Su2017 150specialedition peru stater by Peru State

Sesquicentennial Edition: Summer 2017 Vol. 62, No. 1

Peru State College: Shaping the Future since 1867 See story on page 16

Celebrating 150 Years of Shaping Nebraska's Future Dan Hanson, Ph.D. Peru State College President

“These traditions have served as the foundation of a Peru State College education for 150 years and they will serve another 150 years.” I have the honor to invite you to join the celebration of Peru State College’s 150-year tradition. This tradition is built on our passion for student-centered education with strong relationships between students and dedicated faculty and staff. These relationships, focused on engaged learning and teaching excellence, continue to open the doors of opportunity for students. Their time at Peru State prepares them to make a vital contribution to the future of Nebraska, the region and the world.

One hundred and fifty years ago, a group of people gathered in Peru committed to building a better future, a future that must be very different than they imagined. These people, T.J. Majors, Major Daly, Charlotte McKensie, J.F. Neal and many others worked to bring higher education to southeast Nebraska. Their vision resulted in the formation of Peru State Normal School, which is now Peru State College. While they were unsure about the future, they were certain about one thing and that was that education was the key to a better future for their children, the new state of Nebraska and the nation. At the time, they could not have known the impact their vision and investment would have. Thousands of graduates improving the lives of others – and their own. People like: · Eulalie Overall breaking barriers and serving as the first African-American teacher in the Omaha Public School System. · Edison Pettit, a Peru native, was one of the first astronomers to measure the temperatures of the moon, Mars, and other planets and, in fact, craters on the moon

PSC Foundation Board of Directors Larry Green (’71) Chairman – Miramar Beach, FL Jim Desbien (’73) – Plainville, KS SaraBeth Donovan, Vice-Chair (’85), Pierre, SD Joyce Douglas, Secretary – Lincoln, NE Elton (‘88) and Connie (Sims, ‘87) Edmond - Lincoln, NE Mike Guilliatt (’67) – Fremont, NE Cindy (Plantenga, ’82) & Tim (’84) Hoffman, Treasurers – Lincoln, NE Pat Mertens (’86) – Hastings, NE Dr. Bill Snyder – Auburn, NE Al Urwin (’82) – La Vista, NE PSC National Alumni Association Board of Directors Paul (’67) & Arlene (Borcher, ’67) Fell, Co-Presidents – Lincoln, NE Ed Ankrom (’91), Secretary – Beatrice, NE Dan (’76) & Cheryl Cotton – Peru, NE Rich Daly (’68) – Lincoln, NE Adam (’11, ’17) & Promise (Nelson ‘11) DeBilzan Nebraska City, NE

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our students to meet the challenges and opportunities of a bright and prosperous future. Like our College’s founders, we know that education is still the key to a better future for our children, the region and the nation. We know that thousands more and Mars are named for him. students can and will benefit from Peru · G. Robert Coatney, who was both State College’s vision. We also know that an alumnus and a faculty member, was a the contributions of our graduates will be leader in the cure for malaria. immeasurable. · Marion Marsh Brown, who was also These traditions have served as the an alumna and a faculty member, is a nafoundation of a Peru State College eductionally recognized author writing over 20 tion for 150 years and they will serve anbooks and 200 short stories. other 150 years. · Jackson Howard, brought to Peru for the V-12 program during World War II, All the Best, became one of the top lawyers in the United States while always giving credit to the math teacher that gave him the time and attention necessary to complete his studies. Dan Hanson, Ph.D. · Our alumni serving Nebraska and President this nation in a thousand different ways. One hundred fifty years later we gather again, this time to celebrate our successes and tradition. At the same time we are looking to the future through a strategic planning process. Through this process, we will again commit to preparing

“One hundred fifty years later we gather again, this time to celebrate our success and tradition.” - Dan Hanson

Elton (’88) & Connie (Sims, ’87) Edmond – Lincoln, NE Carlos Harrison (’51) – Shenandoah, IA Mary Lu (Hicks) McCoy (’68) – Omaha, NE Chuck (’69) & Alice (Massoth, ’69) Mizerski – Lincoln, NE Tyler Nutsch (’13) – La Vista, NE Nick (’87) & Laurel (Smith, ’87) Harling – Falls City, NE Fritz (’74) & Char (Lutz, ’74) Stehlik – Omaha, NE Angela Rohwer Steiner (’90) – Sabetha, KS Kim (’90) & Kris (Kubert, ’94) Vrtiska, Co-Treasurers – Falls City, NE College President: Dr. Dan Hanson Editor: R. Todd Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, PSC Foundation Managing Editor/Writer: Deborah Solie, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, PSC Foundation

Graphic Design: Chelsea Allgood (‘08) Rebecca Johnson (‘04) Contributing Writers: Kelly Cole, Office Manager Jason Hogue, Director of Marketing Ted Harshbarger (’77), Associate Athletic Director/ Sports Information Director Rebecca Jewell, Advancement Officer, PSC Foundation Annie Neveau, Program Specialist, PSC Foundation Photography: Dr. Bill Clemente, Professor of English Ted Harshbarger (’77), Associate Athletic Director/ Sports Information Director Brandi Hull (’14), Graphic Designer Rebecca Johnson (‘04)

Todd Simpson CFRE Chief Executive Officer, Peru State College Foundation

“We are celebrating 150 years of excellence that has shaped students who went on to be leaders in their communities and their chosen fields.” Outstanding Peru State Alumni Leave Their Mark Peru State College has a remarkable history. We are celebrating 150 years of excellence that has shaped students who went on to be leaders in their communities and their chosen fields.

Today, we celebrate our alumni and their accomplishments through our new Visitor and Interpretive Center, our sesquicentennial celebrations and our new 150th anniversary history book, Nebraska’s First College: Shaping the Future Since 1867. Our alumni have fought in major battles, engineered new technologies, taught generations of students, served in the U.S. House of Representatives and led major corporations. We are proud of the education Peru State College offers and every day we hear a new success story. One of our recent alumni, Joseph Fauver (’13), just completed his PhD and developed a way to test populations for viruses by sampling mosquitos rather than invasive blood draws. Another one of our recent grads received an award for his teaching and mentoring of high school students – preparing another generation to make a positive difference

in our future. Other graduates, like Larry Green (’71) went on to serve as president of a multi-billion dollar corporation – Ball Plastics. He now serves as chairman of the PSC Foundation, and with his family, founded the Green Family Scholarship for incoming students to Peru State. The legendary Marlan Downey (’54) graduated from Peru State College, earned a master’s degree from UNL in geology and embarked on a 30-year career with Shell Oil, which culminated with him serving as president of Pecten International, Shell’s worldwide exploration subsidiary. During his retirement he founded his own company and never forgot Peru State College. He supported student scholarships and science programming. Marlan understood that investing in students is an investment in our future. Marlan recently passed away, but he will be remembered

for his remarkable life. Learn more about him in this Peru Stater and be proud of your fellow Bobcat. As we reflect on those who have made an impact – know that we value the difference you make in your community and profession. And you can make a difference at Peru State College, safeguarding the high standard of education Peru State offers to students. Make a difference by: · Supporting student scholarships · Giving to the annual fund, which gives to the College’s areas of greatest need · Include Peru State in your estate planning. Peru State College has transformed thousands of lives. You can make a lasting impact through charitable giving. Learn more about ways to give at foundation.peru.edu. Today is a great day to be a Bobcat.

Upcoming Alumni and Friends Events Plan the rest of your year with PSC events! Mark your calendars today. From regional activities and the Athletic Hall of Fame to Homecoming this is a year to remember with exciting activities for the whole family. Learn more at foundation.peru.edu and click on EVENTS (additional information may be found where noted in the event listings below). August 21: View the Eclipse at Peru State College! Learn more at peru.edu.

October 21: PSC Virtual Get Blue National Day of Bobcat Celebration! Bobcat Football vs. William Penn televised on ESPN3. October 27 and 28: Homecoming and Alumni Reunions Alumni and friends are invited to enjoy a weekend of celebrations marking 150 years since the first day of classes at Peru State College.

November 11: Admissions Tour ‘n Tailgate August 26: Jerry Joy Day at the Oak Bowl and Swenson Alumni Award Learn more at peru.edu/admissions. Recognition Jerry Joy Day at the Oak Bowl will celebrate Coach Joy’s involvement at Peru State November 14: Lincoln Alumni and Friends Reception and the naming of the football home locker room the Jerry Joy Home Locker Room. Alumni and friends are invited to gather in Lincoln for food, fun and fellowship. Also, past recipients of the Swenson Award are invited back for a special presentation. September 22 and 23: Athletic Hall of Fame Seven outstanding athletes will be inducted during the Hall of Fame weekend.

December 8: Nebraska City Alumni and Friends Reception Vice President Tim Borchers hosts alumni and friends at his home in Nebraska City.

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Peru State Today... Year in review Arizona Alumni Reunion

Arizona Alumni Reunion

Alumni Chili Feed

Commencement 2017

Fieldhouse Ribbon Cutting

Commencement 2017

Arizona Alumni Reunion

Retirement reception for Dr. Daryl Long

Commencement 2017 Alumni Basketball Event

Alumni Basketball Event

Alumni Chili Feed Alumni Chili Feed

Alumni Chili Feed

Retirement Reception for Dr. Daryl Long

Omaha Alumni Dinner

Alumni Basketball Event

Omaha Alumni Dinner

Alumni Basketball Event Alumni Basketball Event

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Retirement Reception for Dr. Daryl Long

Interpretive Center Dedication

Omaha Alumni Dinner

Peru Prep Reunion

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All-College Reunion

Charter Day

Special thank you to the Charter Day Planning Committee:

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Lori (Speckman) Broady (’90, ’03) Doug Friedli Jason Hogue Peggy Groff (‘76) Rebecca Jewell Amy Mincer Daryl and Jackie Obermeyer Janet Palmtag Justin Pfeifer Lucille (Davis ) Sharp (’59) Deborah Solie

#iamPeruState

Celebrating Our Bobcats

#IamPeruState Campaign Launches

Help Name the New Bobcat Locker Room for Jerry Joy

Peru State College has positively impacted faculty, staff and students throughout its 150 years. To illustrate what Peru State means to so many, the PSC Marketing Department created #IamPeruState. During the #IamPeruState campaign, current students, alumni and faculty

members will be interviewed by student interns to highlight the accomplishments and dedication of the Peru State community. These interviews have been used to create videos, press releases, posters and social media posts to showcase what it means to say #IamPeruState.

#IamPeruState

Enjoy video interviews with #IamPeruState featured alumni, faculty, staff and students on the Peru State YouTube Channel (go to youtube.com and search for Peru State #IamPeruState).

#IamPeruState Get involved. Don’t take your college years for granted. Even after graduation, still get involved in your community because your life will be much more fulfilling.

There’s just nothing like going home at the end of the day and saying, “I think I made a difference today.” . . . You know, in the end, it’s about giving your gift away, and that’s what I try to do.

- Ted Harshbarger

- Dr. Sara B. Crook

14-15 FBLA-PBL National Board Chair

Nebraska Phi Beta Lambda Advisor

Nebraska Sesquicentennial Chairperson

#IamPeruState

#IamPeruState If you do not accomplish one goal that you have set for yourself, then you are more likely to sit and regret the decision for the rest of your life -from the moment you have not taken initiative.

- Zak Ruei

Student Senate President

What was your favorite part of being back at Peru State College?

Jim O’Donoghue Peru State Alumni

Physically being back on campus was the best part. As you get older, it all comes back to you. They say you can’t go back, but you can. When it’s small and personal, you can come back to it. It’s almost 50 years later, and it’s still my school to me. I feel that good about Peru.

Major: Physical Education Hometown: Worcester, MA More #IamPeruState @ peru.edu/media/iamperustate

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In April, Peru State hosted a special kind of surprise party. The party itself was a ribbon cutting for a new home locker room for the Peru State Foundation Chief Executive Bobcat football team held in conjunction with Officer, Todd Simpson spoke with Joy at his side. the team’s Blue and White scrimmage. Peru State has been raising funds to renovate the former Peru elementary school building and create a fieldhouse for the football program. The first phase of the project focused on renovating a portion of the facility into a new home locker room for the football team. As the fundraising for the first phase neared its financial goal, members of the Jerry and Christina Joy family, led by daughter Cristy Joy and nephew Mark Joy, secretly joined forces with the Peru State College Foundation to seek $100,000 in contributions to the project to name the new locker facility the Jerry Joy Home Locker Room. As Coach Joy’s former players, classmates and colleagues jumped on board to support the effort, it began to feel like one of the best-kept secrets in southeast Nebraska. The initiative was to be formally announced during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Several members of Jerry’s family filed into the back of the crowded room. When Jerry spotted them, the look of surprise on his face confirmed that he had not heard of the plan. Jerry Joy is a 1964 graduate of Peru State. He worked for the College for nearly 20 years as head football coach and as an administrator. As Jerry’s daughter, Cristy Joy, announced the naming initiative, she described her father’s lifelong commitment to Peru State as an alumnus, staff member, and native of southeast Nebraska. For one of the few times in his life, Jerry Joy was The Joy family gathered for the locker room speechless. ribbon-cutting event. As Cristy recalled, “I grew up attending practices and games when Dad was coaching the Bobcats. When I think back to those days, one thing stands out to me: the way he worked diligently with his players to bring out the best in them, both on and off of the field. I know he truly wanted each person to achieve their very best.” To date, more than $65,000 has been contributed to this special initiative. In addition, thanks to a grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, contributions may qualify for State of Nebraska tax credits. Call the Peru State College Foundation at 402-872-2304 for more information or to make your gift to the Jerry Joy Home Locker Room. To celebrate Jerry Joy and promote this naming initiative, President Dan Hanson has declared August 26, 2017, as Jerry Joy Day at the Oak Bowl. Come cheer on the Bobcats and thank Jerry Joy for the impact he has had on students and the campus. Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. for the season-opening match against Avila University.

Honoring Dr. Thomas Ediger Dr. Thomas Ediger, long time Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, was recently honored as part of Peru State College’s Sesquicentennial with a special musical composition, “Sons and Daughters of Peru.” The musical piece was begun by Dr. Ediger and completed by Matt Hill, assistant professor, for its inaugural debut at the 2017 Commencement ceremony. This tribute, reminds us all of Dr. Ediger’s love and passion for Peru State College and music. Recently a group of alumni have come together to find a way to permanently memorialize Dr. Ediger on Peru State’s Dr. Thomas Ediger campus – whether it’s a sculpture, painting or plaque – it would honor his impact on the hundreds of students he taught over his 35 years at PSC. Below are some words from James “Odie” Oltman (’02) who is leading this effort: Dear PSC Alumni, While over the last few years PSC has transformed in ways many never imagined, two and half years ago our school changed forever. In August of 2014 the PSC family encountered a void that will be difficult to fill when Dr. Thomas Ediger passed away unexpectedly. I know that while many of you who are reading this can recall some direct connection to Dr. Ediger, there are many more of you who may not. But, what I want to impart to you is that your life was positively impacted because of him, whether you were involved in music or not. Dr. Ediger made everyone around him better, made everyone around him care a little bit more and made everyone have a little bit more passion in their day to day lives. Whether it was his students, his colleagues, area community members or PSC staff, one way or another he had an affect on you. He brought passion, creativity, motivation, kindness and empathy with him every single day and that permeated through the entire campus. Just like you cannot tell the story of Peru State College without mentioning T.J. Majors, W.N. Delzell or V.H. Jindra, you cannot tell the story of Peru State College without including several chapters about Dr. Ediger. And that is why I am writing to you today. The Peru State College Foundation has been working with me and other alumni, on a memorial campaign to honor the legacy of Dr. Thomas Ediger on campus. I encourage each and every one of you to consider making an investment not only for the memorial, but also for the story it will tell. The world is a better place because of Dr. Thomas Ediger and his gift of music, and we are all better for having the privilege to cross his path. - James “Odie” Oltman (‘02) For those interested in learning more or participating in this memorial, contact the PSC Foundation at (402) 872-2304 or email Deborah Solie at dsolie@peru.edu.

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Kenyon's Koffee Klutch

Welcome new staff to campus

The Socratic Method in Action: Kenyon’s Koffee Klutch By Earl McCain (‘58)

Dr. Kenyon was the head of the Division of History and Social Science at Peru State College. He later moved to Arkansas State College where he served as department head before he relocated to the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo where he retired in 1980. He passed away July 20, 2003 at the age of 89.

The moniker “Kenyon’s Koffee Klutch” was probably first published on page 11 of the 1958 yearbook edition of the Peruvian, although the history of the stimulating experiences rendered by it began during the 1957 spring semester when only four students registered for History 404—“The Renaissance” with Dr. Gordon Kenyon. When he met with William Albright, Earl McCain, Robert Moore and Rose Pheifer, Dr. Kenyon likely had no idea that 75% of that small clutch [a nest of eggs waiting to hatch] would end up as university professors. He most certainly was reluctant to begin lecturing to such a small group about those events which had pulled western civilization from the deep pits of the Dark Ages and established a foundation for the Age of Enlightenment.

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Kenyon decided to adopt a format which would establish a foundation for the enlightenment of that small clutch. That format used the Socratic Method to encourage students to ask and answer questions that stimulate critical thinking. Once the method of operation was defined, a list of topics was generated and the class members were provided the opportunity to select those topics which they would research and then would be responsible to lead the open discussions related to those topics. All of those seminar sessions were conducted in Dr. Kenyon’s office which he had equipped with an ample coffee percolator. He invited everyone to bring their own coffee mugs which could be stored on an empty shelf near the coffee pot. Thus the origin of the moniker “Kenyon’s Koffee Klutch.” During the following several years there were probably two dozen Peru State history students who experienced similar learning opportunities before Dr. Kenyon moved to Arkansas State College where he Ron Stoltenberg (‘60), Ben Miller, Earl McCain (‘58), Bob Henry (‘59) and their menserved as department head before he relo- tor, Dr. Gordon Kenyon are pictured in History 405, the autumn of 1957. cated to the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo where he retired in 1980 and passed away July 20, 2003, at the age of 89. Dr. Gordon Kenyon left an indelible mark upon the private and professional lives of many of his students at Peru State. He not only taught them how to process and teach valuable historical subject matter but guided them through the procedure of gaining entry into graduate programs which led to masters and doctoral degrees. He even paved the way for some to obtain financial aid as teaching assistants at a vaDivision of Social Sciences; Dr. Powers, Dr. Kenyon, and Mr. Clayburn riety of colleges and universities.

Peru State Welcomes Five to Campus Dorman named Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

Dr. Jesse Dorman with his wife Kimberly and their daughters Lilly and Evelyn.

Dr. Paul Hinrichs

Dr. Jesse Dorman was named the vice president for enrollment management and student affairs. Dorman, a resident of Nebraska City, served as dean of student affairs at Peru State College before the College named him interim associate vice president of student affairs in the summer of 2016. Dorman said, “I am proud to continue serving alongside so many great faculty, staff and students dedicated to engaged learning and supporting students. Our service together has deepened my passion for the essential work we do to fulfill our mission for each and every student at Peru State.”

Schneider commented, “I’m very excited to have Bob Ludwig leading our men’s basketball program. Having worked under several very successful head coaches, Bob is well prepared for the task at hand. My expectation is that his players will perform first and foremost in the classroom, model champions of character behavior and attitude, and win on the court.” To learn more about Ludwig, visit www.pscbobcats.com.

Schroeder named New Peru State Volleyball Coach

Laurie Schroeder

Laurie Schroeder, a three-year assistant at Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) opponent, Clarke University, in Dubuque, Iowa, has been named the new Peru State head volleyball coach. Schroeder began her position on March 1. Peru State athletic director Steve Dr. Paul Hinrichs named Dean of Schneider commented, “Coach Schroeder School of Arts and Sciences at brings a wealth of experience to Peru State Peru State Dr. Paul Hinrichs was named the new College. She has coached in several qualDean of the Peru State College School of ity collegiate volleyball programs and has Arts and Sciences. Hinrichs was previ- high school and club experience as well. ously a professor of mathematics and has She understands what it takes to be successful and is a proven recruiter and develserved Peru State since 1990. Scotte Smith Hinrichs said, “Peru State has an in- oper of talent.” To learn more about Schroeder, visit credibly dedicated, creative and hardTexas. He officially began his duties on working faculty and staff. I look forward www.pscbobcats.com. July 17 at Peru State. to working with them in this new role.” Schneider commented, “I am pleased Scotte Smith Hired as new Peru to have Scotte Smith coming aboard to Ludwig to Lead Bobcat Men’s Bas- State Women’s Basketball Coach lead our women’s basketball program. Peru State athletic director Steve ketball Program Scotte has had many successful years Peru State athletic director Steve Schneider recently announced the hiring of collegiate coaching at different levels Schneider announced that Bob Ludwig of Scotte Smith as the new Bobcat wom- which will lend itself well to building the has been hired to become the 28th head en’s head basketball coach. Most recently, Bobcat program.” coach for the Bobcat men’s basketball pro- Smith was the coordinator for basketball To learn more about Scotte Smith visit gram which will begin its 116th year in operations at the University of Texas Rio www.pscbobcats.com. Grande Valley (UTRGV) in Edinburg, the sport.

Bob Ludwig

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Remembering a Legend: Marlan W. Downey 1931-2017

These are only small excerpts of Downey’s impressive re- during the Korean War for two years. A profile published sume that illustrate the impact he has had on the oil and gas in GEOExPro, a petroleum geoscience magazine, described industry, his employees and the students he taught. Downey’s next step in life as follows: “Downey was a leader and business man, but also a father to six children and loving husband,” said Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College. “Born in Falls City, he has strong Nebraska roots, and we are proud to say he was an alumnus of Peru State.”

While convalescing in a Veterans Administration hospital in Lincoln, NE, Downey began graduate studies in chemistry at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. During this time, he took part in a series of Army-administered IQ and aptitude tests. “These tests indicated that I had particular strengths in spatial Born on October 2, 1931, the oldest child of Wayne and visualization, mathematics and physics. They also suggested Elizabeth Downey, Marlan Downey graduated from Falls City that these strengths were best suited to the fields of architecture High School at the age of 16. He continued his education at and geology,” said Downey. Peru State College studying chemistry. Excerpt from A Tireless Quest for Buried Treasure, GEOExPro During his time as a Bobcat, he studied in the chemistry lab, Vol.8, No.6 2012.

Marlan Downey: A legend in his own time • A 30 year career with Shell Oil in

research and management

• Shell’s youngest-ever Chief Geologist • Led Shell’s Alaska Division • Organized and headed Shell’s Pecten

International Company, with major discoveries in Cameroon, Syria, Canada, Malaysia and Brazil

• Chairman of the Board of Amigos de

las Americas

• Founder of Roxanna Oil Company,

a family oil and gas business

• President of ARCO International • Assumed the Bartell Chair as Profes-

sor of Geoscience at the University of Oklahoma

• Chief Scientist and Chairman of the

Sarkeys Energy Center for three years

• Taught courses and seminars at SMU • Former President of the American

Association of Petroleum Geologists

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greatest contributions to the industry and founded Roxanna Oil, a family-owned, independent oil and gas exploration company.

According to Roxanna Oil, “Downey was responsible for the seminal work on producing oil and gas from shale that was occurring while he was the head of the Origin “Marlan’s generosity helped students pursue their dreams, just as he was able to do and Migration of Hydrocarbons research project at Shell’s Bellaire Research Lab. He during his career,” said President Hanson. “His constant support of the College and continued to lead the charge on exploring for and producing oil and gas from uncon- love for science will be felt on this campus for generations to come.” ventional resources the remainder of his life.” Marlan Downey passed away on May 29, 2017. He is remembered by his family, Not only did Downey continue to impact the oil and gas industry, but he continued his profession and the Bobcat family. 1. Downey studying chemistry at Peru State. 2. The Foreign Language Club, one of many organizations Downey participated in while at Peru State. 3. Downey, his sons and wife, Marea on a visit to campus.

but found time for extracurricular activities including the ForDowney went on to complete a BA and Masters in Geology eign Language Club, the Y.M.C.A., the Pedagogian (the Col- at UNL. Upon graduation, he began working in the oil and gas lege’s biweekly newspaper) and Sigma Tau Delta (an honorary industry for Shell. Downey’s willingness to take on new chalEnglish fraternity). lenges in the company helped skyrocket his career, ultimately Later in life, Downey credited Peru State with providing leading to management and executive roles at Shell. him the advanced speaking and writing skills that allowed him “I’ve always maintained that a good manager is not necesto compete with the top scholars from larger universities. sarily a star player, but rather a coach who knows how to get the “I’ve found that one of the greatest advantages in success best work out of their people and gives them the proper credits.” is how other people judge you,” he said. “They rarely judge Said Downey. “I always love the saying, ‘There is no limit to the you by how tall you are, how handsome you are but (by) how good you can do, so long as you don’t care who gets the credit.’” well you can communicate your own ideas and intelligence to GEOExPro Vol.8, No.6 2012.

to believe in the importance of educating future generations. His generosity was felt on Peru State College’s campus where he supported student scholarships, presidential initiatives, and the science department.

4. Downey and his wife Marea. 5. The Downey family with Dr. Hanson and Todd Simpson. 6. Downey pictured with Sigma Tau Delta, the honorary English fraternity.

7. Downey and the Pedagogian staff at work. 8. The Y.M.C.A. at Peru State.

others.”

Downey retired after 30 years of service at Shell, but reOn the day of his graduation from Peru State, Downey tirement didn’t last long. He served as a director, consultant was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in an artillery unit and special advisor to domestic and international oil and gas companies. It was during retirement that he made some of his

Awards: • Honored by the American Association of • Peru State College Distinguished Service Petroleum Geologists as “A Living Legend Award in the Oil and Gas Business” • Knighted by President Biya of Cameroon for his services to that country • The Petroleum History Foundation honored him as a “Legendary Oil Finder” • The Sidney Powers Medal in recognition of distinguished and outstanding • The R.H. Dott Award for best geological contributions to or achievements in publication petroleum geology, the equivalent of the • The Hedberg Medal for distinguished Nobel Prize in the field of petroleum international scientific service geology

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Sesquicentennial Calendar of Events 2017 August 2017 – Monthly Department

Event – Athletics & Physical Education Through the Years (project will be on display in the Al Wheeler Activity Center throughout the school year)

August 21, 2017 – First Day of Fall

Semester Classes, Welcome Week at Peru State College

(project will be on display in the library throughout the school year)

September 2017 – Monthly

Department Event – Athletics & Physical Education – Cross Country (project will be on display in the Al Wheeler Activity Center throughout the school year)

September 22-23, 2017 – Athletic Hall of Fame – special recognition of current Hall of Fame members

August 21, 2017 – Total Solar Eclipse – PSC is right in the path for greatest viewing of this spectacular solar event. This is the first time in 26 years that a total solar eclipse will occur in our country and the next will be in 2024.

Event – Creating Exemplary Educators: Peru State College School of Education, Then and Now (Proposed date and location: Oct. 19th in TJ Majors 114)

August 2017 – Nebraska Impact

October 2017 – Monthly Department

Initiative Launch – a challenge to volunteer 150 hours during the Sesquicentennial year.

August 2017 – Nebraska 150

Challenge Launch – a challenge to exercise 150 miles or more during the Sesquicentennial year.

October 2017 – Monthly Department

High School. Exhibit on display in the Peru State College art gallery until November 2, 2017.

October 14, 2017 – Gran Fondo Event – Peru State College will participate as an official stop for Nebraska City’s 60-plus mile bicycle tour. The Gran Fondo is a signature event of the Nebraska Sesquicentennial celebration and the race will travel from Nebraska City to Brownville and back again.

November 2017 – Monthly Department Event – Cartoon Workshop – Historical Connection (Proposed date and location: November 1st in AV Larson studios)

October 24, 2017 – Remembering the November 2017 – Monthly

First Day of School – Commemorating the first day of classes at Peru State College (then named the State Normal School at Peru) in 1867.

Department Event – Athletics & Physical Education – Football (project will be on display in the Al Wheeler Activity Center throughout the school year)

October 28, 2017 – Homecoming

December 2017 – Monthly

Event – Athletics & Physical Education – Volleyball (project will be on display in the Al Wheeler Activity Center throughout the school year)

2017 – Return once again to the Peru State College campus for this special anniversary Homecoming celebration.

October 2, 2017 – Museum of

October 28, 2017 – Grand

Department Event – Athletics & Physical Education – Cheerleading and Athletic Training (project will be on display in the Al Wheeler Activity Center throughout the school year) 1867 Christmas

Department Event – Delzell Window

Reopening of Delzell Hall – After being closed for renovations during the 201617 academic year, a completely updated Delzell Hall will once again be housing

2018

February 2018 – Monthly

March 2018 – Monthly Department

April 2018 – Monthly Department

January 2018 – Monthly Department

Event – Athletics & Physical Education – Women’s Basketball (project will be on display in the Al Wheeler Activity Center throughout the school year)

January 8, 2018 – Museum of

Nebraska Art traveling exhibit: Early Nebraska Women Artists & Charles Guildner: Rural Schoolhouses – Enjoy this exhibit through February 8, 2018, featuring rural schoolhouses as a tribute to the history of education in Nebraska.

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Department Event – Student Debate (Proposed date and location: February 20, 2018, location TBD)

February 2018 – Monthly Depart-

ment Event – Marion Marsh Brown: Bobcat Writer and Teacher (Proposed date and location: February 27, 2018, in CATS Conference Room)

February 2018 – Monthly

Department Event – Athletics & Physical Education – Men’s Basketball (project will be on display in the Al Wheeler Activity Center throughout the school year)

Thomas Dunekacke (’06) and Jari (Wehmeier) Dunekacke (’07) met while attending Peru State College and were both Homecoming King and Queen – but at different years! Tom (pictured in the left photo on the left) was Homecoming King in 2005 and 2006 and Jari (pictured in the right photo on the right) was Homecoming Queen in 2007. All Homecoming Kings, Queens and Court members are invited back to Peru State for Homecoming this year (October 2728) for a reunion and special recognition at football halftime.

November 2017 – Monthly Department Event – Famous Educators Wax Museum (Proposed date and location: November 27th in TJ Majors)

Nebraska Art traveling exhibit: John Falter: Historical Illustrator & Jazz from Life – Enjoy this collection of work by world-renowned illustrator, John Philip Falter, a 1928 graduate from Falls City

September 2017 – Monthly

A True Blue Bobcat Love Story

many of the College’s men. Tour the newly renovated Delzell.

Event – Phi Alpha Theta Presents “Peru State College: Through the Years” (Proposed date and location: TBD)

March 2018 – Monthly Department

Event – Athletics & Physical Education – Softball (project will be on display in the Al Wheeler Activity Center throughout the school year)

April 2018 – Monthly Department Event – From the Pedagogian to the Times (project will be on display in the Library through Commencement 2018)

December 2017 – An Old-Fashioned

Bobcats in Love!

During the All-College Reunion, special signs marked the spot couples first met on campus. Those attending Homecoming will also have the opportunity to mark where they first met their loved one.

Share your Bobcat love stories at pscfoundation@peru.edu! Your story may be featured in the next Peru Stater.

For more information on events visit www.peru.edu/150

Event – Athletics & Physical Education – Baseball (project will be on display in the Al Wheeler Activity Center throughout the school year)

May 2018 – Monthly Department

Event – Athletics & Physical Education – Golf (project will be on display in the Al Wheeler Activity Center throughout the school year)

May 5, 2018 – Commencement

2018 – This will be the official close of the Peru State College Sesquicentennial Celebration.

PSC Alumna Recognized for Photography at State Level “I’m honored to represent Nemaha County and Peru State, my alma mater, in this show featuring the stories and images of Nebraska’s 150 year history,” said Johnson (’04). “To know that Peru State and its iconic library are representing Nemaha County and showing the beauty and quality we have to offer the state is very gratifying.” A highlight of the Nebraska 150th anniversary celebration is an exhibit featuring 93 photos, one for each county in the state. The project, “Bridges: Sharing our Past to Enrich the Future” was a collaboration by the Hildegard Center for the Arts with the Nebraska Tourism Commission and Nebraska State Historical Society. Photographs were chosen through a competition sponsored by the Hildegard Center for the Arts in Lincoln. Rebecca (Oetjen) Johnson’s (’04) photo of Peru State College’s campus was selected to represent Nemaha County, one of 93 photos selected from more than 800 submissions. The photographs and narratives are included in the “Nebraska: 150 Years Told Through 93 Counties” collectors book ($29.95 hardcover) published by the Omaha World-Herald. The book is available in stores and at owhstore.com.

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Peru State College 150 Anniversary Celebration th

College Celebrations Intersect with State Celebrations Peru State College and the State of Nebraska were both established in 1867. The College’s commemorations are intersecting with the state’s commemorations in many ways. The Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission created an application process to allow local communities to organize their own commemorative events and programs and apply for special status as an official state commemoration. The events that have had this special status conferred on them are called “NE 150 Signature Events.” Peru State applied for and received approval from the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission for its Charter Day Celebration held on June 20, the date that Nebraska’s final territorial legislative session signed the charter authorizing a state-supported college to be established in Peru. The Charter Day Celebration was recognized as a NE150 Signature Event. Peru State is also involved in supporting the Gran Fondo, a 60-mile bicycle tour between Nebraska City and Brownville, which is also a NE150 Signature Event. PSC Professor Sara Crook is chairing the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission which is organizing the state’s official commemorations. Find more information on Nebraska’s sesquicentennial commemorations by visiting NE150.org.

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New Visitor and Interpretive Center Shares College History Just in time for this special anniversary, Peru State opened a new Visitor and Interpretive Center located in the Little Red Schoolhouse on the new Douglas Entrance Plaza. The Little Red Schoolhouse was once known as the Center School, a landmark of “Brock Corner” along Highway 75. It was moved to Peru State in 2001 as a way to honor the College’s role in teacher education, and especially its role in preparing the teachers who taught in many of Nebraska’s one-room schools. Many donors made gifts to preserve the Center School and move it to campus. Brian Volkmer, Director of the Nebraska City Museum Association, was hired to create displays and exhibits. Students of Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society, conducted historical research for the exhibits.

The new center has a dual purpose in providing a public exhibit of College history and a central meeting place for individuals and small groups visiting campus. Peru State’s Admissions Department will be using the space as the meeting point for the daily campus tours it provides to prospective students and their families. The far end of the main room, which would have been the front of the classroom, will represent a one-room schoolhouse displaying a teacher’s desk, student desks and piano. A grant from the Karl H. and Wealtha H. Nelson Family Foundation provided significant support for the Visitor and Interpretive Center. The Center was officially opened in May and will remain open to visitors during the College’s regular business hours.

More than 50 alumni and friends gathered for the dedication of the new Visitor and Interpretive Center this spring.

Al Wheeler Portrait Dedication On June 15, 2017, a newly commissioned portrait of Peru State College coaching legend, Al Wheeler was dedicated. The 60s alumni group, which gathers every two years in the Cape Code area, decided to commission and fundraise for an updated portrait of the man many knew from their college days. The portrait was created by Heath Miller (’91) and is hanging in the Al Wheeler Activity Center lobby along with a plaque inscribed: Presented by the 1960s alumni group to honor the memory of Al Wheeler, coach, teacher and friend, and to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Peru State College as an educational and cultural force in Nebraska. Stop by and see this unique portrait of an influential member of the Peru State family.

Portrait of Al Wheeler by Heath Miller (‘91).

Campus Events to Explore and Commemorate 150 Years As a part of the College’s planning for its sesquicentennial, the sesquicentennial planning committee requested proposals from faculty and staff for presentations, displays or other activities that would explore and illustrate the history of the College. A series of monthly events offered by faculty and staff begins in August 2017 and continue through the 2017-2018 school year. Find the activities labeled “Monthly Department Events” on the Sesquicentennial Calendar to see how the faculty and staff will be contributing to the College’s official commemoration.

Additional Sesquicentennial Highlights

Throughout the year, the Athletic Department will be hosting a rotating display of athletic memorabilia reflecting Peru State athletics and physical

Dr. Shorty Sherwood and Paul Fell (‘67), professors of art at Peru State in the 1970s.

education over the years. The display will be located on the second floor of the Al Wheeler Activity Center near the Athletic Hall of Fame display. The first display slated for August 2017 will feature sports that are no longer a part of Peru State’s competitive athletic schedule. The Support Staff Senate has proposed a unique display created from one of the original windows from Delzell Hall. Delzell received new windows in an early stage of its renovation. This artistic display will provide a new use for an original part of the historic hall and will be on display throughout the sesquicentennial year (through May 2018) in the College Library. Several annual events will have a special sesquicentennial theme during this commemorative year. The DistinguishedSpeaker Series will be featuring speakers

that have a significant tie to Nebraska. The now-annual Athletic Hall of Fame induction will have a special sesquicentennial focus highlighting Peru State’s 150 years of college athletics and current Athletic Hall of Fame members. Finally, Homecoming 2017 will be a Homecoming like no other, with a new All-Alumni Reunion Banquet open to any person interested in attending the Friday evening banquet on October 27, plus the grand reopening and tours of the fully renovated Delzell Hall and other special activities. Visit peru.edu/150 for updated lists of activities, event highlights and photos, and special announcements to be madethroughout the sesquicentennial year.

Don’t miss this special year!

Female students in the 1950s gather to sign-out of Morgan Hall.

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Peru State Through the Years

2 1. Hands-on-learning has been a hallmark of the Peru State College education; in this photo students from 1935 are participating in a woodworking class.

2. In 1924, music was enjoyed in the theatre and throughout campus. The all-male Peru Band is pictured featuring saxophones, trombones and more.

3 3. Students gathered around the fountain in the heart of Peru Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus in 1910. This fountain is no longer part of the Quad, but the Quad is still a popular place to gather.

4. In this photo from the 1970s, students stroll through campus, faculty confer in the Quad and a few dogs enjoy the fall day. Students today are often seen on campus with dogs, but always on a leash.

4 5. This undated photo shows the tradition of moving day for many Peru State Students when the train still came to town. Students would wait at the train station with their trunks for a wagon to take them to their residence halls.

5 6. During World War II, Peru State College housed V-12 Navy College Training Program participants. The goal of the program was to supplement commissioned officers in the United States Navy. This photo is from 1943 and shows students as they drilled on a road in Peru.

6 7. This panoramic photo of the Normal School campus from 1921, served as inspiration for the painting by Todd Williams which represents Nemaha County in the Nebraska Sesquicentennial project, Painting the Legacy of Nebraska. Learn more about the project and view the paintings at ne150.org.

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150 Years of Bobcat Athletics

Thank you to our Sesquicentennial Sponsors Without them the year of events would not be possible.

Peru State Hall of Fame – Sesquicentennial Style As part of Peru State’s year-long Sesquicentennial Celebration, the College will be inducting seven individuals into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Sept. 22 and 23. While not 150 years old, the Hall of Fame was established just 41 years ago recognizing the legion of Bobcats who have contributed in some fashion to Peru State’s rich athletic traditions. The Hall’s purpose is to foster an appreciation of the past, an enjoyment of the present, and an anticipation of future memories to be made by the College’s current athletic programs. Over the 41 years, 68 individuals and

15 teams have been inducted into Peru State’s Hall of Fame. With the events on Sept. 22 and 23, the College is inviting all previous inductees to come back and attend either the Friday night banquet or Saturday halftime ceremony. A special tribute is in the works to honor those previously inducted while enshrining seven new honorees. The seven individuals being inducted into the Hall of Fame this year include: Wendell Handley (Lead, South Dakota a Nemaha native) (posthumously) – Meritorious Service; Randy Gottula (Falls City) – Meritorious Service; Kerry Brandt

Bobcat Athletics Sesquicentennial Activities As part of Peru State’s 150th celebration, the Peru State athletic department is highlighting sports through the years. With the help of members of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), the department is researching the various sports throughout Peru State’s history. There will be monthly displays showcased in the Al Wheeler Activity Center during the school year. Beginning in August, as many of the previous sports for which information can be located, will be highlighted. This will include sports such as tennis, wrestling,

gymnastics, swimming, and other sports prior to the modern-day grouping. Each of the remaining months of 2017-18 will showcase a current sport. Alumni and friends of Peru State are encouraged to share artifacts which would be returned to them after the display closes. In addition, any news-worthy tidbit would be appreciated. This information can be shared with Ted L. Harshbarger, Associate Athletic Director/Sports Information Director at tharshbarger@peru.edu or by phone at 402-872-2380.

(Burlington, Ky.) – Softball; Brian Levin (Brentwood, Tenn.) – Football; Scott Kohout (Cortland) – Baseball; Ray Ehlers (Lexington) – Football/ Basketball/Meritorious Service; and Barry Reed (Bradford, Ill.) – Football/ Track & Field. They will be officially inducted during halftime of the Bobcat football game vs. MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.). For more information visit www. peru.edu/150. Make plans to attend this special event.

2017-2018 Sesquicentennial Athletic Monthly Displays August-All Previous Sports September-Cross Country October-Volleyball November-Football December-Cheerleading/Athletic Training

January-Women’s Basketball February-Men’s Basketball March-Softball April-Baseball May-Golf

Calling All Bobcat Cheerleading Uniforms While the title might be a little strange, the reason for it is not. As part of the upcoming Peru State Sesquicentennial celebration and activities, the athletics department is seeking anyone willing to share their old college cheerleading uniform to have displayed during the 2017-18 school year. The athletic department will focus on cheerleading during the month of December as part of the sesquicentennial athletics displays. However, depending on the willingness of former cheerleaders to share their old uniforms, displays may start earlier in the year. Credit will be given to those who help with the display and uniforms will be returned at the end of the event. In addition, any items related to the Blue Devils or White Angels would be appreciated as well. A Blue Devils jacket is on display in the College’s Visitor Center and Interpretative Center. The jacket was provided by the Dean Frederick Sorensen family. For more information or to share your uniforms or other related materials, contact Ted L. Harshbarger, Associate Athletic Director/Sports Information Director at tharshbarger@peru.edu or 402-872-2380.

Guilliatt and Associates Indicates business is alumni owned.

Bobcat Athletics Throughout the Years Photos (right) 1. Did you know Peru State College had the first football squad in Nebraska? This photo shows the first team, before uniforms, and was fielded in 1900 or 1901. 2. Posed on the steps, the 1910 baseball team is suited up and ready to play. 3. This 1907 photo of the Nebraska State Normal School women’s basketball team shows the uniforms and their basketball inscribed NSNS 07. 4. Peru State College 1990 national champion football team. 5. Basketball at Peru State College in the 1950’s played in what is now the Library.

Stater 20 The Stater 20 The

Stater 21 The The Stater 21

Nebraska’s First College: Nebraska’s First College: Shaping the Future Since 1867 Cost: $39.95 per book Future Since 1867 Shaping the

SHA PI NG T H E F U T U R E SI NC E 18 6 7 PERU STATE COLLEGE celebrates its 150th year in 2017. The Nebraska school’s history is a rich tapestry of innovation, endurance, community service and the pursuit of educational excellence. Celebrate the sesquicentennial with a look back through the remarkable story that began with a vision on a hilltop in Peru.

Foreward by Dan Sullivan

PERU STATE COLLEGE celebrates its 150th year in 2017. The Nebraska school’s history is a rich tapestry of innovation, SHA PI NG T H E F U T U R E SI NC E 18 6 7 endurance, community service and the pursuit of educational excellence. Celebrate the sesquicentennial within a look PERU STATE COLLEGE celebrates its 150th year 2017.back through the remarkable story that began with a vision on a hilltop in Peru. The Nebraska school’s history is a rich tapestry of innovation, endurance, community service and the pursuit of educational excellence. Celebrate the sesquicentennial with a look back through the remarkable story that began with a vision on a hilltop in Peru.

PERU STATE COLLEGE

600 HOYT STREET PERU, NEBRASKA 68421 1-800-742-4412 WWW.PERU.EDU

PERU STATE COLLEGE

600 HOYT STREET PERU, NEBRASKA 68421 1-800-742-4412 WWW.PERU.EDU

SHA P I N G T H E F U T U R E SI N C E 18 6 7

1867-2017

N E B R A SKA’S F I R ST C OL L E G E SHA P I N G T H E F U T U R E SI N C E 18 6 7 N E B R A SKA’S F I R ST C OL L E G E SHA P I N G T H E F U T U R E SI N C E 18 6 7

SHA PI NG T H E F U T U R E SI NC E 18 6 7

1867-2017

1867-2017 1867-2017

Nebraska’s First College: Shaping the Future Since 1867

Nebraska’s First College

PERU STATE BOOK COVER FINAL - Copy.indd 1

4/28/2017 11:37:29 AM

– Dan Sullivan, Author, Nebraska’s First College: Shaping the Future Since 1867

Nebraska’s First College Nebraska’s First College

Order your copy today!

Pay online or send in registration this order form with check payable to the StateState College Foundation. Pay online or send in this form with check payable toPeru thePeru College Foundation.

SHA PI NG T H E F U T U R E SI NC E 18 6 7

Name:

DA N S U L L I VA N

SHA PI NG T H E F U T U R E SI NC E 18 6 7 DA N S U L L I VA N

Address:

“Peru’s first students planted trees around a single school building with a tarpaper roof. Today stands the Campus of a Thousand Oaks. Just down the road, satellite-guided tractors till Missouri River bottomland where teams of horses “Peru’s first students trees around a single school building withBut a tarpaper theofCampus once pulled plows. planted Countless changes have occurred over 150 years. in 2017,roof. as inToday 1867, astands beacon learningof a Thousand Oaks.onJust down the road, shines brightly a hilltop in Peru. ” satellite-guided tractors till Missouri River bottomland where teams of horses once pulled plows. Countless changes have occurred over 150 years. But in 2017, as in 1867, a beacon of learning – Dan Sullivan, Author, Nebraska’s First College: Shaping the Future Since 1867 shines brightly on a hilltop in Peru.” The Stater

PERU STATE BOOK COVER FINAL - Copy.indd 1

22 The Stater

1867-2017

Peru State College and the State of Ne- tion when they headed west. The school transportation ranging from riverboats to braska celebrate their 150th anniversaries dived into sports at an early age, initiating jetliners. During that time, scores of instiin 2017. It’s no coincidence. The school the state’s first unofficial college football tutes of higher learning fell by the wayside played an important role in the state’s team. It was a pioneer in women’s sports, in Nebraska, but Peru stood fast, laying birth in 1867: Early lawmakers created the and its alumni carried a competitive spir- claim as the state’s oldest college. Much has occurred during a century Nebraska State Normal School in Peru in it with them to the school districts where and a half. The educational tools have exchange for support in making Lincoln they went to teach. To celebrate Peru State College’s The school’s history has remained a re- changed – from slate tablets to ruled notethe new state’s capital. 150th anniversary, a book was commisThe fates of Nebraska and its first col- flection of the state’s. Peru and Nebraska books to computers to smartphones – but sioned with the Omaha World Herald lege remained closely intertwined in their have continued to grow and thrive as the not the commitment. Peru State College that details the College’s dynamic hisearly years. The need for qualified teachers decades have passed, although it has not has never wavered from its vision of inditory through photos and words. exploded as settlement spread west across always been an easy climb. The school has vidualized education, involved students, Dan Sullivan, author of Nebrasthe prairie, and Peru provided the training. weathered its most adverse times during dedicated faculty and an eye toward the ka’s First College: Shaping the Future By 1910, State Normal graduates were some of Nebraska’s most difficult periods. world beyond campus. Since 1867 and Omaha World Herald The school has improved and reinventteaching in almost every county in Ne- But Peru’s determination to continue its writer, worked with Peru State College braska, from border to border, east to west mission repeatedly found help from a sup- ed itself as it pushed relentlessly in its jourarchives, marketing and many faculty and north to south. Peru also served as a portive community in southeast Nebraska ney from where it started to where it can and staff to ensure the historical accube. starting point for significant academic ca- and insightful political leaders. S H A P I N G T H E F U T Uracy R Eand S Ithat N Call E decades 1 8 6 7 were included. Peru’s first students planted trees Today, Peru State College maintains reers, producing scientific researchers, soPERU STATE COLLEGE Sullivan will be presenting on the DA N S U L L I VA N HOYT STREET PERU, NEBRASKA 68421 around a single school building with a cial scientists600 and college presidents who its vital role in $the 1-800-742-4412 WWW.PERU.EDU 39.95 state, continuing to book - highlights and the process he enhance the region, serve beyond its own tarpaper roof. Today stands the Campus would usher America into a modern age. followed as he wrote it – during the The hilltop school also established itself boundaries and send accomplished gradu- of a Thousand Oaks. Just down the road, Athletic Hall of Fame and Homecomsatellite-guided tractors till Missouri River as a cultural center for the state’s swelling ates into an exciting new world. ing. Purchase your copy and make It’s clear that this “150” is more than bottomland where teams of horses once population. Major orators, musicians and to meet theCampus author at one “Peru’s planted around a single with a tarpaper Todayplans stands the ofof these pulled plows. Countless changesroof. have ocjust atrees nice, round number. It is aschool monu- building dramatic works madefirst theirstudents way to a stage fun events. a Thousand Justto down road, satellite-guided tractors River bottomland where teams of horses curred till overMissouri 150 years. But in 2017, as in mentaltheaccomplishment spanning genin Peru. Early NebraskansOaks. struggling Learn more at peru.edu/150 (click erationschanges of families, world wars, 38 presbeaconBut of learning shines establish new livespulled on the rough-and-tumonce plows. Countless have occurred over 1867, 150 ayears. in 2017, asbrightly in 1867, aonbeacon learning PSC 150 of book) and order your copy on a hilltop in Peru. ble frontiershines could enjoy uplifting events idential elections, droughts, blizzards, brightly on a hilltop in Peru.” today! and know they hadn’t abandoned civiliza- tornadoes, earthquakes and modes of

Shipping andper handling: Cost: $39.95 book $5.00 per book Shipping and handling: $5.00 per book

Nebraska’s First College Nebraska’s First College

1867-2017

N E B R A SKA’S F I R ST C OL L E G E

Nebraska’s Nebraska’s First College: Shaping the Future Since 1867 First College

Email:

Number of Copies:

City:

State, Street:Zip:

4/28/2017 11:37:29 AM

– Dan Sullivan, Author, Nebraska’s First College: Shaping the Future Since 1867

Phone:

Order online! Go to www.peru.edu/150 to learn more. Send registration form and check to Peru State College Foundation, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421.

Stater 23 The The Stater 23

Once A Bobcat, Always A Bobcat Homecoming: Once a Bobcat, Always a Bobcat The first day of classes for Peru State College in 1867 was October 24. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the 2017 Homecoming is scheduled for the weekend closest to this date, October 27 and 28 – and has been billed as the “Best Homecoming Ever”. “Our student group, the Campus Activities Board, chose this year’s theme – Once a Bobcat, Always a Bobcat, be-

cause they felt it was the best description for our alumni and friends,” said Dan Hanson, President. “We are inviting all alumni home for this year’s Homecoming and celebrating Peru State’s contributions throughout the years.” Homecoming features a dinner on October 27 open to all alumni with special recognition for our 10, 30 and 50-year graduates and a bonfire and pep rally. On

Saturday enjoy a day full of activities including a parade, picnic on the Quad and special recognition of past Homecoming Kings and Queens, Student Senate leaders and band participants. “This year we are inviting back our band alumni to participate in a special pep band performance during football halftime,” said Deborah Solie, Director of Alumni Relations. “The band reunion is

coordinated by Ken Meints, Assistant Professor of Music, and alumni with a passion for music. This is a wonderful addition for the day.” Bring your family and friends and come home to Peru State College. Learn more and register at peru.edu/150.

Calling all milestone graduates! For this Homecoming celebration, alumni from the graduating classes of 1967, 1987 and 2007 are invited back to campus to celebrate their milestone reunions! Members of 1966, 1968, 1986, 1988, 2006 and 2008 are also invited to celebrate with friends and classmates. All alumni are welcome to the Homecoming festivities including the All-Alumni Dinner on October 27. Call 402-872-2304 to reserve your seat at the banquet.

Homecoming Schedule of Events Friday, October 27 3:30-5 p.m. 3:30-4:30 p.m. 4:30-6 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m.

Saturday, October 28 Reunion registration in library Guided group campus tours Reunion reception at President’s home Bobcat Volleyball All-Alumni dinner with special reunion recognition Bonfire and Pep Rally

8a.m.-2 p.m. 8 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 10:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Noon Noon-2 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m.

Reunion registration in library Nebraska’s Toughest Mile Registration opens at 7:15 a.m. Parade Line-up Homecoming Parade Tailgate and Games with Jazz Band Delzell Hall Grand Opening and Dedication Delzell Hall Tours 1867 Society Reception Football, Halftime Coronation and Pep Band performance

Special reunions this Homecoming! For Peru State College’s Sesquicentennial Homecoming celebration, all former Homecoming Kings and Queens, Cheerleaders, Student Senate leaders and Band members are invited to campus for a reunion and special recognition in the parade and on the field during halftime.

24 The Stater

Steamboat Trace Festival to Celebrate Nebraska and Peru State’s Sesquicentennial Mark your calendars for a special signature event held in conjunction with Nebraska and Peru State’s Sesquicentennial celebrations. Community members from Brownville, Nebraska City and Peru have been planning the Steamboat Trace Festival and Gran Fondo since 2016 and received Signature Event status from the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission. A gran fondo is a long-distance bicycle race first held in Italy. The Steamboat Trace Gran Fondo will stretch 60 miles round trip from the starting point in Nebraska City, through Peru and Brownville, and back to Nebraska City. “The Gran Fondo will begin at one Nebraska treasure, Arbor Lodge and end at another, Brownville. Participants will experience farmland at or near harvest; the Missouri River and bluffs; southeast Nebraska flora and fauna; a historic trail; and three historic towns,” the Nebraska Statehood 150 websites writes. “Each festival will be unique, foster

community involvement, fellowship and pride in our state. Buses will run services to each town. Old Time Autumn Festival in Brownville will showcase the arts. Peru’s festival will showcase Peru State College and its unique trailhead with presentations from Nebraska Humanities

Signature Event of the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Celebration

speakers [Dr. Bill] Clemente and [Dr. Dan] Holtz. Nebraska City will host the banquet, Gran Fondo and a festival involving each community.” Learn more about the events and register today at steamboattrace.com.

Peru State Commencement Kicks Off 150 Activities Peru State College held its annual commencement ceremony on May 6 at the Al Wheeler Activity Center. Approximately 476 students earned diplomas in graduate and undergraduate studies, but more than the earning of degrees was celebrated. “May 6 kicks off a year of celebration for Peru State College,” said Dan Hanson, PSC President. “We are celebrating 150 years of shaping Nebraska’s future and commencement – which is our capstone celebration of student success – is the perfect opportunity to kick off our activities. We have been planning our sesquicentennial since 2011.” In recognition of Peru State’s sesquicentennial, Governor Pete Ricketts gave the commencement address and spoke on the importance of education and Peru State’s role in Nebraska’s history. Kick off activities included an unveiling of a 150th anniversary banner, the first performance of a signature choral composition, “Sons and Daughters of Peru,” and the ribbon cutting for the new Visitor and Interpretive Center. Stan Carpenter, Chancellor for the Nebraska State College System, provided a Sesquicentennial salute during the ceremony and said, “Today we celebrate another year of outstanding graduates and 150 years of how this college has shaped Nebraska’s future. And now, at 150 years, we again remember our College’s incredible history and look forward to a vibrant future.” For a complete calendar of activities and event updates, visit www.peru.edu/150.

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2016 Bobcat Donor Roll

2016 Bobcat Donor Roll 1930s

Mildred Vanderford, 1933 Madeleine Schmucker, 1934 Dorothy Blount, 1937 Maxine Pankonin, 1938

1940s

Rita Bolinski, 1940 Merritt Jensen, 1940 Helen Schacht, 1940 Phyllis Hoffman, 1941 Lois Adams, 1942 Max & Wilma Jackson, 1942 Melvin Larsen, 1942 Nina Klaudt, 1943 Marjorie Rider, 1943 Wanda Schmidt, 1943 Virginia Stuhr, 1943 Jackson Howard, 1944 Virgie Lee Shaw, 1944 Andy Lakey, 1945 Jack Mast, 1945 Shirley Wenzel, 1945 Marcille Bohling, 1946 Willard Hunzeker, 1946 Margaret Harrold, 1947 Max & Janice Hosier, 1947 Donal-Deen Lewis, 1947 Nelle Pfister, 1947 Eldon Reutter, 1947 Wanda Conradt, 1948 Lura Herr, 1948 Ruth Nixon, 1948 Shirley Stevicks, 1948 Evelyn Yanders, 1948 Bernard Bliefernich, 1949 Delbert & Jean Bowers, 1949 Ralph & Yvonne Evans, 1949 Thomas & Dorothy Hallstrom, 1949 Sara Hippe, 1949 Al Linder, 1949 Art Lindsey, 1949 Joan Marfice, 1949 Jeanne Standerford, 1949 Don Wagner, 1949 Helen Wilkinson, 1949

1950s

Mary Cashman, 1950 Gertrude Ettleman, 1950 Orville & Erma Gobber, 1950 Bobby Livingston, 1950 Elaine Roberts, 1950 Russell Ruth, 1950 Bob Utermohlen, 1950 Lewis Weick, 1950 Kenneth Wolford, 1950 William & Lavonda Abernathy, 1951 Joan Buhrmann, 1951 Barbara Clayburn, 1951 Carlos Harrison, 1951

26 The Stater

Laurine Johnson, 1951 Mary Kellogg, 1951 David Lang, 1951 Ruth Leslie, 1951 Verne Meier, 1951 Maurice Moran, 1951 Sherry Penney, 1951 Grace Pfister, 1951 Otto Rath, 1951 Ardith Rockeman, 1951 Carolyn Sipes, 1951 William Voegtli, 1951 Glenny & Sam Bell, 1952 Marlan & Marea Downey, 1952 Anna Falsken, 1952 Rosemary Morrill, 1952 Robert Ryan, 1952 Jean Thayer, 1952 Carol Whitcomb, 1952 Anna White, 1952 David Williamson, 1952 Leroy Wilson, 1952 Lavon & Gleora Covault, 1953 Ralph Etter, 1953 Jo Kaffenberger, 1953 Sharon Ocker, 1953 Harold Rasplicka, 1953 Bill & Janice Schulte, 1953 Marilyn Van Groningen, 1953 Fran Whited, 1953 Loren Argabright, 1954 Phyllis Atchison, 1954 Thomas & Leta Bosworth, 1954 Regina Colbert, 1954 Kenneth & Mary Hoag, 1954 Edith McCaw, 1954 Dale & Ann Moore, 1954 Curtis & Mary Sederburg, 1954 Jeanne Wall, 1954 Corinne Wilkinson, 1954 Marilyn Clements, 1955 John & Ramona Crookham, 1955 Charles Ebel, 1955 Vernal Faller, 1955 Virginia Good, 1955 Mary Gorden, 1955 Greta Holscher, 1955 Merle Lange, 1955 Nunzio Lazzaro, 1955 Shirley Meinzer, 1955 Dean & Marilynn Meisinger, 1955 Harold Prather, 1955 William & Laverna Sayer, 1955 Anita Webster, 1955 Donald Wendt, 1955 Bertis & Georgia Adams, 1956 Clyde & Betty Barrett, 1956 Janet Joyce, 1956

Junior & Virginia Karas, 1956 Shirley Krejci, 1956 Mary Manly, 1956 Lois McMullen, 1956 Nels Overgaard, 1956 Wesley Paap, 1956 Charles & Vickie Pickering, 1956 Bobby & Claudette Slaughter, 1956 Claudette Slaughter, 1956 Alan & Twila Stiers, 1956 John & Gera Stilwell, 1956 Paul Weinert, 1956 Ronald & Beverly Weiss, 1956 Marlene Alberts, 1957 Betty Brackhahn, 1957 Ben & Carol Duerfeldt, 1957 Marilyn and Loren Dyke, 1957 Ray & Gwen Graves, 1957 Keith Johnson, 1957 Chuck Krumme, 1957 Margaret McConnaughey, 1957 Lee Ogle, 1957 Kermit Overgaard, 1957 Fred Rothert, 1957 Gayleen Zentner, 1957 Ronald Brock, 1958 Muriel Docker, 1958 Ray Ehlers, 1958 Rodney Heim, 1958 Richard Kumpf, 1958 Jerry Ludwig, 1958 Gary Mayfield, 1958 Lee Moren, 1958 Robert Norvell, 1958 Jerry Payne, 1958 Goldie Quinn, 1958 Donna Ressell, 1958 Marjorie Scribner, 1958 Carol Sparr, 1958 Fran Witt, 1958 Gary Adams, 1959 Ralph Aranza, 1959 Bob & Mary Bohlken, 1959 Leroy Buchholz, 1959 Nadine DanielsonCusack, 1959 Jack Dodge, 1959 Nadine Fahrlander, 1959 Joan Gabrielle, 1959 Bob & Carolyn Henry, 1959 Wilma Kelly, 1959 Margaret Kilibarda, 1959 Kenneth Majors, 1959 Virginia Meyerkorth, 1959 Donna Nenneman, 1959 Jerry Patterson, 1959 Franklin Pedersen, 1959 Wayne & Gloria Pressnall, 1959 Jean Rottman, 1959 Raymond & Rose Ruzicka, 1959

Marcia Schwartz, 1959 Marvin Thomsen, 1959 Samantha Williamson, 1959

1960s

Marian Anderson, 1960 Marlene Ballance, 1960 Virginia & Jerry Beckmann, 1960 Marvin Bergsten, 1960 Harry Bryant, 1960 John Christ, 1960 Edna Dennis, 1960 David and Rae Fulton, 1960 Evelyn Greenlee, 1960 Dorothy Grell, 1960 Dennis & Linda Hilfiker, 1960 Donald Jackson, 1960 Jere & Jan Krakow, 1960 Richard & Joan Kunde, 1960 Carolyn Law, 1960 Duane Lewis, 1960 Ernie Madison, 1960 John McCracken, 1960 Ronald Stoltenberg, 1960 Ronald & Mary Ann Wenninghoff, 1960 Karen Bethel, 1961 Connie Biggers, 1961 Lamarr Gibson, 1961 Alyce Green, 1961 Keith & Virginia Hawxby, 1961 Robert Heng, 1961 David Hoffman, 1961 Gerald Jeanneret, 1961 Joseph Kirby, 1961 Luanne Lindquist, 1961 Stanley Longfellow, 1961 Darlene McCord, 1961 Haney & Karen Milstead, 1961 Lynn & Pauline Osterholm, 1961 Gordon Pilmore, 1961 Robert Raper, 1961 Michael Roddy, 1961 Donna Schwertley, 1961 Gary Scoggin, 1961 Ray & Patricia Unterbrink, 1961 Linda Bell, 1962 Ellen Hajek, 1962 Drexel Harvey, 1962 Glenn Irwin, 1962 Patricia Isaac, 1962 Joan Kunde, 1962 Jerry & Charlotte Lunsford, 1962 Leonard McLain, 1962 Ray & Myrna Meister, 1962 Gordon Ohnoutka, 1962 Kenneth & Jane Rhodus, 1962 Richard & Kay Stock, 1962

Gaylin & Carol Sudik, 1962 Roger Wellensiek, 1962 Roger Witt, 1962 Joyce Able, 1963 Paul Bodtke, 1963 Anita Cox, 1963 Beverly Floerchinger, 1963 Lee Haeberlein, 1963 Mel Hamel, 1963 Larry Hennerberg, 1963 Russell Hicks, 1963 Ronald & Nancy Kelley, 1963 Milan Kloepfer, 1963 Sharylin Knock, 1963 James Meacham, 1963 Linda Moree, 1963 Clifford Murray, 1963 Steve Parker, 1963 Larry Rathe, 1963 Bonnie Robbins, 1963 Wayne Shafer, 1963 Dean Stapleton, 1963 Larry & Ramona Swett, 1963 Thomas Buchholz, 1964 Robert Eichenberger, 1964 Rudolph Eichenberger, 1964 David & Rae Fulton, 1964 Shanon Hunsaker, 1964 Jerry & Christina Joy, 1964 JoAnn Krause, 1964 Linda Kreimeyer, 1964 James Minor, 1964 Joseph & Susan Perina, 1964 Michael & Sandy Ramirez, 1964 Lloyd & Betty Russo, 1964 Linda Ruyle, 1964 Frances Steinbrook, 1964 Carl Stukenholtz, 1964 Jim Agnew, 1965 David Albert, 1965 JoAnn Barry, 1965 Janet Bierman, 1965 George Bleich, 1965 Daniel & Carol Coffey, 1965 Gene D’Allemand, 1965 Glaura Falk, 1965 Richard & Beverly Floerchinger, 1965 David & Linda Gomon, 1965 Ilma Gottula, 1965 Alvin Henrichs, 1965 Judy Hetherington, 1965 Merlin Kastens, 1965 Dan Leuenberger, 1965 Bruce & Linda Mau, 1965 Norma McKercher, 1965 Marion & Barbara Miller, 1965 Chuck Niemeyer, 1965 Mariedith Pagel, 1965 Frank Spizuoco, 1965 Donald Wright, 1965 Diane Berlett, 1966

Mary Bohlken, 1966 Linda Carlson, 1966 Samuel Carneal, 1966 Mary Caverzagie, 1966 Royce Curtis, 1966 Larry Eden, 1966 Leanna Frank, 1966 Gary Fritch, 1966 Louis Fritz, 1966 James Hanks, 1966 Mary Hilt, 1966 Lonnie & Nancy Houchin, 1966 John & Gloria Hunzeker, 1966 Bernard Jarecke, 1966 Stanley Johnson, 1966 Julia Kern, 1966 Robert Leander, 1966 Norma Loew, 1966 Katherine Nunnery, 1966 John Riley, 1966 Brenda Teleen, 1966 Shirley Wach, 1966 Joseph Wildinger, 1966 William Witty, 1966 Velma Adam, 1967 Andy Anderson, 1967 Lonnie Bohling, 1967 Ray & Connie Cain, 1967 Gerald Carnes, 1967 Paul & Arlene Fell, 1967 John Fettig, 1967 Kay Fish, 1967 Phyllis Greedy, 1967 Mike Guilliatt, 1967 Carol Henning, 1967 Vernon Krenzer, 1967 Roger Lucas, 1967 Nancy Nealon, 1967 Darrell Plumb, 1967 Carol Schmucker, 1967 James Stanosheck, 1967 Leonard Tomlyn, 1967 Lee Arellano, 1968 Charles Bowman, 1968 Dee Campbell, 1968 Douglas Cotner, 1968 Douglas Cramer, 1968 Richard Daly, 1968 Paul Henrickson, 1968 Stanley & Barbara Johnson, 1968 William Kerins, 1968 Tim & Jean Logsdon, 1968 Mary Lu McCoy, 1968 Teresa Minard, 1968 Romona Moore, 1968 James O’Donoghue, 1968 Patti Ramold, 1968 Ralph Schawang, 1968 Mary Lou Schriner, 1968 Chuck Shores, 1968 Samuel Smith, 1968

Kennard Stoner, 1968 James Tegelhutter, 1968 Bruce Vickrey, 1968 Ronald Yates, 1968 Mildred Appleoff, 1969 Patricia Diskin, 1969 Patsy Harpster, 1969 Butch & Dobey Haws, 1969 Lavelle Hitzemann, 1969 Eleanor Jenkins, 1969 Richard Linder, 1969 Chuck & Alice Mizerski, 1969 Richard & Ramona Moore, 1969 Anita Norman, 1969 Richard Ogle, 1969 Nick & Cheri Petrillo, 1969 Lois Pietzyk, 1969 Robert Ridenour, 1969 James Rowe, 1969 Marilyn Scheinost, 1969 Walter Slick, 1969 Albert & Louise Smith, 1969 Richard & Margaret Smith, 1969 James Watson, 1969

1970s

Van Allen, 1970 Robert Beran, 1970 Larry Cotton, 1970 Dennis Curtis, 1970 Stephen Dalton, 1970 Don & Claudia Dougherty, 1970 Barbara Easley, 1970 Elizabeth Ebeler, 1970 Roger Evans, 1970 James Head, 1970 Ronald Jones, 1970 Mary Kloepping, 1970 Ronald Nolte, 1970 Dennis & Carole Obermeyer, 1970 Gary Rosso, 1970 David Sackles, 1970 John Seeba, 1970 Donald Wiechec, 1970 Patricia Will, 1970 Lonnie Wing, 1970 Neal Bower, 1971 Jody Bukacek, 1971 John & Mary Ann Chaney, 1971 Steven Drake, 1971 Rose Duncan, 1971 Larry & Sue Green, 1971 Charles & Judy Grotrian, 1971 Patricia Holmes, 1971 Michael & Virginia Janis, 1971 Robert Kiser, 1971 Carol Langer, 1971 Robert Lisec, 1971 Daisy Malcom, 1971

Maynard & Dianne Martin, 1971 Connie Matson, 1971 Darwin McHugh, 1971 Janet McMullen, 1971 Ronald & Susan Meyer, 1971 Rodney & Janie Montang, 1971 Darlene O’Brien, 1971 Willa Jean Stutheit, 1971 Patricia Trottier, 1971 Sara Veigel, 1971 Lanny & Mary Williams, 1971 Nancy York, 1971 Helen Aufenkamp, 1972 James Bailey, 1972 Randy Baucke, 1972 Roger & Linda Behrns, 1972 Vicki Beilke, 1972 Maureen Carpenter, 1972 Danny & Connie Collin, 1972 Nancy Crook, 1972 James & Dianne Dickson, 1972 John Furlong, 1972 Tyrus Gilliam, 1972 Judy Grotrian, 1972 Jay Hagerman, 1972 Carolyn Hopp, 1972 Patricia Hunsberger, 1972 Danny Jeanneret, 1972 Kathy Kelly, 1972 William Kennedy, 1972 Charles Klingler, 1972 Douglas Kottich, 1972 Mary Lade, 1972 Susan Meyer, 1972 Sandy Miles, 1972 Pam Miyoshi-Smith, 1972 Nick Nigro, 1972 Robert & Judy Peterson, 1972 William Peterson, 1972 Joan Shurtliff, 1972 Steven Stemper, 1972 Esther Tegtmeier, 1972 Dean Teten, 1972 Robert Tipton, 1972 Jon Tritsch, 1972 Raymond Waters, 1972 James Wilson, 1972 Kent & Nancy Wilson, 1972 Bob Beaver, 1973 Charles & Mary Caverzagie, 1973 James Desbien, 1973 Bob Engles, 1973 Mary Givehand, 1973 Rena Hall, 1973 Allison & Martin Hayes, 1973 Barbara Jones, 1973 David Koll, 1973 Fred & Trudy Lainson, 1973 Randy Luther, 1973 Roger Michaelis, 1973 Terry Ratliff, 1973

Fred & Pam Robertson, 1973 Margaret Roddy, 1973 Terrence Volker, 1973 Ann Watson, 1973 Sharon Bogle, 1974 Beth Butts, 1974 Mary Green, 1974 Charles Heim, 1974 Tim Hendricks, 1974 Janet Kirkendall, 1974 Stephen Krajicek, 1974 James Landwehr, 1974 Terry & Marlene Neddenriep, 1974 Janice Smith, 1974 Lou Solie, 1974 Jack Stanley, 1974 Gayle Swisegood, 1974 Bob & Lucy Winter, 1974 Ralph Arnold, 1975 Russell & Julie Barnes, 1975 David Chatelain, 1975 Robert Craig, 1975 Terry & Carolyn Glathar, 1975 Warren Goos, 1975 Stan Hallock, 1975 Susan Snodgrass, 1975 Debra Stinn, 1975 Theresa Symancyk, 1975 John Trayer, 1975 Dennis Williams, 1975 Stephen & Terry Zimmers, 1975 Annie Berkheimer, 1976 John Chatelain, 1976 Anne Collingwood, 1976 Dan & Cheryl Cotton, 1976 Linda Dickeson, 1976 Donald & Ruth Doxon, 1976 Peggy Groff, 1976 Roger & Glenda Harders, 1976 Gail Harmon, 1976 William Hosack, 1976 Annie Jones-Rucker, 1976 Jay Lueke, 1976 Dorothy Meisinger, 1976 Alan Seybert, 1976 Raymond & Carol Woerlen, 1976 Janet Barlow, 1977 Ruth Bolin, 1977 Robert Carter, 1977 John & Phyllis Dierking, 1977 Ted Harshbarger, 1977 Bob & Carol Hemmingsen, 1977 Dale Hoepker, 1977 Joyce Jones, 1977 Joseph Kotnik, 1977 Colleen Kreifels, 1977 Susan Pease, 1977 Dave and Kim Stemper, 1977 Monica Yankus, 1977 Carolyn Bednar, 1978

Rhonda Chomos, 1978 Dan Ehmke, 1978 Robert Garcia, 1978 Penny Kimball, 1978 Mary Scott, 1978 Anne Stribling, 1978 Rod White, 1978 Robert Applegate, 1979 Cathy Berger, 1979 Joyce Boslau, 1979 Calvin Kunze, 1979 Denise Kurpgeweit, 1979 Jeffrey & Mary Pease, 1979 Sharon Russell, 1979

1980s

Stacy Applegate, 1980 Susan Carroll, 1980 Mary Findeis, 1980 Don Hardekopf, 1980 Loretta Johnson, 1980 Lucinda Kopf, 1980 Julie Kovar, 1980 Dennis Marshall, 1980 Jack Moles, 1980 Joseph Primm, 1980 Timothy & Jolene Alvis, 1981 Ronda Diggs, 1981 Paulette Joy, 1981 Keith Mullins, 1981 Kent & Becki Propst, 1981 Virginia Schlender, 1981 Roosevelt Brown, 1982 Janet Dingman, 1982 Mick & Katherine Haney, 1982 Martin Haverty, 1982 Alvin & Renee Holder, 1982 Karen Koehler, 1982 Lee & Rebecca Kohrs, 1982 Pamela Slater, 1982 John Teten, 1982 Al Urwin, 1982 Polly Clark, 1983 Russ Freitag, 1983 Kimberly Hill, 1983 Kimberly Oliver, 1983 Laurie Schulte, 1983 Jeff & Robin Smith, 1983 Scot Baillie, 1984 Sharon Clelland, 1984 Rev. Harrison Harrison, 1984 Tim & Cindy Hoffman, 1984 Anthony & Marsha Niday, 1984 Roselyn Shaffer, 1984 Stephanie Shrader, 1984 Robert & Jody Bowman, 1985 Susan Coonce, 1985 Wayne Dolezal, 1985 SaraBeth Donovan, 1985 Rebecca Kohrs, 1985 Georjean Perez, 1985 Eugene Feit, 1986 Julie Gottula, 1986

Sandra Mathews, 1986 Patrick Mertens, 1986 Timothy Mittan, 1986 Ritchie Nelson, 1986 Jeff & Nancy Reed, 1986 Michelle Salberg, 1986 Ann Severin, 1986 Jeffrey Slagle, 1986 Valorie Zentner, 1986 Joni Berg, 1987 Daniel Casey, 1987 Amy Clark, 1987 Mary Comstock, 1987 Mark Czapla, 1987 Jack & Mary Frary, 1987 Nancy Glasgow, 1987 Dottie & Richard Holliday, 1987 Mark Paneitz, 1987 Mari-Ann Pesek, 1987 Kevin Rahner, 1987 Randy Reeves, 1987 Christy Riggins, 1987 Tamera Texley, 1987 Theresa Waters, 1987 Susan Williams, 1987 Ron Brockhaus, 1988 Anita Downing-Hueftle, 1988 Michael Ford, 1988 Michael Gerdes, 1988 Jayne Hlavac, 1988 Jan Knobel, 1988 Angie Lewis, 1988 Barbara Miller, 1988 Tracey Morton, 1988 Judith Ruskamp, 1988 Maxine Ward, 1988 Janice Dawson, 1989 Diane Denniston, 1989 Mary Grimes, 1989 Nancy Huber, 1989 Ruth Larsen, 1989

1990s

Susan Baylor, 1990 Lori Broady, 1990 Kevin Caverzagie, 1990 Joe Davis, 1990 Rondel & Stephanie Korbelik, 1990 Joseph Neesen, 1990 Steven & Erin Sayer, 1990 Alan Vervaecke, 1990 Todd & Brenda Anderson, 1991 Betty Hecht, 1991 Ronald Hester, 1991 Rod Olson, 1991 Suzanne Whisler, 1991 Theresa Baumgartner, 1992 John Bensley, 1992 Susan Cade, 1992 Wei Chong, 1992 Denise Daake, 1992

Melissa Decker, 1992 Jean Everhart, 1992 James Florence, 1992 Terry Hotze, 1992 Jeff Janssen, 1992 Merri Johnson, 1992 Rebecca Kling, 1992 Margo LaBrie, 1992 Garrett & Linda Mann, 1992 Gayle Martin, 1992 Susan Rokey, 1992 John Sayer, 1992 Jeanne Speckmann, 1992 Miriam Werner, 1992 Jennifer Wurzelbacher, 1992 Michael Fitzpatrick, 1993 Stacy Heller, 1993 Scott Kohout, 1993 Michelle Manes, 1993 Linda Miller, 1993 John Ramsey, 1993 Lori Tibbs, 1993 Tracy VanDyke, 1993 Peter Dennis, 1994 Jason Fortik, 1994 Daniel Gauchat, 1994 Bradley & Rachel Goracke, 1994 Sandra Hilding, 1994 Julie Holthaus, 1994 Michael Hubert, 1994 Brett & Toni Landenberger, 1994 Matthew Miller, 1994 Julie Monfelt, 1994 Betsy Reed, 1994 Tony Rieschick, 1994 James Thompson, 1994 Nancy Vogt, 1994 Ivan Wineglass, 1994 Julie Bauman, 1995 Paul Czapla, 1995 Carla Farrell, 1995 Dewey Fingar, 1995 Tina Johnson, 1995 Benjamin & Jamie Royal, 1995 Jeffrey & Audra Schawang, 1995 Barbara Beatty, 1996 Joan Christen, 1996 Joe & Jennifer Dunn, 1996 Jay Grotrian, 1996 Renae Oswald, 1996 John Roddy, 1996 James Hall, 1997 Jeffrey Hammer, 1997 Brent Lottman, 1997 Ross & Kelli Tomjack, 1997 Tressa Whittington, 1997 Ed Ankrom, 1998 Christopher Cerveny, 1998 Francis & Maxine Moul, 1998 Russell & Stephanie Olsen, 1998

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2016 Bobcats Donor Roll Michelle Steadman, 1998 Jason & Ronda Stinson, 1998 Teresa Breazile, 1999 Deborah Breuer, 1999 Lillian Cromer, 1999 Robert Curry, 1999 Teri Dorn, 1999 Cathy Fugleberg, 1999 Scott & Erin Hochstein, 1999

Lundholm, 2008 Leighton Michaelson, 2008 Donna Neeman, 2008 Cheryl Parks, 2008 Jennifer Royer, 2008 Taylor & Crystal Dunekacke, 2009 Danni Stoddard, 2009 Jacob Thompson-Krug, 2009

2000s

2010s

Katie Foster, 2000 Tammie Hart, 2000 Steven Heine, 2000 Tamara Westhart, 2000 Jenifer Busing, 2001 Karen Horky, 2001 Frank Kostal, 2001 Kelly Price, 2001 Phillip Sheek, 2001 Julie Sutfin, 2001 Cathie English, 2002 Tracy Franklin, 2002 Kyle & Sheri Ryan, 2002 April Schneider, 2002 Tamera Texley, 2002 Elizabeth Duncan, 2003 Jeffrey Ely, 2003 Alan Gager, 2003 Katy Marshall, 2003 Vanessa Sherman, 2003 Conni Charles, 2004 Scott Gates, 2004 Anthony and Rebecca Johnson, 2004 Stacy Maxine, 2004 Clinton Pebley, 2004 Sagrario Rangel, 2004 Lucian Smith, 2004 Roger Virost, 2004 Kevin Wegener, 2004 Charles Benson, 2005 David Bremer, 2005 Gary & Stephanie Mercer, 2005 A.J. & Denise Mertens, 2005 Rebecca Rezabek, 2005 Wendy Brennan, 2006 Joanna Cielocha, 2006 Thomas and Jari Dunekacke, 2006 Lindsay Laug, 2006 Nathan Bartels, 2007 Wende Bergmeier, 2007 James Daberkow, 2007 Jari Dunekacke, 2007 Danny & Nikki Hayes, 2007 Jodie Jones, 2007 Michael & Danni Stoddard, 2007 Belle Williams, 2007 Guy Hale, 2008 Robert Hollandsworth, 2008 Robert & Mary

28 The Stater

Raedeahna Gerdes, 2010 Gretchen McCulley, 2010 Michael Swigert, 2010 Adam and Promise DeBilzan, 2011 Elizabeth Feilen, 2011 Bobbie and Arlan Meints, 2011 Lynn Kemper, 2012 Robert Williamson, 2012 Maddison Krebs, 2014 Rafael Omon, 2014 Shane and Lainey Lloyd, 2015 Wayne Pantini, 2015 Todd and Michelle Simpson, 2015 Danyelle Achenbach, 2016 Michael Dorzweiler, 2016

Friends

Leroy & Valerie Able, Friend Connie Albers, Friend Denise Algaze, Friend Nancy Baumfalk, Friend Jeremy Beard, Friend Larry & Kathy Beaty, Friend Joyce Becerra, Friend Cecilia Berg, Friend Sandra Blair, Friend Ann Bloemker, Friend Carol Boesch, Friend Kevin Boos, Friend Gerry Brady, Friend Carolyn Bredemeier, Friend Martha Brestel, Friend Angela Bridgmon, Friend Everett Browning, Friend Eulanda Cade, Friend James and Ellen Cain, Friend Barbara Carawan, Friend Kathy Carroll, Friend Robert Carson, Friend Donna Caspers, Friend Yvonne Chandler, Friend Betty Clark, Friend Clinton Clark, Friend Rachel Clark, Friend Neal Clayburn, Friend Bill Clemente, Friend Thomas Cohoon, Friend Jesse Cole, Friend Kelli Cox, Friend Sara Crook, Friend John Crotty, Friend

Linda Cundall, Friend Sarah Dameron, Friend Wayne Davidson, Friend Bob & Kathy Dawson, Friend Douglas Demers, Friend Lynn and Scott Dierberger, Friend Helen Dixon, Friend Joyce Douglas, Friend Justin and April Douglas, Friend Joyce Dunn, Friend Thomas Ediger, Friend Mike Ely, Friend Janet Ertle, Friend Victor and Irene Faesser, Friend Helen Farrell, Friend Richard Flynn, Friend Pat Fortney, Friend Doug Friedli, Friend Erv Friesen, Friend Marcia Friesen, Friend Adam Froeschl, Friend Nathan Froeschl, Friend Barbara George, Friend Alicia Gerdes, Friend James and Deanne Gerking, Friend Fred Gfeller, Friend Glade Goings, Friend Juanita Goings, Friend Stacey Golding, Friend Anthony Gomez, Friend Bill Graves, Friend Leland Graves, Friend Kathleen Gray, Friend Carolyn Green, Friend Karen Green, Friend Jayme Gruber, Friend Theresa Guzman, Friend Colene Hance, Friend Brenda Handy, Friend Alicia Hanson, Friend Dan and Elaine Hanson, Friend De Ann Hanson, Friend Donald Harter, Friend Kathryn Hartman, Friend Linda Hartman, Friend Karen Hasch, Friend Janet Hawley, Friend Marty & Andrea Hayes, Friend Donald Hazen, Friend Eric and Linda Hemmingsen, Friend Jane Henning, Friend Sharon Hersemann, Friend Scott & Jamie Hestermann, Friend Patricia Hirschfeld, Friend Harold Hitch, Friend Patrick Hodges, Friend Donald and Margaret Hoffmeyer, Friend

Jason and Michelle Hogue, Friend Carol Holtz, Friend Dan & Alice Holtz, Friend Betty Horton, Friend Marilyn Huetson, Friend Joe and Rita Ingersoll, Friend Vicki Jacobitz, Friend Becca Jewell, Friend Roxie Kelly, Friend Elizabeth Kernes Krause, Friend Warren Knape, Friend Cheryl Krafka, Friend Charles Kreifels, Friend Leo Kreifels, Friend Paul & Loretta Kruse, Friend Ira Kurz, Friend Marc Kurz, Friend Jay Lamb, Friend Julia Larson, Friend Herbert Lash, Friend Craig Latscha, Friend Bradley Lauber, Friend Jane and Craig Little, Friend Daryl Long, Friend Patricia Longley, Friend Eddi Lopez, Friend Russell Lopez, Friend Susan Lynch, Friend Joseph Mahan, Friend Eric Maire, Friend Maurice and Maedean Mathews, Friend Veronica McAsey, Friend Michael and Virginia McGinnity, Friend Larry and Kay McKinzie, Friend Ruth McMaster, Friend Brian and Tammy McPherson, Friend Maxine Mehus, Friend Marie Meland, Friend Margaret Mertens, Friend Paul Miller, Friend George Millet, Friend Amy Mincer, Friend Judith Moline, Friend Doc & Betty Moller, Friend Gregg Moran, Friend Carolyn Murphy, Friend Michael Murphy, Friend Sheila Navarro, Friend Alissa Neu, Friend Kristi Nies, Friend Laura Nutter, Friend Daryl & Jacqueline Obermeyer, Friend Douglas Olson, Friend Debra Orton, Friend Dennis and Lynn Pelisek, Friend Kristin Petersen, Friend

Bobcats we miss Nelda Peterson, Friend Roy Phillips, Friend Claude and Sheila Price, Friend Randy Prior, Friend Hans & Betty Rath, Friend Father Raybourn & Susan Raybourn, Friend Randall and Candace Rehmeier, Friend Mary Ritchie, Friend Donna Ruby, Friend Annie Rucker, Friend James and Walta Ruff, Friend Juan Ruiz, Friend Robert Rupp, Friend Roger Rupp, Friend Julie Sailors, Friend Becky Santomaso, Friend Lee Sapp, Friend Doreen Schelkopf, Friend Bradley Schipper, Friend Steve Schneider, Friend Gary and Dottie Schott, Friend Greg & Darolyn Seay, Friend Caitlin Shafer, Friend Pamela Short, Friend Kari Shubert, Friend Christine Silvey, Friend Leonard Skov, Friend Kim Smith, Friend Tim & Sharon Smulling, Friend Bill & Shirley Snyder, Friend Ruth Snyder, Friend Deborah Solie, Friend Nancy Solie, Friend Brian Stencel, Friend Brad and Lisa Strittmatter, Friend Connie Stunkel, Friend Marlys Swenson-Waller, Friend Charles Talmadge, Friend Annie Thomas, Friend Jim Thomas, Friend Janet Twohig, Friend Kathy Tynon, Friend Mike Tynon, Friend Kent Van Zant, Friend Rod Vandeberg, Friend Lou & Cindy Varley, Friend S.R. Vogt, Friend Floyd Vrtiska, Friend Fredrick and Susan Wachtler, Friend Terri Wagner, Friend John Walker, Friend Kimberly Wallace, Friend Kirk and Ann Warden, Friend Linda Warren, Friend John Wear, Friend Carolyn Weingaertner, Friend Al Wheeler, Friend Rick Whitaker, Friend Jessica and Joshua

White, Friend S. L. White, Friend Deborah Wilkie, Friend Shelly Williams, Friend Micki Willis, Friend Jay Witt, Friend Jan Wright, Friend Bev Young, Friend Hermenegilda Zavala Agosto, Friend Kelly Asmussen, Friend David Bierman, Friend Kenneth Elms, Friend Karen Krofta, Friend Jan Passmore, Friend Jeanne Schmelzer, Friend Dana Townsend, Friend Daniel Trout, Friend Paul Weickert, Friend A & E Systems, Inc. Advanced Engineering Systems, Inc Aegon Transamerica Foundation Arbor Day Foundation AT&T Foundation Buildings By Design LLC Cameron General Contractors, Inc. Dunn to Perfection Evans, Lipka and Associates, Inc. Farmers Bank of Cook First National Bank of Johnson First State Bank Nebraska Froeschl Floors LLC G & T Trucking General Electric Foundation Ideal Images Inc. Mike Mulvaney Foundation Nebraska Community Foundation Nelnet Foundation Nemaha County Hospital Omaha Alumni Association Richard P. and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation Roxanna Oil Company Stodden Physical Therapy, LLC The Richardson Foundation Troy A Kanter Family Foundation Union Bank & Trust Union Pacific Company Viking Ship Western Group, Inc./Denver Wilde Tool Co. Inc. Wirth Foundation, Inc.

Bobcats We Miss Friends Joseph Allen of Omaha, NE passed away on May 22, 2017. He worked for Executive Protection of Lincoln and enjoyed his participation in Boy Scouts of American, Hillside Little League and demolition derbies at county fairs. Wilma (Kuhl) Antholz of Adams, formerly Tecumseh, passed away May 19, 2017. Wilma received her teaching certificate from PSC and taught in country schools for three years. She later served as an x-ray tech at Nemaha County Hospital and then Johnson County Hospital. In her retirement years, she enjoyed helping others, just as she had done throughout her life. Harlan Biere of North Platte, passed away May 20, 2017. He was employed at Cooper Nuclear Plant in Brownville, but in 1978 moved to North Platte. There he was employed at Gerald Gentleman Station. Harlan also worked construction for a number of years. Duane Biggs of Shawnee, KS, formerly Omaha, passed away January 4, 2017. Duane attended Peru State College until joining the United States Navy. A veteran of the Korean War, he learned about electronics, which later served him in his Biggs TV business. Duane has a US patent on a lever system to manage heat on a grill. Marcia (Wehrli) Blomstedt of Lincoln passed away February 3, 2017. Marcia grew in faith at a women’s boarding house where the owner led Bible studies. She brought many women to Bible studies, children to AWANA and had a Good News Club in her home. She also led Sunday worship at Milder Manor for five years. Betty Bokenkamp of Hebron passed away on February 15, 2017. Betty taught in country schools following graduation from PSC until she married her husband Orville. She was active in Bible studies, Ladies Mission Guild and the afternoon ladies circle. Betty was a talented seamstress, operating a drapery business for 33 years. Joan (Jessen) Case of Bloomfield passed away on March 6, 2017. She enjoyed traveling and going on trips with friends and family. Joan loved gardening and flowers and many kinds of crafts like crocheting and quilting. She was a member of Christ Memorial United Methodist Church and the Bloomfield Chapter of Eastern star.

Phyllis (Winkle) Chance of St. Augustine, FL passed away on December 16, 2016. Phyllis served as a substitute teacher and then taught third grade for 22 years before retiring. In retirement, she was active with Learn to Read, United Methodist Women, and First United Methodist Church. Martha Cotton of Frostburg, MD passed away May 16, 2017. During WWII she enlisted in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Later in life, she was a member of the Mountain Side Marines, enjoyed “500”, lined danced with friends and crocheted for the Maryland Hospice until her death. Rita Denham of Charles City, IA passed away on June 17, 2017. After receiving her teaching certificate from PSC, she taught in a one room school house near Massena, IA. She love to read and maintained a sense of curiosity and a love of learning that lasted her entire life. Lawrence “Larry” Ebner of Hot Springs Village, AR passed away on January 28, 2017. After serving years as the business manager of PSC, Larry was a consultant to numerous corporations and organizations. Larry and his wife enjoyed many years of competitive participation with the HSV Tennis Association. Adele Griepenstroh of Nebraska City passed away on May 7, 2017. She was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church and their Ladies Church Circle. She also belonged to the Eagles Auxiliary, the VFW, and was a former member of the Daughters of the Nile. William Hibbard of Sundance, WY passed away June 1, 2017. After moving to Sundance in 1956 with his wife, he started his lifelong career with the Wyoming highway department, retiring in 1987. Bill enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing and the outdoors with his wife, children and friends. Denice Laham of Cheyenne, WY passed away March 15, 2017. Denice attended Peru State Teachers College before turning to the world of computing, where she excelled. After retiring in 2015, she moved to Cheyenne to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Donald Kuss of Omaha passed away on March 5, 2017. Donald served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, retiring in 1973. He taught classes at Peru State College as well as Metro Community College.

Marcia Menefee of Lincoln passed away April 12, 2017. Marcia worked for Montgomery Ward and Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Co. She also volunteered as a Girl Scout leader. Marcia enjoyed spending time with her four grandchildren. Merleen (Clark) Miller of Tecumseh passed away on February 18, 2017. After earning her teaching certificate from PSC, she began teaching in a one room schoolhouse. She had the largest rural school in Johnson County with 21 students. Her family was very important to her and she was very proud of her children and grandchildren. Richard Moore or Auburn passed away March 25, 2017. Richard enjoyed woodworking projects and tending to his gardens. He was always there to aid his family when needed and loved spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Vincent Petrucci of Fresno, CA passed away on December 27, 2016. Vincent was part of the V-12 program here at PSC and was preparing to be a naval aviator but the war ended. His children say he had a generous heart and an unbridled zest for life in everything he attempted. Roger Saf of Oakland passed away March 30, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer. He was a talented athlete and throughout his life, enjoyed playing golf, baseball and football. Roger was a “people person” who always said he’d never met a stranger. Clarence “Vern” Siegner of Los Angeles, CA died peacefully on December 20,2016. Vern taught at many schools, include Peru State College in Nebraska from 1961 to 1975, where he eventually became Dean of the Department of Applied Arts and Technology. Irene (Pivonka) Sokolik of Beatrice passed away on December 26, 2016. After taking classes at PSC, she taught at three rural school districts in Saline County for six and a half years. Volunteering was very important to Irene, volunteering for 55 years at the VA Hospital. She was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 71 years.

Jack Slaven of Woodland, CA passed away in January, 2017. He enrolled in the V12 Navy Training Program and served two years. Jack was a teacher, administrator and coach for 38 years. He also established many youth and adult sports programs enjoyed by many. Baseball and softball were his passion; he remained active in softball tournaments until age 81. Betty Stukenholtz of Nebraska City passed away on January 14, 2017. Betty started the Nebraska Country School Association and the Annual Country School Conference, which is still ongoing. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Questers, Otoe County Genealogical Society and the Lincoln Mayor’s Friendship Committee. 1930s Helen E. Lampe Thompson (’37) of Beatrice passed away on November 17, 2016. Helen taught for eight years in several one room schools. She married and moved to New Orleans. Upon returning she was the bookkeeper for the family business and a Girl Scout leader. Helen was a member of the First Christian Church of Beatrice. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, and gardening. 1940s Nelson “Mick” Corporon (’45) of Lexington, MO passed away in November of 2016. Mick did many things in his life, from serving the US Navy during WWII to being Mayor of Pittsburg, KS to co-founding Costain Christian Children’s Home to acting as the first president of the Bituminous Coal Operators Association to appearing as a parade clown. Willard Hunzeker (’46) of Wahoo, passed away November 13, 2016. Willard was called to serve the Army Air Force in 1942, but upon release from active duty, he finished his degree in Education. Willard had a 36 year career in education, teaching in Falls City, DuBois, and Endicott and served as Superintendent of Schools in Daykin, Fullerton and Wahoo, retiring in 1985. Myrton Hall (’47) of St. Paul, MN, formerly, Omaha, passed away February 21, 2017. Myrton is best remembered as the longtime assistant superintendent of business service for the Omaha Public Schools. He oversaw Omaha’s integration busing in the 1970s.

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Bobcats we miss Jack Mast (’45) of Zamora, CA passed away December 2, 2016. Jack farmed for over 65 years and kept up with changing mechanical, technological and economic climates. He served on many area boards. Jack and his wife were intrepid world travelers and visited many continents. Wanda Miller (Norris, ’48) of Mesa, AZ passed away on January 23, 2017. She and her husband lived in eight different states, but spent 27 years in Iowa, operating the first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in Iowa. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, worldwide travel and playing cards with family and friends. 1950s Evelyn Brown (Boseck, ’51) of Manhattan, KS, passed away on November 12, 2016. She was a librarian for junior high and high schools in Manhattan. In retirement, she researched genealogy for her family and also the state of Kansas. David Duey (’51) of Silverdale, WA passed away on December 2, 2016. Dave was a WWII Army veteran, educator, coach and salesmen. He was part of the Lions club and a past president. He loved his family and everyone has fond memories of his fun loving personality and playing cards with him. Phyllis Gausman (Grunwold, ‘51) of Fairbury passed away April 4, 2017. She was an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the Senior Diner. She worked tirelessly with the women’s group at First United Methodist Church. Corrine Heil (’50) of Industry, PA passed away May 22, 2017. She taught in Cass County and Omaha for seven years before receiving her real estate license and sold real estate for 11 years. In 1982, Corrine and her family moved to Industry, where they have been ever since. She was a proud Daughter of the American Revolution.

Dale A. Johnson (’57) of Glidden passed away on March 15, 2017. Dale loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and other school activities, going on fishing trips to Canada with his sons and grandson, and spending time with his family. Phyllis Olson (Vollertsen, ’59) of Cedar Rapids, IA passed away March 17, 2017. She was an active member of the Good Earth Garden Club and Linn County Master Gardeners. She did beautiful hand needlework and was a member of the Cedar Valley Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. Elaine Krumme (Spier, ’58) of Omaha passed away on May 1, 2017. She taught and counseled in the Omaha Public Schools for 37 years. Elaine was an active member of the Omaha Area Peru Alumni Association, having served as a president in the past. Richard Kumpf (’58) of Auburn, passed away May 22, 2017. Richard was a math school teacher for 25 years at Cook Public School, Hooper Public School, North Platte Senior High School, and Fort Calhoun Public Schools. In 1985 he made a career change and served as a funeral director for Casey-Witzenburg Funeral Home before retiring in 1999. Bob Resz (’50) of Lincoln passed away June 1, 2017. After serving in the Air Force for four years, he taught chemistry in Lincoln for 12 years. He went on to serve as dean of general education at Southeast Community College. Marilyn L. Slagle (’58) of Falls City passed away on November 25, 2016. She taught music for a total of 35 years in North Platte, NE, Ft. Morgan, CO, and Council Bluffs, IA. She retired in 1993 and returned to Falls City. She was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Iowa State Teachers Assoc., NEA, and Lewis Central Retired Teachers Assoc.

Bobcats in love and look at those Bobcats go! Del Stoltenberg (’57) of Rock Port, MO, passed away June 3, 2017. Del taught and coached many places. He was a member of the Hall of Fame at Wayne State and Peru State, as well as the Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. 1960s Robert Agnew (’68) of Hamburg passed away December 11, 2016. Robert taught in the Hamburg Public Schools for eight years. In 1976 he purchased the hardware store in Hamburg and it became A&A Hardware. Cheryl Armstong (’67) passed away on Nov. 16, 2016. She taught many years as a kindergarten teacher in the Nebraska City Public Schools. She was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and was a member of the National Education Association. Carolee Heim (’68) of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away on October 17, 2016. Carolee loved family, playing games and was open to new adventures. She was an avid reader and enjoyed discussions, especially of history. Robert Hoback (’60) of Utica passed away on August 27, 2016. Robert served in the Air Force for two years then spent the rest of his life as a music teacher and instructor. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and a 19 year member of the Utica American Legion Post 49. Mike Janis (’65) of Omaha passed away on January 14, 2017. After graduating from PSC, Mike spent his entire 35-year teaching career in the Millard school district. After retirement in 2000, he judged music contests around Nebraska. He was a founding member of the Ethnic Singers. James McGinnis (’61) of Dawson passed away on November 21, 2016. He served four years in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict before receiving his degree from Peru. James was a teacher and a coach for 27 years in various Nebraska high schools.

Do you have something to celebrate? Send an email to foundation@peru.edu or call 402-872-2304 or write to: The Peru Stater PSC Foundation PO Box 10 Peru, NE 68421-0010

30 The Stater

Thomas Stevenson (’63) of Kenosha, WI passed away on November 25, 2016. He served in the Civil Services as an Education Specialist for the U.S. Navy Recruiting Command until his retirement in 2007. He was a 50 year member of Nemaha Valley Masonic Lodge and volunteered his time at Aurora Hospital. 1970s Joe Barry (’73) of Omaha passed away December 26, 2016. Over the course of his 40 years of teaching he was a beacon of knowledge to students, friendship to his colleagues, and brought extra joy to all those around him. Duane Bissen (’73) of Grinnell, IA passed away on April 11, 2017. After 26 years with American Family Insurance, Duane retired on April 1, 2016. He was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and served with the Knights of Columbus. Sandy Deepe (’76) of Malvern, IA passed away January 2, 2017. She loved horses and was honored to participate in the 1996 National Pony Express Association re-ride. She also found a love of “iron horses” She traveled over 1,000 miles from Columbia, MO to Virginia Beach, VA in 24 hours. 1980s Timothy “Tim” F. Boerner (’80, ’83, ’96) of Syracuse passed away on December 4, 2016. He taught math at Syracuse/Dunbar/Avoca schools from 1983 until his retirement in 2010. Tim also taught Computer Class for a short time. He was a member of the Nebraska Association of Mathematical Teachers. Michael D. Overbey (’89) of Shenandoah, IA passed away on January 8, 2017. Mike had a lifelong passion for learning and enjoyed watching sports football and baseball.

Bobcat Love is in the Air

Cheryl Turner and Bradley Griffin wed on May 13, 2017 in Lincoln at Country Pines Vineyard. Brad is a Peru State College Instructor of Computer and Management Information Systems. Cheryl is a licensed independent mental health practitioner at UNL concentrating on the effects of trauma on children. Mackenzie Faris (’17) and Gabriel Hoins married on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Grace Lutheran Church in Cook. Mackenzie will be teaching 5th grade at Conestoga Public Schools in Murray this fall. The couple will make their home in Murray. Rachel Koller and Catlin Rice (’14) married on April 22, 2017 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney. Rachel is a third-grade teacher at McCook Elementary. Catlin is employed by Cambridge High School as a middle school language arts teacher and a wrestling coach. Veronica McAsey and Kevin Meier wed on December 1, 2016 at Saint Dominic’s Catholic Church in Holton, KS. Veronica is the Peru State College Library Director. The happy couple makes their home in Nebraska City. Caitlyn Lesan (’16) and Ryan Maitlen married on July 23, 2016 at Honey Creek Resort in Moravia. Caitlin is employed as a director of admissions and assistant director of the SWCC Education Foundation at Southwestern Community College. Ryan is currently employed as a Creston Police officer. Jenna Rempe (’08) and Brad Salber wed on July 8, 2017 at Wieskamp Farms near Hickman. Jenna is employed by Spooner Physical Therapy and Brad is a field test engineer for Case New Holland, both near Phoenix, AZ.

Look at those Bobcats go! Friends and Alumni Jake Bartlett, Associate Professor of Music at Peru State College, was a quarterfinalist for the Grammy’s educator award for a second year. The award honors a single music teacher who has made a significant contribution to music education. Dan Hanson, President of Peru State College, recently received the Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Dr. Hanson was nominated by Keri Bensheimer, Admissions Representative at PSC and a member of the Nebraska

National Guard. Maurtice Ivy, Operations Director for Charles Drew Health Center, was recently honored by the Great Plains History Museum at the Youth Health, Wellness and Sports Awards Luncheon. She served as the first black female head coach of a basketball team at Peru State College. Ashley Kruse is Council Bluff, Iowa’s new communications officer. Her duty is to ensure residents are kept up to date on what’s happening in City Hall and elsewhere in town. A Psi Chi chapter was recently founded at Peru State College with 17 students inducted. Psi Chi is an international Honor Society in Psychology. Kyle Ryan, Associate Professor Exercise Science at Peru State College, is part of the inaugural class of Rural Institute Community Innovation and Faculty Fellows. The program is dedicated to research, teaching and application with and in rural communities. Megan Sothan recently began a new position as administrator at the Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historical Site. Spencer Vogt, Assistant Professor of Education, graduated from the Nemaha County Leadership Class 4 after participating in months of sessions on team building and leadership, agriculture, business, industry and more. Jan Wright, poet, collaborated with John Frederick Lokke, artist, to create the book The Barada Hills of Nebraska. The book contains watercolor paintings paired with poems and has been shown in galleries throughout the state of Nebraska. 1960s Mike Castle (’69) is retiring after more than 40 years as the State Farm agent in Falls City. During his career he was honored as one of the top 50 State Farm agents. Bob Eichenberger (’64) of Talmage received two awards at the Nebraska Coaches Association Multisports Banquet this summer. One was in recognition of 40+ years coaching basketball in Nebraska and the second was given in recognition of reaching the 400+ victory level coaching. Larry Poessnecker (’68) was recently recognized by Northeast Community College for career success and achievement, as well as distinguished service to the College.

Chick Stessman (’61) of Liberty, MO was recently inducted into the Liberty High School Hall of Fame. Chick was the Boys Basketball Coach and later a long time Administrator at the school before retiring. 1970s Ray Christie (’77) was featured in The Columbus Dispatch for his role as an awareness advocate for prostate cancer, even as he undergoes treatment for the disease. Bill Fitzgerald (’74) was recognized by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association with ten national Distinguished Service Awards at their conference. Bill was recognized for his work at the local, state and national level in the field of athletic administration over his past 39 years in education. Dean Fornoff (’72) was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame during the 18th annual ceremony and accordion jamboree at Ron’s Tavern in Milligan. He was honored for his dedication to the preservation of Czech music. 1990s Stephanie Fisher (’93) was named the new city administrator for Waverly. “Her people skills, energy, enthusiasm and understanding of business and city government is a real benefit,” said Mayor Mike Werner. Christine Sadofsky (’98) recently retired as fifth grade teacher at DC West Middle School after a career in the District that has spanned over a quarter of a century. 2000s Thomas Allen (’02), a high school social studies teacher, was recently recognized as a 2017 Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher. Jared Gerdes (’08) of Ariens Company in Auburn is among 30 Nebraskans selected to participate in the 10th Leadership Nebraska Class. Jason Grof (’02) is the new park superintendent at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. Grof said, “I enjoy teaching folks about the park and the history of it.” Nik Johanson (’01) recently graduated in the sixth class of the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy, a one-year program that provides leadership training and educates participates about the role rivers, steams and aquifers play in the economic sustainability of the state. Rebecca Johnson (’04) joined the Nemaha County Herald staff. Johnson said, “joining

the team is a great chance to get involved in Auburn and southeast Nebraska.” Chris Lindner (’05) was recently elected partner of BKD’s Nebraska practice. BKD is a national CPA and advisory firm. Chris provides audit and consulting services to commercial, government and utility entities and leads BKD’s governmental practice in Nebraska. Tammie (Mundil) Lord (’02) was recently promoted from staff attorney with the Kansas Highway Patrol to General Counsel. In her role, Tammie will serve as the Kansas Highway Patrol General Headquarters Legal Section Head and continue to handle personnel and civil matters. Mitchel Mulcahy (’03) was recently named Teacher of the Year for Bennet Elementary School in Fort Mojave, AZ. Jason Reimers (’01) joined Union Bank and Trust and will lead and oversee all aspects of UBT’s Facilities Department, including space planning, real estate and vendor and lease management. Celio Silva (’05), a middle school social studies teacher, was recently recognized as a 2017 Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher. Curtis Stroud (’06, ’10) is the music teacher at the Doniphan West School District in Highland, KS, but also is a founding member of the band, Curtis Wayne Stroud and Justified. They recently headlined a celebration in Elmo, MO. 2010s Charles Brosemer (’15) was recently promoted to Accountant Financial Reporting Specialist II in the Investment Reporting department of Progressive Insurance. Craig Brown (’16) was recently promoted from Mobile Technology Trainer to IT Coordinator at Q3 Contracting in Little Canada, MN. Paul Moore (’14) is working at Peak to Peak Charter School in Colorado, but has also recently joined Adams State University as an adjunct professor. He is working toward creating a course which will be offered to online and distance learners in the near future. Alicia Umland (’14, ‘17) is the new special education teacher for grades 4-6 starting in the fall at Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Middle School. For the last three years she taught in Cozad as a lower elementary special education teacher.

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Inside this Peru Stater you’ll find… Pg. 4

Peru State Today... Year in Review

Pg. 6

All-College Reunion

Pg. 12

Marlan Downey: Bobcat Legend

Pg. 14

Sesquicentennial Calendar of Events

Pg. 20

Athletics Sesquicentennial Activities

Pg. 22

Peru State 150 Book

Pg. 24

Homecoming

The Peru Stater is published twice each year by the Peru State College Foundation. Send your comments, news items and address changes to: 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. For more information about the Peru State College Alumni Association and Foundation, visit foundation.peru.edu. or call us at 402-872-2304 or email us at pscfoundation@peru.edu.