2024 The Peru Stater (Nebraska) - Summer Issue

Moving Enrollment Upward The Peru Stater

President, Peru State College

At Peru State College, about 60 percent of our operating budget comes from state appropriations. In fact, Nebraska leads the nation in investment in higher education, setting an example that other states struggle to follow.

Fundraising accounts for a portion of the remaining 40 percent of the budget, but most of it comes from tuition, room rates, and fees. That reliance on revenue from our instruction and campus services means that changes in enrollment can have a significant impact on the College’s ability to provide the educational experiences, services, and support our students deserve.

I’d like to share with you some of the strategies we are implementing to bring in strong classes this fall and beyond:

Online

Our new Online Education Division is focused entirely on the marketing, recruitment, and retention for our online programs. The six-person team consists of Chief Online Education Officer Dr. Amanda Oppel, three recruitment counselors, and two retention specialists. They are hard at work, reaching out to students who might want to earn a degree, talking with prospective students who have expressed interest in Peru State, and ensuring our current online students feel appreciated, engaged, and on pace to complete their degree programs.

The OED is collaborating with an outside firm for the marketing of our online programs, and they are doing an excellent job of presenting our opportunities to the world.

In addition, Dr. Oppel has agreed to take on the enrollment duties for our campus program as well. She brings excellent experience, passionate energy, and innovative ideas to the

role, and we are excited to see her impact on our enrollment in the coming months.

Yield strategies

Our campus Admissions team is devoting their summer months to increasing the “yield” from our recruitment funnel. We have a strong number of admitted students this year, and now the team is working to enroll a larger percentage of that larger pool.

Website

Peru State’s new website will have a direct impact on recruitment and enrollment. The new site will be much more engaging, easier to navigate, interactive, and attractive. In addition, the SEO—search engine optimization—will be much stronger, which means Peru State will appear higher on the lists of results from Google and other web searches.

New Quad design

As you know, for nearly a year we endured a mud bog in the heart of our campus. It was necessary to tear up the Quad to install the wellfield for geothermal heating and cooling to the Library and the CATS building, which will benefit the College for decades to come. During the extremely messy construction, the Quad was a muddy mess, and while our tour guides did an excellent job of explaining the situation to prospective students and their families, it was undoubtedly difficult to overcome the visuals. Now, the project is complete, and the Quad has been rebuilt with an excellent modern design. Visitors to campus today see a beautiful Quad with outdoor seating, fiesta lights overhead, and a wonderful central plaza.

We have a lot going on here at Peru State! In addition to the initiatives described above, construction for the first two buildings for Project ROAR is under way, and we hope to open the Diamond Building this summer. Crews are working to install the new scoreboard in the Oak Bowl, complete with a large video screen that will let us show player bios, Heart Conference standings, and other material—and it will even let us use the Oak Bowl as a giant movie theater! Renovations to A.V. Larson are in the planning stages, and we are laying the foundation for the Student Center renovations as well.

I hope you can stop by our beautiful campus and look at all the exciting changes!

College President ......................................................................... Dr. Michael Evans

Managing Editor, Sports Editor ..................................... Ted L. Harshbarger (’77)

Graphic Design .......................................................... Rachel (Rippe ’12) Meiergerd

Contributors and Photography

Rick Avard, JR Chaney Photography, Jon Firmature, Makenna Hammond, Stephen Hassler, Kelcie Keeling, MerzInk, Amy Mincer, Dr. Amanda Oppel,

Kent Propst (‘81), Bekka Rinne, Kim Regan, Susan (Lunzmann ’94) Unruh, Gwyn Williams, and Dr. Evi (Steffens ’06, Masters ’08) Wusk

Peru State College Foundation Board of Trustees

Chair, Jeff Greenwald (’71), Lincoln, Neb.

Vice Chair, Elton Edmond (’88, Masters ’16), Lincoln, Neb.

Secretary, Al Urwin (’82), La Vista, Neb.

Co-Treasurers, Jeff (’83) and Robin (Nelson ’82) Smith, Lincoln, Neb.

Julie (Ramsey ‘95) Bauman, Falls City, Neb.

Dr. Dan DeFreece, Nebraska City, Neb.

Connie (Sims ’87) Edmond, Lincoln, Neb.

Mike Gerdes (‘88), Auburn, Neb.

Alec Gorynski (’07), Lincoln, Neb.

Cindy (Plantenga ’82) and Tim (’84) Hoffman, Lincoln, Neb.

Lori (Vrtiska ’84) Seibel, Lincoln, Neb.

Fritz Stehlik (’74), Omaha, Neb.

Ivan Wineglass (’94), Bellevue, Neb.

National Alumni Association Board of Directors

Chair Kim Vrtiska (’90), Falls City, Neb.

Vice Chair Elton Edmond (’88, Masters ’16), Lincoln, Neb.

Secretary/Treasurer Mark Czapla (’87), Unadilla, Neb.

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) Vrtiska, Falls City, Neb.

Ivan Wineglass (’94), Bellevue, Neb.

Published twice annually for alumni and friends of Peru State College by the Peru State College Foundation. Submit address changes, name changes, information for class notes, stories, suggestions, and corrections by email to 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.

Dr. Michael Evans

Celebrating Success: A Three-Year Review

Ted L. Harshbarger

Executive Director

Peru State College Foundation

Over the past three years, the Peru State College Foundation has experienced a period of remarkable growth and accomplishment. Through dedicated efforts in gift development, donor and alumni relations, and the modernization of our operational processes, the Foundation has strengthened its role as a vital support system for Peru State College. Here, I will reflect on the key milestones and successes that have defined this transformative period.

Gift Development: Fueling Our Future

The heart of the Foundation’s mission lies in securing the financial resources necessary to support our students, faculty, and programs. Over the past three years, our gift development initiatives have achieved measurable successes:

1. Giving Campaigns: Our annual giving campaigns have consistently surpassed goals, with total donations increasing by 139% since 2021.

2. Major Gifts: We have secured several major gifts, including a landmark $500K+ donation earmarked for Project ROAR construction. That gift represents the largest single donation in the Foundation’s history for a construction project and will have a lasting impact on our campus. In addition, we received a second $500K+ contribution allowing the College to have the only endowed chair in the Nebraska State College System.

3. Endowment/Asset Growth: Our endowment and total assets continue to grow, providing a stable source of funding for scholarships, faculty development, and innovative academic programs.

Donor and Alumni Relations: Building Lasting Partnerships

Strong relationships with our alumni and other donors are the cornerstone of our success. Over the past three years, the Foundation has made significant strides in enhancing donor and alumni engagement and satisfaction:

1. Personalized Stewardship/Donor Feedback: We have re-implemented a comprehensive stewardship program that provides personalized communications and regular updates on the impact of donations.

2. Alumni Events: We have expanded our alumni events to include networking opportunities and social gatherings. These events have seen a 50% increase in participation, reflecting a growing sense of community among our alumni.

Updating Operational Processes: Enhancing Efficiency and Impact

In addition to our external-facing efforts, the Foundation has also focused on improving our internal operations to better service our mission:

1. Technology Upgrades: We have invested in better fundraising software and data analytics tools, which have streamlined our operations and improved our ability to target and engage potential donors.

2. Process Improvements: By refining our processes and adopting a more agile approach, we have increased our efficiency and effectiveness, enabling us to achieve more with our limited resources. Our staff remains smaller than in the past, with just two fulltime employees, but they are mighty!

3. Scholarship Support: One of the most crucial elements of our work is to help keep students’ costs low through privately-funded scholarships. We all should be filled with pride knowing that we have virtually tripled scholarship funding in the past three years.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on these accomplishments, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our donors, alumni, and community members. Your generosity and engagement have been instrumental in driving our success.

Looking ahead, the Foundation is committed to building on this momentum, continuing to innovate, and striving for excellence in all that we do. Together, we will ensure Peru State College remains a beacon of opportunity and achievement for generations to come.

Celebration Season!

Alumni Event Calendar

Mark your calendar and take part in activities for Peru State alumni and friends. Check out the Foundation website (peru.edu/foundation) for updates and other events.

2024

August 8 - Lincoln Alumni Reunion

September 1-7 - Giving Week

September 7 - Ten-Year Anniversary of the Oak Bowl Renovation

September 21 - Swenson Recognition of new and past honorees @ Oak Bowl

October 18 - All College Banquet (honoring Class of ’74 and affinity classes)

October 19 - Homecoming – “Viva Las Peru”

November 1 - Hall of Fame Banquet

November 2 - Hall of Fame Recognition, Oak Bowl

November 9 - Military/Veterans Recognition, Oak Bowl

2025

February 8 - Alumni & Friends Chili Feed, Al Wheeler Activity Center

April 15 - 1000 Oaks Alumni Excellence Presentation and Reception

May 10 - Commencement @ Al Wheeler Activity Center

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

Correction

The spring issue of the Stater (page 12) contained a story and photo about an award Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Trooper Alex Coffman (‘19) received. We are proud of Trooper Coffman’s NSP Life Saver award for heroism in a rescue following an automobile accident. However, his name was misspelled in the Stater story. We apologize for the error.

ROARing Ahead

After several years of planning, designing, re-designing, budgeting, and decision-making, we’re delighted to share with you that Project ROAR is becoming a reality.

As most know, Project ROAR is bringing five new buildings to campus, all focused on physical and mental health and well-being. These facilities will greatly expand opportunities for students to get out of their chairs, off their screens, and into action.

They will also serve as a vital community resource that offers excellent indoor space for clubs, organizations, Scout troops, schools, and others, noted President Michael Evans.

Phase A of this project focuses on two buildings: the Diamond Building and the Recreation Dome. Both are under construction now.

Diamond Building

The Diamond Building is taking shape next to the baseball and softball fields near the Centennial Residence Complex on the southwest corner of campus. Visitors to that area in the last several decades know that little existed beyond the playing fields. The College has had to rent porta-potties for use by the fans, players, coaches, and officials. Student groups have offered concessions by hauling coolers full of ice, soda, and candy.

When the Diamond Building opens this summer — it might be open as you are reading this!—it will offer an array of welcome amenities to that space, including:

• A proper concession stand, which will also provide an additional revenue stream for athletics

• Locker rooms and restrooms for the baseball and softball teams

• Coaches’ offices for softball and baseball

• An athletic trainer room to treat players who turn an ankle or wrench a knee

• Changing rooms with lockers for officials and visiting coaches

• A laundry room for uniforms

• Restrooms for the fans

• and more

That building will transform the entire area, turning it from desolation to destination. It will greatly support our recruitment efforts for the softball and baseball teams, and it will make the playing fields much more attractive for use by clubs, student organizations, and the community.

Recreation Dome

The air-supported Recreation Dome north of the Oak Bowl is also moving ahead. The dome was trucked to the site in June, and crews of workers spent several days pulling it into position. And then… the fans were turned on, and the dome rose from the ground. It took shape within a few hours, but several more days were required to get it up to full air pressure.

Once that building opens next spring, it will offer outstanding opportunities to our students and the community. The dome will house a 70-yard practice football field, supporting recruitment for the Bobcats football team as well as providing a large, open, climatecontrolled space for intramural sports, clubs, and community organizations.

The dome will also feature two courts that can be converted from basketball to tennis to volleyball to pickleball, as well as a weight room that will take some strain off the Wheeler Center facility.

Support Still Needed

These buildings will transform the Peru State campus, but they represent only the beginning. In Phase B of Project ROAR, we will build a support building attached to the Recreation Dome that will contain a lobby and concessions stand, lockers, restrooms, showers, and two golf simulators, as well as a coach’s office and a small athletic-trainer room.

Also planned is an air-supported dome next to the Diamond Building to provide space for the softball and baseball teams to practice hitting and fielding. And a small building next to the softball field will house restrooms and concessions.

Peru State was able to move forward with Project ROAR thanks to generous support thanks to generous support from federal and state funds and donors, including many of you, who have contributed to the success of this initiative. The fundraising effort is still under way—we need to raise $2 million more to bring Phase B to a successful conclusion.

We ask everyone who loves Peru State College to consider making a gift to support this transformational project. If you have made a gift already, we thank you, and we hope you’ll consider adding to your gift to make Project ROAR all it can be.

Project ROAR represents much of what is great and special about the Peru State family. It is a concrete manifestation of the passion, loyalty, creativity, and willingness to dig deep and work hard that make Peru State an outstanding educational institution. With this project and several other initiatives in the works, Peru State can continue to offer students and the surrounding communities the facilities, opportunities, and support they richly deserve.

Students, Alumni Can Travel To South Africa

Peru State College students and others have the opportunity to travel to South Africa next spring as part of a Conservation Ecology study abroad program with Discover Eden (https://discovereden.co.za/discover-edenecology-course/). The trip is scheduled for May 26-June 13, 2025.

Dr. Lukas Klicka, Assistant Professor of Biology, is arranging the trip not just for science students, but for anyone interested in ecology.

Participants can engage in hands-on activities such as bird banding, shark tagging, biodiversity surveys, and much more. Further, participants will spend several days at different conservation reserves and sanctuaries, learning the details of successfully maintaining them and actively assisting the biologists and staff in their work.

For students, the course integrates firsthand experience with lecture-based learning to provide a comprehensive picture of conservation ecology. The course and the associated travel expenses come with a significant financial commitment. The estimated total cost is $6,000 – $3,490 for the program and approximately $2,500 for international travel.

Bobcat alumni – if you know of someone who might want to go or if you do yourself, contact Dr. Klicka at lklicka@peru.edu. He can share more information about deadlines and when deposits need to be paid. Do so soon!

Or, to help subsidize students’ cost of the trip, consider contributing during the upcoming Giving Week or contact the Foundation to do so now.

while in South Africa

Take a peek inside the Dome

FBLA Collegiate Experiences

Success at NLC (Again)

The Peru State College Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate (formerly Phi Beta Lambda or PBL) once again experienced success while at their recent National Leadership Conference.

Four of eight participating Peru State members brought home hardware from the NLC, held in late June in Orlando, Fla. Cole Nahlik ’24 was the top finisher as he took fourth in the Foundations of Selling event. Colin Shields earned seventh place in Sport Management & Marketing. Garnering ninth place trophies were Lander Imbimbo and Jeremy Matuszewski respectively in Retail Management and Technology & Computer Science Case Competition.

In addition, Peru State Chapter earned FBLA Outstanding Collegiate Chapter recognition. The award is based on a series of challenges that active collegiate chapters can complete to receive national recognition and serves as a guide for events and activities.

Also attending the NLC were Azlyn Fendrick ’24, Ashley Glazebrook, Jillian Karl ’23, and Gerald Lewis.

Dr. Sheri Grotrian, long-time adviser for the organization, stated, “It is always enjoyable to celebrate the achievements of our students at the National Leadership Conference. To qualify to compete in Orlando is remarkable in and of itself; then, to have students place in the Top 10 is even more impressive.”

“Our local chapter’s continued success reflects not only the students’ hard work and efforts, but also the College’s commitment to providing engaging and educational opportunities for our future leaders,” she added.

FBLA Collegiate is dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation of leaders by preparing members for careers in business and business-related fields.

Grotrian Inducted into FBLA Adviser Wall of Fame

Dr. Sheri Grotrian ’02 was recognized by being inducted into the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Adviser Wall of Fame during the opening general session. The Adviser Wall of Fame recognizes advisers and state leaders who have completed 20 or more years of service to FBLA.

In addition to the 20-year requirement, Dr. Grotrian had to meet other minimum requirements which included: at least one state or national officer from her chapter; a national competitive event winner place in the top ten; administered state or national competitive events; led workshops at state, regional or national conferences; and received the outstanding local adviser award.

About the honor, Grotrian stated, “Being inducted into the Wall of Fame truly is an honor. While there is an immense amount of behind-the-scenes work at times, seeing the student success that results always makes any challenge worth it.”

“As I often tell others, being the adviser is a labor of love,” she said. “Having been a member when I was a student, I understand how meaningful and impactful these opportunities are—and I want students I work with to experience that same positive feeling.”

Grotrian joins several other Peru State graduates from Nebraska to be inducted. The first was Chuck Pickering ’56, who taught at Syracuse (Neb.) and was inducted in 1996 as one of the first group of inductees; Ted L. Harshbarger ’77, who taught at Tecumseh (Neb.), served as a state adviser in Colorado and Nebraska for more than 25 years and was inducted in 2003; the late Sherry (Reins ’69) Marks, who taught at Wilber-Clatonia (Neb.) and was inducted in 2005; Teresa (Kracke ’77) Hahn, who taught at Nemaha Valley and Auburn in Nebraska and was inducted in 2007; Pat Hinkle (master’s ’02 ,) taught at Bellevue (Neb.) West and was inducted in 2014; and Rita (Donahue ’81) Bristol, who teaches at Midland (Neb.) University and was inducted in 2019.

Future Business Leaders of America, Inc., (FBLA) is the largest business Career and Technical Student Organization in the world. Each year, FBLA helps 230,000 members prepare for careers in business.

Peru State Sets ‘Holocaust in Europe’ Tour, Alumni and Friends Invited

If you have the desire to trace the escape route of Checkpoint Charlie and witness the sobering vestige of Auschwitz, you can join Peru State College students and others in May 2025.

Dr. Jason Phillips, assistant professor of history, is making the arrangements for this travel opportunity which will depart May 12 and return May 22.

“The Holocaust in Europe” tour helps individuals realize the gravity of war as they will walk through Jewish museums and cemeteries that housed the millions lost in the tragedy.

The trip begins in Berlin where three-plus days will be spent exploring before traveling by train to Warsaw, Poland. After spending several days in Warsaw, the group will travel to Krakow and then on to Prague, the former capital of the Holy Roman Empire.

For more information about the trip, you can check out the complete itinerary at The Holocaust in Europe (efstudyabroad.com). Dr. Phillips notes that the anticipated cost for the 11-day venture is approximately $5,000 with additional meal costs.

If you have questions regarding details, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Phillips at jphillips@peru.edu

Alumni and friends – a reminder you can support our students by helping them cover their costs when you donate during the upcoming Giving Week or contact the Foundation at any time to do so.

Dr. Sheri Grotrian

L to R Gerald Lewis, Cole Nahlik, Colin Shields, Jeremy Matuszewski, Lander Imbimbo, Jillian Karl, Azlyn Fendrick, Ashley Glazebrook, Dr. Sheri Grotrian

Campus News

Online Education Offers

New Flexible Schedule

As the Peru State Online Education Division gears up for its fall 2024 semester under a new eight-starts-a-year enrollment format, excitement is brewing among prospective and current students alike.

This innovative approach aims to provide greater flexibility for students to tailor their academic schedules around their busy lives and commitments.

"I am thrilled to be able to offer our prospective, current, and alumni students more flexibility to attain their undergraduate and graduate degrees online," expressed Dr. Amanda Oppel, Chief Online Education Officer (COEO) at Peru State. “This new format marks a significant step forward in Peru State's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality online education options.”

Along with some of the lowest per-credit hour rates in the country, and the personal attention for which Peru State has always been known, there has never been a better time to take advantage of its online programming.

The new format will allow students to begin courses at eight different points throughout the year, aligning more closely with their individual needs and schedules. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working professionals, parents, and individuals balancing multiple responsibilities.

Peru State's Online Education Division offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its student body. Among

these offerings are the highly regarded Master of Science in Education and the Master of Science in Organizational Management programs.

For alumni considering furthering their education, the fall ‘24 semester presents an ideal opportunity to embark on a master's degree journey online. The Master of Science in Education program is tailored for educators looking to advance their careers with specialized knowledge in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and educational leadership.

Meanwhile, the Master of Science in Organizational Management equips students with the skills necessary to lead and manage in today's dynamic organizational environments.

"Whether you're looking to enhance your teaching credentials with our Master of Science in Education or seeking to sharpen your leadership acumen through our Master of Science in Organizational Management, Peru State Online stands ready to support your academic and professional aspirations," remarked Oppel.

Prospective students and alumni are encouraged to explore Peru State Online's new enrollment format and comprehensive program offerings to find the path that best fits their educational and career goals.

For more information and to begin your journey with Peru State Online, visit www. peru.edu/online, call 308-260-0440, or email onlineenrollment@peru.edu

Graduate and Alumni Survey

August 1-30; Classes of ‘18, ‘23

Attention PSC Alumni who graduated one and five years ago with a bachelor’s degree. We need your input! Simply scan the QR code to get started. We want to know if you are employed in your field and whether your education prepared you for employment and further education.

Graduated longer than five years ago? No problem, go ahead and complete the survey as well. Dr. Vicky Jones, PSC’s

Peru State’s Nehls Garners Statewide Teaching Award

The Nebraska State Colleges Board of Trustees selected Dr. Kathi Nehls as the 2024 Teaching Excellence Award recipient for the Nebraska State College System. Nehls was selected during the Board of Trustees meeting in April and was celebrated during Commencement in May.

An Associate Professor of History in Peru State’s School of Arts and Sciences, Nehls specializes in modern U.S. social and cultural history. Her teaching and research emphasis is in the American West, American Indian, environmental, and women’s and gender history.

Nehls’ bachelor’s degree is from the University of Central Oklahoma, and her doctorate is from the University of Georgia. She has been on the Peru State faculty since August 2017.

Every year, each state college – Peru, Chadron and Wayne – selects a campus Teaching Excellence Award recipient. The NSCS then selects one for the statewide Teaching Excellence Award.

The award recognizes superior teaching and advising, innovative instructional practices,

high educational standards, and engaging learning environments that inspire and motivate students.

Peru State President, Dr. Michael Evans, said Nehls has spent the last six years creating meaningful educational opportunities for Peru State College students, bringing history, society and government to life in her classes.

Avard Aims to Tune Up Facility Services

Director of Assessment and Accreditation, is conducting this survey and the collective responses will help the college understand graduates’ satisfaction with our undergraduate education. For any questions or to receive a paper copy of the survey, please contact Dr. Vicky Jones at vjones@peru.edu.

With a unique philosophy correlating to music, Rick Avard was hired in March as the Director of Facility Services for Peru State College.

For his entire life, Avard has always been musically active. He has played piano for 44 years, and really enjoys being in an ensemble or a band – mainly because being part of a team creates something larger than the sum of its parts.

Avard has taken this love of teamwork into his professional life as he enjoys being part of

a successful team – multiple people or groups working toward a common goal. He takes immense pride in working to create a solid foundation on which soloists (relating back to his music) can do what they do to the best of their abilities.

For more than 25 years, Avard has been a facilities/property/real estate manager with all the accompanying responsibilities.

“It is particularly important to me that people can perform their required tasks without thinking about all that goes into creating a place for them to complete these tasks,” Avard said. “This relates to everyone –whether they are executives or telemarketers, students or teachers, tenants, or the general public.”

The University of Omaha graduate began his professional career working 14 years as the Director of Facilities for the Pacesetter Corporation. Avard also worked for the Burlington Capital Group, Westside Community Schools, Sirius Computer Solutions, and a few others – all of which have provided him with a wealth of knowledge suitable for his current role as Director of Facility Services at Peru State College. Avard and his family recently moved to Syracuse.

Rick Avard

Dr. Kathi Nehls

Toman Returns To Lead School of Professional Studies

Dr. Gina Toman, the new Dean for the School of Professional Studies at Peru State College, is no stranger to higher education in Nebraska – nor to Nebraska’s first college.

Toman began her appointment July 1. She came from Clarkson College where she served as Director of Healthcare Education and Clarkson’s Leadership Doctoral Program since 2020.

“She has a lot of varied experience in higher education, including a period working for Peru State College, which will be instrumental in her mentoring of faculty and overseeing the growth of professional studies programs,” said Dr. Wendy Waugh, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Peru State’s School of Professional Studies offers majors and minors in business, psychology, and criminal justice, emphasizing practical applications. The School focuses on what graduates will be able to do, in addition to what they will know, which will give graduates an edge in the workplace.

Peru State’s Graduate Center Director in the early 2000s, Toman provided administrative and instructional support to faculty and facilitated all academic and graduate student services.

Toman stated, “I am thrilled to return to the Campus of a Thousand Oaks as Dean of the School of Professional Studies. I look forward to embracing the rich history of Nebraska’s first college while contributing to its impressive mission, vision, and values.”

Continuing, she added, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and champion the faculty, staff, and students in the School. I am excited to support and work with the faculty scholars in the various majors as we transform student lives through innovative, empowering, and engaging educational opportunities.”

While at Clarkson, Toman led and managed a department, oversaw budget matters and faculty workload. She was responsible for curriculum and program development, faculty and student resources, and strategic planning. She also guided doctoral students through the curriculum and their dissertation journey and taught several courses.

Before Clarkson College, Toman worked at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for over 10 years in various roles. She was Assistant to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and a Faculty Human Resources Officer ensuring compliances with policies and procedures. In addition, she served as the Assistant Dean in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service.

Toman was Dean of Students at Nebraska Methodist College and worked as an adjunct faculty member at Creighton University and the College of St. Mary. She has years of community and institutional involvement including chairing the Board of Directors for the Women’s Center for Advancement in the greater Omaha metro. She received a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University, a Masters in Higher Education from Syracuse University, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Higher Education from the University of Maine, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“Dr. Paul Hinrichs graciously assumed the interim Dean role last fall in addition to being the Dean of Arts and Sciences, while we searched for a new dean,” Waugh said.

“Dr. Hinrichs did a great job of leading the school through a successful academic year; however, we are very excited to be filling the dean position with such a talented and qualified candidate in Dr. Toman.”

Toman also noted, “I am especially thankful to Dr. Wendy Waugh, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the Dean Search Committee for this incredible opportunity to join the Peru State College community. Through my role as Dean, I am eager to support and collaborate with Dr. Waugh and the Academic Affairs team as we help Nebraska’s first college continue to thrive, educate, serve, and excel for the next 150+ years."

Hit the Jackpot at Homecoming

Get ready to roll the dice and hit the jackpot at this year’s Homecoming extravaganza, “Viva Las Peru!”

We invite you to relive your glory days with a dazzling celebration of our beloved alma mater, blending the vibrant energy of Las Vegas with the warm spirit of Peru State College.

Reconnect with old friends, savor delectable food, enjoy the various entertainment, and revisit the place of unforgettable memories.

Peru State College invites alumni, family, and friends to campus Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18 and 19 for 2024 Homecoming.

The Peru State College Foundation will host its All-College Reunion Friday evening, Oct. 18, in the Student Center. Any graduate or friend of the College is invited to attend. The Foundation will honor the class of 1974 and its affinity classes (’73 and ’75), and those from the other honored classes, including 1964, 1984, 1994, 2004, and 2014.

Members of those classes are encouraged to reach out to old friends and make plans to reunite that weekend.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Homecoming Parade begins at 10 a.m. The Student Senate has selected Gloria (Bean ’70) Adams of Peru, Neb., and Beverly Hill, Fla., as the grand marshal.

Following the parade, everyone is invited to a tailgate and mini carnival held on the campus quad, compliments of the College and the Foundation.

The Peru State Jazz Band will be on hand to entertain the lunch crowd. In addition, there will be inflatables and other activities available for the young and young-at-heart. Better yet, it is free and open to all in attendance!

That afternoon the Bobcat football team will host the William Penn Statesmen at 2 p.m. At halftime, Homecoming royalty will be crowned.

So, dust off your lucky charm, don your Bobcat attire, and join us for a weekend of pure magic and nostalgia. Don’t miss out on this high-stakes reunion – come home and make memories that are sure to be golden on Oct. 18 and 19.

More information will be available on the website www.peru.edu as the event nears. For questions reach out to the Foundation at (402) 872-2304 or pscfoundation@peru.edu

Dr. Gina Toman

Long Family Donates

26 Acres to Peru State

Peru State College has announced a donation of 26 acres of land from longtime supporters, Dr. Daryl and the late Peggy Long.

This substantial gift, located adjacent to the college campus, represents an opportunity for a significant expansion of the college’s footprint and opens exciting new opportunities for the institution’s growth and development.

The Longs have been dedicated advocates of Peru State College for many years, consistently supporting the College’s mission to provide high-quality education and foster a vibrant learning community. Their latest contribution is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the college and its students, noted Peru State President Michael Evans.

Daryl Long served Peru State for 50 years teaching chemistry, energy, and math among many other subjects. Mrs. Long taught for many years in area school districts.

“Peru State College is thrilled to receive this generous gift,” said President Evans. “This property will impact the College far into the future, and we’re eager to start thinking about how to use it well to benefit our students.

“However we use it, this land will always be called the Long Farm, and we will install a bronze plaque recognizing Daryl and Peggy for their impressive contributions to Peru State,” he added. “We are grateful for their kindness and support.”

A Natural for PSC Foundation: Gorynski ‘Perfect Fit’ for Board

There are certain specific traits that make up the ideal candidate for board membership on a charitable, non-profit organization like the Peru State College Foundation. Its newest director, Alec Gorynski, pretty much checks all the boxes.

In other words, Gorynski knows firsthand how successful non-profits work. The Peru State College Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation whose only mission is to provide assistance and support for Peru State College, established in 1867 as Nebraska’s first public institution of higher education. The Peru State College Foundation has over $22 million in assets and is led by an all-volunteer board and a staff of four.

Prior to his work with the Lincoln Community Foundation, Gorynski was Vice President of Community Development, Corporate Philanthropy and Social Responsibility for First National Bank of Omaha, President of the FNBO Community Development Corporation, Vice President for Community Affairs at Bank of the West, and Deputy Grant Administrator for the City of Omaha Mayor’s Office.

It is his late wife who Daryl Long credits for their ability to be financially successful, as she taught and worked while he was completing his doctoral studies. Fortunately, they were able to grow their funds which have been used to provide not only the recent gift of land, but many other gifts to Peru State and the Peru State College Foundation.

“Peggy and I always believed in the power of education and the positive change it can bring to individuals and communities,” Daryl Long said. “Peru State College has a special place in our hearts, and we are honored to contribute to its growth and future success.”

The Longs were the grand marshals for the 2017 Peru State Homecoming parade, and he was recognized with the College’s Distinguished Service Award in 2022. Over the years, the Longs have provided two different sculptures – “Power of Thought” statue sits in the lobby of the Jindra Fine Arts Building, while the “Cat in the Hat” statue is nestled in the Sesquicentennial Plaza next to the Performing Arts Center.

Long recently formalized two endowments through the Peru State College Foundation to provide continual support for the College’s etiquette/financial planning dinners and to assist with the distinguished speaker series on campus, in addition to other generous charitable support through the years.

Gorynski, who recently joined the Greater Omaha Chamber and Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership as its Senior Vice President for Economic Development, began his three-year term on the volunteer Peru State Foundation board in May. He is, in the words of Foundation Chair Jeff Greenwald (‘71), “as close to a perfect fit as we could hope for.”

A 2007 graduate of Peru State and until July President and Chief Executive Officer of the Lincoln Community Foundation, Gorynski has always retained a deep affection for his alma mater. His resume reflects progressive growth, be it in finance, economic development, government, or non-profit philanthropic groups.

Gorynski understands the unique demands of work in the public sector, having twice worked in Omaha city government. While the Peru State Foundation is not a public agency, Peru State College itself certainly is, and his experience will be valuable.

“I am a proud alumnus of Peru State College. With my professional experience in philanthropy, it will allow me to make a contribution to my alma mater,” Gorynski said. “The Foundation has done a great job of raising funds for students and the campus; I’d like to help add some structure to the fundraising strategy.”

Gorynski had led the $225 million Lincoln Community Foundation for the past two and a half years, managing a staff of nearly 20 professionals whose mission involves inspiring the community to give, act, and lead.

Community service is at the heart and soul of a successful non-profit, and Gorynski has helped found three community development financial institutions. He’s been appointed by the Nebraska Governor to two state boards, and has held numerous board, officer, and committee roles with multiple foundations and community development organizations.

A native of Lincoln who grew up in Topeka, Kan., he learned of Peru State when a high school friend and his family moved to Southeast Nebraska. The friend was headed to Peru State, and his family invited Gorynski to live with them while attending Peru State.

“The size of the campus” was a big attraction for Gorynski, “The small student body gave me an opportunity to get to know a lot of people.”

Though a criminal justice student, Gorynski had “the opportunity to be involved in a lot – theatre, student government, intramurals – and I had a great relationship with my professors.”

Current professional community service activities include treasurer for the Nebraska Arts Council and President for NAC Development Corporation, and board member for Public Art Lincoln, and Lincoln Community Learning Centers. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Gorynski and his wife Laura have three children, Jamie, Ben, and Claire.

Alec Gorynski

Dr. Daryl and the late Peggy Long

Jeff Greenwald

Greenwald Gains Peru State College

Distinguished Service

Jeff Greenwald might have never made an impact on Peru State College but for a phone call from then President Neal Gomon.

Instead, the retired Lincoln businessman was named recipient of the College’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award. He was recognized during Peru State College Commencement in May.

Greenwald spent part of his childhood in Falls City, Neb., before his family moved to Lincoln. His mother attended Peru State, but he never had visited the College. A family member knew the late Dr. Gomon personally, and suggested Gomon invite Greenwald to attend PSC. Greenwald was coming off an unproductive freshman year at another university and had all but decided he was going to take some time off.

Within a day Gomon called Jeff, inviting him to campus. As Greenwald tells the story, the next day he was in Peru getting registered, just days before the 1967 fall semester began.

Even then there was a gap in the Greenwald-Peru State history. After graduating in 1971 Greenwald launched a successful career in the insurance industry. Jeff and his wife Judy and family eventually settled in Lincoln. Greenwald had little time for Peru State.

That changed in 2018 when he retired as Chairman from INSPRO, a leading independent insurance agency and risk

Award

management firm with over 150 employees in six locations in Nebraska and Iowa.

Greenwald was introduced by mutual friends to then-PSC President Dan Hanson.

He was nominated for, and became one of the first recipients of, Peru State’s Thousand Oaks Alumni Achievement Award for his professional achievements. Jeff was also a frequent guest lecturer in business classes at the College.

Greenwald was invited in 2019 to join the board of the PSC Foundation, the private non-profit corporation whose mission is to support the College. Since 2021 Jeff has served as Foundation Chair.

The Greenwalds have established an endowed scholarship for students seeking a business degree. They have also made significant gifts to Project ROAR and the Natalie Hahn African Art Collection, among others.

Peru State is far from Greenwald’s only community service activity. He has served on Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, is a past member of the UNL President’s Advisory Council, past member of the Board of Columbia Mutual Insurance Company and currently serves as Board Member of Edgewater Insurance LLC. Jeff and Judy are members of First Plymouth Church in Lincoln.

Leave Your Mark on Campus for Generations to Come

Many Peru State alumni and friends have chosen to leave their mark –literally - on campus through the Sesquicentennial Plaza engraved paving stones. That opportuity remains.

Two sizes of paving stones are available to engrave directly south of the Performing Arts Center.

“Donations to the Sesquicentennial Plaza program and engraving a paving stone go to the Foundation’s general fund, which helps to support the faculty, staff, and departments, as well as performances, events, and activities which support a vibrant campus culture,” said Ted L. Harshbarger, Foundation Executive Director. “Investing in Peru State College through this fund allows you to truly make a difference and support opportunities here on campus."

Options include:

Option 1

12”x12” - $1,000

5 lines with 15 characters/spaces/punctuation at 1" font

Option 2

6”x12” - $500

3 lines with 15 characters/spaces/punctuation at 1" font

Donations to the Sesquicentennial Plaza Program may be made using two different options:

1. Pay the full amount outright by check or debit/credit card.

2. Two-year pledge (pay 50% of donation each year).

a. $500 in year 1 and $500 in year 2 for 12”x12” paving stones

b. $250 in year 1 and $250 in year 2 for 6”x12” paving stones

Paving stones will be engraved and installed once full payment has been received by the PSC Foundation. If you have questions, please contact the Foundation at 402-872-2304 or pscfoundation@peru.edu

Foundation News

New Scholarship Honors Luke and Shirley Coniglio

The family of the late Luke and Shirley Coniglio have provided a $10,000 gift to endow a scholarship fund in their memory to forever provide financial assistance to students pursuing their education at Peru State College. Their four children created the Luke and Shirley Coniglio Education Endowed Scholarship with a gift to the Peru State College Foundation in support of Peru State College education students. Their four children include Cheryl (Coniglio) Petty, Chris Coniglio, Mark Coniglio and Mary Coniglio.

“We are very grateful for the incredible generosity of the Coniglio family by establishing this endowed scholarship fund for education majors,” said Ted L. Harshbarger, Peru State Foundation Executive Director.

“This gift will have an impact for students planning on teaching while also honoring the legacy of Luke and Shirley Coniglio in perpetuity.”

Peru State College will select recipients of the Coniglio Scholarship. Teacher education majors who have demonstrated financial need and/or outstanding academic achievement are eligible for the scholarship.

In a statement to Peru State College, the Coniglio family said, “We are proud to establish the Luke and Shirley Coniglio Endowed Scholarship at Peru State College to honor their legacy as community partners and education partners. This is a lasting way to remember Luke and Shirley and to create sustainable support for Peru State College.”

Luke was born in Omaha, went to Creighton University and graduated as a pharmacist.

Shirley Ann (Seewald) Coniglio was born in San Bernadino, California. Although her family had limited resources, she was determined to go to college. Shirley attended College of Saint Mary in Omaha to be a certified medical technologist.

Shirley and Luke Coniglio met in 1953 and were married after he returned from serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Long Establishes Pair of Endowments to Aid Students During, After College

Peru State College students and alumni will have expanded opportunities to be exposed to financial planning, appropriate dining etiquette, and expert speakers on diverse topics. These opportunities will take place because of the careful financial planning of faculty emeritus Dr. Daryl Long and his late wife Peggy. Recently, Dr. Long finalized agreements with the Peru State College Foundation to officially establish the Dr. Daryl and Peggy Long Personal Finance and Etiquette Education Endowment, and the Dr. Daryl and Peggy Long Distinguished Speaker Endowment.

Long, who credits his late wife for her commitment to save money early in their married life, has long supported the finance and etiquette workshops which have been held on campus for many years.

In fact, he has presented his financial perspectives on several occasions at the event, and wanted to make sure that this, along with the appropriate etiquette education, continues for years to come.

DeFreece Tabbed to Serve Peru State Foundation Board

Dr. Daniel DeFreece of Nebraska City has been selected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Peru State College Foundation, effective following the board’s February meeting.

DeFreece, President of CHI Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City, will serve a three-year term. The Peru State College Foundation is a private non-profit corporation established in 1955 to provide assistance and support for Nebraska’s first college.

“Dan’s background, experience, and dedication to community service makes him an excellent addition to our organization,” noted Jeff Greenwald (‘71) of Lincoln, Neb., Chair of the Foundation Board. “He joins a strong group of directors serving us.”

DeFreece is familiar with small four-year liberal arts colleges, having graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, completed his residency in family practice for the Lincoln (Neb.) Medical Education Foundation, and has a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Professional memberships include the American Medical Association, the Nebraska Medical Association, the Nebraska Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Association for Physician Leaders, among others. Locally he is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and serves on the board for the Nebraska City Area Economic Development group.

Great Start to Charter Day Scholarship Drive

The third annual Foundation Charter Day Scholarship Drive was off to a great start at the time of this report.

Peru State’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, Director of Career Services, and Foundation staff have collaborated for the past few years to host a spring event. Students and staff learn various aspects of dining etiquette and can listen to financial experts who provide guidance on how to save for retirement.

This endowment will allow for the workshop to be held once each semester and for one alumni event to take place each spring at an off-campus location.

For years, the College has hosted a variety of distinguished speakers from all over the world.

The Long-Distinguished Speaker endowment will help to augment Peru State College funds to ensure students and staff, and the public, can continue to experience speakers such as photographer, sailor, and explorer David Thoreson or Shaquem Griffin – the NFL’s firstever one-handed player.

The Distinguished Speaker Series has a standing committee, led by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, who makes the annual selections of speakers.

“I am a firm believer in the power of education,” DeFreece said of his decision to serve on the all-volunteer Foundation board. “Access to high quality, affordable education is important for the future of our state.”

A native of Tecumseh, Neb., and a graduate of the former Tecumseh High School, DeFreece has been leading St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City since 2018. He was a family physician in Nebraska City from 1996 until joining The Physician Network in Lincoln in 2011, commuting from his home in Nebraska City where he lives with his wife Kay.

Though not an alumnus of Peru State, DeFreece is no stranger to the College. He has had relatives attend, including brother Steve (‘93) of Tecumseh. DeFreece recalls running in high school track meets Peru State once hosted when ironically, Foundation Executive Director, Ted L. Harshbarger (‘77), was one of his track coaches.

This giving opportunity, which focuses solely on providing additional funds to current scholarships, began three years ago on the anniversary of Peru State’s actual charter on June 20, 1867.

Presently, the Foundation has over 200 scholarships which it offers annually to the College. For the past three years, the Foundation has provided nearly $800K in awards.

As of July 1, the current Charter Day Drive has garnered over $18K from 54 donors.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this drive. If you want to donate, you can either submit the mailer you received in June or contact the Foundation by email at pscfoundation@peru.edu or by phone at 402-872-2304.

Luke and Shirley Coniglio and family

Dr. Dan DeFreece

A Century of Swenson Awards: Winners To Be Honored September 21

During the Peru State Bobcat football game with Missouri Baptist Saturday, Sept. 21, the 2024 Swenson Award winners will be recognized.

Named as the Swenson winners for 2024 are Lara Wells ’24 and Skyler Wilson. In addition, the College and Foundation will honor all past Swenson winners to celebrate the 100th year of presenting the award.

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

The award was created in memory of Bert and Stella Swenson’s 13-month-

old son, Bert Jr., who passed away. Bert Swenson, Sr., was a Bobcat football great who graduated from Peru State in 1909.

The Shickley, Neb., native served as the football captain and class president during his senior year at PSC. In 2009, the senior Swenson was honored posthumously with his induction into the Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Since 1999, a female as well as a male selection has been made by the members of the athletic department staff. Annual awards are provided by an endowment made by the Swenson family through the Peru State College Foundation.

Game time for the match-up between the Bobcats and Spartans is 6 p.m.

Inaugural Giving Week Begins September 1

Once upon a time in the heartland of Nebraska, nestled among the rolling hills and tranquil plains, stood Peru State College.

With its storied history and vibrant community, it was more than just a place of learning; it was a beacon of hope and opportunity for many. The College had a long tradition of fostering dreams and shaping futures, a mission that was kept alive by the generosity and spirit of its alumni and supporters.

As autumn leaves will soon fall on the Campus of a Thousand Oaks, the College will be buzzing with activity from new and returning students excited for the new year and the experiences it will bring.

First-Ever Giving Week

In addition, there will be excitement for an event that promises to bring everyone together: Giving Week. This isn't just any fundraising event; it is a celebration of the collective spirit that had built and sustained the College for over 157 years.

In the past, the Peru State College Foundation hosted a 24-hour Giving Day in October. The Foundation Board and staff determined earlier this year that a Giving Week correlating with the start of 158 years of education would be a better way to go.

Many Areas to Support

The areas of support for Giving Week are as diverse as the students and alumni themselves. Some examples are the Capital Campaigns which include Project ROAR, the AV Larson/ Welcome Center, and/or the Student Center.

There will be campaigns supporting various Academic or Athletic needs where donations will help support the activities which bring pride and excitement to campus. Donors also can give to What You Love where they have an opportunity to designate their gift to any area on campus that means the most to them.

Or, donors may funds to the Greatest Needs through which the Foundation provides funding to help maintain a vibrant campus culture.

Challenges and Matches

To add an extra layer of excitement, the College has arranged several challenges and matches.

One notable challenge has been set by Foundation Board Chair Jeff Greenwald ‘71, who recently was named as the recipient of the College’s Distinguished Service Award. He has promised to match $100 per every $1,000 raised up to a total of $10,000.

Jeff ’83 and Robin (Nelson ’83) Smith, current co-treasurers of the Foundation Board, will match up to $5,000 raised for each of the men’s basketball and volleyball programs.

Foundation Executive Director Ted L. Harshbarger ’77 is throwing his support behind the Peru State Education Association and their annual Dr. Seuss Day which brings hundreds of elementary students to campus each spring. Harshbarger will match up to $1,000 for contributions identified for the Seuss event.

These challenges are powerful reminders of the College's impact while hoping to inspire others to give back. They highlight the importance of Peru State College and how, through collective effort, great things can be achieved.

It is anticipated that more matches and/or challenges will be added before the start of Giving Week. If you have a challenge in mind, contact the Foundation office.

Peru State College’s Giving Week is more than a fundraiser; it is a testament to the enduring power of education, community, and the shared goal of creating a brighter future. By participating, alumni and supporters not only honor their past but also invest in the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and dreamers.

And so, as the days of Giving Week unfold, we hope the spirit of generosity flows, ensuring the legacy of Peru State College will continue to thrive for years to come.

Watch for more information for Giving Week which will begin Sept. 1. To give online go to https://www.givecampus. com/emjyvx or scan the QR code!

Four Gain 2024 Alumni Excellence Awards

Distinction in their chosen careers has earned four Peru State College graduates designation as 2024 Thousand Oaks Excellence Award recipients, according to President Michael Evans.

The four – each representing one of Peru State’s academic divisions and graduate programs – include Dr. Jeff Dahms from the Graduate Studies program, The Honorable Randy Reeves from the School of Professional Studies, Christopher Stangl from the School of Arts and Sciences, and Kim Vrtiska from the School of Education.

They were honored April 9 on the campus of Nebraska’s first college. Each one spoke with students during their time at the College.

“The Thousand Oaks Award honors alumni who have gone on to impressive careers, and this year’s honorees exemplify what it means to excel professionally while also giving back to their communities,” said Evans.

Established in 2018, the Thousand Oaks Alumni Excellence program is sponsored by the Peru State College Foundation. Candidates must have demonstrated exceptional service to the College and/or community and have noteworthy achievements in their careers.

Nominations are reviewed by the deans of the respective academic schools at Peru State, then by a group of Foundation officials and alumni, and finalists’ names presented to President Evans and his cabinet for final approval.

Dr. Jeffrey Dahms Graduate Programs

Dr. Jeff Dahms is Director of Customer Experience Research and Insights with Physicians Mutual of Omaha, where he has worked since October. He received his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Peru State in 2007.

Dahms oversees the planning, developing, organizing, and implementation of the customer experience strategy. Previously he was on the First National Bank of Omaha administrative team from 2019-2023. Prior to that role, Dahms was the Vice President of Research and Development at Customer Service Profiles in

Omaha for nearly five years.

A native of Fargo, N.D., Dahms served Boys Town as its Director of Organizational Learning and Development from 2010-2014. He was responsible for identifying strategic objectives in leadership development and creating and implementing curriculum for supervisors across the organization.

From 2009-2010 Dahms was Senior Talent and Organizational Development Consultant for Boys Town, identifying employee development needs, and creating HR compliance and professional development curriculum. He managed evaluation systems, teambuilding, and training programs for its 800 employees.

Dahms was Operations and Training Manager for Oriental Trading Company from 2004-2009, designing, developing, and implementing warehouse training programs.

Dahms earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed his PhD in Human Capital Management in 2020 at Bellevue University.

The Honorable Randy Reeves School of Professional Studies

A retired veteran of the Navy and Air Force, The Honorable Randy Reeves (‘87) continues to advise national leaders on issues affecting America’s Veterans. He served as the Sixth U.S. Under Secretary of Veteran Affairs for Memorial Affairs from 2017 to 2021.

He led the VA’s national cemeteries in providing dignified burial options for America’s Veterans and eligible family members, and memorial programs to honor the service of Veterans. During his tenure he oversaw the largest expansion of the National Cemetery System since the Civil War, and the National Cemetery Administration scored 97 percent on the American Customer Service Index, the highest of any public or private organization in history.

Reeves was Executive Director of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board from 20112017, during which time he served as President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs. He oversaw a dramatic increase in services to Mississippi Veterans, while

improving fiscal accountability and efficiency.

Reeves was Director of the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in 2011 and then promoted to Deputy Director of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board that year. He is a combat veteran of the Navy, serving from 1988 through 2008 as a Surface Warfare Officer during the Gulf War and in military operations in Kosovo, Haiti, and Lebanon.

A native of Little Rock, Miss., Reeves was in the U.S. Air Force from 1980-1988.

He is a graduate of the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive program, has a Master of Science degree from Touro University, his bachelor’s degree from Peru State, and an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force.

He and his wife, Katy, live in Clearwater, Fla.

Christopher Stangl School of Arts and Sciences

Chris Stangl is Managing Director of the Washington D.C.-based Berkeley Research Group’s Cybersecurity and Investigations practice. Previously he served the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 2003-2023 investigating cybercrime.

A 1994 graduate of Peru State, he is a native of Pikesville, Md. He has a Master of Business Administration degree from Monmouth University, and another from Carnegie Mellon University.

At the Berkeley Research Group, he helps clients tackle and overcome a wide range of data security, data protection, and privacy challenges. Stangl specializes in design and implementation of cybersecurity programs to safeguard critical assets, helping clients navigate legal and regulatory implications of security incidents.

As a Special Agent for the FBI, he was a member of its Senior Executive Service. Most recently he spearheaded implementation of a cybersecurity program in the agency’s Science and Technology Branch.

Stangl investigated a wide range of cases for the FBI, including computer intrusions by cybercriminals and nation-states, counterintelligence and insider threats, online child exploitation, extortion, and internet fraud,

among others.

Stangl twice earned the FBI Director’s Award for Excellence in Outstanding Cyber Investigation. He was the 2015 recipient of the Director of National Intelligence’s National Intelligence Community Award for Intelligence Integration.

He and his wife Carrie live in Frederick, Md.

School of Arts and Sciences

A career dedicated to educating youth and to community service are hallmarks of Kim Vrtiska, who has his bachelor’s (1990) and Master of Science in Education (2000) degrees from Peru State.

The Table Rock, Neb. native, Vrtiska completed a 30-year teaching career with the Falls City Public Schools in 2021. He served Falls City as a middle school science teacher, along with coaching basketball and football.

From 1991-2002, Vrtiska served the Tecumseh Public Schools as an elementary teacher and coach. Vrtiska received the Distinguished Service Award from the Falls City Public Schools in 2021, was Falls City Jaycees’ Teacher of the Year in 2010 and earned an Educator’s Environmental Excellence Award from the Environmental Protection Agency Region 7.

In 1995, Vrtiska was one of 10 teachers nationwide selected to attend a seminar to help set national teacher testing standards. He is or has been active in the Table Rock Historical Society, the Pawnee County Promotional Network, the Falls City Library Board, and the Tecumseh Volunteer Rescue Squad, among others. He served a term on the Tecumseh City Council.

A source of pride includes the Living History Day that he started with the support of his late father, former State Senator Floyd Vrtiska. The event reached over 7,000 fourth and fifth graders during its 20 years.

Vrtiska, current President of the Peru State College National Alumni Association, also has a Master of Education Degree from Doane University. He and his wife, the former Kris Kubert (‘94), live near Plattsmouth, Neb.

Kim Vrtiska

In Search of 1965

‘Lost’ Alumni

Nearly sixty years after they left Peru State, it’s not surprising that some members of the Class of 1965 have lost touch with their alma mater.

If you can help us with information about any of the members of the class, information can be sent via email (pscfoundation@peru.edu), phone (402872-2304) or by sending a note to: Peru Stater, c/o PSC Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421-0010.

Elsie Ahnen

Phillip Bateman

Marvin Corbin

Helen Donovan

Richard Engle

Frances Engles

Helen (Rogers) Gebharts

James Gregory

Jacquiline Griess

John Grotheer

Linda (Bartels) Kotas

Fordie Lucas

Paul MacNeil

Gary Manning

Suzan McKee

Calvin Miller

Larry Piper

John Schultze

Mary Sims

Kathleen (Krause) Sterner

Joyce (Wheeler) Tegtmeir

Dennis Teten

Peggy (O’Nell) Till

Larry Trimble

Enid Van Luven

Theresa Walker

Dream It, Dare It, Do It: Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way

By Kent Propst

In a world that changes in the blink of an eye, it takes a special kind of person to build a successful business. The failure rate is high: some 10 percent of startups don’t even make it past their first year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But the rewards, including the opportunity to be one’s own boss, are undeniable and appealing.

Below we profile four women who have taken on the challenge of opening and running their own business and making it thrive. While the types of business vary, each one – Kelly (Tynon ‘90) Bequette, Randee (Witt ‘23) Castillo, Nikki (Moody ‘04) Hayes, and Kesha (Beethe, bachelor’s ‘12, master’s ’17) Klontz – voices several common themes:

Support from their family. Willingness to take risks. Discipline. The ability to find balance in their lives. And a dedication to not simply turning a profit, but to giving back to their clients and communities.

These four are examples of Peru State alumnae who dreamed it, took the risk, and are living the dream.

Kelly Bequette

The Keeping Room, Nebraska City, Neb.

A native Peruvian and proud of it, Kelly Bequette married into the U.S. Army. Her husband Bryan’s assignments took her to stations across the U.S. and in Germany.

“Our family moved every few years,” she said. “The continuous churn of new places and people exposed me to so many great places and fabulous people from all walks of life.”

After Bryan’s retirement, the Bequette’s returned to southeast Nebraska to be close to her family and to raise their own. An antique, holiday and home decor business called The Keeping Room was available in 2012 in an over

150-year-old building in downtown Nebraska City, and without a lot of retail experience, Kelly took the plunge.

Their nomadic Army lifestyle gave Kelly a “a strong desire to mix the two worlds –the familiar and local with the foreign and spontaneous.” She also wanted to open a cafe there, and again, a lack of experience didn’t keep her from grasping the opportunity.

“My (restaurant) business plan was a little odd,” she chuckled, “but I was fortunate to have two former restaurant owners help me.” They were Cheryl Cotton (Cotty’s in Peru, along with her husband Danny ‘76), and Mary Allgood (Eldon’s Cafe, also in Peru, along with her late husband Eldon), whose advice and support was welcomed.

“Cheryl was instrumental in helping me open the cafe and adapt my weird business plan to a successful one,” Kelly continued. “Aunt Mary still makes the cinnamon rolls every Tuesday for our quiche special.”

The cafe began with a small footprint, only four tables, but that didn’t last.

“Every time I took a vacation, (the late) Jackie (Baker ‘81) Williams would add a table or two,” Kelly laughs. “It really improved the bottom line” she said of the now 22-table cafe.

Growing up in Peru - she’s the daughter of Linda (Bedette ‘69) Tynon and Mike Tynon ’70 - she has many great memories.

“I was so fortunate to grow up in Peru. My friends and I had a lot of freedom to play all over town, at the College, and out in the country,” she said. “We had things most small towns do not – the Al Wheeler Activity Center, a roller-skating rink, an arcade, family-owned restaurant, grocery store, college sporting events, and more.

“My fondest memories are all the simple pleasures of life in a small town,” she added.

As to advice to other would-be entrepreneurs, Bequette notes there are pitfalls, but added “It’s fun and rewarding. There are supportive people everywhere willing to lend advice and to assist you.”

“Be careful to sift through and know what advice to keep and what to throw away,” she added. “If you own a business, you have skin in the game and must put yourself in the ring to be punched. Listen to those who have been in the ring, not those who have just sat in the stands.”

Her philosophy at The Keeping Room boils down to this: “Most of all, I want to give others the opportunity to create memories.”

“Listen

to those who have been in the ring, not those who have just sat in the stands.”

-Kelly Bequette

Randee Castillo

Happy Life Nutrition, Auburn Neb., and Plattsmouth Nutrition, Plattsmouth, Neb.

“When you think about starting your own venture, you don’t want to wake up and think you’re going to a job,” Randee Castillo said. “You want to wake up and love where you are going.”

That sentiment encapsulates Castillo’s philosophy toward her enterprises in southeast Nebraska. An entrepreneur in its truest sense, she opened both even before she graduated –Happy Life Nutrition in Auburn in 2020, and Plattsmouth Nutrition in 2022.

“I grew up on a farm near Salem, Neb., always working hard,” said the youngest of seven children. “My oldest siblings taught me a lot.”

Castillo loved sports and came to Peru State to both study and to play volleyball. As a college student-athlete, her focus on wellness was natural. As it would turn out, it also led her down her chosen career path.

“I wanted to bring healthy items to the community, as going to Peru State College and playing volleyball, it was important for me to stay healthy.”

Opening Happy Life was the culmination of a

dream. “I wanted to impact a small community, to create something that the town could benefit from. I wanted to create a business where the entire community felt welcomed, where they walked out with a smile and felt like family,” Castillo said.

Her enterprises serve zero sugar energy teas, protein shakes, lemonades, kids’ drinks, and other healthy drink options. “I wanted to bring healthy items to the community,” she said. “And I wanted to create fun activities for the town, a place where you wanted to come hang out.”

She is married to former Bobcat baseball player Daniel Castillo, whose support has been invaluable. “He has helped motivate me in our journey. Without my family and husband, employees, customers we call family, and those who have motivated me, I wouldn’t be here,” she said.

Castillo acknowledged that finding a work/ life balance isn’t easy for an entrepreneur. “You have to remind yourself you are a better you when you do things for yourself and your personal life,” she noted. “Making sure that after 5 p.m. I am planning to be with my husband, my family, going places on weekends, and always remembering the business will be there when you get back” is, to her, essential.

Another challenge is “learning how impactful it is to be your own boss. How awesome it is, but in the beginning, it can be tough – that's the reason many choose to work for others.”

Castillo’s businesses use social media extensively. “We use Facebook and Instagram, and it draws people in, and it’s a way to stay involved with our customers,” she said. “I enjoy social media a lot, though it can be tough.”

Randee Castillo’s advice to budding entrepreneurs: “Do it! Trust in yourself and take the leap, you won’t regret working for yourself and following your dreams. Surround yourself with like-minded people.

“I can say that I 100 percent love when I wake up and can say that I’m going to one of my shops,” she concluded.

“I wanted to bring healthy items to the community, as going to Peru State College and playing volleyball, it was important for me to stay healthy.”

-Randee

Castillo

Kelly Bequette and husband Bryan

Daniel and Randee Castillo in front their Plattsmouth Nutrition store

Nikki Hayes Earth and Owl Trampoline Fitness and Yoga, Auburn, Neb.

Like so many others, the pandemic in 2020 was a disaster for Nikki Hayes and her Earth and Owl Trampoline Fitness and Yoga business in her native Auburn, Neb.

“My business was brick and mortar, and I offered in-person classes,” she said. “When the pandemic hit, I was forced to close. I had just opened two years prior and was finally starting to turn a profit.”

Hayes decided to try a different track. She rented her equipment to local clients and began creating and offering on-line videos, catering to all demographics but noting her largest audience is women above the age of 40. She specializes in a workout called trampoline rebounding as well as yoga.

“I stumbled across my niche quite by accident,” she recalls. She quickly discovered a challenge in building her client base: several clients told her that due to their age, they didn’t feel they could participate in trampoline rebounding.

“I decided to ask my grandma, who was 87 at the time, to be in one of my videos,” Hayes said. It is now the third highest-watched video on her YouTube channel, and “has inspired countless women across the globe to start rebounding for improved health,” regardless of age.

“Four years later I’ve amassed a very large, global following and offer live workouts four times a week,” Hayes said. Her grandma has participated in more than a dozen of her videos, as have her husband Dan (‘02), a Peru State Instructor of Criminal Justice, and one of their three children.

Even with the family support, making the switch to an online business was fraught with challenges.

“It was really difficult to transition with so few tech skills,” Hayes reflected. She’s “spent countless hours studying ways to improve my videography skills,” and learning how to best utilize social media.

“I have nearly 140,000 TikTok followers, and each time a video does well on that platform, I see a surge in new YouTube subscribers. Much of my work time is spent creating social media content so that I’m discoverable,” she said, since the ultimate goal is driving traffic to her YouTube channel.

“Hitting 50,000 subscribers on YouTube was huge for me,” Hayes said. “I am currently on track to hit 100,000 early in 2025. Less than one percent of channels reach 100k and earn the coveted YouTube silver play button.”

She noted that the hardest step for entrepreneurs is usually the first one.

“Sometimes you have to dive into the deep end of the pool and learn to swim as you go,” Hayes said. “Some of my first videos have terrible lighting and sound quality, but if I had waited until I knew everything about videography, I may never have started.

“Don’t try to emulate others. Be you. People show up for authenticity,” Hays said. “You don’t have to be perfect.”

“Sometimes you have to dive into the deep end of the pool and learn to swim as you go,”

-Nikki Hayes

Nearly Fifty Years Later, Searching for Class of ’75 Lost Alumni

Peru State College and the Foundation would like to find the members of the Class of ’75 who populate our “lost” alumni list. Their golden anniversary of graduation comes up next year during Homecoming in October (see related story)!

Help us be sure all class members get their invitation; email information to pscfoundation@peru.edu, call 402-872-2304, or send to: Peru Stater, c/o PSC Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421-0010. Thank you!

Kesha Klontz Assemble, Tecumseh Neb., and Buckley, Wash.

“It is hard to say if I really ever had aspirations of starting a business,” Kesha Klontz reflected. “I grew up in rural southeast Nebraska surrounded by all the best people. When I was about seven, I remember very clearly wanting two things: a dog and a Bowflex” (a brand of fitness training equipment).

“I’d ask my parents almost every week,” she said. “I remember pleading, ‘It’s only $19.99 a month,’ and my dad would always respond by saying ‘Yeah, for the rest of your life.’

“My parents never caved on the dog or the Bowflex – so when I grew up, I bought my own dog and started my own gym. Twice,” Klontz said.

That kind of determination has led the former Peru State softball and cross-country athlete to own health and performance gyms, one in Tecumseh, Neb., and the other in Buckley, Wash., near where she lives with her husband Marshal Klontz (‘15).

A self-described “visionary leader,” Kesha said that trait, “in combination with my openness to opportunity, the discipline to make things happen, and the desire to bring others along for the ride,” have been her roadmaps to success.

That road began after she graduated from Peru State in 2012 when she opened the first gym in her hometown of Tecumseh. “I saw a need in the area to improve people’s health and fitness, and I knew I was the one who could make it happen.”

Stanley Braun

Mary (Vandeloo) Brooks

Perry Burwell

Dana Davis

Greg Derks

Carnell Durant

Yaser Eddmeiri

Vicki Emken

Kay (Albin) Godsey

Warren Goos

Connie Gregg

Janice (Clark) Johnson

Four years later she followed her nowhusband Marshall Klontz to his home state of Washington while family ran the Tecumseh business. She worked for a well-known e-commerce and technology corporation, then opened her second gym in Buckley, just east of Tacoma. Unlike Tecumseh, there was plenty of competition in that metropolitan market.

“But I knew I had the ability to help people with their health and athletic performance in a more efficient, effective and sustainable way,” Klontz said. “I have never questioned that I can and will find a way, and I think you have to have a little of that to be successful.”

“Entrepreneurship is its own kind of challenge, and certainly not one for the faint of heart,”

-Kesha Klontz

“Entrepreneurship is its own kind of challenge, and certainly not one for the faint of heart,” she noted. “A bigger struggle for me would be the financial side and charging what I am worth. I used to do a lot of stuff for free, but now I also must think about the rate I pay for childcare, and to do my own job.”

“Balancing the demands of a business with other aspects of life” for Klontz now includes “life as a mom to our little guy Boone. I love being a mom more than I could have ever imagined. I love my job, I love my husband, and I love chasing my own dreams.”

As for social media, Klontz said it’s essential “in terms of both building brand identity and staying relevant. But I also don’t believe it’s the most important aspect of a successful business. For me, it’s keeping it authentic to myself and our brand. If it would pencil out to be profitable, it’s (social media) something I would definitely hire to offload.”

As someone who didn’t start with big dreams of owning her own business, Kesha Klontz has made her mark.

“If you have a venture idea that keeps you up at night, you are probably onto something,” she advised. A big believer of “chasing your dreams, I would also say, make sure you have some type of financial foundation and plan before taking the leap.

“You never know, you may have the next Bowflex idea and people could be paying you $19.99 for the rest of your life.”

Evelyn Niehaus

Robert Olson

Gary Parrish

Jim Person

Dennis Rhodes

Phillip Richter

Nancy (Hahn) Rodgers

Ronald Storant

John Vaughn

Harrietta (Thresher) Young

Susan Zimpfer

Nikki Hayes and Grandma Helen Casey bounce for health

Kesha, Marshall and Baker (in the window) in front of Assemble 57 in Tecumseh, Neb.

New Businesses Enhance Peru Community

A year ago at this time, the best (and only) place in Peru to get a cup of coffee in the morning was Casey’s.

Now, Peruvians and others have two new and different options for not only coffee, but other items as well.

The BookShire opened in March while Plum Crazy Lady opened in May. Both have unique restoration stories and offer well more than coffee.

THE BOOKSHIRE

Many may remember the two-stalled car wash just south of Casey’s. Preston and Sylvie Shires purchased the car wash with visions of turning it into a coffee/tea shop as well as a place to borrow and share free books. The transformation is nothing short of amazing and it’s hard to believe that someone used to wash their cars in the renovated facilities.

The Shires family has many ties to Peru State College as several family members are graduates and Preston and Sylvie taught at the College for some time. Their son Fletcher ’02 and daughter Roxanne ’16 are graduates of Peru State as is their daughter-in-law Tammy (Cude ’08) who assists in the operation. The BookShire also employs current PSC students as baristas.

The BookShire is a coffee and tea shop featuring anything from basic coffee to lattes to smoothies to energy chillers. In addition, there is a kids’ drink menu. Initially, BookShire offered breakfast sandwiches and pastries.

Just recently, a small lunch menu has been added featuring pulled pork and chicken salad sandwiches.

Another aspect of the BookShire, thus the name, is that they sell books written by the owners and many others which either can be purchased or just perused while visiting the place.

Presently, the BookShire is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on the weekend, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PLUM CRAZY LADY

One must wonder if the name of the newest Peru business is apropos, especially in these economic times. However, knowing a few things of what went on behind the scenes to open this business, one wonders if it really shouldn’t be called “Plum Crazy Lady (with an even crazier husband)!”

Brenda and Phil Wemhoff have renovated a good portion of the old Masonic Hall just north of the Western National Bank. The Wemhoffs, primarily on their own and with a little outside assistance, have gutted the building and have the bottom floor and part of the top floor open for business.

Phil (‘87), as many remember, was a standout Peru State football player, and worked for many years for the physical plant department at the college.

While its website notes it is a boutique/clothing store, it is more. In addition, to the boutique which presently has the latest trends in summer fashion for women and men, you can enjoy a cool or hot drink as well while sitting in one of their comfortable chairs and discussing the happenings of Peru or beyond.

As part of the upstairs renovation, two new tanning beds are available. For the rest of the upstairs, which was formerly the meeting hall for the Masons, the plan is to renovate it so it could be used as a gathering place for medium-sized groups.

Presently, Plum Crazy Lady is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is free internet!

Alumni and friends are encouraged to patronize these new enterprises when visiting!

Support local businesses

Phil and Brenda Wemhoff

Alums and friends enjoying the Omaha dinner

Where Are You, Class of 2005?

The roster of “lost” alumni from the Class of 2005 – Peru Staters for whom the college has become disconnected – is far too long, as you will see below. If you are able to help locate any of the following, please let us know. Email us at pscfoundation@peru.edu, call 402-872-2304, or drop us a line at Peru Stater, c/o Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421-0010. Thank you.

Justin Ballard

Monica Barnard

Zachary Basye

Patricia Bejarano

Kandi (Smith) Bilslend

Jennifer Boyd

Garrett Broughton

Keri Brown

Kathleen Brunckhorst

Jonathon Brydson

Sasha Chavez

Sheldon Cross

Becky Curtis

Raven Frederick

Tracy Froien

Gorica Gramatikova

Amanda Hakenkamp

James Hale

Ashley Hoppe

Sara (Fischer) Howard

Kimberly (Norton) Hubbard

Ann Jelinek

Izaac King

Linda Kirkland

Derek Knapp

Colleen Kocsis

Ryan LaVigne

Sara (Holtmeier) Lucking

Charlotte Macecevic

Christine (Bulson) Maher

Adam Marriott

Gloria Miller

Cynthia Mollock

Rochelle (Davitt) Morgan

Ashley Morin

Krystin Murray

Jennifer Newcomb

Linda (Price) Orton

Lisa Parris

Jeffrey Parris

Jay Plugge

Donald Polivka

Andrew Riker

Jani Rogers

Jennifer (Shockey) Rohlmeier

William Rothell

Denise (Rowe) Rothwell

James Slisik

Joshua Steadman

John Svehla

Katie Tarwater

Clairese Taylor

Kathryn Tierney

Dustin Tobey

Mark Todd

Farai Tsimba-Chitsva

Nicole Tuxhorn

Dustin Vetrovsky

Matthew Wambold

Stephanie Weiss

Darcy Weldon

Kelly Wheeler

Cara (DeBuhr) Williams

William Wixon

Tiffany Wlaschin

Bradley Wolansky

Robert Zeigler

Joshua Ziemba

Check out the new College website for additional upcoming music, art shows, and theatre events

Calling All ’15 Lost Alumni

The distinguished Class of 2015 has a list of class members on our “lost alumni” roster that is lengthy. If you can help us reduce it, we would be grateful. Send updates via email to pscfoundation@peru.edu, or call (402) 872-2304, or drop us a note at Peru Stater, c/o PSC Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421-0010.

Danielle Aldrich

Chad Battershaw

Ryan Bauman

Caitlin Bos

Kimberley Brewer

Dillon Bruggeman

Brooke Bunten

Brook Davis

Chelsea DeLaCruz

Sydne Endorf

Matheus Fernandes

Charla Forbus

Matthew Fowler

Satarah Funk

Jessica (Johansen) Grasmick

Aja Henderson

Aaron Hendrickson

Alyssa Knodel

Yusheng Li

Natasha Ludwig-Page

Amanda Lyon

Gregory Moran

Monica Rains

Ashley Robertson

Marissa Sawyer

Breanna Scholl

Jiekun Shi

Shannon Stafford

Lauren Stewart

Darcy Weldon

Jessica Zelfel

Look At These Bobcats Go!

1950s

Harold Rasplicka ‘53 posthumously received a proclamation in recognition of his contribution to the Needles (Calif.) community from the mayor and city council in April. Harold was recognized for his commitment and dedication to the betterment of the Needles community.

Phyllis (Constant ’55) Didleau of Colorado Springs, Colo., author of the book The Little Manger Mouse shared the story with groups of children during the holiday season last December. The book won a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. Phyllis’ books and cards are available at goldenrulemasterpieces. com.

1960s

Mike Guilliatt ’67, certified financial planner, has qualified for the 2023 Top of the Table Million Dollar Round Table. Top of the Table is an internationally recognized mark of excellence reserved for the most successful individuals in the financial services industry. Mike and his wife, Jan, reside in Fremont, Neb.

Chuck Mizerski ‘69 was named “Subtastic” substitute teacher of the month in February by Lincoln (Neb.) Public Schools. Chuck played baseball and football for the Bobcats and is a Hall of Fame inductee. Chuck and his wife, Alice (Massoth ’69) reside in Lincoln.

1970s

Bob Lowery ‘76 of Pierre S.D. was inducted into the South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association’s Hall of Shrine in March.

Bill Fitzgerald ‘78 will be posthumously inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in the contributor category in September. Bill was a coach and athletic director at Louisville and Fremont, Neb. He was active in the national and Nebraska School Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, the Nebraska School Activities Association, the Nebraska Coaches Association, and their governing boards.

Doug Jones ‘79 of Auburn, Neb. retired from Nebraska Public Power District in May. Doug worked at Cooper Nuclear Station for 45 years.

Virginia “Ginny” Pippert ‘79 of Auburn, Neb. retired from the Nemaha County Hospital Foundation Board in April. Ginny was one of the founding members of the board which was created in 1990.

1980s

Dennis Marshall ‘80 was recognized for his 40 years of service to the Nebraska City (Neb.) Fire and Rescue in March.

Kip Allison ’83 was the assistant coach for the Cross County Cougars girls’ basketball team which participated in the Nebraska High School Class C2 State Tournament. Allison was a former Bobcat basketball player.

Rick Rummel ’83 joined the Peru State College staff on July 29 as the Vice President of Administration and Finance. Rummel recently served as the Director of Finance and Administration for the Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center in Omaha.

Gary Bender ’85 was an assistant coach for the Humphrey St. Francis (Neb.) Flyers girls’ basketball team which participated in the Nebraska High School Class D2 State Tournament. Bender played basketball for the Bobcats.

Legendary coach Doug Goltz ‘86 was inducted into the National High School Coaching Hall of Fame in June. Doug is a long-time teacher, coach, and administrator at Falls City (Neb.) Sacred Heart High School. Since 1987, his teams in football, boys’ basketball, and boys and girls track have produced 30 state championships. The only coach in boys’ basketball with more than 700 wins, including an 11-0 record in state finals, he has 341 wins in football. He was the 1991 Omaha World-Herald coach of the year. Doug was inducted into the Peru State Hall of Fame in 2022. In addition, Goltz will be inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in September.

Ann (Scheitel ’86, Masters ’00) Severin of Falls City, Neb. retired in May after teaching 36 years.

A book launch was sponsored by the Richardson County Arts and Humanities Council for Lori (Kimball ’87) Gottula author of the book Broken and Chained.

The book signing and presentations were held at the Falls City (Neb.) Library in May.

The rural Steinauer (Neb.) resident formerly worked at Peru State.

Pat Martin attd.’89-90 retired from the Glenwood (Iowa) Police Department in December 2023 after 26 years of service.

Diana Reeves ‘89 of Nebraska City, Neb. completed the Corps of Engineers and Naval Facilities Engineering Command training course for construction quality management for contractors in June.

1990s

Kyle Finke ’90 was the assistant coach for the Summerland boys’ golf team, which participated in the Nebraska State Class C Tournament.

Renee (Jordan ’92) Bilstein of Columbus, Neb. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Michelle Kimball ’92 has accepted a position with the First National Bank of

Johnson as a teller in the Auburn (Neb.) branch.

Joe Davidson ’93, Masters ’13 celebrated 25 years of employment with the State of Missouri Department of Mental Health. Joe is the voice of the St. James (Mo.) Tigers High School sports (football and girls’ basketball), completing his third season of radio broadcasting for 103.1 JACK-FM, KDAA, Rolla, Mo.

Elizabeth (Morrissey ’93) Gobber of Tecumseh, Neb. retired in April. Beth was a certified physician assistant at the Johnson County (Neb.) Hospital.

Scott Kohout ’93 served as an assistant coach for the Norris Titan baseball team which won the Class B Nebraska State High School Championship. Kohout played baseball for the Bobcats and is a member of the College’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Ryan Rischling ’93 of Fremont, Neb. earned his Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Doane University in May.

Tracy (Shannon ’93) VanDyke was featured in the Forbes’ Best-in-State Top Women Wealth Advisors 2024 list. Tracy is a private wealth advisor at NorthStar Wealth Navigation in Leawood, Kan.

Jim Daubendiek ‘94 of Omaha is the new senior account executive at Great Plains Communications.

Christopher Michael ’96 of Loveland, Colo. has accepted a position with Saint John the Evangelist Catholic School as a physical education teacher and athletic director. Chris previously taught for 26 years at Loveland High School. While at Peru Chris played baseball for the Bobcats.

Leigh Calfee ’97 coached participants for the Nebraska City Public Schools in the Class B Nebraska High School State Speech Championship.

Don Hogue ‘97 of Falls City, Neb. will be taking the helm as the head girls basketball coach for Falls City Public Schools. Coach Hogue, former girl’s assistant coach, brings an extensive coaching resume including 23 years of head coaching experience and 296 wins with the boys’ program.

Trevor Longe ’97 was one of the assistants for the Elkhorn South Storm which participated in the Class A Nebraska State High School Championship. Longe was a former Bobcat baseball player.

Craig Moody ‘97 was selected as the Arizona Interscholastic Association 6A West Valley Region Athletic Director of the Year. Craig is the athletic director at Maricopa (Ariz.) High School. Craig played football for the Bobcats.

Misti Munson ‘97 has earned her certification to be a Groove facilitator. The World Groove Movement is a dynamically interactive and creative group dance

experience.

Tom Riley ’97 was an assistant coach for the Platteview boys’ basketball team which participated in the Nebraska High School Class B State Tournament. Riley is the father of one of the Trojan players, Tarin, and current Bobcat basketball player Tyler. The elder Riley was a Bobcat men’s basketball player.

Ron Schaulis ’97 had two girls qualify for the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament. Schaulis teaches and coaches in Nebraska City.

Ben Essam ’98, Masters ’07 was a member of the Beatrice Lady Orange girls’ basketball coaching staff which participated in the Nebraska High School Class B State Tournament.

Jamie Stinson ‘98 was named employee of the month by Millard (Neb.) Public Schools in February.

Teresa Breazile ’99 has accepted a position with the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation as the development and community engagement coordinator. Teresa and her husband, Jerry ’99, Masters ’11, reside in Lincoln.

Kara Engles ’99, Masters ‘12 has accepted a position with Auburn (Neb.) Public Schools as an elementary special education teacher and head high school volleyball coach.

Angie Hunzeker ’99 coached participants for Lewiston in the Class D2 Nebraska High School State Speech Championship.

Celeste (Nolte ’99) Jones, PA-C has joined the Community Medical Center and Family Medicine Clinic in Falls City, Neb. Celeste played basketball for the Bobcats, was the 1998 homecoming queen and 1999 Swenson Award recipient.

John Widick ‘99 of Bennet, Neb. accepted a position with American Direct Procurement as a senior sales representative.

Jeff Wusk ’99 coached in the Nebraska State Girls Wrestling Tournament for Fillmore Central High School.

2000s

Ann (Brugger ’00) Nun of Gretna, Neb. has accepted a position with Ralston Public Schools teaching kindergarten.

Coaching at Meridian, Chris Placek ’00 had several competitors in the Nebraska State Boys Wrestling Tournament. Placek was a former Bobcat football player.

Coaching seven wrestlers in the Nebraska State Boys State Wrestling Tournament was Darin Garfield ’01, Masters ’16 of Central City, Neb. Garfield was a Bobcat football player.

Derek Garfield ’01, Masters ‘17 of Fairbury, Neb. was selected to coach at the 2024 All Star duals sponsored by the

Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association. He had three boys qualify for the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament. Garfield played football for the Bobcats.

Deane Nielson Masters ’01, a 24-year educator at Nebraska City Public Schools, retired in May. Deane taught science.

Jase Blunt ‘02 of Gretna, Neb. graduated from the National Fire Academy in May.

Danny Hayes ‘02 of Auburn, Neb. has been appointed by the Nemaha County Commissioners to the Nemaha County Hospital Board. Danny is an instructor of criminal justice at Peru State.

Luke Santo ’02 led the Falls City Sacred Heart girls’ basketball team to another tournament appearance in the Class D2 Nebraska High School State Tournament.

Randi (Mayberry ’02) Scott has been promoted to Vice President at O’Hara Lindsay Government Relations. Randi is an attorney and lobbyist for the firm, one of Nebraska’s oldest and largest government relations firms.

Jordan Boyer ’03 Masters ‘10 of Papillion, Neb. was named the Central High School Teacher of the Year at the 2024 recognition ceremony hosted by the Omaha Central High School Foundation in May.

Marshal Hays ‘03 of Rock Port, Mo. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Shawn Wehenkel ’03 coached a pair of golfers in the Nebraska State Class B Boys Golf Tournament for the Auburn Bulldogs. Melissa Hawley Masters ‘04 was awarded the Outstanding Educator Award by the Falls City Jaycees in January. Melissa teaches kindergarten at North School for Falls City Public Schools. Melissa and her husband Cody Masters ’04 reside in Falls City, Neb. Paul Heusinkvelt ’04, Masters ’10 accepted a position with Crete (Neb.) High School. Paul will be the new strength and conditioning instructor.

Stephanie (Arnold ’03) Mercer of Papillion, Neb. was named the Senior Technical Advisor for J3 (operations) at the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base. J3 operations plans, integrates, and synchronizes operations with and across USSTRATCOM entities and other combatant commands to provide global options to national leaders to use for strategic deterrence.

Stefanie (Endorf ’04) Nichols of Exeter, Neb. was promoted to an officer in her position as mortgage loan processing manager in May.

Scott Beveridge ‘05 of Dallas, Texas started a new position as CPWS state director of sales-Texas at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.

(continued on page 19)

Look At These Bobcats Go!

Becky (Cooper ’05, Masters ’09) Foland has accepted a position with Waukee Community School District in Adel, Iowa as an instructional coach.

Chris Lindner ’05 was recently named a managing partner for Forvis Mazars US. Lindner was a former Bobcat basketball player and member of Collegiate FBLA (formerly PBL).

Darren Tobey ’05 was a member of the Broken Bow girls’ basketball coaching staff which participated in the Class C1 Nebraska High School State Tournament. Tobey’s daughter, MaKinley, was a key contributor on the team and will be a member of the Bobcat women’s team this fall.

Emily (Jantzen ’05) Volker accepted a position with Union Bank & Trust in Auburn, Neb. as an ag relations assistant. Emily was formerly the academic advisor in graduate programs at Peru State.

Dr. Joanna (Hays ’06) Cielocha, associate professor of biology at Rockhurst University (Kan.) was chosen to represent Rockhurst as a member of a select delegation from higher education who was invited to the White House to help unveil a national strategy to increase equity in the STEMM. The first White House Summit on Equity and Excellence in STEMM took place in May.

Dr. Evi (Steffens ’06, Masters ’08) Wusk of Sterling, Neb. was elected to the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Educational Technology Association in April. Evi is an assistant professor in the School of Education at Peru State.

Ann Beccard ’07 coached participants from Nebraska City Lourdes Central Catholic in the Class C2 Nebraska High School State Speech Championship.

Katy (Thomas ’07) Billings of Auburn, Neb. was selected by representatives of the Good Samaritan Society (GSS) as their Ever Forward Volunteer Champion. The award recognizes volunteers for their exceptional work and service to others. It honors those who consistently go above and beyond and exemplify the mission of GSS. Katy has hosted a chair aerobics class for GSS residents for the past five years.

Kelsey (Rowell ’07) Bradley of Auburn, Neb. presented at the seventh annual FlightBridgeED Air and Surface Transport (FAST24) symposium in Wilmington, N.C. in June.

Crystal (Ellis ’07) Dunekacke graduated from the Leadership Nebraska program in February. Crystal and her husband Taylor ’09 reside in Auburn, Neb.

Alec Gorynski ‘07 of Lincoln, Neb. has accepted a position with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership as senior vice president for economic development. Alec was previously the president and CEO of Lincoln Community Foundation. Alec is a member of the Peru State College

Foundation Board of Directors.

Scott Kinnison Masters ’07, a 25-year educator at Nebraska City Public Schools, retired in May. Scott taught social studies and coached.

Brenda Lutz ’07, ’09, Masters ’18 accepted a position with Northwest Missouri State University as an assistant athletic director for business and finance. Brenda was formerly the project coordinator for the athletic department at Peru State.

Elijah Brown ‘08 of Scottsdale, Ariz. has accepted a new position with Equis Financial as a life insurance agent.

Wade Coulter ’08 coached the Gretna East Griffins in their first year as a school in the Nebraska Girls High School Class B State Tournament. Coulter played football for the Bobcats.

Ashley (Oestmann ’09) Emerson has accepted a position with BetterHelp as a mental health/substance use counselor.

Phuong (Tran ’09) Winchester of Papillion, Neb. has accepted a new position as the regional director of enterprise sales at Yelp.

Kaitlin Morrow ‘10 of Olathe, Kan. was named as a semi-finalist for 2024 Emporia State University Master Teacher program. Kaitlin teaches at and was nominated by Woodland Elementary School.

2010s

Will Hays ’10 served as an assistant coach for the Norris Titan baseball team which won the Class B Nebraska State High School Championship. Hays played baseball for the Bobcats.

Ryan Voegele ’10 has been promoted to manager-investment trade and data quality at Mutual of Omaha.

Lisa (White ’11) Driggs of Omaha was promoted to director of operations at Travel With Barb in May.

Leslie Gross Masters ’11 a 35-year educator at Nebraska City Public Schools retired in May. Leslie taught physical education.

Ben Ideus ’11 was an assistant coach for the back-to-back Nebraska High School Class D1 State Tournament Champions, the Johnson-Brock Eagles.

Shane Karst ‘11 of Falls City, Neb. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Shane Mathis ‘11 has been appointed principal of East Elementary School for the Ankeny (Iowa) Community School District.

Coaching the Nebraska City boys’ wrestlers, Alex Meredith ’11 had three state qualifiers for the Nebraska State Tournament. Meredith was a Bobcat football player.

Laura Rademacher ‘11 of Tecumseh, Neb. earned her Doctor of Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in

May.

Ty Ratliff ’11, Masters ‘19 has been named principal of Shenandoah (Iowa) Community High School.

Aaron Reece ‘11 of Cortland, Neb. was recognized for 10 years of service by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. He was also awarded the DHHS Openness to New Learning Award. Aaron was one of over 400 nominees for the award.

Brittany (Talbot ’11) Stanton of Fairbury, Neb. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Mark Tackett ‘11 of Lincoln, Neb. is now a Great Plains Volleyball Region referee. Mark earned his regional patch in April.

Dr. Kate Trout ‘11 was a presenter at the National Science Fund Convergence Accelerator 2024 Principal Investigator meeting in Washington, D.C. in January. Dr. Trout, a former Peru State faculty member, is presently an assistant professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Missouri.

Fred Whitted ’11 was named the new director of partnerships and strategic initiatives for the MENTOR national team in March. Fred previously served as associate director of outreach and engagement for MENTOR Nebraska. MENTOR’s mission is to fuel the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships for America’s young people.

Christine Allen ‘12 of Papillion, Neb. earned her independent mental health practitioner license from the State of Nebraska.

Jimmy Blex Masters ’12 was the head coach for the Cross County Cougars who participated in the Class C2 Nebraska High School Boys Basketball State Tournament.

Matt Carroll ’12 coached in the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament for the Cross County/Osceola cooperative program. Carroll played football for Peru State.

Rebecca (Colling ’12) Lim of Mount Prospect, Ill. was promoted to director of technology for East Maine Elementary School District 63.

Will Jackson ’12 was an assistant coach for the Aurora boys’ golf team which had a participant in the Nebraska State Class B Boys Golf Tournament. Jackson played football for the Bobcats.

Neil Bowman ’13 coached qualifiers in both girls and boys wrestling in the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament. Bowman teaches and coaches at Johnson County Central and was a former Bobcat football player. One of Bowman’s wrestlers won her second gold medal.

Nicolette (Dannelly ’13) Coble has accepted a new position with Columbus (Neb.) In Action as its new executive director.

Brandon Dinslage ’13 was one of the umpires at the Nebraska State High School Baseball Championships. Dinslage played both baseball and football for Peru State.

Randy Doran ‘13 of Spearfish, S.D. has been named the head women’s golf coach at Black Hills State University.

Matthew Drommond ’13 served as an assistant coach on the Lincoln Southeast boys’ basketball team which participated in the Class A Nebraska State High School Tournament. Drommond played basketball for Peru State.

Trista (Hutchings ’13) McClure of Brock, Neb. has accepted a mental health supervisor position with Tecumseh State Correctional Institution.

Jamie Schluter ’13, Masters ‘17 has been selected to participate in the 2024 Career and Technical Education Leadership Academy.

Blake Steagall ‘13 of Mesa, Ariz. accepted a position with symplr as an account executive in May.

Coaching for Omaha Westside, Bob Mulligan attd. '13-'15, had seven wrestlers qualify for the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament. Bob played baseball for the Bobcats.

Jeremy Bittner ‘14 of Dawson, Neb. earned his Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Instructional Technology and Design from Liberty University in June.

Mitch Boshart ’14 was the head coach for the Cross County Cougars girls’ basketball team which participated in the Nebraska High School Class C2 State Tournament. Boshart was a member of the Peru State football team.

Patrick Bramhall ‘14 helped lead the Rock Creek (Kan.) High School baseball team to a Class 4A state baseball championship in May. Patrick is a business teacher and assistant coach at Rock Creek and played baseball for the Bobcats.

Crystal Goins ‘14 of Rock Port, Mo. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Alexandra Graf ’14 has accepted a position with Auburn (Neb.) Public Schools as a senior high social studies teacher.

Nate Bianchi ’15, Masters ‘17 of Sterling, Neb. has accepted a position with Beatrice (Neb.) High School as a special education instructor and football coach. Nate played football and served as a student assistant coach while at Peru State.

Joseph Foresman ‘15 of Gretna, Neb. has accepted a position with the Omaha Storm Chasers as the director of operations. Joseph was formerly the director of facility services at Peru State College.

Levi Likens ’15 coached competitors in the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament for the Twin Loup High School. Likens played

football for the Bobcats.

Trent Ostransky ’15 was an assistant coach on the Elgin Public/Pope John girls’ basketball team which participated in the Class D1 Nebraska High School State Tournament.

Rachel (Henry ’15) Schwindt accepted a position as the program manager, change and adoption management at Cisco in March.

Angela Zarybnicky ‘15 obtained her certification as a professional life coach from the International Association of Professional Recover Coaches in February.

Alan Barnes ’16, Masters ’19 of Murdock, Neb. has accepted a position with ElmwoodMurdock Public Schools to teach agriculture education. Alan will also be working with the FFA program.

Laura Bloss Masters ’16 served as the speech coach for Pawnee City which had several participants in the Class D1 Nebraska High School State Speech Championship. Dr. Robert Chab ’16 recently passed his national boards exam. Rob is a licensed physical therapist at Siegmund Physical Therapy in Elkhorn, Neb.

Madi Friesel (attd. ’16-’19) earned her speech language pathology master’s from the University of Nebraska–Omaha in May.

Felicia (Schlicker ’16) Pope and her husband Chris of Keosauqua, Iowa were recipients of the Van Buren County (Iowa) Historic Preservation Commission’s Historic Preservation Award in May. The award was given to the couple for their courageous purchase and first steps in restoring the glory of the 1840s Mason House, a steamboat hotel.

Nina Whitney ‘16 gave a gallery talk and dry pastel demonstration at the Auburn (Neb.) Memorial Library in February.

Nathan Baber ‘17 of Milford, Neb. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Chance Baumann ‘17 of Lincoln, Neb. won the Nebraska Best Warrior competition in April. SGT Baumann is a paratrooper with the HHC 2-134 Infantry battalion.

Holly Hawley ‘17 of Brock, Neb. has accepted a position with Nebraska City Public Schools.

Gabe Hoins ‘17 completed fire fighter training in January. Gabe is a firefighter and EMT for the Bellevue (Neb.) Fire Department. Gabe, his wife, Mackenzie (Faris ’17, Masters ’21) and two boys make their home in Plattsmouth. Gabe played football for the Bobcats.

John McDonald ‘17 of Omaha received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Savannah (Moore ’17) Whiting of Nampa, Idaho graduated from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine in May.

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Look At These Bobcats Go!

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Trisha Behrens ‘18 of Omaha received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Hannah Lindsay ‘18 of Neligh, Neb. has accepted a position with Faith Regional Health Services as a donor relations specialist. Dr. Gunnar Orcutt ’18 received the Most Valuable Resident Award presented by the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia in June. The award is presented in recognition of a surgical resident, who exemplifies the traits of an ideal surgeon and team player, who demonstrates hard work, dedication, integrity, and excellent judgment.

Alaya Roberts ’18 of Omaha earned her Master of Arts in Athletic Training from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in May.

Rian (Kirby ’18) Robinson has accepted the position of head volleyball coach at AshlandGreenwood (Neb.) Public Schools.

Lowgaen Schmidt ‘18 has accepted a position with Schuyler (Neb.) Community Schools as the middle school instrumental music instructor.

Cristina “Titi” Viera ‘18 has been selected to steer the Montreat College (N.C.) women’s volleyball program as the head coach. While playing volleyball for Peru Titi amassed a plethora of honors including the TachikaraNAIA Volleyball All-America Third Team (2016), Heart of America Conference Co-Defender of the Year (2017) and AVCANAIA Midwest Region Libero of the Year (twice).

Weston Witt ‘18 has accepted a position with Scheitel & Associates, Inc.–American Family Agency as a sales specialist. Weston, his wife, Lauren (Huber ’21) and daughter Baylor reside in Falls City, Neb.

Morgan Albury ’19 of Panama City, Fla. has accepted a position as an elementary media specialist.

Shannon Buckminster ‘19 of Nebraska City, Neb. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

John Cockerill Masters ’19 was the head coach for the Waverly Vikings which participated in the Class B Nebraska Girls High School State Basketball Tournament.

Swaranga Fernando ‘19 of George Town, Cayman Islands played in the Cayman Islands Basketball Association finals in May. Swaranga played basketball for the Bobcats and is an accountant for KPMG.

Brandon Gibson ’19, Masters ’21 has been appointed principal of the Falls City South School by Falls City (Neb.) Public Schools.

Dylan King ‘19 of Gilbert, Ariz. has started a new role as owner at Legacy Impact Insurance Group.

Emily Whipple ’19, Masters ‘21 of Lincoln, Neb. has accepted a position with North Star

High School (Neb.) teaching freshman level math.

2020s

Jacey (Sutton ‘20) Andersen of Thedford, Neb. received a 2024 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Recognition award in April. Jacey was chosen as the Emerging Volunteer Award recipient from Thomas County.

Brooke Bowen ‘20 of Bellevue, Neb. has started a new position as a lab, cardiopulmonary and therapy recruiter with Uniti Med.

Austin Greenfield ‘20 of Omaha received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Noah Kasbohm ‘20 of Omaha earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in May.

Anjanea (Simms ’20) McReynolds was awarded the 2024 Warden’s AwardProficiency Performance from Tecumseh (Neb.) State Correctional Institution in May. Anjanea also recently successfully completed the First Level Leader Academy, a training program for Nebraska Department of Correctional Services employees.

Justin Pool ‘20 and his crew were awarded the Team MVP award at the ninth Annual Celebrity Greens dealer meeting. Justin is employed by Intelligent Turf and Greens (Kan.).

Austin Rosas ‘20 graduated with a master’s degree in professional and school counseling from Bradley University (Ill.) in May.

Joel Schindler ‘20 of Omaha received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Drew Switzer ‘20 accepted a position with Prime Pensions, Inc. as a regional sales consultant. Drew is responsible for the Pacific Northwest territory.

Ethan Arnold ’21 of New Brighton, Minn. is a photographer for Clear Channel Outdoor. Ethan also provides photography services for other clients ranging from youth sports to concerts.

Adam Cendejas ‘21 of Chino Hills, Calif. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Taylor Finke ‘21 of Omaha received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Vivian (Brown ’21) Hansen of Omaha was named Rookie Teacher of the Year by the Omaha Education Association in April.

Koner Hogue ‘21 has accepted a physical education teaching position with Columbus (Neb.) High School.

Joslynn Hudson ‘21 of Nebraska City, Neb. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Madison McPhillips ‘21 is working as a curriculum and program support specialist at Boys Town (Neb.). In addition, she is a

basketball trainer and coach at The Next Level Academy. Maddy played basketball for Peru State.

Danielle Pfister ‘21 of Johnson, Neb. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Sara Vance ‘21 of Omaha received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Lauren (Huber ’21) Witt has accepted a position with Falls City Public Schools. Lauren will be teaching fifth grade.

Jaxson Balm ‘22 has been named head boys basketball coach for Falls City (Neb.) High School.

Dana Christensen ‘22 of Lincoln, Neb. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Mason Clobes ‘22 has published his first paper entitled Advancing Molecular Weight Determination of Lignin by Multi-Angle Light Scattering. You may read Mason’s paper at mdpi.com. Mason is a doctoral student at the University of North Dakota. Mason was also selected for an internship with NASA Glenn Research Center. The project will focus on synthesizing and characterizing aerogels.

Mason Clobes ’22 presented at the 72nd conference of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry in June in Anaheim, Calif.

Matthew Crouch ’22 of Papillion, Neb. has accepted a position with Omaha Public Schools. Matt is the new head boys basketball coach for Bryan High School.

Tiffany Hall ‘22 of Beatrice, Neb. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Morgan Kroll ’22 of Omaha led her students in earning the Best Ensemble Award from the Nebraska High School Theater Academy in June. Morgan and Platteview High School students were one of 10 schools across the state earning this award for their production of Beauty and the Beast.

Maddie Million ’22 of Talmage, Neb. accepted a position with Nemaha Natural Resources District as an executive secretary in April.

Emma Shubert ’22 has accepted a position with Falls City (Neb.) Public Schools as an elementary special education teacher.

Arianna Waschkowski ‘22 of Bellevue, Neb. received a master’s degree from Peru State in May.

Sebastian Boelhower ‘23 has accepted a position with Milford (Neb.) Public Schools as the 5-12 band director.

Rejina Gobel Masters ‘23 has been promoted to chief operating officer for Premier Bank in Omaha.

Kassidy Haberman ‘23 has accepted a position with the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services as a human resources assistant.

Alex Henzel ‘23 has accepted a position at Columbus (Neb.) Public Schools. Alex will be teaching physical education and coaching at Columbus Middle School.

Mattie Nichols ’23 of Auburn, Neb. is the new financial aid specialist at Peru State College. Mattie played volleyball for the Bobcats.

Andrew Black Elk ‘24 has been accepted into the graduate school program at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. He has also accepted a position as a TTU graduate hall coordinator.

Chelsea Boltz ’24 will be teaching third grade for Beatrice (Neb.) Public Schools this fall.

Jaime Copenharve ’24 will be teaching 7-12 health and physical education this fall for Tri-County Public Schools in DeWitt, Neb. Jaime will also serve as the varsity assistant volleyball coach and strength instructor.

Josephine Crofford ’24 has accepted a position with Hiawatha (Kan.) USD 415. Josie will be teaching kindergarten at Hiawatha Elementary School this fall.

Garrison Dodge ’24 served as an assistant coach for the Johnson-Brock boys’ basketball team which won back-to-back Nebraska High School Class D1 State Tournament titles. Dodge played football for Peru State. He has accepted a position with Rock Port (Mo.) R-II Schools as elementary physical education teacher and assistant high school football, basketball, and track coach.

Jayden Duff ’24 has accepted a position with Frontenac (Kan.) USD 249. Jayden will be teaching pre-school this fall at Frank Leyden Elementary School.

Alaina Fullerton ’24 has accepted a position with the Lincoln Public School System. Laini will be teaching kindergarten at Meadow Lane Elementary School this fall.

Natalie Gertsch ’24 will be teaching elementary education for Bellevue (Neb.) Public Schools this fall.

Emma Haning ’24 will be teaching kindergarten this fall for Hamburg (Iowa) Community School District.

Samantha Ingram ’24 has accepted an elementary education position with Omaha Public Schools. Sam will be teaching fourth grade at Joslyn Elementary School this fall.

Riley Koch ’24 has accepted a position with Onaga (Kan.) USD 322. Riley will be teaching elementary special education.

Spencer Koehn ’24 has accepted a position with Homer (Neb.) Community Schools. Spencer will be teaching middle school social science and coaching.

Gabrielle Krienert ’24 accepted a position with Fairbury Public Schools. Gabbie will be teaching first grade at Fairbury Central Elementary this fall.

Maggie Layton ‘24 of Fairbury, Neb. has accepted a position at Fairbury Public Schools teaching kindergarten.

Seth Leddy ’24 was an announcer at the Nebraska High School State Soccer Championships. Leddy was a former Bobcat football player and announcer at Peru State athletic events.

Payton Partida ’24 has accepted an elementary education position with District OR-1 at Bennet (Neb.) Elementary School.

Matthew Ramold ’24 has accepted a position with Winside (Neb.) Public Schools. Matt will be teaching social studies.

Eryn Snethen ‘24 of Falls City, Neb. is the new first grade teacher at Johnson County (Neb.) Central Public Schools.

Emily Taggs ’24 has accepted a teaching position with Nebraska City Public Schools. Emily will be teaching middle school science.

Regan Warrick ’24 will be teaching second grade at Bellevue (Neb.) Public Schools this fall.

Naomi Wilson ’24 has accepted a position with Glenwood (Iowa) Community School District. Naomi will be teaching fourth grade at West Elementary.

Lara Wells ’24 has started occupational therapy school at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Pa.

Friends

Dr. Michael Barger, former professor of biology, was named as the dean of the Women’s College at Stephens College (Mo.) in April.

Former vice president for enrollment management at Peru State Dr. Jesse Dorman is the new vice provost of enrollment for Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, N.C.

Ashleigh Eickhoff, former campus visits coordinator for the Admissions Department at Peru State, has accepted a position with Falls City Public Schools as a secondary school counselor.

Former head coach for men’s basketball Troy Katen has been named the director of athletics for Valdosta State University.

William Fields, fformer defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Bobcat football program, was promoted to defensive co-coordinator for the Toronto Argonauts.

Dr. Kathryn “Kass” Rempp, former associate professor of education, retired in May after teaching for 25 years at Hastings (Neb.) College.

Bobcats in Love! Bobcat Babies! Bobcats We Will Miss...

Faculty & Staff

Professor Emeritus of English, Dr. Bill Clemente was named the 2023 Bluebirder of the Year at the April conference of Bluebirds Across Nebraska. Dr. Clemente gave the conference-ending presentation entitled A Year of Nebraska’s Avian Diversity. Bill, an avid photographer, is a longtime bird lover who has devoted considerable time to educational programs such as Feathers and Verses for children and bird-photography presentations for adults. Bill and his wife, Dr. Linda Clemente, also lead nature hikes at Pioneers Park in Lincoln, Neb. Bill shared the award with fellow birder and friend John Lokke.

Dr. Sara Crook, professor emerita of political science and history at Peru State College, directed a four-day tour entitled “Sara’s History, Wine & Brew Tour” in July. The group traveled to multiple towns and cities across Nebraska to experience wineries, breweries, and museums. The tour was sponsored by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation. She also directed the inaugural “A Day in the City” tour in Nebraska City, Neb. in May. Dr. Crook and tour participants visited multiple historical sites and explored their impact on the community. The tour included the presentation, “Nebraska Through Song and Story” by Professor Emeritus of English, Dr. Dan Holtz. The program is sponsored by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.

Former Peru State President Dan Hanson and First Lady Elaine Hanson were recognized as the 2023 Waldorf Distinguished Service Award Winners by Waldorf (Iowa) University. Dr. Hanson was noted for his passionate leadership in higher education and tireless dedication to faith and academics. The First Lady was honored for deep devotion to civic engagement and service through faith and a selfless dedication to assisting others. The Hansons graduated from Waldorf in 1975.

Dr. Frank Lynott, associate professor of health, physical education, and recreation, and three students attended the 2024 SHAPE America conference in Cleveland, Ohio. The students were recognized as “Majors of the Year” and presented at the conference.

Ross Udey was the head coach for the Blair competitors in the Nebraska State Class B Boys Golf Tournament. Udey taught industrial technology at Peru State for several years.

Cassandra Weitzenkamp earned her certified fraud examiner certificate from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners in April. Cassandra is an instructor of business in the School of Professional Studies at Peru State.

Dr. Evi (Steffens ’06, Masters ’08) Wusk of Sterling, Neb., presented at the Annual National Future of Education Technology Conference in Orlando, Fla. in January. Evi is an assistant professor in the School of Education at Peru State.

Bobcats In Love!

Craig Aue ’01 and Shari Berglund were married in February.

Shelby Jones ‘13 and Chris Andreasen were married in April. Shelby was a former Bobcat cheerleader.

Whitni Redman ’16 and Joseph Al-Feghali were married in June in Skaneateles, N.Y. Whitni was a former Bobcat cheerleader.

Hannah Chubbuck ‘17 and Connor Clayton were married in February.

Bryson Duncan ’21 and Alana Krieser ’22 were married in June. Bryson played football for the Bobcats while Alana was a member of the softball team.

Taylor Finke ’21, Masters ‘23 and TJ Loudner were married in June. Taylor was a Bobcat golfer.

Madison “Madi” Panko ‘21 and Logan Lang were married in May in Cook, Neb. Madi is a second-grade teacher at Johnson County (Neb.) Central Schools.

Mike Lombardi ‘22 and Taylor Cone were married in March. Mike played football for the Bobcats.

Love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

Dr. Wayne and Betty Davidson celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June. Doc served as a professor and the head women’s basketball coach at Peru State. He is a Hall of Fame coach inductee, as well as a three-time team inductee. Wayne and Betty reside in Wentzville, Mo.

Dr. Bill and Shirley ’78 Snyder celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Bill is Professor Emeritus of Business at Peru State. Shirley and Bill reside in Auburn, Neb.

Dwight and Alyce Weiss of Sterling, Neb. celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in December 2023. They met at a MUDECAS basketball tournament in Adams, Neb. Alyce (Hestermann ’75, Masters ’94) was working at the concession stand and Dwight asked her for an apple. Alyce was a teacher and Dwight owned and operated Weiss Construction.

Bobcat Babies…

Adam Krecklow ’08 and wife Tashia of Syracuse, Neb. are parents of a son, Cohen Dale, born in May. Cohen was welcomed home by his big sister Suttyn.

Tony ’10 and Erica (Obermeyer ’20)

Janssen of Brownville, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Trey Anthony. Trey was born in April and welcomed home by three big sisters.

Quentin Coatney ’11, Masters ‘22 and Megan O’Grady of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Johnni Kate, born in May. Johnni is named after both of her late grandpas, John Coatney and John O’Grady.

Linus ’11 and Kacie (Allgood ’11) Hendrickson of Auburn, Neb. welcomed a baby girl, Berkley Elise, in May.

Shane Mathis ’11 and wife Abby welcomed a daughter, Leah Joyce, in March. Leah was welcomed home by her big sister Clara and big brother Danny. Leah is the granddaughter of former Peru State President and First Lady Dan and Elaine Hanson.

Jared ’11 and Rachel (Rippe ’12)

Meiergerd of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter. The family welcomed Rory Mae in May.

Jessica (Clark attd. ’11 - '12) and Adrian (attd. ’11 - '12) Lawson welcomed a baby girl, Esti Ruth, in April. Esti was welcomed home by four big sisters and two big brothers.

Becky (Colling ’12) Lim and husband Kalvin welcomed a baby girl, Penelope Amy, in March. Penelope was welcomed home by her big sister Charlotte.

Megan (Bottcher ’13) Brehm and husband Randy welcomed a daughter, Lena Madeline, in March.

Austin Barnes ‘14 and wife Erin are proud parents of a baby girl, Ruby Evelyn. Ruby was welcomed home by her big brother Ethan and big sisters Penny and Leah. Baby Ruby was born in January and has the distinction of being the first baby of the New Year born at CHI St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City, Neb.

Angie (Durflinger ’15, Masters ’17) and Nate ’15, Masters ’17 Bianchi are proud parents of a daughter, Karsyn Faye, born in April. Karsyn was welcomed home by her big sisters Kennedy and Holly.

Courtney (Jurek ’15) and Nate ’15 Bohy welcomed a baby boy, Grayson Walker, in January.

Briar ‘15 and Bailey (Armbruster ’21) Burr are proud parents of a baby girl. Paben Quinn was born in March.

Preston Sunneberg ’15 and wife Ashton are proud parents of a son, Brooks Edward Galen, born in March. Brooks was welcomed home by his big sisters Sawyer and Rae.

Kelsey (Young ’17) and Cody Piotrowski (attd. ’12 – ’16) are the proud parents of a daughter Elliott (Ellie) Grace in June. Kelsey

was a former Bobcat volleyball player while Cody played football for Peru State.

Mallory (Seay ’17) Siebold and husband Andrew welcomed a daughter, Essie Grace, in February. Proud grandparents are Drs. Darolyn and Gregory Seay.

Jack Coughlin ’18, Masters ‘21 and wife Madisyn are proud parents of a daughter.

Cecilia Michelle arrived in May.

Nicole (Osborn ’18) Hagen and husband Trent welcomed a daughter, Rylie Joy, in January.

Justin Mahon ‘18 and wife Liza are proud parents of a daughter. Quinn Kelli was born in January.

Chaz Dunn ’19, ‘22 and wife Elizabeth welcomed a daughter, Kamren Ada, in May.

Dr. Julia (Schultheiss ’19) Smith and husband Austin are proud parents of a baby boy. Russell Robert was born in May.

Leslie (Kirkland ’19) Younger and husband Tyler are proud parents of a baby boy. Scout Tyler was welcomed home by his big brother Chase in May.

Mallory (Matthies ’20) Dillon and husband Hunter welcomed a son, Jaxon Thomas, in March.

Elly Lempka ‘20 and DeShawn Phelps attd. ’16-'19 welcomed a daughter, Kaiyah Marie, in May.

Dawn (Castle ’21) Coughlen and husband Cheldon are proud parents of a son, Benedict Peelle. Benedict arrived in April.

Serena Nelson ‘21 and Jake Koke welcomed a baby boy, Caiden Parker, in April.

Staff

Peru State Athletic Trainer Kimmy Behrends and husband Dylan are proud parents of a son, Franklin Michael. Franklin was born in March.

Nate Crotty, a member of the facility services staff, and his wife, Chastity, welcomed Miriam Lucille into their family in March.

Peru State Marketing Coordinator Bekka Rinne and husband Trevor of Brock, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter. Charlotte Ann was born in June and was welcomed home by her big brother Theo.

Bobcats We Will Miss... 1940s

Janet (Ebers ‘41) Blue of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in November 2023.

Evelyn (Renz ‘45) Hale formerly of Cortland, Neb. passed away in February. Evelyn taught country school.

Helen (Church attd. late ‘40s) Fankhauser formerly of Humboldt, Neb. passed away in January. Helen enjoyed working in the yard tending her flowers and vegetable garden.

Darline (Callaway ’48) Thoms of Avoca, Neb. passed away in April. Dancing and visiting friends were favorite past times.

Collen (Williams ’49) Tillman formerly of Wahoo, Neb. passed away in February. Throughout her life Coke was a teacher both professionally and in her many volunteer activities in the community and at church. Coke met the love of her life, the late Jack Tillman ’51 while attending Peru. They were married for over 64 years.

Gladys (Nebelsick ‘49) Wellsandt formerly of Talmage, Neb. passed away in February. She taught school and worked alongside her husband on the farm for many years. Gladys enjoyed gardening and growing flowers.

1950s

Eldor Fruehling ‘50 of Sauk City, Wis. passed away in May. In 1943 Eldor enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps serving in the Pacific where he fought in the battle of Iwo Jima. After graduating from Peru State, he attended Wartburg Theological Seminary and served as a pastor for over 38 years.

Terry Bickford attd. early ‘50s of Columbia, Mo. passed away in June. Terry worked for State Farm Insurance for 38 years. Terry was an active volunteer in his community.

Richard Harpenau attd. early ‘50s of Prairie Village, Kan. passed away in February. Rich worked for Bendix Corp as a government inspector. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and sporting events.

Franklin Royal attd. early ‘50s of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in April. He was a long-time employee of Nebraska City Utilities. Frank also worked as a farrier for most of his life. He had many hobbies and interests and was a fan of all sports.

Berdine (Schmidt ’51) Juilfs of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in February. Berdine taught school for several years and worked for the Veterans Service Center.

Dorothy (Wilberger ’51, Masters ‘61) Rieke of Julian, Neb. passed away in May. Dorothy taught school for 44 years and loved every minute of it. Her background as an

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Bobcats we will miss...

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English teacher equipped her to write and publish hundreds of magazine articles about various topics. Dorothy and her husband, Kenneth, were married for over 71 years.

Darlene (Blakely ’52) Spilker of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in June. Darlene was a lifelong learner and a life-long teacher.

Harold Rasplicka ‘53 of Needles, Calif. passed away in March. After graduation Harold served two years in the U.S. Army and then began his 36-year teaching career.

Marilynn (Stoehr ‘54) Meisinger of Plattsmouth, Neb. passed away in February. Marilynn received a full tuition scholarship at Peru State valued at $75 per semester and graduated with a teaching certificate in 1954 and later returned for her bachelors. She met her husband Dean ’55 while attending Peru. They were married for 65 years. Marilynn was well known for her rolls and lemon meringue pies made from home-grown lemons. She was very active in her church and community organizations.

Marjorie (Hunter ’55) Carson of Council Bluffs, Iowa passed away in May. She worked for Union Pacific railroad for 42 years and Key Real Estate for 20 years, retiring at the age of 81.

Garnet (Brown ’55) Kreifels of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in May. In addition to raising her family, Garnet worked with her husband, Buck, at the family-owned business – City Wholesale Meat Company.

Ron Paap ‘55 of Charleston, Ill. passed away in January. Ron spent 35 years as an associate athletic director at Eastern Illinois University. He was inducted in Eastern’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. Ron enjoyed reading, golfing, and working outdoors in his yard.

Carrie (Conkling attd. mid ‘50s) Balfour of Sidney, Neb. passed away in March. Carrie loved her family, music, and spending time in the mountains.

Nancy (Hill attd. mid ‘50s) Cassel-Peters of Ashland, Neb. passed away in March.

Robert Noah attd. mid ‘50s of Kenyon, Minn. passed away in February. After a short teaching career and a stint in public relations Bob purchased a newspaper which he ran for 30 years.

Robert Bell ‘57 of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in April. Bob started his career as a news photographer in Nebraska and eventually became a film supervisor at ABC News. He later worked for Motorola in government sales.

Charles “Chuck” Krumme ‘57 of Elkhorn, Neb. passed away in June. He was a teacher, counselor and principal for Omaha Public Schools for 37 years. Chuck played football for the Bobcats and was inducted into the Peru State Hall of Fame along with his 1953 football teammates in 1996.

Gloria “June” (Hauptman ’57) Novacek of Hastings, Neb. passed away in May. June will always be remembered for ringing a cowbell relentlessly at football games celebrating any positive play for the Gothenburg (Neb.) Swedes.

Sandra (Elm attd. ‘57) Swantek of Genoa, Neb. passed away in April. Sandra worked alongside her husband, Phil, on the farm raising cattle and horses.

Marilyn (Meyer ’58) Naggatz of Valparaiso, Ind. passed away in August 2023. Marilyn was an elementary school teacher and very active in her church.

Carolyn (Schacht ‘58) Henry formerly of Maryville, Mo. passed away in March. Carolyn was a schoolteacher and an accompanist for high school students for more than 20 years. She also served as an organist for her church.

1960s

Mardelle (Miller ’60) Harvey of Bethalto, Ill. passed away in March. She was an active member of her church and sang in the choir. Mardy enjoyed many hobbies and loved the outdoors. Her favorite pastime was spending time at Marco Island hunting for seashells with her daughter.

Joyce Hutton ‘61 of Sabetha, Kan. passed away in March. She taught for 34 years in Nebraska and Kansas. Joyce was selfless and kind and her hands were never idle. She was always very active in her community and church, finding quiet ways to serve others.

Robert Kaiser ‘61 of Muscatine, Iowa passed away in March. Bob taught music education. He later founded a fundraising company, Kaiser Enterprises Inc., working with schools in Iowa and Illinois. Bob was a talented artist who enjoyed painting and photography. He was generous with his time, patience, love, and money. Bob’s sense of humor was excellent, and he especially enjoyed telling jokes.

L. Allen Nelson ‘62 of Red Oak, Iowa passed away in January. Allen was the executive director for both the Red Oak Chamber of Commerce and the Red Oak Industrial Foundation. He was always civic minded and volunteered for numerous organizations in his community. Allen was an accomplished artist and was well known for his artwork which can be seen throughout the area.

James DuVal ‘63 of Huntington Beach, Calif. passed away in April 2023. He taught junior high science for 55 years. Jay played football for the Bobcats.

Judith (Wolf ’63) Lockwood of Warner Robins, Ga. passed away in January. Judy was a teacher for many years. She was an active volunteer in her community and church. She loved to read and knit. Robert Reimers ‘63 of Griswold, Iowa

passed away in January. Bob had a 30-year teaching and coaching career. He coached nearly every sport at some level. Bob was a positive influence and left a lasting impact on many of his students’ and athletes’ lives. Bob was a standout multi-sport high school athlete and pitched for the Bobcat baseball team.

Michael Sullivan attd. mid ‘60s of Norfolk, Neb. passed away in January.

Douglas Voegele ’66 of Falls City, Neb. passed away in June. Doug initially taught history and coached football and later worked at Bern (Kan.) Meats until retirement.

John Nicholas attd. ’68-‘70 of Pawnee City, Neb. passed away in February. JB loved his family, farming, and his cattle. He donated 151 gallons of blood to the Red Cross during his lifetime. JB’s final act of kindness was donating his organs for pancreatic cancer research.

William Everhart ‘69 of Williamsburg, Iowa passed away in May. Bill served in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of sergeant, and the Iowa National Guard. He taught and coached for 34 years at Williamsburg High School. Bill played football and baseball for the Bobcats.

Eugene Feit ‘69 formerly of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in May. He served in the U.S. Navy in the early ‘60s as a helicopter mechanic and was part of the astronaut recovery program. Gene worked for the Beatrice State Development Center for 35 years. He had an amazing knowledge of car parts and enjoyed driving and restoring antique cars. Gene was known as Mr. Fix It and was always ready to lend a hand to others.

Rich Flannery ‘69 of Atkinson, Neb. passed away in January. While attending Peru he worked at the Auburn (Neb.) Airport and later earned his private pilot’s license. Rich learned from an early age the importance of a hard day’s work. He farmed, had a successful black angus cow/calf operation, as well as owning several ag businesses. Rich enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, and exploring new places. Rich is survived by the love of his life, Hilda (Hofeling attd. late ‘60s) whom he met at Peru State.

Donald Hansen attd. ’69 - '72 of Walnut, Iowa passed away in May. He was an avid golfer and loved playing card games with his family.

1970s

Roger Evans ‘70 of St. Louis, Mo. passed away in March. Roger had a distinguished career in the U.S. Coast Guard and retired as a Captain. He had a zest for life and a passion for woodworking, carpentry and restoring his 1957 Chevy.

Linda (Weinert ’70) Fisher-Perue of

Saratoga, Wyo. passed away in April. Linda taught art and home economics, as well as initiating a life skills class and a survival microwave cooking class. Linda’s greatest belief was that we need to take care of each other and above all take good care of the children.

Phyllis (Groff ’71, Masters ’95) Reeves of Stella, Neb. passed away in February. Phyllis taught school for many years. She loved animals of all kinds, especially her dogs. Phyllis enjoyed her flowers, boating, reading, baking, and decorating, but spending time with her family was her favorite thing to do.

Peter G. Stewart ‘71 of Bass Harbor, Maine passed away in April. Peter was the owner of P.G. Stewart & Associates, a real estate appraisal and consulting business.

Betty (Foreman ’72) Cacek of Lewiston, Neb. passed away in May. Betty was a schoolteacher.

Jay Hagerman ‘72 of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in April. Jay owned and operated QA Balance Services for over 35 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. Jay ran cross country and track for the Bobcats.

Carol (Roth ‘72) Dumpert Johanson of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in August 2023. Carol had a long career as a teacher.

Roxann (Runyan ’72) Stitzer of Salem, Neb. passed away in April. Roxann taught school at Barada, Neb. for eight years. She worked on the farm, was a homemaker and active in her church.

Patricia (McLaughlin ’74) Barry of Papillion, Neb. passed away in December. Patty enjoyed gardening and reading.

Jean Michal ‘78 of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in January.

Joel Richert attd. ’78-‘81 of Fremont, Neb. passed away in April. Joel worked as an x-ray technician at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Pamela (Weinberg ’79, Masters ’96) Perrigo of Naples, Fla. passed away in May. Pam taught school for 30 years.

1980s

Mark Fankhauser ‘84 of Bristow, Okla. passed away in May. Mark valued hard work and loved his country and family.

John Schreiter ‘88 of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in May.

1990s

Gerald Harkness ‘94 of Hiawatha, Kan. passed away in June. Jerry worked for 7-11, and later for Wolf Camera. After a life changing accident left him disabled, Jerry dedicated himself to assisting the elderly and disabled.

Barbara Bender ‘95 formerly of Peru, Neb.

passed away in January. Barb had a long career in food service, as well as in education. She worked for 20 years at Peru State, mainly in continuing education. Barb loved to travel and was an enthusiastic bridge player.

Luke Avery ‘98 of rural Humboldt, Neb. passed away in March. Luke worked for Fi-Serv and then for Charles Schwab. He was very active in his church and was an Awana leader. Family was important to Luke. He enjoyed playing board and yard games, as well as family vacations with his wife, Nicole, and his six children.

Richard Atwood Masters ‘99 of Bellevue, Neb. passed away in December 2023. Rick taught elementary school. He loved cats and had humorous voices for all of them.

Brady Nyberg attd. ’99 - ‘01 of Kearney, Neb. passed away in February. Brady was outgoing and had a larger-than-life personality. He made friends easily and was the life of the party. Brady was able to positively impact others as a registered organ donor. Brady played football for the Bobcats.

2000s

Donna (Grundman ’02) Damme of Syracuse, Neb. passed away in May. Donna loved cooking and was an avid cookbook collector.

Meghan McIntosh attd. ‘02 of Unadilla, Neb. passed away in April.

Lt. Col. M. Scott Flurry ‘06 of Jacksonville, N.C. passed away in February. Scott had a remarkable career with the U.S. Marine Corps and dedicated his life to serving his country. Notably, Scott was the lead planner for the large multinational NATO exercise in Norway called Nordic Response 24. He was a devoted husband and loving father to his four daughters and will be remembered as humble, easy going, competitive, uncomplicated, generous, and steadfast. Scott played football for the Bobcats.

Brittany Munoz attd. ‘08 formerly of Falls City, Neb. passed away in June. Brittany enjoyed art, softball, reading and music.

Friends We Will Miss

Dr. Carl Ellis of Gig Harbor, Wash. passed away in March. Dr. Ellis was the Vice President for Technology and Extended Campus from 2000 to 2002.

Dr. Norma Jean (Blair) Gilmore, former school of education professor at Peru State passed away in June. Norma was a student in the first craniosacral classes taught at Michigan State University in 1979. She went on to do craniosacral work for 35 years helping innumerable people.

Larry McMann of Auburn, Neb. passed away in May. Larry was a former facility services employee at Peru State.

Where are they now?

Dr. Bill Snyder: No Better Place

Back in the day, when I had both hair and color in my hair, I was fortunate enough to be offered a job at Peru State. The year was 1970, and I was given assignments in both economics and history.

To be honest, I was a bit in over my head, but just as when I retired in 2011, I had great students (I’m not supposed to call you kids) who listened to my stories, laughed at my jokes, and made teaching the best gig a person could hope to have.

And it wasn’t just the students; it was also the faculty/staff that always seemed to put the student at the center of their thoughts and work. Now, when I go back to campus, I’m pleased to observe that the studentcentered culture still exists.

I left the college in 1973, only to return in 1979, and then stayed until my retirement. When I came back, “streaking” was no longer the thing but everything else was pretty much as I had left it. This included chronic underfunding and fewer resources, but we made do.

Along with other business faculty, we scrubbed floors prior to the Business Contest in an attempt to make TJM presentable. For those of you who took economics from me in the ‘80s, you might remember we had class in the old third grade classroom with chalkboards suitable for third graders.

I had to learn to draw my graphs on the upper half of the board, but the students adapted, and we went on with laughs and graphs. TJM was finally made presentable during the 1988-89 school year with chalkboards at the right height. Alas, I finally had a respectable

Wanted: Lost Alums, Class of ‘95

We hope you can help put the following members of the Class of ’95 back on the mailing list for the Peru Stater.

Please help us update our records if you can by sending updates/addresses on any of the following. You can reach us by email at pscfoundation@peru.edu, by phone at 402-872-2304 weekdays, or by mail at Peru State College Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421-0010.

Paul Alexander

Kelly (Moore) Anderson

Machelle Arends

Lucy Bailey

Andrew Beckford

Kimberly Beebee

Amy (Hartgrave) Blech

Amy Bremers

Jo Britt

Stephen Case

Rose Claassen

Brian Coburn

R. Nellene Dill

Randy Edelmaier

Linda Estes

April Friedrichsen

Patricia Fugitt

classroom, along with new office desks and chairs that replaced the ones we had scavenged from what hand-me-downs were available. It was then that I decided to go into administration. I served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Interim President of Peru State College during my brief sojourn in administration.

I lay claim to being the only President in PSC history having an NAIA National Football Championship. Upon further review and in the interest of full disclosure, I neither played a down nor coached a player.

In 1993, I went back into the classroom and enjoyed the next 18 years teaching mostly economics, business and with a few education courses thrown in. I still miss the classroom with all the interactions, the challenges, and the relationships with students.

I still read a lot and often come across something I would like to introduce into one of my classes, only to remember I don’t have any. So, I go to coffee three times a week and try to tell the group about what I have just read. Guess what: they don’t care. See why I still miss you?

Shirley and I are having a great time in retirement. We celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary with a party at Kauffman Stadium with family and friends. We take a lot of walks, travel, watch the Royals, read, garden, visit family and friends, and maybe spoil the grandkids–or at least Shirley does.

I am sure there was never a better place for me than Peru State College. Shirley and I will always be BOBCATS!

Michael Galloway

Jeffrey Harris

William Hellman

Judith (Emerson) Jackard

Terri Jackson

Keri Jensen

Margaret Kelley

Kori Konopka

Derek Kretsinger

Jennifer Laflin

Daniel LaJoie

Wendy Livingston

William Muldoon

Yvette Neyland

Robert Perkins

Steven Ramer

Nikeesia Ranson

Korey Reiman

Stacy Sawyer

Dennis Schmidt

Christopher Schock

Christopher Shock

Dan Sloey

Laural Smith

Benjamin Smith

Kristy Snethen

Deborah (Trammell) Steere

Kent Stutheit

Heather (Cohrs) Stutheit

Lester Thompson

Ruth (McGuire) Varner

Mary (Sughroue) Weber

Debra Wherry

Randal Wymore

Verna Zaruba

Doc and Shirley

Foundation Executive Director Ted L. Harshbarger and Library Director Veronica Meier admire the Tom Palmerton bronze sculture "River Snag" donated by the Neal and Annie Thomas family

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction In November

The Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame selection committee has announced its 2024 Hall of Fame class, which includes four individuals and one team. This will be the 32nd class to be inducted into the College’s select group since its inception in 1986.

John Creamer, Jr., Jerry Eickhoff, Pat Mertens, and Sarah (Williams) Murray will be inducted as individuals. The 1994 baseball team will be honored as a team selection.

Hall of Fame will be held Nov. 1 and 2, with a banquet Friday evening and formal induction at halftime of Saturday’s football

John Creamer, Jr. Student-Athlete

The 1969 graduate was a four-time letterwinner in football and a three-time letterwinner in baseball.

In football, John Creamer was an outstanding receiver and at the end of his career, he was the all-time leader in receptions with 93, had 1,951 receiving yards, scored 18 touchdowns, and averaged 20.93 yards per reception over the course of 28 games.

Following his sophomore season, Creamer earned honorable mention NAIA AllAmerican.

His baseball career was as noteworthy as his football career as he was named to the NCC All-Conference First Team during his freshman and sophomore seasons. He was the only freshman to earn first team honors.

As a freshman, he led the NCC in doubles, triples, putouts, and assists. During his sophomore campaign, he had the team’s top batting average and most hits, doubles, triples, runs scored, stolen bases, and RBI’s.

Creamer was named the Swenson Award winner at the end of his career. He was also highly active on campus and was the senior class president.

game against Graceland University in the historic Oak Bowl. “We are thrilled to honor Peru State College’s outstanding former student-athletes and coaches in this way,” President Michael Evans said. “Each of these individuals has made a significant contribution and lasting impact on our athletic programs and in their communities that will not be forgotten. Their talent and determination have greatly contributed to the College’s long and proud tradition of athletic excellence.”

The following is a brief biography of each honoree.

Jerry Eickhoff Meritorious Service

A Nebraska coaching legend, Jerry Eickhoff retired at the end of the 2009 basketball season as Nebraska’s all-time leader in boys’ basketball victories, compiling an astonishing 670-226 record.

The 1969 Peru graduate was a rarity in high school coaching, as he spent his entire 40 years of teaching and coaching at Hampton (Neb.) High School.

In 10 state tournament appearances, Eickhoff’s Hawks won three state titles, had three runner-up finishes, and a third-place finish. Under his guidance, the Hawks won 51 straight games in 1972-74. In addition, Hampton played in four straight state championship games from 1987-1990.

He was known for stressing the positive and instilling a sense of confidence in all his players. Early on in his career, Eickhoff also coached football, volleyball, and track. In addition, he was athletics director and high school principal at Hampton for more than 30 years.

In 1999, Eickhoff was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Pat Mertens Student-Athlete

Not only did Pat Mertens (‘86) excel on the football field, Mertens was also heralded for his academic abilities.

In 1984, Mertens had a stellar campaign as he finished the season by being named to the NAIA District 11 First Team Defense as a linebacker after starting his career as a defensive back.

That junior season, Mertens set a school record with 163 tackles, 52 unassisted. In addition, he tied Peru’s single-season record with seven interceptions – still third-best in Bobcat history. He was twice named as the District’s Defensive Player of the Week.

During the 1985 season, Mertens was the Bobcats’ leading tackler with 124 total, 51 unassisted. He was named the NAIA District 11 Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Midland in which he recorded 21 tackles and one quarterback sack.

Following the 1985 season, Mertens was once again named to the NAIA District 11 First Team Defense and was the Lincoln Journal Star Defensive Player of the Year. Mertens was the first Peru State football player to be named to the then-GTE College Division Second Team, which is commonly known as an Academic All-American.

Three of his sons later played for the Bobcats – all of whom have received various athletic and academic accolades. Mertens and his son, Jake, both were Swenson Award winners.

Sarah (Williams) Murray, a 2014 Peru State grad, was the first women’s cross country competitor to compete in the national championship race in nearly 30 years. In 2010, Williams was named the Midlands College Athletic Conference (MCAC) Runner of the Week three times before winning the conference meet, which qualified her for the NAIA championship race. In doing so, Williams ran under 20 minutes for the first time to establish a new school record for a 5K race.

During the 2011 season, Williams ran unattached and competed in marathons including the Boston Marathon. She won the Prairie Fire Marathon (formerly Wichita Marathon) while knocking 10 minutes off the previous course record.

Williams had comparable results in 2012 as she was twice named the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) Runner of the Week. She later qualified for her second trip to the national championship where she knocked 35 seconds off her previous best time.

She stills has all the major race records to this day for Peru State College. Williams was also strong in the classroom as she was named a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete.

(continued on page 25)

Sarah (Williams) Murray Student-Athlete

The 1994 Baseball Team finished its season with a 34-16 record to become Peru State College’s winningest team over nearly 40 years of competition. The 34 wins is still the fourthmost in Bobcat history, and its .680 winning percentage is still second-best in 77 years.

In addition, the 1994 squad was the first to compete in the NAIA District Championship where they finished as runner-up. During the season, the team defeated NCAA DI Kansas State and NCAA DII UNO and UNK.

This team had a significant role in bringing the baseball program to its current location near the Centennial Complex. Team members built the fence, erected a batting cage, and built the dugouts by laying railroad ties for the floor and framing the dugout with metal walls and roof.

A total of 15 school single-season records were set by the team including most wins, hits, runs scored, doubles, triples (22 is still the top mark), at-bats, stolen bases (99 is still the top mark), walks, put-outs, assists, innings pitched, shut-outs, and games played.

Two single-game marks were set including most assists in a game (20 which is tied for Peru’s top mark) and runs scored in an inning (15 is still the top mark).

Several players are still in the Top 20 in various single-season and career categories.

Nine different individuals set individual marks during the campaign. Two players were named the all-district first team with two more being recognized for pitcher/player of the week district honors.

Dan Johnson was the head coach for the team while Jerry LeFever served as the assistant coach.

Members of the team on the roster, had statistics, and their hometown at the time included: Pitchers – Tony Duffek (Lincoln, Neb.), Mark Elsener (Lincoln, Neb.), Shawn Exner (Calgary, Alberta, Can.), Greg Formanski (Edmonton, Alberta, Can.), Scott Kier (Grand Island, Neb.), Chris Michael (Torrington, Wyo.), and Chris Raabe (Red Oak, Iowa); Catchers – Matt Grewe (Gering, Neb.) and Greg Larsen (Council Bluffs, Iowa); Infielders – Greg Bentz (Morrinville, Alberta, Can.), Scott Bullock (Torrington, Wyo.), Matt Miller (Papillion, Neb.), Wes Patch (Aspen, Colo.), Duncan Patterson (Papillion, Neb.), and Dallas Williams (Brooks, Alberta, Can.); and Outfielders – BJ Coburn (Council Bluffs, Iowa), Dan LaJoie (Edmonton, Alberta, Can.), Andy Plummer (Lincoln, Neb.), Raabe, and Steve Young (Torrington, Wyo.). In addition, Mike Maroney (Omaha, Neb.), was a returning senior and expected to contribute, but suffered an injury prior to the season.

Athletic Hall of Fame – 32nd Year

When the Al Wheeler Activity Center was dedicated in 1986, the Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame was established. The purpose of the Hall of fame is to recognize, honor, and preserve the memory of those individuals and teams whose contributions have enhanced Nebraska’s first college.

Candidates can be nominated in one of four categories: coach, player, team, or meritorious service. A selection committee, made up primarily of Peru State alumni, make the selections annually each spring.

Nominations can be submitted to PSC Athletic Hall of Fame, c/o Foundation Office, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru, NE 68421-0010. The nomination form is available on the Hall of Fame website at https://pscbobcats.com/honors/ hall-of-fame. Supporting materials for the nominee are strongly encouraged.

Nominations are due March 1 of each year. For additional information, call 402-872-2304.

Join Us for the Ten-Year Anniversary of the Oak Bowl Renovation

It’s hard to believe it has been ten years since the historic Oak Bowl underwent a massive transformation. But it has been!

Peru State College and the Foundation are inviting all Bobcat alumni and friends to a celebration at the first home football game of the 2024 season, on Saturday, Sept. 7.

The Bobcats will be facing Central Methodist (Mo.). Game time is 6 p.m.

1994 Baseball Team

Bobcat Athletics

Another National Tourney For Men’s Basketball

For the second year in a row, the Peru State men’s basketball team qualified for the NAIA National Tournament. They made it to the big dance after winning the 2024 Heart of America Conference post-season tournament for only the second time in recent school history.

The Bobcats concluded their season 20-12 overall and 13-11 in conference play. It was the sixth winning season in the past seven years for Peru State.

Four Bobcats earned All-Conference awards. David Wingett Jr. earned first-team All-Conference and Sayvon Traylor earned second team. Carlos Hines and Ajantae Hogan earned honorable mention.

Academically, four student-athletes earned 2024 Daktronics NAIA Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athletes. Easton Hall, Skyler Wilson, Goncalo De Fanseca, and Josh Wickstrom were recognized for academic excellence.

The Bobcats struggled to find success in the 2023 portion of their season as they dropped eight of nine to conclude the year. But the team bounced back as they took on William Penn in their first road game of 2024. The Bobcats beat the Statesman, 83-77, for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

Peru State caught fire down the stretch, winning 10 of their last 14 regular-season games to head into the conference tourney with a head of steam.

The #5-seeded Bobcats kicked off tournament play against the #4 Central Methodist Eagles in Fayette, Mo. David

Wingett Jr. had 28 points and four rebounds with Ajantae Hogan having 14 points as they took the win in round one, 76-72.

In round two, they faced top-seeded MidAmerica Nazarene. In a thrilling game, the Bobcats took down the #1 Pioneers, 71-67, to make it to the Conference Tournament Championship.

In the title game the Bobcats traveled to Baldwin City, Kan. to face the #2 seeded Baker Wildcats. The Bobcats pulled out the conference title and automatic national tourney berth with a hard-fought 63-59 win.

The Bobcats completed their season by falling to Oklahoma Wesleyan in the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round.

Here is what Coach Roman Gentry had to say about the season:

“This team’s ability to overcome, adapt and grow was key to the success we experienced as a group this season. The goal was to find a way to be playing our best basketball towards the end of the season and we found a way to do just that.”

“For me as a coach, the greatest thing about this year was seeing this team develop bonds that will last a lifetime,” he added. “They can leave Peru State with a degree in hand and a conference tournament championship to be proud of.”

The Bobcats bid farewell to nine seniors this season – Ty Griggs, Sayvon Traylor, David Wingett Jr, Skyler Wilson, Carlos Austin Jr, Mathew Wingett, Sam Regan, Muoch Chagey and Josh Wickstrom.

Post-season Appearance Highlights Women’s Hoops

The Peru State women’s basketball team concluded the season in February with its first appearance in the Heart of America Conference post-season tournament since 2011. The Bobcats concluded their season 13-16 overall and 10-14 in conference play.

Four Bobcats earned All-Conference Awards. Samantha Stewart earned second team All-Conference and All-Defensive team; while Hailey Ingram, Kaylan Larry, and Kylie Diaz each earned All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Six student-athletes earned 2024 Daktronics NAIA Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete honors including Maddy Duncan, Stewart, Josiee Sobotka, Natasha Deal, Alexis Wittwer and Kaelin Platt.

Two Bobcats got their 1000th career points this season. Duncan scored her

1000th point in December and Stewart followed suit a month later.

The Bobcats had five seniors this season in Duncan, Olivia Williams, Sobotka, Stewart and Larry.

Head coach Jason Smith had these comments about the season:

“About a third into our season, I realized that we could compete in this conference, so we set a goal of making the conference tournament, which hadn’t been done for 11 years. I am proud of our ladies for remaining focused and fighting through adversity to achieve that mark.”

Mike Sybrant, who spent this past season as a Bobcat assistant, was appointed head coach with the departure of former head Coach Jason Smith following the conclusion of the campaign.

Maddie Duncan nails one of her many threes during her career

Amir Poat wins the tip

Bobcat Baseball Building Softball Struggles in ‘24

The Peru State baseball team finished the season 20-31 overall and 15-17 in the Heart of America Conference, increasing their win totals in both categories over the previous year.

Two Bobcats received all conference awards. Catcher Gustavo Rivera and pitcher Garrett Pavletich earned honorable mention. Pavletich also made the Golden Glove team.

A highlight was the Bobcats’ win over #13-ranked Bellevue in walk-off fashion in a 10-inning game at home.

After qualifying for the conference postseason tournament, the #7-seeded Bobcats completed their season in the second round with a loss to MidAmerica Nazarene.

“I am proud of the improvement that took place throughout the season and I’m excited for the future of the program,” Coach Blake Beaber said.

Antonio Benitez led the team with 53 hits, adding 23 RBIs with a batting average

of .358. Wesley Bradford had 50 hits this season with 25 RBIs and a .325 batting average. Gustavo Rivera was close behind with 49 hits and tallied 30 RBIs, having a .327 batting average.

Kevin Diaz pitched 68.1 innings with 77 strikeouts, and Casey Ogden pitched 62.2 innings with 66 strikeouts. Academically, the Bobcats were proud to have seven players named Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes. They included senior Bryan Vega; juniors Aiden Worthy, Blake Denson, Diego Rivera, and Brenton Pitt; and sophomores Luis Samayoa and Xavier Colon. In addition, Denson, along with sophomores Tobin Wingender and Kevin Diaz, were named to the College Sports Communicators Baseball NAIA Academic All-District Team.

The Bobcats had seven seniors this season, Wesley Bradford, Will Reynolds, Hunter Abney, Jeremy Santiago, Efrain Torres, Diego Oquendo and Angel Andrades.

No way around it, the Peru State softball team took its lumps in 2024. They finished 4-44 and 1-21 in the Heart of America Conference.

“The wins didn’t translate this year but having a young team, I’m optimistic about what next season will look like along with our incoming class having a lot of depth in the circle as well,” said head Coach Toni (Blackwell ‘15) Closner.

“We had a lot of positives this year to grow on as a team,” the second-year coach noted. The 28-member squad had no seniors and only four juniors on its roster, with 17 freshmen.

Two Bobcats earned All-Conference honors, with outfielder Leann Hawkins and infielder Ellie Ohlde earning Honorable Mention. Hawkins also made the Golden Glove team.

Statistically, the Bobcats had 263 hits and finished the season with a .224 batting average. Ohlde had 43 hits, 43 RBIs and a batting average of .321. Hawkins finished the season with 24 hits and eight RBIs with a batting average of .286.

Academically, the Bobcats were represented by four who received Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes honors – senior Autumn Dixon, junior Ellie Ohlde, and sophomores Jami Mans and Kaelyn Hamblen. Student-athletes must achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

In addition, Dixon, Ohlde, Mans, and Hamblen, along with junior Leann Hawkins were selected to the College Sports Communicators NAIA All-District Team. Ohlde and Hawkins were also selected as potential CSC Academic All-America candidates.

Williams Named Director of Sports Information

The Peru State Athletic Department named Gwyn Williams as its new Director of Sports Information.

Williams is not new to the Bobcat family, having served as the sports information graduate assistant at Peru State. She has been instrumental in gameday improvements, rapid social media growth and major changes to the department's live sports broadcasts.

Prior to Peru State, Williams worked in gameday operations at Iowa Wesleyan University, where she oversaw student-workers and concessions while serving as a gameday administrator.

Williams also spent time at Iowa City West High School in Iowa City, Iowa, where she supervised athletic activities, media communications and gameday operations. Williams graduated from Iowa Wesleyan University and is working on her master's degree from Wayne State College.

"Gwyn's initiative and creativity has been a terrific boost to our athletic department,” Athletics Director Kyle Pond said.

"Her positive energy and ability to collaborate is contagious, and we are excited to see our SID continue to grow."

Diego Oquendo hurls a strike

Ellie Ohlde shows one of her all conference swings

Gwyn Williams

Bobcat Athletics

Three Bobcat Football Players at Next Level

For a small college football team at the NAIA level, it isn’t very often when you have at least three former athletes playing at the next level – especially in a threeyear span.

For the Peru State College Bobcats, that’s the case as Devin Adams (scheduled to graduate Dec. ’24), Delontae Hood attd. 2019, and Will Mueller ’23 either are currently playing or just finished their season in their respective leagues.

Adams is currently playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League and is listed as a starter at defensive tackle. After his career at Peru State which saw Adams named first- and third-team national NAIA All-American defensive lineman, he was invited to a rookie minicamp with the New England Patriots.

Adams stood out at the National Scouting Combine where he ran a 4.89 40, posted a 30-inch vertical, and did 28 reps on the bench. The Blue Bombers landed Adams and after a short amount of practice time, he has played in four games while starting two. Adams has had eight total tackles and two sacks for a total loss of 14 yards as of press time.

In a Blue Bombers press release, Adams stated, “I would say this opportunity means everything because this is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid.”

Hood, a cornerback, signed with the Arlington Renegades of the United Football League (UFL) in November 2023, after being drafted by the team in 2022.

After one season at Peru State, Hood went undrafted in 2022, but signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. He played in one of the team’s preseason games and was later released. In late December 2022, the Denver Broncos signed Hood to their practice squad where he remained until August 2023.

For the Renegades this spring season, Hood played in eight of the games. He had 18 solo tackles and four pass breakups.

Mueller is playing quarterback for the Winterthur Warriors in Switzerland. He commented on his Instagram, “Excited and grateful to announce that I have signed with the Winterthur Warriors to kick off my professional football journey.”

He is playing the Swiss American Football League which includes numerous teams.

In a game against the Zurich Renegades in early June, Mueller threw a touchdown pass for the opening score of the game. The Warriors went on to win that contest after leading big early in the game 35-34.

Later in June, Mueller led the Warriors to an upset over the second-place team in the league. Mueller again led off the scoring with a touchdown pass and went on to have three more touchdown throws in the first half as Winterthur went on to win 52-14.

Lucas New Athletics Administrator

Camille Lucas has joined the Peru State College athletics department as its new Assistant Athletic Director.

Lucas had been serving as a facility and operations graduate assistant for the University of Northern Colorado’s campus recreation center. She created and planned recreational events for students, hired and scheduled staff, facilitated student responsibilities and organized summer sport camps.

During her time as a graduate assistant, she was also an events assistant intern for the Air Force Academy Athletics Corporation. She assisted in coordination and execution of athletic events, implementing new policies and procedures for sports camps and promoting community outreach.

Lucas attended Northeastern (Colo.) Junior College where

she played softball and was a part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a residence hall assistant, and athletic game-day work study. She graduated with her Associate of Arts degree, then transferred to the University of Northern Colorado for her bachelor’s degree.

“Camille will be a terrific addition to Peru State and our department," Bobcat A.D. Kyle Pond said. It was easy to see her enthusiasm and attention to detail during the interview process and she brings a lot of new ideas to the table.

“She will make an immediate impact on compliance and gameday operations and on community outreach. We are happy to welcome her to Peru!” he concluded.

Devin Adams (94, left), Photo by Patrick Doyle, The Canadien Press

Delontae Hood Will Mueller

Camille Lucas

Bobcat Football Getting Ready to Rumble

There is a reason for Bobcat football fans to be optimistic about the upcoming season the third under head Coach Phil Ockinga.

Ockinga, who has compiled a .500 record in his first two seasons, has at least 16 starters returning, as well as many others who were key contributors during the past two seasons.

The Bobcats finished last season with a 5-6 record but were on the brink of going 7-4 as they lost one game in overtime and another by just one point. Peru State finished as the Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division Runner-up for the second year in a row.

The Bobcats trailed only Grand View (Iowa) in the North, and the Vikings went on to compete in the NAIA Football Championship Series.

Ten starters return on offense including senior quarterback Colin Shields. Stacian Livingston is the top running back returning with several receivers returning including Jordan Kempf and Lander Imbimbo. Much of the offensive line returns, including Jackson White, Amahd Baker, Caden Luna, Kolby Tibbets, and Carter Riley. Tight ends Buddy Belcher and Dom Winn head up that position.

Defensively, several key players were lost;

however, several return and look to play key roles. Zahir Washington looks to lead the surge up front among the defensive linemen while Mason Benjamin and Caleb Jackson lead the linebackers. Duke McClinton, Ashley Thompson, Ricky Fulton, and Walter Taylor IV are the top defensive backs in the mix for playing time.

Nick Syms, Nathan Barnes, Imbimbo, and Kempf will be key contributors on special teams.

Coach Ockinga and his staff have added many recruits over the summer, hoping to find the key pieces for a winning season. With nearly the entire offensive group from 2023 returning and with the defensive secondary and linebacking core looking solid, it is anticipated that this should be an exciting season for the Bobcats.

The Bobcats begin with a nonconference game against the Broncos of Hastings on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. The Heart Conference schedule begins the next week with the home opener against Central Methodist at 6 p.m. New conference opponents on the schedule include Missouri Baptist, William Woods (Mo.), and Saint Ambrose (Iowa).

For the complete schedule, go to https:// pscbobcats.com/sports/football/schedule

Sybrant to Lead Women’s Hoops

Peru State didn’t have to look very far, nor for very long, to find its next women’s basketball head coach.

Mike Sybrant was named to the position this past spring after spending last season as assistant coach. He helped lead the Bobcats to their first Heart Conference post-season tournament appearance in 11 years.

Additionally, the program produced six NAIA Scholar-Athletes, four AllConference players, and two members recorded 1,000 career points.

“We are lucky to have a coach on staff of Mike’s caliber and the decision to

promote him was an easy one,” Athletics Director Kyle Pond said. “Coach Sybrant’s work ethic, knowledge of the game and love of Peru have been easy to see this year. We look forward to the continued success and improvement of our women’s basketball program.”

Prior to Peru State, Sybrant spent four seasons at NCAA Division II South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City. He led the Hardrockers to back-toback playoffs, eight student-athletes to All-Conference teams, coached three 1,000-point scorers and one RMAC Academic Player of the Year.

Sybrant also coached at Northeastern (Colo.) Junior College where they were #4 in the nation on the WBCA list for top junior college team grade point average and were named #10 in the nation overall. He also was an assistant coach at Upper Iowa University, and the team was named #1 in the nation by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association in Division II while having the highest team grade point average of all teams.

Sybrant earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Arts in Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

A Season To Cheer About

The Peru State Competitive Cheer team concluded a highly-successful season in April with a best-ever performance at the 2024 National Cheerleaders Association college nationals in April.

Three Bobcat Cheerleaders earned Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete Awards this year. Seniors Carson Vinsky and Isabella Watkins, along with junior Grace Greenwood, each earned the award for academic excellence. In addition, all three were recognized by the College Sports Communicators as Academic All-District At-Large honorees.

The Bobcats started out their season at MidAmerica Nazarene, finishing with a score of 57.68. From there they only got better. In March at the Heart of America Conference Championships they tallied 69.33 to finish seventh.

To conclude their season in April, the Bobcats traveled to Daytona, Fla. to compete at NCA nationals. In the prelims on April 11, they finished

with a score of 84.444, qualifying for finals. In finals the next day, they logged a score of 87.1759. They were the two highest scores in program history.

The strong finish allowed the Bobcats to finish second place in the Intermediate Small Coed NAIA division at the 2024 NCA Collegiate Cheer National Championship.

Co-Coach Cara Cudney said “I am so incredibly proud of this team and how well they performed this season. We had a young team with over half the team being freshman.

“With each performance they improved, made adjustments, and performed even better than the time before. Finishing second at nationals in Daytona was the most incredible feeling,” she added. “The team’s hard work and their dedication paid off. We can’t wait to build upon this season.”

Mike Sybrant

Bobcat Athletics

Volleyball Seeks Breakout Season

Bobcat volleyball head Coach Madison Kindle is heading into her third season leading the volleyball program. While the ‘23 Bobcats did improve their previous season’s win total, the biggest improvement was on the court as Peru State was much more competitive than in the recent past.

Peru State finished 9-22 overall and 4-13 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play last season. Seven of the losses came in five games, which was indicative of better play by the team.

Returning for the Bobcats this season are fifth-year senior setter Allie Schneider, senior opposite Kalyssa Fox, junior middle Addison Schnieder, and sophomore outside hitter Erison Vonderschmidt. Earning Heart All-Conference were Vonderschmidt (second team) and Allie Schneider (honorable mention).

Add promising recruits to the mix

and there is a reason for optimism for improvement in the win column.

The team opens ‘24 on Aug. 17 with a non-conference road match at York. Southwestern (Kan.) will be the home opener on Aug. 23 followed by a triangular the next day. The following weekend will be a huge test for Peru State as they will face three teams who competed in the NAIA national tourney last year and finished in the Top 25.

They’ll begin Heart of America Athletic Conference play against William Penn (Iowa) on Saturday, Sept. 14. Senior Day will be held earlier this year on Saturday, Oct. 12 against Baker (Kan.). The regular season will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 5 against Heart foe Graceland (Iowa).

For the complete schedule, go to https:// pscbobcats.com/sports/womens-volleyball/ schedule/2024-25

Improvement For Women’s Bowling

A women’s bowling team comprised primarily of freshmen and sophomores ended the season with three individuals competing at the Intercollegiate Singles Championships in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Bobcats completed their season fifth in conference tournament play. Makenzie Millard earned second team All-Conference after her performances throughout the season.

The ‘Cats had four athletes earn 2024 Daktronics NAIA Women’s Bowling Scholar-Athlete honors: Kaitlyn Doyal, Makenzie Millard, Mindy Bartels and RaeLynn Sudgen. In addition, Doyal and Bartels were named College Sports

Ashley Robertson New Dance Coach

The Peru State Athletic Department has named Ashley Robertson as the new Dance Coach.

Ashley has taught at Nancy Pasley Ballet School in Grand Forks, N.D., as well as the Bellevue Dance Academy. She trained under critically acclaimed choreographer

Men’s

Bowling Season Recap

The Peru State Men’s Bowling Team completed its season at the Intercollegiate Team Championships, with eight men also competing in the singles championships, in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Bobcats finished eighteenth at the ITC tournament. Earlier they finished seventh in the Heart of America Conference tournament for second-year Coach Dwyane DaMoude.

Ronn Guidi, where she performed in the Nutcracker. Robertson has been trained in French Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern and Lyrical dance.

When Ashley isn’t working as a dance coach, is a senior registry specialist helping couples maintain their wedding registries. She also is a Bereavement Support Specialist, Bereavement Doula, Chaplain and trainer, supporting and guiding those who have lost a pregnancy, infant or children.

"Ashley is going to be a great addition to Peru Athletics,” Bobcat Athletics Director Kyle Pond said. “We are really looking forward to her vision and the future of our dance program!"

Robertson earned her Birth & Bereavement Certification and Midwife of Thanatology Certification from Stillbirthday University in Kansas City, Mo.

Communicators Academic All-District AtLarge honorees.

The Bobcats had two seniors, McKinley Cross and Kassidy Haberman.

“Our lady Bobcats showed a great improvement from last season. Their dedication to training and preparing was awesome to witness,” said Coach Dwayne DaMoude.

“There were a few injuries that did hamper us throughout the season, but they rallied as a unit to fill in those voids,” he said. “These young ladies showed a lot of heart this past season and I cannot wait to see what their offseason training brings to the table next year.”

Junior Isaac Skalak earned second team All-Conference after his performances throughout the season. Two Bobcats earn 2024 Daktronics NAIA Men’s Bowling Scholar-Athletes, Creyton Nisly and sophomore Jared Dramse. Nisly and Dramse also earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-America All-District honors. Nisly was the team’s lone senior.

“The men had a very solid year overall, but I feel we never hit on all cylinders at once,” DaMoude said. “As many great teams, we hit a string of injuries throughout the season, and I was impressed by how well everyone took ownership of their roles through each setback.”

With only one senior departing, prospects look good for the 2024-25 season.

New dance coach - Ashley Robertson

RaeLynn Sugden

Creyton Nisly throws a strike

Young Golf Squad Battles

The Peru State women’s golf team completed their season in April with a ninth-place finish in the Heart of America Conference Tournament.

Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete Awards went to Carly Johnson and Lara Wells. Both were also named College Sports Communicators Academic All-District At Large.

On April 5-6, the Bobcats hosted a home meet at Table Creek Golf Course in Nebraska City. Carly Johnson led the Bobcats on their home course, placing ninth after a score of 180 and a par of +38. The Bobcats finished in fifth place after shooting a team score of 754.

In the Heart of America Conference Tournament, Peru State had scores of 390, 386 and 399 to finish with a total score of 1135 and a par of +271. Kelsi DeCora had

the best scores for the Bobcats with 94, 93 and 82 for a total score of 269 and a par of +53, finishing 27th.

“I was really pleased with the way they finished at the conference,” Coach Sue Owen said. “They shot their best rounds, and that improvement is what we’ve been working for and that opens a lot of doors for next year.”

At the conclusion of the season, the team garnered the Heart’s Musco Team Sportsmanship Award which goes to the team which displays the NAIA’s Five Core Character Values of Integrity, Respect, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership. The Bobcats lose two seniors, Lara Wells and Jayden Duff.

Seeking ’85 Lost Alumni

SEND US YOUR NEWS!

Get a promotion? New job? Retire? Got an idea for a Stater story?

Send suggestions and news items to: The Peru State PSC Foundation PO Box 10 Peru NE. 68421 Or call (402) 872-2304 Or email pscbobcats@peru.edu

It may be hard for members of the Class of ’85 to believe, but it’s been nearly 40 years since you finished up at Peru State to make your marks on the world.

Unfortunately, many of your classmates are on our dreaded “lost alumni” list. If you know of the whereabouts of any of the following, please share the information with us. You can email pscfoundation@peru.edu, phone 402-872-2304, or send a note to The Peru Stater, PO Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421-0010.

Alex Appleton

Julie Baker

Kelley (Combs) Ballue

Cheryl (Holland) Carroll

Kimberly (Lavigne) Comstock

Janet Crume

Karen Dux

Marilyn Earhart

Rachel (Faulkenberry) Glinn

Becky Haynes

Diana Herling

Don Herschberger

Brad Hesser

Richard Irvin

Linda Jones

Terry Matzen

Lisa (Kellenberger) Mixon

Dawn Onisk

Beth (Hauberg) Panko

Jeff Parker

Kevin Rolf

Sharon (Lechner) Schroder

Perry Scott

Anita Searcey

Karen Sheldon

Linda Shepard

John Slater

Barry Smith

Thomas Wesley

Carly Johnson tees off

Inside this Peru Stater you’ll

Page 6 New Format for Online Learning

Page 7

Homecoming October 18-19

Page 11 Swenson Award Centennial September 21

Pages 12 Excellence Awards Presented

Pages 24 Athletic Hall of Fame November 1-2

Page 26-31 Bobcat Sports Updates

...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 Box 10 Peru, NE 68421-0010

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

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

The Peru Stater PSC Foundation P.O. Box 10 Peru, NE 68421-0010

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