2007 The Bobcat Banner (Nebraska) by Peru State College Library

BOBCAT

PSC Foundation Dr. Dan Johnson, Executive Director Constance Walter, Ass istant Director Krystal Nolte ('04), Alumni Relations Director Angie Balquier ('04), Accountant Chelsea Allgood ('07), Student Assistant Stephanie Hoffman, ('09), Student Ass istant PSC Administration Dr. Ben Johnson, President Linda Jacobsen, Vice President for Administration & Finance Dr. Korinne Tande, Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs Regan Anson, Director of Marketing & Public A ffa irs Linda Moody, Secretar y to the President Connie Kearney, Secretary to the Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs Bobcat Banner Graphics/ Page Design Krystal Nolte

Please send address changes and comments or suggestions to: Peru State College Foundation 600 Hoyt Street P.O. Box 10 Peru, NE 68421-0010 Phone: (402) 872-2304 Fax: (402) 872-2408 Email: PSCFoundation@oakmail.peru.edu Web : www.bobcatalumni.com

Bobcat Banner Writers: Dr. Dan Johnson Constance Walter Regan Anson Richard Speas, Athletic Director

On the Cover: A rural road outside Prague, Neb. Photo by Constance Walter. The Bobcat Banner is published three times a year by the Peru State College Foundation and National Alumni Association. Subscriptions may be purchased by filling out the enclosed subscription form and mailing it with your check for $25 to the PSC Foundation.

In this Issue 2

Changing the World, One School at a Time PSC Leads 'Adopted Students' Down the Road to Success

Beneath the Oaks

Alumni Association

To Catch a Thief: Professor Teaches Loss Prevention

Alums Carry Fond Memories of Peru State

The Fine Art of Teaching: A Glimpse into the Art Program

Class Notes, In Memoriam

Bobcat Athletics Student Athletes Score High On and Off the Field

Oak Leaves Of Fountains and Tradition

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Changing the World, One School at a Time PSC Program Offers 'Adopted Students' the Chance of a Lifetime By Regan Anson

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rural communities across the country, storefronts nd empty, schools are consolidating and family farms becoming a thing of the past. Sadly, many Nebraska mmunities find themselves facing the same fate. Driving rough some small towns, one can't help but notice e boarded-up windows of once-thriving businesses, ndoned homes and empty schools. ere are many other communities, however, that continue to fight this trend. Downtown businesses struggle to stay alive - some even thrive. Their schools, the heart of their communities, continue to graduate fresh, enthusiastic students looking toward the future. And thanks to an innovative program at Peru State College, the futures of 35 Nebraska students are especially bright. When PSC approached three rural Nebraska high schools two years ago about participating in a program that would allow their juniors to receive a four-year scholarship, at least two administrators were understandably skeptical. "My first thought was, what's the catch?" said Paul Sheffield, Shickley superintendent. "No one just offers an entire junior class free college tuition:' Prague Superintendent Gene Burton echoed that sentiment. "I was awestruck and looked for the catch at the generosity of this college:' Sheffield and Burton quickly discovered that there was no catch. But it's easy to understand their skepticism. PSC's High School to College Transition Program, an 18-month initiative, assisted all juniors from Shickley, Prague and Rising City in becoming more academically and socially prepared for collegiate success. The program offered a four-year tuition waiver funded through a combination of commitments from private sources, the PSC Foundation and tuition remission programs. The brainchild of PSC President Dr. Ben Johnson, the program is the first of its kind in Nebraska - and possibly the country. Johnson said he devised the initiative because of his concern about the shrinking resources of small, rural high schools throughout Nebraska for several years. "Because of diminishing populations and budget cuts, hundreds of schools in Nebraska and thousands throughout the region have struggled to keep their academic specialists and college enrichment programs in reading, writing and study skills;' Johnson said. "Despite the best efforts of their schools, we've found that many of the students who come to PSC are underprepared. That's where this grand experiment called the High School to College Transition Program came in. We wanted to reach out to communities with services they probably could not otherwise afford. In essence, we adopted their schools and their students:' Rising City Public Schools Superintendent Dan Albers said his school has experienced the challenges of diminishing resources throughout the last few years. "Like many rural communities, Rising City has struggled over the last few years to survive and maintain an identity that community members can have pride in and can rally around. Tough economic times have made life in our rural

community challenging for students and their parents:' The education partnership established with PSC "has been a catalyst for the Rising City School community to not only survive, but hopefully thrive in the future;' Albers said. "Peru State College has found a way to lighten

our load and ensure our kids have a chance. This event and the follow-up actions .. . are the most important community development activities that have occurred in the community in the last decade:' Johnson said there was no magic equation that led to Shickley, Rising City and Prague High Schools being selected. More or less, it was the luck of the draw. "We chose these schools because they are small, in rural communities and have little to no history of their students attending Peru State. They were also within a two-hour travel radius of campus, which was logistically important as our staff logged extensive travel time between each school throughout the 18-month endeavor:' The Transition Program is an outgrowth of PSC's Academic Resource Center (ARC), which focuses on helping students find success in college and, ultimately, in life. ARC teams began the program by assessing and diagnosing each student's strengths and weaknesses then creating individual action plans to enhance their potential for academic success. Staff from the ARC and the Office of Admissions traveled to each community monthly to present workshops that focused on leadership, goal-setting, reading, writing, SPRING

2007

and essay and resume writing for scholarships, among other topics. Students also spent time on the PSC campus, took part in job shadowing opportunities and were allowed to take up to 15 hours of college cred it courses while still in high school. The adopted students were m ade official Bobcats with college e-mail addresses, access to facil ities and online library resources, and season tickets to athletic and other campus events. They were also paired with PSC student mentors. And students weren't the only ones to benefit from their collegiate training. Their parents also participated, visiting campus and attending workshops to learn about financial aid and other college processes. Of 39 total participants in the program, 21 are now freshmen at PSC and 14 are attending college at other institutions. Kailey Ken nel, a freshman from Shickley, is among the 21 students who chose to attend PSC. With her first college semester completed, she reflected on her experience. "I felt right at home when I got to campus this fall because I knew what to expect. I already knew where everything was and I felt prepared for my courses. It was a great experience that I would definitely repeat:' Kailey added that her parents were "amazed that a college would actually do this." Kailey's mother Lori said, "I am so thankful for this program because it has made the transition from high school to college less daunting and more enjoyable. Activities that focused on subjects like math and writing clearly improved my daughter's grades in school, as well as enhanced her study habits:' Jon Sanley, a freshman from Rising City who plays football fo r the Bobcats, said the program offered him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a free education . "This program had a great effect on all the kids and especially on me, because before I found out about this, I had no clue what I was going to do about college. But then out of nowhere this awesome program came out and autom atically Peru State was at the top of my list:' Sanley's mother Cindy said, "The High School to College Transition Program is truly an excellent example of a public college reaching out to help students reach their full potential. Without this assistance, Jon would have been very limited in his choices after high school:' Now that his 'adopted' students are enrolled and doing well, President Johnson has no plans to stop here or rest on his laurels. He's already begun the process of petitioning Congress for federal funding to support another transition program at Peru State. He hopes that fe deral officials will take notice of the program and work to create similar opportunities for students thro ughout the country. "It's an innovative idea that should be incorporated throughout the country. If a small college like ours can do this, anyone ca n. I want to see more colleges and universities give back to their communities in this way. It won't change the world, but it's a small attempt at a start." 4

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What others say about the High School to College Transition Program

"Peru State College is an incredible asset to Nebraska. It has developed a program with great potential ... a model for helping students to succeed not only in high school, but in college and beyond." - Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy "It is an excellent example of publicly funded institutions keeping their promises to the taxpayers with creative, positive solutions to the critical challenges facing rural Nebraska." - Sen. Lavon Heidemann, District 1

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"It's refreshing that Peru State College took the initiative to do this - to think outside the box, do something different and see if it works. These kids will come out of college loan and debt free, and they're getting academic support they wouldn't get elsewhere. Peru State College is not going to let our kids fail." - Paul Sheffield, Shickley superintendent "A college education is valuable not only to the future of each individual but also what they have to offer our nation. Our daughter was very fortunate to have the wonderful opportunity to be enrolled in Peru State College's High School to College Transition Program." - Steve and Arlene Ourada, parents from Prague "We feel this program has helped Ashley by reinforcing her desire to continue her education. The college visits, interaction with college mentors and her successful completion of college credit courses have all been valuable learning experiences. If it were not for this program, Ashley quite honestly may not be able to attend a fouryear college without significant financial aid and/or scholarships." - John and Maryann Berggren, parents from Prague

" ... We were amazed that the Peru staff never pressured any of us to have Josh attend Peru State College. You would think that there would be a catch somewhere. There wasn't one. They truly wanted to help students become better prepared for college. One of the reasons that Josh chose Peru was that if they cared that much when he was a junior in high school, think of how much energy and effort they will give him when he is a junior in college." - Paul and Candi Nelson, parents from Shickley

professor teaches students, retailers how to prevent loss By Constance Wa lter

s an asset protection manager for Target, Misty Munson saw her share of theft, fro m shoplifting to employee theft to vendor theft. Munson began working for the retail giant after graduating in 1997 with a degree in business administration. Although retail security wasn't in her original career plan, that all changed after she took a loss prevention class fro m Dr. Jim Thomas, professional studies professor with Peru State College. "That class piqued my interest - and got my foo t in the

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door with Target;' she said. "D r. Thomas didn't just discuss loss prevention on a theoretical level. He gave us real-life cases for which we had to fin d workable solutions." Those real-life cases gave her an insight into retail loss she never knew existed. "He had a new story about theft or loss prevention every day. He showed films to illustrate how theft occurred and how to prevent it:'

first, avoid mistakes Thomas's interest in loss prevention began several years ago when he attended a seminar in Houston. Led by Jack Henry, one of the world's leading loss prevention experts, the seminar focused on theft in the grocery industry. Thomas was fascinated. As someone who had worked in retail management for some time, he was astonished to learn just how easy it is to steal from retailers. He found himself wanting to do what he could to help small retailers protect themselves. "Small retailers are especially vulnerable to vendor theft;' he said. "Not only do they have smaller volume, they don't have the resources to protect themselves against loss like larger retailers do:' In add ition, Thomas said, smaller retailers have a tendency to trust their vendors and don't always count product when it is delivered. That's a mistake, Thomas said. "If you make mistakes, they will steal from

you:' Now a nationally known expert in loss prevention, Thomas has published numerous articles about it and leads seminars all over the country. Among his findings: shoplifting represents about 10 percent of all retail theft, while employee theft accounts for the highest percentage. But it is vendor theft that is, perhaps, the most insidious, largely because much of it goes unnoticed or unreported. "A single dishonest vendor who knows theft methods can steal up to a half million dollars a year and never get caught;' said Thomas, who received his Ph.D. in Business and Distributive Education from Michigan State University.

expert advice Thomas begins each seminar with a demonstration in vendor theft. He acts out a scene as a truck driver who is delivering product to a retailer - a volunteer from the audience, who will act as the direct receiver. "We tell that volunteer we are going to steal from her and she won't be able to catch it:' True to his word, that's what happens. The volunteer is surprised, then angry when she realizes what just occurred. Thomas explains the ruse this way: The driver hands the invoice to the direct receiver. The receiver compares what's on the invoice to the product that is in front of them. The first item on the invoice is a case of soda. The receiver checks off every item on the list, then notices there are three extra cases of soda with the rest of the product. The receiver points this out to the driver who apologizes and adds the three cases to the bottom of the invoice. But the driver adds something else as well - a zero behind the 1 at the top of the invoice, changing the number of soda cases to 10. There are now 13 cases of soda listed on the invoice. Thomas said this method of theft works so well because receivers rarely recheck the top of the invoice or look at the new price extensions. They look at what has

"Dr. Thomas didn't just discuss loss prevention on a theoretical level. He gave us real-life cases for which we had to find workable solutions." - Mi sty Munson, '97

education opportunities Misti Munson, '97, BS Management, a former student of Thomas, got her start with Target in loss prevention. She now oversees construction of the new Super Target in Lincoln. been added, check it off and move on. In this case, the retailer is charged for 13 cases but only receives fo ur. The other nine cases, which are still on the truck, are stolen by the driver and sold elsewhere, usually under the table. "Some wholesalers know this type of theft occurs;' Thomas said. "However, as long as they are getting their money, they don't care who is paying for it or if the retailer is ripped off:' Of course, he added, many wholesalers do care and have safety measures in place to protect their customers. For example, some use a route audit in which an auditor - at random points along the driver's route - compares the content of the truck to the actual money collected. "It's not foolproof - some drivers drop off the stolen merchandise before the next stop - but it helps;' Thomas said. Thomas said this is just one example of how vendors steal from smaller retailers. In his seminars he discusses several ways vendors steal, but said there are at least 73. With so many ways to steal, it's no wonder more and m ore retailers are turning to experts like Thomas to help them minimize loss and increase profits.

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Thomas developed and began teaching the loss prevention class several years ago. Today, it draws students from aro und the world. Both the online version in the fall and his on-campus class in the spring are filled every year. He credits the success of the class to greater awareness on the part of retailers who are hiring people to help them reduce their losses, and to increased interest among students. His former student, however, credits it to Thomas' knowledge and teaching methods. "He taught me to think for myself and to look outside books and the classroom for education opportunities;' Misty Munson said. Recently Munson was promoted to associate owner site representative with Target. She supervises construction in new stores and is currently working on a new Super Target in Lincoln, Neb. She became interested in that side of the business during a remodel of a store in Council Bluffs, Iowa. "It was a security nightmare because there were so many new open ings and people sometimes had access to areas they normally didn't;' she said. Munson believes her success is due in large part to the challenging coursework at Peru State College, as well as the high expectations of her "favorite professor;' she said. "He expected excellence from his students and taught us to think critically:' It's something that has served her well throughout her career.

Bobcats Score High On and Off the Field Submitted by Richard Speas, PSC athletic director

The Bobcats' fall sport season ended before the winter winds whistled into Peru, culminating in a football contest Nov. 11 at the Oak Bowl. Although the Bobcats bowed out with a loss to Texas College, the squad completed its best gridiron record since 2003, going 6-5 overall and 1-3 in the Central States Football League (CSFL). I!

The fo otball team suffered a heartbreaking loss Sept. 30 when it fell 30-27 to Southern Nazarene University in overtime. Following the SNU loss, the Bobcats went on to win fo ur of the fin al six games, with wins over Ottawa University, Bethany College, Haskell University and Bacone College. The Bobcats garnered numerous awards fo r the season, with seven players named to the CFSL AllConference First-team . Those players are: seniors Lynn Meyer, Johnson, Neb.; Jared Gerdes, Auburn, Neb.; Bryan Diekmann, Cheney, Neb.; Bryan Miller, Nebraska City; and Rusty Fuller, Cambridge Neb.; and juniors Mike Mertens, Hastings, Neb.; and Jeff McQuinn, Council Bluffs, Iowa. McQuinn also was named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American team by the American Football Coaches Association. In addition, eight Bobcats made the All-American Scholar Athlete team : Meyer, Gerdes, Miller, Fuller; seniors Brandon Kirby, Council Bluffs; and Matt Ankerson, Hickman, Neb.; and juniors Wade Coulter, Columbus, Neb.; and Tyler Debuhr, Auburn .

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Head football Coach Terry Clark credited the dramatic improvement on the field and in the classroom to PSC's administration, alumni and booster club. "The resources they have provided will only strengthen our progra m next season:' The alumni football game is scheduled fo r April 28 at the Oak Bowl. The contest will start at 1 p.m . and will be carried live as a Webcast on the PSC athletic Web site.

Women's Cross Country The lady harriers concluded their season in November at the NAIA Region IV championships in Winfield, Kan. Bobcat Allison Stockstell, Hamburg, Iowa, was the leading runner in each of the meets. She also was named the most improved runner from last year. The cross country team also demonstrated success in the classroom when Leisha Tennal, Morrill, Kan., was named an NAIA cross country scholar-athlete. The Midlands Collegiate Athletics Confere n ce (MCAC) meet was held in Lawrence, Kan. , in October. Although Park University dominated the meet, sweeping

the first five spots, Peru finished third in the team race. Stockstell finished 18th in individual races. The team also is gearing up for the Lincoln Half Marathon and the Mickelson Trail Marathon. "To run at a higher level, team members need to continue running over the summer, including distance, pace and hill running;' said Johann Murray, head coach. "The team also needs to prepare psychologically:'

Conference Update

Women's Golf

The quest to find the right football conference for Peru State College continues. "This is a complex issue," said Dick Speas, athletic director. "We are balancing many things, including the cost of travel, the availability of opponents, the number of teams in a conference and opportunities to qualify for playoffs. In addition, we are looking at the resources committed to football by other institutions in these various conferences. There are many things to consider before making a decision." Speas looks forward to finding a solution that will benefit both the College and the football program. At this time he is considering four different options:

Despite having just four golfers on the team, first-year golf Coach Kevin Dobbs led the Lady Bobcats to some significant accomplishments. The previous team record in a tournament was 385 strokes. This year the squad's best was 374 at the Concordia Invitational. Other scores include 38 1 at the Nebraska Wesleyan Invitational and 384 at the Bobcat Invitational. Three PSC golfers also placed individually in tournaments as their scores earned them a spot in the top 10 individual finishers. Lindsey Waldrep, Fairbury, Neb., shot an 82, the team's low score. The women's golf team is preparing for the conference season this spring and Dobbs believes it can place in the top. "We could win the conference this spring ... even though Park University is the favorite;' he said. "I would look for Park to shoot around 380 for the conference meet. We've shown we can beat that."

1. Stay affiliated in the current conference 2. Temporarily become an independent 3. Take action to form a new conference 4. Join a conference other than the Central States Football League Terry Clark, head football coach, pointed out that the move to a new conference will only affect the football program. "In addition to the points Mr. Speas made, it is important for us to find a conference with institutions that share our philosophy of academic and athletic integrity," he said.

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by Constance Walter

~of these days, Susan (Jarvis) Thomas might slow down and enjoy life a bit

~e. But for now, the 1985 Peru State College graduate is staying busy as a nurse anesthetist, working for Professional Anesthesia Services, a private contractor, and running her own business, Thomas Anesthesia Services. I

I 12

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"I work a lot;' she said. "Part of that is that I don't like to say no. It was a lot easier when I had kids at home. Now is a good time to take advantage of the opportunities in this business. I can do the work and handle long hours. In a few years I won't want to work so hard:' Susan's husband David ('80, math education) is the health service administrator at the Tecumseh State Corrections Facility in Tecumseh, Neb., where he manages all health care services, including hospital, clinic, dental and pharmacy. It's challenging, he said, but not as demanding as Susan's job. "Susan is often on call and sometimes works more than 60 hours a week. I don't have to work the hours she does:' Long hours and challenging jobs can put a strain on any relationship, but Susan and David found a way to balance work and home. "After 26 years of marriage you just do what needs to be done;' David said. "We always try to make time for each other:' The two were married after she graduated from high school in 1980. They have two children, a son who is studying computer technology at Vatterott College in Omaha, and a daughter who is studying medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Susan had both children while a student at PSC, but never missed a day of classes. "I didn't want to fall behind;' she said. Before starting college Susan knew she wanted a career in medicine. When she enrolled at Creighton University for a degree in nursing, she still had two weeks before graduation at Peru. Her professors allowed her to take her exams early so she could begin classes in the spring rather than wait to begin the nursing program in the fall. "That just doesn't happen anywhere else;' she said. "I know this sounds trite;' David added, "but, really, the best thing about Peru was that it was like family - everyone wanted you to succeed. We're like the fruits of their labor:' David came to PSC with dreams of being a math teacher. A typical student, he served on the student senate, attended sporting events and went to dances. He also took junior-level math classes while a freshman because the classes were on ly offered every other year. "Sometimes I didn't know what was going on;' he said. "There's no way I could have survived without the help of my instructors. I'd put them up against any instructors in the nation:' After graduation, David worked in his family's beverage distribution business in Auburn . Then, in 1993, Susan decided to enroll in the Nurse Anesthesia program at the Un iversity of Kansas. "I was nervous. I had been out of school for seven years and was competing with younger students who had more recent knowledge:' It turned out she had nothing to worry about. She graduated in 1994 among the top in her class. She couldn't have done it without her experiences at Peru, Susan said.

Above: Susan and David Thomas talk with their former professor Dr. Daryl Long during a recent visit to the campus. Left: Susan and Davi d take a walk through campus in late January. About the same time David made a similar decision. "At one time I wanted to work in medicine;' he said. "Susan was going back to school and that inspired me to finally do it:' He returned to PSC for the necessary prerequisites then enrolled in Creighton's School of Nursing. He received his bachelor of science degree in nursing in 1994. Neither regrets their decision. In fact, they love what they do. "This is the most fun I've ever had in a job;' David said. As health service administrator, David oversees all aspects of health care at the prison, as well as the staff. "I do well at my job and enjoy my job because I have good people who help make my job easy;' he said. A one-time supervisor at a hospital, Susan said she hated management. "I just want to work. I don't want to solve problems between people;' she said. "But David's a good negotiator. He can find solutions and help people work things out." David said, "I couldn't do what she does, though. She's the best anesthetist around:' "And he's not biased at all;' Susan said, joking. "She really is;' he insisted. "We really are opposites;' Susan said. "He's highly organized in his personal and professional lives. I'm very organ ized with work - there's no room for error in my job;' she said. But otherwise, she doesn't worry so much. "I don't sweat the small stuff:' Susan and David returned to campus on a beautiful fall day. They took a tour and wandered through buildings and classrooms. Both fell in love all over again. "It's like I remember;' David said. "But more beautiful:' Susan nodded. "All of my memories are great. College was a stressful time in my life, but being at Peru made it easier:' David agreed. "Peru State College just cared about its students:' "I feel so blessed;' Susan added.

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Class Notes fift h year as a computer systems administrator at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo. Kyra taught math and science and coached volleyball and track fo r 20 years in Rock Port, Mo., where she and her husband Harvey live. Ernie Templeton, '73, BS Health and Physical Education, retired after 26 years in law enforce ment. He was a Sheriff's Lieutenant for Contra Costa County in Northern California. He also retired at the rank of captain from the U. S. Reserve afte r 30 years. Ernie's oldest son is serving in the U.S. Navy and is stationed near Seattle, Wash. His second son attends the U.S. Air Force Academy and will graduate in May. His youngest child, a daughter, is a freshman at Solano Community College and plays softb all.

1980s 1949 senior class officers, Willard Redfern, Secretary and Treasurer; Maynard Schliefert, President; Martin Svoboda, Vice-President. (1949 Peruvian)

1950s Reginald Speak, '55, BS Health and Physical Education, was inducted into the Iowa Athletic Trainers Social Hall of Honor May 15, 2005, at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Reginald is the only high school athletic trainer to receive this honor. He also was inducted into the Hall of Faith by Fellowship of Christian Athletes at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, on Feb. 27, 2006.

Dominick LaRocca, '66, was inducted into the Nebraska Wrestling Hall of Fame for coaching.

1960s

Paul Horel, '69, BA History, marked his 13th year as president of the Crop Insurance Research Bureau (CIRB) , a national trade association representing companies that write federal crop insurance. Paul is married to Yvonne Pfa nnecker, '78, BS Education, who retired from teaching two years ago. Paul and Yvonne have fo ur children and live in Olathe, Kans.

Linda (Moore) Regnier, '60, BS History, retired as director of Tippecanoe Academy Alternative School in West Lafayette, Ind.

Kyra (Rengstorf) Mills, '7 1, BS Mathematics, is completing her

William Albright, '57, BA History, retired in 1990 from Santa Rosa City Schools after 32 years. He resides in Calistoga, Calif. For the past 15 years, Bill has been a sales associate at the Calistoga Wine Stop and is pursuing a supplemental career in the wine industry.

Sharon (Peacock) Parrish, '64, BA, retired in May 2004 after teaching English for 37 years in several Nebraska communities including Beatrice, Crete, Tecumseh, and Auburn. She spent the last 26 years of her career at Red Oak High School in Red Oak, Iowa.

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1970s

Sundae (Knott) Nordstrom, '82, BA Elementary Education, is a professor at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. She lives in Southwest Iowa with her husband Eric and two children, Benj amin and Meghan. Janine (Uldrich) Saltzman, '83, BS Elementary Education, works fo r Center Pointe. She lives in Lincoln , Neb., with her husband Troy of 11 years and three children, Clarisa, Michele and Ethan. Teresa (Eheler) Smith, '84, BA Elementary Education, is the special education instructor at W heeler Central Schools in Bartlett, Neb. She and her husband Gary have three children; Tara, Travis and Nathan. Doug Goltz, '86, BS Education History, recently received the Level IV Coaching Milestone Award, the highest given by the Nebraska Coaches Association. Doug earned the award after winning his 400th basketball game last winter. The youngest Nebraska high school coach to get 400 wins, the 42-year-old -

Class Notes coach has brought seven class Dl or D2 state basketball championships to Falls City Sacred Heart High School in Falls City, Neb. Doug is the FCSH principal, athletic director and head coach of three sports: football, basketball and track.

Nicole Short, '95, BS Marketing and Sports Management, is the new director of client & data services for US Data Corporation, a national direct marketing firm . She lives in Omaha with her 6-year-old daughter, Hayley.

Kristina (Tatum) Larson, '99, BS Elementary Education, married Lars Larson on June 9, 2006, in Nebraska City, Neb. Kristina is a first-grade teacher at Nebraska City Public Schools and Lars is a GM sales manager with Larson Motors, Inc.

Nancy Glasgow, '87, is the direct support coordinator for the Hastings Mosaic program and is responsible for daily operations. Mosaic coordinates services for adults and children who have developmental disabilities and is located in Hastings, Neb.

Sarah (Haneline) Bando, '98, BS Psychology, married Brian Bando July 29, 2006, in Nebraska City, Neb. Sarah works in accounting at Ryco Packaging Corporation in Omaha; Brian works at American Meter in Nebraska City.

2000s

1990s

Jessica (Damrow) Moore, '98 BS Biological Science, married Christopher Moore Sept. 17, 2005, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Geneva, Neb. Jessica is an optometrist at Mid America Vision Center in Geneva and Christopher works with Grafton Farms. The couple live in Grafton, Neb.

Jeff Chmelka, '92, BS Management, and Valerie (Vogel) Chmelka, '99, BS Elementary Education, were married Feb. 17, 2006, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island, Neb. Jeff is the business coordinator at Principal Financial Group in Grand Island and Valerie teaches second grade at Grand Island Public Schools.

Kate (Rippe) Carlson, '01. BS Management, and husband Michael welcomed their daughter McKenzie Grace on March 25, 2006. Samuel Klein, '01, BS Industrial Technology Management, married Stacey Holthus Aug. 19, 2006, at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Omaha, Neb. Samuel is a network administrator with Sprint; Stacey is a registered nurse at Immanuel Medical Center. Justin Seeba, '01, BS Business Administration, married Heather

Timothy Hynek, '92, BS Management, married Janel (Pinn) Hynek June 3, 2006, in Beatrice, Neb. Tim is a postal carrier with the U.S . Postal Service in Fairbury, Neb.; Janel teaches fourth grade at Diller-Odell Public schools. Martin Jacobsen, '92, BA English, was promoted to associate professor of English and granted tenure at West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas, in September 2005. Erica (Everson ) Bice, '95, BS Management, was promoted to administrative customer service supervisor for Bright House Networks in Tampa, Fla. Erica oversees scheduling and payroll. Jay Koziol, '95, BS Management, and Sara (Bstandig) Koziol, '96, BS Management, are the parents of twins Alexander and Hannah Lynn, born Feb. 27, 2006. They were welcomed by their brother, 4-year-old Justin Riley.

Enjoying a favorite pastime at the Bob Inn. L. to R., Gerri Corn , Norma Allen, Bill Allen , Bob Perry, Verla Perry, Bill Allen. (1955 Peruvian)

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Class Notes Iowa. Steven Winton, '03, BS Management, married Nicole Bargmann Aug. 12, 2006, in Lincoln , Neb. Steve is pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree and works as an advertising consultant with Dex Media. Nicole works as a paralegal with Blazek and Associates. Michael Ringen, '04, BS Social Science Teaching, and Tara (Long) Ringen, '02, BS Elementary Education, were married July 15, 2006, at Christ Community Church in Beatrice, Neb. Tara is a teacher at Beatrice Public Schools; Michael teaches at Southern Public Schools in Wymore/Blue Springs, Neb.

In contrast to the Centennial theme, an example of the modern way is presented by Connie Rademacher and Ginnie Mullen. (1967 Peruvian)

(Swanson) Seeba Aug. 26, 2006, at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, Neb. Justin is a quality control analyst with Information Technology, Inc. in Lincoln, Neb.; Heather is a purchasing agent with Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing.

Phil Sheek, 'O1, BS Physical Education, works at Diagonal Community Schools as a physical education and health instructor. He also is the head boys basketball and baseball coach. Doug Jamison, '02, BA History, and Misti (Lenz) Jamison, '02, BS Psychology and Sociology, welcomed baby girl Maleah Oct. 20, 2004. The couple also has a son, Connor. Doug is a foster care specialist with Christian Heritage in Lincoln, Neb. Misti works at Careday Castle. Matthew Placek, '02, BS Physical Education, married Courtney (Nuzum) Placek at the Gerald Ford 16

BOBCAT BANNER - ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Birthplace in Omaha. The couple honeymooned in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Renee Zook, '03, BS Instructional Technology, recently became engaged to Michael J. Loftus. Renee works at Rumsey Station Elementary School in Papillion, Neb., and Micki Pospisil's Dance Studio in Omaha. Michael co-owns Aqua Pleasure Pool and Spa Inc., located in Omaha and Bellevue, Neb.

Michael Wiese, '04, BA Language Arts, and Hilary (Koso) Wiese, '04, BS Mathematics, were married June 10, 2006, at Sheridan Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Neb. Michael is the operations manager for Focal Point Publishing and Leadership Resources in Lincoln and coaches volleyball at Lincoln East High School. Hilary teaches math at Irving Middle School and is an account manager at Focal Point. Sara (Holtmeier) Lucking, '05, BS Special Education, married Brandon Lucking Aug. 19, 2006, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Diller, Neb. Sara is an admissions specialist with MDS PharmaServices and Brandson is a parts and supply manager with Endicott Clay Products Co.

Erick Martinez, '03, BS Business Administration, married Brooke Harring Aug. 26, 2006, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nebraska City, Neb. Erick is director of sales at National Service Cooperative in Omaha; Brooke is a graduate student at Bellevue University.

Andrea (Kirchhoff) Weichel, '05, BS Management, married Barry Weichel Aug. 27, 2005. Andrea is an administrative assistant at Southeast Community College. Barry is a selfemployed farmer.

Jamie (McBride) Perkins, '03, BS Sports Management, and husband Adam welcomed their first child Tye Joseph April 12, 2004, in Atlantic,

Jennifer (Shockey) Rohlmeier, '05, BS Elementary Education, married Brad Rohlmeier June 4, 2005, at Friedens United Church of Christ in

Bern, Kan. Jennifer is a K-6 resource teacher at Stull School in Plattsmouth, Neb. Ben Fehringer, '06, BS Physical Education, and Anna (Clements) Fehringer, '06, BS Early Childhood, were married May 13, 2006 at the United Methodist Church in Tecumseh, Neb. Trevor Kalkwarf, '06, BS Business Administration, married Sonja Schindler May 13, 2006, at Sheridan Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Neb. Trevor is an assistant manager with Hy-Vee Food Store and Sonja is a student at the University ofNebraskaLincoln. Trisha (Lampe) Crawford, '06, BS Elementary Education, married Cole Crawford June 3, 2006, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dunlap, Neb. Trisha teaches pre-school in the South Sioux City school district. Cole is a mechanic at the Jensen Imports dealership in Sioux City, Iowa. Anthony Schmid, '06, BS Wildlife Ecology, and Randi (Fisher) Schmid, were married Aug. 5, 2006, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst, Neb. Anthony is employed at Quality Contracting in Tecumseh, Neb.; Randi is a student at PSC.

Share your Class Notes at www.bobcatalumni.com or by contacting the PSC Foundation: P.O. Box 10 Peru, NE 68421 Phone: (402) 872-2304 Fax: (402) 872-2408 PSCFoundation@oakmail.peru.edu

1920s Iva (Reagan) Huston, '25, Teaching, died July 16, 2006, in Falls City, Neb. She taught school in rural Nemaha County and Salem, Neb. Funeral services were held at Maple Cemetery, Salem.

1930s Avis Lorene (Beatty) Sundberg, '31, Stromberg, Neb., died Nov. 21, 2006, at York General Hospital in York, Neb. Avis married Richard T. Sundberg in 1934 and they enjoyed 49 years together. Avis was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church and active in Covenant Women's ministries. She was Sunday School superintendent, president of Ladies Aid and treasurer of 3 C's for many years. Leone (Ohler) Mikulas, '33, Hastings, Neb., died June 14, 2006. Eunice Barbara (Bergman) Forbes, '37, Georgetown, S.C., died Oct. 6, 2006. Eunice was married to Paul Winfield Forbes. They had two children, Barbara Lyn and Terry.

In Memoriam and was active in Circle. She also was a Cub Scout leader and volunteered with the Peru Rescue Squad. Marlin A. "Joe" Krug, '41, Falls City, Neb., died Oct. 18, 2006. Marlin married Evelyn Kentopp in 1946 and the couple made their home on a farm outside Falls City. Marlin served as Richardson County Commissioner and on various boards and committees in Richardson County. Bob Bruce Ashton, '42, Springfield, Mo., died Nov. 14, 2006, after battling leukemia. Bob composed at least 300 published and/or recorded works by major companies. In 1964, his album "Songs of Living Faith" was nominated for a Grammy Award by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Bob was preceded in death by his brothers Jack, '35, and Graydon, '41, Ashton. Robert E. Widmark, '45, Chandler, Ariz., died Dec. 13, 2006.

Âˇ Donald H. Lienemann, '46, Papillion, Neb., died Dec. 22, 2006. Donald married Ruth Meister, '47, in 1947 and the couple had four children; Donna, Vivian M. (Dunsdon) Dyke, '38, Kenneth, Jean and Robert. Donald Normal Training Teachers Certificate, worked for North Western Life died Sept. 25, 2006, in Tabor, Iowa. Insurance as an agent for 52 years and Vivian taught for four years in rural recently published a book "Miracles Do Happen;' which describes his schools in Fremont County after graduating from PSC. On Jan. 28, experience as a prisoner of war in 1942, she married Willard Loren Dyke Germany. and had three children: David, Keith Benjamin Franklin Gillard, '49, and Mary. Vivian later returned to teaching and taught kindergarten for BA Mathematics, died Nov. 1, 2006, 20 years until her retirement in 1973. in Glenwood, Iowa. Ben married Mildred (Meyers) Gillard, '48, and had four children: Nancy, Rodney, Connie and Kimberly. Ben taught Vera (Eshcen) Cox, '40, Auburn, math and science and won the Neb., died Dec. 1, 2006. Vera married Science Teacher of the Year Award in Chalmer Lee Cox in 1943 and they Nebraska. raised four children, Donna, Anita, Edward and Richard, in the Peru area. Vera was a telephone operator in Peru, worked at the American Meter Plant Eunice L. (Damkroger, Shueman) in Nebraska City and was a nurse's Peterson, '51 , Lady Lake, Fla., and aide. A member of the Peru Methodist Maggie Valley, N.C., died Nov. 18, Church, she taught Sunday School 2006, at the Monarch hospice in

1940s

1950s

Lincoln, Neb. Eunice married Lowell Schueman in 1952; they had one son, Michael Lee. After Lowell's death in 1971, Eunice moved to Lincoln with her son and worked at Southeast High School. She married Rex Peterson, a geologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in 1977. Larry Stanley, '52, Shenandoah, Iowa, died April 6, 2006. Lillian J. (Gnadt) Christ, '53, Weed, Calif., died Sept. 5, 2006, in Central Point, Ore. Lillian taught sixth grade at the PSC campus training school for ten years and at Auburn Public Schools in Auburn, Neb., for seven years. Lillian was the widow of John C. Christ, '55. Bob James Simpson, '55, Ashland, Neb., died Oct. 8, 2006. Bob played football for the Bobcats in 1949 and from 1951 to 1953 for Coach Al Wheeler. He married Shirley Gess, '54, in 1954. Over the years, Bob taught physical education and science and was an athletic director and football and golf coach. He retired in 1996 after teaching for 24 years in AshlandGreenwood. Gerald Buterbaugh, '58, Omaha, Neb., died in January 2006.

1960s Dr. Donald V. Schmidt, '65, Goodridge, Minn., died Aug. 31, 2006. Joan (Eickhoff) Darling, '66, Auburn, Neb., died May 20, 2006. Joan taught at various schools in Southeast Nebraska and helped her former husband, Ralph Darling, with their businesses, Bulk Carries and Darling's Cafe in Auburn. Dora E. (Somerhalder) Koester, '67, Mesa, Ariz., died Jan. 6, 2007. Dora taught in various schools throughout Southeast Nebraska. Tom Sorensen, '68, Centennial, Colo., died in May 2006. SPRING

2007

Of Pountains and rr'radition :Marf\Jrzg J()(J (Years oj C/ro'!Vtfz From the Editor: The quest for excellence is our tradition , from our ever-growing enrollment numbers and outstanding academic programs to our magnificent landscapes. This graceful, streaming fountain became part of campus several months ago and sits just east of the Administration Building. Some believe that this lively newcomer reincarnates a fountain that stood on this very spot at the turn of the century. It serves as a vibrant expression of Peru State's ongoing tradition of excellence. As evidence that history does repeat itself at PSC, please enjoy this excerpt from the 1909 yearbook. The parallels between now and then speak for themselves. 1904 witnessed a New Birth of the Normal under the supervision ofJ.W Crabtree. Never has progress been so noticeable as during the present administration. The growth of the school may be seen by comparing the graduating classes : Class 1870, 2; class 1880, 7; class 1890, 16; class 1900, 29; class 1905, 57; class 1906, 88; class 1907, 149; class 1908, 142; class 1909, 172, and the present juniors have reached the maximum thus far of 203 members. The returning graduate finds chapel held, not in a single room, but in a magnificent, new building, also 20

BOBCAT BANNER - OAK LEAVES

housing a finely-equipped gymnasium. He sees the two science departments with more than double their previous space. He sees the library in a commodious new building. He sees the new domestic science department, the new department of agriculture and a remarkably beautiful campus with a $50,000 administrative building in sight. He sees members of the fac ulty secure in their positions, not transients, as forme rly. President Crabtree is not only a scholar and statesman , but a leader who devotes his energies toward the welfare of every individual with whom he comes in contact.

Peru State College anonal AlJmn.

Alumni Assocbtion

Photo Al bum

Newsletter

PSC llome Bobcat Alhletics

PSC Fou ndation

CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

Bobcat Bookstore

PSCNEWS Fans fill Oak Bowl for Homecoming

Ga m e Oct. 30, 200 6 • Homeco ming starte d with a Natio nal Alumni Association Boa rd meeting during whi ch Or. Be n Johnson, presi dent of Peru State Coll ege, and Or. Dan Johnson, executive director of th e PSC Foundation, ...

Pirst'MmeU.se.rs My ProlUt

Peru State Co ll ege Enrollment 60s Plus 2 Reunion a Bio Hit!

How do you like the new design?

It was a glorio us weeke nd. Alumni fr om

all over th e co untry gathere d on ca mpus July 21-23 for th e 60s Plu s 2 Alum ni

Re unio n . One of th e highlig hts of th e weekend was th e Ethnic Sinoe rs oroup (left), a lumni of PSC who played together while in colle9e. Check out th e 60s Reunion pa9e fo r photos a nd co mm ents from th e many a lumn i who atte nde d.

(" Loveit (" Ha te it (" Like it (" Don 't car e

More Campus Happenings

Surges Again Presi dent Be n John so n announce d that preli minary enro llm ent numbers indicate that the sch ool is on track to post another record e nrollme nt in o-ease for the fa ll 2006 se meste r. With seve ral weeks ...

[

•

-Angelia Rohwer Steiner, '90 Teacher, Sabetha High School, Sabetha, Kan. NAA Board Member

Alumni Cruise Octo be r 9, 2006 • Pa ul a nd Arle ne Fe ll, '67, PSC National Alumni Association copre sidents, will be ce lebrating the ir 4 0th wedding a nniversary on the Ce lebrity Cruise Lines ship, Co nste llation, whi ch visits th e ... More PSC News

"I've always been proud of my Alma Mater and show it by supporting PSC's National Alumni Association. Join me and hundreds of other loyal Bobcats by becoming a member of the NAA online community at bobcatalumni.com."

Check out the new National Alumni Association ~web design at ~.bob~atalumni.com .

To become a Bobcat Banner subscriber, or to renew your subscription, return this completed form together with $25 to Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421. First & last name: Name while attending PSC: _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Class year: Address: _ _ __________________ City: _ __ __________________ State: _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ Home phone: (

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ E-mail address:

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Please select the subscription type you would like to purchase: D $25.00 for a 1-year subscription

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I very much support the changes at Peru State College in recent years. In addition to my subscription payment, I am enclosing a gift of$_ _ _ to be used at President Johnson's discretion.

To support our General Scholarship Fund, please send your gift to Peru State College Foundation at the return address below or call 402-872-2304.

Non-profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LINCOLN , NE PERMIT# 365

Education Goes Online

Letter from the editor D ear Readers: I t doesn't seem possible, but this issue of the Bobct1t Bt11111er is our sixth in two years. In that time, we've go ne from a newsletter to a full-color magazine. As the magazine has grown, so has o ur coverage o f your alma mater. We've added in-depth stories abo ut the tremendous progress at Peru State College, nostalgic pieces and features on o ur facu lty and alumni. You'll also continue to find updates on yo ur classmates, fac ulty and friends. It's been a challenging two years, but we've enjoyed our work and have recen tly been rewarded witl1 some reader comments. At tlu s time o ur resources do not allow us space in tl1e magazine for letters to the editor. H owever, we do wa nt you to kn ow what o tl1ers are saying about tl1e magazine and their lives at Peru State College. So we've created a page o n our \Xleb site. O ne of those letters involves " underground activities" tl1at took place for a very brief time in the 1950s. The story was sent to us by Dr. Sharon Ocker, a 1953 (B.S.) and 1960 (M.S.) graduate of PSC. Dr. Ocker is retired from J\tforningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, where he served as pro fessor of ed ucatio n (29 years), chair of tl1e depar tment (25 years), rurector of the graduate program (18 years), facu lty representative for atl1letics to the I orth Central Conference (22 years) and official score keeper for

men's basketball (29 years). While at Peru, he was a sports writer for the Pedegogit111, an atl-tlete and a contributor to the underground activities on campus. His reminiscences can be foun d at www.bobcatalumni.com . Simply click on tl1e ational Alumni Association icon in the bottom left corner tl1en look for tl1e link to the Bobcat Bt11111er. The NAA pages also allow you to view photographs from several alumni events over the past couple of years. The newest photo albums feature tl1e Omaha Chapter Reunion, the Northern Cali fornia Reu1uon and tl1e SO-year Reunio n. And as long as you're on the Web site, consider joining the National Alumni Associatio n. It's a great way to network with otl1er alumni , let everyo ne know about yo ur accomplishments and get regular updates abo ut your alma mater. For now, sit back and enj oy tlus latest editio n o f the magazine. And , please, feel free to send us your tho ughts. Sincerely,

Constance \'(falter, E ditor

In th is Issue On the Cover: 2

Bridging the Distance Peru State Embraces the Future with Online Programs

Departments: 6

Beneath the Oaks

Alumni Association Alumni Profile: John Bath, '32

A Passion for History: Professor Brings the Past to Life

Class Notes, In Memoriam

Sornething Special: Peru Prep Leaves Its :Mark on Former Students, Teachers

Oak Leaves Commencement 2007

Bobcat Athletics The AWAC Gets a Face Lift

PSC Foundation Dr. Dan Johnson , Execuri,Âˇc Director Constance Walter, Assistant Director Angela Ba lquier ('04), Accountant Sandy Fisher, D evelopment Ofticer Krystal Nolte ('04), ;\lumni Relations Director Chelsea Allgood ('08), Student i\ssisrnm Stephanie Hoffman, ('09), Student 1\ssistant

Photo by Kinsley Dey

PSC Administration Dr. Ben Johnson, President Linda Jacobsen, \'ice President for Administration & Finance Dr. Todd Drew, \ 'ice !'resident for 1\cademic & Student 1\ffairs Regan Anson, Director oi .\Iarketing & Public 1\ifairs Linda Moody, Secretary to rhe President Connie Kearney, Secrcrnrl" to the \'ice President for 1\cadcmic & Student ,\fiairs Bobcat Banner Graphics/Page Design Krystal Nolte Chelsea Allgood Bobcat Banner Writers: Dr. Dan Johnson Constance Walter Regan Anson Cover art by Chelsea Allgood The Bobcat Banner is published three times a year by the Peru State College Foundation and National Alumni Association. Subscriptions may be purchased by filling out the enclosed subscription form and mailing it with your check for $25 to the PSC Foundation .

Please send address changes and comments or suggestions to: Peru State Co llege Foundation 600 Hoyt Street P.O. Box 10 Peru, NE 68421-0010 Pl1one: (402) 872-2304 Fax: (402) 872-2408 Email : PSCFoundation@oakmail.peru.edu Web: www.bobcata lumni.com

SUMMER

2007

• • • •

Peru State Embraces Online Programs By Constance Walter

This spri11g, Dt: Ben ]ohmon, president of Pent S fate College, received the 2007 Carl Albin and A/t1i Lin/lea Spader Disting11ished Leadership A1JJard. The A1JJard, u;hich is presented l:.J1 the l'Jebraska LEAD Progralll, "recogl/izes i11dividNals 1JJho have disting11ished thelllse/z1es in vtsible state1JJide roles and 1JJhose broad vtsion, purs11it of excellence and stro11g leadership q11alities serve as constant role models for others. 11 In recei11i11g this aJJJard, Johnson joil/s an elite gro11p that inc/11desfor111er Nebraska Gov. Kqye Orr andjotmer University of Nebraska Presidents Ronald Roskem and Jli1artin LV!.assengale. ]ohmon saUJard is as 11111ch a tribJ1te to his leadership and 1Jtsio11 as it is a tribJ1te to the tradition of excellence that started

140_years ago 1JJhe11 the Nebraska State Normal School 1J1elcoJ1Jed its first students. Pem State has a lot of 'Jirsts 11 in Nebraska: it JJJas the first higher edJ1ratio11 imtitution (1867), the first to operate an on-call/pm training school (see Page 8), and the first to ''adopt 11 rum! high school st11dents as a JJJC!)' to e11sJ1repreparedness for college (see the Spring 200 7 Banner). Under]oh11son'.r leadership, PSC has hecome aforce in the }}}or/d qf higher education, constantly p11shing the boundaries through its innovative approach to ed11cation. This atticle joe1tses OI/ ho1JJ Peru S fate College has e111braced a11d taken the lead in online edttcation and the difference it ts maki11g in the lit 1es of st!!dents in Nebraska and around the JJJodrl.

In a co untry that prizes educatio n for all people, it's no surprise that the first distance educatio n courses in A merica were offered in the 18th Century. Assignments and homework were sent by post, which was delivered by horse-drawn coach or o n horseback. It was a long way from Philadelphia to Boston or between most places, so earning a degree took a lo ng time. Over time, however, distance education has changed dramatically, moving from mail-order coursework to VHS tapes to teleco nferencing. Then, in the early 1990s, some colleges began o ffering courses over a relatively new system called the Internet. And once again, Peru State College was there to lead the charge. ''As technology improved, it didn't take a lot of imagination to move to the Internet," Johnson said. Initially, PSC's online programs were developed for military fa milies at Offutt Air Base near O maha. In 2000, abo ut 50 students were taking classes online at PSC. Students are taught over Blackboard, electronic education software that allows instructors and students to communicate online. Today more than 1,500 Peru State students take at least o ne online class. Approximately 850 of those are Internet-only students. "Internet-only students are very special to us," Johnson said. "This campus was designed to accommodate 500 students and we have nearly twice that number on campus already. That's why Internet programs are so wonderful. They allow us to continue growing without putting a negative strain on existing services and facilities." Incorporati ng more o nline programs is not o nly about higher enrollments, Jo hnson said, "it's about fulfilling our mission to serve people who wa nt to furth er their education."

Life happens According to Dr. Todd Drew, vice president for academic and student affairs at PSC, the main reason people don't go back to school is fear. "They have the desire to move ahead, but anxiety over giving up a job or taking time away from fa mily prevents them from doing it. The beautiful thing abo ut Internet education is that it reduces those fears and anxieties. By taki ng away the physical barriers, we also take away many of the psychological barriers." Greg Tyler and Carla Kaye are among the many people who turned to the Internet to further their education and move ahead in their careers. Tyler is stationed at Offutt and will be deploying to Korea later this year. H e had been working toward a degree but found it difficult to fit classes into his hectic schedule. "Being in the Air Force doesn't allow me to attend a structured prqgram on campus," he said. But it was more than his work that led the business administration major to Peru's online programs. "I am 40 years old and have three children. The more time I can spend with them the better. Taking online classes fits into my schedule perfectly. Besides, I hate sitting in a classroom." Kaye, "a baby boomer who had a career in real estate," spent

years trying to get a degree, but didn't want to quit her jo b to go to school full time. She finally turned to a local college in Riverside, Calif. , because it o ffered o nline programs. She enrolled and earned an associate's degree. Kaye's experience was so positive she decided to continue her educatio n. After searching extensively for the "right fit," she found Peru State College. "I was tllfilled that Peru o ffered just what I wanted ... and at the prices I could afford," Kaye said. " or only does Peru have a reputation for providing quality education in ebraska, it's fully accredited." Peru State's online classes appeal to traditional students as well, especially those who have jobs or participate in extracurricular activities. Cori Harmon, a senior majoring in psychology, has taken several classes online. "I am very involved with campus activities and have a hectic schedule. Taking a couple of online classes is a real convenience and relieves the craziness in my life," she said.

" I am very involved with campus actlvltles an nave a hectic schedule. Taking a couple of online classes is areal convenience and relieves the craziness in my life." -Cori Harmon ('08)

Thinking outside the box Just 10 years ago, PSC was struggling to remain viable. E nrollment was down and there was talk of closing or moving tl1e college. When Jo hnson arrived in 1999, he knew dras tic change was needed if the college was to survive. "Turning to online programs saved Peru State College," he said. "Because of our commitment to online programs and degrees, this is tl1e o nly state college in I ebraska that shows promise for continued growth." With so many colleges and universities offering online programs, what sets Peru State apart? " Rapid innovation," said Drew. " \Y./e get in touch with the needs of people who wa nt to continue their education then we move quickly to meet tl1ose needs. People see us as being on the cutting edge o f education." T hat innovative thinking includes:

l. Delivery methods.

"Theinternetisessentially the evolutionary high point of distance educatio n. We've always wanted to serve more people and recognized the value of the Internet early o n," Drew said. The results speak for tl1emselves : higher enrollments and numerous online programs.

2 . cur r i cu I um . "Our goal is to

help people develop essential skills and move forward in their careers," Drew said. "\Xie design o ur curriculum to help them reach their education and career goals." A n example is the criminal justice program, which must be able to acco mmodate the rapid changes in the industry. "Someone working in loss preven tion can get a degree in criminal justice administratio n," he said. "S tudents take business administration courses to facilita te a new skill level that allows them to enter leadership and management positions or move into business fields."

3. The bachelor of applied science. This degree can be completed o n campus o r o nline and is geared for " highly experienced people with an associate's degree or the eguivalen t in coursework and technical experience" who want their educatio n to foc us specifically o n the needs of th eir job. "The military and industry love the BAS," Drew said . "I t's a great way to help people with leadership potential get the skills they need to adva nce. The degree becomes even more accessible given PSC's 'life experience/prior learning credit program."'

4. Master's programs. T he College o ffers a Mas ter of Science in E ducatio n in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a Master o f Science in O rganizatio nal Manage ment. The degree in organizational management is a unigue progra m that has at its core entrepreneurial and economic development compo nents. "\Y/e looked at corporate innovatio n, micro-enterprise and nonprofi t organi zatio ns when developing this program," Drew said. T he additio n o f a mas ter's progra m outside of education makes fo r a stro nger insti tution and refl ects well on all of PSC's degrees, he added. " It signi fica ntly enhances our undergraduate programs." Drew sees even more changes in tl1e progra m. "After the Mas ter of Science in O rga ni zational Management becomes established, we plan to create an innova tive undergraduate progra m that allows students to earn a mas ter's degree with only o ne extra year o f school."

But are they really learning? O nline educatio n opens doors to traditional and nontraditional students alike. But do stud ents really learn o nline? T his is a valid guestion, Johnson said. "But if you take an objective look at Internet classes, yo u see tl1at in most cases they reguire more participation . O nline co ursework pu ts tl1e o nus o n the student to learn. It reguires more effort," he said. Drew agrees. "Internet education is dramatically more engaging-if done correctly. In traditional classes you often find the same people answering guestions. T hat's because a lot of people eitl1er aren't engaged or are afraid to answer in class. But when I ask guestions in an online class, there can be up to 400 respo nses because people respond no t only to me, bu t to their fellow students." At tl1e end o f the day, it comes down to o ne clung, D rew said: "Self-motivated people will learn in eitl1er situation." To determine whether students are learning, Mary GoebelLundholm, an assistant professor with the School of Professional Studies, uses a combination of quizzes, discussion questions and research papers, she said. "Students are required to participate in discussions on Blackboard-and just saying 'I agree' isn't enough. They have to post thoughtful, in-depth discussions and responses." To assess the general education and program goals of online programs, the College uses standardized tests. "We also employ satisfaction surveys, alumni surveys and exit interviews to determine how to improve the curriculum and the learning process," D rew said. But what about the quality of teacl1ing? s enrollment has skyrocketed, the College has turned more and more to adjunct faculty and tl1at has raised some concerns. "\Xie have a rigorous vetting process," Johnson said. Every July the College hosts a three-day training seminar tl1at all adjunct faculty are required to attend-at PSC's expense. "W/e want them to understand what Peru State College is all about and thac we have high standards. W/e also want teachers who understand the unique challenges online students face. This is a comnutment we make to our students and to o ur adjunct faculty." At this time PSC is the o nly college in the co untry offering such training for faculty. "That says a great deal about how important it is for us to have well-trained, high-quality instructo rs," Johnson said.

" Turning to online programs saved Peru State College." -Dr. BenJohnson

Choice of Programs-PSC offers numerous accredited undergraduate programs and two graduate programs online.

Lower cost-PSC charges in-state tuition to all students taking online courses.

No need to attend classes on campusOnline students have the option of participating in campus classes or taking their coursework entirely online.

Choice of study times-Whether a night owl or an early bird, you work when it's convenient for you.

Flexibility in completing assignmentsStudents have a week to finish assignments.

Career options-Take classes to enhance current job skills or choose coursework that prepares you to change careers altogether.

Balance a job and class-There is no need to quit your job to pursue a degree; online classes allow you to take courses and work.

Avoid adverse weather conditions-In Nebraska, that's a safety plus.

Specialized degree programs-Like PS C's Master of Science in Organizational Management.

The future's so bright ... The fear o f change is, perhaps, the foi-emost reason people and organizations do no t move forward . Traditio n is important no t o nly to administrators and faculty, but to students and alumni as well. Some believe dramatic change will destroy tradition . At Peru State College, change is part of the tradition. The quest for excellence has been the prernier goal for decades; o nline education is simply ano ther leg of the journey. 1 o t only does the Internet make education more accessible, it allows students to learn from other cultures. "\Xie have students from all over the world taking classes online," Drew said. "This o ffers a rich perspective and exposes students to different things." In the future it may also allow students to learn fro m exp erts all over the world. "\Vith Internet-based courses and program s, we can have guest lecturers with international expertise who teach and advise students online," he added. As technology improves, so too will the concept of a traditional education. "The days o f requiring students to come to campus are over," Jo hnson said. "It's time to take the college to the students. We must consider the needs o f people-especially those in remo te regions." This fits well with the college's mi ssio n and A merica's commitment to educatio n, Drew said . "Imagine the potential." For more i11for111atio11 abo11t online ed11catio11 at Pem State College, go lo u1u11v.pem.ed11/ doito11li11e. For more i11for111atio11 about getting a t11mter~ degree go to u1um1.pem. er/11.

10. Transfer credits-Students may transfer credits from other institutions earned online or in the traditional classroom setting. E x ce1ptedfrom http://oedb.org/ librmy/ distance-vs-local/ 1O-adva11tages-totaki11g-011/i11e-classes

for

Professor Brings the Past to

~-_fe,_as a Teacher and Performer

TC/

By Constance Walter

Joey Morgan wa its pa tiently for the fifth-gr a der s from Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca to quiet down inside the M ayhew Cabin museum. The children ar e ta lking and la ughing and jostling for position. Morgan smiles as the t eacher gently demands silence. Gr a dually the noise dies down and all eyes turn to Morgan. "We'r e going to start with a tour of the cabin and the cave; then we'll look a t all the buildings on the grounds," h e sa ys in his best tour-guide voice. As the group is divided in h alf, the jostling a nd ch atter begins a n ew. Morgan, who graduated this spring with a bachelor's degree in history, worked as an intern this summer at Mayhew Cabin, formerly kn own as John Brown's Cave. H e organized a time line on the history of ebraska City, worked on exhibits inside the museum and created a virtual tour for those who are unable to tour the cave below the building. i\forgan was a student of Dr. Sara Crook, Peru State College professor o f histor y and social science. H e acknowledges that she is largely responsible for his internship at the Cabin. " Dr. Crook is one of the best professors I've ever had," Morgan said. " She has a true devo tio n to her students and is enthusiastic in her classes. She does everything she can to help her students learn." It's easy to see why Morgan is so enthusiastic about his former instructor. Crook is a passio nate person-especially when it co mes to history. She teaches it, performs it and lives it. Take, for example, family vaca tio ns. "Our family vacatio ns are research trips," she said. "\'(le go where there are historical sites." Fortu nately for Crook and her family, they haven't had to travel far to enjoy a prominent historical site in Nebraska-the Mayhew

B OBCAT B ANN ER - B ENEATH TH E O AKS

Cabin in ebraska City. An important stop on the Underground Railroad, the Cabin served as a refuge for slaves brought into Nebraska from Missouri. The Cabin was owned by Allen Mayhew, the first hu sband o f Barbara K agi Mayhew Bradway, whom Crook began researching as part of her work as the G eorge and Lillian Schottenhamel H o nors Chair in Humanities. In 2003, Crook developed the charac ter and began performing as Bradway. Crook's Bradway talks about life as a young wife and mother, but Crook also wanted to connect the Ohio transplant to the larger issues of slavery and the Underground Railroad . "She was in a pivotal place at a pivo tal time in history-so utheastern Nebraska as it tried tc decide about slavery." Bradway's family, Crook said, was very much involved with the abolitio nist cause. Both of her husbands-Mayhew and Calvin Bradway-were conductors on the railroad, and her brother, John Kagi, was killed at H arper's Ferr y in Virginia (now Wes t Virginia). John Brown, for whom the Mayhew Cabin was erroneously named, was captured at H arper's Ferry, tried for treason and hanged. So

Crook has a lot to talk about during her perfo rmances. "I love doing it. I love getting into charac ter," she said . "When I pu t o n my wig, I'm Barbara and I do n't come o ut of charac ter until I take it off." Crook also answers ques tio ns as Bradway. "One o f the stranges t ques tions I get is 'H ow old were you when yo u died?' I usually try to make Light of it and answer with 'That's a strange questio n to as k n1e."'

But she can answer the question as D r. Sara Crook. "She died in 1882-she was 49 ." No one knows how the young mo ther died, but Crook clid learn that Bradway was buried in Camp Creek Cemetery, just a stone's throw from her home near Julian, Neb. It wasn't easy to find informatio n on Bradway, Crook said. However, Bradway is one of the few women in 1 ebras ka history o n which she could find any in fo rmation. "Iviost of the in for matio n about Bradway came from letters writte n to her fro m her broth er," Crook explai ned. O ther in fo rmatio n she gleaned fro m the ebras ka and Kansas State Historical Societies and newspapers printed between 1854 and 1861. Crook said that delving in to Bradway's life an I the larger issues of the time have had an important impact on the way she teaches. "I hope it makes me a better teacher by getting students to understand that history isn't just facts. I try to get my students to understand that history is no t just na mes and places to memori ze. It's about real people who experienced real issues." Crook said she also hopes that she helps students think abo ut things from a clifferent perspective. "There is not just o ne American story," she said. "There are many American stories. I want them to see history fro m many clifferent vantages." O ne way she does that is to help them "experience" history. ''You need to be in the environment to really understand the topic," she said . Crook frequently takes students on field trips to learn more about what they are studying. Recently, she took a bus load of students to Topeka, K an. , to visit tli.e Brown'" Board o f E ducation Museum. "I could have had them just go to the \'\leb site-the museum has a great one. But it can't compete with being in tli.e school Linda Brown attended," she said. "It helps them keep things in th e proper contex t." Crook's love of history is in fectio us. Joey Morgan, the intern at Mayhew Cabin, will be working toward his mas ter's degree at N orthwest Missouri State University-in history, o f co urse. And the credi t, he says, goes to Crook. "I've learned so much fro m D r. Crook - both in her classes and just fro m being associated with her," Morgan said . " She has a true devotion to her students, and she truly loves Peru State College."

(Left-hand page): Dr. Sara Crook as Barbara Kagi Mayhew Bradway. (Right): Joey Morgan poses near a History Day presentation of the Underground Ra il road.

was heartbroken." After graduating from Peru State, Brown taught in Chicago where his brother sennl as a principal. He eYentually left teaching to go into sales. Now that he's retired, he "piddles \Yith real estate, gardens a bit and plays golf." .\ml once in a while he thinks about Peru Prep and the wonderful experiences he had there. "It was just a good deal," he said. ",\ml I knew \\Âˇhen I \\"as there that it was something special."

from 1897-1967 Peru ~Lale College hosted a training school for children from kindef8ru'len through high ~hool. These photos depict lhe early years. The bottom photo was laken in T.J. Majors Building. Until 1917 when T.J. Majors was completed, children allended ~hool in Normal Hall. Photos Courtesy of the PSC Library

AWAC Renovations By Regan Anson Shortly after graduation in May, a yellow backhoe began tearing apart old ves tiges of the Al Wheeler Activity Center (AWAC) . A n enormous pile of sharp, twisted blue metal and scraggly yellow insulation was all that remained of the old facade after the first week. In its place stands a hollow shell of the builcling where thousand s o f athletic practices and games have been held since

BOBCAT BANN ER - ATHLETICS

construction was completed on the structure in 1981. The AWAC renovation is tl1e latest project in the continued revitalization of campus facilities o n the Peru Sta te College campus. An estimated $32.9 million has been spent since 1999 to update campus builclings and, in many cases, make them state-of-tl1e-art centers for higher educatio n.

Nearly $6.3 million will be spent on the AWAC proj ect, a venture that is expected to take about a year to complete. Campus officials are ho peful the project will be do ne in time for commencement in May 2008 . The new and improved AW/AC will feature a host of new amenities, including bleachers, a hardwood floor, locker rooms, an elevator and plenty of office space for coaches in a newly constructed second story. Perhaps the most exciting feature of the renovatio n, especially for those who have attended a sweaty graduatio n ceremo ny, is air conditioning. The swimming pool and weight room facilities will remain.

President Ben Johnson said he is excited to revitalize another campus structure. "This renovation has been a long time coming, and we're excited about what it means for our recruitment efforts. A state-of-the-art athletic center will help us a great deal in attracting more student athletes to campus." In addition to work on the A\Y/AC, the college will install an emergency power generator and begin work on A.V Larson upgrades. The projects are being fund ed by LB 605, LB 1100, LB 309, the Capital Improvement Fee and the PSC Foundation.

SUMMER

2007

Decades Later,

His Heart Still Belongs By Constance Wa lter

John Bath hasn't lived in Nebraska since he was drafted into the Army in 1942, but he still talks about his alma mater with great affection.

"It just feels like part of our family," he said. Bath grew up o n a farm five miles south o f Peru. He attended a rural elementary school in what was then District 66, the London precinct; went on to Peru Prep, the teacher training school in TJ Majors; and, finally, enrolled at Peru State Teachers College. "While I was going to Peru Prep, my brothers were in college at Peru. I wo uld ride with them on horse back, so it was natural that I would go to Peru State Teachers College," he said. Bath lived at home during hi s first two years of college, but by his third year he had moved into a rooming house near campus. By then, he said, "I mostly was driving a car, no t a horse." Bath maj ored in mathematics and minored in physical science. He was a member of the YMCA, Kappa D elta Pi, Alpha Mu O mega and the Philo mathean Society. H e also wrote for the Pedagogian, the student newspaper, and served as editor of the Peruvian, tl1e college yearbook. "Being with o ther students and exchanging ideas with them and '\vitl1 the professors was a highlight for me," he said. "There wasn't much of a social life in Peru, but there were great friendships among students." Bath said his goal was to teach high school, but when he graduated in 1932 the Great D epression was in full swing. "Teaching jobs were hard to come by, so I tho ught the smart dung wo uld be to get a master's degree." He went to the University of Nebraska where he earned a master of science in school administration. Armed with lus new degree, Bath accepted a position as principal and teacher in G arland, Neb., where he stayed for two years. Then it was back to Peru to teach and supervise the

B OBCAT B ANNER - A LUMN I A SSOCIATION

teaching of junior high matl1ematics at Peru Prep. In 1938 a fo rmer professor offered Bath an assistantship at NU. "It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," he said. The program involved psychological testing to deternune students' aptitudes, abilities and interests so they would have a better idea of what they wa nted to do after high school. "It was a relatively new but highly success ful venture. I was proud to have had a part in it," Bath said. A fter earning his Ph.D., Bath joined tl1e military and was assigned to the Santa Ana, Calif., Army Air Base. Willie there he did research and developed test instruments to help determine where air force recruits should be trained to become pilots, navigato rs or bombardiers. From there he attended officer candidate school and received a commission in counterintelligence. His final assignment was in the Alaska tl1eater. "\'V'hen I got o ut of tl1e military there was a great demand for college professors," he said. "The war had taken so many away and the G i s were coming back to go to school o n the GI Bill, so it was

Photo by Bill Clemente

a good time to get a position." H e accepted a position with Iowa State University where he worked for 35 years, retiring in 1981. While on leave fro m the military in 1944, Bath married Virginia Barnard, whom he had met in graduate school. She died in 1972. Two years later he married E laine Vifquain \Xfoodard, an elementary school teacher in the Ames Community Schools. "Between the two of us we have five children, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren," he said . Over time he's rooted for both the Huskers and the Cyclones, but his heart pumps Bobcat Blue. That's why he comes back to southeast Nebraska as o ften as he can, especially for special events on the PSC campus such as: f(.. H o mecoming 2002. He and E laine served as grand mars hals. "That was a capstone fo r us," he said. "We were so proud and ho nored to be recognized because we know there are many worthy candidates who are graduates of Peru . E laine still talks about riding around in that old Model-T Ford." f(.. The dedication o f the Academic Resource Center in 2004. Âˇ"I was thrilled to be a part of the dedication. Just seeing the remodeled building come to fruition and getting information about students being helped- it felt good that I had made a small contribution to something that I felt was needed," he said . " History is full of people who are successful because someone helped them. I'm glad to see Peru offer this opportunity to its students." f(.. And class reunions at both the college and high school

levels. "I t's hard to come back without feeling a great deal of emotion and thinking about the good times we had. It's kind of a lonely time because there are not too many people from my class who can come." Bath noted that a lot has changed since he last attended college at Peru State, especially the students. Bath said when he was in college " nothing irregular was condo ned" including attitude, behavior and appearance. "Students have gone from dressing quite nicely to being pretty casual." There are also a lot of new buildings, and old ones have disappeared. But regardless of the changes on the PSC campus, Bath said, "There's always a fa miliar feel. It's a campus that never changes, except to become more beautiful." Back in 1928 "it was a given" that John Bath would attend Peru State Teachers College, his brothers' alma mater. But he sometimes finds himself thinking about what might have been . "Having grown up so close to Peru, I often wonder what would have happened. I wonder what I would have done if I had lived somewhere else ... if I would have attended Peru," he said . "But you can't spend your time wo ndering about those things." Bath paused for a moment be fore adding, "Peru is so important to me. It's an experience I'm glad I had."

Left: John Bath taught at Iowa State for 35 years, but he remains loya l to his alma mater. Inset: Bath as a sen ior in high schoo l at Peru Prep (see Page 8). Right: John and Elaine Bath pose in front of the Model-T Ford that carried them in the 2000 Homecoming Parade. Bath said this was a highlight for both of them. Photos Courtesy of John and Elain e Bath

S UMMER

2007

Class Notes 1950s Marvin Gerdes, '53, was awarded the Auburn Community Builder Award presented by Mayor Bob Engles, '75, BA Management. Marvin spent 23 years as a teacher, coach, counselor and principal in public education fo r Auburn Public Schools.

1960s Dr. James Pilkington , 1960s PSC fac ulty member and coach, was induc ted into the University of Central Missouri's A thletic H all of Fame in February 2007 . T his was Dr. Pilkington's eighth hall of fa me induction, including two at PSC.

1970s Gloria (Bean) Adams, '70, BS E duca tio n, was promo ted to Sr. Vice President Audience D evelopment and Book Publishing at Penn\Xfell Publishing in Nas hua, N.H. Gloria oversees circulatio n, list rental, buyers guides and book publishing groups at th e company's offices in as hua and Tulsa, O kla. Vicki (Hall) Beilke, '72, BS Physical E ducatio n, assistant pri ncipal at Southeast Nebraska Consolidated School in Stella, Neb. , helped to coordinate a partnership with her school and I ASA. The program 's goal is to get students with lirni ted oppo rtunities

interested in science, math, technology, and space exploratio n. Southeas t was o ne of 26 schools nationwide chosen to participate.

Joni (Albin) Bruhn, '79, BS, received the Beatrice Service to Mankind award from the Sertoma Clubs of Beatrice, eb. The award is based on th e amou nt of volun teer service a person gives to the communi ty, state or nation. Jo ni works with the Teamlviates mentoring program and numerous other projects involving yo uth and the community.

1980s Julie (Brinkman) Allison, '81, BS, was named Loan Officer at Cornerstone Bank in Stromsburg, I eb. She has three daughters with husband Kip, '83 BS Instructional Tech. Jeannea Beaumont, '82 BA Education Sociology Teaching, was promoted to G eneral Manager of Va nAllen and Associates, Inc. in Tampa, Fla. Rod Reuter, '85, BA Social Science, and wife, Connor, are the parents of tw in girls, Kelsey D anielle and E rin MacKenzie, born J\farch 25, 2006. Lori Gottula, '87, BS Language Arts, of Falls City, Neb., was a top eight fi nalist at

the O maha Film Festival for her screenplay, "Free Rain." Lori's screenplay is about a wo man on death row who announces she's pregnan t o n live television one wee k before her scheduled execution. H er announcement sets off a natio nal fi res torm about abortion and the death penalty. More th an 400 fi lms, documentaries, short films and screenplays were submitted.

Janet (Handley) Kelly, '88, BS E lementary E ducatio n, was awarded E ducator of the Week by the Lincoln Journal Star. Janet has been teaching for 14 years and is currently at Arnold E lementary School in Lincoln, eb. Steve Tegtmeier, '88, BS Management, married Bobbie Grotrain, '95, BS Management, Nmc 11 , 2006, at St. Jam es Lutl1eran Church in Humboldt, eb. Bobbi is an underwriter with State Farm Insura nce; Steve is a utilities coordinator with Lincoln E lectric System. Douglas Duis, '89, BS Bu siness Administration Management, was nam ed product manager responsible for overseeing product direction fo r software solutions within ITI's Premier banking software suite. H e has been with the IT I team since 1989.

Cheerleaders- Shirley Koch, Earl Webb, Peg Genoa, Charles Montgomery, and Francis Heim. - Peruvian, 1951

B OBCAT B ANN ER - A LUM NI A SSOCIATION

Class Notes

Seabourn, Frost, and Kelle adding to the beauty of Neal Park - Peruvian , 1947

1990s Neil Lunzmann, '90, BAS Business Admi nistration Marketing, was honored as Reinke Manu fac turing's Central Territory manager during its annual convention. H e was also recognized as the territory manager who had the highest overall territory sales for the marketing year and for having the largest number of Reinke Pride qualified dealers. Ed Ankrom , '91, BS E ducation, attended the National Council of Teachers o f Mathematics Affiliate Leaders Conference held in Manchester, N.H. in August 2006. Teachers from across the nation and Canada attended the event. E d is a ma th teacher at Beatrice High School in Bea trice, Neb. Michelle Marschman , '92 , was promoted to senior client analyst with the Bra nch Auto mation operating unit at Info rmation Technology Inc. in Lincoln. Terri (Armknecht Stutheit) Bishop, '92, BS Manage ment, married Mitch Bishop on the Spirit of Brownville July 22, 2006. Terri is an investment advisor with Edward Jones in Auburn, Neb. and lVIitch is employed by Auburn Plu mbing and H eating.

Theresa Taylor, '92, BS E lementary E ducation, and Matthew Schafers were married April 28, 2007, at St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Lincoln, Neb. Theresa is an elementar y school teacher at St. Teresa's Catholic School. Matthew is a co-founder and owner o f Bison E lectric Co., Inc. Christopher Neblett, '93, BS Computer Science, graduated fro m the University o f North Florida with a law degree in D ecember 2006. James Daubendiek, '94, BS Management, joined Kidwell Companies sales tea m as a senior account executive for IP phone system sales. H e has 20 years experience in sales and previously worked at Interactive Communications Sys tems in O maha where he helped build the company. James also achieved the rank of staff sergeant fo r the Nebraska Air National G uard and received an AAS degree in Avionics Sys tem Technology. Pete Dennis, '94, and wife Penn y are proud parents of a baby boy, Jake Robert Alan born May 11, 2005. He was welcomed home by big sisters Ka telyn 11 , Bailey 7, & Lauren 5.

Matt Uher, '96, BA E ducation, was named to the 2007 Shrine Bowl South Team coaching staff. Matt is a football coach at Falls City High School in Falls City, Neb. H e assisted South Team H ead Coach Brandon Cool with the 49th annual Shrine Bowl, which was held at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb.,July 28. Jennifer (Hamann) Jones, '97, BS Psychology and Sociology, and husband Craig welcomed a baby girl, Alexa ndra Marie, on Sept. 19, 2006. Rachel (Duede) Richardson, '97 , BA Psychology and Sociology, and husband Todd welcomed a baby girl, Ayla Jo, on Oct. 2, 2006. Sara Anton, '98, BS Education, teaches high school special education with H anover Coun ty Schools in Richmond, Va. Sarah Haneline, '98, BS P sychology and Criminal Justice, married Brian Bando July 29, 2007, at Bethel Uni ted Church of Christ 111 ebraska City, eb. Sarah is in acco unting with Ryco Packaging Corporation in O maha; Brian is employed with American Meter in I ebras ka City, where the couple live.

S UMMER

2007

Class Notes

Adams and Santiago do an interpretive dance for visiting seniors at last Senior Day. - Peruvian , 1952

Debra Kubik , '99, BA Art Teaching, was named the Nebraska Art Teacher Association K- 12 Art Educator of the Year. T he award was presented to her October 6, 2006, in H as tings, Neb. Debra teaches at Pawnee City Public Schools. Luc McGhee, '99, BS Bu siness Administration Management, was promoted to product specialis t for the digital solutions operating unit at Information Technology Inc. in Lincoln, Neb. Stacy Schelbitzki, '99, BS Art E ducation, married Craig Lutjemeyer of D aykin, Neb., D ec. 30, 2006, at St. John's United Church o f Christ.

2000s Laura Senff, '01, BS E lementary E ducation, earned a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of N ebraska at Kearney in May 2006. Laura works as a kindergarten teacher at High Plains Community Schools in Clarks, Neb. She is engaged to Stuart Hedrick, who is an electrician in Grand Island, Neb. Jessica (Hammons) Quy, '02 , BS Psychology, married Marcus Quy Sept.

B OBCAT B ANNER - ALUMNI AsSOCIATION

9, 2006. Jessica is a site supervisor for the Schools Out program with Family Services and is pursuing a mas ter's degree in counseling from D oane College; farcu s is an IT assistant with Organic Crop Improvement Association and is pursuing an associate's degree in computer programming from Southeast Community College. Micheal Ringen, '04, BS Social Science, and Tara (Long) Ringen , '02, BS E lementary E ducation, were married July 15, 2006, at Christ Community Church in Beatrice, Neb. Tara is a teacher with Beatrice Public Schools; Michael teaches at Southern Public Schools. The couple resides in Beatrice. Luke Santo, '02, BS Social Science Teacher, married Jina A hern June 29, 2007, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Falls City, I eb. Luke is currently employed by Falls City Sacred Heart schools; Jina graduated from Lincoln School of Commerce and is employed by Community Medical Center/ Family Medicine in Falls City. Joshua Smulling, '02, BS Social Science, married D anielle Muhlbauer ov. 25, 2006, at First United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Neb. Joshua is an apprentice with

the International Bro therhood of Electrical Workers No. 22 in Omaha and is employed by Thomson Elecu-ic. D anielle is pursuing a degree from Southeas t Community CollegeLincoln. She is a residential manager with Community Alternative of Nebraska. Ben Hagedorn, '04, BAS Computer Science, married Jessica (Kowal) H agedorn April 28, 2007. Joshua Ba ldwin, '05, BAS Business Administration Management, and Lind say Spitz will marr y Sept. 23, 2007, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus, Neb. Joshua is a financi al services consultant witl1 Bank o f the \'\lest in Lincoln, eb.; Lindsay is a certified medical assistant with Soutl1 Lincoln Medical Group. Derek Bohling, '05, BS Art, married Ashley Rene' Gibbs o f Omaha Oct. 7, 2006, at the Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast in ebraska City, eb. Anthony Johnson , '05, BS E nglish, '07 MS E ducation, and Rebecca (Oetjen) Johnson, '04 , BS Art, welcomed their first child, Jack Franklin, born Sept. 8, 2006.

Class Notes Anthony Johnson , '05, BS E nglish, '07, MS E ducation, was named the 2007 O utstanding Young N ebraska Journalist Runner-Up by the Nebraska Press Association at its annual awards show April 21, 2007. O nly two journalists in the weekly newspaper division across the state receive this annual award. Justin Larsen, '05, BS E ducation, and Heather (Lewis) Larsen, '07 , BS Business l\fanagement, were married ov. 11, 2006, at Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Neb. H eather is a clerk with the Social Security Administration in Beatrice and Lincoln. Justin is a kindergarten teacher with Diller-Odell E lementary School in Diller, Neb. Joanna Hays, '06, BS Biological Science, was named as First Alternate for the Joseph E . Pryor Alumni Fellowship from Alpha Chi for 2007-08. Alpha Chi awards this prestigious national scholars hip carrying a stipend of $5,000 to an Active Alumni member enrolled in a graduate or professional program. Joanna is pursuing a graduate degree from Sam H ouston State niversity in Huntsville, Texas. Kelli Johns, '06, BS Bu siness Administration Marketing, joined the Junior Achievement staff as program director. She will manage the volunteer-educator process and oversee the recruitment and training of business pro fessional volun teers and growing classroo m participation. Kurt Lockard, '06, BS Business Administra tion Management, married current Peru State College student Laura Jean Drier o f Auburn eb., Apr. 28, 2007, in Nebraska City, 1 eb. Andrea Pierson, '06, BAS Bu siness Administration, Management, and fiance Landen Koopman will marry this fall in Lincoln, Neb. Andrea is a senior sales representative for GTECH Corporation; Landen is pursuing a business degree from the University of Phoenix and is a sergeant in the Nebraska Army National Guard .

Send us your Class Notes We invite yo u to share yo ur class notes with fellow Bobcats. Please send your wedding announcements, birth s, anniversaries, promotions, achievements, and / or updates to the PSC Foundation at P. O. Box 10, Peru, 1 E 68421, email to PSCFoundation@oakmail. peru.edu or logon to PSC's alumni online community at www.bobcatalumni.com.

SUMMER

2007

In Memoriam 1920s Dora (O'Dell) Reagan , '25 , died Nov. 7, 2006, in Bellevue, Neb.

1930s Zdenka A. (Charvat) Spatz, '34, died D ec. 26, 2005. Zdenka began teaching in Waukee, Iowa, and later moved to Elam, \'{las h. , with her husband . She retired as a first grade teacher in 1975. Services were held at Beck's Funeral H ome in E dmonds, \'{/as h.

1940s Gladys C. Grush , '40 , BA E lementary E ducation, diedJan. 16, 2007, in Falls City,

B OBCAT B ANNER - A LUMN I A SSOCIATION

eb. Gladys taught in Richardson Coun ty for six years before teaching sixth grade at Falls City orth School for 22 years. She came to Peru as a Campus School Supervisor of second grade for eight years then taught first grade in Auburn, Neb. for 10 years and retired in 1977. Services were held Jan. 19, 2007, at the First U nited Methodist Church. Joseph Vacek , '40 , died in January 2007, in Houston, Texas. LeRoy Redfern , '41, BA History, died March 12, 2007 at the age of 87. Shortly before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he married Nancy in 1942. LeRoy laid the groundwork for what is today the Cedar

Falls Industrial Park as well as tl1e Cedar Falls Industrial Development Association. He promoted a bond referendum which helped build Cedar Falls High School in 1954 and was a boos ter of the U niversity of Nortl1ern Iowa, from which he recently received an honorary degree. , Dr. Cecil E. Walker, "41, BA Health and Physical Education, died April 14, 2007, at Remington Heights Retirement Center in Omaha. H e was 91 . H e began his teaching career in Wleeping \'{later and later went on to become superintendent of Seward City Schools. In 1960, he became the director of ed ucation at Midland Lutheran College until his retirement in 1981. H e was the first

official to be inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports H all of Fame in 1998. Services were held at the First Lutheran Church in Fremont. LaVara (Oakley) McAlexander, '43, BA, Business, died Oct. 29, 2006, in Plano, Texas. She was 87. Eunice L. (Buhrmann) Bogle, '44, died Mar. 1, 2007, in Lincoln, Neb. She was 88. She taught at schools in Crete, Neb., for many years. After her retirement, she taught both E nglish as a second language and citizenship classes. Frank Stewart Malm, '44, died D ec. 2, 2006, at the age of 81. He was a 23-year ve teran of the Navy and served in two foreign wars. H e later relocated to San Diego, Calif., where he started a teaching career that spanned 17 years before retiring a second time. He served the school district part-time for 20 years after his retirement. Services were held D ec. 15, 2006, at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Essie Grace Matthews, '45, died Nov. 1, 2006. While at Peru, she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi. She received her Master's D egree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1960. Essie taught at many different schools including Spring Valley Rural, Fores t Grove, Center and Strahn. H er teaching career spanned 40 years until her retirement from Riverton in 197 4.

William J. Ottersberg Sr. , '48, BS, Mathematics, died March 20, 2007, in Pueblo, Colorado.

1950s Robert Gausman , '51, BS H ealth and Physical E ducation, died Feb. 10, 2007, in Fairbury, Neb., at the age of 77. Until his retirement, he taught and coached at Fairbury Public Schools. Ronald E. Wagner, '54, died Dec. 1, 2006, in Syracuse, Neb. He retired after a 22 year career as a county Veterans Service O fficer for Otoe County. H e was a coach at Syracuse High School and earned the Lincoln Journal Star coach of the year award in 1970. After teaching for 24 years, he managed the Veteran's Club in Syracuse, which led to his interest in the county veterans service position. Genevieve Grace (McFadden McNally) Lavett, '57, died Mar. 5, 2007, at the age of 85. She began her teaching career in H ayward, Calif. at Harder E lementary School. She was inducted into the World Horse Shoe Pitching Hall of Fame. Services were held March 17, 2007, at the Roland Funeral Home in A tlantic. Dorothy Bstandig, '59, died Feb. 3, 2007, in DuBois, Neb.

Jeneveia (Hall) James, '68, BSE, E lementary, died March 10, 2007, at her home in Verdon, Neb. She was born Oct. 18, 1923, in Shubert, eb., to Zale and Lena (Spier) Hall. In 194 7, she married H enry Ballue and tl1ey had tl1ree children. They were later divorced and, in 1969, she married Ardelle F. James. Jeneveia was a school teacher for 30 years in Southeast Nebraska. Services were held March 16 at the D orr and Clark Funeral Home in Falls City, Neb.

1970s David R. Snyder, '70, died May 16, 2006, in Columbus, N eb.

Faculty and Friends Jack Hamilton, died April 2, 2007. He was a retired faculty member in the School of Professional Studies, where he had served as department chair. Services were held at the Peru Community Church. Lois M. Smith Miller, age 90, died Jan. 8, 2007, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. In 1936, Lois married Willis C. Smith. The two were married for more than 50 years until his deatl1 in 1988. She married H arry L. l\!Iiller in 1991. Lois worked as a secretary for three professors at Peru State College for eigh t years and was a member o f many organizations including the Tarkio United Methodist Church and the MS Club at Summit.

1960s Dorothy Stepan, '47, BA E ducation Business, died Jan. 16, 2007, in Lincoln, She was 80.

eb.

Doris (Wagner) Vrtiska, '47 , BA Mathematics, died April 20, 2007, at the age o f 80. D oris was a Table Rock School Board member for 28 years and the Table Rock Village Clerk for 34 years. She was a member of many organiza tions including the Pawnee County Promotional etwork and the Nebraska State Legislative League. Shirley Hahn Hutt, '48, died Nov. 1, 2005, in Papillion, eb.

Keith Richey, '60 , BS H ealth and Physical E ducation, died ov. 18, 2006, in St. Joseph, Mo. In 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1959. Keitl1 taught in several locations, including Reserve, Kan., Winnebago, Neb., and Sioux Center, Iowa. In 1972, he taught and coached at Falls City High School in Falls City, Neb., until he retired in 1998. H e coached the football team to an undefeated season in 1990 and coached the soutl1 team in the 1992 Shrine Bowl. In 1987, he received an award from the Nebraska Coaches Association for 25 years of coaching. Services were held Nov. 22, 2006, at Lightl10use Church of God.

S UMMER

2007

Commencement, May 6, 2007 It's a cool m orning in southeas t Nebras ka. Nimbostratus clouds block the sun , threatening rain. But nothing can put a clamper o n this day. Students carrying caps and gowns stream toward the Al Wheeler A thletic Center, the excitement evident in their smiles and nervous chatter. Family members, frie nds and child re n fill the bleachers inside the AW/AC gymnasium, ye t more continue to file in. Gues ts stand at the back and along the sides, craning their necks for a glimpse of the stage. The only empty seats are those reserved for the graduates. People are talking and laughing above the regal music played by Dr. Thomas E diger, but the noise level drops dramatically as the first notes of " Po mp and Circumstance" fill the room. All eyes turn to the back of the auditorium as the procession o f dignitaries, fac ulty and students begins. Throughout the Commencement ceremony, prospective graduates listen attentively, anticipating their walk across the stage. And then it is time. Gowns rustle as tl1e graduates move forward; the crowd murmurs, eager to hear tl1e name of a daughter, son, spo use, parent or friend. And as each graduate is called, applause erupts and cameras Aas h. Outside, the weather breaks and the ominous rain clouds move to the east. ew graduates hug each other and their families. Some wipe away tears. For these graduates o ne jo urney has ended and a new o ne begins. i\fay it be wondro us.

Editor's Note: This )'Car 111mks a 111ilestone in Pem S fate College hisfOIJ'Âˇ A record 472 st11rlents 1veregranter/ degrees in 584 111ajors.

Photo by Rebecca Johnson

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