Sterling Magazine - Summer 2021

ST ERL ING SUMMER 202 1

Serving in Turbulent Times

Dedicated to Excellence

Commencement CELEBRATING THE CLASSES OF 2020 & 2021

The Show Must Go on

MISSION STATEMENT Sterling College is a Christcentered, four-year college with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith.

POSTMASTER send address changes to 125 W. Cooper Ave. Sterling, KS 67579 WEBSITE sterling.edu Letters and comments can be sent to marketing@sterling.edu.

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Mennonite Press, Newton, Kansas.

ABOUT THE COVER As the Creative Director, a large part of my job is to translate emotions and feelings into graphic design elements that help communicate an intended message. But how is anyone supposed to summarize all of the emotions and feelings from this past year? One central idea kept coming back to me: “in spite of.” In spite of all of the turbulence, God didn’t change. The mission of Sterling College didn’t change. In the midst of a pretty terrible storm, the foundations remained.

The image we created for this issue shows the aftermath of a storm.

Cooper Hall has withstood this storm and is reflected in a puddle. A leaf is at the edge of the puddle, not as a reminder of the carnage of the storm, but as a reminder of the small, beautiful moments God gives us during storms.

In spite of the turbulence, God showed us His faithfulness. Through the chaos, He gave us strength. He supplied our needs in new ways.

The Verse of the Year from this past academic year sums it up perfectly, “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

(Lamentations 3:21-23, ESV)

FROM THE DESK OF THE

PRESIDENT As challenging as this past year has been, I am strengthened, encouraged and overwhelmed with the outpouring of support for Sterling College. Faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and friends have all shown just how much Sterling means to them by praying for us, tirelessly adapting to the circumstances, encouraging students, sending financial gifts and so much more.

Thank you to our faculty and staff for sacrificially serving our students. You met every challenge with resolve and compassion to continue providing a high quality experience for our students. You really stepped up when our students and community needed you most.

Thank you to our dedicated COVID Task Force. These men and women gave of their time, energy and resources to ensure that our campus was healthy and safe during these uncertain times.

Thank you to our students for continuing to adapt and persevere. All the sacrifices you made helped keep your fellow Warriors safe, and we are so grateful for the grace you showed amidst it all. We are so proud of you and feel blessed to be a part of your journey.

Thank you to our parents of current students for entrusting your children to us. It is an honor to prepare them to be Warriors­—ready to serve, equipped to lead.

Thank you to our alumni and friends who supported us with prayer and gave sacrificially. Your support has been essential. Thank you for your partnership in training up innovative and Christ-filled leaders.

In this issue you will see how our dedicated employees stepped up to support students on campus in the midst of a pandemic. Sterling was able to continue to deliver a high quality, liberal arts education. You will see how alumni and friends blessed us, as we officially opened the expanded Gleason Center, a campus space that is used extensively academically, athletically and recreationally. We were able to celebrate the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 in an in-person, on-campus ceremony. What a joy to see parents and students celebrating the accomplishments of these young men and women.

Thank you to you, our faithful Sterling readers, supporters and friends.

Scott A. Rich, Ed.D.

STERLING

M A G A Z I N E SUMMER 2021

CONTENTS SNAPSHOTS FROM CAMPUS

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IN THE NEWS

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WARRIOR ATHLETICS

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DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE Sterling College dedicates Gleason Physical Education Center Expansion

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

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COMMENCEMENT Celebrating the Classes of 2020 and 2021

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SERVING IN TURBULENT TIMES

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THE SHOW MUST GO ON Reflections on the 2020-21 Sterling College Theatre season

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ALUMNI NEWS

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IN MEMORIAM

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24 PRESIDENT Scott A. Rich, Ed.D. | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Brad Evenson | DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI Susie (Rathbun) Carney ‘88 | CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michelle Stewart | WEB AND VISUAL ARTS SPECIALIST Micah Black ’17 | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF THE COLLEGE Ken Brown, Ph.D. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT SERVICES Mitzi Suhler, M.S. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT LIFE Jason Briar ‘99, M.S. | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Michelle Hall | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ATHLETICS Scott Downing ’79 | ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ATHLETICS AND FACILITY MANAGEMENT Justin Morris ‘00

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1 Freeman Lecture Series speaker, Nikki Lerner, shares her passion for multicultural worship with Sterling College, spring 2021. 2 Students gather in Smisor Stadium to worship and hear testimonies from fellow students during Sterling College’s Fields of Faith event sponsored by Fellowship of Christian Athletes, fall 2020. 3 The Divine Servant statue after a rain storm, spring 2021. 4 Nyadoar Williamson visits with Dr. Jennifer Dyson’s cat during psychology class, winter 2020-21. 5 Cooper Hall lit with the annual Christmas candles, winter 2020-21. 6 Larry Brownlee ’80, assistant professor of instrumental music, brings back a Sterling College tradition, the annual Confusical Popcert, spring 2021. 7 Dr. Ken Brown, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, spreads some Christmas cheer, winter 2020-21. 8 Fabio Valori-Cereto and Maria Urwiller participate in outdoor games during the Mental Health Awareness event, spring 2021.

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IN THE

News

STERLING COLLEGE SIGNS GRADUATE BUSINESS ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS WITH EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Sterling College has signed articulation agreements with Emporia State University for three graduate business programs. The Masters of Accountancy program contract originally signed by the two schools in 2015 has been renewed.

Additionally Sterling has new agreements with Emporia State in the Master of Business Administration program and Master of Information Technology program by way of the new articulation agreements.

STERLING COLLEGE NAMED TO U.S. NEWS 2021 BEST REGIONAL COLLEGES LIST Sterling College was included as one of only 86 schools in the Midwest who were named to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report list for Best Regional Colleges. Sterling was also ranked second on the Top Performers for Social Mobility list as well.

“We are honored to be recognized by outside institutions for our hard work and dedication to our students. U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly recognized Sterling College for our commitment to students and their families. Our faculty and staff make this award possible, and I am proud of the education and experience our students receive here at Sterling College,” said Dr. Scott A. Rich, president of the College.

According to U.S. News, rankings are based on several key measures of quality, including graduation and retention rates, assessment of excellence, faculty resources, student

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selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate performance and alumni giving.

STERLING COLLEGE’S GRIFFIS PUBLISHED IN ACADEMIC JOURNAL Sterling College Assistant Professor of Language and Literature Dr. Rachel Griffis published an article on Layli Long Soldier’s WHEREAS in Studies in American Indian Literatures. The article explores the power of language in both building and damaging communities and was written as a result from a course on Native American Literature that Dr. Griffis offered to Sterling College students.

“Our Sterling College faculty are such a joy to watch as they find wonderful and meaningful ways to engage students and bring their coursework to life. Dr. Griffis is very active in her field and brings her knowledge into the classroom for the betterment of her students,” said Dr. Ken Brown, vice president for academic affairs.

“We are very excited about these three new business articulation agreements with Emporia State University, as well as the expanded opportunities they provide to our students. Now, our students can transition from undergraduate studies at Sterling to graduate business programs at Emporia, who are well known and respected for high quality graduate programs and opportunities,” said Ken Brown, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College.

STERLING COLLEGE OFFERS ONLINE MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR KANSAS STUDENTS

Students across the state of Kansas were afforded a new opportunity during COVID with the Sterling College Online Music Festival, which allowed middle school and high school students to display their musical abilities amongst their peers.

In total, 380 solos were entered in the festival and students from 100 different towns participated in the Festival.

“With the advance of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the resulting closure of Kansas schools, there lay a large void for students across the

state with no hope of showcasing their talents. Now music students had this opportunity thanks to the Sterling College Online Music Festival,” said Dr. Ken Brown, vice president for academic affairs.

The Online Music Festival allowed students the chance to perform their instrumental or vocal solos for a judge to receive a rating. Larry Brownlee ’80 coordinated the Festival and worked together with Sterling College faculty and over 70 music directors to conduct the event.

STERLING COLLEGE ANNOUNCES ADDITION TO ARTS, CREATION OF ENROLLMENT SERVICES

Sterling College has announced several changes focused on serving the needs of prospective students and their families. Dennis Dutton ’82, vice president for enrollment, moved to a new position, executive director for the arts, where he leads the arts programs at Sterling. Additionally, the College has announced the creation of the Office of Enrollment Services, combining the admissions and financial aid offices to provide a seamless onboarding experience for new students to Sterling. This team is led by Mitzi Suhler, vice president for enrollment services.

“I greatly applaud our incredible staff for leaning into the challenge of change and embracing new opportunities. Dennis and Mitzi have been wonderful ambassadors for Sterling College, and I am excited for the impact they will have on prospective families, current students and Sterling alumni moving forward,” said Dr. Scott A. Rich, president.

BRANDES ’11 NAMED ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT LIFE AND CHURCH RELATIONS

Paul Brandes ’11 has expanded his current role as chaplain to now serve as Sterling’s associate vice president for student life and church relations.

In this capacity, Brandes will focus on growing enrollments in the Department of Theology and Ministry and further partner with the Office of Student Life on tasks supporting student life.

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As associate vice president for student life and church relations, Brandes will oversee the diversity committee, church relations and the Freeman Lecture Series in addition to continuing to oversee the work of spiritual life on campus. Brandes has served as Sterling’s chaplain since 2019 and previously served as the executive pastor for Christ Community Church’s Brookside campus in Kansas City, Mo.

MORRIS ’00 NAMED ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ATHLETICS AND FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Sterling College has announced Justin Morris ’00 has expanded his current role as athletic director and will now serve as Sterling’s associate vice president for athletics and facility management. In this capacity, Morris will assist in growing the use of campus facilities during the summer and off-peak seasons.

In addition to facility management at Sterling, Morris’ responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations of the athletic department and continuing Sterling’s strong community support through local partnerships.

@SterlingCollege @SterlingCollege @SterlingCLife

#HereAtSterling #SwordsUp

Warrior

A T H L E T I C S

KYLAH COMLEY NAMED NAIA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CoSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA® OF THE YEAR

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ylah Comley of Sterling, Kan., was named the 2020-21 CoSIDA Academic All-America® of the Year for NAIA Women’s Basketball. Comley becomes the first Sterling College student-athlete to win this award. She compiled a 3.95 GPA while studying elementary education and exercise science.

Comley and the Lady Warriors finished their 2020-21 season with an overall record of 30-1. Sterling won the KCAC Championship and also won their first-ever NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship Opening Round Championship and reached their first NAIA Round of 16 since the 2010-11 season.

Comley completed her career as a four-time NAIA AllAmerican, earning honorable mention honors in 2018, second-team accolades in 2019 and 2020 and third-team acclaim in 2021. During her time at Sterling College, she

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played and started in 121 games, averaging 17.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.8 steals, shooting 47% from the field.

She became a two-time Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year and a four-time unanimous first-team AllKCAC selection. She finished second on Sterling’s career list with 2,087 points and No. 1 with 580 assists.

“Kylah Comley is known by many for her amazing ability on the basketball court, but what most do not know about is her diligence and excellence in the classroom. When I think about Kylah, I think about how she is one of the hardest workers I have ever been around. Kylah is also extremely thoughtful and empathetic- she truly loves to serve others and seeks out ways to connect and build relationships. This award is extremely deserved, and I am so proud of Kylah for receiving this honor,” said K.C. Bassett ’07, head women’s basketball coach.

Two Warriors compete at NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships Sterling College sent two Warriors to the 2021 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in Gulf Shores, Ala., sophomore Corrssia Perry of Carrollton, Ga., and senior Jordan Wallace of Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Perry finished 12th in the 100m with a time of 11.85 and 13th in the 200m with a time of 24.36. Perry was the only KCAC participant in the 100m and had the fastest KCAC time in the 200m. Wallace ended his career with a new PR in the 110m Hurdles, finishing 18th with a time of 14.60.

Wallace also had the fastest KCAC time in the event.

Haynes becomes all-time leading scorer The Gleason Center home crowd was treated to a historic occasion on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. JaMiah Haynes of Kyle, Texas, led the Warriors with 25 points in a 105-81 win over York College to become Sterling Men’s Basketball all-time leading scorer. Haynes passed previous record-holder, Jason Ontjes ’99, whose 1,625 points now sit second all-time.

Haynes finished the season as a unanimous All-KCAC First Team selection for the Warriors. He led Sterling and the KCAC in scoring with 20.0 points per game and was third in the conference in field goal percentage (52%). He averaged 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game and finished his time at Sterling with 1,815 career points.

Chavez, Comley, Haynes and Swimming highlight the Warriors of Excellence The Sterling College athletic department highlighted its marquee “Warriors of Excellence” event by giving awards to deserving student-athletes. Warrior Athletics is proud to recognize its student-athletes for their efforts not only athletically, but also academically and in service to the community.

Men’s Soccer earns first-ever trip to nationals Coach Nic Martinez ’10 and the Warriors Men’s Soccer team earned an automatic bid to the 2021 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship for the first time in program history after finishing as the KCAC regular season runner-up. The Warriors played in the Opening Round for the Columbia Bracket at Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. Sterling lost to the number 1 seed, Columbia College, 4-0. The Warriors finished its season at 11-5-1.

Senior Joel Chavez (men’s soccer) of Longmont, Colo., and senior JaMiah Haynes (men’s basketball) of Kyle, Texas, were named the Co-Outstanding Male Senior Athletes, while Kylah Comley (women’s basketball) of Sterling, Kan., was named the Outstanding Female Senior Athlete.

The Sterling College Swim Team also finished the year as the winners of the Presidents Cup.

FOLLOW THE WARRIORS facebook.com/scwarriors

@SterlingCSports

@SterlingCSports

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DEDICATED TO

EXCELLENCE Sterling College dedicates Gleason Physical Education Center Expansion

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riends, family, alumni and supporters of Sterling College gathered together to dedicate the Gleason Center Expansion on the Sterling College campus on Oct. 16, 2020. The program included a time of reflection for those who made possible the expansion as well as a prayer of dedication for the new facility. The program was followed by selfguided tours of the building.

“Sterling College has been given a tremendous privilege in this wonderful building and, as a result, we have a wonderful opportunity.

Students’ minds and bodies are being shaped in this building. Students learn their academic discipline while also learning how to be a part of a team.

The teaching, training and nurturing provided in this place by our dedicated faculty and coaches impact lives each and every day. As we celebrate, we remember those who have gone before us and who have made this possible,” said Dr. Scott A. Rich, president.

The project features 32,000 square feet of new and renovated space, including three classrooms, 20 offices for faculty and coaches, the Dudrey Center for Health Sciences, the Mabee Wellness Center & Weightroom, the First Bank Lobby & Hall of Fame, new and additional locker room space and the new Wilkey Fieldhouse.

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The Gleason project is the first of three building projects that are part of the $25 million SterlingNOW campaign.

The College also plans to build ZaidWest Science and Research Center, a 30,000 square foot science and math building and renovate Thompson Hall, a 24,000 square foot building that currently houses the science, math and business programs.

Want to watch a tour of the new facility? Join Justin Morris ’00 and Scott Downing ’79 for a video tour of the Gleason Center Expansion by visiting www.sterling.edu/SterlingNOW.

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7 1. Wilkey Family 2. McFarland Family 3. Reed Family 4. Building tour of the weight room followed the Dedication Ceremony. 5. Dr. Scott A. Rich, president, addresses the audience at the Sterling College Gleason Center Dedication Ceremony. 6. Gleason exterior. 7.

Gleason interior honoring Lonnie Kruse. 8. Gleason interior honoring Clair L. Gleason. 9. Ribbon-cutting at the Dedication Ceremony.

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C HA P L A I N ’ S

Corner

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ou might have to fact check me on the exact amount, but I think the use of the word unprecedented has risen by about 1000% in the past year. I’ve certainly contributed to its ascendance, maybe you have as well. And for good reason, too. It does uniquely capture this strange season we’re (still) navigating.

I have not heard the word turbulent as much, though as it means “disordered, confused, a lack of calm.” I’m not sure why. In fact, it seems to me that a marriage between the two words might best describe March 2020 through our current moment: unprecedentedly turbulent.

And yet…

One of my privileges as Chaplain is to select a passage of Scripture for each school year. As I was considering and praying through that honored task, the Lord drew my heart to a beautiful passage of Scripture that was written during another unprecedentedly turbulent time. The capital city of Jerusalem had been destroyed. The prophet Jeremiah had watched. And now, he wept. And wrote.

The book of Lamentations is a collection of Jeremiah’s prayers as he weeps and mourns for Jerusalem. It is an overwhelmingly sad and tragic book.

And yet…

Tucked right in the middle of it, we find Sterling College’s Scripture passage for the 2020-21 academic year: 21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

(Lamentations 3:21-23, ESV) Notice that Jeremiah intentionally changes what he is thinking about (“this I call to mind”), turning to beautifully true thoughts of the love,

“...even in the midst of the continued chaos, God is still in control. ” mercy and faithfulness of God. And it’s in that change that he discovers hope.

In the first chapel of the academic year, I preached on this passage and invited our community to marinate on this truth: Even in the midst of the chaos, God remains in control. We’ve returned to this phrase (and these verses) over and over again throughout the course of this chaotic, turbulent

year. And in them, we have found our own hope.

Friends and fellow alumni, if you’re wondering, in so many ways, college students are not okay right now. And of course, everyone, college student or not, has navigated the same challenging stretch and is feeling the impact of that. But 18-22 year olds are fraught more with anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles even when the world isn’t battling a global pandemic. But struggling as they are, they keep pushing forward, refusing to give up, refusing to give in. Sometimes their hope is naught but a tiny kernel, but even in those moments, I’ve seen it be enough to blossom into beautiful resilience: the painful but necessary art of moving forward after setbacks.

Indeed I observed this with such consistency during the fall semester 2020 that I ended the semester preaching on the idea of resilience by way of the story of Simeon and Anna from Luke 2. The truth I invited our community to reflect upon in that message was this: Waiting requires resilience.

Our moment does remain unprecedentedly turbulent, it’s true.

But even in the midst of the continued chaos, God is still in control. Therefore, we can wait on Him, responding to the challenges with Spirit-empowered resilience. I’m seeking to do that each day with the wonderful college students I have the privilege of serving.

Will you join us?

Paul Brandes ‘11, Associate Vice President for Student Life & Church Relations Paul Brandes is a 2011 alumnus of Sterling College where he studied in the Department of Theology and Ministry. He then completed a M.Div. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He loves introducing college students to the way of Jesus and partnering with churches to see the Body of Christ at work. If you or your church would like to connect with Paul for any reason, you can reach him by email at paul.brandes@sterling.edu.

You can also connect with chapel on YouTube by searching “Sterling College Spiritual Life.”

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Sterling is best shared with friends!

Undergraduate | Graduate | Online Learning Do you know a prospective student who would be a perfect fit for Sterling College?

We would love to share with them how much of a blessing Sterling College can be!

For more information visit: sterling.edu/refer

Contact us: admissions@sterling.edu 800-346-1017 | sterling.edu

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Commencement Classes of 2020 & 2021 Friends and family gathered in the Gleason Physical Education Center at Sterling College in May, to celebrate the achievements of Sterling graduates.

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he City of McPherson Pipe Band led the procession for this year’s Commencement honoring the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021. Due to inclement weather, the program was divided into three indoor ceremonies hosted in the newly expanded Gleason Physical Education Center to keep with the College’s and local government’s COVID safety protocols.

During the ceremony, President Scott Rich commended both classes for their amazing accomplishments including being the classes that had the longest and the shortest spring breaks in the College’s history. Commencement speaker Paul Brandes ’11, chaplain and associate vice president for student life, gave his address titled “Resilience Is Still Required” in which he encouraged the graduates to continue relying on God’s strength so that they may have endurance in life’s struggles ahead. The presentation of degrees followed the address and included the College’s first recipients of the Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees. All the graduates in attendance walked across the stage and shook hands with President Scott Rich, completing their time at Sterling.

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Outstanding Female and Male Students The Outstanding Male and Female 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.

Kylah Comley of Sterling, Kan., earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Exercise Science: Secondary Education, graduating with honors of summa cum laude and was a Kelsey Scholar. During her time at Sterling College, she was actively engaged in the campus community, playing on the women’s tennis and women’s basketball teams.

Ezekiel Lacey of Shoreline, Wash., completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Research and Clinical, with honors of magna cum laude and was a Kelsey Scholar. He played on the men’s basketball team and served as team chaplain during his senior year for the men’s basketball team. He served on student government and served as a resident assistant as well.

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2 1. Kelcie Wood ’21 receives her Master of Science in Athletic Training. 2. & 3. Paul Brandes ’11, chaplain, delivers his Commencement address to graduates in the Gleason Center gymnasium. 4. Kylah Comley ’21 with her Outstanding Female Graduate Award. 5. Ezekiel Lacey ’21 with his Outstanding Male Graduate Award.

Missed the Ceremony?

Watch the recap at www.sterling.edu/academics/commencement.

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McCreery Teaching “ We pray that you Award will be strengthened Dr. Lindsey Saenger, assistant professor of exercise science at Sterling College, was given The William M. McCreery with all God’s Teaching Award as part of the College’s Commencement ceremonies in May. The annual award is given to a faculty glorious power so member who is recognized for noteworthy and innovative instruction during the academic year through peer you will have all nomination.

Saenger has taught at Sterling College for four years and is a the endurance and leader on campus in several capacities. In addition to being an assistant professor, she is the co-chair for her department patience you need.” and has led it through a curricular redesign of the Exercise - Colossians 1:11

Science program.

Saenger is described by students as engaging, saying, “She is the most hands-on professor I’ve ever had. She takes the time to make sure we understand the content thoroughly and draws a focus on becoming successful in the classroom.” Another said, “You are an amazing professor!

I love taking your classes because you take your time so that everyone in the classroom understands the material.

I wouldn’t change a thing about my experiences in this course!”

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Saenger is described by the faculty that teach alongside her at Sterling College as professional, saying, “Her professional and academic expertise has been invaluable in developing rigorous, data-focused courses. She keeps expectations extremely high, while still breaking down complex and scientific concepts in a way that is easily understood by students of all talent levels.”

6. Class of 2020 graduates listen to the Commencement address. 7. The City of McPherson Pipe Band led the procession for each Commencement ceremony.

8. LaMeisha Ligons ’20, and her mother, Linda Ligons, pose for a photo following Commencement. 9. The William M. McCreery Teaching Award recipient, Dr. Lindsey Saenger, and her family pose for a photo following Commencement. 10. Graduates pose for a photo inside the Gleason Center lobby following Commencement.

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Serving in Turbulent Times When the whole world shifted as a response to COVID-19, Sterling College continued to serve students, providing servant leadership in a time that so desperately needed it.

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Music and Band:

The response to COVID-19 had a large impact on arts programs, both at Sterling and across the world. Sterling followed a comprehensive study and followed recommendations listed in that study including: • Recorded concerts and shared digitally with audience • Moved rehearsal space to allow for extra distancing • Placed bell covers on each band instrument • Added music stands so each musician used their own • Sanitized chairs and stands after each rehearsal • Purchased high quality HEPA filters for circulation units

• Took breaks in longer rehearsals to allow for air purifying “The best thing we could do for our students was to continue to meet, rehearse and perform. Music needs performance. There are too many arts programs put on hold. Because we could figure out how to continue and still keep our students safe, we were able to stay with a ‘normal’ schedule.

We have been very fortunate,” said Larry Brownlee ’80, band director.

Student Life:

Students in quarantine needed meals delivered to them. Sterling College staff, faculty, coaches and students stepped up and volunteered to deliver

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meals directly from the Cafeteria to their doors.

“To be able to serve our students who are unable to leave their room due to having COVID or having exposure to a COVID case has been humbling and rewarding. A lot of things go unnoticed but to me that humble service is what makes a servant leader,” said Emilie (Heinl) Holland, resident director.

Academics:

In addition to delivering modified in-person, hybrid and online classes, faculty adapted much of their programming to best allow students to have opportunities for 22

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learning, growing and leading.

One example is the MATCH-UP Competition (Mathematics Challenge for Undergraduate Prospects). Due to COVID, Sterling canceled its traditional “Experience the Sciences Day” which allowed for high school students to come to campus and experience Sterling’s science classes and meet faculty and students. The MATCH-UP Competition provided Kansas high school teachers to sign up their classes and students to compete and solve unique math questions.

“MATCH-UP gave students a great opportunity to use creative problem solving, and we were very intentional with how we drafted the

questions. Our hope is that this type of competition allows high school students to experience a different side of mathematics; one that is more indicative of what mathematics truly requires for success. While this idea was born to serve high school students during the time of COVID, it has become a competition that we would love to continue for years to come,” said Pete Kosek, assistant professor of mathematics.

Cleaning and Sanitizing:

Certainly one of the first and lasting impacts of the response to COVID has been a heightened focus on cleanliness and sanitizing on campus.

“Sterling Together!” Series:

After moving classes online in March of 2020, the College resumed on campus instruction in the fall of 2020. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Sterling provided regular updates to students, faculty, staff and alumni via the “Sterling Together!” series of social media posts and emails. These encouraging and informative messages consisted of photos from faculty or students, sharing pets who were reliable study buddies, or improvised workspaces that now served as primary home offices or study spots. Each message provided a link back to the campus plan as well.

Sterling’s housekeeping staff worked hard to ramp up its already vigilant disinfecting protocols. Additional steamers were purchased to help in the disinfecting of soft surfaces.

Electrostatic misters were purchased and put into use to make sure all surfaces were disinfected with approved disinfectant. The move to all-disposable tableware resulted in doubling our trash disposal needs.

“We feel obligated to do all we can to keep our students and employees as safe as possible during these difficult times by keeping things clean and disinfected in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID,” said Vicky Kirchoff, physical plant office manager.

@SterlingCollege @SterlingCollege @SterlingCLife Sterling Together!

With caution and care, Sterling College endeavors to safely provide an excellent education to our students and to provide safety and sanitation measures that meet or exceed guidelines given by our local and state health officials. It takes all of us. We will care for each other, care for our community and for our campus spaces. We are Warriors. Sterling Together!

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THE SHOW M

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hat adage has never been truer than it was this year! In spite of this strange COVID year, Sterling College Theatre was able to present eight shows including two musicals – the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic “Carousel” and the new contemporary show “Catch Me If You Can.” Those along with “Rabbit Hole”, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, “Sense & Sensibility”, “An Inspector Calls” and two evenings of One-Acts made for one of the busiest, craziest and yet most rewarding seasons ever!

After the shut down in March, when we returned last fall we were all wondering if we would be able to do theatre at all. Would we have to wear masks? Would we be able to have live in-person audiences? Would we only be able to perform via Zoom?

“Carousel” became perhaps the most challenging show in Sterling Theatre history. After casting in November of 2019 for an April 2020 staging in the round in Upper Wilson which didn’t happen. Scheduling it for the Homecoming Musical slot in the fall wasn’t feasible. So, it was slated for November.

In November, cast members were quarantined and Sterling doesn’t have understudies! So, the show was moved twice more before finally being presented in mid-January with a masked, socially distanced audience of only 90 members. “Carousel” was recorded and then presented online through Broadway On Demand.

Several hundred were able to watch the show online, including people who had not seen a Sterling Theatre production in 40 years! We heard positive feedback from many alumni and families of current students. The pandemic had brought something 24

SUMMER 2021 S T E R L I N G

positive – we will now hope to offer shows and concerts online regularly.

The spring production of “Cuckoo’s Nest”, which was live-streamed, brought another challenge. The lead role of McMurphy, which won Jack Nicholson his first Oscar, was to have been played by a senior theatre major, but he had to bow out as rehearsals were starting due to health issues. Director Sasha Hildebrand ’03 turned to a new actor Ian Ortega Diaz, a young man who came to Sterling from Puerto Rico to play baseball.

After seeing a spark in him in acting class, Sasha encouraged him to audition for the show. He was originally cast in a small, supporting role.

When her lead actor dropped out, she turned to Ian who had never been on stage in a play before. Ian and Sasha worked together outside rehearsals to break down and dissect the character’s growth and evolution. They scored a triumph! Ian’s natural, exuberant sense of energy and spirit of play elevated the performances of all the young men in the play. It ended up being quite effective and powerful, thanks in large part to Ian’s performance.

One aspect that sets Sterling Theatre apart from practically all collegiate theatre programs in Kansas is the commitment to doing two musicals every year. Most universities only do one musical a year, and colleges of Sterling’s size or larger often do musicals only every other year.

Together Sasha and Music Director Marisa (Giorgetti) Callan ’05 produce two musicals each year.

Instead of doing a small cast musical for the final mainstage show of the

MUST GO ON

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year, the directing duo chose a show with over 150 costumes, 30 different settings, 28 cast members and eight production numbers – a B-I-G show!

They had about one month to put together “Catch Me If You Can” based on the popular movie with an upbeat musical score by the team who wrote “Hairspray.”

The students were enthusiastic about the show. They loved the music and the true story of young con man Frank Abagnale, Jr. New York choreographer Travis Nesbitt, a long-time friend of Marisa’s, returned to Sterling (he had done “Carousel” and “Little Shop” earlier) to choreograph. Travis couldn’t come to Sterling until one week before the production. No matter – after he left, students worked hard and continued to drill dances even at 7:30 a.m. after long nights of rehearsals.

Sterling technical theatre professor Stephen English had to bow out of teaching and tech work due to extensive medical issues (He is better now and plans to return in the fall).

With a complex set to design and construct in a matter of days, Sasha turned to the husband of Sterling alumna and friend Rachel Prohaska Downs ’01, Michael Downs. Michael is a world-class artist who has designed for the Olympics, Super Bowl and over 990 shows in his career. Based out of Wichita, Kan., and generally designing and working in places all over the globe, Michael was at home in Wichita due to travel restrictions and was able to come to Sterling for six weeks to design and oversee the set for the show as well as to teach a design class.

“Working at Sterling with Sasha and the students has ranked among the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had,” Downs said. “There is

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SUMMER 2021 S T E R L I N G

a palpable desire to make great work, to take collaborative responsibility for the project and exhibit a voracious need to learn all they can at every step.

Sterling has attracted a really awesome group of students.”

The show was a big hit with Sterling audiences and students. Emeriti Professors Gordon Kling and Diane DeFranco-Kling even deemed the show one of the best musicals ever!

Sterling Theatre proved this year that THE SHOW MUST not only GO ON – but GO ON in triumph!

Watch “Sterling College Presents: The Show Must Go On!”

Join Sterling College students, faculty and staff as they reflect on pulling off the hit musical “Carousel” in the midst of unprecedented times at www.sterling.edu/arts

Dennis Dutton ‘82 Executive Director for the Arts Dennis has been at Sterling College for 37 years – 32 in Admissions and five in Advancement. And now, he is relishing his new role – Executive Director for the Arts. Having been a staunch arts advocate for Sterling College all of his years here, now he is able to have his entire focus on the arts.

Dennis received his Masters in Arts Administration 20 years ago, and he feels this is right where he belongs.

His main charge is to continue helping to recruit students for the arts.

Programming, promotion and alumni relations related to arts are also within his purview.

Dennis is a proud product of Sterling’s theatre program under the Klings, and he is not alone. Sasha Hildebrand ’03 studied in theatre, Marisa (Giorgetti) Callan ’05 and Larry Brownlee ’80 in music and Micah Oelze ’16 in communication/media are all Sterling arts alumni, as well.

Dennis says, “I would not trade our arts faculty for anything!

Sterling’s people make the difference.”

If you are interested in keeping up with all things Sterling College Arts – including knowing when concerts, shows and other events will be available online—please email Dennis at arts@sterling.edu.

SAVE MONEY AND CHANGE THE WORLD.

YOU CAN

Call or email us to learn about giving tools designed to save you money and lower taxes – all while developing the next generation of Godly servant leaders.

WAYS TO GIVE

• Charitable Gift Annuity:

CGAs provide a guaranteed income stream to you for life. You may also benefit from a tax deduction this year.

• IRA Rollover:

If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a gift to us from your IRA and potentially avoid extra income.

• Gifts of Grain / Commodities • Donor Advised Funds • Stocks and Bonds • Estate Gifts (Kelsey Society)

2021 TAX INCENTIVE Congress extended several CARES Act provisions for 2021 including a deduction for charitable donors. If you do not itemize but make a cash gift to charity, you will be allowed to take a special tax deduction, up to $300 ($600 for joint filers), to reduce your tax liability.*

Contact our advancement team at advancement@sterling.edu or 620-278-4247 to learn more. *This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation. This information was used by permission from Crescendo Interactive.

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A l u m n i N E W S

FROM ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD

1960s

1990s

Pam (Parr) Turner fs65 has written a book, The Unchosen Road, available for purchase on Amazon and other book sellers.

Jill (Alley) Rowland ’93 coached the Sterling High School girls basketball team to win the Kansas 2A State Championship.

1970s

Matt Filbert ’95 has accepted the position of senior pastor at First Reformed Presbyterian Church in Beaver Falls, Pa.

Jim Raymo fs72 is an adjunct professor at Bethany Global University in Aberdeen, SD. Glennys (Gilmore) Doane ’73 opened a new business in Downs, Kan., called Prairie Field Flowers.

Carolyn (Wiggins) Treadway ’75 was named 2020 Citizen of the Year in Faribault, Minn.

1980s Brett Orr ’80 is co-owner at Haven Safe Defense Midwest in Tulsa, Okla.

Kevin Schmidt ’96 is executive director product healthcare at InSync Healthcare Solutions.

Dr. Justin Henry ’97 was selected as the 2021 Kansas Superintendent of the Year by the Kansas School Superintendents’ Association. Henry has been the superintendent in the Goddard district since 2011.

Brett Phipps ’97 is Associate Principal at Decatur ISD in Decatur, Texas.

Rick Tuxhorn ’81 was recognized as CFO of the Year honoree by the Wichita Business Journal. Tuxhorn works at McPherson College in McPherson, Kan.

Brian Smith ’97 is a police sergeant for the town of Windsor, Colo.

Steve Warner ’84, head football coach at Buhler High School in Buhler, Kansas, earned his 250th career win this past season.

2000s

Monte Ball ’87 is the human resource manager at Conklin Cars in Hutchinson, Kan.

Angelia Elgin ’98 is an acute care nurse practitioner at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Justin Vercher ’02 has been named principal of Northwest ISD’s newest campus, Berkshire Elementary School, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Melvin Schadler ’87 has been named vice president of commercial and real estate lending at Peoples Bank and Trust in Newton, Kan.

Donnie Jackson ’03, is head coach at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. Okla. He coached his men’s team at the NJCAA National Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan.

David Belew ’89 is head of partner support at ButterMove in Wichita, Kan.

Staci (Curry) ’10 and Brad Morrison ’06 welcomed their son, Noah Wayne, on October 6, 2020.

Got News?

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Laura (Habiger) ’07 and Ben Vague welcomed their daughter, Lydia Nicole, on March 2, 2021.

Danielle (Wagner) ’08 and Charles Stinger welcomed their daughter, Kaylee Reign, on June 2, 2021.

2010s KC Barnes Higley ’11 completed his Master of Science in education from Fort Hays State University.

Carl Nolan, Jr. ’11 will be an ALC teacher and the head football coach at Lyons High School in Lyons, Kans.

Ashlynn (Slough) ’12 and Larry Embers welcomed their daughter, Gracelynn Helen, on June 1, 2021.

Lindsay (Rollins) ’12 and Abraham White ’12 welcomed their daughter, Addison LeeAnn, on May 21, 2021.

Megan (Patrick) ’13 and Brian Heckel welcomed their daughter, Kinsley, on March 5, 2021.

Alexa (Pelton) ’13 and Jake Marker welcomed their son, Huxley Phillip, on May 2, 2021.

Kara (Stineman) ’14 and B.J. Smith ’15 welcomed their son, Leo David, on January 9, 2021.

Brittani (Colberg) ’15 and Matt Bennett ’14 welcomed their son, Luka Curtis, on April 2, 2021.

Sarah (Grafel) ’14 and Josh Greenwood welcomed their son, Levi Grant, on February 20, 2021.

Greta (Larson) ’14 and Perry Hadduck ’14 welcomed their daughter, Bonnie Helena, on May 17, 2021.

We’d love to hear it! Send your news to: alumni@sterling.edu

SUMMER 2021 S T E R L I N G

Chelsey (Riffel) Nichols ’18 completed her Masters of Education from Fort Hays State University and will be teaching business at Nickerson High School in Nickerson, Kan.

Emilie Heinl and Jake Holland ’16 were married on December 3, 2020.

Abbi (Landis) ’18 and Brennyn Pankratz ’17 welcomed their daughter, Emmersyn Rae, on December 28, 2020.

Astrid Moncada ’18 and Jesús Mata were married on December 20, 2020.

Rebecca Borger ’17 and Jake Dreiling were married on August 1, 2020.

Lacey (Rhoads) ’14 and Jonathan Perdomo ’14 welcomed their son, Domiano Joaquin, on March 9, 2021.

Erika (Albertson) ’18 and Bragen Denton fs15 welcomed their son, Bane Allen, on July 17, 2020.

Meredith (Macek) ’15 and Josiah Hamilton welcomed their son, Josiah Quincy III, on April 15, 2021.

Hannah (Enfield) ’15 and Reggie Langford ’15 welcomed their son, Saint Makai, on December 26, 2020.

Kassidy (Tucker) ’16 and Christopher Cargile ’16 welcomed their son, Carter Wayne, on January 23, 2021.

Holly (Harshberger) ’17 and Steven Westrup welcomed their son, Brooks Budd, on April 28, 2021.

Jessica Garrett and Brandon Peterson ’18 were married on October 3, 2020.

Keith Price ’19 is the assistant girls basketball coach at Buhler High School, in Buhler, Kan. Hayley (Ray) ’16 and Daniel Gough, welcomed their daughter, Rori, on June 24, 2020.

Tana (Koehn) ’17 and Billy Day ’17 welcomed their daughter, Nora Cristine, on May 4, 2021.

Jennifer (Calderwood) Mettling ’17 graduated from KU School of Medicine.

Jordin Greer ’18 completed her Masters of Divinity from GordonConwell Theological Seminary.

I Do’s Shannon Kirby ’09 and Justin McWilliams were married May 22, 2020.

Britany Gasper ’11 married Clark Brubaker on May 8, 2021.

Bailey Burgess ’13 and Jordan Echer fs14 were married on April 10, 2021.

Chloe Heard ’19 and Tanner George ’14 were married on April 3, 2021.

Cassandra Isaacson and James Hinnen ’15 were married on August 22, 2020.

Kristen Calderwood ’19 and Keith Price ’20 were married June 20, 2020.

Alyssa Hershey ’19 and Micah Watney ’19 were married on May 29, 2021.

Jordan Hoosier ’19 and Hunter Jones ’21 were married September 19, 2020.

Joannah Maxwell ’20 and Will Dutton ’22 were married on February 14, 2021.

Abigail Holman and Tyler Thiessen ’21 were married on May 29, 2021.

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A l u m n i N E W S

DONOR | FRIEND Jack P. DeBoer Vernon W. DeWerff Ross Freeman Helen R. Froese Kenneth Knight Keith H. Lauer Nation Meyer Geral Schmidt Charles R. Wagler Ralph Wilson

EMPLOYEE | LEADERSHIP

IN MEMORIAM Max D. Oldham Former Men’s P.E Professor basketball, track coach 1965-1971 Janelle L. Pritchard Former Women’s P.E. Professor Volleyball, swimming, tennis, basketball coach 1968-1978 Lawrence L. Swanson Former Physics and Math Professor 1976-1980

Elizabeth “Kay” Axtell Former Employee 1999-2010

John E. Vogt Former Education Professor 1972-1997

E. Roy Keller Former English Professor 1980-1984

1930S

Alice Mattson Former Employee 1999-2001

1940S

Cindy McNutt Former Employee 1978-2005

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Hazel M. Dalbom fs39

Martha C. (Hamilton) Adair ’43 Dorothy (Bourgain) Maxwell fs44 Jean E. (McCowan) Brewer ’45 Myrtle J. (Daenzer) Mead fs45

Robert H. Thompson ’45 James M. Bell ’46 Anna M. (Turner) Kimple fs46 Raymond E. Dill ’47 Bruce E. Adams ’48 David T. Moore ’48 Alice (Byrnes) Coombs fs48 Richard A. Madsen fs49

1950S William E. Cuthbertson fs50 Ruth O. (Duncan) Hoffman fs50 Doris M. (Spear) Parson fs50 Noretta (Christian) Clayton fs51 Gene W. Spear ’51 Bertha B. Bennett fs52 Glenn Black ’53 Charles T. Brown ’53 Barbara (Dahlman) Corby ’53 Clarke H. Harris fs53 Robert “Bob” Maris fs53 Howard E. Shoemaker fs53 Miriam R. (Moore) Turnbull ’53 Jim Conway ’54 Lucille M. (Hanggee) Scheufler ’54 Floyd R. Dill ’54 Elwyn L. Tedford ’55 Robert C. Henry ’56 Earl H. Estill ’57 Doris M. (Frederick) Gill fs57

Eva I. Koontz ’57 Lois H. (Lichte) Kruse ’57 C. Stanley Maughlin ’57 Laveta J. (Hensley) Hanson fs58 Harold F. Stewart ’58 Joan E. (Anderson) Carson ’58 James J. Tilton ’59 Vernon J. Gustus ’59

1960S Keith J. Anderson ’60 John E. Brock ’60 Charles D. Mahoney fs60 Lee E. Williford ’60 Fay E. Fry ’60 Twila F. (Hollowell) Cooper fs61 Ed Fair fs61 C. William McConnelee ’61 Beverly (Raynard) Remillard fs61 James R. Irwin ’62 Margene S. (Smith) Manning fs62 James D. McNeil ’62 Robert L. Newby ’62 Eva J. (Delker Cox) Allard ’63 Carolyn K. (Boldt) Anderson ’64 Mary (Sarandan) Borchanian ’64 Marty (Meador) Brown-Devaul ’64 Stanley A. Zimmerman fs64 Olive (Selfridge) Bloom ’65 Maxine (Detwiler) Powell ’65

L. Elaine Stricklett ’65 Lynda M. (Milligan) Watkins ’65 Jerry Zimmerman fs65 Peggy (Brown) Evans-Clark ’66 Wanda P. (Clough-Nichels) Witt ’66 Ralph C. Thode ’66 Lorna R. (Murphy) Agard ’67 Mary H. (Hernandez) Graham fs67 Kenneth T. VanMeter ’67 Judy (Schott) Mikkelsen fs69 Nancy M. (Belcher) Vetter ’69

Carol S. Sieverling ’80 Carl K. Moyer ’82 Berhanu Allo fs83 Keith W. Clements ’83 Robert “Bob” Johnson ’83 AnnaLisa (Manweiler) Cook fs84 Mary A. Roots ’86 Nicol L. (Pyle) Cox fs87 Leonard Gray ’88 Duane E. Gold fs89

1990S

1970S

Scott A. Whitson fs90 Richard R. Joellenbeck ’91 Nancy J. (Abercrombie) Cook ’92 Van R. Lechman ’92 Regina L. Cade ’94 Jeremy D. Carder fs97 Michael R. Thornton ’97

Elizabeth G. Fallon ’70 Joel C. Kimery ’70 Marcia D.(Gilmore) Sparks fs70 Sheryl (Rudy) Carter fs71 Joel L. McCrory ’71 W. Carlyle Spohr ’71 Robert “Bobby” Farmer fs72 Stanley R. Gauntt ’72 Willard Leon Crowley fs73 Sue (Myers) Farag ’73 Terry B. Stewart fs75

2000S Justin J. Mallett fs04

2010s

1980S Don Decker fs80 Connie S. (Kilgore) McWhirter fs80

Wayne Schoenecker ’18 Christina L. McFerrin ’19

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, visit www.sterling.edu/giving

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

October 14-16 Class Reunions

Golden Club • 1970 • 1971 • 1980 • 1981 • 1990 • 1991 • 2000 • 2001 2005 • 2006 • 2010 • 2011 • 2015 • 2016 Visit sterling.edu/homecoming for more information.