FOCUs

the sciences Friends University FALL 2018 FOCUS | contents

President Friends University Board of Trustees MOE R EVENTS Dr. Amy Bragg Carey Michael Bankston Dr. Jace Hyder Craig Bay Dr. Denis Knight AND NEWS Associate Vice President of Bob Casper Dr. John Lewis Marketing and Communications Check friends.edu Dave Depew Kelly Linnens Deb Stockman for more news Kim Dugger Attwater Paul Moore Associate Vice President of Lynn Ghormley Jana Mullen Purchase tickets for University Advancement Brad Haddock Jim Nagy David Alexander Leatha Hein Renae Ryan F Ine ARts EVENTS Director of Alumni Relations Kevin Henderson Jeff Ramsey at friends.edu/event-features Michael Walz Dr. Kevin Hoppock Dr. David Williams

Director of Marketing A THLEtiCS EVENTS and Communications Follow the Falcons at Gisele McMinimy friendsathletics.com

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Focus on Science

Notable alumni 4 make significant contributions to science

Students observe 7 health care in Ghana

Faculty and 10 students partner on research projects

Letterm fro the President On the Cover D r. Prince Agbedanu and students Friends University has a long history of forces, we value both. Our graduates Josh Schafer and Christa Titus work preparing students for stellar careers understand there are deeper in the Friends biology lab. in the sciences. Dr. James Crow and questions that can’t be fully explained Dr. Fred Wolinsky are two examples by science. Their work is guided by Photo by Steve Rasmussen of alumni who have done ground- their faith in God, our Creator, and they breaking research throughout their rely on faith in Him to help explore the careers. But Friends has educated mysteries of the physical, as well as the Vol . 41 | No. 1 thousands of doctors, chemists, zoo spiritual, world. Focus magazine is published two times per year by University Advancement/Marketing keepers, mathematicians and others who and Communications, 2100 W. University have made, or are making, important Ave, Wichita, KS 67213. It is published for the alumni and friends of Friends University. contributions to people’s lives. While there may be some who see Dr. Amy Bragg Carey friends.edu faith and science as potential opposing President, Friends University [email protected]

Fall 2018 | 3 FOCUS | FEATURE ent m rt pa e D dison Genetics a Wisconsin – M f nd University o a k ice fl c Kno aa s I f rtesy o u oto co h P a tale of two scientists By Brian Whepley

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ne was an eminent geneticist who studied mutations in crops and from nuclear radiation, helped develop the field of population genetics, wrote standard texts in his field and fostered generations of fellow scientists at the University of Wisconsin. The other is a University of Iowa sociologist who mined Medicare data for such insights as how older Americans recover from hip fractures Obut who thinks one of his best accomplishments was to help show that seniors, with training, can improve the speed in which they process mental tasks. That finding, he says, can truly matter, being the difference between spotting a roadside deer and braking in time vs. hitting the deer. Both scientists and professors, Dr. James Crow, the geneticist, and Dr. Fred Wolinsky, the sociologist, won awards for their teaching and research. Both published widely, are well respected in their fields and share another distinction: They are Friends graduates.

Dr. James Crow: Geneticist Dr. Crow, a 1937 biology and chemistry graduate, grew up in a Wichita family with a legacy of academic success. His brother, Ernest, was a longtime cardiologist in the city and a 1942 Friends graduate. Their father, H. Ernest Crow, graduated from Friends in 1909 and taught biology at Friends for 51 years. Dr. Crow earned his doctorate in zoology from the University of Texas. After teaching at Dartmouth College he went to Wisconsin, staying until retirement in 1986. After World War II and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Dr. Crow served a prominent public health role, taking part in research on mutation from radiation and testifying before Congress. His work, a 1986 Ag Press Service article noted, included studies looking into the vigor of hybrid crops, resistance to DDT and other insecticides and the effects of mutations on people and other populations. Dr. Crow served terms as president of the American Society of Human Genetics and the Genetics Society of America and was co-editor-in-chief of the journal Genetics for five years during the 1950s. He is credited with two foundational textbooks: “Genetic Notes: An Introduction to Genetics” — a book commonly called just “Crow’s Notes” — and “An Introduction to Population Genetics Theory,” with Motoo Kimura, covering the field of genetic variations within and between populations.

Fall 2018 | 5 FOCUS | FEATURE is w Le a y Lis b oto h P

After his death at 95 in 2012, the Wisconsin genetics department compiled remembrances, noting: “Jim was known to the world as an outstanding geneticist, teacher and statesmen — but to many of us…he was simply one of the best colleagues one could ask for. He was in his office most days — up until the end of his life — D r. Fred Wolinsky: Sociologist became available, and I seized the reading papers, writing manuscripts and Dr. Wolinsky, retired from teaching but opportunity to work with it.” keeping up on the latest news in and out still researching, grew up in Chicago and He has written more than 240 articles of science. He seemed perpetually in a came to Friends because his father’s for journals of medicine, epidemiology, good mood and could talk to anyone heart attack financially narrowed his public health, geriatrics and gerontology, about any subject matter.” college options. But he says his choice bringing over 8,700 citations by fellow Millard Susman, professor emeritus proved serendipitous, bringing not only scientists. Dr. Wolinsky’s work — he at Wisconsin, said recently that his an education but also his wife, Sally, and taught some but mostly researched — “generosity and his modesty were a deep faith. was funded by the National Institutes of extraordinary,” recalling how Dr. After getting his sociology degree Health for three decades, a mighty run in Crow spent a weekend solving a math at Friends, Dr. Wolinsky earned his the up-and-down federal funding cycles. problem for a paper Susman was master’s at Drake University and Digging into often-underutilized writing. “He was clearly one of the doctorate at Southern Illinois University. long-term health data from large smartest people I ever knew, but he He taught at East Carolina University, numbers of Americans was valuable, never made you feel inferior.” Saint Louis University (twice), Texas but seeing how cognitive training could Susman and Rayla Temin, another A&M, Indiana University and finally at directly improve the memories and lives Wisconsin colleague, wrote an Iowa. He also spent several years as a of test subjects has meant a great deal appreciation of Dr. Crow for Genetics in researcher with the American Medical to him. Using a computer game of sorts 2012, describing both his work and his Association, honing his appreciation that, with increasing difficulty, focuses great interest outside the lab. “Music of what might be learned from health the attention of subjects — both in was so much a part of Jim’s life that no information databases. the lab and later in nursing homes and description would be complete without “When I was training as a sociologist assisted living facilities — “ we showed mention of his devotion to his viola and in graduate school, computers were that not only did people have increased to his many friends in the music world,” mainframes and there were a lot of processing and peripheral vision but they wrote. “He started on violin when public data sources people weren’t also improved several other measures of around 8 years old and later switched to using,” Dr. Wolinsky said, mentioning cognitive function.” viola because, as he said, there is always that for one early project he received “What has been the nicest thing about a need for a violist.” a crate of computer tape from the this line of work is we have actually made Susman recalled Dr. Crow’s popularity government. “It turned out I was them better. That makes this the most and range as an instructor. relatively savvy with code.” rewarding thing,” he said. “I have run into people who were “I was trained as a quantitative “My career has been an accident,” biology undergrads at Wisconsin who methodologist and medical sociologist he insisted, “but I think God always said Dr. Crow is the one who stands and have focused my research career on had a plan for me. Without Friends, out as the absolute best. I had the studying the health and health behavior there wouldn’t have been any of this. experience of teaching courses with him. of older adults,” Dr. Wolinsky explained I had the privilege of studying with a It was always humbling to look at the in a biography for the University of Iowa. number of remarkable people who course evaluation. When you taught with “Some would say I’m an opportunity were dedicated to helping students. him, you never had a chance. You were analyst,” he noted recently. “Data I wouldn’t be the person I am if I had always at least second.” gone somewhere else.”

6 | Friends University FOCUS ON | SCIENCE a global opportunity to care By Amy Geiszler-Jones

or two weeks this past summer, a group of Friends University health sciences students conducted rounds with medical doctors and researched alongside scientists studying tropical diseases more Fthan 6,000 miles from Wichita. As part of a new study abroad experience, 10 students accompanied assistant professors of biology Dr. John Simmons and Dr. Prince Agbedanu to Ghana.

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The May 24 to June 10 trip, which with some people paying into the C ollaborative Research (KCCR), located included a stopover in Brussels, was an system, said Dr. Agbedanu, who is also on the university’s campus. The KCCR is extension of the spring semester class Friends’ director of human biology and a collaborative project between a private Global Health. The main objective of the health science program. German company and KNUST. the class, co-taught by Simmons and But essentially, “Ghana’s system is Dr. Agbedanu has connections to both Agbedanu, is to expose students to more like cash and carry,” continued the university and KCCR — he’s a 2005 different health care models around the Dr. Agbedanu, who was born and graduate of KNUST and was a researcher world, Dr. Simmons explained. While educated in the West African country at the lab. The international program the Global Health class is required of all that is located between Cote’ d’Ivoire office at KNUST coordinated most of the health science majors, the study abroad and Togo on the Gulf of Guinea. Both trip’s logistics, arranging for experiences portion is optional because of the public and private hospitals exist in the that helped the students learn about significant travel cost for students.T his developing country. the country’s medical and health care year’s trip cost each student $2,600. The study abroad program took the systems along with its culture. With the new study abroad students to Kumasi in central Ghana, “The whole time we were there, component, Friends University students which is located about 125 miles we had someone from the university can see an example of an international northwest of the country’s capital city, chaperoning us,” Dr. Simmons said. health care system firsthand. Accra. In Kumasi, the students split their As the students spent their A former British colony known as time on clinical rotations at the hospital mornings shadowing physicians, the the Gold Coast until 1957, Ghana of the Kwame Nkrumah University of doctors not only talked about treating has a health care system that can be Science and Technology (KNUST) and patients for their various conditions described as a national health system in the labs of the Kumasi Centre for but also how medical professionals

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are educated and trained and how compare her experience of witnessing since it’s very treatable and the effects patients pay for health care. two surgical C-section births. are far less devastating if caught early, For senior Amanda Smith, the clinical During afternoons at the research lab, the students were told. rotations made a big impact. She’d been students learned more about what are Smith described the scenery en route planning to eventually become a dentist known as neglected tropical diseases, or to the remote clinic in the rainforest as but now plans to go into medicine. NTDs. NTDs are a group of parasitic and “breathtaking.” A visit to the Kumasi “I had never been in a hospital setting bacterial diseases that include malaria, Children’s Home orphanage tugged at like this, but going on this trip really schistosomiasis and Buruli ulcers. her emotions, too. Realizing how many inspired me to go into medicine,” said During a one-day field trip to the people need help has her considering Smith. This past summer’s trip was also remote Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, adopting a child in the future, she said. her first international adventure. the oldest mission hospital in Ghana, “Students can become more aware “It was a very, very amazing students saw the effects of Buruli ulcers. of how blessed they are,” said Dr. opportunity and experience,” she said. “It’s a horrible disease,” Dr. Simmons Agbedanu about the outcomes of a Things like learning that mothers said. study abroad experience. and newborns wore white on the If not caught early, the flesh-eating Plans are already underway for next maternity ward to symbolize victory bacteria cause gaping, open wounds. year’s trip, during which students will visit and that haggling over prices in the It’s often difficult for a person to realize Finland and England. Smith said she plans large open-air market is expected were they’ve been infected because the to participate in that, as well, to continue both educational and eye-opening. bacteria release a neurotoxin to deaden enhancing her educational experiences. She said she can’t even begin to any pain. Villagers are being taught to “We’re just getting started so we’ll see recognize the early signs of the disease where this goes,” Dr. Simmons said.

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searching for answers together By Brian Whepley Dr. Prince Agbedanu and his students (l to r: Troy Puga, Christa Titus, Josh Schafer, and Pearce Harris) create posters that share findings from the research they conduct.

roy Puga, a baseball-playing junior from setbacks. You keep pushing through and Pueblo, Colo., had a personal stake in keep trying to learn as much as you can.” his research project: a tear in his knee’s Dr. Agbedanu and Dr. Josh Halonen, lateral meniscus about a year ago assistant professor of psychology, both sidelined the Friends University catcher. have extensive research backgrounds Could stem cells, he wondered, help and work alongside Friends students speed an athlete’s recovery? on projects. Puga, for example, also Puga, working with Dr. Prince worked with Joshua Schafer, Pearce Agbedanu, assistant professor of Harris and Dr. Agbedanu on a study of biology, hasn’t learned the answer just whether a plant could process excess Tyet, but he’s still learned a good deal. carbon dioxide. Their studies suggest “I definitely have gotten more patient,” that plants may have a mechanism to said Puga, sharing how he and Dr. get rid of excess carbon dioxide. Such Abegdanu are seeking more substances research could prove valuable in a world from the National Institutes of Health to of climate change. test on planaria, a flatworm that readily Projects come about from discussions regenerates. “Research is a long process the two professors or other faculty to finding results.Y ou learn to have have with students, with a university

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''we need to expose them to the expectations of research, so that when they proceed Student Timo Burnham wears a device on his head that measures brain wave activity while completing an exercise on the computer under the observation of Dr. Joshua Halonen and to graduate school student Kimberly Bustillos-Chacon. it won't come as a so that when they proceed to graduate “They realize that they are talking shock to them.'' school it won’t come as a shock to them. about complex things, and when they — Dr. Prince Agbedanu We have a highly motivated group, and I can convey those, they learn a lot,” Dr. admire their enthusiasm.” Halonen said. “They go out and have One student, Christa Titus, drawing some confidence.” on her own curiosity, worked with Dr. Kimberly Bustillos-Chacon hopes Agbedanu on research that could to go to graduate school and become enlighten coffee-drinking students and a forensic psychologist, pursuing professors alike: the most effective an interest in what leads people to dosage and timing of caffeine intake. become serial killers. The research she’s After exposing planaria, the flatworm, to planning with Dr. Halonen — using Dr. Prince Agbedanu and his students (l to r: Troy Puga, Christa Titus, Josh Schafer, and Pearce Harris) create posters that share findings from the research they conduct. various doses of caffeine and at different electroencephalography to see whether rates, they concluded a steady intake brain waves indicate lies and deception donor providing funding for the was better. Large doses, as some coffee — could prepare her for that career path. research grants. Students learn basic guzzlers note, produced a rush of energy “We will give the subjects cards to laboratory techniques, how to make but then a crash. They are investigating read and say, ‘Hey, you’re a witness good observations and how to collect next to find out if there is a relationship or a person of interest, that you killed consistent data. Results are important, of between caffeine and longevity. this person with this object. We’ll course, but so is the process. Dr. Halonen, who heads Friends’ use multiple cards with scenarios, “Students often feel like you can research-sanctioning internal review one innocent, one guilty. If they are schedule a time and go to a lab and do board, said building a project from innocent, the thought is that brain the work and then publish, and I see this a personal interest is valuable. He’s waves are going to be different than if positively because it is a good drive for worked with student Timo Burnham they have hurt someone.” me to work with them to investigate what to study decision-making processes, “I’ve learned just how much there is they are curious about. Over time, I work using electroencephalography (EEG) to to everything — the review board, the with them to see the level of planning observe brain wave activity. “I try to give funding, the grants and all the things that and organization involved before you students the freedom to come up with are involved,” she said. execute the project,” said Dr. Agbedanu, this question on their own. I really like “Research brings the whole academic director of the human biology and health helping people figure the universe out thing to life. They are not just working sciences program. “We need to expose for themselves.” with theory, but with things occurring in them to the expectations of research, actual life,” Dr. Agbedanu said.

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University News

Sean Cash Friends University Sean Anthony Cash is now serving as assistant professor of welcomes new business management and program director of business management, but has served since 2010 as an adjunct faculty and instructor of marketing. He became the program director for the undergraduate business management program in the administrators College of Adult and Professional Studies earlier this year. His career in business and entrepreneurship has included starting, to campus managing and exiting four separate businesses in his career. He By Amanda Hawkins, senior has held leadership roles in small businesses as well as Fortune Photos by Steve Rasmussen 100 companies while specializing in marketing, new product development and implementing business growth strategies. Friends University is pleased to welcome the following new faculty and administrators to campus this fall.

Andrea Vázquez Aguirre Andrea Vázquez Aguirre is serving as visiting lecturer of dance. She is an interdisciplinary dance artist with a passion for ballet, modern and contemporary dance, and folk dance traditions. She was a scholar under FONCA (the Federal Council for Culture and Arts in Mexico) and has danced in several professional companies in Mexico and the United States. She creates work and teaches movement through Laban/Bartenieff lenses. She is co-director along with her creative and life partner, James J. Kaufmann of Another River Interdisciplinary Ensemble. She is currently making plans for The Nutcracker and the spring ballet performances at Friends University.

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Dr. Rebecca Culver-Turner Dr. Rebecca Culver-Turner is serving as program director of the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program in Wichita. She has served as the KC site clinical director and KC clinical internship supervisor for the university’s MFT program in the Kansas City area. She serves on the MFT Advisory Committee for the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. In 2016, she was elected to serve on the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Elections Council. Her clinical, research and teaching specialties are trauma, attachment trauma, gender variance and the transgender population, and multicultural competency.

Vernon Dolezal V ernon Dolezal is serving as our new chief financial officer. He is a strategic-focused individual with 25 years of experience in accounting, finance, management and human resources. He previously served as CFO and as a member of the senior leadership team at High Touch Technologies in Wichita. Vernon has owned and operated his own company and held management positions in manufacturing distribution, financial services, food service, technology and computer software. Vernon serves on a number of local boards including Goodwill Industries and Financial Executives International. In 2011, he was named as a Wichita Business Journal CFO honoree.

Car ig Curry Craig Curry is the new visiting lecturer of music. He is the founding Dr. Joan Griffing director of the Friends University Dr. Joan Griffing is the newT im and Gail Jazz Vocal Ensemble, which has Buchanan Endowed Chair in Fine Arts. She developed a national reputation spent the last 21 years serving as professor for excellence. In 2017, Curry was of music and chair of the music department named composer-in-residence at at Eastern Mennonite University in Friends University in recognition Harrisonburg, Va. She has developed of his work as a highly regarded community partnerships and innovative and widely-published composer instructional approaches. A violinist, she and arranger. With hundreds of has served as the concertmaster of the published pieces, Curry’s music Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Orchestra, is regularly performed across the first violinist with theV irginia Symphony U.S. and abroad. His recent choral Orchestra and artist/faculty with the publication “Jazz Gloria Deo” Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, N.C. received an “Editor’s Choice” award She is a founding member of the chamber from music retailer J.W. Pepper. A music group Musica Harmonia, formed to versatile and skilled pianist, Curry promote peace and cultural understanding frequently ministers in area churches through musical collaboration. performing with vocalist and Friends alumnus Earnest Alexander.

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Dr. Ana Jurcak-Detter A native of Bethlehem, Pa., Dr. Ana Jurcak-Detter is teaching biology this fall. During her academic studies, she was a member of the Laboratory for Sensory Ecology for both her master’s and doctoral degrees in biological sciences. Her research focused on animal behavior, specifically understanding the sensory environment of predator-prey interactions. She was also part of the NSF-funded Northern Ohio Alliance — Alliances for the Graduate Education and the Professoriate and participated in many STEM outreach events.

Dr. Shelly Hoffman Dr. Shelly Hoffman is serving as assistant professor of physical education. She has taught elementary physical education for the Wichita Public Schools for more than 20 years and was named the National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 2014. Dr. Hoffman has also worked for many years in the recreation community and has a great deal of coaching experience within numerous sports. She has coached four- year-olds through high school students and traveled throughout the Midwest with competitive teams.

Di r. J m Long Dr. Jim Long, associate professor of finance, is originally from Bismarck, N.D., where he served as associate professor and chair of graduate studies at the University of Mary. His dissertation focused on the impact of leadership on job satisfaction. Since his move from North Dakota, Dr. Long has been leading business operations for a large Wichita parish. Dr. Long will instruct students in finance, economics and other business courses.

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2018 Distinguished Alumni honorees include (l to r): David Kellum, Mae Kellum, James Gregory Gross and Lt. Col. Erik Nott, M.D. distings ui hed alumni honored “We are so pleased to see the work these at Homecoming alumni are doing in their respective fields By Amanda Hawkins, senior and communities,” said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, president of Friends University. “Their work exemplifies our mission Friends University honored several and values at Friends, which emphasize caring for others, engaging with our local alumni as distinguished alumni during communities and striving for excellence. Homecoming Oct. 5. Friends University We are honored to recognize them for their outstanding contributions.” expanded its award categories this year to highlight achievements in R.I.S.E. Values, Fine Arts, and Christian Leadership and Service.

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Distinguished Alumni for Outstanding Achievement in R.I.S.E Values (Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence) Distinguished Alumni for Lt . Col. Erik Nott, M.D., United States Air Force Outstanding Christian Lt. Col. Nott is a 1998 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He is currently Leadership and Service assigned to the Air Force Institute of Technology while doing a one-year orthopedic Dva id and Mae Kellum surgery fellowship in foot and ankle surgery. His most recent assignment was to the David, a 1957 graduate with a bachelor’s United States Air Force Academy’s (USAFA) 10th Medical Group. During his assignment in industrial arts, and Mae, a 1958 at the USAFA, he served as the head team physician for the USAFA Preparatory School graduate with a bachelor’s in home as well as chief of surgery and chief of orthopedic surgery. Nott also undertook the economics, have served as Religious responsibility of overseeing training of more than 60 physicians, nurses and medical Society of Friends missionaries in technicians in disaster response and casualty care. Burundi, Africa, for 23 years. Mae was Nott’s first assignment was to the 1stS pecial Operations Support Squadron and involved in women’s development later 720th Special Operations Support Squadron as part of their Operational Support programs, and David built churches, Squadron Medical Flights. He has served as part of Air Force Special Operations maintained power plants and Command’s (AFSOC) Special Operations Surgical and Critical Care Transport Teams fixed missionaries’ cars.D avid also (SOST/SOCCET). Nott has been a mission commander or assistant mission commander established the Kwibuka Technical on seven overseas taskings, including three combat zone deployments to Afghanistan, School to prepare students for technical Africa and Europe, to provide medical support. Nott also deployed to Haiti for trades. For several terms, he served as humanitarian assistance immediately after the 2010 earthquake. His awards include the the field director of the Burundi Friends Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (twice), Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Mission. Both David and Mae supported Commendation Medal (twice), Humanitarian Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign local congregations, mentored pastors Medal and the Army Combat Medical Badge. He is a Fellow of the American Academy and church leaders, and assisted African of Orthopedic Surgeons and Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Friends with their spiritual and material needs. Additionally, David and Mae raised three children in Africa. Distinguished Alumni for “Their work In 1983, the Kellums came back to Outstanding Achievement the United States where David served in the Fine Arts exemplifies as an industrial arts teacher at Berean Academy, and Mae taught ESL classes J ames Gregory Gross our mission to refugees in Wichita. In 1999, they Gross is a 1972 graduate with a Bachelor returned to Africa for four years to of Art in Art Education. His work can and values at encourage Friends leaders, rebuild be seen in major collections including churches destroyed by the war and the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Friends, which create the Sister Church Program to Museum of American Art, British partner Burundi Friends churches Museum, Bibliotheque Nationale and emphasize with Friends congregations in the U.S. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. He caring In 2003, they “retired” and moved has been featured in Arts Magazine to Chandler, Okla., where they have and American Abstract Journals. He for others, helped establish the Friends of Kibimba has spent more than four decades Hospital, a ministry that provides exhibiting and teaching art. His engaging with medical support, supplies and funding prints are still featured in permanent for a Friends hospital in Burundi. They collections of the Guggenheim our local frequently return to central Africa to Museum, the Fogg Museum at Harvard, communities accompany medical teams and short- the Metropolitan Museum of Art and term mission trips. They are active in the Smithsonian American Art Museum. and striving the ministries of Chandler Evangelical His art has hung in the U.S. Embassies Friends Church and Evangelical Friends in Beijing and Vienna. Locally, his works for excellence.” Church — Mid America. are in the collections at Emprise Bank and the Wichita Art Museum. Gross — Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, received an MFA degree in 1981 and Friends University was recently honored at Cornell and President Georgetown University.

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Friends University welcomes four new entries into Athletic Hall of Fame

By Levi Convirs

Friends University inducted two former Falcon athletes and two athletic teams into the Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming 2018. The new inductees for 2018 are Doug Bacon, Anthony Evans, the 1968-69 Men’s Basketball Team and the 1977 Men’s Golf Team.

“We are pleased to honor this year’s alumni for their athletic accomplishments while at Friends University,” said Dr. Rob Ramseyer, athletic director. “Friends University student-athletes have a long history of striving for their best in their various sports, in the classroom and in the larger community. Congratulations to all our inductees.”

Doug Bacon, 1976 graduate Bacon starred on the Falcons’ football team and was a four-year starter from 1972-75. He quarterbacked the 1974 squad to an undefeated season in the KCAC, throwing for 687 yards and seven touchdown passes along with 291 yards rushing and another five touchdowns on the ground to earn All-KCAC and honorable-mention District 10 honors. In the 1975 season, Bacon was also an All-KCAC performer after throwing five touchdown passes and 854 yards and rushing for 200 yards and nine scores. Bacon then transitioned into the role of assistant football and baseball coach from 1976-78. He was part of a staff that led the Friends Football squad to an undefeated KCAC season and conference championship in 1976 that resulted in a sixth-place national ranking. Bacon also helped the Falcon Baseball unit capture the 1977 KCAC title.

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1968-69 Men’s Basketball Team The 1968-69 Men’s Basketball Falcons, under the guidance of Head Coach and Athletic Director Jim McNerney, won the KCAC championship with a record of 20-4 and finished 20th in the final national rankings. The squad produced multiple All-KCAC performers along with the conference’s regular season MVP. The Falcons also qualified for the men’s district 10 tournament in Emporia, Kan. and finished the campaign with averages of 85.7 points per game while shooting 50 percent overall from the field.

Anthony Evans, 1990 graduate Evans lettered four seasons for the Falcon men’s basketball team from 1987-90. A three-time all- conference, all-district and all-defensive team pick, Evans contributed to three straight KCAC championship winning teams. Evans wrapped up his career as the Falcons’ all-time leader in steals and second in assists. He was also selected as the team’s Most Inspirational Player and was presented with the Wichita Eagle Falcons all-time first-team member award.

1977 Men’s Golf Team The 1977 Men’s Golf Falcons blitzed through the competition, winning all nine regular season invitationals they competed in. The Falcons won the KCAC title for the first time since the program began in 1948, with multiple players earning All-KCAC recognition. They also became the first and only KCAC and NAIA team to receive an invitation to compete in the Missouri Valley Conference’s Wichita State University Shocker Golf Classic. At the Bethany Invitational, the four- man team shot a school-record 298 that still stands today.

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teve Athletes Excel in S y b the Classroom oto h By Levi Convirs P

T he 2017-18 season proved to be a successful campaign for the Friends University athletic programs beyond the playing surface. n Fourteen Falcon athletic squads earned the NAIA Scholar Team award and three teams (Men’s and Women’s Track & Field, Volleyball) put a league-high number of student-athletes on the KCAC Scholar Athlete team. n The Volleyball Falcons achieved a Top 10 NAIA GPA and received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic award. n On the individual side, Augie Isaacson took home a top academic award, as he D r. Rob Ramseyer hired was chosen as the Google Cloud College as athletic director Division Baseball Academic All-America of the Year, as selected by the College Sports By Levi Convirs Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). The honor included a first-teamC oSIDA D r. Rob Ramseyer is the new athletic director at Friends University, replacing Academic-All America honor for Isaacson. Dr. Carole Obermeyer, who retired in May 2018. He comes to Friends from n Hesston College, where he had most recently served as the school’s athletic A trio of Track & Field Falcons (Chelsea director and vice president of student development. Baker, Natali Engle and Christa Follette) “We are pleased to have Rob lead our athletic department here at were also CoSIDA Academic All-America Friends,” said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, Friends University president. “He has a selections, as well as Football wide strong record of success in leading and mentoring student-athletes as well receiver Jacob Cron. as fostering a faith-based athletic program that seeks to promote whole person development for our students.” As the athletic director at Hesston, Dr. Ramseyer oversaw an athletic department that featured 14 teams. Under Dr. Ramseyer, an Athletic Department handbook was created and student-athlete retention increased. He led an expansion of athletic rosters while developing and leading the implementation of the first philosophy of faith formation and athletic core covenants, in conjunction with crafting evaluation procedures to ensure successful execution. A native of Wichita, Dr. Ramseyer also has significant coaching experience, as he held the role of head baseball coach at Hesston from 2011-15. “I am enjoying working with the talented athletic department staff, coaches, and student-athletes to build upon recent successes and cultivate an environment that allows our student-athletes to grow in all areas of their lives because of their participation in athletics,” Dr. Ramseyer said. Dr. Ramseyer earned his bachelor’s degree in History at MidAmerica Nazarene in 2006 and earned a Master of Science in Education in Sports Second baseman Augie Isaacson was chosen Studies from the University of Kansas in 2010. He recently earned a Doctorate as the Google Cloud College Division Baseball of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University. Academic All-America of the Year.

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Meet Friends University’s Newest Coaches

By Levi Convirs

Two Falcon athletic teams have new coaches this season. Heather Howard is the head coach for women’s basketball teHea h r Howard, Head Coach, Women’s Basketball Howard comes to Friends from Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU), and Suzanne Unruh is the where she served as the interim head coach in March of this past season following head coach for softball. a two-year stint as assistant coach for the NCAA D-II program in Maryville, Mo. As the assistant coach at NWMSU, Howard handled the duties of recruiting, scouting and player development. Howard’s run at Northwest was preceded by a two-year tenure as assistant at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. “Her tireless work ethic, basketball IQ and holistic approach to coaching will make a positive impact on our basketball program, athletic department and institution,” Athletic Director Dr. Rob Ramseyer said.

Su zanne Unruh ssen Head Coach, Softball mu s Unruh is coming off a nine-year tenure Ra as head coach of Tabor College. Last teve

S season, she was selected the league’s y b top coach by her peers after leading

oto the Bluejays to the conference regular h P season championship and a berth in the NAIA National Tournament. “Suzanne is well respected throughout the region as a coach and as a person,” said Athletic Director Dr. Rob Ramseyer. “She has won at a high level, and we believe she will continue to do that here. She believes in Christian higher education and will create an environment in her program that will impact her student-athletes in all areas of their lives.”

20 | Friends University FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

“Average businesses focus on transactions. Great businesses learn Friends University offers how to transform entrepreneurship workshops themselves to meet By Amanda Hawkins, senior changing needs. The key to that is learning.” Friends University has launched a series of workshops designed to create — Mike Snyder, RSM Marketing intersections of opportunity where entrepreneurs, faculty and business professionals can come together to mentor, teach, learn and discuss November 30 J anuARy 18 entrepreneurship and business concepts. Demystify Financing for The workshop series began in October and features a variety of Digital Entrepreneurs speakers and topics to better equip Marketing: Michelle Becker, CPA, aspiring or current business owners. Profit Builders Each workshop is approximately four How Digital hours and is presented at Friends Increases Sales J anuARy 25 University’s campus in Wichita. Mike Snyder and Bruce Rowley of RSM Jen Cole and Julie Riley, Building a Marketing in Wichita presented the first DepICT Media & Phil entrepreneurship workshop Oct. 5 with Mershon, Social Powerful Friends University Assistant Professor of Media Examiner Business Pitch Business Management Sean Cash. Bryan Miguel Johns, CEO, KingFit Frye, vice mayor of Wichita, offered December 7 opening remarks for the “Innovations in Business Start-ups” presentation. S trategic Fe bRUARy 1 “Average businesses focus on Management Turning Your transactions. Great businesses learn how to transform themselves to meet Planning for Business changing needs. The key to that Entrepreneurs Planning into is learning. The Entrepreneurship Workshops at Friends University are Sean Cash, Professor, Successful helping businesses (their owners Friends University Strategies and managers) learn to be great Daniel White, AGHLC and businesses,” Snyder said. J anuARy 11 To register and learn more about Sean Cash, Professor, the workshops, visit friends.edu/ Finance for Friends University entrepreneurship. Non-Finance Entrepreneurs: Fe bRUARy 8 Understanding H ow to Inspire the Financials in People and Get Your Business Things Done Miguel Johns, CEO, KingFit Sean Babjack, Commercial Lender, INTRUST Bank

Fall 2018 | 21 FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

director of MBA, for providing the Aum l nus pursues dreams most supportive and beneficial influence during his time at Friends. despite devastating loss But Mortimer, 53, said he needed to

By Amy Geiszler-Jones stay focused on something positive and productive, not on the grief surrounding his devastating loss. He not only finished O ut of two tragedies — one that Mortimer developed a business plan his bachelor’s degree, but he enrolled nearly cost him his life and the other focused on his lifelong dream of owning in Friends’ online professional MBA that took the lives of his daughter and a beef jerky company. program and opened Sioux City Jerky in grandchildren — Marty Mortimer, a 2018 “I figuredI ’ll never have another shot the subsequent months. business management graduate and a so I might as well go for it,” he said about Mortimer’s gourmet beef and bacon current MBA student, found the courage taking the next step and actually starting jerky products are sold in several to pursue two of his lifetime goals: the company. “Ever since I was a kid, locations in Sioux City and online at earning a degree and starting a beef I’ve been intrigued with the different siouxcityjerky.com. jerky business. flavors of beef jerky, butI was getting Sales have continued to grow each As he recovered from a near-fatal disappointed in the flavorsI was buying. I month, Mortimer said, noting that motorcycle accident six years ago, like to have flavors in my food.” in one record month, he had nearly Mortimer started thinking, “You need to Then a second tragedy struck. In $3,000 in sales, selling more than 200 finish something you started and show January, his only daughter, 27, and her pounds of the beef jerky. The jerky your kids you can’t give up, so I finished four children ages 5, 2, 1 and 3 months comes in a variety of flavors, with some my associate’s degree and kept going.” were killed in a house fire in Pratt, Kan. of the best-sellers including Mango Working full time for industrial Mortimer also has two sons. Habanero, Maniacal Express, Sea Salt distributor, IBT in Sioux City, Iowa, Mortimer said Friends officials told & Honey and Garlic Pepper. Mortimer completed his bachelor’s him he could withdraw and return Mortimer plans to donate part of degree in business administration online later. “I couldn’t have asked for a his company’s proceeds to Friends through Friends this past May. better, more compassionate school.” University and the Children’s Miracle As part of his undergraduate He especially gives credit to Michelle Network in honor of his daughter, capstone course in summer 2017, Case, assistant professor and program Charee, and her children. P h oto b y Sha ne Mon aha n

22 | Friends University FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS rston Thu y Adrienne b oto h P

Q&A: Friends University’s New Fine Arts Chair W hat advice do you have for students who are pursuing their artistic talents? Authentic self-expression is a hallmark of the arts. I would advise every student in the fine arts to be true to themselves through their chosen medium. This will enable them to embrace their individuality and make meaningful connections with others. Also, I would encourage students to Dr. Joan Griffing, theT im and Gail ability to be creative, think outside the work hard and take full advantage of Buchanan Endowed Chair of the box and collaborate with others. The act the excellent teaching and mentoring Division of Fine Arts, is beginning her of discovery is a daily experience in the they will receive at Friends. The college first semester at Friends University. As arts. Those “aha!” moments give me years are a singularly unique time the chair of Fine Arts, she will oversee goose bumps. in their lives when they can devote all aspects of Fine Arts, including In addition, the ability of the arts to themselves to developing their skills to departments devoted to vocal music, make a difference in the lives of others their fullest potential. instrumental music, theatre, jazz, ballet, is very compelling. I hope to share the For more information on Dr. visual arts and communications. We passion I have for affecting the common Griffing’s background, see the story asked her some questions as she begins good with our students and help them on Friends University’s new faculty and her new leadership role. find ways they can contribute to society. administrators on page 13.

What are your top priorities for your first year here at Friends? My first priority is to get to know the faculty, staff and students and to hear Ma any Th nks to a about their goals, dreams and ideas for enriching the arts programs. I also Faithful Servant Leader intend to become involved in the When Dr. Cecil Riney retired from his 45-year stint as the director of the broader Wichita community and learn Singing Quakers and the division chair of Fine Arts in 2005, he likely assumed ways Friends can collaborate with city the position was behind him. But then he graciously returned to fill a vacancy arts programs. in the position — not only once, but twice. “We are so very appreciative of Cecil’s dedication and commitment to What do you find to be the most Friends University these past years when he stepped back in to provide rewarding aspect about working in ongoing leadership in the Division of Fine Arts during critical times,” said Dr. the Fine Arts area? Amy Bragg Carey, president. “He has gone far above and beyond the call of The most rewarding aspect for me is the service, and we are eternally grateful. We wish him the best as he now enjoys a true and lasting retirement.”

Fall 2018 | 23 FOCUS | Donor Profile P h oto b y Adrienne Thu rston

Donor Profile

Dick Litherland, former College of Business faculty member, gets to know three Global MBA alumni who have benefited from his scholarship. L toR : Jordan Hegler, Patrick Harms, Dick Litherland and Jason Miller. Ets s abli hing a Legacy E. Litherland Endowed Scholarship After retiring from Friends, Dick and originally were used to provide wife Pauline purchased a home on 10 of Love scholarships for graduate business acres in Goddard. He enjoys restoring

Byi Dav d Alexander students. For the past several years the antique tractors and spending time with scholarship earnings have helped offset his grandchild. costs associated with the international An endowed scholarship provides D r. Richard “Dick” Litherland joined the business residency component for a permanent and personal way for faculty of the Friends University College students in the Global MBA program. you to make a difference in the life of of Business in 1989. For several years, The Litherland endowed scholarship a student. Most of our students need Dick was the director of the Master of has supported two business residencies financial help to achieve their dreams Science in Management program. The in Chile, three in China and South of attaining a college education. You majority of the classes he taught were Africa and two residencies in Montreal, can help them turn their dreams into at night, Saturdays or in Kansas City or Canada. This year the scholarship reality by establishing an endowed Garden City. Richard retired from Friends will help sponsor the 2019 business scholarship fund. University in 2002. residency in Dubai. For information on how you can When Dick’s father Gerald passed When asked why he chose to honor establish an endowed scholarship, in 2000, as a way of honoring him his father by establishing an endowed please contact David Alexander, and celebrating his life, Dick and his scholarship, Dick shared that his father associate vice president of university mother Eleanor decided to establish was the one who instilled in him the advancement. David can be reached an endowed scholarship in his father’s “importance of education and the by calling 316-295-5648 or by email at name. Proceeds from the Gerald desire to invest in teaching others.” [email protected].

24 | Friends University FOCUS | Alumni Spotlight

Alumni

Spotlight from our competition, it is an emotional outpouring of gratitude to God for the significant amount of support we received from several key team members, many of whom still work for us eight years later. Alex: Our family’s Christian heritage and values played a huge role in founding Phoenix, but also our day-to- day lives and business decisions. Phoenix was founded on the Christ-Like principles of compassion, honesty and patience. We truly believe these principles have played an intricate role in our success.

Q: How do you feel your college experience at Friends contributed to your future success? Phil: It broadened my faith perspective and a belief in the general goodness of humanity. It reinforced my default world view that success comes from service- based leadership. P hil and Alex Melugin Alex: While nothing but real-life experiences can ever fully prepare you Compiled by Brie Boulanger, director of development for business, my education really did put me in the best position possible when Phil Melugin, G’87, founded Phoenix Alex: I began an internship for a local working with long-time business men Home Care & Hospice in 2011 with home care company during my junior and women fresh out of college. Many of the purpose of giving patients a new year at Friends. After five years in the the connections I made at Friends have beginning when their world is often Wichita home care market, Phil asked led to networking opportunities. shrinking. The award-winning company if I was ready to start a Phoenix branch has branches in four states and is based in Wichita. I have now opened and/ Q: What are some of your fondest on innovation, skill and Christ-like values. or managed our offices inO verland memories of Friends? In June 2012, Phil invited his nephew, Park and Topeka in Kansas; Loveland, Phil: Soccer, Bill Allan, football and Alex Melugin, G’09, to join the business. Denver and Montrose in Colorado, and Davis Administration Building. Independence in Missouri. Alex: Being part of the team that Q: How did Phoenix Home Care & won back-to-back conference football Hospice come about? Q: Christian values are very important championships in 2007 and 2008. Phil: It all started in Springfield, Mo., to your business. How do you relate but I wanted to bring the company to my them to the success of the business? home town. I saw Alex had a significant Phil: We set out to unashamedly presence and influence in the home care establish Christ-like values in our field in Wichita, so the timing was right. culture. While it has differentiated us

Fall 2018 | 25 FOCUS | Class Notes

INOY MEM R

“ In Memory” passages with James “Richard” Brooks, more details were submitted ‘62, died March 20. He taught by family and friends. high school biology and was Information received after a football and basketball July 31 will be included in the coach before working for next issue. We reserve the Citizens State Bank in Atlanta right to edit as space allows. and Winfield. He later worked at Farm Bureau in Winfield. Fall 2018 Earline Faye Bogan, ‘56, died July 19. She was Leon Brown, ‘50, died Jan. passionate about teaching 28. He was a former resident Class Notes and began her career in of Friendswood, Texas as well Topeka, where she taught as Cloudcroft, Tularosa, and kindergarten. Faye married Las Cruces in New Mexico. the love of her life in 1962. Alexis Bruner, ‘92, died Faye and Charles lived for Nov. 20, 2017. She was a 50 years in Abilene, Kan., business owner. where they raised their three children.

John R. Henderson Jr., ‘48, died June 29. He served in the Army and became Colorado’s first licensed African-American architect. He worked at several firms before joining the Federal Bureau ofI ndian Affairs in 1963, working on projects across the country. He loved jazz and hung out one night with Count Basie when he stayed at the home of a friend. After traveling around the world and retiring in 1981, he established a business called African-American Trading Co., selling art and objects from around the world for 35 years.

26 | Friends University FOCUS | Class Notes

Geri Marie Chamberlain, was active in leadership in the Henry Gurney Jinnette, Doris Louise Reeves, ‘58, ‘00, died March 19. She Alvin Chamber of Commerce ‘67, died June 16. He served died Feb. 16, 2018. She was worked in accounting and achieved 50 years of in the Air Force and was a a member of the Asbury and human resources at perfect attendance in the chaplain. Later, he became Methodist Church, Red Hats Professional Insurance Alvin Rotary Club. a pastor. and Botanica. Management in Wichita, Dr. Robert Duane Cowan, Nancy L. Jones, ‘92, died Leanna (McVay) Roberts, Kan., for 16 years prior to ‘42, died July 26. He received Jan. 31. She served as deputy ‘94, died April 18. She moving to Kansas City in a Ph.D. in physics from Johns clerk and as clerk of the worked at Decatur County 2014. There, she began Hopkins University, and District Court and chief clerk Hospital and at Mowry her career as accounting he worked at Los Alamos of the 12th Judicial District. Clinic in Salina. manager at Examinetics. Scientific (laterN ational) She later served as the Robert Rodgers, ‘00, died David Robert Chanowski, Laboratory, working in the director of social services for March 23. Rodgers worked ‘88, died Jan. 26. He had theoretical physics division. Sunset Nursing Home from as a night auditor, night a career in IT at Sedgwick 1990 until her retirement. Wendell F. Cunningham, manager, installer, trainer, County, Boeing Commercial ‘59, died April 15. He was LaVeta Mae Jones, ‘57, system support analyst and Airlines, SpiritAero Systems, a retired Boeing engineer, died Jan. 28. She was a support manager during his AIX/Engineering, Single retired United Methodist registered nurse. 30 years with Marriott Hotels. Glass and NetApp Storage pastor and World War II After retiring from Marriott Systems. He also taught Norma Jean (Montgomery) veteran. in 2013, he joined IBM to MIS classes as an adjunct Kinyon, ‘90, died June 9. She continue supporting the professor for Friends Jean Davis, ‘56, died was a member of the First Marriott account. University for more than a April 5. She taught school Baptist Church of Kingman, decade. in Kansas and traveled Kan., and was an artisan of Roberta “Beals” Ruebel, overseas to teach U.S. Army sewing and crafts. ‘50, died April 20, 2017. Thomas James Clegg, dependents. She enjoyed She was very active in ‘65, died March 22. He Lois Lorraine (Wendling) sewing, geography, church work. had several careers, Liggett, ‘66, died Feb. 5. She traveling and most of all which included teaching retired from teaching in Belle Philip Sadler, ‘90, died being with her family. biochemistry in Pennsbury Plaine in 1990 after 30 years Jan. 26. He served in the School District, working as a Brete William DeBord, ‘01, and was a musician. Air Force and worked at State Farm agent, inventing/ died Feb. 27. He farmed and Western Publishing in Keith Ronald Mardock, developing Christiana later became a salesman. Fayetteville, N.C. ‘59, died March 2. He was Candles and operating a fine Anne Duam, ‘90, died April the pastor of Hesper Friends Janis Meredith (Gross) dining restaurant and bed 15. She taught elementary Meeting in Hesper for 30 Schwab, ‘97, died June and breakfast. school in Derby for more than years before retiring in 2015. 18. She attended North Dr. Beryl Watson Cline, 35 years and touched the Oak Community Church, Florence LaVerne (Stadel) ‘52, died Feb. 22. He lives of hundreds of families. was a member of Sisters Meinecke, ‘69, died April was a beloved, long-time of Survivorship and Ann M. Erickson, ‘00, died 12. She taught in the Wichita veterinarian in Alvin, serving volunteered for many Feb. 16. Ann retired from Public Schools and served as northern Brazoria County, organizations, including Cessna Aircraft Company soloist and choir director at Texas, for nearly 50 years. Relay for Life, Susan Komen where she was a senior Calvary Presbyterian Church. He loved to sing, hunt, tell Breast Cancer Foundation business analyst. stories and jokes, and play Earl E. Minor, ‘47, died June Fashion Shows, and the Fort any sport. He was active in Jerry Leon Farney, ‘61, 2. He served in the military Hays State University Senior the Friendswood Friends died June 23. He worked and worked as an engineer at Companion and Foster Church and coached the high for New Holland and later Sandia National Laboratories Grandparent programs. school Bible Quiz Team to a purchased Panhandle in Albuquerque, N.M. national championship. Beryl Implement Company with served for many years on the Jack and Ken Wooster. Alvin ISD Board of Trustees,

Fall 2018 | 27 FOCUS | Class Notes

L eona May Shadle, ‘56, died Today, he has made a James Aaron Fowler, Feb. 1. She taught school C lass Notes significant contribution ‘84, provided a music in Augusta, Kansas City, in the dialogue between program for children at Junction City and Salina, evangelicals and Eastern the Kilgore Memorial where she retired after 1950s Orthodox believers. Library in Nebraska. teaching for 43 years. N orma Redick, ‘58, retired Robin Gibson, ‘88, from playing the organ in Inger Elizabeth (Pyles) performed a concert of June 2017 after 64 years of Shaw, ‘12, died Feb. 21. 1980s contemporary, traditional and playing, including the last 41 She served as the director David Corman, ‘84, sang as country gospel songs April 29 years at First Baptist Church of TAPS Dance Co. after part of a “Timeless Opera” at Lakeside United Methodist of Stilwell, Kan. opening the business. She concert with the Salina Church in Texas. loved music, dancing, art Symphony May 6 at the Stiefel Lanny Shirk, ‘82, is the and her children. Theatre for the Performing 1970s Arts. He studied at Friends president of Cadence Margaret E. Showalter, ‘92, Dr. Bradley Nassif, ‘77, was University, Yale University and Aerospace’s Astro Spar died April 21. She worked as one of the plenary speakers the Julliard School. David Arden Operations. a correctional officer inT exas at the 2018 Florovsky Week had a two-year professional and in Kansas. conference in Wichita. He is operatic career and serves as Irene Ruth Turner, ‘45, a professor of Biblical and the director of vocal music at 1990s died June 20. She and theological studies at North Odessa College. H enry Bireline, ’94, has Park University in Chicago. been named chief operating her husband owned and Jennifer and Kent Dold, ‘84, In addition to consulting for officer at theT oledo Zoo and operated the local weekly along with a friend opened The New York Times and Aquarium in Toledo, Ohio. newspaper in Cabool, a restaurant, Clementine on contributing to Christianity Mo. She was involved in Main, in New Iberia, La. various ministries through her local church.

Delbert Neill Wheeler, ’69, died Sept. 9. Neill spent most of his working career serving young people through a variety of educational roles, including teacher, principal, superintendent and coach. Most recently he served as an assistant football coach at Friends.

Jean Ann Wilson, ‘98, died Jan. 18. She was employed with the Santa Fe Railway. David Jessie Wilson, ‘96, died Feb. 6. He was employed with Standard Motor Products and Funk Manufacturing.

(Douglas) Kim Wray, ‘73, Def r. J f Ehrlich, ‘90/’98, is now serving as the executive director of Park University’s died June 20. He worked new campus in Gilbert, Ariz. Jeff has been with Park since 2011, serving in a variety of in agriculture, technology roles, including a stint as the University’s interim president from July 2015 to January 2016. and retail before eventually He most recently served as the director of special projects and strategic initiatives. His founding his own trade wife, Dr. Donna Ehrlich, ‘95/’01, is serving as the academic director of the new show display company, campus. She previously served as an associate professor of computer information systems DisplayWorks, where he and program coordinator of the computer information systems degree at Park University. worked for nearly 30 years.

28 | Friends University FOCUS | Class Notes

Angie Lane, ‘93, was named Rick Deibert, ‘01, is the new Heritage Elementary School’s fire chief of theS hawnee Teacher of the Year in Heights Fire District. Edmond, Okla. Tom Inderhees, ‘02/’03, Randi Shetley, ‘97, played has been named the new Lady Capulet in a Romeo and executive director of Travanse Juliet production for Forte Living in Olathe, Kan. B rig. Gen. David Weishaar, ‘93, is the Assistant Theatre Productions LLC in Adjutant General — Air, Kansas National Guard and the David E. Williams, ‘03, July and August. Commander, Kansas Air National Guard. He serves as spoke about the state of the chief advisor to The Adjutant General on all matters Sandra Wiley, ‘90, was the pork sector in June at pertaining to Air National Guard programs, policies, named as one of the 2018 the World Pork Expo in operations, management, and command and control CPA Practice Advisor Top Des Moines, Iowa. Williams of the Kansas Air National Guard. He also provides staff 25 Most Powerful Women in serves as vice president assistance guidance and direction concerning Air National Accounting award winners. of Informa Agribusiness Guard personnel, administration, training, recruiting She serves as president of Consulting as well as and retention incentives, and budgetary matters. Gen. Boomer Consulting, Inc. director of the Agribusiness Weishaar is responsible for more than 2,300 Kansas Air in Manhattan, Kan., where Intelligence Protein Group. National Guard personnel serving in two wings and one her years of experience as a Based out of Austin, Texas, geographically separated unit. management and strategic his responsibilities include planning consultant make her helping Informa customers a sought-after resource for understand the global meat CPA firms across the country. supply and providing meat- A group of 13 judges selected based project consulting and the 25 award recipients. client services. He also works Wiley was presented with the with customers on livestock honor during a ceremony in hedging and trading models. June at the ACIPA ENGAGE Conference in Las Vegas. 2010s Juante Baldwin, ‘16, has 2000s signed with the Indianapolis Alexander Bush, ‘09, is a Colts after competing on member of the 10th Advance a try-out basis during the Kansas class. team’s mandatory mini-camp. He also spent time in Kansas Stephanie Clark, ‘02, has City on a tryout basis for the been hired as the local Chief’s 2018 rookie mini- sales manager at News 9 in camp. He played football Oklahoma City. at Friends for three seasons Nicole (Young) Cochener, then transferred to Pittsburg ‘01 and the owner of State, where he played for Squishy Studios in Las two seasons. Vegas, created an art piece Brady Bowen, ‘15, has (“At the Bottom”) that was joined the Wichita Wingnuts. accepted into the Las Vegas Artists’ Guild Spring juried Mayo Davison, ‘17, show. It was on display from completed an internship May 3 to June 23 in the with KWCH-TV 12 last Sahara West Library Group summer and was hired as a Art Gallery in Las Vegas. digital producer. Kristal Cutler, ‘02/’04, led the All-City Marching Band for the Wichita River Festival Parade.

Fall 2018 | 29 FOCUS | Class Notes

Mr a ia D. Soldevilla, ‘03, has been with Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. for 10 years. She was recently awarded the highest sales award in pharmaceutical sales, Gold Cup or President’s Club for finishing G NIve O LINE! FY2017 in the top 10 percent of her sales force. She won a trip to the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico this past May. Submit your tax-deductible This is Maria’s second Gold Cup Award at Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. gift at friends.edu/give. She is also a real estate investor and completed four buy-and- hold single family remodels last year in partnership with her Thank you for your support! husband’s construction company in Kansas City. Maria has three children, Esther, age 8, Roman, age 6, and Felipa, age 2.

K evin Diemer, ‘14, Elizabeth McKee, ‘18 Center where she completed and helping that community graduated from the Wichita made history after her clinical internship. obtain more empowering Police Department (WPD) graduating with a bachelor’s resources. His five-year plan Amy Shelden, ’17 and Police Academy July 12. He is degree at the age of 17. is to practice in California. coordinator of foundations, currently serving as a patrol She is the youngest person He also has a deep passion corporate sponsors and officer with the WPD. to graduate from Friends for the population struggling events at Friends University, University in recent history. with addiction and grief. Michael Edwards, ‘14, is served as the intern director the senior director of sales at Stephen McNett, ‘12, for Christian Youth Theater’s Emma Ward, ‘18, is Charter Communications in is the head coach for the “White Christmas,” as the starting her own practice in San Antonio, Texas. Central Christian College assistant director for “Hello, Salina, called Emma Ward baseball program. Dolly!,” and as the stage Therapy Services. Sidney Harrison, ‘18, manager for “Newsies.” has accepted a position Sunny Walker Overholdt, Jessica Washee, ‘17, was She is scheduled to be the as a graphic designer at ‘13, accepted a position as hired as an event leader/ assistant director for “My Fair Soaring Heat Natural Bed an art teacher at Northwest coordinator at Numana Inc. Lady” (Jan. 24-26, 2019). in Seattle. She began her High School, where she will Kenya Wilson, ‘13, new job June 4. be teaching the printmaking Zackary Shinkle, ’16, received the Outstanding courses. She was previously graduated with an M.S. Teresa Houston, ‘14, is a Commitment to Excellence at Mayberry Cultural and Fine in Education in Higher member of the 10th Advance and Innovation in Distance Arts Magnet Middle School. Education Student Affairs Kansas class. Learning by an Individual in 2018. He has been hired Dylan Seeney, ‘15, accepted Award from Texas Distance Samantha Jones, ‘18, and at Bethel College as the a position at Heights High Learning Association in Laurie Stead, ‘18, have coordinator of student School, where he will be March 2018. She received both accepted positions activities and engagement. specializing in ceramics. He the Blackboard Catalyst as behavioral health was previously an art teacher T.J. Miller, ‘18, has accepted Award in June 2017. professionals through at Wellington High School. a full-time position as an Corizon at El Dorado Dustin Yates, ‘17, has independent contractor with Correctional Facility. Lyndsay Seymour, ‘18, accepted a job at Data McKenzie & Associates. He has accepted a position Center Inc. in Hutchinson will be focusing heavily on at Horizons Mental Health as a programmer. the LGBTQIA community

C. Patrick Woods, ‘03, is serving as the president of the Kansas Association of School Boards based in Topeka. He is director of talent management and diversity at Westar in Topeka and has served on the Topeka Board of Education for a decade. He has been named as one of the “Top Kansans You Should Know” by Ingrams’s business magazine in Kansas City and one of Greater Topeka’s “20 Under 40” Top Professionals by the Jayhawk Area Council BSA.

30 | Friends University FOCUS | Class Notes

Twora g adu tes recognized as 40 Under 40

Two Friends University graduates have been named to the Wichita Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list. The award recognizes 40 people under the age of 40 for their career achievements, contributions to their organizations and their community involvement.

Amanda Huelskamp is a 2015 graduate with a Master of Science in Operations Management. She has served as director of human resources at GlobalParts.aero since 2014. She also serves as the vice president of finance with the board of directors for Wichita’s Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She has earned a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification as well as her Professional in HumanR esources (PHR) from the HR CertificationI nstitute. She was previously honored by the WBJ as a 2016 HR Professional.

Mandy (Amanda) Wilbert is a 2004 graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. She is employed at Cox Communications where she serves as senior manager of public affairs. Before moving to Cox, she served as director of community relations at Communities in Schools for six years and with the American Cancer Society for three years. She has been a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas. Other activities include serving on the board of directors for Kidzcope, serving as a first-grade program facilitator for Junior Achievement, serving as director of membership for Junior League of Wichita and being a young leader with United Way.

Fall 2018 | 31 FOCUS | Class Notes

Fcul a ty/Staff/ Board Notes D r. Guy Chmieleski Dr. Mark Bartel, associate professor of music and named interim director of choral music, led the Wichita Chamber Chorale vice president of in a concert focusing on homelessness, in partnership student affairs with Family Promise of Dr. Guy Chmieleski, campus pastor and Wichita and the Wichita dean of campus ministries, is also serving as Community Children’s Choir the interim vice president of student affairs April 2. He was the guest for the 2018-19 academic year while Friends conductor and clinician for searches for a full-time vice president. He the Mennonite Society of has worked in student affairs throughout Musical Heritage festival in much of his career. “Guy is a strong and Denver, Colo., June 22-24. effective leader, and I am confident his As president of the Kansas passion for raising up student leaders will Choral Directors Association, flow over to his work in student affairs,” said he planned the annual Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, president. association professional development convention in Topeka, Kan., in July. Dr. Bartel also received the W.A. Cindy Blasdel, visiting Amanda (Pickett) Claxton, Danielle Frideres, director Young Excellence in Teaching lecturer of music, was the director of student affairs of career services, won an Award in May. accompanist for the KMEA and ’14 graduate, wrote an Action Team Member of Middle School Honor Choir. article called “Going with the the Year Award from Young Dr. William D. “Bill” Brooks, F.L.O.” with a colleague from Professionals of Wichita. Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, former dean of the College her higher education master’s president, was named as Dr. Dona R. Gibson, of Business and director program at the University one of the Wichita Business professor of education and of the Master of Science in of Arkansas. The article Journal’s Women in Business psychology and director of Management program, died was published in Campus honorees and was recognized the Master of Education in May 22. He joined Friends in Activities Programming at an event in August. Dr. Teaching and Learning and August 1986 and retired in Magazine in March. 1993. He also taught at the Carey spoke at a meeting the Master of Education in University of Kansas, Purdue of the Military Officers Lauren Fitzgerald, artist Special Education, presented University and the University Association of America in residence, had a solo “Clinical Partnerships: One of Oklahoma. (MOAA) April 15. show titled “Fiendish Flora” University’s Journey” at the on display at City Arts. World Federation of the Dr. Valentina Chappell, Wesley Dale Buller, football Fitzgerald is best known for Associations of Teacher professor of business and coach for the Friends her low-relief artworks made Education international technology and program Falcons from 1965 to 1968, from multiple layers of hand- conference in Melbourne, director of the Global MBA passed away April 2. He cut paper. Australia, in July. also taught and coached at program, received the the high school level before Distinguished Service Award Dr. Russell Arben Fox, Dr. Joan Griffing, fine arts becoming head football from the Wichita Area Sister professor of political science, division chair, performed the and track coach at Bethel Cities (WASC) board and director of the honors world premiere of “Earth and College, Friends University from President Dr. Glyn program and model UN Sky” by Gwyneth Walker, and Southwestern College. Rimmington. She was also sponsor, served as one of a triple concerto for violin, He served as principal at appointed as a WASC several Wichitans questioning viola, cello and orchestra at various schools in Yates honorary board member candidates about the issues the University of Wyoming Center, Oberlin and Onaga. with a lifelong membership during the Democratic Oct. 25. Dr. Griffing’s in the organization. Gubernatorial Debate that chamber music group Musica aired on KPTS in July. Harmonia commissioned this work, which celebrates the beauty of the natural world.

32 | Friends University FOCUS | Class Notes

Dr. Malcolm Harris, emeritus Siebeck, 2017), published Theological Seminary April Nick Morris, Friends professor, presented a paper in the Review of Biblical 12-14, and he participated University’s new assistant titled “Good Pope John’s Literature, and he taught in a panel discussion. athletic director, was named (Not So) Secret Agenda a seven-part series at First Additionally, he presented the Kansas Collegiate to Reunite Christianity,” Baptist Church in Towanda, a lecture at Arise City Athletic Conference sports which explores John XXIII’s Kan., on “Learning to Share Summit in Tampa, Fla. His information director of the motivations for calling the the Gospel Comfortably” lecture was titled “Ethics year for his work at Oklahoma Second Vatican Council April 8 to May 20. and the Transformation of Wesleyan University. and the implications for the Church.” Lisa Hittle, assistant Jason Parr, head coach ecumenical dialogue professor of music and Dr. Chris Kettler, professor of the men’s and women’s and Christian unity at the director of the jazz program, of theology and religion, cross country teams and Florovsky Week Conference served as an expert panelist was honored with the St. assistant coach of the men’s in Wichita July 12. for the opening event of the John of Damascus Award for and women’s track and Dr. Stan Harstine, 5th Annual Charlie Parker exemplars of the renewal of field teams, was featured professor of religion, Celebration in Kansas City. culture Aug. 24. The award in a Fellowship of Christian presented his research Hittle was an adjudicator is given by the Eighth Day Athletes Magazine article. to one of four Johannine for the Oklahoma State Jazz Institute. He also presented Nichole Pendleton has Literature sections at Ensemble Competition in a paper titled “What Does been promoted to associate the Society of Biblical Tulsa, Okla., April 24-25. She Edinburgh Have to Do with professor of accounting. Literature International was a clinician/guest artist at Constantinople?” which Meeting held July 30- the 41st Annual University of addressed Reformed and Dr. Vicki Ronn has been Aug. 3 at the University of Kansas Jazz Festival March Orthodox Theology, Divine promoted to associate Helsinki, Finland. His paper, 2. Hittle and Randy Zellers, and Human Agency, and the professor of English. She “Rethinking the Johannine adjunct faculty in fine arts, Theology of T. F. Torrance gave the presentation “The Pentecost: An Investigation conducted a jazz history at the Florovsky Week Giant is a Woman!: The into UC Von Wahlde’s lecture/demonstration for the Conference in Wichita July 12. ‘Dragon Wisdom’ of Ursula Claim,” utilized a narrative Museum of World Treasures Le Guin” at MythCon 49 Dr. Alan Maccarone, methodological approach to series “Coffee with the in Atlanta, Ga., July 21. Dr. former professor of biology, examine whether John 20:22 Curator” March 15. Ronn led a discussion of and Dr. John Simmons, does represent the new Le Guin’s nonfiction essays Keas Keasler, program assistant professor of birth mentioned by Jesus to and her contribution to director and assistant biology, attended the Kansas Nicodemus earlier in John fantasy and science fiction. professor of Christian Academy of Science Annual 3. Dr. Harstine also had Dr. Ronn, as awards steward spiritual formation, was Meeting in Topeka, Kan., with his book review of Francis for the Mythopoeic Society, a keynote speaker at a Friends University students J. Moloney’s “Johannine also announced the 2018 conference at Princeton April 7, 2018. Studies: 1975-2017” (Mohr Mythopoeic Awards.

Piceaul W n h ster retires after 45 years Paul Winchester, director of physical plant, retired at the end of July 2018 after working at Friends for 45 years. He began working as an electrician in Physical Plant in 1973 when Friends University President Hal Cope asked his father, Ray, to serve as director of the department. Upon Ray’s retirement in 1992, Paul was named director and oversaw a department that ranged in size from about eight to 10 staff members throughout the years. During his tenure, Paul oversaw extensive renovations, landscaping enhancements and the construction of several new facilities in a time of rapid growth. Paul’s Pond, a new pond installed on campus in 2004 was named after him to recognize his long-standing service to Friends University. The Winchester’s always considered Friends a second home and their colleagues to be their extended family. They loved to see students they worked with graduate and become successful. “We thank Paul for his dedication to Friends and our students,” said President Dr. Amy Bragg Carey. “He and his family will be greatly missed after nearly five decades of leaving their imprint on our campus - not only on the physical aspect of campus but on the hearts and minds of our students, faculty and staff.”

Fall 2018 | 33 FOCUS | Class Notes

Obermeyers retire Dr. Carole and Dr. Dennis Obermeyer retired this past May after serving for a decade or more in their respective roles at Friends. Carole was hired as vice president of student affairs in 2006. Throughout her tenure Carole led a group of staff members dedicated to meeting student needs through resident life, student life, counseling, wellness and international students, the Casado Campus Center and recreation, and – for a while, campus ministries. In recent years she also served as the director of athletics. Dennis began serving as a faculty member in 2008. He served as the lead faculty member for the physical education program. He also oversaw the health and physical education program that prepares students for employment in various fitness-related facilities. “Their support of our students was readily apparent as they were at nearly every athletic game, student event, fine art performance and other campus activities, said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, president. “Their presence will very much be missed on our campus.”

Dr. Rob Ramseyer, athletic Dr. Kathy Slemp, director projects. Dr. Smartt led Dr. Donna Stuber, professor director, spoke July 18 at and professor of human the 2018 Latino Leaders emeritus, and Kristina the National Collegiate resource management, Immersion event on campus Thielen,’10, published their Recruiting Conference presented “Do Online in August. She completed chapter, “Research Methods,” at Boston University. The Students Really Need to the program “Your in the second edition of talk was titled “Culture See Their Instructors?” at Leadership Edge” at the “Thinking Critically About and Recruiting: A Shift in the Adult Higher Education Kansas Leadership Center Social Psychology,” published Perspective.” Alliance (AHEA) Annual July 9-12. by Kendal-Hunt. Conference 2018: Quality Karen Scroggins, assistant Dr. Jim Smith, associate Valerie Wall, director of of Life in Adult Learning professor of graphic arts and professor of religion Friendship Fields and adjunct March 8-9 at the University director of the visual arts and Dallas Willard faculty member, was named of Central Florida in program, taught graphics Chair for Christian “Educator of the Year” by the Orlando, Fla. to students ages 14 to 18 at Spiritual Formation, Down Syndrome Society. Wall the Chickasaw Nation Fine Dr. Jerry Smartt, professor has approximately 40 received the award because Arts Academy for 12 days of Spanish and director devotionals that appear of her work with Friendship this summer. She also judged of foreign languages, is in “Faith that Matters,” a Fields, a program for college- the Northeast Magnet Junior the 2018 recipient of the book of 365 devotions from age adults with disabilities. Art Show April 23 and the Minaya Alvar-Fanez Award classic Christian leaders. Dr. Tor Wynn, associate Congressional Art Show for exemplary efforts in The devotionals come professor of sociology and (hosted by Congressman Ron assisting with chapter from Dr. Smith’s book criminology, moderated Estes) at Mark Arts April 26. activities by the executive “Embracing the Love of at and took four students She also judged an art show committee of the national God: The Path and Promise to the 2018 Alpha Chi for Cloud County Community Spanish honorary society, of Christian Life” published National Conference April College’s annual high school Sigma Delta Pi. The by HarperCollins in 1995. 5-7 in Portland, Ore. He Art Day April 13. Friends University chapter Ken Spurgeon, social and also presented at and was named one of 10 behavioral sciences adjunct took three students to Honor Chapters based on faculty member in CBASE, the Midwest Sociological exemplary activities and received the Jan LaFever Society meetings March 22- Award for Adjunct Teaching. 25 in Minneapolis.

34 | Friends University P h oto b y E t ha n H a rvey

2018 Homecoming Royalty include (l to r): Mikhail Yeremin, Shelby Fox, Zeek Craven, Bianca Petty, Jonathan Pettyjohn, Bethany Young.

H omecoming 2018

Falcon spirits soared during Homecoming Oct. 5-7 despite wide swings in the weekend’s weather. The classes of 1968 and 1958 celebrated their 50th and 60th reunions and toured campus on a sunny, warm Friday. The day ended with more than 250 guests attending the Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony and the Alumni Awards Dinner. (See pages 15-18 for more details about honorees.) Saturday brought chilly weather but impending rain storms held off long enough for the Falcon Football team to celebrate a 48-34 victory over Bethany College. An Alumni Tailgate and Carnival gave alumni, students, faculty and staff time to mingle and catch up. Other activities Class of 1958 L to R: Leroy Brightup, Mae Kellum, throughout the weekend included the “Jazz Swings Rev. Merl Kinser, Norma Redick, Bill Simmons, Zack Wilkerson. Western Style” concert, Singing Quakers Heritage Sunday at University Friends Church and Future Falcon Visit Day.

Cl ass of 1968 Front Row, L to R: Carole AufderHeyde, Vickie Breneman-Moots, Sue Zahn, Joyce Corkill- Teubner, Donna Green, Paula Brown, Sherrie Andersen, Noel Zahn. Back Row, L to R: Bill AufderHeyde, Sheldon Carpenter, Rick Frendle, David Barbosa, Marilyn Hitchcock, Ann Perrin, George Adams, Dennis Ross.

Fall 2018 | 35 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1339 Wichita, Kansas

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Upcoming Events Thursdays at 11 am Chapel — visit friends. edu/chapel for a link to streaming video N ov. 28, 2018 Ceremony of Lights N ov. 30–Dec. 2, 2018 Christmas Candlelight Concert D ec. 7-9 & 14-15, 2018 The Nutcracker A pril 9, 2019 2018 Scholarship Luncheon A team of students strike a pose with Freddy Falcon as part of a New A pril 26-28, 2019 Student Orientation Scavenger Hunt activity to learn more about campus. Approximately 250 new students enjoyed activities such as a Movie on the Symphony of Spring Lawn, a Campus Ministries worship gathering and a Delano neighborhood cleanup in partnership with the Delano Neighborhood Association and the M ay 11, 2019 Love Your Community organization. Commencement

Friends University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding this policy: EEOC/Title IX Coordinator, Friends University, 2100 W. University Ave., Wichita, KS 67213, (316) 295-5000. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, 230 S. La Salle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604; www.ncahlc.org; 1-800-621-7440.