1998 The Peru Stater (Nebraska)

When The Dust Settles, Great Things In Store

For Peru State College

Though the process has been grueling at times, the end result is not in question: an even better Pern State College is on the way.

That doesn't mean all the difficult questions have been answered. Foremost among them is whether to relocate the renovate ex1stmg tac!lrnes m Peru.

At the time this article is the Nebraska legislature is considering several different bills to accomplish one or the other goal.

'Down Under' Uplifting

For a group of 23 Peru State College students, and some fellow students from nearby Washburn University, the semester break was anything but a .break. Instead, the criminal justice students enjoyed a fascin4ting two weeks studying the legal system in AustraUa. Here they are pictured on tht? of the University of Queens kind, their base" while· there'. For more on the study tour, the artiele <>n Page 15.

Peru State Modifications Continue

While attention lately is focused on Peru State College's facilities and their needs, President Robert L. Burns notes that a terrific amount of work already has been done on campus, with more in progress.

The improvements to facilities and programs are a source of pride on campus but may not be as widely recognized, or may have been forgotten, beyond PSC's boundaries, he said.

"Large numbers of staff at PSC have given their energies to planning, getting approval and working on these projects," Dr. Burns said. "It is important to recognize all they

do for our students."

Tax dollars have been hard to come by for PSC to do major projects for its buildings. That hasn't kept Peru State from progressing on many fronts, Dr. Bums said.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars generated by PSC itself - through sources such as tuition and fees from a growing enrollment, gifts and donations from alumni, charitable groups and corporations, and from creative and efficient use of its own budget, have kept the progress steady.

"We have not allowed the limitations of state (tax) budgets to stop our progress," Dr. Bums said. "People here have

done great jobs of moving forward, even when it is under our own steam."

At the moment, a number of projects are underway. Of particular importance, PSC is nearly done equipping a room in its T.J. Majors Building to serve as a "distance learning" classroom using cable television as the delivery mechanism.

It will allow the college to offer classes at nearly 50 different but similarly-equipped sites across the region, mostly in high schools. To keep costs down, and to give a group of students some practical experience, one of PSC' s industrial (Continued on Page 3)

Enrollment Rises at Peru State College

Peru State College officials took time just after the new year began to review a report on the number of students who were enrolled this past fall.

And they liked what they saw, noted President Robert L. Bums.

College enrollment was up in every major category, with total enrollment at 1,852. That

marks a three percent gain over Fall '96, when 1,798 took PSC classes.

It's particularly gratifying since not all of the state's public higher education institutions are experiencing growth, he added.

"These increases clearly show the special attraction for students to Peru State and the (Continued on Page 5)

While things change almost daily, PSC President Robert L. Burns said the legislature's decision probably won't come much before its 1998 session ends in April, at the earliest. There is a good chance the issue will be the subject of more study, with action deferred until the 1999 legislature.

Winning choices

Yet in the end, regardless of whether Nebraska lawmakers opt to relocate or to renovate, the veteran PSC President is convinced Peru State College will emerge better, stronger, and as ready for the next century as any college in the state.

"The Board of Trustees and I hope the legislature knows

the valuable role played in our state by PSC," Dr. Bums said. "The Board and a great many others are doing the hard task of making difficult decisions - and to the benefit of our college."

As this edition the Stater

of Plattsmouth. introduced LB ing for a formal to construction State College

Nebraska City. Senator Floyd Vrtiska of Table Rock, Neb. introduced LB 1138 which would appropriate funding to begin renovation of some of the facilities at Peru.

Start with study

The entire process began in earnest in the Spring of 1997 when the body which governs Peru State (and its sister colleges in Chadron and Wayne), the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges, commissioned a study of Peru State's facilities.

They contracted with an Omaha firm, The Schemmer Associates, to audit the condition of campus buildings and to come up with an estimate of

(Continued on Page 24)

Golden Grads {Re)Unite!

The annual .Peru State College May Reunion is just around the bend, so all SO-year alumni are asked to gear up for a visit!

Peruvians from the classes of 1949backto1928 are to be invited to the celebration on Friday and Saturday, May s 9••

The featured class will be members of the Class of '48, and if early interest is any indication, a good group is planning to be back,

Yet too often, some believe the May Reunion is only for the SO-year class. That simply isn't the case!

Your invitation wm be sent sometime in March, but don't wait 'til then __,. start making plans now. And while you're at it, can that old classmate, roommate or teammate and ask them to join you!

If you have questions call Kent Propst at (402) 872· 2225.

(Photo courtesy Dr. Kelly Asmussen)

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by Dr. Robert Burns PSC President

The debate and discussion regarding hmv best to sen:e the needs of Peru States stlldents of the coming decades continues to get lots of attention in the Nebraska legislature. The issues and details are complex. But the basic aim of almost all concerned is to get needed resources for the College. The current discussions focus on buildings.

The Board of Trustees reached a point ofjinn support for Peru State and for its continuing role of higher education in southeast Nebraska. The question became "how can we best get the needed resources for Peru State?"

"What approach to the legislature will be most successful?"

In that discussion, the

Northern California Reunion: Come On Down (or Up)!

Once again it's almost time for that annual party commonly known as the Northern California Alumni Reunion.

The celebration is set for Saturday, April 25 in Fairfield, Calif. at Travis Air Force Base. This year, the chapter is extending invitations to fellow Peruvians in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and Southern California.

Invitations are to be mailed in mid-March. Don't miss it!

by Robert L. Burns President

Trustees considered proposals from both City and Beatrice, and in December took unanimous action to recommend to the legislature that the campus be moved to Nebraska City. Land, money, and other forms of support from Nebraska City are included in the proposed move.

Since that time, the legislative process has been moving forward. There are two primary bills in the matter as I write this. One of these, the priority bill of Senator Floyd Vrtiska, would provide funds to renovate Hoyt Science Hall, with the intent of obtaining additional monies in future years to deal with other physical facility needs at Peru. The second bill, the priority bill of Senator Roger Wehrbein, directs that the Board of Trustees prepare a detailed plan to move the campus to Nebraska City.

There is no way at this point to tell which of these bills will be approved. It is possible that neither will get the necessary votes. Testimony on both will be heard by the Appropriations Committee in February. That committee will decide whether one or both bills - or neither - goes to the floor of the legislature for debate.

You may be getting information about these bills and their intent from a variety of sources. As I mentioned in the last STATER, I hope you will give careful consideration to what you hear and read.

And as I outlined in the last STATER, the College is in better condition now than ever before. We are sound and have both academic and financial integrity. We continue to plan for a strong and growing future for Peru State College. We all are agreed as to the importance of Peru State and the importance of its role in southeast Nebraska.

We all can be proud of the progress that has been made in the last several years. Certainly those of us who are on the campus every day see the productivity and improvement all around us. We are determined to continue that kind of progress as we work hard now to prepare for the many years to come and the future students who will look to Peru State for their educations.

Meanwhile, thanks to all of you who have called or written to express your views, your appreciation for being kept informed, your understanding, and your support.

You can be sure that Peru State will continue to serve its students and its special service area with excellence and dedication. Clearly Nebraska, the nineteen counties we serve, and Peru State College face significant issues that will become most clear as we pass to new decades. And we cannot wait until then to begin to plan on how we will respond to those issues.

The '97 Reunion in Fairfield was down somewhat in attendance, but one of the organizers, Rex Floyd (' 42), said that didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the group.

"It seems the smaller the crowd, the more fun they have," Floyd said.

"Even though the alumni group was small, the size of the room and the ambiance made for an intimate, pleasant meeting - we had fun," reports Laurine Clayburn Johnson ('51) of Auburn, Calif.

Laurine and husband J.B. ('49), (who Floyd calls "the best raffle ticket seller in Peru State history"), are part of "the glue that holds this group together," Floyd added.

California Fun

Registration and the "social hour" at the Northern California Alumni Reunion each year is always a fun time. Enjoying the occasion last year were (from left) Duane Overgaard ('56), Stan Tan, Wei Hoe Chong ('92) and Nels Overgaard ('56). The 1998 Northern California Reunion is set for Saturday, April 25 in Failfield.

(Photo courtesy Rex Floyd '42)

"Having Pat Burns and her husband, PSC President Dr. Robert Burns, present brings a further cohesion to the California alums," Floyd added.

Brothers and sisters, grandmothers and granddaughters, mothers and sons, and of course husbands and wives, helps make the memorable event a family affair, Floyd said.

The '97 Reunion was once

Lincoln Chapter to set date

The date for the 1998 reunion of the Lincoln Alumni Chapter has yet to be established, as chapter officers must first await confirmation of a date for PSC's Homecoming.

When Homecoming has been scheduled, officers will begin the process of planning their autumn assembly. Be watching the summer issue of the Stater for details!

April 23 is Omaha Time!

The annual Omaha-area Alumni Reunion has been set for Thursday, April 23, a date you won't want to miss.

PSC' s largest alumni chapter will once again get together at the German-American Society Club. The beautiful facility is easy to find, has lots of parking, and the food is always a hit. Chapter co-Presidents Ron ('58) and Fran Larson ('58) Witt and their crew are busy planning another celebration to remember. Come early, stay late, and let the good times roll!

It's a Pate: Homecoming '98

Grab your calendar and pencil in Saturday, Oct. 17 as the date for Peru State College's 77th annual Homecoming celebration. ·

Plans for the annual festival are in their f otmative stages, but likely will include the traditional All-Alumni Reception, a Parade; and of course the Ho:mecf)ming Football .· . ·. . . . . .. . . . . . ·

Watch for more later. }lut for now, make a date for Ho1necom,ing '98!

again hosted by John J. Leavitt ('45) and his able Navy V-12 group, along with Carlos Harrison ('51) and Rex and Hope Floyd. The Floyd's and Harrison are assisting "Red" Wilson ('51) and Jess Ray ('51) in coordinating the '98 event.

For more information, contact the Floyd's (707-4251198), Wilson (408-978-2938) or Kent Propst at PSC (402872-2225).

The Peru Stater President

Dr. Robert L. Burns Editor Kent Propst (' 81) Assistants

Carolyn Bredemeier Jackie Baker Williams ('81)

Sports Chris Erickson Photography

Tony Koso (' 99)

The Peru Stater is published three times per year by Peru State College with the suppport of the PSC Foundation. The Stater is printed at the Beatrice (Neb.) Daily Sun. Send comments, news items and address changes to: The Peru Stater, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Nebraska 68421-0010. The Peru State College phone number is (402) 872-3815. Send e-mail to: propst@pscosf.peru.edu

Kansas City Cage Outing

The Kansas City Alumni chapter took advantage of a January basketball date by Peru State College to get out and cheer for the Bobcats.

Both the men's and women's basketball squads played games at Park College in Parkville, Mo. in January. All KC-area alums were invited to catch the 'Cats in action, and several did just that.

No date for the fall Chapter Reunion has been established at press time.

Look for the announcement in the summer edition of your Peru Stater.

RMAA In August

It won't be long and officers and planners for the Rocky Mountain Alumni chapter will be busy making plans for the '98 get-together.

The date (Saturday, Aug. 15) has already been set and the location likely will be in the Ft. Collins, Colo. area, site of recent Reunions.

Peruvians in Colorado, Wyoming, western Kansas and western Nebraska should circle Aug. 15 in blue ink and start planning to join the celebration!

Arizonans hold first reunion of the year

Even as this edition of the Stater was going to press in late February, the first alumni reunion of the year was taking place.

Arizona Alumni held their fourth annual Reunion on Saturday, Feb. 21 at The Wyndham Gardens Hotel in Phoenix.

Watch for a full report in '·your sumrrier Peru Stater!

Modifications Continue

technology classes did much of the classroom remodeling.

Replacements

Just down the hall in T.J. Majors, a computer lab was reequipped with over $34,000 worth of new computers, while across campus in Hoyt Science Hall, about $60,000 worth of new microscopes and other science equipment was installed.

Keeping PSC's computer resources and labs current is a never-ending task, but the College has used a significant amount of its cash surplus to keep abreast of technological advances, Dr. Burns said.

A year ago, 88 IBM-compatible units and related equipment were bought and installed in labs and offices around campus, at a cost of $151,000. This past year, an Apple Macintosh lab was established (nearly $23,000) and another 100 IBM-compatible units for faculty and administrative purposes were acquired (over $150,000).

Meanwhile, PSC is studying ways to improve the exhaust system in Hoyt's science labs. Also proceeding are plans to remodel offices in the nearly 70-year-old facility, Dr. Burns noted.

Office space

New office space for PSC's growing Continuing Education department, which coordinates off-campus programs, is being developed in T.J. Majors. A new office for the chair of the Humanities Division also was built in the Jindra Fine Arts Building.

At the Centennial Residence Complex, roughly $57 ,000 worth of roof replacements were completed, on the heels of a 1995 energy conservation project (thermal windows, thermostats and other measures) that cost $170,000.

In the Student Center, every room has been remodeled and new equipment for the food service operation installed.

In fact, Peru State was authorized to spend some $644,000 for its revenue bond facilities (dormitories and Student Center) over the twoyear period ending last June. Not one dollar of that comes from taxpayers, Dr. Burns said. And more improvement is on the way.

Focus on library

PSC's library has gotten its share of attention, Dr. Burns noted, though space constraint contiriue's to be acritical issue.

Library Resources

The College just pumped over $100,000 into the library this past summer, both renovating space and adding equipment.

That is in addition to several thousands of dollars worth of refurbishing that took place in '94, he noted.

PSC's Physical Education Center, commonly called the Old Gym, like the library is over 90 years old. The College put some $90,000 into it two years ago, resurfacing the floor, fixing up the lobby and adding its first-ever public restroom.

This past summer and into this fall, another nearly $50,000 has gone into construction of two new classrooms, a wellness lab, fire alarms and construction and repair of ceilings in the facility, Dr. Burns added.

PSC's Athletic Department has upgraded two weight rooms; the $14,500 cost would have been higher, but Athletic Department personnel did much of the labor itself, Dr. Burns pointed out. The Oak Bowl fieldhouse and other areas have been improved.

Public use

He also noted that private funds paid to resurface the entire Al Wheeler Activity Center three years ago, a $110,000 project that citizens across the region benefit from all of the time whether through exercise or watching sporting events there.

The basic nuts and bolts of the campus haveri''t been for-

gotten, either, Dr. Burns said. In fact, Peru State's largest single project in a decade - an approximately $1.3 million electrical upgrade - was completed just over a year ago.

The upgrade replaced a worn, outdated and potentially hazardous electrical distribution system across campus. That project was one of only a handful accomplished with state funds, Dr. Burns noted.

In recent years, roofs have been repaired or replaced on the Administration Building, the College Theatre, the Larson Industrial Technology Building, the library, and T.J. Majors Hall. Those projects, using L.B. 309 building maintenance funds from the state, cost over $60,000.

L.B. 309 funds also paid to tuckpoint the PE Center, an over $80,000 project, and funded a $30,000 campus utilities master plan that helped the college obtain funding for the electrical distribution system upgrade.

Lots for lots

And though parking lots are among the least glamorous of projects, they had long been a sore point amongst PSC students and have received a great deal of attention in recent years.

Four lots that had been rock-surfaced were paved, and four other hard-surfaced lots were resurfaced. A new lot just south of the campus was finished in December; the day-

use-only lot, costing under $100,000, added over 100 badly-needed parking spaces.

Newly-replaced sidewalks, curbs and guttering dot the campus, and another $28,000 worth of concrete work has been scheduled to take place between now and next summer. These projects are done as needed, when funds and weather permit, Dr. Burns said.

A commitment to improve the equipment and supplies used day in and day out by PSC's maintenance and custodial staffs isn't the stuff of press conferences and ribbon cuttings, but the college has committed tens of thousands of new dollars to that critical but long-neglected aspect of the college operation.

From vacuum cleaners and cleaning supplies to new trucks and lawnmowers, they help make the buildings and grounds staff more efficient and effective in their everyday work.

And as befits what many believe to be Nebraska's most beautiful campus, some of the surplus cash funds have gone to projects such as landscaping, tree-trimming, fencing, painting and other projects that please the eye.

"Day in and day out we are working to make PSC the best it can be for our students," Dr. Burns said. "It is helpful to take time to notice what has been achieved."

PSC students Karissa Lockard (left) and her sister Kim,from Stella, Neb., are among the many who are taking advantage of some of the recent improvements in Peru State's library. Tuition and fees paid by students provided most of the money for the over $100,000 in library modifications. Karissa is a freshman and Kim is a junior. (Photo by Tony Koso)

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Robert Burns

· 'PSC President

Plamiing, verv thorough planning, is ht the base of the progress we have experienced at Peru State in recent years. Whether right up front or at long range, lYe spend a lot of time and effort planning. Some of the effort is just among us, 1vhile others involves the legislature and others.

Current discussions on the campus include the initiation <Jf several related planning efforts. Each of them is important in its own right and at the same time each connects to the othe1: All are important.

This is the time of year when 1ve move quickly to determine the priorities we have all across the campus as to instructional equipment, minor repairs and renovations, and the like. Our enrollments are up and we have managed our finances well, so there are funds to use for these needs. They will be recommended by faculty, staff, and students and placed in priority order for action before the end of June.

At the same time, we are putting together the details of the new budget that begins in July of this _vea1: We already know the funds coming to us from the legislature, as that allocation is done two vears at a tim.e. But we need to recommendations as to tuition andfee levels (likely to increase a little) and consider reallocation of current funds.

And we must also plan our proposals for the two year budget that the legislature will consider in its session starting January of 1999. This is the most conzplex of the budget efforts, of course, and will involve careful review on the campus, by the Board of Trustees, the Coordinating Commission, the legislature, and finally the Governor.

The need to plan comes to one of its most complex campus efforts as we begin now to write what is called "the self-study" in preparation/or the next regular visit of our major accrediting agency. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools will come to inspect us in the year 2000-01. We are required to prepare for them a complete overview of all that we do, and they will use that study as a base for their own examination of Peru State. We have a great story to tell and we

will find a great way to present it.

Other planning is being discussed these days as all of us and niany in state government consider where we are and where we are going. Nebraska's population trends are clear in showing major moves to the eastern counties of the state. Only a few counties shmv continuing grow th. Meanwhile, birth rates are much lower than H'e would like.

Combine all of that with a munber of organizations and indiriduals lrho believe noll' is the time to study all of public higher education in our state to determine our needs and ourfi.aures. The Constitutional Revision Committee has suggested a study to see if the universities, the colleges, and the community colleges should be combined. Another bill currently in the legislature calls for a similar study, though it does not include the communitv colleges at this time. Yet another proposal in the legislature would combine the university s regents and the colleges' trustees in a "super board."

As we examine the particular issues for Peru State, we find yet more planning suggested for the future. Governor Nelson has asked the Coordinating Commission to head up a study of Peru State and all of the options before it. The Governor has gone out of his way to say repeatedly that he would oppose any attempt to close our college. He has said that such a possibility is not on the table. But he is asking for a thorough study of the options.

While 1ve would prefer that the legislature (and the Governor) decide as quickly as possible as to the near future of Peru State, it is difficult to argue against good planning. Nebraska has only about 1.5 million people (and they continue to clump together in a few places), most would say our taxes are high, and everybody knows that services paid for by those taxes are getting more and more expensive.

So, whether it is an issue of shifting population, tax bases, demographics, need for an efficient workforce, or the options for public higher education, there is a lot to plan in Nebraska. And good sound planning is what gave us the progress we have had so far this decade. It will sen1e us well in the future, I am sure.

Arts Series

Peru State's 1997-98 Arts Series included this December program by the Nebraska Brass. The Series, offered to people across the region at no charge, included a September appearance by Native American peiformer Jack Gladstone and a January concert by the Voices of Victory gospel choir from Omaha's Salem Baptist Church. The final Arts Series concert comes on April 15 with a concert featuring Irie Caribbean Jazz.

Foundation Annual Meeting April 18

The. annual meeting of the Peru State College Foundation has been sch.eduled for Saturday, April 18; due to the Easter weekend (April 1112) it was necessary to reschedule.

Information about the meeting will be sent to all Trustees around mid-March Annual reports and an update on Foundation activity this past year will be included.

There will also be an election of officers for 1998-99, election of new Trustees, and re-election of Trustees whose terms expire. We hope all Foundation Trustees can attend.

Kimmel Arts Series Begins

Various elements of the world of art are being discussed during the new Kimmel Arts Lecture Series presented this spring by Peru State College.

Ten speakers, from practicing artists to gallery curators and others, are featured in the Series according to PSC's Peggy Jones.

All of the lectures are being held at Peru State's Regional Technology Center, 917 Wildwood Lane in Nebraska City. There is no cost nor obligation to participate and everyone is invited, Jones said.

The program is funded by the Richard P. and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation.

The Series began Jan. 29 with a talk by Daniel Siedel!, Curator of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden at the University of NebraskaLincoln.

Marty Skomal of the Nebraska Arts Council visited on Feb. 12 and Keith Jacobshagen, Artist and Academic from UN-L, on Feb. 26.

The remainder of the Series includes (dates and times subject to change):

Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m. - Anne Pagel, Director of the Nebraska Art Association's Haydon Art Gallery in Lincoln.

Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m. - Stuart Wheat, Artist, from Lincoln.

Saturday, April 4, 2 p.m. - Bob and Roberta Rogers, Owners of Gallery 72 in Omaha.

Saturday, April 25, 2 p.m. - Marjorie Mikasen, Artist, from Lincoln.

Thursday, April 30, 7 p.m. - Kim Tubbs, Retail Manager for Dick Blick Art Supply of Lincoln.

Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m. - Patty Gallimore, Artist, from Lincoln.

Thursday, May 28, 7 p.m. - Tom Palmerton, Artist and Gallery Owner, from Brownville.

(Photo by Kent Propst)

Miller Scholarship Set

Mason Miller of Lincoln, Neb. has established a scholarship in memory of his late wife, the former Irene Westerman (twoyear degree in 1940).

Mason's gift of $5,000 in stock will be matched by General Electric. The Mason and Irene Westerman Miller Scholarship is available to students from Pawnee County.

Wilson Scholarship Is Now Available

The Gilbert and Mary Ruth Wilson Leadership Scholarship will be available for its first award during the l 998-99 academic year.

The scholarship fund was established in 1988 by friends of the longtime educators - Gil taught here from 1957-82 and Mary Ruth from 1966-82. They continue to make their home in Peru.

The fund has now reached the endowed status and will be available to .an incoming freshman who has demonstrated leadership qualities in their area community and church.

Landolt Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Paul and Lillian Landolt Scholarship has been established by Arch and Sharon Harvey in memory of Mrs. Harvey's late parents.

Paul was a 1933 graduate and strong supporter of Peru State, and a past recipient of Peru State's Distinguished Service Award.

Paul had funded a scholarship in memory of his wife for the past two years. The newly endowed scholarship will be available for the 1998-99 school year; students in PSC's business division or life sciences will be eligible for it.

Great Basketball Team Creates Scholarship

The 1947-48 Peru State basketball team has initiated a scholarship for an incoming freshman scholar and basketball recruit.

The '47-'48 cage squad was inducted into the PSC Hall of Fame in l 991. Their $600 scholarship will be awarded for at least each of the next three years.

The recipient can be either a male or female. Contributors to the Scholarship include teammates Roy Meinen, Bob "George" Eilers, Jack Hallstrom, Tom Hallstrom, Bill Johnson, Bill Thurman, and in memory of Curt Olson by his wife Doris.

John Bath Gift

John Bath, a 1932 grad now living in Ames, Iowa, gave the Foundation a quarter interest of a farm he owned near Peru.

The farm was sold this past November, and the Foundation's share came to over $31,000. The use for this gift has not been been determined at this time.

Alumni & Friends Add To Memorials

A number of endowed scholarships with the PSC Foundation have grown in recent months, and several memorial funds established.

Following is a list of scholarship and memorial funds to which recent gifts have been added.

Anyone is welcome to add to any of these funds at any time.

This is by no means a complete list of all endowments, just the ones which have been added to from the period early October 1997 through January 1998.

To add to these or other funds, send your gift payable to "PSC Foundation" to: PSC Foundation, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE. 68421. Be sure to list the scholarship fund you are donating to on the "memo" line.

If you have questions please call Carolyn Bredemeier at the PSC Foundation office, (402) 872-2304 weekdays.

Merle Bauer Scholarship

Margaret Lewis Bauer

George & Iva Seid Brown

Scholarship

Sidney & Nancy Brown

Evelyn Casey Memorial

Jan & Bob Heacock

Hazel Palmer

Kent & Becki Young Propst

S.L. Clements Scholarship

Helen Janecek Clark

LeRoy & Nancy Jones

Redfern

Willard & Dorothy Cawthorne

Shumard

Pearl & Paul Fieselman

Library Fund

Robert Utermohlen

A.B. Gelwick Memorial

Richard Gelwick

Marion Gomon Memorial

David & Linda Stephens

Gomon

Chris Haddad Scholarship

Betty Haddad

Kent & Becki Young Propst

Pam Reid Williams

Mildred Humphrey

Memorial

Betty Hill Aufenkamp

'98 Phonathon Nears

The PSC Foundation's 11th annual Phonathon will again be conducted in March. Officers and Trustees of the Foundation appreciate the support given through the years and hope alumni and friends will continue to support the Foundation.

The needs are great as the Foundation continues to strive for excellence, support scholarships for deserving students, and work to keep the campus in Peru.

There will be one change in the effort this year. The telemarketing firm on campus can no longer conduct this drive; therefore the Foundation will be using a new company for the first time since the Phonathon began l 0 years ago.

That means it will not be PSC students making the calls. The Foundation would appreciate any feedback you can give, positive or negative, concerning the call you receive.

Enrollment ......... FromPa 9 e1

quality education we provide," Dr. Burns said.

The number of students enrolled on a full-time basis was up 2. 7 percent (from l ,004 to 1,031 ). On campus enrollment (full- and parttime) grew by 2.5 percent (to 1,066) and off-campus by 3.7 percent (to 732). Both categories added 27 students as compared to Fall '96.

But perhaps the figure most encouraging, Dr. Burns said, was the increase in freshmen attending PSC. This past fall, 258 freshmen came to the college, up by 21 percent from 214 a year earlier.

"The freshman class each

Paul Landolt Scholarship

Arch & Sharon Harvey

Lincoln Leathercrafters

A. V. and Wilhelmenia

Larson Scholarship

Frank C. Larson

Jack Mcintire Scholarship

Lu Dreibus Mcintire

Larry Pappas Scholarship

Mark McGuire

Ellen Pappas

Jeff Wignall

W.R. Pate Scholarship

Marcia Pacholke

Louise Pate

Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Sugden

Elaine Gerdes Pratt Scholarship

Charles Pratt

Wayne 0. & Adele

Penterman Reed Scholarship

Adele Penterman Reed

Jerry Stemper Memorial

Sid & Nancy Brown

Paul V. and Margaret Thomas Wilcox Scholarship

Jean Gibson

Look for the Honor Roll; 1997 Good Year for PSCF

Listed in the mid-section of this Stater are the donors who have contributed to the Foundation during 1997. The people on that list truly comprise an "Honor Roll."

year is important in many ways," Dr. Burns said.

"It is a renewed endorsement each year of what we are doing and what we offer our students."

The recruitment process for the 1998-99 freshman class is going well too, according to Louis T. Levy, Executive Director of Enrollment Services.

"Interest in Peru State College has not subsided; in fact, all of the attention we have received seems to have piqued student interest," Levy said. "We have high expectations for the next freshman class."

The PSC Foundation appreciates the faithful donors who have supported it through the years, and is always excited to add new names to the list. If your name is not on it, shouldn't it be?

The total number of donors in 1997 was 2, 105, up over 10 percent from 1996. Even better, gifts grew by over 40 percent, from $296,692 in '96 to $417,038.83 in '97.

Twenty percent of PSC alums were donors in 1997, up from 18 percent a year earlier.

Land Beauty

Twila Fickel a 'Flying Doctor'

Dr. Twila Fickel (' 84) experienced something not long ago that few Americans will have a chance to experience.

The Chadron, Neb. podiatrist joined 20 other medical personnel on a medical mission to Vietnam this winter. The mission was sponsored by the non-profit group Flying Doctors of America.

"It was gratifying and humbling," Dr. Fickel said of the 10-day adventure.

The group saw about 40 patients each day in the 200-bed provincial hospital. They also saw conditions in stark contrast to what Americans expect.

Sometimes, two patients were operated on in

the same room at the same time. Some rooms had no running water.

Families are expected to provide food and laundry for other family members who are patients.

There were no curtains between patients' beds. Medical supplies were minimal; in fact, the Americans took along 12 bags of medication.

The Chadron Rotary Club helped sponsor Dr. Fickel's trip.

She lives in Chadron and operates the Chadron Foot Center, P.C., with offices in that community and in Alliance and Gordon, Neb. and in Hot Springs, S.D.

PSC alums lost & found

Quite a number of Peruvians have been removed from our mailing list in recent months. Please help us if you can!

Send current, home addresses on any of the following to:

Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE. 68421-0010; phone (402) 872-2225, or e-mail: propst@pscosf. peru .edu

We'll be sure to send them this edition of the Stater!

Paul H. Waters - 1996

Kimberly K. Winkler - 1996

Paul Czapla - 1995

Gloria Engel - I 995

Christopher Schock - 1995

Bonnie Whitehall - 1995

Tracy Hunter - 1994

Richard Marcoux - 1994

Matthew Miller - 1994

Amy R. Ortgies - 1994

Angela Potter Stanek - 1993

Bev Wedding - 1993

Haven Pedersen - 1992

Miriam Werner - 1992

Sandra Zabel - 1992

Tonya Jones - 1990

Jill K. Scott - 1990

Linda R. Wright - 1990

Daryl T. Evans - 1989

Cynthia Sexton - 1989

Lisa Bull Witmer - 1989

Cheryl Bowles Alexander1987

Ray Rice - 1987

Patrick Roll - 1987

John R. Harris - 1983

Linda Cooksey Thomas - 1983

John Rusch - 1982

William T. Crow - 1981

Candace Cripe - 1976

Mary Howe Castle - 1971

Linda Knippelmeir Anderson1970

Nancy Reidy Hood - 1968

Verlin Young Yates - 1968

Wilma Semenec Decker1967

Michael O'Donnell - 1965

Eldora Roemmich - 1964

Patricia Richardson Frank1963

Raymond Graves - 1955

Harold Tritsch - 1955

John Wheeler - 1955

Dorothy Burrows De Yong1945

Irene Meister Marteney - 1942

Mrs. Charles Penney - 1935

Inez Wells - 1927

Lucille Jalas - 1921

Edna Thompson - 1916

John Judd - 1915

Thanks to those who have helped locate lost alums since the last edition of the Stater: Shari Olderog Briese ('72), Wilma Nofsger Beer ('64), Ila Winkelhake Heinke (' 31), and Glennis Holtgrewe Hopp ('46).

Flyine Doctors

Dr. Twila'frickel (far right) and other "Flying Doctors of America" unpack medications after arriving on a medical mission to Vietnam this past winter. Dr. Fickel, a 1984 graduate, took time offfrom her private podiatl)' practice to volunteer for the mission.

Student Music Group

Gains Top Honors

The Nebraska Music Educators Association named the Peru State College student chapter its 1997 Outstanding Collegiate Chapter.

The PSC organization was honored during a late November banquet at the Nebraska Music Educators annual convention in Lincoln, according to Dr. Thomas Ediger, chapter sponsor.

The PSC chapter of Music Educators National Conference was honored as the chapter showing excellence in community activities, statewide programs in music education, and campus activities.

Last year the PSC chapter developed and sponsored a symposium for music education students from across the state. The group helps sponsor PSC's annualShow Choir Festival, Piano Extravaganza, and Jazz Band Clinic, too.

Officers of PSC's MENC chapter inc.Jude President, Steve Jirsa, a senior from Friend, Neb.; Vice President, Lisa Othmer, a senior from Johnson, Neb.; Secretary, Tiffany Holmes, a senior from Watson, Mo.; Treasurer, Becky Bstandig, .a senior from Burchard, Neb.; .and Historian, Jennifer Olberding, a sophomore from Fairview,

Dr. Twila snapped this photograph of Vietnamese youth boating on a ri1·er there. She ivas 011 a medical mission to the city of Ha Long.

(Photo courtesy Dr. Twila Fickel)

(Photo courtesy Dr. Twila Fickel)

Summer Research Yields Fall, Winter Work

One of the earth's smallest life forms has been yielding big results for a group from Peru State College.

A federal scientific research project that had several students and a faculty member collecting and dissecting insects last summer has kept them busy this fall and winter.

A three-year National Science Foundation project allows the PSC researchers to study and document parasites of insects (called gregarines), perhaps the most plentiful, and one of the least known, forms of life on earth.

"Everybody wins with this special project," said President Robert L. Burns. "A talented young faculty member is sharing his scholarship with his students and together they are learning at the same time they are expanding what there is to learn."

Dr. Rich Clopton, Assistant Professor of Biology, is leading the nearly $200,000 study that began last June. For Clopton and his student research team, it's the opportunity of a lifetime.

Competition fierce

"I've been training for this for 10 years," Clopton said. "The competition nowadays for NSF grants is fierce, and using a large amount of tax dollars is a big

"It (the project) gives me a sense of validation and freedom," he added. "After 15 years I'm no longer training - I've become a field scientist."

Dr. Clopton and PSC students Jackie Pingel (junior biological science major from Fort Dodge, Iowa), Bob Kula (senior wildlife ecology major from Fullerton, Neb.) and Dave Baldwin (senior biological sciences major from Daykin, Neb.) spent 10 weeks doing field research in a 40-mile radius around Ogallala, Neb.

The work is physically challenging, collecting specimens under all kinds of conditions. "After about seven weeks you're beat up and tired," Clopton said.

From field to lab

He described the field work as 90 percent of the physical effort the project will require, but only about 20 percent of the mental work. Now that they are back at PSC, the main body of their work - the lab work - is keeping them busy.

"It's now a matter of taking the data, writing manuscripts and getting them ready for publication," Clopton said. "The students are also doing some experimental work to develop better procedures for next summer."

Pingel is the only one of the group who will return to Ogallala for more research, as Kula and Baldwin plan to graduate this May. Her experience this past year will make next summer even more productive, she predicted.

"It was great - I learned a lot," Pingel said. "It was a good experience for me, personally and professionally. Dr. Clopton treats us like graduate students; most of the time we work independently, then meet once a week to ask questions.

"At first a lot of it was trial and error; we'll do some things differently next summer," she added.

Educational summer

Clopton agreed that the first summer was a learning experience, and not just for the students

"There are al ways surprises," he said.

VJiUleil

News about people you know 1930s

Inez Steinkuhler Hahne ('33) of Unadilla, Neb. was honored on her 90th birthday with a card shower and dinner hosted by her family.

Margaret Engelkemier Terryberry ('32) of Louisville, Neb. was honored for her 40th year as a 4-H volunteer leader.

1940s

Dee Jarvis ('48) and his wife Katherine of Auburn, Neb. celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in December. Daughters Mary Schlange ('63) and Nancy Scriber ('67) hosted the event. Dee was associated with Peru State College in the Industrial Technology Division from 1948 until retiring in I 978.

New discoveries

Jackie Pingel has been making new discoveries through her involvement with a National Science Foundation-funded research project at Peru State. Pingel is a junior from Fort Dodge, Iowa.

"When you're doing a project in the field for the first time, you know it won't always go the way you mapped it out.

"You keep the stuff that works and pitch what doesn't," he said.

8ne obstacle that cannot be overcome by planning, equipment or lab work was the weather. An abnormally cool summer, with what Clopton called a "cold snap" late in the summer, hampered the effort.

"When it's cold, insects don't develop well. And we had a limited window of opportunity - we couldn't push the project back a couple of weeks."

In fact they came back to southeast Nebraska several days early and did some collecting there rather than battle the elements. Dozen new species

The research they did gave science a significant body of new information, including detailed descriptions of about a dozen species of gregarines that previously were unknown. That information is being put on the internet for worldwide access.

Clopton got "a chance to step back and remember why I wanted to be a scientist in the first place."

And Jackie Pingel, Bob Kula and Dave Baldwin went from being college science students to becoming biologists.

"There are not many scientists in the world doing this type of work," Pingel said. "Not only is it a good experience, but it will make me unique when I apply to graduate school."

Clopton and various members of his team, individually and collectively, are working on articles for scientific journals and on papers to present at meetings. They hope to attend conferences in Boston in January, Vancouver in June, and Hawaii in August to discuss their work.

And come next summer, Clopton and Pingel will be joined by several more budding scientists as they chart the mostly unknown world of the earth's most common life form.

Evelyn Hacker Read (attd. '38-'39, '41-'42) and husband Richard of Cincinnati, Ohio celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December. Evelyn was a veteran of World War IL

1950s

Cecilia "Cec" Witty Bartholomew ('56) has been appointed to the Columbus, Neb. Tree Board by that community's city council.

Kenneth Gardner ('50) and wife Rosemary of Lincoln, Neb. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December. Ken is retired and was formerly superintendent of schools at Alvo, Nelson, and Falls City, Neb. He was also the Administrator of ESU #4 at Auburn, Neb. from 19671988.

Bob Gausman ('51) of Fairbury, Neb. was featured in a November article in the local Fairbury Journal-News regarding his experiences in the Korean War. He was drafted the fall following his graduation from PSC. Bob's wife is the former Phyllis Grunwold ('51).

Rodney Heim ('58) of Lincoln, Neb. retired from the Lincoln Public Schools in 1997 after 37 years of teaching. He was a math teacher and media specialist at Millard Lefler Junior High School and Lincoln East High.

Ken Heywood (right), who attended Peru State in I 93334 and was Director of Special Services and Placement from 1951-56, was back in the Oak Bowl this past fall to catch a Peru State football game. He is pictured with Kent Propst ('81, left), editor of the Peru Stater. Heywood is retired from the Kansas State University Foundation.

(continued on page 8)

(Photo by Kent Propst)

LeRoy & Nancy Redfern: Making Their Mark

by Pat Kinney Waterloo/Cedar Falls (Iowa) Courier

If Cedar Falls (Iowa) has a "first couple," LeRoy (' 41) and Nancy (Jones '42) Redfern are it.

They've been married 55 years, known each other since childhood, and even grew up across the street from each other.

Yet, theirs is not a fairy-tale, Hollywood-movie romanceunless you're casting Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn in the starring roles.

They may be virtually inseparable, but they're certainly not joined at the hip.

Each has played separate, distinct, and significant roles in the city's growth over the past 50 years.

Nancy has been known for her historic preservation battles - saving the Ice House Museum in the '70s; and an ill-fated drive to preserve the Old Administration Building at the University of Northern Iowa in the '80s.

LeRoy has been a senior member in one of the metro area's prominent law firms and laid the early groundwork, in

the 1950s, for what has become the Cedar Falls Industrial Park and the Cedar Falls Industrial Development Association.

In between, the couple raised four successful children, one of them a state senator.

"Nancy's just been a leader," LeRoy said, noting his wife's drive to raise $60,000 to $70,000 to save the Ice House - at a time when fund drives of that type just weren't done - made believers out of many of his friends and associates.

"She took 'em all on," he said.

So significant were Nancy's contributions, LeRoy said, that she was the first woman to receive the Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce Representative Citizen award, in the early '80s.

Nancy, who had been sitting quietly, casting a skeptical, Audrey Meadows-like glare at her effusive husband as he sang her praises, finally chirped in.

"You received it too, dear," she deadpanned.

They had received the award the same year, as a couple - a public affirmation of

J!)SOs (continued)

their dual contributions. Each has supported the other in those efforts.

"Except for one thing," LeRoy said.

"I knew you were going to mention this," Nancy sighed.

Early in his law practice, LeRoy said, "I asked her to do some typing for me. It lasted half a day," he said, chuckling. "I felt our marriage was too important to lose on an employer-employee relationship.

"She questioned everything I did. And half the time, she wasn't satisfied with my explanation!" he said, both of them now laughing. ·

The Redferns have known each other since Nancy's family moved in across the street from LeRoy's when they were growing up in Peru, Neb. Nancy was five at the time.

"She was a year behind me in school. You can tell. She looks younger," LeRoy kidded.

They walked to school together as kids. But LeRoy didn't take a romantic interest in Nancy until they were in high school.

(Continued on Page JO)

tv/ Brendan MaJiam ('58) has been promoted to Captain with Delta Air Lines. Brendan has been with Delta for 14 years, serving as second and first officer. He will be based in Dallas, Texas.

Rose Grindheim Sims ('59) of Ridge Manor, Fla. leads a very busy life as a Conference Evangelist, Church Growth Leader, ordained deacon, author and college professor. She travels around the world presenting seminars on church growth, and is the author of several books. Rose noted her gratitude to Peru State and Mr. F.H. Larson, the registrar, for the education she received while at the Campus of A Thousand Oaks.

Rev. Thomas V. Whitney ('58) of West Palm Beach, Fla. recently retired as Principal of the King's Academy, an elementary private school. Tom spent over 30 years as a teacher, guidance counselor and administrator. He began his career in a rural school south of Humboldt, Neb., was a guidance counselor at Wymore and then Superintendent at Nemaha, Craig and Valparaiso, all in Nebraska. He remarked that Evan Vanzant, a PSC educator, was his high school coach and principal and had considerable influence upon him. Although retired from teaching duties, Tom continues to minister to the local Christian Church and to children in the area.

1960s

Frank Bostic ('63) of Chicago, Ill. received the David L. Zemsky Award at Niles West High School in Skokie, Ill. last spring. Also known as the Distinguished Teacher Award, it is given to a teacher selected by parents, staff, and students who constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty in helping his/her students. Frank is the first Special Education teacher to ever receive the award. He has been teaching for 35 years.

Peru State College was featured in Weslaco, Texas this winter when Patricia Corrigan Brubaker ('67), a second grade teacher at Weslaco, contacted PSC for materials that would be appropriate to display on a bulletin. Her school was participating in America Goes Back to School and she wanted to show off the great qualities of Peru State College.

Jerry Eickhoff ('69) achieved a rare milestone in Nebraska high school basketball coaching circles this winter. The Hampton coach posted his 500th career win, just the seventh coach in Nebraska history to gain that milestone. Only two other active coaches are in the 500 Win Clubincluding Larry Gilson ('62) of Maxwell, Neb.

Doris Kresak Galbraith ('63) of Crete, Neb. was featured in the Crete News newspaper in November. She is one of two kindergarten teachers in the Crete Elementary School, where she has taught for 25 years.

Jon Iverson ('62) has joined the faculty of Western Iowa Technical Community College in Sioux City, Iowa. He is teaching organic chemistry there. Previously, Jon taught in Missouri Valley, Iowa and at Sioux City West High.

Students Get 'Inside'

Tour

Wayne Miller ('69) is the new special education teacher and assistant basketball coach for the Hamburg, Iowa schools.

Chuck Mizerski ('69) of Lincoln, Neb. led his Class A Southeast Knights to the state football championship game this fall. They ended the season with a 13-0 record.

(Photo by Kent Propst)

one of their teachers Chuck Wake (riiht) durinf? a college Open House this past November. Wake is a '96 PSC iraduate. The College's Spring Semester Open House is scheduled.for Wednesday, March JI from 1-4 p.m.; any alwils with students orfamily members interested in /earning more ahout Peru State should call the Admissions Office at (402) 872-222 I or 10/lfi·ee at 1-800-74244 I 2 for more details.

(continued on page 9)

Two students from Iowa's Nishna Valley High School. Adrian Anius (left) and Chris Irvin, got a special tour of PSC.from

Jim Milburn's Class Ring Back from Watery Grave

Jim Milburn's class ring took a rather roundabout turn, but thanks to dame fortune - and Gene Shefflerit's back on his finger.

Milburn, a 1965 PSC graduate now living in Coffeyville, Kan., went fishing on Kansas' Cheney Reservoir in 1978. He may not remember what he caught, but he certainly remembers what he lost on that trip: his PSC class ring.

"It was quite a loss," Milburn said. 'T d given up hope a long time ago."

Fast forward to the present. Sheffler, a resident of Hutchinson, Kan., was at Cheney Reservoir engaging in his hobby of coin collecting. He was using a metal detector near a boat dock when he literally struck gold.

Not many people would bother trying to find its rightful owner, but Gene Sheffler did. He saw the inscription on the ring: "Nebraska State College Bobcats, Peru, 1867 ."

The ring also included the class year ('65) and the initials "J.D.M." So Sheffler sent a letter to the Peru State alumni office.

"The ring is small in size and probably belonged to a male," Sheffler wrote in his August note. "Could you check your records for 1965 grads?"

Kent Propst and Carolyn Bredemeier in the PSC alumni office did just that and quickly concluded that James

Rini! returned

Jim Milburn ( '65, left) accepts his PSC Class Ring from its finder, Gene Sheffler (right) of Hutchinson, Kan. Milburn, a resident of Coffeyville, Kan., lost his PSC ring years ago on a fishing trip at a Kansas reservoir. Sheffler and his trusty metal detector found it last summer and, thanks to a little investigative work by Sheffler and PSC officials, was able to return it to its rightful owner.

D. Milburn in Coffeyville was the likely candidate.

Propst wrote to Milburn asking him if he had lost a ring, and could he describe it, and did he know when and where it had been lost.

Milburn phoned Propst immediately. His description was accurate and, most importantly, he knew exactly where it had been lost 20 years earlier '-- Cheney Reservoir.

Milburn drove to

Hutchinson in late October to meet Sheffler and to claim his long-lost ring. In true "good samaritan" spirit, Sheffler refused to accept any reward.

"At first I didn't believe it," Milburn said. "I didn't think it was mine. It took awhile to sink in.

"The ring cleaned up perfectly and looks almost new," Milburn said. "You would never guess it was on the bottom of a lake for 20 years."

Trails & Tales Gets Bonus

This summer's Peru State College Trails & Tales Tour and Institute is becoil-iing more ;.ippealing all the time.

The program, involving an historical and a literarv studv and tour of Nebraska, already had been 'awarded a $10,000 grant frorn the Nebraska Humanities Council to help defray participants' costs.

The Nebraska State Historical Societv and the Peru State College Foundation have jumped on board too, according to Institute co-directors Dr. Sara Crook and Dr. Dan Holtz.

The Historical Society has agreed to waive admission fees to its attractions on the study tour. The PSC Foundation will award a $100

tuition credit to each student who enrolls in both the historical and the literary component of the program, and a $50 credit to each student who enrolls in one or the other.

The Trails & Tales Tour and Institute, scheduled for June l 5-27, is being offered for graduate credit only. Teachers, library and personnel and others will find the program especially beneficial.

For more information, contact Dr. Holtz at (402) 872-2267 or Dr. Crook at (402) 8722279.

Students must have the instructors' permission to enroll, and enrollment is limited to approximately 40 students.

1960s (continued)

Gordon Pilmore ('61) of Dodge, Neb. led his Dodge eight-man football team to their fourth consecutive football championship this fall. Dodge was the winner of the Class D-2 Division, and ended their season with a 13-0 record.

Dr. Arlan G. Richardson ('63) of San Antonio, Texas was recently elected president of the Gerontological Society of America. Arlan is a professor of physiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and a career research scientist with the South Texas Veterans Health Care System.

Ronald Sohnholz ('63) of Evergreen, Colo., has been honored with Vice President Al Gore's "Hammer Award,'' presented to federal employees and others who made a sign ifi cant contribution in "reinventing government." Sohnholz, now retired, was chief of the Computer Applications branch for the Western Area Power Administration." He served on WAPA's "Freedom from Regulations" team which came up with 58 ideas which, officials estimate, can save Western $1.5 million and the time equivalent of a dozen full-time workers annually.

Tony L. Vecchio ('64) has lived in the San Francisco Bay area since 1969. He recently retired from U.S. Fleet Leasing, a Ford Motor Company. He often gets back to Nebraska and was on the PSC campus in June 1997.

1970s

Jeff Barker ('74) was named the 1998 "Outstanding Educator" by the Falls City (Neb.) Jaycees. He teaches fourth grade at Sacred Heart School, as well as high school woodworking.

Janet Vance Barlow ('77) and her husband Robert are proud parents of daughter Ariel Christina, born in October. They live in Omaha along with Ariel's big brother, Ethan.

Patty "PC" Collins ('76) of Olathe, Kan. recently completed an eight day medical mission to Haiti. Patty is employed by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals which sparked her interest to make the trip. Patty stated the mission was an invaluable experience on a personal level, as well as to her business success.

William Kendra ('78) is the new director of the South Sioux City (Neb.) Library. William, who has a masters in library science from the University of Denver, was particularly attracted to the position because the community is pondering construction of a new library.

Janet Nixon Kirkendall ('74) of Auburn, Neb. gave a workshop entitled "Literature and the Arts: A Multicultural Connection" at the 24th Plains International Reading Association Regional Conference in Omaha this fall. Janet is a third grade teacher in the Auburn School system.

Dr. Ken Larson ( '72) of Kearney, Neb. has been named the 1998 Outstanding Educator by the Home Builder's Institute, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Ken is an associate professor of industrial technology at UNK. The award recognizes the accomplishments of permanent teaching faculty members in construction-related education across the nation. He was an industrial technology professor at Peru State College from 1979-1988.

(continued on page I 0)

(Photo contributed)

1970s (continued)

VTom Mikkelsen ('70) recently moved to Highlands Ranch, Colo. where he is Director of Broadcast Operations and Engineering for TCI Technology Ventures, Inc., located in Littleton. Tom previously lived in Germantown, Tenn.

Phillip Rogge ('77) of Fairbury, Neb. was featured in the Lincoln Journal Star this fall. He was recognized by the Vocational Rehabilitation Department for his outstanding achievement in attaining employment. His wife is the former Trena O'Banion ('77).

Linda Sepp ('78) of Arlington Heights, Ill. is proud to announce the adoption of daughter Maci Elise Mingshuang, who arrived home this past Christmas Day. Linda and Maci not only became mother and daughter, they also became aunt and cousin at the same time: Linda's sister Nancy Sepp (attd. '74-'75) also adopted daughter Kailin Marie Mingyang.

Scene from the Past

This old postcard found in Peru State archives doesn't bear a date, but it had the name "MW)' Edgington" on the back and Ms. Edgington is listed with the Class of 1916. The snapshot was taken in front of Old Main (now the site of Hoyt Science Hall) looking to the southwest, with the Administration Building far to the left, the Chapel/Gym in the center, and a large group of students assembled in front of the library to the upper right.

Redferns

"We were both in band, and we went to a national music contest in Lawrence, Kan. I was driving some people down (from Peru) and Nancy was in the group. I said to myself 'Why'd you have to come all the way down to Lawrence, Kan. to notice that girl?"'

"I tell people it took him 10 years to notice me," Nancy said with a smile.

The Redferns were married in 1942, followed shortly by LeRoy's service in the U.S. Navy, mainly in troop transports, serving from North Africa to Nagasaki from the war's beginning to its end.

In between, the enlisted man had worked his way up to an officer's commission and, during that training, the Redfems spent a lot of time in several communities on the East Coast.

It came in handy after the war's end when, LeRoy, having earned his law degree from the University of Michigan, was debating whether to "hang his shingle" on Wall Street or somewhere in the midwest.

Faculty at Michigan, including one teacher from Iowa, channeled LeRoy's attention back to the midwest. Having

spent time on the East Coast, the Redferns gradually concluded that the big-city lifestyle was not for them.

LeRoy was only familiar with western Iowa from his boyhood days in Nebraskawhen, as Nancy recalled, they could look across the Missouri River from Peru at night and see the lights of Hamburg on southwest Iowa's Loess Hills.

LeRoy began touring around Iowa. He came to Black Hawk County and was encouraged and welcomed by several lawyers - including a young Waterloo attorney named W. Louis Beecher, who had just joined his uncle's law practice in Waterloo.

He was encouraged to look at Cedar Falls. It had many of the things he and Nancy were looking for in a communityincluding a college presence.

When LeRoy discovered the city hadn't had a new attorney open practice there in 15 years, he had his answer. He called Nancy.

Cedar Falls was only about 2,000 to 3,000 people thenless than a tenth of its present size - but there were plenty of opportunities for business, and for a young couple to get

From Page 8 involved.

Their community involvement has been wide and varied - from LeRoy's leadership in promoting a bond referendum · to build the present Cedar Falls High School in 1954 and his work with the UNI Foundation, to Nancy's work with Scouting and Goodwill Industries, to their joint involvement in the First United Methodist Church.

They have four children: State Sen. Don Redfern, 52, a member of his father's law practice; Dick, 45, a St. Paul, Minn. accountant; Ann Redfern, 45, a teacher in Minnetonka, Minn.; and Dr. Sally Redfern, 42, of Oshkosh, Wis. They have six grandchildren.

Life in Cedar Falls has exceeded the Redfern's expectations and that's the reason for their involvement in so many activities.

"Frankly, we owe some payback. We owe it to the community," LeRoy said.

They learned a Jong time ago that each had something to contribute.

It was probably the most important "typing lesson" in Cedar FaHs' history.

Sherry Taylor ('78) is now an Administrative Assistant with the Organic Crop Improvement Association International, in Lincoln, Neb.

Stan Wissel ('77) of Elm Creek (Neb.) High School has been chosen as an assistant coach for the West squad of the 1998 Nebraska Eight-Man Football Coaches Association All-Star Game, to be played this June in Hastings, Neb.

1980s

Sandra Rogge Behrends ('82) of Johnson, Neb. gave a presentation at the 24th Plains International Reading Association Regional Conference in Omaha this fall. The title of her presentation was "It's Time for Cowafunday", a potpourri of ideas for "Celebrating Our World at a 'Family' Fun Day!" Sandy is a third grade teacher at the JohnsonBrock Elementary School.

Clark Benne ('87) of Oakland, Neb. led his Class C-2 football team to the state finals this fall. They were defeated in the championship game and ended the season with a 12-1 record.

Sarah Binder ('87) and Twila Fickel ('84) spent three weeks touring the west coach and Alaska last June. The trip included a cruise plus a land tour of Alaska including Denali Park. Sarah lives at Table Rock, Neb. and Twila in Chadron, Neb.

Beth DeJong Block ('86) and husband Steve of Oakland, Neb. are proud parents of twin boys, Lathen and Lyndon, born in November. They are welcomed home by a four year old sister, Karabeth. Beth is the area Sales Manager for NK Lawn and Garden, packet garden seed and grass seed company.

Ron Brockhaus ('88) and wife Michelle are proud parents of a son, Trevor James, born in September. Ron is employed by the Bellevue Public Schools.

Penny Wolfe Browne ('84) recently moved to Mahomet, Ill. where she is a high school resource teacher for the Mahomet-Seymour Public School.

Karen Coover ('83) of Las Vegas, Nev. is managing "Cirque du Soleil's Mystere" at the Treasure Island Hotel in that city. The international performing company offers "lots of room to move up," she reports.

(continued on page 15)

Your Peru State College Foundation thanks the following benefactors who gave gifts totaling $417 ,039 during its calendar year 1997:

Foundation Trustees

$34,523

Clyde Barrett (' 56)

Randy Burns

Evelyn Casey

Rhonda Ahl Chomas ('77)

Lois Christensen (' 48)

Barbara Bragg Clayburn ('51)

SaraBeth Donovan (' 85)

Brenda Rausch Douglas ('83)

Judson Douglas III ('56)

Bob Engles ('73)

Harvey Fraser (' 65)

Marvin Gerdes ('53)

Richard Good (' 48)

Michael Guilliatt (' 67)

Jack (' 50) & Nancy Hardy (' 51) Hallstrom

Dr. J C Hauserman

Bradley Lockhart ('83)

Vivian McKimmey Lytton ('38)

Lyle McKercher

Allen Moody

Tom Morrissey

Dwain Myers

James Oestmann

Dela Polston ('55)

LeRoy Redfern(' 41)

R. Wiley Remmers ('38)

Lester Russell (' 51)

Leland Sherwood (' 57)

Robert Smith (' 47)

Annie Thomas

Floyd Vrtiska

Carol Wheeler ('74)

Armon Y anders (' 48)

Alumni Classes of 1922 & 23

$300

Sarah Thomas Bramer

Neva Nutzman Pickwell

Class of 1925

$125

Minnie Edginton Bennett

Jean Robertson Hughey

Class of 1927

$55

Gertrude Hansen

Grace Reeve Stansbury

Owen Zook

Class of 1928

$1,015

Olive Lewis Ehlers

Joseph Robertson

Class of 1929

$180

Ralph Chatelain

Mona Lyon Coffman

Margaret C!ineburg Jones

Walter Naiman

Claire Codington Warman

Class of 1930

$210

Margaret Grafft Dickey

Minnie Doman Findeis

Kathryn Eirning Gamlin

James McGuire

Margaret Majors Mclninch

Pauline Lyle Scott

Class of 1931 $90

Glenn Cunningham

Irene Cole Mills

Clare Mooney Stone

Class of 1932

$200

Phyllis Bugbee Adamson

Donna Delzell Fink

Louise Cemore Grasso

Helen Nauman Murphy

Class of 1933

$1,510

Ruth Whyman Bradley

Lucille Harpster Carter

Dale Dyke

Ardis Shafer Edie

Belva Carder Garst

Paul Landolt

Lela McCann Peck

Virginia Milstead Pierce

Wyeth Porr

Dorothy Harkson Skaar

Doris Vance Stauss

Mildred Jodry Vanderford

Class of 1934

$10,850

Burdett Cowel

Edna Maystrick Fitch

Pearl Doig Foose

Marietta Goding

Joyce Grubb

George and Eleanor Rawson

Haskins

Moras Shubert

Jeannette Barrett Simons

Helen Gilbert Smith

Lora Majors Vlasak

Beatrice Stoft Vossler

Class of 1935

$1,885

Harriett Leach Burch

Stella Seward Garrison

Lelia Frazer Helms

Lu Dreibus Mcintire

Robert Sayer

Willard Shumard

Dwight & Gwen Payne Waldo

Herbert Wall

Class of 1936

$1,565

Alice Bisgard Anderson

Dorothy Schneider Jordan

Rachel Adamson Kerns

Chloe Pate Lehman

Elinor Majors McGee

C. Dana Nixon

Adele Penterman Reed

Mary Wrightsman

Rucksdashal

Josephine Brissey Smith

Lucille Bicknell Smith

Class of 1937

$1,020

Everett Blanchard

Frances Axtell Bugbee

Ronald & Doris Conwell

Clark

Elsie Perry Ellington

Willes Ludington

George Lytton

James Perdue

Luceen Maag Schmelke

Dorothy Cawthorne Shumard

Thelma Friedly Swisegood

Class of 1938

$21,697

Wilma Lichty Duey

Tom & Edus Hahn

Goldenstein

Omar Gottula

George Grafton

Joe Halterman

Lloyd Heim

Merna Jensen

Harold Johnson

Maxine Jarvis Johnson

Vivian McKimmey Lytton

Eugene & Mary Murphy

Miller

Arlene Heinke Mitchell

James Oppenheimer

Maxine Metcalf Pankonin

Wiley Remmers

Orval Rodgers

Ralph Scholl

Dorothy Stevenson

Marjorie Stevenson

R.H. Turner

Frederick Wolter

Class of 1939

$2,055

Ingrid Johnson Alexander

Lola Thompson Armstrong

Evea Ruse Black

Rutheloise Souder Blair

Wm. F. Chapin

Maxine Randall Clarey

Marvel Lucas Dodson

Roberta Cowell Gerber

Genevieve Parriott Gergen

Dorothy Perkins Graves

Mary Grush Hove

Eleanor Nieman Magor

Glema Meier Mahr

Thomas J. Majors

Etta Neunaber

Alice DeVore Organ

Maxine Aufenkamp Remmers

Helen Larson Seiger

Mary Mathews Solie

Hazel Wall

Dorothy Coatney Wolter

Class of 1940

$21,132.50

Marjorie Wareham Akers

Helen Janecek Clark

Beunice Doty

Charles Gabus

Marcella Redding Goerke

Ellen Evans Greenwald

Gladys Grush

Rita Russell Hanna

Arlene Heimer

Mary Parker Hutton

Lloyd K. Johnson

W. Hubert & Winifred Hall

Johnson

Lucile McDermott King

Kenneth Knapp

Margery Adams Mason

Leora Libhart Muck

Virginia Trively Plt1mmer

Frances Wrightsman

Rarick-Grant

Eula Redenbaugh

Louise Matthews Shires

Rachel Gonzales Taggart

Walter Watkins

Class of 1941 $15,155

Jack Atkins

Marjorie Birkmann

Paul Blair

Dean Clark

Fletcher Cline

James Crawford

Bernice Neddenriep Evans

Ruth Marshall Filmer

Josephine Citta Godown

Delton Goerke

Russell Gorthey

Melvin Gottula

Thelma Mayfield Grafton

Severn Handley

Carolee Garver Heim

C.R. Hinman

Mary Schutz Holter

Reba Hauptman Hunzeker

Wendell Hutchison

Woodrow Lambelet

Frank C. Larson

Mildred Longfellow Meredith

Emma Rosicky Phinney

Donna Duerfeldt Pryor

LeRoy Redfern

Ross Russell

Wilma Parnell Stevens

Margery Evans Teel

Class of 1942 $14,800

Ellis & Corinne Whitfield

Adams

Lois Zwiebel Adams

Maurice Anderson

Edwin Argabright

W. Paul Argabright

Bob Ashton

Mae Jane Young Bergeron

Betty Cole Cooper

C. Thomas & Marjorie

Kennedy Dean

Dorothy Armstrong Elliott

William Fankhauser

Wayne Filmer

Ted Graves

Dee Leonard Hall

Ralph Hays

Max & Wilma Miller Jackson

Melvin B. Larsen

Helen Mastain Moody

Edith Wiley Norris

Evelyn Hacker Read

Nancy Jones Redfern

John Rhodus

Grace Muenchau Russell

Hilda Freeze Stahly

Bertha Clayburn Sutton

Dennis Wehrmann

Robert E. Williams

Class of 1943 $2,300

William Brandt

Wayne Buhrmann Memorial

Marjorie Weiler Byers

Frances Hoagland Cassel

Harriett Maxwell Clark

Leona Bertwell Cline

Margie Neddenriep E!oe

Reuben Panders

Margaret Applegate Fitch

Wendell Handley

Luther Hutton

Nina Kane! Klaudt

Betty Miller Knoll

Lydia Vosicky Lewis

Robert & LaVara Oakley

Mc Alexander

Mary Mannschreck Mills

Marjorie Moore Rider

Sophie Bohling Rizor

Wanda Jacka Schmidt

Gilbert Schreiner

Margaret Gardner Skoog

Lucille Bricker Tackett

Carl Wirth

Louise Roettger Wymore

Class of 1944

$855

Freddie Drexler

Verda Hauptman Dykstra

Rebanis Frankforter Gloye

Betty McArdle Harouff

Wallace Horton

Robert James

Betty Kennedy Leeds

Margaret Dressler McKie

Virginia Mobley Lawrence

Hazel Palmer

Rogene Rose Rachow

Verona Oetken Scheer

Virgie Lee Johnson Shaw

Mona Handley Williams

Class of 1945 $1,107.50

Marian Stover Alfrey

Larrie Bell

Verda Gingrich Bussell

Mary Reschke Cashman

Denzel Fankhauser

Alice Swenson Gieschke

Ilene Thiltges Good

Leonore Larson Graf

Verna Rogers Handley

Paul Henry

Marjorie Rogers Hunzeker

Andrew Lakey

Max Magwire

Jack Mast

Esther Merritt Renner

Patricia Carmine Russell

Hayes Schoenbohm Schreiner

Barbara Dressler Stratis

Lois Mercer Ursdevenicz

Betty Berger Weirick

Shirley Schlauker Wenzel

Robert Widmark

Class of 1946

$1,172.50

Louella Tiemann Adams

Una Mae Leech Biaggi

Herman Bienhoff

Ardys Hunt Brugman

Joan Thickstun Buhrmann

Janice Slagle Crose

Marjorie Cowell Garber

Tod Hubbell

Willard Hunzeker

John Lawrence

Evelyn Stepan Neve

Delores Schreiner Pedersen

Frankie Montgomery Saul

Marian Hunzeker Smith

Carrie Adamson Vige

Class of 1947

$2,025

Keith Albers

Elsie Williams Arbuckle

"Buzz" Byers

Hester Friedly Clark

Wallace & Alice Bedell

Cleveland

John Effken

Leona Loomis Gaydusek

Myrton Hall

Margaret Spellman Harrold

Charles Henning

Ernest Horacek

Cecil D. Johnson

Margaret Wellensiek Mann

Rosella Meritt McBratney

Frances Finkle McQuinn

William Rachow

Eldon Reutter

Gertrude Biendenweg Runyan

Dorothy Shiveley Sierks

Robert Smith

Ernest Strauss

Doris Wagner Vrtiska

Anna Pfister Watkins

Robert Webber

Class of 1948 $4,120

Ward Adams

Margaret Lewis Bauer

George Blocher

Lois Christensen

Melvin Doeschott

Wm. B. Edmondson

Elaine Brier Gleason

Richard Good

Ralf & Aileen Wheeldon

Graham

Bonnie Aufenkamp Heimbuch

Roy Meinen

Gail S. Miller

Ruth Emigh Nixon

Jean Meister Redfern

Wm. Saul

Percy Schmelzer

Donald & Betty Johnson Smith

James & Ruth Crook Steele

Jacqueline Bebber Weatherly

Armon & Evelyn Gatz

Yanders

Floyd Heimbuch

Amber Dougherty Highfield

Jack & SaraJane Lyons Hippe

Ruth Walker Howe

Marion Iversen

Oliver JoineF

David Lang

Joan Johnson Marfice

Gerald Matschullat

John McQuinn

Robert Paap

Gil Peterson

Willard Redfern

Phyllis Steever Redemann

Mary Todd Rogers

Robert Schemmel

Donald Seeba

Wilson Sigerson

Martin Svoboda

Colleen Williams Tillman

Don Wagner

Class of 1950 $1275.50

Larry L. Beam

Trudy Toggweiler Budlong

Robert Clark

Rex Coatney

Dona Peterson Doeschot

Phyllis Rogers Finkle

Orville Gobber

Jack Hallstrom

Jean Lloyd Howland

Roy Laue

Laurel Adamson Lewis

Bobby Dean Livingston

Louise Scott Luttman

Catherine Caswell McKiddy

Donald R. McKim

Ed Mincer

Jean Krueger Niedfeldt

Verla Nincehelser Perry

Robert Resz

Bob and Elaine Beethe

Roberts

Russell Ruth

Joyce Alexander Taylor

Robert Utermohlen

Dale Vanderford

Class of 1951

$3,428

William and LaVonda

Aufenkamp Abernathy

James Bornemeier

Evelyn Boseck Brown

Barbara Bragg Clayburn

Charles Coatney

Dean Duncan

Katherine Lutton Eagle

Robert Eilers

James Finkle

Floyd & Marjery Heim Fithian

Margie Herold Fleskoski

Ellabeth Lotspiech Gleason

Nancy Hardy Hallstrom

Carlos Harrison

Willis Johnson

Mary Hinrichs Kellogg

Gerald Marts

Teddy McCartney

Otto Rath

Jess Ray

Annabelle Eis Rumbaugh

Lester & Esther Holmes

Russell

Carolyn McFadden Sipes

John Sweenie

Eileen Beethe Thiesfeld

L. Fred Thomas

Wm. Thurman

Jack Tillman

Lawrence J. Webb

Class of 1949 $1,027.50

Arthur Brophy

Erma Ehlers Gobber

Tom & Dorothy Maynard

Hallstrom

Class of 1952

$3,870

William Alexander

George Barrett

Patricia Benford Bornemeier

Ansel Clayburn

Richard Gregg

Stephen Howery

Peterson Lawrence Morrissey

Wilton Giles Ruth Allen Rankin

Pete Karabatsos L.L. Haack

G. Wayne Kerr

Heim

Luella Nincehelser Knapp Johnielee Henning

Rodney Knaup

Garnett Brown Kreifels

Laura Bosworth McClain

Shirley Buchholz Meinzer

Dean Meisinger

Dela Polston

Helen Powell Porr

Carolyn Schacht Henry

Ardyce Fisher Karabatsos

Virginia Ruzicka Karas

Elaine Spier Krumme

Richard Kumpf

Steve Kunasek

of 1961 Robert Reitz

Karen Fankhauser Bethel

Connie Erisman Biggers

Marilyn Glynn Borderding

Ronald Callan

Joyce Carman

Norman Catlett

Russell Chappell

Ruth Ballard Lindsay Viola Cox

Maxine Sampson

Tom Sewell

Gary & Mary Jar"is Schlange

Ronald Sotholz

Carol Ann udik

Marian Weber Thompson

Patricia Thorkildson

Unterbrink

Niemeyer

Mariedith Greenlee Pagel

C. Channing Redfield

Karlene Dougherty Sherwood

Alice Lambort Sloan

Frank Spizuoco

Larson

McCoy

McCullough

Gary Neumann Gre:

John Patterson Dwi

Darrell Plumb Rob

Richard Stock Charles Pratt Jear

Joe & Kathleen Martin Ward

George Weiss

Barbara Pettit Welch

Doris Weiler Schacht Mar

Carol Hawley Schmucker Ala

Lucy Sporer Sherwood Alb

Norma Thompson Wood Vera Norvell Smith Ma;

Chris & Michelle Workman

Salberg

Mark & Karrie Fisbeck

Wiarda

Class of 1987

$852.50

Bonnie Adcox

Andrew Andreas

Lauri Auffert

Diana Dyer Behrends

Nancey Rhinehart

Bemhardson

JoAnne Carlson

Amy Goering Clark

Mark Czapla

Jack Frary

Genelle Grossman

Nick & Laurel Smith Harling

Krystal Bors Hays

Patrick Herrick

John Hurst

Robert Kellar

Kristin O'Hem Miller

Deborah Dresher Novak

Allysyn Molzahn Paap

Mari-Ann Henry Pesek

Randy Reeves

Lisa Rhynalds

Susan Balfour Rice

Linda Correll Shotton

Tamara Tyxon Texley

Kathe Huffman Vore

Lori Walton Warner

Peggy Hartnett Wiecek

Class of 1988

$1,420

Jeannie Thomas Becker

Judy Vaughn Bennett

Robbin Broz

Teresa Million Falk

Luke Galardi

Juliann Moerer Gauchat

Robert & Tracy Grothe Grimm

Darwin Gushard

Guy C. Herrmann

Anita Downing Hueftle

Bruce Knaak

Lynn Kratky

Steve Matthews

Patricia Garton Moon

Mary Anna Ruwwe

Thomas Schaaf

Beverly Hawkins Schwab

Paul Stanosheck

Scott Vanderveen

Maxine Swett Ward

Pam Reid Williams

Mike Yates

Class of 1989 $430

Mark Bartholomew

Charles Chittum

Jon R. Clark

Robert D. Cook

Diane Beckman Denniston

Janelle Wendelin Eastman

Mary Shaffer Grimes

Patricia Haughton

Ruth Kirchhevel

Kim Klostermeier

Peggy Hall Kuser

Shari Sanner McMahon

Jill Novicki

Dale Ossowski

Cindy Sayer Peterson

David & Mary McAdams

Plummer

Julie Dunker Tubbesing

Kathe Huffman Vore

Cherie Schreiner Welter

Vanessa Wheeler

Class of 1990

$547.50

Ellen Wenzel Arthur

Judy Beltz

Lori Speckmann Broady

Kevin Caverzagie

Paula Mautz Darling

Chris Eastman

Bret Fritch

Ronde! & Stephanie Bischoff

Korbelik

Mark Marcotte

Carole Neary

Bernice' Jones Patterson

James R. Rains

Angelia Rohwer

Alan Vervaecke

Kim Vrtiska

Rhonda Snyder Weise

John Welter

Class of 1991

Ed Ankrom

Tony Anville

$505

Jodi Hytrek Becker

Duane Blass!

Sharon Elder

Catherine Cave English

Jodene Glaesemann

Sandra Hilding

Merry Holliday-Hanson

Carrie Lawrence-Guraedy

Michael Martin

Mark McGuire

Heath & Judy Truelsen Miller

Scott Shepard

Vern Stairs

Tammy Scalley Surette

Class of 1992 $452.50

Steve Andersen

Angela Kuker Antholz

LeAnn Clifton

Jana Ramsey Fink

Cindra Goodrich

Michael Harling

Kevin Hecker

James Helms

Terry Hotze

Julie Lutz

Ursula McLendon

Tracey Niehues

Debra Pugh

Beth Ely Sickel

Dana Hughes Thompson

Troy Uhlir

Cathy Wiles

Class of 1993 $742.50

Ann Jeanneret Alden

Sherri Rempe Alverson

Toni Lynn Bartlett

Elizabeth Morrissey Beethe

Rodney Beyke

Dan Bowmaster

Susan Cade

Joanne Catlett

Delyn Clifton

Francis J. Coffey

Diana Conradt-Mullen

Janet Lyons Cook

Steve DeFreece

Douglas Dockweiler

Trudy Carsh Fankhauser

Scott & Melissa Swinney

Gerdes

Marcy Grace

Scott Hahn

Joan Hazard

Marian Henderson

Merri Johnson

Garrett Mann

Rebecca Martin

Deana McAlexander

Mark McMahon

Debra Morris Neely

Hien Nguyen

George F. Olson

Wayne Payton

Karla Shelley

Julia Stacy

Lynn Hicks Steinkamp

Sara Johnson Veigel

Class of 1994 $595

Robin Anderson Billings

Angela Bischoff

Terry Casey

Kristopher Citrin

Peter Dennis

Larrienna Eisenbeisz

Becky Feagan

Joan Rinne Fink

Jas(m Fortik

Debra Graeve

John Ingersoll

Clifford Lawton

Rebecca Spencer McCarthy

Anthony Mitchell

Peggy Oliver

Julie Parde

Rob Prokop

Sherry Savener

Linda Richardson Smith

Thomas Sudik

Martin Telecky

Vernon Thacker

James D. Thompson

Susan Lunzmann Unruh

Nancy R. Vogt

Kristine Kubert Vrtiska

James Welter

Jay & Belinda Vernon Wickham

Class of 1995 $485

Machelle Arends

Julie Ramsey Bauman

Timothy Chard

Paul Czapla

Neil Ferguson

David Gibbons

Tricia Goodman

Bobbi Grotrian

William Grunewald

Tara Gugelman Hundley

Terri Jackson

Margaret Kelley

Brian Keul

Mark Meadows

Audra Williams & Jeff Schawang

Jolene Scholl

Ben Smith

Ron Smith

Susan Urban Vint

Donna Wojtak

Class of 1996 $310

Cheryl Bartels

Susan Bergemann

Galen Gaddie

John Genge!

Tracy Gibbons

William Lockwood

Thomas Proudfit

Carl J. Quijas

Roy Rodningen

Barbara Stevens VanDerKamp

Class of 1997 $50

Bobbi Jo Fallstead

Jean Gibbons

Bequests Received $224,076.90

Mildred Pate Iverson (' 26)

Bernice Jacka

Shackelford (' 41)

Beatrice Spohn ('29)

Businesses

American National Bank of Tecumseh

Auburn Agency

Auburn Consolidated Industries

Auburn Insurance Center

Auburn State Bank

Carson National Bank, Auburn

Dettmer Farm Service, Auburn

First National Bank of Johnson

Glen Drug Company, Auburn

Hinky Dinky, Auburn

Magnolia Metal, Auburn

Miller-Monroe Insurance, Falls City

Peoples Natural Gas, Auburn

Pizza Hut, Auburn

The Machinery Station, Auburn

Triangle Pacific, Inc., Auburn

PSC Faculty and Staff $7,545

Anonymous

David Ainsworth

Carolyn Bredemeier

William Clemente

Delyn Clifton

Dan Cox

Sara Crook

Tom Ediger

David & Malinda Edris

Jack Hamilton

Ted Harshbarger

Janet Hawley

Daryl! Hersemann

Jay & Linda Jacobsen

Todd & Robin Jensen

Joe Kincaid

Bob & Barb Lewellen

Kelly & Thelma Liewer

Daryl Long

Joel Lundak

David Pippert

Kent Propst

Richard Purdum

PSC Secretaries

Dick & Nancy Strittmatter

Harry Tabata

James Thomas

Kathy Tynon

Ross & Susan Udey

Pam Williams

Foundations/Matching Gifts

Ageon USA Inc.

American Express Foundation

AmerUS Group

ARCO

The Boeing Company Champion

CSG Systems

Eaton Charitable Fund

Enron Corporation

First Data Resources, Inc.

GE Fund

Harris Foundation

Norwest Foundation

Pfizer Inc.

Shell Oil

Sprint Foundation

State Farm Ins. Co.

Union Pacific

United Parcel Service

Wal-Mart Foundation

U.S. West

Friends/Former Students, Faculty & Staff

Marilyn Adams

Maxine Anderson

Donel & Donna Baker

Barbara Baldwin

Jim Beatty

Cathy Catlett Berger

Robert Bethel

Bernadine Bixler

Joan Boller

Hilary Bradford

Leon & Sheila Bresley

Jos & Rosa Lee Brooks

Nancy Brown

Everett & Laurel Browning

Roger Buck

Dr. Wm. Bucy

Mr. & Mrs. Jon Buerstetta

Leolen & Alicia Callahan

Robert & Bonnie Childs

Kent Clayburn

Edna Colglazier

Ben & Ellie Cooksey

Alynn Cory

James & Donna Damrow

Steve & Linda Daniell

Dale & Vicki Darnell

Jo Davis

Robert Delzell

Esther Bath Doiel

Robert Dougherty

Suzann Duede

Mary Majors Dunn

Alan & Mary Durman

Daniel & June Eddinger

Laurie England

Wendy Engles

Faculty Womens Club

Falls City Area Retired

Teachers

Irene Fankhauser

Pamela Gerweck Frost

Bill & Lana Fulton

William Furnas

Peggy Geiger

Richard G. Gelwick

Roy Gfeller

Jean Gibson

Lynn Gibson

Paul Gilbert

Norma Gilmore

Janice Giitter

Maryanna Gnade

Wayne & Judy Goering

Dixie Goldsmith

Shirley Gottula

Mike & Betty Grell

Betty Haddad

Dennis & Carolyn Hahn

John Hahn

Kathryn Lynch Hansen

Arch & Sharon Landolt

Harvey

Cindy Hatch

Jeanne Hauserman

Robert Hawkinson

Gary & Phyllis Hergenrader

Sharon Hersemann

Ron & Jolene Hilgenfeld

David & Twila Hochstein

Marjorie Holland

Steve Hornung

John Hubach

Darwin & Virginia Hummel

Terry & Susan James

Allen Janas

Larry & Diane Jansky

Bill & Becky Jenkins

Harold & Marjorie Jurgensen

Tom & Joanne Kappas

E.A. Kral

Kent & Cathy Krichau

Virgil & Irene Kula

Robert & Ruth Kratzer

Robert Leahy

Lincoln Leather Crafters

Teresa Lockner

Robert & Judy Lowrey

Dan Mahoney

Linda Mann

Paul & Charlotte Mason

Ronald & Kathy Mascher

Thomas & Mary Maxwell

Wilbur McBratney

Donald & Patricia McGhee

Mark McKercher

Maxine Mehus

Larry & Mary Meinecke

Terry & Connie Mitchell

Beverly Moody

Clive Moore

Ronald & Carol Morin

Gerald & Mary Momin

Margaret Mosley

Mabel Mullenax

Gilbert Myers

Gail Niemeier

James & Loretta Nykodym

Janet and Carl Nuzman

JaNay Oestmann

Jerry & Roxanne Oestmann

LaVern Oestmann

Doris Olson

Jerry Olson

Nancy Olson

Marcia Pacholke

Arlyn & Elaine Parde

Ellen Pappas

Richard & Janet Pelland

William Rankin Monte Ray

Fred Raybourn

Daniel & Janet Reilly

William & Arlene Rolf

Guy Rosenberg

Ralph & Jane Ross

Thomas Rother

Frieda Rowoldt

George & Charlene Russell

Diane Sands

Joy Scanlan

Jo Schmeling

Lillian Schottenhamel

Harold & Pearl Schulte

Steve Schulte

Robert & Diane Sealock

Bill & Bonnie Shanks

Peggy Sherman

Robert & Nancy Shively

Stanley & Penny Skikus

Helen Sorenson

Dery! & JoAnn Sorgenfrei

.Joe & Kelly Souder

Joan Speice

Louis & Barbara Steck

Russell & Ruby Strange

Mr. & Mrs. W.F. Sugden

Lonnie Swanson

Larry & Valerie Tee

Denise Telecky

Michael Treat

William Troutman

Loretta Tuma

Nancy Tynon

Laurence & Ruth Vaughan

James & Ellen Van Westen

Ruth Van Zant

Richard Watson

Donald Webster

Darlene Weick

Marlin & Glenna Weiner

Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Weis

Alfred G. Wheeler, Jr.

Arlene Whisler

John & Suzanne Whorlow

JoAnn Williamson

George Wilson

Gil & Mary Ruth Wilson

Ardith Wininger

Donna Winslow

Bereniece Woodworth

Raymond Yoesel

Ralph & Chris Zavala

If you gave a gift to the Peru State College Foundation in 1997 and your name was inadvertan tly omitted, please let us know and we will honor you in the next issue of The Peru Stater.

JPeJfl!Il.vi Ul;Q

1980s (continued)

Doug Duis ('89) and wife Dawn of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Delaney Marie, born in November.

Lisa Urhi Dworak ('89) and husband Tim ('90) of Seward, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Michael Andrew, born in December.

Joyce Myers Dykstra ('83) and husband Jim of Farragut, Iowa are proud parents of a daughter, Martha Rachel, born in October.

BoggaRoad

No, these PSC students didn't get into trouble duri11g their Criminal Justice study tour to Australia this past winter. Instead they posed for this photo i11side the old Bogga Road prison. Pictured are (from left) April Border of Nebraska City, Kristina Kre1fels of Papillion, Neb., Jason Ross (back) of Syracuse, Neb., and Teri Maybee (front) of Nebraska City. Bogga Road is Queensla11d's oldest correctional center, now closed and being converted into a museum. It features Victorian-era architecture and attendant 1850s style conditions.

The Classroom Was Australia For Criminal Justice Students

An excited group of 23 Peru State College criminal justice students, their professor Dr. Kelly Asmussen, and several others left the airport in Omaha this past Dec. 27 for the experience of a lifetime.

They were bound for Australia, the "land down under," and a study of that nation's criminal justice system. For some it was their first airplane flight; for all it was a trip not to be forgotten.

The eventful trip included a delay leaving Omaha which resulted in a missed connecting flight from Phoenix to LA. Another student came down with food poisoning, resulting in a visit to a Phoenix hospital that separated him from the group for a couple of days.

Joy Dunnigan, Assistant Professor of Education at the college who along with several family members went "along for the ride," was to have met her father and sister at the airport in LA. Delays forced them to miss the international flight, too.

Snakebit?

Dr. Asmussen was beginning to wonder if the tour wasn't cursed - in its first day, the tour had "lost" four members! But the rest of the trip to Brisbane, Australia went without major incident.

The Peru State group, along with fellow

Eliminate '78 Lost

Surely the number of "lost alumni" on our Class of '78 roster makes it one of the smallest of our "lost" lists.

criminal justice students from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., were "headquartered" in facilities at the University of Queensland.

For the next 12 days, it was a hectic pace visiting correctional facilities, talking to magistrates and attorneys, touring a domestic violence center, observing a police station, talking to prosecutors, and generally immersing themselves in the Australian legal system.

A couple of days of "free time" was. built into the study tour. Students went swimming and diving, held koalas, and even ate kangaroo steak. White sand beaches, a rain forest, the Great Barrier Reef, all were part of the fun. Students excel

But the purpose was educational, and Dr. Asmussen was delighted with the hard-working and attentive, but fun-loving group of students.

The tour marked the second time in three years PSC criminal justice students had an opportunity to tour Australia's system; in between was a similar study tour of Costa Rica.

By the time they flew out of Brisbane on Jan. 9, it had been a grueling "final test" for the students, who were enrolled in PSC's "Comparative Justice Systems" class.

But it was an educational experience they will never forget.

PSC class with no members on its "lost" roster. If you know of a home address for any of the following, please forward to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE. 68421-0010; call (402) 872-2225 or e-mail: propst@pscosf.peru.edu

Perhaps you can help us make the Class of '78 the only Apilado, Sherri A.

(Kashishian)

Billings, J. Hartson Garcia, Robert Huffman, Rick L. Knudson, Connie R. Murphy, Tamra A. (Gentry) Perkins, Kevin M. Skiles, Duane D. Vollertsen, Richard H. Wunderlich, Walter H. Zwygart, Kathy A.

Dean Filipi ('82) of Milligan, Neb. led his Milligan football team to the Class D-3 state tournament. They were ousted in the semifinal game and ended their season with a I 0-1 record.

Juliann Moerer Gauchat ('88) of Brownville, Neb. is employed by Peggy Kuser ('89), CPA in Auburn (Neb.). Juliann has eight years' experience in the public accounting field.

Doug Goltz ('86) of Falls City, Neb. led his Sacred Heart Irish football team to the quarterfinals in Class D-2. The Irish ended their season with a I 0-1 record.

Andy Hall ('89) and wife Shanda of Schuyler, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Preston Andrew, born in December.

Kevin Hixon ('86) led his Gallatin (Mo.) High School football team to an 11-1 record this past fall and a spot in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Class 1A state tournament. He was named "Coach of the Year" by the St. Joseph, Mo. News-Press.

Lori Wiese Hoflen ('86) and her husband Jim are proud parents of daughter Grace Laura, born last May. Grace has six brothers and sisters. They live in Germany, where Lori is a computer studies instructor for the University of Maryland-European Division. Lori instructs Distance Education classes for students in Italy, Bahrain, England, Holland and other sites in Germany, too.

Anita Downing Hueftle ('88) and her husband Neil of rural Cozad, Neb. are proud parents of their third son, Isaac, born in October.

Marla Moody Jones ('84) of Auburn, Neb. gave a workshop entitled "Literature and Arts: A Multicultural Connection" at the 24th Plains International Reading Association Regional Conference in Omaha this fall. Marla is a third grade teacher at Calvert Elementary in Auburn.

Tim Knaak ('85) was promoted in December by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. He was transferred from the OCC's Richmond, Va. office to its office in Charleston, W.V. and he is examining banks in that state and in eastern Kentucky.

Lisa Hall Krzycki ('88) and husband Pat (attd. '84-'89) of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter born in November.

Mary McConnaughey (attd. '78-'82) was the subject of a lengthy feature in the Omaha World-Herald in December. The Peru native and Ralston, Neb. resident is a world-class arm wrestler and organizes arm wrestling tournaments around the midwest. In December she led a U.S. team to a tournament in India.

(continued on page J6)

(Photo courtesy Dr. Kelly Asmussen)

Student Gets KDP Scholarship

The national education honorary Kappa Delta Pi has awarded PSC senior Deb Chaney one of only five Presidential Scholarships for 1997.

Chaney was honored at Kappa Delta Pi 's national convention last November in St. Louis, according to Dr. Kass Rempp, Assistant Professor of Education and sponsor of PSC's KDP chapter.

The Presidential Scholarship, the largest one issued by Kappa Delta Pi, is valued at $500. Chaney submitted an essay on the theme "Education: Windows of Hope & Opportunity," and it was judged as one of the top five entries.

Winning the scholarship, and the national acclaim that comes with it, was

Deb Chaney

"quite a moving experience for me," Chaney said.

"I've earned other scholarships before, but it is differ-

ent knowing you've won something at the national level on the merit of your writing."

A resident of Percival, Iowa, Chaney majors in Elementary and Special Education at Peru State. She sports a perfect 4.0 GPA. She is active in campus organizations, too.

Not bad for a non-traditional aged, married commuter student who was out of school for 15 years before resuming her studies.

"Deb wants to be a teacher as much as anyone I've ever met," Dr. Rempp said.

"It's exciting to teach someone like her. She's very focused, goal-oriented and she approaches her assignments with enthusiasm."

Long "lost" list from '58

The number of 1958 alumni on Peru State's "lost alumni" list is too great.

If you can help to shorten the list, please do so. Send current home addresses to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE. 68421-0010, or call (402) 872-2225, or e-mail to: propst@pscosf.peru.edu

Baird, Gladys M. Bennet, Jim Brotzman, Janet Brown, Dale Cook, Myrtle E. Ellis, Sandra (Short)

Fitzpatrick, James R. Gall, Richard Giesel, Velma Gilmore, Lawrence Gray, Mary (Knight) Honing, Nellie Johnson, Lois (Anholtz) Kibler, Florence M. (Morris) Kirkendall, Sondra J. Kraus, Ann (Gehringer) Kritenbrink, Doris J. Libbey, Robert M. Lageman, Kathleen (Laird) Lowenberg, Lee Ludwig, Gerald Ludwig, Nonna Jean (Cleary) McKay, Joan (Gruber) Moyer, Marjorie

Mueller, Julius Phillips, Esther (Bates) Ressell, Donna (Schuster) Ricketts, Virginia M. Riley, Ruby Roberts, Judy (Cole) Robinson, Ann (Carter) Ruff, Yvonna (Burt) Schulte, Barbara L. Scribner, Marjorie (Peckham) Spencer, Jann (Hoffman) Sydor, Ardath (Moore) Taenzler, Betty West, Donald L. Wikoff, Fauna F. (Bish) Williamson, Edward C. Winingham, Shelby Jr.

Wedldlinmg JEelils; --1

ITravis Allgood ('97) and Amanda Mayfield were married in December. Travis is employed with Pella Windows in Shenandoah. Iowa as a Cost Center Manager, and is ing graduate studie.' D1:zike University.

PSC student Shauna Balke of Dawson, Neb. and Randy Liberty \Vere married in Febmary.

Wendell Bogle ('92) and former student Christine Smith were married in December. Christine is

employed by Quality Service Management in Omaha. and works at Data Transmission Network.

Joel Bohlken ('92) and Natalie Gerdes ('93 ), both of Nebraska City. are to be married in IVIarch. Both teach and coach in the Nebraska City school svstem; Joel is working on a degree from Universitv of NebraskaLincoln. '

Tammy Buss ('96) of Brock, Neb. and Michael Rowe were married in

1980s (continued)

Tracy Turner Morton ('89) and husband David of Nehawka, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Matthew David, born in December.

Lisa Osborne ('89) is the new executive director of Sterling House in Grand Island, Neb. Sterling House provides a residential environment and coordinates health care and personal services for senior citizens.

Brad Prall ('87) and his wife Shelly are proud parents of their second son, Zachary Scott, born in November. They Jive in Plattsmouth, Neb.

Paula Larson Remmers ('86) of Auburn, Neb. has made a career change after 17 years with the Auburn Pizza Hut. Paula received many honors while manager of the Pizza Hut, and has been active in community activities. She will now be using her accounting degree at H & R Block in Auburn.

Rochelle Rohlfs ('89) of Omaha led her Omaha Marian volleyball team to the Class A state tournament. They lost in the semifinal game which ended their season with a 29-9 record.

Rick Rummel ('83) has been appointed Vice President for Finance and Administration at Notre Dame College of Ohio. The school is located in Cleveland.

Scott Schmidt ('84) and his wife, the former Tina Wise ('90), are now living in Stuttgart, Germany. Scott is Resource Manager for a Joint Service program with the U.S. Army. It works with teams operating in 14 different countries of central and eastern Europe.

Lori Vrtiska Seibel ('84) of Lincoln, Neb. has taken a leave of absence from the Lincoln-Lancaster Health Department to work on a special project for the Mayor's Office.

Barry Smith ('85) and his wife Peggy are proud parents of daughter Carly Autumn, born in November. They live in Lincoln, where Barry is self-employed as a computer consultant.

1990's

Dr. Ellen Kruger Arthur ('90) is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at Iowa State University. She and her family recently moved to Jefferson, Iowa.

November. Tammy is employed as a super\'isor at ITI Telemarketing in Peru.

PSC student Calvin Hubbard and Samantha Howsden were married in Augmt. They are residing in Svracuse. Neb.

Brenda Huber ('95) of Sabetha, Kan. and Bobbv D. Adkins have announced their engagement. Brenda is an accounting clerk at the Sac & Fox Casino.

(Continued on Page 17)

Terry Barnes ('97) is a computer programmer/analyst for the United States Air Force at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha.

Susan Moyer Bergmeier ('90) and her husband Larry, of Beatrice, Neb are proud parents of twins born in January. Christian William and Giselle Jane are their names.

Michelle Coates ( '93l is \\ orking as a program assistant with the Keith County Chamber of Commerce in Ogallala. Neb.

Brian "B.J." Coburn ('95) and his wife. the former Nichole Short ('95), are liYing in Omaha. B.J. is a Social Work Associate for the Iowa Department of Human Services in Council Bluffs, and Nichole is the Lead Account Manager for CAS Marketing in Omaha.

(continued on page 17)

(From Page 16)

Carol Walker Keeler ('84) of Omaha and Jerry Bills were married in February. Carol is employed with the Omaha Public Schools.

Martin E. Kelsay ('72) of Auburn, Neb. and Dorothy Stepongzi were married in January.

Scott Kohout ('93) of Lincoln, Neb. and Lisa Renee Renner were married in January.

PSC student Juliann Lee and Kevin Miller, assistant football coach and an employee of the Student Support Services program at PSC, were married in December.

Jan Lhotak ('89) of Omaha and Jeanette Maly were married in August. Jan recently received a merit promotion to Staff Administrator with the Army Reserve School in Omaha. His unit teaches a staff officer course for U.S. Army personnel throughout the Midwest and Southwest. Jan states "my education through Peru (at Offutt AFB) made it all possible."

PSC student Julie Liberty and Keith Frederick were married in September in Rulo, Neb.

Greg Petersen (attd. '88'89) and Natalie Lehner were married in October in Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Kris Fraser Schuetz ('89) of Lincoln, Neb. and Ken Jenkins were married in January. Kris is a child care provider at Kindercare Daycare Center in Lincoln.

Paul Stanosheck ('88) of Odell, Neb. and Michele Davidson have a March wed-

1990s (continued)

Felicia Duncan Criner ('96) and husband Curtis of Plattsmouth, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Carah Marie, born in December.

Katherine Hilgenfeld Fender ('96) is living in Nebraska City and substitute teaching for a number of area schools.

Stephanie Holtzman Fisher ('93) has been named manager of the Pizza Hut restaurant in Auburn, Neb.

Lori Gerking ('95) has received her permit to practice as a licensed Certified Public Accountant. She continues to work for Reese & Roker CPAs in Nebraska City.

Tracy Gibbons ('96) of Three Oaks, Mich. is the mother of a daughter, Laura Denise, born in December.

ding date scheduled. Paul is employed at the State Bank of Odell.

Linda Stukenholtz Templemeyer ('75) and Christopher Conrad were married in November. Linda is a State Farm agent for the Weeping Water and Syracuse, Neb. area. They live in Lincoln.

Stacy Williamson ('93) and James Heller were married in July in Trenton, Neb. They are living in Suisan City, Calif. where they are stationed at Travis Air Force Base; Stacy is a respiratory therapist.

Anna Heinzmann Grubb ('97) is a staff accountant for the firm Cherry, Bekaert & Holland CPA in Fayetteville, N.C.

Jeffrey Hammer ('97) is working at the Bruning (Neb.) State Bank as a bookkeeper, teller and in insurance sales.

Kim Hawkinson ('97) is living in Omaha and working for the U.S. Post Office as a city carrier.

Kelsi Hines ('97) is living near Auburn, Neb. and working as an office manager for the Auburn Elevator Co. She plans to attend graduate school in Iowa next fall.

Don Hogue ('97) is a substitute teacher, assistant football coach and assistant girls basketball coach for the Falls City, Neb. public school system.

Kara Jenkins ('97) is teaching kindergarten for the Norris Elementary School in Firth, Neb.

ICharlene Thun Jorn ('97) is substitute teaching on a full-time basis for the Custer County and Ansley, Neb. schools.

IArlene Kindig Rulla Balderson ('36) of Omaha passed away in October. She was a former teacher and also was a secretary for the Gage County Superintendent of Schools and Tri County Public School.

Frank Barone (attd. '73'78) passed away in December. He had been living in Omaha.

Thelma Cooper Barr ('67) of Holdrege, Neb. passed away in December. She was a retired elementary school teacher.

Elsie Mach Beranek (attd. '23) passed away in October in Pawnee City, Neb.

Norma "Dee Dee" Walker Bremer ( '58) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in December. She had been an

mmelementary teacher in the Nebraska City Public Schools, retiring in 1989.

PSC Foundation Trustee Evelyn Casey of Evergreen, Colo. passed away in December. Although not a graduate of PSC, Evelyn attended many alumni and Foundation functions. Evelyn's husband, Herbert, was a 1928 grad of PSC.

Word has been received of the death of Gilbert N. Cook ('34) of Greenacres, Wash.

Carol Mead Daffer ('66) of Dunbar, Neb. passed away in October. She was a school teacher with the Nebraska City Public Schools and Lourdes Central Catholic School also in Nebraska City.

Rosa Wenz DeBoer (attd. '30s) passed away in

September. She was a longtime resident of Diller, Neb.

Jeanne Burgner Drees ('39) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in January. She was a retired school teacher.

F. Ethel Etmund (attd. '35) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in October. She was a retired elementary and secondary teacher.

Hazel Carmichael Petersen Fisher ('62) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in December. She taught elementary and junior high English and history. She was a retired librarian and had served in Holmesville, Adams and Wymore Southern (Neb.) schools. She retired in 1972 after 44 years in the teaching profession.

(Continued on Page 23)

Tiffany Anderson Keithley ('96) is a substitute teacher for the Falls City (Neb.) Public Schools and Falls City Sacred Heart Schools.

Nicki Kreifels ('97) of Nebraska City, Neb. has joined the Homestead Girl Scout Council staff as a resource coordinator. She will work with volunteers in seven southeastern Nebraska counties to promote membership, programs, public relations and fund-raising activities.

Tricia Boeck Kruse ('96) of Nebraska City is a Community Support Associate for Region V Services in that community. Husband Jon will graduate in May and is student teaching at the present time.

Dee Herrick Kuhlmann ('95) and husband Matt of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter born in October.

Toni Adam Landenberger ('94) of Plymouth, Neb. led her Milligan volleyball team to the Class D-2 state volleyball tournament last fall. They ended their season with a 1410 record.

Brent Lottman ('97) is working as a Deputy Sheriff for the Nemaha County (Neb.) Sheriff's Office. Lottman also serves on the Peru City Council.

(continued on page 18)

1990s (continued)

Teri Maybee ('97) of Nebraska City is working as an Intensive Family Preservation worker for Omni Behavioral Health in Beatrice, Neb.

Dr. Sharon McCaslin, technical services librarian at Peru State, was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the College and University Section of the Nebraska Library Association. The award is given to an active member of the association who has demonstrated service to academic librarianship.

Susan Meyer ('97) is a receptionist for the H & R Block office in Tecumseh, Neb.

Carrie Myers ('97) is a protective service worker trainee for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in Omaha.

Debra Morris Neely ('93) recently moved to Jacksboro, Texas and has accepted a position at the University of North Texas. She is Academic Counselor for the College of Arts & Sciences, and is responsible for advising all incoming freshmen students who have not declared a major.

Cheerleading: Fun At Games, But Not Always Fun And Games

They engage in hours of practice every week. Then it's time to run, or perhaps to visit the weight room.

In the evening they must hit the books; in order to stay on the squad, they must meet National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) academic standards.

After all of that, finally, game day rolls around and it's time to take the court or the field. Their hard work culminates in a precious few hours before the crowd, where they and their teammates put their grace, strength, stamina and enthusiasm to the test.

Peru State College ball players? No, this is what it takes to be a Peru State Cheerleader.

"Ms. (Robin) Jensen and the cheerleader squad have done an outstanding job and almost entirely on a voluntary basis," President Robert L. Burns said. "They are a very positive element at our games."

Demanding

In some ways, PSC Cheerleaders face even greater demands than do the college's student-athletes, according to their sponsor Robin Jensen.

While the athletes' seasons are a couple of months long, Cheerleaders serve through the entire school year. And though players in any of PSC's six intercollegiate sports take part only in that sport's games

(some do play two sports), Cheerleaders are represented at most home games in every sport. They go on the road for some contests, too.

Yet they must raise most of their own money for travel, outfits and equipment, Jensen added. Each receives a scholarship in the form of a partial waiver of their on-campus housing costs.

"You have to be the kind of person who gives of themselves," Jensen said. "Each one does it for their own reasons. For most, it's similar to being involved in a sport; it's part of their identity."

Stay in Shape

A typical week last fall, Jensen said, involved at least two hours' practice each day plus conditioning. The young ladies are required to run a mile in under seven minutes, and are timed often.

They do situps and pushups, aerobic exercise and stretching. And should any member of the group fail to meet the same academic eligibility standards as PSC student-athletes, they are off the squad.

Jensen's work as a PSC Admissions Counselor takes her on the road much of the week to recruit students. That leaves responsibility for practices and workouts in the capable hands of co-captains Kristi Stooker (Shenandoah, Iowa)

and Janette Howard (Glenwood, Iowa).

"I really enjoy cheeringit's always been a big thing in my life," Howard said. "I like working with this group; we're all really positive."

"We've gotten a lot of support and compliments from people around campus," Stooker added.

School Spirit

Members of the group include Holly Bell (Murdock, Neb.), Mandi Harders (Wood River, Neb.), Keri Hein (Glenwood, Iowa), Trisha Linder (Tecumseh, Neb.), Bekki Maher (Valley, Neb.), Meagan McGuire (Omaha), Kelly Meyers (Glendale, Ariz.), Beth Riddle (Lincoln, Neb.) and Jenny Spilker (Kidder, Mo.).

"They have been so eager and so excited all year," Jensen said. "They are delighted to be a part of the College and its sports programs. I've been pretty demanding and I don't baby them, but it seems to have worked."

So next time fans come to a PSC ball game and enjoy a performance by the Cheerleaders, they may realize that behind the fun and games is a dedicated and hard-working group of students whose aim is to make the event even more enjoyable for all.

Raymond Nunn ('96) is an electronics technician for the U.S. Air Force at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha.

Renae Gerdes Oswald ('96) and husband Tim of Cozad, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Regan Michelle, born in October.

Jason Prante ('97) is teaching industrial technology at Ft. Dodge (Iowa) High School.

Christopher Raabe ('97) is a seventh grade history teacher for the Washington School District in Phoenix, Ariz.

Diana Packett Ramer ('96) is working as a substitute teacher for the Falls City (Neb.) Middle School.

Jonee Roach Reed ('97) of Boynton Beach, Fla. is a child case manager with the South County Mental Health Center in Delray Beach, Fla.

Peru State College men's basketball Coach John Gibbs (left) visits with one of his prize pupils, Brett Richards, who now often faces him from the opposition side of the court. Richards is currently the men's basketball coach at Bellevue (Neb.) University. This photo was taken last December when the two squads squared off in Peru.

(continued on page 23)

of the requirements to be a PSC Cheerleader. Shown here during a Janual)' ·workout are (from left) Meagan McGuire, Keri Hein, and co-captain Janette Howard.

(Photo by Kent Propst)

Last Mystery Photo

Brings Ho-Ho-Ho's; This Time, It's A Dramatic Mystery

It's a tossup as to who has more fun with the "Mystery Picture" feature in the Peru Stater - we on the staff, or you the reader.

The photo in the last Stnter brought another good response. and as often happens. some disagreement as to the identity of the subject.

Unlike some "Mystery Picture" features, though, we knew the answer going in, as we had an old Peru Pointer newspaper clipping with the proper ID.

As most of our participants knew, this holiday snapshot was taken in Professor James Levitt's "Fundamentals of Speech" class. However, the timeframe remains a mystery; some guess December 1953, some 1954, others 1955.

Those pictured are, from left, Jack "Santa" Garrison, how living in Lincoln, Neb.;

Elberta (Rhoten) Porter, Omaha; Gene Leber, Peoria, Ariz.; and the late Dick Fankhauser.

Only Mary (Sherrod) Leber ('56) of Peoria, Ariz. was able to correctly identify all four of the subjects (it didn't hurt being married to one of them, of course).

Phyllis Constant Didleau ('55) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Shirlee George Nance ('56) of Papillion, Neb., and Lois Bush Norris Mertes ('58) of Beatrice, Neb. all knew everyone but Santa. (As Lois wrote, "At last! An old picture I recognize").

Jack Garrison, old Santa himself, thought that perhaps Elberta was instead Peggy (Eickhoff) Norris ('56). And Betty Hogue Brackhahn ('55) of Beatrice thought that perhaps it was she in the Santa outfit.

Holiday Spirit

The MystelJ' of Santa And His Helpers is no longer a mystery. Instead, this group of I950s students getting into the holiday spirit includes (from left) Jack Garris ion, Elberta (Rhoten) Porter, Gene Leber, and Dick Fankhauser.

We thank one and all for taking their best shot at solving the mystery!

And now for our latest Mystery.

Who are these thespians,

what were they doing, and when?

If you can provide an answer (or an educated guess) as to the subjects, when the photo was taken, and what the

occasion might have been, please forward to: Mystery Picture, c/o Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

Alumni Trivia ls

Fun & Rewarding

Just because you've left Peru State doesn't mean we're finished testing you.

Every month on the Peru State College World Wide Website, we post a new "Alumni Trivia Contest" question. It's fun, it's free, and each month some lucky winner claims a prize courtesy of the Bobcat Bookstore!

Alumni Trivia involves a multiple-choice question about .some aspect of the history of Peru State College. From.all correct answers, the name of one winner is drawn for the monthly prize.

For. example, the Alumni Trivia Contest question for the month of January was: "Who was the first woman to serve as Director of Athletics (not Director of Women's Athletics) at PSC?" a). Phyllis Davidson; b). Bonnie Rutz; c). Maxine Mebus; d). Lori Kildal. (The correct answer is "c").

Recent winners include Angela Bischoff ('94) of Burr Oak, Kan. in November; Muriel Jensen Sic ('71) of Philomath, Ore., in December; and Joe LaRosa ('85) of Plattsmouth, Neb. in January.

To play PSC Alumni Trivia, just dial up the PSC homepage and go into the "Alumni & News" section. You can find us at: http://www.peru.edu

You'll find lots of great information about Peru State on our website, and be sure to leave a note in the Alumni Guest Book.

See you on the Web!

These Peruvians comprise this edition's "Mystery Picture" participants. If any of them look familiar, we want to hear from you!

Bobcat Women Hope For Long Season

The Peru State women's basketball team heads into February in hopes of playing into March. Late March.

The Bobcats are 17-6 going into the final six regular season games, but the uphill battle was just beginning. The only guarantee to make it to the NAIA Division II Women's National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa is through a college in that same town, Briar Cliff.

Peru State's final three regular season games are against No. I Briar Cliff and No. 5 Grand View (Iowa) at home, and No. 18 Concordia on the road.

So far this season, all the Bobcats' losses have come to Top 25 teams. Coach Tara Kreklau knows that for the Bobcats to make their goal they are going to have to overcome that barrier.

Of all the Bobcats' opponents not in the Top 25, they defeated them all. In their 17 wins, PSC is winning by an average of 15 points.

The top gun so far is junior post Celeste Nolte (Falls City, Neb.). Nolte is leading the Bobcats in both scoring and rebounding (17.5 points and 9.4 rebounds). Kreklau is happy with how Nolte has performed so far.

"Celeste has continued where she left off last season," Kreklau said. "She is a fierce competitor and has given this team great leadership."

Nolte is getting a lot of support on the inside. Sophomore Amber Friedrichsen (Aurora, Neb.) is making her presence known in her first year at PSC, scoring 12. 7 points and pulling down 7.5 boards. "Amber has been a consistent performer all year for us," Kreklau said.

Freshman Tammi Christensen (Harlan, Iowa) also is giving the Bobcats extra pop from the inside. The 6-foot post is averaging 7.0 points and 5.2 rebounds off the bench.

From the outside the Bobcats have been just as flammable. Sophomore DeeAnn Othmer (Tecumseh, Neb.) has moved from her point guard position she played as a sophomore to the

off-guard position and her offense has exploded; she is averaging 10 points and 4.4 rebounds.

Freshman Alicia Millard (Lincoln, Neb.) leads the offense from the point guard position and has shown no jitters. She is averaging 4.4 assists on top of her 58 points.

Kreklau is proud of Millard's accomplishments so far. "Alicia has done a quality job of leading this team from the point guard position," Kreklau said. "She is on pace to set a freshman record for assists in a season."

The Bobcats' lone senior, Steph Hornung (Huxley, Iowa) has left her mark on this year's team. In a home contest against Mt. Mercy in December she set a school record by sinking nine three-point field goals. She averages 7 .0 points and is shooting .455 from the three-point line.

Heading down the stretch, Kreklau knows the Bobcats need to knock off some giants to make it to the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Tournament. "We are on the verge of earning a national ranking," she said. "We just need to get that first win over a legitimate Top 25 team."

Freshman Steps Up

Freshman reserve Tammi Christensen has been one of the newcomers who have mixed well with veterans to help PSC get off to a 17-6 mark as of early February. The Harlan, !ovva native has come off the bench to average seven points and five rebounds for the 'Cats.

Young Bobcat Hoop Squad Improving

Plagued with inexperience, the Bobcat men's basketball squad has been improving as the post-season approaches.

The Bobcats, 11-16 at press time (early February), jumped out quickly in the 1997-98 season, winning five of their first seven. They then hit a brick wall, dropping their next seven and I 0 of their next 11

In the latter part of the season, the Bobcats have fared much better. They had won five of the last nine beading into early February.

Coach John Gibbs tied the all-time PSC basketball coaching victory record on Jan. 31. His squad's win over Kansas Wesleyan gave him 250 career wins, tying him with the late Jack Mcintire ('41).

Gibbs said the inexperience on this year's squad reflects on its record. With only three players from last year's roster returning, Gibbs has had to rely on three redshirts, two who haven't played in two years, and seven newcomers.

One returnee who has paced the Bobcats all year has been sophomore guard Jermel Ward (Valdosta, Ga.).

The younger brother of All-American Fredd Ward (a current assistant coach at PSC), Jermel had led the Bobcats in scoring with 13. 7 points a contest. He also is dishing out 4.6 assists.

The young 'Cats have received a boost from an old face. Junior forward Jamie Stinson (Tecumseh, Neb.) returned to the basketball court after taking the two previous seasons off to

concentrate on football. He is averaging 8.7 points and a team high 4.6 rebounds.

Junior forward Steve Fleming (Bronx, N .Y.) is coming off a redshirt season and is giving the Bobcats 7. 7 points. He also leads the 'Cats in field goal percentage.

Gibbs knows that for the Bobcats to be successful in the post-season they have to produce on the road. Through early February they had dropped nine of 14 games away from the Wheeler Center.

"We have to get to where we can play 40 minutes on the road," Gibbs said. "For us to be successful we have to put a complete game together."

With the farm filled with young talent, Gibbs is excited about the future of

Bobcat basketball. "We have a solid nucleus for the future.

"Right now we start a sophomore shooting guard, a freshman point guard and a freshman center," he said. "Considering the youth and talent on this team, we are reasonably pleased with this year's team although you never like to lose."

Coach Gibbs is not counting out a return trip to the NAIA Division II National Tournament quite yet.

"We are realistically still in the hunt," he said. "Any team that is on a roll at the end of the year and can put together three good games at the regional tournament has a chance at the national tournament. We just need to put ourselves in that position."

(Photo by Tony Koso)

Lofty oal for PSC Baseball Team

New faces, same goal.

The 1998 team has a goal to advance to the 1998 NAIA World Series in Tulsa, Okla.

The new faces start at the top with new Head Coach Mark Bayliss. Over half (15) of the 28 players on the '98 team are new to the program as well.

The Bobcats will be led by one returner and a junior college transfer on the mound. Sophomore Lance Kurz (Palmer, Neb.) will be the No. l starter for Bayliss' 'Cats. Last year he started five games but pitched in 10 other contests.

Junior Kris Mathews (Benkelman, Neb.) transferred from Colbv (Kan.) Communitv College and will give' the Bobcats quality innings from the mound. He had a 2.30 ERA in two years at Colby.

Bayliss said the pitching staff may be unstable early. "If our pitchers develop and mature with hard work, and they get a little better, we are going to be okay," he. s;id.

The backstops are a question mark for Coach Bayliss. Seniors Brian Miller (Ralston, Neb.) and Cord Coslor (Minden. Neb.), who didn't see much playing time last year, will split time at catcher.

Junior Seth Perkins (Harvard, Neb.) will anchor a young outfield from his centerfield position. He had a .977 fielding percentage with one error last year. Senior Eric Musil (Amherst, Neb.) should see some time in the outfield, too.

Freshmen Scott Macholan (Norfolk, Neb.) and John Chess (Lincoln, Neb.) will see time in the outfield as well.

The infield has the most experience of any area on the diamond. Sophomore Brenden

Raybourn (Bellevue, Neb.) will move from third to second. The hot comer will be manned by junior Scott Douglas (Phoenix, Ariz.); sophomore Chris Solaita (Pago Pago, American Samoa) will play a key role at shortstop.

There could be a platoon at first base with senior Aaron Lauby (Lexington, Neb.) seeing action there, in the outfield and in the pitching rotation. Seniors Shane VanOene (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) or Eric Musil could fill in at first.

Bayliss said expectations are high for this young team. "I think we will do well. A lot of it depends on how some guys in key positions, and the pitchers. develop and mature."

The strength of this team, according to Bayliss, is its offense. He plans to see a mixture of po\\'er and speed. "We'll steal quite a few bases. we'll be hitting and running, we'll try some bunting. We want to put pressure on the defense and try to make things happen."

The Bobcats will be tested all season long. of the 61 games on this year's schedule are against teams that are in or receiving votes in the NAIA preseason poll. Another 14 are scheduled against NCAA Div. II schools.

The toughest road trip will be during Spring Break. Seven of the 11 teams the Bobcats face on the trip to Oklahoma and Texas are ranked in the Top 25, including a couple in the Top l 0. Bayliss said the schedule this season will give the Bobcats challenges, but he knows you need to beat the best to be among them.

"Our schedule is pretty tough. We don't have too many teams that you would consider weak or average teams," he said. "In order to make it to the NAIA World Series we are going to have to beat teams of that caliber."

Outdoors in January

The Peru State baseball team caught a break in Jamtal)' when mild weather allowed them to get a bit of practice time outdoors. Junior Seth Perkins will be back to lead the outfielders this season after hitting .342 last year. He is the son of John ('74) and Barb Po/icky ('73) Perkins.

Bobcat Softball Team Aims to Bounce Back

After a 13-26 season a year ago, softball Coach Mark Mathews is excited to start the '98 campaign.

Even though he lost fouryear standout Kerry Brandt and pitcher Kelly Muhle to graduation, Mathews has brought in a plethora of softball talent.

This year's team will be young, but Mathews said they should be in every game. The Bobcats face a tough schedule, and Mathews said the squad's first goal is to win more games than they lose.

"If we are at .500 at the end of the year, we should have a chance of winning our (NAIA) sectional tournament," Mathews said.

The 'Cats biggest gun this year should be junior left fielder Krissy Tatum (Kearney, Neb.). She batted .368 a year ago and was named NAIA All-Independent Section. She and fellow outfie Ider Erin Mahlberg (Charter Oak, Iowa) were voted captains.

Mahlberg, who will play right field, led the team in stolen bases a year ago and

looks to find time pitching as well.

Two players will vie for the opening in centerfield. Junior Amy Bachle (Daykin, Neb.) and freshman Amity Bruns (Waco, Neb.) are good athletes and will only get better, Mathews said.

Seniors Kris Hughes (Imogene, Iowa) and Steph Hornung (Huxley, Iowa) will be the foundation of the infield. Mathews will have to wait for Hornung's services until the completion of basketball season in March.

"Steph will have to step right out of her basketball shoes, into her softball cleats and be ready to go," Mathews said. Hornung will move from second base to shortstop.

Freshman Ann Mornin (Omaha) should be a foundation at first base. According to Mathews, Momin should be a tremendous defensive first baseman. Freshman Crvstal Mahoney (Tecumseh, Neb.) should fill the void at second base.

Freshman Melissa Miller (Omaha) should see some time in the infield.

The Bobcats return two

pitchers. Sophomore Shannon Briley (Omaha) will be the top hurler; she was 9-10 a year ago with a 4.40 ERA and was selected for post-season honors.

Mahlberg will put in some time on the pitching rubber. Her extent on the mound depends on how junior Melanie Tramp (Lincoln, Neb.) recovers from knee surgery she had last fall. Also lending her services on the mound will be freshman Jennifer Schellhase (Norwalk, Iowa).

Two talented freshmen will share the catching duties.

Selene Cotton (North Platte, Neb.) is primarily a contact hitter; Sommer Miller (Omaha) hits for more power, Mathews said. He plans to keep both in the lineup with one catching and one the designated hitter.

Offense should be the theme this year. With good speed and more left-handed hitters, the 'Cats should get on base a lot more. "We have several that if they can get the ball on the ground will have a good chance of getting on first base. They are that fast," Mathews ·

The long ball won't be out

of the question either. "We do have several that can hit the ball real hard," Mathews noted, pointing to Hughes, Tatum and Sommer Miller in particular.

Mathews sees a lot more of a "team" attitude, and said although it is young, the team has a high level of intensity.

"This is the hardest I have worked a team since I have been here, as far as physical conditioning and drill work," he said.

"The girls are not complaining. They know that's what it takes to compete at a high level."

Make Plans For Alumni Football Weekend (Again!}

Hopefully all of you alumni football players have used the past year wisely. by that deadline, but your entry fee will be waived.

After a late snowstorm canceled our Alumni Football Weekend a year ago, we are planning to see many buff alumni suited up across from the Bobcat varsity this spring.

The 1998 PSC Alumni Football Weekend has been scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 24-25. Information will be sent out soon and must be returned by April 10 in order to participate.

If you registered last season, you must return your entry form again this year and

And even if you don't want to suit up and butt heads, this is a great chance to visit campus and see some old friends and to spend an afternoon in the Oak Bowl.

Last year we had a GREAT response from participants and other football alums, and we hope for an even bigger response this year.

Don't miss your chance to see some of the greatest players in PSC history in the Oak Bowl once again!

(Photo by Chris Erickson)

Football Ends Season at 6-4

After starting the '97 football season with a 4-1 record, the Bobcats stumbled the rest of the season to finish 6-4.

Peru State started the second half of the seas on with a 20-13 loss to Chadron State in Beatrice. The Bobcats never backed down from the NCAA Div. II foe. The 'Cats had the ball on the Chadron 17 in the waning moments; on the last play, Chadron intercepted a Jamie Stinson (senior, Tecumseh, Neb.) pass in the endzone to preserve the victory.

Stinson tied Nate Bradley's ('91) record with 65 pass attempts in the game. Junior Todd Liberty (Falls City, Neb.) had I 95 yards receiving, second best in a single game behind Troy DeBoest's 209 against Doane in J990.

The Bobcats returned to the Oak Bowl a week later and were upended by a powerful Westmar University squad 34-33. The teams went to the Jockeroom at halftime with a 6-6 tie; in the second half, both offenses came to Iife. The contest was settled when Westmar scored with I :08 to play.

Post-season Honors

Plentiful for Peru

Post-season honors for Peru State fall sports were plentiful this year.

Seven PSC football players were named AllAmerican Scholar Athletes by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

The honor requires the student to have a 3 .5 or above GPA, be a junior or senior, and make a contribution to the team during its season.

Juniors Anthony Carlson (Bellevue, Neb.), Jon Rother (Tecumseh, Neb.) and Luc McGhee (Hartington, Neb.) joined seniors Tait Whorlow (Elkhorn, Neb.), Jamie Stinson (Tecumseh, Neb.), Russ Olsen (Haigler, Neb.) and Kevin Vogel (Grand Island, Neb.).

"This is a great honor for our institution and for these seven student-athletes," noted Offensive

Coordinator M a r k Mathews.

" S e v e n Academic A I l Americans is an indication of how much progress we have made with the program. They Stacy Fitch excel on the field and also in the classroom."

McGhee and Vogel also were named Honorable Mention NAIA AllAmericans.

"These two were very good players and leaders," Head Coach Dick Strittmatter said. "Luc was our most consistent offensive lineman. Kevin, a second-team selection a year ago, was one of the defensive leaders and a very hard hitter."

Two senior standouts on the Bobcat volleyball squad were named Honorable Mention All-Americans by the NAIA.

Stacy Fitch (Doniphan, Neb.) and Kendra Cory (Council Bluffs, Iowa) both had outstanding careers for PSC.

Trying to stop the two-game skid, the Bobcats hosted Northwestern Oklahoma and defeated the Rangers 33-20. Northwestern Jed 20- I 8 at the half, but in the second half the Bobcats took control.

On Nov. 8 they traveled to Fremont to tangle with the Midland Lutheran Warriors. The 'Cats scored 33 for the third week in a row and defeated Midland 33-13.

PSC took the lead early and never looked

Promising

After a promising beginning, the Peru State volleyball team ended the '97 season with a bitter taste in its mouth.

The Bobcats, who were looking forward to their third consecutive NAIA National Tournament, had a wrench thrown in the sprockets late in the year.

Near the end of the regular season, a player informed Bobcat coaches she didn't meet eligibility requirements. The Bobcats were forced to forfeit the eight matches she played in.

"This was an unfortunate incident that greatly affected our team," Coach Todd Jensen said.

"Though it was difficult to find a good light in the situation, the one positive thing is the athletic department learned a valuable lesson and now has measures in place so this doesn't happen again."

The Bobcats, whose record turned from 24-1 I to 16-19 after the forfeiture, had been ranked #I 6 in the NAIA. They then made a critical endof-the-season trip to Texas to face four Top 20 schools. The 'Cats, emotionally devastated, dropped all four.

"You never like to make

back. The Bobcats, up 14-6 at the half, put the game away in the second half by scoring on the first possession to seal the win. More importantly it sealed their second straight winning season.

The Bobcats ended the '97 campaign in disappointing fashion with a 38-32 overtime loss to Nebraska Wesleyan. It was PSC's first-ever overtime game.

After leading I 9- I 0 at the half, the Bobcats took a 32-17 lead with 6:32 to play. Wesleyan battled back, scoring twice in the last 4: I 2 to send the game into overtime, where Wesleyan won on a one-yard run.

Head Coach Dick Strittmatter said he was proud but upset with the '97 season.

"We were happy to have a second straight winning season, yet we were disappointed on hmv the season ended. I think the team felt we were good enough to be 8-2 and make the NAIA btrt we didn't make it."

Several Bobcats etched their names in the record books.

Senior running back Anthony Lee (East Orange, N.J.) rushed for 892 yards, the eighth best season mark in Bobcat history. He found the endzone 10 times on the ground, tied for fifth best in a season with Mark Whitaker (in '93) and Mike Ransaw (in '86).

Stinson completed I 65 of 340 passes for 2,208 yards and 19 touchdowns. He ends his four-year career with 8,500 passing yards, second on the career list behind Bradley (10,439).

Start, Bitter Finish

excuses," Jensen said. "We didn't play the best volleyball that we were capable of playing. We played quality teams and came up short.

"But I would like to know what the outcome would have been had we not just faced a major, record-changing incident or not played four matches in three cities in two days," he said.

The Bobcats, who dropped out of the NAIA Top 25, knew the only way to the national tournament would be to finish in the top two in the NAIA Midwest Region tournament.

In the opening round Peru State defeated Culver-Stockton (Mo.) in four games. A week later the 'Cats traveled to Columbia, Mo. for the semifinals: the winner was guaranteed a trip to the national tourney.

PSC looked to be in control as the Bobcats won two of the first three games; Rockhurst evened things by taking Game 4. The Bobcats looked to regain the momentum, taking a 6-0 lead in the final game. Then Rockhurst's defense came alive, allowing them to score the next I 5 points to win the match:

The season ended with an

18-25 record. "This season, from an outsider's point of view, was pretty good," Jensen said. "We were competitive with nationally ranked teams. We had great home crowds. We finished the year ranked #25.

"From an insider's point of view it was a very big letdown. We started the season, not only with goals of returning to the national tournament, but also playing for a national championship. We had seven seniors with a great deal of experience."

Among them was Stacy Fitch (Doniphan, Neb.), who ended her career with a school-record 6,289 assistsfourth best in NAIA history. Kendra Cory (Council Bluffs, Iowa) finished in the top 5 in PSC history in kills, digs, and attack attempts.

Other seniors who closed out great careers were J aisa Kappas (Plattsmouth, Neb.), Kellie Vallinch (Papillion, Neb.), Renee Moss (Syracuse, Neb.), Mara Russell (Burnsville, Minn.) and Jaime Hahn (Johnson, Neb.).

The team was outstanding in the classroom, too, as the team GPA for the fall semester was a sparkling 3.49.

Jamie Stinson Kevin Vogel Tait Whorlow Kendra Cory

lifill Mcemorricrum

.

(From Page 17)

Maude Daft Fowble ('41) passed away in January in Carollton, Texas. She was a longtime resident of the Griswold, Iowa area.

Janie Moore Fowler ('65) of Hampton, Va., one of PSC's most avid and active alums, passed away in January.

Alma Frey (attd. '31-'35) passed away in December. She lived in the Fairbury, Neb. area.

Velma Mae Miller Friedly ('30) passed away in January in Greeley, Colo. She was a schoolteacher in Nebraska and in Colorado.

Edna Steele Fritz ('59) of Adams, Neb. passed away in December. She was a school teacher and had taught in rural schools in the Adams area as well as the Adams Elementary School.

Jennie Morefield Gocke ('lS) of Milford, Neb. passed away in December.

Helen Peters Goin (attd. '30s and early '40s) of Hawthorne, Calif. passed away in January. She was a former teacher in the Gage County area, and worked for Douglas Aircraft in California.

Doris Ruhge Gregg (attd. '39-'40) passed away in November in Omaha.

Word has been received of the death of Kathryn Behrens Grossman ('62) Raymore, Mo.

Richard Guzinski (attd. '66-'68) passed away in December in Loup City, Neb. He had worked in Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas and South Carolina before moving back to Nebraska last fall.

Ethel Hall (attd. '27, '30'32) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in January. She taught school for a short time and then worked in the bomber plant in Omaha during World War II.

Henry Henderson (attd. '17-'18) passed away in

September in Scottsbluff, Neb.

Illa Dasher Thompson Holland ('56) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in December. She taught in Nemaha County (Neb.) rural schools for many years.

Ruth Adams Ice ('32) passed away in January. A resident of Gibbon, Neb., she was a Peru native who taught for 33 years in Gibbon.

Hilda Neeman Ikenberry ('37) of Palmyra, Neb. passed away in January. She was a retired school teacher.

Thomas Judkins ('70) of Butte, Neb. passed away in November. He taught school in Sabetha, Kan. and Hartington, Neb. and had been a school administrator in Nebraska and Iowa schools. He was superintendent at Butte at the time of his death. He was active in many school related associations.

Frances Knight ('43) of Kansas City, Mo. passed away in December. She was an art and home economics teacher in area Kansas City schools, and also taught elementary subjects to soldiers at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. during World War II.

Earl Lowe ('48) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in November. He was a retired school administrator.

Charles Marburger ('35) of Humboldt, Neb. passed away in December. He became owner of Marburger Shoe Store in Humboldt in 1943, and retired from the business in 1982. His wife is the former Virginia Johnson ('37).

Beatrice Taylor Mason ('60) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in November. She was a retired elementary teacher, mostly in Cook, Neb. and in Johnson, Neb. county schools.

Meta Norenberg, who taught English at Peru State from 1944-46, passed away in November in Fremont, Neb.

Lewis Patrick ('40) of

Fairbury, Neb. passed away in January. He was a retired school superintendent, having served at Dawson (Neb.) and Fairbury. His wife is the former Pauline Stark ('45).

Robert Prokop ('27) of Crete, Neb. passed away in December. He was an educator in Nebraska and South Dakota, and was also a training instructor at various Air Force bases during World War II. His sisters are Adelaide Bernica ('22) and Irene Prokop ('25) both of Pleasant Hill, Calif.

Darrell C. Railsback ('35) of Amarillo, Texas passed away in October. He was a retired engineer for Phillips Petroleum Company.

Zoe Nicholas Rarick ('32) of Loveland, Colo. passed away in January.

Dean Bennett Reagan ('19) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in November.

Mildred Reed (attd. '16' 18) passed away in September in York, Neb.

Wilma Jacka Roberts ('59) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in October. She was a retired school teacher having taught at Crab Orchard and Tecumseh, Nebraska. After retirement she taught English to Vietnamese and Laotian immigrants. In 1993 she was named volunteer of the year.

Loreitta Sage ( '28) passed away in November in Atlantic, Iowa. She taught there for 46 years before retiring in 1975.

Mary Dallas Harris Sanders ('38) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in January. She was a former bookkeeper at the Nebraska State Department of Insurance. Relatives included a sister Janet Harris Walker ('41) of Weston, Conn.

Vivian Vermule Schacht ('62) passed away in January. She had been living in Syracuse along with her husband, Marvin ('40).

(Continued On Page 24)

1990s (continued)

viwm1.

Mary Hayes Richardson ('96) is a paraprofessional working for School District 364 in Marysville, Kan. Mary attends graduate school at Kansas State University.

Tom Riley ('97) is working as a youth attendant for the Sarpy County Sheriff's Department CARE program.

Warren Roberts ('92) and wife Rebecca of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Brittney Ann, born in December.

Christopher Rodgers ( '97) is working at Boys Town in Omaha as an assistant family teacher.

Sean Shaughnessy ('97) is teaching industrial technology in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Jim Shorney ('96) is working for Ameritas in Lincoln, Neb. as a customer service rep.

Gayle Steiger ('95) received his license as a Certified Public Accountant in December. He is a with the firm Romans, Wiemer & Assoc. in York, Neb.

Deb Crossman Stream ('93) and husband Scott of Sioux Falls, S.D. are proud parents of son Spencer Craven, born in January.

Debra Bierman Vahle ('95) and husband Dan of Johnson, Neb. are proud parents of a son born in November.

Sonja Hart Wenzl ('91) and husband Jim, are proud parents of a son born in November.

Jason Wheeler ('97) is working for the Tulsa (Okla.) County Sheriff's Department as a Detention Officer.

Cathy Wiles ('92) of Dawson, Neb. has been honored as the State of Nebraska Health and Human Services System's Employee of the Year for 1997. She has worked for the department since August 1992.

Callie Young ('97) of Bellevue, Neb. is working as a Customer Engineer for EMC2 of Omaha.

Mark Zuck ('97) is working for the Pella Corp. in Pella, Iowa as a glass cutter operator.

Renovations

the funds needed to bring them up to code. The results of the study, released this past fall, showed approximately $21 million needed to modernize the campus.

The Board then faced the question: in the long term, is it better to put dollars into renovation, or might it not be better to build new, state-of-theait facilities?

Again, The Schemmer Associates were asked to come up with a study estimating the cost to build new. Their delivered in December, a cost of $35 million for a new _ and Beatrice for the construction ··new·· PSC

....... From Page 1

pledge of $8 million in cash and services from Nebraska City.

While admitting the process has not been a simple one, and unpopular in some quarters, Dr. Burns said the issue has always remained squarely in focus: What is in the best interests of the future students of Peru State College?

"With a relatively low population and relatively high taxes, Nebraska looks to 2010 and beyond as a time to deal with hard choices," Dr. Burns said. "Our work now must influence those choices of the future."

Dr. Burns ciation to the alumni and friends of Peru State their and feelings known the on both sides of the relocation/renovation issue.

to hear from stu- alumni and friends of Peru State - all wanting the best for PSC," Dr. Burns said. "We have worked hard to reach this We will continue to work hard to deal with it."

(From Page 23)

Emilie Langr Schaffer ('37) of Tarkio, Mo. passed away in October. She was a school teacher and also was employed with the Nebraska Railway Commission.

Ella Jeppesen Schriever ('60) of Superior, Neb. passed away in Januai-y.

Jean McQueen Scotton (attd. '34) passed away in November in Clarinda, Iowa.

Mildred Jones Smith away in December in Neb. Neb. passed away in November. She taught in rural schools in Nemaha and Richardson Counties and was a librarian at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb.

She retired after 32 years in the teaching profession.

Huber R. Williamson ('15) of Independence, Mo. passed away in November. He was employed by Sears and Roebuck until his retirement.

Margaret Schulenberg Witt (attd. '20s and early '30s) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in October.

Lillie Mae Comns Timmons C40) of Torrance, Calif. passed away in October. She was an administrative secretary for the City of ToITance for 25 years. She is survived her husband

Christine M. of Neb. in November.

Mabel L. Glathar '28-'29) of Fremont, Neb. passed away in November.

of Oberlin and Ju.He ('88) of

IFechnology Teaching Station

innovatitJn in t'he teaching-learning process

College,

Analysis of College To Yield Answers To Lingering Questions

An analysis now underway should yield a clear course for the future of Peru State College, but it will be months before that path is determined.

The Nebraska legislature has instructed the state's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE) to conduct an analysis of the college and of the region's higher education needs.

To be completed by Dec. 1 and then reviewed by the Nebraska legislature during its 1999 session beginning next January, the study will look at a variety of issues as they relate to Nebraska's first college.

The principal focus of the study is threefold:

1. To assess the educational and service needs of current and future students of Peru State College;

2. To assess the educational needs of people and employers in southeastern Nebraska; and

3. To determine all "reasonable scenarios" to explore

Burns Announces Retirement; To Board Office for '98-'99

Dr•. Robert L. Burns, the President of. Peru State College since 1991, has announced his retirement from higher education at the conclusion of his current contract in June 1999.

At his request Dr. Burns will spend the next year serving the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges' system office in Lincoln, Neb.

Of the 22 previous Peru State presidents, only four served the college longer than did Burns.

regarding Peru State College's future and to estimate the costs and consequences of each alternative.

Widely discussed

The "scenarios" most widely discussed by legislators, college officials and the general public in recent months have been the possible relocation of the PSC campus to Nebraska City or renovation of the existing campus in Peru.

The state officials who govern PSC as well as state colleges in Chadron and Wayne, the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges, went on record in January favoring relocation to Nebraska City.

The CCPE study could come up with additional scenarios, of course. An independent contractor/consultant is being hired to conduct much of the study for the CCPE.

The state legislature called for the study as part of its passage of Legislative Bill 1138, whose principal sponsor was Sen. Floyd Vrtiska of Table

Rock, Neb., in whose district the PSC campus is located.

LB 1138, passed by a 43-1 vote of the legislature, provides for much more than $60,000 for the CCPE to conduct the study.

$4 million

The bill appropriates $4,210,700 over the next two fiscal years ( 1998-99 and 1999-2000) for renovations to the main campus in Peruwith some restrictions.

The lion's share of the funding, roughly $3.6 million, would go to renovate Hoyt Science Hall and to construct an addition to that 70-year-old facility. Those funds are on hold, however, pending the CCPE study.

Should the study indicate renovation of facilities in Peru is not the best way to go, that recommendation will be forwarded to the legislature for its consideration and action.

(Continued on Page 2)

His tenure as President of Nebraska's first college by Robert L. Burns President has been highlighted by a robust financial condition for PSC, after it faced serious fiscal problems; resolution of accreditation questions facing the college; and significant improvements to the infrastructure of the campus, among other accomplishments.

Burns joined PSC after five years at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. He had been Vice President for Academic Affairs there and spent two years (1988-90) as its interim President, too.

He spent 14 years in higher education in Wisconsin as both an administrator and as a professor. He also taught for Morehead State University and for the University of Louisville, both in his. native Kentucky. Burns begins work at the State College Board office on July 1.

The Board plans to appoint an interim President for Peru State, then ·later will begin a nationwide search for the next PSC chief executive.

Homecoming '98 Rescheduled

Homecoming '98 has been rescheduled, so please make a note of it on your calendar. '

Because of scheduling conflicts, Peru State will celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 24 rather than on Oct. 17 as originally announced.

Plans are not yet finalized, but look for the traditional AllAlumni Reception, Parade, and the Homecoming Football Game to be among the activities.

We hope to see you then!

An.

at Peru State·

the Technology Teaching Station, was demonstrated to a group of alumni at the 1998 May Reunion by Ross Udey (left), Assistant Professor of Industrial Technology. For more on the Teaching Station, see the story on page 8.

(Photo by

Summer 1998

by Robert L. Burns PresUlent

Pat and I have announced our retirement from higher education, to take effect in summer of 1999 - which is when my current contract ends.

We have been in this business for over 30 years, and we have spent our days and nights, our energy and dedication on the institutions we have served over those years. Now it is coming time that we give that same level of attention to each other, to ourselves, and to our families. We have been planning and looking forward to this for several years now.

PrUle In Accomplishment

We are proud of all the good things we have done for Peru State and the universities we have served. We

Reunion Brings Smiles

The Arizona Alumni Reunion always brings out the smiles,

by Robert L. Burns President

have gathered a massive collection of good memories and even better friends over all those years and in all those places.

I am not going to take time or space here to outline the many improvements that have been made at PSC since 1991. ff you have been reading this and other publications, you know what they have been and what they are. If you have seen the campus in recent years, you know what they are.

Especially if you have been a student at Peru State for some portion of those years, you knmv what they are. And, of course., we are well aware of what they are, too.

Stronger Today

As I have said to you so often, by every rational, reliable measure Peru State College is stronger today.

We thank all those who have worked hard and so are among those who have helped to do positive things at and for Peru State. There are many of you. And we thank all the students, alumni, colleagues, and just plain folks for the many, many expressions and messages of congratulations, thanks, and friendship.

Campus Analysis ... From Page 1

Another $660,000 in LB 1138 money is budgeted for general renovation on campus, $440,000 this year and another $220,000 next year. Those dollars are targeted as matching money for a state building renewal fund (known as the LB 309 task force).

This "institutional match" of $660,000 could be met, on a 90% to 10% or perhaps an 80% to 20% basis, by LB 309 funds. If that holds true it could yield upwards of $6 million in renovation money for the PSC campus.

Better halls

Still more campus improvements, at either the Peru or the Nebraska City location, could be in the offing due to the retirement of a portion of rev-

Arizona Alumni Reunion '98

Nearly 50 Peruvians joined together in Phoenix this past February for the fourth annual PSC Arizona Alumni Reunion.

And a good time was had by the large crowd, thanks to the efforts of the chapter Planning Committee led by officers Annie Bimngs Berkheimer ('79), Jerry Laflin ('67) and Brian Carey ('88).

As usual, a bit of "social time" preceded the formalities as alumni visited with PSC President and Mrs. Robert L. Burns and Alumni Affairs officer Kent and Becki Propst. Barbara Bragg Clayburn ('51) got the meeting off to a colorful start by leading the group in the singing of the

PSC color song. Carey presented minutes of the '97 reunion, along with a treasurer's report.

All took a moment to introduce themselves, then President Burns gave an informative talk about current· events at PSC.

President Berkheimer showed a videotape she recorded during a Fall 1997 visit to campus that evoked many memories for the assembly.

Erma Brown Miller ('31) was honored as the Earliest Alum in Attendance, while Tressa Whittington ('97) received the prize as Most Recent Alum.

Chapter officers for '98-'99 were selected, including Annie Billings Berkheimer for another term as President, Jerry Laflin for another term as Vice President, and Alan Shipley ('66) as SecretaryTreasurer.

The group discussed plans for its 1999 Reunion, and agreed to look into the possibility of holding a golf tournament prior to the get-together.

The Peru Stater

President

Dr. Robert L. Burns

Editor

Kent P.ropst (' 81)

Assistant Carolyn Bredemeier

enue bonds issued by the college for PSC residence halls.

By state law, residence halls and student centers on all public college and university campuses in Nebraska cannot be paid for by state tax funds. Instead, the colleges purchase bonds and then repay them over a period of time using money collected from student fees and room and board.

Peru State will retire a significant portion of its bonds in 1999 and could find itself in a position to issue new bonds, either to build one or more new residence halls or to renovate existing facilities.

Given all of the alternatives, the college's future looks bright - if anything but clear.

Presidential

Sports Chris Erickson

Photography

Tony Koso (' 99)

The Peru Stater is published three times per year by Peru State College with the suppport of the PSC Foundation. The Stater is printed at the Beatrice (Neb.) Daily Sun. Send comments, news items and address changes to: The Peru Stater, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Nebraska 68421-0010. The Peru State College phone number is (402) 872-3815. Send e-mail to:

propst@pscosf.peru.edu

as this group can tell you: (from left) Mary Campbell Sederburg ('55), Dean Thiesfeld ('52, partially hidden), Curt Sederburg ('54), Eileen Beethe Thiesfeld ('51, facing away from camera) and Mary Handley Hoag ('54).

(Photo by Kent Propst)

Annie Billings Berkheimer ('79), President of PSC's Arizona Alumni chapter, is congratulated by PSC President Robert L. Burns for her work on behalf of the chapter. Berkheimer was re-elected to lead the organization in 1998-99. (Photo by Kent Propst)

Raffle Time

Omaha Alumni Crowd Hits Century Mark

One of the largest crowds in many years joined together for the 1998 PSC Omaha-Area Alumni Reunion on Thursday, April 23. Attendance topped 100.

Most of the credit for the large crowd goes to the chapter planning group led by CoPre si den ts Ron ('58) and Fran Larson ('58) Witt, CoPresidents-Elect Lynn ('61) and Pauline Kish ('59) Osterholm, and Co-SecretaryTreasurers Erik ('61) and Jo Scharp Torring ('59).

Another incredible raffle and auction, coordinated by Jack ('50) and Nancy Hardy ('51) Hallstrom, brought in over $2,200 to bolster the chapter treasury.

Ron Witt opened the meeting by introducing his fellow

Alum Arlene

officers and planners, along with PSC representatives Dr. David Ainsworth, Dr. Joel Lundak, and Kent Propst. Another special guest, State Senator Floyd Vrtiska, also was introduced.

The Chapter noted that it was once again making an up to $500 scholarship available to the child or grandchild of an alum on the PSC Omaha Chapter roster.

Since the meeting, that scholarship has been awarded to PSC senior Nicholas Mulder, son of Bob ('62) and Joan Wesolowski ('61) Mulder.

Drs. Ainsworth and Lundak

reported on recent activities and accomplishments at Peru State, with much focus on technological improvements.

Sen. Vrtiska addressed the group regarding legislative issues involving Peru State College in the Nebraska Unicameral. The chapter passed a resolution encouraging officials to keep the PSC main campus in the Peru community.

The Chapter gave a special award to Anita Vanderford Webster ('55) of Springfield, Neb. for bringing the earliest Peru State publication, a 1922 registration card.

Arlene Heinke Mitchell ('38) gained a prize for being the Earliest Alumnus at the reunion. Jeannene Rossitto (masters '97) was honored as the Most Recent Alum, while the Most Recent Undergraduate prize went to Sharon McLaughlin Hurley ('90).

A slate of officers to guide the chapter was elected. Lynn and Pauline Osterholm will be Co-Presidents for 1998-99 and Erik and Jo Tarring will continue as CoSecretary/Treasurer. CoPresidents-Elect are Myrt ('47) and Dee Leonard ('42) Han.

The 1999 Reunion was set for Thursday, April 22 at the German-American Society Club.

Summer 1998 PERU STATER 3

Lincoln Reunion In ber

The annual alumni assembly in Nebraska's capitol city is coming up in October, which means now is the time to make plans to attend.

Chapter officers tentatively have set the date for Thursday, Oct. 8 at a site to be announced later.

Those officers include Cindy Plantenga Hoffman ('82), President; Bob Kelly ('69), Vice President; and Patricia Bindrum Will ('70), Secretary-Treasurer.

See you there!

Kansas City Eyes September

A tentative date of Sunday, Sept. 13 has been set for the annual Kansas City-Area Alumni Reunion.

Chapter President Kim Schreiner ('85) and the rest of the chapter officers and planners are once again planning to assemble at the popular Dick Clark's American Bandstand Grill in the southern part of the Kansas City metro area.

Assisting Schreiner this year are VP Randy Hansen ('74) and Secretary-Treasurer Nancy Larson Lyons ('67), along with a capable Planning Committee of other Peruvians.

It's easy to have a good time at the Reunion, because of both the people and the place. Make a note on your calendar and watch for the invitations about a month before the Reunion.

For more information, contact Kent Propst at PSC by calling (402) 872-2225 or by e-mail at: propst@bobcat.peru.edu OR email Schreiner at: KCCLAWS@aol.com

Rocky Mountain On the Horizon

The annual Rocky Mountain rendezvous is only weeks away!

PSC's Rocky Mountain Alumni Association will hold its annual reunion on Saturday, August 15 in Ft. Collins, Colo. We need a good turnout from our alums in Colorado, Wyoming, western Nebraska and western Kansas!

Chapter President Ellen Hunzeker Hajek ('62) and her fellow officers have once again :reserved the Holiday Inn University Park (the downtown Holiday Inn .Ft. CoUins) for the get-together.

Registration and the

ante

Members of PSC's Class of '88 comprise only a fraction of the college Lost Alumni roster, but we'd like to shorten the list even more.

If you can provide us with an address on any of the foll owing Peru Staters, please forward to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421, or call (402) 872-2225, or e-mail him at: propst@bobcat.peru.edu

Bailey, Everett G.

reception· begins at l1 a.m. We'll give away a few prizes, enjoy a meal, see some old friends and make a few new ones.

We ask alums on the guest list not to just plan to attend, but to get involved by asking fellow Peru Staters to come, too. If you have questions, contact Kent Propst at (402) 8722225 or e-mail him at: propst@bobcat.peru.edu.

You also can contact Ellen Hajek by e-mail at: EHenH7839@aol.com OR chapter officers Mick ('51) and Pat (Benford '52) Bomemeier at: TBGMAD@aol.com

'88 lumni

Butkus, Michael J. Coffman, Joseph C. Driskall, James Jensen, Leesa A. Johnson, Kevin L. Johnson, Michael W. Kechley, Lesa (Parde) Kerry, John T. Kirchhoff, Lisa Kruse, Timothy B. Kulwicki, Gary J. Philbrook, Tamra Purviance, Delia (Dea) Ryan, Danne (Crawford)

Omaha Alumni Co-President Ron Witt calls out another winner in the chapter raffle, with assistance from Co-President-Elect Lynn Osterholm. A crowd of over 100 got together for the April reunion.

(Photo by Kent Propst)

Arlene Heinke Mitchell(' 38) won a prize as the Earliest Alum on hand for the Omaha chapter reunion in April. At left is her husband Bud. Prizes were given in abundance at the reunion, which drew the. largest crowd in several years. (Photo by Kent Propst)

s'(Q)J]ll 0 posed to Relocation

by Dr. Armon Yanders Class of '48 PSC Foundation Trustee

The recent speculation about moving Peru State College to another location is disquieting. Most alumni have heard such rumors before, but continue to believe that the College belongs in Peru.

Uprooting it would surely destroy most of the history and tradition that goes back 130 years, and those of us who are opposed to the move should communicate our feelings to the State Board and the Legislature in the strongest possible way.

My conviction that the college should not be moved may be deeper than most because the Peru State campus has always been a special place to me.

Campus life a privilege

Much of my time from early childhood through adolescence was spent with my grandparents, who lived at the edge of the campus, and some of my earliest and most pleasant memories involve one or another aspect of campus life that I felt privileged to be a part of, even if only vicariously.

Although most of my growing up took place in distant cities, Peru State always seemed like home, so it was an easy decision to return here for college when the time came.

It was a good choice - not only did a devoted faculty take the time and effort to mold an indifferent student into one who discovered an interest and aptitude in science, but the associations with other students led to friendships that have proved to be the most durable and rewarding in my life.

Coincidentally, it was also at Peru State that I met the girl who, the summer after we received our degrees, would become my wifeand after nearly 50 years, she still is!

Support from others

When our class graduated in 1948, we accepted our diplomas enthusiastically without giving much thought to what a bargain our education had been, nor how much of it was supported by others. Then, as now, the tuition that students paid was only a fraction of the total cost.

Much of the difference comes from state and federal taxes, but many of the important things in the college experience then and now must be supported in other ways.

Most of my professional career has been spent in university teaching and administration, and I have

become increasingly aware of just how important is the funding provided by gifts from alumni and others interested in furthering the mission of their institution.

ift olster C II

There are many ways to support Peru State College, and one of the best is to contribute to your favorite scholarship fund that has been previously established through the PSC Foundation.

Following is a list of alumni and friends who have donated to an existing scholarship fund or to a recentlyestablished memorial fund.

These gifts were received during the time period of early February through mid May.

For more information about these or other PSC Foundation scholarship funds, contact Carolyn Bredemeier at the PSC Foundation office by calling (402) 872-2304.

Dr. Armon Yanders

I know of none that could continue to offer all of the same high quality programs without this extra help. Peru State is no exception, and my recent experience as a trustee of the PSC Foundation has underscored this message for me.

Make a difference

Few if any of us will be able to make up all of the difference between what our college years actually cost and what we paid in tuition, but each one of us can make an important contribution. The significant thing to recognize is that our gifts, no matter what size, do make a difference.

There are always many places that these funds can be put to good use; among the most meaningful to me are scholarships that make it possible for determined students to start and stay in school even if they are in severe financial need.

And, after many years in university laboratories, I know from experience that up-to-date equipment is always in short supply. Every library has unmet needs. And there are many extracurricular programs that enrich the lives of students that would have to be curtailed without extra help.

Shared responsibility

This is where you and I come in. As alumni, we share a special responsibility to maintain and improve the opportunities we found at Peru State.

Despite the concerns about its continued existence as the college we remember, I am optimistic about its future, but a strong show of support at this time is critical; our gifts now are more important than ever.

A habit of regular giving is not always easy to start, but once started it continues to reward the giver as richly as the recipient.

Let's join together in giving something back to the institution that gave us so much.

Merle Bauer Scholarship

Wilmetta Taylor Leslie

Al Brady Scholarship

Susan Harpham Bose

John Christ Scholarship

George Barrett

G. Wayne Kerr

John and Lois Puppe McMullen

S.L. Clements Scholarship

Alice DeVore Organ

Loure Salzman Firoved Scholarship

Wilma Pilger

Eddie Fritz Memorial

Michael and Teresa Fritz

Chris Haddad Scholarship

Kent and Becki Young Propst

Walter and Lillian Harrison Scholarship

Carlos Harrison

Victor Jindra Scholarship

Margaret Christy Piper

Pearl Kenton Scholarship

Kenneth and Luella Nincehe1ser

Knapp

Paul and Lillian Landolt Scholarship

Gerald Tharp

A.V. and Wilheimenia Larson Scholarship

Leonore Larson Graf

Helen Larson Seiger

Larry Pappas Scholarship

Genelle Grossman

Ken Sims Scholarship

Linda Jeffers Sims Kreimeyer

G. Holt "Pop" Steck Scholarship

Janet Nuzman

Margery Evans Teel

Jerry Stemper Memorial

Elsie Stemper

Bill and Jeanne Tynon Scholarship

Mary Tynon Allgood

Carol Tynon Hayhurst

Helen Tynon Pugh

Mike and Kathy Tynon

Maude Phelps Vacek Scholarship

William and Carol Smith Vacek

Lisa Weis Scholarship

Lloyd and Marcella Weis

Al Wheeler Scholarship

John and Lois Puppe McMullen

Jerry Stemper Memorial Scholarship

Elsie Stemper of Lincoln has established a scholarship. in memory of Jerry Stemper who was on the staff at Peru State College for many years and served on the PSC Foundation, too.

The scholarship will be available for two years to an incoming freshman from Auburn High School.

The amount of the scholarship is $300, and the recipient will be selected by Auburn.High School.

1998 Phonathon Response Pleasing

The 1998 Phonathon was conducted for a period of four weeks during March and April.

Although the results were not as great as in previous years, th.e Foundation was pleased with the response.

915 pledges from alums and parents were received for a total amount of$30,720.

Over 500 letters were sentto alums who did not care to state a pledge amount over the telephone. This was considerably more than in previous

Another 3,000 letters were sent to alums who could not be reached by telephone. We appreciate the quick response to our letters, and encourage all alums to fulfill their pledges as soon as possible.

Foundation Leaders

Leading thef011unes of the PSC Foundation in 1998-99 will be its officers including (from left) Dr. Les Russell of Peru, President; John Chaney of Auburn, Neb., Treasurer; Marv Gerdes of Auburn, Vice President; and Harvey Fraser of Humboldt, Neb., Secretary.

Foundation Holds Annual Assembly

The Peru State College Foundation held its annual meeting in April to elect officers and Trustees, review the past year and to look ahead to the coming year.

The Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation established over 40 years ago to support Peru State College and its activities.

The Foundation met April 18 at the Wheeler Inn in Auburn with Foundation President Dr. Les RusseH ('5 of Peru presiding. Twenty-seven Foundation Trustees were in attendance.

Three of four officers were re-elected to serve in 1998-99, including Dr. Russell as President, John Chaney of Auburn as Treasurer, ·and Harvey Fraser ('65) of Humboldt as Secretary. Marv Gerdes ('53) of Auburn was elected Vice President.

Three Trustees retired from the Board, including M. AUan Casey of Auburn, who had served the group for over 40 years, Jack Cooper of

On Board

Humboldt, and George Armstrong of York.

Five new Trustees joined the Foundation, including Jim Krajicek ('86) of Papillion, Dr. Kelly Liewer ('57) of Auburn, Gary Schaffer ('68) of Nebraska City, and Dr. Ron ('58) and Fran Larson ('58) Witt of Omaha. Each will serve a three-year term.

Fifteen Trustees were reelected to another three-year term, including Dr. Esther Divney of Peru, Brenda Rausch Douglas ('83) of Humboldt, Richard Good (' 48) of Grand Island, Michael Gumiatt ('67) of Fremont, Jane Harker ('90) of Nebraska City, Dr. J.C. Hauserman of Auburn, Bob Hemmingsen of Auburn, Russell Hicks ('63) of Johnson, Ken Hutton ('50) of Auburn, Tom Morrissey of Tecumseh, R. Wiley Remmers ('38) of Auburn, Carol Wheeler ('74) of Auburn, and Dr. Armon Yanders ('48) of Columbia, Mo.

A quarter of a century after leaving Peru State, the following people are on our Class of '73 Lost Alumni list.

Anyone who can provide us with a current, home address for any of the following is asked to forward the information to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421; or call (402) 872-2225; or e-mail him at propst@bobcat.peru.edu

Another Term

Fifteen current Trustees of the PSC Foundation were re-elected to another three-year term during the annual PSCF meeting this past spring. Though not all were present for the meeting, among the re-elected Trustees pictured with PSCF President Les Russell (left) and PSC President Robert L. Burns (second from right) are from left, Ken Hutton of Auburn, Neb., Mike Guilliatt of Fremont, Neb., Dr. Esther Divney of Peru, Allan Moody of Auburn, R. Wiley Remmers of Auburn, Dr. J.C. Hauserman of Auburn, Dr. Burns, and Dick Good of Grand Island, Neb.

Adam, Teresa K. (Fink) Alberts, Rodney B. Bartholomew, Nyla M. Belt, Evan 0. Britten, William D. Cole, Robert Allen Dahlke, Donald M. Drevo, Kathleen (Crisman) Ehlers, L. Kurt Ferel, Donald E. Godfrey, Rita (Bosiljevac) Griffith, G. David

Grosser, Deborah A. (Elmlinger)

Haskell, Larry

Headley, Michael

Hinton, James A.

Huckins, David A.

Jansa, Joyce A.

Johnson, Louise Octavian

Kamman, Kenneth D.

Kelly, Sheila J. (Kunzman)

Kerr, Sheryl

Menhard, R. Bowen

Morrison, Sally Morrissey, Kristie S. Pracht, Larry

Pueppke, Michael D. Rowe, Barbara A. (Holmes)

Sager, Nancy E. (Stoll)

Siegner, J. Meg

Vana, Cheryl Ann (Prokupek)

Weidenthaler, Brian

Westadt, Lois E. Williams, Mickey W. Willis, Bryan

(Photo by Carolyn Bredemeier)

Five new members of the PSC Foundation governing board attended the Foundation's annual meeting in April, including (from left) Fran Larson Witt, Dr. Kelly Liewer, Dr. Ron Witt, Gary Schaffer, and Jim Krajicek. (Photo by Carolyn Bredemeier)

(Photo by Carolyn Bredemeier)

Retirement X 2: Lewellens Leave Peru State

After spending their adult lives on the "giving" end, Bob and Barb Lewellen decided it was time to sample the "taking" part.

So the Peru State College employees retired, with plans to take it easy, take a few trips, and take more time to spend with children and grandchildren.

Bob Lewellen stepped down after 26 years on the college's business faculty. Barb Lewellen left after nine years as the college's self-proclaimed "Fun Lady," the director of student programs. College sweethearts since their days as students at Northwest Missouri State University, the Lewellens came to Peru State in 1972 when Bob joined the business department. They've been active in campus and community affairs since then.

Midwesterners

Though both grew up not far from Peru - Bob in Carson, Iowa and Barb in Clearmont, Mo. - both had only fleeting exposure to PSC before Bob's interview in 1972.

Bob recalls visiting Peru for a PSC vs. Northwest Missouri football game during his college days; Barb remembers driving through one other time - "and I remarked on how pretty it was, and how much we'd enjoy living here."

But first they had to start their teaching careers (both got teaching degrees). Bob, an Army veteran who once was an accountant for the Union Pacific Railroad, taught in Alleman, Iowa and in Burlington Junction, Mo. for a total of seven years.

Barb taught for several years in the West Nodaway schools in Clearmont and ''1itrnan, Mo.

Leisurelv Lewellens

Barb and Bob Lewellen are planning a more leisurely lifestyle after their retirement from Peru State, Bob after more than a quarter of a centwy and Barb after over nine years.

away, and after awhile I just planned to stay forever - we really have loved it here."

Barb agreed, saying "What a wonderful place this town was for us to raise two kids. They (daughters Amy and Allison) had the best of everything - safe, small-town life but with plays, music, swimming, and everything else."

While Bob was teaching, Barb was busy raising the children. She also started the Peru Preschool in their home; the Preschool is still around today, though under someone else's roof.

Taught in Julian

IPeJffillVi

News about people you know 1910s

The late Orville "Wah" Ralston ('15), a World War I ace pilot, was inducted posthumously into the Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame this past January. A Weeping Water, Neb. native who shot down at least five enemy aircraft during the war, Ralston was killed in a plane crash in 1942.

1920s

Mildred Mason "Kitty" Nansel ('28) was featured in the North Platte (Neb.) Telegraph newspaper this past winter for her avid support of the Callaway basketball teams. The 90year-old missed only one CHS boys and girls game this season.

Malinda Wiechmann Richardson ('25) was honored at a 90th birthday party this past February. The resident of rural Adams, Neb. taught school in rural Johnson County for a time.

1940s

by Kent

"We were just expanding the business program from strictly business education - training people to teach business - to business administration.

Part of transition

'Tm proud to have helped with the transition of our business program," he said. "We now, of course, have an entire academic division of our own. When I came, Jack (Hamilton), Russ (Beldin) and I were the business department.

Former PSTC Navy V-5 veterans (from left) Bill Kerr, Orlen Rice and Chuck Martin reunited this past February at Martin's winter home in Melbourne, Fla. They hadn't been in touch since leaving Peru State until 1996, when they began planning their reunion. Kerr was an actuary with various insurance companies, Rice was an engineer and spent much of his career with Honeywell, and Martin stayed in the Navy for 32 years.

While at Junction Bob Masters

Burlington obtained his from led him to ong it maybe? think about how long I be here; I had plans to become an administrator at a community college somewhere," he said. "And besides, after I joined Peru State and we bought a house, one of my colleagues said they were getting ready to close the college."

That oft-heard rumor didn't materialize, and the place grew on him. "I liked it right

Barb also worked for a year at Peru State as a reference librarian and media assistant, then school in nearby Julian for a dozen years.

Nine years ago the Student came open, and it," so she Duties coorcampus dances, entertainers and other recreation

s the term "The Fun Lady"), superv1srng the Student Center, and advising to the Student Senate and Campus Activities Board.

Both have seen remarkable change on campus since they joined the college staff.

"When I came in '72, we (business) were a part of the industrial arts/home economics department," Bob said.

"And I was around to see our program become computerized and to experience that transition," he added. "Heck, I can remember when we were trying to get a programmable calculator for business classes - and we never DID get it," he laughed. the business program came additional business facu and a decreased ng load. "That made it possible for each of us to become more specialized and not just be 'generalists'," he said. "That improves the quality of instruction."

Though Barb has served the college for fewer years than her husband, the changes she has been a part of have been equally dramatic. Much of her focus has been on making physical improvements to the (Continued on Page 8)

Betty Mmer Knoll ('43) and husband, Paul, of Nebraska City, Neb. were selected as the l 998 Arbor Day Honorees. Betty is a retired school teacher and has been active in many organizations in Nebraska City.

Former Navy V-12er Jack his wife and friends a visit to this past The Mast's live in Zamora, Ca! and are active with PSC's Northern California alumni chapter.

Jim Mather was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame this past spring, under the "Pioneers" classification. Mather, also a PSC Hall of Farner, held the state long jump record from 1936 to 1961, when it was broken by a young Omahan named Gale Sayers.

Beverly Cowel Moody (attd. summers '45-'47) of Auburn, Neb. received the "Friend of Reading" award from the Apple Valley Reading Council this winter. Bev volunteers at Calvert Elementary School twice a week where she works with second graders.

(continued on page 7)

(Photo

Propst)

any Plan Return to Residence Halls

If preliminary figures are any indication, Peru State College residence halls will be a popular place to live this fall.

Peru State officials this spring noted a nearly 16.8 percent increase in students signing up to live on campus, as compared to figures from a year ago.

Because the figures reflect only students who will be returning to college, and not new freshmen or transfers, they are especially encouraging, noted President Robert L. Burns.

"PSC staff are working hard to make our residence halls and their programs more attractive to our students every year," Dr. Burns said. "We are glad to see such a positive response."

Each spring the College holds a "room draw," an for returning stuto reserve a specific the next school year. the students a chance to live where 'd like, and the Co glimpse at what be for the next fall.

In the weeks since the room draw showed the 16.8 percent gain, even more returning students signed up for housing next fall. By mid-April, hous-

Headed Back

PSC student Katie Gilbert of Johnson, Neb. will be heading back to PSC in August, and back into the college residence halls, too. She is among a growing number of currently enrolled students who are opting to live on campus rather than move off campus after their sophomore or junior year.

ing reservations were running over 44 percent ahead of the 1996 room draw date, according to E:rin O'G:rady Sayer ('91), Residence

Since most PSC freshmen and are to live on campus, and ing freshmen aren't counted in the preliminary figures, 99899 holds much promise for the College's residence halls, Sayer said.

"Living on campus is an important part of the total col-

IPt9Jf1Jllvi

1940s (continued)

Anna Mangold Nelson (' 42) and husband Lester of Falls City, Neb. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February. Anna taught at various area schools until 1982. Since that time she has worked for In Home Health and Social Services.

Cecil Walker ('41) of Fremont, Neb. was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame this past spring, in the "Officals" capacity. Walker served as Supervisor of Officials for the boys state basketball tournament.

Evelyn Niedfeldt Wissmann ('45) and husband Meinert of Falls City, Neb. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February.

1950s

lege experience," she added. "It is exciting to see students staying on campus to live."

Because Peru State residence halls by must be ic· no on occupancy is As more students Ii ve on campus, more can be done in terms of improving the facilities, expanding recreational and educational programming, and servicing the revenue bond indebtedness.

Lewellens Retire ...................... From Page 7

Student Center, and the results have been remarkable.

'Students comfortable'

"It isn't ugly anymore!" she said of the building. "The Student Center is in many respects the students' living room, dining room and family room. It's attractive, and I think the students feel comfortable here.

"We tried to make it attractive but usable," she added. Outside of the Student Center, Lewellen points to a sand volleyball court and three outdoor basketball courts as additions that the students enjoy.

"I've loved this job," she said. "It's been a lot of long hours, and I got tired, but the students were great and the administration supported me; I feel lucky."

Bob cited the variety of opportunities afforded by a small college as one of his favorite parts of the job.

Different duties

"I've served on a lot of committees - the college's 125th anniversary committee was one of my favoritesand done a lot of different duties here," he said. "You can't do that at a lot of places."

Lewellen founded the Management Association student club, worked with the Phi Beta Lambda business honorary, and helped with the renovation and rededication of the T.J. Majors Building, calling them some of his favorite experiences.

Community activities also have enriched his days in Peru. He was on City Council, has been active in Chamber of Commerce, is on the Peru Historical Foundation board, is a member of the Nemaha County Lodging Tax Committee, and serves on the Neal Park Board.

He is a past Kiwanis "Peru Citizen of the Year" and a past King of Peru's Old Man River Days celebration.

Focus on students

But teaching has been his main focus.

"When I retire, I'm not just giving up my job - I'm giving up my identity," he said. "Being a business professor is not just what I did; it is who I was."

Barb also admits that retirement evokes a variety of emotions.

"People here care so much

about students, and (the job) has been a wonderful experience," she said. "I'll miss my colleagues, and especially the kids. But I'm going out feeling good about what I've done."

Now it's time for Bob and Barb Lewellen to find themselves more on the receiving end of things, but only to an extent.

Bob plans to continue to be active in historical research, especially collecting Indian artifacts and Peru memorabilia. He also plans to devote more time to the community's Neal Park.

Barb's focus will be on helping small things to grow - be it her grandkids or the neighborhood kids in Peru, or flowers in the garden.

Travel, especially to Europe, is a definite priority for both. But they'll always be ready to return to Peru. As Barb said, "It's home."

"The big difference in our lives," Bob said, "is that we'll be on our own agenda. We'll have time to be selfish. We've been so 'other' -oriented our whole lives - it's our tum."

Jon App!eget ('59) of Fremont, Neb. was inducted into the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame during ceremonies this The Fremont track coach led his teams to state titles and two cross four PSC out of 22 honorees.

Ralph Aranza will retire in June from teaching position at Hamburg He has taught English, Spanish, and driver education and has coached during his 30-year career.

Mick ('51) and Pat Benford ('52) Bornemeier of Greeley, Colo. were cited this spring for their ongoing commitment to the Union Colony Civic Center musical programs. They have volunteered countless hours to that cultural program, be it building ticket boxes (Mick), record keeping (Pat), or as on-stage performers (both).

Jack Hallstrom ('50) was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame this past spring. The Omaha resident and former Bobcat basketball standout was honored for achievements as both a high school athlete and as a school administrator

Brendan Mallam (attd. '56-'58) recently retired as a pilot for Delta Airlines. The Wymore, Neb. native now lives in Copper Canyon, Texas. Mallam spent 10 years with the Navy before joining Delta 30 years ago.

Gerald ('58) and Norma Jean Cleary ('58) Ludwig are retired and living in Wesley Chapel, Fla. They worked overseas in six different countries for U.S. Department of Defense Dependent Schools, for a total of 29 years.

Dr. Sharon Ocker ('53) of Sioux City, Iowa received a 25 year Service Award in Education by the Greater Siouxland Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. Sharon was a charter member, and has been editor of the Newsletter for 18 years.

1960s

Vern Aylor ('60) of Murray, Neb. has retired after 20 years with the Conestoga Schools as a math teacher, coach and activities director.

(continued on page 8)

(Photo by Tony Koso)

New Teaching Stations Have Much to Offer

Imagine a Peru State College classroom of the future.

Rather than a blackboard or an overhead projector, the professor stands at a station at the front of the room and writes on a small pad; the image appears on monitors in the classroom.

The professor pulls a piece of information or a graphic image, or even a piece of video, off the Internet - and that image also appears before the class.

Videotaped materials, information or images off of a CDRom, a book or magazine text, a list of upcoming assignments - all are available at the touch of a keyboard or a wireless computer mouse.

They might call it a "technology teaching station." And in fact, at Peru State they do. Such a facility exists right now, and several more are on the way, according to President Robert L. Burns.

"These teaching stations are the product of Professors (Ross) Udey and (Perry) Gray-Reneberg and not something available in an equipment catalog somewhere," Dr. Burns noted. "They will be important pieces of technology in our classrooms."

Designed & built

The PSC Industrial Technology Professors, Ross Udey and Perry Gray-

Reneberg, designed and built the first station in PSC's A.V. Larson Industrial Technology Building.

A computer, wireless mouse, a videocamera, monitors and related equipment comprise the Technology Teaching Station. And though PSC has no plans to tear out blackboards or to do away with overhead projectors, their days at PSC may be numbered.

The faculty aren't anchored to the teaching station. The cordless mouse allows them to move freely about the classroom while controlling the delivery of information, video images and audio materials.

The cost of each station is roughly $5,000 according to Udey. The college plans to build eight more stations this summer, he said. They'll be ready for the start of the Fall '98 term.

Across campus & beyond

Additional on-campus stations will be in Hoyt Science Hall, the Jindra Fine Arts Building, and two in the T.J. Majors Building - one for the Business Division and one for Teacher Education.

Two stations also are planned for PSC's Regional Technology Center in Nebraska City and for the college programs at Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue, Ainsworth said.

The plan is to network the

1960s (continued)

stations so that resources can be shared amongst the the faculty and their classrooms, on and off campus.

The day might not be far off when all of the college's classrooms are equipped in this fashion, he added.

Surplus cash funds

The idea surfaced not long ago while Dr. Burns and other administrators were visiting the college's academic divisions. The meetings centered on academic needs and faculty ideas for use of the college's budget surplus funds. The Science and Technology division proposed building what Udey termed an "electronic classroom."

A more formal plan and proposal was requested, developed and reviewed, and Dr. Burns gave his approval and funding to the pilot project.

The pilot station in the Larson Building is based on the IBM type of computer, and PSC officials want to adapt at least one or two of the new stations to use Macintosh technology.

As it has already, technology will continue to revolutionize education. As the new teaching stations demonstrate, Peru State College isn't just waiting for it to happen; it is rushing ahead to meet - and even help create - that revolution.

High-Tech Woodwork

PSC hosted a workshop for area industrial technology teachers this past March. Among those working on a Computer Numerical Control Router, used to engrave wood, were (clockwise from left) PSC student Jaisa Kappas of Plattsmouth, Neb.; Les Hlavac ('69) of Nemaha Valley (Neb.) High; Rick Richards of Tecumseh (Neb.) High; Rich Bacon ('73) of Humboldt (Neb.) High; and Paul Stevenson ( '66, seated) of Nebraska City High. (Photo by Kent Propst)

Charles Caverzagie ('64) of Plattsmouth, Neb. has selected early retirement from the Plattsmouth School System after 35 years on the staff. Charlie taught social studies. physical education, and coached track. He was also Athletic Director. His wife, the former Mary Sautter ('66) was recently recognized by the Nebraska State Athletic Association for 18 years of service to the sport of wrestling. She has run the scoring computer and helped with the awards ceremonies at the State Meet for the past 18 years. She has been a business teacher in the Plattsmouth Schools for the past 28 years.

Louis Fritz ('66) of Verdon, Neb. has taken early retirement from the Falls City Public Schools where he has served as a junior high physical education teacher.

LaMarr Gibson ('61) has retired from the Norfolk (Neb.) Public Schools, where he has been junior high physical education instructor for the past 34 years. He also coached football and track and supervised the weight room.

Duane Haith ('65) is taking early retirement from the Omaha Public Schools, where he is coordinator of physical education and co-director of the state track meet. Haith serves as President of the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Beverly Kitelinger Harter ('67) of Plattsmouth, Neb. retired this spring after 28 years with the Plattsmouth School District. She was the Human Resources/Personnel Director for the system.

Larry Hennerberg ('63) of Beatrice, Neb. has retired from the Beatrice school system after 35 years in the educa.:. tion field. He taught a total of 33 years in Beatrice and was most recently a social studies teacher at the high school.

Gary Obermeyer ('68) of Portland, Ore. has begun a second career as a network developer. He is past president of the Nebraska State Education Association.

Lanny Richards ('62) has stepped down as head coach of the Bellevue (Neb.) West High School boys basketball team. He led his teams to over 180 career victories.

Keith Richey ('60) of Falls City, Neb. has retired from the Falls City school system where he was a guidance counselor.

Chuck Shores ('68) of Wymore, Neb. received the Excellence in Teaching Award at the Wymore-Southern Awards Banquet. Chuck is an American history and social studies instructor, and has been with the school district for 22 years.

Pat Thomas ('65) was the subject of an extensive feature in the Gretna (Neb.) Guide & News this past February. Thomas has been Sheriff of Sarpy County for the past 25 years. He oversees 107 commissioned officers in the county of 117,000 residents. He taught in Bellevue, Neb. for seven years before taking a job as a county juvenile probation officer.

1970s

Inez Brettmann ('70) of Auburn, Neb. directed her Humboldt High School Speech Team to another Class D-1 championship. In her 28 years of coaching speech her teams have earned three State Championships as well as second place three different years. Inez retired from teaching this spring - 28 of her 30 years of teaching were at Humboldt. Inez was also recently selected the Unit Member of the Year for 1998 by the Past President's Parley of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #23. Inez is very active in community and church activities in Auburn as well as statewide.

(continued on page 9)

tter Equipment Mean Better Productivity

It seems almost routine for the buildings and grounds crew at Peru State College, but the purchase of new and better equipment and supplies never gets old.

President Robert L. Bums approved their request for over $66,000 worth of new materials. Funds do not involve tax dollars, but rather were generated by the college through things like student tuition and fees.

"Like the rest of us, Physical Plant staff have one major goal - to make things better for our students," Dr. Burns said. "That staff works hard and deserves equipment to help get the job done."

Purchases run the gamut from $38,000 for a new "boom lift" to a few hundred dollars for power tools, automobile tires and lawn care equipment.

"The purchase of new and replacement equipment is part of our continuing efforts to achieve work efficiency," noted Susan Udey, Vice President for Administration and Finance.

The College has invested several hundred thousand dollars of its own funds into replacing aging, worn and sometimes unsafe maintenance and custodial equipment in recent years. As the college's Physical Plant Director Ron Fabry points out, "we're now getting caught up on the things we need."

Some purchases will replace old and worn out equipment, while others involve new tools and equipment to make staff more efficient and productive.

Getting the most out of staff time has "been my goal ever since I came here," Fabry said.

As one example, Fabry pointed to the boom

lift. It will reach a height of 40 feet, and will allow staff to replace lights and ceiling tiles in the Wheeler Activity Center. Previously, staff had to assemble, move, and disassemble scaffolding to perform those tasks.

And the boom lift is self-propelled and can be used both indoors and outdoors, for projects like minor tree-trimming and window cleaning that otherwise required ladders, scaffolds, or rented "bucket trucks."

Buildings and grounds keeps a running list of its equipment and material needs. When Dr. Burns asked for a detailed "wish list" last spring, Fabry and his staff were quick to respond.

The list of requests included things that most people will never see - an industrial-strength drill press, a glass cutter, new battery backups for fire alarm systems, for example.

Other items will be more visible, or audible. They include a new public address system for the Oak Bowl football stadium, new podium with built-in amplifier, new carpet runners and stepladders.

Of course, as Burns, Udey and Fabry all are quick to acknowledge, it's a never-ending process and department needs can never fully be met.

"We're now at the point of needing to replace some of the things that we replaced when Dr. Bums first got here," Fabry explained. "They just wear out."

"It is a cycle that goes on and on," Dr. Bums agreed. "But that is what we believe it takes to keep the College strong."

1970s (continued)

Steve Chatelain (attd. '75-'78), publisher of the Kearney (Neb.) Hub newspaper, is a member of the Nebraska Press Association board. He and his wife Mary Jo have three sons and reside in Kearney.

Leroy Frana ('75) of Nebraska City has been named general manager of Nebraska City Utilities. He has worked for NCU since '75. He and his wife Deb have four children.

Dave ('92) and Jeanne Sherwood ('76) Helms of Palmyra, Neb. are proud parents of son Jacob Walter, born in January. Among the proud grandparents are retired PSC art professor Dr. Leland Sherwood ('57) and his wife, the former Karlene Dougherty ('65).

Carolyn Luttman Hopp ('72) of Beatrice, Neb. has retired from teaching after 28 1/2 years. She was most recently a third grade teacher with the Beatrice Public Schools where she taught for 26 years.

Linda Berger Isaacson ('72) of Murray, Neb. received her Master of Science in Education degree from Peru State College this spring. Linda's area of study was Pedagogy.

JoAnn Scheitel Koso ('78) of Rulo, Neb. was honored as "Woman of the Year" by the Falls City Business and Professional Women's Club. JoAnn is a teacher at the Falls City Middle School and is involved in many community activities.

Alan Lovelady ('72) and wife Charlotte of Houston, Texas are proud parents of a daughter, Christine Charlotte, born in March. She was welcomed home by two brothers, David and Daniel.

John Masonbrink ('70) of Humboldt, Neb. has retired from the Falls City (Neb.) school system where he had taught Science for many years.

Susan Dunn McCune ('78) of Gretna, Neb. is now a licensed realtor working with CBS Realty.

Karen Ramsey Milstead ('73) of Auburn, Neb. has accepted a position as secondary music teacher at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb. Karen has been a physical therapy aide at Nemaha County Hospital, but has also had teaching experience at Auburn, Humboldt and JohnsonBrock Public Schools.

Clifford Owen ('71) is the new K-12 principal for the Scribner-Snyder (Neb.) Public Schools. Owen had been teaching for the Platteview Public Schools in Springfield for the last six years.

Fred Ro,bertson ('73) has been named Chief Operating Officer for Centerstone Insurance and Financial Services in Woodland Hills, Calif. Centerstone has 10 sales offices in California, Colorado and Texas. He has been with the company since 1990.

Bonnie Meisinger Rouse ('73) of Murray, Neb. has retired from the Conestoga Public Schools where she spent 20 years as an elementary teacher, 7-12 librarian and K-6 media specialist.

)Elected

Melissa Ross Sis ('72) of Stratton, Neb. was an assistant coach for the Stratton Lady Bulldogs basketball team. They earned a berth in the Class D-2 state basketball tournament with an 18-1 record.

(continued on page JO)

The PSC Student Senate will have veteran leadership next year, a rarity in college student government. Russ Crouch (left) of Malvern, Iowa, will serve as President, repeating the term he held in 1996-97.

Anne-Marie Taylor (right) of Lincoln, who was Vice President this past year, will continue in that office. She is the daughter of Russ ('73) and Susan Cripe ('72) Taylor. (Photo by Kent Propst)

1970s (continued)

Four years ago, John Funkhouser was in the Army. Now the Peru State College senior is training for a new challenge - representing his fellow PSC students on the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges.

Funkhouser was appointed PSC's student representative Nebraska Gov. Ben Nelson. His term in office runs from May 2 through May 1, 1999.

Student representatives from Peru, Chadron and Wayne State College are involved in all phases of governance of the state colleges, except that their votes at meetings - unlike those of the seven regular Trustees - are non-binding.

They bring something valuable to the Board that no one else can - a student's perspective.

Political career?

Funkhouser jokingly called his appointment "the kickoff to my political career," but added "I'm excited about being involved in this, and anxious to be a voice for the students."

Funkhouser was born in Sargent, Neb. but moved to the Tecumseh area at the age of six. He attended school in Elk Creek and graduated from Tecumseh High in 1989, then enrolled at Peru State.

Sprin

ing his first stop at PSC) hasn't waned, though. Funkhouser is a member of PSC's Concert Choir and its Madrigal Singers.

He also works as a computer lab assistant at the college, and is a tutor and peer mentor for the college's Student Support Services program which helps "at-risk" students succeed in college.

And when he isn't spending time with his seven-year-old daughter Danielle in Tecumseh, he serves as Commander of the American Legion Post #2 there.

John Funkhouser

That lasted exactly one semester. Looking back, Funkhouser realizes he was not ready for college. Instead, he headed for the Army and served through 1994.

Ready upon return

The Spring 1995 semester found him back at Peru State, a little older, more disciplined and ready to move on. He changed his major to business management and management information systems, with a minor in computer science.

The senior's love of the arts (he was active in theater dur-

In the spirit of that time-honored tradition of spring deaning, three dozen offices at Peru State College said "out with the old and in with the new."

Workers this spring put aH new office furniture those offices, according to President Robert L. Bums.

It's believed to be the most comprehensive office refurbishing project at Peru State in a decade, since the renovation of the T.J. Majors Building in 1988.

"We asked our colleagues to tell us about their priority needs and this project came to the top of some of their lists," Dr. Bums said. "This approach to how we use available funds has worked well for PSC."

The $46,000 .project provided new furnishings for over half (25) of Peru

Translating to the Board those things that are on the minds of fellow PSC students will, Funkhouser believes, be one of his easier tasks.

"I talk to many students on campus each week - at lunch, in the choir room, in the classroom, through Student Support Services," he said. "They range from the typical 18-yearold freshman to riori-traditional age commuters.

"I think I have a good understanding of what's on people's minds," Funkhouser added. And he is confident he can communicate that understanding to other Trustees.

linat SC

dState's faculty, as wen as for several professional and support staff members' offices.

Each of the sets included a desk, work chair, guest chair, bookcase, credenza, and file drawers.

The furnishings that were replaced were of all ages and conditions, Dr. Ainsworth said. Some items were redistributed to other offices on campus. Others were declared surplus property and sold by the state, and still more was destined for the junk heap.

The project is being made possible by a strong budget at Peru State College. The entire purchase and installation is being· funded by PSC cash surplusesmoney from sources such as student tuition -· and not by tax dollars.

Rick Spears ('79) of Chandler, Ariz. received a Masters degree in Educational Leadership this spring from Northern Arizona University. The school teacher will lead a new course this coming year in cooperation with Intel, which will donate 30 computers each month to his class; students will do diagnostic work and then rebuild the computers. The school keeps 20 percent of the refurbished computers and the other 80 percent go to charitable organizations.

An organization called Hearts United for Animals, a nokill animal shelter based in Auburn, Neb. and led by Carol Wheeler ('7 4) and her husband Dennis of Auburn and their daughter Lee ('79) of West Chester, Penn., was honored at the Smithsonian Institution this spring. HUA was recognized for innovative use of technology for its "Jet Set Dogs" program, which rescues dogs from across the nation, rehabilitates them, and puts their stories on the world wide web in search of the "perfect family" for the canine. Their web site address is: http://www.hua.org

Cheryl Whipple ('73) was featured in an April edition of the Hamburg (Iowa) Reporter newspaper. She has taught at Hamburg for the past 13 years, teaching geography, history, government, sociology, and more, first on the high school level and now at their junior high.

Lonnie Wing ('70) of Shubert, Neb. has taken early retirement from the Southeast Consolidated Schools at Stella (Neb.). Lonnie has taught his entire career at Southeast. He served as head boy's basketball coach for many years, and was the power lifting supervisor as well as a special education teacher for the junior/senior high.school.

1980s

Colleen Chapman ('85) of Callaway, Neb. led her Lady Bears basketball team to the state tournament again this year. They finished as runner-up in Class D-1 with a 24-1 record.

James Collins (attd. '82-'87), who has been with First Data National Resources in Omaha for the past nine years, has recently been named employee of the month, employee of the quarter, received the group's Quantum Award, and most recently was named employee of the year there. He is the lead operator in output operations for the Print Services Department.

John T. Dawson ('89) of Bellevue, Neb. received his Master of Science in Education degree at Peru State College this spring. His area of study was Pedagogy.

Diane Beckman Denniston ('89) of Peru, Neb. received her Master of Science in Education degree from PSC in December. Her area of study was Pedagogy.

Charles W. Doeden ('83) of Valley, Neb. received his Master of Science in Education degree from Peru State College this spring. His area of study was Instructional Technology.

Linnette Boring Fankhauser ('80) of Humboldt, Neb. received her Masters in Education with an endorsement in Guidance Counseling from the University of NebraskaKearney in January. Linnette has been the Guidance Counselor at Dawson-Verdon Consolidated Schools, but recently accepted a similar position with the Falls City Public Schools.

(continued on page 11)

Summer

.1998 ,PERU STATER.

Malawi Ambassador Visits Campus

ited Peru State College this past February.

Rubadiri made two public appearances while on campus in a visit co-sponsored by PSC's Campus Activities Board and its English Club.

He talked on "African and Black History" as part PSC's Black History Month celebration. A poetry reading followed later that day; Rubadiri read and discussed some of the poetry he has written over the 40 years.

Dr. was named Ambassador to the ·united Nations and to the United States in 1963, when that nation achieved its independence.

UN Ambassador Visits

Just two years later, he resigned his post in protest to the increasingly oppressive regime of its government. Thus began 30 years of exile, which ended in 1994 with the ouster of the dictatorship.

Rubadiri then again became Malawi's representative to the U.N.

Science Students Shine at Conference

Six Peru State College science students broadened their horizons last spring by par.: · tici]?ating in a scientific conference in Oklahoma.

And one of them brought home a top award for his research efforts, while a PSC faculty member was elected President of the organization.

The students, along with PSC Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Rich Clopton and interim Science and Technology advisor Nate Coady, took part in the annual meeting of the Southwest Association of Parsitology, held at Lake Texoma, Okla.

Clopton was tabbed as President-Elect of the Association for 1998-99 and will serve as President in 1999-2000.

PSC science students making the trip were Bob Kula (senior, Fullerton,Neb.), Miriam

Martinez Gunior, Peru), Andrea McCormick (senior, Lincoln, Neb.), Celeste Nolte (junior, Falls City, Neb.), Teri Parrish (junior, Rock Port, Mo.), and Jaci Pingel (senior, Badger, Iowa).

Kula presented a research paper at the conference, as did Clopton and Coady. Kula's paper dealt with "systematics of gregarines in grasshoppers," Clopton said, and involved research Kula conducted beginning last summer through a National Science Foundation research project.

Kula's research earned him the group's Marc Dresden Award for Outstanding Student Paper. The citation is even more impressive considering Kula competed against both graduate and undergraduate science students for the honor, Clopton said.

Seeking Lost Alums From Class of '38

We want to shorten the number-of Lost Alumni on the Class of 1938 roster, but we need your help!

If you can provide us with information on the whereabouts of any of the following, please forward it to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421; or call (402) 872-2225; or e-mail him at propst@bobcat.peru.edu

Baltensperger, Regula H. Barta, Dorothy

Bates, C. Lucile (Hutt)

Bischof, William N.

Carliss, Dorothy (Gausman)

Carr, June F. (Armstrong)

Drennen, Arthur

Drennen, Bertha (Smoots)

Everts, Laverna

Gore, Helen C. (Mullen)

Gunville, Irma (Vosoba)

Jennings, Beth (Harms)

Leslie, George E.

Martin, Maurice Jr.

Morgan,Leah(Morehead)

Nauman, Don W.

Norris, Mary B.

Noyce, Donald C.

Reutter, Lester B. Ring, William K. Rosewell, Lucile (Smith) Shields, Wilbur Slemons, Ruth Dale (Hungate)

Linda Ganzei ('87), a teacher in the Mead (Neb.) Public Schools, received a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with a minor in Art, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this spring.

Doug Goltz ('86) and proud parents of a She was welcomed home 2 years old.

Janice, of Falls City, Neb. are Maggie Nicole, born in March. sister Alicia, 7, and brother

Wendy Groves

Dana Thomas, who \Vas born in a son, we land corned home sisters. Patrice.

Mick ('87) and Lisa Moody (attd. '87-'88) Hale of Glenwood, Iowa are parents of a daughter, Elizabeth Anne, born in March. She was welcomed home by a brother, Jordan and a sister, Kathryn.

Gilbert R. Hall ('87) of Omaha, Neb. received his Master of Science in Education degree from Peru State College this spring. Pedagogy was his area of study.

Verne Henzel ('8()) of St. Louis, Mo. and Sharon Spillar are proud parents of a son, Parker Spillar, born in March.

Nancy Jurgens Huber ('89) and husband Kenneth of Beatrice, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Victoria Ann, born in February.

Cindy Baker Martin ('83) of Auburn, Neb. received her Master of Science in Education degree at the Peru State College spring commencement ceremony. Cindy's area of study was Pedagogy.

Patrick Martin (attd. '89-'90) has joined the Glenwood, Iowa police force.

Mark Ortmeier ('85) of Harvard, Neb. directed his Lady Cardinals basketball team to the Class D-1 state tournament for the first time ever.

Tony Nebelsick ('83) and his wife Eva are proud parents of son Evan Russell, born last December. They live in Omaha.

Kimberly Kuhlman Oliver ('83) of Falls City, Neb. received her Master of Science in Education degree from Peru State College this spring. Her area of study was Pedagogy.

Laurie Graham Schulte ('83) and husband Steve of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Brenna Kaye, born in April. She was welcomed home by a sister, Claire.

Landy ('88) and Stacey McKeever ('92) Schweisow are living in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Landy is a retail sales representative for Aliant Cellular in the Omaha market, while Stacey is teaching in the Council Bluffs school system.

Lori Vrtiska Seibel ('84) and husband Bryan of Lincoln, Neb. were featured in a special Celebrate Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska section of the Lincoln Journal Star this spring. Lori is employed at the mayor's office on a special assignment.

(continued on page 14)

Dr. David Rubadiri, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations from the African nation of Malawi, vis-

Dr. David Rubadiri, the African nation of Malawi's ambassador to both the United Nations and to the U.S., spoke on campus during two events in February.

(Photo courtesy Dr. Bill Clemente)

Honored Guests

The Class of '48 was well represented at its 50-year reunion in May. Members on hand for the photo include (front from left) Bill Ottersberg, Armon Yanders, Bill Saul, Pere Schmelzer and Art Clements, and (back row from left) Evelyn Gatz Yanders, Jean Meister Redfern, Ruth Ann Crook Steele, Bonnie Aufenkamp Heimbuch, Elaine Brier Gleason, Lois Christensen, and Margaret Lewis Bauer. Not pictured are George Blocher, Ellen Dueifeldt Clements and Vivian Lecure Lowe.

May Reunion Draws a Crowd

Led by a fun-loving contingent of alums from the 50-year Class of 1948, the 1998 May Reunion was a springtime ball.

Two days on campus brought back a lot of memories for the nearly 40 Peruvians, plus spouses. And many new memories were created during the annual celebration for 50year alumni.

Though formal activities didn't begin until the Friday afternoon (May 8) reception hosted by President and Mrs. Robert L. Bums, quite a few came in early to take a stroll across campus.

Activity really picked up at the reception, then the group moved to the Student Center for an excellent dinner and more conversation.

The group next moved over to the A.V. Larson Industrial Technology Building, where faculty member Ross Udey gave a demonstration on the

Earlier Classes

The May Reunion isn't just for the 50-year class, as these alumni can tell you. Representing earlier classes were (front from left) Dorothy Burrows Young ('45), Joan Thickstun Buhrmann ('46), Marilyn Hoberg Pucket ('46), Marge Rogers Hunzeker ('45), Margaret Spellman Harrold ('47), and Frankie Montgomery Saul ('46) and (back row from left) Louella Tiemann Adams ('46), Willard Hunzeker ('46), Freddie Drexler ('47), John Bath ('32), Max Magwire ('43), and Bruce Lowe ('48). Not pictured are OscarBretthorst ('42), Esther Bath Doiel, Margaret Clineburg Jones ('29), and Margaret Rea Ottersberg ('45).

'49ers

pilot "technology teaching station" in a classroom there. A short program, presentation of awards, and class and group photos concluded a delightful first day. Most of the group came back Saturday morning for breakfast. The "Golden Grads" then moved to the Al Wheeler Activity Center, where they were special guests during the 1998 PSC Commencement celebration.

Lunch (no one ever leaves a May Reunion hungry!) and a motor tour of the campus and area brought an end to two delightful days at Peru State.

As they left, many expressed a desire to return for the '99 celebration. We hope they do, and encourage all of our 50year alums to circle May 7 -8, 1999 on your calendar.

Class of '51

Laughter, memories

Though their 50-year reunion is still a couple of years away, three members of the Class of '51 dropped by the '98 May Reunion this past spring, including (from left) Les Russell, Esther Holmes Russell, and Ted McCartney.

[Ail Photos by Kent Propst I

Representing the Class of '49 at the May Reunion this spring were (from left) Lloyd Darrow, Willard Redfern and Floyd Heimbuch. They invite more of their classmates to return to Peru State next May 7-8for the 1999 May Reunion.

Sharing a laugh and some memories on Saturday morning of the May Reunion are (from left) Dr. Lois Christensen ('48), Ruth Meister Lienemann ('47) and Ella Meister Johnson ('55).

Alumni Football '98: It's A Hit!

They may have been vintage Bobcats, and though the 1998 PSC Alumni Football Team didn't exactly play vintage football, they won't soon forget their April 25 return to the Oak Bowl.

For the first time in 12 years (a '97 game was canceled by a late-season blizzard), Peru State held an Alumni vs. Varsity game. Not surprisingly the current 'Cats posted a 32-9 wm.

But as the big crowd on hand will attest, the youngsters couldn't possibly have had more fun than the 53-member Alumni squad, coached by Mick Haney ('82) on offense and Dennis Stones ('75) on defense.

Most of the Alums came on Friday for a late afternoon practice and a picnic-style banquet. Many were spotted later that evening working on the game plan(?) at the local VFW Club.

The game began Saturday under sunny, warm and breezy conditions in the Oak Bowl. An early interception thrown by the Alumni led to a short Varsity scoring drive capped by a 16-yard Wes Haveman to Andrew Sherman pass.

Three TD passes

Later the Varsity staged an 11-play drive ending in Haveman's 30-yard TD pass to Zach Sangster and a 13-0 lead

Fletch Fires

as the quarter ended.

The Varsity scored again late in the half when Haveman rifled a 24-yard pass to Todd Liberty. They struck again when fullback Terry Zessin broke several tackles on a 61yard run for 26-0 Varsity lead.

But the Alumni put together a 75-yard drive featuring the running of Jeff George ('86) and the passing of Jeff Morgan ('98). Anthony Lee ('98) topped it off with a five yard tally and the score was 266 at halftime.

The Varsity defense got on the scoreboard in the third when Jon Rother took an interception in from 34 yards. The Alums closed scoring with a late fourth-quarter drive that yielded three points when Dan Todd ('80) drilled a 27-yard field goal.

MVPs

Jeff George and Russ Olsen ('98) shared Co-Offensive Player of the Game honors for the alums, with George gaining 59 yards on 13 carries and Olsen grabbing four passes for 63 yards.

Co-Defensive Players of the Game were Phil Wemhoff ('87) with seven tackles and one for a loss, and Kurt Hasley ('92) with four tackles, a half-sack and two tackles-forloss.

The award for Hardest Hit went to Ryan Rischling ('93).

Dan Cotton gained the Deion Sanders Award for playing on both offense (two carries/seven yards) and defense (three tackles).

Jim Manning ('66) won the prize for being the Earliest Alum participating. The tight end from Shelton, Wash., who caught a pass, also was honored for traveling the furthest to participate.

Prime Rib dinner

Manning also bought a football autographed by the entire Alumni squad during the postgame prime rib dinner in the Student Center.

The "old guys" came out of the contest in generally good shape. The most serious injury was a broken arm suffered by Jacob Stallworth ('96).

Three father-son combinations were involved in the contest. Both Fred Reed ('75) and his son Jeff ('97) played for the Alumni team. Ted Rippen ('75) played for the Alums while son Shane plays for the Varsity. Mark Fletcher ('79) played for the Alums; his son Ben is on the Varsity squad but didn't play in the game due to prior commitments.

No final decision has been made, but PSC officials have discussed holding another Alumni Game next spring, then shifting to an every-other-year schedule.

by Tony Koso & Kent Propst

Backs Together Again

Bobcat alums Je}f George (left) and Kevin Hixson hadn't lined up in the backfield together since the early 1980s, but the Alumni game in April gave them another chance and they were among the top alumni players in the contest. George, now living in Leavenworth, Kan., was Co-Offensive MVP for the alums. Hixson, who teaches and coaches in Gallatin, Mo., is sending four of his former players to Peru State this fall.

Like Father. ..

Ted Rippen (left) had a chance to do something this spring that not many fathers can boast of - play in the same football game as his son. Ted's Alumni squad was thumped by son Shane's Varsity team, but there was unanimous agreement that a good time was had by all.

Over 30 Years

It had been over 30 years since Jim Manning of Shelton, Wash. suited up for a game in the Oak Bowl. The tight end caught a pass for the Alumni squad and proclaimed the long trip more than worth the effort.

Family Outing

The Alumni Football Game in April took on the air of a family outing for many, including Alumni players Todd Halversen (#50) and Mick Hale (#19), both now living in Glenwood, Iowa. With them are some of their children, including (front row from left) Jordan, Wade and Hannah Halvorsen and Jordan and Katie Hale.

Alumni team quarterback Mark Fletcher of Grant City, Mo. fires a pass during the Alumni vs. Varsity football game this past spring.

Photos

Teaching Excellence ·'

Bill Clemente Chalks Up

IPeirlUlvll.iUm.1.

1980s (continued)

Jeff Slagle ('86) was promoted to the rank of Major by the U.S. Air Force last February. He is deputy staff judge advocate at Beale Air Force Base in California. He is being reassigned this summer to Hurlburt AFB in Florida.

Jeff Smith of Lincoln, Neb. returned to his alma mater past year and led his Southeast Knights boys basketball team to the Class A state tournament. They were defeated in the semifinal round and ended the season with a 14-8 record and a third place in Class A. His wife, the fonner Robin Nelson ('83) and Jeff a forn1er member of the staff at PSC, has been hired as a program specialist in academic telecommunications for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Division of Studies.

Mark Watton ('82) of Wahoo, Neb. his Warriors boys basketball team to the Class C-1 state basketball tournament this spring. They ended their season with a 23-3 record and were champions of their class.

Darrell Wellman ('82) of Auburn, Neb. received a second place award in the Spot News Story division at the annual Nebraska Press Association's Convention in Lincoln. Darrell is Managing Editor of the Auburn Newspapers.

.

Teaching Excellence Award

Whether in a Peru State College classroom full of English majors or an area elementary school classroom filled with youthful "creative writers," Dr. Bill Clemente loves to teach.

His efforts made him Peru State College's 1998 candidate for the State College Teaching Excellence Award.

Clemente, along with one faculty member each from Chadron and Wayne State Colleges, was a finalist for the George Rebensdorf State College Teaching Excellence Award.

"Classroom teaching is our specialty at Peru State, so to be chosen as the year's outstanding teacher is quite an honor," President Robert L. Burns said. "We had several very strong applicants to consider this year."

Clemente, an Associate Professor of English, has been at the college since 1993. He, along with fellow PSC educators Dr. Kass Rempp, Dr. Sara Crook, Dr. Thomas Ediger, Ken Anderson and Dr. Dan Holtz, were finalists for the

PSC award.

Peer selection

The PSC Faculty Senate endorsed Clemente's candidacy, a recommendation seconded by PSC's Vice President for Academic Affairs and approved by Dr. Bums.

Clemente received a $1,000 cash award from the Peru State College Foundation. The prize is funded by an endowment established by PSC's Class of 1940.

In addition to teaching a variety of classes at PSCamong others Film Studies, the History of the English Language, Composition, and Creative Writing - Dr. Clemente involves himself in many extracurricular activities that support the college's teaching environment.

He has sponsored various student activities and organizations, began an on-going film series, and developed a Creative Writers Series.

When he is not in the classroom at PSC, one of Clemente's favorite projects involves teaching young children. For the past five years

he has worked with the Conestoga Public Schools fifth graders to teach them the joys of creative writing.

Youth near & far Clemente also works with students at the Peru Elementary school, in the Auburn-Peru schools' gifted student (Omnibus) program, and even with elementary students 250 miles away in Elwood, Neb.

And as he did last year, he served as a faculty member for the Mari Sandoz Young Writers' Workshop at Chadron State College in June.

Some of those efforts join two of Clemente's favorite pastimes - creative writing and birdwatching. They have resulted in his being named to Cornell University's national advisory board for its new Schoolyard Ornithology Resource Project.

Two PSC faculty, Dr. Carol Pappas and Dr. Dan Cox, have received the State College system Teaching Excellence Award.

Paula Kite Winkelman ('82) of Auburn, Neb. received second place in the Single Advertising Idea category at the Nebraska Press Association's Annual Convention in Lincoln in April. She also works for the Auburn Newspapers.

1990s

Ed J. Ankrom ('91) of Tecumseh, Neb. received his Master of Science in Education degree from Peru State College at the recent Commencement ceremony. Ed's area of study was Instructional Technology

Julie Ramsey Bauman ('95) of Falls City, Neb. was honored as the "Young Careerist" by the Falls City Business and Professional Women's Club. Julie is a CPA with Prosser and Prosser in Falls City. Julie and husband, Matt, became proud parents of a son, John Merlin, in April.

Jodi Hytrek Becker ('91, teacher certification '95) and her husband Danny are proud parents of daughter Katie Mae, born last October. They live in Wisconsin and Jodi has taken a position teaching English in Berlin, Wis. She also will be head forensics coach and yearbook co-advisor.

Kim Horsham Brigham ('93) and husband Rob of Wahoo, Neb. are proud parents of a son born in May.

Elizabeth Jessen Brown ('91) and husband Kurt of Lenox, Iowa are proud parents of a son, Spencer Kurtis, born in February. He was welcomed home by sister Erica and brother Garrett.

Mike Dominesse ('93) is now general manager of Nebraska Tubing, a division of the Waverly, Neb.-based Brownie Corp. Mike had been in their manufacturing division and has worked for the company since 1996.

Jason Esser ('95) has been named executive director of the Glenwood (Iowa) Chamber of Commerce and the Glenwood-Mills County Economic Development Foundation. He had been working for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. His wife, the former Kim Fey ('96), teaches fifth grade at Lourdes Catholic School in Nebraska City.

(continued on page 15)

Dr. Bill Clemente, Associate Professor of English, received PSC's 1997-98 Teaching Excellence Award this past spring, and was a finalist for the Nebraska State College honor too.

(Photo by Kent Propst)

1990s (continued)

Tom ('95) and Cada Glathar ('95) Ferren of Papillion, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Tyler Catherine, born in March.

Shawn ('98) and Audrey Fulton ('98) Gibbs are proud parents of their second child, daughter Elizabeth Nichole, born in March. Shawn and Audrey both have been hired to teach in the Plattsburg, Mo. schools this fall.

Don ('97) and Terri Miner ('90) Hogue of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of twins, Koner and Kohen, born in February. Don has been a substitute teacher in the Falls City Public Schools and was recently hired as a physical education teacher. Terri has taught and coached in the Falls City system, but has resigned from her coaching duties to allow more time to take care of her new family and to continue her education.

Career Fair

PSC student Joy Linder-Caldwell (left) of Tecumseh, Neb. had a chance to discuss the insurance business with Al!State Insurance representative Lamont Wilburn during PSC's Career Fair this past spring. Wilburn attended Peru State from 1978-81.

Spencer Anderson ('94) of Columbus, Neb. and Jeanine Cast were married in February. Spencer is a Quality Engineer at Magna Loinason in Columbus.

PSC student Dennis Baker and Kristi Cummins ('95) were married in May in McCook, Neb. Kristi teaches business and computers at Kadoka, S.D

Melanie Barry ('97) and Brian Plautz ('94) were married in April in Lincoln. Melanie is an account executive at Metromail, and Brian is an investigator at Liberty Mutual Insurance.

PSC student Shawn Blevins and April Border ('98) were to be married in June in Nebraska City.

Mindy Brockman ('98) and Trevor Longe ('98) were to be married in June in Norfolk, Neb. Mindy has been working as a substitute teacher in Norfolk and Trevor as a substitute teacher and coach with the Millard (Neb.) Public Schools.

Kent Chase ('98) of Lincoln, Neb. and Jodi Pendarvis were to be married in June. Kent is employed with Structural Component Systems in Fremont, Neb.

PSC student Colleen Covington of Beatrice, Neb. and Paul Bade were married in May. Colleen will receive her degree in elementary education in December.

Christi Dejonge Eis ('90) of Tecumseh, Neb. and Mike Krause were to be married in June. Christi is employed at American National Bank in Tecumseh.

Christopher Gomez ('95) and Kathryn Kurtzuba were married in April in Omaha. He is a night manager with Bag 'N Save.

Stacy Ingerson ('94) and Brett ('96) were married in May. They live in Lincoln, Neb. where Stacy is working for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife as a research technician. She is also working on her masters degree from UNL. Brett is a merchandise representative for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Jeffrey Koehler ('98) and Ami Lynn Schoenholz were married in April. Jeff will be teaching industrial technology at Louisville, Neb. this fall.

Ben Lacy (attd. '95) of Lincoln, Neb. and Jessica Thaller were married in May. Ben is a culinary professional .atRed Lobster Restaurant.

Lance Larabee ('93) and Teresa Distefano were to be married in June ip Omaha. Lance is a technical support representative with Mid America Computer Corp.

PSC student Rachel Sand of Plattsmouth, Neb. and former student Tod Johnson of Nehawka, Neb. plan to be married in July. Rachel is an assistant manager at Dairy Queen in Plattsmouth and Tod is employed at Millard Refrigerated.

Troy Schroeder ('96) and Verdean Melch were married in March in Lincoln, Neb. Troy is part owner of Schroeder Tile Co.

PSC graduate student Scott VerMass and Renae Bailey were married in April in Omaha. Scott is a teacher and coach in the Elkhorn, Neb. schools.

Robert Wright ('93) and Jeannie Coughlin were married in May in Boys Town, Neb., where he works as a behavior interventionist.

PSC graduate student Christina Wohlers and Kenneth Gradel were married in April in Omaha. She is a resource teacher for the Millard (Neb.) schools.

Gina Gebers HotsenpiHar ('97) of Nebraska City is working as a substitute teacher for grades K-8 for Nebraska City and surrounding schools.

Angie Beam Hunter ('97) is working as a lab technician with Lloyd/Vet-A-Mix in Shenandoah, Iowa, where she resides.

Martin Jacobsen ('92) has passed the written and oral components of his preliminary examination and thus become a doctoral candidate in English at Texas A & M University.

Jody Jansky ('97) is working in Lincoln, Neb. as an infant and toddler teacher for Gallup Child Care Center.

Jeff Junker ('93) of Beatrice, Neb. was an assistant coach for the Beatrice Orangemen boy's basketball team this year which earned a berth in the Class B state basketball tournament. Beatrice won the tournament and ended the season with a 22-3 record.

Mark Junker ('96) of Falls City, Neb. will be teaching Spanish part-time at the Falls City and Sacred Heart Public Schools this fall. He had been doing substitute work since his graduation.

Carey Kinghorn ('90) of Leavenworth, Kan. received a Master of Science in Education degree in December from Peru State College. Carey is an early childhood/special education teacher in the Leavenworth school system.

Michele Kuhlman ('97) is an accountant analyst for Mutual of Omaha and is working out of their Omaha office.

Jason Libal ('97) of Auburn, Neb. has accepted a position as secondary resource/special education/physical education teacher at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb. He will also serve as assistant boys basketball coach.

Barry Lockard ('90) and wife Anne of Omaha are proud parents of a son, Trevor Joseph, born in February.

Beth Kellogg Lueth (masters '93) has been teaching English, drama and speech at Hamburg (Iowa) High for the past 11 years.

Garrett Mann ('93) of Burwell, Neb. guided his Longhorns boy's basketball team to the Class C-2 state basketball tournament this spring. They were defeated in the semifinals and ended the season with an 18-6 record.

(continued on page 16)

(Photo by Kent Propst}

Faculty Ill a1n enure, Promotions

Prowess in the Peru State College classroom has resulted in recognition for nine PSC faculty members who have been granted promotions, tenure or both.

The PSC faculty were granted tenure and/or promotion during a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges held this past April.

Rank promotion for PSC faculty means the educator has met strict requirements for promotion to the next level. Full time faculty at Peru State are ranked at four levels: Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor.

Tenure is an offer of continuous appointment. Again, faculty must meet established criteria to be eligible for tenure, Dr. Bums noted.

Dr. Kelly Asmussen was granted tenure and was promoted from Assistant to Associate Professor of Human Services. He has been a member of the PSC faculty since 1994.

Dr. Richard Clopton was granted tenure and was promoted from Assistant to Associate Professor of Biology. He has been at PSC since

1995.

Joy Dunnigan was granted tenure. She is Assistant Professor of Special Education and came to PSC in 1994. Paul Hinrichs, Assistant Professor of Science and Technology, was granted tenure. He has been on the PSC faculty since 1990.

Peggy Jones, a faculty member since 1993 and Associate Professor of Art, was granted tenure. Dr. Thomas Klubertanz, who joined PSC in 1993, gained tenure and was promoted from Assistant to Associate Professor of Biology. (Dr. Klubertanz has since resigned to take a position in Wisconsin).

Dr. Joel Lundak, on the PSC faculty since 1989, was promoted from Associate to full Professor of Psychology. Dr. Mary Mokris, Associate Professor of English, was granted tenure; she joined PSC in 1993.

Dr. Kathryn Rempp was promoted from Assistant to Associate Professor of Elementary Education. Dr. Rempp, who came to PSC in 1993, also was granted tenure.

JPerr1lllviulJll

1990s (continued)

Heather Layson McKay ('97) is teaching English and journalism and is the assistant advisor to the Student Council at Atlantic (Iowa) High School.

Kim Micek ('96) has taken a position with the Ambassador Wellness Center in Nebraska City.

Ian Nabb ('92) has accepted a position as a senior consultant with the Sabre Group based in Tulsa, Okla. Sabre is a subsidiary of American Airlines and handles the company computer needs in the U.S. and abroad.

Wendy Oliver ('96) is working as a substitute teacher for the Southeast Consolidated and the Auburn Public Schools in southeastern Nebraska.

Andy Plummer ('96) has been appointed Senior Assistant with Deloitte & Touche LLP in Omaha, where he resides.

Genevieve Ptacek ('96) is an instructional strategist with the Council Bluffs (Iowa) Community Schools.

John Ramsey ('93) moved to Normal, Ill. last fall where he is supervising the payroll unit at State Farm. John had previously been associated with State Farm in Omaha.

Congratulations, Jack!

PSC business professor

Russ Beldin (left) congratulates his colleague Jack Hamilton for another successful PSC High School Business Contest in February. Hamilton was honored at the contest, which he founded 25 years ago and has coordinated ever since. This year the event drew over 500 students from over 30 regional high schools.

Technology Chapter Nets Honor

The Peru State College chapter of the international technology honor society

Epsilon Pi Tau received a top honor during the group's annual meeting in Texas this past spnng.

PSC's Epsilon Pi Tau group received the Region 4 Chapter of the Year citation during the assembly in Dallas, according to Chapter Trustee Ross Udey of Peru State.

Region 4 includes college chapters from the central U.S. and Canada plus participating schools in Central and South America, Udey said. Epsilon

Pi Tau has five regions around the world, he added, each of which honors one Chapter of the Year.

Udey, Assistant Professor of Industrial Technology, is chapter Trustee and Rob Evans, also Assistant Professor of Industrial Technology at the college, serves as Co-Trustee.

The Chapter's award was based upon a number of accomplishments during the past year, Udey said. For example, its members join with the local Peru Kiwanis Club to make wooden toys for needy children each holiday

season.

The Chapter assists PSC's Industrial Technology department in hosting the Technology Fair and Competition for area high school and junior high students each year. Members are involved with Nebraska's Adopt-A-Highway program, picking up litter along a local highway twice each year.

Epsilon Pi Tau members participate in and assist with Peru State College Homecoming activities each year, too, in addition to other activities.

Rachel Duede Richardson ('96) of Carson, Iowa is working as a claims examiner for Mutual of Omaha.

Terry ('90) and Rolinda Saathoff ('90) Sample of Laramie, Wyo. are proud parents of a son, Trenton James, born in January.

John W. Sayer ('93) of Auburn, Neb. received his Master of Science in Education degree from Peru State College this spring. His area of study was Pedagogy.

Marcus Schmidt ('97) is a construction worker for General Excavating of Lincoln, Neb., where he lives.

Christina Anderton Schonlau ('93) is living in Arlington, Neb. and is the news correspondent for the Arlington Citizen newspaper. She also is a freelance writer.

Brenda Lampe Schwartz ('93) and husband David of Meriden, Kan. are proud parents of a son, Jacob Paul, born in May.

Julie Armstrong Shallenberger ('97) of Omaha is teaching Early Childhood Special Education at the Millard Public Schools in Omaha.

Scott Shepherd ('91) led his Lincoln Christian Crusaders boy's basketball team to the Class C-1 state tournament this spring. They were defeated in the first round and ended the season with a 19-6 record and a third place ranking in Class C-1.

Dan Sinkhorn ('98) has been hired as the Atchison (Mo.) County School-to-Work program coordinator. He'll coordinate school-to-work programs for the Fairfax, Tarkio and Rock Port schools.

Rebecca Staley ('93) of Auburn, Neb. received her Master of Science in Education degree from Peru State College this spring. Rebecca's area of study was Pedagogy.

(continued on page 17)

(Photo by Kent Propst)

Opera Has Few Takers; Now a Musical Mystery

We were a little mystified at the response to our last "Mystery Picture."

Only three people tried their hand at guessing the participants in the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta "Patience, or Bunthorne's Bride."

One of the three participants was right on the money, naming not only the singer/actors but the production as well. Hats off to Betty McKay Munoz ('53) of Fairbury, Neb., who recalls playing the part of "Lady Jane."

Patience

Both Betty and Phyllis Davenport Rosenquist ('55) of Peru were correct on the identification of the performers, who included Ben Duerfeldt ('54) of Denver, Colo., Ella Meister Johnson ('55) of Verdon, Neb., Junior Karas ('56) of Ft. Morgan, Colo., Georgie Fitz Stutesman Graham ('53) of Orlando, Fla., and Loren Dyke ('57) of Great Bend, Kan.

Phyllis, however, guessed the production as "The Old

Mill." Pat Benford Bornemeier ('52) of Greeley, Colo. was on the same track, guessing the title of the show as ''The Red Mill."

Pat was correct in identifying Duerfeldt, Karas, and Fitz, but wasn't sure on Meister, and instead of Dyke she thought it might be Loren Argabright ('54) of Cherry Hill, N.J.

We thank all three for playing!

Our newest Mystery Picture may be a little (or a lot)

tougher, for two reasons.

First, there are a lot more people in the photo. And secondly, as you can tell by the uniforms, this is a group of either Navy V-5 or V-12ers, and they weren't on campus for all that long during their training terms at PSC.

Still, we're hoping we can

1990s (continued)

put names to at least some of these faces.

If you can help ID them, please forward the information to: Kent Propst, c/o "Mystery Picture," Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421, or call (402) 872-2225, oremail him at: propst@bobcat.peru.edu

Solid Macs

John Stewart ('94) is playing bass guitar in a band called "Seneca." The group landed a year-long "gig" starting this past April, playing on a cruise ship which ports along the west coast.

Brent ('94) and Sherri VerHuel ('91) Strittmatter of Des Moines, Iowa are proud parents of their second child and first daughter, Alexandra Hailey, born in April.

Rose Suggett ('93) of Beatrice, Neb. is a co-recipient of the University of Nebraska College of Human Resources and Family Sciences' Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award. The award was given for curriculum development and team teaching activities in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. Rose is a doctoral student at the University.

Billie Taylor ('92) and Michael McGhee of Council Bluffs, Iowa are proud parents of a son, Dakota Michael, born in April.

Lisa Julian Whitten ('91) and husband Evert of Nebraska City, Neb. are proud parents of a son born in February.

Jay ('94) and Belinda Vernon ('94) Wickham of Rapid City, S.D. are proud parents of a daughter, Samantha Marie, born in March.

Stacee Wieser ('97) has been promoted to investment accountant at National Indemnity Co./Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group in Omaha.

Participants in the Gilbert & Sullivan production "Patience, or Bunthorne's Bride" back in 1953 were (from left) Ben Dueifeldt, Ella Meister Johnson, Junior Karas, Georgie Fitz Stutesman Graham, and Loren Dyke.

It wasn't all drills and officer training for these Navy fellas (and one lady) back in the I 940s. But we don't have names for any of them. Can you help us solve the mystery?

mm MemoriuBlm

Evalin Wiles Andrews (attd. summers '33-'34,'55'59, bachelors '60) of Enid, Okla. passed away in May. She was a retired speech pathologist and had served with the Educational Service Unit #4 in Auburn, Neb. while living in Nebraska.

Worthy Paul Argabright ('42) of Wichita Falls, Texas passed away last November. He was employed by the civil service for 39 years as a training specialist and retired in 1981.

Lorraine Benschoter ('33) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in March. She was a retired teacher. She began her teaching career in rural schools, and then taught kindergarten in the Falls City Schools from 1939 to 1976.

Hattie Richards Campbell (' of San Diego, Calif. away in of J 997.

Kathleen M. Colbert '33) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in May.

years at Mitchell High School where she taught English.

Jean Handley Hawley Collins (one-year diploma '42, two-year degree '58, bachelors '67) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in February. A brother, Wendell ('43), lives in Lead, S.D.

Word has been received of the death of Clay Coy ('31) of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.

Robert D. Deming ('48) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in April. He was a retired real estate broker.

Doris Mae Renz Diekmann ('52) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in February. She had been employed by the Veterans Administration Medical Center.

Kansas City and Chicago for 20 years and later worked in real estate.

Shirley Garrison Hafer ('46) of Ohiowa, Neb. passed away in March.

Betty J. Hartley ('52) of Hermosa Beach, Calif. passed away in March. She was a former teacher in Nebraska and California schools.

Word has been received of the death of Opal Wittwer Haskell of Essex, Conn.

Esther Burroughs Hendricksen (summers '31,'32) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in April. She was a former school teacher.

Ermina Gibble Hahn Hoy '27®'29) of Ashland,

Rangeland Ecologist Dr.. Joseph Robertson

Dr. Joseph H. Robertson, one of the world's foremost experts on range management and rangeland ecology, passed away in March in Reno, Nev. He was 92.

Dr. Robertson graduated from Peru State in 1928. He received the Peru State College Distinguished Service Award in 1988.

A native of North Dakota, he was a retired Professor of Range Management at the University of Nevada-Reno, where he served for 25 years until retiring in 1971.

He founded the range management program at UN-R, and spent two years establishing a similar program at a university in Kenya, Africa.

Robertson also chaired UNR's Plant Science Department, and was active in a variety of ecological and humanitarian interests.

After retiring in 1971 he spent two years in Khorramabad, Iran as a Watershed Revegetation Specialist

Prior to joining UN-R, Dr. Robertson taught in Idaho, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Oregon, and spent eight years with the U.S. Forest Service in Utah before joining the Nevada-Reno faculty.

Dr. Robertson also served as a consultant to Argentina on their national park system.

A charter member of the PSC chapter of Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) biological honorary that is still active on campus, Dr. Robertson was proud of his Peru State education. In 1988 upon receiving the Distinguished Service Award, he noted:

"I have tried to carry the Peru spirit with me throughout my life."

Kent Coleman ('79) of Peru, Neb. passed away in March. He was an outstanding wrestler and football player while attending PSC. Kent was a teacher and also coached in Yuma, Colo. and Palmer, AK. until paralyzed in a cartrain accident in Alaska in 1984.

Thelma Beedle Coleman (attd. '15, teaching certificate '23, degree '32) of Mitchell, Neb. passed away in February. She was a school teacher for a total of 27 years, the last 12

Neva Durst school '55) of Johnson, Neb. passed away in February. She was a retired school teacher, having taught for 43 years in various schools in Nebraska.

Dorotha Karns Ellithorpe (attd. '50) of Elk Horn, Iowa passed away in March. She was a former school teacher.

Wayne Filmer ('42) of Kansas City, Kan. passed away in April. He was a teacher for 32 years and taught business and shorthand at Washington High School in Kansas City for 21 years. He retired in 1978. His wife is the former Ruth Marshall ('41).

PSC student Eddie L. Fritz passed away in April. He was a junior at PSC. He was the son of Louie Fritz ('66) of Verdon, Neb.

Maybelle Troop Gorder ('30) of Walnut Creek, Calif. passed away in February. She taught at the Rosebud Indian Reservation near Winner, S.D. and at Ft. Crook, Neb. She then worked for the Glen L. Martin Bomber Plant, Douglas Aircraft in California and the Naval Supply Depot at Pearl Harbor.

Robert E. Greenwald (attd. '33) of Raymore, Mo. passed away in March. Robert was a railway mail clerk between

December.

away in March. of away in Olga Klima Husa '31) of Bedford, Texas passed away in January.

Barbara Noerr linger Johnson (attd. '20s) of Creighton, Neb. passed away in April. She was a former school teacher.

Harriett Dodderer Jorn ('29) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in March. She taught for over 30 years in several Nebraska schools and retired in 1971.

Matilda Fricke Landes ('64) of Sabetha, Kan. passed away in February. She was a substitute teacher for many years and was active in community activities.

Allen L. Lang (attd. '69) of Pawnee City, Neb. passed away in March. He was owner and operator of Lang Trucking.

Edythe Merchant Lovell (attd. '33-'35) of Scottsbluff, Neb. passed away in April. She was a former school teacher.

Gretchen Foxal Mattes (summer '51-'57, bachelors '62) of Hamburg, Iowa passed away in March. She was a retired teacher.

(Continued on Page 19)

Dr. Joseph Robertson ( '28), shmvn here about to receive the Peru State College Distinguished Service Award in May 1988, passed away this past March.

In Search Of ...

Just in the past couple of months, the following Peru Staters have been added to our Lost Alumni roster. Please help us get them back on the mailing list for the Peru Stater. If you can provide a current, home address, please forward it to: Kent

Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421, or call (402) 872-2225, or e-mail him at propst@bobcat.peru.edu

Eric Schindler - 1998

Chad Olson - 1997

Gary M. Poplin - 1997

Christine Isakson Wormack1997

Jo Britt - 1995

Jeffrey D. Harris - 1995

Darlene Gill - 1994

David L. Jones - 1992

Joseph M. Vieth - 1992

Keith Brookshire - 1991

Michael Malone - 1990

Angela Gonzales Stream1990

Paul A. Bennett - 1989

Edi Eisenscher - 1989

Pamela J. Finley - 1989

Diane Hewer - 1989

Janice Godinez - 1989

Julie Ryder Newman -1989

Johna Rusch Thacker - 1989

Lisa Kirchhoff - 1988

Diane Levsky - 1988

Douglas B. Hutson - 1987

Debra Gerardi - 1984

Mary Windle - 1979

Sue-Anne Lambries Lacy1978

Thomas R. Speight - 1977

Ananias Montague - 1974

Harold Prior - 1971

Carol Siefken Cumes - 1970

Larry Curnes - 1962

Merrily Dahmke Green - 1958

Clark P. Reed - 1957

Jerry Rudloff - 1953

Norma Parriott Hatten - 1943

Irma Nispel - 1942

Dorris Coleman Sutton -1918

Ella Buchendorf Good - 909 also want to pause a moment to thank those who have he locate Lost Alums in recent months. Our detective friends include lis Adams, Kay Cook ('71), Dick Corwine ('5

Bernard Geschke ('77), Cara Harris ('93), Margaret

Spellman Harrold ('47), Peggy Jones Leu ('81), Lee Ogle (' 57), Melissa Ericson Pembo ('95), Patrick Rice (' 87), Bertha Richardson ('65), Verona Oetken Scheer (' 44), Florene Duda Smith (' 51 ), Gene Vosika (' 55), and Fran Larson Witt ('58).

I lifili MemiilrJlcaifilrn-,

(From Page 18)

Lillian Havel McDonald ('43) of Hinsdale, Ill. passed away in March. She had operated a store in Osceola, Neb. for many years before moving to Hinsdale.

Mary Young McGee ('36) of Council Bluffs, Iowa passed away in February. She taught in Nebraska and Iowa.

Word has been received of the death of Hayes S. McGraw ('46) of Broken Bow, Neb. in December of 1997.

Natalie Rinne Melichar ('24) of Pawnee City, Neb. passed away in February.

Helen Kiger Mundell ('35) of Kimball, Neb. passed away in February. She taught in both eastern and western Nebraska until retiring in 1976.

Peru State Supporter oolsey Davis Dies

William Woolsey Davis of Nebraska City, an active and avid supporter of Peru State College, passed away in March.

Davis was born northwest of Nebraska City, attended the University of Nebraska, then returned home to help with the family farm.

He and Josephine Berggren were married in 1936. They had two children.

In addition to his farming operation, he became an agent for Farmers Insurance Company until retiring in 1970.

Woolsey Davis was active in many, many civic and community service organizations in and around Nebraska City, and he and Jo were honored by many of them.

The Davis's have been major supporters of PSC, the PSC Foundation, and of the college's music programs.

The many contributions of Woolsey Davis to enhancing the quality of life in southeastern Nebraska will long be remembered.

I a " '' Is Pe State F

A good friend and strong supporter of Peru State College, Wealtha "Peg"

Harding Nelson of Nebraska City, Neb., passed away in late May. She was 92.

Mrs. Nelson, through her personal and civic involvement, demonstrated her support for Nebraska's first college in a number of ways according to President Robert L. Burns.

1e

As a member of both the Steinhart Foundation and the Nelson Family Foundation boards, Mrs. Nelson helped support college projects such as the renovation of the President's Home and the development of PSC's Regional Technology Center in Nebraska City.

A native of Nebraska City, Mrs. Nelson was a 1993 Arbor Day Award honoree.

her certificate. Three daughters attended PSC including Evelyn Olson ('62) of Nelson, Neb., Ha Neal of South Bend, Ind. and Norma Jean Clinton ('64) of Lewistown, Mont.

Raye Rice ('87) of Boston, Mass. passed away in August '97. He was a computer-based free-lance graphic artist and owner of rental property.

Crystal Haley Rosenthal (attd. '31-'32) of Pinole, Calif. passed away in January. She was a retired teacher, and had taught first grade over 30 years in the Richmond (Calif.) School District.

Mabel Tupper Ruby ('14) passed away in January in Broken Bow, Neb. at the age of 102.

Dorothy Harkson Skaar ('33) of Davey, Neb. passed away in February.

Lula Lichtenberger Nedrow ('31) of Jonesboro, Ark. passed away in February. She was a retired teacher and director of food services at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro for 33 years.

M. Dean Niemann (attd. '37) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in February. He was an insurance agent.

Rebecca Graham Norris ('26) of Ames, Iowa passed away in April. Children include Lee B. Norris ('60) of Topeka, Kan and Joyce Kolsky ('48) of Sedalia, Mo.

Lucille McGuire PHhal ('36) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in April. She was a former teacher at the Barneston, DeWitt and Beatrice schools in Nebraska.

Budd L. Procto:r of Salt Lake passed away in was in the and restaurant business receiving a degree in architecture when he began giving seminars on solar energy.

Word has been received of the death of Vera Helm Railsback ('32) of Omaha in November of 1996.

Anna Findeis Reiman (attd. '25-'26, '29) of Virginia, Neb. passed away in March. Anna taught in rural schools for a short time after receiving

Marjorie Kreifels SmaUfoot ('70) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in February. She was a retired teacher.

Roger Spiegel (attd. '31'33) passed away in April in Lincoln, Neb.

Elizabeth Otto Voyles ('32) of Phillips, Neb. passed away in January. She taught in central and eastern Nebraska schools for many years.

Howard Whitlow (attd. '32) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in April. Howard owned and operated a wrecker service in the Auburn area until his retirement. He was a member of the Auburn City Council for 34 years.

Word has been received of the death of Marie ('55) of Julian, Neb.

Lueana Cook ('37) of Longmont, Colo. passed away in February. She was a Peru native and taught school in Richardson County in Nebraska and in eastern Colorado.

Vivian Lambert Wilson ('37) of Seattle, Wash. passed away in April. She was a high school teacher and counselor in Nebraska schools for 42 years.

Bachle At Bat

Bobcat cente1fielder Amy Bachle (Daykin,

11§1

Using a lineup filled with ended its 1998 softball season with an 18-21 record after a third place finish at the NAIA Midwest Region Independent tourney.

The 'Cats, who at times used as many as six freshmen in the lineup, struggled to even get the season underway when they saw their first 22 games canceled by bad weather.

"We were unable to get on the field early in the year and that hurt us," Coach Mark Mathews said. "We weren't even able to practice and to see live pitching. It also hurt because we were such a young team and we weren't able to get on the field and get the kinks out."

They faced a tough schedule, battling several NAIA Top 25 opponents. But they didn't let pressure affect them, winning seven of 12 onerun games.

Mathews said the 'Cats' ability to win close games was reflective of their work ethic. "This team was willing to give extra effort and to work through the rough times with great team unity," he said.

They finished their season in a positive fashion at the NAIA Midwest Region Independent Section tournament, taking home a 3-2 record and third place.

The Bobcats began the tournament with an

Newcomers to Fi 11 Volleyball Camp

After seven players graduated from last year's varsity volleyball roster, Coach Todd Jensen had many holes to fill this spring.

With recruiting at an end, Jensen is pleased with the new additions who will join the program this fall.

"I am very excited," Jensen said. "We have a lot of talent. There is still the question about how it will all come together, but on paper we look pretty good."

The Bobcats, who finished 1997 with an 18-25 record and ranked 25th in the final NAIA volleyball poll, have only two returning starters in senior Kendra Jacobsen (Hampton, Neb.) and junior Heather Schroeder (Liberty, Neb.).

With the graduation of AllAmerican Stacy Fitch, the 'Cats looked within to fill her role. Senior Carrie Leong (Honolulu, Hawaii) will move to the setter position.

"She (Leong) worked hard all spring and she will do a good job in our new 6-2 offense," Jensen said.

1 - 1; II r1

I11-1 win over Mt. Senario (Wis.). Next they faced Concordia-St. Paul and lost 2-1 in extra innings.

The 'Cats then eliminated Northwestern (Minn.) 15-7 and Mt. St. Scholastica 2-1 before ending the season with another 2-1 loss to Concordia-St. Paul.

"The two games we lost we had a couple of baserunning errors that took us out of scoring position," Mathews said. "Without those, we could have won those games."

Juniors Krissy Tatum (Kearney, Neb.) and Melanie Tramp (Lincoln, Neb.) and freshman Ann Momin (Omaha) were named to the AllSectional team.

Tatum batted .283 with 26 RBI. Tramp, a pitcher, posted a 13-8 record and 2.39 earned run average. Momin led the squad with a .330 batting average and struck out just six times all year.

Mathews said that with losing only two seniors, Kris Hughes (Imogene, Iowa) and Stephanie Hornung (Huxley, Iowa), he is excited for next season.

"With the talent we have returning and the addition of incoming freshmen, the potential for a great team is in place," he said. "It is just a matter of how hard the players work in the off season."

In that set, the 'Cats will utilize two setters. They signed ReeAnna Morgan (Lincoln, Neb.) out of a junior college to step into the other setter role, but Morgan suffered a knee injury this spring that will likely keep her off the court this fall.

They signed Amanda Kemling (Aurora, Neb.) late this spring to fill the second setters' role.

Setter isn't the only hole the Bobcats must fill. Vacancies

left by All-Region players J aisa Kappas and Kendra Cory are up for grabs too.

Besides Jacobsen, the other outside hitter candidates include recruits Sarah LeGresley (Lawrence, Kan.), Jennifer Pitzl (Omaha) and Janelle Findlay (Stella, Neb.).

At middle hitter, the Bobcats will rely on Schroeder, junior Candy Kasi (Staplehurst, Neb.) and two junior college transfers, Sandy Brown (Bellevue, Neb.) and Tracy Mackovicka (Lincoln, Neb.).

At rightside hitter, veterans Julie Bixler (Raytown, Mo.) and Kelly Scheel (Columbus, Neb.) will contend with sophomore transfer Randi Mayberry (Nebraska City).

"Our goal like any other year is to make it to the (NAIA) national tournament," Jensen said. "It is not a good season unless we go there."

The Bobcats have advanced to the national tourney three out of the last five years.

Neb.) is one of the veterans who will be looked upon to lead the softball team next season. Bachle batted. 287 this spring, second best on the squad. (Photo by Tony Koso)

Football to Use Ill IX f ets,

ewcomers

Looking for their third consecutive winning season, the Peru State football squad will have a mixed basket when fall camp opens in August.

The 'Cats, who finished 6-4 in '97, must replace 10 starters.

The Bobcats' major void is at quarterback. Jamie Stinson ended his four-year reign last season and notched his name as the no. 2 all-time passer with 8,500 yards, behind only Nate Bradley's ('91) career record of 10,439 yards.

But junior Wes Haveman (Shubert, Neb.) took all the snaps at quarterback this spring and Coach Dick Strittmatter has named him the starter.

"Wes gained a lot of experience this spring," Strittmatter said. "Wes will get better with competition from others in camp this fall - and the quarterbacks coming in will give him some competition."

Three who should push Haveman are Tommy Aldana (Nebraska City), Ryan Knapp (Elm Creek, Neb.) and Travis Moran (Roseville, Calif.).

Running back will be a question this fall as well, according to Strittmatter. With last year's top two tailbacks, Anthony Lee and Seren Humburg, out of eligibility, look for sophomore Nik Johanson (Superior, Neb.), redshirt freshman Alex Reier (Broken Bow, Neb.) and junior Derek Garfield (Aurora, Neb.) to battle for playing time.

Only one true fullback will enter camp this fall. Junior

Terry Zessin (Lyons, Neb.) returns as the starter after tallying 303 yards rushing a year ago.

The strengths for the Bobcat offense look to be in the offensive line and in the receivers. Seven experienced linemen return, including senior Luc McGhee (Hartington, Neb.), named the Offensive Player of the Year by his teammates last season.

Other veterans are seniors Ben Tilley (Millard, Neb.) and Matt Kitchel (Brandon, Fla.), juniors Brian Kile (Millard, Neb.) and Travis Martensen (Neligh, Neb.) and sophomores Dave Bishop (Milford, Neb.) and Justin Basye (Concordia, Mo.).

Senior wide receivers Todd Liberty (Falls City, Neb.) and Zach Sangster (Bennet, Neb.) should give the Bobcats a downfield boost this season. Liberty caught 48 passes for 916 yards and 8 TDs last year. Sangster snagged 63 passes for 698 yards and two scores.

Senior tight ends Andrew Sherman (Lexington, Neb.) and John Widick (Malcolm, Neb.) were the bookends a year ago and combined to grab 27 passes for 371 yards and six touchdowns.

The kicking game will see new faces on the tee and veterans back to punt. Freshmen Luke Viviano (Liberty, Mo.) and Jake Schmidt (Waukee, Iowa) should battle for the kicking chores, while Widick should serve as the punter again this season.

Defensively the team looks quick but short on experience.

Anthony An Anchor

Only eight players from last season's two-deep depth chart return, and Strittmatter said his biggest concern is lack of depth in the line and at linebacker.

Seniors Justin Thomalla (Lexington, Neb.), Anthony Carlson (Bellevue, Neb.) and Shane Rippen (Culbertson, Neb.) and junior Erek Tuma (Battle Creek, Neb.) saw significant playing time on the line a year ago.

Three recruits - Jake Stone (Neola, Iowa), Moriah Strein (Gallatin, Mo.) and Tom Wissman (Falls City,

Neb.) - will be counted on for depth on the line.

At linebacker, only two who saw any playing time last season - senior Scott Gates (Omaha) and sophomore Jeremy Sykes (Lexington)are back. Sophomore Ryan Young (Omaha), redshirt freshman Andy Katz (Lincoln, Neb.) and freshman Duane Kosch should fill in the holes.

The strength on defense should be the secondary. Senior Jon Rother (Tecumseh, Neb.) will lead from his free safety position.

Also back are seniors Jamol Harris (National City, Calif.) and John Cress (Lincoln, Neb.), junior Gene Pegler (Waverly, Neb.) and sophomores Kyle Lee (Shelton, Neb.), Darin Garfield (Aurora, Neb.) and Ken Fox (Bellevue, Neb.).

Though the team will be young, Strittmatter said the goals are the same as before.

"We always shoot for the playoffs and to be nationally ranked," he said. "With some early wins, hopefully we will be in that position."

Late-season Play Pleases Baseball Coach

With many new faces in the dugout this season, the Peru State baseball squad hit many bumps on their way to a 7-40 record.

With over half of their team new to the program and a first year coach named just shortly before classes began last fall, many Bobcats had a chance to contribute.

The 'Cats bats were led this season by sophomore Ted Lipari (Bellevue, Neb.). He batted .347 and drove in 21 runs.

Senior Aaron Lauby (Lexington, Neb.) and junior Seth Perkins (Harvard, Neb.) each batted .314 this season and tied for the team lead in doubles with 11. Perkins led the squad

with 29 RBis.

On the mound, the Bobcats were led by junior Kris Mathews (Benkelman, Neb.). He finished the year with a 4- 7 record and a 7.30 ERA.

The 'Cats got quality innings of relief from sophomore Clint Huggins (Bloomfield, Iowa). His 4. 74 ERA was the lowest on the staff.

According to Coach Mark Bayliss, the Bobcats played their best baseball in the season-ending Midwest Region North Independent Section tournament. PSC finished the tourney at 2-2 and in third place.

They started the tournament defeating Mt. Senario (Wis.) 6-5 in 11 innings after being down 5-0 after

three. Mathews pitched the complete game for the win.

Bayliss said his pitcher showed maturity on the mound. "That was a gutsy performance," Bayliss said.

Peru State then faced the No. 1 seed, Briar Cliff (Iowa), in the second game. The Bobcats lost 6-3. Entering the loser's bracket, the 'Cats eliminated Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) 10- 7 with Huggins getting the win in relief.

In the title game of the losers bracket, the Bobcats lost to Northwestern (Minn.) 11-2.

"We played fairly well in the first three games of the tournament," Bayliss said. "The game with Northwestern was a letdown. But the

tournament was a good way to end the year and it gives us a foundation to build on for next year."

The Bobcats lose only three seniors in Lauby, Shane VanOene (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) and Eric Musil (Amherst, Neb.). Bayliss said with the nucleus of experienced players and the addition of key recruits, the Bobcats are on the rise.

"This year was disappointing for everyone involved. But it is in the past," Bayliss said. "Many of our young players gained some crucial experience. If we can add some key players we should be tough to contend with in the future."

Bobcat senior defensive lineman Anthony Carlson (#65, right) will help anchor the football squad when it takes the field this fall. Carlson, a 6-1, 240-pound Academic All-American, is from Bellevue, Neb.

(Photo by Tony Koso)

tFor the PSC women's basketball team, the '97-'98 season will be one to remember. For the men's squad, it's one to forget and time to move on.

uAfter an exciting season that saw them post a 20-12 record, the Bobcat women's future looks bright. They lose only one senior, Stephanie Hornung (Huxley, Iowa) from the roster.

They advanced to the NAIA Midwest Region title game after defeating Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) 73-59 and Northland (Wis.) College 58-56 in the semifinals.

In the title game against the NAIA's top-rated team, Briar Cliff, they trailed early by as much as 31, then fought back only to lose 86- 71.

Swenson to Stinson

The annual Bert Swenson Award as the Peru State College Athlete of the Year went to Jamie Stinson (center) for 1997-98. Presenting him with the award was PSC Foundation President Dr. Les Russell (left) and PSC interim Athletics Director Tara Kreklau (right). Stinson, an Academic All-American in both football and basketball, quarterbacked the Bobcat football squad for the past four seasons and threw for 8,500 yards, second on the school's all-time list. He averaged 8.9 points and four rebounds per game for the men's basketball squad this winter, too. Stinson hails from Tecumseh, Neb.

Bobcat rio Tabbed Aca de

ic All-Stars

Three Peru State men's basketball players have been named NAIA All-American Scholar Athletes, based on both their performances both on the court and in the classroom.

Seniors Matt MaxweH (Beloit, Kan.) and Shawn Gibbs (Peru) and junior Jamie Stinson (Tecumseh, Neb.) were among just 93 athletes from NAIA schools across the nation named to the list.

Maxwell has a 3.94 GPA while at Peru State. He is pursuing a degree in history and English education. He averaged 7 .0 points and 2. 7 rebound for the Bobcats.

Gibbs, who graduated in May, has maintained a 3.54 GPA. He contributed 6.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per contest.

Stinson, who also was a

football AH-America Scholar Athlete last fall, holds a 3.63 GPA in health and physical education. He was second on the team in both scoring (8.9) and rebounds (4.0).

Coach John Gibbs lauded the academic accomplishment.

"Only two other programs in the country have more athletes as scholar-athletes," he said. "There are over 4,000 men's basketball players in the NAIA, and to have three of the 93 on the list, that is outstanding."

The Bobcats were led by junior Celeste Nolte (Falls City, Neb.) with 17 .6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Sophomore DeeAnn Othmer (Tecumseh, Neb.) chipped in 10.3 points a contest.

Two freshmen, Tammi Christensen (Harlan, Iowa) and Alicia Millard (Lincoln, Neb.) also made strong contributions. Christensen averaged 7.9 points and 5.2 rebounds while Millard, the point guard, averaged 6.2 points and 4.2 assists.

For the Bobcat men, too many new faces in the lineup led to an 11-21 season.

Ironically, that mark left the 18-year head coach, John Gibbs, tied with the late Jack Mcintire ('41) for career coaching victories at PSC, with 251.

PSC ended the season with a 71-49 first-round loss to St. Scholastica (Wis.) in the Midwest Independent Region tournament.

The 'Cats were led in coring by sophomore guard Jermel Ward (Valdosta, Ga.) with 13.8 points per game. He was followed by junior Jamie Stinson (Tecumseh, Neb.) with 8.9 points per game.

Junior Corey Cain (Tyler, Texas) led the 'Cats on the boards, averaging 4.4 rebounds a contest; he also knocked down 7 .6 points a game.

The disappointing season left Gibbs anxious to move on.

"I'm looking forward to next year," he said. "We have a good group of people coming back." John Gibbs

(Photo by Chris Erickson)

Matt Ma:xweU

Shawn Gibbs

Bobcat Football 1998

Bobcat

Volleyball 1998

Master Teacher

Lost Alumni, Class of '68

Members of the Class of 1968 comprise a long list at Peru State College - but it's not a list we want to see. Instead, this population of '68 grads on our Lost Alumni list is way too long.

If you know of a current, home address for any of Peruvians on the following list, please forward that information to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421, or call (402) 872-2225, or e-mail him at propst@bobcat.peru.edu

Adams, David A. Barsi, Lola (Morrissy) Barsi, Michael P.

Chudy, John P.

Cook, Donald D.

Cooper, Albert J.

Daggett, Roger L.

Flesher, NormanL.

Foreman, Mary (Mowry)

Geenen, George

Gotschall, Martha (Robinson)

Gude, Michael C.

Gunderson, David

Hansen, Joseph E.

Harris, Gloria (Dasher)

Harris, James M.

Hodes, Richard

Hood, Nancy (Reidy)

Hrbek, Linda

Huston, Barbara A.

Jacobsen, Beverly C.

Kennedy, David L.

Kreisher, Ken

McDonald, Richard A. McMunn, Mary L. Meyer, David A. Moore, George E. Nehrig, Mary (Bowman)

Noell, Gene

Oh, Joseph C.

Pratt, D. David

Pratt, Judy (Wright)

Rimmer, Walter E.

Serluca, Irma (Behrends)

Smith, J. Albert

Stahr, Curtis B.

Stoner, Kennard R. Swain, Lois M. (Monsees)

Tegelhutter, James J. Tracy, George

Wehrli, Marcia E. Welsh, Katherine E. Zartner, Donald C.

Kim Kuhlman Oliver(' 83) of Falls City, Neb. received her Master of Science in Education degree and hood during Commencement exercises at PSC in May. Helping to hood Oliver are PSC Vice Presidents Dr. Susan Udey (left) and Dr. Darryl! Hersemdnn (right). (Photo by Tony Koso)

Job of Finding Jobs Made Easier, Faster

Many people think the task of finding a job is tough. They ought to try finding jobs for a couple of hundred people each year.

The Peru State College Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services is where PSC seniors go for help in launching their careers.

Whether it's finding job openings, preparing resumes, getting tips on how to handle job interviews or any of the other things that go into a job search, the CECS office is the students' resource at Peru State.

A lot of those techniques and procedures have become simpler, quicker and more effective this spring when the office acquired new state of the art equipment, President Robert L. Burns said.

"The services in this important unit help our students and alumni find ways to use their excellent educations in meaningful and reward employment," Dr. Burns said.

Computer resources

The purchase of six new powerful and high-speed computers headlines the improvements, according to Ted L Harshbarger ('77), Director

of Cooperative Education and Career Services.

"The technological resources for students across campus have been enhanced, and it's important that the computer needs in our program are upgraded too," Harshbarger said.

The new computers replaced aging equipment throughout the CECS department; two of them in the CECS resource room are exclusively for student use, Harshbarger noted.

A new computer scanner will permit the department to send high-quality documents, such as student resumes and academic transcripts, via the Internet. Four new printers will further assure that documents sent from the department are of the highest quality, too.

People the product

In all, the new equipment for CECS will total over $11,000, Harshbarger said.

Enhancements in the CECS office will make it even easier to market an already strong product - PSC graduates.

Of members of the Class of '97 reporting in, over 89 percent reported employment, Harshbarger said. Another two

percent went on to graduate school.

Those figures have held steady for the past several years, he added.

"Our high placement rate is a reflection both on the quality of education our students

receive, and of employers' recognition of that quality," Harshbarger added. "It is something on which employers often comment."

One of the most important statistics of employment, Dr. Burns said, was that 68 percent

Aeolian Entertainment

went to work in Nebraska. Iowa was a distant second with less than 12 percent.

Grads took jobs in 11 states plus Japan and the Azores, he noted.

PSC music professors Dr. Thomas Ediger (left) and D1: David Edris (right), who have performed together as Aeolian II for many years, are still entertaining audiences with their unique musical. abilities. (Photo by

Flynn: PSC Challenges Present Opportunities, Too

Each academic year on every college and university campus offers challenges as well as opportunities.

But as Peru State College's interim President, Richard Flynn told faculty and staff at an assembly this fall, PSC's challenges and opportunities are greater than usual.

Flynn was appointed in July to lead Nebraska's first college. He is on a one-year leave of absence from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which he has served for the past 29 years.

HovtAwaits

The fo-year-old Hoyt Science Hall, which stands on the spot where Peru's "Old Main" once stood, is slated for a $3.6 million !:fnovation and expansion. The project, approved and funded by the state legislature last spring, won't proceed at least until a report by Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education is completed.

C.Qllege Study: Watch, Wait & Wonder

As .this edition of the Peru State:i:." went to press, the attention ()f Peru State College alumni, students, faculty, staff and southeast Nebraskans was focused on a study of the college.

The study, by Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE), was. ordered by the state's Legislature and Governor last spring in response to a proposal to relocate the college.

The study is not just of Peru State but of the higher education needs of the region. When it is completed, with a Dec. 1 deadline, it will be forwarded to the Nebraska legislature for action during its 1999 session which begins in January.

Though the content of the study isn't known at press time, one thing is a certainty, according to PSC's Interim President, Richard Flynn.

Change is coming for Peru State College.

Flynn Notes Reasons To Be Optimistic

While there are reasons to be concerned about the future of Peru State College, and the tumultuous last 12 months that have frayed the nerves of many PSC supporters, it may be time to look at the college in a little different light.

Dr. Richard Flynn, the Interim President of the College, said the contentious issues have overshadowed what clearly are reasons for optimism. He cited several examples.

- The Legislature approved, and the Governor signed, a bill last spring appropriating $4.2 million to the College. $3.6 million of that money is for the renovation of Hoyt Science Hall, and the remainder provides matching funds for other campus building needs.

(Continued on Page 3)

Be of benefit Dr. Flynn, who was appointed to a one-year term on July 1 with the provision he be allowed to remain neutral on the relocation issue, is optimistic both the study, and the change it brings, will benefit Peru State.

He admits that one of three options put forth by the CCPE clearly would not benefit PSC. That third option would, according to the CCPE, "Provide Educational Services to Southeast Nebraska by Bringing Programs from Other Institutions to Learning Centers in Various Communities in (the) Region."

Under that scenario, higher education would be available only through various distance learning technologies or through satellite campus programs around the region.

It would, according to the CCPE, "Eliminate small, residential programs in Southeast Nebraska and provide all services through (a) distributed series of Learning Centers."

(Continued on Page 3)

"Even though I have spent nearly three decades at the university, I have always valued the role of the state colleges in Nebraska's higher education system," he said.

"Especially when it involved serving the smaller communities and less populated regions in the state, or when it involved offering an opportunity for Nebraskans the choice of attending a smaller public institution to acquire a quality education."

An Illinois native, he received his bachelors degree from MacMurray College in that state. He earned a masters degree from Ohio University and his Ed.D. from Columbia University.

After serving as a teacher and administrator in a community college for a couple of years, he joined the faculty of the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1969. Since 1986 he has served as Dean of the College of Education.

Flynn is the author of four books along with scores of other scholarly works. He is a specialist in strategic and long range planning. Flynn's wife Jani is owner of a computer software applications company, and they have three grown children.

(Continued on Page 3)

'49ers To Highlight Annual May Reunion

The Class of 1949 will be featured at the upcoming May Reunion, so let this be ''first call". for. that. celebration.

The '99 May Reunion is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 7-8 at Peru State College. Besides the 50year class, special guests will be members of the Class of '50, who will be invited to come pay tribute to their "elders" from the Class of '49.

But all of Peru State's "Golden Grads" are reminded that the May Reunion isn't just for those two classes. Anyone who finished their days at Peru State prior to 1949 will be .invited and is encouraged to attend.

More details will be sent in the spring, but don't wait until then to start planning for the '99 May Reunion. Get on the phone and call some friends from your days at Peru State and arrange to meet them at the May Reunion!

Richard Flynn

·Tllile CC(O)m(e!r Early Impressions

by Richard B. Flynn Interim President

Greetings from your alma mater! As I write this, the foliage on the "Campus of A Thousand Oaks" is displaying its annual magical display of color. For a two-day period, the campus is playing host to 39 different high school "swing choirs" and as they move about the campus in their coloiful costumes, there is a brilliance of contrast with the green grass, the fall leaves, and the red brick buildings, all set against the clear blue sky background.

And mid-term exam time is a nostalgic memory point for alums - yes, our students and faculty are busily engaged in the teaching and learning process!

The campus has just experienced a great Homecoming Weekend - it was my first at PSC artd I was impressed! I enjoyed meeting many of you at the Alumni Reception, and I was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm and creativity displayed by the 65 parade entries, led by Grand Marshal Charles Gabus (Class of 1940).

Homecoming highlight

Grad Says Study Needs to be Studied

(Editor's Note: The following was written by Jack Hallstrom, '51, of Omaha, Neb. Hallstrom is a longtime educator and a member of the Board of Trustees of the PSC Foundation. It appeared in several area newspapers).

100 Bachelors degrees. This past year, 214 were awarded degrees from PSC. This seems an awfully important element of Peru State that wasn't even mentioned in the report.

by Richard B. Flynn Interim President

The Hall of Fame luncheon was highlighted by the reminiscing of our three inducteesDanny Shouse, Ollie Mayfield, and Kristi Olberding George. The Oak Bowl was packed for the football game and the crowning of the Homecoming Royalty. The day continued with the annual women's and men's alumni basketball games, and concluded with a well-attended "Homecoming '98" dance.

To relax on Sunday morning (following Homecoming), Jani and I walked the new Steamboat Trace Trail from Brownville to Peru. What a marvelous seven mile stretch on the site of the old railroad bed. During the two hours we were on the trail, we saw several other walkers and at least 75 bicyclists!

Next spring the trail will be extended another JO miles to Nebraska City. A great deal of positive publicity has been generated with respect to the Steamboat Trace, and some are estimating more than 50,000 will hike or bike it this coming year!

One of my favorite activities as interim president has been meeting with the PSC alumni chapters. Thus far, I have visited with the Rocky Mountain chapter, the Kansas City chapter, and the Lincoln chapter. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know so many of the PSC alums and listening to the fond memories of years spent at Peru State.

Visiting region

Also, I have spoken to a large number of service clubs throughout southeast Nebraska, and continue to be impressed by the large number of Peru State alums that always seem to be in attendance. Following a recent speech to a Rotary Club in Pawnee City, I was approached by an attendee who informed me that she thought her mother may be the oldest living PSC alum. Maude Phelps Vacek of Warrensburg, Mo., graduated with the Class of 1913 and is now 105 years young! Congratulations to Maude! If any of you are aware of an older alumnus, please let us know and we will be happy to share the informatiohn.

As you are well aware, the college has been under close scrutiny this past year. While all of higher education is facing challenges, Peru State is confronting some unique challenges. There are proposals afloat that would move the campus, close the campus, or continue the campus with a rejuvenated mission and level of support.

The college needs to be able to demonstrate: its quality; its caring for students; its outreach and service to southeast Nebraska; its constituency need and support; and its financial integrity. 1 am optimistic that when the "smoke clears" there may be some real opportunity for PSC to move forward into the new millennium as an even stronger institution!

At this time, perhaps more so than at any other time in its long history, Peru State needs your support! The PSC Foundation is looking for ways to support the students, programs, and facilities at the college. Including the college in your annual donations or in your planned giving is important! I urge you to contact our Foundation office (402-872-2304) or me directly (402872-2239) if you wish to discuss a gift.

Recommend students

Another way of supporting the college is to recommend students to attend, or to share the names of potential students with our Admissions Office. Call them at (402) 872-2221 or complete the referral form found elsewhere in this Stater. Alumni who are willing to stand up and be counted are critical to Peru States continued success!

Peru State has served students for more than 130 years. It helped prepare you for life and work. Now is a great time to show your appreciation and assist in assuring southeast Nebraska that it will continue to have available an affordable and quality four-year residential campus.

In closing, I want to express my personal thanks to all of you who have made me feel welcome this year. Thus far, my life has been significantly enriched due to the PSC alums, students, faculty, and general populace of southeast Nebraska.

Go Bobcats!

Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education recently released a preliminary report entitled "Needs, Strengths & Concerns Regarding Peru State College and the Postsecondary Educational Needs of Southeast Nebraska."

Since I'm proud to be both from southeast Nebraska and a graduate of Peru State, I was anxious to see the first phase of its study of Peru State. I wasn't surprised when much of the media chose to focus more on the "Concerns" than on the "Needs" or its "Strengths."

In fact, in order to improve the College, its supporters too must look at the areas which need work.

After reviewing the report and talking to others, though, I'm not sure the picture portrayed of Peru State is as accurate as it should be. Enrollment was the focus of much of the report, and in fact the Omaha World-Herald (Sept. 27) editorialized that "On-campus enrollment has been declining." Selective statistics might seem to back up that claim, but consider this:

*On-campus enrollment has increased every year since 1993; I don't think any other public Nebraska four-year college can make the same claim. That five-year upswing will end this fall, of course, due to all of the negative attention focused on Peru State in the last year.

*Just 20 years ago (Fall 1978), total enrollment at Peru State was below 750 students. Last fall it was 1,852, the second highest in the over 130year history of the oldest college in Nebraska (behind 1,898 in 1995).

*The report focused a lot on first-time, full-time freshmen but it didn't even look at the other end result: graduates.

According to the PSC Registrar's Office, as recently as 1983, Peru State awarded

*At least some of the information in the CCPE report is simply incorrect. The report said PSC "enrolls only 16 Missouri students out of Peru State College's total headcount enrollment of 1,852 fulltime and part-time students."

In fact, Peru State enrolled 16 first-time, full-time freshmen last fall; of the total headcount enrollment, 48 students were from Missouri. In addition, 100 students came from Iowa and 36 from Kansas.

Praise outreach

As a lifelong educator, I also found it interesting that the report seemed to criticize Peru State for its off-campus enrollment, rather than praising Peru for its outreach efforts. Much of the off-campu s enrollment gains have been due to Peru State's Master of Science in Education program begun just a few years back.

(Continued on Page 11)

The Peru Stater

President

Dr. Richard B. Flynn

Editor Kent Propst (' 81)

Assistant Carolyn Bredemeier Jackie Baker Williams ('81)

Sports

Chris Erickson

Photography

Tony Koso ('99) Elizabeth Olsen ('02)

The Peru Stater is published three times per year by Peru State College with the suppport of the PSC Foundation. The Stater is printed at the Beatrice (Neb.) Daily Sun. Send comments, news items and address changes to: The Peru Stater, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Nebraska 68421-0010. The Peru State College phone number is (402) 872-3815. Send e-mail to: propst@pscosf.peru.edu

College Study: Watch, Wait & Wonder

The other two options would not only maintain Peru State College but make it even stronger, Flynn said. The first option keeps open the campus in Peru and strengthens its offcampus educational services to the region.

Anew campus

The second option would involve construction of a new campus in another community while also enhancing the college's off-campus programs. The CCPE didn't recommend a particular community, but did mention Nebraska City

State Visit

and Beatrice, while not ruling out "another community" with an interest in being home to the college.

The CCPE earlier this fall released what it termed a preliminary report, "Needs, Strengths and Concerns Regarding Peru State College and the Postsecondary Educational Needs of Southeast Nebraska."

That report, which analyzed enrollment trends; demographics and other issues affecting PSC and the region, has the potential to help Peru State

map out a strategy for the future.

"It can help us to establish goals and plan for the future of Nebraska's first college," Flynn said.

Flynn did say that PSC and state colleges officials were concerned that some areas of the report perhaps didn't paint a clear picture of PSC and how it stands in relation to other public higher education providers in Nebraska.

Enrollment up

For example, the report focused a good deal on enroll-

ment issues at PSC. Yet it failed to note that, according to the CCPE's own figures, Peru State enrollment increased 18 percent from 1992-97.

Only one other public foury ear college in Nebraska recorded an enrollment increase during that time (Wayne State at two percent). Every other state college or university campus reported decreases, some of as much as 16 percent.

Flynn said he found CCPE officials ready and willing to listen to his and other state college officials' concerns about the draft report, and he was confident the final version would show greater balance.

At the same time, Flynn readily admits Peru State must redouble its efforts to recruit and retain students, both to its on-campus programs and to its classes at off-campus sites.

And he called upon alumni to redouble their efforts to help

Optimism ..... .

- The College will in 1999 retire a significant portion of the revenue bonds .which paid for construction of PSC's residence halls and Student Center. (In Nebraska, by law, state tax dollars cannot fund dormitories). That will free up considerable revenue, which can either be used to renovate the halls or perhaps to construct new facilities. There is general consensus that the age and condition of PSC's residence halls puts it at a competitive disadvantage.

- The Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges, which governs Peru, Chadron and Wayne State, has made

From Page 1

make that happen. Donations to the scholarship fund are critical, he said, as are referrals of students to the college's Office of Admissions.

When the Coordinating Commission presents its final report on Dec. 1, attention will once again shift to the Nebraska legislature. How that body will deal with the report isn't known at this time, but Peru State College will almost certainly be the subject of discussion and debate during the session.

"Will all of this lead to change? Absolutely," Flynn said. "Change is not only inevitable on every college campus, but it is essential. It's healthy."

Alumni with internet access can follow the issue through the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education website at: www.nol.org/NEpostsecondar yed/

........

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renovation and expansion of the PSClibrary its number one priority when seeking construction funding from the legislature.

- The Peru State College Foundation, the private, nonprofit corporation which supports the College, is considering a stronger and more aggressive fundraising effort than ever before. Increasing private financial support for the College can have a tremendous effect on the vitality of the College, Flynn said.

Those are just a few reasons to believe there are brighter days ahead for Nebraska's first college, Flynn said.

Flynn: PS Challenges, Present pportu n ities, Too .......... From PC1ge 1

Flynn "noted some divisiveness, a sense of distrust among colleagues, and the remnants of an adversarial relationship between faculty, staff and administration" when he arrived.

"Given all that has happened that didn;t come as a great surprise," he added. "There appears to be a desire for healing -' and healing must .occur on the campus and in the communities if the college is going to move forward, attract students, and serve southeast Nebraska in an appropriate manner.

Shape '6wn destiny

"This campus bas moi::e influence over its destiny than some may think," Flyi;m said. .· College involvement iti,regiol)al affairs is a .task Peru State must expan\i upqn, Flynn said, and he told faculty and staff he will do &all he can to that

· happen. He and members M his .staff haye numerous communities acros's the region, both meet-

ing people and offering them service whenever possible ..

"I am enjoying my visits to the southeast Nebraska communities, and am looking forward to continuing my meetings with school, business and community leaders," Flynn said. "And I should add that as I · tr.ave} the region, I am finding out just how strong the support is for this College.

keeping up with technological advances, that our facilities and grounds are well maintained, that we are hiring quality and committed faculty and staff, and there is an ongoing welcoming environment on the campus," he said.

Flynn also wants Peru State in an "aggressive posture" in addressing the issue of diversity.

··

"By pulling together, southeast Nebraska can assure itself of having affordable, quality higher education opportunities," he added.

· Making the college and its programs more appealing to potential students is perhaps the primary objective of Flynn's term at Peru State.

Change with the times

"Part of our challenge will be to make sure we are changing with the times, that we are updating our program offerings on a regular basis, that we are

"We should be graduating students who value diversity and who are prepared to assume a contributing role in our diverse society," Flynn emphasized. "And our teaching, our interpersonal and our everyday should reflect a campus environment that notonly welcomes diversity, but one that promotes it. . . .

"I believe Peru State College assumes an important role, not only in the history of public education iri Nebraska? but also in its future," he said.

Eight Senators from the Nebraska Legislatlire paid a visit to campus this past May. Those touring the campus included (from left) la.mes Jones of Eddyville, Chris Peterson of Grand Island, Elaine Stuhr of Bradshaw, Jerry Willhoft of Central City, Floyd Vrtiska of Table Rock, Ed Schrock of Elm Creek, Carol Hudkins of Malcolm, and Jerry Schmitt of Ord. (Photo by Kent Propst)

A Banner Day

Lincoln Chapter Shows Its Colors

With every decade from the 1930s through the '80s represented, the Lincoln Alumni Chapter once again demonstrated that just being a Peruvian matters more than when you were a Peruvian.

The Chapter met on Oct. 8 at The Knolls restaurant in southwest Lincoln, with President Cindy Plantenga Hoffman ('82) in charge.

She introduced and thanked her fellow officers and planning committee members for their efforts in drawing out one of the better crowds in recent years.

Chapter members Don Dougherty ('70) and Vince Henzel ('86), both active in the PSC Football Booster Club, showed off a chapter

IPerUAiTI.01<11

News about people you know

1920s

Former PSC President Edwin L. Rouse, who served the college from 1918-21, was remembered in a May issue of the Scottsbluff (Neb.) Star-Herald. His granddaughter recalled how Rouse lead the effort to create a two-year college in Scottsbluff.

Steve Stastny ('24) of DuBois, Neb. was honored as Grand Marshal of the 1998 Pawnee County Fair in August. He came to the U.S. in 1906 with his family. Stastny taught for a few years and later farmed, but his reputation as a musician has continued through the years.

1930s

Bo Cowel ('34) of Ft. Collins, Colo. was inducted into the Colorado State University Sports Hall of Fame in early October. Cowel received a special "Hall of Honor" award for his contributions to the CSU sports programs. Cowel worked at the University for 26 years, and its intramural fields bear his name. Bo was inducted into the Peru State Hall of Fame in 1988.

Me©ttfug§

banner that will be displayed at PSC athletic events and parades. Dougherty led the banner project and noted that four of PSC's six alumni chapters already had purchased banners.

The College's Interim President, Dick Flynn, was introduced. He sent along regards from various faculty members and other alums, and gave the group some biographical information.

He reflected on his first months at the College and the time spent listening to faculty, students and area citizens. He discussed the study of PSC

Get-Together

being conducted by the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, and his concern about the accuracy of parts of its initial report.

Flynn emphasized the critical role alumni have played, and must continue to play, in this process. Everyone must do their part to strengthen the institution, he noted, through such actions as donations, student referrals, contact with state legislators and more.

Chapter officers were elected, including Bob Kelly ('69) as President, Vince Henzel ('86) as Vice President, and Cindy Hoffman ('82) as Secretary!Treasurer.

Nelsine Shafer Scofield ('34) gained the Earliest Alum prize, and the Most Recent Alum award was presented to Michelle Klopfenstein Ellis ('88).

For more information about the Lincoln Alumni chapter, contact one of the chapter officers listed below.

Bob Kelly (' 69)

6601 Teton Drive

Lincoln, Neb. 68510

Vince Henzel (' 86) 6100 Vine #E28

Lincoln, Neb. 68505

Cindy Hoffman ('82)

4921 Elk Ridge Road

Lincoln, Neb. 68516

We always enjoy hearing from our alums. Edna Maystrick Fitch ('34) of Arvada, Colo. wrote that "the thriII of my college life was playing Gwendolyn, the lead, in "The Poor Little Rich Girl" which was directed by DJ. Nabors. Edna is still active giving book reviews and travel slide shows as well as working with the Jefferson County Retired Teachers and her church. Incidentally, Prof. Nabors lives in Oklahoma.

Sam Lewis ('31) of Daykin, Neb. and his wife Dorothy celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in August.

Harvey Michels ('36) of Bellingham, Wash. recently provided us with an address on a "lost alum," Earl Whipple. Harvey walks a mile a day and plays pool, and would be pleased to hear from friends from Peruvians of the I 932-36 era.

Lela McCann Peck ('33) of Hastings, Neb. was recently awarded the Kiwanis "Ring of Honor" for her work in the Hastings Golden "K" club of which she is the current president. Lela has been credited with over 5,000 hours of volunteer work in the Good Samaritan Village and the City of Hastings in the ten years she has lived there.

1940s

Ralf ('48) and Aileen Wheeldon ('48) Graham of Wichita, Kan. celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in September.

Glenis Holtgrewe Hopp (attd. '46) and husband Donald of Talmage, Neb. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June.

We enjoyed a visit from Rosemary Pershing Robinson (' 48) of Greeley, Colo. this summer. Rosemary was unable to attend her 50-year class reunion in May, but stopped by the campus to look around while traveling in the area. Rosemary is a retired school teacher, having taught math in Lincoln, Neb. and later in Colorado.

Arlene Whisler (attd. '48) of Peru, Neb. retired as a paraprofessional at the Peru Elementary School this spring where she had worked since 1972.

(continued on page 7)

Don Dougherty ('70, left) and Vince Henzel ('86) showed off the Lincoln Alumni Chapter banner during the group's 1998 Reunion in October. Dougherty coordinated the campaign to obtain the banners, which are displayed at home PSC football and basketball games. Four of PSC's six alumni chapters have purchased banners for this purpose.

(Photo by Kent Propst)

Lee Arellano ('68), Lilly Blase ('81) and Bob Kelly ('69) compared "school days" stories during the '98 Lincoln (Neb.) Alumni Reunion in October. Kelly is the '98- '99 Chapter President, and Blase and Arellano both agreed to join its Planning Committee.

(Photo by Kent Propst)

Colorado Group Welcomes PSC's President Flynn

The '98 Rocky Mountain Alumni Reunion in midAugust served as the inaugural

PSC alumni event for the colleges' Interim President, Dr. Richard Flynn.

Many of PSC's most loyal alumni were on hand to welcome the leader and his wife, Jani, into the PSC fold during the reunion held in Fort Collins, Colo. on Aug. 15.

President Ellen Hunzeker Hajek ('62) welcomed the group and introduced fellow officers and others for assisting with the Reunion.

Hajek passed along messages from some who couldn't attend, and gave greetings from PSC Foundation President Les Russell ('51), too.

Earliest

Marjorie Am Speece ('32) of Loveland, Colo. was awarded the Earliest Alum in Attendance prize at the '98 Rocky Mountain Alumni Reunion, held this past August in Ft. Collins.

Dr. Flynn gave alums a bit about his personal background and told them of his early impressions of Peru State, as he had only been on the job six weeks at the time of the gathenng.

Flynn explained his "move-

ansas l;itians z It Up

The Kansas City-Area AlUmni Association held its fourth annual rendezvous at that place of eternal youth, Dick Clark's American Bandstand Grill in Overland Park, Kan.

And though the years of attendance spanned five different decades, the memories of days at Peru State cut across the years and provided the common bond that makes these assemblies so enjoyable.

Presided over by Chapter CEO Kim Schreiner ('85), the Reunion included the usual good food and casual conversation. The Chapter voted to donate $100 of its Treasury to the general scholarship fund of the Peru State College Foundation.

PSC's Interim President, Dr. Richard Flynn, and his wife Jani were welcomed into the fold. Dr. Flynn gave a bit of his personal history, and emphasized the importance of strong alumni chapters to the future of Peru State.

Dr. Flynn discussed current events at the College and the challenges and opportunities which face PSC. The audience took advantage of the questionan d-an s w er session to gain more insight.

Randy Hansen ('74) was elected Chapter President for 1998-99. Jim Lyons ('66) will serve as Vice President, Nancy-

neutral" stance regarding the prospects of keeping the college in Peru or building a new campus in Nebraska City, noting it was his aim to strengthen the college and prepare it for the future.

He said there was good reason for alumni to feel optimistic about the fortunes of the college. His remarks were followed by a lively question and answer session from the audience.

The group voted to purchase a Rocky Mountain Alumni banner to be displayed at PSC athletic contests, parades and etc.

The chapter voted to retain the current officers for 199899, including Hajek as President, Mick Bomemeier ('51) as Vice President, Carol Duerfeldt Whitcomb ('52) as Secretary, and Pat Benford Bornemeier ('52) as Treasurer. The group also

voiced a desire to hold the '99 Reunion in the Denver metropolitan area.

Marjorie Arn Speece ('32) received a prize for being the Earliest Grad at the Reunion, while Carrie Nelson Krickbaum ('85) won the award for being the Most Recent Grad.

For more information about the Rocky Mountain chapter, which includes Colorado, Wyoming, western Nebraskan and western Kansas, contact any of the officers listed below.

Ellen Hajek ('62)

127 50 W. 6th Place Golden, Co. 80401

Mick ('51) and Pat ('52)

Bornemeier

1923 26th Avenue Greeley, Co. 80631

Carol Whitcomb ('52)

261 Mt. Alice Court Livermore, Co. 80536

Past & Present President

Ellen Hunzeker Hajek ('62) of Golden, Colo. presided over the Rocky Mountain Alumni chapter this past year. She did such a good job that she was re-elected to the position for 1998-99.

Larson Lyons ('67) as Secretary, and Bob ('50) and Elaine Beethe ('50) Roberts as Co-Treasurers.

John Vanderford ('69) joined the planning committee, too.

The group voted to purchase a chapter banner to be displayed at all home PSC athletic contests.

Jim and Nancy Lyons pledged $100 to the scholarship fund if the rest of the assembly would match that sum; the match was accomplished in a matter of a very few minutes.

Ed Argabright ('42) of Archie, Mo. was awarded a prize for the Earliest Alum in Attendance. Because several others had to leave early, Bob Raper ('61) gained the prize for Most Recent Grad.

Names and addresses of the officers of the Kansas City-Area Alumni Association for 1998-99 are as follows.

Randy Hansen ('74)

13700 W. 8lst Terrace Lenexa, Kan. 66215

Jim ('66) & Nancy ('67)

Lyons 275 SW 2001 Kingsville, Mo. 64061

Bob (' 50) & Elaine (' 50) Roberts

1341 S. Mulberry , Ottawa, Kan. 66067

KC Assembly

Kansas City's alumni group met in September, with people like Jerry Collier ('60, left) and Phyllis

Atchison ( '54) getting a chance to make or renew acquaintances.

Omaha Chapter Seeks Encore

After eclipsing the century mark in attendance last spring, the Omaha-Area Chapter of Peru State College Alumni is looking forward to an encore performance this spring.

The largest of PSC's alumni clubs plans a Reunion on April 22 at the ever-popular German-American Society Club in Omaha. Chapter Co-Presidents Lynn ('61) and Pauline Kish ('59) Osterholm will lead the fortunes of the chapter this time around.

Make a note of it in your '99 calendar!

For more information, a list of the Chapter

Officers follows.

Lynn (' 61) & Pauline (' 59) Osterholm

1636 S. 136th St.

Omaha, Neb. 68144

Myrt (' 47) & Dee(' 42) Hall

9212 California Pl.

Omaha, Neb. 68114

Erik ('61) & Jo ('59) Tarring

9024 S Circle

Omaha, Neb. 68127

(Photo by Kent Propst)

(Photo by Kent Propst)

Heinke

(Photo by Kent Propst)

sti©mtg JF©>lfilJ]l PSC:The Bond That Endures

by Michelle M. Hess Class of '78 PSC Foundation Trustee

The crisp days of autumn, sandwiched between the hot, busy time of summer and the hectic holiday season, affords us some time to reflect on memories of days past.

The other day I happened upon my Peru State College handbook. The handbook offering general information regarding policies, procedures and curriculum choices gave a wondeiful glimpse back to the '70s.

The girls clad in hip-hugging bell bottoms with fringe vests and the boys in blue jeans with long hair and sideburns were photographed at still recognizable campus locations. These scenes made me think that fashions and fads have come and gone but the Campus of A Thousand Oaks still welcomes incoming freshmen (regardless of their fashion sense) with open arms.

The tree-laden campus and quaint town have a special place in all our hearts. The faculty, devoted to providing high-quality education, were not only concerned with guiding us intellectually but were, and continue to be, our friends.

Special relationship

This special relationship between facility, faculty and students is in my opinion the bond that links all alumni to Peru State. During the past year this bond has been more apparent than any other time in my memory. The college needed our support and we came. At present this support is still needed.

The Peru State College Foundation is continuing to support and work on behalf of the College. Efforts to strengthen the academic programs and to support reno-

Continues Support

Jo Davis of Nebraska City, Neb. continues to give meaningful gifts to the choral and piano department at PSC through the Peru State College Foundation.

A portion of her $15,000 gift this summer was used to purchase a new piano for the music department.

Ashley Gift

A gift of $500 was received by the PSC Foundation from the estate of the late Alma Ashley.

nd the Year With a Gift!

Many.of you.have.received or will be receiving information concer1li11g year end gifts to the PSC

This h.as very.busy f9r !lte much •.time, •energyand.· doJlars s1>ent effort to supportPSC in UJ)fortuni\tely was not reached.as quickly as we .had hoped for on, the

Efforts are to with the Coordinating. Commission.for Postsecondary Education to encourage a favor;i!.ble decision t() this. study•. We have appreciate() the special support of many of you this past year, both in the form of gifts to the Foundation·. and by· writi11g Ietfors and· making calls to Nebraska State Senators and others.

·· One of th¢ comments l>Y the State College Board. of Trustees and the a lack of scholarshipsupport and other to the .Q()llege. · YOU can help changethat

vation and improvement of the physical facilities on campus are continuing. The Foundation is also actively working to inform the citizens of the State of Nebraska about the educational and economic advantages of keeping Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska.

During the last year, the Foundation, with the help of your support, has awarded over 250 scholarships, made loans available to students and continued an academic work study program for 20 students. The Foundation has also provided funds to aid in lobbying efforts, the publication of the Peru Stater, freshman orientation and student recruitment.

As an alumnus and Foundation trustee, I personally would like to thank all who have given so generously of their time, talents and money. I ask that, during this critical time, we continue our support of Peru State College and the Peru State College Foundation. Together we have made and can continue to make a difference.

For more information about the Peru State College Foundation, please contact:

The Peru State College Foundation

c/o Peru State College

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

(402) 872-2304

Alma had designated her gift to be used for scholarships. The PSCF Board of Directors voted to add the gift to the Campus of A Thousand Oaks Scholarship Fund.

This is an endowed scholarship and is made up of smaller gifts to the Foundation with each donor listed in the college catalog as a contributor to the scholarship.

Individual gifts may be made in memory of Alma (see "In Memoriam" section) and designated for the Campus of A Thousand Oaks Scholarship.

We hope, yot1 }fill c 0»;sider this to give back .to the .tha.t h8$n1eant a greatdt}al.t0 yo11.

·· The next issue of tlte:;t>eru Stater will Roll of Donors for 1998. Be sure your friends see yoiir name on that list! ·

Foundation Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Peru State College Foundation Board of Trustees is scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 1999. We encourage all Trustees to mark your calendar now and plan to attend this meeting, which promises to be one of the most important ones in Foundation history.

Memories Evoke Memorial Gifts

Memories of dearly departed Peru Staters often yield gifts to the Peru State College Foundation.

These tributes typically take the form of scholarships (established, ongoing funds) or memorials (one-time gifts). Following is a list of such gifts received by the PSC Foundation during a period from mid-May through midOctober.

If you see a scholarship or memorial fund to which you would like to add a gift, please send it to: Peru State College Foundation, c/o Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 684210010.

Please be sure to designate the scholarship or memorial fund on the "memo" line of your taxdeductible gift.

Maryon Thomas Adams Memorial

Kent & Becki Young Propst

Lester & Esther Holmes Russell

Alma Ashley Scholarship

Buethe Family members

E.C. Beck Scholarship

Pauline Lyle Scott

S.L. Clements Scholarship

Robert Leahy

Willard & Dorothy Cawthorn Shumard

Phyllis Davidson Scholarship

Lois Christensen

Helen Naeve Douglas Scholarship

Jud Douglas

Chris Haddad Scholarship

Kent & Becki Young Propst

Leland & Karlene Dougherty Sherwood

Paul and Lillian Landolt Scholarship

Lela McCann Peck

Larry Pappas Scholarship

Todd Anderson

Jim & Theresa Polsley Krajicek

Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Pate Scholarship

Armon & Evelyn Gatz Yanders

Lucille Plihal Scholarship

Ralph Plihal

G. Holt "Pop" Steck Scholarship

Nancy Steck Lavigne

Michelle M. Hess

College, Foundation Host Special Day

The first PSC home football game in 11 months was a special event for more than just that reason this past Oct. 3.

That day was designated both Southeast Nebraska Appreciation Day and Parents' Day, and a good crowd turned out to watch the Bobcats' 3712 gridiron triumph over Valley City, N.D.

The event was sponsored by the PSC Foundation and the College.

For just $5 per person, visitors were treated to:

*A picnic-sty le lunch in the south end zone of the Oak Bowl, on the old tennis court.

*Admission to the football game.

*Admission to the Bobcat volleyball game later that afternoon.

Parents of all currentlyenrolled on-campus students were sent an invitation to the party, according to Louis T. Levy, Interim Dean of Student Services.

Southeast Nebraskans were encouraged to attend via announcements made through the local media.

Dr. Richard Flynn, PSC's Interim President, expressed his gratitude to the Foundation for its financial support. He said he hoped it will become an annual event at the College.

Parents' Day

Mom's Here!

Arizona Reunion '99 Set for January 30

The 1999 Arizona Alumni Assembly is pegged for Saturday, Jan. 30 in Phoenix.

The Chapter, under the guidance of its President Annie Billings Berkheimer ('79) and an excellent planning committee, has some interesting ideas for the get-together.

One thing is for certain, a good time will be had by all. So join us for the big day.

And don't forget, if you are retired or semi-retired and plan to be in Arizona at this time, be sure to give us your Arizona mailing address. We welcome our northern "snowbirds"!

For more information, contact one of the chapter officers listed below.

Annie Billings Berkheimer ('79) 6408 S. Pine Tempe, Ariz. 85283

Jerry Laflin ('67) HCRBox 204 Sells, Ariz. 85634

Alan Shipley (' 66) 8647 E. Cambridge Ave. Scottsdale, Ariz. 85257

Fall 1998 PERU STATER

JPteJflfil

1950s

Phyllis Heinke Atchison ('54) of Overland Park, Kan. participated in the national USTA tennis tournament held in the Kansas City area this summer. She had umpired the tournament for many years and decided it was time to play.

Betty Hogue Brackhan ('55) of Beatrice, Neb. has taken early retirement from teaching. She has been with the Wymore Southern Schools for many years as a speech teacher.

Margaret Ulbrick Cotton ('57) is teaching strings at the Denison (Iowa) School of Strings, which opened in March 1997. She taught music for 14 years in western Iowa schools.

Marian Downey ('52) of Dallas, Texas was in Falls City, Neb. for his 50-year high school class reunion in June. His summer included traveling as a guest lecturer in Australia under the sponsorship of Exxon.

Luella Nincehelser Knapp ('55) of Santee, Calif. continues to keep busy with her interest in fine arts. She recently had 15 paintings on exhibit at a nearby library. She and husband, Ken ('40), keep active golfing.

Shirley Buchholz Meinzer ('55) of Falls City, Neb. retired this past spring from the Falls City Public Schools where she was employed as a teachers aide.

Dela Polston ('55) was the subject of an extensive feature story in a May issue of the Ralston (Neb.) Recorder newspaper. The longtime Ralston teacher recalled spending $14.85 for her first semester at Peru, books included, back in the early 1930s. She started and stopped, worked her way through college, and earned her bachelors degree in 1955.

Richard Rosendahl ('55) of Seaford, Va. stopped by the office this summer. He has retired (for a second time) as Director of the Association of Retarded Citizens in Hampton, Va.

Lance ('57) and Joan French ('58) Sterns of Lincoln, Neb. celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this summer. Lance retired from UPS in October 1997 and Joan is employed by Southeast Community College in Milford, Neb. A daughter, Traci Monson ('90), helped them celebrate their anniversary.

Wilma Kennedy Stutheit ('59) and husband Herb of Lincoln, Neb. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. Wilma is a retired professor from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

1960s

Duane Arends ('60) of Nebraska City, Neb. has retired from teaching after 37 years of service to the Johnson-Brock Schools. Duane taught art, junior high science, geography and psychology during his teaching career.

Diane Kennedy Berlett ('66) of Plattsmouth, Neb. was recognized as Heritage Hills Chapter (ABWA) Woman of the Year. Diane recently retired from the Bellevue Public School system. She had spent 39 years in the teaching profession.

(continued on page 8)

PSC student Deborah Weingarten of Plattsmouth, Neb. was happy to have a visit from mom, Rosaline Gernert, during Parents' Day at the college this past October.

(Photo by Elizabeth Olsen)

Bobcat Marching Band member Tami Bernasek ofGeneva, Neb. took advantage of a break in the action to visit with her mother Lois during the Oct. 3 Parents' Day program.· Parents' Day was combined with Southeast Nebraska Appreciation" Day, with the activities sponsored by the PSC Foundation.

(Photo by Elizabeth Olsen)

Judy Green Grotrian Now On Other Side of the Desk

Of the thousands of teachers produced by Peru State College, few ever make it back to campus as members of its faculty.

Judy Green Grotrian ('72) has become one of the rare exceptions, having taken a job in PSC's Business Division this fall after a sterling career on the high school level.

Grotrian is Assistant Professor of Business at her alma mater, and loving every minute of it.

"It was just plain exciting" coming back to Peru State as a faculty member, she said, part of which was the stroll down memory lane. "There was much reminiscing about where I used to take typing, accounting and shorthand classes, for example."

One memory of her days as a student had a direct effect on her decision to apply for the position at Peru State.

"Verona Beguin (on the PSC faculty just for the 1971-72 year) was my business methods teacher," Grotrian explained. "She gave me the idea, saying that sometime in my life I should pursue a college teaching job. That stuck with me all of these years!"

Wait for opening

Because faculty in PSC's business division have a low turnover rate, there had been few opportunities for employment. That all changed last spring with Bob Lewellen's retirement.

"When the position was announced last February, I was excited to make application," she said. "And I was ready for another challenge."

The transition from high school to college was surprisingly anxiety-free, Grotrian said, in spite of the fact she was leaving a job at nearby Johnson-Brock High School that she held for 23 years. Part of it no doubt had to do with her long and close association with Peru State.

Grotrian grew up in Brock and her husband Charles ('71) farms in that area. She taught accounting classes for Peru State's "Early Entry" program for two years, and taught some adult education classes for Southeast Community College, too, after receiving an MSE degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Peru State is in fact a family affair for Grotrian. Son Jay (Class of '96) is a controller at DuraTech in Jamestown, N.D. Daughter Sheri is a PSC fresh-

1960s (continued)

M. Joan Sprieck Breining ('68) Elk Horn, Iowa is the owner and publisher of the newspaper in Elk Horn, The Danish Villages Voice, which serves over 1,000 subscribers in that area. Joan noted fond memories "of the campus and the wonderful days I spent there .I know from past experience what it can do for and does offer the young and young at heart."

Bob Cappel ('69) has been named Executive Director of the Yankton (S.D.) Chamber of Commerce. He had served in that capacity for the Lexington, Neb. Chamber for the past eight years.

Gayle Ellison ('67) of Lewiston, Neb. was selected as one of twelve Nebraska teachers to participate in the 1998 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science Teaching Institute at Nebraska Wesleyan. The program is designed to help teachers improve their science teaching methods.

Richard Estes ('68) is teaching physical education at the Table Rock-Steinauer Public Schools. He is also the guidance counselor as well as the head volleyball coach and girls basketball coach.

Larry Hennerberg ('63), who closed out his 35-year teaching career last spring, is working full time for the community of Beatrice, Neb.'s Public Properties department.

A New Level

Judy Green Grotrian ( '72) is still in the classroom in her native Nemaha (Neb.) County. But instead of teaching business at nearby Johnson-Brock High School, Grotrian has returned to her alma mater as Assistant Professor of Business. (Photo by Kent Propst) man in business administrationmarketing.

Change is good Grotrian relishes the changes from high school to college, whether it's the spacious office in the T.J. Majors Building to "the amount of time you have to prepare.

"You have time to do a great deal of in-depth research for your classes here, instead of preparing for six different classes, one after the next, as many of us do in high school," she said.

The fact that students often stop by just to visit, the opportunity to work with college-age and adult learners, as well as collaborating with business division professors instead of being the business department, are other "fringe benefits" of her new position.

Peru State both has and hasn't changed from Grotrian's days as a student.

"The beauty of the campus has remained, and Peru State portrays the same peaceful, safe environment" that she enjoyed in the late 1960s and early '70s.

Improvements noted But the renovation of the buildings "has been a real plus,

especially for those of us who were here before," she said. Both the classroom facilities and the recreational opportunities are far better than they were not all that many years ago.

Some of the college's critics in the past year don't have that same perspective, Grotrian noted, and the resulting uproar raises her ire - as a native of the area, an alumnus, and as a parent of PSC students.

"I know from my own experience that Peru State offers quality at an affordable price," she said. "I am proud to say I'm a graduate of PSC and am pleased my children decided to attend here as well."

She called the turmoil of the past year "disgusting and very frustrating." The negative attention affects PSC's ability in the short term to attract both students and employees, Grotrian said.

"As someone seeking employment here, I wanted to be part of a quality school," she said. "I have confidence that Peru State College will continue to offer an excellent education to students for many years to come."

Patricia Rathe Issac ('62) of Wood River, Neb. retired from the teaching profession this spring. She had taught social studies, physical education, skills for adolescence and also coached at Wood River for the past 29 years. She had also taught at Lexington, Fairbury and Kearney.

Kristine Wewel Larocca ('66) is teaching in the Middle East at the Bayan Secondary School in Isa Town, Bahrain. Kristine is teaching mathematics in an American school to Bahrainians who plan to attend college in the USA or United Kingdom. Kristine was also one of 275 world wide delegates to the First World Conference on Domestic Violence held in Singapore in September. The motto of the conference was Sharing Solutions-Changing the World.

Chuck Niemeyer ('65) was crowned King of the 1998 Ashland (Neb.) Stir-Up celebration in July. Chuck taught in Prague and Harvard in Nebraska, then was on the AshlandGreenwood school faculty for eight years. Niemeyer then went into private enterprise, eventually founding Innovative Laboratory Systems, a company specializing in designing and building labs.

Ross Pilkington ('61) recently retired from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and moved to Camdenton, Mo. Ross received the Outstanding Teaching award from UN-0 in 1976 and the Excellence in Teaching award in 1991. He made over 350 presentations/workshops during his teaching career, and had 26 articles published in professional journals.

Evelyn Reiman Olsen ('62) ended a 43-year teaching career this past spring. Her last 35 years were in Nelson, Neb.

Lloyd Russo ('64) has retired after teaching math in Bellevue, Neb. for 34 years.

William Scott ('65) recently graduated from the Iowa School of Banking. He farmed and taught high school math before entering the banking profession part-time in 1986. Since 1994 he has been with the Randolph (Iowa) State Bank on a full-time basis.

(continued on page 9)

Living Life To The Hilt

by Jack Kennedy

Dr. Robert Hilt ('66) and his wife, the former Mary Elaine Jones ('66), will get a distinct change of scenery this fall, thanks to his students in the honors college at Pittsburg (Kan.) State University.

While others in the United States are combating ice and snow, perhaps, Hilt will be in the warm clime of New Zealand to begin his retirement - a gift from his PSU honors students.

Hilt, 54, is retiring after 12 years as the first and only director of the program and 30 years at PSU. He came to Pittsburg State in 1968 at age 24.

Hilt got a master's from the University of NebraskaLincoln in 1967, then went to the University of Oklahoma for more graduate work before he was lured to the social science department at PSU. He later received a Ph.D. from Xansas State University.

Since he announced plans to tire, and to go to New "'lland with the aid and of his students, \reflects that the honors , pr1am has developed in the years, an experiwill never forget.

\will his students, presen tnd past, who have testimonials to his abi, - and to his spirit. He coping with Parkmse:, Disease since age 38.

Dr. Bob Retires

"Dr. Bob" Hilt('66)andhiswife, theformerMaryJones('66), are enjoying their leisure time after he retired from Pittsburg (Kan.) State University this past year. Pictured here at a retirement party thrown by some of his PSU Honor Students, the pair were given a trip to New Zealand as a retirement gift. (Photo contributed)

Colleagues in Russ Hall, the PSU Administration Building, say Hilt's steps may be a bit more difficult at times now, but he is just as determined and dedicated, and proud of the students he's taught and led, as they are proud of him.

Hilt said he once taught a course on Australia and New Zealand, but has never had the opportunity to visit the region.

Now he will, thanks to his students. The $75 scholarship investment someone once made in him at Peru State has definitely paid off.

(Editor's Note: Jack Kennedy of Pittsburg, Kan. reported on Nebraska higher education for the Lincoln Journal for many years. Our thanks to Jack for writing this special feature for the Stater).

Seirching for Lost lums

present that dub10us hst of,ruvians who recently joint our "Lost Alumni" roster.

Thanks to of many alert reade, we have been enjoying succ1. locating recently lost souls. you can help us to shorten,e lost alumni roster, please current, home addresses t' Kent Propst, Peru State Cege, P.O. Box 10, Peru, 'eb. 68421-0010.

Chad Olson - 1997

Sarah A Schneider - 199

Jo Britt - 1995

Ann R. Goetz - 1995

Santosh Gyawali - 1994

Tammy Hammer Schaefer 1993

Dana Kruse Schmidt - 1993

Todd Ashenfelter - 1991

Kathleen Mulcahy Mittan1989

Alan Stepanek - 1989

Charles Mittan - 1986

John Nissen - 1986

Jean Sachs Collins - 1979

Cory L. Collins - 1978

Judith Frech Varelas - 1972

Mary Tackett Foster - 1967

Velma Rhinehart Royer1959

Frank J. Davis - 1957

Virginia Morse Boesen1951

Lola Woehrle Hanenkamp 1943

Althea Nispel Mohar - 1942

Clara Jeffries Difulco - 1938

Florence Roekrkasse - 1929

Special thanks to those who

helped locate lost alums listed in the Summer edition of the Peru Stater: Ardys Hunt Brugman (' 46), Laura Argabright Duncan (' 57), Mark Fankhauser (' 84 ), Dennis Folkerts (' 55), Naomi Leaky Furnas ('85), Jack Gaines (' 68), Ruth Wilkinson Gerdes ('77), Tom Goldenstein (' 38), Dick Good, (' 48), Janet Hawley, Bonnie Aufenkamp Heimbuch (' 48), Ron Howe ('68), PSC student Jermy Marteney, Shirley Buchholz Meinzer ('55), Harvey Michels ('36), Bob ('50) and Opal Nyland (' 49) Rawson, Erma Meier Sheldon ('41), Jane Taylor, and Mary Smejdir Weber ('54).

';'Fall

1960s (continued)

Chuck Shores ('68) of Wymore, Neb. has accepted early retirement from the Wymore Southern Schools where he was a teacher for many years.

Mary Simmons (attd. '67-'68) of Beatrice, is the director of economic development for c:braska at UtiliCorp United. Mary achieved certified econo:nic developer status in 1989. She is a member of '.'Jebraska Economic Developers Assoc. and the America: Economic Development Council.

George Weiss ('65) has retired from a teaching career, 27 of which he spent in Tecumseh, The science teacher also taught part-time for Peru State in recent years.

Former PSC faculty members, Gil and !Vfary Ruth Wilson of Peru, Neb. celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in May.

1970s

Jeff ('74) and Mary Weber ('75) Barker of Shubert, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Nora Kathleen, born in September. She was welcomed home by brothers Justin, Josh and Matthew, and a sister, Meghanne.

Dr. Rick Black ('73) of Murray, Neb. has accepted an Assistant Superintendent's position for Human Resources in the Papillion-LaVista Public Schools. Rick had previously been superintendent of the Conestoga School District since 1987.

Pat Castle ('73) of Auburn, Neb. was recognized this summer with State Farm Insurance's prestigious Legion of Honor award.

p e g g y Kreifels Groff ('76) has been promoted to Student Programs Director at Peru State. Peggy has worked at PSC in the Financial Aid and Athletic departments before joining Student Programs a year ago.

Teresa Kracke Hahn ('77) of Johnson, Neb. participated in the 1998 Summer Teacher Internship Program sponsored by the Southeast Nebraska School-To-Work Partnership and area Tech Prep Consortium. Teresa is teaching senior high business at the Auburn Public Schools this year. She previous taught business, accounting and computer applications classes at Nemaha Valley Schools in Cook, Neb.

Thomas Kunkel ('71) has been named Elementary School Principal for the Sutherland, Neb. Public Schools. Kunkel had been elementary principal in Hebron, Neb. since 1976.

(continued on page 10)

Peru State College fills administrative posts

Five key administrative positions at Peru State College are being filled this year on an interim basis.

In addition to Dr. Richard Flynn as Interim President, the appointments include Dr. Jerry V. Martin, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Louis T. Levy, Dean of Student Services; Dr. Joel Lundak, Chair of the Education, Psychology & Physical Education Division; and Dr. Sara Crook, Chair of the Humanities Division.

Levy, Lundak and Crook all were members of the PSC staff or faculty. Martin was hired last spring to head the Humanities Division, but agreed to serve as the chief academic officer while the college conducts a search for its next academic Vice President.

The appointments will continue until each position is filled on a permanent basis, Dr. Flynn said.

Education), the campus library, the Cooperative Education and Career Services program, the Registrar's office and the Nebraska Business Development Center operation.

Dr. Martin's extensive experience with the North Central Accreditation processwhich Peru State is preparing for - will be invaluable, too, Dr. Flynn said.

Dr. Martin has a bachelors degree from the Air Force Academy, a masters degree from Troy (Ala.) State University, and his doctorate from Ohio State University.

1970s (continued)

Dr. Jerry V. Martin Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Martin spent the past 30 years serving the U.S. Air Force, and just retired as Commander of the 34th Education Group at the Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colo. after spending most of the last two decades there.

His Academy job was equivalent to a deanship, and involved supervision of a staff of approximately 70 personnel in two departments. At Peru State he oversees under 50 full-time faculty in four academic divisions.

He also supervises the college's off-campus academic department

Vice President for Student Affairs, PSC restructured the position to make it Dean of Student Services.

Harriett Leech ('72) and husband Omer of Humboldt, Neb. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June. Harriett retired from teaching in the Humboldt School system in 1995.

Jan McMullen ('71), an English and speech teacher at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb., participated in the 1998 Summer Teacher Internship Program sponsored by the Southeast Nebraska School-To-Work Partnership and area Tech Prep Consortium.

Lois Minford ('78) was featured in a May edition of the Springview, Neb. Herald. She has been teaching for 32 years, the last five at Keya Paha (Neb.) County.

Mike Morehead ('74) is the new safety supervisor for MBA Poultry, L.L.C. of Tecumseh, Neb. He had been working for the State of Nebraska's Department of Labor.

Vicki Lecure Pickering ('71) of Syracuse, Neb. has taken early retirement from the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Public School. Vickie was a reading teacher.

Louis Levy Dean of Student Services

Lou Levy brings over 20 years' experience in higher education administration to his new duties at PSC. He joined Peru State two years ago as Executive Director of Admissions Services.

Levy has responsibility for financial aid, housing, student programming, intramurals, the campus food and health service operations, its federallyfunded Student Support Services program, and the admissions office.

Admissions will continue to be under Levy's direct supervision, Dr. Flynn said, as student recruitment efforts will be of critical importance to the campus.

Levy holds a bachelors and a masters degree from the University of WisconsinLaCrosse and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Virginia Tech. He has worked in education in Indiana, Florida, Michigan, Alabama, Virginia and Wisconsin.

After the recent retirement of Dr. Dary 11 Hersemann as

Dr. Sara Crook's employment at Peru State College goes back to 1984, but she didn't join the faculty on a full-time basis until 1993. She taught history and political science part-time from 1984-93.

An Associate Professor of History and Political Science at PSC, Dr. Crook will be experiencing college administration for the first time in her professional career. That doesn't mean she is inexperienced in running programs, Dr. Flynn noted.

Dr. Crook serves as the coordinator for the regional History Day contest for secondary school students; is cofou nder of PSC's Trails & Tales Tour and Institute; has been coordinator of the college's popular Quiz Bowl program; and is a co-sponsor of the PSC Student Senate. She is a member of the Nebraska State Historical Society board.

Dr. Crook's bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees all come from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She also has done graduate study at the University of Iowa, was a research assistant both there and at UNL, and was a teaching assistant for UNL's political science department.

Dr. Joel Lundak had served as Humanities Division chair on an interim basis for the past year.

(Continued on Page 11)

Kathy Vandenberg Stinn (attd. '69-'71) of Harlan, Iowa was a candidate for the County Treasurer's position in I Shelby County. Kathy has worked in the Treasurer's Office for the past 26 years in various capacities.

Mike Streit ('78) is the new K-8 Principal and Assistan1 Athletic Director at Woodbine, Iowa. Streit had been sering the Humboldt, Neb. schools.

Duane Svoboda ('72) of Omaha retired from teach' this past June. Duane taught for "38 wonderful years", ' retired from the Council Bluffs Community Schoo1'l Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Gayle Swisegood ('74) of Falls City, Neb. was (ted vice president of the Nebraska Association of Officials. His term will expire the end of 1999. G.! is a county commissioner for Richardson County.

Brian Trottier ('71) of Wilder, Vt. is the director at Hartford (Vt.) High School. He had .:m assistant AD there for nine years, and taught industrifts for 23 years. His wife, the former Patricia Neumeisf('71), has retired from teaching and is a part-time secrel at a local church. They have two daughters.

Ron Wohlers ('73) of Weeping Water, N was the Weeping Water Public Schools 1997' Outstandmg Educator. Ron has been with the Weepi' Water Schools for 18 years where he has taught sixth gi. for all but one year. He has also served as a coach of'nous sports an_d has been the Athletic Director for the P, three years. His wife, the former Diana Robinson /()), has taught at Weeping Water for 26 years in the elerrtary grades.

Karen Dettmer Caples Wolf work in July as Area Director for three Lincoln, She and her family live in Lincoln.

Faye Woods ('79) has been ircted into State Bowling Hall of Fame. S' holds the smgles scratch score (7 40 in 1991) in st: She rolled a 300 game in 1995 and agh senes of 797 m 1984. (continued on page I I)

Dr. Sara Crook Chair of the Humanities Division

Letter to the Editor......................

Ten years ago (1988), Peru State awarded the first of its MSE degrees when four students were hooded. Last fall, 317 students were taking graduate classes from Peru State, of which 260 were enrolled off-campus.

Incidentally, though Chadron and Wayne State also are authorized to grant MBA, MSE and Ed.S. degrees, the MSE is Peru State's only graduate-level degree.

Every public four-year college in Nebraska has struggled with enrollment issues in recent years. And while the CCPE might say they aren't charged with studying the other institutions, one might think that in order to give a clear and objective picture of Peru State, mention would be made that Peru isn't alone in terms of enrollment struggles.

According to the CCPE's own figures, from 1992-97, UN-Kearney enrollment was down 15 percent; UN-Omaha, 16 percent; UN-Lincoln, 7 percent. Chadron State was down 8 percent; Wayne State was up by 2 percent; Peru State was up by 18 percent. Did the preliminary report, or the media accounts of that report, leave anyone with a sense that the preceding facts were omitted in the report?

Reference points

Equally frustrating to me is the fact that the CCPE study appears to search for reference \Wints which portray Peru State in the poorest 1iiht possible. Some of the figures in the pre'µinary report are from 1995-96, or 1996, or or 1997-98, or 1998, or "since 1992," or ring the 1990s."

"\metimes Peru State is compared to the .11\p.al average," sometimes to UN-L, sometlffi\o Southeast Community College, some-

fills posts

Chair oft

Division of Edu\ion, Psychology & Pt1cal Education

From Page 2

times to Northwest Missouri State University, sometimes to Chadron and Wayne State, and sometimes to Wayne State alone. The figures may be accurate, but the methodology seems questionable.

One other point that should be made is this. The last new classroom building built on the Peru State campus was completed in 1966. The state did see fit to build a new gymnasium, but that was nearly two decades ago, and it replaced a building constructed in 1905 as a chapel. Give Peru State facilities with which it can better compete for new students and I have to believe it would be an even bigger player than it is already.

Having said that, Peru State should always be a small college where personal attention is its greatest asset. It is that setting which served me well, and though higher education has changed and should change, Peru State's setting is precisely what so many people needed then and now.

My brother and I selected Peru State for what the college offered, not the town. Students today probably select Peru State for the same reason. To me, that is a real plus - very few distractions.

The recent CCPE report is billed as "preliminary." I hope the final draft will be the fair and objective document that can be used as the blueprint for enhancing Peru State College. When that happens, we alumni look forward to working with the college administration, Coordinating Commission, Legislature and our next Governor to provide the resources to get the job done.

From Page 10

1980s

Kim Alexander Bender ('85) has been hired by the Oakland-Craig (Neb.) schools to teach English, journalism and yearbook. She subbed at 0-C last year. Husband Gary ('85) is in his second year teaching business and coaching volleyball and boys basketball.

Tim Boerner ('83) of Syracuse, Neb. participated in the 1998 Summer Teacher Internship Program sponsored by the Southeast Nebraska School-to-Work Partnership and the area Tech Prep Consortium. Tim teaches algebra, precalculus and trigonometry at the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Schools.

A "mini-reunion" at Jeffrey Reservoir near Brady, Neb. didn't result in activation of the National Guard, but. with Trudi Bullock Bradley Pam Sherwood-Cosgrove ('87), Beth Scholl Guenther (attd. '84-'87), Jill Novicki ('89), Mary Wagner Ritchie ('88) and Pam Reid Williams ('88) on hand, a good time reportedly was had by all.

Jeff Carney (attd. '84-'85) of Lincoln, Neb. was named Photographer of the Year by the Nebraska News Photographers Association, for the second consecutive year. He also won first place awards in five individual categories.

Bob ('89) and Janet Lyons ('93) Cook of Spalding, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Kaedyn Riley, born in May.

Joni Yost Davis ('80) and her husband Craig of Nebraska City are proud parents of son Colton Riley, born in May.

John ('89) and Kristi Arkfeld ('89) Dixon of Waverly, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter born in July.

Wade Finley (attd. '84-'86) is the new high school and middle school guidance counselor at Ashland-Greenwood (Neb.) schools.

The interim chairmanship of a PSC academic division won't be a new experience for Dr. Joel Lundak, who temporarily left his faculty position in the education/psychology division a year ago to chair the humanities division.

That administrative experience, coupled with a chance to return to the educational/psychology division, will provide for a smooth transition for the division, Dr. Flynn said.

Dr. Lundak has been at Peru State since 1989 and is a professor of psychology. He was PSC's Teaching Excellence Award winner for 1996-97.

"The Education Division has a solid reputation in PSC's

service area, and is experiencing considerable growth in the graduate school area," Dr. Flynn noted. "Dr. Lundak's IO years of service at PSC includes recognition for outstanding teaching and recent administrative experience as a division chair."

Joel Lundak has a bachelors degree from UNL, masters degrees from UNL and from the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York, and his doctorate from UNL.

Dr. Lundak replaces Dr. Dan Cox, who returned to the PSC classroom after chairing the division for the past two years.

Northern \alifornians Send Out The Call

The Northern Califuia Chapter of Peru State Cc:. e Alumni are sending out ;t call" for the 1999 rendezvo Planners are worki,. toward a Reunion on Satur& April 17 at the always-popul. and easily accessible Travi Air Force Base at Fairfield. Among those helping with arrangements this year are veterans of the Navy V-12 pro-

gram at Peru State. We need some new faces to become active in the chapter, too, so please respond when the invitations are sent!

For more information, some of the organizers of the '99 Reunion include:

John J. Leavitt (' 45)

1677 Patio Drive .San Jose, Calif. 95125

Rex (' 42) & Hope (' 42)

Floyd 417 Begonia Boulevard Fairfield, Calif. 94533

Carlos Harrison (' 51) 724 Laurel Ave. #201San Mateo, Calif. 94401

Bob "Red" Wilson (' 51)

1650 Glenville Drive San Jose, Calif. 95124

Linda Ganzel ('87) has accepted a position teaching English as a Second Language at Omaha Central High School.

Nancy Glasgow ('87) of Hastings, Neb. has been promoted to Supervisor/Instructor by Mid-Nebraska Individual Services, where she is in charge of five homes and 18 individuals with developmental disabilities. Nancy has been employed for ten years by Mid-Nebraska.

Harold Groves ('88) is teaching industrial technology and serving as head boys basketball coach and assistant football coach at the Petersburg (Neb.) Public Schools.

Mike Knake ('89) is teaching 5-12 grade instrumental music and 7-12 vocal music at Loup City Public Schools in Loup City, Neb.

Rodney Lahodny ('85) and wife Diane of Des Moines, Iowa are proud parents of their second child, a son Lake, born in April. Rodney is a physical therapist in Des Moines where he has his own clinic - Therapy Services of Iowa. He continues to compete nationally with bodybuilding and placed fourth in the Mr. Universe contest last March. Rodney uses his educational degree from PSC to provide workshops in central Iowa for sports medicine and rehab.

Karen Lechner ('81) of Omaha, Neb. is teaching grades kindergarten through 12th grade health and physical education at the Iowa School for the Deaf at Council Bluffs, Iowa. She will also be the head girls volleyball coach and assistant girls basketball coach. She was previously activities director at the Glenwood, Iowa State Home.

(continued on page 14)

Homecoming '98 at PSC

Homecoming Highlights

1. Aaron Brand, a senior from Lexington, was the '98 Homecoming King.

2. Celeste Nolte of Falls City was crowned the PSC Homecoming Queen.

3. PSC's interim President, Dr. Richard Flynn, waves to the crowd. Seated next to him is his wife Jani. They are riding in the Model T owned & operated by Professor Emeritus Everett Browning and his wife, Laurel.

4. Cheerleader Meagan McGuire boosts the Bobcats.

5. Bob "Red" Wilson ('51) of San Jose, Calif. and Elaine Banks of Bumsville, Minn. (daughter of alums Tom & Jo Banks) were among those riding in the parade in an entry representing several PSC alumni

Homecoming Highlights

6. Charlie Gabus ( '40) of Des Moines, Iowa served as Grand Marshal for Homecoming '98.

7. Ross Samuelson ('58) and his wife JoAnn of Lake City, Iowa perused a yearbook.

8. Alumni basketball player Bob Cook drives to the hoop between Koe Jones (left) and Dan Stoakes (44, right).

9. Shooting for two is alumni player Angie Hubach ( 32), while the Varsity's Amy Petry (34) screens out Kristi Olberding George, who earlier was inducted into the PSC Hall of Fame.

10. Ollie Mayfield was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

11. Dan Shouse also joined the PSC Hall of Fame.

Lora Black's World

by Margie Rine Nebraska Public Radio Network

Imagine a white frame farmhouse with green stalks of com growing within 30 feet of the front porch. It is July, the screens are on and the wind gently billows curtains as the sound of "Clair de lune" (as rendered on a record player with a scratchy needle), wafts outward to a sun-scorched sky.

Inside is a young, darkhaired girl who has just pressed the 33 and 112 rpm record onto the spindle. This is the early world of Nebraska Public Radio weekend announcer Lora Lunzmann Black ('77).

It was a world centered around the small southeast Nebraska town of Johnson, where the self-described farm girl says she didn't have a lot of exposure to classical music until her family ordered a record entitled "50 Great Music Treasures" through the mail.

"I played it incessantly on my record player," says Black. "Despite my limited exposure, I distinctly remember the moods the record evoked and the sheer pleasure I found in listening to them. I still have the record."

The summers have come and gone, and during that time Black expanded her love of classical music. Her favorites now include works by Mozart, Vivaldi, Handel and Bach. Her enthusiasm for classical music carries over the airwaves, and during her tenure at NPRN Black has attracted a loyal following.

'Personality comes through'

"Lora has a warm, friendly personality that really comes through on the air, and listeners respond to that," says Bill Thomas, NPRN program director. "Despite the fact that Lora doesn't log as many onair hours as some of our other announcers, listeners frequently comment on her talents and ask a lot of questions about her."

Black describes her work as "the best job in the world," and her enthusiasm is irrepressible. She credits her optimistic outlook, sense of humor and love of nature to her father, who taught her to appreciate the simple things in life.

"When I first started work-

JPeirllltVJllmtrm,

Maxine Mebus, who was Athletic and head softball and volleyball coach at PSC wh*t the college from .1979.-88, 500th volleyball coachmg victory earlier this season. She ha, the volleyball coach at Emporia (Kan.) State the past 10 years.

Kathy Flanagin Mercure ('87) of Tecmh Neb received the Cablevision Spotlight Award last It goes to a teacher who uses cable to further educa, ·She teaches at John Lux Middle School in Lincoln. ·

Mitch Muma ('88) is teaching Title I in the Elm"'ek (Neb.) Public School System. Mitch also serves as ad boys' basketball coach. This past summer he receiv,a Master's Degree in Educational Administration fr\ Southwest Missouri State University. ·

Kenneth Myers ('85) and wife Willo of Early, Iowa are\ proud parents of a daughter, Kayla Michelle, born in June. She was welcomed home by a sister, Kendra.

Julie Niedfeldt ('86) of Beatrice, Neb. recently received the Volunteer Award from the Women's Division of the Beatrice Chamber of Commerce for giving of her time and effort to individuals and organizations. Julie has been involved with the Gage County United Way since 1984, and is now the administrator of the board. She has also been involved with Homestead Days and school and church activities.

Lavonne Schroeder Niedermeyer ('85) of Talmage, Neb. participated in the 1998 Summer Teacher Internship Program sponsored by the Southeast Nebraska School-ToWork Partnership and area Tech Prep Consortium. Lavonne is the librarian at Nemaha Valley Schools in Cook, Neb.

Black On Air

spinning discs for the Nebraska Public Radio Network nowadays, where she is one of the organization's most popular hosts.

ing at the station someone gave me some advice: 'Just imagine that you are talking with one person.' I took that to heart, and when I first began this job, I knew my parents would be listening."

Black is a graduate of Johnson High School, where she played the French horn and where she still holds the school's shot-put record. She later attended Peru State College on a softball scholarship and graduated with a degree in consumer economics.

She has been a resident of Lincoln for the past 16 years, is married to James Black II, and the mother of three children, Andrew, Zachary and Rachel.

Detour to PSC

Her route from nearby Johnson to PSC was a long one. She attended another Nebraska college for two years, got married and spent

four years on her husband's Air Force tour of duty before returning to southeast Nebraska and enrolling at PSC.

"My degree is in Consumer Economics, but one of my electives was Radio & Television," Black said. "I knew right away that I enjoyed broadcasting. One of my favorite assignments was creating a film loop program on a nutrition topic; Paul Kruse kept this on file in the library for a long time.

"Then I got to be a radio announcer for an evening on Peru's campus radio station," she said. "Who knew this was to be the start of my radio career?

"Peru's affordability coupled with the financial support I received from the college made it possible for me to finish my degree," Black noted.

(Continued on Page 15)

Sundae Knott Nordstrom ('82) of Pierson, Iowa is the Head Teacher for Cherokee Boys and Girls Home in Cherokee, Iowa. She and her husband Eric have two children, Benjamin Eric and Meghan Kristine Anne.

Allysyn Molzahn Paap ('87) and husband John of Dunbar, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Dylan John, born in July.

Deb Posey ('87) of Hebron, Neb. is teaching fourth grade in the Fairbury Public Schools.

Becki Young Propst ('81) of Peru, Neb. was honored this spring as the Peru Area Ladies Woman of the Year. Becki, who is branch manager of the Bank of Cook, Peru Branch, is president of the Peru Chamber of Commerce and is active in many organizations in Peru and the surrounding area.

Bev Ramsey ('89) of Tecumseh, Neb. is the new Human Resources Director for MBA Poultry, L.L.C. of Tecumseh. She had been Personnel Specialist for Peru State College.

Linda Shepard ('85) - where o where are you? The all-time PSC women's basketball scoring leader is one of our "Most Wanted" lost alums. If anyone can help us to locate Linda, please forward the information to Kent Propst at the college.

Kim Mehlin Standerford ('89) of Humboldt, Neb. is the Title I teacher at Dawson- Verdon Public School.

Paul Stanosheck ('88) of Beatrice, Neb. completed the 1997-98 Advanced School of Banking this summer. Paul is associated with the State Bank of Odell, Neb.

(continued on page 15)

Lora Lunzmann Black ( '77) is

(Photo contributed)

Dr. Sharc4 Mccaslin heads library

Dr. Sharon McCaslin has been appointed interim Director of the Library at Peru State College, according to President Richard Flynn.

The appointment will continue while the college completes a national search to fill the position, Dr. Flynn said.

"We are pleased to have someone with Dr. Mc Caslin' s background available to fill in during this interim period," Dr. Flynn said. "Her vast library experience and knowledge of the Peru campus will serve the college well."

Dr. Mccaslin is the

Technical Services Librarian. She has worked at the PSC library throughout her entire professional career after joining the library staff in 1971.

She has a Bachelors degree from Kansas State University, a Masters degree from Emporia (Kan.) State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of NebraskaLincoln.

Dr. McCaslin 's husband Stan is a faculty member at Peru State. They have two children, daughter Heather in Lubbock, Texas and son Steve in Grinnell, Iowa.

Loa Black's World .....................

"(Ile of the teachers who wa a big influence on my life w•S Arlene (Borchers) Fell (67)," she said. "She was my advisor, instructor, home economics club sponsor and mentor. We still get together as often as we can since we both now live in Lincoln."

Nebraska authors

Besides occasionally being asked by store clerks if she is "the Lora Black that is on the radio," working for NPRN has created some other wonderful moments for Black, including her narration of the Lincoln Symphony's Young People's Series, and her thoughtful readings of works by Nebraska authors over the NPRN airwaves.

Following an eight-hour

reading by Black of WiIIa Cather's My Antonia in December 1994, a host of listeners wrote and called in with rave reviews of the broadcast. She has also read stories by Mari Sandoz and Bess Streeter Aldrich, and produced a feature story on the native Elmwood, Neb. writer that garnered her an Associated Press Broadcaster's Award in 1994.

"Bringing great Nebraska writers to radio and giving listeners the motivation to read or re-read these wonderful works gives me great satisfaction," says Black, whose appearances aren't limited to the airwaves. She has also appeared in several movies and television

From Page 14

miniseries, including Citizen Ruth, 0 Pioneers!, Amerika, and The Trial of Standing Bear.

These days Lora Black listens to her beloved music on a CD player, but the soul of her musical appreciation stiII emanates from that scratchy 33 and 1/3 record that somewhere in her mind slowly turns on that old record player, keeping time to that endless Nebraska summer, so fu11 of possibilities.

(Editor's Note: This story is reprinted with the permission of its author. The Nebraska Public Radio Network is a service of Nebraska Educational Telecommunications)

1980s (continued)

Craig Stevens ('88) of Sioux City, Iowa has joined the staff of the Morningside College women's basketball program as assistant coach. He had been an assistant to the men's basketball program for the past three years. Prior to his move to Morningside, Craig was the women's basketball coach at Mid Plains Community College in North Platte, Neb.

Melody Dodge Stone (attd. '82-'84) of Kansas City received her M.D. degree from the University of MissouriKansas City School of Medicine in May. She is taking her residency in Internal Medicine at the Brown University Medical Center, Rhode Island Hospital in Providence R.I. Melody was a dental hygienist for several years prior to attending UMKC medical school. She and her husband have two children, Nicholas and Hannah.

Don Strecker ('86) has been promoted to Sports Editor of the Columbus (Neb.) Telegram newspaper. The new appointment became effective .in August.

Judy Hughes Stukenholtz ('84) of Peru, Neb. spent two weeks this summer in Romania assisting at orphanages for children ages three months to three years. The program was sponsored by For God's Children International. Judy is a middle school teacher at Nebraska City.

Julie Dunker Tubbesing ('89) of Cook, Neb. is. teaching business education at the Nemaha Valley Schools this year. She had previously been the Chapter I and elementary technology coordinator at Nemaha Valley.

Mark Watton ('82) of Wahoo, Neb. was selected Coach of the Year for Classes B-C-D boys by the Metro Basketball Association. Mark is the boys basketball coach for Wahoo High School which is a Class C-1 school. Mark was also named one of the 1998 Lincoln Journal-Star Prep Coaches of the Year.

Karen Gerking Wolken ('84) of Tecumseh, Neb. participated in the 1998 Summer Teacher Internship Program sponsored by the Southeast Nebraska School-To-Work Partnership and area Tech Prep Consortium. Karen is the English, speech and journalism teacher at Johnson-Brock Schools.

Lisa Albrecht (attd. '91'93) of Nebraska City, Neb. and Nicholas Schmitz were married in June. Lisa is employed by Midwest Construction Company in Nebraska City.

PSC senior Hannah Birky and Michael Kroeker were married last June in Hesston, Kan.

Debra Carlson ('93) of Burr, Neb. and Keith Moss were married in July.

Denise Cave ('89) and Shane Kincaid were married in June. They reside in Wichita, Kan. where Denise is a substitute teacher.

Christopher Cook ('98) and Kimberly Mailand

were married in June in Seward, Neb. He is working for Information Technology, Inc. in Lincoln as a computer programmer.

Bethany L. Cordry ('96) of Blue Springs, Neb. and Kane P. Hookstra were married in June. Bethany is employed by the Martin Luther Home in Beatrice.

Kristi Cummins ('95) and PSC student Dennis Baker were married in May. She continues to teach business and computers and coaches volleyball and basketball in Kadoka, S.D. Dennis attends PSC.

Joe Dunn ('96) of Highland, Kan. and Jennifer Froeschl ('97) of Falls City,

Neb. were married in July. Joe is employed at Ingles Elementary School in Kansas City, Mo.

Julie Eisenhauer ('94) and Chuck Diers were married in September. Julie is employed by Perleman and Carley Associates in Omaha.

Jeff Endorf ('98) and Lisa Callies were to be married in October in Norfolk, Neb. Jeff is a technical training specialist with the Nebraska Public Power District in Columbus, Neb.

Jamie Flaugh ('95) and Angela Gastro were married in July. Jamie is an accounting supervisor at IBP, Inc. and lives in Sioux City, Iowa.

(Continued on Page 18)

1990s

Amy Jo Allen ('98) is the junior high special education teacher at the Doniphan (Kan.) County Education Coop. She also is attending graduate school at Emporia (Kan.) State University.

Jennifer LaBalle Anderson ('96) is working for the Southeast Nebraska Community Action (SENCA) program in Auburn, Neb. as assistant teacher.

Lynn Andersen (attd. '94-'95) of Auburn, Neb. joined the staff of The Auburn Newspapers in June. She is responsible for subscriptions, classified advertising and local news.

Spencer Anderson ('94) and wife Jeanine of Columbus, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Dalton James, born in May.

Sara Anton ('98) is the new secondary special education teacher at South Page (Iowa) Community School in College Springs, Iowa.

(continued on page 16)

1990s (continued)

Ellen Wenzel Kruger _(\s a Research Chemist at Bayer Research Park I!1 She conducts studies on pesticides for reg1stratwn 10 ses with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Luke Avery ('98) is working in customer t and as a software installer for Information Techn( 0 r I c of Lincoln, Neb. y, n ·

Aaron Bailey ('95) is the sixth grade resourct her at the Plattsmouth Middle School. He had previouslSc ht in Kansas City, Kan. ig

Mac Attack

The

New 'Mystery Picture' A Sports Soap Opera?

We've apparently been doing a better job than Agatha Christie with recent "Mystery Pictures." Not many have taken a stab at our last couple of photos.

We realized odds were that few would be able to identify many of the "Solid Macs" Navy V-12 band from the World War II era.

Keith Albers (' 47) of Red Cloud, Neb. - himself a V12er in 1943-44 - was able to identify the group's singer as "Coatney." And indeed she was - Lorene Coatney Moritz.

Keith also provided us with a second photograph of the same band taken just moments

Scour and Score

after our "Mystery Picture," with a better shot of the drummer. And he loaned us a group photo of a V-12 unit taken in the Great Room at Delzell Hall.

Nancy Steck LaVigne of Mesa, Ariz. was "quite sure" the sax player on the far right is Dwight Houseman, and she was indeed right. Nancy also guessed, and accurately so, that the singer was Lorene Coatney.

But we did have a gentleman who had a name for all but two of the band members. Dr. Pat Rooney of Ventura, Calif. was himself a member of the Solid Macs.

The leader of the group

(standing front left) is Richard Hansen. The sax section included (from left) Richard Pascal, James Thornton, Rooney, and Houseman.

The back row from left includes the drummer, mostly hidden, who was Rudy Jacuzzi; an unknown trombone player; Bob "Al" Mills on trumpet; Newell Bowman (standing) on bass viol; William Bigler on trumpet; an unknown person (probably a singer?) leaning on the piano; and Dwaine Pucket on piano. Thanks to one and all!

(Continued on Page 17)

Dawn Bailey ('98) is a teacher in the St. Colur'-ille school in Papillion, Neb. \

Paula Richie Barnett ('92) and husband Ted of Aub'n Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, McKenzie Ann, in May. She was welcomed home by a brother, Trevor.

Elizabeth Morrissey Beethe ('93) is working as a\ Physician's Assistant at the Tecumseh (Neb.) Family Health office.

Catherine Boeche ('97) is teaching fifth grade at Northside Elementary in Nebraska City, Neb.

Jami Boeck ('98) is teaching sixth grade for the Omaha Public Schools.

April Border ('98) is working for Maple Wood Counseling in Ralston, Neb. as a family support worker.

Bryan Bott ('97) is attending graduate school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City studying in the sports psychology field.

Lisa Brown ('96) is teaching special education and coaching eighth grade girls basketball for the Norris Middle School in Firth, Neb.

Mark Bruecher ('98) is Superintendent, Programs and Mobility for the U.S. Air Force at its Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue, Neb.

Chris Cerveny ('98) is an electrician for the Nebraska Public Power District at its plant near Hallam, Neb.

Ceci Chandler ('96) of Lincoln, Neb. recently began a six-month training period to become an underwriter for State Farm Insurance. She will be receiving training in both the life and health divisions.

Debora Chaney ('98) of Percival, Iowa is the Title I reading teacher in the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca (Neb.) Public Schools.

Maureen Cobb ('98) is living in Bellevue, Neb. and working as a substitute teacher in area schools.

Lance Cohn ('98) is a consultant for NCRA Blue Chip Illustrated, and is living in Lakewood, Colo.

Margaret Collin ('97) is a manager for U.S. West Communication in Omaha.

Felicia Duncan Criner ('96) is director of the Kidz Kollege Preschool program in Murray, Neb.

(continued on page 17)

Solid Macs Navy V-12 dance band from the early 1940s was a jumping bunch. See the story for a partial ID of its members.

These guys didn't just scrub up in the shower- they were known to clean up on the basketball court, too. How many of these late- J940s Bobcats can you name?

Alma C. Ashley

Master Teacher

Alma C. Ashley

Dies in June

Longtime PSC Professor Alma C. Ashley passed away in Lincoln, Neb. in June. She was 93.

Ashley taught elementary education at Peru State from 1949 until she retired in 1970. She was awarded the Peru State College Distinguished Service Award in 1984.

She was born in Wymore, Neb. and began her teaching career in rural schools after graduating from Lincoln (Neb.) High School in 1922. She taught in Lancaster County schools for 18 years, then taught in Utica and Seward, Neb. before taking the position at PSC in 1949.

Ashley received both her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Remarkably, she completed nearly all of her college and graduate coursework by way of night school, weekend courses and summer school.

Ashley was active in many service groups and in local, state and national retired teachers associations.

She is survived by a nephew, Ken Hartman ('65) of Ames, Iowa.

Ruth Albers Acton (twoyear '51) of Holmesville, Neb. passed away in September. She was a school teacher in the Beatrice Public Schools, and later was employed by Earl May in Beatrice. She was active in many church and community activities.

Maryon Thomas Adams ('42) of Peru, Neb. passed away in September. She attended the old Indian Hill school in Peru and graduated from Peru Prep. She also received a masters degree from PSC. She taught at Peru Prep from 1954 until it was closed by the state legislature in 1967, and she then taught in the Peru Elementary School until retiring in 1983.

Gertrude Jens en Bahensky (attd. '17) of St. Paul, Neb. passed away in June.

Donald Bressler ('53) of Moravia, Iowa passed away in September in Centerville, Iowa. He taught briefly, then worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad.

Grace Bogenrief Burton (summers '18 and '20) of Topeka, Kan. passed away in May.

Katherine Landolt Craig ('31) of Denver, Colo. passed away in May. She and her husband Len were in the grocery business in Peru for many years. She also worked at the PSC bookstore.

Dan Dallam ('26) of Trenton, Neb. passed away in July. He taught in Arcadia, Talmage, Trenton and North Platte in Nebraska until retiring in 1970.

Ona Koch Erickson (attd. '35, summers '36 and '39) of Corvallis, Ore. passed away in June.

E. Arline Veal Frank (attd. '32-'33, summers '32, '35 and

'38) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in September.

Mildred Meyers Gillard ('48) of Glenwood, Iowa passed away in May. Her husband, Ben, was a 1949 graduate of PSC.

Donald Gillen ('44) of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio passed away in April.

Helen Neddenriep Govig ('48) of Omaha, Neb. passed away in June. A sister Bernice Evans ('41) lives in Fremont, Neb.

Faye Hanna ('52) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in August. She was a retired teacher and taught at the Falls City Junior High for many years.

N. Louise Peterson Harshbarger (attd. summers '40 and '49) of Humboldt, Neb. passed away in July. She was a former school teacher, and had been active in community organizations. Her children include Ted ('77), Director of Co-op Ed and Career Services at PSC, and Rhea Spears ('82) of Chandler, Ariz.

Elizabeth Wiles Henderson ('39) of Lubbock, Texas passed away in June. She was a former teacher and business woman in Glenwood, Iowa.

Lucille Russell Hicks (summers '23-'31, bachelors '60) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in June. She was a retired school teacher. She taught a total of 21 years and began her teaching career at Howe, Neb. Lucille later taught at Shubert (Neb.) and Southeast Consolidated at Stella. She was an active member of her church and other community organizations. Her children include Russ ('63) of Johnson and Mary Lu McCoy ('68) of Omaha.

(Continued on Page 22)

Mystery Pictures .......................

Our newest Mystery Picture is about as racy as any as you're going to see in the Stater. These well-scrubbed cagers comprised the starting quintet for at least some of the games for a very fine Bob.cat basketball squad from the late 1940s. ··

If you can ID them, please

JPeJfllll

1990s (continued)

Kim Cox ('98) is teaching fourth graders at St. Matthews School in Omaha.

Jessica Damrow ('98) is attending the School of Optometry at the University of Indiana.

Brett E. Davis ('97) is an elementary teacher at JohnsonBrock Public Schools. He previously taught at Dorchester, Neb., and was a finalist for the 1998 "Rookie of the Year Teacher" award presented by the Nebraska State Education Association.

Jeremy Doty ('98) is teaching fourth, fifth and sixth grade students at Lawrence (Neb.) Public Schools this year. He also is the head volleyball coach there.

Terry Dugan ('97) recently accepted a position as News/Sports editor of the Auburn Newspapers in Auburn, Neb. Terry was the editor of the Peru State Times while a student at PSC, and had most recently been working on his Masters degree at Maryville, Mo.

Billy J. Duren ('98) is a field service representative for Raytheon Systems of Bellevue, Neb.

Jason ('95) and Kim Fey ('96) Esser of Glenwood, Iowa are proud parents of a son, Jackson Wyatt, born in September.

Merlin Wane Eudy ('92) is an Air Force Junior ROTC Aerospace Science Instructor for the Plattsmouth (Neb.) Community Schools.

Amy Evans ('98) is a youth diversion specialist for C.J.'s Futures in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Shawn Exner ('98) is teaching in the Omaha Public Schools system.

Jana Ramsey Fink ('92) and husband Jeff of Humboldt, Neb. are proud parents of twin daughters, Jackalyn Joan and Jena Jane born in June. They were welcomed home by a brother, Jake. Proud grandmothers include Beverly Ramsey ('89), former Personnel Specialist at PSC, and Joan Fink ('94) both of Tecumseh.

Amber Frey ('98) is working as an at-risk student tutor for the Sabetha/Wetmore (Kan.) school system.

Debra Friesz ('97) is teaching at the Case School in Elkhorn, Neb.

Veronica Tesina Gabel ('97) is Vocational Coordinator for Region V Services in Seward, Neb.

Mike Gay ('98) is a study skills teacher for the Omaha Public Schools, and is attending graduate school at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

From Page 16

Shawn Gerdes ('96) is materials and scheduling manager for the Pella Corp. in Pella, Iowa.

forward the information to: Kent Propst, c/o "Mystery Picture," Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421, or call (402) 872-2225, oremail him at:

propst@bobcat. peru .edu

And please remember - we are always interested in your Mystery Pictures, too. (The

names of the participants need not be a mystery to you, of course).

If you would like to submit a photo for consideration as a Mystery Picture, send it to Kent Propst at the above address; be sure to put your name & address on the back of the photo.

Meghan Gilligan Goeglein ('97) is working at the Oconomowoc (Wis.) Developmental Training Center as a residential counselor for adults who have Prader Willi Syndrome.

Mike Goering ('97) is working at Information Technology, Inc. in Lincoln, Neb.

(continued on page 18)

I Wcecdkdliumg lBcelili§

(From Page 15)

PSC student Mara Fritz and Craig Dungan were married in September.

Tracy L. Gibbons ('96) of Three Oaks, Mich. and William J. Donner were married in July.

Kelli Givens ('98) and Ross Tomjack ('97) were married in June and are living in Omaha. Ross is a case worker for the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility there.

Former PSC student Christopher Golden (attd. '97) and PSC student Kerri Ann Sandahl, both of Nebraska City, Neb. were married recently.

Teresa Goracke ('97) and Andrew Plummer ('96) were married in July in Tecumseh, Neb. Teresa is a substitute teacher in Omaha and Andrew is a CPA with Deloitte and Touche LLP.

Sara Hawley (attd. '94-'95) of Lincoln, Neb. and Brian Moody were married in July. Sara is a senior at UN-L where she is majoring in science education. Brian is the son of PSC secretary Linda Moody. Sara's mother is the former Nancy Green ('72), also a secretary at PSC.

Jeffrey Heatherington (attd. '94) of Shenandoah, Iowa and Melissa Stille were married in June. Jeff is employed with TWA in Kansas City, Mo.

Jennifer Hurt ('96) and Matthew Maus were married in June in Grand Island, Neb. Jen teaches kindergarten at St. Paul Elementary School.

Thomas Hyde ('94) and Deb Granquist were married in June in Omaha. He works at West Telemarketing in Omaha.

Robert King (attd. '79-'85) and Frances Thibodeau were married in July in Fremont, Neb. He is a manager for Tires Inc. in Omaha.

Charles Lanning ('98) of Peru, Neb. and Bernadette Oliver were married in July. Charles is employed by the South East Nebraska Developmental Services office

in Auburn.

Gregory James Larsen ('88) and Michelle Owens were married in August in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He works with Refinish Distributors Warehouse.

Deanna Magee (attd. '88'90) and Ronald Ruff were married in August. Deanna works for Producers Insurance Agency and they live in Lincoln.

Jessica Magill ('98) and Stephen Manna were married in May in Omaha.

Cindy Baker Martin ('83) of Auburn, Neb. and Matt Kreifels of Nebraska City, Neb. were married in June. Cindy is an elementary teacher in the Johnson-Brock school system.

Gregg Mattox ('96) and Amy Bowman were married in May in Omaha. He works for Inacom Corp.

PSC students Matthew Maxwell and Rachel Meyers of Auburn, Neb. were married in July.

Tim McAdams ('89) and Janet Koontz were to be married in November in Papillion, Neb. Tim is a supervisor with First Data Resources.

Sean McLaughlin (attd. '93-'95) and Susan Picray ('98) were married in October in Des Moines, Iowa. They now reside in Lincoln, Neb.

Rebecca Miller ('94) and Rick Spotanski were married in July in York, Neb.

Carrie Myers ('97) of Weeping Water, Neb. and Lee Hauschild were married in September.

Christa Myers ('97) and Kiley White were married in September in Thurman, Iowa. Christa works in Omaha for Ameritrade.

Mark Orth ('95) of Omaha and Stephanie Adkins were married in July. Mark is a marketing representative at Ameritrade in Omaha.

PSC student DeeAnn Othmer and Harold Richardson ('89) were mar-

ried in August in Elk Creek, Neb. Harold teaches physical education in the Sterling, Neb. schools.

Jamie Rathbone ('97) of Norfolk, Neb. and Renae Ottemann were married in July. Jamie is a teacher at the Loomis Public Schools.

Val M. Richardson ('97) of Fairbury, Neb. and Jared Adams were married in August in Grand Island, Neb. Val teaches math in Fairbury.

Karen M. Rolf ('97) of Morrill, Kan. and Grant Miller were married in May. Karen is a Middle School Interrelated Resource teacher in the Sabetha (Kan.) School system.

Tamara Sealley ('91) and Jeffrey Teten ('89) both of Omaha were married in July. They are employed by Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha.

Arthur Silknitter Jr. ('97) and Kristine Townsend were married in August in Bellevue, Neb. He is an elementary school teacher, teaching English as a Second Language for the Omaha Public Schools.

Gayle Steiger ('95) and Amy Stolley were married in June in York, Neb. Gayle is a CPA at Romans, Wiemer and Associates.

Karen Thormahlen ('72) of Nebraska City, and Michael DeHart were married in June in Nebraska City. Karen works with the state Department of Health & Human Services in that community.

Jennifer Trouba ('98) and Paul Rasmussen were married in June in Albion, Neb. Jennifer is subbing in area schools and will be coaching freshmen girls basketball at Albion this season.

Tracy Weatherby (attd. '85-'86) and Rhonda Ronhovde were married in September.

Lora White ('93) and Corey Gulley were married in June in Omaha. Lora works in the juvenile office for the City of St. Louis, Mo., where they reside.

(Continued on Page 19)

1990s (continued)

Tricia Goodman ('95) is the new fifth grade teacher for the Sidney (Iowa) Community Schools. She also coaches junior high girls volleyball and basketball.

Lelania Jane Graham ('98) is working for Purina Mills in St. Louis, Mo. as Central Region staff accountant. Husband Wes ('98) is an information technology specialist for IBM in Hazelwood, Mo.

Jody Gude (attd. '88, '94-'96) is the new elementary resource teacher for the Ashland-Greenwood (Neb.) Public Schools.

Angela Guinn ('98) is teaching in the Bellevue (Neb.) public schools.

David Gulizia ('97) is office manager for Liberty Services Management, Inc. in Bismarck N.D.

Debra Han ('98) is a paraprofessional special needs and substitute teacher for the Louisville (Neb.) Public Schools.

Liz Hansen ('98) is a physical education teacher on the elementary school level for the Plattsburg (Mo.) Schools.

Dr. Jerrold T. Hanson, former Chair of the PSC Education Division and a PSC faculty member from 198895, and his wife DeeAnn were campus visitors in October. They are enjoying retirement in Ohio City, Colo.

Kim Hawkinson ('97) is working in Ralston, Neb. as .a city carrier for the U.S. Post Office.

Stephanie Kroeger Heflin ('92) is living at Yokota Air Force Base in Japan where her husband, Pat, is stationed. Stephanie is teaching second grade for the Department of Defense Dependents School Systems.

Jessica Cardenas Helms ('94) and husband Rob of Omaha are proud parents of their first child, Zachary Maurice, born in January.

Kelsi Hines ('97) of Auburn, Neb. has been accepted into graduate school at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo. She will be working with the intramural program and is a teaching assistant in the Health and Physical Education department. This past summer Kelsi was named the 1998 Burwell (Neb.) Rodeo Queen. She also participated in several other rodeos in the area.

Michael Holthus ('95) and his wife Dawn of Plattsmouth, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Carter James, born in May.

Bethany Cordry Hookstra ('96) and husband Kane of Beatrice, Neb. are proud parents of a son born in September.

Lisa Hronik ('98) is an elementary school special education teacher in the King City (Mo.) Schools.

Angie Hubach ('97) is recreation officer for the Missouri Department of Corrections in Maryville, Mo.

Jody Jansky ('97) is a special education teacher for the Lincoln Public Schools at its Clinton Elementary facility.

Rhonda Johnson ('96) of Neb. is teaching art at the Johnson-Brock Public Schools.

(continued on page 19)

Thr e Join SC Hall am

Three different paths, one destination.

The Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame gained three additions on Saturday, Oct. 24. A Meritorious Service inductee joined two standout athletes at the induction ceremony during halftime of the Bobcat Homecoming football game.

Ollie Mayfield

Oliver "Ollie" Mayfield graduated from the Campus of A Thousand Oaks in 1950. He didn't take long to etch his name in Nebraska sports history.

He was named Lincoln Journal Star Coach of the Year in 1953 while coaching at Alvo High. A native of Louisville, Neb. he spent time as an assistant coach in Arizona for several seasons.

From 1968 to 1977 Mayfield was the head coach at Tucson High where he compiled an 81-23-1 record and two state titles. In 1978 Mayfield took the reigns at Sabino High in Tucson. The team had a 22-game losing streak at the time and Mayfield took them to the playoffs all three years he coached Sabino, leading them to a 21-12 record.

His career head coaching record stands at 144-55-2. He was named Arizona Coach of the Year by the Arizona Daily Star in 1970 and 1971.

Mayfield also was named Coach of the Year by the Arizona Republic in 1971, and was the 1970s Arizona Coach of the Decade. He was inducted into the Arizona Coaches Hall of Fame in 1984.

Mayfield is retired and lives in Tucson, Ariz.

Kristi Olberding George

When Kristi Olberding George left Peru State she didn't leave wet ink in any one record book - she left it in two.

A two-sport standout for the Bobcats, the Falls City native left her stamp in both the volleyball and basketball record books.

George was dominating on the volleyball court. Ten years after her departure from Peru's campus she still holds the career mark for blocks with 803. That mark is currently the fifth highest mark in NAIA history.

As a junior she totaled 333 blocks, a Bobcat single season record. She is also No. 5 on

JPeJflfilvi

1990s (continued)

Scott Jones ('93), the woodworking and carpentry teacher at Nemaha Valley Schools in Cook, Neb., participated in the 1998 Summer Teacher Internship Program sponsored by the Southeast Nebraska School-To-Work Partnership and area Tech Prep Consortium.

Douglas Jordan ('98) is concession supervisor at the Henry Doody Zoo in Omaha. He is taking graduate classes from the University of Michigan through its program at Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue.

Douglas Jorn ('96) is the social science teacher, head boys basketball coach, assistant football coach, and seventh and eighth grade boys basketball coach at the AnselmoMerna (Neb.) Schools.

Jaisa Kappas ('98) is teaching industrial technology for the Millard (Neb.) Public Schools. She plans to enroll in graduate school at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Famous

the Bobcats' career kills list with 1,248.

George didn't just block well around a volleyball net, she also dominated on the basketball court. She is third on the Bobcat basketball career blocked shot list with 74.

With 808 career rebounds she is fourth on the Bobcat career list. Her 849 career points puts her at 12th.

George now lives in Leavenworth, Kan.

Danny Shouse

In three seasons, Danny Shouse did what others attempt to accomplish in fourbecome the Bobcat all-time leading scorer.

Shouse's collegiate career started in Miami, Fla. at Dade South Community College. Destined to transfer to Indiana State in his hometown of Terre Haute, the Sycamores recruited a player by the name of Larry Bird and the high-scoring Shouse looked elsewhere.

From Miami, Fla., Shouse

found Peru State College. In three seasons (197 6- 79) he scored 1,893 points, an average of 24.9 points a game.

Shouse was a three-time NAIA District 11 All-District selection and an NAIA Honorable Mention AllAmerican. After a senior season that saw Shouse score 30 or more points in 14 different contests, he was named the Lincoln Journal Star Athlete of the Year.

He was also unanimously chosen the captain of the Omaha World-Herald AllState College Basketball Team. When Shouse ended his career he owned eight PSC individual records.

After leaving Peru, Shouse played professional basketball for several seasons in Reykjavik, Iceland. He scored 100 points in a contest before his career was shortened by injuries.

Shouse currently resides in Lincoln, Neb.

Kristine Meeske Kapustka ('94) of Lincoln, Neb. keeps active in the performance arts business. She recently was featured in a melodrama "Lovely In Danger" that was presented at the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland, Neb.

Douglas Kerns ('98) is teaching English at the Norborne (Mo.) Public Schools.

Michelle Kildow ('96) has joined Tender Heart Treasures in Omaha as a product designer.

Susan Kirkendall-Findlay ('96) is substitute teaching for schools in Sabetha, Kan. and in Richardson and Pawnee Counties in Nebraska.

Don Kiviniemi ('98) has joined the Omaha Public Schools as a sixth grade teacher.

Thomas Klingemann ('98) is a pharmacist with Nebraska Health Systems for the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Ryan Knippelmeyer ('95) is the fifth and sixth grade science teacher for the Elmwood-Murdock Schools. He previously taught at Tri-Center in Neola, Iowa.

Jeff Koehler ('98) is an industrial technology teacher at Louisville (Neb.) Public Schools. He is also the junior high head football and basketball coach. Jeff lives in Papillion, Neb.

Laurie Konrad ('98) is teaching seventh grade language arts for Bryan Middle School in Omaha.

IMarcie Goracke Lacey ('96) is a kindergarten teacher for the Kearney (Neb.) Public Schools.

I(From Page 18)

PSC senior Rhonda Whitten and Dustin Clark were married in July in Benjamin, Texas.

James Wilson ('72) of Omaha and Mary Buford were married in September. Jim is a 'Computer systems engineer with SAIC.

Christopher Wright ('94) and Susan Wachter were married in August in Kingsley, Iowa. He works at Gateway in North Sioux City, S.D.

Randall B. Wymore ('95) and Cynthia A. Yates ('96) of Lee's Summit, Mo. were married in June.

Jon ('98) and Tricia Boeck ('96) Kruse of Nebraska City, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Kyle Matthew, born in July. He was welcomed home by a brother, Benjamin. Jon is a part time teacher with the Otoe County country school, and continues to work for American Meter. Tricia is a substitute teacher.

Michelle Lytle Lane ('97) is working in the accounting department for GEA Engine Cooling Systems in Catoosa, Okla.

(continued on page 22)

Danny Shouse (left), Kristi Olberding George and Ollie Mayfield were enshrined in the PSC Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremonies on Oct. 24.

(Photo by Kent Propst)

Youthful Hoopsters Look for Progress Throughout Season

With seven freshman among the top 12 players the Peru State men's basketball squad is due for some early season hard knocks. Coach John Gibbs is planning on it.

Scheduling their first nine games on the road, Gibbs hopes most of the hard knocks are out of the way by the time the Bobcats make their inaugural appearance in the Wheeler Center in December.

This years squad will feature two separate groups on the floor. The first will be a more experienced group, according to Gibbs, the second a group of young hustlers.

You can't call the experienced group "seasoned." Only three of the five saw playing time for the 11-21 Bobcats a year ago. But Gibbs said they will be leaders for the Cats. "They are going to run a more patterned offense and a manta-man defense," Gibbs said.

Sophomore center Dan Stoakes (Bellevue) averaged 6.1 points and 4.0 rebounds a

year ago. Gibbs said Stoakes has potential to be a key for the Cats. "Dan could be a very dominant big man for us this year and for the next three seasons."

Injury to Thompson

Senior Matt Thompson (Harlan, Iowa) is the only returnee who saw action in every game a year ago. He averaged 5.5 points and 2.5 boards. An ankle injury will sideline Thompson for at least the first month of this season.

Gibbs said once Thompson returns he will be a leader.

"Matt's leadership and experience is needed on this team. This is his third year in the program so he knows what is going on. We will be an improved team when he returns."

Sophomore Neil Hayhurst (Meriden, Kan.) averaged 2.3 points and 1. 7 rebounds for the Cats last season. Gibbs said his shooting ability will give the Bobcats an outside threat.

Junior Coe Jones (Dallas) really excites Coach Gibbs. "He brings a combination of strength and athleticism. I have never coached anyone as strong as this man. He's 27 years old and has just scratched the surface of what he can do on the basketball floor. We feel his development is a real key for this team."

Leading the Bobcats from his point guard position will be Rod VanNoordstrand (Council Bluffs, Iowa).

According to Gibbs the red-

shirt freshman is an intense competitor.

Freshman captain

"Rod is a real leader. The team named him as co-captain on this year's squad. I have never had a freshman co-captain before. But Rod deserves it. He plays hard and has a great shot for a point guard."

An old face returns to the Bobcats. Junior Greg Liesemeyer (Syracuse, Neb.) played for the Bobcats in the 1995-96 season and will provide the Bobcats a quality reserve both inside and out.

The 6-foot 6 forward suffered an ankle injury that season but Gibbs said he is back at full strength now. "He has an excellent outside shot. He's put on some weight in the last couple years which should help him battle both in the paint and from the outside."

The White Squad promises to be fun and exciting to watch, said Gibbs. "This group is going to give everything they have. They are very athletic and they are going to press a lot."

The point guard for White Squad is freshman Corneal Conn (Kansas City, Mo.). Gibbs said Conn can be explosive. "Corneal is very athletic and he has a great shot for a point guard."

Complete athlete

Redshirt freshman Scott Gibbs (Peru) excites Coach Gibbs. Not just because he is the veteran coach's son, but because he is so athletic.

"Scott is probably our best

Veterans

(22, shooting) aretwo of only three players who saw action for the Bobcats last season and who are on the '98- '99 roster. The "youth movement" will be even more pronounced until Thompson recovers from a pre-season ankle injury that will sideline him for much of the early season.

by Tony Koso) complete athlete. He is a great hustler and has the best vertical on the team."

B.J. Winton (Papillion) is another product of the Bobcats'redshirt program. The freshman forward will improve throughout the year, said Gibbs. Curtis Batchelor (Fort Pierce, Fla.) is another true freshman that has tremendous abilities on the court, according to Gibbs.

Freshman centers Steve VanderKamp (Auburn) and Dan Stevens (Plattsmouth) will battle for playing time. Gibbs said VanderKamp can handle the ball well for a post player and Stevens is a very good jumper for his size.

Gibbs said this year's team is the youngest squad he has ever coached. "The bad news is we are young. The good news is we are young. We will probably take some lumps early. One of the biggest advantages a basketball team can have is experience. The only way we will get that is by playing.

"Every year our goal is still to go to the Na ti on al Tournament. This year my goal is to see progress throughout the season. With only one senior on this team if we progress throughout the year we will have a bright future."

Bobcat t II Squad Playin for Pride

Although the road has been bumpy, the Peru State football squad hasn't strayed off course. After a 4-2 start the Bobcats are still focused on a successful season.

The Bobcats began the season with four games away from the Oak Bowl. Ranked No. 24 in the NAIA pre-season football poll, the Cats began turning heads right away as they knocked off pre-season No. 6 Doane 31-21.

The next two weeks would see the Bobcats lose a pair of close contests. A 30-24 loss at Hastings (rated No. 2 at press time) and a disappointing 17-10 Apple Bowl loss to Dana didn't rest easy with Coach Dick Strittmatter.

"In our two losses our intensity dropped off," Strittmatter said. "The defense got it done but offensively we didn't play with desire and emotion in those two games."

The Bobcats fought right back and posted a 27-20 win over NCAA Division II Wayne State. It marked the first time Peru State had defeated a'

Wildcat team since 1973.

Special day

Heading into their home opener with a 2-2 record, the Bobcats crushed Valley City (N.D.) State 37-12 on Southeast Nebraska Appreciation Day and Parent's Day at the Oak Bowl. They followed with a 17-14 home win over Dakota Wesleyan, S.D. Strittmatter said so far this season many players have been stepping up for the Cats. "Defensively we are doing a great job. We have changed our look after the first couple of games and that has allowed us to be successful.

"Offensively we have had a lot of people do a good job but we are still working on consistency. If we ever hit on all cylinders throughout a whole game there won't be many teams that will beat us. We can be a very dangerous team and are close to putting it all together."

Peru has been led offensively by junior quarterback Wes Haveman (Shubert). , In the first five contests he

has completed 44 percent of his passes (63 of 141) and connected for eight touchdowns.

Junior fullback Terry Zessin (Oakland) has been the top runner for the Bobcats, averaging 4.6 yards a carry.

Top receivers

Senior wide receivers Zach Sangster (Bennet) and Todd Liberty (Falls City) are the Cats leading receivers. Both are in the Top 10 in career receiving yards.

On defense the Bobcats have shown strength across the lineup. Junior defensive end Shane Rippen (Culbertson) was leading the Cats with 54 tackles, including a team-high 11 tackles for losses.

Freshman Duane Kosch (Humphrey) has played both linebacker and defensive end. He made 43 stops for the Cats in the first five games. Freshman linebacker Andy Katz (Lincoln) also has played well.

Junior safety Jamol Harris (National City, Calif.) showed his lead-

ership skills in the Bobcat secondary and led the Cats with four quarterback sacks halfway through the year.

On special teams freshman placekicker Jake Schmidt (Waukee, Iowa) was among the nation's best in kick scoring. He had converted on all 15 extra point attempts and 8 of 12 field goals.

Near-record

Sophomore punter Chad Beckman (Stromsburg) also was in the NAIA Top 10 in punt average. One boot traveled 68 yards, two yards off Chad Erickson's 70-yard record set in 1989.

Sangster is back among the nation's best kickoff returners. The 1996 NAIA Honorable Mention All-American is averaging 33.33 yards a return.

Strittmatter said the Bobcats were enthusiastic to finish strong. "Our emotion since the Dana loss has been good. The team is content with our 4-2 record but we know we could be better. The kno,w they need to stay focused."

Dan Stoakes (44, left) and Matt Thompson

(Photo

Great Expectations For Women's B-Ball

Any time a basketball team returns four starters off a 20-12 team people are going to be excited.

Peru State women's basketball coach Tara Kreklau is excited. She should be.

Returning four of their top six scorers from a squad that was a game away from the national tournament, the Bobcats are determined to get there. This year.

Kreklau said the most obvious asset on this year's squad is its seasoning "This is the most experienced squad in my five years at Peru State. My very first recruiting class is now a group of seniors. This class has seen a lot of varsity playing time from its freshman year until now."

The three seniors on this year's squad are Celeste Nolte (Falls City), Amy Petry (Tarkio, Mo.) and Angela Stiens (Ravenwood, Mo.). Nolte led the Cats in scoring and rebounding a year ago from her post position, averaging 17.6 points and 9.2 boards a contest.

Long bombs

Smashin2!

Sophomore Randi Mayberry of Nebraska City has added a strong dimension to the Bobcats' bite this season. She is among the team leaders in kills.

Consistency Lacking On Volleyball Court

Inconsistency has plagued the Peru State volleyball team in the first half of the season. The Bobcats, who were ranked No. 9 in the pre-season NAIA poll, were 15-14 through midOctober.

Coach Todd Jensen said the Bobcats have lost many matches because they haven't stayed focused. "The two weakest parts of our game have been our passing and defense. Some of it is a communication breakdown and some of it boils down to determination."

Jensen said he was pleased with the play of several newcomers to the program. Freshman Janelle Findlay (Stella) was leading the squad in passing (.941) and hitting percentage (.264).

"Janelle has continued to please the coaching staff," Jensen said. "We knew she would be a leader but we didn't expect it to happen this early."

Sharp setter

Freshman setter Amanda Kemling (Aurora) also has been a consistent force for the Cats. "Amanda has done a good job," he said. "She has been a work horse. She has made some freshman mistakes but she shows good potential for the future."

But Jensen said this season isn't about just building for the future. He said seniors Carrie Leong (Honolulu) and

Kendra Jacobsen (Hampton) are determined to lead this team to the next level.

"Carrie has done a great job for us as a setter. She had never played the position before this year," he said. "Kendra has stepped up her game since the end of September. She understands this is her final year and she has been giving every ounce of her energy on the court."

One factor that has set the Cats more at ease is knowing they have played tough competition. Seven Bobcat opponents have been ranked in the NAIA Top 25. The Bobcats have also played two NCAA Division II squads and a Top 15 NCAA Division III opponent.

Shaping up

Jensen said that although this season looked at one point like it was heading for disappointment, the Cats were starting to show signs of improvement in October.

"We just need to pick up our consistency. That is what we were looking for in August and it is what we are looking for in October.

"If we are playing to our potential we deserve to go to the National Tournament," he said. "This is not a rebuilding year with all the youth on this year's squad. We have a good team. We have to look past our record and use each win as a stepping stone."

Stiens started in all but one contest last season. The 5-foot 6 guard averaged 5.4 points and 2.6 rebounds a game. She was among the Bobcat leaders behind the three-point arch, knocking down 29 tri-fectas last year.

Petry kicked in 4.1 points and 2.0 rebounds a game. She also was among the three-point arsenal, draining 25 long range jumpers.

Joining the three seniors as this year's captains will be junior DeeAnn Othmer Richardson (Tecumseh). She has started every game in her two-year career with the Bobcats. Last year she was the third-highest scorer for the Bobcats, averaging 10.3 points a game along with 4.6 rebounds.

Along with the four captains, the Cats return three sophomores who saw major playing time as freshman last season. Two returning posts include Tammi Christensen (Harlan, Iowa) and Sarah Dorrel (Bolckow, Mo.).

Frosh All-Star

Christensen averaged 7.9 points and 5.2 rebounds a game while Dorrel added 4.5 points and 3.7 rebounds a contest. Christensen was named to the NAIA Midwest Region AllIndependent Section Team a year ago.

Alicia Millard (Lincoln) returns to lead the Cats from her point guard position. She set the Bobcats' freshman record for assists and steals a year ago, dishing out 135 balls and swiping 70. She also contributed 6.2 points and 2.4 rebounds a game.

Kreklau said the Bobcats will also rely on players who saw time on the junior varsity floor a year ago along with a couple of freshmen recruits to fill in. She said the Bobcats are filled with strengths this season.

"The biggest strength of this year's squad is we don't have any glaring weaknesses. We have athletic post players who can run the floor well and can punish teams while scoring inside," Kreklau said.

Inside/outside

"Our perimeter players are quality shooters. Mixed in are some excellent three-point specialists. With our inside and outside punch we should be hard to defend," she added.

Kreklau said the Bobcats should improve on the defensive front this season. "Defensively I would have considered us an average team a year ago. This year I am hoping we will take more pride in our defense and turn it into one of our major strengths." With all the experience and confidence in this year's huddle, postseason play is on the Bobcats' minds.

"Our players want a trip to the National Tournament," Kreklau agreed. "That has been the goal of this year's senior class since they stepped on the Wheeler Center floor as freshmen. Not only is it a goal for the seniors but everyone on this team is striving towards it."

Spring Sports Enjoy Good Fall Seasons

Although they don't count officially until the spring season, both the Peru State softball and baseball squads had successful fall camps to build on in the spring.

The Bobcat softball squad went 5-4 in two tournaments this fall. Coach Mark Mathews said they played well against mighty competition.

"This fall was very positive for us," he said. "We played very competitive softball against some top-ranked teams, including NCAA Division II schools."

Peru State's softball squad is loaded with experience. The Bobcats lost only two seniors from last year's 18-21 squad. Three seniors return, outfielders Krissy Tatum (Kearney) and Amy Bachle (Daykin), and pitcher Melanie Tramp (Lincoln), who returns to lead the Bobcat pitchers.

Mathews said the seniors took the team under their wings. "Our seniors provided strong leadership this fall. Bachle and Tatum will be great veterans in the outfield for us while Tramp should be one of the most dominating pitchers in

the area."

The Bobcats will also rely on other returners. Included in the experienced group are five sophomores, all whom saw quality playing time as freshmen last spring.

Mathews said playing in tournaments this fall gave his players much need repetitions.

"The young players got some experience and showed the coaching staff we will be deep at many positions this spring. This should be a very prosperous year for us. The schedule is tough but we want to show our best against the best."

Baseball rebirth

According to Bobcat baseball coach Mark Bayliss, this is a different era. Last year's 740 campaign is behind the Cats as they look to a successful spring.

This fall the Bobcats played four doubleheaders, posting a 7-1 record. According to Bayliss the fall competition was average but he saw a lot of improvement in his team.

"This fall was good. The difference between this year and last is we have a lot more depth. That is making every-

one work harder to see playing time."

Although Bayliss wants to forget about the heartache of last year's season, he sees it as something to build on. "Last year was a learning experience for all of us which will help us in the long run."

This season the Bobcat pitching will be a lot stronger, according to Bayliss. "Last year had only two legitimate pitchers with any college experience. We have a lot more depth. We have some good additions and when you mix them with experienced pitchers we should be much improved on the mound."

On the infield the Bobcats will have a mix of veterans and newcomers. Bayliss said the outfield offers many players a chance to compete for the field. With the improvements in personnel and to the facilities on campus, Bayliss said the Bobcats' goal still rests on the NAIA World Series. "We don't want to be a little better than last year. We feel we have the team that can compete for a trip to the World Series in May."

(Photo by Tony Koso)

I lifililMfembrnfalm I

(From Page 17)

B.A. "Bud" Johnson (attd. '54-'55, summers in the '50s and '60s, and bachelors in '68) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in August. Bud was one of Nebraska's most acclaimed music teachers for 44 years and taught at Paxton, Stromsburg, Neligh and Syracuse, all in Nebraska. He retired in 1978 after 26 years at Syracuse. He was the first recipient of the Don Lentz Award from the Nebraska Bandmasters Association. His sons, Don ('63) of Fremont and Jim ('68) of Omaha, also received this honor.

Bud Kirby ('64) of Fairbury, Neb. passed away in July. He was a law enforcement officer and teacher, coach and guidance counselor.

Bertha Girthoffer Krause ('23) of Sioux City, Neb. passed away in July. She enjoyed a 49-year teaching career.

Vera Epler Goings Lavigne (attd. '15-'17) of Julian, Neb. passed away in September.

Word has been received of the death of Lela L. Lones ('56) of Perry, Iowa.

Lola Dewey Majors ('36) of Elkhart, Kan. passed away in May. Lola was a retired teacher and had spent the last 24 years of her career at Elkhart.

Ethel Fouraker Martineau ('68) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in October. She taught in rural schools in the Falls City area for 24 years.

Bob L. McCann (attd. '47'49) of St. Paul, Neb. passed away in July. He worked for the Federal Bureau of Reclamation, and was an engineer for the Nebraska Department of Roads from 1953to 1991.

Veda Rhodus McNeely ('23) of Wahoo, Neb. passed away in September.A brother, John Rhodus ('42), lives in Pocahontas, Ark.

Dorothy Folkes Melton ('32) of Tabor, Iowa passed away in June.

Bess Moore of Grand .away

in June. She was a substitute teacher for the campus school and worked in the campus bookstore. Her husband, the late Robert D. Moore, was a longtime professor at PSC. Her children include M. Sue Moore Johnson ('60) and husband Carroll ('60) of Grand Junction.

Robert B. Moore ('57) of Cochrane, Alberta, Canada passed away in August. He was the son of the late Prof. Robert D. and Bess Moore.

Myra Minick Moore (attd. '14) of Louisville, Neb. passed away in July. She was a teacher in rural schools for a few years, and then worked in the Bank of Nemaha as a bookkeeper and assistant cashier. She was also active in community organizations.

Carrie Rerucha Moravec (attd. '14) of Seward, Neb. passed away in July.

Michael Nannen ('74) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in August. He taught and coached high school basketball at Weeping Water, Red Cloud and Yutan, Neb. and also worked for Farmers Mutual Insurance.

Lillian Peterka Noble (attd. summers '26 and '27) of Nebraska City, Neb. died in July. She taught at Table Rock, Pawnee City, Nebraska City, and for the School for the Visually Handicapped in Nebraska City. She was an active potter, and designed and produced ceramic jewelry. Her pottery is represented in the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha and in private collections.

Emma Sinnen Ocker ('65) of Cook, Neb. passed away in May. She was a retired school teacher, having taught for 29 years. Her son, Sharon, is a 1953 PSC grad.

Florence K. Most Parli (attd. summers '28-'32) of Summerfield, Kan. passed away in June.

Anna Harms Petersen (summers, '22, '62-'67, night '67 - '69, bachelors '69) of Sterling, Neb. passed away in June. She was a retired elementary school teacher.

passed away in October in St. Joseph, Mo. She was 107.

Verle Stone Pierce ('31) of Nehawka, Neb. passed away in October. She was a retired school teacher.

Amelia Skrivan Puncochar (attd. '18) of St. Paul, Neb. passed away in July.

Rogene Rose Rach ow (' 44) of Gering, Neb. passed away in September. She was a retired teacher, and taught English and history before assuming the guidance counselor position at Morrill High school. She retired from teaching in 1977. She was an avid photographer and an active participant in the West Nebraska Arts Center. Her husband is William Rachow ('47).

Opal Nyland Rawson ('49) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in September.

Blanche Kubicek Rezabek (attd. summers in the '30s) of Wilber, Neb. passed away in July. She was a teacher in the rural schools of Saline County.

Violet Gates Sailors (attd. '29-'30, summers in the '50s and '60s) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in August. She was a retired rural school teacher.

Wayne Sayer, a former employee at PSC, passed away at his home in Seligman, Ariz. in June. He was on the maintenance and custodial staff at PSC from the mid-1950s until 1970.

Mabel Hanke Scheuneman (attd. '19-'23) of Moline, Ill passed away in July. She was a retired school teacher.

Word has been received of the death of Evelyn Jones Simon ('37) of Miami, Fla. in June of 1997. She began her teaching career in the Cambridge, Neb. public schools where she was a music teacher. After moving to Miami with her husband she began teaching music at the Cushman School where she taught for over 40 years.

Word has been received of the death of Elva Ostrander · Thomson ('32) of Palmyra, Neb.

If el.en Trail Pierce ('13). (Cpntinued on Page 24)

1990s (continued)

Dan LaRose ('97) of Plattsmouth, Neb. is the fifth grade American history teacher at the Plattsmouth Schools.

Gary Lester ('98) is working as a range control specialist for Lockheed Martin at Eielson AFB in Alaska.

Barry Lockard ('90) of Omaha has been appointed director of sales for Call Interactive, Inc. Barry has over ten years of sales and marketing experience, and has worked previously for West Tele-Services Corporation, MATTRIXX Marketing, and Black and Decker U.S. Inc.

Mindy Brockman Longe ('98) is a substitute teacher and diagnostic test administrator for the Millard (Neb.) Public Schools' Sylvan Learning Center.

Brent Lottman ('98) is working as a deputy sheriff for the Nemaha (Neb.) County Sheriff's Office, and works part-time for Peru State's campus security operation.

Kym Lucas ('98) is teaching fifth grade in the York (Neb.) Public Schools.

Mark Marcotte ('90) and wife Rosie of Nebraska City, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Renee Marie, born in September. She was welcomed home by a sister, Emily.

Clarisa Johnson Mascher ('97) of Clarinda, Iowa is working on the family farm, and is a housewife and babysit: ter. '

Tonya Mayfield ('98) is teaching in the Kansas (Kan.) Public Schools.

Becky McCarthy ('94) is the new preschool teacher at the Sidney (Iowa) Elementary School. It's a newly-created position at Sidney.

Aaron McCormick ('97) is a research assistant and graduate student for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His wife Andrea ('98) is a research technician for UNL's Vet Diagnostic Center.

Allyson Mclnerney ('98) is a child advocate for Friendship Home in Lincoln, Neb.

Sean McLaughlin ('98) is working for the Lincoln (Neb.) Parks and Recreation department.

Caralyn McQueen ('97) has been hired to work in the Pawnee City (Neb.) Public Schools as elementary school secretary.

Diana Meyers ('95) of Beatrice, Neb. is a teacher's aide in the resource department of the Lewison (Neb.) Consolidated Schools.

R. Scott Miller ('97) is teaching industrial technology in the Palmyra (Mo.) Community Schools.

Anthony Mitchell ('94) has promoted to Nuclear Program Coordinator in the Engineering & Operations Support division of the Omaha I),lplic Power District.

Craig Moody ('98) is a physical education instructor at Falls City (Neb.) High School.and is assistant football coach. J'

(continued on page 23 ).

1990s (continued)

Janelle Rathe Moran ('95) has left the Peru State College Office of Admissions for a position as sales associate at MBA Poultry, L.L.C. in Tecumseh, Neb.

Kathleen Hansen Mortimore ('92) is teaching the Talented and Gifted program on a half-time basis for the Essex, Iowa elementary school.

Pearl Nanninga ('98) is substitute teaching in the Allen County Schools in Lima, Ohio.

Will ('98) and Melanie ('97) Nanse of Carson City, Nev. are proud parents of a son born in June. Will is a software and systems engineer for Bently Nevada, a company in Minden, Nev.

Bethany Nielsen ('97) is an elementary teacher with the St. Joseph, Mo. schools.

Kathern Wilson Novotny ('97) is now the junior high social science and seventh grade science teacher in the Bern, Kan. schools.

Julie Nykodym ('98) is an emergency medical technician with the Rural/Metro Medical Services in Omaha. She's also attending graduate school at Creighton University.

Kim Olson ('98) is working for Omnium Worldwide in Omaha as a marketing specialist.

Lora Lea Gubser Owen ('97) of Rock Port, Mo. is the elementary resourse teacher in the Hamburg, Iowa public schools.

Danelle Pedersen ('98) is a life skills and aftercare specialist for C.J. 's Young Futures in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Sam ('93) and Andrea Brown ('93) Pfiefer of Louisville, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Reid Patrick, born in June. He was welcomed home by a brother, Colton.

Brian ('94) and Melanie Barry ('97) Plautz of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter born in September.

Genevieve Ptacek ('96) is teaching special education in the Nebraska City Public Schools.

John Ramsey ('93) and wife Alison of Normal, Ill. are proud parents of a daughter, Morgan Anne, born in April.

Amanda Ray ('98) is teaching social science at Salina (Kan.) Central High School and attending graduate school at Kansas State University.

Sandra Rhoades ('97) of Plattsmouth, Neb. is the sixth, seventh and eighth grade religion and science teacher at St. John the Baptist School in Plattsmouth.

Amy Jo Richards ('97) is teaching language arts at Bryan Middle School in Omaha.

Rick ('90) and Pam Davis ('89) Ripperger of Ainsworth, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter born in June.

Brandy Scheer ('98) is office manager for Jim's Carpet & Supplies, Inc. of Beatrice.

Robert Schindler ('98) continues with the U.S. Air Force as a Major. He is stationed at Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue, Neb.

Marcus Schmidt ('96) of Lincoln, Neb. graduated from the State Patrol Academy this summer. He is a carrier enforcement officer.

MarShell Scholl ('98) is working for Prosser Professional Corp. in Falls City, Neb. as a staff accountant.

Ryan Seagert ('98) is working in sales for Shoemakers of Indiana, and he lives in South Bend, Ind.

Denys Shafer ('90) is the new Director of Bands for Avoca-Hancock-Shelb-Tennant (Iowa) schools. She teaches band, jazz band and flag corps.

Sean Shaughnessy ('97) of Axtell, Kan. is teaching industrial technology at the Wymore-Southern Public Schools in Wymore, Neb. He will also be the assistant varsity wrestling coach.

Beth Ely Sickel ('92) and husband Randy of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Bryan Christopher, born in September. He was welcomed home by three sisters, Alyssa, Lindsay and Ashley.

Shelly Smith ('93) of Tarkio, Mo. and Kevin Dworak are proud parents of a son, Branden Lee, born in May.

Sylvia Smith ('96) of Auburn, Neb. is the business education teacher in the Johnson-Brock Public Schools. She had previously been the Title 1 teacher.

Sheila Snodgrass ('95) of Humboldt, Neb. participated in the 1998 Summer Teacher Internship Program sponsored by the Southeast Nebraska School-To-Work Partnership and area Tech Prep Consortium. Sheila is the math, algebra and geometry teacher at Dawson-Verdon Schools.

Mary Scheer Stewart ('97) of Johnson, Neb. is the third grade teacher in the Johnson-Brock Public Schools.

Brenda Haarstick Streit ('98) is the new K-4 resource teacher in Woodbine, Iowa.

Gretchen Stukenholtz ('98) is teaching ninth grade English and speech and is assistant volleyball and speech coach for Royal Valley High School in Hoyt, Kan.

Fall 1998 PERU STATER 23

Leo Eugene Trimmer ('98) is a special ed resource teacher for the Nebraska City High School, and is attending graduate school at Peru State.

Kory Troutman ('98) is teaching math at the Pender (Neb.) High School.

William Andrew Tynon ('98) has joined the Galveston, Texas Independent School District as a math teacher.

Matt ('96) and Jennifer Duerfeldt ('96) Uher of St. Paul, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Delaney Jean, born in August.

LaDona Kay Unruh ('98) is teaching fourth grade at the Buffalo Jones Elementary School in Garden City, Kan.

Curtis ('96) and Michelle Nootz ('95) VanLaningham of Valentine, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Jacob Daniel, born in May.

Stacy Roever Vitosh ('95) is teaching grades four, five and six in the Elk Creek (Neb.) Public School.

Toni Vollmer ('95) of Falls City, Neb. is the Title I teacher at Falls City Public Schools. She had previously been an aide at the Middle School.

Kris Kubert Vrtiska ('94) has joined the staff of MBA Poultry, L.L.C. of Tecumseh, Neb. as Personnel/Payroll Associate.

Andrea Walker ('98) is teaching kindergarten through fourth grade art in the Plattsmouth (Neb.) school system.

Mary Wenz ('97) is the new seventh and eighth grade teacher in Axtell, Kan.

Carol Westlund ('98) is substitute teaching for schools in Papillion, Millard and Ralston, Neb.

Jason Wheeler ('97) is working as a police officer with the Tulsa (Okla.) Police Department.

Jeff Wheeler ('98) is working as a machinist with Magnolia Metal Corp. of Auburn, Neb.

Stacee Wieser ('97) is a corporate accountant for the Omaha World-Herald newspaper.

Stacy Williams ('96) is attending law college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Chad Windeshausen ('98) is now teaching fourth grade in the Bennington (Neb.) Schools. Scott (attd. '88-'91) and Lisa Lienemann ('92) Sullivan of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of

Ron Stukenholtz ('97) continues to work for the American Meter company in Nebraska City.

Cynthia Wingert ('97) is now working for the twins, a girl and a boy. Coon Rapids-Bayard (Iowa) schools as a math teacher.

Stacy Landwehr Sullivan ('93) of Lincoln, Neb. is the new head volleyball coach at Palmyra, Neb.

Lawrence Young ('98) is now teaching in the Omaha Public Schools and attending graduate Debra Swanson ('98) is a substitute teacher for school at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. schools in Millard, Papillion-LaVista, and Bellevue, Neb.

June Strasil Tilton ('94) and husband Aaron of Victoria, Texas are proud parents of a son, Shane Allen, born in June.

C. Daniel Todd ('97) is a customer service representative for West Teleservices in Omaha.

Charles Toy ('98) is working in Omaha for the U.S. Post Office.

Elizabeth Allen Zeleny ('92) and husband James of Fairmont, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Samuel James, born in May. He was welcomed home by a sister, Logan Jean.

Michelle Weddle Zoller ('97) is assistant volleyball coach at Nebraska City High School and is substitute teaching in Nebraska City, Syracuse and Talmage. She and her husband Jeff are proud parents of a son, Blake Austin, born in August.

Fall 1998

Dear Peru State Alumnus:

Alumni often wonder, "how can we help the College?" Obviously, generous gifts help us to provide scholarship aid, upgrade facilities and equipment, and attract high caliber faculty. Another great way to help is to share the Peru State College story with young people.

Many colleges depend upon alumni sons, daughters, relatives and friends for a significant portion of their students. We would like to expand upon this tradition at Peru State.

A lot of you are in unique positions where you can identify students who could benefit the most from a Peru State education. You know the type of person who will contribute the most to Peru State.

Peru State College welcomes your suggestions about ways we can reach out to current high school students and their families. We look forward to receiving the names of recommended students, and we promise a prompt response to them. Go Bobcats!

Sincerely,

Louis T. Levy Executive Director of Admission Services

Alumni Referral Form

S'm State COiiege

I KIDl JMI em,omlaro

(From Page 22)

Dr. William Vacek ('52) of Warrensburg, MO. passed away in August. His wife is the former Carol Smith ('52). He dedicated his career to teaching and administration on the public school and college level.

Naomi Wheeler ('35) of Kansas City, Mo. passed away in May. She was a tax adjuster with the Kansas City Treasurer's Office.

away in September. He was a retired history teacher.

Edgar L. Wiltse (attd. '39) of Paola, Kan. passed away in September. He was a postmaster at Paola for 11 years, and had also been employed by TWA and Homelite. His wife is the former Rose McGinnis ('42).

Student Name:

Street Address: City:

Horne Phone (__ )

High School (or College if transfer) Attended:

Your Name & Address:

Mail to: Office of Admissions, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE 68421-0010. Or call (402) 872-2221, or e-mail: adrnissions@bobcat.peru.edu

Doreen Meier White (' 45) of Fairfax, Va. passed away in July. She taught in Nebraska and Iowa schools for a short time. She was retired from the Army National Guard and also a former school teacher. Family members include Helen Meier ('36) of Fahfax, Erma Sheldon ('41) of Hotchkiss, Colo., Lois Meier ('44) of Tucson, Ariz., Lyle Meier ('50) of Chico, Calif., Verne Meier ('51) of McLean, Va., and Margaret Schrepel ('55) of Lincoln.

Sarah Majors Wrightsman ('21) of Pacifica, Calif. passed away in June. Family members include daughter, Helen Wrightsman Shanks of Pacifica and sisters Margaret Mclninch ('30) Brownville, Neb. and Elinor McGee ('36) of Fremont, Calif.

E.K. Yanney, a friend of PSC, passed away in July. He was a banker in Lodgepole, Neb. Active in community affairs, he founded the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce, the first countywide chamber of commerce in Nebraska.

Word has been received of Evart Whitten ('70) of the death of Dr. Kenneth Nebraska City, Neb. passed Young ('37) of Branson, Mo.