In the News

Fire causes significant camage to Charles Hall; no injuries reported

A fire that broke out just before 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9, caused significant damage to Hesston College’s J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

According to state fire investigators, the fire has been ruled accidental, though a definitive cause has not been identified. The fire is believed to have started in the space between the original wood ceiling and the roof, directly above a chemistry classroom. This resulted in substantial smoke damage throughout Charles Hall and into the adjacent Bonnie Sowers Nursing (BSN) Center.

“The structural integrity of the building has been severely impacted,” President Mark Landes shared in an email to faculty and staff. “We were told that the roof was damaged enough that it could collapse at any time. As such, nobody is permitted to enter the building.”

While there does not appear to be structural damage within the BSN Center, elevated carbon monoxide levels and residue on surfaces have rendered the facility temporarily unusable. Access to both buildings remains restricted until further notice.

Kauffman Court residence hall, located directly to the west of Charles Hall, was evacuated during the fire out of caution regarding possible chemical smoke exposure. Fire personnel lifted the restriction just before 8 p.m. Friday, allowing students to safely return to their rooms.

The campus community is pulling together to address urgent needs and ensure a successful last week of school. Faculty and staff affected by the building closures have been relocated to alternate offices and computer labs on campus, and replacement computers are being distributed today as they are available. Final exams originally scheduled in Charles Hall and the BSN Center have been reassigned to alternate locations and communicated to students.

“We ask for your continued prayers and patience in the days ahead,” said Landes. “While this is a significant disruption, it has also been a powerful reminder of the strength and unity of our community. The resilience and collaboration I’ve witnessed from students, faculty and staff over the weekend has been extraordinary.”

As the college begins the process of insurance assessment and long-term recovery planning, many details remain to be determined.

“There’s still much to figure out as we move forward,” Landes said. “But I have no doubt that we will face these next steps with the same care, creativity and commitment to our mission that have long defined Hesston College.”

About J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts

J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts was erected as a result of a study citing needs for more classrooms, office spaces and better-equipped laboratories on campus. More than 600 people gathered for the dedication on February 4, 1952. Originally, the north wing housed science and math departments while lecture rooms occupied the center section and music and art classrooms the south wing. Charles Hall has been the home of a large collection of wildlife mounts, primarily birds, since the mid 1950s. Charles Hall underwent a renovation in the mid 1990s alongside the addition of Lemons Center on the southwest side of the building. Lemons Center was then expanded and renamed the Bonnie Sowers Nursing Center in 2019.

May 23, 2025 Update

Clean-up efforts have begun following the May 9 fire in Hesston College’s J.D. Charles Hall of Science and Arts.

An initial assessment has been completed on both buildings affected by the blaze. Bonnie Sowers Nursing Center (BSN Center) was found to have significant smoke damage throughout the building. Charles Hall also has significant smoke damage throughout, in addition to heavy fire damage in the chemistry and biology labs.

After the initial inspection, the insurance company determined numerous experts will need to be brought in to determine the appropriate next steps in Charles Hall. This includes structural engineers and content experts.

The restoration process still has many unknowns, but will be divided into three phases.

Phase 1 includes BSN Center and the hallway connecting it to the south side of Charles Hall. The college received approval to start work on this least-affected area May 16. Restoration crews have been on site since then, and evaluations are still being made to determine the extent and scope of the work. Known updates include replacing ceiling tiles throughout both buildings and the BSN Center will need new carpet throughout.

Phase 2 will pick up in the south hallway of Charles Hall and go around to the front entryway (east side) to the hallway on the north side that leads to the chemistry lab. A timeline will be determined after further review of the damage.

Phase 3 will encompass everything else, including the heaviest damaged areas. A timeline will be determined after further review of the damage.

Hesston College celebrates student excellence at LarkFest

2025 Hesston College Lark of the Year winners Jessica Raharjo and Ashleigh Williams

As the academic year draws to a close, Hesston College gathered to honor outstanding student achievements at the annual LarkFest awards ceremony on Friday, May 9, in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. Earlier in the week, on Monday, May 5, the athletic department also hosted its annual banquet to recognize student-athletes for their dedication, leadership and success both on and off the field.

At LarkFest, awards were presented across academics, leadership, the arts and campus life, culminating in the announcement of Lark of the Year — the college’s highest student honor. This year, the award was presented to Ashleigh Williams, associate degree student from Eaton, Colo., and Jessica Raharjo, bachelor’s degree student from Semarang, Indonesia, recognizing their exceptional leadership, scholarship and service to the Hesston College community. Students are nominated for Lark of the Year by the Hesston Experience team and the recipient is chosen by a faculty vote.

Athletics also celebrated top performers, with Jammial “Jr” Hicks, basketball player from Kansas City, Kan., earning Male Athlete of the Year and Rylee Weishaupt, powerlifting team member from Goshen, Ind., named Female Athlete of the Year.

Other award recipients at LarkFest included:

• Outstanding Student Ambassadors: TJ Bowman (Twin Falls, Idaho), Ky Kougl (Edmond, Okla.), Kristyn Oliver (Amarillo, Texas), Brock Swedlund (Akron, Colo.)
• Lark Leaders of the Year: Anna McIntire (Lawrence, Kan.) as Community Assistant of the Year, AJ Noriega (Marana, Ariz.) as Wellness Assistant of the Year, Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.) as Ministry Assistant of the Year
• Peer Educator of the Year: Ethan Connelly (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
• Bill Mason Business Scholars: Gresa Arapi (Cypress, Texas), Amy Hunley (Owensboro, Ky.), Luis Jimenez (Dallas, Texas), Ryan Ziesch (Goddard, Kan.)
• Clayton V. Beyler Award: Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.)
• Daniel Gerber Peace and Service Award: Lily Corkill (Olsburg, Kan.), Josalyn Wipf (Huron, S.D.)
• Art: Best in Show: Sarah Hanson (Park City, Kan.)
• Mariann Martin Award: Desirae Rodriguez (Wichita, Kan.)
• Musician of the Year: Caroline Miller (Arlington, Kan.)
• Yoder/Zaid Chemistry Scholarship: Blen Bezuwork (Wichita, Kan.)
• Certificate of Nursing Achievement: Amy Birkey (Wichita, Kan.), Holly Cummins (Potwin, Kan.), Jeremy Schmidt (Wichita, Kan.)
• Outstanding Academic Achievement by an International Student: Elsa Rayneau (Indonesia/India) as associate degree student, Jessica Raharjo (Semarang, Indonesia) as bachelor’s degree student

The athletic banquet showcased achievements from across the Lark sports teams, with coaches honoring athletes for their contributions in their respective programs. In addition to Hicks and Weishaupt, other athletic awards included:

Volleyball

Freshman of the Year: Laura Rojas Gomez (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain)
Defensive Player of the Year: Sarahi Paez (Arlington, Texas)
Offensive Player of the Year: Audrey Garrison (Wiesbaden, Germany)

Men’s Soccer

Team MVP: Alexander Radu (London, England)
Goal of the Season: Paul Torres (Paris, Texas)
Offensive Player of the Year: Tyler Beckford (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)

Women’s Soccer

Offensive MVP: Rena Itoga (Saitama, Japan)
Defensive MVP: Nevaeh Bowman (Derby, Kan.)
Most Improved: Annabelle Ortega (Portales, N.M.)
Bookworm Award: Lissette Tovar (Wichita, Kan.)

Men’s Basketball

MVP: Jammial Hicks Jr. (Kansas City, Kan.)
Hard Hat Award: Trent Thompson (Okmulgee, Okla.)
Highlight of the Year: Terryon Stebbins (Stone Mountain, Ga.)

Women’s Basketball

Newcomer of the Year: Akiva Brown (Plano, Texas)
Pick Me Up: Hanah DeBelle (Castle Rock, Colo.)
Brick Wall: Anna McIntire (Lawrence, Kan.)

Disc Golf

Women’s MVP: Josalyn Wipf (Huron, S.D.)
Men’s MVP: Devin Miller (Hesston, Kan.)
Most Improved: Phoebe Kolb (Milford, Neb.)

Flag Football

Iron Will Award: Lauren Payne (Geuda Springs, Kan.)
Game Changer Award: Destiny Ortiz (Fort Worth, Texas)
Heart of the Team Award: Mikayla Lucas (Las Vegas, Nev.)

Cross Country

Culture Award: Sebastian Pavlovich (Lindsborg, Kan.)
Most Improved Athlete: Ethan Thompson (Hesston, Kan.)
MVP: Angelo Jenkins (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Program Award: Maddy Ralph (Colwich, Kan.)

Track and Field

Culture Award: Sebastian Pavlovich (Lindsborg, Kan.)
Most Improved Athlete: Gabriel Clark (Goshen, Ind.)
MVP: Jaylon Hatcher (Plano, Texas)
Program Award: Michelle Lewis (Brownsboro, Texas)

Men’s Golf

MVP: Mark Neeley (Arlington, Texas)
Hardest Worker: Ivar Bruce (Gävle, Sweden)
Best Teammate: Braxton Linden (Sterling, Kan.)

Esports

Team of the Year: Rocket League
Lark’d In Award: Anja Martinez (Topeka, Kan.)
F.A.M.I.L.Y Award: Ethan Connelly (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Level Up Award: Corbyn Oden (Iowa Park, Texas)

Baseball

Offensive Player of the Year: Lucas Dunn (LaMarque, Texas)
Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Cammllarie (McKinney, Texas)
Pitcher of the Year: Luke Richard (McKinney, Texas)
Team Player of the Year: Beau Johnson (Englewood, Colo.), Peyton Rush (Oxford, Kan.)

Dance

Leadership Award: Amy Hunley (Owensboro, Ky.)
Spirit Award: Evelyn Gaertner (Newton, Kan.)
Principal Dancer: Phoebe Kolb (Milford, Neb.)

Softball

Table Setter: Carly Lee (Rose Hill, Kan.)
Silver Slugger: Alysha Kendrick (Beaumont, Calif.)
Every Day: Serena Hewes (Battle Ground, Wash.)

Powerlifting

Male Lifter of the Year: Corbyn Oden (Iowa Park, Texas)
Female Lifter of the Year: Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.)
Most Valuable Teammate: Brock Swedlund (Akron, Colo.)
Spark Plug Award: Evan Bernal (Alice, Texas)
“Each of these students represents the heart of the Hesston College community,” says President Mark Landes. “We’re proud of their achievements and excited to see how they continue to grow and lead beyond our campus.”

When teamwork delivers: Hesston College Nursing and Hesston Fire/EMS partner for birth simulation training

Alisha Dorsing presents a PowerPoint to Hesston Fire/EMS staff about the basics of labor and delivery in EMS and how to handle a variety of obstetric emergencies during a training session held at Hesston College.

It’s not every day you find firefighters and EMTs practicing emergency deliveries in full gear, but thanks to a creative collaboration between Hesston College’s nursing program and Hesston Fire/EMS, that’s exactly what happened on the college’s campus.

The spark for this training came from Alisha Dorsing, a senior nursing student at Hesston College and field training officer with Hesston Fire/EMS. Tasked with planning April’s EMS training, Alisha saw a golden opportunity.

“As a current nursing student, I have spent a lot of time in the simulation and skills labs, so I’m familiar with all the resources we have there,” she shared. “While working on plans, I asked Gregg [Schroeder] whether he’d be interested in collaborating. He immediately agreed.”

Gregg Schroeder, director of nursing education at Hesston College, had been eager to coordinate with EMS in the past but hadn’t quite been able to make it happen until now.

“This year presented a unique opportunity when Alisha was tasked with providing education on emergency and complicated deliveries,” he explained. “I was thrilled, and together we began planning the event earlier this semester.”

The training brought 15 EMS team members into Hesston’s state-of-the-art simulation lab, where they practiced everything from routine deliveries to more complex situations like breech births and shoulder dystocia. Dorsing led a detailed review of EMS protocols and guided her team through hands-on practice using the lab’s advanced birthing manikin and task trainers. The capstone of the evening was a full-scale emergency scenario where the team responded to a simulated labor call — complete with a “patient” who had ruptured membranes and fallen — transporting her and assisting with delivery right in the simulation suite.

It was a night of invaluable experience for Hesston Fire/EMS.

“Our staff expressed so much gratitude for the opportunity to learn in this environment and get hands-on training,” Dorsing said. “Using the pelvic manikins gave the staff lots of opportunities to practice different maneuvers to ensure safe delivery of an infant. Participating in a full scenario in the simulation lab with the high fidelity birthing manikin really helped our staff to work on critical thinking, scene management and supporting the patient during childbirth. And of course, Gregg jumped into character as the concerned husband, so they got to practice methods of keeping him calm, too.”

Hesston Fire/EMS Chief Zach Bergen said the collaboration was a major win for his team.

“From my perspective, collaboration with Hesston College and the nursing department has had untold benefits to our department and the community,” he said. “Outside instructors can bring fun new views to our job. It also helps us to keep up to date with the current patient care standards.”

Dorsing’s dual roles as a nursing student and field training officer made a notable impact.

“Her expanded knowledge has enhanced her medical skills, and she shares that with the department, both on calls and in training,” Bergen noted. “She’s also been a part of updating our EMS protocols, bringing in the latest practices. This training was a perfect example of how her educational journey benefits everyone.”

While nursing students didn’t participate this time around, Schroeder sees plenty of potential.

“Chief Bergen expressed interest in expanding these simulations, including future opportunities for nursing students to participate — such as receiving the patient in a simulated ER handoff scenario,” he said.

The best part? Everyone involved is excited to keep the momentum going. Plans are already in motion to use the simulation lab for more EMS training this summer and beyond.

Both Schroeder and Bergen agree these partnerships pay dividends for the community.

“By practicing newborn deliveries in the state-of-the-art simulation lab, the EMS crew gains hands-on experience in a controlled, high-fidelity environment, enhancing their confidence and readiness to respond to rare but critical situations involving childbirth,” Schroeder said. “This ensures better outcomes for both mothers and newborns in urgent, time-sensitive scenarios.”

Bergen echoed the sentiment.

“I’d like to express my thanks and appreciation to Hesston College for being a partner with us both in training and in bringing excellent people to our department,” he shared. “Collaborating with the college allows for the students to see what we do and possibly pique an interest in doing emergency work…I look forward to more collaboration in the future.”

With partnerships like this, Hesston is proving that when it comes to caring for the community, teamwork really does deliver.

For those inspired by this teamwork, Hesston Fire/EMS is always accepting applications for paid per-hour volunteer EMTs and firefighters. No experience is required, training is provided. Visit hesstonks.org/departments/fire_and_ems/fire_and_ems_employment.php to learn more.
Alisha Dorsing helps fellow Hesston Fire/EMS staff practice high-risk deliveries using Hesston College’s simulation lab and high-fidelity birthing manikins.
Alisha Dorsing helps fellow Hesston Fire/EMS staff practice high-risk deliveries using Hesston College’s simulation lab and high-fidelity birthing manikins.

Spotlight on Alisha Dorsing — a leader in the making

Alisha Dorsing has worn many hats during her time at Hesston College and Hesston Fire/EMS — and she’s made an impact with each one.

Earning her EMT license at the end of her sophomore year at Hesston, Dorsing quickly expanded her skills, earning her Firefighter I certification and later advancing to Field Training Officer through a rigorous promotional process. Under the supervision of Captain Gracie Hochstetler, also a Hesston College alum, she helps train new staff in ambulance operations, EMS procedures, equipment use and patient care. She’s also instrumental in preparing EMT students for their practical exams with scenario-based training, all while balancing part-time EMT and firefighter duties.

“Alisha’s educational journey has enhanced her medical knowledge and patient care, which she has shared with the department both on emergency calls and in the training environment,” said Bergen. “Her expanded knowledge has even helped us update our EMS protocols to reflect the latest medical standards.”

Schroeder echoed the praise, adding, “Her involvement as a student provided her with a strong understanding of the resources available in our simulation laboratory. As a student nurse, she was able to identify key areas for review with her EMS colleagues, including the steps involved in newborn delivery, care of the laboring mother and post-delivery care for both the mother and baby.”

Following graduation from Hesston’s nursing program this month, Dorsing looks forward to her next position as a full-time registered nurse on the Labor and Delivery unit at Wesley Medical Center. She plans to stick around, though. A Hesston resident, she will continue working with Hesston Fire/EMS part-time.

From the classroom to the front lines, Dorsing’s leadership is helping elevate care — and inspiring future collaborations along the way.
 

Hesston College announces winners of 2025 Acuity writing contest

First place winners of Hesston College’s 2025 Acuity Creative Writing Contest are (left to right) April Galicia, Josalyn Wipf, Gresa Arapi and Mariah Hall.

Hesston College is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Acuity Creative Writing Contest, celebrating outstanding student work in poetry, fiction, nonfiction and editorial writing. The winning pieces, along with select honorable mentions and original student artwork, are featured in this year’s edition of “Acuity: the Journal for Writing and Art 2025.”

According to Miriam Barton, English professor and contest coordinator, this year’s contest was particularly robust. Not only did she receive a high number of entries, but the quality of submissions was also very good, making the honor for those selected even more prestigious.

The 2025 Acuity Creative Writing Contest winners are:

• First Place – Poetry: Josalyn Wipf, “Matching”
• Honorable Mention – Poetry: Jamie Krehbiel, “Just Another Woman”
• Honorable Mention – Poetry: Josalyn Wipf, “Table of Grace”
• First Place – Fiction: Mariah Hall, “A Darker Desire”
• Honorable Mention – Fiction: Justin Young, “Document 000”
• Honorable Mention – Fiction: Justin Young, “The Last Test_Epiphany”
• First Place – Nonfiction: April Galicia, “The Big Game”
• Honorable Mention – Nonfiction: Jaylon Hatcher, “The Start of my Football Journey”
• First Place – Editorial: Gresa Arapi, “MLK”

In addition to publication in the 2025 issue of “Acuity,” winners will also be recognized during the May 5 formation gathering where they will share readings from their pieces and receive their awards.

“It is important for academic communities to have a way to publish creative thought as a way to enhance dialogue and diversity of perspective,” shares Barton. “‘Acuity’ serves as a platform for creative writers to share their voice, develop as writers and represent the immense talent that we have here at Hesston College.”

Visit hesston.edu/acuity2025 to read the full issue and view featured student art.

Bel Canto Singers bring 500-Year Anabaptist celebration to Oregon

The Hesston College Music Department invites the public to join in a historic celebration of faith, music and heritage at Anabaptism at Five Hundred: Hymn Festival on Saturday, May 24, at 4 p.m. at Zion Mennonite Church in Hubbard, Oregon.

The Hymn Festival will feature a historical narrative by Ken Rodgers, Hesston College music professor, tracing the evolution of hymns and texts central to Anabaptist worship over the past 500 years. Singers from surrounding churches are invited to join Bel Canto Singers to form a choir that will lead the event and combine with audience participation to create a communal expression of faith and song. Music will be led by Dr. Russell Adrian, director of choral activities.

This community-wide event is part of worldwide celebrations commemorating the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism, a faith movement that began with the first adult baptisms in Zurich, Switzerland, on January 21, 1525. Those baptisms sparked the spread of Anabaptism across Europe and eventually around the globe, shaping religious history and traditions for half a millennium.

Join Bel Canto Singers for an inspiring afternoon celebrating a significant milestone in history through music and storytelling. For more information, contact the Hesston College Music Department at finearts@hesston.edu or 620-327-8141.

Hymn Festival program

Bel Canto Singers head to the Pacific Northwest with “Singing Through Generations” tour

The Hesston College Bel Canto Singers are hitting the road once again, bringing their celebrated program “Singing Through Generations” to audiences in the Pacific Northwest. Conducted by Dr. Russell Adrian, director of choral activities, and accompanied by Ken Rodgers, music professor, this tour marks another opportunity for the ensemble to connect through music, community and faith.

The program commemorates the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism and highlights the enduring role of music in the life of the church across generations. Featuring a range of sacred choral works, “Singing Through Generations” is both a celebration and a reflection on the shared legacy of faith.

The Hesston and surrounding community is invited to a special home concert prior to the tour Friday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in Hesston Mennonite Church. This concert will be available via live stream.

“We’re excited to share this meaningful program with our community before taking it on the road to audiences in the Pacific Northwest,” says Adrian. “I am looking forward to reconnecting with people and congregations from my first years of teaching at Western. Along with music making, we have several adventures planned for our students to discover the wonderful beauty of Oregon and Washington.”

Pacific Northwest Tour Schedule:

• May 20 – Seattle (Wash.) Mennonite Church, 7 p.m.
• May 23 – Western Christian School (Salem, Ore.)
• May 23 – Salem (Ore.) Mennonite Church, 7 p.m.
• May 24 – Hymn Festival at Zion Mennonite Church (Hubbard, Ore.), 4 p.m.
• May 25 – Morning worship at Zion Mennonite Church, 10:15 a.m.
• May 25 – Portland (Ore.) Mennonite Church, 7 p.m.
• May 27 – First Presbyterian Church (Bend, Ore.), 7 p.m., hosted by Bend (Ore.) Mennonite Church
• May 28 – Mennonite Village (Albany, Ore.), 3 p.m.
• May 28 – Albany (Ore.) Mennonite Church, 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the Hesston College Music Department at finearts@hesston.edu or 620-327-8141.

Singing Through Generations program

Laughter and desserts await at Hesston College’s “A Comedy Cabaret” May 2 to 4

Get ready for a night of laughter, sweets and spontaneous comedy as Hesston College Theatre serves up “A Comedy Cabaret” — a delightful blend of sketches, musical numbers and improv — May 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m. in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater (301 S Main, Hesston).

This performance will feature an array of hilarious scenes, monologues and charming musical theatre songs sure to usher in an evening of fun and laughter.

“I encouraged my students to draw inspiration from everywhere — classic comedy, TikTok, YouTube — you name it,” shares Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “It’s a playful mix of the traditional and the trendy, guaranteed to appeal to all ages.”

The experience includes entertainment from members of MaLARKey improv team who will lead a few improv games and offer the opportunity for audience involvement.

“Improv is all about spontaneity and creativity,” Jantzi explains. “The audience might throw out a situation, a famous person, or even a wild setting, and our MaLARKey team will run with it. Think ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ but with a clean twist!”

Upon entering the theatre, attendees won’t find the traditional row seating of a typical theatre performance. Instead they will gather around small tables where they can sit back and relax while snacking on desserts and chatting between acts, offering a less formal, but still engaging production. Featured dessert vendors include Salted Creamery and Lyndsey’s Cakes and Bakes.

“I hope the audience leaves with smiling faces and happy bellies,” says Jantzi.

Don’t miss out on an evening filled with laughter and desserts! Tickets are limited, so grab yours today by calling 620-327-8104. Suitable for ages 7 and up.

Hesston College showcases student creativity in annual art exhibit

Hesston College is excited to announce the 2025 Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit, a vibrant showcase of creativity featuring works by the college’s talented students across various disciplines. The exhibit will be on display from April 22 to May 9 in at Hesston’s Regier-Friesen Gallery in Laban Peachey Center (325 S College Dr, Hesston).

The community is also invited to attend a special awards reception scheduled for April 22 from 4 to 5:30 p.m to celebrate these talented student artists and their remarkable works. Awards include:

• Best of Show
• Merit Award I
• Merit Award II
• Juror’s Choice Award — Recognizing a piece that resonates deeply with the juror on an artistic or conceptual level.

The Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit is open to all Hesston College students, regardless of major or discipline. All visual art forms are eligible, provided they were created within the past calendar year.

“Having the exhibit open to all students no matter what their major or area of emphasis creates space for a wide range of interpretations on subjects and use of materials,” shares Joshua Cross, Hesston College art professor. “A student with no traditional art background will approach traditional art materials differently than a student who has taken multiple art classes, worrying less about what is ‘right’ and just creating and seeing where it takes them.”

This year’s juror is Monica Plank, a Hesston College alumna and professional artist and potter from Marion, Kan. Plank’s ties to the college run deep — her father once taught graphic design courses at Hesston. She is currently serving as an adjunct ceramics instructor at Hesston College while also teaching at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. With her experience and unique perspective, Plank will designate award winners from among the submissions.

“One of the best things about the annual student show is that we bring in an outside juror to judge the pieces,” Cross explains. “It allows our students to hear another voice when it comes to their creative endeavors, and that is important for their growth, especially at a small school.”

The gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is free.

Hesston College joins NAIA and NCCAA for 2025-26 athletic season

After a year and a half of applications and site visits, Hesston College is now a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) for the 2025-26 school year. Membership in each organization begins on July 1, 2025.

“We are excited that all of our preparation has led us to membership in the NAIA and the NCCAA,” says Athletic Director Bryan Kehr. “The NAIA’s Champions of Character and the NCCAA’s #Kingchasing programs resonate strongly with our institutional goals.”

A member of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference since 2019, Hesston College announced in November 2023 it would begin the transition to a four-year athletic model parallel to a shift in its academic focus toward bachelor’s degree offerings.

“Hesston College sought membership in the NAIA by joining the NAIA Pathways program,” explains Kehr. “NAIA Vice President Nick Davidson came on campus for a visit and helped us prepare for the Membership Evaluation Team visit this February.”

In its first year as a member of the NAIA, Hesston will compete in the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC), a non-traditional conference that allows schools that are considered independents a clear path to postseason play. Hesston will join Haskell Indian Nations University (Lawrence, Kan.) as the second CAC member institution in the state of Kansas.

Hesston also joins the NCCAA as a Division I member as an institution that offers athletic scholarships. Central Christian College (McPherson, Kan.) and Sterling (Kan.) College are the only other NCCAA DI members in Kansas and are also members of the NAIA. They are joined by DII members Manhattan (Kan.) Christian College, Barclay College (Haviland, Kan.) and Kansas Christian College (Overland Park, Kan.).

“This partnership with the NCCAA is a true blessing for Hesston College,” shares Hesston College Interim President Ross Peterson-Veatch. “It is a wonderful opportunity for our community, and we are excited to align ourselves with this organization that shares many of our same values including competitive excellence and cultivating a Christ-centered experience for student-athletes.”