In the News

Conference equips participants with skills to lead and inspire change

Hesston College hosted its annual Anabaptist Vision and Discipleship Series (AVDS) conference Feb. 23 to 25. The theme, “Before the Unthinkable Happens: Confronting our Role in Injustice,” had a focus on dismantling the injustices that surround us in an effort to change the situations that cause unavoidable tragedies to happen.

More than 400 people, including Hesston College students, pastors, congregants and church and community leaders from across the country participated in the weekend’s programming.

In the Friday night keynote plenary address, Dr. Drew G. I. Hart and Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) faculty Adrion Roberson, spoke on the theme of “Stayed on Freedom: A Theology for Confronting Systemic Injustice as Beloved Community.”

Roberson opened the event with his discussion on joining the four KLC leadership competencies – manage self, diagnose the situation, energize others and intervene skillfully – with faith. He also touched upon the idea of adaptive challenges.

“One thing about adaptive thinking,” Roberson said, “is it forces us to have to look at things from another person’s perspective, another faction.”

Roberson shared stories from the Kansas City, Kansas, community in which he lives and where he is pastor of Berean Community Church, an area he described as “the Nineveh of the state of Kansas.”

“Jesus must be at the center despite the challenges of societal injustices,” Roberson said. “My role is to get you to see these adaptive challenges through the lense of injustice using biblical principles.”

Dr. Hart, an author, activist and professor at Messiah College (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) followed Roberson and shared his experiences as assistant professor of theology and his work mentoring youth as a pastor.

Hart’s message also centered on the idea of shalom, God’s people living in harmony together. Hart noted current events such as the #metoo movement and Black Lives Matter as those calling for justice. Jesus brings a stronger everlasting justice, Hart noted.

“A theology for doing justice must have a vision of where it is going,” Hart said. “If we can embody the way of Jesus, a life that practices justice, confronts systems, prioritizes the vulnerable, loves rather than destroys their enemies and embodies God’s future for us in the here and now, then we have begun to understand a Jesus-shaped scriptural theology for doing justice.”

Hart and Roberson both challenged the audience to incorporate faith and justice, looking to Jesus for guidance.

“So let’s not just be hearers but also doers of the word, yielding to the Spirit and keeping our eyes stayed on freedom,” Hart said.

Saturday’s programming had participants working in small “Change Agent” groups to engage with one another to develop meaningful responses and strategies for change.

Sessions throughout the day continued to connect the KLC competencies and faith with reflections by local theologians and pastors including Hart; Kevass Harding, pastor of Dell Rose United Methodist Church, Wichita; Lois Harder pastor of Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, Wichita, and Michele Hershberger, Hesston College Bible professor.

Saturday evening, the Ted &. Company show “Discovery: A Comic Lament,” further emphasized the themes of injustice and oppression by highlighting the Doctrine of Discovery, the legal framework that justifies theft of land and oppression of indigenous people.

The structure of the conference allowed participants to engage on social topics of importance to them and their contexts, as well as practice the leadership competencies with which they were presented.

“This weekend gave me a better understanding of what leadership is and how I can be a leader for change,” said Ivonne Ledesma, a Hesston College student from Wichita, Kan. “I found the courage I need to be able to stand up and speak up.”

Bach Festival to include recital by international concert pianist

The Hesston College Music Department will host the first Bach Festival for pianists, organists and music lovers in the region on March 9 and 10. The festival will center on the works, life and times of the great Baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach.

Kicking off the festivities will be a recital by Frank Huang, assistant professor of piano at Miami University of Ohio (Oxford), an international concert pianist, at 7 p.m., Friday, March 9, at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus.

Described by “New York Concert Review” as a “thoughtful and accomplished performer” and that his playing was “impressive for its maturity and refinement,” Huang has gained international recognition for his artistry and technical command.

Huang’s performances have taken him to notable venues throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Gijon International Piano Festival in Spain, and St. Martin in the Fields in London. His concerts have also been featured on radio and television broadcasts in various cities, most recently, Italy’s RaiRadio 3.

Saturday’s Bach Festival and Organ Competition will feature young keyboardists age 18 and under who will compete in an Elementary Division (age 9 and under), Junior Division (ages 10 to 13) and Senior Division (age 14 to 18). The entrants perform one Bach work for judges who will offer written constructive critiques. Five finalists from each division will advance to a final public performance round at 2 p.m., in the Hesston Mennonite Church.

Three finalists from each division will receive prize recognition. A special scholarship award to continue study with Hesston College’s internationally recognized faculty will be awarded to the top high school senior participating in the competition.

University of Tampa organist next up in organ series concert

Continuing to bring quality performing art from around the world to south central Kansas, the next concert in the 2017-18 Andover Organ Series will feature organist, Dr. Ryan Hebert at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus. The concert is free and open to the public.

Dr. Hebert is associate professor of music, director of choral studies and university organist at the University of Tampa (Fla.). As an organist, he has performed extensively in the United States as well as in England, Germany and the Netherlands. His program will feature music by Bedard, Bach, Bridge, Handel, Martinson and Vierne.

Hebert is an active member of the American Guild of Organists, a church musician and a Carillonneur member of the Guild of Carillonneurs of North America. He earned a D.M.A. from Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge), a M.M. from the University of Kansas (Lawrence) and a B.M. from the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa).

This third concert in the 2017-18 Andover Organ Series season is a continuation of the tenth anniversary celebration of the installation of the Andover organ at Hesston Mennonite Church.

Andover organs are built by the Andover Organ Company of Methuen, Mass. The company builds and restores mechanical action pipe organs, and since its founding in 1948, has restored more than 500 organs across the United States, as well as building new instruments, including the Opus 116 pipe organ, installed at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus in 2007.

Funded by the John Ernest Foundation, the Andover Organ Series at Hesston College features organists from across the world.

Raffle for big ticket items to benefit the student experience

Hesston College is offering the chance to win raffle prizes for a lineup of exciting prizes, including several big ticket technology items, with proceeds that will benefit the student experience.

The raffle is an annual event that is part of the National Arizona Golf Benefit in Glendale, Ariz., that will take place March 10. You do not have to golf or be present to win raffle items.

Raffle prizes include:

• Microsoft Surface Pro – Platinum; Core M, 128GB with black type cover ($700 value)
• Traeger Lil’ Tex Elite 22 pellet grill/smoker ($740 value)
• Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch ($325 value)
• Samsung 55″ LED Smart 4K Ultra HD TV Class (54.6″ Diag.), 2160p ($765 value)
• Larry Fitzgerald signed Arizona Cardinals jersey (Priceless value for future Hall of Famer)
• Golf clubs (value TBD)
• Restaurant gift cards: The Melting Pot, Abuelo’s, The Capital Grille, Red Lobster ($400 value)

Raffle tickets for those not golfing must be purchased no later than 1 p.m., on Friday, March 9. Tickets are $5 for one ticket or $50 for 15 tickets, and can be purchased online.

Prizes will be presented at the golf event. Prize winners are responsible for shipping expenses if they aren’t available to pick up their prizes.

Rupp hired as Vice President of Advancement

Hesston College President Joseph A. Manickam has announced the appointment of Byron Rupp as vice president of Advancement. Rupp began his new role on Feb. 19.

The college’s Advancement division, which Rupp will supervise, includes Development, Alumni and Church Relations, and Marketing and Communications. The vice president role has been in an interim period since July 2016, and was filled during that time by Mark Landes, vice president of Finance and Auxiliary Services.

“Byron brings valuable experience to the vice president of Advancement role as he has successfully created and implemented a comprehensive development strategy in his previous role,” said Manickam. “I’m excited by the leadership he will provide.”

Rupp has served the last eighteen years at Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International, the world’s largest international legal association, including as Director of Development and Operations since 2008. There he developed and implemented a comprehensive development program that included an annual fund, special campaigns, planned giving, major gifts and special events.

“Byron has a faith background rooted in the Anabaptist tradition, and an ongoing commitment to the Mennonite faith and Mennonite higher education will serve him well as an ambassador of Hesston College,” said Manickam.

“It’s an honor to become part of the Hesston College community,” said Rupp. “As the recipient of a Mennonite education, I’m blessed to have the opportunity to work with Hesston College supporters to blend education and faith for students today and in to the future.”

Rupp earned a Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law (Topeka, Kan.) and an undergraduate degree from Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.). He is also pursuing Certified Fundraising Executive certification.

Rupp and his wife, Alyssa, live in Andover, Kan., with their three children. He attends Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church in Wichita, Kan.

Philadelphia trip to explore culture and Christianity in an urban setting

Interested persons age 18 and older are invited to join Hesston College Bible and ministry professor Michele Hershberger and students for a three-week urban culture learning trip to Philadelphia, Pa., May 13 to June 3.

The transcultural trip will focus on the Latino/a-American culture in the city and the church, as well as that of African- and Asian-Americans. Classified as Sociology 123, three hours of college humanities credit is offered for the trip.

“The church is growing and thriving in Philly with so much to teach us,” said Hershberger. “This will be a chance for students and others to have our worldview expanded. Not only will we get to interact with three different cultures, we’ll also see those three cultures work together as the broad definition of ‘church.’”

Participants will spend one to two hours of each weekday in a classroom setting followed by conversation with the three cultural groups. In the afternoons, the group will spend time in the city visiting neighborhoods, museums, churches and other important cultural and historical landmarks. Evenings and weekends will include special field trips, time together building community as a group and worshiping with different congregations on Sundays.

“Philadelphia is a city with a rich history and variety of cultures,” said Hershberger. “We will visit the city’s historic sites as a place where our nation developed, as well as places with historical significance to the Mennonite faith.”

Hershberger spent time in Philadelphia the last two summers teaching Biblical Literature, Hesston College’s cornerstone Bible class, to congregations and Anabaptist leaders in the city. During the weekends of the upcoming trip, she, along with a local church leader, Juan Marrero, will again teach the class to local congregants.

Her past experiences have been transformational for her, and offering the trip is a way to give students and other interested people a similar learning experience and a chance to interpret the complex social context of urban landscapes.

“I’ve had wonderful opportunities of meeting Anabaptist leaders in Philly who are helping me get in touch with ways I too easily make assumptions about culture and race,” said Hershberger. “They’ve challenged me and helped me grow.”

Cost for the trip is $1,000 and includes tuition, travel to and from Philadelphia, admission to different sites the group will visit, and lodging at the Allegheny House, a communal residence in the northeast part of the city owned by Crossroads Community Center. Transportation to and from Philadelphia will be a college van. Those wishing to arrange their own transportation are welcome to do so at their own expense.

See more information online. Those interested in attending the trip can contact Michele Hershberger at michele.hershberger@hesston.edu. A deposit of $150 is due by March 15.

Spring musical one of laughter, struggle and a pickup truck

Hesston College Theatre will present five performances of the show, “Hands On a Hardbody,” as the spring musical at 7 p.m., Feb. 28 to March 3 and 2 p.m., Mar. 4, at the AGCO Corp Auditorium in the Communication Center, 420 W. Lincoln Boulevard in Hesston.

The show is rated PG for some mild language.

Based off the 1997 documentary of the same name, small-town Texans compete for a brand-new “hardbody” pickup truck at a local car dealership. The event is a contest as whoever remains standing the longest with one hand on the truck will get to drive it home.

“This show has been fun to stage,” said director Rachel Jantzi. “We have a truck on stage on casters that will be turned and maneuvered by the cast. It [the truck] almost becomes an additional cast member.”

The show brought together 35 people, both on stage and behind the scenes, including 16 students, two faculty members, the college’s academic dean and one community member.

“The music is fantastic and catchy,” Jantzi said. “It makes no apologies and really takes off in some numbers and breaks your heart in others. Another thing that stands out are the characters. These are real people with heart and determination. This wasn’t a joke to them. This contest meant everything. It was incredible.”

“Hands on a Hardbody” debuted in the musical world at the La Jolla (Calif.) Playhouse in April 2012, running through June of that year. It opened on Broadway in March 2013 and ran for about a month. That year, it was nominated for three Tony Awards, including for Best Original Score.

Tickets for the Hesston College productions are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased through the Hesston College Bookstore in person, by phone at 620-327-8104 or online. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets will be available at the door 45 minutes prior to show time and are subject to availability.

New scholarship established in memory of esteemed staff member

A new institutional scholarship has been added to Hesston College’s more than 100 available endowed scholarships, and honors the legacy of Russ Neufeld, an alumnus and the former Director of Information Technology, who passed away from a rare form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in January 2017 after about a year and a half of battling the disease.

The Russ Neufeld Memorial Scholarship was created to honor Neufeld, a 1997 Hesston graduate who had worked in the college’s Information Technology department since 2010 and as the director since 2014.

Both Neufeld and his younger sister, Rachel Neufeld, attended and graduated from Hesston College, but may not have had the opportunity to come from their Canadian hometown to the plains of south central Kansas without the assistance of institutional scholarships. For this reason, recipients of the scholarship will be those with high financial need who might not attend Hesston College without the assistance it provides.

Neufeld had a keen interest in community and his own community of relationships was vast. Just a couple of weeks prior to his death he shared his parting wish with his Facebook community, a belief in spreading goodness, which is a reflection of the way the scholarship will be dispersed.

Neufeld wrote: “So thanks very much for your support in the myriad ways you’ve shown it. For my birthday, I’d like to steal an idea from a friend and ask you to take all this love you have and share it. It only multiplies and there are so many who could use it. Whether it’s just a random act of kindness, or helping at your local homeless kitchen/shelter, or repairing broken relationships, just spread the love folks – it’s the only thing in this world that endures. We’ve received more than we could have imagined – let’s continue to spread that a little wider.”

Gifts to the fund have been made through memorials following Neufeld’s death, as well as a 9K and two-mile run – The Neuf – that was organized by Neufeld’s friends. More than 220 participants registered for the January 2018 inaugural race of what is intended to become an annual event.

Anyone interested in giving to The Russ Neufeld Memorial Scholarship in honor of Neufeld, can contribute online and note the gift’s intention in the memo field.

Ted and Co. newest play will incorporate challenging themes of justice and oppression at AVDS weekend

Discovery: A Comic LamentFinding unexpected humor at the crossroads of justice and land use, Ted Swartz and partner Michelle Milne of Ted & Company TheaterWorks (Harrisonburg, Va.) will present “Discovery: A Comic Lament” at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus.

The performance is part of the college’s weekend Anabaptist Vision and Discipleship Series (AVDS) conference with the theme “Before the Unthinkable Happens: Confronting our role in injustice.” Admission to the show is $12 for general public adults and senior citizens and free for conference registrants and students. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the Hesston College Bookstore at 620-327-8105 or at the door.

Created in partnership with the Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition, “Discovery: A Comic Lament,” offers both comic and challenging glimpses into the absurdity of white settler oppression of Indigenous Peoples and the land we live on. The Doctrine of Discovery is the legal framework that justifies the theft of land and oppression of Indigenous Peoples.

The show provides laughter, serious consideration, lament and difficult conversations.

Ted Swartz is a writer, actor and owner and artistic director of the professional touring company Ted & Company TheaterWorks. As a seminary graduate, actor and comedian, Swartz melds crucial issues of the church and society with humor. He is the creator or co-creator of more than a dozen plays.

Michelle Milne has spent the past three years traveling around the United States as part of her ongoing writing project, Traveling Home. Milne has taught theatre and movement classes at Columbia College Chicago and Goshen (Ind.) College, and teaches creative/performing arts classes in prisons and jails. Milne has worked as a director, performer, writer and educator all across the United States.

“Discovery: A Comic Lament,” is written by Alison Brookins and directed by Phil Weaver-Stoesz.

The 2018 AVDS conference focuses on hands-on response where issues of oppression are addressed and beginning to be dismantled. Specific leadership strategies will be applied to race relations, gender inequity and economic injustice.

A full AVDS weekend schedule and registration can be found online or call the Hesston College Alumni and Church Relations Office at 620-327-8147.