F2015 Peru Stater

Fall 2015 Vol. 60, No. 2

New Artwork Graces Oak Bowl Entrance Story on page 10

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Greetings from Peru State Dan Hanson Peru State College President

Dear Friends, Fall is one of the best times of the year on a college campus. Faculty members and upper classmen are welcomed back after the summer break. A new class of freshmen and transfer students begin their Peru State College journey.

It is a time of excitement and anticipation of what will be accomplished by individuals, organizations and the institution.

This has been another great fall at Peru State College. This issue of the Peru Stater highlights wonderful accomplishments by members of our faculty and our students. We are proud of our faculty who work diligently with our students opening doors of opportunity for them. Our faculty members are committed to providing engaging relevant education for our students that is only possible in a small college setting.

We are also proud of our students and the many ways they provide leadership and give back to the campus communi-

ty and southeast Nebraska. The personalized education we offer students provides them the support and challenges they need to be successful. Yesterday, as I completed a letter of reference for a student who was applying for graduate school, I was reminded of the impact Peru State can have on our students.

It was an easy letter to write. Over her almost four years at Peru State College this student, who was the first in her family to attend college, had gained the respect of faculty and students alike. As faculty and staff members worked with her, she took advantage of every opportunity she was provided. As I wrote the letter, I was inspired by her growth and the way she invested as a leader benefiting the campus community and southeast Nebraska. I was proud that she would be representing Peru State College in graduate school. I want you to know as alumni and friends of the college that we have many students like this one each year. Our students give us reason to be proud and thankful.

We have seen key improvements to our campus infrastructure this fall which will better serve our students well into the future. TJ Majors classroom building, (the former Peru Prep building) was constructed in 1915. We celebrated its 100 years of service to education by completing major renovations,

PSC Foundation Board of Directors Larry Green (‘71) Chairman - Miramar Beach, FL SaraBeth Donovan (‘85), Vice Chair - Pierre, SD Cindy (Plantenga, ‘82) & Tim (‘84) Hoffman, Treasurers Lincoln, NE Joyce Douglas, Secretary - Lincoln, NE Mike Guilliatt (‘67) - Fremont, NE Jim Desbien (‘73) - Plainville, KS Al Urwin (‘82) - La Vista, NE PSC National Alumni Association Board of Directors Paul (’67) and Arlene (Borcher, ’67) Fell, Co-Presidents Lincoln, NE Carlos Harrison (’51), Vice President - Shenandoah, IA Ed Ankrom (’91), Secretary - Beatrice, NE Kim (’90) and Kris (Kubert, ’94) Vrtiska, Co-Treasurers - Falls City, NE

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including a new geothermal HVAC system, renovated restrooms, and new lighting, paint and carpet. These improvements provide an improved teaching and learning environment while maintaining the historic look and feel of this special building.

The Park Avenue project has put a new face to the entrance or front door of the campus and the town of Peru.

This collaborative project includes new walkways, curb and gutter, new roadway, 42 decorative lights and over 100 new trees extending the length of Park Avenue, the main road into Peru. It culminates with a new curve and distinctive campus entrance and circle drive.

We celebrated this collaborative project with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Homecoming.

I am also excited to share that beginning this May the much-needed renovation of our beautiful and historic Delzell Hall, constructed in 1940, will begin. During the summer of 2016, all of the bathrooms will be completely renovated, and work will begin on a forty bed addition to the west wing.

When the new addition is complete, the remaining areas of the building will be renovated in phases so the building can continue to house students. This project is possible because of strong on-campus enrollment and occupancy in our

Elton (’88) and Connie (Sims, ’87) Edmond - Lincoln, NE Dan (’76) and Cheryl Cotton - Peru, NE Nick (’87) and Laurel (Smith, ’87) Harling - Falls City, NE Chuck (’69) and Alice (Massoth, ’69) Mizerski - Lincoln, NE Fritz (’74) and Char (Lutz, ’74) Stehlik - Omaha, NE Angelia Rohwer Steiner (’90) - Sabetha, KS Al Urwin(’82) - La Vista, NE College President: Dr. Dan Hanson Editor: R. Todd Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, PSC Foundation Managing Editor/Writer: Kristi Nies, Assistant Professor of English Graphic Design: Chelsea Allgood (’08), Graphic Design Artist Contributing Writers:

residence halls, which is up almost 20% over the past five years.

I am grateful for our dedicated and accomplished faculty and staff members, our diligent and dedicated students, and the significant campus improvements that pave the way toward a bright future. I am also thankful for loyal alumni and friends that help make this work possible. As we look forward to the celebration of our 150th year in 2017, we have many reasons to be proud and so much to celebrate.

All the Best,

Dan Hanson, Ph.D. President

Dr. Sara Crook, Professor of History Dr. Spencer Davis, Professor of History Danny Hayes, MFS, Instructor of Criminal Justice Ted Harshbarger (’77), Assistant Athletic Director/Sports Information Director Rebecca Jewell, Advancement Officer, PSC Foundation Rebecca Johnson (’04), Graphic Designer Michelle Kaiser, student Dr. Ellie Kunkel, Interim Dean of Education Alyssa Rodriquez, student Susan Sisco, student Meghan Tyburski, student Photography: Dr. Bill Clemente, Professor of English Brandi Hull (’15) Rebecca Johnson, Graphic Designer

Life-Changing Gifts Todd Simpson CFRE Chief Executive Officer, Peru State College Foundation

Each November, Peru State conducts our annual phone-a-thon. You might have received a call last fall from a Peru State student eager to check your address and ask you to help support educational programs and scholarships funded by the Foundation. Response from alumni and friends was overwhelming … they relish the conversations with the students. So often during the conversation the alumnus would ask about a specific professor or share a fond memory from their time at PSC. One student even found she was living in the same

room in Eliza Morgan that the alumna on the phone had occupied in the early 70s!

I received personal calls from two Foundation Board members who were thrilled with the student callers who telephoned them! One Board member told me the student was “a great ambassador for the college.”

I was so proud of our student callers.

Respectful. Engaging. Genuinely interested in connecting with our alumni.

But then, I have always been proud of Peru State students. In the last five or six years I have visited close to 60 other college campuses. I have yet to come across a student body as hard-working and committed as Peru State students.

Whether pitching in to help plant trees along the new College entrance (we had 12 student groups raise money and help dig holes for new trees along Park

Avenue), or directing traffic during Homecoming, or hauling loads of junk and debris out of town during the Peru clean-up day, our students are always willing to step up and lend a hand to get the job done!

Donor gifts to the Foundation are making a tremendous difference for our students. Your gifts to the Foundation fund more than 200 scholarships and many educational activities that enhance the student experience, including travel to educational tournaments, service learning trips, music contests, and conferences. Donor support also provides training and support for faculty and staff.

For 2016, the Foundation is budgeting nearly $450,000 for educational activities and scholarships. The only way these monies can be provided is through the generous support of Peru

State’s friends and alumni. People like you.

I know answering a fund raising call, or even opening a letter in the mail, is usually not anyone’s favorite activity.

However, the next time you are contacted, think about what one student, Stephanie, shared with the Foundation after she received her scholarship. “I can’t express enough how honored I feel to have been chosen for this scholarship.

I am accepting it with the utmost gratitude. Your gift is life changing…”

There is plenty more for the Foundation to do. Facility improvements.

Technology enhancements. More funding for programs like the Distinguished Speaker Series or the Institute for Community Engagement. And the only way we can get the job done is if we all step up, just like our students, and lend a hand.

Upcoming Events National Alumni Association Annual Chili Feed – Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 Enjoy a bowl of chili and the warm hospitality of the Al Wheeler Activity Center for the National Alumni Association’s annual Chili Feed. The Bobcats will take on Avila University. The women’s basketball game begins at 2:00 p.m. The men’s basketball game begins at 4:00 p.m. Chili will be served beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Omaha Alumni Association Banquet The Omaha Alumni Chapter will hold its annual banquet and auction in June 2016.

Visit foundation.peru.edu for date and location information.

All-College Sesquicentennial Reunion – June 16-18, 2017 Peru State’s founding charter was signed June 20, 1867, the same year the State of Nebraska became the 37th state. To celebrate its 150th birthday, Peru State College is planning a full year of special events, including an All-College Reunion June 16-18, 2017. Alumni, former faculty and staff, and anyone with meaningful ties to Peru are encouraged to attend this one-of-a-kind celebration. A full weekend of unique experiences and special activities will commemorate the anniversary. Mark your calendars and stay tuned to future editions of the Stater for more details.

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Update on New Campus Entrance and Park Avenue Improvements The summer and fall of 2015 has been marked by a major civic improvement project to renovate and improve Park Avenue, the main road into Peru, and to create a new campus entrance appropriate for the beautiful and historic Campus of a Thousand Oaks.

The $2.8 million project is a major partnership between the College, the City, the Peru State College Foundation and Nemaha County.

The goal of the project is to improve the civic infrastructure and safety of this important thoroughfare and to fulfill the need for a welcoming and visible campus entrance, a need identified in Peru State’s 2012 Campus Master Plan.

Visitors to campus will notice that many the winter (weather permitting) and into the changes have been made, including the remov- spring of 2016, with new light posts to be addal of the sharp corner where Park Avenue once ed, additional trees and plants added, and the met 5th Street. completion of brick signs to frame the entrance As a part of 2015 Homecoming festivi- plaza. ties, Peru State hosted a ribbon-cutting event Many alumni, friends and community to celebrate work completed thus far. During members have made contributions to the Park brief remarks, President Hanson thanked many Avenue improvement project. Donations are people who played key roles in the project, in- still needed and will be gratefully accepted. All cluding recognizing two individuals who were donors who make gifts or pledge commitments instrumental in the project: Jud Douglas, foun- of $2,500 or more by March 31, 2016 will be dation board member who died in 2014; and recognized on a plaque near the new entrance Rod Vandeberg, foundation board member plaza. Pledges may be paid over a three to five who died in 2015. Family members of both year period. For additional information about Douglas and Vandeberg participated in the rib- the project, or to request a pledge form, please bon cutting. call the Peru State College Foundation, 402Work on the project will continue through 872-2304.

Left: Participants in the ribbon cutting ceremony are (left to right): Student Ambassador MaKayla Riesberg Peru City Council member Alex Coatney, Peru City Council member David Pease, Nebraska State College System Student Trustee Mille Anderson, Nebraska State College System Chancellor Stan Carpenter, Mayor Jay Moran, President Dan Hanson, Foundation Board Chair SaraBeth Donovan (’85), Elaine Hanson, Justin Douglas, Jim Parrish (’84), Joyce Douglas, Mallory Parrish, Lori Parrish, State Senator Dan Watermeier, Student Ambassador Kylie Allgood

Above: Artist’s depiction of a boulder-mounted plaque to be placed near the new campus entrance plaza that will recognize all donors who make gifts or pledges of $2,500 or more to the campus entrance and Park Avenue improvement project. Gifts and pledge commitments must be received by March 31, 2016, to insure inclusion on the plaque. For additional information on being recognized at the new entrance plaza, please call the Peru State College Foundation, 402-872-2304.

Student Service Project Plants Trees at New Campus Entrance The Campus of a Thousand Oaks gained a few more oaks, and a few other tree species, on October 30 as Peru State student organizations planted trees as part of a “Bobcats Give Back” service project. The Peru State Student Senate took the lead in the effort, challenging all student organizations on campus to raise money to support the planting of trees near the campus entrance as a part of the campus entrance and Park Avenue improvement project. Those organizations that raised $150 or more were able to plant the trees they sponsored.

Student organizations that participated in Bobcats Give Back included Student Senate, Black Student Union, Peru State Education Association, Lambda Alpha Epsilon, Campus Activities Board, Peru State Cross Country, Phi Beta Lambda, Phi Alpha Theta, Red Cross Club, and Peru’s Individual Leaders of Today (PILOT). In total, nearly $1,300.00 was raised and donated by students for the project.

Above: Members of Black Student Union work together to plant the tree they sponsored through their fundraising. The student organization raised $345 for the Park Avenue project.

Left: Peru State students gather on October 30, 2015, after planting trees near the campus entrance. President Dan Hanson praised the Bobcats Give Back student service project as a demonstration of how much Peru State students care about their campus.

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Homecoming 2015 Honored 50-Year and 30-Year Reunion Classes Peru State’s 95th annual Homecoming celebration fell on Halloween weekend. included campus tours, the President’s Reception, banquet, Homecoming parade, Among the tricks and treats for the weekend, members of the classes of 1964, 1965, the Tailgate Festival on the campus quad, and an exciting win over Graceland Uniand 1966 and the classes of 1984, 1985, and 1986 returned to campus as honored versity (34-24) in the Homecoming football game. guests to celebrate 50-year and 30-year class reunions. Highlights of the weekend

30 Year Class Reunion Attendees - Back Row, left to right: Kevin Schlange (’85), Leroy Behrends (’85), Diana (Dyer) Behrends (’87), Alan Carothers (’86), Ritchie Nelson (’86), Michelle Nelson, John Patterson (’67), Wayne Dolezal (’85), Sharon Lisac, Lawrence DuBois (’85) Front Row, left to right: Shari (Paczosa) Kucera (’85), SaraBeth Donovan (’85), Christina (Hosfelt) Carothers (’85), Theresa (Polsley) Krajicek (’85), Becky Gauchat (’85), Nancy (Rafert) Heine (’86), Sally (Martineau) DuBois (’86)

50 Year Class Reunion Attendees - Back Row, left to right: Marion “Butch” Miller (’65), Joe Ward (’65), George Weiss (’65), Mike Janis (’65), John Barton (65), David Gomon (’65), Chuck Niemeyer (’65), Dan Leuenberger (’65), Gary Bedea (’65), Dan Coffey (’65), Don Wright (’65), Pat Wright, Brenda McCarty (’66), Keith Rawson (’65) Middle Row, left to right: Virginia (Adkins) Janis (’64), Nichola Barton, Linda (Stephens) Gomon (’64), Shirley Niemeyer, Richard Floerchinger (’65), Beverly (Quinn) Floerchinger (’63), Carol (Thornton) Coffey (’68), Linda Schmucker, Gary Schmucker (’65) Front Row, left to right: Barbara (Thompson) Weiss (’66), Kathleen (Martin) Ward (’65), Barbara (Lasko) Miller (’65), Jan (Beemer) DeMott (’65), Lucille (Christensen) Rawson (’65), Judy Hunsacker, Bill Hunsacker (’64)

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2013 Peru State Grad Wins Rookie Teacher of the Year Devin Garcia, a 2013 Peru State graduate, was named the 2015 Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) Rookie Teacher of the Year. Consideration for this award, presented annually to a first-year teacher, is through a statewide nomination process.

A Diller, Nebraska native, Garcia graduated with a degree in Biology Education and Chemistry Education. He currently teaches science for the Lewiston Consolidated Schools. When asked how he chose teaching as a career, Garcia said, “I knew I wanted to get into teaching after my second year at PSC. I joined PSEA and the Student Education Association of Nebraska through

the NSEA. After becoming active in those programs and working with the National Education Association Student Program out of Washington, D.C., I knew that teaching was going to be my occupation after college.”

Dr. Judith Ruskamp, associate professor of education and PSEA advisor said, “Devin Garcia is another excellent example of the Peru State College School of Education’s concerted effort to develop exemplary educators.” She went on to add, “The consistent emphasis on the development of teachers who become difference-makers and have a positive impact on their students, in their schools, and in the community

Kimmel Foundation Dedicates $192,000 to Scholarships Peru State College and the Richard P. and Laurine Kimmel Foundation have recently announced the availability of four new scholarships created to benefit students in southeast Nebraska.

Each of the four new Kimmel Foundation scholarships are renewable and therefore will provide up to $24,000 in scholarship assistance per student during the course of a four-year college experience. The Kimmel Scholarships are among the largest scholarships the college provides, thanks to the generous support of the Kimmel Foundation and its strong commitment to southeast Nebraska.

The Kimmel Foundation was established by Richard P. and Laurine Kimmel, residents of Otoe County. Richard P. Kimmel was a Nebraska City native and a businessman, working at the Otoe County Bank in Nebraska City, and then managing several farms in Otoe County.

In 1925, he established Kimmel Orchard north of Nebraska City. Mr. Kimmel was an active agricultural and civic leader un-

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til his death in 1996.

Mrs. Laurine (Oetgen) Kimmel was also a Nebraska City native. She had a love for art and became nationally known as an artist through her series of watercolor paintings of outhouses called “American Architecture,” which celebrated that unique structure often found on farms and throughout rural America.

Mrs. Kimmel helped establish and run Kimmel Orchard and was also an active civic leader in Nebraska City. She died in 1993

is what ensures that a Peru State College teacher candidate is well-prepared, committed to the field of education, and have the potential to be leaders.

Mr. Garcia’s NSEA Rookie of the Year Award is a well-deserved honor.”

In addition to his teaching, Garcia is also the Quiz Bowl sponsor, junior class sponsor, head golf coach, assistant football coach and assistant girls basketball coach at Lewiston and serves on the school district’s technology committee.

Garcia’s classmate, Tyler Nutsch, also received rookie-of-the-year recognition from the Papillion-La Vista School District.

Above: Devin Garcia with Deb Gnuse,

Nebraska Director for the National Education Association.

The four scholarships created at Peru State reflect the interests and legacies of Richard and Laurine Kimmel as well as their commitment to rural Nebraska, and especially to Otoe County and southeast Nebraska.

The Richard P. and Laurine Kimmel Business Scholarship will support students pursuing degrees in business.

The Cornelia Petring Kimmel Education Scholarship will support students pursuing degrees in the field of education. This scholarship is available only to students graduating from Nebraska City High School or Lourdes Central Catholic in Nebraska City. It is named in honor of Richard Kimmel’s mother, Cornelia Petring Kimmel, who was the first graduate of Nebraska City High School.

The Richard P. and Laurine Kimmel Art Scholarship supports a student pursuing a degree in art, honoring Mrs. Kimmel’s passion for art. It is also established in honor of Peru State Art Professor Ken Anderson and his many years of service to the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in Nebraska City.

Finally, the Kimmel Foundation will create Peru State’s first scholarship specifically designed to support students studying exercise science. The Richard

P. and Laurine Kimmel Exercise Science Scholarship honors Peru State Associate Professor of Physical Education Dr. Kyle Ryan.

For each scholarship except the education scholarship, preference will be given to students from the southeast Nebraska counties of Otoe, Cass, Johnson, Nemaha and rural Lancaster. However, any student from rural Nebraska or rural Iowa is eligible to apply.

The Cornelia Petring Kimmel Education Scholarship is available to students graduating from a Nebraska City high school.

Applications are being accepted until January 15, 2016, for the first round of scholarships to be awarded for the 20162017 academic year. An additional round of applications will be accepted for scholarships to be awarded for the 20172018 academic year. When all scholarship funds are expended, the Kimmel Foundation will have provided a total of $192,000 in scholarship funds for students at Peru State, continuing the rich southeast Nebraska legacy of Richard P. and Laurine Kimmel.

Visit www.peru.edu/admissions, or call the Admissions Office at Peru State for more information: 402-872-2221.

Audsley Passes to Audsley The sharp-eyed, quick-tongued individuals who dedicate their Saturdays each fall to calling the Bobcat football games had to pay even closer attention this past season to keep track of two Audsley brothers making plays for the Bobcats. Sometimes they even made the same play.

Starting quarterback Tyler Audsley, a senior psychology major from Prescott Valley, Arizona, was joined this year by younger brother Colton, a freshman criminal justice major.

“Mom cried the first game, when she heard [the radio announcer call] ‘Audsley passes to Audsley’,” said Tyler Audsley.

“The thought of them playing together was just the best thing ever. Being together has been wonderful,” said their mother, Dustin Audsley.

This is not a new experience for the brothers. Tyler and Colton have been playing sports since they were kids. All that prior experience means that they work exceptionally well together as fellow Bobcats.

“During practice, you can tell they are brothers. They are fluid and take care of business,” said teammate and

friend Jonathan Draeger, a senior business major from Dunbar, Nebraska.

Of course, being siblings brings on friendly competition. Tyler admits they try to show each other up and have fun with being competitive. He added that his teammates would joke about Tyler having “no love” for his brother if he did not pass to Colton.

When asked about brotherly competition, Colton credited Tyler with playing better games, but added, with a grin, “Let’s just say I’m the better athlete.”

Sibling rivalry aside, the Audsley brothers value their time together on the field. “I think it brings us closer and strengthens our relationship as brothers and teammates,” Colton said.

Tyler said, “Playing together helps our friendship as players. We help each other without it being noticeable. We both learn something from each other.

At least, I hope he learns from me. He’s a pretty gifted athlete.”

As the older brother, Tyler has set high expectations and standards for Colton to follow.

“Colton knew he had big shoes to fill, but he is still his own person,” Dustin Audsley said.

Above: Tyler Audsley (left), just finished his senior season as the starting quarterback for the Bobcats. He was joined at the Oak Bowl this season by younger brother Colton Audsley (right).

“Aside from being great athletes, having my boys be good people is a very important thing to me, and probably the best thing anyone could ever say,” John Audsley said, following the Senior Day game and huge upset win over the nationally-ranked Benedictine Ravens.

John and Dustin Audsley surprised their sons by travelling from Arizona to

see Tyler’s final game as a Bobcat.

With Tyler’s anticipated graduation in May 2016, the Bobcats will be back to just one Audsley on the team. But, with the proverbial baton passed from Audsley to Audsley, fans will continue to expect big plays when they hear the now-familiar name.

25th Anniversary of the 1990 NAIA National Football Championship On October 17, 2015, Peru State commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Bobcats’ NAIA national football championship, hard-fought and hard-won in 1990. Twenty-four former players and one former coach returned for the weekend’s festivities, including a Friday evening banquet and a special midfield introduction at halftime of the Bobcat football game.

Right: Returning 1990 national football championship team members in attendance for the halftime recognition were the following: Back Row, left to right: Matt Hug, Alex Malcom, Cory Catterson, Terry Clark, Scott Sullivan, Jim Wenzl, Bryan Sullivan, Chuck Humphrey, Tim Bowen, Ryan Rischling, Rondel Korbelik Front Row, left to right: Dan Gauchat, Louie Lantz, Tony Uhlir, Bobby Stephens, Stephen Gaines, Scott Gerdes, Brent Strittmatter, Sam Walkup, Jeff Leo, Sam Pfeifer, Mark Fritch, Dellyn Feighner, Aaron Bailey, Barry McGooden.

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New Inductions into the PSC Athletic Hall of Fame September 26, 2015, Peru State inducted four individuals and one team into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Inductees, friends, and family members attended an evening banquet as well as a half-time induction ceremony at the Bobcats versus MidAmerica Nazarene football game. Pictured here are scenes from the weekend celebrations and descriptions of the unique athletic achievements that makes these individuals and team members worthy of being the newest members of the Peru State Athletic Hall of Fame.

As pitcher, Ron “Machine Gun” Kelley led the Bobcats to the Nebraska Collegiate Conference championship in 1962 while posting a 7-0 mark and a 1.82 earned run average. His career mark of 256 strikeouts still stands in the Peru State baseball records. In addition, Kelley is second in career victories with 20, and third in career earned run average at 2.71. He has the third and fourth-most single season strikeouts at Ron Kelley (‘63) 82 and 77.

Baseball, Football After college ball, Kelley was recruitAbove: Ron Kelley (’63) receives the Hall of ed to play professional ball by the BosFame plaque from President Hanson. ton Red Sox. Ron Kelley, a Nebraska Baseball Kelley was also a three-year letter Hall of Fame 2014 inductee, was not winner in football and rushed for 1,116 only successful on the Bobcat baseball yards during his time on the field. diamond, but also was a top performer Ron is a retired educator and adminon the football field. istrator now living in Falls City.

Cory Catterson (’92) Football

Above: Cory (’92) and Crystal Catterson

Most Bobcat football historians would consider Cory Catterson to be the most prolific receiver in Peru State football lore. Catterson still holds the top marks in several receiving categories after his performances in the early 1990’s.

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In 1990, Catterson set the all-time receiving mark with 1,223 yards and followed it up the next season with the second-best total of 1,217 yards. He is still first all-time in career receiving yards with 3,699. He has career records in most receptions at 206, yards per catch at 17.9 yards, and yards per game at 84.1 yards. In addition, he has four other top ten career marks.

Catterson was a member of the 1990 NAIA National Championship Team and earned NAIA Honorable Mention recognition after his senior season in 1991 when the Bobcats made the NAIA semifinals.

Today, Cory is a health and physical education instructor in Tucson, Arizona, and he also coaches football, basketball, and track.

1996 Softball Team Above: Members of the 1996 softball team celebrate their induction into the Hall of Fame with Bob Cat. Front row (left to right): Jordyn Larson, Krissy (Tatum) Larson (‘99); Jennifer (Slattery) Heese (’96); Jennifer (Dappen) Rathmann; Kerry (Brandt) Evans (’97); Cari (Ortmeier) Thomas (‘97) Back row (left to right): Scott Heese (’96), Assistant Coach; Jill Madsen (’01); Kelly (Muhle) Volker (’97); Andrea (Tee) Rice (’97); Sara (Justesen) Mathews (’96); Lea Bausher (’99); Rachel (Duede) Richardson (’97); Mark Mathews, Head Coach.

The 1996 Peru State softball team is the only Bobcat softball team to play in the NAIA National Championship. The Bobcats first won the Independent Sectional Tournament, followed by the Great Plains Regional Tournament to qualify for the national tournament.

In the sectional, the Bobcats topped Dordt (Iowa) 9-0 and Briar Cliff (Iowa) 3-1 to earn the right to complete in the regional. Peru State defeated Jamestown (N.D.) 9-1, Northwestern (Iowa) 10-9, Hastings 10-2, and Northwestern (Iowa) 5-4 in the championship to earn the trip to Decatur, Alabama.

The team, coached by Mark Mathews, finished the season with a 42-23 record.

The team’s performance that season left a big mark on the Bobcat record book. Six single season records were established and still stand to-

day. The Bobcats hit the most triples in a season with 31, had the most assists in a season with 610, faced the most batters in a season with 1,769, had the most complete games in a season with 57, played the most games in a season with 65, and gained the most wins in a season with 42.

Several team members are still in the top ten single season record books.

Four members of this team hold records in most at bats, runs scored, and most doubles. Three hold records in most hits and most RBIs. Two hold records in home runs, most stolen bases, most triples, most innings pitched, most victories, and most complete games pitched. One record in most strikeouts still stands.

Two of the Bobcat players were recognized as NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

Today, Coach Mark Mathews continues to serve as head coach of Peru State softball.

Linda Moody Retires After 38 Years

Linda Moody

Tom Shea (1985 - 1990) Football Coach

Above: Tom Shea and Dick Newman at the Hall of Fame banquet.

Tom Shea served as the coach of the 1990 Peru State NAIA National Championship Football team – the only Bobcat football team to reach that pinnacle of success. After his team won the national championship, Shea was named the NAIA Coach of the Year.

During his five years as the Bobcat head coach, Shea was 35-17-1, and Peru

Kristi Deleeuw Herman (’92) Volleyball, Softball

Above: President Hanson congratulates Kristi (Deleeuw) Herman (‘92) on her Hall of Fame induction.

An outstanding dual-sport athlete, Kristi Deleeuw Herman terrorized opponents on the volleyball court and on the softball field. Deleeuw had a wicked arm swing that produced many records which still stand in the volleyball record

State twice won the Nebraska College Conference. In addition, Peru State was also in the playoffs two times.

Shea is known as a head coach who can transform programs and reestablish them as winners as he has done so at several colleges and universities.

Currently, Tom is the head coach of Upper Iowa University Peacocks. books. In addition, she has a couple of records which still hold in the softball books, even though she was playing at a time when fewer softball games were played In volleyball, Deleeuw still has the single-season kill mark with 746. Her career total of 1,739 kills is still second as is her 4,162 attack attempts. In 1990, Deleeuw led the NAIA averaging 5.11 kills per set and was named First Team All-District.

On the softball field, Deleeuw owns the second-best single season batting average at .464 and is listed in both the career doubles and career triples categories.

Today, Kristi is a senior human resources consultant with HR Systems Incorporated. She has been in the human resource field for over 20 years with 15 years in various leadership roles.

Linda Moody retired from Peru State in October, 2015, after working at the College for 38 years and serving 11 presidents. Here she shares her thoughts on the evolution of Peru State.

My employment began in September 1977 when my co-worker, Connie Kearney, took maternity leave. My husband, children and I had recently moved to Auburn from Lincoln where I had worked as the secretary to the finance director for the City of Lincoln.

I was hired by Peru State as a temporary office assistant for Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Clyde Barrett.

At that time, both the president and secretary to the president positions were vacant. When Connie returned from maternity leave, I was invited to stay on as secretary to the president. Dr. Larry Tangeman had been appointed to take over the presidency.

So many changes have taken place over the years; not only have employees and students come and gone, but the college itself has, it seems, been in constant transformation. I recall the Al Wheeler Activity Center being built and a Masonic ceremony being held for the laying of the cornerstone. (I think it’s also a time capsule.)

I’ve seen the T.J. Majors building remodeled and renovated twice, the old gym become a beautiful library and the old library become the CATS (Center for Achievement and Transition Services).

I watched an addition to Hoyt Science Building go up. The President’s office was moved to Hoyt Science Building when the Administration Building was renovated, and improvements to Jindra have made it a state-of-the-art facility.

Some old buildings have been removed, like the engineer’s house/student health center/alumni house (purposed in that order), while the little red Schoolhouse was dismantled, brought to campus and reassembled anew. The glass-paneled greenhouse was literally picked up by volunteers and carried to its new location on a lot in the north part of Peru.

A.V. Larson Building was repurposed from an industrial arts teaching center to house the Art department and alumni offices. Residence halls have gotten face-lifts, and let’s not forget the most visible transformation of the Oak Bowl stadium and field. It was great fun to be a part of the dedication celebration last year!

Probably the most profound change I have witnessed has occurred in technology. Office equipment and processes used when I first started working here are no longer even in our vocabulary: mimeograph, Selectric typewriter, carbon paper, Dictaphone, cassettes, Thermofax, stencils … the list goes on. The first computer we had was an IBM Displaywriter that used 8 inch floppy disks for data storage. Today they are all museum pieces!

Equipment, technology, facilities – all may have changed, but there’s one element that remains constant. The human element. It has been a gift to be able to watch students evolve from freshmen eager to experience life on their own to confident graduates. Several have become good friends along the way – friendships I would not have if I had not been temporarily hired so many years ago.

I want to thank the many truly caring faculty and staff who go above and beyond each day to help and support one another and the students. I could not have stayed in my position for so many years if it had not been for those people. I will miss the everyday contact with many of you! But 38 years and 11 presidents/interim presidents later, this temporary gig has run its course. Thank you Peru State for the memories!

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New Sculpture Unveiled at Oak Bowl President Dan Hanson was joined by artist Benjamin Victor and many fans of football and art alike to unveil a new piece of public art on the Peru State campus. Made possible by Nebraska’s 1% for Art program, a larger-thanlife-size bronze sculpture of an historic football player now stands near the entrance to the Oak Bowl stadium. The unveiling took place Saturday, August 29, just prior to the Bobcats versus Central Methodist University season opener.

The bronze sculpture was commissioned as part of the $9 million Oak Bowl renovation completed in 2014.

By Nebraska law, one percent of all state-appropriated monies used for public buildings must be used for public art. $7.5 million in state funding was invested in the Oak Bowl project.

The Oak Bowl project included renovation and new construction of the stadium, press box, concourse area, concession stand, restrooms and pedestrian access. As one of the largest outdoor facilities in southeast Nebraska, the lighted and turfed field is used for the college’s football program and active intramural program. The Oak Bowl is beginning to be used for a community and regional events and activities as well.

While creating the statue, artist Benjamin Victor, accompanied by his massive sidekick then in clay form, visited campus as an artist-in-residence, sharing insight into his craft with students and members of the community, and giving a preview of the statue as he added final details.

Art critics and organizations, including the National Sculpture Society in

New York City, recognize the aesthetic and conceptual integrity of Victor’s artwork. Victor received his first large commission at age 23. By 26, he became the youngest artist in history to have a sculpture in National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. Nine years later he became the only living artist to have two works in Statuary Hall.

Standing on a pedestal in a highly visible spot along 5th Street, the statue brings the beauty of art to campus and to the town of Peru.

Right: President Dan Hanson makes brief remarks to a crowd gathered to celebrate the new Oak Bowl statue.

Above: (From left) Artist Benjamin Victor joins members of the art selection committee Art Professor Ken Anderson, Graphic Designer Rebecca Johnson, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Michaela Willis, Office Assistant Connie Kearney, and artist and community volunteer Mary Ann Cheney.

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Trails and Tales Tour and Institute IX: Anticipating Nebraska’s Sesquicentennial The summer of 2016 will bring the 9th rendition of PSC’s “Trails and Tales Institute and Tour.” This program began in 1996 when Dr. Dan Holtz, Professor of English, and Dr. Sara Crook, Professor of History, offered the course in an effort to inspire elementary and secondary teachers to share more Nebraska history and literary heritage with their students. Over the years the course has had several foci, ranging from pioneer trails, forts, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and even an early American constitutional and literary focus. But in 2016 the tour is focused on preparing teachers for the upcoming sesquicentennial of Nebraska’s date of statehood. Dr. Crook will focus on pivotal events in Nebraska’s history that have impacted who we were, who we are today, and the people we will be going forth. Dr. Holtz will focus on four key Nebraska writers who have documented this transition throughout our history: John Neihardt, Mari Sandoz, Willa Cather, and Bess Streeter Aldrich.

Although this experience can be tak-

Tour Sites

Day 1: Monday June 20 • Mayhew Cabin and Historic Vilen for graduate or undergraduate credlage, Nebraska City it, there will be some spots available for those who just want the tour experience • Love’s Jazz & Arts Center, Omaha • General Crook House Museum, with no college credit.

However for those wanting to take Omaha this for credit, the Institute portion will • John G. Neihardt State Historical be the classroom time spent at PSC Site, Bancroft Monday through Friday, June 13-17, • Niobrara State Park 2016, with the English class from 9 a.m.

– Noon, followed by the history class Day 2: Tuesday June 21 • Arthur Bowring Ranch State Hisfrom 1-4 p.m.

The statewide tour component leaves torical Park, Merriman the PSC campus Monday morning June • Mari Sandoz High Plains Museum, 20 and returns late Saturday afternoon, Chadron June 25.

The exact cost of the tour has not yet Day 3: Wednesday June 22 been finalized, but plans are to have all • Fort Robinson State Park, includthe details finalized by mid-December. ing: If you are interested in either the course -Red Cloud Agency or just the tour component and want -Cheyenne Outbreaks Barracks more information, please contact either -Crazy Horse Site Dr. Holtz at dholtz@peru.edu or Dr. -Buffalo Soldiers Barracks Crook at scrook@peru.edu. You may • Fort Robinson Museum also call the School of Arts and Sciences • Museum of the Fur Trader, Chadat 402-872-2237. ron

Celebrating 150 years of shaping Nebraska’s future in 2017.

TJ Majors under construction.

Share your stories and memories of Peru State at

peru.edu/150

Day 4: Thursday June 23 • Scotts Bluff National Monument, Scottsbluff • Farm and Ranch Museum, Gering • Chimney Rock National Historic Site • Ash Hollow State Historical Park Day 5: Friday June 24 • Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard, North Platte • Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center, North Platte • Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney • Willa Cather’s Red Cloud Day 6: Saturday June 25 • Homestead National Monument, Beatrice • Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln • Bess Streeter Aldrich House and Museum, Elmwood

New Historical Marker to Share 150 Years of College History In 1967 in observation of Nebraska’s Centennial, the Historical Landmark Council of the Nebraska State Historical Society selected a number of sites for State Historical Markers. Peru State College was one of these sites. President Neal Gomon was asked to write text for the marker, and he did. The Historical Landmark Council funded the marker, and it was installed by employees of PSC in the spring of 1968.

Thirty years later, the text on the marker has faded. Peru State College’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the National Honorary History Society, refurbished the marker. As the sesquicentennial of both the state and the college approaches, Phi Alpha Theta recognized the need for an updated marker.

Phi Alpha Theta co-advisor and Professor of History Dr. Sara Cook wrote new language for the marker, and the Nebraska State Historical Society approved it.

The new marker will commemorate 150 years of Peru State College. It will be relocated slightly west of its current site to coordinate with the new college entrance plaza. Phi Alpha Theta believes that proudly displaying Peru State’s unique status as Nebraska’s oldest state college is important for students, faculty, alumni and visitors. Phi Alpha Theta has undertaken the task of raising the funds needed for the new marker. PAT is honored and delighted to share a piece of the history of PSC with every person who visits the beautiful Campus of a Thousand Oaks.

To contribute to the new historical marker, contact Dr. Sara Crook at scrook@peru.edu or Dr. Spencer Davis, Professor of History, at sdavis@peru. edu.

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“Why Do I Teach?”

Professor of Art Ken Anderson will be retiring from Peru State at the end of the 20152016 academic year. He joined the Peru State faculty in 1984. He was asked to write an essay for the College’s student newspaper, The Peru State Times, about the motivations behind his teaching career and his work as an artist.

I was approached to write an essay for the “Times” about my motivation for teaching or to simplify; “Why do I teach?”

I mulled over that question for a few weeks prior to theoretically “putting pen to paper” and came up with the following: I don’t know.

Why do any of us do what we do? I am not limiting the question to simply a narrow group of educators but to the entire human race. Again the answer is that I don’t know. Call it timing, luck, or Karma but we seem to end up where we end up, through a series of left turns as opposed to right, associating with types of people of like interests, listening to certain music, reading books on art, philosophy, religion, history, writings by people of interest to us, and a myriad of other tomes.

In any event I arrived at the following. My hope is that it raises more questions than answers.

The average undergraduate arrives at his or her respective college or university with the energy, excitement and exuberance of youth. Unfortunately, they generally also arrive with a limited understanding of foundation principles and are not cognizant of historical figures and movements. Although these students may not be as sensitive to art as one would hope, they do hold a certain verve at the prospect of learning and participating in a college art program.

As in any learning process it is requisite that foundation principles be understood and mastered. In order for my students to move forward in their work they must be presented with the opportunity and intellectual climate to not only learn foundation principles, but be allowed to take this information and explore the possibilities.

It is my charge as an artist/educator to provide a climate endemic to exploration. I stress to my students “It is my responsibility to provide you with the type of environment that piques your interest in the subject matter; if I am

Dr. Dan Holtz Receives History Award If Peru State College’s success can be ascribed to the dedication and passion of its professors, then one in particular comes to mind: Dr. Dan Holtz, Professor of English. Dr. Holtz has been teaching at Peru State since 1987.

Throughout his career, he has had a special focus on and enthusiasm for the literature and history of Nebraska.

Holtz has accumulated many teaching and other professional awards over the years. In 2000, Holtz was recognized for his work in the classroom as the recipient of the Nebraska State College System Teaching Excellence Award.

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Holtz has now been recognized by the Nebraska State Historical Society for his contributions to the preservation of Nebraska history.

October 19, 2015, Dr. Holtz received the Addison E. Sheldon Memorial Award. This award is given annually to individuals and organizations in recognition of impactful long-term or one-time accomplishments relating to Nebraska history. Dr. Holtz was recognized specifically for his work in the classroom, his contributions to public programs, and his service on the boards of the Nebraska State Historical Society

not doing this, it is then my problem to change. If I am providing you with the proper environment it is your responsibility to enter this environment and push yourself and your work. If you fail at this it is your problem. If you choose not to work there is very little I can do.”

As cold as these words may sound it is this level of shared responsibility between my students and myself that allows them control of their own action and reactions.

I have found the shared responsibility approach to be very successful. It does however force me to be careful not to give too many answers. I advise my students early on that it is more difficult not to answer their questions. I agree with the adage that “The less you teach, the more they learn”. I am likely to pose a series of “what ifs” when asked about one of their pieces. The positive aspect of this “not always answering” technique is the students become more self-sufficient and develop a heightened aesthetic awareness for their work and the work of others.

I find when reflecting upon my career, I have always made myself and my artwork available to my students.

Students are likely to see me working

and the Nebraska 150 Foundation.

Dr. Holtz served on the Nebraska State Historical Society Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2014, including a term as its president. He currently serves on the Nebraska 150 Foundation, which is organizing Nebraska’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2017.

Holtz has been co-director of Peru State’s Trails and Tales Tour and Institute, which provides teachers the opportunity for a six-day tour of Nebraska historical and literary sites. Holtz has also presented his “Nebraska Through Song and Story” program more than 250 times throughout the state as a member of the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau. Acoustic guitar in

Ken Anderson, Professor of Art

late and on weekends on my pieces. I feel that they have benefited by this example. Hopefully my students have learned that I am not an educator that does art. Rather I am an artist that educates..... There is a difference.

hand, he has performed traditional folk songs and shared stories of a younger Nebraska with audiences of all ages, in locations across the state.

After more than 40 years of teaching, most of which have been spent in classrooms at Peru State, Dr. Holtz will conclude his teaching career in the spring of 2016. Holtz says the upcoming change is not a retirement, but rather a transition to other activities including continuing his twin passions for story-telling and song-writing. One current project is the creation of “All Original, All Nebraska,” an album featuring original songs set around unique moments in Nebraska history.

Peru State College’s Criminal Justice Club, Kappa Omicron Rho, Excels Peru State College’s Criminal Justice Club, Kappa Omicron Rho, has been evolving as a competitive chapter in the Region 3 District. Kappa Omicron Rho is a chapter of the national organization the American Criminal Justice Association – Lambda Alpha Epsilon. Criminal Justice Instructors Danny Hayes and Ronicka Schottel have been co-advisors of the club since fall 2012. During that time they have taken the club to several National and Regional ACJA-LAE Conferences as well as participating in many other activities including field trips, guest speakers and even a fun run fundraiser.

The club attempts to provide opportunities for students to make connections with criminal justice organizations, create meaningful learning experiences and give back to the community. Club

President Sarah Newell spearheaded the First Annual Detective Dash this past August in an effort to connect with the community and teach children about the criminal justice system. The club also has the opportunity to attend field trips to an indoor shooting range to learn about gun safety and how to properly operate a firearm. Along with these activities, the members participate in competitions with other students from around the country at the conferences. Over the last few years, the club has compiled some impressive results.

At the regional and national conferences there are competitions in written exams, physical agility, crime scene investigation and firearms. Trophies are awarded to the top three participants in each competition for each category.

Participants are broken down into three categories, lower division (students with under 70 credit hours), upper division (students with over 70 credit hours) and professional.

Members of the club have won a total of 29 trophies. During the 2013 Region 3 Conference they also won the High Percentage Trophy. This trophy is awarded to the chapter that earned the most points based on the number of members present at the conference. The most recent Region 3 conference saw more success from Kappa Omicron Rho by bringing five more trophies back to Peru State. Hayes was also elected Region 3 Vice President.

The criminal justice program at Peru State continues to grow and now includes 190 students. The program con-

tains three different tracks that students can choose from. They are the Administrative, Counseling and Law & Society. The administrative track contains coursework relating to managing within the criminal justice system. Many of the elective courses include business classes designed to assist students in understanding the responsibilities of being in an administrative position. The counseling track allows for students to take many psychology and social work courses. This will allow students to gain necessary knowledge and experience for many possible careers within the criminal justice system. The law & society track includes political science and government courses for those students with a keen interest in the Constitution, law and government.

The foundations of the organization are:

• Improve criminal justice through educational activities.

• Foster professionalism within the members of the association.

• Promote professional, academic, and public awareness of criminal justice issues.

• Encourage the establishment and expansion of the criminal justice program and activities/trainings available to the entire institution.

• Provide a unified voice for professionals in, and students of, criminal justice.

• Promote high standards of ethical conduct, professional training, and higher education within the criminal justice field.

Above: Club officers and advisors display their trophies. Pictured from left to right: Ronicka Schottel, Vice President Evan Davies, President Sarah Newell, Sgt. at Arms Grant Jensen and Danny Hayes. Not pictured is Secretary/Treasurer April Taggs.

Above: Students that attended the most recent ACJA-LAE Region 3 Conference in Columbia, Missouri from October 22nd through October 25th. Those pictured from left to right are front row: Justin Shepard, Daniel Mick, Sarah Newell, Danny Hayes, Taneesha Hunter, Jazmin Hernandez; back row: Hailey Kaderabek, McKenna Newman, April Taggs and Je’Kerra Hopper.

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FRIENDS Dorothy (Smith) Stewart, from Sidney, Iowa, passed away October 29, 2015. She taught in country school near Pawnee City for several years and later worked for Northern Propane in Sidney, Iowa.

Barbara Moller Smith, passed away June 9, 2015, in Roseville, California. A former resident of Dunbar, she attended Peru State Teachers College. She directed many choirs and played a mean boogie-woogie piano.

Edus (Fintel) Rippe of Auburn, Nebraska, passed away May 23, 2015. Edus united in marriage to Herscholl B. Rippe, and together they had five children. Edus earned her teaching certificate at Peru State College.

Robert W. Shively passed away April 30, 2015. He taught at Peru State from 1989-1993. He enjoyed fishing, golf, hiking, and traveling. He loved watching his grandsons play sports and he encouraged all his grandkids in academics and extracurricular activities.

Guy L. Rosenberg passed away November 19, 2015. He had a 20-year career in education including serving as Associate Professor of Psychology (1966-1971), Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs (1971-1973), Director of Student Life (1973-1976), and Director of Career Counseling and Placement (1976-1977) at Peru State. He then moved to the field of academic testing prior to his retirement.

1930s Mildred LaVerne (Shafer) Mayfield (’36), 99 years old, of Nemaha passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2015. LaVerne graduation from Peru State College and then taught high school math and home economics at Elkhorn and Brock. She later became a County Home Extension Agent living at Weeping Water. She also attended the University of Nebraska for graduate studies.

Dorothy (Dot) Behrends (’37) passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Monday, April 27, 2015.

She grew up in Cortland, where she attended school and went on to complete her education at Peru State College. She will be remembered for her many years of teaching at Norris School. After retiring, she continued to substitute for a time. She adored her students, and even though lessons came first, she will be remembered by many of her former students for sharing jokes, magic tricks, card tricks, and stories.

Pat E. (Casey) Rogge (’37) from Auburn passed away July 13, 2015. She was an avid reader and spent many hours reading and taking care of her dog. She had a vibrant personality and loved to visit with friends and family.

Harold E. Fisher (’38) was born in Peru, Nebraska, and passed away January 27, 2015 at the Ambassador Care Center in Sidney, Iowa. Harold’s youth was spent in Peru, where he was president of his class for all four years at Peru High School. In 1945, Harold united in marriage to Christina Rosenthal at Sterling, Nebraska. Harold enjoyed hunting, gardening, and fishing.

1940s Richard Meyer (’41) of Fairbury, passed away July 8, 2015. He enjoyed relating stories, reading, attending auctions, collecting antiques and die-cast model cars and following the activities of his grandchildren.

Creta E. (Andrews) Garratt (’45) of Gothenburg, passed away June 9, 2015. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was known for her daily exercise routine, her made-from-scratch cookies, her flowers and gardening.

Arlene Mae (Sugden) Tackett (‘48) passed away on March 24, 2015. After teaching for one year, she became a homemaker, raising four children and remaining involved in her church and community of Shenandoah, Iowa.

Margaret (Klein) Rose (’49) passed away July 12, 2015. She taught first and second grade in Red Oak, Iowa; Prairie Village, Kansas; and Kansas City, Missouri.

Robert E. Schemmel (’49) of Nebraska City passed away on September 24, 2015. After serving in World War II, he started his first teaching job at Salem where he served as superintendent, teacher, and coach of all sports. He later taught at Johnson and Irving Junior High in Lincoln. He enjoyed baseball and golf and won many golf tournaments.

1950s Mildred (Polk) Elliott (’53) passed away October 6, 2015. She taught school for over 40 years.

Family was always very important to her. She was active in her church and community and choir director at Farragut United Methodist Church in Farragut, Iowa, for many years.

Richard Eugene Gregg (’55) of Hamburg, Iowa, passed away August 6, 2015. He served two years with the United States Army during the Korean War. Ella M. (Meister) Johnson (’55) of Stella passed away September 13, 2015. She taught two years of country school and one year at Humboldt Elementary School while earning her teaching degree.

She had a 27-year career at the State Bank of Stella.

Fred Clements (’56) of Omaha passed away November 13, 2015. His memories of growing up in Peru became larger-than-life stories that everyone enjoyed. Music was an important part of his life as

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a music teacher, a partner in a music company, piano technician, representative of a pipe organ company and as an active leader and participant in many music groups.

Bonnie (Rutz) Carlile (’57) of Auburn passed away June 20, 2015. Bonnie started intercollegiate athletics for women at Peru State and was named an Outstanding Educator of America. She was inducted into Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. She coached volleyball and started the women’s basketball and softball programs at Peru State.

Robert D. “Bob” Reed (’58) of Kearney, passed away August 10, 2015. Bob enjoyed golfing, spending time with his puppy Max, and socializing with his friends.

Keith O’Neil Lamb (’59) of Lampe, Missouri passed away. He was a teacher and school administrator in many American Indian schools and worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Office of Surface Mines. In retirement, he owned and operated a Bed and Breakfast.

Claudette (Stumbo) Stevens (’59) of Falls City passed away July 21, 2015. She enjoyed traveling to Europe, across the U.S. and to Alaska, where she and her husband spent several weeks for 14 summers. Her hobbies included making stained glass art, flying hot air balloons, quilting, and growing roses. She always loved animals, especially quarter horses, Alaskan sled dogs, and parrots.

1960s Nedra May (Williams) Sunderland (’60) of Tucson, Arizona, passed away May 11, 2015. She taught schools in Nebraska and Arizona until she retired at the age of 65.

Lois Jean (Layden) Gager (’61) from Table Rock passed away March 6, 2015. She was very involved in her community and enjoyed belonging to many clubs and organizations. She was an avid writer that was meticulous in punctuation; she loved to write notes and letters to family and friends.

Larry D. Gilson (’62) passed away November 4, 2015. A teacher and a coach, Larry served as head basketball coach in Maxwell High School, Curtis Medicine Valley High School, and Eustis-Farnam High School, amassing 576 wins during his 39-year coaching career, including one state championship and several other state tournament qualifiers.

Roy R. Rubenking (’63) of Nebraska City, passed away August 23, 2015. He taught at the Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped 36 years before retiring in 1999.

Gary L. Neumann (’67) of Blue Springs, Nebraska, passed away December 10, 2015. He was a social science and computer science teacher, and served for 20 years on the Blue Springs City Council.

Robert “Bob” Cappel (’69) passed away September 8, 2015. Growing up in McCook, he excelled in high school and college baseball and developed a deep admiration and lifelong love of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He deeply loved and cared for all humanity. Bob was most proud of his children and grandchildren 1970s Lola Jean Estle (‘71) of Sabetha, Kansas, passed away December 6, 2015. She taught special education and touched the lives of many students academically and personally.

Mildred (Gilliland) Rieschick (’71) from Falls City passed away August 30. She enjoyed antiquing and traveling to shows to buy and sell antiques with family.

Clyde Wilkins (’71) of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away December 21, 2015. He was a successful high school basketball coach. He remains one of Peru State’s top ten all-time scorers, with 1,193 points scored during his 1965-1971 career with the Bobcats.

Robert Nincehelser (’72) of Peru passed away October 24, 2015. After his graduation from Peru Prep, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. Bob re-enlisted after earning his bachelor’s degree and served another four years. Farming and his family were his life.

Terry Lee Rouse (’77) passed away September 22, 2015. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from December 1969 to October 1974. He liked to golf and also enjoyed woodworking in his free time. He was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker Fan. 1980s Aaron B. Larson (’80) passed away on July 14, 2015. Performing arts were a part of Aaron’s childhood. In 1962, he was featured in newspapers for conducting the Brookings High School Band at the Seattle World’s Fair. He graduated Peru State College with a bachelor’s degree in music and theater.

Sundae Knott Nordstrom (’82) passed away August 3, 2015. She enjoyed walking from her parents’ home to her grandparents’ home. Springtime was one her favorites because of the newborn calves. She participated in the choir at Peru State College. During her professional career, she first taught music at the Prince Edward Academy in Farmville, Virginia. She truly enjoyed teaching students no matter their age.

Christine (Frohberg) Dietz (’83) of Lincoln passed away June 11, 2015. She was a fantastic artist and photographer and enjoyed gardening and playing violin.

Captain Mark Williams (’87) passed away November 5, 2015. He had a successful career with the Nebraska State Patrol, reaching the rank of Captain on January 1, 2014. Captain Williams was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session #226 in 2006.

1990s Jill (Morfeld) Kueny (’99) passed away November 15, 2015. Jill began her career teaching third grade in Plattsmouth. After earning a master’s degree and gaining additional training through Ohio State University, she became a literacy coordinator in Plattsmouth, and then became a literacy facilitator with Papillion-La Vista School District. Jill was active in her community of Louisville, Nebraska, and in her profession as a member of several professional educators’ organizations.

Friends Everett and Laurel Browning celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at their home in Peru.

1950s Robert Bohlken, (‘59), was honored by American Legion Post 100 in Maryville, Missouri, for 60 years of consecutive service to the American Legion.

Henrichs has been a fourth grade teacher at Auburn Public Schools for the past five years. He has coached middle school football, high school football, high school basketball and legion basketball. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Peru State and will further his education through Peru State’s Master of Science in Education, a 19-month online cohort program.

Devin Garcia (’13) was named the 2015 Rookie of the Year by the Nebraska State Education Association. Garcia teaches science at Lewiston Public Schools. He is also the Quiz Bowl sponsor, junior class sponsor, head golf coach, assistant football coach and assistant girls basketball coach.

Tyler Nutsch (’13), sixth grade teacher at Walnut Creek Elementary School in Papillion, won the Rookie of the Year award from the Papillion-La Vista school district.

Tessa Parrish (’13) and Zach Parrish (‘14) both joined the staff of Sutton Public Schools. Tessa teaches sixth grade. Zach teaches business education and serves as the district technology coordinator and assistant junior high boys basketball coach.

Katie Schlund (’15) of Pawnee City, qualified for her second Master Angler award through Nebraska Game and Parks with the catch of a two-pound, 15.5 inch crappie.

1960s LaMarr Gibson (‘61) of Norfolk, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Northeast Nebraska All-Star Football Classic.

1970s John Perkins (‘74) is the new industrial arts teacher at Southern Cloud School Dist. in Kansas.

Randy Platt, (‘78), was inducted into the National High School Athletics Coaches’ Association’s Hall of Fame in June 2015 at the National Athletic High School Coaches Association national convention in Rochester, Minnesota. Previously, Randy was inducted into the Iowa Girls’ Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame for both softball and basketball.

1980s Mick Haney, (‘82), was awarded the iTeach Award for Innovation for the 2015 school year at Nevada State College. The iTeach awards have been a part of the Nevada State College campus community since 2006 to recognize individuals who best exemplify the values that represent Nevada State College: Innovation, Teaching Excellence, Economic Development, Assessment, Customer Service, and Heritage. “Mick’s commitment to developing a sound data infrastructure and working with every department on campus to continue to grow our knowledge base has literally revolutionized the way we make decisions on campus,” said Erika Beck, Provost, Nevada State College Larry Emnett, (‘86), retired from the United States Air Force after 22 years of active service, including a nine-month tour of duty in Iraq. He is now on his thirteenth year of volunteering with the National Ski Patrol at Loveland Basin, Colorado, and working in space operations for a large military contract.

1990s Dr. Joan Christen, (‘96) was recently awarded the “Distinguished Alumnus” award from the UNL Department of Entomology Lawrence Bruner Club. She first taught at Southeast Consolidated School in Stella and is currently teaching science at Beatrice High School.

Jill (Parker) Scanlon, (‘97), joined Mead Public Schools as a math teacher. Her goals are to inspire her students to believe that they are capable of doing difficult math. In addition to teaching she is head coach of the girls basketball team and a junior high volleyball coach.

2000s Sheila (Carlson) Lauby, (’00), has been named one of Four Under Forty by the Young Leaders of Fillmore County, recognizing young civic leaders living or working in Fillmore County, Nebraska. Lauby earned the recognition for her “willingness to step up and take an active role in the community” of Fairmont. Lauby has worked for Fillmore Central Public Schools for fifteen years.

Dan Stoakes (’01) has joined BDF Investments in Red Oak, Iowa, providing brokerage services and a range of financial and insurance products. Stoakes also works as an assistant football and assistant basketball coach at Stanton Community Schools.

Benedict Hagedorn, (‘04), has taken a position with National Rural Electrical Co-op Association based out of Arlington, Virginia, in their Lincoln, Nebraska, office as a senior application developer advisor. Prior to this, he worked for more than ten years at Fiserv.

Mark Parachini, (‘07), is graduating summa cum laude from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. He is a certified public accountant in the state of Missouri and after graduation will work for a law firm in Kansas City.

2010s Regan Anson, (‘10), has been chosen as executive director of the Nebraska 150 Celebration.

She is a native of Brunswick, Nebraska, and graduated from Peru State College with a Master of Science in organizational management.

Peru State College announced Michael Henrichs (‘10), of Auburn, as the 2015 Boxley Scholar.

Michelle Vrana (‘10) and Tyler Murphy of Morse Bluff united in marriage June 6, 2015, at St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend. The bride is currently a credit administrator at Butler Ag Equipment in Fremont. The groom is a 2009 graduate of Southeast Community College in Milford. He is currently a power plant operator at Fremont Department of Utilities.

Jamie Theye (‘10) married Chris Schuter July 18, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Odell.

Jamie is employed at Southern Public Schools as the 7-12 Business Education teacher, head girls basketball coach, and assistant volleyball coach. Chris is employed at Diller-Odell Public Schools as the K-12 Physical Education and Health teacher, head football coach, and assistant track and field coach. He is a 2010 graduate of Midland University.

Jill Petersen (‘10) and Riley Dolan, both of North Platte, united in marriage August 29, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church. Jill is a 2010 graduate of North Platte High School, 2012 graduate of North Platte Community College with an Associate of Arts degree. In 2012-14, she attended Peru State College and is currently attending Chadron State College, studying music education. Jill is employed by the City of North Platte and Beveridge, Inc. Riley is a 2010 North Platte High School graduate and a 2014 graduate of North Platte Community College with a fire science degree. Riley in employed by Beveridge, Inc. Rebecca Jobe (‘05) and Justin Petry united in marriage August 29, 2015, at Renyer’s Couch House in Wetmore, Kansas. Ms. Jobe, a graduate of Peru State College, is employed as a Purchasing Agent for CJ Foods. Mr. Petry, a graduate of Kansas State University, is employed in the Engineering Department of CJ Foods. The couple currently resides in Sabetha, Kansas Ben Davis (‘04) and Angela Gee married on July 18, 2015, at Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln. Ben received his bachelor’s degree in history education from Peru State College. He teaches at Park Middle School and coaches basketball at Lincoln North Star. Angela is a 2001 graduate of Grand Island Northwest. She received her bachelor’s degree from Concordia University in Seward and her master’s degree in special education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is a teacher and softball coach for Lincoln North Star.

Kelsie Haug (‘11) and Jonathon Ruiz are planning a June 11, 2016, wedding at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Gretna, Nebraska. Kelsie graduated with a degree in early childhood education and currently teaches fourth grade at Springfield Elementary School, in Springfield. Jonathon graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in humanities.

Natasha Bradley and Jacob Hedden (‘14) married October 3, 2015. Bradley attended Peru State College for pre-nursing and is currently a senior at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Lincoln to obtain her bachelor’s degree in nursing with a UNMC regent’s scholarship. Hedden earned his Bachelor of Science in criminal justice administration at Peru State College. He is currently working on his master’s degree in forensic science at Nebraska Wesleyan and working as a bailiff at the Lancaster County Court.

Leigha Orton and Martin Kruse were married September 12, 2015. Leigha will be a December 2015 graduate from Peru State College majoring in criminal justice. Martin is a 2010 graduate of building trades from Manhattan Area Technical College and a 2012 graduate from Washburn Institute of Technology in machine tool.

Debbie Trecek (‘11) from Bellevue and Lee Volkens from Treynor, Iowa married June 13, 2015. Debbie works for the Omaha Community Playhouse. Lee is a sheriff’s deputy in Pottawattamie County.

The Stater 15

The Peru Stater

PSC Foundation P.O. Box 10 Peru, NE 68421-0010

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Inside this Peru Stater you’ll find …

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Updates on Campus Entrance Project Homecoming 2015 Honored 50-Year and 30-Year Reunion Classes Kimmel Foundation Dedicates $192,000 to Scholarships 25th Anniversary of the 1990 NAIA National Football Championship New Inductions in the PSC Athletic Hall of Fame

16 The Stater

The Peru Stater PSC Foundation PO Box 10 Peru, NE 68421-0010 For more information about Peru State College, Nebraska’s first college, visit www.peru.edu or find us on Facebook.

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