In the News

One Generous Donation Meets the Needs of Both Parties

Glenda (Shirk) ’83 Kauffman (second from left) with Hesston College engineering professor Sattar Ali and engineering students Tana Hayworth (Lincoln, Kan.) and Devin Miller (Hesston, Kan.)

A recent request for donations made by the Hesston College engineering department ended up blessing the donor as much as the college.

The engineering department at Hesston College made a request to the community for donations of electric wheelchairs or scooters to be used in student projects, and alumna Glenda (Shirk) ’83 Kauffman was one of the donors who answered the call. After the recent passing of her parents, Kauffman was unsure what she should do with her father’s scooter, but this request made it clear.

“It is really such a blessing,” admits Kauffman. “This is something that has been weighing on my mind for the past 18 months. I just couldn’t in good conscience junk it, but at the same time couldn’t find anyone who needed it or would take it!”

Kauffman attempted to donate the scooter to other causes, but due to liability constraints, the organizations could not accept it.

Program director Johann Reimer and the rest of the engineering department were overwhelmed with the responses they received, including Kauffman’s, and are grateful for how the Hesston College community supports one another.

“The Hesston College School of Engineering is so happy for the support we received from Glenda as well as others who made donations,” says Reimer. “This donation will allow our engineering students to do some hands-on work creating either a remote control lawn mower or some other kind of mobile robotic platform.”

Reimer says the scooter will be taken apart and various parts and components will be stripped off to be used in students’ finished designs as part of the Fundamentals of Mechatronics course, a sophomore-level design course.

New Student Headcount is Up for Fall 2023

Hesston College’s recent release of the 20th-day enrollment numbers shows new student headcount is up for the first time since before the pandemic.

While overall attendance dipped slightly to 308 from 325 last year, the report shows the total number of new students has increased to 151 from 144 in the fall of 2022. This is the first increase Hesston College has experienced since the 2019-20 academic year.

Grant Myers, vice president of enrollment management, is pleased with the uptick in numbers and credits a team effort for the positive shift.

“The enrollment team did a great job contacting students, building relationships and providing guidance through the admissions process,” Myers says. “It was truly a team effort with collaboration between multiple departments that allowed us to take this step in the right direction.”

The number of new students from Kansas rose 17 percent from 57 to 69 this fall while the number of out of state students rose 26 percent from 61 to 82. Hesston also saw an increase in the total number of enrolled students from Kansas reach 134 this fall compared to 122 last year. While the total number of international students did see a decrease from 59 to 50 students this year, Hesston’s retention rate is holding steady at 66 percent.

Steel Magnolias Performance Emphasizes the Importance of Strong Relationships

Hesston College Theatre will highlight the resilience of strong relationships in their fall play production of “Steel Magnolias” from Sept. 28 through Oct. 1. With lessons about patience, understanding and love, it is a show that audience members will find emotionally engaging. Please note: While this show is full of laughter and love, it deals with some heavier themes of illness, loss of a child, breakups and breakdowns which may not be appreciated or understood by younger audience members. Performances will be held in the Keim Center Black Box Theater at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Set in a Louisiana beauty shop, “Steel Magnolias” is the story of six wonderful women who share a fierce loyalty to one another through haircuts and hardships. This comedic drama focuses keenly on M’Lynn and the push/pull she has with Shelby, her headstrong, loving daughter. When their family experiences a tragedy, it’s the friendship of Truvy, Annelle, Clairee and Ouiser that helps M’Lynn embrace the hurt and move forward. An award-winning film, “Steel Magnolias” was first a play by Robert Harling, who wrote this as a remembrance of his sister. The show was adapted to film in 1989 with Harling as a cast member before the 2012 remake with an all African American cast which received critical acclaim.

“I think this show is a strong representation of how we begin relationships in our own lives, letting people see only a small portion.” said Director Rachel Jantzi. “It’s when that friendship deepens that most people feel comfortable enough to let others see their pain. ‘Steel Magnolias’ walks us through an evolution of friendship and trust in less than two hours.”

The cast includes Hesston College students Joy Jones, Alyssa Coonce, Hadassa Friesen, Emma Killingsworth, Desirae Rodriguez and Caroline Miller. The stage managers are Josh Fleming and Christian Ryan.

“This cast and crew of students have helped create a kind and supportive rehearsal environment,” said Jantzi. “The process from auditions to opening night has felt much quicker than past years which could be a stressful situation. Rather than grumbling, they are viewing the show as a way to build up their own relationships – which is helpful as it mirrors this sweet story of deepened friendships.”

Ticket prices are $5 for students and $10 for adults and seniors. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Hesston College Bookstore or by phone at 620-327-8105.

High school students are invited to a matinee performance during the annual Hesston College TheatreFest on Wednesday, September 27. This day-long event is structured to equip actors and tech crew members with skills necessary in the theatre industry, advance their abilities and have fun. Students will have an opportunity to audition and interview for a theatre scholarship after the performance.

College to Celebrate Campus Traditions at Homecoming

Hesston College is gearing up for its annual Homecoming Weekend September 21 to 24.

Homecoming Weekend 2023 will feature long-standing Hesston College programs and traditions and what they look like in 2023. The weekend’s activities will offer events and entertainment for alumni, supporters, the campus community and the wider community. Visit hesston.edu/homecoming for the full weekend schedule and registration form.

“We are excited to bring alumni and community together for a great weekend of homecoming at Hesston College,” says Jen Lehman, alumni coordinator. “It’s always a joy to see everyone gathering for the events. A lot of effort has gone into making sure there is something for everyone over the weekend.”

A highlight of the weekend will be an alumni and Bel Canto Singers choir in celebration of 40 years of Bel Canto Singers that will culminate in a concert on Saturday, September 23 at 3:30 p.m., in Hesston Mennonite Church. Alumni who would like to be part of the choir should register early so music can be distributed ahead of time.

Events kick off on Thursday, September 21, with a Cultures Fair in the Hesston Mennonite Church community center. The event is come-and-go from 6 to 9 p.m., and will feature students representing the 23 countries and U.S. territories from which they hail through music, dance and food samples.

On Friday, September 22, formation gathering at 11 a.m. will feature 2000 alumnus Jeremy Kempf leading a praise and worship time for the campus community and guests. The Golden Gables Luncheon for alumni celebrating 50 year or greater reunions will include a presentation on the History of Music at Hesston College by music faculty member Ken Rodgers. Registration for the Golden Gables Luncheon is required.

Friday afternoon presentations in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary include “New Faces Rooted in Tradition” at 2 p.m., featuring longtime and new faculty and staff members sharing how Hesston College traditions continue even as new employees join the community. At 3:30 p.m., Bible faculty members Michele Hershberger and Nick Ladd will present “Biblical Literature in a Modern World,” highlighting the impact of the Hesston College staple course on students in today’s world.

An international dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Bontrager Student Center will start the evening’s activities, with a menu featuring campus favorites tikka masala and options for the whole family. Payment will be accepted at the door. Other evening activities will be a Larks volleyball game at 6:30 p.m. in Yost Center and alumni softball game and intrasquad baseball game at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, September 23, activities will include class reunions, a disc golf tournament, Athletic Hall of Fame induction for several athletes, coaches and administrators, and more. In the evening, the annual Homecoming Family Festival will feature food trucks, kids activities and Lark soccer. The day will wrap up with campus worship led by Kempf at 10 p.m. in the Campus Activities Center.

The weekend will culminate on Sunday, September 24, with a 10:30 a.m. service at Hesston Mennonite Church and a softball doubleheader at Bess Mullet Field beginning at 1 p.m.

Aviation Program Adds New Aircraft to Fleet

Just in time for the start of the new academic year, Hesston College School of Aviation added another aircraft to its fleet.

The Piper PA-28-181 Archer II becomes the fourth in the program’s fleet and satisfies the program’s current demands while allowing consideration for future student enrollment expansion, according to Mike Baker, director of Hesston College School of Aviation.

“We purchased this plane so we can expand our scheduling options for our students,” says Baker. “Commonality is important when you are training future pilots. Everything within the aircraft we’ve purchased is almost identical to what we currently operate, so it allows for flexibility in scheduling while providing the students with a common platform.”

The plane was acquired through Tomahawk Aero Services, LLC, an aircraft broker who performed a national search for about two years to find an aircraft that best fit the program’s needs and criteria. It arrived turnkey – both resembling and operating like the rest of the fleet – with no need for avionics modifications or maintenance. This provides the college a significant savings in both dollars and aircraft downtime.

“Over the past five years, we’ve been working at keeping a consistent fleet that is safe and of high quality,” adds Hesston College President Dr. Joseph A. Manickam. “I appreciate Mike’s [Baker] attention to detail when meeting the criteria for the fleet and not compromising on those elements.”

The new Hesston College aviation aircraft was purchased in part through a gift from the Laban and Helen Peachey Endowment Fund. Laban Peachey served as president of Hesston College from 1968 to 1980 and was instrumental in launching the aviation program in 1970. Peachey passed away in April 2021, at which time the endowment fund for the aviation program was established in Laban and Helen Peachey’s name. Other donor gifts also contributed to the purchase of the new Archer.

“This plane met all the criteria we established when we began the search for an aircraft – the avionics platform, time on the airframe and time on the engine,” explains Baker. “With the maintenance that we provide our aircraft, this plane has the ability to provide flight training for students for many years to come.”

Hesston College aviation program offers both a four-year Bachelor of Science degree with a major in aviation-professional pilot and a two-year associate degree in aviation-professional pilot. The program also operates a two-year associate degree for air traffic control. Hesston College aviation is one of five FAA-approved flight schools in the state of Kansas and the only FAA-approved Collegiate Training Initiative program for air traffic control in the state.

“The purchase of this aircraft assures students that we are dedicated to managing their education and time effectively,” Baker says. “It displays that the college is continually investing in a program that is a staple and a distinctive for the institution.”

College Announces Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Class

Hesston College is thrilled to announce the inaugural class of the Hesston College Sports Hall of Fame. The 2023 inductees include administrators and coaches Evan Oswald, Liz Hunsberger and Gerry Sieber and athletes Abner Kisare, Beth (Yoder) Hostetler, Solomon Abebe, Brent Eichelberger and Lisa (Schmidt) Graber . The inaugural class will be inducted during Homecoming weekend, Saturday, September 23 at 11 a.m. in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. A meet and greet will follow in the Yost Center foyer at 2:30 p.m.

Evan Oswald ʼ48 – Known as the founding father of Hesston College athletics, Evan Oswald was instrumental in the implementation of varsity athletics at Hesston. After graduating from Hesston in 1948 and finishing his education at the University of Illinois, he returned in 1951 to begin building the program. In 1956, men’s basketball became the first varsity sport offered at Hesston, followed by baseball in 1958 and golf and tennis soon after, all of which were coached by Oswald. Oswald is best known as a baseball coach as he compiled three league championships in a 10-year stint. His 1969 team still holds the best season record at Hesston at 15-3. He also holds the best season record in basketball at 16-2. In total, Oswald coached for 20 years at Hesston, from 1951 to 1971. During this time, he also acted as the athletic director. To honor his legacy, Hesston College named the baseball field after Oswald in 1996.

Liz Hunsberger – A former faculty member of the Hesston College physical education department, Liz Hunsberger was instrumental to the introduction of women’s athletics to Hesston. She is best known for helping implement a varsity volleyball program at Hesston, but was also essential to the creation and success of the women’s basketball and softball programs. She became the first volleyball coach in school history in 1973 and the following year led Hesston to a 30-0 regular season record on their way to a third-place finish at the national tournament. Hunsberger coached the Larks volleyball team until 1976.

Gerry Sieber ʼ64 – Sieber coached at Hesston from 1968 to 1994, including basketball, cross country, track and field and most notably, men’s soccer. He acted as the men’s soccer head coach for 23 years tallying 247 wins, the most in program history, 10 region titles and eight coach of the year awards. He returned to Hesston College in 2009 to revive the cross country program. In 2015, Sieber was inducted into the NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame. Sieber retired following the 2017 cross country season. Hesston College named the soccer field after Sieber in 2018 to honor his legacy.

Abner Kisare ʼ74 – Kisare was a member of the most successful men’s soccer team in Hesston College history. He achieved NJCAA All-American status and ranks fourth in Lark soccer history in career points with 58 – 47 goals and 11 assists. After finishing his time at Hesston, Kisare attended Goshen (Ind.) College where he was a part of their national qualifying team in 1975 and was named an NAIA All-American. He also earned an honorable mention spot on the All-Midwest Soccer Team.

Beth (Yoder) Hostetler ʼ76 – Hostetler was a well rounded multi-sport athlete at Hesston College who competed in volleyball and track and field. She was a member of the 1974 volleyball team that capped a 30-0 regular season with a third-place finish at the national tournament and was named to the all-tournament team. She also achieved NJCAA All-American status in track and field, tying for second in the 100 meter hurdles and placing third in the long jump in 1976. She still holds school records in the 100-yard hurdles, 440-yard relay team, long jump and javelin. After her time at Hesston, Hostetler went on to play volleyball and run track at Division I Wichita (Kan.) State University.

Solomon Abebe ʼ78 – Abebe might just be the fastest athlete to ever walk on the Hesston College campus. He was a dominant member of the track and field team and he still owns part of four school records. He has the record in the mile (4:18.8), two mile (9:33.1) and three mile (15:08.2) races while also being part of the record-holding 4 x 880 yard relay team (8:20.4).

Brent Eichelberger ʼ85 – Eichelberger set the standard for men’s basketball at Hesston College as he still owns 12 school records nearly 40 years later. Some of his records include single season points per game (31) and rebounds per game (16.2), single season and career blocks (75, 133) and rebounds (420, 822), as well as field goals made in a game (19) and in a season (350).

Lisa (Schmidt) Graber ʼ97 – Graber was one of the most successful women’s basketball players to lace it up for Hesston College. She holds the school record for career blocks and held season and career scoring and career rebounding records but now sits in second on the season scoring (596) and career rebounding (542) lists and third on the career scoring list (1,041). She was a member of the 1997 team that qualified for the national tournament and set three tournament records putting up 36 points, 15 rebounds and shot nine-for-nine from the free throw line.

College to Celebrate Campus Traditions at Homecoming Weekend 2023

Hesston College is gearing up for its annual Homecoming Weekend September 21 to 24. Early bird registration for the weekend’s events with special discount pricing ends September 1.

Homecoming Weekend 2023 will feature long-standing Hesston College programs and traditions and what they look like in 2023. The weekend’s activities will offer events and entertainment for alumni, supporters, the campus community and the wider community. Visit hesston.edu/homecoming for the full weekend schedule and registration form.

“We are excited to bring alumni and community together for a great weekend of homecoming at Hesston College,” says Jen Lehman, alumni coordinator. “It’s always a joy to see everyone gathering for the events. A lot of effort has gone into making sure there is something for everyone over the weekend.”

A highlight of the weekend will be an alumni and Bel Canto Singers choir in celebration of 40 years of Bel Canto Singers that will culminate in a concert on Saturday, September 23 at 3:30 p.m., in Hesston Mennonite Church. Alumni who would like to be part of the choir should register early so music can be distributed ahead of time.

Events kick off on Thursday, September 21, with a Cultures Fair in the Hesston Mennonite Church community center. The event is come-and-go from 6 to 9 p.m., and will feature students representing the 23 countries and U.S. territories from which they hail through music, dance and food samples.

On Friday, September 22, formation gathering at 11 a.m. will feature 2000 alumnus Jeremy Kempf leading a praise and worship time for the campus community and guests. The Golden Gables Luncheon for alumni celebrating 50 year or greater reunions will include a presentation on the History of Music at Hesston College by music faculty member Ken Rodgers. Registration for the Golden Gables Luncheon is required.

Friday afternoon presentations in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary include “New Faces Rooted in Tradition” at 2 p.m., featuring longtime and new faculty and staff members sharing how Hesston College traditions continue even as new employees join the community. At 3:30 p.m., Bible faculty members Michele Hershberger and Nick Ladd will present “Biblical Literature in a Modern World,” highlighting the impact of the Hesston College staple course on students in today’s world.

An international dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Bontrager Student Center will start the evening’s activities, with a menu featuring campus favorites tikka masala and options for the whole family. Payment will be accepted at the door. Other evening activities will be a Larks volleyball game at 6:30 p.m. in Yost Center and alumni softball game and intrasquad baseball game at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, September 23, activities will include class reunions, a disc golf tournament, Athletic Hall of Fame induction for several athletes, coaches and administrators, and more. In the evening, the annual Homecoming Family Festival will feature food trucks, kids activities and Lark soccer. The day will wrap up with campus worship led by Kempf at 10 p.m. in the Campus Activities Center.

The weekend will culminate on Sunday, September 24, with a 10:30 a.m. service at Hesston Mennonite Church and a softball doubleheader at Bess Mullet Field beginning at 1 p.m.

A New Year, A New Lark

A new school year kicked off at Hesston College August 18 with the annual Opening Weekend celebration.

The college community of students, faculty and staff gathered in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary on Friday evening and were welcomed to campus by President Joseph Manickam, Vice President of Student Life Michael Smalley, Bel Canto Singers and theatre scholars.

Smalley introduced students to a common Hesston credo in the spirit of Ubuntu, a Swahili phrase which roughly translates to “I am because we are.” Smalley related this to his personal experience, “Transitioning into this new position has been scary for me,” he admitted, “but I realize I don’t have to be fearless, because I know that there are people who will help me along the way.”

“You belong here just as you are,” said Manickam as he addressed the community. “It’s not the buildings that make Hesston College – it’s us,” he added, “you, your roommate, your teammates, your classmates – that is Hesston College.”

Four returning students introduced the 2023-24 theme verse from Luke 4:18-19 by calling students to “proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” in different languages. These verses call us to “proclaim release to the captives” and “let the oppressed go free.” Manickam reflected on these calls to action and called upon the students to “create space within yourself.”

The festivities resumed throughout the weekend including student registration, student life and academic orientations, a community wide picnic at the Larks Nest and concluded with the annual Mod Olympics on Sunday, August 20. The Mod Olympics are a series of games where groups of students who live together on campus compete against each other while wearing themed costumes. This is a long standing tradition at Hesston College, but this year it began with a special treat.

Manickam addressed students as he introduced Hesston’s mascot, now a physical presence on campus. “Clark the Lark, accompanied by the HC Dance Team, took his first steps on the court in Yost Center as the crowd cheered. It was a historic moment for Hesston College and a great way to start a new school year.

Hesston College Welcomes New Members of Leadership Team

Hesston College Administrative Council, back row: Rachel Swartzendruber Miller, Joseph A. Manickam, Grant Myers. Front row: Caleb Loss, Michael Smalley, Ross Peterson-Veatch.

Hesston College welcomed three new vice presidents to its Administrative Council leadership team over the summer in the lead up to the 2023-24 year: Caleb Loss, Ross Peterson-Veatch and Michael Smalley.

“With this group, there is clearly a sense of renewed energy toward the future of the institution,” said President Joseph A. Manickam. “They come in with a freshness of ideas, and also hope for what they see here. All of our new members are joining us because they believe in the mission of this college and the sense of hope it brings for the world in which we are sending our students.”

Stepping into the role of vice president of finance and auxiliary services is Caleb Loss. He most recently served as associate vice president of finance and operations at Wichita (Kan.) State University’s NIAR (National Institute for Aviation Research) program. Previously, he served as the Procurement Agent for the Boeing 787 project at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita.

Loss brings direct experience with management and procedures that will serve him well in his role at Hesston College, including directing accounting procedures, contracts and proposals, human resources, program management, financial reporting and budget forecasting. He earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration from Wichita State University.

“The heart of the Hesston College community is evident in its vision,” says Loss. “The idea of leading business operations that support the college’s efforts to accomplish its vision through its everyday work is what brought me to Hesston. After just a few weeks, I am finding that the community is more like a family than just a group of co-workers. Because of that, I am excited for the opportunity to work together to find creative ways to accomplish the college’s vision.”

Dr. Ross Peterson-Veatch assumed the role of vice president of academics. Peterson-Veatch previously held several academic roles at other small, faith-based colleges. He served as academic dean and associate vice president for academics and student affairs at Goshen (Ind.) College, and vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college at Southwestern College (Winfield, Kan.).

The experience Peterson-Veatch brings to Hesston College includes forging dual degree program partnerships among higher education institutions, successfully leading assurance reviews with the Higher Learning Commission accrediting agency and partnering with faculty to develop effective academic systems. He earned a Ph.D. in folklore with a minor in Spanish from Indiana University (Bloomington), as well as a master’s degree from Indiana University and an undergraduate degree from Earlham College (Richmond, Ind.).

“I am excited to work at Hesston College, a college with tight focus on developing student leadership,” Peterson-Veatch says. “I believe that in addition to traditional academics, the most important thing we can provide for students is an education for leadership. Hesston has been demonstrating excellence in this area for decades and it is an honor for me to be able to be a part of it.”

Michael Smalley accepted the role of vice president of student life. No stranger to Hesston College, Smalley served in various roles at Hesston since 2011, most recently as women’s basketball head coach for the last three years. His other roles with the college included resident director, admissions counselor and interim dean of admissions.
With both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in social work from Wichita State University and experience in a mental health setting, Smalley brings to the role an awareness of working with students in a wholesome, trauma-informed manner. Smalley is also a graduate of Hesston College.

“I started as an employee of Hesston College 12 years ago because I felt a deep gratitude for how I was served by the college when I was a student here,” explains Smalley. “My commitment to students in my time here has been to serve them in a way they deserve so that they hopefully remember their college experience in a positive way like I do. I’m excited to jump deeper into the student experience and see where this year takes us.”

The newest leaders at Hesston College join President Manickam on the Administrative Council along with Dr. Rachel Swartzendruber Miller, vice president of advancement, and Grant Myers, vice president of enrollment management.