In the News

Hesston College Bel Canto Singers to make Wichita (Kan.) Grand Opera debut

The 19 students who comprise the Hesston College Bel Canto Singers will have a unique experience March 26 as they perform in the chorus of the Wichita (Kan.) Grand Opera’s Tenth Anniversary Gala Concert. The event, titled “There’s No Place Like Home,” will be at 6 p.m. in the Century II Performing Arts Center Concert Hall in Wichita.

The gala will feature world-renowned opera performers Samuel Ramey, Joyce DiDonato and Alan Held. All three have ties to Kansas and are superstars of the world’s greatest opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera (New York, N.Y.), Paris Opera and Vienna State Opera. The event will be under the direction of Maestro Steven Mercurio, who most recently directed a North American and European tour with Sting and London’s Royal Philharmonic.

“This is such a great opportunity for the students,” said Bradley Kauffman, who is in his fourth year as a Hesston College music faculty member and conductor of Bel Canto Singers. “Bel Canto performs a variety of styles of music, but opera is something new for most of us. I am excited that the students have the chance to experience a new type of singing.”

The Bel Canto Singers, who join the Wichita Grand Opera Chorus for five choruses, is the only group not associated with the opera included in the event. Hesston College students will fill out about half of the chorus.

“Three soloists of this caliber is the highlight of the season for the Wichita Grand Opera,” said Matt Schloneger, Hesston College music faculty member and voice instructor. “I am honored that they thought of Bel Canto.”

The concert will include a variety of selections from works including Verdi’s “Il Trovatore,” Puccini’s “Tosca,” Mussorgsky’s “Boris Godunov,” Kerns’ “Showboat” and Leigh’s “Man of La Mancha.” The program will also include a few more popular selections.

The Bel Canto Singers for 2010-11 were selected by competitive audition during the 2009-10 academic year. They perform extensively throughout the year at campus events and churches, schools and other venues locally and across the country. The choir takes a week-long Fall Break tour every October and a two-week tour every other May following graduation.

Alumni and friends of the college are especially encouraged to attend the event. Single tickets can be purchased for $35, $58 and $85 at the Wichita Grand Opera Box Office on the third floor of the Century II Concert Hall at 225 W. Douglas, online at selectaseat.com, at any Select-A-Seat outlet inside local Dillon’s grocery stores or by calling the box office at 316-262-8054. Group rates are also available.

Artist’s exhibit explores connections

Hesston College graduate, former employee and artist Ken Gingerich is making a brief return to campus with his exhibit, “Thin places shine in time and space. Stone hearts dance in cosmic grace.” The exhibit will be displayed in the Friesen Center for the Visual Arts art gallery until April 5. The public is invited to an artist’s reception March 16 from 4 to 6 p.m., where Gingerich will talk with guests about his work.

Gingerich’s exhibit, which features acrylic paintings on masonite, references the Celtic spiritual tradition of “thin places,” which are the points in life that allow people to sense God’s nearness.

His inspiration came from verse 40 in Luke chapter 19 that says, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” Gingerich says it was this idea of all creation, even inanimate objects, recognizing God’s presence that drove “Thin places.”

“‘Thin places’ refers to a sense of interconnectedness between the material and spiritual world,” says Gingerich. “I think it is something western Christianity lost in the transition from a more unified Hebrew world view to the dominant Greek dualism that separated spiritual and material realms. I find the creative process is where these realms can come together, and I’m beginning to understand the power of symbolism to help us make the connections.”

Gingerich’s art uses symbolism to express his interpretation of “thin places.” Color inspired by a memory, a particular view or a dream began the creative process for each individual piece. These colors, along with simple geometric patterns, architectural shapes and his home of Albuquerque, N.M., create the representations of “thin places.”

“Most cultures, ancient and modern, have symbols that represent the presence of mediating places or sacred centers,” said Gingerich. “In Christianity it’s the cross, in Judaism it’s Mt. Sinai and in many Native American cultures the four sacred directions emanate from an axis that connects the physical world with the spiritual. My reference points are the mountains, deserts and immense landscapes I can see from most vantage points around Albuquerque. I find the huge empty spaces between Albuquerque and Hesston are really very full.”

Gingerich graduated from Hesston College in 1971, then completed a B.A. in art from Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.). He has pursued various vocational paths, both artistic and otherwise, in a nearly 40-year career.

Gingerich has worked as a graphic designer for Mennonite Central Committee in Akron, Pa., the Rio Grande Zoo in Albuquerque and Mennonite Church USA, whose main office is located in Elkhart, Ind., a position he has held since 1995. He and his wife, Leona, also served as volunteers with MCC in Northeastern Brazil. Gingerich worked in publishing and print design in Indiana before returning to Hesston College in 1984 as alumni director, and later as publications director. In 1990 Gingerich moved his family to New Mexico after their home in Hesston was destroyed by a March tornado that took much of the town. There, Ken and Leona provided leadership to the recently established Albuquerque Mennonite Church, and he also spent a year in a graduate program for non-architectural majors at the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque). In 1995 Gingerich returned to Indiana to begin working for Mennonite Church USA, and in 2004 he moved back to New Mexico where he continues to work as art director.

The Hesston College art department invites the public to view the exhibit at leisure. The Friesen Center Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Youthville traveling art exhibit, Walk A Mile, at Hesston College through March 31

Youthville invites audiences in and around Hesston to experience this moving showcase. The Walk A Mile project serves disadvantaged youth in Youthville’s care through artistic expression.

Micala Gingrich-Gaylord, Expressive Arts Center Coordinator in Newton creates a way for youth to tell their story of life in the “system” through art by having each child transform an old shoe into a piece of art. The old adage, “If only you could Walk A Mile in my shoes…” is used to promote compassion and understanding of the experiences of disadvantaged youth.

“When I see the Walk a Mile project, I am always humbled by the courage our youth continue to show even in the face of great adversity,” said, Gingrich-Gaylord. “We are allowing the kids to tell a story, their story, so that healing happens. It’s the way the soul speaks when words cannot.”

One child writes: “My name is Rickey and I am 11. I have been in Youthville for a while. I am here because I was using drugs and getting into trouble with the law and family. My shoe talks about all the times my heart has been broken and the times that I have broken other peoples hearts. I feel trapped a lot by things inside my head and the things that I have done. I hope that I can change while I am here.”

Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) are for children ages 10 to 18 years who need time away to address issues and remove barriers from becoming a family again. This 24-hour, highly structured treatment is for youth whose behaviors threaten the safety of themselves or others. Youthville has two campuses, one in Dodge City and the other in Newton. Youthville is committed to caring for children in an innovative way that encourages growth mentally, physically, and creatively through creative forms of expression. Only 8 percent of the children in foster care reside in PRTFs.

Youthville is one of the largest nonprofit, child welfare agencies in Kansas, specializing in foster care, adoption, counseling and psychiatric residential treatment. The agency’s vision is to provide the best sources of help to children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected with its mission of Giving Children Back Their Childhood. Over 3,000 children are cared for annually by Youthville. To learn more about Youthville visit www.youthville.org.

release courtesy Youthville

Pfannenstiel making the grade

Sleepless night, my mind is racing. Alarm clock rings at 4:30 a.m. One hour to shower, change into scrubs and report to Newton Medical Center. Today is going to be a big one. First priority is the surgery unit at NMC for a clinical rotation. A quick lunch break at 11 a.m., then back to campus by 2 p.m. On my feet all day, tired. Change into basketball uniform, van leaves in 30 minutes for a two-hour drive to Haviland, Kan. Study on the way. Arrive in time for warmup and 6 p.m. tipoff. Hard-fought game – physical. Teammate ends up in the hospital. Score 27 points and grab 13 boards. 120 miles back to campus. Back by 10 p.m. Study for an hour then fall into bed. Set the alarm, tomorrow will come quick.

Sound busy? It is. Difficult? Yes. Is it manageable? For the right person, yes. Rewarding? Without a doubt.

Such is life for 19 year-old freshman shooting guard Mishaun Pfannenstiel, Inman, Kan., who studies nursing at Hesston College while starring for the school’s basketball team. And by the way, she led the team in scoring and finished twelfth in the country in National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II, averaging 19.6 points per game.

“In high school my entire focus was on basketball,” Pfannenstiel said. “I remember having more free time then. Starting at Hesston, I quickly realized that balancing basketball and academics would be a big time commitment, and I had to manage my time well to be successful.”

Since being accepted into Hesston’s nursing program (she’ll be ready for the national RN licensure exam —NCLEX-RN—upon graduating after her sophomore year), Pfannenstiel has found herself immersed in clinical training that has her on the fast track to fulfilling her career aspirations. She has a good path to follow, considering 100 percent of last year’s Hesston nursing graduates passed the licensure exam on their first attempt. Pursuing Hesston’s two-year program has meant managing a busier schedule than most student athletes, but Pfannenstiel is making it work.

“I probably have a slightly different social schedule than other girls in my dorm,” Pfannenstiel said. “I’d bet my usual 10 p.m. bedtime gets me to sleep before my dad on occasion, and certainly before most of my friends here.”

“Mishaun has the wonderful ability to take the concepts she is learning in the classroom and apply them to her patient care encounters,” said Hesston nursing instructor Gregg Schroeder. “She makes connections between theory and practice that are outstanding for a first-year nursing student. It’s apparent to me that Mishaun is thriving as she balances her athletic commitments with her academic requirements.”

On the court, Pfannenstiel meant everything to the Hesston offense this season. In 30 games played she led the team in scoring 27 times and reached double-figures in all but two games. According to Hesston coach Dan Harrison, it’s Pfannenstiel’s all-around basketball acumen that allowed her to maintain a high level of play each night.

“She can score in so many ways,” Harrison said. “Whether it’s from beyond the arc, with a mid-range jumper or penetrating and getting to the free-throw line, Mishaun is a scorer. She’s a competitor and a hard-nosed defender.”

“Mishaun is a very likeable teammate,” said fellow freshman Kara Stutzman, Hesston, Kan. “She’s quick-witted and fun to be around. Get her on a basketball court and she’ll show you drive and tenacity. Mishaun goes hard and has made a big impact on our team.”

Pfannenstiel’s success on the basketball court shouldn’t come as that much of a surprise to south-central Kansans who follow high school hoops. She was, after all, named the Hutchinson News 2A Player of the Year, as well as an all-state selection after a stellar senior season at Inman High School. It seems her recipe for success then has translated well to the college game.

“Mishaun was such a competitor, and she could score in so many different ways,” said Inman High coach Jeff Friesen. “She was a great offensive rebounder, shot a high percentage from the free throw line, ran the floor well and could create her own shot. She was not afraid to take the big shot or step up and make a play. It is really nice to see the success she is having at Hesston on and off the court.”

Studying and playing at Hesston College, ranked second in the U.S. on the list of two-year colleges in terms of student success by an August 2010 study in Washington Monthly, has given Pfannenstiel the structure and support to reach her goals of working in a hospital setting, or possibly at a clinic in the future.

“This year has been a tremendous challenge for me, but I like challenges. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished.” Pfannenstiel added. “Hesston’s campus has been like a big family to me. It’s been a good fresh start.”

Photo release – Mennonite World Conference delegates visit Hesston College

Serge Kalambay Nsunzu (right), a Hesston College freshman from Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, talks with Mawangu Cisca Ibanda, a Mennonite World Conference delegate from the Congo following a Hesston College chapel presentation Feb. 23. Ibanda, along with Cynthia Peacock of Nepal and Albert Lobe of Kitchener, Ontario, spoke to the Hesston College community about the importance of globalization in the church and the work of MWC.

Federal faith-based initiatives leader to visit Hesston College

David Myers, director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, will visit Hesston College March 18 to 20 to discuss partnerships between the government and faith-based and other non-profit organizations with the Hesston College campus and wider local community. Kevin King, executive director of Mennonite Disaster Service, will join Myers in several of his presentations.

The DHS Center is one of 12 to operate under the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Myers, who was appointed by President Obama in 2009 to head the DHS Center, leads his staff to build, sustain and improve effective partnerships between the federal government and faith-based and voluntary organizations. Myers has personally led Center efforts at major disasters, working closely with senior governmental, state, local, faith-based and voluntary groups.

An ordained Mennonite minister, Myers has served as pastor at Whitestone Mennonite Church (Hesston, Kan.), Oak Park Mennonite Church (Chicago), and North Suburban Mennonite Church (Libertyville, Ill.). He has also improved community-based social service programs while working for Rafael Center/Heartland Alliance for Human Rights and Human Needs; the Center for Public Ministry/Connections for the Homeless; as executive director of the Center for Public Ministry in Evanston, Ill.; and as executive director of Teen Living Programs in Chicago.

King has served as executive director of MDS, based in Lititz, Pa., since February 2004. He previously served as an International Agriculture Advisor with Mennonite Central Committee in Brazil and Jamaica. He later was the Material Resources Manager at MCC’s Akron, Pa., office, where he coordinated collecting and shipping material aid overseas.

Friday, March 18 at 10 a.m., Myers and King will speak to the Hesston College Disaster Management Leadership Development class on the topic, “What makes a good leader?” The class will meet in Kropf Center room 150. Myers will speak in an 11 a.m. forum in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary with the topic, “Of the world, but not in it.” Both presentations are free and open to the public.

Area pastors and other church leaders are invited to a 7 p.m. discussion March 18 with Myers and King in the Hesston Mennonite Church Community Center. The evening will address the strengths and weaknesses of partnerships between the church and government. John Murray, lead pastor at Hesston Mennonite Church, will serve as moderator. The event is free, though reservations are required.

Hesston College will host a community-wide event Saturday, March 19 for representatives of disaster response and recovery organizations and other interested people. Myers and King will discuss how faith-based and non-profit agencies can work efficiently with government agencies. The event will begin at 8 a.m., with a continental breakfast, and discussion beginning at 8:30 a.m. Dr. Brenda Phillips, a professor in the Fire and Emergency Management Program at Oklahoma State University (Stillwater) will serve as moderator. The event is free, though reservations are required.

Dr. Phillips is an affiliated faculty member in the Gender and Women’s Studies and the International Student programs, and a senior researcher with the Center for the Study of Disasters and Extreme Events at Oklahoma State University. She is a member of the Gender and Disaster Network and the International Research Committee on Disasters. She is the author of “Disaster Recovery,” (Auerbach Publications, 2009) and is working on a book on recovery in the Gulf following the hurricanes of 2005. She has also co-edited books about disaster recovery and been published in several journals. Dr. Phillips was instrumental in the formation of the Hesston College Disaster Management Program.

Call Hesston College Alumni and Church Relations at 866-437-7866 for reservations for the Friday evening and Saturday morning events.

Chorale prepares for Spring Break 2011 tour to Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania

The Hesston College Chorale is preparing for its annual Spring Break tour March 5 to 13. The 37-voice choir under the direction of music faculty member Ken Rodgers will present 12 concerts in 10 days across Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The program of choral music from the Renaissance era to the 20th Century will focus around the theme “Christ, Our Peace.”

Tour Schedule:

• Tues., March 1 – Hesston Mennonite Church , 309 S Main St., Hesston, Kan., 7 p.m.
• Sat., March 5 – Hopedale Mennonite Church , 5192 Hopedale Rd., Hopedale, Ill., 7 p.m
• Sun., March 6 – Willow Springs Mennonite Church , 16621 Kentville Rd., Tiskilwa, Ill., 9:30 a.m.
• Sun., March 6 – East Goshen Mennonite Church , 17861 SR 4, Goshen, Ind., 7 p.m.
• Mon., March 7 – Bethany Christian School , 2904 S Main, Goshen, Ind., 9:20 a.m.
• Mon., March 7 – Greencroft Goshen , 1721 Greencroft Blvd, Goshen, Ind., 1 p.m.
• Mon., March 7 – Central Mennonite Church , 21703 State Route 2, Archbold, Ohio, 7 p.m.
• Tues., March 8 – Beaverdam Mennonite Church , 17721 Route 89, Corry, Pa., 7 p.m.
• Wed., March 9 – Kaufman Mennonite Church , 916 Miller Picking Rd., Davidsville, Pa., 7 p.m.
• Thurs., March 10 – Springs Mennonite Church , 1686 Springs Rd., Springs, Pa., 7 p.m.
• Fri., March 11 – Howard-Miami Mennonite Church , 3976 East CR 1400 S, Kokomo, Ind., 7 p.m.
• Sun., March 13 – Arthur Mennonite Church , 710 E Park St., Arthur, Ill., 10:30 a.m.

Hesston College Chorale to present concert in Hesston March 1

The Hesston College Chorale will present a program of worship through sacred music at 7 p.m., March 1 at Hesston Mennonite Church. The concert is free and open to the public, though a free-will offering will be collected to cover program costs.

The program of choral music from the Renaissance era to the 20th Century will focus around the theme “Christ, Our Peace.” The choir is presenting this program as the opening concert of its week-long Spring Break tour through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania March 5 to 13.

The 37-voice choir is under the direction of music faculty member, Ken Rodgers.

Hesston College to present “Common Threads” in Harleysville, Pa., March 7

Hesston College will host “Common Threads: Anabaptist and African-American Songs and Stories of Suffering and Hope” at 7 p.m. Monday, March 7, at Salford Mennonite Church in Harleysville. The event is free and open to the public, though a free-will offering will be received to cover program costs.

“Common Threads” is a program that features Hesston College faculty members Tony Brown and John Sharp. Brown is a professional baritone, artist in residence and sociology professor. Sharp is a history professor, storyteller and author. They will give voice to Anabaptist martyrs and enslaved African-Americans by singing their hymns and telling their stories. It is an exploration of the way Anabaptist religious persecution and African American racial suffering have intersected. Both groups have suffered at the hands of legitimate governments, and both found hope in the midst of pain and humiliation.

“Both groups found strength and consolation in their steadfast faith in God,” Sharp said. “They were utterly confident that God’s purposes would, in the end, prevail. Their stories and songs have not typically been linked, but we believe it is useful to do so. Their witness stands for all who will see and hear.”

“Thinking about how we can connect with others and finding those common threads can offer promise for humanity,” Brown said. “In the end, we as a human species are more profoundly alike than different. It is the idea of difference that formed the basis for racism, persecution and systematic oppression. Humanity needs to find value in difference while at the same time exploring the common threads that bind us together.”

A reception for all attendees including alumni and friends of Hesston College will follow the program.

Salford Mennonite Church is located at 480 Groff Mill Rd. in Harleysville. Hesston College alumni and friends are particularly invited to attend.

For more information, contact Dallas Stutzman, Hesston College Alumni and Church Relations director at 866-437-7866.