Magazine for alumni and friends Winter 2017 • No. 1

in this issue

New Entrance Signs Welcome Visitors to Wayne State College

3 President’s Message - Dr. Marysz Rames 4-8 Spring Commencement Wayne State Magazine is published semiannually for alumni and friends of Wayne • Randy Pedersen ‘71 Receives Alumni Achievement Award State College. The magazine is funded by the • Mike Flood Delivers Commencement Remarks Wayne State Foundation.

• Graduates Deliver Remarks Comments and letters should be mailed to: • Seven Retiring Faculty Members Recognized Wayne State Foundation, Wayne State College, 1111 Main Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787 • Dr. Glenn Kietzmann Receives Teaching Awards • Dr. Ron Holt Civic Engagement Award Presented Administration 9 New Deans, College Center Director Announced Dr. Marysz Rames President 10-14 Then and Now: Campus Change and Growth Steven Elliott 15 Alumni Giving Vice President for Academic Affairs Where Giving is Needed Most - Dave and Jean (Lienemann ‘76) Hillyer Kevin Armstrong Chief Executive Officer, Wayne State Foundation 16-19 Wildcat Athletics Dr. Jeff Carstens • Athletes of the Year Announced at Ameritas Honors Banquet Vice President and Dean of Student Life Angela Fredrickson • Michaela Dendinger Wins National Title in Shot Put Vice President for Administration and Finance • WSC Baseball Places Fourth in NSIC Wayne State Foundation Staff • Wayne State Baseball Team Signs Jess Gibson Deb Lundahl • Men’s Track Places Seventh at NSIC Championship Director of Major Gifts • Derek Lahm Named Third Team Academic All-American Laura Robinett Director of Alumni Relations • Three WSC Softball Players Receive All-NSIC Honors Sue Jammer 20-26 Alumni Notes Controller Denise Gubbels • Columbus Business After Hours Foundation Office Assistant • John Novotny, MBA ‘00 Cathleen Hansen Alumni Office Assistant • Scott Mueller, MBA ‘00 Lori Bebee • Northern California Reunion Office Assistant • Lincoln GOLD Club Editorial Staff • Norfolk GOLD Club Jay Collier • Wayne State Night at Werner Park Director of College Relations Amanda Broberg • Paul Eaton ‘71 Inducted Into Nebraska Hall of Fame Writing Specialist • Four WSC Alumni Elected to National Medical Honorary Trudy Muir Graphic Designer • Dr. Danielle L. Freburg-Hoffmeister Participates in Operation Smile Angie Steffen • Paul Stella ‘94 Leads Successful Law Enforcement Career Writer, Photographer 27 2017 Homecoming

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

a project that has transformed our library into an energetic hub Dr. Marysz Rames of learning for our students. We also will open the fall semester with a completely renovated Bowen Hall, which features dramatic improvements to the residence hall’s common areas, restrooms, and living quarters. While we celebrate crossing the finish line on these projects, we are also launching into construction of the Center for Applied Technology, the Criminal Justice Crime Scene Investigation Facility, and a new press box for Memorial Stadium. We have certainly come a long way.

In the pages of this magazine, you will find stories about the students, staff, faculty, students, and alumni who form the core of all that we aim to do with our strategic plans and facility improvements. These are the professors and staff members who fire the intellectual and economic engines, the students who come here to make a better life for themselves, and the graduates who give back to us to support our projects. We do the things we do for you and because of you.

Wayne State aims to build on its history of regional support through development of strong partnerships and collaborations with area school districts and community colleges. We recently added three new programs of study: a fermentation science “The college is committed to keeping program for undergraduates, a master’s program in sports students in Northeast Nebraska by administration aimed at developing activities directors and athletic directors, and an undergraduate plant science program meeting students where they are with that is a partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. the kinds of programs they want to follow their passions.” Buildings change. Programs ebb and flow. But one thing remains constant: Wayne State College drives workforce development, economic development, and educational In 1891, Professor James Madison Pile took a leap of faith excellence. To achieve these aims, the college is committed to and opened Nebraska Normal College in a storefront on Main keeping students in Northeast Nebraska by meeting students Street in downtown Wayne. Pile’s belief in the need for teacher where they are with the kinds of programs they want to follow education was part of a larger trend across the Midwest, their passions. as similar colleges sprang up virtually overnight across the prairie to provide the workforce needed to educate growing Our mission of regional service, teaching excellence, and populations of hardy pioneers. student success makes it clear that we serve rural Nebraska through educational, cultural, and service opportunities. Now, look what we have become: a driving force in higher Innovation and leadership are at the heart of our mission. education, a source of community pride and service, an Wayne State supplies manufacturing leadership through economic engine for the state, and an economic leg up industrial technology teacher education. We create innovative for many generations seeking to better their lives through approaches to rural needs such as the recent addition of the education. Rural Law Opportunities program (RLOP), which was based on the highly successful work of the Rural Health Opportunities Those of you who visit campus on a semi-regular basis can Program, to secure the legal and medical professionals needed attest to the fact that Wayne State rarely rests when it comes for the rural areas of Nebraska. to maintaining and renovating our facilities. The last few years have seen the completion of significant improvements We are understandably proud of how we have changed over the to our science laboratory facilities, our athletic fields, the years and equally proud of how we have remained steadfast Willow Bowl, Pile Residence Hall, and the campus common in our commitment to educating generations of students areas, which have added life and vitality to the Wayne State from around our region. We are also proud of you and all that experience. you have accomplished as graduates or members of this community. We know we could not create new programs or We are hardly done yet. This fall we will celebrate the renovate facilities without you. Your time, talents, and support completion of the multi-phase renovation of U.S. Conn Library, mean everything to us. Go Cats!

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Pedersen ’71 Receives Alumni Achievement Award Randall “Randy” A. Pedersen received the Alumni Achievement Award from the Wayne State Foundation during the spring undergraduate commencement ceremony. He graduated from Wayne State College in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He paid for his education by working construction during the summers and in his grandfather’s meat locker during the school year, while also helping on the family farm. Pedersen worked as a financial planner immediately after graduation. In 1972, he accepted a position as assistant store manager for Zales Jewelers in Omaha and was selected as store manager to open a on the reconstruction of Main Street, and College as a trustee and executive Zales store in a new mall in Grand Island. is a member of Wayne Area Economic committee member of the Wayne State In 1978, he purchased an existing Development. He was Chamber Person of Foundation and past president of the jewelry store in Wayne and changed the the Year in 2015 and also Small Business Wayne State Foundation Executive Board. name to The Diamond Center. He expanded of the Year. Pedersen has served on the He is also a member of Cat Club and his business by remodeling an existing Providence Medical Center governing board is a great supporter of Wayne State College building on Main Street and opened the and the Little Red Hen Theatre Board, and is and the Wayne State Foundation. He new store in 2002, which included new a member of Wayne Rotary Club. received the Wayne State College Alumni jewelry lines and a full service florist shop, He is active in the jewelry industry, Service Award in 2007 and was inducted wine shop, gourmet foods, and other gifts. serving several terms on the board and into the Hall of Fame as a contributor in This new part of the business was named as president of the Nebraska/South 2015. Flowers and Wine. Dakota Jewelers Association. He is a Randy and his wife, Rozan, have Since returning to his hometown of member of Retail Jewelers Organization, a son, Joel, who is a wildlife biologist Wayne, Pedersen has been active in the a jewelry buying group of more than 900 for the National Wild Turkey Federation community. He has served on the City independent jewelers across the country, in South Carolina. They also have two Council and Planning Commission, served and served 30 years on the Merchandise granddaughters – Bailey, a freshman at two terms as president of the Wayne Review Committee. Clemson University (because it’s too cold in Area Chamber of Commerce, was chair Pedersen has committed his time, Nebraska), and Emma, a freshman at Strom for the Business Improvement District talents, and treasures to Wayne State Thurmond High School in Johnston, S.C.

Flood Delivers Commencement Remarks Mike Flood delivered the commencement address for the undergraduate ceremony. He works as a broadcaster and attorney in the state of Nebraska and is a former member of the Nebraska Legislature. He started Flood Communications in 1999 and now owns eight radio stations in Norfolk, Nebraska City, Beatrice, Fairbury, and the state’s largest Spanish-speaking radio station in Omaha. Flood launched Norfolk’s first TV station in 2015 and has since added new television stations in Columbus and Beatrice. These radio and TV stations work together as a statewide media network called “News Channel Nebraska.” He was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2005 and was subsequently elected Speaker of the Legislature in 2007. He continued in that role until the completion of his second term in 2012. Flood was the youngest and longest-serving Speaker in Nebraska history. Flood earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from the University of Nebraska. He is currently of counsel at Norfolk’s oldest law firm, Jewell & Collins. He and his wife, Mandi, live in Norfolk and have two children, Brenden, 10, and Blake, 7.

4 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu Spring 2017 Commencement Wayne State College held commencement for graduate and undergraduate students May 6. education in student affairs and college The graduate ceremony conferred counseling. She is married to Wambli degrees on 88 students, awarding Dolezal, a graduate of Wayne State’s sport master’s degrees in education, management program. business administration, organizational Kitcheyan serves as a Native American management, curriculum and Studies instructor at Little Priest Tribal instruction-instructional leadership, and College in Winnebago. In addition to her educational specialist degrees. work, she said she enjoys practicing her The undergraduate ceremony Native American culture by creating outfits featured awards honoring excellence and dancing at powwows with her family. among the college’s faculty, alumni, She plans to continue her work at Little and students. Bachelor’s degrees were Priest Tribal College teaching and advising conferred on 422 students. in the Native American Studies program, and to begin her doctoral studies in Adult Graduate Invocation and Higher Education at University of South Jordan Holdsworth of Carroll, Iowa, Dakota. delivered the invocation at the graduate Jordan Holdsworth, Cassie Kitcheyan, and commencement ceremony. He graduated Undergraduate Invocation Katie Hughes with a master of science in organizational Katie Hughes of Seward delivered management. the invocation at the undergraduate Player of the Week, 2015 Honorary Captain Holdsworth was a graduate assistant commencement ceremony. She graduated of the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska coach with the men’s basketball team with a double major in elementary Volleyball Team, Presidential Scholarship at Wayne State. He plans to pursue an education and K-12 special education. Athlete, dean’s list, and the NSIC Myles administrative position in college athletics Hughes is engaged to Spencer Morris, Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award. after graduation. a 2016 graduate of Wayne State. Hughes was also a member of Fellowship Hughes was a standout volleyball of Christian Athletes. Graduate Address player for Wayne State. Her athletic After graduation, Hughes will work Cassie Kitcheyan of Winnebago achievements include: three-time NSIC as a volleyball graduate assistant at delivered the student address at the Fall All-Academic Team, two-time NCAA Wayne State College and serve a Partners graduate commencement ceremony. She Division II Central Region All-Tournament Program internship at Christian Student graduated with a master of science in Team, First-Team All-NSIC, NSIC Defensive Fellowship.

Estate Planning Have you ever thought about adding the Wayne State Foundation to your will? Here are a few simple bequest samples to help get your estate plan started. Feel free to share this information with your professional advisor the next time you update your estate plan. THE UNRESTRICTED GIFT I give to the Wayne State Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, located in Wayne, Nebraska, USA, the sum of $______(or ______% of my estate; or the property described herein) for its general purposes. GIFT FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSE I give to the Wayne State Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, located in Wayne, Nebraska, USA, the sum of $______(or ______% of my estate; or the property described herein) to be used for ______(specify purpose).

IRA Charitable Rollover Permanently Extended The IRA charitable rollover, allowing taxpayers age 70½ or older to make tax-free charitable gifts of up to $100,000 per year directly from their Individual Retirement Accounts to eligible charities, including colleges, universities, and independent schools, is now a permanent part of the U.S. tax code. The IRA charitable rollover, or qualified charitable distribution (QCD), is a special provision allowing qualified donors to use their IRA assets to make donations directly to public charities, including the Wayne State Foundation. Kevin Armstrong Deb Lundahl Please contact your IRA custodian, Chief Executive Officer Director of Major Gifts Kevin Armstrong, or Deb Lundahl for Wayne State Foundation Wayne State Foundation more information on how to make 402-375-7534 402-375-7209 an IRA charitable rollover gift or for [email protected] [email protected] estate planning.

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Wayne State College Recognizes Seven Retiring Faculty Members Wayne State recognized seven faculty members retiring faculty member for Nebraska Semester Abroad and Wayne at the conclusion of the 2016-17 academic year at the May 6 State Semester Abroad programs. graduation ceremony. Gerald Conway, associate professor of “Wayne State College has been a great place to spend business, Dr. Kathleen Conway, professor of counseling, Dr. a professional life,” Conway said. “I have valued my teaching Meenakshi Dalal, professor of economics, Dr. Judith Lindberg, experiences and supportive colleagues and administrators who professor of family and consumer sciences, Dr. John Paxton, provided opportunities for personal and professional growth. I professor of business, Dr. Gretchen Ronnow, professor of valued being able to think about ways to learn and teach, and I English, and Dr. Catherine Rudin, professor of humanities, valued having those people in decision-making positions who have a combined total of 216 years of teaching at Wayne seriously listened to them. I am particularly proud of offering an State. experimental class in peace studies that evolved into a general education opportunity for our students. I am proud of my Gerald Conway persistence in raising the issues of shared governance. I valued Gerald Conway began teaching at Wayne State College in the opportunities, the trust, in giving birth to the Wayne State 1975, with a hiatus from 1991 to 1997 to serve as a Nebraska Semester Abroad in Greece. I am proud to have had a role in legislator. He earned his master’s degree in business from the quality academic experience it involved and am thankful Chadron State College in 1974 and his bachelor’s in business to have had the opportunity to share the growth students from the University of South Dakota in 1973. Conway taught experienced.” finance, law, and international business. Conway is a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War Dr. Meenakshi Dalal and a former state senator. He served as chair of the Dr. Meenakshi Dalal came to Wayne State College in 1985 Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee; vice from Boston. She earned her Ph.D. in economics in 1984 and chair of Banking Commerce and Insurance; chair of the master’s degree in economics in 1974 from Northeastern Intergovernmental Cooperation; and chair of the Special University, Boston. She earned her Bachelor of Commerce Committee on Economic Development while he was a (Honors) degree from Calcutta University in 1970. member of the Nebraska Legislature. Before coming to Wayne State, Dalal was an assistant He served as a member of the Nebraska State College professor at Northeastern University for five years. She taught System Board of Trustees; Nebraska State Economic various courses at WSC: macroeconomic and microeconomic Forecasting Board; more than 25 years as chair of Wayne theories, international economics, international business, State’s Academic Policies Committee; and director of global economics, economic development, money and banking, International Education. managerial economics for MBA, economic education courses, “I am proud of my service related to teaching, Neihardt Scholars Colloquium (Interdisciplinary Honors representing us in the legislature (bringing to fruition the course), and other EPS courses. Gardner Business Building), and serving on the Nebraska Wayne State College granted Dalal two sabbatical State College System Board of Trustees and the state leaves, which allowed her to do research as a visiting scholar Economic Forecasting Board,” Conway said. “I am equally at the Institute of East Asian Studies at the University of proud of my leadership as the long-term chair of the California-Berkeley in 1996, and to spend a year as a visiting Academic Policies Committee and the Executive in Residence scholar at the Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota, in program. I am particularly proud of my role in international Minneapolis. She also taught microeconomic theory, economic education. I was able to share my experiences of travel and development and international economics at UC Berkeley education in a way that was life-changing for more than 150 during 2001 and 2002 summer as a visiting professor. students within the first seven years. The program was built Dalal served on the college’s Strategic Enrollment Planning on the tenets of quality education, security of local faculty, Council; Faculty Senate; the Nebraska State College System and affordability for students.” Diversity Task Force; was a charter member and chair of the President’s Council for Diversity at Wayne State; served on Dr. Kathleen Conway the national board of the American Association of University Dr. Kathleen Conway began teaching at Wayne State Women as international director; and served on the board of College in 1981. She earned her Ph.D. from the University the Nebraska Business and Economic Association, with a term of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1986, her master’s degree from the as president of the board. University of South Dakota in 1973, and her bachelor’s degree Dalal took two groups to India Study Tour programs in from the University of South Dakota in 1969. Dr. Conway 2005 and 2012. Wayne State College supported her field taught human services counseling, theories of counseling, research on rural women’s work in India in 1989. professional identity and ethics, marriage and family “I have travelled a lot presenting papers in different counseling, organization and administration of counseling countries and brought those diverse and multicultural programs, peace studies, and international studies. perspectives to my students,” Dalal said. “I get emails or letters During her time at Wayne State, she served as interim from my students when they see an article or hear news about dean of graduate studies; interim Division Head of Education me. This brings me great joy to hear from them. I have taken and Counseling; as a member of Faculty Senate; and as a students to professional conferences where they present, 6 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu “Probably my proudest achievements are the accomplishments of my students over the last 40 years.” - Dr. John Paxton, Business Professor and it is a pleasure to see their academic and professional Dr. Gretchen Ronnow growth. I have worked diligently with the President’s Council Dr. Gretchen Ronnow began teaching at Wayne State for Diversity at WSC to open up the minds of my students and College in 1992. She earned her Ph.D. from the University my colleagues. I have always enjoyed working with colleagues of Arizona, and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from across the campus who keep their minds open and have Utah State University. She taught American literature and unbiased discussion on various issues.” composition. After retirement, Dalal said she plans to write about her life’s During her Wayne State career, Ronnow served as the journey for her children and grandchildren. English program coordinator; was a member of the Graduate Council, General Education Committee, Faculty Senate, the Dr. Judith Lindberg President’s Athletic Advisory Council, the President’s Diversity Dr. Judith Lindberg began teaching at Wayne State Council, and the Online Assessment Advisory Committee; College in 1995. She earned her Ph.D. in human environmental and she was advisor to WSC’s student chapter of NORML, the sciences, textile and apparel management, from the University Native American Student Association, and Minorities Coming of Missouri-Columbia, and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees Together. from Kansas State University. Lindberg taught fashion retailing, Ronnow was a Fulbright Foreign Scholar at the Barnaul textiles, consumer economics, historic costume, and fitting and State Pedagogical University (BSPU) in Siberia; received the alteration. Balsley-Whitmore Award, WSC Faculty Renewal Grant and Lindberg served as chair of the Technology and Applied several Instructional Improvement grants; and was a founding Science Department; Scholarship, Honors, and Financial Aid member of the WSC chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Committee, including two years as chair; Rank and Professional Kappa Phi. Development Committee; advisor to Alpha Lambda Delta “WSC has been particularly supportive in helping me freshman honorary society for 20 years; adviser to Vogue form an official ‘agreement’ between BSPU and WSC to Fashion Association; co-adviser to Association of Family and facilitate educational and cultural exchanges between our Consumer Sciences Professionals; and co-adviser to the Wayne students and professors; bring ‘visiting American minority State Interior Design Club. scholars’ to campus to lecture on African-American and “The best memories I have at Wayne State are working with Native American art, politics, and culture; host a contingent the students: as they grow from year to year, as they return to let of Russian Afghan war veterans; and host other Russian you know they are using information from classes, as they take Fulbright visiting lecturers and scholars,” Ronnow said. on leadership responsibilities in the classroom and in student “WSC has also been generous in its support of my travel to organizations,” Lindberg said. “I also have fond memories of and presentations at conferences and seminars worldwide, working with and learning from a wide variety of faculty and and I hope such diversity of information and international staff.” perspective has benefitted my students!”

Dr. John Paxton Dr. Catherine Rudin Dr. John Paxton began teaching at Wayne State College in Dr. Catherine Rudin began teaching at Wayne State 1978, with a hiatus to teach at Missouri State University from College in 1986. She earned her Ph.D. in linguistics and Slavic 1987 to 1992, when he returned to Wayne State to finish his studies from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1982, her teaching career. He earned his Ph.D. in management science master’s in linguistics from Indiana University, Bloomington, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1988, his MBA from in 1977, and her bachelor’s degree in linguistics from the the University of Oklahoma in 1977, and his bachelor’s degree University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1975. She taught from Northeastern State College (Oklahoma) in 1973. He taught linguistics, languages, foreign language methods, and dance. business and business management. She is also an avid international folk dancer. She performs Paxton is a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. In and teaches Balkan singing and East European music and addition to teaching at Wayne State, he served as the director dance. of the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at the She has received major grants from: the International college, a center he founded and organized, which still exists Research and Exchanges Board for travel and study in the and helps small businesses throughout Northeast Nebraska. Balkans, the National Science Foundation, Wenner-Gren “Probably my proudest achievements are the Foundation, and the Jacobs Fund for Omaha-Ponca fieldwork, accomplishments of my students over the last 40 years,” Paxton and from the National Science Foundation and National said. “One has even graduated with a Ph.D. from Stanford and Endowment for the Humanities Documenting Endangered is now an Ivy League ‘endowed’ professor at Cornell; several are Languages program for her work compiling and maintaining bank presidents, and so on. By far, my best memories are of my the Digital Dictionary of Omaha and Ponca languages. faculty colleagues, going back to former Wayne State president Rudin noted that she will miss students and colleagues Dr. Lyle Seymour’s days, and my students stretching back over but will still be pursuing many aspects of her work and four decades. Professionally, both groups have given me a very research even though she is retiring from Wayne State. rich life, and they have taught me far more than I taught them.”

wayne state magazine 7 commencement

Wayne State Professor Glenn Kietzmann Receives Teaching Awards

providing high quality, accessible educational opportunities. To recognize and foster excellence in teaching across all disciplines at all NSCS colleges, each year a faculty member within the college system is awarded the Teaching Excellence Award by the Board of Trustees. The award recognizes superior teaching, innovative instructional practice, high educational standards, creation of productive learning environments, and the ability to inspire and motivate students. A faculty member who is held in the highest esteem by colleagues and students is nominated from each college, and a single recipient is selected by the board. Kietzmann earned his Ph.D. in 1988 at Iowa State University- Ames, his master of science degree in 1983 at South Dakota State University-Brookings, and his bachelor of science degree in 1981 at South Dakota State University-Brookings. Kieitzmann is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Xi, American Society of Parasitologists, Helminthological Society of Washington, Nebraska Academy of Sciences, and past member of the Nebraska Dr. Glenn Kietzmann, professor of biology, was presented the Sustainable Agriculture Society. He is a recipient of the Burlington State Nebraska Bank and Trust Teaching Excellence Award and the Northern Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for excellence Nebraska State College System Teaching Excellence Award at the in teaching, as well as the Professor of the Year Award for the spring commencement ceremony. Kietzmann has taught at Wayne Mathematics/Science Division at Wayne State. State since 1989. Kietzmann teaches human anatomy, histology, parasitology, Matt Ley, chief executive officer of State Nebraska Bank and comparative vertebrate anatomy, biology concepts, and general Trust in Wayne, presented the bank’s award. This prestigious honor education biology. He helped create the Rural Health Opportunities recognizes rigorous standards that require a superior level of Program (RHOP) at Wayne State and has been involved with the effective teaching. program since it began at the college in 1990. He advises pre- David Ley, the bank’s chairman of the board, established the nursing and biology students in the Life Sciences Department at award in 1998 to recognize and reward outstanding teaching at the college. Wayne State. State Nebraska Bank and Trust of Wayne supports “The following comes as a testament to and an the college in many ways, including scholarships. David and his acknowledgement of the great teachers I encountered during my wife, Kaki, and Matt and his wife, Sandy Brown, serve on the Wayne own education, which has not yet ended,” Kietzmann said. “There State Foundation Board of Trustees. is no greater responsibility and honor for the teacher than to be The Nebraska State College System (NSCS) Teaching entrusted with the developing mind and heart of the student that Excellence Award recognizes the importance of teaching to the has great desire to do good for all of humanity and who has great mission of serving students, communities, and Nebraska by courage to eliminate evil in the world.”

Ron Holt Civic Engagement Award James Branstetter was the 2017 winner of the Ron Holt Civic Engagement Award. The award, started by Dr. Ron Holt ’89, annually recognizes a WSC senior for his or her service to the community. Pictured from left to right are: President Marysz Rames; Branstetter; finalists Allison Backer, Lexi Bartels, and Patrick Meuret; and Holt.

8 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu WSC Hires New Deans, College Center Director Dr. Yasuko Taoka Dr. Nicholas Shudak Judith Scherer Connealy

Wayne State College is excited to the surrounding communities – I’m more Judith Scherer Connealy announce the filling of three leadership familiar with Southeast Nebraska, so it will Scherer Connealy served as the positions – Dr. Yasuko Taoka will serve as be a treat to explore the Northeast Nebraska assistant vice president of adult and the Dean of the School of Arts and region!” international student enrollment, as well Humanities, Dr. Nicholas Shudak as the Dean as the designated school official for of the School of Education and Counseling, Dr. Nicholas Shudak student and exchange visitor information and Judith Scherer Connealy as the Director Shudak served as an associate system (SEVIS) at Briar Cliff University in of Continuing Education and Outreach at professor and chair of the Division of Sioux City, Iowa. Prior to that, she was the College Center in South Sioux City. Curriculum and Instruction in the School office manager and recruitment services of Education at the University of South coordinator at Dana College, the director Dr. Yasuko Taoka Dakota in Vermillion, S.D. He also served of financial aid at the College of Saint Mary Taoka served as an associate for four years as the chair of the Division in Omaha, and the director of continuing professor of classics and as the chair of of Education and the director of the education at Briar Cliff. the Department of Languages, Cultures, Department of Teacher Education at Mount She earned her B.S. in secondary and International Trade at Southern Illinois Marty College in Yankton, S.D. While there, education in 1973 and her master’s degree University in Carbondale, Ill., where she he directed the Master of Education in in public administration in 1990 from the taught since 2007. Curriculum and Instruction program. University of Nebraska. She is married to She earned her B.A. in classics from Shudak earned his B.S.Ed. in elementary Matt Connealy and lives near Decatur. Grinnell College in 2001. She earned her M.A. education in 1999 and his M.S.Ed. in College Center is a joint partnership in classics in 2003 and her Ph.D. in classics foundations of education in 2003, both from between Wayne State College and in 2007, both from Ohio State University. She Northern Illinois University. He earned his Northeast Community College offering a is originally from Nebraska and looks forward Ph.D. in culture, curriculum, and change from seamless post-secondary education that’s to returning to her home state. the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill affordable and accessible. “I’m most excited to be in a position to in 2009. “Since the very early discussions about foster and support students, faculty, and “There are quite a few things that I’m the building of the College Center, I have staff who are passionate and consummate excited about in terms of the position,” said believed in Wayne State College's key role in practitioners of the arts and humanities,” Shudak. “I think Wayne State College, as a serving the unmet higher education needs Taoka said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to whole, is positioned nicely to do amazing of Siouxland,” said Scherer Connealy. “So be able to do that as my job. I’m a humanist work in our respective fields. The recent it is very much an honor for me to join the by training and a huge fan of the arts, so I accolades for WSC are indicative of this. I team that leads and grows Wayne State's couldn’t ask for a better set of disciplines to also like the idea of being in a mission-driven partnerships in Greater Siouxland. serve. and student-centered environment, and one “Wayne State's sincere commitment to “I’m eager to get to know the many that prides itself on service. regional service is driving it to reach its full different communities at Wayne, both at “Regarding the School of Education potential in serving Siouxland's workforce the college and in town. The School of Arts and Counseling, I’m excited to be a part and economic development. That is both and Humanities is very active in outreach of a school that can serve schools and inspiring and challenging to me, so I know activities, and I’m excited to attend and communities in comprehensive ways in I'm in a good place.” facilitate such activities. When I visited terms of the programs and the degree levels Wayne State, I was impressed by the deep we offer, to help improve the lives of those “Wayne State is fortunate to have collaboration between students and faculty. we serve. The School of Education and these three individuals as part of our I caught a performance by the Mariachi Counseling is nationally accredited in key community of scholars,” said President Negro y Oro, and at the show I learned that areas, which is a very powerful assurance Marysz Rames. “They are outstanding the group was started by two students and for our communities and stakeholders. leaders that will join a strong team nurtured by a faculty member, and that both And perhaps most importantly, the people dedicated to supporting our mission of students and faculty members from all over I’ve met and the leadership at WSC are learning excellence, student success, WSC have been integral to the growth of the wonderful and are intent on accomplishing and regional service. Welcome to the group over the past few years. I’m also very greatness. I am excited to be a part of Wildcat family.” interested in learning more about Wayne and something great.”

wayne state magazine 9 looking to the future

Then and Now: Campus Change and Growth ...... Through the years, Wayne State College has continued to change and grow in order to meet the needs of its students and academic programs. These changes are most easily seen in the addition of new facilities on campus and the renovation of existing buildings. Wayne State is currently between major projects, and we’re proud of what we’ve completed and what lies ahead in the near future. Among these pages, you’ll find exciting news about each project, as well as the people affected by them. We know our students value their education here, and we want to continue to meet their needs by providing them top quality facilities and equipment for the best learning environment.

Completed Projects What is your favorite spot on campus?

U.S. CONN LIBRARY The library renovations were completed in summer “Our beautiful new library.” 2017. Along with updating building systems, the main – Ria Pedersen, entrance to the library was added and rooms renovated. Organizational Leadership and Public Relations, Hartington

Many students have the same answer – the library – for a variety of reasons:

“The tables outside the library, because it’s a nice place to get some sun, relax/chat, and have a Jitters fruit smoothie.” – Jaden Todd, Criminal Justice, Fountain Valley, Calif.

“The library is a pivotal point around which the entire college revolves.” – Marge ‘82 and Bill Holland

“We support WSC and its mission to educate future generations of young people. To do that, you need facilities that are inviting and functional. The remodeled Conn Library is much more than that. As we have seen in our visits to the campus, the students are thrilled with this building and are using it day and night. In today's technological environment, we are surprised every time we visit the ‘new’ library, how many students are still using libraries! It is something to be proud of and a major improvement to the campus.” – C. James and Barbara K. ’76 Kanter

10 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu BOWEN HALL Completed and open for students in fall 2017; dorm room, bathroom, and lounges renovated.

“I loved living in Bowen Hall. The community was wonderful, and there was always someone to talk to if you needed a brain break. There were always good laughs with floormates in the lobby, and I made fond memories there. Bowen really became my home away from home and made the transition to college really easy and enjoyable.” – Victoria McNamara, Resident Assistant 2017-18

WILLOW BOWL The Willow Bowl was first completed in 1938, evolving from what was originally a campus lake completed in 1922. The restoration was completed in 2013, including new cement structure and new trees.

“My favorite place on campus is the Willow Bowl! It’s a beautiful place to go study, hang out with friends, and participate in other college activities that are held there. I also love how beautiful it always looks throughout the changes of the seasons!” – Asia Berg ‘16, B.S. Sport Management (now works for WSC as an admissions representative) ......

“After I got out of the Navy in December 1947, I enrolled at Midland University. One day in January, the basketball team needed a bus driver to take them to Wayne State, so I volunteered. When we got to campus, I saw the Willow Bowl for the first time, with a light winter snow, and fell in love. That summer, I transferred from Midland and enrolled at WSC in August. Seeing and sitting in that Willow Bowl changed my life from then on. I knew I had to come to Wayne State.” – Irv Hoffbauer ‘51

wayne state magazine 11 looking to the future

Planned Projects

CENTER FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGY (CAT) This $15.2-million building will provide Northeast Nebraska with a facility to train students in industrial technology. Nebraska is one of the top three states with the fastest growth in technology jobs. In May, the City of Wayne provided $1 million in support of the new building, which has helped secure nearly $2 million in donations. Construction has started and is scheduled to be completed in December 2018.

“I support the Center for Applied Technology project because the state of Nebraska needs technical education to continue its growth, and Wayne State has been the only school of the four-year colleges in the state that has consistently stayed with the technical education program. And by expanding with the Center for Applied Technology, they’ll be able to help Nebraska’s future.” – Terry McClain ‘70

“The Center for Applied Technology is going to make me a better teacher by giving me the most advanced tools out there. The coolest thing about the (industrial technology) program is all the different technology you get to use in the in-class labs. And the faculty are really great to work with. They’re always encouraging and trying to push you to be a better educator. If you don’t know something, they’re super easy to approach and always willing to help you with a project.” – Jacob Henderson, Industrial Arts Education, Ida Grove, Iowa

CRIMINAL JUSTICE LABORATORY Wayne State will complete construction of the new Criminal Justice Crime Scene Investigation Facility in 2018. The lab will provide a variety of academic experiences: managing hostage situations, active shooter scenarios, and building searches; crime scene investigation with an emphasis on evidence documentation, bloodstain spatter analysis, fingerprint acquisition, firearm trajectories, and shoeprint casings; crime scene reporting for future journalists; emergency management exercises; processing a crime scene with DNA evidence; use of evidence in a trial case for pre-law students; and fluid and arson analyses.

“We recently heard a presentation by a crime scene investigator with the “My professors have hands-on knowledge in Omaha Police. It is clearly a technical the fields of criminal justice and law. It’s great job requiring significant expertise and is learning from their real-life experiences. Wayne very important to solve many crimes. A State has given me the knowledge to set dedicated facility to enact crime scenes myself up for the future.” for training investigators seemed like a – Bobby St. Pierre, great idea, and we wanted to support the Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Lab at WSC.” and Pre-Law, – Adrian (Johnson ’68) and Jon Minks Windsor, Ontario, Canada

12 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu PRESS BOX This approximately $3-million project will add needed space and a more modern environment for media and fans. The campaign benefits our exceptional student-athletes and dedicated coaches, and provides players the Wildcat experience in competition, in the classroom, and in the community. The Wayne State Foundation has raised more than $1.1 million to support this project. “The new press box will greatly improve the game management operations by providing a significantly increased amount of usable work space. It will create a better working environment for local and regional media outlets who provide important coverage and publicity for Wayne State College. The press box also serves as a vital and practical educational setting for our students who learn how to produce and coordinate the WSC television and radio broadcasts. Currently the space and technology limitations restrict enhancing these educational experiences for our students in these majors. This new facility will also create a universal space on the lower level, which can be used the entire year. In addition, this area will be available for a variety of other important functions throughout the year, such as student-athlete recruitment, team meeting space, alumni functions, and educational workspace for WSC mass communication students.” – Mike Powicki, WSC Athletic Director

“I have worked with several Wayne State athletic directors and presidents over the years who all wanted to upgrade our football field. Now that we have a beautiful, top-notch football field, our press box needs to match. There is such a broad group of people that benefit from the press box – our bands, broadcasters, whoever is on the field. “Some of the happiest years of my life were This is a project people should support the ones I spent as a WSC student-athlete. when we look at how many students The press box renovations and the continued are affected. We also need to make our facilities improvement projects show facilities handicap-accessible when they prospective students and alumni the college’s haven’t been before. This new press box commitment to excellence. I chose to contribute will only add to the great environment to again honor the legacy of my coach, teacher, that’s created at the stadium.” mentor, and friend, Dr. LeRoy Simpson.” – Kirk Gardner, Gardner Foundation – Don Rinehart ‘77

A Reflection from Marie Sander Skillman ’73 My “good old days” at Wayne one entrée was served at each meal. There were not choices State College were 1969 to and definitely not options for vegetarians or non-GMO. I’m 1973. I lived in Berry Hall, a co-ed sure that has changed. dorm with a women’s side, a Having supper at “The Gag” meant going through the men’s side, and a lobby open to doors and up some steps. Seated on both sides of the doors residents of both sexes. Women were the jocks, laughing like crazy at their jokes. had a curfew. Men did not. I In the library, we did research for term papers and recall the dorm council’s victory signed up for time to type them – quite possibly on a manual getting a milk machine installed typewriter. Also in the library was the audio-visual laboratory in the lobby but cringe when I where future teachers learned to operate a film projector and realize it was placed next to the cigarette machine. Yes, things microfiche reader. Has that ever changed! have changed. In dormitories, classrooms, bars, and bowling alleys, Our rooms had no refrigerators. We used the window sill students from small towns met students from cities; only- in the winter. Microwave? No, a popcorn popper. The telephone children met kids from large families; thoughts on war, (one per floor) was down the hall, and the “ringtone” was an religion, politics, and life were shared. Friends were made. In intercom call from the operator in the lobby. my case, many lifelong friends. I hope that has not changed! Board included three meals per day at the cafeteria, where Marie Sander Skillman currently lives in San Diego.

wayne state magazine 13 pride in our past

Wayne State College, Then and Now

1950-51 Academic Year 2016-17 Academic Year Tuition $1.50 per credit hour $160 per credit hour (resident) Scholarships Limited number and amount. More than $2 million awarded annually Scholarship amounts ranged from $37 to $100, but very few were awarded. Available programs 27 More than 90 Academic buildings 4 (plus Hahn School) 8 Darold '46 and Maxine '45 Bobier currently live in Westminster, Colo. Residence halls 3, plus apartments in 7 upper Connell Hall A Reflection from Size of library 38,741 volumes; 4,043 bound 144,877 volumes; 25,399 bound periodicals; 3,072 books in periodicals; 24,647 books in juvenile Darold Bobier ’46 juvenile collection collection; plus 308,306 e-books, 4,910 non-video media, and When I was in high school and lived in South 16,776 DVDs, videos, and Blu-rays Sioux City, I was recruited to play football and run track at Wayne State College. Two athletes from Enrollment 806 resident students 3,361 + 344 extension Wayne State came to visit me, but I had already (total = 1,150) made up my mind that I was going to Wayne State. I had a neighbor who was a Wayne Stater, Graduation 277 422 and he had many good things to say. The Sioux (undergraduates at spring commencement) City Journal published a photo of me with the Clubs and 38 More than 100 headline “Wayne State may get him.” I think that’s organizations why they sent them to visit me. I did participate Sports teams 3 (plus 2 low-profile teams 13 (NCAA Division II) in both. I was a pole vaulter and long jumper and 1 club sport) in track, and James Morrison was the football Faculty 43 120 coach at the time. When I attended WSC, the cost for tuition was 50 cents per semester hour. It cost us $8 for 16 credits per semester. It was $2 per week for our room, and I lived in Terrace Hall, a men’s dorm at the time. My last two years at Wayne State, I was a monitor in Terrace, which is now called a resident assistant. Terrace Hall provided a great living experience for me. I was active in a lot of Costs of Common Items, Then and Now ways on campus, including being involved in the 1950s 2017 president’s student advisory group. My wife, Maxine (‘45 two-year certificate), Minimum wage $0.75 $9.00 and I enjoy coming back to campus. We have A car $1,510 $30,000 so many fond memories. I know I can attribute A house $8,450 $200,000 my career success to WSC. Wow, so much has changed on campus — all of the new buildings, A gallon of milk $0.82 $3-4 the high rise dorm, the new business building, the A gallon of gasoline $0.18 - $.027 $2-3 student center. I could go on! Textbook Books were not purchased; Purchased for $50-100 One thing that hasn’t changed is the they were loaned for a deposit of $5. kindness of the faculty. I remember most Of this amount, $3 was refunded fondly the availability of the teachers to provide if the books were returned in good condition. counseling and help in the classroom. They were Students began buying books in 1956. always available to answer questions. I was a Cup of Regular Coffee $0.10 $1-2 math education major, and my math advisor was Beer 24-pack, less than $3 24-pack, $20 ($0.83 per) always there to help, and I could always schedule some time if I needed it. I know that is the same Hamburger $0.15 $3-6 today. Movie ticket $0.46 $8-10 Wayne State College holds a very proud Costs are not fixed. They are meant to show comparison and may range depending place in my heart, and I’m proud to be an on location of purchases. alumnus. 14 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu alumni giving

Phonathon 2017: National average for alumni giving: 7% You helped us raise more than $187,000! ......

Thanks to you, our generous Wayne State alumni and friends, Wayne State alumni giving: the Wayne State Foundation has raised more than $187,000 in gifts 10.1% and pledges through our annual Phonathon fundraising campaign! Way to go, Cats! Our 54 WSC student callers and four student managers enjoyed calling you earlier this year to update your information, share exciting percent. In so many ways, WSC alumni exceed expectations. progress happening at Wayne State, and ask you to consider Wayne State’s percentage of alumni giving (also known as making a gift to support the efforts of Wayne State College. Many alumni participation rate) is a number the Wayne State Foundation of you responded with positive feedback, and we thank you for your can boast when reaching out to other foundations, businesses, support. and organizations for financial support. It’s evident to them that Our students enjoy hearing from alumni, with their stories alumni believe in the mission of Wayne State College. and memories of attending WSC. When we launch our next calling You truly make a difference. No matter the size of the gift, campaign, we encourage you to get to know your student caller and your individual support is reflected in our proud 10.1 percent, and share your advice and experiences as a WSC alumnus. you can help that number grow. Let’s make it rise in 2018. Phonathon 2018 will launch in November 2017 with a letter to past donors sharing the exciting advancements happening at International Giving Tuesday: Wayne State and stating our goals for the academic year. Following Join us for the first time ever Nov. 28, 2017! the letter, Phonathon calling will begin in January 2018. You will Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesday) is an international day of have the opportunity to show your support for Wayne State by giving and falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. We’re familiar making a donation through the letter or in response to the call. If you with the shopping sensations of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, have not been receiving phone calls, please be sure to update your and now you can also show your philanthropic side by joining us information at www.wsc.edu/alumni. on this day! Percentage of Alumni Giving: For the first time, Wayne State will be participating in the Your support makes a difference! online giving campaign Nov. 28 through our website, social media, and e-newsletter. Stay tuned for details on this unique giving The national average for alumni giving to their alma maters is 7 opportunity, and please join us in giving back to your alma mater percent. Our Wayne State alumni give back at a reported rate of 10.1 on this special international day of philanthropy. Where Giving is Needed Most Our Greatest Needs Fund is an unrestricted fund that provides the fuel to run the Wayne State Foundation. The Foundation serves as a vehicle for WSC alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations to use when supporting Wayne State College. We asked Jean (Lienemann ‘76) Hillyer why she and her husband, David, support the Greatest Needs Fund. ______

“Throughout our lives in the corporate world, IBM, and for the last nine years for me in higher education, we have seen and experienced the value of advanced degrees. In the corporate world, return on investment is an important metric that has established standards. Statistical proof on the financial value of advanced education is well-known and widely accepted. What is often overlooked is the underlying mechanism supporting the perpetual cycle of fund raising that supports unique needs that cannot be completely funded with Dave and Jean (Lienemann ‘76) Hillyer tuition, fees, state funding, and more. Since we became trustees, we have observed that the assets of the Wayne State Foundation are judiciously managed for growth with careful consideration given to safety. “As Trustees of the Foundation, we are very aware of the unwavering dedication of the Foundation staff in meeting the needs of current and future students who are and will benefit from the success of their efforts. It has been our pleasure to be able to make annual For more information please contact: donations to the Wayne State Foundation Greatest Needs Fund so it can continue to meet Kevin Armstrong - 402-375-7534 unanticipated needs in a timely fashion. Missed opportunities due to lack of discretionary Deb Lundahl - 402-375-7209 funds are difficult to recover from. The Greatest Needs Fund is essential with its unique Laura Robinett - 402-375-7370 ability to make the difference with projects of all sizes. It enables the President and the College to make commitments appropriate to the goal of meeting the needs of current and Wayne State Foundation future WSC students. Donations of all sizes contribute to the success of our current students 1111 Main Street who will be able to continue the tradition in the future. We must keep it strong and healthy Wayne, NE 68787 with operating funds!”

wayne state magazine 15 wildcat athletics

Pictured left to right - Megan Gebhardt, Haley Kauth, Joey Lenihan, and Jackson Petersen. Not pictured are Alyssa Frauendorfer and Robert Sullivan. Wayne State Announces Athletes of the Year at Ameritas Honors Banquet

Wayne State College recognized its top student-athletes this season for the Wildcats. Petersen had the second-longest for 2016-17 at the annual athletic honors banquet May 1, hitting streak on the team this season with 13 games and was sponsored by Ameritas and held at the WSC Kanter Student fifth in multi-hit games (12) and multi-RBI games (5). Center. Six major awards were presented along with Most Kauth, a libero from Roseville, Minn., received the Female Valuable Player awards for each sport. Freshman Athlete of the Year award after ranking 10th in the Sophomore track and field athlete Robert Sullivan was NSIC in digs per set this season at 4.17. She was second named Male Athlete of the Year, while senior volleyball All- on the Wildcat team in service aces with 31 and had 10 or American Alyssa Frauendorfer was voted Female Athlete of the more digs in 27 of 32 matches this season, helping WSC to Year for a second straight year. Freshman Athlete of the Year a 24-8 record and 11th trip to the NCAA Division II National Awards went to baseball player Jackson Petersen and volleyball Tournament in the last 12 years. player Haley Kauth. The Cunningham Scholar Athletes of the Lenihan, a graduate of Wayne High School, was named Year were presented to senior baseball player Joey Lenihan and the Bob Cunningham Male Scholar Athlete of the Year. senior volleyball player Megan Gebhardt. Lenihan carries a 3.76 grade point average majoring in sport Sullivan, a graduate of Omaha Burke High School, set a management. On the field, Lenihan was second on the team new school record and was the NSIC indoor champion in the in appearances and led the team in saves until suffering a heptathlon with 5,141 points. He qualified for the NCAA Indoor season-ending arm injury April 14. He finished his Wildcat National Championships and placed 12th to earn Second Team career tied for sixth in appearances with 50 and had five All-American honors. In the outdoor season, he earned All-NSIC saves. Off the field, Lenihan served as president of the Student honors in two events, taking third in the long jump (23’ 5 ½”) and Athlete Advisory Committee, was active with Team Impact third in the decathlon (6,369 points) while placing seventh in the and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and served 110-meter hurdles (15.48 seconds). as a volunteer coach for the Wayne American Legion baseball Frauendorfer, a graduate of Humphrey High School, was program. named First Team All-NSIC for a fourth straight year after Gebhardt, a graduate of Lutheran High Northeast in averaging 3.01 kills and 0.75 blocks per set this season. She Norfolk, has a 4.0 grade point average majoring in finance and is only the second player in school history to be named First will earn her bachelor’s degree in three years. On the court, Team All-NSIC all four years and was selected either AVCA she started all 32 matches this season and ranked ninth in All-American or Honorable Mention All-American all four years. the NSIC in assists per set at 10.13 to go with 1.97 digs per Frauendorfer closed her career ranked ninth in kills with 1,411 set. Off the court, Gebhardt volunteers with the Wayne Green and is the school’s all-time leader in attack percentage at .337. Team, WSC Student Food Pantry, Mercy Meals, makes nursing Petersen, an outfielder from Blair High School, was named home visits, and Highway 35 cleanup. She also coaches Male Freshman Athlete of the Year after leading the Wildcats in Wayne youth volleyball teams. batting average at .353. He was second on the team in stolen Both Gebhardt and Lenihan received a $2,500 post- bases (7-8) and one of only two players to have a four-hit game graduate scholarship.

FOLLOW THE WILDCATS AT WWW.WSCWILDCATS.COM

16 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu Dendinger Named CoSIDA Academic All- American Second Team Michaela Dendinger was named to the 2016-17 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America Women’s Track/ Cross Country Team, receiving Second Team honors. The award recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom. Dendinger, a junior from Coleridge and a graduate of Hartington High School, maintains a 3.63 grade point average majoring in biology at Wayne State College. It’s the first time she has received Academic All-American honors. The Wildcat thrower capped a stellar season with three All-American finishes that included a national title in the shot put at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Bradenton, Fla. She Dendinger Wins National Title in Shot Put, won the shot put with a new school record toss of 54’ 9 1/4”, placed second Earns Three All-American Honors in the hammer throw at 206’ 1”, and Wayne State College junior Michaela Dendinger continued the tradition of excellence came in sixth place in the discus with a for Wildcat throwers as the Hartington High School graduate earned three All-American top throw of 165’ 4”. honors that included a national championship in the shot put to lead the Wayne State Dendinger College women’s track and field team this season. was voted the During the regular season, the Coleridge native was named the NSIC Women’s NSIC Female Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week all six weeks during the regular season. She backed that Outdoor Field up by winning three events at the NSIC Outdoor Track and Field Championships in St. Paul, Athlete of the Minn., May 12-13 to be named the NSIC Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year. Year after Dendinger won the hammer throw with a new school and NSIC meet record mark of winning three 208’ 5”, took first in the shot put at 53’ 10 1/4” and won the discus at 157’ 8” to earn the events at the High Point Scorer Award at the NSIC meet. She led the Wildcats to an eighth place team NSIC Outdoor finish with 37 points. Champion- Other Wildcats that scored points at the NSIC Championships were Kacie O’Connor ships in May. placing fifth in the discus and Tia Jones sixth in the shot put. She recorded Dendinger then advanced to the NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championships in first place all three events with NCAA automatic qualifying marks. finishes in the shot put with a mark of She started nationals in Bradenton, Fla., with a second place finish in the hammer 53’ 10 1/4”, set a new WSC and NSIC throw (206’ 1”) followed by a sixth place finish in the discus (165’ 4”). Dendinger capped her meet record throw of 208’ 5” in the great weekend at nationals by winning a national championship in the shot put posting a hammer throw, and completed the new school record mark of 54’ 9 1/4”. triple crown with a first place mark of Dendinger had four of the top five throws in the shot put and was the only athlete 157’ 8” in the discus. to post throws over 53 feet in the event. She also became the first-ever three-time NCAA During the indoor season, Division II individual All-American in outdoor track and field. Dendinger was All-NSIC in the shot put As a team, Wayne State placed 12th at the NCAA DII Outdoor National Championships and weight throw and placed 10th at with 21 points, marking the fourth time in the last five years the Wildcats have finished the the NCAA Division II Indoor Nationals in season in the top 20 at nationals. both events. Eight members of the Wildcat women’s team were named to the NSIC Spring All- Academic Team. They include Mary Alderson, Samantha Kennedy, Melissa Kroll, Dendinger, Tessa Ives, Jones, O’Connor, and Siera Zach. wayne state magazine 17 wildcat athletics

WSC Baseball Places Fourth in NSIC, Finishes 29-24 Cody Jenkins David Janes Aaron Krier The Wayne State College baseball team finished the 2017 Jenkins, a first baseman/designated hitter from Englewood, season placing fourth in the NSIC with a 23-15 league mark Colo., led the Wildcats in hits this season (62) and multi-hit games and 29-24 overall. The Wildcats opened the NSIC Tournament (16) while producing a .328 average with six homers and 38 RBI. with a 5-2 win over Minot State but then dropped heartbreaking Janes, a junior outfielder from Dubuque, Iowa, hit a team-high extra innings contests to Minnesota State (3-2 in 11 innings) and .377 in NSIC games and ranked second overall on the Wildcat Minnesota Duluth (5-2 in 10 innings) to end the season. team with a .348 average. He led WSC in conference play with 43 Elkhorn junior pitcher Kyle Kennebeck set new single season hits and was third overall with 55 hits to go with one homer and 24 school records for the Wildcats with 25 pitching appearances RBIs. Janes had a team best 18-game hitting streak from March and 10 saves, going 1-1 on the season with a team-leading 1.93 19 to April 11 this season. ERA. Senior reliever Keenan Breen was named the team’s Most Krier, a senior outfielder from Aurelia, Iowa, was one of just Valuable Player after going 7-1 in 22 appearances with a 2.71 two players to start all 53 games this season for the Wildcats. He ERA. earned NSIC Gold Glove honors after making just one error with WSC went from 3-11 in one- and two-run games last season 139 putouts and six assists for a .993 fielding percentage. At the to 14-6 this season, helping the Wildcats post a winning record at plate, he batted .286 with a team-high of 10 homers and 36 RBIs, 29-24 overall. leading the team in stolen bases (8-11) and runs scored (41) while Three Wildcat players received All-NSIC postseason honors. ranking second in hits with 60. Senior Cody Jenkins and junior David Janes were both Second Eight Wildcats were named to the NSIC Spring All-Academic Team selections, while senior Aaron Krier was an NSIC Gold Team – Gabe Hoogers, Jenkins, Spencer Johnson, Krier, Joey Glove honoree in the outfield. Lenihan, Teague McFadden, Dalton Smith, and Kyle Thompson. WWW.WSC.EDU Wayne State Baseball Team Signs Gibson In a special draft day signing party March 27 in Rice Auditorium, the Wayne State baseball team announced Jess Gibson of Wayne signed a letter to become a Wildcat. “We are extremely excited to have Jess be a part of our program,” said Wildcat head baseball coach Alex Koch. “There is nothing Jess loves more than to be an active part of a sports team. I have seen the way he works around the local softball teams, and we are excited that he will be bringing his positive attitude and energy to our baseball program. Jess is a great kid with a big heart, and we couldn’t be more excited about having him as a Wildcat.” The event was made possible through a partnership with Team Impact, a nationally based non-profit organization founded in 2011 that teams children with chronic illnesses to be a part of a college team. The mission of Team Impact is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team. Gibson, 16, lives in Wayne with his parents (Brian and Shannon ‘97, MSE ‘08), older siblings, and his family’s foster son. His sister, McKenna, graduated from WSC in May 2017. At birth, Jess was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and periventricular leukomalacia, a form of brain damage. On top of that, Jess is legally blind and bound to a wheelchair. Despite his medical journey, Gibson does not let that stop him from being active in his community and attending as many sporting events as he can. The Wildcat baseball team involved Gibson in numerous team activities both on and off the field to make him a part of their team. 18 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu Lahm Named Third Team Academic All-American Derek Lahm was selected to the 2016-17 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America Men’s Track/ WSC Men’s Track Places Seventh at NSIC Championships Cross Country Team, earning Third Team honors. The Wayne State College men’s track and field Lahm also becomes the third Wildcat athlete team placed seventh at the 2017 NSIC Conference in the NCAA Division II era to become a multiple Outdoor Championships in St. Paul, Minn., scoring Academic All-American after earning Third Team 49 points. The Wildcats had three All-NSIC honors in 2014-15 as a sophomore. performers. Lahm, a junior from Columbus and a Sophomore Robert Sullivan was an All-NSIC graduate of Scotus Central Catholic High School, performer in two events, placing third in the carries a 3.91 grade point average majoring in decathlon with an NCAA provisional mark of 6,369 chemistry health sciences. He scored points in points and taking third in the long jump at 23’ 5 1/2”. three events at the NSIC Indoor Championships, The Omaha Burke graduate also placed seventh in earning All-NSIC honors with a third place finish the 110-meter high hurdles at 15.48 seconds. in the heptathlon (4,970 points) while also placing Sophomore thrower Matt Nemec also received fourth in the long jump and fifth in the triple jump. All-NSIC honors with a third place finish in the During the outdoor season, Lahm collected hammer throw at 175’ 10”. a fifth place finish in Robert Sullivan Junior Brady Metz scored points in two events the javelin (168’ 2”) and broke a 29-year school record in the triple jump. He was fourth in the long at the NSIC Outdoor jump (23’ 5 1/2”) and took fourth in the triple jump at 49’ 5 3/4” to surpass the Championships. previous school record of 48’ 11” held by Mark Vollmer in 1988. Lahm is a two-time Senior Josh Spenner also set a new school record in the pole vault clearing selection to the NSIC 15’ 7 1/4” at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays on May 6. He finished fifth in the Winter and Spring event at the NSIC Outdoor Championships clearing 15’ 1 3/4”. All-Academic Teams Metz received USTFCCCA All-Region honors by recording the fifth-best mark and served this year as in the triple jump during the season – 49’ 5 3/4” at the NSIC Championships. Vice President of the Eight members of the Wildcat men’s team were named to the NSIC Spring WSC Student Athlete All-Academic Team. They include Allen Arauz, Nicholas Fly, Kole Heller, Derek Advisory Committee. Lahm, Corbin Lehn, Brandon Marker, Nemec, and Richard Sweeney.

Three Wildcat Softball Players Receive All- NSIC Honors Melanie Alyea Monique Alyea Katelyn Wobken

Three Wayne State College softball players received All-NSIC play. She was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player after starting honors following the 2017 season. The Wildcats finished 11-39 games at three different positions. Alyea finished the year third on overall and 5-21 in the NSIC, playing a brutal schedule that saw the team in hits (45) with three homers and 16 RBIs. three opponents advance to the NCAA Division II College World Junior catcher Katelyn Wobken was a Second Team All-NSIC Series with Minnesota State winning the national title. selection after leading the Wildcats in most offensive categories. Senior first baseman Melanie Alyea was a repeat First Team The Scribner native started all 50 games behind the plate this All-NSIC selection for the Wildcats after batting .313 overall and season and had a .331 average with five homers, five triples, and a team-high .416 in conference play. The Phelan, Calif., native led 21 RBIs. She led the team in hits average, hits (56), runs scored the Wildcats in home runs (6) and RBI (23) while ranking second (32), slugging percentage (.538), and stolen bases (13/14). in hits with 46. She also received NSIC Gold Glove honors at first Wobken made just one error this season behind the plate and base with a team-high 349 putouts and just two errors for a .995 recorded a stellar .985 fielding percentage. fielding percentage. Six Wildcats received NSIC Spring All-Academic honors – Twin sister Monique Alyea was also a First Team All-NSIC Melanie Alyea, Monique Alyea, Abbie Hix, Rachel Shumaker, Riley honoree after recording a .324 average overall and .388 in NSIC Vanderveen, and Wobken.

wayne state magazine 19 reunions & events

Visit wsc.edu/alumni

Columbus Business After Hours Wayne State College hosted a Business After Hours at Whiskey Sands Bar & Grill at the Ramada Hotel in Columbus on April 24. Four Wayne State MBA alumni co-hosted the event: Scott Mueller, John Novotny, Roxanne Murphy, and Mari Melcher.

WWW.WSC.EDU

John Novotny, MBA ’00 John Novotny (MBA ’00) is currently Administrators and the Nebraska Medical Group Managers the business manager for the Columbus Association. He also has experience in bank management, Otolaryngology Clinic in Columbus, commercial lending, investment tracking, and insurance, and managing overall financial, IT, business is a former member of the Nebraska and Minnesota Bankers operations, compliance, personnel, Association. and facility maintenance functions. He In service to his community, Novotny is a newly appointed also offers medical and professional member of the Central Community College Board of Governors. consulting services through John A. He is also an officer for the Northbrook Townhome Association, Novotny Consulting in the areas of a member of the Nebraska Supreme Court Committee on Inquiry, accounting, computers, personnel, and and a member of the Columbus Medical Mission Team for fraud investigation. worldwide missions. Novotny is also active as a member of the Novotny acquired his bachelor’s Federated Church of Columbus and a Red Cross Volunteer. degree in agricultural economics and Novotny enjoys international travel and serving with worldwide business administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln medical missions. He and his wife, Nila Novotny, M.D., live in in 1977. Columbus. Nila is a physician at the Columbus Otolaryngology Novotny is a member of the Association of Otolaryngology Clinic.y The have three children – Ashley, Tyson, and Giana. WWW.WSC.EDU

Scott Mueller, MBA ’00 Scott Mueller (MBA ’00) of Columbus, started out on the family Since then, Mueller has developed farm with his father, Walt, his brother, Bruce, and his brother-in-law, business relationships with agricultural Duane Brakenhoff. He graduated from the University of Nebraska- production and service companies. Mueller Lincoln in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal provides accounting services for his science. wife, Patricia, who owns Traditions Inn in Over the next seven years, Mueller worked on the farm and Columbus. He is also a part-time bartender. served as a member of local and state cattlemen associations, Mueller was selected as the Columbus local and state church organizations, and various community Area Chamber of Commerce's Young boards. In 1986, Mueller was selected to participate in the Farmer of the Year in 1994, Agribusiness Nebraska LEAD Program. Also that year, Mueller began his journey Pioneer of the Year in 2009, and the 2013 into business ownership with Samson, Inc., a farm and feedyard Archway Business Man of the Year. His operation. company, Samson, LLC, was recognized as Mueller was recognized as the Nebraska Jaycees Outstanding the 2015 Nebraska Small Business of the Young Farmer in 1992 and represented Nebraska at the National Year. Outstanding Young Farmer Conference in Memphis, where he Mueller was a part of a group that purchased the New World was selected as one of the four 1993 National Outstanding Young Inn and Conference, which was fully renovated to become the Farmers. Mueller attended the Texas A&M Executive Program for Ramada-Columbus and River's Edge Convention Center, of which Ag Producers and then enrolled in the Wayne State College MBA Mueller is the managing member. Program at the Central Community College-Columbus campus, Mueller has two sons, Brandon and Jordan, who also play graduating from WSC in 2000. valuable roles in the core businesses. 20 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu Lincoln GOLD Club Northern California Reunion The Wayne State College GOLD Club hosted a Lincoln GOLD Wayne State alumni gathered for a Northern California Reunion Alumni Event on Feb. 3 at the Rule G Night Club in Lincoln. at the home of Mac ’52 and Yvonne McManigal on March 18 in Rath, Walling & Associates (Justin Davis ’07), Froggy98 (Nikki Fairfield, Calif. Pictured (left to right) are: Deb Lundahl, Ron Holt Oswald ’08), and the Wayne State Foundation sponsored the ‘89, Joe Shinstock ‘96, President Marysz Rames, Diane Shinstock, event. Pictured (left to right) are: Laura Robinett ‘13, Ryan Mac McManigal ‘52, Cynthia Schaulis ’64, Dan Schaulis ‘64, Clara Becker ‘07, Mattie Scheeter ‘09, Justin Davis ‘07, Allie Davis Ann Tennis ‘39, Yvonne McManigal, and Cynthia Slife ‘77. ‘08, Amanda Wall ‘04, and Josh Scheeter. Not pictured: Nikki Oswald ‘08 and Dave Macoubrie ‘88.

Norfolk GOLD Club Midwest Bank hosted and sponsored a Wayne State GOLD Club Business After Hours event May 9 in Norfolk. Pictured are Midwest Bank alumni hosts (left to right): Pat Hughes ’73, Marcy Kratochvil ’05, Jason Love ’06, Amy Schroeter ’03, Michael Kuester ’06, and Bruce Brester ’05.

Wayne State Night at Werner Park Wayne State College alumni and friends gathered at Werner Park in Papillion on June 22 for Wayne State Night. Attendees enjoyed a pre-game picnic at the Ballpark Way Tent, followed by the Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Memphis Redbirds game. The event was sponsored by NP Dodge Real Estate, Blue Chip Ultra Lounge, Lakeview Sales, Inc., Ron Boner of UBS Financial, and the Wayne State Foundation.

wayne state magazine 21 alumni notes

Carhart Alumni Reunion Wayne State College math and science alumni Paul Eaton ’71 Inducted Into are invited to join us at Homecoming 2017 Baseball Hall of Fame for a Carhart Alumni Reunion! The reunion will take place on Friday, Oct. 6, from 3 to 5 Paul Eaton ’71 of Wakefield was p.m. in the Carhart Science Building in the PV inducted into the Nebraska Baseball Hall Library, Room 105. There is no cost to attend, of Fame at this year’s banquet Feb. 12 in but please RSVP on the Homecoming website, Beatrice. www.wsc.edu/homecoming. Eaton coached the Wakefield Post 81 baseball team from 1967 to 2016, leading the team to 18 state championships and finishing runner-up seven times, with a total of 25 state tournament appearances from 1969 to 2010. In 1990, Eaton’s team received second place in the All-Class Tournament Paul Eaton ’71 and were All-Class Champions in 1995, qualifying for nationals at Mid-South Region in Gonzales, La. In 1980 and 1983, Eaton was selected to coach the Nebraska American Legion All-Star Series, and in 2014, coached the Nebraska Kiwanis All-Star Game. He was selected USBF/Topps Nebraska Amateur Baseball Coach of the Year in 1995 and was presented the Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor Award for his work with Wakefield Youth Baseball in 1974. In 1984, the City of Wakefield named the Wakefield baseball field Eaton Field. Phi Sigma Epsilon 50th Eaton not only taught his players how to excel at baseball, he was also Anniversary Celebration a great teacher and life coach. He taught his players how to show respect The Alumni Chapter for the Wayne State Sigma for others and to thank their supporters. Gamma Chapter of Phi Sigma Epsilon will hold a 50th In addition to coaching, Eaton has also started a number of traditions anniversary celebration in Wayne on Oct.13-15. connected with baseball in Northeast Nebraska. He initiated the Chuck All former members and significant others are Ellis Memorial Tournament (45th year), the Max “Bud” Greve Wood Bat invited to attend. Specific information will be provided Tournament (22nd year), and the Merlin “Lefty” Olsen Mid-Summer Classic through the Alumni Chapter email registry and the (30th year) to make baseball fun for kids and give them the opportunity Sigma Gamma Facebook page. to play the game. For the past 50 years, Eaton has worked and taken care If you are not currently on the alumni registry or of the baseball facilities to help make improvements. He also chaired Facebook page, please contact: the committee that planned and secured funding to build three new playgrounds. He is currently the chairman of the Graves Park Forever Denny Galloway - [email protected] Committee, which works on projects to “make a great park even better.” Bill Maske - [email protected] Eaton and his wife, Janelle, live in Wakefield. John Smith - [email protected]

Did you recently get married? Have a baby? Relocate? WHAT’S NEW Get promoted? We’d love to hear about it! WITH YOU? Visit wsc.edu/alumni to share what’s happening in your life! Click on “Submit Class Notes” to share photos and news about weddings, babies, or other special events. TELL US! Click on “Update Your Information” to notify us of changes in your name or address.

Wayne State College Alumni Social Media Links Help us stay connected with our alumni. Facebook: Wayne State College Alumni Twitter: @AlumniWSC Instagram: @wscalumni (Wayne State College Alumni) Laura Robinett LinkedIn: Wayne State Foundation Director of Alumni Relations 402-375-7370 Wayne State College GOLD Club Social Media Links [email protected] Facebook: Wayne State College GOLD Club Twitter: @WSCGOLD

22 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu Four WSC Alumni Elected to National Medical Honorary Four Wayne State College rural program director for the of Anesthesiologists House of alumni are now members of Department of Family Medicine Delegates. In 2013, she was Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) and is the Assistant Dean for appointed to the Kentucky Board Honor Medical Society, a Admissions and Student Affairs of Medical Licensure and the national honor society signifying at the University of Nebraska Federation of State Medical a lasting commitment to Medical Center (UNMC) College Boards. She is also the editor-in- scholarship, leadership, of Medicine in Omaha. Harrison chief for the Federation’s Journal professionalism, and service. studied chemistry and biology of Medical Regulation. Koenig and They include Dr. Jeffrey Harrison at WSC. He and his wife, Connie, her husband, William W. Dr. Jeffrey Harrison ’83 ’83, Dr. Heidi M. Koenig ’80, Dr. live in Papillion. Holt, M.D., Ph.D., and their two Kaitlin (Zentic) Hahn ’12, and Dr. Koenig was elected to sons, Paul and Sam, live in Brian Jundt ’08 (not pictured). AΩA in 2015 and is a tenured Louisville. Election into this society is professor of anesthesiology Hahn was also inducted into a lifelong honor conferring and perioperative medicine, AΩA in 2015 and is currently the recognition for a physician’s academic advisory dean, Chief Resident in Family Medicine dedication to the profession and director of neuroanesthesiology, at UNMC in Omaha. She studied art of healing. and frequent lector at the chemistry health sciences in the Alpha Omega Alpha University of Louisville School RHOP program at WSC, with a recognizes and advocates of Medicine in Louisville, Ky. She minor in exercise science. She for excellence in scholarship practices clinical anesthesiology was also a Neihardt Scholar. Dr. Heidi M. Koenig ’80 and the highest ideals in the with subspecialization in Kaitlin’s husband, Neal Hahn ‘11, profession of medicine. The neuroanesthesiology. She also studied chemistry health top 25 percent of a medical studied chemistry and biology sciences at WSC. He is currently school class is eligible for at WSC and received her a physician assistant in ER nomination to the society, and doctorate at UNMC. Koenig medicine. up to 16 percent may be elected trained, performed research, and Jundt, who was elected to the based on leadership, character, taught at Michael Reese Medical honor society in 2015, is practicing community service, and Center and the University of family medicine in O’Neill with professionalism. Illinois-Chicago. She served his wife Dena Jundt ’08. Both are Harrison, who was as president of the Kentucky RHOP graduates who majored in inducted into AΩA in 2007, is a Society of Anesthesiologists chemistry health sciences and professor, vice chairman, and and in the American Society minored in biology at WSC. Dr. Kaitlin (Zentic) Hahn ’12 Dr. Danielle L. Freburg-Hoffmeister ‘08 Participates in Operation Smile Freburg-Hoffmeister is a Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) graduate of Wayne State. The day after she arrived in Honduras, Freburg-Hoffmeister and members of her team screened 200 potential patients for medical work. Of those, 100 were selected for operations. The services were performed without cost to the patients in the program. Freburg-Hoffmeister worked with another senior oral surgery resident and two senior-year plastic surgery residents from the University of Florida. While in Honduras, the group was accompanied by armed guards for security. Freburg-Hoffmeister stayed at a private residence while participating in the mission. Danielle L. Freburg- Freburg-Hoffmeister graduated from Kearney High School Hoffmeister ‘08, D.D.S., M.D. Operation Smile Surgical Team in 2004 and is the daughter of Nancy Freburg and Andrew Hoffmeister of Kearney. After graduating from WSC with a degree Danielle L. Freburg-Hoffmeister ‘08, D.D.S., M.D., traveled to San in life science (health sciences) in 2008, she went on to the Pedro Sula, Honduras, in February to participate in Operation Smile, University of Nebraska College of Dentistry to earn her doctorate an international medical charity. While there, Freburg-Hoffmeister in 2011. She was then admitted to the University of Florida, where and medical professionals from the University of Florida College she studied in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department and of Dentistry performed surgery and other medical procedures on received her M.D. in 2015. Freburg-Hoffmeister completed her children in the area who were born with clef palate, lip palate, and senior year medical school residency in June at the University of other facial deformities. Florida and hopes to return to Nebraska. wayne state magazine 23 alumni notes

Upcoming Events Oct. 2-7 - Wayne State College Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 14 - Phi Sigma Epsilon Alumni Banquet at WSC Wednesday, Oct. 18 - WSC Hosts Business After Hours in Norfolk Monday, Nov. 20 - Alumni Tailgate Event in Sioux Falls, S.D., before the WSC vs. Augustana basketball games (details TBA) Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2 - WSC Madrigal Dinners Sunday, Dec. 10 - President’s Holiday Gala Friday, Dec.15 - Winter Commencement Sunday, Jan. 7 - Sun City, Ariz., Alumni Reunion Thursday, Feb. 22 - Glenn Miller Performance as part of B&G Performance Series Paul Stella ’94 Leads Successful GOLD Club Law Enforcement Career Saturday, Oct. 7 - GOLD Club Tailgate at WSC Homecoming Paul Stella ’94, a criminal justice graduate 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Peterson Fine Arts lobby and patio south of the and basketball alumnus of Wayne State College, football field. Please RSVP. Cost is $8. Special recognition for the has approximately 19 years of law enforcement Class of ‘92 for their 25-year reunion. experience and is a lieutenant for the Rialto Police Department in Rialto, Calif. Stella began his law For more information go to www.wsc.edu/alumni-events enforcement career in 1996 with the Los Angeles Police Department and was hired by the Rialto Police Department in 2001. Stella has worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, gangs, the Narcotics Unit, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Task Force as an officer, Investigations Division, and the SWAT Team. He has also supervised patrol teams and the Investigations Division and is currently in charge of patrol division, SWAT Team, and K-9 Unit, and is the Press Information Officer. Influential in creating a number of department “firsts,” Stella helped create the Cold Case Homicide Unit, which has solved six previously unresolved homicides. He also created the department’s Awards Program, SWAT Tactical Explosive Breaching, and “Request-A-Training,” a training 29th Wildcat Golf Classic partnership between the police department and the The Wayne State Foundation hosted its 29th Annual WSC Wildcat Golf Classic community. on Saturday, July 15, at Eagle Hills Golf Course in Papillion. Attendees enjoyed 18 Stella is a former “Officer of the Year” and was holes of golf, pin prizes, raffle prizes, and dinner in the clubhouse. The first place part of a SWAT entry team honored with a National team in the tournament included Rick Kanne, Pat Salerno '89, Dale Clayton '88, Valor Award for successfully rescuing a hostage and Craig Koehler '88. All proceeds from the tournament support the Student- from an armed gunman. He has also developed Athlete Scholarship Fund. and executed numerous large-scale operations and nuisance abatements that improved the community’s quality of life. Stella has a master’s degree in emergency services administration, graduating with honors, and is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, class No. 380. He is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, American Investigative Society of Cold Cases, California Homicide Investigators Association, California Narcotics Officers Association, National Tactical Officers Association, and the International Association of Undercover Officers.

24 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu (Towns and cities listed Dr. Lenny R. Klaver 2002 broker with 1st Realty on these pages are in serves as President at Heather (Buryanek) Sales and Management Nebraska unless noted North Central Missouri Meyers and her husband, in Wayne. or generally understood. College in Curtis, reside in Harrisburg, Efforts are made to keep Trenton, Savannah (Seamann) Pa. Heather Short and her husband our news current.) Mo., a is an office Aaron announce the birth position 1971 manager at of daughter, Aariannah he’s held Evolve Howard Borchard and Elizabeth, on March 23. since June Financial his wife, Carol, have a 2016. He Planning. residence in Hartley and and Pam student at Skyline Spirit Lake, Iowa. He Shroyer were married in Elementary School in 2003 served in the Army during May, and they reside in Elkhorn and was one of Melissa (Stidfole) Pena the Korean War following Trenton. the select few to receive and her husband, Jesus, college graduation. an invite to participate in announce the birth of They reside in Spalding Howard had a 19-year 1991 the Nebraska round of son, Bexton Royce, on and are owners/ career in education, Jodi (Kathol) Ronspies the National Geographic operators of the Short serving 10 years as a and her husband, Pat, Bee. Pictured with Carter Stay Inn. Savannah superintendent. This was live in Norfolk and are is Randy Bertolas, works for Riverside followed by 31 years as the parents of four competition judge and Public Schools as a owner of an electrical grown children. She WSC professor of paraprofessional. has celebrated the 20th contracting firm. Howard geography. is enjoying retirement by year of being a business 2009 serving as a museum owner, having launched March 27. They reside in 1998 Dr. Miles Berg and Katie curator in Hartley. Employment Works, Inc. Sioux City, Iowa. Melissa William Tallon has Jensen were united in on Oct. 1, 1996, to help is an ESL teacher for the retired from the Army marriage in November James Sievers and his people with a disability Sioux City Community with the rank of major and reside in York. Dr. wife, Karen, are enjoying find employment. She School District. after 28 years of service. Berg is a dentist at York their retirement years in currently has a staff of Panora, Iowa. Following His career included five 2004 Dental Associates. Katie 50, and they support combat deployments in retirement from a career Trisha (Hansen, MBA people on jobs and help support of Operations in education, the couple ’12) Peters and her them find affordable Enduring Freedom, Iraqi owned and operated husband, Tim, welcomed housing and assist with Freedom, and Inherent Prairie View Bed and a son, Luke Hansen, born ensuring their success Resolve. Prior to his Breakfast for more than Aug. 15. He joins a living as independently retirement, he served 10 years. brother, Logan, 3, at their possible. in numerous positions 1996 within the US Army’s Special Operations Bruce O’Neel, his Command at Fort wife Sheri, and their Bragg, N.C. He resides in son, Carter, visited the Fayetteville, N.C., with his University of Nebraska at wife Debra and his two is employed as a graphic Omaha campus March daughters. designer with Sand Creek 31. Carter is a fifth-grade home in Wayne. Trisha is an associate real estate Post and Beam. 1980 Kent and Karen (Reestman) Riesberg ’80 are proud grandparents to three 2008 boys. Their son, Josh Riesberg ‘10, and his wife, Lisa, announced the birth of Rita (Guenther) Pleskac and her husband Charlie twins, Oliver and Orion, on Nov. 14. Josh teaches social studies at Mercy High are pleased to announce an addition to their School, Omaha. Their daughter, family, Lance Donavon, who arrived Feb. 6. He is Janice (Riesberg) Rhods ‘14, and welcomed her husband, Dusty ’14, announced to their the birth of a son, Lucas, on May home in 5. Janice teaches first grade at Malmo by Karen Elementary in Ralston, and Brayden, Dusty works in the office at Builders 7, Chelsey, Supply Company. They all reside in 5, and the Omaha metro area. Landon, 3.

wayne state magazine 25 alumni notes 2011 Tahner Thiem ’11 (MSE ’16) and his wife, Traci, announce the birth of triplets on Jan. 11. Tayden Dake, Tyce Sanderson, and Tierani Linneyn were 2013 welcomed to their home in David City. Tahner serves as the industrial technology teacher and Dexter and Jill (May head wrestling coach at David City High School. ’14) Dodson are proud Also pictured are proud grandparents Troy Thiem to announce the birth of ’84, the facilities manager at First Evangelical Free Oliver Graham on Jan. 27. Church in Lincoln, and Marilea (Voss ’85) Thiem, They reside in Cambridge the foundations and community relations director where Dexter teaches at Crete Area Medical Center in Crete. The triplets industrial technology and are donning onesies compliments of WSC faculty Jill is a preschool teacher. member Greg Vander Weil ’79, MSE ’82.

2010 Eric Kathol ‘13 and Maria (Prohaska) Wittler Amanda Gray ’11 were and her husband, Tom, united in marriage on reside near Carroll with New Year’s Eve in 2016. their son, Ty, 2. Maria Several WSC alumni is employed as a store attended their wedding. manager at The Diamond The couple resides in Center in Wayne. Omaha.

IN MEMORY OF Dorothy (Hook) Hamilton ‘39, 98, Port Orange, Fla.; Dec. 27. Bernice (Wegner) Grimm ‘60, 92, Fremont; Jan. 17. Hayden C. Jones ‘39, 98, Shenandoah, Iowa; Feb. 26. Harlan H. Munsen ‘60, 80, North Mankato, Minn.; Nov. 29. Helen (Budin) Schlichtemeier ‘39, 96, Murray, May 17. Erma (Tejral) Schnegelberger ‘60, 80, Omaha; May 18. Arlene (Patrick) Bartlett ‘41, 100, Richardson, Texas; May 5. Allan D. Pestel ‘62, 74, Pilger; April 21. Wilma (Baker) Fender ‘42, 98, Billings, Mont., Iowa; May 8. Gary E. Fox ‘63, 75, Hawarden, Iowa; June 8. Richard J. Hesse ‘42, 95, Great Falls, Va.; Jan. 22. Carol (Nelson) Johnson ‘64, 77, Fremont; March 6. Virginia (Madison) Hogeboom ‘43, 100, Sioux City, Iowa; June 3. Rosemary Albenesius ‘65, 74, Sioux City, Iowa; June1. Lucille (Moseley) Kuhlman ‘43, 95, Laurel; June 5. Delores (Uhl) Blatchford ‘65, 73, Sioux City, Iowa; June 8. Barbara (Hook) Craun ‘45, 93, Guthrie Center, Iowa; Jan. 21. Barbara (Bahde) McEntee ‘65, 74, North Platte; Feb. 27. Bonnie Lou Owens ‘47, 96, Wayne; Feb. 20. Del A. Stoltenberg, MSE ‘66, 82, Lincoln; June 3. John M. Fitch ‘48, 88, Scottsdale, Ariz.; March 12. Garie W. Rusk ‘67, 72, Sioux City, Iowa; Dec. 16. Irene (Olson) Snider ‘48, 90, South Sioux City; May 31. Douglas A. Barclay ‘70, MSE ’71, 71, Bourbonnais, Ill.; April 1. Nydra (Jacobson) Brosh ‘50, 101, Norfolk; March 23. Dennis D. Gray ‘70, 68, Polk; Jan. 20. Richard B. Kirwan ‘50, 90, Santa Ana, Calif.; April 1. Arlene (Hueftle) Ostendorf ‘70, 87, Wayne; March 15. Arel T. Lewis ‘50, 88, Lincoln; April 25. Emerson “Whitey” Russman ‘70, 80, Redwing, Minn.; Sept. 15. Florence (Feller) Murphy ‘50, 87, Lincoln; March 11. Craig C. Hollander ‘72, 66, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Feb. 7. Gerald A. Stevens ‘50, 89, Hartington; Feb. 4. David L. Pavel ‘72, 72, West Des Moines, Iowa; April 23. Gerald A. Krause ‘51, 88, Omaha; May 14. Maxine (Francisco) Linafelter ‘73, 89, South Sioux City; March 23. Robert K. Stevens ‘51, 87, Lincoln; Jan. 27. Marlyn E. Washburn ‘73, 66, Omaha; May 14. Myron L. Armour ‘52, 87, Smithland, Iowa; Feb. 24. Larry G. Wells, MSE ‘74, 74, Grand Island; May 5. Miriam (Scranton) Hagedorn ‘52, 87, Unadilla Township, Mich.; May 7. Marlene (Schroeder) Nixon ‘75, 76, David City; March 9. Leonard A. Hamsa ‘53, 85, Lincoln; Feb. 14. Leonard N. Kaup, MSE ‘77, 72, Las Vegas; March 8. George E. Konopik ‘53, 83, Coupeville, Wash.; June 9. Kathleen (Tate) Struve ‘85, 70, Green Valley, Ariz.; Feb. 18. Jan (Gibson) Dennis ‘54, 86, Bristow; June 1. Joy (Welch) Huck ‘91, 92, Tulsa, Okla.; Jan. 17. Gary C. Clifton ‘55, 82, Orem, Utah; May 28. Patrick E. Luben ‘91, 48, Fremont; April 10. Jack C. Foresman ‘55, 86, Cleghorn, Iowa; March 3. Sherry (McShannon) Carstens ‘92, 55, Norfolk; March 9. Robert G. Ogan ‘55, 88, Monmouth, Ore.; Nov. 22. Angela (Kuhnes) Dowden ‘97, 41, Decorah, Iowa; Jan. 25. Beverly (Mahnke) Soden ‘55, 80, Ankeny, Iowa; March 25. Nancy J. Drevo ‘16, 34, Alexandria, Va.; Feb. 15. Barbara (Sweem) McLarty ‘56, 80, South Sioux City; March 28. LaJean (Larson) Price ‘56, 84, Lincoln; April 21. FRIENDS WE WILL MISS DaVLee Johnson ‘57, 81, Omaha; March 27. Michael L. Garvin, 65, North Liberty, Iowa; Nov. 28. Reta (Anderson) Peters ‘57, 87, Newberg, Ore.; Aug. 11. Mary Jo Gross, 77, Wayne; May 13. Mary Jo was employed at James E. Whitney ‘57, 81, Lafayette, Colo.; April 8. WSC from 1984 to 2004. She started as a library assistant, Jerry D. Holliday ‘59, 79, Atlantic, Iowa; Jan. 15. and she retired as the assistant registrar. Leon K. Anderson ‘60, 82, Fairway, Kan.; April 10. Janet (Wait) Heithold, 82, Wayne; Feb. 28.

26 summer 2017 / www.wsc.edu Schedule of Events • October 2-7, 2017

Monday, Oct. 2 Hypnotist: Josh McVicker, 9 p.m., Ramsey Theatre Business Window Decorating: Wayne businesses display their Wayne State pride!

Tuesday, Oct. 3 Window and Sidewalk Chalk Competition: Students decorate the Kanter Student Center windows and campus sidewalks (All day – check in at Atrium) All Campus Homecoming Grill-Out: 5-7 p.m., Hoffbauer Plaza and Frey Conference Suite, Cost $8.50 or meal plan for students Open Mic Night: 9 p.m., Cats Corner, hosted by 91.9 The Cat radio Business Window Decorating: Wayne businesses display their Wayne State pride!

Wednesday, Oct. 4 Artswalk: Watch students celebrate the arts across campus through expressions of music, art, language, and literature. Banner Judging Undie Run: 7 p.m., Kanter Student Center Atrium (Registration begins at 6:30 p.m., shotgun start at 7 p.m. Register on site. Must donate an item of clothing to enter the race. All clothing collected will be donated to Micah’s Closet, Salvation Army, and Goodwill. Prizes and recognition for first place men’s runner, first place women’s runner, most clothing donated, and best running outfit. May run in clothing of your choice. Sponsored by the Student Senate and Philomatheans.) Pep Rally & Dance Party: 8 p.m., Hoffbauer Plaza (rain location Lower Cafeteria) Business Window Decorating: Wayne businesses display their Wayne State pride!

Thursday, Oct. 5 Artswalk: Watch students celebrate the arts across campus through expressions of music, art, language, and literature. Scholarship Luncheon: 11:30 a.m., Frey Conference Suite, Kanter Student Center (scholarship donors invited) WSC Alumni Employee Appreciation Social: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Kanter Student Center Atrium (WSC faculty and staff invited to celebrate our alumni employees with dessert reception and concert choir performance at 4 p.m.) Willy Olympics: 4 p.m., Bowen Hall Lawn (Sponsored by RHA) Business Window Decorating: Wayne businesses display their Wayne State pride! Mr. WSC Pageant: 8:30 p.m., Ramsey Theatre

Friday, Oct. 6 Welcome Center: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Kanter Student Center Atrium Area Accommodations Trustee Workshop: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Gardner Auditorium Wayne: Cobblestone Hotel - 402-833-1300 For information: Trustee Luncheon: 12-1 p.m., Frey Conference Suite, Kanter Student Center (Trustees invited) K-D Inn - 402-375-1770 Laura Robinett Lunch for Visitors: 12-1 p.m., Kanter Student Center Lower Food Court Sports Club Motel - 402-375-4222 Alumni Director Business Window Decorating: Wayne businesses display their Wayne State pride! Super 8 - 402-375-4898 Wayne State College Norfolk: Hampton Inn - 402-379-3585 Planetarium Show: 1:30 p.m., Carhart Science Building Wayne, NE 68787 Holiday Inn - 402-379-1524 Annual Trustee Meeting: 1:30-3 p.m., Gardner Auditorium Norfolk Lodge & Suites - 402-379-3833 402-375-7370 [email protected] Women’s Soccer Game: 2 p.m. vs. Minnesota State, WSC Soccer Field WSC Faculty Art Show: 2:30-4 p.m., Nordstrand Visual Arts Gallery, Conn Library (Show by faculty of the Department of Art For homecoming and Design: Carolyn Albracht, Sarah Krupp, Marlene Mueller, Meghan O'Connor, Leroy von Glan, and Joshua Piersanti, updates, go to with Andy Haslit curating the exhibit) www.wsc.edu/ Affinity: Carhart Alumni Reunion: 3-5 p.m., Carhart Science Building, PV Library Room 105. Please RSVP. homecoming Bowen Hall Open House: 3-5 p.m., Bowen Hall (All are welcome to see our newly renovated residence hall!) Conn Library Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting: 3-5 p.m. grand opening, 4 p.m. ribbon cutting, Conn Library Greek Olympics: 5 p.m., Willow Bowl (Sponsored by Greek Council) Outstanding Alumni Social & Banquet: Social at 5:30 p.m., Banquet at 6:15 p.m., Frey Conference Suite Planetarium Show: 6:30 p.m., Carhart Science Building Homecoming Coronation: 8:30 p.m., Ramsey Theatre

Saturday, Oct. 7 Homecoming Parade: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Main Street (Sponsored by Student Activities) Band Day: 9:30 a.m. Parade participation, a concert in the Willow Bowl will follow the parade at 10:30 a.m. Affinity Reunions/ Business Window Decorating: Wayne businesses display their Wayne State pride! Gatherings include: Presidents Society and Honored Classes Brunch: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Frey Conference Suite (President Society members and Honored Classes ’67 and ’77 for 40 & 50-year reunions invited.) RSVP required. • Carhart Alumni Reunion Affinity: Resident Assistant Reunion Brunch: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Birch Room, Kanter Student Center • Resident Assistant (Cost is $5. Former Resident Assistants are invited to attend and reconnect. Please RSVP.) Reunion Brunch • 20th Anniversary WSC Affinity: 20th Anniversary WSC PRIDE Brunch: 10:30-12:30 p.m., Niobrara and Elkhorn Rooms, Kanter Student Center. RSVP required. PRIDE Brunch No cost. Anyone welcome to attend. Visit the “20th Anniversary WSC PRIDE” Facebook page for additional event information. • GOLD Club Tailgate Campus Open House: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Campus buildings and residence halls are open for alumni to visit! • Kappa Kappa Psi Affinity: GOLD Club Tailgate: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Peterson Fine Arts lobby and patio south of Football Field, All GOLD Club (Graduates Reunion Banquet of the Last Decades) alumni and their families invited. Special recognition of the Class of ’92 for 25-year reunion. Cost is $8. RSVP. • Football Reunion Wildcat Tailgate Party: 12 p.m., Bob Cunningham Field (Cost: $8 per person at event) Homecoming Royalty Introduced: 12:30 p.m., Football Field See reservation form Football Game: 1 p.m. vs. Southwest Minnesota State - Pre-game and Halftime Show by WSC Marching for RSVP details! Band, Introduction of Hall of Fame Inductees at halftime (General Admission $10, K-12 $5) Campus Open House: 4-5 p.m., Campus buildings and residence halls are open for alumni to visit! (Please see schedule Planetarium Show: 4 p.m., Carhart Science Building or go to www.wsc.edu/ homecoming for details) Homecoming and Hall of Fame Social and Banquet: Social at 5:30 p.m., banquet at 6:15 p.m., Frey Conference Suite Affinity: Kappa Kappa Psi Reunion Banquet: Miss Molly’s downtown (Play at the football game with band members and attend the banquet at 5:30 p.m. RSVP by Sept. 1 on Facebook or with Eve Ortmeier, KKP president, at 402-380-3699). Affinity: Football Reunion: Come watch the Homecoming game and join in on a football tailgate with fellow teammates! Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID ABPC WAYNE STATE FOUNDATION 1111 MAIN STREET WAYNE NE 68787 www.wsc.edu

Graduate Degree Options Get Your Master of Business Administration (MBA)* Education Specialist (Ed.S.)* Graduate Master of Science in Education (MSE) Exercise Science** Degree Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Leadership** (All core courses are online. There are many emphases to at WSC choose from. Some of the emphases are all online; others are not.) Your success followed your Counseling** undergraduate degree from Clinical Health Mental Counseling WSC. Now it’s time to further School Counseling your success with a master’s Student Affairs and College Counseling degree from your alma mater. School Administration* We offer a variety of graduate PK-8 7-12 degrees, with many chances to PK-12 take courses online. Athletic Administration Master of Science in Organizational Management (MSOM)* For more information go to Human Resource Management www.wsc.edu/graduate Information Technology Management Sport and Recreation Management *Online programs **Some courses online, some hybrid or face-to-face