Explore Kansas! trip to attend Orchestra on the Oregon Trail
General
Hesston College alumni and friends are invited to take part in the college’s annual Explore Kansas! trip to northeast Kansas, Sunday, Sept. 4. The 2016 chartered bus excursion includes attending Orchestra on the Oregon Trail (OOOT) near Marysville in Marshall County, Kan.
The original plan for this trip was to attend the Orchestra on the Oregon Trail near Marysville in Marshall County, Kan. Due to low ticket sales, that event has been canceled, but Hesston College has put different activities in its place.
The day trip will start with taking part in Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (St. Benedict, Kan.), an Eight Wonders of Kansas Overall Finalist and Top Eight Art Wonder of Kansas, with a presentation about the church to follow. Hesston College music faculty member Ken Rodgers will play a mini concert on the church’s 1916 Tracker pipe organ. The afternoon will include a stop at the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka, and culminate with a fried chicken dinner at Brookville Hotel in Abilene.
The cost for the trip is $75 per person. Reservations are encouraged as soon as possible as space is limited, and no later than Friday, Aug. 12. Call Alumni Relations at 620-327-8109 or toll free at 866-437-7866 to register. Tickets can be purchased by sending a check or via phone using credit card. Reservations are first come, first served and no refunds will be given.
Those who registered at a higher rate before the OOOT cancellation will receive a $20 refund.
Exterior and interior photos of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Benedict, Kan.
Call for musicians for homecoming gala concert
General
Community and alumni musicians are invited to participate with Hesston College and Hesston High School students and alumni in the joint homecoming gala concert, The Promise of Living, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus.
Homecoming 2016: Home Sweet Hesston will be Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, and will be a shared celebration of Hesston College, Hesston High School and the greater Hesston community. HHS will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Dual alumni of HHS and Hesston College will serve as presenters and performers throughout the weekend.
The gala concert will feature a wide variety of genres and performance groups highlighting the vast range of musical gifts of HHS and Hesston College students and alumni.
Concert organizers, performing arts faculty member Russell Adrian and Alumni director Dallas Stutzman invite community and alumni choral singers and instrumentalists to perform at the concert as members of the gala chorus and orchestra. Music materials will be provided by the college and sent in advance for individual performance preparation.
The rehearsal and performance schedule for the Gala Concert is as follows:
- Thursday, Sept. 29, 7 to 8 p.m. – Rehearsal for orchestra; 8 to 9 p.m. for choral
- Saturday, Oct. 1, 4 to 6 p.m. – Joint choral/orchestra rehearsal (Out of town alumni unable to make Thursday’s rehearsal can just attend the Saturday rehearsal.)
- Saturday, Oct. 1, 6 to 7:30 p.m. – Complimentary college and community picnic
- Saturday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m. – The Promise of Living Gala Concert
Register as a performer by calling the Hesston College Alumni office at 866-437-7866 or online.
Registration for the complete weekend and more information regarding homecoming can also be found online.
Board approves task force to strengthen sexual misconduct policies
General
In a May meeting of the Hesston College Board of Directors, college administrators proposed the formation of a task force to help the college establish policies and procedures to prevent and address all forms of sexual misconduct and to create a culture that seeks to support and empower victims. The board granted approval to continue moving the process forward.
“It is our desire to create a new and better culture that seeks to dismantle sexual misconduct,” said President Howard Keim. “We recognize that our own history and that of the Mennonite Church is not flawless in this regard. We want to create the best possible environment for the safety of our students and employees.”
The task force is expected to include a variety of internal and external members, including professionals outside of Mennonite Church USA organizations who can objectively evaluate the college’s policies, procedures and culture to help effect change.
The proposal to the board states that the hope is to create an environment where all members of the campus community feel safe and supported. “In this environment, measures are taken to educate and prevent sexual misconduct. In this environment, there is no shame or fear in reporting acts of abuse or misconduct. In this environment, victims’ safety, security and healing will be a top priority, which requires outside help. In this environment, our leaders will act swiftly when allegations arise.”
College administrators and board members have begun conversations with organizations that can provide insight and assistance, and are assembling a list of names of potential task force leaders and participants. The task force will begin meeting early in the fall 2016 semester.
“Much of our path forward will be determined after the group is formed and tasks are discerned,” said Mark Landes, vice president of Finance and Auxiliary Services, who oversees human resources. “The bottom line is that it’s time for Hesston College to move, simply because it’s the right thing to do and creating a desired environment is critical to the future we hope for all of Hesston College.”
RN to BSN program to launch in January 2017
Nursing
Starting in January 2017, Hesston College will launch an RN to BSN program for registered nurses looking to complete a bachelor’s level degree.
For almost 50 years Hesston College has educated nurses in an associate degree program where academic success is nurtured in a supportive, student-centered environment. Throughout the program’s history, more than 98 percent of 1,600 graduates have achieved their goal of becoming registered nurses (RN) by passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination).
In August 2015, Hesston College launched a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program with approval from the Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas State Board of Nursing – the college’s first four-year degree program in more than 60 years. This program was designed for students preparing for initial RN licensure at the baccalaureate level.
As the next step, the BSN program will now be expanded to serve RNs who wish to return to college to earn a BSN degree. Hesston’s addition of both BSN programs stemmed from a 2010 report from the Institute of Medicine that set a national goal of 80 percent of the nursing workforce having a bachelor’s degree in nursing by 2020. Likewise, according to the American Association of Colleges in Nursing, Hesston alumni and other two-year graduates nationwide are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in increasing numbers.
“With the industry shift, Hesston needed new options to meet employer demands and industry standards,” said Bonnie Sowers, MSN, RN, Nursing Education Director. “The addition of the BSN and RN to BSN programs allows Hesston to continue providing nursing students with exceptional clinical learning opportunities, ensuring they are highly prepared and employable.”
Hesston’s RN to BSN program will be offered as both a full-time, one-year option or a part-time, two-year option. Courses will be offered in a hybrid format with both online and on-campus experiences.
“The RN to BSN courses are scheduled to promote a balance of work, school and family life for students,” said Sowers.
The program will also be offered at a special two-year RN to BSN tuition rate with the price locked for a student’s duration in the program.
“The nursing program has been a strength of Hesston College for decades, in terms of both the number of students served and the quality of instruction,” said Dr. Brent Yoder, vice president of Academics. “The expansion of degree options in this program is a natural growth opportunity. We are excited to meet the needs and desires of students who want to broaden their understanding of the nursing profession and obtain advanced credentials.”
Student applications for the RN to BSN program are being accepted immediately. For priority admission, applicants must submit all information and documentation by October 1.
See more information and program requirements.
Hesston College’s BSN program is a new applicant pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 887-6791. New applicant status is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted. The CCNE site visit is planned for the fall of 2016.
General
The campus community grieves the unexpected death of Phyllis Yoder, wife of long-time chemistry faculty member Jim Yoder, Monday evening. Our prayers go with Jim and family in the days and weeks to come.
Memorial plans
Visitation from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, June 2
Miller-Ott Funeral Home, 107 S Lancaster, Hesston
Memorial Service at 5 p.m., Friday, June 3
Hesston Mennonite Church
meal to follow
General
Hesston College Preschool is a classroom that serves a broad age range. It’s a classroom for children three- to five-years-old and college students studying early childhood education.
“Our program is unique because students are given hands-on learning opportunities at a freshman and sophomore level, whereas in many colleges and universities, students must wait until their junior year to receive such extensive teaching opportunities,” said Larisa Lawrence, Hesston College preschool director.
It’s not just the children who are learning, the student assistants also get an education. The college students take the things they learn in their Early Childhood courses and apply them directly in the preschool, which is a lab component of the coursework. Freshmen students take introductory early education courses and spend one time a week at the preschool. They then have the option to do field experience in the preschool during their sophomore year, where they serve as assistant teachers two to four mornings a week.
Student assistants have many opportunities to plan and lead children’s learning experiences. Students use the Kansas Early Learning Standards as a guide for making preschool both an enjoyable and an educational experience. These activities are designed to develop literacy, motor skill, memory skills, social skills and other necessary things to learn before kindergarten.
This early exposure to a classroom setting allows students like 2016 graduate Meredith Spicher (Belleville, Pa.) to take what she’s learned in the classroom and apply it directly in the preschool.
“Hesston’s program focuses on nurturing curiosity,” said Spicher. “We want them to learn on their own and at their own pace.”
“We are here working to help these kids reach milestones that are necessary in order to move on to kindergarten, and every skill they learn, no matter how small, helps”, said Spicher.
Spicher’s future plans include working in child development, so the experience she gained in the preschool lab were greatly beneficial. Many students who start in Hesston’s Early Childhood Education program continue their education to become certified to teach early or elementary education, while others pursue careers in social work, psychology, child care or home daycare, para professionals in elementary classrooms and much more.
“My favorite thing about working in the preschool is seeing things ‘click’ in the kids’ minds,” said Spicher. “When a child who is struggling with learning to cut finally gets the proper hold and is able to stay on the line, that gives me so much pride and satisfaction because it shows that what we’re doing isn’t just ‘glorified babysitting’ like so many people think.”
As Spicher’s Hesston College career ends, she looks back fondly at her experience at the preschool.
“I bonded with these kids this semester and I hope they never lose the spark of curiosity that I have seen in them,” said Spicher. “I will miss seeing what they’ll learn next year. A lot of people underestimate kids’ abilities, knowledge or ability to have real conversations, but I loved talking with them and hearing all of their stories. I think that’s what I’ll miss most – just being able to interact with them.”
Hesston College Preschool is now enrolling for the fall. Contact Larisa Lawrence at 620-327-8161 or larisa.lawrence@hesston.edu for more information. See more about the preschool on the Hesston College Preschool blog.
Nebraska golf event to benefit student financial aid
General
Golf enthusiasts are invited to join Hesston College for the 27th annual Nebraska Golf Benefit, Monday, June 20, at Thornridge Golf Course in Milford, Neb.
Organized by 2008 alumnus Ryan Stauffer and friend of the college Nick Glanzer, Nebraska businesses Crop Insurance Solutions and Stauffer Farms are underwriting the event, allowing 100 percent of proceeds to benefit student financial aid at Hesston College.
The golf benefit is a four-person team best ball scramble. Registration is $80 per person and includes green fees, cart, continental breakfast, lunch and one prize drawing ticket. Registration and payment must be made by June 13, and can be completed online .
Hole sponsorships are also welcome for $100 per hole.
For the previous 26 years, the Nebraska Golf Benefit was underwritten by the Austin Company.
For the love of the game: Alumna to make NFL coaching debut
General
“Oh, wow, you play football?” the young woman asked Katie Sowers, who was waiting to have her photo taken for this story in the locker room also being used by the girl’s high school basketball team that was warming up for upcoming tipoff. “I would love to play football!”
“You can!” Sowers encouraged. “How old are you?”
“15.”
“Three more years,” was Sowers’ reply. “Come try out for the Titans in three years. Maybe I’ll be throwing passes to you!”
More often than not, Sowers said, people look at her skeptically when she tells them she plays professional football. A lot of the time they think she means football as most of the world knows it – soccer – but she does, in fact, mean American tackle football – full pads, helmet, the whole nine yards – or ten, rather.
It’s no secret that the National Football League (NFL) is male dominated, but women are beginning to make their way into the “boys club.” Sowers is now among the few who have achieved just that.
From July 24 through the second preseason game on Aug. 20, Sowers will work with the Atlanta Falcon’s wide receivers through the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship, an internship program with notable alumni including Marvin Lewis and Mike Tomlin. In 2015, this same program made Dr. Jen Welter famous for being the first female participant. Sowers is excited for the opportunity and for working with Julio Jones, who many consider the best receiver in the game.
Sowers is also hopeful that the opportunity will boost her career goals.
“My long term goal is to be a head coach and then move on to executive management,” Sowers said. “It’s not a typical path, but then again, nothing about what I’m doing is typical.”
Back in Kansas City, when she’s not suited up, Sowers spends time on the sideline as a coach, including positions with Kansas City-area junior high and youth teams, as offensive coordinator and general manager for her own Titans team. In January, she was a member of Charlie Weis’ coaching staff at the East-West Shrine Game, the nation’s top college senior bowl for NFL hopefuls.
One demographic that doesn’t bat an eye when they find out what she does, however, is young girls. Many of them get excited that they, like Sowers, could help break down gender stereotypes surrounding the sport and be involved with football someday, too.
Her dedication and commitment to the sport isn’t to prove a point though; it’s just because she loves football.
“Football has been my favorite sport since I was a kid,” Sowers said. “After Grandma’s Sunday dinner, my sister and I would call all the boys we knew to come play football with us.”
Growing up in Hesston, however, she and her twin sister Liz Sowers, also a Hesston High and Hesston College graduate, like most girls, thought football was a boys’ sport so they stuck to playing basketball in high school and at Hesston College. A gifted natural athlete, Sowers continued playing basketball at Goshen (Ind.) College, as well as participating in track for two years and soccer for one. During the last couple of years of college, the sisters discovered professional women’s football and began playing for the West Michigan Mayhem in Kalamazoo – Liz as wide receiver to Katie’s quarterback, a pairing they continue for the Titans.
For now, all of her football commitments are held in balance to her job as athletic director for the Kansas City Missouri Parks and Recreation Department. WFA players are volunteers, so most of them also work other jobs.
Sowers notes that too many injuries are taking their toll, so her playing career likely won’t last long enough to throw passes to the young lady she met in the locker room. So begins an ascent in the coaching world.
Her East Team coaching appointment in St. Petersburg, Fla., in January came about through a connection with Scott Pioli, former general manager for the Kansas City Chiefs and current assistant general manager for the Atlanta Falcons. The two became acquainted when Sowers coached Pioli’s daughter’s fifth-grade basketball team. Pioli is on the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship Advisory Council, which gives talented minority coaches opportunities to gain experience and, ultimately, a full-time NFL coaching position.
“Scott asked Charlie Weis if he would be open to having a female assistant coach for the East-West game and he [Weis] was very receptive to it,” said Sowers. “Coaching with so many seasoned coaches and former players was great. I gained valuable insight from my colleagues, and I hope the players and coaches learned something from me, too. I think they did.”
Games like the East-West Shrine Game often foster a negative atmosphere, Sowers noted. Players with professional aspirations compete against one another to stand out for NFL scouts, making tensions run high. Sowers was not interested in the negativity.
“While I was down there, I was on the phone with my mom and I told her I was going to give these people the Hesston College Experience!” said Sowers with a laugh. “Hesston College is one place where you encounter smiles and friendliness everywhere. The college’s kind, supportive atmosphere has really stuck with me, and it’s something I can bring to wherever I am.”
One unexpected and affirming moment came during the game, too. The young Shriner’s Hospital patient who performed the national anthem was asked if she would like to meet any of the coaches or players. She only wanted Sowers’ autograph.
Sowers considers it an honor and great responsibility to be that kind of role model for girls, but she hopes women in professional football also stop becoming newsworthy.
“I hope that someday when a woman is hired to a professional football role that it’s not a headline,” said Sowers. “I want to be a full-time coach or executive in the game, but I want it to be because of my knowledge and qualifications.”
Sprunger appointed to interim president role
General
Benjamin E. (Ben) Sprunger, Ph.D., will serve as interim president of Hesston College starting August 1. A longtime higher education faculty member and administrator, Sprunger has been active in leadership of several Mennonite organizations, including nine years as president and CEO of Mennonite Economic Development Associates, Inc., (MEDA). His appointment comes as President Howard Keim transitions out of the role after an 11 and a half year tenure.
With the announcement of the appointment, the Presidential Search Committee also reported that the presidential search for Hesston’s ninth president is proceeding as scheduled. Sprunger’s interim arrangement is to last at least through Dec. 31, 2016, and no longer than June 30, 2017, to allow adequate transition time for the college’s next president.
“We are pleased that Dr. Sprunger has accepted the call as interim president of Hesston College,” said Kelvin Friesen, Hesston College Board of Directors chair. “Ben comes to us with a wealth of experience in higher education, non-profits and business. His leadership will provide continuity during this time of transition and he will be of support to the administrative team in continuing to develop strategic priorities for Hesston College.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to serve Hesston College and the larger work of the church,” Dr. Sprunger said. “It is my hope that there will be no loss of momentum, and newly planned initiatives can go forward during my interim service with Hesston.”
Sprunger launched his career in higher education at Wheaton (Ill.) College in 1966 where he served over the span of six years in various roles including associate dean, director of Learning Resources, Libraries and Academic Computer Center, assistant to the president and associate professor of education.
He served as president of Bluffton (Ohio) College – now Bluffton University – from 1972-78, accepting the role at age 35. Under his leadership, Bluffton was able to stabilize finances, eliminate deficits and launch a successful capital campaign for the construction of a new science center.
From 1978-84 he served as president and CEO of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, the association representing the 35 private colleges and universities in Ohio.
In 1984, Sprunger transitioned into the non-profit and business worlds, serving as the first chair of the Board and first COO for Quest International, Inc., at the time the largest provider of school drug and alcohol prevention programs in the world. During his tenure, he led the company in international expansion, creating seven language editions from eight international offices.
Sprunger created his own company, Life Skills International Consulting, Inc., which he headed until 1994, training curriculum writers and trainers in Life Skills Drug Prevention programs in six countries.
During his tenure with MEDA (1994-2003), a business-based economic development organization specializing in micro lending, small credit banks, business and agriculture development. With about 200 staff, MEDA, with its partners in 27 countries, served 200,000 beneficiaries.
Sprunger has worked in 51 countries and served on 13 national and international board of directors, including 12 years with the General Conference Mennonite Church General Board, Commission on Education and Faith and Life Publishing, Inc. He also served as interim president of Mennonite Publishing Network.
“Dr. Sprunger brings to the presidency of Hesston College a wealth of experience,” said Dr. Judy Miller, chair of the Mennonite Education Agency (MEA) Board. “The institution will benefit from the experience and wisdom he will bring to the position. His work and church experience makes him uniquely equipped to lead Hesston during this interim period.”
Sprunger has co-authored Handbook on College Administration (1978, Council for the Advancement of Small Colleges) and Faith Dilemmas for Marketplace Christians (2006, Wipf & Stock Pub).
He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State University (Muncie, Ind.) and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University (East Lansing).
“Dr. Sprunger has a long track record of leadership and a deep love and commitment to Mennonite Church USA,” said Carlos Romero, executive director of MEA. “We are grateful to him for accepting this call from the church to provide interim leadership at Hesston College.”
Sprunger is married to Sue Berlien-Sprunger and has three adult children and five grandchildren. The Sprungers are members of Bahia Vista Mennonite Church in Sarasota, Fla.