In the News

Sunflower Performing Arts Series to Host British Vocal Ensemble Voces8

Sunflower Performing Arts at Hesston College will host acclaimed British vocal ensemble Voces8 on February 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church.

Based in the United Kingdom, this world-famous vocal octet will present a program titled “Choral Dances” which explores the interweaving of dance and music through the ages. The program will adeptly entwine various styles, refusing to follow the standard chronological ordering of music within a concert.

“Voces8 is in high demand as one of the most well-respected vocal ensembles in the world,” said Dr. Holly Swartzendruber, Hesston College music professor and director of Sunflower Performing Arts. “They last performed here in 2016 and we are thrilled to have them back. The program we will hear highlights the group’s masterful ability to span time and genre, and we look forward to a wonderful evening of music with this virtuosic ensemble.”

The members of Voces8 will also conduct a Vocal Leadership Workshop at Hesston College for area high school students. Schools are invited to bring up to eight students. Following the workshop, all students will rehearse the song “Underneath the Stars” and then break into small groups to rehearse and present an informal mini-performances. Voces8 will also conduct a masterclass with Bel Canto Singers, the top choir at Hesston College, as part of the afternoon’s educational outreach.

Tickets may be purchased in person at the door or at the Hesston College bookstore. Masks are required for this event.
 

Hesston College to Present the Well-Loved Musical, James and the Giant Peach, March 2 to 6

Hesston College Performing Arts will present five performances of James and the Giant Peach, March 2 through 6. Music and lyrics are by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and the book is by Timothy Allen McDonald, based on Roald Dahl’s story of quirky characters.

The musical follows Dahl’s 1961 children’s book, which traces the life of the orphan, James Trotter. After leaving the orphanage to live with his two horrible aunts, he discovers a peach growing outside. As the peach grows, he soon ventures inside it, befriending five interesting insects. Through a series of odd adventures, James gains an unexpected, unconventional understanding of what it means to be a family.

“The idea of creating a loving home is a wonderful thing, but for some, who you call family can also be by choice and that resonates with many people, including our cast and production team,” said director Rachel Jantzi. “This story is about surrounding yourself with those you love and who love you back…through pain and joy, they stay by your side.

“This musical has an incredible score that was written by the same men who wrote the music and lyrics for The Greatest Showman, La La Land and Dear Evan Hanson,” Jantzi continued. “The music is challenging, but we have strong performers who have been working hard to bring this show to life.

“A fun aspect of this show is the massive peach that can comfortably hold six singing and dancing actors, including one small James. Our James is a guest performer, a 10-year-old named Hannah, who has been incredible to work with and has really held her own among these college students. It’s been special watching the kind and encouraging interactions in our rehearsals.”

Cast

Hannah Adrian. . . . .James
Meg Byer. . . . .Ladahlord
Kayla Gunn. . . . .Spiker
Isaac Tice. . . . .Sponge
Kelly Miller. . . . .Spider
Luke Huyard. . . . .Centipede
Josh Fleming. . . . .Grasshopper
Anna Banman. . . . .Ladybug
Bethany Masters. . . . .Earthworm
Phoebe Kolb. . . . .ensemble
Ginny Miller. . . . .ensemble
Minori Fujioka. . . . .ensemble
Madison Higdon. . . . .ensemble

James and the Giant Peach will be shown in the Black Box Theater in Keim Center. Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, through Saturday, March 5, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6. Tickets ($12 adults, $5 students) are available at the Hesston College Bookstore, 620-327-8104.

Audience will be required to wear masks. Performers who are fully vaccinated and tested will perform without masks.

“Freedom Riders” to Examine Social Justice Issues Through Stories of the Past at Jan. 28 Sunflower Performing Arts Performance

Mad River Theater Works will present the play “Freedom Riders” as part of the 2021-22 Sunflower Performing Arts season on Friday, January 28, at 7:30 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church.

This original play with live music looks at the work of the Freedom Riders – people, both Black and white, who rode together on buses that crossed state lines in order to protest the illegal segregation practices still in use in the early 1960s. The play emphasizes the importance of working together and the value of non-violent protest.

“While we must remember the important work of the Freedom Riders year-round,” said Holly Swartzendruber, director of Sunflower Performing Arts, “we deliberately chose to present “Freedom Riders” to complement the other Hesston College campus programming around Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month. In the divisive political climate of today, the challenge that the Civil Rights leaders set before all of us to do better and be better continues to be vital work. We hope the audience members take that challenge seriously and find their own ways to make our country and our world a more just place for all.”

Mad River Theater Works is a professional touring theater company with roots deep in the Midwest. Their original plays are rooted in American history and examine the choices we face in a complex world. Through theater and music that uplifts characters from the past, they strive to challenge racism, xenophobia, sexism and intolerance. Mad River also conducts hands-on residencies in schools that connect students to the American roots storytelling and music that is the source material for their work.

In addition to the evening performance, the theater company is also slated to perform for area middle school students the morning of January 28.

Single ticket prices for Mad River Theater Works range from $23 to $27 with discounts available to students and senior citizens.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 620-327-8158.

Audience members will be required to wear a mask, according to current Hesston College guidelines.

Fall 2021 Academic Honors Announced

The Hesston College Registrar’s Office announced the names of full-time students whose fall 2021 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

Alex Blum, Topeka, Kan.
Trenton Canaan, Cheney, Kan.
David Duncan, Wichita, Kan.
Derick Fonseca, San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Luke Huyard, Harrisonburg, Va.
Isaiah Jones, Cleburne, Texas
Suzannah Karako, Galena, Mo.
Haydon Mead, Eureka, Kan.
Ginny Miller, Rockingham, Va.
Madelyn Mullet, Milford, Neb.
Reese Peterson, Omaha, Neb.
Nicholas Roghair, Irvine, Calif.
Fikir Yemane, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Sophomores

Katie Alaniz, Longmont, Colo.
David Beachy, San Nicolas FIN, Philippines
Sara Bianchi Muschio, Trento, Italy
Shelby Bontrager, McPherson, Kan.
Alisha Dorsing, Othello, Wash.
Alexis Driscoll, Sedgwick, Kan.
Mariah Gilmartin, Wichita, Kan.
Ethan Hildebrand, Stafford, Kan.
Emily Kelley, Wylie, Texas
McKayla Long, Highland, Calif.
Hebron Mamo, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Bethany Masters, Dundee, Ohio
Kelly Miller, Archbold, Ohio
Alyssa Nolt, Dalton, Ohio
Sadie Oesch, Caldwell, Idaho
Samuel Otto, Orrville, Ohio
James Peters, Hesston Kan.
Jessica Raharjo, Semarang, Indonesia
Katherine Robeck, Sweet Home, Ore.
Jovan Suarez, Salina, Kan.
Samuel Wiese, Omaha, Neb.

Juniors

Jennifer Komarek, Sedgwick, Kan.
Tobie Plett, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Romina Xhari, Lezhe, Albania

Seniors

Leah Booton, Lehigh, Kan.
Olivia Hernandez, Hesston, Kan.
Berit Kelley, Lawrence, Kan.
Kara Longenecker, Harrisonburg, Va.
Anna Myers, Sedgwick, Kan.
Dara Ness, Goddard, Kan.
Alexis Silvey, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Jara Strickland, El Dorado, Kan.
Isabelle Wortz, Hutchinson, Kan.

Honor Roll

First-year students

Kezia Angeline, Semarang, Indonesia
Joshua Binau, Bartlesville, Okla.
Dalton Budzene, Buckner, Mo.
Olivier Cruz Camilo, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Joshua Dodson, Enid, Okla.
Minori Fujioka, Yokohama-shi, Japan
Alvaro Hernandez, Horizon City, Texas
Kanaloa Kapololu, Kaneohe, Hawaii
David Lambert, Pueblo West, Colo.
Malachi Lind, Goshen, Ind.
Hayato Sato, Hachioji, Japan
Mason Schneider, Cheney, Kan.
Anseda Xhari, Lezhe, Albania
Rozario Zogu, Lezhe, Albania

Sophomores

Luke Allison, Hurley, S.D.
Margaret Beyer, Harrisonburg, Va.
Samantha Fatka, Warrensburg, Mo.
Maria Gerber, Dallas, Texas
Jeffrey Halstead, Topeka, Kan.
Fortesa Hysenaj, Istog, Kosovo
Joshua Kamara, Burnsville, Minn.
Jesse Kanagy, Lancaster, Pa.
Kylan Lacaze, Edmond, Okla.
Trent Mars, Corning, Kan.
Madyson McCage, Lindsay, Texas
Madison Michalek-Rosales, Lakeside, Calif.
Loribeth Miller, Chouteau, Okla.
Ryusei Ogawa, Yokohama, Japan
Lisa Schmidt, Moundridge, Kan.
Lacy Spaulding, Moundridge, Kan.
Samantha Stiles, Bentley, Kan.
Chyandra Teague, Claremore, Okla.
Rachel Teeter, Hesston, Kan.
Isaac Troyer, Millersburg, Ohio
Lance Walker, Ulysses, Kan.
Paige Weber, Freeport, Ill.

Juniors

Jordan Beal, Wichita, Kan.
Rachel Weaver, Broadway, Va.

Senior

Keiara Evancho, Newton, Kan.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Program Approved

Hesston College’s Bachelor of Science in engineering, introduced as part of the college’s Vision 2025 four-year program expansion plan, was approved on Nov. 19. This approval is crucial to the program’s anticipated launch of its first junior class in August 2022.

“Having the Higher Learning Commission Institutional Action Council approve the Bachelor of Science in engineering with a mechatronics track is a big step,” said Carren Moham, vice president of academics. “The fact that the HLC Change Panel initially recommended approval so early was an extremely good sign, as it doesn’t usually happen so quickly. It is a testament to the very thorough and diligent work of the writers of the proposal.”

In October, a Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Change Panel reviewed the program application, which will allow Hesston College to offer a Bachelor of Science in engineering with a mechatronics track, totaling 126 credit hours.

Success of the approval is credited to a strong, pre-existing associate degree program in pre-engineering. The demand for an engineering program alongside increasing student inquiries pushed faculty to craft robust and varied associate-level pre-engineering tracks.

“The foundation has been in place, and the excitement of today is now we get to build on it,” said Johann Reimer, director of engineering education. “Our very first junior class will get to experience four brand new engineering courses in the fall, followed by four new engineering courses in the spring.”

In the 2023-24 academic year, Hesston College will launch nine additional courses for senior engineering students. Updated facilities will support the new program, as Friesen Center becomes the new home for engineering. The 7,500 square foot space will house three labs and faculty offices.

“Our community ties run deep and we have many connections with local industry here in Hesston, and the surrounding area with companies like Excel, AGCO and Harper Industries to name a few,” Reimer said. “These connections will be essential as we build out the program and look to connect our students with class projects, internships and ultimately jobs.”

Hesston College Announces Hiring of Dr. Carren Moham as Vice President of Academics

Hesston College President Joseph A. Manickam announced the appointment of Dr. Carren Moham as vice president of academics. Dr. Moham had served as Hesston’s academic dean, and most recently as the interim vice president of academics.

Moham’s role as vice president of academics includes serving as a liaison between the faculty and the college’s administrative council. Moham will also oversee hiring of new faculty and the implementation of academic initiatives across campus. She will continue to chair the college’s Faculty Development Committee and serve on the leadership team for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.

“During her time with us, Dr. Moham had instilled a culture of rigor,” said Dr. Manickam. “Dr. Moham’s gifts, talents and skills will be instrumental in moving the college forward into the future.”

Dr. Moham assumes this leadership role as Hesston College continues to grow its mixed model profile. Four bachelor’s degree programs have been added to an offering of more than 50 associate degree programs of study, the most recent being a bachelor of science degree in engineering with a mechatronics track, which was approved by Hesston’s accrediting body on Nov. 19, 2021.

“I am honored and excited to lead the academic program at Hesston College, especially at such a pivotal time,” said Moham. “I will work diligently to create a culture that values both rigor and support for our students. Faced with growing animosity and divisiveness at every turn, the world needs Hesston College graduates now more than ever.”

“Dr. Moham has the skills and experience to help us realize our vision of moving from being a ‘college for Mennonites’ to becoming a ‘Mennonite college for all,’” said Manickam. “Her energy, vision and passion for strong academics through strong mentorship has already changed our campus. Dr. Moham’s perspective, intellect and familiarity with executive-level administration will make us a stronger team.”

Dr. Moham earned a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, Okla.), a Master of Music from the University of Oklahoma (Norman), and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Ohio State University (Columbus). A trained professional opera singer and seasoned performer, Dr. Moham lives in Hesston.

2022 Neuf Memorial Run Returns In Person for One Final Run

After moving virtual in 2021, the Neuf Memorial Run returns to an in-person event to the campus of Bethel College on Jan. 8 2022. The 9K and 2-mile walk/run honors the memory of Russ Neufeld, a long-time Kansas resident who passed away on Jan. 21, 2017 after an 18-month fight with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This will be the fifth and final Neuf Memorial Run.

The event raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Russ Neufeld Memorial Scholarship at Hesston College. Over the first four years of the Neuf Memorial Run, the race has raised over $50,000 from race proceeds and donations.

Staging will take place at Memorial Hall on the campus of Bethel College, North Newton, Kan., and the race will start at 10 a.m. outside of Mojo’s Coffee Shop (300 E. 27th St.). The Neuf early entry fee ends at midnight on Dec. 8 and is $45 for the 9K and $35 for the 2 mile. The entry fee increases to $50/$40 on Dec. 9, and online registration closes at midnight on Jan. 6. On site registration will be available on race day for $50/$40.

All registered runners receive a timing bib from Timer Guys, a commemorative Neuf pint glass and post-race festivities from Crust and Crumb which include coffee, hot chocolate and a croissant. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers for the 9K and 2-mile races. Race day registration closes 15 minutes before the race.

In addition, the Neuf 90k Virtual Challenge returns to encourage increased physical activity during the holiday season. The challenge is to run/walk 90K (or more) between December 9, 2021, and January 8, 2022. The virtual challenge includes entry into either the 9k or 2-mile run along with a commemorative running jacket for an entry fee of $90 until Dec. 8.

Prizes will also be awarded for the virtual and in-person best-costume participants in the following nine categories: best costume, most creative place to run, most creative time to run, best beard (real or otherwise), best kilt, best display of Neuf branding, bravest running outfit, best “spread the love” message, best family/group themed costume.

The race celebrates community as Neufeld described in his final Facebook post: “Take all this love you have and share it,” he wrote. “It only multiplies and there are so many who could use it…just spread the love folks – it’s the only thing in this world that endures.”

The January run and the 9K distance are as unique as Neufeld. A transplanted Canadian, Neufeld relished the cold weather, and Neuf – “nine” in French – was a nickname for Neufeld. His car’s stick shift handle was a 9-ball.

“Home for Christmas” Program to Examine Diversity of Holiday Experiences Through Theatre and Music

The Hesston College Performing Arts Department will present “Home for Christmas” – a joint effort between Bel Canto Singers, conducted by Russell Adrian; Global Voices, conducted by Ken Rodgers; and theatre students, led by director Rachel Jantzi – that will explore what coming “home for Christmas” means for a diversity of people and cultures. The performance will take place Saturday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church.

“We are creating a show by piecing together our own stories; interviews from campus, articles and poems; and dance to communicate what coming ‘home for Christmas’ means for different people,” said Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “It doesn’t look the same for some of our students from around the world, or those who haven’t seen family due to COVID-19, or for any other multitude of reasons. For some, it’s just as it’s been, steeped in good food, family, tradition and nostalgia.”

The program will weave together original and adapted theatre pieces and music selections by Bel Canto Singers and Global Voices. Notable music selections include “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away in a Manger” and “The First Nowell.”

Two student conductors, Kelly Miller ’22 and Isaac Tice ’22, will conduct selected choral pieces as part of their Hesston College conducting course.

“We will be spending several rehearsals pulling together all our original and pulled written resources, then we will begin staging scenes we create from that work and also bring in bits of modern dance as a storytelling device,” Jantzi said. “We plan to incorporate multimedia and an interactive art piece that will help tell our story.”

All performers fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will perform without masks. Audience members are required to wear masks. No tickets are required, but a free-will offering will be accepted following the performance.

Canadian Brass to Present Holiday Concert as Part of Sunflower Performing Arts Series

Lauded as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass will perform a holiday concert as part of the 2021-22 Sunflower Performing Arts season on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church.

“Sunflower Performing Arts takes seriously our commitment to present a variety of excellent performing artists, some of whom are unfamiliar, and others, like Canadian Brass, who are well-known,” said Holly Swartzendruber, director of Sunflower Performing Arts. “We want the holiday performance in particular to be of the highest caliber, and Canadian Brass definitely fits that description.”

The quintet – Chuck Daellenbach on tuba, Brandon Ridenour and Caleb Hudson on trumpet, Achilles Liarmakopoulos on trombone and Jeff Nelsen on horn – performs classical music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects. The varied Canadian Brass repertoire features brass standards as well as a wide-ranging library of original arrangements, including the works of Renaissance and Baroque masters, Classical works, marches, holiday favorites, ragtime, Dixieland, Latin, jazz, big band, Broadway and Christian music as well as popular songs and standards.

In addition to international tours on five continents, Canadian Brass has also appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Today,” “Entertainment Tonight,” and as guest artists on “Evening at Pops” with John Williams and the Boston Pops, Beverly Sills’ “Music Around the World” and numerous PBS specials, including an appearance on “Sesame Street.”

“We are really looking forward to this concert, and a number of community folks have expressed excitement as well,” Swartzendruber said.

Single ticket prices for Canadian Brass range from $25 to $29, depending on seating section, with discounts available to students and senior citizens.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 620-327-8158.

Audience members will be required to wear a mask, according to current Hesston College guidelines.