until then, the classes normally held in Jindra will be moved to the theatre, and the CATS building (a.k.a. the Old Library and the ARC Building). Empty faculty apartments across the street to the north of Jindra will be used for music studios. “I think this is going to be a great boost for our performing arts program here at Peru State,” says Batterson. Lund Ross Constructors of Omaha are the construction managers for the project. NOTE: Laura Osborne lives in Auburn, Neb. and is director of Nemaha Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Foundation board adds three

The board governing the Peru State College Foundation has added three new members, including two alumni with distinguished records of involvement with the college, and a longtime Nebraska school administrator from southeast Nebraska. SaraBeth Donovan (’85), Mike Guilliatt (’67) and Dennis Wittmann, each have been elected to threeyear terms on the Foundation board, according to PSC Foundation President Chuck Niemeyer (’67). “All three bring expertise, experience and energy to the Foundation, and we are delighted to have them on board,” Niemeyer said. “They make our organization stronger, and together with the rest of our board and our talented staff on campus in Peru, we have high expectations to enhance our support for Peru State College.” The PSC Foundation is the private, nonprofit corporation established to receive and disperse private support for the college. Organized in 1955 as the Peru Achievement Foundation, it is governed by an independent, volunteer board of directors composed of alumni and friends. Donovan, an attorney in the Washington, D.C. area, is hardly a stranger to the Foundation. After leaving PSC in ’85 she taught in Omaha – where she was active in the local alumni chapter – and in California before entering law school. She also served as a Foundation trustee for a time. The Lincoln native practiced law in Washington, D.C. and in Nebraska. Then, in 2001 Donovan came back to Peru as the Foundation’s director of planned giving, a position she held for two years before leaving in late 2003. Guilliatt is the head of Guilliatt and Associates, a financial advisory firm based in Fremont that he established in 1975. An Auburn native who taught in Iowa for seven years after graduating from PSC, he has been a devoted alum and strong supporter of the college. He and his wife Janice, the daughter of the late State Sen. R. Wiley Remmers (‘38) and of Maxine (Aufenkamp ‘39) Remmers of Auburn, are parents of two sons. Mike and Janice are active in their community,

1940s

Sidney Timmons (‘41), of Torrance, Cal., is a retired independant insurance agent with State Farm and will be celebrating his 90th birthday in October.

SaraBeth Donovan

Tom Hallstrom (’49), of Omaha, will be honored at the Omaha Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame dinner Nov. 21 as the Hall of Fame’s Community Contributor. Tom was a part of the school district’s athletic activities for 30 years.

1950s

Jack Hallstrom (’50), of Omaha, will be honored at the Omaha Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame dinner Nov. 21 for his role in championing high school athletics during his 37 years in the Omaha district.

Mike Guilliatt

Dean Thiesfeld (’52), of Lincoln, has hit the slopes in the Rockies every year for the last 30 years, even now at 80 years of age. Leland Sherwood (’57), of Peru, received the Citizen of the Year award from the Peru Kiwanis Club.

Dennis Wittmann and Mikes serves on the PSC National Alumni Association board. Wittmann is a retired school administrator and educator. He and his wife Joan live in Auburn and have four children. Wittmann spent 36 years in public education after graduating from Midland Lutheran College, including 21 as a superintendent. He is extremely active in community and church affairs, and is currently serving his second term on the Auburn City Council. He is active in area economic development as well, and he and his son operate a lawn care service in the Auburn area. The three board members join Niemeyer, Jud Douglas of Lincoln, Larry (‘71) and Sue Green of Westminster, Colo., Fred (‘73) and Pam Robertson of Westlake Village, Calif., and Rod Vandeberg of Falls City on the current PSC Foundation board.

Ray Ehlers (’58), of Lexington, was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame as a contributor at the 16th annual induction ceremony held Sunday, Sept. 27 in Lincoln. Ray played various sports at Syracuse High School. He played football and basketball at PSC and was a recipient of the Bert W. Swenson athletics award.

1960s

Lillian (Stoner) Fridell (’60), of Hiawatha, Kan., celebrated her 100th birthday in July. She taught for 43 years in Kansas and is now retired. Marilyn (Glynn) Borgerding (’61), of De Witt, retired in 2007 from Wal-Mart after working 26 ½ years. She is enjoying time with her 15 grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.

James Christ (’64), of Lincoln, currently works in a dental lab and volunteers at the Larsen Tractor Museum at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, East Campus. He

is also involved in the choir at First Christian Church and is enjoying the life of the Capitol City. Mike Guilliatt (’67), of Fremont, qualified for the exclusive ‘Top of the Table’ of the Million Dollar Round Table - the Premier Association of Financial Professionals. Top of the Table status is the highest level of the MDRT membership. Sally (Kelly) Primrose (’67), of Omaha, retired this year from 42 years of teaching fourth grade at Peter Sarpy Elementary School in Bellevue. A retirement ceremony, hosted by the Bellevue Education Association, was held in Sally’s honor last spring. Jerry Eickhoff (’69), of Lincoln, was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame. Jerry retired from Hampton Public School this year as Nebraska’ winningest basketball coach with 670 wins. He was also honored by the Nebraska State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association last spring Jerry Eickhoff (’69), of Lincoln, went up against fellow PSC alum Mark Hrabik (’82) in the Nebraska Coaches Association boys high school all-star game. Mark’s team won in a 78-76 thriller. Janice (Kelly) Gardner (’69), of Shenandoah, Iowa, retired after 39 years of teaching. Janice taught girls physical education, second, third and fourth grades throughout her years at the Shenandoah Community School District.

1970s

Becky Lynch (’70), of Auburn, retired as the sixth grade special education teacher at Auburn Public Schools last spring.

Martha (Seibert) Schaffer (’70), of Nebraska City, received the Distinguished Educator of Reading Award from the Nebraska State Reading Association last spring. She worked as the reading instructor at Hayward Elementary School in

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Nebraska City for the last five years. Martha retired from teaching at the end of the school year. She has been an instructor in the Nebraska City School District for 39 years. Mary (Blezek) Woosley (’70), of Sidney, Iowa, retired in 1991 from Malvern Public School in Iowa. She began her teaching career in 1969 and has spent the last couple of years substitute teaching for Fremont Mills and Sidney Community Schools in Iowa. Deborah (Coffelt) Mosier (’73), of Bennington, was awarded the 2009 Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award. She is a music teacher at Catlin Elementary School. The award is presented to teachers in the Omaha Public School system by the Susan Thomas Buffett Foundation. Winners receive an engraved silver medal, $10,000 cash and $500 in McDonald’s gift certificates. Karen (Workman) Milstead (’73), of Auburn, attended the annual Legislative Day at the State Capital in Lincoln as a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Auburn Women’s Club. Karen met with senators and lunched at the Governor’s Mansion. Terry Ratliff (’73), of Shenandoah, Iowa, is entering his 37th year of teaching Industrial Tech. at Shenandoah Middle School. In 2005 he was selected as Class 2A Assistant Football Coach of the Year. Both of his children, Ty and Toni, are athletes at Peru State. Galen Kronhofman (’75), of Alma, was honored by the Nebraska State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association as District Athletic Administrator of the Year for 2008-09. Teresa (Kracke) Hahn (’77), of Auburn, participated in the state’s first Insurance Education Institute in Omaha. The institute was cosponsored by the Nebraska Department of Education and is designed to encourage 8-12 grade teachers to integrate insurance

Peru Stater Fall 2009

instruction into their school curriculum.

Decorated petroleum geologists share more than top award

Ted Harshbarger (’77), of Humboldt, served as emcee for the “Bags for Brighter Futures” fund raiser sponsored by the Friends of the Family Health Services. Ted is a member of the organization’s Board of Directors. Linda (Uher) Kirkendall (’78), of Falls City, was honored as one of three Teachers of the Year at the local American Legion Patriotic Awards dinner. Don Martindale (’78), of Spencer, Iowa, was named the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association and the Iowa Girls Coaches Association Northwest Iowa Class 3A Coach of the Year for the second year in a row. His team, the Spencer Tigers, made it to the Class 3A State Tournament for the second consecutive year. Diane (Coover) Thomas (’78), of Nebraska City, is now a sixth grade teacher at Auburn Public Schools. Diane had previously taught at Papillion-LaVista Schools District. Denise (Coupe) Kurpgeweit (’79), of Falls City, was honored as one of three Teachers of the Year at the local American Legion Patriotic Awards dinner.

1980s

Ken Denning (’80), of Loveland, Colo., was named Athletic Director at Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, Colo. Pat Haverty (attd. ’80-82, MS ’08), of Nebraska City, is the city’s new administrator. Pat is the former executive director of the River County Economic Development Corporation.

Mark Hrabik (’82), of Syracuse, went up against fellow PSC alum Jerry Eickhoff (’69) in the Nebraska Coaches Association boys high school all-star game. Mark’s team won in a 78-76 thriller. Stephanie (Mowery) Shrader (’84),

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Marlan Downey (‘52) and Dr. Robert Weimer (attended ‘44) One of Peru State College’s most celebrated and decorated alumni, Marlan Downey (’52), recently received the highest honor bestowed by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists: the Sidney Powers Medal. Yet he was not the first former Peru student to gain the prestigious honor. In fact, over a quarter-century earlier, Dr. Robert Weimer received the Powers Medal, presented annually by the world’s largest geological association. Weimer attended Peru State in 1944 as a member of the Navy V-12 training program before embarking on a distinguished career in geology and education. “I have probably known Bob well for about twenty years; he has been a “name” in geology for 40 years or more,” Downey said. “He has been a model of integrity for the industry, a successful consultant to many companies in the Rocky Mountains, and one of the most highly regarded professors of geological science alive.” “As award-winning petroleum geologists, we must be a rooting section of two for a dedicated and rather

remote college,” Weimer told Downey in reference to their Peru connection. Though the internationally-known geologists’ relationship goes back decades, they were unaware of the college connection until about nine years ago when Weimer reviewed Downey’s biography. It was published when Downey was elected President of AAPG for 2000-2001. As was the case with the Powers Medal, Downey discovered that Weimer preceded him in that role, Weimer leading the organization in 1991-92. “He (Weimer) was delighted to tell me of his experience at Peru during the second World War when he found out that we shared a Peru background,” Downey recalled. “I was astounded to know that another famous geologist started at Peru; after all, geology wasn’t even taught at Peru!” A Glendo, WY. native, Weimer had actually heard of Peru while in high school; one of his teachers was the late Ben Sheldon (’39). Weimer spent

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Peru Stater Fall 2009

Omaha Chapter continues to thrive

A crowd of approximately 80 loyal Peruvians joined together last April for the annual PSC Omaha-Area Alumni Reunion, as the chapter continues to thrive and to provide support for Nebraska’s first college. Co-Presidents Chuck (‘57) and Elaine (Spier ‘58) Krumme hosted, with Chuck serving as master of ceremonies. Stan Carpenter, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System and who was serving as President of PSC at the time, sent along recorded greetings. Jack (‘50) and Nancy (Hardy ‘51) Hallstrom once again coordinated the chapter auction. Scaled down from previous years in terms of the number of items, it proved to be just as successful in revenue generated, thanks to the generosity of those on hand. A highlight of the evening was the announcement by PSC friends Carl and Keran Bortol that they were establishing a $25,000 scholarship endowment through the PSC Foundation to honor Jack and Nancy Hallstrom. Kent Propst (’81) addressed the

Geologists

Continued from p. 6 of Nebraska City, was hired as the Executive Director of River County Economic Development Corporation in Nebraska City.

2009 Omaha-Area Alumni Reunion attendees, Jim (‘86) and Theresa (Polsley, ‘85) Krajicek and Brad (‘89) and Andrea Smith. group on behalf of the PSC Foundation, which he had come back to Peru a few months earlier to serve. He was joined by Foundation Board members SaraBeth Donovan (‘85) of Vienna, Va., Larry Green (‘71) of Westminster, Colo., Mike Guilliatt (‘67) of Fremont and Fred Robertson (‘73) of Westlake Village, Calif. The 2010 Reunion is scheduled for Thursday, April 22 at the GermanAmerican Society Club in Omaha. Lynn (’61) and Pauline (Kish ’59) Osterholm are current chapter copresidents.

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two semesters at Peru in 1944. He remembers his room number (224) in Delzell Hall, his roommates (Californians Dick Wehner and Paul Weichert), the physical training (“brutal at first”), the “intense rainstorms” not common to his native Wyoming, and hitchhiking to Omaha or Lincoln during leave. “I have always regarded my freshman year at Peru State as a good transition from a small rural high school in the outback country of Wyoming to a large university,” Weimer noted. “I am thankful that it worked for me.” Downey, who lives in Texas and remains active in the petroleum industry, grew up in Falls City, Neb. during the Great Depression. After graduating from Peru and serving in the U.S. Army, he furthered his education and began work for Shell Oil in 1957. In just twelve years Downey rose to become Shell’s youngest-ever chief geologist, then continued his ascent through Shell, retiring in 1987 after 30 years with them. That year he formed Roxanna Oil Co., a familybased oil exploration and production company in which he remains

actively engaged to this day. Downey later “un-retired” and returned to the international oil industry for Arco, including president of its international branch, before leaving Arco in 1995. Weimer joined the Californiabased Union Oil Co. in 1949, working with them for five years in the Rocky Mountains and in Texas. Later he joined the faculty at the Colorado School of Mines, serving from 1957 until his retirement in 1983. At present he is Professor Emeritus of Geology at CSM and remains involved with the institution. Weimer has been a distinguished lecturer in the Fulbright program, has lectured at countless universities in the U.S. and abroad, and has authored numerous scholarly works. The list of achievements and recognitions these two giants in geology have received would fill pages. The fact that both studied at the same small college, a few years apart but unaware of the connection for decades, before launching their brilliant careers is remarkable.

Joe Horky (’87) was named principal of Bacon Elementary School in Fort Collins, Colo. Joe has been a long time educator and coached for 19 years. He is the former principal of Northeast Elementary School in Kearney. Brad Smith (’89), of Omaha, was recently promoted to vice president at The Harry A. Koch Co. , the largest independently owned insurance agency in Nebraska . Brad specializes in the fully insured and self-funded large and small group benefits market.

1990s

Terri (Miller) Hogue (’90) of Falls City, was honored as one of three Teachers of the Year at the local American Legion Patriotic Awards dinner. Terri also won the State VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Miguel Soto (’90), of Omaha, earned a Master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and retired from the Air Force after 13 years of service. Miguel is in private practice as a bilingual therapist at Abundant Life Counseling in Omaha. Matt Hug (’92), of Auburn, was recognized for his efforts as chairman of the Class C 12 and Under Softball Tournament hosted by the City of Auburn. Todd Gottula (’95), of Kearney, won several writing and photography awards in contests hosted by the Nebraska Press Association and the Nebraska Associated Press. He won two first-place awards for spot news photography and feature writing and placed second in categories for news writing and best specialty page. Todd has worked at the Kearney Hub for the past 14 years. Todd Gottula (’95), of Kearney, has been hired as director of communications for the Tri-City

Storm hockey team and Viaero Event Center. As director, Todd will manage the Event Center media relations and public relations initiatives. He will also play a role in Storm hockey communications. The Tri-City Storm is a member of the United States Hockey League. Ronnie Britt (’96), of Des Moines, Iowa, retired from extreme fighting this year at the age of 44. His record is 15-3. Matt Uher (’96), of De Witt, was named the Nebraska State Association of Secondary Principals 2008-09 New Principal of the Year. Matt is the Principal at Tri-County School in De Witt. Jennifer (Froeshl) Dunn (’97), of Falls City, was recognized at the Hiawatha USD 415 Teacher of the Year by her peers at Hiawatha Public Schools in Hiawatha Kansas. Don Hogue (’97), of Falls City, is the head boys basketball coach at Falls City High School. He reached a career win of 100 games during the 2008-09 season. Jeff Reed (’97), of Waverly, was featured in a special news series in the Lincoln Journal Star for his work as a probation officer for the state of Nebraska. Kara (Jenkins) Savage (’97), of Lincoln, was names A+ Teacher of the Week by the Lincoln Journal Star. Kara is a first grade teacher at Norris Elementary School. Kory Troutman (’98), of Omaha, is a recruiter for Midland Lutheran College in Fremont. Jill Morfeld (’99), of Papillion, is a teacher at Plattsmouth Public Schools in Plattsmouth. Clint Williams (’99), of Terril, Iowa, earned a Master’s in Biology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in May. Clink is a professor at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, Iowa.

Continued on p. 8

Continued from p. 7 2000s

Julie (Findlay) Lambert (’00), of Auburn, is now the media specialist at Auburn High School. She is also the journalism instructor and junior class sponsor. Jennifer Koehler (’01), of Pawnee City, is now the head volleyball coach at Nebraska City High School. Jennifer was the head volleyball coach at Pawnee City for the last seven years and let the team to the state tournament last year. Tonya Volk (’01), of Elgin, Ill., graduated from the orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago in May of 2008. She is now teaching one day a week in the orthodontic department at UIC, and is in private practice four days a week in the Chicago area. Elizabeth (Olsen) Duncan (’03), of Missouri Valley, Iowa, is now Instructor of Speech at Iowa Western Community College. She is teaching speech classes and interpersonal communications. Alan Gager (’03), of Pawnee City, received a Master of Divinity degree at the Saint Paul School of Theology in Leawood, Kan.

Peru Stater Fall 2009

won first place in the Small Bowling Center People’s Choice Forum presented by Bowling Proprietors of America in Las Vegas. Rebecca is the co-owner and manager of Auburn Bowling Center. She also recently earned a Master’s of Science degree in Organizational Management from Peru State. Jarad Easterwood (’06), of Dawson, is an aviation support equipment technician aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship, the USNS Comfort. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Easterwood and more than 900 other service members aboard the ship are traveling throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to assist communities in need. Becky Holman (’06), of Humboldt, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement as administrative assistant on the Africa Partnership Station Staff deployed to West and Central Africa in USS Nashville from January to May 2009. Jeremy (‘06) and Sara (Anderson ‘03) LaBrie are now living in Aurora. Jeremy started a new company with his father and two brothers. Precision Applications, LLC. specializes in custom dry fertilizer application.

Vanessa (Ward) Sherman (’04), of Mike Weber (’06), of New Berlin, Peru, was named to the Coalition Wis., was named volunteer assistant for Juvenile Justice by Nebraska coach with the Creighton University Governor Dave Heineman. Vanessa Volleyball program in Omaha. serves as coordinator of the Juvenile Diversion and Youth as a Resource Dale Kelly (’07), of Bradenton, programs for People United for Fla., completed the 2009 summer Families. The Coalition makes season as Location Manager at Lake recommendations to the Crime Yellowstone Hotel and Lake Lodge Commission on juvenile justice issues. Cabins in Yellowstone National Park. Mike Wiese (’04), of Lincoln, is working as a sales representative for Jacob North Printing in Lincoln, and was named head volleyball coach at Lincoln East High School. Tammy (Walters) Blobaum (’05), of Auburn, received the NSEA Rookie Teacher of the Year Award in 2007. She is serving as Johnson-Brock’s Education Association President. Rebecca Jobe (’05, MS ’08), of Auburn,

Connie Walter (MS ’08), of Dickinson, N.D., is now the Director of University Relations for Dickinson State University in Dickinson. She was also named an Alumni Fellow of DSU for 2009. Jaime (Porter) Apperson (’09), of Hamburg, Iowa, has been hired as a special education teacher for grades 7-12 at Johnson-Brock School in Johnson.

Continued on p. 9

Creating memories Heath Miller (’91), art director for KOLN-KGIN TV of Lincoln and Grand Island, has been back on campus several times in recent months. Miller addressed a PSC graphic arts class in April; he and wife Judy (Truelsen ’91), pictured here, were successful bidders at the Dr. Leland Sherwood Celebration, also in April; and he helped coordinate a KOLN television interview of Dr. Sherwood in connection to the celebration. Miller presented a one-person art exhibit at PSC in October, too.

Where in the World are You? The search is on for missing alumni. If you can provide a current home address for any of the people listed here, we will be grateful—and so will they, especially when they start receiving the Stater again. Send information about missing alumni to Krystal Nolte at knolte@ peru.edu, call her at 402-872-2395, or mail your information to the PSC Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010.

Class of 1949

Bryce Adkins Neva Zook Buchenau Ralph Clevenger Wesley Cornwell Charlotte Rankin Cowden Helen Rowell Doll Betty Johanns Downey

Mable Gawart Elya Jim Engh Donna Gerdes Anita Traub Glaze Loren Gore Annette Hawley Frances Dougherty Highfield Lela Edmonds Hron Esther Meints Huls Gloria Wright Jacobson Jean Jurgens Phyllis Langston Mildred Lotter Martin Nelms Betty Hennings Noell Lawrence Pientka Donita Robinson Janice Watton Rose Beverly Edmisten Roush Harry Sokolsky Lavae Urbauer Wight Thomas Womack

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Amber Stevens Watson: No challenge too great

Continued from p. 8 Heather Christiansen (’09), of Peru, is a special education teacher for Auburn Public School in Auburn. Sara Smith (’09), of David City, is now a K-5 Vocal Music Teacher at Howard Elementary in the Grand Island Public School District.

Friends

Fred Aubuchon (former volleyball coach) was named head volleyball coach at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Amber Stevens Watson and family By Kristi Nies For Amber (Stevens) Watson, 2003 was a definitive year in her life. In May 2003, she graduated from Peru State College with a degree in education. In June 2003, she married Steve Watson and became the stepmother to his three daughters. In mid-December 2003, she found out she and Steve were pregnant. On Dec. 28, 2003, she was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident. “I don’t remember much about the accident,” Amber said in a phone interview from her home in Kearney, Neb. Son Braden, now five, chattered in the background, a healthy baby born with no complications or medical issues. “The truck [she was driving] went into a ditch,” she recalled. “I couldn’t get up, so I knew something was wrong. I prayed somebody would come by.” A couple did come by the accident scene, and Amber spent two weeks in intensive care in a Kearney hospital. She then spent two months at Madonna Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln. Two of her first visitors in Lincoln were Janet and Chuck Hawley of

Peru. Janet is an office assistant in Campus Services at PSC, and she and her husband served as Amber’s Peru Parents during her time on campus. (Peru Parents was a program that paired PSC students with college faculty, staff and community members in mentoring relationships.) Janet, a longtime PSC employee, and Chuck had served as Host and Hostess at Amber’s wedding to Steve, and remain good friends. “She was always very upbeat,” Janet said of Amber’s attitude during her time in rehabilitation. Amber was worried about the eyeglasses she had lost during the accident, so Chuck and Janet went to the site of the accident. They found, broken and scratched, Amber’s glasses. For Amber, 2007 was another definitive year in her life. She was crowned Miss Wheelchair Nebraska, and spent the year traveling, speaking and advocating for the rights of those in wheelchairs. “It was a pretty awesome year,” Amber, a native of North Platte, said of her year with the title. She is now treasurer of the Miss Nebraska Wheelchair Board, and 2009 has been just as busy. Thanks to a grant from the Christo-

pher Reeve Foundation, Amber spent most of this year again traveling the state. In the fall, she hosted a workshop in Omaha that focused on selfdefense for those with disabilities. She also volunteers at schools, to help children understand those who may be differently abled and how to view someone in a wheelchair. “Look at [someone] not as a wheelchair, but as a person,” she said. Physical activity has always been very important to Amber – she came to PSC with a scholarship to play basketball, although she did not play for the Bobcats. She now plays sled hockey, which is just as the name implies – she transfers from her wheelchair to a sled with skate runners on it, and uses the hockey stick to move around the rink and shuttle the puck. She’s played sled hockey in Omaha and Chicago. In addition to being a powerful spokesperson for a greater understanding of those with disabilities, Amber has another full-time job: Braden’s mom. That means leading pre-school field trips, organizing birthday parties and answering the inevitable question from Braden’s school mates: Why is your mom in a wheelchair? “I tell them I was in a car accident,” she said. “The kids usually want to touch the tires on the wheelchair and ask if they can push me. Then they’re done and they move on.” Their curiosity satisfied, Amber goes back to being just Braden’s mom. For Amber, 2010 will be yet another definitive year in her life. In January, Amber and Steve are expecting their second child.

William Coulter (former staff), of Auburn, presented an art exhibit entitled, “William Coulter: Natural Observations” at the Schoolhouse Art Gallery & Nature Center in Brownville. William’s exhibit featured paintings and drawings dating from 1967 to 2009 and focused on still-lifes. Aaron Evans (former men’s basketball assistant coach, 2008), was named Assistant Coach of the ABA North Texas Fresh, a new Fort Worth-based expansion basketball team.

Bohlken Regales Dr. Robert Bohlken (’59) returned to the Campus of A Thousand Oaks last spring to speak to students as part of the PSC Creative Writers Series. Bohlken, who taught at Peru State from 1964-1970 and is now retired from Northwest Missouri State University, has authored five children’s books. Bohlken made presentations to English and education classes, and visited with colleagues from his days on the Peru faculty during his visit to the Campus of A Thousand Oaks.

What have you been up to? We know how much our readers care about each other and that the first place you turn to in the Stater is Class Notes to read about your friends. You can help make this section more interesting by sending us your own Class Note. Share with us your new job, marriage, children, anniversary, retirement; anything you want, we would LOVE to hear about it! Please complete the form below and send it to: Peru State College Foundation PO Box 10 Peru, NE 68421-0010 You may also email your information to PSCFoundation@peru.edu Your Name:________________________________________________ Class Year:________________________________________________ Maiden Name:_____________________________________________ Spouse’s Name:____________________________________________ Spouse’s Class Year:________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________ Home Phone:______________________________________________

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Dr. Hanson Continued from p. 4 having as he puts it “the time to plan properly.” Because he’s still in the fact-finding and learning phase, Hanson isn’t ready to proclaim a specific agenda or major new initiatives quite yet. However, he does have a sense of some of the issues he will address early on. Developing a strategic plan; helping PSC prepare for its 2011 accreditation visit from North Central; helping to market and “get the word out about this wonderful school” to an even wider audience, emphasizing PSC’s groundbreaking new “one rate-any state” tuition program (see related story); and getting more alumni, especially younger ones, involved in PSC are among his aims. And while PSC is on solid ground financially, Hanson knows state funding will continue to be an issue in the future. Fundraising will be critical if the college is to maintain its great momentum. While campus facilities in general are in superb condition, some facilities continue to be in need of attention. Hanson cited the residence

halls and Oak Bowl as examples of “key pieces” still in need of renovations. “This will be a college working together to resolve its challenges. Our people – students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends – all value student success,” Hanson said. Long term, Hanson would like to see Peru State College become “a national model for serving students at an open enrollment institution,” he said. I want us to set the standard for doing the best job of anyone in supporting the students who attend Peru State College.”

Email:____________________________________________________ Your News:_ _______________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

Class of 1959

Arval Bohn Keith Boyer Charles Brown Janet Casey Esther Cole Gerald Dollen William Duffy Charles Fritch Karen Remmers Gerdes Diana Gibson Donald Gray Patricia Haith Whiddon Agnes Hakel William Hervey Nancy Hohnroth

Elsie Hullis Julia Kettman William Moore Ronald Noltensmeyer Susan Schneider O’Harra Alice Phillips May Reynolds Lavelle Schmidt Anna Schreiner Dorothy Shallenberger Alma Shorb Georgianna Quinn Udell Kenneth Walker Jerry Whitney Olive Wiig

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Veteran faculty Thomas, Lundak retire By Laura Osborne (’93) The fall semester of 2009 at PSC brought about several changes in personnel as retirements and phased retirements occur amongst long-time staff and faculty members. Dr. Jim Thomas, Professor of Business, who has served as Assistant to the President for Economic Development, Dean of Continuing Education and Chair of the Business Division, is taking phased retirement over the next three years. His teaching load will be reduced during that time. Thomas has been at PSC since 1985, making this year his 25th with the college. During that time, he has seen a lot of changes occur. “I think the most important difference is that the college is more stable than ever since I’ve been there,” Dr. Thomas says. “Enrollments are now approaching the same level as Chadron State’s. “In the last seven to eight years, there’s been an incredible amount of research being done in biology, business, criminal justice, especially in the past five years,” he says. “There are several people at the college who are doing good, positive things. The administration is recognizing these good things which is leading to an emphasis on faculty research.” In addition to teaching classes at PSC, Dr. Thomas has long been known for his work on retail theft prevention. He consults with grocery stores and Nebraska’s Retail Grocers Association to help prevent theft in their stores. He has conducted seminars on the subject across the country. Dr. Thomas, fond memories in-

Dr. Jim Thomas

clude watching the basketball team sit down at their computers,” he said. make it to the NAIA final four in the “I think they open up to instructors early ‘90’s, seeing the football team online in a way they might not othwin the 1990 national championship, erwise do in class, and you are told and watching fellow faculty members things online that you would never Ken Anderson and Dan Holtz both be told in class in front of people, win on national game shows. including painful stories from their The business professor notes that past. These students are resilient in PSC’s size is inequitable in relation to overcoming that pain, and sometimes the funding it receives, making dona- as an instructor you can help them tions from alums crucial. “We owe through that process.” thanks to our alumni. Without them, Introductory Psychology has we wouldn’t be where we are today. always been Lundak’s favorite course They are dearly loved!” to teach. “For some students, it is the As he looks ahead to retirement, class that just sparked an interest,” he Dr. Thomas plans to play bridge, be says. “I enjoyed including my Elvis an active gardener and learn more impersonation in that class. about ethnic cooking – Romanian “One of the most rewarding things cooking in particular (an interest he about my years at PSC is the growth developed from time spent with his of the psychology major,” he said. Dr. Joel Lundak grandmother while growing up in “When I began, the upper divisional program is now one of the strongest Detroit). classes were offered every other at PSC.” Another professor taking phased year and were mainly utilized as an As Dr. Lundak looks ahead, he retirement is Dr. Joel Lundak, Profesendorsement for education majors. sees a positive future for the college. sor of Psychology since 1989. Over It has grown into its own major “Peru State’s future is secure because the past 20 years, Dr. Lundak has also through the years.” of the investment that has been made served as Interim Dean of Education Dr. Lundak notes the physical camin the building and grounds, and I and one year as Dean in Arts and pus has changed since 1989 as well. think partly because of its (affordSciences. “The reconstruction and remodeling able) cost. That positions PSC to do Like Dr. Thomas, Dr. Lundak has of several of the college’s buildings well in times of economic downturn. noted many changes to the college has been significant,” he says. “It has PSC also has a loyal alumni base who during his years at PSC. enhanced the physical beauty of the are broadly supportive of the college.” “In the 80’s, there was a concern campus which makes you much more Retirement will be busy for Dr. for having distance education using proud to take prospective students Lundak. While taking a decreased the fiber optics network which had on tours.” workload at PSC for the next three limited success,” Lundak says. “But Some of Dr. Lundak’s favorite years, he is considering doing adjunct it facilitated the education of more memories include a three-year colteaching on a limited basis after that. students than just those who could laboration with the Nebraska DepartHe says he will enjoy having more drive to the campus. It led to the ment of Corrections made possible time to spend with his wife, Helen, development of online courses we through a Department of Education and more time for flower and vegnow have. grant in the mid-1990’s. The program etable gardening. “I really like the online classes. The took PSC students into the prison “I am proud that three of my chilstudents are very focused when they system as mentors and tutors. dren are Peru State grads, and all are “In three and a half years,” Lundak successful,” he says. “They feel good says, “we worked with over 1,000 about the education they received. prisoners of both genders resulting in Through that, I have gained experia 58 percent reduction in incidents inence not only as a faculty member at volving violence while in prison. We the college, but also as a Peru State studied the first 125 prisoners who parent!” participated in the program. One Lundak notes that during retireyear after completing their term of inment, he will probably do some carceration, there was no recidivism. traveling while also continuing work “For that project, we won an award as a bi-vocational Episcopal priest by for “Best Correctional Practices” from leading Bible studies and providing the American Correctional Associapulpit supply to various denomination,” he recalled. “The project also tions. No matter what encompasses led to our demonstrating the interhis time, however, Lundak says his est our students had in a criminal interest in PSC will always continue. justice program at the college. That

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Celebrating Sherwood

Family and friends. Former students and PSC classmates. Retired colleagues and current faculty and staff. Just plain fans. The one thing all of these groups had in common: Dr. Leland Sherwood (’57), emeritus professor of art, who was honored at an event called the Sherwood Celebration, held this past April on the PSC campus. Conceived by PSC art professor Ken Anderson and organized by Anderson, former Sherwood student and colleague Paul Fell (’67) and others, the Celebration drew over 100 Sherwood fans to the PSC campus. An auction of works by the renowned watercolorist raised over $14,000 to endow scholarships to PSC art students through the Peru State College Foundation. The scholarships will bear the names of Dr. Sherwood and his wife, the former Karlene Dougherty (’65). Sherwood served on the PSC faculty from 1963 through 1993 and has continued to serve his alma mater in a variety of ways ever since. The Sherwood Celebration was a special night honoring a special person. 1) Dr. Sherwood and his daughter Jeanne Helms 2) Karlene Sherwood and Clay Kennedy (‘45) 3) PSC art students Logan Merz (‘10), Sam Griess (‘10) and Kellen Sailors (‘10) receive advice from Dr. Sherwood 4) Dr. Sherwood, SaraBeth Donovan (‘85) and Karlene Sherwood 5) Kent and Becki Propst, Nebraska State College System chancellor, Stan Carpenter, Dr. Sherwood’s daughter Joni Schmidt

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Nor-Cal alumni Keep it together

An intrepid band of Northern California Alumni continue to wave the blue and white flag each spring, and hopes are that others in the region will join the group in 2010. Under the continuing guidance of Bob “Red” Wilson (‘51) and his wife Darline, and assisted by Merry Holliday-Hanson (‘91) and her husband Mike, the ’09 NorCal Reunion took place on a Saturday in late April at Travis Air Force Base near Fairfield. Old friends of all ages came together to watch video greetings from Nebraska state college Chancellor Stan Carpenter, and to hear from new PSC Foundation director Kent Propst (’81). Raffle prizes were drawn throughout the lunch and meeting, and few if any went home empty-handed. The 2010 Reunion has been set for Saturday, April 24, once again at Travis/Fairfield. It is important to the future of the chapter that any PSC alumni or friends living in Northern California make a special effort to attend this event. New PSC President Dr. Dan Hanson is tentatively scheduled to attend.

50-Year reunion Honors Class of ‘60

The annual 50-year alumni reunion is moving into the ‘60s. PSC’s “May Reunion,” which celebrates the 50-year class, has been set for Wednesday and Thursday, May 26-27, 2010. This year the Class of 1960 will be honored. Invited to join the celebration will be members of the Class of ’59 and the Class of ’61. A decision to move the Reunion away from PSC Commencement weekend was made after members of the Class of ’60 favored such a move in a poll conducted earlier this year. All prior May Reunions had been held at Commencement time. Invitations will be mailed next spring, but in the meantime, members of the Class of ’60 and their friends should mark the date on their calendars, and contact classmates and encourage them to join the celebration. For more information contact Krystal Nolte, 402-872-2395; or knolte@ peru.edu.

Alumni tour features Nebraska History, literature; June 2010

Dan (‘95) and Jennifer (Baldwin, ‘96) Hamilton (left) and Cody (M ‘04) and Melissa (M ‘04) Hawley By Kristi Nies How’s this for a summer vacation plan: no driving, good food, pleasant company, learned and engaging tour guides, all reservations and accommodation plans made for you, with lessons in Nebraska history and literature along the way? That’s the plan for the 2010 edition of Peru State College’s popular Trails and Tales program. The theme for the June 21-26 chartered bus excursion across Nebraska is “A Journey Into Nebraska’s Past,” and this year PSC alumni are being given first chance at the limited number of spots on the tour. Organized and hosted by Dr. Sara Crook, professor of history, and Dr. Dan Holtz, professor of English, the trip is open to PSC students, alumni and those interested in visiting historic sites such as the Mormon Winter Quarters, Ft. Hartsuff, Ft. Robinson and Chimney Rock. Those with a taste for the literary side of the Cornhusker State will find much of interest as well, including planned stops at the John G. Neihardt Center, the Mari Sandoz Center and the Willa Cather Home. Reservations for the trip will available until Feb. 28, 2010, exclusively for PSC alumni and their friends. After that date, reservations will be open to all. Undergraduate or graduate credit hours in either history or English can be arranged. The maximum number of seats available is 48. The cost of the trip – which includes the chartered bus, meals, accommodations and all entry fees for

the various sites – is $740 for double occupancy and $875 for single occupancy. A $50 deposit is required, fully refundable if cancelled by Feb. 28. Former Peru State Professor of Business Bob Lewellen calls the price for the trip “very reasonable.” He was on board for the 2008 trip, which focused on the Plain Indians. “It is both fun and educational for those interested in life-long learning,” Mr. Lewellen said. Class of 1990 PSC grad Kim Vrtiska, who earned his Master’s Degree from PSC in 2004, also participated in the 2008 Trails and Tales trip. “I was not disappointed as the trip was very educational and I had a blast at the same time,” he said. “But most of all it is the meeting of people across the trip, and the food.” Gera Powers Stillwell (class of ’55) enjoyed the Trails and Tales experience so much she went twice. Her first experience was in 1996, and she was also on the 2008 trip. “This is a week of really good company and like-minded learners,” she said. And while planning for each Trails and Tales trip begins over a year in advance, Dr. Crook and Dr. Holtz share the participant’s enthusiasm for the out-of-classroom learning experience. “We will certainly enjoy this opportunity to interact with PSC’s alumni,” Dr. Crook said. “Since some of those may, in fact, be our own former students, it will be particularly special. However, we also expect to

have some alumni that predate our tenure at PSC and we look forward to developing special relationships with them as well.” For both Dr. Crook and Dr. Holtz, the plan for the 2010 trip is a little of back to the future. “I particularly look forward to this Trails and Tails tour because it combines a number of highlights from previous tours,” Dr. Holtz said. “It features numerous stops related to noted Nebraska writers. Additionally, it focuses on the Overland Trails and their contributions to the expansion of the United States but also on the way in which their development and use impacted Plains Indians.” Bobcat alumni interested in more information on the 2010 “Trails and Tales Tour: A Journey Into Nebraska’s Past” or to reserve a spot should contact Krystal Nolte, Alumni and Development Coordinator, Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010. Call 402-872-2395, or e-mail her at knolte@peru.edu.

Trails & Tales 2010: A Journey into Nebraska’s past

The itinerary for PSC’s 2010 Trails and Tales Tour has many features and highlights. Day 1: Monday, June 21 Old Freighters’ Museum (Nebraska City), author Bess Streeter Aldrich Home (Elmwood), Mormon Winter Quarters (Omaha), and John G. Neihardt Center (Bancroft). Day 2: Tuesday, June 22 Genoa Indian School, Ft. Hartsuff. Day 3: Wednesday, June 23 A ride through Mari Sandoz Country; Fur Traders Museum (Chadron); Mari Sandoz Center (Chadron); and a steak cookout at Ft. Robinson. Day 4: Thursday, June 24 Tour of Ft. Robinson; the Ft. Robinson Museum; Buffalo Stew cookout; and a play at Ft. Robinsons’ Post Playhouse.

Day 5: Friday, June 25 Scottsbluff National Monument; Chiney Rock; Ash Hollow/Battle of Blue Water; Ole’s Big Game Bar (Paxton). Day 6: Saturday, June 26 Salad luncheon in Red Cloud; tour of Willa Cather home (Red Cloud); Rock Creek Station (near Fairbury); an Ice Cream Social; tour concludes in Peru. Itinerary subject to change. For a complete itinerary contact Krystal Nolte at the PSC Foundation (see main article for contact information).

Peru Stater Fall 2009

New Personnel in Key Positions

In addition to new President Dr. Dan Hanson, five individuals have been appointed to key roles at Peru State College in recent months. Bruce Batterson is vice president for administration and finance. Batterson has been on the PSC business faculty since 1999 and served as dean of the PSC School of Professional Studies since 2007. He also served as PSC’s pre-law advisor, faculty advisor to the Student Senate and faculty advisor to the Phi Beta Lambda honor society. Batterson received the PSC Teaching Excellence Award in 2006. Prior to his career at PSC, Batterson practiced law in Minneapolis, Minn., for 16 years. Batterson graduated from Ripon (WI.) College and went on to earn a law degree from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Micheala Willis is now vice president for enrollment management and student affairs. She has been the director of admissions and recruitment at PSC since 2005 and joined the staff in 2000 as an admissions counselor. Willis graduated from Doane College with a bachelor’s degree in 2000 and a master’s in management in 2004. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Dr. Jeff Ehrlich will serve as Dean of PSC’s School of Professional Studies. Ehrlich had served as director of assessment at Midland Lutheran College in Midland since 2007 and was previously vice president of institutional research and assessment at Clarkson College in Omaha. Ehrlich earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Friends University in 1987 and an MBA in 1997. His doctorate is in healthcare education and leadership from the College of Saint Mary in Omaha in 2008. Dr. Eugene (Gene) Beardslee is the new Director of Computer Services. Beardslee joins PSC after working for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC, Inc.) since 1992 as a program manager, senior information technology manager, senior systems analyst, and systems analyst and software engineer. Prior to that

Mavis Glenn found this article among the memoirs of her late mother, Neoma Wisdom Eichenberger (‘63), and wanted to share it with the teachers of today. It is taken from the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, Boot Hill, Dodge City, Kansas..

RULES FOR TEACHERS IN 1872

1. Teachers each day will fill lamps, clean chimneys.

2. Each teacher will bring a bucket of water and a scuttle of coal for the day’s session. Bruce Batterson

3. Make your pens carefully. You may whittle nibs to the individual taste of the pupils. 4. Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if they go to church regularly. 5. After ten hours in school, the teachers may spend the remaining time reading the Bible or other good books. 6. Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be dismissed. 7. Every teacher should lay aside from each pay a goodly sum of his earnings for his benefit during his declining years so that he will not become a burden on society.

Micheala Willis he was a computer programmer and software engineer for the U.S. Air Force at Langley Air Force Base from 1983-1992. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from New Mexico State University, a master’s degree in computer resources and information systems management from Webster University in St. Louis, and a doctorate of philosophy in industrial engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Greg Galardi is Director of PreCollegiate Programming and Community Outreach. Galardi joined PSC in 2004 as a criminal justice instructor, a role he will continue. A former Marine and retired Papillion (Neb.) police lieutenant, Galardi earned numerous commendations and awards during his law enforcement career. Galardi earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bellevue College, a master’s degree in human resource administration from Central Michigan University, a master’s degree in business administration from Northcentral University, and a doctorate in business administration with a focus on justice administration from Northcentral University.

8. Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents pool or public halls, or gets shaved in a barber shop will give good reason to suspect his worth, intentions, integrity and honesty. 9. The teacher who performs his labor faithfully and without fault for five years will be given an increase of twenty-five cents per week in his pay, providing the Board of Education approves.

Class of 1999

Kenneth Anderson Lisa Cook Terrence Easter Leah Ebeling Robert Endorf Karen Gibson Kyla Hansel Christina Houser Kristine Hughes Lynn Jurgens William Kellner Scott Lacy

Lisa Parde Mandy Spangler-Hulsebus Price Blake Renner Amy Riggins Theresa Ethington Rotherham Stacy Schelbitzki Jacob Schmidt Kevin Stewart Jill Morin Ulibarri Kellie Vallinch Ralph Wiemer Julie Malolepszy Zegers

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Peru tuition, fees: then & now

While Peru State has always prided itself on giving great value – a quality education at an affordable cost – things have changed a bit. Evelyn Boseck Brown (’51) of Manhattan, Kan. sent us a recap of her expenses to attend Peru from 1949-51; they are listed to the right. Today, on-campus undergraduate tuition at PSC is $122.50 per credit hour – with the new “One Rate Any State” program, that cost applies to students regardless of what state they come from. Online undergraduate tuition is $180 per credit with no oncampus fees assessed; graduate online tuition runs $225 with no on-campus fees. A sample of some of today’s on-campus fees: health center, $20 per semester; publications, $1.25 per credit hour; student activities, $3.50 per credit hour; and technology, $3.50 per credit hour. Still a great value, a bit different from 60 years ago. Thanks to Evelyn for sharing this information!

1950’s Phil (’59) and Nadine (’59) Fahrlander celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on July 26. 1980s Charles Hummel (’82) married Emily Webb Dec. 20, 2008. Charles is employed at ESU 4. The couple resides in Auburn. 1990s Diane Motto (’98) married Roland Merwin March 7 in DuBois. Diane is a final year law student at University of Nebraska - Lincoln and is employed by Fankhauser, Nelson, & Werts Law Firm. The couple resides near Humboldt. Mandy Volkmer (’98) and Jeff Busch were united in marriage on Sep. 3, 2008, in the Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Mandy is a pediatric counselor for Healthy Kids Omaha. The couple resides in Omaha, Neb. 2000s Lyndsey Adams (’07) married Matt Harms on June 6 in Lincoln. Lyndsey graduated from Peru with a B.A.S. in Business Management. She is employed with Commonwealth Electric Co. of Midwest-Lincoln. Bonnie J. Baumgartner (’07) and Jeffrey C. Radatz married Aug. 15 in Falls City. Bonnie is working as Resource Specialist at Perot Systems in Lincoln. The couple resides in Lincoln, Neb. Sara Blecha (’08) and Matt Helms were married on Aug. 8 in Auburn. Sara graduated from Peru with a degree in Vocal Music Performance. Matt is a senior at Peru, pursuing a degree in Secondary Math Education. Melissa Bando (’07) married Gregory Rowh Oct. 4, 2008 in Nebraska City. Melissa is a case manager at Pawnee Mental Health Services. The couple resides in Beloit, Kan. Chris Crawford (’08) and Kelsey Rowell were married April 24 in Las Vegas, Nev. Chris graduated from Peru with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management. Kelsey runs a day care.

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Nichole Creek (’09) and Scott Feldhausen married June 27 in Wymore, Kan. Nichole graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Special Education and Preschool Disabilities degree. Bryan Diekman (’08) and Heather (Hurst ’08) were married on June 27 in Glenwood, Iowa. Taylor (’09) and Crystal Ellis (’07) Dunekacke were married May 30 in Humboldt. Taylor is a sixth grade and special education elementary teacher and Crystal is employed as an Admissions Representative at Peru State College. The couple resides in Humboldt. Tom Dunekacke (’06) and Jari Wehmeier (’07) have announced their engagement. The wedding is scheduled for April 24, 2010 in Nebraska City. They currently reside in Johnson. Tifanie Morgan (’07) and Heath Vogt were united in marriage on June 6 in Grand Island. Tifanie earned a B.A. in business administration management while at Peru. Heath is a firefighter with the Elmwood Fire Department. Ashley Oestmann (’09) and Nicholas Emerson were married July 11 in Syracuse. Ashley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

Dr. Dan Holtz placed second in the adult division of the 2009 Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation’s Short Story contest. His story, titled “Why’d the Chicken Cross the Road,” is drawn in part from memories of his early teenage years in Ord, Neb. Holtz accepted the award at the annual spring banquet of the Aldrich Foundation on April 18 in Elmwood, Neb. The PSC Student Senate recently named English Professor Dr. Bill Clemente as the 2008-2009 recipient of the Barb Lewellen Award. The Barb Lewellen Award is designed to honor an outstanding faculty, staff member, or administrator who has distinguished him/herself through the betterment of students and student life at PSC. All part or full-time faculty, staff and administrators are eligible for the honor. Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Greg Galardi has been reappointed associate editor of the Lambda Alpha Epsilon Journal of the American Criminal Justice Association for 2009-2010. Lambda Alpha Epsilon, an association of faculty and students involved in the study of criminal justice with a primary focus on law enforcement, produces the Journal. There are 141 Lambda Alpha Epsilon chapters and more than 2,900 members at universities and colleges throughout the United States. Two PSC professors have recognized by the United States Association of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) during the 2009 National Conference in Anaheim, Calif. Dr. Mary Goebel-Lundholm and Dr. Greg Galardi, faculty in the School of Professional Studies, were honored for providing outstanding service in reviewing, evaluating and providing scholarly insights for authors who submitted papers and presentations at the 2009 USASBE conference. Three PSC students placed nationally at the Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference in June in Anaheim CA. Jennifer Epting placed third in Job Interview and sixth in Future Business Executive. Amanda Knickman and Mallory Lempka teamed up to place eighth in Business Ethics. Overall, Nebraska PBL had its best year ever with 48 top ten places and should be in the top three of the 30+ states represented in Anaheim. Ted Harsbharger (’77) is the Nebraska State PBL Advisor, and Sheri Grotrian (’02) advises the PSC chapter.

Rena Pugh (’05) and Darin Holben were married on Oct. 3 in Nemaha.

Where in the World are You?

Andy (’06) and Sherri Harrington (’05) DeLong were married June 14 in Lincoln. Andy is employed with Time Warner Cable and Sherri is an instructor at Sylvan Learning Center. The couple resides in Lincoln.

The search is on for missing alumni. If you can provide a current home address for any of the people listed here, we will be grateful—and so will they, especially when they start receiving the Stater again. Send information about missing alumni to Krystal Nolte at knolte@ peru.edu, call her at 402-872-2395, or mail your information to the PSC Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010.

Michael Vogt (’01) married Jennifer Meadows on Oct. 10. Michael works as a new client consultant at TD Ameritrade in Omaha. Savannah Wenzl (’09) and Peter Kok were married July 11 in Steinauer. Savannah is currently employed in the Distance Education Program at

Continued on p. 17

Class of 1979

Ross Baker Anita Cole Lisa Lloyd Guerra Julie Hartman Sue Higgins Francis Howlett Susan Dempster Howlett

Willie Johnson Thomas Jones J. Kent Knoll Cynthia Smith Mahoney Rick McCown Patrice North Tim Schaefer

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Science professor Mike Barger Earns state teaching honor at the institution, have taught a minimum of 15 credit hours during the previous academic year, and have an active and positive record of service to students as an academic, professional or personal advisor. They must also have demonstrated involvement in faculty development programs, a superior level of teaching effectiveness and a record of public service “Since joining the faculty of Peru State College in 2001, Dr. Barger has distinguished himself in his commitment and service to the institution,” said Stan Carpenter, chancellor of the Mike Barger Nebraska State College System. “From his research on stream and Peru State College Associate Profes- landscape ecology and biology of the sor of Biology Dr. Michael Barger was acanthocephalans to his work as dinamed the 2009 Teacher Excellence rector of Peru State’s Honors Program, Award Winner for the entire NebrasDr. Barger’s pursuit of excellence has ka State College System. never wavered,” Carpenter noted. The honor came after Barger was “He is a talented, dedicated, creative named the campus Teacher Exceland inspiring teacher who has earned lence Award winner last spring. The the respect of students and faculty.” award is given annually to one outBarger has published a number of standing full-time faculty member at scholarly works in peer-reviewed each of the three state colleges, Peru, publications and has been a presenter Wayne and Chadron. at several regional, national and “It was a great honor to be selected international meetings. He has also for the PSC Teaching Excellence served as a reviewer for nine acaAward, and a genuine surprise to be demic journals, the National Science awarded the NSCS award on top of Foundation, and in leadership roles that,” Barger said. “I am fortunate to in a variety of scientific societies. be surrounded by professors of the Barger is responsible for having highest caliber, people I admire, and developed eight new courses at PSC a constant supply of young, interestand for securing five research grants. ing, and intelligent students. Under his guidance and leadership, “It doesn’t take much insight on my several of Barger’s students have won part to see that there are other faculty awards for their research presentaat PSC who genuinely deserve this tions and have pursued graduate award yearly, and it is gratifying and study in the scientific field. humbling to be considered part of He also led the design and implethat company for even a brief time,” mentation of the college’s new he added. “Peru State College is a Honors Program, including two new great place to teach biology, and I alcourses. He is currently chair of the ways look forward to a new year and PSC Faculty Senate and past chair of the students that come with it.” the General Education Committee. Award winners from each of the An Arlington, Neb., native, Barger colleges are then finalists for the Neearned his undergraduate degree in braska State College System’s Teacher biological sciences from the Uniof the Year Award. Barger was versity of Nebraska - Lincoln and a honored during PSC Commencement Master of Science degree in parasitolexercises in May. ogy from the institution. He earned Faculty eligible for the Teacher his doctoral degree in ecology and Excellence Award must have at least parasitology in 2001 from Wake Forfour years’ consecutive employment est University.

Continued from p. 16 Peru. Peter is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Secondary Special Education at Peru. Megan McVay (’08) married Jay Beavers on May 9 in Beatrice. Megan is pursuing a nursing degree from Creighton University. Katy Scheel (’04) and John Marshall were married on Apr. 18, 2009, at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Kandi Smith (’05) married Trevor Bilslend on April 25 in Cook. Kandi is employed with Fiserv. The couple resides in Lincoln.

1990s

Jason (’95) and Kim (Fey) (’96) Esser adopted Seren SuPing from Chenzhou, China in March.

Angelia Rohwer Steiner (’90) and husband Jason announced the arrival of their son Jethro Arnold Steiner, on June 12. He weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces, and was 19 ½ inches long. Kory (‘98) and Carin (’00) Troutman have announce the arrival of their second child, Caden Scott. He was born on Jan. 27. Valerie (Vogel) Chmelka (’99) and husband Jeff had a daughter, Delaney Ann, on Jan. 31, 2008. Currently, Valerie is a second grade teacher in Grand Island, Neb.

1910s

Ruby Simpson (’13) died Apr. 1 at Good Samaritan Assisted Living Home in Auburn.

1930s

Elizabeth Shurtleff Snyder (’33) died Jan. 25, 1993 in Seattle, Wash. Marietta Goding (’34) of Hastings passed away Dec. 21, 2008, at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital.

Andrew Mertens (’06) and Denise Witt (’03) were married May 9 in Lincoln, where the couple resides. Friends Carolyn Bredemeier and husband Edgar celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 14. Carolyn is a former PSC Foundation staff member. Andrea J. Streit married David A. Mezger in May. Andrea works in the Student Records Office at PSC. Lexie Turnbull married Jeff Baack on June 20th in Hibbing, Min. Lexie is Peru State’s head volleyball coach.

2000s

Justin Seeba (’01) and wife Heather announced the arrival of their daughter Claire Abigail. Weighing 6 pounds and 4 ounces, Claire was born on Apr. 9 at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln, Neb. Ryan Pugh (’02) and wife Amy announced the arrival of Aubrey June on June 25. Aubrey weighed in at 7 pounds and 12 ounces. Andrew Adams (‘05) and Carley Carroll announced the arrival of their son Lincoln Joseph Adams on July 18. Chelsea Allgood (’08) and Justin Keuten had a son, Jaxson Andrew Keuten, on July 18. He weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces.

Otto Henry Wellensiek (’34) of Papillion died Sept. 8. He entered Air Corp Cadet Flying Program of the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he and a friend bought a bank. Bertha L. Howe (’36) of Tecumseh died June 11. She was a teacher until she retired in 1982, then became a substitute for 15 years. Elsie Jean Perry Ellington (’37) of Garden City, Kan. Died Jan. 25.

Continued on p. 18

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Nancy Hardy Hallstrom leaves a great legacy Continued from p. 17 Dr. Henry J. Kellogg (’37) of Troutdale, Ore. Died Feb. 5. After graduating from Peru, he became a History and English teacher. In 1940 he entered the U.S. Navy, and then went on to teach at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Richard T. Sherman (’37) of Prairie Village, Kan. died July 12. He worked in various capacities in the airline industries. Geraldine S. Connolly (’38) of North Las Vegas, Nev. died Feb. 6, 2008. Wilma Loree Duey (’38) of Plattsmouth died Aug. 24, 2008. Jerome Snyder (’38) of Estes Park, Col. died Apr. 22, 2008. He retired from the public school system of Midland, Texas. Jerome is survived by his wife Doris Prichard Snyder (’38). Dean Laverne Stuck (’38) of Auburn, died Jan. 9. Mary Solie (’39) of Brownville died Mar. 21.

1940s

Ralston died May 22. Irene Karas Le Seur (’44) of Pawnee City died Aug. 15. Ruth Ellen Triplett (’44) of Red Oak, Iowa died Dec. 20, 2008. She was a long time 4th grade teacher. John C. Stuhr (’45) of Overland Park, Kan. died Jan. 5, 2008. He is survived by his wife Virginia Altaffer Stuhr (’43). Julius Anselm Johnson (’46) of Cascade, ID. died May 27. Donald Lienemann (’46) of Papillion died Dec. 22, 2006. He served as a navigator on a B-17 in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Don then spent 52 years as an agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. He is survived by his wife Ruth Meister Lienemann (’47). Shirley Eileen Haith (’47) of Omaha, died Sept. 24, 2008. Elizabeth Louise Walters (’47) of Tecumseh died June 21.

Jack Brown (’40) of Van Nuys, Calif. died Apr. 7.

Ralph A. Beatty (’48) of Lee’s Summit, Mo. died June 27.

Winifred Hall Johnson (’40) of Las Vegas, Nev. died Dec. 14, 2008. She taught elementary school in several states for over 30 years. Winifred is survived by her husband W. Hubert Johnson (’39).

Donna Mae (Gerdes) Volker (’49) of Humboldt died July 11.

Virginia Dell Primrose (’40) of Malvern, Iowa, died July 29. After 21 years of teaching, she retired but continued substitute teaching. Enid Stofferson Smith (’40) of Rockwell City, Iowa died Jan. 6, 2007. Eldon Leroy Clark (’41) of Thonotosassa, Fla., died June 2. Eldon was a former Boeing engineer who aided in the launch of Apollo 8. Dr. James F. Crawford (’41) of Atlanta, Ga. died June 8. Leonard Eugene Henning (’44) of

Rozellen Ballard Norstadt (’49) of Fort Collins, Colo. died March 20, 2007. She is survived by her husband Fred Norstadt (’50). Orma Sailors Ramer (’49) of Falls City died Sept. 30, 1999. Robert Lee Sailors (’49) died June 5, 2003, in Houston, Texas. Lois K. Smith (’49) of Auburn died July 18.

1950s

Devan C. Hershey (’51) of Stratford Iowa died on Apr. 1, 2008.

Raymond “Gene” Reichart (‘53), of Valley Falls, Kan., died Friday, July 20,

Continued on p. 19

A very few people have the ability, no matter what they touch, to make it better. Nancy Hardy Hallstrom (’51) was one of those special people. Hallstrom passed away in April in Omaha after a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind husband Jack (’50), five children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and countless friends. A native of Endicott, Neb., Nancy’s roots in Peru go back to its very beginning: she was a great-granddaugther of Peru State founder Thomas Jefferson “T.J.” Majors. Thus

long before she ever became a student at the college, she knew the Campus of A Thousand Oaks well. She and Jack met as students at Peru, and were married for 58 years. Throughout their life together, they remained dedicated to the college they both loved. Nancy worked as a teachers assistant in Omaha for several years, and later earned her licensed practical nursing (LPN) degree and embarked on a career in the nursing profession. She was committed to health care the rest of her life. In addition to her family and her profession, Nancy was extraordinarily involved in public and community service activities. She and Jack were known throughout the Omaha area as tireless workers on behalf of noble causes. Perhaps her funeral notice said it best: “Nancy’s kind words, her easy laugh, and gentle grace will be dearly missed by each of us who loved and admired her.” Memorial gifts can be directed to the Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE. 68421-0010. All gifts will go to the PSC Omaha Alumni Chapter, which Nancy and Jack have supported for many, many years.

Where in the World are You?

The search is on for missing alumni. If you can provide a current home address for any of the people listed here, we will be grateful—and so will they, especially when they start receiving the Stater again. Send information about missing alumni to Krystal Nolte at knolte@peru.edu, call her at 402-872-2395, or mail your information to the PSC Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010.

Class of 1969

Gary Ahlin Steven Anderson Diane Bailey Shirley Benson Charlotte Overgaard Bonner Steven Brodersen James Brown Marilyn Birdsley Buchheit John Burch Richard Carbone Moo Choung D. Maree Finchem Ronald Fine Charlotte Loving Garcia Rafael Garcia Mildred Hayes Stewart Hitch Cheryl Houseman Hoffman

Terry Hutchings Daniel Koch Larry Marcusson Lynn Miller Ronald Pendergraft Virginia Thompson Ruge Barbara Derrick Schoenrock Gary Schoenrock Sherry Schiesow Shaffer Jimmie Shilts Lawrence Shipman Bill Smith Pamela Brown Smith Meron Solonkyha Harold Vanarsdale Thomas Vrabel John Webster George Woods

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Continued from p. 18 2007, at his home. Mervil J. Miller (’54) of Ann Arbor, Mich. Died Dec. 27, 2008. Edward C. Bosworth (’56) of Ord, died Mar. 13, 2008.

Remembering the Good Times Janet Vance Barlow (’77) doesn’t hesitate when she hears the words, “Peru State College.” A huge smile brightens her face, her eyes twinkle, and the dialogue begins. A native of Omaha, Janet attended Marian High School. She was recently inducted into their Hall of Fame as a member of the 1972 State Championship swim team. She didn’t have to go far to find her niche at Peru State College. It is no surprise that her athletic ability led to two years as a PSC cheerleader. She was a member of Phi Beta Lambda business honorary, a chorus girl in “No, No, Nannette,” and active in the Catholic student group. Many friendships from her days at Peru carry on. Janet attended the PSC Hall of Fame ceremony September 19 and enjoyed visiting with friends while taking in Kevin “Bud” Frohling’s induction into the Hall of Fame. Janet’s fond memories of Peru include the great business teachers who really cared about each and every student. The small town was, she said, perfect for her. In 1977 Janet finished her degree in Business Administration, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She joined Mutual of Omaha from 1977 thru 1992, working her way to International Marketing Specialist for Japan Operations. Traveling internationally during these years was a highlight. While attending graduate school at Creighton University in International Relations, she met her future husband Bob; they married in 1991. They have two children now in grades 6 and 7.

Edwin Pharaoh (’56) of Springfield died May 18. He taught at Platteview High School in Springfield for 27 years. Edwin is survived by his wife Erma Cox Pharaoh (’55). Dorothy Niday Trader (’56) of Omaha died Feb. 9.

Janet Vance Barlow (’77) In 1992, she began working at Oriental Trading Company part-time in the fulfillment area (which she highly recommends as a flexible job for moms), and started a home based business “Little Angel Kitty Sitter Service” for in-home pet care. Her decision to include Peru State College in her estate was, she said, “the natural thing to do.” She has designated her gift toward scholarships so others can experience PSC and have the same opportunities that she was offered. It is Janet’s method of “Paying it Forward.” The 1867 Society is a planned giving program which enables alumni and friends of Peru State College to give back to PSC by including it in their estate plans. Planned gifts to the Peru State College Foundation are a great way to help the College maintain its tradition of excellence for generations to come. To become a member of the 1867 Society, simply include the PSC Foundation in your estate plan, and notify the Foundation of your actions. For more information about planned giving opportunities and the 1867 Society, contact: Sandy Fisher Peru State College Foundation PO Box 10 Peru, NE. 68421-0010 402/872-2304 sfisher@peru.edu

Don L. Rist (’57) of Talent, Ore. died May 20, 2008. Mary E. Straw (’57) of Omaha died Sept. 3. She was a school teacher until 1979 when she retired. Chet Henninger (’58) of Grapevine, Texas died March 19.

1960s

Jerry L. Collier (’60) of Kansas City, Kan. died May 1.

Weyman B. George (’60) of Macomb, Ill. died Sept. 29, 2007. Donald Dee Weeks (’60) of Fairbury, died May 14, 2007. Neoma Wisdom Eichenberger (’63) of Sabetha, Kan. died April 7. She taught at various country schools in Nemaha County, Kan. and at Fairview and Hiawatha schools until her retirement in 1976. Carol Sudik (’63) of Richfield, Minn. died Feb. 4.

Conn. died April 19, 2007. He started his banking career in 1972, which led him to be Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the Commercial Banking Division of People’s Bank in Bridgport, Conn. Michael is survived by wife Lynn Rosso (‘71). Stanley Reed Gottula (’73) of Broken Bow died May 20. Stanley is survived by his wife Shirley Gottula.

1980s

Kevin Recker (’89) of Omaha died July 19, 2007 after a long battle with cancer.

Friends of the College

James Blake (former faculty) of Washington D.C. died April 25. He was a history teacher at Peru State before joining the Foreign Service in 1947. James served as ambassador to Iceland and as deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs. Robert Breazile Jr. (former staff) of Auburn died September 27. After serving his country, Bob worded at the American Meter Plant in Nebraska City. Afterwards Bob spent 26 years in the maintenance department at Peru State College. Robert is survived by his wife Debra Breazile (PSC Staff). Jack Reeves of Peru died fall 2009. He was a Peru Prep school graduate. Lou Saban (football coach ’91-’92) died March 29 at Myrtle Beach, S. C. He spent many years coaching football for the NFL, AFL, and at the college level. Lou was the first president of the NY Yankees.

Anna Marie Albrecht (’67) of Falls City died Aug. 29. Robert Kelly (’69) of Lincoln died March 27. He was a part of the Nebraska National Guard and very active with the Lincoln Dodgers baseball organization. Robert is survived by his wife Kathy Gregory Kelly (’75).

1970s

Michael V. Rosso (‘71) of Shelton,

Check out the NAA online at http://foundation.peru.edu

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Academic Resource Center Renamed

History honorary Turns 50

A campus honorary that celebrates history has hit a milestone of its own this year. The PSC chapter of Phi Alpha Theta national history honorary was founded during the 1958-59 academic year, under the sponsorship of the late Dr. George Schottenhamel. Bob Henry (’59) was the first president of the chapter, with Charles Frances (’60) its vice president and Joan (Schneider ’59) Gabrielle secretary. Today, Drs. Spencer Davis and Sara Crook serve as faculty sponsors, with current officers including Caroline Keenan, president; Trevor Shalon, vice president; Mike Swigert, secretary; Brad Florian, treasurer, and Kayla Johnson, historian Founded in 1921, Phi Alpha Theta currently has over 350,000 members in 860 local chapters.

Attention Education alumni

PSC is changing the way credential files are managed for those who earned an education degree. The College is transitioning to a selfmanaged system in which the alum is responsible for their own credential file and materials. As of January 1, 2009, all PSC alumni credential files that have not been accessed within the last 10 years have been destroyed. Access to PSC transcripts is still available through Peru State College Student Records office. If you have a credential file currently under management by Credentials Services your file will be maintained for a period of time not to exceed five years after your graduation date, or the date when you received your first education endorsement. At the five-year point or any time before, you may elect to manage your file yourself or utilize an online service. Peru State College will cease to process files on December 31, 2015. For more information about PSC’s credential file management system, please visit Transition Services on the Web at http://www.peru.edu/cats/ transition_services/credentials.htm or contact Phyllis Dierking, CATS Center Office Assistant, at 402-872-2280.

PSC School of Education receives Continued NCATE accreditation Peru State College’s School of Education has received continued accreditation under the performanceoriented standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the organization responsible for professional accreditation of teacher education. The School of Education at PSC, which has been accredited by NCATE since the organization was found in 1954, currently offers a wide array of programs that lead to teacher certification, and a Masters program in curriculum and instruction for practicing teachers. Dean of Education Dr. Jodi Kupper said, “We are extremely pleased to receive confirmation that the School of Education continues to be fully accredited by NCATE. We strongly believe that our teacher education candidates leave our programs wellqualified with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the challenges and expectations of the teaching profession. “Having NCATE assess our programs and confirm these beliefs is a welcome validation of what we do,” Kupper said. “The faculty and staff of the School of Education are very proud of this accomplishment.”

NCATE-accredited schools must meet rigorous standards set by the profession and members of the public. Teacher candidates must have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter they plan to teach as well as the skills necessary to convey it so that students learn. The college must carefully assess this knowledge and skill to determine that candidates may graduate. NCATE revises its standards every five years to incorporate best practice and research in order to ensure that the standards reflect a consensus about what is important in teacher preparation today. In the past decade, NCATE has moved from an accreditation system that focused on curriculum and what teacher candidates were offered, to a data-driven performance-based system dedicated to determining what candidates know and are able to do. Multiple types of performance assessment are expected throughout the program of study. For more information about Peru State College’s teacher education programs, visit the School of Education’s Web site at http://www.peru. edu/education/.

The ARC is now the CATS building on the Campus of A Thousand Oaks. Formerly the library, Peru State College’s Academic Resource Center (ARC) opened its doors in 2004, after library holdings were relocated next door into what originally was a chapel built in 1905, then the gymnasium. The former library/ARC building was itself built in 1906, with the second story added in 1911. Both of these venerable facilities were remodeled in recent years into top-notch learning facilities. The ARC, which has provided tutoring, mentoring and other services to help students achieve academic goals, was renamed last spring. A campuswide contest was held to solicit possible names. Center for Achievement and Transition Services (CATS) was chosen as the new name for the building that now provides even more extensive resources to aid students in reaching their full potential. Currently, services provided in the CATS include Career Services, services assisting students with the transition into and out of college, graduate school preparation, Student Success Services, academic advising, computer lab, peer tutoring and supplemental instruction, mentoring programs, workshops on various topics, ADA services, and probationary advising. Alumni also can benefit from the CATS Career Services department where they can search for jobs and gets tips for networking. Over the last few years, hundreds of alumni and friends have supported the ARC’s mission through the Friends of the ARC Society by making financial contributions to the program. The generosity of the Friends of the ARC assisted the center in its ability to offer new services, programming and technology to students.

Peru Stater Fall 2009

“ONE OF A KIND” Peru’s basketball All-American, Omer Meeker By Dr. Sharon Ocker, ‘56 Peru has been home to many, many great athletes over the years – in football, baseball, track and field, and on and on. But one basketball player sticks out above the rest – the only one to be named All-American. That was a young man with an unlikely name – Omer Meeker from Mitchell, about as far as you can get from Peru and still be in Nebraska. He was 6’2” and 180 pounds of dynamite. How did he get here? Well, as he tells the story, a cousin of his, Dean Miller of North Platte, had decided to play football for the Bobcats and encouraged Omer to come, too. It was a roundabout way to Peru. “Meek” had lettered for three years at Mitchell, but then went in the Army, serving in a Military Police unit, and playing hoops when he had free time. He was on a select team in Austria which traveled all over Europe. He really honed his skills in that experience and came to Peru with lots of ability and expertise. Meek joined some really fine players at Peru (men like Jack Hallstrom, Don Bornschegl, Bob Eilers, just to name a few) and helped lead them to three consecutive championships in the Nebraska College Con-

Omer Meeker

feraence (’48-’49, ‘49-’50, ’50-’51). He made the all-conference team three times and amassed 1653 points in his career, which stood as the PSC school record until Danny Shouse broke it in 1990 – almost 40 years later. He had many great nights, but the top performance was at Fremont against Midland Lutheran. He was just about unstoppable, tossing in 24 field goals and nine free throws for a total of 57 points, still a Peru record. At the end, when his teammates saw that it was a “night of nights,” they fed him even more and he responded with precision. They appreciated that, although he was a shooting star, he was a good team player, too. Meeker was a real perfectionist. Every night at practice, he came early and went through a regimen before the regular workouts began that is hard to believe. He would shoot a hundred driving layups from the right side of the basket, another hundred from the left hand side (with the left hand, of course) and at least a hundred from around the free throw line with his patented sweet jump shot off a fantastic foot fake. Peru had a terrific fast break in those days, and I never saw him miss a setup on the fast break no matter how fast he was going! I gave a number of motivational speeches over the years, and I always mentioned Meeker’s devotion to excellence along with football All-American Bob Lade’s fantastic football practice habits, where he always gave 100% no matter what. Meek was also a perfectionist with the guitar, which he learned from his father. He could play that machine so well, and he would often host a bunch of the guys in his room in Delzell Hall. He played – and he sang – and we enjoyed it so much. We learned to describe how he played as a “hot lick” – fast and furious. One of his favorite songs was called “Shine,” and if he didn’t play it early on, the boys would beg him

Newt Kyle, Omer Meeker and Jack McIntire at PSC Hall of Fame induction in 1986. to do it that night . Another favorite of both he and us was “The Skeik of Araby.” The music didn’t end there, by the way. He played in his own four- or five-piece dance band with the guitar for 38 years in California, where he has lived most of the time since finishing at Peru in 1951. After graduating with a teaching degree in biology in 1951, Omer played one year for the AAU team from the Allen-Bradley Company of Milwaukee. In those days, many large businesses had top notch basketball teams, including Peoria, IL, Bartlesville, OK, and others. They played great basketball and offered opportunities to learn about the business world at the same time. He also played several seasons for the Santa Maria Dukes in that California city before settling down to teach biology and kinesiology and coach in elementary, high school and community college for 32 years. He was very successful there, too, having a number of championship teams. His Orcutt, CA, elementary team once won 84 of 89 games in a fouryear stretch. Not only could he play great basketball, he could teach others to follow his lead. Many honors came his way. He was inducted into Peru’s Hall of Fame in 1986 – the year the PSC Hall was established - along with coaches Newt Kyle and Jack McIntire. In 1960, he was installed in the NAIA Hall of Fame in Kansas City. Meek is now retired and lives in Bakersfield, CA. His family includes two biological and three step-children.

An article about Meeker wouldn’t be complete without a few stories. Meek had a technique for loosening his shooting hand. He would shake the wrist and his fingers would flop like crazy. Others tried to use this little trick with some success, but who can argue with his shooting skill. Another thing was his foot feint. When he caught the ball, he would move his left foot so quickly and you just about had to follow in that direction. In the meantime, he shot by you and was gone for yet another basket. Most players feint with the head and with the ball, but he was the first one that I ever saw who was so skilful with the feet. Here are the words to Sheik of Araby: “I’m the sheik of Araby, Your heart belongs to me, At night when you’re asleep, Into your tent I will creep, The stars that shine above, will light our way to love, You rule the world with me, I’m the Sheik of Araby.” [Each line was followed by a fourword phrase that made it even more fun. Too bad we can’t print it here…] Yes, Omer Meeker was one of a kind. Peru has been richer for all of these years because he decided to cast his lot with the Bobcats. It was a real pleasure to know him and to watch him perform. Thanks for the memories… NOTE: Ocker is retired from Morningside College and lives in Sioux City, IA.

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Baseball team posts 30-win campaign The Bobcat baseball squad enjoyed a highly successful 2009 campaign under Coach Jason Cronin. PSC finished with a 30-22 record, including 14-10 in the tough Midlands Collegiate Athletics Conference, good for a third place finish. The ‘Cats advanced to within a win of the MCAC championship game before falling to Park University. Cronin’s ’09 squad was young, and he returns a solid core of talented and experienced players. Coupled with a strong recruiting class, optimism is high for 2010. “The exciting thing is the fact that we return 23 players from last year, including our entire pitching staff,”

Despite injuries, softball Squad finishes strong; Nine earn honors

Cronin said as he heads into his fifth season. “There now exists in our program a culture of success. Each Injuries kept the PSC softball student-athlete understands what we squad from ever quite hitting its are trying to accomplish.” stride in 2008, but they were nonetheJunior outfielder James Dawson less a force to be reckoned with under was named an NAIA Daktronics veteran Coach Mark Mathews. The national scholar-athlete, requiring ‘Cats finished 19-24 including 7-7 in at least a 3.50 GPA. Junior outfielder MCAC play, finishing third in the Ryan Baroudi and sophomore pitcher/ league. first baseman Matt Martin were Peru State was competitive all seanamed MCAC Gold Glove team son long but lineup changes forced by members. injury never allowed them to get into Baroudi, Martin, junior Clayton a groove. They finished the season Brigham, senior Gary Hall, senior strong, winning six of their final nine. Mark Houck, and junior pitcher Yimy They also had an outstanding year in Rodriguez all earned MCAC honorthe classroom (see related story). able mention all-conference honors. “We fought through all the injuries and put ourselves in a position to play for the chance to go to the national tournament,” Mathews noted. “That says a lot about their character. “We have several holes to fill, but the newcomers bring some very good

talent to the table,” he added. “There are several returning players that have opportunity to step into their own this year, too. The competition has been very intense this Fall and the excitement for this team grows every day.” Nine members of the team earned post-season honors, including first team picks Jen Siedlik (senior shortstop) and Kerra Brummer (junior second base). Other MCAC picks included seniors Brittany Fry (first base) and Nicole Mercer (outfield), juniors Alexis Trujillo (outfield) and Natalie Zabel (pitcher), sophomore Nicole Goodrich (pitcher), and freshmen Britanny Hoock (infield) and Liz Matulka (catcher, outfielder). Despite the loss of five seniors, Mathews has high expectations for the 2010 Bobcats.

Bobcat spikers reload, Look to finish strong

Senior Yimy Rodriguez and the entire pitching staff from last season returns as the Bobcats look with excitement toward the 2010 season. Rodriguez posted seven wins, threw over 84 innings and struck out 73 batters, all in the PSC single-season top five stats. He started 14 games, tying him with former Bobcats Scott Campau and Jim Lovely for a school record.

Women’s golf on course The fledgling Bobcat golf squad, which competes in both a spring and a fall schedule, is working its way up under Coach Maurtice Ivy. While the spring team was comprised of a short squad, five reported for fall practice. Juniors Kendra Kratz and Avyn Vaden will be counted on for leadership, with freshmen Katie Potter, Jacey Stoner and Tencie Tonniges rounding out the roster. "We want to be competitive at every

meet,” Ivy said. “Our team goal is to score 360-400 every time we step on the golf course which would put us in the mix, and that is going to require that every golfer on the team do their part. I believe we are good enough to make that happen.” While the squad aims to lower its score on the course, it has been scoring high in the classroom (see related story).

A slow start saw the Bobcat volleyball squad drop five of its first seven contests, but the retooled squad was coming on strong as the season approached its midpoint, charging out to a 4-1 mark in the Midlands Collegiate Athletics Conference. Fourth-year Coach Lexi Baack led the 2008 squad to a 19-11 mark and third place finish in the MCAC. Several key players graduated from that group, and while it took the early part of the season for newcomers to blend in with her veterans, the ‘Cats look ready for the stretch run. (This article was written in late September). Kaitlin Morrow and Kelcie Haug are providing the senior leadership. The roster is a good blend of size and talent, and a strong group of juniors and sophomores indicates the Bobcat program will be a force to reckon with well beyond this season.

‘Cats score big…In the classroom Five Bobcat athletic programs from 2008-09 scored big points in the most important contest of all: the contest to achieve excellence in the classroom. The five were named NAIA Scholar Teams for the past year. To be considered for the honor, the team must carry a minimum 3.0 grade point average for all varsity athletes. The Bobcat women’s cross country team led the way with an overall GPA of 3.69. Volleyball posted a 3.64, softball a 3.39, women’s basketball a 3.22, and women’s golf a 3.22.

Peru Stater Fall 2009

Football squad Women’s hoop prospects Bounces back bright in Ivy’s third year Pardon PSC women’s basketball A tough schedule and its own misfans if they are excited about the takes kept the Bobcat football team 2009-10 season. on the wrong side of the won-loss colLast year, with no seniors on the umn early in the season. But Coach roster, the Bobcats under Coach Terry Clark’s Bobcats posted back-toMaurtice Ivy shook off a slow start back road wins to level its record at early in the season to play quality 3-3 at press time. ball down the stretch. A 12-19 record Early losses to two nationally rated including 7-5 in the MCAC was good teams (Hastings, Sterling Kan.) and for third place. a win over another then-rated team With so much experience back for (Jamestown, N.D.) demonstrated the the ‘Cats and some key new additions strong schedule early. But mid-seato blend in, prospects for the season son road wins against Tabor (Kan.) are strong. and Lincoln (Mo.) University got PSC “We are young and athletic and will back on track. be fun to watch this year,” Ivy said. “I am encouraged by the effort the “This will be Chapter II of the ‘NEW first half of the season,” Clark said. PERU’ we have high expectation for “We played some very good teams our season.” and competed very well against them. Last year’s MCAC Freshman of The remaining schedule should allow us to get back on track and have some success.” Defense has been the PSC strength early, with an experienced group on When Coach Troy Katen took over that side of the ball. The offense has the PSC basketball program in the had its moments, but turnovers and summer of 2008, he knew he had a inconsistency behind a young line rebuilding job ahead of him and that has limited its success. his first squad was going to take its The Bobcats had one of their most lumps. productive recruiting seasons in The Bobcat locker room looks very some time and had well over 100 men different from last year, when PSC on the roster for fall camp. Many posted a 1-28 record. The faces are of those young players have been new and very, very young, and while worked into the rotation, and the prospects for the 2009-10 season are future looks good for PSC football. realistic – this is a work in progress – Clark said that alumni referrals on Katen likes what he sees. potential football recruits are always “We are building a great foundawelcome; contact him at 402/872tion this season that we can expand 2216 or tclark@peru.edu or Assistant on in the future,” Katen said. “That Coach Dick Ramsey (’78) at 402/872includes not only wins but the type 2205 or dramsey@peru.edu of players we recruit, their character,

the Year, center Monique McDuffie, turned in a first-team all-conference season while averaging 10.6 points and 10 rebounds per game. Forward Courtney Janecek, also a freshman and first-team all-conference choice, led the squad with 11.5 points per game, and posted 7.6 rebounds. Avyn Vaden returns for her junior season after earning honorable mention all-league accolades at the guard position. She averaged 10.2 points and led the squad in assists and steals. Coach Ivy, now in her third season, and her squad probably won’t sneak up on anyone this year. If the team plays up to its potential, it may not need to.

Bobcat coach in Omaha Hall of Fame

The Omaha Sports Hall of Fame has inducted Bobcat women’s basketball and golf coach Maurtice Ivy into its Class of 2009. Ivy, entering her third season at PSC, was a high school basketball star at Omaha Central. She went on to a standout playing career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, leading the Cornhusker program to its first NCAA tournament appearance. She was named All-Big 8 three times, Big 8 Player of the Year, the Big 8 all-decade team, and Nebraska’s All-Century team. She played five years in the Women’s Basketball Association, and is in the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame, the Nebraska Black Sports Hall of Fame, and the Omaha Public Schools Hall of Fame. Congratulations Coach Ivy!

Coach pledges no shortcuts on the road back to success what’s expected of them as individuals and as a team. “This season is going to be exciting. We have a small group of returners and a large group of newcomers and a number of freshmen that have family ties to Peru State and that helps them take some pride in our program,” he said. Those family ties include freshmen Jacob Schaben of Defiance, Ia.,, whose parents Bryce (’89) and Carrie (Menges ’90) both played hoops at PSC; Connor Smith of Lincoln, Neb., whose father Jeff ’83 played and coached basketball at PSC and whose mother and Robin (Nelson ’83) played volleyball; Grant Cole of

Auburn, whose father Steve attended in ’77-’78 and mother Cindy graduated in ’82, and earned her masters at PSC in ‘02; Marshall Joy of Humboldt, Neb, whose father Mark attended in 1979-80; and Joe Santo of Falls City, Neb., whose sisters Sara (’98) and Rachel (’07) and brother Luke (’02) all graduated and whose brother Adam attended. Top returning players include seniors Steven Burks and Adam Blaylock and sophomore Mario Fuentes. The plan is not to build a team, but to reestablish a program. PSC looks to take a significant step in that direction this season.

Cross country sets fast pace on the course, in classroom

Lora Weinman

Fifth-year women’s cross country Coach Johann Murray started fall with nine runners on the squad, including returning seniors Kimberly Brown and Lindsay Dannelly. The other seven are new to Bobcat cross country, but many are not new to PSC: just two are freshmen. Murray, himself a collegiate standout in track and cross country at Rowan University

in New Jersey, saw four seniors complete their eligibility last season. That team was not only experienced and gifted, it excelled in the classroom as well. Murray noted with pride the team GPA was 3.69, the best of any varsity sports at PSC. “Not only did the cross country team have the best GPA at Peru State College, but it had the best GPA of

all cross country teams in the United States,” Murray pointed out. “The cross country team has always been very competitive in academics, a tradition I hope will continue. “As far as running goes, this year’s team has shown statistically that it is as good as some of the top teams at PSC in the last eight years, and it has the potential of becoming the best,” he said.

Inside this Peru Stater you’ll find … New President Hanson

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… And much, much more about people you know!

Visit Peru State College on the Web at www.peru.edu for information about Nebraska’s first college. And, check out the Peru State College Alumni Association & Foundation Web site at

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The Library and CATS building on Peru State College campus.