The Student Government Association initiates the process for naming Masterbuilders by calling for each member to nominate students.  The list of students who receive a vote are then submitted to a faculty vote.  Finally, the entire student body votes, choosing recipients from the names remaining on the list. 

Masterbuilders for 2011-2012 include: Caitlin McCurdy, Overland Park; Jacey Cullop, Sterling (missing from photo); Molly Komlofske, Holcomb; Zach Castor, Clearwater; Taylor Kinnamon, Copeland; and Lucas McConnell, Newton.

SCPB members presented a $2,000 grant to the Eastern Cowley County Resource Center (ECCRC).  ECCRC was founded in 2003 with a focus on computers and reading literacy. ECCRC is the sponsor of the Lighthouse Library project, an ocean-themed rural library with a 21,000 book collection. The funds granted to ECCRC will fund computer towers that will be used in robotics programming for youth and senior citizen computer workshops.
The SCPB awarded $1,000 to Family Life Services located in Arkansas City.  The funds granted will go towards 40 hours of counseling sessions for parents who are having problems with abuse in their families or parents who have had abuse problems growing up.

The SCPB also awarded $800 to Eagle Nest of Winfield.  The funds granted will go towards class scholarships for women. 

The SCPB was formed four years ago as a senior Leadership Southwestern student’s project.  A grant was written, and Southwestern College was chosen by Campus Compact’s Students4Giving program as one of 10 institutions to receive a start-up grant of $15,000.  The college also contributed to this amount.
With this funding, a group of students from the three Southwestern College service learning teams (Leadership Southwestern, Discipleship Southwestern, and Green Team Southwestern) formed the SCPB.  The board consists of five members from the three programs.
The mission of the SCPB is twofold.  First, it exists to teach college students about philanthropy and grant-making.  Each year, the SCPB creates Request for Funding Proposals (RFPs) and distributes them to Cowley County non-profit organizations.  The board then meets to review and award grant applications.  The second part of the mission is to help students connect and build relationships with local non-profits.  This year, the board worked toward this goal by visiting past grant recipients and hosting an on-campus philanthropy awareness week.
According to SCPB advisor Lindsay Wilke, the focus for this year’s RFP covered three areas and was derived from the county’s Vision 2020 plan:
• Decreasing the high incidence of child abuse in the county
• Increasing recreation and educational opportunities for young people ages 0-25
• Improving services for senior citizens.
A total of 11 non-profit organizations submitted funding requests, but programs that met one or more of the areas above were given priority.
Wilke has been pleased with the group.
“The board and the class took their job of crafting an RFP very seriously this year,” Wilke says.  “They researched county needs and assets and studied Vision 2020 thoroughly to ensure that the grant money would make a difference.”
Members of the SCPB include Sally McGuire, Denton, Texas; Jessie Riggs, Wellington; Sydnee Nelson, Clay Center; Mariam Mamah, Tulsa, Okla.; and Hannah Podschun, Winfield.  Members of the philanthropy and grant making class that worked in conjunction with the SCPB to develop the RFP and award the grant include: Tavinia Tucker, San Antonio, Texas; Michael Bond, Wichita; Taylor Fogle and Katy Hamilton, Bartlesville, Okla.; Stevie Heidzig, Rogersville, Mo.; Kaley Rodriguez, Gypsum; and Lauren Strain, Pryor, Okla.

The gazebo started off as a Green Team fundraiser.  McGuire was attempting to build something out of recycled aircraft pallets to sell for the Green Team. This eventually morphed into a gazebo.

According to McGuire, the inspiration for a gazebo that features a solar charging dock came from the "Solar Docks" freshman Leadership survey in 2011.

“The survey asked the student body if there was an interest in outdoor solar powered picnic tables. The student body liked the idea but not the $11,000 price tag,” McGuire says.

The gazebo is 8'x8.5' and is made from one aircraft pallet. The roofing material is Ondura which is 50% post-consumer recycled material. The gazebo also features a 45-watt solar panel that powers two LED lights and, according to McGuire, will charge a computer, play a boom box, and run a number of other things.

The financial donation to the project was $1,000 made by McGuire, which was the approximate cost of the solar powered system.  The gazebo was placed on the south side of Reid next to the sand volleyball court April 23, however, the final installation site for it has yet to be determined. 

The outstanding student-athlete award is given in memory of Tracy Young by Bill and Georgianna Young.  Tracy was in the class of 1982.  The award is presented to the top senior female and male student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional performance in athletics, academics, leadership, and college and community service.

Rethorst is a computer science major.  He earned the Champion of Character Award three times.  He was also a three-year captain on the soccer team.  Rethorst has been involved in Leadership Southwestern for four years, Student Government for one year, and a Southwestern College choir member.

Kinnamon is a business administration major and an accounting minor.  She has been the captain for the volleyball squad in the fall and for women’s track and field team in the spring. Her honors include being an NAIA All-American-Scholar Athlete and earning honorable mention all-conference in volleyball.  She has qualified three times for outdoor nationals and once for indoor nationals. She is a student government senator at Southwestern along with being a student ambassador.  Kinnamon is also involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Nominees also included:
 Courtney Huppert, Fort Worth, Texas, women’s golf
 Chelsea Fort, Stillwater, Okla., softball
 Morgan Constantine, Euless, Texas., soccer
 Jennifer Hendrixson, Sedgwick, women’s cross country
 Catherine Haikin, Crescent, Okla., women’s basketball
 Jared Irvin, Ulysses, men’s basketball
 Tim Jasper, Foristell, Mo., men’s golf
 Colton Siler, Cleveland, Okla., men’s track &field
 Zak Tazkargy, Wellington, football

This was the 14th annual presentation of the student-athlete award.

Taking the L.E.A.D. (leadership, exercise, action, and diet) was taught by the SC students with assistance from community members Terri Fields, Nancy Miller, and Becky Reid.

A celebration for the culmination of the curriculum was held on April 18 at Lowell.  Funding for the celebration was provided by a grant from Youth Service America for Global Youth Service Day.

“It has been fun watching the Leadership students build relationships with the second graders,” says Lindsay Wilke, assistant director for Leadership Southwestern.  “The Leadership team took on an extensive project over the course of the semester and secured grant funding to make it happen.  Watching the project unfold has been extremely rewarding for everyone involved.”

“Special Pops” Night on the Town was a four-event program for the developmentally disabled adult population in Cowley County. The program took place from Monday, April 2, to Wednesday, April 11, concluding with a service celebration of the program on Saturday, April 14. The program consisted of four different events: Bowling Night, Bingo Night, Dance Night, and Boys/Girls-Night-Out.

During the course of the program, there were 128 participants and 61 Southwestern student volunteers.

“My ultimate goal is to have the Winfield Recreation Commission continue permanent regular programming for the developmentally disabled population in the county,” McCurdy says.

Staff and faculty members are chosen by Southwestern College’s Student Government Association (SGA). Each year, members are encouraged to choose recipients who best enable students to achieve their full potential.

“We felt that Claudia has done a lot for SC students, and with her retirement, it would be best to honor her any way that we could,” said Jordy Train, president of SGA. “Sarah has done a good job of getting to know the students and has helped our organization immensely this past year as an advisor.”

Geer and Hallinan join the ranks of many others who have been chosen by students to receive these awards. Outstanding faculty have been honored since 1966, outstanding staff since 1986.

“We appreciate everything they do, because it’s the job of all faculty and staff members to help the students, and we feel these two exemplify that notion,” said Train.

The South Kansas Symphony and the Southwestern College Youth Symphony (both under the direction of Daniel Stevens), The Student Loans, The Chandler Kirkhart Band, and The Matt Engels Band will perform on the Dick and Dolly Bonfy Ranch at 24011 141st Rd. in Winfield.  Gates will open at 4 p.m. The event is underwritten by Winfield Convention and Tourism Bureau, General Electric, The Legacy Foundation, South Kansas Telephone Company, and private donations.

Numerous vendors will be around selling various goods. These include College Hill Coffee, Flinthills Aromatherapy, Faye Farms, South Kansas Symphony Youth Parents (selling barbeque boxed dinners), Gottlob Land and Landscape, Prairie Outfitters and Excursions, Winfield Main Street (selling walking tacos), and SC student organizations (selling snow cones, drinks, and snack items).

“We have a great line up of music in varying genres – jazz, new country, traditional country, and of course symphonic,” says Julie Headrick, director of camps and conferences at Southwestern College.  “The gates will open at 4 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to come out, bring their blanket and chairs and enjoy some good food with the great music for the evening. There will be wildflower tours and a pathway to Prairie Man. It will be an opportunity to enjoy the wide open spaces Kansas is known for while enjoying great music. It just sounds better outside under the open sky.”

The schedule for the evening includes:

• 4 p.m.—Gates open, vendors open for business
• 4-4:45 p.m.—The Student Loans
• 4:45-5:30 p.m.—The Chandler Kirkhart Band
• 5:30-6:30 p.m.—Southwestern College Youth Symphony
• 6:30-7:30 p.m.—The Matt Engels Band
• 7:30-8:45 p.m.—South Kansas Symphony
• 8:45-10 p.m.—The Matt Engels Band

The setting is informal and there is no seating provided.  All audience members should bring chairs or blankets. Outside refreshments are welcome but vendors will sell onsite meals, snacks and drinks.

Free transport from the parking area to the footpaths near the event area will run during and after the performances.

Admission is $6 for adults; children 12 and under are $2. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate. For more information or tickets, call Rose Hanna at (620) 229-6272.

“Children of Eden,” a contemporary musical by Stephen Schwartz (creator of “Wicked,” “Godspell,” and “Pippin) is inspired by the creation and flood stories from the Bible.
“Our production is set in a desert land inhabited by a multicultural tribe who enact the stories and songs of the musical in order to teach each other lessons about family, parenting, and the importance of beauty and hope in their lives,” says director Allyson Moon.  “The music is truly beautiful and inspiring.”

According to Moon, one “Children of Eden” actor takes this role of teacher to another level. Matt Berthot, who teaches vocal music at Winfield High School as well as musical theatre ensemble at Southwestern College, plays the role of Father. 

“In his job, he is a teacher of students, but in this show he is the teacher for the whole world as the role of Father,” Moon says.

“I have absolutely loved playing the part of Father,” Berthot says.  “It’s by far been the most challenging role I’ve taken on and has really stretched my abilities as an actor and a musician.”

“Children of Eden” will be performed in the Richardson Performing Arts Center, Thursday-Sunday, April 12-15, with show times at 7:30 p.m. on April 12-14 and 2 p.m. on April 15.  In addition to the production, an optional dinner featuring roasted turkey breast and baked apple dumpling will be offered.  Dinner times are 6 p.m. on April 12-14 and 12:30 p.m. on April 15 with the meal served in the Helen Graham Little Theatre. Tickets can be purchased by calling (620) 221-7720, emailing  performingarts@sckans.edu, or at the box office upon arrival at the show. Tickets for dinner and show are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, $20 for students, and $18 for youth. Show-only tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth.

Devices to assist those with hearing problems are available in the box office, and an area is reserved for handicapped patrons and their companions in the rear of the hall.

Jenny is focusing on choreography that is appropriate for the time period in addition to being smooth and fluent.

“I have drawn from West African dances and gospel choir styles of movement, as well
as foxtrot, and even helping the students move as animals,” Jenny says.

Brandon is looking forward to his role as percussion master.

“While I do have experience writing and playing percussion, I haven’t had the chance to add it to a show in the past,” Brandon says. “To the best of my knowledge adding percussion to a show, especially onstage, is not incredibly common, so I am really enjoying this experience. It’s always fun to bring what you do into a different venue or scenario.”

Brandon has enjoyed working on this production with his wife.

“It’s been inspiring and fun to work alongside my wife,” Brandon says.  “We communicate very well (obviously), and being in this scenario really helps the creativity flow, so I think it’s beneficial for both of us. We hope to continue to find opportunities

like this in the future.”

According to director Allyson Moon, “Children of Eden” is a musical inspired by Genesis and the early books of the Bible.  Written by John Caird, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (creator of “Godspell,” “Wicked,” and “Pippin”), the musical celebrates creativity and the family.  The action of the play is driven by a tribe of people, perhaps survivors of an apocalyptic event, who sing, dance, and enact the stories of their creation and of the great flood.

“Children of Eden” will be performed in the Richardson Performing Arts Center, Thursday-Sunday, April 12-15, with show times at 7:30 p.m. on April 12-14 and 2 p.m. on April 15.  The show will be performed as an optional dinner theatre. Dinner times are 6 p.m. on April 12-14 and 12:30 p.m. on April 15 with the meal served in the Helen Graham Little Theatre. Tickets for dinner and show are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, $20 for students, and $18 for youth. Show-only tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth.

The daughter of Jackie Kernell, Newkirk, Okla., Gentry has focused her studies and activism on sexual trafficking. She has volunteered at a community safe house for abused women and children and has worked over the summers with children who are at risk for educational success. Her senior project will connect use of pornography to sexual trafficking. She plans to pursue counseling psychology in order to equip herself to make a difference for exploited women around the world.
“Meeka is an example of a student who is making the most of her college experience,” says Cheryl Rude, director of Leadership Southwestern.  “We are confident she will be a force for good in the world and will be an asset to the community of Newman Civic Fellows.”
Through service-learning courses and other opportunities for community engagement, colleges are developing students’ public problem-solving skills, such as the ability to analyze community needs, the willingness to participate in public processes and debate, the commitment to raise awareness about challenges, and the ability to inspire others to become part of solutions.
“These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can, and does play in building a better world,” notes Campus Compact Board Chair James B. Dworkin. 

Communications, Computer Science, and English Graduation Reception

May 5th

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in CH 13

Communications, Computer Science, and English Graduation Reception

May 5th

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in CH 13

May 5th

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in CH 13

— 30 —

“I have always found Ibsen to be compelling,” Boucher says. “He actually proposed that perhaps it was okay for people to want to think about their own happiness and what they want to do. And that wasn’t so unusual for a man, but it was extraordinarily unusual for a woman. And yet, in both ‘A Doll’s House’ and ‘Hedda Gabler,’ we see women who don’t have the freedom to make their own choices.”

Boucher is assistant director of “Hedda Gabler” with Roger Moon as senior director.

“Roger and I were talking last semester, and I told him I’d really enjoy directing at some point, particularly a reader’s theater, and he suggested I be assistant director for ‘Hedda Gabler’ and I agreed,” Boucher says.

Ibsen’s ideas of equal life choices for both sexes sparked heated debate when it debuted, and those ideas are still discussed today.

“The judge at one point asks Hedda ‘Couldn’t you find a vocation of your own’ and Hedda laughs, because at that time, that was a ridiculous notion, that a woman could have a vocation. The vocation they expect her to have is being a mother,” Boucher explains. “And yet Ibsen says ‘Why should women be treated differently than men in this regard? Why cannot any person make their own choices and decide who they want to hurt and who they want to be with?’”

Boucher has much invested in this show. In addition to assistant directing, she is also reading the stage directions.

“It’s been interesting to decide which ones are critical and which ones are not,” Boucher says concerning the stage directions. “There are scenes where, without awareness of what is happening, the language does not make sense, and so those stage directions don’t seem odd. I’ve been in groups where we read plays out loud, so hearing the stage directions read isn’t as strange to me as it might be for other people.”

“I think the audience will enjoy ‘Hedda Gabler,’ Boucher says.  “It’s has funny moments, it’s surprising. It doesn’t end the way people think it might. The students have really brought these characters to life. Of course, because I am an English professor, I always think that good drama is good for you. And even though this is a play from the late 1800s it certainly has issues that resonate for us today.”