In the News

Summer Theatre Camp to be offered in social distancing-appropriate format for 2020

With health and safety at the forefront of consideration, Hesston College made the decision to cancel its summer theatre camp event for area young aspiring actors and tech crew in the format it has known for several years.

As an alternative, a musical theatre learning program will be offered in a social distancing-appropriate one-on-one format for a limited number of participants.

Over the last several years, Hesston College’s Summer Theatre Camp has become a popular summer event for area actors and tech crew ages 11 to 18. In 2019, the camp drew its largest enrollment to date with more than 40 participants who staged the musical School House Rock Live! over a two-week period.

Even though stay at home orders around coronavirus are being relaxed in south central Kansas, the state’s social distancing guidelines continue to limit crowd gatherings that would pose a problem for the camp’s traditional format.

The 2020 alternative event will be held from June 22 through July 3. Participation will be limited to the first 16 registrants who will meet on campus in the Keim Center with Hesston College Theatre Director Rachel Jantzi and Director of Choral Activities Russell Adrian for six individualized 30-minute acting and voice sessions, as well as two masterclass sessions. Each student’s private lessons will occur between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. during the two-week period. An individualized schedule will be communicated prior to the first class.

Participants will perform for their families in a final showcase outdoor picnic on July 3 at 5:30 p.m.

“This will be a much more intensive, but fun individualized experience,” said Jantzi. “It will not be the same theatre camp feel as past years, but we are still hoping it offers those who are excited about acting, singing and dancing a serious chance to work and shine as actors in musical theatre.”

Registration cost is $110 per person. Families registering more than one student will pay full price for the first student and $90 for each additional student from the same immediate family. If the event needs to be canceled for any reason, full refunds will be issued.

To register, contact Rachel Jantzi at rachelj@hesston.edu.

What I learned from Carla Lahey

Carla Lahey

Carla leaves Hesston College this spring after two years teaching theatre, establishing the college’s Touring Theatre Company including directing the company and taking them to perform at a host of local high schools. She also played a key role in Student Life, directing campus activities. Carla completed her Ph.D. in theatre last fall and is accepting an assistant professor of theatre position at Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn.

Alex Miller, freshman biology major, Arlington, Kan.

Carla Lahey taught the first theatre class I ever attended. Unsure of what was in store for me, I began “Art of Theatre” my first semester of college. It was not long before I grew to greatly appreciate Carla and the education she had to offer us. Filling her role as both a professor and the director of the Campus Activity Board here at Hesston, Carla seemed to connect with a wide variety of students. In interactions with her, both in theatre and student life, Carla always struck me as amiable and compassionate. She embodied the type of care and affable interaction that stands out as truly meaningful.

Being in the final stages of earning her doctorate degree, Carla must have been under loads of stress, but it never impacted her teaching. Some days I’m sure held exponentially more cups of coffee but each one she met us well, both as a professional and as a friend. She held us to a high standard of academics but was understanding if a sick day was needed. She helped me navigate college and was the first to inquire about my health and wellbeing if something seemed off. I look back on this year and reflect on the qualities personified in Carla, the number one thing I will carry with me is a reminder to be compassionate.

When we students found out that Carla would not remain at Hesston next year, the cancellation of school and quarantine had already begun. We didn’t get our chance to finish the show she had just begun to direct or even to say goodbye. In lieu of wishing that farewell in person I want to send it, along with best regards, here.

So thank you Carla. For being a teacher, director, a mentor, and a friend. I wish you God’s abundant blessings as you go from Hesston and enjoy the next season of life.

Rachel Jantzi, theatre professor

Carla has been an appreciated addition to the performing arts program these past 2 years. There is something so invigorating in having a colleague who wants to create and watch a program grow, and who is willing to collaborate and question in order to try to make it the best version it can be, in that moment. Carla is good at…

• asking the questions no one has really thought about, which comes from truly focused listening.
• making sure all sides of a potential problem are addressed thoroughly and all perspectives are heard.
• letting students lead and encouraging them to be curious.
• the details. The most recent example, her twelve page document for the new hire with information about classes, recruitment, shows, conferences, etc. To have
• something so thorough and thoughtful, will be beneficial.

While Carla does all this wonderfully, the thing I will take away from her the most is the value of time.

Most have played the “I’m busier than you can possibly fathom” game. I’ve played it. You know, the one where someone sighs about the amount of work they have only to be met with an equally worn colleague who says the same thing? I like that Carla doesn’t play that game. She could have. In addition to teaching, she taught a class that toured and the scheduling of that was ridiculous. She was attending high school shows on weekends and also conferences for the purpose of recruitment, and her time with Campus Activities Board kept her evenings occupied. She also did a show here and there, and had her share of meetings, all while completing her dissertation. Carla was sometimes tired, but she would choose to appreciate the boundaries she was keeping, the nights she was able to focus on her dissertation work, the importance of keeping consistent with her church attendance and the value of her time alone. She seemed centered on this quiet time she was creating for herself, rather than the busyness. In doing this, she has unknowingly taught me that I can choose to refocus and shift my thinking. I have the pleasure and privilege of work and the responsibility to create a space for myself and family. Thank you, Carla for this and all the many things you’ve taught me and our students. Break-a-leg on your next adventure. And...Curtain.

In recent years, the Hesston College Horizon student publication has recognized departing faculty members by inviting students and employees to reflect on the impact these professors have made on their lives. With the COVID-19 campus dispersal in March and the impending departure of Horizon faculty advisor and communications prof Kendra Burkey, the college’s Marketing and Communications team has the privilege of recognizing this year’s departing faculty: Lahey; Kendra Burkey, communication prof; and Gary Oyer director of Media and Instructional Technology and archivist.

What I learned from Kendra Burkey

Kendra Burkey

Kendra leaves Hesston College this spring after 17 years teaching Speech Communication and a variety of other communication courses and advising the Hesston College Horizon, the college’s student publication, leading it through the transition from print to online media. Kendra founded the Journal of Writing and Art which served as Hesston’s literary journal for a few years, and helped establish student internships with the Marketing and Communications department. She also was a founding member of the Campus Stewardship Council and was instrumental in CSC’s 10-Day Give, an effort that significantly reduced the amount of waste going to landfills each spring as students moved out of the dorms by redirecting unwanted items to other students and Newton Et Cetera Shop. Kendra leaves to devote more time to Salted Creamery, a growing, locally sourced ice cream company she founded in 2013.

Gaby Audrey, sophomore nursing major, Semarang, Indonesia

On my second year in Hesston College as a pre-nursing student, I decided to take a course which strays from my major, a course in communication. The class is led by Kendra Burkey, and at that time when I was registering for my classes, she was on sabbatical leave which left me clueless about who she is — but I knew that she is a good friend of my favorite professor, Karen Sheriff LeVan. That is enough to make me feel like I am in good hands.

At first, when I was in class with Kendra for newspaper, I felt so out-of-place because there was only one other international student there beside me and I had no background in anything related to newspaper. I still remember the first project I worked on. It was a piece for self-care in college. I felt like I was a baggage for the whole class and I was about to drop the course. However, I wanted to hang on for at least three weeks in Newspaper. I decided to talk to Kendra about my problem and how I felt like I did nothing in newspaper. She told me that being international student is not a bad thing, and that for my first piece, it was actually a good one. From that moment, I decided to try on this new journey and keep hanging around newspaper. This experience has taught me that you always discover yourselves in the places you do not expect.

From Kendra Burkey, I learned how to express myself. I have always been an introvert and I am not used to talk about what I think. I liked to observe and do not say anything. A lot of times I received comments from Kendra on my projects and sometimes it is scary to look at the marks she made, but all of that has made me better in my writing and how to express my thoughts and feelings concisely.

From Kendra Burkey, I learned how to be a powerful woman. She has always made me feel like she is my role model because she is so independent. From the way she teaches to the way she talks.

From Kendra Burkey, I learned how to stand tall after I fail. Newspaper is not something I would imagine myself to be interested in, but she has made my experience in something so foreign for me so pleasant and enjoyable. I discovered a little bit of myself because of her.

My projects in newspaper has given me the opportunity to connect with some people I now proudly call friends. Other times it has given me courage to talk to people and ask them if I can interview them. All of this happened just because I wanted to try something new and something out of my mundane routine. Kendra Burkey has given more than black and white grade points in my Hesston experience. She gave me a whole new perspective on myself and others and it has been vibrant with colors. I am grateful to her.

Emily Kauffman, former resident director

3 things I’ve learned from Kendra Burkey as a professor, an advisor and a mentor:

1. How to write. During my time as a student at Hesston College, Speech Communication, Mass Communication, Interpersonal Communication and Writing for Media along with The Horizon were among the courses I took with Kendra. I remember the first time I received back an article for The Horizon from Kendra and feeling my stomach sink when I saw the number of words or phrases highlighted along with ample comments. I quickly clicked through accepting all of the edits to somehow escape the reality that my writing needed work. But then I really got to know Kendra by spending hours in her office talking through edits. She listened to me like very few have. Instead of writing as I think, she provided me with the space to think out loud identifying that central idea. From there, she helped me expand my thinking to entertain clarifying questions and visualize my argument in a way readers could grasp. These spaces felt sacred. Kendra played a significant role in helping me build my confidence and expand my creativity leading to numerous opportunities at Hesston College and beyond.
2. How to seek opportunity. I graduated from Hesston College with the intention to transfer to Bluffton University in the fall of 2016. On July 3, 2016 I sent an email to Kendra titled “Possible change?” explaining my unsettledness with this decision. She replied back, “Wow! I really want to process this with you. Can we talk tomorrow or Tuesday?” I’d come to learn in the years following that a response like this from Kendra was not uncommon. We’d have multiple conversations like these via phone call, email or text still finding a way to create that sacred office space. On a sticky note I still have hanging in my living space, I wrote down what Kendra had shared with me following my decision to transfer to Goshen College instead. “Em, keep in mind that your path will change, opportunities will arise, and you’re going to change your mind, and that’s okay.” I have found so much liberation in these words as I’ve navigated many big life decisions. I’m incredibly grateful for the ways Kendra helped remind me of my strengths and encouraged me to dream.
3. How to transition well. Kendra played a big role in my decision to return to Hesston College as a resident director. She helped me process this big decision by asking me questions as well, “Is it a part of your growth right now? Is it a part of your vision for who you want to become?” and offering me once again liberating words, this time: You will make your experience meaningful wherever you go. These words allowed me to live into whatever I was feeling drawn towards, resisting the idea that there is ever a right and wrong decision. Despite knowing how much she was hopeful for my return, she also welcomed my questions/apprehension by affirming them and committing to be part of my support system, expressing her confidence in me to deal with whatever the answers were. This support was immediately felt as she offered to pay for two sessions with Marva Weigelt, owner of Insight and someone she thought I’d have “SO MUCH in common with.” Sure enough, I’d find so much healing and depth in this new connection as I made the transition back to Kansas. And of course, the balm of Kendra’s Salted Creamery ice cream helped aid in the transition as well. If you haven’t tried it, please do yourself a favor and do.

If this article weren’t about Kendra herself, at this point, I’d be reading it over one final time before sending it to her for a round of edits. This will have to do, Kendra. Thank you for all you’ve taught me. I hope I made it clear these teachings have come from both word and action, both powerful forms of communication. I look forward to now supporting you as you make this transition.

Much love,
Em.

In recent years, the Hesston College Horizon student publication has recognized departing faculty members by inviting students and employees to reflect on the impact these professors have made on their lives. With the COVID-19 campus dispersal in March and the impending departure of Horizon faculty advisor and communications prof Kendra Burkey, the college’s Marketing and Communications team has the privilege of recognizing this year’s departing faculty: Burkey; Carla Lahey, theatre prof, Campus Activities director; and Gary Oyer director of Media and Instructional Technology and archivist.

What I learned from Gary Oyer

Gary Oyer

Gary leaves Hesston College this spring after 32 years running the Media and Instructional Technology Services department, providing a/v support for large gatherings and helping faculty use technology, including our Learning Management Software, Moodle. A founding member of Hesston’s Campus Stewardship Council, Gary also manages the college’s archives. He played a key role in the early development of the HC website and assisted or supported in some way many departments across campus. Gary is still in the process of considering options for his next role.

Tobie Plett, sophomore business major, East St. Paul, Manitoba

Gary Oyer was one of my first contacts at Hesston College. For the last two years, I have worked for him in Media Services. One thing I noticed when I first came to Hesston was that faculty and staff genuinely want to get to know their students and employees. Gary was no different. Despite our relationship being professional I was surprised by the personal connection that we developed.

One thing we bonded over was talking about our adventures on the road. Both of us like to take road trips, Gary in particular loves to visit America’s national parks. He helped me and my friends plan out the destinations for our spring break road trip which was awesome. He also assisted us by providing us with camping equipment. Gary’s expertise and altruistic character is a trait that I have been a witness to in my two years of working with him.

Me and Gary worked well together. Whether it was running chapel, broadcasting games, or doing AV at other events. Being a busy college student, sometimes my schedule would change unexpectedly, but Gary always offered to jump in and help out with whatever was needed.

One thing that I admire is Gary’s fascinating insight, which can only be learned by getting to know him on a day-to-day basis. Maybe it is his years of working with technology, or the fact that he has been the Hesston College Archivist for decades, but he has an intelligence and perspective that is truly interesting. His insight is present in our conversations and in the work he does. This is a part of Gary that is inviting to others and nurtures relationships. It is encouraging to witness Gary’s welcoming spirit as he treats any and all as good friends.

I am proud to consider myself a good friend of Gary’s. His generosity, support, wisdom, and encouraging spirit is apparent to those around him and a vital cornerstone of the college. I am thankful for his service to the college and grateful for the blessing he continues to be in the community.

Kevin Wilder, psychology professor

Gary is my neighbor and our kids are the same age, so our families grew up together. We attend the same church and were Bible Quiz coaches together for four years. We also have worked together at Hesston College for twenty-three years. We also have coffee and read a book together and talk about every Thursday. I really doubt that I am done learning from Gary, but I am sorry for the college and the students that will not get the benefit of his deep character and wisdom.

I made a top 10 list:

10. History and Theology matters- learn from the people of the past.
9. Look for goofy stuff on road trips, it will make a better trip.
8. Be very generous with your time. Run to serve people.
5. Prank people regularly.
6. Pray about things and take your time.
5. Be accountable to a few people you can trust.
4. Put things in your calendar, so your phone or watch reminds you.
3. You can do it, but better to teach people to do it.
2. Be honest and direct with people.
1. Life is much much, much, much better when shared with a good friend like Gary.

In recent years, the Hesston College Horizon student publication has recognized departing faculty members by inviting students and employees to reflect on the impact these professors have made on their lives. With the COVID-19 campus dispersal in March and the impending departure of Horizon faculty advisor and communications prof Kendra Burkey, the college’s Marketing and Communications team has the privilege of recognizing this year’s departing faculty: Oyer; Kendra Burkey, communication prof; and Carla Lahey, theatre prof.

Virtual commencement ceremony planned for May 23

With the coronavirus pandemic disrupting the second half of the spring 2020 semester and canceling in-person classes, Hesston College has made the decision to host a virtual commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 on Saturday, May 23, at 7 p.m. The ceremony will be available for streaming through the college’s website.

“As Administrative Council and the Academics Office discussed different options for commencement either now or in the future, it was decided that holding a virtual commencement ceremony was the most equitable option,” wrote Brent Yoder, vice president of Academics, in a campus-wide email on Friday, May 1. “We chose to allow ourselves a bit of additional time after final grades are entered to prepare the program, but we wanted to offer it as close as possible to the end of the semester before the focus for many people shifts to the summer. This event will have many components similar to an in-person commencement but tweaked to fit a virtual space.”

The college had its traditional in-person commencement ceremony scheduled for May 16, but had announced on April 6 that the in-person ceremony would be canceled for 2020.

The virtual program will recognize each of th graduates of the Class of 2020 and be highlighted with a brief message from President Joseph A. Manickam, as well as hear from student speakers nominated by faculty and staff and voted up by their peers.

“We are disappointed that we can’t celebrate the Class of 2020 in the ways we would have liked, but we’re hopeful that graduates and their families and friends will still find ways to celebrate them as we honor and recognize them in this way, said Yoder.”

A journey disrupted, not derailed

Hesston College class of 2020 nursing students were just getting ready to enter the final eight-week stretch to earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and prepping to become licensed registered nurses when the world was thrown into a global pandemic with many layers of uncertainty.

As the Hesston College community ended face-to-face interaction and classes moved online, nursing students were left wondering how they would be able to complete critical class time and clinical hours.

Yet one thing that has continuously proved certain as the coronavirus has made its way into communities around the world is the necessity of caring, compassionate and bold healthcare professionals. With its motto of “A tradition of service, a commitment to care,” Hesston College Nursing has instilled those values in students for more than 50 years and a global pandemic won’t stop it from fulfilling that mission.

“These students have developed flexibility and adaptability that will serve them well in the ever changing world of healthcare,” said Becky Bartell, Hesston College director of nursing education.

As early as late February, Hesston College partnering clinical agencies began limiting student experiences in some areas as a way to conserve personal protective equipment and remove extra contact with particularly vulnerable patients. When the college made the decision to move classes online just two days before spring break in mid-March, nursing faculty jumped into high gear, spending their own spring break week exploring virtual clinical options and preparing for online teaching and learning.

“We wanted to ensure we were still providing the best clinical learning experiences in the areas students needed and still meeting our clinical learning outcomes,” said Bartell.

The efforts put forth, though quick and unexpected, were positive for both students and faculty overall and continued to equip the soon-to-graduate students with the skills and knowledge they need to join the nursing profession.

“In the beginning, it was a challenge for everyone,” said Bartell. “Everything we knew to be constant had changed. However, as we settled in, faculty and students found the changes to have some positive benefits.”

Virtual clinicals consisted of scenarios meant to help students develop clinical judgment and decision-making skills. In the interactive case studies, students virtually assessed the patient, gathered and interpreted data, made clinical decisions and developed necessary care plans. In addition, clinical and simulation faculty continued to have pre-conference and post-conference with their clinical groups.

Some clinical groups did case studies of Covid-19 and its effects on each of their hometowns, as well as a case study about a patient with Covid-19, learning about ways the disease presents, lab values, x-rays and treatments.

Makenzie Farnham, Little River, Kan.

“Our clinical instructors did an incredible job in ensuring we made the most of the situation. Class sessions became pre-recorded lectures, which ended up being a positive when it came time to study for tests because I could go back and rewatch the lectures as a refresher.”

More than ever, being away from the classroom students found themselves relying more on the knowledge and confidence they had gained up to the point in-person classes ended.

“I missed classroom interaction with professors and classmates a lot, but I found that I could rely on myself to find answers to my questions,” said Ashley Yasin (Lake Isabella, Calif.). “I couldn’t always quickly turn to a professor with my question. The situation helped me learn and even teach myself in a better way than I did before.’’

To make sure students were getting their questions answered and learning needs met, professors ramped up communication through emails, video messages, study groups and virtual office hours.

Jenna Boller, Kalona, Iowa

“I never felt as though I was alone in this process. Even without a pandemic there is so much to appreciate about Hesston College Nursing. One of the things anyone can see is how much the nursing faculty care about each student. They work countless hours to prepare material and schedule clinical rotations. They take interest in each one of us and are always available to talk or help guide us along. I have always felt supported by all of the faculty and appreciate the dedication they have to the program and educating and training future nurses.”

Boller’s sentiments were echoed time and again with strong relationships and outstanding support between students and faculty consistently noted as factors in a student’s success

A new component was worked into the nursing program at the start of the 2019-20 year – a faculty accountability partner for senior nursing students – that also helped strengthen student/faculty relationships and offer another level of support when the unexpected occurred.

“All year, the accountability partner was in touch with the student, encouraging them and sometimes pushing them to be accountable,” said Bartell. “It turned out to be a great touchpoint when classes and clinicals went online.”

Senior nursing students completed their coursework on April 22, and the remaining time before the semester ends on May 14 is dedicated to intensive NCLEX-RN preparation – the national exam they must pass to earn RN licensure.

Even though their already intense journey through a difficult program was highlighted by unknowns, students and faculty alike are confident that they are prepared for whatever they will face in their nursing careers.”

Ashley Yasin

“Each person in the nursing department shows compassion to every student. It’s why I chose Hesston and why I love this program. From my campus visit all the way to now, Hesston College Nursing has given me the confidence and skills to become the best nurse I can be.”

“I hope each member of this nursing class of 2020 never forgets why they started this journey in the first place – because they wanted to serve others,” said Bartell. “Never forget that what your patients need most is your presence, your listening ear, your critical thinking, your skilled hands and your caring heart.”

Hesston College to offer student DECA opportunity

Hesston College will launch a collegiate DECA chapter known as the Hesston College Emerging Leadership Team with the well-known leadership organization as an extracurricular option for students with the start of the 2020-21 year in August.

DECA is a global organization focused on preparing high school- and college-age leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, as well as equipping them to lead throughout any career path.

“The DECA Emerging Leadership Team is a great opportunity for any entrepreneurial-minded student who wants to improve their leadership skills through experiential learning opportunities, including business-related competitive events,” said Debbie McAlister, Hesston College director of business education. “We’re excited to be able to offer another avenue for students pursuing all majors to build up their marketable skills in this way.”

DECA is well known for its competitions that allow students to test their experience, skill and knowledge in simulated real-life situations. In addition to the competition team, Hesston students participating in DECA will have a variety of other resume-building benefits and be eligible for the Hesston College Emerging Leaders Scholarship that can cover from 45 to 65 percent of tuition. Other opportunities for DECA students include credits toward the college’s honors program for high achieving students, leadership coaching, experiential opportunities in campus leadership projects and event organization and hosting experience.

Students do not need to be involved in DECA at the high school level to be eligible for collegiate participation or the scholarship.

“The DECA organization is committed to providing students at its member institutions with academic preparation, the importance of service to the community, professional responsibility and leadership skills,” said McAlister. “These same values are paramount to the Hesston College community and will be enhanced through DECA events.”

With a traditional focus on the first two years of a four-year college experience, Hesston College has long been known for providing hands-on experiential learning opportunities such as internships and other leadership experiences for students as early as the freshman and sophomore years. The DECA Emerging Leadership Team will add even more enhanced experiential learning opportunities.

As a DECA institution, students participating through Hesston College’s affiliation will be eligible for honors and recognition for their work and success on a wider scale. They will also gain further learning through participation in forums and conferences hosted by the organization and its institutional members.

Prospective students interested in the DECA experience at Hesston College can contact McAlister for further information and action steps at debbie.mcalister@hesston.edu.

Community and relationships live on despite COVID-19 distancing

A day in the life of a Hesston College student during the second half of the spring 2020 semester looks much different than it did during the first half.

For a campus community focused on interpersonal relationships and hands-on learning, the coronavirus pandemic has morphed the student experience into something completely unexpected. But that doesn’t mean it has eradicated the Hesston Experience.

“It’s not just the place that makes up Hesston College,” said sophomore Rachel Miller (Freeman, S.D.). “It’s also the students, faculty and staff. Having moved off campus, I miss the feeling of being in a tight knit group and always having someone there for me when I need them, but we’re still finding ways to connect and I appreciate that.”

Thursday, March 12 – two days before spring break – was the day life changed for the Hesston College community. Early in the afternoon, administration called meetings for both students and employees to inform them of a COVID-19 action plan that would be implemented immediately.

Colleges and universities across the country had been temporarily suspending in-person classes for several days already and Hesston College had decided that was the right decision for its community as well.

College-sponsored spring break trips were canceled, and students with other planned spring break travel were also encouraged to reconsider. Instead of closing the dorms as is typically done for the week of spring break, they would remain open for students who wanted to stay on campus. Faculty and staff also canceled spring break plans in order to prepare courses to be held online when classes resumed on March 23. The online learning period would last for at least three weeks until April 13.

As the pandemic continued to snowball, so too did Hesston’s plan. By March 18 the decision had been made to move classes online for the remainder of the academic year. The dorms would remain open for students who had legitimate reason to stay – international students who couldn’t go home, aviation students who needed to continue flight training, and others who might not have access to essential learning resources.

“We take seriously the health and well-being of our students and community members,” said President Joseph Manickam. “We also know that part of our responsibility is to act in the best interest of all. For us, that means considering the impact on the communities our students are from, the impact on our students and employees themselves and our own campus community.”

“Staying on campus was my best option for academic reasons,” said first-year student Kaytlen Keough (Albany, Ore.). “It’s a lot easier for me to continue learning in the place I’ve been used to learning all year. I chose Hesston College because I knew it would be a place I could find a comfortable space to grow and experience new things within myself. That’s still the case even though it looks different.”

Keough is one of about 50 students remaining on campus – about 18 percent of the year’s full dorm count. According to Deb Roth, vice president of student life, the dorm makeup includes about 50 percent international students, 25 percent aviation students and 25 percent students who demonstrated other legitimate reasons to stay.

On-campus students were relocated to one dorm facility for conservation purposes. In order to comply with social distancing standards, each student also has their own room. Like their off-campus classmates, they still do their learning online. Dining Services continues to prepare and serve meals, though not with the traditional buffet format, and the Campus Activities Board (CAB) continues to organize on-campus student activities for a little entertainment.

“The college has been doing the best job, in my eyes, to take care of my needs as a student as well as my personal needs,” said Keough. “Everyone has had to give up something to either help ourselves or others around us. I feel the Hesston faculty and staff have gone above and beyond.”

“Having CAB events has provided a welcome break from the daily routine of homework and Netflix,” said junior Chris Lichti (Shickley, Neb.), who has remained on campus. “It’s nice to have other students around so we can still find some things to do for fun.”

Lichti, who is an aviation student, is also pleased with the accommodations that have been made to be able for students to continue flight training.

“If there is a silver lining to the situation, it’s the increased flexibility of my schedule to get more flight hours,” Lichti said. “We get to continue flight training, just with some added steps to avoid spreading illness to one another. Planes get sanitized after every flight and we are trying to stagger scheduling times to avoid having too many people in the hangar at one time. As much as I dislike online classes, I do recognize that professors are trying their best to adapt and it is difficult for them too. They are willing to meet with us virtually and answer questions, and are being flexible with the students.”

Even for the students who returned home, the community aspect and relationships have not been lost.

“I’ve been connecting with my professors through Google Meet, which is better than only having email all the time,” said sophomore Ian Lecki (Overland Park, Kan.). “As for staying in contact with my friends, we talk every day and try to have time once a week to have a colossal Facetime call with 15 to 20 people.”

As expected, the switch to online learning has affected students differently.

“So far, online learning is going great for me,” said Miller. “Professors have been very open to suggestions for ways to make the transition easier for everyone. I meet with two of my classes via Google Meet, and that has been a good experience. My homework load has been the same or less. I know that some people are struggling with more homework but that has not been the case for me. It can be difficult at times though because I find myself getting distracted at home.”

“Online learning is a challenge for me as most of my classes require labs to gain a better grasp of what we are learning, and no longer having those labs is tough,” Lecki said. “I feel like I am still learning the right amount of material since I have more time to look over everything before and after class, but all I do is look at a computer screen for the majority of the day.”

By many professor reports, students seem to be in good spirits and finding ways to adjust to the temporary normal. Yet underlying the positive attitudes is disappointment in an experience cut short.

“Although I would much rather have life go back normal, I have found a positive within all of this,” said Lecki. “The world has come to a complete halt. Everyone can have a reset or a time to reprioritize themselves. We can either drag ourselves around sad during this time or use it to our advantage and make the best of it. For me, dealing with the changes and maintaining a positive mindset is important through this tough time. I would much rather have hands-on and social interaction rather than a computer screen, but it’s the best we can do right now.”

In-person May graduation canceled; alternative plans in the works

As the global coronavirus pandemic continues to upend events, Hesston College made the decision to cancel its in-person Commencement Weekend activities, including graduation ceremonies that were scheduled for May 16.

“I know that this is yet another disappointing turn of events for all of our graduation candidates who are not returning to Hesston College in the fall,” said Brent Yoder, vice president of academics, in a communication with students. “You already had to say abrupt goodbyes to your classmates and many others if you even had the chance to say goodbye at all, and now we won’t have the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments together just as you are finishing up your remaining courses.”

Yoder said that Hesston College administrators are still working on alternative plans and hope to find in-person ways to present degrees and perform the other honors for graduates. Yet at the same time he noted the challenge presented with Hesston College students coming from across the nation and around the world and arranging for everyone to return to campus at a later date.

“We do still hope to find a way to celebrate years of hard work by the class of 2020, although we do not know exactly how or when that will happen,” said Brent Yoder, vice president of academics.

With current estimates, experts are predicting that cases of COVID-19 will peak in Kansas in mid- to late April and may continue for about four weeks before they begin to diminish.

“Even if new cases begin to diminish in May, the reality is that we will not be able to immediately return to meeting in large groups like commencement would bring,” said Yoder.

Hesston College’s COVID-19 action plan was launched on March 12, two days before the start of spring break, when the college made the decision to shift to online classes beginning when classes resumed on March 23 through at least April 12. On March 18, the plan was adjusted for online classes for the remainder of the academic year.

The college’s COVID-19 action plan, including changes as the plan has evolved, can be seen online.