2013 The Peru Stater (Nebraska) - Fall issue

The Oak Bowl Renovation

The Oak Bowl construction is progressing at Peru State. Since the last update, many of the buildings have been completed, including the press box, ticketing booth, the lower level ticketing/restrooms/storage building, the concourse restroom building and the concessions building.

The additional stadium seating risers have been poured and the stadium seats have been installed – and they look great.

The path from the AWAC parking lot to the concourse has progressed with retaining walls for the sidewalk. The Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees voted to approve the use of up to $70,000 of Capital Improvement Fee Funds toward new sidewalks and accompanying lighting along 5th Street near the new Oak Bowl entrance. These improvements were not a part of the Oak Bowl project budget. They will provide a lighted sidewalk from the AWAC to the Oak Bowl keeping pedestrian traffic off of the street.

The field itself has undergone some changes with drainage installation, final grading, and the base being built and the new colored turf installed.

You can mark your calendars for the Oak Bowl Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, scheduled to be held on September 6, 2014 when the Bobcats play Midland University.

“This field is an ever-present reminder of what grit and hard labor will accomplish.”

-Mattie Cook Ellis 1902 Golden Rod

Above: The aerial view of the nearly complete Oak Bowl renovation project breathes new life in to this more than hundred-year old quote, making it as true today as it was when the original Oak Bowl was completed.

Left: A historical photograph shows what the original Oak Bowl looked like in 1901. The historical Oak Bowl was dedicated on Thanksgiving day in 1901, and has served as the pinnacle of Bobcat sporting events since then.

Greetings from Peru State

Dear Friends,

Dan Hanson Peru State College President

As the holiday season draws near, we can’t help but reflect and be thankful for the opportunity to work at a place that has a profound impact on the lives of others. We are fortunate to be able to play a role in the lives of our students as they pursue their dreams and prepare for exciting futures.

Just as our students prepare for their future, the college too is positioning for a vibrant future by investing in student recruitment. Establishing strong enrollments is critical to our success. The college had a very large freshman class this fall –the largest in recent history. Perhaps even more exciting is the fact that more than 10 percent of those students are among Nebraska’s best and brightest as Board of Trustees Scholars.

Our growth is the direct result of dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to the success of each and every student. Each day they strive to ensure that students have opportunities for unique learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom, whether it’s a trip to a Presidential Inauguration, a class with inmates in the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, harvesting and analyzing algae from farm ponds or creating a food distribution center for people in need. These hands-on, engaging learning experiences give our students the tools and experiences they need to think critically which helps to ensure they can compete successfully. While they are building knowledge and honing skills they are also making lasting memories.

Student engagement at Peru State now starts from the moment a prospective student requests information. With the implementation of a new software system in the Department of Admissions, we are able to create personalized content for each student during the recruitment process. This tailored material ranges from automated e-mails to personalized brochures to a unique webpage, all of which allow the student to view customized content that

College President

Dr. Dan Hanson

PSC Foundation Board of Directors

SaraBeth Donovan (‘85), Chair - Vienna, VA

Mike Guilliatt (‘67), Vice Chair - Fremont, NE

Judson Douglas III (attended ‘56), Treasurer - Lincoln, Neb.

Chuck Niemeyer (‘65) - Secretary - Ashland, NE

Larry (‘71) & Sue Green - Miramar Beach, FL

Cindy (‘82) & Tim (‘84) Hoffman - Lincoln, Neb.

Fred (‘73) & Pam Robertson - Westlake Village, CA

Rod Vandeberg - Falls yCity, Neb.

Dennis Wittmann - Auburn, Neb.

PSC National Alumni Association Board of Directors

Paul (’67) and Arlene (Borcher, ’67) Fell, Co-Presidents - Lincoln, Neb.

Carlos Harrison (’51), Vice President - Shenandoah, Iowa

Ed Ankrom (’91), Secretary - Beatrice, Neb.

Kim (’90) and Kris (Kubert, ’94) Vrtiska, Co-Treasurers - Falls City, Neb.

Elton (’88) and Connie (Sims, ’87) Edmond - Lincoln, Neb.

Dan (’76) and Cheryl Cotton - Peru, Neb.

fit his or her interests. This approach takes the concept of personal attention to a new level.

In order to build a vibrant future it’s critical that we “get the word out” about the exciting things happening at Peru State. Gaining prominence is critical to future growth. That’s why we are investing more than ever in our marketing and admissions efforts. Our creative, talented staff is leveraging social media, digital advertising and mobile communication in exciting new ways. You can see for yourself by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or visiting our You Tube channel. And be sure to check out our 360-degree virtual tour via our mobile app. In the coming months you will see a complete overhaul of our website, which for the first time will be mobile-friendly, allowing prospective students the ability to apply via their smart phone or tablet.

While these initiatives are exciting and critical to achieving our goals, we continue to need your support as alumni. Please consider contributing financially to the institution. Student scholarships, new residence halls, an improved campus entrance or an Oak Bowl Fieldhouse – there is no shortage of important projects from

which to choose. You can also help us by telling your friends, families and prospective students about the great things happening at Peru State.

Thank you for your continued support of Nebraska’s first college and happy holidays!

All the Best,

Dan Hanson, Ph.D. President

Nick (’87) and Laurel (Smith, ’87) Harling - Falls City, Neb.

Chuck (’69) and Alice (Massoth, ’69) Mizerski - Lincoln, Neb.

Fritz (’74) and Char (Lutz, ’74) Stehlik - Omaha, Neb.

Angelia Rohwer Steiner (’90) - Sabetha, Kan

Al Urwin(’82) - La Vista, Neb.

Editor:

R. Todd Simpson, Executive Director, PSC Foundation

Managing Editor/Writer:

Brooke Ashford (‘12)

Graphic Design:

Kellen Sailors (‘12), Graphic Design Artist

Copy Editor:

Promise DeBilzan (‘11)

Contributing Writers:

Regan Anson (‘11), Director, PSC Marketing & Public Affairs

Photography:

Dr. Bill Clemente, PSC Professor of English PSC Foundation Staff

Rebecca Johnson (‘05), Graphic Design Artist, PSC Marketing & Public Affairs

Kellen Sailors (‘12), Graphic Design Artist

Ted Harshbarger (‘77)

Student Engagement

Todd Simpson CFRE Executive Director Peru State College Foundation

Engagement has been the buzzword around Peru State for the last several years. Administrators and faculty talk about engaging our students, engaging our community and engaging our alumni. Engagement is a key element of the Peru State Sesquicentennial Strategic Plan (which can be reviewed at http://www.peru.edu/ about/president.htm). And engagement is the cornerstone of the College’s new Institute for Community Engagement (ICE).

2013 Alumni Events

PSC Alumni Day in Brownville

On August 10th, more than 60 alums ventured out to beautiful Brownville, Nebraska for Peru State Alumni Day. The afternoon was spent exploring Historic Brownville’s many shops and attractions. A reception was held at Whiskey Run Creek Winery for all of the guests before they set out on the town in horse-drawn trolley rides. The event culminated with a dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Brownville.

New Student Move-In Day

When the Fall 2013 Peru State freshman arrived on the Campus of a Thousand Oaks, they were greeted by members of the National Alumni Association. Carlos Harrison, Paul and Arlene Fell, Lee Arellano, and Kathy Kelley all stationed themselves at dorm entrances and handed out cookies and refreshments, as well as some inspiring words of advice to the incoming students and their families.

The NAA participates in Freshmen Move-In Day every year, so if you are a PSC alum and would like to help welcome the new students to campus, contact the PSC Foundation at 402-872-2395.

At Peru State, enhancing student engagement is about providing real-world experiences that better prepare students for success after graduation.

The mission of the Institute for Community Engagement is to foster a greater understanding of the leadership role students can play in community development by creating opportunities for students to engage with society and apply what they have learned in meaningful ways. Research shows that college students who participate in civic engagement learning activities not only earn higher grade point averages, but also have higher retention rates and are more likely to complete their college degree.

Some of Peru State’s engagement initiatives through the Institute for Community Engagement include:

• An investigation of social norms marketing conducted by seventeen students

Alumni Receptions

The annual Lincoln Alumni Reception was held on December 5th at the Hi Mark Country Club. There are PSC Alumni Receptions held in different locations throughout the year, so if you couldn’t make it to Lincoln, keep an eye on the upcoming events on the Peru State College National Alumni Association Facebook page for updates on all of the events.

studying children’s health, activity and nutrition at Calvert Elementary School in Auburn.

• Last spring’s Sociology 395 Community Development class working with the City of Auburn to identify strengths and opportunities, and to establish a town vision statement and a logo.

• A History of Nebraska class conducting the historical research needed for the City of Auburn to apply to become recognized by the National Historic Registry.

Learning opportunities like these give Peru State students a competitive advantage when it comes time to interview for a job. A student who is able to share handson experience working with a local community will be much more attractive to potential employers.Peru State’s Institute for Community Engagement is just one more way the Campus of a Thousand Oaks is preparing students for future success.

Peru State invites you to engage with the College, by sharing a new idea, by stop -

ping by the campus, by attending an alumni event, or just by keeping in touch. As an alumnus or friend of the College, you know how many wonderful opportunities Peru State offers to help our students learn and grow. With your engagement, through your advocacy, volunteer efforts and support, Peru State will continue to prepare students for the new challenges of a changing world.

Your support, through a gift to the annual fund, for example, or through an estate gift like one recently contributed by an alumnus, will help ensure programs like the Institute for Community Engagement continue to be available for students today and in the future.

Engagement continues to be the buzzword at Peru State. Engaged faculty; engaged students; engaged communities; and engaged alumni. Through our engagement, the College, and our students, will continue to prosper and grow.

Upcoming Events

Acrobats, basketball and chili…that’s what you will get on February 15th in the Al Wheeler Activity Center when the National Alumni Association hosts its annual Alumni Chili Feed. Not only will you get to watch the Bobcat basketball teams take on the Missouri Valley College Vikings, but during half-time of both the men and women’s games, you will be treated to a show by Gary’s Tumbling.

Members of the NAA Board will put on their aprons to serve Chili and all the fixins’ to anyone in attendance at the games. The chili feed will be located on the East end of the AWAC and there will be a free will donation box to collect funds for the Peru State College Foundation.

Left : Peru State College’s Alumni Relations Associate, Brooke Ashford, is all smiles as she serves chili to the eager guests of the 2013 PSC Alumni Chili Feed. Right: Student Senate member, Jessica Johansen helps serve chili at the Alumni Chili Feed. Johansen makes sure that PSC Professor, Dr. Dan Holtz doesn’t get away without dessert.

Peru State Student Earns 2013 Newman Civic Fellow Award

Peru State senior Jamie Theye, a business, marketing and information technology major from Odell, Nebraska, has been honored by the Campus Compact as a 2013 Newman Civic Fellow. The award honors 181 student leaders from 36 states who have demonstrated a personal commitment to find solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country.

Through service, community-based research, and advocacy, the 2013 class of Newman Civic Fellows work to better understand themselves, the root causes of some of the country’s most pressing social issues and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. As these students tackle community challenges, they provide fresh energy and perspective, inspire and mobilize others, and develop their own skills and potential.

Newman Civic Fellow awards are made in memory of Dr. Frank Newman, a founder of Campus Compact, who dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform. At the core of Dr. Newman’s leadership was a belief in the power of individuals to make a difference and in the power of connection with others.

Theye’s honor is directly attributed to her work with the Children’s Health,

Activity and Nutrition Community Engagement (CHANCE) Initiative. The CHANCE Initiative began in 2012 as a partnership with Calvert Elementary School in Auburn focused on improving children’s health through nutrition and exercise education. It has since grown to include area middle school students. Theye’s work with the CHANCE Initiative has included instructing weekly classroom activities, participating in community kick-off events, helping lead a culminating event for the first year, and giving presentations locally, regionally and nationally.

Some of Theye’s other civic engagement activities include serving as president of Phi Beta Lambda and as treasurer and media officer for the Peru State Education Association. She has served on many committees that have had an impact on the Peru State campus and the surrounding community, including working for the Scholastic Book Fair, presenting at the annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash, serving project, and volunteering with community programs such as Valentines for Vets, Adopt-a-Highway and the Good Samaritan Center.

The Newman Civic Fellow Awards are made possible through the generous support of the KPMG Foundation.

Campus Compact is a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents who are committed to fulfilling the public purposes of higher education. As the only national higher education association dedicated solely to campus-based civic engagement, Campus Compact promotes public and community service that develops students’ citizenship skills, helps

forge effective community/campus partnerships, and provides resources and training for faculty seeking to integrate civic and community-based learning into the curriculum. Campus Compact’s membership includes public, private and two- and four-year institutions across the spectrum of higher education. For more information, visit www.compact.org.

Beusing Selected to Represent Nebraska as Youth Ambassador

Peru State College sophomore, Allie Buesing, (Cozad, Nebraska) has been selected to represent Nebraska as a National Child Awareness Month Youth Ambassador by Youth Serve America and the Festival of Children Foundation.

Buesing, an exercise science major and business administration minor, is one of 51 Youth Ambassadors selected from a nationwide pool in a competitive application process. She will receive funding and training to lead a large-scale service initiative in an effort to combat childhood obesity in Nebraska.

In its sixth year, National Child Awareness Month is a program spearheaded by the Festival of Children Foundation to raise awareness about issues affecting children and encourages the nation’s youth to take action.

Ms. Beusing began working with the Children’s Health, Activity & Nutrition Community Engagement (CHANCE) Ini-

tiative as an AmeriCorps Service Scholar. Developed by Associate Professor of Education Dr. Kyle Ryan and Associate Professor of Business Dr. Sheri Grotrian-Ryan, the CHANCE Initiative is a grant-funded partnership between Peru State, Auburn Public Schools, Johnson-Brock Public Schools, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and Auburn Family Health Center, P.C. The goal is to encourage healthier lifestyles among area children and their families by creating awareness and educating them about better choices.

Her work as an ambassador has already begun having taken a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with Nebraska U.S. Senator Mike Johanns where she attended leadership training.

Buesing serves as president for the Physical Education, Activity & Kinesiology Students (PEAKS) organization, and historian of Phi Beta Lambda (a state and national business and leadership associa-

tion), a Residence Life assistant, student ambassador and AmeriCorps Services Scholar. She plans to apply for the Public Health Early Admittance Student Track (PHEAST) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center to pursue a Master’s degree in public health upon graduation from Peru State.

Buesing is part of a three-person team who recently won a national championship at the PBL National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. The competition focused on a wide range of business and leadership-related tests, including subjects ranging from financial analysis and economic concepts to human resource management and business ethics. Buesing and her counterparts won first place in the Community Service category for the presentation The CHANCE (Children’s Health, Activity & Nutrition Community Engagement) Initiative.

Peru State’s President, Dr. Dan Hanson and Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) advisor, Dr. Shari Grotrian-Ryan, present Jamie Theye with the 2013 Newman Civic Fellow Award.

Allie Buesing

Amanda Volksen Wins Top Honor at Leadership Conference

“We are proud to have had two PSEA members earn this national award in the past three years. It is a testament to the caliber of student enrolled in our teacher eduction program and the exceptional faculty who mentor them every day.”

Peru Student Education Association (PSEA) President-Elect Amanda Volksen, (Fort Calhoun) a junior early childhood and elementary education major, has been honored by the National Education Association (NEA) with the Jeffrey “J.D.” Miller Outstanding Underclassman Award at the organization’s National Student Leadership Conference in Atlanta.

Volksen received the same honor earlier this year from the Student Education Association of Nebraska (SEAN).

Associate Professor of Education and PSEA Advisor Dr. Judith Ruskamp said, “We are proud to have had two PSEA members earn this national award in the past three years. It is a testament to the caliber of students enrolled in our teacher education program and the exceptional faculty who mentor them every day. It’s exciting to see Amanda become so actively engaged in the PSEA organization, replicating the enthusiasm and passion for education of those who have come before her. We are very proud of her accomplishments.”

Volksen is a member of Peru’s Individual Leaders of Today (PILOT); the Physical Education, Activity & Kinesiology Students (PEAKS); vice president of Red Cross Club; chair of the annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash for PSEA; and organizer of Outreach to Teach at the Peru Daycare. She is a TeamMates Mentor, Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees Scholar and has been named to the Peru State Dean’s List.

Volksen is the daughter of Kelly and

Thomas Volksen of Fort Calhoun.

For additional information about the awards or PSEA, contact Ruskamp at jruskamp@peru.edu or 402-8722301.

Peru State Criminal Justice Instructors, Students Win Honors at Regional American Criminal Justice Association Conference

Two Peru State College criminal justice students and their instructors won honors at the Chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association - Lambda Alpha Epsilon (ACJA-LAE) Regional Conference in Garden City, Kansas.

Students competed in written examinations, a physical agility course and a crime scene investigation scenario. They also attended seminars by criminal justice professionals on topics such as homicide investigation - cadaver exploration, forensic wounds - moulage, interview and interrogation, fingerprinting, critical decision making - firearms simulator, tactics and entry techniques, CSI - evidence collection and trauma first aid.

Peru State’s Kappa Omicron Rho chapter took home the High Percentage Sweepstakes Trophy, which is presented

to the school that scores the most points in relation to the number of members participating in the competition. Peru State had five students and two instructors participate.

Students representing Peru State in the competition:

Heather Black Eagle, Senior (Peru, Nebraska) Criminal Justice Counseling & Psychology- first place in the juvenile justice exam category for the upper division.

Tairi Ferguson, Senior (Hamburg, Iowa) Criminal Justice Administration & Psychology

Jacob Hedden, Senior (Johnson, Nebraska) Criminal Justice Administration & Counseling

Andrew Horn, Senior, (Verdon, Nebraska) Criminal Justice Counseling- second place in the physical agility course for

the 26-35 age group.

Jacob Wiers, Senior (Pawnee City, Nebraska) Criminal Justice Administration

Faculty participants included Criminal Justice Instructors Danny Hayes and Ronicka Schottel. Hayes and Schottel won first place and second place, respectively, in the physical agility course in the 26-35 age group. In the professional division, Hayes won second place in the police administration exam, second place in Lambda Alpha Epsilon knowledge exam and third place in the corrections exam.

For more information about Peru State’s criminal justice program, contact Hayes at 402-872-2307 or dhayes@ peru.edu.

Updates Around Campus

• Because of the student’s overwhelming feedback, the Bob Inn is now open for Bob@Nite on Thursdays. Friday will now offer brunch and dinner but continental breakfast will still be available between 9 and 11 a.m. – Brunch will begin at 11 a.m.

• PSC is doing their part for the environment with tray-less dining in the Cafeteria. The new dining style will help the environment by preserving water resources, releasing fewer detergents, and reducing food waste.

• The residence halls are now leaping in to the 21st century with new cable television and free laundry accommodations. The updates have been a welcome addition to Bobcat dorm life on the Campus of a Thousand Oaks.

• Additional weight lifting platforms in the fitness center have allowed for more access and diversity in the Bobcat fitness regime.

• The campus has also seen the much needed addition of new bike racks, so that more students have safe reliable places to store their bicycles.

• MyPSC is now mobile. Students can now check out the new mobile friendly version of myPSC to update their schedules, view their grades and register for classes through their mobile device. You can find the link on the front page of the Peru State website.

Amanda Volksen

Student Spotlight: Rachel Henry

A first year transfer student to Peru State, Rachel Henry (Auburn) is a sophomore business administration management major and the daughter of Todd and Shawna Henry. Rachel has dedicated countless hours to her many projects focused on improving the health and wellbeing of southeast Nebraskans, and her efforts have certainly not gone unnoticed.

In September, it was announced that Rachel was accepted into the University of Nebraska Medical Center‘s (UNMC) Public Health Early Admissions Student Track (PHEAST) program.

PHEAST is a cooperative program between the Nebraska State College System, UNMC’s College of Public Health and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Its purpose is to create a pipeline and cadre of public health professionals who will practice in Nebraska. Once admitted, PHEAST students can select one of 10 concentrations, including biostatistics, community oriented primary care, environmental and occupational health, epidemiology or public health administration.

Students selected for the program pay no tuition and are assigned a mentor at the UNMC College of Public Health. PHEAST students must maintain a 3.3 grade point average, have earned qualifying scores on the ACT or SAT, and participate in on-campus activities that enhance leadership development and professionalism. Off-campus activities promoting leadership and professional development are also encouraged.

“I am passionate about helping others maintain good health and improve their overall well-being, whether it be through exercise and proper nutrition, ensuring adequate/sufficient nutrition and food availability, or simply raising awareness and educating the community on how to constantly better themselves and prevent potential health related issues. I’m excited about my career prospects and can’t wait to make a difference in the lives of people in my community.”

Rachel’s biggest project this year has been her establishment of the “Feeding 44” initiative. The initiative is a partnership with Peru State and the Food Bank of Lincoln and Catholic Social Services of Southeast Nebraska to create a rural mobile food distribution center for one of Nebraska’s most food insecure areas, Nemaha County.

Rachel started “Feeding 44,” when she

applied for and was awarded a $500 Sodexo Foundation Youth Grant. One-hundred grants of up to $500 were awarded by the Sodexo Foundation to youth-led projects that aim to reduce childhood hunger in local communities throughout America. At the same time, grant winners educate and mobilize their peers around the issue, expanding the pool of people actively searching for solutions to ending childhood hunger.

“Feeding 44,” began with a small food drive in conjunction with Peru State’s Institute for Community Engagement (ICE) the week of April 22-27 to commemorate Global Youth Service Day and raise awareness about childhood hunger. Now the monthly distribution supplies food to more than 75 families in Nemaha County.

Henry said, “I plan to earn a Master’s degree in public health, so this project has allowed me to explore the field on a much larger scale than I had ever imagined. The process of starting the Feeding 44 initiative has taught me a lot about civic involvement and reaching out to faculty and administrators. Working closely with community members and service agencies to help people struggling to feed their families is incredibly rewarding, and the opportunity to take on a leadership role at Peru State and in the community is a unique experience for which I am very grateful. I hope our efforts make a difference in the lives of our Nemaha County neighbors long into the future.”

Henry is also part of a three person

team that placed first in the national Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) competition for their presentation about Children’s Health, Activity, & Nutrition Community Engagement (CHANCE) Initiative.

The CHANCE Initiative is a grantfunded partnership between Peru State, Auburn Public Schools, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and Auburn Family Health Center, P.C. The longitudinal service learning study seeks to provide nutrition education and extracurricular activities for elementary-aged children in an effort to address pediatric rural obesity. The goal is to encourage healthier lifestyles among area children and their families by creating awareness and educating them about better choices.

The CHANCE Initiative has been funded by Youth Serve America, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Nebraska, and the Rural Futures Institute to further solidify the pre-existing partnerships between the campus and community. The CHANCE Initiative was also recognized at the state and national level as the community service project of the year by PBL, the world’s largest and oldest business student organization.

Henry’s campus involvement includes membership in Club Council, Wellness Coalition, CHANCE Initiative and Rotaract. She is vice-president of Peru State’s chapter of PBL, as well as being active in the Physical Education, Activity & Kinesiology Students (PEAKS) organization.

Rachel Henry carries boxes of food in to the Al Wheeler Activity Center, for the “Feeding 44,” food pantry. Rachel is the driving force behind the creation and implementation of, “Feeding 44.”

Volunteers gather around to help unload the truck of food for the “Feeding 44,” distribution.

Rural Health Opportunities Program Expanded

“Peru State is proud to be a part of this prestigious program, which not only benefits our students but all of southeast Nebraska.”

Peru State College and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) have expanded their partnership in the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) to include four seats in nursing. Peru State has offered three seats in UNMC’s pharmacy program since 2012.

RHOP, which began in 1989, is designed to address the special needs of rural Nebraska by encouraging rural residents to pursue health care careers.

The agreement between the colleges will allow up to two eligible students to be accepted into the Lincoln division of the UNMC College of Nursing and up to two in the Omaha Division for a total of four students annually.

President Dan Hanson said, “The Rural Health Opportunities Program is an important commitment to rural health

care by UNMC. Peru State is proud to be a part of this prestigious program, which not only benefits our students but all of southeast Nebraska. The quality and strength of our science program and our faculty, as well as the support of area health care providers, have been instrumental in securing these nursing RHOP seats. We look forward to building an even stronger relationship with UNMC and bringing more RHOP seats in more health care fields to southeast Nebraska.” Students must meet the following criteria to be accepted for admittance into the nursing RHOP:

• Minimum 3.2 high school grade point average and score of 24 or higher on the ACT or 1270 or higher on the SAT.

• Must be from a rural area defined as living outside an “Urbanized Area” as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau (less than 50,000 people).

• Graduate of a Nebraska High School.

• Committed to practicing in rural Nebraska.

If selected, students will receive a full tuition waiver while enrolled at Peru State and acceptance into the UNMC College of Nursing. Students also must maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average. For more information about the RHOP program, visit www.unmc.edu/rhop.

Peru State Honored with Governor’s Workplace Wellness Award

Peru State College is one of 50 Nebraska employers honored for successful workplace wellness programs.

“These awards recognize employers for their serious commitment to employee well-being,” Gov. Heineman said. “Prevention and wellness efforts in the workplace have produced higher productivity, better employee satisfaction and helped control healthcare costs. Wellness works every time and these programs are helping more Nebraskans lead healthier lives.”

The award was created to recognize Nebraska employers that have developed successful models for encouraging wellness at work. Factors considered for the

Institute for Community Engagement Launches International Travel

The Institute for Community Engagement (ICE) is launching international travel in 2014. Spring trips are scheduled to the Dominican Republic and Europe. In March 2014 students can travel to the Dominican Republic to participate in service learning experiences, and in May, students have the option of studying the business practices and culture of Europe.

Each trip will allow students to customize their academic credits so that either trip could count towards general studies and/or academic major requirements.

The ICE web page gives four reasons from Vistawide.com why students should study abroad:

• Study abroad enhances employment opportunities. Only 4% of U.S. undergraduates ever study abroad. Through an employer’s eyes, a student who has studied abroad is self-motivated, independent, willing to embrace challenges and able to cope with diverse problems and situations.

• Study abroad will help develop skills and give experiences a classroom setting will never provide. Being immersed in an entirely new cultural setting is scary at first, but it’s also ex-

citing. It’s an opportunity to discover new strengths and abilities, conquer new challenges and solve new problems.

• Study abroad helps you to learn about yourself. Students who study abroad return home with new ideas and perspectives about themselves and their own culture. The experience may perhaps strengthen those values or it may cause students to alter or abandon them and embrace new concepts and perceptions. The encounter with other cultures enables students to see their own culture through new eyes.

• Study abroad expands world-view. In comparison with citizens of most other countries, Americans tend to be uninformed about the world beyond the nation’s boundaries. Students who study abroad return home with an informed and much less biased perspective toward other cultures and peoples.

ICE has partnered with Education First, one of the world leaders in International Education, (http://www. ef.com/us-home/) to help arrange trips. For more information on the Institute for Community Engagement or the Study Abroad program, contact ICE Director, Julie Taylor-Costello.

award included the level of support for the program by company leaders, assessment of employee needs, wellness plan design, outcomes and benefits and policies supporting healthy behaviors. Wellness programs typically provide employees with health education, health screenings and opportunities for exercise

Nebraska’s workplace wellness program offers two categories. The Grower Award division honors businesses and organizations demonstrating significant improvement in employee health behaviors, while the Sower Award division recognizes workplaces with quality wellness programs. Peru State received a Sower Award.

Peru State President Dan Hanson said, “I want to thank Governor Heineman and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joe Acierno for recognizing Peru State’s commitment to healthy living for our employees. Our enthusiasm for educating others about health and wellness doesn’t stop on campus. Through a variety of faculty-led and student-led initiatives, members of our campus community are reaching out to southeast Nebraskans in an effort to combat childhood obesity, bolster blood bank donations, feed the hungry – the list goes on. I look forward to continuing to engage our surrounding communities in these and more initiatives.”

Peru State is a member of the Employee Health Alliance (EHA). Additionally, the campus established a Wellness Coalition in 2011.

The brainchild of Peru State Associate

Professor of Health and Physical Education Dr. Ellie Kunkel, the Wellness Coalition seeks to educate the campus community about ways to live healthy lifestyles. Under Kunkel’s leadership as chair, the coalition established an annual Health and Wellness Fair, a collaborative effort between students in the college’s health/ physical education and sport/exercise science programs and area healthcare professionals. Throughout the semester, students involved in the initiative select an area of health and wellness for which to advocate, conduct research and develop informational booths that are both educational and interactive. Some of the topics have focused on healthy eating habits, drug abuse, stress and suicide, secondhand smoke, artificial energy and more.

Five Inducted in to Athletic Hall of Fame

2013 marked the biennial induction in to the Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame. Five individuals were selected for this esteemed honor. The inductees were nominated for excelling in different aspects of their respective sports, but all showed strength and commitment to Bobcat athletics, and will forever be remembered in Bobcat history.

Bonnie (Rutz) Carlile:, (Meritorious Service) considered the modern-day founder of women’s athletics, re-started intercollegiate athletics for women at Peru State College and coached the volleyball team. In addition, Carlile secured coaches and started the women’s basketball and softball programs. While coaching the Bobkittens volleyball team, she started and promoted intercollegiate volleyball in Nebraska by organizing a group of referees with money from concessions to work area high school volleyball games. Carlile also organized the annual volleyball tournament held at PSC and expanded it. The tournament reached 40 teams by the 25th year and it was the longest-running high school tournament in Nebraska at the time.

Tamir (Anderson) Riley: ’94, (Basketball) a 6’1” forward/center from Omaha, Nebraska. Riley was the seventh player in Peru State college history to reach the 1000-point plateau. She was named ’93-’94

First Team All-District basketball player, and First Team All-American by the NAIA’s Division II selection committee. This made Riley the first woman in the College’s history chosen to the All-American first or second teams.

As a senior, Riley led the NAIA Midwest Region in field goals and free throws. Through 17 games, she made 127 of 217 shots for 58.5% accuracy, and 37 of 44 free throws for 84.1% accuracy. In addition, Tamir was third overall in scoring with 17.1 points per game average. At the end of her career, Riley was named to the Omaha World Herald’s All NAIA women’s team and she was honored on the Lincoln Journal Star’s All-State College First Team.

Chuck Mizerski: ’69, (Football) As a student-athlete, Mizerski was a four year, two-way starter at tackle for Peru State

College.

As a coach, Chuck replaced Frank Solich, in 1979, at Lincoln Southeast. He oversaw a football powerhouse at Lincoln Southeast from 1979 to 2006. In that time, the Knights won 230 games, six state championships, and three state runnerup trophies. Before coaching at Lincoln Southeast, Mizerski coached in Plattsmouth and Granite City, Illinois, compiling a combined 274-81-1 record. His teams were always well prepared, competed with great intensity, and exhibited the highest levels of sportsmanship. Six of his players went on to play in the National Football League.

Mizerski earned nominations twice for the National Coach of the Year honors. He also coached in two Nebraska Shrine Bowls and earned Coach of the Year recognition from three Nebraska media Outlets. In 2011, Mizerski was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Shari (Paczosa) Kucera: ’85, (Cross Country/Indoor and Outdoor Track/ Cheerleading) While at Peru State College, Kucera set several individual and relay team records. Some of the records include: Indoor 500-meter run in 1:23.61, indoor 800-meter run in 2:19.63, and outdoor 3200-meter relay. During all four years, Shari qualified for the NAIA Nationals in Indoor Track in the 800-meter run. In 1984, her team placed seventh at the NAIA National Indoor Meet in the two-mile relay with a time of 9:52.39.

Since graduation from Peru State, Shari has continued to run and has continued winning at all levels of competition,

from the Omaha Corporate Cup to USA Masters Track and Field competitions. At the end of the 2009 season, Kucera’s 5,000-meter time was the top time in the United States for her age division.

Brad Smith: ‘89, (Football) an offensive lineman at Peru State College. Smith became the first lineman to receive back-toback All-American recognition as a Bobcat. During his time at Peru State, Brad started 29 of 30 games for the Bobcats.

Smith earned NAIA Division II AllAmerican Second Team honors in 1987 and NAIA Division II First Team honors in 1988. In addition, he earned Tri-State Athletic All-Conference Team honors.

After graduating from PSC, Smith played professionally for the Pittsburgh Gladiators in the Arena Football League.

The Hall of Fame weekend kicked off on October 14th, with a formal reception and banquet with over 100 guests attending. Each of the inductees was given a replica of the plaque that will hang in the Al Wheeler Activity Center (AWAC) in honor of their induction.

On Saturday, October 15th, during half-time of the Peru State football game, a brief ceremony was held to officially induct the newest members of the Athletic Hall of Fame.

If you know someone that you would like to nominate for the Athletic Hall of Fame, please visit the Peru State College Athletics home page at http://www.pscbobcats.com/ for a link to print a nomination form. The next induction will be held in 2015.

President Dan Hanson, Bonnie Rutz Carlile, First Lady Elaine Hanson, Shari Paczosa Kucera, Brad Smith, Tamir Anderson Riley, Chuck Mizerski

PSC Hall of Famers and former educators, Dr. Wayne Davidson and Louis Fritz enjoy reminiscing with each other at the 2013 Hall of Fame Banquet.

2012 - 2013 Swenson Award Winners

Preston Bruss (Bennet, Nebraska) and Emily Maresh (Central City, Nebraska) were recognized as the 2012-13 Bert Swenson award recipients. The awards were announced at halftime of the Peru State College (PSC) football game against Dakota State University.

Each year since 1925, outstanding student athletes have been presented with the Bert Swenson award in recognition of their participation in athletics, outstanding character, personality, service and loyalty to Peru State College. The award

was created in memory of Bert and Stella Swenson’s 13-month old son, Bert Jr.

One female and one male studentathlete receive the Swenson award each year. The winners are nominated by their head coaches and then selected by the Peru State College athletic department through secret ballot. The winners are each presented with a watch provided by the Swenson family through the PSC foundation.

Bruss is a 2008 graduate of Palmyra High School and is the son of John and

Lori Bruss. Last December, Preston graduated from Peru State with a degree in criminal justice - administration with a minor in business.

Emily Maresh is a 2009 graduate of Central City High School and is the daughter of Gary and Lisa Maresh. In December, Emily will graduate with honors from Peru State with a degree in K-12 health and physical education and a minor in business administration. Maresh presently serves as a Bobcat assistant softball coach.

Peru State in Top Third of Champions of Character

The Peru State athletic department was recognized by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) on the Champions of Character Five-Star Institution list.

The Champions of Character Scorecard measures each institution’s commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character program. Points are earned in five key areas: character training, conduct in competition, character recognition, academic focus and character promotion.

This year, Peru State scored 77 points and was in the top third of all institutions by placing in a tie for 63rd in the score-

card listing. The 77 points puts Peru State as the fourth-highest institution in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) and third among the NAIA schools in the state of Nebraska.

Peru State athletic director Steve Schneider stated, “Over the past few years, our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire department have supported the Champions of Character program. There is a commitment to striving to achieve the status each year. Part of the direction of how we, as a department, achieve this recognition is through our Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).”

Since 1937, the NAIA has administered programs and championships in proper balance with the overall educational experience. In 2000, the NAIA reaffirmed its purpose to enhance the character-building aspects of sports. Through the Champions of Character program, the NAIA seeks to create an environment in which every studentathlete, coach, official and spectator is committed to the true spirit of competition through five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.

Bobcat Buzz Luncheon

The Bobcat Athletic Department and Peru State professional staff/senate have begun hosting “Bobcat Buzz Luncheons” in the Live Oak Room of the Student Center.

The luncheons allow head coaches to give a short update about their program to the campus community, including studentathletes, recruiting, and upcoming events.

Each luncheon will spotlight a different, non-athletic department on campus. The first spotlight was on the Peru State Theater Department. Josh Young, Assistant Professor of Communications Arts, gave a brief look in to all of the things happening in the theatre and their upcoming productions.

Future Bobcat Buzz Luncheons are planned for February 5th, and April 9th, in the Live Oak Room of the Student Center from 12:00-12:50 p.m. Guests are invited to buy or bring their lunch and desserts will be provided by professional staff/ senate.

This is a great opportunity for the Peru State campus community to be engaged not only in athletics but in other department’s successes and upcoming events.

Four Peru State Athletic Programs Named NAIA Scholar-Teams

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced that four Peru State athletic teams have been named 2012-13 NAIA ScholarTeams.

Earning the Scholar-Team designation for the 2012-13 academic year were the Bobcats’ women’s cross country, women’s golf, softball, and volleyball teams. The Bobcat volleyball team had the highest grade point average among the athletic programs finishing with a 3.51 grade point average (gpa). The golf team finished with a 3.39 gpa, the softball team completed the year with a 3.16 gpa, while the cross country team earned their honor by finishing with a 3.05 gpa.

For a team to be considered for the NAIA Scholar-Team award, it must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) as defined by the institution. The team grade-point average includes all eligible varsity student-athletes.

President Dan Hanson, Bonnie Rutz Carlile, First Lady Elaine Hanson, Shari Paczosa Kucera, Brad Smith, Tamir Anderson Riley, Chuck Mizerski

Peru State Volleyball Earns Team Academic Award

The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced that the Peru State volleyball team was among 622 teams to earn the AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2012-2013 season. This number once again breaks the previous year’s total of 536 and sets a new all-time high for this award.

The award, which was initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honors collegiate and high school volleyball teams that displayed excellence in the classroom during the school year by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average on a 4.0 scale or a 4.10 cumulative team GPA on a 5.0 scale.

Bobcat Women’s Golf 2012-2013 Season

The Bobcat Women’s Golf team finished their 2012-2013 season in fourth place, in the 2013 Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) Tournament.

The highlight of the ’12-’13 season was when Senior golf captain, Jordan Schaardt (Humboldt) was crowned the HAAC medalist after a sudden death playoff. By winning the HAAC Championship individual title, Schaardt received an automatic bid to play in the NAIA National Championship held at Wilderness Ridge golf course in Lincoln, Nebraska. Schaardt finished in a tie for 99th in the national tournament having a three-day total of 254.

Following the HAAC championship tournament, two Bobcat golfers, Schaardt and Courtney Musgrave (Omaha, Nebraska) were tabbed as HAAC All-Conference selections. For both golfers, this was their second year in a row receiving all-conference honors. In addition, Schaardt was named to the all-tournament team as well.

Two Bobcat golfers received academic recognition; Schaardt and Katie Potter (Omaha, Nebraska) were selected as Capital One Academic All-District 6 First Team. Their selection to the all-district team allowed Schaardt and Potter to be in consideration for All-America honors. Schaardt was named as a 2013 Capital One Academic All-America First Team selection while Potter earned third team honors. In addition, both were chosen as Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

2013 Bobcat Football Season Wrap Up

The 2013 season marked a banner year for the Bobcat football team in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC). With more than 60 returning lettermen and 60 newcomers, the Bobcats had their best record since 2009, finishing the season with a 7-4 overall record and 5-4 record in the conference.

Head Coach Steve Schneider looked at his second year leading the Bobcats as an opportunity to make some noise in the conference. With some newcomers and several familiar faces on the

coaching staff, Schneider tordinators Lou Varley and Peru State alum and member of the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame, Chuck Mizerski. Derek Derr, a 2010 Peru State graduate and a four-year letter winner for the Bobcats, will be responsible for the outside linebackers. Other defensive coaches include Jeff Reed, Brian Maher and David Gregory.

On offense, Schneider continued his role as offensive coordinator with assistance from coaches Andrew Kohls, Doug Lanik and Marc Randle. The football graduate assistants are Bill Chaffin and

Jared Olive.

Due to the construction on the historic Oak Bowl, the Bobcats played their home games in Peru’s surrounding communities. The team played two home games in Auburn, two in Nebraska City and the final two were held in Falls City.

For the first time since the 2005 season, the Peru State Bobcats cracked the NAIA Football Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. Throughout the season the Bobcat’s ranking rose all the way to number 9, but after some tough losses, they finished the season at 24th.

Boshart Wins the NAIA A.O. Duer Award

In May, 2013 The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) named PSC’s Mitch Boshart as the male winner of the Duer award. Boshart is a student-athlete and social science education major from Central City, Nebraska.

The award is named for A.O. Duer, who served as executive secretary of the NAIA for 26 years and was well known for his strong opinions that the NAIA and its member institutions should strive to effectively balance academics and athletics. The award is presented to an outstanding NAIA junior student-athlete who maintains an overall grade-point average of at least a 3.75 (on a 4-point scale). The NAIA

Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives selects the two winners, one male and one female. Both winners this year were nominated by the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC).

This is the first time in PSC history that a Bobcat has won the Duer Award. Boshart is a Peru State Board of Trustees scholar, a member of the college’s honors program and a Daktronics-NAIA ScholarAthlete award winner. He is also the threeyear letter winner and has been a two-year starter on special teams, and a Bobcat Football Elite Team Leader. Boshart serves as a TeamMates mentor and as the sports information department’s radio interviewer in conjunction with KNCY’s Bobcat Buzz pre-recorded halftime segments.

Coach Steve Schneider watches as his team tries out the Oak Bowl’s new turf.

Mitch Boshart

2013 Bobcat Women’s Softball Season

The 2013 women’s softball team had a roller coaster season, filled with close losses and exciting wins. The Bobcats ended their regular season with a win loss record of 15-26.

The women earned a 9-9 record and finished fifth place in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, (HAAC) gaining them a spot in the post-season tournament.

Mother Nature caused the first two days of the tournament to be cancelled forcing the tournament to move from double elimination format to single elimination. When the Bobcats were finally able to play, Evangel University defeated them 12-0, knocking them out of the tournament.

Two Bobcats ended the season ranked in the top 50 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) Division I national rankings. Laruen Johnson (Seward, Nebraska) is currently ranked 30th in walks allowed per nine innings (1.35). Junior, Devon Massengale, (Elkhorn, Nebraska) currently ranks 31st in innings pitched per game (5.926). The team is currently ranked 46th in triples per game (0.244).

Several Bobcat Players moved into the Peru State Softball record books this season. Emily Maresh (Central City, Nebraska) ended her career tied for fourth all time in career home runs (20), fifth in career RBI (112), eighth in career batting average (.354), ninth in career doubles (32), and tied tenth in career hits (151).

Kristin Bodyk (Paris, Ontario, Canada)

set one single season record and is in the career top ten record books for two categories. She is now tied for tenth in Peru State history for most home runs in a season as she hit six this season. Career-wise, Bodyk is ranked seventh in career home runs (14), and tenth in career doubles (31). Massengale is now ranked in four Peru State career pitching categories. She ranks

third in career innings pitched (419.0), third in career strikeouts (261), fifth in career victories (35), and sixth in career complete games (37).

With 11 returning players and 15 new recruits, for 2014, the Bobcats are looking forward to a successful season ahead.

2012-13 Bobcat Baseball Season

Reigning as the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) post-season champs, the Bobcat baseball team had their sights set on repeating their triumph in the 2012-2013 season. Unfortunately, that was not the case. After going 1-1 in the HAAC tourney, and being in the running to get a bid into the national NAIA tournament, cold and wet conditions caused the HAAC administrators to cancel the tournament. This put Central Methodist University and Avila University into the NAIA national tournament, as they were both 2-0 in the HAAC tourney at that point.

The Bobcats still had an outstanding season finishing with a 27-16 record. The team finished the regular season on a 13 game winning streak giving them a conference record of 18-8, which was good

enough for a first place finish in the Western Division and a second place finish overall in the HAAC.

With the conclusion of the season, a few Bobcat players were able to make their mark in the Peru State record books. Ryan Grabowski (Omaha, Nebraska) now ranks ninth all time in Peru State history in highest on-base percentage in a single season (.474). He also is tied for second in career batting average (.398). Tyler Croushorn (Omaha, Nebraska) is tied for tenth in career triples (5). Aubrey Dezarn (Las Vegas, Nevada) is tied for third in single season triples (4).

The ‘Cats once again look to be a strong team in the HAAC and NAIA in the 2013-2014 season.

Senior catcher, Jake Wright, received 2013 Omaha World Herald All-Nebraska NAIA Baseball Honorable Mention, 2013 HAAC All-Conference 1st Team.

1930s

Geneva (Ullsperger, ’31) Pratt of Utica passed away December 20, 2012. She and her husband, Elvo, had their own business, a grocery store, cream station and feed store for 40 years in Cook. Geneva enjoyed working in the grocery store, square dancing, ceramics and textile painting. She especially enjoyed family activities.

Charles Stites (’31) of La Habra, California passed away July 11, 2007.

Gladys Kruse (’34) of Syracuse passed away April 16, 2013. She taught in rural schools for 45 years. After retirement she enjoyed doing volunteer work at the museum, traveling, knitting, needlepoint and china painting.

1940s

Marcella “Sally” (Schaefer, ’42) of St. Edward passed away July 14, 2013. She taught at Cedar Rapids for over 50 years. In 1992, she retired from teaching but continued to substitute at Cedar Rapids for 10 more years.

Winnie (Buman, ’49) Krontz of Tecumseh passed away on December 25, 2012. She worked for the Campbell Soup Company for 26 years, retiring in 1991. Winnie had a positive attitude and found good in every situation. She was always finding ways to help family and friends and put their needs above her own.

1950s

Dolores (Porr, ’50) Painter of Casper, Wyoming passed away January 27, 2013. She taught elementary and 9th grade English for over 40 years. After her retirement she took up another job of teaching calligraphy and retired again at the age of 80.

Lawrence Webb (’51) of Geneva passed away on August 2, 2013. He was drafted into the Army following his graduation from PSC. Lawrence started as a cryptography specialist and rose to the rank of Sergeant with an honorable discharge in November 1953.

Doyle Gump (’52) of Lincoln passed away November 7, 2012. He entered the Navy during World War II where he served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

Curtis Lindell (’54) of Omaha passed away March 15, 2013. Curt was proud when his championship Peru State College football team was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame. Since retiring, he enjoyed extensive traveling and spending the last 19 winters in Arizona.

Geraldine (Corn, ’55) Allen of Marine City, Michigan passed away April 13, 2013. She worked within the East China School District for 39 years as a teacher and 15 years as a principal. Geraldine retired in 1994.

Dolores (Smith, ’55) Stoltenberg of Lincoln, formerly of Rock Port, Missouri, passed away April 12, 2013. Dolores loved her family and enjoyed playing bridge and making jewelry.

Ruby Anna Emma (Mueller, ’56) Heinke of Bennet passed away April 13, 2013. Ruby served as the executive vice president of Heinke Tech -

nology until her retirement in 1995.

Jack Pennington (’58) of Humboldt passed away July 26, 2013. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country from 1951 until 1955 when he was honorably discharged. Following his service, he moved back to Nebraska and began his teaching career.

1960s

Raymond Plankinton (’61) of Columbus passed away May 3, 2013. Ray taught mathematics for 25 years at Platte Community College before his retirement. During his teaching career, he was honored by his students as Teacher of the Year and Platte Person of the Year.

Zelda Elaine Current (’66) of Stockville passed away July 31, 2013. She taught grade school for 29 years and then went back to college for her massage therapy license. She worked as a massage therapist for 15 years in McCook.

Marjorie (Williss, ’69) Borgerding of Lincoln passed away August 7, 2013. She served as an English teacher, restaurant owner and lover of breweriana and other collectibles.

1970s

Vesta (Bletscher, ’70) Linderman of Falls City passed away September 10, 2013. She was a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church, which she joined in 1933 and was an active member her entire life.

Mildred Marguerite (Mackoy, ’71) Teachout of Shenandoah, Iowa passed away May 9, 2013. As a teacher, she enjoyed challenging her students and made learning a priority. Marguerite took ordinary items and transformed them into teaching tools.

Betty Kathleen “Kathy” (Cummings, ’78) of Plattsmouth passed away April 23, 2013. She was a loving and devoted special education teacher, teaching both junior high and high school.

1980s

Paula (Kite, ’82) Winkelman of Auburn passed away August 27, 2013. She enjoyed journalism and photography and pursued both interests professionally and as hobbies.

2000s

Connie Folsom (’01) of Bellevue passed away April 27, 2013. She was a dedicated teacher with the Bellevue Public School system for 28 years.

Robert McKim (’06) of Aldie, Virginia passed away April 20, 2013. He joined the U.S. Government as an investigator and his career advancement included two tours in the Middle East and most recently as a Special Investigator in Virginia/Washington D.C. Rob was an accomplished student, musician and athlete.

Friends

Kathryn Bartek of Falls City passed away June 23, 2013. Kathy was a former nurse at Peru State College. She was serving her seventh term on the District 56 school board, a total of over 25 years of service. Kathy earned the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association School Board Member of the Year in 2013.

Dr. James Pilkington of Ozark, Missouri passed away March 6, 2013. Dr. Pilkington was a former PSC professor and coach. He also coached and taught at Central Missouri State University for 29 years. He started the Mule Relays and the women’s track and field program which produced many NCAA All American athletes and several Olympic prospects.

1940s

Josephine (Citta, attended ’41) Godown and her husband, Leonard, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on July 3, 2013.

1950s

Charles Smith (’51) of Murrieta, California was nominated for and awarded the California Wrestling Federation Life-Time Service Award in 2013. He was given this award for his contribution to the sport of wrestling as a coach and contributor promoting the California Wrestling Federation.

Phil Fahrlender (’59) of Minden won “Best of Show” for his paintings “Origins” at the 2013 Kearney Art Guild Exhibit. His wife, Nadine (Adcock, ’59), had a cast iron sculpture, “Approaching Congruity,” featured in an article in the Kearney Hub in April 2013.

1970s

William Peterson (’72) will be retiring on December 29, 2013. He is retiring from his position as a United States Immigration Judge. William joined the U.S. Department of Justice as a trial attorney in 1988. From 1995 until 2000, he served as Deputy District Counsel for the INS in San Francisco. In 2000, William was appointed to the bench in New York by the Attorney General at that time, Janet Reno.

1980s

Jeff Slagle (’86) serves as legal counsel for the Air Force Safety Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Brent Yaw (’88) of Kearney has been promoted to vice president, international at Baldwin Filters. He will be responsible for the operation of Baldwin’s international business.

1990s

Dr. Joel Bohlken (’92) of Palmer is the new Superintendent/Principal at Palmer Public Schools.

Clayton Waddle (’99) of Stapleton has been hired to be a halftime superintendent and halftime 7-12 principal at Stapleton Public Schools.

2000s

Rebecca (Schlamann, ’01) Slick of Beresford, South Dakota is the new Registrar at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.

Ryan Odle (’06) of Spokane, Washington enlisted in the U.S. Air Force a couple of years after college and was in the USAF for just over four years doing one tour in Iraq and getting out as a Staff Sergeant. Ryan now works for Kelly Brady Advertising and helps do interactive advertising for colleges.

Kristin (Delaney, ’06) Tynon of Syracuse has been promoted to manager with BKD’s Nebraska practice unit.

Jeremy Kirkendall (’09) of Nebraska City is now the curator of the Kregel Windmill Factory museum in Nebraska City. The Factory had closed down in 1991, but reopened in April 2013.

Leslie Fattig (’11) has been named executive director of the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation. She will oversee the foundation’s operations and fundraising effforts.

Megan Boyle (’12), originally from Plattsmouth, is the new K-12 Art instructor at West Holt Public Schools.

Mallory Lempka (’12) of Cook is the Nemaha County deputy assessor. She helps with homestead exemptions, personal property tax, real estate tax and valuations.

Friends

John Chaney of Auburn was appointed by Governor Dave Heineman to serve on the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees.

Jay Johnson (’07) and Jordan Rieker were united in marriage on June 1, 2013.

Daniel Ross and Jacklyn Martinez (’10) were united in marriage on September 28, 2013. Jacklyn is employed at Lortscher Animal Nutrition. Daniel is employed at MAC Process.

Arthur Rose (’11) and Emily Holmes were united in marriage on August 10, 2013. Emily is a kindergarten teacher at Gering Public Schools. Arthur is a special education teacher at Gering Public Schools.

Nathan Soto and Julia Simon (’11) were united in marriage on May 25, 2013. Julia is a fifth grade teacher for Elkhorn Public Schools. Nathan is currently a brand logistics manager for the GAP.

Miles Koso (’11) and Kaylie Frederick (’11) were united in marriage on September 21, 2013. Kayle works at Marvin E. Jewell & Co. in Lincoln. Miles is employed by Commercials Investment Properties.

Madison Farris (’12) and Rebecca Boshart (’13) were united in marriage on June 29, 2013. Rebecca just finished her student teaching. Madison is teaching at Aurora Middle School.

Andrew Driever (’12) and Carrie Vanderbeek were united in marriage on June 29, 2013. Andrew is employed with the State of Nebraska Department of Corrections. Carrie is currently a student at PSC and will be student teaching in the spring.

2000s

Shane (’08) and Danielle (Metzler, ’08) Ryan welcomed their third child, Charlotte Elise, on May 24, 2013. She weighed 9 pounds 4 ounces and was 21 inches long. She joined big sister, Addison (3) and big brother, Jackson (1).

Trent (’08) and Kayleigh (Baker, ’09) Whisler of Auburn announced the birth of their son, Elliott Jerald, on December 14, 2011. He weighed 8 pounds 3 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Grotrian-Ryan Earns 2013 Teacher Excellence Award

Peru State Associate Professor of Business, Dr. Sheri Grotrian-Ryan has been named the institution’s 2013 Teacher Excellence Award Winner.

The Teacher Excellence Award is given annually to one outstanding full-time faculty member at each of the three state colleges, Peru, Wayne and Chadron. To be considered, a faculty member must have a minimum of four years consecutive employment at the college, have taught a minimum of 15 credit hours during the previous academic year, and have an active and positive record of service to students as an academic, professional or personal advisor. Candidates must also have demonstrated involvement in faculty development programs, a superior level of teaching effectiveness and a record of public service.

Recipients of the campus award from each of the colleges are finalists for the Nebraska State College System’s George Rebensdorf Teaching Excellence Award.

Grotrian-Ryan joined the Peru State faculty in 2006. She currently instructs courses in the School of Professional Studies and Graduate Programs. In addition to teaching, Grotrian-Ryan serves as faculty advisor for Phi Beta Lambda, a business and leadership organization. Under her mentorship, Phi Beta Lambda students continue to excel in intercollegiate competitions at both the state and national levels, earning five national championships in the last two years. Grotrian-Ryan is a two-time honoree as Nebraska’s Phi Beta Lambda

Advisor of the Year.

Grotrian-Ryan led and assisted several community engagement and service-learning efforts during her tenure at the college. One such notable project is the ongoing CHANCE (Children’s Health, Activity & Nutrition Community Engagement) Initiative. She serves as co-director of this interdisciplinary, longitudinal endeavor and is instrumental in introducing a social norms marketing campaign to area youth.

Outside of teaching, Grotrian-Ryan has served as managing editor for the Human Resource Development Review journal, a global publication devoted to theoretical insights advancing the understanding of human resource development. She has also assisted with the publication of the National Council of Instructional Administrators’ Exemplary Initiatives. Additionally, Grotrian-Ryan has spent extensive time as

a peer reviewer for textbooks and journal manuscripts. Her experience has further been demonstrated by the multiple presentations and workshops given on a variety of topics across the nation.

Grotrian-Ryan earned a Bachelor’s degree from Peru State in business administration with an emphasis in marketing and management before continuing her education at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln where she earned an MBA with a focus in strategic management. Most recently, Grotrian-Ryan completed a Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. For her dissertation, Grotrian-Ryan researched the concept of mentoring and its application to leadership development; the study was conducted with the American Council on Education Fellows Program in Washington, D.C.

Seay Appointed to Professional Practices Commission

Peru State’s Darolyn Seay, M.Ed., School of Education, has been appointed by Gov. Dave Heineman to the Nebraska Professional Practices Commission.

The Professional Practices Commission holds hearings and makes recommendations to the State Board of Education concerning alleged violations of standards or professional ethics and practices by holders of public schools certificates. Seay will serve a three-year term and is eligible for reappointment for one additional term.

Seay, a native of Edmond, Okla., joined the Peru State faculty in 2008 where she serves as an undergraduate student advisor and teaches courses in educational psychology, teacher education-principles and prac-

tices and teaching science in elementary and middle schools. She represents the college at both the state and regional level, particularly in the areas of elementary education, guidance and counseling. Seay is an active community volunteer, currently serving as vice-president for Project Response, an organization that provides free services to domestic abuse and sexual assault victims.

Prior to joining the Peru State faculty, Seay taught grades two, four and five, as well as middle school language arts and reading, for 13 years at Putnam City and Edmond Public School Districts in Oklahoma. She also taught classes for the University of Phoenix’s on-campus site in Oklahoma City, working primarily with

Ted Harshbarger Elected to National FBLA-PBL Board of Directors

Ted Harshbarger, Associate Athletic Director/Sports Information Director at Peru State College, has been elected to the Future Business Leaders of AmericaPhi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) National Board of Directors for a three-year term.

Harshbarger began his involvement in the association in 1974 as a PBL member at Peru State College. Since then, he has served the organization actively in numerous capacities including his current role as the Nebraska PBL State Adviser, a position he’s held since 1997. He also served on the FBLA-PBL National Awards Committee for nine consecutive years, and was the Colorado FBLA-PBL State Adviser from 1987-1989.

Harshbarger received several state honors for growing membership in the Mountain Plains Region during his tenure as state adviser in Nebraska and Colorado. He was adviser to nine national student officers, and was inducted into the National FBLA-PBL Adviser Wall of Fame in 2003.

Long-Time PSC Professor Starts Little Free Library

Bill Snyder, former business professor at Peru State College, and his wife Shirley, a former reading teacher in the Auburn Public Schools, installed a Little Free Library outside of their home in Auburn, Nebraska.

non-traditional students, and worked as an adjunct instructor for Northwestern Oklahoma State University teaching classes in the educational psychology field while serving as a student teacher supervisor.

Seay earned a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree in education - guidance and counseling from the University of Central Oklahoma. Seay is currently a doctoral candidate at North Central University and contributes research in the area of Teacher Dispositions: A Study of Processes Used and Potential Outcomes Anticipated by Accredited Institutions When Assessing Teacher Candidates.

The Snyders first heard about Little Free Libraries from their daughter in Minnesota, who knew her parents love of reading. Shirley researched the program online, and then after attending a conference for the Nebraska State Reading Association, where they showed examples of the libraries resembling large birdhouses that could be placed right outside your house, Shirley decided this would be the perfect opportunity to share her and Bill’s love of books.

The Little Free Library is stocked with free books for all ages and the Snyders try and rotate out the selection regularly. Anyone interested in learning more about the Little Free Library Organization, and its mission to promote literacy, can visit their website at www.littlefreelibrary.org. Anyone interested in visiting the Snyder’s Little Free Library, it is located just west of 820 14th St. in Auburn, and readers have the option of reading a book and returning it or leaving a donated book in its place.

Dr. Sheri accepting her award at from Dr. Hanson at the May, 2013 Graduation

G RADUATION 2013

President Hanson present Jake Acers with his diploma during the May graduation ceremony.

Above: Joseph Davidson and Dr. Wayne Davidson standing proud together as Joseph receives his master’s of science in organizational management. AboveRight: Joseph Boyle, of Sutherland, NE, accepts his bachelor’s degree while adding some character to his cap and gown attire. Below: In May, 459 graduates march through the Al Wheeler Activity Center on their way to take their seats for the graduation ceremony.

H OMECOMING 2013

2013 marked the 93rd Homecoming celebration at Peru State College. “Color Me Bobcat,” was the theme that inspired all of the vibrant colors in the décor and events that filled Homecoming week. Students participated in colorful activities such as a photo booth, petting zoo, arts and crafts, a dance, pep rally and fundraisers.

Saturday, November 2nd, the day of the Homecoming Football game, began with Nebraska’s Toughest Mile, sponsored by the Peru State College Cross Country Team. Competitors began in front of the Peru Fire Station and finished in front of the TJ Majors building on campus.

The activities continued as spectators came from all over southeast Nebraska to line up on Peru’s Main Street and watch the annual Homecoming Parade, orches-

trated by the Peru State College Student Senate. Leading the parade as the 2013 Grand Marshall was SaraBeth Donovan. Donovan is a native of Lincoln and a 1985 Peru State graduate. Donavon now serves as an attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington D.C., and is the current Chair of the Peru State College Foundation Board.

Parade participants were judged on form and appearance of their transportation, and the winners were:

Float category: Student Senate - first place, Peru Theater Company- second, and third place was Phi Beta Lambda. Honorable mention was given to the Class of 1963.

Decorated vehicles category: Peru State Softball Team- first place, Peru State Education Association (PSEA) - second place,

Black Student Union (BSU)- third place. Honorable mention went to the Peru State Support Staff.

The Classic Car category: LaHood Windsor- first place, Larry Stevenson- second place with his 1971 Cutlass, and Cliff Cooper- third place with his 1953 pickup.

Anticipation was high in the weeks leading up to Homecoming, in hopes that the Oak Bowl Renovation Project would be completed in time for the football game. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not allow that to happen, but Homecoming guests were invited to tour the Oak Bowl and see its progress.

A tailgate festival was held on the campus quad. The celebration featured a free lunch, provided by Peru State’s Campus Dining, and musical entertainment from the Hoyt Street Jazz Band.

Activities scattered the campus. A carnival that included inflatables, cotton

candy, prizes and games gave entertainment for all ages, including professional caricatures by renowned cartoonist and Peru State College’s National Alumni Association President, Paul Fell.

The Peru State Bobcats took on the Missouri Valley College Vikings on the Nebraska City High School football field, where the Bobcats lost 14-21.

PSC’s first couple, Dr. Dan and Elaine Hanson, assisted in the coronation ceremony held during halftime of the football game. Ellen Larsen, a Senior K-12 special education major and Student Senate President was crowned the 2013 Homecoming Queen, and senior social science education major, Mitch Boshart was named Homecoming King.

Mark your calendars for the 2014 Homecoming, which will be held in the New Oak Bowl Stadium on October 11. Be sure to make plans to journey to Peru and join in the festivities.

Closewise from top-right: Peru State’s first lady, Elaine Hanson, crowns the 2013 Homecoming King, Mitch Boshart, during the halftime coronation ceremony.

PSC’s unofficial sprit squad, Hayden Kusy, Chance Bruggeman, Natasha Bradley, Jake Hedden and Tyler Nutsch, cheer on the Bobcats during the 2013 Homecoming football game. Blake Lofing leads the Hoyt Street Jazz Band during their performance at the Pre-Homecoming Tailgate on the campus quad.

Residents of south east Nebraska gathered with the campus community to enjoy the lunch and festival on the quad.

The 2013 - 2014 Distinguished Speaker Series

Kohl Crecilius, social entrepreneur and co-founder of Krochet Kids International, kicked off Peru State College’s 2013-14 Distinguished Speaker Series on Monday, Oct. 7. Crecelius’ presentation, Sustainable Social Entrepreneurship: Creating a Cy-

cle of Success, details the quest he and his friends are on to revolutionize what it means to do business and to do good. Their mission began when Crecelius’ older brother taught him how to crochet in high school. Soon he began teaching his friends to make hats. Dubbed the “Kro -

Headlines Around Campus

• Mr. Kristiaan Rawlings, Dean of Students, was awarded the 2012-2013 Barb Lewellen Award. This award is designed to honor an outstanding faculty, staff member or administrator who has distinguished him or herself through betterment of students and student life at PSC.

• The Scroll of Service Award recipient for the 2012-2013 year is Ms. Lexi Fudge. Lexi is a Junior elementary education major. Lexi is President of Peru State Rotaract, Student Ambassador, Resident Advisor of Morgan Hall, and member of Wellness Coalition. The Scroll of Service Award is designed to honor any full-time PSC student for dedication and service to the student body and college.

• The Peru State College Office of Student Life hosted the fourth annual “Boo Bash” for area elementary school children and their parents on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013 on the Campus of a Thousand Oaks and Peru City Hall. The event featured trickor-treating, crafts, face painting, outdoor

chet Kids” by their local newspaper in Spokane, Washington, the friends began selling hats in their hometown for a little spending money. Crecelius never imagined the hobby would blossom into a global movement.

Today, KKi employs more than 100 people in northern Uganda through the production of their handmade headwear and fashion accessories. The organization has recently started a new program in Peru, South America. Now spanning three continents, KKi connects the producer with the customer through a hand-signed label that accompanies every product.

The next Distinguished Speaker will be Jessica Jackley, the founder and former Chief Marketing Officer of KIVA, the world’s first peer to peer micro lending website. Jackley is scheduled to appear in the College Theater on April 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

KIVA lets users lend as little as $25 to poor entrepreneurs around the world, providing affordable capital for them to start or expand microenterprises. Named one of the top ideas of 2006 by The New York Times Magazine, and praised by Oprah, Bill Clinton and countless others, KIVA is one of the fastest-growing social benefit

websites in history.

Since its founding in 2005, KIVA has loaned more than $400 million from lenders to entrepreneurs across 206 countries. For all its success, KIVA remains focused on a simple mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty, one person at a time.

For more information on the Distinguished Speaker Series, visit www.peru. edu/speakerseries or contact Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Michaela Willis at 402872-2224 or mwillis@peru.edu.

games, snacks and a chance to have photos taken with Bob the Bobcat.

• Peru State English Professor Dr. Bill Clemente was elected vice president of the Alpha Chi National Council, the chief governing body of the coeducational academic honor society. Major responsibilities for the vice president of the National Council include serving as chair of the annual convention committee - selecting speakers, setting themes, planning activities and otherwise assuring the success of the society’s event.

• Peru State senior defensive lineman, Zach Lempka (Sterling, Nebraska) was selected as a semifinalist for the 2013 National Football Foundation (NFF) National Scholar-Athlete Awards, presented by Fidelity Investments.

• Peru State Associate Professor of Education Dr. Kyle Ryan has been named a Great Plains Public Health Leadership Institute (GPPHLI) Scholar for 2013-14.

• The Fall 2013 freshman class enrollment is 266, up 28 percent since 2012. The number of on-campus students has increased 28 percent in the past five years with 1,008 students currently enrolled. Over 12 percent of freshman class members are Board of Trustees Scholars, the most prestigious scholarship offered by the Nebraska State College System for high academic achievement.

• Two staff members of The Peru State Times earned Golden Leaf Awards in the Newspaper Category at the Nebraska Collegiate Media Association Spring Conference, held April 20 at Doane College: Ama Bikoko: First Place, Series/Special Section/Edition and Kyle Amen: Honorable Mention, Review Writing.

• The first art exhibit in the PSC Art Gallery of the 2013-14 season was, “Wall Hangings” by Anna May Whittington. The exhibit ran from August 19th through September 19th. Whittington, a 96-yearold southeast Nebraska native, began what she refers to as her “creative period” in 1935, but has concentrated primarily on

quilts and “wall hangings” for the past 50 years. Much of the materials she uses she denotes as recycled. Some of the fabrics used in her compositions are more than 100 years old.

• Three Peru State College students earned first place at the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. Peru State’s national champions in the Community Service category who presented The CHANCE (Children’s Health, Activity & Nutrition Community Engagement) Initiative include Allie Buesing, (Cozad, Nebraska) Rachel Henry, (Auburn, Nebraska) Henry also won fifth place in the Job Interview category and Jamie Theye, (Odell, Nebraska).

• Peru State College’s Children’s Health, Activity, & Nutrition Community Engagement Initiative (CHANCE) has received a $9,500 wellness grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) to promote physical activity among area students and reduce childhood obesity.

Kohl Crecelius

Kohl Crecelius, distinguished speaker, spent time on the Campus of a Thousand Oaks, sharing his mission of social entrepreneurship with PSC students.

Class of 1963 Celebrates 50-Year Reunion

When the class of 1963 graduated from Peru State Teachers College (PSTC), the Dallas Texans became the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Beatles released their first single in the United States, and Neal S. Gomon was President of PSTC. The Bobcat graduates went out in to the world to educate America’s youth with what they had gained at Peru.

During the 2013 Peru State College

Homecoming Celebration, members of the class of 1963 were invited back to Peru by President Dan Hanson and the Peru State College Foundation, as honored guests to mark their monumental 50-Year anniversary. The classes of ’62 and ’64 were also invited to join in the event.

Nearly 45 guests arrived on the Campus of a Thousand Oaks Friday, November 1st, kicking off their celebration with a

tour of campus followed by a reception at the home of Dan and Elaine Hanson. The activities continued with a formal banquet in the Live Oak Room of the Student Center. Dinner entertainment was provided by The Peru State College Madrigal Singers, who wowed the guests with several a capella selections.

Members of the class of 1963 were presented engraved medals to honor their

50-Year mark. PSC Professor, Dr. Bill Clemente was on hand to take photos of the classmates to commemorate the event.

On Saturday, reunion guests braved the cold November air to show their Bobcat spirit in a decorated float as part of the Homecoming Parade. For their enthusiasm and school spirit, the class of 1963 won honorable mention in the decorated float category.

Following the parade, the 50-Year guests took their place at their reserved seating on the campus quad to enjoy the lunch, provided by Peru State’s Creative Dining and entertainment, provided by the Hoyt Street Jazz Band. Later that day, the class was also honored with special crowd recognition and reserved seating at the Homecoming Football game.

It is 50 years later and the Beatles are still popular, and the Chiefs… well they are having a breakout season. Dr. Dan Hanson is President of what is now called Peru State College, but the PSTC class of 1963 are still, and always will be, Bobcats.

The 50-Year Reunion is a Peru State College tradition that occurs every year during the Homecoming Celebration, and honors the alumni that have reached that golden milestone in the life of a Bobcat.

If you or someone you know will be a member of our honored class in the near future, please contact the Peru State College Foundation at 402-872-2395.

Front row L-R: Shirley (Tally) Bruhl, Susan (Hulbert) Perina, Sharylin (Vrtiska) Knock, Frankie Kan, Robert Reimers, Larry Rebuck, Larry Swett Back row L-R: Russel Workman, Kenneth Dostal, Russel Hicks, Paul Bodtke, Larry Hennerberg, Stephen Parker, Gerald Littell, Larry Rathe, Dean Stapleton, Eugene Walden, Tom Sewell

Peru Alum Helps Inspire a Movement

The goal for almost any educator is to make a difference in the lives of the children they teach. Inspiring America’s youth has been a slogan for many teachers throughout the years and in a lot of cases, teachers really can inspire children to do great things in life. One such inspirational educator is Peru State College alum, Bill Hunsaker. Bill’s supportive mentoring to his student Ron Scheidt helped inspire Ron and his colleague, Brian Willis to compile a book of essays, that became a nationwide movement.

A native of Superior, Nebraska, Bill Hunsaker came to Peru State College in the fall of 1962. When he wasn’t playing varsity basketball for the Bobcats, he was courting his future wife and fellow Bobcat, Cecilia Palmer.

Bill learned the value of hard work at a young age, having held several jobs since the age of 12. He strived to achieve his dream of becoming a physical education teacher and a coach, and with the support of his own teachers, Hunsaker was able to see that dream become a reality. When Bill

When you think of someone leaving an estate gift, what kind of person comes to mind? Maybe a rich oil tycoon or an extravagant heiress. These are unlikely scenarios, but that seems to be the standard idea about estate planning.

Ruby Arlene Higgins was not an extravagant heiress or an oil tycoon. She was a farm wife who filled her days with household and farm chores and her free time was spent tending her garden or sewing. Ruby was proud of her role as a farm wife and took pride in her home.

Born Ruby Keyser on a farm in rural Howe, Nebraska in 1913, she was no stranger to the rural lifestyle. Her parents George Keyser and Minnie (Strole) Keyser both came from farming fami-

married Cecilia, he added dedicated husband and father to his list of goals that he worked tirelessly to achieve, accomplishing almost 50 years of marriage before Cecilia passed away in 2010.

In the summer of 1964, when Hunsaker graduated from Peru State College, with a bachelor’s degree in education, the Hunsakers moved to Lincoln, and Bill started his thirty-five years teaching in the Lincoln Public Schools. Bill coached all sports and was athletic director for twenty-five years, and Cecilia was a long-time employee of the Ambassador Lincoln.

During his career, Bill coached and taught thousands of students, but one in particular remembered Coach Hunsaker as playing a key role in guiding him to success. Ron Scheidt hadn’t expected to do much with his future, but after his big brother, Bud, steered him to Coach Hunsaker, Scheidt started to believe that he could do more with his life, eventually becoming a successful federal agent.

Hunsaker had seen qualities in Scheidt that encouraged the student to work hard-

er at obtaining his goals. Scheidt knew how important Coach Hunsaker had been in his life and he used his own experience to create a book. The book, Am I That Man?, celebrates people who can step up and play that life-changing role in the life of someone else by stepping in to the “hero” role. When reflecting on his own life Scheidt asked himself, “Am I That Man?” The man that Bud and Coach Hunsaker could be proud of?” Soon this question became a mantra that sparked the nation-wide movement inspiring people to become better husbands, fathers, leaders etc.

The book itself is made up of essays written from men of many different backgrounds and professions, who have had individuals who helped change their life for the better. The goal of “Am I That Man,” is to encourage, not only men, but individuals of all ages and backgrounds to step up and be a better man.

Bill Hunsaker didn’t dedicate his life to being a great teacher, coach and father so that he could be praised in a book. Hunsaker took his rural work ethic and combined it with his desire to teach and the education that he gained from Peru State College, and he did what any teacher as-

Remembering Peru State

lies. Ruby attended a country school in her youth and eventually graduated from Stella High School in 1930.

Religion was a big part of the Ruby’s life. She was baptized in the Auburn Christian Church and later in life she became a member of the Stella Community Church.

In 1935, Ruby married Charles Higgins and they made their home on a farm outside of Stella, Nebraska. The Higginses were a down-to-earth couple who shared a love for the simple rural lifestyle. Charles took care of the farm and Ruby made sure to keep things up on the home-front.

After Charles passed away in 1987, Ruby had to take over some of the farm-

ing responsibilities and she rarely ventured off of the farm. On the rare occasion that she did get out and about, it was to attend church or to have her grandnieces drive her through the rolling hills of Peru, where she could look out upon the historical cemetery.

Ruby’s mother Minnie attended Peru State Normal School in the early 1900s, and Ruby had always thought fondly of the small college. Ruby would often hear her friends and family telling stories of their own experiences at Peru State. Although she never showed much interest in college, Ruby valued education and what Peru State did for southeast Nebraska.

In 2010, declining health caused Ruby to move to the Good Samaritan Society in Auburn, and though she was off the farm, she still lived a simple way of life.

Ruby was 99 years old when she passed away. She lived a very full and happy life doing what she loved. Ruby and Charles had put in many years of hard work on their farm and they had

pires to do. What Hunsaker did was not heroic to him, it was simply doing his job, but to many of his students, such as Ron Scheidt, it was a life changing experience to have been taught by Coach Hunsaker. Peru State College is proud to call Bill Hunsaker a Bobcat.

managed their income wisely, resulting in strategic plans for their estate.

Because of her love of rural living, her family and her deep rooted religious beliefs, Ruby planned to leave her estate to the institutions that she felt contributed to the betterment of southeast Nebraska. She left sizeable gifts to several religious organizations and charities, but Ruby had arranged for the bulk for her estate to be given to the Peru State College Foundation.

Though Ruby had never attended Peru State, her mother, friends, relatives and other acquaintances had, and that was enough for Ruby to understand the important role PSC plays in the education of students who might not be economically able to attend college. Ruby’s gift will fund scholarships and provide educational and structural funding in a variety of capacities for Peru State College and its students.

To find out how you can include Peru State College in your estate plans, contact the Peru State College Foundation Office at (402) 872-2304.

Inside this Peru Stater you’ll find …

Page 1 The Oak Bowl Renovation

Page 4 PSC Student Earns 2013 Newman Civic Fellow Award

Page 6 Student Spotlight: Rachel Henry

Page 8 Five Inducted in to Athletic Hall of Fame

Page 10 Boshart Wins the NAIA A.O. Duer Award

Page 14 Grotrian-Ryan Earns 2013 Teacher Excellence Award

Page 17 The 2013-2014 Distinguished Speaker Series

The Peru Stater

PSC Foundation

P.O. Box 10

Peru, NE 68421-0010

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The Peru Stater is published twice each year by the Peru State College Foundation. Send your comments, news items and address changes to:

The Peru Stater

PSC Foundation PO Box 10

Peru, NE 68421-0010

For more information about Peru State College, Nebraska’s first college, visit www.peru.edu or find us on Facebook.

For more information about the Peru State College Alumni Association and Foundation, visit foundation.peru.edu. or call us at 402-872-2304 or email us at pscfoundation@peru.edu.