In the News

Increase in new students and higher academic achievement ushers in the 2016-17 year

Hesston College’s official fall 2016 enrollment numbers following the 20th day of classes give a total student headcount enrollment of 401.

Included in total enrollment is a larger group of new students who started at Hesston in 2016 as compared to fall 2015. The number of domestic students increased to 198 from 185 in 2015, an increase of seven percent. With 17 new international students, the total number of new students in 2016 is 215, an increase from 206 in 2015.

“We are seeing the fruits of several growth initiatives launched last year including our bachelor’s in nursing program, athletic roster expansion, a new men’s golf program and an increase in staff for regional recruitment,” said Rachel Swartzendruber Miller, vice president of admissions and financial aid.

Retention of new students in 2015 to fall 2016 also experienced growth to 78 percent. In fall 2014, 65 percent of students returned, and 76 percent in 2015.

The total enrollment is comprised of students from 29 states and 16 countries. Total student FTE (full time equivalent) is 391.3, or 97 percent of total enrollment, which exceeded the college’s FTE budget for the first time in at least five years and is an increase of 4.6 from fall 2015. Students from Kansas make up about 45 percent of the total student population while another 45 percent come from other U.S. states and about 10 percent are international.

Following a recent trend, the new class of Hesston students also brought higher academic marks with an average new student GPA of 3.34, up from 3.30 in 2015 and 3.19 in 2014.

Fourth annual Hesston College Golf Benefit to honor Excel’s longtime commitment

A 57-year history of friendship and partnership between Excel Industries, Inc., and Hesston College will be celebrated at the fourth annual Hesston College Homecoming Golf Benefit Thursday, Sept. 29, at Hesston Golf Park. Excel and Midwest Professional Golf Association are sponsoring the event. All proceeds will benefit the Hesston College annual fund.

Registration for the event is $125 per person and includes green fees, cart, range balls and a prime rib dinner. The deadline to register is Monday, Sept. 26. Hole sponsorships are also available.

Golfers will have the opportunity to win two Excel-manufactured mowers, as well as other sponsor-donated prizes. The mowers up for grabs are a Hustler Raptor and a Big Dog Alpha, both valued at $3,000. One mower will be given as a prize to the golfer closest to the pin (within three feet). The second will be auctioned off the highest bidder, with a minimum starting bid of $2,000. One prize from Midwest PGA is a set of Callaway steel-head irons 4 through pitching wedge, valued at $700.

The history between Hesston College and Excel dates back to Excel’s earliest days. The company was founded by Jonathan Mast in 1959. In the early 60’s, Hesston College alumni Roy Mullet and Doug Stutzman as well as social sciences instructor Cal Redekop became involved with the company as owners and employees. The Mullet family bought a partial interest in the company in 1961, and members of the Mullet family continue to be involved as owners and senior management, including Hesston College alumni Paul Mullet, president and CEO, Bob Mullet, senior vice president and COO, and Luke Roth-Mullet, vice president of operations and continuous improvement.

Since its founding and over the last 57 years, Excel has supported and been an advocate for the Hesston Experience, including giving lead gifts on recent capital renovation projects of Erb Hall dorm, Northlawn Center for Performing Arts Education and a new campus entry. In gratitude for Excel’s faithful support, Hesston College named the campus entry Mullet Drive in honor of the family and the company.

Homecoming 2016 welcomes whole community

Hesston College will celebrate homecoming 2016, “Home Sweet Hesston,” Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, along with Hesston High School and the larger community. Homecoming 2016 marks Hesston High School USD 460’s 50th anniversary, which transitioned from the former Hesston Academy. Dual alumni that attended both Hesston High School and Hesston College will resource the weekend as presenters and performers. Many events throughout the weekend are shared events and open to the community.

Guests participating in Hesston College’s full weekend scheduled events, Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, are asked to register for the weekend for planning purposes. Registration is open through Sept. 23. A full schedule is also available.

The keynote presenter will be John Paul Lederach, a 1973 HHS and 1975 Hesston College graduate. Lederach is a noted conflict transformation and mediation author and professor of international peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame’s (Ind.) Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. Lederach will speak at Hesston College forum at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 30 at Hesston Mennonite Church, and his keynote presentation will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at Hesston Mennonite Church, with a question and answer time to follow.

A HHS/HC dual alumni art show will be open throughout the weekend in the Regier Friesen Gallery in the Hesston College Friesen Center for the Visual Arts. A reception and chance to talk with the artists who are able to attend will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30. Featured artists in the show include Steve and Jane (Kaufman) Fry, who own and operate Elk Falls (Kan.) Pottery, potter Royce Yoder (Lederach, Pa.), whose work is sold in shops and galleries around the country, Don Duane Hershberger (Clark, Wyo.), who works with bronze western art, Phil Hershberger (Topeka, Kan.), an encaustic painter (hot wax painting) and potter Lynn Lais (Grantsville, Md.).

Other presenters during college presentations from 1:30 to 4 p.m., at Hesston Mennonite Church include:

Aviation

• Troy Jantz (Hesston), pilot with Executive AirShare
• John Reimer (Hesston), demonstration pilot for Citation product line at Textron Aviation
• Amy (Bachman) Birdsell (Hesston), Hesston College aviation instructor
• Zach Roth (Pittsburg, Pa.), regional sales associate at Textron Aviation – Cessna Citation

Medical

• Dr. Greg Sawin (Medford, Mass.), program director for the Tufts University Family Medicine Residency at Cambridge Health Alliance
• Dr. Josh Suderman (Grand Rapids, Mich.), who specializes in pain management.
• Dr. Andrea (Weaver) Herrera (McPherson, Kan.), family practice doctor at Great Plains Family Medicine

Psychology/Social work

• Blake Buhrman (Hesston), counselor with EMPAC, an employee assistance provider in Wichita.<
• Angela (Swartzendruber) Hackman (Harleysville, Pa.), director of integrated health services with Penn Foundation Behavioral Health Services.

The kickoff for Homecoming 2016 will be a parade at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28, along Main Street, preceded by a meal from 5 to 6 p.m., at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus. The meal is $5 and can be paid at the door. Hesston College will provide refreshments along the parade route.

On Thursday, Sept. 29, Excel Industries will host the fourth annual Hesston College Golf Benefit at 1 p.m., at the Hesston Golf Park. Hesston College will honor the Excel family for their many years of support of the college. Click here for more information and to register.

Other weekend highlights include:

• A barbecue chicken meal from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., prior to the HHS football game, Friday, Sept. 30, in the Hesston High School parking lot. Cost is $5 per person and can be paid at the event.
• A Student/Alumni coffeehouse and entertainment beginning at 8:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30, at Northlawn. Also on hand to sign copies of their newest books will be Hesston College faculty members Michele Hershberger and John Sharp and former faculty member Marion Bontrager with the new first edition Biblical Literature book, “The Bible as Story,” and “peace pastor” Marty Troyer (Houston, Texas), author of “The Gospel Next Door.”
• A renaming ceremony for Northlawn Center for Performing Arts Education to Keim Center for Performing Arts Education, in honor of former president Howard Keim and his wife Tami, at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at Northlawn.
• A kids’ festival, beginning at 5 p.m., and free tailgate picnic for everyone from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at the college’s Campus Activities Center and on the lawn south of the tennis courts. Festival activities include bouncy houses and barrel train rides for children, as well as women’s and men’s soccer games at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively.
• High school and college students and dual alumni will be showcased in choral and instrumental performances at the “Promise of Living” Gala concert at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at Hesston Mennonite Church. The event is free and open to the public.
• The college will share in a joint worship service with alumni and the Hesston Mennonite church congregation at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 2, at Hesston Mennonite Church. Former Hesston Mennonite Church youth pastor Marty Troyer will bring the message.

Faculty and staff appointments for the 2016-17 year

Hesston College announces the following faculty and staff appointments for the 2016-17 year:

Faculty:

• Michael Ceramella, Wichita, Kan., is serving as a sabbatical replacement in the business department.
• Maureen Entz, Newton, Kan., provides nursing skills laboratory instruction, as well as clinical instruction at Newton Medical Center. Entz earned a bachelor’s degree from Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.) and a master’s degree in nursing from Wichita (Kan.) State University. She is certified as an advanced practice registered nurse and has family nurse practitioner certification.
• Staci Ford, Wichita, Kan., nursing instructor, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond), a master’s degree in nursing from Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center (Oklahoma City) and is currently working on a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University (Portland, Ore.).
• John Oyer, Wichita, Kan., is serving as a sabbatical replacement instructor in the business department. Oyer is a 2011 Hesston College graduate, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Bluffton (Ohio) University.
• Lyndel Walker, Hesston, Kan., nursing instructor, earned degrees from St. Mary of the Plains (Wichita, Kan.) and Wichita (Kan.) State University, and a master’s degree in nursing with an emphasis in nursing administration from Newman University (Wichita, Kan.).
• Richard Walker, Newton, Kan., teaches American Government and Politics.

Staff:

• Brandis Henderson, Newton, Kan., food service, is a member of the Hesston College class of 2015.
• Marissa Hochstetler, Hesston, Kan., is a women’s resident director. She is 2014 Hesston College graduate and earned her bachelor’s degree from Goshen (Ind.) College.
• Cecelia Oliva, Hesston, Kan., food service.
• Michael Oyer, Hesston, Kan., is a men’s resident director. He is a 2013 Hesston College graduate, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Goshen College.
• Timothy Regier, Hillsboro, Kan., is a flight instructor intern with the aviation program.
• Judy Reimer, Hillsboro, Kan., food service.
• Mari Sailors, Newton, Kan., Associate Director of International Admissions. She earned a bachelor’s degree. Sailors worked for many years with the Kansas high school international student exchange program.
• Eric Sarno, Wichita, Kan., is sports information director and assistant men’s soccer coach. Sarno earned a bachelor’s degree from Fort Lewis College (Durango, Colo).
• Allie Shoup, Newton, Kan., admissions counselor, earned a degree from Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.).
• Katie Spitz, Newton, Kan., multimedia project manager, earned a degree from Drury University (Springfield, Mo.).
• Carley Wyse, Hesston, Kan., admissions counselor, is a 2014 Hesston College graduate and earned a bachelor’s degree from Goshen College.

Christian Palestinian pastor to speak on Israel/Palestine conflict in chapel presentation

Hesston College will host Rev. Alex Awad, a evangelical Christian Palestinian leader, on campus for chapel and lunch on Monday, September 5.

During an 11 a.m. chapel, Rev. Awad will speak on “A Christian Palestinian Pastor’s Experiences in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.” Chapel is held in the Hesston Mennonite Church Sanctuary on the Hesston College campus.

Following chapel, students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to join Rev. Awad for lunch and further discussion in the Bontrager Student Center Dining Hall. Lunch can be purchased at the door.

Rev. Awad is being hosted in Kansas, September 2 to 6, by the Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA (MCUSA) in response to the Israel/Palestine resolution adopted at the MCUSA delegate assembly in Kansas City in July 2015. The resolution is “A statement of support for our Palestinian and Israeli Partners in Peacmaking,” which commits MCUSA to learning and discernment of the Palestinian-Israeli context and how to support peach and justice there.

Awad has a long-standing and close relationship with Mennonites. He served as a headmaster at Hope Mennonite School near Bethlehem, Palestine, in the 1980’s. When Bethlehem Bible College was founded with support from Mennonites, he became a professor and dean of students there.

Photo release - 2016-17 year opens with energy

Hesston College welcomed new and returning students to campus and a new year during Opening Weekend Aug. 19 to 21. Classes started Monday, Aug. 22.

In featured photo above: Freshmen Kendall Richardson (Lodi, Calif.) and Jasmine Pankratz (Abbyville, Kan.) take their first roommate picture shortly after moving into their dorm room Aug. 19.

Photos from opening weekend 2016: (left) Students and parents line up to outside of Bontrager Student Center to check in for a new year with admissions counselors Allie Shoup and Michael Smalley; (center) Bel Canto Singers perform at Friday evening Opening Celebration Aug. 19 as the first campus-wide event for the year. The evening’s speakers, women’s basketball coach Jeff Jacobs and Director of International Admissions Dave Osborne spoke on elements of Hesston College’s Philosophy of Faith Formation; (right) Freshman Nicole Loewen (Hutchinson, Kan.) sprints back to the front of the line in a relay race during Sunday evening Mod Olympics, Aug. 21.

Harvey County organizations learn ALICE

caption - A group of higher education representatives present on their take away points from Harvey County ALICE training on July 26.

Hesston College hosted fifty representatives from Harvey County education, public health, fire, EMS, law enforcement, emergency response fields and large local employers for ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Execute) training on July 25 and 26.

The seminar, conducted by the ALICE Training Institute, a national organization, was a “train the trainer” model, giving participants tools to supplement lockdown procedures and broaden their knowledge base on best practices for violent intruder response. The training was provided through a grant Hesston Chief of Police Doug Schroeder received from the Hesston Community Foundation Response Fund.

“These training sessions give organizations information to conform to state and federal guidelines in the event of an active shooter or other violent intruder situation,” said trainer Justin Pan. “It offers regular people options to be proactive in a response beyond a typical lockdown or shelter in place while they wait on law enforcement to arrive.”

Some methods participants learn include learning how best and quickest to inform other people on the premises of a violent person’s location and other details, how best to assist with providing information to law enforcement, evacuation plans and tactics for distracting and disarming a violent person.

Participants learn how to take what they’ve learned and present it back to others in their organizations and institutions to improve lockdown procedures.

Campus mourns tragic loss of alumna

The Hesston College community is heartbroken over the tragic loss of 2011 alumna Sheralynn Neff (North Newton, Kan.) in a skydiving accident in Oklahoma. Sheralynn was a high-achieving student who was involved with many different areas of campus life. She earned an associate of arts degree in Bible and Ministry with Dean’s List honors, served as a ministry assistant during her second year and participated in both choir and concert band. Music faculty member Ken Rodgers remembers Sheralynn as a genuine and talented person. “Sheralynn was one of the kindest people you could ever hope to meet. She was very bright and fun and had so much talent and potential. I feel such profound sadness for her family and the people who knew her. But I’m thankful for the people she did reach and touch.” The Hesston College community offers prayers and the peace of Christ to Sheralynn’s parents, Dana and Kathleen, and brother Darnell (2007 Hesston graduate).

Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts 2016-17 season to feature artists from around the world

The contemporary jazz dance company Big Muddy Dance Company will open the season, Nov. 11, at Krehbiel Auditorium in Bethel Colleges’ Luyken Fine Arts Center. Founded in 2010, St. Louis’ Big Muddy Dance Company seeks to build a love of dance by providing fun, experimental and highly entertaining performances. Consisting of 11 full-time dancers, the group was named “Best Local Dance Company” as Reader’s Choice in 2013 and Critic’s Choice in 2014 by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

HBPA will celebrate the holidays with Cantus, acclaimed by Fanfare as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States”, Dec. 3, at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus. One of only two male choruses in the country, Cantus returns to HBPA for the first time since 2003.

The highly-acclaimed Ladysmith Black Mambazo will showcase the sounds of South Africa on Feb. 7, at Bethel College’s Memorial Hall. Introduced to the world through Paul Simon’s classic Graceland album in 1986, South Africa’s favorite male a cappella chorus has sold more than six million records. Mambazo won its fourth Grammy for Best World Music Album in 2013 and earned its 16th nomination in 2015.

Described as the “hottest guitar trio in Canada,” Montreal Guitare Trio will perform March 7, at Bethel College’s Krehbiel Auditorium in the Luyken Fine Arts Center. Glenn Levesque, Marc Morin and Sebastien Dufour are known to charm the ears of listeners with their sense of rejuvenation and humor.

Rounding out the season will be classical music’s most dynamic new chamber group, Sybarite5, on April 20, at Hesston Mennonite Church. A Sarasota (Fla.) Herald Tribune review said the group’s “rock star status is well deserved. Their classically honed technique mixed with grit and all out passionate attack transfixes the audience…” With a repertoire ranging from Mozart to Radiohead, Sybarite5 is the first string quintet to win the Concert Artists Build International Competition.

HBPA season tickets are available from $75 to $85 for adults. Single tickets can also be purchased for individual performances. Discounts are available for students and senior citizens.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 620-327-8158 or go to hesstonbethel.org.

The Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts series is a collaborative effort of Hesston College and Bethel College, presenting 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 Hesston and North Newton Community Foundations, Mid-America Arts Alliance, the Kansas Creative Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and an award from the NEA. Area businesses and patrons provide additional funding for the HBPA series.