2023 The Peru Stater (Nebraska) - Spring issue

I Sollle Serious Noise

Project ROAR is Making

Dr. Michael Evans President, Peru State College We're making some noise!

Project ROAR is well under way, and as you'll see in this issue of the Stater, we have passed our first Million-Dollar mark for the campaign. That's a great milestone, and it's particularly impressive given that we started just a few months ago.

Credit for this achievement goes entirely to the people who love this College. Alumni, friends, faculty and staff, business leaders, and a host of others have stepped up with meaningful gifts, all with the goal of supporting this exciting project. Every gift is important, and every gift to the Peru State College Foundation brings us that much closer to making Project ROAR a reality.

Project ROAR is exciting for many reasons, and our donors reflect those reasons when they give. Some tell us they want to help Peru State add its first new buildings since 1980. Others say they want to broaden student opportunities for recreation, intramurals and club sports. Some are eager to support the mental health of our students, giving them expanded facilities where they can get up and get moving.

Others want to provide better facilities for our athletic programs. The list goes on, but one theme is consistent: People give because they care. And we are grateful for everyone who has answered the call and contributed to this transformational project.

Meanwhile, "design development" work has been continuing at full throttle.

The design/engineering firm, Leo A. Daly,

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prepared the Design Development Report for consideration by the Nebraska State College Board of Trustees at their January meeting. Once approved, we can continue with the bid process with the contractor, Sampson Construction. So far, we are on track for ground-breaking in the spring!

The construction process will move forward alongside the fundraising process.

We want to get started on the site-work and construction of two buildings - the large dome and the building next to the baseball/ softball complex - so we will get that under way while we continue to raise the funds for the other buildings. We are looking forward to having those first new facilities up and running by the summer of 2024!

If you have already given to Project ROAR, thank you. Your support will make a profound impact on students, families, and communities for decades to come. If you have not yet given, we welcome your participation in this historic project.

The momentum is building, but we still have a long way to go on this marathon journey. We are transforming Peru State College and Southeast Nebraska, and we would love for you to make some noise with us!

Go Bobcats!

~~

The Peru Stater College President, Dr. Michael Evans Managing Editor, Sports Editor, Ted L. H arshbarger ('77) Ed itor, Kent Propst (' 81) Graphic Design, Rachel (Rippe '12) Meiergerd Contributors and Photography, Susan (Lunzmann '94) Unruh, Brandi Hull (' 15), Kim Regan, Kelcie Keeling, Tyler Fangman, Gabbie Krienert ('25) Peru State College Foundation Board of T rustees Chair, Jeff Greenwald ('71), Lincoln, N eb.

Vice Chair, Elton Edmond ('88 , Masters '16), Lincoln, Neb. Secretary, Al Urwin ('82), LaVista, Neb. Co-Treasurers, Jeff ('83) and Robin (Nelson '82) Smith, Lincoln, N eb.

Terri (Arm knecht '92) Bishop, Auburn, N eb.

Connie (Sims '87) and Elton ('88, M asters '16) Edmond, Lincoln, N eb.

Cindy (Plantenga '82) and T im ('84) Hoffman, Lincoln, N eb.

Lori (Vrtiska '84) Seibel, Lincoln, Neb. Fritz Stehlik ('74), O maha, Neb. Ivan Wineglass ('94), Bellevue, Neb. N ational Alumni Association Board of D irecto rs Chair Kim Vrtiska ('90), Falls City, N eb.

Vice Chair Elton Edmond ('88), Lincoln, N eb.

Secretary/Treasurer Mark Czapla (' 87), U nadilla, N eb.

Branden Bender ('95), Nebraska City, Neb. Dan Cotton ('76), Peru, Neb. Rich Daly ('68), Lincoln, Neb. Connie (Sims '87) Edmond, Lincoln, Neb. Carlos Harrison ('51), Shenandoah, Iowa Mary Lu (Hicks '68) McCoy, Omaha, Neb. Chuck ('69) and Alice (Massoth '69) Mizerski, Lincoln, Neb. Tyler Nutsch ('13), LaVista, Neb. Mark Shively ('79, Masters '93), Palm Springs, Calif.

Fritz ('74) and Char (Lutz '74) Stehlik, Omaha, Neb. Kris (Kubert '94) Vrciska, Falls City, Neb. Ivan Wineglass ('94), Bellevue, Neb.

Michael Evans, Ph.D., President

Published twice annually for alumni andfriends ofPeru State College by the Peru State College Foundation. Please submit address changes, name changes, information for class notes, stories, suggestions and corrections by email at pscfoundation@peru.edu, by phone at (402) 872-2304, or by mail at: The Peru Stater, c/o Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010.

This bobcat was photographed on a trail camera last September in a wooded area northeast of Peru. Students of Dr. Lukas Klicka, assistant professor of biology, placed the trail cam as part of a biology project. The land this bobcat was roaming Is managed by Dr. Kristi Nies, associate professor of English.

On The Cover: President Michael Evans reviews plans for the 88,000 square foot buildings, which will go on the former practice football field just north of the Oak Bowl. Also pictured are Ted Harshbarger ('77, left}, Interim Executive Director of the Peru State College Foundation; Carrie Bradrick, director of student activities and programs; and Wayne Albury, athletics director.

Ruildliizg mock up images were prol'ided I~)' Leo A D,1{v.

I 18 Months of Progress

Ted L. Harshbarger Interim Executive Director, Peru State College Foundation In the last issue of the Stater, I highlighted several things which showed some of the progress being made by the Peru State College Foundation. Reflecting on what to write about this time, I felt it was important to again share even more aspects of the progress made by the Foundation this time over the last 18 months.

The following accomplishments are not necessarily in any particular order, but I want you all to know we are moving forward and will continue to do so in 2023 and beyond.

The most obvious sign of progress is the work accomplished thus far on Project ROAR. In December, we (when I say we, I mean all of us) reached the milliondollar mark in the fundraising. Our goal by the end of 2023 is to have raised at least $2 million. We anticipate doing a groundbreaking in early April. We have a long way to go, as construction costs have increased, but we will not be daunted by the challenge.

We held our first-ever Charter Day Scholarship Drive in June, and it was a tremendous success. This, along with two previous Giving Day drives, have raised over $200K for scholarships and other College needs. Recently, we have moved to a new online giving platform which will make giving even easier in the future.

College's Art Committee, the Foundation is helping process the collection, worth an estimated valued over $200K. Pieces will be placed in all academic buildings and outside. A grand opening will be held in September with a show in the art gallery and a distinguished speaker.

Yet in my opinion, one of the most important things that has been accomplished has been the review and revision of scholarship funding. With the changes, the Foundation has offered the College more than $SOOK this year and next for the benefir of Peru State students. This is more than triple what had ever been awarded in the past, and we couldn't be prouder and more excited.

We have hosted events such as the Homecoming alumni banquet and the Hall of Fame - all of which have been successful and well-attended. It is always great to listen to the stories of the alumni about their times at Peru State and how their attendance at the College made them the person they are today.

Better Procedures While some might feel this next sign of progress to be mundane, you should know that numerous changes have been made in terms of improved financial and investment procedures. This will be key to the continued success of the Foundation, allowing us to be the best stewards of Foundation resources that we can be.

We - led by our volunteer board and supported by our small but mighty staff - will continue to strive to fulfill the Foundation's mission of providing assistance and support for the College and its students, faculty, staff, and programs.

I sincerely hope your 2023 has started off with a bang and that you are aware that we are working hard in the Peru State College Foundation. We look forward to hearing from you this year!

Join The Celebrations!

Alumni Event Calendar Mark your calendar and take part in activities for Peru State alumni and friends. Check out the Foundation website (peru.edulfoundation) for updates and other events.

February - Art Show featuring Terry Thacker AV Larson Art Gallery February 14 - Valentine's Day Campaign March - Art Show featuring Jon Summers -AV Larson Art Gallery April - SAAM ''What Were You Wearing" Art Installation AV Larson Art Gallery April 2 - Softball Alumni Recognition @ Softball Complex April 18 - Thousand Oaks Alumni Excellence Awards and Research/ Creativity Expo May - Senior Art Show-AV Larson Art Gallery May 6 - Commencement June - Art Show from the Peru State College Archives AV Larson Art Gallery June 8 - Omaha Alumni Event - German American Society June 20 - Charter Day Scholarship Drive September 9 - 1867 Society Event September 26 - Hahn Art Dedication/Glassie Distinguished Speaker September 29 - All College Banquet (honoring Class of'73 and affinity classes) September 30 - Homecoming October 13 - Hall of Fame Banquet October 14 - Hall of Fame Induction @ Oak Bowl October 24-25 - Annual Giving Day November 4 - PSCF Donor Recognition Day

Calendar subject to change. Ifyou have questions, or are interested in participating in or helping to organize an event for Peru Staters, reach out to us by email at pscfoundation@peru.edu, call (402) 872-2304, or write Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE 68421-0010.

Ted L. Harshbarger ('77) Interim Executive Director

Exciting Initiatives You have read in previous issues of the Stater about the Dr. Natalie Hahn African Art Collection. In conjunction with the

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It's been 40 years since Peru State College's last new building was erected.

And while tens of millions have been spent on Peru State renovations and additions in the last two decades, the College is overdue for new buildings that can add to the services and opportunities available to its students.

Project ROAR - calling for five new structures - has been underway for less than a year since the State of Nebraska offered more than $8.5 million for the project. At over $15 million, it is by far the biggest construction project in the history of Nebraska's first college.

______ With another approximately $1.5 million in facilities funds committed by the College itself, Project ROAR is deep into the planning phase. The aim is to break ground this spring.

But the project comes with an expectation that Peru State alumni, friends , businesses and organizations provide $5 million to fund the more than $1 5 million effort. That's up by $1 million from the initial goal, due to higher-than-anticipated construction costs and inflation.

_________

,,_________ "Robin and I are excited to be involved with Peru State College and Project ROAR. Peru State has been a strong institution with three generations and five family members of our families attaining degrees. The Peru State experience has allowed us to build fulfill ing live and careers. We feel Peru Scace College serves an important mission for Southeast Nebraska, not only economically, bur with affordable educational and athletic options.

Project ROAR is long overdue for these much-needed additions to be t serve and enhance the college experience. It will further attract outstanding faculty, tar employees, talented students, and community support."

Jeff ('83) and Robin (Nelson '83) Smith Lincoln, Neb.

,,______

"The reason we contributed to Project ROAR was a desire to invest in a place that gave us so much. We know that the expansion of Peru State College will impact and continue to provide unmatched opportunities to students, the same way that it did for us. We believe Project ROAR will set Peru State apart, and we can't wait to witness the outcomes."

Wade ('13) and Sara (Mencl '13) Halvorson Bennington, Neb.

A Strong Start The fund drive, led by President Michael Evans and the Peru State College Foundation, was approaching $2 million in gifts and pledges at Stater press time in mid-January. More than 200 loyal Peru alumni and friends have already supported the cause, making it the largest fund drive in Peru State history.

It's an exciting and encouraging time. But there is a long way to go. If ever there was a time for Peru faithful to step up, in ways large and small, this is that time.

Once everyone who loves Peru State comes together to make this project a reality, the campus will be transformed in breathtaking ways. Project ROAR will more than double the space available for clubs, teams, student organizations, and individuals to play, meet, compete, exercise, and stay active.

The facilities will help Peru State attract and retain significantly more students athletes and non-athletes alike - by offering spaces for gathering and engagement year-round. And by helping students get up and get moving, the College will support their physical and mental health and well-being.

Simply put, Peru State students need and deserve what Project ROAR offers, and we need everyone's help to make it happen. (continued on page 5)

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Wheeler Center Overtaxed The Al Wheeler Activity Center - ironically the last "new" (1980) building at Peru State - is the only health and wellness facility for students, faculty and staff, and is grossly overtaxed. Due to demand, intercollegiate athletics teams regularly begin practice at 6 a.m ., and practices continue until 9 p.m.

While a two-hour (11 a.m.- 1 p.m .) window exists for "open gym'' - recreational and wellness time for students, faculty, and staff - it is often shared with sports programs at practice. Activities for the general student body such as pick-up basketball games, are rare due to pressure on the facility.

______

,,

______ ______ "My thoughts about Peru State College have changed substantially over the past few years. After I graduated in 1971, I didn't look back as a I started a career in business. I didn't fully realize or appreciate the significance of the personal attention I received while at Peru State. After being reacquainted with Peru State in 201 8, I met many students. It is now very apparent that I really benefited from the culture and relationships with faculty and staff. Peru State College was a difference maker for my work ethic and its relationship with opportunity."

,,

_ _ _ _ __

"Peru State College provided so much for me, in and out of the classroom.

Some of my best memories of joy, laughter, friendships, and life lessons are all attributed to Peru State.

The list of people who developed and helped my parents raise me is endless.

Nearly every professor encouraged students to do our best, but also to BE our best. They prepared us to be good and kind stewards in life. Jerty and Christina Joy and many others have modeled the essence of what it means to 'bleed blue.' Now we ALL have the opportunity to give back to the place that gave US so much! Peru State College needs our support. We can ensure future Peru State students understand what it means to Bleed Blue. Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!"

Beth (Propst '82) and Jon ('00) Mierau Loveland, Colo.

Current and former faculty and staff may recall the days, now gone, when recreational tennis or volleyball were favorite ways to burn off calories and stress.

Even walking laps in Wheeler is a challenge if, for example, volleyballs or basketballs are flying around during practice.

Intramurals and other recreational activities like club volleyball and dodgeball typically cannot start until 9 p.m. While Wheeler is still used for both on- and off-campus events such as History Day or conferences, use has declined due to scheduling pressures.

President Evans has emphasized the importance of getting students off their screens, noting that increased physical activity is beneficial for both physical and mental health. And because the new facilities will be used by so many student clubs, residence hall groups, and others around campus, all Peru State College students will benefit from the spaces and opportunities.

''

"Project ROAR will innovate and energize Peru State College. We have a tremendous opportunity to leverage available state funds to make long overdue improvements for the baseball and softball facilities. Please join me in supporting Project ROAR!"

The Mertens Family, at Alumni Football Game a few years ago.

Hastings, Neb.

Jeff ('71) and Judy Greenwald Lincoln, Neb.

Time To Step Up Peru State will only gee one chance at Project ROAR. The State of Nebraska, and the College itself, have committed as much as they can. Foundation and College officials are thrilled by the initial response to the fund drive.

But it is now time for Peru State supporters to back up their appreciation and affection for the Campus of A Thousand Oaks with their own gifts and pledges. No gift is too small. In any given year, approximately 90 percent of Peru alumni do not give; chat must change if the goal is to be met.

For more information visit www.peru.edu/foundation/projectroar/index.html.

Online gifts can be made there, or at https:/ /bit.ly/PeruStateProjeccROAR. Gifts can be sent by check, payable to the Peru State College Foundation, at Project ROAR, Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE. 68421 -0010.

Questions about Project ROAR should be directed to Ted L. Harshbarger, interim director of the Peru State College Foundation. He can be reached weekdays at (402) 872-2304, or by email at tharshbarger@peru.edu.

The challenge is great - the opportunity, even greater. You, and thousands of others like you, will determine whether or not the goal will be achieved. On behalf of the students, faculty and staff at Peru State, thank you in advance for your caring and support.

_ _ _ _ __

,,

_ _ _ _ __

"My desire to help Peru State College is because of all that it has done for me. My life has greatly benefited from the education I received at Peru State.

The campus life experience increased my self-confidence and opened doors I never thought possible. The excellent professors were dedicated to their students and small class sizes allowed more personal attention. The friendships I made have lasted a lifetime."

C.W. "Butch" ('69) and Dobey Haws Lincoln, Neb.

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Hear Them ROAR! Project ROAR is off to a great start. The students, faculty, staff, and Foundation thank all of the following for their gifts to ROAR in 2022.

If you think your name should have been on this list but i n't, please contact the Foundation at (402) 872-2304 or by email at pscfoundation@peru.edu And if you AREN'T on this list ... be sure you are for 2023. We need your support!

Kip & Julie Allison Todd & Brenda Anderson Eloy "Lee" & Jo Arellano Lonnie & Darla Bane Betty Barrett Jo Ann Barry Heidi Jo Bartlett Julie D. Bauman Vicki Beilke John Bensley Robert Beran David Bierman Rick & Kyle Black George & Cynthia Bleich Bob & Mary Bohlken Tim Borchers David & Lesli Bremer Joe Burnett Susan & Larry Cade Cindy Cammack John & Jean Chatelain Dwayne Chism Rhonda L. Chomos Wei Hoe Chong Ryan Christensen Joanna Cielocha Amy & Rick Clark Marilyn Clements Diana Conradt-Mullen Larry Cotton RoxAnn & Doug Coudeyras Rich Daly SaraBerh Donovan Uhl Donovan Joyce Douglas Jari Dunekacke Verna Edinger Ashleigh Reynolds Eickhoff Robert & Marion Eilers Patricia Elder Michael & Joanna Evans Eugene & Martha Feit Paul & Arlene Fell Lawrence E. Finke Bill & Anne Fitzgerald Jason & Dawn Fortik Laura Fossenbarger Kathrine Foster Charles Francis Mary Frary Jayne Fredrickson Greg Galardi

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Daniel Gardiner Scott & Melissa Gibbs Alec & Laura Gorynski Deborah Green Jeffrey C. Greenwald Jessica Greenwald Kate Greenwald & Nolan Day Noah & Jessica Greenwald Mike & Jan Guilliatt Darwin R. Gushard Lee Haeberlein Rena Hall Thomas Hallstrom Wade & Sara Halvorsen Mick & Cathy Haney Dan & Elaine Hanson Mike & Ceci Harmon C. Carlos Harrison Rev. Patrick Harrison Ted L. Harshbarger Marty Haverty Butch & Dobey Haws Jack & Bernice Head Steve Heine Bob & Carol Hemmingsen Carol Henning Kimberly Hill Paul Hinrichs Tim & Cindy Hoffman Stephanie Holmes Suzanne Houlden Cristy Howard Lloyd & Mary Ann Hunzeker Steven K Johnson Barbra Jones Jerry & Christina Joy Richard R. Joy Kelcie Keeling Ronald & Nancy Kelley Megan Kendall Julie Kernes Janet M. Kirkendall Jan Krakow Charles "Chuck" Krumme Craig Latscha Mike & Ruth Leahy Christopher & Lindsey Lindner Robert Lisee Richard Lombardi Brenda G. Lutz Patricia Lynott

Amber Mahan H. Dean D . Marshall Katy Marshall Marty Martinez Gail G. Masonbrink Mary Lu McCoy KeithMcKim Sean McLaughlin Veronica Meier Gary & Stephanie Mercer Patrick & Cathy Mertens Ronald & Susan Meyer Amy Mincer Jon & Beth Mireau Jack & Shelley Moles Dr. Francis & Maxine Moul Shannon Mueller Timothy Oehring Gary & Sharon Ogle Gordon & Jean Ohnoutka Ronald Paap John Patterson Dale Pennington William Peterson Nick & Cheri Petrillo Kem & Becki Propst Harold Rasplicka Otto & Janet Rath Kimberly Regan Robert Reitz Kenneth & Jane Rhodus Jennifer Rieken Fred & Pam Robertson Dave Rossell Ben Royal Betty & Lloyd Russo John & Renee Sayer Steve & Erin Sayer William & Laverna Sayer Gary & Martha Schaffer Jeff & Audra Schawang Ralph Schawang Kurt & Maria Schlange Pastor Mary Scott Greg Seay Ann & Stephen Severin Roselyn Shaffer Mark Shively Cara Simpson Linda Sims Maynard Skinner Jeff & Robin Smith

Richard & Margaret Smith Bill & Shirley Snyder Frank & Suzanne Spizuoco David Stemper Kevin & Carmen Sterner Ronald & Doris Stoltenberg Vincent & Wendy Sunderman Larry & Ramona Swett Douglas & Diana Thomas James Thomas Lori & Jack Tibbs Jon Tritsch Kathy Tynon Susan Unruh Al & Kristin Urwin Daniel Vice Bruce & Kathy Vickrey Jeremiah Villeneuve Roger Weber Tamara Westhart Tressa Whittington Dennis Williams Robert Williamson

Kent & Nancy Wilson Whip Wilson Ivan Wineglass Bob & Lucy Wimer Francia Witt Donald & Patricia Wright Christina Wunderlich Amy Wynn Jennifer True Businesses & Organizations Aegon Auburn State Bank Blue Cross & Blue Shield of NE Bridges Investment Mgmt Inc Community Insurance Group Inc DA Davidson El Portal, Auburn First National Bank of Johnson Flatwater Art Foundation Haco Electric Happy Life Nutrition State Bank of Table Rock

Oral History Project Concluding; Thanks for Answering the Call Last fall we shared with you that the Peru State College Foundation was collaborating with the Publishing Concepts (PC[) organization on an oral hisrory project. We asked that you, as alumni and friends, answer the call.

Well, you did, and it is greatly appreciated!

Throughout the fall, we received bi-weekly updates from PCI. It was genuinely exciting to see the number grow on a weekly basis.

Nearly 2,500 alumni responded, and have contributed ro date 1,758 srories. PCI tells us this is outstanding based on the number of alumni in our database. In addition ro the stories, another by-product of the project was ro update our contact information, and this has been extremely helpful.

By the time you are read this, the collection period will have ended. At that time, PCI and the Foundation will move into the production phase. The book will be published later this summer.

We look forward to seeing the final product and hope you will as well.

Campus News College Renews Focus On Career Services

It's one thing - albeit an incredibly important thing - to obtain a college degree. The doors it opens to a rewarding, productive career and life is indisputable.

Yet a degree alone is just part of the equation for a successful career. Only a few graduates have a firm grasp on how to parlay their academic achievements into the right job for them.

A year and a half ago, Peru State College restored its Career Services office and appointed Dana Stovall ('93) as its career services specialist. For most of the prior decade, the task of helping students start their careers had been assigned as an additional duty to several different offices on campus.

Of necessity, that often limited Peru State's ability to assist students until they were nearing graduation. With the reestablishment of a Career Services office, the college is taking the long view.

"The College's Strategic Plan called for the development of a four-year career development plan, and this position provides leadership to students throughout their time at the college," noted Dr. Tim Borchers, vice president for academic affairs. He has oversight responsibility for the career services area.

Sacrifice For The Greater Good Borchers, along with other members of the search committee, ultimately came

to realize that the best candidate for the position was closer than he anticipated - and would involve considerable sacrifice on his part. Stovall had been his administrative assistant for two years.

"Our goal is for students to utilize Career Services well in advance of graduation," Stovall said. "We encourage them to use our four-year career plan as a guideline to be career-ready upon graduation."

Students who are on their way to becoming Peru State alumni are not her only focus, Stovall pointed out.

"Career Services is not limited to undergraduate students," she said. "We also offer assistance to graduate students, on-line students, and alumni."

The other part of the career services equation _: the employer side - is another critical area where alumni can take advantage of career services while helping Peru State. Those looking to hire wellprepared graduates can reach out to Stovall with job postings.

Jobs While In College Another area Stovall's office aids students is helping them find employment while attending Peru State. Whether it's summer work, part-time jobs during the academic year, or internships, students now have a place on campus to come for help.

"We work one-on-one with students, host job fairs, and work with employers in southeast Nebraska and the region to connect with Peru State students," Stovall said.

Peru State has taken a team approach to Career Services, she pointed out. Dr. Borchers and the Deans of all four of the schools at the college - Dr. Dwayne Chism (Education), Dr. Paul Hinrichs (Ans and Sciences), Dr. Amber Mahan (Professional Students) and Dr. Greg Seay (Graduate Studies) - comprise the team.

They help to provide multiple paths for students to be supported with career exploration, tools, and resources, Stovall said.

A year ago the college subscribed to a job platform called Handshake, tailored to college students and employers who seek college graduates. Some 11,0·00 jobs are listed on the service and more than 800,000 employers are registered on Handshake.

Website Launched The Career Services office at Peru State launched a website (careerservices.peru. edu), with resources on building career skills, news and advice, and upcoming events among the services provided.

Students can also sign up for a weekly newsletter, one that can personalize content students want based on their interests and goals.

Right now, the job market in Nebraska and beyond is strong. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers plan to hire 14.7 percent more new grads in '23 than they did in '22, Stovall said.

Historically low unemployment has driven up demand for college grads.

But getting a job is one thing, Stovall pointed out. Getting the right job, the best job to match skills and interests, is another. Plus, job demand will not always be like it is today.

Alumni interested in more information about the Career Services office at Peru State are encouraged to contact Dana Stovall at dstovall@peru.edu or by calling (402) 872-2287.

25-Year Class Members On List of Missing Alums It's hard to believe 25 years have passed since the Class of '98 left Peru State. During that time, some have lo t touch with the college, and vice versa.

If you can help us clear up our records by providing addresses and/or information on any of the following, please let us know. By email, pscfoundation@peru.edu; by phone, 402-872-2304; by mail, Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010.

We will mail this free Stater to any whose address we obtain. Thank you.

Susan Baumann Jennifer Block John Cash Jaclynn Clarke Cyndee Ruegge Coudeyras Charles Cowden Mace Curry Beverly Loeske Dawson Billy Duren Yalana Schuette Edelman Javier Encino Jeffrey Endorf Angela Guinn Norman Humble Dougla Jordan Marcie Kerr Marilyn Kreifels Kimberly Lang Jaime Hahn Langley Charles Lanning Diane Hardy Mandina-Barton Timothy Moore Chester Oszust Alma Cross Pennel William Porter Amanda Ray Danelle Reed Mohammad Sarker David Sherwood Kristine Sorenson Jason Ward Tonia Boller William

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Awards I Excellence Bestowed On Four Bane, Barrett, Beck, and Fauver Gain Thousand Oaks Awards Remarkable career achievements by four notable Peru State College graduates will be recognized in April at the annual Thousand Oaks Alumni Excellence ceremony, according to PSC President Dr. Michael Evans.

The guests of honor at the event on campus on Tuesday, April 18 will be Lonnie Bane of New Braunfels, Texas; Dr. Roland Barrett of Norman, Qkla.; Dena Beck of Minden; and Dr. Joseph "Seph" Fauver of Omaha.

Bane, a 1980 graduate, will represent School of Professional Studies. Barrett, a 1977 alumnus, is the selection for the School of Education. The Graduate Program representative will be Beck, who obtained her Masters degree in 2008. Fauver, a 2013 alumnus, is the School of Arts and Sciences choice.

"These honorees represent the kind of excellence Peru State College is known for," said Peru State President Michael Evans. "They have reached impressive levels of success, and we are delighted to recognize them with this award.

The Thousand Oaks Alumni Excellence program, established in 2018, is sponsored by the Peru State College Foundation. Recipients must have demonstrated exceptional service to the College or community and/or outstanding achievements in their career.

Candidates are nominated to, and their achievements compiled by, the Peru State College Foundation. Top selections are forwarded to the Deans of the respective academic areas for review, then reviewed by Foundation staff and a team of Peru State alumni. A list of finalists is forwarded to President Evans and members of his cabinet for final approval.

Lonnie Bane School of Professional Studies A native of Nebraska City, Lonnie Bane had on-the-job training in business while he attended Peru State in the midlate 1970s. He and his wife Darla owned and operated a clothing shop in Nebraska City while he was a full-time student. He graduated in 1980 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration.

Upon graduation Bane was hired by Frito Lay as an employment and human resources manager in Frankfort, Ind.

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His next stop was with Singer-American Meter in Nebraska City and Philadelphia, Pa., followed by a variety of senior HR positions for Mobil Oil Corp, working in Illinois, Virginia, Saudi Arabia and Texas.

Bane's HR career continued to advance with appointments at firms in Indiana and Texas until landing a post as Senior Vice President for HR with the former America West Airlines (now part of American Airlines) in Phoenix for four years. The next seven were spent at a $3 billion global offshore oil and gas drilling company, Houston-based Pride International, where Bane served as Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Administrative Officer.

In 2011, when Pride International was acquired, Bane left to start his own Executive Coaching and HR Strategy Consulting firm, coaching "C" suite executives in the gas and oil industry. He operated Bane Coaching & Consulting for five years. During this time he also served as a principal consultant for hrQ Inc., with offices in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, Texas.

Bane also spent three years serving as chairman and chief executive officer

of The Sierra Institute, a global Executive HR Association with members from around the world. He retired to his home outside of New Braunfels in 2016.

He now spends his time doing some commercial real estate development and raising cattle at his ranch in Shiner, T~xas.

Dr. Roland Barrett School of Education It's a safe bet that the song "Boomer Sooner" isn't on many favorite playlists in Nebraska, but it's been music to the ears of Oklahoma University's Dr. Roland Barrett for 35 years.

Roland is the son of the late Peru State vice president Dr. Clyde Barrett ('56) and Mrs. Betty (Neil '57) Barrett of Friendswood, Texas. He grew up in Peru and graduated from Peru State in 1977, bound for a career in music education.

Barrett has created a national reputation in his chosen field.

Barrett was the Henry Zarrow Presidential Professor and Professor of Music Theory at OU before retiring last July. He was director of the Oklahoma University School of Music for six years.

He has more than 300 published original works and arrangements for symphonic band, chamber ensembles and marching bands to his credit.· Barrett's compositions have been featured on National Public Radio and the USA cable television network and at several national competitions and conventions.

He joined OU in 1987 as assistant director of bands, a position he held for 17 years, and was promoted to professor of music theory and composition in 2001, a post he held for 16 years. His primary teaching responsibilities focused on 20th century topics and both undergraduate and graduate theory and composition.

Barrett continues to serve as primary musical arranger for the Pride of Oklahoma marching band. He and his wife, Marie, live in Norman, Okla.

Dena Beck Graduate Studies A commitment to improving the lives of rural Nebraskans is the hallmark of Dena Beck's career, and firs in perfectly with the role and mission of Peru State, Nebraska's oldest college. Beck is the 2022 Thousand Oaks Alumni Award winner, representing the PSC Graduate Studies program.

Both a native and a current resident of Minden, Neb., Beck is an Affiliated Funds Development Coordinator with the Nebraska Community Foundation.

NCF was established in 1994 by a group of visionaries determined to empower communities to grow and prosper.

Beck works from her home office near Minden to provide technical assistance to NCF affiliated funds in south central and southeast Nebraska. Through philanthropy, NCF helps communities develop high quality of life, strong economies, and empower local leaders to bring about positive change.

Before joining NCF, Beck worked for another highly respected rural development group, the Center for Rural Affairs. She was senior project leader and business specialist with its Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP).

Beck served Center for Rural Affairs for 12 years. It was during this time (2008) that she obtained her Master of Organization Management degree from Peru State, in entrepreneurial and economic development.

For the previous five years, Beck managed the Minden Chamber of Commerce and Kearney County Economic Development Agency. She earned her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University. Beck, her husband David, and her family live near Minden.

(continued on page 9)

Recollections of Peru State in the 1940s and '50s

By Dr. Sharon Ocker Editor's Note: Dr. Sharon Ocker ('53, Masters '60), lifelong educator and noted writer from Sioux City, Iowa, provided this look back on some memorable people and times from his days at the then - Peru State Teachers College. While the names and some ofthe technology has changed, most of us can relate to these types ofexperiences . . .

..,,

Dr. Joseph Fauver School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Joseph "Seph" Fauver ('13) has already made his mark in the science field, and the Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Department of Epidemiology is only getting warmed up.

Upon completing his doctorate in microbiology from Colorado State University, Fauver joined Washington University (St. Louis, Mo.) for two years as a postdoctoral research associate. He spent the next two years at the Yale School of Public Health as a postdoctoral fellow and an Associate Research Scientist from 2019-2021.

While at Yale, Fauver dedicated considerable time and effort to the global effort to combat the COVID pandemic.

He collaborated directly with officials from the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL) - and directly with Peru State College, providing guidance and counsel to PSC officials in its development of policies and procedures to address the outbreak.

As an epidemiologist, Fauver has a particular interest - as have others before him at Peru State - in mosquitoborne pathogens. Fauver's research lab at UNMC studies the genomic epidemiology of mosquito-borne pathogens, COVID-19, and Neglected Tropical Diseases such as hookworm. Fauver resides in Omaha.

The heart of a college is the faculty. When I attended Peru from 1949 to 1953 and again in the late 50's, we had a small but dedicated group of teachers. They cared about the college and did the things to give us a well-rounded education in preparation to be teachers.

By the way, it was basically a teacher's college then and it is amazing how many of chose students became career teachers, many in southeast Nebraska.

I breezed through an old annual the ocher day, and it brought back lots of memories about those fac ulty members.

Vic Jindra was a violin player and taught a class chat all students took in those days, "Music Appreciation." He worked hard to cover lots of bases so that we understood more about that wonderful field.

One day, he played the Minuet in G and danced across the floor in front of us.

That was a real treat. He only gave two tests during the semester - a mid-term and a final. His tests were basically "listening" exams. As he taught about all kinds of music, he would often play records to illustrate.

For the test, he would play from a record and ask us co identify the source. I loved music and I spent extra time listening to records so that I could do okay on the rests.

Some of my football and basketball buddies didn't bother to do that. _Ac che_mid-cerm, they placed themselves in the room near me so that I could help wnh thelf answers. Well, Mr. Jindra, as the old saying goes, wasn't born yesterday.

For the final, I was a bit late while coming from another exam, and my buddies had arranged the seating so that I could be in the best place to help them.

When we were all present, Mr. J. announced that he had a seating chart for us to follow. We quickly followed his lead and found our places. I wonder how many of my friends failed that day - ouch!

The arc teacher at that time was Norma Diddel. She taught another required class, "Art Appreciation." The first day she gave us an assignment that asked us to check for arc all over the campus - paintings, sculpture and the like. That was a real eyeopener and called our attention to important works that we might have missed on our own.

One of her lessons was about sculpture, and she asked each student to make a small animal out of clay that day in class. I missed that day because of a football trip, so on Monday morning, I dropped in to see about making it up. She grabbed a hunk of clay, and while giving me the info from class, she formed a small squirrel. Of course, it was a lot better than I could have done, but I missed my chance to do my own thing.

Rex Floyd taught a class in Audio-Visual Aids that all education candidates were required to take. One day, we were viewing a movie on the old Bell and Howell 16 mm machine. Of course, the lights were out. Rex got word of a phone call, so he left the room to take the call.

Soon after he left, and unbeknownst to us, the film broke and began to pile up in the corner. When he got back and turned the lights on, the whole corner of the room was full of film! That was amazing and we got a huge laugh. It probably took quite a while to get that film back on the reel.

There aren't many Peruvians left who were at Peru when I was, but the ones who are might get a kick out of these memories. Hopefully, others will, too.

Dr. Sharon Ocker

Victor Jindra

Norma Diddel

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ABoot-iful Homecoming The 2022 Homecoming theme was "Bobcat in Boots," and it was a spectacular autumn weekend for the annual celebration.

On Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30Oct. 1, Peru State College alumni and friends converged on the campus for a variety of events. Alumni convened at the President and First Lady's home before participating in the annual allcollege banquet on Friday evening.

The banquet honored special classes, and ten members of the Class of 1972 were in attendance celebrating their 50-year anniversary.

Ray Meister of Fremont, Neb. received a special honor as the lone representative from the graduating class of 1962.

A beautiful Saturday began with the annual Homecoming parade, one of the largest in many years. It was followed by a chuck wagon lunch and carnival on the campus quad.

At halftime of the football game in the Oak Bowl, seniors Daniela Lagunas and Andrew Black Elk were crowned as the 2022 Homecoming Queen and King.

Homecoming 2023 is set for Sept.

29-30 and will feature the Class of '73 as the honored class.

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Can1pus News New Grad Programs Launched The Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges approved two new graduate degree programs for Peru State College.

The two new programs are included as focus areas in the Master of Science in Organizational Management (MSOM) degree: -Strategic Leadership and Communication -Healthcare Administration "Both new focus areas offer the advantage of being available completely online to accommodate the schedule of the working professionals, providing access to obtaining a degree while still working full time," said Dr. Greg Seay, Dean of Graduate Programs. "In addition, the courses are taught by a combination of academically prepared faculty in their area of expertise and with professionals currently working in the field to bring real world applications to the classroom."

"The Strategic Leadership and Communication option intends to be a developmental tool to expand an

individuals' knowledge in leadership, communication, mentorship, and team design as they promote within their career of choice," said Dr. Amber Mahan, Dean of the School of Professional Studies.

Coursework for the Strategic Leadership and Communication focus area includes Executive Coaching and Mentoring, Strategic Communication in Leadership, Leadership Theory and Practice, and Team Design and Performance.

Healthcare Administration coursework includes Healthcare Delivery and Organizational Systems, Healthcare Economics and Finance, Healthcare Information Systems, and Healthcare Law, Policy and Compliance.

The programs will be available beginning in Fall 2023. Contact Seay (gseay@peru.edu) or Emily Volker, Graduate Academic Advisor, (evolker@ peru.edu) for more information or call 402-872-2314.

Dr. Darolyn Seay Earns Research Award

Dr. Darolyn Seay

The Northern Rocky Mountain Educational Research Association (NRMERA) has presented its Exemplary Service Award to Dr. Darolyn Seay.

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Seay is associate professor of education at Peru State College. The award recognizes an association member who consistently dedicates time, energy and wisdom to the organization; held an office in or has significantly contributed in service; and has been active in the association for at least ten years.

NRMERA is the regional affiliate of the American Educational Research Association. It provides a setting where one can present research, receive feedback and learn from colleagues.

NRMERA consists of representatives from Nebraska, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

A member of the Peru State faculty since 2008, Dr. Seay is NRMERA membership chair and a peer reviewer and an editorial board member for its research journal, in which she has published multiple articles.

Dr. Seay and Dr. Sara Westerlin, PSC assistant professor of education, will co-chair NRMERA's annual meeting in 2023.

Phi Beta Lambda Now FBLA Collegiate One of the most popular and successful student organizations at Peru State College, Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) business group, can no longer be found on campus.

Instead, and after several years of research, Phi Beta Lambda, is now Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate. Peru State's local adviser, Dr. Sheri Grotrian ('02), and interim director of the Foundation, Ted L. Harshbarger ('77), long-time state adviser for Nebraska PBL, both note that the change was probably long overdue.

Professor Hamden Forkner of Columbia University came up with the concept for FBLA in 1937 with the idea of uniting middle and high school business clubs nationwide. Later, a collegiate division was developed and named Phi Beta Lambda.

This past year, FBLA was rebranded with the aim of meeting Forkner's original plan - uniting business clubs nationwide, both on the secondary and postsecondary level.

Harshbarger, himself a PBL member while at Peru State in the 1970s, previously served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for what was then FBLA-PBL, Inc. He commented, "The rebrand was needed and should provide for a more fluid transition from high school to college.

"When I was on the national board, we did research as well, which did show reasons to change, but also had some loyalists to PBL and its image. Personally, I thought it was important to make a

change and am glad the new leadership of the association felt it appropriate to do it now," Harshbarger said.

Grotrian, also a member of PBL while in college at Peru State, and now a long-time adviser of the highly successful student organization, stated, "The transition from Phi Beta Lambda to FBLA Collegiate has the organization moving in the right direction.

"While there is long-standing notoriety of PBL by those who are familiar with it, it is presumed that even more individuals readily recognize the FBLA name.

Ultimately, we are all hopeful that this consistency in names across all levels of the organization will allow for easier recruitment and retention of students as they enter the college ranks. If we can have more students get the topnotch educational experiences that the organization affords, then it is considered a success."

E-Newsletters Coming The Foundation staff intends to continue the story about FBLA Collegiate as part of its future bi-monthly e-newsletters which will begin in April. It will provide more information about Peru State's success as a chapter and their plans for the future.

In addition, the e-newsletcer will have current updates on various topics which will help update alumni and friends in between the two editions of the Peru Stater published each year.

Authors Among Us: Raabe, Foland and Hart

By Ted L. Harshbarger ('77) We know we have many talented Peru State graduates out there doing remarkable things. Among those are several authors. This feature will tell the stories of three alumni - Chris Raabe ('97), Becky (Cooper '05, '09) Foland and Kevin Hart ('78) yes, Peru State has its own Kevin Hart.

Chris Raabe "The New Phenomenon" Raabe became an author because of an issue he encountered while teaching a group of seventh grade boys. He noted challenges prodding and pulling them into reading, with little or no success.

One day, Raabe asked his students, "If I would write a book, would you read it?"

Their response was "We would read 30 pages." He smiled because the 30-page comment was a rule he had established with his classes - you must give a book 30 pages before rejecting it and selecting a different one.

So Raabe wrote a young adult novel, with his target audience being boys who didn't like to read. Six weeks later, he had "The New Phenomenon" -- and the reviews from his students were outstanding. Eventually, the Millard (Neb.) Public Schools adopted it as curriculum for a novel unit.

But Raabe wasn't done, as he wrote a sequel and eventually a trilogy - "On The Run" was published in 2013, followed by "End Game" the following year.

The stories evolved around Christian Pearson, a teen entering his first year of high school in Red Oak, Iowa. His family had moved to the small town where he endured the struggles of high school all while hiding a secret.

When Christian was confronted about his secret, he learns the government is looking for him, and he must carefully decide his next moves. The trilogy is realistic fiction with a supernatural twist. All three of his novels are the most checked out books in the school library for the past ten years.

After 20 years of teaching English, Raabe now instructs eighth grade U.S. History, and Creative Writing.

In addition, he coaches middle school football. He volunteers for the Millard West Show Choir and travels the country to follow his daughter who is a member of the UNL soccer team. Raabe says he doesn't have the time or money to be a full-time author, but his bucket-list item has been a great experience.

At Peru State, Raabe was a member of the Bobcat baseball team, was in student government, wrote for the student newspaper as the sports editor and columnist, and was an intramurals champion.

You can get Raabe's books on Amazon; for a signed copy, contact him at 402-618 -3304.

Becky Foland

Becky Foland Author of Six Books Poland's story is opposite of Raabe's, as she started writing as a fifth grader at Dawson-Verdon Public Schools (Neb.) (now closed) and has never stopped. After receiving a journal as a gift from a friend, Foland just wrote things down of what she saw or things that she had done. After she quickly filled that journal, she started filling up notebooks .

Once she arrived at Peru State, she worked extensively with Dr. Bill Clemente - now Professor Emeritus of English. Dr. Clemente told her that writers help people feel less alone and she _has clung to that premise ever since.

While at Peru State, she was an assistant editor of the student newspaper and was published in Sifting Sands - a compilation of literary works done by students at the College. In addition to writing, Foland was a member of the Peru State cheerleading team.

She has been a contributor to the Nebraska-based website Her View From Home, the Today Show, Today Show Parents, Filter Free Parents, Love What Matters, and the Elephant Journal.

Foland has authored six books total "The London Chronicles," "Longbourn State of Mind," "Lost Along The Way," "The King and Miss Clark," "The Light Brigade," and "The Price of Faith."

She predominantly writes romance novels but dabbles in poetry - a good choice as The Light Brigade, her first published poetry book, was dubbed a Hot New Release and a #1 New Release on Amazon. In addition, she has recently written an essay that will appear in the upcoming book So God Made a Mother.

Her website is rebeccacooperauthor. com or you can find her on Facebook at @rebeccacooperauthor. If you are an lnstagram user, you can also find her at @rebeccacooperauthor. You can purchase her books on Amazon.

Foland teaches ninth grade English in Waukee, Iowa. She is also a curriculum lead and part of the Instructional Leadership Team there. She has been teaching for 17 years with previous stops in Schuyler and Hooper, Nebraska. She is married to Craig and has a son, Tucker.

Kevin Hart "Don't Throw Rocks" The newest author among our Peru State alumni is Kevin Hart, who recently retired after a lengthy career in education - both in the classroom and in administration and in the corporate world in warehousing, transportation, and logistics.

Hart authored his book "Don't Throw Rocks: and Other Things My Dad Taught Me (But Didn't Do)" primarily to give credit to his father and other dads. "Dads deserve more credit. This book is giving dads their due. Dads are there through the thick and the thin, the good and the bad, and the happy and sad.

"This book is a tribute to my father and all the things that he tried to impress upon me as I grew up and through my adulthood. Some lessons took longer than others," Hart noted.

Even though his father passed away some time ago, Hart notes that he is always with him and always teaching and reminding him of the things to do. He noted it isn't a book about "dad jokes," but rather "dad lessons."

His book shares stories that are both heartwarming and humorous - each one has an impactful lesson to offer.

"Don't Throw Rocks: And Other Things My Dad Taught Me (But I Didn't Do)" can be purchased online at Apple iBooks Store, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

Hart lives in Marcus, Iowa. He has two children - Zachary and Justina - and two grandchildren - Noah and Jamelia. When he is not writing, he enjoys gardening, landscaping, reading, and fishing. While at Peru State, Hart was involved in the theatre and student government.

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Vrtiska Seibel Joins Foundation Board

Lori (Vrtiska '84) Seibel has joined the Peru State College Foundation Board of Directors to usher in 2023. The Lincoln, Neb. resident was elected in November and began her three-year term in January.

Jeff Greenwald ('71) and Al Urwin ('82) of LaVista, Neb. were re-elected to the Board.

The Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation whose sole mission is to support Peru State College through receipt and distribution of charitable gifts

to support the college. Board members serve on a voluntary basis.

Seibel, a native of Table Rock, has extensive experience in the non-profit sector. She is currently serving as president and chief executive officer of the Community Health Endowment (CHE) of Lincoln - a position she has held since 1999.

CHE's mission is to make Lincoln the healthiest community in the nation.

To achieve this vision, CHE invests in health-related projects and programs and convenes the community around important health issues.

Prior to joining CHE, Seibel served as an aide for two Lincoln mayors - Dale Young and Mike Johanns. In addition, for four years she was an epidemiologist for the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.

Seibel earned a master of science in preventive medicine and epidemiology from the University of WisconsinMadison School of Medicine and Public Health. Her late parents, former State Sen. Floyd and Doris Wagner ('47) Vrtiska, were staunch Peru State supporters, and the addition to Hoyt Science Hall was named in their honor.

Long Bicentennial Fund Endures Tough 2022 Market The stock market giveth, and as most investors know, it can also taketh away.

Such was the case with the Daryl and Peggy Long Bicentennial Fund with the Peru State College Foundation.

Established in early 2021 with a $100,000 gift from the Longs, by the end of that year it had grown to nearly $134,000.

As of this past Dec. 31, after a difficult economic year, the balance stood at $109,505.14 - a loss of more than $24,000.

Not to worry, according to both Long and to the Peru State College Foundation.

The fund won't be tapped until 2067, the 200th anniversary of Peru State. By that time it will almost certainly be valued in the millions.

Daryl, a Professor Emeritus at Peru State who served the college for 50 years,

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and Peggy Long established the fund in large part to help alumni understand the power of investment earnings over time.

In other words, it's yet another lesson from a pair of lifelong educators. Part of that lesson is that investments come with both risk and rewards - but in the long term, reward will far exceed short-term risk.

When the Long Fund matures in 2067, Peru State College will be able to use two-thirds of the balance. The remaining one-third of the balance will be reinvested in a similar fashion.

Ultimately, Peggy (who passed away recently) and Daryl hope their Bicentennial Fund encourages others to do what they have done so generously invest in Peru State College.

Volunteering their time to pick up trash during Giving Day '22 were PSC students Back Row {I tor): Owen Smith, Elena Martin Front Row {I tor): Sador Schriner, Alfie Steele, Matthew Gronenthal, AubreyWattier

Giving Day 2022 Succeeds Thanks To Generosity of Alumni, Students The Peru State College Foundation hosted its third Giving Day in October.

Giving came in many forms, from alumni and friends to students, faculty and staff.

More than $55,000 was raised for the College from 90 donors. In addition to financial gifts, though, Peru State students gave by participating in various volunteer events to support the campus and community at large.

"Giving Day is a way for the Bobcat family to contribute to a cause - whether through volunteerism or philanthropy," said Ted L. Harshbarger ('77), Interim CEO of the Peru State Foundation.

Giving Day goals were set at securing 155 student volunteers, and an equal number of donors. That number is significant as Peru State first held classes on October 24, 1867 - 155 years ago.

Four primary areas of support were targeted for Giving Day contributions in 2022. They included Project ROAR, the capital campaign for five new buildings on campus; What You Love, which provides gifts to any program, sport, or scholarship; Greatest Needs, which supports faculty, staff, and departments and the Foundation; and Bobcat S.O.S. (Serving our Students) which will help students with small grants for financial hardships.

Harshbarger noted that for the past two years, a generous anonymous donor has challenged supporters to contribute $25,000; since that goal was met, the donor added another $25,000.

While the goal for donors came up short, student volunteers exceeded the goal according to Carrie Bradrick, Director of Student Activities and Programs at Peru State.

At least ten different student groups reported Giving Day service activities.

The Science Club spent time cleaning up the Brownville Library, while Rotaract members read and did activities in the Peru Day Care, as did members of the Black Student Union.

The Collegiate FBLA (former Phi Beta Lambda) did their biannual AdoptA-Highway Program trash pick-up. Phi Alpha Theta, the academic honorary for social science majors, did clean-up on the Lewis and Clark Trail.

The Peru State Catholic Union made blankets for Project Response, while Students Active In Leadership made buttons to sell with the proceeds going to the Bobcat SOS fund for Giving Day. Campus Activities Board helped with campus and residence hall cleanup.

Two groups did trick or treating for Bobcat Bites, the student food pantry on campus. Members of the National Society of Leadership and Success, along with the Residence Hall Association, visited the Peru and Auburn communities for food pantry donations.

To learn more about Peru State's Giving Day, go to www.peru.edu/ foundation/givingday. Plans are underway for 2023, with tentative dates of Oct. 24 and 25.

The 1867 Society: Plan Today,

Change The World Tomorrow

Tim, Cindy, and Justin Hoffman

New Hoffman Family Scholarship Targets Music Majors One of the newest endowed (permanent) scholarships established with the Peru State College Foundation will be music to the ears of a music major.

The Tim, Cindy & Justin Hoffman Scholarship will be awarded annually starting this fall. A generous gift from the Hoffman family will yield a $1,000 scholarship for the next several years; as investment funds from the endowment grow, the scholarship will increase as well.

Tim ('84) and Cindy (Plantenga '82) Hoffman, owners of Rixstine Recognition in Lincoln, Neb., are longtime PSC Foundation Board members and were cotreasurers until this year. They have long

been among the most active and involved alumni supporters of Peru State.

Justin, a former student and music major, is a resident of Lincoln.

Recipients of the Hoffman Scholarship are to be junior music majors, with preference given to students with financial need.

All recipients of scholarships funded by the Peru State College Foundation are selected by the College; the Foundation, a private non-profit corporation which exists solely to support the college through charitable, tax-deductible gifts, is not involved in determining recipients.

The 1867 Society enables Peru State alumni and friends to give back to the College through an estate plan, ensuring future students have the same or better opportunities than the College made available to you.

The 1867 Society recognizes those who have included a contribution to the Peru State College Foundation in a will or estate plan and have informed us of those plans.

Including one or more charities as a part of an estate plan can redirect or offset money that would otherwise go to the government in the form of taxes.

Sometimes charitable giving through an estate plan can even maximize the amount that can be left to family members by reducing the tax burden on an estate.

When considering charitable giving as a part of an estate, it can be wise to look first at tax-deferred assets - those allowed to grow tax free until you need to use them. These often make the best gifts to your favorite tax-exempt charities.

Two of the most common ways to make a charitable gift with an estate plan, include: 1. A bequest in a will leaving a percentage or a specific amount of the estate to Peru State College Foundation 2. A beneficiary designation on an IRA, retirement plan, life insurance policy or commercial annuity Burden On Heirs Some assets, when passed on to heirs, also pass along the tax burden of those

Omaha-Area Alumni Reunion Scheduled For Thursday, June 8 Peru fairhful who live in rhe grearer Omaha area mighr wam ro pencil in Thursday, June 8 for rhe annual Omaha-Area Alumni Reunion.

A frequent venue for rhe evem, rhe German-American Sociery Club (3717 S 120rh Srreer), has been determined according ro i\1itzi (Stehlik ' 7 6. ,\1asters '92) Hoback. A social hour will commence at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30.

Invitations will be distributed as the event nears . For any Peru Stater not living in the greater Omaha area bur interested in attending, please contact rhe Peru State College Foundation and ask to be included on the im·itation.

The Foundation can be reached at 402-872-2304, orb>· email ar pscfoundation@peru.edu

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assets. These could include retirement funds, savings bonds that have reached maturity or commercial annuities.

A gift from an estate to Peru State College Foundation can be designated to a specific purpose on campus, or it can be undesignated ("Greatest Need").

Notifying the Peru State College Foundation of your estate intentions allows the Foundation to collaborate with you to create the legacy you want to leave at Peru State College. Peru State has 81 living members of the 1867 Society.

Please call or email the Foundation, (402) 872-2304 or pscfoundation@peru. edu if you have questions about a future gift to benefit Peru State College or to find out how to become a member of the 1867 Society. We would be happy to discuss your goals and wishes to create your legacy at Peru State College.

Special Event For Members The Foundation will be contacting current 1867 Society members over the next few months to update records. In addition, an event is being planned for Saturday, Sept. 9, which will be available for all 1867 Society members to attend.

If you have a more questions, check out our estate planning information at https: //peru. planningyourlegacy.org/

This article is not intended as financial or legal advice. When making decisions about assets and estate planning, please consult an attorney or professional advisor.

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Honoring the past · Securing thefature

600 Hoyt St ~ PO Box 10 ~ Peru, NE 68421

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Now, More Than Ever, We Need Your Support!

I

The 2022 Peru State College Honor Roll of Donors Annually we give thanks and recognition to the many alumni and friends of Peru State College who support our students, faculty, and staff with their gifts to the College's Foundation.

These people, along with the business and organizations also included, make a substantial difference in the lives of PSC students.

The following list reflects gifts received during the 2022 calendar year ending last December 31 and who have not requested anonymity. While we strive to make it complete and accurate, errors and omissions do occur. If you believe you were inadvertently left off the list, or have any ocher corrections, please reach out to us in any of the following ways.

Mail: Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010 Phone: 402-872-2304 Email: pscfoundation@peru.edu

1940s Nelle (Runyan) Pfister li7 Evelyn (Gatz) Yanders >!8 Thomas li9 and Dorothy (Maynard >!9) Hallstrom Lloyd \i9 and Mary (Becker '55) Hunzeker David Lang '49 1950s Gertrude (Metzger) Ettleman '50 Laurel (Adamson) Lewis '50 Jean (Krueger) Niedfeldt '50 Barbara (Bragg) Clayburn '51 Rohen '51 and Marion (Pratt '54) Eilers Charles Carlos Harrison '51 Verne Meier '51 Sherry (Clites) Penney '51 Grac.e Pfister '51 Otto '51 and Janet Rath Carolyn (McFadden) Sipes '51 William Voegeli '51 Sharon '53 and Mat Ocker Harold Rasplicka '53 Bill '53 and Janic.e (Redfern '52) Schulte Loren '54 and Elsie Argabright Regina (Stander) Colben '54 Ben '54 and Carol (McKee '53) Duerfeldt Kenneth '54 and Mary (Handley '54) Hoag Jenis (Craig) Reasoner '54 Jeanne (Malek) Wall '54 John Christ '55 Marilyn (Hawxby) Clements '55 Phyllis (Constant) Didleau '55 Mary (Becker '55) and Lloyd li9 Hunzeker Ronald Paap '55 William '55 and Laverna (Roos '61) Sayer Georgia (Bauer '56) and Bertis '56 Adams Lois (Puppe) McMullen '56

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Nds '56 and Kathryn Overgaard Charles '56 and Vickie (Lecure '71) Pickering John '56 and Gera (Powers '55) Stilwell Berry (Neil) Barrett '57 Bil!Beck'57 Charles Krumme '57 Harlan Oesrrnann '57 Fred Rochen '57 Muriel (Rieke) Docker '58 Franc.es (Stilwell) Jolly '58 Robert Norvell '58 Marjorie (Peckham '58) and Trirnaine Scribner Francia (Lacson) Witt '58 Gary '59 and Joyc.eAdams Robert '59 and Mary (Riley '66) Bohlken Nadine (Adcock) Fahrlander '59 Virginia (Ferguson '59) and Richard Meyerkonh Pauline (Kish) Osterholm '59 Jerry Patterson '59 Janic.e (Shurtleff) Phillips '59 Jean (Ruyle) Rottman '59 Harry '59 and Arlyne Weichel 1960s Gary '60 and Marian (Schmidt '60) Anderson Marlene (Allgood) Ballance '60 Harry Bryant '60 Charles Francis '60 Thomas Higgins '60 Donald Kasbohm '60 Delynn '60 and Marilyn Kienker Jan (Lillechorup) Krakow '60 Jerry '60 and Glenda Paden Ronald Stolcenberg '60 Connie (Erisman) Biggers '61

Leona (Christen) Dostal '61 Keith '61 and Virginia ('61) Hawxby Jack '61 and Bemic.e Head David '61 and Nancy Hoffinan Gerald '61 andLeannJeanneret Michael Roddy '61 Laverna (Roos '61) and William '55 Sayer Donna (Francis) Schwettley '61 Judith (Adams) All,,aood '62 Linda (Benram) Bell '62 Ronald '62 and Patricia Carnes Glenn '62 and Judith Irwin Ray '62 and Myrna Meister Gordon '62 and Jean Ohnoutka Kenneth '62 and S. Jane (Kunkel '64) Rhodus Dorothy (Ast) Rydberg '62 Richard Stock '62 Gaylin '62 and Carol (McLain '63) Sudik Lee Haeberlein '63 Ronald '63 and Nancy Kelley Milan Kloepfer '63 Sharylin (Vniska '63) and Vern Knock Michael Leahy '63 Charlotte (Wheeler) Lunsford '63 Linda (Beery) Moree '63 Robert Reimers '63 Robert Reitz '63 Gary '63 and Mary Garvis '63) Schlange Enoch '63 and Judy Shepherd Larry '63 and Ramona (Grindle '61) Swett Charles '64 and Mary (Sautter '66) Caverzagie

Norma (Reiman) Clinton '64 Jerry '64 and Christina (Banks '88) Joy James Minor '64 Lloyd '64 and Berry (Painter '64) Russo Donald '64 and Ardith (Pratt '63) Rut Linda Geffers) Sims '64 Franc.es (Sanders '64) and Gordon Steinbrook Beverly (Parde) Weiss '64 JoAnn (Hauptman) Barry '65 Gary Bedea '65 George '65 and Cynthia Bleich Daniel '65 and Carol (Thornton '68) Coffey Gene '65 and Judi D'Allemand Ilma (Gobber) Gottula '65 Judith (Beran '65) and Dennis Hetherington Dan '65 and Marilyn Leuenberger Bruc.e '65 and Linda (Renz '66) Mau Marion '65 and Barbara (Lasko '65) Miller Keith '65 and Lucille (Christensen '65) Rawson FrankSpiruoco '65 Donald Wright '65 Mary (Riley '66) and Rohen '59 Bohlken Dale '66 and Marilyn Duensing Larry '66 and Bhawani Eden Gary Fritch '66 Louis '66 and Judy Fritz Michael '66 and Cecilia (Evangelist '67) Harmon Robert '66 and Sarah Leander Peter Lynch '66 H. Dean '66 and LaRue Marshall Verona (Borcher) Neumann '66 Samuel Smith '66 James '66 and Jennifer Sprague

Lonnie '67 and Carol Bohling Richard Duponcheel '67 Paul '67 and Arlene (Borcher '67) Fell Kenneth Gayer '67 Michael '67 and Janic.e Guilliatt Gary '67 and Carol (Henderson '67) Henning Vernon '67 and Gail Krenzer Nancy (McCullough) Nealon '67 John Patterson '67 Carol (Hawley) Schmucker '67 James '67 and Linda Scanosheck Leonard Tomlyn '67 Eloy '68 and Jo Arellano Eston Clarke '68 Douglas '68 and Diane Comer Douglas Cramer '68 Richard Daly '68 Harry '68 and Patricia (Quigley '68) Elder William Kerins '68 John McVicker '68 and Mary Lu (Hicks '68) McCoy Teresa (Hummel) Minard '68 Gary '68 and Martha (Seiben '70) Schafrer Ralph Schawang '68 Kennard Stoner '68 Bruc.e '68 and Kathy Vickrey Ronald Yates '68 John Bernadt '69 Renee (Eberhard '69) and Leon '71 Bose Dwayne Brettmann '69 Eleca Eisenhauer '69 Eugene Feit '69 Clarence '69 and Janet Haws Larry '69 and Marian '93 Henderson Paul '69 and Yvonne (Pfannebecker '78) Horel Nancy (McMullen '69) and Tom '71 Kunkel Diane (Reeve) Laub '69 Richard Linder '69 Gail (Ankrom) Masonbrink '69 Nick '69 and Cheri (Combs '68) Petrillo Robert Ridenour '69 Richard '69 and Margaret (Lutt '70) Smith Ronald Steiner '69

1970s Rohen '70 and Paula Beran Larry Cotton '70 Barbara (Richard '70) and Ron Easley Benon Faulkner '70 Lawrence Finke '70 James Head '70 Ronald '70 and Linda Jones Maureen (Stutheit) Marshall '70 Joe McReynolds '70 Martin '70 and Ruch (Leuenberger '71) Paper David Sackles '70 Martha (Seiben '70) and Gary '68 Schaffer Margaret (Lutt '70) and Richard '69 Smith Mike '70 and Katherine '15 Tynon RayUher'70 Donald Wiechec '70 Carole Boic.e '71 Leon '71 and Renee (Ebemard '69) Bose Steven Drake '71 Eldonna (Gobber) Forrest '71

Jayne (Engel '71) and Jim Fredrickson Jeffiey'71 andJudyGreenwald George Han= '71 Rohen Kiser '71 Tom '71 and Nancy (McMullen '69) Kunkel Robert Lisee '71 Darwin '71 and Shelly McHugh Ronald '71 and Susan (Ritter '72) Meyer Rodney '71 and Janie (Riepe '76) Momang Vickie (Lecure '71) and Charles '56 Pickering Francis '71 and Sandy Powers Willa Jean (Sodrnann) Stutheit '71 James Bailey '72 Vicki (Hall '72) and Rohen Beilke Rodrick '72 and Wanda (McKim '73) Bruc.e Paul '72 and Linda Chatelain Nancy (Wtlksen) Crook '72 Dallas '72 and Barbara (Fritz '73) Jones Mary (Hinrichs) Kellogg '72 Charles Klingler '72 Kennard '72 and Dixie Larson Richard Mezger '72 EdMyers'72 Robert '72 and Judy (Henning '71) Peterson William Peterson '72 Steve Stemper '72 Esther (Prescon) Tegtmeier '72 Dean Tecen '72 Jon Tritsch '72 Kent '72 and Nancy (Schlange '71) Wilson James Wilson '72 Rick '73 and Kyle Black Rena (Merritt '73) and Richard Hall Fred '73 and Trudy Gones '74) Lainson Roger Michaelis '73 Carole (Rarick) Obermeyer '73 Fred '73 and Pamela Robenson Robert '73 and Bech (Drees '77) Rue Ann (O'Connor '73) and Richard Watson Thomas Craig '74 Terry '74 and Patricia (Schultz '74) Criger Charles Heim '74 Janet (Nixon '74) and Bruce Kirkendall James '74 and Elayne Landwehr Mary McHugh '74 Dick '74 and June (Bottcher '74) Morrissey Jack '74 and Sheryl Stanley Gayle Swisegood '74 Bob '74 and Lucienne (Giersch '76) Wmter Arnold '75 and Kimbedy Allgood Dennis '75 and Patti Brady Gleora (McCage) Covault '75 Robert Craig '75 Peggy (Kreifels) Groff'75 Patricia Hopp '75 Robert Krajic.ek '75 Debra (Anderson '75) and Glen Srinn Vine.em '75 and Wendy Sunderman Theresa (Krontz) Symancyk '75 John '75 and Marie Trayer Dennis Wtlliams '75 John '76 and Jean Chatelain Anne (Tackett '76) and Russell Collingwood Linda (Doty '76) and Douglas Dickeson Laurita (Tackett '76) and Scott '80 McKercher Janet (Vanc.e '77) and Rohen Barlow Ruth (Wolf) Bolin '77

IfYou Aren't Listed Here... Shouldn't You Be?

~

I

vi

j

(continuedfrum page 16) John '77 and Phyllis '14 Dierking Ted Harshbarger '77 Bob '77 and Carol (Meyer '78) Hemmingsen John Herbst '77 Colleen (Burger '77) and Dale Kreifels David '77 and Kirn Stemper Carolyn Bednar '78 Rhonda (Ahl '78) and Sandor Chomos William '78 and Anne (Oestmann '78) Ficzgerald Yvonne (Pfunnebecker '78) and Paul '69 Hore!

Richard '78 and Penny (Baker '78) Kimball Jeffiey Scanlan '78 Mary (Priefert) Scott '78 Shirley '78 and William Snyder Sherry Taylor '78 Douglas '78 and Diana (Sullivan '78) Thomas Lance Wilson '78 Robin '79 and Rhonda McKercher Mark '79 Shively and Jay Genoa

1980s Lonnie '80 and Darla Bane Don Hardekopf'80 Scott '80 and Laurita (Tackett '76) McKercher Jack Moles '80 Joseph '80 and Laura Primm Kevin '80 and Carmen (Gerstenschlager '80) Sterner Julie (Brinkman '81) and Kip '83 Allison Kent '81 and Becki (Young '80) Propst Whip Wilson '81 Mick '82 and Katherine (Toews '82) Haney Marry Haverry '82 Keith '82 and Brenda (Sandfort '82) McKim Beth (Propst '82) and Jon '00 Mierau Dave Rossell '82 Al '82 and Kristin Urwin Kimberly Hill '83 Rick Rummel '83 Jeffiey '83 and Robin (Nelson '83) Smith Suzanne (North) Whisler '83 Patrick Harrison '84 Tim '84 and Cindy (Plantenga '82) Hoffinan Pamela (Otteman) Mitchell '84 Roselyn (Burd) Shaffer '84 Cara (Fritsch '84) and Randy '85 Simpson Carl Stevenson '84 Gary '85 and Kirn Bender Christopher '85 and Brenda Cerveny SaraBeth Donovan '85 Kevin Schlange '85 Roger Weber '85 Todd '86 and Brenda (Pawling '89) Anderson Carol (Wtlton) Chappell '86 Kevin '86 and Michelle Hixson Patrick '86 and Cathy Merrens Ritchie Nelson '86 Christopher '86 and Michelle (Workman '86) Salberg Amy (Goering '87) and Rick Clark John '87 and Patricia ('88) Ditto Jack '87 and Mary (Neels '84) Frary

RonPape'87 Mari-Ann (Henry '87) and Milo Pesek Mary (Unverr '87) and Thomas Rathe Patricia ('88) and John '87 Ditto Anita (Downing '88) and K.N. Hueftle Elton '88 and Connie (Sims '87) Edmond Darwin '88 and Tricia Gushard Christina (Banks '88) and Jerry '64 Joy Beverly (Hawkins) Schwab '88 Paul Bennett '89 RoxAnn (Dalton '89) and Douglas Coudeyras Mary (Shaffer) Grimes '89 Ruth Larsen '89 Bradley '89 and Andrea Smith

1990s Judy Oanssen) Bors '90 Rita (Loyd '90) and Pat Brennan Judy (Mullins) Hughes '90 Steven '90 and Erin (O'Grady '91) Sayer Mary (Rademacher) Findeis '91 Welton '91 and Doreen Juilfs Janice (Henning) Smith '91 Ann Oeanneret) Alden '92 John Bensley '92 Susan (Den) Cade '92 Wei Chong '92 and Stan Tan Amy (Ammeter '92) and Douglas Drake Matthew '92 and Traci (Adams '04) Hug Merri (Kolb '92) and Brad Johnson Diana Conradt-Mullen '93 Marian '93 and Larry ('69) Henderson John Ramsey '93 Dana (Briley) Stovall '93 LoReese (Lowe) Tibbs '93 Sara Oohnson) Veigel '93 Jason '94 and Dawn Forrik Kurt '94 and Maria Schlange Christopher '94 and Carrie Stangl Kristi (Scott '94) and Mickey Tunstall Susan (Lunzmann '94) and Michael Unruh Mary (Nutzmen) Wenninghoff'94 Ivan Wmeglass '94 Susan (Biere) Abrahams '95 Julie (Ramsey '95) and Matt Bauman Rhonda (Brown) Oliphant '95 Jerry '96 and Teresa (Grooms '99) Breazile Ben '95 and Jamie (Brownfield '96) Royal Jeff'95 and Audra (Williams '95) Schawang Jeffiey '96 and Laura (Lowrey '97) Fossenbarger Daniel '96 and Wendy (Oliver '96) Vic.e Tressa '97 and Kory Whittington Sean McLaughlin '98 Kimberly (Kuhlman '98) and Brad Oliver John '98 and Renee Sayer TeriDom'99 Travis Dunekacke '99 Celeste (Nolte '99) and Lukas Jones 2000s Kevin '00 and Karen Caverzagie Kathrine (Gilberr '00) and Mike Foster Steven Heine '00 Jon '00 and Beth (Propst '82) Mierau Ann (Scheitel '00) and Steve Severin Tamara (Haack) Westhart '00 Craig '01 and Rhonda (Louer '15) Aue Karen (Weber '01) and Michale Horky

Shawn '01 and Meghan Walters Scott '02 and Melissa Gibbs Sheri Grotrian '02 Daniel '02 and Nikki (Moody '04) Hayes April (Barron '02) and Aaron Schneider Alan Gregersen '03 Ted (Kasha '03) and Jonathan Kaufman Katy (Scheel '03) and John Marshall Marry Marrinez '03 Scott '03 and Lisa Nelsen Amy (Hollesen '03) and Troy Wynn Angela (Smith '04) and Jason Dibberr Traci (Adams '04) and Matthew '92 Hug Megan Kendall '04 Roger Vrrost '04 Andrew Adams '05 David '05 and Lesli Bremer Christopher '05 and Lindsey (Baumgartner '06) Lindner Gary '05 and Stephanie (Arnold '04) Mercer Nathan Morrissey '05 Emily Oantzen) Volker '05 Terry Wenzl '05 Joanna (Hays '06) and Braden Cielocha Thomas '06 and Jari (Wehmeier '07) Dunekacke Debra (Spohr) Haveman '06 Joseph '06 and Kristin (Delaney '06) Tynon James '07 and Michelle Daberkow Alec '07 and Laura Gorynski Brenda Lutz '07 Dale Pennington '07 Justin Fulton '08 Christina (Wusk '08) and Jason Wunderlich Brandon '09 and Stephanie (Galardi '09) Irons Maxwell '09 and Caitlin ('13) Kathol

2010s Lisa Parriott '10 Adam Blaylock '11 Caitlin ('13) and Maxwell '09 Kathol Antonio Edwards-Lenton '12 Robert Williamson '12 David Bierman '13 Amanda Drier '13 Wade '13 and Sara (Mencl '13) Halvorsen Devon Roesener '13 Cory Vasek '13 Phyllis '14 and John ('77) Dierking Susan '14 and Richard Witt Rhonda (Louer '15) and Craig '01 Aue Stephanie Fekkers '15 Alexandra Neemann '15 Katherine '15 and Mike '70 Tynon Craig Brown '16 TrrnothyOehring '16 Ryan '18 and Rachel Christensen 2020s Daniel Gardiner '22 Friends, Businesses and Organizations Heidi Jo Bartlett Mark Beischel Jolene Block Janice Boden Timothy Borchers and Susanne Williams Carolyn and Ed,,oar Bredemeier Kevin Brenneis

Nancy Brown Joe Burnett Cindy Cammack HollyCarr Yvonne Chandler Jane Cheek Dwayne Chism Richard and Debra Clopton William Coulter Sara and John Crook Spene.er and Vivian Davis Donald Dodge Nathan Donovan Uhl Donovan Jesse and Kirn Dorman Robert Dougherty Joyce Douglas VemaEdinger Ashleigh Eickhoff Michael and Joanna Evans Laurie and Todd.Felderman Richard and Jani Flynn Mary French Letitia Fulkerson Gregory and Marcia Galardi RoyGreller Leslie Gossman Noah and Jessica Greenwald Kate and Nolan Greenwald Jessica Greenwald Chris and Lisa Gutschow Dan and Elaine Hanson DeAnn Hanson Sharon Hersemann Jean and Dave Hillyer Paul Hinrichs Stephanie and Kenny Holmes Betty Horton Suzanne Boulden Bret and Cristy Howard Rogene Howard Judith Ivey Barbra Jones Richard and Dorothy Joy Kelcie and Shane Keeling JulieKemes Craig Latscha Richard Lombardi Patricia Longley Helen Lundak Amber Mahan Mark and Judith McKercher Maxine Mehus Amy Mine.er MaryMokris Francis and Maxine Moul Craig and Shannon Mueller Carolyn and Ken Murphy Kathleen and Wallac.e Nehls LaRhea Nichols Kristi Nies Gary Ogle JanetOwen Jan Passmore Carter Peterson Jenny Propst Fred and Susan Raybourn Kimberly and Donald Regan Laureen Reidesel

Jennifu: and Paul Rieken Donna and B. Rook James and Walta Ruff Kyle Ryan Gregory and Darolyn Seay Lucille Sharp Maynard Skinner Kim Smith Barbara Steck L. Joe Stehlik Kirn Stiens Madys Swenson-Waller James Thomas Roberr Tichy Luis Vega Jeremiah Villeneuve Fredrick and Susan Wachtler Mark Watkins Rick Whitaker Esther Wyant Jennifer True Aegon Transamerica Foundation American Society of Parasitologists Auburn State Bank BKD Blue Cross/Blue Shield BNSF Railway Company BowldogAlley Bridges Investment Mgmt Inc Community Insurance Group Inc ConAgra Foods Foundation DA Davidson El Portal Auburn Inc Farm Credit Services ofAmerica FBL Financial Group Inc First National Bank ofJohnson Flarwater Arr Foundation General Electric Foundation Haco Electric Happy Life Nutrition Home Depot IBM Nebraska Children and Families Foundation Nebraska Community Foundation Nelson Family Foundation, Karl H. and WealthaH. Network For Good Q2Software State Bank ofTable Rock State Farm Companies Foundation Stifel Charitable Inc Students Active in Leadership Vme.em & Marie Kreifels Family Foundation Western National Bank

On behalf of everyone at Peru State College, our heartfelt thanks. We hope you, as well as many others, will be included on our 2023 Honor Roll of Donors!

The Stater

17

ILook at those Bobcats Go!

I

1950s Ralph Aranza '59 of Cedar Falls, Iowa was inducted into the Omaha South High School Packer Greats Athletic Hall of Fame in October. Ralph played football for the Bobcats.

1960s Gerald Young '67 was inducted into the Loup City, Neb. High School Wall ofFame in 2022. Garry played baseball at Peru Scace.

He resides in Juniata, Neb. Randy Gottula attd. '69-'72 was honored

by The Nebraska Coaches Asrociation as the 2021-22 Media Person of the Year. He resides near Steinauer, Neb. 1980s Keith '81 and Donna (Clark attd. '80-'82) Mullins ofSouth Duxbury, Ve. retired in 2022. Keith caught for 28 years and Donna was a para educator for 22 years.

Beth (Propst '82) Mierau ofLoveland, Colo. was selected by the coaches and athletic staff at Thompson Valley School District co receive the "Extra Mile" service award in August.

Susan "Suzzy" (Rsher '85) Thomas accepted a high school algebra teaching position with Auburn Public Schools (Neb.).

Brian Levin '88 has been named an assistant softball coach for the University ofiowa.

Brian played football and baseball for the Bobcats and is a PSC Hall of Fame inductee.

He and his wife, Michelle (Morgan '88) reside in Solon, Iowa.

1990s Tony Martin '90 ofNebraska Cicy, Neb. was promoted co assistant cruse officer for Pinnacle Truse Service's Lincoln office.

Cynthia "Cindy" (Walla '92) Mowery of Omaha has joined Security National Bank.as senior vice president and director of treasury management sales.

James Gilbert '93, two-time PSC Hall ofFame team inductee, was inducted into the 2022 Nebraska 8-Man Football Hall of Fame. Jim resides in Holcomb, Kan. Jay Wickham '94, lol\,otime wild.land fuefighcer, was named the new director of the South Dakota Scace Wild.land Fire Division.

Jay resides in Rapid City, S.D. Matt Lundak '96 ofLincoln, Neb. has accepted a position with Home Pride Contractors, Inc. as a project manager.

Tiffany (Moerer '98) Gauchat ofNebraska City, Neb. was promoted co vice president of operations for West Gate Bank in Lincoln.

Kendra (Cory '98) Koehler ofSpringfield, Neb. was recently promoted co operations supervisor for the Sarpy County Clerk/ Register of Deeds.

Chad Koehler '98 ofSpringfield, Neb. has been promoted co crew leader for Metropolitan Utilities District (Neb.).

18 The Stater

Sean Mclaughlin '98 ofAlbuquerque, N.M. earned his certification as a Certified Digical Marketing Professional (CDMP) from Digical Marketing Institute & American MarketingAsrociation in November.

Angela "Angie" (Johansen '99) Hunzeker is teaching middle school l~o-uage arts in the Lewiston (Neb.) Consolidated Schools.

2000s Jennifer (Koehler '01) Borg is teaching fifth grade with District OR-1 ac the Bennet (Neb.) Elementary School.

Ryan Hogue '01, high school assistant principal and activities director for Kearney Public Schools (Neb.), has expanded his role co include the position of activities director for the middle school. In addition, Hogue was selected by the Nebraska Scace Asrociation ofSecondary School Principals as the 2022 Assistant Principal of the Year.

Amy Wynn '01 is the middle school guidance counselor for Auburn (Neb.) Public Schools.

Christopher "Chris" Bode '02 is a high school social studies teacher for (Neb.) Franklin Public Schools.

Dr. Sheri Grotrian '02, professor of business at Peru Scace, and fwe students traveled co Chicago co compete in the 2022 Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference. The group earned eight cop ten national awards including two national championships.

Nikki Heiman '02 is the director of special education for Marysville (Kan.) USD 364.

Brian Maher '04 has joined the alternative education program at Auburn (Neb.) Public Schools (Neb.). Brian was a football coaching assistant for the Bobcats.

Sara (Holcomb '05, Masters '07) Paider ofKearney, Neb. was recognized in July by the Nebraska Council ofSchool Administrators for service leading the organization as vice chair.

Twins Lindsey and Laurie Carlson attd.

'06-'08, who played basketball for the Bobcats, have joined the world of professional wrestling as part ofWOW-Women of Wrestling. They are known as Miami Sweet Heat. Lindsey and Laurie are occupational therapists and own a concracc home therapy firm, Carlson Care Therapy LLC in Florida.

Justin Powell attd. '07-'11 was recognized as the 2022 Mack Lambeth Football Person of the Year by Kansas City Football and Cheerleading, Inc. Janine Crain Masters '08 has been named a Metro Area Lozier Foundation Outstanding Principal. Janine, who was nominated for the award by fellow educators, is the principal at Edison Elementary in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Sheena (Blount '08) Davidson ofAuburn, Neb. accepted the position of4-H Exrension assistant in June.

Jerlyn (Cummins '09) Balfany has accepted a position with Ledgers, Inc. Jerlyn, a former Bobcat volleyball player, and her family reside in Granite Falls, Minn.

Public Schools in DeWitt, Neb. Bodie Moeller '15 is teaching high school social studies for Tri County Public Schools in DeWitt, Neb.

Melissa Comstock '09 is the new custodian ac Rock Pon (Mo.) Elementary.

Caleb Ross '15 accepted a position as strength coach at Elkhorn (Neb.) Sports Performance. Caleb is board-certified exercise physiologist at Children's Hospical and Medical Center in Omaha.

Tuyet (Sansone '09, Masters '18) Wilcox joined the Eustis-Farnam (Neb.) Public Schools as a junior high teacher.

Susan Bartman '16 accepted a position ac Nebraska City (Neb.) High School co teach high school special education.

Emily (Jantzen '05) Volker, Jari (Wehmeier '07) Dunekacke and Maranda (Torkelson '09, Masters '20) Gerdes participated in and graduated from the Nemaha (Neb.) County Leadership Class #8 in Au,,o-usc.

Robert "Rob" Chab '16 accepted a position at Elkhorn (Neb.) Sports Performance as the head strength coach. Rob is currently finishing his doccorace in physical therapy.

2010s

Lucas Dalinghaus Masters '10 of Johnson, Neb. begin working at L.mz.mann Realty in Auburn, Neb. as a real estate agent.

He also serves as the principal and basketball coach at Johnson-Brock Public Schools.

Peru Stace's Shawn Sherman '10, workforce liaison, gave a presentation as the Correctional Leadership Association Conference in New Orleans, La. Tyler Siecke '10 is the activities director for Blair (Neb.) Community Schools in Blair.

Jared Meiergerd ('11) ofAuburn, Neb. began working at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever as a Bobwhite Quail Conservation Delivery Specialise.

Kia (Carter Masters '12) Abdool accepted the position of CEO with Mile High Youth Corps; a Denver-based nonprofit youth and workforce development organization.

Kimberly "Kimmy" Miller '13 of Aurora, Colo. accepted a position ac Sky Ridge Medical Center as the manager of administrative services for the surgery residency program.

Brooks Ivey '14 ofStella, Neb. is the new assistant softball coach ac Peru Scace after serving as the sports information director and assistant sofcball coach at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, for several years.

Jason Friesen Masters '14 is teaching 7-12 social studies at Ord (Neb.) Public Schools.

He is also serving as an assistant varsity football and baskecball coach.

Caleb Lempka '14 received his master's degree from the University ofNebraska ac Kearney in Au,,o-usc.

Nathan Bianchi '15, Masters '17 is teaching 7-12 special education at Scerling (Neb.) Public Schools.

Laura Johns '15 is ceachingvocal music and technology integration at Pawnee City (Neb.) Public Schools.

Alison Moeller '15 is ceachinggrade 10-12 special education teacher at Tri County

Greg Conry '16 of Harlan, Iowa was named Champions Indoor Football special teams player of the year. Greg played kicker for the Sioux City Bandits. He also reaches in the Hinton (Iowa) Community Schools.

Jason Cover endorsement '16 is the new sixth and sevent grade resource teacher for Auburn (Neb.) Public Schools. Jason will also assist with Bulldog baseball.

Brandon McGruder '16 has accepted the position ofincecim men's basketball head coach at Mayville (N.D.) Scace University.

Brandon was assistant men's baskecball coach at Peru Scace from '14-'16.

Staci Bednar '17 is the new assisted living manager at the Good Samaritan Society's Samaritan Springs in Beatrice, Neb. Garrett Harring '17 has accepted a position with F&M Bank in Falls Cicy, Neb. Taylor Pfeifer '17 of Omaha graduated from Clarkson College with a radiography degree and successfully passed her boards.

Erin (Formanek '17) Pomajzl is the new first grade teacher at Wilber-Clatonia (Neb.) Public Schools.

Kathleen Devorss '18 is leading the Jobs for America's Graduate QAG) program for Auburn (Neb.) Public Schools.

Ashley Looper '18, Masters '19 is teaching sixth grade social studies and eighth grade literature at Ashland-Greenwood (Neb.) Public Schools.

Kerra (Brummer '18) Ratliff ofFarra.,o-uc, Iowa accepted a teaching position with Shenandoah Community School District.

Jenna Burger '19 is reaching fifth grade ELA at Sabetha (Kan.) Elementary School.

Gianfranco Garlobo '19, Masters '21 is the director ofhospicalicy at Chick-fit-A Takiyah Scott-Hamik '19 accepted a position as an adjunct faculty member teaching forensic science at Midland University in Fremont, Neb. Celine Jolicoeur '19 has accepred a position with U.S. Courts Probation and Pretrial Services with the District ofNew Mexico as probation officer in Gallup.

Dylan Rotert '19 started a new job as a U.S probation officer at the U.S. District Court in Omaha.

Sterling Rupp '19 earned his Doccor of Chiropractic from Cleveland University in Kansas City, Kan. in December.

Samantha "Sarni" (Oakes '19) Trauernicht ofHebron, Neb. is the new K-5 resource teacher for Superior Public Schools.

2020s April Ascheman '20 ofTecumseh, Neb. accepted a position with the Nebraska Supreme Court as a probation officer trainee.

April was a security officer for Peru Scace for several years.

Brooke Bowen '20 ofBellevue, Neb. accepted the position of therapy recruiter at Marvel Medical Staffing.

Angie Bowers '20 is the grade 8-9 resource teacher and middle school volleyball coach for Auburn Public Schools (Neb.).

Morgan Schaeffer Masters '20 of Hershey, Neb. is a kindergarten teacher for Paxton Consolidated Schools.

Dawn Castle '21 ofShawnee, Kan. is a corporate recruiter at Forrest T. Jones & Company.

Cassandra Davis '21 of Colorado Springs, Colo. is working for the United Scates Volleyball Association.

Carson Ebeling '21 ofBeatrice, Neb. is the new owner ofMagnolia & Main Boutique in Diller. Carson also teaches third grade for Beatrice Public Schools.

Jaddy Duarte '21 of Charlotte, N.C. is a broker coordinator at Atlantic Recail.

Meghan (Gifford Masters '21) Gray is teaching seventh grade English for Minden (Neb.) Public Schools.

Tyler Harms '21 of Falls City, Neb. is an acea manager for Amawn.

Joslynn Hudson '21 of Nebraska City, Neb. is a second grade teacher for Nebraska City Public Schools.

Delonte Hood attd. '21 was signed by the Denver Broncos of the National Football Lea,,,aue for their practice squad in December.

He was also drafted by the XFL foocball l~o-ue by the Arlingcon Renegades.

Caleb Louthan '21 is a conference assistant at Lied Lodge and Conference Center in Nebraska Cicy, Neb. Destiny Maguire '21 of Greenwood, Neb. is a digital marketing coordinator at Commercial Investment Properties.

Aaron Odvody '21 ofSabetha, Kan. has accepted a position as an ADM operator IV Michael Okpalefe '21 is an information security analyse ac Boys Town (Neb.) Savanna Osthoff '21 ofWichica, Kan. is working as a juvenile correctional officer.

(continued on page 19)

Look at those Bobcats Go! Tanner Pinyan '21. ofLinc.oln, Neb. received the 2022 Rising Star award from Modem Real Estate in December.

Kortnie Sheppard '21. ofYork, Neb. is a field assistant and lab assistant for Bayer Crop Science.

Jalen Tate '21. of Omaha is working as a security officer.

Alyssa Vanosdall '21. of Grand Island, Neb.

is working in sales at Tri City Meters Inc. Samantha Wilson '21. ofHolton, Kan. is the new human resources and benefits specialist at TSL Company Holdings Inc. Sydney Yost '21. is enrolled in the CADRE program at the University ofNebraska at Omaha. The CADRE Project is an accelerated master's degree program for firstyear public school teachers. Sydney teaches in the Ralston school district.

Payton Beckmann '22 ofSyracuse, Neb. has accepted a position with the Nebraska Department ofEnvironment and Energy as an environmenral specialist in the monitoring and remediation division.

Katarina Bennett '22 ofTarkio, Mo. accepted a position with Atchison County School Districts as a sixth grade teacher in Rock Port, Mo. Kelsey Brundage '22 is teaching preK-12 band and vocal music at Johnson-Brock Public School (Neb.).

Addison Huning '22 is reaching kindergarten at Fairbury (Neb.) Public Schools.

Devyn Jeffries '22 accepted a position with Bellevue (Neb.) Public Schools to teach kindergarten at Sarpy Elementary.

Tiffany Johnson '22 is a sec.ondary student aide for Fremont-Mills (Iowa) Community School District.

Kensila (Saner '22) Manley is a pre-K teacher for &sex (Iowa) Community Schools.

Cydney Parsons '22 is reaching kindergarten for the Elkhorn (Neb.) Public Schools system.

Sara (Meidlinger Masters '22) Pochon is a second grade reacher at Perkins County (Neb.) Elementary.

Benjiman Pettiford '22 is reaching vocal music at Beveridge Middle School in Omaha.

Friends Geno Frugoli, former head men's/women's volleyball coach in 2003-'04 at Peru Stare, has accepted the position of head volleyball coach at Western New Mexic.o University in Silver City,N.M. Ryan Held, former Bobcat head foorball coach 'Ol-'02, is the new head football c.oach at the University ofNebraska at Kearney.

Richard "Dick" Speas, director of athletics at PSC from '06 to '08, has been named the interim athletic director for Kansas Wesleyan, Salina, Kan.

The featured class at Homecoming '23 on Sept. 29-30 will be the Class of 1973. However, the following are currently on our "lost alumni" list and will miss their invitation - unless you can help!

If you can, please provide addresses and/or information on any of the following members.

By email, pscfoundation@peru.edu; by phone, 402-872-2304; by mail, Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010.

We will mail this free Stater to any whose address we obtain, and invite them to Homecoming too. Thank you.

Faculty & Staff Dr. lim Borchers, vice president ofAcademic Affiirs, ran the New York City Marathon in November.

Dr. Dwayne Chism, dean of the Peru State School of Education, was the guest speaker at the Nebraska City Rotary Club in July.

Stephanie Huddle and Danny Hayes '02, criminal justice instructors at Peru State, along with Shawn Shennan '1.0, workforce liaison, accompanied seven students to the American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA) LarnbdaAlpha Epsilon (LAE) regional conference in October in Warrensburg, Mo. Several students, along with the three sponsors, earned awards in the various competitions.

Dr. Frank Lynott, Peru Stare associate professor, and three students attended the 2022 SHAPE Nebraska conference in November.

The students were recognized at the conference and also presented at the conference with Dr. Lynott.

Randall Snyder, adjunct professor of music, performed a program entitled, They Call it Stormy Monday, at the library in South Sioux City, Neb. in August. The program relates the evolving history of the blues and its importance as an African American expression.

Did you know.....

The late Dr. Elzeda U. Clover ('30) 18971980 was among the eight nominees under consideration for the Nebraska Hall ofFame.

Dr. Clover was a botanist and had a powerful influence on the future ofborany. She grew up in southeast Nebraska and attended high school in Peru.

Jacy Pollard '22 is the new K-3 interventions reacher for Johnson County Central Public Schools in Tecumseh, Neb.

Dean Miller ('51.) 1928-2022 was involved in the development and marketing of an exercise device. The Exer-Genie was taken into space on 5 Apollo missions.

Travis Reed '22 is reaching and coaching at District OR-1 Schools in Palmyra, Neb.

{continued on page 20)

Olivia Welch '22 has accepted a position as K-6 resource teacher at Tri County Public Schools in DeWirt, Neb. She will also be involved in junior high volleyball.

50-Year Reunion Awaits This September: In Search of Class of '73 'Lost'

William Britten Bruce Brummer Kirun Chakrabarty Donald Dahlke L. Kurt Ehlers Donald Ferel Rita Bosiljevac Godfrey

Vernon Hazen James Hinton JoyceJansa Louise Johnson James Lane Sally Morrison Iris Nather

Stephen Rabourn Cheryl Prokupek Vana Brian Weidenthaler Debbie Clifton Whisler Mickey Williams

Amy Jones New Executive Director For Prairie Plains Institute The Prairie Plains Resource Institute board of directors has named Amy (Snyder '91) Jones as executive director of the organization, effective this past fall.

Jones has been with Aurora, Neb.-based Prairie Plains for more than 18 years.

The organization's mission is to connect people and prairies. Through prairie restoration, education and its eight prairie preserves, it provides opportunities to create lifelong connections with the land.

Founded in 1980, the Institute is a nonprofit corporation that pre erves, maintains and restores native grasslands and wetlands on its own land and on other private and public lands. These con ervation sites provide important wildlife habitat, improve air, water and soil quality and are used for community education, recreation and sustainable economic development.

"The board is very excited to have Amy take on the executive director role for Prairie Plains," said board president Brad Bang . "Her extensive knowledge of the organization and passion for the mission were two areas the board were very impressed with during the interview process. "

Jones joined its staff in 2004 as office manager/development coordinator, lacer moving into the role of administrative director as her responsibilities grew. "I've had a wonderful opportunity to be a part of all the great work chat supports the Prairie Plains mission.

"Some of our best strategic planning conversations happen with the team in the work truck, and I've been very fortunate to be a part of many of those brain-storming sessions," Jones said.

"With our amazing staff and the Education Center ready to welcome people to the prairie, we're poised for a great future. I am honored and excited to lead the effort forward. " Jones and her husband Scott ('93, Masters '02) live in Aurora, Neb. Scott is a teacher and coach in the public school system there.

The Stater

19

Bobcats in Love! Bobcat Babies. Bobcats we will miss ...

Bobcats In Lave

I

MaryTrecek '09 and Marcus Benzel were married at Lake Rathbun, Iowa in October.

Mary is a business consultant at ll Global.

The couple resides in Bellevue, Neb. Brittini Propst '10 and Brandon Bright of Seward, Neb. were married in October in Estes Park, Colo.

Robert Georges attd. '12-'16 and Alexis Nee were married in August.

Andrew "Andy" Parrish '13 and Charlotte Grooms '15 were married in Omaha in Septembec. The couple resides in Denver, Colo.

Courtney Ward '13 and Steven Weaver were married in July.

Briar Burr '15 and Bailey Armbruster '21 were married in August.

Erin Formanek '17 and Jusrin Pomajzl were married in September.

Sophie Schmucker '17 and Darwin Navarrete were married in November.

Dayana camacho '19 and Zach Johnson were married in July.

Bobcat Babies Jodi (Evans '00, Masters '10) Landmesser and husband Richard are proud parents ofErnma Ellaine born in March 2021. The family resides in Bellevue, Neb.

Zach '1.4 and Marissa (Sawyer'15) Lempka ofSterling, Neb. are proud parents ofson, Redd Herman, born in Novembec.

Redd was welcomed home by big brother Doc.

Lavera (Bums attd. '40-'41) Lyon of Nebraska City, Neb. p=ed away last Au,,ausc. LaVera worked at the Wildwood Art Gallery and Gift Shop for 34 years. She loved to travel and sew.

Shannon (Uewer '16) Asher and husband Kelton welcomed a baby girl in Dec.embec.

Drew Elaine is the granddaughter ofMike '81 and Cindy (Buss '06) Liewec and the great granddaughter oflongtime PSC employees Thelma (Conyac '57) and Dr. Kelly Liewec '57.

Anene Heimer '40 ofLincoln, Neb. p=ed away in March 2022 at the age of 102. Arlene caught school for 43 years; it's estimated she caught and influenced more than 1,500 students during hec career.

Halle (Holloway '16) Stuart and husband Alex are proud parents of Quinriley Ray born in July. Baby Quinrileywas welcomed home by two big brothers.

Jordan '16 and Chelsea (Reznicek '17) Silva welcomed daughter Sydney Ann in October. The family resides in Omaha.

Mackenzie (Faris '17) and Gabe '17 Hoins welcomed son Griffin Kirk in July.

Griffm was welcomed home by big brother Greyson.

Sara (Chaloupka '17) Weedin and Micheal Bryant are proud parents of a baby girl. Zariah Reign arrived in August.

Nathan '18 and Susan (Sisco '19) Peoples welcomed son Archer Michael in August.

Collin Weingaertner '19 and wife Miranda are proud parents of daughter, Logan Louise, born in September.

Rusty Fuller '07 and wifeAbbywelcomed a son, Dash Douglas, in October. They are residents ofSt. Paul, Neb.

Leslie (Kirkland '19) Younger and husband Tyler are proud parents of Chase James born in July.

Nathan Redwingattd. '07-'12 and wife Makayla are proud parents of a daughter, Marigold Genevieve, born in June.

Marigold was welcomed home by big sister Clementine.

Mark Zepeda '20 and Annika McDonald '21 welcomed daughter Kinslei Mae in September.

Elizabeth "Uz" Cunningham '09 and husband Charles welcomed baby Emmett in July.

Chelsea (Bergman '10) Kuhn and husband Steve attd. '08-'11 oflchaca, Neb. welcomed Elijah James into their funily in August.

Danielle (Vernon '11, Masters '16) Stewart and husband Landon are proud parents ofa daughter, Ellie Mae, born in September. The funily resides in Louisville, Neb. Cody Wallinger '11 and wife Lily are proud parents to Archer Timothy born in July. Archie was welcomed home by his big brother. The funily resides in McCool Junction, Neb. Levi Cockle '14 and wife Josie of Lincoln, Neb. welcomed a daughter, Dawsyn Everleigh, in Ocrober.

Jake Hedden '14 and wife Natasha are proud parents of Otis Grant, Oscar Michael, and Ario Joseph, born in October. The babies were welcomed home by their big brother and sister.

20 The Stater

Langdon Douglas '21 and Stormi Crockett ofLincoln, Neb. welcomed a daughter, Salem Shanne, in Dec.ember.

Bobcats We WII Miss...

1930s Pauline (Blake attd. mid '30s) Bonsall, long time resident ofDurilap, Iowa p=ed away in September at the age of 106. Pauline loved to travel and had been to all 50 states and many foreign countries. At the age of 98 she cook a Mediterranean cruise by herself Mildred (Knoflicek '39) Weber long time resident ofShubert, Neb. p=ed away in September 2022 at the age of 102. Mildred won the Seate Music Teachers contest and rec.eived a scholarship co PSC where she earned her teaching degree and met her husband, Robert. She was a teacher, a violinist in multiple orchestras, and a tireless volunteer.

1940s Rose (Sadlo attd. earty '40s) Cecr1e of Hollenberg, Kan. p=ed away last August at the age of 100. Rose caught school for several years and then became an active partner in the farming operation.

Margery (Denison '41) Andrew of Cedar Falls, Iowa p=ed away in August at the age of 100. Margery was a positive, creative, and energetic person who was active in hec community.

Word has been rec.eived chat Mary (Reschke '45) cashman ofShawnee, Kan. p=ed away in February 2022.

Ruth (Doehring '46) Evers ofHebron, Neb. passed away in July 2022. Ruch caught in a small country school near Hubbell and was an aaive volunteer in her community.

Gerald "Jerry" Blocher attd. '49-'50 of Hurchinson, Kan. p=ed away last October.

Jerry was the owner-operator ofMcDonald's franchises. He was a noted philanthropist to his community and always had a joke ready to tell.

Wilson "Bill" Sigerson, Jr. '49 ofNebraska City, Neb. p=ed away last November. Bill was a veteran ofWorld War II and worked for Woodmen lnsuranc.e Co. and caught school.

and coached at high schools in Nebraska and Iowa, and afi:er moving to Colorado served as a guidanc.e counselor, assistant principal, and principal at sevecal schools. After retirement he was asked co return as interim principal for four different schools. He was also aaive in many local civic and servic.e organizations.

fulltime farmer and raised thoroughbred horses for many years. John is the fathee of John Ramsey '93 and Julie Bauman '95.

Word has been rec.eived chat Richard Steiner '54 ofBeaverron, Ore. passed away in Dec.embec 2021.

Mer11n Wright '63, longtime resident of Peru, p=ed away in June 2022. Merlin caught school and then worked for Nebraska Public Power District at Cooper Nuclear Station for 35 years as a chemist. Merlin had many incecescs over the years bur the pursuit and sharing ofknowledg-e was the most important.

Mer1in Vice '55 of Pueblo, Colo. p=ed away in April 2022.

Floyd Kreifels '56 ofNebraska City, Neb. p=ed away lase August. Affectionately known as "Buck," he owned and operated City Wholesale Meat Company which he founded in 1956.

Patricia (Bailey '56) Porter ofPlattsmouth, Neb. p=ed away last August. Pat spent many years teaching in a one-room schoolhouse and worked for the Plattsmouth school system.

Robert "Bob" Kramer '57 ofBonica, Cali£ p=ed away lastAu,,o-ust. Bob enjoyed a 22-year career as a Naval offic.er. He played football and basketball fur the Bobcats. carol Ann (Vignery '58) Marxen of Basehor, Kan. p=ed away in August. Carol was an elementary school teacher.

1950s

Audrey "Louise" (Marshall '58) Searcey ofWymore, Neb. passed away in June 2022.

Louise will be remembered for her hatred of dandelions which was countered orily by hec love ofproper grammar.

Word has been rec.eived chacJoanne (Davis '50) Westenburg ofTucson, Ariz. passed away in September 2021.

Word has been rec.eived chat Beverly (Ehman '58) Zanetti ofLivermore, Calif p=ed away in January 2022.

Dr. Dean Miller '51 ofReno, Nev. passed away in September 2022. Dean played football while at PSC, as well as one season for the LA Rams. He loved coaching and coached at the high school, college, and NFL level. Dean was involved in the development ofthe Exer-Genie and later worked at NASA The Exer-Genie was taken on multiple Apollo missions.

Nadine (Knople '59) Danielson-Cusack ofSun Lakes, Ariz. passed away lase September. When she was not teaching Nadine managed hec own catering business.

LaVon Covault '53 ofTable Rock, Neb. passed away in November. LaVon had a strong interest in sports, letteting 13 times in four different sports in high school. LaVon was a PSC Hall of Fame team inductee.

After graduating from Peru Lavon served in the U.S. Army and went on to teach and coach for 35 years.

Eldonna (Sodmann '53) Jager of Colorado Springs, Colo. passed away last September. Eldonna began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in Nebraska.

Rosalie (Boellstorff '53) Meixsell of Johnson, Neb. p=ed away in February 2022. She had a lengthy career with Giant Grocery Stores.

Dr. Franklin Dale Moore '54 ofLakewood, Colo. p=ed away in July 2021. He taught

Harry Weichel '59, long-time resident of Ralston, Neb. p=ed away in July 2022.

Harry had a 40-year career with Ralston Public Schools as a teacher and eventually assistant superintendent, where he is was most famously known as "the guy who called off school" due co snow.

1960s Rosemary Ann (Rottman '60) Lucky ofBellevue, Neb. passed away in October.

Rosemary was a longtime educator.

Norma Jean (Pugsley '60) Meyer of Scotia, Neb. p=ed away last October.

Norma caught home =nomics and was very active in her community.

Gary Randles '63 ofMadison, Neb. p=ed away this past October. Gary played football for the Bobcats, and enjoyed hunting, golfing, and sporting activities.

JoAnn (Frerichs '64) Krause of Beavercreek, Ohio p=ed away in October.

JoAnn was a teacher and QA professional at Wright Patterson Air Forc.e Base.

Judy (C8r1isle '64) Vann, formerly of Nebraska Ciry, passed away last June. Judy's teaching career spanned 30 years. Judy loved reading, playing bridge and quilting. carole (Shubert '64) Williams, formerly of Bethany, Mo., p=ed away last July. Carole taught high school math and computer scienc.e for over 40 years.

Donald McCord '65 ofLincoln, Neb. passed away in October. Don was a teacher and coach before pursuing a career in crop and hail insurance.

Marion (Friedly '65) Wittrock of Humboldt, Neb. passed away in Novembec.

Marion taught at country schools and retired from Humboldt Public Schools afi:ec a 27year career.

Dale Cerny '66 of Council Bluffs, Iowa p=ed away in November. Dale taught for 41 years. He was an avid ourdoorsrnan and enjoyed spending time ar his cabin on Leech Lake (Minn.).

Evelyn (Stotts '67) Pontious ofFarra,,aut, Iowa p=ed away in October. Evelyn taught elementary and secondary special education.

Kenneth Arnold '68 of Palls City Neb. passed away lascAu,,o-ust. Kenneth caught school and had a 50-year career as an electrical contractor. He was a member of the Falls City Rural Fire District for nearly 50 years and served as the fire chief for many of chose years.

Word has been rec.eived of the passing of Louise (Lundstedt '68) Smith, a longtime resident ofBraymec Mo., in January 2022.

Louise caught high school English and was also the librarian.

Douglas R. Olson attd. '62-63 ofNevada, Mo. passed away lase November. During his time at Peru State, he purchased a $.50 lottery ticket and won his first car, a green 1949 Ford. Doug served in the U.S. Army and was a skilled mechanic.

Michael "Mike" Hunt '69 ofTekarnah, Neb. passed away in July 2022. Mike began his teaching career at Scribner, Neb. and would then go on to teach and coach for 32 years at Tekamah-Herman High School.

Mike played baseball for the Bobcats while at Peru.

John Ramsey '63 ofDawson, Neb. passed away in September 2022. John was a teacher and school administrator. He became a

James "Jim" Watson '69 ofHattiesburg, Miss. passed away in May 2022. He worked (continued on page 21)

Bobcats we will miss ... for the U.S. Department of Defense at Stennis Space Center. Jim ran crack and= counuy for the Bolx:ars and was a member of the '65 cross counuy team that was inducted into the Peru State Hall ofFame.

1970s Michael Mahlendorf '71 ofBlair, Neb. passed away lase November. Mike had a suc:cessfu.l career in banking. He served on numerous boards and co-authored the book Leadership-The ScuffNo One Talks Abouc.

George "Dave" Griffith '73 ofKeamey, Neb. passed away in June 2022. Dave was a teacher, principal, and avid oucdoorsman.

2010s Robert "Bob" Gulland '13 ofFalls City, Neb. passed away in April 2022. Bob was formerly the Registrar of Deeds of Richardson County and the manager of Orscheln Farm and Home score. He was inscrumencal in forming the House ofHope in Falls City.

Friends We Will Miss Loren Paul Entz ofBrownville, Neb. passed away in August. H~ was an award-winning artisL Loren was elected into the Cowboy Artists ofAmerica and his art is in the • permanent collections ofseveral institutions including The Montana Seate Historical

1980s

Society.

Ron White '85 ofDodge Cicy, Kan. passed away last September. Ron worked for Boeing and for Chaffin Inc. as dir=or of human resources.

Sandra "Sandy" Fisher ofHoc Springs, S.D. passed away in November. She was an avid fisherwoman and enjoyed the skies of Wyoming, Colorado, and South Dakota.

Sandy worked at Peru Scace, as well as, at the PSC Foundation as a development officer.

Marguerite "Diana" (Junker '86) Schweitzer, formerlyofMilford, Neb passed away in July 2022. Diana was a U.S. posrmaster.

Lanny Burr '87 ofSyracuse, Neb. passed away this past October. Lanny established the CPA firm Burr and Associates in Syracuse. He was very involved with the Dunbar and Syracuse communities.

Jane Beekman '88 ofFalls Cicy, Neb. passed away in November 2022. She worked in the mencal health field as a psychotherapist.

Arny (Morse attd. '89- '92) Schultz of Seward, Neb. passed away in July 2022. Amy worked at Syngenta as a Research Associate for nearly 25 years.

1990s Rhonda Standerford '90 ofHurnboldc, Neb. passed away in October. Rhonda worked as a bookkeeper for several area businesses and found joy in being a farm wife.

Word has been received that Shirley (Albers '90) Stubbendick of Palm Coast, Fla. passed away in February 2020.

Jodene Werner '90, longtime resident of Tecumseh, Neb. passedawayinJuly2022.

Jodene worked at Tecumseh Federal Bank. She had many interests and enjoyed spending time with family, friends and chasing grandchildren.

Debra "Debbie" (Ewin '98) Hall ofOmaha passed away last August. Debbie was a teacher and served as a member of the external accreditation team for the Nebraska Education Association.

Terry LaPlant '99 ofNebraska Cicy, Neb. passed away last August. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a unit operator for Omaha Public Power Disctict for 25 years.

2000s Beth (Malstead '09) Mares ofDeWin, Neb. passed away in Oetober. Beth enjoyed art and gardening and was a master gardener. She was a mediator at the Resolution Center.

Lars Larson ofNebraska City; Neb. passed away in November. He worked with his father, Harty, at Larson Motors Co. Lars is survived by his wife Kristina "Krissy" (Tatum '99).

Peggy Long of Peru, Neb. passed away October 2022. Peggy was the wife of Professor Emerirus ofMathernatics Dr. Daryl Long. She was a teacher in Lincoln, Julian, and Auburn school discticrs. Peggy was a voracious reader and loved to cook, sew, and garden.

Charles "Chuck" Reed of Omaha passed away in August. He was an avid cyclisc and swimmer, well-known in Omaha's master's swimming community. Chuck worked at Peru Seate in the Office ofAdmissions in the early S0's.

Mrs. Darline Wilson ofSan Jose, Cali£ passed away in July. She was the widow ofRoben "Red"Wtlson ('51). Both were very involved in Peru State alumni activities, including the former Northern CalifomiaAlumni chapter.

Darrell "Dr. Victory" Mudra Leaves Lasting Legacy Dr. Darrell Mudra '51, the most highlydecorated college football coach Peru State College ever produced, passed away this past September in Tallahassee, Fla. He was 93.

An Omaha native who played football under and learned from another Peru State legend - the late Al Wheeler - won more than 70 percent of his games to go along with two national championships during a 38-year car~er.

He was a head coach at all levels of college football, as well as for Montreal of the Canadian Football League.

Mudra was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. He was an early (1989) inductee into the Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mudra began his collegiate head coaching career at Adams State in Colorado in 1959. When he retired following the 1988 season, he had a career record on 200-81-4.

His national titles were at the North Dakota State and at Eastern Illinois. His major college positions were with the University of Arizona, Florida State, and Northern Iowa.

Author of the book "Freedom in the

Huddle," Mudra is regarded as the first head coach to do his coaching from the press box rather than the sidelines. Last year, ESPN included Mudra in its list of "The 150 Greatest Coaches in College Football's 150-year History."

Dr. David Edris, Music Faculty And Humanities Leader, Passes Longtime music faculty and Humanities leader Dr. David Edris of Peru passed away in August.

Appointed as director of band activities in 1974, he retired as Emeritus Professor of Music in 2006. During his 32 years of service, he chaired the college Humanities division, headed the department of music, and served as Professor of Music.

His undergraduate and graduate degrees were from the University of Tulsa, with his Doctor of Music Arts degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City's Conservatory of Music.

In addition to being an educator and administrator, Edris was an accomplished performer. He played in the trumpet sections of the Tulsa Philharmonic, Tulsa Opera/Ballet Orchestra, and the St. Joseph (Mo.) symphony, among others.

He joined fellow Peru State faculty member, the late Dr. Thomas Ediger, in 1979 to form the duo Aeolian IL The name was derived from the name of the

mythological Greek god of the wind, Aeolus. They performed together until 2008.

Edris is survived by his wife Malinda, also a longtime Peru State staff member, of Peru.

The Stater

21

Bobcat Athletics Five Bobcat Legends, Ten Teams Join Hall of Fame It was a perfect weekend to celebrate and that is what Peru State College, its Foundation, and the Athletic Department did in October when they inducted the 30th class into its Athletic Hall of Fame.

Five individuals and ten men's basketball teams were honored during the two days of events.

Individuals included Jeff George ('86, Leavenworth, Kan.), Doug Goltz ('86, Falls City, Neb.), Maxine Mehus (Finley, N.D.), Fredd Ward ('91, St. Peters, Mo.), and Mark Yori ('78, Erie, Pa.). Yori, George, and Ward were inducted as student-athletes; Goltz earned recognition for meritoriou service for his high school coaching achievements; and Mehus was inducted as a volleyball and softball coach.

Each shared some favorite memories of Peru State and what it meant to them. A common theme was the coaches and faculty members who influenced them. One name mentioned several times was the late Dr. John Hahn - a professor of political science.

22 The Stater

The men's basketball teams all qualified for the NAIA National Basketball Tournament to earn their place in the Hall of Fame The teams honored were from the years of 1938, 1940, 1942, 1945, 1946, 1949, 1950, 1961, 1963, and 1966.

At Friday night's banquet, four team member were present. The oldest was Dr. Tom Hallstrom '49, a 95-year-old from Omaha. From the 1965-66 squad, three team members were present - Mike Harmon ('66, Wood River, Ill.), Dr. Jack Rinne ('66, Flagstaff, Ariz.), and Rich Gibson ('69, Nebraska City).

The Peru State College Foundation is responsible for the Bobcat Athletic Hall of Fame and works in conjunction with the College and athletic department to coordinate the annual event.

Hall of Fame nominations are due by April 1 each year. For more information on how to nominate, please visit https://bit.ly/HOFNOM

Bobcat Athletics Class of 1963 Lost Alumni

Garrison Dodge Giving His All - In Football And In Life

By Ted L. Harshbarger ('77) When he arrived on campus in the fall of 2019 to play football and to get a teaching degree, little did Garrison Dodge know of the impact Peru State College would make on him -- or the impact he would have as a Bobcat.

Dodge came in as a 5-10, 155-pound (definitely when wet) receiver from Oakland, Neb. He will leave with many remarkable stories to tell when he graduates from Nebraska's first college next December.

And it is not just because of what Peru State has done for Dodge, but also because of what Dodge has done for others. His efforts have resulted in honors and accolades achieved by only a few intercollegiate athletes on any level.

This past New Year's Eve, Dodge had an experience of a lifetime as he was recognized at halftime of the Nokia Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. He was selected as a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® - an honor which is open to all levels of college football.

His teammates included players from colleges such as Georgia, Florida State, Stanford, and Notre Dame. Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams from USC was one of Dodge's 21 teammates on the Good Works team, one of college football's highest honors because it recognizes a player's integrity and service off the field rather than the performance on it.

'The Best Version Of Myself' "Leading the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® onto the field at halftime is something that I will never forget," Dodge said. "I will cherish my experience in New Orleans, as it reminded me of how lucky I am to be surrounded by people who push me to be the best version of myself. All the players on the Good Works team are guys whom you want to surround yourself with, they genuinely want what's best for you and the world."

Dodge earned the recognition primarily because of a service project he started while in high school with his father. A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) baby, he sought a way to give back to Children's Hospital in Omaha - a place where both he and his sister spent time as infants.

They established Athletes4Children, which has a simple concept of Pledge.

Play. Pay. To date, over $18K has been raised for Children's Hospital and the amount continues to grow.

For most, the Athletes4Children effort would be enough to do. But not for Dodge. Through his four years on campus, he has been one of the most active students in terms of his participation in a variety of service activities.

For the past two years, Dodge and other student-athletes headed up a drive for personal hygiene products for the local Project Response non-profit as a part of April's Sexual Assault Awareness

Month. The efforts resulted in over 1,000 different items being given to the crisis center that focuses on domestic and sexual violence victims in southeast Nebraska.

1,500 Service Hours - And Counting He has also participated for the past three years in the Peru City-Wide Clean-up. Participants, mainly studentathletes, clean up the community prior to commencement each year.

Dodge also has served as a volunteer volleyball and softball coach for local youth teams. His community service time has accounted for over 1,500 hours.

Not only has Dodge been a leader in service, but he regularly receives academic honors including being named as a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete and Heart of America Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete.

Last summer, he received the Heart of America Athletic Conference's Dr. LeRoy Walker Award - one of the top honors in the conference. Recently, he was named one of 25 finalists for the John Wooden Cup award.

This fall, Dodge will be student teaching and finish his degree in K-12 health and physical education. He plans to teach and coach in the future.

Peru State has had one other former football player selected for the Good Works Team®. Five years ago, Dr. Gunnar Orcutt '18 became the first Bobcat to be selected.

It's natural that, over the course of 60 years, some Peru Starers would become disconnected from their aima mater. If you can help us clear up our records by providing addresse and/or information on any of the following members of the Class of 1963, please let us know. By email, pscfoundation@ peru.edu; by phone, 402-8722304; by mail, Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010.

We will mail this free Stater to any whose address we obtain.

Thank you.

Charles Aylor Howard Boyer Wilford Brown Harold Choate Jeanette Fox Choate Dorothy Drubek Bruce Francey Lela Fresen James Green Norma Harden Edna Harding Ray Harris Margaret Toman Hilgerson Margaret Beard Hormel Nancy Houchin Lois Fritz Hubbard Lyle Johnson Gerald Kirkendall Carol Baker Krofta Leona McCoy Jack Mertes M. David Moyer Mary Holland Newcomb Ralph Plummer E. Lavon Robinson Gerhard Schlange Jerome Tepper Carol Curd Timothy Alice Urbina Amber Vangelder Pamela Froebe Workman Michael Zinn

The Stater

23

Bobcat Athletics Football Flashes Potential, Posts Winning Record

Rebuild Underway for Bobcat Volleyball; Eleven Earn Scholar-Athlete Honors

Players earning first team AllThe Peru State football team achieved Conference were Adams, Ka'Von Lofton, back-to-back winning seasons for the first Clayton Thrasher, and Deiontay Dozier. time since 2006-2007 under the direction of first year head coach Phil Ockinga.

The Bobcats finished 6-5 overall and 4-1 in the Heart North Conference, losing only to No. 2 nationally-ranked Grand View in conference play.

The defense stole the show in '22 season for the Bobcats as they only gave up 18.7 points per game, and less than 300 total yards per game.

Defensive lineman and punter Devin Adams won AP NAIA All America first team honors, and was the Heart of America Conference North Defensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row. Adams had 52 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 21 tackles for loss.

Lou Varley Seven players were named to the 2022 Veteran Bobcat football coaching College Sports Communicators (CSC, formerly CoSIDA) Academic All-District® assistant Lou Varley was named conference co-Assistant Coach of the Year.

Teams. Kile Bentley, Mack Boekhout, Garrison Dodge, Grant Gutschow, Lander He coached tight ends in '22.

With only a handful of seniors on the Imbimbo, Will Mueller and Andrew roster, and a full year for Coach Ockinga Rathman were selected. Cole Nahlik and his staff to recruit, prospects for 2023 was named a Daktronics NAIA Scholar are promising.

Athlete.

Rathman then was named to the CSC NAIA Academic All-America®First Team as a special teams player.

The Bobcat volleyball season concluded in November with a win over conference rival Graceland as the young group finished the season 7-22 overall and 4-15 in Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Peru State improved its overall win total by two this season and by one win in Heart play under the direction of first year head coach Madison Kindle. The squad really shined where it counts most - in the classroom.

Eleven Bobcats were named Daktronics NAIA scholar-athletes. They

included Michelle Beer, Katie Mendick, Sidney Peck, Aaliyah Navarez, Alyssa Bock, Ella Matthies, Elli Williams, Jaime Copenharve, Lauren Moubray, Paige Chanay, and Rylee Hellbusch.

Beer, Mendick and Peckwere named to the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) 2022 Academic AllDistrict®Team as well.

Peru State loses just two seniors in Mattie Nichols and Jamie Copenharve, and will return a majority of its varsity production next fall.

Golfers Ready to Swing Into Spring The Peru State women's golf team finished fall play in late October and will resume play in late March. The Bobcats are under the direction of head coach Sue Owen.

The Bobcats golfed in six events during the fall season - the Peru State Invite, College of Saint Mary's Invite, Waldorf Challenge, Waldorf University Invite, Evangel Invite and Midwest Intercollegiate Invitational (Heart Conference Preview).

The teams' best finish was in their own invite which they hosted at the beginning of fall when they finished fourth.

Peru State's top golfer during the fall was Kelsi DeCora. Her best finish was 13th in the Peru State Invite. However, her best round performance came in the

Evangel Invite where she shot a 90 and an 89 to finish 27th overall. Morgan Runyan and Alyssa Empfield were the other top performers during the fall portion of the schedule.

Spring Outlook The women's golf team will compete in six events this spring in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and at the conference tournament.

They will host their spring invitational on April 21 and 22 at the Table Creek Golf Course in Nebraska City, Peru State's official home course.

The 2022-23 season will culminate with the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship at the Preserve in Moravia, Iowa, on May 1 and 2.

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William Reynolds swinging at the plate v. Park

Batter Up For Bobcat Baseball The Peru State baseball team will look to improve on last season's 22-33 record and 18-14 mark in Heart of America Athletic Conference play under veteran head Coach Wayne Albury.

Former Bobcat player and coach J .L. Thomason ('12) and graduate assistant Adam Cendejas ('21), also a former player, assist him. Thomason rejoins the coaching staff after coaching the Peru State softball team for several years.

Four Peru State players were named to Heart All-Conference last season, with William Reynolds returning after earning a Gold Glove for his play in the outfield.

Reynolds had a batting average of .317 and a fielding percentage of .988.

Other top returners include outfielder Wes Bradford and pitcher Diego Oquendo.

One of the top newcomers is shortstop Josue Vasquez - a transfer from Pratt (Kan.) Community College.

In the Heart of America Athletic Conference pre-season poll, the Bobcats were picked to finish seventh out of the 14 teams. MidAmerica Nazarene was selected as the conference's top team.

For more information including schedule and results, follow the Bobcats at pscbobcats.com

Renita "Toni" (Blackwell '15) Closner

Brooks Ivey ('14)

Pair of Former Players Lead Bobcat Softball Fortunes in 2023 A pair of familiar names are leading the Peru State Bobcat softball program this spring.

Peru State has hired Renita "Toni" (Blackwell '15) Closner, a former Bobcat player, to head the program. The college also added Brooks Ivey ('14) to be Closner's assistant.

Closner graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. She played for the Bobcats under the tutelage of the late head coach Mark Mathews. Closner collected a plethora of accolades in her time as a Bobcat, including Omaha World-Herald All-NAIA Honorable Mention and Heart All-Second Team, both in 2015.

Closner has coaching experience at the high school and club level. She coached summer softball for Nebraska Gold, and was assistant coach at Lincoln (Neb.) North Star High School from 2017-2020.

From 2020-2022 she was the head coach at Lincoln Southeast.

"I love the game of softball, the competition, the life lessons it generates and the relationships I have gained from it," Closner said. "I consider my athletes, current and former, to be my family."

Ivey joined the coaching team last fall after working as the sports information director and assistant softball coach at conference rival Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. He graduated from Peru State with a degree in health and physical education, then continued as lead statistician in the sports information department and as a graduate assistant with the softball program.

He completed a master's degree in sports management from Wayne State in 2019.

About being back at Peru State, Ivey said "It's an honor to be able to continue my coaching career back at my alma mater. I'm thankful for Coach Closner and the athletic administration to give me this opportunity."

Morgan Wilke in the outfield

A New Direction for Softball The Peru State softball team will be under new direction this spring, but with a familiar face at the helm.

Renita "Toni" (Blackwell '15) Closner has returned to lead the program (see related story). Several key players return from last year's team that went 15-32 overall and 10-26 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play.

"I am very blessed and excited to be back in Peru to lead a program that is dear to my heart. I truly enjoyed my experience at PSC and learning what it meant to be BOBCAT PROUD," said Closner.

She returns to Peru State after two seasons as head coach at Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast, winning a district tide and

taking them to the state tournament.

In the Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason rankings, the Bobcats were picked to finish 13th out of 14 teams.

Ellie Ohlde and Morgan Wilke are looked upon to provide leadership after earning Heart All-Conference honors a season ago. Wilke batted .350 and had a sure glove. Ohlde batted .292.

The Bobcats will be looking to replace Alana Krieser and Payton Beckmann from last year's team. Krieser had been the team's leading pitcher for several years while Beckmann had been a key player in the outfield.

The Stater

25

Bobcat Athletics

Women's Hoops On The Rebound

Lorenzo Anderson shoots a three-pointer in the Bobcats' exhibition game against Colorado State. (photo courtesy of CSU athletics)

The women's basketball team wrapped up its first half of the season at 5-8 overall and 1-6 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play.

The leading scorer for the Bobcats after the first 13 games was Sam Stewart, who was scoring 13.8 points per game. Trailing her was Maddy Duncan with 11.9 points, while Jescenia Mosley was leading the team in rebounds with 6.3 per game.

Peru State, led by head Coach Ian Holleran, hopes to secure enough conference wins during the second half of its season to make a run for the Heart Conference Tournament in late February.

For the complete schedule and results, please go to pscbobcats.com

Men's Basketball Battles Strong In First Half of Season The Peru State men's basketball team wrapped up its first half of the season with a 9-4 record overall and 4-3 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play.

Peru State is led by interim head Coach Roman Gentry, interim assistant coach Damion Witty, and graduate assistant Brody Anderson.

The Bobcats made history earlier this season as they hit a single game school record for most three-point field goals in a game with 18 against Avila. They nearly matched the mark twice more, once in an exhibition at Colorado State, and then at Grand View just a few days later, hitting 16 threes in both contests.

Peru State had several players averaging double figures in the first half of the season. Leading the way was Jibril Harris with 16.2 points per game. Harris was nearly averaging a double-double in the first half with 9.1 rebounds per game which also leads the team.

Donzell Johnson was averaging 13.9 points per game, and Man Man Baker was leading the way in assists with 7.8 dishes per game.

Peru State is looking to get back to the Heart Conference Tournament and is hoping for a bid to the NAIA national tournament come March. For the complete schedule and updates, please go to pscbobcats.com

Competitive Dance Seeks To Make Moves in '23 The Peru State competitive dance team will be under the direction of first-year head coach Crystal Baker in 2023.

The Bobcats will participate in at least six competitions this season, all in a very compact time frame with most competitions in January and February.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference championships are scheduled for February 18.

The dance team has a goal to qualify for the NAIA National Championships in early March.

The Bobcats have six returners along with four newcomers on the roster. This is the third year of official competition for Peru State. They also perform at many Bobcat athletic events.

Energy High For Competitive Cheer While they support Bobcat studentathletes throughout the year, the Peru State competitive cheer team's competitive season takes place from February through early April.

Coaches Cara Cepuran and Carlene Cudney once again lead the cheer team, now a recognized competitive sport at PSC. After a four-meet regular season, the squad competes in the Heart of America Conference championship.

Their hope was to compete in the

26 The Stater

NAIA Championships in Ypsilanti, Mich., in March and, if successful, in the National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate Nationals in Daytona, Fla., in early April.

Peru State has 13 veterans on the team along with five newcomers to the roster. They will be led by senior Luis Rodriguez, who last season became the first Bobcat cheer team member to earn Heart of America Athletic Conference AllConference honors.

Women's Bowling In The Fast Lane ,j

The Peru State women's bowling team wrapped up the first half of its season in November. They bowled in six events in the fall portion of their season and performed well under the direction of first-year head coach Dwyane DaMoude.

The Bobcats have become a team to watch as they have several individuals .who have led them throughout the fall.

Their two best performances came in the 5 Seasons Classic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the Clash of the Spartans tournament in St. Charles, Mo. Peru State captured its highest tournament finish in its first three years

._

5'

of competition at..the Seasoils Classic as the~ finished thi;d :" • ; \ .; The team had several different leaders throughout the fall including a number of freshmen. Those top bowlers included Casey Feast, Kaitlyn Doyal, Adria Huiett, and Makenzie Millard.

With a 14-member roster, the Bobcats have also fielded a junior varsity team which has also fared well so far.

Peru State resumed their schedule in late January. They will be gearing up for the Heart of America Athletic Conference championship in late February and the ITC sectionals in early March.

Men's XC Steps Up The Pace The Peru State men's cross country program completed its third season since the program's revival in 2020. Comparing the program's performances over the last three -seasons, the program has greatly improved, and even other conference coaches have recognized the improvement in the size and quality of the program.

In 2020 the men's team averaged 8K times of 36:49.2 (7:24.5 per mile), and this season lowered it to 30:52.5 (6:12.7 per mile). The roster has doubled from eight runners in 2020 to 16 in 2022.

The team's top average 8K time came in the Platte River Rumble where they averaged 29:56.5 as a team. Competing runners included seven returners from the 2021 season, two returning Peru students who wanted to compete, one transfer, and six freshmen.

Gavin Smith was first for Peru State

Men's Bowlers Seek To Continue Progress

.......-,e

in three meets and a top three finisher in the other two. He is one of two Bobcat runners who have broken the 30-minute mark, and his personal best at the Heart Conference Championships is now the top finish time of the revived Peru State men's program; 28:30.5 (5:44.2 per mile).

Andrew "A.]." Russell is the other who broke the 30-minute mark for the 8K race.

His current personal best was set at the Platte River Rumble hosted by Creighton University; 28:39.0 (5:45.9 per mile). A.]. received the Men's Team's 2022 Most Valuable Player award.

Three Bobcats were named as 2022 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes - Smith, Alan Simpson, and Jeremy Matuszewski. Simpson earned his thirdstraight honor.

Nine of the runners have committed to return in 2023 for Coach James Cole '07.

The Peru State men's bowling team wrapped up the first half of its season in November and performed very well under direction of first-year head coach Dwyane DaMoude.

The men had several top five finishes during the fall. Their best finish came in the Clash of the Spartans tourney as they finished as the runners-up. The Bobcats also finished second in the Bronco Open hosted by Hastings College.

Isaac Skalak, the team's returning All-American from last season, was Peru

State's top bowler in all six tournaments.

He made the All-Tournament Team in the Bronco Open. Other team members contributing to top finishes include Creyton Nisley, Jett Tolentino, and Stephen Acton - all of whom have been among the top three Bobcat finishers in at least two of the tournaments.

The bowlers resumed their schedule in late January. They will be gearing up for the Heart of America Athletic Conference championship in late February and the ITC sectionals in early March.

Youth Show Great Promise For Women's Cross Country Women's cross country completed its 20th season since the program's revival in 2003. Over the years the program has competed in races ranging from two miles to 6K (3.73 miles), while nearly 90 percent, have been 5K (3.107 miles).

Comparing the program's performances in 5K races over the last 20 years, this fall's team ranked ninth and had the strongest performances since 2012 when national qualifier Sarah (Williams '14) Murray competed.

James Cole ('07) is in his third year as head coach and has been the long-time keeper of cross country statistics since 2003 when assisted with the program while a student.

The women's best performance came in the Lancer Invitational hosted by Mount Marty in Yankton, S.D. They averaged just under 24 minutes for the top runners.

Competing runners included five returners from 2021, one returning Peru student who wanted to compete, a transfer, and six freshmen. Lydia Lang, a freshman, was the top finisher for Peru State in all seven meets. Her fastest 5K time this season was set at the Briar Cliff Invitational; 21:56.7 (7:03.8 per mile).

Four members were named as 2022 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

Naomi Wilson and Madison Wittwer earned their first recognition for academic excellence, while Isabella Watkins and Sarah Davis-Kovarik both earned honors for the second time.

Eleven of the 13 runners who competed this season have committed to returning in 2023. Coach Cole is looking for recruits to add to the roster and looking forward to seeing what the program can do next year.

The Stater

27

Inside this Peru Stater you'll find...

Peru Stater Peru The PSC Foundation Stat P.O. Box 10 -eon5

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID OMAHA, NE PERMIT NO. 498

FouNoAnoN Peru, NE 68421-0010

Page6

ROAR Donors Thanked

Page9

Ocker Recalls 194Os, '5Os

Page 12

Graduate Programs Added

Page 14

Lori Seibel Joins Foundation Board

Page22

Legends Join Hall of Fame

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Closner Returns to Lead Softball ...and LOTS of news about People You Know!

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 Box10 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.

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED P-2 PS -,,H H - ****************ECRLOT"...C002

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