2005 The Bobcat Banner (Nebraska)

A Publication of the Peru State College Foundation Volume 1, Issue 1

October 2005

www.bobcatalumni.com

AN ew Vision For Peru State College 7 1 percent. To further develop th is important program of the future, Dr. Johnson believes that the College needs a techno logy center. This could be either a separate building between Morgan and Jindra Halls or possibl y an addition to Jindra.

Bo.beat athleti cs also has .grown dramatically.

The football program recruits more than one hundred students each year. Also, th e athl eti c program has added men's vo lleyball, as we ll as women 's cross county and go lf tea ms. The President' s Vision calls for improved athl etic faci lities to meet the needs of this burgeon ing program.

The demolition of th e old A.D . Majors building is included in the Vision to clear the way for expand ed Oak Bow l parking. The Wheeler Center wi ll be rem odeled to include coaches' offices and updated train ing fac ili ties .

Bobcat athletics will benefit by the construction of an¡ indoor competition fac ility, built on what is now a parking area west of th e Wh eeler PSC President, Dr. Ben Johnson announced last fall a plan to upgrade the Peru State College campus. All Center. Wheeler itself w ill serve intramural and members of the PSC community have been asked to participate in developing his plan by logging on to the (Continued 011 page 2) College's website, www.peru. edu.

A wave of excitement flood ed th e campus at Homecoming last year when President Ben Johnson un veiled plans to continue the histori c progress of the College. Dr. Johnson's "Transforming V ision" includes enh anced programming and campus fac ili ties, add itional campus beautifi cation an d improved service to southeast Nebraska. The $35 million plan was announced am idst excitement surrounding th e second straight year of record-breaking incoming student enrollment.

Renovations of the Admini stration Building, to be completed in the fa ll of2005 , w ill wrap up the long list of projects the President wanted to acco mplish when he first came to Peru State.

Now, it is time to loo k to the future.

Dr. Johnson's vision includes an expanded student center, a new technology fac ili ty, the demolition of th e A.D . Majors building, furth er upgrad ing of the Oak Bowl , and a new indoor athl etic competition center.

The Student Center, built in 1959, was The Vi sion bui lds upon the acco mpli shments designed to accom modate a 700-student of President Johnson's first five years in office. camp us. Today, it can barely accommodate th e Since the start of his Presidency in 1999, the needs of th e College's 1, 100 on-ca mpus College has enjoyed $25 million in campus students. Dr. Joh nson's plan call s fo r an add itions and renovations. The list of changes add ition extending toward Morgan Hall; it that have taken p lace is breathtaking in scope would house admissions, fi nancial aid and and includes an award- winning library, an student activities offices. It wo uld also be the Academi c Reso urce Center, an addition to th e location of a 25 -seat movie theater.

Hoyt Science Bui lding, the renovation of the TJ The di stance learnin g program at PSC has Majors Building, a new Lincoln classroom faci li ty, a new graduate center in Omaha and an greatly expanded. Online enrollment increased an nex complimenting th e program at Offutt Air by 64 percent in the fa ll of2004 and students taking online classes exclusive ly increased by Force Base.

Inside this issue: Enrollment

2

National Alumn i Association

3

High School to College Transition

4

College News

5

Homecoming

7

Bobcat Athletics

9

Class Notes

14

Page J

T HE BOBCAT BANNER

Peru State College Enrollment Up Again Peru State Co llege ex peri enced a I 0 percent growth in enro llment last spring, w ith ind icators showing another record -breaking year in th e offi ng.

"We've done it aga in," said Dr. Ben E. Johnso n, Peru State President. "Last yea r we celebrated the largest incoming class in our 137-yea r hi story, and we are continuing th at trend thi s year."

Dr. Johnson referred to a date-to-date comparison between March 1, 2004 and March 1, 2005 whi ch showed a ten percent increase in students. In 2004 on that date, Peru State had a total of 1,47 1 sn1dents; this year's number is at a record 1,6 18.

Full -time equi valency has also kept pace with th e growth, charting a nine percent increase in th e number of students taking a fu ll tim e load.

"That fi gure nearl y matches headcount," Dr. Jo hnson said .

The Presi dent was part icul arl y pleased w ith the Total on-campus sn1 den t population saw a nine large growth of internet-based students. percent 111crease fro m 97 1 in 2004 to 1,059 in 2005.

"Our intern et, or what we call 'onlin e-only' students, climbed 74. 5 1 percent thi s year- thi s Off-campus student enrollment, which includes is unheard of growth," he said . "These are those tak ing courses at either Lincoln 's Energy students who attend Peru State solely through Square, the La Vista Graduate Center, Offutt their computers." He also noted that 48.25 A ir Force Base or those enrolled in the Early percent- nearly half- of Peru State students Entry Program, rose by 11 .8 percent. are taki ng at least one on line course. "Thi s is an PSC's Early Entry Program, which allows high astonishing figure when you consider how school students to earn college cred it, is up a relati vely new online educati on is." dramati c 3 7 percent.

Peru State had 267 onli ne-onl y sn1dents as of Dr. Johnson also said th at a strategic marketing March 1, 2005. The same time last year it had plan launched last year along with competitive 153 online-on ly students. Dr. Johnson attributes pri cing, a solid academi c repu tati on and the mu ch of thi s to the quality of th e classes and removal of"all obstacles to being a successful PSC's prici ng of onl y $ 11 2 per credit hour fo r student" are key elements to Peru State' s online undergrad uate courses. success.

"Peru State has been an innovator in online learning since th e late 1990s, and we are now seeing the benefi ts of our investment," he said .

President Jo/111son has begun to implement plans for a new ca111pus entrance that will fea ture traditional Peru State la111pposts and archways and include an electronic display sign.

Vision (Co11ti1111edfro111 page I)

winter practi ce needs.

Implementat ion of Dr. Jo hnson's vision is not wa iting for months or years of pl anning acti vity to be co mpleted. A new ca mpus entrance is

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now being designed. It w ill begin at the entrance to the Centenni al Co mpl ex with sidewa lks, landsca ped law ns, a wa lki ng path and traditi onal PSC style lampposts ex tending to the Li tt le Red School House. A large brick archway w ith an electroni c di spl ay will replace the current entrance sign.

President Johnson in vites all alumni and fr iends to ass ist hi m in furt her evolving hi s

Transform ing Vis ion. He dec lared 2004 - 2005 to be a yea r of planning. A committee has been established to coll ect suggestions fro m snident groups, alumni and others. A description outlining the Vision can be fo und on the Coll ege's website, www.peru .edu , under the lin k "Planning for th e Fun1re." Those want111g to send suggestions and comments to the . planning committee can do so through the site.

October 2005

Bobcats Online - New Virtual Alumni Association components to invo lve and inform. Up-to-date informat ion is ava ilab le about Co llege events, sports news, and the overall progress of Peru State. Alumni can share th eir thoughts about current events and college issues by votin g in opinion po lls.

The site offers exci ting benefi ts to alumni, th e Co llege and current students. Many alumni will use it to professionall y network. The community is an excellent vehi cle to con nect PSC grads working in similar fie lds. These interacti ons can lead to new job opportuniti es and help employers find qualified workers.

The College benefi ts because th e webs ite will help recruit students. Prospective parents and students can log on to learn more about the College and its graduates. In time, alumni vo lunteers can be organi zed to offer info rmation and advice to those interested in lea rnin g more about Peru State.

Current PSC students can benefit from th e site President Johnson 111el with the NAA Board of Directors last fall to discuss the 11ew a/1111111i website and 011/ine as well. Many students have qu estions about career choices and job hunting. An alu mn i co1111111111ity. To access the website visit ww1v.bobcata/1111111i.co111.

Peru State College alumni are at th e top of the class when it comes to cutting-edge alumni communi cations. The PSC Nation al Alumni Association (NAA) Board of Directors recently launched a new website devoted entirely to Peru State alumni , www.bobcata lumni .com.

Now, Bobcats around the globe can " ... unite (and) sing Peru 's devotion to th e pale blue and th e white."

The NAA Board of Directors was formed in 2002 and charged with creating an association th at would reconnect alumni w ith one anoth er and with their alma mater. T he twenty-member Board is headed by Co-Presidents Paul and Arlene (Bo rcher) Fell , 1967 grad uates.

that developing local chapters wo uld be expensive and time consuming. Many alumni wou ld be un able to participate in metropolitan chapters.

mentorin g program can be organi zed on th e site to enab le students to visit w ith experi enced profess iona ls in their field. Man y alumni fi nd that mentoring is personall y rewardin g and provides an avenue fo r recruiting gifted students ri ght out of co llege.

Instead, the Board initiated a virtual alumni association on th e Internet. In recent years, Even though PSC's alumni assoc iation is hundreds of alumni associat ions have virtual, it has many of the benefits offered by established on line communities. These trad itional associations plus all of th e communities attract alumni involvement advantages of wor ldwide, twenty-fo ur-h ours-aworldwide and allow fo r interaction in ways not day, seven-days-a-week interacti on. T he possible through traditi onal chapters. associati on provides instant comm uni cation to friend s and the Co llege, and offers a conveni ent PSC's online community offers Bobcats an effortless way to interact and share informati on. way to schedul e reuni ons and meetin gs . Alumni Each registered member of th e co mmunity can can visit the PSC campus every day through virtua l tours and photos albums. easil y create an exciting webpage of their own

Each Board member represents a decade of PSC graduates beginning with the 1930s.

Members were chosen based on their leadership whil e students at PSC and continued success as adults in their co mmunities.

where they ca n post photos and exchange ideas.

Class mates can visit each other's pages to remini sce about th e times they shared at PSC and talk about where the ir li ves have taken them since grad uati on.

Because more than 13,000 Bobcat alumni are scattered across the nation , the Board decided

In additi on to the on li ne commu ni ty, the website features a variety of interactive

Peru State's Nati onal Alumn i Associat ion Board of D irectors is to be congratu lated on developing this forward- looking organi zation.

Thanks to them, Bobcat alumni can enjoy the benefi ts of a virtual alumni association -benefit s whi ch will expand as the comm uni ty grows. And best of all , membership in th e community is free .

\V\V\V. bo bcataluntni.cont Page3

THE B OBCA T B ANNER

PSC To Scholarship Entire Class From Three Rural High Schools Three Nebraska hi gh schools received what many might call th e gift of a life time. The Hi gh School to College Transition program, brainchild of Peru State President Ben Johnson, provides a unique opportunity fo r students at Shickley, Ri sing City, and Prague High Schools.

PSC is offer ing an 18-month program of academi c enhancement and fo ur-year scholarshi ps to all current members of these schools' junior classes .

service area," Dr. Johnson said. "This partnership between PSC and these schools helps ru ra l citizens face some of their economi c challenges. We are moving students from success in hi gh school to success in college, and then to success in li fe. " The ini tiati ve is structured so that Peru State will "adopt" the three hi gh schools fo r the next 18 months. All current members of the junior classes will participate. They will continue in the program until graduati on in May 2006. All 2006 gradu ates who compl ete the program will receive full four- year tuiti on schol arships to Peru State.

"This effort, probabl y the onl y initi ati ve of its kind in th e nati on, will prepare students for college. It will improve both their academi c and social skills," said Dr. Johnson. "For many, th e In Janu ary 2005, PSC's Academic Reso urce most important part of thi s program is th at it Center (ARC) personn el began wo rkin g with offers a full , four- year tuiti on scholarship to these students to enri ch and support their Peru State. " current high schoo l programs. The intent is to develop college success strategies and skills.

Fundin g of program expenses and scholarships is being provided through a combin ati on of ARC teams assessed and di agnosed each pri vate co mmitments, th e PSC Foundati on, and student's strengths and weaknesses. And, th ey the tuiti on remi ssion program. developed individual acti on plans for academi c success. PSC sta ff will visit these schools on a The High School to Co llege Transition regular bas is, providing ongoing services. program is a way for Peru State to partner with educators fac ing a vari ety of challenges in ru ral "Adopted" students beco me offi cial Peru State South east Nebraska.

College Bobcats with college email addresses, access to fac ilities, online library reso urces and "It is our mi ssion to provide an affordable, season ti ckets to campus events. accessible, quality educati on to peopl e in our

High School to College P

Transition~

"This effort, probably the only initiative of its kind in the nation, will prepare students for college ...

For many, the most important part of this program is that it offers a full, four-year tuition scholarship to Peru State."

The Shickley High School Class o/2006 is pictured with President Johnson after receiving scholarships to Pem State through the High School to College i nitiative.

Page4

October 2005

Governor Mike Johanns Supports Peru State In a letter to President Johnson , Nebraska's former Governor responds to Peru State's High Schoo l to Co llege Transition progra m.

Dear Ben: Thank yo u fo r prov iding me wi th newspaper atticles about Peru State Co llege's outreach initiative.

I am thrilled by the reaction to the program. Imagine the thrill of these students who had no chance to attend college, who may not have even given it a second thought. The tran sition from hi g h schoo l to college can sometimes be overwhelming, and I can see how thi s program might benefi t students greatl y by helping them to tra nsition to college life .

Congratulations on an exciting program. I am interested to hear more about the program's success and the difference it makes in the lives of these high schoo l students. Thanks again fo r the info rmati on.

Best wi shes ...

Sincerely, M ike Johanns, Governor

Alum Steve Lewis Confirmed NSCS Board Chair The Nebraska Legislature confirmed th e reappointment of Steve Lewis, to the Nebraska State College System Boa rd of Trustees and th e appoin tment of Ca rter "Cap" Peterson, Wayne, to his first term. Both men are Nebraska State College System gradu ates and each wiII serve a term of six years.

A graduate of the PSC class of 1979, Lewis was first appointed to the NSCS Board in 1999 . Pri or to being elected Board Chair in 2004, he led the Fi scal and Faciliti es Co mmittee fo r a number of years.

During hi s first term, Lewis was an integral part th e NSCS Strategic Plann ing effort, a year-long process th at started in the fa ll of 200 1. He also supported th e new system brand identity campaign, wh ich began in Febru ary 2004. The campaign included

ex tensive research by a consul ting firm that res ulted in a hi ghl y-detailed marketing plan fo r each college, and fo r the system.

"Steve is co mmi tted to the NSCS an d its students, and that is very apparent when he makes decisions as boa rd chair. On the fac ilities side, he recognizes the need to maintain and upgrade our capital infrastru cture and he persona ll y tours renovati on and constructi on proj ects. He is an outstanding member of the board as well as a valuable reso urce. We are very pleased to have him reappointed by the Govern or for a second term," Chancellor Stan Carpenter said.

Lewis is the Di rector of Ad mini strative Services at Tri- Co unty Area Hospita l. He and his wife, Shirley, li ve in Lex ington.

Nebraska State College System

Page 5

THE BOBCAT BA NNER

PSC Campus Joins Arboretum on Earth Day Linda Jaco bsen, Vice President of Finance and Ad mini stration at Peru State College and Curator of the college's new Thousand Oaks Arboretum.

Regaining the relati onship with the statewide arboretum is another clue the schoo l is back on track after hittin g a rough patch in the late 1990s, when the college was nearly transplanted to nearby Nebraska City.

"It's been wonderful to see them re-engage," Locklear said . "The commitment and the leadershi p is definitely there. " Jacobsen said she hoped the inclusion in the NSA wou ld generate publicity for the area's many natura l attractions, including th e natu re tra ils and ri ver bluff woods that she call s "hidden gems."

With tra ining and guidance from the NSA, which is affi li ated with the University of Nebraska, Peru State College will begin addin g new oak varieties to its collection, with th e goal of creatin g an "Oak Archi ve."

This photo captures the lrne beauty of the PSC campus.

The fo llowing article appeared in The Lincoln Journal Star on April 18, 2005, four days before PSC officially joined the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.

By KENDRA WALTKE I Li ncoln Journal Star It ca n be hard to see the school for th e trees on the Peru State College campus.

Ozarks," said Jim Locklear, director of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, a network of arboretums, gardens and landscapes that promotes apprec iation of plants. "The ca mpus is enveloped in trees ."

"That' s a challenge this time of year, when th e buds are just turning," she said .

In add ition to not just one but several The school will celebrate the honor Friday with thousands of oa ks, th e 140-acre Peru State a ribbon-cuttin g ceremon y, educati onal booths College ground s also contain sycamore, and a free picni c for th e public. slippery elm, hackberry, bald cypress, Austri an pines, many maples and an Amur Corktree, an Visitors also ca n take a free "tree tour" aboard unusual find in this climate, Jacobsen said . a troll ey. Guides wi ll point out the gro unds'

When the century-old oaks spread their leaves in late sprin g, th e school's statel y red brick and limesto ne buildings get lost among th e towering more outstand ing trees, inc luding so me that green boughs. Co me fa ll , they are ca moufl aged may pre-date th e campus, built in 1867. among th e fa lling rust- and go ld-toned fo li age.

The celebration will be so mewhat poignant, So it's reall y no wonder the college, known as organi zers said, because it's one more sign of the "Campus of A Thousand Oaks," w ill Peru State College's rejuvenati on in the past become part of th e Nebraska Statewide few years .

Arboretum on Friday, wh ich also is Ea rth Day. The property had been part of the Nebraska "The whole fee l of the place is like being in the Statew ide Arboretum until the mid-I 980s, said

PSC's traditional /a111pposts and majestic trees add their grandeur to Nebraska 's Arboretum.

Page 6

During th e past week, Jacobsen and th e grounds crew spent time labeling th e campus' more notabl e trees.

Its rarest tree is a naturally occurring BurChin kapin Oak hybrid.

"Even if so meo ne knows a lot about trees, they look at that one and say 'hmm .. .,"' Jacobsen sa id .

"It has everyone stumped."

October 2005

Homecoming 2005 Schedule of Events Friday, October 7

4:oop.m.

Campus Tour; Student Center 5:oop.m.

Cocktails; Library. Childcare is available upon request.* 6:oop.m.

Reunion Banquet; Student Center

Nothing represents college days to alumni like memories of Homecomings past: clear blue ski es, swirling leaves and cri sp fa ll mornings ; roaring bonfires, wi Id j okes and laughing fri ends; cozy dances with special peopl e; the excitement of fl oats and bands and parades; the coronation of the queen and king; and finall y, the exhilaration of the game with all of its cheers and tears.

For the past few months, PSC fac ulty, staff and students have been preparing fo r Homecoming 2005 . They've done a great j ob and it promi ses to be the best ever!

Here is a pre liminary schedule of hi ghli ghts. Be sure to check the new alumni website fo r schedule updates at

www .bobcatalumni.com.

Saturday, October 8 8:3oa.m.

National Alumni Association Board of Directors Annual Homecoming Breakfast; Student Center

9:ooa.m.

Nebraska's Toughest Mile Homecoming Race; Starting point on Campus Quad 9:3oa.m.

Campus Tour; Student Center 10:30 a.m.

Homecoming Parade; Traditional Route 11:ooa.m.

Alumni Tailgate Party with grilled items and beverages sold by the Women's Basketball Team; Lawn in front ofTJ Majors building 1:oop.m.

Peru State Bobcats blitz Ottawa University; Oak Bowl Halftime crowning of King and Queen and presentation of Swenson Athletic Awards 4:30 p.m.

Alumni vs. Varsity Softball Game; Centennial Complex Field

SaraBelh Donovan, Reunion Co111111illee Chai1 p erson, Class of 1985.

Homecoming 2005 will mark the reunion of Bobcat classes fro m '84, '85 and '86.

SaraBeth Donovan (' 85) is the Reunion Committee Chairperson, heading a hardworking group of class leaders from the mid-eighti es. As of mid-August, committee members include:

Doug Barlow (' 84) Curtis Cogswell (' 84) Colleen (C hapman) Childers (' 85) Pat (' 86) a nd Amy (Sass) ('86) Dennis Diane (Coover) Emanuel (' 84) Mary (Neels) Frary (' 84) Tom Gepson (' 85) J im (' 85) and Theresa (Polsley) ('86) K rajicek M ike Kosmicki (' 86) Joe (' 85) and Leigh (Moss) (' 87) LaRosa Pat Mertens (' 86) M ark Ortmieir (' 85) Barry Potterf (' 86) Stefanie (Ahern) Shaw (' 85) As anyone will tell yo u, the classes of the

Reunion activities for the classes of 1984, 1985 mid-eighties were special because, we ll , and 1986 are indicated by red text.

they had more fun than any other PSC

Jn the 1988 Peruvian. "Pal A.fer/ens shows who we are

*Free Childcare is available through advanced classes . Honest! Here is a Preliminary registration during the cocktail hour and banquet program Friday night. Children may Schedule of Reunion Activities. Be sure to be dropped off after 4:45 p.m. and retrieved visit the alumni website to check out within fifteen minutes of the banquet's reuni on activity updates and review a li st conclusion. of peopl e pl anning to attend .

Page 7

THE B OBCAT B ANNER

The Bobcat Banner: A New Alumni Newsletter published free three times a year. While the Foundation will underwrite some of The Banner's ongo ing costs, it is not ab le to pick up the entire amount.

The bottom line is that the recession cost PSC more than one and one-half million doll ars in state support wh ich has not been replaced .

During the last two years th e Foundation increased its financ ial assistance to the Co ll ege to help make up for some of the revenue loss.

As a result, the Foundation does not have the ongo ing resources to pay the entire cost of the news letter.

The Bobcat Banner has a new look and fee l; one that represents the dynamic vigor and spirit of the twenty-first century PSC. The magazine has a "high tech" appearance, because it is a step-ch ild of the new alumni website. If you haven't already done so, check out Members of the PSC National Alumni Association, Omaha Chapter. Front row; Diane (Coove1~ Emanuel www.bobcatalumni.com. ('84), Han y ('51) and Arlene Weichel. Back row; Jack ('50) and Nancy (Hardy) ('5 1) Hallstrom, Monty ('63) News in The Banner will appear first on the and Judy (Adams) ('62) Allgood, Theresa (Po lsley) ('85) and Jim Krajicek ('86).

The Spring of2003 saw th e final issue of The Peru Stater. The popular, long-standing al umni newsletter was a casualty of the recession which seized Nebraska from 2000 through 2003. The Stater has been sorely missed both by loyal Bobcat alumni as well as by Peru State College.

In an effort to reestablish communications, the Peru State College Foundation and the Omaha Alumni chapter teamed up to laun ch a new newsletter, The Bobcat Banner. The Omaha Alumni chapter generously provided a grant of $5,000 to help cover production costs. The

Foundation paid the remaining costs and committed countless hou rs of writing, layout and editing time. The first issue is free to all alumn i, but future iss ues wi ll be ava ilab le for a modest annual subscription of $25.

On behalf of all Bobcat alumni , The Foundation thanks the Omaha A lumni chapter and its leadership for their support, dedication and vision. Without their generous assistance the new paper might not have become a reality.

The Foundation regrets the need to charge a subscription fee because The Peru Stater was

site, either in the newsletter section or in one of the news segments on the home page. The ed itorial phi losop hy of The Banner is to provide alumni the most important news, reflectin g the hea lth and direction of the ir alma mater. The paper will include broad institutional news, news about exciting new progra ms, Bobcat athletic news and Class Notes.

P lease, use the accompanying form to subscribe to the next three issues of th e paper.

The Banner will appear in fa ll, winter and spring iss ues.

To begin receiving regul ar issues of The Bobcat Banner, please return this co mpl eted form together with $25 .00 to :

Peru State College Foundation P.O. Box 10, 600 Hoyt Street, Peru, NE 6842 1-0010

Class Year: _ _ _ _ __ Home Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

City: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Zip: _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Home Phone:(

Email Address:. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Page 8

State: _ _ _ _ _ _ __

$25.00 Annual Subscription Fee Enclosed: _ _

October 2005

BOBCAT ATHLETICS

I

I

2005 The role of athl etics in a col lege or uni versity changes from time to time, depending on diverse factors. Dr. Korinn e Tande, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs th e person in charge of Peru State' s athletic ' program, says that, "The function of athletics depends on the co llege mi ssion, institutional strengths and limitations, state and private fundin g and the overall health of the economy.

Athletics at Peru State College is no exception.

"The mission of PSC, as an institution of hi gher learning, is to offer educational serv ices to the citizens of southeast Nebraska. Jn recent years the implementation of thi s mission has been greatly impacted by the worst and longest recession since the Great Depression."

During the years 2000 through 2003, Peru State was forced to undertake drastic costcuui.ng meas ures, essenti ally eliminat ing $1.5 million do llars from its $7 milli on state budget.

PSC's mandate from the State was to eliminate or reduce everything but core programs.

When the recession eased in 2003 , damage to College progra ms was sobering. Vice President for Admini strati on and Finance, Linda Jacobson comments, "We had to close the Regi.onal Technology Center in Nebraska City, e l11n111ate twenty-fo ur full-tim e eq ui va lent staff and facul ty positions, and cut more than $200,000 from our operating budget. It is important to note that even though the recession is over, none of these funds has been replaced."

How did Peru State's athleti c budget fare? Vice Pres ident Jacobson goes on to say, "The instituti on treated the athl etic and academic programs alike. That is, budget cutbacks in athl eti cs were held to a minimum. All told, the athl etic departm ent lost one and one ha lf fulltime equivalent positions. And during that period, expenditures for the athl etic program increased each year."

As a res ult of th e changes whi ch swept the College durin g the recession, many departments had to be refocused, including athl eti cs. This began with rethinkin g th e role of sports. A new athl etic mi ssion was framed based on the hi sto ry of the program, the type of students

served, .th e careers they enter, the Coll ege's compet1t1ve position w ithin its confere nces and the outlook for future fundin g.

The new mission of Bobcat athl etics focuses on developing the character of th e whole student hi s or her academ ic achievement, and success' on the playing field. "Good students who want to play, not athl etes who have to take classes in order to play, are what we are after," says Dr. Stephen Sylvester, Dean of Arts and Sciences and Athleti c Administrator, "Far too many colleges have adopted Vince Lombardi ' s philosophy that ' . .. winning is the onl y thing.'

There 1s a great deal more to intercollegiate athl etics than winning, including ph ys ical trainin g, sportsmanship, personal grow th , teamwork and th e pure j oy of competition.

Winning is a bonus, not our primary goa l. As testimony to PSC's commitment to developing the whole athlete, last year the College received recognition as an NAIA Champi ons of Character institution ."

Hi stori call y, few Bobcat athl etes have developed careers in professional sports. Most earn their li ving as coaches, teachers and business people. So the aim of Bobcat athletics is to develop students who complete degrees and prepare themselves for career success while benefi ting from a co mpetiti ve sports ex peri ence. PSC has a long histo ry of helping stud ent athl etes realize these important life goa ls.

The College's Academic Resource Center (ARC) conducts mandatory study tables for fres hmen athl etes who need focused help.

Tutors, computer labs, research data bases, and more conventi onal study tools are readil y available. PSC's outstanding coaches are co mmitted to excell ence in the c lassroom. Each coach has a team goa l of reaching a 3.0 grade point average (g.p.a.) on a 4.0 scale.

Regarding women's sp01ts, Sylvester points out, "The basketball , softball , vo lleyball and cross country tea ms were recogni zed as Jerry Watson Award winners for the Midland s Collegiate Athl etic Conference (MCAC). This awa rd hon ors vars ity tea ms w ith an average (Co111i1111ed 011 page JO)

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I

THE BOBCAT BANNER (Co11ti1111ed ji-0111 page 9)

cumulative g.p.a. of 3.25 to 4.0. Cumulative g.p.a.s were 3.708 fo r cross country, 3.596 for basketball , 3.35 1 for softball , and 3.28 for vo lleyball.

Coach Cronin: Baseball Dr. Sylvester when on to comment, "The 2004 - 2005 year was difficult for some of our sports.

Bobcat baseball, for examp le, had a 17 and 46 season, including a 5 and 9 record in the conference. The problems we experienced resulted from anticipated changes in th e coachin g staff.

"New Head Baseball Coach, Jason Cronin, an experienced and enth usiasti c coach from Johnson .C ity, ]'Jew York, is making up for lost time, worki ng with returning players and recruiting. Jason officiall y joined the College on July 1. It will take him a couple of years to rebuild the program."

Coach Walker: Men's Basketball The Peru State men's basketball team will have a new look in 2005-06 . New Head Coach, Dave Walker, will lead a Bobcat team consisting of several veterans along with a handful of recruits. Coach Walker has more than 25 years of coaching experience under his belt and is already proving to be an effective recruiter.

Walker says, "Expect Success - Deserve Success" will be my message to the Bobcats when classes begin. A "hard hat - lunch pail" work ethic in the classroom, weight room, and gymnasium, combined with an enth usiastic team approach, wi ll be the foundation for our program.

"Unfortunately, the Bobcats wi ll lose the services of 2nd team All-American Myron Jenkins (Gary, IN). We will not replace a player of his caliber easily. It wi ll be the challenge of _ ...,.......,.....,. this group to have several players step up their play to minimize the loss. Heading up the core of returnees are a pair of sen iors: Kelly O ' Dell (Olathe, KS) and Kevin Turn er (La Vista, NE); and a sophomore: Jesse Haynes (Omaha, NE).

The latter was "Freshman of the Year" in the MCAC. " I'm excited about thi s year' s team. The attitude and commitment are excellent and I think we will surprise people with our level of play. Returning players, excited about next season, are participating in a summer league and working on strength and conditi oning."

from her teammates. Tasha Price (Pierce, NE) finished Second Team All-Conference, while concurrently training wi th the basketball team.

Another basketball player, Leisha Tennal (Morrill, KS) , turned in a good performance, although cross-country is not her favor ite sport.

Leisha's sister, Anna, led the team in 2003 and regained most of her runnin g form despite a serio us motorcycle accident last summer.

Completing the list of top scorers was veteran Chrisie Viets (Rock Port, MO). All in all, the 2004 team was much improved as compared to the 2003 inaugural team.

"I am extremely enthusiastic about next season. Not only are great runners returning, but we have a promising recruitment class.

Returning runners are Kasey, Tasha, Chri sie and Rochelle Davitt (Second Team All conference in 2003 from Liberty, MO). In short, next season we will fie ld a you ng team of mostly fres hmen and sophomores. And once again we are poised to surpass previous accomplishments. What more can we ask?"

Coach Clark: Football Terry Clark has been Head Football Coach for the past two seasons. He says, "Last season was difficult, with an overall record of I and 9. Two key players from the previous year grad uated, and we played three games against NCAA Division JI teams. Our chan ces against those teams were slim, but each school paid us $5,000, providing funds to replace badly needed uniforms and equipment. We replaced the NCAA teams in the fa ll 2005 schedul e with more reasonably competitive NAJA out-ofconference schools.

"We contin ue to grapple with the fact that some private schools in our conference offer full ride scholarships, giving them a recruiting edge. The 2005 season will see my first recruiting class become leaders. I know that they wi ll be successful. The incoming class of forty-five wi ll be counted on to play some quality minutes. I look forward to at least a .500 season with even better prospects for the fo llowing year."

Coach Eichelberger: Men's And Women's Vo lleyball First year Head Volleyball Coach, Bob Eichelberger, says, "The men's first season as a conference sport got off to a rocky start with 6 wins and 22 losses, including a 3 and 4 record in conference play. Next year will be different because our veteran sq uad will have th e experience to compete in the tough MidAmerica Men's Volleyball Interco llegiate Conference, formerly th e NA IA division of the MJVA.

Coach Murray: Women's Cross-Country New Head Cross-Country Coach, Johann Murray, says, "The big story of2004 is Kasey Young (Auburn, NE), who led the lady harriers the entire season, eventuall y gaining First Team "This year's team is looking to All-Conference All-Conference honors . Kasey had notable help outside hitters Mike Weber (New Berlin, WI)

Page JO

October 2005 and J.J . Barnhill ( Linco ln, NE) to lead it to th e best season ever. With two yea rs of ex peri ence, I expect them to have a huge impact.

contributions. The 2005 Women ' s Vo lleyball team will be exciting, competiti ve and great fun to watch."

"The other returning senior is Hawa iian Taurean 'T' Pa'Akula, who bri ngs a calm demeanor to the game. I ex pect him to be our defens ive leader and provide the emoti onal stability a team needs. His pass ing will g ive us th e consistency to compete aga inst every tea m in th e co nference.

Coach Mathews : Softba ll Coach Mark Mathews led the Bobcat softball team to a 30 and 18 season with a I 0 and 6 record in confe rence play. In the process, he experi enced his 300th career win, a bi g first for PSC softball!

"Juni or, Brian Weise (Co lorado Spri ngs, CO) is moving from the middl e to th e ri ght side and will have a break out year. Brian learned a lot in the last two years and is ready to step up to the plate. He is a great blocker who wi ll be the key to our defense.

"Three sophomores, Brian Van Ness (Lockport, IL), Garrett Callender (Las Vegas, NV) and Schawn Strl e (Crest Hill , IL), will be competitive starting players. Making the jump from hi gh school to college vo lleyball is rough.

These guys have worked hard in the off-season to build th e skills needed to compete at the college level. I ex pect them to be key players .

Coach Mathews says, "The team missed makin g the post-season tournaments by one loss. Unfortun ate ly, two good players were taken out by injury during the last ha lf of the season, and we lost six ga mes after leadin g go ing into th e final inning.

"Ten of our players were honored by the MCAC: fivewere on th e 1st team, three were on th e 2nd team and we picked up two Honora ble Mentions. Thi s demonstrates the respect the other Conference teams have for PSC softball.

"While we did we ll on the field , th e team also did very well academically. In fact, two young ladi es, Anna Tennal (Morrill, KS) and Kristina "Two Nebraskans, Ryan Jenkins (Norfo lk, NE) Buhrman (Columbus, NE), were awarded and Travis Mach (Harvard , NE), are joining us. NA!A Academic All-American status. In We hope to recruit at least two players from additi on, the team won th e coveted Jerry Nebraska each year. Unfortunately, ours is not Watson award, an MCAC honor recogni zing a hi gh schoo l sport in thi s state, so we recruit teams with grade point averages over 3 .25. players with ability and teach them to play at "While the loss of three good seniors will be the hi ghest level. It takes two years to lea rn the signifi cant, the quality of returning players and necessary skiIls. " new recruit talent will keep the progra m headed Coach Eichelberger's women's volleyball team in th e ri ght direction. We are target ing our first posted a 16 and 24 season with a 4 and 7 record ever softball conference title and a trip to the in conference play. The 2005 team wil l be a nat ional tournament." hi gh-energy sq uad, representing a good balance Coach Prichard: Women's Golf and of athl eti cism and experience. It is primed to Basketball make an impact in conference play.

Dennis Prichard has been th e women's go lf and The coach goes on to say that, "As a res ult of basketball coach for th e past two yea rs. He last season's injuries, a lot of people got play ing says, "We brought go lf to a new level thi s year time in new positions. They now have extensive with the team fini shing third in the Midlands ex peri ence and I expect great things. This extra Ath letic Conference Tournament. Joanna Hays ex peri ence plus eight freshmen makes depth (Shubert, NE) was th e first Bobcat athl ete in our greatest asset. For the first time we can tra in school history to qualify fo r th e NAIA Region people in position, lettin g them settle in and Four Tournament. feel comfortab le at one spot. Now we can "We are beco min g a team with depth, addin g deve lop a team system.

Jo Hi ggi ns from Nebraska City. A lso, Lindsey "The 2005 squad wi ll be led by senior MCAC Waldrep from Fairbury and Abby Haver from All Conference outside hitter Kristen Delaney Gretna are coming off a red shirt seaso n. It was (F remont, NE). With her experi ence in moving a lack of depth that prevented us from being from th e ri ght side to the outside, we have a lot more competiti ve last yea r. I fee l pretty good of opti ons. The change she made was about hav ing th e potenti al to post better scores tremendous; I have a who le new level of with our upcomin g team." confidence in her ab ilities.

Women' s Basketba ll had a 7 and 25 record last "The rest of the seni ors, Ev i Steffens (Aub urn , year, 4 and I 0 in conference play. Coach NE), Lindsay Scan lan (Plattsmouth, NE) and Prichard says, "We added some much-needed Lindsey Baumgartner (Brush, CO) g ive the size with the signing of Rache l Williams (6' I" team the chemi stry it needs to succeed. They fro m Wo lbach Hi gh School in Gree ley, w ill be advanced players, making signifi cant (Continued on page 20)

Page I J

THE B OBCA T B ANNER

The PSC Student Athlete lllm'9'.-."'*"'Jil

~~~.Sl

'

lr.Wt~-11

Four outsta11di11g stude11t at'1/etes have what it takes to compete. Cloclovise fro m top left, Kristin Delaney, Sr. volleyball a11d cheerleadi11g, Fremo111; Li11dsey Buamg ar/11er, Sr. volleyball, Fort Mo rg a11, CO; Steve Fuller, Sr., baseball, Omaha; and Li11dsay Scanlan, Sr. volleyball a11d basketball, Plallsmouth.

The mi ss ion of PSC athl etics is to develop character and an appreciati on fo r the va lues of sportsmanship . Recentl y fo ur upperclass men shared their th oughts on the Bobcat athleti c program. It was very clear that the school 's mi ssion is being accompli shed.

Lindsey Baumgartn er, Kri stin Delaney, Steve Fuller, and Lindsay Scanl an pl ay different sports at PSC and come fro m all over th e MidWest. While th eir thoughts about the progra m va ry, one ph rase can be used to describe how they feel about being a Bobcat athl ete, " .. .a once-in-a-Ii fetime opportunity."

The relati onships form ed and th e feeling of being part of so methin g special is one dimension of athl etics about which these

Page J2

stud ents fee l strong ly. As everyone knows, being a fres hman can be fri ghtening. For athl etes thi s anxiety is eased th e moment they enter the gym on th e first day of practice.

Tea mmates and coaches welco me them w ith open arms.

Lindsey: "Being an athlete at PSC, you have a ready-made social circle offi'iends. My freshmen year was less stressful because I already knew people on campus. I always t1 y to do the same fo r new recmits to help them f eel welcomed. " Kri stin: "Everyone in town knows who you are when y ou 're an athlete at Peru State.

You 're a role model, not j ust fo r other athletes but fo r other students. "

Like a famil y, tea ms offer encouragement and support. Coaches, instructors and peers provide a structure that keeps students on task with games, classes, practice, and homework.

Kri stin: "ft 's hard during the season to balance volleyball, schoolwork, and a social life. You learn vet)' quickly to manage your time wisely. Th ankfully, my teammates and coaches are always there fo r me when I need help. " Lindsay: "Our coaches encoumge us to make good gmdes and help us by bring ing a tutor on eve1y road trip . " Lindsey : " Volleyball actually keeps me on track with schoolwork because I make time to study. if 1 know the team 's go ing to be on the road, 1 know I have to get my work done. " Steve: "It 's important to be a good student as well as a good athlete. My coaches and teammates count on me to have my grades up so that 1 can be on the fi eld. " Students fee l th at th e athl etic program open s doors to opportunities. Not only do they get the chance to travel and compete in different citi es, they also find opportunities to grow as individual s. In fact, many agree th at the chance to play sports in college is an opportunity in itself.

Steve: "I 've been active all my life and playing sports is one of my passions. 1 couldn 't image that high school graduation would be the end of it. Not eve1yone gets the chance to p lay college ball. " Lindsay: "I've become a much better athlete. College varsity athletics has an entirely different mindset and you learn many more technical aspects of the game. " Lindsey: "J've learned how to solve interpersonal problems and have developed a sense of teamwork. It has helped me learn more about myself in many ways. " The Bobcat athl eti c fa mily th at adopted th ese students their freshm an yea r w ill always be a part of their li ves. Whether it is in the fo rm of lasting relati onships or the memori es th at were created wh en th ey were togeth er, th ey have formed a bond th at will never be broken.

Kri stin: "My boyfriend playsfootball here and so did many of his relatives. The one thing that keeps them close is Bobcat foo tball. l know the memories I made with my team will keep us close too. " Lindsey: " You are always connected to the team. Even when a teammate graduates you still have that bond. I am in touch with fo rmer players who graduated before l even came to PSC. "

October 2005

2005 FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE FOOTBALL Date

Opponent

W"OMEN'S VOLLEYBALL Site

Time

Date

Aug . 27

Briar Cliff University

Auburn , NE

6:30 pm

Aug . 20

Sept. 3

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN

1:00 pm

Aug. 26-27

Sept. 17

University of Missouri-Rolla

Rolla, MO

TBA

Sept. 2-3

Sept. 24

Southern Nazarene University*

Bethany, OK

1:30 pm

Texas College*

Peru, NE

1:00 pm

Oct.1

Oct. 8

Ottawa University (Homecoming)

Peru, NE

1:00 pm

Oct. 15

Bethany College

Peru, NE

1:00 pm

Oct. 22

Langston University*

Langston , OK

1:00 pm

Oct. 29

Bacone College*

Peru , NE

1:00 pm

Nov. 5

Haskell Indian Nations University*

Lawrence, KS

1:00 pm

Northwestern Oklahoma State University*

Peru , NE

1:00 pm

Nov. 12

Opponent

Location

Time

Alumni Match

Peru, NE

Northwestern Tournament

Orange City, IA

TBA

Columbia Tournament

Columbia, MO

TBA

*Bellevue University

Bellevue , NE

Graceland Tournament

Lamoni , IA

*College of St. Mary

Peru , NE

Sept. 16-17

St. Ambrose Tournament

Davenport, IA

TBA

Sept. 23

Doane College Triangular

Doane , NE

TBA

Sept. 27

*York College

Peru, NE

7:00 pm

Sept. 30

*Newman University

Peru, NE

7:00 pm

Oct. 1

*Central Christian College

Peru, NE

11 :00am

Oct. 11

*Bellevue University

Peru , NE

7:00 pm

Oct. 14

*College of the Ozarks

Peru , NE

7:00 pm

Oct. 15

*Oklahoma Wesleyn (senior day)

Peru , NE

11:00 am

Oct. 18

*College of St. Mary

Omaha, NE

7:00 pm

MCAC Mid-Season Tournament

Haskell , NE

TBA

Oct. 25

*York College

York, NE

7:00 pm

Oct. 28

*Central Christian College

McPherson , KS

5:00 pm

Oct. 29

*Newman University

Wichita, KS

1:00 pm

Nov. 3

*Park University

Parkville , MO

7:00 pm

Nov. 4

*Haskell University

Lawrence, KS

7:00 pm

Nov. 7

University of Nebraska-Kearney

Kearney, NE

7:00 pm

Nov. 11 -12

MCAC Conference Tournament

TBA

TBA

Nov. 17-18

NAIA Region 4 Tournament

TBA

TBA

Sept. 6 Sept. 9-10 Sept. 13

6:00 pm

7:00 pm TBA 7:00 pm

•CSFL Opponem

W"OMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY Date

Meet

Location

Time

Sept. 10

TBA

TBA

Sept. 17

UNL I NWU Woody Geeno Invite

Lincoln , NE.

10:00 am

Sept. 24

Doane I Dean White Invitational

Crete, NE

10:00am

Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree

Stillwater, OK

TBA

Oct. 15

NAIA Mid-States Classic

Winfield, KS

TBA

Oct. 22

TBA

TBA

TBA

Oct. 28

MCAC Conference Championships

Omaha, NE

TBA

Nov. 5

NAIA Region IV Championships

Lincoln , NE

TBA

NAIA National Championships

Louisville, KY

TBA

Oct. 1

Nov. 19

TBA

Oct. 21-22

•MA MV!C conference marches

Page 13

THE B OB CAT B ANNER

1940s Winnie Johnson, 1940 Hugh and Winnie Johnson celebrated th eir 65 th wedding ann iversa ry with an open house at their home in the sp rin g of 2004. The couple married May 5, 1939, in Holton, KS. They have resided in Las Vegas for the last 37 years. Winni e grad uated from Peru State College in 1940. Hugh is a retired University of Nevada, Las Vegas, adm inistrator, an emeritus member ofUNLV, and a li fe member of the Masoni c Lodge.

1950s Marvin and Ruth (Johnson) Gerdes, 1953 Marvin and Ruth Gerdes of Auburn celebrated their 50th wedd ing ann iversary with an open house on Apri l 18, 2004.

They have fo ur children , Debbie, Jeff, Mike, and Kim, eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. Marvin and Ruth were married on April 18, 1954, at th e First Presbyterian Church.

1960s John Vanderford, 1969 On March 1, 2004, John Vanderford retired as ass istant superintendent for fac ility support services from the Raytown C-2 school di stri ct in Raytown, MO. Prior to Raytown, he was a budget director for the North Kansas City School District. He received hi s B.A. from Peru State Coll ege in 1969 and tau ght seven yea rs of instrumental music. He also has an M.A. fro m Truman State, Ed.S. fro m th e Uni vers ity of Missouri , Co lumbia and an Ed.D . from the University of Nebraska. He has started a new company, Vanderford and Associates, Inc. and w ill be specializi ng in installing ground so urce heat pumps as well as other energy conservation projects in schools, government fac ilities and commercial buildings throughout th e Un ited States.

Peru State College with a degree in biology in 1975 . He later went on to ea rn a master's in animal science at the University of Nebraska.

Steve L ewis, 1979 The Nebraska Legislature co nfirmed th e reappointment of Steve Lew is ea rli er this year to the Nebraska State Co llege System Board of Trustees. Lewis was first appo inted to the NSCS Board in 1999. Prior to be ing elected Board Chair in 2004, he led the Fiscal and Faci lities Committee for a number of years.

Lewis and hi s wife, Shirl ey, make their home in Lexington.

1980s

Pag e 14

Jim Daubendiek, 1994 Jim and Kay Daubendiek are the parents of a daughter, Audrey Mae, born April 7, 2004, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha. She has a sister, Mary C laire, 16- 1/2 months old to we lco me her home.

Jeff Parker, 1985 Jacob Pete was born Ap ril 8, 2004, at Bergen Mercy Medical Center in Omaha to Jeff and Carolynne Parker. Jacob joins three sisters, Kayla 6, Jordyn 4, and Mackenzie, 2.

Jay and Belinda (Vernon) Wickham, 1994 Jay and Belinda Wickham, Alexa ndri a, SD, are the parents of a son born on April 15, 2004.

Joshua Thomas was welcomed home by hi s two sisters, Samantha, 6, and Laura, 3.

PaulStanosheck, 1988 Paul and Michele Stanosheck of Beatrice are parents of a daughter, Rach el Sophi a, born January 17, 2004, at Bryan LGH Medical Center East in Linco ln .

Brenda (Huber) Adkin s, 1995 Bobby and Brenda Adkins are parents of a son, Ca rson Dean, bo rn on January 29, 2004, at the Holton Community Hospital.

1990s Rollie and Carey Clark, 1990 Rollie and Ca rey C lark of Auburn are the parents of a son, Kae l Jon, born Febru ary 24, 2004, at Saint El izabeth Reg ional Medical Center in Lincoln. He has two brothers, Brody and Connor.

David Bohling, 1992 Kelli and David Bohling of Johnson, are the parents of a son, Rya n Vincent, born on Apri l 2, 2004, at Bryan LGH East in Lincoln . Ryan was welcomed home by hi s big sister Erin, 7, and big brother Ben, 4.

Todd Crownover, 1992 Todd and Candy Crow nover of Tyndall, SD, are parents of a son, Isaac Dani el, born Feb ruary 28, 2004. Isaac was welcomed home by three brothers, Lucas 7, Ka leb 5, and Joshua 3.

Debra (Carlson) Moss, 1992 Keith and Debi¡a Moss of Burr, are the parents Gary Lesoing, 1975 of a daughter born January 2, 2004. She has Jul y 1, 2004, Gary Lesoing began hi s first been named Lindsey Kathryn. She has two day on the job as Extension Edu cator in sisters, Sarah, 2- 1/2 and Jessica, 16 months.

Nemaha County. Lesoing graduated fro m

1970s

Casey (Carpenter) Synowiecki, 1993 Casey Ca rpenter and Shane Synowiecki were married on November 15, 2004, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica . Casey graduated from Peru State Co llege. Shane graduated from the Uni versity of Nebraska-L incoln . The coupl e are employed at Ameri trade in Be llevue. They w ill reside in Omaha.

Stephanie Swanson, 1995 Kev in and Stephani e Swanson of Auburn, are the parents of a son born December I, 2004, at Saint Eli za beth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln. Ka leb Delane j oins sisters Quincey of Auburn and Heather and Traci , Lincoln.

Joan C hristen, 1996 Joan Chri sten has been named a 2004 Award of Excellence Teacher by the Nebraska Department of Education.

Jeff and Laura (Lowrey) Fossenbarger, 1996 & 1997 Jeff and Laura Fossenbarger are the parents of a son, Cal eb Robert, born January 28, 2004. He is welcomed home by a big brother, Cole.

Daniel and Wendy (Oliver) Vice, 1996 Dani el and Wendy Vice of Falls City, are the parents of a daughter, Avery Lynn, born Decem ber 2 1, 2004. She has a brother Brandt, 9 and a sister Megan, 3.

Travis Allgood, 1997 Doctor Travis A llgood has opened A llgood Fam il y Chi ropractic in Auburn. Dr. Allgood graduated from Peru State Coll ege in 1997 w ith a degree in business management and compl eted prerequisites for medi cal schoo l. In

October 2005 2004, Al lgood graduated from Cleveland Chiropracti c Coll ege in Kansas City, MO. Kelsi (Hines) Huseman, 1997 Ke lsi Hines and Adam Huseman were marri ed on June 5, 2004. Ke lsi is currently empl oyed w ith H&H Trail er Co mpany as an office ass istant and Adam is a Jaw enforcement officer, both located in Clarinda, IA

on November 20, 2004, at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church in Omaha. Kate graduated from Peru State College in 200 I. She is a business teacher at Va lley Hi gh School. Mike graduated from th e Uni versity of MissouriRolla. He is an engineer at Carg ill's Blair fac ili ty.

teacher at Millard No11h High School in Omaha. Martin gradu ated from Creighton Universi ty Law Schoo l. He is employed as Cassem-Tierney Law Offices in Omah a and farms part-time nea r Elg in.

James Gerdes, 2002 Jessica Flaherty and James Gerdes were Ryan Hogue, 2001 marri ed on May 3, 2003 , at St. Joseph's Stacy Lea Fo untaine of Red Cloud, and Ryan Jeff and Danelle (Pedersen) Reed, 1997 & Catho lic Church in Auburn. Jess ica Edward Hogue of Deshl er, were marri ed July 2, 1998 grad uated in 2004 from Clarkson College 2005 , at the First United Methodist Church in with a bachelor' s degree in nursi ng and a Jeff and Danelle (Pedersen) Reed are th e Red Cloud. Stacy is a grad uate of Red Cloud minor in business. She is empl oyed at parents of a baby boy born Tuesday, Janu ary 4, High School and is currentl y atten din g the Nemaha County Hospital. James 2005. Kemper Lynn Reed was we lcomed home Uni versity of Nebraska-Kearney, majoring in gradu ated in December 2002, from Peru by his big sister Maggie, 3. The Reeds make pre-dentistry. Ryan is a graduate of DawsonState College with an industri al their home in Waverly, NE. Verdon High School and a gradu ate of Peru management degree. He is currently Joshua Whitney, 1997 State College. He is currentl y employed as a working in construction. teacher/activities director in the Deshl er Public Joshua Whitney and Carolyn Zellmer, both of Tricia McKenney, 2002 School System .

Lincoln, were married September 25 , 2004, at Tricia McKenney joined the New Market St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nebraska City.

Becky (Harrah) Cox, 2002 School District in 2003 . McKenney is a Zellmer is employed by the Catholic Diocese of Becky Sue Harrah and Bryan Franklin Cox part-time music teacher for kindergarten Lincoln. Whitney is an instructor at South east were maITied on February 2 1, 2004, at the First through eighth grade. A 2002 graduate of Co mmunity Co llege in Beatrice.

Bapt ist Church in Tecumseh. Becky graduated Peru State College, she holds a degree in Carrie (Barton) Jeanneret, 1999 from Tecumseh High School in 1995. She elementary and middle school education. received a Bachelor of Science degree in Carri e and Jeff Jeanneret of Auburn, are the "I have always loved music and hope I Psychology from PSC in 2002. She is ctmently parents of a so n, Quinn Jeffrey, born Janu ary can enco urage the sa me in my students," a unit case manager at the Tecumseh State 20, 2004, at the Nebraska Medical Center in McKenn ey said .

Correctional Institution. Bryan graduated from Omaha.

Sara (Hawley) Moody, 2002 Excelsior Springs, MO in 2000. He received a Julie Malolepszy, 1999 bachelor of science degree in nursing and also Brian and Sara Moody are the parents of Juli e Ma lolepszy and Ryan Zegers were received a medical technician license and a a baby boy, Kellen Ray, born January 28, marri ed April 2, 2005 , at St. Francis Catho lic home health aide license in 2002. He is 2005. He is welcomed home by hi s big Church in Ne ligh. The bride gradu ated fro m currently involved in home construction and brother Trace, 4.

Peru State College with a B.A. in sociology and carpentry in the Tecumseh area.

Matthew Rut, 2002 psychology. She is a case worker for the State Mega n (Henn) Dannelly, 2002 Matthew Rut and Jessica Engel, both of of Nebraska. Zegers earned an assoc iate of Megan Henn and Lucas Dannelly married on Nebraska City, were married September app lied science degree in utility line from Northeast Co mmuni ty Co llege and is currently April 16, 2005 , at the St. Bonaventure Catholic 4, 2004, at Bethel United Church of Church in Raev ille. Henn graduated from Christ in Nebraska City. The bride is a em ployed with K.C. Concrete Placement.

Petersburg High School in 1998 and earned a radiology techno logist at Bryan LGH Terri W usk, 1999 bachelor's degree in busi ness administration Hospital in Lincoln . The groom is a Jeff and Terri Wusk of Geneva, are th e paren ts from Peru State College in 2002. She is a driver premium acco untant at TAG/TM!. T he of a son, Kellon Dale, born January 28, 2004, at relations manager at Werner Enterpri ses. couple resides in Li ncoln.

Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings.

Dannelly is a heavy equipm ent operator with Kay Stander, 2002 Sudbeck Construction.

2000s Brian and Kay Stander of Peru are th e Amy Diedricksen, 2002 Jonna (Vanderfeltz) Adams, 2000 parents of Chl oe Isabel, born Janu ary I, Dustin and Jonna Adams of Wymore, are the Amy Diedricksen and Martin Klein were 2004. parents of a son, Brock Dustin Adams, born married April 9, 2005 , at Z ion Lutheran Church Randall Wollenburg, 2002 March 26, 2004. in Omaha. Amy, a grad uate of the Un iversity of Randall Wollenburg and Abby Spicer of Nebraska-Lincoln , earned a master's degree Kate (Rippe) Carlson, 2001 DeW itt, were marri ed June 25 , 2005, at from Peru State College. She is a Spanish Kate Rippe and Michael Carl son were marri ed Trinity Lutheran Church in DeWitt.

Page 15

THE BOBCA T BANNER

Spicer graduated in May 2005, with a degree in business management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is employed in the College Savings Plan department at Un ion Bank. Wollenburg earned a degree in criminal justice from Peru State College in 2002. He is a protection and safety worker with the State of Nebraska.

Paul and Jill (Solomon) Heusinkvelt, 2004 & 2005 Jill Solomon and Paul Heusinkvelt were marri ed on July 26, 2003, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crete. The bride is a 2000 graduate of Kearney High School and a 2005 graduate of PSC. Paul is a 1998 graduate of Crete High School. He graduated from PSC in 2004 and is employed at Tarkio Academy.

Brian Robertson, 2004 Erin Morgan Gravatt and Brian Preston Robertson were married on July 12, 2003, at the United Methodist Church in Tecumseh. Erin is a 1999 graduate of Johnson-Brock High School and a 2003 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University. Brian graduated in 1998 from Gallatin High School and from Peru State College in 2004 .

December 18, 2004, at the Christian Church in Auburn. Nemechek earned an A.A. degree from Southeast Commun ity College in Lincoln and graduated in May of2005 w ith a B.S. in language arts education from Peru State College. She is employed by Nemaha County Good Samaritan Center. Bowen earned an A.A.S in diesel technology from Southeast Community College in Milford. He is a selfemployed farmer.

Jarod Epp, 2005 Desiree Schaffert and Jarod Epp, both of Lincoln, were married on February 19, 2005, at St. Patrick's Church in Lincoln . Schaffert is pursuing an academic transfer from Southeast Community College. She is a teller at Westgate Bank and a sales associate at Younker's. Epp earned an A.A.S in mathematics from Southeast Community College in Beatrice and is pursuing a degree in business management from Peru State College. He is a sales associate in the tire department at Sam's Club.

Amanda (Nemechek) Bowen, 2005 Amanda Nemechek and Quentin Bowen, both of Humboldt, were married on

Page 16

Aaron and Becky (Cooper) Thumann, 2005 Fellow Peru State students Becky Cooper and Aaron Thumann, both 2005 graduates, were married Jul y 23, 2005, in Falls City.

Darren Tobey, 2005 Erica Eikenhorst of Utica and Darren Tobey of Waco, were married Saturday, April 16, 2005, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Utica. The bride graduated from Bahner College of Hairstyling with a degree in cosmetology. She is employed at Hair Today in Lincoln. The groom graduated from Peru State College in May 2005, with a B.S. physical education .

Ifyou have a Class Note you would like to share, p lease send your information to the PSC Foundation by mail, P.O. Box JO, Peru, NE 68421; phone, (402)872-2304; or email, abalquier@oakmail.peru.edu You can also post your Class Notes on the alumni website, www.bobcatalumni.com, by joining the alumni online community.

Check out the story on page two of this newsletter/or more details.

Diane (Retchless) Sullivan, 2004 Diane Lyn Retchless and Gregory Patrick Sulli van, both of Lincoln, exchanged vows on July 17, 2004, in Wymore. The bride graduated from Peru State College in 2004. She is an early childhood special education teacher at Minne Lusa Elementary School in Omaha. The groom graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in December of2004.

He is employed as an industrial engineering intern at Molex in Lincoln.

Jodi Witt, 2004 In 2005 the Falls City Journal welcomed Jodi Witt as Advertising Director. She earned a B.S in business marketing and man agement from Peru State College in 2004 . Jodi has a one-year-old daughter, M ia .

Aaron Thumann, 2005 Former Peru State College footba ll player, Aaron Thumann, has been signed to the Lincoln Capitols arena football team. Thumann graduated from Peru State College in May 2005, with a B.S. in physical education.

Paul Hinrichs, 2005 An Open House was held to honor Dr. Paul Hinrichs on January 25, 2004, in Auburn. Paul completed his Ph.D. at UNL on December 20, 2003.

Benjamin and Jessica (Hill) Stanley, 2005 Jessica Hill and Benjamin Stanley were married on October 16, 2004, at the Stella Community Church in Stella. They now make their home in Auburn.

October 2005

1920$ Minnie (Edgington) Bennett, 1925 Minnie Bennett, Hastings, 106, died February 6, 2005 , at her home. She graduated from Peru State Teachers College in 1925 and taught commercial arts in Odford High School. In 1931 , she married Robert A. Bennett of Edgar.

Her husband died on Apri l 9, 1987 .

Agnes Zorn, 1926 Agnes M . Zorn, 94, died June 2 1, 2004, at the Community Medical Center in Falls City. She graduated from Peru State College in 1926. On Jul y 9, 1928, she married Floyd W. Zorn in Hiawatha, KS. In 1953 , Agnes took up the art of china/porcelain painting and studied in San Francisco, CA, and in Spain. Floyd passed away December 7, 1983 .

June 29, 1952 . She received her bachelor's degree from Peru State College and began teaching in 1932. Gwendolyn loved her students and kept a collection of pictures of all of them over the years.

Robert Sayer, 1935 Robert Eugene Sayer, 89, died February 8, 2004, in Arlington, Va. He graduated from Peru State College where he majored in math.

In 1938 he taught at Stella School and later at Norfolk Junior and Senior High Schools, as we ll as the Junior College. Johnny Carson was one of his students in both high school and college. In 1940, he married Helen C. Linville in Beatrice. Robert enjoyed traveling, square dancing, golf, and bowling.

1930$ Ma rgaret Dickey, 1930 Margaret Frances Dickey, 93, passed away January 8, 2004. She received her teaching certifi cate from Peru Teachers College in 1930. Margaret married Ward Eugene Dickey in 1933 in Kansas, then moved to Idaho Falls in 1935. Ward died in 1970. Margaret enjoyed fi shing trips while Ward was ali ve.

After his death she traveled with fr iends and fami ly. She read hundreds of books, always had a crossword puzzle by her side, and watched game shows.

Bonita Binegar, 1931 Bonita Valette Binegar, 96, Sutherland, died February 11 , 2004, at Lincoln Court in North Pl atte. She attended Peru State Teachers Co llege before teachin g at Cortland . She married Everett Binegar on June 11 , 194 1, at her parents' farm near DeWitt. Everett died in September 1967.

Bonita served on the Sutherland Library Board and enjoyed playing Bridge and Pinochle.

Ruth Hergott, 1932 Ruth Hergott passed away on February 5, 2005 at Thayer County Health Services Hospital in Hebron, at th e age of 91. She furth ered her ed ucation at Peru State College for one year and the Un ivers ity of Nebraska-Lincoln for one year. In 1934, Ruth marri ed Jim Murphy of Western. Jim passed away in 1935 , when the ir daughter, Patricia, was only three months old . Ruth was then united in maITiage to Lawrence Hergott on February 22, 1941 , in Alexandria. They had fou r children and lived on a farm southeast of Hebron.

Gwendolyn Poteet, 1932 Gwendo lyn Poteet, 9 1, of Pawnee City, died January 26, 2005, at the Pawnee Manor. She was uni ted in marriage to Elli s J. Proteet on

Alun111i .

Community Health Care Center. She attended school in Rulo and graduated from Peru State College with a B.A. in English and theatre.

She earned an M.A. in theatre fro m The Un iversity of Chi cago. On May 30, 1943, she married C. Randa ll Kline and they moved to Sturgis in 1945. Mrs. Kline worked for the Ft. Meade V.A. Hospital for 25 years as a recreational therapist in self-expression, retiring in 1979.

W illes Ludington, 1937 Willes E. Ludington, 92, of Fort Collins, CO, died February 2 1, 2005 , in Fort Collins. He graduated from Dunbar High School and received his bachelor's degree from Peru State Teacher's College. He was an exceptional athlete and received several state and regional awards in high school and college. He received hi s master's degree in school adm inistration from the Un iversity of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he also completed further specialist degrees in elementary education and science.

He had resided in Fort Collins since 1985. Mr. Ludington married Melba Cope on December 18, 1937, in Bethany. She preceded him in death in November 1994. He was a master gardener, fisherman, and enjoyed hunting, bee-keeping, baking and cooking.

Where the r~er winds by 011 its way to the sea, The pride if the state, with its ope~ doors free George Leslie, 1938 Is the Sta~ Normal.

George Leo Leslie, 84, died at his home in Memphis, on July 24, 2004 . He ~ graduated from Nemaha High School and Surrounding ¡i t elm trees, attended Peru State College for one year tall and bland, before being drafted into the U.S. Army.

He was discharged August 23, 1945 , as a And maje~tic oaks, Master Sergeant. In 1956 the fam il y moved austere 1'lt grand, to Omaha, and he worked fo r Un ion Pacific Planted there b) Gmni ow1fhand as an electrician until he retired in June . .

1983. Following retirement, George spent And not a g rUen for11ial•.. winters in Texas and his days fishin g at

.

.

'

.

..

Josephine Smith, 1936 Josephine B. Smith, 90, of Ozark, MO, formerly of Nebraska City, died on April 10, 2004, at the Doctor's Hospital in Springfield, MO . She married Lucian E. Smith on July 20, 1940, in Auburn. She was granted a B.A. in education from Peru State College in 1936.

Joseph ine taught in Dunbar, North Pl atte, and Nebraska City.

Gretchen Kline, 1937 Gretchen E. Kline, 87, of Sturgis, SD, a native of Rulo, died February 8, 2004, at the Sturgis

Memphis Lake.

Virginia Schock, 1938 Virginia Ann Schock, 87, Humboldt, a schoo l teacher for 48 years, passed away March 17, 2004, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha, KS. She graduated from Humboldt High School with the class of 1934, attended Peru State Coll ege for two years and then grad uated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. On June 18, 1938, she was united to Jack Schock in Humboldt. After graduating, she began a long teaching career that took her to different schools and countries. She tau ght at public schools in Lincoln, country schools, and schools in Austria, Heidelberg and Muni ch, Germany. She moved back to Humbo ld t after retiring from Lincoln Public Schools.

Page 17

THE B OBCAT B ANNER

Ellis Adams, 1939 Ellis Adams, 85, died February 7, 2005. He graduated from Peru High School in 1938 and attend ed Peru State College fo r one year. He enlisted into th e arm y in 1942. He was marri ed to Corinne Whitfield on October 25 , 1940 .

Ellis fa rmed west of Peru until hi s retirement in 1982.

Etta Neunaber, 1939 Etta Frances Naun aber gradu ated from Peru State College in 1939 with a teaching degree.

She li ved in Lincoln for many years and was very invo lved with the church. Due to failin g health she entered Nemaha County Good Samaritan in Auburn, then was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, where she died at the age of 97 . Services were held March 19, 2005, at the Auburn Christian Church.

Mildred Vonderschmidt, 1939 Mildred E. Vonderschmidt, 86, Hiawath a, KS, di ed Sunday, March 27, 2005 , at Hiawath a Community Hospital. She graduated from Peru State Teachers College in 1939 . She marri ed Vernal Vonderschmidt on August 17, 1951 , in Humboldt. They farm ed outside of Reserve, KS, fo r 23 yea rs before retirin g and moving to Hiawath a in 1975. Mrs. Vonderschmidt was a long-time member of the Reserve United Methodi st Church and several professional teaching organi zations.

194a Irene Mcintyre, 1940 Irene Watkins Mcintyre, 86, was born Dec. I, 1918, on a fa rm near Washta, IA, where she grew up and attended Washta public schoo l.

She passed away on May I 0, 2004, in Omaha, fo llowing a brief illness. She attended college at Peru State Teachers College, th en became a teacher.

Rosalie Relf, 1940 Ann a "Rosalie" Relf, 83 , di ed Thursday, Jul y 9, 2004, in Smithville, MO . Rosalie graduated from Salem High Schoo l in 1939 and attended Peru State Teachers College. She th en taught school in a one-room schoolhouse in Richard son County, NE. She married Claude A. Relf Feb. 14, 1942, at Seneca, KS. He passed away March 1, 1980. Mrs. Relf was an avid hunter, fi sherwoman and was acti ve in local sportsmen's clubs in Kansas City.

David Burns, 1941 David E. Burns, 84, di ed Thursday, June 10, 2004, in Lincoln . He attended Peru State Teachers College for two yea rs. A WWII vetera n, Mr. Burns entered the U.S . Army in September 1942, and was di scharged in Jun e Page 18

1945. He parti cipated in th e campa igns of Sicily Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, R11in eland and Central Europe. Hi s unit received th e Presidenti al Unit Citati on, seven Battle Stars, the French Croi x de Guere, two Bronze Invasion Arrowheads and he was awarded th e Good Conduct Medal. He was married to Evelyn J. Medl ar on December 3 I, 1948, in Nebraska City.

Kenneth Rohrs, 1943 Kenneth V. Rohrs, 79, of Fremont, di ed January 18, 2004, at Marquis Place Ass isted Li ving in Elkhorn . He went to Peru State College until enli stin g in the Army Air Corps in 1943. After returning fro m war, he marri ed Glendora Ga ll oway on Jul y 25 , 1945. He became the president of Fuqua until his retirement in 1985 .

Margery Evans, 1941 Margery Eleanor Evans Teel, 84, Topeka, KS , passed away May 4, 2004. She received a B.A . in music from Peru State Teachers College in 194 I , and a master's in elementary educati on with Stauffer honors from Washburn Uni versity in Topeka in 1969 . She did additi onal work at Empori a State University.

Mrs. Teel taught 36 years, much of that time teaching music. She retired from Mccarter School in 1980. She was marri ed to Jesse F. Teel Jr. in Shube1t, on August 4, 1946. She and her husband traveled a fo ur-state area attending antique and collectibl e shows.

Edwin Falloon, 1944 Dr. Edwin Falloon of Evergreen Park, IL, died January 28, 2005, at the age of 86. The 1944 Peru State graduate worked as an OB-GYN at the Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park. He deli vered over 10,000 babies during his 40-year career.

Mildred Guida, 1941 Mildred Helen Guida, 84, Independence, KS , di ed April 2 1, 2004, at Mercy Hospital. She attended Peru State College where she received her teaching certifi cate. She marri ed Harlan Guid a on May 29, 1943, in Beatrice.

They li ved in Beatrice until 1950 and later moved to Red Cloud . In 1959, they moved to Independence, MO.

Warren Routh, 1946 Warren Routh di ed January 23 , 2005, at Boo ne County Hospital in Boone.

Chester Bachle, 1949 Chester P. Bachl e, 90, of Auburn, died May 11 , 2004, at Nemaha Coun ty Good Samaritan Center. He was born December 3 1, 19 13, at Ellis. Chester was a form er teacher and a WWII Army veteran. May 29, 1949, Chester and Edna Yates were united in marri age in Auburn .

1950J

Wilma Stevens, 1941 Wilma E. Stevens passed away on January 16, 2004, at th e North Arkansas Regional Medi cal Center in Harrison, AR, at the age of 83. She had lived in Harri son since I 98 5, after retiring from over 40 years of teaching.

Donald McKim, 1950 Donald Robert McKim, 78, of Nebraska C ity, and formerl y of Anaheim, CA, di ed March 26, 2004, at Bryan LGH West Medi cal Center in Lincoln. He married Nonna Cupp on December 25, 195 1. He graduated from Peru State Co llege in 1950 and served in the U .S. Army durin g WWII. He enj oyed golf, bowling, and working on cars.

The building itself is old and sage, Shadowed by forest trees, mellowed by age A re its walls.

Merritt Rees, 1950 Merritt H. Rees of Omaha, passed away at his home on February 7, 2004, at the age of 8 1. He retired from the Omaha Publi c School System after 35 yea rs of service. He attended numerou s schools to receive his edu cati on, including Peru State Teac hers College. He was a recipient of the School Bell Award. He was marri ed to Theresia A. Za krzews ki fo r 59 years.

For many grand teachers it forth has sent; To uplift mankind their minds are bent; They tell of the happy hours they've spent; Within its halls...

James Bornemeier, 1951 James Mark Bornemeier, 76, Greely, CO, di ed February 22, 2005 . He was a teacher and gradu ated fro m Peru State Coll ege in 195 1.

Eileen Eurich, 1952 Eileen C. Pugh Eurich, 89, di ed in Pueblo, CO, Janraury 15, 2005. She graduated from hi gh school in York and received a B.A. in edu cati on at Peru State Co llege. She is survived by her husband of 43 yea rs, Edward T. Euri ch, and a daughter-in-l aw, Twilla Zittle.

October 2005

Leta Blas, 1952 Leta Emm a Blas died February 9, 2004, at the age of 85. She earn ed her degree from Peru State Coll ege and taught school for many years. On August 16, 1944, she marri ed Lawrence Blas. A member of Zion Uni on Church of Christ of Gladstone, she served on the church council, taught Sunday and Bibl e School and was acti ve in Women's Fellowship.

She was also a member of the Fairbury Area Retired Teachers and A lpha Delta Sorori ty.

Mary Mayfield, 1952 Mary Jane Mayfi eld passed away on October 27, 2004, at the age of 72 years, 7 months, and 19 days . She was educated at Tecumseh public schools and Peru State College. She taught school in a kindergarten through 8th grade, one room country schoolhouse. On December 26, 195 1, she married Gary E. Mayfi eld. She was the loving mother of three children and was always very active in the community.

Verna (Fellows) Davis, 1953 Vern a (Fe llows) Davis, age 97, the daughter of Vernon and Mattie Matth ews, was born March 17, 1907, and passed away October 24, 2004, in Shenandoah, IA . She began her teaching career in Tabor and continued to Lorim or, Sunn yside, Sprin g Valley and other rura l schools in Southwest Iowa. During this time she attended Tabor College and gradu ated from N ebraska State College in Peru w ith a B. S. degree. In 1930, Vern a was united in marri age to Milo Dale Fell ows and to thi s marri age, Paul and Ann were born . A fter Dale's passing she was later united in marri age to Tom Dav is in 1942, and from this marri age, Barbara and Linda were born.

Jo Ann Plihal, 1953 Jo Ann Pl ihal, 69, di ed at her home in Ed monds, WA, on March 3, 2004. She fo ught breast cancer fo r 3- 1/2 years and Parkinson's di sease for seven years. She was awa rded th e Thelma J. Neff award in 1992 for her outstanding achi evements working with th e Washington State Denta l Alliance and the American Dental Associat ion Alli ance.

Delores DeJonge, 1954 Delores A. DeJonge, 68, Linco ln, NE, di ed July 2, 2004, in Lincoln . Mrs. DeJonge was a mem ber of Nebraska and Lincoln Board of Rea ltors . She is survived by her husband, Lee. Norman Doran, 1954 Norman D. Doran , age 77, di ed April 17, 2004. Norman served in th e Navy durin g WWII. After his di scharge, he attended Peru State College where he met and marri ed Marian Blake of A uburn .

Robert Applegate, 1959 Robert App legate was born w ith a tw in sister and was one often children. After gradu ating fro m Peru Prep High School, he attended Peru State College to earn a teaching degree. In 1950 he married hi s childhood sweetheart, Mary Patterson. In 199 1 he began to experi ence the first of many health problems.

Until the end of his life, Bob always seemed to be able to ra lly the strength necessary to survive each new medical setback, amazing his doctors each time. Each setback left him a little weaker and he di ed February 6, 2004, at the Good Samari tan Hospital in Kearney, surrounded by hi s fa mi ly.

1960;

Joyce Langer, 1954 Joyce Langer, 68, of Auburn, di ed January 18, 2004, at Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn.

She was born October 5, 1935 in Peru. In 1954, Joyce married Frank Langer, Jr. in the Peru Baptist Church. She enj oyed dancing, watchin g football , playing go lf, and bowling.

Daisymae Eckman, 1955 Daisymae "Mrs. E" Eckman, 92, Lincoln, di ed January 20, 2005 . She was a retired high school teacher and a Peru State College gradu ate.

Luella Weddel, 1956 Luella Mae Weddel, 96, passed away Sunday, March 7, 2004. Mrs. Weddle was a gifted nurse, teacher, musician, arti st and author, and she shared her talents w ith her community. She matTi ed Cecil A. Weddel on December 25 , 1930. Later in life she attend ed Peru State Teachers College and graduated w ith high honors in two years with a bachelor's degree in educati on. In 200 1, th e Business and Profess ional Women presented Mrs. Weddel with the "Woman of the Year" award.

Adela Williams, 1956 Adela F. Williams, 90, passed away at the Beverly Health Care Center in Nebraska City, on Janu ary 29, 2005 . On Jun e 5, 1940, she marri ed M urray Oral Williams in Falls City. In 1956, she completed work for her bachelor' s degree from Peru State.

E. Pauline Harring, 1957 E. Pauline Harring, 70, Fall s City, di ed Janu ary 7, 2004 in Lincoln. She attended Peru State Teachers College and worked as a nurses aide at Humboldt Hospital. She marri ed Marvin Harrin g Aug. 12, 1956, in Verd on.

Ross Pilkington, 1961 Ross A. Pil kington, 67 , a noted professor who taught for 30 years at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, di ed of a heart attack at his home in Gravo is, MO on December 3 1, 2004. Ross Pilkington marri ed Pauline Carl son in 1957, and the coupl e had two sons. She preceded him in death in 1989 . In 1979, he received an Outstanding Teacher Award and in 199 1 an Excell ence in Teaching Award at UNO. Darrell Feit, 1963 Darrell E. Feit had just graduated fro m coll ege when he first joined the Nebraska Game and Parks Co mmi ssion in 1963 . He spent only a summer workin g part time fo r th e agency's fis heri es, but it shaped his career choice. Feit helped develop and open the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium near Gretna, in 1979. He had earn ed a biology degree form Peru State College. The 63-year-old suffered fro m heart compli cations and di ed November 27, 2004, at his home. In additi on to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Lisa Carson of Omaha, and son, Dav id Feit of Lincoln.

Wendell Mohling, 1964 Dr. Wendell Mohling, 61, di ed on August 17, 2004 at !nova Fairfax Hos pital in Fairfax, VA, due to complications from a stroke. He ea rned a B. S. in science educati on in 1964 from Peru State College a master's degree in natural sc ience from the Uni versity of Oklahoma in 1968, and a Ph.D. in curri culum and instructi on from the Uni versity of Kansas. He is survived by his wife Caro l and daughter Mar ia.

Hilda Behrends, 1965 Hilda Sophie (Meyer) Behrends, 76, of Johnson, passed away February 19, 2004. She was marri ed to DeLynn Behrends on September 12, 1948, and received a B.A . in elementary educati on from PSC in 1965 .

Page 19

Hoyt Science Hall Addition Na med for Vrtiskas

Fonner District 1 State Senator and Mrs. Floyd Vrtiska were present Saturday, May 7, for the formal dedication of the Hoyt Science Hall addition in their names. Senator Floyd Vrtiska was instrumental in helping PSC through difficulties in the late 1990s and shepherded legislation through the Unicameral to fund the building's addition. The Vrtiskas were presented a plaque by PSC President Dr. Ben E. Johnson (left), Dr. Dan Johnson, PSC Foundation Executive Director (right), and Steve Lewis, Chairman of the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees (not shown).

Athletics

(conti n11 edfro111 page JO)

Colorado), Brandi Olberding (6'0" from Falls City, Sacred Heart) and transfer DyNesha Johnson (6'0" from Eastern New Mexico and Benson High School in Omaha). We also improved the overall athleticism of our team, whi ch will translate into more wins."

Athletic Administrator Sylvester concludes, "For most PSC teams, 2004 2005 was a building year. We now have our coaching staff in place, recruiting and retention are going well, and we expect to be more competitive in conference games. Additionally, the mission of PSC athletics is clearly defined and has the support of the entire staff. I expect next season to be among the more successfu l in the college's long sp01ts history."

Peru State Co llege Foundation P.O. Box 10 600 Hoyt Street Peru, NE 68421-00 I 0

Ba1111er Contributors: Dr. Ben Johnson

Dr. Stephen Sylvester

Preside/I/. Pern State College

Dean. School of Arts and Sciences & Athletic Administmtor

Dr. Dan Johnson Executil'e Director. PSC Foundation

Krystal Nolte Director. Alumni Relatiom

Alex Greenwood Director. Marketing mul Public Affi1irs

Linda Moody Secretm:i¡ to the Preside/I/

Chelsea Allgood Student Assistalll. PSC Foundation