Fall 2014 Magazine

Fall 2014

The Magazine of Sterling College

p.11 Freeman Lecture Series

Ross and Fern Freeman fund lecture series to promote servant leadership

p.12 Growing in Stewardship

New interdisciplinary studies major provides more options without cost of expansion

p.14 2014 Commencement

146 students turned tassels to become alumni of the College

p.08

125 W. Cooper Sterling, KS 67579 800-346-1017 sterling.edu/magazine

Sterling Magazine Staff Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations Scott Carter ’88, M.S.A. Director of Marketing and Presidential Communications Karin (Lederle) Swihart ’08, M.A. Writer for Marketing and Communications Rebecca Swartz Creative Design Coordinator Courtney Huber ’13, B.F.A. Web and Visual Arts Specialist Christopher Steen Marketing Assistant Kara Stineman ’14 Copyeditor Britnie Jenkins ’14

IN THIS ISSUE

Sterling College Administration President Scott Rich, M.B.A. Vice President for Academic Affairs Gregory P. Kerr, Ph.D.

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In the News

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Athletic Updates

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The Imprint of Leadership

Athletic Director Gary Kempf

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Freeman Lecture Series

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Growing in Stewardship

Randy Henry ’72, Chair

Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations Scott Carter ’88, M.S.A. Vice President for Student Life Tina Wohler, M.A.

Board of Trustees Glennys Doane ’73, Vice Chair

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2014 Commencement

Joe Lang ’66, Secretary

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Alumni News

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In Memoriam

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Distinguished Service Award

Printed by Mennonite Press, Newton, Kansas.

Letters and comments can be sent to marketing@sterling.edu.

COVER ILLUSTRATION Kara Stineman '14 received her B.A. in Art & Design: Graphic Design and Illustration in May.

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO STERLING, STERLING COLLEGE, 125 W. COOPER, STERLING, KS 67579 2

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Ask. Seek. Knock.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (ESV) Matthew 7:7 is the College’s verse of the year, and as I studied how to apply this verse to Sterling College, I noticed the present imperative tense in which it is written. The verb tense means that we are to continue asking for wisdom, direction, strength, clarity, renewed mercy and patience, and prepared minds. We must keep seeking opportunities to impact the lives of our students, looking for God’s will, and pursuing our relationship with Christ. And finally, we must keep knocking.

We are called to be assertive, proactive and bold. We must knock loudly on the hearts of our students and realize the urgency of our task.

Our students are with us for four short, but formative, years.

As a Christian college, we have a responsibility to model Christ-like behavior and teach Christ-centered curriculum.

We are to serve one another in our daily lives and show our students how the body of Christ is supposed to work. We are to be servant leaders on campus, guiding and teaching our students how to be leaders who serve others before themselves.

In the main story in this edition of Sterling magazine, you will read about how Sterling College leaves an imprint of leadership on the students that pass through our campus. Many of our students and alumni lead lives of quiet, yet deeply impactful service to others because of the influence a faculty or staff member had on their lives.

You will also read about The Ross and Fern Freeman Lecture Series and its inaugural speaker, Ken Blanchard. The employees and students at Sterling College have been challenged to reflect on how they can grow in the area of servant leadership, and The Freeman Lecture Series is helping our community do that through providing speakers that focus on this topic.

This edition highlights news stories, athletic updates, alumni notes and events to mark on your calendar. Be sure to read about the new interdisciplinary studies major that began this year with 15 available concentrations. Under the leadership of Dr. Gregory P. Kerr, vice president for academic affairs, our faculty put together these programs of study to provide new options for students interested in interdisciplinary careers. This now brings the total number of programs SC offers to over 90!

Thank you for your continual outpouring of support for Sterling College. Please join us this year in prayer as we ask, seek and knock.

By His Grace, and For His Glory,

Scott A. Rich President

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IN THE NEWS New Leadership for Board of Trustees The Sterling College Board of Trustees elected Randy Henry ’72 as chair of the Board, Glennys Doane ’73 as vice chair and Joe Lang ’66 as secretary during their May meeting.

The new leadership took effect during the last session of the May meeting.

Henry has served on the Board of Trustees since 1983. He has served as Board secretary and vice chair of the finance and investment committee. He graduated from Sterling College with a B.A. in History and Political Science with a minor in English. He went to Washburn University School of Law where he earned his J.D. in 1974. His practice at Oswalt, Henry, Oswald and Roberts includes real estate, oil and gas, trusts and probate, business organizations, bankruptcy, and general civil litigation.

Doane has served on the Board since 2007. She has served as vice chair of the advancement and enrollment committee, was a member of the presidential search committee and served as the chair of the inaugural committee. Doane is from Downs, Kan., where she and her husband, Gary, manage family farm operations. She served 16 years on the local school board and is still involved in leadership with a regional technical college. She graduated from Sterling College in 1973 with a double major in home economics and art. Doane earned a master’s degree in interior design from Kansas State University in 1974.

Since 2006, Lang has served on the SC Board of Trustees and has been vice chair of the academic affairs committee. He was the chief deputy city attorney for the City of Wichita from 1980-2010. From 1977-79, he was the research attorney for the Kansas Supreme Court. Lang graduated from Sterling College with a B.A. in History and Political Science and attended Washburn School of Law, earning his degree in 1977.

Debate Team Earns Top 25 National Ranking for Fifth Year Sterling College has again proven to be a national force in debate. Placing 14th in overall team sweepstakes, Senior Jacob Skala, Junior Brandon Hoesli and Freshman Darren Kootz-Eades competed against the top debate teams across the United States at the National Forensic Association National Championship Tournament April 17-21 in Michigan.

“We are proud of our results. As always, we are thrilled to qualify students for the national tournament. Only 90 colleges can make such a claim,” said Ken Troyer, assistant professor of communications and director of forensics and debate.

Skala of Newton, Kan., and Hoesli of Salina, Kan., both finished with a 3-3 record, and Kootz-Eades of Great Bend, Kan., finished 2-4. Hoesli finished 27th speaker, while Skala was 33rd among the 85 students who competed.

Mourning the Loss of Leadership The Sterling College family has mourned the loss of four great leaders over the past seven months. Their lives deeply impacted the College, and the effects of their godly leadership are still present today. Our prayers go out to their family and friends.

Dr. Albert “Al” Anderson Interim President, 2003–2005

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Bruce Bryant ’71 National Advisory Council, 2012 Board of Trustees, 2012–2014

Dr. Robert “Bob” J. Campbell Interim President, 1995–1997 Board of Trustees, 1978–1998 Trustee Emeritus, 1998–2014

Dr. Randy Fahrenholtz ’72 National Advisory Council, 2008–2014

HIRE A WARRIOR

Honors Class Visits Voice of the Martyrs Students in the Global Impact class, an honors class at Sterling College, traveled to Wichita and Oklahoma at the end of April to see how other groups of Christians are addressing the issues of suffering throughout the world.

The group of eight students first traveled to Wichita, Kan., where they met with the staff at Hospitals of Hope, an organization involved in medical missions work around the world. “[The employees at Hospitals of Hope] are a good example of people who wanted to make a difference at a global level and have been able to do so. …The hope is that students will think about how their life’s work has a global dimension.

How can they think about how they will be involved at a larger level than simply locally or even nationally,” said Dr. Daniel Julich, assistant professor of history and government.

Moving on to Bartlesville, Okla., the students traveled to Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to giving practical and spiritual help to the persecuted church. Staff members shared stories with the students about how Jesus Christ and His message are reaching people in countries where Christianity is illegal. They heard testimonies from pastors in a Muslim-dominated country and learned about the limited freedoms Christians around the world have.

In the final part of the trip, the group traveled to Oklahoma Wesleyan University to partake in a discussion on the topic of suffering. The students in the OWU class explained a number of issues they had come across throughout the semester, including questions about what role suffering plays in the lives of Christians, to what extent Christians should try to avoid suffering and the role Christians have in standing up for justice for those who are oppressed.

“Each stop we made gave insight as to how God is moving throughout the world, whether that be through medical missions in Haiti or the spread of Christianity throughout Islamic countries—God's hand is active everywhere. It was encouraging to see how each of us can fit into the big picture and be used in God's plan no matter our field of study,” said Erica Wilt ’14 of Hutchinson, Kan.

PROMOTE JOB OPENINGS AND INTERNSHIPS TO ALUMNI AND CURRENT STUDENTS FOR FREE! Visit www.sterling.edu/ student-life/career-services and click on the College Central link.

For more information, contact Lisa Parson, director of career services at: career@sterling.edu 620-278-4264

Don’t forget to join the Sterling College Kansas LinkedIn group to network with hundreds of alumni and students.

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WARRIOR ATHLETICS

Above: Florence Hill ’50, Assistant Baseball Coach Eric Dahl, Head Baseball Coach Adrian Dinkel and Athletic Director Gary Kempf

Hill 's Donation Provides New Scoreboard

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The baseball field received a new scoreboard on Saturday, April 26, due to a generous gift from Florence Hill ’50. Hill wanted to do something for her alma mater and noticed the wind-damaged scoreboard during a visit to campus.

Remembering how she met her sweetheart, husband Ollie ’49, an avid baseball fan and player at Sterling College, she was excited about the opportunity to honor his life by donating the funds to buy the new scoreboard. The baseball team and the administration want to express thanks to Hill for her generosity to improve our campus.

Tanner George ’14 Named Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach Former Warrior golf standout Tanner George ’14 has returned to Sterling College as the head men’s and women’s golf coach.

“We are excited to have Tanner be a part of our Sterling golf program. He was one of the most prolific golfers in Sterling’s history, and we are excited to see what he can do as he continues to build a successful golf program here at SC,” said Gary Kempf, athletic director.

Track and Field Competes at the NAIA National Championships Three student-athletes earned a trip to the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field National Championship.

Kimberly Garrett (pictured) of Salina, Kan., Steven James of Tolleson, Ariz., and Ashley Stanford of Fairfield, Calif., along with track and field coach Jack Dillard and assistant coach Lisha Tedford, traveled to Gulf Shores, Ala., to compete with over 150 schools from across the U.S. for national recognition May 22-24.

Stanford triple-jumped her way to All-American status by placing sixth in a field of 30 competitors. She began her journey seeded fourth in the NAIA and entered the final round of competition in ninth place. With a final jump of 11.76 meters, Stanford moved to sixth place where she secured All-American honors.

George was a four-year letter winner at Sterling and earned many awards while representing the Warriors on the golf course.

George was named: KCAC All-Conference – 2 years KCAC All-Tournament – 1 year KCAC Academic All-American – 3 years NAIA Academic All-American – 1 year GCAA Cleveland Srixon Golf Scholar-Athlete – 2 years “I’m honored and blessed to be given this opportunity as the golf coach. I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the opportunities I’ve been entrusted with as well as my family, friends and the Sterling Community for their support during my time as a student. I’m excited to direct this program into the future and also to help develop our athletes’ spiritual lives as students, as people and as golfers,” said George.

Luke Cureton, former head golf coach, took a new position as the College’s director of development for annual programs in the Office of Institutional Advancement.

Ranked seventh in the NAIA, triple-jumper James placed 11th at nationals with a jump of 14.31 meters. He would also claim a school record and a KCAC Championship with a personal best jump of 14.76 at the league track and field championship event on May 3.

Garrett was ranked 33rd out of 36 athletes in the women’s 100 meter hurdles. During the national competition, she ran a personal best time of 14.93 seconds and placed 16th overall. She was the fastest KCAC athlete in the 100-meter hurdles by over half a second.

“I’m very proud of all three of our athletes who competed at nationals. They could have been satisfied with just qualifying, but they continued to work hard and perform their best throughout their events. I am excited to work with them as they return for another season and continue to build off of our 2014 success and prepare for bigger and better things in 2015,” said Dillard.

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HOW DO YOU LEARN TO LEAD WITH A SERVANT’S HEART? HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THE MOMENTS WHEN LIFE REQUIRES YOU TO BE SELFLESS IN ORDER TO BUILD UP OTHERS IN A DIRECTION THAT BENEFITS THEM?

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terling College has worked to create a culture of servant leadership, part of what many alumni call the Sterling experience. This imprint of leadership shows in our graduates and students as they leave SC and choose to help others through a lifetime pursuit of service.

One graduate, Salima Watson ’11, credits Sterling College for showing her how to be a servant leader.

“Before Sterling, I wasn’t really sure what it would look like to live for Christ and not just say that I was living for Him. My faith was strengthened at Sterling because it is a place

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where servant leadership is emphasized and ingrained in us. Just by being on campus and having so many people pour into us in the dorms helped me see what it looks like to walk through life with a person,” said Watson.

Watson now works as a site director for UrbanPromise Wilmington. UrbanPromise is an international organization whose mission is to “equip children and young adults through Christ with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management, personal growth and servant leadership.” The staff at UrbanPromise live in the community that they serve.

“We build relationships through home visits, meeting their families and walking alongside them to experience life. We help students cast a vision for their future and then help them take the steps necessary to fulfill that vision,” said Watson.

Watson is one of six site directors at UrbanPromise Wilmington.

“As a site director, I run an after-school program during the school year and a day camp in the summer. My students are 6th through 8th graders. We do mentoring, tutoring, Bible drills, talk about college, and offer many activities for them to experience things they may not get to do otherwise. We take them camping and on a weekend trip to a college. In the spring, the winners of our speech contest get to go on a spring break trip. We came to Sterling two years ago and went to Maine this past year. We’ve visited Canada, Virginia, Oklahoma and others,” said Watson.

“The intentionality of the resident assistants and the resident directors [at Sterling] who poured into our lives showed me what Christ looks like. The fact that iron sharpens iron was a big part of learning about being a servant. The big emphasis on missions also showed that other people are important. Seeing those values played out helped me understand servant leadership,” said Watson.

Currently, there are five Sterling College alumni who work at UrbanPromise Wilmington: Sam Hindman ’11, Emily Kennedy ’10, Joel Orr ’09, Luke Orr ’07 and Salima Watson ’11. Emily Allen of Hutchinson, Kan., who just completed her sophomore year at SC, joined the staff in Wilmington as a summer intern. Two additional alumni have served at UrbanPromise Wilmington – Kyle Dillard ’13 and Randi Parrot ’12. Wes Wicklund ’08

and Michael Zier ’07 served at UrbanPromise Camden.

Some Sterling College students develop their servant leadership skills over the summer by taking jobs that require them to put others first. This summer, 15 current SC students and recent graduates and two incoming freshmen worked at Westminster Woods Camp and Retreat Center as summer staff. Run by Brian and Diane Wheeler and operated by the Presbytery of Southern Kansas, the Woods holds four weeks of camp for various ages. When Brian and Diane began as directors 13 years ago, they had no special connection to Sterling College.

“We were not intentional about hiring Sterling College students as camp counselors. Every year the few who were here would go back and tell their friends about

Westminster Woods. Word of mouth brought in more and more applications from Sterling College students. We’ve had students from many colleges and universities in Kansas. There’s something special about Sterling. We recruited at other schools, but seem to consistently find quality applicants at Sterling,” said Brian.

“We feel our staff is the strength of our program,” said Diane. “To have young people who seek to follow Christ and to lead others to do the same is invaluable.”

The Wheelers look for a variety of personalities and gifts as they put together each summer’s staff. They want a well-rounded group of people that love a variety of topics to reach the diverse group of students who will be attending camp. The common denominator is always that the staff member loves Jesus and is willing to share the

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Top Left: Back Row: Renard Ballard ’14, Caleb Wheeler, Taylor Fair, Mark Nelson ’14, Josh Hoover, Maddie Stephens, Austin Mettling, Josiah Ray, B.J. Smith; Front Row: Erika Rojas, Emily Wheeler, Michaela Moore, Kara Stineman ’14, Mackenzie McGuire ’14, Olivia Stineman and Christina Sled ; Not Pictured: Kaylee Beutler ’14 Top Right: Austin Mettling does a secret handshake with a camper.

“I’VE SEEN MYSELF GROW A LOT AT STERLING COLLEGE IN BECOMING A LEADER. I’VE BECOME MORE VOCAL AND LEARNED A LOT ABOUT EXPRESSING MYSELF IN SHARING JESUS."

Gospel with others.

This summer, Sterling College represented almost half of the summer staff. B.J. Smith of Siatook, Okla., served his second year as a counselor for Westminster Woods.

“I’ve seen myself grow a lot at Sterling College in becoming a leader. I’ve become more vocal and learned a lot about expressing myself in sharing Jesus. The emphasis in class on being a servant has also helped me prepare for leadership. [As a counselor,] there are times when you are tired and don’t want to get out of bed, but you know that if you do, it will make the campers’ day. My role is about them,” said Smith.

Brian and Diane train a group of 32 staff members to serve as counselors, lifeguards, kitchen help, maintenance workers, leadership development program coordinators, camp speaker, activities coordinator and camp nurse. There are also high school students who participate in the leadership development program, a one- or two-week opportunity to shadow a camp counselor and help with the youngest camps of third through sixth grade students. This year there were 14 participants the first week and 21 students the second week.

Kaleb Wheeler, Brian and Diane’s son, was one of the leadership development program coordinators in charge of training the high

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school students. He transferred to Sterling College in the spring to study business leadership and management with a minor in Christian ministries.

“Teaching high school students how to be better servant leaders was a great experience for me. I led the students in Bible studies focusing on biblical examples of servant leaders and [talked about] how to be better leaders themselves. Sterling College has taught me how to be a better servant leader and how to apply it to my life. I see servant leadership through the faculty as well as the students, and that really helps me strive to be a better servant leader,” said Wheeler.

The culture of servant leadership on Sterling College’s campus helps our student body experience the effects of a servant’s heart.

Seeing the process of decision making and witnessing the results of putting others first can be contagious. It’s a lifestyle that we hope to imprint on all of our students.

“At Sterling College, we believe that what students know and believe about God are important. But to paraphrase James, the things that we do and the way in which we do them are also crucial. We know we are fulfilling our mission when we see students engaging the world around them for the glory of God,” said Christian Dashiell, chaplain. ■

Ross and Fern Freeman

Freeman Lecture Series Names Best-Selling Author Ken Blanchard as Inaugural Speaker

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ervant leadership is a popular buzzword in Christian culture today, and Sterling College will bring the concept to life this fall with the introduction of the Ross and Fern Freeman Lecture Series. The series will begin with renowned author Ken Blanchard speaking on Sept. 17 in Culbertson Auditorium.

Ross and Fern Freeman of Topeka, Kan., have funded the new lecture series, founded on the idea that servant leadership not only has the potential to influence societal change, but can also provide both practical and successful management skills that can easily be applied to diverse situations. The series seeks to educate individuals on the various values and applications of leadership by highlighting the servant leadership attributes present in others.

“We hope that through these lectures, leadership will be distinguished as an act of service. The series will help our community understand what a servant leader looks like and challenge those in current leadership roles to constantly evaluate their priorities and practice,” said Dr. Marvin Dewey, associate vice president for leadership giving and special projects.

Sterling College intentionally includes servant leadership into its curriculum and lists it as an institutional learning objective. “Divine Servant,” the statue of Jesus washing Peter’s feet, was placed outside of Cooper Hall in 2003 as part of the

historic Cooper Hall renovations and exemplifies the College's philosophy of servant leadership.

Ken Blanchard is a management expert who has co-authored over 30 best-selling books, including The One Minute Manager, which has sold over 13 million copies. Blanchard’s Lead Like Jesus organization facilitated a 10-hour workshop in August for faculty and staff, providing a rich leadership retreat to begin the year.

Ross Freeman is a graduate of Kansas State University, Washburn Law School and Harvard Business School. He earned his lay pastor certificate from Sterling College and consulted on the historic renovations of Cooper Hall. Ross, a commissioned lay pastor, is a member of Topeka’s Trinity Presbyterian Church, where he has served as an elder, clerk of sessions and now as chair of the Pastoral Nominating Committee. Ross is the president and owner of Pioneer Group, Inc., a real estate development company. He also serves as chairman for Historic Preservation Partners, Inc. Fern Freeman is a graduate of Kansas State University and has spent her years teaching, running a small manufacturing company and serving as a full-time mother to her and Ross’ four daughters. Now retired, Fern just finished her third year on Trinity’s Session and was the chair of the finance committee. ■

Danny Wuerffel, Heisman Trophy winner and executive director of Desire Street Ministries, is the spring Freeman Lecture Series speaker. That lecture will take place on March 6, 2015.

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“Our hope is that we will attract students interested in jobs that we previously did not have a specific major for, even if the chance to design their own major was available. The content was there, but putting together all of the pieces can be burdensome for a freshman. We believe that creating this major will help students take the best classes we have to offer as they prepare for their future career,” said Kerr.

GROWING IN STEWARDSHIP

NEW MAJOR ADDS 15 PROGRAMS OF STUDY

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his fall, Sterling College will offer 15 new programs of study under one new major, interdisciplinary studies. Through combining existing coursework from established programs of study, unique concentrations that span two or more disciplines are now available to students.

“Sterling College needs to be able to attract more students, but adding wholly new majors can be very expensive. To be good stewards of our resources, this strategic approach was developed to expanding meaningful, quality offerings with limited additional cost,” said Dr. Gregory P. Kerr, vice president for academic affairs.

“We knew that we could more easily offer unique programs to the students who wanted certain interdisciplinary majors, so we made creating those areas of study a priority. The faculty from several departments came together to build a set of classes that they knew would best prepare students for a given field. We used the experience of our faculty, members of the National Advisory Council, and other respected professionals to put together the course requirements for each concentration,” said Kerr.

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The concentrations under the interdisciplinary studies major include: biological mathematics, business mathematics, business ministry, criminal justice administration, educational ministry, liberal arts, media ministry, musical theatre, performing arts ministry, political studies, pre-forensic science, sport communication, sport ministry, sport writing and wildlife law enforcement.

“Some of the new concentrations might be very popular, in which case those particular programs of study would then be launched as separate majors. But even the ones that do not populate well can be offered in a sustainable and economical manner even for a few students given the design of these programs,” said Kerr.

“OUR HOPE IS THAT WE WILL ATTRACT STUDENTS INTERESTED IN JOBS THAT WE PREVIOUSLY DID NOT HAVE A MAJOR FOR... We believe that creating this major will help students take the best classes we have to offer as they prepare for their future career."

Sterling College has recognized the diverse needs of students for several years through the existing independent interdisciplinary major. The onus, however, has always been on the student to take the appropriate steps for forming a plan and completing the paperwork to create an interdisciplinary major.

Students are encouraged to double major or add minors that would enhance their major.

This usually requires students to enter college with both majors and minors declared, and strategically plan their four years well in advance.

There are students who successfully complete such goals, but students who decide during their sophomore or junior year to switch to a different area of study may face additional semesters beyond the traditional four years. ■

PROGRAMS

CONCENTRATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY A concentration in educational ministry prepares students with a calling into Christian education within church, para-church, or Christian school settings. By exploring foundational theology and ministry disciplines, the social sciences and educational philosophy, students will be able to facilitate education from a Christian formation perspective.

LIBERAL ARTS Designed for students who desire to develop a deep appreciation for and understanding of a diverse set of disciplines by studying the arts, humanities and human culture, as well as building effective communication and critical thinking skills.

SPORT MINISTRY This concentration seeks to equip and prepare students to be successful sport ministers. Students in the sport ministry concentration will develop an understanding of both sport and faith as well as gain the skills necessary to effectively utilize sport as a ministry tool.

SPORT WRITING Focusing primarily on writing and editing skills as well as management and administrative issues relating to sport information, the sport writing concentration equips students to be highly proficient writers capable of producing articles, marketing or public relations materials for sport organizations.

CONCENTRATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

MEDIA MINISTRY The media ministry concentration is for students seeking careers as multi-modal communicators in church and para-church organizations. Students will have an understanding of the Gospel message as well as training in a variety of multimedia methods in order to better serve the communications needs of churches and pastors.

BIOLOGICAL MATHEMATICS The biological mathematics concentration strives to provide students with an understanding of the connection between and application of mathematics to biology. Students will be prepared for graduate programs integrating the two fields such as mathematical biology, biostatistics and statistics.

MUSICAL THEATRE This concentration is designed for students seeking a career in musical theatre by preparing them to be proficient in vocal performance, acting and dance.

BUSINESS MATHEMATICS Geared toward the reality that businesses must adapt to dynamic economic environments, this concentration equips students with a combination of math and business skills that are requisite for analyzing and addressing business-related issues from a quantitative perspective.

PERFORMING ARTS MINISTRY This concentration combines ministry training with coursework in communication, theatre and music to equip students to effectively communicate the Gospel message, facilitate worship and minister through the performing arts.

POLITICAL STUDIES The political studies concentration provides students the opportunity to prepare for a life in public service areas such as government and law. Attention is given to the study of history and government as well as to building students’ ability to communicate effectively.

SPORT COMMUNICATION The sport communication concentration is for students interested in pursuing a career in sport media. By combining courses in communication and media, sports management, and art and design, students will be equipped to work in collegiate sports information offices, media and/or community relations offices of both collegiate and professional sports, and as sport media personnel in either print or electronic media. Students will also be prepared to apply for graduate work in journalism.

BUSINESS MINISTRY The business ministry concentration combines a core of ministry preparation courses with a foundational business curriculum to equip students to serve ministries as well as create ministry opportunities within a business framework.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION This concentration is designed to equip students who are preparing to serve or are currently serving in the law enforcement profession to advance into leadership and administrative roles within the criminal justice system. This concentration includes courses from the organizational management major and therefore requires a few online courses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on a specific program, or to refer a student who would be interested in enrolling, contact the Office of Admissions at 800-346-1017.

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2014 Commencement

A group of students celebrates during the processional into the Baccalaureate ceremony.

The processional of graduates makes its way to Cooper Lawn.

Dr. Wayne Hardy ’75 gave the 2014 Baccalaureate message.

Faculty congratulate students as they recess from the ceremony.

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Students, Faculty and Guest Speaker Honored at Commencement for Their Service During the 2014 Commencement ceremony, Sterling students, faculty and guest speaker were honored for their achievement, leadership and service to Sterling College. Each were chosen by panels of faculty, staff and alumni.

Fran Jabara Leadership Award and Outstanding Male and Female Graduates Nathan Ehresman of Wichita, Kan., and Emily Walker of Sterling, Kan., were chosen as the 2014 representatives of the ideal SC graduate. They were voted by the faculty and staff as exemplifying outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills and involvement, and portraying an enthusiastically Christian faith. Ehresman graduated with a B.A. in Christian Ministries: Youth and the honors of Kelsey Scholar and magna cum laude.

Walker graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education with the honor summa cum laude.

Professor Emeritus of Chemistry

McCreery Teaching Award

Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters

Former Professor of Chemistry Dr. Curtis Beechan was conferred the rank of faculty emeritus after 28 years of teaching.

He is known for his deep faith and students remember his classes for his sometimes explosive chemistry demonstrations.

Students said his classes were difficult, but provided proper training for medical school or graduate programs.

Erin Laudermilk, assistant professor of athletic training, was honored for recognizing and encouraging excellence.

She teaches both the exercise science and athletic training majors, serves as co-chair for the Department of Exercise Science, and is clinical education coordinator for the Athletic Training Program. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in Education from Northcentral University and will begin this fall as an associate professor.

Commencement speaker Dr. William E. Brown, chancellor of Cedarville University, was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters for his lifetime of service to higher education. Under his direction as president, Cedarville built two buildings, renovated 14 residence halls, developed several online programs, launched graduate programs, reduced financial dependence on student tuition, expanded student markets, and increased scholarships and financial aid.

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Alumni News NEWS FROM ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD

1960s R. Corky fs69 and Mary (Creswell) ’69 Trotter received the Sterling College Distinguished Service Award at Commencement on May 17, 2014. They will also be present to speak at the Homecoming Alumni Banquet on Oct. 11, 2014.

1970s George Stickel ’71 was named interim assistant vice chancellor, educator preparation and policy for the University System of Georgia. George works on numerous state initiatives on educator preparation reform, data reform and curriculum revisions, working closely with the Professional Standards Commission and the Georgia Department of Education.

Kent Davison ’72 is the director of men’s basketball at the University of Georgia.

Doug Haltom ’72 works for Wycliffe Bible Translators as the associate director of staffing in Morgantown, Ind., where he lives with his wife, Jane (Cross) ’72.

SEND US YOUR 1990s NEWS! We enjoy staying in touch with our alumni! Send us a note and photo to let us know about your news.

ALUMNI@STERLING.EDU

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1990s David Love ’90 is working at DST Health Solutions in IT application support in Kansas City, Mo. Rich Stephens ’91 is the head football coach, head wrestling coach and alternative education teacher at Andes Central Schools in Lake Andes, S.D., where he lives with his wife, Rachelle (Gathman) fs91.

Mary (Halloran) ’92 and Brian Breitenstein live in Topeka, Kan., with their daughters, Anna, Ava, Ella and Emma.

They celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in Aug. 2013, and Mary marked 20 years at First Baptist Daycare in Nov. 2013. Mary would love to hear from her classmates at MaryBreitenstein@hotmail. com.

Jen VanBruggen-Hamilton ’93 and Hudson Hamilton announce the birth of their son, Philip Jack Lee, on May 9, 2014.

Philip was welcomed home by big sister, Adell.

Ed Lowry ’93 received Best Actor at the Little Rock Film Festival for his role in Matter of Honor. Ed and his wife, Andrea (Conard) ’96, and their family live in Little Rock, Ark. Terrell Davis ’96 of Wichita, Kan., was named 2013-14 Kansas Association of Middle School Administrators “Exemplary” Middle School Principal of the Year.

Alumni are all those who successfully completed at least 24 credits as a student of Sterling College.

Those that did not finish at SC are labeled as a former student. Alumni are noted with the year they graduated as ’96 or as fs96.

Kandi (Wyer) ’96 and Philip Chapman of Oklahoma City, Okla., announce the birth of twin girls, Lily and Anna, on Feb. 27, 2014. They were welcomed home by big brother, Caleb.

Marshall ’96 and Darci Van Sciver announce the birth of son Levi James on June 3, 2014.

Chuck ’97 and Melanie (Lightner) ’97 Haspels announce the birth of their third son, Luke Charles, on June 7, 2014. He was welcomed home by big brothers Jonathan and David.

Heath ’97 and Amy (Dickens) ’97 Lampson of Wichita, Kan., announce the birth of their daughter, Aubrey, on Feb. 22, 2014. Aubrey was welcomed home by brother Andrew.

Cheryl (Conard) fs98 and Tony Schwarz announce the birth of their first daughter, Kyrie, on Feb. 18, 2014. She was welcomed home by brothers Latham, Foster and Sutton.

2000s Eric ’01 and Leslie Varnon of Fort Worth, Texas, announce the birth of Ian on Feb. 17, 2014. Ian was welcomed home by brother Noah.

Dorinda (Gates) ’02 and Greg Beeley announce the birth of their second son, Benaiah.

Kelley Lippincott-Chura ’03 and Jamie Chura announce the birth of their first child,

Miles Dean Chura, on May 20, 2014. The family is now living in the Chicago, Ill., area where they own Jamie and Kelley Photography.

Daniel ’04 and Heather (Beard) ’04 Davignon are living in Leawood, Kan., with their children, Madison, 4, and Parker, 2. Daniel graduated from his five-year radiology residency in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2013 and graduated his pediatric radiology fellowship at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in June 2014. He has started his position as an attending pediatric radiologist at Children's Mercy in July 2014.

1 Melinda (Royer) ’04 and Jason fs05 Thomas announced the birth of their third son, Easton Michael, on Feb. 20, 2014. Easton was welcomed home in Sterling, Kan., by big brothers Cale and Bryson.

Beau ’04 and Paola (Flores) ’04 Sparkman announce the birth of son Lucas on Jan. 22, 2014.

David ’04 and Amy Stiver were married March 22, 2013.

Patrick ’05 and Tabitha Hill of Hutchinson, Kan., announce the birth of their first child, daughter Harper Grace, on Feb. 14, 2014.

Hilary Thomas ’09 is a third class petty officer in the United States Navy stationed at Fort Gordon in Georgia.

STERLING ROAD WARRIORS Connect with Sterling this year! From small groups in coffee houses, to professional sporting events, to theatre performances and the arts, the alumni office desires to meet your interests and needs. Plans are still being confirmed in some markets.

Scott Hicks ’13 is an area 2 Josh ’10 and Kelly (Valentine) ’11 Morrison director for YouthWorks in were married Oct. 12, 2013. Philadelphia, Pa. Rebecka Vessey ’10 is the registrar at Corban University in Salem, Ore.

2010

Cameron ’12 and Kaitlin (Sumption) ’14 Bartlett are living in Franklin, Tenn., where Cameron owns Facedown Media Management, a social media marketing company.

Emma (Brown) Dunsmoor ’13 is teaching fifth grade at Windom Elementary School in Windom, Kan.

Jillian Linnebur ’13 is loving serving as a nanny for a family in Boerne, Texas.

Destiny Lalicker ’14 is teaching middle school social studies in Satanta, Kan. Stephen Rodgers ’14 is playing baseball for the Evansville Otters in the Frontier League.

Kelli Schneider ’14 has accepted a second grade teaching position at St.

Xavier Catholic School in Junction City, Kan. Kelli will also be coaching junior high track.

Ian Sparks ’14 is a full-time field producer and editor at Whitetail Properties and November Studios.

3 Nathan fs14 and Ashley (Pannier) fs15 Sullivan of Wichita, Kan., welcomed Dominic Scott on Nov. 19, 2013.

Hutchinson Sept. – Kansas State Fair Sterling Sept. 6 – Warrior Fest Oct. 11 – Homecoming & Reunions Oct. 11 – Alumni Basketball & Softball Games Quad Cities/Mississippi Valley Alumni Chapter Sept. 5, 2014 & April 10, 2015 Northern Colorado Sept. 27 – “Warriors in the Woods," Estes Park Wichita Nov. 2014 and small groups year-round May 2015 – Wichita Prayer Breakfast Denver Jan. 2015

Erica Wilt ’14 is the constituent services representative and intern coordinator for Kansas Governor Brownback.

Phoenix Feb. 12–16, 2015 Topeka March 2015 – Kansas Prayer Breakfast Oklahoma City & Tulsa March 2015

NEW ALUMNI CENTER IN MABEE LIBRARY

Western Kansas April 2015

The Sterling family is proud to announce the opening of a new Alumni Center located in Mabee Library. The Alumni Center is the Alumni Association home on campus and serves as a gateway to experience Sterling College both past and present. The center features decades worth of pictures, event programs, yearbooks, artifacts, and seasonal special collections. The Alumni Center is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and by appointment on the weekend. Contact alumni@sterling.edu for more information.

Dallas May 2015 – Texas Rangers baseball game & dinner, Arlington

PLUS, DON'T FORGET TO STAY CONNECTED WITH US!

Sterling College Sterling College Alumni Sterling College Parents

Southern California TBD – Young Alumni Football Reunion with Coach Andy Lambert For more info & updates: sterling.edu/alumni/events

@SterlingCLife @SterlingCNews @SterlingCSports

eNEWSLETTER SIGN-UP The Sterling College eNewsletter is emailed on the first Monday of each month. The newsletter supplements the semi-annual Sterling Magazine with feature articles, campus updates, upcoming events and other general information.

Colorado Springs May 2015

Ideas for events or interested in hosting: alumni@sterling.edu

If you would like to receive the eNewsletter, please send your current email address so you can receive next month's edition. alumni@sterling.edu

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In Memoriam Our thoughts and prayers go out to families when we receive word of the passing of our alumni. To honor alumni and former employees, Sterling College often receives donations in the name of the one lost. If you would like to honor a dear friend or mentor, you may send your donation to Sterling College Advancement, 125 W. Cooper, Sterling, KS 67579 or donate online at www.sterling.edu/support.

1930s Vernon Groth ’34, of Lyons, Kan., passed away Feb. 19, 2014 at the age of 101.

1940s J. Robert Campbell ’49 of Sterling, Kan., passed away Mar. 5, 2014. Bob served SC in a variety of ways throughout his life, including Trustee and Interim President. His survivors include daughter, Lynn Royer fs76, and grandchildren, Melinda (Royer) Thomas ’04 and Jason Royer ’05.

Wilbur Copeland fs44 of Lenexa, Kan., passed away Oct. 20, 2013. His survivors include his son, Stan Copeland ’69.

Howard Edgar ’48 passed away Nov. 19, 2013. Howard served on the Sterling College Alumni Council from 1999 to 2001. His survivors include wife, Betty (Kensett) ’50, daughter, Ann Fincham ’75, and niece, Helen (McKinley) Quarnstrom fs82.

Paul Edgar fs42 of Tucson, Ariz., passed away April 5, 2013.

Robert Gordon ’49, of Sterling, Kan., passed away June 22, 2014. Prof. Gordon taught instrumental music at Sterling College from 1960-81. His survivors include sons, David ’73, John ’75 and Tim fs78, and daughter, Kathy Becker ’80.

Margaret (White) Oden fs41 of Basehor, Kan., passed away May 1, 2014. Her survivors include her sister, Betty (White) Watters fs39.

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FALL 2014 STERLING

Mary Lou (Clark) McCreight ’47 of Sante Fe, N.M., passed away Jan. 2, 2014.

Marjorie (Chappell) Morris ’45 of Lafayette, Colo., passed away Dec. 30, 2013. Her survivors include daughters, Judy Williams ’70, Janet Hamm ’74 and Kathy Wiegers ’80, and son, Thomas ’71.

Lila Lee (Gish) Shaw fs49 passed away Dec. 2, 2013.

1950s Don Butts fs56 of Hutchinson, Kan., passed away Jan. 4, 2014.

Bill Latta ’52 of Alberta, Canada, passed away July 29, 2013.

His survivors include his wife, Nancy (Carnahan) fs54.

Earl Long ’51 passed away Jan. 27, 2014. His survivors include his wife, Rosemary (Marquis) ’56, his brother, Paul ’49, and nephews, Harvey ’66 and Donald fs69.

Eileen Loomis fs50 of Denver, Colo., passed away Jan. 5, 2014.

Dale Neaville ’57 of Champaign, Ill., passed away Jan. 12, 2014. His survivors include his sister, Doramae O’Kelley ’53.

Harold Piehler fs59 of Lawrence, Kan., passed away Feb. 8, 2014.

Donald Ross fs51 of Hutchinson, Kan., passed away Dec. 14, 2013.

Neita (Treaster) Will fs52 passed away Nov. 4, 2013.

1960s John E. Armstrong ’63 of Dodge City, Kan., passed away April 5, 2014.

Joan (Hobson) Ayers ’65 passed away Feb. 2, 2014.

Bob Bradley ’65 of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Dec. 28, 2013.

Richard Engelland ’65 passed away Feb. 2, 2014. His survivors include wife, Noreen (Rockey) fs66, sister, Betty Seely fs58, and brothers, John ’60, James ’62 and Rod ’67.

Dorothea (Edgar) Fountain ’63 of Sterling, Kan., passed away Feb. 20, 2014. Her survivors include her daughter, Dawn Moore ’99.

Bob Hanson ’64 passed away Oct. 7, 2013.

Doris (Gerbrand) Siemens ’67 of Leoti, Kan., passed away May 27, 2014.

Dwayne Detter ’79 of Hoisington, Kan., passed away Jan. 12, 2014. His survivors include brothers Randy fs75 and William ’76.

Roberta (Stout) Drake ’74 of Lyons, Kan., passed away Nov. 1, 2013, at the age of 85. Her survivors include a son, Richard fs77, and daughter, Robin Woods ’75.

Randy Fahrenholtz ’72 of Tribune, Kan., passed away Feb. 22, 2014. His survivors include wife, Janice (John) ’72, siblings, Vicki Wise ’77, Robert ’74 and Dan ’68, as well as several inlaws, nieces and nephews.

Joseph Gregory ’71 of Dallas, Texas, passed away Sept. 19, 2013.

Vernon Napier ’76, of Clearwater, Kan., passed away Feb. 9, 2014. Also known as Travis True, Vernon was a radio personality for 30 years. His survivors include daughter Amber Crab ’03.

1980s William “Bill” Stuart fs61 of Sterling, Kan., passed away Dec. David Constantino fs86 of 27, 2013.

Reno, Nev., passed away June 30, 2013.

June (Brown) Updegrove ’64 of Hutchinson, Kan., passed Charlotte (Ricker Smith) away Nov. 9, 2013.

Gates ’81 of Hutchinson, Kan., passed away April 1, 2014.

1970s Bruce Bryant ’71 of Libertyville, Ill., passed away Feb. 23, 2014. His survivors include his wife, Barbara (Mooney) fs73, and sisters, Anita Fugate ’69 and Margaret Lentz ’68.

1990s Brenda McCurdy ’95 of Hutchinson, Kan., passed away Dec. 28, 2013, at the age of 58.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD TROTTERS RECEIVE HIGHEST ALUMNI AWARD

T

he 2014 recipients of Sterling College’s highest alumni award, the Distinguished Service Award, have devoted their lives to serving God and the health and well-being of others. R.C. “Corky” fs69 and Mary (Creswell) ’69 Trotter were recognized for their service at Sterling’s 122nd commencement ceremony.

Corky and Mary Trotter, of Dodge City, Kan., met while students at Sterling College in the late sixties and married in 1969. The Trotters are second-generation alumni and two of their children attended Sterling College— Shannon Hare ’96 and Courtney Bauer fs98. Corky was a Sterling College Trustee from 1988-1990.

The Distinguished Service Award honors and recognizes a lifetime of service that exemplifies the purposes for which Sterling College exists—exceptional contributions to society, distinguished professional accomplishment and outstanding leadership and character.

Corky left Sterling College to earn his medical degree from University of Kansas Medical School, and Mary became a registered nurse at Grace Hospital School of Nursing. Corky also received a master’s of education from Ball State University in 1977. The Trotters moved back to Kansas in 1977 and started the Family Practice of Western Kansas. It now has a staff of five family practitioners.

“The Trotters are known throughout their community as genuine, caring people who can be called upon whenever needed. They are loving parents to their own children and to all those they encounter. Energized to serve God in their daily lives, the Trotters have been living in such a way as to clearly point to Jesus in all that they do,” said President Scott A. Rich.

“We are really honored by this award. ...The honor in this award isn’t so much in receiving it as in the institution that’s giving it to us. Sterling College just isn’t an institution, it’s an idea that you can weld Christian faith and high academic standards and they both can flourish. And for that, we are honored to be a part of this award,” said Corky upon receiving the award.

The Trotters have been involved in medical missions to Haiti, lectured at marriage seminars and worked with Youthquake, a youth crusade for middle school children in Dodge City. They are heavily involved in the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, for which Corky has served as the doctor for over 20 years and as the president for over 10 years. Mary has served as the coordinator for Tough Enough to Wear Pink, which has raised over $140,000 for cancer victims. ■

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Non- Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 2 Sterling, KS

Jane Eyre the Musical

Thursday – Saturday, October 9 – 11, 8 p.m.

Charlotte Bronte’s love story comes to life to lift your heart and set your spirit soaring.

Picnic at the President's

Friday, October 10, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Scott & Kathy Rich welcome reunion groups, alumni & friends for an evening at their home featuring live music & hors d’oeuvres.

Homecoming Hangout

Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Hang out under the big tent with old & new friends.

Fun for all ages. Lunch available for $6 per person.

All alumni & reunion classes welcome.

Warrior Football vs. Bethel College

Saturday, October 11, 1:30 p.m.

Head over to the stadium for the crowning of Homecoming royalty & to cheer the football team to victory.

Homecoming Dinner Reception Saturday, October 11, 5 p.m.

Homecoming Dinner Celebration

Saturday, October 11, 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening that celebrates the SC mission & family as Chaplain Christian Dashiell ’02 shares stories of transformational experiences for students & alumni.

Register for Homecoming at schomecoming.eventbrite.com or call 800-346-1017