In the News

College Proactively Elevates CARES Level of Concern in Response to State, County and Campus COVID-19 Landscape

In response to rising COVID-19 community spread across Harvey County and the rest of Kansas, as well as an uptick in on-campus cases, Hesston College will proactively raise its CARES Level of Concern on Saturday, November 21, from “R – Restricted” to “E – Elevated.” An “Elevated” level is initiated when “community spread of a COVID-19 outbreak affects students across campus.”

Hesston College’s Administrative Council initiated the rise in CARES level out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to ease the potential burden of care on local healthcare systems. Harvey and surrounding counties have increasingly raised alert levels and tightened restrictions on gathering sizes, and the college has recently experienced a slight increase in active COVID cases. Current active COVID-19 cases at the college include eight students and two employees. Students and employees with COVID-19 are isolating at off-campus locations.

According to the Hesston College website, an “Elevated” CARES level further restricts on-campus gatherings. Classes and campus activities may go fully online, all athletic practices are suspended and access to campus is closed to the community. Students may return home over the pre-Thanksgiving weekend if they wish and complete the semester online. The college’s revised plans were finalized in consultation with the Harvey County Health Department.

“Hesston students were already scheduled to return home over Thanksgiving break and complete fall semester classes online,” said Deb Roth, vice president of Student Life. “Given the timing, it makes sense for us to offer students the opportunity to head home early without penalty, if they so choose.”

2021 Memorial Run Goes Virtual and Adds Challenge

2020 has been a different year. The 2021 Neuf Memorial Run will be a different race in response to the global pandemic as it moves to a virtual 9K or 2-mile run on Jan. 9, 2021. The fourth annual event 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.

The event raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Russ Neufeld Memorial Scholarship at Hesston College. Over the first three years of the Neuf Memorial Run, the race has raised over $35,000 from race proceeds and donations.

For an entry fee of $35, all registered participants for the virtual 9K or 2-mile run will receive a personalized digital bib through RunSignUp, a commemorative lightweight running hat, and a digital finisher’s certificate.

In addition, prize categories for the virtual event include 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 Neuf has added the 2021 Virtual Neuf Challenge to encourage increased physical activity during the holiday season. The challenge is to run/walk 90K (or more) between December 9, 2020, and January 9, 2021. The Virtual Challenge includes entry in the Virtual Neuf Run along with a commemorative quarter-zip long-sleeve pullover for an entry fee of $90.

For local participants, packet pickup for the 2021 Virtual Neuf Run and the 2021 Virtual Neuf Challenge will be at the shelter at Cottonwood Park located on the corner of 24th Street and Minnesota Avenue in North Newton, Kan., just south of Mojo’s Coffee Bar (2500 N. Main Street, North Newton, Kan.) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2021. For everyone participating from afar, race items will be mailed after race day.

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, he relished the cold weather, and Neuf — “nine” in French — was a nickname for Neufeld. His car’s stick shift handle was a 9-ball.

Visit runtheneuf.neuf.ca for more information and to register for the run. Run the Neuf!

Contribute to the Russ Neufeld Memorial Scholarship

College Announces Reopening Plan for Spring 2021 Semester

The Hesston College reopening workgroup has announced its plan for the return of students to campus for the spring 2021 semester.

The reopening plan includes a recommitment to safe and responsible behavior during the six weeks between the end of fall semester and the start of spring semester. Each student will be screened for COVID-19 seven days prior to their return to campus. In the event of a positive test result, the student will be asked to isolate in place until a local medical professional or public health official releases them.

On-campus students will participate in a two-week modified quarantine upon arrival at Hesston College in January. Student-athletes and those involved in performance areas such as choir can leave their rooms to practice, students will pick up food from the college’s dining service and will be able to participate in nursing labs, clinicals, and off-campus training where appropriate. During the modified quarantine period students may meet outside assuming they remain socially distanced and masked.

The plan builds on successful initiatives put in place by the college to minimize the occurrence and spread of COVID-19 on campus, including housing on-campus students in single rooms, hybrid online/in-person coursework, and the modification of classroom layouts to better accommodate social distancing and disinfection.

Hesston College employees will also be asked to commit to healthy measures and practices over the winter holidays, and those who work closely with students during the modified quarantine period will be asked to participate in COVID-19 testing prior to returning to work.

“We’re confident the reopening plan sets us up for a safe and successful spring semester,” said Deb Roth, vice president of Student Life and head of the Reopening Workgroup at Hesston College. “The national, state and local landscape necessitates a more aggressive approach than we used in August. We must redouble our commitment to caring for ourselves and each other to ensure Hesston students can live and learn together in a healthy and supportive environment.”

Bel Canto Singers to Present Socially Distanced Block Concert on October 18

Bel Canto Singers, the top vocal group at Hesston College, will present a socially distanced block concert in the Mullet Drive parking lot on October 18 at 4 p.m. The public is invited.

The concert will feature solos, small group performances, and choral works featuring a variety of musical genres. Attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs and will be asked to wear masks for the duration of the concert.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hesston College Performing Arts has reimagined much of its traditional schedule in the interest of public safety. The Bel Canto Block Concert is the first public performance given by the group this school year. In September, Hesston College Theatre gave performances of “Charlotte’s Web” for audiences outdoors at Dyck Arboretum.

“The realities of the pandemic required us to rethink how we were going to practice and present music at Hesston College,” said professor of music Dr. Russell Adrian. “We are performers, and we can’t wait to do what we love: sing for others.”

Many of the songs chosen for the performance speak to resilience, community and love for others. These themes are particularly important, given current world events.

“Music draws people together,” Dr. Adrian said. “It gives them hope. By now we know how to take care of one another at public events like this. Not only will the event be safe; we hope it brings comfort and healing to those who listen.”

College Features New Programs and Expanded Opportunities for Participation Amidst Global Pandemic

Students play water balloon volleyball during Mod Olympics, Opening Weekend 2020.

Hesston College welcomed 177 new students to the campus community for the 2020-21 year. A decline in international student enrollment, largely caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, was offset by steady domestic student enrollment numbers.

Official enrollment numbers released following the 20th day of classes show a total student enrollment of 363 from 28 U.S. states and territories and 23 countries. The domestic student population includes 51 percent from Kansas and 35 percent from other U.S. states and territories. International students comprise 13 percent of the population. The percentage of domestic minority students continues to climb, rising from 25 percent of the total student population in Fall 2019 to 28 percent this year.

“The 2020-21 school year has brought with it much newness, uncertainty and promise,” said President Joseph A. Manickam. “Many international students who had planned to attend Hesston in person were unable to do so because of our current global reality. We look forward to welcoming those students to campus in the near future. We’re happy to report that many of those students are attending Hesston through online coursework, which is a first for our college. A vibrant culture of learning and growth continues here at Hesston.”

Hesston’s Center for Anabaptist Leadership and Learning (or CALL), a hybrid ministry program focused on disciple-making, launched this fall with its first cohort. The online/in-person hybrid program welcomed students from all walks of life, including ministers, farmers, nurses and teachers enrolled in classes aimed at building a missional Church. Students can earn a Missional Leadership Certificate at the completion of the CALL curriculum.

Junior and senior students continue their studies in nursing and aviation, with the first four-year professional pilot degrees to be awarded this academic year. Hesston students can also take advantage of expanded extracurricular options. A DECA Emerging Leadership Team provides opportunities for entrepreneurial-minded students who want to improve their leadership skills through experiential learning, including business-related DECA competitive events.

“Our campus continues to innovate, grow and change in positive new ways during a world-historical pandemic. It is a testament to the resilience of the Hesston College community,” said Manickam.

First Center for Anabaptist Leadership and Learning Cohort Answers the CALL

Hesston College has officially launched its first fully online program, the Center for Anabaptist Leadership and Learning or CALL Program.

Currently six students meet with program director Jessica Schrock-Ringenberg in an online format. This cohort will stay together for two and a half years, working on leadership skills and spiritual formation as they discuss new ways to help congregations be missional in an Anabaptist context.

Students in the CALL program can work toward a Missional Leadership Certificate or an associate degree. The program is designed for those who may already be in full time ministry, bi-vocational/co-vocational ministry, or lay leadership.

“Launching a new ministry program that has a unique focus on Missional Leadership and disciple making in the middle of a pandemic is very fitting,” said Schrock-Ringenberg. “We developed this program with the future of the Church in mind. The landscape of the Church is constantly shifting. Suddenly COVID has made the changes in the Church even more drastic.”

CALL’s unique program equips church leaders with tools to make disciples and to respond with confidence in cultural engagement. It pushes church leadership education out of the classroom and back into the hands of the church community by focusing on practical and experiential education.

“Some of our students may already have degrees in ministry or other theological areas of study,” Schrock-Ringenberg said. “But the uniqueness of the CALL program’s approach to missional leadership and disciple-making will enhance their approach to ministry.”

“Seminary equipped me to read the Bible well, to understand complicated theologies, and to make both accessible within a congregation,” said Clayton Gladish, a pastor at Hesston Mennonite Church in Hesston, Kansas. “But pastors also need to prepare to lead and minister in uncharted territory of the 21st century Church. I sensed that the CALL Program would help me extend my capacity for the ways God is calling us to minister wherever we are.”

“There are other Missional Leadership education opportunities, but we at Hesston are excited to be able to offer a blend of the best principles of missional church with an Anabaptist distinctive,” Schrock-Ringenberg said.

Hesston College Theatre to Present Charlotte’s Web

The Hesston College Theatre department will five performances of Charlotte’s Web, a dramatization by Joseph Robinette based on the book by E.B. White. The show is directed by theatre professor Celaine Worden. Performances will take place at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains Sept. 23 to 27 with Wednesday, Thursday and Friday shows staring at 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday shows at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for children and students, $10 for adults and can be reserved through the Hesston College Bookstore website and purchased on site.

Seating is limited and will be socially distanced by families or individuals. No seating provided; blankets or lawn chairs are encouraged.

The play runs for approximately 50 minutes. Masks are required for the duration of the show, which will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

The Sunday, Sept. 27 performance was postponed to Sunday, Oct. 4 due to rain.

New Faculty, Staff Join College Community

Hesston College announces new faculty and staff joining the campus community for the 2020-21 year.

Faculty:

• Debbie McAlister, director of business education
• Johann Reimer, director of engineering education
• Celaine Worden, theatre and communication professor

Staff:

• Alexis Avalos, assistant resident director
• Nathan Bartel, director of marketing and communications
• Gail Catlett, custodian
• Jacob Gibbs, sports information director/intramurals coordinator
• Makenna Grow, resident director
• Max Heddin, custodian
• Matt Hiebert, men’s basketball head coach
• Holly Kendall, Dining Services assistant/cook
• Taylor Littleton, volleyball head coach
• Will Miller, executive coordinator, president’s office
• Kyle Olson, baseball head coach
• Hannah Wheeler, Dining Services assistant/cook
• James Womack, assistant resident director
• Stephen Worthington, systems and media services administrator

County Confirms COVID-19 Cluster at Hesston College

The Harvey County Health Department, in conjunction with Hesston College, has confirmed a cluster of COVID-19 cases on the Hesston College campus.

The cluster includes five confirmed cases of COVID-19. There have been 17 individuals tested. Two test results are pending.

The individuals have self-isolated off campus. Hesston College, along with the Health Department, will regularly monitor the health of the individuals, as well as identify and quarantine all close contacts.

Hesston College has several preventative measures established to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The college utilizes single rooms for all dorming students, staggered move-in and registration days, requires face masks in common areas and daily self-screening.

“Our students, faculty and staff have done a wonderful job planning for and adapting to the challenges of reopening in the current health climate,” said Hesston College President Joe Manickam. “Our COVID response team, along with state health officials, has put tremendous effort into a rapid and comprehensive program of contact tracing to create a welcoming, successful and safe educational environment on our campus.”

Hesston implemented the restricted phase of the college’s five-level CARES Level of Concern planning rubric when the first on-campus cases were confirmed. Information and updates on Hesston College’s COVID-19 response can be found at www.hesston.edu/covid-19-response.

“Hesston College consistently communicated with the Health Department as it developed and planned for its reopening this fall,” said Harvey County Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. “The college was proactive in quarantining students to prepare for in-person instruction, and remains diligent as it fulfills its action plans to aid and care for individuals isolating as a result of testing positive for COVID-19.”

Individuals positive for COVID-19 who are Harvey County residents, or identify the college as their current place of residence, will be included in Harvey County’s COVID-19 statistics. Out-of-county individuals that are able to isolate at home will be counted in the statistics of their respective county of residence. All individuals will be included in the total count of the cluster.