.··. ·•·•·· . i T(ltf .<;.e ; • .or1
'Zt!f./11 •W:o;1i[; Pl rer:tor .(it Dipe[',sityProf?. ran1s·, helps ·spphoni.ofe'[featb· Bmundn (J}lue Neb') uiide rstcmda ···. mrth<; Cur['enthi, ARC.rerv.ic'<tS :. are housed in T,f Ht1/I, .but i't le&'t they 'ti· •be locetted .in the renovated lntili:ling now P:e i£tStafe '.s fibraty. · ' (Photo py. Northrup '84)
A pair of Peru State College buildings that are each nearing a century of service are undergoing a .transformation as work has begun on a $6.5 million renovation to its Library and Old Gymnasium.
A $4.8 million bid has been awarded to general contractor AHRS Construction of Bern, Kan., to do the bulk of the work according to President Ben E. Johnson. That work began after the first of the year.
Another $1.8 million will provide for equipment and furnishings, Americans with · Disabilities Act compliance, and. other elements of the project.
"This project promises to dramatically change the look and. feel of Peru State by focusing the attention of every person on what we have long been known for: assisting students to become everything they want to be," President Johnson said.
The project will convert the Old Gym, .built in 1905 as a Chapel and later remodeled into a health, physical education and athletics facility, into the campus Library. The cur-
Only a few students from beyond Nebraska's borders .. have been eligible to pay instate tuition, currently just $69.75 per semester hour.
Not any more.
A new program tentatively titled the Nebraska State College Student Opportunities
Award Program, which allows qualifying students from outside of Nebraska to pay instate tuition rates at Peru State College, used to include students from only those states bordering Nebraska: Missouri,· Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota.
Now it's open to qualifying students from all 50 states, and even foreign students as well.
"The proposed expansion of
the program started with a dispussion I had with President,
· 'Ben Johnson, sometime back," said Ted Harshbarger ('77), vice president of student services.
Meet requirements
To be eligible for the program, .students must meet certain academic criteria. Entering freshmen must rank in the top 50% of their high
(Continued on Page 11)
rent Library building next door, whose ground floor was built in 1906 and top floor was added five years later, will become the campus Academic Resource Center in the project's second phase.
Completion of the entire project is targeted for December 2003 according to Linda Jacobsen, Vice President for Administration and Finance.
The current Library falls short of recognized space requirements, and other criteria, for a college of Peru State's size and type. By moving it into the adjacent Old Gym, PSC will gain the desired square footage and will make better use of that facility.
The Old Gym hasn't been used for PSC athletics in 20 years. It had hous.ed the art department, some physical education classrooms and labs, the carpenter shop, instructional services, and the campus department.
I lt.'s ironic but perhaps fitting th.at the building, originally a Chapel built as a P.lace for peaceful introspection, then the longtime and raucous home of the Bobcat basketball team, will again become a place known for its peace and quiet.
On the inside
From the outside, the mammoth structure with signature brick tun-ets will change little. But inside, with its large open spaces, long, vertical windows and native brick composition, the facility has proven to be an exciting one for architects to plan.
"This new library will be very comfortable and friendly, encouraging students enter, stay and learn," Dr. Johnson said.
Next door in the current Library, and connected by the only new structure included in the plans - an enclosed, elevated walkway - will be the new Academic Resource Center. A unique concept in Nebraska, the ARC will house several related services to support student achievement.
Students who come to college underprepared, or who have an area of academic weakness, will get the help they need through services in the ARC. It wrn also be the place to go for students of high achievement, including serving as home to the Honors Program and other enrichment activities.
Dr. Johnson it "a place of student ·and faculty congregation and a place for (Continuedon Page 2)
•. Ho"1 much have your. classmates changed?. How much ·hastlte Campus of changed?
. Find out at Peru S.tate. annual Reunion for its 50"'.year. (and earlier)· alumni on tb.e·.weekend.of May· 3-4. ;\11 alllmni from the •class years will .receive invitations
.PSC will honor Jhat great Class ofl952 at the festivi;. tles. Special guests .will be t.he Class of '53. ·
· The pace is a casual eve:ots include a reception and banquet, while Saturday highlights in.elude ·breakfast,'front-row seating.at Conim.encement, and campus tours •.. For the D1Qst. part el)lphasis is on leavinglotsoftime.for friends to visit. ·.
If you have questions about the May Reunion contact Kent Propst at the College. by calling (40i) 872-2225.
One ofthe genuine strengths of Peru State College is its impressively loyal alumni. (Remembe1; we use the Webster's version of alumnus: "one vvho has attended or graduated from a particular school, college or university"; many of our strongest and most avid supporters didn't recdve a degree from PSC).
Well before I accepted this presidency sonie three years ago, I heard ab(rut Peru State alums and how engaged, and passionate, you 1vere. Tales of your efforts during the controversial times in 1997-98 abounded. Many non-alums played major roles in the fight for Pei·u State, but the alumni made the difference.
The level of commitment to Peru State College varies, of course. Many of you "bleed blue," while others received a great education and have never looked back. Most fall somewhere in between.
We have jive alumni chqpters scattered around the country, andeach has its own unique character. We host a reunion for our 50-year alumni each May, and of course each fall finds us celebrating Homecoming with many of our alumni.
Yet each of those events appeals to only a small portion of our alumni base. On a larger scale, we send you this publication three times each year, and most of you hear from the Peru State College Foundation with some regularity. The questions I ask myself are; "Is this enough? Do alumni want more?"
We are looking into the concept of · something that could involve everyone regardless of when they Peru, where they live, or what their interests may be. A possibility might be the establishment of some type of National Alumni Association.
I understand this effort has been undertaken a time or two in the past; clearly those efforts weren't successful over the long haul. Why that is, I couldn't say. Certainly, it's a significant undertaking.
We've identified a group of loyal alums
.who are willing to help us determine the.feasibility and direction of an association. They have been ing, patientlyfor the most part, for their marching orders. Our staff has done some research into other institutions with suc- Dr. Ben E. Johnson associa- President · tions to find out what makes thern tick.
We still have some more work to do before we decide whether or not a National Alumni Association is rightf'or Peru State College. Ultimately, if we do embark down that path to establish such mi organizatfon, its viabi(ity and future. will depend entirely upon one group of people.
You, the alumni, will .tell us througlz your actions (or inaction) if it's the thing to do. It can be a powerful force in many ways - aiding student recruitnient, marshaling political support in the Nebraska ·zegisfoture, providing valuable expertise in a variety of areas 011 which PSC cdn draw. · · ···
And they can be, fun, too. Travel programs, special reunioiis and a host of · other opportunities can be the byproduct ojan active and engaged Association.
But don't wait for this organization be.fore getting involved in Peru State College. There is much you cando right now to assist this grand old college in realizing its .great, and still untapped, potential.
We need your support, and it is clear to me we'll become increasingly reliant on you in the next few years. More than any other group - including Nebraska law- · makers - you our alwnni will determine just how brightthe future is for Peru State College. We can only be as great as you will allow us to be.
academic stimulation - .a friendly place for any student to access assistance if needed."
Central location
Tutoring, academic advising, counseling, and PSC'sfederally-funded Student Support Services program are examples of the kinds of services that will be housed in a location virtually in the middle of PSC's Campus of A Thousand Oaks.
"These two buildings will become a comfortable and attractive centerpiece on our campus, and once completed, promise to. be the first choice for students when they seek information or want to improve their learn-
Ben Johnson's goal is seeing all students succeed who enter :Nebraska'.s First College. ·
"We win put .our money where our, mouth is on t4is campus," Johnson said. "If, ii1 fact, student success is such a high priority around here, we 're going to demonstrate that."
Johnson's plan for PSC. stu- · dents' success is tied up in con:structiort that began in January oh the. new library. The nearly $6.5 million project will effectively double the size. of the college's library from 10,844 to the 20,900 square feet of the 1905 Old Gym. A connecting walkway will tie success resources in. one location, with the Academic Resource Center (ARC) in the remodeled former library, built in 1906. The two buildings are the oldest on the campus of Nebraska's first college.
The. new library will have five layers, Johnson said. "The layering allows for several different ways in and out of the building. It will be handicapped accessible, will be very open in a way that feels both remarkable and ingenious. The new library is going to be the most delightful place to be, because of the way it's config-
ing skills," Dr. Johnson said.
"This project will go a long way toward enhancing our student recruitment and retention as well," he added.
The only "downside" to the Old Gym/Library/ARCproject, in fact, is the continuing chaos the construction will bring to Peru State College. But the sounds of heavy equipment in action, and the parking and traffic problems that PSC patrons will endure for the next two years, are small compared to the improvements they will yield.
That bottom level will house moveable she_lves filled with archival books. The next level holds a kindergruien through 12th grade curriculum library. The main floor will have an enclosed room with a copper roof for meetings and classes.
There will be a spacious lounge with a delicatessen serving light snacks, a fireplace, and a special room for a new Nebraska Studies Center that will focus on things unique to Nebraska.
As soon as the new PSC library is completed and the books transferred Januai;y 2003, renovation will begin on the f<?rmer library. :The wiJl house 150 computers, one-' and two-person study car..rels, a tutoring center, math lab, reading/:'Nriting Jab, "1cademic advising,; student support and career services.
.Through a $250,00() pledge from the PSC Foundation, the ARC will fund its director and · purchase extensive tutoring soft ·· (Contiliuedon Page 11)
1'/ke Per/j,{/, \ President
Dr. Ben E. Johnson
Editor
Kent Propst ('81)
Features Kay Stander
Assistants
Carolyn Bredemeier
Jackie Baker Williams ('81)
Sports
Jerre Cole
Scott Nelsen ('03)
Photography
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, NE 684210010. The Peru State College phone number is (402) 8723815. Send e-mail to: kpropst@oaklJ:lail.peru.edu
Once again, your alma mater needs your assistance.
Below you will find a list of Peruvians who have, in the last couple of months, become classified as "lost alumni." Can you help us track them down?
Ifyou can provide a current home address on any of the following (listed from most recent graduates to earliest alumni), please forward the information to Kent Propst at the College. You can contact him as follows:
Bob Kelly ('69) once again presided over the Lincoln Alumni Reunion this past November. Boh 's w(fe Kathy (Gregory '75) served as Co-President qf the chapter. To Bob's right are Doris (Wagner '48) and Sen. Floyd Vrtiska c?fTable Rock, Neb.; Sen. Vrtiska is the representative <d"Nebraska District 1 which includes Nemaha County, home <d' Peru State College.
The Lincob:1;(Neb.) Alumni Association got to hear, from lhe Bobcats' mouth, about activities on the Campus of A Thousand Oaks during the Lincoln Reunion this past November.
PSC.l3resident Ben Johnson was on hand to t<11k'about College accomplishments, as is traditional. Sen. Floyd Vrtiska was also once again in attendance to talk about the rising fortunes of Peru Statepn;tge politicalJront.
· But that· wasn 'i ·all. A number of PSC and Peru State CoJJege Found.ation staff members had a chance to visit with those in. attendance.
Janelle Rathe Moran ('95), Director of Admissions and Recruitment, spoke about goals of the Admissions office and encouraged alumni to. assist in the recruiting process, especially by referring good .students to her office.
Todd Drew, Dean of the School of Professional Studies, t.alked about changes in his academic area which includes the business divi.sion. He emphasized the success PSC grads have in gaining admission to graduate programs.
PSC's Athletics Director, Bart Gray, also was
on hand to bring greetings from the Bobcat sports world and to answer questions about PSC intercollegiate athletics.
SaraBeth Donovan ('85) of the PSC Foundation spoke to the group both in her capacity as a Foundation official and as the new President of the Omaha-Area Alumni Association. She encouraged the Lincoln chapter to become active in a fashion similar to the Orriaha group.
Prizes for the Earliest Alum in Attendance went to Tom ('38) and Edus (Hahn '38) Goldenstein, while Sheryl Ehmke ('01) gained the award for being the Most Recent Alum at the reunion.
The chapter voted to donate $250 from its treasury to the Little Red Schoolhouse project on campus.
President Johnson gave thanks, and gifts,· to chapter officers for their efforts. Those honored included Co-Presidents Bob ('69) and Kathy (Gregory '75) Kelly, Vince ('86) and Bonnie (Mick '86) Henzel, and Tim ('84) and Cindy (Plantenga '82) Hoffman.
The annual Arizona Alumni Reunion was scheduled for Saturday, March 2 in Tempe - too late for a recap to appear in this edition.
Watch for an article about the Reunion in the summer issue of The Peru Stater!
That springtime rite known as the Northern California Alumni Association Reunion is set for Saturday, April 13. Don't miss the fun!
The Reunion will once again take place in Fairfield, Calif. at the Travis Air Force Base Conference Center. It's just off Interstate 80 between Oakland and Sacramento.
Special invitations will be going out this year to those men who were in the World War II Navy V-5 and V-12 training programs in the mid- l 940s.
As always, the NorCal planners welcome any former Bobcats from anywhere to come be a part of the
Martin Haverty - 1982
Carolyn Bednar - 1978
William Pruett - 197 5
David Green - 1974
Jeanette Fox Choate - 1963
Thomas L. Kroft - 1963
By e-mail: kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu
By phone: (402) 872-2225
By letter or postcard: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE. 684210010.
Kelly M. Graves - 2001
Holly Hansen - 2001
Valery Richter - 2001
Lindsey Heiden Pohlmeier2001
James D. Gerdes - 1999
Alma Cross - 1998
Crystal Craven Gerdes '- l 997
Dan Hplden - 1997
Tammy Osborn - 1997
Christopher Rodgers - 1997
L. Scott Bullock-1996
Bobbi L. Grotrian - 1995
James L. Clark - 1994
Holly Morgan -1993
David L. Jones - 1992
Julie Lutz White - 1992
Thomas Jones - 1990
William Rivett - 1987
Marty Voiles - 1987
Sue Schroeder Voiles - 1986
Mark Heinz - 1983
festivities. Because of security at Travis, no "walk.ins" will be allowed - your name must be on the pass list at the gate.
For more information contact Kent Propst at PSC
at (402) 872-2225. ·
Omaha-area Peruvians are proud of their strong chapter, and rightly so. They've given thousands of dollars from their treasury to support PSC in recent years, have had the Nebraska Governor and several Senators as special guests, and t.tttendance at their reunions has been high.
But don't take our word for it - find out for yourself when the Reunion rolls around on Thursday evening, April 18. Scores of PSC supporters will come together at the German-American Society Club in west central Omaha for a "really big show."
Robert Reimers - 1963
Betty Hobbie Cogdill Robinson - 1963
John A. Greene - 1962
Mary Scoby Jensen - 1960
Patricia Haith Whiddon - 1959
Jack Dodge - 1959
Mary Long Kelly - 1958
Elizabeth Naffziger Kastens1955
Norma Boyer Johnson - 1954
Richard Stockman- 1952
Freda Damon Cowell - 1949
Felista Handley Killeen - 1940
Bernice Parkinson McDaniel1923
We would also like to thank those who helped find missing alums recently: Malinda
Edris, Alan Gager ('03), Jack ('50) and Nancy ('51) Hallstrom, Sheri Irwin, Neil ('46), Art Majors ('51), Chuck Mittan ('86), Verona Oetken Scheer ('44), Wilbur Scheitel ('52), Iva Armstrong Shaw ('43), August G. Thomas ('50), Burton Weibel ('95).
You never know who might tum up as a VIP guest.
But you can be assured that you'll find bargains on the silent auction· table, you'll have chances to win on the prize drawings, and you'll get a great meal.
And of course you'll get an update on all the activities taking place at Peru State College, too.
Invites will be sent to Peru Staters who live in the Omaha metro area. But anyone looking for an enjoyable evening of Bobcat spirit is welcome to make reservations.
For more information, contact Chapter President SaraBeth Donovan ('85) at (402) 891-9176 or via email at sbdonovanl@msn.com or Kent Propst at PSC at (402) 872-2225.
The beautiful Mount Vernon Country Club near Golden, Colo. will once again be the "Colorado home of the Bobcats" on Saturday, Aug. 3 for the 2002 Rocky Mountain Alumni Reunion.
Details will be sent later to alumni living in the region. For now, make a note on your calendar for Aug. 3. You'll be glad you did!
(Photo by Kent Propst)Greetings! Can you believe we are ab1wst intQ the second quarter of 2002?!
W<nv. What a great job this is! In vvorking with those of you who hm 1e decided to include Peru State College in your estate plans or are cons.idering doing so, I have heard many interesting stories about the College and have forged some deligh{ful newfriendships. For that, I thank you!
The people I meet are eager to learn (ithe exciting things happening at PSC, and >vant to be a part that success by including the college in their will. So hmv do you include Peru State College in your will?
The simplest way to remember the College ahd 1iot take away Ji-om other , priorities, such as.fanzily or church, is to give the College is left in your estate, anything, after you have provided for those you love. That way the college may get something or it may not.
It'.s· simple way easy to do. Leaving the remainder of your estate to Peru State College may take nothing more than adding a few words to your will. It may be as simple as a telephone call to your attorney and the re-execution of your signature.
A big thank you to those who have already included the college in their plans; very soon, we will be initiating an honor society specifically to recognize you! As Nike says, "Just Do It." Do it while you are thinking about it. Do
Unlike the California cadets four partners with offices in featured in earlier Peru Lincoln and Omaha. In 1975 Staters, Hub Rosenblum hails Hub merged his company with from Omaha. He graduated Grant Thornton and remained from Central High School with the company until taking where he was on the track early retirement in 1994, team, and was stationed at Civic leader Peru State College from July Hub is an active civic 1944 until October 1945. leader. During his career in While at Peru Hub was a Omaha, he was President of standout on the football team the Omaha-Douglas County and participated in track. Health Department when it Hilb.said that his ' mandated dating perishable at Peru was wonderful and foods in grocery stores, limitremaips today a it}g the time dur(ng which a memories. · ··· · ):• · · product can b'e sold. ·
Hub remembers hjs Bobcat Hub also. served as President football experience quite of the Beth-El Synagogue and vividly. "I loved playing real was the neasurer of the football for the very first time Hub Rosenblum Jewish Community in my life," he said. "Coach Federation. And, he was also (Al) Wheeler was interested in deep end of tf1e pool and the Treasurer of Highland my speed, not my size. He offered him the end of a pole. Country Club and ]1 elped had a unique way of making a Every time he grabbed for it, found West Omaha's Junior player out of me. they pulled itjust a little out of Chamber of Commerce.
SaraBeth Donovan
it while vou are still in good health. Do it while you can make decisions with sound mind and in the way y(fu deem'best.
Regardless <?f your age, personal circumstances or interests, please. please, • please, execute a will or ' other form estate plan; Make sure your assets will 1 be distributed according to you/wishes ajier you are gone. {fyou don't, you know what will happen
We are here to assist you without ff I can help, please give me a call. While we cannot finalize your plans, we can discuss options to help you determine what may be best for you and your particular situation.
Thank you for so graciously inviting me in when I call, and for being so receptive to the new projects happening at the College and Foundation!
I look forward to meeting and working with many more of you. Together we will ensure that Peru State College is a shining beacon for all! For more information on planned giving, please do not tate to contact me at 402891-2487 or email to sdonovan@oakmail.peru.e du.
''I remember him puttin.g his reach. You know, it's amazing - Hub now lives in San arm on my shoulder and how really short his learning Francisco where he continues telling me J·ust before our fir.s.L curve was!" · · · · · ·· ·· to be an active volunteer. He game, 'Hub, almost everybody After leaving Peru, Hub was is a counselor with the Small on the other team weighs at .sent by the N ayy to the B'usirfess Adn1in.istratioli '.s least twice as much as you. Do Uni'.\!ersity of Wisconsin:for · 'Service Core. of Retired.·· I have to tell you what will one semester. He then transhappen if they catch you with ferred to the Lakes Executives (SCORE ), he1ping the ball:?"' with a Naval Shipyal-d and was final- small businesses succeed. He. smile, "You know, hereally ly discha1'ged from Mare also serves as a consumer didn't have to go into much Island in August 1946. · · fraud mediator with the detai.l .on that point;' H1,1b then studied accounting Dist1;ict Attorney's office.
· Sink or swim at the University of Tnhis new California comHub loved his profesfors at After graduating he earned his munity Hub was the President · Peru and remembers that.quite CPA and weµt to work for an of Men.orah Pai:k lovy a bit of teaching took place Omaha acc9pnting . .firm. Five housing for .thy .elderly, the outside of the classioom. He , years later he took a Treasurer of Hillel,•andJserved tells the story of how his position at a local valve manu- on the budget committee of the room1:nate, who coulc;ln't swim facturer. .· Wit:h,in two years, Jewish Federation. when the semester began, Hub began his qwn accounting Hub and his wife, Jeanne, broke the school record in the firm. are the parents of three chiltime it took to karn thy sport. During the 1960s Hub dren and the grandparents of "They threw .him into the expanded his firm toinc]ude five.
Call them '.'the g:ifts that keep on giving.'' ·
·Many alumni and friends choose to direct tbeir gifts into · specific, established scholarship funds within the Peru · State College Foundation. It's a great way to acknowledge the impact those people had on your life.
Others choose to give a onetime gift in memory of a recently departed Peruvian, a wonderful way to express your appreciation for that individual.
Following is a list of recent · gifts to the PSC Foundation that have been specified for either established Scholarship Funds or for memorials and that have been received since we last mailed out a Peru
Stater.
At the end of this "honor roll" is a list of scholarships that are available for your charitable giving but which haven't had any activity in recent months. ·
Gifts are always welcome at any time. Your tax-deductible gifts can b.e mailed to The Peru State College Foundation, c/o Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010. Be sure to specify which scholarship or memorial fund the gift is for.
For more information about these opportunities, call the Foundation at (402) 872-2304.
Laurine Anderson Tri Beta Scholarship
Jeff Wignall
Merle Bauer Scholarship
Margaret Bauer
E.C. Beck Scholarship
Jane Beck Smith
Blue Devil/White Angel Scholarship
Sid Brown
Rosemary Lucky
Al Brady Scholarship
Gerry Brady
George and Iva Seid Brown Scholarship
Sid Brown
Ralph and Maxine Chatelain Scholarship
Robert Norvell
(Continued on Page 5)
Mary Riley Bohlken
Sam Carneal
Karen Compton
Vera Parkison Daniels
Lany Eden
Karen Rathe Estes
Gary Fritch
Louis Clurrles Gordon
Don Huc·t; c'n
Jolm Ht1!.1.1.:.·ker
Robert D. Jones
Barry Kennedy
Check
Julia Kreuzburg Kern
Robert Krofta
Robert Leander
Lany and Margaret Chilvers
Lines
Peter Lynch
Harold Marshall
Linda Renz Mau
Loren Penkava
James Sprague
Joseph Wildinger
Dorothy Bock Willis
Janice Miesbauch Witty
Class of 1967
Velma Adam
Garth Adams
Marianne Shuey Applegate
Rodger Bassett
Barbara Brandt
Lowell Brown
Pat Conigan Brubaker
Leona Ebbers Burd
Ray Cain
Jeanne Jenkins Cummins
Paul and Arlene Borcher Fell
Lois Kreitzer Grote
Michael Guilliatt
Carol Henderson Henning
Shirley Johnson
Terry and Judy Strange
Kuenning
Roger Lucas
Ruth Forney Marshall
Eoma Hill Masonbrink
RonMcCoy
Marlene Koehler Mehlin
Kathy Downing Mitchell
Nancy McCullough Nealon
Michael Otto
Darrell Plumb
Charles Pratt
Thomas Rosengren
Carol Hawley Schmucker
James Stanosheck
Barbara Behrns Vaughn
John Witlei·
Class of 1968
Eloy Arellano
Bonnie Crook Arnold
Joyce Bretthorst Bassett
Linne Steffen Beck
Cynthia Annan Bryant
Buzz Burling
Carol Thornton Coffey
Dawn Nebola Daly
John Duder
Richard Estes
Jack Gaines
Don)thea Weatherfield Gerdes
Pauline Haith
Nancy Reidy-Hood
Stan and Barbara Johnson Johnson
William Kerins
Beth Lavigne Kernes
Robert Kinghorn
Dictnne Morfr:on Lukas
Carol Crabt1\>: Martin Lu McCoy
Romona Ogle Moore
fames O'Donoghue
Cheri Combs Petrillo
Janet Weers Reed
Donna Hill Ruth
Gary Schaffer
Ralph Schawang
Mary Schriner
Forrest Shores
LouiseLundstedt Smith
Sylvia Stokes
Kennard Stoner
Jean Egger Tomasek
Bruce Vickrey
Ralph Wiles
Doris Wyatt Windels
Class of 1969
Mildred Hinton Appleoff
Charles Arnold
Renee Eberhard Bose
Dwayne Brettmann
Mike Castle
Cathy .Copas
Patricia Thompson Diskin
Marlene Fuh1man Dodd
Eugene Feit
Richard Gibson
Patsy Harpster
Bruce Haugh_ton
CW. Haws
Eleanor Jenkins
Robert Kelly
LeRoy Koehler
Donna Sporer Laflin
Diane Reeve Laub
Viola Rodaway Maloy
Mavis Marti
Richard Moore
Lany Olson
Elizabeth O'Connor Gunn
Nick Petrillo
Lois Pietzyk
David Rainforth
Dwight Reins
Greg Reinders '
Ross Ridenour
Marilyn Sugden Scheinost
Walter Slick
Albert Smith
Maxine Shersted Smith
Richard Smith
Sam Smith
Larry Sorensen
Linda Dieckhoff Vogel
Gerhart Wehrbein
Class of 1970
Gloria Bean Adams ,
John and Winnie Bristol
Dennis Curtis
Lany Cotton
Teny Dennis
Don Dougherty
Barbara Richard Easley
Berton Faulkner, Jr.
Dennis Heng
Kathryn Rockemann Hill
Rita M.cKnight
Ron JonesCharles L:rflin
Lucinda Grueber
Vesta BJ,c;tscher
Greg Maguire
Maryann Mayberry
Glenrose Jackson Meier
Linda Shanahan Moser
Tom Osborne
Martin Paper
Ruth Dodge Petersen
Pearl Allgood Rainforth
David Sackles
Don Seger
Martha Seibe1t Schaffer
Vernyce Schrni.dt
Allen Schnitzer
Larry Schwan
Margaret Lutt Si;nith
Diana Ware Sorensen
Judy Holt Straw
Ray Uher
Class of 1971
Leon Bose
Phyllis Hamm Brandt
John Cavotta ·
Rose Ann Maloy Duncan
Karen Ackley Fritschle
Eldonna Gobber Forest
Ernest Foster
George Gardner
Candy Gray
George Hanssen
Carol Tynon Hayhurst
Alan Henning
Mary Howe
Fem Dougherty Johanns
Evelyn Crain Kumm
Robert Lisee
Jane Wheeler Lobner
Daisy Beny Malcom
Dianne Copenhaver Ma1tin
Connie Rausch Matson
Darwin McHugh
Geny Brammer Mcintire
Janet Wanick McMullen
Robert Meier
Ruth Leuenberger Paper
Vickie Lecure Pickering
Katherine Buffum Rauert
Mike Rosso
Charles Santos, k
Willa Sodmann Stutheit
Joe Tackett
Sara Johnson Veigel
Dominic Vitticore
Diana Rieschick Vogt
Roger Wiksell
Lanny Williams
Class of 1972
Vickie Hall Beilke
Shari Olderog Briese
Rodrick Bruce
Shirley Jacobson Conradi
Linda Niebuhr Davis
James Dickson
Stephen Deurmyer
Norman Eschbach
Danny Fernbacher
Robert
Susan Hanky
Ardeth Dm id son Han,en
William
Charles
Ronald Koester
Mary Egger Lade
Charles McKie
Sondra McCord Miles
Marlene Meyer Neddenteip
William Peterson
Joan Bachenberg Shmtliff
Melissa Ross Sis
Dianne Forke Springer
Pat Stukenholtz Steinman
Steve Stemper
Joyce Colgrove Tackett
Esther Preston Tegtmeier
Dean Teten
Robert Tipton
Ricki Fictum Valentino
Raymond Waters
Ronald Waymire
James E Wilson
Pam Matthies Witzenburg
Class of 1973
Byron Barnhart
Bob Beaver
Wanda McKim B.ruce
Te1Till B mT
Mary Ann Chaney
Phyllis Antholz Davis
Susan Foster
Mary Givehand
Gary Grady
Rena Mcnitt Hall
Ann Borcher Jeffrey
Jack Jensen
Barbara Fritz Jones "
David Koll
Randy Luther
Roger Michaelis
Stanley Ohnmacht
Arlene Doeden Ramp
Teny Ratliff
Dennis Robertson
Fred Robertson
Stephen Sim
Sharon Moser Snook
John Steinman
Class of 1974
Sharon Norvell Bogle
Mark and Kim Fetters Hahn
Patricia Hopp
Mary Hill Howery
Janet Nixon Kirkendall
Steve Krajicek
Steve and Kay Ferguson
Lawson
Richard Leech
Raymond McDermott
Dick and June Bottcher
M01Tissey
Terry Neclclenreip
Charles Pavolis
Linda Eichenberger Robidoux
Janice Henrichs Smith
Tommie Lou Hayes Solie
Gayle Swisegood
Roel Wartman
Robert Wernsman
Carol \.Vheckr
Class 1975
Debra
Nairn
Gleora McCage Covault
Craig Dallegge
Cheryl Rinne Grove
William Hallock
Karen Dierking Johns
Julee Tillman Katzman
Kathy Gregory Kelly
Deborah Barton Larson
David McDaniel
Linda Boukal Meyer
Karen Schwartz Mladucky
Thomas Popek
LaiTy Shoff
Susan Wenzel Snodgrass
Debra Anderson Stinn
Theresa Krontz Symancek
John Trayer
Dennis Williams , Carol Shiells Woerlen
Class of 1976
John Chatelain
Anne Tackett Collingwood
Linda· Doty
Dennis and Julia Garrett
Dickman
Ruth Gottula Doxon
Shelly Able Hansen
Kurt Kent
Betty Kelle Kirby
Dorothy Hild Meisinger
Scott and Laurita Tackett
Mc Kercher
Bill Neumeister
Barbara Rolf , Rax Woerlen
Class of 1977
Jane Andrew
Wendell Bard
Robert Cai1er
Joseph Cluley
John Dierking
Donald Doxon
Ken Fike
Ruth Wilkinson Gerdes
Ted Harshbai·ger
Sharon Henricksen
James Holtgrewe
Walter and Joyce Zink Jones
Allen Kempkes
Debbie Jeanneret Kent
Joe Kotnick
Maureen Duffy Losee
Susan Hannan Pease
Mary Bruggeman See David Stemper
(Continued on Page 9)
Shanda Hahn
JeffHammer
Brent Lottman
Clarissa Johnson Mascher
Kathern Novotny
Joseph Webb
Mary Wenz
Monica Younker
Class of 1998
April Border Blevins
Beverly Loeske Dawson
Alma Anthony
Kelly Asmussen
Bruce Batterson
Mark Beischel
Barbara Bender
Pat Beu
Carolyn Bredemeier
Janet Bryan
Ardie Chapin
Beth Chevalier
Renae Church
William Clemente
Christina Zimme1man Fisher Delyn Clifton ('93)
Nancy Necomb Gage
Jaisa Kappas
Diane Durman Motto
Jennifer Olson
Michelle Degraw Steadman
Marcia Winingham
Class of 1999
Edward Altmanshofer
Greg & Penny Brewer
Cathy Fugleberg
Elizabeth Hicks
Saundra Holland
Teresa Jackson Parrish
Class of 2000
Jennifer Busing
Bequests Received
Zelma Simon Clark
Miriam McGrew
Dorothy Wade
Businesses
Auburn State Bank
Auburn Newspapers
Auburn PEO
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Brant, Horan and Hallstrom
Campbell and Associates
Carson National Bank
Coca Cola Inc.
Commercial Mowing Inc.
Richard Clopton
Therese Crary
Sara Crook
Phyllis Antholz Davis ('73)
Todd Drew
Susan Dunekacke
DiAnna Eason ('86)
Tom Ediger
David and Malinda Edris
Karen Ackley Fritschle ('71)
Barb George
John Gibbs
Judy Green Grotrian ('72)
Ted Harshbarger ('77)
Janet Hawley
Robert and Barbm·a Heckathorn
John Hnida
Dan and Alice Holtz
Julie Hopp
Linda and Jay Jacobsen
Teresa Jensen
Ben and Dale Johnson
Dan and JoAnn Johnson
Connie Kearney
Joe Kincaid
Richard Lemke
Daryl Long
Joel Lundak
Jerry Martin
Marie Meland
Connie Moody
Linda Moody
Margaret O'Rourke
Country Handmades, Floral and Bea Patterson ('90)
Gifts
Falls City Journal
Farmers Bank of Cook
First National Bank of Johnson
Founders Div. of College
Bookstores
Goings Brothers Farms
GoodView Acres
Kennedy Farms
KTNC
Lavigne/Kernes, Inc.
NBA
Nebraska State Educators
Association
Northern Natural Gas
O'Hara and Associates
Peru Kiwanis Club
Peru State Advancement
Smith Vending
Union Bank and Trust
UtiliCorp
PSC Faculty and Staff
Anonymous
Chris Alberts
Kent Propst ('81)
Nancy Reeves
Pat Rippe
Erin O'Grady Sayer ('91)
Don Seger ('70)
Bill Snyder
Tim & Antonia Spangler
Kotinne Tande
Jim Thomas
Kathy Tynon
Susan Lunzmann Unruh ('94)
Dennis Vokolek
Jackie Baker Williams (' 81)
Foundations/Matching Gifts
AmerUS Group
BP Amoco Foundation, Inc.
Caterpillar Foundation
Commercial Federal Bank
Dow Chemical Foundation
Enron Foundation
Fidelity Foundation
General Motors
Hartis Foundation
Oetgen Family Foundation
Ken Anderson Oklahoma Gas and Electric
Peru Historical Foundation
Pfizer
Principal Financial Group
Security Federal
Shelter Insurance
Sprint Foundation
State Farm Insurance Co.
US Bancorp
Union Pacific
Wal Matt Foundation
Friends, Former Students, Faculty and Staff
Allen and Deb Adams
Harold and Amelia Adcock
William Amack
Wendell Armstrong
Virginia Argabright
Jon and Sherri Arnett
Wesly and Anne Ballard
Nancy Tynon Bartek
Robe1t and Mildred Bartels
Paul and Elvera Basler
Loretta Bauers
Daniel ana Barbara Beam
Norma Binder
Erma Blase
Tom and Sara Boatman
Adolph and Wenona Boettcher
John and Lillian Bowen
Bob and Connie Bowen
Ge1Ty Brady
Sonya and Joan Brehn
Mildred Brown
Paul M Brown
Melva Bunn
Stan and Noreen Carpenter
Cecil and Mary Case
Donna Marie Caspers
A1t Chapin
Harold and Ardy Chester
Bill and Jean Churchill
Thomas and Lori Clements
Lawrence and Ellen Combs
Jack Cooper
John and Debi Crotty
Bruce Cutshall
Doug and Jean Dahl
Ryan and Janet Dahlgaard
Duane and Yvonne Dalluge
Jo Davis
Sandra Davis
Clem and Judy Denker
Linda Dirks
Helen Dixon
Virginia Dolan
Jean Walters Dale
Jean Dolphin
Paul Douglas
Mary Dunn
Bill and Barb Ely
Rebecca Engle
Ron and Kathy Flock
Richard Flynn
Barbm·a Frazer
Frank Gaines
WatTen and Luella George
Dan and Mary Gerdes
Roger Gerdes
Jean Gibson
Dr. Paul Gilbert
Norma Gilmore
Gary and Jean Gingery
Dean and Juanita Goings
Glade and LaVerne Goings
Loren Goings
Mike and Vickie Goings
Virginia Good
Mr. and Mrs. Guy Grafton
James and Pauletta Gtiess
Richard Halbert
Wayne and Rose Haller
Jarita Hansen
Jerrold Hanson
Chuck Hawley
John and Beth Heckathorn
Earl Hicks
Cathetine Hinchey
Betty Horton
Dick Humphrey
Robert and Delotis Hutton
Charles and Kathleen Johnston
Barbara Kennedy
Jamie and Thomas Kernes
Julie Kernes
Scott and Nancy Kneifl
Kathy Kollars
Elizabeth Krause
Mike and Lil Krekviel
Glen Krueger
Terrence and Laurie Lage
Sue Larson
Clyle and Erma Lavigne
Nancy Lavigne
Robert Leahy
Roger and Shirlee Lempke
Lincoln Alum Assoc.
John Lindsay
Patricia Longley
Robe1t and Nancy Lopez
Mr and Mrs Glenn Luce
Steven Lukas
Carol Madsen
Margaret Mosley
Janice Matisco
Mary Mcconnaughey
Joseph and Karla McDermott
Lyle McKercher
George and Matianne McLain
Jim and Jennifer McLaughlin
Etic and Donna Michel
Eugene and Peggy Michel
Mattin Miller
Lori Mills
Robert and Debra Mohr
Dick Moody
Richard Moon
Mr and Mrs Robert D. Moore
Louis and Janet Moormeier
John Morehead
Trent and Dawn Nowka
Russell O'Bannon
Barney Oldfield
Bob and Karen Olson
Keith and Susan Olson
Michael Overby
Lester Pankonin
Dory Parks
Louise Pate
Judy Peterson
Chris and Meredith Petrick
Linda Phillips
John and Lori Pieper
Bernard and Dawn Polson
Rita Pomykalski
Cliff and Ruth Pratt
Michael Prosser
Walt and Mary Radcliff
Dennis and Maxine Rasmussen
Michael and Mary Redelfs
James and Sheila Reed
Dud and Shirley Rehder
A.J. and Kay Richard
Ken and Gwen Rittgarn
La Vonne Rolland
Guy Rosenberg
Howard and Betty Rudloff
John Sanders
Joy Scanlon
Cynthia Scardino
Loran Schmit
Leland and Janet Schneider
Lillian Schottenhamel
Chad and Angie Schuler
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Scott
Eric Seacrest
Dick and Marge Sheets
Robert and Nancy Shively
Barney Shives
John and Virginia Shold
Sandy and Mike Sierra
Leonard and Dee Skov
Dale and Dawn Slager
Jane Beck Smith
Randal and Jane Smith
John and Nancy Squires
Kenneth and Eleanor Stahl
Jack and Mary Stannard
Maryanne .Stannard
Lonnie Stm·k
Duane Stehlik
Joe Stehlik
Nettie Stehlik
Richard Stinger
Dick Stitch
Dick and Nancy Strittmatter
Joel and Nancy Sunderman
Ken and Kathy Swartz
Richard Teten
Debbie Thomas
Don and Vivian Thomas
Ed Tomek
Michael Treat
Maury and Joan Udls.
Carolyn Van Horne
Ken and Nancy Van Zant
Lloyd and Betty Vrtiska
Terri Vrtiska
John and Patricia Waters
Mr and Mrs Lloyd Weis
Al Wheeler, Jr
Dennis Wheeler
Susan Wiard
Jodyne Wilkinson
George Wilson
Ardith Wininger
Janet Youmans
Judy Zahner
Bradley Zarlin
THE STUDENTS, FACULTY & STAFF THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
White the Stater has discontinued its "Mystery Picture" as a regularfeature, once in awhile we come acrqss a photo that. is just roo good to pass up. Who can ident(f'y these "Bathing Beauties" from Eli-::.a Morgan Hall? Sendyourbest guess to: Kent Propst, Peru Stater, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE. 68421-0010, or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
(Photo contributed)
school class, or have a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, or have a 22 ACT or 1030 cumulative SAT.
Transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 from all previous. college work, while graduate students must have a 3.5. Both must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 while attending a Nebraska State College in order to remain in the program.
The effects of the program are expected to go beyond boosting enrollment. The administra-· tion and admissions personnel at PSC, according to Harshbarger, also believe the new policy may lead to (!n increase in the entering ACT average.
They hope it will bring greater diversity to campus through the increase in the number of international and minority students, and that it will increase the number of students living in on-campus housing. These benefits are expected at all three state colleges.
Counter 'brain drain'
· The state colleges are not the only ones the expanded program will help. The state itself stands t() beriefit as well.
"Studies have shown that a large percentage of out-of-state students who study in Nebra.ska stay iq the state and work after they graduate," said Kent Propst ('81), vice president of college a.dvancement and institutional relations at PSC.
/These students counterbalance the "brain
Members of the PSC Class of '62 are on the "wanted" list. ·
Actually, over three dozen of them are on an even worse list: PSC's "lost alumni" roster. We hope you can help us locate these Bobcats.
If you can provide a current, home address for any of the following, please get that information to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box lO, Peru NE. 68421-0010, or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu, or call him at (402) 872-2225. The "reward" is knowing that you helped them to reestablish contact with their College and, hopefully, many friends from their college days.
Anderson, Arthur A. Anderson,. Harry Bacon, Mike Bennett, Andrew Broady, Sue (Dickerson) Carlson, Richard D. Cooper, Maryann Cooper, Patrick A.
Crawford, Sharon (Luedeke) Curnes, Larry Dahmus, Vincent H. Dickerson, Nancy (Carr) Dunn, Charles Elliott, Donna (Hoemann) Flechta, Clara Marie (Kelly)
Fritch, Eugene
Greene, John A.
Guenther, Alvin
Harvey, Drexel
Hoover, Janis (Maybee)
Hosfiel, Verna
Hughes, Judith E.
Hultquist, John W.
Humphrey, Kenneth E.
Hurst, James S.
Johnson, James C.
Jurgens, Leanna (I deus)
Kester, Janet E. (Hays)
Long, Lavina L. (Mccreight)
Martin, Gladys
Mayer, Jane (Dietl)
Parli, John
Perkins, Ruth A. (Elliott)
Place, Richard
Reid, Mary Lou
Stephens, Edna M. Weber, Franklin
Weiland, Sherrie Wick, Charlotte E. (Iliff)
drain"- the tendency for Nebraskans who receive their education in the state to move to other states to work after graduation.
Now that the program has been approved, there are a. few challenges to face.
Students from foreign countries will not usually have taken the ACT or SAT tests, nor will their grading scales necessarily be compatible with the 4.0 scale used to determine eligibility in the program.
Currently the Admissions Office and the Office of Institutional Records and Research at Peru State College are involved in working out an appropriate means of reviewing foreign transcripts. ·
Spread the word
Marketing the new policy may also prove to be a trick'. The same expansiveness that makes the policy valuable to the state colleges makes advertising a daunting task. The challenge lies inreaching such a large audience, and doing so on a limited budget.
Harshbarger said he expects the updated website that PSC plans to have in place this spring will go far in resolving some of the program's advertising issues. He also hopes that PSC alumni living outside of Nebraska may help promote the program.
At the present time, 61 students from adjacent states attend PSC through the Nonresident Scholars Program. PSC officials hope that number expands significantly with this new scholarship opportunity.·
"With this combination of the new library resources and academic resource center, we. do not plan to let any student fail on this campus, unless they really · at it," Johnson said. "Usually, it's easy to fail. We're going to take a.way all the excuses, provide all the help, all the assistance at any level, whether it's freshman level or it's graduate school level."
Johnson understands the need for good resources to help struggling students, both from personal experience and from the research he has done for the 19 books he has written.
"I was one of those stu·dents," Johnson said with.a rueful smile. "I was a lousy student in high school. When I discovered that 1 could learn, it was due to four teachers who would not let me fail. I'm a believer in that kind of stuff because 1 know it works and I have seen it work in lots
.....
and lots of places. Not just with me, but with other people."
From Page 2 ware and other learning materials in any subject the students need. The Foundation. is seeking "ARC-Angels;" donors who will help Jund the ongoing program.
The ARC also will begin assisting area schools in identifying and assisting children at risk, help them catch up and succeed in getting into college.
"We recognize the situation state budget is in, but we also recognize how important it is that we don't justwait for things to change, before we start changing the culture of the -surrounding area and the College," Johnson said.
Take up slack
"The problem is that in Nebraska as in many other· rural states, budget cuts mean schools start laying off extras, such as counselors, and people who wo.rk with kids at risk. Peru State College is uniquely situated in that we can take up the slack, at least in .our southeastern Nebraska." ·
PSC will host professional development 'crash courses for groups of teachers to assist them in identifying and working with students at risk at their level, Johnson said.
"This will be the true center of campus, located in the center of campus," he foretold with a smile.
93:; 'J(aren !Jritsclife, PSC !Jounlation
"1 fiave never aou6tea that even a sma[[group of thouglitfu' committed' peopfe at Peru State Co[fege cou[a cfiange tfiis institution and' aramatica[[y strengtlien soutlieast '}./j.6rask...a. Inaeetl it fias fiappenea and' continues to fiappen. Jn mg vision for tlie future, Peru State Co[fege wi{{ 6e p{acea wfiere tfie fCow of opportunities is swiftest and' aeepest and' wfierepurstrengtlis-stuaents, f acu{ty, programs, innovation, partnering, and' wi[fi.ngness ana a6ifity to cfiange quickfg - support our mission. We wi[[ 6ecome a Ceaaing regiona[ universifJ/,Witfi strong, sofia(g 6asetl aistinctive, professiona[programs supporting tfie interests and neecfs ojourfegion. .9l[[stuaents wi[[ [earn from a superior teacfiing f acu[ty and' wi{[graduate witli a sofia Ci6era(arts founaation. Peru State Co[fege wi[[ 6e l(nown for its many graduates who. 'ao we{{ and' do good'."'
'lJr. 'Ben Jofinson, Presiclent, from tfie Peru State Co[fege Seif Stuclg 'l(eport, .9lugust 2001.
. Jl g{ew 'Visia n
'lJr. 'Ben Jofinson 6efieves tfiat one clay Tfie Campus of .9l Thousand' Oak§ can 6ecome a major regiona[ university, meeting tfie neecfs of its nineteen county service area in ways per/iaps not imaginecl 6y previous aclministrations. Jiis feaclersfiip fias 6rougfit cfiange to :Jl{j!6rask...a's first co[fege - far reacfiing cfiange clesignecl to mak!- it stronger ancl 6etter in every way.
'Before 'lJr. Jofinson's arriva' Peru e?(jJeriencecl a most clif.ficu{t period'. Tfiere were ca{[s to move or dose tfie Co[fege, facifity neetfs went unmet, and' tfie via6ifity of some of its academic programming was ca[[ec[ into question. To move PSC into tfie 21st century, tfie Co[fege neeaea strong feaclersfiip anclfinancia[ support.
'lJr. Jofinson's first priority was to 6ui[cl refatwnsfiips witli K!-y fegis{ators ancl feaclers in 'Jl.[e6rasl(a's liigfier eaucation community. 'lJuring liis first few montfis as Presiaent, fie and 'lJr. 'lJan Johnson, tfie new 'lJirector of tfie PSC work!-cl witfi 'Jl.[e6rasl(a (jovernor ::Mil(e Johanns, K!-y [egisfators ana state officia[s to aevefop unclerstancling ancl support for tfie new clirection of tfie Co[fege
r;{pw, two ancl a fiafj years Cater, tfie (jovernor ancl Cegis[ature fiave repeatecl(g supported' tlie clirection of tfie Co[fege 6g appropriating mi[[ions of cfo[[ars to enhance its facifities and' programs . .9lntl tfie assets of tfie Peru State Co[[ege have grown more rapicl{g tfian anyone migfit fiave anticipated'.
'Botfi on- ancl off-campus, Peru's Presiclent 6uift·[eaclersfiip caares having tremenclous synergy ancl forwarcl momentum. staff, ancl stuclents strong{g· support tfie new airection.
.9l[iimni and' friend's are aefigfitea witfi tfie Co[fege's rer, 'Boarlf'tJpenecl aoors and [aicl tfie 6asis for 'Dr. Jofinson cliuck...fes wfien fie comments that 6u[fd'ozers1 pifes of airt and' yef{ow construction tape are common sigJ "Students e:omp[ain tfiat tfiere is no par/(j,ng, '' 'lJr. Joli; wfiai: is most eK,citing on campus, tfiey unanimous(g cite tfze 'Ifie new $5 mi[[ion J-foyt Science aadition opened'for tfie original 6ui[ding1 constructed' in 1929, wi[[ near(g aou6 tion ancl tfie state-of-tfie-art [a6oratories are e?(f ectecl to att science refatea careers. .!
Above: Area elementa that they were the first the Little Red Schoolhou. during 4 session ofthe Ne held on campus last fall Dr. Bill Clemente led th for the young authors.
At right, Sadye Wolle1 and Heath Bauman (st relax in the newly renova PSC has invested halls in recent years.
At left, Face-to-face · ulty leads Tia Willis classmates to a spirited cl tion has been a hallma Thousand Oaks since its (Photos by Michael T. Nort
'Jal. new members of the cant ongoing private support. >cafjoftfing, workf-rs in ftartf ftats, ts at the Campus of 521.. 'Thousand >on says, ((but, when you as!( them 'Onstruction." ·
;es tftis f a[f. :Fina[ renovations to cfassroom space. 'Tfte new addiact students to science majors and
:ry students loved the fact udents to attend school in se in more than 40 years
Literature Festival
PSC English Professor creative writing session
f'lburg (freshman, Wilber) ophomore, Blue Springs) ited Centennial Complex. $2 million in its residence iteraction with Perus facenior; Bellevue) and her 'iscussion. Personal attenirk of the Campus of A founding in 1867. thrup '84 and Kimberly Keenan)
The newest member of the Peru State College administrative team, Dr. Stephen Sylvester, came in fresh to the Campus of A Thousand Oaks. Yet the veteran educator was not an unknown entity.
Dr. Sylvester, who has been appointed Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, previously worked with PSC President Ben Johnson at Montana State University-Northern. Dr: Sylvester is filling in for Dr. Andrew Elkins, who is on medical leave.
"Steve will be an outstanding addition to Peru State College and a great advocate for Arts and Sciences," Dr. Johnson said. "His abilities; his experiences, and his inclinations match our expectations to a 'T' ."
"I am delighted to be at Peru State, and I see this as·· .an opportunity to be an advo:. cate for arts and sciences and for teacher education," Dr. Sylvester said. "PSC has great potential and I am. looking forward to working with Dr. Johnson again."
Rural focus
Serving a small, public college in a rural area is nothing new to Sylvester. He spent .the past year as Director of the Mantanuska/Susitna College, a community campus of the University of AlaskaAnchorage.
Before that he served for 11 years at Montana .State University-Northern in Havre, first as a faculty member, later. as a department chair, and then as Dean of MSUN's College of Arts and Sciences.
Prior to that, the native of Socorro, N .M. taught and was an administrator at the University of MinnesotaCrookston. All of those stops helped him develop an appreciation for colleges of a nature similar to Peru State, he said.
"I am convinced, and I have a lot of evidence, that smaller colleges offer the most opportunities for students," Sylvester noted.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Norman Doran ('51) and Marian Blake Doran (registrar's office 1945-51) celebrated their 50th wedding sary in Gahanna, Ohio in October at a banquet hosted by their five children. ·
Garold "Gary" Goings ('57) of Lakewood, Cqlo. was inducted into the Jefferson County Athletic Hall of Fame and the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame recently.. Gary coached football and basketball in Pueblo from 1959 to 1968 and then taught and coached boys basketball from 1968 until he retired in 1993 at Bear Creek Senior High School in the Denver area.
The. Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has· begun presenting an annual award with the title "The Jack Hallstrom ('50) Friend of Education Award." Hallstrom, a longtime school administrator, lives in Omaha.
Dale JohJ1son ('57) is steppfog down as Superintendent of the Glidden-Ralston (lowa) school system. Dale spent eight years as a principal there, then the last 28 as superintendent. His retirement.is effective in June.
Mary Hinrichs Kellogg (two-year '51, bachelors '72) of Nebraska City, Neb. was honored by the Nebraska City Chamber of Commerce as part of the Public Library Board with the "Group of the Year" award. The Library has been under expansion and held a "grand opening" this past April. Mary and husband, Sam, also celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past summer with a reception and family dinner.
Dr. Stephen Sylvester has joined Peru State College as an Interim Dean <?f the School qf Arts anc(Sciences. He began work earlier in January.
"Any student who wishes to can become involved a broad variety of activities--academic, extra-curricular, career oriertted--because the opportunities are there but there is less competition for leadership roles. Students and faculty work much more closely together, and students are truly the focus bf the college."
His own interests and education are in the area of history. Sylvester has a bache- · lor's degree from New Mexico State University and his masters and Doctor of Arts degrees from the University of North Dakota.
The first task for Sylvester is getting to know the personnel at Peru State, especially the faculty within the Arts and Sciences schooL A
better understanding of the place and its people and pro- . grams will help him formu.., late a strategy, along with the faculty in his school, to enhance Arts and Sciences. Beyond his affinity for col" leges resembling Peru State and his teaching and admin: istrative background, Sylvester has considerable experience in fields that can benefit PSC, President Johnson said He helped to develop Montana State-Northern's extensive distance learning program, for example. He has helped write and develop successful grant applications. Sylvester has extensive knowledge of budgeting, accreditation, assessment, long"range planning and other issues that are relevant to Peru State's needs.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Lee Haeberlein ('63) of Arcadia, Calif. has retired from teaching automotive technology after 38 years. He taught 10 years in Baldwin Park, Calif. and 28 years in El Monte, Calif. He continues· to teach part time at Rio Hondo College. Lee was California's automotive teacher of the year in 1985 and El Monte's teacher of the year in 1996.
Ch.uck Mizerski ('69) bf Lincoln, Neb. once again led his Southeast Knights football team to the Class A state playoffs. They were defeated i11. the semi-final round .of the playoffs and ended the season with a 12-1 record. ·
Steve Pattison ('67) of Kimball, Neb. retired in June, 2001 after 34 years in education. Thirty of those years were spent in school administration with the last 27 years as principal in Kimball. Steve's wife, the former Sharon Howard, attended from 1964-65.
Dr. Jim Pilkington, physical education faculty member and coach durin·g much of the 1960s, has been selected to be a starter at the 2002 Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa. The Pilkington also was honored recently as the Missouri Association· of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance "Scholar of the Year" and was named "Official of the Year" by the National Federation. of Officials Association. He lives in Gravios Mills, Mo.
(continued on'page 15)
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at(402) 872-2225.
Gloria Bean Adams ('70) of Merrimack, N.H. has been appointed by Pennwell Corp. to the new position of Director of Advanced Technology Division (ATD) - Audience Development. She provides management in ATD markets including circulation, conference and exhibition, and electronic audience databases.
Wendell Bard ('77) of Liberal, Kan. is the new guidance counselor at the South Middle School. Wendell completed his school counseling certification in May, 2001 from Northwest Oklahoma State University in Alva, Okla.
The former Center School, vacant.for the past 40 years and scheduled.for the wrecking ball to make way for improvements to U.S. Highway 75 in Nemaha County, has been move(/ to a neiv home on the Peru State College campus. Now the volunteer group that spearheads the project wants to obtain authentic school items from other rural one-room schools to equip the little Red Schoolhouse.
"The Little Red Schoolhouse," the one-room brick rural school once in danger of destruction for a highway improvement project, is now safe, soun,d and rebuilt on the Peru State College campus.
The building now proudly graces the southwest corner of PSC's Campus of A Thousand Oaks and it's ready for the next step: equipping the school as it was in its heyday. To do so, help is needed.
"We are looking for a variety of items that reflect rural, one-room schools from the era of about 1920 and earlier," noted Bob Lewellen of Peru, head of the Accessions subcommittee of the volunteer Little Red Schoolhouse committee.
Lewellen, a retired PSC business professor, cited several examples of things they would like to acquire, all from the 1905-1920 era. Student desks/chairs. A Palmer Penmanship display for above the blackboard. A water bucket and dip-
per, and a bench to set it on. Ink bottles. Student awards and postcards, wall maps, and a wall coat rack. ·
They'd also like an American flag with 46 stars; lunch pails, school supplies, even a dreaded teacher's paddle, all are things they want to acquire to make the Little Red Schoolhouse as authentic as possible.
They would also like to acquire photographs of classes held at the former Center School six miles west of Peru.
Lewellen was quick to follow up his request for supplies with a second request: he wants to encourage people to call him and describe items before they deliver them. ·
"We're worried that we might get too many desks or other duplicative items that we can't use and can't store," he said.
Anyone who would like to contribute items to the Little Red Schoolhouse is urged to contact Lewellen at (402) 872-3555.
Peru State College's Dr. Jerome Martin served on a panel on Humanitarian Challenges in Military Intervention, put on by Harvard University's Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at the Kennedy School of Government.
The workshop, held in Washington, D.C. in late November, was part of Harvard's "Project on the Use of Force," which is supported by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation.
Dr. Martin, Peru State Vice
President for Academic Affairs, retired from the Air Force in 1998 as a Lt. Colonel. He served the Air Force for 30 years and was Commander of its 34th Education Group at the Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs at the time of his retirement.
The Harvard conference explored how human rights considerations are factored into, and influenced by, the conduct of military intervention. This workshop, the first in a series, will focus on the challenges
associated with air power.
Dr. Martin was asked to talk about the Persian Gulf War. Specifically addressed humanitarian issues related to the air combat effort during Operation Desert Storm. Dr. Martin has studied and written extensively on the Persian Gulf War, including a monograph titled Victory From Above: Air Power Theory and Doctrine and the Conduct of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm which was published by the Air University Press.
Willie ('73) and Susie Van Syoc ('74) Fairbanks moved to York, Neb. this past year where WU.lie operates his'businessReboot Computer Store. Susie is a Services Coordinator for Nebraska Health and Human Services System. They have three children to keep them busy. Their youngest daughter's basketball coach was Scott Macholan ('00), who is the son of Willie's college roommate, Terry Macholan ('72).
Lee Miller ('77) of Grand Island, Neb. is a special education instructor at Grand Island Senior High. His wife, the former Mary Hutchens ('77) is District Manager of the Social Security Office in Grand Island.
David Norton ('75) of Filley, Neb. is president-elect of the executive committee of the Nebraska Independent Community Bankers Association. David is president of the Filley Bank.
Dennis Robertson ('73) took an early retirement package from Motorola after serving the company for 27 years, in Iowa, Illinois and Arizona. He is working as a contractor in the Phoenix area and enjoying camping, hiking, wood working, and helping to guide the fortunes of Peru State's Arizona Alumni chapter.
Barb Rolf ('79) of West Point, Neb. was inducted in the Nebraska Special Olympics Coaches Hall of Fame at closing ceremonies for the 2001 Summer Games held at Creighton University in Omaha. Barb is in her 21st year as the elementary P.E. teacher at West Point.
Linda Sepp ('78) of Arlington Heights, Ill. has adopted daughter Hollis and has joined Linda and daughter Maci at home. Hollis had been living in Shantou City, Guangdong Province, China.
Bob Tipton ('72) is co-Superintendent of the newly formed South Central Unified School District. South Central encompasses schools in the Nebraska communities of Superior, Nelson, Lawrence, Guide Rock and Sandy Creek.
Kent Wilson ('72) of Beatrice, Neb. is resigning as director of the Gage County Historical Society this summer to pursue other interests. He has been director of the society since 1986, and his accomplishment with the organization have been highly regarded.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
(continued on page 16)
(Photo by Elizabeth Olsen)Alan Baldwin ('88) recently ended a one-year term as president of the Police Chiefs Association of Nebraska. He is Chief of Police in Seward, Neb., where he has served for the last four years. Baldwin has been in law enforcement for 28 years.
Bob Cook ('89) is the new secondary principal in Superior, Neb. for the new South Central Unified School District. It's his first foray into administration after eight years as a teacher, the last three in Harvard, Neb. Bob gained a masters degree in educational administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney last spring.
Erin O'Grady Sayer ('91) has been a lot of different things since she enrolled at Peru State College in the late 1980s.
Record-setting softball pitcher. Outstanding student. Residence hall council president and, later, director of a residence hall while a student - an uncommon level of responsibility ·for a college student.
After graduation, Sayer remained in higher education. She has been an Assistant Director of Residence Life, then Director of Residence Life. She's served as an Assistant to a College President, and was even Interim Director of a College Physical Plant, supervising its maintenance and custodial programs.
The one thing tying all of those roles together was Peru State College. Now, Sayer is headed · into new territory: for the first time in a decade and a half, she'll be dedicating her time and talent to a new college.
Academic advisor
Sayer has resigned her Director of Residence Life post at Peru State to join the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as an Academic Advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences.
"I have a lot vested in Peru State; I've spent almost half of my life here," she said. "This place has been all I've known professionally. I'll miss the familiarity; the people here are like family, and it's kind of like walking away from part of my family.
"At the same time, it's exciting," Sayer added. "For me to take the next professional step, I need to leave here and get some experience somewhere else."
For Sayer, UN-L isn't entirely unfamiliar. She has a Masters degree from UN-L and is working on a doctoral degree there.
In her new position, Sayer will work with pre-law students and with some pre-medicine students too. She'll do some student recruitment in the pre-law field and sponsor the student Pre-Law Council.
'Done great things'
Reflecting on her time at PSC, Sayer said "I think we've done some great things in Student Services. I look back at everything that's happened and I think 'Wow! What a differenee!"'
The .recent million-dollar renovation of PSC's Centennial Complex is one of the highlights of her tenure, along with the technology upgrade to the residence hall's computer and telephone connections. Improvements in the student conduct/judicial system are another source of personal pride and satisfaction Sayer noted.
"Most of all, it's the relationships that I've formed with students that I will remember," Sayer said. "I get cards from some of them telling me what a difference I've made in their lives - that's a thrill."
Continuing to improve campus residence facilities will be critical, Sayer said. "Aging residence halls are a problem everywhere," she said. "Like other colleges, if your halls aren't nice, students don't want to live there; but if students don't live there, you don't have the money to fix them up."
More demanding
"Students• today are more demanding and pickier than they used to be when I was in college," she added.
Asked when Sayer thinks she'll get Peru State out of her system, her response was "I don't think ever. Peru State has given me my husband (Steve, a 1990 graduate and teacher at Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca) and a ton of friends, enough to last a lifetime.
"I've had great experiences and I've got great memories of my time here. I honestly don't believe I could have accomplished what I've done at another institution - my opportunities have been outstanding," she said.
"I have to leave so that I can finish what I've started," Sayer added. "But would I come back if the right position opened? You bet!"
Mark Czapla ('87) of Unadilla, Neb. was selected the Nebraska National Businessperson of the Year by the state Future Business Leaders of America group and will be honored in April 2002 Mark works for the First National Bank in Unadilla and Brandt Insurance Agency in Syracuse. He was previously a business teacher at the Tecumseh (Neb.) High School.
Doug Duis ('89) has been promoted to Assistant Vice President for Information Technology, Inc. of Lincoln, Neb. Doug is manager of the customer service division and has been with ITI for a dozen years.
Nancy Emerson, Instructor of Sociology and Social Work at Peru State since 1977, has retired from the PSC faculty.
Dean Farley ('87) of Syracuse, Neb. took his Syracuse volleyball team to the Class C-1 state. tournament in November. The team entered the tournament with a 26-1 record and was defeated in the semifinals.
Michael Gerdes ('88) of Auburn, Neb. recently completed the 2001 Commercial Lending School at Omaha. Mike is assistant vice president at Auburn State Bank where he has been employed for ten years.
Nancy DeLong Gerdes ('87) of Hickman, Neb. was featured in The Voice newspaper recently. Nancy is a CPA with the firm Gerdes and Goldsmith, CPAs, located in Beatrice and Lyons (Neb.). Her husband Ron ('85) is a systems analyst for the State Legislature.
Doug Goltz ('86) of Falls City, Neb. enjoyed another successful year as the football coach of the Sacred Heart Irish. His team was upset in the quarterfinal game in Class D-1 and ended their season with a 10-1 record.
Bonnie Mick Henzel ('86) was named Employee of the Year by the Nebraska Library Commission for 2001. She was lauded for her work on the NLC documents team.
Shari Paczosa Kucera ('85) of Omaha has continued to receive awards for her distance running. This past summer she won her sixth consecutive 2.1 mile women's title at the Columbus Downtown Runaround and remains the only woman to break 12 minutes for the race. Shari was a runner for PSC in the early 1980s.
Kirk Ochs ('80) is a sales representative for Cadamar Group in Oldsmar, Fla. He represents seven manufacturers of roofing products. Ochs lives in Tampa and has three daughters.
Nancy Siefford Pride ('86) of Omaha has been named Amica Mutual Insurance Company's regional sales executive for the Omaha area. Nancy began working for Amica in 1987 as a word processor in the Denver regional office.
(continued on page 17)
Some people in Gary Staples' line of work "have" to work outdoors. For the veteran member of Peru State College's grounds crew, it's been a privilege.
Staples retired at the end of October after 13 years on the PSC maintenance staff. Student< faculty and at the · no longer see him in his position, ing about campus on a mower, lawn tractor or other piece of equipment.
But that doesn't mean the Burlington Junction, Mo. native will change his ways. When asked how he plans to spend his retirement, he listed three things: "fishing, a big garden, and some yardwork." In other words, he'll be outdoors.
"That's what I liked best about my job, working ouF doors," he said. "I just don't like working indoors. Even in the wintertime, it wasn't 4unbearable, atlea:st no(on too 21nttny days:''
Staples talked about how he :enjoyed the changing seasons, 'and said one of his favorite times on the Campus of A Thousand Oaks was when he had to come in early - 3 or 4 a.m. - to push snow after a winter snowfall.
"It's just beautiful .out there, so peaceful and q ttiet," he. said. "I wish more people could see what the campus looks like after a new snow."
Staples joined PSC in October 1988. He followed his wife Linda, who took a job working in the college's School of Professional Studies (then Business Division) about six months earlier.
They had been living in
Rochelle Rohlfs ('89) of Omaha led her Omaha Marian volleyball team to the Class A State Volleyball tournament in November. The team was defeated in the semi-final round and ended the season with a 32-11 record.
" to: Kent Propst, Peru Stale Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-00 l 0 ot e-mail him at call him at (402) 872-2225.
Ramsey Hauman of Fdb City, Neb. has been appointed vice chairman the State and Local Government Accounting and Auditing Committee for the Nebraska Society of CPAs. The position is a,· three year appointment and then Julie will become chairinan of the committee. Julie is Senior Manager with .Prosser Professional Corporation in Falls City.
Terry Dugan ('97), a.k.a. Parry Docksile, recently released the book Trudy.& Colin: The Relationship Guide, a novel about a boy and his cat. This hysterical look at relationships a.nd baseball grudges can be picked up online at niajor ,bqok retailers, including Amazon.com, or directly from the author by going to http://www.docksile.com and following the cat.
Jennifer Froeschl Dunn ('97) of· Falls City, Neb. led the Sacr¢d He<)rt volleybalJ team to the l st.ate volleyball tournament in The team entered the tournament with a 28-3 record and was defeated in the semifinals.'
Billy Duren C96) is Senior Multi-Disciplined Engineer for Raytheon Aircraft Integration Systems. He provides technical advice and guidance for the Korean Airforce and lives in Seoul, South Korea.
Thanks to retirement at t/Je end<?{ October, Gary Staples wasn't amwzd to push snow qff Peru State College's Campus qf A Thousand Oaks. While snon· re111ow1! is o chore many dread, it was one (?f' Stapf es' farori te tasks. (Photo by Kent Propst)
Rock. Port, Mo. and Gary was driving trucks for a loc;al firm. It was OK, he said, but he really wanted to be'outside. A heart attack victim at age 42., Staples felt the fresh air and the great outdoors would be better for him. He believes he
made the right choice.
At a retirement reception in his honor on his last day of work, several people asked him how he planned to spend his first day in retirement.
""'I'm going fishin'," he · replied with olJvious glee.
We are happy to report that the Class of '77 has one of the shorter "lost alumni" rosters on Peru State's books.
Perhaps you mighf be able to shorten it even more.
If you have a current, home address for any of the following, please forward that information on to: Kent Propst, Peru State College,
PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421, or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu, or call him at (402) 8722225.
Abner, Henry Christie, Raymond Cook, Dixie Gibson, Michael S. Hambright, Jim E.
Hurley, Charles "Kip" Huston, Susan E. (Faller) Knight, Mark A. Knoll, Catherine A. (Pfeiffer) Long, Deborah J. Martin, William E. McClain, Robert Mount, Stuart C. Okoye, Sydney Speight, Thomas R. Stordahl, Dean M.
Cathie Cave English ('91) of Aurora, Neb. is one of two recipients of the Don Cameron Award from the National Education Association, one of its highest honors. The award was presented at NEA's Salute to Excellence in Education banquet in Washington, D.C. in December. It is given for an outstanding proposal from the NEA Foundation Innovation Grant recipients who teach social studies at the middle school level.
Trudy Carsh Fankhauser ('93) .of Humboldt, Neb. is employed as a Certified Special Education Aide for grades 1-4 as well as H.A:L. teacher for grades 1-6 within the Humboldt, Table Rock, Steinauer school system with sites in Humboldt and Table Rock. Trudy previously taught for seven years as the K-3 teacher at Brownville District #34.
Mike Harling ('92) is the new assistant vice president in the loan department for the Hastings (Neb.) State Bank. He had been with a bank in North Platte, Neb,
Tiffany Holmes ('98) of Lincoln, Neb. received her Master of Music degree in Flute Performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in December.
Joy Huber ('99) recently accepted a position with Clear Channel Radio of Lincoln, Neb. as a Marketing Consultant. Clear Channel Radio encompasses the following stations: KZKX 96.9 Lincoln's Country Leader 96 KX, KTGL 92.9 Lincoln's Classic Rock The Eagle, KSLI 104.1 Lincoln's All New Kiss 104 FM and KIBZ, 106.3 The Blaze. (continued on
Peru State College's "Trails and Tales IV: Forts and Fables Tour and Institute," created and conducted by Drs. Sara Crook and Dan Holtz, is the recipient of grants from the Nebraska Humanities Council and from the U.S. Department of Education's Eisenhower· Grant program.
This is the fourth time that the innovative summertime "Trails and Tales" program has been held, and the Nebraska Humanities Council has provided financial support since its inception. This year's $6,000 grant will help defray the costs of the two-week program.
Another $22,000 from the Eisenhower Grant program, as well as support from the Peru State College Foundation, will help defray much of the cost to participants.
"It definitely is great," said Holtz, professor of English, of the grant. "It makes us feel like we' re doing something worthwhile and of value. It just makes the experience a lot more positive for those who participate.
The "Trails and Tales" program is an interdisciplinary literature and history project for graduate students, for example teachers and librarians, that includes five days of on-campus instruction and discussion at Peru State College's main campus followed by a six-day chartered bus trip. ·
The Nebraska State Historical Society also will support the program by waiving all admission fees for participants to its sites along the tour.
"All of these grants make a elass that is uniquely different possible, because otherwise many couldn't afford the tuition, books, childcare for their own children, and being away from their families during the program if there wasn't some kind of reimbursement for expenses," said Crook, associate professor of social sciences
"The ultimate goal is to excite Nebraskans
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 684210010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Dennis ('99) and Kristi Cummins ('95) Baker of Omaha are proud parents of son Dylan Lee, born this past November. Dennis is teaching elementary physical education at Wakonda Elementary for the Omaha Public Schools and is assistant football coach at Omaha South High. Kristi teaches business and computers at Blair High and is head volleyball coach.
Lisa Tomlyn Click ('99) and husband Anthony of_ Nebraska City, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Chloe Alexis, born in October.
Brett ('97) arid Tracy (PSC student) Davis of Johnson, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Kolt Austin, born in October.
about.Nebraska, and what better way to do that than to excite those that teach Nebraskans about Nebraska?" said Crook.
Classes will take place June 17-21 on the Peru State College campus. Through a combination of historical readings and the writings of John Neihardt, Mari Sandoz, and Bess Streeter Aldrich, the program will explore causes and consequences of the divisions between whites and Native Americans, as well as between Native American tribes.
The tour, scheduled for June 24-29, is designed to enhance the classroom work and to illustrate the roles of early United States military posts in aiding the operation of the fur trade and the Over]and Trails, in the protection of settlers in Nebraska and eastern Wyoming, and in protecting one Native American tribe or tribes from another.
"We thihk, and this is reflected in the feedback we've received from participants, this program is a fabulous way to experience, not just learn, Nebraska literature and Nebraska histo.ry," said Crook.
"Participants get to talk to people to whom they would not otherwise have access,'.' said · Holtz. "When we go some place, we get the best person there as a guide. We're not getting a summer intern; we' re getting the person who has actually done a lot of research there.
"Almost invariably these people are not only experts on the subject, they are very good storytellers as well," he added. "You get the feeling that you're right there in that moment when they're pointing out what happened where."
There are cuITently 42 positions open on the tour, and past experience has shown that the bus will fill quickly. Interested individuals can contact Dr. Crook (402-872-2279, crook@bobcat.peru.edu) or Dr. Holtz (402-8722267, dholtz@bobcat.peru.edu) for more information or to get on their mailing list.
Michael Knake ('90) of Bayard, Neb., director of the Bayard High School Marching Band, completed a successful band competition season this past fall. The band received superior ratings in every competition they marched in which was their best record since 1989.
Carrie Leong ('99) of Honolulu, Hi. has been promoted to Recreation Director II for the city and county of Honolulu, Department of Parks and Recreation. She cuITently oversees Kalakaua District Park in Honplulu. Carrie is also the assistant volleyball coach at Radford High School.
Heather Layson McKay ('97) is working on a masters degree in school administration from Iowa State University, and works for a local photography studio in Atlantic, Iowa. Husband Paul ('95) is working at the same studio, as well as coaching football and middle school wrestling; he gained his driver education endorsement from the University of Northern Iowa.
Jonna Parsons ('99) has been appointed the juvenile mentoring coordinator for People United for Families (PUFF), located in Nebraska City. Jonna had been working for Project Response, another social services organization in southeastern Nebraska.
Michelene Robertson ('91) of Lincoln, Neb. is employed at Experian where she is a supervisor over ten employees.
Zach Sangster ('99) is continuing hi.s football career, having signed on with the Omaha Beef indoor pro footba11: team. He had played the last three seasons with the Lincoln Lightning indoor team.·
Matt Uher ('96) of Falls City, Neb. has been named the head football coach of the Falls City High Tigers. Matt is the English teacher at Falls City High School. He has also served as an assistant football and basketball coach the past three years. Matt taught and coached at St. Paul, Neb. for two years prior to coming to Falls City.
Steven Epler ('94) and wife Teri of Brock, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Connor Daniel, born in January.
Jason Esser ('95) and wife Kim of Nebraska City, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Ainsley Erin, born in October. She was welcomed home by a brother, Jackson.
Travis ('98) and. Kerry Brandt ('97) Evans of Burlington, Ky. are proud parents of a daughter .Kathrine Ann, born in November. She was welcomed home by a sister, Karson.
Joan Fergus Fedoris ('94) and husband Andy of Nebraska City, Neb are proud parents of a daughter, Isabella Savannah, born in January.
Penny Gibbons Gerking ('94) and husband Tim of Talmage, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Alexandra Jean, born in October. She was welcomed home by a sister, Elizabeth.
PSC students Danny and Nikki Moody Hayes of Peru, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Annie Jo, born in December.
Angie Hawley Hetzel ('96) and husband Ted of Tabor, Iowa are proud parents of a son, Brock Allen, born in October.
Matt Hug ('92) and wife Traci of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents, of a son, Trey Anthony, born in October. He was welcomed home by a brother and sister.
(Continued on Page 23)
Tait Whorlow ('98) is now teaching math and coaching middle school football at Elkhorn (Neb.) High School. He taught and co;iched previously in Rising City and Norfolk Catholic in Nebraska.
Greg Wolfe ('97) has left his native Canada to coach baseball in Palau, New Guinea. The former PSC residence hall .director and assistant baseball coach headed toward warmer climes in January.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at · kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Allan Albert ('01) is teaching at Bellevue (Neb.) East High School.
Brandi Buck ('00) is a K-12 special education teacher for the Malcolm (Neb.) Public Schools.
Aimee Eden ('01) is now the Director of Programs for the Homestead Council of Girl Scouts. She lives in Nebraska City.
Julie Liberty Frederick ('01) is teaching science for the Dawson-Verdon (Neb.) Consolidated Schools.
(continued on page 19)
Send your wedding and engagement news to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 684210010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
PSC students Jacob Barnoski and Anna Wheeler are to be married in June.
Mark Fritch ('94) and Jaime Leinen were married in June. They live in Grand Island, Neb. where Mark is a teacher and head football coach for Grand Island High School.
Andrea Graff ('96) and Christopher Havel were married in November. They live in Grand Island, Neb. Andrea is a substitute teacher in the area.
PSC student Katy James and Jeremy Marvel were to be married in March in Glenwood, Iowa.
PSC student Jason Moser of Rock Port, Mo. and Jennifer Ehmke· will be married in April. Jason will receive his Bachelor of Science degree· in business administrativ:e man-
agement and marketing in May.
Blake Renner ('99) and Alison Witt are to be married in May in Lincoln, Neb. Blake is a claims representative for Progressive Insurance Co.
PSC student Clint Swanson and Kristine Engles were married in December.
the Olathe School District.
Aaron Taylor (attd. '97) and Susan Ladwig were married in November. They live in Bellevue, Neb. and Aaron teaches physical education and coaches baseball and football for the Bellevue Public Schools.
Nik Johanson ('01) has been appointed Assistant Superintendent at the Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area near Ogallala:, Neb. He'll work with daily park operations, administrative duties, supervising seasonal employees, and helping to enforce park regulations.
Wyvie Jones Jr. ('00) is a firefighter for the Omaha Fire Department
Mona Kuhlenengel ('01) is assistant office manager for the Nebraska City Utilities office. She's been working there since 1998.
Jason Laferriere ('01) is projecfand installation manager for Swanson Gentleman Hart, Inc. in Omaha.
Kyle Lee ('01) is a loan officer for Citifinancial, and is living in Kearney, Neb.
Andrea McGrath ('01) is teaching special education for the Southeast Nebraska Consolidated Schools in Stella, Neb.
Jon Mierau ('00) and five fellow former employees of General Electric Power in Loveland, Colo. have left GE to open an office in Loveland that is affiliated with Siemens Westinghouse Power Corp. They do turbine control upgrades for power plants. Mierau is control systems engineer for the group.
Marjorie Sheeley Allen (cert. '41) of Morrill Kan. passed away in October. She taught school for a short time.
Edna May Treakle Ankeny (attd. '29) of Hastings, Neb. passed away in October. She retired from the Hastings Regional Center in 1974.
Word has been received of the death of Maxine Cook Bast ('32) of Hot Springs, Ark.
William Bednar ('53) of Grand Blanc, Mich. passed away in February. He was a retired Mott Community College biology professor.
Laurena Yoesel Bellis ('36) of La Grange Park, Ill. passed away in October.
Harold "Artie" Benson ('82) of Fort Worth, Tex. passed away in December. He had been a disc jockey in the Fort Worth area.
Karen Hauder Boehnke (attd. '87-'89) of Nebraska City
Debbie Swanson ('98) and Eric Fleming were married in October. They live in Olathe, Kan. where Debbie teaches for passed away in January.
Harriett Rhoades Bridgewater (attd. early '30s) passed away in December.
Mildred Taylor Bunch ('50) of Red Cloud, Neb. passed away in January. She was a retired educator.
Mae Shroder Burk (attd. early '30s) passed away in November. She had been living in Plattsmouth.
Laura Patterson Clay Casper ('63) passed away in November. She had been living in Malvern, Iowa, and was a former school teacher who retired in 1981.
Ethel Sklenar Cejka ('30) of Weston, Neb. passed away in October. She was a longtime rural school teacher.
Ansel Clayburn ('52) of Apache Junction, Ariz. passed away in January. He was a retired educator and the son of longtime PSC professor A.B. Clayburn. His wife, the former
Stefanie Williams (attd. '98-'99) and Shawn Kunzman were married in August. They live in Tecumseh, and Stefanie works for the Tecumse Police Department. Barbara Bragg ('51), survives as well as a brother, Gerald (' 49) of Loon Lake, Wash and a sister, Laurine Johnson ('50) of Auburn, Calif.
Gerald Cope ('50) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in January.
Grace Ewell Davison (attd. '52) of Thurman; low.a passed away in November. She was a postal clerk at the Thurman Post Office for over 25 years, and also worked as a teacher's aide and cook at the Thurman. School.
Dale Dyke ('33) of Tabor, Iowa passed away in January. He began his teaching career in 1929 at Bartlett as a coach and teacher. In 1944 he became a test engineer for Hughes Aircraft and helped build the world's largest airplane, now known as the "Spruce Goose." He taught again for a short time, and then held several different sales positions and retired from Johnson Brothers Mills after 30 years. as a sales manager. , (Continued on Page 20)
Marker L. Nichols ('00) is a warehouse shipping and receiving manager for Garner Industries, Inc. in Lincoln, Neb.
Danelle Goings Ottemann ('01) is now the Systems Application Specialist for Sandhills Publishing, based in Lincoln, Neb.
Charles Pierce ('01) is teaching science and math for the Southeast Nebraska Consolidated Schools in Stella, Neb.
Sasha Kuker Rightsell ('00) is a family development associate for Southeast Nebraska Community Actiop in Auburn, Neb.
Jill Smallfoot-Collins ('01) is now a staff accountant for Dana F. Cole & Co. in Lincoln, Neb.
Lanette VanMeter ('01) is now a second grade teacher with the Plattsmouth (Neb.) School District. Send
Ten years into the.ir careers, the Class of '92 bas gone far and wide to make its mark in the world.
Unfortunately, several members of the class have gone further and wider than we realize: we've lost track of them.
Listed befow is the "Lost Alumni" roster for the Class of '92. Please take a moment to review this list, and help us shorten it up.
Current, home addresses can be forwarded to Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE•.684210010 or by e-mail at kpropst@oakmail.peru.e du or by calling ( 402) 872-2225.
Thanks for your help!
Boom, David E.
Brezovic, Michael A.
Bronhaugh, Deborah M. (Barker)
Carlson, Dawn M. Clark, Tammy L.
Constantino, Michael J.
Craven, Robert L.
Dawley, Brian W.
De La Matta Ruiz, Juan C. Edwards, Quinson L.
Foster, David J.
Freedman, Morris N.
Hasty, Ronald C.
Johnston, Robert C.
Jones, David L.
Jordan, Brett E.
MacNaughton, Peter E.
Marshall, Everett G.
Mowery, Cynthia (Walla)
Parsons, Melissa J.
Paulson, Jeff S.
Ploog, Shawna L.
Price, Peter T. ·
Riley, Theodore
Salzwedel, Kelly J.
Schmidt, Dana L. (Kruse)
Vendetti, Patric M.
Vieth, Joseph M.
Wallach, Whitney K. (Nielsen)
White, Julie M. (Lutz)
Whitley, Lowell S.
Witty, Adrian H.
Zabel, Sandra K.
Zeigler, Ulysses· E.
(From Page 19)
Florence Rainy Easton (attd. '26-'27) passed away in December. She was from Hebron, Neb.
Lucille Schulenberg Eickhoff (attd. '31) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in January. She was a former teacher and homemaker. Family members include children John ('66), of Auburn, Neb., Leon ('71) of Stella, Neb., and Natalie Applegate ('84) of Plattsmouth, Neb.
Beulah Livingston Evans ('40) of Des Moines, Wash. passed away in November. Beulah was a fifth grade teacher in Washington for over 15 years.
Burton Evans ('39) of Tigard, Ore. passed away in November. He was a high school music teacher in Nebraska before serving in World War II, and then moved to Portland, Ore. and was a salesman for General Electric until his retirement in 1980.
Ernest Foster ('71) of Council Bluffs, Iowa passed away in December. He was a school teacher and coach for 27 years.
Melvin L. Gerdes (attd. '40) of Cedar Creek, Neb. passed away in November.
Erma Fedde Gottsch (certif. '31) passed away in in Fremont, Neb.
Gary Grady ('73) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in November. He had been a teacher in the Falls City Public Schools since 1987.
Harold Grafe ('53) of Grand Junction, Colo. passed away there in November. He was ajet fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, and then was a pilot with Continental Airlines and a high school teacher in Cortez, Colo. Harry also worked for the National Park Service in Colorado, Arizona, California, New York, Arkansas, and Utah.
Lawrence Harpenau (attd. '51-'53) of Los Angeles, Calif. passed away in January. He was a fighter pilot and served in the Vietnam War. After retiring from the service he worked in real estate in California until his retirement due to health problems.
Elfrieda Dahlgran ·Haynes ('39) of Laurel, Md; passed
away in January.
Esther Miller Heebner (attd. '29) of Elmwood, Neb. passed away in December.
Dorothy Hoffert Herboldsheimer. ('41) of Hutchinson, Kan. passed away in February.
Leroy Higgins ('68) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in November. He was a professor at Southeast Community College in Beatrice, and had been awarded the 1997 Southeast Community College Instmctor of the Year Award and also the Outstanding Faculty Award.
businessman, and social w\;;>rker. "
Leone Pierce Krikac ('27) away in December. She had.been living in Sargent, Neb.,
Word has been received of • the death of Theta Odegard Lester ('27) of Buffalo; Wyo.
Dianne Mo·rrison Lukas ('68) of Hopkins, Minn. passed away in November. She was an elementary music teacher, and hl:,!d most recently taught at Children's Kindergarten Center in .Eden Prairie, Minn.
Grace Sieckmann Matthies ('20) passed away in September in Geneva, Neb.
Margaret Hoffman ('67) of James McAllister ('38) of Burchard, Neb. passed away in Dunbar, Neb. passed away in January. She was a retired November. He taught in the school teacher, and taught both math department at Monmouth elementary and high school in · College from 1957 to 1971 and various schools in southeast then retired from Lewis and Nebraska. Clark Community College in
Jean Butler Holman (attd. '30) of Hastings, Neb. passed away in January. She taught school and was active in Hastings area civic groups.·
Word has been received of the death of Fay Andrews Hopfer ('35) of Sun City· West, Ariz. in January 2001.
Lela Boatwright Hoy ('62) of Matthews, N.C. passed away in October.
Esther Steiner Hunzeker ('47) of Humboldt, Neb. passed away in November. She was a music teacher and school .principal for several years before her marriage.
Evangelyn Cornell Jenkins ('38) passed away last Jw1e.
Frances Knapp Jerauld (attd. '40) of Indianapolis, Ind. passed away in October. She taught school for a short time and then enlisted. in the U.S. Navy WAVES in 1943.
Willis "Bill" Johnson ('51) of Kansasville, Wis. passed away in November. He was a member of several outstanding basketball teams while attending PSC.
Nellye Hawkins Knight (attd. '31) passed away in December in No11h Platte, Neb.
Jerry Koenig ('58) of Norfolk,. Neb. passed away in October. He was a school administrator, farmer,
Beatrice, Neb. passed away in December. He operated a service station in Beatrice from 1967 until 1992 and then worked for Blue Valley Door Company in Beatrice until June of2001.
Hertha Oestmann Remmers (attd. '31-'33) passed away in December. She lived in Auburn, Neb.
Agnes Wiles Richert (' 48) of Murdock, Neb. passed away in October. She was a retired math teacher, and spent her last' 22 years at Louisville (Neb.) teaching junior high math. In 1990 she was honored as an "Outstanding Teacher" by the Omaha World-Herald.
Georgia Jorn Scheumann ('31) of Omaha passed away in April.
1988.
Mason Miller of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in November: Mason established an endowed scholarship at Peru State in memory of his wife, the former Irene Westerman ('38}, when she passed away.
Walter Naiman ('29) of Mission Viejo, Calif. passed away in June. He was a retired educator and active in many community organizations. Naiman was the last surviving member of Peru State's 1927 unbeaten football team that was enshrined in the PSC Hall of Fame and is considered by some the greatest Bobcat football squad ever.
Evelyn 'W:.hiffen Noer.rlinger ('29) of Fremont, Neb. passed away in January. She taught school for years in the Nebraska communities of Beatrice, Lincoln, DeWitt, Hooper and Fremont ·
Word has been received of the death of Lorine Erickson Parsons ('29) of Great Falls, Mont.
Ona Hostrup Pfeiffer ('21) passed away in November in Scribner, Neb.
Ruby Bundy Rainey ('41) of Jacksonvjlle, Fla. passed away in November. She taught school in Nebraska for many years, and later taught those who were preparing for U.S. citizenship.
W. Duane Rains (' 56) of
Jesse Clairon Smith ('42) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in November. He was a retired field supervisor for the State of Nebraska Welfare Department.
Norma Fix Stroh ('37) of Norfolk, Neb. passed away in December. She was a teacher for many years.
Sybil Whitlock Strother (attd. '19) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in November.
Mable McFall Tanking ('63) of Sabetha, Kan. passed away in November.
Erich Tegtmeier (attd. '34) of Burchard, Neb. passed away in December. He was a retired farmer.
T. Lavinna Farwell Thiemann (cert. '32) passed away in December in Sabetha, Kan.
Leland Thurin (attd. '48'49) passed away in November.
Pam Wertz Whitworth ('88) passed away in January in Auburn, Neb.
Blair Williams (attd. '41) of Shubert, Neb. passed away in October. He was a retired farmer.
Leora Wollenburg ('63) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in January. She was a teacher and later retired from the Nebraska State Department of Teacher Certification.
The Perl.1 State ·college volleyball·team fih'- · ished the 2001 season with a 15-l6 overall record and a third place finish in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference. The 'Cats were 7-5 in MCAC play and qualified for the conference tournament, eventually falling to Bellevue
University. ·
Leading the way for the Bob'cats were senior co-captains Janelle Findlay (Stella) and Jenny Pitzl (Omaha). Both were 1honored as First Team All-MCAC s.elections this season. Findlay, a starter, 1cqpped her career off as the all-time dig leader in Peru State History with 2,006. ·
Pitzl will remain with the 'Cats next season as a student-assistant coach.
"Our seniors were simply outstanding all season and they will be dearly missed in the future," said first year Head Coach Fred
Aubilchotl'.
The 'Cats return a strong nucleus for the 2002 season and Aubuchon remains pos'itive that the 'Cats will be a team to contend with in the MCAC next season.
"We ·ha_ve recruited a great combinatidn of players with the right kind of character for Peru State and.those that fit in with how we want to approach die game," noted Aubuchon.
Those lettering for the 'Cats the 2001 season include seniors Findlay and Pitzl, juniors Meghan Scanlan (Plattsmouth), Sarah Hurlbut (Omaha), Brooke Placke (Grand Island), sophomores Katie Mathiesen (David City), Sara Craven (Ashland), Amanda Hedin (Bellevue), Anna Wheeler (Bellevue), and freshmen Lindsay Fisher (Toledo, Ohio), Cara DeBuhi· (Auburn), and. Elizabeth Einspahr (Hildreth).
Mark Mathews enters his ninth year as·· Peru State College's head softball coach wi:tn te"am; that he: believes .is very focused on improving on.· last year's record , The 'Cats i.;<_;;;,.•.- {i•.,:: began the 200 l season with a 9-1 record, but could only win 10 of the next 26 games en route to. a 19-27 overall paign.
With 11 returning letter winners, including seven rettirning starters, the 'Cats hope to make a run at the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference championship, in only their second year of conference play. The Bobcats finished 57 in the tough MCAC last s.eason.
"We have a very strong returning nucleus, with a lot of game experience," said Mathews. "We have very good team speed combined with great defensive skills."
The Bobcats had a busy offseason signing two freshmen, and a junior college transfer to their squad. Freshmen Katie Roof (Malcolm) and Becky Holman (Humboldt) plus junior Jessica Hill (Nicoma Park, Okla.) from Pratt Community College are all vying for playing time.
On the mound for the 'Cats this season are two strong pitchers. Both Angela Godfrey (senior, Bakersfield, Calif.) and Christy Bulson (junior, Mexico, Mo.) bring a
wealth of experience to the mound. Godfrey was named All-MCAC last season, and Bulson set the school's single season earned run average record as a freshman.
Senior Stacie Sell (Glenwood, IA) will also see time on the mound for PSC, and Mathews says that she is "determined to end her career on a high note."
Behind the plate, sophomores Jessica Joe (Fairbury) and Amanda Metzger (Cozad) both saw quality playing time for the 'Cats last season. "Both are very consistent and have improved their skills in the off-season," said Mathews. "With their kn.owledge of the game, we will have two solid catchers."
Mathews is looking to Hill to play first base this season, along with a rotation of pitch-
ers Godfrey and Bulson. "Jessica has a strong bat and good defensive skills," noted Mathews. "She has already played at the highest level, bringing the team stability and a strbng knowledge base of the game."
The middle of the infield looks to be the strongest for the Bobcats this season. Junior Jamie McBride (Atlantic, IA) and sophomore Jiree Carpenter (Roca) will se.e time at second base and shortstop. "Jamie is a returning All-MCAC and All-Region IV player," said Mathews. "She adds a lot of speed and tenacity to the team.
"Jiree ha.s made great improvements from last season, and will fill in nicely full time," he added. Mathews also said Lindsay Messner (Falls City) will see time on the field for the Bobcats, and will also be used a lot in the "dp" position in the batting line up.
At third base, junior Michelle Wedge (Kearney) has moved over from the pitching rotatio.n to fill in for the Bobcats. "Michelle is doing really well, she has a great work ethic and desire to improve," said Mathews.
The outfield will also be stacked with talent this season.
Senior Sandy Owens (Council Bluffs, IA), junior Carrie (Continued on Page 23)
Jaci
For third year head coach Tab Jefferson, the 2001-02 season has been a difficult challenge to bear. The strong Bobcat program boasted backto-back NAIA National Tournament appearances in the last two seasons.
The Bobcats struggled to an 8-19 overall record at press time, including 3-5 in the MCAC. This is new territory for the 'Cats, the reigning MCAC champions.
"It's j;)een a long and tough season for us. We are busy · working with the players we have to gain experience and hope to bring in quality recruits for next season,'' said
Jefferson.
The 'Cats. have certainly struggled from the floor, shooting a disappointing 34% from the field. Leading the team in scoring is sophomore Tiffany Taylor (Fairfax, Mo.) with an 8.8 points per game average. Jur;iior Jen Easterwood (Dawson) has been a bright spot for the Bobcats, averaging 8.2 points and a team-high 6.2 rebounds.
"Overall, l have been pleased with a couple of players who have stepped up and grown up in a hurry. It's been good in that regard," noted Jefferson. "Hopefully that will carry over to next year."
The Peru State College men's basketball team is off to its best start in three years and has high hopes of qualifyirig for the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament. The Bobcats were 11-13 overall at S.tater press time, including a 4-4 record in the MCAC.
"We are steadily improving as a group and we are very excited about the direction the program is in," said Interim Head Coach Jerre Cole. "We have had the difficult job of meshing together a wealth of talent new to the program while continuing to try to put up wins."
Cole took over the Bobcat program from long-time coach John Gibbs. Gibbs led the 'Cats for over 20 years, taking PSC to two NAIA National Tournament appearances and leading them to the most wins in school history.
The 'Cats have had some memorable moments already this season with a dramatic victory over Bellevue University on the road and a five-game win streak, the longest since the conclusion of the 1996-97 season.
Senior pitcher and third baseman Monte Scott (C({fgary, Alberta), a two-time All-American, leads a PSC /J({seb({I/ that has high hopes.for the 2002 camp({ign.
Head Coach Mark Bayliss enters his fifth year as the 'Cats mentor with what he says could be his best team ever. The combination of a strong recruiting class mixed with an experienced returning core should result in wins for the 2002 Peru State College baseball team.
"I feel our recruiting class was really strong," stated Bayliss. "We addressed a lot of needs that we felt we had to fill with quality, experienced players."
The Bobcats added 15 newcomers to combine with 15 returning players, nine of whom were starters last season, in what Bayliss hopes to be a yvinning combination.
The Bobcats will rely on a four-man pitching rotation this season. Seniors Monte Scott (Calgary, Alberta), Jim Lovely (Glenwood, IA) and Scott Campau (Calgary, Alberta) along with sophomore Brett Scheuler (Yutan) all return with seasoned mound experience.
Bullpen additions including juniors Craig Spilker (Beatrice) and Ben Diaz (Hanford, Calif.), sophomore Jake Barnoski (Polson, Mont.), and freshman Justin Bartling (Central City, IA) are all expected to compete for time on the mound.
Red-shirt freshman Josh Ziemba (Lincoln) returns to the 'Cats after sitting out last season with a shoulder injury and is expected to see time in the rotation this season.
Both sophomore Brad Wolansky (St. Albert, Alberta) and junior Dillon Musil (Kearney) will share time behind the plate this year for the Bobcats. Wolansky started 38 of the 41 games last season, and hit .327. "The catching situation is better than last season," said Bayliss. "We have two solid defensive catchers and both can hit the ball very well."
Senior Ben Kassera (Omaha) will continue to anchor first base for the Bobcats this season. Kassem is coming off the 2001 season in which he batted .382 and was named Honorable Mention All-MCAC. "Ben has been here for four years and is a team captain, as well as a great all-around player."
The middle infield is arguably the most solid in the school's history. Juniors Steve Winton
(Wichita, Kan.) and Thye DeKoning (Beatrice), as well as sophomore John McHugh (Edmonton, Alberta) are all vying for playing time at both second base and short stop. Scott will handle third base, along with his pitching duties, again this season. A two-time NAIA All-American selection, he brings much needed leadership and intensity to the team. Freshman Ryan Closterman (Overland Park, Kan.) is also expected to see playing time at third base.
The outfield will draw from a wealth of potential and depth. Senior Michael Hunt (Edmonton, Alberta), junior Tommy Aldana (Nebraska City), and sophomores Joe Tynon (Frankfort, Kan.) and Jeremy Larkins (Lincoln) are all returning players with valuable playing experience.
The additions of juniors Sean Dyck (Kamloops, British Columbia) and Montsho Wilson (Chicago, II.) will also add talent to the outfield.
"This is the area of the team that has seen the most improvement," said Bayliss. "We have a depth of quality athletes and players. I suspect this is where the most competition for playing time will be."
Offensively, the 'Cats have the potential to be as good as they were last season, finishing seventh in the NAIA in team batting average for 2001. "We have a good mix of power and speed," said Bayliss.
The Bobcats also added freshmen Micah Shuch (Laramie, Wyo.), Zach Jones (Lincoln), Steve Fuller (Bellevue), Brandon Garcia (Hunford, Calif.), John Accord (Lincoln) and Brian Frields (Nebraska City) to this year's squad and all will attempt to compete for spots in the lineup.
"As a whole, the coaching staff feels this season could be very promising," said Bayliss. "We feel confident that the program is turning around and this is the most athletic team I have had at Peru State in my five years, both offensively and defensively. If we can stay healthy and consistent we should push towards a 35 to 40 will mark."
Leading the Bobcats in scoring, rebounding, and assists is junior college transfer Montsho Wilson (junior, Chicago, Ill.) with an average of 14.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Senior captain Joey Maggett (Omaha) has returned from injury to average 12.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest for the 'Cats.
The Bobcats boast a roster of 16 players, all of whom have been called on to contribute this season. "We are a very deep team and we utilize our weapons well," noted Cole. "If we can continue to play unselfishly in our balanced attack, we could make some noise in the post-:season."
The Peru State College football team finished the 2001 season with a 5-5 overall record, including a 3-1 record in the Central States Football League. The 'Cats finished second in the CSFL behind Northwest Oklahoma State University for the second straight year.
One of the more memorable moments for the Bobcats this past season would have to be the dramatic come-frombehind overtime win over Baker University (Kan.) in the seventh annual Wheat Bowl held in Ellinwood, Kan.
Two second half touchdowns closed the gap for the 'Cats and a 21-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Tommy Aldana (Nebraska City) to sophomore wide receiver Justin Bartling (Central City, Iowa) clinched a season opening 21-14 overtime victory.
Offensively, the Bobcats were led by Aldana in both rushing with 382 yards and five touchdowns and passing witli 1,076 yards and nine touchdowns. Freshman wide receiver Scott Beveridge (Reno, Nev.} led the 'Cats with 29 catches for 346 yards and three scores. Aldana was
honored this season as the team most valuable player by the coaching staff.
On the defensive side of the ball, senior defensive back Jason Hurt (Dannebrog) and junior linebacker Paul Heusinkvelt (Crete) led the 'Cats with 7 4 total stops each.
Junior Tyler Armagost (Lexington) led the B.obcats with six sacks on the year.
The Bobcats graduated 14 seniors but have high hopes that next season will be another step closer to Peru State's historical gridiron success. The season-ending departure of head coach Ryan Held means the 'Cats will be heading in a new direction come next fall.
The Peru State College football and volleyball teams once again collected numerous postseason honors this fall. Nine Bobcat football and five volleyball players were honored as allconference selections this past season.
Honored on the All-Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference Volleyball First Team were senior co-captains Janelle Findlay (Stella) and Jenny Pitzl (Omaha).
Findlay led the Bobcats in kills (319), ·digs (549), aces (49), and service receptions (504). This past season, she became the Bobcats alltime leading dig leader with 2,006 for her career.
Pitzl contributed with 234 kills, 37 aces, 302 digs, and 297 service receptions for the season.
MCAC Honorable Mention selections for the 'Cats were junior setter Brooke Placke (Grand Island) and sophomore outside hitters Anna Wheeler (Bellevue) and Amanda Hedin (Bellevue).
On the gridiron, the 'Cats placed two members on the All-Central States Football League First Team. Senior punter Chad Beckman (Stromsburg) earned his second straight first team award after averaging 37 .3 yards per punt
on 70 attempts.
Offensive lineman Matt Arend (Ankeny, Iowa) was also honored on the first team after an injury-plagued but effective senior campaign.
Earning AllCSFL Second Team offensive honors for the 'Cats included senior quarterback Tommy Aldana (Nebraska City), senior wide receiver Matt Beck (Ralston), and senior offensive lineman Ross Luzum (Broken Bow). ·
On defense, four 'Cats were awarded AllCSFL Second Team recognition. Heading the group was senior defensive back Jason Hurt (Dannebrog). Junior linebackers Paul Heusinkvelt (Crete) and Matt Shelsta (Omaha) and sophomore defensive back Lee Jennings (Columbus) were also recognized for., their play this past season.
Alexand.er (Johnson), and sophomores Anna Tennel (Morrill, Kan), Terra Robison (Rock Port Mo.) and Becky Holman will all see time. "Our outfielc;lers as a group have a great.work ethic," said Mathews. "Anna and Terra give us a lot of speed."
One concern for the Bobcats this season will be at the pl'!te. The 'Cats return only one player that hit above .300 last seas.on, they'll have
to rely on putting the ball in play and using their team speed.
"Overall the team is very focused. We have great unity and great peer pressure to perform at their top level and improve everyday," said Mathews.
"Our team goal is to make the MCAC tournament, that and ultimately make the ·natibnal tournament."
(From Page 18)
Jay ('95) and Sara Bstandig ('96) Koziol of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Justin Riley, born in January.
Lisa Urbauer Kuenzi ('91) and husband John are proud parents of quadruplets. Sofia Elaine, Rachel Lyn, Nikole Elise and Charles John were born in July. They were welcomed home by a sister, Grace.
Kerri Grell Lee ('98) and husband Trent of Marion, Iowa are proud parents of a daughter, Katilynn Laura, born in September.
Rod Nanninga ('91) and his wife Tara are proud parents of daughter Lauren Rose, born in January. They live near Humboldt, Neb.
Mark ('89) and Paula Thorne ('92) Penney of Thurman, Ipwa are proud parents of a boy, Marek Claude, born in January.
Jeff ('97) and Danelle ('98) Reed of Waverly, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Maggie Rae, born in October. Jeff and Danelle continue with their positions at the State Probation Office.
Holly Humm Riley ('97) and husband Ken of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Elaina Noel, born ill December. She was welcomed home by a brother Scott and a sister Krista.
Ben ('95) and Jamie Brownfield ('96) Royal of Palmyra, Neb. are proud parents of twin sons, Hayden James and Hunter Lawrence,
born in January. They were welcomed home by a sister Madelyn.
PSC student Kay Stander and husband Brian of Peru are proud parents of daughter Aussia Marie, born in December.
Jon ('95) and Kari Waldron ('96) Stallbaumer of Hiawatha, Kan. are proud parents of a son,. Colten Lee; born in October. He was welcomed home by a brother, Chase. Kari is teaching K-5 special education at Sabetha (Kan.) Elementary School. She had previously taught at Midway Elementary in Denton, Kan.
Matt ('99) and Tammi Christensen ('01) Thompson are proud parents of a daughter, Jolie Lashae, born in September. They live in Nebraska City.
Mike ('88) and Shirley Winter ('85) Yates, of Adams, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Trey Anthony, born in October. He was welcomed home by a brother and sister.
The American Red Cross honored the Peru State College Student Senate for its efforts in the past year.
The Red Cross's Midwest Region, which collects blood from across Nebraska and parts of Iowa, Kansas and Colorado, has honored PSC as its College
Sponsoring Organization of the Year.
Peru State was recognized based on its increase in first-time donors as well as an increase in total blood donations during its drive last year, according to Peggy Kreifels Groff ('76), PSC student programs director.
Bobcat senior vollevball standout Janelle Find/av (Stella, Neb.) etched her name in PSC record books on her way to earning iH>st-season honors this year.' She is.flanked by Bobcat coach Fred Aubudwn (left) clnd PSC Dean (?f Student Services Ted Harshbarger ( '77, right). (Photo by Kent Propst)What makes The Peru Stater popular with its readers?
We hope you enjoy the news and features about campus events, programs and people, and we hope you find our Sports and our Foundation News of interest. But we realize that the things you probably like best are our "Peruviana" items - alumni news notes, weddings, etc.
Where do we get those tidbits, you may wonder? From a wide variety of sources. The majority come in the form of newspaper clippings, either from papers we read or from
clippings sent to us by many alert readers.
Some news items are mailed, some are phoned in, some are sent via e-mail or fax. We aren't choosy - we'll take alumni news in any form.
You may be surprised to know that relatively few of our news items are sent in by the subject themselves. More often they are forwarded by family, friends, classmates, for-. mer teachers and coaches, etc. Please help us deliver to our attentive audience that which they want the most: news about friends from college
days. There are three easy methods:
I. You can write us at: The Peru Stater, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 684210010.
2. You can call us at (402) 872-2225.
3. You can e-mail us at: kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu
4. You can fax to us at (402) 872-2375.
Also, if you want to talk to other offices or individuals on campus, please note the main switchboard number at the college is (402) 872-3815.
A national examination widely used for admission to graduate schools, the Miller Analogies Test, will be offered by Peru State College twice in early April at PSC's Omaha facility. The MAT will be administered on Wednesday, April 10 at 4 and again on Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m. at the Peru State College Graduate Center. The Center is located at 7011 South 109th Street in Omaha. Seating is limited for both sessions.
Preregistration is encouraged but not required. The test takes· approximately 90 minutes to complete.
The MAT testing fee is $55, payable at the time of the test.
Current Peru State students and PSC alumni can receive a $10 discount.
For more information, call Gina Toman at the Peru State Graduate Center at (402) 595-1866 or e"nrnil her at gtomm1@oakmail.peru.edu.
Your greatest contribution may well be the name of son1eone i,nterested in attending Peru State College. Just fill oot the form below and send it in. It may be tht greatest gift you can give both Peru State and tl:ie studei1t!
The 340 members of Peru State College's Class of 2002 are a testament to the college's ability to weather storms.
Shortly before many of the class members began their career atPSC, the future of the college was in doubt, "embroiled in an emotional political fight for its very survival," as stated by Peru State College President, Dr. Ben Johnson at Commenc.ement on May4.
, ka Governor Mike Johanns delivered the Commencement ss to the Peru State .College Clas,v of 2002 in May. Johanns, as demonstrated strong support.for Nebraska's.first college taking office,. o}fered advice and encouragement to the 340-memlass <?f '02...: the largest class in the over 135-year history <?f Peru
· (Photo by Chappell Studios)
College.
"This school is a part of Nebraska's past, and I am proud and truly gratified. to see Peru State College. flourishing again," said Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns in his Commencement addre.ss.
Johanns pledged his support to the college years ago while still on the campaign trail, and has remained faithful to that pledge throughout his time as Governor.
'Steadfast frien,d'
Chair of tf1.e Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees, sta.ted in. his welcome, that "anything worth having and worth keeping takes hard work and great effort to achieve it.'' ·
That these students were able to receive their education and graduate as members of the largest class in PSC history is as mu9h attributable to their perseverance as to the dedication of the many supporters who fought for Peru State
"In many ways, large and small, Mike Johanns has become a steadfast.friend of Peru .State College," said Johnson. "He went to a small college himself and· he knows that for many people the small college environment is. thei.r only hope for success and a better life."
Students and supporters alike believe, as JeffRenner,
Froi:n the time. this year's class entered as freshmen, the college has gone froi:n a state of possible extinction to one of growth and rejuvination. Enrollment is solid, buildings are being renovated, and the college has expanded its online and off-campus programming to meet demand.
"President Johnson is doing an outstanding job," said Johanns. "He was the spark of energy that we needed at the right time.''
The Commencem.ent speakers agreed the future looks good for graduates and college alike. ·
(Continued on Page 2)
eRoy H. Redfern, a Peru e who has gone on to a inguished career in the field, has been presented the Peru State College guished Service Award. eru State gives no honor r than the Distinguished ice Award, and the 1941 alum and. current ident of the PSC dation is most deserving , noted President Ben on.
eRoy has made a career, a life, out of taking high
expectations, and then surpassing them," Dr. Johrn;,on said when introducing Redfern during Commencement 2002 exercises on May 4 ..
After graduating from {>eru State, Redfern spent fow: years serving in the U.S. during the second World War. When the war ended, he enrolled in law school at the University of Michigan;, where he gained his Juris Doctor degree.
Redfern and his wife, the former Nancy Jones ('42) also
froi:n Peru, then moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa where he set up his law practice. LeRoy served· at.one. time. as City Attorney and. also as Assistant County Attorney, just part of hi.s long legacy of coi:nmunity service.
He is the senior partner in the firi:n of Redfern,. Mason, Dieter, Larsen & Moore. He has received tbe Iowa State Bar highest honor, the Award of Merit. LeRoy is activein a wi4e variety .of public. service activities
and organizations in Cedar Falls. He and Nancy. are parents of four children.
In states all across America, the news is very much the same, and it's not been good. Times are tough due to the economic downturn. Businesses, and citizens, are hurting. Tax receipts are lagging.
·States are cutti11:g spending.
The same song is being played in Nebraska. This state's economy never seems to fly quite as high as it does in many states; on the plus side, things tend not to go as bad as in other places.
We are fortunate, too, to have a State Legislature that places a high priority on higher education. The Nebraska Legislature in recent years has been as good to higher ed in general, Peru State College in particular, as anyone could reasonably hope. And we have our champions, like Sen. 's Floyd Vrtiska andRoger Wehrbein.
And we are exceptionally fortunate to have a Governor in Mike Johanns who has been an unflagging supporter of the Campus of A Thousand Oaks since.even before he took office three and a half years ago.
Together with the Legislature, Nebraska finally has begun to invest in Peru Stateafter years of neglect, a neglect that didn't seem to apply to other public colleges and universities in Nebraska. ·
Another part of the reason for our progress - a large part of it - is because many of our alumni have become strong advocates for this College. Your collective voice continues to echo in the halls of the State Capitol. ·This can largely be traced back to the tumult this College faced back in 1997-98. The widely held belief is that our alumni made the biggest difference in seeing us through those trying times.
Well, folks, don't lose your voice. Your advocacy may once again be needed.
While. Nebraska has had to cut back on its spending in the past two yeµrs, our share of the fending reduction was one percent each of those years - less than many state agencies. Don't misinterpret: those reductions hurt. We are still under a state mandate to make satisfactory progress toward a series of goals, and it's tough to keep making
progress without the necessary funds.
The Nebraska economy, like that of many other states, continues to slump. Nebraska's agriculturallybased economy seems especially vulnerable, and we'll have a tough time digging out; All indications point to a special ·session of the Legislature this summer to engage in a third round of
Dr. Ben E. Johnson Presidentbudget reductions in the last 18 months.
And we're hearing that higher education may face particular scrutiny from budget cutters. If that happens, as illogical as it sounds to you, it is possible Peru State College may be on the minds, and lips, of some Nebraska lawmakers as a major source for savings.
Investment pays dividends
That of course is sublimely ridiculous. Our state support constitutes a fraction of a percent of this state's budget. It can be argued that we may be, dollar for dollar, the wisest expenditure of tax funds in this state. Investors would love a return on investment like that provided by Peru State College.
But when times are tough, some people lookfor the "easy" fix. The few million spent on Peru State College each year is but a drop in the bucket, ye/ desperate times often yield a call for desperate measures.
What I'm telling you is this: watch and listen, especially those of you who live in Nebraska, to what happens in the weeks and months ahead. Your voice, and that of your fellow Peru Staters, may once again need to be raised.
The economy will turn around soon enough, and crisis will of course pass. But we need to guard against solutions to short-term problems.
Be on guard -just in case. We've come too far, too fast, to let this temporary slump in the economy derail the remarkable renai.ssance of Peru Sta.te College.
Peru graduates are facing tern-wide award. that bright future because of Johanns acknowledged t the college's commitment to the academic success of t student success. students was to be applaud 'Excellence abounds' but pointed out that the less "Our professors are here . the graduates had learn first and foremost to teach stu- about themselves and what dents, not to do personal takes to succeed were ev r research," said Johnson in his more important. remarks. "Teaching excel- Small college proponent l Jenee abounds here at Peru To illustrate his point State College. Every day in shared some of the lessons classrooms and labs across had learned from his o campus and at our off campus life's journey from an Io sites, our students have come dairy farm to N ebra to expect truly great things Governor's mansion, and from our faculty, and our fac- words to the graduates were ulty meets those expectations." true for them as for the c
Proof of this excellence in lege. teaching was evidenced by the "Stay true to the values th r recognition of Dr. Sara made. you who you are, and Brandes Crook as the 2002 guarantee that when you rea Teaching Excellence Award forks in the road, you'll m recipient for not only Peru the right choice," sa State College, but also the Johanns. · b entire. Nebraska State College He also urged the System. Crook credited her to "look beyond yourself anU achievement to the environ- search for a greater purposff ment in which she teaches. for your life." . ·
"Teaching doesn'toccur in a "There are many, tim vacuum," Crook said. "Much when you are the only per of what I hav.e accomplished is who may believe in the val the result of what others have ty of what your vision is, y done before me." ability to achieve that, Crook is the second Peru both," said Johanns: "But State College faculty member long as you believe, you w in three years _to win sys- find that's enough/'
The PSC alumni chapter operating out of the Lincoln, Neb. area is in the "reorganization" phase and hasn't set plans for its Fall 2002 reunion yet.
For Peruvians living in and around Lincoln, be watching your mailboxes for details later on.
Anyone interested in helping with the committee to plan the Reunion should contact Kent Propst at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225 or drop him a line at Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peril NE 68421-0010.
The theme for the 2002 Rocky the celebration. Mountain Alumni Reunion is, appropri- Chapter officers will see to it that Peru ately, "Forever Faithful" and reunion Staters in the RMAA mailing area planners want all Bobcat faithful to join •. (including Colorado, Wyoming, and westthe fun! em Nebraska and western Kansas) get
The Reunion will be held on Saturday, their invitations in July. They welcome Aug. 3 at Mt. Vernon Country Club near any other alumni and friends from outside Golden, Colo. This is a spectacular set- the RMAA area but who are interested in ting - the facility itself is worth the trip! attending to ask for an invitation, too.
Yet the chance to visit with old and new · RMAA "Party Planners" and their conPeru friends, to hear from College offi- tact information include: Beth cialS, to win prizes, and to have a great Propst Miereau ('82), PSCFAN@worldmealare·even more reason to be a part of net.att.net, (970) 613-1959; Dale ('54)
and Ann ('56) Fellows Moore, (303) 233-1206; Carol Duerfeldt Whitcomb ('52), KCWhitcomb@aol.com, (970) 3773025; or Pat Benford Bornemeier ('52), (970) 352-6149.
Planners especially encourage Peruvians who have not attended RMAA Reunions in the past to come check it out - you may have a better time than you anticipate.
If you are "Forever Faithful" to the Campus of A Thousand Oaks, come on out to RMAA '02!
Editor Kent Propst (' 81)
Features
Kay Stander
Assistants
Carolyn Bredemeier
Jackie Baker Williams ('81)
Sports
Jerre Cole
Photography
Elizabeth Olsen ('02) :x
The Peru Stater is pub· r lished three times per year s by Peru State College wit 0 the suppport of the PS Foundation. The Stater · printed at the Beatric
(Neb.) Daily Sun. Send comments; new items and address chang to: The Peru Stater, Per State College, P.O. Box Peru, NE 68421-0010. Peru State College pho number is (402) 872-381 Send e-mail t kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu
The joint was jumpin'. PSC's Omaha-Area Alumni Reunion in midpril drew nearly 150, including 14 members the College's Misty Blues Show Choir. That ergetic group under the direction of Di.·. omas Ediger put on a highly entertaining e ogram that was a major hit with the assembly. During the early-evening Social Hour, alums Eddie Hanna of Oakland, Neb. got ings to a musical start by entertaining the p on his saxophone. Hanna continues to his own well-known big band. He was ed on several numbers by some of the ty Blues members.
Chapter President SaraBeth Donovan ('85) rve<l as the Master of Ceremonies throughout evening at the German-American Society b. Another spectacular array of auction and ze items was accumulated by Jack ('50) and
ncy Hardy ('51) Hallstrom of Omaha, with other record amount added to the Omaha asury.
Peru .State College was well represented by
faculty and staff members, some of whom came simply to enjoy the event rather than in an official capacity.
Nebraska State Senator Floyd Vrtiska, accompanied by his wife the former Doris Wagner ('48), brought the assembly up to speed on legislative issues. involving Nebraska's first college. Sen. Vrtiska encouraged alums on hand to stay engaged with their state senators and to urge those lawmakers to maintain supp01t for PSC.
Otto ('51) and Janet Rath were elected CoPresident.s of the Chapter for 2002-03. Jim ('86) and Theresa Polsley ('85) Krajicek were tabbed as Co-Presidents Elect, while Heather Waring ('91) will serve as Secretary-Treasurer.
Dawn Brixey ('01) was given the prize as Most Recent Alum at the Reunion. Doris Vrtiska gained the citation as the Earliest Alum on hai1d.
.
Members Peru State College Misty Blues Show Choir look on while Ed Hanna ( '50) provides musical entertainment during PSC's annual Omaha Alumni Reuniqnin April. Later that evening, Ed wcis able to kick /Jack and relax while the Misty Blues returned the favor. putting on a pe1j'drmance just for the Chapter. Nearly 150
.The 2003 Reunion was scheduled for Thursday, April 17 at the German-American Society Club ip Omaha. were on handfor the assembly. (Photo by Kent Propst)
"Permanent" Arizona residents ending the 2002 Arizona Alumni eunion this past March found \ emselves almost matched by the .'umber of winter visitors, or seanal "sriowbirds" spending the pJd season in warm Arizona.
·'Three dozen PSC loyalists sembled in Tempe for the event, ld for the second year at Monti's a Casa Vieja at the edge of the owntown Tempe toui;:,ist district. he event was well organized by· apter leaders George Peterson 89) and Dennis RQbertson ('73).
Snowbirds were out in such • rce that the chapter may change 1s name to somethiilg more reflecl )! ve of its makeup, such as the Arizona and Winter Visitors" hapter.
After the traditional social time, d an outstanding luncheon, aster of Ceremonies Peterson traduced special guests and xplained the absence of PSC b-· resident Ben Johnson. Scheduled ·ar\ s the featured speaker, Dr: was unable to attend due
;ck problems. . . .
. 1 In his place, PSC Vice President
lS/ · · ; ent Propst ('81) talked at length n the Reunion topic of econstruction." He recounted e many proJ· ects that either had ' \·en completed or were underway, ·d mentio:ied s<?me projects under 'hdl ture cons1derat1on as. well, ...
:)1 •Also on hand to. bnng greetmgs om. the Campus of A Thousand aks SaraBeth Pon?v.an
lu ... 85), Director of Grvmg
c;• rthe PSC Founc1at1on, apd Dr.
. DiAnna Loy ('86), Director of Rogers Handley ('45) of Apache Records and Institutional Research. Junction, Ariz. and Lead, S.D: fairPeterson then played Professor ihg particularly well. for awhile, giving the assembly a · Tressa Whittingon ('97) of 16-question "pop quiz" on PSC Phoenix and Steve Parker ('63) of historical tidbits. Those who were Prescott Valley, Ariz. agreed to jojn the first to correctly answer a ques- the chapter planning committee ti on re.ceived a brand new and assist with the 2003 reunion.
· Sacajawea $1 coin. Jim Sandin Whittington received an award ('47) of Green Valley, Ariz. cashed as the Most Recent Alum at the in well. ·Reunion. Special gifts of apprecia- ·
The annual drawing for raffle tion were given to George Peterson prizes saw many winners of a nice and to Dennis Robertson, too. variety of PSC items, with Ken The meeting was adjourned until ('54) and Mary Handley ('54) Feb. 22, 2003 (see related story). Hoag of Sedona, Ariz. and Verna
For all you who sat through history classes at PSC ... When was the "1867 Society of Peru State College" founded? Summer2002! W-h-a-t.?!?
What is the 1867 Society, you say, why is it being created and what is its significance? Well that Society will be important to PSC and all of its alumni and friends for several reasons.
For starters, 1867 was when Peru State College, as we know it today, became Nebraska's first public institution of higher learning. Peru State 1vas "born" in 1866 as Mount Vernon College, a private college. It became the Nebraska State Normal (teaching) School in 1867 - '- the same year Nebraska became a state.
The Homestead Act had been signed by President Lincoln in 1862, and in 1863, patents for land in Nebraska Territory were being issued out of the land office in Brownville, Nebraska. The Missouri River was a major source of transportation for trade and commerce to and from the Territory in that day and, therefore, it seemed very logical to establish a college upstreani from all that activity, along the river, in Peru.
Yes, Peru State College has a long, rich history of academic excellence and we are proud of that history. Peru State has the most loyal alumni of any college or university in this state and, I would venture to say, nationally. You have proven yourselves time and time again; you continue to amaze me with your enthusiasm, dedication and generosity.
So, why is the 1867 Society being created and why is it important to PSC? It is being created, here and now, to recognize those of you who have chosen to remember the Peru State College Foundation in your estate plans. By including the Foundation in your will or other plan, you are ensuring that Peru State will carry on the tradition of success it has enjoyed since 1867. We appreciate your benevolence and want to appropriately express our thanks.
The Fall issue of the Peru Stater,
will list those chm:ter-members of the 1867 Society who wish to be publicly recognized. Additionally, your name will appear as an 1867 Society member, in a highly-visible area on campus. You will be invited to special recognition events and
SaraBeth Donovan will receive regularniailings as a result of your decision.
You can become a member of Peru State's 1867 Society in numerous ways, including, but not limited to:
?:J¥ Designating in your will that PSCF is to receive a lump sum or a percentage of your overall estate assets or the remainder of those assets after you have specifically designated other beneficiaries; Naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, pension or savings plan; or, Transferring the title to your home or other real property to the Foundation, after your death, as set forth in your will or trust document.
To be included in the 1867 Society, simply let us know that you have included the PSC Foundation in your estate plans. Whether or not you wish to be publicly recognized is up to you - - we respect your desire to remain anonymous if you so choose.
So, please join other alumni and friends as a charter member of PSC's 1867 Society. Let us celebrate our long history together. Let us ensure that Peru State remains strong and thriving long after we are all gone for another 135 years and beyond. Thank you, fellow alumni and friends, for all you do for the Peru State College of today and of tomorrow.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 402891-2487 (Omaha), or e-mail me at sdonovan@oakmail.peru.edu, or write me c/o the PSC Foundation, P.O. Box JO, Peru, NE 68421.
2001 was another banner year for the PSC Foundation. During each of their first three years at Peru, Drs. Ben and Dan Johnson extended the Foundation's · fund raising horizons beyond anything seen during its first fifty years.
In 2001 the Foundation achieved another incredible benchmark, topping several national norms for the year.
Let's begin with fund raising. Audited financial statements show that contributions during 2001 totaled $752,598; this compares with $1,511,091 in 2000. In 1999 both Drs. Johnson arrived in July and gifts amounted to $251,959. In 1998 contributions were $186,539.
Dr. Dan Johnson, Director of the Foundation, said, "2001 was a strong year for the continued growth of our fund raising program. While some were not able to be as generous with us as in the preceding two years, due solely to market conditions, we just kept getting stronger and stronger.
"We saw significant growth across the board in our major gift, estate gift and annual fund programs," he added.
Outside evaluation
Earlier this year Dr. Dan Johnson asked Mr. Vern Henricks, Vice President for Major Gifts at the Kansas State University Foundation, to examine our total fund raising program and to share his. advice. "Vern has a national reputation for developing aggressive programs. He has been at Kansas State four years, having a significant impact on accelerating their momentum. Before th.at Vern was with the powerhouse Iowa State University Foundation during President Jischke's administration.
. "Having reviewed our fund raising history and plans, visited campus and consulted with President Johnson and me, Vern complimented us· on our progress and commended us on the direction of the program," Dan Johnson said. "Additionally, he provided many suggestions that will be helpful in continuing our progress.
"Every day I see a tremendous amount of support on the part of alumni friends for the changes taking place rn both the College and in the Foundation," he continued. "This bodes very well for our fund raising future. SaraBeth Donovan, Director of Estate Gifts, and I spend as much time as we can meeting people and developing relationships.
Phone calls answered
"Don't forget that 2001 saw the completion of the most successful phonathon in the Foundation's history. That program raised almost $70,000, which was 21 % more than was raised by the previous calling effort," he said. "And, Ken Boxley's generous challenge grant matched every dollar.
"The key to the continuing development of our fund raising program is
Assets
Years::
very simple. SaraBeth and I need to spend. every minute we possibly can to communicate with people who can help us and to show them the wonderful things happening at Peru.
"There is no doubt about it. Peru State College is in the business of cha:iging giving people the opporto improve their condition; prov1dmg a ladder to a brighter future. When generous people understand what PSC is all about, they help us. I see it happen every day," he added.
In 2001, something unprecedented took place. Thanks to the work done by our auditing firm, Bland and Associates CPAs, for the first time the Foundation was able to track professionally the growth rate of its investments. And, guess what? In 2001 our growth rate was better than the investment returns, not only of major market indices, but also better than the average returns of Foundati.ons with assets many times larger.
National survey
Each year the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) conducts a benchmark study of the performance and management of college and university endowments. In 2001 endowments per: formed better than Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, which had a -14.8 percent return rate for the year ending June 30, 2001, and the Russell 3000 with a return rate of -13.9 percent.
University endowments of $1 billion or more had the most successful year with an average return rate of -1.6 cent. Investment pools of $500 millio to $1 billion returned an average of -5.2 percent and an average return rate of percent was recorded for endowments between $100 million to $500 million. The largest group in the study -endowment pools below $100 million-· recorded an average return rate of -3.7 percent.
What was our rate of investmen return for the July 1, 2000 throuah Jun 30, 2001. period? It was approximate +5.54%. This was nearly two and one half times better than the rate for ou peers, institutions with assets belo $100 million. For the entire calen year ending December 31, 2001, Foundation's return continued to positive with a growth rate of 6.42 This occurred despite the dip the econ my experienced after September 11th.
The PSC Foundation weles Chuck Niemeyer as the est member to the Board Directors. Majoring in logy, Chuck graduated m Peru State College in 5.
He attended a number of actuate schools jncluding ital University, Columbus, ·o, Baylor University, aco, Texas, Creighton iversity, Omaha, and the niversity of Nebraska, coln. He received a sters degree in biology m the University of sissippi, Oxford, in 1978. fter graduating from Peru te, Chuck taught for 13 s in a number of Nebraska hool districts including se in Prague, Harvard, and hland. In 1978, Chuck ·ned the Curtis Mathe sen ·entific Company as a sales resentative and remained in s position for the next ten s.
n 1988, Chuck ·started ovative Laboratory terns in Omaha. The corny is primarily involved in oesign and furnishing of ratories, ineluding caserk, fume hoods, and sterilrs. Innovative Laboratory terns moved its headquars to Ashland, Nebraska ee years ago and has offices Minneapolis and Kansas
The company is active in ne Midwestern states with a of 25 full-time employ-
Chuck is married to Shirley, faculty member at the niversity of Nebraska.
Memorial gifts are a wonderful, special way to support students at Peru State College and to acknowledge the positive impact on you that has been made by the person being memorialized.
In each edition of The Peru Stater, we publish a list of memorial gifts received since the publication of the prior issue. Gifts can go to support established., endowed (ongoing) scholarships or they can be one-time donations in memory of a recently departed Peruvian.
Following is a list of recent memorial gift activity to the PSC Foundation; at the end of the article is a list of endow.ed scholarships that had no donor activity in recent months. You can support any (or several!) of these causes at any time and your gifts are tax-deductible.
For more information contact Carolyn Bredemeier at. the PSC Foundation by calling (402) 872-2304 or via e-mail at cbredemeier@oakmail.peru.edu.
Tl1anks for your support!
Ralph and Maxine Chatelain Scholarship
Tim and Helen Pugh
John Christ Scholarship
Lillian Christ
John and Lois McMullen
Ansel Clayburn Memorial
RJchard and Virginia Good
Paul and Loretta Kruse
Lyle and Norma McKercher
Evelyn Stepan Neve
Kent and Becki Propst
Bertha Clayburn Sutton
Dr. Richard Flynn/Senator Floyd Vrtiska Scholarship
Marion "Butch" and Barbara Miller
Esther Cole Franklin Scholarship
Ted Harshbarger
Benjamin Harrison Scholarship
Ted Harshbarger
George Haskins Memorial
Moras Shubert
Nancy Lundak Memorial
Darren and Leslie Goering
Charles Masopust Scholarship
Ted Harshbarger
L.B. Mathews Scholarship
Marion "Butch" and Barbara Miller
Dr. Paul A. Maxwell Memorial Scholarship
Evelyn Stepan Neve
Lyle McKercher Math Scholarship
John and Gail Masonbrink
Joy Elmer Morgan Scholarship
Ted Harshbarger
'i Jack Nance Memorial
John and Loi$ McMullen
Nona Palmer Scholarship
Ted Harshbarger
Irene Prokop Memorial
Evelyn Lawton
LeRoy and Nancy Redfern Scholarship
Dean and Jean Karr
Irene Prokop Memorial
Evelyn Lawton
Vincent Sabatinelli Scholarship
Carl Richards
Ruth Russell Scholarship
Gene and Mary Leber
Lucille Smith Memorial
Edith Durst
Maxine Smith Memorial
Robert Smith
G. Holt "Pop" Steck SchoJ.ttrship
Evelyn Neve
Bill and Jeanne Tynon Scholarship
Nancy Bartek
Tim and Helen Pugh
Kathy and Mike Tynon
V Vl2 Scholarship
Kenneth Bigler
Rudy Jacuzzi
Robert Webber
Floyd and Doris Wagner Vrtiska Scholarship
Kent and .Becki Propst
Lisa Weis Scholarship
Lloyd and Weis
Al Wheeler Scholarship
John and Lois McMullen
The PSC Foundation also has endowments for the following scholarships; again, you can add to these funds at any time, and your gifts are tax-deductible.
Laurene Anderson Tri Beta Scholarship
C.E. Andrews
Bath Family
Merle Bauer Scholarship
E.C. Beck Scholarship
Blue Devil/White Angel Scholarship
George and Iva Seid Brown Scholarship
Esther Delzell Brownell
Ann Buman
Pearl Morgan Butler
Campus of A Thousand Oaks
Roy Chamberlain
C.C. Choyce
A.B. Clayburn
S.L. Clements Band Scholarship
Dr. Crabtree
Ada Crooker
Phyllis Davidson Scholarship
Davidson Estate
Carol Grundman Dougherty Scholarship
Elizabeth Dougherty Scholarship
Helen Naeve Douglas
Mac Dunning
Lura Henricks Eichler
Loure Salzman Firoved
Elsie Fisher
Glenn and Verda Hauptman Frary Scholarship
Emma Hart Fuller
Lovisa Glaze
Amzie V. Grass
Chris Haddad Scholarship
Helen Parker Hanika
Clifford Harding
Walter and Lillian Harrison Scholarship
Arnold and Bertha Hilterman
Lena Huff
Harry and Mary Hutchinson
Dee and Kathleeen Jarvis
Glenn D. Jenkins
Pearl Kenton
Georgia Klasek
Paul and Lillian Landolt
A.V. and Wilhelminm Larson Scholarship
William Longley Scholarship
Dianne Morrison Lukas Scholarship
Art Majors
Hollis Masopust
Joe Masopust
John and Francis Schima Masopust
Jack Mcintire Scholarship
Irene and Mason Miller Scholarship
Evalyn B. Newton
Omaha World Herald
Dale and Evelyn Park
Lester and Maxine Metcalf Pankonin Scholarship
Larry Pappas Scholarship
Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Pate
Elaine Gerdes Pratt Scholarship
Dale Priest
George and Rosine Rath
Ernest Rawson
Wayne 0. and Adele Penterman Reed Scholarship
Troy Rippen
A.B. Ritchie Basketball
Clarence and Mildred Russell
Lester and Esther Russell Scholarship
George Schottenhamel ·
Bernice Shackelford
Ken Sims
Beatrice Spohn
Jerry Stemper Scholarship
M.O. Stevenson
Maude Phelps Vacek
Evan Van Zant Scholarship
Inez Warren
· Dr. Jqhn and Daisy Clark Wear
Bereniece McHirron Weigand
Charles Weigand
Lisa Weis
Paul V. and Margaret Wilcox Scholarship
Harold E. Willey
Gil and Mary Ruth Wilson
Jack D. and Eufa M. Wolken
Zelma Wonderly
William Wortman ·
Through the years, Peru State College has welcomed students, many of whom are the first in their family to pursue a college educationmany of whom depend on help from private scholarships and grants in addition to other types of financial aid. ·
The Wear Scholarship, like so many other endowed scholarships with the PSC Foundation, has a tremendous impact on the lives of our students.
The John and Daisy Clark Wear Scholarship is a gift in memory of a worn:Jerful couple whose story begins with little. As a child and young man, John Wear moved oftenalways with the intent to better · himself.
During his young adulthood, he repaired shoes, sold kaleidoscopes, worked in a factory, and was a farm laborer to make ends meet. He quickly came to realize that to advance 'his station in life' he needed education:
His travels eventually brought him to Verdon_, Neb. to stay with his aunt and uncle. John came to Peru Normal School with little formal education. Through the interest and generosity of President J. W. Crabtree, John was enrolled in high school with the goal to pass 8th grade state examinations and earn a high
school diploma so that he could enter Peru Normal and graduate in 1914. It took him six years filled with intense study and physical labor to achieve his objective.
Early struggles
John met Daisy Clark at Peru. As a young couple, who graduated from Peru Normal, they struggled financially as he studied to become a physician. Years later, in 1964, Dr. and Mrs. Wear returned to Peru State to celebrate their 50th Alumni Reunion.
The visit was significant. Much had changed at The Campus of A Thousand Oaks and in the Peru community, yet much remained the same. Dr. Wear remarked that the faculty and staff at the College continued to care for their students and to provide them an opportunity to better their lives. He spoke from first-hand experience about how important that care and that opporttinity is to young people.
After his death, a.i@ischolarship was established at Peru State College in memory of the Wears and the six years Dr. Wear studied at Peru in preparation for his medical career. Their son, Lyman, asked that the scholarship be .used to help a student at a critical time in his or her life - someone who, like Dr. Wear, "was penniless and to whom an education was so important that they are willing to sacrifice much to achieve it."
The John and Daisy Wear Scholarship was awarded to two students at Peru State this year.
Jerrod Hall
Jerrod Hall is a tall, lanky young man who is majoring in Biology at Peru State. His family lives just outside Humboldt, Neb. on the family farm. However, after talking to Jerrod, instead of being a Nebraska Farm Family, they can be better described as a Peru State College Family.
Jerrod's father and mother, Phil ('85) and Kathy Pietzyk ('77) Hall, graduated from Peru State College. His father is a math teacher at Southeast Nebraska Consolidated High School in Stella; his mother
works as a seqetary at the school. His younger sister is a sophomore at Southeast Consolidated. Jerrod's two older twin brothers, Brent and Brannon,. attend Peru State.
Going back another generation, his grandmother, Lois Pietzyk ('69), matriculated at Peru in 1946 and earned a teaching certificate. She taught in a country school and later taught 30 years in the Tecumseh school system while continuing to pursue .her degree in Elementary , Education. Many ofJerrod's aunts and uncles as well as several of his high school teachers also attended and graduated from Peru. ·
Although Jerro.d carried 17 credit hours last semester that include.d Statistics, Science and Society, Wildlife Management Techniques, Microbiology and General Chemistry II, he still found time to work with Professor Joe Kincaid in organizing and managing the annual Quiz Bowl, a high school competition, held on campus each spring.
He has done farm labor for Dr. Daryl Long. And, he is an upper-classman member of the PSC Biology Club.
After graduating from PSC, Jerrod plans to. pursue a doctoral degree and do biological research. One of the reasons why he chose to come to Peru is the acceptance of Peru
State's degrees at institutio granting graduate and doct degrees.
Jerrod has a vision for life. He looks forward working on research proje with Dr. Rich Clopton to h him determine what kind biological research he wants do.
Could he accomplish h ambitions without the ass· tance of the John and Dai Clark Wear Scho.larshi Perhaps - but he would h relied heavily on student lo A very responsible you man, Jerrod is thankful for generosity and foresight of Wear family.
Andrea Schank
Andrea Schank describ herself as a "good, ol' fa girl." Raised in Central C Neb., she heard about P State from her high scho guidance counselor, D Strecker ('67), who graduat from PSC and their neighb Jackie Whisler Kuskie, Peru native. Andrea is the ol est of three children and t first in her family to atte college.
Her father farms outsi Central City and her mot has always concentrated raising her three childre Andrea's brother is a senior high school and looking vocational training or enlisti in the military. Her youn sister is eight years old.
Throughout high scho
(Continued on Page 1
Note: The following article is one in a continuing series on former members of the U.S. Navy V-5/V-12 unit stationed at Peru State College during World War II. ·
Ken· Bigler was born and raised in Utah. By March of 1944, he had spent a year at Utah State University when the Navy sent him to Peru State College to begin his training as an apprentice seaman through the Navy V12 program on campus.
Ken, who spent one year at Peru, says that, "times and people have changed considerably since those days. People went out of their way to be courteous and to take care of young sailors. ·
"I remember sitting with some of my classmates in a bar in Omaha. Even though some of us might have been a wee bit underage, we didn't worry. If the shore patrol even came within a few blocks of us, the owners of the establishment and the waitresses would see to it that we were forewarned, our table cleaned and our refreshments 'purified'.
'Looked out for us'
"People looked out for us because we were young sailors, defending their country," he added. "You know, until the tragedy of 9-11 you didn't hear about that kind of thing happening in recent years."
Ken says that he wasn't really prepared for how tough the classes would be at Peru. "We were signed up for a regular college curriculum," he remembers. "Each of us took at least eighteen hours of college classes, plus a course in Naval History, plus intensive physical training.
"It was very, very demanding, but a great experience for me. I learned how to buckle down and do the work," he explained. "I'm sure that my later college education benefited from the good study habits I developed and from what I learned at Peru."
After Peru, Ken went to the Olathe Naval Air Station in Kansas where he waited for an opening in aviation training. Then the Navy sent him to preflight school at St. Mary's of the Pacific near Berkeley, California. He
was at St. Mary's when the war erided and he left the service.
Ken graduated from Utah State in 1948 with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He married Joan Foster in 1949 and they moved to Arizona.
Ken spent the next thirty years doing civil engineering work at Williams Air Force Base, twenty-five miles east of Phoenix.
Civil engineer
,Ken became a lead civil engineer at Williams, supervising six to eight people, depending on the project. Over the years he worked mostly with roads, airfield pavement, drainage and utilities.
Ken retired from civil service in 1983 and has worked as a consultant for the City of Scottsdale ever since.
Ken spends most of his time dealing with road and drainage issues, as he did earlier in his career at Williams AFB.
Ken and Joan have five children, four boys and a girl. They are .blessed, at last count, with ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Ken's hobbies include photography, fishing and golf.
ookin' in California .. . . . . . .
e who cooked up the 2002 Northern Cal{fornta Alumni Reunwn tlus past sprmg were swpnsed th some thank-ymi gifts courtesy ef their friends in the Omaha Alumni chapter, delivered by Omaha mnl President SaraBeth Donovan ( '85 ). Receiving the goods were (.front row from left) Rex ( '42) and pe Carter ('42) Floyd, and, hack row from left, Laurine (Clayburn '50) and J.B. ('49) Johnson, Bob Red" Wilson ( '51 ), Bill Albright ( '57) and John J. Leavitt ( 145 ); '
Donovan)
PSC's Northern California
mni met for a luncheon on pril 13, 2002, at Travis AFB Fairfield, CA. Master of remoniei was Rex Floyd, 46) Rex was accompanied his wife Hope (Carter 2J. The theme of the day as, pne of patriotism and ction.
he afternoon began with a luncheon followed by a ram. John Leavitt.('45), ·r of the festivities, began program with an introducof the representatives PSC, President and Mrs. n Johnson, Dr. Dan son, Executive Director of Foundation, and SaraBeth novan ('85), Director of nned Giving for the dation.
x Floyd then gave a movtribute to those who on or resulting from the ember 11th tragedy, those aged in Operation ing Freedom, and those ni we have lost since the meeting of the group. red rose· and flag were sented to Laurine ylmrn Johnson ('50} in orv of her brother Ansel yburn who was an active er of the Northern 'ornia alumni group, for y years, and who passed in January.
udy Jacuzzi ('45) was nted his 50-year bronze allion by President son. Gifts for the earliest mo1>t recent graduates
were presented to Merritt Jensen ('40) and Wei Chong ('91), respectively. President Johnson gave an update on the many exciting things happening at the college.
Qr. Dan Johnson updated the group on the efforts undertaken by the V5-V12 group, through the leadership of Dr. Pat Rooney (' 45) and. Rudy Jacuzzi, to raise $100,000 to endow a full-tuition scholarship for a deserving PSC student.
As a token for their hard work in getting together PSC alums, the officers of the
Omaha-Area Alumni Association presented Omaha Steaks chef hats to those Northern California alums responsible for. organizing the· event. In return, the NorCal gang sent back See's Candies to the Omaha officers. Additionally, many in attendance received nice PSC memorabilia through the drawings held throughout the afternoon.
The meeting was adjourned. Bob "Red" Wilson and Bill Albright agreed to head up the planning committee for the 2003 NorCal Reunion.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Pead GuiHiatt Moody (attd.'25) a resident of Good Sam in Auburn, Neb. celebrated her lOOth bi11hday in June.
Frieda Woitzel ('27) was the subject of an extensive feature in a March edition of the Ashland (Neb.) Gazette newspaper. Frieda's teaching. career, including 33 years ( 1938- 71) in the Ashland and Greenwood schools, was lauded by the author. Frieda was quoted as having toid a young teacher once, "The secret to success in teaching, is giving 'A's' to all the school board member's children."
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
We regret to inform readers that it appears no Peruvian from the decade of the 1930s is doing anything noteworthy these days. The Stater challenges 1930s-era alums to prove us wrong!
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.pent.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225:
Bob Ashton ('42) returned to PSC for his 60th reunion this spring. Bob has recently published a new book, "Poetry for the Soul and Stories with a Twist." He is a pianist in Branson, Mo., and is also listed by the International Senior Olympics as one of the world's top 100 athletes age 55 and over. He enjoys golf and table tennis.
Charlie Gabus ('40) of Des Moines, Iowa has won the President's Award from the Ford Motor Co., the highest award one can win as a Ford dealer. He went to Colorado Springs to receive the award
'Ruth Ann Crook Steele ('48) of Elbert, Colo. was the subject of a major feature in a recent edition of the Colorado Springs (Colo.) Gazette. She was lauded as the "Black Forest's chief forest-fire fighter," through her educational efforts to caution people about problems that can contribute to ffre hazards. A retired teacher, she organizes meetings, hands out pamphlets, makes phone calls and writes letters supporting the cause. Ruth Ann is the past president of the Colorado Forestry Association.
Send vour "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, "po Box JO, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.equ or call him at (402) 872-2225.
The late Mede "Hoot" Bauer ('50), a standout studentathlete at PSC in his day, is gaining one. of his nicest awards years after his untimely passing. Bauer will be inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame this fall. A areat basketball player on some outstanding PSC teams, he on to a sterling coaching career in Tecumseh and Holdrege, and was a well-respected Athletic Director at North Platte, all in Nebraska.
(continued on page 8)
(Photo by SaraBeth PSC President Ben Johnson poses with Northern Cal!frmiia Alumni Association prizewinners Wei Chong ('91) and Merritt Jensen ('40) during the chapter.reunion in April. Wei won a prize as the most recent alum at the event, while Merritt was honored as the earliest alum in attendance.Angela Furnas Bennett ('67) Auburn, Neb. has retired as a kindergarten tea.cher for the Auburn Public Schools. She had been with the school district for 35 years.
Paul Bodtke ('63) of Osage, Iowa has retired as social studies instructor for the Osage Community Schools. He spent the past 34 years there after teaching at Douglas and Palmer in Nebraska.
Leo ('66) and Connie (Hoschar '69) Dietrich both retired from the Auburn (Neb.) school system. Leo spent last 36 years with District 29, the last 27 as a principal. Connie was with the school system for 29 years, most recently as Title I instructor in the middle school.-
is a more beautifitl place thanks to the energy of the Omaha Area Alumni chapter. That group has signed oh for Nebraska's "Adopt-A-Highway" program and, a couple of times each year, picks up litter along a two-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 75 west qf"Peru. Some of the members of the clean-up crew this spring included Heather Waring ('9l, kneeling), Mark Shively ('79, standing left) and Monty Allgood ( '63, right). Any Omaha Alum willing to volunteer time to the project can contact.SaraBeth Donovan by writing her at the College or e-mailing her at sdonovan@oakmail.peru.edu.
On April 6, Omaha alumni ame together to clean up ighway 75 in Southeas.t Nebraska. As one of their ongoing service projects for PSC d Southeflst Nebraska, the
maha group has adopted a two-mile stretch of highway on Highway 75, north of the Peru corner and Highway 67.
"This project is something we can do to beautify Southeast Nebraska and to gain some visibility as alumni
who continue to care about PSC and the surrounding area," said President SaraBeth Donovan ('85).
Under their agreement with the Nebraska Department of Rtiads, the Omaha group must clean their portion of highway twice a year.
At the Lincoln alumni meeting in November, the Qmaha group challenged the Lincoln alums to ·sign up for the 2 miles on Highway 75 just
.
"This is a remarkable accomplishment for us;'' says Dr. Dan Johnson. "Dr. Ben Johnson and 11 afong with our Board of Directors, have worked long and hard to be able to track the Foundation's investment returns.
"The Bland auditing firm did an outstanding job of putting us in a position to do so. And, the reason for the stellar performance, I'm told by the people at MGAM, was because 85% of our assets in 2001 were invested in bonds and other fixed income instruments," Dr. Dan Johnson said.
"Realizing that it is incumbent ori us to provide safety of principal, investment income and wealth creation to realize the Foundation's mission, in 2001 our Board of Directors retained McCarthy Group Asset Management (MGAM) as our investment advisor. MGAM assists in overseeing the investment of our portfolio and investment operations, which includes tracking performance and providing information to assist our accounting function," he continued.
MGAM is an Omaha based institutional investment advisor founded in 1986, which vises and manages nearly $1 billion in assets r a relatively small group of seventy-one lients. MGAM was chosen based on historical
north of the Omaha section. The verdict is still out... are the Lincolnites up to the challenge?
For more information on this project and others, please contact Omaha-Area Alumni officers: Past-President, Donovan; Co-Presidents Otto ('51) and Janet Rath; CoPresidents-Elect Jim ('86) and Theresa ('85) Krajicek; or, Secretary/Treasurer, Heather Waring ('91).
.From Page 4
...............
performance, experience in working with foun-. dations, the professional management resources available to us and their genuine interest in seeing our mission succeed over the long term.
MGAM assists us in providing a diversified investment portfolio strategy, utilizing multiple managers each of whom focuses on specific management styles spanning the publicly traded markets. "We have been very happy with our working relationship," he said.
As a result of fund raising, investment growth and a careful attention .to expenditures the assets of the Foundation increased again in 2001. At the end of 2001 net assets stood at $8,400,165 up from $7,787,795 at the end of 2000. At the end of 1999 net assets were $6,564,915, up from $6,317,195 in 1998. (See the chart on Page 4.)
"2002 at its halfway mark looks promising," said Dan Johnson. "SaraBeth and I have been able to devote more time to relationship development than we did in 2001 and we have been well received. Also, we have strengthened and plan to further strengthen our major, estate and annual gifts programs. I am optimistic about the rest of the year given what we have seen so far."
Karon Rathe Estes ('66) of Humboldt, Neb. directed the Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer Speech team to second place in the state. C-2 competition. ·
Dale Duensing ('66) of Hastings, Neb. was presented a Certificate of Merit for Marching Excellence by the National Band Association at the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association convention this spring. Dale is band director at Hastings Senior High School. -
Bob Eichenberger ('64) of Talmage, Neb. was inducted in the Nebraska Softball Association's Hall of Fame in January. Bob has been playing fast-pitch softball for 42 years. He has coached several Masters Teams and they have played in 11 National competitions. His teams have won one state championship and one runner-up. His team also won the national championship in 1991.
Michael Guilliatt ('67) of Fremont, Neb. has achieved the Million Dollar Round Table's prestigious Top of the Table award for outstanding product knowledge and client service. Mike has been a member of the MDRT for 20 years.
Jere Krakow ('60) of Salt Lake City, Utah was featured in an article in the Omaha World-Herald recently. Krakow is superintendent of the National Park Service's Long Distance Trails office in Utah. Krakow noted that Nebraska has more miles of the California and Pony Express trails than any other state. He lauded Nebraska for being the first state to complete the installation of signage that allows travelers to follow trails across the state.
Joan Riggle Kunde ('62) of Beatrice, Neb. retired in January of 2001 from 25 years with the government, having s.erved 20 of those years with the Farmers Home Administration and USDA Rural Development I Beatrice. She is now working part time as Food Service Director at the P.E.O. Home in Beatrice. Dick ('60), who retired from the Beatrice Public Schools several years ago, is now working part-time as an adjuster for North Central Crop Insurance.
Nancy McMullen Kunkel {'60) of Hebron, Neb. is one of only 200 teachers nationwide awarded the "Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching." An elementary school math project that involved, of all things, bubble gum, caught the attention of evaluators. In March, Nancy and other recipients were flown to Washington D.C. for a meeting with President Bush, a congressional hearing and a formal dinner at the State Department. She has taught at Hebron for the past 20 years. Her husband Tom ('71) joined her for the trip.
(continued on page 10)
(Photo by SaraBeth Donovan)Dr. Sara Brandes Crook, Peru State College associate professor of social science, is the recipient of the 2002 Nebraska State College Board. of Trustees' Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Crook was presented with the honor in April. She is the second PSC faculty member in the past three years to be named the Nebraska State Colleges' top professor.
"I am honored and pleasantly surprised," said Crook of receiving the award. "I am glad to see Peru State College and its faculty honored in this way."
Crook is the fourth PSC faculty member to be honored with award since its inception in 1985. The annual awafd recognizes innovation and leadership in teaching and service in the state college system, which also includes campuses in. Chadron and Wayne.
Crook was first selected as the Peru State Teaching Excellence Award recipient, which came with a $1,000 stipend provided by the PSC Foundation. Then she was nominated for the. system-wide .award to the : Board 0f \Trustees, according to Jeff Renner of Bellevue, Chair of the Nebraska State Colleges' Board of Trustees.
"Dr. Crook's innovative leadership was illustrated through the courses and programs she developed for Peru State College, as well as her involvement in many campus, community, and state activities She also received strong evaluations from her students," Renner stated.
The award includes a $3,000 stipend funded through an endowment at US Bank. The endowment is managed by the Lincoln Community Foundation and is given in memory of George Rebensdorf, a former member of the Board of Trustees.
Crook received her bachelors in social science and her masters and doctorate in political science from the University of NebraskaLincoln. She joined PSC as adjunct or part-time faculty in 1984, joining the faculty fulltime in 1993. She lives on a farm between Nebraska City and Peru with her husband, :John, and their two daughters, Allison and Amanda:
Dr. Sara Crook, Associate Professor of History at Peru State, was selected as Nebraska's 2002 "State College Teaching Excellence Award" recipient. The popular educator, a full-time faculty member at Peru State since 1993, was the second PSC faculty member in the last three years to gain the statewide honor. Earlier she had been named the winner of Peru State's Teacher ExcellenceAward, which qualified herfor the state honor. (Photo by Elizabeth Olsen)
"Dr. Crook is the personifi cation of the model state college teacher, always representing the highest academic values of teaching excellence, exceptional scholarship, and outstanding service to the college, local communities, and the state," said Dr. Ben Johnson, PSC President.
Crook credits the small college environment at Peru $tate with her many opportunities to bring innovative ideas into the classroom. These ideas range from bringing in guest speakers to having students compile portfolios on political issues of interest to them to taking students to events in the region that supplement classroom instruction.
She also credits the small college atmosphere with helping her. develop close working relationships with students and · her fellow faculty.
"I am constantly inspired by my students' inquiries to continue learning about what I teach. And my colleagues inspire me to continually look for opportunities to make what I teach fun and approachable for my students," said Crook.
Not just a teacher
Crook's services to the college, community, and Nebraska are many and varied. Among her services at the college level she serves as faculty advisor for PSC Student Senate, co-faculty advisor of PSC's history honorary Phi Alpha Theta, is the chair-elect of Faculty Senate, and is a faculty advisor for social science and pre-law majors.
James Libal ('62) of Virginia, Neb. was the assistant coach for the Freeman Falcons girls' basketball team which· earned a trip to the Class D-1 state tourriament through the wild card selection. The team entered the tournament with a 22-2 record and became the state champions of Class D-1. They played Falls City Sacred Heart in the finals for the fourth time during the season - with Sacred Heart winning the District Contest and the Falcons winning the State Title.
Dr. Ross Pilkington ('61) has been inducted into the Glenwood (Iowa) High School Boys Track & Field Hall of Fame as a coach. Previously he had been inducted into the Red Oak (Iowa) High School Hall of Fame for his exploits as an athlete. Ross is retired from the University of Nebraska at.Omaha as a counseling professor and now lives at the Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.
Marcia Allgood Reeves ('67) of Peru, Neb. retired from the Auburn Public Schools this spring. She has taught business classes at the high school for the past 35 years.
She has served as head coach of the Nebraska City Jaycee softball program, served on the Nebraska City Public Schools Advisory Council, and was past chair of the administrative board at her church.
She is a member of the Nebraska State Historical Society and past president of its Board of Trustees, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, and is involved in education associations at the college, state, and national levels.
Innovation in instruction
Her academic work is also varied, and not just limited to the classroom. She teaches courses in political science, Q.istory, geography, and education, has preparfd and co-created new classes, and created American National Government as an online class.
Crook also instigated and serves as coordinator of the Peru District History Day Contest for middle and high school students. Students research a topic based on the theme for each year's contest and develop a presentation in the form of an exhibit, media production, performance, or paper.
One of her most notable innovations in teaching is her work developing the unique interdisciplinary graduate course, "Trails and Tales Tour and Institute," with Dr. Dan Holtz, professor of English at PSC. The summer course incorporates classroom instruction with a tour of (Continued on Page 11)
· Ron Steiner ('69) of Lincoln, Neb. retired from the Public Schools this spring. He has been in education for 30 years.
John Vanderford ('69) of Kansas City, Mo. is Assistant Superintendent for Facility Support Services at the Raytown C-2 Schools in Raytown, Mo. He is presently overseeing a, $47 million bond issue to install technology and renovate/air-condition 14 schools using ground source heat pump technology.
Barbara Thompson Weiss ('66) of Tecumseh, Neb. has retired from the Auburn Public Schools
Donald Wright ('65) of Lincoln, Neb has retired after 37 years teaching. The past 29 years he has been a biology instructor with the Wahoo Public Schools. His plans are to work as a security officer for Pinkerton in Lincoln.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e.-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Rick Bell ('73) of Fairbury, Neb. led his boy's Fairbury Jeffs basketball team to the Class C-1 State Tournament this winter: They entered the tournament with an 18-5 record and were defeated in the opening round.
Annie Billings Berkheimer ('79) of Tempe, Ariz. has been named a Behavior Intervention Specialist for Phoenix Union High School, which encompasses 18,000 students.
Beth Wheeler Eickhoff ('73) of Stella, Neb. was recognized for outstanding performance in reading education by Renaissance Learning, Inc.
Ann Hudson ('73} of Lincoln, Neb. directs National Outreach for the Emmy Award winning PBS children's series Reading Rainbow. Ann has worked for Nebraska Educational Telecommunications (NET) for the past seven ·years. She leads the outreach team at NET in the development of teacher resource materials, outreach initiatives for the National PBS Ready to Learn Project, and marketing of Reading Rainbow as well as other educational media at National Conferences across the country.
b.e assistant team which· through the ment with a : Class D-1. nals for the winning State Title.
'.ed into the 'ield Hall of ;ted into the his exploits iversity of ld now lives
retired from taught bus.irrs.
:d from the ing. He has is Assistant he Raytown
>Verseeing a·11 ology and source heat · ired aftef37 n a biology plans are to In. Peru State -mail him at e, Ariz. has for Phoenix students
Rebecca Spurgin may seem a typical college senior; she battled bouts of senioritis and looked forward to graduation like most of her compatriots. Those who work with the recent Peru State grad, however, describe her as anything but typical.
"She is, in a word, remarkable," said Kristi Nies, tutorial coordinator for Student Support Services at Peru State College, for which Spurgin is a mentor and tutor. "She is the perfect example of the kind of student Peru State College can help to succeed."
Remarkable and successful are appropriate words to escribe Spurgin, a non-tradiional aged student and a single mother who compiled a ar 4.0 grade point average while working two work-study positions, tutoring and mentoring other students at the college, and working as an assisant at Animal Health Center in Falls City, Neb.
"It's hectic," said Spurgin of balancing work, school, and otherhood. "You have to am how to prioritize."
Vet school next
The 27-year-old biological ciences and wildlife ecology ajor plans to be a doctor of eterinary ·medicine. · She was cepted into the veterinary edicine programs at two of e top yet schools in the tion, Iowa State University d Kansas State University, has chosen to attend KSU ·s fall.
"Ultimately I'd like to do all animal practice. And fd ke to work· in some exotics, pecially reptiles," said urgin.
Spurgin has traveled a long to get where she is today, oth in terms of miles and of fe lessons. She was born in ickinson, N.D. and moved n while growing up. She high school early, then rked to obtain her GED and tended the University of ebraska-Omaha in 1992 and 993 before spending five ars in the "real world."
"I moved around and took
Jackie Johnson Kelsay ('74) of Auburn, Neb. has been selected Principal of the Year by the Nebraska Rural School .Association. Jackie is principal of the Johnson-Brock Schools in Johnson (Neb.). Recipients must have demonstrated leadership and creativity as a principal, be able to document improvement of curriculum and instruction while promoting rural education, and also be involved in community leadership outside the school.
Becky Spurgin reviews some of her last undergraduate science work with PSC faculty member Dr. John Hnida in April. Spurgin has traveled a challenging road to obtain her college degree, and is now ready for her next challenge - graduate school in veterinary science.
jobs as a waitress and in retail, that kind of thing," said Spurgin. "That's what made me decide to'go back. You just can't live on that, especially for the rest of your life."
The decision to return to school was made less for her than .for her daughter,, Jordan, now seven.
· Provide for daughter
"There are things I want to do for my daughter that I couldn't do if I were working at minimum wage some,. where," said Spurgin.
Spurgin chose Peru State · College because of its proximity to Dawson, Neb., where she and her daughter live, and because of its affordability. That Peru State. has an outstanding science program didn't hurt, either. She enrolled in the fall Of 1998 and has been attending PSC ever since. It has been a positive experience for her.
"Peru State has excellent opportunities for undergradu:ates in science that most people don't really think of because we are such a small school," said Spurgin. "I've. had a lot of opportunities that .I probably wouldn't have had anywhere else. I've got a good basic foundation to build on in vet school."
Among these opportunities has been the chance to present her research at meetings of the
Southwestern Association of Parasitologists and to have her res.earch on parasites in fox squirrels published in the July, 2002 edition of "Comparative Parasitology." ·
A self-starter
"Becky is the kind of person who is very much a selfstarter," said Dr. John Hnida, assistant professor of science at Peru State College, and Spurgin's advisor and research director. "She has lots of good, strong skills which will serve her well in vet school.
"Besides the research end of things, as a student in my classes she's. always been one of my better students at doing a tremendous amount of work on her own and knowing that is what she needs to do to succeed."
Those who haye worked with Spurgin during her time at Peru State College, including Hnida, Nies, and Marie ·Meland, director of the Academic Resource Center where Spurgin works as a tutor and for work-study, are in unanimous agreement that continued success for Spurgin is inevitable.
"Becky is a smart and dedicated woman who is determined to succeed," said Meland. "She is an inspiration to all of us. Someday I will be able to say I knew· her before she was famous."
plicable historic sites throughout Nebraska d neighboring states.
From Page 10
students and colleagl,les are what keep her going.
Paul Mulcahy ('72) of Syracuse, Neb. was the assistant coach for the boy's Syracuse Rockets basketball team that .earned a berth in the Class C-1' State Tourhainent. They were defeated in the semi-finals and ended their season with a 21-3 record.
Gary Nelson ('71) retired in May 2001. He taught middle school English in Falls City, Neb. for 26 years and before that taught at East Butler and Creighton Community schools in Nebraska.
John ('71) and Elaine (Schnuelle '69) Patras of Omaha celebrated .their 50th wedding anniversary in June with an open house.
Tom Ridenour ('73) of Holdrege, Neb. was coach for the. Loomis Wolves girl's basketball team that qualified for the Class D-2 state tournament in March. Loomis entered the tournament with a 21-2 record and advanced to the semifinal round.
Jodi Siegner ('73) of Los Angeles, Calif. is Vice President and Senior Counsel for United California .Bank. in Los Angeles. Jodi is also on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Conservancy, the. largest · local historic preservation organization in the United States. S.he volunteers through the Los Angeles Public Library's Adult Literacy Project, and works as a foster "parent" with Southern California Laborador Retriever Rescue. Her father, C. Vernon Siegner, worked at Peru State from 196173 in industrial arts, and both of her parents are retired and living in Vancouver, Wash.
Lindon Volker ('79) of Humboldt, Neb. was coach of the Dawson-Verdon's Class D State Co-Champion boy's track team. What is perhaps most impressive is that the team was comprised of just three young men.
Randy Wollenburg ('75) of DeWitt, Neb. was assistant coach of the Tri County Trojans girl's basketball team that played in the Class C-1 state tournament in March. The Trojans were defeated in the first round of the tournament and ended their season with a 13-9 record.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Michael Apple ('86) has accepted the principal position at Oakland-Craig (Neb.) Schools for the '.4002-03 school year. Mike has been thd principal for the past nine years at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb. ·
seven the develop1itiatives foi narketing of lal media at
"I owe a special debt of gratitude to Dr. ltz," said Crook. "Our work together on ails and Tales' has been a tremendous educaal experience."
More than a job
Crook says opportunities like "Trails and es" and the History Day contest, and the e working relationships she develops with
"They are what makes my work a fulfilling career," said Crook.. "If it wasn.'t for the enthuof my students and colleagues for what they .do, and the support of the staff and administration, what I do would just be a job, and it's much more than that.
"I love to teach. I hope it shows," she concluded.
Lilly Blase ('81) of Lincoln, Neb. is now a program coordinator with the Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership, affiliated with the Nebraska Department of .Education. Lilly reports that part of her time is spent on housing issues and part of it on employment-related matters.
(continued on page.14)
(Photo by Kent Propst)The ladies from the Class of '52 who returned to the Campus ofA Thousand Oaks this spring for their Golden Anniversa1y Reunion included (front row from left) Lee Stoddard Ferguson, Jean Mc!ninch, Beverly Houser Coatney, Pat Be1?ford Bornemeie1; a.nd Dorothy Meister Farrow, and (back row from left) Joyce Hladik Bowling; Carol Duerfeldt Whitcomb, Janice Redfern Schulte, Gail Gilliland Godbersen, Barbara Miller Rawson, and Alta Rodgers Dakolios.
The Class of '52 was well represented by these gentlemen during 50-year reunion.festivities this past .17Jring: (front rowfrmn left) Ray Munoz, Dean Cecil McKnight, Ken Sipes and Paul Parke1; and (back row.from left) Dana Bowling, Lewis Wieck, Marian Downey, Don Gress ahd Bob Ryan.
While they weren't with this 50-year .Class of '52, the May Reunion once again attracted a good turnout grads.from earlier yearsmost of whom were "repeat guests" at the annual event. Representing the Classes of 1947-51 were (front row from left) Eilene Beethe ('51), Carolyn McFadden Sipes ('51), &ther Holmes.Ru.\·sell ('51),
The of 1952 may well h stand>:u'd by which subsequent 50reunions are measured.
Both in terms of numbers and in le blue spirit and enthusiasm, the. gre '52 set the. bar high. But that class the only one Pepresenfed at one biggest, loudest and most enjo Reunion's in many years.
Alums began to roll onto the C Thousand ·Oaks on a positively gorg afternoon, May 3. Some visited fa room buildings and ofh the PSC foundation Office in the Building to meet and visit with old f
Late that afternoon the fun beg reception and Open House at th President Ben Johnson and his wife laughter proved.that memories of earl· the Peru campus were still vivid. Eventually the gpoup made ifs Peru State Student Cent er for din guests opted for that Jamous regional fl'ied Calfish.
With hunger and thirst quenched faifhful wenf next door for a shor>f was highligl1t ed by a State of !he Ca from Presidenl Jolrnson, special by PSC f oundafion executives Johnson and Ms. SaraBefh Don photos, and a presentation of awards nion hand.
That brought an end lo a. bus enjoyable f riday. A numhel' of the fo not come back the next day for md but those who did enjoyed anoth • spring day _in Peru.
Things began wilh bl'eakfasf in Center, followed bij a free planting LeRoy Redfern ('41) of Cedar f 2002 PSC Disfinguislwd Se l'ecipienf.
Next if was on fo the Al Whe Center for front-row se Commencement 2002 ceremonies Gov. Mike Johanns was on hand f sel fo what is believed to have bee· graduafing class in the hisfory of College, with some 340 sfudenfs the day.
Activities conducled with lunch Student Center. Hopefully, f hos the festivifies came away not onl appetites satisfied, but also with new Peru State College fo go along "'.i. lier recolledions of their days on c
Again, the Class of' 52 set the high - only time will tell if the Cla meef fhe challenge!
ni musicians performed alongside current PSC students in the third annual Alumni And of band concert held this past April. Former PSC entertainers from four states were dn hand to once again music in the College Theatre. (Photo by Kent Propst)
·Though their 50-year reunion hasn't arrived yet, several' alums from the Class of '53 and later rolled onto campus this spring for the annual May Reunion. Amongst those getting an advance .look at a May Reunion for golden grads were (front row from left) Betty McKay Munoz ('53), Ella Meister Johnson ('55), Mmy Moore. Gress ('54) and Marcella Lollman Malony ('53), and (back row from left) Jim Malony ('56), Ray Meister ('62) and Bill Schulte ('53).
While all of the guests at a May Reunion are very important, this group of distinguished alumni attending the spring reunion of Golden Grads was especially so, including (front row from left) Ted ('42) and Dorothy Perking.\' ('39) Graves, Donna Duerfeldt Pryor ('40) and Nancy Jones Redfern ('42), and (back row from left) Bob Ashton ('42), Bill Fankhauser ('42), Ross Russell ('41) and LeRoy Redfern ('41 ).
Several musical Peru State College alumni and fiends performed ahn3side PSC students in a concert hosted b!f the PSC Department ofMusic this past April.
The Third Annual Concert Band/Alumni and Friends ofMusit:: Concert wqs coordinated b!f Dr. Dqvid £dns, Proftssor ofMusic and Director ofBand Activities at PSC. A dozen former PSCperformers were on hand to !race the College Theatre stage once Cl!Jain.
PSCalums fom four states were represented at, the concert, and alums fom the 1950s, '60s, '70s, '80s and 2000s were included in the program, Dr. Edris said.
Alum,ni entertaitws tak.in3 part in the prO!Jram were Poll.!; Clark. ('83} of Pawnee Citg, Neb.; Donald Gibson ('58} of Audubon, /ou1a; Sam Klein ('01} of Bee, Neb.; Michail Knake ('89), Ba!fanl, Neb.; Richard Kumpf {'58}, Auburn, Neb.; Aaron Larson {'80), Chatnberlain, S.D.;
Tlm McConnaughe!f {'00), Nebraska Citg; Jeanna MO!Jer {'00}, Nebraska Citg; RichardMunson {'71), Pi(!/er, Neb.;Jeny Neeman {'73), S!fracuse, Neb.; Jennifer Olberding {'01}, Tro!f, Kan.,- and Russell Work.man {'63), W11ber, Neb.
Welcome to this issue's version of "Lost & Found." Or perhaps "Needle in A Haystack" is more accurate?
Following is a list of Peru State College alumni and friends for whom we've recently fallen out of contact. They have moved and they forgot to take The Peru Stater along.
If you can provide us with a cmTent, home address on any of the following, we would appreciate it, and we' 11 send them a copy of this edition of The Stater. Forward information to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010, oremail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu, or phone (402) 872-2225.
Thank you!
Andrew Case - 2001
Richard Sanders -2001
Dennis Kennedy II - 2000
Liv Fritz Wheeler - 2000
Jon Critser- 1999
Miriam Martinez-Aaron.1999
Seth Perkins - 1999
Jodi Remmers - 1999
Colonie Martin Wiley - 1999
Marcy Eddinger Andersen1998
Gretchen Stukenholtz
Golladay - 1998
Barbara Fallstead-1997
James L. Morris - 1997
Jamie Rathbone-1997
Christopher Michael - 1996
Daniel LaJoie -1995
Kristopher Citrin -1994
Shane Shook- 1994
Teresa Ware-1994
Cindy Bailey - 1993
Dorrine McKinney-1992
Michael Brewer-1991
Colleen Kriycki Belitz - 1989
Victoria Ragan - 1988
Kristin Schreiner - 1987
Martina Conn - 1986
Jeffrey Slagle- 1986
Jacqueline Comiskey- 1985
Emily Rosewell Davidson1976
Barton Neri - 1973
Aline Jones Bryson-1971
Richard Bryson- 1971
Gene Finke - 1970
Marjorie Engelman Blobaum1969
Charlotte Overgaard Bonner1969
Ruth Gray Stanley - 1968
Mary Long Kelly- 1958
Billie Kay Bodie ('84) of Burchard, Neb. has been promoted to vice president and chief operating officer of the First National Bank of Summerfield (Kan). Billie has been with the bank since 1998. ·
Polly Clark ('83) of Pawnee City, Neb. was promoted to Postmaster at Odell (Neb.) in November. She has been with the Postal Service since 1996. Polly is active in the Southeast Nebraska Community Band, the SCC-Beatrice Band, the PSC Alumni Band, and also volunteers at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln.
Mark Czapla ('87) of Unadilla, Neb. was selected the Nebraska Businessperson of the Year at the annual Future Business Leaders of America conference this spring. He will be recognized at the national conference in Nashville, Tenn. later this summer. Mark has just completed a six-year term on the FBLA Advisory Board.
Merritt Dodson - 1957
Lynn H Lee - 1957
Marjorie Strayer Busch - 1952
John Bunge, Jr. - 1948
Don Stevens - 1945
Noreen Liesveld Crawford1944
Laurine Stites Shrewsbury1938
Wayne Lindberg - 1936
Ethel Fogdall - no year
Thanks to those who helped find our missing alums recently: Lisa Bahensky, Rhonda Schroeder Chab ('84), David Fulton ('60); Lois Layden Gager ('61), Ted Harshbarger ('77), Harvey Ideus ('56), Joy Huber ('99), Mary Hinrichs Kellogg ('51), John ('70) and Gail (Ankrom '69) Masonbrink, Dennis Meyer ('72), and Wayne Shafer ('63).
Andrea prepared for college. She was active in school, was a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in science fairs and research projects. Although she said she had no thought of what direction she'd go in college, her science teachers now tell her that they've always kriown she'd study science.
On campus, she is a member of the Campus Activities Board where she serves on the Education and Culture committee. Last spring she worked on activities focused on Black History and Women's History months. She is a member of Alpha Chi, Peru State's honor society and Beta Beta Beta, the Biology honor society.
A quiet spoken, slender young woman, Andrea said that although she always kriew she liked biology and science, she didn't actually declare her major until she was a sophomore at Peru State.
December grad
She has already earned more than 102 credit hours toward a baccalaureate degree in Biological Science and Wildlife Ecology and plans to graduate next December. Enrolled in 18 credit hours during.the spring semester, she worked with the PSC science faculty on her own undergraduate research project.
Andrea's vision is to work in a hospital laboratory. This is another decision point in her career. Hospital labs require
many different specialties including pathology, microbiology, immunology, hematology, and research programs in an array of studies. To learn more about her career field and help her decision making, she·shadowed the laboratory at the Falls City Hospital earlier this spring.
Dr. and Mrs. Wear's story exemplifies the tremendous impact we have on another's life whether it is as an advisor and mentor or the effect we have by .supporting the scholarship program or establishing a scholarship at Peru State. For more information on how you can make a difference in a student's life, call the Peru State College Foundation at 800-742-4412, ext. 2304.
Dean Filipi ('82) of Milligan, Neb. was head basketball coach for the boy's Milligan Roosters who participated in the Class D-2 State Tournament. They entered the tournament with an 18-3 record and were defeateq in the opening round.
Kathie Bohling Grotrian ('89} of Johnson, Neb. received the Outstanding Elementary Teacher award for the 2001-02 .school year at the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association's conference in Kearney this spring. Kathie is a kindergarten teacher at the Nemaha Valley Schools in Cook and Talmage{Neb.).
Laurel Smith Harling ('87) of Falls City, Neb. has been honored by the Nationaf Youth Leadership Forum for encouraging students to pursue career interests. Laurel teaches at Falls City School.
Krystal Bors Hays ('87) was named the 2001 Beatrice (Neb.) Community Hospital and Health Center "Employee of the Year." She is a Registered Nurse working medicalsurgical, obstetrics, and as a perinatal educator.
Mark Hrabik ('82) of Syracuse, Neb. was head boy's basketball coach for the Syracuse Rockets who participated in the Class C-1 State. Basketball Tournament. They were defeated in the semi-final round and ended their season with a 21-3 record.
Marla Moody Jones ('84) of Auburn, Neb. was recognized by Renaissance Learning, Inc, for outstanding performance in read_ing education. The award is based on the teachers' efforts to impro,Ve student reading performance.
Del ('80) and Ginny (Aufenkamp '82) Novell are leaving their Auburn, Neb. home for new teaching positions in Holbrook, Atiz. Del had taught industrial technology at the Auburn Middle School for 22 years and Ginny spent the past 14 years the Rock Port(Mo.) schools as business education teacher and district computer technology coordinator.
Lois Rieschick ('80) of Springfield, Neb. was honored in a recent publication of Who.'s Who Among America.'s Teachers. Lois has taught at Platteview High School .in Springfield for 32 years.
Jeff Smith ('83) of Lincoln; Neb. was head basketball coach for the Lincoln Southeast Knights boy's basketball team who earned a berth in the Class A State Tournament. They entered the tournament with an 18-3 record and fell short in the state championship game.
(continued on page 15)
lSend your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakfnail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Craig Aue ('01) and Rhonda Lotter ('98) of Auburn, Neb. were married in May. Craig is recreation specialist at the Tecumseh State Correctional Center in Tecumseh, Neb. and Rhonda works in the training department at Cooper Nuclear Station at Brownville, Neb.
Chad Badstieber ('01) and Jamie Staudenmaier were to be married in June in Columbus, Neb. Chad works at Reliance Electric in Columbus.
Daleen Barbee ('01) and PSC student Michael Behrends were married in April. Daleen is employed at McDermott & Miller, Certified Public ' Accounting Firm in Omaha.
· Brenda Black ('95) of Brainerd, Minn. and Greg Verkuilen were married in June. Brenda is employed by Walgreens.
Luke Boldt ('98) of Syracuse, Neb. and Melissa Weyers were 111arried in ;\pril. Luke has been teaclilng sixth'grade teacher at the Auburn. (Neb.) Middle School but has accepted a new position . teaching in Syracuse, Neb.
Jason Cecil ('99) and Amber Friedrichsen {'99) were to be married in June. They will reside in Mayfield, Ky. Jason works for Turner Dairies and Amber, who is pursuing a degree to become a registered nurse, is employed by Green Acres Health Care.
Former PSC student Joe Chaney (attd. '91-'95) of ·Nebraska City and Brooke Sevening were married in May. Joe is an IT infrastructure support analyst for the Nebraska Department of Roads in Lincoln.
Mindy Connell ('01) and Eric Jarecki were married in April in Omaha. Mindy is employed by Nebraska Health Systems.
Jon Critser ('99) and Jennifer Stuthman ('02) were married in May. Jon is teaching at Cedar Bluffs Public Schools in Cedar Bluffs, Neb.
Mace Curry ('99) and Tammie Hart ('00) were married in June. They reside in Fremont, Neb. where Tammie is an administrative assistant and Mace a department manager. ·
PSC student Barbara Dana and Anthony. Meyers were. mar•, ried in April in Lincoln. Barb is ·employed by Walmart.
PSC student Allison M. Davis
of Falls City, Neb. and Zach Noble were to be married in July. Allison is majoring in elementary and early childhood education and expects to graduate in May of 2003.
Margie Neddenriep Eloe ('43) of Lincoln, Neb. and Allan Casey of Auburn, Neb. were married m January. Allan is a funeral director in Auburn and was a long-time member of the PSC Foundation Board of Trustees. Margie was an elementary school principal in Lincoln.
Sb.awn Exn.er ('97) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada and Gayle Dietzel were married last Jµly. They now reside in Papillion, Neb. where Shawn teaches middle school physical education,.and coaches boys soccer and boys and girls basketball at Orn:aha Bryan Middle School. He also helps coach varsity baseball at Omaha Skutt Cathol.ic High School. Shawn was a pitcher for the PSC baseball team from 1993-1997 and still holds some pitching records. If any of Shawn's ball player friends would like to contact him, his e-mail address is sgexner@msn.com.
Janelle Findlay ('02) of Stella, Neb. and Travis Knippelmeyer were married in May. Janelle is employed at the Auburn State Bank. They now reside in Brock, John Funkhouser ('98) and Stacy Wallin were married in March, Both work at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln.
Stephanie Starkey Gordon ('89) and Shawn Vail.Laningham were married in March.
Jeff Govier ('99) and Jill Schulte ('97) were to be married in June in Westphalia, Iowa. Jill is a business banker at Wells Fargo Bank in Omaha, while Jeff is a teacher and football coach at Vista.
PSC student Kathleen M. Guyott.of Auburn, Neb. and John
Friedrich were married recently.
Stephanie Horning ('98) and Russ Olsen ('98) were married last June. Both are teaching for District 66 Westside Community Schools in Omaha. Steph teaches physical education at an elementary school and Russ teaches high school engineering.
Joy Huber ('99) of Seward, Neb. and Derek Willis will be married next March. Joy continues her career with Clear Channel Radio in Lincoln as a marketing consultant.
Brock Kastanek ('99) and Jennifer Pecha ('02) were to be married in June. Brock works at Sandhills Publishing in Lincoln and Jennifer has accepted a teaching position in Beatrice, Neb.
Jeffrey Luna ('00) and Jennifer Moyer ('01) were married in May. Jennifer is a merchandise buyer for Tender Heart Treasures, Inc. in Omaha and Jeff is a banking software specialist with Information Technologies, Inc. in Lincoln, Neb. They reside in Omaha.
Natalie Magnuson ('00) and former PSC student Nicholas Laferriere were married in April in Glenwooc!, Iowa.
Caralyn L. McQueen ('97) of Pawnee City, Neb. and Shane Friedly were married recently.
Jeanna Moyer ('00) and Cameron Reiners ('01) Nebraska City, Neb. are planning to be married in April 2003. Jeanne received an Art degree at PSC and is currently going to school in Lincoln. Cameron received an elementary/middle school degree at PSC and is teaching middle school math at the Conestoga Public Schools in Murray, Neb.
Kristi Nies and Wayne Babchuk were married in June. Kristi is the tutorial coordinator for the .Student Support Services Program at PSC.
(Continued on Page 17)
Kim Standerford ('89) of Humboldt, Neb. is a coach with the Dawson-Verdon track team that won a share of the Class D State Title this spring.
Kendall Steffensen ('89) has been hired as superintendent of schools for the Blue Hill (Neb.) Public Schools. He had been secondary principal at Osage City, Kan. for the past four years. He and his wife, the former Janeen Miles ('89), have two children.
Mark Volkmer ('88) of Brock, Neb. is employed by Peru State College in the campus services department and also farms near Julian.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Julie Ramsey Bauman ('95) of Falls City, Neb. has opened her own CPA business in Falls City. She had previously worked for another CPA firm there.
Lori Alexander Bellar ('90) of Battle Creek, Neb. received her master of education degree in counseling from Wayne State College in May. She works as an elementary counselor and reading specialist for the Battle Creek schools.
Rod Beyke ('93) of Peru, Neb. has been hfred to teach art for the Dodge and Hqwells school districts in Nebraska. He had been middle school art instructor for the Auburn Public Schools for the past nine years. ·
Joan Christen ('96) of Tecumseh, Neb. received a RadioShack National Teacher Award for 2002 in April at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics convention in Las Vegas, Neb. Joan is a science teacher at South,east Consolidated at Stella (Neb.), and has received many awards for her outstanding teaching.
Lance Cohn ('98) of Grand Island, Neb. was an assistant coach for the boy's Grand Island Central Catholic Crusaders basketball team that participated in the Class C-1 State Tournament. They were defeated in the opening round and ended their season with a 19-8 record.
Ben Essam ('98) of Beatrice, Neb. was an assistant coach for the Beatrice Orangemen's boy's basketball team which earned a berth in the Class B State Basketball tournament this winter. They advanced to the semi-final round of the tournament and ended their season with a 16-4 record.
Tony Fitzgerald ('94) of Crete, Neb. was an assistant coach for the Crete Cardinals boy's basketball team that earned a berth in the Class B State Tournament. They were defeated in the opening round of the tourney and ended their season with a 13-8 record.
Teresa Goracke ('96) of Burr, Neb. was recognized with a Reading Renaissance Model Classroom Level 1 Certification. This award is based on efforts by the teacher to improve student reading performance. Teresa is employed by the Auburn Public Schools.
Chuck Grounds ('92) of Brooklyn Center, Minn. is now working for Microsoft in Minnesota's Twin Cities providing support and consulting to large corporate customers including Target Corp., Best Buy Co., Inc., and GMAC. He previously was an instructor in the Omaha extension program from 1995-1999.
(continued on page' 16)
Residence life at Peru State College has a different look, · and it has nothing to do with all of the construction taking place on campus. It has to do instead with a new face, that of the new director of residence life, David Garsow.
Garsow, though new to Peru, does not lack experience. He is a nationally certified counselor, and has been involved with residence life ever since he was a residence assistant during his undergraduate years at the University .of Wisconsin-River Falls where he received his bachelor of science in agricultural education.
He later worked as assistant housing director while ing his masters in educational psychology and counseling at the University of South Dakota. Garsow then returned to Wisconsin as hall director at the University of WisconsinLa Crosse and then as area coordinator for the University of Wisconsin-'Green Bay. He was program coordinator at the University of .WisconsinMadison before coming to Peru.
Love of the job
"I fell in love with working with college students and didn't want to .teach high school right away," said Garsow of the shift in focus of his own education. "I could give a whole list of things that I love about the work, but it just boils down to I like what I do."
Garsow's prior duties were· very similar to the ones he will be performing at PSC. These include managing the budget, supervising the hiring and training of student resident assistants and residence directors for each of the eight residence .halls, and making sure the halls are well-maintained.
Working with the student judicial board and performing disciplinary follow-ups, working with food service, overseeing summer conferences and programs, overseeing hall openings and closings, and performing various administrative tasks also are duties at PSC that Garsow already has experienced.
"This job is kind of like a hotel manager," said Garsow. "You hire everyone and make sure everything goes well in your building and try to improve things as best you can in your building."
Looking to make a difference
Though the move to Nebraska is a change for the
De Pere, Wis. native, Garsow is full of enthusiasm for his new work environment, citing the college's small size as one of the, characteristics that attracted him to the job.
"Peru is a place I feel I can make a big difference and a big impact," said Garsow. "I can get to know people personally because it's small enough for that-and that's one of the things I really love about this job, getting to know people, caring about them, giving people opportunities to get involved.
"I think Peru is unique in that it's small enough that I can do all of those things-I can meet everyone and get to know them and really make a difference," he added.
Peru's personal touch is just what Garsow was looking for, and just what he wants the college to be recognized for.
"I want to get to know everybody, I want to have fun, and I just want this to be a place where people want to be because they know they can have fun and it's safe and well-maintained and we care about students," said Garsow.
"You can go to just about any college, but if you go to Peru State, we're going to care
Don Hogue ('97) of Falls City, Neb. has been selected to coach the 2002 Nebraska Bison/Runza White Team this summer. The team is composed of outstanding boys basketball players from throughout the state.
Jeff Junker ('93} of Beatrice, Neb. was as assistant coach for the Beatrice Orangemen boy's basketball team that participated in the Class B State Basketball tournament this winter. They entered the tournament with a 15-3 record and were defeated in the semi-final round. This summer Jeff will be an assistant coach for the 2002 Nebraska Bison/Runza White Team.
Mark Junker ('96) of Falls City, Neb. was an assistant coach for the Sacred Heart Irish girl's basketball team. The Irish women entered the Class D-1 tournament with a 23-1 record and played a hard fought game in the finals with Freeman High School. They were defeated by Freeman and became the team for Class D- L
Scott Krichau ('97) has been selected to produce outdoor sculptures for downtown Kansas City's "Avenue of the Arts" program. His work involves five abstract forms evoking maple tree seed pods, each roughly the size of a person. Krichau, who recently received a master of fine arts degree from the University of Kansas, had his work evaluated by an Avenue of the Arts selection panel of arts professionals and businesspeople. Visitors can view his work through September; they can be seen on Central Street between .10th and 16th in downtown Kansas City.
about you and we're going to provide opportunities for you to be involved and to make a difference on campus and continue to make a difference when you're out of here," he said. Open door policy Caring about people is not just a catch phrasefor Garsow. He actively seeks input from everyone, making him, in his own words, "democratic rather than autocratic."
"I want students to know that I'm open to them coming to visit with me and I'm going to be out and about visiting with them from time to time, as much as I can," said Garsow. "I have an open door policy and I want students to know that they can come to me if they have something they want to talk about.
'Tm very open to student input and student activism. I love getting students involved and I love input from all kinds of people.
"I'm really excited to get to know the students of Peru State and work with them to make Peru State the best it can be."
Garsow lives in Auburn, Neb., with his wife, Erin, and their baby son, Jacob.
John McClarnen ('94) of Wayne, Neb. received his masters degree in Administration K-12 from Wayne State College in May. John taught third grade and coached varsity girl's basketball from 1996-2001, and served as assistant principal at Wayne Community Schools this past year. He will be principal of the Wayne Middle School for the 20022003 school year.
Holly Morgan ('93) of Nebraska City, Neb. recently returned from a mission trip to India. Holly belongs to "Youth With a Mission" and has made trips to Chicago, Mexico and India. Holly will continue her studies in Denver where she will learn how to do evangelism and get a basis for Biblical counseling.
Debra Bohling Pugh ('92) of Auburn, Neb. completed a systems training seminar recently in Appleton, Wis. to become a representative for Aid Association for Lutherans/Lutheran Brotherhood. She helps Lutherans and their families in southeast Nebraska learn about the organization's fraternal opportunities.
Steve Sayer ('90), a social studies teacher at SyracuseDunbar-Avoca (Neb.) High School, received a certificate of .1.· appreciation from the Nebraska Supreme Court and the Nebraska State Bar Foundation in May. Sayer's students were involved in the annual Law Day Essay Contest.
Elizabeth Ely Sickel ('92) of Rulo, Neb. has been promoted to the position of vice president of Southeast Nebraska Telephone Company. Elizabeth is a member of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and cur- ' rently serves on the board of directors of the Falls City r Chamber of Commerce.
ord has been received of the th of Alyce Mae Bisgard erson ('36) of St. Petersburg, in 2001.
Richard Behrends ('66) of Stella, passed away in May. He was Joyed at Mutual of Omafia for 34 rs. He served in the auditing ment for many years, and most ently was an appeals analyst.
Former student Fern Walker randt of Silver Spring, Md. passed ay in January. During World War em worked for the National ives in Washington, D.C. and · later employed by the Answering ice, Inc. in Silver Spring.
He 'was superintendent of Cook High School for a few years and was a farmer.
William Jean Haith (attd. '43) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in March. He was owner and operator of Haith Lime and Rock Quarry for 43 years.
George Haskins ('34) of Decatur, Ala. passed away in March. He was a retired colonel from the United States Army and had received many medals and citations during his 30 year career. His wife is the former Eleanor Rawson ('39).
longtime resident of McCook, Neb.
Gladys Nofsger Layson ('74) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in Api"il. Gladys was a retired teacher and had taught art at Southeast Consolidated in Stella. She was active in her church and local organizations. A sister, Wilma Beer ('64), lives in Sabetha, Kan.
Marie Jurgens Leopold (attd. late '30s, early '40s, two-year '57) passed away in April in Adams, Neb. She was a teacher, and also a welder during World War II.
Sylvia Smith ('96) of Auburn, is 'advisor of the Future. Business Leaders of America at Johnson-Brock High School. This spring they were awarded the Sweepstakes Award for the many activities conducted by the club throughout the year. Several students also earned a trlp to the .national competition in Nashville, Tenn. this summer.
Word has been received of the h of Fletcher Cline ('41) of lows, Calif.
onald E. Cowell (attd. '47-'48) ed away in March in Idaho Falls,
Amethyst Pryor Hawxby (attd. '25) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in March. She taught school for a short time before her marriage. Family members include Dorothy Duerfeldt ('52) of Westlake Village, Calif., Marilyn ('55) and Fred ('56) Clements of Denison, Iowa, Milan ('60) and Carolyn (Parli '61) Hawxby of Montrose, Colo., anll Keith ('61) and Virginia Evelyn Minor Creamer ('33) of' (VanWinkle '61) Hawxby of ewiston, Idaho passed away in Stewartsville, Mo. ry. She was a retired teacher.
Marion Dodderer ('27) of etha, Kan. passed away in April. taught school for 45 years and with the Omaha Public Schools 24 years teaching music, math and
Word has been received of the ath of Grace DuVal of Tabor, wain February.
Marie Wheeler Estes ('67) of ville; Kan. pa;;sed away in I. Marie taught school for a r of years in rural schools.
al Lyons Grafton (attd. '35) of rn, Neb. passed away in May. was a retired elementary school her.
RalfO. Graham ('48) of Wichita, passed away in March. He was etired educator and taught in rn and Fairbury before acceptposition with Midland College ont. In 1959 he moved to Kan where he was a journaland social studies teacher. In l he was appointed to the ension Communications rtment at Kansas State ersity where he served for 30 s. His wife is the former Ailene eeldon ('48).
ernice Deakins Gregory of Ider, Colo. passed away in April.
onald Grundman ('48) of use, Neb. passed away in April.
(From Page 15) "ndy Ohnmacht ('97) of and Brian Gutmann were ied in May. Mindy and are now residing in Buffalo,
onica Richard (attd. '96and Adam Urich were marin January. Monica is a sales ltant for Celebrity Homes in, a.
Dorothy Hoffert Herboldsheimer (attd. '41) of Hutchinson, Kan. passed away in February. She taught school fqr a short time and then worked for the railroad.
Genevieve Sire Hester (attd. '27'29) passed away in May in Lincoln. She was a teacher and bookkeeper.
Former faculty member Stewart A. Hitch of New York City, N.Y. passed away in February He taught art at PSC from l 968- 70 before moving to New York.
Charles R. Horton (attd. '41) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in April. He worked as an oilman after returning from World War II, and then was a salesman for vai"ious businesses.
He founded the Kansas-Nebraska Notary Seal Co. from which he retired in 1994. His brother, William Horton ('44); lives in Sabetha, Kan.
Gladys Stewart Howerton (attd. '47) of Lincoln, Neb. passed·away in March.
Bessie Husa ('51) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in April. She was a retired te.acher.
Maxine Ovenden Irwin (attd. '32) of Tecumseh, Neb. passed away in April. She taught in a rural school for a short time.
Leona Lowrey Lamb ('22) passed away in Omaha. She was a
Brian Rut ('99) and Kelly Bachle were to be married in June. Brian is an elementary school teacher for Fillmore Central Schools in Nebraska.
Susan Slama ('98) and Gregg Johnson were married in January. Susan is a computer programmer at the Foundation for Educational Services in Lincoln, Neb.
Betty Kirkendall Lippold ('57) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in May. Sl)e was employed with SENCA at Humboldt, Neb. from 1970 until her retirement in 200 l, and was director for Head Start in the four southeastern Nebraska counties.
Word has been received of the death of Florine Fangmeier Meyer ('47) of Ruskin, Neb.
Margaret Pedersen Morgensen ('47) of Weeping Water, Neb. passed away in April. ·
Genevieve Geick Schenbecl;{ Moore ('46) passed away in February in Gering, Neb. She taught in southeast Nebraska and then spent 32 years with the Gering Public Schools.
Margaret Johnson Mosier (attd. '30) passed away in February in Lincoln, Neb.
Esther Gibson Murphy (attd. '29) of Marysville, Wash. Passed away in February.
Thomas Navrkal ('62) of Elmwood, Neb. passed away in March. He worked for the Army Corps of Engineers as a mathematician/programmer, and was a math teacher at E.lmwood High School.
Ruth Gaisford Nickeson (attd. '33) of Wymore, Neb. passed away in May.
Lee Norris ('55, masters '60) of Topeka, Kan. passed away in March. He began his teaching career at Sabetha, Kan. He then taught at Augusta, Kan before going to Topeka in 1967 where he was a high school administrator. He retired in 1992. His wife is the former Peggy Eickhoff ('56).
Mabel Zajicek Novak (attd. '32) of Wilber, Neb. passed away in March. She was a retired school teacher. (Continued on Page 20)
Tina Thormahlen ('00) of Adams, Neb. and Leroy Richardson were married in June. Tina is a secondary math teacher at Lewiston Consolidated School.
Tiffany Volk ('01) and John Mitchell Jr. of Sioux City, Iowa were married in March. Tiffany is a computer programmer at American Amusements International.
Rev. Daniel Spearow ('99) of Culbertson, Neb'. was featured in a recent article in the McCook (Neb.) Gazette newspaper. Called the "Cowboy Philosopher'' best known for his Stetson hat and cowboy boots, Spearow serves Methodist churches in Culbertson and Trenton.
Bryan Sullivan (attd. '88-'93) of Lincoln, Neb., who is in management with the Embassy Suites Hotel there, was. recognized for exceptional sales promotion and results. by that hotel chain. Lincoln's Embassy finished tops in a worldwide poll of 168 Embassy Suites, and it received the Best New Hotel Ramp Up award for the fastest growth of any new Embassy.
Andrea Tee ('97) of Corona, Calif. is in her fifth year teaching at .Alta Loma High School in Alta Loma, Calif. She became activities director this past year after teaching English for four years. She is also the advisor for the yearbook. Andrea received her masters degree in education and her pupil personnel services credentials (counseling credential) from Azusa Pacific University at Azusa, Calif. in July of2000.
Holli Thompson ('99) has graduated from Airman Leadership School with the U.S. Air Force. A senior airman with tl:ie USAF, Holli is an administrative specialist assigned to Buckley Air Force Base inAurora,.Colo: ·' ·· ·'
Andy Tynon ('98) received his aeronautical rating as an Air Force pilot in February. He is currently stationed in Little Rock, Ark. and later will report to Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas, piloting C-130s.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Jonathan Annin ('01) has been hired to teach in the Westside Community Schools in Omaha.
Craig Aue ('01) is now a recreation specialist with the Tecumseh (Neb.) State Correctional Institution.
Melissa Backer ('01) is a youth specialist with the Missouri Division of Youth Services in Lawson, Mo.
Stephanie Hendrickson Baldwin ('00) of Trenton, Mo. is a production accountant at Premium Standard Farms in Milan, Mo.
David Bigelow ('01) of Ovid, Mich. is a computer technician at Capstone Consulting, Inc. in St. Johns, Mich,
Denika McKenzie Bush ('00) of Goodyear, Ariz. is a second grade teacher at the Litchfield elementary school in Litchfield Park, Ariz.
Joel Conradi ('01) of Unadilla, Neb. is a protection and safety worker for Nebraska State Health and Human Services in Lincoln, Neb.
(continued on page 18)
By Kay Stander interested in is their questions,
reactions, and the chance to
The work of Peru State meet these people and see how College's Dr. Mark Beischel ·• they do things differently." on the 'subject of attention The conference, from June deficit hyperactive disorder 11-15, brings together people (ADHD) lias gained interna- of many disciplines including tional recognition. mental health professionals,
His abstract, "Treatment and professionals working in eduAs sessmenf of ADHD and cation, and social, medical and Comorbid Disorders,'' was youth services w9rkers. selected for an oral presenta- Participants in the confertion at the Third International ence will examine innovations Conference on Child and and cross-cultural differences Adolescent Mental Health in in the area of child and adolesBrisbane, Australia on June cent mental health through 12. workshops, lectures, and
"It's a great opportunity to poster sessions. · meet people from all over the Expanding his scope world and especially to hear Beischel, an associate protheir different perspectives on fessor of education and psyADHD and its treatment," said chology at Peru State College, BeischeL "What I'm really regularly travels throughout
the United States presenting workshops on Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder that he developed from his more than 20. years running an ADHD clinic in Omaha and Bellevue, Neb.
The presentation he will be giving in Australia is a summarization of these workshops.
"When I do these things I'm always learning from the people in different areas of the country, and now I have an opportunity to learn from people from all over the world," said Beischel. "The advantage of this is you have that to bring back so when you're teaching you have much more of a worldwide perspective, and the students deserve that."
Larra Siebrecht Cuffley ('00) of Savage, Md. is a fourth grade math and science teacher at Bethel Christian Academy in Savage.
Brian Daniell ('00) is teaching special education at Girls and Boystown in Omaha.
Cecilia Daniels ('00) of Auburn, Neb. is a K-3 elementary teacher with the Brownville school district.
Sarah Dorrei of Brookline, Mass. is attending graduate school at Simmons College in Boston to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy.
Scott Eckert ('01) of Lincoln, Neb. is a lab technician for Restoragen in Lincoln.
Lexi Ehlers ('01) of Hardv. Neb. is a Joan sales coordinator for Central National Bank in Superior, Neb.
Sheryl Ehmke ('01) of Lincoln, Neb. is a customer support analyst for ITI of Lincoln, Neb.
Darin Garfield ('01) continues as a teacher and coach with the Hemingford (Neb.) school system.
Jill Halama ('01) of Friend, Neb. is a second grade teacher with the Friend Public Schools.
Mandi Harders ('01) of Omaha, Neb. is. a fourth grade teacher at St. Matthew the Evangelist School in Bellevue, Neb.
Lau.ra Rook Hare ('Ol) is an .account coordinator for ConAgra Grocery Foods Group in Omalrn.
Upon graduation, Janette Brummel Harrington ('02) of Auburn, Neb. will be employed as an access screening manager for Day and Zimmerman of Lancaster, Penn.
Erik Hertzel ('01) of Sal;>etha, Kan. is employed by Bachelor Controls, Inc. as a network administrator.
Ryan Hogue ('01) of Deshler, Neb. is employed by Deshler High School as a PE and history instructor. He is also head boys qasketball coach and serves as activities director. · ;';J,;'1·,·
Karen Weber Horky ('01) of Fairbury, Neb. is a math and algebra teacher with District #8 in Fairbury.
Deborah Snyder Houchin ('00) of Silverdale, Wash. is a substitute teacher withthe Central Kitsap School District in Silverdale.
Stephanie Huffman ('01) of Auburn, Neb. is the vocal music teacher with the Nebraska City Public Schools.
Rebecca Hundley ('00) of Falls City, Neb. is a substitute teacher for the Dawson- Verdon and Falls City Schools. She also serves as an. assistant volleyball and basketball coach for Dawson-Verdon.
John Joaquin ('01) of Cibolo, Texas is a contract specialist for the Texas Department of Transportation.
Brian Johnson ('01) is a high school math teacher at Nebraska City High School.
Sam Klein ('01) is working for Software Technologies in Lincoln, Neb. where he is a customer service technology representative.
(continued on page 19)
Send your." Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Travis Allgood ('97) and wife Amanda are proud parents of a daughter, Faith Amelia,.. born in March. She was welcomed home by a brother Kody and a sister Grace.
Marnie Stairs Argo ('97) and husband Terry of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Breslyn Elizabeth, born in February. She was welcomed home by brothers Collin and Justin.
April Czaplewski Binder ('96) and husband Todd of Table Rock, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Cameron Lynn Binder, born in April.
Wendy Eggert Duerfeldt ('00) and her husband Glen are proud parents of son Chad
Steven, born in July 2001. They live in Lincoln where Wendy is a staff accountant for Computer Services Inc.
PSC student Carolyn Scholl Enevoldsen and husband Jeff of Lincoln- are proud parents of a son, born in May.
James Frerichs ('90) and wife Sharon of Nebraska City are proud parents of a daughter, Cassel Jean, born in April: She was welcomed home by a sister and two brothers.
Julie Liberty Frederick ('01) and husband Keith of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Braydon Seth, born in March.· He was welcomed home by a sister, Alyssa. ·
Travis Goracke ('00) and wife Jaclyn of Tecumseh, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Gwendalyn Rae, born in January.
Stephanie Wheeldon Harms ('95) and husband Brad of
Brownville, Neb. are proud parents-of a son, Hunter Harms, born in February. He was welcomed home by a brother Tyler.
Chad ('93) and Michelle Larsen ('95) Heath of Weeping Water, Neb. are proud parents of a son, A very Lynn, born in February.
Matt Hug ('92) and wife Traci of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Maclaine Josie, born in October/ She was welcomed home by a brother, Blaise and a sister, Haevyn.
· Lisa (GQttula '92) Lockwood and husband Brian are proud parents of daughter Erin Marie, born in April in Scottsbluff, Neb.
Deb Isaac Mohling ('94) and husband Lynn are proud parents of a son, Jordan Nathaniel, born in March;. He was welcomed home by a brother Jarad and a sister Ashley.
·Kathern Wilson Novotny ('97) and husband Larry of Oketo, Kan. are proud parents of a son born in February.
Kim Kuhlman Oliver ('83) and husband Brad of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of an adopted son, Braden Joseph, born in March.
Kara Jenkins Savage ('97) and husband Frank Of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Jackson Walker, born in May.
Alicia Lemerond Schock ('01) and husband Jason of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of their third daughter, Evi Lucille, born in March. She was welcomed home by Emma and Chloe.
Response to our special "Mystery Picture" in the last edition of the Stater was good - and many of those who responded began with a statement along the .lines of "Where did you get that picture?" or "I can't stop laughing "
Special thanks to Samantha Williamson ('58) of Arvada, Colo., for the picture.
And thanks to those who wrote in with an attempt at ID-ing what Samantha calls "The Babes" on the back of the photograph. espondents included Darlene ansen Anderson ('58) of apillion, Neb., Carolyn Wing aw ('60) of Omaha, Rosemary ottman ('60) of ellevue, Neb., Lisa Parriott '95} of Peru, who works at PSC and whose mother was one of Hhose pictured.
·· Also, Don Rist (attd. '57) of ;·Talent; Ore., Grace Hannaford 1Russell ('60) of Sterling, Colo.,
Jody Parriott Russell ('59) of Douglas, Ariz., Mary Jo Scharp Torring {'59) of Omaha, and Sherrill Torring ('63) of Rapid City, S.D. Sherrill wasn't sure but she thought she may have been the person who snapped the photo.
Thanks to all for writing!
And now, the moment you've been waiting for, the names of "The Babes." They are from left Nancy Kunkel, Jody Parriott, Rosemary Rottman, Jann Hoffman, Grace Hannaford, Barbara Ogle, Ramona Ogle, Samantha Williamson, and Mary Jo Scharp.
While the Stater no longer publishes a "Mystery Picture" as a regular feature, we will consider running special photos on occasion. If you would like to submit one for consideration,' please send it to Kent Propst, The Peru Stater, Peru State College, PO Box l 0, Peru NE. 68421-0010.
Dee Larsen ('01) Gayville, S.D. is attending graduate school at the University of South Dakota. She is pursuing a degree from the School of Law.
Aaron Lauby ('OO)is the new head volleyball and girls basketball coach at Fillmore Central High School. He had been a junior high boys basketball coach there.
Kevin Lee ('01) of St. Augustine, Fla. is a youth counselor for the St. Augustine Youth Service.
Robert Leffler ('01) of Bellevue, Neb. is superintendent, force accounting with the U.S. Air Force at AFB.
Carol James Lencke ('01) is an engineering .technician with the. U.S. Air Force in Omaha.
Christy Lewis ('01) of Council Bluffs, Iowa is the fifth and sixth grade teacher at Holy Ghost School in Omaha.
Judy Lisle ('01) of Rock Port, Mo. is the director of the senior center in Rock Port.
Scott Macholan ('01) is teaching sixth grade science for the York (Neb.) Public Schools.
Linda Jackson Mango ('01) of Omaha is employed by the Nebraska Workforce Development as a veteran work study.
Kelly McCaU;.Lugenbeel ('01) of Beatrice, Neb. is employed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services as a protection and. safety worker.
Patrick Meagher ('00) of Overland Park, Kan is an advertising account manager for. the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network - KCFX.
Darlene Fritz Merz ('01) of Falls City, Neb. is a special education teacher with District #32 at Brownville, Neb.
ReeAnna Morgan ('01) of Lincoln, Neb. is a physical education teacher at Blessed Sacrament School.
Julie Nanninga Showalter ('88) and husband Jonathan of Oakland, Iowa are proud parents of a daughter, Sophie Claire born in March. She was welcomed home by two sisters, Victoria and Morgan.
Jeff ('89) and Tammy (Sealley '9l) .Teten of Underwood, Iowa are proud parents of a son, Zachery Lee, born in April. He was welcomed home by a sister, Rachel.
Matt ('96) and Jennifer (Duerfeldt '96) Uher of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Krayten Allen, born in March. He was welcomed home by a sister, Delaney Jean
Mark Uhri ('95) and wife Lisa of Dawson, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Tyler Lee, born in May.
Terry ('00) and Heather (Schroeder '00) Zessin of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Trey Alexander, born in February.
Amber Morin ('01) of Papillion, Neb. is an accounting/contract specialist at Offutt Air Forc.e Base in Bellevue.
Ryan Mulder ('01) of Gayville, S.D. is a deputy sheriff for the Yankton County Sheriff's office in Yankton.
Jeff Murphy ('00) of Wymore, Neb. is a sixth grade teacher and coach with the Southern Public Schools.
Kathy Neubauer ('01) of Syracuse, Neb. is an assistant at the Syracuse Dental Office.
Jennifer Olberding ('01) of Troy, Kan. is music instructor for the Troy Public Schools.
Deborha Peterson {'01) of Columbus, Neb. is a unit caseworker for the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York, Neb.
Dan .Pickering ('01) of Lincoln, Neb. is a CSA for Region V _Services in Lincoln.
Amanda Peak Raithel ('00) of Falls City, Neb. is an art K-12 teacher with the Rock Port R-II Schools .in Rock Port, Mo.
Alan Gager and Jeremy Muckey have been elected President and Vice .President of the Peru State College Student Senate for 2002-2003.
Gager is a senior psychology/sociology major, with a minor in business administration, from Table Rock. Muckey is a junior social science (pre-law) major from Brainard.
PSC students had the choice to vote on the Gager and Muckey team. or for Anna Wheeler and Ryan Krier. Anna Wheeler is a sophomore natural science major from Bellevue, and Ryan Krier is a senior music major from Weeping Water.
According to former President Tai Halalilo, only nine votes separated the teams.
Gager and Muckey took office in April, according to Muckey. They replaced the team of Tai Halalilo and Gager, who moves from vice president to president.
Gager explained the positions' duties, saying, "The president and vice president are in charge of a 25-member Senate, which acts as liaison between the entire student body and the PSC administration. Student Senate has several important voting rights and is the chief source of voicing students concerns."
Gager has served on the Student Senate for four years, and served as vice president for 2001-2002. He is also involved in other organizations on campus: co-president of the Multicultural Club, a member of the Campus Activities Board executive committee, in Phi Beta Lambda, Campus Crusade for Christ, Psychology/Sociology/Criminal Justice Club, and a mentor for the Matthews Mentor Program and Student Support Services.
Muckey is in Student Music Educators National Conference, Student Support Services, and People Respecting Individual Differences and Equality. He is also part of the Madrigal Singers, Misty Blues Show Choir, and Concert Choir.
Muckey explained the Student Senate as operating similar to the U.S. Senate. He said Student Senate runs through committees. He also said the president delegates the duties to the officers, and the vice president is in charge of running elections.
Peru State College's student government will be ih
·the hands qf President Alan.Gager (left) q'f'Table Rock, Neb. and Jeremy Muckey (right) of Brainard, Neb. in 2002-03. Theywere chosen by their.fellow students to lead the PSC Student Senate in the coming year. Gager is a senior psychology/sociology major while Muckey is a junior social science and pre-law student. They edged the· second-place team by just nine votes in elections held this past spring. Gager, whose mother is the former Lois Layden
( '61 ), has been a member Student Senate since his freshman year and is active in numerous clubs and organizations on campus. Muckey is active in the PSC vocal music program and other organizations.
Both president-elect and vice president-elect Gager and Muckey look forward to their service in the Student Senate.
Muckey said, "I hope our administration is one of productivity and encouragement to future leaders."
Kate Rippe ('01) of Omaha is a middle school/high school business education teacher with the Valley Public Schools.in Valley, Neb.
Corina Rodriguez ('01) of Ontario, Calif. is an auditor for the Air Force Audit Agency in El Segundo, Calif.
Siobhan Shanley Ross ('00) of Alamogordo, N.M. is a fomth grade teacher for the Alamogordo Public Schools.
Kelly Scheel ('01) of Papillion, Neb. is employed at Enterprise Rent-A-Car as a management trainee at the Omaha airport.
Rebecca Schlamann ('01) of Fremont, Neb. is employed by the Fremont Area Chamber as a historian/grantwritet.
Jamie Schnakenberg ('00) of Lincoln, Neb. is the associate mechanical design engineer for Telex Communication, Inc. in Lincoln.
Alicia Lemerond Schock ('01) is a preschool teacher at the Sacred Heart School in Falls City, Neb.
Laura Senff ('01) of Stromsburg, Neb. is a kindergarten teacher for High Plains Community School in Clarks, Neb. She also serves as an assistant volleyball coach.
Eugene J. Simmons ('01) is an outreach coordinator for the Big Crow Boys and Girls Club at Pine Ridge, S.D.
James Sleight ('01) of Grand Island, Neb. is a store manager for Trans World Entertainment of Albany, N.Y.
Stephen Spires ('01) of Ocala, Fla. is a staff development and training manager for the city of Ocala.
Dan Stevens ('01) is a computer programmer for Paragon in Milwaukee, Wis.
IDaniel Stoakes ('01) of Omaha is an accountant with Peter Kiewit Son's, Inc.
(From Page 17)
ITom Percell ('57) of Wymore, Neb. passed away in March. He was a retired educator and had taught and coached from 1957 to 1965 when he entered the insurance business. He later served as athletic director and guidance counselor of Tri County High School in DeWitt, Neb., and had most recently served as the superintendent of utilities for the city of Wymore. His wife is the former Sandra Shaw ('56).
Vivian P. Priest ('34) of Two Harbors, Minn. passed away in February.
Irene Prokop ('25) of Pleasant Hill, Calif. passed away in February. She was an active meniber of the PSC Northern California Alumni group.
Elaine Barker Ramer ('73) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in February. She was a-retired school teacher. At the time of her death, she was a special education paraprofessional at the Hiawatha (Kan.) Schools.
Eugene Rarick ('32) of Loveland, Colo. passed away in March. He was a school administrator in several Nebraska communities and became principal of the Loveland junior high school in 1964. He retired as princi-
pal of Garfield E'.Iementary School in June 1974 after 40 years in education.
Paula Fausett Rhodus ('85) of Peru, Neb. passed away in May. She was an active 4:.H leader and den mother for Cub Scouts, and enjoyed being with her family.
Word has been received of the death of Harvey Ritter of Tempe, Ariz.
Huldah Dustin Rogge ('31) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in February. She was active in many church and civic organizations in the community.
Anna Cacek Rosenburg ('31) passed away in March in Grand Island, Neb.
Mona Montieth Schroeder, who taught at Peru State in the late I 920s to the mid- I 930s, passed away in Lincoln, Neb.
Osa McClusky Schultz ('30) of Council Bluffs, Iowa passed away in April.
Mildred Taylor Bunch Serafin ('50) of Red Cloud, Neb. passed away in January.
Word has been received of the
death of Ferne Miller Smith ('36) of Ojai, Calif.
Word has been received of the death of Lucille Bicknell Smith ('36) of Walnut Creek, Calif. last October. She was active in PSC's Northern California Alumni chapter.
Maxine Sherstad Smith ('69) of Johnson, Neb. passed away in April. She was a retired elementary school teacher and taught for 22 years in the Johnson-Brock Public schools before her retirement in Her husband, Bob ('47), resides on their farm.
Steve Stastny (attd. '24-'25) passed away in February. He was a longtime resident of DuBois, Neb. and a well-known leader of a polka band in southeast Nebraska.
Ferne Stephens of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in February. She was employed at PSC for a number of years. Her daughters include Sandy Jarrett ('62) of Huntington Beach, Calif., Linda Gomon ('64) of Milford, Ohio and Patsy Ricci ('71) of DuBois, Wyo.
Don Stark ('43) of Sioux. City, Iowa passed away in January. His wife is the former Grace Boevink ('41).
(Continued on Page 24)
Tom Timmons ('01) is a service manager at Wal-Mart in . Wichita, Kan.
Steve Walker ('01) of Beatrice, Neb. is, employed as the manager of marketing for Norris Public Power located in Beatrice.
Donna Brinkhoff Waller ('01) of Lincoln, Neb. is a staff assistant II with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Andrea Walters ('01) is an administrative assistant with the Otoe County (Neb.) Assessor's Office.
Shawn Walters ('01) is a lab technician with Physicians Lab Services in Omaha.
Shelley Wisnieski ('01) of Lincoln, Neb. is employed by NELnet as a loan coordinator.
Genelle Czirr Wissing ('00) has joined the staff at Behavioral Health Employment Program in Hastings, Neb. She is responsible for case management and job coaching for people with mental disabilities.
Amy Hollesen Wynn ('01) of Auburn,. Neb. is an accounts payable clerk for Auburn Consolidated Industries.
Ryan Young ('01) is a carrier enforcement officer with the Nebraska State Patrol.
a national small-college powerhouse in Cross Count1y in the 1960s, when this photo was taken, Peru College has announced plans to reinstate the sport. In additi<>n to Men's and Women's cross country rams, PSC also plans to become the first Nebraska college to develop a men's volleyball program.
eru State College has ounced plans to reinstate men's and women's cross ntry teams and to become first college in Nebraska a varsity men's volleyball ram.
eanwhile, PSC officials d in late May that plans to women's and men's soccer .e been suspended at the ent time.
We have long wanted to our students more oppor'ties to participate but we l that, given the difficult nomic climate the state and college finds itself in, we Id not justify expansion soccer right now," noted ident Ben E. Johnson. We do intend to develop er, but I believe it may be ral years before this is fea," Dr. Johnson said. resently, PSC offers just intercollegiate athletic pros, the fewest of any pubcollege or university in aska. The three new pros will operate as "club" s in 2002-03 before gainfull varsity status in just a year.
ollege officials believe enrollment increases lting from the new sports generate sufficient reve to more than offset enses, and they will not k additional state funds to lop the programs. n the other hand, they ·ned that costs to <level-
Terry Clark, a former Peru State football player and assistant coach, has returned to the Bobcat program as its head football coach.
A native of nearby Auburn, Clark's strong ties to Peru State were a factor in his selection according to PSC Athletics Director Bart Gray. Clark was a member of the 1990 NAIA National Championship team and worked as the Bobcats' defensive coordinator in 2000, when the 'Cats went 8-2.
He returns to the 'Cats 'after spending the past year as the defensive coordinator at Dakota State University in MacUson, S.D.
Other coaching experience includes two seasons as the defensive secondary coach at Dakota State University and three seasons as the defensive secondary coach at the University ··of Mary in
Bismarck, N.D., under former Bobcat Coach Tom Shea. He also worked as the special teams coach at Auburn High School the 1991 season. Terry Clark
"Terry possesses the qualities that will make him a valuable member .of the athletic department and the campus faculty," said Gray. "He is representative of the deep and talented applicant pool that we had for the position and I believe that he will do an outstanding job here at Peru State."
op a soccer field, equip two teams, hire full-time coaches, provide and to fund travel costs were beyond PSC's current fiscal capabilities.
Peru State opted to reinstate cross country and develop men's volleyball because they provide new for at minimal cost. Current members of the Athletic Department can handle the head coaching duties, current facilities are adequate to support the new sports, and operational. budgets are low, Dr. Johnson said.
PSC' s only scholarships for the new programs will be a few modest, partial "waivers" .to lower the cost of living in residence halls. PSC does hope to raise private scholarship funds through charitable gifts to the PSC Foundation.
Cross country was one of several sports eliminated at Peru State in the mid- l 980s. In the 1960s PSC had one of the top small college men's cross country programs in the nation. Runners will compete in the Midlands Collegiate Athletics Conference, the league in which most other PSC sports programs compete.
PSC Director of Athletics Bart Gray, who has coached cross country on the college level for the past two decades, will coordinate both men's and women's cross country for the Bobcats.
"I think this is an important step for our athletic department towards re-establishing programs that were at one point highly successful here at Peru State," said Gray. "The combination of school, support, and excellent terrain that the Peru area provides should allow cross country to flourish in the near future."
Intercollegiate men's volleyball is a sport enjoying considerable growth, and PSC's national governing body, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), has added it as a championship-level sport.
Unlike women's volleyball, which is a fall sport, men's volleyball competition is held in the spring. This will allow Fred Aubuchon, who coaches the PSC women's program, to lead the men's team.
The Bobcats plan to comin a small-college men's volleyball conference. comprised of teams fn;>m Kansas, Missouri and Iowa. The league produced last year's NAIA men's national champion, William Woods University of Missouri.
"I am excited about having the opportunity to promote men's volleyball in this part of the country," said Aubuchon.
"I feel that it will also add to the level of our women's team through camaraderie of the two programs."
"This is a great opportunity for my family, we are very excited to be here. With the strong support of the administration and the community, this will be a smooth transition," said Clark. "There is a core group of players from the time I was here
Clark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Social and Behavioral Science from the University of Mary in 1996. He is currently working on his Masters degree in Education.
Clark and his wife Anita have two daughters, Emily (4) and Abbey (1).
Five Peru State College women's basketball and two men's basketball student-athletes were chosen as 2002 NAIA All-America Scholar-Athletes, reflecting excellence in the classroom as well as on the basketball court Heading the group of women's student-athletes was Brooke Placke, a 5'8 guard from Grand Island. Ginn, a 5'10 forward from Reynolds was chosen along with, junior Sara Anderson, a 5'9 guard from Pleasant Dale. Also chosen were juniors Sara Craven, a 5'7 guard from Ashland, and Jamie McBride, a 5'5 guard from Atlantic, Iowa.
Placke and Craven thus become two-sport academic all-stars, as both were also selected as Scholar-Athletes for volleyball this past season.
The selections for the men's team were junior forward Josh Horton from Omaha and junior guard Kip Shestak from Western.
All-America Scholar-Athletes must maintain at least a 3.50 grade point average, be at least junior status academically, and be contributing members of their respective programs.
The 2002 Peru State College softball team finished the regular season with a 22-24 overall record and fifth in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference with a 6-6 mark.
The Bobcats graduated three seniors from the 2002 club including pitchers Angela Godfrey (Bakersfield, Calif.) and Stacie Sell (Glenwood, Iowa), and outfielder Sandra Ow.en (Council Bluffs, Iowa). -
"Our seniors provided good leadership throughout the season," said Head Coach Mark Mathews. "Stacie and Angela gave us solid pitching the entire year and Sandra was very reliable as both a starter and in reserve, earning her our 3 D's award which stands for discipline, desire, and dedication."
Godfrey led the 'Cats with nine victories, moving her to seventh alltime with 23 career victories at Peru State. Godfrey had a 3.45 ERA while leading the team with 39 strikeouts. She also was .second on
the team with a .338 batting average and led the 'Cats with a .380 on base percentage.
Sell completed her four-year Bobcat career with her most productive season, collectinK seven victories, -a single-season career best, in 17 appearances with a 3. 71 ERA on the season.
Owen hit .269 at the plate, playing in 35 games during the 2002 campaign. She had 18 hits, drove in 13 rnns, scored 13 times and had a .938 fielding percentage with only one error the entire season.
On offense, the Bobcats were led in hitting on the season by freshman Katie Roof (Malcolm) with a .343 batting average. For her efforts in conference play, Roof was named to the All-MCAC First Team.
The play of Roof combined with the production of juniors Jamie McBride (Atlantic, Iowa) and Jessica Hill (Nicoma Park, Okla.) have the Bobcats excited about the future even with next season so far
away. McBride led the team with 38 runs scored, nine doubles, and 13 stolen bases while Hill led the 'Cats with 66 total bases, 43 hits, and a .493 slugging percentage.
"Although the season was plagued with inconsistency, I am extremely proud of the effort from the girls. We fought hard until the end of the season," said Mathews. "We have a strong nucleus returning and the girls are excited and our team chemistry should be very strong."
Bobcat junior Jamie McBride shmved her skills both on the and bi the classroom this past season. The Atlantic, Iowa native was an AllCm?fetence pe1j'ormerfor the 22-24 softball team and was named an NA/A national Scholar-Athlete.for her academic abilities after the season, too. McBride was also an NA/A ScholarAtli!ete in women's basketball as well.
Senior Monte Scott season record 11 wins in only (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) 17 appearances. was chosen as the Midlands Joining Scott as a First Collegiate Athletic Conference Team All-MCAC baseball ijasebaU1lUayer 1 0HherYear1for.,"''selection was junior shortstop the 2002 season to lead PSC Steve Winton (Jackson). spring sports in postseason Winton led the 'Cats with 77 honors. hits .and 144 assists. He was He led the 40-24 Bobcats third on the team with a .368 with 18 homeruns, 77 base batting average. hits, and 64 RBis. A two-time Freshman· infielder Katie NAIA All-American, Scott Roof (Malcolm) was the only batted .363 on the season and Bobcat softball player named threw for a Peru State single to the First Team All-MCAC
this past season. Roof .led the 'Cats with a .343 batting average while scoring 19 runs with 16 RBis.
The Bobcats finished a 2224 .overall record and fifth in the MCAC with a 6-6 mark. Coach Mark Mathews, who already had won the most games as a Pern State softball coach, topped the 200-win mark in his ninth season at the helm of the Bobcats.
Five Bobcats were named to
the All-MCAC Second Team, headed 'by senior pitchers Angela Godfrey (Bakersfield, Calif.) and Stacie Sell (Glenwood, Iowa). Godfrey led the Bobcats in wins, strikeouts, ERA. Sell posted a career best seven wins. Joining them were juniors Jamie McBricle (Atlantic, Iowa) and Jessica Hill (Nicoma Park, Okla.). McBride led the team in runs scored, RBis, and stolen bases while playing every game for the 'Cats. Hill hit .321, leading the Bobcats in hits.
Sophomore Anna Tennal (Morrill, Kan.) was also selected to the All-MCAC Second Team after starting every game in centerfield for Pern State. She hit .295.
The Peru State 2002 AllMCAC Honorable Mention softba11 selections were sophomores Jessica Joe (Fairbury) and Carrie Alexander (Johnson).
Seven Bobcats were selected to the A11-MCAC Honorable Mention baseball team. The seniors selected were first baseman Ben Kassera (Omaha, .295 batting average), pitcher Jim Lovely (Pacific Junction, Iowa, 7-3 record, 4.15 ERA), and outfielder Michael Hunt (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, .374 batting average).
·Junior outfielder Sean Dyck (Kamloops, British Columbia,
Canada, .337 batting average, 61 runs scored, 20 stole bases) joined sophomores Jo Tynon (Vermillion, Kan., .3 batting average), outfielde John McHugh (Edmonto Alberta, Canada, .345 batti average), infielder, and Br Wolansky (St. Albert, Albe1 Canada, .291 batting average catcher.
The baseball squad broke 1 team and 13 individual recor en route to a 40-24 overal record, setting a new singl season win mark, breaking t old mark of 34 victories, set i 1994.
Scott set career records wi 243 hits, 169 runs batted i 681 at-bats, 388 assists, and l. 99 career earned run ave age. He also set single seas records with 18 homeruns a 11 pitching wins.
Lovely set three single sea son marks with 19 appe ances, 90. l innings, and ti fellow senior Scott Camp (Calgary, Alberta, Cana with 14 starts over the co of the season. Campau set new Peru State single ga standard with 16 strikeou against Doane College in t Region IV tournament.
• Kassera established a ne record with 94 walks in four-year career with t Bobcats while McHugh br the singe game assist m with eight.
The 2001 Peru State College football team will have a new fook. ·Not in terms of uniforms or colors, but in how they will play the game; "We want to run a wide-open and fast-paced offense while our defense will focus on keeping the pressure on our opposition," said I{ead Coach Terry Clark. "We need for our returning players to · vide positive peer pressure but o .set a pace that allows our m to improve arid prepare for a llenging season."
The Bobcat defense is expectto provide production and strong leadership to a team that must adapt to both new coaches and new systems. Those expect-
to be major contributors nclude seniors Mark Brown Wallace), Tyler Armagost Lexington), Paul. Heusinkvelt (Crete), Matt Shelsta (Omaha), Jason Niec (Castle Rock, Colo.), and juniors Jason Long (Nebraska City) and Lee Jennings (Columbus).
Heusinkvelt, Shelsta, and Jennings were all honored as Second Team All-Central States Football League selections last season.
A pair of transfers, Larry .Cofer (Riverside, Calif.) and Anthony Hopkins (Los Angeles, .Calif.), hail from Riverside College in California and are expected to help patch any holes that might develop along the defensive front. Also expected to compete for time will be freshman Jason Stoll (Nebraska City).
"We expect that our defense will provide our team with opportunities to score points and keep us in the tough games," said Clark. "We run a simple system that the guys easily picked up during the spring which makes us optimistic about the upcoming
season."
It helped that many veteran defenders learned that system when Clark was defensive coordinator for the 2000 Bobcats, a team that went 8-2.
The Bobcat offense will have the biggest challenge heading into the fall after losing six starters, five of which were All-CSFL selections in 2001. The 'Cats will look to a group of reliable reserves to step into productive playing roles this season, as well as several key recruits.
"All eyes will be on our offensive units and how well they adjust to the system and execute under pressure," noted Clark. "We have the tools to move the ball, but inexperience will hinder us from time to time."
A pair of seniors with experience will initially be .asked to• carry the 'Cats. load. Quarterback Toby Henry .(Houston, Texas) and fullback Troy Reutlinger (Lexington) should compete for vast amounts of playing time and will be asked to carry a large offensive load while others gain experience.
They will not be alone as the 'Cats return starting wide receivers Scott Beveridge Reno, Nev.) and Joe Tynon Gunior; Vermillion, Kan.).
On the offensive line, returning starters Josh Johnson (junior, Valley) and Travis Buskirk (sophomore, Hemingford) will anchor. an otherwise young and inexperienced line.
Bobcat fans will see plenty of action from new and unfamiliar faces in several quality recruits. At quarterback, transfer Tony Burner (junior, San Diego, Calif.) will add depth and experience as a field general. At run-
The PSCfootball team will feature a new-look offense and a familiar-looking defense when it opens the 2002 season at home againstDoane College on Sept. 7. Terry Clark, a former Bobcat player and PSC defensive coordinator in 2000, returned to campus as head coach this past winter. (Photo by Elizabeth Olsen)
expected to see action running the ball into defensive territory.
On the offensive line, four freshmen will be called on to move the pile and protect the passing game. They include D.J. DeMello (Auburn), Michael Heusinkvelt (Crete), John Windom (North Platte), and Nick Nail (Littleton, Colo.).
Clark believes that Northwest Oklahoma State University will once again be the team to beat in the CSFL with Bacone (Okla.) College being the most improved of the rest of the conference.
"Langston (University) will give teams problems, especially by the time we play them," said Clark. "Both Langston and Bacone have new staffs and will be formidable opponents." ning back, freshman Donnell Wilson (Oak Grove, Mo.) is
Peru State College junior Montsho Wilson hicago, Ill.) made the most of his first year in Bobcat men's basketball uniform, earning AIA All-American Honorable Mention honors to pace the 2001-02 squad.
Wilson was named to the First Team AllMidlands Collegiate Athletic Conference· and · lected as the MCAC Newcomer of the Year, helping the team to a berth in the conference postseason tournament. He led the 'Cats with 14.4 points, 7 .1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game average this past season.
Senior Joey Maggett (Omaha) was selected All-MCAC Honorable Mention for the seed straight season. He averaged 12 points and .6 rebounds despite an injury plagued year. The Bobcat men, under the direction of firstar head Coach Jerre Cole, finished the season ith a 13-17 overall record and a 6-6 mark in nferehce. The Bobcats used sound late-sean play to put themselves into good confere positioning with road wins over Bellevue niversity, College of the Ozarks, and klahoma Wesleyan to help finish fourth in the AC and earn a first-ever berth in the conferee playoffs.
The 'Cats lose two seniors to graduation
including Chad Beckman (Stromsburg) and Maggett, but return 12 underclassmen for the 2002-03 campaign.
Women Seek Turnaround
After several great seasons the Bobcat women suffered their worst season in recent memory, finishing the season with an 11-20 overall record and 6-6 in the MCAC.
Seniors Jessica Stehlik (Omaha) and Capricia Christianson (Omaha) were lost to graduation this past year.
The 'Cats look to reload with a strong recruiting effort and the return of 10 underclassmen.
Sophomore Tiffany Taylor (Fairfax, Mo.) was chosen as a First Team All-MCAC selection after averaging 9 .2 points per game and shooting an outstanding 41 % from three-point range for the Bobcats.
Earning All-MCAC Honorable Mention recognition were juniors Jamie McBride (Atlantic, Iowa) and Jen Easterwood (Dawson). McBride led the 'Cats with 71 assists w_hile dropping in 8.3 points per contest. Easterwood dominated the glass for the Bobcats, grabbing a team-high 174 rebounds and scoring 7.4 points per game.
Peru State College Head Volleyball Coach Fred Aubuchon has a bright outlook on the upcoming season and for a good reason. The Bobcats return three starters and fully expect a number of last year's key reserves to step into productive playing roles.
This combined with the addition of several solid newcomers should give the 'Cats a great chance to improve on last season 15-16 overall record
"We will need to remain healthy and in top physical shape," said Aubuchon. "We were plagued with injurieslast season and feel that we need to be in better physical condition this season. Our spring workouts gave us a great head start in this area."
The competitive Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference will again pose nightly challenges for the Bobcats. The 'Cats finished the 2001 season with a 7-5 league record, good for a third place finish. The addition of Park (Mo.) University only strengthens an already strong group; headed by defending champion College of St. Mary from Omaha. ·
"Despite losing a number of seniors from last year, I think that College of St. Mary is still the team that everyone is chasing," noted Aubuchon. "There is a group of five schools including Bellevue University, Newman University, Park, St. Mary, and Peru State that I believe are legitimate contenders for the MCA.C crown."
The 'Cats will be led by returning starters Meghan Scanlan (senior, Plattsmouth) and All-MCAC Honorable Mention selection Anna Wheeler (junior, Bellevue). Sophomore Cara DeBuhr (Auburn), a part-time starter last season, will also return to add middle offensive and defensive strength at the net.
Junior defensive specialist Sara Craven (Ashland) and sophomore outside hitter Elizabeth Einspahr (Hildreth) both return and are expected to provide quality veteran depth.
A solid group of transfers, freshman, and internal additions will be headed by transfer setter Katie Scheel (senior, Columbus), who will finish her Jast year of eligibility with the Bobcq.ts after transferring from Long Island (N.Y.) University.
Two Bobcat hoopsters will also try.their talents on the volleyball court including Jaci ldeus (Beatrice) and Sara Anderson (Pleasant Dale). Both ladies were members of the Bobcat women's basketball team this past year.
At least four freshman have joined the 'Cats, all of whom have the ability to play multiple positions. They include Evi Steffens (Johnson), Lindsay Scanlan (Plattsmouth), K,ristin Delaney (Fremont) and Lindsey Baumgartner (Fort Morgan, Colo.).
"We needed to improve our·depth at the middle hitter position in the off-season which was accomplished by the addition of four players that can play that position," said Aubuchon. "I believe that Cara. {DeBuhr) will be a huge key to our success. Not only will she need to improve her play, but also accept the pressure of being a go-to player."
Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns has appointed Clayton Seeba to represent Peru State College as Student Trustee at meetings of the Nebraska State CoUege System's Board of Trustees for the 2002-2003 school year.
Seeba hails from Johnson, Neb., and graduated from Johnson-Brock High School. He is a junior majoring in elementary education and. pursuing a coaching endorsement.
"I feel very honored to have been named the Student ·Trustee for Peru State College," said Seeba. "This is an opportunity for me to work with very prestigious people, learning about the behihd-thescenes actions that take place within the state college system."
Seeba succeeds Tammie Mundil, a PSC senior from Hooper who served as Student Trustee this past year.
Active on campus
His involvement at PSC includes serving as an Admissions Ambassador, participating in intramural sports, and serving as a member of the Peru Student Edm;ation Association, the e_ducation honor society Kappa Delta Pi, and the Alpha Chi honor society.
He has also helped with the Top Cats program for the New Student Weekend at Peru State College and will be working as an assistant football coach for Johnson-Brock High School while attending PSC in the fall.
"I believe Clayton will be an excellent Student Trustee as he's the type of individual that
(rrim1
Word has been received of the death of Judy Miller Stiteler ('6l) of Albuquerque, N.M. in April. She was a daughter of the late Hanford and Edith Miller. Judy. was a former string teacher, nurse and also a former "4olinbt with the New Mexico Symphony. Her brother, Hanford Jr. ('63) lives in Cowdry, Colo.
Sylvia Stutheit ('S4) of Tilden, Neb passed away in April. She was ·a legal secretary.
responsibilities as Student Trustee on the Board Trustees qf the Nebraska State Colleges with Vice President Ted Harshbarger ( '77, right). Seeba has been appointed by Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns to represent PSC students on tlie higher education governing board.for 2002-03. (PSC photo by Kent Propst) will listen to what the PSC stu- regular Board meetings. dents want and analyze what's He will also act as an honbestfor all before sharing that orary member of PSC's information with the Board Student Senate, at which meetmembers and administrators," ings he will report on the noted Ted L. Harshbarger, activities of the Board. Vice President for Student Life "Clayton knows a considerand ·Enrollment Management able amount about the campus at PSC. , from his Admissions
As Student Trustee, Seeba Ambassador role," will be accorded full non-vot- Harshbarger said. "He's been ing Board of Trustees mem- excellent at answering ques• bership and participation, tions about the campus and excepting certain personnel explaining why students. and legal matters. should be at PSC. He'll be Serve as liaison able to .convey that to those Seeba will attend Board with whom he'll work as our meetings and act as liaison Student Trustee." between the Board and the stu- "I plan on becoming an dents and administration of administrator for an elemenPSC. In addition to these tary or high school someday, duties, he will be appointed to so I believe that I wm signifiserve on either the Board's cantly benefit from attending Academic or Fiscal the Board of Trustees meetCommittee, which meet before ings," said Seeba.
Word has been received of the death of Pearl Bell Tincher ('22) of Lincoln, Neb. ·
Bonita Wert Tucker ('40) of Omaha passed away in March. She was a retired teacher..
Mary Jean Blessing Veys (attd. '39-'40) passed away in April in Omaha. She was the widow of the late Omaha Mayor Al Veys.
Alice Cully Watton (attd. late '20s) passed away ii1 February in Kearney, Neb. She taught school in southeast Nebraska and in Kearney
for many years.
J,awrence Williams (attd. '54'58), remembered by many as minister at the Methodist Church in Peru, passed away in May in Hickman, Neb. ·
Don Yates of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in May. He had worked in several banks, including the Bank of Peru, and was most recently employed as a business consultant and worked with the Fremont County Savings Bank of Sidney, Iowa and the_ Citizens State Bank of Oakland, Iowa.
Three Peru State College professors have the legacy of being the first to be honored by a new program at PSC. Dr. Sara Brandes Crook, Dr. Richard Clopton, and Dr. James Thomas are the 20022004 I:Ionors Chairs, the first in the Nebraska State College System.
"The idea behind this program is to recognize the importance of our gifted faculty (f.nd make an attempt to honor them on an on-going basis," said Presiden.t Ben Johnson. "I wanted to say to people on campus and to the world that we have exceptionally gifted faculty."
, The Honors Chairs carry a $10,000 annual stipend funded through the PSC. Foundation from private s()urces. Recipients must fulfill several obligations including what Johnson calls "Town and Gown" public presentations.
The awards ':"ill be given every other year to up to four outstanding faculty members, one each in the School of Education, the School of Professional· Studies, in Fine Arts and Humanities, and in Science and Math., contingent on there being faculty who meet specific criteria.
Criteria for consideration
Candidates-are first nomi-
nated ·by fulltime PSG faculty members. After review by the appropriate Dean, a single nominee is chosen and present.ed to the faculty for approval before being presented. to the Vice Presid_ent of Academic Affairs, and then to the Presidentfor appointment.
Other selection criteria include: ·excellence in teaching and exceptional contributions to students' academic groWth and development; evidence of continuing professional development; service to the college, the community, the state, and/or the nation in an area related to the ual's primary discipline; and the aoility and willingness to mentor junior faculty members.
Dr. Sara Crook: The George and Lillian SchottenhamelHonors Chair in the Humanities
Crook is a Professor of History who joined the college as a full. time faculty member in 1993 after teaching parttime for several years. In 2002 she was awarded the George Rebensdorf Teacher. Excellence Award, the highest honor oestowed by PSC and the Nebraska State College System.
She is extensively involved on campus, serving as Chair of Faculty Senate, advisor to the
Student Senate, and co-advisor for· Phi Alpha Theta, a history honorary, to name a few activities. She, along with Dr. Dart Holtz, Professor of English, developed the unique .graduate course, the "Trails & Tales Tour and Institute."
Off campus she has a lifetime membership in the Nehraska Historical Society, having served two terms president.and as a memoer.of its Board of Directors. She also maintains membership in numerous local ·and national organizations. . ·
·"I am very, very honored to have been named Honors Chair of Humanities," said Crook. ''I found it pruticularly interesting and fitting that Dr. Schottenhamel was also in the. social sciences."
·Dr. George and Lillian Schottenhamel dedicated 25 years to Peru educating stu- · dents in history and English. While at PSC, the late Dr. Schottenhamel served as bead of the Department of History and Social Science. The couple instituted the PSC Tours in which students combined travel and studies.
After retirement the Schottenhamels continued to serve the college and cortlniunity, involvement that Lillian maintains to this day through involvement in Peru Chamoer
Peru State College's inaugural group of Honors Chairs for 2002-04 includes (from left) Dr. James Thomas, Dr. Sara B. Crook, and Dr. Rich Gloptf>fl., pictured with Belt E. Johnson. The trio will honora.riumfrom the PSC Foundation, am,ong other rewards, including possession <?f bronze Bobcat statues createf! by Tom Palmerton. · (Photo by Kent Propst) of \;()mmerce, Peru Gandies, the · · Peru ,Historical the Nature. Centet in Nebraska City, and the Peru Printr.>ut newsletter.
"Dr. Crook comoines for us all those. things that everyone sees, such as concern for students, quality classes, above and beyond contributions to the college 'and Nebraska in her field," said Johnson: "She goes out of her way. to bring her knowledge and experience to the rest of the college and to Nebraska."
Dr. Richard Clopton: The Downey Family Honors Chair in Natural Science
"Clopton, like Crook, goes beyond the campus," President Johnson· said. "He is not only a pure scientist and· wonderful person, he is the editor of an interne;ttional science journal that is headquartered here on this campus. He is good with students and he mentors them and pushes them to be their best."
(Continued on Page 2)
Call it a roadblock in the ing a similar situation, a result fessional career," Johnson said rate of progress taking place at .of the nation's economic when announcing the plan in Peru State College. downturn. September. "To have to tell Faced· with three reductions Because roughly three quar- colleagues they no longer have in state fundinginjust ()Ver a ters of Peru State's· budget a position is a bitter pill for all including a six percent goes toward salary an<i. oene- of us. To know these cuts are cutback from the Nebraska fits, ancj. operational budgets permanent makes it even more legislature In August, Peru _have changed little in years, so. State College hasbeen fon;:ed President Ben Johnson said "At the §ame time, I'm to make substantial cuts of its elimination of positions and proud of this plan. It's orie we own. services was the only way to believe will have_ the least PSC alumni and friends deal with the nearly $6QO,OOO effect possible on our students should realize, no ori:e is "pick- shortfall in state funds. and on our core mission of ing on" the Campus of A "This is far and away the educating tomorrow's;leaders-," Thousand Oaks. All Nebraska most distasteful and painful he added. state agencies have been fac- thing I've had to do in my pro- ·
(Continued on Page 3)
In some ways, Peru State College is a contradiction these days. As we move forward in so many exciting new ways, we find ourselves staring down the barrel of perhaps unprecedented fiscal realities. (It may have been like this during the Depression era but no one here, even Dr. Daryl Long, is able to speakfromfirsthand knowledge).
Chances are you read the article iri this Stater about our response to some $600,000 in reduced state funding to PSC. I hasten to remind you, no one is "picking on" us - all Nebraska state agencies face similar challenges. I've read that 46 states are faced with a like situation.
I might also point out.that these were by no means the first rountfofdifficult choices we've had to make in my nearly four years at Peru State College. We hav£ cut positions and in some cases entire programs in our best attempt to position PSC for the changes and challenges it faces.
This cautious, deliberate approach has positioned us about as well as possible for budget cuts that have been anticipated for quite some time. Because of this, we've been able to enact significant change here without risking financial distress when the economy, inevitably, turned sour.
Yet action taken this fall, necessitated by budget cuts mandated by the state, was the deepest and it was the most troubling for me and for everyone else at Peru State. Our response was our best effort to preserve the academic integrity of the institution and minimize the impact on our wondeiful student body.
The chilling reality is, Nebraska probably isn't finished making cuts. The sluggish economy, ongoing agricultural problems in this agoriented state, and a great reluctance by government to "enhance revenue" (increase taxes) all provide a formula for further cuts. Hard though this last round was, the next round could be worse - and academics and students probably won't be able to avoid being a major part of those solutions, at least not without a significant influx of private dollars.
As I cautioned last time in this column, Peru State College may well find its name again bandied about by some short-sighted people as a place for Nebraska to save money. It is time for all alumni to be vigilant and be ready if called upon to support PSC. If your assistance can be of benefit, you can bet you'll be asked.
At a little over $6 million annually, our funds wouldn't make much of an impact on Nebraska :S fiscalails. We generate more (through tuition, fees, financial aid, grants, etc.) than we expend, so we are a het gain financially to the State of Nebraska. Most of our grads remain in Nebraska to work, enhancing the economy; looked at another way, it costs each Nebraska citizen roughly a dime a year for every Peru State graduate. What a tremendous investment that is.
We serve a mission only one other four-year Nebraska college within 500 miles serves: open, accessible, affordable opportunities for students. As an'open enrollment institution with reasonable tuition and fees.for many people we
are the "only game in town."
I'm preaching to the choir, folks. I know you understand this and believe it. But some people don't choose to perceive of Peru State College in this fashion. They look at us as a debit on the public ledger sheet, and nothing more.
The good news is that I believe few people who fee{ that way serve in the Dr. Ben E. Johnson Nebraska legislature. President Oursupport there is · strong. A lot of that is thanks to our many good friends and strong allies, such as Governor Mike Johanns and Senators Floyd Vrtiska and Roger Wehrbein: .And there are others. They work hard to enlighten and educate their colleagues about the benefits Peru State College brings to Nebraska
Sometimes I feel like the only ones talking about PSCpeing under the gun are a very few members of the news media. Certainly, it makes for dramatic headlines and juicy news. There Just doesn't appear to be much basis in fact in ·these speculations.
But we all need to keep on top of the situation. As the state budget picture gets murkier, pressures to resolve the problem will be greater. We must be prepared to remind decision-makers that a permanent solution-to a· te11Jporary economic downturn is bad policy.
Then what?
What will become of Peru State College once we weather this latest storm and the economy rebounds?
We will be a Peru State College that at long last is the beneficiary of an influx of construction dollars. It amazes me when people who haven't been to campus in a few years come visit. They are delighted with the changes, many funded by tax dollars but many others funded by non-public sources. Hoyt Science Hall, the "new" Library and the A.cademic Resource Center, improvements at the Centennial Complex and in the Campus Services Building, and some exciting things in Eliza Morgan Hall (more on that in the next Stater) arejust the most visible of these significant improvements.
And we'll be a Peru State College with an academic menu appropriate to a 21st-century college: We are making changesjn curriculum, in degree programs, in on-line learning, even in the way we schedule classes (more on that in the next Stater, too) that will keep PSC on the move.
On the near horizon, we will be challenged. Some things never seem to change. But Peru State College is exceptionally well positioned for what comes next and times get better. Until that time comes, though, all alumni need to stand ready to do your share -'- and more than you've ever done before - to help keep us headed in the right direction.
I can think of no other institution :S alumni who have demonstrated a greater resolve to do just that.
Go Bobcats!
Clopton came to Peru in 1995 and is an Assoeiate Professor of Biology. His laboratory is recognized as the world's leading research program in gregarine systematics and taxonomy. Two of his original lab exercises and manuals are soon to be published, and he has authored or co-authored many scientific articles and papers.
He is chair of PSC's Department of Natural Sciences and editor of the international journal, Comparative Parasitology. He has served as president of the Southwestern Association of Parasitologists, and as a member of various committees on the local and national levels.
''This award is significant recognition by Peru State College in that it honors what Peru is seeking-a complete faculty member," said Clopton. "It is not enough to be just a good researcher or a good teacher; well-rounded students come from wellrounded faculty. l am happy to be recognized as one of those faculty." ·
Marlan Downey was born and raised in Falls City, Neb. and received a B.A. in chemistry from Peru State. Now living in Texas, Downey is known internationally for his work in the oil business, having served as Vice-President of Shell Oil, President of Pecten International, a Shell subsidiary, and President of the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO).
Marea Downey is known for her educational and charitable endeavors including guest lecturing and volunteer work, especially working with children and young adults at the Center. for the Retarded. The Downeys were elected to the PSC Foundation Board of Directors in 2000.
Dr. James Thomas:
The Fred and Pam Robertson Honors Chair in Business Administration Thomas, a Professor of Business Administration, has authored and co-authored numerous articles and books. Gov. Mike Joharins recently appointed him the .higher education representative on the Nebraska Professional Practices Commission, and he is currently developing a Loss Prevention Institution to serve as a clearinghouse for research and information.
Since joining the Peru fa,culty in 1985 he has served as Business Division Chair, as
chair of Faculty Senate, is presently department chair, and serves on several campus committees. He helped develop PSC's Bachelor of Technology program, its graduate program in Omaha, and the early entry programs in area high schools.
"This is certainly the most prestigious award I have received for my research," said Thomas. "I am honored."
"Jim is not only is a good teacher, but he gets students involved in busines.s related projects that give them practical, hands-on education," said Johnson:
Fred Robertson, an Iowa native now living in California, received a B.S. in biology and chemistry from PSC. He was.instrumental in creating BenefitMall.com, an internet-based distributor of insurance products, while serving as Executive Vice President of Centerstone Insurance and Financial Services.
Pam worked for Shaklee Company, building a worldwide sales network, then later joined Century 21 Real Estate Company and has been an annual recipient of the Centurian Award. In 2000 the Robertsons were elected to the PSC Foundation Board of · Directors.
President Dr. Ben E. Johnson
Editor Kent Propst ('81)
Features
Kay Stander
Assistants
Carolyn Bredemeier
Jackie Baker Williams ('81)
Karen Fritschle
Sports Jerre Cole
Photography
Elizabeth Olsen ('03)
The Peru Stater is published by Peru State College with the support 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, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.
The Peru State College phone n.umber is (402) 87238l5. Send· e-mail to kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu
The beautiful Mount Vernon Country Club near Golden, CO once again provided a picturesque setting for the 2002 Peru State College Rocky Mountain Alumni reunion this past August.
Bobcat faithful of all ages were on hand to conjure up some of that unique spirit shared only by Peruvians. As is usual, many humorous and/or poignant stories were told and heard; allegedly some were even factual.
· Chapter President Beth Propst Mierau ('82) of Loveland, CO. presided over the day's activities. She was more than ably assisted by fellow officers including Carol Duerfeldt Whitcomb ('52) of
Fort Collins, CO., Pat Benford Bornemeier ('52) of Greeley, CO. and Dale Moore C58) of Lakewood, CO. and their spouses.
On hand to bring greetings and information from the Campus of A Thousand Oaks were Kent Propst ('81) of the College and SaraBeth Donovan ('85) of the PSC Foundation. Both spoke of challenges and opportunities facing the College today.
Positive change is in the air on campus in spite of a difficult economic climate, both speakers emphasized. Peru Alumni were encouraged to remain alert and ready to lend a hand if called upon.
Gifts wete presented to
Moras Shubert ('34) bf Denver and Edna Maystrick Fitch of Arvada, CO. as the earlies.t graduates at the Reunion The most recent was Jon Mierau ('00) of Loveland
CO.
Drawings for prizes helped replenish the Chapter treasury, too. Ken Whitcomb made blue-and-white PSC chairs that were purchased by Jon Mierau and by Lance Wilson ('78) of Aurora, CO.
A night at the Coleman Bed & Breakfast in Peru was obtained by Gary Fritch ('66) and his wife Mary of Holdrege, Neb
The meeting was adjourned. Plans for the '03 Reunion were to be made at a later date.
.............................From Page 1
"Services not directly related to ·the classroom must be the first fo go." ..
The goal is to try to maintain current levels of on- and off-campus academic programs and services to students, he noted.. As a result, the majority of the job rossis jn administration.
A total of 7 .5 admitiistratiye/professfona1 positions were 'permanently eliminated, as was a .5 clerical/secretarial position. Just one f'}culty position was and it's.beeh left vacant a couple in anqdpation possible cuts, Johnson · ·
One of the member remains on and the other half oftbefr salary was assumed PSC Foundation, Johnson added.
"Because Peru State is in excellent fiscal health, all of these. people were toJCl they can work for up to nine rriore months through the end of the budget year" (next June 30), Johnson said. "And we wiU do our best to assist them in finding new opportunities.
"We realized two years ago we might Jace budget rollbacks, and we have been disct1ssing · possible responses and preparing for this as be.st we could," he noted. "There is no point in frying to point fingers or to blame state government or anyone else - they have fiscal realities to deal with, and now we mi.1st adjust." ·
New responsibilities
"The changes as outlined by President Johnson will require remaining faculty and staff to assume new responsibilities, but the students' academic programs should not be directly affected," noted Dr. Sara B. Crook, President of the PSC Faculty Senate. "The cuts.have also impacted faculty professional develo1;nnent and research.
"Our faculty will, no doubt, continue to be creative in furthering their professional development and research. It is my belief thatthe PSC faculty will rise to the challenges and the students at PSC will continue to receive a high quality education at an affordable cost," Crook added.
"Dr. Johnson's mission of affecting students
Dr. Moras Shubert ('34, left) is congratulated by RockyMountain Alumni Association Pat Bn1ford Bornemeier ('52) of Greeley during the Rocky Mountain Alumni Association reunion in August. Dr. Shubertwas co-recipient of the "Earliest Alumn?ts" prize, sharing it.witb Edna Mavstrick Fitch ('34)
As stores of Peruvians of all ages have known for years, the Omaha-Area Alumni chapter .takes a back seat to no one. Look for another "really big show" when the Reunion takes place next April 17.
of ''Ifs a thing but it h<is to be done. the budget constraints, we all need to work together be more efficient." ·
While the position cuts are the most visible, and difficult, changes to deal with budget realith(jy were n()t the only ones.
Other positions will be restructured or combined,, and some staff will be asked to assume additional dtities c;urrently accomplished by st51ff being let go. Travel has been severely curtailed. Faculty.research and professional development funds. wilt be cut. .Some publications, including the Stater, and marketing efforts will be scaled back.
The latest changes are in addition to ones ·made previously to deal with tight budgets, Dr. Johnson noted,· For example, on-campus health ser.vices are being privately contracted as :opposed. t9 past practice of having a College Nurse on staff. The number of part-time faculty has been reduced, resulting in fewer classes offered. Some. current vacancies. in the faculty and. staff will remain unfilled through the rest of i:he fiscal YC'.ar.
"Even as we face these daunting challenges, Peru· State College must to .move ahead," Dr, Johnson said. ''.We .owe it \o our students, and the citizens of Nebraska, to redouble. our efforts to keep· Peru State headed in a positive direction.
"We've already come such a Jong way," he add,ed. "These changes will make it more diffici,llt, but Peru College has faced and conadversity many times in its past, and it will this time, too."
That's a Thursday be held at Qermq.n and. the Reunion will once again Society Club near !20th and I extraordinaire.
· Ip the past this chapter has had Nebras'ka's Governor as a special guest, it has hosted the PSC Blues Show Choir, and much more. What can they do to top past Reunions?
Find om on April 7. Anyone living outside of the metropolitan Omaha area .is wekon1e to attend if they'd like, this is not a "private'' event; just contact Kent Propst at the. College (P.O. Box,• Peru, NE. 68421 or via e-mail at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu)and ask to be put on the mailing
Please send addresses or information to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010, or · e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu, or call him at (402). 872-2225.
· Allen, Leo L. Anderson, Clara P. Arendt; Elaine M. Boening, Ruth (Burgess)
Bondi, Ronald R. Bratt, Alma · Clark, James A. Clark, John Cline, Roberta (Colson)
Crancer, Jeanine (Schliefert) · · Do wander, S.ue (Eads) Eddy, Berclon J. Eversole, Mary Fuss, Nancy (Hill)
Graham, Bessie (Porter) Greene, Margaret A. Harvey, Dorothy (Erhart) Hein, Walter R. Jacobia, Geraldine P. Johnson, Patricia A. Kavanagh, Mary (Davey) Kline, Barbara J. Kreifels, Esther E. Kruger, Dale Larsen, Albert J. Lawson, Mary Ellen (Shea) Meixsell, Rosalie (B<:>ellstorff) ·
· Mertens, Bernadine (Kaiser) Moerer, Willis E. Moss, Joe L. Pattision, Ronald Reichart, Raymond E. Wilson, Jim H. York, Blanche A.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE. 6842J-OOJO or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225:
Minnie Findeis ('30) of Brush, Colo. was showered with cards on her 95th bilthday this past summer.
Leona Givens Heaps ('33) sent a note from Council Bluffs, Iowa where she lives at Bethany Heights Retirement Home. She says she sees her friend Joyce Grubb ('34) every day at Bethany Heights. "We roomed on the same floor at Peru, and we enjoy each other's company again," Leona adds.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE. 6842J-OOJO oi e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
A new sentinel has arrived on the Campus A Thousand Oaks, in the form qf "Prowler."· This bronze bv James Gleason, Class q/ 1950, guard 011 campus between T.J. Hall and the Student Center. Gleason drol'e all the way from his Florida home to deliver the this past summer.
The 2002 Reunion of Peru Staters in and around Lincoln was held in late October, too late for a recap to be included in this edition of the alumni newspaper.
Watch for details in the next edition.
That annual tradition known as the Peru State College Northern California Alumni Reunion has been set, so mark your calendar accordingly and start planning now to join in the celebration!
Saturday, April 12, 2003 is the date, and the Conference Center at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield will once again be the. place. Invitations will be sent sometime in early March.
Bob "Red" Wilson ('51), Bill Albright ('57), and Rex ('46) and Hope (Carter '42) Floyd are the principal party-planners this year. They especially encourage alums who have never attended a NorCal Reunion or who haven't been to one in awhile to turn out - your support is needed.
Just because this activity is held on a military base, don't think there is a lot of "discipline" to
this group. Laughter, friendship and support for Peru State College is their sole purpose. See you there!
Organizers of the annual Arizona Alumni event have been busily engaged in making plans for a special Reunion coming up in February. All Peruvians living in, or wintering in, Arizona are being encouraged to support their chapter and their College!
The Reunion will be held Saturday, Feb. 22 at Monti's La Casa Vieja in Tempe. It's easy to find - watch for your invitation for details The celebration begins at 11 :30 a.m. and will wrap up at around 3 p.m.
Anyone reading this article who hasri't provided PSC with their winter address or who wants to be on the mailing list to receive the invitation should notify Kent Propst at Peru State College soon. These so-called "snow birds" often make up a large percentage of party-goers.
Chapter leaders including George Peterson ('89), Dennis Robertson ('73), Steve Parker ('63) and Tressa Whittington ('97) will make certain this event is both enjoyable and informative. So show your true Blue & White colors and support the Arizona Reunion 2003 !
Depke Andres ('45) of Fairbury, Neb. was featured in the Beatrice Daily Sun this summer. Depke is an artist and her paintings were featured at an Art Gallery in Fairbury during the summer. She particularly likes to do oil paintings, but is also known for an art medium called mosaic collage.
Eula Redenbaugh ('40) of Boulder, Colo. has completed 10 years of service on the Colorado Commission on Aging. She was chair of the Commission for two years and also served on the Legislative Committee.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE. 6842J-()0JO or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Merle Bauer ('50) was posthumously inducted into the Coaches Division of the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame ceremony held in September. After a sparkling basketball career at Peru State, Bauer went on to an exemplary career as a teacher, coach and administrator.
JoAnn Koso (two-year '56, bachelors '69, masters '79) of Falls City, Neb. retired from the Falls City Public Schools in May.. Jo Ann taught in rural schools in Richardson County and in the Falls City Public Schools for 46 years. She was a member of the first group to receive a masters degree at PSC through a cooperative program with UNL. Jo Ann had many interesting experiences throughout her career, and also had time. to be active in many local organizations, as well as raise her four children.
Darrell Mudra ('51) of Crawfordville, Fla. was inducted into the Pioneers Division of the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame in September. The former Bobcat football standout and member of numerous Halls of Fame, including PSC's, had a remarkable career as a football coach.
Sharon Ocker ('53, masters '60) of Sioux City, Iowa has enjoyed writing since his retirement from Morningside College. He has completed six history stories about various subjects. He also enjoys reading to fourth graders on a weekly basis in a local school. Sharon writes he was looking forward to the September game between Morningside and PSC. But who to cheer for was the question?
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE. 6842J"OOJO or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225. · (continued on page 11)
The mission of the Peru State College Foundation is to stimulate and administer voluntary financial support from alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations and others for the benefit of Peru State College.
The PSC Foundation is committed to providing resources to assist the College in becoming the finest institution of higher learning in Southeast Nebraska. The special focus of PSC, as an open admissions institution, is to offer higher education to people of the region, many of whom are first generation college students, struggling to achieve a college degree in the face ot financial and academic limitations.
Peru State College Foundation Board of Directors
Lynne (Pankonin) and Marvin Birdt
Fort Myers, Florida
Judson Douglas Ill
Lincoln, Nebraska
Marian ('52) and Marea Downey
Dallas, Texas
Charles Gabus ('40)
Des Moines, Iowa
Charles Niemeyer ('65)
Ashland, Nebraska
Lester and Maxine (Metcalf '38) Pankonin
Naples, Florida
LeRoy ('41) Redfern
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Fred ('73) and Pam Robertson
Westlake Village, California
Peru State College Foundation Staff
Dan Johnson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
SaraBcth Donovan, J.D.
Estate Planning and Planned Giving
Karen Fritschlc, M.S.
Annual Fund and Marketing
Dale Johnson Special Projects
Carolyn Bredemeier
Office Manager
Among the many wonderful things happening at Peru, there's one that should especially get your attention. It's the new Academic Resource Center (ARC), a place where · students can receive assessment, advice, and tutoring to improve their knowledge and · skills. (I wish they had this when I was there. I needed all the help I could get. I remember dummy English well.)
I'm sure you all know Peru has an open admissions policy and enrolls students of varying ability and skill. Peru State College's current learning improvement center is quite small, but it has an amazing track record of helping determined students become and remain successful. Unfortunately, the current program cannot accommodate everyone who needs help, so the Academic Resource Center (ARC) concept was developed. The state has provided several million dollars to convert the original basketball court to the new library so the current library can be converted to the ARC.
Due to Nebraska's financial troubles (which most states are having), President Johnson must rely on private funds to develop the program. He's asking the Foundation and Peru alumni for help, before the ARC opens its doors in the fall of 2003. We need to raise at least $250,000 to cover the staffing and equipment costs necessary to initiate the program. There is no doubt in my mind that my fellow alumni (as you always have before) will rise to the occasion to help raise this money and a lot more.
President Johnson has created an association of
people who would like to support the Academic Resource Center. It is called the "Friends of the ARC Soc:iety". Annual membership i.s $50 per household. The President and the Executive Director of the Foundation are trying to make it attractive for everyone to financially support the ARC program. They twisted my arm to where I would help them get this program · going, so I agreed to match every dollar given to the Society up to $100,000. I know we will go clear past that. I believe we will raise far more than the $250,000 needed to begin.
P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421 402-872-2304
www.peru.edu
think for those of you who are not familiar with what is going on at Peru State, and .1 say this sincerely, President Ben Johnson and our Foundation Director, Dan Johnson, are enthusiastic, work hard, have outstanding ideas and are loyal to PSC. This is what we have needed for a long time. In the short time they have been here, the whole concept from education, music and athletics has improved every year. Student populatiof! is up
Dear Bobcat Classmates of 1951, 1952 and 1953,
and the morale of the professors is up. If you have not been there, you need to visit and see what is going on.
I am enthusiastic about Peru State College because after all, this is where my father, my mother, my aunts, my brother and my wife went to school, but I want you to have the same enthusiasm. I think the Academic Resource Center is an excellent program and I want the rest of you to feel the same way because there. are a lot of good things that have happened, and are happening, to all of us because of what we learned at Peru.
I am writing to echo the sentiments expressed in Charlie's letter featured above. Through the Downey Family Foundation, I am offering an additional incentive to the classes of 1951, 1952, and 1953 to become members of the Friends of the ARC Society.
If you did not give a gift to the foundation last year, and you join the Friends of ARC Society this year, the Downey Family Foundation will match your gift.
If you did give last year, the Downey Family Foundation will match the additional dollars you give to the Friends of the ARC Society this year.
I returned to campus for the May Reunion and had the pleasure of meeting with many of our classmates. We had a wonderful time talking about the friends we made and the times we had as students at PSC. If you were unable to attend, we missed you.
As we reminisced thatweekend, one topic seemed to recur. We discussed that if it hadn't been for Peru State, most of us wouldn't have been able to attend college. Many at the reunion, like myself, were from small rural high schools where our opportunities were limited. PSC welcomed us with open arms. It provided an opportunity for a better life; an opportunity that you and I took advantage of and continue to benefit from to this day.
I also met with faculty and students during my visit. As you may know, things haven't changed much. The faculty are still bright, eager, and dedicated to teaching. But more importantly, the students have not changed. They are a lot like you and me; they come from small towns, they work hard at their studies, and many have jobs to help with finances. They have the.same look in their eyes that many of us had 50 years ago, a look that says, "I want to do something special with my life."
We come to a point in our lives, don't we, when it's time to give something back? Most of us at the reunion felt our lives have been full and good. All of us felt that PSC did a lot to make that happen. An excellent way to make a difference to someone much like yourself is to join the Friends of the ARC Society. The Society helps students overcome many of the academic limitations we experienced and overcame.
I invite you to j6ln Charlie and me to help ·make a difference for Peru State students who stand in the same shoes you and I did not too long ago.
In many mid-western colleges the minimum requirement for freshman acceptance is an ACT score of 18. It is not uncommon for large state universities and exclusive private colleges to require for admission a minimum ACT score of 21, the highest score being 36.
The historic mission of Peru State College is to serve students in southeast Nebraska through open admissions. This means that any student is accepted who has a high school diploma or its equivalent. .In recent years it has not been uncommon for more than one-third of Peru's entering freshmen to have ACT scores at or below 18.
These students struggle to succeed at Peru. Unfortunately, many do not stay the course. Typically, 45% of PSC's freshman class do not return for the sophomore year. Many simply find that they are unprepared for college work and abandon their dreams of a degree.
The new Academic Resource Center {ARC) will help under-prepared students remedy academic deficiencies, making college success a reality. For the last several years PSC has offered a federally sponsored program which has experienced remarkable success in getting academically disadvantaged freshmen on track. Unfortunately, it can admit only a limited number of freshmen each year.
For example, during the 2000-2001 school year fiftysix of PSC's two hundred freshmen were enrolled in this program. These were mostly first generation college students, with low ACT scores and/or from low-income families. 57% of these students maintained a minimum semester GPA of 3.0 from the fall to the spring semester. And, 71 % were retained into the 2001-2002 school year. Sadly, the same can't be said for those freshmen with low ACT scores who didn't qualify for admission to this program.
It is the goal of Peru's new Academic Resource Center to assist every freshman realize his or her hopes of college success and the opportunities only· open to today's graduate. The challenge is to extend to all freshmen the learning opportunities now only available to -a very few.
The Friends of the ARC Society and Peru State College Foundation are working together for student success
When you walk into the Academic Resource Center in T.J. Majors Hall, you are greeted with a cheery hello and a warm smile from Marie Meland. Her positive energy fills the large one-classroom site of today's ARC.
Marie's first contact with students is the day they decide they need help. "They make the choice - the decision - that getting help in the ARC is 'OK'. There are so many distractions for college students," Marie explains: 'The number of choices they can make often overwhelms young freshmen. Perhaps they did not learn how to make decisions or how to manage their time. And, good old fashioned homesickness can set in, especially for those who are away from home for the first tlme.
"Many of Peru State's students come from high schools in small, rural areas in Nebraska. They may be extremely shy in new situations and find making friends a difficult chore. Their reticence may cause them to withdraw from the social dimension of college," Meland said.
The ARC offers students the opportunity to study in an environment conducive to learning. It provides a place to develop relationships with their peers. Those utilizing the ARC benefit from one-on-one or small group study sessions with upper classmen tutors.
Marie states, "We don't all learn the same way. An advantage of the ARC is helping students learn how they learn. Some people are visual learners. Some learn by hearing. The learning process is compromised if a student experiences only one way of learning or is not given the opportunity to learn by the best way for them."
Today's Academic Resource Center is the heart of the campus. It has impacted and touched the lives of many students. The positive relationships between student, tutor, and advisor make Peru State College and the Academic Resource Center a special learning environmenl - a place where students who are willing to ask for help - can succeed.
The 1867 Society of Peru State College is here to stay. We have received a tremendous response to one of our newest programs - - one that recognizes the benevolence of those alumni and friends who have generously included the Peru State College Foundation in their estate plans.
The individuals listed have planned to make that one last gift. They are leaving a legacy and ensuring continued excellence at PSC long after they have enjoyed the fruits of its labors. Special thanks to those charter members of the 1867 Society listed on page 7 and to the numerous individuals who choose, at this time, to remain anonymous; we rook forward to a special relationship.
To receive more information about how you can become a charter member in the 1867 Society, please contact SaraBeth Donovan at 402-891-2487 or via email at sdonovan@oakmail.peru.edu.
A Tutor, a Mathews Mentor, a Student Support Services Mentor, a Scholarship Win.ner, President of the Student Senate, an Executive Member of the Campus Activities Board You might not associate these with someone who is a participant in the TRIO program. But Alan Gager is all of these and more!
The TRIO program assists atrisk students. There are three eligibility requirements for the TRIO program. One is to be a first generation college student. Both Alan's parents and his older brother hold bachelor's degrees. In fact, his mother atten.ded PSC. Another qualifier is financial need. The Anne Buman and a Leadership scholarship lightens Alan's financial burden, so college is financially possible. Alan qualified for the TRIO program because he has a learning disability - a retention deficit, which makes it difficult to remember.
Alan is an energetic, positive young man who graduated from Table Rock Steinauer High School. He is a gentle person with a quick, warm smile and bright, caring eyes. Alan knew that he'd attend Peru State College. During his high school years, he participated in the business contest, jazz contests, and various other events at Pe.ru State. The need for Alan to visit campus during the Admissions Open Houses or schedule a
campus visit was not necessary because he made his decision. Alan knew Peru State was the right place for him. Next year he will .earn a bachelor's degree in Psychology/ Sociology with a minor in Business.
Alan is considering Mortuary Science as a possible career. He interned with and works part-time for Wherry Brothers Funeral Home. Alan visits the bereaved, helps with funeral services, and participates in the entire funeral business.
Lately, though, Alan is contemplating another path. Still focused on helping others, Alan is thinking of becoming a high school or college guidance counselor and activities director.
On the surface, Alan appears to be someone whose college career is pretty smooth sailing. He credits the TRIO program for his success. "If the TRIO program had not existed, the stress of managing my learning disability and academic load would have been too much. I would have withdrawn from Peru State betore the end of my freshman year.
"I improved my study skills and learned how to budget my time. The program was also a place I could go when
1867 Society Shining Brightly, cont. from p. 6
Janet E. Vance Barlow ('77)
Jerry ('62) and Linda (Bertram) ('62) Bell
Hilary P. Bradford (FRND) in memory of Dr. and Mrs.
Arthur L. Bradford
W.F. (Bill) Chapin ('39)
SaraBeth Donovan ('85)
Beunice E. Doty ('40)
Diane (Coover) Emanuel ('84)
Paul ('67) and
Arlene (Borcher) ('67) Fell
Evelyn Gobber Greenlee ('60)
Michael D. Guilliatt, CFP ('67)
Myrton ('47) and
Dee (Dorothy Leonard)('42) Hall
Jack ('50) and Nancy (Hardy) ('51)
Hallstrom
Ted L. Harshbarger ('77)
Vince and Bonnie (Mick) ('86) Henzel Dr. Harvey S. ldeus ('56)
Frances R. (Wheeler)
Kendrick (FRND)
Eugene S. McMullen ('58)
Muriel Sugden Newhauser ('36)
Kristi Nies-Babchuk (FRND) in memory of Ross and Maryon Adams
Donald Page (FRND)
Louis R. Pascal ('38)
special problems came up in my classes, whether the difficulty was in mathematics, writing a short report, doing a term paper or organizing a science experiment. J always knew when I felt overwhelmed that someone in the Trio Program was there to help me.
"Thanks to the Trio Program my freshman year was manageable. Still working with the Trio program, during my sophomore year I developed a new self-confidence in my ability to get good grades. This year, I know I can master my studies, be active in Student Government and other leadership responsibilities.
"I am excited about being the President of Student Senate. Looking back at the person I used to be, I can't believe the person I've become." Kent ('81) and Becki (Young) ('80) Propst
Dr. John Rhodus ('42)
Bradley J. Smith ('89)
Annie (Mrs. Neal) Thomas (FRND)
Helen M. Vanderwall (FRND)
Senator Floyd and Doris Wagner ('47) Vrtiska
Dr. Al G. Wheeler, Jr. (FRND)
Dr. Gilbert and Mary Ruth ('61) Wilson
At its annual meeting on Homecoming weekend, the Board of the Peru State College Foundation elected a hew President and Vice President. Pam and Fred Robertson of Westlake Village, Calif. will share the President's position and Chuck Niemeyer of Ashland, Neb. will be the Vice Presitjent. Chuck will succeed the Robertsons as President in October 2003.
Fred, a 1971 PSC graduate, is Executive Vice President of BenefitMall.Com, a private, Dallas based company, which is a national distributor of insurance products, con" centrating on Internet solutions for insurance carriers, brokers, group consumers, and employees. Pam Robertson is a real estate sales executive who has won top honors from Century 21 every year since joining the firm in 1985. Pam's sales have totaled more than ten million dollars annually.
"There are more than onethousand foundations of state colleges and universities in America today," Fred reports. "And, although there is no way to calculate the support they have provided to public higher education over the years, one nearby example pretty well tells the story.
"The Kansas University Endowment Foundation was initiated in 1891. Today that endowment stands at greater than $400 million; the KU Foundation raises more than $33 million a year, and since its inception, its support to the University has totaled more then $560 million,"
* As of October 1, 2002.
Chuck Niemeyer, a PSC graduate of 1965, is the CEO and partner in Innovative Laboratory Systems, Inc., a Nebraska based company primarily involved in the design and furnishing of laboratories, including casework, fume hoods and sterilizers. Innovative Laboratory Systems is headquartered in Ashland, Neb. and has offices in Minneapolis and Kansas City. The company is active in nine Midwestern states with a staff of twenty-five full-time employees.
"The KU endowment stands as eighth among public colleges and universities nationwide", continues Pam. "And, while Peru State College is far smaller, and has a distinctively different mission than a great public university, the vision for our Foundation should be informed and inspired by their accomplishments. What Foundations, like the one at Kansas, have attained, by focusing on their resource development mission and maintaining high standards of professionalism, points the way for us. Their achievements should be our model."
"The Peru State College Foundation has not been in existence as long as the KU Endowment Foundation," says Chuck. "That foundation was in operation for more than sixty years before ours was started. So, we have a little time to catch up," he says with a smile. "But Pam and Fred are right about the direction this Foundation needs to take."
"I applaud what our Foundation has accomplished over the last three to four years. A wonderful start has been made in raising and investir;ig resources for the College. Given the conflicts that so often cont.
The name of an old weekly sitcom? Yes! but it also describes the PSC Foundation's newest board members.
The connection between the Pankonins, the Birdts and Peru State College began with Maxine (Metcalf '38) Pankonin's father.
William Metcalf, Maxine, her two sisters and brothefS-in-law all graduated from Peru State Teachers College.
Maxine was born and raised in Beatrice, Neb. She taught school in Iowa until she and Lester married in 1941; They have two daughters, Lynne Birdt, Ft. Myers, Fla., and Suzanne Gosso, Orinda, Cal.
Maxine was a professional volunteer who worked with young children in public and private schools. She also assisted hospital
personnel in the emergency room.
Lester had always planned to manage his father's farm implement business in Louisville, Neb. His plans changed during his senior year at the University of Nebraska. With the encouragement of one of his professors, Lester interviewed with three major corporations. He was recruited by General Electric Company and began their Business Training program after graduation.
He held a number of management positions and retired in 1975 as Division Manager and Vice President. Soon after, he and Maxine moved to their chosen retirement location, Naples, Fla.
Their daughter and son-inlaw, Lynne and Marvin Birdt, also joined the PSC Foundation.
Lynne is a retired production accountant.who worked in the· Los Angeles motion picture industry. She graduated from North_western University, Evanston, Ill. in 1964 and attended the Katharine Gibbs Business School in Boston.
What impresses Lynne the most about Peru State College is that the college serves first generation college students and .those whose opportunities may be limited.
Today, Lynne is the campaign treasurer for a friend who serves in the Florida State legislature. She is actively involved in her community and she is
Myrton ('47) and Dee (Dorothy Leonard) ('42) Hall are now charter members of the 1867 Society; earlier tliis summer, they were not.
Earlier this summer, they had not even thought about including the Peru State College Foundation in their estate plans. In fact, they were dodging calls from Director of Planned Giving, SaraBeth Donovan. Myrt recalls, "SaraBeth called several times to get together for lunch, and when I called her back, I told her specifically that Dee and I just could not make a gift at that time." •
"Her response was, 'Relax. I do not want you to write a At· 1 h h d ter consu tmg wit t eu- attorney an check; I 1ust want to tell you about a new program We 1 1 b M d D H ·'/ d .d an11 y mem ers, yn an ee tu ec1are. starting "' Well, between those calls and their lunch d th Id 1 1 h 11 e ev cou eave a 1;1 t m t eu- w1 s to date, Myrt and Dee received information about the 1867 p 5-t t C' 11 11 b eru a e o et;e an st1 e t;enerous to Society and they began thinking. They knew they could ti 1 d ieu- ove ones. not tie up significant financial resource·s in the event their health failed, and they wanted to make sure they provided for family upon their death.
After consulting with their attorney and family members, they decided they could leave a gift in their wills to Peru State College and still be generous to their loved ones. Said Dee, "Peru State College was there for us before and after the war, giving us the direction, motivatiora and education to lead successful lives. Myrt and i believe it is time to give a little something back."
"We can provide for our loved ones, other charities we hold dear, and still give some to PSC," said Myrt. "When you look at your total assets, including property, savings, retirement plans, etc., it is much easier to think about that one last gift." "Yes," Dee adds, "it was just a matter of focusing on how we could do it, not whether we could. The codicil to our will including PSC is revocable, in the event of catastrophic circumstances."
"We hope more alumni and friends will consider joining PSC's 1867 Society," concluded the Halls. "It's easy to do and now is the time to continue the momentum of our great college."
After graduation from PSC, Myrt was a junior high principal in Wahoo, Falls City and McMillian Junior High School in Omaha. In 1967, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent for Business Services of the Omaha Public School District (OPS), until his retirement in 1984. Dee taught country school in Blanchard, Iowa and elementary school in Falls City, Neb. and at Walnut Hili elementary in Omaha. From 1962 to 1984, she was principal of Washington Elementary and Chandler View, both in OPS. Since their retirement, the Halls have remained active with PSC and community volunteerism, when they are not traveling and spending time with their family, including their son and three grandchildren.
(L to R) Lester and Maxine (Metcalf '38) Pankonin with their daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Marvin Birdt. They are grateful for the oppommity to support the mission or PSC. also a volunteer for Hope Southern California and Hospice in Lee County, Fla. California State University at Marvin is a retired Vice Northridge. He began an President of Finance for a large accounting career at Price privately held diversified com- Waterhouse. pany in the greater Los Marvin was elected to public Angeles, Car. area. office in the early 1980s and · He served the United States served as President of the Las · as a Np.vy fighter pilot during Virgenes School Board in Los the Korean War. Afterwards, he Angeles County. decided not to pursue a naval career nor pursue a career as an airline pilot.
He attended the University.of
New Leaders, cont. from p. 7
Marvin and Lynne also retired to Ft. Myers, Fla. in 1991. Both enjoy golf, league tennis, and boating.
exist between alumni associations and foundations, the bold move of initiating a National Alumni Association under the aegis of the Foundation is nothing less than a stroke of genius," chuck said.
"I was speaking earlier with some of the steering committee members of our new alumni association. They told me that one key reason motivating them to become involved is to strengthen PSC's influence on the state legislature. I couldn't agree · more that this is crucial for the College's future," he added.
"A National Alumni Association opens avenues for us that did not exist before," Chuck continues. "Peru has nine-thousand alumni, including six-thousand Nebraska residents. Think of the tremendous potential for financial support and political influence! I'm not talking about filling busses and assaulting the state capitol. Those times have passed. I mean real political influence that goes on day after day, year after year.
"Many of our six thousand Nebraska alumni are themselves centers of influence within the state. Others have connections to centers of influence not now associated with the College," Chuck said. "If we begin to use the resources of all of our alumni, including those in Nebraska, to build important new relationships, can you imagine where this might take us in one year? In three years? In five years and beyond?"
Pam and Fred look at one another and smile, "Chuck makes a great point," Fred adds. "Look, the long and short of it is simple. If we want Peru State College to be a great center of learning, if we want its future never again to be threatened by Nebraska's economic climate, it's only going to come from one place. Look in the mirror, folks, it's us; it's the Peru State College Foundation."
Fred concluded, "I think I speak for all the Directors and the Steering Committee of our National Alumni Association in saying that we have made great progress in a short amount of time, but the game's only just begun. We have got a whole heck of a lot more to do if we are going to win this thing. And it's only going to happen through teamwork and everyone doing his or her part."
"Dr. Pat Rooney has been an integral part of the success of the Peru State College Foundation since I first came to Peru in the summer of 1999," comments Dan Johnson, Executive Director of the Foundation.
"Pat is one of those.alumni that every foundation director dreams about. He knows lots of important peopl.e and is highly regarded by every one of them. More than that, Pat is especially special because he has been generous to this Foundation with both his time and his money.," Johnson added.
"Pat and I were friends when we were at PSC in 1945," comments shipmate Ken Boxley, Beverly Hills, Cal. '.'We were both on the Bobcat football team, and as quarterback, I remember Pat as one of the best receivers ·on the squad. I knew that whenever I could get Pat the ball, he would do what had to be done.
"After leaving Peru, Pat and I
went our separate ways," Ken continues. "It wasn't until 1998, almost fifty-five years later, that through a mutual friend we happened to meet again. I became involved with the PSC Foundation a year later.
"When I first met Dan, shortly after he came to Peru, I suggested that Pat would be a great person to help develop t.he Foundation's program. In fact, it was Pat who came up with the idea of establishing an endowed scholarship to honor the Navy V-5/V-12 program at PSC during the Second World War. Pat, Rudy Jacuzzi and I, along with quite a few of our shipmates, are working with Dan to put together a V-5/V-12 endowed scholarship," Ken continued.
"I believe it was when they were visiting with me at my home in Beverly Hills last
year, that I suggested something like this award to Ben and Dan Johnson. The Foundation needs to recognize people like Pat who have made such a difference in helping it grow," he said.
"This 'Friend of the Foundation Award' expresses the Foundation's appreciation to those who make a significant contribution to building the program The Board of Directors awarded it to Governor Mike Johanns a few months ago, someone who I have met personally and for whom I have the highest regard.
"And, we presented it to Pat at Homecoming after the annual Foundation banquet. The Governor and Pat are our first 'Friends of the Foundation' awardees: I can't think of two who deserve it more," concludes Ken.
Dr. Pat Rooney grew up in Brownville and Nebraska City.
He attended Peru State College in 1945 as a member of the Navy's V5/V-12 midshipman program. He lettered in football, basketball and track in the Bobcat athletic program Ken Boxley
and for the past ten years he has been a professor of education at Azusa Pacific University.
After retiring from the Ventura School System and while serving as a Professor of Education Pat wrote a book about his childhood during the depression in Brownville. The book was published in 1999 and entitled A Nebraskan's Memoirs of the Great Depression: The Life and Times of Brownville, Nebraska.
congratulates Pat Rooney and played saxo- For his contributions to the PSC Foundation phone in the Solid and the "Friends of' the Foundation A ward." Macs, the campus swing band. After. serving in the Navy Pat graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1948 and eventually received his doctorate of education from the University of Southern California in 1954. Pat served as Superintendent of Schools for the newly formed Ventura; California school district for twenty-five years before retiring in 1981. For the next seven years Pat was a professor of education at Southern California University
The Dianne Morrison Lukas were greatly anticipated Iowa, and attended school heavily involved with Dr. Scholarship honors an educator each year by parents, friends there for all but a few years. Seuss' Birthday and Job - a woman who touched the lives and families of the students. Once she got her driver's Olympics, two major PSEA of hundreds of elementary school Because of her back- license, she commuted from events. With a perfect 4.0 students through her gifts of ground,. Dianne appreciated Sidney to Hamburg High GPA at Peru State, Kim will music and love for children and Peru State College's role of $chdol. Although Kim loves to be invited to Kappa Delta Pi, learning. Because of the gen- making education accessible learn and loves school, she the Education honor society, erosity of her husband, Steve to students in Southeast had no idea what career she this academic year. Lukas and his children, Dianne Nebraska. She understood wanted to·pursue until she Kim's fall class schedule Morrison Lukas continues to sup- how difficult it is for strug- began working at the First includes a special education port her passion - education. gling students to pay for Step Learning Center, a day practicum in Rock Port,
Like many people growing up their education. Steve told care in Nebraska City. Missouri, Before pursuing her in Southeast Nebraska, Dianne us that Dianne was a strong Kim was scared to death of dream of being an elementary was the first in her family to feminist. Dianne was a -children. Her previous child- guidance counselor, Kim attend college. Coming from a strong feminist. She champi- care experience was limited plans to immediately 'j:lursue a Diane Lukas continues to touch poor family in Beatrice, oned the careers of women, to being around her younger master's degree after gradua- the Jives or students though a Nebraska, Dianne could not have knowing from experience the brother. After she started tion and teach for several scholarship in her honor. attended college if she had not difficulties they face. He working at the day care, she years in the Western Iowa received several small scholar- knows that Dianne would found she loved working with area. ships. She started teaching have appreciated the signifi- kids. She was promoted to Her life takes a new direcimmediately after graduation cance that her scholarship Assistant Manager. She said, tion in October. She and from Peru State in 1968. A few will play in the lives of the "I enjoy my job so much I Aaron Ashlock will marry Kim years later, she and Steve moved young women who receive almost regret looking forward and Aaron are already looking to the Twin Cities in Minnesota, it. to graduation and my teach- forward to a life together in where Steve built his career in This year, Kim McKown ing career." the Western Iowa area. They the medical device industry. was awarded the Dianne Kim transferred her recently purchased a house in
Before her death from breast Morrison Lukas Scholarship. Associate of Arts degree from Hamburg. cancer in November 2001, She is a senior at PSC pur- Iowa Western Community
Through Dianne's legacy Dianne taught music in the Eden suing two teaching creden- College to Peru State last and Kim's dedication and hard Kim McKown doing wht:tt she Prairie Schools iQ the Twin tiaJs: Elementary Education year. She immediately work, Peru State will continue most enjoys - making a differCities. There she directed hun- and Special Education. Kim's became active in the School to contribute to the education ence in a child's life. Pictured dreds of kindergartners in spring teaching preference is the of Education. She is the histo-
and better the lives of young with Skylee Hall, daughter of.a concerts during the last few upper elementary grades. rian for Peru State Education people for generations to PSC student. years she taught. These concerts Kim grew up in Hamburg, Association (PSEA) and was come.
Initial steps have been taken to form an alumni association at Peru State College with national scope. A steering committee has met and an initial Board of Directors will be appointed before the end of the year. The Board will develop the mission, vision and values for the organization, as well as by-laws and a structure for proceeding.
"We have alumni in all fifty states and the District of Columbia," said President Ben Johnson. "To form a national association has been one of my goals; I am delighted with the progress made by our steering committee. This is
In each edition of The Peru Stater, we publish a.list of memorial gifts received since the publication of the prior issue. Gifts can go to support established endowed (ongoing) SGholarships or they can be one-time donations in memory of a recently departed Peruvian.
Following is a list of recent memorial gift activity to the PSC Foundation; at the end of the article is a list of endowed scholarships that had no donor activity in recent months. You can support any (or several!) of these causes at any time and your gifts are tax-deductible.
For more information, contact Carolyn Bredemeier at the PSC Foundation by calling (402) 8722304 or e-mail at cbredemeier @oakmail.peru.edu.
Thanks for your support!
A.B. Clayburn Scholarship
Dick and Virginia Good
Bertha Clayburn Sutton
Auburn State/Carson National Bank Scholarship
Auburn State Bank
Carson National Bank
Ralph and Maxine Chatelain Scholarship
David Chatelain
John Chatelain
Paul Chatelain
Stephen Chatelain
Ansel Clayburn Memorial
Hilary Bradford
Kent and Becki Propst
one more example of the good things happening at PSC. A national association will increase communication, networking, and socializing amongst alumni and make the college even that much stronger."
Members of the initial steering committee are:
Nick. ('87) and Laurel (Smith) ('87) Harling, Fritz ('74) and Charlene (Lutz) ('74) Stehlik, and Kim ('90) and Kris (Kubert) ('94) Vrtiska.
"Char and I are pleased to be a part of this new association," said Fritz Stehlik. "Peru State needs this type of organization to inform alumni
about recent developments at the college and to increase our political clout as supporters of PSC."
"The ways in which this association can benefit PSC alums and the college are , unlimited - - I am excited to jump in and make it happen," added Laurel Harling. Kim Vrtiska observed, "Every major college and many small, private institutions benefit from such it's time we PSC alums stepped up to play with the big dogs."
The PSC Foundation will provide the initial start-up funding for the association,
under the immediate direction of SaraBeth
Donovan ('85), Director of National Alumni Steering Committee members (1-r): Planned Char and Fritz Stehlik ('74), Kris ('94) and Kim
Giving. ('90) Vrtiska, and Laurel and NickHarling ('87)
"I am looking forward to working with this new organization," commented SaraBeth, "this is all about friend-raising; connecting alums with each other and their alma mater." Please contact any committee member with thoughts, suggestions or questions at P.O. Box
10, Peru,_ NE 68421, or via email to sdonovan@oakmail.peru.edu. Oh, and drop us a note with your email addresses, so we can keep you apprised of the latest happenings!
Helen Naeve Douglas Scholarship
Jud Douglas
Esther Cole Franklin Scholarship
Ted Harshbarger
Glenn and Verda Hauptman
Frary Scholarship
SaraBeth Donovan
Benjamin Harrison Scholarship
Ted Harshbarger
Walter and Lillian Harrison Scholarship
Carlos Harrison
Harold and Alice Johnson Scholarship
Leo and Connie Dietrich
Tom and Janice Johnson Moen
Larry and Diane Peterson
Kent and Becki Propst
J.B. Johnson Memorial
Dick and Virginia Good
Kent and Becki Propst
Bertha Clayburn Sutton
Dean Karr Scholarship
George and Evelyn
Trunkenbolz Atwood
Friends
Ilene Thiltges Good
Mary Richardson Griest
Rita Russell Hanna
Jean Karr and family
Alice Devore Organ
Kent and Becki Propst
Eula Redenbaugh
Leroy and Nancy Jones
Redfern
Wilma Parnell Stevens
Nancy Steck Lavigne Memorial
Dick and Virginia Good
Charles Masopust Scholarship
Ted Harshbarger
Dr. Paul A. Maxwell Memorial Scholarship
Evelyn Stepan Neve
Lyle McKercher Math Scholarship
Lyle and Norma McKercher
Joy Elmer Morgan Scholarship
Ted Harshbarger
Jack Nance Memorial
Tom and Janice Johnson
Moen
Lee Norris Memorial
Tom and Janice Johnson
Moen
Nona Palmer Scholarship
Ted Harshbarger
Tom Percell Memorial
William Almond
LeRoy aJld Nancy-Redfern Scholarship
Hilary Bradford
Lester and Esther Russell Scholarship
John Gengel
G. Holt "Pop" Steck
Scholarshjp
Dick and Xfirginia Good
Evelyn $tepan Neve
Jerry Stemper Scholarship
William Almond
Tom and Janice Johnson Moen
Bill and Jeanne Tynon Scholarship
Kathy and Mike Tynon
Densel and Irene Fankhauser
Rudy Jacuzzi
Floyd and Doris Wagner
Vrtiska Scholarship
Kent and Becki Propst
Floyd and Doris Wagner
Vrtiska
Al Wheeler Scholarship
Tom and Janice Johnson Moen
The PSC Foundation also has endowments for the following scholarships; again, you can add to these funds at any time, and your gifts are taxdeductible.
Laurene Anderson Tri Beta
C.E. Andrews
Bath Family
Merle Bauer
E.G. Beck
Blue Devil/White Angel
Al Brady
George and Iva Seid Brown
Esther Delzell Brownell
Ann Buman
Pearl Morgan Butler
Campus of A Thousand Oaks
Roy Chamberlain
C.C. Choyce
John Christ
S.L. Clements Band
Dr. Crabtree
Ada Crooker
Phyllis Davidson
Davidson Estate
Carol Grundman Dougherty
Elizabeth Dougherty
Mac Dunning
Lura Henricks Eichler
Laure Salzman Firoved
Elsie Fisher
Dr. Richard Flynn/Senator
Floyd Vrtiska
Foreign Student
Emma Hart Fuller
Lovisa Glaze
Amzie V. Grass
Chris Haddad Scholarship
Helen Parker Hanika
Clifford Harding
Arnold and Bertha Hilterman
Lena Huff
Harry and Mary Hutchinson
Dee and Kathleen Jarvis
Glenn D. Jenkins
Victor Jindra
Pearl Kenton
Georgia Klasek
Paul and Lillian Landolt
A.V. and Wilhelminia Larson
William Longley Scholarship
Dianne Morrison Lukas
Art Majors
Hollis Masopust
Joe Masopust
John and Francis Schima
Masopust
Jack Mcintire
L.B. Mathews
Irene and Mason Miller
Evalyn B. Newton
Omaha World Herald
Dale and Evelyn Park
Lester and Maxine Metcalf
Pankonin
Larry Pappas
Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Pate
Elaine Gerdes Pratt
Dale Priest
George and Rosine Rath
Ernest Rawson
Wayne 0. and Adele
Penterman Reed
'Troy Rippen
A.B. Ritchie Basketball
Clarence and Mildred Russell
Ruth Russell
Vincent Sabatinellli
George Schottenhamel
Bernice Shackelford
Ken Sims
Beatrice Spohn
M.O. Stevenson
Maude Phelps Vacek
Evan Van Zant
Inez Warren
Dr. John and Daisy Clark !Wear
Bereniece McHirron Weigand
Charles Weigand
Lisa Weis
Paul V. and Margaret Wilcox
Harold E. Willey
Gil and Mary Ruth Wilson
Jack D. and Eula M. Wolken
Zelma Wonderly
William Wortman
On May 14,. 1804, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and about 50 brave souls left the.ir winter' quarters at Wood River, Illinois, beginning what has been called the greatest American adventure, the vaunted Corps of Discovery that spent two years exploring the Missouri River, the Rocky Mountains, and the mighty Columbia River.
One hundred and ninety-six years and one month later, 'Peru State College's 14-student "Corps· of Recovery I," stepped on the sternwheeler Spirit of Brownville in nearby Brownville, Neb. to begin a two-week exploration of the National Lewis and Clark Trail from Nebraska to Great Falls, Montana.
Unlike the original Corps, there were no plans to find the Northwest Passage to the Pacific, to establish trade with the Indians, to coUect samples of flora and fauna, or to claim territory for the United States.
Historian Stephen Sylvester and geologist Carl Shellenberger, erstwhile captains of the group, offered the six-credit field course to enable Peru students to examine first-hand the how the geology of the West affected the so-called Lewis and Clark expedition, how history and geology are interdependent,
Sharon Bender ('66) retired last spring after 31 years serving the Rising City, Neb. public schools. She taught kindergarten the entire time, and at various points has coached volleyball, basketball and track, one-act plays, speech, sponsored student council and was a class sponsor, and more. Priorto Rising pty she taught in Odell and Bellevue. ·
Pam Kallemeyn Essink ('68) has joined the Crete (Neb.) Public Scl).ools as an English Language Learners teacher.
Jane Givehand Glover ('69) of New London, CT. received the Liberty Bank's 2002 Community Diversity Award in that community, She is coordinator of children's services for the Groton Public Library, and continues to be extremely involved in civic, political and cultural activities there.
spent two weeks this past
summer retracing, and studying, a portion of the Lewis & Clark expedition. Here the band crosses the Missouri River via ferry boat in Montana. A second study which will take participants on to the Pacific and back along the Lewis & Clark route, is planned for next summer.
and what the expedition meant to a new nation and what it signifies today.
Nebraska to Montana
Using the Bernard DeVoto version of the Lewis and Clark Journals an.d s.everal other readings as guides, the modern Corps followed the Missouri through Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Montana, visiting all of the many visitors' centers dedicated to the original journey and camping each night, often near one of the original Corps' campsites.
Every state along the National Lewis and Clark Trail is building new centers, usual1y with federal assistance, to
(Photo
celebrate the bicentennial anniversary years of the Corps, 2004-2006. Completion of Nebraska City's center, for example, is 2004, when it will join more than 20 others already completed.
Visitors' centers tend to celebrate the heroic nature of the expedition but shed relatively little light on the day-to-day challenges the men faced, or the reasons they were so willing to face them. Charged with answering two specific questions- "How successful was the Corps of Discovery?" and "Why did the rank and file members stay with it despite
(Continued on Page 14)
If early trends continued, Peru State College expected fall enrolll1lent numbers to reflect growth at Nebraska's first college.
As of the efid of the fourth week of classes in September, a total of 1,545 students were enrolled according to President Ben E. Johnson. That was 90 students, or 6.2 percent, more than the 1,455 enrolled at the end of week four one year earlier.
"Considering all of the challenges facing higher education in Nebraska and nationwide, we're encouraged," Dr. Johnson said. "One thing that doesn't change is the realization that to get ahead in life, a college education is a crucial step.'' ·
Reflecting PSC's ongoing mandate of increased service to off.:campus students, growth in that category led the way. A total of 583 students were registered off-campus, 15.2 percent more than the 506 off-campus participants a year ago. On-campus numbers were up 1.4 percent, from 949 last year to 962 this fall, Dr. Johnson said.
PSC's long-'established program at Offutt Air Force Base was an area where the numbers
were down. Enrollment there declined nearly 12 percent, from 163 last year to 144 this year. Political instability and the threat of war, resulting in. some Offutt personnel not wanting to commit to a program·of study, and increased on-base security resulting in tighter access to base, are probable fact9rs.
Thal: situation will likely impact Peru State's final enrollment count, which won't be known until later this semester due to a number of latestatting clas.ses at Offutt and elsewhere.
"Last fall, our Offutt students were nearly 12 percent of our total enrollment," Dr. Johnson noted. "Given the situati(.m in the Middle East, and knowing that Offutt would play a vital role in what may happen there, we have to be prudent and expect our program there to be affected. It's certainly beyond our ability to control.
"We hope our other off-campus programs will pick up the slack, but it's too early to tell if. that will be the case," he added, "And in this era of ever-tighter budgets, our ability to recruit students and provide courses and faculty is an ever-greater challenge. Like all institutions, we like growth, but we're also realistic."
Ron Kelley ('63), one of the greatest baseball pitchers ever at Peru State College, was the subject of a foly article in the Falls City .(Neb.) Journal following the death of perhaps baseball's best-ever hitter - Ted Williams. Kelley has kept a picture of Williams holding his daughter Jill back in 1965, when Williams was a batting instructor for the Boston Red Sox and Kelley was a player in their farm system. Ron and his wife live in Fags City.
Stater readers: it bas been brought to your editor's attention that, through the years, we have sometimes confused the identities of our two Nancy Kunkel's. Rather than attempt to explain the situation ourselves, following is an excerpt of a note we received from one of our Nancy's: "Kent, Just thought I might correct a misprint in the Summer 2002 Peru Statet. There have been two Na:i.icy 1{1.).nkels' graduate from Pt;ru. The first Nancy Kunkel graduated in 1960 and the second Nancy Kunkel (me) graduated in 1969. The first Nancy Kunkel is now Nancy Broers (maiden Kunkel '60) and the. second (me) goes by Nancy Kunkel (maiden McMullen '69). This seems to have been a problem before because in the. alum booklet our names are confused also. And, to add to this confussionthe first Nancy Kunkel (60) is my Sooo, the Nancy McMullen Kunkel that was awarded the Presidential Mathematics Award .was from the class of 1969 (not 1960). Boy J don't know about you but I can hardly get this straight myself!?! If you have any questions about.our correct identities just email me. Thanks, Nancy KuJJ.kel '69." Editor's Note: We are grateful to both Nancy's for being patient with us and helping to set us straight.
Dan Leuenberger ('65) of Lincoln, Neb. retired as a math at the Nemaha Valley Schools in Cook and Talmage this summer. He began his teaching career at Summerfield, Kan. and taught in several schools i.n southeast Nebraska. Eighteen of his 30 years teaching math was at the Nemaha Valley Schools.
Bob Patterson ('69) retired as an instrumental band instructor after 33 years of teaching. He taught 25 years for the Millard Pub1ic Schools, five years in Pawnee City and three years in Table Rock, all in Nebraska. His wife Jane (Budler) Patterson ('70) and is currently with Educational Service Unit #3 in Omaha.
Dr. Arlan G. Richardson ('63) of San Antonio, Texas was inducted into the first Lewiston Schools Hall of Fame this spring. Arlan has been a leading researcher on aging and is currently the Director of Aging Research at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
Kristine Wewel ('66) is teaching in Izm}r, Turkey this year. She had retired after teaching 32 years in the U.S. and two years in the Middle East at Bahrain Bayan School. In Bahrain the first NESA (Near East South Asia) teacher conference was in Cairo. - The teachers were treated to a tour of the inside of the Giza pyramids. They also took a boat ride up the Nile to Luxor to tour the Valley of the Kings.
(continued on page 14)
by Elizabeth Olsen)The 2002 Peru State College Homecoming Queen is senior Sara Craven of Ashland, Neb. who was crowned by President Ben Johnson. Sara was selected by a vote of the student body.
Not many college athletic coaches would allow their team to spraypaint the coach s vehicle in order to win a prize, but veteran softball Coach Mark Mathews did just that. And because of the colmful entry, the Bobcat softball squad took top honors in the Decorated Vehicle category PSC'.> Homecoming Pa,rade.
Peru State's 2001 Homecoming Royalty, Queen Tyree Sejkora (left) and King Na; hand to help crown their 2002 successors, Sara Craven and
Combine a large and fesfive parade with vidories in footbal! and volleyball, a chance to vie.wlwo major <;?mpu.s conslrudion projeds and a variehJ of other celebralions, and alumni of Peru State's .2001 Homecoming enjoyed a special day on Oct. 12.
The event was the 81st annual Homecoming at Nebraska's fii:st college, and featured the patriotic them "A Red, White and True Blue H ,, omecoming.
Seniors Ryan Chappelle of Lincoln and Saro Craven of Ashland were crowned the 1002 PSC Homecoming King and Queen, determined btJ a vote of PSC students. The coronation took place af halftime of Peru State's 31-14 football victory ove.r Haskell Indian Nations University.
Six different organizations gained cash prizes in the DSC
Homecoming Parade lield Saturdaq claimed first prize in t.h, Oecoraf ed Vehicle cofegory, fhe Bobcaf 5of Alumni and other campus visitors were lreate newly-remodeled and expanded HotJt Scienc at the project transforming PSC's nearly 1 info lhe campus library.
Other Homecoming highlights incluc infrasquad game featuring the team dress€ (from the 1970s and 1980s); a Varsity vs. Ice Cream Social in the Eliza Morgan where recent improvements were on dis Homecoming Dance to cap the dmJ.
In tl1e Homecoming Volleyball Match Bobcats enjoyed o 3-1 win over William Pe
1
Violice Graves O'Connor ('58) of Lincoln and Gary Schaffer ('68) of Nebraska City came to Homecoming early enough to tour the "Old" Gym!" New" Library currently under construction on campus. They were among the first people to get a look atthe multimillion dollar project to renovate the nearly 100-year-oldCliapel!Gymnasium into new college Library.
Cool temperatures on Homecoming Day di dents from cheering on the Bobcat footbali Homecoming game. The 'Cats posted a 3, the Oak Bowl.
Ryan Chappelle, in Dr. Pat Rooney of Ventura, Calif. (left) enjoyed a grand ride as the Peru State College Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal in this classic Ford owned by Professor Emeritus Everett Browning of Peru. Rooney, who attended Peru State in the 1940s with the Navy officer training group, presided overPSC's 81st annual Homecoming. HeJs educator. Also pictured are Mrs. Laurel Browning, /?.ooneys daughter Kathy Crivullo, aiutEverett Browning.'unter (right), were on •ber. 'ning.
:ia\ division, and in \he Team placed first. Oak Bowl Splendor
an Open House in the Bobcat football players paused to catch their breath during a break in the action amidst the October splendo,r in the Oak Bowl.
:ill and a "sneak peak". fans present, the Bobcats posted a Homecoming victory with the victory over Haskell Indian Nations University.
·year-old GtJmnasium
a Men's Basketball
" " f 1t in rdro uni orms
.mni Softball game; an nen's Residence Hall, ; and the traditional
f riday evening, the of Iowa.
To the delight of alumni and other
fa!ep this group of stu-
i to victory in the PSC
Nin over Haskell in
Welcome to this issue's version of "Lost & Found." Or perhaps "Needle in A Haystack" is more accurate?
Following is a list of Peru State College alumni and friends for whom we've recently fallen out of contact. Tht<Y .have moved and they forgot to take The Peru Stater along.
If you can provide us with a current, home address on any of the following, we would appreciate it, and we'll send them a copy of this edition of The Stater. Forward information to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010, or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu, or phone (402) 872-2225.
Thank you!
Jeanna Parsons - 2001
Michele White - 1999
Tanya Teater Hernandez - 1996
Montie Glaze-1996
Andrea Reese - I 996
William Reese - 1995
Md S. Islam-1993
Trace Boley - 1993
Timothy Ferguson - 1992
Paula Ligans Kelsey - 1992
Russel Workman ('63) of Wilber, Neb. is teaching music at the Freeman Public Schools in Adams, Neb.
Peter MacNaughton-1992
William Cooley-1987
LynnMiller-1969
MichaelDamiano- 1967
Russell Ash-.1966
Jim Manning - 196.6
Carol Smith Vacek - 1952
Delpha Dunn Bdstow 1936
We also want to say Thanks! to those who have helped us find missing alums in recent months: Faye Booth ('69), Jenifer Busing ('00), Jackie Dickey ('67), .Chris Dietz ('83), Jeff Frields ('82), Carl Hill, Pat Krzycki ('88), and Margaret Piper ('54).
the hardships of traveling upstream into country largely unknown to them?," the stu..: dents spent long hours reading and comparing notes with each other.
Each evening the group gathered to discuss the day's travels, to compare readings with what they had seen and experienced themselves, and. to evaluate the many video and guided tours along the way. More than half of the students are or will be teachers, so they were particularly interested in lessons that could he shared with their students.
Journal entries
Each student kept a journal, their entries expressing their own views of the trip.' For example, Rachael Goracke wrote cryptically of June 18, day two of the journey: " Camped at Chief White Crane State Rec Area near Gavins Point Dam." On day nine she wrote in great detail about the Great Falls of the Missouri, the presentations at the Lewis and Clark Center there, and this: "One display states that the total journey took them two years, four months, and nine days. Can you imagi1ie being gone from 'civilization' for that long, not to mention away from family and friends? We have only been gone for 11ine days and I miss my family very much.· I can't imagine endudng what they did."
After 13 days on the road and 12 nights in campgrounds ranging from primitive to
almost luxurious, the Corps o( Recovery returned to Peru with more questions answers. Why, for example, do guides and others insist that the Corps of Discovery was an exercise in American democracy? Surely they should understand that it was a military expedition, that Anny privates, much less a native American womanSacaj awea-and a black slave-York-would not have been allowed to vote on anything. ·· ,
At Gates of the Mountains in Montana, a guide insisted that members of the Corps voted every night on where to camp! And what about the socalled vote at the Macias River on which stream was the real Missouri? What about relations with the Indians?. Native groups today seem reluctant to celebrate the Corps of Discovery. Fortunately for some of the students, the expedition is only half over.
Corps of Recovery II
Next summer, from June 1628, the Corps of Recovery II will venture from Peru to the Pacific, this time to explore the National Lewis and Clark Trail through the Rocky Mountains, down the Columbia River to Fort Clatsop, and back.
Participants in the first half decided that, for the most part, the Corps of Discovery was successful, but not because it achieved what it set out to achieve. There was no
Northwest Passage a.!ld the route the Corps took was one of tl:\.e worst. Today it is possibleto visit.relatively. unspoiled sections of their trail because the land is so harsh, so difficult to inhabit that it remains empty today.
They did map the region,· discovering new places, plants, and animals, but their journals remained virtually unread until almost l 00 years had passed, their maps ignored and forgotten. Peaceful trade with the Indians. was many years in the future, and territory gained through the Louisiana Purchase .remained questionable formany years:
But what they started sparked imaginations then and now. In the last 100 years or so, only the Battle of the Little Bighorn has. generated more literature; and no exploration has even come close, not even the first moon shot.
Perhaps the Corps of Recovery I answered the "Were they successful?" question. It will be up to Corps of Recovery II to d.etermine why the original members of the ·Corps of Discovery did it, and what they hoped to accomplish.
A limited number of vacancies remain for Corps of Recovery II.
Any alumnus interested in discussing the excursion can contact Dr. Stephen Sylvester at PSC at ssylvester@oakmaiLperu.edu or by calling (402) 872-2237.
· Don Wright ('65) has ended his 37-year teaching career by retiring from Wahoo (Neb.) High School. Twenty-nine of those years were spent in Wahoo, where he also coached. In his "semiretirement" Don planned to work in security for the. telephone company Alltel in Lincoln.
Send your "Peruviana" to.: Kent Propst, PeruState College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e"mail him at ·• kpropst@oaknW.il.peru,edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Vicki Hall Beilke ('72) of Stella, Neb. participated in the 2002 Cornhusker State Games. She was the winner for her age group in the shot put and discus.
Gale Bly ('74) isn't one of those one-time baseball players who has opted for the slower-paced game of softball in his adulthood. Bly, head basketball coach atDavid City (Neb.) High School, spends a portion of his summer in the Lincoln (Neb.} Adult Baseball League.
Phillip Chapman ('74) of Columbia, S.C. is ctirrently the men's assistant basketball coach at Allen University. During the summer he is the men's assistant basketball coach for the Columbia Rage of the Xtreme Basketball Association.
Terry Dennis ('70) has joined the Ashland-Greenwood (Neb.) schools as junior and senior high schoolindustrial technology teacher. He had been teaching at Bloomfield, Neb.
Danny Ehmke ('78) of Beatrice, Neb. is dividing his tinie teaching fifth grade barid at the Beatrice Public Schools and also teaching at De Witt Tri County Public Schools. Danny had previously taught for 11 years at the Lewiston Public Schools.
Michael Engel ('75) is now the Superintendent of Schools for the (Neb.) system. He had been serving the St. Edward (Neb.) schools.
Helen Fouraker ('79) of Belle\",Ue, Neb. recently became a one of only six women members of the 160-member Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department. Helen is a teacher at Bryan Middle School in Omaha during the day, .and volunteers as a fireman two nights a week. She hopes to continue her dream.of helping others as a volunteer fireman for at least 10 to 12 years.
Doug Fritz ('73) of Omaha, recently completed Adjudication Officer Academy, training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga. Doug is a district adjudications officer in the Omaha District Office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, U.S. Department of Justice. · ·
Steve. Lewis ('79) is now the Vice Chair of the Nebraska State Colleges' Board of Trustees. That board governs Peru State College as well as the state colleges in Chadron and Wayne. Lewis is Director of Administrative Services for TriCounty Hospital in Lexington, Neb., where he and his wife the former Shirley Patterson ('79) and their sons live.
Steve Long ('72) of Scituate Mass. was back in the heartland this summer partidpating in the cross-Iowa bicycle sojourn called RAGBRAI. He welcomes PSC fr'iends to check out his cycling clothing company website, www.longscycle.com
(continued on page 15)
So you still have the loyal heart - how is the p.m., followed by the performance at 4 p.m. voice these days? open to the public. •
Borrowing from the PSC color song seems All activities will take place in the College an appropriate way to invite alumni to partici- Theatre. pate in an Alumni Choir Concert this spring. For more information or to register, either fill Sign up today! out the form below and return it or contact Dr.
Rob McKercher ('79) of Lincoln, Neb. was awarded the Sam Davidson Award for excellence in theatre arts this .spring. Rob has been the artistic director of the Lincoln Community Playhouse since 1996. Prior to moving to Lincoln Rob was a scenic artist in New York for 10 years.
Cliff Owen ('71) is now teaching secondary social studies in the Weeping Water (Neb.) school system.
The registration deadline is April 7, but don't
The Alumni Choir Concert is scheduled for Thomas Ediger, Peru State College, P.O. Box Sunday, April 27, 2003 according to Dr. 10, Peru, NE 68421 or call (402) 872-2253, or Thomas L. Ediger, Professor of Music. Alumni Fax (402) 872-2412, att. Ediger, or him singers will join with the PSC College Choir in at tediger@oakmail.peru.edu. a combined performance.
A rehearsal will take place on Sunday at 2:30 wait until then- sign up today!
I Peru State College Alumni Choir (with the Concert Choir)
Sunday, April 27, 2003
I Concert 4:00 p.m. Rehearsal 2:30 p.m
I College Theatre·
I Address: (to send music)
I Home Phone e:mail
I Year Graduated (optional)
More information contact
To participate complete the Dr. Thomas Ediger I form. Send no later than April 7, Peru State College
P.O. Box 10 I 2003. Four musical selections Peru, NE 68421
will be sent to you. 402-872-2253
Fax 402-872-2412, att. Ediger
tediger@oakmail.peru.edu
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE 684210010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Nathan Armagost ('01) and ReeAnna Morgan ('01) were married in July in Lincoln, Neb.
PSC student Austin Arnold and Tiffany McLean were married in July.
Amy Bachle ('00) and Cory Rains were to be marred in October in Wilber, Neb.
Aaron Bailey ('94) and Jennifer Leighton were married in August in Lincoln, Neb. Aaron teaches elementary physical education for the Omaha Public Schools and coaches football and track at Bryan High School.
Lincoln, Neb. and Lance Lambert were married in October. Brandi is a special education teacher and basketball coach at Malcolm Public Schools.
Paul Czapla ('95) and Sheila Olmer were married in August in Columbus, Neb. Paul is a senior application developer at First Data Resources in Omaha.
Angela Davidson ('00) and James Parsons were to be married in October in Auburn, Neb. Angela works at Project Response there.
Dan DeWitt (attd. '96-'98) and Theresa Cannon were married in June. Dan has been attending Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
Andrea Dugan ('01) and Brandi Buck ('00) of Kyle Lee ('01) were marriec:J, in
September in Greeley, Neb. Andrea is assistant'manager at Sporting Edge in Kearney, and Kyle is a loan officer at CitiFinancial in Grand Island.
Former PSC students Paula Eheler and Garret Gerdes were married in July. Paula is now a student at Johnson County Community CollegeInterior of Design Program and is employed at Kohl's. Garret. will graduate from the Kansas City Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science and is working at D.W. Newcomers & Sons Funeral home in Overland Park, Kan.
Laura Eckert ('99) and Michael Long were married in August in Battle Creek, Neb. Laura is an auditor with the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
(Continued on Page 16)
Jon Tritsch ('72) of Beaumont, Texas has been a librarian for the past 22 years at Lamar University in Beaumont Since he spent many hours at the library while a student, Jon is anxious. to see the new construction and renovation of the Old Gym into the campus library.
Brian Trottier ('71) of Wilder, Vt. is now a Certified Athietic Administrator. The Athletic Director at Hartford High School has been certified by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Assocation.
Dom Vitticore ('72) of Shortsville, NY retired this spring after 27 years as athletic director of Red Jacket High School. Dom began his career at Red Jacket as a physical education teacher and junior varsity football coach. He retired from coaching varsity football in 2000 with a very successful career record.
Neil Waring ('70), who teaches government and English at Glenrock (Wyo.) High School, is a candidate for Wyoming's State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He has been serving the Glenrock schools since 1997.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
IBill Bruhn ('81) of Beatrice, Neb. is teaching physical education/health in the Beatrice Middle School. He had previously taught and coached at the Lewiston Public Schools
Curt Cogswell ('84) is the new Superintendent of Schools in McCool Junction, Neb. He had been principal of the largest junior high school in Lubbock, Texas.
Wavin' Charlie, a short film by Lori Kimball Gottula ('86) of Falls City, Neb., screened at the New York Independent Film and Video Festival in September. Lori wrote, produced and directed the short, which starred Lori's brother David Kimball {'87) of Auburn, Neb. in the title role. Royal Eckert, PSC Professor Emeritus, narrated and starred. In supporting roles were PSC Professor Chet Harper and former student Dale Thomas, both of Auburn. Lori's goal is to sell her full-length feature script of the same name.
Kevin Hixson ('86) is now an assistant football coach at Dana College in Blair, Neb. He had been at Gallatin, Mo. High School for the past 10 years.
Shari Paczosa Kucera ('85), remembered as an outstanding runner at PSC, won her record seventh consecutive "Downtown Runaround" 2.1 mile race in Columbus, Neb. this summer. In fact, she broke the 12-minute mark for the sixth straight timeand remains the only woman in the 17 year history of the race to beat that time.
(continued on page 16)
Jim Fisher ('61) of Columbus has been appointed President of Central Community CollegeColumbus.
Fisher had been serving as interim campus president since June 1. In addition to his duties as Columbus Campus president, he will serve as vice president, responsible for academic education and business and industry training.
Jim Fisher
Fisher has been at CCCColumbus since 1971 when he joined· the staff as student services coordinator. He was promoted to Dean of Students in 1981, and assumed responsibility for student services programs. The developmental education program and
physical plant operations were later added to his responsibilities for a couple of years until a restructure of personnel was initiated.
Fisher also served as a multicampus committee chairman for coordinating college policies on student records, financial aid, recruitment, counseling, athletics, housing and activities. From April 1984 to June 1985, he served for the first time as interim president of the Columbus Campus.
Fisher graduated from Falls City High School in 1957. He has a masters degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He and his wife, Cheryl, have three grown children.
Libby Bonacci Norris ('88) of Williamsburg, Va. has accepted a new position with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, as their Virginia Watershed Restoration Scientist. She mostly works with farmers and landowners to improve water quality and reduce nutrient runoff in the Bay watershed. Husband David ('87) is still with the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, as the Wetland Program Manager. He is still working with landowners to restore wetlands in Virginia as well as general wetland habitat management.
Mary Beth Unvert Rathe ('87) has been appointed interim executive director for Community Action of Nebraska, Inc. The Lincoln, Neb. resident was previously their deputy director. CAN is a nonprofit organization that works for the self.. sufficiency of low income individuals across the state by providing direct services at nine local community action agencies, as well as advocacy for public policy at the federal and state government levels.
Christy Piper Riggins ('87) of Brock, Neb. is teaching kindergarten in the Auburn Public Schools.
IJeff Schiebur ('82) is now the head boys basketball coach at Wymore (Neb.) Southern High School.
(FromPage 15)
Tammy Gallagher (attd. '96'97) and Thomas Work were married in August in Grand Island, Neb. Tammy is a photographer for Foto Fox studio.
Derek Garfield ('01) and Stephanie Meyer (attd. '97'01) were married in May in Daykin, Neb.
Todd Gottula ('95) of Kearney, Neb. and Kristin Miller were married in September. Todd is a reporter for the Kearney Hub.
Jay Grotrian ('96) and Paula Lovgren were married in August. Jay is Vice President at Dura Tech Industries International, Inc. in Jamestown, N.D. They now reside in Moorhead, Minn.
Jill Halama ('01) and Brian Krumme were married in July in Ohiowa, Neb. Jill is a preschool teacher at the Crete Public Schools.
Mandy Spangler Hulsebus ('99) and Todd Price were married recently. Mandy is the accountant at Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn, Neb.
PSC student Melissa Hunter and Craig Brokaw were married in July in Lyons, Neb.
Katy James ('02) and Jeremy Marvel were married last March in Glenwood, Iowa.
Elizabeth Johnson ('02) of Tecumseh, Neb. and Jason Jones were married in June. She is working at Belle Terrace
in Tecumseh.
Darin C. Kelberlau (masters '01) of Fremont, Neb. and Allison Janssen were married in June. Darin is a math teacher and coach at Fremont High School.
Deana McAlexander ('93) and Bill Policky were married in June and reside in Columbus, Neb. Deana continues to teach high school social studies at St. Francis High School in Humphrey, Neb.
PSC student Kim Mccown of Nebraska City, Neb. and Aaron Ashlock were to be married in October. Kim is majoring in elementary and special education. She is currently assistant director a:t First Step Learning Center in Nebraska City.
Chris Meysenburg ('00) of Nebraska City, Neb. and Chris Adkins were married in August. Chris is a teacher at the Dundee Elementary School in Omaha.
PSC student Lindsay Moravec of Morrill, Kan and Sandon Wittwer were married in July. Lindsay is majoring in K12 physical education and will graduate in December 2003.
Zachariah Navrkal ('01) of Omaha, Neb. and Jill Thompson were married in September. Zachariah is employed by Pegler Sysco of Fremont as a marketing associate.
PSC student Tami Noerrlinger of Cook, Neb. and
Mark Badertscher were married in July. Tami is employed at Belle Terrace in Tecumseh, Neb.
Lisa Peters ('99) of Elk Creek, Neb. and Lavon Othmer were married in July. Lisa teaches at St. Andrew Catholic School in Tecumseh, Neb.
David Ratzlaff ('95) and Rebecca Kellner were married in August and are living in Council Bluffs. David is in the aviation maintenance program at Iowa Western Community College.
PSC student Troy Sayers and Heidi Hassler were married in September in Emerson, Neb. Troy is a computer programmer with theNational Arbor Day Foundation.
Brad Smith ('89) was married in June to Andrea Kammerer Omaha. Brad recently accepted a position with The Harry A. Koch Co. in Omaha as a sales executive in the Group Benefits Division.
Holly Sohl ('92) of Beatrice, Neb. and Tracy Norris were married in June.
Rebecca Spurgin ('02) and Ben Carpenter were married in June. They are living in Manhattan, Kan. where Becky is in the veterinary program at Kansas. State University.
· PSC student Jeffrey Sullivan and Holly Ehrlich were married in September. Jeffrey is an officer at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln.
Scott Schmidt ('84), a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, has relinquished command of the 267th Finance Battalion, stationed in Alaska. He subsequently assumed command of the 230th Finance Battalion in Texas. His wife is the former Tina Wise ('90). •
Landy Schwiesow ('88) graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Peter Kiewit Institute with a Masters Degree in Management Information Systems in August. His concentration is in Electronic Commerce. He works for AT&T Wireless as a Communications Specialist. His wife, the former Stacey McKeever ('92) is currently on hiatus from attending school at Clarkson College.
Kendall Steffensen ('89) is the new Superintendent of Schools in the Blue Hill, Neb. public school system. He had been principal in Osage City, Kan. prior to this appointment. He and his wife the former Janeen Miles ('89) have two daughters.
Patrick J. Wakefield ('83) has been selected as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Chemical Demilitarization. He is responsible for the policy, direction and oversight for the entire destruction of the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile. In this capacity, he provides executive program management to guide the mass disarmament of the chemical weapons, ensuring complacence with stringent safety and environmental regulations. He is a recognized authority in his area of expertise and often performs as a speaker for domestic and international forums regarding the progress of the national demilitaiization movement.·
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Harold Barnard II (attd. '95-'96) of Lincoln, Neb. performed in a musical in Casper, Wyo. this summer. This fall he traveled to Ireland as part of the University of Nebraska's opera cast.
Brandon Bender ('95) and his wife Tesha of Nebraska City, NE. were co-chairs of the annual Applejack Festival in that community this fall. It was reported to be the biggest ever, drawing an estimated 50,000 people.
(continued on page 17)
(Editor's Note: The following article appeared in an August edition of the Omaha World-Herald. It is reprinted >vi th permission of the author.)
When Ed Hanna ('50) first took the baton of a dance band, a good gig paid $1 a night - $1.50 if there was a good crowd. Admission was a dime. ·
He advertised his first shows at the Table Rock Opera House over the phone, telling whoever was on the party line "we're having a dance." Sixty-two years later, he's still booking gigs, blowing his saxophone and pulling people out on the dance floor.
Hanna, 74,, is the director of the Tommy Bishop Band, an eight-piece group he formed in 194 7 and one that he believes is the nation's longest continuously operating ballroom band. The longevity of the band is a tribute to Hanna and his ability to get players to get along and give audiences a good time.
Hanna, a retired Oakland, Neb., insurance broker, said that it's all about treating people fairly and playing the kind of music people want to hear.
"There's a saying, without music, life wouldn't be worth living," said Hanna. "Music will always be my first love."
Resurrected
Hanna and his band were at it again Monday, performing twice during the annual Veteran's Day activities at the Nebraska State Fair. It's an event that Hanna has almost single-handedly resurrected over the past four years. That was after he walked away upset from a Veteran's Day event here that didn't even have an American flag on the stage.
"He came to us and said 'I'll guarantee you, I'll fill the place,'" said State Sen. Floyd Vrtiska, a State Fair Board member who grew up with Hanna in Table Rock, Neb.
Since he took over directing the Veteran's Day program, Hanna, who served in an Army band at the end of World War II, has lined up big-name speakers like Navy pilot Shane. Osborn, arranged
Pam Bennett ('91) of Auburn, Neb., when she isn't teaching classes at Peru State College or running her Cooper House Bed & Breakfast in Auburn, is now operating Mad Hatter's Coffee & Tea Co. in Auburn. It opened in June.
Joel Bohlken ('92) is the new Principal for the Treynor (IA.) High School. He had been principal in Malvern, Iowa for the previous three years. His wife the former Natalie Winn C'92) is a special education teacher at Lewis Central High in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and they have four children.
Luke Boldt ('98) is now teaching fourth graders in the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca (Neb.) school system. He's also helfling coach wrestling and junior high football. Luke had been teaching and coaching in Auburn for the past three years.
as "The Tommy Bishop Band" is actually the creation of Ed Hanna ('50, left). Hanna is still going strong as a bandleader after over 60 years ji-onting a group he originally founded in his hometown of Table Rock, Neb, By the way, there is no Tommy Bishop, and there never was one. (Photo contributed) for top-notch military bands and organized a patriotic memorial program for veterans.
More than 100 American flags decorated the fair's openair auditorium, including a 40b y-60 foot flag behind the stage that Hanna brought.
The gig was a reunion of sorts. Two of Hanna's longtime trumpet players, Fritz Srb of Omaha and Glenn Kaea of Papillion, sat in after retiring on New Year's Eve of 2000.
Koca, 68, a retired band director at Papillion-LaVista High School; played 36 years with the Tommy Bishop Band and arranged most of the 500 songs in the group's thick music book. He was recruited into the band by Srb, a. former Papillion farmer, who played 45 years in the band.
Bandleader at 13
Hanna formed his first band, the Eddie Hanna Band, at age 13 while a student at Table Rock. He played center for the football there, all 5-foot-3, 106 pounds of him.
After World War II, he enrolled at Peru State College, where he met his future wife, Betty (Rademacher '50), and formed a new band with a friend, Tommy Womack. They picked the name "Tommy Bishop" because it had a modern sound, not because they knew anyone by that name.
The group played all over eastern Nebraska and into western Iowa, at long-gone
ballrooms at Arlington and Howells and those still remaining, the Pla-Mor in Lincoln and the Starlite in Wahoo. The band turned down opportunities to travel farther, he said, because the guys - who all had day jobsdidn't like to be gone overnight.
Hanna's basement office at his home in Oakland is a museum of old dance posters and music scores. He has scrapbooks full of newspaper clippings and handbills of gigs, and a thick notebook filled with names of fans.
Included are letters of thanks, including one addressed to "Tommy Bishop" (who Hanna is sometimes called) from an 83-year-old man, saying how happy he felt after dancing to the band.
"It can't be any better than that," Hanna said.
Since Kaea and Srb retired, the retooled Tommy Bishop Band has. cut back to three to five jobs a month, about onethird of its former schedule, mostly for dances at Eagles Clubs, ballrooms and Bluffs Run Casino.
The band gathered Sept. 15 for a special 75th birthday party for. Hanna at the Starlite Ballroom in Wahoo. He said he has no plans to quit, despite quadruple heart byp;:tss surgery a couple of years ago
"We've got jobs scheduled next year already, and we're still planning on being there, 11 Hanna said.
Joan Christen ('96) has been named the winner of a National Teacher Award by RadioShack. Joan teaches science at Southeast Nebraska Consolidated School in Stella. The award went to just 110 educators nationwide who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in math, science or technology.
Paula Czirr ('94) is the new Director of Residence Life at North Central College in Trenton Mo. The former Assistant Residence Life Directo.r at Peru State is responsible for their residence life program and campus activities.
Dr. Jessica Damrow ('98) received her doctorate of optometry degree from Indiana University in Bloomington. She has joined Mid America Vision Center with offices in York, Geneva and Hebron.
Victoria David ('96) of Fairfax, Mo. is working for the State of Missouri Department of Social Services as,an investigator. In the summer of 2001 she gained a Masters degree in youth care administration and education from Nova Southeastern University.
Jason Edie (attd. '98-'00) has joined the Kansas Highway Patrol and has been assigned to Pottawatomie County.
Joy Huber ('99) has accepted the position of Marketing Director for Westfield Shoppingtown - Gateway, formerly Gateway Mall, in Lincoln, Neb.
Dr. Martin Jacobsen ('92) earned a Teaching Excellence Award for 2001-02 at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. He is an assistant professor of English there.
Kelly Kremer ('95) is the new seventh and eight grade Englisli teacher in the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca (Neb.) public schools.
Louis Keim ('99) of Tecumseh, Neb. was selected to participate in the Nebraska Teacher Corps for 2002-2003. He will receive training in service-learning and will design and implement a service-learning project. Louis teaches in the Tecumseh Public Schools.
Jason Libal ('96) is currently residing in Wahoo, Neb. and is the Grades 7-12 behavior disorder teacher at Wahoo Public Schools. His coaching responsibilities include middle school football and assistant varsity basketball. Jason adds that he was married in August 2001 to Michelle Syverson and he has a four-year-old stepdaughter, Alexis.
Celeste Nolte ('99) has completed her physician assistant studies program at Union College and has joined the staff of the Superior (Neb.) Family Medical Clinic.
(continued on page 18)
Peru State College students will soon be able to wear white without worry.
The college is taking steps to protect its new water distribution system that was installed in 2000 by building a filtration system that will eliminate the notorious minerals and rust in Peru water.
This project has been on the top of Vice President for Business and Finance Linda Jacobson's list since she took over her position in 2000. She knows that only alumni and those who have experienced Peru water can truly appreciate the significance of the new water treatment system.
"It has been a constant battle," she said. "We have had to continually replace water softeners and water heaters because the mineral deposits ruin them. This project will minimize a lot of those costs."
remove iron and manganese. This option is the most cost effective not only because the college already has most of the necessary water softeners installed, but also because the annual maintenance costs for the filtration unit will be only an estimated $500. Other additional maintenance will be only what is necessary to maintain any new water softeners.
The overall cost of the project is $1.66,000.
The college is responsible for the majority of the cost, $86,984, but because a little over one half of the buildings involved are state owned, funding has been approved from Nebraska's LB 309 Task Force, an agency in charge of repair and maintenance to state buildings.
The college's portion of the bill will come from a capital improvement fee paid by students.
"I think students will be glad to see their fees going toward this project," said Jacobson. "The brown water has been a problem for probably as long as the college has been here, and students have been waiting a long time for this."
Laura Osborne ('93) of Omaha was recognized recently for her dedication to child passenger safety. Laura works for the Safety and Health Council of Greater Omaha and continues to coordinate the Southeast Coalition for Child Restraint Education.
Lisa Peters Othmer ('98) of Johnson, Neb. is teaching kindergarten at the St. Andrews School in Tecumseh, Neb. ·
Jill Parker ('97) is a math teacher and coach at Bishop Neumann Schools in Wahoo, Neb. She was previously employed at the Wilber Public Schools. Jill now lives in Lincoln.
Tamir Anderson Riley .('94) is working for Volvo Aero Services in Boca Raton, FL. as a Senior Accountant. She and husband Cornelius ('91), a police officer with the Boca Raton police department, are proud parents of four-year-old son CJ.
It was decided to construct a small building to house a centralized filtration system that will
And PSC students living in residence halls will be able to do their laundry without fear of discoloration. If all goes according to plan, clearer water will be flowing from the faucets and fountains of PSC in the spring of 2003.
Send your "'Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Dr. David Ainsworth, former Academic Vice President and a Division Chair at PSC in the 1990s, passed away in August.
Former PSC librarian Fern Allgood of Auburn, Neb. passed away in June. She worked at Peru State College for many years and later was a staff member for Region V Services. Children who attended PSC include Marlene Balance ('60) of Russellville, Ky., Marcia Reeves ('67) of Peru and Richard ('66) and wife Carolyn (Fisher '63) Allgood of Auburn.
Martin Bausch ('41) of Fairbury, Neb. passed away in July. He was a retired teacher in Nebraska and Arizona.
Lee Becker ('60) of Osceola, Neb. passed away in June.
Evelyn Rodgers Brown ('40) of Gray, ME. passed away in July.
Mason Colbert ('43) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in September.
Alice Taylor Covault ('63) of Table Rock, Neb. passed
away in June. She taught for She spent 31 years as a 20 years iil the Table Rock teacher, with Falls City, Neb. Public Schools. Public School her last position.
Mel Doeschot (' 48) passed away in May. He was a longtime teacher, coach and school administrator, and was superintendent at Tekamah-Herman in Nebraska from 1961 until retiring in 1987.
Dr. Andrew Elkins, Peru State's Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, passed away in July in his Peru home. He joined PSC in 2000.
Marvin Elliott ('62) of Verdon, Neb. passed away in ·July. He was a farmer and also taught and coached at the Dawson-Verdon Schools.
Hazel Niles Emslie ('34) of Fort Collins, Colo. passed away in Sept of 2001.
Stephanie Pierce Erdman ('93) of Rock Port, Mo. passed away in August.
Carol Rist Faulkner (attd. '66) of Gibbstown, NJ passed away in July. She was employed as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist at F.M. Science in Gibbstown, and had also worked as a teacher's aide at West Deptford Middle School. Her husband, Berton, is a 1970 grad of PSC.
Lillian Kirby Furlong ('60) of David City, Neb. passed away in September.
Marjorie Cowell Garber ('46) of Tacoma, Wash. passed away in September.
Kathleen Kelly Gilbert ('69) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in June. She attended Peru for two years in the early '30s and taught school for 12 years. She began teaching at Sacred Heart School in 1962 and taught there for 15 years until ing. She was active in several organizations in the Falls City community.
Lucille Hazelton Greene ('40) of Grand Island, Neb. passed away in August. She was a retired teacher.
Paul Hallenbeck ('39) of Council Bluffs, Iowa passed away in August. He was a tool engineer for Vickers Co. for 42 years.
Kathleen Jarvis, wife of former professor Dee v. Jarvis ('48) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in August. She was active in many organizations in the commu)lity and had been an assistant postmaster in Nemaha (Neb.) for many years. Her daughters Mary Schlange ('63) lives in Auburn, and Nancy Scriber ('67) lives in Mt. Angel, Ore.
(Continued on Page 19)
Maggie VanWinkle Rother ('99) of Tecumseh, Neb. was selected to participate in the Nebraska Teacher Corps for 20022003. She will receive training in service-learning and will design and implement a service-learning project.
Melissa Schoneweis ('99) is now teaching special education in the Wymore (Neb.) Southern school district.
Tina Rumery Sedersten ('99) received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in May. She works for Mercy Hospital as School Liaison for the Council Bluffs (IA.) school system. ·
Arthur Silknitter Jr. ('97) was featured in the Grand Island (Neb.) Independent newspaper this summer based on his "Amazing Arthur" one-man improvisational show that he presents to groups. The Papillion, Neb. resident gives up to 300 shows per year, often at corporate retreats, trade shows, and festivals and fairs.
Dick Strittmatter (masters '97), former PSC football coach, was featured in an article in the Sioux City (IA.) Journal in August. Now the Athletic Director and founding Head Football Coach at Briar Cliff University, he will lead his brandnew team through a junior varsity season this fall, and they will begin their inaugural varsity season a year from now.
Kent Stutheit ('95) of Humboldt, Neb. is teaching music in the Rock Port, Mo. Public Schools
Tera Norvell Stutheit ('96) of Johnson, Neb. is teaching at Johnson-Brock Public Schools. She had previously taught in the Tecumseh Public Schools.
Cari Ortmeier Thomas ('97) is teaching third grade with the Omaha Public Schools.
Kim Vrtiska ('91) is now teaching seventh and eighth grade science at the Falls City (Neb.) Middle School after 11 years with the Tecumseh (Neb.) schools. His wife the former Kris Kubert ('94) has started a home-based business called the Heritage Candle Co. She makes candles and lotions.
Chuck Wake ('96) is now teaching science and coaching eighth grade volleyball in Mahnomen, MN.
Traci Bellows Wehrbein ('95) of Burchard, Neb. is a participant in the 2002-2003 Nebraska Teacher Corps. Teachers are trained in service-learning and will design and implement a service-learning project.
(continued on page 19)
(From Page 18)
Alice Grush Johnson ('57) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in September. She was a school teacher, and retired from the Auburn Public Schools after 23 years. Her husband, Harold ('38), and daughters, Ruth Gerdes ('53) of Auburn and Janice Moen ('56) of Vancouver, Wash survive. A scholarship in honor of Harold and Alice was recently established with the Foundation by Tom ('57) and Janice Moen.
J.B. Johnson ('49) of Auburn, California passed away in September. His wife is the former Laurine Clayburn ('50).
Margaret Clineburg Hervey Jones ('29) of Kirkland, Wash. passed away in August. She had a long career as an educator, teaching mathematics at every level. She was principal of two elementary schools in Grand Island and was a professor at University of Northern Iowa when she retired in 1971. She was a member of several professional and honorary societies in Lincoln before moving to Kirkland.
Dean Karr ('41) of Denver, Colo. passed away in July. After serving in World War II, he worked for the Veteran's Administration and then finished his career at Lowry Air Force Base. He was long active in Peru State's Rocky Mountain Alumni Association.
Lena Porr Kelly ('29) of Humboldt, Neb. passed away in June.
Gladys Harding Koeppel ('57) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in September. She was a retired school teacher. Gladys was active in many organizations and served as a SilverHaired Senator in AARP.
Floyd Kuklin ('43) of Las Vegas, Nev. passed away in June. He was retired from Service Merchandise Company.
James P. Lane ('51) of Omaha, Neb. passed away in August. He retired from the Omaha Public Schools in 1983 after 30 years with the system. He continued to substitute teach after his retirement. James was a longtime official at the Nebraska State Track Meet.
Nancy Steck Lavigne passed away in August in Gilbert, Ariz. She was a daughter of Professor G. Holt "Pop" Steck.
Louetta Mae Georges Lound (' 42) of Holland, Mich. passed away in July.
Thelma Keegan McNergney ('65) of Tecumseh, Neb. passed away in June. She taught for 25 years. Among her survivors are
daughter JoEllen Vinyard ('59) of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Ruth Dodge Petersen ('70) of Griswold, Iowa passed away in July. She previously took courses through the '40s, '50s and '60s, and began her teaching career in country schools in 1941.
in July. She was a retired elementary school teacher and had taught at ,the Cedar Elementary School in l3eatrice for 31 years.
Ronald L. Smith, Sr. ('90) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in July. He was a machine techni.., cian for Nebraska Power Ball.
Dolores Remmers Spilker ('62) of Murritta, Calif. passed away in March.
Helen Kerns Pohlman (attd. '36) of Humboldt, Neb. passed away in August. She taught school for a short time. "' Betty Garver Stippich ('39)
Irene Riester Puls ('36) of Louisville, Neb. passed away in July.
Keith Roberts ('43) of Casper, Wyo. passed away in July. He was a teacher for over 30 years, and retired from Natrona County high school in 1984 after 25 years with the Natrona County School District. Keith was an outstanding athlete at PSC and was inducted into the PSC Hall of Fame as a member of the 1940 football team.
Word has been received that Clark L. Rogers (' 46) of Charleston, S.C. has passed away.
Robert Runkles (attd. '67'70) of Evergreen, Colo. passed away in August. Robert was an undercover agent for the Omaha Police Department for 15 years, and then became director of internal security for Martin Marietta in Littleton, Colo.
Russell Schaefer ('31) of Longmont, Colo. passed away recently. He was a teacher. His wife is the former Marcella McQuinn ('31).
Edna Price Schuler ('67) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in June. She was a retired school teacher and had taught in the Salem (Neb.) School district as well as the Falls City Public Schools.
R. Kenneth Seward (attd. '37-'38) of Falls City, Neb. passed away i.n September.
Albert Sharp (attd. '62-'63) passed away in Springfield, Mo. in August.
Magdalena Shumaker (attd. '53-'54) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in September. She was a retired school teacher.
Ray Simmons (attd. '45) of Fremont, Neb. passed away in July. After serving in the U.S. Navy du.ring World War II he graduated from UNL School of Law in 1950. He later attended the School of Naval Justice and acted as a prosecuting and defense counsel for the Navy. In 1953 Ray moved to Fremont where he practiced law. He was a State Senator and was active in the Republican Party as well as many civic organizations.
Mildred Blecha Smith ('31) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away
passed away in August in Richmond, Mo. She taught briefly, then enjoyed a career as a nurse in the Kansas City area.
Jane Swan Staack ('75) of · Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in July. She had been a teacher for ESU #4 in Auburn, retiring in 1985.
Wallace Sugden ('32) of Oak Park, Ill. passed away in September. He was a lifelong educator, serving as a school superintendent for two decades before retiring in 1969.
Edward "Ted" Thompson (attd. '40-'41) passed away in Sioux City, Iowa in June. He spent his entire career working for Security National Bank in Sioux City, ending as its President and Board Chair.
Gwendolyn Payne Waldo ('35) of Sonoma, Calif. passed away recently. She was active in music while on campus. Her husband was the late Dwight Waldo ('35), a longtime college professor at the University of California at Berkeley and at Syracuse (N.Y.) University.
James Webb (attd. '47-'49) of Phoenix, Ariz. passed away in August. He worked as an engineer for the Nebraska Department of Roads for 30 years. He later was employed by Sides and Associates, Inc. of Omaha as an engineer. His brother Lawrence ('51) lives in Geneva, Neb.
Richard C. Wickiser ('55) of Omaha passed away in September.
Emily Jane Fitts Wilks (attd. '31-'32) passed away in Scottsbluff, Neb. in July.
Wallace Wuster ('57) of Omaha passed away in May. Wally was a teacher for five years and then was employed as a draftsman for Omaha Steel. He in 1986 as an appraiser for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. After retirement he became a massage therapist and worked part-time for over 10 years as a therapist. Wally was also involved in many local organizations. His wife is the former Doris Shearer ('57).
Don Yocum ('50) of Denver, Colo. passed away in June. He spent his professional career in education.
Tressa Whittington ('97) of Phoenix, Ariz. started a new position with Arizona State University as an Accounting Specialist with the MBA Programs. She is pursuing a second degree in accounting at ASU.
Send your "Peruviana" to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Franciska Petersen Blankenfield ('02) is superintendent of executive services at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts.
Sherry Hayden Bowman ('01) is staffing supervisor and recruiter for Ayrstaff in Omaha.
Toni Stephens Bruce ('01) of Hamburg, Iowa is a fifth grade teacher in the Auburn Public Schools.
Ann Brugger ('00) of Johnson, Neb. is teaching kindergarten and is also the assistant girls basketball coach at the Auburn Public Schools.
Kelle Knott. Carnes ('00) has joined the Blair (Neb.) public school system as a third grade teacher.
Eric W. Cook ('02) continues with the U.S. Air Force at Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue in the area of federated support.
Katrina Daniels ('02) is teaching third graders in the Millard (Neb.) Public Schools.
Andrew Davis ('00) is now the music director at the Diagonal schools in Iowa.
Sheryl Ehmke ('01) is attending the University of Central Florida graduate school.
Derek Garfield ('01) is teaching junior high physical education, high school strength and conditioning, and is assistant football, wrestling and track coach at the Ainsworth (Neb.) Community Schools.
Becky Harrah ('01) is working for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services at Tecumseh, Neb. ,as a caseworker.
Monica Osborn Heard ('02) is a secondary business and computer teacher, head girls basketball coach and assistant girls track coach at Boys Town High School in Nebraska.
Rob ('00) and Wen(ly ('01) Hollis are. Family Teachers at Boys Town in Omaha.
Sabrina Heft ('02) of Nebraska City, Neb. is teaching at the rural McCartney School near Nebraska City.
Doug ('02) and Misti (Lenz '02) Jamison are teaching parents at the Christian Heritage Children's Homes at Kearney, Neb.
Jennifer Pecha Kastanek ('02) of Beatrice, Neb. is teaching English at the Beatrice (Neb.) High School.
Jeff Keasling ('02) is a seventh grade social studies teacher at the Millard (Neb.) Public Schools.
(continued on page 23)
The Peru State College softball and baseball teams each placed four members of this past season's squad on the prestigious 2002 NAIA Scholar-Athlete all-star squads.
Baseball standouts both on the field and in the classroom included senior Michael Hunt (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) and juniors Jacob Barnoski (Polson, Mont.), Sean Dyck (Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada), and Dillon Musil (Kearney).
Softball stars included senior Sandra Owen (Omaha) and juniors Carrie Alexander (Johnson), Jessica Joe (Fairbury), and Jamie McBride (Atlantic, Iowa).
Hunt hit .369 with 38 hits, 29 runs, and 22 RBis for the 'Cats and twice has been named NAIA Scholar-Athlete. Barnoski had 11 appearances on the mound for the Bobcats, going 2-2 with an ERA of 3.42 despite medical problems much of the year.
Dyck hit .324 while leading the team in at-
bats, doubles, and runs. He also had 71 hits and 34 RBis and was named the national NAIA Player of the Week in March. Musil, a catcher, hit .333 in 37 games for the Bobcats.
Owen was a repeat NAIA Scholar-Athlete in her final season who hit .269 with 18 hits and scored 17 runs. Alexander put ap solid numbers for the Bobcats with a .275 batting average, 36 hits, 28 runs and 17 runs batted in.
Joe had 26 hits. and 16 runs batted in while hitting .280 in 35 games this past season. McBride led the Bobcats with 38 runs and 27 runs batted in while playing in all 46 games. She also was an NAIA Scholar-Athlete last year for the Bobcat women's basketball team.
A student-athlete must maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average, be a junior academically, and contribute on the field to their respective teams to be considered for Scholar-Athlete selection.
The Peru State College football team is off to a slow start to the 2002 season, opening the year with a 2-4 record as of late October. The Bobcats hoped to rebound with three of their last four games to be played in the Oak Bowl.
The Bobcats were suffering through one of their most injury-plagued seasons in recent memory. The 'Cats had lost five starters to season-ending injuries at press time, with the defensive unit hit the worst.
PSC shook off an 0-4 start to win two straight. Victories came against Haskell and Southwest Assemblies.
Despite opening the season with lopsided losses against
PSC student-athletes are now under the care new trainer, Scott Peery. "I like the small college environment because you get to know your athletes better. l went to a small college where you knew everyone. It was like a big family." His bachelors degree is frorn University <1f West Alabama.
Pee1y's duties will include athletic il\iury and illness care and. prevention for all varsity, club, and intramural sport athletes. He will also be teaching at PSC.
(Photo by Kent Propst)
Doane College and at Iowa Wesleyan Univ.ersity, the ·Bobcats continued to improve and lost a hard-fought col.1.'test at Oklahoma Panhandle State University by a final of 19-15. The following week, the 'Cats · fell to College by the narrow margin of 31-30.
"We continue to improve as a team," said first-year head coach Terry Clark, a former Bobcat player and assistant coach. "Our younger players continue to step up when we have needed them. to and the seniors have kept our· group together when. things could have fallen apart."
Junior quarterback Toby Henry (Houston, Tex.) has led the Bobcat offensive attack,
throwing for 792 yards and seven touchdowns while also leading the 'Cats in rushing with 123 yards on 51 carries. Henry's favorite target this season has been sophomore Scott Beveridge (Reno, Nev.) who has caught 21 passes for 380 yards and six touchdowns. Sophomore Justin Bartling (Central City, Iowa) has caught 10 passes for 204 yards and one score.
Defensively, senior Paul Heusinkvelt (Crete) is leading the Bobcats with 37 tackles and has intercepted opposing quarterbacks four times.
Junior Tim · Clemenger (Papillion) has registered 31 total stops and one interception in the first four games.
An appearanCf1 in the national NA/A volleyball ratings has been one the highlights rif theflrst portion <if the Bobcat volleyball season. In this picture.freshman Kristin Delaney (Fremont, left) approaches the net while senior Meghan Scanlan (Plattsmouth, center) sets the ball to junior Anna Barnoski (Bellevue, right) during a home-court victory.
TI1e Peru State College volleyball team began the 2002 season with a 221-9 record as of late October. The Bobcats opened the year winning nine of their first 11 matches.
The 'Cats early success did not go unnoticed as they were voted the #25 nationally ranked team in the NAIA on Sept. 17. The Bobcats have also enjoyed a top five ranking in the Region IV poll, arguably the toughest Region in the country, with five teams nationally ranked in the top 25.
"I am very happy that in only my second year, we managed to amass as many wins by October 5 as we did all of last season, although we still have a lot of work to do," said Head Coach Fred Aubuchon. "I feel that we are a strong enough team to make the conference tournament again this year."
The 'Cats have relied on a very balanced attack throughout the season, helping them play strong in topmaments and the early Midlands Collegiate
Athletic Conference schedule. The mix of senior leadership and talented youth has been a winning combination for the Bobcats in 2002.
Junior Anna Barnoski (Bellevue) led the Bobcats wi.th 277 kills or 3.6 kills per game. Barnoski has been one of senior Katy Scheel's (Columbus) favorite targets, helping her to amass 784 set assists in the first 22 games. Scheel was honored as the conference and NAIA Region IV Setter of the Week for her play the week ending Sept. 15 when the 'Cats went 3-2, their only losses coming at the hands of nationally ran].<.ed opponents.
The Bobcats have also received very steady play from senior Meghan Scanlan (Plattsmouth) who is second on the team with 211 kills and leads the 'Cats with 338 digs on tke year. Sophomore Cara DeBuhr (Auburn) has been solid this season collecting 136 kills and 63 blocks for the season.
President Ben Johnson (le.ft) presented theannual Bert Swenson Awards as the top PSC student-athletes for 2001-02 to Janelle Findlay Knippelmeyer and Monte Scott during ceremonies in the Oak Bowl on Sept. 7. They are the latest honorees for an award that .dates back ro 1925.
The annual Bert Swenson Award was given for the 2001-02 school year to Janelle Findlay Knippelmeyer and Monte Scott.
The Swenson Award has been given to PSC's top student-athlete since 1925. It recognizes a student-athletes' participation in athletics, their character and personality, and their service and loyalty to Peru State College. Beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, an award was given recognizing both a male and female student-athlete.
Findlay Knippelmeyer, a Southeast: Nebraska Consolidated High School graduate from Stella, earned the female award due to her prowess on the volleyball court. "She was twice named to the All-Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference First Team and was named an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention selection as a junior. She is the Bobcats' all-time leader in digs and appears in four of the seven school records charted.
Scott was only the third Bobcat to ever be named a three-time NAIA All-American Honorable Mention selection. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Scott .was twice selected to the MCAC First Team and was named the MCAC Player of the Year this past season.
He holds five Peru State batting and two pitching records as well as having his name appear in 24 different top ten single sea-
son and career categories. ·
The two were presented their awards at PSC on Sept. 7.
The Peru State College men's basketball team is in full gear and busily preparing for the 2002-03 season under tlie direction of second-year head coach Jerre Cole.
The Bobcats return eight seniors and one junior, including senior Montsho Wilson (Chicago, Ill.), a 6-3 guard who was named a NAIA AllAmerican Honorable Mention selection and the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year following last season.
The versatile Wilson will see time at point guard, small forward and power forward this season. In addition, the 'Cats have also added seven new faces this year to make their roster very deep and talented in preparation for a turnaround season.
"It was our goal to increase our size and athletic ability around the basket in our offseason recruiting," said Cole.
(Continued on Page 22)
The 2002-03 Peru State College women's basketball team plans on improving last season's 11-20 overall record. With the addition of several newcomers and a solid returning group, the 'Cats could be on their way back to prominence. ·
"It is our goal to make it back into post-season play and improve our finish in the conference," said head coach Tab Jefferson. "We also hope to continue to lead the nation in Scholar-Athletes."
Despite the loss of First Team All-Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference selection Tiffany Taylor, the Bobcats return a good group of core players, including three starters.
Senior guard Jamie McBride (Atlantic, Iowa) is the 'Cats leading returning scorer with 8.3 points per contest. McBride is one of the Bobcats' strongest outside threats and will play both the point guard and off guard positions.
Also returning at guard after an injury-plagued sophomore season is Brooke Placke (Grand Island). Placke, a talented ball handler with range from the perimeter, will also see time at the point and off guard positions.
Senior Jen Easterwood (Dawson) will complete her four-year Peru State career this season after leading the Bobcats in rebounding a year ago with 5.8 per game. Easterwood is a physical insider who started in 28 games last season in the post, averaging 7.6
points.
Senior Gorcia Gramatikova (Skopje, Macedonia) should compete for time in the inside rotation after playing in 16 games as a junior. A physical and tough insider with good size, Gramatikova can run the floor and rebound in the paint.
Sophomore Sally Witt (Falls City) also returns to the 'Cats after a limited freshman campaign at both the point and off guard positions. "Sally has improved a lot in the off season," said Jefferson. "She is more confident and she has improved her overall skills. We hope that it will translate to better play during the season."
The Bobcats look forward to the addition of seniors Jaci Ideus (Beatrice) and Sara Craven (Ashland) following the completion of the volleyball season. Ideus is a tough and solid power forward that will be counted on to rebound and score in the midrange. Craven, an off guard who can drive the lane, will strengthen the 'Cats guard corps.
The recruiting class is expected to contdbute immediately and is thought to .be one of the better classes that 'Cats have had in recent years.
"We are excited about this year's recruiting class, but even more excited about our future classes, now that we have finally added an adult assistant coach," said Jefferson. "Bryan Lee will bring recruiting experience that we have missed the. past few years .
With the time constraints of being a head coach, it has been hard .to fill both capacities."
Senior Brenda Sindelar (Howells) joins the Bobcats after competing at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock last year. Sindelar is a multitalented forward who has all-around skills, allowing her to play both on the perimeter and in the post.
Juniors Brandi Alexander (Plainview) and Mary Dent. (Lawton, Okla.) both transferred after competing at the junior college level last season. Alexander played at Southeast Community College in Beatrice. Suited for the 'Cats style of play, she is expected to play the off guard and small forward positions this season. Dent transfers from Northern Oklahoma Community College in Tunkawa. She is an attacking · guard that can penetrate for both scores and assists.
Freshman Jill Stehlik (Omaha) will be following in her older sisters footsteps, last season's graduated senior Jessica. Stehlik is expected to compete this season as depth in the guard rotation. Her solid work ethic has helped her improve during the pre-season and advancing her game to the collegiate level.
Two walk-ons joined the Bobcats this fall, including sophomore Lindsey Lanik (Hemingford) and freshman Cindy Albrecht (Elk Creek). Lanik has been a s.tudent at Peru .State the past two years, finally taking the step of competing in collegiate basketball.
The Peru State College baseball team enjoyed its winningest season ever in 2002, setting the season victory record with a 40-24 year. The 'Cats lost four seniors to graduation but return a strong nucleus for the 2003 campaign.
"We lost some quality players to graduation last year, but no one that we feel cannot be replaced," said head coach Mark Bayliss. "The 2003 season is very promising with the return of a strong core group of players. And with a strong recruiting class, this season should be a s good or better than last year."
The Bobcats return eight starters including senior Steve Winton
Bobcat senior baseball star Monte Scott (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) was named to the· NAIA AllAmerican Honorable Mention team for the third straight season.
He joins former Bobcat football standouts Alvin Holder and Roosevelt Brown as the on1y Peru State athletes to be named three-time All-Americans in their respective sports.
A third baseman and ace pitcher, Scott led the 40-24 Bobcats 77 18 homenms. He set seven PSC marks during his four years with the 'Cats including career ERA (1.99), career hits (243), career
(Jackson) who was third on the Bobcat squad last year with a .368 batting average. Juniors Joe Tynon (Vermillion, Kan.), John McHugh (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), Jeremie Larkins (Lincoln), and Dillon Musil (Kearney) will also be looked to play key roles in the Bobcats' success.
The softball team will try to improve on last season's 22-24 overall record and their 6-6 finish in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference. The 'Cats return 10 from last season's squad, including eight starters, giving head coach Mark Mathews a solid nucleus of talent and experience.
"We are excited about the upcoming season, with such a talented group of
returning players and a strong recruiting class," said Mathews. "We should improve on last year's record and look to finish in the top of the MCAC."
The 'Cats return senior Jamie McBride (Atlantic, Iowa) who led the· team in stolen bases with 13 and atbats with 156. Senior Jessica Hill (Nicoma Park, Okla.) led the Bobcats in 2002 with 43 hits, 27 runs batted in, and four homeruns.
Peru State has added men's volleyball as a club sport for the 2003 spring season. Head coach Fred Aubuchon, who also serves as the Bobcat women's coach, has been appointed to direct the fledgling program in its first season.
Aubuchon has brought in 11 new
student-athletes into the program that will compete in the Midlands Athletic Men's Volleyball Intercollegiate Conference this season. The MAMVIC is a conference based primarily in Missouri and consists of all NAIA sponsored schools. The host of talent has been assembled from all around the country, including Hawaii, Texas, Ohio, and Colorado.
"I am excited about the size and athletic ability of our young team," said Aubuchon. "I am convinced that we will be competitive this year in what is a very tough conference. Three of the top four teams in the country are members of the MAMVIC."
.........................
"I feel good about our chances and confident that we are headed in the right direction as a program."
The Bobcats finished 2001-02 with a 1317 overall record and a 6-6 record in the MCAC, good for fourth place and a surprise spot in the postseason tourney. The 'Cats were defeated by Newman University in the first round of the MCAC tournament.
The talented and deep Bobcats will look to a balanced attack that emphasizes play around the basket. The senior-laden team cou1d be a force in MCAC hopes to compete the title with perennial powers Bellevue (Neb.) University Newman (Wichita, · · that the from be the it has ever been year, Cole. "There is a mix of rooted young in the conference that should make
Vanderkamp started in 28 games as a junior and is expected· contribute once again in the revamped inside rotation of the Bobcats.
.From Page 21
At power forward, senior Josh Horton (Omaha) to finish cofleaiate career the 'Cats. expected to and an increased role. in 1 games as a more and expected to contribute as a member of the inside rotation.
Heading the group newcomers IS _Junior at-bats (681), career RBI's 069), Monte Scott tive league."
career assists (388), single season victories (11), and single season homernns (18).
Scott was a two-time All-Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference selection and was named the MCAC Player of the Year for 2002. He als.o earned Region IV First Team honors this past season for Head Cqach Mark Bayliss' Bobcats.
Senior Jon Bryd.son (Dallas, Tex.) retun'ls to the '<";ats and is expected to make a significant contribution. Brydson moves from power forward to his natural position of small forward.
At the off guard position. seniors Brian Lemeroml (Falls .City) and Kip Shestak (Western) will secure a very solid area for the 'Cats. Lemerond will also see time at point guard position while Shestak has the athleticism to play small forward in times of need.
"Brian is playing at the top of his game right now. This is the best I have seen him play," said Cole. "Kip is one of the top athletes in the conference and gives us a strong and physical scorer who can play multiple positions."
Julian Seay (Keokuk, Iowa) returns at point guard for his senior year after starting in 20 games for the Bobcats last season. Seay should split time at both off guard and point.
Also returning at point guard is senior Jeremy Parker (Porterville, Calif.) who was one of four Bobcats who pfayed in all 30 games a year Parker is a tough, hardnosed point who can drive the lane and find the open man. He will be counted on in an area of strength for the 'Cats.
Senior Steve Vanderkamp (Auburn) will be counted on for solid interior play.
·Mike Woods (Lincoln), a 6- 7 power forward with the ability to knock down the jumper and use his power around the basket. Woods sat out last season after playing at Platte Community College.
Another addition to the interior of the Bobcats is sophomore Jason Lee (Baton Rouge, La.), a 6-8, 300 lb. center, who has the abilitv to score on the block and hold space both offensively and defensively. Lee played at Hinds Community College in Raymond; Miss., out of high school but has sat out the past two seasons.
At point gua.rd, the 'Cats are excited about the addition of junior Vernon Johnson (Omaha) who transfers from Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs. Johnson will sit out the first semester and gain eligibility before joining the 'Cats for conference play.
Two sophomore guards, Chris Johnson (Sioux City, Iowa) and Jeremy Rutherford (Bellevue), have transferred into the program. Johnson was at Wayne State College the past two years while Rutherford spent the past two seasons at.Bellevue University.
The only freshman addition to this year's team is Michael McCarthy (Bellevue) who red-shirted at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa before sitting out of school all of last year. McCarthy will join ·the 'Cats following the :Pall semester.
Send "Peruviana '' to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box JO, Peru NE 68421-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.
Angie Holtapp Coe ('96) and her husband Jeff are proud patents of sqn Matthew Lester, born in March. They live in Omaha.
Steve DeFreece ('93) and wife Paula of Tecumseh, Neb. are proud
and husband Nathan (attd. 192-'96) of Waverly, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Emma Marie, born in May. She was welcomed home by a sister Megan.
Andy Hall ('89) and his wife of Schuyler, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Easton James, born in July. f(e was welcomed home by two brothers, Preston and Auston.
parents ofa son, Gabriel Irvin, born Shannon Brown Hansen ('91) in July. and her bus.band Todd are proud parents of.baby girl Hope Elisabeth, Angela Petersen Dickey ('95) born 1astFebruary, She was weland her husband from corned to their Fremont, Neb. home Marshalltown,.Iowa are proud par- by twin brothers Ty and Trey. ents of a son, David James, born in July. He was welcomed home by a Don ('97) and Teri (Miller '90) brother, Matthew. Angela is Hogue of Falls City, Neb. are presently .a stay-at-home mom and proud parents of a son, Brock a Girl Scout leader for a local troop. Edward, born in August. He was welcomed home by two brothers, Reese and Konner. Angela Gonzales Dorn ('90) and husband Daryl of Beatrice, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Stormie Isabella, born in August.
Ginger Hall Feek ('94) and husband Keith of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Laney Marie, born in August. She was welcomed home by Kodi, Krynn and Reece.
Jack ('87) and Mary Neels ('84) Frary of Sutherland, Neb. are proud parents of· a son, Daniel Christopher, born in August. He was welcomed home by two brothers and four sisters.
Rod Frederick ('99) and his wife Stephanie are proud parents of daughter Katherine Hope. They live in Omaha.
Victoria McKinley Garcia ('90) ·and husband Joe are proud parents of daughter Calli Jo, born last January. Calli was welcomed home by her sisters Allyssia, Dee, and Brittany. Victoria is currently a second grade teacher for Harrison School District 2, Colorado Springs,. CO., where she;: has taught for the past three years.
Jennifer Draper Grube ('96)
Amy Giittinger Johnson ('95) and husband Glen of Nebraska City, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Luke Alan, born in May. He was welcomed home by three sisters, Mariah, Molly and Mary.
Michelle Lytle Lane ('97) and husband Keith (attd. '94-'97) of New Strawn, Kan. are proud parents of a daughter, Aryel Grace, born last December.
Brett ('96) and Stacy Ingersoll ('94) Matteen of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a son, James Robert, born in July.
Tony Mitchell ('94) and wife Nancy of Omaha are proud parents of a daughter, Madison Elizabeth, born in July. Tony is a Nuclear Program Coordinator in the Nuclear Engineering Division of the Omaha Public Power District.
Paula Baltensperger Murphy ('94) and husband Brian of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Emma Jean, born in .September. She was welcomed home by a sister, Sheila.
Andy ('96) and Teresa Goracke ('97) Plummer of
Bellevue, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Jessica Marie, born in June.
Catherine Duryea Ramos ('92) and husband Mike of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Raymond born in July.
Jonathan Rathe ('95) and wife Brenda of Sterling, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Joel Orvin, born in June.
Heather Nedrow Rubenking ('96) and husband Marv of Eagle, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Carley Ava, born in June. She was welcomed home by a brother, Caden.
Monte Scheer ('02) and wife Joni, of Omaha are proud parents of a son, Samuel Justice, born in August.
Mike "Pip" ('90) and Jennifer (Plager, attd. '91-'92) Stehlik of Nebraska City are proud parents of daughter Riley Justine, born in
Susan Bergemann Venter ('96) and husband Scott (attd. '93-'94) are proud parents of daughter Hannah Elizabeth, born in July 21 in Lincoln. Susan is an adjunct faculty member in the Education Department at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Scott is a Hearing Officer for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Lincoln.
Jeff ('89) and Carrie (Dalton '89) Vickers of Omaha are proud parents of son Cale Patrick, boi::n in June. He was welcomed home by brothers Tyler and Brayden.
Julie Lutz White ('92) and husband Brian of Omaha are proud parents ,of a son, Logan Joseph, born in July.
Elizabeth Allen Zeleny ('92) and husband James of Fairmont, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Maxwell Robert, born in May. He was welcomed home by a brother and sister.
!
The Class of '72 has undoubtedly covered a lot of ground in the last 30 years. In some of their cases, perhaps a little too much - they are on PSC's "lost alumni" list.
We would like to get current, hoine addresses on as many of the following as possible.
If you can help find. them, we would be grateful.
Send current, home addresses to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010, or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu, or call him at (402) 872-2225. Thanks for your assistance!
Anderson, Floyde'A..
Beguin, Perry A.
Bollinger, William R.
Buck, William R.
Carpenter, Barbara J.
Cayou, Mary A.
Cottier, Susan E. (Hall)
Coyle, Gregg A.
Dasher, Dennis W.
Decoteau, Dixie R.
Diblasi, James J.
Dickinson, Sandee (Cooper)
Eblen, Mary E.
Elder, Dorothy I. (Dux)
Harris, David John
Helm, John L.
Hoffmeyer, Wayne M.
Johnson, Betty D.
Krieger, Donald E.
Leban, Imogene (Boucher) Lindquist, Elda
Lutt, John Maniatis, Emanuel McAlister, Alvin E. Morton, Faye L. Otte, Sandy
· Parks, Nathaniel
Peterson, William C. Pokorski, Kenneth R. Poppe, Ron Samson, William Reed Schamp, Judy Sieck, Roger L. Stevenson, Duane L. Telschow, Beverly A. Tennal, Dayle W. Varelas, Judith (Frech)
Karrie Kramer ('02) is the sixth grade language arts teacher and fourth; fifth and sixth grade science teacher in the Kenesaw (Neb.) Public School. She will also help with junior high volleyball and girls track.
Cynthia Larson ('02) of Nebraska City, Neb. has begun her teaching career at the McCartney School near Nebraska City.
Tara Long ('02) of Beatrice, Neb. is teaching Title I at the Cedar Elementary School in Beatrice.
Scott ('01) and Krystal Northouse ('01) Macholan moved to Omaha this summer: Krystal accepted a position at Gretna High School where she is teaching sophomore English and is also the sponsor of the high school Scott is teaching seventh grade science at Blair Middle School and coaching ninth grade boys basketball. Scott had previously taught at the York PubJic Schools.
Rita Martin {'02) is teaching seventh and eighth grade social science at Riley (Kan.) County Grade School.
Katy James Marvel {'02) is now the student activities coordinator and equity advisor at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs. ·
Randi Mayberry ('02) is teaching special education at the new Southwest High School in Lincoln, Neb. She is also the JV volleyball coach and reserve girls basketball coach.
Erica Medina {'02) of Cook, Neb. is teaching fifth grade at the Tecumseh Public Schools.
Linda Miller ('00) of Hiawatha, Kan. is teaching art at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb.
Traci Held Monro ('01) is teaching second graders at Gilder Elementary for the Omaha Public Schools.
Sandra Owen ('02) is a youth care worker at Uta Halee in Omaha.
Amy Parson ('01) is an accountant for Anderson Ford, an automotive dealership in Lincoln, Neb.
Jon Rother ('00) of Tecumseh, Neb. was selected to participate in the 2002-2003 Nebraska Teacher Corps. Participants receive training in service4earning and will design and implement a service-learning project.
Carmen Edie Schickert {'02) has joined the teaching staff at the Gretna (Neb.) Public Schools.
Randy Siepmann ('02) is teaching in the Success Center at the Bellevue (Neb.) Public Schools.
Nicole Pippin Smith {'02) is a third grade teacher at the Bellevue (Neb.) Public Schools.
Jessica Howard Snethen C02) is teaching fifth grade and serving as assistant junior high volleyball coach at the Falls City (Neb.) public schools.
Shawn Strickland {'02) of Auburn is a family support specialist and tracer for Cedars Youth Services at Beatrice, Neb.
Tina Thormahlen-Richardson {'00) of Adams, Neb. is teaching mathematics in the Nemaha Valley Schools at Cook and Talmage.
Lisa Wright {'01) is a caseworker for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services at Tecumseh, Neb.
Although Peru State did not have baseball at the time, Eckman pursued a career in the St. Louis Cardinal's orga- · nization following college. Though it was cut short by
military service, Eckman continued his athletic endeavors by earning military honors for his play in three sports for the Berlin Bears in occupied Germany.
A native of Pawnee City, Neb., Eckman quarterbacked the unbeaten Peru State football teams of 1952 and 1953 and earned 11 PSC letters in four sports.
Eckman spent most of his life as an educator and coach at several Nebraska schools including Tecumseh, Cozad, Fairbury, Murdock, and Malcolm. ·
He lives in Lincoln.
Erin O'Grady Sayer
Former PSC head football coach Jerry Joy had the pleasure of seeing his great 1980 Bobcat squad added to the college's Hall of Fame in September. It had been nearly 30 years since a PSC team won nine games until the 1980 'Cats posted a 9-1 record.
Erin O'Grady Sayer com,.peted in softball at Peru State College· from 1987-1990 as a standout pitcher. She combined toughness and talent to set the standard by which future Peru State College softball pitchers would be measured.
By the conclusion of her career. she owned nearly every Bobcat season and career pitching record. Although
some of those records were later surpassed, Sayer continues to hold several marks including most wins, most pitching appearances, and most shutouts.
Sayer remained at Peru State College following graduation as a member of the professional staff, most notably as the Residence Life Director. She now works at the University of Nebraska Lincoln as an academic advisor for the College of Arts &. Sciences.
She lives near Dunbar.
1980 Bobcat Football Team
The 1980 team brought back the "glory days" to Peru State football. The Bobcats finished the season 9-1, the first nine-win season for the 'Cats in 28 years. It also marked the first time a Peru State football team would be nationally ranked in the Top Ten in the NAIA.
Although the Jerry Joycoached squad was riot the biggest or fastest Peru State team, they were fearless and possessed outstanding heart
The only blemish in the 9-1 season was a one-pint loss to Chadron State. No other opponent came within lO points of the Bobcats.
The balanced offensive attack broke a Peru State College single season scoring record that had stood since
1927. Their smothering defense held seven· opponents to 12 points or less, While several of Peru State's all-time great players were on the squad, it was the 'Cats balance, depth and strong will to win that produced the remarkable .season.