Hesston College Vice President of Advancement Yvonne Sieber announces the appointments of Scott Sundberg and Derek Yoder as development officers.

Sundberg will work with alumni and friends on the east coast and internationally from his home in Lancaster, Pa. He began his role April 9.

“Scott’s enthusiasm for Christ-centered education, community and his broad international experiences are assets that will enhance our team’s efforts on behalf of Hesston College students,” said Sieber.

Sundberg’s appointment fills a role vacated upon the death of Elam Peachey in January 2011. Arliss Swartzendruber of Denver, Colo., director of development from 1985 to 1994, filled the position on a part-time contractual basis until a permanent hire was made.

“We were most appreciative of Arliss’ assistance following the sudden passing of our colleague,” said Sieber. “He was instrumental in helping us complete the funding for the Erb Hall dormitory renovation campaign.”

Sundberg served as director of communications for Mennonite Disaster Service from 2006 to 2011. He also served as director of communications for The English Language Institute/China in San Dimas, Calif., from 1993 to 2006.

With vast international experience having lived and taught English in various provinces throughout China for three years, and traveling extensively through numerous Asian countries, Sweden, Scotland and Mexico, Sundberg will use his connections and experience to also connect with international Hesston alumni.

Sundberg is graduate of Biola University (La Mirada, Calif.). He is a member of Akron Mennonite Church (Lancaster, Pa.), and he and his wife, Wendy, have two sons.

Yoder, who will work with constituents on the west coast and in parts of Kansas, began working part-time from his home in Cassopolis, Mich., in May and will join the team full-time on campus beginning July 1.

The new appointment will be a return to the Hesston community for Yoder, his wife, Joy, and three children.

Yoder is a 1996 Hesston College graduate. He earned a B.S. in social work from Eastern Mennonite University (Harrisonburg, Va.) and a M.S.W. from Wichita (Kan.) State University.

Yoder has served as a host at Camp Friedenswald in Cassopolis with Mennonite Voluntary Service since 2009. He also served as an admissions counselor at Hesston from 1998 to 2002 and as youth pastor of Whitestone Mennonite Church (Hesston) from 2002 to 2009.

“Derek’s has many strong relationships in our alumni base, and his love for the student experience provided by Hesston College will be strong assets in this role,” said Sieber.

Yoder’s appointment fills a role being vacated with the retirement from the college of Larry Martin following the 2012-13 year. Martin has served as Development Officer since 1999, and will work with special projects in a part-time role until his retirement.

“We are grateful for the years Larry has dedicated to helping make Hesston a good and affordable starting place for students, and we look forward to seeing the ways he connects with loyal supporters who have included Hesston in their estate plans and to advance a number of important projects,” said Sieber.