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FRIENDS UNIVERSITY SPRING 2020 FOCUS | CONTENTS

MORE EVENTS President Board of Trustees AND NEWS Dr. Amy Bragg Carey Dr. Kneeland Brown Regina Miller Bob Casper Paul Moore Check friends.edu Vice President of Kim Dugger Attwater Jim Nagy Enrollment Management Brent Edmisten Jeff Ramsey for more news Deb Stockman Lynn Ghormley Renae Ryan Purchase tickets for Associate Vice President Kevin Henderson Dr. Kent Walkemeyer of Advancement Dr. Kevin Hoppock Dr. David Williams FINE ARTS EVENTS Brie Boulanger Dr. Jace Hyder C. Patrick Woods Dr. John Lewis 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

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Focus on Teamwork

Community 4 partnership is a grand slam

New program 6 is a hit on the gridiron

PHOTO BY MICKEY SHANNON Building 8 community in the huddle

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT ON THE COVER Friends University athletes, Teamwork. Leaders constantly talk defining factor in our ability to educate Junior, Hannah Watkins and about the importance of a great team students throughout the semester using Senior, Juan Valdes, train in the and effective teamwork. God created us remote formats. We have an amazing newly remodeled weight room. to be in relationship with one another Friends Falcon team. Just like the bright and we do our best work when we work and beautiful lights on the Davis tower, PHOTO BY STEVE RASMUSSEN together. Athletic programs like ours at together we will strive to be a beacon Friends University are successful because of hope and encouragement in our VOL. 42 | NO. 2 we foster a culture of excellence and community. Go team! Focus magazine is published two times per year by University Advancement/Marketing teamwork. Melding together as a team and Communications, 2100 W. University has positive implications on the field and Ave, Wichita, KS 67213. It is published for the in the classroom. Teamwork is critical. alumni and friends of Friends University. As we experienced the crisis of the Dr. Amy Bragg Carey friends.edu COVID 19 Pandemic, teamwork was the President, Friends University [email protected]

SPRING 2020 | 3 FOCUS | FEATURE

Ricky Hockett

4 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS ON | TEAMWORK

a generous donor provided additional funds to cover the other areas as well. Having artificial turf allows the team to play and schedule tournaments and games without as much worry about the weather. The more attractive the facilities are, the greater opportunities the university has to fulfill their mission. The Friends players, coaches and volunteers put in some sweat equity as well, working evenings and weekends to gut and convert old locker rooms under the grandstand into the team’s clubhouse, noted Head Coach Adam Neisius. Star Lumber donated the materials for the renovation, while volunteers Dustin Pulliam, a relative of a player, and Art Hollingshead, Neisius’ father-in-law, provided carpentry and When the Friends University baseball handyman supervision. team practiced and played its home director. According to university archives, “It was a cool project,” said Neisius. games this spring, it had a new home- Friends University fielded its first “It helped provide the team with field advantage. baseball team in the spring of 1899. experiences that reflect the university’s In November 2019, Friends The team has always been rather core values of respect, inclusion, service University partnered with the City nomadic for home field play and there’s of Wichita for an up to 30-year lease agreement that allows the Falcons baseball team full use of the West Side Athletic Field at FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FIELDED 571 N. McLean Blvd. for practices and games. ITS FIRST BASEBALL TEAM IN City and university officials THE SPRING OF 1899. called the agreement a win-win situation; it furthers the city’s and excellence. The team learned further Park and Recreation Department no room for a field on campus. West Side lessons on working and cooperating goal of creating community Athletic Field is close to Friends so it’s together and improved a community through people and programs a very convenient field for games and amenity in the process.” and Friends now has a long-term practice. The university can also use the “I think that’s important,” said Neisius, home field. As a reflection of its field to host potential tournaments. who took over the Friends baseball service core value to care for the As part of its agreement with Wichita, program in 2010. community, Friends is making Friends University has improved the Friends University athletics will also improvements to the field through field, including installing nearly $400,000 be the manager for additional West fundraising and donation efforts. worth of artificial turf on the infield, foul- Side Athletic Field activities. Other users “We had baseball teams for a long line territory and bullpen. Initially, Friends include some USD 259 (Wichita) high time and there’s always been a struggle athletics had received $300,000 in school teams, city summer league teams with having a home field,” said Rob donations to cover costs for the materials and occasional tournament use. “It’ll be Ramseyer, Friends University athletic and installation of turf on the infield, but a very busy place,” Neisius said.

SPRING 2020 | 5 FOCUS | FEATURE

Mannie Aguilar

Zach Witzanski

Stephen Acosta

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For prospective students, it’s a big announcement the day before he visited deal to have the Christian environment, that Friends was adding engineering. athletics and coaching staff who believe On Acosta’s first visit, from watching “you can be in mechanical engineering practices to meeting with admissions, and play sports.” he felt “like I was being called to come Friends began the bachelor’s here.” Since then, he’s appreciated the program last fall, recognizing what it small classes, approachable instructors had heard for years: Students would love and not feeling like “a number in the to pursue the field at a smaller, Christian system.” He’s told friends back home college but there wasn’t one nearby. about his Friends’ experience off and New mechanical engineering About 1 in 8 of Friends’ traditional on the field. program attracts students students play football, and more play Like Acosta, Witzansky was interested other sports. So having the program — in engineering. The Sapulpa, Okla., who want to both play led by Dr. Teresa Miller — fits well with native knew he was size-challenged so football and study students’ desires to succeed on the field pitched himself as a long snapper. and in the classroom. His four years on the football team For Acosta, the emphasis on taught lessons in teamwork and Like a defensive line on the football academics attracted him to Friends, a leadership he’s used in the classroom, field, adding a mechanical engineering school he had not heard of until lessons that reflect the university’s program at Friends University gives more being recruited. He’d been opportunity for students. interested in engineering from For some prospective student- a young age, liking its hands-on athletes, engineering at Friends was nature and problem-solving. a late-game surprise. For senior Zach He had been considering the Witzansky — to take the football analogy University of New Mexico, New across the goal line — the new program Mexico State, Texas A&M and was a “Hail Mary” pass that’s allowing Eastern New Mexico, and they him to become an engineer at Friends all had engineering. instead of attending graduate school.

“THERE ARE A LOT MORE FOOTBALL PLAYERS WHO WANT TO BE ENGINEERS. BEING AN NAIA SCHOOL, IT MIGHT BE ONE OF OUR GREATEST RECRUITING TOOLS.” ZACH WITZANSKY Still, he was intrigued Witzansky and two freshman players by Friends, where he — Stephen Acosta of Clovis, N.M., and could study math and play football Mannie Aguilar of Wichita, Kan. — are and had been offered a good financial beliefs of inclusion, respect and working among students working on engineering aid package, something important as together. “Mechanical engineering lends degrees. Coach Dion Meneley and Dr. the oldest in a big family and the first itself well to those values because of the Rob Ramseyer, the athletic director, to attend college. The fact that it’s a sheer amount of group work we do.” expect engineering will continue to be a Christian college mattered a lot to the “There are a lot more football players draw for student-athletes. young man active in church. Acosta’s who want to be engineers,” Witzansky “It’s a unique offering for a small campus visit and what he heard from said. “Being an NAIA school, it might be school like Friends,” said Dr. Ramseyer. coaches sealed the deal. As did the one of our greatest recruiting tools.”

SPRING 2020 | 7 FOCUS | FEATURE

For freshmen cross- country student- athletes Caroline Giles and Josiah Bolton, a new opportunity to continue and grow their involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes convinced them to attend Friends University.

Josiah Bolton

Caroline Giles

8 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY Last fall, Giles and Bolton were awarded Friends-FCA partnership the first internships in a pilot program would serve as a model between Friends University and FCA. for similar FCA internships By teaming up to create the Friends- programs at other universities.” FCA scholarship internship program, “We’re pleased to have a both organizations are furthering their dynamic and important athletic respective missions, while the interns partnership with the Fellowship are allowed to grow their faith, develop of Christian Athletes,” said leadership skills and be of service to Friends University President Amy Bragg refine philosophical ideas, Townsend others and the community. Carey. “It further develops the Friends’ said, and deepen the students’ The venture also gives a consistent, Christian mission with an organization understanding of their faith. larger FCA presence at Friends with an that provides a solid, faith-based “I like studying with Keith and FCA staff member helping mentor the foundation and encouragement for Josiah,” Giles said. “It’s a really good interns and being available to support all our student-athletes.” Friends has part of my week.” all coaches and student-athletes. Weekly nearly 500 student-athletes. Through the weekly team huddles FCA huddles, which are small Bible they attend and sometimes lead at studies among athletes from different sports, are also ongoing. Keith Townsend, an FCA staff member “THIS IS A GREAT WIN-WIN FOR who had been helping with its FCA chapter for 17 FRIENDS’ LEADERSHIP MINISTRY years, now splits his time between WSU and Friends. AND FOR THE FCA MINISTRY.” “This is great win-win for Friends’ ROB RAMSEYER, FRIENDS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR leadership ministry and for the FCA ministry,” said Rob Ramseyer, Friends athletic director. “If successful, the

The agreement is also helping FCA further its goal of having what it calls a Coach for Christ in every community, Friends and WSU, Giles and Bolton are someone who works with athletes creating fellowship, networking and participating at high school, college, elite learning opportunities. amateur and professional club levels. “It’s a great opportunity to put what Under the program, the Friends FCA I’m learning in the program back out,” interns will spend their senior year in a said Bolton about leading the huddles. field placement. Both Giles and Bolton have already The interns spend the first three identified other opportunities to lead. years in the program studying biblical Bolton, for example, is planning to worldview curriculum and developing organize a Fields of Faith gathering, a their leadership skills with the FCA peer-to-peer FCA event. Giles said she staff member. is working on getting FCA recognized as Giles and Bolton meet once a week an official student organization at Friends for an hour with Townsend, discussing and she also will look for other ways to readings from the Summit Ministries- lead small group Bible studies. published textbooks that are being used “Anything to help people grow,” for the curriculum. The discussions help she said.

SPRING 2020 | 9 FOCUS | FEATURE

Hannah Watkins

Juan Valdes

They’ve organized fan bingo at Friends University games, run the Race for Freedom 5K to combat human trafficking and wrapped Christmas gifts with the Salvation Army. They’ve launched a year-end sports ceremony where student-athletes The Student-Athlete are honored with Freddy Awards for achievements on the field and in the Leadership Team — classroom. And they’ve urged Friends SALT — gives athletes athletic officials to improve the Garvey Center weight room while setting up a a say at Friends cleaning schedule to keep it from getting as messy and funky as it did in the past. More than anything, the Student- Athlete Leadership Team — the

10 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS ON | TEAMWORK

THE PROGRAM ENCOMPASSES THE VALUES FRIENDS ENCOURAGES AMONG ALL STUDENTS, INCLUDING Friends branch of a conferencewide initiative begun three years ago — is INTEGRITY, CIVILITY, SERVANT intended to serve as a two-way street of LEADERSHIP, AND GIVING ONE’S communication for student-athletes and athletic officials. And to foster leadership BEST SO AS TO HONOR GOD. skills along the way. Drawing one or two members from about a dozen sports teams, the “Just being able to relate to other leadership team is headed by seniors people who are similar or who have between athletes and administration, Troy Puga, a catcher on the baseball different perspectives and to hear between students and the community. team, and Destani Garten, a defensive them out was great — and for me to So, instead of one team taking part in specialist in volleyball, who serve as be heard out,” said Garten, who will go a worthy service project like wrapping president and vice president. Members to Cleveland University, a Kansas City Christmas gifts, the goal is to involve of the team — SALT for short — meet chiropractic school, next year. “The multiple teams and increase the impact. every other week, and on alternating only way you grow is to step out of your Garten was involved in the awards weeks Puga and Garten meet with comfort zone.” ceremony, communicating with athletic director Dr. Rob teams, finding a guest speaker and Ramseyer. A couple times a publicizing the first-time event. The year, Puga and Garten meet Freddy Awards were a key piece, with fellow leaders from other with such honors as male and Kansas Collegiate Athletic female athlete of the year, highest Conference campuses. GPA, Champion of Character and “They have worked on a lot male and female coach of the year. of different things, like trying Nominations came from coaches or to facilitate student service by team vote. “We wanted to give and organizing the end of year back to the athletes, to recognize banquet for the first time,” Dr. the work they did,” said Garten, Ramseyer said. “With so many who is from Pratt. athletes, it’s necessary to create By planning the ceremony, SALT mechanisms for feedback. And members practiced a valuable skill SALT is also a place where I can to take something from an idea bounce ideas off of them.” to an action stage. They learned The program encompasses to formulate a plan and connect the values Friends encourages people and make it happen. among all students, including With the weight room integrity, civility, servant project, they learned to not leadership, and giving one’s only raise a concern — the best so as to honor God. That outdated facility stirred dovetails with the KCAC’s many complaints — but also to take Champions of Character program, which “A lot of it is about learning to listen, ownership by helping clean it. recognizes commitment to academics; to hearing what people have to say SALT has delivered lessons both conduct in competition; and promoting and communicating between groups straightforward — “If there’s a problem good character. Friends ranks highly in and the conference,” said Puga, who is and we haven’t heard about it, there’s no that program. from Pueblo, Colo., and plans to attend way to fix it,” Garten said — and about Garten said SALT has taught her a medical school. working together for the short and long good deal. She’s grown by stepping out Cooperation and connections are big term. “The team has worked hard and in front of a crowd to run games and by elements of SALT’s mission: between taken the burden off us,” Puga said. “I communicating with student-athlete different athletic teams, between really hope we can lay the groundwork leaders and administrators. athletes and the student body at large, and make a difference for the future.”

SPRING 2020 | 11 FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

University News

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES A BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA CHAPTER

Friends University professors, students and staff wanted to establish a professional student organization for students to develop and foster business skills. After much research, the Business Professionals of America (BPA) was chosen as it offered a vast array of business disciplines and a vision to provide members with opportunities for growth through education, competition, community service and personal development. The vision closely aligned with the mission and values of Friends University. In August 2019, the Friends University chapter was established and is the only active collegiate chapter in the Wichita metro area. Upon launching the new Friends University BPA chapter, the first order of business was to host a successful state BPA Leadership Conference. Students got to work to organize and began fundraising efforts for the conference. They teamed up with businesses such as Chick-Fil-A, to sell chicken sandwiches to raise funds. Students sold beef jerky from Sioux City Jerky, owned by Friends University alumni, Marty Mortimer, who as a way to give back to Friends University, is giving a portion of sales back to the Friends University BPA chapter. Sioux City Jerky can be found at www.siouxcityjerky.com. The state BPA Leadership Conference brought over 500 people to campus. In the inaugural year, the Friends University BPA chapter placed in eight post-secondary events, taking seven first- place finishes and one second-place finish. These standings qualified the team members to compete and represent Friends University at the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

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“The business residency abroad GLOBAL MBA PROGRAM AT FRIENDS in Beijing UNIVERSITY LEADS THE WAY FOR proved to be a INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LEADERS transformational

The unique business residency business practices in countries such experience.” capstone for the Global MBA as Chili, China, South Africa, Canada — Roman Rodriguez (GMBA) program at Friends and the Middle East. Roman Rodriguez University is designed to enhance the said, “The faculty in the Global MBA interdependence of companies around program really pushed me to better the world as a major success factor understand global business and for local businesses. Participation in communications through in-depth case round-table discussions and learning studies and discussions with business about the advantages of companies experts. Additionally, the business residency abroad in Beijing proved to be a transformational experience where I was able to learn directly from top executives participating in the global economy. Overall, the degree program provided compressive preparation for real-world applications.” The GMBA provides students the foundation and experience needed to differentiate themselves in a competitive job market and succeed in the local and global economy. Leading executives Many local companies are involved share their companies’ success factors in international trade through in different countries contribute to and the role of export and import exports, imports, supply chain, or our students’ competitiveness in the growth. Students get to know ten to its diverse work force. The GMBAs domestic business market. Meeting with twelve CEOs and government officials, opportunity to connect and network executives in foreign countries puts to including presidents in the country of with businesses and people in real- the test academic knowledge received business residency destinations and take time is a once in a lifetime, enriching in the classroom against real-time part in briefings and discussions. and educational experience.

SPRING 2020 | 13 Donations to the Falcon Fund make it possible for students to receive scholarships that allow them to fulfill the University’s mission to grow intellectually, spiritually, and professionally. This support is crucial for students because, as a private institution, Friends University does not receive state funding. Your gift can help bridge the gap between what students pay and the actual cost of an education at Friends University.

Nearly of our traditional undergraduate students receive significant scholarship support. 100% “Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, I have had to move back home with my parents. In this transition, I temporarily lost my three jobs. Thank you so much to all the donors out there. I would not be here without you.”

Samantha Scantlin Junior vocal performance major

We hope you will consider partnering with us again or for the first time as we prepare the next generation of Falcons for their first flight toward their future! It’s easy! Send a gift to Friends University or donate online.

Give because a Friends University Christ-centered education impacts our world for good. It is worth every prayer, every dollar and every student.

Give today at friends.edu/give. FOCUS UNIVERSITY NEWS

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY HALO STUDENTS SELECTED TO BE INTERNS AT UNITED STATES HISPANIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

A group of Friends University Hispanic “This was American Leadership Organization (HALO) student delegates were selected an amazing as volunteer interns at the 38th National opportunity for United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) Conference in Chicago our students this past Feb. The USHLI has become the premier Hispanic leadership conference to take on a in the nation and an award-winning non- profit organization. major leadership The mission of the USHLI is to responsibility.” fulfill the promises and principles of an honor to be able to attend this democracy by promoting education, conference,” said Teresa Molina, — Teresa Molina research, servant leadership professor of Spanish. “This was development and civic engagement. an amazing opportunity for our “We have worked hard and it is students to take on a major leadership responsibility at a national conference which aligns with the mission and values of Friends University.” The HALO students assisted with the day-to-day operations of the USHLI conference while having the opportunity to interact with recruiters, national policy-makers, and future employers. Many of the conference attendees were present or future leaders who will become the most influential Hispanic leaders of their generation.

SPRING 2020 | 15 FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORTS’ INTELLIGENT.COM BEST ONLINE PROGRAMS RANKINGS

Several online master’s programs offered by Friends University have earned Friends University has been awarded national rankings from U.S. News & World Reports’ Best Online Programs. Friends top ranking status for multiple degree University online programs that are ranked in the following categories include: programs and was listed among hundreds of other competing institutions BEST ONLINE BUSINESS PROGRAMS (NON-MBA) across the nation by Intelligent.com. The Master of Health Care Leadership and Master in Management Information Each program is based on curriculum Systems online graduate programs are ranked at #100 in the nation and at #1 in quality, graduation rate, reputation and Kansas, among all higher learning institutions in Kansas. post-graduate employment. Intelligent.com analyzed hundreds BEST ONLINE MBA PROGRAMS of schools with comparable programs The Master of Business Administration and the Global Master of Business on a scale of 0 to 100, with Friends Administration online graduate programs are ranked #229 in the nation, University making it to the final list for at #7 among all Kansas education institutions and as #3 among private six degree programs. universities in Kansas.

BEST ONLINE EDUCATION PROGRAMS The online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program is ranked at Master’s in Health #120 nationally, at #5 among all Kansas universities and as the #1 private college Services Degree education program in Kansas. Programs — Ranked #4

MBA in Healthcare Management Degree Programs — Ranked #4

Cyber Security Degree Programs — Ranked #5

Master’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs — Ranked #14

MBA Degree Programs MILITARY FRIENDLY SCHOOL — Ranked #24

Friends University has been named as a 2020-2021 Military Friendly school. This designation provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families using data sources Master’s in Education from federal agencies and proprietary survey information Degree Programs — from participating organizations. Ranked #34

16 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY John Ortberg, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, William Paul Young and Emily Freeman FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS PHOTO BY MICKEY SHANNON

In March 2020, the world was turned upside down with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Friends University rapidly but thoughtfully had to shift to online everything during an unprecedented time in history. University leaders formulated contingency plans to continue operations within newly issued regulations and guidelines to FRIENDS UNIVERSITY OFFERS finish the semester. Faculty adjusted their courses to online platforms. Administrative offices adapted their day-to-day LIGHT OF HOPE AND RESILIENCE operations to remote formats. In-person events such as campus tours and admission sessions were transferred to DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC be showcased on video. Enrollment and auditions became virtual events. Students moved out of on-campus housing. Commencement was canceled and rescheduled for a later date. Athletic and fine arts events were canceled. Although it was not the spring semester we imagined, we can be proud of how the Friends University community came together to complete the semester with excellence.

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May God gift you with Calm for your heart Peace for your mind Strength for each challenge Courage to hope Grace for enrichment Rest for each day Faith to trust In God’s loving way. — Source unknown

As we look to the future and the fall semester there are still We invite you to stay involved unknowns. However, we are committed to being the best Friends and support Friends University University we can be in the new “Coronavirus normal.” Classes will resume in-person for the fall semester and we will work with n Wear your Friends gear and post a our local and state officials to mitigate the health and safety risks. photo on social media with #myfriendsu On March 27, 2020, Friends University held a virtual lighting n Donate food to the student food pantry ceremony to relight the Davis Tower as a symbol of hope and encouragement for our community. As a faith-based n Give a gift to the Falcon Fund at community, we wanted to express our love and prayers to the friends.edu/give people of our city and nation during this difficult time. n Share and Like Friends University We are a community and we will R.I.S.E. (Respect, Inclusion, social media posts so we can Service, Excellence) together to shine God’s light to those share our amazing university with around us and be the community we are called to be. Our prospective students connections are everlasting as members of the body of Christ and Friends University. We will get through this. n Pray for our university, students, For the most up-to-date information on Friends University employees and alumni and COVID-19, visit friends.edu/coronavirus.

SPRING 2020 | 19 FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY ELECTS

NEW BOARD CHAIR PHOTO BY STEVE RASMUSSEN

him to oversee the health and welfare of the university which mirrors his professional calling in medicine. Dr. Hoppock is a family physician at Ascension Medical Group Via Christi where he serves patients of all ages. Dr. Hoppock leads the legislative efforts with the Medical Society of Sedgwick County and the Kansas Medical Society, and previously represented Kansas in the American Medical Association. He volunteers with the Christian Medical and Dental Association, serves on the National Evangelical Friends Mission Board, and is active in his church where he serves on the outreach board and PHOTO BY STEVE RASMUSSEN was the former praise and worship (Left to right) Back Row: C. Patrick Woods, Kim Dugger Attwater, Dr. Jace Hyder, Dr. Kevin Hoppock was elected as the leader at Northridge Friends Church. Brent Edmisten; Fourth Row: Bob Casper, Friends University Board Chair at the Dr. Hoppock’s greatest joy is being Jim Nagy, Jeff Ramsey; Third Row: Dr. David end of 2019. As a dedicated Friends a husband, father and grandfather. Williams, Paul Moore, Renae Ryan, Kevin University board member for 15 years, He completed his undergraduate Henderson; Second Row: David DePew, he has served in several capacities and studies at Wichita State University and Dr. Kneeland Brown, Lynn Ghormley; Front Row: Dr. John Lewis, Dr. Kevin Hoppock, is a pillar to the Friends community. attended Kansas University School of Dr. Amy Bragg Carey. His new role as the board chair allows Medicine where he received his MD.

REGINA MILLER NAMED TO FRIENDS UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Regina Miller has been named to the Friends University Board of Trustees and began serving on the board on April 16. Miller is an award-winning entrepreneur in Wichita, Kan. with over 25 years of leadership and management experience. She is the owner of Pepperdine Academy, formerly the Princeton Children’s Center LLC and the R. Miller Consulting LLC. Miller serves as a member on the Greater YMCA board, the Wichita School District 259 advisory board for early childhood education and previously served 20 years as an advisor on the early childhood education board. She and her husband, Jesse reside in Wichita and are the proud parents of two adult children. She is a graduate of Butler Community College and holds associate degrees in both early childhood education and general studies.

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a Kansas high school teacher and coach in Oxford, Wellington, Hoxie, Belle Plaine and Meade. At Meade High School, his responsibilities included head football coach, head golf coach, strength and conditioning coach, assistant track coach PHOTO BY STEVE RASMUSSEN and FCA Huddle leader. He left Meade as the school’s all-time winningest coach and guided the team to state championships in 2010 and 2012. On the administrative side, he also served as the school’s principal for five years. Moshier has received the following distinctions: three consecutive 2A District 8 Coach of the Year nods; Coach of the Year honors from the Kansas Football Coaches Association, Kpreps SCOTT MOSHIER, ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR and the Hutchinson News; coached the Scott Moshier is in his first year as West squad in the 2015 Kansas Shrine the Assistant Athletic Director at Bowl; coached in the K101 Classic Bowl Friends University. on three occasions and received the INTRODUCING FRIENDS Moshier, a local resident of Wichita, Excellence in Education award from UNIVERSITY’S NEW brings an extensive athletic background Coffeyville Community College. to Friends, having served as the head Moshier competed in college ATHLETIC STAFF football coach at Wichita North High football at School since 2017. He was also the and Southwestern College where school’s assistant track coach, strength he received his Bachelor of Science and conditioning coach and an instructor degree. He later earned a Master’s in the Physical Education department. Degree in Education Administration Moshier has an outstanding history as from .

HENRY BRUN, HEAD TRACK & FIELD COACH Henry Brun is in his first season at the helm of the Friends University Men’s and Women’s Track & Field programs. Brun led the Benedictine Ravens’ track & field program and was the Director of Cross Country/Track & Field. Under Brun’s guidance, the Raven’s track and field programs vaulted into elite status, with the women’s team surging into the top 20 nationally and the men’s squad achieving a top 30 national ranking for the first time in school history. Brun’s success culminated with a Heart of America conference Women’s Indoor Championship in 2016 that earned Brun the Coach of the Year award for the women’s indoor season. Before taking over the Benedictine track programs, Brun served as the Associate Track & Field Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator at NCAA D-III program at Adrian College. At Adrian, Brun’s duties included coaching sprints, jumps and hurdles and planning strength and conditioning programs. He also coordinated team academic progress, established an alumni/family support program, facilitated fundraising efforts and assisted in community service projects. Brun competed collegiately at Alma College, where he was an NCAA D-III All-American performer in the triple jump and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and New Media Studies. Prior to venturing into his current track & field career, Brun served

PHOTO BY STEVE RASMUSSEN in the United States Air Force from 2005-2010.

SPRING 2020 | 21 FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

BRIGHT STAR MUSICAL SHINES ON THE STAGE PHOTO BY ZACKERY WILLIS

The Friends University theatre department performed the fall musical, Bright Star. “The tale, Bright The musical featured the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale set Star, tells of life, love, against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and growing up, separation, ’40s. When Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens in her a longing for the child she once and reunification.” lost. Haunted by their connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has — Olena Brown the power to transform both of their lives. Friends welcomed guest director and choreographer Karen Robu who led a wonderful cast of young artists from the university’s new music theatre degree program. “The tale, Bright Star, tells of life, love, growing up, separation, and reunification. It is one that I think anyone can relate to at one point or another, and I am ecstatic to have had the opportunity to step into this story,” PHOTO BY ZACKERY WILLIS said sophomore Olena Brown, who played the leading role of Alice Murphy in the show.

22 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

DIE FLEDERMAUS OPERETTA IS THE FIRST EVER MUSIC AND DANCE MAINSTAGE COLLABORATION

Friends University recently presented Johann is filled with rousing melodies and joyful Strauss’s classic operetta Die Fledermaus waltzes, featuring a talented cast of young during the spring semester. singers, beautiful ballet sequences, and a full orchestra. This was the first-ever mainstage collaboration between Friends’ music and ballet department, replacing their spring ballet and annual opera. Friends welcomed their guest choreographer William “Bill” Evans, who worked with six ballet majors and one PHOTO BY ZACKERY WILLIS PHOTO BY ZACKERY voice performance major to create seven different dances making up the extended ballet portion in the second act. He also choreographed the story of the practical joke that was performed in the opening during the overture, along with other little snippets of dance throughout the show. Rolaine Hetherington, assistant professor of voice, served as the stage director and chorus Performed in a new English translation, master. Dr. Matthew Schloneger, associate Die Fledermaus (The Bat) is a delightful professor of voice, served as the music farce about a man’s elaborate plan for director and conductor. Kurt Priebe, assistant revenge for a practical joke, leading to professor of drama and media managed and mistaken identities, secret rendezvous and oversaw set designs. Students and teachers light-hearted deceit. Set in late 19th century put in countless hours of hard work to create Vienna, Strauss’s most famous operetta this spectacular and entertaining event.

RADIUM GIRLS DRAMA HITS THE STAGE

Friends University presented D.W. Gregory’s full-length drama Radium Girls which is inspired by the true story of female dial painters who helped create luminous watches in the 1920s. The drama explores the mysterious illnesses they encountered following their exposure and their plight to have their cases heard in U.S. court. This insightful production is told in a cinematic fashion with a small mixed ensemble who played more than 30 roles. Called a “powerful” and “engrossing” drama by critics, Radium Girls offers a “wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth and the commercialization of science.”

SPRING 2020 | 23 FOCUS | UNIVERSITY NEWS

“‘Ellington’s Nutcracker’ added diversity to the FRIENDS UNIVERSITY PRESENTED options for audiences “ELLINGTON’S NUTCRACKER” and participants for WITH LIVE JAZZ BAND the holiday season.” — Andrea Vazquez-Aguirre.

This past December, the Friends University Ballet Department presented the jazz version of “Ellington’s Nutcracker.” This ballet was set to a live jazz band playing, The Duke Ellington Orchestra’s composition of The Nutcracker Suite. Friends students and other dancers from the community shared the stage with multiple guest performers, chosen for their extraordinary artistry including, Alicia Mae Holloway, a dancer from the Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York City. The first weekend of performances featured the return of Jeremy J. Edmonson, a freelance dancer from New Mexico and Cortney Taylor Key, a freelance dancer from New York City. Dandara Amorim Veiga and Lyvan Verdecia returned from Ballet Hispanico in New York City to share their magic on the second weekend of performances. Not only did patrons have the opportunity to see these amazing guest artists, but they got to take free community dance classes taught by the artists themselves. David Berger, the composer, also offered students and audiences his expertise in Ellington’s work and legacy 20 minutes before two of the shows. “‘Ellington’s Nutcracker’ added diversity to the options for audiences and participants for the holiday season. Just as the original score had opened the door to an appreciation of European romanticism to countless American children, so exposure to Ellington did the same for today’s youth in discovering the richness of American jazz,” said choreographer and ballet director, Andrea Vazquez-Aguirre.

24 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | DONOR PROFILE

my choir director at Wichita North High School, who encouraged me to look at Friends University for my college home. Upon graduation from Friends University in January of 1964, I was hired as a K-12 vocal music teacher in Neodesha, Kan. I taught in five different towns in Kansas for over 42 years. The highlight of my teaching career was teaching in Garden City when the students performed two operas in two years: “Amahl and the Night Visitors” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” I had the privilege to encourage several students and friends to go to Friends University and sing with the Singing .

What is your favorite memory from your time at Friends? My fondest memories were those of being a member of the Singing Quakers under the direction of Dr. Riney. Once Donor Dr. Riney gave a cut-off so vigorously that his expandable wristwatch went flying across the room. When on tours, we sometimes would get a game Profile going. Dr. Riney could crunch the ball further than anyone I ever saw. It was an honor to go on the first European tour, getting to sing in St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and singing for Nadia Boulanger in Fontainebleau. One of my other WARREN & BETTY TOWNSEND favorite memories at Friends University is playing and lettering in tennis and Tell us a bit about yourself. enjoyed wilderness camping, canoeing playing football in my senior year. Family, career, hobbies? and traveling the United States. Many I married my high school sweetheart, summers, I worked in construction and Why do you feel it’s important Betty and we have two sons, two renovated 1920’s era houses. Swimming to give back and why Friends? daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. has been important to me all my I would not be the person I am if I had We are very proud of them all and their life. Swimming and Life Saving merit gone somewhere else for my college commitment to Christ. badges were the first two on my way to experience. I feel that if I can support I have been singing in church since I becoming an Eagle Scout. Betty and I Friends University, and I will for the was a child and continue doing so still. have been involved with Boy Scouts for rest of my life, that I may in some I have been fortunate to be able to be many years. Last January our grandson small way give some future students a soloist with the Friends University became the fourth generation Eagle a positive Christian college adventure Singing Quakers, Wichita State University Scout in our family. to last a lifetime. Chorale, The Wichita Choral Society, the Colby Community Choral Society, When did you attend Friends Any career advice for the Garden City Choral Society and and what was your major? our future alumni? the Wellington Choral Society. Several Dr. Riney and I both came to Friends in Here is some advice for life. Love God. times I was the tenor soloist in Handel’s 1959. He, as the director of the Singing Be fortunate to find a Christian mate. “Messiah” and other major works. Quakers, and I as an awkward student, Life has its ups and downs and is tough. Some may think that music took up not sure what I was getting into. Under I found that having Betty in my life made my whole life. However, I am an avid Dr. Riney’s direction, the Singing Quakers all the bumps a lot smoother and the fun bow trophy deer hunter and enjoy continued the great choral tradition that parts a lot funnier. Find something that playing golf. Betty and I, and our boys I had heard about from Neil Derringer, you love to do and go for it.

SPRING 2020 | 25 FOCUS | ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Alumni Spotlight

THE TRINITY OF FRIENDS

We have a Trinity of Friends University alumni who all work together at Trinity Academy School in Wichita, Kan. Amy Shelden, theatre arts director and forensics teacher; Ryan Royle, band director 5-12, worship through music, music theory; and Michelle Henderson, head of fine arts, are all Friends University alumni who teach and serve the students in the Fine Arts Department at Trinity Academy. This trio of teachers brings a unique perspective from three (Left to right) Michelle Henderson, Ryan Royle and Amy Shelden. different decades and how Friends University has shaped them personally and professionally. Here is what they Michelle: I wanted to be part of the Share your best college have to say about their time and Singing Quakers and music department. memory while at Friends. memories at Friends University. I basically grew up in the fine arts Amy: The worshipful Candlelight department and never wanted to look Concerts every year; every show I was in; What year did you graduate? anywhere else. my term as the SGA President; working Amy: 2017 with Dr. Carey and the Advancement Ryan: 2010 Who influenced you most team; to name a few. Michelle: 1981 for my bachelors and 1991 during your time at Friends? Ryan: My performances and travels for masters Amy: Dr. Bartel and Cindy Blasdel with with the Friends Jazz Arts Band. We the Singing Quakers, Dr. Parker in the visited France, Italy and performed with Why did you choose theatre department and Dr. Ronn in the incredible jazz artists. Friends University? English department. Michelle: The Singing Quakers Amy: The Singing Quakers. I heard them Ryan: Lisa Hittle, Dr. Leopold, Dr. Taylor, performances, rehearsals and the unique when I was 12 years old and wanted to be Dr. Harstine and James Bryan Smith. bond many of us still share today. a part of the group from then on. Michelle: That’s an easy one! Definitely, Ryan: I was able to pursue my my dad, Dr. Riney and my mom. My calling to study music as well as students still get the benefit of his religion and philosophy. wisdom and experience.

26 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

What advice do you have for current What is your greatest How did your education at Friends students who want to make the most professional accomplishment? prepare you for your career? out of their experience at Friends? Amy: Working at Christian Youth Theater Amy: My Friends University education Amy: Don’t take the small school and now Trinity Academy. opened many doors for me and experience for granted. You get a Ryan: The growth of the instrumental prepared me for my careers in theatre much more personal experience with music program at Trinity. The first year I education and grant writing and your professors and they can help you started we had around 16 students. Now fundraising. discover what your gifts and talents are. we are up to around 100 instrumental Ryan: The unique combination of Ryan: Seek out your community as you music students between the Concert knowledge I gained while at Friends journey through your time at Friends and Bands, Jazz Band and Worship Band prepared me for the position I now have don’t forget to have fun! classes. at Trinity Academy. My job has evolved Michelle: Savor every moment, laugh a Michelle: Developing the choral from just an instrumental music teaching lot and look to the Lord for wisdom. program at Trinity during my 17 years position to include worship theology and here. I love working with high school music, music theory, and a multitude of Describe Friends University students in a school where I can openly other great opportunities. in three words. share my faith and love for wonderful Michelle: The professors who invested Amy: Close-knit, creative, cultivating. choral music. in me still motivate me to invest in my Ryan: Community, unique, supporting. students. I want my students to have the Michelle: Faith, family, excellence. same wonderful experiences (musically, spiritually and educationally) that I was privileged to have at Friends University.

SPRING 2020 | 27 FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

Spring 2020 Class Notes

IN MEMORY SISTER ANN “In Memory” passages with CATHERINE more details were submitted BURGER, ’65, died by family and friends. Jan 4. She spent Information received 23 years in medical after Feb. 25, 2020 will be technology at included in the next issue. hospitals in Kansas We reserve the right to edit and and as space allows. was well known in the Wichita area died Ben R. Bennett, ’65, through Dear Dec. 12. Ben was a teacher Neighbor Ministries. and the head coach at Junction City High School before moving on to work with the U.S.A. Margaret Mae (Tschopp) died Jan. 6. Cline Wrestling team for the 1984 Cline, ’53, attended Friends University Kim Diane Coplan, ’92, Olympics. He then was died Nov. 21. where she met her husband, named Kansas Wrestling Beryle Cline before moving Coach of the Year and was Hilary L Crow Archambeau, to Alvin, Texas, where they died Jan. 9. Crow a member of the National ’11, raised their four children. received a Bachelor’s Degree Wrestling Hall of Fame. She was an excellent cook, in Zoo Science. She worked seamstress, gardener, and as a substitute teacher in the helper of their family farm. Winfield School District and She was an active and helped her father out at their much loved member of the family owned restaurant. In Friendswood Friends Church 2019 Crow moved to Ceder since 1956. Vale to pursue a career working with horses and cattle with Holt Land and Cattle Company.

28 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

Frances Lucille Daley, ’45, Rick Lee Frendle, ’68, John Wendell Gollihar, ’93, Susan R. Lenoir, ’94, died died Oct. 31. died Jan. 2. He had a 35- died Oct. 24. After serving in Jan. 21. Susan was a Captain year career with Medline the U.S. Army and receiving a and enjoyed a nearly 20-

John R. Fleming, ’50, Industries, providing Purple Heart, John worked as year career with the Kansas died Dec. 29. After serving hospitals and other health a Wichita police officer for 10 Department of Corrections in the United States care facilities with medical years and went on to serve 20 where she retired as a Army, Daley worked as and surgical products. years with LifeWatch. Corrections Officer. She was a laboratory director in the first female officer in the California for 25 years John Swara Jema, ’88, Hutchinson Correctional before retiring and moving died in 1992. Facility. back to Minneapolis, Kan. Carla Bribiesca Lasater, died Dec. 5. Carla Barry Lee Magner, ’01, ’02, died Nov. 23. He spent the was a faithful servant to majority of his career working the Lord and devoted her in management for Yellow time to her family, watching Freight and Family Service her children participate in and Guidance Center. various sporting activities, teaching Sunday school, and Matthew Aaron May, ’07, volunteering at her church died Jan. 9. After performing and her children’s school. for , Matthew raised sheep on his

Darrell Alan Lavender, ’00, local farm while continuing died April 5, 2019. Lavender to perform and direct local was the son of missionary theatrical productions. parents, he had a colorful childhood growing up in the Wiley W. Meyer Jr., ‘58, Philippine Islands. He was died Jan. 7. He enjoyed a married to the love of his life, career in sales for various Sherry for 42 years. industries and was one of the founders of Tranchemco, Inc.

WILLARD DALE GOODRICH, died Nov. 17. He was a lifetime college educator for about 37 years at Pittsburg State University, Wichita State University and for 27 years at Friends University, where he retired as the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Dr. Goodrich was an integral part of the Friends University administration,” said Dona Gibson, professor of education and psychology, director of the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, and Master of Education in Special Education. “He had a love for education and his leadership and dedication to his students was a gift to all of us at Friends University.”

SPRING 2020 | 29 FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

DEAN RUSSEL STANDS, ’58, died Dec. 1. Dean’s career started as the Assistant Louisa E. Van Horne, ’00, to the City Manager of died Jan. 15. Louisa taught 1950s Wichita, Kan. He then for many years for Child Bruce Blake, ‘59, served began a career in the Evangelism Fellowship and 27 years on the Board of life insurance industry was an instructor of Basic Pensions of the United by launching his own First-Aid Training. She Methodists Church, which independent Prudential then retired from the Mid- included President of the Life Insurance agencies Continent Public Library after Board, before retiring. Blake in Oklahoma. 28 years of service. was honored in Chicago Won Z. Yoon, ’59, died Dec. on Dec. 18 at Wespath and 5. He began his teaching a conference room, which career as assistant professor will be used to welcome Charles J. Ott, ’54, died Mark Emerson Spangler, in History at SUNY Geneseo participants and visitors Oct. 29. Charles started ’98, died Dec. 8. Before to the home office of the farming in Clearwater, Kansas serving as marketing before earning the title of Board, was named the Blake before relocating to their director for major medical Professor in History at Siena Conference Room. Peck farmstead. corporations, Spangler College, where he taught for a total of 36 years. served in the Naval Reserves Marshall P. Stanton, ‘57, Dawn Lynette Pruitt, ’04, Intelligence Program and was inducted into ShelterBox died June 27, 2013. She Victoria Jane Youngman, founded an Interdisciplinary USA Hall of Fame after taught at Butler Community ’55, died Jan. 14. Victoria Advisory in . He then raising more than $100,000 College and enjoyed worked in the Mount Vernon completed an MA Degree in to provide emergency shelter volunteering at the Wichita Nazarene College Business Christian Ministry and an MS and supplies to people who Humane Society and as a girl office as a secretary and Degree in Family Therapy have lost their homes to scout leader. as a Social Worker for the and became a counselor American Cancer Society, disaster or conflict. Verlene Rasmussen, ’57, and clinical chaplain. Interchurch and Hospice. died Jan. 19. Verlene taught Mark was a recorded piano for 30 years and Quaker minster and an 1970s Kindermusic for several years. active volunteer for many She also served as the Pratt different organizations and CLASS NOTES Andre’ Thomas, ’73, conducted a concert with the Friends Church treasurer for communities throughout London Symphony Orchestra more than 30 years. his life. which will have the European Deborah Kay Rice, ’86, died Richard M. St. Germain ’02, 1940s premier of his Mass. Andre’ Jan 8. Deborah retried from died Jan. 24. Iola M. Cadwallader, ‘47, is has also been appointed Butler Community College well and of sound mind, living as the Yale University Viola Mae Teubner, ’64, after 21 years as a security comfortably in a wonderful Visiting Professor of Choral died Dec. 28. Viola began officer. Prior to her work at assisted living facility. She Conducting and Interim her studies at Friends Butler Community College, has continued to write Conductor of Yale Camerata. University where she met Deborah also worked music and her most recent her husband, Earl Gohon. at the Phillips Pipeline, work, Settings for Women’s When he was drafted Southwestern Bell, and the Voices of 3 was performed into the Army her college Greenwood County EMS and in November by the William studies were halted and Sheriff’s Department. Penn Choir with 19 high she worked for Beechcraft school women joining as well. during World War II. Viola later returned to Friends University to complete her degree and went on to teach Kindergarten for 10 years.

30 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

Jason Paul Streeter, ‘98, retired from a wonderful 20-year zoo keeping career and began a new adventure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. 2000s Kali Rachelle Barnett, ‘08, published her first children’s book in 2019 titled “Fred the Bee” and is also running for Congress in the First District of Kansas.

Alexander C. Bush, ‘09, recently graduated Officer Training School and became a commissioned officer, Second Lieutenant DAVID ALAN WEISHAAR, ‘93, has served in the military for 39 years in the Air force. and commands the Kansas Air National Guard and Assistant Adjutant Trevor Joe Hands, General-Air. He will become the next Kansas Adjutant General, ‘02, produced a three- replacing the current Adjutant General Lee Tafanelli in April. The role of part mini-series for his the Adjutant General is the principal military advisor to the Governor. company, Garden City Co-Op, for the history of their centennial year.

Courtney E. Long, ‘08, Angie Elliott, ’98, vice published her first article 1980s 1990s president of membership in the music journal, The and engagement at the Saxophone Symposium, Timothy L. Gray, ‘83, William E Duggan, ‘96, successfully planted seven was hired as the Director of Wichita Regional Chamber of Volume 42 titled, Trichord churches between the FreCom Dispatch Center. Commerce, graduated from Transformation and a United States and Thailand. He has been in public safety the Institute of Organization Quest for Symmetry in That makes a total of eight for over 30 years, 25 of those Management, a professional Dorothy Chang’s Two churches he has planted working in Andover, Kan. development program of the Preludes: An Analysis. U.S. Chamber of Commerce since 2006. He has been a volunteer Vanessa Martinez, ’08, firefighter Lieutenant/Safety Foundation. was received the 2020 Magnet Dale Seiwert, ‘81, Officer, Emergency Medical with The Wichita Eagle Scot L. Pierce, ’96, was Principal of the Year for Technician, Patrol Officer, for 39 years in various invited to announce the Region VI Award. Vanessa is 911 Director, and the First management roles before opening round of the the principal at Horace Mann Information Technology becoming the Vice N.A.I.A. National Volleyball Dual Language Magnet for Director in Andover. President of Finance and Tournament Championships Wichita Public Schools. Administration for the in Leavenworth, Kan. Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce.

SPRING 2020 | 31 FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

DAVID LEE EVENDEN, ‘07, and wife Brooke, BreAnna Monk, ’08, ’13 back from M.S.U.s Jazz welcomed their third child, Stella into the world in & ’16, was interviewed by Orchestra 1 International Tour 2019. David has also published 2 books: Pentest: A KSNs Good Day Kansas for to Japan. He has recently Practitioners Study Guide (Cyber) and Network+: her work with senior citizens performed as a sideman on A Practitioners Study Guide, and is serving as as the senior services and Sencalar/Glassman Quintet an Executive-in-Residence for Cyber Security transportation administrator debut, at the Detroit Jazz Education at Friends University. for the City of Derby. Festival, Lansing Jazz Festival, and the Wichita Jazz Festival. Calah Lynn Titus, ‘00, purchased Great Image Kenny Bui, ’16, accepted Designs located in Wichita, a position at Johnson KS and moved the business Controls as the Global VA/ to Old Towne in Wichita. VE manager.

Timothy N Tyson, ‘01, was Christine Marie Conway, elected in 2019 to represent ‘17, has officially completed the 3rd District and served on all classroom work and has the Linn County Farm Bureau recently begun clinicals board for eight years. Tyson on her way to becoming a runs cattle and operates a Doctor of Physical Therapy at hay operation in Linn County. Wichita State. He also owns TNT Solutions,

an aerial imaging company. Jeren LaRay Francois, ‘18, started a new position in Ashley Lanine Walz, ‘07, 2019 as Corporate Talent graduated from Wichita State Acquisition (HR) at Great with a degree in Elementary Plains Manufacturing, Inc. Education and is now and is now the adjunct teaching Special Education Professor of Saxophone and K-2 at Kennedy Elementary in Clarinet at Kansas Wesleyan Wellington, Kan. University. He also has acted in various commercials for Visit Wichita 2019 and 2010s traveled to Tulum. Nathan Kenneth Borton, Matthew T. Ho, ‘16, ‘16, completed his Master’s completed his fourth year Degree from Michigan of teaching high school State University in Jazz at Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Studies as guitar teaching received his Masters of Arts assistant and was then hired in Teaching from Wichita at Saint Thomas Aquinas State, and was certified in College as Lecturer of Music his second project Lead the (Jazz Guitar). Borton also Way Curriculum, Intro. to received two Downbeat Engineering Design. Awards for Outstanding

Graduate Soloist and Best Morgan Lindsey Holick, ‘16, graduated with her masters Engineered Live Recording, from Princeton Theological placed third in the Wilson Seminary and accepted a Center International Guitar youth pastor job at a church Competition, and just got in Colo.

32 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

HALEY ALLOWAY, associate campus pastor of formation, received the William Charles Treadwell, Jr. Award of Excellence in Christian Education from George W. Truett Theological Seminary.

Natalie Brown, adjunct Dr. Valentina Chappell, professor for art education professor of business & method courses, was the technology was elected feature artist in September to the Wichita Area Sister for the Regier Art Gallery Cities Board and was at . She selected as a recipient of exhibited a piece titled “In the Women Who Lead Bloom” featuring thrown, Technology award by the altered, carved, and glazed Wichita Business Journal. Zachary James Rich, ‘16, botanical forms. Emily Connor, director of just finished his debut FACULTY/STAFF/ Sean Cash, assistant graduate & professional album, Boundless along BOARD NOTES professor of business studies recruitment, was with winning the 2019 Owen management, was selected selected for the Mission Prize in Jazz Composition, Sarah Bosworth, to serve as an expert Wichita Class of 2020 placing third in the Bill business and technology Super Bowl Ad Panelist for and a Wichita Business Conti Composition Contest, administrative assistant was the American Marketing Journal Mentoring Monday being named Outstanding elected to the Wichita Area Association Wichita Chapter mentoring panelist. Trombone at the Jack Rudin Sister Cities Board. Annual Super Bowl ad review. Jazz Championship and was selected to present at JEN in New Orleans.

Roman Daniel Rodriguez, DR. JOAN GRIFFING, PHOTO BY ADRIENNE THURSTON ‘11, started out as the the Tim and Gail Brand Manager for Friends Buchanan Endowed University and went on to Chair of the Division of serve as Press Secretary Arts, performed as a for Congressman Estes violinist on Earth and Sky since 2017. Rodriguez by composer Gwyneth was promoted to Walker with the Communications Director for Chamber Orchestra on Congressman Estes and will their spring tour. It is an continue to serve from the interdisciplinary work Wichita District Office. for string trio soloists, orchestra, Native Sheersty Stanton, ’17, has joined Architect Counseling American readers and Center to provide wilderness photography. therapeutic services. The work was commissioned by her chamber music group, Musica Harmonia.

SPRING 2020 | 33 FOCUS | CLASS NOTES

GIVE ONLINE!

Russell Arben Fox, Chris Kettler, Professor Submit your tax-deductible Professor of Political Science, of Theology and gift at friends.edu/give. Director of the History Religion, recently had and Politics major and the his book “The God Who Thank you for your support! Honors Program, will start Loves and Is Loved: The contributing to Insight Vicarious Humanity of Kansas, a small panel of Christ and the Response academics who produce of Love” published by monthly newspaper and Cascade Books. online columns about Kansas assistant Middle School Honor Band politics and policy, which Shawn Knopp, Patrick Mathews, professor of music education, in Andover, Kan., the Kansas Professor of Biology and are shared and reprinted in director of bands, and Music Educators Association Director of Zoo Science, newspapers (including The music education program Southeast District High accompanied senior, Wichita Eagle) and news director, recently conducted School Honor Band in Shelby Martin, to the websites throughout the middle school and high Pittsburgh, Kan. and the Kansas Natural Resources state starting in March. school honor bands for the Wichita All City 11th & 12th Conferences to present Wichita Suburban League Grade Honor Band. He also a research poster titled: presented at the Kansas Soil Substrate Preferences Music Educators Association in Comanche Harvester In-Service Workshop, the Ants, Pogonomyrmex College Band Directors Comanche, at a site in National Association- South-Central Kansas. Southwest Division, and was professor the Keynote Speaker at the Teresa Molina, of Spanish, won the Wichita Performing Arts Symposium Business Journal’s Innovators for USD 385 Andover, KS of the Year 2019 Award and Public Schools. Shawn served was elected to the Wichita as a band adjudicator for Area Sister Cities Board. several music festivals in Kansas and Oklahoma. His Brook Roberts, dissertation in-progress is controller, was elected to titled “A Qualitative Study: serve on the School Board How Band Directors Foster of Douglass, Kan. Belongingness in First and Second Year Band Students.”

JOHN RHODES, associate professor of education, education QA coordinator and interim head of education is a member of the Kansas State Department of Education (KDSE)Evaluation Review Committee and has served as a state trainer for program reviewers and led 3 institutional biology program reviews this semester. He also served as lead site visitor for the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation at the University of Hawaii, West O’ahu and is currently leading efforts to gain approval for a re-developed History, Government and Social Studies Education program for Friends University. John also serves as the chairman of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Preservation Board and the Derby Historical Society and Museum.

34 | FRIENDS UNIVERSITY Jerry Smartt, professor Ken Stoltzfus, academic of Spanish and director dean, co-authored the of foreign languages, has article “The experiences won the National Award for for German social workers Outstanding Advisor, the during the refugee crisis.” It Wichita Business Journal’s was published in the Journal Women Who Lead-Education of Social Work. His co- Award, the Kansas World authors were Dr. David Cecil Language Association Phyllis and Dr. Rachel Hagues, of Farrar Leadership Award Samford University. and the Wichita Business Journal’s Innovators of the Year 2019 Award.

PRESTON TODD, associate academic dean, was selected to receive the Class of 2020 Wichita Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award. “We are honored that Dr. Preston Todd was selected for this award,” said Dr. Jasper Lesage, vice president of academic affairs. “His leadership and commitment to the students at Friends University provide them with an outstanding academic experience and award-winning programs.”

Have a FLY RIDE with a FALCON

PRIDE For more information, contact the Alumni Office at 316-295-5810 | [email protected] license plate friends.edu/license-plate Get your Friends University license plate if you live in the state of Kansas. University Advancement Office 2100 W. University Ave. Wichita, Kansas 67213

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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.