Hesston College class of 2017 graduates were encouraged to live their legacies with passion during Commencement exercises on May 14.
Commencement speaker, Dr. Marie (Schuessler) ’79 Morris, delivered the address “How’s My Driving? Everyday Calling and Legacy.” Based on Romans 12:9-13, Dr. Morris encouraged graduates to listen for and respond to God’s calling in their life, whatever it may be, and then to live out that calling to the best of their abilities.
The 2017 celebration marked the college’s first granting of bachelor degrees in 60 years as the first cohort of the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) students were recognized for completion of the program. The class of 2017 included 17 BSN graduates and 132 associate degree graduates.
Left: Graduates recognized for completion of the Disaster Management Program, Luke Husbands (Lancaster, Pa.), Zach Stauffer (Belleville, Pa.) and Christy Kauffman (West Liberty, Ohio) listen to speaker Darin Bontrager ’11 at a recognition ceremony May 13. Bontrager is a weekly crew volunteer placement coordinator with Mennontie Disaster Service. Right: Tyler Nissley (Elizabethtown, Pa.) receives a certificate of completion for the aviation program at a May 13 reception honoring six graduates. Congratulating Nissley, from left, are flight instructors Kendal Slabach ’15 and Jaecy Friesen and chief flight instructor Travis Pickerill ’99. Jerry Eichelberger ’85 delivered a reception address. Eichelberger is manager of the FAA Wichita Flight Standards District Office.Left: Dr. Marie (Schuessler) ’79 Morris delivers the Commencement address. She also delivered the address at the nursing pinning ceremony on May 13. Dr. Morris is an accomplished leader in higher education and nursing who serves as provost of Anderson (Ind.) University. Morris is also a former Hesston College Board of Directors member. Right: Guershon Safari (Boise, Idaho) receives his diploma from interim president Ben Sprunger.Left: Student speakers Jonah Short-Miller (Bellingham, Wash.) and Cassidy Bontrager (Wellman, Iowa) were nominated by faculty and staff and chosen by students to speak at Commencement. Right: Kristin Troyer (Shickley, Neb.) celebrates her graduation with her brother Brett Troyer ’06.Left: Nebiyat Demissie ’18 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) celebrates with graduates Misato Oka (Kashiwa, Japan), Meron Ageze (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) and Yedidiya Zewdu. Right: Rebekah Jensen (Topeka, Kan.) receives her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) pin from instructor Joy (Smith) ’96 Yoder at the May 13 nursing pinning. Jensen was one of 17 bachelor degree graduates in the college’s first BSN class. The nursing class of 2017 also included 36 associate degree graduates.
