Building in HARMONY Lisa Bloecher ’98
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Performing Arts Center
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New Look
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Mission Minded
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Vision Trek
Summer 2011 Vol.13, No.2 p
Homecoming
God has blessed York College in many ways over the years. Some of those blessings are reflected in this Heritage magazine, others will be announced soon. This year we will be thanking God for the 125 years of existence of York College. Almost half of those years have been with the oversight of a board composed of members of the Churches of Christ, a longer period than any previous group. A heritage of 125 years is a cause for celebration and honor. We are excited that faculty members have documented that heritage in a book that will soon be released (see pg 11).
The mission of York College is to transform lives through Christ-centered education and to equip students for lifelong service to God, family and society.
In celebration of our rich heritage and exciting future, we are announcing a new logo concept in anticipation of our 125th year anniversary. pg 15
As we celebrate our past, York College is looking forward. We are grateful to God for the financial strength York College now enjoys and ask His blessings on our future so we can continue to transform the lives of young women and men. As we move into new technology classrooms this fall (designed by YC students), install artifacts in the Clayton Museum of Ancient History, enjoy a newly remodeled campus ministry center and begin construction on the new performing arts center, there is a sense of excitement for our future. And there is more to come. You will notice in this magazine a new look. After months of development with a professional firm, we are presenting a new logo and motto that is explained later in this magazine. This year we have had consultants on this campus for a fundraising campaign, for accreditation and for marketing. All have agreed that York is a special place because of the engagement and interaction of all areas of the campus. All were impressed with the spirituality and interaction of our students. The new logo, motto and related design changes are being implemented to better capture the “York Experience� and give us new ways to communicate it. You will see corresponding changes on our website and in all of our print materials in the months to come. With all of these changes, let me assure you that one thing has not changed. We remain Christ-centered, dedicated to transformation through the Spirit. With a strong, spiritual foundation, we are enabled to boldly move forward. It is an exciting time to be at York College. This year we will celebrate a rich heritage, while eagerly looking toward a bright future.
On The Cover: Choir members Brady Sikes, Soren Toby, Matthew Miller, and Karlie Mountjoy display their excitement for the Performing Arts Center as well as their commitment to be an integral part of the fundraising. pg 6
We give glory to God for all of these blessings!
Steve Eckman President (above) Emily Lutz is all smiles as she is hooded by her mom during spring commencement.
Profile Excellence in
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isa (Russell) Bloecher lost a sister in July of 2000. When that happened, “My interest in this world died,” she said. Eventually she found her interest in living return through ministry to others who were hurting. She started visiting hospitals to sing hymns and pray with patients. In helping them to heal, she too, began to heal. “It became a source of great joy for me. I found joy in loving those that were suffering,” she says. That joy in serving led her to short-term mission trips. She visited Japan and Ghana repeatedly. Her husband, Chip ’96, had visited Honduras more than 20 times to build homes and she decided to go along with him the next time he went. That trip in 2012 has changed the trajectory of her life. While they were conducting a VBS in Catacamas, Honduras, three ragged, barefoot children came to the church to beg for food. Lisa fed them, talked to them, taught them a VBS lesson, then walked them home. She learned that these three were the youngest of the ten children of a woman named Marleny. They lived in a shack with no running water and a dirt floor. To feed her children, Marleny was forced to sell her body. With no skills and no opportunities, she was trapped in a cycle of poverty with no way to escape.
“I found joy in loving those that were suffering.” ...continued next page (left) Lisa with some of the mamás and children of Honduras.
York natives and second-generation YC students Andrew Rush and Macy Mountjoy were named Mr. and Ms. YC for 2014. (close up below)
In this issue: 3 Lisa Bloecher - Profile in Excellence 6 Performing Arts Center 8 Spotlight 10 Campus News 13 Clock Tower Society 14 125th Anniversary 16 A Break from the Routine 18 Vision Trek 20 Alumni News and Notes 23 Milestones 24 Panther Athletics 27 Campus View 28 Memorials 30 Homecoming 31 Around the Corner
Heritage is a semi-annual publication for alumni and friends of York College. The magazine is available online at www.york.edu/alumni. Heritage Editor Vol. 17, No. 2 Chrystal Houston ’03 Director of Alumni and Communication 402-363-5607 chrystal.houston@york.edu Assistant Editor/Design Steddon Sikes ’84 Director of Publications Heritage Contributors Amber Clark ’14 Tyler Cox ’15 Hannah Gund ’16 Shannon Leinen ’07
Tim McNeese ’73 Ana Moyers ’14 Mallory Sansom ’14
In Excellence
Lisa purchased food for the family and committed to wiring them as small amount of money each month for their necessities. “I went home and I couldn’t stop thinking about that family,” she says.
“I couldn’t get this thought out of my head, that surely there are other women who would want to help a mom like this.” She prayed about it. Then, she posted about it on Facebook. She immediately
keep up with it all. She spent much time in prayer, burdened by the desire to do more for these women. She asked the Lord for 12 women to come alongside her in the ministry. She felt moved to pick up a pencil. She wrote down the first 12 names that came to mind. One of those names was Calley. I don’t know anyone named Calley, she thought. Once again she turned to Facebook. She did a quick search and found she did know a Calley—she had a Facebook friend by that name, but she had no idea how they were connected. She emailed Calley (Burleson) Welch ’00 with a strange message: “I know we don’t really know each other, but God told me you need to come to Honduras with me to serve single moms.” Calley’s first thought upon receiving the message was, “That’s crazy.” Her second thought was “Alright. Yeah. Let’s do it.”
Surely there are other women who would want to help a mom like this. had 25 women respond: Yes, we want to help. From that point, the ministry started to grow. For the first year, she and other women in the U.S. provided food for a small group of single moms and their children in Catacamas. A friend donated funds for the purchase of eight sewing machines and they hired a sewing teacher to teach them practical skills. They also introduced them to Jesus, taught them scripture, and taught them how to pray. “God would do that! Build a ministry starting with a prostitute,” Lisa laughs.
*** After her second trip to Honduras, Lisa’s ministry efforts were gaining momentum and she was struggling to
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Calley had experienced the challenges of single-parenthood first hand. Now married with three children, she saw this invitation to Honduras as an urging from the Lord to fulfill a dream of doing foreign missions she had carried since her days at York College. Her decision was cemented when she saw a picture of a physically disabled boy named Juan in Catacamas who was in need of a wheelchair. Calley’s youngest daughter, Evie, has physical and mental delays and spends much of her time in a wheelchair. “I needed to go and hug that boy and tell his mom that she’s a superhero for keeping him alive,” said Calley. Calley did get to hug Juan. On her second trip to Honduras, she was able to provide him and several others in Catacamas with much needed wheelchairs.
*** Today, Lisa and Calley coordinate this ministry together. Lisa is the visionary. Calley handles logistics. Their non-profit Mamás en Catacamas works with 70 families where there is either no father in the home or the father is unable to work. They provide food and medical items as well as basic education and skills training. A woman in the U.S sponsors
each of the “mamás.” Sponsors and sponsees pray for one another. Many correspond. The relationship flows both directions. As the mamás learn to sew, Lisa brings some of the skirts and aprons they produce back to the U.S. to sell to support the work. They also have a store in Catacamas where they sell their items. The skirts sometimes have uneven hems, mismatched colors, and unfinished edges—they are made by students, after all. No matter, says Lisa. That makes
(left) Calley (Burleson) Welch ’00 shares a tender moment with Alfredo after providing him with a desperately needed wheelchair. Abandoned in a ditch as an infant, Alfredo was rescued by an elderly woman who found him and took him home. His 20-year-old body is malnourished and twisted, but his smile is contagious. “He has changed me,” Calley said, “I think of his smile so often and it renews my spirit to want to continue to supply medical equipment to the poor of Honduras.”
God would do that! Build a ministry starting with a prostitute. them more beautiful. They are imperfect, she says. Just like all of us. Some of the women have now graduated from the program and are giving back, investing skills and hope into other women in the area. That’s the most exciting part for Lisa. These women are now changing the culture in Catacamas. A small pocket of Christian community is developing. “These women pray together and pray for each other. They love each other,” says Lisa. “It’s been amazing to watch these relationships grow.” Lisa lost a sister in July of 2000. “Now I have 70 sisters,” she says. “I love them. They truly are my sisters.” Chip and Lisa and their daughter Hope recently made the decision to relocate to Honduras to continue this work full-time. “It’s amazing how God has orchestrated this whole thing. We are continuing to ride on the hem of his garment,” says Lisa. To learn more about this ministry visit their website at www.mamasencatacamas.com
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YC Legends As chair of the music department, Dr. Clark Roush has been directing the York College Concert Choir for 28 years. Since his arrival on campus in 1986, he has utilized Gurganus Hall for afternoon choir rehearsals, sharing the space with the theatre department. His partner in the performing arts, John I. Baker III, is in his seventeenth year at YC and chairs the department of communication and speech. Plays, musicals, Traveling Children’s Theatre, speech and communication classes have all been part of his tenure, with Gurganus playing host. Gurganus Hall has been a work horse since it was acquired by the college. For more than 40 years, the old church building has served in whatever capacity was required. A rough guesstimate is that it has housed a minimum of 6,000 choir rehearsals, 320 theatrical performances (that means 1,600+ play practices), plus rehearsal and performances by East Hill Minstrels, Friends, Gospel Messengers, Psallo, Celebration Singers and other groups. When you add all the classes taught there and several years of daily chapel, it’s obvious: Gurganus has served us well. As directors of their respective departments, Roush and Baker have always wondered how much more they could do to prepare their students and how much better their programs could be if they didn’t have to spend the time juggling between choir rehearsal to class to play performance in the same room. After several decades of YC performing arts being held in Gurganus, they are eager to find out.
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Announcing a new 12,000 square-foot home for YC’s music and theater programs. Facility Features • • • •
Multi-form (black box) theater (seating up to 350) Choral rehearsal hall Green room, dressing rooms Small practice rooms
Gurganus Hall Repurposed • Set construction shop • Theater and Music department storage
Timeline
Planning and fundraising: 2013-2015 Groundbreaking target: Homecoming 2014 Project completion target: December 2015 Occupancy: Spring 2016
Price Tag
Fund raising goal total: $3.5 million Gifts and pledges so far: $2.54 million
Participation
Many naming opportunities are available with room sponsorships of $5,000 and up. Alumni and friends of the performing arts will also be invited to participate in underwriting theater seating, finishing the choir rehearsal hall and providing equipment. To get more information on naming opportunities, contact the Office of Advancement at 402-363-5664 or develop@york.edu. See pages 8 and 28 for matched giving opportunities.
York College Performing Arts Center
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Spotlight
More than Music Richard and Rachel are at a place in life where they can do something special and challenge everyone else who stood on the risers to help YC.
I
photo by Chad Greene
t’s rehearsal time for the York College Concert Choir. Students head into Gurganus, dropping their backpacks on the desks and stage in the multipurpose room. Hugs and high fives are shared as the singers gather on the risers, shuffling through their sheet music. Then conversations stop, there’s a moment of stillness, a pitch is given, and voices are united as rehearsal begins with the fall of Dr. Roush’s baton. More than just music is made on those risers, says Rachel (Nowlin ’99) James. Hearts are touched, friendships begun, memories are forged, and above all, God is glorified. The choir has an impact on thousands of audience members each year, as they bring the good news in song to churches throughout the U.S.
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Richard and Rachel reside in Wichita, Kan., with their two children Abigail and Jackson.
But perhaps the deeper impact is on the choir members themselves. Many former members agree that their time on the risers was one of the most formative experiences of their lives. That was certainly the case for James. “Choir was the heart of my York College days,” she says. The music and the friends she made have had a lasting impact on her. That’s why she and her husband Richard ’97 have pledged a matching gift for the choral rehearsal hall in the soon-to-be constructed performing arts center. “Richard and I are at a place in life where we can do something special and challenge everyone else who stood on the risers to help YC build a new performing arts center,” says Rachel, who encourages other former choir members to join in and give. The James’s gift will match other gifts for the performing arts center dollar for dollar up to $100,000. This effort is not much different from choir itself, says Rachel. “Every person, every part, blends whatever we can give with everyone else’s gift to create something wonderful.” Rachel says her gift is intended to honor the legacy of Dr. Roush, who has built the Concert Choir
program over the past 29 years at York College. His musicianship and mentoring has had an impact on the lives of hundreds of choir members and thousands of audience members in his nearly three decades of service. “Though music had been a part of my life before college, Dr. Roush encouraged me to consider how our repertoire could be more than just musically appealing. The art was also praise and worship,” says Rachel. The gift will also honor the lives of Richard’s grandparents, Wayne and Eunice Moody. Longtime supporters of York College and of the fine arts, the Moodys encouraged many students to attend YC, including their grandson. Mr. Moody also served on the YC Board of Trustees and was committed to maintaining a Christian College in the North Central states. The choral rehearsal hall in the new performing arts center will bear the Moody name.
For more information on naming opportunities or a specific project, contact the YC Advancement Office at 402-363-5664 or develop@york.edu.
From Discount Stores to Duck Calls
Duck Dynasty family members visit YC
“Work hard, pray hard, and expect the unexpected.” That was the advice York College students received from Chrys Howard, who visited campus with her husband John during the spring semester. They presented to students about Christian living, good business practices, and life with one of the most colorful families on television. The Howards’ daughter, Korie Robertson, is a regular on the A&E show Duck Dynasty, along with her husband Willie, their children and dozens of their friends and relations. Chrys and John have appeared several times on the program and Chrys serves as the tutor for the children on the show, making sure that on days when filming occurs, all of the child actors get their requisite hours of schoolwork completed. John Howard helps manage the Robertsons’ family business, Duck Commander, which makes handcrafted duck calls and
(above) Chrys Howard talks with the YC students about God’s dream for them. (right) Sample of Faith Commander materials Chrys has co-authored.
John and Chrys Howard family
other hunting related merchandise. The Howards have been associated with the Robertsons for longer than the 20 years their children have been married, however, as the two families have been attending the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ together for more than 30 years. Chrys says people are always asking her if Uncle Si is really as kooky in real life as he is on the show. He’s much worse in real life, she assures, laughing. TV audiences get the edited version of Si. The success of Duck Dynasty was one of those unexpected life events Chrys says you have to be prepared for. None of the Robertsons planned to have one of the most popular cable shows of all time. They never expected to be on magazine covers or have camera crews following their every move. “They are not living their dream…They are living God’s dream for them,” says Chrys. John Howard shared lessons from his experience as a lifelong entrepreneur during a Q&A session with students. John’s father and uncle owned Howard Brother’s Discount Stores, so John grew up in a business-minded household. John says his family has owned close to 20 businesses, from jewelry to electronics to book publishing. Some of those businesses were very profitable, some weren’t, but John told students that no matter what, if they operate their business on Christian principles, they will be successful. Both John and Chrys instructed students to follow their dreams and work hard to prepare for their futures, but to be flexible, as God’s plans for them may look very different from their own. Whatever your plans include, be grounded deeply in the Word, says John. Follow Christ’s example and find good mentors that will help you to do that in a business setting. “In business, in life, in your family, in your Christian walk, realize that nobody is perfect,” says Chrys. “The only perfect thing is the Word of God, and that’s what we need to turn to.”
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Campus News 2014 Presidential and Dean’s Scholars Kaylee Beckstrom, of Wichita, Kan., is the 2014 Presidential Scholar. This scholarship is awarded to one incoming freshman each year and recognizes academic achievement as well as high moral character. Beckstrom has an impressive resume of activities to add to her sterling GPA. She has participated and held leadership positions in science bowl, Bible bowls, drama, youth camps, and science and engineering camps. Beckstrom has also been very active as a volunteer in her community, giving free piano lessons to underprivileged children, collecting teddy bears for chemo patients, and working in food banks and soup kitchens, among other things. Beckstrom plans to major in biology at York College. The Dean’s Scholarship is presented to no more than two incoming freshmen each year, based on the same criteria as the Presidential Scholarship. Grady Johnson of Great Falls, Mont., and Aubrey Tate of Holland, Mich., are the 2014 Dean’s Scholars. Johnson plans to major in psychology and pursue a career as a marriage and family therapist. Tate plans to major in mathematics and secondary education at York College. “It excites me to think of the leadership that these young adults will be bringing to our campus over the next four years,” says YC President Steve Eckman. “Their activities prior to college indicate that they are not only gifted academically, but are spiritual leaders as well.”
“You have to make time [to write]. Talent is dependent on regular work.” Nebraska State Poet Twyla Hansen presented a reading of her works as well as a writer’s workshop on campus in March.
Speech Team Competes at Nationals In only the second year since its re-organization, the York College speech team competed this spring in the National Forensics Association tournament, hosted by Eastern Michigan University. Joe Davis, Nolan Henningson, Shelby Jordan, and Caroline Seilstad represented York College on the national stage, all four presenting duo pieces. Davis and Jordan each competed in the prose event as well, and Henningson qualified in his dramatic interpretation. As a team, York College tied for 15th out of 39 schools in its category. “There’s obviously a learning curve for our whole team since this was our first time at nationals,” said coach Shannon Leinen, assistant professor of communication. “They’ve worked hard and I know they will continue to do great things.”
(l-r) Dean’s Scholars: Grady Johnson and Aubrey Tate; Presidential Scholar: Kaylee Beckstrom
2013-14 Speech Team members: (l-r) Tabitha Hameister, Brinna Horvath, Troy Rowen, Caroline Seilstad, Nolan Henningson, Shelby Jordan, Joe Davis, and Megan Eberle.
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A Helping Hand In spring and summer of 2014, fierce storms have wreaked havoc across much of the midwest. York College students, faculty and staff, partnering with East Hill Church of Christ and other charitable organizations have donated labor and (l-r) In June, Amanda Myers, supplies in the tornadoChanel Wiggan, Aaron Beadle, damaged communities of and Leslie Galindo made the trip to Pilger, Neb., to volunteer Beaver Crossing, Cordova, with the cleanup. and Pilger, Nebraska. The relief effort is ongoing, as clean up and rebuilding of the devastated areas will be the work of many months.
“If you’re able to look at adversity as an opportunity, it will make all the difference. Quitting or blaming never gets you anywhere.” Legendary Nebraska football coach Dr. Tom Osborne spoke at the graduation ceremony for Leadership York, held in the Campbell Student Activity Center on June 4.
York College: A History College-wide train rides to the countryside ending in picnics and barrel boxing, May Day festivals with crowned royals, and a football team with a shocking lack of padding—these are all snapshots of York College from the past, as chronicled by three YC faculty members in a forthcoming book about the history of the college. The book will be released just before Homecoming this fall as part of the celebration of York College’s 125th year. You can purchase a copy on campus signed by the authors—Tim McNeese, Bev McNeese, and Christi Lones. If you can’t make it to campus, the books will be available for sale on Amazon, as well. Some of the pictures included in the book are simply hilarious. Others are heartwarming and nostalgic…and may feature people you know. Plan to pick up your copy in October! SUMMER 2014 |
Heritage SUMMER | 11 2014 | Heritage | 11
Coming Soon
Clayton Museum of Ancient History
T
hanks to a generous gift, York College will soon be home to the Clayton Museum of Ancient History.
The museum will be housed in the lower level of the Mackey Center. The space has been fullyr enovated a nd the installation of the museum displays has begun.An official opening date for the museum has not been announced, but will likely take place sometime during the 2014-15 school year to coincide with the college’s 125th anniversary celebration. The museum is made possible by the contributions of private collector C. Foster Stanback, founder and chairman of the California-based Apologetics Research Society. Stanback served for several years as a missionary to Mexico and has lectured on Christian evidences throughout the United States and Latin America. He is the author of Stanback five books, ranging in topic from a historical analysis of the resurrection to financial wisdom. Stanback has spent years collecting ancient artifacts. The collection currently has 230 pieces that span from the Neolithic Period (6500-3500 B.C.) to the 17th century A.D. A large portion of the collection is comprised of artifacts focusing on the ancient Roman soldier including military diplomas, decorative medals, rings, clothing, seals, armor and weapons including a spatha, pugio (dagger), gladius, helmet and cheek pieces, multiple greaves, knives, and spear blades. Other items in the collection include a seven-piece Egyptian tool set, flint axe
The lower level of the Mackey Center has undergone a major transformation since the announcement of the museum.
heads, coinage, arrowheads, an Assyrian helmet, pottery shards with visible Hebrew inscriptions, Egyptian scarabs, and page leaves from early edition printed works. Stanback is donating his collection to York College for public display, preservation, education and continuing research. “This educational resource will be very unique for our area,” says YC President Steve Eckman. “We are excited Mr. Stanback has chosen to invest in York College in this significant way. His gift will benefit York College as well as the thousands of students and history enthusiasts that will visit in the coming years.” Stanback has chosen to honor wellknown Christian speaker John Clayton with the naming of the museum. Clayton’s “Does God Exist?” lectures were instrumental in Stanback’s conversion to Christianity.
New classrooms to feature collaborative design This fall, York College will unveil three new classrooms unlike any others on campus.
T
hese classrooms in the basement of Middlebrook Hall will have the latest teaching technology as well as a flexible format to support many class arrangements. The principle behind the classrooms is to move away from the “sage on the stage,” or traditional lecture format to the “guide on the side” classroom, which is more collaborative. The two larger classrooms feature multiple, large monitors, that will display content from the instructor as well as the students. The furniture will be easy to reconfigure to better accommodate for group work and presentations. The smaller classroom (in the area many alumni will remember as “The Lair”) will have more of a lounge feel, with a media hub and
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couches. This inviting space will be used for discussion oriented upper division classes, as well as self-directed solo and group work. Another feature that makes these classrooms unique is that they were designed in part b y students. After months of research into classroom design and collaboration with faculty experts, students in an instructional technology class a ssisted in the creation o f these spaces. In-depth coverage of the museum and new classrooms will be featured in the next Heritage magazine.
Educator Sees Holocaust Evidence Firsthand
The Clock
Tower Society
recognizes alumni and friends of York College whose gifts make it possible to “transform lives through Christ-centered education.” Everyone who partners with the college with a contribution of $1,000 or more becomes a member of the Clock Tower Society. Recognizing gifts through May 31, 2014
Cornerstone Circle
Founder’s Circle cont.
Sower’s Circle
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Bartholomew Mrs. John Kooiker Mr. & Mrs. Richard James Joe A. & Wanda H. Johnson Trust Mr. & Mrs. Ed McLoud Mrs. Sandra Olson
Mr. & Mrs. Russell Schoof Dr. & Mrs. Charles Stephenson Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Studebaker Dr. & Mrs. Greg Woods
Mr. Marvin Arbeiter Mr. & Mrs. Ben Babcock Mrs. Wylene Baker Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Batten Dr. & Mrs. Bobby Beasley Mr. & Mrs. Barney Blue Mr. & Mrs. Lenard Boesch Ms. Misty Brestel Dr. Joe Bryan Mrs. Martha Childress Mr. & Mrs. Roger Deal Mrs. Bartine Dickerson Mr. & Mrs. Scott Eckman Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Evans Mr. & Mrs. Bart Florea Ms. Maria Gumulo-Owen Mr. Richard Gibson Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Goben Mrs. Mary Harms Mr. & Mrs. Justin Harrold Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Henderson Mr. & Mrs. Everett Hinton Mr. & Mrs. Dean Howard Mr. & Mrs. Darrel Hoyt Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Jenkins Mrs. Susanne Keller Mrs. Mary Kite Dr. & Mrs. Guenther Kruse Dr. & Mrs. James Lackie Mr. & Mrs. Bill Lambert Dr. & Mrs. Bob Lawrence Mr. & Mrs. Tim Mangan Mr. & Mrs. Ron Maxwell Mr. & Mrs. Monty McNair Mr. & Mrs. Gary Montford Mr. & Mrs. Norman Morrow Dr. & Mrs. Shane Mountjoy Mr. & Mrs. David Murphy Mr. & Mrs. Scott Niemann Mrs. Judy Odom Ms. Margarett Orr Mr. Boyd Pate Dr. & Mrs. Michael Pruitt Mr. & Mrs. Gayland Roberts Mrs. Dulcie Robinson
$50,000 AND UP
Trustee’s Circle $20,000-$49,999
Dr. & Mrs. Wilbur Dabbs Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Gallagher Mr. & Mrs. Jarrell Gibbs Dr. & Mrs. Jeff Hannel Mr. and Mrs. David Lynn
President’s Circle $10,000-$19,999
Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Don Drennan Mrs. Nancy Hendricks Dr. & Mrs. James Hinkle Eva M. Lingo Estate Mr. & Mrs. Ed Nill Mr. & Mrs. John Ratliff Mr. & Mrs. Joe Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Watts
Founder’s Circle $5,000-$9,999
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Bruner Dr. & Mrs. John Bryant Mr. & Mrs. David Conder Dr. & Mrs. Aaron Fletcher Mr. & Mrs. Charles Ganus Mr. & Mrs. Rick Hendricks Mr. & Mrs. Don Hornbaker Mr. & Mrs. Harold Hornbaker Mr. & Mrs. Brian Kramer Mr. & Mrs. Lindbergh Presson Mr. & Mrs. Jim Reischl Mr. & Mrs. Ken Savage
$5,000-$9,999
Builder’s Circle $2,000-$4,999
Drs. Scott & Beth Anne Abraham Mr. & Mrs. Dan Andrews Mr. & Mrs. Cornell Bonde Mr. & Mrs. Richard Danielson Mr. Harry Denewiler Dr. & Mrs. Steve Eckman Mr. & Mrs. Ken Gibson Mr. & Mrs. Lanny Gridley Mr. & Mrs. Galen Groves Mr. & Mrs. Van Harrold Dr. & Mrs. LaVerne Haselwood Mr. & Mrs. Monroe Hawley Miss Sherri Herndon Dr. & Mrs. Dickie Hill Drs. Joe & Jackie Humphrey Mr. & Mrs. Chester James Mr. & Mrs. Larry Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Jim Kinnison Mr. & Mrs. Haun Kite Mr. & Mrs. Quinton Martin Mr. & Mrs. Kerry McKeever Mr. & Mrs. Rob McKinzie Mrs. Wanda Middleswarth Dr. & Mrs. Ray Miller Mr. & Mrs. Don Millican Mr. & Mrs. Don Nelson Mr. & Mrs. Jason Rice Mr. & Mrs. Perry Rubart Dr. Dorris Schulz Mr. & Mrs. Howard Sheldon Mr. & Mrs. Todd Sheldon Mr. & Mrs. Paul Touchton Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Touchton Mrs. Elaine Townsdin Dr. & Mrs. Wayne White Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Williams Mrs. Gladys Willis
$1,000-$1,999
Mr. & Mrs. Kris Shuman Mr. & Mrs. Randy Sigle Ms. Joan Stirlen Mr. & Mrs. Derrell Suter Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Tandy Mr. & Mrs. Doug Townsdin Mrs. Paula Varner Mr. & Mrs. Joe Waldrop Mr. & Mrs. Roy Westerfield Dr. & Mrs. Alex Williams Mr. Caleb & Dr. Kimberly Williams Mr. & Mrs. Tom Williams Mr. & Mrs. Drew Woodburn Dr. & Mrs. Tracey Wyatt
Corporate Circle Anonymous (2) Bios Research, LLC BOEING Gift Matching Program Bossen Feeding Co. ConocoPhillips Cornerstone Bank The Victor Durrington Charitable Trust Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Foundation for the Carolinas Global Standards, LLC Hampton Legacy Foundation Harlan Church of Christ Kaaiohelo Enterprises, LLC Marlin Oil Corporation Memorial Library & Art Collection of WWII Metz Mortuary National Helping Hands Chapter Nebraska Independent College Foundation Procter & Gamble Company R. E. Maxwell Associates, Inc. Raindrop Repair, Inc. Self Storage of Iowa Co., LLC Strata Leadership, LLC TopMD Skin Care, Inc. Wal-Mart Foundation Wichita AWCE Wilmar Foundation Charitable Trust Winfield Rest Haven, Inc. York State Bank & Trust Company
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125th Anniversary
York College Begins 125th Year
O
perating under a continuous charter since August 26, 1890, the 2014-2015 academic year will be York College’s 125th year since incorporation. York area civic leaders worked with the United Brethren in Christ Church to found the college in the late 19th century. Sixty-four years later, following the loss of the college’s primary facility (Old Main), the school closed for two years and the Evangelical United Brethren Church moved operations to a new location, but it was not the end of York College. Elijah A. Levitt, a prominent businessman in the York community, worked closely with leaders from the Levitt Churches of Christ to reopen the school in fall 1956 with 89 students.
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President Larsen and Assistant Howard Gurganus tabulate campaign checks on March 21, 1962, and make the deadline to remove all college indebtedness.
York College is launching an official new logo as part of our 125 year celebration, and the Office of Advancement wants to share with you the symbolic foundations of our new logo mark.
ARCH
CO L L E G E I N I T I A L
T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
The frame of the logo mark is representative of the arched windows of York’s iconic Prayer Chapel and seen on a variety of buildings on campus.
The interior of the frame features the initial “Y” indicating the college name.
The foundation of the logo mark references a book and represents our end goal of student transformation which is rooted in God’s word.
VA LU E S
LIGHT
TRADITION
The top three quadrants represent the three key activities that help us achieve transformation: Educate, Equip, and Engage.
The shifting value in the “old gold” color implies the movement of light and the illumination that comes from education. It also complements the harvest colors of Nebraska.
“SINCE 1890” at the bottom of the logo emphasizes the rich 125 year old heritage of York College.
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Breaking from the routine
W
hile most students enjoy a rest during school holidays, many at YC choose instead to dedicate that time to the Lord in service to others.
HAITI A team of eight spent part of the Christmas holiday in Haiti, blessing children in orphanages in Port-auPrince. They also did outreach and service in the area, including work at a free medical clinic, offering English lessons, and conducting a three-day soccer tournament for children. One of the highlights of the trip was the Christmas meal the team provided for the children at an orphanage—the standard beans and rice, with the added luxuries of chicken and milk. Each child received a gift, as well—art supplies, small toys, candy. These gifts were collected on campus before the trip so that the entire YC family could be involved in the Christmas blessing. In March, a team of nine from YC led by Dr. Milton Eckhart, associate professor of biology, traveled to northern Haiti to conduct a week-long mobile health clinic. Partnering with a volunteer team of doctors and nurses through the non-profit Every Eye Will See Him, the group from York College treated 150-200 people each day—taking time to pray with each patient as well as address their physical needs.
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Eckhart, who served with his wife as a medical missionary in Haiti from 1996 to 2000, says that each of the YC students who went with him to Haiti came away with a new or renewed desire to serve in the mission field. “It’s in their blood now,” he says. “Their hearts have been touched. They have the heart for missions and serving the needy.” ECUADOR In December a group of 11 traveled to Ecuador to work with local missionaries on maintenance of a church camp facility and construction of a new church building. The church building was a simple structure for a small congregation in a “squatter village” near Quito, says York College assistant professor of communication Shannon Leinen. The team dug holes for footings, built rebar braces by hand and leveled and set a cement floor for the structure. The church had about 10 regular members who had been working on the building little by little in their free time. “On Sunday we were blessed with the opportunity to worship at the first service the church held within its unfinished building,” says Leinen. “What a turnout! There were about 100 people there…The service was about five hours long.” OKLAHOMA CITY Eight students and one sponsor from social clubs Beta Beta Sigma and Koinonia traveled to Oklahoma City for spring break, where they spent six days serving the homeless and feeding the hungry.
photo by Auston Tkaczuk
The team spent time volunteering at a variety of nonprofits including Cross and Crown, Feed the Children, and the city mission. They sorted donations of food, clothing, and personal items, and spent a lot of time praying and fellowshipping with the people served by those organizations. Rather than be overwhelmed by the needs, sophomore Delaney Woods said that the team was continually reenergized by the Holy Spirit. “That became the theme of the week,” she says, “the Holy Spirit working through us individually and as a group. We constantly saw the Lord at work.”
photo courtesy Tabitha Hameister
(lower left) Caris Clark and Troy Kelley volunteered at a medical mission in Haiti over spring break. (left) Emily Meranda, Jenny Long, and Tabitha Hameister pause for a fun photo during their work at a food warehouse. (below) Renee Wubbenhorst, a freshman from Blue Springs, Mo., loves on some Haitian children during her Christmas break.
A walk in the woods Vision Trek redux impacts students
photo by Amber Clark ’14
Each hiker came to Vision Trek with a different motivation: some wanted to grow spiritually, others wanted to deepen relationships, and several wanted to simply enjoy nature.
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2014 TREKKERS (pg 19 r-l): Lucas Anderson – Steadfast; Ana Moyers – Mountain Song; Asher Palomo – Scout; Brady Sikes – Phoenix; Morgan Tackett – Sunshine; Mayra Urrutia – Kicking Bird; Tim Aragon – Running Water; Josh Kountz – Rock Hound; Shane Mountjoy – Standing Bear; Macy Mountjoy – Strider; Amber Clark – Moonbeam; Shannon Leinen – Mother Lion; Devaunta Cuba - Strongback; photo by Kellan Goben – Red Stag
Kellan Goben, Tim Aragon, and Shane Mountjoy plan the route for the rest of the group.
photo by Ana Moyers ’14
They had varying levels of physical preparation for the rigors of trail life. A few were athletic and had experience with camping, while others were green and out of shape. It was cold. It was physically and emotionally demanding. It was transformative. By the end of the weeklong trip, the group of 12 YC students and two faculty sponsors had hiked 50 miles. They came home with new names and a new outlook on life. Led by Dr. Shane Mountjoy ’88, provost, Vision Trek takes students on an odyssey of self-discovery as they spend spring break hiking and camping along the Ozark Trail. Vision Trek was an annual event from 2003-2007, but the program has been dormant for the last several years. Mountjoy was prompted to bring it back by his daughter, Macy, who was in her final semester of study at York College. She convinced her father to revive the program, at least once more, so that she could participate. The result was an incredibly positive and powerful experience for all involved. Shannon Leinen ’07, assistant professor of communication, went with Mountjoy as a faculty sponsor. She said students returned to campus physically exhausted but spiritually refreshed after the trip. “There are a lot of things you learn from nature that you can’t learn in a classroom,” she says, including leadership, teamwork, how to disconnect from technology, and the confidence that comes with taking on something hard and finishing the task. Asher Palomo, a senior, biblical studies major from Dalhart, Texas, said that one of the biggest take-aways for him was watching the progress of another trekker, the man they nicknamed “Steadfast.” Steadfast wasn’t an experienced hiker. He wasn’t in peak physical condition the way that Palomo, a track and field athlete, was. Steadfast struggled more than anyone else with the demands of the trail, but he persevered. Each morning, he got up early and hit the trail before the rest of the group so that he wouldn’t slow anyone down. At the end of the day, he and his trail partner would be the last to arrive at the new camp spot. Despite the challenges he faced, “He was always cheerful and never discouraged,” said Morgan Tackett, a.k.a. “Sunshine.” “His motivation to keep going inspired us all,” says Palomo, whom trail mates called “Scout” for his willingness to sprint ahead when there was a fork in the path and locate trail markers to make sure they didn’t get lost. Tackett was struck by Steadfast’s endurance, as well as how the group rallied around him and others who were struggling to complete the journey. “Separated from every convenience, we had to rely on each other. I liked what that brought out of me,” she said. “I like being outside because I’ve always seen God best in nature. I was caught off guard by how I saw him in other people on this trip.” An emphasis was put on spiritual growth on the trail, says Leinen. The group studied Colossians each morning, had a student led devotional at lunch, and ended each day with praise and worship around a campfire. “It’s a magical feeling, everyone being so broken down and exhausted and praising together,” says Ana Moyers, whom trail mates dubbed “Mountain Song” because she was constantly singing while they hiked. Moyers, a recent graduate of the education department, says the trip taught her how to be mentally tough and to keep going when she felt like giving up. “Vision Trek was good for me, soul, mind and body,” she says. “There was a time for each person when we just wanted to be done. But we pushed past it…You find you can go farther than you thought, and that you love it. You love that you can handle far more.”
After a week on the trail, the vision trekkers celebrate arriving at their final destination.
The trekkers take a moment on the trail for a group photo. SUMMER 2014 |
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1938 Lucille (Stoskopf) Tonkin turned 100!... See Milestones pg. 22 1948 Bob Schneider was inducted posthumously into the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame... See Milestones pg. 22 1951 Forrest Hergert passed away on July 3, 2013, after a long career in ministry. He is survived by his wife Ann of Heber Springs, Ark., and his son Paul. 1952 Betty Auchard’s third memoir, Living with 12 Men, is about her adventures and misadventures after moving to the YC campus as Denny’s bride in 1949. Not only was she the youngest faculty wife at 19 but also a student and housemother to the 11 young men who lived upstairs in the old house--the original boy’s dorm called Thompson Hall. This lively memoir is scheduled for release later in 2014. If you have any old photos of the campus from 1949 to 1953, please contact Betty at btauchard@aol.com. 1955 Don and Ramona “Burgey” (Burgett) Ellison were recently honored... See Milestones pg. 22 1958 Richard and Diana (Fiscus) Danielson have moved: 1410 Pamela Ave, Holdrege, NE 68949. richarddanielson@hotmail.com Clinton “Gene” Goben passed away on February 21, 2014, after a long career in ministry in the North and Midwest. He was among the first class of students to attend YC after the college reopened in 1956 and he spent several years working for the college in admissions and advancement after graduation... See Memorials pg. 29 1963 Susanne (Merches) Keller was recognized as the 2013 Difference Maker of the Year... See Milestones pg. 22
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1965 Larry and Carol Fayer have moved: 3272 W Rivulet Pass, Springfield, MO 65810. LLFayer@ yahoo.com
1966 Dale Neal and his Lady Lions at Freed-Hardeman University placed 2nd in the Women’s NAIA Div. 1 National Tournament in March, finishing with a 36-2 record. Neal was recognized as WBCA Region 3 NAIA Coach of the Year and a finalist for National Coach of the Year. Charles and Pam (Piskorik) White recently returned to the States after spending 37 years doing mission work in France. They have three grown daughters: Tamara, Tiara, and Tessica. 257 E Rio Colinas Dr, Meridian, ID 83646 cwhitelyon@ aol.com 1967 Rene (James) Phares recently found out from the neurosurgeon that the two aneurysms in her brain have miraculously disappeared. She would like to thank everyone for all the prayers and emails inquiring about her health. 4466 Sutton Pl, Norco, CA 92860 phares.rene@yahoo.com 1968 Bill G. Thurmond Ph.D. of Lincoln, died January 14, 2014. “Dr. T” was a former minister and lifetime educator. He was employed with Lincoln Public Schools for 30 years. He is survived by his wife, Sandi (Moomaw ’70), their five children and nine grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to House of Compassion, Rochester, Minn. 1971 Dr. Kathy (Sigler) Long recently transitioned from teaching in a K-12 public education setting to teaching online in the master’s degree program at YC Online. She and her husband Vernon have four children: Melynni, Amanda, Jake and Julie. 12162 County Rd 7470, Caulfield, MO 65626 kllongedd@gmail.com
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1973 Monika (Mader) Easterly is an assistant manager at Christopher and Banks. She has four daughters: Laura, Rachel, Megan (deceased), and Stephanie. 4021 Torridon Ln, Fort Collins, CO 80524 easterlymo@ hotmail.com Deborah (McCommons) Morrison is an RN at St. Francis Hospital. Her husband Michael is the assistant principal at Shelby County Schools. They have two grown daughters: Susanne and Elizabeth. 294 Crestmont Cove, Cordova, TN 38018 memorr5@ netscape.net 1974 Pat Craig is finishing up his 35th year in public education and began his 12th year as a minister for the Lexington Church of Christ in Oklahoma. 1621 Chestnut Lane, Norman, OK 73072 lexpreacher@ gmail.com Donna (Fox) Haverstock and her husband Larry have a new address: 1251 Woodside Dr, Eugene, OR 97401 dhaverstock54@gmail.com Diane (Walsh) Schlegel is a hospice chaplain and her husband, Andy, works for Kansas Gas Service. They have five grown children and are looking forward to their retirement. They hope to see classmates at the upcoming 40th class reunion so they can tell them all about their trip to Jamaica! They have a new address: 31065 Wabaunsee Rd, Alma, KS 66401. diandyranch@ gmail.com 1975 Sarah Louise (Sewell) Conkling has updated her contact info: 11025 Larkwood Dr #1504, Houston, TX 77096 sarah. conkling@yahoo.com 1976 Lara (Johnson) Fredericksen is the owner of a jewelry making business called The Lazy Leopard. She is also a health coach. Lara and her husband Ralph have one daughter, Amalia. 407 Anise Pl, Kissimmee, FL 34759 laradfreder@ aol.com Greg and Lisa (Rhodes ‘77) Ziegler have moved from their home of 30 years in Odessa, Missouri. Greg accepted a position with the Bentonville Church of Christ as the minister to families with children. They are extremely excited about this new direction as well as being a part of the congregation where their daughter and her family are members. 16 Baker Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72715 ggz8431@gmail.com
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1977 Randy Paul Brown is a microcomputer specialist with ONEOK, Inc. His wife Karen (King ‘78) is the secretary at the Glenpool Church of Christ. They have a son and daughter. 914 S Overlook Dr, Sapulpa, OK 74066 rpbrown.ok@ sbcglobal.net Jim and Virginia “Gini” (Clements ’79) Ferguson have been married for more than 10 years after being reunited through ChurchofChristSingles.com. They were blessed this year with the addition of two grandsons for a total of nine. Jim is an ODP administrator with Duncan Aviation and Gini is a homemaker. 5400 NW 122nd Ct, Lincoln, NE 68524 gingin1125@ hotmail.com 1978 Robin (Miller) Henley and her husband have retired and moved to Hidden Valley Resort to “ski all winter and golf all summer.” They have one daughter, Shelby. PO Box 4062, Hidden Valley, PA 15502 RobinHenly2004@yahoo.com. Anita (Hendrickson) Hofsommer and husband Lee have three grown children (Brian, Juliana, and Dillon) and they recently welcomed their first grandchild. Lee is a podiatrist at Essential Health systems. 4154 58th St S, Fargo, ND 58104 achofsommer@hotmail.com Terry and Debbie (Hollett ‘79) Lessly have three grown daughters: Melissa, Michelle, and Melody. Debbie is retired and Terry works as a systems engineer. 5813 Wamego Ln, Plano, TX 75094 dhlessly@hotmail.com 1979 Judy (Edwards) Kingery and her husband Glen are planning on attending the 35th class reunion in October. Judy is retired from a career working for a crime victim crisis center and Glen is a retired federal agent. Judy now keeps busy as a substitute teacher and Glen works for Hendrick Medical Security. 1118 Barrow, Abilene, TX 79605 judyabilene@aol.com Terri Ross recently changed jobs and is now a gifts specialist at the Albuquerque Museum Foundation. 509 Caminito de Norbert, Santa Fe, NM 87505 trossterri@ gmail.com 1980 Gwen Carver has updated her contact info: 7105 Robinson St., Overland Park, KS 66204. gcarver1@kc.rr.com Lori (Underwood) White has a new address: 423 Hudson Ave, Alliance, NE 69301. Lori is the president of Dobby’s Frontier Town. dusty@bbc.net
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1980 Daniel Lewis and his wife Martha Ann have updated their email address: dabbylew@hotmail. com. Daniel is a lieutenant for the Tucson Police Department and the couple has a daughter, Bethany Ann (2). 1881 W La Quinta Pl, Oro Valley, AZ 85737 1982 Nina Marie (Cundiff) Martinez is a registration specialist at St. Mary’s Hospital. Her husband is a mechanic with Halliburton. They have two children, Celina and Christopher (deceased). 3123 A 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81503 nina@ photosbysunshine.com 1984 Donna (Cox) Brown is a second grade teacher at Harding Academy. Her husband, Patrick, is a science teacher at Riverview High School. Their oldest daughter, Tessa, was married January 4. Their other daughter, Taryn, graduated from Harding Academy in May. 209 Longview Cr, Searcy, AR 72143 dcbrown@harding.edu 1988 Eric (’88 & ’91) and Jenny (Sobetski ’01) Tremaine welcomed Nathaniel Joseph into the world Nov. 21, 2013. He joins siblings Julie (12), Simeon (9), Emma (7), and Josiah (2). Eric is with the YC maintenance
staff and is a deacon at the East Hill CofC; Jenny is a stay-at-home mom and homeschool teacher. 2117 N Lincoln Ave, York, NE 68467 eric. tremaine@york.edu 1989 Jerry and Lorey (Neal) Lundy have two children, Collin (17) and Maleah (13). Jerry is an attorney and Lorey is a paralegal. 7913 E Commercial St, Broken Arrow, OK 74014 jerry@lundylawfirm. com lorey@lundylawfirm.com
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1991 Cheri (Buggeln) Lech is an office assistant with student services at Pratt Community College. She has two daughters: Teri (14) and Alexandra (8). 121 N High, Pratt, KS 67124 cherilech@gmail.com 1993 Michelle (Madden) married Russell Ferree on September 21, 2013. She works as a home health and hospice nurse and recently received the Wyoming Home Health and Hospice Nurse of the Year 2013 distinction. Russell is an MRI technician. 115 E Broadway, Thermopolis, WY 82443 mikielynn@ hotmail.com Jodi (Berry) Ward and her husband Jonathan bought their first house recently: 1050 Beloit Ave, Janesville, WI 53546. Jodi is a housewife and Jonathan is a brick inspector for the county. 1994 Kimberlee (Watne) Tandy and her husband Thomas welcomed their fourth child, Jonathan Paul, on December 18, 2013. He joins siblings Elizabeth (12), Dominick (7), and Timothy (4). Kimberlee is a full time mother and Thomas is a lab supervisor at Abengoa Bioenergy New Technologies. 807 E 6th St, York, NE 68467 kimberlee@nebb. rr.com 1995 Mike Glassmyer was appointed as an Adjunct Professor of History at Central Community College, Hastings campus in January 2013. 322 S. Bellevue Ave., Hastings, NE 68901 613msg@gmail.com 1996 Christina (Elarde) Coverdell and her husband Joe have one daughter, Paige (3). Christina is a small business owner. 9950 Bexley Dr., Sacramento, CA 95827 telarde@ gmail.com 1998 Ryan and Bethany (Close) Schrader recently adopted their daughter Ruth (2) from Haiti after serving as her host family for the last year and a half. She joins siblings Nathan (15), Tina (14), Caleb (13), and Michael (10). Ryan is a Walgreens store manager and Bethany is a homemaker. 17 W Queen Ave, Spokane, WA 99205 bethanyschrader6@gmail.com
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2000 Crimsen (Ruhnke) Hanson and her husband Ryan welcomed their first child, daughter Dylan Shelley Ann on August 28, 2013. Crimsen is a fifth grade teacher in Carlton while her husband is a K-12 music/band teacher in Floodwood, Minn. 1103 Jean Marie St., Cloquet, MN 55720 crimsenr@gmail.com Jeffery Hines’ third book The Last Day on Earth has been accepted for publication by America Star Books. The book is a collection of poetry, prose, and thoughts about life. Hines tackles topics such as suicide and Alzheimer’s, but writes through a lens of hope. You can find out more about his books on his Facebook Page (search “ConnexxionsBooks By Jeff”). Hines and his wife Shauna have a new address: PO Box 463 Boystown, NE 68116. Runningbear1959@hotmail.com Saprina (Howard) Tiede is a 4th grade teacher at Dos Rios Elementary School. Her husband Jamin is a master technician at Simply Mac. 33160 Mill Tailing Rd, Whitewater, CO 81527 tiedesaprina@gmail.com 2001 Zachary Ahrens is a publisher of Log Cabin Democrat and his wife Heidi (Roker) is a homemaker. They have three children: Carter (9), Connor (8), and Camrynn (6). 2801 Wills Ct, Conway, AR 72034 z_ahrens@hotmail.com Darin and Kerry Smith recently welcomed a son, Hudson Kenneth, on February 19, 2014. He joins big brother Harrison (2). 487 Beaverbrook Dr, Columbus, OH 43230 darinsmith@hotmail.com Brianna (Donley) Watson is working as a tour consultant in the music performance and events department for BrightSpark Travel. She recently married Tom Watson and the couple bought their first house together. 3939 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 Bwatson@brightsparktravel.com Brianajwatson@gmail.com
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1999 Lettie (Connolly) Posey and her husband Matt welcomed their first child, Sophie, November 20, 2012. Lettie is associate director of campus student affairs at Ashford University. Matt owns a carpentry business. 1226 Windsor Dr, Clinton, IA 52732 lettieconnolly@hotmail.com
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2002 Amy (Booth) Harper was killed in an automobile accident on April 19. She leaves behind her husband, Aaron ‘03, and their two daughters, Analyse and Avalyn. 13777 Hwy J, Nelson, MO 65347 Kristopher and Rachel Lamm welcomed their third son, Langston Michael, into this world on December 15, 2013. Kristopher is a 4th grade math teacher and Rachel is a 7th grade math teacher. 3709 94th St, Lubbock, TX 79423 rlamm@ frenship.us Taylor (Hess) Meyer and her husband Matt have two daughters, Willa Grace (1) and Lola Faith (3). Taylor is a full time mom and Matt is an operations supervisor at Oppenheimer Funds. They have recently moved: 1337 Morningview Ln, Castle Rock, CO 80109. taylormeyer@outlook.com Benjamin Clark is the executive director at MonDak Heritage Center and was recently elected president of the Museums Association of Montana. 308 24th Ave NW, Sidney, MT 59270 benjaminclark@gmail.com Cindi (Wiese) Matthes is a birth doula and her husband, Christian, is a research economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. They have moved: 823 E Main St #1006, Richmond, VA 23219. cindi. matthes@gmail.com Rachel (Schlosser) Shubin has moved with her family to Tulsa, Okla., to work as an adoptions social worker for Oklahoma DHS. Her husband Andrew is an electrician. 808 SW 1st St, Wagoner OK 74467 Ginger (Hodson) Steggles and her husband Mark recently bought their first house together. They have two sons, John (3) and Samuel (1). She is a homemaker and Mark is a web developer. Their new address is: 20 Oaklyn Gardens, Shanklin, PO37 7DG Great Britain. gingersteggles@gmail.com Sarah (Day) Smithburg and her husband Jon welcomed a daughter, Michayla, on February 8. Sarah is a secondary math/English teacher while her husband is a network administrator. PO Box 385, Flagler, CO 80815 sarah_day06@yahoo.com 2003 Corren (Coonts) Lind and her husband James welcomed a second son, Brendan James, on October 21, 2013. Big brother Logan is three. Corren is an administrative assistant for the Town of Bennett. James is a technical manager for the Rocky Mountains for Baker Hughes Inc. 994 Cherokee St, Strasburg, CO 80136 correny@gmail.com
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SUMMER 2014 |
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PANTHER MILESTONES 1938 Happy birthday to Lucille (Stoskopf) Tonkin, who celebrated her 100th birthday on March 10! If you would like to send her a card, you can direct it to the York College Alumni Office (1125 E 8th St, York, NE 68467) and we will forward it on to her. 1948 Bob Schneider was inducted posthumously into the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame on February 9. Read a fun article about Schneider’s years in semiprofessional baseball on the York NewsTimes website and see a picture of his wife, Jean (Rasp ’48) accepting the award plaque at the ceremony. Bob didn’t play baseball for the Panthers, as they didn’t have a baseball team then, says Jean. However he did play basketball, football and golf at YC. rs83256@windstream.net 1955 Don and Ramona “Burgey” (Burgett) Ellison were recently recognized in their community for nearly half a century of service to the Boy Scouts of America. Don has mentored young men through BSA as a volunteer troop leader since 1956 and Ramona has been his faithful assistant through the decades in that endeavor. The couple is retired but continue to remain active with scouting and other activities. PO Box 56, Rising City, NE 68658 ellison@windstream.net
Shari Reisdorff for The Banner-Press
1963 Susanne (Merches) Keller was recognized by the York NewsTimes as the 2013 Difference Maker of the Year. The award goes to an individual nominated by someone in the community for his or her service. Each month, the News-Times recognizes a Difference Maker, then in December they choose the top award from among the monthly recipients. Keller was recognized for her years driving school buses, volunteering at Wessels Living History Farm, Lisa Fischer for York News-Times giving blood, serving at church in many capacities including organizing Meals on Wheels, cooking at Nebraska Youth Camp, opening her home to travelers, and helping others where ever she sees a need. ak34039@windstream.net 2006 Dr. Kevin K. Claypool graduated from Pepperdine University on May 17, 2014, with his Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership. He is the vice president of development at Brentwood Christian School. 2601 La Frontera Blvd #2129, Round Rock, TX 78681 claypool.kevin@ gmail.com
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2004 Luke Hawley had his first book published last winter. It’s a collection of short stories entitled “The Northwoods Hymnal”. Luke is an English professor at Dordt College and his wife Sarah (Nestor ’05) is a behavioral therapist with Pier Center for Autism. They have two children: Eden (5) and Judah (3). 107 2nd St NE, Sioux Center, IA 51250 lukeandsarahhawley@gmail.com 2005 Anya Kozlova married Shawn Cumberland on January 3, 2014 in Arlington, VA. She is a senior program officer for Europe and Asia at IFES. 2936 Penny Lane, Fairfax, VA 22031 anusha.ua@gmail.com 2006 Dr. Kevin K. Claypool graduated from Pepperdine with his Ed.D... See Milestones pg. 22 Phoebe (Elrod) Heather is a probation officer for Kane County Court Services and her husband Ryan works at Warehouse Target Distribution. 339 Augusta Ave Apt D, DeKalb, IL 60115 phoebe.elrod@ gmail.com Micah and Crystal (Beard) Heatwole have three children: JD (6), Andralyn (4), and Ella (2). Micah is a lecturer at Lubbock Christian University and was recently asked to be an associate editor of the Iron Horse literary review. micah. heatwole@lcu.edu 2007 Amy (Springer) married Jeremy Furrow on September 28, 2013. 2030 N 32nd, Lincoln, NE 68503 amy.e.springer@gmail.com Robert Duncan III is a driver sales representative at Conway Freight and a field artillery officer at Kansas Army National Guard. His wife Katrina (Reno ’05) is a home health care provider. The couple has three children: Robert (6), Violet (4), and Kenneth (3). 1307 Stonleigh Ct Apt B, Leavenworth, KS 66048 robert.e.duncan.iii@gmail. com Damon and Michelle (Prather ’05) Grimes have moved: 16257 Mormon St, Bennington, NE 68007. Damon is an account executive at Money Handling Machines while Michelle is a stayat-home mom with their son Paxton (2). michellejgrimes@me.com Rusty Ridley has accepted a position as a plans and operation specialist in the Joint Operation Center, Joint Force Headquarters in Wyoming. In 2013 he was Company Grade Officer of the Year of the Wyoming Air National Guard. 2503 Spring Creek Dr, Laramie, WY 82070 rusty.ridley@gmail.com
2008 Ashley (Pinneo) married Jason Arbuck on July 27, 2013. Ashley, who holds a master’s degree from Peru State College, is a first grade teacher at Shelby-Rising City Public Schools. Jason is the owner/operator of Arbuck-Underwood Feed Yards. 2009 Zach Engstrom has started a new job as a web developer at Spyder Trap, an online marketing and web design firm. He has a new address: 9700 Blaisdell Ave S Apt S3J, Bloomington, MN 55420. engstrom.zach@gmail.com Josh Leinen is a tier III network support specialist at Time Warner Cable. 3000 NW 7th, Lincoln, NE 68521 Daniel and Michelle (Juhl) McCann are both employed at Benton County Title Company. Daniel is vice president of operations and Michelle is an administrative assistant. 103 E 12th St, Vinton, IA 52349 dmccann86@gmail.com Whitney (Pinneo) married Trenton Vargason in the York College Prayer Chapel on August 17, 2013. Whitney is a marketing associate with Crete Carrier Corporation and Trenton is the technology director at Runza National in Lincoln. Anna (Callen) Wagner is a second grade teacher. She has updated her contact information: 3463 53rd Ave #4, Columbus, NE 68601. awagner05@gmail.com Jared (’14) and Brittany (Saylor) Wiley welcomed a daughter, Axah Nova, on April 3, 2013. She joins big brother Braxton (3). Brittany is a resource teacher at York Middle School and Jared is completing his YC degree while working at Cornerstone Tech Center. They have a new address 615 E 6th St, York, NE 68467 brittanylwiley@gmail. com deputyjed@gmail.com 2010 Nick and Janae (Wrich) Parsons recently welcomed a son, Carter Hill, on July 22, 2013. Nick is a high school history/drama teacher and Janae is a kindergarten teacher. 1580 E 3rd St, Delta, CO 81416 jparsons@deltaschools.com
2010 Kristin (Wiedemann) married Todd Daniel Nelson on October 26, 2013 in Yukon, Okla. She works as a special education teacher and an assistant girls’ basketball coach at Yukon High School. Todd works as a key accounts manager at Canada Company of Oklahoma. 7001 Niblick Way, Edmond, OK 73025 kwiedemann@york.edu 2011 Bryan “BA” Armstrong was recognized by the Easter Seals Capper Foundation with the Youth Volunteer Award for his work in teaching people with disabilities to ride bicycles. Bryan works with his family’s business, Capp’s Bike Shop in Topeka, Kansas. barmstrong@york.edu 2012 Quin and Macy (Mountjoy ’14) Johnson were married May 10, 2014. 114 1/2 W 6th St, York, NE, 68467 macymountjoy@gmail.com 2013 Ashley Calvin is working as a paraprofessional and has moved: 521 W New Hampshire, Osborne, KS 67473. acalvin@usd392.com Ricky and Jackie Creek welcomed their first child, Nora Christine, on Jan. 7, 2014. Ricky is a special education teacher in Frankfort, Kan. rcreek@ usd115.org Randy and Martha (’12 Slater) Lewis welcomed a daughter, Scarlett RosaLee, on July 8, 2013. Randy works as an administrative tool and key corporal at Nebraska Correctional Center for Women. 117 W. 8th St., York, NE 68467 Alex Lowther and Kenzie (Witt ’14) were married in front of their loved ones on May 31, 2014 in Burlington, Colorado. After returning from their honeymoon, the newlyweds are settling into their home with their new puppy Kevin. 715 W 4th St, North Platte, NE 69101 Kris Olson works at MT Uline and has moved: 1311 Park Place Blvd Apt 1501, Hurst, TX 76053. kolson@york. edu Becca Reynolds has a new address: 5360 Edmondson Pike #605, Nashville, TN 37211 beccar1990@ gmail.com 2014 Karissa Austin has a new address: 112 Howard Ave (PO Box 203), Morrill, NE 69538. austinkarissa@gmail.com
Mallory Sansom ’14, pictured with her mother Marcia (Grone ’73) Sansom.
“Last Thursday was a bittersweet moment—I graduated from York College with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, celebrated the joyous occasion with a lot of family, and said goodbye to my best friends. I had the privilege of being taught by Christian educators who fulfilled and often exceeded their role as teachers, but many of whom felt more like friends to me. I also made the best friends I have ever had in my life while I was at college. Over the past four years I have had the opportunity to direct my interests towards biology—the study of life. In the course of my college education I have learned a lot about the complexity of the atom, cell, and the human body, and by studying life itself I believe we learn a great deal about our Creator. ‘I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.’” Mallory with fellow graduates Tiffany Shimp, Amber Clark, and Brenna Johnson.
~ Mallory Sansom SUMMER 2014 |
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photo by Hannah Gund
York College
Coach Davis and the YC women’s soccer team gather for a prayer before their spring scrimmage with UNK.
Davis hired for coaching role
yan Davis ’04 has been named the new head coach for the women’s soccer program. Davis is no stranger to York College as he played for the men’s program in 2002 and 2003. Since graduating from York with a degree in history education, he has been teaching and coaching in Dallas, Texas. In 2007 he took over a losing program at Grapevine High School as the head girls soccer coach and since then the team has gone 102-34-19. The Lady Mustangs have been district champions five times under Davis and he has been named district coach of the year three times. Along with being a high school coach and geography teacher Ryan was also the director of coaching for the
Dallas Sting West Division. His duties included player selection through recruiting and tryouts, running daily training sessions and summer camp programs, maintaining team budgets, player evaluations, and coordinating academy soccer school, among many other things. Texas Sting is the oldest all-female club in the country and is traditionally ranked #1 nationally in girls soccer. “Coach Davis’ experience and knowledge makes him a great fit for the head coaching position,” said Director of Athletics Jared Stark. “He has led a quality program and built it from the ground up in a very competitive league. Along with being very experienced and accomplished, he has a heart for our mission and what we’re trying to do spiritually with our student-body. He and his wife will be a great addition to the community.” “I am truly excited to begin a new journey with YC women’s soccer!” says Davis. “I am looking forward to creating new goals, expectations, and experiences with the team.”
Wrestling brings home three All-Americans York College had its best showing in program history at the 2014 NAIA Wrestling National Meet with three Panthers receiving All-American honors. At 125 lbs Oscar Marin, a sophomore from Bakersfield, Calif., finished his season in 8th place after going 3-3 in the tournament. In the 141 lb weight bracket Jason Arreola, a senior from Anaheim, Calif., also finished 3-3 for 8th to become York’s first two-time All-American in wrestling. Saia Lotulelei, a junior from Kihei, Hawaii, had the best showing for the Panthers, narrowly missing the opportunity to wrestle for the heavyweight championship. Lotulelei went 3-2 and finished 5th for his All-American status. York had two other wrestlers compete in the championships. At 165 lbs, Carlos Arana, a junior from Santa Ana, Calif., went 2-2 in the tournament with his two losses coming to the eventual runner-up and the third place
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Marin
Arreola
Loutulelei
finisher. At 197 lbs, Logan Paul Eickhoff, a junior from Shasta, Calif., went 1-2 in the tournament. The team finished in 13th place out of the 38 colleges represented at the tournament. “All three All-Americans had fantastic tournaments and represented the school well,” said Head Coach Ramon Diaz. “With two returning All-Americans, two returning qualifiers, and a number of other returners, we are excited about the future of the program. These young men will be looked on to provide leadership for next year’s team and model what it will take to get back to this point next season. We look forward to building on the team’s success from this season as we continue to establish a culture of excellence on and off the mat.”
track photos courtesy of Tyler Cox ’15
Conference Champs, Again!
T
he men’s and women’s outdoor track and field teams brought home their respected MCAC Championships for the second year in a row with a number of individuals also earning the top spot in their events. Darreon Collins, a senior from Kansas City, Missouri, was recognized as the MCAC Outstanding Collins Male Athlete of the Year, winning three individual golds and two golds in team relay events. Head Coach Justin Carver also had the repeat honor of being recognized as the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference Outstanding Coach of the Year for both men’s and women’s track teams.
Conference Event Champions and 1st Team All-MCAC Women: • Forrest Burr: shot put • Sierra Trower: discus • Kayla Struck: javelin • 4x100: Jade Hodge, Jamie Stutz, Elizabeth Callaway, Brittany Marceau • 4x400: Kelsey Dallimore, Marissa Maher, Elizabeth Callaway, Karissa Austin Men: • Darreon Collins: 100m, 200m, and 400m • *Joe Ventry: long jump and triple jump • Caleb Smith: shot put • 4x100 and 4x400: Justice Barnes, Troy Kelly, Levi Swenson, Darreon Collins * Ventry was an NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championship qualifier in the triple jump but did not compete due to injury.
Baseball finishes 32-21
A
fter last year’s incredible run to the NAIA Baseball World Series, first-year Head Coach Brian Walth was hoping for a repeat visit to Idaho with this year’s team. However, there was a new
kid in town, so to speak, as the Eagles from Oklahoma Wesleyan rose to the top of the MCAC as well as garnered national attention with the #3 ranking in the NAIA. The Panthers and Bruins did their usual sparring as they split 3-3 in their match-ups and provided some incredible battles for the home crowd to enjoy at Levitt Stadium. Tyler Helms, a senior from Livermore, Calif., was selected as a first-team catcher on the talent-laden MCAC team. Helms posted a .374 average for the season and recorded three home runs, nine doubles and 35 RBIs. Helms and Trevor Ramos, a senior from Fremont, Calif., were MCAC Golden Glove recipients. Helms
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President’s Award
Sigma Tau and Theta Psi’s dazzling production of Severe Weather Warning swept this year’s Songfest awards for Best Music, Best Costumes, Best Choreography, and Best Theme, earning them the 2014 President’s Award. Photos of the production are available at ycphotos.smugmug.com/2014/Events
Miller tabbed softball coach Veronica ‘Roni’ (Arellano ’00) Miller is finally realizing one of her lifelong dreams; taking over the softball program at York College. Coach Miller played softball four years as a Lady Panther, being named to the MCAC All-Conference team all four years with multiple conference pitcher/player of the week awards, and also named NAIA pitcher of the week. Originally from California, Roni spent seven plus years at the college in various positions including assistant softball coach. After graduation she worked as a recruiter in the admissions office before returning to California to be closer to her family. Less than a decade later she is moving back to York to lead the program that changed her life. “Students will tell you that York College becomes home the moment you step on campus,” says Miller. “It feels good to be coming home. I look forward to being a part of the coaching staff, making a difference in the college and being a mentor to all of our athletes.” Roni brings a wealth of experience with her to the collegiate coaching realm. Besides running her own business, Miller Fastpitch, giving private lessons for aspiring young pitchers, Roni recently completed her third season as head coach at Encinal High School in Alameda, California. She turned the program around at Encinal in under two
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years and led the team to its most wins in a season. Coach Miller is an ASEP (American Sport Education Program) certified coach, ASA/USA ACE certified coach, and has been associated with numerous Bay Area travel teams. Athletic Director Jared Stark couldn’t be happier with the appointment. “I am very excited to be getting a coach of Roni’s caliber. She has worked alongside some of the best names in collegiate softball and has a great reputation in California. Her love for the game is apparent but greater perhaps is her love for York College. Being a Panther changed her life and she wants to give back to others what she has loved and been a part of. I know she’ll lead our students to the Lord but will also make our team very competitive and disciplined--and they’ll have a lot of fun doing it.”
A Campus View – Amber Clark (left) Dr. Shane Mountjoy presents the 2014 Dean’s Award to Amber Clark, a business administration major from Appleton, Wisconsin, who graduated summa cum laude in May. The award is the highest academic honor given by the faculty to a graduate whose involvement and leadership are matched by their high academic success. Clark has been involved in a number of areas on campus during her years at YC, including: Beta Beta Sigma social club, Songfest, residence hall staff, student government, and Alpha Chi Academic Honor Society.
I
t was the feeling of family that first drew Amber Clark to York College. She had heard about YC from friends at Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp. From her first visit to York, she was convinced that was where God wanted her to be. As a new Christian, she wanted a place where she would be nurtured in her faith while she earned her degree. At York College, she made friends, served on the residence hall staff, held offices in student government and her social club, and earned the Dean’s Award for academic leadership. Along the way, she found her calling: camp ministry. “I love the great outdoors. I feel closest to God when I’m out in nature. I love working with kids of all ages. I feel called to camp ministry. I’m very passionate about it,” says Amber, who graduated in May with a degree in business. This fall, Amber will take up a yearlong residency as a ministry team member at Camp HoneyRock in Three Lakes, Wis., where she will learn the ins and outs of running a Christian camp. She’s attended a number of Christian camps as a camper and staff person, but this experience will prepare her to do more than just counsel. She will be certified in ropes courses, rock climbing, and other recreational activities; she will learn how to do basic building repairs as well as cook for a large crew; she will practice all of the behind-the-scenes tasks that are required to have a camp run effectively. She hopes to find a job as a camp caretaker/director for a Christian youth camp, or perhaps start her own. Camp ministry is often overlooked, she says. While
overseas missions are great and important, domestic ministry is also vital. “I’ve been amazed to see kids transformed in the span of one week at camp,” she says. “At camp, they get away from all of the distractions of life and they get hit with the truth…Young people are often very confused about love and friendship and God. Camp is a chance to really reach them in a way you can’t in other places.” Clark comes from a very outdoorsy family—hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and camping were regular activities for her growing up. Pairing that passion with ministry makes sense for Amber. “I like being a person that’s there for others,” she says. York College was a transformative experience for Amber, as she describes herself as naturally somewhat shy and reserved. “I came here because I knew it would be easier to meet people. I knew I wouldn’t just be a face in the crowd.” Amber cites her many opportunities to serve in ministry and leadership roles at York College. Amber and Macy Mountjoy felt right at home in the woods as they took part in Vision Trek over spring break. SUMMER 2014 |
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In Memory of ... June 2013 - May 2014 Joe Alley Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Clements Mr. & Mrs. Harry Lisle Hazel Arterburn Dawn Carmody James Babcock Mr. & Mrs. Foy Babcock Dr. Elmer Baker Wylene Baker Bartine Dickerson Mr. Glen Bettenhausen Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Skinness James (Jim) Brock Anomymous Marvin Casebolt Margie Casebolt Dr. Harvey & Sue Childress Martha Childress Norma Collins Glenwood Springs CofC Dr. & Mrs. LaVerne Haselwood Susanne Keller Marjorie Strawther Ralph Collins Mr. & Mrs. Scott Niemann Dr. Roger Collins Mr. & Mrs. Scott Niemann Mr. & Mrs. Ken Gibson Andrew Conway Dr. & Mrs. David Ellison Marilyn Conway Dr. & Mrs. David Ellison Audrey Cooley Judith Fells Mr. & Mrs. Dale Kauffman Zola Morgan Solomon State Bank Irene Sterner Bonnie Cooper Margaret Cooper Sgt. Ron Dickerson Bartine Dickerson Steve Dickerson Bartine Dickerson Dr. Dennis Eddy Ann Eddy Don & Audrey Gardner Mr. & Mrs. Harry Patterson Gene Goben Mr. & Mrs. Randy Carpenter Susanne Keller Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Studebaker Mr. & Mrs. Joe Thomas Clarence & Hilda Haring Mr. & Mrs. Norman Bonde Beau Harvey Maj. & Mrs. Kim Harvey Royce Harvey Maj. & Mrs. Kim Harvey Steve Hickel Mr. & Mrs. James Leupold Robert Daniel Israel Mr. & Mrs. Robert Israel Tim Keesling Linda Keesling Lee Keldsen Mr. & Mrs. Todd Sheldon
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Dr. Jason Kite Susanne Keller Lubbock Christian University Mr. & Mrs. Ken Nicholson Mr. & Mrs. Steve Thompson Elaine Townsdin Dr. & Mrs. Alex Williams Smith Kite Dr. Jason Kite * Mary Kite Harold Luke Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grissom Lois Manchester Paul Manchester Kimball & Debbie Matkins Mr. & Mrs. Mark Houston Mr. & Mrs. Jason Matkins William Maxwell, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Ron Maxwell Kirk Miller Mr. & Mrs. John Ratliff Mr. & Mrs. Donald Worten Dr. Mabrey Miller Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Miller Madge Miller Mr. & Mrs. Steve Barber Marilyn Brown Misty Brestel Cornerstone Bank Sandy Brahmstedt T. W. Cooper Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cunningham Mr. & Mrs. David Dovel Fran Crowe Insurance Mr. & Mrs. Wayne French Loretta Goben Mr. & Mrs. Alan Green Delores Hartman Dr. & Mrs. Dickie Hill Susanne Keller Mr. & Mrs. Ben Kirkpatrick Mr. & Mrs. Bill Lambert Mr. & Mrs. Mark Miller Steven Newman Janet Nixon Joan Quelle Mr. & Mrs. Terry Quigley Brenda Reicheneker Mr. & Mrs. Erwin Reicheneker Louise Reno Mr. & Mrs. Gayland Roberts Bob Sanner Dr. and Mrs. Robert Scott Mr. & Mrs. Bob Soderholm Mollie Spieker
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Tandy Jane Thompson Mr. & Mrs. James Young Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Young Darrell & Christine Murphy Mr. & Mrs. David Murphy Gene Patterson Mr. & Mrs. Gary Bartholomew Cathy Pearson Dr. & Mrs. Ray Miller Hugh Phillips Mary Waller David & Nellie Reppart Patricia Rice Paul & Veda Riggs Mr. & Mrs. Fred Haney Murthel Rivoire Paula Rivoire Bob Roush Anonymous Wylene Baker Dr. & Mrs. Michael Case Mr. & Mrs. Larry Good Stanley Green Drs. Joe & Jackie Humphrey Susanne Keller Mr. & Mrs. Sherman Moore Bob Sanner Mr. & Mrs. Todd Sheldon Mr. & Mrs. Boyd Stuhr Dr. & Mrs. Alex Williams Dr. Tom Schulz Mr. & Mrs. William Free Dr. & Mrs. Ray Miller Dr. Dorris Schulz Mary Waller Mr. & Mrs. Gayland Roberts Edward Seufferlein Susanne Keller Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Scott Carol Seufferlein Jack Sikes Andover Church of Christ Keith Arterburn Mr. & Mrs. Foy Babcock Dr. & Mrs. Barney Blue Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Cumley Susanne Keller Mr. & Mrs. Ken Malmborg Mr. & Mrs. Rick McEuen Beverly Morgan Terry Pettit Mr. & Mrs. Bob Rives Bob Sanner Mary Waller
Dr. David Smiley Drs. David & Evelyn Smiley Loy Stockburger Susanne Keller Almeta Talley Mr. & Mrs. Larry Good Drs. Joe & Jackie Humphrey Alice Thayer Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Williams Kaylen Fry Shirley Marley John Townsdin & Lisa Bowen Elaine Townsdin Bill Thurmond Judy Odom Howard Ward Sylvia Ward Gene Wenger Sue Wenger Ruth Lake Wilkison Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Studebaker
Friends and family honored the following people and groups with donations to York College in their name. Blackburn Family Howard Caldwell Colis Campbell Harry Denewiler East Hill Church of Christ Ladies Maurice Hall Drs. Joe & Jackie Humphrey Jim & Betty Knowles Joan Kramer Dr. Robert & Ruth Lawrence Lisa Menke Chelli Cummings Morris Dr. T. Gayle Napier Barbara Roush Dr. Clark & Sue Roush Mike Rush Family Dr. Robert & Jeannette Scott Jack* & Robbie Sikes Sikes Family Bill & Elaine Witt *indicates deceased
An anonymous donor is offering a $50,000 challenge to students and friends of Jim Brock (’69) with gifts designated for the performing arts center green room. Scott (’79) and Kim Lambert are serving as spokespersons for this funding project designated as a memorial to Brock, YC’s communication teacher, theater program director and Soul Concern sponsor from 1977-1982. For more information on naming opportunities or a specific project, contact the YC Advancement Office at 402-363-5664 or develop@york.edu.
York College Remembers: Goben, Barnett, Miller, Kinney, Kite, Holthus, Holoch Clinton E. “Gene” Goben (75) passed away Feb. 21, 2014, in Enid, Okla. He graduated from high school in 1956 from Great Falls, Mont., and was among the first students at York College when it re-opened under the administration of the churches of Christ. He later would travel for the college as a fundraiser and student recruiter. Gene was a minister for the church of Christ in Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Oklahoma. At the time of his death he was preaching at the Northside Church of Christ in Waynoka, Okla. In addition, he was a district scout executive for the Boy Scouts of America and worked in a variety of sales and service positions. Married to Grace (Cleveland) for 56 years, all three of their children attended York College: Pam Love ’79, Randy ’80, and Rick ’94. Herman Barnett (93), longtime language professor at York College, passed away March 20, 2014. After many years of service as minister and elder at various congregations of the church of Christ, as an educator, and a loving husband, father, granddad, and great-granddad, Barnett exchanged his place of residency, which he shared with Jeroldine, his wife of 62 years, from Cedar Park, Texas, to his lifelong goal, his eternal home in Heaven. Barnett came to York College in 1965 and taught classes in Spanish, German, and New Testament Greek for 16 years. He also was the instructional television co-ordinator and sponsored the Sigma Tau social club alongside Dr. Elmer Baker. Barnett was the father of three York College alumni: Delbert Barnett ’72, Debra (Barnett) Sexton ’74, and DeAnna (Barnett) Martin ’79. Madge Black Miller (91) died April 28, 2014, in York surrounded by family. Madge was united in marriage to Mabrey Miller on May 30, 1944 in Searcy, Arkansas. They were married for 64 years until his death in 2009. Longtime members of the East Hill Church of Christ, Madge worked with her husband as an elder’s wife for 46 years. The couple
made numerous mission trips to Nairobi, Kenya and Samara, Russia. Madge began her career as an elementary school teacher in Arkansas. After moving to York, she was asked to begin the special education program in the York Public School system. Later, she served in a number of capacities at York College over a span of more than four decades. A few of these were as a career counselor, bookstore manager, secretary to the academic dean, supervising student teachers, and as a classroom instructor in art appreciation. She retired from her duties at the college in 2010. Madge was an active participant over many years in volunteer organizations including Helping Hands for York College and Meals on Wheels. She was also known by many for her generous gifts of her homemade grape jelly, chocolate chip cookies and poetry. The Millers five children all attended York College: Wanda “Wendy” (Miller) Shashoua ’66, Ramona (Miller) Ratliff ’69, Bryan Miller ’81, Keith Miller ’84, and Kirk Miller ’84. For more than 50 years, Dr. Mabrey and Madge served the students of York. They were an ever-present force on the campus and in the community and their contributions to York College will be remembered by thousands of thankful alumni. Lester Kinney (84) of Council Bluffs, Iowa,went to his heavenly home on May 9. During his lifetime, he had many professions including soda jerk, golf caddie, auto parts dealer, and plumber’s assistant. By the age of 18, he owned a gas station. In addition to farming, he worked as a Union Pacific carman for 38 years. Les served as an elder at the McPherson Ave. Church of Christ in Council Bluffs. He was also on the York College Advisory Boardand was a friend and supporter of York College for many years. Three of his children attended York College: Tom ‘76, L ori (Kinney ‘85) Seilstad, and Troy ‘86; as well as a number of his grandchildren.
Dr. Jason Thomas Kite (43) lost his 8-month battle with cancer on May 31, 2014. Dr. Kite served as an assistant professor of physics and math at York College since 2011. Kite received a bachelor’s degree in math from Pepperdine University and PhD in physics from Utah State University. He was a member of the East Hill Church of Christ in York. Jason leaves behind his wife, Robin; one brother, Derek with wife Valerie and two nephews and two nieces of Lubbock; his parents, Terence and Jo of York; his grandmother, Mary Kite of Gothenburg and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorials may be directed to the 3+2 Engineering Program at York College. The Holthus family of York has done much for York College over the years. Most visibly, the Holthus Fieldhouse, where many of our athletes train, is named in honor of this family. In the recent months, this family has suffered two losses and the York College community grieves with them. Kendell Holthus (56) passed away on March 28, 2014 after a long battle with cancer. Holthus served as executive vice president of Cornerstone Bank and was a member of the bank’s board of directors, executive committee, and senior loan committee. He was posthumously recognized for his service to the college by the board of trustees. He leaves behind a wife, Amy, and three daughters: Lily, Baylie, and Tatum. Greg Holoch (62) died June 4 due to complications of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Holoch was married to Kristie, sister of Kendell and daughter of Kelley and Virginia Holthus. He was in the home construction business for over 30 years and worked for Cornerstone Bank in their construction department for 11 years. He leaves behind wife, Kristie, and adult children Kylee, Cody, and Zachary, as well as four grandchildren.
From From the the president’s president’s reception reception for for all all alumni, alumni, to to the the Homecoming Homecoming soccer soccer game, game, to to the the alumni alumni golf golf scramble, scramble, to to the the fall fall theatre theatre production, production, there there are are so so many many reasons reasons to to visit visit October October 10-12. 10-12. Register Register now now and and see see who who else else is is planning planning to to be be there there at at york.edu/homecoming! york.edu/homecoming!
Join us at Homecoming, October 10-12! Crisp, autumn air. Colorful leaves swirling around the old brick buildings. Fall is the perfect time to visit campus. Invite your classmates, bring your family, and reconnect!
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon Friday, October 10
If your class year ends in a “4” or a “9”, it’s a reunion year for you! Go to york.edu/homecoming to see if a reunion gathering has been planned for your group or to help organize a gathering.
Ries Humphrey
Abraham
Lessly
Celebrate with us on Saturday during alumni chapel as we recognize Dr. Jackie (Hance) Humphrey ’59 and Dr. Scott Abraham ’99 with Alumni of the Year Awards. The Roger ’58 and Betty (Williams ’58) Lessly family will receive the Legacy Award.
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Miller
Reserve tickets now for the Athletic Hall of Fame induction luncheon, honoring Diane (Fogarty) Ries ’78 and Tom Miller ’71. Tickets are $25 and proceeds support the athletic department. Seating is limited. Reserve your tickets at york.edu/homecoming/AHOF.
...just around the
Presidential Leadership Institute, July 13-19
Y
ork College and Strata Leadership will partner to offer an innovative program for high potential students, grades 10-12. The Presidential Leadership Institute will provide students from across the United States the opportunity to interact with nationally recognized leaders while participating in an in-depth team building experience with their classmates. The goal of the program is to help students become leaders and agents of positive change in their schools. All of the week’s content will have a spiritual component as students explore the relationship between Christian principles, service, character, and effective leadership.
Alumni and Friends Work Days, July 17-19
L
ooking for a fun way to help out YC? Join us for York College Alumni and Friends Workdays, July 17-19, where we will all pitch in to improve the campus prior to the start of a new school year. We will be painting, landscaping, and generally giving a little TLC to every part of campus. Volunteers can stay in the dorms and eat in the caf. For alumni, this is your chance to feel like a student again! So grab some classmates and head for campus. Contact Scott and Lisa Eckman (YC ‘79) at s.eckman@juno.com for more details or to register.
Bible Teachers Workshop, July 26
B
ible class teachers of cradle roll through adult ed, join us for a time of training and encouragement during our Bible Teachers Workshop. You’ll hear practical tips from people who are in the trenches. Learn about new tools, techniques and curriculum options. Speakers will be from the Christian Education Association. Register now at york.edu/btworkshop.
Legacy Alumni Reunion, August 5-7
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lan to join the circle of friends and acquaintances on the great campus of old YC. We will be relaxing and visiting in the Cornerstone Room of the Mackey Center. If you have any memorabilia, or know of someone who does, bring them along and we will all remember together. If you have any suggestions, contact Don and Ramona Ellison by email at ellison@windstream.net.
Homecoming and H.S. Days, October 10-12
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weekend getaway is planned for you on campus that brings together some of the best experiences that YC has to offer. Homecoming and High School Days take advantage of beautiful fall days to invite alumni, high school teens, and friends of the college to a weekend of celebration. Saturday morning chapel, crowning of the Homecoming royalty, soccer games, fall theatre production, performance by the Concert Choir… all are part of the busy schedule. Make plans to be here, especially if it’s your reunion year.
Don’t forget to check the calendar on the back cover for other important dates.
1125 E 8th Street York, NE 68467
Looking for a new direction? YC now offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Learn more at online.york.edu.
COMING EVENTS July 13-19 17-19 26
Presidential Leadership Institute York College Work Days Bible Teachers Workshop
August 5-7 23-26 27
Legacy Alumni Reunion New Student Orientation Classes Begin
October 10 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction 10-12 Homecoming & Fall High School Days November 22-30 Thanksgiving Break December 15-17 Final Examinations January 2-10 Concert Choir Winter Tour 12 Classes Begin February 12-13 Shine Retreat 26 Spring Play Opening Night March 7-15 April 3-5 Mayra Urrutia of Commerce City, Colo., gets a hug from her nieces and nephew after graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting.
Spring Break Spring High School Days (Songfest: April 2 - 4, 7:00 p.m.)
May 2 17-23
Commencement RoundUp