In the News

Prairie Lights at Dyck Arboretum Begins November 25

A winter tradition continues as Dyck Arboretum invites the community to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season and the quiet of winter with Prairie Lights. Formerly the Luminary Walk, Prairie Lights will once again feature a quiet winter walk along sidewalks sparkling with lights. Hot chocolate, s’mores by the campfire, festive displays and musical performances are all included in the price of one ticket.

Prairie Lights will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the evenings of Friday, November 25, through Sunday, November 27; and Friday, December 2, through Sunday, December 4.

Tickets are $5 per adult. Admission for children 12 and under is free. Tickets are available online (https://dyckarboretum.org/prairie-lights) or they can be purchased directly at Dyck Arboretum, 177 W Hickory, Hesston, KS 67062. Your ticket purchase and donations support the ongoing work of the arboretum, which seeks to cultivate transformative relationships between people and the land.

This year’s theme, “Welcoming Winter,” will showcase dioramas and performers reflecting cultures that have shaped and continue to contribute to our community – Native American, African American, Mexican American and Germanic/European. Visitors are invited to share in the rich cultural stories and traditions that are part of our local community, traditions that welcome the arrival of winter on the Kansas prairies.

Each evening, storytelling will occur on the south side of the Prairie Pavilion “snow globe” at 6:15, 7 and 7:45 p.m. Musical programming will occur on the west side of the Prairie Pavilion at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. Performers and storytellers will be inside the pavilion, with music projected outside through speakers. Visitors can watch performances from the covered patio.

Hesston Public Library and Newton Public Library will provide storytelling. The musical line up includes: Ken Rodgers on piano on November 25, Outside the Bachs with Joan Griffing and Les Nicholas on November 26, Wichita War Dancer on November 27, Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble on December 2, Azteca Dancers on December 3 and the Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts dancers on December 4.

Holiday gift items from local artists and vendors will be available for purchase in the Visitor and Education Center.

In addition, the local scout troop will serve hot beverages outdoors as a fundraiser and marshmallow roasting will be available at the fire pits. Although no live flame luminaries will line the path, tribute luminaries to memorialize a lost loved one will be available by donation near the Visitor Center.

This and all events at Dyck Arboretum are underwritten by our business partners, including AGCO Corporation; Adrian & Pankratz, Attorneys at Law; Golden Plains Credit Union; Kairos Consulting and Counseling, LLC, and Red Truck Painting.

Goodnight Moonshine Returns to Hesston November 13

Goodnight Moonshine will return to the Prairie Window Concert Series (PWCS) stage on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at 4 p.m. in Hesston, five years following their initial performance at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. The concert will take place in the Prairie Pavilion at the arboretum overlooking the lake.

Tickets are by reservation at http://dyckarboretum.org/arboretum-event/goodnight-moonshine-e/ or by calling 620-327-8127. Cost of tickets is $35 for adults and $25 for children, plus tax. Proceeds benefit the arboretum’s mission to cultivate transformative relationships between people and the land.

Goodnight Moonshine pairs the intimacy and immediacy of the 90s with the sonic explosion of the 60s. Molly Venter (Red Molly) is a viscerally potent singer, à la Fiona Apple and Tracy Chapman, whose songwriting is redemptive and playful. Consummate musician and producer Eben Pariser (Roosevelt Dime), is a devotee of Ray Charles, Wes Montgomery, The Beatles and The Band. Courageous unveiling and depth of experience make the collaboration between married couple Molly Venter and Eben Pariser addictively captivating.

Molly Venter’s voice bends from a sweet moan to a gritty shout and back into a playful run in the space of a few bars and “it all goes down like silk,” writes American Songwriter Magazine – “few singers turn first time listeners into eternal fanatics as effortlessly as Molly Venter.” The potency of her voice is surrounded and supported by a lush landscape of orchestration and improvisation created by Eben. The couple uses the creative process to explore a healthy authentic relationship. Both wholesome and irreverent, songs of grief and joy in equal measure; Molly gives smooth delivery to Eben’s energy while Eben gives form and focus to Molly’s passion.

This musical marriage encourages them to embrace opposing desires, to challenge and support each other through inspiration and dissolution, all while totally killing a live show.

Venter’s voice has caught the ear of industry giants and been prominently featured on FOX television, Apple Computers and in Warner Brothers films. Molly and Eben’s co-write “Willow Tree” was a #1 hit on the folk charts in 2014 and was featured in USA Today. Consummate performers, Molly and Eben have also appeared nationally and internationally, with their respective bands Red Molly and Roosevelt Dime.

In addition to high quality acoustic music, this concert will feature delicious savory and sweet food options for sale during intermission, with a menu provided by Crust & Crumb Company. The menu for November 13 will include: autumn squash soup in a bread bowl, chili in a bread bowl, dulce de leche morning buns and chocolate eclairs.

Hesston College Celebrates Two New Emeritus Faculty Who Served a Combined 74 Years

On October 24 Hesston College celebrated two new emeritus faculty members. With over 74 years between them, Vickie Andres, business professor, and Margaret Wiebe, library director, were honored for their years of dedication and commitment to the college and students.

Vickie Andres served in the business department for 33 years as professor, mentor and business advocate. Through her years at the college Vickie ushered in relationships with local businesses that brought internships, jobs and financial support. Her vision for a future business program was the beginning of the School of Management Hesston College has today. “Vickie helped to put together the entire program,” said VP of Academics Dr. Carren Moham. “A lot of it would not have happened if it hadn’t been for Vickie’s input.”

Heidi Hochstetler, Intensive English Language Program and education professor, spoke about her experience with Andres. “Vickie is like an aspen grove,” said Hochstetler, “on the surface they look like individual trees, but once you look below the surface, all of the roots are interconnected.”

The current home of Mary Miller Library at Hesston College is the result of the work and vision of Margaret Wiebe. Beginning her career at the college in 1981, Wiebe brought forth the remodel and renovation of the campus library that has served generations of students as well as the community.

In the span of 40 years, the way information is delivered has seen extensive change. Wiebe navigated these changes and was able to deliver new methods of data as they were available. “The library at the beginning of her career and today is a really different place,” said chemistry professor Will Wiebe-Friesen, “and we can thank her flexibility, creativity and adapting to those changes for the many resources we all have available to us now.”

Emeritus status is granted to selected faculty who have served the college for 15 or more years and have retired. By being granted this honor, Andres and Wiebe will be given the rights and privileges of current faculty. They were each presented with a plaque honoring their service and this day of celebration.

Hesston College Economic Impact Estimated to Be $26.5 Million

Kansas Independent College Association (KICA) released the results of a study that estimates the impact of Hesston College on the statewide economy to be $26.5 million and 208 jobs.

The study was conducted by Parker Philips, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis. Nichole Parker, a principal partner at Parker Philips, said, “Economic impact is an objective way to measure the significance of an organization in the regional economy, and Hesston College clearly is a major contributor to the regional economy.”

“We at Hesston College seek to contribute to our community, region, state and truly the world in many ways but most importantly through the lives of our students and alumni and their work to improve the world for those around them,” said Hesston College President Dr. Joseph Manickam. “It is an honor to see that our efforts also contribute in very real ways to the strength of our local and state economy.”

In the analysis, the study considered the direct spending on operations, pay, benefits and capital projects by Hesston College and the estimated increase in demand for goods and services in industry sectors that supply or support the college. The study also measured the effect of student spending and the induced effect of increased household income.

According to the study, a key result of this activity is that Hesston College supports and sustains 208 jobs including direct employment by the college as well as indirect and induced jobs in the community. These indirect roles include jobs supported through contracted operations, student and visitor spending. Some examples might include positions at daycares, restaurants, banks and retail establishments.

“Each year, Hesston College brings an influx of individuals into the community through their student population, faculty members, parents and family members visiting the campus and athletic teams traveling to the community,” said Megan Smith, executive director of the Hesston Chamber of Commerce. “Alumni and visitors may stay overnight while visiting the campus, grab lunch or fuel while they are in town or visit one of our retail shops. In these ways and more, Hesston College is a significant contributor to economic activity in Hesston.”

The study further estimated the value of the increase in economic activity due to Kansas-based alumni. The more than 600 Hesston College alumni living in Kansas generate an annual economic impact of $7.1 million, support and sustain 44 jobs and contribute $439,970 in state and local taxes each year. These numbers are based on the added value of earning a degree or credential from Hesston College, not alumni full wages.

In addition to its U.S. students and alumni, Hesston College international students make an economic impact as well. According to the National Association of International Educators (NAFSA), Hesston College international students contributed $2 million, creating 9 jobs in the 2020-21 academic year. This puts Hesston College in twelfth place among colleges and universities in the state of Kansas.

“While economic impact is not our goal in seeking international students,” said Director of International Admissions John Murray, “to see such a significant contribution to our broader community in comparison to other colleges and universities in the state of Kansas is an amazing affirmation of the international student program at Hesston College.”

According to the KICA report, statewide, all private, nonprofit colleges and universities, including all 20 members, plus the spending of its faculty, staff and students, had a total statewide economic impact of $1.1 billion. This activity generated an estimated 8,271 jobs in the state.

The economic impact report for Hesston College is available at hesston.edu/economicimpact.

Humbird to Perform October 30 at Dyck Arboretum

On Sunday, October 30, 2022, at 4 p.m. in Hesston, Humbird will perform for the first time at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains as the second installment of the Prairie Window Concert Series (PWCS) 2022-23 season. The concert will take place in the Prairie Pavilion at the arboretum overlooking the lake.

Tickets are by online reservation or by calling 620-327-8127. Cost of tickets is $25 for adults and $15 for children, plus tax. Proceeds benefit the arboretum’s mission to cultivate transformative relationships between people and the land.

Inspired by the crystalline chill of the north country she calls home in Minnesota, Humbird combines a wintry longing with the warmth of a familiar folktale. Humbird’s music moves between experimental folk and environmental Americana to embrace the unexpected. The music invites a refreshing dissonance into the house. It leaves bread crumbs along the path and reflects light back at the stars.

Siri Undlin witnessed the power of storytelling in her childhood home and began writing music and performing in church choirs and in Irish ensembles from a young age. Her voice, which contains the unwavering fortitude of hymnal melodies, reveals her traditional background.

In 2019, Humbird released the critically acclaimed, debut full-length, Pharmakon, which introduced us to Humbird’s songcraft and harmonic folk style. With Folk Alley calling the album “… an absolutely hypnotic listening experience.” Atwood Magazine described it as music wrapped in “gentle rebellion”. The release garnered millions of online streams and a wide range of accolades, including 89.3FM The Current’s “Best Local Albums Of The Year”, one of City Page’s “Picked To Click” Awards, “Best Minnesota Albums” from the Star Tribune and as an official showcasing artist at SXSW in Austin.

Most recently, the material on Humbird’s sophomore record Still Life (October 2021) has already received enthusiastic praise from within the folk world – awarded as one of Kerrville Folk Fest’s New Folk winners for 2021.

In addition to high quality acoustic music, this concert will feature delicious savory and sweet food options for sale during intermission, with a menu provided by Crust & Crumb Company. The menu for October 30 will include: turkey banh mi, mushroom and butternut squash danish, tebirkes (Danish poppy seed roll) and apple hand pies.

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains is a 29-acre public garden and arboretum located in Hesston, Kansas, and operates under the auspices of Hesston College. Its mission is to cultivate transformative relationships between people and the land.

Sunflower Performing Arts 2022-23 Season Continues With a Concert by Ensemble 4.1

Sunflower Performing Arts will continue their 2022-23 season with a performance by ensemble 4.1 on October 25 at 7 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church.

Ensemble 4.1 is made up of four wind soloists and one pianist originating from German orchestras. Together, they form a “piano windtet,” the only chamber group of its type in the world. The concert will include pieces from the Romantic and Modern periods that reflect the group’s commitment to playing lesser-known compositions, but will also include an arrangement of George Gershwin’s An American in Paris.

“I am excited to hear works by composers who are new to me, and the Gershwin piece with its jazz-influence placed between them will be an interesting counterpoint,” notes SPA director Holly Swartzendruber.

Ensemble 4.1 originated in Munich, Germany, at the Goethe Institute and has performed world-wide over the past nine years. “Since its inception in 2013, ensemble 4.1 has already crisscrossed the globe and performed recitals in China, Pakistan, Austria, Germany, Algeria, Canada and the USA,”according to Marianne Schmocker of Artists International.

“Their exceptional communicative power and intoxicating on-stage presence are repeatedly praised by critics,” said Schmocker. This will be a family friendly event offering an international experience.

Currently masks are optional, but as the series complies with the masking policies of both Hesston College and Hesston Mennonite Church, audience members should be prepared to wear a mask if required.

Tickets are available at the door, or may be purchased at the Hesston College Bookstore. For more information, call 620-327-8158.

College will Host Engineering Day on Saturday, October 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hesston College will host Engineering Day on Saturday, October 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Future engineers are invited to spend the day at Hesston College to learn more about engineering through onsite exploration, open discussion and a demonstration of the Hesston College student designed ping-pong shooter. Prospective students will also have the opportunity to earn scholarships.

Hesston College is now home to a bachelor of science degree in mechatronics engineering. This event will give students considering this fast growing and in demand field a day to gather information and participate in a number of planned activities.

The day’s events will be interactive and provide opportunities for participants to gain a glimpse into their potential future at Hesston College and into a career in engineering. Student projects will be demonstrated throughout the day. “It’s going to be a fun day,” said Johann Reimer, director of engineering education. “The students attending will get a chance to see our program in action.”

Attendees will hear directly from Reimer in a presentation about the program and what they can look forward to as students. “Our students are able to join our robotics club in addition to their classes,” said Reimer. “The ideas that develop out of that group are inspiring, and we are excited to share some of those projects this weekend.”

Students will also have the opportunity to speak one on one with engineering professors as well as listen and ask questions at a panel discussion. A campus tour and lunch will also be included.

Every student who registers and attends will be eligible to receive a $500 scholarship if accepted into Hesston’s baccalaureate engineering program. There will also be a drawing to win $2,000 and $1,000 scholarship prizes.

Students considering a career in the field of engineering and mechatronics are encouraged to register and attend this free event.

College Hosts Ceremony for International Hispanic Graduates of Anabaptist Ministry

Hesston College hosted graduation ceremonies for graduates of the Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (IBA) and Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH) September 2 through 4. Both of these programs offer Hispanic students a chance to pursue further education in pastoral ministry and Biblical education.

Students in both of these programs represent countries from across the globe. Classes are delivered online and are designed to reach Spanish speaking students from a vast expanse of countries and cultures.

The class of ’22 was welcomed to campus for more than just a meeting space, but a home base for future ceremonies. “We opened our doors to these students when other places did not,” said Michele Hershberger, Bible professor at Hesston College. “This includes working in partnership with the SeBAH students to give Hesston College credit for their classwork.”

An annual training was also held during the three day event, Hershberger led the teaching with her presentation entitled “Understanding the Bible as a Connecting Story.”

The graduation event was emceed by Marco Güete, director of Mennonite Education Agency’s Hispanic Ministries programs. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Joseph Manickam, president of Hesston College. Dr. David Boshart, president of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, assisted in other parts of the service.

Students were bestowed with stoles made specifically for them to represent their achievement and their path forward. Graduates were also anointed by Hershberger both in person and via Zoom. “These students are from all over the world,” said Hershberger. “Being able to bring this special blessing, this moment to them exactly where they were was so special.”

Eleven students originating from the United States and outside the country graduated from one of the two programs being represented. Despite a nationwide decline in ministerial students, both IBA and SeBAH are thriving programs. Hesston College plans to continue to host both training sessions and graduation ceremonies and support these programs in the future.

College Offers a Taste of Global Flavor to the Community at Annual Cultures Fair

Hesston College will host its annual Cultures Fair from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 4, in the Hesston Mennonite Church community center. Students representing 18 plus countries will prepare food, give presentations about their countries of origin and offer performances reflecting their global roots.

This event gives the broader community an opportunity to sample the global flavor represented by the countries on campus. With students from Myanmar to Albania to the Dominican Republic, the Hesston College student body embodies robust diversity. “It’s incredibly rare to have so many different cultures in one place where we can speak deeply to others about their way of life and what they’ve learned from coming to Kansas,” said Gretchen Gier, international student support coordinator.

The Cultures Fair is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of cultures that are interwoven into the Hesston College experience. For the fall 2022 semester, international students represent 18 percent of the total student population at Hesston.

This event is free and open to everyone. “I am most looking forward to the community of Hesston getting to meet the new students who arrived in August,” said Gier. “We get to learn from one another, share ideas, and see the beauty in another’s lifestyle. It’s very special.”