In the News

Melva Kauffman Lecture Series to explore “slow peace” with Hesston College alumna Dr. Angela Lederach

Hesston College will host the annual Melva Kauffman Lecture Series January 25 to 26, 2026, welcoming internationally recognized peace studies scholar and Hesston College alumna Dr. Angela Lederach for a three-part series titled “Slow Peace: Lessons from Grassroots Peacebuilders in Colombia.”

The 2026 lecture theme addresses a striking global reality: 2025 marked one of the most violent years since World War II, with the highest number of armed conflicts recorded in seven decades.* Dr. Lederach will draw on these global trends, alongside stories of courage and resilience from Colombia, to offer reflections on what she calls “slow peace,” a patient, community-rooted approach to building peace with justice in difficult contexts.

“Grassroots peacebuilders in Colombia have spent generations cultivating hope and sowing the seeds of peace amid ongoing violence,” says Dr. Lederach. “Through this lecture series, we will hear their stories, feel their pain. Their patient dedication to the everyday work of building peace with justice will give us critical insight into the possibilities for transforming our own cycles of violence and cultivating a more livable and just future.” 

While the example may come from abroad, it’s a message that will hit home. 

“Here in the U.S., we need to hear that peace truly works,” says Michele Hershberger, HC Bible professor and event coordinator. “True peace comes slowly and I believe it only comes through the help of the Spirit. And true peace always includes challenging the oppression in the system — it’s hard work — but it does work. What a gift of hope for us today and also what a great challenge.”

All events are free and open to the public and will be held at Hesston Mennonite Church (HMC) at 309 S Main in Hesston, Kan., unless noted otherwise. The event schedule is as follows: 

Sunday, January 25

7 to 8:30 p.m. — “Learning to Feel the Grass Grow: Building Slow Peace in Colombia”
HMC sanctuary
Reception to follow in the HMC community center

Monday, January 26

11 to 11:30 a.m. — “Cultivating Abundant Life: Guardians of Hope in Times of Violence”
HMC sanctuary

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Lunch with Dr. Lederach, students and community
Hesston College’s Bontrager Student Center dining hall
(Meal at your own expense.)

7 to 8:30 p.m. — “Youth Provoking Peace: Intergenerational Coalitions for Resilient Futures”
HMC sanctuary

Dr. Lederach serves as assistant professor of peace studies at the Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities and Social Services at Chapman University (Orange, Calif.). Her work centers on grassroots movements, restorative justice and the long-term, relational practices that shape sustainable peace. Her research includes more than a decade of collaboration with communities in Colombia who continue to navigate the aftermath of more than fifty years of armed conflict.

Founded in memory of longtime Hesston College faculty member Melva Kauffman, the annual lecture series invites speakers who engage faith, scholarship and justice in ways that challenge and inspire the community. Dr. Lederach’s work reflects Kauffman’s commitment to thoughtful inquiry, meaningful dialogue and the pursuit of peace rooted in lived experience.
For more information about the Melva Kauffman Lecture Series, contact Michele Hershberger. 

*Source: Uppsala Conflict Data Program

Dr. Angela Lederach ʼ04, is a Hesston College alum and currently serves as the assistant professor of  peace studies at the Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities and Social Services at Chapman University.

Fowl predicament at Hesston College uncovers irreplaceable flock

The smoke has cleared in Hesston College’s J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts, but cleanup is still underway following a May 9 fire that left the building unusable for the current academic year. While restoration efforts have been in full force over the past several months, the fate of HC’s feathered friends in the building was uncertain.

The specimens in question were part of an exhibit prepared from 1948 to 1956 by Richard Schmidt, then-HC staff taxidermist from Goessel, Kan., for Hesston College’s Maurice Yoder Memorial Museum located in Charles Hall. The collection was not exposed to the fire, but chemical smoke damage coupled with arsenic used in their preservation 70 years ago resulted in 260 specimens with an unknown future.

After several failed attempts to connect with a taxidermist willing to take on the extensive project of cleaning and restoring over 200 birds, Hesston College was at a loss. Numerous inquiries from community members as to the fate of this collection made the value to the HC community apparent, but without someone willing to do the necessary work to restore them, the college was running out of options to keep the birds.

Moving forward on a wing and a prayer, Ben Miller, Hesston College director of campus facilities, was able to connect with Wes Becker, president of the Kansas Association of Taxidermy (KAT) and the owner of M&W Taxidermy in Mount Hope, Kan. Once Becker learned that renowned taxidermist Richard Schmidt was the creator of this collection, it was enough to pique his interest and make the short road trip to Hesston to see the collection for himself.

“I was pretty amazed with the variety of birds,” Becker recalled. “Richard obviously specialized in those little tiny birds, but the quality of the work, even still today, is as good as 90% out there. It’s top quality work for sure.”

After the visit, Becker secured additional support from another industry expert, Museum Conservation and Wildlife Art Specialist Rick Krane of New Hampshire, who is also president of Anglers Artistry Inc. The duo were able to work with HC to quickly get the ball rolling and are currently on location, working to restore every bird in the collection.

This was a surprise, but a welcome turn in events for Hesston College as the true value of this collection has been uncovered. In fact, Krane shared in initial conversations with the college that this collection is literally “irreplaceable.”

“Older, cohesive avian collections that haven’t been broken up, damaged or lost to time are disappearing,” he said. “Maybe a couple dozen remain in any real continuity, and even that number shrinks each decade.”

Becker also spoke to the value of this collection saying, “Just the variety of birds, to be able to get to see birds that you can’t legally harvest, you can’t legally possess or anything. I think almost every single bird in there is federally protected. Even zoos don’t have most of these.”

Sharing in their sentiments is emeritus HC faculty member Lorna Harder.

“We have here a collection of birds, many of which are becoming rare,” she said. “They’re not necessarily threatened or endangered status, but they’re on watch lists already because the numbers have just been declining.”

It’s safe to say Schmidt is a legend in the taxidermy world, adding additional value to the collection. KAT even established the Richard H. Schmidt Memorial Award of Excellence in his honor. Each year it’s given to the highest scoring mount at their annual state competition. KAT’s website says, “This award is meant to honor all the hard work, passion, high standards and mastered abilities that went into a taxidermy piece to make it as close to real life as possible. It is the most elite and sought after award for the KAT and its members.”

“Preparators like Schmidt built the foundation for how America learned its wildlife,” Krane explained. “You can see that heritage in the Hesston pieces: the wiring, the posture, the feather articulation…it all speaks to a period of meticulous, disciplined workmanship. These mounts weren’t made for décor; they were made for education, for accuracy, for truth.”

Krane says the significance of this bird collection is three-fold. There’s historical significance as it provides a snapshot of a quickly fading academic era. Scientifically, it preserves forms and morphology. There’s also artistic significance as it represents a now very rare school of craftsmanship.

“This isn’t just a group of birds,” he shared. “It’s an intact chapter of natural history, and sadly there are very few chapters like this left.”

Over the years, the collection has remained a constant in its original exhibit space in Charles Hall, giving Hesston College biology and science students an up close and personal view of the winged creatures, adding a level of educational significance. Harder also recalls it being a resource for area schools to visit, as well as adult groups, when she worked in Charles Hall in the 1980s.

“But beyond that, it is a resource that very few colleges have,” she explained. “And our college is small, our community is small, and it’s accessible to a large number of people on a regular basis who want to come and look and see. I think accessibility is huge.”

Schmidt’s family was also grateful to learn about the turn in events.

"The descendants of Richard H. Schmidt are very pleased that Hesston College will be able to restore his taxidermy mounts after the fire. He made these more than 70 years ago, so it's wonderful to know they will be in good shape for years to come,” shared Paul Schrag of Newton, Kan., Schmidt’s grandson. “As supporters of Mennonite higher education, maintaining a high-quality display at Hesston College is important to us, and we trust that current and future students will benefit from the products of his skill and dedication."

Krane and Becker are on campus now, working under Krane’s Academy of Wildlife Art, to clean and restore all of the birds in the collection. They expect to complete the project in about a week. At that time, the collection will be stored safely while the cleaning and restoration of Charles Hall continues. The collection won’t remain caged up for long, though.

“The college is committed to getting the collection back on display,” Hesston College President Mark Landes said. “We also hope to create an enhanced exhibit space that students and the community can enjoy for generations to come.”

Weishaupt places second nationally in C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest

Rylee Weishaupt, a May 2025 Hesston College graduate, earned second place nationally in the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest, a competition hosted annually by Mennonite Central Committee.

Weishaupt first earned top honors at Hesston College’s local competition in May with her speech, “Don’t Get Yourself Killed,” presented as the culminating project in the Peacemaking and Justice course. Her speech examined how cultural narratives surrounding self-defense and aggression shape people’s understanding of safety and invited listeners to consider peace-centered alternatives rooted in Anabaptist-Mennonite theology.

After her first place win at Hesston College advanced her to the national round, Weishaupt’s message then resonated with the next round of judges for its clarity, conviction and thoughtful engagement with real-world concerns.

“What stood out to me about Rylee’s speech was the bravery that it takes to be nonviolent,” shares Nick Ladd, Weishaupt’s Peacemaking and Justice professor. “Many people think those who are nonviolent are weak or scared, and Rylee did a great job explaining how much bravery and guts it takes to truly work for nonviolence and peace.”

Weishaupt came in second in the competition after Naomi Lapp Klassen of Goshen College, with Teena Faust from Conrad Grebel University College earning third place.

The C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest has been held annually since 1974 and encourages emerging young leaders from Anabaptist colleges across the United States and Canada to engage questions of justice, peacemaking and shared responsibility within society.

Performing Arts to present “A Quiet Christmas” in partnership Prairie Lights

Hesston College Performing Arts invites families and community members to experience the beauty and stillness of the holiday season with “A Quiet Christmas,” an original theatre performance presented in conjunction with Prairie Lights at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. Performances will take place December 6 and 7 from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Prairie Pavilion.

This year’s production offers something new for Hesston College Theatre. While past winter shows often featured original scripts built from personal stories, poems or current events, “A Quiet Christmas” draws inspiration from children’s Christmas literature to shape a gentle, imaginative storytelling experience. With music by Hesston College Bel Canto Singers, led by Interim Choir Director Greg Bontrager and accompanied by Music Professor Ken Rodgers, the performance will be presented in an intimate indoor setting.

“I hope we can give audiences a charming performance,” shares Theatre Director Rachel Jantzi. “We want to allow family and friends an intentional time to connect while experiencing the beauty and serenity of this holiday season.”

The stories featured in this year's production celebrate the beauty of the natural world, drawing inspiration from children's books like “Night Tree” by Eve Bunting, “What The Little Fir Wore To The Christmas Party” by Satomi Ichikawa and “Room For A Little One” by Martin Waddell. The production will take a creative approach to these tales, incorporating a variety of storytelling techniques such as shadow puppetry, interpretive readings and musical accompaniment.

Following the performance, audiences are encouraged to enjoy Prairie Lights at their own pace. The arboretum’s landscape provides a peaceful setting for conversation, quiet wonder and connection.

“I am excited to be teaming up with the Dyck Arboretum’s Prairie Lights 2025,” Jantzi adds. “People will come and experience a live theatre performance for the whole family with Bel Canto Singers joining us, and also be able to walk through nature illuminated by thousands of lights.”

Students participating in this production are Alyssa Coonce, Hutchinson, Kan.; Constance Feldt, Wichita, Kan.; Evelyn Gaertner, Newton, Kan.; Brody Hutto, Bel Aire, Kan.; Misaki Kurata, Habikigaoka, Japan; Anja Martinez, Topeka, Kan.; Sebastian Pavlovich, Lindsborg, Kan.; Chloe Robinson, Moore, Okla.; Angel Sinnet, McPherson, Kan.; Arlynn Smith, Newcastle, Okla.; Cindy Smith, Park City, Kan.; Rey Tipton, Hesston, Kan.; Ava Huynh, Lam Dong, Vietnam; Sam Setiawan, Goshen, Ind.; Lily Corkill, Olsburg, Kan.; Eve Corkill, Olsburg, Kan.; Abby Hamm, Seminole, Texas; Kaylee Manning, El Dorado, Kan.; Ashleigh Williams, Eaton, Colo.; Adam Wonser, Goessel, Kan.; Nolan Gorman, Redmond, Ore.; Devin Miller, Hesston, Kan.; Ren Sparks, Moundridge, Kan.; and Ethan Thompson, Hesston, Kan.

Entrance to the performance is included with Prairie Lights admission. Tickets are $5 for adults, free for children ages 0 to 12, and are available at the entrance or at dyckarboretum.org/prairie-lights. For more information visit hesston.edu/theatre

Masterworks concert to present “One World, Many Voices”

Hesston College’s annual Masterworks concert will return this fall with “One World, Many Voices,” an evening of music focused on bringing harmony to a world of diverse and sometimes discordant perspectives. The performance will take place at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 22, at Hesston Mennonite Church. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s program features “Song of Wisdom from Old Turtle,” a choral-orchestral setting inspired by the beloved children’s book “Old Turtle” by Douglas Wood. The work reflects themes of God’s love for the world and the importance of seeking harmony across differences.

The performance will bring together more than 50 singers, including 24 members of Hesston College Bel Canto Singers alongside community vocalists. The singers will be accompanied by a 25-piece orchestra.

“I’m all about bringing people together, whether that is in choirs or communities,” says Greg Bontrager, interim director of choral activities at Hesston College. “When you do that, you’re always going to encounter different viewpoints. Sometimes the negative voices are the loudest, and you have to meet that with kindness. That’s the message at the heart of this work. We won’t always agree, but we can still respect one another and recognize each person’s unique gifts.”

The concert’s collaborative nature highlights the college’s long-standing commitment to bridging campus and community.

“We’re still looking for singers,” Bontrager adds. “If anyone would like to join us for rehearsals on November 10, 17 and 20, at 7 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church, they are welcome.”

Community members of all experience levels are invited to participate in the chorus and share in this meaningful musical collaboration. To sign up or learn more, visit hesston.edu/masterworks.

Aviation program expands fleet with new Piper Archer aircraft

Hesston College Aviation expanded its training fleet with the acquisition of a fifth aircraft, further strengthening the program’s capacity to serve students and sustain continued growth.

The addition of the 1982 Piper Archer II aircraft marks the culmination of a 12-month acquisition process led by Hesston College in partnership with Tomahawk Aero Services, LLC, an aircraft brokering company based in Las Vegas. Funded through a designated estate gift to enhance the aviation program, the addition will have a significant impact on aviation students.

“Our most recent aircraft acquisition aids in creating greater depth in our scheduling process, ultimately affording our trainees with additional learning opportunities,” shares Mike Baker, aviation program director. “Our students have entrusted us with their academic ventures and this addition allows us to better serve them.”

Fleet commonality remains a key factor in Hesston College Aviation’s success. With each aircraft of the same type, the program ensures a consistent learning environment for students and improved maintenance efficiency across the fleet.

“Having a uniform fleet not only enhances the student learning process but also upholds operational reliability,” says Baker. “This aircraft gives our students increased access to training time, even when others are down for maintenance, which ultimately accelerates their path to becoming professional pilots.”

The acquisition underscores Hesston College Aviation’s ongoing growth and its reputation as one of the region’s highest quality and most accessible collegiate flight programs. The college continues to attract aspiring aviators from across the U.S. who seek a strong foundation in aviation through Hesston’s Christ-centered, community-focused approach to education.

caption: Hesston College flight instructors gather to welcome the college’s newest Piper Archer II aircraft. The addition marks the fifth plane in Hesston’s fleet, expanding opportunities for hands-on flight training and program growth. Pictured left to right are Pablo Turcios Casco, flight instructor; Toby Yoder, flight instructor; Riku Iwai-King, flight instructor; Mike Baker, aviation program director; Jeff Lustick, owner of Tomahawk Aero Services, LLC; John Calhoun, owner of Fresh Aircraft Sales; Joe Baker, flight instructor; Suzanne Burch, manager of aviation training operations; and Haylee Frame, flight instructor.

College celebrates diversity with annual Cultures Fair

Hesston College will celebrate the many cultures represented on campus with its annual Cultures Fair on Wednesday, November 5, in Bontrager Student Center dining hall. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m., featuring international foods showcasing the diversity of the Hesston College community. Admission is $9.23 per person and open to the public. RSVPs are requested by Nov. 3 at hesston.edu/culturesfair2025.

Guests are invited to taste, learn and celebrate the variety of global traditions that make Hesston College unique. A curry main dish will be served by Fresh Ideas dining services from 5:30 to 7 p.m., while international sides, desserts and drinks will be available from 6 to 7 p.m. Students will share flavors and wear native clothing that reflects Hesston’s global connections and welcoming spirit.

“I’m really proud of our international students generously sharing their traditions, bringing the world to Hesston College and Hesston College to the world,” says Kyle Timmermeyer, international student support coordinator.

This year’s event builds on Hesston College’s commitment to cultivating a Christ-centered community that values peace, justice, equity and inclusion. With students representing 29 countries on campus, the Cultures Fair provides an opportunity to connect across many of those borders and foster understanding in a joyful, welcoming setting.

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.