In the News

College enrollment climbs to highest total since 2018

Caption: Hesston College campus has been buzzing with activity since opening weekend, including the annual Nest Olympics where on-campus students gathered before taking their skills to Sieber Field for friendly competition. Total enrollment climbed for the second year in a row to 394 students, with residential life especially strong with 338 students living on campus — the highest in over a decade.

Hesston College is celebrating another year of enrollment growth, with fall 2025 census numbers showing continued momentum in key areas of student recruitment and campus life.

Total headcount this fall reached 394 students, an increase from 372 in fall 2024. This marks the college’s highest enrollment since 2018. Another highlight is Hesston’s strong growth in residential life with 338 students living on campus, the highest number since 2011. This represents a 51% increase in dorming students over the past two years.

New student enrollment came in at 209, making it the second straight year the recruited new student count exceeded 200. The number of new students from Kansas reached a five-year high at 75, showing increased regional interest in the college’s bachelor’s degree programs.

“This year’s enrollment result demonstrates measurable progress,” says Hesston College President Mark Landes. “With expanded four-year academic and athletic options, we were able to push total enrollment higher and now have the strongest residential community in over a decade. At the same time, we know retention is an area where we must and will continue to improve. I’m proud of the progress we have achieved and the direction we are heading. I’m also grateful to our entire campus for their daily investment in our students.”

International enrollment dropped to 54 students, compared to 64 last year. The decrease is primarily due to federal visa approval delays. Hesston College continues to attract a strong global presence with students coming from 27 different countries.

“International students enrich our classrooms, athletic teams and residence halls with their valuable perspectives and experiences,” Landes notes. “International education remains a core strength of Hesston College, and we look forward to continued growth in this area as federal processes stabilize.”

College Hosts “Making Connections Where There Are None” Exhibit by Jim Daniels

Hesston College presents “Making Connections Where There Are None,” an exhibit of mixed-media works by artist Jim Daniels exploring the ways personal history, memory and cultural artifacts intersect to shape narratives of identity and meaning. The exhibit is open now through October 29 in the Regier-Friesen Gallery in Hesston College’s Laban Peachey Center. On October 15, Hesston College is set to celebrate Daniels and his work with an artist reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The pieces in this exhibit draw from his grandmother’s collection of National Geographic magazines, a source that sparked his curiosity as a child and later became a foundation for this body of work. By layering photography, collage and abstract mark-making, Daniels reconstructs stories and creates unexpected relationships between images that were never intended.

“Our reality is what we make it,” Daniels explains. “My role as an artist for this collection fluctuated between that of historian and author. I was making connections where there were none in an attempt at crafting a new narrative.”

The artist’s process carries echoes of anthropology, archaeology and philosophy, all disciplines concerned with uncovering meaning from fragments of information. What began as a childhood fascination with faraway places evolved into a studio practice rooted in excavation and reassembly. Each artwork becomes an open-ended question, encouraging viewers to consider how stories emerge when disparate elements are brought together.

Daniels received his Master of Fine Arts from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. He teaches drawing and painting at Whitfield School while maintaining his own studio practice. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including collaborations with interior design firms in Denver, Colo., and exhibitions in Berlin, Germany. Daniels resides in St. Louis with his wife, two children and their dog.

The “Making Connections Where There Are None” exhibit is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Photo caption:
“Now in my Forties” (left) - by Jim Daniels explores memory, identity and the layering of lived experience. By overlaying grid lines, painted shapes and luminous textures, Daniels invites viewers to reflect on the ways time reframes both personal history and self-perception.
In “Look What Washed Up,” Jim Daniels engages with themes of discovery and decay. The piece evokes the remnants left behind — objects, memories and stories — that wash ashore in the aftermath of time and tide.

College announces 2025 class for athletic hall of fame

Hesston College is rolling out the red carpet for its 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame class during Homecoming weekend, September 26 and 27. This year’s inductees represent decades of athletic excellence and Lark tradition, from standout players and coaches to an unforgettable team. Fans will have a chance to meet the honorees at a reception in the Yost Center lobby Friday at 8 p.m. and celebrate their official induction Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. The 2025 class features athletes Larry Beckler ’70, Craig Birky ’83, Christy (Walker) ’91 Cornell, Jill (Troyer) ’91 Miller, Nolan King ’90 and coach and athlete Francis Chupp ’61. Hesston College will also induct the 1966 men’s soccer team as a team of distinction.

Larry Beckler ’70 (Pasadena, Calif.) - Beckler was the definition of a multisport star during his time at Hesston with careers in soccer, basketball and track and field. More than 50 years after graduating, Beckler still holds the record for the broad jump with a mark of 22-feet 8-inches. In 1969, he helped the men’s basketball team to a 9-12 record while finishing third on the team in rebounds (100) and made field goals (69), and fourth in points per game (PPG) with 9.5. He broke out in his sophomore season leading the team with 12.1 PPG, 104 made field goals, 139 rebounds, 6.6 rebounds per game (RPG) and 255 total points while ranking second with 45 assists. He earned second team all-conference honors both years. Beckler played one season for the Lark men’s soccer team and had a massive impact helping the 1969 team to a 13-3 record and cementing himself as one of the best defensive players in program history.

Craig Birky ’83 (Kouts, Ind.) - Birky was one of the best basketball players in Hesston College history. Birky’s name appears in many places in Hesston’s men’s basketball record book as he holds the record for career points (1,511), career field goals made (629) and both the career (253) and season (138) marks for made free throws. He holds two of the top five spots for season PPG with 29.4 (second) as a sophomore and 23.8 (fourth) as a freshman. He also owns the sixth-best career RPG with 8.6. In his freshman season, he led the state in PPG while also leading the team with 287 made field goals, a 56.1% FG percentage, 115 made free throws, 72.3% free throw percentage, 251 rebounds, 8.7 RPG and 689 points while ranking second with 112 assists and 66 steals. Birky’s stellar season was enough to earn him first team all-conference honors. As a sophomore, he was the second leading scorer in the nation among junior college players and helped the team improve to a 14-14 record. He led the team in most statistical categories and was named second team all-region.

Christy (Walker) ’91 Cornell (Florissant, Colo.) - Cornell played a huge part in the rise of Hesston women’s basketball in the ’90s. Cornell holds the record for career PPG (18.2) and season PPG (22.0). During her sophomore year, she led the nation with 22 PPG. Other accolades include ranking sixth all-time for points in a season with 506 and seventh all-time in career free throw percentage with 75.1%. As a freshman, Cornell was the second highest scorer on the team while leading the team in steals and free throw percentage. In her sophomore season, she was named the most valuable player (MVP) of the Hesston Thanksgiving tournament. Cornell scored 37 points in a win over Friends University. She also broke the single season scoring record in her sophomore year which was set the previous year by her teammate and fellow inductee Jill (Troyer) Miller.

Jill (Troyer) ’91 Miller (Goshen, Ind.) - Miller was one of the best all around players in Hesston women’s basketball history. By the time she graduated from Hesston, she owned the all-time career scoring, rebounding and assists records. As a freshman, she led the team in all three categories while breaking the single season scoring record with 453 points. In a game against Haskell, Miller recorded an astonishing 34 points and 21 rebounds. As a sophomore, she led the nation in assists and ranked third in scoring and rebounding. Her name can still be found all over the record books as she ranks second all-time in career assists (258), third in career PPG (18.1) and single season PPG (18.8 in ’90) and fourth in career points (905) and career rebounds (501). She is also in the top 10 in points in a season, rebounds in a season, career rebounding average, season rebounding average and single season assists.

Nolan King ’90 (Cochranville, Pa.) - One of the best two-way players in Hesston baseball history, King had a significant impact for the Larks on their way to a third-place finish at the National Small Colleges Athletic Association national tournament in his sophomore season. As a freshman, he led the team with a .338 batting average and 21 runs scored while finishing second with 27 hits. He also set records for the most home runs hit in a career with eight and the most RBI in a season with 27. On the mound, he accumulated a team-best five wins and the second-lowest earned run average (ERA) with a 4.34. King was voted the team MVP by his teammates in 1989. In 1990, King led the team on the mound with seven wins and a 3.55 ERA in 49 ⅓ innings while tossing four complete games. He also tied for the second-most home runs on the team. His seven wins in 1990 ranks third in the all-time list of wins in a season for a Hesston pitcher and his 12 career wins ranks second all-time.

Francis Chupp ’61 (Denton, Texas) - Chupp was one of the first star athletes at Hesston College as men’s basketball was introduced as the college’s first varsity sport in 1957. Chupp was a dominant force for the Larks leading them to a 13-3 record in his freshman season and a 15-5 record as a sophomore. As a freshman, he led the team with 113 field goals made, 304 points and 21.7 PPG. He would also lead the team in the same categories in his sophomore season with 93 made field goals, 237 points and 19.7 PPG while also making a team-high 51 free throws. On top of all of his success on the court, Chupp served as the student council president during his time at Hesston. A few years after graduation, Chupp returned to his alma mater to coach soccer and basketball. His legacy at Hesston was cemented by being the head coach of the 1966 soccer team, who went on to finish undefeated in conference play and fell just short of a national championship.

1966 Men’s Soccer team - One of the most successful teams in Hesston College history, the ’66 men’s soccer team fell just short of a national title, finishing as the runner-up to Monroe Community College. The team posted an overall record of 9-2 and finished 8-0 in Prairie Christian College Conference (PCCC) play. The Larks dominated their conference schedule scoring 10 or more goals four times including 19 against Central College and 17 against York College. They finished the regular season with 90 goals, which averages out to more than 11 per game. Freshman Jim Sieber ’68 was named to the NJCAA national tournament first-team while also picking up All-American and All-Conference honors along the way. Terry Koppenhaver ’67 led the team with 31 goals while Sieber contributed 24 goals and 13 assists. Goalkeeper Don Lind ’67 finished the season with 33 saves and posted three clean sheets. Team members included: Sieber, Koppenhaver, Lind, Arnie Casas ’67, Mark Egli ’68, Darrell Fisher ’68, Jerry Garber ’69, Gene Hershey ’67, Garry Hochstetler ’68, Nellie Kauffman ’67, Jim Landis ’67, Al Leinbach ’67, Wayne Longenecker ’67, Charles Miller ’67, David Moyer ’68, Joe Nafziger ’68, Roland Nunemaker ’68, Gene Schlabach ’68, Jim Styer ’67, Jay Taylor ’67, Ed Troyer ’67, Chris Yoder ’68, Norm Yoder ’67 and manager Allen Yoder ’67.

Hesston College Theatre to present comic fantasy “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility”

Hesston College Theatre will take audiences on a whimsical, globe-spanning adventure this fall with its production of “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility” by Craig Pospisil. Performances will take place at 7 p.m., October 2 to 4, and at 2 p.m., October 5, in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and seniors, available at the door or in advance at hesston.edu/showtix or by calling 620-327-8104.

Theatre Director Rachel Jantzi chose the comic fantasy as a lighthearted counterbalance to last season’s darker themes, pairing it thematically with the upcoming spring musical “Xanadu.”

“Both ‘Poles’ and ‘Xanadu’ have a light, fantastical feel,” says Jantzi. “After last year’s heavier themes, I felt it was important to bring in some cheer.”

The play follows a captivating storyline that blends romance with adventure, taking audiences from jungle to ocean to arctic with dragons, giant squid and monsters from Australia’s outback making appearances along the way.

“It’s like if ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ merged,” Jantzi shares. “I also have a talented cast who is already figuring out the complexities of characters who find themselves in extremely far out circumstances.”

Pushing the limits of the Keim Center’s intimate performance space, the production will combine practical stage effects and sound design to create an unforgettable journey.

“We are bringing in locations from all over the world,” Jantzi explains. “This one relies more heavily on technical effects than in some more recent years, the spectacle should be entertaining.”

Recommended for ages eight and up, attendees can expect an evening filled with laughter and energy.

“I want audiences to expect a good laugh and a great night out,” Jantzi says, “and to leave feeling like there’s still some magic in this world.”

The cast consists of students Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla.; Angel Sinnet of McPherson, Kan.; Brody Hutto of Bel Aire, Kan.; Dakota Nisbeth of Enterprise, Kan.; Constance Feldt of Wichita, Kan.; Rey Tipton of Hesston, Kan.; Alyssa Coonce of Hutchinson, Kan.; Arlynn Smith of Newcastle, Okla.; Cindy Smith of Park City, Kan.; Misaki Kurata of Habikigaoka, Japan.; Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan.; Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan.; and Sebastian Pavlovich of Lindsborg, Kan. Crew members include students Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind., and Ava Huynh of Lam Dong, Vietnam.

College hosts photography exhibit “Rooted Heart, Traveling Soul”

Hesston College’s Regier-Friesen Gallery will feature “Rooted Heart, Traveling Soul” Sept. 1 to 28, a photography exhibit by nursing student Audrey Befort of Harper, Kan. The community is invited to view the show during regular gallery hours and attend a public reception honoring the artist on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

“Rooted Heart, Traveling Soul” offers a visual autobiography blending the heartstrings of home with the irresistible pull of wanderlust. The collection is divided into two distinct groupings of photographs, each providing insight into Befort’s memories, personal stories and the places that shaped her journey.

Regier-Friesen Gallery is located in Laban Peachey Center on the Hesston College campus. Admission is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about the exhibit, call 620-327-4221.

College to celebrate community and leadership at Homecoming 2025 and Presidential Inauguration

Hesston College welcomes alumni, friends, students and community members to campus September 26 to 28 for a weekend of connection, tradition and celebration, highlighted by the inauguration of the college’s 10th president, Mark Landes, as well as a live performance by Thorn Haze at the family festival.

Saturday morning marks a historic moment in Hesston College’s story as Mark Landes is formally installed as president in a ceremony at Hesston Mennonite Church. The inauguration will celebrate the college’s Christ-centered mission, honor its heritage and open up to a future of growth and impact.

“This is a moment for our whole community to reflect on what makes Hesston College unique and to dream together about where God is leading us,” Landes says. “I’m deeply honored to serve and walk alongside our students, employees, alumni and friends as we pursue that vision.”

The rest of the festivities officially begin Friday, September 26, with events designed to bring people together. From the Golden Gables Luncheon for alumni of 50 years or more, to a meet and greet with our new president and opportunities to connect with past presidents, faculty, staff, current students and other fellow Larks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In the evening, celebrate Lark athletics by cheering on the volleyball team, then mingling with Hall of Fame inductees and current teams, then take in the fun during the alumni softball game.

Another weekend highlight is the annual family festival featuring live music from Thorn Haze, a Kansas-born artist blending indie, rock, alternative and blues into soulful lyrics, gritty riffs and unforgettable energy. There will also be food trucks, games and inflatables for the entire family to enjoy. Then stay for the Lark men’s soccer game with a halftime show featuring a dance team performance and recognition of the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.

Additional Saturday activities include an opportunity to attend a photography exhibit by current student Audrey Befort in Laban Peachey Center’s Regier-Friesen Gallery. There will also be student speakers and performers, class reunions, a free tie-dye shirt activity, a book signing with author Michele (Schrock) '81 Hershberger, Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a disc golf tournament and a golf simulator long drive tournament.

Sunday concludes the weekend with worship and fellowship at Hesston Mennonite Church, featuring a message from Loren Swartzenduber, former president of Hesston College, sending attendees home renewed in their connection to the Hesston College community.

In keeping with Hesston’s tradition, this year’s theme verse will be woven throughout the weekend’s events:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23. God’s great faithfulness is visible in many ways across campus, including in the recent growth of the student body, the expansion of academic programs and the deepening of community connections. This Homecoming, Hesston College gathers not only to reconnect with one another, but also to give thanks for the ways God has guided, sustained and opened doors to a bright future filled with hope and purpose.

Visit hesston.edu/homecoming for a full schedule of activities and to learn more.

Hesston College welcomes students with theme of curiosity and belonging

Hesston College launched the 2025-26 academic year with a weekend full of celebration, connection and community, welcoming approximately 400 students to campus. Opening Weekend began with the annual Opening Celebration on Friday, August 15, where students, their parents, faculty and staff gathered to set the tone for the year through music, theatre and reflection from returning and new students.

A quote attributed to Walt Whitman, “Be curious, not judgmental,” served as a guiding thread throughout the Opening Celebration. It was presented through an original skit that included student stories, as well as a cappella performances by Bel Canto Singers. Students shared their experiences of discovering Hesston unexpectedly, finding a welcoming community and reshaping their expectations about college life, academics and friendship.

“What I have found at Hesston College so far is that people don’t care about what I look like,” shared Rey Tipton, a freshman from Hesston, Kan. “They care about who I am on the inside, because that’s what matters.”

“At first, I thought that everyone was going to be really mean or weren’t going to want to talk to anyone else outside of their group,” admitted Cindy Smith, a freshman from Wichita, Kan. “But I’ve quickly learned that it is the complete opposite.”

Following the skit, President Mark Landes delivered an address echoing the skit’s themes while drawing on his experience as a parent and returning member of the Hesston College community.

“I was going to start by saying my hope and prayer for this school year is that everybody can find meaning and belonging here at Hesston College, and I’m not sure that this could’ve been summed up any better than what just happened,” Landes said. “My main thing that I want to encourage everyone to do is to lean in. Lean in and engage your experience.”

He encouraged students to approach the year with curiosity, humility and intentional listening — traits he believes fosters connection and academic success.

Attendees were also encouraged through this year’s theme verse:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23.

The evening concluded with an all-campus ice cream social, followed by a full weekend of activities including registration, orientation sessions, a community picnic and the beloved Nest Olympics — a spirited dorm competition featuring games, costumes and campus camaraderie. As is tradition, President Landes ceremoniously kicked off the games by carrying the Olympic flame (tiki torch) onto Sieber Field. This year’s finale featured a high-energy rock-paper-scissors tournament that crowned a single student victor with campus-wide bragging rights.

Update on Facilities and Classroom Adjustments

While the fall semester began with joy and energy, Hesston College also continues restoration efforts following a fire that affected J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts in May. Cleanup is underway, and full restoration of the building is targeted for fall 2026. In the meantime, the college made accommodations to ensure uninterrupted lab instruction:

• Chemistry labs are held at Bethel College on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• A temporary physics lab is set up in Smith Center.
• Biology labs have been relocated to available spaces elsewhere on campus.

Additionally, the Bonnie Sowers Nursing Center restoration was completed prior to the start of classes, featuring new carpet, ceiling tiles and a fresh coat of paint.

Through creativity, resilience and an unwavering commitment to its students, Hesston College begins this new year rooted in faith, community and the invitation to stay curious.

College Announces Spring Academic Honors

Hesston College Registrar Heidi Hochstetler announced the names of full-time students whose spring 2025 semester grades earned them a place on the Dean’s List (3.90 to 4.00 GPA) and Honor Roll (3.50 to 3.89 GPA).

Dean’s List – first-year students

Blen Bezuwork, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Taiga Goto, Chiyoda-ku, Japan
Beau Johnson, Englewood, Colo.

Dean’s List – sophomores

Gresa Arapi, Cypress, Texas
Brandon Chim, Amarillo, Texas
Mariah Hall, Lawton, Okla.
Sydney Jackson, Marlow, Okla.
Julie Jones, Amber, Okla.
Elsa Rayneau, Malang, Indonesia
Rylee Weishaupt, Goshen, Ind.

Dean’s List – juniors

Devin Miller, Hesston, Kan.
Evangelina Perry, Tulsa, Okla.

Dean’s List – seniors and unclassified

Amy Birkey, Wichita, Kan.
Alyssa Burkholder, Hillsboro, Kan.
Holly Cummins, Potwin, Kan.
Tana Hayworth, Lincoln, Kan.
Riku Iwai-King, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Phoebe Kolb, Milford, Neb.
Alexandria Nickel, Newton, Kan.

Honor Roll – first-year students

Tyler Beckford, West Bay, Cayman Islands
Akiva Brown, Plano, Texas
Jocilyn DeSmet, Winchester, Tenn.
Trinity Garcia, Gilbert, Ariz.
Amy Hunley, Owensboro, Ky.
Misaki Kurata, Habikigaoka, Japan
Trentis Lane, Houston, Texas
Mauricio Ramirez, El Paso, Texas
Jacob Thomson, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Sakura Yamada, Japan
Ryan Ziesch Goddard Kan.

Honor Roll – sophomores

Trista Barrett, Atoka, Okla.
Galo Benedek, Madrid, Spain
Braxton Byers, Mansfield, Ark.
Kaleb Cain, Dallas Center, Iowa
Miriam Castillo, Houston, Texas
Gabriel Clark, Goshen, Ind.
James Cook, Parkville, Mo.
Cambry Duerksen, Hillsboro, Kan.
Ana Espinoza, Ocotepeque, Honduras
Evelyn Gaertner, Newton, Kan.
Dominic Garcia, Spring, Texas
Sarah Hanson Park City, Kan.
Jammial Hicks, Kansas City, Kan.
Carly Lee, Rose Hill, Kan.
Braxton Linden, Sterling, Kan.
Cutter Livermore, Canyon, Texas
Bri’Ellen Mann, Wynnewood, Okla.
Anna McIntire, Lawrence, Kan.
Destiny Ortiz, Burleson, Texas
Colin Pitzer, Omaha, Neb.
Hauw Celline Raharjo, Semarang, Indonesia
Dusti Roberts, Yukon, Okla.
Colton Steinke, Ault, Colo.
Ethan Thompson, Hesston, Kan.
Lissette Tovar, Wichita, Kan.
Ashleigh Williams, Eaton, Colo.
Mrikejda Zogu, Lezhe, Albania

Honor Roll – juniors

Isabella Reece, Wichita, Kan.
Kyndal Simpson, Hesston, Kan.

Honor Roll – seniors

Carson Elonich, Goshen, Ind.
Jessica Raharjo, Semarang, Indonesia

Now Enrolling: Hesston Summer Theatre Camp Offers Youth a Week on Stage

Campers from Hesston College’s 2024 Summer Theatre Camp perform in the final production of “Mean Girls: The Musical.” Each year, the camp concludes with a full-stage performance open to the public.

Hesston College Theatre invites young performers from across the region to bring their energy and creativity to the stage as the college hosts its annual Summer Theatre Camp this summer, June 15 to 21. Open to students ages 11 to 18, the weeklong camp will culminate in a public performance of the musical “Beetlejuice” on Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m. in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary.

Throughout the week, campers will immerse themselves in all aspects of theatre — from acting, singing and dancing to staging and character development — while staying on campus and building friendships with fellow young artists. The experience offers an encouraging environment for students of all experience levels to grow their skills and confidence both on and off the stage.

“Theatre camp gives students the opportunity to take creative risks, collaborate and step into the spotlight,” said Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “It’s a fun, fast-paced week that ends in something they can all be proud of.”

The final performance is open to the public, and community members are warmly invited to attend and support the students’ work. The show will take place at 2 p.m. on June 21 at Hesston Mennonite Church, located on the Hesston College campus. Admission is $5 per person.

A limited number of spots remain for students interested in joining the camp. Registration is open through June 13. For campers staying overnight, evening activities such as swimming, movie night, a talent show and bonfire allow for a break from the stage and time for campers to build friendships beyond rehearsals.

For more information and to register, contact the Hesston College Theatre Department at 620-327-8142.