Hesston College will welcome alumni and friends from across the country and around the world to campus Sept. 25 to 28 for A Hesston College Homecoming 2014 with the theme “Each other’s light: A multicultural celebration.”
The weekend will feature alumni sharing their heritage and multicultural experiences in “Go Everywhere” seminar presentations, music and theatre performances and class reunions. The public is invited to join the celebration for many of the events throughout the weekend.
Sadi Othman, a Palestinian American who previously served as an advisor to General David Petraeus in Iraq, will present the free seminar keynote address, “Cultural and Communication Bridges in Iraq Between U.S. and Iraqi Leaders,” at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. Othman will give the presentation with Hesston College international student recruiter Dave Osborne serving as interviewer and moderator. Othman is vice president of North America Western Asia Holdings, an investment firm in the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa. He was previously hired by the U.S. government to serve as a linguistic and cultural advisor for General Petraeus, and a senior advisor facilitating communication between Iraqi leadership and U.S. political and military leadership in Iraq.
Other “Go Everywhere” seminars will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26 at locations across campus. There is no fee to attend the seminars.
Seminar presenters include Ken G. Kabira, a management consultant who has served as a chief marketing officer for major entities including McDonald’s Japan, Lions Clubs International and the Chicago Transit Authority; Lisa Guedea Carreño, director of Elkhart (Ind.) Public Library who has cultural experiences leading study-service terms, making music in a wide variety of styles, hosting a weekly radio show and volunteering with local community service organizations; Gilberto Perez, Jr., senior director of intercultural development and education partnerships at Goshen (Ind.) College and author of the nationally recognized mental health “Bienvenido” curriculum; Jean Polynice, chief executive officer at CleMetric (Middleton, Wisc.), who has experience in data analytics, software engineering and economic research, management consulting and information technology; and Evie and Wally Shellenberger, authors of “Welcome to Iran! Christian Encounters with Shia Muslims,” stories from their four years living in Iran.
The stories of Mennonite women of color will be told in the drama production of “Heavenly Voices” at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, in the Hesston Mennonite Church Sanctuary on the Hesston College campus. The drama will feature a multicultural cast, including Hesston College alumni. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children and all students.
Hesston College sociology instructor and artist in residence and internationally acclaimed baritone Tony Brown will present his one-man show “I Go On Singing: Paul Robeson’s Life in His Words and Songs” at 8:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26 in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. The documentary and concert experience chronicles the life and work of Paul Robeson through Robeson’s own words and songs. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for children and all students.
Tickets for both shows can be purchased through the Hesston College Bookstore by calling 620-327-8105 or at the door.
The public is also invited to attend a Multicultural Family Festival at 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at the college’s Campus Activities Center. Festival activities include bounce houses and barrel train rides for children, a varsity volleyball match and an entertainment stage featuring alumni performers.
Entertainment stage performers include La Republica Rock Latino with alumnus Daniel Moya, local bluegrass group Jammin Biscuits with alumnus Tom Unruh, and a unique blend of current musical genres with AY MusiK by alumnus Aaron Young, who was a contestant on FOX’s X Factor and featured on MTV’s MADE.
The annual Alumni and Friends Banquet will be at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, in the Bontrager Student Center Dining Hall. An ethnic dinner will be served while international alumni will share their “everywhere experiences” and Dave and Sena Osborne are honored for their many years and ongoing work with international students. Cost for the banquet is $23 and includes admission to the “Heavenly Voices” drama. Reservations are required and can be made at hesston.edu.
The college will share in a joint worship service with alumni and the Hesston Mennonite Church congregation at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus. The Hesston College Gospel Choir will perform several selections, and Gilberto Perez will bring the message.
For more information and a full weekend schedule, start here.