In the News

Theatre Department to Stage “Superior Donuts,” an Examination of Race, Class, and Generational Issues

Hesston College’s Theatre department will present five performances of “Superior Donuts,” a play by Tracy Letts. The show is directed by theatre professor Rachel Jantzi. Performances will take place in the Black Box Theater in Keim Center on Hesston College campus, April 14 to 18. Shows on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday start at 7 p.m. Sunday’s matinee show begins at 2 p.m.

“Superior Donuts” is set in the modern-day Uptown area of Chicago. It depicts the unexpected friendship between Arthur, a down-and-out donut shop owner and Franco, his enthusiastic employee. Franco brings a fresh perspective and wants to update the place, while the reluctant Arthur struggles with changing the shop and changing his ways. A comedy with heart and a bit of grit, Superior Donuts introduces us to a wide range of neighborhood dwellers and unapologetically hits on economic, racial and generational issues.

“This show has been on my mind for over three years,” said Jantzi. “The characters are deeply flawed, complicated, hilarious, tragic and very human. This play reminds the audience that not everyone’s American experience is the American dream.”

Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults and seniors, and can be reserved by phone at 620-327-8105. Tickets may also be purchased on site. Seating is limited and will be socially distanced and masks are required. The show is rated PG-13 for some language.

The cast and crew for “Superior Donuts” are as follows:

Cast . . . . . Role

Alex Miller . . . . . Arthur
Silas Nicholson . . . . . Franco
Tristan Costin . . . . . Max
Kayla Gunn . . . . . Randy
Emerson Ross* . . . . . James
Michele Hershberger** . . . . . Lady
Isaac Tice . . . . . Luther
Xavier Jang . . . . . Kevin
Josh Fleming . . . . . Kiril
* Guest student performer—WSU; ** Hesston College faculty

Crew . . . . . Position

Madison Higdon . . . . . Stage Manager
Kaytlen Keough . . . . . Assistant Stage Manager, Sound Board Operator
Jacob Hess . . . . . Lighting Assistant, Light Board Operator
Savannah Zink . . . . . Costume, Hair & Make-up Chief
Rachel Weaver . . . . . Costume Crew
Alyssa Nolt . . . . . Costume Crew
Kelly Miller . . . . . Props Master
Diane Soguilon . . . . . Head Usher

Middle and High School Students to Experience Staging Live Theatre at Summer Theatre Camp

Middle school- and high school-age actors ages 11 to 18 are invited to stage a live theatre performance at Hesston College’s annual summer theatre camp on weekdays June 7 to 18.

Led by Hesston College Theatre director and professor, Rachel Jantzi, the summer theatre camp, now in its seventh year, will keep the same format as 2019’s camp. This year’s event will combine middle and high school-age students for a two-week camp in which participants will prepare and produce the musical “The Jungle Book.”

Acting and technical roles will be available for the show, with auditions held during camp. Participants will also have the opportunity to experience every aspect of staging a performance from set construction to working backstage and performing. Many rehearsals and the performance of “The Jungle Book” may be staged outdoors, fitting the natural setting of the play and allowing for a safer space to do theatre. Social distancing and masking guidelines will be established according to recommendations from the Harvey County Health Department.

Based on the collection of stories by Rudyard Kipling and the beloved animated Disney musical, “The Jungle Book” tells the story of Mowgli, an orphan raised by wolves in the Indian jungle whose world is threatened by the dangerous tiger, Shere Khan. The musical features such recognizable songs as “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be Like You.”

Theatre camp registration is $110 per person. Families registering more than one student will pay full price for the first student and receive a $20 discount for each additional student of the same immediate family. To register, contact Rachel Jantzi at 620-327-8142 or rachelj@hesston.edu. Registration is due June 1.

Daily workshops and rehearsals will be from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Hesston College’s Keim Center. A live public performance will follow.

Hesston College Re-Accredited for Ten Years and Affirmed for Self-Monitoring

Hesston College has once again been re-accredited for ten years by the Higher Learning Commission of Chicago, Ill. with no sanctions and minimal suggestions for improvement.

A peer review team from the Higher Learning Commission met with individuals from across the college in mid-November. Under normal circumstances the team members would have visited in person, but COVID-19 protocols dictated that most of the team visit virtually. One peer review team member based in Kansas visited campus for one of the two days. The college’s last accreditation review occurred during the 2010-11 school year.

The accreditation team found that Hesston met all five criteria and recommended that the college should be allowed to choose its pathway for accreditation in the future. Higher education institutions are assessed on five criteria for accreditation: mission; integrity; quality, resources and support for teaching and learning; evaluation and improvement of teaching and learning; and institutional effectiveness, resources and planning.

“Hesston College of the Mennonite Church USA is a strongly faith-based institution that emphasizes the word ‘belonging,’” said the Higher Learning Commission peer review team in the conclusion of their report. “This essence of belonging and caring for each individual person on campus whether an employee, student or visitor is evident in the institutional culture and the way they work with students. Students felt the essence of being supported and cared for and shared this with the review team.”

The Higher Learning Commission also ensures compliance with federal higher education regulations. Hesston was determined by the peer review team to be fully compliant with federal expectations.

“We are grateful for the recommendations of the Higher Learning Commission peer review team,” said Dr. Brent Yoder, vice president of Academics at Hesston College. “The accreditation process is an opportunity for the college to reflect on its mission, processes and outcomes. We value the opportunity to assess our effectiveness and address areas for continuous improvement. We are grateful for this vote of confidence from the Higher Learning Commission.”

“The findings of the Higher Learning Commission review team affirm that we deeply care for our students,” said Dr. Joseph Manickam, president of Hesston College. “I commend Dr. Yoder and the many, many people across campus who contributed countless hours of assessment, reading, writing and revision in preparation for this accreditation review.”

Bel Canto Singers to Present “Renewed Life” Block Concert, Make Holy Week Worship Resources Available for Easter

With many congregations continuing to meet remotely, this year’s Easter celebrations may look a little different. Recognizing that many churches will be unable to form Easter choirs, Hesston College’s Bel Canto Singers and the Hesston Ministerial Alliance will present a Holy Week service titled “Renewed Life.”

“Renewed Life” transforms the streets of Hesston to the streets of Jerusalem in a radio play written by Michele Hershberger, professor of Bible and ministry at Hesston College. The play, interwoven with scripture readings and music by Bel Canto Singers, will be performed by area pastors. The program is designed to explore the traditional Holy Week story through the lens of modern day events.

Community members are invited to bring a lawn chair for socially-distanced seating to participate in the service on Mar. 28 at 3 p.m. in the Mullet Drive parking lot, located north of Hesston Mennonite Church. Drive-in parking is also available with the program transmitted locally over FM radio, and can be reserved by emailing finearts@hesston.edu or calling 620-327-8141.

Churches that wish to supplement their Holy Week programming with music and performance can find “Renewed Life” materials online. Resources include music video recordings of Bel Canto Singers and music faculty members, radio-style plays, and scripture read by Hesston-area pastors.

Later this spring, Bel Canto Singers will hold their normal May tour following commencement by using the college campus as a home base and hosting run-out concerts in regional outdoor venues. This will include the northern Great Plains, operating out of Swan Lake Christian Camp and touring to churches in Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota.

Hesston College Bachelor of Arts in Business Management Approved

Debbie McAlister, director of Hesston College’s School of Management, shares plans for the new bachelor’s degree with students.

After years of planning and preparation, Hesston College’s Bachelor of Arts in Business Management has gained approval from the Higher Learning Commission of Chicago, Ill.

Hesston was notified on March 12 that the Institutional Actions Counsel of the Higher Learning Commission had voted to grant approval to the new program. With approval, Hesston College can begin promoting the program and enrolling students in upper-level courses.

“The BA in Business Management program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles and management positions within a variety of businesses and industries,” said Debbie McAlister, director of the School of Management at Hesston College. “Real-world experience, including extended domestic and international travel and a semester-long internship, sets Hesston’s curriculum apart.”

“We are so excited to offer our own innovative take on education in the area of business management,” said Dr. Brent Yoder, HC’s vice president of academics. “In addition to business students who will now be able to study at Hesston College for four years, our new offering is an enticing option for transfer students looking for a unique, globally-focused program. We can’t wait to enroll our first cohort of business management juniors and begin teaching upper-level courses in fall of 2021.”

The School of Management is the third department at Hesston to offer a bachelor’s degree. The college, which has historically offered associate degrees, now offers bachelor’s degrees in nursing and aviation – professional pilot, as well as certificate programs. Hesston also learned that the Higher Learning Commission now formally recognizes the college as offering a mix of associate and baccalaureate degrees. This change allows HC more latitude to offer additional bachelor’s degrees in the future.

Theatre to Present “Silent Sky,” a Powerful Portrayal of a Woman’s Work With the Stars

The Hesston College Theatre department will present five performances of “Silent Sky,” a play by Lauren Gunderson about pioneering astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, portrayed by sophomore Kaytlen Keough. The show is directed by theatre professor Rachel Jantzi and will feature live music by Hesston faculty members Dr. Holly Swartzendruber and Ken Rodgers. Performances will take place at Hesston High School Auditorium Feb. 27 and 28. Saturday’s showtimes are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday’s show begins at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults and can be reserved through the Hesston College Bookstore by phone at 620-327-8105 or may be purchased on site. Seating is limited and will be socially distanced and masks are required. The show is rated PG + 10 and up.

Inspired by actual events, Leavitt’s story starts early in the 20th century, during which time she discovered more than 2,400 variable stars, which was about half of the known total in her day. However, Leavitt’s most important contribution was calculating distances to stars up to 10 million light years away. According to PBS, Leavitt’s measurements became the “yardstick to the universe.”

“We are so excited to tell Henrietta Leavitt’s story,” said Jantzi. “The play is an exploration of not only the stars, but the extraordinary woman whose work helped us get a little closer to them.”

The cast and crew for “Silent Sky” are as follows:

Cast . . . . . Role
Kaytlen Keough (Albany, Ore.) . . . . . Henrietta
Savannah Zink (McPherson, Kan.) . . . . . Williamina
Kelly Miller (Archbold, Ohio) . . . . . Annie
Rachel Weaver (Broadway, Va.) . . . . . Margaret
Xavier Jang (Siheung-si, South Korea) . . . . . Peter

Crew . . . . . Position
Alex Miller (Arlington, Kan.) . . . . . Stage Manager
Kayla Gunn (Hillsboro, Kan.) . . . . . Assistant Stage Manager
Tristan Costin (Goddard, Kan.) . . . . . Assistant Light Designer
Jacob Hess (Harrisonburg, Va.) . . . . . Light Board Operator
Josh Fleming (Raymore, Mo.) . . . . . Sound Board Operator
Shanti Kauffman (Sheridan, Ore.) . . . . . Costume/Hair/Makeup Crew Chief
Diane Soguilon (Newton, Kan.) . . . . . Costume Crew
Madison Higdon (Fort Collins, Colo.) . . . . . Props Master
Silas Nicholson (Hesston, Kan.) . . . . . House Manager
Isaac Tice (Hutchinson, Kan.) . . . . . Head Usher

College Begins Spring Semester With Modified Quarantine, Rise in Enrollment

Despite a continued global pandemic, Hesston College experienced a mid-year enrollment rise as students returned to campus and participated in a two-week modified quarantine.

New student enrollment increased by 32 from fall to spring semester. Many of those students arrived on campus from other countries after electing to stay home during the fall, choosing instead to begin their on-campus experience in January.

All Hesston students provided proof of a negative COVID test conducted in the week before they returned to campus. As with fall semester, Hesston College once again provided single rooms for all dorming students.

Once on-campus students returned to the dorms, Hesston initiated two full weeks of modified quarantine. All students stayed in their rooms unless working on-campus jobs or practicing with their athletic team, music ensemble or other college-sanctioned performance group. Classes were delivered virtually, and students took their meals to their rooms to eat.

At the close of modified quarantine on Jan. 24, Hesston had no known active COVID-19 cases among its dorming or commuter student populations. Students resumed socially-distanced classroom learning on Jan. 25.

During spring semester, every Hesston student will complete an app-based self-screening each morning, and all campus community members reporting COVID-like symptoms will be evaluated and (if necessary) tested with the college’s new on-campus rapid testing machines. Along with a compressed spring schedule, the college is planning to conduct its 2021 commencement and nursing pinning ceremony online in the event an in-person celebration isn’t possible.

“As a high-touch institution, our preference would be to celebrate these students in person,” said Dr. Carren Moham, associate academic dean. “We owe it to our graduating students to plan commencement activities that honor their achievements and protect their health and wellbeing. In the event that COVID-19 remains a threat to the safety of our students, faculty and staff, we will plan a lovely virtual ceremony to celebrate this milestone.”

Sunflower Performing Arts at Hesston College Makes a New Start

It hasn’t been an easy year for a lot of folks. And the performing arts have had an especially hard time. When you make your livelihood with your body and your breath, and when your audience has traditionally gathered in confined, close quarters to hear and see you, finding ways to entertain others while keeping everyone safe can be a challenge.

So, in a year when everything changed, Hesston’s long-running arts and music series made some changes as well, including shifts in partnership, a new name and for the first time in its history, a postponed season.

As it was when the series first began in 1982, Hesston College is now the sole presenter of the 38-year performance series. What was then known as the Hesston Performing Arts (HPA) series was then expanded to include a new partner in 1998: Bethel College. Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts (HBPA) shows alternated between the two campuses for two decades until, after the 2019-20 season, Bethel left the partnership.

This new arrangement meant the venerable arts series needed a new name. Working with stakeholders and the college, director Holly Swartzendruber decided on a new name for a new era: the Sunflower Performing Arts at Hesston College, or SPA. Swartzendruber says that “the name ‘Sunflower Performing Arts at Hesston College’ both acknowledges the beloved state flower of Kansas, and signifies a fresh start for the series.”

Though the series has a new name and a new configuration, its long history of excellence will continue. “HPA and HBPA established a tradition of providing world-class artistry for Harvey County and the surrounding area,” said Swartzendruber. “The performing arts should reflect society: help us see who we are and who we can be. With the series, we hope to highlight especially the vocal/choral and theatre arts, as Hesston College has strong academic programs and performing opportunities in both of those areas.”

While Sunflower Performing Arts may not be a familiar name as yet, the series has a long history and many loyal patrons. And Swartzendruber intends to put together seasons that keep them coming back.

“Personally, finding a balance of familiar favorites and the new and unexpected in each season is one of my favorite aspects of my job as director,” Swartzendruber said. “I compare creating a season to putting together a jigsaw puzzle—occasionally challenging, always rewarding.”

Swartzendruber looked forward to experiencing a first under the name Sunflower Performing Arts alongside her fellow music and theatre lovers. But the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change of plans.

“While we were obviously saddened to do so, we decided to postpone the 2020-21 season,” Swartzendruber said. “We felt this was the safest route to take.” The scheduled slate of performers, including Canadian Brass and Mad River Theater Works, will return to Kansas for the 2021-22 season.

The first concert of the 2021-22, featuring renowned chamber ensemble Canadian Brass, will occur on December 5 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Further scheduling information can be found at the SPA series’ Facebook page @SunflowerPerformingArtsHC.

Bryan Kehr Named Athletic Director

Hesston College has appointed Bryan Kehr as the Larks’ new athletic director. Prior to the appointment, Kehr served as interim athletic director during the Fall 2020 semester, as well as coach for the women’s soccer team.

Prior to his hiring as Hesston’s women’s soccer coach in 2010, Kehr served as athletics director and instructor at Bethany Christian Schools in Goshen, Ind. Kehr launched the varsity girls’ soccer program at Bethany and subsequently led the team to four sectional titles and one regional title.

“It has been my honor to work closely with Bryan in this interim role as he navigated COVID realities for our Athletics department,” said Dr. Joseph Manickam, president of Hesston College. “Bryan’s willingness to keep the program engaged with all parts of campus and his ability to clarify complex issues allows the Hesston College Athletics department to move forward despite COVID uncertainties.

“He has developed crucial new strategies to bring greater alignment between our Athletics program and the college’s mission,” Manickam said.

“I look forward to building bridges between the Athletics department and the rest of the college,” said Kehr. “Hesston athletes participate in their education both on and off the playing field. The Hesston experience develops the whole person, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I look forward to fielding competitive teams and educating the next generation of leaders.”

Kehr accepted the interim athletic director role last summer and will continue to serve as women’s soccer coach through the spring of 2021.

Follow the Larks at hclarks.com.