2021 The Peru Stater (Nebraska) - Spring issue

Yt hJ.d, /Jeett t¼e fJltlVlfer o/, a ~ t,o deJIVe fU PltPAldent fUld Flltdt L➔ o/ P~ ~ Cotfef,e. ~ - 0fUt fUld £1.obte ll1UWJ1t

eflecting on our 12-year journey at Peru State College, Elaine and I are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of its rich 150-year history. We have been privileged to be a part of the lives of so many students, and we are thankful for the opportunity to work with outstanding faculty, staff, administrators, and Peru State alumni and friends.

We share your pride in our mission to provide students of all backgrounds access to education. We think daily of our students, their unlimited potential and how Peru State College may help them realize that potential.

It is these students who have been the highlight of our time at Peru State. From welcoming them to the campus, to attending their games, class presentations and performances, they have invited us into their college experience. It has been inspirational and energizing to follow their lives, watch them grow, and send them out after graduation.

It has been a joy to walk across this stately campus and to work in its beautifully renovated, historic facilities. Here in Peru, surrounded by trees and natural beauty, the campus thrives. We will miss this campus and its neighboring communities - the energy and potential of its students, its character-driven athletic programs and the talented faculty and staff united in one vision.

We are thankful for the strong support of the Nebraska State College System, the investment in our students by the State of Nebraska and the tradition of support from our District One senators - and the way alumni and the entire Peru State College community welcomed and embraced us. Peru State has many friends and supporters that share a sense of purpose that comes from working together to transform lives.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as President and First Lady of Peru State College. For more than a decade we have partnered with Peru State's outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators, joining their complete commitment to transforming lives through personal and engaging educational experiences. Our time together has been a distinct honor.

We can think of no better way to have invested our time and our lives. Now, we will watch with pride and excitement as a new phase in the Peru State College journey brings with Dr. Michael and Joanna Evans.

All the Best, Dan Hanson, Ph.D., President

R

2 The Stater

believe that along one's life journey, God blesses us with Sacred Moments. Sacred Moments that fill one's heart with so much love that any more and the heart would burst. Moments that fill one's soul with so much grace, it's filled to the brim.

Sometimes these moments are just a moment; a stunning sunset, a baby's first smile, a basket at the buzzer. Sometimes these moments, that fill our hearts with love and soul with grace, last 12 years. My heart and soul are full of Sacred Moments from our 12 years at Peru State College, more than enough to last a lifetime.

These Sacred Moments include memories and friendships, too many to count.

Reflecting on just a few, I am grateful that we had the opportunity to get to know and admire some of the "pillars" of the college who had a part in building a firm foundation for the college; Drs. Russell, Sherwood, Hahn, Barrett and so many more.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have served side-by-side with a plethora of community people in multiple communities to meet critical needs through service projects, while inviting students into the cause. Of course, my heart is full of memories of the multitude of students who were in our lives for four or five years and then watching them become productive citizens; it fills not only ones heart and soul, it fills ones hope for the future.

One of my dearest Sacred Moments is opening the beautiful President's Home to hundreds of alumni. Hearing intriguing stories and taking the journey back in time to when they were students at Peru State College, was pure joy and delight. I can say I have never witnessed a more loyal, dedicated group of alumni anywhere!

I believe for every goodbye there is a hello. While you prepare to say hello and welcome Joanna and Dr. Michael Evans to Peru State College, Dan and I will be saying hello to the new adventure of retirement. I know that each day of our adventure we will reflect on the many "Sacred Moments" that have filled our hearts and our souls.

We love you and thank you for 12 years of Sacred Moments.

Elaine Hanson First Lady of Peru State College

!

Hall of Fame and Homecoming Celebration Scheduled for September 25 For more than a year, Peru State alumni activities were wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the world mends and things begin to re-open, plans are underway to resume key activities - with the caveat that they are subject to change depending on the circumstance.

The annual Homecoming celebration for all Peru State alumni is penciled in for Saturday, Sept. 25. Grads from the classes of 2016, 2011, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1981 and 1971 are especially encouraged to return to celebrate their benchmark reunions .

Hall of Fame induction ceremonies for Dr. Ken Rhodus ('62), Frank Spizuoco ('65), Jeff Smith ('83) and Ivan Wineglass ('94), along with the 1993 Women's Volleyball Team, are slated for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15-16. All had originally been scheduled for induction last fall but had to be postponed.

Details on these events will be available later. Additional alumni events will be scheduled in the coming months.

The Peru Stater Peru State College Foundation Board of Trustees Chair,Jeff Greenwald ('71), Lincoln, Neb. Secretary, Al Urwin ('82), La Vista, Neb. Co-Treasurers, Cindy (Plantenga '82) and Tim ('84) Hoffman, Lincoln, Neb. Terri (Armknecht '92) Bishop, Auburn, Neb. Elton ('88, Masters '16) and Connie (Sims '87) Edmond, Lincoln, Neb. Dr. Judy (Green '72) Grotrian, Nebraska City, Neb. Jeff ('83) and Robin (Nelson '83) Smith, Lincoln, Neb. Ivan Wineglass ('94), Bellevue, Neb. Peru State College National Alumni Association Board of Directors Interim Chair Carlos Harrison ('51), Shenandoah, Iowa Co-Treasurers Kim ('90) and Kris (Kubert '94) Vrtiska, Falls City, Neb. Branden Bender ('95), Nebraska City, Neb. Dan Cotton ('76), Peru, Neb. Mark Czapla ('87), Unadilla, Neb. Rich Daly ('68), Lincoln, Neb. Elton ('88, Masters '16) and Connie (Sims '87) Edmond, Lincoln, Neb. Mary Lu (Hicks '68) McCoy, Omaha, Neb. Chuck ('69) and Alice (Massoth, '69) Mizerski, Lincoln, Neb. Tyler Nutsch ('13), La Vista, Neb. Mark Shively ('79, Masters '93), Palm Springs, Calif.

Fritz ('74) and Char (Lutz '74) Stehlik, Omaha, Neb. Ivan Wineglass ('94), Bellevue, Neb.

College President, Dan Hanson, Ph.D. Co-Editors, Kent Propst ('81) and Dr. Kristi Nies Graphic Design, Rebecca Johnson ('04, Masters '17) Sports, Ted Harshbarger ('77) Contributors and Photography,Jason Hogue and Brandi Hull ('15), Gabbie Kreinert, Katie Stoller, Peru State College To submit information, stories, suggestions and corrections: Email us at pscfoundation@peru.edu Call us at 402-872-2304 Mail us a note Peru Stater c/o Peru State College Foundation P.O. Box 10 Peru NE 68421-0010

The Stater

3

Dan and Elaine Hanson Leave Lasting Legacy

By Dr. Kristi Nies Twelve years and two guiding principles: student success and service.

Both are the legacy of Dr. Dan and Elaine Hanson's tenure as President and First Lady of Peru State College.

Anyone who has attended one of the many alumni gatherings around the country know that Dr. Hanson's first order of business is always to highlight Bobcats positively impacting their campus and their world.

"I talk with pride about their successes, their unlimited potential and how Peru State College helps them realize that potential," he said. "I share how impressed I am with what they overcome and their willingness to learn, grow and give back. I talk about the privilege of being a part of their lives."

Mrs. Hanson mentored many Bobcats in how to give back, beginning with "The Peru Students Care - An Inaugural Service Initiative". Two hundred and seventy-five students gave 602 hours in the seven weeks leading to Dr. Hanson's inauguration in March 2010.

St1,1dents' willingness to give of their time and their talents has left a lasting impression on Mrs. Hanson.

"Working side by side and observing their sincere care of others, deep appreciation for surrounding entities, and experiencing their contagious energy and hope for the future has filled my heart," she said.

4 The Stater

Focus on student success

The core of Dr. Hanson's presidency has always been the fulfillment of the mission of Peru State College: to provide students of all backgrounds access to engaging educational experiences to strengthen and enrich communities, Nebraska and the world. His philosophy of servant leadership revolves around that mission.

"Servant leadership requires an unwavering commitment to the mission of the institution," he said. "This commitment drives decisions and encourages collaboration to fulfill the mission."

One very memorable way the Hansons demonstrated their commitment is a unique tradition they established early on: hosting all of the freshmen in their home as a commitment to student success engagement. It is something most students remember about their time at Peru State.

"We entertained well over 15,500 alumni, community members, guests and friends of the college in our 12 years, and I am most proud that over half were students," Mrs. Hanson noted.

Collaboration with faculty and staff is another key to making that mission a reality, Dr. Hanson noted.

"It is a real privilege to work with a talented group of people committed to the noble mission of Peru State College," he said. "I am proud of the many ways they give students opportunities and help them achieve their dreams."

Building a better campus Any reflection on Dr. Hanson's presidency must include the many building and renovation projects on The Campus Of A Thousand Oaks. Major donations to many of the multi-million dollar projects reinforced alumni dedication to their alma mater.

A few - but certainly not all - of the highlights: • The $5 million renovation to The Jindra Fine Arts Building was competed in 2011.

The striking sculpture "The Power of Thought" became the centerpiece of the Jindra lobby in 2017. The sculpture was donated to the College by Dr. Daryl Long, Professor Emeritus, and his wife Peggy of Peru.

• The renovated Oak Bowl debuted in 2014, with new seating for over 2,000 Bobcat faithful and a state-of-the-art artificial turf field. The $9 million project included the largest non-estate gift ever made to Peru State - $500,000 from Bill and Lee Sapp. The former Peru Elementary School across the street from the Oak Bowl is now the football Field House, home to the Jerry Joy Locker Room. Both projects included substantial support from alumni and friends.

• The extensive, $9 million upgrade to W.N. Delzell Hall received an award in 2018 for Outstanding Education Design from the American School and University Magazine.

• More than 200 alumni and friends of the College made possible the $7.5 million remodel of the Performing Arts Center, which debuted in 2019. The PAC is now a campus hub, hosting theater productions, Distinguished Speakers, student programs and all-campus meetings.

• The multi-year Park Avenue and Campus Entrance project created a welcoming first impression of the campus, as well as increasing the amount of parking available.

Retirement will be an active and family centered time for the Hansons.

"We plan to spend time with our precious, growing grandchildren and aging parents," Mrs. Hanson said. "With our extra time we look forward to enjoying more time for biking, hiking and exploring parks and camping. And I know each day Dan and I will think about our beloved Bobcats with gratitude."

Once a Bobcat, Always a Bobcat.

Presidential Search Committee Well Represented by Alumni The ranks of Peru State alumni on the Presidential Search Committee this past winter were well represented.

The 20-member committee included five PSC grads, along with other Peru State students, faculty and staff. The committee helped the Nebraska State College Board of Trustees screen, evaluate and reduce the initial pool of more than 70 applicants. At that point, the NSCS Board - including trustee Bob Engles ('73) of Auburn, Neb. - selected finalists and ultimately made the decision to offer the position to Dr. Michael Evans.

PSC alumni representatives on the Search Committee included Jerry Joy ('64) of Stella, Neb. and Paul Fell ('67) of Lincoln, Neb. The PSC Foundation was represented by Jeff Greenwald ('71) and Connie Sims Edmond ('87), both of Lincoln. Danny Hayes ('07) of Peru, instructor of criminal justice, was one of the faculty members on the committee.

Thanks to all for their willingness to serve in this vital and challenging role.

Right: Dr. Hanson poses with a student at Commencement.

Bottom Left: Dr. Hanson with Dr. Bill Snyder at a campus event.

Bottom Right: Dr. Hanson entertaining at the President's House on the campus of Peru State.

The Stater

5

Dr. Michael Evans Hails Opportunity to Lead Peru State College

Top Left: Elaine and Dan Hanson, President of Peru State pose with Dr. Michael Evans and his wife, Joanna, after he was named the next president of the college on March 24, 2021.

Top Middle: Evans spoke to the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees and Peru State Community after a unanimous vote by the Board.

Top Right: Evans, an avid outdoorsman, is pictured here boating.

Bottom Left: The March 24th vote and announcement was livestreamed, a first for the Campus of a Thousand Oaks.

Bottom Right: Michael and Joanna Evans, pictured here hiking in New Hampshire, fell in love with the college, its community and Southeast Nebraska.

Dr. Michael Evans was selected from an impressive pool of candidates to serve as the 34th President of Peru State College. He was introduced to the Peru State community in late March, and will assume the presidency on July 1.

Evans was chosen following an extensive national search by the Board of Trustees for the Nebraska State Colleges.

"I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to lead such an amazing institution in continuing to build a strong and prosperous future," said Evans. "Peru State College is clearly a special place, and it will be a joy to work with the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members to ensure its success."

Evans served most recently as the vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer for Southern New Hampshire University's campus-based program. Prior to SNHU, he was the Provost of Unity College in Maine, and before that, he was the Interim Dean of the Indiana University School (IU) of Journalism. He served on the IU School of Journalism faculty for 14 years, earning tenure and promotion there.

Evans is a graduate of the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard, earned a certificate in highereducation diversity from Cornell, and completed a nonprofit leadership program from Northwestern. His research explores indigenous communities' expressions of culture through mass media.

With the support of a Fulbright, he has conducted ethnographic fieldwork with Inuit videographers in the eastern Canadian Arctic, and he has conducted similar research with Aboriginal video and radio professionals in the Australian Outback and Native American journalists in several North American nations.

Evans earned his doctorate and masters in Folklore from Indiana University and his bachelor's in English and philosophy from Bowdoin College.

"Dr. Evans personifies the qualities we looked for in selecting a new president," noted Dr. Paul Turman,

chancellor of the Nebraska State College System. "He is committed to supporting the whole student, values the community served by the College, recognizes the vital role of faculty and staff in achieving our mission, and understands the importance of partnerships in continuing to provide opportunities to our students."

Evans will succeed President Dan Hanson, who announced his plans to retire last fall. Hanson's last day will be June 30.

A New Era: Fresh Faces on the Peru State College Foundation Board ofTrustees As Dr. Michael Evans prepares to assume the Peru State College presidency July 1, leadership of the College isn't the only transition taking place.

Change is in the air for the Peru State College Foundation as well, with new leadership and several new Trustees joining its governing board this spring.

Jeff Greenwald ('71) of Lincoln, Neb. was elected chair of the Foundation board in May. Terri (Armknecht) Bishop ('92) of Auburn, Neb.;Jeff ('83) and Robin (Nelson '83) Smith of Lincoln,

Neb.; and Ivan Wineglass ('94) of Bellevue, Neb. have joined the Board as new Trustees.

The Peru State College Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation established solely to support and assist Peru State College, primarily through charitable gifts and contributions from alumni and friends. No tax dollars are used to operate the Foundation. Current assets are nearly $20 million, the most in Foundation history.

Jeff Greenwald, Chair Jeff Greenwald graduated from Peru State in 1971, then got busy building his career and raising a family. For the better part of the next 50 years he had little interaction with Peru State, but all that changed in 2019 when he retired. Asked to join the Foundation board, he agreed, and now is leading the organization.

Greenwald spent his early life in Falls City, Neb.; his mother attended Peru State. The family moved to Lincoln when he was four and he grew up there, though they often spent time with family and friends in Falls City.

Shortly after his Peru State graduation, he joined Union Insurance of Lincoln, working first in its claims department and then marketing.

The Greenwalds lived in Norfolk until 1977, then moved to Wahoo, Neb. where he started his career as an independent insurance agent.

INSPRO Insurance was a small Nebraska firm with just a handful of employees when he joined the company in 1980. He, his wife Judy

Robin and Jeff Smith, Co-Trustees Jeff and Robin (Nelson) Smith, both 1983 graduates, are not only graduates of Peru State, but both worked for the college early in their careers, and have deep family ties.

Jeffs father the late Bruce Smith ('59) played football and basketball at PSC, as did his brother Brad ('89), a PSC Hall of Farner. Their son Connor ('14) also played hoops for the Bobcats. Jeff himself played basketball and baseball, while Robin played volleyball.

Robin, who worked at Peru State as director of the Career Planning and Placement office and later as Admissions counselor, is President and Trust Officer for First Nebraska Trust Co. of Lincoln, a firm she has served for

and family moved back to Lincoln in 1988 and continued transforming INSPRO into a significant player in the insurance marketplace, with six offices and over 150 employees in Nebraska and Iowa.

He was its President, CEO and finally Chairman, then retired in 2019. INSPRO became a unit of Marsh McLennan in 2020; the adult Greenwald children represent the third generation of the family working in the retail insurance business. In retirement, the Greenwalds have a small company that invests in startup businesses, mostly in Nebraska.

As the Peru State College Foundation evolves, Greenwald is anxious to embrace new opportunities.

"In the short term we were successful in recently attracting several new board members that will be a positive influence on the future endeavors of the Foundation," he said. "The long term initiative will be to further strengthen the financial position to support the College, with a focus on increasing the opportunities for the our students."

more than 20 years. Prior to that she worked for the University ofNebraskaLincoln, Eastern Washington University, and the Association of Retarded Citizens of Nebraska.

Jeff coached at Pawnee City (Neb.) High school before embarking on a college basketball coaching career, first at Peru State, then the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Eastern Washington University. Himself a PSC Hall ofFamer, Smith is the former boys basketball coach at Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast High School, the winningest coach in LSE history. He recently retired from teaching there but continues to coach girls golf.

Terri Bishop, Trustee Terri Armknecht Bishop has had a birds-eye view of Peru State College throughout her life. She is a graduate of Nemaha (Neb.) County's Johnson-Brock schools, and a 1992 graduate of Peru State.

For the past 27 years she has been branch administrator for the Auburn, Neb. offices of Edward D. Jones, and has been a licensed financial advisor for 26 years.

Bishop has watched both the College and the Foundation change through the years, and now is ready to play a more active role in Foundation affairs.

Edward D. Jones is a financial services firm headquartered in St. Louis, serving investment clients in the U.S. and Canada, through its branch network of more than 15,000 locations and 19,000 financial advisors.

The firm has nearly eight million clients and $1 trillion in assets under management worldwide.

Its focus is on individual investors and small-business owners.

Her husband Mitch owns and operates Auburn Plumbing, Heating and AC, and they have three children and one grandchild.

Ivan Wineglass, Trustee Though he took a roundabout path to Peru State, once Ivan Wineglass joined Peru State as a student and basketball player in the early 1990s, he never really left. Retired after 23 years with State Farm Insurance Companies, the 1994 graduate lives in Bellevue, Neb. Wineglass grew up in a U.S. military family stationed in Asia. They moved to South Carolina when he was eight, and he grew up there. He joined the U.S. Air Force and eventually was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue.

While still in the Air Force he was allowed to enroll and to play basketball at the then Bellevue College, earning NAIA honorable mention All-American honors his sophomore year - despite not having played organized basketball previously. Upon leaving the Air Force he transferred to Peru State.

At Peru he was the Resident Director at Delzell Hall for two years, a Student Senate member, tri-captain of the basketball team, and later student assistant coach. His final playing season he earned first team NAIA All-American honors among numerous other awards. He was selected for induction into the PSC Hall of Fame. He has remain engaged with Peru State since graduation.

He was a claims representative, claim automation and procedure specialist, and LAN administrator for State Farm. Wineglass is active in numerous civic organizations in the OmahaBellevue area, with a special interest in youth activities.

Daryl & Peggy Long Gift Establishes Bicentennial Fund And the Longs are leading by example, This spring they established the Daryl and Many people find little in common Peggy Long Bicentennial Fund, giving $100,000. It has been invested in a mutual fund between science and finance.

Daryl Long would beg to differ.

- one that cannot be accessed until 2067, the 200th anniversary of the founding of Peru Whereas science is precise, finite, and State College.

By the time it is available for college use, it will have grown to several million dollars. formulaic - the same experiment following the same process should consistently yield But that won't be the end of it; Peru State will be restricted to using two-thirds of the the same result - finance can fluctuate, balance, with the rest remaining as "seed money" for yet another financial harvest later. sometimes wildly. Funds invested in a Long said he borrowed the idea from Benjamin Franklin. Upon Franklin's death in certain stock, for example, rarely perform 1790 he left estate gifts to both Philadelphia and Boston, to be invested and kept intact until the cities celebrated their 100th anniversaries. Franklin's terms were that the cities the same over any given period.

Yet, as Long and his wife Peggy have could then use 75 percent of the available funds, with the balance reinvested for similar, demonstrated over a lifetime, maintaining later use by the cities. discipline and a long-term focus always As the Long Bicentennial Fund appreciates in value, he has asked the Peru State equates to a return that is difficult to College Foundation to periodically provide alumni with updates through the Peru Stater duplicate in other ways. Money management on its growth. In other words, Daryl and Peggy Long (herself a longtime educator) want isn't magic; follow the formula and the to use their gift as a teaching tool. rewards will accrue.

"We want people who support this initiative to have the heart of a teacher," Long said.

For Long, who retired from the Peru State College science faculty in 2017 after a Long recalls that after he obtained his masters degree from Iowa State University and distinguished SO-year career at the college, the formula isn't just proven. It can also be took his first college position, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he and Peggy made quite simple. a plan: they would live on her salary, and bank his. In 1967 he accepted a faculty position "If a 22-year-old recent graduate of Peru State saved $20,000 each year for three years, at Peru State, but what many people don't know is, he also invested. Not just in stocks, but put that $60,000 in investments that average 10 percent each year - the average increase in real estate including farm land, housing, and other investments. per year for the S&P 500 for the last 55 years - and never saved another dime, they could In fact, a lot of people don't know that Daryl Long was a licensed pilot for decades, too. retire at 67 with $4 million," Long noted.

He owned his own plane and estimates he gave more than 100 students their first plane Long wants Peru State graduates to be successful. As a professor, it's what he wanted ride. But that's another story. for them, too. But he also wants alumni, as their careers develop, to share some of that Daryl and Peggy Long know they won't be around when Peru State College honors success with Peru State College. them in 2067 by reaping the rewards of the Long Bicentennial Fund. That doesn't bother "We need to change the culture of our students and of our graduates," Long said. "I them in the least. hear many of them say, they don't have enough to also send something to the Foundation.

"Keep in mind, you only go through life once - enjoy it," he said. "But you need to have Baloney. Smaller gifts from many alumni act like compound interest. a feeling of accomplishment, too.

"Our goal is to get students and young alumni thinking big and thinking long-term," "Spend your life on something that will outlast it," Long concluded.

Ben Franklin couldn't have said it better.

Long said of his and Peggy's hopes.

Guilliatt, Desbein Retire from Foundation Board Two long-time Peru State College Foundation trustees retired from the board at the end of 2020. The Foundation thanks Mike Guilliatt and Jim Desbien for their service.

Mike Guilliatt The longest-serving trustee in Foundation history, Mike Guilliatt ('67) of Fremont, Neb. joined the board in 1981.

He either led or was on its Investment Committee throughout his time, and also served for a time as vice chair. He has seen the Foundation endowment grow from a small portfolio invested mostly in bank certificates of deposit, to nearly $20 million professionally invested in a diversified mix of financial instruments.

A native of Auburn, Neb., he said "Attending Peru State was a great experience for me, and I want it to be that way for everyone. I want Peru State to remain the bright star in Southeast Nebraska."

Both in his professional career as a successful financial advisor, and as a Foundation Trustee, Guilliatt has always emphasized personal relationships. A relentless ambassador for the college and Foundation, he cites getting know alumni and other friends of Peru State, both on the board and beyond, as a highlight of his 40 years as a Trustee.

"I've always tried to give back," Guilliatt said. "I'll always be indebted to Peru State."

8 The Stater

Jim and Paula Desbien Jim Desbien ('73) contributed seven years of service to the Peru State College Foundation, The Plainville, Kan. resident played football and baseball at PSC, and was a recipient of the athletics department's highest honor - the Bert Swenson Jr. Award - in 1972. Desbien served on the PSC National Alumni Association board for a time, later joining the Foundation board.

Both Jim and his wife Paula have family ties to Peru and Peru State.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the past seven years that I have served on the Board," Desbien said. "Although the Board leadership and administration has changed over these past two years, the goals of the current Board remain the same and I wish the best for the current leadership and for Peru State. Go Bobcats."

Distinguished Service Award Winners Were Honored at Peru State Commencement Two Distinguished Service Awards - the highest honor Peru State College can give - were presented during spring Commencement ceremonies in early May. The COVID-19 pandemic played a role, albeit a very different one for the recipients.

For Fred ('73) and Pam Robertson, the honor was a more than a year in coming. They were selected in early 2020, but because Peru State cancelled spring 2020 Commencement due to the pandemic, their award presentation was postponed 'til May. For Joseph "Seph" Fauver ('13), his guidance and leadership advising Peru State in dealing with the pandemic played a key piece in his selection for the Distinguished Service Award.

The Robertsons and Fauver join an exclusive list of Distinguished Service Award winners from throughout the more than 150-year history of Nebraska's first college.

Fred and Pam Robertson, 2020 Recipients Fred and Pam Robertson of Henderson, Nev. have long been engaged with Peru State College. They were coTrustees on the PSC Foundation Board from 2000 to 2013, and Fred has been a guest lecturer and Commencement speaker at Peru State.

Their initiative in facilitating the largest charitable gift in Peru State's history stands as a difference-maker at the College. The more than $2 million endowment provided by the Norma Jeanne Fensler Memorial Scholarship is providing more than $80,000 each year in scholarships to deserving Peru State students.

Pam and Fred Robertson met Norma Jeanne Fensler in the late 1980s when Pam assisted Jeanne as her realtor. Jeanne was a recent widow and through the process, Pam became a friend and confidant. Pam also played a pivotal role in Jeanne's later years, helping daily challenges as Jeanne aged and struggled with health issues.

Several years before the advancement of her illness, Jeanne asked that the proceeds of her estate be directed to a cause Pam felt was worthy. The Robertsons were both familiar with Peru State College - Fred as an alumnus, and both as a former co-trustees of the Board. Pam directed the proceeds of Jeanne's estate to create the Norma Jeanne Fensler Memorial Scholarship at Peru State College.

"Our hope is that this will help those in need, especially those from the four-state region around Peru, to attend college and ultimately better their lives with a degree," Pam said.

Fred Robertson added, "The professors who invested in me as a student changed my life. Professors like Lyle McKercher, Daryl Long, Al Brady,John Christ, and many others were experts in their fields. They taught me so much, but I also know that they cared about me as a person."

Their intent for the Norma Jeanne Fensler Memorial Scholarship is to allow students who would not otherwise be able to attend college, the opportunity to go to Peru State and seek a degree. Pam also intends this scholarship to memorialize the kindness and generosity of her dear friend Jeanne.

Dr. Joseph Fauver, 2021 Recipient Dr. Joseph "Seph" Fauver's work on COVID-19 has benefited science at large, but he shared- and continues to share - his knowledge directly to Peru State College. In May he became the youngest-ever recipient of the Peru State College Distinguished Service Award.

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, Fauver applied his expertise in genomics and genomic epidemiology to protect communities by studying the transmission of COVID-19. This expertise put him at the front lines of the efforts to fight the pandemic.

Fauver led testing efforts with players in the NBA Bubble to identify asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19. He also worked with the National Football League to do real-time genomic epidemiology to track sources of spread within NFL teams.

Last fall he advised journalists at The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal regarding COVID-19. Through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control he is using genomic sequencing to investigate the evolution, emergence and spread of infections in communities. He has worked with the state of Connecticut to test for the more transmissible new variants of COVID-19 emerging in the world.

Last summer, Fauver reached out to Peru State to provide guidance as the college prepared for fall classes on campus. He continues to provide weekly guidance by phone and has helped direct resources to the most impactful practices to provide a safe environment for the campus community. His expertise was also critical in developing and implementing the College's ongoing COVID-19 testing strategies.

Fauver earned his bachelor's degree in Natural Science-Biochemistry from Peru State College and a Ph.D. in Medical Entomology and Arbovirology at Colorado State University. He has done postdoctoral work at Washington University (St. Louis) and at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs. He is now a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Yale School of Public Health.

Class of 1991: Gone But Not Forgotten

A lot can happen in 30 years; Peru State alumni come, go, and in some cases they get lost. If you're able to help track down any of the following, please either ask them to reach out to us, or send us their mailing address - we'll be sure they get a copy of this issue of the Peru Stater.

Just email pscfoundation@peru.edu, or send the information to Peru Stater, c/o Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

Todd Ashenfelter Lynnea Moyer Brooks Jill Blankenship DeJonge Peggy Farrell Marlene Cunningham Fletcher

Tamra Fletcher Cheryl Gilson Gabriele Greene Mitchell Guthrie Michael Harris

Nicholas Jones Kevin Kite Lisa Urbauer Kuenzi Ronald Lavelle Cindy Wennihan Matthes

Tammy Mayfield Terry McCartney Brian McCormick Bruce Mey Harold Prior

Julie Franklin Rakes Jamie Reichart Gurjit Samlok Daniel Shouse Elizabeth Packett Trauernicht

The Stater

9

Ahmad Named NSCS Teaching Excellence Award Recipient The Nebraska State Colleges Board of Trustees selected Dr. Gul Ahmad of Peru State College as its 2021 Teaching Excellence Award rec1p1ent for the Nebraska State College System.

Each year the NSCS recognizes a faculty member from one of the three State Colleges (Peru, Chadron or Wayne) with the Teaching Excellence Award. A nominee from each College is submitted for consideration after being selected as the College-level Teaching Excellence Award recipient.

The award recognizes superior teaching and advising, innovative instructional practice, high educational standards, and engaging learning environments that inspire and motivate students. Dr. Ahmad's selection was to be celebrated during May commencement at Peru State.

"Teaching to me is a way to impart knowledge to the younger generation while affecting students in a positive manner," Ahmad said. "I teach because I hope to leave a lasting impact on my students and give them the tools to shape a better future for themselves."

"Dr. Ahmad is an enthusiastic lecturer, productive scientist, and proactive mentor," said Whitni Redman ('16), now in graduate school at Texas Tech University. "I can guarantee that my life and career is not the only one that he has positively impacted throughout his time at Peru State. In view of what the Teaching Excellence Award stands for, I cannot imagine a worthier candidate."

Dr. Ahmad is an innovative and effective teacher, proven and productive research scientist, and a tireless public servant of Peru State College, the Nebraska

Dr. Gui Ahmad, Associate Professor of Biology

On hand to dedicate the new ADA project near Delzell Hall this past spring were (from left) Debbie White, Peru State vice president for administration and finance; Dr. Paul Turman, chancellor of the Nebraska State College System; President Dan Hanson; Peru State student Jesse Stafford; Jason Jackson, Nebraska director of administrative services; and Darrin Reeves, Peru State director of facility services.

State College System, and science at local, regional, and national levels. He serves on numerous ad hoc committees and recently completed terms serving as Chair of Faculty Senate, Arts and Sciences The Hilltop Campus is now easier to navigate for those with disabilities. representative of the Teacher Education The recently completed Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) construction project Committee, and member of the Peru State around Delzell Hall provides greater accessibility to not only Delzell Hall, but to the College Institutional Review Board.

Campus Services building for mail and Computer Services, and to the Administration An associate professor of biology, Building.

Ahmad has also served as the Head Judge The project cost just over $600,000, according to Vice President for Administration in the Greater Nebraska Science and and Finance Debbie White. Funding for the project came from the state through money Engineering Fair. dedicated to upgrading state-owned buildings.

Ahmad earned his Ph.D. and M.Phil in Money left from the recent Delzell Hall renovation project was used for the stairways parasite immunology, master of science in and non-ADA pathways on the project, Vice President White said. parasitology, and a bachelor of science in While construction was done on the grounds around Delzell Hall, work was also being zoology from AM University in India. done to repair the roofs on all campus buildings. Many roofs sustained significant damage "I am truly honored to be awarded the during a hail storm two years ago, and the College took the opportunity to upgrade the Teaching Excellence Award for igniting roofing on all campus buildings. the minds of my students to feel the same The Al Wheeler Activity Center metal roof completed the project. passion for science that I do and hope to see No major construction projections are slated for the upcoming academic year, Vice my legacy continue through my students," President White said. Renovations will be ongoing at the TJ Majors building for the Ahmad said.

Corrections Workforce Development Pathway program. And thanks to a generous donor, renovation work is ongoing at The President's House.

ADA Construction Complete on Campus of a Thousand Oaks

Help locate the Class of 19 81 "lost"

The good news is, Peru State's list of "lost" alumni from the Class of 1981 is relatively small. And we're hoping you can make it even smaller. If you're able to help locate any of the following, please either ask them to reach out to us, or send us their mailing address. We'll be sure they get a copy of this issue of the Peru Stater.

Just email pscfoundation@peru.edu, or send the information to Peru Stater, c/o Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421 -0010.

Marvin Campbell Sonja Barnes Duffin David Gray Michelle Heim Lori Holloway

10 The Stater

Dee Dreyer Janssen Jennifer Pugh McK.im Kevin Niday Phyllis Wiggins Prater Tammy Riddle

Alice Nicholas Roberts Peggy Ramer Vaughn Peggy Ramer Vaughn Elizabeth Fajardo Wright Massoud Zarkesh

Campus rebounds from COVID; $27k Goes to Support Students During a school year like never before, the Bobcat family came together like never before.

The generosity of Peru State College alumni and friends provided one differencemaker: much-needed monetary support for students struggling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID Support Scholarship directly supported 46 Bobcats with awards totaling over $27,000, donated during a campaign launched in the summer of 2020.

"For this scholarship, faculty and staff directly referred students who were financially impacted by COVID-19," explained Dr. Jesse Dorman, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.

"Many of the stories were heartwrenching and the funds enabled many students to cover medical costs, pay rent, pay balances for their education, or begin to move forward after the loss·of a parent," Dorman said.

And through the federal CARES Act, Returning for face to face classes 198 Bobcats received awards averaging requires adjustments by faculty and staff, $1,918 each in the Fall 2020 semester. as well. Masks are required, and classrooms Another round of over $400,000 in awards are reconfigured for social distancing. The is available in the Spring 2021 semester.

Performing Arts Center (PAC) and the Students have received not only band and choir rooms in the Jindra Fine financial support, but academic and Arts Building now also serve as classrooms. personal support as well. Weekly testing The Vice President for Academic has been open to students, faculty and staff, Affairs, Dr. Tim Borchers, works to ensure at no cost to them. Regular reports have students in quarantine or self-isolation been issued to the campus community on continue with their classes. test results, vaccination opportunities and "I notify faculty of students in their more. class would be absent, and faculty used After the College moved to on-line a variety of methods, including Zoom instruction in March 2020 for the remainder and Blackboard (the college's online class of that semester, the Peru Academic Liaison system), so students could participate Program (PAL) marshalled administrators remotely," Dr. Borchers said. "In a couple and staff to contact all students on a of cases, laptops were provided to students weekly basis to make sure students had who did not have them."

Facility Services provided masks and the resources they needed to successfully complete the semester. hand sanitizer for every student, faculty The PAL program continued for new and staff member, and put up traffic flow students who came to campus at the start signs and digital thermometers across of this academic year. campus.

Two Bobcat alumni are integral to the College's ongoing efforts to keep students, faculty and staff safe and healthy.

Grant Brueggemann ('10), executive director of the Southeast District Health Department, provides his alma mater with guidance and direction on the recommended directed health measures.

Dr. Joseph "Seph" Fauver ('13), now at Yale University, has been in weekly communication with President Hanson, assisting with implementing the College's weekly COVID testing plan. He has been awarded Peru State College's Distinguished Service Award for his ongoing work with the College.

The award was presented at Commencement on May 8.

Plans for the Fall '21 semester are to return to a more normal campus environment, but contingency plans and careful monitoring will assure Peru State is ready to adjust as necessary for the safety of the campus community.

Jacha Named Student Trustee

Samantha Hernandez

Morgan Kroll

Student Senate President and VP Named

Panashe Jacha has been appointed as Peru State College's student trustee on the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees.

Jacha, a junior from Elkhorn, Neb., is majoring in psychology. He has been a member of the student senate, a librarian's aide, and athletic trainer's aide. His appointment was announced earlier this year by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts.

"I want to be a student trustee because life is too short to live on the sidelines while others make decisions that affect how I and those around me live," said J acha "This opportunity will provide me with the tools to help my future Alma Mater be a place of endless opportunities for those who follow after me," Jacha said.

He will serve a one-year appointment.

PanasheJacha

Peru State students selected Samantha Hernandez and Morgan Kroll as 2021-22 Student Senate president and vice president. Hernandez is an early childhood education major from Columbus, Neb., while Kroll is a music education major from Auburn, Neb.

The Stater 11

Ian Holleran to Lead Women's Hoops

Ian Holleran

Prior to Peru State, Holleran spent two seasons at St. Edward's Ian Holleran, who for the past two seasons was Bobcat women's University in Austin, Texas. While in Austin, Holleran served as basketball assistant, was named head coach this spring.

"I am excited and thankful to accept the position," Holleran the graduate assistant for the women's basketball team. He was said. "The past two years as an assistant coach made me realize involved in all aspects of the program.

Holleran served as assistant women's coach at Nebraska how special of a place this is. We have very talented studentathletes who work hard both on the court and in the classroom. I Wesleyan in Lincoln in 2016-17. With Holleran on staff, the Prairie look forward to continuing to build upon the foundation and take Wolves improved their win total by nine games. Prior to Nebraska Wesleyan, Holleran was the reserve girls basketball coach and this program to the next level."

As the assistant coach, Hollaran saw many changes for the varsity assistant at Lincoln (Neb.) High School in 2015-16. He also program, including the restart of the junior varsity program. worked as the assistant boys basketball coach at Lincoln Northeast Holleran was instrumental in helping recruit numerous players, High School from 2014-15. both varsity and junior varsity.

Originally from Herndon, Virginia, Holleran graduated from During his first season on the coaching staff, the varsity team the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015 with a bachelor's won the most games that it had since 2012-13. In addition, the degree in education and from St. Edward's University in 2019 with junior varsity program saw continued improvement over the past a master's degree in leadership and change. two seasons.

Bobcat Women's Basketball Rebounding It was with some optimism that the Peru State women's basketball team entered their 2020-21 season. With several players returning and a strong freshman recruiting class, the optimism was legitimate.

However, some departures throughout the season and an injury to a projected starter, made the season more challenging than expected. Add in the COVID-19 challenges which not only sidelined some before and during the season and then the entire team which forced the suspension of a game, the challenges grew.

The 'Cats finished 6-16 overall and 4-13 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart). Peru State started the season with a tough loss at Doane, came back with two

straight non-conference wins, then started the Heart conference season with a win over Graceland (Iowa). That was followed by seven straight losses, and the struggles continued.

Only two seniors were lost, and new head coach Ian Holleran hopes to return 10 players for next season. which includes a previous player who was recovering from an injury this past season.

The Bobcats did manage a ten-game junior varsity season, and the team finished with a 6-4 mark in just its second season after about 25 years of not having a junior varsity program.

Bobcat Duo Earn Swenson Awards

Claire Cudney Renyer

12 The Stater

The 2019-20 recipients of the coveted Bert Swenson Awards from the Peru State College Athletics Department were Claire (Cudney) Renyer and Luis Constantino.

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. The award was created in memory of Bert and Stella Swenson's 13-month old son, Bert. Jr., who passed away.

Bert Swenson, Sr., was a football great who graduated from Peru State College in 1909. The Shickley, Nebraska, native served as the football team captain and class president during his senior year at PSC. In 2009, Mr. Swenson was honored posthumously with his induction into the PSC athletic hall of fame. ' Since 1999, a female and male selection has been made by the members of the athletic department staff.

Claire Cudney Renyer was a four-year member of the Bobcat volleyball team and a three-year member of the women's basketball team. She was a two-time Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete 1n both women's basketball and volleyball, two-time Heart Scholar-Athlete in both women's basketball and volleyball, fivetime member of the college's academic President's List, another three-time Dean's List honoree, and a starter in both women's basketball and volleyball.

Cudney Renyer was a two-time captain of the volleyball team.

Luis Constantino was a four-year member of the Peru State football team.

His accomplishments included two-time Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete, twotime Heart Scholar-Athlete, President's List for academic achievement, six-time Dean's List recipient, football team captain, National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American, and a Peru State College Homecoming King.

Luis Constantino

Dance Team Saves Best for Last "

Coaches always want their team's best performances to come at the end of a season. That was the case for the Peru State competitive dance team and Coach Noah Roddy.

In their first season of competition, the Bobcat dancers gained experience and learned from each event in which they took part. Like other sport teams, the Bobcats also had to deal with COVID-19 challenges throughout the season. In fact, one dancer was unable to compete due to lingering effects of the coronavirus. Fortunately, she has been cleared for 2022.

Peru State's first-ever competition was in the Concordia Cheer and Dance Invitational held in Seward in January. Other events helped them prepare for for the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) and Regional Championships. They topped two teams in the conference portion of the meet and in the regionals.

Now that Coach Roddy and the team know the expectations of the judges and the type of competition they will be facing, all are looking forward to the 2021-22 season.

Football 2020 Season Abbreviated Under new leadership of head coach Casey Creehan, the Peru State football team faced the challenges all fall sports teams did - the biggest challenge being COVID-19.

After the Bobcats had their first two contests canceled by the Heart of America Athletic Conference in response to the pandemic, Peru State saw its next two contests postponed as many team members either had the virus or were in quarantine.

The 'Cats dropped the first game to powerhouse Baker (Kan.) in Baldwin City, Kan. The following week, Peru State responded by topping Central Methodist (Mo.) 30-17. One week later, the Bobcats dropped a hard-fought contest at Benedictine (Kan.).

Unfortunately for Peru State, that would be their final game of the season. After several more postponements, it was decided to suspend the remainder of the season.

Creehan was able to spend spring football practices putting more of his stamp on the squad, and coupled with a strong recruiting class, optimism is high heading into the 2021 campaign - COVID permitting...

Men's Basketball Looks to Reload

Noah Temme, a December 2020 grad, was a leader on Peru's first men's cross country team in35years.

Revived Men's Cross Country Wrap-Up

When faced with things beyond your control, it makes any team's efforts to reach their goals a definite challenge. That was the case with the Peru State men's basketball team in 2020-21.

The biggest challenge was trying to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic which not only forced numerous schedule changes, but also wiped out the entire coaching staff for a time as well as several team members throughout the season. In addition, exposures late in the season forced an isolation/quarantine as well.

With all of that, the Bobcats finished 9-15 overall mark and a 5-14 record in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) North Division.

This was the first time since the 2013-14 season that the 'Cats did not participate in post-season play. It was also just the second time since that season that Peru State finished with a losing record.

At one point the 'Cats were 9-6 and things were looking solid, but they finished the season with nine straight losses.

The Peru State junior varsity, under assistant coach Reggie Kindle and graduate assistant Andy McMahon, finished with a mark of 6-7. They faced a combination of junior varsity programs at the four-year level and several tough junior college teams.

Head coach Bob Ludwig could have nearly the entire team back next season. In addition, Ludwig has signed several recruits and will be looking for some additional difference makers as the Bobcats look to .rebound in what is hoped to be a more close-to-normal season.

After not having a program for nearly 35 years, the Peru State men's cross country program was brought back to life for the 2020 season.

The College hired James Cole ('07), a former club runner when attending Peru State, to coach both the men's and women's programs. Jim Thurman assisted with both.

With a late start in recruiting, Cole and Thurman were able to put together a team for the 2020 season which, unfortunately, was impacted by the coronavirus. However, the team was able to get off the ground and competed in five meets in their first season.

The first meet for the resurrected program was the Dean White Invitational in Crete, Neb. In their largest meet of the Each year the Peru State women's cross country program remains year, the NAIA Seminole Valley Stampede a work in progress. 2020 was a little different for a couple of reasons. hosted by Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids, The first was the pandemic. The second reason was that the Iowa, Peru State finished 25th out of the team had a new coach. James Cole ('07), a Peru State graduate, took full competing teams.

The final meet of the year - the Heart over the program after six years under Katy Billings. For Cole, this of America Athletic Conference (Heart) was his first head coaching experience.

Championship in Baldwin City, Kan., and Their first competition was in the Coyote Invitational hosted hosted by Baker, the team finished 13th.

by Kansas Wesleyan in Salina, Kan., with other meets in Kansas as Cole and Thurman are busy recruiting, well as Iowa and South Dakota. In the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) Championship, the Bobcats beat out a couple of replacing several runners. They anticipate five squad members returning. teams to finish 12th.

Cole was pleased with how the season unfolded in his first year despite the challenges that he and coaching assistant Jim Thurman faced. Cole anticipates five runners from 2020 to return and the two coaches are busily recruiting to increase the squad size for 2021.

2020 Volleyball Season Update WotncrlS~Gx.mnyontheMove The Peru State College volleyball team did not meet preseason goals, finishing 3-14 overall and 2-10 in the Heart of America Conference (Heart).

Due to COVID-19 it was not a normal season for anyone.

Typically the 'Cats would play between 30-35 games, not 17. The Bobcats had to miss some games due to either being in isolation and/or quarantine. They had trouble putting wins together during this strange season, but notched victories over Baker (Kan.), Culver-Stockton (Mo.), and Graceland (Iowa).

The Bobcats of Coach Laurie Felderman said goodbye to only one senior. The Bobcats look to have 20 returning players - 16 of which saw playing time this past fall - for 2021.

Peru State had its first junior varsity season in over 25 years which was under the direction of assistant coach Madison Peters.

The team finished the season with a 4-7 mark.

The Stater 13

LooK AT THOSE BOBCATS Go! BOBCATS IN LoVE! Look at Those Bobcats Go! 1950s

The late Bobcat football great Bob Lade ('54) and the late funner Peru State assistant

c.oach Paul Gilbert have been honored by Tarkio (Mo.) Tech by having a scholarship named in their honor, along with former Tarkio College football standout Al Reynolds.

Lade was a standout on unbeaten PSC teams in 1952 and '53, when Gilbert roached alongside Al Wheeler. Lade and Gilbert later roached together at Tarkio College.

Evelyn (Stirba, Hennsmeier) Rahe ('58) ofWtlber, Neb. celebrated her 100th birthday in February.

1960s

Jerry Joy ('65), longtime Peru State faculty member, c.oach and administrator, retired from National American University in Rapid City, S.D. in December. He served NAU for 26 years including chief operating officer, vice president of distance learning operations, system VP for student services, coordinator of international relations, and most recently as special assistant to the NAU President. He and his wife Christina ('88) live in Stella, Neb. where they remain involved in numerous Peru State activities.

Don ('65) and Marcia (Schoff '65) Cobb ofWood River, Ill. celebrated their 55th anniversary in August 2020. The couple, who met at Peru State, are proud owners of Don's No Man's Land Tavern in East Alton.

1970s

Bill Fitzgerald (78) ofFremont, Neb. was one of only eight recipients of the National Federation ofState High School .Asrociations' NFHS Citations. It goes to those who have made outstanding contributions to interscholastic arhlerics. He retired in 2017 after 12 years as the arhlerics director and assistant principal fur Fremont High School 1980s Scott Schaefer ('80) is returning to his hometown of Columbus, Neb. as head girls basketball coach at Columbus High School Most recently he was coaching at William Chrisman High School in Independence, Mo. In his career Schaefer has aro.unulated more than 600 wins and fuur state championships while coaching in five different states.

He played and was later assistant coach for the Bobcats during his days on campus.

Kathleen Reuter Weiler ('81) ofSyracuse, Neb. has retired from the Syracuse Public Schools. Kathi. taught in the elementary grades for 36 years in Otoe and Syracuse.

Richard "Dik" Haneline ('87), art instructor at Mid-Plains Community College in North Plane, Neb. showcased an exhibition of some of his photography at Wrightstone Fine Arts Gallery in McCook.

Brad Smith ('89) of Papillion, Neb. was

14 The Stater

featured in the Midlands Business Journal in February. He is Senior Vice President, Producer/Licensed Consultant and Registered Health Underwriter for the Lockton Companies. He noted he broke into the life insurance business through an internship, selling life insurance out of a phone book in his hometown ofLincoln, Neb. 1990s Kyle Finke ('90) is the new superintendent for the Surnmerland Public Schools in Nebraska. The consolidated school includes Ewing, Clearwater and Orchard. Most recently in his 30-year career in education, he was elementary principal in Battle Creek (Neb.). He and wife Barbara's middle child Taylor is a senior at Peru State.

Wayne Payton ('93) has been with the U.S. Foreign Service for more than 26 years, with assignments in Africa, Asia, Europe, and in Washington, D.C. At present he is head of the USFS information technology department in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, where he and his team focus on defense analysis and management, data management, cloud technology and radio and communication networks.

Julie (Ramsey) Bauman ('95) of Falls City, Neb. has been elected to the board of directors ofF&M Bank. She has since 2002 owned and operated her own accounting business, with offices in Falls City and in Saberha, Kan. She is extremely active in civic and professional organizations locally, statewide and nationally.

Seth Perkins ('99) of~oron, Neb. has been promoted by the Omaha-based Seldin Company to executive vice president of property operations. Perkins has been with Seldin fur more than 13 years and has more than 20 years ofexperience in property management.

He will oversee Seldin's portfolio ofabout 18,000 units throughout eight states.

2000s lee Jennings ('04, Masters '07) is head

football coach fur Fremont (Neb.) High School, and led the Tigers to only the school's second appearance in the state playoffs this past season. He has been with the program and school for more than 15 years.

Karen Zost ('08) joined the Jackson Heights Elementary School (Holton, Kan.) staff this year as a Title I reading teacher. She had taught the past nine years in Nebraska, Missouri and Minnesota.

2010s Renee Coudeyras ('11) ofLiberty, Neb. opened a new business, Renee's Interior Painting in May of 2020. She paints home interiors, and does some exterior work as well.

Danielle (Bethune) Friesen (Masters '11) is teaching high school English and phorography in Concordia, Kan. She is in her 19th year as an educator.

Keaton Hawkins ('11) is the new head football coach for Pattonsburg (Mo.) High School. He will be the fifth head c.oach in Pattonsburg history. He had been on the coaching staffs at Tarkio, Mo., North Andrew, Mo., Clarinda, Iowa, and Savanhah, Mo. Gerry Hunter ('11) is the new sheriff of Hitchcock (Neb.) County, effective in April.

He worked in law enforcement in Sheridan, Furnas, and Red Willow counties in Nebraska and for the McCook Police Department.

Feyi (Bucknor-Smartt) Obamehinti (Masters '11) ofKeller, Texas has been appointed chair of the Texas Diaberes Council. The council addresses issues affecting people with diabetes in Texas and advises the Texas Legislature on legislation that is needed to develop and maintain a statewide system of quality services to all people with diabetes, and health professionals who offer diabetes treatment and education. She is the managing director for Ravir LLC, an educational consulting and technical firm.

Andrew Sherwood (Masters '11) of Omaha has been appointed director of the Innovation Lab for Boston Mutual Life Insurance Co., a national provider of insurance solutions. He is responsible for the build out and design of the Innovation Lab processes and teams, leading the day-to-day operations of the team, and oversight ofproject work.

The company's Omaha-based office is its first non-sales office outside of the organization's headquarters.

Cody Wallinger ('11) has been hired by the McCool Junction (Neb.) school district as K-12 principal starting in June. He had been teaching and serving as co-athletic director at St. Joseph Catholic School in Lincoln, Neb. since 2015.

Anita Schinstock ('12) is the new talent ac.quisition, diversity & inclusion officer for Union Bank and Trust in Lincoln, Neb. She brings 10 years of experience to UBT, which has 38 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas, and is the third-largest privately owned back in Nebraska.

Katie (Niennan) Hazelwood ('13) is now teaching grades 6-8 special education for the Hamburg (Iowa) Community Schools. She has served in the Peace Corps, and taught fur the Lincoln (Neb.) Public Schools and the Clarinda (Iowa) Academy.

Tabetha Jurgens-Frank ('13, Masters '19) is now teaching sixth grade fur the Summerland school system's Ewing (Neb.) site. She previously taught in Beatrice, Neb. Emily (Maresh) Restau ('13, Masters '16) is teaching physical education and health and is head volleyball coach for the Milford (Neb.) Public Schools. Previously she served schools in David City and Milford.

Jarell Williams (attd. '14-'15) is working as a paraeducator at Nelson Mandela Elementa-

ry School in Omaha.

Awards Program.

Julie Ebbers ('14) is now reaching first grade for the Sterling (Neb.) Public Schools.

Weston Witt ('18) has opened Farm Bureau Financial Services in Falls City, Neb. He renovated an historic downtown office space.

Lisa Blecha ('15) is the new guidance counselor at Pawnee City (Neb.). She had been teaching second grade. She is also the head volleyball c.oach there.

Remington Beckner ('19) is teaching first grade at Jackson Heights Elementary in Holton,Kan.

Deb Dettmer ('15) was elected mayor of her hometown ofSyracuse, Neb. last November.

Dettmer, who teaches special education and co-teaches eighth grade math at a middle school in Lincoln, previously served two terms on the City Council there.

Eric Brown ('19) is teaching physical education for grade K-12 this year in Randolph, Neb. He will also be assistant coach fur high school boys basketball, junior high boys basketball coach, junior high boys track c.oach, and junior high football.

Courtney Johnson (Masters '15) is teaching sixth grade at the South Platte Schools in Big Springs, Neb.

Gianfranco Gar1obo ('19) is Peru State's first full-time assistant baseball coach. While playing at Peru State, Garlobo became just the fourth Bobcat baseball player to earn Academic All-America and a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete. He is pursuing a master's degree in organizational management degree from Peru State.

Ashley Robertson ('15) ended a successful run as executive director for Project Response in Auburn, Neb. earlier this year to pursue a career in nursing. Project Response was founded 30 years ago as an advocacy and support agency for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

Craig Brown ('16) ofWyoming, Minn. has been promoted to project manager of operational technology at Q3 Contracting of Little Canada, Minn.

Jon Robertson ('16) has returned to Peru State College as an accountant, effective in December 2020. He worked in accounting and auditing in Omaha the past four years.

Tyler Lucas (Masters '16) is a new fuurth grade reacher at the Gretna (Neb.) Elementary School.

Zoe Frink ('17) is teaching fourth grade and is assistant middle school volleyball coach for the Riverside (Iowa) school system.

Mariah (Earhart) Neill ('17) is a second grade teacher at Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca (Neb.) Public Schools.

Ali Stohs ('17) is teaching special education for preschool through second grade in Marysville, Kan. Previously she taught in Beatrice, Neb. Ethan Sullivan (Masters '17) is now Junior-Senior High principal fur the Dundy County Stratton (Neb.) schools.

Vicki Mulholland ('18) is the new preschool teacher for the Johnson County (Neb.) Central Schools.

Leah (Tubbesing) Phillips ('18) is teaching fifth grade science, math and language arts fur the Johnson County (Neb.) Central Schools.

She's also assistant volleyball coach. Previously she taught in Sterling.

Elizabeth Robine ('18) is teaching second graders for the Omaha Public Schools.

Ctistina Viera-Alzueta ('18), a graduate assistant volleyball coach at Smith College in Maine and former Bobcat standout, was selected to participate in the American Volleyball Coaches.Asrociation (AVCA) Diversity

Trey Nelson ('19) is pursuing an MBA degree at the Krannert School ofMana,,oement at Purdue University. In the summer of2020 he completed an internship with Walmart eCoriunerce. Despite the Pandemic, he was able to be on-site, working through daily challenges that Covid-19 presented.

Susan Sisco ('19) is teaching art education and is middle school assistant basketball and volleyball coach at Johnson County (Neb.) Central Schools.

Nyla Witzel ('19) has joined the Crete (Neb.) public schools as fourth grade teacher.

2020s Tammie Janzen ('20) ofBeatrice, Neb. has opened Firth Accounting and Tax Services in Frrth, Neb. She has worked in the accounting field fur more than 29 years.

Morgan Schaeffer (Masters '20) is teaching second grade at Medicine Valley schools in Curtis, Neb. Max Smith ('20) has joined the Fort Calhoun (Neb.) schools as sixth grade teacher.

Bobcats in Love!

Tammy Bruha ('03, Masters '16) and Jason Emerson were married in September 2020 and live in St. Charles, Mo. Tammy is an executive with FITTEAM Global, makers of 100% USDA Certified organic, gluten-free, vegan, Kosher, and non-GMO health products company made in the US, with corporate headquarters in Florida.

Julia Zurek ('20) and Daniel Boshart ('20) were married in June 2020. Both are employed by the Bruning-Davenport (Neb.) schools and live in Bruning.

Bobcats We Will Miss...

1940s Audrey (Cowan) Nichols ('40) passed away in Geneva, Neb. in November.

I

Mary Louise Winkler (attd. '40-'41) of Bellevue, Neb. passed away in November 2020. She left Peru to help with the war effort, working for United Airlines for several years in Colorado and California.

Edith (Willey, Williams) Norris ('42) passed away in December 2020 in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 101. She taught marh in Gage (Neb.) County, was married, and began work in the insurance business when the family moved to Ohio.

Wanda Jacka Schmidt ('43) ofTecumseh, Neb. passed away in October 2020. She worked in Texas and New York with the War Department during WWII, then moved back to Tecumseh, where she worked for the local U.S. DeparrmenrofAgriculrureASCS office, among other positions including assisting with the family farm.

Lenore (Gravatt) Sandfort ('44) ofAuburn, Neb. passed away in October 2020. She taught in Humboldt, then married and moved to the Brock area where she spent much ofher life.

Dorothy (Moody) Parks ('46) ofRapid City, S.D. passed away in March 2020.

Nadene (Lang) Bergmann ('47) ofAubum, Neb. passed away October 2020. She taught in the Johnson area and lived on the family farm for over 50 years.

Doris (Hronik) Kohout ('47) passed away in February in Wilber, Neb. She taught in rural schools and ar Dorchester for a total of 35years.

Dorothy (Grube) Niedenneyer ('47) of Johnson, Neb. passed away in February.

Mary Ann (McClamen) Shirley (attd.

'47-'49) ofVermillion, Kan. passed away in D=nber 2020. She taught in a rural school, then helped with the family farming operatio11.

Hilda (Kreuger) Vortman ('48) passed away in January. She taught several years before marrying and raising a fumily.

Helen (Clutter) Wilkinson ('49) passed away in January in Adams, Neb. 1950s

Dolores (Whigham) Shull ('50), formedy Riverton, Iowa, passed away in October 2020 in Ponca, Neb. She taught in rural Iowa schools for several years and later worked with the Area Education Agency in Sidney, Iowa.

William "Bill" Earl Abernathy, Jr., ('51), formedy ofNebraska City, passed away in January. He was an educaror in Nebraska and Iowa and former assistant principal ar Nebraska City High prior to his retirement.

Gale "Dutch" Eshelman ('51) passed away in November 2020 in Boone, Iowa. The former Bobcat basketball and track athlete taught and coached in Iowa, later becoming a high school principal, first in Lenox, then in Exira, and finally in Griswold. He also owned

an antique shop in Griswold.

Louise Ellebeth (Lotspeich) Gleason ('51), formerly ofNorth Platte, Neb., passed away in November 2020 in Fort Collins, Colo.

Her teaching career began after high school at country schools in the Nebraska Sandhills, later reaching in Hyannis and North Platte until retirement.

Betty Jean (Earl) Hartman ('51) ofDouglas, Neb. passed away in September. She taught up to eight grades in one-room schools around Syracuse and Douglas.

Maurice Moran (Bachelors '51 and '52, Masters '55) ofDurham, N.C. passed away in May 2020. After teaching music for several years at Bellevue (Neb.) High School, he joined IBM as a systems engineer. He spent 31 years with IBM, retiring in 1987. He held various executive positions in New York, including managing the wodd's two largest programming centers, most ofIBMs largest development lab, and much more.

Robert "Red" Wilson ('51) passed away in October in San Jose, Cali£ where he had lived for many years. An outstanding student-athlete at Peru, he served in the Army after graduation, then taught and coached in Nebraska and California, where he was a leader in the former PSC alumni association there. carol (Spier) Kean ('52) ofDawson, Neb. passed away in September 2020. She taught in rural schools before attending Peru State, later teaching elementary school and serving as librarian in Dawson for many years.

Anna Marie (Kreifels) White ('52) ofNebraska City passed away in December 2020.

She taught for several years, then dedicated 30 years to her local Extension Office as a home economist.

Larry Chambers ('53) ofThurman, Iowa passed away in September 2020. He taught in Tabor and Thurman, then rook a position with Stauffer (now Syngenta) Chemicals, where he spent 33 years.

Patricia (LaRue) Zanders ('53) ofLincoln, Neb. passed away in February. She worked in the insurance field.

Marjorie (White) Fogerson ('54) ofSun City West, Ariz. passed away in October. She taught in Nebraska rural schools for two years before moving to California, where she was a teacher, vice principal, and principal in the San Fernando Valley.

Curtis Sederburg ('54) of Overland Park, Kan., and formedy ofLincoln, Neb. passed away in August 2020. An Army veteran, he taught and coached in Polk, Neb., Lincoln, Neb., and was an administrator with Southeast Community College for 30 years. cara (Morse) Braun ('55) ofHickman, Neb., passed away in~ausr 2020. She taught in Shickley and in Hebron; after her marriage they lived on a farm near Hebron.

Georgene (Everett) Peeler ('55) of Nebraska City passed away in January. She taught in rural school, was a special education classroom aid, farmer's wife, and was Deputy Auditor for Fremont County, Iowa.

Eldon cannine ('56) ofBoeme, Texas

passed away in June 2020. He spent his career in retail management and ownership in Iowa and Texas.

Floyd Gorroeheme ('56) of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away in January. A Peru native and U.S. Navy veteran, he was an engineer at General Electric Aircraft Engines, retiring after 37 years. He holds five US patents and received several design awards.

Mary Ann (Bauman) Manly ('56) ofPin-

gree Grove, ill. passed away in August 2020.

Delores (Sanders) Rahe ('62) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in December 2020. Her career was dedicated to day care centers in Beatrice.

Ronald Rist (attd. '62, '66-'68) of Humboldt, Neb. passed away in January.

He worked at Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville for two decades.

Jack Stettenbenz ('62) passed away in February in Guam. After beginning his teaching career in Pawnee County, he began a long career as an educator in Guam.

Joyce Rawson Able ('63) ofNemaha, Neb. passed away in December 2020. She taught in Nebraska and in Vu-ginia for a total of34 years.

Ronald Weiss ('56) ofBeatrice, Neb. passed away in October 2020. He was employed in banking, insurance and was a small business owner.

Jerry Littell ('63) of Columbia, Mo. passed away in March. After leaving the Marine Corps he enrolled at Peru State, and was superintendent for schools in Nebraska and Missouri before embarking on a career in insurance.

Ronald Brock (attd. '57-'58) ofLake Waconda, Neb. and formerly ofLouisville passed away in November 2020 A Peru Prep grad, Ron spent 42 years with Western Electric in Omaha.

Samuel Rankin ('64) passed away in January in North Oaks, Minn. AnAir Force veteran, he taught in Minnesota and was a research analyst with the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Loren Dyke ('57) passed away in November 2020 in Hutchinson, Kan. An Iowa native, he taught school for several years, then accepted a position with a church in Kansas.

Gary Stover ('64) passed away in July in Sr. Petersburg, Fla. He taught in Iowa and Wyoming, was in the real estate business in Colorado and Florida, and in Germany worked to help soldiers further their education.

She was a teacher.

Donald Pickering ('57) ofNebraska City

passed away in July 2020. He dedicated his 38-year career to disabled youth at the Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped and the Kansas Stare School for the Blind, from which he retired in 1995.

Betty Ast Remmers ('58) ofPapillion, Neb. passed away in January 2020. She taught ar Humboldt, Beatrice and Papillion.

Darleen (Boeck) Teten ('58) ofElkhom, Neb. passed away in January. She taught in a rural Nemaha County (Neb.) school, then in Nebraska City before moving to Elkhorn.

Ron Wagner ('58) ofJefferson City, Mo.

passed away in August 2020. He was a retired industrial arts teacher and school superintendent.

1960s

Word has been received of the passing of Peg. gy (McGee) Holbrook ('60) ofRussellville, Ark. in June 2019.

Lola Jean (Triska) Schall ('60) ofYork, Neb. passed away in February. She taught in York and later taught sewing classes and had a fabric store for 37 years.

Eric Larson (attd. '62) ofNebraska City passed away in March. He served in the Air Force and was involved in numerous business ventures in Nebraska City.

Julie Mayer ('62) ofAmes, Iowa passed away in June 2020.

Richard Kennedy ('65) ofElkhom, Neb. passed away in March. Richard was a school administrator for 35 years in different Nebraskaschools.

Pauline (Fink) Linder ('66) ofAshland, Neb.

Upon retirement, she continued to mentor and tutor Students ar Sr. John the Baptist Catholic School.

Joan (Bretthorst) Bassett ('68) ofFullerron, Neb. passed away in February. She taught in Hastings and Fullerton for a total of 30 years before retiring.

Diane (Kinghorn) Bausch ('68) ofAuburn, Neb. passed away in October 2020. She taught in Holmesville and in Lewiston, and later operated a preschool Donald Bedea ('68) passed away in March in Omaha. He served in the Navy and worked in construction prior to attending Peru State, then taught at East High in Lincoln and in Humboldt, later serving as principal. He also farmed, had a commercial pilot's license, and lived in Kuwait and the Philippines, where he was in logging and the sawmill business.

Anna (Greenwood) Fichter ('68) ofSidney, Iowa passed away in November 2020. She taught school and helped on the family farm.

Eugene "Gene" Noell ('68) ofMurray, Nebraska, passed away in August 2020. He taught, worked in the livestock industry, and spent many years in the banking business.

Mary Jo (Manzitto) Handley (attd. '68) of Ruskin, Fla. passed away in October 2020.

She worked as a nurse in Nebraska and Florida.

Alan Burr ('69) ofHumboldr, NE, passed away in January. He taught school in Schaller, Iowa, later moving to Alda, Neb. to open his own art studio while also working in Grand Island.

teaching career included positions at W IS!ler, Osceola,Aurora, YorkandAshland.

carolyn (Price, Anderson) Saroni ('69) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in November. She taught in Auburn and Peru for more than 20 years, then substituted for many more.

Ross Oestmann ('66) ofNiobrara, Neb.

1970s

passed away in November 2020. Her 40-year

passed away in November 2020. He taught, served with the Lincoln (Neb.) Police Departmenr, and was with the Nebraska Game and Paarks Commission for 38 years.

Joe Wildinger ('66) ofShalimar, Fla. passed in October 2018. He was an Air Force pilot and served as an adjunct professor at Embry RidclleAeronautical University.

Pastor Donna (Dankof) Boren ('67) of Plattsmouth, Neb., formedy Hamburg, Iowa passed away in August. She served a church in Plattsmouth for many years.

Barbara Anderson Brandt ('67) ofBellevue, Neb. passed away in March. Married to a farmer in 1948, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of getting a teaching degree in 1967; she taught in Hamburg, Iowa for 25 years before retiring.

Beverly (Kitelinger) Harter ('67) passed away in March. Prior to moving to Athens, Ohio she was a longtime resident of Plattsmouth, Neb, where she taught for 28 years.

Danny M. Bolin ('70, '74) ofNewcastle, Wyo., passed away in January. He taught middle school and high school theater for 25 years before retiring.

Nonna (Weyer) Huntington ('70) of Wymore, Neb. passed away in October 2020.

She taught ar several schools in Gage and Pawnee Counties, and worked at Wymore's Good Samaritan Center for 13 years.

Kathy Cook ('71) ofBeatrice, Neb. passed away in December 2020. She worked at the Beatrice Stare Developmental Center for 39 years.

Richard Bacon ('73) ofHumboldr, Neb.

passed away in September 2020. He was a well known teacher and coach in southeast Nebraska, and served the Humboldt schools for 37 years.

John Coatney (attd. '73-'74) ofPeru passed away in March. He was a farmer.

The Stater 15

Margaret Alice (Higgins) Roddy (73) ofTrabuco Canyon, Cali£ passed away in December 2020. She taught in Bellevue, Neb. for almost 30 years.

Lonnie "Boots" Quinn (attd. 74-75) ofOxford, Neb.

passed away in September 2020. He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad and trained racehorses.

Karen (Schneider) Mezger(75) ofTable Rock, Neb. passed away in December 2020. She attended dementary school in Peru, and taught at and was guidance counselor Dawson-Verdon and Humboldt Table Rock Steinauer before retiring last year.

Dale Rogers (attd. 75-77) of Percival, Iowa passed away in November 2020. He was a real estate agent licensed in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.

John Thomas "Tom" Woolsey (75) ofSidney, Iowa passed away in January. He taught in Nebraska City and in Council Bluffs, Iowa and operated an a=unting firm in Glenwood, Iowa for several years.

Debra (Vella) Mennecke (78) ofNorth East, Penn.

passed away in Oaober 2020.

Bruce Foster (attd. 79-'81) of Osterbur, Penn. passed away in February. He served as a pastor in churches in Nebraska, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

1990s David Fender ('92) ofAuburn, Neb. passed away in August 2020. He funned and worked for the Scace of Nebraska.

Eugene "Joe" Simmons ('98) ofSargent, Neb., passed away in November. He served in the National Guard, then was program manager at Suanne Big Crow Boys and Girls Club of Pine Ridge, S.D. and was director of the Native American Center in Chadron, Neb. for 17 years and dedicated his career and life to hdping area youth.

Susan (Slama) Johnson ('99) passed away in January in Omaha. She worked at Lincoln Financial Group.

2000s

Jeffrey Nolan (attd. '01-'02) passed away in January in Fremont, Neb. He worked as a mortgage loan officer.

Shawn (Duntz) Strickland ('02) passed away in January in Auburn, Neb. She worked for the State ofNebraska in child welfare for 16 years, then served as a probation officer for the state.

2010s Elizabeth Kramer ('10) ofBeatrice, Neb. passed away in February.

Mark Mullins (79) ofMalvem, Iowa, passed away in July 2020.

Matthew Weedin ('12) ofLincoln, Neb. passed away in December 2020.

1.980s

Emily (Collins) Zech ('13, Masters '19) ofAuburn, Neb. passed away in September 2020. She was an dementary school teacher.

Pat Haverty (attd. '80-'82, Masters '08) passed away in Lincoln, Neb. in September. He was vice president of the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Devdopment, and under his leadership, the partnership attracted hundreds of millions ofdollars in new investments to Lincoln, as well as hdping numerous local companies expand. Pat worked as a Buff.tlo County Sheriff's deputy in the late 1980s and early 1990s, later served as head of the River Counuy Economic Devdopment Corp. in Nebraska City, and was Nebraska City's city administrator from 2009-2011.

Renee Cheney ('81) ofSyracuse, Neb. passed away in March. She worked for the Syracuse Dunbar Avoca Schools for 32 years, where she served as a teacher, coach, and mentor to many students.

Friends Bob Andrew ofAuburn, Neb., who worked at Peru State in the early-mid 1980s on the campus services staff, passed away in February.

PSC student Margaret Dishman ofNorth Platte, Neb.

passed away in February.

Dr. Thomas Gomon ofLincoln, Neb. passed away in September 2020. The son oflongtime Peru State President Neal and Marion Gomon, he was raised in Peru, and practiced general dentistry in Lincoln for 45 years before retiring in 2016.

Dorothy "Dottie" Riehle passed away in January. and asked that memorial gifts be directed to the Peru Scace College Foundation. Her son Tom is on the Peru State

Leonard "Len" Mazour ('81) passed away in Oaober 2020 in Lawrence, Neb. He was a draftsman, teacher, and landscape designer mapping hiking trails for the U.S. Forest Service.

staff

David Stoller (Masters '83) passed away in December 2020 in Phoenix, Ariz. TheAir Force and National Guard veteran taught and coached for 37 years.

Dr. Ralph Thorpe, Jr., professor in the education division at Peru: State from 1988-1992, passed away in January in Lincoln, Neb.

Troy Bailey (attd. '85-'86) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in September 2020. He was a 33-year veteran oflaw enforcement, the last 25 with the Lancaster (Neb.) County Sheriff's Office.

Ar1ene Whisler, formedy of Peru, passed away in January in Nebraska City.

Connie (Kelsay) Merrill ('86) passed away in Temple, Texas in November 2020. She worked at Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville, Neb. for 20 years, then worked in Texas and California.

Rhonda (Snyder) Weise ('89) passed away in September in Beatrice, Neb. She was a social worker at the Beatrice Scace Devdopmenta! Center.

Jay Wiechmann ('89) of Galesburg, Ill. passed away in January. He was a teacher, coach and well-known sports officiator.

16 The Stater

Harold Whiteman, a Peru State faculty member from 1964-67, passed away in October 2020 at Fort Meade, Md.

Remembering Dr. Leonard Skov Dr. Leonard Skov, who guided Peru State College as Interim President in 1999, passed away this past November.

Skov dedicated 40 years to education, serving the Red Cloud and Wilcox (Neb.) schools, the State Department of Education, and Kearney State College for 29 years before retiring in 1997.

Known and respected across the state, he stepped in to lead Peru State College in 1999 during a challenging period in its history.

For the remainder of his life he dedicated himself to public service, including the Archway Monument near Kearney and the board of the Kearney Regional Airport. He also founded and supported the Himanchal Education Foundation, promoting educational development in rural Nepal.

In Search of the Class of '96 No doubt the Class of 1996 finds it hard to believe it has been a quarter of a century since they departed Peru State College, ready to advance their careers.

For those on the following list, they have departed from our contact list as well.

Anyone who is able to provide us with contact information on any of the following, can forward it to pscfoundation@peru.edu, or send it by snail mail to Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 684210010. Thanks for your help.

Maureen Ayers Crystal Ellerman Bell Cynthia Bell Gregory Bentz Michele Keller Bettendorf Marcia Biggs Grace Brentano Michele Carter Susan Converse Felicia Duncan Criner Cynthia Dills Kyle Fichter Barbara Stevens Frazer Dawn Hemminger

Tanya Teater Hernandez Angela Hawley Hetzel Terri Jackson Toby Julian Curtis King Rasmy Kounthapanya Shannon Severs Kuhlmann Shellane Novotny Law Fragee Lofton Matt Lundak Kimberly Micek Fawn Morley Eileen Parisi Diana Packett Ramer Annette Reardon Tammy Buss Rowe Kimberly Winkler Sahin Marcus Schmidt Troy Schroeder Sylvia Smith Lou Steinkamp Jason Sternberg Terry Tramp Stacy Williams Cynthia Yates Wymore

The Legacy of Senator Floyd Vrtiska Peru State College, and all of southeast Nebraska, lost a legend last fall.

Senator Floyd Vrtiska passed away in September 2020, surrounded by his family including daughter Lori Seibel ('84), son Kim ('90), and daughter Dr. Terri Vrtiska.

He was 93.

He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Doris Wagner ('47) in 2007.

A lifelong resident of the Pawnee (Neb.) County community of Table Rock, Vrtiska was a farmer and raised cattle. But it was his decades of public service that truly set him apart.

For many Peru State College alumni and friends, it was his work as a State Senator from 1992-2004 that stands out. In 1997, Nebraska state college officials floated the idea of perhaps relocating the college to another southeast Nebraska community - a move Vrtiska vigorously opposed.

The conversation eventually led to open debate in the legislature about the possible closure of Nebraska's first college. Vrtiska led opposition to such a notion, and after lengthy and often painful debate, the college was preserved.

Yet the underlying problem of decades of a lack of funding for Peru State's facilities, remained. Vrtiska continued to lead the charge to obtain the resources - public, private, and through bonding authority - to rebuild the campus infrastructure.

The first major project was the renovation and expansion of Hoyt Science Hall, built in 1929. When construction on the addition commenced in the summer of 2000, it marked the first new academic space on the Peru State campus since the Jindra Fine Arts Building in the 1960s.

In April 2005, Vrtiska's former colleagues in the Nebraska Legislature voted to name the new facility the Floyd and Doris Vrtiska Addition. Since those contentious times less than 25 years ago, tens of millions of dollars have been invested in the Campus of A Thousand Oaks.

In 2018, Peru State College bestowed its highest honor - the Distinguished Service Award - on Sen. Vrtiska, who also served for several years on the Peru State College Foundation Board of Directors.

Vrtiska's record of service, however, extended far beyond the legislature. He was a Pawnee County Commissioner for 24 years, local fire chief for 34 years, and Table Rock Mayor for eight years. He along with Mrs. Vrtiska served on countless local boards and committees, and Vrtiska served on the Nebraska State Historical Society board, too.

Sen. Vrtiska's central role in protecting, preserving and enhancing the legacy of Peru State College won't be forgotten.

Top: Doris and Royd Vrtiska Left: Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Former Nebraska Governor, and Former U.S. Senator Mike Johanns, Senator Dan Watermeier, , Dr. Dan Hanson, Senator Royd Vrtiska and Elaine Hanson celebrated Vrtiska's Distinguisted Service Award in 2018.

WANTED: Missing members of the Class of1971 A half-century ago the Class of '71 left Peru State to launch their careers. For many/ most, those careers are over, but somewhere along the way they and Peru State College were disconnected.

If you're able to help track down any of the following, please either ask them to reach out to us, or send us their mailing address - we'll be sure they get a copy of this issue of the Peru Stater. Just email pscfoundation@peru.edu, or send the information to Peru Stater, c/ o Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

Donald Atkinson Michael Bolinger Roger Borgman Janet Skahill Bowling Judith Comstock Lillian Davis Michael Deal Harold Dory John Ellis Ellen Engelkemier Stephen Ernest Jack Farwell Nancy Hunzeker Fox Carol Tynon Hayhurst William Hulette Judith Warren Irvin Dowayne Laporte Christina Bieck Linden Larry Marquardt Patsy Stephens Meyer Vicki Williams Mitteis Richard Pallman Gerald Parrish DanielRomero Patricia Ryan Charles Shellhase

Muriel Jensen Sic Thomas Siefken Joh Malaetasi Togafau David Trenholm John Stewart Elizabeth Thomason Wittwer Paula Hewett Wilson MayWoyak Kimiko Yamahira

Vrtiska Unicameral Internship In 2018, family and friends established the Senator Floyd & Doris (Wagner) Vrtiska Nebraska Unicameral Internship, allowing a student attending Peru State College to serve an internship in the Nebraska Unicameral.

Vrtiska wanted to help enable PSC students to gain first-hand experience in the legislature, and to stimulate their interest in public service and government.

Additional gifts to the Vrtiska fund are always welcome. They can be made online at pscgiving.org (on designation, click Other and fill in Vrtiska fund), or by check payable to the Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE 68421-0010; include Vrtiska Fund in the memo line.

The Stater 17

Inside this Peru Stater you'll find...

Peru Stater Peru The PSC Foundation Sta.l!-I-:e P.O. Box 10 - College

FouNDATION

Page2

A Farewell from Dan and Elaine Hanson

Page6

Welcoming Peru State's34th President

Pages

Longs Establish Bicentennial Fund

Page9

Distinguished Service Award Winners

Pages 12-13

Bobcat Athletics

Pages 14-16

Alumni Updates

Page 17

Remembering Floyd Vrtiska

Page 18

Commencement Photo Gallery

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 c/o 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.

Peru, NE 68421-0010

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED ---cECRLOT 0142A-C002

04281 P-1 P146

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID ABERDEEN, SD PERMIT#2OO