SPRING 2016
STERLING
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The apostle Philip may be best remembered for his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. During his travel, the eunuch was reading but failing to understand Isaiah 53. When Philip inquired whether he understood, the man humbly replied, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” This story ends with the eunuch not only understanding, but repenting and being baptized in obedience, demonstrating commitment to the truth of the Gospel. This is what we strive for at Sterling College. We want to come alongside students and study the Gospel with them in a way that makes it understandable and compelling. We hope they will embrace their role in the Great Commission while students and certainly when they leave our campus. Every spring, we graduate students who enter the professional world armed with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Some go to fields and professions that welcome Christians, others go where it is difficult to live out their Christian faith. Many of our faculty bring professional work experience to the classroom. This helps prepare students for careers and the twists and turns that can sometimes take place with the transition from the Christian campus atmosphere to the workplace. Over interterm, four of our classes experienced different opportunities to engage with their future professions. Two learned about the industries they will be joining upon graduation—one focusing on Christians in the entertainment field and another about excellence in theatre production. Two other classes completed service projects that will have a lasting impact on lives locally, and even around the world. As you read this issue of Sterling, I hope you catch a glimpse of the heart of our faculty and staff. They are working hard to prepare the next generation of Christian leaders. Please join me in praying for them as they continue their work with our students. By His grace, and for His glory,
Scott A. Rich
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
FEATURE STORIES
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IN THIS ISSUE
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A LITERATURE REVIVAL
FREEMAN LECTURE SERIES
NANCY ORTBERG
In the News 04 Warrior Athletics 06 A Literature Revival 08 Nancy Ortberg 10 Without Boundaries 11 Communication Essentials 14
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WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
Homecoming Recap 16 Alumni News 18 Alumni Events 20 In Memoriam 21
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HOMECOMING RECAP
PRESIDENT Scott A. Rich, M.B.A. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS Scott Carter ’88, M.S.A. | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Brad Evenson | MANAGER OF ALUMNI AND MARKETING Teryn (Frizell) Irvin ’12 | WRITER FOR MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Rebecca Swartz | CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kara N. (Stineman) Smith ’14 | WEB AND VISUAL ARTS SPECIALIST Christopher Steen | MARKETING ASSISTANT Eddie Adesodun ’14 | MARKETING WRITER INTERN Hannah Kelley ’16 | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF THE COLLEGE Ken Brown, Ph.D. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT Dennis Dutton '82 | VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION AND INSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVES David Landis Jr. '88, M.Ed. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT LIFE Tina Wohler, M.A. | 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 STERLING COLLEGE HOSTS DEBATE ON FEDERALISM Two law professors met at Sterling College on Nov. 12 to participate in a debate on federalism as a thought-provoking exercise for students and guests of the College. William Rich, professor of law at Washburn University School of Law, argued in support of expanded involvement of the federal government. In opposition, Stephen McAllister, professor of law at the University of Kansas School of Law, argued for preserving states’ rights and limiting the reach of the federal government in the affairs of the individual states.
KANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL DEREK SCHMIDT VISITS STERLING COLLEGE Attorney General Derek Schmidt visited campus on Sept. 23 meeting with students, employees and the public. Schmidt believes police-community relations are strong in Kansas because officers know many members of the communities they serve, stating close ties between the two promote peaceful interactions. Schmidt shared that there is a capacity issue
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in public safety and public service due to the structure of the system—stating there is a shortage of field agents at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, a shortage of trained officers and a generational change in county prosecutors in the state of Kansas as the current prosecutors reach retirement age.
CONARD CO-AUTHORS BOOK ON KANSAS TRAILS
GANNON MEMORIAL FUND SPONSORS OKLAHOMA POET LAUREATE VISIT
Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Jonathan Conard has co-authored “Kansas Trail Guide: The Best Hiking, Biking, and Riding in Kansas” with his sister, Kristin Conard. For novice to professional outdoor enthusiasts, each section of the book features information about a location the Conards visited during the summers they spent researching trails in Kansas.
The Craig A. Gannon Memorial Fund brought Oklahoma Poet Laureate Dr. Benjamin Myers to campus on Sept. 23 for a poetry reading and interaction with students majoring in English and writing and editing. Myers, a highly published poet, shared some of his original pieces and spent time discussing the elements of poetry with prospective writers during his visit. “Dr. Myers’ visit to Sterling was a huge success. While he was here, Dr. Myers led a thought-provoking poetry workshop on metaphors as a spiritual element of writing. He also gave an enlivening poetry reading that was both heartfelt and full of wit. The ideas he presented and the talent he demonstrated shaped many of the conversations that students had for the rest of the semester,” said Aaron Brown, assistant professor of writing and editing.
STERLING COLLEGE PROFESSOR RECEIVES KICA FACULTY OF DISTINCTION AWARD Ryan “Pete” Manely, director of the Athletic Training Program and of graduate studies at Sterling College, was named a Faculty of Distinction for 2015 by the Kansas Independent College Association. This award was created by the KICA to honor faculty from each of the 18 independent colleges in Kansas for the high degree of excellence and achievement they display.
IN THE
NEWS NEW FACULTY Aaron Brown Aaron Brown joined the faculty as assistant professor of writing and editing. He is a published novelist and poet who completed his M.F.A. in Poetry Writing from the University of Maryland. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in English writing from Wheaton College in Illinois. Brown grew up in Chad, Africa, which is the inspiration for his collection of poems, “Winnower,” published in 2013.
SHATZER PUBLISHES BOOK ON THEOLOGY AND COMMUNITY Dr. Jacob Shatzer, assistant professor of biblical and theological studies, published “A Spreading and Abiding Hope: A Vision for Evangelical Theopolitics.” The book looks at the political theology of the late A.J. Conyers and what Conyers believed it means to be a community and adds to the conversation about life before God and in community together.
Dr. Jeff Bruns Dr. Jeff Bruns, professor of business, comes to Sterling with 17 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member at Southeast Missouri State University and Bacone College. Bruns holds four degrees from Illinois State University: a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration, an M.B.A. in Management and Quantitative Methods, an M.S. in Criminal Justice and a B.S. in Criminal Justice. He also has an M.S. in Management from Southeast Missouri State University.
Timothy Gabrielson Timothy Gabrielson, assistant professor of theology and ministry, specializes in Second Temple Judaism and New Testament and Christian origins. Gabrielson received his M.A. in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in New Testament from Denver Seminary, along with two bachelor’s degrees from Colorado School of Mines—one in mathematical and computer sciences and one in economics.
Emily Grace
STENULSON’S WORK DISPLAYED AT MANIFEST GALLERY Assistant Professor of Art and Design David Stenulson’s painting, “School Dance” was displayed at Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio, from Nov. 6 to Dec. 4, 2015. Stenulson’s work was one of 15 selected from 240 entries submitted from around the world. The exhibit, “Monolithic,” engages the viewer’s sense of physical, intellectual and emotional scale.
Emily Grace will be joining Sterling for the fall 2016 semester as assistant professor of physics. At Indiana University, Grace earned an M.S. in Secondary Education and a B.S. in Physics. She also holds a B.A. in Psychology from Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. In the spring of 2016, Grace is expected to receive a Ph.D. in Physics from Royal Holloway University of London, where she has assisted in the teaching of multiple physics classes.
David Stenulson Assistant Professor of Art and Design David Stenulson has experience as a visiting professor and adjunct instructor at Centre College, Berea College and Eastern Kentucky University, and has held workshops at Asbury University and surrounding communities. He earned his M.F.A. in Drawing from the New York Academy of Art and his B.F.A. from Asbury University. His art, which he describes as a spiritual endeavor, has been displayed in over a dozen group and solo exhibitions.
Gorman Woodfin Coming to Sterling from the broadcast industry, Gorman Woodfin is assistant professor of communication with 20 years of experience as a celebrity correspondent, reporter, producer, script writer and Hollywood screenwriter. He has both an M.F.A. in Script and Screenwriting and an M.A. in Television Production from Regent University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in interpretive speech from Bob Jones University. STERLING COLLEGE
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PHILLIPS SETS SCHOOL QB RUSHING RECORD Freshman Cedrick Phillips set the Sterling College record in rushing yards for a quarterback during a 37-34 win over Bethany College on Oct. 10. Phillips rushed for 327 yards and two touchdowns in the contest. The KCAC recognized Phillips’ accomplishments, selecting him as the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week.
COACH HARDING EARNS 100TH WIN With a 3-0 win over Friends University, Head Volleyball Coach John Harding collected his 100th career victory on Sept. 16, 2015. The win propelled Sterling to a 19-14 record in Harding’s sixth season at Sterling. Harding’s overall coaching record at Sterling now stands at 108-96.
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JUAREZ NAMED TO ALL-AMERICA SECOND TEAM
HAYLEY RAY BREAKS VOLLEYBALL CAREER KILLS RECORD
Junior Eddie Juarez of Pleasant Hill, California, was named to the 2015 AFCA-NAIA All-America Team on Dec. 9, 2015. Juarez finished the season tied for first in the KCAC with eight field goals made and 10th in the nation in yards per punt with a 41.6 average. Juarez was also named the KCAC Special Teams Player of the Year for his accomplishments.
Senior Hayley Ray of Derby, Kansas, set the Warrior all-time career kills record in a 3-2 victory over Bethany College. With her 11th kill of the match, Ray reached 1,211 career kills and passed Sara Steria ’14 for the top spot in Warrior history. Ray finished the 2015 season with 365 kills and led the KCAC conference in hitting percentage (.345). Ray concluded her Warrior career with 1,381 kills.
FIVE LADY WARRIORS RECOGNIZED ALL-CONFERENCE
WARRIOR DUO REACH 1,000 POINT PLATEAU
The Sterling College volleyball team was well-represented in the KCAC All-Conference Awards with five Lady Warriors earning recognition: Senior Hayley Ray of Derby, Kansas (First Team), Freshman Chelsey Riffel of Sterling, Kansas (Second Team and Freshman of the Year), Senior Jenna Arlow of Palmer, Alaska (Second Team), Senior Rachel Johnson of Larkspur, Colorado (Second Team) and Junior Brandi Fairbank of Cimarron, Kansas (Honorable Mention).
Junior Hailey Davis of Haven, Kansas, and Senior Brandon Givens, of Buhler, Kansas, etched their names into the record books by recording the 1,000th point in their respective Warrior careers. Davis scored her 1,000th point during a 33-point, six-assist performance against Central Christian on Jan. 1. Givens passed the milestone with a 17-point scoring night against Tabor College on Feb. 11.
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he Sterling College Athletic Department introduced on Dec. 9 Chuck Lambert as the new head coach of the Sterling football program. “We are excited to begin the next era of Sterling football under Head Coach Chuck Lambert,” said Athletic Director Gary Kempf. “Chuck brings a wealth of knowledge and a history of excellence. He understands the mission of the College and values the personal development of our student-athletes. We look forward to his leadership, and the future is bright for Sterling football.” Lambert has served on Sterling's coaching staff for the past 12 seasons, most recently as the defensive coordinator and associate head coach. Prior to coming to Sterling, Lambert served as head football coach for five years at Lockwood High School in Lockwood, Missouri.
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I’m thrilled to be a part of the outstanding leadership here at Sterling and excited to be a part of the College’s mission.
At Lockwood, Lambert posted an overall record of 43-14 and was state runner-up in Missouri Class 1A in 2001. Lambert replaces his brother, Andy, who accepted the head coaching position at Southern Nazarene University. Lambert is a graduate of tradition-rich Kansas prep power-house, Smith Center High School, where he played quarterback for the Redmen. “This is a great opportunity at a terrific school,” said Lambert. “I’m excited to be a part of the outstanding leadership here at Sterling and excited to be a part of the College’s mission. I look forward to what the future holds and getting to work with these young men on campus and the student-athletes to come in the fall.” Lambert holds a master's degree in sports management from American Public University and a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Trinity International University. Lambert also served as a graduate assistant football coach at Trinity for one year following a successful playing career. Chuck and his wife, Kim, reside in Sterling with their five children: Caleb, Aly, Jake, Anna and Ethan.
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"Without the incredibly generous scholarships from Sterling College, I never would have gotten the opportunity to discover my talents and passions." -Hannah, Biology/Writing and Editing major
To learn more about giving opportunities, visit sterling.edu/give
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS
Books were also gifted to several students who would have otherwise been unable to purchase a copy. “Teachers love this festival as it provides an opportunity for their students, free of charge, to hear from published literary authors and meet the people behind the books. It’s a real plus for Sterling College,” said Kloefkorn.
A LITERATURE R E V I V A L T
his past fall, the education faculty at Sterling College decided to reinstate an event that has drawn thousands of children and teachers from schools in the surrounding counties to the College’s campus: the Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival. The event was created in 2002 by former faculty member Merrillyn Kloefkorn but had not been held since 2010. “The festival was just too important for students to let it disappear. We knew we had to revive it,” said Dr. Terri Gaeddert, director of the Sterling Teacher Education Program. Even after a four-year hiatus, the literature festival’s popularity had not subsided. Over 1,500 local students and teachers from Rice, Reno, McPherson and Barton counties flocked to campus on Sept. 17 to attend the event. The festival consisted of six different sessions where students got to hear from author David L. Harrison and author/illustrator Cheryl Harness. Students had the opportunity to purchase books by the authors and have them autographed and personalized.
The benefits of the Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival go beyond the public school students as it also involves college students in the Sterling Teacher Education Program. The festival reinforces the importance of literacy and exposes them to authors and illustrators of children’s books, allowing them to make valuable connections. Taking part in organizing the festival also gives the Sterling Teacher Education Program students experience in managing events and serving the College and community in their field of study.
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The festival was just too important for students to let it disappear. We knew we had to revive it. “[This is one of the] special things that you could do for students—to give them an opportunity to use their talents and their passions for something that is an experience for them that they wouldn’t have had otherwise,” said Kloefkorn. Gaeddert added, “Our area schools do so much for our teacher candidates and the Sterling Teacher Education Program that we are happy to have this opportunity to give back to the community. We appreciate all that they do to help prepare our students to become successful teachers. The Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival is one way we can say ‘thank you’ to our area supporters.” Gaeddert and Nancy Hicks, administrative assistant for the education department, directed this year’s revival of the literature festival and plan to continue this popular tradition at Sterling College.
Photo: Melissa (Cree) Abousamra ’16 leads visiting elementary students to the next presentation at the 2015 Santa Fe Trail Children's Literature Festival held on Sterling's campus. 8
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MERRILLYN KLOEFKORN
“My life has been children’s literature and reading.” - Merrillyn Kloefkorn When Merrillyn Kloefkorn started working in the education department at Sterling College, she got a big idea: to host a children’s literature festival that would be free for all elementary and grade school students in the area. Her tenacity and dedication were essential in coordinating the event that has since attracted thousands of students and teachers to the Sterling College campus—the Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival.
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[This is one of the] special things that you could do for students—to give them an opportunity to use their talents and their passions for something that is an experience for them that they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
From 2002-2010, Kloefkorn worked all year long to raise funds and invite teachers and students to the annual event. She also utilized the contacts she had made during her time teaching in Denver, attracting acclaimed authors and illustrators to the festival. Now living in Colorado, Kloefkorn is no longer coordinating the festival. However, she has fond memories of the years she spent working with the students. She recalls both public school and College students who were excited about meeting an author or illustrator. Kloefkorn was honored for her work and dedication to the literature festival at a special luncheon following this year’s festival. The luncheon was attended by the visiting authors and school librarians. “We wanted to recognize Merrillyn for her contributions to the College, particularly for initiating the Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival. We decided the best way to do that, what Merrillyn would want most, is to put books in the hands of children. Every year we plan to donate $250 worth of books in Kloefkorn’s name to school libraries and children who attend the literature festival,” said Gaeddert. Kloefkorn has served Sterling College as an adjunct lecturer for over 10 years and continues to work with the Sterling Teacher Education Program, training students in reading instruction and language arts.
Photo: The Sterling College education faculty who initiated the Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival reunited at the 2015 festival. From left: Dr. Gladys Ritterhouse, Nancy Hicks, Merrillyn Kloefkorn, Judith Best and Dr. Terri Gaeddert.
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FREEMAN LECTURE SERIES
NANCY ORTBERG T
he emergency room was full. People suffering from minor ailments to life-threatening circumstances occupied each waiting room chair. In an instant, the hospital doors flew open to reveal a 22-year-old woman being brought into the busy entrance and through the doors to the examination room. In this moment, true leadership would be on display for Nancy Ortberg. As a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California, Ortberg spent the next three hours working on a team with the doctor, intern, nurses and lab technicians, all dedicated to saving this young woman’s life. Leadership took the form of the doctor who led that team. Ortberg described the doctor as one who was always in charge yet collaborative and always encouraging. “He was teaching all of the time; he was involving all of us,” said Ortberg. As they were in the midst of this intense situation, he stopped and said, “This is a great team, and we are going to save this one.” He motivated the team and spoke to the deepest part of everyone in the room. But the real training was to follow during the debriefing between the
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doctor and the intern. The doctor implored the intern to get to know every member of the team—even the cleaning staff who had sanitized and set each instrument in its place, ready for use in the next life-saving situation. Ortberg recalled this experience as one of the most amazing moments of leadership she had ever seen.
“IF YOU’RE GOING TO LEAD A TEAM OF PEOPLE, YOU BETTER KNOW AND VALUE EVERYBODY ON THE TEAM.” “It wasn’t about medicine; it wasn’t about brushing up on a skill. It was about if you’re going to be a doctor, if you’re going to lead a team of people, you better know and value everybody
on the team,” said Ortberg. Now a nationally recognized author and speaker, Ortberg recounted this story of great leadership as she spoke to students and guests at the Ross and Fern Freeman Lecture Series for Servant Leadership on Friday, Oct. 30. Ortberg emphasized that a leader should strive “to be a student of the other—to know the other person so well that you can speak into their lives and change and mold who they are.” But leadership isn’t just about changing others; leaders must also confront their own personal struggles and need for growth. Ortberg emphasized, “Organizational change always presumes individual change.” But perhaps one of the most important ways to describe an effective servant leader is not by education, occupation or interpersonal skills. Ortberg emphasized that small groups with small ideas that are implemented well can change the world. Ending her speech by reading Acts 4, Ortberg said, “The verse I had read to you earlier about unschooled, ordinary men ends with the phrase, ‘who had been with Jesus.’ And that, my friends, changes everything.” Upcoming: Freeman Lecture Series featuring Brian Ivie, director 10 a.m. Friday, April 22, 2016 Culbertson Auditorium
“WE BELIEVE THAT HUMANITY HAS HOPE FOR REDEMPTION FROM SIN BY JESUS CHRIST’S LIFE, DEATH AND RESURRECTION. IT IS BY GOD’S GRACE ALONE THAT WE JOYFULLY RECEIVE OUR SALVATION THROUGH A PERSONAL FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. … WE BELIEVE THAT THE CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST AND GOD’S WITNESS IN THE WORLD.” - STERLING COLLEGE STATEMENT OF FAITH
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ouring the sun-soaked studios of Hollywood, visiting the theatres in bustling New York City and assisting in life-changing work at the headquarters of The Voice of the Martyrs—these are just a few of the ways Sterling College students explored faith and learning during interterm. The psalmist David urges us in Psalm 96:3 to “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples” (NKJV). Following that advice, students travelled from their class-
rooms at Sterling College to locations around the country, serving the Church, forging connections and pursuing knowledge. On a granite wall at the headquarters of The Voice of the Martyrs, three crosses are carved in the unyielding stone. The gaping space around each cross is filled with name after name, etched into the dark tile, celebrating those who have
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given their lives in service to Christ. Most names are accompanied by years, some by quotes, and others simply by a cause of death. Perhaps nothing could be a more striking and memorable symbol for the students of Assistant Professor of Education Frank Leone’s interterm course, Introduction to the Persecuted Church. Engaging the world for Christ isn’t always easy. In an experience that many called “eye-opening,” Leone involved his students in a candid discussion about persecution in the Church, both in the New Testament and today. “As I was going through the class, it kind of helped me realize that it’s not about a feel-good experience; it’s not about me. I need to choose to do hard things for God,” said sophomore Lindy Smith. Called to action, Sterling students travelled to The Voice of the Martyrs headquarters in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where they sorted, folded, stacked and packed materials destined to aid Christ-followers in the United States and around the world. Throughout the week, time spent in prayer and fellowship became just as important as finishing the work. Junior Austin Mettling recalls the impact of an elderly couple, Charles and Ruby, who were fellow volunteers and worked voraciously, always requesting more tasks. “I just realized, when you’re in a relationship with God, there is no retiring. You are always seeking after him and serving.”
STERLING GOES HOLLYWOOD Students involved in Associate Professor of Communications Gorman Woodfin’s interterm class got the opportunity to travel outside of the Midwest for their course titled The Hollywood Connection. In this class, students learned about the historical background of the major studios in Hollywood, the current state of the entertainment industry in Southern California and how to get involved through internships and entry level positions. Woodfin accompanied his students to Hollywood, where they visited backlots and offices at 12
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“I JUST REALIZED, WHEN YOU’RE IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, THERE IS NO RETIRING. YOU ARE ALWAYS SEEKING AFTER HIM AND SERVING.” AUSTIN METTLING, JUNIOR BIOLOGY MAJOR
Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers Studios, CBS, and Fox. Students also met one-on-one with a top-level executive at a major studio who gave them private access to a live orchestra performance of a television show soundtrack. “This was an exciting crash course in where to go and what to do if you’re interested in television and film as a career. It was one of the most enriching and enlightening experiences I have ever had, and I’ve returned to school with a new perspective on life after college,” said sophomore Alise Zerull. While academically enriching for the students’ learning and experience in communications and film, the industry experts also shared the significance of living a life of faith and service to Christ.
“I personally feel like the one thing I will take away from this trip, above all else, would be the importance of faith in work and work in faith,” said Andy Michell, senior.
DRAMA IN THE BIG APPLE Students in Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Aaron Kennedy’s The Musical Theatre class received more than just an education in theatre with a near-historic snowstorm catching up with them in the streets of New York. During the classroom portion of the class, students were introduced to the various eras of musical theatre, starting in the 19th century to contemporary musicals, and they finished the course by experiencing live performances on New York City’s grandest stages.
“It’s a great opportunity for the students to see some of the highest quality theatre in the world and to experience the kind of theatrical performances we had been talking about just two weeks prior,” said Kennedy. The students experienced iconic New York stops including The Museum of Modern Art, Radio City Music Hall, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and the Metropolitan Opera House. “There are very few words to describe the feeling of standing mere feet away from iconic pieces that have shaped the way we perceive art,” said sophomore Claire Zerull. With a packed schedule, the class learned the importance of improvisation as the East Coast was hit with historic snowfall on the final days of their trip. The storm disrupted performance schedules, but yielded to memories that will last a lifetime. “It was a crazy-busy, yet fun-filled and educational week. A few of our students have parents who went on this trip when they were students at Sterling, so it is neat to see that connection and to be able to continue this wonderful tradition,” said Kennedy.
“IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST ENRICHING AND ENLIGHTENING EXPERIENCES I HAVE EVER HAD, AND I’VE RETURNED TO SCHOOL WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE AFTER COLLEGE.” ALISE ZERULL, SOPHOMORE COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA ARTS MAJOR
continued on page 22
Photos: (1) Frank Leone, Athletic Director Gary Kempf and Sterling students pray over the materials they have packed at The Voice of the Martyrs and are about to ship to missionaries around the world. (2) Gorman Woofin and his class pause for a photo at Disney. (3) Sterling students Kevin Megginson and Ashley Hershey get a photo with actor Christian Borle after the Broadway show “Something Rotten.” (4) Sterling students cheer on the Victory Village and Reno County Sabres teams at their basketball game hosted at the Gleason Center on Sterling’s campus.
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OSCAR SCHMIDT LECTURE SERIES
COMMUNICATION ESSENT W
hen he was young, Rod Learned’s dream was to become an animator for the company started by his childhood hero, Walt Disney. In hopes of attaining that dream, he drew a picture of Goofy, wrote a letter asking for a job and sent it to Walt Disney Studios. “I got a letter back,” said Learned, “on studio stationary, and the essence of that letter was, ‘We really don’t hire animators until they’re 21 years old. Get back with us in about 10 years, and we’ll see how things look then.’ That was direct and honest communication that kept in mind there’s an 11-year-old on the other end whose dream is to work for Disney, and we don’t want to crush that dream. That’s great communication.” Learned, who now holds the position of director of internal communications at Koch Industries, visited campus on Friday, Nov. 6, and engaged the Culbertson audience with a speech that focused on the three keys to effective communication in business and in life. As the featured speaker for the Oscar Schmidt Lecture Series, he also spoke about the “glorious feeling of accomplishment” that every man strives to find, which is offered in a country that promotes free enterprise. Learned’s advice for communication is simple: know your audience, be honest and be direct. Knowing your audience will always be number one on Learned’s list of advice about communication. At Koch Industries, they have what Learned termed a “challenge culture,” a unique management philosophy that encourages employees to respectfully challenge management on decisions if they feel there is a better way to do things. It was difficult, however, to implement that same management
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philosophy in the business culture of China. Koch had to change the message to suit the audience: “challenge culture” became “knowledge sharing.” Instead of emphasizing challenging authority, Koch placed importance on the best knowledge being used to make decisions. Learned’s second piece of advice, be honest, is especially important when it comes to communication within relationships of any kind. He pointed out how important it is at Koch Industries to be proactive and make sure that employees receive news, either or good or bad, from them first. Learned also recounted times he had seen the significance of honesty in romantic relationships, communication between professors and students, and even between Job and God in the Bible. The third key to effective communication might be the hardest: be direct. Get to the point. As an example, Learned offered one of the most famous speeches of all time, the Gettysburg Address. On that day back in 1863, the featured speaker talked for two hours. Abraham Lincoln spoke for only two minutes. As Learned pointed out, Lincoln’s short, direct speech is the one that everyone remembers. Learned also spoke about the “glorious feeling of accomplishment,” which comes from a letter Charles Koch, Chairman and CEO of Koch Industries, received from his father, Fred Koch. In an effort to make sure his sons received quality education, Fred Koch took out two life insurance policies with large cash values, but he had concerns about the money. He wrote, “If you choose to let this money destroy your initiative and independence, then it will be a curse to you and my action in giving it to you will have been a mistake. I
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“KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE, BE HONEST AND BE DIRECT.
should regret very much to have you miss the glorious feeling of accomplishment. … Remember that adversity is often a blessing in disguise and is certainly the greatest character builder.” Learned is a firm believer in the fact that living in a country with economic freedom is what has allowed his father to advance from a laborer at the salt mines to the executive vice president of the oldest and largest securities firm in Kansas within 15 years. Charles Koch, on his 80th birthday, attributed the success of Koch Industries to the same thing.
Oscar Schmidt Jr., the endower of the Oscar Schmidt Lecture Series, intended that each guest speaker assist undergraduates in understanding the free enterprise system and how it continues to help the success of the United States. Learned did just that by emphasizing, “The benefits of economic freedom are more than just economic, and I hope as a country we never turn our back on that.”
Photo: Rod Learned answers questions from Sterling business students following their luncheon for the Oscar Schmidt Lecture Series.
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HOMECOMING RECAP
It is always a good time coming together as a Sterling College family to celebrate friendships, legacies, athletics and the arts. We had over 1,000 alumni and friends join us for Homecoming 2015. We celebrated the reunions for the classes of 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and affinity reunions for the Golden Club (classes of 1964 and before), Young Alumni (classes of 2010-2015), former Board of Trustee, former Highland Singers, and men’s basketball players from the Jim Chroust Era. The Warrior football team defeated Ottawa, 31-24, former basketball players hit the court for the 43rd Annual Alumni Basketball Games, and alumni were honored for their outstanding achievements and contributions through the Sterling College Alumni Awards. Enjoy our photo memory recap of 2015, and we hope to see you at Homecoming 2016, taking place October 13-15, 2016!
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- Sterling College Alumni Association
HOMECOMING AWARDS HOMECOMING KING Joshua Landis ’16 | HOMECOMING QUEEN Hayley Ray ’16 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS John ’60 and Catherine (Learned) fs61 Grove YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT Joshua D. Boos ’12 FINE ARTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE The late Windell D. Middlebrooks ’02 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT Dr. Kenneth J. Neirmann ’97
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ALUMNI NEWS FROM ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD.
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1960s John ’60 and Catherine (Learned) fs61 Grove were honored with the Sterling College Distinguished Service Award at Homecoming 2015. The award is the highest honor given and is granted to those who exemplify the values of Sterling College by demonstrating professional excellence, investment in cultural change, community advancement and obedience to Christ’s teaching. • James E. “Jim” Turner ’62, associate math instructor at Barton Community College-Fort Riley, was awarded the Distinguished Instructor Award for the 2014-2015 school year in May 2015. • Rick Wright ’65 has retired from Equistar Chemical, LP. He and his wife, Barb, reside in Fulton, Ill., where they are both enjoying time with family and several grandchildren. • Linda Livingston Wardlow ’67 was awarded the Owen M. Henson Distinguished Staff Award from Topeka West High School on Oct. 11, 2015. Linda taught in the Topeka Public Schools for 37 years, retiring in 2005. She was a family and consumer science teacher, librarian and costumer for Topeka 18
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West from 1977-2005. • Sheryl Wyatt-Fulton ’68 retired after a 20-year career with Jostens. She has since moved from Topeka and now resides in Sterling, Kan.
1970s Daryl Nuss ’71 was nominated as a member of the National Association of Evangelicals Board of Directors. A• Helen Stewart ’71 has written and published the book, TRUSTworthy. The book discusses the numerous times throughout her life that she says God reminded her of His presence, and furthermore, reaffirmed her placement of trust in Him. • Richard Bellina ’72 has retired after 40 years in the telecom/cable industry. He and his wife, Sue, reside in Haysville, Kan., where he is enjoying retirement. • Dr. Alan Cureton ’76 is serving on the NCAA Board of Governors and the Board of Directors at the National Association of Evangelicals.
Tiffany (Pinkston) Dick ’99 successfully completed the requirements to become a Certified Financial Planner™. She now provides retirement planning and financial services to individuals in Wichita, Kan., and the surrounding areas.
2000s Jamie Bontrager ’00 moved from Iowa to Colorado Springs, Colo., to accept a network engineering job with Wyle, a leading provider of specialized engineering, professional, scientific and technical services to the federal government. • Christa (Ledesma) ’01 and Brad Beyenhof announced the adoption of three siblings, Capriano David, 9, Antone Elijah, 5, and Lillian Grace, 3, on June 23, 2015. • The late Windell D. Middlebrooks ’02 was inducted into the Sterling College Fine Arts Hall of Fame at Homecoming 2015. His family joined the Sterling College community on campus to accept his award. • Nathan ’02 and Joy (Heller)
ALUMNI NEWS
’07 Smith announced the birth of their first-born, Adilynn Mae, on Feb. 18, 2015. • Jill (Allred) ’05 and James Harris announced the birth of their son, Nolan Daniel, on June 3, 2015. Nolan was welcomed home by big sister, Genevie Grace. B• Jeri (Miller) ’05 and Mark Iwasaki announced the adoption of their son, Zy Moses Zhongyong, on May 17, 2015. C• Ben ’07 and Nikki (Scism) fs07 Piper announced the birth of Ryker Charles on Aug. 23, 2015. Ryker was welcomed home by Brynlee, 2. The family resides in Crete, Neb., where Ben works as a therapist at a behavioral treatment center for kids and Nikki is a lecturer in education at Doane College. • Karin (Lederle) Swihart ’08 resides in Chicago, Ill., with her husband, Ben ’09, working as a marketing associate at the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. • Naomi (Gafford)
’09 and Eddie Fitzpatrick purchased their first home in Bossier City, La., in February 2015.
2010s •D Esther (Epp) ’10 and David Miller announced the birth of their son, Josiah Epp, on Jan. 15, 2015. •E Kelly (Valentine) ’11 and Joshua ’10 Morrison announced the birth of their daughter, Makayla Lynn, on Nov. 9, 2015. • Miranda Bradshaw ’12 is a special education teacher at Bonner Springs High School in Bonner Springs, Kan. F• Rick Cameron Jr. ’12 and his wife, Kaitlin (Sumption) ’14 Bartlett, live in Nashville, Tenn., where he works at Inbound Marketing Agents. • Cuyler ’12 and Lauren (Cox) ’12 Prichard purchased their first home in Colby, Kan. The couple are enjoying
this new season of life and God’s faithfulness with three children, Judah and Ellie, 2, and Nora, 4 months. •G Jordan ’12 and Caitie (Magee) ’12 Stineman announced the birth of their first-born, Maggie Mae, on Aug. 30, 2015. • Emily (Zerger) ’12 and Phillip ’13 Taylor have relocated to Amarillo, Texas, where they are family teachers at the Children’s Home, welcoming into their home and family six young men ranging in ages 13 to 17. • Amanda Marie Xydis ’13 graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a master’s in vocal performance. • Megan Reed ’14 moved to Chicago, Ill., in October 2015 where she works at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. •H Kaitlynne ‘Kaitie’ (Turner) ’13 and Don Wenzl announced the birth of their son, Terry Dewayne, on Dec. 1, 2015.
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ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNI EVENTS
For more information on regional events, as well as how to register, visit sterling.edu/alumni/events or call Teryn Irvin, manager of alumni and marketing, at 620-278-4228. All events require an RSVP, so contact us today!
IOWA + ILLINOIS TRADITIONAL ALUMNI GATHERING LUNCHEON Thursday, March 31 | Olive Garden - Private Dining Room 367 Collins Rd. | Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Take a break in the middle of your work day to gather with fellow Warriors and reconnect with your Alma Mater. Share stories and celebrate the future of the College.
ALUMNI DINNER & SHOW Thursday, August 4 | Candlelight Dinner Playhouse 4747 Marketplace Dr. | Johnstown, CO 80534 | 6 p.m. Join your fellow Warriors for an evening out at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. Your ticket includes dinner and a showing of “The Wizard of Oz”.
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY ALUMNI CHAPTER MEETING Friday, April 1 | First Presbyterian Church 801 16th St. | Moline, IL 61265 | 12-2:30 p.m. Join us for a potluck lunch followed by our biannual business meeting.
SOCIAL MIXER & DINNER Friday, August 4 | Location TBD Downtown | Fort Collins, CO | 6-8 p.m. Drop by for a little social mixer after work or join us for supper. Appetizers provided.
YOUNG ALUMNI SOCIAL MIXER & DINNER Friday, April 1| LOKaL Restaurant & Lounge 2500 N. Ashland | Chicago, IL 60614 | 7-9:30 p.m. Young Alumni from around the area are invited to join the Alumni Association and their fellow Warriors at this sleek, urban restaurant and lounge for an evening of social networking, live music and great food. ALUMNI, PARENTS & FRIENDS EVENT Saturday, April 2 | Dave & Buster’s, Viewpoint 5 Area 1155 N. Swift Rd. | Addison, IL 60101 | 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Join the SC Alumni Association and your fellow Warriors for an afternoon of family fun at Dave & Buster’s in Addison, Illinois. Enjoy great food, fellowship with friends and play hundreds of games! Each adult ticket purchased will receive a $10 Power Card for gaming.
COLORADO HAPPY HOUR MIXER & DINNER Friday, June 10 | Hard Rock Café 500 16th St. #120 | Denver, CO 80202 | 4:30 p.m. Drop by for a little social mixer after work or join us for supper. Appetizers provided. COLORADO ROCKIES BASEBALL GAME Saturday, June 11 | Coors Field 2001 Blake St. | Denver, CO 80205 | 6:10 p.m. Join your fellow Warriors for America’s favorite pastime as the Colorado Rockies face off against the San Diego Padres.
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TEXAS TOPGOLF DALLAS ALUMNI SOCIAL Friday, June 3 | Topgolf Dallas 8787 Park Ln. | Dallas, TX 75231 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Even if you’ve never picked up a club, you are sure to have a good time at this all-inclusive Topgolf outing in Dallas. Enjoy our group’s private hitting bay, equipped with complimentary men’s and women’s golf clubs, TV screens and more. Surround yourself with fellow Warriors as you enjoy three hours of Topgolf. ALUMNI FAMILY GATHERING & PICNIC Saturday, June 4 | Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden 8525 Garland Rd. | Dallas, TX 75218 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. We are bringing Warrior families together for a morning of exploration, fellowship and entertainment. Take an adventure through their exceptional 66-acre botanical garden, enjoy a peaceful guided stroll through nature or take the kids to Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.
KANSAS DODGE CITY RODEO Saturday, August 6 | Location TBD Dodge City, KS 67801 | Time TBD HOMECOMING 2016 October 13-15 | Sterling College 125 W. Cooper Ave. | Sterling, KS 67579 ICE SKATING AT CROWN CENTER SQUARE December 9, 2016 | Crown Center Square 2425 Grand Blvd. | Kansas City, MO 64108 | 7-9 p.m. Enjoy the Christmas season with family and friends at this fun outdoor gathering at Crown Center in Kansas City.
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.
Cephas Ray Boman ’55 Ruth Loretta (Maddox) Keller ’55 Charles “Chuck” J. Carson ’57 William Edgar Sturtz ’57 Daniel “Dan” R. Barackman ’59 Warren E. Wisby ’59
EMPLOYEE | LEADERSHIP Robert “Bob” Charles Baptista former Sterling College President 1973-1975 Mary Bolton-Vohs former Board of Trustees member 1989-1991 Joe Allen Lang ’66 retired Chief Deputy Attorney for the City of Wichita, was an active member of the Sterling College Board of Trustees and Alumni Council
1960S
Glee S. Smith Jr. former Board of Trustees member 1960-1975
Shirley R. Saxton ’61 James “Jim” P. Unruh ’62 Major Charles Denzil “Denny” Koontz ’64 Quentin D. Kilgore ’64 Michael “Mike” Shotzberger ’68
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Barbara Lynn (Harms) Craig ’70 Kathie J. (Laszewski) Buchak ’71 Loyd D. Hull ’71 Chester “Chet” F. Pifer Jr. ’72 Victoria “Vicki” Shotzberger ’73 Mary Ann (Rahe) Lange ’79 Pamela Sue (Beasterfield) Danley ’79
Frances Jean (Arbuckle) Graber ’32 Eathel Louise (Tidrick) Mendenhall ’35 Katherine (Wilson) Stegman ’36
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Cosa Mae (Rawlins) Vaughn ’40 Ruth C. (Mitchel) Ammon ’41 Dorothy A. (Darnel) Gould ’44 Mildred (Heasty) Allen ’44 Ruth E. (Park) Bassett ’44
1980S
Ricky Lee “Rick” Kirchoff ’87 Debra D. White ’89
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Dorothy “Toni” Louise Bogusch ’51 Maxine “Mimi” M. (Marlow) Hayes ’52 Rev. Robert “Bob” E. Meanor ’54
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Robert Molby ’53 married Marcella A. Wetzel on October 11, 2014, after losing his first wife, Fayetta, to pancreatic cancer. He and his new bride reside in Omaha, Neb. Brenda (Thiessen) ’03 and Todd Monroe were married September 26, 2015.
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Duane Kerbow ’90 Dr. Theodros Yohannes ’93
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Jean (Bosch) ’09 and Michael Nies were married October 31, 2015. The couple resides in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
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Addie (Swihart) ’11 and Nathan ’14 Ehresman were married June 13, 2015. Kara (Kenyon) ’13 and Jeffrey Heller were married May 2, 2015.
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Kara (Stineman) ’14 and Bradley “B.J.” ’15 Smith were married October 3, 2015. Matthew ‘13 James and Kathy (Baldwin) ’14 and were married July 18, 2015. The couple resides in Orange County, Calif.
Samantha (LeFils) ’13 and William Sacks were married June 13, 2015. Hannah Renee (Enfield) and Reggie ’14 Langford were married August 22, 2015.
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Melissa (Cree) ’16 and Roy ’15 Abousamra were married August 14, 2015.
Amanda (Mount) ’02 and Robert McKimson were married June 27, 2015. STERLING COLLEGE
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CHARACTER IN THE COMMUNITY One of the amazing things about so many treasured Bible stories is that God calls His people to be used right where they are. This lesson and many more were impressed upon students in Jack Dillard’s Character in the Community class. In just a short, interterm period, students engaged and interacted with their community by assisting the Sterling Grade School, Sterling Manor and Sterling Public Library. The class culminated with hosting a basketball game between Victory
Village, a boarding school for at-risk teenage girls, and a homeschool, the Reno County Sabres. The class treated the visiting girls to lunch and shopping in Hutchinson before heading to the Gleason Center and playing in front of hundreds of fans on Lonnie Kruse Court. “The town of Sterling gives so much to all of these college students and supports the College itself. This is a chance for our students to not only grow and develop as people and servant leaders, but to give back and provide something for their community,” said Dillard.
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Visiting Paramount Pictures: President Scott Rich and wife, Kathy, Professor Woodfin, Abigail Ortiz, Bradley Johnson, Resident Director Aundraya Garcia, Jared Alexander, Alise Zerull, Cathryn Cavazos and Andy Michell. •2 Sterling students walk down the snow-covered steps into the New York subway on their class trip. While on their trip, some portions of the city received more than 2 feet of snow. •3 Students prepare packets at The Voice of the Martyrs headquarters. Over the course of the week, students inspected and packaged over 9,000 bracelets to be distributed for missionaries around the world. •4 Claire Zerull with stage actor Daniel Davis after watching the Broadway performance of “Noises Off.” 5• Elizabeth Herrington, Alyssa Hershey and Abbey Pickering pause for a photo during their class trip to New York. •6 Sterling students stop on the return trip from The Voice of the Martyrs headquarters to enjoy a walk. •7 Andy Michell, Professor Woodfin, Abigail Ortiz, Cathryn Cavazos and Alise Zerull met Actress Yvette Nicole Brown.
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WE ARE DISCERNIBLY DIFFERENT. Faith. At Sterling College, you are surrounded by creative and thoughtful leaders in a world desperate for servant leadership. You have the opportunity to grow spiritually through exploring your faith, attending weekly chapel services, joining a Bible study with your peers, or traveling domestically or internationally through missions. Developing your identity in Christ is what we are all about.
Academics. Sterling College will challenge you academically in an environment that is enthusiastically Christian. Benefit from the personal relationships you will establish with your professors, coaches and directors as you build your resume and learn from their workplace experience.
Community. You can feel the difference in community as you interact on campus. Sterling is a place where you will develop lifelong friendships in a Christ-centered environment. Get to know others by living in community with them, sharing life’s challenges and growing together in faith.
CONTACT US
admissions@sterling.edu • 800-346-1017 • sterling.edu
PERSONAL CAMPUS VISIT & PREVIEW WEEKENDS Preview Sterling with a campus tour, experience chapel, eat in our cafeteria, visit a class and meet with professors, directors and coaches. We would love to host you for a personal visit or preview weekend so that you receive the full Sterling experience.
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 2 Sterling, KS
MING 201 O C E M 6 HO BER 13-15, 2016 OCTO