Winter 2014
The Magazine of Sterling College
p.14 A Chapter in China
p.10
p.16 Building Forward: Gleason & Culbertson Renovations p.20 Student Spotlight
125 W. Cooper Sterling, KS 67579 800-346-1017 sterling.edu/magazine
Sterling Magazine Staff Director of Marketing and Presidential Communications Karin (Lederle) Swihart ’08, M.A. Writer for Marketing and Communications Rebecca Swartz Creative Design Coordinator Courtney Huber ’13, B.F.A. Public Relations Coordinator Ashley Barnes ’12 Web and Visual Arts Specialist Christopher Steen Student Assistants Kara Stineman ’14; Cody Green ’15 Writing Intern Britnie Jenkins ’14
Sterling College Administration President Scott Rich, M.B.A. Vice President for Academic Affairs Gregory P. Kerr, Ph.D.
IN THIS ISSUE 4
In the News
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Athletic Updates
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A Call to Extraordinary Service
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A Chapter in China
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Building Forward: Gleason & Culbertson Renovations
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Student Spotlight
Vice President for Institutional Advancement Scott Carter ’88, M.S.A. Vice President for Student Life Tina Wohler, M.A. Athletic Director Gary Kempf
Board of Trustees Heather McCreery ’90, Chair Tim O’Brien, Vice Chair Randy Henry ’72, Secretary
Alumni Council Ty Herrington ’86, President Jill (Bleam) Lundgren ’79, Secretary Printed by Mennonite Press, Newton, Kansas.
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Alumni News and Notes
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In Memoriam
Letters and comments can be sent to marketing@sterling.edu.
COVER PHOTO An early winter blast brought large snowflakes to campus during the inaugural events that took place on October 18.
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO STERLING, STERLING COLLEGE, 125 W. COOPER, STERLING, KANSAS 67579 2
Sterling College
letter from the president In my inaugural address, I called our students to live a life of extraordinary service—a life that finds strength, knowledge and wisdom in the Bible and puts the needs of others above our own desires. It is a lifestyle that I strive for daily as I work with my family, church and personnel at Sterling College. I would say that it is the paradigm from which I try to make decisions for the College and in my personal life. So here it is as the theme of Sterling magazine. In this edition of Sterling, you will find the highlights from the events surrounding my inauguration. The pictures and story give you a glimpse into this historic event at the College without the need for your winter coat. Yes, it snowed in October in Kansas. We have also included stories about how our alumni and students are currently leading lives of extraordinary service by following the desires God has placed in their hearts. There are alumni who are opening opportunities for the Chinese by teaching them English, a skill that widens the job market for the young people of China. You will hear about Erica Wilt, a senior who will graduate this spring with the goal of becoming an advocate for farmers in Washington, D.C. Her summer internship led to opportunities that allowed her to find where her education from Sterling College and her passions meet.
Additionally, you will find an update on the Gleason Project and Culbertson Auditorium renovations that have been taking place this past year. These campus upgrades help our campus continue to build forward thanks to the generous contributions of alumni and supporters of the institution. We think you will be very pleased with the advancements. Finally, you will find several pages of news from the College and from our alumni. We want to continue to use Sterling as a vehicle to connect alumni with each other through updates on their Alma Mater and their fellow alumni. However, we couldn’t fit all of the exciting events that are happening at Sterling College in the pages of this magazine, so we hope that you are following us on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see all of the news and events that happen at the College. Thank you for supporting Sterling College and its mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. We appreciate your prayers throughout the year.
Scott A. Rich President
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In the News
New Faculty Members Jeff Darnauer joined the Department of Theology and Ministry as a pro-rata instructor. Jeff earned two bachelor’s degrees from Wheaton College in Christian Education and Ministry and Biblical and Theological Studies. He also holds an M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary. Gidget Dinkel joined SC as an instructor of education. She has a B.A. in Elementary Education from Kansas Wesleyan University, an M.S. in Education from Baker University and an endorsement in English as a Second Language from Kansas State University. Dr. Jennifer Dyson ’02 is an assistant professor of psychology. At Sterling she earned her B.A. in Behavioral Science. She earned her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Emporia State University and an M.A. in General Theology and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. Dorothy Kempf has served SC as an adjunct instructor and is now joining the faculty as pro-rata assistant professor of exercise science. She has a B.A. in Education from Emporia State University and an M.A. in Education from Baker University. Dr. Randal Newhouse is serving as assistant professor of physics. Randy earned his B.S. in Physics and Chemistry from Whitworth College in Spokane, Wash., and his Ph.D. in Physics from Washington State University.
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IN the NEWS
Above: Associate Professor of Education Terri Gaeddert receives the accreditation certificate from President Scott Rich and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gregory Kerr.
Sterling College Teacher Education Program Earns National Accreditation In November, the Sterling Teacher Education Program at Sterling College received continued accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. According to NCATE, receiving continued accreditation means that the institution has met “rigorous standards set forth by the professional education community.” “The process for renewing accreditation is long and labor-intensive. Receiving this accredited status involved the efforts of the entire education department as well as faculty from the individual subjects in which our students can prepare for licensure. The leadership provided by Terri Gaeddert, Nancy Hicks and the education faculty made reaccreditation possible,” said Dr. Gregory Kerr, vice president for academic affairs. Sterling College is accredited to prepare candidates for licensure in art, biology, chemistry, elementary education, English, mathematics, music, speech and theatre, health and physical education, and history and government. There are both campus-based and online delivery methods for some programs. Sterling College received the maximum accreditation of seven years and will undergo its next accreditation evaluation in 2020.
Heritage Outdoor Learning Lab and Garden While standing in the Sterling College Heritage Outdoor Learning Lab and Garden on Oct. 28, Dr. Jonathan Conard, assistant professor of biology, taught Rice County third through sixth grade gifted students about plants that can be used for survival. After studying “The Swiss Family Robinson,” by Johann David Wys, the students spent the afternoon at Sterling College accompanied by Dr. Spencer Wagley’s educational psychology students. His class continued observing the gifted students the rest of the semester as a requirement for the educational psychology class.
Jim Turner ’62 and Matt Jaeger ’00 join Board of Trustees Sterling College elected alumni Jim Turner ’62 and Matthew Jaeger ’00 to the Board of Trustees during 2012-13 academic year. "We are excited that Jim joined the Board of Trustees," said Heather McCreery, chairwoman of the Board of Trustees. "He has shown leadership and passion for Sterling as part of the National Advisory Council and we believe that he will be a great addition to the Board." Turner recently retired as the president of the Heartland Community Bankers Association, a position he served in for 41 years. Turner is involved with Topeka Young Life, The Bridge and Topeka Fellowship Bible Church. Turner was also a part of the Sterling College strategic planning process during the last academic year. Turner received his bachelor’s degree from Sterling College and his master’s degree from Kansas State University under a Ford Foundation Fellowship in 1963. He also served for six years as the administrative assistant to the former U.S. Congressman Chester Mize, and he spent a brief period as a teacher and coach for the Topeka Public Schools. Turner and his wife, Elza, have two children and six grandchildren. Jaeger is president and chief executive officer of Emergent Green Energy, Inc. His family started the business in 2007. The business became a full scale production in 2009 and regularly supplies biodiesel to local and regional consumers. “Matt is an excellent addition to the Board of Trustees,” said McCreery. “His experience in business and knowledge of Sterling College are both important assets to the Board. He is passionate about the College and is energetic about contributing to its future.” Jaeger also serves on Sterling College’s National Advisory Council and received the Young Alumni Award in 2007. He serves on the board of the National Biodiesel Foundation where he was recently elected treasurer. Jaeger, his wife, Tricia, and their daughter currently live in Minneola.
Sterling College Repeats "Best in the Midwest" Parents and students across the country look to The Princeton Review for ratings and information on the best colleges and universities in the United States. For the second year in a row, they will find Sterling College on The Princeton Review’s list under the “Best in the Midwest.” “Sterling College has been named to the ‘Best in the Midwest’ list for three out of the past four years. Our faculty and staff continue to make Sterling an academically rigorous institution that is ranked with the top schools in the nation. We are proud to be on the list this year and will continue to work hard with servants’ hearts and humble attitudes,” said President Scott Rich.
U.S. News and World Report Rank Sterling College Sterling College was named to the U.S. News & World Report ranking for Best Regional Colleges – Midwest. Based on undergraduate peer assessment, retention, graduation rate, class size, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving, Sterling was ranked 61st.
New Staff Members Ashley Barnes ’11 returned to Sterling to fill the position of public relations coordinator. She graduated with a B.A. in Biblical Studies.
Sheila Bird is the director of planned giving. She holds two master’s degrees from MidAmerica Nazarene University – an M.B.A. and an M.A.O.A., a degree in non-profit administration. Her B.A is in psychology from MNU, and she has a certificate in graphic design from Johnson County Community College. Kevin Burgess ’13 is joining Sterling College Online as a part-time recruiting specialist. Burgess graduated in December with a B.S. in History and Professional Studies. Andy Dinh ’10 is the resident director of Kilbourn Hall. He graduated with a B.A. in Christian Ministries: Worship Leadership and a minor in Real Estate. Adriana Gonzalez ’13 is serving as the assistant volleyball coach. She graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Kendra Grizzle is the assistant registrar. Kendra received her B.S. in Journalism from Texas A&M University.
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In the News Piper Harding is serving as the director of admissions for Sterling College Online. She received her B.A. in Humanities from Thomas Edison State College – Online. Sara Hiatt is the student accounts coordinator. She graduated from Kansas State University with a B.S. in Human Development, Family Studies and Community Services. Courtney Huber ’13 is working as the creative design coordinator. She graduated with a B.F.A. in Art & Design: Graphic Design. Julie Jaderston was hired as assistant to the chaplain where she helps with chapel and the missions program. Matt James ’13 graduated with a B.S. in Sports Management and returned as an admissions counselor focusing on the Department of Exercise Science and recruiting athletes. Allen Jeter is an assistant athletic trainer for baseball and men’s and women’s soccer. He earned his B.S. in Athletic Training from The State University of New York Cortland. He also holds an M.A. in Exercise Science from Southeastern Louisiana University. Betsy Lambert is joining Sterling College Online as a part-time recruiter. Betsy graduated from Trinity International University in Deerfield, Ill.
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Scott Carter Returns as Vice President for Institutional Advancement Scott Carter ’88 has returned as the vice president for institutional advancement. He oversees planned giving, the annual fund, alumni relations, the advancement database and other general advancement office functions. “Scott brings a breadth and depth of fundraising experience to our advancement efforts and is greatly familiar with the institution and the community. This is an important component as we continue to move forward with our strategic plan. Sterling College is enthusiastic and ready to begin the next phase of development,” said President Rich. Carter has served in advancement roles within higher education and nonprofit organizations for 18 years. He previously served at Sterling College from 1987-1990 and 2008-2010. Carter has grown advancement programs – from alumni relations and annual funds to major gifts – at the University of Denver, Ohio University, Junior Achievement National Headquarters, the University of Colorado Foundation and the YMCA of the Rockies. Carter has participated in four capital campaigns in excess of $40 million. Carter earned his master’s in sports administration from the nation’s top-rated program, Ohio University. He has been a part-owner of a company that provided transportation management services for large scale events such as the NBA and NHL All-Star Weekends. Carter has also worked in sports marketing and event management with Triple Crown Sports in Denver, fundraising in the athletic departments at Ohio University and the University of Denver, and owned and operated a sports-themed restaurant in Estes Park, Colo. Carter earned his B.S. in Business from Sterling College in 1988. He served on the College’s National Advisory Council from 1998-2000 and annually hosts alumni events in Northern Colorado. Carter served in various roles at Sterling College including admissions counselor, director of alumni development, director of advancement and director of development. He is married to Heather McCreery, chair of the Board of Trustees. They have two children. Through the Sterling Fund, you can impact the world by preparing students with a Christ-centered education to become creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. When you give to the Sterling Fund, you enable us to continue to strengthen our students’ desire to practice servant leadership and seek wholeness in a broken world. TO MAKE YOUR GIFT, CONTACT: advancement@sterling.edu or 620-278-4219
Conard presented with McCreery Teaching Award
Jenny Lane ’02 has been working since September 2012 as the director of ministry teams. She has a B.A. in Religious and Philosophical Studies, a B.S. in Christian Education from Sterling College and is working on her M.A. in Intellectual Leadership from A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary.
At the 121st Commencement Ceremony on May 18, 2013, Dr. Jonathan Conard, assistant professor of biology, was awarded the 2012-2013 McCreery Teaching Award. Established in honor of Sterling College's fourth president, William M. McCreery, the McCreery Teaching Award recognizes and encourages excellence in teaching and is presented to a faculty member whose efforts have provided noteworthy and innovative instruction to Sterling College students during the academic year. Under the instruction of Conard, students at Sterling College have been involved with an ongoing research project monitoring deer movement patterns and densities at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Work from the project has been featured on the Outdoor Channel’s show "The Bone Collector" and in a special section of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism website.
Students serve in nine countries This past summer, over 60 students, faculty and staff traveled on overseas mission trips to the countries of Ghana, Guatemala, East Asia, Ethiopia, the Mediterranean, Nepal, the Philippines, Ukraine and Uruguay to experience the culture and do service projects.
Froese awarded Faculty Emeritus of Psychology Dr. Arnold Froese was conferred the rank of Faculty Emeritus of Psychology during the commencement exercises on May 18, 2013. Froese has worked for the College since 1974 and served as chair of the psychology department. Dr. Froese published over 20 scholarly articles, the most recent being presented last year about student cell phone use and information retention. He also presented on various topics at over 45 conferences and served on the national Southwestern Psychological Association.
Loida Leone joined the staff last spring as the campus counselor. She is a graduate of Emporia State University with an M.S. in Counseling. Tina McFerrin joined the Office of Financial Aid as a financial aid coordinator. She is in charge of gathering information for student financial aid packages and tracking the processing stages for students’ federal student aid. Scott McKinney ’13 is the resident director of Campbell Hall. He graduated with a B.A. in Communication and Theatre Arts: Communication.
Froese addressed the crowd and said, “Graduates, I want you to know that about 60 years ago I started my school experience, and today I graduate with you...I have enjoyed working as a professor of psychology all of these years. To the administration and my colleagues, I give you my deepest thanks for tolerating me, for working with me, for challenging me, for correcting me when I have gone wrong, and for conferring on me this new degree.”
Josh Musselman is the new head softball coach. He has coached at Utah Valley University, Edison High School, Pasadena City College, Loyola Marymount University, Sonoma State University, California State University of San Bernardino and California Baptist University.
After asking his students to stand, he said, “I am grateful. I thank you most deeply for giving me the platform, for giving me your ears to allow me to disturb you. To disturb you with ideas of your own and our own myopia and self-centeredness with which we all naturally respond to the world. I have appreciated and shown my joy to you when I have seen you develop those insights, those ‘aha moments,’ that really make for long-lasting memories of what is important in life. Most of all, thank you all."
Meredith O'Donnell joined the Office of Institutional Advancement as the gift receipting and records coordinator.
President Scott Rich said, “Dr. Froese [is] cherished by generations upon generations of SC alumni. Sterling College is grateful for [his] service and dedication.”
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In the News Rita Ownbey came to Sterling College as the director of financial and administrative services. She has worked with SC since 2007 as a software analyst and trainer for the Associated Colleges of Central Kansas.
New academic majors underway Sterling College has announced two new additions to its academic majors, offering even more options for students. The addition of these majors now provides students with 23 possible areas of study.
Health Science
Brandon Ponchak is coaching the men’s soccer program. He holds an M.A. in Educational Policy and Administration from DWU and an M.A. in Business Administration from Bluffton University. He also earned a B.A. in Bible and Theology: Pre-Seminary from Asbury University. John Summit is serving as resident director of Douglas Residences. He graduated with a B.A. in Christian Ministry: Missions and a minor in Business Management from Midwestern Baptist University. Sara Taverner has been working as the assistant director of financial aid since February 2013. She graduated from York College where she received her B.S. in Psychology. Emily (Zerger) Taylor ’12 is admissions communications coordinator. She graduated from Sterling with a B.A. in Christian Ministries: Missions.
HOMECOMING 2014 OCTOBER 10 - 11, 2014
2013 Homecoming was a raging success! Thank you to everyone who attended. Reunions next year include 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004. If you are interested in serving on the reunion committee for your class, contact alumni@sterling.edu. It's never to early to start planning!
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The need for physical therapists continues to grow, and Sterling College is working to prepare students to meet that demand by opening a new major this past fall—health science. Starting last August, students at the College began classes for health science: pre-physical therapy, preparing them for graduate physical therapy programs. “We believe that studying the medical profession from a Christian perspective emphasizes servant leadership and care for the patient beyond just a physical component,” said Dr. Gregory Kerr, vice president for academic affairs. “Adding a major in health science compliments our programs in athletic training, exercise science and pre-med.” The health science major requires credits in biology, human anatomy and physiology, psychology, chemistry, physics and math. The pre-physical therapy concentration introduces courses in nutrition, athletic training, kinesiology, additional physiology and field experiences.
Criminal Justice Starting in the fall of 2014, Sterling College will begin offering students a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, with concentrations in law enforcement and pre-law. In addition to over 15 new criminal justice courses, the curriculum draws from psychology, government, ethics, and a variety of law courses that are already part of Sterling College programs. “There is a strong interest among prospective students for a criminal justice major. Previously, our students interested in working with the law studied history or psychology. Most students continued on to receive further education in criminal justice as they were in training to become law enforcement officers. With our new major in criminal justice, our students will be able to graduate with a degree that will make them better trained candidates,” said Dr. Gregory Kerr, vice president for academic affairs. The criminal justice major will offer classes that study the various components of law enforcement, as well as prepare students for entering law school. Beginning with an introduction to criminal justice, students will continue through the program to study constitutional law, criminology, the judicial process and more. They will also have hands-on field experience available through local internships.
Athletic Updates
ATHLETIC UPDATES
SC Football wins KCAC Conference Title The Sterling College Football team won its first KCAC football title in the college’s history in a game against Kansas Wesleyan University. The final score was 36-19. With this win, the Sterling Warriors headed to the national tournament held November 23 in Baldwin City, Kan., against the Baker Wildcats. Baker would get a field goal on the final play of the game to defeat Sterling 10-7. With this loss, Sterling ended the season 9-3 with a KCAC record of 8-1. This season was by far the most historic season in Sterling College's history. The Warriors were a team that went on an eight game winning streak during the season, received a final NAIA Coaches ranking of 13, had a coaching staff that won Coach of the Year and Assistant Coaches of the Year, won their first KCAC championship in school history, and went to their first NAIA playoff game in school history.
Baseball stamps ticket to NAIA World Series With a 1-0 victory over No. 2 Oklahoma City, No. 15 Sterling made its first ever trip to the NAIA World Series and was the first representative from the KCAC in the event. The 57th Annual NAIA World Series was held on the campus of Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho, on May 24-31. The team fell two wins short of the school's first 50 win season in a 1-0 loss to Northwood (Texas) in the Avista-NAIA World Series. The Warriors, under second year Head Coach Adrian Dinkel, ended the season with a 48-14 record, a Sterling College record.
Kruse leaves legacy at Sterling College On Saturday, November 23, Head Coach Lonnie Kruse secured his 700th victory. The win put Kruse in the upper echelon of women’s basketball history. He is the all-time winningest coach in Sterling College history and the state of Kansas. He is also the second most active winningest coach in NAIA Division II Women's Basketball and is behind Garey Smith of Grand View University for most active wins.
Kruse recently announced that he will retire at the end of the 2013-2014 basketball season. Associate Head Coach K.C. Bassett will take over the reins of the program at the conclusion of the season. During his career*, Kruse accomplished: • • • • • • •
Prior to this achievement, Sterling College dedicated the basketball floor in the Gleason Center as the Lonnie Kruse Court in his honor.
• • • •
Over the last 33 years, Kruse made an impact on and has been a father figure to many Sterling College student-athletes. Kruse put his heart and soul into this College and his program. He served the College in so many different ways from coaching several different sports, teaching in the Department of Exercise Science, being the athletic director for 18 years and being a part of the administration of the College. Kruse put Sterling College on the map at the national level through his women's basketball program.
• • • • • •
32 Seasons 30 winning seasons 696-225 record 12 KCAC Coach of the Year Awards 20, 21+ win seasons 12 KCAC Regular Season Titles 16 Trips to the NAIA National Tournament 1 First Team All-American Player 5 Second Team All-American Players 2 Third Team All-American Players 10 Honorable Mention All-American Players 66 First Team All-KCAC Players 2 Second Team All-KCAC Players 53 All-KCAC Honorable Mention Players 10 KCAC Freshmen of the Year 42 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes All Time Winningest Coach in Kansas Women's Basketball History
Does not include the 2013-2014 season
*
Student Cedrique Smith wins NAIA National Championship Senior hurdler Cedrique Smith won the NAIA National Championship in the 110m Hurdles on May 25 on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University with a time of 13.97. The individual championship for Smith is the first in Sterling College history.
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Feature Story
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“Students, you have been called to be discernibly different. I am calling you to be discernibly different. The Lord is calling you to be discernibly different. You are called to be at odds with the statistics. You are called to be creative and thoughtful Christian leaders in a world desperate for servant leadership… You are called to a life of extraordinary service, one that needs not wait until that ever-looming graduation date, but one that begins today.” -President Scott A. Rich
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Feature Story
“We ask You to bless every day this man, Scott Rich, that You have called to serve You as the 12th president of Sterling College. We ask, Heavenly Father, that President Rich will meet with You each morning to seek the wisdom that only You can provide for him, so that he will lead not with his wisdom, but that which You provide to those who ask You for it. James 1:5. Father God, please remind President Rich each day that the great leaders are those who choose to be servants of Yours and servants of those they lead. Ephesians 6:7.” - Rev. David Landis
T
he installation ceremony of President Scott A. Rich was held before a packed Culbertson Auditorium on Oct. 18, 2013. With faculty in academic regalia, students dressed in Sunday best, and friends of Sterling College there to support a new chapter in the College’s life, the next era of the College undoubtedly began with two central themes – servant leadership and commitment to prayer. “Heal my heart and make it clean/Open up my eyes to the things unseen/Show me how to love like You have loved me/ Break my heart for what breaks Yours/ Everything I am for Your kingdom’s cause/As I walk from earth into eternity.” The first worship song, Hosanna by Hillsong United, set the stage for the rest of the service. The ceremony was filled with people who have impacted Sterling College and the Rich family. When Rich was first named president, former SC employee, Rev. David Landis, asked Rich if he and other friends of the College could spend time in intentional
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prayer with him. Rich and Rev. Landis met almost every other week, uniting the body of believers in prayer for the College. It was from this partnership that Rev. Landis was asked to lead the audience in the invocation prayer. Rev. Landis’s prayer laid a strong foundation. His prayer asked God to supply President Rich with the wisdom that He provides to those who ask God for it (James 1:5), and to remind President Rich that “great leaders are those who choose to be servants of Yours and servants of those they lead, Ephesians 6:7.” After a song by the Highland Singers, Heather McCreery ’90, chair of the Board of Trustees, led a series of charges to the newly appointed president. Each charge represented a specific value of Sterling College. The first charge, a call to servant leadership, was represented by a basin and towel. John 13:14-17 reminded Rich that he must wash each other’s feet as the Lord has washed the feet of His followers. Rich responded: “I will serve in humility.”
Christ as our Leader, the second charge, was represented by a Cornerstone, etched with the academic seal. Serving as a reminder that the future of the institution rests upon Christ, Rich responded that he would serve with Christ as his foundation. For the third charge, the Word of God, Rich was presented a Bible to represent that the institution’s commitment to Christ goes beyond the Mission Statement, and that everything should be done as a result of the commitment to infallibility of Scripture and the Holy Spirit acting as a guide. Rich committed to serving Sterling College with the “Word of God in my heart and on my mind.” The final charge was represented by the Presidential Medallion of Excellence, a reminder of SC’s core values of Faith, Calling, Learning, Integrity, Service and Community. Rich accepted the responsibility to serve Christ through every facet of his leadership. McCreery placed the medallion around Rich’s neck, officially installing him as the 12th president of Sterling College.
Beginning his term as president, Rich made it clear to those at the ceremony that being a Christian leader requires something above and beyond following your own desires – something extraordinary. President Rich used statistics to describe how students today feel ill-prepared to lead and are leaving the church after graduation. He then urged students to become Christian leaders rooted in the local church today because their extraordinary service begins right now. Rich defined extraordinary service as service that finds strength, knowledge and wisdom in the Bible. Service of this type will place others before themselves and make decisions based on a higher calling than the riches of this world. He continued by setting a goal for the institution and a goal for himself as the new president of Sterling College. “As we serve this institution, our goal is to train young men and young women how to think critically and to choose deliberately. Otherwise, we have failed you. Why? Because I believe that the quickest way to be deceived is to disengage. In other words, the quickest way to be deceived is to not think,” said Rich. The goal that Rich set for himself is to live in such a manner that students would leave Sterling College knowing that God is at work in the College through the evidence of students seeing Christ at work in the employees, students and himself. The service concluded similarly to the way it began—with prayer. Friends, supporters, mentors and representatives of the faculty, staff, administration and students prayed over President Rich and the future of Sterling College. After the singing of the Alma Mater, Dr. Tom Simpson, Trustee of the College, prayed for God to continue His blessing saying, “Our God is an awesome God. May He continue to shine His blessing on Sterling College, its students, its faculty and staff, and its Trustees. And may he bless the lives of Scott and Kathy Rich and their boys.” Although the installation ceremony is over, Sterling College asks its alumni and friends to continue praying for President Rich, the employees of SC and its students. A commitment to prayer lasts longer than a ceremony, and a life of extraordinary service needs strength from the body of fellow believers. Join the Prayer Warrior team and commit to pray for President Rich as he leads Sterling College. ■
UNDER WRAPS Shelby Huber '15, 2013, Oil on canvas, 24" x 36" The Sterling College Department of Art and Design hosted its annual juried student art show with an opening reception on November 14. The juried student art show gives students an understanding of the juried show process by establishing rules for submission and only selecting the best of the work submitted. Students were allowed to submit work created between October 2012 and October 2013 and work that was created while enrolled at Sterling College. “This is a great time to have a retrospective look at what the students have created over the last year. I am particularly excited about the variety of media and application we get to see in our annual show. We are one of the few Christian, liberal arts schools to offer concentrations in photography and illustration in addition to graphic design, fine art, and drawing and painting. That diversity of practice is thrilling to see all at once,” said Daniel Swartz, assistant professor of art and design. Shelby Huber's painting, “Under Wraps,” took the award for best of show. Her painting is one of a series of self-portraits created over the course of the semester as a study of face distortion and conveying facial emotions. Huber is a junior from McPherson, Kan., and is pursuing a B.A. in Art and Design with concentrations in illustration, studio/fine art, graphic design, and drawing/painting. She is the daughter of Dallas and Julie Huber.
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Feature Story
在中国的一章
by Britnie Jenkins ’14 Life after college can seem daunting. After deciding on an occupation, new graduates have to readapt to new ways of living. For every graduate, life after college means something different. However, five Sterling College alumni have all found themselves in the same country: China. Tarah Colvin ’98, Amber Kasper ’09, Jaron Hensley ’13, Josh Mathews ’13 and Micah Mitchell ’13 are all currently teaching English to Chinese students. For Hensley, Mathews and Mitchell, the most recent Sterling College graduates in China, this is their first profession since graduation. For Colvin and Kasper, however, the decision to move to China was not an immediate one. It took Colvin ten years after graduation to decide to move to China. She had previously spent three years teaching English in South Korea and five years as the Sterling College alumni director. While in South Korea, she taught English, but Colvin felt that she needed more experience. “When I lived in Korea, I felt so inadequately qualified to teach anything! I felt guilty for not being the teacher those students needed in order to be successful, so I found information about an organization called ELIC and their partnership with Azusa Pacific University to earn a master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of English. I also learned that ELIC never sends their teachers out alone. You always go in a team, and you are accountable to each other. It seemed like the perfect scenario for teaching
overseas,” said Colvin. Since completing her master’s degree, Colvin has worked for ELIC for six years. Hensley also found his way to China. While at Sterling, he majored in business administration with a concentration in international business. He was looking for a way to further his degree when he found out about a graduate program through Concordia University Irvine that would allow him to teach in China. “China is a major country economically,” said Hensley. “The main reason why I wanted to come here was to see what the economy was like. I feel like it is one of the most important countries going into the future, and by studying business, it is an important country for me to understand.” “The students have made it great for the most part. The ones that want to learn and want to interact, it just motivates me to do a better job,” said Hensley. Mathews and Mitchell, who are both teaching at the North China Electric Power University in Baoding, China, graduated from Sterling with degrees in English. “I really just wanted to use my English degree in any way,” said Mitchell. “This opportunity came up, and it offered me a chance to be in another country while using my degree, so I definitely could not pass it up.” Teaching through a language barrier can prove to be challenging, but for Mitchell, patience has been the key. “Most students in my English class speak English fairly well,” said Mitchell. “However, it takes a lot of patience because I have to speak slowly and clearly. Sometimes I need to spend extra time explaining what something means so they can understand our classroom activities. It’s like taking the long way around when driving to a destination. It’s not the fastest, but sometimes you have to do it.” Mathews wanted to continue learning about life through the eyes
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this lesson, I add in this story about a Father and His lost son. Referring to that special story in the special book. I love asking my students to reflect on this story, and they are always amazed at the Father’s forgiveness. A lot of them see themselves in how the older brother responded. It’s a great opportunity to teach love and truth to these students.” Attending Sterling has given each teacher a passion for serving his or her students.
"Sterling College is completely responsible for my love of other cultures and teaching English. My years at Sterling greatly focused on the concept of serving and leading through serving, and this has stayed with me everywhere I go." -Tarah Colvin of others, and teaching in China helped him achieve this goal. “I have done several trips in the past that have taken me to a lot of different cultures. One thing I have found in being in another country is that it makes me aware of how many people there are in the world,” he said. “It helps me to take my eyes off myself. Living abroad not only helps me to not be self-focused, but it also helps me to see the lives that are happening around me. There is great beauty, I have found, in just noticing the life that other people live and that there is more than your life. It’s something that I don’t appreciate much when I’m living in the States.” “I was working in Green River, Utah, when I got an email from some former Sterling graduates about a position that was open. After lots of thinking, I just started trusting that this was where I was being led,” said Kasper, who has been teaching in China for four years.
“Sterling taught me to be open minded to trying new and different things. My professors were major influences in my time at SC,” said Hensley. “Watching my professors and their compassion for their students has rubbed off on me. I find myself wanting to help my students succeed in everything they do. Also, having a servant’s spirit and helping out whenever I can has had a huge impact on the students I interact with.” Colvin, who has spent five years teaching in China, isn’t sure how long she will be in China, but she hopes to serve as long as she can. “Sterling College is completely responsible for my love of other cultures and teaching English,” said Colvin. “My years at Sterling greatly focused on the concept of serving and leading through serving, and this has stayed with me everywhere I go. I see my teaching and learning Chinese in this country as a way to ultimately serve and do as much as I possibly can to be a part of their community. I am excited about what the future holds.” “It has been a great reminder to think, ‘You have no idea what these students are bringing into the classroom with them every day.’ Love, because He first loved us,” said Kasper. ■
Kasper has loved creatively incorporating American stories into her lessons. “One of my favorite lessons in my Spoken English class talks about forgiveness: how to correctly apologize to someone using spoken English, how to properly forgive them, or respond to them in English,” said Kasper. “During
Do you know of a great potential warrior?
SHOW THEM THE WAY. We appreciate every aspect of support that we receive, especially when we hear of alumni and friends telling prospective students about the opportunity to grow and learn here at Sterling College. Thank you for giving us the chance to show students what we have to offer.
www.sterling.edu/admissions/refer-student
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Feature Story
Building forward inside the Gleason center and culbertson auditorium renovations
W
hen the Gleason Physical Education Center was built in 1986, it was one of the finest facilities in the area. The gym has given our teams a home where they have created a tradition of excellence, winning KCAC Championships and earning bids to NAIA tournaments. The years, however, were beginning to show their wear on the Gleason Center and parts of the building needed to be restored to adequately represent our high expectations. The first of several phases of updates occurred this past summer with the future phases strategically planned to factor in equipment rental and preservation of previous renovations. Phase one included new bleachers and court restoration. After years of wear and tear, our
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bleachers had become a safety hazard. The lower bleachers were replaced with seating in school colors. Replacing them also allows our gym to be handicap-accessible, so all students and visitors can enjoy our events. The court was also sanded down to bare wood, repainted with an updated design and renamed the “Lonnie Kruse Court,” after women’s basketball coach Lonnie Kruse '71. Phase two of the Gleason Project is anticipated to begin this summer. It will include a court cover for use during non-athletic events to protect the surface of the court, an athletic hall of fame to recognize past victories from all of our sports through the purchase of championship banners, and new paint on the outside of the building to enhance its curb appeal.
NEW COURT — The court was sanded, redesigned, repainted, and renamed the "Lonnie Kruse Court." new bleachers — The old bleachers were replaced with new handicapaccessible bleachers in our school colors. Before Renovation — A view of the Gleason Physical Education Center prior to the renovation project. RENOVATION PROCESS — A shot taken at the start of the renovation shows the removal of the bleachers and the beginnings of court restoration. Bleacher removal — New bleachers were installed that can be automatically retracted which will help withstand wear.
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Feature Story
In addition to the renovations taking place in the Gleason Physical Education Center, Culbertson Auditorium also experienced renovations courtesy of an anonymous donation to Sterling College. The primary purpose of the donation was to upgrade the seating in Culbertson Auditorium. “We are very grateful for this donation and are excited about the significant upgrade to Culbertson,” said Scott Rich, president. “The seating in Culbertson was installed around 30 years ago and with our active theatre, chapel and convocation schedules, it had gone through significant wear and tear. The new seating significantly improves the atmosphere in the theatre.” Sterling College began work on the project while students were on Christmas break, and it was completed in February. Renovations included new seating, finished concrete floors and new carpet in the lobby, aisles and balcony areas. “The donors are wonderful examples of humility and generosity,” said Dr. Marvin Dewey, associate vice president for leadership giving and special projects. “They have a love for Sterling College and truly gave from their heart.” ■
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Sterling College loves social media because it allows us to instantaneously share information with you. Check out some of our favorite Twitter and Instagram posts from the last year! @AmERICA_wilt Happy Birthday @SterlingCLife! #126years #smallbutmighty @SCscott125 Reminded this week how important SC is. What we do really matters. Praying for @SterlingCLife tonight-that their light shines! #Ilovemyjob @churchillhoefer Shout out to my alma mata @SterlingCLife and the football team for their first playoff appearance! Bring home that win! #sterlingfootball
lobby carpet — New decorative carpet was laid in the lobby to give the auditorium a grand entrance. after renovation — A shot of the auditorium shows the new carpet, finished concrete floors and new seating that was installed. before renovation — A view of Culbertson prior to the renovatoins during a convocation in 2011. new seating — The old seating was upgraded to withstand wear and improve the theatre atmosphere.
FACEBOOK facebook.com/sterlingcollege TWITTER @SterlingCLife @SterlingCNews @SterlingCSports INSTAGRAM @SterlingCLife YOUTUBE youtube.com/sterlingcollege GOOGLE+ gplus.to/sterlingcollege
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Student Spotlight
TAKING SUMMER TO THE HIGHEST DEGREE
A
h, summertime. A beautiful time when one can take a break from the hectic school year, catch up on his or her “fun” reading, go to the beach, or work a summer job. For Sterling College senior Erica Wilt of Hutchinson, Kan., summer break meant spending five weeks in Washington, D.C., and working as a legislative intern for Kansas Senator Jerry Moran in the Russell Senate Building. During her time at Sterling College, Wilt has been involved with the Student Senate, Student Government Association and Phi Beta Lambda, the College’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America. “I see in Erica a young and growing leader of integrity, conscientiousness, energy and motivation. She is mature beyond her age. She takes an active role in student
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by Britnie Jenkins '14
leadership positions. She has learned to be quite independent and to appreciate the value of hard work,” said Dr. T.H. Kwa, Ferrari-Thompson endowed chair and professor of business.
We were undefeated and made it to the Senate League World Series. I left before the World Series, but playing on the team was a fun way to get to know the staff,” said Wilt.
For her internship, Wilt made sure that she brought along important values that she had acquired since attending Sterling College and participating in PBL and SGA.
When she wasn’t exploring or playing softball, Wilt was giving Capitol Building tours and sitting in on lectures.
“I think the most important lesson I have learned from Sterling is to have a foundation of servant leadership. If I had gone into any of these positions only looking out for myself, I would not have found success,” said Wilt.
“I sat in on agricultural meetings and visited with industry leaders about policies that concerned them and job opportunities. I’ve worked with farmers during harvest since I was sixteen, so I have a greater understanding of the risks of farming and how farm policy can help protect against those risks,” said Wilt.
Among her many daily duties, Wilt started her day by serving the staff members by delivering their newspaper subscriptions.
Through sitting in on the agricultural meetings, Wilt discovered that she could combine her passion for the farming community and agricultural politics.
“All of the interns split up reading the emails and postal mail from constituents, sorting them and entering them into the database. We spent the remainder of the day answering phone calls, visiting with constituents, or answering questions that constituents had about policies or the Senator's stance on different issues,” said Wilt.
“My ideal future career would be a career that ties together agriculture and politics. Having the chance to see how policies impact farmers and how vital it is for rural communities to have someone on their side in D.C. sparked something inside of me. I feel called to this area. If it were not for the opportunity I had this summer, I don’t know if I would have discovered this,” said Wilt.
When she wasn’t answering the constituents’ questions, Wilt was taking advantage of her time and was exploring D.C. “In the evenings, I ran a route that went by the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument. I was also on the office softball team, Jerry Duty.
Wilt began her time at Sterling College majoring in accounting, but since discovering her enthusiasm for agricultural politics, she has switched to majoring in economics in hopes to one day combine politics with agriculture. ■
Alumni News
Alumni Awards
Class Reunions
The Young Alumni Award is given to a recent graduate (no more than 15 years) who has displayed outstanding contributions in developing careers, service to society and loyalty to SC. The honoree is recognized during the Homecoming Alumni Banquet. The Alumni Award is awarded to a graduate of 15 years or more, who has shown continued contributions over a great period of time in sustained excellence in careers, service to society and continued loyalty to SC. The honoree is recognized during the Homecoming Alumni Banquet. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes a lifetime of service that exemplifies the purposes for which SC exists: exceptional contributions to society, distinguished professional accomplishment, outstanding leadership and character. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees must approve the recipient. The honoree is recognized during the Commencement ceremony.
Class of 1963 Reunion
Young Alumni Award John Roszel fs05, husband of Kristy (Kalivoda) Roszel ’02, accepted a Young Alumni Award in honor of Kristy who died in a car accident last year. K. Roszel was a school picture photographer for Lifetouch where she tried to make every student feel special. Kate Wise ’04 accepted a Young Alumni Award. Wise, a librarian at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan., is an advocate for making libraries accessible to communities through programming and online use. In 2012, she was selected for the Kansas Library Association Presidential Award for New Professionals.
Class of 1983 Reunion
Alumni Award Dr. Alan Cureton ’76 received the Alumni Award. Cureton was recognized for his contributions to Sterling College as an alumnus, Board member, parent of SC students, and employee of the College. He currently serves as the president for University of Northwestern-St. Paul.
Class of 1988 Reunion
Distinguished Service Award John M. ’69 and Gwen (Adair) fs70, ’11 Haspels received the Distinguished Service Award during the 2013 commencement ceremony for their lifetime of service in Southwest Ethiopia. The award was accepted on their behalf by son, Chuck ’97. They were also recognized at the Homecoming Alumni Banquet in October by President Scott Rich.
Class of 2003 Reunion
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Alumni Notes
Alumni Notes News FROM ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD 1950s Louis Means ’58 of Davenport, Iowa, retired in May 2013 after 47 years as a counselor at Davenport West High School. Chuck Olsen ’58 of Johnson Lake, Neb., had his book, Discerning God's Will Together, reprinted on the 15th anniversary of its original publication by Upper Room and Alban. More information can be found at www.alban.org/ bookdetails.aspx?id=9973. 1 Twelve friends and spouses at SC during the late ’50s traveled approximately 12,100 miles to the middle of Nebraska for an unofficial reunion June 3-6, 2013, at the home of Chuck ’58 and Joyce (Skeen) ’57 Olsen. Several of the men played football for SC and enjoyed reminiscing. Photo (left to right): Dwight ’58 and Nora Sauer, Sterling, Kan.; Al ’58 and Flossie (Rygg) ’58 Talley, Temple, Texas; Junior “Hank” ’59 and Jan Nachtigal, Aurora, Neb.; Dick ’58 and Miriam (Gathman) ’59 Rohrbaugh, Lake Oswego, Ore.; Tom Brannan ’58, Kelso, Wash.; Chuck ’58 and Joyce (Skeen) ’57 Olsen, Johnson Lake, Neb.
1960s Bill Dunn ’64 of McLean, Va., has been named associate director and team leader of the Finance and Capital Markets Team at the Farm Credit Administration. Roger “Corky” Trotter fs69 has been selected to continue
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serving as the president of the Dodge City Round-up for the next two years. Corky has been president since 2003.
1970s Dr. Dennis Brewer ’70 has been appointed associate vice chancellor for information technology and director of information technology services at the University of Arkansas. Robbie Fall ’73 is the new pastor at United Church of Bennington, Kan. This is a “yoked parish” of what were once a United Methodist church and a Presbyterian church. Clarence Gilyard fs78 is a professor in the film department at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.
1980s Steve Higgins ’80 is on active duty in South Korea.
Send us your news!
To submit your alumni news, email alumni@sterling.edu.
Stubborn Princess, a children’s book, and Interiors By Design, a romance novel. Todd Fulton ’85 is now teaching at Hugoton High School in Hugoton, Kan. Amy (McCarty) Stevens ’85 is the new director of social work at Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colo. Greg McGlynn ’87 of Sterling, Kan., won Jester Awards for Overall Production, Direction of Show, and Scenic Design of Fiddler on the Roof at Goddard High School. The Jester Awards celebrate distinction in high school musical theatre. Greg and his family have recently moved to Sterling and Greg has started teaching theatre at McPherson High School. His wife, Carrie, is an admissions counselor for the College. Wilma (Schasteen) fs88 and Daniel Wobker were married Nov. 11, 2011. The couple resides in Osawatomie, Kan.
Donna (Fleishman) Telles ’80 is teaching drama, choir, and English and is the student council adviser at Vista Grande High School in Casa Grande, Ariz.
Becky (Yates) ’89 and Tracy Spencer of Buhler, Kan., are owners and operators of the Grand Staff Bed and Breakfast.
Mark Becker ’81 retired from teaching May 2011. Mark and wife, Kathy (Gordon) ’80, live in Galva, Kan.
Rev. Paula (Daniel) Steinbacher ’92 was ordained by the Presbytery of Southern Kansas (PCUSA) on Mar. 17, 2013.
Jodi (Rebman) Bowersox ’83 has kept herself busy writing over the past several years, including having two books published in 2012 – The
1990s
Police Lt. Mike McNamara ’93 of Godfrey, Ill., retired from the police force after 26 years of service.
Jen Van Bruggen ’93 and Hudson Hamilton Jr. were married in Eureka Springs, Ark., on July 3, 2012. They welcomed daughter Adell Rosemary on Nov. 15, 2012. Jill (Ally) Rowland ’93 of Sterling, Kan., coached the Sterling High School Lady Black Bears basketball team to second place in the state 2A tournament in 2013. Curt ’94 and Val (Rocco) ’96 Graves have moved to Willard, Mo., where Curt is the principal of Willard High School. Shannon (Trotter) ’96 and Hugh Hare announce the birth of twins Teagan Penelope and Gavyn Dodge on Sept. 9, 2013. Julie (Bath) ’95 and Corey Lorenzen announce the birth of Anna Grace on March 8, 2013. She joins siblings, Rachel and Eli. Al ’95 and Jennifer Sebes announce the birth of their first child, Jeffrey Daniel, on April 23, 2013. Laura (Koehn) ’95 and Juan Strong were married July 24, 2010. Their first child, Leah Jean, was born Sept. 9, 2012. Rev. Clint ’95 and Jennifer Walker announce the birth of their second daughter, Mattea, on May 15, 2012. She was welcomed home in Hot Springs, S.D., by sister Karis, 3. 2 Carrie (Lambing) ’96 and Scott Samson were married Sept. 29, 2013.
Mary Takaishi ’96 announces the birth of Hartley Michiko on Aug. 23, 2012. Tim Alderson ’97, of Anchorage, Alaska, founded Running Free Alaska. The mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Alaska’s prison inmates through a structured running program.
Latham, 13, and Foster, 10. Matt Caward fs99 is playing quarterback for the New Mexico Stars in the Lone Star Football League.
Father Jarett Konrade fs00 became the new chaplain at St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center in Manhattan, Kan., in September 2012
3 Drs. Aaron ’00 and Sarah (Ketterl) ’00 White announce the birth of their first daughter, Genesis Sterling White. Genesis was welcomed home by big brothers, Gideon Ritchey, Holly (Hancock) ’97 and 5 ½ and Isaiah David, 2 ½. Terry Hook, of Aztec, N.M., Grandparents include Hal ’72 announce the birth of Silas Patty Milner ’99 is the director and Marilyn (Stewart) ’72 Hancock on July 4, 2012. of distance learning at Colorado White. State University – Pueblo Angie (Selden) ’98 married Christa (Ledesma) Beyenhof and teaches organizational Garret Berger on March 2, ’01 has changed jobs after ten leadership for CSU-Global. 2013. The family resides in years of directing high school Dannenbrog, Neb. Sarah (Clanton) ’99 and Kenn bands. She is now teaching K-6 general music at Horizon Lacey announce the birth of Jared ’98 and Whitney Christian School in San Diego, Lee Edward on Dec. 29, 2012. Hamilton announce the birth Calif. of their fourth child, Weston, Matt ’99 and Marya (DeRaad) on April 22, 2013. ’99 Pouliot announce the birth Ben Dicke ’01 directed and starred in the regional premiere of Matteo Becket on Nov. 26, Charlessa (Gates) ’98 and Jesse 2012. of Bloody Bloody Andrew McConnell announce the birth Jackson at the Aurora Fox Arts of Alistair Bryant on Dec. 14, Center Studio in Aurora, Colo., 2000s 2012. in October 2012. Dorinda (Gates) ’02 and Greg Heather (Scott) ’98 and Dusty Beeley announce the birth Rachel (Prochaska) Downs ’99 Robinson of Iowa Park, of their second son, Benaiah ’01 of Wichita, Kan., received Texas, announce the birth of David, on Oct. 23, 2013. He was a Jester Award for Scenic Blakely Faith on March 7, 2012. welcomed home by Jonathan, 1. Design of Little Shop of Horrors at Andover High School. Lara (Kupka) Schesser ’98 Michael Berblinger ’00 of The Jester Awards celebrate recently received her teaching Buhler, Kan., was named distinction in high school certification and master’s degree Principal of the Year by MetLife musical theatre. and will be a 9–12 special and Kansas Association of education resource teacher in Secondary School Principals. Heather (Keller) ’01 married Troy Keller April 20, 2013. Overland Park, Kan. Jennifer (Feather) ’00 and Greg Biga of Bennett, Colo., Michael Brennan fs02 is Cheryl (Conard) fs98 and announce the birth of Isaac the Global Service Training Tony Schwarz, of Hoxie, Kan., on June 13, 2012. He was Manager at National Oilwell announce the birth of Sutton Varco in Houston, Texas. Victor on May 29, 2012. He was welcomed home by sisters, Shannon and Audrey. welcomed home by brothers, Tricia (Davidson) ’99 married Daniel Gilligan on June 2, 2012. The couple resides in Hutchinson, Kan., where Tricia is a physician assistant with the Hutchinson Clinic.
Connie Claussen ’02 teaches 7th and 8th grade at Central Kansas Christian Academy in Great Bend where she also coaches and has recently been given the title of athletic director. Jenny (Fairchild) ’02 and Luke Dyson of Sterling, Kan., announce the birth of Aaron Rodney on June 18, 2012. Jenny is the new assistant professor of psychology at Sterling College. Tony Frasco ’01, of Spearville, Kan., published a book in 2012 titled Reflection of the Son. It can be found at www. spiritleadership.org. He is currently teaching at Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Dodge City. 4 Jodi Lightner ’01 is an assistant professor of art at Montana State University Billings. She returned to the Sterling campus in February 2013 to lead workshops with the art students as well as open an exhibit of her work at the SC Art and Media Center. Sarah (Jones) ’02 and Kristopher Jolley of Wichita, Kan., announce the birth of Greta Ruth Jolley on July 22. Greta was welcomed home by her older brother, Everett, 2. Mark Reed ’02, M.D. was promoted on Sept. 1, 2012, to lieutenant commander. Mark is now separated from the Navy and working at the Hutchinson Clinic in Hutchinson, Kan., where he lives with his wife, Abby (Lang) ’03, and boys,
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Alumni Notes
Nathan and Tyler. Andy fs02 and Jessica Williamson of Wichita, Kan., announce the birth of Landry Alexander on July 26, 2012.
5 Luke ’03 and Erin (Clark) ’07 Cureton announce the birth of their first child, Micah Stevens, on Dec. 13, 2012.
by big brothers, Taggart, 7, and Toby, 6, in Avondale, Ariz., where Joel is the youth pastor at Thomas Road Baptist Church. He was warmly welcomed by his Nana, Louise Warner ’92.
Amy (Prince) ’03 and Robert ’05 Fletcher announce the birth Charity (Schroeder) ’02 and of Zoey June on May 15, 2012. Lauren (Jarred) Sanders fs03 Aaron Yeung announce the She was welcomed home by big was named NCCAA Division birth of Patrick Francis on Aug. brother, Ethan, 5. II Women’s Volleyball National 3, 2013. Coach of the Year. She won her Sasha Hildebrand ’03 has 200th match during the 2012 Brandon ’03 and Amber Blake moved to Iowa City, Iowa, to Regional Tournament. announce the birth of Emma attend the University of Iowa Grace on Feb. 22, 2013. and work on an M.F.A. in Kendra Unruh ’03 received Theatre. her Ph.D. in American Studies Michael ’03 and Onjinee and a graduate certificate in Borders were married June 16, Donnie Jackson ’03 is the new women’s studies from Purdue 2012. Michael is in his 10th year Northern Oklahoma College University on Aug. 4, 2012. of teaching in Kansas City and men’s basketball coach at the She has now moved to Dallas, now has three step-children Tonkawa, Okla., junior college. Texas, to teach in the English with Onjinee: Cherokee, 10, department at Richland Dakota, 8, and Ethan, 7. Catherine Leake ’03 is teaching College. K-3 special education at Ian ’04 and Alison (Bauman) Whitney (Mussyal) ’03 and Nickerson Elementary (Kan.). ’05 Anderson announce Nathan fs05 Buchholz, the birth of Ransom Ian on of Oklahoma City, Okla., Michelle (Kuhn) ’03 married Oct. 30, 2012. Ransom joins announce the birth of Nathaniel Travis Leonard on Saturday, brothers, Porter and Meyer. The “Nate” James Jr. on August March 9, 2013. Andersons reside in Sterling 15, 2012. Nate was welcomed where Ian teaches English at home by big sisters, Megan and Amanda (Hoover) ’03 and Laynie. Jeremy fs04 Long announce the Sterling High School. birth of Hannah Grace on Aug. Danny fs04 and Katie (Speer) Beth (Koops) ’03 and Marty 11, 2013. fs04 Back announce the birth Christians announce the birth of Camden John on April 4, of Karis Lynn on March 13, Sarah (Warner) ’03 and Joel 2013. 2013. Karis was welcomed ’05 Reiss announce the birth home by big brother Liam. The of Tyler Benjamin on May 15, Jonathan fs04 and Kelly Clubb family resides in Downs, Kan. 2012. He was welcomed home
were married Aug. 12, 2012. Stacy (Zerr) Finney ’04, of Beloit, Kan., is now a certified doula through Doulas of North America. Jennifer (Schechter) ’04 and John Lawson were married June 10, 2013. Marisa Giorgetti ’05 and Andrew Callan announce the birth of Leila Noel on Oct. 25, 2012. Amanda Jaworsky ’05 is teaching sixth grade social studies at Hesston Middle School (Kan.) and coaching basketball. Jess Langvardt ’06 is an assistant strength coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonvill, Fla. Chris ’06 and Kylie Schneider of Overland Park, Kan., announce the birth of Adelade Jo Schneider on Nov. 29, 2012. Shyree (Levin) ’06 and Blake Wiswell announce the birth of Macsen Luke on Oct. 25, 2012. Josh ’07 and Missy Mesker of Little Rock, Ark., announce the birth of Samuel Grayson on
The Sterling College eNewsletter is emailed on the first Monday of each month. The newsletter supplements the semi-annual Sterling Magazine with feature articles, campus updates, upcoming events and other general information. If you would like to receive the eNewsletter, please send your current email address to alumni@sterling.edu so you can receive next month's edition.
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Aug. 23, 2012. Josh ’07 and Melissa (Yarrow) ’09 Wisner moved to Philadelphia, Penn., where Melissa is pursuing a degree in International Development from Eastern University, and Josh is working as a dorm parent for international high school students through International Education Opportunities. Benjamin ’08 and Stephanie Sparks announce the birth of Audrey Almon Sparks on June 19, 2013. Alex Underwood ’08 of Russell, Kan., won 2013 Jester Awards for Choreography/Staging and Production Number for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Russell High School where he teaches theatre. The Jester Awards celebrate distinction in high school musical theatre. Terrance Volden ’08 is in his second year as the technical director for the Taylor University theatre department in Upland, Ind.
elementary music teacher at Bentley Primary School. Nick ’10 and Lacey (Carlson) ’12 Martinez were married on July 6, 2012. Lacey is the new assistant athletic trainer at Pratt Community College in Kansas. Cecil ’10 and Adedrea (Chaney) ’12 Smart of Sterling, Kan., announce the birth of their first child, Cecil Josiah, on Feb. 24, 2013. Andrew Wolfenberger ’10 is the new head athletic trainer at Pratt Community College in Kansas. Jared ’11 and Madison Brown were married Sept. 28, 2012. Jared is the son of Jim Brown ’78. Chelsea (Rebman) Gillen ’11 published her first book, Orion, in May 2012. This science fiction novel is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Tate Publishing.
algebra and geometry and coaching freshman volleyball at Chaparral High School in Anthony, Kan. Ryan Corwin ’12 has joined The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hutchinson as a marketing and development coordinator. 6 Cory Dunbar ’12 is playing defensive back for the Salina Bombers Professional Football Team in Salina, Kan. Photo (Back Row): Paul Kempf ’10, Mike Talton ’12, and current students Jesse Kendig and Elias Siavoshani. Ryan ’12 and Karina (Noah) ’12 Green were married on July 15, 2012. Ryan is a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. Kacie (Rogers) Hastings ’12 has been hired to recruit students for the theatre, music, art, English and communications departments for Sterling College admissions.
Austin Kingsbury ’11 is teaching physical education and Chandler Keenan ’12 is coaching at Larned High School currently on The World in Kansas. Race—a unique mission Marcus Pitts ’09 announces the opportunity in which birth of his son, Blaine, on April Lauren (Cox) ’11 and Cuyler participants travel and serve in 3, 2013 ’12 Prichard announce the 11 countries in 11 months. birth of their twins, Elise 2010s Hannah and Judah Walkerton, Sarah (Tucker) ’12 and Josh on April 18, 2013. Linn were married on Oct. Matt ’10 and Tillie (Wilbeck) 27, 2012. Sarah is the GEAR ’13 Ehresman were married in Jon ’11 and Dani (Burk) ’13 UP college liaison at Northern Wichita, Kan., on Aug. 4, 2012. Van Veldhuizen were married Oklahoma College. They live in Wichita where Matt Dec. 29, 2012. is the media director at First Whitney Love ’12 is a graduate April Burns ’12 is teaching MB Church and Tillie is the assistant athletic trainer at
Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Okla. Jordan Stineman ’12 has been hired at SC to recruit students for the business and theology and ministry departments as well as build church relationships. His wife, Caitie (Magee) ’12, is working at JACAM. The couple was married in Sterling, Kan., on July 28, 2012. Miranda Bradshaw ’13 is teaching physical education and health at Wellington High School in Wellington, Kan. Samuel ’13 and Kalynn Cheyney were married June 22, 2013. 7 Emma (Brown) ’13 and David ’14 Dunsmoor married June 8, 2013 surrounded by many of their SC friends. They now reside in Augusta, Kan. Josh Mathews ’13 is teaching English in China. Scott ’13 and Becky (Barnes) ’13 McKinney were married June 15, 2013. They live in Sterling where Scott is the new resident director for Campbell Hall. Madison Riley ’13 is teaching junior high and high school at Central Christian School in Hutchinson, Kan., and is also coaching volleyball and track. Jarred and Bobbi Westmoreland announce the birth of their first child, Davinee, on June 18, 2013.
WHERE'S THE WARRIOR? Amber Kaspar '09 and Emily Walker '14 were representing Sterling College on the Great Wall of China this past summer. If you would like to be featured in "Where's the Warrior?" send us a picture of yourself wearing a Sterling College article of clothing in front of a well known landmark. Be sure to include the location and name of all individuals in the picture. Mail pictures to Sterling College Alumni Relations Office, 125 W. Cooper, Sterling, KS 67579 or email (preferred) to alumni@sterling.edu.
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Alumni Notes
In Memoriam Our thoughts and prayers go out to families when we receive word of the passing of our alumni. For the past several years, a special memorial presentation has been produced and is shown at the alumni banquet during Homecoming and again to our students during the Heritage Convocation. This presentation lists and shows pictures of SC alumni who have passed away during the previous year. Please keep the Office of Alumni Relations informed and feel free to send a photo of your loved one to be included in the presentation.
Employee Gordon and Rae Zahradnik passed away in a car accident on October 8, 2013. Gordon taught in the art department from 1966-1990 while Rae joined him from 1967-1981.
1930s George A Gordon ’32 of Vista, Calif., passed away at the age of 101 on Dec. 4, 2012. Geneva (Schafer) Engelland fs35 of Lyons, Kan., passed away Aug. 10, 2013. Ruth (Railsback) Archie fs36 passed away April 1, 2013. Lelia (Koontz) Fox fs36 passed away Jan. 15, 2013. Gertrude (Vincent) Herriman fs36 of Hutchinson, Kan., passed away Dec. 31, 2012 at the age of 103. Rev. Dr. E. Clark Copeland ’38 passed away Sept. 25, 2012. His survivors include brother, Wilbur fs44, and nephew, Stan Copeland ’69. W. Harold Ward ’39 passed away June 21, 2013.
1940s Betty McGrew ’41, of McPherson, Kan., passed away June 8, 2012. Juanita (McCullough) Farrer ’42 of Johnstown, Pa., passed away Feb. 12, 2013.
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M. Eloise (Gibson) Philips ’41 passed away June 13, 2013. Her survivors include daughters, Barb Caywood ’70 and Margaret Cheasebro ’67, and son Jim Philips ’75.
away May 27, 2012 in Eugene, Ore. His wife, Doris (Howell) fs46, survives him.
June 8, 2013.
Her husband, Robert R. ’47, survives her.
Robert W. “Bob” Foster fs50 of Sterling, Kan., passed away on Oct. 17, 2012. His survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Brian ’75 and Donna (Brownlee) ’76.
of Laramie, Wyo., passed away Oct. 10, 2012.
Meredith Myers ’50 passed away May 23, 2012. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Juliene (Groseclose) Hoener Charlene ’50. His survivors fs47 of Flagstaff, Ariz., passed include wife, Eileen Matthews, away Aug. 2, 2013. daughters, Susan Farag ’73, Hazelbelle (Work) Johnson ’42 Nancy Myers ’76, Vicki Justpassed away Aug. 12, 2013. Elsie (Hittle) Newell ’47 of Greeley, Colo., passed away Feb. man ’79, and Jennifer Burdick ’84, and sons-in-law, Dr. Ray Ed Brumfield fs43, of Meade, 25, 2013. Farag ’71 and Lance Burdick Kan., passed away May 5, 2012. ’85. Mary (Edgar) McKinley ’48 Bernice (Hughes) Curry ’43 of Clarinda, Iowa, passed away Dr. M. Lee Steinmetz ’50 of passed away July 8, 2013. May 11, 2012. Her survivors Charleston, Ill., passed away include her brother, Howard Jan. 10, 2013. Lois (Adams) Graham fs43 of ’48, sister, Carol (Edgar) HindRuben Grose fs51 passed away Glendale, Ariz., passed away man ’50, and daughter, Helen Oct. 30, 2012. Her survivors in- (McKinley) Quarnstrom fs82. Aug. 7, 2013. clude her sisters, Ruth (Adams) Marilyn (Rolfs) Nickel ’52 of Spear ’50 and Marion (Adams) Robert Clark ’48 passed away Wichita, Kan., passed away July McMillan ’45, and brother, Dr. June 2, 2012. Among his sur16, 2013. Bruce Adams ’48. vivors is his sister, Mary Lou McCreight ’47. Francis Spear fs54 of Wichita, Ralph Morris fs43 of ColoKan., passed away Nov. 18, rado Springs, Colo., passed B.W. “Bob” Stinson ’49 passed 2012. He is survived by his wife away Nov. 24, 2012. Ralph’s away Feb. 26, 2013. of 59 years, Joan (Wilson) ’53. wife, Dorothy (Schechter) ’48, Helen (Ingalls) Mueldener ’57 1950s passed away Jan. 25, 2013. of Lyons, Kan., passed away Dec. 7, 2012, at the age of 103. Irene (Dimmick) Bireline ’50 Olive (Oden) Sherman fs44 passed away June 20, 2013. passed away Nov. 8, 2012. Velma (Smith) Mettling ’57 of Among her survivors is her Great Bend, Kan., passed away daughter, Ruth ’83. Katherine (Jones) Webb fs44 Jan. 15, 2013. passed away March 6, 2013. Junior H. Blackwood fs50 Robert A. Nichol ’57 passed passed away Oct. 1, 2012. away Feb. 1, 2012. Among his Eloise (Crawford) Rinne ’45 survivors are his brother, Paul Among his survivors are son, passed away Aug. 12, 2013. ’58, and sisters, Evelyn Herold Robert fs74 and daughters, ’62 and Grace Nichol ’64. Mary Ann Weimer fs71 and Addie (Wise) Brownlee fs46 Susan Simpson ’73. passed away Aug. 11, 2013. Careta (Cully) Kluherz fs58
Georgia (Milligan) Brooks Hunter ’46 passed away March 11, 2012. Wilbur Patterson ’46 passed
Lillian Ricker ’59 passed away Feb. 10, 2013.
Genevieve Singleton ’59 of James Gullyes fs50 passed away Hutchinson, Kan., passed away
May 26, 2013.
1960s Ina (Sauers) Hurley ’60 passed away April 11, 2013. Katie Miller ’60, of Lyons, Kan., passed away June 4, 2012. Sadie (Powelson) Adams ’61 of Stafford, Kan., passed away Dec. 29, 2012, at the age of 106. Rev. Ronald Bumstead ’61 passed away June 6, 2013. 8 Dr. Alfred L. Spotts, Sr. Honorary Degree ’61 passed away April 16, 2013. His survivors include daughter, Ann Haspels ’67, and sons, Al Jr. ’67 and Andy ’68. Ada (Hammer) Koop ’62 passed away Feb. 6, 2012. Marcellene (Hart) McDonold ’62 passed away Aug. 14, 2013.
away Feb. 19, 2012. Bill Ball ’67, of Sterling, Kan., passed away Feb. 13, 2013. His survivors include son, Monte ’87, sister, Charlene Wilson fs62 and niece, Marcia (Wilson) Diasio ’85.
Christi (Gosselin) Beistline ’80 of Kearney, Neb., passed away June 14, 2013.
Peggy (McCauley) Gates ’67 of Anthony, Kan., passed away July 5, 2012. Among her survivors are husband, John Gates fs67, brothers, Larry fs72, Tom fs82, Tim ’76, and sisters, Beth Mosier ’79 and Jean Work ’70.
Ricky Steele fs84 of Montrose, Colo., passed away July 1, 2010.
Agnes (Nunemaker) Locke ’67 passed away May 27, 2013, at the age of 97.
Joy Ballard ’91 passed away June 1, 2013.
Steve Kinney ’68 passed away May 19, 2013. Goldie Childs ’69 of Plevna, Kan., passed away Jan. 11, 2013, at the age of 94.
1970s
Kenneth Baker fs63 passed away Sept. 18, 2013.
Linda (Leikam) Hunt ’70 of Hutchinson, Kan., passed away June 15, 2012.
Mary Gillis ’63 of Hutchinson, Kan., passed away July 5, 2012.
Alfred Russell Heasty, Jr. fs71 passed away Sept. 17, 2013.
Arthur “Dudley” Boeken ’64 of Ardmore, Okla., passed away Aug. 7, 2013.
Virgil Sillin ’71 of Sterling, Kan., passed away Oct. 19, 2012.
Justina (Epp) Martin ’65 of Leavenworth, Kan., passed away May 24, 2013.
Ruth Blomquist fs73 passed away May 20, 2013.
Jennie “Jo” (White) Newby ’66 of Sterling, Kan., passed away Feb. 28, 2013. Among her survivors are son, Ben fs75, and daughter, Jan Stadalman ’71. Larry Schmucker ’66 of Abbyville, Kan., passed
1980s
H. Kathleen (Onwiler) Sperling fs81 passed away Nov. 25, 2011.
Larry O. Grayson fs89 of Oviedo, Fla., passed away Nov. 28, 2012.
1990s
Joyce (Hays) Hood ’91 of St. John, Kan., passed away at the age of 78 on May 17, 2012. Her survivors include Cyndy Stout fs95. Julie (Zeek) Vanek ’92 of Caldwell, Kan., passed away at the age of 53 on Nov. 27, 2012. Richard “Matt” Jonker fs93 of Colwich, Kan., passed away March 10, 2012. Sheila (Porting) Schultz ’96 passed away May 17, 2013. Marilyn (Williams) Freese ’99 passed away July 10, 2013.
2000s
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Sam Zona fs73 passed away Kristy (Kalivoda) Roszel Jan. 6, 2011. ’02 died in a car accident Oct. 15, 2012. She is surGalen Crabbs ’75 of Stervived by her husband, John ling, Kan., passed away May Roszel fs05. 4, 2013. Travis Simpson fs05 passed Voncille Dirks ’77 of Hillaway Oct. 15, 2012. sboro, Kan., passed away Sept. 3, 2012.
Winter 2014 Sterling
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GIVE MORE than you ever thought possible A planned gift may enable you to make a more significant gift than you thought possible while allowing you to achieve your financial, philanthropic and estate planning goals. Create a legacy that distinctively expresses your life through a gift to Sterling College. Benefits of planned gifts may include:
■ Immediate income/gift tax deductions ■ Build your income for retirement ■ Avoid capital gains on the sale of your home and investments
■ Estate tax deductions To learn more about planning giving options that can help you, contact Sheila Bird, director of planned giving.