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Focus On Growth FRIENDS UNIVERSITY SPRING 2021 FOCUS | CONTENTS

MORE EVENTS President Friends University Board of Trustees AND NEWS Dr. Amy Bragg Carey Craig Bay Dr. John Lewis Dr. Kneeland Brown Regina Miller Check friends.edu Vice President of Bob Casper Paul Moore Enrollment Management Kim Dugger Attwater Jim Nagy for more news Deb Stockman Brent Edmisten Jeff Ramsey Purchase tickets for Associate Vice President Lynn Ghormley Renae Ryan of Advancement Kevin Henderson Dr. Thayne Thompson FINE ARTS EVENTS Brie Boulanger Dr. Kevin Hoppock Dr. Kent Walkemeyer Dr. Jace Hyder C. Patrick Woods at friends.edu/event-features Director of Alumni Relations Michael Walz

ATHLETICS EVENTS Public Relations & Follow the Falcons at Communications Manager Laura Fuller friendsathletics.com

2 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | CONTENTS

Focus on Growth

Garvey Rises Up 4 to the Next Level

Exceedingly 8 and Abundantly Overflowing at Friends

Giving the Gift 10 of a Lifetime

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT ON THE COVER Friends University students (front, Growth is a journey. It is often in the donors. And most importantly, we have l to r) Porter Wilkes, Noah Barajas times of challenge, in the rub of life, grown in communion with God. He has and Casey Mosley. that we experience the most growth. continued to show us steadfast love and At Friends University, we were met faithfulness. He continues to bless us PHOTO BY STEVE RASMUSSEN with a crossroad this past year. We and show where His brilliant light lies in could either recoil in intimidation at the the midst of uncertain darkness. Come challenges before us, or press forward grow with us! VOL. 43 | NO. 2 in faith. Our growth journey began with Focus magazine is published two times per year by University Advancement/Marketing that step toward faith. and Communications, 2100 W. University The number of students who Ave, Wichita, KS 67213. It is published for the have made Friends their home has alumni and friends of Friends University. significantly increased. We have seen Dr. Amy Bragg Carey friends.edu an increase in the generosity of our President, Friends University [email protected]

SPRING 2021 | 3 FOCUS | FEATURE

n a tired and worn, small-town weight room a young Bailee Passmore felt an GROWTH IN THE GARVEY CENTER air of freshness, an excitement. With a deep breath in, pressing her palms into the barbell bar, she was ready to push her first lift. Though Powerlifting isn’t commonly on the athletic roster, Garvey Rises Passmore was hooked. Her successes in the weight room over the next two years gained the attention of Friends University IPowerlifting Head Coach Joe Belden. Up to the Passmore was the first female recruit to the new Friends Powerlifting team and became the first female national qualifier. But her attraction to Friends wasn’t a Next Level state-of-the-art athletic facility or elite physical education program, it was the sense of small-town community that she BY ANNA CAREY was often homesick for. Coach Belden became her mentor, and her teammates became her family. The athletic community at Friends

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University has seen significant growth room prevents the Powerlifting team Capital Campaign, which was quickly in the last few years with the addition from performing certain lifts or getting halted when the pandemic swept of new sports like Powerlifting, Men’s access to specialized equipment. through. “The volunteer leadership team Golf, and Men’s/Women’s Wrestling. The solution according to Ramseyer is had been formed, gifts were beginning Associate Vice President of Athletics, put simply: “We need space.” to come in, and COVID hit,” Dr. Carey Rob Ramseyer, expects these growing sports will bring an additional 130 students on campus within the next Growing sports will bring an four years. While this growth stirs new excitement and energy, the main athletic building on campus, the Garvey Physical additional 130 students on campus Education Center, has reached beyond its capacity to house the training, within the next four years. rehabilitation and performance needs for all student athletes. For lifters like Passmore, the weight University President Dr. Carey and recalls. What was initially devastating, room isn’t just a training space, it’s her the Board of Trustees saw the growth opened up new opportunities for powerlifting equivalent of a court or field. opportunities in athletics and started to renewed vision. The comprehensive The tight weight room schedules mean dream about what an updated facility campaign was scaled back to individual Passmore’s team has limited training would look like. In February 2020, the projects and the Garvey Physical time. Even the size of the current weight board launched a $15 million RISE UP Education Center was the first on the list.

WEIGHT ROOM When Coach Belden first arrived on campus nearly two years ago, he deemed the weight room: “the wild west.” To eliminate the “free for all” mentality, Belden established new equipment and maintenance rules. The students not only adapted, they were proud of the sense of ownership and responsibility gained. But that still didn’t solve the packed training schedule that ran from 5 a.m. to midnight. The solution will be an expanded weight room with updated equipment, relocated in the Northwest corner of the building.

SPRING 2021 | 5 With a goal of $2.3 million, the allow us to maximize the space we have.” cared for, where she has academic renovations on the Garvey P.E. Center In order to house the growing athletic success, where she is challenged to grow will help nudge the athletic facility department, training room, weight room, in all areas of her life, where her character into the 21st century and could break administrative spaces/team meeting is getting cultivated, and she happens to ground as soon as May 2021. Only room and main lobby will be expanded win athletic events as well! minor improvements have been made and renovated. But in order to keep that vision and environment thriving, it’s time for the spaces like the Garvey Physical Education Center to match the quality of It’s time for the spaces like the the community-driven experience.

Garvey Physical Education Center TRAINING ROOM The current training room sits on the second floor of the Garvey building. For to match the quality of the injured students, this requires a painful trek upstairs to receive treatment. A community-driven experience. larger training room will take over the current first floor weight room. But Belden reminds that “if you’re looking to the space in the last few decades, so Student athletes like Bailee Passmore at training more athletes, you need a renovation project of this size will be have found a home in her Powerlifting additional equipment too.” Therefore, truly remarkable. When reflecting on team. She has landed in the exact high tech training equipment will ensure the future construction plans Ramseyer environment that Associate Vice every athlete gets the best treatment, says, “There’s nothing about it that’s President of Athletics Ramseyer desired allowing coaches and trainers to address extravagant; it is functional. It is going to to create: a place where Passmore is weaknesses to prevent injuries over time.

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ADMINISTRATIVE SPACES / TEAM MEETING ROOM Though not necessarily flashy, the heart of the Garvey P.E. Center lies in the new office spaces and meeting rooms. As disjointed as the building itself has been, trying to track down a member of the coaching staff can prove challenging-they office all around campus. “I’m really excited to get all our coaches into one building!” Rob Ramseyer says. Dr. Carey also feels that having everyone under the same roof will “offer a greater sense of community among our coaches and their teams so that we can make a lasting impact, focused on life goals and purpose.” There are currently no common spaces for students to gather as a team, which is why a team meeting room is another critical, community-centric space. Here they will be able to study and review game footage. But Ramseyer’s true hope is that it builds authentic relationships. “Athletics is so much more than competition,” Dr. Carey says, “It provides all the great skills of teamwork, accountability, fair play and achievement that prepares us for life.”

LOBBY A refreshed lobby will welcome Friends sports fans with a sense of expectation and a reminder of the Friends University legacy. Trophies and accolades of past victories will line the new athletic Hall of Fame. And the space will be more community-friendly with conveniently located handicap accessible restrooms.

SPRING 2021 | 7 FOCUS | FEATURE

GROWTH IN ENROLLMENT Exceedingly and Abundantly Overflowing at Friends

BY AMY GEISZLER-JONES

chwien, a freshman from the Denver suburb of Arvada who wanted to go to a small college, and Simoneau, a junior who transferred from a Division For Isabelle Schwien and Kayna I California university that proved too big and too far away from home, Simoneau, a pandemic was not going are among the students who helped to thwart their plans to start their first Friends University achieve its highest fall enrollment for new incoming semester at Friends University in fall 2020. students since 2011. S Friends had a 6% increase in all new students, including transfers, with an impressive increase of 20% among first-time freshmen students, according to Deb Stockman, vice president for enrollment management at Friends.

8 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS ON | GROWTH

Having growth like that took a lot of effort and careful strategizing, said Stockman and Jordan Audette, director “I’ve always pictured myself going to a of recruitment. It’s not unusual for colleges to lose new students between spring enrollment and the beginning of school where everyone knows my name.” the fall semester but add the uncertainty of a pandemic and “we needed to up our — Isabelle Schwien game,” said Stockman. Virtual campus tours started within weeks of state-mandated lockdowns offered through Friends’ residence going to be safer and easier, I decided,” in March 2020. Friends pennants and life programs, Schwien is meeting new Simoneau said. Plus she’s getting more Freddy Falcon yard signs were mailed to friends and even making art. playing time as a point guard. new students over the summer. The $100 “I love it,” said Schwien of the enrollment deposit was waived to help suite-style accommodations in Green OTHER ELEMENTS IN PLAY students during an economic downturn. Residence Hall. “My parents say I’m With a pivot to virtual visits to high And COVID-19 safety plans needed to be spoiled because they didn’t have nice schools, recruiters can now connect communicated to parents and students. dorms like this going to college.” with smaller Kansas high schools that Schwien and Simoneau were on In niche.com’s study based on might have been bypassed on traditional the receiving ends of some of those student satisfaction, Friends’ student road visits, said Audette, who oversees strategies and said they appreciated the housing was ranked No. 1 in Kansas and recruitment efforts. More than 80 of reassurances that Friends was ready to No. 23 nationally in 2021 Best College Kansas’ 105 counties are represented welcome them. Dorms in America. among the Friends student population.

FRIENDS’ FORTES For Simoneau, Friends being a One selling point for potential “I’ve always pictured myself going to small Christian university helped her students is that nearly 100 percent of a school where everyone knows my decide to transfer. traditional undergraduate students name, you can interact with most of the “Growing up my dad was a pastor,” receive significant scholarship and students and the class sizes are small,” she noted. financial aid support. said Schwien, a business administration Simoneau played two years of Along with higher new student major and a pitcher/outfielder on the basketball at Butler Community enrollment, Friends is growing in other softball team. College in El Dorado, Kansas, before ways, Stockman and Audette noted. New The student-to-faculty ratio of most transferring to California State University, undergraduate degree programs have classes at Friends is 10 to 1. Friends is Sacramento. Her first and only year there been added in conservation science, holding in-person classes and activities resulted in a medical redshirt. When the mechanical engineering, criminal while also offering online alternatives. pandemic hit, students were sent home, justice and music theater, while two new Schwien said she likes Wichita’s which for Simoneau meant Rose Hill, just concentrations were added to Friends’ urban feel and amenities, as well as southeast of Wichita. graduate business programs. Friends’ location in the heart of the “Going to a college closer to home city. Thanks to regular programming while a pandemic is going on was

SPRING 2021 | 9 GROWTH IN GIVING Giving the Gift

of a Lifetime BY BRIAN WHEPLEY

riends’ endowment has grown 35 percent since 2016, reaching $58 million and providing ongoing resources for scholarships, endowed chairs and other missions. Friends University has received The numbers reflect the generosity blessings in abundance since 2015, with of donors but also the dedication — a rededication — to the university’s giving from alumni and others totaling Christian roots and equipping students $21.3 million compared to $12.8 million to serve God and others. F “Supporters say they appreciate over the previous five years. that we’re focusing on our mission as a Christian university of Quaker heritage, and that we have an exciting vision for the future. And that vision includes a number of new programs,” said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, Friends president, citing programs in cyber security, mechanical engineering, conservation science, Christian spiritual formation and strategic leadership. “Alumni and key supporters

10 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS ON | GROWTH

others. He also works with the Friends away. Embodying the ways we live and denomination, which brought him to communicate, initiatives have gone Wichita five or six years ago and started online, such as the annual Day of Giving his reconnection to his alma mater. and need-of-the-moment efforts like He was hesitant at first, knowing raising emergency funds for students universities tend to move away from affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. their Christian roots not toward them. The university has adjusted its fund- Time and observation persuaded him. raising approach to events in other Walkemeyer joined the Friends Board ways as well. The RISE Up campaign of Trustees in 2019 and now the college shifted from a comprehensive, multi- professor slash farmer annually commits project approach to a series of targeted $5,000 to the Falcon Fund and $15,000 to projects in response to the pandemic. the RISE Up campaign. The first phase is close to fruition, with “We enjoy attending fine arts events and support Friends University because they follow their Christian mission statement and show appreciation for their donors.”

David and Sharon Hewitt — David and Sharon Hewitt and Alicia Panzer. “I am so committed to the direction the university is taking, and training $300,000 needed to launch the $2.3 students to live out their Christian faith million Garvey Physical Education in whatever vocation they choose, that Center renovation. Next, the university I was willing to commit financially to the will focus on the much-needed Riney vision,” Walkemeyer said. Fine Arts Center modernization. “So many alumni talk of life-changing “Every gift is meaningful. We need have watched this trajectory and have experiences at Friends. Some of support at every level and all those gifts been willing to invest in our future.” them can really trace back to how come together and provide a meaningful Kent Walkemeyer is a 1986 Friends their life was molded here,” said Brie impact,” Dr. Carey noted. All gifts — religion and philosophy graduate who Boulanger, associate vice president of whether for scholarships, new academic reconnected with the university fairly advancement. “It’s important that they programs or building upgrades — show recently. Walkemeyer was raised in the see that we’re continuing that legacy a commitment to the university mission. southwest Kansas community of Hugoton, with students today.” “Every student at Friends is here where his family now leases out their Giving to Friends comes in forms large because someone has provided some 3,000 acres of farmland, and both his and small, providing opportunities to level of financial support. It’s as true parents and other family went to Friends. donate regularly or one time, while one’s today as it was 50 years ago. That’s the He learned generosity early but felt a alive or via an estate gift. There are ways beauty and blessing of giving at a place disconnect after graduation, feeling to publicly proclaim one’s connection like Friends. You have the ability to give Friends drifting from its clear Christian to Friends, such as the Coffee Club with back and reach those coming after roots and instead contributed elsewhere. its new mugs each year, or university you,” she said. Walkemeyer spent 15 years in license plates, which generate $30 for “Many things in our world are ministry at a Friends church in California scholarships. Some donors choose uncertain, but we’re not concerned before joining the faculty at Azusa to give anonymously, as with the new because we’ve seen God’s faithfulness Pacific University’s Graduate School of electronic sign along Kellogg. through all this,” Dr. Carey said. “We Theology, where he teaches courses In a day when scammers incessantly know we can’t do this important work on on preaching, spiritual formation and call trying to take one’s money, the time- our own, so we keep asking the Friends Friends theology and ministry, among tested phonathon has largely faded community to stand with us.”

SPRING 2021 | 11 FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

University News

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY WELCOMES NEW FACULTY TO CAMPUS

Friends University is pleased to welcome Jordan Kieffer to campus this spring

JORDAN KIEFFER Jordan Kieffer serves as the new Assistant Professor of Business. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wichita State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas. Kieffer served as a law clerk for Judge Melgren of the U.S. District Court, District of Kansas and also worked in private practice. Her extensive legal experience includes oil and gas litigation, construction litigation, water rights, commercial property tax appeals, employment litigation, general business litigation, estate planning, business advising and appeals. In addition to her law career, Kieffer is a small business owner in the fitness industry with her business Barre Forte Wichita.

12 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FRIENDS UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES TWO MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Friends University is excited CRAIG BAY to welcome new member, Craig Bay is a native of Wichita and attended Friends University where he met his wife Michelle. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and returned to Dr. Thayne Thompson, and Friends to complete a Master of Science in Total Quality Management. Bay is the returning member, Craig President of Kyodo Yushi Manufacturing Americas, LLC. He Craig and Michelle have been married for 27 years and blessed with six children including three Bay, to the Board of Trustees. daughters and three sons. They began their terms at the Bay has served on not-for-profit boards including the Wichita Children’s Home, The Open Door, and United Way of the Plains. He also has served as Regional February 20 meeting. Commissioner for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), serving west Wichita. His service also includes a prior commitment as a member of the Friends University Board. Bay’s passions include seeking to serve the Lord as he is called, his vocation to his family as a husband and father, and service to the community.

DR. THAYNE THOMPSON Dr. Thayne Thompson graduated from Friends University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1983. He was actively involved in a number of campus activities while at Friends including Singing Quakers and was president of his Senior Class in 1982. After working for five years in marketing at IBM, Dr. Thompson and his wife Kristin moved to Chicago for him to attend Trinity Divinity School. During the following years, he completed a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership and Church Administration from Trinity International University. After graduating with his Master’s Degree, Dr. Thompson pastored for 25 years before joining the Leadership Team at Evangelical Friends Church – Mid America Yearly Meeting (EFC- MAYM) in January 2018. Today, he serves as Executive Superintendent of EFC-MAYM. Dr. Thompson also owns Charley’s Philly Steaks in Wichita, Kan. Dr. Thompson and his wife Kristin, of 38 years, enjoy traveling and spending time with their three children and families. In addition, he never turns down a golf game and enjoys Kansas City Chiefs football and Kansas State football and basketball.

SPRING 2021 | 13 2021 U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT BEST ONLINE PROGRAMS

Several online programs including bachelor’s and master’s programs offered by Friends University have earned national rankings from U.S. News & World Reports’ Best Online Programs. The 2021 national rankings for Friends University were published on the U.S. News & World Report website.

BEST ONLINE BACHELOR’S PROGRAMS The Online Bachelor’s Programs at Friends University are ranked at #102 in the nation, at #2 among all Kansas education institutions and at #1 among private universities in Kansas. The most popular majors being Business INTELLIGENT.COM Administration, Accounting and Elementary Education. RANKINGS BEST ONLINE MASTER’S IN BUSINESS PROGRAMS (EXCLUDING MBA) The Master of Health Care Leadership and Master of Management Friends University has been awarded Information Systems online graduate programs are ranked at #107 in the a top ranking status by Intelligent. nation, at #1 among all Kansas education institutions and at #1 among private com and was listed among hundreds universities in Kansas. of other competing institutions across the nation. Intelligent.com analyzed BEST ONLINE MASTER’S IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS hundreds of schools with comparable The online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program is ranked programs on a scale of 0 to 100 and at #126 nationally, at #4 among all Kansas universities and at #1 among private each program is based on curriculum college education online programs in Kansas. quality, graduation rate, reputation and post-graduate employment. BEST ONLINE MBA PROGRAMS The Master of Business Administration and the Global Master of Business Master’s in Marriage and Family Administration online graduate programs are ranked #187 in the nation, Therapy Degree Programs at #5 among all Kansas education institutions and at #1 among private — Ranked #31 universities in Kansas.

MILITARY FRIENDLY SCHOOL

Friends University has been named as a 2021-2022 Military Friendly School. This designation provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families using data sources from federal agencies and proprietary survey information from participating organizations.

14 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY PRESENTS HANDEL’S OPERA, ALCINA, AT THE SEDGWICK COUNTY ZOO

Friends University Fine Arts presented G.F. Handel’s opera, Alcina. The university is fortunate enough to have a partnership with the Sedgwick County Zoo for the nationally recognized bachelor’s degree program in zoo science, which provided a unique, fitting, beautiful backdrop and a safe environment for this enchanting production during COVID times. The exhibits were closed however some animals made an appearance in the show! Alcina is based on an excerpt from Ludovico Ariosto’s epic poem, Orlando furioso, in which the hero, Ruggiero, arrives on an island enchanted by the sorceress, Alcina. The beautiful Alcina seduces every knight that lands on her island, but soon tires of her lovers and changes them into wild animals, stones or plants. Alcina places Ruggiero under a love spell but soon falls deeply in love with him. When Ruggiero’s betrothed arrives on the island to rescue him, conflict eventually ensues. The Friends University Alcina opera production was selected by the National Opera Association to present a scene to a panel of judges at the National Conference in the Finals of the Collegiate Opera Scenes Competition in the Opera Division I undergraduate category.

SPRING 2021 | 15 FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

SINGING QUAKERS PREMIERED COMMISSIONED PIECE

The Singing Quakers led by the new been commissioned by the King Singers Director, Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore, on multiple occasions, has over one accomplished several performances hundred published pieces and his pieces including the amazing opportunities to are performed all around the world by work with living composers and perform some of the top choirs. beautiful music during a unique year. The The spring semester premiered annual holiday lighting of the Davis clock a commissioned piece by world- tower brought their first performance of renowned composer, Gwyneth Walker, the year with an outdoor concert. Then who wrote the piece specifically for the they transitioned to a livestreaming Quakers, entitled Equality is in the air Christmas Candlelight concert also we breathe. The piece draws on themes featuring the Friends University of unity and peace from a poem by Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Jazz Langston Hughes and was performed at Vocal Ensemble and the majesty of the the Be Not Afraid: Songs of Faith, Hope combined ensembles with 150 voices. and Love spring concert. During the Christmas season, it was Music is a gift to the soul. The Singing an honor for the group to be asked by Quakers are looking forward to more legendary composer Stacey V. Gibbs, special opportunities to work with living a modern-day Moses Hogan, to record composers with the hopes of being in a new spiritual-style Christmas piece the rotations of ensembles that are asked with original text. Truly an honor to have to do more recordings and the process a new piece by a composer who has to commission stellar composers.

16 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY WORKING

The winter musical featured a livestreamed performance of Making his Friends University directorial debut, Assistant Working, a classic musical exploring the hopes and dreams of Professor of Music Theatre and Dance, Sheldon Mba sought the average working American. Nominated for six Tony Awards, to give the audience a show that recognizes and honors the Working has been updated for a modern age, featuring songs unsung heroes in our lives that we often take for granted, by Tony Award- winning Lin Manuel Miranda, as well as favorites especially during the hard times of a pandemic. by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia and James Taylor.

VISUAL ART AND COMMUNICATIONS STUDENTS PAINT A CAR TO HELP OFFER HOPE

Seniors Bella Smith, German Andrade and Amanda Williams, along with the guidance of instructor Lauren Miller, computer print technologies and director of the Riney Fine Arts Gallery and Jenny Venn, visiting assistant professor of graphic arts and interim program director of visual arts, brought to life the vision of of hope with Christ as an anchor in our their charity partner, Harbor House, lives. Harbor House was one of four on a car. Harbor House, a ministry of charities highlighted at the Scholfield Friends visual art and communication Catholic Charities works with domestic Honda dealership event with a painted students from the senior capstone class abuse survivors to provide them a safe car to help bring awareness and raise teamed up with Scholfield Honda to place to stay and support services funds for each organization. And that paint the winning design on a brand- to seek a life free from abuse and a catch! Each car was covered with the new car as a way to shine a light on future filled with hope. special Xpel clear adhesive shield Wichita’s Harbor House ministry. That’s The painting was designed by the protector, a car protectant cover that right! They painted on a brand new students to symbolize the darkness of Scholfield offers on cars to guard from 2021 car, with a little catch! a storm that can move toward the light scratches and paintings.

SPRING 2021 | 17 FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

FINE ARTS STUDENTS LIGHT UP NYC

Senior graphic design and visual communication students were given the unique opportunity to design new light pole banners, posters and graphics in Chinatown and parts of Little Italy in New York City in time for the Lunar New Year on Feb. 12. In addition, students designed large- scale graphics for the infamous Chinatown Kiosk that is seen throughout Chinatown, a familiar tourist destination and picture location.

FRIENDS STUDENT WINS VOICE STUDENTS FIRST PLACE IN KASTA WIN BIG AT NATS SOLO COMPETITION Friends University voice students competed in the National Association of Tan “Timmy” Ngo, competed in the Kansas Teachers of Singing (NATS) West Central American String Teachers Association (KASTA) Region Student Auditions, competing State Solo Competition and was awarded first against college and university students place in the senior division. This competition representing a four-state area including recognizes exceptional talent in the state of Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. Kansas and the first time a student from Friends The competition was held virtually and University has won this prestigious award. Friends University is proud to have had Ngo is pursuing a Bachelor of Music the most finalists of any private college or in Music Performance with an emphasis university in the region for the fifth straight in violin. He dreams of performing on year. This achievement allows each of the stages around the world and has been finalists the opportunity to enter the NATS guided by Friends University violin National Student Auditions. professor, Laura Hammes Black.

18 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY INTRODUCING FRIENDS UNIVERSITY’S NEW ATHLETIC STAFF

AARON MEISTER Aaron Meister has been named as the Panhandle Wrestling Association of head coach of the newly added men’s which he currently serves as President and women’s wrestling programs. while also starting the Panhandle DUSTIN GALYON He comes to Friends after helping Wrestling Club. Dustin Galyon has been named the to jumpstart the men’s and women’s During his standout collegiate new head coach of the revived men’s wrestling programs as an assistant career, Meister captured three national golf program. He will also serve in the coach for four seasons at Wayland championships (2019, 2018, 2014) in the newly created role of Director of Golf, Baptist University (WBU) in Plainview, Veterans Division of the U.S. Open. overseeing day-to-day operations Texas. He then took the reins of the At Fort Hays State University, Meister for both the men’s and women’s golf program after legendary head coach finished fourth at the 2004 NCAA D-II programs. Galyon is heading a return of Johnny Cobb retired prior to the National Championships, won two the men’s golf program on the Friends 2014-15 season. Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference University campus for the first time since Meister’s decorated coaching career championships, and capped his the conclusion of the spring 2015 season. includes coaching a World Champion, collegiate career in 2006 with a fifth- Galyon arrives at Friends from Hesston Tamyra Mensah-Stock, four World place finish and First-Team Academic College, where he served as Head Men’s medalists, 13 National Champions, 96 All- All-American honors. In 2003, he was Golf coach, Assistant Athletic Director Americans, and the 2019 NAIA Women’s NJCAA national champion, Academic and Head Men’s Basketball coach. Prior Dual Champions. Among those All- All-American, and student-athlete of year to his coaching roles, he served as the Americans is an Olympic Trials champion, at Labette Community College (Kan.). Associate Director of Admissions and an two World Team Trials champions, three In 2017, Meister was inducted to the Admissions Counselor for the school. U.S. Open champions, a University World NJCAA Wrestling Hall of Fame. Having taken over the men’s golf runner-up, and 25 of those individuals are Meister earned a Bachelor of Science program in December of 2019, Galyon either World or Olympic Trials qualifiers. degree in Athletic Training in 2006 and had been active, signing 10 golfers to a While at WBU, Meister initiated and also a Master of Science in Health and national letter of intent. endowed two scholarships (Johnny Cobb Human Performance with an emphasis in In his administrative role as Assistant and Tamyra Mensah-Stock Wrestling Sports Administration in 2009, both from Athletic Director at Hesston College, Scholarships). He also created the Fort Hays State University. Galyon played a big role in assisting the coaching staff’s recruiting efforts and roster construction while also implementing overall recruiting strategies for the department and assisting in fundraising efforts. He is also the owner of Galyon LLC: Keynotes and Seminars, where he speaks and leads training to thousands on a yearly basis regarding topics such as discipleship, leadership, motivation, college decisions and athletic leadership. Galyon earned an Associate of Arts degree in 2004 from Hesston College before completing his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. in 2006.

SPRING 2021 | 19 FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

JOSHUA JOHNSON Joshua Johnson has been named the new Competitive Cheer and Dance head coach. The dance program will be launching soon. Johnson takes over the position with a stark familiarity with the program in which he served as the Falcons’ tumbling coach while functioning in a similar role at his alma mater, Wichita State University. THE FRIENDS His experience also includes a current role as head coach of the UNIVERSITY MEN’S Fierce All-Stars in Wichita, a level three competitive cheerleading AND WOMEN’S INDOOR team. With the All-Stars, Johnson FALCONS EACH is the tumbling coach while conducting private lessons in CAPTURED THE KCAC stunting and tumbling. Johnson was a member and the co-ed CHAMPIONSHIP Cheer Team Captain of the Wichita State University cheer team that The championship is special in a unique placed third at the National Meet way for each program, as the Falcon in Orlando, Fla. This gave him the men break through after three straight opportunity to be a candidate for years finishing as the runner-up, while the TEAM USA. the Falcon women are the KCAC’s top Johnson earned a Bachelor of team for the seventh straight season to Science degree in Criminal Justice continue their dynastic reign. from Wichita State University in 2019.

DR. ROB RAMSEYER NAMED ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF ATHLETICS

Friends University is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Rob Ramseyer to Associate Vice President of Athletics in which he will also serve on the President’s Cabinet. Friends University athletics has seen growth in programming and partnerships in recent years with the addition of a graduate assistant program, men’s and women’s powerlifting, men’s and women’s wrestling, the return of the men’s golf team and the launching of a new competitive dance team. Dr. Ramseyer has been instrumental in the community partnership with the City of Wichita which allows the Falcon baseball team to have a home field on the newly renovated West Side Athletic Field. Friends University has also partnered with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization (FCA) to provide scholarships, mentoring and intern opportunities to student- athletes. These additions, along with the new football turf, are in direct alignment with the university’s latest announcement of a $2.3 million RISE Up Capital Campaign renovation project to the Garvey Physical Education Center set to begin later this spring.

20 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS AND FOURTH PLACE WOMEN’S FINISH AT NAIA INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD MEET Senior Aileen Gurrola and Sophomore Aubrey Donley each capture National Championships at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championship to help the Friends University Women’s Falcons finish fourth overall and bring home a National Trophy. The fourth place National finish ties their best showing in program history. Aubry Donley Aileen Gurrola

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY SCORES A HOME RUN WITH NEW SIGN

Last year the partnership with the City of Wichita created a new home field for Falcon baseball. This year a new star is on the field. Associate Vice President of Athletics, Dr. Rob Ramseyer and Wichita city officials reached an agreement when the large scoreboard sign didn’t sell at the Lawrence Dumont Stadium auction. Friends had the sign moved and installed at the Westside Athletic Fields. Falcon fans and the Wichita community can enjoy this sign as a piece of baseball history live on.

BASKETBALL COURT TO BE NAMED IN HONOR OF COACH JACK KATER

The basketball court in the Garvey Physical Education Center will be named the Friends University Jack Kater Court in honor of legendary Coach Jack Kater. Coach Kater was a successful coach in several sports, including basketball, track, football, softball and golf. He established an impressive history of conference titles in basketball and golf, leading to a number of KCAC championships and was inducted into the inaugural 1999 class of the Friends University Athletic Hall of Fame. As a coach, athletic director and teacher, he was known as someone who truly loved the students and encouraged them to become the best people they could be, not only in athletics, but also in life.

SPRING 2021 | 21 FOCUS | DONOR PROFILE

Donor Profile

LYNN AND LANCE DECKINGER

Lynn and Lance Deckinger were kind During that time, I also coached high college’s faith accountability groups. enough to share with us about their time school baseball and soccer along with Lance: Playing on the baseball team with at Friends University. It was in college coaching the Friends University soccer my father, Jim Deckinger, as head coach where they first met, ran around with the team. In 2000, I made a change and and playing on the Friends soccer team same group of friends and their story moved into education full-time allowing with my brother Clayton; along with the begins! They live in the Wichita area me to expand what I was doing with many friends we made by being involved and are the proud parents of Jeremy, an young people and follow in my parent’s in different activities. Being inducted into airline pilot and Josie, who is in college footsteps through the world of education. the Friends Athletic Hall of Fame is also a studying to become a teacher. In their I am currently the Athletic Director at special moment. free time, they enjoy traveling and have Wichita Northwest High School. been fortunate enough to visit other Why do you feel it is important to countries. Let’s get to know them! When did you attend Friends and give back and why Friends? what was your major? Lynn: We understand the power of Tell us a bit about yourself Lynn: I graduated in 1991 with a degree education and want to give opportunities and your careers. in business administration with minors in to students who may not otherwise have Lynn: I am the Director of Brand marketing and computer science. the opportunity to attend Friends. Management for Grove9, a strategic Lance: I graduated in 1989 with a degree Lance: We appreciate the small college marketing agency that helps purpose- in business administration and later experience. We would not be who we are driven organizations make a greater returned and completed a business today without the experiences we had at difference in this world. Looking back education degree in 2002. Friends. We want to give back to Friends over my 30-year career in marketing, God because of what it gave to us. has had a hand in every position, which What are your favorite memories has led me to my current position. A from your time at Friends? Any career advice for future alumni? career highlight for me was being chosen Lynn: As a young adult from the Houston Lynn: Always keep listening and learning. as one of Wichita Business Journal’s 40 area, I came to Friends because of my Lance: Get involved in a career you enjoy. under 40. Quaker heritage and the opportunity Find a career where you get to go to Lance: I started with Wichita Baseball, to play on the tennis team. My fondest work instead of a job you have to go to. Inc. working with the Wichita Wranglers memories were living on campus, and and the National Baseball Congress. the lifelong friends I made through the

22 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

the world away from the comfort and support of your family and home. Seek new experiences and the unique perspectives of others. Take advantage Alumni of your general education courses to find your passion (it’s okay to change your mind!). Don’t shy away from the tough Spotlight questions that you might be asking yourself about your future and what motivates you.

Describe Friends University in PAUL LAVENDER three words. Friendship, Opportunity, Growth

Paul Lavender is Vice President of What is your greatest professional Finance and Strategic Development accomplishment? at Thrive Restaurant Group. Thrive is Having the courage to follow my heart a second-generation family-owned and test myself in new environments. company, based in Wichita, that owns I have had the privilege of living and and operates over 100 restaurants working in three continents since my across 12 states who are committed to time at Friends. Before moving back making a difference in the lives of the to Wichita, I followed adventure to people they serve. In Wichita, they are Australia, love to the United Arab proud to own and operate HomeGrown, Emirates, and opportunity to San Carlos O’ Kelly’s, Peace Love & Pie, and Francisco. Maintaining a sense of Applebee’s locations. curiosity for others, a willingness to learn and an openness for change has What year did you graduate? helped me be successful at each stop in 2008. the journey - but I believe the greatest accomplishment was simply saying ‘yes’ Why did you choose Friends? to the opportunities. I’ve found that if I was recruited to play soccer by Bill you maintain focus on the people, do Shilling while I was a junior in High your best to keep a posture of humility School and was considering Friends as and work hard, everything else tends to early as that time. 9/11 was a few days fall into place. into my senior year and I decided to put soccer on hold to enlist in the USMC. Share your best college memory How did your education at Friends After my active-duty service ended and while at Friends. prepare you for your career? I moved back to Wichita, Bill was the first There are far too many to count, but My time at Friends helped to broaden coach to reach back out and I made the any time I think about Friends my mind my perspective, both personally and easy decision to join the team! immediately goes back to the soccer professionally. I have always been field. The summer three-a-day practices, a numbers guy, but during my first Who influenced you most during the road trips, and the lifelong friendships Psychology course on campus, I fell your time at Friends? developed with so many of the players. in love with the science - and the When I look back on my time at Friends, understanding of people that comes it is the relationships with my teammates What advice do you have for current along with it. My advisor helped me and fellow students that first come to students who want to make the most critically think through the idea of mind. The friendships I made had the out of their experience at Friends? pursuing Psychology, and this decision biggest influence, but among teachers, Be willing to step out of your comfort has laid the foundation for everything there are two that stand out: Bill Allan zone and get involved. I never lived that has come since. I am grateful for the and Dr. Jerry Smartt. They both poured on campus, but I think I would do that diverse education and exposure to new into me in ways that I often didn’t differently in my first year or two if I could concepts that Friends provided me, and deserve, and I am grateful for their do it again. For many, freshman year the freedom and support of faculty in patience and guidance. is the first opportunity to experience these life shaping moments.

SPRING 2021 | 23 FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

Spring 2021 Class Notes

IN MEMORY

“In Memory” passages with more details were submitted by family and friends. Information received AMANDA BIERING, after Feb. 25, 2021 will be died Jan 4. She was included in the next issue. a beloved friend, We reserve the right to edit colleague and as space allows. instrumental part of the Friends University Coleen Atherton-Wiley, finance team in her ’61, died Feb, 15, 2020. She taught English at Wichita role as the Billing and Southeast High School Workshop Specialist. and loved art, literacy and community. Atherton-Wiley served various community died organizations and remained Sharon L. (Hamilton) Bolin, Dr. Grace Brooks, died July 12. Sept. 22. Dr. Brooks life-long friends with ’90, taught elementary her Friends University Tammy M. Bowman, ’09, school for a number of contemporaries. died Dec. 2. She was an years before she began avid horsewoman who teaching at the university Tabitha (Oblinger) Bean, also enjoyed relaxing with died Nov. 16. She was a level at Friends University. ‘83, a book, crafts, friends, member of St. Paul’s United and volunteering for Methodist church for most Bonnie Darlene Brozek, many organizations in died Dec. 11. Brozek earned of her life and a member of her community, including her teaching degree from the CI chapter of Professional serving on local boards Friends University and later Employer Organization (PEO). and committees. earned her LPN, RN and administrative degrees. She was a member of the Friends Church.

24 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

Darrell Bruner, ‘59, died Darla E. Cook, ‘10, died Hazel Dalbom, ‘61, died Russell Wade Granberry, Aug. 8. Sept. 17. Aug. 2. ’12, died Dec. 27. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from died died Jason T. Clasen, ‘01, Sheldon F. Cox, ’62, Mary (McCoy) Edmond, 1989-2005, attaining the June 27. He worked for 14 Dec. 19. He was a pastor and died Dec. 26. She was ‘58, rank of Petty Officer Second years for BNSF Railway as a enjoyed serving at Camp a member of the Speedwell class. He loved statistics and carman. He loved camping Quaker Haven in many Order of the Eastern Stars, data collecting and was a and being outside in nature capacities over the years. Cox Marion County Community military pay technician for the and had a passion for was in ministry for 56 years Center and the American U.S. Coast Guard of Topeka motorcycles. before his retirement in 2015. Association of Professional during his working years. Landmen. She worked for the died Dec. Jodie Cline, ’95, William R. Crow, ’53, Texas Department of Health, died 10. She had a desire to died Nov. 27. He served in William S. Gross, ’66, served as Mayor Pro-Tem March 15, 2018. help others and was both a the U.S. Marine Corps and and was a member of the pharmacist and therapist. fought in World War II and died Jefferson City Council. Gregory Guice, ‘75, She was passionate about the Korean War. Crow’s Jan. 2. He was a retired Alzheimer’s treatment and greatest joy was his family. Tamara Jo (Wagner) Wichita U.S.D. 259 sports led several support groups. He was an accomplished Elleman, ’97, died Dec. 20. coach and physical education Cline enjoyed going to pianist and artist and enjoyed She was a natural teacher and teacher. concerts, sporting events and classical music, attending touched many lives teaching died Feb. 6, music theatre with her family. the symphony, singing in the preschool and kindergarten. Jan Hadley, ‘67, 2020. choir and playing golf. She was a devoted mother to her two children and had a Neil S. Hays, ‘54, died heart of gold and a devotion Sept. 1. He served in the to serve others. Elleman was U.S. Army from 1956-1958 notorious for her purple nails including several months in and sparkly shoes. Germany. Hays was a farmer and rancher and was active

Ann Louise Gatterman, ‘99, in the Farm Bureau where he died Sept. 21. She taught for served on the Perryton Equity 37 years in the Fort Larned Board. He was a Sunday School Distirct. Gatterman school teacher and member treasured her years spent of the church board at First in teaching and enjoyed Southern Baptist Church. watching former students progress through life.

RICHARD BROWNING GROSS, ‘71, died March 31. His passion was building; homebuilding, beautiful clocks, furniture, birdhouses, and decks. If it was made from wood, he could build it. He loved helping his friends and family with their projects over the years.

SPRING 2021 | 25 FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

Mike Kinard, ’87, died Aki Kurose, ‘48, died May Sept. 30. He served the 24, 1998. She was a teacher GIVE ONLINE! Wichita community in various and social-justice activist. Submit your tax-deductible organizations including Kurose was incarcerated CASA of Sedgwick County, during World War II and gift at friends.edu/give. the Greater YMCA, Urban was released to attend Thank you for your support! League of Wichita and the Friends University. Kurose’s USD 259 Wichita School experiences sparked her Board. Kinard was also a activism against racism and photographer known as injustice. She was recognized My Pictureman and spent in Seattle as being the first many years documenting the Asian-American woman to Wichita community. have a public school, the Aki Kurose Middle School died Jennie Mae Heck, ’43, Martin E. Johnson, ‘51, Eunice G. (McNichols) Academy, named after her. Dec. 2. She worked as a social died Aug. 31. He joined the Kinser, ‘58, died Aug. 17. worker and administrator Wichita Eagle Newspaper She loved children and Donald Lasswell, ‘59, died at Social and Rehabilitation in 1954 until he retired as taught in public school, Dec. 26. He served in the Services for 29 years before the Chief Financial Officer preschool, kindergarten, U.S. Navy before he began her retirement in 1991. While in 1992. Johnson loved a and Day Cares for nearly 40 teaching physical education at Friends University she good time and being active, years. After retirement she and coaching basketball was a member of the Black whether traveling with his volunteered as a grandma at at the junior high level for Masquers Drama Club and wife and children, golfing the New Creation Preschool 32 years, primarily at John the Iota Theta Mu sorority. fishing, hunting, or taking in Newton, Kan. Marshall and Coleman Heck was a master gardener vigorous walks. middle schools in the USD

and served on the Mayor’s John Joseph Koenigs, ’85, 259 Wichita Public School died Dec. 26. He played Flower and Tree Board Clifford Ray Kallenberger, District. died Oct. 28. He was a part football at Friends University along with volunteering for of the sheet metal union #29 and went on to manage died Sept. many organizations in her Derek Leppert, for 35 years and worked on the Cold Springs Fishing 10. He was the former community. the Friends University clock Resort in Minn. after Friends University head George Hutchens, ’51, died tower. Kallenberger loved graduation. Koenigs later baseball coach from 2007 Dec. 7. He served in the U.S. spending time with his family, returned to Wichita, Kan. to 2010. He later went on to Army Air Corps where he was gardening and the Lord. and worked at Boeing and coach high school baseball, a pilot and flight engineer for Spirit AeroSystems. He loved where he could develop

the B-25 and B-29 aircraft. He Diana Lynn Keller, ‘06, hunting, fishing and spending and mentor young men. died Aug. 21. She enjoyed later was a coach and teacher time with family and Friends. Leppert was chosen as the bowling, playing darts, for 11 years before he joined 2019 Assistant High School crossword puzzles, and the American Red Cross for Sharon Kupfersmith, ’60, Coach of the Year by the spending time with her died Jan. 22, 2020. She 29 years and retired as the American Baseball Coaching husband, children, and was the co-founder of the Vice President of Emergency Association. grandchildren. Valley Center Pre-School and International Operation and she retired from USD died in Washington, D.C. Hutchens Brian Leslie, ‘10, 259 Wichita Public Schools March 26. He owned a enjoyed golf, bowling and after many years of service. computer repair store in theater. Kupfersmith’s life was Hutchinson, Kan. Leslie also devoted to working with worked computer support at children and she loved her Horizons and the Hutchinson family and friends. Clinic, and was formerly the Help Desk Coordinator at Kansas State University.

26 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

DR. PAUL D. LONGHOFER, died Nov. 21. He Harry Eugene Ozbun Jr., was a Principal, Area Superintendent, Assistant ’96, died Aug. 21. He was an Superintendent and Clerk of the Board of Education avid antique car enthusiast, for the USD 259 Wichita Public Schools for over 25 belonging to the Vintage years. Longhofer served on the Board of Trustees Chevrolet Club of America, for Friends University. He was passionate about the retired from Boeing, was a topic of educational negotiations and was a co- Vietnam Veteran with the U.S. founder, president and board member of the North Air Force, and a member of American Association of School Negotiators. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Leslie Fay Parrish, ’16, died Oct. 6, 2019. She was a devoted mother to her two Wilbur A. Lincoln, ‘46, Brenda K. (Stubby) Nancy Jo Mueller, ‘10, children and could fill the died April 13. McGuire, ‘08, died Sept. 13. died Aug. 20. Mueller room with her smile. She worked in sales positions graduated with honors from died Sept. Elizabeth “Libby” A. with Cargill Seeds Company, Friends University with a Virgil Puetz, ‘59, , died July 28. She 27. Virgil was a teacher and Lix, ‘72 Campbell Soups, Hallmark Master of Science in Family worked in various careers coach at Bishop Carroll, Cards, Tura Eyewear and Therapy. She was a devoted such as a home economics Goddard, and Renwick High Grene Vision. McGuire also and loving mother to her teacher at Andale High Schools, and was a player and worked for an optometrist son, Maddox, who preceded School, a substitute teacher coach at Friends University. in Wichita and as a CNA her in death. A highlight in the Wichita school at Wheat State Manor. of her life was singing the district, a microwave oven Shawn Quackenbush, ‘99, Her greatest joy in life was National Anthem at a Cubs died June 28. He worked for demonstrator for G.E., where spending time with her loving game at Wrigley Field. Pratt County Community she taught people how to use husband, going on trips, College, the Kansas National the newly popular appliance, died motorcycle rides or just being Patti Jo Odom, ‘68, Guard Adjutant General’s and worked in pharmacy Sept. 15. Her passion in life at home. Office as the IT Support sales for McKesson. Lix loved was military service in the Supervisor for Emergency spending time with her died U.S. Army and ultimately Randy R. Miller, ‘98, Communications for over family and was a member of Aug. 18. He retired from the U.S. Air Force where she 15 years, and Kiowa County Enid Newcomers Club and Boeing after 35 years where retired with the rank of Air Hospital as the IT Director. AMBUCS. he worked in several areas Force Captain in 1990. Odom Quackenbush was a Rock including the commercial, was very active at Westside and Roll fanatic and enjoyed Ella “Clotene” Masner, ‘96, defense and space divisions. Baptist Church where she died on Dec. 6. She worked fishing and Husker Football. Miller was a pioneer with enjoyed teaching the youth in banking for many years. hand-held microprocessors and served as a youth leader. Masner and her husband and radio frequency data owned banks in Kansas, transmission. In retirement he Arkansas and Colorado, and enjoyed traveling the world they raised cattle and farmed with his wife. PEGGY JOYCE wheat in Kansas. She was a DORRELL ROBERTS, member of the First Baptist ‘60, died Sept. 3. Church in Anthony, Kan., Roberts was devoted where she sang in the choir. to her family. She and her husband served as missionaries for a year in Sudan, Africa where she taught English as a second language. She was also voted May Queen in her senior year at Friends University.

SPRING 2021 | 27 FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

Robert “Bob” Wilson Gordon L. Smith, ‘55, Aug. Elbert Walters, ’51, died Lynda M. Watkins, ’93, died Rouse, ‘64, died Oct. 1. He 29. He loved to sing in the Nov. 20. He played on July 9. She served in a variety served as the area leader church choir, Symphony the basketball team while of roles as a professional for Recovery International Chorus and the Singing attending Friends. He later musician including as a music for over 20 years. He was Quakers Alumni Choir. He went on to work at Beech director and an accompanist co-pastor at Solomon Valley also loved to dance - 45 Aircraft Company, The for churches, schools and Baptist Parish in North years of square dancing and Boeing Company and the community productions. Central Kansas followed by 30 years of calling contra Colorado State Highway She sang with the Wichita his ministering at First Baptist dances. Department where he Symphony Chorus and Church in Wichita, Kan. for worked for 27 years until his worked for a number of years died Nov. over 23 years as a custodian Dr. Jon Sparks, retirement in 1992. Walters at Galichia Medical Group. 25. Sparks was the Library and greeter host. served over 30 years as a Director for Friends University church Elder. Sigmund Schwier III, ‘62, from 1991-1995. He was also died Aug. 7. the director at Southern Nazarene University in

Maurice “Mo” Shields, ‘56, Oklahoma and was the Dean died July 24. He played of Library at Southwest BODIE WEISS, ‘93, died June 24. He worked for the Coca- minor league baseball for the Oklahoma State University. Cola Company delivering products before working in Dodgers before teaching and ministry. He later became the Senior High Youth Director at coaching at Bethel College Dr. Jon Spijkerman, ‘56, Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kan. Weiss was and Cody High School. He died Sept. 9, 2019. He was a a prolific writer and had several books published. worked as a Forest Service pioneer and published author ranger and fire lookout, a in the field of Mösbauer deputy sheriff, a volunteer effect nuclear gamma ray fireman, and a WWII tour spectroscopy. Spijkerman guide. Shields and his family founded Ranger Scientific, moved to Berlin, Germany Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas where he worked for 21 years to manufacture Mösbauer for the U.S. Army doing family spectrometers and other counseling and social work. electronics that were sold world-wide. His other died Ernest L. Smith, ‘50, interests included materials July 5. He taught school characterization and for 28 years in Kansas. electronics. Smith enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1942 and Deborah “Debby” S. flew missions over Europe Stockman, ’04, died Jan. during World War II. His 1. She was employed by B-24 plane was shot down ONEOK, Inc. for over 30 where he was captured as years before retiring. a POW and liberated a year later. Smith later served in the Air National Guard for 26 years at McConnell AFB and rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant at his retirement in 1983.

28 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

Thomas Weathers, ’96, Janet Ariel (Smith) Wheeler, died Nov. 29. He worked for ‘51, died Oct. 3. The joys of the Kansas Gas Service and her life were following Jesus, retired in 2014 as a Facilities raising her family, flowers, Manager after 40 years and sewing for everyone. of service. Weathers was active in the Boy Scouts of Wayne Lee White, ‘59, died Dec. 17. He managed America and was a Wood the Electronic Computer- Badge Leader for a number Aided Design Operations for of years. He was a member Boeing Aircraft Company in of the Knights of Columbus Wichita, Kan. and retired after and a lifetime Kansas City was named 39 years of service. White PATRICIA “TISH” DIMICK, ‘84, Chiefs fan. to the 2019 Goddard Education Hall of Fame. also served in the U.S. Army She taught Family and Consumer Sciences and retired with the rank of Viola “Vi” Mae until her retirement the same year. Whiteman, ‘55, died Oct. Colonel. 23. Whiteman was the died Director of Development Dorothy K. Young, ’90, in 2012. for Friends University before her retirement. Gwendolyn (King) Ziegler, Kim Johnson, ‘84, and her Jolynn Berk, ’93, was died Nov. 28. She was a husband Chris obtained promoted to Chief Marketing Wanda Tittsworth-Wright, retired social worker. their Licensed Professional and Communications Officer died Nov. 23. She was ‘51, Counselor Candidate (LPCC) at Rise Against Hunger, the a homemaker, wife and certificate and are practicing international hunger relief mother to many. in Delta, Colo. nonprofit. She has served in M. Christine Vogt, ’61, died CLASS NOTES various development and Dec. 8. She was a chorus marketing roles with the member and frequent soloist 1990s organization for eight years. in the Friends University 1970s , is orchestra performances District Magistrate Judge Shawn Berschauer, ‘93 Terry J Miller, ‘71, worked at a mortgage loan officer at and the Singing Quakers. Margaret “Peggy” Alford, Steffen’s Dairy Foods, bought retired after serving 28 Legacy Bank and is serving Vogt had fond memories of ‘95, a commercial milk route for years in Grant County. In on the 2020 Community studying, performing and 15 years, became an LPN and addition, she oversaw the Involvement Committee for working at Innes Department RN, and is now retired and child in need of care and Realtors of South Central Store during her years at busier than ever. juvenile offender dockets in Kansas. He has been in the Friends. It was also at Friends Seward County and served mortgage industry in Wichita that she met her husband of on the Supreme Court’s for 27 years and likes to 58 years, the Rev. Jerry Vogt. 1980s District Magistrate Judges spend his free time watching Certification Committee. and playing sports. Ellen Ruth Voran, ‘62, Cynthia Hancock, ‘81, died Nov. 22. Voran taught Judge Alford is a 2009 teaches music at Heritage is music for 34 years at several recipient of the Lee E. Carolyn McGinn, ’98, Christian Academy in a Republican member of different elementary schools. Nusser Award, the highest Hugoton, Kan. and is married the Kansas Senate and has In 1979, she was recognized recognition presented by the to Galen Hancock ‘85. been representing District as a Harper County Teacher Kansas District Magistrate 31 since 2005. She is a fourth of the Year, and in 1987 she Judges Association. generation resident of the received a Kansas Master 31st District. Teacher Award.

SPRING 2021 | 29 FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

Pedro Leite, ‘93, has DR. CHRISTOPHER Kenny Bui, ‘16, is employed joined the Kansas Wesleyan CASSIDY, ‘04, was by Johnson Controls and University Office of Diversity among one of the first enjoys being an adjunct as a Student Support Advisor. doctors in Wichita to faculty at Friends University. receive the COVID-19 He has developed Six Sigma is the Amy Robinson, ‘96, vaccination given at certification courses that owner & director of Motion Wesley Medical Center. attract many GMBA/MBA Studio, a dance studio in students. Albany, Ind. She has been educating dancers from Chief William “Bill” toddler to pre-professional in Cochran, ‘11, announced his ballet, tap, and jazz for over retirement from the Topeka 20 years. Robinson is also Wendy Moyer, ‘02, made Nancy (Shuart) Vega, Police Department after 33 a certified yoga and pilates Pinch Me aromatherapy ‘00, wrote an article years of service. He worked instructor and received a therapy dough to give back called Black Lives Matter in several capacities at TPD teaching certification from to Fireside Elementary because America Matters including homicide, traffic, the American Aerobic school in Phoenix, Ariz. with that was published in The patrol, field operations, Association International and the proceeds supporting Hutchinson News. criminal investigations as the International Sports Medicine the school’s kindness, anti- Bureau Commander before Association. bullying and social emotional he was promoted to chief in learning program. 2018. Cochran also served owns 2010s Jeff Zortman, ‘97, in the Army National Guard a family farm in Meade Dustin Parker, ‘03, helped Eric W. Bailey, ‘13, is the until his retirement as a First county that has been in the create a series of inspirational new Bourbon County Public Lieutenant in 2005. family since 1884 and has signage for Downtown Works Director. He previously grown to 6,000 acres under Wichita called the Wichita worked for the City of Fort Megan (Radley) Hartzell, his leadership. Love Notes project. Scott in various positions for ‘16, is the Director of 20 years. Communications for Richard “Rick” L. Reeve, Downtown Wichita. She was ’08, is Lyon and Osceola Toby Baxter, ‘17, is the interviewed by KMUW about 2000s County’s new County Basketball Director for the the series of inspirational Executive Director (CED) YMCA Farha Sports Center. Senator Kevin Braun, ‘09, signage for Downtown ran for re-election and is the based in Rock Rapids and He previously served as the Wichita called the Wichita Kansas Senator for District 5. Sibley, Iowa. Sports Coordinator at the Love Notes project. Hartzell South YMCA and the Sports also sat down with Friends Dr. Holly (Donnelly) Director at East YMCA. Broadway ‘04, is an University Fine Arts Show elementary Principal at Me The Money program Bush Elementary School in for a chat offering advice Fulton, Mo. and was awarded to students who are the Northeast Missouri pursuing a degree in visual Association of Elementary DR. ANN (ERICKSON) communications.

School Principals (MAESP) NOVOSEL, ‘00, accepted a position as a is the new Exemplary New Principal of Anna Hatter, ‘13, general pediatrician at Abilene, Kan. Police Chief. the Year award. Lawrence Pediatrics PA. Hatter was formerly with the Wichita Police Department for 26 years, most recently as a field services division commander.

30 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

DAMON YOUNG, ‘13, has been the public face of the Mahaney Group since joining the company more than a decade ago and is now the company’s president. He is active with several business organizations in Wichita and across the state, including Lead Wichita, which brings the Global Leadership Summit to Wichita.

DAMIEN HISER, ‘18, was is a third year Doctor Dr. Scott Robinson, ‘14, named one of the Five Best of Physical Therapy Chiropractors in Indianapolis. student at Wichita He focuses his continuing State University and education on detoxification worked on a 14-week and supplementation to rotation at Accelacare help patients remove any Physical Therapy. interference in their body’s ability to heal. Maria Martinez, ‘20, has Dr. Brandon Stucky, MD, 2020s accepted a job at South earned his Doctor of ‘13, accepted Central Mental Health as a Medicine from the University Jana Boston, ‘20, Jordan Hegler, ‘18, an elementary teaching triage counselor and will also accepted a promotion and of Kansas School of Medicine position with USD 259 be providing therapy services transfer within Textron to the in Wichita. He completed his Wichita Public Schools. as an affiliate therapist at Bell office in Dallas, Texas. family medicine residency Architect Counseling. through Via Christi in Wichita Robert Cunningham, Chelsea Baker Koenigsman, and is now seeing patients at is serving on the is the new West High Jr., ‘20, ’18, Plaza Medical Center. American Association for School’s head track and field Marriage and Family Therapy coach. Koenigsman also was Tim Wescott, ‘14, (AAMFT) Board as the teaches physical education awarded the KWCH Salute Student/Pre-Allied Mental at Northeast Magnet High the Badge award for the Health Professional Member. School. Both schools are a work he does with the part of the USD 259 Wichita Friendship Fields program Public School District. at Friends University.

SHAWN WALKER, ‘16, worked with the Kickapoo Nation Tribal Police, the Prairie ALLISON PIESCHL, Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Police, City ‘20, accepted a of Mission Police Department and the City position with USD of Pleasanton Police Department where 259 Wichita Public he served in the ranks as patrol officer Schools at Mayberry up to Chief of Police. Walker retired from Cultural and Fine the Kansas Army National Guard after 21 Arts Magnet Middle years and is now a Regional Coordinator/ School teaching Instructor for the State, Local, and Tribal drama and theatre. Division (SLTD) in the midwestern region, in addition to pursuing an educational doctorate at Walden University.

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has a project on Centaur FACULTY/STAFF/ Records being released in BOARD NOTES 2021, a live album from a modern large jazz ensemble, The Iron Post Jazz Orchestra. Coach Martin Ayin, head volleyball coach, achieved Dr. Angela Demovic, an his 300th career win. anthropology adjunct, was interviewed as a part of an Dr. Gary D. Branum, associate professor of Author Conversation Series chemistry, authored two with Lexington Books about chapters in Inorganic her recently published book, Chemistry, an online Bourbon Street, B-Drinking, textbook published by and the Sexual Economy of Tourism and cross-lists in TopHat. The chapters are DR. ANA JURCAK-DETTER, assistant professor anthropology, sociology, titled Atomic Structure and of biology, received a High Impact Grant to assist women’s studies and Oxidation and Reduction. with a service project in her Conservation Biology tourism studies. class. This project includes creating a pollinator assistant Dr. Robert Brooks, garden on campus. Part of the tending of the professor of music and Dr. Russell Arbon Fox, garden will be done by the new conservation director of the jazz program, professor of political club. This pollinator garden will allow for a habitat most recent releases titled, science, director of the of pollinators on campus that can be used for Accidental Nomad and New Honors program and Model teaching, research and a place of community. Standard Duo on Ropeadope U.N. sponsor, wrote and Records, have been received contributed to numerous with critical acclaim. A new political and election album of original music centered news pieces featured in the Wichita featuring Dr. Brooks was Herald, The Topeka Capital Dr. Stan Harstine, professor released entitled Nocturnal Eagle, The Millennial Journal, the Leavenworth of religion, was invited to Geometries. Dr. Brooks also Mirror, the Hayspost, The Times, the Lawrence Journal present Prompting Cognitive Iola Register, The Ottawa along with local television Growth in Undergraduate news media outlets KAKE, Students for Discussing KWCH and KSN. the Bible. This teaching technique was presented at Tim and Dr. Joan Griffing, the 2020 National Meeting Gail Buchanan Endowed of the Society of Biblical Chair of Fine Arts Division, Literature via Zoom. performed in the reduced-

VI BUMGARNER, size Wichita Symphony Dr. Jennifer L. Jay, associate benefits manager, Orchestra concert. She also professor of marriage and was recognized coached and mentored high family therapy (MFT), Wichita as a 2020 Wichita school string students and site clinical director and Business Journal members of the Wichita Wichita clinical internship Women Who Symphony Youth Orchestra supervisor, continues to serve Lead in Human (WSYO) in chamber music on the Board of Directors at Resources. groups, and adjudicated Mental Health Association of the WSYO Youth Talent South-Central Kansas. competition. Dr. Griffing professor is serving on the board of Dr. Chris Kettler, of theology and religion, gave the newly created Chamber a presentation for the Eighth Music Society of Wichita. Day Institute on Ray Bradbury

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and the Gospel in honor of eds. Leiden and Boston: Dr. James Long, professor assessment administration, the 100th anniversary of the Brill, 2020. Dr. Kettler also of finance and division chair have spearheaded and noted author’s birth. Since offered a response to Todd of business and information implemented a Mixed the pandemic, Dr. Kettler has Speidell’s presentation of The technology, earned a Reality Clinical Simulation been writing With Bonhoeffer Soteriological Suspension professional graduate level platform in the Kansas City in Prison and Pandemic of Ethics in the Theology of certificate in Corporate Marriage and Family Therapy and studying the German T. F. Torrance at the Thomas Finance through Harvard Program (MFT) which is a martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s F. Torrance Theological University. virtual reality environment Letters and Papers from Fellowship annual meeting where MFT students can assistant Prison and other writings and the American Academy Dr. Sarah Lyon, practice and master complex professor of marriage to learn what can be done of Religion annual meeting. interpersonal skills through and family therapy (MFT), in pandemic situations. He combinations of artificial associate Kansas City and Kansas also wrote the forward to Aaron Krone, intelligence and live actors. professor of art, was City clinical director and the book, To Recover What As a part of the endeavor, recognized for awards and internship supervisor Has Been Lost: Essays on they were invited by the exhibitions for juried art and Eschatology, Intertextuality, Dr. Chris Habben, American Association for competitions across the professor of marriage and Reception History in Marriage and Family Therapy country and internationally and family therapy (MFT), Honor of Dale C. Allison, (AAMFT) to participate in a in Columbia. He also had Kansas City site program Jr., edited by Tucker S. live demonstration of Mixed a piece published in Art directory and Kansas City site Ferda, Daniel Frayer-Griggs, Reality Clinical Simulation Portfolio Magazine. specialized accreditation and and Nathan C. Johnson, Round Table presented by Mursion.

Teresa Molina, assistant professor of Spanish, was featured in The Active SHAWN KNOPP, assistant Age newspaper for her professor of music education involvement in the Hispanic and band director, was community. “We all have to awarded a $500 Classroom find what our assignment is in Grant by the Kansas life,” said Molina. “I love the Association of American Lord and what he wants me Educators (KANAAE), a non- to do is help others.” union professional educators association serving Kansas Rachel Millard, director of educators. marketing, was recognized as one of the 2020 Wichita Business Journal’s Marketing Award Honorees.

Coach Adam Neisius, baseball head coach, achieved his 300th career win.

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DR. RAYVON T.J. MOORE, assistant professor of music, director of choral studies and Singing Quakers director, was featured in The Wichita Eagle. Although he enjoys performing, Dr. Moore says it best, “My heart is more in conducting. I always felt that I was more naturally a teacher and educator. I have figured out a path that works for me where I can do both. This pandemic has offered new ways that we can challenge ourselves. It’s offered a great challenge, ways we can be innovative, figuring how we can create something we used to have.”

Dr. Matthew Schloneger, Dr. Jerry Smartt, professor associate professor of voice, of Spanish and director is Central Region Governor of foreign language, of the Pan American was recognized by the Vocology Association (PAVA). Kansas World Language He presented his recent Association (KSWLA) for research project Quantifying her 45 years of teaching at Vocal Repertoire Tessituras Friends University. She was of Five Singers Through instrumental in leading the Real-Time Measures, at Friends University Kappa PAVA’s Annual Symposium. Phi Chapter of The National He served as an adjudicator Collegiate Hispanic Honor for the National Association Society, Sigma Delta Pi in of Teachers of Singing being named an Honor (NATS) and he is planning to Chapter for its outstanding launch a new summer opera activities in 2019-2020. This program, Opera Seme, in award was bestowed to Arezzo, Italy focused on only 11 chapters nationwide DR. JAMES BRYAN SMITH, Italian language and artistic in 2019 and the 14th time associate professor of training for undergraduate Friends University has religion and the Dallas Willard voice students. received this distinction. Chair for Christian spiritual formation, re-released his book Room of Marvels. This expanded edition of the beloved book has a new afterword and a discussion guide for group use.

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DR. REBECCA CULVER-TURNER, associate professor of marriage and family therapy (MFT) and Wichita site program director Dr. Turner was selected by the Wichita Business Journal as an honoree for the Excellence in Healthcare: Mental Health for her work in healthcare which has had a broad and positive impact in the Wichita area.

Dr. J. Michelle Vann, We Talk, and the author of Jenny Venn, visiting and visual communication dual credit coordinator, is two books, Help Along the assistant professor of graphic students to design light presently working with two Journey and Stop the Merry- arts and interim program pole banners, posters and anthology projects and go-round I want to get off. director of visual arts, was graphics in Chinatown and was a featured speaker on She served on the Minority the AIGA, the professional parts of Little Italy for the TedXNewmanUniversity Business Owners Panel for association for design Lunar New Year along with where she spoke on the Vantastic Solutions to discuss Wichita Student Portfolio large-scale graphics for the topic of realigning when life goals and overcoming Forum 2020 keynote speaker infamous Chinatown Kiosk, gets busy. Dr. Vann is also a challenges, as well as how where she presented 8-Bits: a familiar tourist destination motivational speaker, founder our community can better Life, Design, and Errythang and picture location. of Vantastic Solutions and support growth at the 2020 Else. Venn is the designer vice the nonprofit Sistahs Can ICT Summit. of record and consulted Kelley Williams, president of administration, for the Chinatown Business was inducted into the 2021 Improvement District (BID) Wichita Business Journal HR on the forthcoming Are Professionals Hall of Fame. You Hungry and Be Kind Campaigns, as part of the C. Patrick Woods, Board post-pandemic revitalization of Trustee Member, self- effort in New York City. Her published a book titled, partnership with the BID has Ensuring Electric Market joined forces with Friends Independence: Addressing University graphic design history through policy.

DR. KEN STOLTZFUS has been working to develop a partnership between Friends University and LCC International University, a U.S. style Christian liberal arts university in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Dr. Stoltzfus presented on the topic of Understanding Addiction for LCC’s Global Issues course. The course met via Zoom and included students from Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Uganda. He also collaborated with staff from LCC’s Center for International Education to develop a successful Erasmus + grant proposal that will fund a faculty exchange program involving instructors from Friends and LCC.

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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.