The Tabor College

Summer 2015 • Vol. 69 / No. 3

Connection

105th Commencement

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Fast and Faithful

Alumni Spotlight

Inside:

The word that best describes this edition of the “Connection” is JOY. You will see JOY in the faces of our graduates as they celebrate their accom-plishments at the 105th Commencement at Tabor College. Rainy weather

forced both the President’s Party for graduates and their families and the Commencement ceremony indoors, but it did not dampen the JOY at either event. It was a weekend of celebrations and good-byes. We celebrated the fruit of our sacrifice, work and influence. Accomplishments were recognized, friend-ships affirmed and families brought together. It was a JOY-filled time.

You will see JOY as we broke ground for the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts. This celebrative and memorable event was truly an EPIC (Experiential, Participatory, Image-driven, Connective) event. Speakers told the story of the dream that is now becoming a reality. All in attendance were able to participate by taking hold of the rope and breaking ground. Excitement was in the air. It was a JOYOUS event. Actual construction of the new facility is

expected to begin in earnest this September. Until then, the construction drawings are being finalized and site preparation will begin. The construction of the new facility will bring JOY to our campus. The dream will be another step closer to becoming a real-ity.

The Shari Flaming Center for the Arts has the potential to:

• Affirm our identity• Enhance our campus culture• Develop a stronger campus community• Grow the student body • Serve our surrounding community better

Finally, the Signature Campaign itself has rendered JOY for the Tabor community. Over 2,300 donors have found JOY in the giving of $14.5 million to the campaign. Nearly 1,000 of these donors have desig-nated over $10.3 million specifically for the Center for the Arts. We are filled with JOY as we close in on completing this campaign. I hope you will share the JOY as you read the “Connection.” Might you find new JOY in responding and helping complete the Signature Campaign?

From the President

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Follow along with Dr. Glanzer’s travels on Twitter at www.twitter.com/presglanzer

President Jules Glanzer

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Summer 2015Vol. 69 No. 3

A magazine for Tabor College alumni & friends

EditorKatrina Hancockkatrinah@tabor.edu

ContributorAleen Ratzlaffaleenr@tabor.edu

Senior DesignerDiane Steinerdianes@tabor.edu

Photographer/WebmasterVance Frickvancef@tabor.edu

Student PhotographerCourtney Reed

Sports Information DirectorAnthony Monsonanthonym@tabor.edu

Tabor College400 South JeffersonHillsboro, Kansas 67063(620) 947-3121tabor.edu

Tabor College Mission:“Preparing people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and His kingdom.”

insid

e

Connection

Lyndon Vix (Chair)Diana Raugust (Vice Chair)Theodore Faszer (Secretary)Brent Kroeker (Treasurer)Darrell Driggers (at-large)Craig Ratzlaff (at-large)Loren Balzer (at-large)Jose CabreraRoger EdigerRick EshbaughDel Gray (Faculty Rep.)Jeral GrossBrandon Johnson (Student Rep.)Loretta Jost

Mark JostDavid KarberMike KleiberJerry KliewerElaine KroekerBill LoewenNate LoewenDean NachtigallDennis PennerElaine Setzer-MaxwellTim SullivanWilbur UnrauRichard Unruh

Board of Directors:

2015 Commencement 4

Groundbreaking Ceremony 7

Signature Campaign Update 9

Lifelong Learning 10

CMBS Dinner 11

Fast and Faithful 12

Music Performances 14

Alumni Spotlight 16

Sports 18

Alumni News 22

For up-to-date news, go to tabor.edu/news

/TaborCollege

@TaborCollege

/taborcollege

/company/tabor-college

/taborcollege

/taborcollege

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Tabor College hosted its 105th commencement Saturday, May 23, in the Student Center Gymnasium because of the inclement weather forecast.

An estimated 1,500 family members, friends, alumni, faculty and staff attended the ceremony. Tabor College graduates represented six countries and 14 states across the United States, including Kansas.

From the Hillsboro campus, 107 graduated—the fourth-largest class in school history.

Tabor College in Wichita & Online had 60 under-graduates and four graduate students who earned master’s degrees, for a total of 64—the second largest graduating class from the Wichita campus.

President Jules Glanzer noted the significance of this annual event.

“Graduation is a day that many have been waiting for,” Glanzer said.“Parents, students and even faculty look forward to this day when they see the fruit of their sacrifice, work and influence.

“There are so many mixed emotions,” he added. “It is a day of celebration and saying good-bye. Accomplishments are recognized, friendships affirmed and families are brought together. Those walking across the stage receiving their diplomas will forever carry the distinction of being a Tabor graduate.”

Glanzer presented two students with the Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award for $1,000 each—seniors Marissa Vix and Matthew Wiebe. Professor Jabara, from Wichita, Kan., is a life-long proponent of recog-nizing and promoting excellence in leadership.

Norman Ewert, an alumnus from Tabor College and professor emeritus from Wheaton (Ill.) College, gave the commencement address, titled “Learning from the Unexpected.”

“The primary purpose of a Christian liberal arts education is much more than vocational preparation,” Ewert said. “It’s shaping charac-ter, nurturing and developing you as a person, developing a Christian worldview, preparing you for a life and for eternity.”

Ewert told the graduates that they will now build upon the foundation of their education from Tabor College.

“You may think you’ve taken your last exam or written your last paper,” Ewert said, “but

your education is now just beginning. You may not have any more exams in the future, but the results of your learning will have lasting effects. You’ve now laid the ground work. You’ve acquired the tools to learn and the hard work is now ahead. Actively cultivate lifelong learning, and as you do so, be prepared to learn from the unexpected.”

Ewert graduated from Tabor in 1964 with a bach-elor’s degree in history, then earned a graduate degree

105th Commencement Ceremony

in economics at the University of Kansas and a doctorate in eco-nomics from Southern Illinois University. In 2014, he retired after 41 years of teaching economics at Wheaton College. His advice to the graduates was to always follow Christ:

“We need a whole generation of young Christians to dedicate their lives to faithfully liv-ing out their faith,” he added. “You folks are best equipped to address the challenges facing us in the world going forward.”

President Glanzer said the graduates can feel a tre-mendous amount of gratitude for all those who helped them get to this point in their lives.

“I hope each graduate has a sense of pride in what they accomplished,” Glanzer said, “and in bearing the label of Tabor alum, plus a sense of humility that they did not do it alone, but had help from others.

“As they enter real life, that they have a sense of gratitude and appreciation for how others have invested in them. I also hope they discover that they have been well prepared for their chosen vocation and desire to make the world more as God intended it to be.”

Dr. Norman Ewert, Commencement speaker

Andrea Acker, class representative for Hillsboro campus

Matthew Moore, class representative for Wichita campus

President Jules Glanzer awards seniors Marissa Vix and Mathew Wiebe with the Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award

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Dr. Brad Vogel directs the choir during Commencement

Dr. Norman Ewert gives Commencement address

Senior Drew Pankratz reads scripture verses from Romans 12: 1-8

Senior Class President Kendra Flaming gives graduating class response

2015 graduating class gathers in front of the H.W. Lohrenz Building to sing the final verse of "Redeemed of God"

Senior basketball player Andrew Thomas and basketball alumnus Ron RegierWomen's soccer players and student assistant

coaches Amber Mayer, Yolli Aasheim-Conner and Lyn Ungang

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President’s Party

Senior Keith Francis and his mother, Shawn Richardson

Senior Joy Guevara and family

Senior Scott Bauer and his parents, George and Joyce Bauer

President Jules Glanzer presents seniors Drew Pankratz and Carly Wilhelm with the Larry and Elaine Nikkel President's Service Award

Senior Dewayne Biggs and family

President Jules Glanzer prays for the graduates

Class of 2015 on the steps of the H.W. Lohrenz Building

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The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts solidified a long-awaited dream of building a place for performing arts students at Tabor College and the local community.

“This is a great day in the history of Tabor College,” said Tabor’s President Jules Glanzer. “The generations have been waiting for this moment and you have made this happen. You and hundreds of others like you have come together here. You’ve given your hard-earned dollars, your appreciated assets, your life savings. Some have given out of abundance, some have given out of great sacrifice.

“From the beginning this has been a project of the people,” he added. “God has smiled down on us and brought us to this day. So we want to honor all those who have helped make this moment happen.”

The dream to build a performing arts building began nearly 50 years ago. Finally, the resources and commitment to future generations of Tabor students have been dedicated to this project.

“Today is a new day,” said Larry Nikkel, president emeritus of Tabor. “For today we stand in almost the same spot we stood 35 years ago to break ground for the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center.

“But today is different,” he added. “God has heard our prayers and blessed our efforts with the resources to assure that the dream so long deferred is now a dream becoming realized.”

Tabor has raised $14.5 million of the $16.2 million Signature Campaign goal. The remaining $1.7 million will be used to endow the facility, meet the annual fund needs and pay for campus enhancements.Of the $14.5 million, $10.3 million is specifically designated for the Center for the Arts. An additional $2.7 million needs to be raised to build a facility that will meet the needs of Tabor’s visual and performing arts depart-ments.

Susan Koslowsky, steering committee chair and alumna of Tabor, said the groundbreaking for this building is a monumental and historic moment.

“Our donors have been enthusiastic and passion-ate about the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts,” said Koslowsky, “and know the importance of having a place for the community, for Tabor College and our students. We’ve raised more money here at Tabor than we ever have in the history of the college. We’ve raised over $14 million and that all has been commit-ted to this project.

“We began strong three years ago and we need to end strong as we bring this campaign to completion in 2015,” she added. “The groundbreaking today is a tes-tament to those who have given from their hearts.”

Approximately 300 people attended the ceremony and some participated in breaking ground. With two ropes tied to a plow that was built in the early 1900s,

Groundbreaking for the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts

dignitaries sat on it and several furrows were created to signify the start of construction. One of those rid-ing on the plow was Chuck Flaming, a farmer from Nebraska who generously donated the lead gift to name the building after his wife, Shari.

“It’s all about honoring God,” Flaming said. “It’s not about us. It’s about Him and the future of the col-lege of young people learning foundations of having a relationship with Jesus Christ. As we see the whole world in turmoil and chaos, if there’s ever a time for Christian leadership it’s now, and hopefully this will be a small part of it, and we are just humbled to be a part of it.”

Site preparation for the new facility will begin this summer. Construction of the building will ensue in fall 2015. The entire project is expected to be com-pleted and dedicated late in 2016.

The Shari Flaming Center for the Arts will include a performance auditorium, black-box theater, grand lobby, classrooms, recording studio, choral rehearsal room and visual arts education wing.

Watch highlights from the Groundbreaking Ceremony online at tabor.edu/groundbreaking.

Donor Chuck Flaming enjoys taking a ride on the plow to help turn sod and break ground for the new Shari Flaming Center for the Arts; the facility will be named after his wife, Shari

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President Jules Glanzer takes his turn on the plow

President Emeritus Larry Nikkel participates in the Groundbreaking Ceremony

Chair of the Music Department, Brad Vogel, leads the choir in signing “Hallelujah”

Steering Committee Chair Susan Koslowsky helps turn sod with a ride on the plow

Senior Class President Jesse Todd addresses the audience during the Groundbreaking Ceremony

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t a b o r . e d u / s i g n a t u r e - c a m p a i g n

The Signature Campaign$16.2 million

Remaining$1.7 million

Gifts & Commitments

$14.5 million

For more information about the Center for the Arts project or to view additional photos, designs, highlights from the Groundbreaking Ceremony and Signature Campaign videos, visit tabor.edu/signature-campaign.

“No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”

– Calvin Coolidge

To Complete the Signature Campaign we need: $300,000 Tabor Fund

$800,000 Facility Endowment

$600,000 Campus Enhancements

Center for the Arts Update• Groundbreakingtookplace

May 2• Sitepreparationworkis

underway this summer• Thegeneralcontractorhas

been selected• Plansandconstruction

documents continue to be developed

• Actualconstructionwillbegin this fall

A new debt-free Center for the Arts . . . The centerpiece of the Signature Campaign is a new Center for the Arts. The architect’s estimate, now including all site preparation costs, is $13 million. To date, $10.3 million has been raised for the building. This new estimate presents a need in addition to the campaign total.

Our options are to raise the needed funds to provide what our students need or reduce the features in the building. To build this new center debt free, we must raise $2.7 million by Sept. 1, 2015.

Can you help build what Tabor students need debt free? • Your first or extra gift now is a powerful statement of support

• Your gift may be cash, stocks, farm commodities, real estate or other appreciated assets

• Your two-year commitment of support will be deeply appreciated

If you have questions or want to talk about your gift, call President Glanzer at (620) 877-7173 or VP of Advancement Ron Braun at (620) 877-7194.

For your convenience, use the envelope attached or make a gift online at tabor.edu/give.

God has stirred many hearts in this campaign. Will you help us reach this goal? We continue to rely on many prayers and your response can make all the difference! Thank you!

I am creating some-thing new. There it is! Do you see it?

– Isaiah 43:19 (CEV)

Additional Funds Needed for the

Center for the Arts

$2.7 millionby Sept. 1, 2015

$10.3 millionraised

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Lifelong LearningThe righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, pro-claiming, “The Lord is upright; He is my Rock and there is no wickedness in Him.” - Psalm 92: 12-15 (NIV)

Following the retirement of Connie Isaac, who coordinated the Lifelong Learning program for 20 years, first-year director Miriam Kliewer transitioned into her new role after moving from Colorado to Hillsboro with her family last summer.

“My desire for the attendees of Lifelong Learning is to want these educational, enriching and entertaining programs,” said Kliewer. “Our program helps to aid in keeping lives fresh, green and fruitful, even as our age continues to advance.”

Attendees have enjoyed a variety of programs offered through the fall and spring semesters. The kickoff was held during Homecoming weekend with Gil and Rhoda Friesen—Tabor’s 2014 Alumni Merit Award Recipients—sharing about their work with Mennonite Disaster Service, along with the bless-ings and challenges that come with volunteer ser-vice. Other speakers were Tabor President Emeritus Larry Nikkel and District Minister at Southern District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Tim Sullivan, who shared about the plight of the Palestinian Christians. In April, attendees were treated to an old-time radio broadcast with the voice of C.S. Lewis, brought to them by Richard Schroeder from Denver, Colo. Additionally, they have enjoyed music, fellowship and food.

Lifelong Learning met the first and third Fridays of the month from 9:45-11 a.m. and had an average attendance of 65-70 people, with one spring program hosting almost 100 attendees.

Gil and Rhoda Friesen, 2014 Alumni Merit Award recipients

Richard Schroeder, former radio announcer from Denver, Colo., presented "C.S. Lewis, Pearl Harbor and the Rest of the Story"

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CMBS DinnerThe Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies hosted

its annual spring dinner meeting on May 2 in the lobby of the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center.

Nearly 100 people attended and heard speaker Mark Jantzen, associate professor of history at Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., present “Mennonite Migrants, Mennonite Soldiers: Tracking Mennonite Identity Across Four Centuries in Poland, Prussia and Russia through the Lens of Military Service Exemptions.”

Raised on a dairy farm in Beatrice, Neb., Jantzen worked with the Mennonite Central Committee in East Germany from 1988 to 1991 and in Serbia from 1993 to 1996.

“This was an opportunity to benefit from Dr. Jantzen’s extensive research into the Prussian Mennonite experience and to see the struggles for identity and belief which are still with us today,” said CMBS Director Peggy Goertzen.

Also recognized at the dinner was Wilmer A. Harms, for his 36 years of service as board chairman for the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies at Tabor College. Harms resigned from this position in November 2014.

(Pictured L to R) President Jules Glanzer, CMBS director Peggy Goertzen, Dr. Wilmer A. Harms and David BrownA plaque is presented to honor Dr. Harms for his 36 years as chairman of the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies Advisory Board at Tabor College

CMBS banquet speaker Mark Jantzen, associate professor at Bethel College, presents his speech, “Mennonite Migrants, Mennonite Soldiers: Tracking Mennonite Identity Across Four Centuries in Poland, Prussia and Russia through the Lens of Military Service Exemptions”

Peggy Goertzen announces the winner of the first annual Dr. Wilmer A. Harms Anabaptism Contest, Benjamin K. Schmidt, senior

Garrett Daugherty came to Tabor as a freshman in the fall of 2011. In four years, his list of accomplish-ments on the track and in the classroom is admirable.

Daugherty is a four-time NAIA All-American, a 17-time KCAC Champion, a 26-time KCAC All-

Conference honoree, a two-time member of the KCAC Champions of Character team, a two-time NAIA Academic All-American, a four-time KCAC Academic All-Conference honoree, a two-time KCAC Runner of the Week and the 2015 Tabor College Male Athlete of the Year. He was also track team captain twice, cross country team captain and named Tabor’s Most Valuable Male Runner three times.

The only child of Sheldon and Tania Daugherty of Minneapolis, Kan., Daugherty has made a name for himself in the history books at Tabor. He holds or is part of the school record in the indoor 1,000 meters, mile and 4x800 relay, and the outdoor 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 4x100 meter relay, 4x400 meter relay and 4x800 meter relay.

He was recruited by other KCAC schools, but chose to become a Bluejay.

“I just felt like Tabor wanted me more,” Daugherty said. “I felt

like they wouldn’t just care while I’m here—they’ll care for me when I’m gone as well.”

Coaches, faculty, staff and friends have cared for him in many ways during his four years as a student-athlete. When Daugherty came to Tabor, then assistant coach Dan Swaney, as his middle distance coach, gave him a solid foundation. But Swaney left after 2-1/2 years and Daugherty had to accept change.

“The transition was tough for me because I knew I wouldn’t have the same coach,” Daugherty said, “but I knew I had to step up and control my emotions and help others.”

When a new graduate assistant came in 2014, Daugherty achieved significant progress on the track.

“Last year in track, I ended up having graduate assistant Armando (Del Valle) as my coach and that was big,” Daugherty said. “I see him as a coach, but also as one of my closest friends. I felt like God put him here for a reason, not just for him, but for me as well.”

Del Valle, originally from Puerto Rico, ran track at Kansas State University.

“It wasn’t just chance that he would come here to be a GA,” Daugherty added, “but that he would be my coach. I saw significant growth, athletically, because of it.”

Del Valle helped Daugherty finish third in the 800 meters last year at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Gulf Shores, Ala., with a time of one minute, 51.41 seconds—a personal record.

“It was a great experience coaching Garrett because of his self-discipline, dedication and work ethic,” Del Valle said. “The best part is that he was able to have real-ly good people surrounding him—teammates, coaches, trainers, friends and parents. They really helped him to be successful. Also, the Tabor environment allowed him to focus on his training, his schoolwork and his faith.”

Assistant coaches and graduate assistants have come and gone, but the only steady coaching influ-ence has been Head Coach Dave Kroeker. He says Daugherty has left quite a legacy at Tabor.

“Garrett has been a great example of hard work and dedication in both cross country and track and field,” Kroeker said. “His integrity, care for others and commitment to Tabor College have been displayed often over the past four years both on and off the track. His success is a combination of God-given tal-ent, dogged determination and persistence. If you have ever seen him finish a race, you would have seen that he knows where the ultimate glory belongs.”

A new challenge in Daugherty’s collegiate career came this spring when he was forced to train by him-self, because of his student-teaching responsibilities at Minneapolis Grade School, an hour away from Tabor, and at Marion High School, 10 miles away.

A typical day started around 7:25 a.m. after he set four alarms to wake up.

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Fast and Faithful

Daugherty runs in the 800m finals at the 2014 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in Gulf Shores, Ala.

Daugherty in the 800m at the 2015 Kansas Relays, where he qualified for nationals

“I’m not a morning person,” he said with a chuckle.By 8 a.m., he would arrive at MHS to begin his day

in the classroom. At 3:30 p.m., he would drive back to Hillsboro, hit the training room by 3:45 p.m. and be on the track by 4 p.m. running and working out. Between 6-6:30 p.m., his workout would be over. He would usually spend the next four to six hours study-ing, hanging out with friends and relaxing before going to bed. In his “free” time, Daugherty worked as secretary for the senior class and participated in a men’s bible study with the guys in Harms Hall. Spiritually, Daugherty accepted Christ in elementary school, but his faith grew significantly at Tabor. The connection with other believers made an impact in his life.

“Being in an environment where I can lean on other peers,” he said, “who are having the same prob-lems at the same time or have in the past, (or) if I was having troubles, I could talk with somebody and that helped propel me more into my faith and stay focused on it more than I had in the past.”

The Christian environment and atmosphere made a difference in his college experience.

“I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about stuff on campus,” he added, “going through a lot of turmoil at times, the fact that the moral value would be high, and I can just be myself and not have to worry about being somebody else.”

In May, with a 3.759 cumulative grade point aver-age, Daugherty graduated magna cum laude with a degree in health/physical education and a minor in coaching. But he did not walk during Tabor’s Commencement ceremony May 23 because of the NAIA Outdoor National Track & Field Championships held in Alabama May 21-23.

“I would’ve preferred to have been at both,” he said, “but I chose to go to nationals over graduation.”

He ran the best race of his life in the 800 meters at nationals, finishing in second place with a career-best and school-record time of one minute, 51.25 seconds.

Now that he is officially a Tabor alumnus, Daugherty wants to pursue a teaching/coaching career. He would enjoy going back to his hometown of Minneapolis, but next year he has accepted a physi-cal education teaching position for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade at Meade (Kan.) Elementary School and he will be coaching at Meade High school.

His real challenge now is leaving behind college friends and stepping into the real world.

He said he will miss “just being able to go back to my dorm and see my friends and knowing that when I see them, I can just relax, hang out with them.”

Daugherty’s time at Tabor has been life transforming. “Words cannot begin to describe how my Tabor

experience has been,” said Daugherty. “I don’t know

if I would be the man I am today if it wasn’t for this experience. It has taught me that I can do more, espe-cially through the help of my Savior. That is why I feel as though I have immensely over-achieved what I had imagined when I decided to come to Tabor.

“The support I have gotten from my family, friends and the whole Tabor community,” he added, “is what helped me become the best student and best athlete I could have possibly been. Because of this, I want to say ‘thank you’ to everybody. It was some of the best four years of my life. GO BLUEJAYS.”

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Daugherty & Head Coach Dave Kroeker

Daugherty wins the 1,500m at the 2015 KCAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships

2015 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships

All photos courtesy of Tania Daugherty

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Music Performances

Dr. Sheila Litke and Krista Neifert before her senior recital

Trevor Morris performs his senior vocal recital, junior Zach Neumann accompanies

The annual Spring Oratorio—featuring students, local professionals and other musicians—was held Sunday, May 17, at the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church. Student soloists were Zach Neumann, junior pianist; Natalie Wiens, senior cellist; and Maryn Robson, freshman pianist.

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Scholarship Dinner

The Symphonic Band and Chamber Strings ensemble performed their annual Spring Concert Sunday, May 3, to close out their annual spring tour. From April 23-27, they performed at schools and churches in Nebraska and South Dakota. Under the direction of Larry Ediger, assistant professor of instrumental music, the theme for this year’s tour was “Symphoniae laudis,” which translated from Latin is “Symphony of Praise.”

Vice President of Advancement Ron Braun

President Jules Glanzer

Ashley Kemling, senior

Janie Cantu, junior

Betty Seibel, Herman & Louise Friesen Endowed Scholarship

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Q: Why did you decide to go to Tabor?A: It had the Gallup Strengths concept interwoven into the curriculum and was cohort based. The schedule was convenient for working adults—a four-hour evening session each week. Also, the program director made a personal visit to my office to answer my questions about the program prior to my enrollment and that personal touch made all the difference.

Q: How has your education helped you in your current job?A: At the time I started the program, my role at Newton Medical Center was that of human resources director. Shortly after completing the MBA program, my role at NMC expanded to include that of corporate compliance officer. A few years later, the role was again expanded to my current role of chief operating officer. The experience of pursuing and achieving an MBA was an element that prepared me for my expanded roles.The MBA program improved my business acumen and

Todd Tangeman, MBA (g’11)Chief Operating Officer at Newton Medical Center

some technical management skills. Equally important was the development of practical leadership skills. Yet most important to me was the lesson that leadership is an act of service to, and for the benefit of, others.

Q: Did your spiritual life grow while attending Tabor? If so, how?A: Yes, I grew spiritually. The demands and rigor of the MBA program, along with work, family and other life elements, caused me to lean more on God than before. The result was a deeper faith. It was also during my MBA program that my 12-year-old son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was the prayerful and loving support of Tabor’s program director and student cohort that helped me and my family through that time. This caring support is also what sets the Tabor experience apart from others.

The MBA program improved my business acu-men and some technical management skills. Equally important was the development of prac-tical leadership skills. Yet most important to me was the lesson that leadership is an act of service to, and for the benefit of, others.

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Nurse Pinning Ceremony

•MAinEntrepreneurialMinistryLeadership

•BSinChristianMinistry •AAinUrbanMinistry •RNtoBachelorofSciencein

Nursing •MBAinLeadershiporSales

Management •BSinBusinessAdministration •ASinBusiness

Picture Yourself as tabor’s Next Graduate

Tabor College in Wichita & Online7348 W 21st Street N, Suite 117

Wichita, KS 67205

Phone:(800)546-8616Email:learn@tabor.edu

Website:tabor.edu/online

online accredited degrees supporting adult lifelong learning

Back row (L to R): Kevin Nyambati, Jennifer Gaudet, Sharay Lee, Maggie Sater, Tari Hopper, Julie Alexander, Misty McReynoldsFront row (L to R): Danelle Koppes, Erica Camarillo, Hannah Obia, Oriana Beltran, Alyssa Kindernecht, Jessica Davis

Nurse Pinning speaker and Tabor alumna Linda Luzier, BSN, RN

Alyssa Kindernecht, Iota Chi recipient, Epsilon Gamma-at-Large Chapter and Marlene Pietrocola, chair and associate professor, Division of Nursing

NoWENRoLLiNgfoRfALL2015

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The Tabor College baseball team capped its 2015 season by making its second consecutive trip to the Avista-NAIA World Series, and in the process, set a new single season record for wins with 54.

The Bluejays who, a year ago, made the school’s first-ever appear-ance at the World Series in Lewiston, Idaho, qualified for the tourna-ment once again after winning the NAIA Opening Round Tournament at Bellevue (Neb.) University. Tabor defeated Mayville State University and Bellevue twice to earn one of the 10 spots in the World Series.

In Lewiston, Tabor fell in its opening game to 16th ranked Embry Riddle University 9-1 before defeat-ing Lindsey Wilson College 2-0 to

advance to the elimination half of the bracket. But the Bluejays’ dream season would come to a close the very next game when they were defeated by second-ranked Oklahoma Baptist University 5-1.

“I am really proud of these guys,” said Head Coach Mark Standiford. “This group of guys won over 100 games the past two years, which is something that very few collegiate baseball players ever get to accomplish.”

Along with a World Series appearance and an Opening Round title, this year’s team also won its fourth consecutive KCAC regular season title, and its second consecutive KCAC tournament championship. The 54 wins broke the previous record of 51, set just a year ago.

Eleven Bluejays earned a spot on All-KCAC teams—led by KCAC Co-Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-Conference, right-handed pitcher Dustin Hurlbutt, junior. Hurlbutt, who ranked 10th in the NAIA in total strikeouts with 106, was joined on the KCAC First Team by fellow teammates third baseman

Back-to-back trips to Avista-NAIA World Series

Alex Couch, junior, and centerfielder Jerrik Sigg, sophomore. Sigg was also one of nine players to earn Gold Glove honors for his defensive efforts in centerfield, as he did not commit an error all year. Fellow team-mate centerfielder Brent McClure, junior, also did not commit an error all year.

Earning Second Team All-Conference honors was second baseman Gadiel Baez, senior; shortstop Michael Baca, junior; catcher Matt Molbury, senior; outfielder Manny DeLeon, junior; and pitcher Jean Acevedo, senior. Honorable mention awards went to pitcher Russell Longworth, senior; pitcher Greg Turner, junior; and first baseman Colton Flax, sophomore. Coach Standiford was named the KCAC Coach of the Year. Longworth also finished second in the NAIA for most wins with 12, fourth in walks allowed per nine innings at 0.64 and eighth in total walks allowed with seven.

As a team, the Bluejays ranked fifth in the NAIA in total batters struck out (474) and 18th in total runs scored (480), 19th in total runs batted in (424) and sev-enth in total stolen bases (133). They also finished the year ranked eighth in the NAIA in slugging percentage (.494), total hits (642) and home runs per game (0.894). In all, the Bluejays finished the season ranked in the top 50 nationally in 25 different categories.

Standiford is looking forward to next season with a strong group of returning players, including eight of the Bluejays’ 11 All-Conference honorees.

“We begin every fall with the goal of getting to Lewiston and that will not change,” Standiford said.

Pitcher Dustin Hurlbutt, junior, was named to the NAIA All-American Honorable Mention Team and drafted by the Oakland A’s in the 16th round, 488th overall

Pitcher Russell Longworth, senior, and catcher Matt Molbury, senior, both earned a spot on the 2015 Avista-NAIA All-World Series Team

Michael Baca, junior infielder

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Overall record (26-25)KCAC record (12-7, Fourth)KCAC Tournament, Third

Tennis Men (1-14 overall, 0-7 in KCAC) Women (7-9 overall, 2-5 in KCAC)

The women’s tennis team had a solid sea-son, but lost three matches 4-5 in the KCAC Tournament. But they did have the highest GPA of any Tabor sports team.

The men’s team had a tough season— playing a difficult schedule against several good teams. Like the women, they lost three KCAC matches 4-5, against Kansas Wesleyan, Southwestern and Ottawa.

“I am very proud of this team,” said Head Coach John Ruder. “They have worked very hard and I could see improvement in their play in every match. They never quit and they never gave up. Most importantly, they played with integrity and sportsmanship representing themselves and Tabor College to the highest standards. We are building and will be getting better every year from this point on. I am so excited for next year.”

Softball

Third baseman Araselly Vargas, sophomore, led the team in offensive categories, was named First Team KCAC third base, led the KCAC in RBIs (56), tied for third in KCAC in homeruns (12) and led the team in battting average (.342)

Pitcher Marilee Burge, sophomore, was named First Team All-Conference pitcher, was named KCAC pitcher of the week three times, finished with an overall ERA of 3.5, with 176.2 innings pitched and 123 strikeouts

Jessica Emoto, freshman, was one of 20 female athletes to earn NAIA Honorable Mention All-American honors. Emoto played No. 1 singles throughout the year and finished with an overall record of 25-5 including 6-1 in KCAC play.

“I was pleased with our season,” said Head Coach Suzanne Unruh. “It wasn’t exactly the finish we had hoped for, but my players fought hard battles throughout the season; that gave me hope. We will aim high again next year and finish strong.”

Front row (L to R): Head Coach John Ruder; Lindsey Stroud, freshman; Celeste Worthy, sophomore; Jared Friesen, senior; Stephen Wilson, freshman; Harry Faber, sophomore; Luis Navarrete, sophomore; Krista Schmidt, senior; Student Assistant Lateefa Brown, seniorFront row (L to R): Heidi Klaassen, freshman; Kiana Fujioka, sophomore; Jeremy Johnson, junior; Aram Najar, senior; Jeff Pritchard, sophomore; Becky Faber, senior; Jessica Emoto, freshman

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Follow Bluejay Sports on Twitter @GoTaborBluejays

Daryl Green has been hired as the head cheerleading coach and spirit coor-dinator for Bluejays athletic teams.

“I am very excited to be taking a lead in helping grow Tabor’s cheerleading pro-gram,” Green said, “and I hope to create an atmosphere of success for all of the programs at Tabor College. Change hap-pens on a daily basis and with the support of Tabor and the community I am thrilled to be starting a new chapter in my life.”

In 2012, Green earned his bachelor of education degree in sports science, with

an emphasis in exercise science, from the University of Kansas in Lawrence. While at KU, Green was a four-year member of the Jayhawks’ cheerleading team, was on the student-athlete honor roll and hosted the pre-game center-court show for men’s basketball home games. Since 2010, Green has served as the head instructor for the Universal Cheerleaders Association, where he organized and led high school and col-lege level camps.

Green grew up in Wichita and gradu-ated from Wichita Heights High School.

Daryl Green Named Head Cheerleading Coach

Women – (3-6 overall, 7th in the KCAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships)

Men - (6-3 overall, 4th in the KCAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships)

KCAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships First place, 200m – Caleb Blue, sophomore First place, 800m – Garrett Daugherty, senior First place, 1,500m – Garrett Daugherty, senior First place, High Jump – Tyler Entz, senior

First Team All-Conference (Outdoor) Caleb Blue, sophomore, 200m, 400m Garrett Daugherty, senior, 800m, 1,500m Tyler Entz, senior, High Jump Avery Franz, freshman, Triple Jump Jonathan Gibson, sophomore, Shot Put Hannah Holmes, senior, 10,000m

Honorable Mention All-Conference (Outdoor) Joel Allen, senior, 3K Steeplechase Dewayne Biggs, senior, 4x100m Relay Caleb Blue, sophomore, 4x100m Relay, 4x400m Relay Garrett Daugherty, senior, 4x400m Relay, 4x800m Relay Keith Francis, senior, 4x100m Relay Sarah Hagen, sophomore, 400m, 4x400m Relay Hannah Holmes, senior, 5,000m Shawn Johnston, senior, Hammer Throw

Track & Field

Garrett Daugherty, senior, placed second in the 800 meters at the NAIA National Outdoor Track & Field Championships, earning him All-American honors. Daugherty improved his school record time to one minute, 51.25 seconds in the finals—the best finish at a national meet for any Tabor track athlete in school history.

Zac Krehbiel, freshman, 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay Ashton Kroeker, sophomore, High Jump, Triple Jump, 4x400m Relay Bret Mueller, junior, 1,500m, 4x400m Relay, 4x800m Relay Tyler Parrish, junior, 4x400m Relay, 4x800m Relay Daniel Quiring, sophomore, Shot Put Josh Richert, sophomore, 4x800m Relay Jessica Samuel, freshman, 200m, 4x400m Relay Paula Young, freshman, 4x400m Relay

Nine School Records BrokenOutdoorMen’s 800m: 1:51.25, Garrett DaughertyMen’s 1,500m: 3:58.06, Garrett Daugherty Women’s 10k: 38.55.91, Hannah Holmes Women’s Marathon: 3:14:05, Hannah HolmesIndoor Men’s 400m: 50.70, Caleb Blue Men’s 1000m: 2:26.54, Garrett Daugherty Men’s mile: 4:18.20, Garrett Daugherty Women’s 5000m: 18:09.56, Hannah Holmes Women’s 4x400m Relay: 4:16.91, Jessica Samuel, Ashton Kroeker,

Paula Young & Sarah Hagen

KCAC Champions of Character: Garrett Daugherty & Hannah Holmes

KCAC Academic All-Conference: Bailey Clark, Sarah Hagen, Hannah Holmes & Ashton Kroeker

KCAC Runner of the Week: Garrett Daugherty (twice)

Hannah Holmes, senior, finished eighth in the marathon at the NAIA National Outdoor Track & Field Championships, earning her All-American honors. Holmes finished the 26.2 mile race with a time of three hours, 14 minutes and five seconds—qualifying her for the marathon races in Boston and London.

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Former athletes Eugene Friesen and Tesha Werth were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame on May 16 at the annual sports ban-quet. Tabor Athletic Director Rusty Allen says these two athletes were deserving of induction.

“It was a privilege to honor both Eugene and Tesha for their con-tributions to the Tabor athletic programs,” said Allen. “Both of them are examples of, not only outstanding athletic accomplishment, but are also the kinds of people who leave Tabor and significantly influ-ence the world for Christ. The evening was exciting and inspiring.”

Friesen was a four-year letter winner in basketball. As a fresh-man in 1958-59, he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. During his sophomore year, he averaged 16 points per game and was the team’s Most Valuable Player. During his junior year, he was again named the team’s Most Valuable Player, averaging 17 points and 12 rebounds per game. Friesen finished his basketball career averaging 10 points and eight rebounds per game.

“I am grateful for the recognition that comes from having put a 9-inch ball through an 18-inch hoop with some success over 50 years ago,” said Friesen.“I am equally grateful for the camaraderie and support I found in the Tabor community that contributed to what honor also requires, a lifelong commitment to integrity and service to others.”

Friesen graduated from Tabor in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in social science. From 1964-65, he attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota and studied international rela-tions. Friesen earned a master in divinity from Bethel Theological Seminary in 1969. Then, in 1988, he studied special education at Mankato State University. For two years, after graduating from Tabor, Friesen taught social studies, math and science in Colombia. He then moved back to the United States to teach social studies at Robbinsdale (Minn.) High School. He pastored New Hope (Minn.) Mennonite Brethren Church from 1980-1985. The majority of his career (1985-2001) was spent teaching American history, psychol-ogy and world religions at Armstrong High School in Plymouth, Minn.

He has been active in the New Hope community serving as a chaplain, volunteer, Cub Scout leader and board member. Friesen and his wife, Carol, have three children and six grandchildren.

Tesha (Ratzlaff) Werth graduated from Tabor with a bachelor’s degree in social science in 2002. Werth was named Most Valuable Player in volleyball (2000-2002), basketball (2001-2002) and earned the Tabor College Female Athlete of the Year award (2000-2001). She was also named KCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention in basketball (2000-2001). She earned the following honors while playing volleyball at Tabor: NAIA All-American Honorable Mention (2001-2002), KCAC All-Conference First Team (2000-2001), KCAC All-Conference Unanimous First Team (2001-2002) and KCAC Player of the Year (2001-2002). Werth was a member of the first Tabor volleyball team to win a KCAC Championship.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Tabor College athletics alongside so many other talented athletes in the Hall of Fame,” Werth said. “My experience at Tabor was unforgettable as I was blessed with amazing teammates and some outstanding coaches.”

Werth has been an assistant volleyball coach at Tabor since 2010 and is a church youth sponsor at Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church in Hillsboro. She is married to Cord Werth and they have five children.

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions

Rusty Allen, VP of Intercollegiate Athletics and Hannah Holmes, Scholar Athlete of the Year

Tonisha Dean, Female Athlete of the Year and Garrett Daugherty, Male Athlete of the Year

Hall of Fame inductees Eugene Friesen and Tesha Werth

MarriagesJesse (cs’15) and Tara (Neufeldt cs’15) Allen, Buhler, Kan., May 30, 2015

Jordan Ragsdale (g’14) and Sydney Coughlin (g’14), Visalia, Calif., June 14, 2014

Births/AdoptionsRoman (g’07) and Rebecca (Pederson g’08) Hofer, Marion, Kan., a girl, Mirriam Marie, May 9, 2015

Joshua (fs’05) and Katie (Voth fs’06) Ens, Hillsboro, Kan., a girl, London Grace, May 7, 2015

Scott (g’04) and Morissa (Seidl g’02) Friesen, Olathe, Kan., a boy, Wyatt Dean, May 3, 2015

Danny and Becky (Lutes g’06) Anders, Wichita, Kan., a girl, Evelyn Grace, April 24, 2015

John (fs’14) and Emily Simon, Wichita, Kan., a boy, Lucas Alexander, April 19, 2015

Jeff and Lisa (Loewen g’04) Kroeker, Henderson, Neb., a girl, Elinor Grace, April 13, 2015

Brett (g’02) and Tammy (Carlson g’04) Thiessen, Topeka, Kan., a boy, Daxton Judah, April 9, 2015

Dallas (g’10) and Megan (Peters g’09) Pruitt, Bel Aire, Kan., a girl, Abigail Grace, March 2, 2015

Robert and Shannon (Kroeker g’06) Hamilton, Kailua, Hawaii, a girl, Elliston Susan, Feb. 9, 2015

Adam and Shannon (Unruh g’00) Smart, Saint Charles, Mo., a boy, Carson Charles, Nov. 20, 2014

Ragsdale-Coughlin

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Alumni NewsVictor (g’10) and Meghann (Eblen g’09) Rogers, Sublette, Kan., a boy, Corbin James, June 7, 2014

Jeremy (g’02) and Lacie (Hosier g’02) Hogan, Giltner, Neb., a boy, Isaiah Curtis, Jan. 31, 2014

Brian (g’98) and April (Wichert g’00) Wall, Prosper, Texas, adopted a girl, Claire Qiu Anna, Aug. 2, 2012

DeathsJean (Neufeld fs’79) Jost, Hillsboro, Kan., April 15, 2015

Ruth (Flaming g’67) Klaassen, Anoka, Minn., March 17, 2015

JoAnn (Hein fst/g’73) Wall, Hillsboro, Kan., March 16, 2015

Violette (Patrick g’49) Johnson, Los Altos Hills, Calif., March 3, 2015

Alvin Dick (g’57), Mountain Lake, Minn., Feb. 27, 2015

Donald Cole (g’75), Anchorage, Alaska, Feb. 17, 2015

Martha (Reimer fs’48) Willis, Corn, Okla., Feb. 7, 2015

William G. Hiebert (fs’49), Chico, Calif., Jan. 10, 2015

Reighgan Dlaney Dick, Buhler, Kan., Jan. 6, 2015, daughter of Cody (g’08) and Misty (Moon g’09) Dick

Mary Peters (fs’72), Denver, Colo., Oct. 7, 2014

Louis Janzen (fs’53), Fresno, Calif., Aug. 25, 2014

Irene (Regier g’39) Soyez, Cedar Point, Kan., April 4, 2014

Alumni News – 1960sDavid Schroeder, Ph.D. (g’64) was the 2015 recipient of the Aerospace Medical Association’s Louis H. Bauer Founders Award on May 14 during Honors Night Ceremonies at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Orlando, Fla. He was nominated for his significant contributions to the field of aerospace medicine as a leader, scientist and mentor. He is recognized world-wide for his seminal research on the effects of alcohol and vestibular physiology. He has also contributed significantly to the understanding of stress and fatigue associated with air traffic controllers. Additionally, he has influenced a generation of scientists and leaders in aviation medicine and psychology.

1970sPaul D. Penner (g’72) completed a one-year term in March 2015 as president of the National Association

Evelyn Anders London Ens Wyatt Friesen Elliston Hamilton

Mirriam Hofer Isaiah Hogan Elinor Kroeker Abigail Pruitt

Corbin Rogers Lucas Simon Carson Smart Claire Wall

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a l u m n i n e w s

CODES g – graduate fs – former student cs – current student f – faculty ff – former faculty st – staff fst – former staff tcw – Tabor College Wichita

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of Wheat Growers. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NAWG is a grassroots based advocacy organi-zation, representing wheat farmers from 22 states. Penner also served as NAWG’s representative on the National Wheat Foundation as the sole mem-ber on the foundation board. Currently serving as immediate past president, he will conclude a five-year commitment as an executive officer, ending in March 2016. He is a past president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and a founding board member of Heartland Plant Innovations, Inc., a for-profit biotechnology company based at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center in Manhattan, Kan.

1980sNate Gift (g’88) received a pastoral appointment in Stafford, Kan., to serve three congregations begin-ning July 1.

Cherylen (Porter g’88) Gift will be teaching pre-school at South Central Kansas Special Ed Coop in the fall at Stafford Elementary School, USD 349.

1990sChad Christensen (g’95) is the head coach of the Maize South High School baseball team, who led the Mavericks (18-7 overall) to a fourth place finish in the Kansas State High School Activities Association Boys Class 5A State Championship tour-nament. Christensen was also named Kansas 5A Coach of the Year for the second time in three years and Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Div. II Coach of the Year.

2000sMarissa (Hiett) Vix (g’15) traveled to Myanmar

May 1-11 with the DeBoer Foundation to conclude her semester internship and assist in their week-long leadership Fellowship Program. She was able to person-ally connect with each of the 40-plus citizen leaders by helping them create an inspirational video pitch for their organizations and businesses. She also gained professional international business experience, which proved to be a great way for her to end her college career. Vix graduated in May with her bachelor of arts in international studies and biblical/religious studies.

Nikolas France (g’15) was hired as a graduate assis-tant for the College of San Mateo Football program. He will begin earning a master's degree in the fall.

Kalie George (g’08) is the executive director for Urban Christian Academy in Kansas City, Mo., a non-profit organization serving a need for better educa-tion for inner-city youth. George helped found UCA because she saw an educational need in the KC area where the public schools are currently unaccredited. UCA’s goal is to see students on a different trajectory than the one their zip code dictates. She believes that, while Jesus is the lynch pin to transformation, an excellent high-quality education is a vehicle to a myriad of life options that students deserve. She will see the first kindergarten class finish their first school year in June. Learn more about how Tabor shaped her heart at tabor.edu/stories/kalie-george.

Vallery (Carter g’08) Fields was honored as the 2015 DeVore Foundation Excellence in Public Award for the City of Wichita. Honorees are select-ed from the City of Wichita, USD 259 and Sedgwick County. The award is given to public service employees who show excellence in their profes-sional work and in serving their communities. Each honoree was awarded $2,500.

Lacie (Hosier g’02) Hogan earned a master’s degree in pre-K through 12th grade reading from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in May 2015. She is currently teaching ninth-12th grade special educa-tion at Grand Island Northwest (Neb.) High School.

SAVE THE DATE2015 HomecomingOctober 16-17 Theater Production:

“Opal: A Musical Adventure” by Robert Lindsey-Nassif

7:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

Tickets available by reservation or at the door

Call the Student Life Office at (620) 947-3121 ext.1033

Tabor College Connection400 South JeffersonHillsboro, KS 67063

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Please contact us if your address is incorrect: advancement@tabor.edu

Aug. 17 Fall Classes Begin

Oct. 16-17 Homecoming

Dec. 3 Instrumental Christmas Concert

Dec. 6 Handel’s Messiah

Dec. 8-11 Final Exams

January 2016 Western Europe Interterm trip with Dr. Richard Kyle

India Interterm trip with Dr. Del Gray

Upcoming Events

For a complete list of upcoming events, please visit us online at tabor.edu/calendar