In the News

Art gallery features founder of traveling roadside attraction

Kansas artist Erika Nelson of Lucas is the featured artist in the Hesston College Regier Friesen Gallery with her show “Stories from the Road” Sept. 16 to Oct. 18.

“Stories from the Road” is a multimedia presentation of Nelson’s travels across the country, including a sketchbook project entitled “Travel with Me,” framed snapshots from a decade on the road and the popular Route 6 attraction Wigwam Village at Holbrook, Ariz., and a sideshow extravaganza banner for “The World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things.”

Nelson is the founder and curator of the traveling roadside attraction and museum The World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things. She is a consultant to cities wanting to create their own roadside attractions to increase tourism, marketing and economic development. Nelson’s art has been exhibited and is part of collections nationwide. She is also a national researcher, speaker and educator on grassroots arts environments, roadside attractions and the World’s Largest Things.

A reception and chance for the public to meet the artist and hear about her work will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 in the gallery.

The gallery, located in the Friesen Center for the Visual Arts on the Hesston College campus, is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Hesston College theatre to present popular courtroom drama

The Hesston College Theatre Department will present five performances of the fall drama “Twelve Angry Jurors,” directed by Laura Kraybill, Oct. 3 to 6 in the Northlawn Studio Theatre on the Hesston College campus.

“Twelve Angry Jurors,” by Reginald Rose and adapted by Sherman Sergel, tells the story of a jury considering the fate of a young man accused of murdering his father. Opening just as the jurors move to deliberation, eleven of the jurors agree on a guilty verdict, with only one not guilty.

Many of the jurors have reasons for discriminating against the defendant, including his race, background and one juror’s own troubled relationship with his son. Throughout the play, the lone juror with a verdict of not guilty sows reasonable doubt in the minds of the other jurors, illustrating the controversial and difficult elements of the judicial system and how personalities, backgrounds and life experiences drive a person’s views.

The drama is based on Roses’ 1954 teleplay “Twelve Angry Men” that aired on CBS. The play adaption, with a title change to “Twelve Angry Jurors” to allow for a gender-diverse cast, premiered on Broadway in 2004, winning a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play in 2005.

“This play is one of the most beautifully constructed play scripts I’ve encountered,” said Kraybill. “The writing and plot are tight and pack a punch. It’s a mid-twentieth-century classic, and we need to be exposed to the classics since they exhibit well-rendered traits of the time in which they were written and inform our social norms today.”

Despite the nearly 60 years separating the play’s setting and Hesston’s prodution, its message speaks to issues relevant today, Kraybill said.

The Hesston College production, featuring a cast of 12 students, challenges audience members on their own biases by making them feel part of the jury panel.

“The audience can expect to feel like they are part of the jury on the case, simply because of the seating arrangement,” said Kraybill. “Audience members will be seated on almost all sides of the stage and seats will be raised slightly higher than normal, giving the feeling of looking over the shoulders of the jurors in front of them. The entrance to the theatre will be through the jury door onstage, furthering the sense of the audience entering into the story.”

Show times are at 7 p.m. Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Oct. 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct 5 and 3 p.m. Oct. 6. The play has a run time of two hours including an intermission, and is rated PG for mature themes.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children 5 or older. Tickets can be purchased through the Hesston College Bookstore in person, by phone at 620-327-8105 or online at books.hesston.edu. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Tickets will also be available at the door 45 minutes prior to show time and are subject to availability.

Acclaimed journalist to present at Hesston College

Warren St. John, journalist, former New York Times reporter and author of Outcasts United: An American Town, A Refugee Team, and One Woman’s Quest to Make a Difference, will present on his research of the refugee experience and resettlement at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 19, at Hesston Mennonite Church. The event is free and open to the public.

“We are thrilled to welcome Warren St. John to our campus,” said Hesston College First-Year Experience co-director Marissa King. “Author visits are a wonderful way for students to connect the content of the text to the process and research that authors like St. John do every day.”

Outcasts United (Spiegel & Grau, 2009) illustrates the challenges and rewards of creating community in an atmosphere where people do not seem to have much in common through the true story of a refugee boys’ soccer team in a small Georgia town. The book has been published in seven countries and has been a common read at more than 40 colleges and universities as well as in city-wide programs.

Spearheaded by Hesston College’s First-Year Experience, the book is being used as the college’s common read for the 2013-14 academic year with the theme Extending Home: Stories of Migration and Transformation. It will guide classroom discussions and campus-wide events focused on how communities and individuals respond to displacement and resettlement.

“Extending home changes everyone,” said FYE co-director Karen Sheriff LeVan. “The concept of extending home harkens a relationship between long-time residents and new members that is inclusive and transformative, with mutual reciprocity intended. Yet as ‘Outcasts United’ depicts, such mutuality is rarely comfortable and is consistently challenging. It does not come quickly or easily.”

Aside from the New York Times, St. John has also written for The New York Observer, The New Yorker, Wired and Slate and is the author of Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer: A Journey into the Heart of Fan Mania (Broadway Books, 2004).

A reception and book signing will follow St. John’s presentation in the Hesston Mennonite Church Community Center with refreshment provided by The Lincoln Perk and Salted Creamery. Reception attendees will receive book signing order numbers upon arrival. Books will also be for sale at the reception.

Representatives from local refugee associations, Episcopal Wichita Area Refugee Ministry (EWARM) and the Wichita branch of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), will host information booths during the reception.

According to EWARM, international aid agencies estimate between 12 and 15 million refugees in the world today. Most are forced to flee from conflict or persecution in their home countries.

EWARM, which started in 2012, partners with faith-based and civic organizations and individuals to assist in refugee resettlement in the Wichita area. To date the organization has worked exclusively with Burmese refugees, a group which has been given a high priority for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees due to the large number – nearly 150,000 living in nine refugee camps, many for two decades – along the border between Burma and Thailand. In 2012, EWARM resettled 22 Burmese refugees, with hopes of resettling 35 to 40 in 2013.

The IRC, a national agency founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, provides food, shelter, and legal rights in early stages of resettlement for refugees from 40 countries. The Wichita location is one of 22 regional offices and assists about 150 refugees to Kansas every year.

Photo release - A week of service

Misaki Murakami ’15 (Osaka, Japan) fishes with Schowalter Villa resident Allen Bitikofer Ac38 at Lake Vista as part of Service Week.

Hesston College held a service week Sept. 3 to 7, giving students the opportunity to serve in various ways on campus and in the local community. Projects included spending time with elderly residents at neighboring Schowalter Villa and the Hesston Area Senior Center, painting and cleaning at the Harvey County Homeless Shelter in Newton, serving meals at the Lord’s Diner in Wichita and packaging books for the Ethiopia Reads project.

Nursing alumni to be featured at A Hesston College Homecoming

Hesston College will host Homecoming 2013: A View From Everywhere with an emphasis on nursing and holistic health Sept. 26 to 29.

All alumni and friends are invited to the weekend celebration. Registration for all weekend activities is $10 per adult until Sept. 2, and $15 per adult starting Sept. 3.

The weekend will feature nursing and healthcare alumni professionals in a Holistic Health symposium from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, presenting on current trends and practices in the healthcare field. All presentations are free and open to the public.

Lisa Harrelson, a 2009 Hesston College Nursing graduate, will kick off alumni presentations as she shares about her life and nursing career during an 11 a.m. chapel presentation Friday, Sept. 27 at Hesston Mennonite Church.

Gloria (Balzer) Solis, RN, MSN, MBA, a 1980 Hesston College graduate from the nursing program, will present the symposium keynote address, “The future of nursing: It’s in our hands,” at 1:30 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church. Solis is Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Mo.

Other presentation topics include prevention and cure of osteoporosis, end of life care, life lessons from birthing mothers, caring for wound/ostomy patients, travel nursing, caring for trauma patients, epidemiology in a public health practice setting, rewards and pitfalls of medical mission projects, being a model employee and substance abuse, addiction and treatment.

A special continuing nursing education seminar will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Local nurses may attend for two contact hours. Pam Beitlich, RN, MSN, ARNP of Sarasota, Fla., will present on “Passion and purpose in nursing.” Beitlich is a nationally known speaker with more than 30 years of experience in patient care, medical staff relations and nursing administration. The seminar is $15 and can be paid at the door without weekend registration. Participants registered for Homecoming Weekend may attend for no extra charge.

Hesston College Nursing alumni are invited to a networking session and continental breakfast from 8 to 9:15 a.m. prior to the seminar Sept. 28, at Hesston Mennonite Church, to connect with each other and former and current nursing faculty and staff.

A weekend highlight will be the show Laughter is Sacred Space by Ted & Company TheaterWorks, a comedy team led by veteran actor Ted Swartz (Harrisonburg, Va.) that uses humor and professional storytelling to talk about issues of faith and social justice, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28 at Hesston Mennonite Church. The show reveals the unique journey of working in theatre and church under the shadow of mental illness while offering hope and humor.

Laughter is Sacred Space will follow the annual Alumni and Friends Banquet featuring Sharay Lee, a 2012 Hesston College Nursing graduate as the presenter, a ticketed event that includes admission to the show. Tickets for the show for those not attending the banquet are $10 and can be purchased at the door or through the Hesston College Bookstore by calling 620-327-8105.

The Homecoming kickoff event will be the Hesston College Student Scholarship Golf Tournament Sept. 26 at Hesston Golf Park sponsored by Excel Industries, Inc. Proceeds from the tournament will support the Jim Boyts Scholarship Fund. The tournament’s registration and fee are separate from other Homecoming registration and fees. Information and registration can be found online.

Other weekend events include a Partner Appreciation Luncheon, a tailgate barbecue picnic and family festival, volleyball matches and men’s and women’s soccer games, class reunions for class years ending in 8 and 3, the annual Alumni and Friends banquet and a Sunday morning alumni worship service with Hesston Mennonite Church with former nursing faculty member Naomi (Kauffman) Lederach bringing the message.

Go to hesston.edu for a complete schedule and registration. Call Alumni and Church Relations with questions at 866-437-7866

Art faculty featured in gallery

Faculty and emeritus faculty members in the Hesston College art department are the featured artists in the college’s Regier Friesen Gallery through Sept. 6.

Faculty member Hanna Eastin, ceramics instructor, is presenting stoneware sculptures. Lois Misegadis, who teaches drawing, painting, photography and graphic design and is chair of the art department, is featuring her project entitled “Honor to These,” a mixed-media collection of portraits of American heroes.

Faculty emeritus Paul Friesen, who founded the college’s art department in 1957 and for whom the building and gallery are named, has several wood sculptures on display.

A reception and chance for the public to meet the artists and hear about the inspiration for their pieces will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 6 in the gallery.

The gallery, located in the Friesen Center for the Visual Arts, is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Hesston College announces new faculty and staff appointments for fall 2013

Hesston College announces the following faculty and staff appointments for the 2013-14 year.

New faculty appointments include:

• Kyle Albrecht, aviation flight instructor, is a graduate of Hesston College and earned a Certified Flight Instructor License from the aviation program.
• Myron Diener, men’s and women’s tennis coach, is a graduate of Hesston College and earned a B.A. in math education from Goshen (Ind.) College and a M.S. in statistics from Oklahoma State University (Stillwater).
• Kathryn Glanzer, English instructor, earned a B.A. in English from Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kan.) and a M.A. in English from Emporia (Kan.) State University.
• Heidi Hochstetler, student support services, Writing Fellows co-director, College Writing instructor, is a graduate of Hesston College. She earned a B.A. in English and language arts with an education endorsement, a M.A. in education with emphasis on curriculum and instruction and an English as a Second Language endorsement from Doane College (Crete, Neb.).
• Marelby Mosquera Jensen, science and English as a Second Language instructor, is a graduate of Hesston College. She earned a B.S. in biology and environmental science from Goshen (Ind.) College.
• Ethan Koerner, theatre lighting designer, earned a B.A. in theatre arts: scenic design and acting/directing from Dordt College (Sioux Center, Iowa) and a M.A. in theatre from Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, Ohio).
• Dr. Dan Muhwezi, sociology instructor, has a B.A. in political science and public administration from Makerere University (Kampala, Uganda) and a master of public administration and doctor of philosophy in sociology from Iowa State University (Ames).
• Travis Nickelson, nursing instructor, earned a B.S. in nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing-Saint Louis (Mo.), a master’s in nursing education from Liberty University (Lynchburg, Va.) and an adult/gerontological nurse practitioner certificate from the University of Kansas (Lawrence).
• David Rudy, aviation flight instructor, is a graduate of Hesston College and earned a Certified Flight Instructor License from the aviation program.
• Clay Stauffer, physical education department faculty and chair, is a graduate of Hesston College and earned a B.A. in physical education/health teaching with an emphasis in athletic training from Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kan.) and an M.S. in health and human performance from Fort Hays (Kan.) State University.
• Megan Tyner, theatre technical director, earned a B.A. in theatre performance and a M.A. in communication from Wichita (Kan.) State University.

New staff appointments include:

• Jessica Alexander, co-director of campus activities, Snack Shop and Larks Nest manager, earned a B.A. in broadcast journalism with an emphasis in advertising from Oklahoma State University (Stillwater)
• Becky Armstrong, director of international student services, is a graduate of Hesston College and is projected to complete a B.A. in early childhood education from Southwestern College (Winfield, Kan.) in May 2014.
• Suzanne Burch, aviation department administrative assistant, earned a B.A. from Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.).
• Donna Diener, library assistant, is a graduate of Goshen (Ind.) College.
• Sheri Esau, Advancement office assistant, is a graduate of Bethel College.
• Jeremy Ewy, campus facilities, is a graduate of Hesston College.
• Jan Gattis, bookstore clerk.
• Janis Hastings, assistant cook.
• Jasmine Martin, co-director of campus activities, is a graduate of Hesston College and earned a B.A. in social work with a minor in psychology from Eastern Mennonite University.
• Kaitlyn Mast, admissions counselor, is a graduate of the Hesston College nursing program.
• Brent McNeil, assistant baseball coach, earned an bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and sports’ studies from Eastern Illinois University (Charleston).
• Bethany Miller, admissions counselor, is a graduate of Hesston College and earned a B.A. in liberal arts from Eastern Mennonite University (Harrisonburg, Va.).
• Stacey Mumaw, assistant cook.
• Carlota Ponds, Alumni and Church Relations administrative assistant, earned a B.A. in third-world studies from University of California-San Diego.
• Brett Prothro, Dyck Arboretum of the Plains staff, earned a B.A. from Southwestern College (Winfield, Kan.).
• Zac Remboldt, graphic designer, earned a B.A. in graphic design from Tabor College (Hillsboro, Kan.).

Photo release - Hesston College welcomes students back to campus for fall 2013

Hesston College sociology instructor and artist in residence Tony Brown joins the Hesston College Bel Canto Singers, under the direction of Bradley Kauffman, for a song during the college’s Opening Celebration service Aug. 16.

Hesston College students arrived on campus for Opening Weekend of the 2013-14 year Aug. 16. Several events were part of the annual Opening Weekend schedule, including Opening Celebration, an ice cream social, parents’ breakfast and orientation, new student orientation, freshman games, volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer scrimmages, a campus-wide picnic and Mod Olympics. Friday night’s Opening Celebration service included several pieces by Bel Canto, a welcome from President Howard Keim and Vice President of Student Life Lamar Roth, reflections on the Hesston Experience from students and recent graduates and the college’s theme verse for the year, The Lord’s Prayer, prayed in five languages and American Sign Language.

Freshman Jason Schroeder of Anthony, Kan., eats a banana as quickly as possible to end a relay race during Hesston College’s annual Mod Olympics Aug. 18 while freshman Jeshurun Shuman of Middletown, Pa., looks on.

Hesston College prepares for Opening Weekend 2013

Hesston College began welcoming students back to campus on Monday for the 2013-14 year, which will kick off with Opening Weekend Aug. 15 to 18.

Resident assistants arrived on campus Aug. 8 for training and a weekend retreat while members of the volleyball and men’s and women’s cross country and soccer teams as well as Bel Canto Singers and aviation students and members of the Jump Start program arrived Aug. 12 for practices, orientation and to begin flight training.

Registration for new and returning off-campus students begins Thursday, Aug. 15.

New and returning on-campus students will move into their dorm rooms, go through registration Aug. 16 and attend orientation sessions Aug. 17.

Opening Weekend activities include Opening Celebration at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 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. 17, 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 with the message by Hesston College President Howard Keim focusing on the college’s theme verse for the year, The Lord’s Prayer. 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. on the soccer field. The local community is invited to attend Mod Olympics.