STERLING FALL 2017
A STEP AHEAD
STERLING COLLEGE’S FIRST MASTER’S PROGRAMS
FROM THE DESK OF THE
PRESIDENT
Brick-and-mortar, these are words used to describe something sturdy, tangible and immovable. Our brick-and-mortar (some of it anyway) will be 130 years old this fall as we celebrate the anniversary of Sterling College. Over the decades, buildings have come and gone; some have been rebuilt while others have been sacrificed for one reason or another with new buildings constructed in their place. Among these campus structures is the great Cooper Hall – where it all began in the fall of 1887. With the help of renovation and restoration during the early 2000s, Cooper Hall, with its bold limestone and castle-like intricacies, continues to stand tall, just as it did in the late 1800s. It continues to boldly proclaim that we, Sterling College, have a mission and purpose that is sturdy, tangible, and immovable. Living across the street from campus provides me the opportunity to see the spires of Cooper Hall from my front porch. I often wonder if limestone walls could talk, what stories would I hear of the many ways God has sustained and how He has been so faithful through these many years. My mind immediately goes to I Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I want our brick-and-mortar to continue to stand the test of time. I want our campus buildings to remain sturdy and foundationally sound. More than that, however, I want our mission to remain steadfast and immovable. One hundred thirty years is a long time – a very long time. I am grateful every day that the Lord has given me the tremendous opportunity to be a small part of this grand timeline in history and that He has brought our faculty and staff to serve our students at this time and in this place. I pray that we would always abound in the work the Lord has given us. May we grow in our dependency on Him and may we be continually bold with the timeless Truth that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. By His grace, and for His glory,
Scott A. Rich, Ed.D.
MISSION STATEMENT Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith.
S T E R L I N G M A G A Z I N E FA L L
FEATURE STORIES
2017
IN THIS ISSUE
08
STERLING THEN & NOW
12
A STEP AHEAD
15
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
16
COMMENCEMENT 2017
In the News 04 Warrior Athletics 06 Then & Now 08 A Step Ahead 12 Alumni Spotlight 15 Commencement 2017 16 Alumni News 18 In Memoriam 21
PRESIDENT Scott A. Rich, Ed.D. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS Scott Carter ’88, M.S.A. | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Brad Evenson | WRITER FOR MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Rebecca Swartz | CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kara N. (Stineman) Smith ’14 | WEB AND VISUAL ARTS SPECIALIST Christopher Steen | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF THE COLLEGE Ken Brown, Ph.D. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT Dennis Dutton '82, M.A. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION AND INSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVES David Landis Jr. '88, M.Ed. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT LIFE Kimberly Christian, M.P.A. | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Michelle Hall | ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Gary Kempf | POSTMASTER send address changes to 125 W. Cooper Ave. Sterling, KS 67579 | WEBSITE sterling.edu PRINTED BY Mennonite Press, Newton, Kansas. Letters and comments can be sent to marketing@sterling.edu.
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IN THE
NEWS
HERRINGTON RECOGNIZED WITH HONORS AT PBL NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Junior Elizabeth Herrington competed among more than 1,800 of America’s best and brightest college students who traveled to the Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference on June 24–27 in Anaheim, Calif. Herrington received national recognition by competing in the categories of Job Interview and Client Service and brought home eighth and ninth places, respectively.
GRIFFIS LEADS FAITH AND LEARNING INTEGRATION; PUBLISHED IN JOURNALS Dr. Rachel Griffis has been named director for the integration of faith and learning. As such, Griffis will create supportive resources, structures, and strategies to integrate faith and learning, focusing on the critical examination of academic content through the lens of a Christian student. She will also continue her role as assistant professor of language and literature. “In this role, I’ll help faculty and students make connections between their disciplines and the life of faith,” said Griffis. “As faculty, we are continually refining our courses to challenge students in new ways. One of my goals is 4
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to share resources that will aid faculty in developing the spiritual and theological aspects of their classes.” Griffis was also published in two academic journals during the 2016-17 academic year. Her first article, titled “Self-knowledge and character formation: Teaching to students’ weaknesses,” was published in the International Journal of Christianity & Education. Her second article, titled “Reformation Leads to Self-Reliance: The Protestantism of Transcendentalism,” appeared in Religion’s publication celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
“[National Leadership Conference] was a great opportunity to meet people from across the country, learn new skills through workshops and compete at the top level. My events really challenged me, and I had a great time at the conference,” said Herrington of Wichita, Kan. Herrington qualified for the conference during the State Leadership Conference held March 3-4, 2017, in Sterling.
STERLING STUDENT, ALUMNUS PUBLISHED IN ACADEMIC JOURNALS Joshua “Bo” Westerfield ’16 and senior Lacey Buckwalter of Sylvia, Kansas, were both featured in Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science for their research on porcupines in Kansas. The two separate articles were on the location of the species throughout the state. Buckwalter’s article “Distribution of the North American porcupine in Kansas” features the findings of a survey sent to veterinary clinics in each county in Kansas. Westerfield’s research found porcupines that were “observed on
NEW FACULTY and around Quivira National Wildlife Refuge were near the edge of the geographic range for the porcupine in central North America and are the first documented sightings reported for both Stafford and Reno counties.”
BROWN WINS GERALD CABLE BOOK AWARD Assistant Professor of Language and Literature Aaron Brown will have his book, “Acacia Road,” published in February 2018 as a result of winning the 2016 Gerald Cable Book Award through Silverfish Review Press. The award is given for an author’s first full-length book. Brown describes “Acacia Road” as exploring the “memories from growing up in Chad (Africa) and the years afterward – memories of belonging and dislocation, friendship and war.” Brown continued, “These poems navigate what it means to be a child of many countries and multiple continents, while exploring themes of trauma and transnational identity.”
MICHAEL AGRON Assistant Professor of Business With an extensive background in business as an owner and faculty member, Michael comes to Sterling College from Hutchinson Community College. His teaching experience includes serving at larger universities, community colleges, and a paralegal college. Michael earned his M.B.A. from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri, and he earned his B.S.B.A. with a major in finance and an emphasis in professional financial planning from Drake University.
STEPHEN ENGLISH Technical Director/Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Stephen has worked in scenic design, lighting, carpentry, directing, and serving as a technician for over 80 shows and concerts. He holds an M.F.A. in Drama-Scenic Design from University of Oklahoma and an M.A. in Theatre-Technical Theatre from Oklahoma City University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts from Dordt College and a B.R.E. in Interdisciplinary Studies – Education, Music and Drama from Prairie College in Alberta.
DR. DANIEL GIESE Associate Professor of Physics Daniel has been teaching and working on physics research for 23 years. His areas of interest include transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction of insulating materials, direct methods of high temperature surface reconstructions, atomic force microscopy of insulating materials and oxides, and several surface techniques, including XPS, SEM, LEED, IRAS, and XRD. Daniel completed both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics and B.S. in Physics with a Math Minor.
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SASHA HILDEBRAND ’03 Artistic Director/Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Sasha has worked in most areas of the theatre, including acting, directing, costume and scenic design, theatre history, producing, stage management, education, professional preparation, program development and recruiting. She earned her M.F.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Iowa. She also holds a postgraduate degree in acting from The Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts and a bachelor’s in theatre and communication with a concentration in education from Sterling College. continued on page 22
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WARRIOR ATHLETICS
Grit, strength and determination. These are just a few of Madison (Caffrey) Schadler’s many attributes that she brought to the Sterling College Cross Country and Track teams. These traits helped propel Schadler to a career in which she earned a total of 19 KCAC medals and two school records – one in the 1,000 meter and the 4x800 meter. “She was a force to be reckoned with on a daily basis. She made herself and her teammates better every single workout by challenging them both mentally and physically to work hard,” said Jack Dillard, head coach for the cross country and track and field teams. Schadler had her own inspirations to persevere. “Once I got on the track or course, I had many motivations, from running for those who don’t have the opportunity, to this track season, devoting each race to my grandpa who had passed at the beginning of the season,” said Schadler, a 2017 graduate. “My single biggest motivation was running for the One from whom I got my ability.” said Schadler.
Not only did Schadler leave her mark on the record books, she embodied servant leadership through the team’s Champions of Character outreach each year and consistently was an encouraging presence on the team. Teammate Jennifer (Calderwood) Mettling ’17 agreed. “Madison has a great combination of competitiveness and kindness. She just didn’t have it in her to be slow, no matter how her body felt on a given day. But with that competitiveness, she was also incredibly encouraging to the team, and she led by example each day. Not only would she not allow herself to be slow, she wouldn’t allow us to be either. And we knew we could push through because we watched her do it constantly,” said Mettling. Sterling won’t be the same, but neither will Schadler. “Sterling College will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know God directed me there for a reason as I now have friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Schadler.
Madison (Caffrey) Schadler ’17 6
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WARRIOR ATHLETICS
Six Warriors Named To All-Conference Baseball Teams The Sterling College baseball team was represented in the KCAC All-Conference Awards with six Warriors earning recognition. Second Team players were: senior Miguel Reyes of Brooklyn, New York, senior Javoni Thomas of Brooklyn, New York, and senior Micael Taylor of Spokane, Washington. Honorable Mention included: senior Jake Schimenz of Brown Deer, Wisconsin, senior Jarrott Gray of Temecula, California, and freshman Colton Tison of St. Petersburg, Florida. Tison was also named KCAC Freshman of the Year for the Warriors, helping Sterling finish the season with a 37-18 record. Pictured from left to right.
Softball Trio Earns KCAC Recognition Three Lady Warriors were selected to the All-KCAC Softball teams: junior Tobi Salzman of Huntington Beach, California, (Second Team), junior Dominique Salgado of Sylmar, California, (Honorable Mention), and sophomore Tiah Grass of Pendleton, Oregon, (Honorable Mention). Salzman started every game for Sterling and finished the year with a .342 batting average and .458 slugging percentage. Salgado hit .295 with a .470 slugging percentage and was a perfect 8-for-8 in stolen base attempts. Grass led the Lady Warriors with a .384 batting average and .728 slugging percentage to go along with her 13 home runs and 45 RBIs. Pictured from left to right.
Four Lady Warriors Selected to All-Conference Basketball Teams Led by senior Hailey Davis, Sterling College was represented by four student-athletes. Davis of Haven, Kansas, (Second Team) was joined by junior Jessica Princ of Osborne, Kansas, (Honorable Mention), junior Jordin Greer of Hoisington, Kansas, (Honorable Mention), and junior Kilee Harris of Protection, Kansas, (Honorable Mention). Davis led the team in scoring at 15.2 points per contest, while shooting 46 percent from the field and 81 percent from the free throw line. Princ finished second in scoring for Sterling with 13.8 points per game while leading the KCAC in field goal percentage at 57 percent. Greer finished the year averaging 11.3 points per game and was Sterling’s leader in assists at 2.7 per game. Pictured from left to right.
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Sterling Then & Now
C E L E B R AT I N G 1 3 0 Y E A R S
1887
1919
November 1st – Classes began at Sterling College, then known as Cooper Memorial College. The first chapel was held on this day at 2 p.m.
1889
Spencer Hall was built at a cost of $80,000. The structure was renovated in 1973 from the estate of Ruth Culbertson.
Sterling's first president, Dr. Francis M. Spencer, was inaugurated. He is quoted as saying, “[Christian education] is like a colossal machine with many wheels. Each institution is like a wheel. Every person who gives help in carrying forward this work is a cog in the wheel. It is worthwhile to be a cog. God is the inventor, the owner, the Master Mechanic of this machine, and anyone who by gifts of money or of service becomes a cog by that fact, becomes a co-worker with God.”
1914
Cooper Memorial College officially became Cooper College and enrollment passed 100 students.
1897
Just two years after the x-ray process was discovered by Conrad Roentgen, a German physicist, Sterling College obtained and incorporated an “x-ray apparatus.” Professor Thompson would lecture and give exhibitions of the x-ray.
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1920
The name of the college was again changed, this time to Sterling College.
1957
McCreery Hall opened and the female students moved into the new dorm while the men, who were living off-campus, were allowed to move into Campbell Hall.
Early 1960s
The building blitz of the 60s included the Student Union (1960), Kilbourn Hall (1962), Evans Hall (1963), Thompson Hall (1964) and Smisor Stadium (1965).
1929
The College adopts the colors red and blue, replacing the original pink and blue.
1937
Cooper Memorial College’s first acting president (1887-1889), A.N. Porter, awarded Doctor of Divinity degree at SC’s 50th Anniversary.
1971
The Gleason Physical Education Center was opened, complete with a basketball court, weight room, swimming pool, classrooms, and office space.
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1991
1977
The Edwards Weight Room was added to Gleason, new light poles and benches were installed around campus, the Student Union was renovated and the basketball court got a facelift.
The entire campus was annexed into the city of Sterling.
1978
The Art and Media Center, formerly the Sterling hospital, was acquired.
1994
Act 1 ministry, Sterling’s first traveling theatrical group, began under the direction of Ed Lowry ’93.
1983
Dr. Robert A. Veitch became SC's seventh president. For the first time in five years, enrollment surpassed 500 with 530 students overall. Veitch also reinstated mandatory chapel services for all students and brought back the track and field team.
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1984
The College completed its capital campaign “To Continue the Commitment” of $3.8 million.
2013
The College’s first national champion, Cedrique Smith, won the 110-meter men’s hurdles with a time of 13.97 seconds at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
2002
Cooper Hall’s renovation was completed.
2017
Lonnie Kruse, Sterling’s women’s basketball head coach from 1981-2014, was inducted posthumously into the NAIA Hall of Fame. Kruse finished his career as the winningest coach in Kansas women’s basketball history with a record of 706-244 and was previously inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame (2015).
2011
The "Sword in the Stone" was dropped off in the cover of darkness in front of Cooper Hall. The gift immediately became a landmark on campus.
2005
SC’s first year partnering with Global Infusion to send students on overseas mission trips.
2018
Sterling will launch its first master’s programs in athletic training and sports ministry.
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A STEP AHEAD STERLING COLLEGE’S FIRST MASTER’S PROGRAMS
Sterling College is celebrating a new era in our College history as we begin our first two master’s degrees. We are building upon our successful Athletic Training Program by adding a Master of Science in Athletic Training, including a “3+2” option for students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years total. Sterling is also adding one of the first graduate programs in sports ministry in the entire United States through our Master of Arts in Sports Ministry. By launching these new programs, we are able to minister to and reach a whole new segment of students in all seasons of life. These programs, having both been approved by the Higher Learning Commission, are the culmination of years of preparation as we make strides on our strategic plan, Guard and Guide. In coming years, our commencement ceremonies will celebrate both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. How wonderful it is to fur-
ther the mission of developing creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. The planning of these two degrees goes back even further than those who were directly involved in the process of becoming accredited through HLC. These degrees come from 130 years of individuals listening to God’s direction and His provision for Sterling College. God has done so much for us, and we are excited to see what He will lead us to next. Now, hear from men and women who will be directly leading these programs, instructing our new students and preparing them well for the tests of faith they have in their future. -Dr. Ken Brown, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING By Dr. Ryan “Pete” Manely and Dr. Erin Laudermilk Athletic training is such an amazing field, ripe with opportunities to be servant leaders and to be a testimony to others. We prepare young men and women who have a desire to serve, to live out their faith and to use athletic training as their ministry. Athletic trainers are able to be there for people at their worst moments, and our graduates know that they can help through prayer and their focused education. Our graduates know that athletic training is more than treating patients’ injuries and illnesses; it’s treating the whole person. This is what makes our program different, and that is what makes our program better. In our program, we surround our students with an environment of family that fosters this passion for our students to learn how to care not only for the patient physically, but spiritually as well. Our focus on servant leadership and a Christian education allows us to do more than just educate the students on the minimum competencies that they need to be an athletic trainer; we educate students to be good people and to care for the whole patient. Sterling College’s decision to add the master’s degree to the athletic training program allows us to further our impact on students’ lives, who in turn will impact countless others. In May of 2015, the Strategic Alliance announced that the professional degree for athletic training will be moved to the master’s level. To remain in compliance with accreditation standards and retain the program, Sterling College needed to transition as well. As we move toward the master’s level, what we’re allowing our students to do is study in much greater depth and breadth than what we've been able to do before with the bachelor’s degree. While we have our own internal goals and targets for our students, we also have objectives that aim far higher than simply passing the board of certification exam and becoming a nationally credentialed athletic trainer. We want students who leave our program to be confident in themselves and their education. When they complete our program, they will have confidence in their skills and knowledge, as well as in their walk with the Lord. When they start incorporating this into a job setting, they’re able to fully integrate their faith into what they do every day. They are able to share God’s Word and confident enough to STERLING COLLEGE
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encourage others with the truth of the Gospel. We believe we are already one of the best undergraduate programs in the country. Our kids know we believe in them that much. We believe in what we do. We believe in the process. We believe in the people. Those things are going to make fantastic young athletic trainers someday. That is the mentality and confidence we bring to this exciting new master’s degree at Sterling.
MASTER OF ARTS IN SPORTS MINISTRY By Dr. Roy Millhouse Why start this program in Sports Ministry? What we want to do is give our students the tools to minister effectively. The Master of Arts in Sports Ministry is for someone who sees a career in sports as more than a career; it is an opportunity for ministry. This program is very exciting because it is an opportunity to help individuals improve their knowledge and skills, increase their marketability from a practical standpoint, and be well-equipped for lives of service and ministry while pursuing their passions. We believe God put our students in their careers with a specific purpose – the opportunity to minister and to bring the kingdom of God into people’s lives. Coaches and sports staff become leaders that athletes look up to, and there are only a few other occupations that provide a chance to be so influential in the life of an athlete. As a Christian, we want our students to be ready for open doors to minister. Students will have opportunities in their careers to challenge players, fans and others to think more deeply about life and their relationship with God. We will give them the background to take those very practical things and explain their purpose, calling students to be faithful servants as they lead others around them. We will challenge our students on how to think about God, on how to lead a Bible study, and how to lead someone to Christ. We are excited to work with them through the process and prepare for situations where they may be asked, “What is it about this God?” Our mission is for them to be well-prepared to give an answer for their faith and lead others to Christ if they are presented those opportunities. Much of the Sports Ministry master’s degree is an online program. And the reason we did that is that we know that our target is primarily people that are already going to be involved in coaching careers or some other kind of ministry-related career. This master’s degree allows students to take classes and to continue to work at their job. The online format was something that was very intentional to give people the opportunity to not have to uproot, quit jobs, lose some of the continuity that goes with that, some of the job experience that goes with that, and still be able to add to their resume as they’re moving forward. As I think about why we are launching graduate programs, something never been done before here at Sterling, I think of the historical record of the Bible. When the Israelites wanted a way to remember what God had done for them, they made a pile of stones as a memorial. Their children would come along and ask “What is that pile of stones, there?” And the elders would recite “This is what God did for us.” We have the same opportunity here as we look back to the last 130 years of seeing how God brought Sterling College to this point at this time. We’re putting up a pile of rocks at 130 years. What did God do at that point? He directed us to begin two master’s degrees. Why did that happen? Because of God’s faithfulness to Sterling College as we move in ways we believe He has guided us. We’re excited to be a part of this very pivotal 130 year point where we look back to see what He's done and look forward to seeing what’s to come.
For additional information about graduate study at Sterling College, contact Dennis Dutton in the Office of Admissions at (800) 346-1017 or graduateprograms@sterling.edu.
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ALUMNI Chad Friess ’10
Students at Summit Christian Academy will have a new head coach this fall for their high school girls basketball program. In addition to the high school level, the middle school football team will have a new head coach and students will have a new PE teacher and activities director. Amazingly, each of these roles will be filled by the same person: alumni Chad Friess ’10. Friess is also the owner of a basketball training company for young athletes, Kansas Elevate Basketball. The company seeks to help students build a proper foundation in athletic and academic fundamentals to “raise their game.” He found his training at Sterling College gave him his own set of fundamentals to become a better coach, teacher and mentor. SM: What has God been doing in your life? How did your new opportunity come about? I have always wanted to be a coach for as long as I can remember, and each of the past few years I’ve been seeking an opportunity to do just that. Recently, I reached out to a close friend and mentor who lives in the Overland Park area and he told me about Summit Christian Academy in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. While I originally applied for the boys head coach position, the openings they had included the girls head coaching position and the others, and I was offered all four positions! I graciously accepted! My passion for basketball training runs deep, and I have worked hard to grow Kansas Elevate Basketball and use it as a platform for all kids of any skill level to grow both on and off the court. I believe that my hard work and passion to help others has led to this opportunity in Lee’s Summit, and I feel very blessed to start this new chapter in my life. SM: What did you study at Sterling and who made the biggest impact on your time on campus? I started out as an elementary education major, but
transferred to K-State. I ended up coming back to Sterling and switching to a sports management major when I returned. But I will never forget what one of my professors, Dr. Gladys Ritterhouse, said when I told her I was leaving. I asked her which school was better for education, KU or K-State. She said, “Neither, stay right here. We’re the best.” And she was right. She was absolutely right. Sterling had the student-to-teacher ratio that was right for me. Spencer Wagley was another influence on me because he always had such a great attitude, and Shawn Reed ’95 was a great professor in my time there as well. SM: What did your journey look like to come to Sterling? I broke my neck during the football season of my senior year, so I missed my senior basketball season. The Sterling Home Lumber manager knew my dad pretty well, and he got me over to Sterling for some open gyms. As they say, the rest is history. SM: How did Sterling help prepare you for what was next in life? Have you seen God’s hand directing your path? I’m very thankful for the opportunity I received at Sterling. We had some tough (basketball) seasons and great seasons. But I think that’s part of it; that’s where growth happens. Now that I’m able to be involved in these young peoples’ lives, I think that going through these scenarios has helped me be able to advise these kids and help them through tough times. Being able to re-connect with Coach Jaderston and to have this opportunity to teach – I can’t think it’s anything but God’s hand directing things in my life. The servant leadership emphasis at Sterling has helped me guide and direct these kids and show them how to serve others. STERLING COLLEGE
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annual sterling fund But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7
FULLER AND METTLING NAMED OUTSTANDING FEMALE AND MALE STUDENTS The Outstanding Female and Male Graduate Award in conjunction with the Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award is given to two students who exemplify outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills and involvement, and who portray an enthusiastically Christian faith. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher and are voted upon by faculty and staff. Emily Fuller of Miltonvale, Kansas, graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration: Accounting, earning the honor summa cum laude for her GPA of 3.90 or higher. During her time at Sterling College, she was involved in Future Business Leaders of America - Phi Beta Lambda, served as president of the Campus Activities Board and was an assistant in the Office of Admissions. To give a gift today, contact Luke Cureton Director of Development sterling.edu/giving OL·L620-278-4208 SSTTEERRLLI INNGG CCO LLEEGGEE 5 lcureton@sterling.edu 14
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Austin Mettling of Udall, Kansas, graduated with a B.S. in Biology with the honor summa cum laude. During his time at Sterling, he was a member of Alpha Chi Honor Society, attended the Global Leadership Summit and served as a resident assistant in Kilbourn Hall.
COMMENCEMENT 2017 STERLING ALL HAIL TO YOU, YOUR NAME WE LOVE!
NICKEL WINS 2017 MCCREERY TEACHING AWARD Described by several students as “my favorite teacher,” Assistant Professor of Sports Management Hans Nickel was awarded the 2017 William M. McCreery Teaching Award in May. The annual award is given to a faculty member who is recognized for noteworthy and innovative instruction during the academic year through peer nomination. Nickel has received student comments such as “keeps lessons light, fun and engaging, yet we know the expectations set for us are challenging and demanding,” and “[he] demonstrates how to be a true servant leader in all that he has done and continues to do for our College.” His fellow faculty describe him as passionate, professional, personable, and “one of the ‘best fit’ instructors for our institution.” Nickel began teaching full-time for the College in 2014 after working four years as the sports information director and teaching on a pro-rata basis. Before teaching at Sterling College, he was the assistant to the commissioner for the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. In addition to several committees, Nickel serves as the Sterling College chair of the Department of Exercise Science. Pictured from bottom-left: Outstanding Female and Male Graduate Award winners Emily Fuller and Austin Mettling, McCreery Teaching Award winner Hans Nickel.
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ALUMNI NEWS FROM ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD
1960s Kathleen Adair ’69 published her book, “Daughter of the Palms,” about her early childhood years growing up in South Sudan.
1980s Betsy Dutton ’82 was the recipient of the 2016-17 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) “Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Award” for the State of Kansas. Phil Brownlee ’85 began working as the executive director of the Medical Society of Sedgwick County this May. A
Kathy Harrell ’87, teacher at Tonganoxie Middle School, was named the 2017 Kansas History Teacher of the Year. Greg Stone ’88 is now the director of microbiology at Pfizer in Boston. Lori Sisk ’89 is now the university development counselor at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz.
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1990s Sherri (Bretz) Schmallen ’90 has become a clinical informatics specialist at the Holland Square Group in Colorado Springs, Colo. Shannon Carter fs93 is now superintendent at Tangential Services Inc., in Dallas, Texas. Terrell Davis ’96 was honored as Kansas Middle School Principal of the Year. He is now the executive director of public affairs and special projects for Wichita Public Schools. B
Jake Ripple ’98 is the new athletic director at Dodge City Community College. Gentry Sutton ’98 was named interim vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Okla.
James Garrison fs05 was named the head baseball coach at Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, Okla. Abby Hannaford ’05 is the founder of Cozy Leaf, an organic loose leaf tea company that sells their products in grocery stores, coffee shops, and natural food markets - such as Whole Foods Market - in the Midwest. Eric Saiz ’06 is now regional sales manager at Downing Sales and Services. Rachael Svaty ’06 has completed her Via Christi Family Medicine residency in Wichita and has begun working as a physician at Plaza Medical Center in Garden City, Kan. C
John Hackbarth ’07 is now sponsor donor relations supervisor at Compassion International in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Justin Vercher ’02 has recently become the principal of Peterson Elementary School in Fort Worth, Texas.
The family farm of Kelli (LaRosh) Armknecht ’09 was featured in a video at the New York City drone film festival in March. The video of the LaRosh’s 2016 wheat harvest was filmed by Kelli’s husband, Doug Armknecht.
Dr. Joe Skillen ’03 was named senior pastor at Advent Presbyterian Church in Cordova, Tenn.
Jorge Bueso ’09 lives in La Lima, Cortez, Honduras, and is the senior research executive for Mercaplan, a
2000s
ALUMNI NEWS
market research and brand consulting agency.
Braden Thompson ’15 is now a sports performance coach at Performance Course in Tyler, Texas.
2010s
Josh Hoover ’16, Isaac Barnhart ’17, Rebecca Borger ’17, Austin Mettling ’17 and Mykela Riedl ’17 all began graduate studies at Wichita State University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program (Class of 2020). With 40 students in the class, SC students account for 13 percent of the class!
Brad Goering ’12 is now with First Team Sports Inc., in Hutchinson, Kan., as a member of the sales team. Samuel Cheyney ’13 is currently the inventory manager at SB Manufacturing in Wichita, Kan. D
Kyle ’13 and Ashley (Standford) ’15 Dillard welcomed their son, David, into the world on June 28, 2017. Erik Dobbins ’13 was named Southeast High School head football coach in Wichita, Kan.
Jennifer (Calderwood) Mettling ’17 began studies at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita, Kan.
A
B
Madison (Caffrey) Schadler ’17 started studies in the University of Kansas Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
E
Emma ’13 and David Dunsmoor ’14 welcomed their daughter, Harper Selah, to the world on March 3, 2017.
E
C
F
D
Courtney Huber ’13 is now web designer at Advisors Excel in Topeka, Kan. Ted ’14 and Sarah Dower celebrated the birth of their son, Thomas Richard, on July 9, 2017. Nicci (Navarro) Perez ’14 completed her M.A. in Kinesiology with a dual emphasis in athletic training and sports administration from Fresno Pacific University. F Erica (Wilt) York ’14 has a new job as a legislative analyst for the Center for State Fiscal Reform at the American Legislative Exchange Council in Arlington, Va.
Brittani (Colberg) Bennett ’15 has published “Chasing Faith” which is available on Amazon. STERLING COLLEGE
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ALUMNI NEWS
I DO
01
02
David Amador ’15 and Nicole (Stockton) ’18 married on May 28, 2017.
03
02 Hayley (Ray) ’16 married Daniel Gough on Sept. 25, 2016. Cory Zila ’16 and Jessica (Bloom) ’17 married on Jan. 7, 2017.
Jalen Getting ’15 and Noel (Munoz) ’17 married June 3, 2017.
03 Madison (Caffrey) ’17 married Ryan Schadler on May 20, 2017.
01 Jamie (Sovern) fs15 and Kendall Smith ’17 married on June 10, 2017.
04
05
04 Jennifer (Calderwood) ’17 and Austin Mettling ’17 married on May 14, 2017. 05 Josiah Ray ’17 and Ivy (Sizemore) ’17 married on May 27, 2017. Jewel (Yoder) ’17 married Lucas Kuhns on Jan. 21, 2017.
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20 F A L L 2 0 1 7 S T E R L I N G
ALUMNI NEWS
IN MEMORIAM
If you would like to honor a dear friend or mentor, you may send a donation in their name or purchase a personalized brick for the Sterling College Legacy Walk. For more information, go to www.sterling.edu/giving.
DONOR | FRIEND
1940S
1960S
Ethan J. Temple
Mary A. Crabb fs43 Merna D. Gilmore fs43 Kathryn V. Korby ’43 Eleanor M. Work ’43 Shizuko H. Sakai ’46 Edward C. Fish ’48 Evelyn M. Muir fs48 Lorina M. Gillen ’49 Betty Jayne Smoot fs49
Mary F. Burns ’61 Elizabeth Atwater fs62 Alice M. Dundas ’62 Helen G. Evans ’62 Larry D. Sallee ’63 Lavel A. Heitschmidt ’68
EMPLOYEE | LEADERSHIP Kathie M. Brown former Education Secretary and Placement Director 1996-1997 Kay F. Kennedy ’76 former Library Office Manager 1978-1999 Bruce Kline former Professor of Psychology 1977-1980 Louise Snyder former Head Librarian and Library Director 1972-1995
1950S Samuel R. Marshall ’50 Claris M. Nystrom fs51 Elda R. Lorah ’52 Margaret S. Mitchell ’52 Donald E. Whitman ’52 Margaret R. Noakes ’54 Calvin L. Koch fs59
1970S Jan Pauls ’73 Jack A. Rath fs74 Brenda Dauber ’75
1990S Antoinette L. Prather fs91
A SPECIAL REMEMBERING... Jan (Long) Pauls ’73 held an interest in the legislative process and had a heart for the people she represented. Jan had her roots in Alden, Kansas, and after graduating from Sterling, she went on to the University of Kansas School of Law where she received her Juris Doctorate. She worked as a private practice attorney, was a Reno County Prosecutor, District Court Judge, and served as a Kansas State Representative for the 102nd District from September 1991 to 2017. Jan was proud to be the longest-serving woman to ever serve in the Kansas legislature. She served as a commissioner for the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws and on the Kansas Sentencing Commission. She is survived by her husband, Ron, who served as treasurer for Jan’s campaigns and would often accompany her to Topeka for legislative sessions. Jan represented much of Hutchinson in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1991 to early 2017. Pauls took her duties seriously and has been described as perhaps “the most well-read member of the Legislature” and was a “very conscientious legislator.” S T E R L I N G C O L L E G E 21
NEW FACULTY continued from page 5
SIA JOUNG Assistant Professor of Art & Design Sia comes to Sterling College with a wide variety of experience in the visual arts. In the last six years, she has had work in 15 exhibitions and three publications. She has also worked as a music teacher, giving individual lessons, and as a teaching assistant at Washington University. Sia earned her M.F.A. in Visual Arts from Washington University (Mo.), her B.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from University of Iowa, and studied East Asian Painting abroad at Ewha Woman’s University in Seoul, South Korea.
STEPHANIE SIMPSON fs02 Assistant Professor of Education Stephanie is joining the education department having experience as a literacy coach, interim principal, high school English teacher, AV/broadcast journalism teacher, and having taught fourth through eighth grade students. Stephanie holds an M.S. in School Leadership from Baker University and a B.S. in Health and Information Management from University of Kansas. She completed her education licensure coursework at Sterling College.
NATHAN KRAUSE Assistant Clinical Professor of Athletic Training
RANDI WISE ’13 Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Nathan has served as a licensed athletic trainer since 2014, most recently at Neosho County Community College where he was responsible for covering both home and away sporting events. He has worked at both the high school and university levels, and is certified in both Kansas and Kentucky. He holds a Master of Science in Human Development and Leadership from Murray State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training from Wichita State University.
Randi is returning to Sterling College from Kansas State University where she is A.B.D. on her Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Her research is titled “The Role of the Secretory Pathway in Metastatic Breast Cancer.” She has experience in research, teaching and tutoring, with a long list of honors and awards over her years in education. In addition to completing her Ph.D., Randi also holds a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology with minors in Christian Ministries and Mathematics from Sterling College.
LINDSEY SAENGER Assistant Professor of Exercise Science Lindsey has many years of teaching and clinical experience, most recently at Hutchinson Clinic where she served as the lead echocardiographer. Lindsey earned her M.S. in Human, Health and Life Sciences with a specialization in cardiac physiology from Fort Hays State University. She also holds a B.S. in Physical Education with a specialization in Exercise Science from Fort Hays State University.
22 F A L L 2 0 1 7 S T E R L I N G
HOMECOMING 2017 | October 5-7
See you soon, Warriors.
For more information, visit: sterling.edu/homecoming Full Schedule of Events Purchase Tickets Register for Events
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 2 Sterling, KS
2017-18 STERLING COLLEGE
FREEMAN LECTURE SERIES
KEVIN PALAU
DR. JEFF MYERS
President of the Louis Palau Association
President of Summit Ministries
Friday, October 27
Friday, April 6