In the News

Aviation program boosts opportunities and enrollment with addition of bachelor’s degree

The skies over south central Kansas are abuzz with the excitement and energy of student pilots in flight as Hesston College settles into its newest bachelor degree program in aviation-professional pilot.

In the inaugural year of the expanded program, Hesston College Aviation is flying with 47 students, an increase of nine from the spring 2019 semester. Total program enrollment includes students in all areas of aviation offerings – both the four-year and two-year professional pilot options, as well as the air traffic control program, which requires students to get a private pilot’s license, and 12 non-degree seeking students. The four-year program launched in August with four junior students comprising the first bachelor degree class, as well as 15 first-year students ready to begin their training.

“We’re busy,” said Hesston College Aviation program director Mike Baker. “Students are flying every chance they get.”

As the college worked toward aviation program expansion during the 2018-19 year, it began to prepare for an increase in student numbers, both in fleet availability and flight instructors to accommodate student pilot training needs.

In fall 2018, the college developed a $1.4 million five-phase fleet expansion plan to add a minimum of five standardized aircraft and two training devices to the program’s assets over the next year. Completion of the plan will initially increase the fleet to a minimum of 10 aircraft.

“Hesston College Aviation’s fleet expansion plan is imperative for the program’s competitive advantage, specifically within the professional, collegiate-based aviation training environment,” said Baker. “We’re incorporating an aggressive acquisition plan for a minimum of five Piper PA-28-181 Archer II series aircraft, foundational to our growth trajectory as a four-year academic program.”

To date, the college is in phase three of the plan. Three Piper PA-28-181 Archer II aircraft installed with standardized avionics platforms have been added to the fleet. At least two more aircraft will be added to the fleet to finish out phase three, while simultaneously working on phase four – evaluation of the current Cessna fleet for upgrades. Phase five will work to establish and grow a robust endowment for aircraft renewal and maintenance.

“Inherent to this acquisition plan is fleet commonality, an intentional development and integration of a standardized flight instrumentation and avionics package,” said Baker. “A standardized avionics platform enables each student to have consistent, focused training, while exposing them to the next generation of avionics architecture. This will better prepare our students for opportunities that may present themselves during junior- and senior-year internships, and as they transition to careers with an air carrier or corporate flight department.”

From a personnel standpoint, more students equates to the necessity for more instructors. With the new bachelor’s degree focused on hands-on industry experience, the program’s juniors and seniors who have earned Certified Flight Instructor status, will work as flight instructor interns for the college, helping to teach first- and second-year students in the cockpit.

“I’m taking everything my instructors gave me, and helping to dispense that to the next generation of aviators,” said junior DJ Kintigh of Middlebury, Ind.

Juniors and seniors also have opportunities for internships with area aviation industry partners.

Junior Austin Troyer, Rockingham, Va., is interning with FlightSafety Textron Aviation Training in nearby Wichita as a second-in-command (SIC) in the Raytheon-Hawker RA-4000 series aircraft. FlightSafety Textron Aviation Training is a partnership between two industry leaders – Flight Saftety International, a globally-recognized premier aviation training and simulator manufacturing organization, and TRU Simulation + Training, a Textron, Inc., company, also known for simulator training for Textron products and simulator manufacturing.

“For, me, one of the attractive components of Hesston’s bachelor’s degree program in aviation is the opportunity to intern with various industry leaders in the local aviation community, said Troyer. “As an RA-4000 SIC, I fulfill a valuable role as a qualified first officer during training, testing and checking events in the full-flight simulator and other advanced training devices.”

Prior to assuming a qualified crewmember role in the training and checking environment, Troyer was required to attend FlightSafety Textron Aviation Training’s Raytheon-Hawker RA-4000 initial training program, which included nine days of ground school and another seven days in the simulator. Upon completion of training, he received a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 61.55(b) SIC qualification that enables him to fulfill the duty function.

“Hesston College has done a great job in getting us prepared for opportunities such as this,” said Troyer. “In this internship, I have an amazing opportunity to continue to work and learn with this aircraft on a daily basis, as well as network with professional aviators from around the world. It’s an opportunity that not many junior-level college students have.”

With the pilot industry currently in high-demand, Troyer knows the experiences and connections he gains through Hesston College Aviation will be a benefit in his future job search.

“When I begin looking for a flying job, I already know pilots, owners, operators and chief instructors of countless companies from all around the world,” said Troyer. “It will be a huge leg up to finding the right job for me in the future.”

Vocalists invited to join mass choir for masterworks performance

Area singers are invited to join Hesston College choirs to sing in the annual masterwork performance featuring “Song of Wisdom from Old Turtle” by Joseph Martin on Saturday, Nov. 16. Rehearsals start Thursday, Oct. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church.

“The masterworks performance is a great tradition that brings together college students and community members along with an orchestra to present wonderful works of artistry every year,” said Russell Adrian, Hesston College music professor who will direct the program. “I am excited this year that we will have a formal concert as well as a family program geared towards kids.”

Based on the children’s book by Douglas Wood, “Song of Wisdom” combines narration and music as it illustrates a story of a disagreement between God’s creation about the nature of God. Mountains, rivers, stars, ants, lions and bears break into argument until the wise Old Turtle brings a new perspective, stating, “God is all that we dream of, and all that we seek…all that we come from and all that we can find.”

Once humans inhabit the earth, they also begin quarreling and lose sight of God. It is then up to all of creation to show them God’s presence.

All chorus members are requested to give a $20 donation to cover the cost of music.

Questions may be directed to Adrian at russell.adrian@hesston.edu or 620-327-8143.

A blend of sounds and artistry set to take the Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts series stage

Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts (HBPA) is gearing up for its 37th season of bringing a diverse array of world-wide performers to south central Kansas. The 2019-20 line-up includes four artists new to the HBPA stage, and one repeat group.

“This season will bring several new artists to the series, and we’re looking forward to welcoming back The Swingles, a favorite from a few years ago,” said HBPA Director, Holly Swartzendruber. “We are also proud to offer several outreach opportunities for area elementary, high school and college students, as we deeply value the educational benefits these groups offer.”

The 2019-20 series kicks off on Oct. 18 with The Donald Sinta Quartet at Bethel College’s (North Newton, Kan.) Memorial Hall. A chamber group featuring saxophones, the quartet explores a repertoire that spans centuries, from commissions by emerging composers to transcriptions by master composers.

Boston-based Lorelei Ensemble, a nine-woman vocal chamber group, will take the stage on Nov. 7 at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston College. With bold programming and expertise spanning early to contemporary music, Lorelei is passionate about highlighting women in music, and is sure to please fans of other HBPA favorites like The King’s Singers and Chanticleer.

HBPA veteran and Grammy Award-winning a cappella group The Swingles, will present the annual series Christmas concert on Dec. 3 at Hesston Mennonite Church with its “Winter Tales” program. The group’s Christmas program mixes selections from the year-round repertoire with seasonal specialties, including surprising arrangements of traditional carols, winter-themed originals and nostalgic classics.

In what will be one of the more unique performances of the season, The Queen’s Cartoonists will be featured on Feb. 7 at Bethel College’s Krehbiel Auditorium. The Queen’s Cartoonists perform music from classic cartoons and contemporary animation synchronized to video projections of the original films. Audiences are treated to a fun evening of virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem and comedy.

Rounding out the season will be an Irish quintet, Goitse, on March 9 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Playing a variety of instruments paired with crystalline vocals, the group performs its own compositions as well as traditional tunes from Ireland and abroad.

HBPA season tickets are available starting at $80, with a discount available for senior citizens. Single tickets can also be purchased for individual performances. Season or single tickets can be purchased through the HBPA website, by calling 620-327-8105, or in person at the Hesston College Bookstore or Bethel College Thresher Shop during regular business hours.

Started in 1982 as Hesston Performing Arts, the series expanded in 1998 when Hesston College joined forces with Bethel College for The Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts series. The series presents five performances by world-renowned or regionally acclaimed artists each year. HBPA is funded in part by the cities of Hesston and North Newton, Excel Industries and Hustler Turf Equipment (Hesston), the North Newton Community Foundation, the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Area businesses and patrons provide additional funding for the HBPA series.

Homecoming 2019 to celebrate and dedicate new campus spaces

Hesston College’s annual Homecoming Weekend, Sept. 26 to 29, will include dedications and celebrations of the new and renovated facilities for nursing and athletics. Along with class reunions and other traditional homecoming activities, the weekend lineup, which is also part of the community-wide Home Sweet Hesston event, includes events for people of all ages from the campus and larger community.

“Homecoming celebrations in Hesston have become a community effort over the last few years,” said Dallas Stutzman, Hesston College director of alumni and church relations. “Representatives from several community organizations work intentionally to highlight our wonderful community and the variety of resources and services offered here. We want the whole Home Sweet Hesston week to be fun for all ages.”

A full weekend schedule of Hesston College events, registration and other information can be found online.

The dedications of three new campus spaces – The Bonnie Sowers Nursing Center, Bess Mullet Softball Field, and a renovated Yost Center – are the highlighted focus of the weekend. The projects were part of the $6.5 million Be Greater capital campaign that opened in the summer of 2016 and wrapped up in fall 2018 with construction beginning in January 2019. Each facility will have its own dedication ceremony and program, honoring donors who made the project possible, as well as students and programs who will most directly benefit from the campus additions.

The dedication and ribbon cutting of the Bess Mullet Softball Field will be at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, on the field south of Bontrager Student Center. The field was made possible by a lead gift from the family of Bess and Roy Mullet, whose sons own neighboring Excel Industries and have maintained a decades-long relationship with Hesston College.

Following the dedication, the field will host its first activities with a student home run derby, an alumni vs. varsity softball game and recognition of Lark softball teams who have made national tournament appearances. A hamburger and hot dog picnic meal catered by the Water’s Edge will be available for $8 for adults and $4 for kids over the age of four.

With athletics as the theme for the evening, a dedication ceremony for Yost Center will be at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, in the newly renovated facility. In addition to the renovation, Yost Center also received new additions of an entryway and a student weight room and fitness center.

To round out the dedication celebration, the Lark women’s and men’s basketball teams will take the floor in Hoopla, a kickoff the upcoming basketball season with introductions of the team, audience contests, gifts, prizes and recognition of national tournament basketball teams from the college’s history.

The Bonnie Sowers Nursing Center will be dedicated at 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus, followed by a ribbon cutting outside of the facility and an opportunity to tour the space. The nearly 10,000 square foot addition to the existing nursing facility is named in honor of faculty emerita and former Nursing Program Director Bonnie Sowers, who served at Hesston College from 1970 to 2018.

Nursing facility tours will also be available from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Community-wide homecoming events at Hesston College include:

• Food truck meals, 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the north Main Street Hesston College parking lot
• Home Sweet Hesston parade, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25
• Homecoming Golf Benefit in honor of Floyd Sowers, 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, Hesston Golf Park. Registration and information.
• Late Night at the Lincoln Perk, until 11 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27
• Community breakfast and bake sale, 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at Water’s Edge
• Free coffee bar and live music, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Sept. 28, at the Hesston College Larks Nest patio
• The Manickam Mosey two-mile run/walk, 9 a.m., Sept. 28. Registration and information available.
• Reception for John Blosser art exhibit, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Sept. 28, at Friesen Center for the Visual Arts. Blosser is a Hesston College emeritus art professor who taught at Hesston from 1978-99.
• Hesston College disc golf tournament, 1:15 p.m., Sept. 28, Hesston College disc golf course. No registration, but a minimal pay to play fee will be charged on site.
• Lark Volleyball vs. Ottawa JV., 2:30 p.m., Sept. 28, in Yost Center
• Free kids’ festival with games, bouncy houses, face painting and music entertainment, 5 to 7 p.m., Sept. 28, lawn east of Yost Center
• Barbecue meal, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Sept. 28, lawn east of Yost Center, catered by Knackies Catering and topped off with homemade ice cream by the Water’s Edge. Adults, $13, children over four, $6. Community attendees can RSVP for the meal by calling 620-327-8147.
• Lark Volleyball vs. Sterling College JV, 7 p.m., Sept. 28, in Yost Center, with free admission for all. Tours of the new facility will be available, as well as audience contests, gifts, prizes and recognition of Lark Volleyball national tournament teams from the college’s history.

International Day of Peace recognition to feature global engagement and community partnership

With a commitment to global engagement and gaining a greater understanding of common humanity, Hesston College is planning a week-long recognition of International Day of Peace with events from Sept. 16 to 21.

The featured event for the week is a Global Voices concert collaboration between Hesston College’s Bel Canto Singers and Hesston High School Singers at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Hesston College Bel Canto Singers are under the direction of Dr. Russell Adrian, and the Hesston High Singers are under the direction of Darren Enns.

“International Day of Peace provides an opportunity to explore and celebrate the gift of global presence on the Hesston College campus,” said John Murray, dean of global engagement. “It is an opportunity to begin to build cross cultural skills and relationships that are mutually enriching in their diversity, and to extend that gift beyond the campus to the local community.”

International Day of Peace, or Peace Day, is observed around the world each year on Sept. 21. Originally established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, the day’s observance has expanded to be a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to and build a culture of peace.

Over the decades, Peace Day has developed a specific focus each year, with the 2019 theme being “Climate Action for Peace,” seeking to address the global climate emergency as a threat to security and stability.

Following the Global Voices concert, Hesston College students will present work on peace and creation care in a peace display open house in the Hesston Mennonite Church Community Center.

As the Hesston College community is made up of students from 26 countries, intentional global engagement and understanding is important to ensuring the campus community is cultivating its stated value of celebrating differences in backgrounds and cultures and making every effort to learn from each other.

“We are fortunate to have such a diverse learning environment at Hesston College, and we want to ensure all of our students have opportunities to learn from and appreciate the richness that our differences bring, yet also recognize the common humanity that unites us,” said Murray.

In addition to the concert, the public is welcome to attend Hesston College’s other Peace Day events and discussions:

• Monday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m., Hesston College Chapel at Hesston Mennonite Church featuring the Hesston College Peace and Service Club.
• Wednesday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m., Hesston College Chapel at Hesston Mennonite Church featuring the peace pole and global walkway.
• Friday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m., Hesston College Forum on creation care at Hesston Mennonite Church.

Industry partnership provides student internship and growth experiences

During the summer, as many students enjoyed the break from classes and formal learning, Tobie Plett jumped head first into a business-focused internship with Harper (Kan.) Industries.

Having just finished his first year as a business major at Hesston College, Plett passed on an opportunity to spend his summer at home in East St. Paul, Manitoba, Canada, and instead focus on his career aspirations.

Harper Industries manufactures equipment for agriculture, hydraulics, landscaping and sports turf management, including the brand names DewEze and Harper Turf Equipment, and Plett took on various roles at the company, primarily in production administration and accounting.

“My regular work day usually consisted of processing inventory change in the company’s database and processing completed orders,” said Plett. “In accounting I handled checks and invoices. I also prepared received invoices to be paid by the accounts payable department.”

Student internships and other practical learning opportunities have been part of Hesston College’s promise to students for decades. While many internships are sought to fit students’ particular interest, the college is grateful to have maintained an internship partnership with Harper Industries for nearly 20 years.

“We have had Hesston College summer interns for most of the 20 years we have had a relationship with Hesston College,” said Harper Industries CEO Tim Penner. “Our intent is to give practical experience to students who are studying business, sales, marketing, accounting and engineering. Hesston has sent us extremely qualified students, and this program has been beneficial to both Harper and the interns.”

“The diverse work environments I was set in allowed for a better understanding of the agro-manufacturing business,” said Plett. “I got to witness Harper’s day-to-day business operations from making a sale to having an order fulfilled. I also got the opportunity to network and learn from a lot of different people who taught me about my work, the industry and my future goals.”

In the ever changing landscape of higher education, Hesston College administrators have noted partnerships with industry organizations as an important aspect for future success. Students want opportunities to build their skills and knowledge in practical ways, and employers are looking to hire highly competent and highly capable individuals.

“If the fit is right, we look to eventually hire interns,” said Penner. “The internship is a great training ground and it gives both the student and Harper a great way to get to know each other, and give the student an understanding of where they might best work in a business.”

As Hesston continues to expand academic offerings through bachelor degree programs, it hopes to build more relationships like the one with Harper Industries.

“As I’m settling into year two of the business program at Hesston, I’m looking to take my studies to the next level,” said Plett. “Working for Harper Industries has allowed me to do just that with field experience in an industry that I previously knew very little about. In the future, I hope to get even more hands-on experience, possibly in sales and finance.”

“Overall, Harper tested and expanded my education, and helped me develop quality life skills, connections and spiritual growth,” Plett said. “I am grateful for the relationship Harper Industries and Hesston College have had for many years, and for the investments they both make with students’ and business education.”

Annual Manickam Mosey race part of Homecoming 2019

Hesston College invites runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels to The Manickam Mosey Two-Mile Run/Walk, a 28-year Hesston College tradition, on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 9 a.m. The route traverses the Hesston College campus and neighboring Dyck Arboretum of the Plains.

See online registration and more information. Participants who register by Sept. 18 will pay an early entry fee of $20 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and under. Registration starting Sept. 19 increases to $25 for all ages.

Medals will be given to overall and age group winners, along with a chance to win door prizes.

Race spectators and participants can also enjoy free coffee and refreshments by the Hesston Bakery and Café coffee truck from 9 to 10:30 on the Hesston College Larks Nest patio, while also enjoying live music by Hesston College students.

The Manickam Mosey, which is part of Hesston College’s homecoming weekend and the City of Hesston’s community-wide Home Sweet Hesston celebration, is named in honor of Hesston College President Dr. Joseph A. Manickam.

Homecoming Golf Benefit to honor alumnus and golf aficionado

Hesston College’s annual Homecoming Golf Benefit on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Hesston Golf Park will honor alumnus Floyd Sowers ’71, who organized and managed the annual golf benefit on behalf of Hesston College for six years, combining his passion for support of students with his love for golf.

“Floyd and the entire Sowers family have made so many contributions to Hesston College and cared so deeply for our students, we’re honored to recognize him for years of partnership through one of his favorite pastimes,” said Rachel Swartzendruber Miller, Hesston College vice president of Advancement.

Event information and registration can be found online. The deadline to register is Sept. 23.

Participants will golf in teams of four. Team registrations are welcome, as well as individual registrations. Golf registration is $125 per person and includes green fees, cart, range balls and a prime rib dinner catered by The Water’s Edge restaurant. Hole sponsorships are also available starting at $200.

Thanks to sponsors, including Garber Surveying Service, 100 percent of proceeds will benefit the Hesston College Annual Fund, which supports all aspects of the student experience.

Sowers and his wife, Bonnie, along with other family members plan to be at the event for the honor and to interact with friends and golfers.

Sophomore among 19 students state-wide to receive scholarship for service and success

The Kansas Independent College Foundation, (KICF), on behalf of its 20-member institutions, is proud to announce the 2019 Maud Wyatt Recognition Scholarship Recipients. KICF awards up to 20 individual scholarships, for a student at each Foundation member institution. The recipients are all full-time, degree seeking students on the cusp of graduation, and have each demonstrated excellence in academics, character and integrity, and a commitment to the value of a private college education in Kansas. These students maintain GPAs of 3.5 or above while also contributing to their respective communities.

Hannah Klusman, a sophomore from Ford, Kan., is the recipient from Hesston College. Klusman is studying English.

Recipients from the other member institutions are:

• Baker University – Caelan Rogers, an English literature major and native of Lawrence, Kan.
• Barclay College – Ashley Weinacht, a theology and worship Arts major from Greenleaf, Idaho
• Benedictine College – Jeremy Larsen, a biochemistry major and native of Nortonville, Kan.
• Bethany College – Lydia Nicholson, a digital art major from Hesston, Kan.
• Bethel College – Kaci Wilson, a chemistry major and a resident of Sterling, Kan.
• Central Christian College of Kansas – Melissa Reimer, an elementary education major from Hesston, Kan.
• Cleveland University-Kansas City – Darrell McDonald, a human biology major from Kansas City, Mo.
• Donnelly College – Lilliana Rodriguez, a liberal arts major and native of Kansas City, Kan.
• Friends University – MaKayla Hollis, a biology major and resident of Conway Springs, Kan.
• Kansas Wesleyan University – Hailey Vandevanter, a business major from Georgetown, Ky.
• Manhattan Christian College – Davinna Farney, a Bible & leadership major from Park City, Kan.
• McPherson College – Kento Aizawa, a mathematics major local to McPherson, Kan.
• MidAmerica Nazarene University – Maris George, an elementary education major from Cimarron, Kan.
• Newman University – Taylor White, an art major local to Wichita, Kan.
• Southwestern College – Niyonkuru Innocent, an accounting major from Jamestown, N.D.
• Sterling College – Zoe Oppriecht, a health sciences major and native of Kansas City, Mo.
• Tabor College – Tassanee Sanchez, an elementary education major from Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
• University of Saint Mary – Rachel Thomas, a chemistry and biology major from Claremore, Okla.

The scholarship was established in 1995 through the generosity of Maud Wyatt, whose bequest has supported the work of KICF and its institutions since 1961. The Kansas Independent College Foundation seeks to develop, promote, and direct unified approaches to selected corporations, foundations, and individuals for financial support of Kansas’ independent colleges and universities.