In the News

Hesston College students return to campus amid strict COVID-19 protocols

After months of planning and preparation in response to the ongoing COVID-19 virus pandemic, Hesston College opened its doors to new and returning students last week.

The college marked the return of students to campus with an Opening Celebration on Friday evening, August 14. This year’s event was held at Sieber Soccer Field on campus.

“We are Hesston College,” President Joe Manickam told the socially distanced crowd. “This field is not Hesston College. That building is not Hesston College. You, me, flesh and blood, created in God’s loving image, together: we are Hesston College.”

And together, Hesston has approached COVID-19 with a careful protocol for returning.

All incoming students completed online self-screening a week before heading to campus, and students arriving from areas with widespread community transmission quarantined in Kansas for 14 days prior to moving in. The college provided meals and housing for quarantining students. Students began arriving on campus on Tuesday, August 11. The college staggered move-in times across six different dates, and on-campus students moved into single rooms. Staff and faculty greeted students and parents with a temperature check at a drive-through screening area.

Hesston College moved to online learning on March 23 in response to the growing pandemic. Most students stayed home for the rest of the semester, while some stayed on campus in single rooms. All completed their semester classwork online.

Manickam noted that the world won’t go back to the way things were. But “God is here with us,” Manickam said. “I want you to lean on God. Feel God’s presence in those around you. For you are not walking alone.”

Hesston College announces reopening plans for new academic year

Hesston College announced that it will welcome students back to campus and hold in-person classes for the 2020-21 academic year. The year will start with the first day of classes on August 17, which was the start date on the originally planned academic calendar.

Planning for the year will come with extra health and safety measures to protect against the transmission of coronavirus. The academic calendar will shift to eliminate semester breaks like fall break. On November 25, just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, in-person fall semester classes will end and move to asynchronous online learning for the final week and a half of the fall semester.

“We have been closely monitoring the impact of coronavirus in our community and in the region, as well as recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and we are confident that by taking extra precautions, we can welcome students back to campus for the new academic year,” said President Joseph A. Manickam.

A 12-person Reopening Work Group made up of faculty and staff representatives from key campus departments meet regularly to plan the logistics for a safe reopening, as well as policies that will ensure continued health and safety for the campus community moving forward.

“Welcoming our campus community back for the academic year will look different than we are used to,” said Deb Roth, vice president of Student Life. “We will have to make changes to many of the community practices that are part of Hesston College, but we recognize that this is for the safety of all, and we will find new, creative ways to prioritize community, which is foundational for our student experience.”

The college will leverage its smaller size to implement physical distancing practices wherever possible, including assigning single rooms at no additional cost to all students living in the college’s primary dorms, Erb Hall and Kauffman Court.

To accommodate single occupancy dorm rooms, the college will open and use every available housing unit, known as a mod. Hesston College also worked with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) to construct an extra room in the lounge area of each of the Kauffman Court mods, adding an additional 13 dorm rooms to campus.

Physical distancing practices will also be implemented as much as possible in classrooms, the dining hall and during chapel times. A new face mask policy will require mandatory face masks for all students, employees, contractors,and guests on campus where physical distancing practices are difficult to maintain.

In the dining hall, table configurations will allow for six feet of space between diners. Buffet-style service will be eliminated and will switch to cafeteria-style serving. More to-go meal options will also be offered for those who prefer to not eat meals in the traditional dining hall setting.

Chapels have traditionally been held with the entire campus community gathering in person two times per week for 30 minutes. The format for the 2020-21 year will separate students into “chapel houses” with a maximum of 30 individuals, including two faculty and/or staff leaders. One day per week, chapel will be a discussion-based time in chapel house groups, and the other chapel for the week will be an online presentation format.

“We are fortunate that we were able to test some of these physical distancing practices on a small scale during the spring 2020 semester with the students who remained on campus,” said President Manickam. “Those weeks spent with just a fraction of our students on campus allowed us to see what methods worked best and were safest for our campus community.”

While the majority of students during the spring 2020 semester returned to their homes for the last quarter of the year, about 50 students with legitimate reasons to stay, remained on campus to the end of the academic year. During that time, practices such as single rooms and dining hall staff service were implemented.

Roth reported that the remaining on-campus students reported that they felt safe on campus during the spring coronavirus outbreak with the practices the college had in place to ensure health.

“The college did the best job, in my eyes, to take care of my needs as a student as well as my personal needs,” said first-year student Kaytlen Keough, who remained on campus for the duration of the 2019-20 year. “Hesston College went above and beyond to make sure campus was safe and healthy for us.”

Hesston College is located in Harvey County, which was fortunate to see a comparatively small number of coronavirus cases during the spring outbreak. According to the Harvey County Health Department, as of June 15, 16 cases have been confirmed in the county since March, with 13 of the cases considered recovered, two deaths and one active case.

“To date, we are fortunate to be located in an area that has not been heavily impacted by coronavirus, and we pray that this continues,” said President Manickam. “Even so, we take seriously and will comply with the guidelines put in place by federal, state and local governments and public health professionals.”

Help Protect the Larks as they return to campus in August. The “Protect the Larks” campaign will help provide extra health and safety measures to campus incurred because of COVID-19.

Students recognized for academic and leadership achievements

Hesston College students were recognized for their achievements in academics and leadership in a virtual LarkFest Awards ceremony, May 15.

The top award for Lark of the Year went to sophomore Levi Geyer, Oxford, Iowa, for excellence in leadership, academics and service. Students are nominated for Lark of the Year by faculty and the recipient is chosen by a faculty vote.

Other award winners include:

• Admissions Outstanding Ambassador Award: Mauricio Cruz Cordero, Santa Tecla, El Salvador; Paulina Diaz, Cassopolis, Mich.; Raelynn Reeves, Abilene, Kan.; and Madison Swartzendruber, Goshen, Ind.
• Behavioral Science Excellence Award: Rachel Miller, Freeman, S.D.
• Bill Mason Business Scholarship recipients to receive a $2,500 scholarship for their sophomore year of business study at Hesston: Kerem De La Cruz, Wichita, Kan.; Grace Litwiller, Hopedale, Ill.; Yuya Muranaka, Hiroshima, Japan; Suhyeon Park, Pyeongtaek-si, South Korea; and Romina Xhari, Lezhe, Albania.
• Student Development Officer Awards for students who call alumni during Phonathon: Rei Vuksani, Tirana, Albania, for the most money brought in, and Laura Yeboah-Appiah (Kumasi, Ghana) for the most completed calls.
• Clayton V. Beyler Award for Bible and Ministry students: Raelynn Reeves, Abilene, Kan.
• Daniel Gerber Peace and Service Award: Levi Geyer, Oxford, Iowa.
• Dedicated Artist Award: Abby Busby, Bandera, Texas.
• Standing “O” Theatre Award: Tommy Brown, Valley Center, Kan.
• Musician of the Year Award: Jacob Bontrager, Smithville, Ohio; and Navy Widyani, Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Peer Educator Award: Autumn Gehman, Adams, Tenn.; and Michael Mullet, Lagrange, Ind.
• Physical Education Award: Maleah Sandy, Girard, Kan.
• Yoder/Zaid Scholarship, awarded to a chemistry student who shows promise: Christian Becker, Marion, Kan.
• Southwind Global Aviation Scholarship: Taitem Zeigler, Natoma, Kan.
• Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, given to graduating international students with a 4.0 GPA: Gabriella Audrey, Semarang, Indonesia; and Tobie Plett, East St. Paul, Manitoba, Canada.
• Unsung Hero Award presented by the Student Advisory Board to a faculty or staff member: Brenda Wenger, Student Life Administrative Assistant.
• Resident Assistants of the Year: Rachel Miller, Freeman, S.D.; and Tobie Plett, East St. Paul, Manitoba, Canada.

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.”