In the News

Official numbers show increased enrollment for fall 2011

Official Hesston College enrollment numbers released by the registrar’s office reflect positive growth from one year ago.

The college reports a total enrollment of 468 students compared to 448 last fall, including 249 new students. The number of students living on campus has also increased from 329 a year ago to 344 for the current year.

Hesston students represent 27 states and 14 countries and 30 international students contribute to total enrollment.

Vice President of Student Life Lamar Roth notes that strong retention numbers are a major contributing factor to the positive enrollment.

“Academics and Student Life have been working together the past several years to increase retention,” said Roth. “We have become better at identifying student needs, addressing student issues and giving support.”

Vice President of Academics Dr. Sandra Zerger acknowledges a positive climate on campus due to significant campus achievements during the past year and the addition of academic programs may have helped improve the retention rate.

During the 2010-11 year, the college was named the number 2 two-year college in the country by “Washington Monthly” magazine and hosted successful accreditation visits from the Higher Learning Commission and for the nursing program. The college also established new programs to enhance the student experience.

“We have been working hard to enhance our advising program under the direction of faculty member Deb Roth, and implemented a FirstYear Experience course under the leadership of Dr. Karen Sheriff LeVan,” said Zerger. “Both of these efforts have received positive feedback from our students.”

The redesigned advising program requires first-year students to meet with their academic advisors weekly during the first eight weeks of the year. The First Year Experience course introduces students to the college, the community and the resources available to them by exploring global issues and perspectives through large- and small-group presentations, activities and discussions.

“It’s important to provide students with a safe place to grow their confidence,” said Roth. “Keeping them connected across campus and being in touch with them regularly about their academic efforts helps them discover ways to be successful.”

Hesston College to work for hunger relief

A year ago, the Hesston College community partnered with Numana, Inc., for the organization’s first State-Wide Packaging Event (SWIPE), to work toward alleviating world hunger. The event was a success for Numana and for Hesston College.

Numana is an international hunger relief organization based in El Dorado, Kan., that facilitates volunteer food-packaging events throughout the country and sends the meals world-wide to areas where famine and hunger are greatest.

Last year about 470 students, faculty, staff and community volunteers packaged 51,296 meals and raised the money necessary to cover the preparation and shipping costs.

The college will sponsor their second SWIPE event on-campus from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Oct. 20, in the Hesston College Campus Activities Center. About 400 student, faculty, staff and community volunteers are needed to package the meals in shifts from 9:30 to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m.

“Helping with the Numana project last year made me so thankful for what I have, especially food, because many people don’t know when or where their next meal will come from,” said sophomore Kayla Stevenson of Meade, Kan.

The college is also working to raise $11,500 to purchase, prepare and ship the food packets to their final destination in the horn of Africa.

To donate to the project, send donations to Hesston College, Attn: Russ Gaeddert, Box 3000, Hesston, KS, 67062. Checks should be made payable to Numana with “Hesston College project” in the memo line. Donations can also be made online through numanainc.com under “Upcoming Events,” and donating to the Hesston College event.

Each meal packet feeds six people and consists of rice, soy protein, pinto beans and 21 vitamins and minerals. The college’s goal is to package 8,333 meals, which will feed 50,000 people.

To volunteer to help package meals, contact Russ Gaeddert at 620-327-8294 or email russg@hesston.edu.

“The Numana event helps bring the community together, and I hope it makes people realize not to take what they have for granted,” said Stevenson.

Mennonite Economic Development Associates leader to speak in Hesston

College business students may not realize it, but they are learning valuable lessons and skills that can have global implications for alleviating poverty around the world. Helen Loftin, Mennonite Economic Development Associate’s (MEDA) director of women’s economic development, is visiting three south-central Kansas college campuses to share an MBA’s perspective on international development.

MEDA is a not-for-profit organization founded more than 50 years ago by Mennonite entrepreneurs. MEDA creates business solutions to poverty for people in the poorest regions of the world without regard to race, gender or religion.

“College students are often learning about business as it is conducted in Western corporate settings,” says Loftin. “But these same foundations can be applied in developing countries. It’s still business principles, but with adjustments for working in countries that rarely have adequate governance, infrastructure or even basic human rights.

“You have to get creative, get back to basics – Business 101. It’s business at its best, in the purest sense. Market principles can be applied in these communities, too – I believe it is the best way to lift people out of poverty. I’ve heard poverty defined as a lack of choices and opportunities, and I’d add gaps in equality – particularly among women. Business basics have the ability to overcome some of these challenges and hurdles and though market development may not solve all the problems, it nonetheless equips people with currency to participate in the solution.

Sometimes Loftin is asked if MEDA’s work is really helping, and she is quick to illustrate the approach’s effectiveness. “I talk about the Afghan women in our Through the Garden Gate project, which recently ended. These women were some of the most marginalized in society – but through this work even the most disadvantaged of them are earning $50 a year through the sale of the produce they grow. Many of them make much more than that and some of the farmers have become full-fledged traders and are earning thousands per year. $50 may sound paltry to our Western ears, but that money goes so much further there – and does so much more in addition to what it can buy. What it yields is quite remarkable and inspiring. And these families now have better produce available for their own consumption in addition to the sale of surplus yields.

“I very much look forward to meeting the business students at Hesston, Tabor and Bethel colleges in hopes of sparking a dialogue with them about the relevancy of their lessons to fighting global poverty.”

Loftin’s work has included developing business plans, writing and launching programs for women’s enterprises in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Bangladesh. She addresses the myriad business challenges faced by marginalized women and facilitates their participation in commerce.

Referencing her work in south-central Asia over the past several years, Loftin will share a uniquely personal perspective about a region of the world that few will ever see and challenges otherwise unknown to us when she presents “She Works Wonders … Stories of Women Entrepreneurs in Afghanistan and Pakistan” at MEDA’s chapter meeting in Hesston at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27.

— by MEDA staff

Restoring community

In 1983 Ron Moyo’s community was torn apart.

A civil war following independence from Great Britain in 1979 left many people in Moyo’s home country of Zimbabwe fleeing for safer environments. Moyo, who was a teenager, was left to live alone, wondering daily if he would live to see the next day.

“One day I found a small piece torn from a Gideon’s Bible,” recalled Moyo. “It was from Psalms 61 – ‘Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I’ (NIV). I prayed, ‘God, if you save my life, I will work for you.’”

Now, in his final year of Hesston College’s two-year Pastoral Ministries Program, Moyo finds the power of community is helping him fulfill the promise he prayed almost three decades earlier.

In 2006 Moyo unknowingly took the first steps that would lead him to Hesston College.

Political unrest in Zimbabwe was still a daily concern. The government was destroying the homes of poor people, leaving many displaced. Moyo was working as youth director at a church and serving as the chairman for an interdenominational organization helping those affected by their government’s actions.

As the political situation worsened, Moyo left Zimbabwe for the United States where he met requirements for political asylum. His family – wife Sue, son Lincoln and daughter Linda – joined him in 2009.

While still in Zimbabwe, Moyo had met Fremont and Sara Regier who worked with Mennonite Central Committee. The Regier’s had returned to the states as Fremont battled an illness. After he passed away, Sara asked Moyo to bring the funeral meditation.

“I didn’t think I would be able to bring a good message,” said Moyo. “I tried to find a way to say no. I told her I couldn’t get off work.”

But the week of the funeral, Moyo broke his arm in a bicycle accident which gave him a few days off of work. He agreed to speak at the funeral.

He was later working for a security company at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (Ga.) International Airport when he again received a phone call from Sara. She told him about Hesston College’s Pastoral Ministries Program and encouraged him to go.

“I was humbled that she thought of me, and I was reminded of the promise I made when I asked God to save my life,” said Moyo. “Coming to Hesston felt like the right thing to do.”

It did not take Moyo long to find a home in the Hesston College community as he interacted with traditional students and his non-traditional peers in the Pastoral Ministries program. The diversity and variety of life experiences among the student population allows each person to learn from another.

“Ron brings a depth of life experience to the Pastoral Ministries program and to the Hesston College community,” said Tim Lichti, director of the Pastoral Ministries program. “Students across the age spectrum benefit from hearing about his life experiences, not only from a cross cultural standpoint but because of the maturity of his convictions as well.”

Moyo fully embraces each interaction he has on campus, viewing each experience as an opportunity to expand his community.

“We have a saying in my culture – ‘I am because we are,’” said Moyo. “It addresses the value of other people, of being communal and relating with one another. I see this saying in my entire life journey. If I hadn’t related with people when I had, I wouldn’t be at Hesston College. There is so much we miss living in our own secluded world.”

It doesn’t matter that some of his instructors are younger than him or that most of the students in his general education classes are young enough to be his children, Moyo is using his time at Hesston to enhance his spirit of service and foster the gift of ministry the MCC worker recognized in him.

“I am learning a lot from the people here,” Moyo said. “I am grateful that I am respected and accepted by the students and professors. Belonging to a community means you not only learn but are expected to give in order to build up the community.”

The Pastoral Ministries program was launched at Hesston College in the fall of 1985 as a way for non-traditional students to receive formal training in congregational leadership. The program has trained 135 graduates in its 26 years, and while not all students go on to serve in pastoral roles, the program allows them to discern their call to ministry.

“This program is designed for non-traditional students who do not see four years of undergraduate studies and three years of seminary as a viable option for responding to their call to ministry,” said Lichti. “Students can discern their calling here. For some it is service in pastoral leadership within the church; others end up in chaplaincy or a social work role. This program exists as a vehicle for putting the sense of call into practice.”

Moyo will graduate from the program and from Hesston College in May, and while he has no solid plans yet for his future, Lichti says his options are far from limited.

“Ron has tremendous potential to provide sustained leadership to the church or wider society,” said Lichti. “His vision and gifts transcend cultural boundaries. Ron came to Hesston already knowing his calling. The program is helping him sharpen his ministry skills.”

Ultimately, Moyo hopes to carry the knowledge he has gained back to his hurting country. He acknowledges that because of his political asylum he may not be able to help Zimbabwe directly – at least until he receives word that it is safe to return. Until then, he will equip others with his passion for people and community.

“Hesston has empowered me and instilled me with confidence. I want to take these lessons and use my passion to empower others.”

Family and faith transcend generations of runners

Kenny Graber, Stryker, Ohio, and Jacob Landis, Sterling, Ill., are two of the top men’s cross country runners at Hesston College. A generation ago, their fathers also ran on the Hesston campus. Collectively, their competitiveness, ties to family and faith and support of a small liberal arts college in the heart of Kansas has lead to four similar stories.

Seeds of this story were first planted when Joe Graber and Keith Landis, fathers of Kenny and Jacob, met during Joe’s visits to his grandmother’s home in Sterling, Ill., in the 1970s. They both decided to attend Hesston from 1981-83. Decades later, it has been gratifying for each of them to watch a similar story unfold for their sons.

“As parents, we hoped Kenny would attend Hesston,” said Joe Graber, whose wife Karen also attended Hesston. “When Hesston reintroduced the cross country program last year we thought it was an answer to prayers. To have Kenny run with the son of a former classmate who I ran with is truly a joy.”

“Jacob heard about Hesston from both his parents (Jacob’s mother, Lois, is also a Hesston graduate) and his aunts, all who were Hesston graduates,” Keith Landis said. “He enjoyed the stories we’d tell and picked up on the connections we maintained with our own Hesston friends. When we talk about college in our family, a response might be ‘You mean there are other colleges?’”

Although Hesston didn’t field a varsity cross country program when the elder Graber and Landis attended, they did offer a running club, of which both were involved. It’s apparent now that the fathers’ time at Hesston influenced their sons’ college decisions.

“I would say that the family ties definitely provided some motivation for me to attend Hesston and run here,” said Jacob Landis, who is a freshman. “I guess it felt like taking over the family business in a way. There is a feeling of nostalgia and pride when you follow in your parents’ footsteps and support something they supported. I’ve wanted to come to Hesston ever since I was little. I grew up with my parents and their friends’ stories about Hesston and all the fun they had, and it only made sense for me to come and make my own stories.”

“I think it’s cool that I get to compete at the college level at a place that meant so much to my parents,” said Kenny Graber – a sophomore runner for the Larks who as a freshman qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association national meet in Spartanburg, S.C. “The motivation to compete is something that I got from my dad. It’s the will to be part of a team and the will to want to always improve.”

Aside from competing with the cross country team, Graber and Landis have found other interests on campus. It turns out running isn’t the only thing that the teammates have in common. Both list an interest in music and an opportunity to explore and grow their faith as key components of their time at Hesston College.

“Hanging out with the guys in the mod, playing intramural sports, participating in the choir and Monday night hymn sings in the racquetball courts are generally what keep me busy when I’m not studying or running,” Graber said.”

“I was thrilled when I found out that there are hymn sings every Monday night,” Landis said. “One of the things I love about Hesston that you won’t find at every college is that it helps students grow spiritually as well as academically and socially. I just don’t think there are many schools out there that are as intentional as Hesston about developing the whole person.”

Looking back a few decades, their fathers have a similar story to tell.

“Choir tours were amazing and music has been a big part of my life ever since Hesston,” Joe Graber said. “But what I valued most about Hesston was that, as a student body, our one common goal was to serve God wherever our profession took us. We had people who came from all over the world to have this experience. I don’t think you can say that about other colleges.”

“The friendships I built at Hesston were life-long,” Keith Landis said. “Discussions in the mod with the guys were some of my best memories there. It was a positive experience for me and it’s gratifying to see my son attend the school that my wife and I attended.”

Photo release - Professional bluegrass musicians play Hesston College contra dance

Professional bluegrass musicians Tim May, Gretchen Priest May and Dave Firestine performed live music for a contra dance at Hesston College Sept. 9.

May is a flatpick guitar player and was Grammy nominated for his solo work on Charlie Daniel’s song “I’ll Fly Away.” He is a former member of the band Crucial Smith and has toured with Patty Loveless and John Cowan. His most recent album, “Carpenter and May,” recorded with violinist Fred Carpenter, hit number one on the folk music charts in 2010.

Priest May specializes in teaching fiddle bowing techniques to classically trained violinists.

Firestine is best known as the leader for the “Carp Camp” fiddle tune jams at the annual Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kan.

May and Priest May also performed bluegrass and traditional Irish tunes chapel forum Sept. 9 and hosted learning workshops Sept. 10 for intermediate and advanced fiddle players and beginning banjo and flatpick guitar players.

Photos by Curtis Denlinger.

(left) Whitney Hickert (Hays, Kan.) and Preston Hornbeck (McKinney, Texas); (center) Rachel Brown (Catoosa, Okla.) and Ben Holland (Archbold, Ohio); (right) Students listen to instructions from caller Jen LeFevre.

(left) Stefanie Ruhs (North Rhine, Germany), Leah Rittenhouse (Mount Pleasant, Pa.) and Dawson Waltner (Freeman, S.D.); (center) Robert Howell (Newton, Kan.) and Lindsey Carter (Alden, Kan.) work on their steps; (right) Kenny Graber (Stryker, Ohio) and Mara Short-Miller (Bellingham, Wash.)

Anabaptist Vision and Discipleship Series to explore hospitality and communication

Three speakers who do not come from an Anabaptist tradition but who have chosen that faith and theology will be featured at Hesston College’s annual Anabaptist Vision and Discipleship Series conference Oct. 28 to 30.

Anton Flores-Maisonet, Hal Shrader and Joanna Shenk will address the conference’s theme “Getting Beyond Them and Us – to We.”

Flores-Maisonet is co-founder of Alterna, a missional community of U.S. citizens and Latin American immigrants in LaGrange, Ga., Schrader is lead pastor of Trinity Mennonite Church in Phoenix, Ariz., and Shenk is an associate for Interchurch Relations and Communication with Mennonite Church USA in Elkhart, Ind.

The weekend conference will use an Anabaptist perspective to explore the tension of the church’s call to be both distinctive and open to others. Participants will discuss ways to talk with those from differing faith backgrounds and how to extend a hospitable hand to all people while remaining distinctly Anabaptist.

“Churches often expect those not familiar with their specific faith tradition to become like them in order to be accepted or become full members,” says Shenk. “What does it look like for the church to celebrate ‘the other’ being fully other and still see ourselves as part of the same body? I believe the Spirit moves in the space between each of us. The Spirit is not in us or them, but instead between us, and that’s where transformation happens.”

Each of the speakers has experience talking with people who have an interest in Anabaptist beliefs and practices but do not come from an Anabaptist background.

Shenk states that her own journey to the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition came through experiences with the Evangelical faith tradition. She will share her story, including her struggles with feelings of exclusivity within the church and ways to overcome the ideas that create those barriers.

“By allowing people to be fully who they are and challenging people to question why they do the things they do and believe the things they believe helps us to better understand ourselves and one another to work toward eliminating exclusivity in our churches and communities,” says Shenk. “There’s also no way we have it all figured out. People who see things differently offer important perspectives. Usually those on the margins can see the weaknesses of a system or community a lot better than those in the midst of it.”

Shenk has been traveling around the U.S. since 2009 connecting with discipleship communities influenced by Anabaptism in research for her forthcoming book where she will share the stories of these communities. In her work with Mennonite Church USA, she serves on teams committed to undoing racism in the church and is leading the Women in Leadership Audit project. She has a master’s in theological studies from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, Ind.).

Flores-Maisonet left his tenure-track social work faculty position at a United Methodist college in 2006 to follow a call to live in solidarity with unwelcomed Latin American immigrants through Alterna. The organization emphasizes hospitality to strangers and those in need, reconciliation for broken relationships, environmental stewardship and simple living.

Shrader served in Chile for three years and was a student ministries pastor in Ventura County, Calif., prior to his role as pastor at Trinity Mennonite Church. He has a master’s in theology from Pepperdine University (Malibu, Calif.).

A complete schedule and registration information are available at www.hesston.edu/avds. Cost for registration before Oct. 1 is $110 for individuals or $85 per person if registered in groups of three or more. After Oct. 1, individual registration is $130, and the group rate is $95 per person. For more information, contact Elaine Schmidt at elaines@hesston.edu or 620-327-8290.

Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts kicks off season with Canadian Brass

Lauded as “the world’s most famous brass group,” Canadian Brass will present the kick-off concert for the 2011-12 season of Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts Series at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Yost Center on the Hesston College campus.

“Since I have been involved with HBPA, we’ve received more patron requests for Canadian Brass than any other artist or ensemble,” says HBPA Director Matthew Schloneger. “When one thinks of entertaining brass music, one immediately thinks of Canadian Brass, and we’re thrilled to finally be able to bring them to this series.”

The quintet – made up of Chuck Daellenbach on tuba, Achilles Liarmakopolous on trombone, Eric Reed on French horn and Brandon Ridenour and Chris Coletti on trumpet – has created a wide repertoire featuring brass standards, as well as original arrangements highlighting Renaissance and Baroque masters, classical works, marches, ragtime, Latin, jazz, big band, Broadway and Christian music. Their HBPA performance will also feature several arrangements of popular Beatles tunes.

The group has had 22 members since its founding by Daellenbach and Gene Watts in 1970 and has created more than 90 albums and has an extensive world-wide touring schedule. They are no strangers to the Billboard charts and spent eight weeks in the Top 25 on the Billboard Classical Chart during summer 2010 with their recording of patriotic songs and marches “Stars and Stripes: Canadian Brass Salute America,” peaking at number two.

Aside from having performed to packed houses on five continents, Canadian Brass has also appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Today,” “Entertainment Tonight,” and as guest artists on “Evening at Pops” with John Williams and the Boston Pops, Beverly Sills’ “Music Around the World” and numerous PBS specials, including an appearance on “Sesame Street.” They are often guest artists of many major symphony orchestras and were featured on the soundtrack to the 1988 film “The Couch Trip.”

Each of the current members are accomplished soloists, having played with major symphony orchestras around the world. They also frequently teach master classes of their respective instruments to aspiring musicians during their travels.

Prior to the HBPA concert, Canadian Brass will perform as part of the grand opening of the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.

“To put Canadian Brass’ renown in perspective, tickets for the Kauffman Center performance started at $1,000 and are sold out,” says Schloneger. “Yet you can see them in Hesston for $20.”

Other concerts in the series include chamber ensemble St. Petersburg Quartet, YouTube musical sensation Igudesman and Joo, traditional Irish music and dance rhythms with the highly acclaimed Celtic Crossroads and ancient choral music by Rose Ensemble. Visit www.hesston.edu/hbpa for dates and times.

“We have a great variety of performers this year,” says Schloneger. “A season ticket to the series is a great value, and it’s not too late to purchase tickets.”

Single ticket prices for Canadian Brass range from $20 to $24, depending on seating section, with discounts available to students and senior citizens.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 620-327-8158 (Hesston College) or 316-284-5205 (Bethel College), email hbpa@hesston.edu or visit the HBPA website at www.hesston.edu/hbpa.

This program is presented in part by the cities of Hesston and North Newton, with generous underwriting by area patrons.

The Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts Series, now in its 30th year, started in 1982 as the Hesston Performing Arts Series (HPA) with funding and planning provided by Hesston College and the Hesston community. In 1998, HPA planners launched a partnership with Bethel College (North Newton) and the name changed to Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts. Hesston College and Bethel College host five performances by world-renowned or regionally acclaimed artists each year.

Hesston College homecoming to feature aviation alumni

Aviation professionals will present at a symposium about their careers and the latest updates in aviation business, safety, airlines, mission and air traffic control during A Hesston College Homecoming: A View from Everywhere Sept. 23 to 25.

The public is invited to the symposium on the Hesston College campus from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23. and from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24.

All Hesston alumni and friends are invited to the weekend celebration. Special class reunions will be for years ending in 1 and 6.

“We have a full and exciting weekend planned for all alumni and friends of the college,” said Dallas Stutzman, director of Alumni and Church Relations. “We are very pleased to bring such an outstanding group of aviation alumni back to resource the campus and community.”

Keynote speakers for the weekend include Roger Yoder, a 1979 graduate of Hesston College and captain for American Airlines, who will be featured at the alumni and friends banquet Sept. 24. Ben Savanick will speak to the Hesston College community, alumni and friends in chapel at 11 a.m. Sept. 23. Savanick is a 1997 Hesston College graduate and captain for Atlantic Southeast Airlines. Chapel is open to the public.

The symposium will kick off with former Hesston College President Laban Peachey and former aviation directors Dave Forrer, Jacob Friesen and Wendell Sauder telling the story of the 1970 founding of the Aviation Department. Other Friday presentations include “Professionalism and Careers” by Scott Schmucker, first officer for Continental Airlines; and “Focusing Priorities” by Mark Bowman, first officer for Republic Airlines.

Saturday’s symposium presentations from 8:30 to 10 a.m. include “Personal Flight Integrity” by Jerry Eichelberger, supervisor of operations for the FAA; “Structure Changing Situations” by Lonnie Bartel, captain for United Airlines; and “Following a Personal Calling” by Steve Bontrager, director of operations for AirServ in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chad.

From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. participants can join informal round table discussions about airline pilots, corporate and charter pilots, mission and service, aviation and business professionals and general aviation and agricultural applicators. Moderators for the round table discussions will be John Stauffer, captain for US Airways; Curt Epp, pilot for Cessna Aircraft Company; Mike Baker, principal operations inspector for the FAA; and Mark Miller, flight instructor at Well’s Aircraft.

In addition to the special aviation symposium, A Hesston College Homecoming will include children’s activities; a Partner Appreciation Luncheon; an alumni and friends luncheon; campus community worship service with Hesston Mennonite Church featuring pilots and pastors John Murray of Hesston Mennonite Church and Rocky Miller of Bay Shore Mennonite Church (Sarasota, Fla.); Hesston College volleyball matches and men’s and women’s soccer games; men’s and women’s cross country meet at Harvey County East Lake; alumni vs. varsity baseball and softball games; an Aviation Department Open House at the Hesston College hangar at the Newton City-County Airport; the Golden Gables Luncheon for persons celebrating 50-year and greater anniversaries; a Tailgate Barbecue Picnic and Family Festival; Erb Hall Renovation Celebration and coffeehouse; the traditional complimentary coffee and cinnamon roll breakfast and more.

Call the Department of Alumni and Church Relations with questions at 866-437-7866 or go to www.hesston.edu for a complete schedule and registration. For those wishing to attend only the Sept. 24 Alumni Banquet, they may do so without paying the registration fee. Reservations are required for the banquet.