In the News

North Newton artist’s paintings featured in Hesston College gallery

North Newton artist Susan Bartel defines what it means to be an appreciator of “the underappreciated art” through her watercolor paintings featured in Hesston College’s Regier Friesen Gallery, located in the Friesen Center for Visual Arts, through Oct. 17.

A reception and chance to meet the artist will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, in the gallery.

“Painting is my way of exploring the world, whether it’s capturing the light at that just-right second, or exploring the details often overlooked,” Bartel explains. Her paintings capture the beauty of color portrayed in paintings of flowers, the rolling hills and the sky.

Bartel received an A.A. in commercial art from Pikes Peak Community College (Colorado Springs) and a B.A. from Bethel College (North Newton). She also spent time as a freelance illustrator, providing artwork for science textbooks, book covers, and magazines.

Bartel is represented by the Kansas Water Color Society and operates her own gallery at The Carriage Factory Art Gallery in Newton and online at susanbartel.wordpress.com.

The Regier Friesen Gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Hustler mower among prizes at Excel-sponsored golf benefit for Hesston College

A top-of-the-line Hustler mower donated by Excel Industries is one of the prizes up for grabs at the second annual Hesston College Student Scholarship Golf Benefit at 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25, at Hesston Golf Park.

For the second year in a row, longtime Hesston College supporter Excel Industries is sponsoring the tournament, whose proceeds benefit a Hesston College scholarship. Proceeds from the 2014 benefit will go toward the Dave and Sena Osborne Scholarship Fund. The benefit, which kicks off A Hesston College Homecoming 2014, is a shamble and is open to teams of four golfers or individuals to be placed on a team. Registration and information is available here.

The newly established Dave and Sena Osborne Scholarship Fund honors the Osbornes for their many years of support and passion for multicultural diversity at the college. The scholarship will provide two $1,000 scholarships to international Hesston College sophomores in the first year and will be endowed for future scholarships when earnings reach $20,000.

Dave and Sena Osborne are both Hesston College graduates and have served at the college for a combined 59 years to date – Sena as manager of the post office, from which she retired in June 2014, and Dave in a variety of roles, including director of international student services, English as a Second Language instructor and currently as director of international admissions.

Dave’s work with international student admissions has been key in Hesston College being home to dozens of international students every year. For the fall 2014 semester, 48 international students represent 12 countries.

The Osbornes have a passion for helping and learning from others’ experiences of moving across cultures and languages that stems from their own experiences of living in five countries. They value the richness that diversity brings to the Hesston College campus and want to see it continue. They often host international students in their home throughout the year and during college breaks, and assist them in learning and adjusting to a new culture.

Registration for the benefit is $500 for a four-person team or $125 for individual golfers and includes a 5 p.m. prime rib dinner. Individuals or businesses can also sponsor a hole for $200. Golfers must register by Sept. 22.

Hesston College announces new faculty and staff appointments for fall 2014

Hesston College announces the following faculty and staff appointments for the 2014-15 year.

New faculty appointments include:

• Gerard Birkhauser, physics instructor, earned a B.S. from New Mexico State University (Las Cruces), a M.Div. from Bethel San Diego (Calif.) Theological Seminary and a M.S. from Washington State University (Pullman).
• Angela Brockmueller, biology instructor, earned an A.A. and an A.A.A.S. in nursing from Hesston College and a B.A. from Goshen (Ind.) College.
• Curtis Denlinger, flight instructor, earned an A.A.A.S. in professional pilot and a Certified Flight Instructor License from Hesston College.
• Myron Diener, mathematics instructor, earned an A.A. from Hesston College, a B.A. from Goshen College and a M.S. from Oklahoma State University (Stillwater).
• Tyler Doerksen, biology instructor, earned a B.A. from Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.) and a M.S. from Wichita (Kan.) State University.
• George Felix, flight instructor, earned an A.A.A.S. in professional pilot and a Certified Flight Instructor License from Hesston College.
• Megan Fowler, athletic trainer, earned a B.S. from Bethel College and a M.S. from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.
• Charlie Hansen, flight instructor, earned an A.A.A.S. in professional pilot and a Certified Flight Instructor License from Hesston College.
• Heather Hosford, nursing instructor, earned an A.A. from Hesston College and a B.S.N. from Wichita State University.
• Bruce Plank, art instructor, earned a B.F.A. from Wichita State University and an M.F.A. from Yale University School of Art (New Haven, Conn.).
• Rebecca Schloneger, Chamber Orchestra conductor, earned a B.M. from St. Olaf College (Northfield, Minn.) and a M.M. from the University of Cincinnati (Ohio).
• André Swartley, English as a Second Language instructor, earned an A.A. from Hesston College, a B.A. from Goshen College and a M.A. from Bowling Green (Ohio) State University.
• Donovan Tann, English instructor, earned a B.A. from Eastern Mennonite University (Harrisonburg, Va.) and a Ph.D. from Temple University (Philadelphia, Pa.).
• Joy Yoder, nursing instructor, earned an A.A. from Hesston College and a B.S.N. from Southwestern College (Winfield, Kan.).

New staff appointments include:

• Noreen Anderson, Development Office logistics coordinator, earned an A.A. from Pratt (Kan.) Community College and a B.S. from Bethel College.
• Michael Armstrong, men’s soccer coach, earned an A.A. from Hesston College, a B.A. from Southwestern College and an M.A. from Liberty University (Lynchburg, Va.)
• Tonya Detweiler, interim vice president of Advancement, earned an A.A. from Hesston College, a B.A. from Goshen College and a M.B.A. from Bluffton (Ohio) University.
• Scott Friesen, men’s resident director, earned a B.A. from LeTourneau University (Longview, Texas).
• Kyle Howell, baseball associate head coach.
• Joel Kauffman, interim vice president for Student Life, earned an A.A. from Hesston College, a B.A. from Fresno (Calif.) Pacific University and a M.Ed. from Wichita State University.
• Mary Martin, post office manager, earned an A.A.A.S. from Pratt Community College and a B.S. and B.A. from Pittsburg (Kan.) State University.
• Rachel McMaster, grant writer, earned an A.A. from Hesston College and a B.A. from Eastern Mennonite University.
• Russ Neufeld, director of Information Technology, earned an A.A. from Hesston College and studied at James Madison University (Harrisonburg, Va.).
• Tony Pezzola, director of Food Service.
• Rob Ramseyer, interim dean of students, earned a B.A. from Mid-America Nazarene University (Olathe, Kan.) and an M.A. from the University of Kansas (Lawrence).
• Dori Roth, associate director of Financial Aid, earned an A.A. from Hesston College and a B.A. from Goshen College.
• LaMont Russell, graphic designer, earned an A.A. from Hesston College and studied at Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau).
• Gerry Selzer, interim registrar, earned an A.A. from Hesston College, a B.S. from Bethel College and a M.S. from Pittsburg (Kan.) State University.
• Tomomi Stevenson, food service.
• Stephanie Swartzendruber, women’s resident director, earned an A.A. from Hesston College and a B.A. from Goshen College.
• Melissa Unruh, director of institutional data and compliance, earned an A.A. from Hesston College and a B.S. from Bethel College.
• Leslie Wheeler, food service.
• Brent Yoder, interim vice president of Academics and academic dean, earned an A.A. from Hesston College, a B.S. from Eastern Mennonite University and Ph.D. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg).
• Heidi Zehr, women’s resident director, earned an A.A. from Hesston College and a B.A. from Goshen College.

Multicultural tradition to be celebrated at Homecoming

Hesston College will welcome alumni and friends from across the country and around the world to campus Sept. 25 to 28 for A Hesston College Homecoming 2014 with the theme “Each other’s light: A multicultural celebration.”

The weekend will feature alumni sharing their heritage and multicultural experiences in “Go Everywhere” seminar presentations, music and theatre performances and class reunions. The public is invited to join the celebration for many of the events throughout the weekend.

Sadi Othman, a Palestinian American who previously served as an advisor to General David Petraeus in Iraq, will present the free seminar keynote address, “Cultural and Communication Bridges in Iraq Between U.S. and Iraqi Leaders,” at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. Othman will give the presentation with Hesston College international student recruiter Dave Osborne serving as interviewer and moderator. Othman is vice president of North America Western Asia Holdings, an investment firm in the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa. He was previously hired by the U.S. government to serve as a linguistic and cultural advisor for General Petraeus, and a senior advisor facilitating communication between Iraqi leadership and U.S. political and military leadership in Iraq.

Other “Go Everywhere” seminars will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26 at locations across campus. There is no fee to attend the seminars.

Seminar presenters include Ken G. Kabira, a management consultant who has served as a chief marketing officer for major entities including McDonald’s Japan, Lions Clubs International and the Chicago Transit Authority; Lisa Guedea Carreño, director of Elkhart (Ind.) Public Library who has cultural experiences leading study-service terms, making music in a wide variety of styles, hosting a weekly radio show and volunteering with local community service organizations; Gilberto Perez, Jr., senior director of intercultural development and education partnerships at Goshen (Ind.) College and author of the nationally recognized mental health “Bienvenido” curriculum; Jean Polynice, chief executive officer at CleMetric (Middleton, Wisc.), who has experience in data analytics, software engineering and economic research, management consulting and information technology; and Evie and Wally Shellenberger, authors of “Welcome to Iran! Christian Encounters with Shia Muslims,” stories from their four years living in Iran.

The stories of Mennonite women of color will be told in the drama production of “Heavenly Voices” at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, in the Hesston Mennonite Church Sanctuary on the Hesston College campus. The drama will feature a multicultural cast, including Hesston College alumni. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children and all students.

Hesston College sociology instructor and artist in residence and internationally acclaimed baritone Tony Brown will present his one-man show “I Go On Singing: Paul Robeson’s Life in His Words and Songs” at 8:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26 in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. The documentary and concert experience chronicles the life and work of Paul Robeson through Robeson’s own words and songs. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for children and all students.

Tickets for both shows can be purchased through the Hesston College Bookstore by calling 620-327-8105 or at the door.

The public is also invited to attend a Multicultural Family Festival at 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at the college’s Campus Activities Center. Festival activities include bounce houses and barrel train rides for children, a varsity volleyball match and an entertainment stage featuring alumni performers.

Entertainment stage performers include La Republica Rock Latino with alumnus Daniel Moya, local bluegrass group Jammin Biscuits with alumnus Tom Unruh, and a unique blend of current musical genres with AY MusiK by alumnus Aaron Young, who was a contestant on FOX’s X Factor and featured on MTV’s MADE.

The annual Alumni and Friends Banquet will be at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, in the Bontrager Student Center Dining Hall. An ethnic dinner will be served while international alumni will share their “everywhere experiences” and Dave and Sena Osborne are honored for their many years and ongoing work with international students. Cost for the banquet is $23 and includes admission to the “Heavenly Voices” drama. Reservations are required and can be made at hesston.edu.

The college will share in a joint worship service with alumni and the Hesston Mennonite Church congregation at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, at Hesston Mennonite Church on the Hesston College campus. The Hesston College Gospel Choir will perform several selections, and Gilberto Perez will bring the message.

College prepares for Opening Weekend 2014

Hesston College began welcoming students back to campus on Monday for the 2014-15 year, which will kick off with Opening Weekend Aug. 14 to 17.

Resident assistants arrived on campus Aug. 8 for training and a weekend retreat. Members of the volleyball and men’s and women’s cross country and soccer teams arrived Aug. 11, and members of Bel Canto Singers and aviation students and members of the Jump Start program arrived Aug. 13.

Registration for new and returning off-campus students begins Thursday, Aug. 14.

New and returning on-campus students will move into their dorm rooms, go through registration Aug. 15 and attend orientation sessions Aug. 16.

Opening Weekend activities include Opening Celebration at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at Hesston Mennonite Church. An ice cream social for the campus community and families will follow the service.

A parent breakfast will be at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, along with parent orientation sessions. The day’s festivities include a Performing Arts open house in Northlawn 109 from 11 a.m. to noon for students and parents wanting to learn what the music and theatre departments offer, a women’s soccer scrimmage at 5 p.m. on the Hesston College soccer field, a volleyball vs. alumni scrimmage at 6 p.m. in Yost Center and a men’s soccer intra-squad game at 7:30 p.m. on the Hesston College Soccer Field.

Sunday’s schedule features a 10:30 a.m. worship service with Hesston Mennonite Church focused on an education theme for the entire Hesston community with message by Hesston Mennonite Church pastor John Murray. Other Sunday activities include Freshmen Games, a picnic for the campus community at 6 p.m. and the annual Mod Olympics at 7 p.m. in Yost Center. The local community is invited to attend Mod Olympics.

Located 30 miles north of Wichita, Hesston College is the two-year liberal arts college of Mennonite Church USA.

Graduate overcomes barriers to reach goals

Immediate cheers and applause erupted as Simon Zehr received his Hesston College diploma, and not just because his name was the final one read during the May 11 Commencement ceremony. Zehr’s fist pump and beaming smile so familiar to the campus community, revealed his own joy as he walked off the stage with diploma in hand – an accomplishment he wasn’t always sure would happen.

In his two years as a Hesston College student, Zehr (Tiskilwa, Ill.) endeared himself to the entire campus community with his unceasing friendliness, positive attitude and genuine, caring personality. His accomplishments and pride in his work spurred celebration from all of his many friends and cheerleaders.

Zehr has Williams syndrome, a genetic condition characterized by medical issues, developmental delays, learning disabilities and a highly social personality. But none of his would-be roadblocks ever got in his way of achieving success at Hesston College.

“There were a lot of times I didn’t think I would graduate, but I had the help I needed at Hesston and I just took everything day by day,” Zehr said.

“Simon’s time at Hesston College has been tremendous,” said his father, Dennis Zehr. “The college had the staff, capabilities and willingness to welcome him and work with his particular needs. He worked really hard, but he also had so much help along the way and he knew where to find help when he needed it.”

Just like any other student with lower than average high school academics, Zehr entered Hesston College on a contractual agreement thanks to his admissions counselor Jeron Baker who strongly advocated for him to be accepted in spite of his obvious academic challenges. The contractual agreement required that Zehr meet certain academic standards each semester in order to continue his studies. He took the requirements seriously and continuously put in extra effort to meet his goals.

“All of my instructors encouraged me and pushed me to do well,” Zehr said. “I pushed myself as well because I was happy to be at Hesston.”

Weekly meetings with Deb Roth, director of Student Success, helped him plan and organize his schedule and even plan ahead. Baker, then serving as student life advisor, became another personal support person for Simon, working with him to establish a balance between organized academics and budding friendships.

Knowing Simon enjoyed hands-on work, early in his college career his father encouraged him to study in the college’s Disaster Management Program.

“I felt like Disaster Management would be a good track for Simon because it would allow him to do hands-on work and give him skills he can use in the future,” Dennis said.

Simon was among five graduates honored at the program’s May 10 recognition celebration. This summer, he and 10 other Disaster Management students will complete an eight-week field experience requirement working with Mennonite Disaster Service in High River, Alberta, Canada.

“I have learned a lot from Simon in the two years of having him in the disaster management program,” said program director and Zehr’s academic advisor Russ Gaeddert. “He is one of the most honest, transparent, friendly, caring individuals that I have met. He has worked hard to succeed at Hesston College and I am so proud of him for graduating.”

Zehr was also one of three students honored at the annual LarkFest Awards May 2, with the Service Leader Award for more than 60 service hours logged during the academic year. In fact, he led all students in service hours with 84 hours logged for the year.

“Disaster Management has been great for me because I learned a lot of new things and had experiences cleaning up and rebuilding, but also because service involves people and stories and those are two things I love,” said Zehr.

His love for people may be the most notable thing about Zehr. His outgoing personality, ability to have conversations with others and non-judgmental attitude quickly gained him dozens of friends who are just as loyal to him as he is to them. Zehr leaves Hesston College with his newly minted diploma having influenced an entire campus to take an honest look at their own priorities and attitudes toward life.

“Simon is friendly to everyone regardless of things like race, background, religion or anything else that may be a barrier for other people,” said Mitch Stutzman, Zehr’s former resident director. “He has the right priorities – faith, people and relationships – and he’s not afraid to be vocal about them. He genuinely cares about people and is a constant encouragement to those around him.”

Becoming one with the Bible through ink

Beads of sweat stream down his forehead. He wipes his eyes clean and clenches his hands into sweaty fists. He leans back in the chair as he takes a deep nervous breath. The needle meets pale white skin of his forearm as it penetrates it with dark black ink.

Hesston College class of 2014 graduate Nathanael Ressler recalls this experience of when he got his first and only tattoo: the timeline of the Heilsgeschichte, the chronological story of the people of God studied in the college’s Biblical Literature course.

“I got the tattoo because of the idea,” Ressler said. “The Heilsgeschichte and this timeline represent a story that we are a part of and for me, when I look at it, I am reminded that this is my story, this is my identity. I am connected to the Bible through it.”

Ressler’s spiritual journey starts in his hometown of Mount Vernon, Ill. Where he attended East Bend Mennonite Church; Ressler’s father, Jeff Ressler, was the pastor of the church.

“Having my father as the pastor of the church made for an interesting life.” Ressler said.

On the edge of his senior year, Ressler sought out colleges that fit what he wanted. He visited Eastern Mennonite University (Harrisonburg, Va.) and Goshen (Ind.) College along with others before eventually deciding on Hesston College.

“The other colleges were nice, but Hesston was everything I wanted in a college,” Ressler said.

Coming into his freshman year he considered two options for his major: communications and Bible.

“I’m an outgoing person with good writing skills and I love talking to people so that’s why I thought I fit into communications,” Ressler said. “But I felt being a Bible major was my calling more than anything.”

The Bible major route eventually led him into the Biblical Literature course, which he took with Bible and Ministry faculty Marion Bontrager.

“I am the son of a pastor, so I sort of thought I knew more than the average person, and I felt good going into the class,” Ressler said. “But the class really taught me more than I ever thought [it would] and it helped me grow and connect with God on a more spiritual level.”

After completing the course, Ressler was striving for more spiritual growth. His thirst for growth would be quenched, as he was one of the few people to be selected by campus Pastor Todd Lehman as a Ministry Assistant.

“He [Ressler] has a deep commitment to his faith and another key characteristic that he has is the ability to care for and listen to people,” Lehman said.

Ressler’s faith commitment ran deep in his veins, so much that he had an idea about furthering his connection with Hesston College, his faith and himself.

The idea was to get a tattoo, yet he struggled about what it should be.

“I strongly believe in getting tattoos that have some type of meaning,” Ressler said. “When I was deciding what to get I figured that the Heilsgeschichte was such a big part of my life, that it made sense to have it imbedded onto my skin.”

Ressler thought long and hard about whether to get the Heilsgeschichte permanently tattooed on his arm.

“Before I actually got the tattoo I drew it on my arm with permanent marker,” Ressler said. “After about three weeks of having it on my arm I came to the conclusion that I loved having it so that’s when I started to make plans for the tattoo.”

Finally, after extensive talks with his parents and some of his closest friends the date was set for Aug. 13, 2013.

“My parents really didn’t want me to get it because it would stay with me forever,” Ressler said. “But in the end they told me it was my choice and they respected my decision.

The Heilsgeschichte and Ressler are now one, and he doesn’t hesitate when asked about the story of his decision to get a tattoo.

“The tattoo is one of the greatest decisions I’ve made because it reflects who I am, and it’s a new way for me to talk about Jesus and the Bible.”

Nelson Kilmer Science Scholarship established in honor of longtime instructor

Longtime Hesston College science faculty and staff member Nelson Kilmer’s 46 years of dedicated service to the college is being honored with the establishment of the Nelson Kilmer Science Scholarship by his children Ron Kilmer (Glendale, Ariz.) and Krista (Kilmer) Nelson (Shawnee, Kan.) and their families. Kilmer retired from his service at Hesston College in May 2014.

Kilmer began his teaching career at Hesston Academy, the college’s high school, in 1963, and remained in that role until 1965 when he left to pursue graduate studies. He returned to again teach science and math courses at Hesston College in 1970. Aside from teaching, which he did for all 46 years of his service, Kilmer also served as associate academic dean for seven years and director of finance and chief financial officer for 19 years. Kilmer also served the college as a leader in academic assessment and analysis in recent years, and as chair of the science department and chair of the natural science division at various times.

“This scholarship is a testament to the work Nelson has done at Hesston College over the years,” said Dr. Sandra Zerger, academic dean and vice president of Academics. “He has been one of the more innovative faculty in terms of trying new pedagogy and using new technology in his classes. By analyzing institutional research, Nelson helped faculty corporately improve student learning, and he was also instrumental in adding new articulation agreements for students interested in engineering and engineering technology.”

Kilmer especially enjoyed teaching physics classes and had a particular interest in solar energy that he shared with his students every year. Students in his Physics II classes did hands-on projects with solar energy each year, including building a solar-powered golf cart, bicycles, solar cookers and solar power installations on private homes and the campus physics classroom.

The Nelson Kilmer Science Scholarship will be awarded to students who displays an aptitude and passion for pursuing a career in physics, engineering or the sciences.

To contribute to the Nelson Kilmer Science Scholarship, contact the Hesston College Development Office at 866-437-7866 or visit hesston.edu.

Graduates encouraged to carry values through life at commencement 2014

Graduates of Hesston College’s Class of 2014 were encouraged to take Hesston College values with them as they go everywhere during Commencement exercises May 11.

Commencement speakers Joyce Huber, nursing faculty, and Marelby Mosquera, natural science faculty, spoke on “Passport For Your Dream: From Here to Everywhere,” highlighting the values of Christian community, diverse cultures, caring and joy as important for graduates to carry with them in their life and professional journeys.

“Today as you graduate, take your passport, stamped with the Hesston College values you have experienced here – they will nurture your dreams as you go from here to everywhere,” said Huber.

Huber has served as a member of the nursing faculty since 1973, and Mosquera, a 2004 Hesston College graduate, completed her first year as part of the science faculty.

Together, they commissioned the graduates with a blessing from Phillipians 4:23 – “Receive and experience the amazing grace of the master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourself.”

Presenting the student address were Nathan Peters (North Liberty, Iowa) and Hannah Weaver (Inola, Okla.). Student speakers were nominated by faculty and staff and chosen by their classmates.

President Howard Keim conferred 158 degrees for the Class of 2014 – 60 associate of arts degrees, 14 associate of science degrees, 80 associate of applied arts and sciences degrees and four associate of general studies degrees.

Individual student groups were recognized in special ceremonies May 10. Longtime Mennonite Disaster Service volunteer and member of the bi-national MDS Board of Directors, Paul Unruh (Hesston), a 1958 Hesston Academy and 1960 Hesston College graduate, presented the message “The Power of Choice” at a recognition ceremony for five students completing the Disaster Management Program.

Marcy Renollet (Newton, Kan.), BSN, RN, CMSRN, a 1995 Hesston College graduate and risk manager at Via Christi Hospitals Wichita (Kan.), Inc., presented the message “This – or That?” at the nursing pinning ceremony recognizing 52 nursing graduates.

John Murray, lead pastor at Hesston Mennonite Church and a 1981 graduate, brought the message “The Heart That Sees God,” for two graduates at the pastoral ministries commissioning.

The Aviation department honored eight professional pilot graduates and seven air traffic control graduates during a reception. Ken Kropf, a Hesston College flight instructor, brought the message.

Hesston College natural science faculty member Marelby Mosquera (right) and nursing faculty member Joyce Huber (left) deliver a joint-address encouraging graduates to carry Hesston College values with them throughout life at commencement exercises May 11.