2008 The Bobcat Banner (Nebraska)

B@BCAT

BANNER

PERU STATE COLLEGE FouNDATION AND NATIONAL ALUMNI AssocIATION

Letter from the editor Dear Readers: As we told you in a personal letter a couple of weeks ago, this iss ue o f the Bobcat Ba1111er is our las t. It was a difficult decisio n to make as we have become quite attached to this magazine. But as we reviewed our resources and mission to communicate with all alumni , we realized it is the right thing to do.

Because this is the final issue we want to leave you with something special: A commemorative issue that highlights the tenacity of the Campus of a Thousand Oaks and the accomplishments o f President Jo hnson's administration.

This year Peru State College celebrated its 140th birthday with a party that included a visit fro m Gov. H eineman and other state dignitaries. Each expressed a strong desire to see Peru State's success continue fo r many years to come.

W/e at the Foundation know first-hand the man y ups and downs the College has faced over the years. So, in this issue we give yo u a snaps hot of the first 130 yea rs o f Peru State's existence and a more in-depth view o f the past nine-the years in which Dr. Ben Jo hnson has been president. \Xie chose to highlight his tenure because o f the unique situation he faced when he arrived in 1999 and the strides he's made since then, including numerous building renovatio ns, extensive landscaping and soaring enrollments.

From being a College that was facing almost certain closure

just 10 years ago, Peru State has become "th e feisty 'Little Engine That Could."' It is the fastest growing state college in ebraska and in surrounding states as well. T hat's sometlung we can all be proud of.

This issue is special in a couple of other ways. It introduces yo u to our latest Athletic H all o f Fame inductees, some of w hom you may kn O\\c It also includes an exceptional submission fro m Laura Osborne, a 1993 PSC graduate whose ode to Peru State ran in the Li11co/11 ]011mal Star last June. i\lthough tlus is our last issue, you can be sure we will keep you posted o n everything happening at Peru State College. As a Bc11111er subscriber yo u will hear from us in tl1e semi-annual letter from tl1e President and you can check out our \Xleb site at www.bobcatalumni.co m.

So, here's to the next 140 years. May they be a bit less bumpy, and may t11ey grant PSC continued success in providing excellent lugher education services to the fine people of southeast I ebraska.

Sincerely,

L

Co1111ie Walter, E ditor

In th is Issue On the Cover: 2

Celebrating 140 Years of Excellence Peru State's Long History Punctuated by Challenges, Success Stories

Departments: 8

Beneath the Oaks

12

Turning Things Around: Academic Programs Grow Under Johnson's Tenure

10

Bobcat Athletics 2007-08 Hall of Fame Members Inducted

Alumni Association Class Notes, In Memoriam

20

Oak Leaves Peru State's Changes Honor Past, Alum Finds

PSC Foundation Dr. Dan Johnson, Executive Director Constance Walter, Assistant Director Ange la Ba lquier ('04), Accountant Sandy Fisher, De,•elopment Officer Krystal Nolte ('04 ), 1\lurnni Relations Director Cori Harmon ('08), Student .Assistant Stephanie Hoffman, ('09), Student Assistant PSC Admin istration Dr. Ben Johnson, President Linda Jacobsen, Vice President for Administration & l'inancc Dr. Todd Drew, Vice President for 1\cademic & Student 1\ffairs Regan Anson, Director of Marketing & PubLic 1\ffairs Linda Moody, Secretary to the President Connie Kearney, Secretan¡ to the \'ice President for Academic & Student Affairs

Bobcat Banner Graphics/Page Design Krysta l Nolte Bobcat Banner Writers Dr. Dan Johnson Constance Wa lter Cover photo Rebecca Oetjen Johnson ('05). Craphic Design 1\nist.

PSC i\farkcting and Public ,\ffairs

Peru State Col lege 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.bobcata lumni.com

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Celebrating 2

BOBCAT B ANNER - BE NEATH THE OAKS

years

Peru State's Long History Punctuated by Challenges, Success Stories Editor's 110/e: information for this article J/J{/S jo11nd in Emest Longfe/!0111's book, 'The Noimal on the Hill," Ja111es Schneider's 'The V- 12 Progra111," and several PSCyearbooks.

In 1803, the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France. As little was known abo ut this vast expanse, President Jefferson commissioned Captains Meriwetl1er Lewis and \'\filliam Clark to explore tl1e Great I\ifissouri. T he two reached tl1e moutl1 of tl1e Big Nemaha River o n July 12, 1804, and passed the future site of Peru a few days later. They saw soutl1east ebraska as a garden spot with abundant wild fruit and plenty of game.

Less than 50 years later a group of settlers staked a claim, and by 1865, citizens in the frontier village of Peru opened a school of higher learning. They named it Mount Vernon College and offered it to the Metl1odist Conference. The Conference, however, turned it down as it was more interes ted in establishing a seminar y.

The citizens of Peru understood the value of education and what it meant fo r the state of Nebraska. In 1866, they approached tl1e Nebraska Legislature, which agreed to establish a State Normal School at Peru. The state accepted the gift of a 60-acre campus, including a building valued at $10,000, and tl1e School opened in 1867.

It graduated its first two students in 1870.

Over tl1e next 140 years, Peru State 'College experienced good times and bad. The history of the school is sometimes tho ught to be one of continual struggle on tl1e part of a small, wea k and remote insti tution against repeated efforts to close it. The truth, however, is quite different. Rather than being congenitally weak, history reveals an energetic institutio n witl1 a life cycle paralleling regio nal periods of econo mic prosperity and recession. \Xii th its mission to train teachers, PSC experienced many long periods o f growtl1 and pros perity. Hi storians speak of a "golden age" spanning from 1885 through 1915. This was fo llowed by more difficult times when the College suffered, along with the rest of tl1e country, during the World War I. But Peru State began to grow again even before tl1e roaring 20s.

The T.J. Majors Training School opened in January 1917. It had m odern equipment such as machine tools for instruction in domestic science, a small gymnasium and a central vacu um system.

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In 1920 P SC was authorized to offer fo ur-year degrees. A nd for the first time a Student Council was organized to give students a voice in school policy.

Following the economic pattern o f the l\1idwest, Peru State faced difficult times during the 1930s. The ensuing \'{far Years were lean. But with the end of World War II, the College began a period of growth and expansio n that was to last more than 20 years.

In 1973, Peru State College, like thousands of o thers across the

country, entered a prolonged period of enrollment decline, which continued into the 1980s as a result of the Farm Crisis.

An Issue of Survival: Throughout the mid 1990s, Peru State worked its way toward financial solvency and enrollment stability. This progress was abrup tly halted, however, with the public outcry against moving the College to Nebraska City. Altho ugh well-intentioned, plans to move PSC initiated

Peru State College Time Line Follow the College's history throughout this issue of the Banner.

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B OBCAT B ANNER - BENEATH THE O AKS

1867

The State of Nebraska establishes a State Normal School in Peru; the first term opens in the fall w ith 32 pupils .

years of public controversy and caused prolo nged uncertain ty abo ut the institutio n's future.

Lo ng before the fight over moving Peru State College began, maintenance had been deferred o n campus faciliti es and grounds.

Because of the College's uncertain future, regular inspection visits by the instituti o n's accrediting associations were postpo ned. During this time many administrators, fac ulty, staff and students left the College for more secure situatio ns.

In the midst of this turmoil, a regional stud y, commissio ned by Nebraska's Coordinating Commi ssio n fo r Postseco ndary E ducati on, demo nstrated a significant need in southeas t 1 ebras ka fo r higher education services. U n fo rtunately, this survey did little to stem tl1e damage which was deep, extensive and prolo nged.

Public co nfidence in the survival o f the College was at an all-time low when gubernatorial candidate Mike Johanns teamed up witl1. State Sen. Floyd Vrtiska, the Peru State College Foundati on, and alumni and friend s to give the College one more chance.

The Administration of Dr. Ben Johnson: A new day dawned when Dr. Ben Johnson was chosen PSC's 24tl1 President. His mission was to reinvigorate the College after years o f turmoil, confusion and near extinctio n.

One of the first things the new President did was initiate a planning process to meet benchmarks mandated by the Coordinating

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1870

George Howard and Annie Moorhead are the first students to receive d iplomas from the State Normal School.

1877

Professor W.E. and Col. T. J. Majors push through a bill to c harge all students a $5 matriculation fee to buy more books for th e library. This was the only tuiti on a t th e time.

1885

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The years from 1885- l 915 were considered th e "Golden Years" because of the rapid growth campus-wide and the school's growing recognition throughout th e country.

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Commissio n. T hese were comprehensive goals ranging over educational service to southeast ebras ka, student enrollment, fac ulty development, alumni support and communi ty relatio nships.

Less than 18 mo nths later, the Johnson administratio n presented its benchmark report to the Commission several months ahead o f schedule. T his helped prepare the College for visits from the three accrediting associations: the I orth Cen tral Commission o n Higher Learning, the Na tional Associatio n of Colleges for Teacher E ducatio n and the Nebras ka Department o f E ducatio n. Before the end of 2002, the College was granted continued accreditation by all three associatio ns with commendations for outstanding progress.

Over the next several years more than $40 million in public, priva te and revenue bond fund s fl owed in to upgrade the longneglected campus and its facilities. The list o f construction, expansion and remodeling projects between 2000 and today is unp.r ec dented. It includes an additio n to the H oyt Science Building, an award-winning library, the new Academic Resource Center building, renovation of

1898

6

The Peru Sc hool Board p asses a resolutio n o ffering 90 child re n fro m th e Ind ian Hills Sc hool Distric t to study at the No rma l Sc hool so student teache rs can prac ti ce th eir skills.

B OBCAT B ANNER - B ENEATH THE O AKS

1917

the Centennial Complex and the Ad ministration Building, a new campus electrical system, the initial renovatio n of Morgan H all and extensive improvements to the T. ]. Majors Building. Currently the Al Wheeler Ac tivity Center and the A.V Larson Building are being remodeled. In the next twelve mo ntl1s improve ments will begi n o n the Jindra Fine Arts building.

In additio n, the College has implemented a Master of Science in E ducation, Curriculum and Instructio n and a Master of Science in O rganizatio nal Management degree. It also has strengtl1ened and expanded Bobcat atl1letics, adding wo men's cross coun try and women's golf.

T he unprecedented progress of the past ni ne years has set the stage for an even more ambitio us future. Its ability to reach such heights of acco mplishment in program s, facilities and enrollment, given tl1e situation in 1999, indicate that at Peru State College anything is possible.

Th e T.J. Majors Tra ining School is opened.

1920

The College is a uthorized to o ffer fouryear degrees . The fi rst Stud e nt Council is form ed .

Birthday Celebration PSC hosted an informa l picn ic on campus last fa ll in celebration of its 140th birthday. Gov. Dave Hei neman (above left) attended the ceremony. He opened the event by presenting President Johnson with a proclamation designating Aug. 28, 2007, Peru State Co ll ege Day in Nebraska. (Photos by PSC professor of English, Dr. Bill Clemente.)

1928

Construction on the Hoyt Science build ing begins; the building is put into service two years later.

1930

The athletic field is lighted for the first time .

1942

Th e Missouri River fioods; students help fight "Old Man River" by fillin g sandbags . Over the next few years levees are buil t from Sioux C ity, Iowa, to Peru. The Peru levee is the only one to hold when, in 1952, the area experiences the worst fiood in history.

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Academic Programs Grow Under Johnson's Tenure President Ben Johnson came to Peru State College in 1999.

During a time of great turmoil and uncertainty. For more than a year before he arrived, a debate had raged in the ebraska Legislature about moving the 130-year-old college from its scenic setting in the hills overlooking the Missouri River to nearby ebraska City. There were those within the state who even argued that the College should be closed or turned into a prison.

Although state senators voted in 1999 to keep the College in Peru, many still belieYed it faced insurmountable challenges. faintenance had been deferred for years, enrollment was dropping and the overall image of the College was negative. It was enough to scare off most candidates for President; however, Ben Johnson wasn't most candidates. "\Xfhat made coming to Peru State less scary was that I had taken a look at the problems and realized that they were not overwhelming," he said. "I had faced all of them at one time or another and knew it was just a matter of breaking down the issues and dealing with them one at a time." Johnson accepted the job and within months things began to change.

"I realized the problem was largely one involving public relations.

Peru State had a bad image that the merua was reinforcing," Johnson said. So the first thing he did was take steps to change that negative image. "The first year I talked to more than 240 off-campus groups. I even crowned some beauty queens."

His efforts quickly began paying off: news articles were more positive, enrollment began to climb and the Legislature allocated funds to upgrade and renovate builrungs. "\; e completely turned the corner when Dr. Johnson came to Peru," said Dr. Daryl Long, professor of science. "The whole southeast ebraska community was split apart, but he helped unite

1943_45

8

The World War II V-5 and V-12 Officer Training Program is implemented on campus. Delzell Hall becomes "the ship" while the main entrance to campus is named "the main deck."

B OBCAT BANNER - B ENEATH THE O AKS

1947

the area, improve the campus appearance and enhance academic programs. He had new ideas and a lot of energy. It really made a rufference."

Dr. Todd Drew, vice president for academic and student affairs, said Johnson's "entrepreneurial spirit" brought Peru State back from the brink. "Higher education places great value on tradition. However, we were at a point where 'tradition' wasn't working for us. Fortunately, we got the one person in 10,000 who was interested in trying something rufferent." s Johnson nears his 10th anniversary as president of the College, that entrepreneurial spirit has become even more evident. ot only rud he understand the campus was in dire need of a facelift, he also recognized that the College needed to revolutionize education itself. The way to do that, Johnson said, was to go online.

"This College was the Galapagos Island of colleges. It was very isolated, which made it hard to recruit students to campus," Johnson said. "I knew that if Peru State were to survive we had to take education to the students. W/e had to understand that the days of making students come to campus were over."

Peru State began offering online programs in 2000. Initially, those programs were geared toward military personnel at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha. Johnson quickly realized, however, that online education was a way to serve people from all backgrounds, especially nontrarutional students.

Today, the College offers numerous online undergraduate degrees and two online master's degree programs-available to everyone at in-state tuition rates, regardless of where the student lives. The results are a burgeoning enrollment, up by more than 1,000 students since the year 2000, and a growing reputation for excellence in education.

In 2006, Peru State was named fourth in the nation for affordable,

A

A clinic designed to serve children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years is established on campus. It was founded by numerous area groups including the Kellogg Foundation, the College, the County Commission, the Nebraska Sta te Health Service and the local PTA among others .

accredited distance-learning graduate programs by GetEducated.com But Johnson hasn't focused exclusively on developing and implementing online programs. His vision for a strong Peru State College included strengthening existing programs to better serve the students on campus. This included creating the Academic Resource Center, which brought together several student services programs that had operated independently of one anotl1er and were scattered across campus; implementing professional development opportunities for faculty; modernizing technology; and improving campus infrastructure.

Johnson's entrepreneurial spirit also led him to initiate tlle "High School to College Transition Program." Quite likely the first of its kind in the country, the program gave full scholarships to tlle entire junior classes of three rural schools: Shickley, Prague and Rising City.

The program was largely funded through private sources, such as the PSC Foundation. Although there was support for only one group of students, Johnson is seeking extended funding from Congress.

Iuch of the progress seen over the past se eral years is due to Johnson's perseverance, Drew said. "Dr. Johnson worked tirelessly with the Legislature to increase funding for renovation projects, local governments to strengthen and build support for the College, and faculty and College administrators to ini.tiate new programs."

Johnson also worked with the Peru State College Foundation to help raise money for scholarships and academic programs, an example of which is tlle Selective Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) scholarships program. In 2006, SEED scholarships were given to 10 students receiving a master's degree in organizational management with two areas of emphasis: economic development and entrepreneurship. The ultimate goal of the scholarships, Drew said, is to have those students put tlleir degrees to work in rural ebraska. \Xfhile many applaud Johnson for his achievements, the President

1955

The Peru Achievement Foundation is organized through the efforts of President Gomon.

1973

Peru State College enters a prolonged period of enrollment decline.

believes much of his success is because of the people with whom he has surrounded himself.

"One of my greatest achievements is that I put together a strong campus team and let them move forward," he said. That team includes Linda Jacobsen, vice president for administration and finance, who is "masterful at using state money wisely"; Todd Drew, "a raw talent who grasps the need to change the way we tlUnk about education"; and Regan Anson, communications director, "who has been instrumental in changing tlle perception of the College." Johnson also creclited Dr. Dan Johnson, director of PSC's Foundation, for his efforts in raising funds to support academic programs. resident Johnson's efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2007 he received the Carl Albin and Alvi Linnea Spader Distinguished Leadership Award, which is presented by the ebraska LEAD Program. The award "recognizes individuals who have distinguished tllemselves in visible statewide roles and whose broad vision, pursuit of excellence and strong leadership qualities serve as a constant role model for otl1ers." Other recipients of the award include former Gov. Kay Orr and former niversity of ebraska Presidents Ronald Roskens and Martin 1assengale.

Johnson also has received accolades from state Legislators, former Gov. like Johanns, Senators Chuck Hagel and Ben elson, and former U.S. Rep. Tom Osborn. And at Peru State's 140th birthday party Gov. Heinemann congratulated President Johnson on his success in bringing tlle College back to its days of glory, telling him he believed the College would reach even higher levels of success under Johnson's leadership. He also made Johnson an honorary admiral in the Great ebraska avy.

Johnson knows Peru State has made great strides, but refuses to rest on his laurels. "We are the feisty 'Little Engine That Could.' W/e know we can succeed," he said. " ow, it's simply a matter of where and how far we go in the future."

P

1997

Talk about relocating Peru State begins. Prison officials explore using the Peru campus if the College is relocated.

1998

State College Board of Trustees vote to move the College to Nebraska City.

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PERU STATE COLLEGE

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

2007-08 Members Inducted October 13, 2007 On Oct. 13, 2007, Peru State College inducted three individuals and o ne team into the College's Athletic H all o f Fame. They join a list of Peru State athletes whose contributions to their teams and to athletics in general make them truly outstanding individuals. The inductees were honored no t only in fro nt of their fa milies and peers at a banquet, but also in a ceremony during half-time of the football game the fo llowing day.

T he inclividuals inducted into the 2007-08 Athletic Hall of Fame were Lora White G ulley, Tim H endricks and Melvin Larsen. The team was the 1992-93 Men's Basketball team . T heir Bobcat Pride was evident in the comments they gave after accepting their awards. Below are biographies on the individuals and the team who were inducted this year.

Lora White Gulley \X!hen Lora's name was annou nced as a H all of Fame inductee, she smiled broadly and said, "This is awesome." \Xfhile a student and athlete at Peru State, Lora also was "awesome."

A graduate o f Omaha Burke High School, Lora first attended the University of ebraska at Kearney. A yea r later she transferred to Peru State prepared to make an impact in women's bas ketball-and what an impact it was.

During her three yea rs as a Bo bcat (1991-94), White was tw ice named an NAIA Divisio n II .H o norable Mention All-American and a Scholar-Athlete. During the 1992-93 season White and her teammates made it to the national tournament and won their first-round game. A t the end of her college career, White was the career leader in rebounds, steals and blocked shots.

In additio n, she finished third on the all-time scoring Li st with 1,416 points.

When accepting her award Lora said, "I wa nt to thank my family first. Secondly, I wa nt to thank my basketball team becau se, as yo u know, there's no 'I' in team. I could not have accomplished this without them ."

Lora does professional development and consulting with the Family Resource Center in St. Lo uis, Mo. She thanked her "Peru State family" for helping her become the person she is today: ''A mother, a colleague and a professional wo man ."

Tim Hendricks When accepting his award, Tim H endricks thanked his team and Peru State for helping him reach such high levels of success. Referring to the 1946 movie, "The Best Years of our Lives," Tim said , "J'viy best years were spent at Peru State."

A graduate o f Omaha South High School where he was the 1964 Class A State Cross Country Champion, Tim came to Peru State College in the fall of 1964. A standout in track and field, Tim n1ade his mark as part of the Bobcat cross country and track and field teams, setting several individual and team records. Two of the cross country teams of which H endricks was a part placed in the top 10 at national meets. A nd at the 1967 I CC championship, Tim was the individual cross country champion.

After grad uati ng from PSC, Tim competed in the 1970 World Cross Country Champio nship in Vichy, France, fini shing 37 th individually; his team fini shed fifth overall.

Hendricks also competed in the 1972 U.S. O lympic Trials and capped his career with a second-place fini sh in the marathon at the 1976 U.S. Track and Field Championships.

T he cross country and trac k and fie ld coach at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for 19 years, Tim led the :tviavericks to an eighth-place finish in the indoor nationals and ninth in the outdoor national meet in 2006. H e was named the North Central Conference Coach of the Year five times and produced more than 120 All-American performances, including two national champions. H e received the 2001 Di stinguished Service Award by the NCAA II Coaches Association.

Thi s was not Tim's first time as an inductee into the Peru State H all of Fame. H e also was inducted in 1990 as part o f the 1965 cross country team.

Melvin Larsen Melvin Larsen attended PSC in 1942 and 1943. In the spring o f 1943 the avy's Officer Training Program sent him to Iowa State. Melvin became a member of the ISC track team that won the 1943-44 and 1944-45 indoor and outdoor Big Six Championships. A t the latter meet, he qualified for the NCAA Championships where he became an All-American in the long jump.

T he Illinois Senior O lympic program began in 1983. It was during the first year of the progra m that, at the age of 59, Melvin won the Illinois Senior Olympic long jump. H e continued to win the long jump as well as the 100- and 200-meter das hes fo r 15 consecutive years. H e holds both American and World Masters Track and Field records.

At age 83 Melvin still competes all over the world. At the time of the banquet, he was preparing for a world championship meet in Italy. The competition draws 6,000-8,000 athletes annually.

Melvin was inducted into the Hall of Fame for ":Meritorious Service." \'\/hen accepting his award he said, "Like the others you've heard tonight, I didn't do this alone. I thank each and every one of you for this great honor."

Melvin also was the keynote speaker at the 2007 H all of Fame banquet. H e thanked his fa mily for their support, especially his brother who was the quarterback o f the 1952 H all of Fame football team and died two years ago. "I speak here on his behalf," Melvin told the audience.

l 1992-93 Men's Basketball Team Bas ketball fren zy returned to the Campus of a Thousand Oaks with the perfor mances of the 1992-93 Men's Basketball Team. While oth er teams had provided some excitement, this squad took the Bobcat fa ithful to a much higher level.

T he 1992-93 Bobcats set several team and individual records that still stand today.

The team finished with a school record of 27 wins and a final ranking in the NAIA polls of fifth in the nation. Both are still team records for the men's basketball program. Other single-season highs that remain Bobcat records include, "most points scored in a season," " most total field goals scored," " high total fie ld goal percentage," and "most steals."

The team won the district championship and advanced to the national tournament, winning 18 consecutive games-the longest winning streak in the nation that year.

The team reached the Elite E ight in the AIA ational Tournament before losing by 1 point in the quarterfinals. Several Bobcats earned all-district and natio nal honors; however, it was a total team effort that led the way to the team's remarkable season.

It's no wo nder John Gibbs, the men's basketball coach that

season, spoke so glowingly of his team at the banquet. " I knew it was a special team," he said. "But as proud as I am of their exploits on the basketball court, I'm even more proud of the men they've become."

With tears in his eyes, Gibbs added, "On behalf of the team, I want to thank yo u for bes towing this ho nor on us."

Gibbs teaches health and coaches cross country at Buffalo Prairie :Middle School in Brighton, Mo.

Hall of Fame Selection Committee \'\!hen the Foundation assumed responsibility for the H all of Fame in 2007, we wa nted to involve individuals with a broad array of backgrounds and involvements with Bobcat athletics. We looked at former in tercollegiate and intramural athletes, cheerleaders, pep club members, athletic trainers and sports enthusiasts.

The members of the committee not only have those qualifications, they have a history of commitment to Peru State College and represent 50 years of Bobcat sports.

Committee members found that the selection process was not easy. They met on campus and pored over numerous well-qualified no minations. It was a difficult decisio n. \'\!e are grateful for committee members' help and are very pleased with the 2007 inductees. We look forward to worki11g with the committee in the future to furth er the cause of Bo bcat sports.

Tom ('53) and Pat Sailing Hopkins, Crown Point, Ind. Ray Graves ('55), Omaha, Neb. Bruce Mau ('65), Glenview, Ill. Bart ('73) and Patti Neri, Geneva Ill. Bob ('74) and Lucy ('74) Winter, Lincoln, Neb. Cindy Plantenga Hoffman ('84), Lincoln, Neb Pat Mertens ('86), Hastings, Neb. Tracy ('93) Shannon and Doug Van Dyke, Overland Park, Kan.

Class Notes 1950s Eddie Hanna, '50, BA Music, celebrated his 60th year playing saxophone in the Tommy Bishop Band .

1960s George Wei ss, '6 5 , BS Biological Science and Physical Science, was awarded the Lincoln Journal Star's Educator of the Week award fo r the week of April 23, 2007. \X!eiss is a teacher at Auburn H igh School in Auburn, Neb.

1970s Ted Harshbarger, '77, BS Business Education, and colleague Micki Willis presented their paper "Bridging the Gap: T he High School to College Transition Progra m," at the l 12th H igher Learning Commission's J\nnual Meeting in Chicago. The paper was also publi shed in the second volume of Higher Learning Commission's Collection of Papers. Ted is the Assessment Coordinator at Peru State College.

James McKim , '78, was appointed to the Humboldt City Council in Humboldt, I eb.

1980s Duane Arntt, '87 , was named athletic

director of Colby Community College in Colby, Ka n.

Lori Kimball Gottula, '87 , BS Language Arts, presented her short film "\Xfavin' Charlie" at the art gallery in the Falls City Library and Arts Center in Falls City, eb.

This short film was produced in 2001 and screened at film festivals in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

1990s Dr. Ellen Wenzel Arthur, '90, BS Biology, environmental research scientist at Bayer CropScience in Stilwell, Ka ns., has been elected Vice-Chair of the Agrochemicals (AGRO) Division of the American Chemi cal Society (ACS) . H er res ponsibilities include serving as Agrochemicals Division Progra m Chair for the Division's \Xfashington D C National meeting in 2009 and taking over as Chair of the division in 2010.

Neil Lunzmann , '90, BS Ma nagement, received three award s in recognitio n of hi s sales and dealer services. H e is the central territory manager for Reinke i\fanu facturing in D eshler, eb.

Juli a Whisler Perry, '90 , BS Manage ment, is the branch ma nager at the Bank of Peru in Peru, Neb. Caroline Hunzeker Stephenson , '9 2, BS Management, was appointed business office manger at Pawnee Communi ty Memorial H ospital in Pawnee City, Neb. Kri s Kubert Vrtiska , '9 4 , BS Management, and husband Kim Vrtiska, '90, BSE E lementary and H ealth and Physical E ducation; MSE Pedagogy, own and operate a ca ndle-making business, H eri tage Falls, in Falls City, Neb.

Paula Mautz Darling, '90, BS Business Administration Management, was appointed ci ty clerk and treas urer of Tecumseh, Neb.

Jason Cullison , '95, BS E lementary and Special E duca tion, married Jessica Pittman June 30, 2007, at St. John Luthera n Church in Beatrice, Neb.

Barry Lockard, '90, BS i\fanagement, was appointed to the board o f dir ectors of Corn husker Bank in Lincoln, Neb. where he serves as senior vice president.

Jeffrey Schawang, '95, BS Acco unting and Management, was elected assistant vice president o f the board of directors of Information Technology Inc. in Lincoln

Hoot Bauer, Omer Meeker, George Eilers, Don Bornschlegle, and Bill Vossen enjoy a shower in the new shower room after a tiring basketball practice - Peruvian , 1950

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B OBCAT B ANNER - A LUMNI A SSOCIATI ON

Class Notes

Hillbilly Day during Spring Fling Week - Peruvian , 1975

Kirby Turner, '96, BSE Industrial Tech., began teaching industrial technology at Johnson-Brock Public Schools in Johnson, I eb.

Matt Uher, '96, BAE Language Arts, Health and Physical E ducation, is the principal of Tri-County High School in D e\Xlitt, Neb. Mike Goering, '97, BS Management, married Cassie Syring May 12, 2007. H e is a programming group manager in research and development with Information Technology Inc. in Lincoln.

Rachel Duede Richardson , '97, BA Psychology and Sociology, and husband Todd are the parents o f a baby girl, Bailey Drew, Bailey was born Oct. 29, 2007, and is welcomed by big sister Ayla Erica Younker Arehart, '99, BS Business Administration Management and MIS, has been named senior client service analys t within thee-solutions operating unit at Infor mation Technology Inc. in Lincoln.

Renee ' Moss Howe, '99, BS Art Teaching and Physical E ducation, MSE Instructional Technology, married \Xlilliam H owe Sept.

1, 2007, in Vail, Colo. Renee is a physical

education teacher at Rya n E lementary in Arvada, Colo.

education teacher and coach in Madison, Neb., and Brandi is a first grade teacher in Schuyler, Neb.

2000s Adam Miller, '00, BS Accounting, married Jessica Nyberg June 9, 2007.

Cory Ohnmacht, '00, BS Biological Science, wed Danelle Irwin June 9, 2007. He is a research and development scientist with i\!IDS Pharma Services in Lincoln Jamie Liberty Vonderschmidt, '00, BA E ducation Middle Grades, MSE Instructional Technology, married Chance Vonderschmidt ov. 17, 2007, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Falls City, eb. Jamie is an elementary special education teacher at the Brown County Kansas Special E ducation Cooperative in Hiawatha, Kan. Michael Hill, '01, BS Art Teaching, MSE Curriculum and Instruction, held an art exhibit in the \Xlalter Yost Art Gallery at Highland Community College. Michael is an art teacher at Doniphan \Xlest High School in Highland, Kan. Jared Knapp, '01, BSE Physical E ducation K-12, married Brandi Ramer, '05, BS E lementary, June 2, 2007. Jared is a physical

Sara Glathar Martin, '01, BS Business Administration Management, married Eric Martin July 27, 2007, at the Renaissance Mansion in Omaha. Sara is the Student Services Specialist and an adjunct instructor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Aviation Institute.

Clinton Swanson, '02 , BS Business Ad ministration Management, is a Claims Representative for the G erman Mutual Insurance Association of Nebraska in Auburn.

Marshal Hays, '03, BS Management, married \Xlend y Kuhns Oct. 6, 2007, at Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard and \Xlinery in Brownville, I eb.

Kristine Wassinger Placek, '03, BS E lementary, married Keith Place k June 9, 2007. She is a teacher at St. Patrick Parochial School in Lincoln.

Amber Stevens Watson , '03, BS E lementary, was crowned l\!Is. \Xl heelchair Nebraska in November 2006. She works

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15

Class Notes

Out of the many floats entered in the Homecoming Parade- the Art Guild received 1st place.

- Peruvian , 1988

for Kearney Public Schools as a substitute teacher and recently opened \Y/atson's Steakhouse and Saloon witl1 her husband, Steve, in i\1inden, I eb.

Rachel Bilslend Alloway, '04, BAS Management, married Nate Alloway Aug. 18, 2007, at Saint Paul United Meiliodist Church in Lincoln, Neb. Rachel is a marketing coordinator wiili TierOne Bank.

Kyle Bantz, '04, BS Physical E ducation K -6, placed first in the men's 25-29 age division at ilie Topeka Tinman Triatl1lon in Topeka, Kan. H e placed seventh overall in a field of more tl1an 600 competitors. Kyle also placed second in tl1e Black Squirrel Triathlon in Council Bluff, Iowa, and third in his age group at the Platts mo utl1 Triathlon.

David Hendrix, '04, BS Criminal Justice, married Ashley Jo Blum July 7, 2007 . D avid is employed witl1 Iowa Division of Criminal Inves tigation in Sioux City, Iowa.

Jeromy Jones, '04, BS Sports Management, married Sherry eumeister, '08 BS Bu siness Administratio n Marketing, Sept. 22, 2007.

Jeromy is employed by A tlantic Group at the Cooper I uclear Power Plant in Brownville,

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B OBCAT B ANNER - A LUMNI A SSOCIATION

Neb., and Sherry is a student at PSC.

Reed Miller, '04, BS Biological Science, married Tia Gottula, '05, BS Elementary, June 23, 2007, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, eb. Tia is a second grade teacher at Auburn Public Schools. Reed is pursuing a D octorate of Pharmacy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Ben Simpson , '04, BS Bu siness Administration Management, married Stephanie Weaver Sept. 22, 2007, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Falls City, Neb. Ben is a maintenance engineer at LionsGate Apartments in Lincoln, eb.

in Lincoln, Neb. Rebecca is an ExCITE preschool teacher with Lincoln Public Schools.

Wendy Alexander Fulton, '05, BS E lementary, married Eric Fulto n Aug. 25, 2007, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, Neb. Wend y is a teacher at Auburn Public Schools.

Amy Storm Jackson , '05, BS E lementary, married Shane Jac kson Aug. 11, 2007 , at Redeemer Lutl1eran Church, in Lincoln, Ne b.

Arny is the lead toddler teacher at ilie Y\Y/CA in Lincoln.

David Van Der Kamp , '04, BS Nuclear Tech, was recognized for 25 years of service at Cooper I uclear Station in Brownville, Neb. D avid is a licensing supervisor.

Jeremie Larkins, '0 5, BS Managem ent, married i\1ichelle Mortensen Sept. 8, 2007, at First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, eb.

Jeremie is a customer sales coordinator at Stanley Senior Technologies in LincoL1.

Mark Zieg, '04, BT Management, married Kelly E ickmeier June 16, 2007 . Mark is an auto claims appraiser witl1 Allied Insurance in Lincoln.

Sara Holtmeier Lucking, '05, BS Special Education, married Brandon Lucking Aug. 19, 2006. Sara is an admissions sp ecialist at MD S Phar ma Services in Lincoln.

Rebecca Johnson Dittmer, '05, BS E lementary, married Nicholas D ittmer June 9, 2007, at O ur Savior's Lutl1eran Church

Brian Miller, '05, BAS Business Ad ministration Managem ent, married Bernadette N utter Sept. 22, 2007, at College

Class Notes of St. fa ry in Omaha. Brian is an operations manager at Willow Lakes Golf Course in Bellevue, Neb. Dustin Tobey, '0 5 , BS Physical E ducation K-6, wed Jennifer To me, May 19, 2007. He is a teacher and coach at So utheast Nebraska Consolidated Schools in Stella, I eb.

Tammy Walters, '0 5 , BS Biological Science, was named 2007 Roo kie of the Year by the Nebraska State E ducatio n Association at its annual D elega te Assembly in Lincoln, J\.pril 28, 2007. Tammy is a science teacher at Jo hnson-Brock Public Schools in Johnson, Neb. DJ DeMello , '06, BS Business Administratio n Management, marri ed Stephanie Pollard June 30, 2007, at Lincoln Garden Park in Kenosha, Wis. DJ is a department manager at Uline Supply Speciali sts Company near Ken osha.

Joann a Hays, '06, BS Biological Science, received honors from the Texas Academy o f Science. She tied for first place in the graduate divisio n of the Student Research !\.ward Competition. This award will help fund her master's research. Joanna is a graduate student at Sam H ouston State University in Hunstville, Tex. Kelly Uithoven Harms, '06, BJ\.S Business Administration Management, married Russell H arms Oct. 6, 2007, at American Lutheran Church in Filley, Neb. Kelly is a research and development coordinator at Store Kraft Manufacturing Compan y in Beatrice, Neb. James Wason , '06, BS Biological Science, grad uated fro m the Nebraska Law E nfo rcement Training Center in Grand Island and is a police officer in Falls City, Neb. Matt Ankerson , '07 , BS Business Ad ministration Management, is a sales associate for H O 1IE Real Estate in Lincoln, Neb.

Joshua Johnson , '07 , BS Sports Manage ment, married Jennifer H ohenfeldt July 28, 2007, at Grace Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Neb. Josh is a foo tball coach at PSC. Spencer Larsen , '07, BS Business Administration Management, organized the new 12-team Central ebraska Baseball League and is the league president.

Ryan Walker, '07, BS E lementary, is a social studies teacher and basketball coach at Johnson-Brock Public Schools in Johnson, Neb.

Former Facu lty Dr. Chris Buethe, former PSC physics teacher, was the first place winner o f Nebraska Life magazine's 2007 tall tales co ntest. Chri s is now an esteemed member of the National Liars H all o f Fame based in Dannebrog, Neb.

Send us your Class Notes \Y/e invite you to share yo ur class notes with fe llow Bobcats. Please send your wedding announcements, births, anniversaries, promotions, achievements, and / or upda tes to the PSC Foundatio n at P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421, email to PSCFounda tio n@oakm ail. peru .edu or log on to PSC's alumni o nline community at www.bo bcatalum ni. com.

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In Memoriam until her retirement from the ational Board o f the YWCA in 1982. E ula lived in Boulder, Colo.

Woodrow Lambelet, '41, BS History, died July 14, 2007. H e was married to Carol Lambelet and lived in Grand Island, Neb. \Xfoodrow taught business education at Grand Island Senior High until retiring in 1983.

Dr. Louis C. Vejra ska , '4 2, died D ec. 19, 2007. H e was married to E lda H amel Vejrask and lived in Omark, Wash. Louis had many career interests including dentistry, ranching and real estate.

Ruth Anderson Adamson Raym er, '43 , BA, died June 26, 2007. She lived in O maha.

Ellen King Shively, '44, died Feb. 4, 2007.

She lived in Fayetteville, Ark.

1930s Dorothy Keys Iversen, '33, died Feb. 20, 2007. She was married to Clarence Iversen and lived in Nebraska City, Neb. D orothy taught school for 30 years.

Dr. Wayne Riggs, '37 , BA Mathematics, died in September 2006. He lived in Corvallis, Oreg.

Harold Johnson, '38 , died Jan. 1, 2008. He was a longtime 1 ebraska educator and lived in Auburn.

H. Sterling Bottcher, '39 , died Jan. 4, 2007 .

H e lived in Bethany, Ivio.

Midred Parli Stalder, '39, BA Business E ducation, MSE, died June 25, 2007 in Crete, 1 eb. Mildred was married to Norman Stalder and lived in Humboldt, Neb.

1940s Eula Redenbaugh , '40, BA Education, died May 14, 2007. She spent many years working at various YWCA offices as executive director

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BOBCAT B ANNER - A LUMN I A SSOCIATION

Raymond Howard , '45, died in April 2007.

Robert Smith , '47 , BS Industrial Technology and H ealth and Physical E ducation, died in September 2006.

Anna Margaret Lewis Bauer, '48, died Jan. 10, 2008. She was married to Merle Bauer and lived in North Platte, Neb. Anna was a teacher for 20 years.

Oliver Joiner Jr. , '49 , died Oct. 4, 2007. He was married to Betty Knox Joiner and lived in Monroe, Iowa. O liver began his career as a band teacher and moved on to become a superintendent of schools fo r 27 years.

William Vossen , '50 , BSE Health & Physical Education, died Jan. 12, 2008. He was married to Cheryl Oberst G illiland Vossen and lived in Falls City, eb. Bill was a school principal for over 30 years until his retirement.

Max Cupp, '51, died Oct. 7, 2007. H e lived in Thurman, Iowa.

Duane Oosting, '58 , died April 4, 2007. He lived in Tucson, Ariz.

1960s Li llie Ra wson Abl e, '6 1, BS E lementary Educa tion, died July 19, 2007. She was married to E rnest Able and lived in Auburn, Neb. Lillie was a schoolteacher in southeast Nebraska for many yea rs.

Donna Vacek Puls, '6 5, BSE E lementary, died Dec. 8, 2007. She was married to Robert Puls and lived in Pawnee City, Neb. D onna was a teacher at Table Rock and Pawnee City Junior High Schools in 1 ebraska.

1970s Carroll Erick Johnson, '71, BS Health and Physical Education, died July 1, 2007. He was married to Kaye Linda Schlichting and lived in Spokane, Wash. Carroll worked as a salesman in th e agricultural indu stry for over 30 years.

Willi am Pruett, '75, died June 1, 2007. He was married to Tari Egan and lived in Blair, 1 eb. William and Tari owned and operated Logos Plus Screenprinting in Blair.

1950s

Friends of Peru State College

Robert Clark , '50 , clied Aug. 30, 2007. H e was married to Hester Friedly Clark and lived in H ouston, Texas. Bob was a geophysical supplies salesman and was very active in the Society of Exploration Geophysics.

Evaline Batt Duffey Pa lmer died Jan. 25, 2008. She was married to \"Xlayne Duffey and lived in Alma, Neb. Evaline was employed at PSC in various capacities until her retirement in 1983.

Accomplished Alumnus, Frank Larson, Dies Frank C. Larson, :M.D, emeri tus professor of medicine, pathology and laboratory meclicine, died at the D on and Marilyn H ospiceCare Center o n Christmas D ay with his wife and daughter at his side.

H e was 87 . Frank was born in Columbus, eb., Jan. l 7, 1920, to J\lbin V. and \.'Vilhelmina (H erold) Larso n, but grew up in Peru . H e graduated from Peru State College in 1941 and from the University of I ebraska School of Medicine in O maha in December 1944. From January to September 1945, he interned at D etroit (Michiga n) Receiving H ospital before enlisting the U.S. Army.

During his to ur of du ty, Frank was a member of the Manhattan Pro ject, or O peratio n Cross Roads-the pos t-war ato mic bo mb testing done in 1946 at Bikini Atoll. H e and his comrades flew into the area after each explosio n to mo nitor racliation levels. D avid Bradley, o ne of hi s comrades, wrote of their experience in the book "1 o Place to Hide."

After completing military service, Frank resumed hi s medical training at the University of Wisconsin. When the Madison Veteran's Administration Hospital opened in 1951 , he was o ne of three physicians. Frank served as head o f medical research, assistant chief of meclical and tuberculosis services, and acting chief of raclioactive iso tope services.

His experience in the i\fanhattan Pro ject influenced his early research on the use of radioactive iso to pes in medical diagnosis. H e was involved in clinical tes ting o f the drug isoniazide, which virtually elimina ted tuberculosis, as well as research into the structure, functi o n and metabolism of the thyroid hormo ne.

H e was a fac ulty member at the University of Wisconsin Medical School fro m 1951 until his retirement in 1989 .

From 1958 to 1988, Frank served as director o f the first consolidated hospital

clinical laboratory service. U nder hi s leadership, the U niversity Hospitals Clinical Laboratory became one of the most o utstanding hospital laboratories in the U nited States.

Fran k served the University of \.'\lisconsin in many o ther ways : as director of the School of Meclical Technology, ac ting dean of the newly established School of Allied H ealth Pro fessio ns; acti ng chairman of the D epartment of Pathology, and as a member of numerous committees. Because of his experience with radioactivity, he chaired the University Radiation Safety Committee for many years.

A Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Frank also authored numerous academic papers and contributed chapters for books; and received several natio nal honors, including American Men o f Science (Biological Sciences), Who's \X/ho in America, and a Professio nal Achievement award from the DuPont Company.

H e also served in the ational Guard, rising to the rank of Colo nel and commander of the 13th Evacuation H ospital. H e retired fro m the National Guard in 1961.

Frank's interests were varied. H e was an acco mpli shed cabinet maker and enj oyed literature, poetry, classical mu sic, visual arts, architecture, gardening, cooking, raising orchids and visiting with friends.

However, his greates t joy came fro m time shared with his wife, family and beloved German Shepherd dogs. H e was an extraordinary man who deeply valued his service in the army, yet during the Vietnam conflict welcomed conscientious o bj ecto rs as members of the laboratory staff.

H e will be dearly missed by his family, fri ends, and the many people whose lives he influenced .

Dr. Frank Larson , '41, BS, Physical Science, passed away Dec. 25, 2007.

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Peru State's Changes Honor Past, Alum Finds You know how sometimes yo u'll visit some place of significance from years go ne by, but when yo u do, it's just not the same as you remember? Often, that feeling is a result of negative changes to that special place. o t, however, if yo u're an alum visiting Peru State College.

More years than I care to count have passed since my graduatio n from the Southeast r ebraska state college alo ng the Missouri River.

O h, I'd heard since then about changes here and changes there at PSC. I'd even visited a couple of the buildings for meetings in these past years. But I'd never stopped to take in the whole campus-to really stop and look-until last week.

To describe the Campus of a Thousand Oaks today as " transformed" seems far too tame.

Current PSC President Ben Jo hnson came to Peru in 1999. He brought an uncanny ability to think outside the box- to envision possibilities, new paths and positive outcomes.

His tac tics have proven successful. In spring 2006, the largest number of students ever graduated fro m the college, which was the first institute of higher learning in the state. Each fall of the past five years, enrollment has gone up. In fact, the 2006 fall semester had 11 percent more students than the year before, and in fall 2007 , it rose more than 10 percent.

PSC offers more courses of stud y than ever before, with two master's degree programs, about 13 undergraduate degrees to pursue and 15 online degree programs.

Jo hnson's vision isn't confined to campus; it encompasses the campus along with the area surrounding it. Thus, the latest additio n to the master's programs-Master of Science in Organizational Management, which studies entrepreneurship and economic development.

PSC's home, the rural Ne maha Coun ty, has accepted the opportunity with open arms; 60 students have begun pursuit of this degree.

The changes are no t only intellectual, but visual as well. When the library literally had no room for even one mo re book, Jo hnson too k a look at the campus buildings and saw an

opportunity. The building that had been "The O ld Gym" in my day is now a breathtaking library. Symbolism that ho nors the building's and even the college's heritage is entwined in the renovated structure.

For example, stained glass windows not only serve as art, they are also a reminder of the time when wors hip services were held there in the early years o f the college. There's a modern computer lab; comfortable couches and chairs surround a fireplace and there's a solid collecti o n of resources students need to pursue their academic interests.

T he old library now houses people and programs to help students succeed both in the classroom and following their graduation fro m PSC. The dorms continue to undergo longneeded updates and remodeling.

There's a new additio n to the science building with state-of-the-art laboratory faciliti es.

The old water fountain near the site of the now-gone greenhouse has been full y restored .

The Al \':{/heeler Activity Center is being ex tensively remodeled.

There's literally no end to the positive changes happening there. But with each change, a respect for the college's hi sto ry shines through.

Every space is looked at as valuable, and, with Johnson's. leadership, the creativity of his sta ff and the students is allowed to shine. Here's o ne small but unique example: The wire light covers from the old gym have been salvaged for modern use; they have been modified and are now attached to the classic PSC light poles as Rower baskets.

There's a lo t to be said for a leader who envisions change in a positive way, a leader who truly has respect for heritage, taking it and turning it into a legacy. Peru State College is definitely an institutio n of higher learning that Nebraskans can be proud of. As its staff educates people from all across the country and, through o nline courses, in oth er countries as well, we can be assured that the picture PSC gives those "out of towners" is a positive one.

Reach La11ra Osbome at s/01J1ider1s.forlmm1@ )'r1hoo.co111.

~ Omaha Chapter Alumni Dinner & Auction Thursday, April 17 Omaha, Neb. ~ Northern California Chapter Alumni Reunion Saturday, April 26 Fairfield, Calif. ~ Bobcat Football Booster Club Alumni/Former Player Weekend Friday and Saturday, April 18-19 Peru State College Campus

For additional information about spring reunions visit our Web site at www.bobcatalumni.com.

You may reach us at (402) 872-2304 and at pscfoundation@oakmail.peru.edu.

~ May Reunion Honoring the Classes of 1958 & 1959 Friday and Saturday, May 2-3 Peru State College Campus

Peru State College Foundation 600 Hoyt St

Non-profit Org .

U.S. POS TAGE PAID

PO Box 10

LI NCOLN, NE

Peru, NE 68421-0010

PERM IT# 365