According to Kaydee Riggs-Johnson, vice president for advancement, communications, and marketing at Southwestern College, there are over 40 unique items and packages that have been donated by trustees, alumni, staff, community members, and businesses.

“This is our first time holding ‘Bidding for Builders’ an online auction event that will generate additional support for the Builder Fund,” Riggs-Johnson says.  “The packages, donated by trustees, alumni, friends, and businesses, offer a diverse range of experiences and items. The winning bidders will feel particularly good knowing that their purchases will support current and future students at Southwestern College.”

Auction item categories include: excursions, exclusive experiences at Southwestern and beyond, art, antiques, and jewelry.

View Bidding for Builders Auction

Southwestern College athletic director and head men’s basketball coach Matt O’Brien is looking forward to the addition of the DeHaven Football Complex. The facility will include training space, team meeting and film rooms, study hall, locker room, conference room, coaching offices, a laundry room, and equipment storage space.

“We are thrilled to be dedicating a new facility in honor of Coach DeHaven, a member of the Southwestern Class of 1970 and highly accomplished special teams coach in the NFL,” O’Brien says.  “The DeHaven Football Complex will not only create much-needed training space, but also provide our student-athletes and staff with a top-notch environment to learn and work in together. Friday will be a proud day for Builder Nation.

Head football coach and assistant athletic director Brad Griffin says he is glad that SC is honoring DeHaven.

“I had the opportunity to meet Coach DeHaven and know he would be very honored and proud,” Griffin says.  “We are very excited and look forward to completion of the new facility which will help develop our current and future Builders as scholar-athletes. Coach DeHaven’s legacy will forever live on at Southwestern College.”

The celebration will include recognition of inductees entering the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame for the Social Sciences, as well as the Fine Arts, Business, and Educators Halls of Fame. 

All of the induction ceremonies are open to the public at no cost, but there is a cost for associated meals and seating is limited for those meals. To make meal reservations or for other information, contact Ashlee Mayo at (620) 229-6155. Reservations are needed by April 8.

Festivities will begin at 4 p.m., on Thursday, April 18, with the annual Honors Convocation in Richardson Performing Arts Center. The featured speaker will be Kalaba Chali, district superintendent for the Wichita East and West districts in the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church.

On Friday, April 19, plaques will be unveiled for the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame for the Social Sciences.  Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Deets Library with the induction ceremony to follow. Meal cost is $25.

On Saturday, April 20, the induction ceremony for the Business Hall of Fame in the Christy lobby at 8:30 a.m., in Richardson Performing Arts Center.

The induction ceremony for the Fine Arts Hall of Fame will begin at 10:30 a.m., in Richardson Performing Arts Center. 

At 12 p.m. in Deets Library, there will be a luncheon for the Educators Hall of Fame inductees. Lunch cost is $25. At 12:45 p.m., the induction ceremony for the Educators Hall of Fame will begin, also in Deets Library.  

Individuals entering the various halls of fame include:

Leaders in Service:

• Claudia Geer, retired faculty
• Paul Bean ’85
• Willie Williams ’68

Fine Arts:

• Roxy (Clark) Callison ’69/’91
• Roberta (Gilger) Banks ’72

Business:

• Dick Barnes, retired faculty
• Alex Gottlob ’09
• Business Builder Award: Timber Creek Floral and Gifts

Educators:

• Stephen Peebles ’89
• Anita (Jantz) Ewart ’74

Southwestern College Hall of Fame displays are located in Mossman Hall, Darbeth Fine Arts Center, Beech Science Center, Deets Library, and Stewart Field House.

See Founders Weekend Schedule

“Every gift to the Builder Fund creates impact at Southwestern College – in the lives of our students, faculty, and staff – to the future of our college,” says Southwestern College President Liz Frombgen.  “The Builder Fund helps us meet current needs across campus, but it also helps us invest in important initiatives that will make our college stronger and more attractive. Stepping up for Southwestern means investing in a bold vision of what Southwestern College will become.”

Gifts may be made online at www.sckans.edu/stepup, by stopping in at the Dole Alumni office at 201 N. College in Winfield, or by calling (620) 229-6397. The college is also encouraging supporters to share their pride for Southwestern on Thursday, March 21, by connecting with fellow alumni, wearing SC apparel, or by sharing support of the college on social media pages.

“Step Up is a day when we acknowledge the ways in which Southwestern has impacted our lives and community and together show our care for the college, offering support in all the ways we’re able,” said Kaydee Riggs-Johnson, vice president for advancement, communications, and marketing. “March 21 promises to be an exciting day at Southwestern as we will connect with Builders and friends from down the street and from all over the world who will offer their support and play an important part in helping us surpass our goal to advance Southwestern.”

Step Up for SC

Guests for the Coffee Chat include Simon Hill, director of choral activities and voice; Jeremy Kirk, director of bands and percussion, and students Jordan Burford and David Koller. Burford who is cast in the upcoming production “The Spitfire Grill” (Feb. 16-18), will be sharing an update on behalf of the theatre director, Terry McGonigle, who will be recruiting prospective students at the Arkansas Thespian Conference. Koller, who performs in the South Kansas Symphony, will be sharing an update and information about upcoming performances. 

“The virtual Coffee Chat will provide an opportunity for alumni and community members to join-in from wherever they are to learn about and support the arts at Southwestern College,” says Kaydee Riggs-Johnson, vice president for advancement, marketing, and communications. “While the program directors and their students are carrying on many important traditions, in many ways they are also building something new together at Southwestern College.  I'm excited for them to share an update and to celebrate the work being done to provide all students on campus space to explore creative expression and to engage in the arts."  

Previous Coffee Chats have included President Elizabeth Frombgen, Pat Ross, and John Griffin.  All of those chats are archived on the Southwestern College alumni page.

To participate in the Feb. 9 Coffee Chat, email alumni@sckans.edu or call (620) 229-6155 to request the link. To view the calendar of campus events, including upcoming performances and productions, visit www.sckans.edu/calendar. 

Reserve your Coffee Chat Seat

View Previous Coffee Chats

The celebration will begin at 5 p.m., with a reception and dinner (cost is $25 per person, seating is limited, and RSVPs are necessary) in Deets Library. The induction ceremony will begin following dinner at approximately 6 p.m., all are invited to attend (no reservations are required). To make reservations, contact Ashlee Mayo, director of alumni engagement, (620) 229-6155 or email alumni@sckans.edu.

This hall of fame honors Southwestern College alumni who have made significant contributions in the natural sciences.

2023 Inductees

Stephanie Kesler ’80, graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in biology and a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics. She also earned a master of science degree in science management from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1990. Her strong passion for community and justice was nurtured at Southwestern where she was involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including Campus Players and Tri-Beta. Kesler’s professional career as a telecommunications technologist and architect spanned the dawn and evolution of the internet era from 1991 to present day. Over the decades, she was a key member of the teams that built out Alaska’s modern telecommunications infrastructure and services. She also participated in several national standards setting initiatives. Community involvement at all levels is extremely important to Kesler. Her service runs the gamut from her neighborhood council to President of the Board of Providence Alaska Medical System Region. Above all, Southwestern holds a special place in her heart. Her Southwestern education and experience prepared her for a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and a commitment to community.

Dustin Wilgers ’01, received his bachelor of science degree in biology with honors from Southwestern College. While at Southwestern, Wilgers participated in golf and was an athletic trainer for one year. He was active in Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society. He went on to earn a master of science degree from Kansas State University in 2005 and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011. Wilgers has been a professor at McPherson College since 2011. He has taught a variety of courses in biology and environmental science and earned multiple teaching awards during that time. His passion centers on teaching students of all ages about science, and training the next generation of scientists. He has contributed to the field with his ecological research that focused on diversity found in the prairie and understanding the communication and behavioral systems of spiders. Wilgers has published 22 scientific papers and one book chapter. He co-authored many of his papers with undergraduate students. He has presented his research at numerous international, national, and regional scientific meetings; winning awards for his research at several of them. He served as President of the Kansas Academy of Science and the Kansas Entomological Society. Since being a faculty member, Wilgers has worked extensively with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks through their Chickadee Checkoff program, doing both research on the state’s arachnids and educational outreach programs. His drive to educate society about nature has taken him all across the state and to many elementary schools. Recently, to extend his outreach, he has published multiple children’s books that aim to both entertain and educate younger children about science and his favorite animal group. Dustin is married to Autumn (Strauss), who he met at Southwestern College. They have two kids, Noah and Hannah. Much of their family time centers on spending time in nature or playing and watching sports.

2022 Inductee (Recognized in 2023)

Bryan Dennett ’92, is a Family Physician in Winfield. He received his undergraduate degree from Southwestern College and his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. After completing his family practice residency through Via Christi in Wichita, he started practicing medicine in Winfield. He has been in private practice since 2002. He is also board-certified in Hospice and Palliative Care and works as the medical director for a non-profit hospice. Dennett is passionate about primary care and focuses on preventative and quality measures. He serves on the Board of Elders at Trinity Lutheran Church and the Southwestern College Board of Trustees. When not working, he enjoys staying active, going to the lake, and spending time with his wife, Debbie, and four adult children.

To see Southwestern College's halls of fame and a full list of inductees visit sckans.edu/hof.

RSVP for 2023 Natural Science Hall of Fame

Jim Corwin played two years of basketball and three years of football for Southwestern College. He was a three-year letterman in football and was a member of the 1967 undefeated football team. He was the team’s punter and played defensive end. He was selected to the KCAC Football First-Team in both 1967 and 1968, and was selected to the District 10 NAIA All Star team as Honorable Mention All-American in 1968. Corwin is listed in the 1969 edition of Outstanding College Athletes of America.  Corwin earned numerous awards while at Southwestern including, Who’s Who Among Students, Masterbuilder, and the McNeish Award (athlete with highest GPA).  Jim was a charter member of Theta Phi Delta Fraternity and president in 1968-69. He received his masters’ degree from Fort Hays University. He worked nearly 43 years for the Farm Credit System until he retired in 2013. Jim and his wife, Carolyn, reside in Buhler.

Burt Helmer played football at SC.  His teams had a combined record of 22-4-1 from 1968-70.  He led the team in rushing in 1968 and 69 and was a tri-captain for the 1970 squad.  At the end of the 1969 season, he was the career leader in total rushing yards.  His single season rushing record stood up for over a decade. Helmer received the A. D. Kahler ‘Builder of the Year’ award, voted on by his teammates and coaching staff. Helmer also served the college as a sportswriter and editor for the “Collegian” and was the sports information director.  After SC, Helmer spent 40 years teaching and coaching.  His coaching career included numerous league championships, state championship appearances, and ‘Coach of the Year’ awards.  He also took great pride in mentoring younger coaches which allowed them to navigate their own success from the sidelines.

Charles Osen, a.k.a Curt Caden, has been, and continues to be, the radio and web streaming voice for Southwestern College football, and men’s and women’s basketball since 2000. In 2002, he began broadcasting Winfield High School football and boy’s and girl’s basketball, and continues that work today. He has broadcasted more than 2,500 games in his career including numerous KCAC basketball championship games, NAIA men’s and women’s basketball championship tournament games, NAIA football championship tournament games, and Kansas State High School basketball tournament games. Osen played one year of golf and basketball while at Southwestern.  He graduated with a bachelors degree in mass communications and film studies and was named a Masterbuilder.  He was the Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Sportscaster of the Year in 2017 and the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Media Award winner in 2019. Osen lives in Winfield with his wife of 28 years, Kelli, and has four children; Chastity (Will), Daelor (Katie), Avery, and Riley, and two grandchildren; William and Clara.

William A. (Trey) Jones III was a four-year track and field athlete at Southwestern College, specializing in high jump and javelin. Trey was a three-time conference champion in the high jump and named Field Athlete of the Year in 1999, 2000, and 2002, taking the 2001 season off to work full-time and welcome the birth of his son, Hunter. Trey earned All-American status in 2000 and 2002 when he placed 3rd in high jump both years at indoor nationals. Trey still holds the SC indoor high jump record of 6’11”. Not only did Trey excel on the track and field, he also made lifelong friends, as well as meeting his wife, Amy, a fellow SC high jumper. Trey went on to coach middle school track in Arkansas City before taking the head coach position at his alma mater, Nickerson High School, where he coached three high jumpers to state championships in four years, including his son and daughter, Hunter and Ava. Though Trey was tragically taken from us last year, his athletic legacy lives on through his children. Hunter is currently a three-time All-American track and field athlete while Ava plays collegiate basketball and Creek, a 6th grader, is following his dad's footsteps too.

Roderick "Ricky" Kendrick played men’s basketball at Southwestern College for two seasons.  He was a two-time All-American (2004-05 and 2005-06).  He was awarded KCAC Player of the Year, and KCAC Newcomer of the Year in 2004-05 season.  He made the All-KCAC First Team in both seasons.  In 2005-06 season, his team won the KCAC Championship, and went to the National Tournament. They finished the season with a 28-4 record, which is the most wins in a season to current date.  Ricky is third on the all-time list at Southwestern for: Three-point field goals made in a season (105); and in all-time three-point field goal percentage (45.5%) in the 2004-2005 season.  He is also in the 1,000 point club for points scored in his career.  He now resides in Oklahoma for short periods of time, while being a traveling registered nurse throughout various states.   

Amy (Pierson) Topham had a decorated career in track and field. She was a three-time NAIA All-American and held school records in the indoor 800 and 1,000 meters. In cross country she competed three times at the NAIA National meet and was also KCAC champion one year. She earned Academic All-American all four years, was awarded Masterbuilder, and graduated with a bachelors of science degree in nursing. Topham lives near Wichita with her family.

“These inductees are truly exceptional. Their collegiate athletic careers resulted in numerous accolades and accomplishments, but what sets them apart is their character. It is an absolute honor to celebrate these outstanding individuals,” said Matt O’Brien, athletic director at Southwestern College.

O’Brien adds that nominations for the 2024 Southwestern College Athletic Hall of Fame will be accepted until Dec. 31.  To submit a nomination, email Matt.O’Brien@sckans.edu.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony and there is no admission charge.  For more information about the SC Athletic Hall of Fame or the induction ceremony, call (620) 229-6218.

For more information on any of the Homecoming festivities, contact Ashlee Mayo, director of alumni engagement, at (620) 218-5076. For schedule updates or to register for events, refer to the homecoming website— www.sckans.edu/homecoming.

Friday’s schedule includes:

• 3 to 6 p.m.— Registration for class reunions and Moundbuilder Gear Pop-Up Shop in the Java Jinx, located in the Roy L. Smith Student Center.
• 4 p.m.—Ribbon cutting for Winfield Hall at Winfield Hall.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — All-Class Homecoming Dinner, Roy L. Smith dining hall (reservation required, $25 per person).
• 7:30 p.m. — “The Masque of Beauty and the Beast,” Richardson Performing Arts Center (admission is free).

Saturday’s schedule includes:

• 9:30 a.m. — Homecoming parade, beginning at Viking Blvd. and will go west on Warren Ave.
• 10 a.m. — Builder block party and registration, Wallingford lawn. Rock painting, face painting, and so much more.
• 10 a.m.—Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Roy L. Smith Student Center dining hall. Inductees include Jim Corwin '68, Burt Helmer '70, Charles Osen (Curt Caden) '94, William “Trey” Jones '03, Roderick “Ricky” Kendrick '06, and Amy (Pierson) Topham '11.
• 10:15 a.m.—Southwestern College Mid-States Classic cross country meet at the Winfield Veterans Home Course.  Women race at 10:15 a.m.; the men at 11 a.m.
• 10:30 a.m.—Moundbuilder Gear Pop-Up Shop, Farney Family Plaza located south of Jantz Stadium.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—Homecoming tailgate, Wallingford lawn ($12 adults, $6 child under 6).
• Noon – President’s Luncheon for 51+ years alumni, Winfield Country Club (Reservation required, alumni/free, non-alumni spouse/guest $17).
• 1:30 p.m. — Homecoming football game vs. Bethel College.
• 5:30 p.m. — Class of 1973 50-year reunion dinner and photo, Winfield County Club, ($30 per person RSVP required).
• 5:30 p.m. — Women’s soccer versus York University, Richard L. Jantz Stadium
• 5 to 8 p.m.—Childcare available at First United Methodist Church, $5 per hour.
• 7 to 10 p.m.—All-Class Alumni Gathering at Ladybird Brewery, 523 Main St. Live music and the Artichoke food truck will be available. 
• 7:30 p.m. — “The Masque of Beauty and the Beast,” Richardson Performing Arts Center (admission is free).
• 8 p.m.—Men’s soccer versus York University, Richard L. Jantz Stadium

Sunday’s schedule includes:

• 10:50 a.m. — Homecoming worship service, Grace UMC, Rev. Charles Claycomb ’73 guest speaker.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—Sunday brunch buffet, Roy L. Smith dining hall ($9 per person).
• 2 p.m.— “The Masque of Beauty and the Beast,” Richardson Performing Arts Center (admission is free).

The book tells the spring break adventures of Delaney, who as a freshman at Southwestern in 1978, had nowhere to go.  His journey took him all around south central Kansas and northern Oklahoma.

“My journey was easier to tell than to live,” Delaney says.  “It’s a coming of age story.  I was only in Kansas for less than six months, and had never been off campus.  I got stuck in a bad spot and had no other choice.  I went hitchhiking and all the insanity that ensued happened in five or six days.  It’s little stories from Winfield, Arkansas City, and Burden.”

Delaney, who has published a number of books, says this isn’t the way he usually goes about writing a book.

“Three years ago, I started writing about this experience,” Delaney says.  “I thought I’d write one little ditty for social media and be done with it.  Twelve chapters and a half a million readers later, I decided to tell the whole story in this book.”

The book not only tells of his wild adventure, but it also mentions several people and Cowley County businesses that he encountered along the way. 

Delaney came to Southwestern College from Levittown N.Y., on a football and track scholarship. SC was not an anomaly in recruiting young exceptional athletes from New York, specifically Long Island, according to Delaney.  “Colleges and universities across the nation did so during the late 1970s and the reasons why have prompted Delaney to helm the grass-roots documentary project, “The Devils You Knew,” (Release expected later this year).

Originally a biology major, he switched to English and drama under the tutelage of Troy Boucher, Dan Daniel and Darnell Lautt.  

“These guys were incredible,” Delaney says.  “At SC at the time there was an atmosphere of exploration where the instructors would allow you pretty much do what you wanted. You could workshop short stories and actually get them ready for professional submission. If you had written a play there was a good chance you would get to see it performed. It was brave at the time and there were few, if any, undergrad programs in the country that would allow that kind of access and development.”

After graduating with a bachelor of arts degree and as a Masterbuilder in 1982, Delaney received his first publication in 1983 and has been published and produced writer ever since. He returned to SC as the drama department’s technical director in 1984.  Throughout his SC experiences Doug learned, and was encouraged, not to confine himself to any one genre. His success in short fiction, non-fiction, fiction, drama, and film is a reflection of that tutelage.

“It took me many years to realize how special those programs were,” Delaney says.  “I’ve lectured at some pretty big schools and was amazed to talk to kids, especially playwrights, who could barely get a classroom reading of their work done, let alone a full production.  And the real bonus was aside from the writing, you really learned the nuts and bolts of all it takes to put on a show. Knowing those technical requirements and restrictions helped you write a better, and more accessible piece of work. In a way, without knowing it, I was very spoiled.” 

Four of Delaney’s published plays that have gone onto productions all over the country, and have won numerous contests and awards, were first performed on the stages of Southwestern College.  Among his many awards are New York’s Broadway Tomorrow Award and Los Angeles’ Critics Drama-Logue for his plays “LaFitte!” and “My Last Confession.”  His screenplay for the film “All Roads Lead Home” was the recipient of the Los Angeles Family Film Festival’s Best Picture award. His non-fiction expose` “Tower Dogs: Life Inside the Deadliest Job in America” has been critically acclaimed and is required reading at The University of Alabama. And showing no signs of slowing down, his latest play, “Where’s Bucky?” will receive its World Premiere in Smithville, Texas, in April and May of 2023.   

All the gifts for Step Up have been entered and we are excited to report that 392 donors contributed a total of $263,252 to the Builder Fund as part of the 2023 Step Up Day of Giving effort. 

Together, we far surpassed our initial goal of $177,000. This, in itself, is an incredible accomplishment, but perhaps more heartening is the number of donors participating, 392 represents a new record for our Day of Giving. Additionally, faculty and staff gathered last week at the Dole Alumni House to celebrate their collective participation, also a record for the day. 

Many thanks to those of you who work as ambassadors and advocates of our college. We heard there were many of you calling and emailing fellow Builders on March 23. You were offering matching dollars and challenges. You shared our social media posts and encouraged your personal networks to Step Up. That effort contributed greatly to our success. Thank you for gifting your time and energy to support SC. 

In a year when we at the college are working hard to confront challenges head-on and are making a bold plan to move forward, it is encouraging to know that so many are simultaneously investing in the experience of our students and in the future of Southwestern.

Please know that all of us on campus are encouraged and incredibly grateful for your support. Your investment in our college is meaningful and it makes all the difference! 

As Founders Weekend and Commencement approach, so does the end of our fiscal year, we still have dollars to raise in support of the Builder Fund. We also have exciting work to do together on campus as we finalize a strategic plan that will guide Southwestern into a new era. All gifts to the Builder Fund go a long way to help sustain and propel the missional work of Southwestern College. I ask that you continue to invest in Southwestern in ways that you're able.

Again, thank you for your help in making our day of giving a great success, and thank you for continuing to Step Up for Southwestern. 

Sending gratitude your way from the top of the 77 steps –

Kaydee Riggs-Johnson '11
Vice President for Advancement, Communications, and Marketing

Meals and refreshments will be served for the Hall of Fame entrants and their friends and families.  Reservations are required by April 10.  For more information, contact Ashlee Mayo, director of alumni engagement, at (620) 229-6155.

Hall of Fame festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, with a dinner in Deets Library for those entering the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame for the Social Sciences.  The induction ceremony will begin at 6:15 p.m. The cost is $25, limited seating is available, and RSVP is necessary.

On Saturday, April 22, the Business Hall of Fame reception will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Christy lobby, followed immediately by the induction ceremony at 8:45 a.m., in Richardson Performing Arts Center; RSVP is appreciated. 

At 10:15 a.m., a reception will be held for the inductees of the Fine Arts Hall of Fame in the Christy lobby followed by the induction ceremony at 10:30 a.m., in Richardson Performing Arts Center; RSVP is appreciated.   

A luncheon will be held for the Educators Hall of Fame in Deets Library at noon, with the induction ceremony to begin at approximately 12:45 p.m.  Lunch cost is $25, seating is limited, and RSVP is needed.

Area inductees include:

Barbara (Chapman) White ’80.  White, a 2020 inductee into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, will enter the Southwestern College Educators Hall of Fame.  She is a 1980 graduate of Southwestern College, earning her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education. She also earned a master of arts degree in educational psychology with an emphasis in gifted education from Wichita State University.  She has earned numerous awards including being a Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) Congressional Region IV Awardee and state Finalist and member of the state KTOY team in 1995.  She was a Presidential Award of Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching state finalist in 1996.  She received the Richard LeMaster Teacher of Excellence Award USD 353 in 1996 and the Friends of Special Education USD 353 Golden Apple Award in 2015.

Brent Wolf ’03/’15, will enter the Educators Hall of Fame. Wolf is the Principal at Derby Hills Elementary School in Derby, as well as a member of the board of education for USD 465 Winfield.  Prior to becoming principal, Wolf taught elementary and middle school for 16 years. For approximately 10 years, he has taught as an adjunct professor at Baker University, Southwestern College, Wichita State University, and Cowley College. Wolf has been recognized with several honors including making the first-ever website for Winfield Public Schools with his students through the GenY program. In 2015, he was named the KAKE News Golden Apple Award Recipient. In 2017, Wolf was Derby Public School’s Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Tabatha (McMullen) Rosproy ’09, will enter the Educators Hall of Fame.  She is a 13-year early childhood educator, and the first preschool teacher to ever be named National Teacher of the Year. She was awarded this honor in 2020 and has spent the last several years speaking for organizations around the country, elevating the work of early childhood educators and the students and families they serve. Rosproy has transitioned into a new role with Kansas Parent Information Resource Center where she travels the state training schools on best practices in Early Childhood Education and Family Engagement.

Roger Moon ’70 (posthumous) and Allyson (Stark) Moon ’76 will enter the Fine Arts Hall of Fame. In the summer of 1987, the Horsefeathers and Applesauce Summer Dinner Theatre was brought back into production, and the Moon’s assisted in the process. As a follow-up to that return, Southwestern offered them positions in theatre starting in the summer of 1988. Roger became the director of theatre and Allyson became a member of the theatre faculty and the managing director of the summer theatre program. For the next 30 years, the Moon’s collaborated on class and degree offerings, student advising, recruitment, theatrical productions, and summer theatre programming. In the summers, they acted, designed lights, built sets, served dinners, and did whatever was needed to get the show up.  In 1999 and 2006, productions directed by Roger were selected to perform at the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). Roger and Allyson’s work as directors and educators resulted in numerous commendations from KCACTF for their students and for them. In 2007, Roger and Allyson were honored with the KCACTF’s highest honor, the Gold Medallion. Throughout the 2010 school year, Roger advised the process of the Richardson Auditorium renovation which re-opened in 2011 as the Richardson Performing Arts Center. He continued his work as an advisor guiding the renovation of the TOMARI Technical Center which opened in 2014. In 2012, Allyson was honored with the Charles H. and Vera R. Kopke Award for Distinguished Teaching. Her work with creativity theory and improvisational acting contributed to this honor. In the spring of 2016, Southwestern sent Roger to China as a visiting professor where he taught English to college students and strengthened relationships with a cooperating university in Huangshan. After returning, Roger taught for two more years and retired in the spring of 2018. Allyson continued as director of theatre until the fall of 2021 and as a member of the theatre faculty through the spring of 2023. In the fall of 2020, both Roger and Allyson were recognized for their teaching on both the high school and college levels with the receipt of the Mary Jane Teal Award for Outstanding Theatre Educators. 

Tim Shook will enter the Fine Arts Hall of Fame.  Shook has been a Southwestern College faculty member since 1988 and served as chair of the performing arts division for 13 years. He collaborated with faculty members and administration on Southwestern College projects such as forming the Cole Family Summer Music Festival, creating the Community Music School, producing the Fine Arts Hall of Fame, and renovating the Richardson Performing Arts Center. Tim’s heart is in exceptional teaching, confirmed by receiving the Charles H. and Verda R. Kopke Award for Distinguished Teaching at Southwestern College and the United Methodist Exemplary Teaching Award.

David Nichols ’60 (posthumous) will enter the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame. At SC, Nichols taught economics, became chair of the business division, and then moved on to the development office, where he oversaw a major capital campaign. From there, he became the academic dean of Southwestern College and served in this role for 11 years. As academic dean, Nichols had many accomplishments including adding tenure for faculty, reworking the college’s accreditation evaluation, and starting the program for giving undergraduate students access to laptop computers. During his retirement, he established himself as one of the leading scholars on Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency. He published three books during this time, all of which are considered groundbreaking within scholarship on Eisenhower’s presidency: “A Matter of Justice: Eisenhower and the Beginning of the Civil Rights Revolution” (Simon & Schuster, 2007); “Eisenhower 1956: The President’s Year of Crisis—Suez and the Brink of War” (Simon & Schuster, 2011); and “Ike and McCarthy: Dwight Eisenhower’s Secret Campaign Against Joseph McCarthy” (Simon & Schuster, 2017). These three books continue to be debated amongst U.S. presidential historians and taught in both graduate and undergraduate classes throughout the United States, including the criminal justice and political science departments at Southwestern.

The weekend celebration will conclude with the inauguration of President Liz Frombgen at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, in Richardson Performing Arts Center.

See Full Founders Weekend Schedule

“Our current and future students, faculty, and staff need the support of alumni and friends of the college now more than ever,” says Southwestern College President Liz Frombgen.  “A gift to the Builder Fund helps us meet current needs across campus and in doing so helps to secure the future of our college – we are grateful to those who will step up for Southwestern in this moment.”

Gifts may be made online at www.sckans.edu/stepup, by stopping in at the Dole Alumni office at 201 N. College in Winfield, or by calling (620) 229-6397. The college is also encouraging supporters to share their pride for Southwestern on Thursday, by connecting with fellow alumni, wearing SC apparel, or by sharing support of the college on social media pages.

“Much of our identity as Moundbuilders is rooted in the ideals of care and service,” said Kaydee Riggs-Johnson, vice president for advancement, communications, and marketing. “Step Up creates a moment for us to collectively care for the future of our college, sharing our love for Southwestern through ambassadorship and philanthropic investment. It will be an exciting day at Southwestern as we connect with Builders and supporters from all over the world and work to surpass our goal, to strengthen our college.”

Step Up for Southwestern

In October, Doramus-Kinley became the first female in Kansas to wear the white hat and officiate a high school football game in the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League.  She followed that up by being on the first KCAC playoff crew selected and the first female to officiate the NAIA National Football Championship in December held in Durham, N.C. She was also recognized as the first female to officiate a National Football Championship at any level.

Doramus-Kinley graduated from Southwestern College in 1998 with a bachelor of science degree.  While at SC, she excelled in the classroom as well as on the volleyball and basketball court.  She then earned her postgraduate degree at West Virginia University.  She knew she couldn’t play sports forever but still wanted to be a part of the game.  So she took up officiating.

Volleyball officiating came first followed by basketball.  Four years ago, she decided to take up officiating football.  She attended many camps and clinics to perfect her craft.  She started as a back judge, then moved to line judge before getting the opportunity to be the referee, otherwise known as the “white hat" this past high school season. 

“There were some nerves for sure, especially with the TV cameras for that game as well as working a National Championship game on ESPN3" she says.  “I hope little girls see me out there and know that they can do it too.  I tell my son that he can do, and be, anything he wants to be if he puts in the work and keeps striving to achieve his dreams.”

Doramus-Kinley points out that the support and love that she received from her parents has led her to her successes.

“My parents have been so dedicated and supportive,” she says.  “When I was playing at Southwestern, they never missed a game; they were always in the stands.”

She also credits the faculty at SC.

“Claudia Geer and Phil Schmidt stick out to me,” Doramus-Kinley says.  "They were my advisors and placed me in spots to succeed.”

Doramus-Kinley and her husband, Keith, also a Southwestern graduate, live in Wichita.  Her schedule is hectic with her job as a CARE consultant for UMR, currently officiating high school and college basketball games, and is an adjunct professor at Southwestern this semester teaching game rules and officiating. In that class, she is focused on teaching more than just rules of the game.  She is educating students about the importance of goal setting, mental training and conflict management. She says that with all of that, family comes first for her.

“Sleep is probably the one thing that gets the least attention right now,” she says.  “But my family always comes first.  I make sure that I'm the first person my son sees in the morning. Especially with officiating, my days can be challenging, but the athletes deserve the best, and that is what I am trying to do every time I step on the court or the field.”

The celebration will begin at 5 p.m., with a reception and dinner (cost is $28 per person, seating is limited, and RSVPs are necessary) in Deets Library. The induction ceremony will begin following dinner at approximately 6 p.m., and all are invited to attend (no reservations are required). To make reservations, contact Ashlee Mayo, director of alumni engagement, (620) 229-6155, or Tamara McEwen, chair of the Natural Science division at (620) 229-6191.

This hall of fame honors Southwestern College alumni who have made significant contributions in the natural sciences.

2022 Inductees

Lisa (Ashenfelter) Braun ’98, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in health, physical education, and recreation. During her time at Southwestern, she played volleyball and basketball.  Braun became an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team from 1998-2000. In 2001 Braun was hired as the first female athletic trainer at Southwestern and provided coverage for all the teams while starting an accredited athletic training program so Southwestern could begin to offer a major in athletic training. She has been a board-certified athletic trainer since 2000. In 2002 she earned a Master of Education degree in exercise science from Wichita State University. During this time, she completed an internship with the WNBA’s Portland Fire. In 2003 Braun was named director of the athletic training program and was promoted to assistant professor.  Southwestern successfully gained accreditation in 2004 and maintained the accredited program until it phased out after the graduating class of 2021 due to changes in the profession moving to a masters-level degree. Over those years, she was promoted to associate professor and awarded tenure. Braun is now in charge of the physical performance and sports studies major (PPSS) and advises students majoring in PPSS as well as those students who hope to become athletic trainers. Lisa and her husband, Jason, live north of Cambridge and have two sons, James and Logan.

Michael Cargill ’77, left Kansas following graduation and traveled to Illinois and became the Site Superintendent at Fulton County Camping and Recreation, a large camping and fishing area. Cargill and his crew modernized the camping area by adding electrical hookups, restroom and shower facilities, and improved fishing with the application of fishery management techniques. There is where he perfected his fishery management skills. Ten years later Cargill transitioned from Site Superintendent to Zookeeper at Glen Oak Zoo in Peoria, Ill. There he was promoted to Curator of Education and later to the Curator of Operations. Cargill developed an educational program “Eli the elephant” which was nominated in 1987 as the outstanding educational program by the American Zoological Association. Ten years later he moved back to Kansas as the Director of Public Lands and Director of Brit Spaugh Zoo in Great Bend. As Director of Public Lands, Cargill was identified as “One of the Most 10 Influential Individuals” by the “Great Bend Tribune.” Later the zoo received a million-dollar grant and raised additional monies to construct “Central Kansas Raptor Rehabilitation Center.” After 19 years at the zoo, Cargill decided to dedicate the remaining time left in his career to teaching science and returned to school where he received a teaching license. Today, Cargill teaches in Stafford, where he has enjoyed teaching science for the past 12 years. While developing a professional resume he also developed Project Save, an organization dedicated to environmental education, using free-flighted birds and various reptiles. Project Save has traveled across the county, encouraging young people to protect the environment, stay in school, and excel in math and science. 

Dr. Bryan Dennett '92. Dennett is a member of the 2022 induction class but will be formally recognized at the 2023 induction ceremony.

To see Southwestern College's halls of fame and a full list of inductees visit sckans.edu/hof.        

2022 Natural Science Hall of Fame | November 12

Saturday, November 12
Deets Library

5:00 pm Natural Science Hall of Fame Dinner RSVP Required
6:00 pm Natural Science Hall of Fame Ceremony

A total of 15 entries are entered in the parade, including Homecoming king and queen candidates. They are: Cierra Harrison, Jasmin Hauska, KenTayshija Pruitt, Jen Garcia, Daegiona Wilson, Hunter Clift, Caleb Worsham, Eric Farbes, Dalton Ward, and Slavoski Wright. 

The full schedule of Southwestern College Homecoming activities can be found at https://www.sckans.edu/homecoming. 

Kara (Beal) Westrup

Kara (Beal) Westrup had a decorated career in women’s basketball. She was a three-time All-KCAC First Team selection, twice unanimously, a 2008-2009 Honorable Mention All-American, and led the nation in free throw percentage in 2009. She currently ranks second in all-time free-throw-made percentage (87%), fifth in most career points (1,327), sixth in most three-point shots made (162), and 10th in most points in a season (461, 2007-08).  She was an academic All-American and a member of the Deans Honor Roll in 2007, 2008, and 2009 and was also inducted into the Order of the Mound in 2009. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in sports management and earned a masters of business administration degree.  Westrup lives in Denver with her husband, Ryan, and their 16-month-old son, Hudson.  She is a registered dietician at Kara Westrup Nutrition.

Matt Welch

Matt Welch participated in football from 1981-84 at Southwestern College. Welch played guard and was a three-time All-Conference selection, twice unanimously, and an All-District selection in 1984.  He was a part of two KCAC Championship teams, played in two bowl games, and one national playoff appearance.  He was an assistant coach at Southwestern from 1985-2001 and was a part of five more KCAC Championships, three playoff appearances, and one more bowl game.  Welch and his wife, Kim, have three children and four grandchildren.  They live in Forney, Texas, on Lake Ray Hubbard, 15 miles east of Dallas.

Mike McCoy

Mike McCoy is being inducted into the Southwestern Hall of Fame in the meritorious category, due to his lifetime of support for Moundbuilder Athletics. McCoy, who played football during his years at Southwestern, earned a bachelor of science degree in education at Southwestern and a master of science degree in sports management from the University of Kansas. McCoy has enjoyed success as a general manager and administrator for arena football.  He was the GM for the Wichita Stealth, Wichita Aviators, and Nebraska Danger; was a consulting GM for the Wichita Falls (Texas) team, and the director for business development and expansion for the Indoor Football League.  McCoy has earned several awards including the 2002 General Manager of the Year by Arena Football 2, 2003 Professional Sports Administrator of the Year by Wichita State Univ., Franchise of the Year while with the Wichita Wild, and Executive of the Year and Franchise of the Year with the Nebraska Danger. McCoy was the director of athletics at Southwestern College for four years. McCoy is an instructor in the sports management department at Wichita State University.  He and his wife, Anne, have five children and 11 grandchildren, and reside in Wichita.

Dave Denly

Dave Denly began coaching Southwestern College women’s basketball in 1998 and after 18 seasons at the helm, he became the all-time winningest coach in Lady Builder history.  He finished his SC career with an overall record of 348-171.  He has continued his coaching at Bellevue (Neb.) with a 111-73 record.  While at SC, Denly’s teams enjoyed a tremendous amount of team and individual success.  He led SC to seven straight 20-win seasons, and seven NAIA National Tournament appearances including five straight appearances, sweet 16 in 2004, and a final eight appearance in 2014.  His teams were nationally ranked in eight straight seasons, including a #6 final poll ranking in 2014.  Denly was named KCAC Coach of the Year in 2004, 2012, and 2014.  He coached 10 NAIA All-Americans, three KCAC Player of the Year recipients, 24 KCAC First Team All-Conference players, 48 NAIA Academic All-Americans, and 84 KCAC Academic All-Conference athletes.  Denly is currently ranked as the 12th-winningest active coach in the NAIA.  Denly also served as Southwestern’s athletic director from 2009-15.  He and his wife, Sara, have two children, Ben (18) and Abbey (16).  

Grover Jones

Grover Jones played wide receiver for the Moundbuilder football team from 1968-71. In a game versus Ottawa in 1971, Jones caught 13 passes, a record that still stands today.  He held the record for most pass receptions in a season (64) until it was broken in 2021.  He was a team captain for the team in 1971 and 72. Jones was a co-founder of the Black Student Union and taught Black Culture for a January Term class in 1972.  He has been married to his wife, Wintze “Bunnie” Jones for 42 years.  He is a small business development consultant in St. Paul, Minn.  He and his wife have five sons, 12 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. 

“The 2022 Athletic Hall of Fame Class is a resounding example of Moundbuilder excellence," said Jamie Adams, director of athletics. “We are thrilled to induct Kara, Matt, Mike, Dave, and Grover to the Southwestern Athletic Hall of Fame. Each of them demonstrates what it means to be a Builder, not only through their athletic careers, but also in the ways they connect and engage in the communities where they live. Their athletic prowess and well-earned accolades are incredibly impressive, but it is the caliber of their character that makes the Builder family proud. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor each of them.”

The public is invited to attend the ceremony and there is no admission charge. For more information about the SC Athletic Hall of Fame or the induction ceremony, call (620) 229-6218.

Sandee McDade

The SC Ambassador Award will be presented to Winfield resident Sandee McDade. This award recognizes non-graduates of the college who have captured the Builder spirit and have served as ambassadors of goodwill for the college and the community.  

McDade, a 1973 graduate of Winfield High School, attended SC from 1973-75 before going to work at the Winfield State Hospital where she, along with four others, were in charge of the Serendipity School.  Since it was brand new at the time, they wrote the program for the school.  She then worked at William Newton Hospital as a physical therapy assistant, a job she held for 13 years, before moving on to Via Christi.  She was working at Presbyterian Manor in Arkansas City before a cancer diagnosis halted her working. McDade overcame the disease and is still getting checkups but is currently cancer free.

She has found a new passion; meeting Southwestern College students and their families, in-particular, SC baseball players.  As she describes it, a couple of players actually adopted her and so she supports them with her presence and supportive messages.  She says at 67 years old, being around campus and supporting SC students keeps her young and active.

Tabatha Rosproy

Tabatha Rosproy will receive the Young Alumni Award.  This honor is presented to a recent graduate (or graduates) who have made an outstanding commitment to the college through ambassadorship and support, including attendance at college functions and recruitment of new students.

Rosproy is a 2009 SC graduate.  She majored in early childhood education at Southwestern and participated in numerous groups including the 9 Lives Improv Comedy Troupe, theatre, Discipleship Team, and Ed Builders.  She was in the Freshman Class Council, Student Government president, orientation leader for Builder Camp, summer Builder Bound camps, and was named a Masterbuilder.

Rosproy was the 2020 National Teacher of the Year and the first preschool teacher to ever be awarded the national honor, in the history of the United States. She is well-known for helping to create a unique preschool program that is housed at Cumbernauld Village in Winfield where she came to know many community residents, who are SC alumni and serve as volunteer “grandmas” and “grandpas” in the classroom.  Rosproy taught at Cumbernauld for three years before departing for a new opportunity in Kansas City, Kansas.  

Now a 13-year veteran teacher, Rosproy has transitioned into a new role as the early childhood project coordinator for Kansas Parent Information Resource Center where she provides training around the state to school districts and organizations on best practices in early childhood education and family engagement. Rosproy is also a certified instructor for Conscious Discipline and spends her extra time speaking, training, and collaborating with educators all over the country.

She has been married to her husband, Tim, also a Southwestern graduate, for eight years. They now reside in Olathe with their four cats, Mr. Darcy, Beak, Beezus, and Frankenstein.

Steve and Sally Cauble

Steve and Sally Cauble, 1972 graduates, will receive the Outstanding Alumni Award in honor of their contributions to the college and community.

Steve attended Southwestern after graduating high school at Wichita East.  While at SC, he played tennis and was undefeated at #6 singles and claimed a KCAC league championship. He served as a student representative on the Southwestern College Board of Trustees, the first-ever student to do so.

Two weeks following his graduation from SC he was drafted and joined the Air National Guard for six years as a medic.  He served in Wichita and Memphis, Tenn. He then attended optometry school at Southern School of Optometry.  He graduated, joined, and bought a practice in Liberal in 1974.

Now retired, Steve is still busy as a Southwestern College Board of Trustees member, East Heights Methodist Church trustee, Downtown Lions Club Past President, Lion Sight Foundation board member, and a Professional Men’s Club Past President.  He has served on mission trips to Bolivia, Africa, Costa Rica, and nine times to Panama with Volunteer Optometric Service to Humanity.

Sally Cauble graduated from SC in 1972 with a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education.  While at SC, she was a member of the first dance team at the college, was voted in as secretary of the senior class, and worked on campus in the library. 

Sally taught in Fredonia, Memphis, Tenn., and in Liberal.  While in Liberal, she was the education coordinator at Liberal United Methodist Church.  She was on the school board for USD 480 and was chairman of the board.  She also served on the library board, Southwestern College Board of Trustees, the United Way Board, was elected to represent District 5 on the State Board of Education, and the Kansas Optometric Auxiliary.   She has earned many awards for her work including awards from the American Optometric Auxiliary, Kansas Optometric Association, and is a member of the Southwestern College Education Hall of Fame.

Steve and Sally were married in 1973 and have two children, Stephanie, and her husband Kevin Makalous, and Stewart and his wife, Nichele.  They also are the proud grandparents of the three granddaughters; Ashley, Allyson, and Amanda Makalous. 

Steve and Sally have been co-chairs of a capital campaign to raise money for Southwestern College and have been named the Southwest Daily Times Citizens of the Year and the Liberal Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year.       

 “We look forward to celebrating and connecting with the many wonderful alumni who come back to campus for Homecoming, but we are particularly excited to lift up these four individuals, who represent the Builder Spirit and our college in all that they do for their communities and Southwestern,” said Frombgen.

The full 2022 Alumni Homecoming schedule may be found at www.sckans.edu/homecoming.

“The alumni of Southwestern are a passionate and talented group,” said Mayo. “My goal is to help alumni find new ways to plug into Southwestern. I know doing so will enrich their lives and strengthen the college.”

The college hosts annual events on campus for alumni of the college including Homecoming (Oct. 14-16), Athletic Hall of Fame (Oct. 15), Natural Science Hall of Fame (Nov. 12), WinterFest (Dec. 4), and Founders Weekend (April 21-22). Mayo is also looking forward to planning both local and regional alumni meet-up events as well as online gatherings throughout the year.

“I’m looking forward to getting creative to reenergize our alumni base. Southwestern truly is a magical place that is made more magical by the love and support of engaged alumni, donors, and community,” said Mayo. “I am excited to support that connection, creating mutual benefit for alumni, and our beautiful little college on the hill.” 

The office of institutional advancement and alumni services is also working to update the alumni database, alumni and individuals who are affiliated with Southwestern, are invited to take a moment to update alumni information at www.sckans.edu/whatsnew. For questions or to connect, email Ashlee.Mayo@sckans.edu or call (620) 229-6155. 

The celebration will include recognition of inductees entering the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame for the Social Sciences, as well as the Fine Arts, Business, and Educators Halls of Fame. 

All of the induction ceremonies are open to the public at no cost, but there is a cost for associated meals and seating is limited for those meals. To make meal reservations, contact Ashleigh Hollis at (620) 229-6155.

Hall of fame festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 22, in Deets Library with dinner honoring the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame for the Social Sciences.  The induction ceremony will begin at 6:15 p.m. Meal cost is $20.

On Saturday, April 23, the Business of Fame breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. in Deets Library, followed immediately by the induction ceremony at 9 a.m.  The ceremony will take place in Richardson Performing Arts Center.  Meal cost is $15.

A brunch will be held for the Fine Arts Hall of Fame in Deets Library at 10 a.m., with the induction ceremony to begin at 11 a.m. in Richardson Performing Arts Center.  Meal cost is $15.

At 12:45 p.m. in Deets Library, there will be a luncheon for the Educators and Scholars Hall of Fame inductees. Lunch cost is $15. At 1:30 p.m., the induction ceremony for the Educators Hall of Fame will begin. Immediately following the Educators ceremony (at approximately 2:30 p.m.) the Scholars Hall of Fame induction ceremony will begin. 

Other events include:

Hall of Fame lecture presented by Stephen Woodburn, professor of history at Southwestern College, Friday, April 22, at 2 p.m., in Richardson Performing Arts Center. The title of his lecture is “Well, What’s Putin Gonna Do?” Woodburn has been the recipient of the Kopke, Fassnacht, United Methodist, and Student Government teaching awards during his 19 years at SC. His doctorate is in Russian history, he has completed the first English translation of three Russian books and other articles, and he has traveled to Russia in 1996, 1998, and 2005. He has practiced “armchair Kremlinology” for local audiences including Sunflower Parish, Winfield Rotary Club, and the readers of the CourierTraveler newspaper. “Despite all this,” Woodburn says with a wink, “fair warning, I don’t actually know what he will do.” 

South Kansas Symphony concert at 3 p.m., on Sunday, April 24, in Richardson Performing Arts Center.

Individuals entering the various halls of fame include:

Leaders in Service: Dr. Wallace Gray (posthumous); Rev. Jim Reed ’64; and Mona Petrocco Klein ’74.

Fine Arts: Misty Maynard ’75, Frieda Lindburg ’70, and Tom (posthumous) and Mari (Waite) Wallrabenstein ’59 and ’60.

Business: Thornton House ’94, and John Nichols ’87.  Business Builder award will be presented to RCB Bank.

Educators: Ruth Franklin McKeefery ’45 and Lynn (Bales) Hunter ’75.  Marilyn McNeish Award for Special Education – Ralph Hanna Jr. (posthumous)’60.

Southwestern College hall of fame displays are located in Mossman Hall, Darbeth Fine Arts Center, Beech Science Center, Deets Library, and Stewart Field House.

2022 Founders Weekend Schedule

“The last two years have proven that the Builder Family will Step Up for SC,” says Pat Wagner, vice president for institutional advancement.  “We are excited to announce that, again this year, every gift to the Builder Fund on March 24 will be matched.  An anonymous group of donors have stepped up to make each gift count twice as much.” 

Last year the college had a goal of raising $75,000 and was pleasantly surprised to have raised $100,000 which turned into $200,000 thanks to a matching grant.  This year the college hopes to eclipse that mark.

The funds raised through Step Up for SC support each and every student on campus by helping to provide the quality education Builders have come to expect.

Give Now

The new members are David Brooks, Ann Arbor, Mich., Scott Carter, Detroit, Mich., and Steven Short, Manhattan.

Pictured: 2021 Hall of Fame inductees Scott Carter, class of 1980 (left), Steven Short, class of 1978 (right) pose with Tammy McEwen, Associate Professor of Biology; Chair, Division of Natural Sciences following Hall of Fame induction ceremony held in Deets Library on Nov. 13. David Brooks, class of 1960, was also inducted to the hall but was unable to attend the gathering.

This hall of fame honors Southwestern College alumni who have made significant contributions in the natural sciences.

“These inductees represent the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s well,” says Pat Wagner, vice president for institutional advancement.  “Southwestern has a strong history in the natural sciences and these three new members continue that level of excellence.”

2021 Inductees

Dr. David Brooks '60 is board-certified in family practice and osteopathic manipulative medicine. He graduated from Southwestern College in 1960 with a bachelors of science in chemistry and mathematics. After a semester at the University of Kansas doing graduate studies, David was accepted into A.T. Still University of Health Sciences in Kirkville, Mo., where he completed medical school—ranking 15 out of 110 students. After completing his medical internship in 1966, Dr. Brooks entered into private practice with Dr. Charles Lyon in Ypsilanti, Mich., where they remained in partnership for 55 years. He was also on faculty at Michigan State University and on staff at Beyer Hospital in Ypsilanti for many years. Dr. Brooks and his wife, Peggy, live in Ann Arbor, Michigan where they are enjoying their retirement. They have four children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Scott Carter '80 is the Chief Life Sciences Officer for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). He is the executive leader of the mission of the DZS, including animal care, health, welfare, and conservation as well as education programs serving students of all ages in Southeast Michigan and beyond. In addition to the bachelor’s degree in biology he earned at Southwestern College, he holds a master’s degree in liberal studies from Wichita State University. He began his career as a zookeeper at the Sedgwick County Zoo and was formerly the mammal curator and director of conservation and animal welfare for the Detroit Zoo. He helped found the DZS’s Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics and helps to lead the programs of science, advocacy and training that it encompasses. A career working with and for animals has many highlights, including forming relationships with amazing animals, working in the field conducting primate surveys in the Amazon, immersion and learning in wild places all over the world, being part of what became a landmark decision to no longer house elephants for ethical reasons, and advocacy for animals and wildlife at local, state, and federal levels. He is a Professional Fellow, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and a Fellow of the Noyce Leadership Institute.

Dr. Steven Short '78 who graduated cum laude with majors in both biology and chemistry while also earning a minor in sociology. He also remained busy as a student participating in several extracurricular activities. After graduating, he attend A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo. He spent his internship in Flint, Mich., and completed his residency in 1987 in Wichita at the KU Medical Center. He then completed mission work in Bolivia. He served the Indian Health Services in Tahlequah, Okla., until 1991. He also served a pulmonary research fellowship with the Center for Disease Control from 1991 to 1995. Since then, he has served as board-certified pulmonologist with expertise in critical care and internal medicine. Dr. Short continues his private practice in Manhattan as a pulmonologist with a special emphasis in critical care and sleep medicine. Additionally, his office serves multiple other clinics in North Central and Western Kansas. He has also served a confirmation teacher his church for the last 20 years.

View the Natural Science Hall of Fame

“After completing a national search, with a large and strong pool of candidates, Pat stood out as an engaging, experienced, and talented fundraising leader,” said Andrews.
Wagner will lead a team in the office of institutional advancement responsible for alumni relations, annual fund, major gifts, and other development functions.

“His track record of success includes growing annual giving and leading capital campaigns. This, along with his experience serving at the vice-presidential level, perfectly suits him for the opportunities at Southwestern,” said Andrews.

Wagner earned his bachelor’s degree in economics at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis. He has worked in the field of advancement and fundraising for nearly 20 years, following a successful career in corporate management. Wagner served at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis., and Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, N.C., prior to his current position as vice president for development and alumni relations at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Ill.

“I am taken by Southwestern’s many meaningful traditions; the college has a rich history, and, as evidenced by impressive growth in recent years, strong momentum,” said Wagner. “When my wife and I visited Southwestern and Winfield we felt very welcome. We are looking forward to being a part of such a warm and vibrant community.” 

Wagner will begin work in the office for institutional advancement on January 14.

The new members are Angela Mayorga May, Shawnee; Kenneth Renner, Beresford, S.D.; and C. Clifford Conaway (deceased).

The celebration will begin with dinner at 5 p.m. (cost is $25 per person, seating is limited, and RSVPs are necessary) followed immediately by the induction ceremony.  To make reservations, contact Charles McKinzie, director of alumni engagement at Southwestern College, at (620) 222-1135 or email Charles.mckinzie@sckans.edu. 

This hall of fame honors Southwestern College alumni who have made significant contributions in the natural sciences.

“We are always excited to welcome new members into our halls of fame,” says McKinzie.  “It reminds us of how much we have to be proud of and how important it is for us to continue our tradition of excellence for current students. We are privileged to welcome these Moundbuilders into this prestigious hall.”

Inductees include:

• C. Clifford Conaway ’60 was a toxicologist, research scientist, and college professor whose distinguished career continued until a year before his death at age 78 in 2017. Conaway spent seven years as a project toxicologist for Texaco before moving to the American Health Foundation (Institute for Cancer Prevention) in 1986. For 17 years he did cancer research focusing on basic research on mechanisms of carcinogenesis and dietary approaches to cancer chemoprevention. He was author of 41 publications at the institute before it closed in 2004. Conaway was a consultant in environmental toxicology, carcinogenesis, and risk assessment, and was project leader for health risk evaluations on emissions from hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities for the EPA. He concluded his career teaching topics related to toxicology at Pace University and at New York Medical College. 

• Angela Mayorga May ’97 received her M.D. degree from Creighton University and completed residency training in the combined internal medicine/psychiatry program at the University of Kansas. She was recipient of the Shawn Storm Memorial Award, presented to a graduating psychiatry resident who consistently demonstrates excellence in all aspects of patient-centered care. She was selected one of four chief residents in internal medicine, holding a joint appointment in the department of psychiatry. She joined the psychiatry faculty at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2007 and holds a joint appointment as assistant professor of psychiatry and internal medicine at KU Medical Center. She also functions as residency director of the psychiatry residency program. Her principal duties are educating residents, staffing the outpatient clinic, and working as a psychiatric consultant to the solid organ transplant service.

• Kenneth J. Renner ’76 has spent his career in education and research, mostly focusing on investigating how steroid hormones affect monoaminergic transmission (dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine pathways) to alter the expression of behaviors, in particular female sexual behavior and stress responses. A faculty member at the University of South Dakota from 1994 to the present, his recent studies have examined the potential roles of organic cation transporters in mediating rapid changes in monoamine neurotransmitters in response to the stress hormone corticosterone. This raises the possibility that the corticosterone blockade of organic cation-mediated transport may contribute to rapid actions of stress hormones in the brain and affect behavioral outcomes. Dr. Renner has spent consider time optimizing and applying techniques for analysis of monoamines in his own lab and has generously shared this knowledge with other investigators. Nominated multiple times for excellence in teaching awards, Dr. Renner continues to be active in science education as a volunteer instructor for the South Dakota Governor’s camp (middle school students) and Ambassadors Camp (high school students).

Friday’s schedule includes:

• 2 to 5 p.m.— Registration for class reunions in the Christy Administration Building lobby.
• 5:30 p.m.—Junior varsity volleyball versus Kansas Wesleyan in Stewart Field House.
• 6 to 7:30 p.m. — All class Homecoming dinner, Roy L. Smith dining hall.  Recognition of 50-year class, 51 and above classes, and all class hosts.
• 7 p.m.—Varsity volleyball versus Kansas Wesleyan, Stewart Field House
• 7:30 p.m. — Kaleidoscope concert, Richardson Performing Arts Center.  SC music ensembles with the South Kansas Symphony, ($10 suggested donation, tickets available at the door).
• 9:30 p.m.  — Bonfire and pep rally, north end of the grass soccer field.

Saturday’s schedule includes:

• 9 a.m. — Homecoming parade, Main Street between 15th and 10th Street.
• 10 a.m. — Alumni registration, Stewart Field House foyer.
• 10 a.m.—Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Roy L. Smith student center dining hall.
• 10:30 a.m.—Performing arts reception, Darbeth lobby.
• 10:30 a.m.— Family Fun ’Round the Mound – Cole Mound Plaza. Concert by Worship Outreach, Royal Game Theater mobile gaming truck and more.
• 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.—Professional class photos, King Plaza, photo times (class photos will be done separately by class):  11:45 – classes of 1973, 1978; noon –classes of 1983 and 1988; 12:15 p.m. – classes of 1993 and 1998; 12:30 p.m. – classes of 2003, 2008, and 2013.
• 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Homecoming picnic, Stewart Field House, $9 per person, $4.50 for children.
• Noon – President’s Luncheon for 51+ years alumni, Country Club.
• 1:30 p.m. — Homecoming football game vs. Bethel College.
• 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Class reunion dinner gatherings. (For full details on class reunion activities, check the Homecoming website for specific class—www.sckans.edu/homecoming).
• 5:30 p.m. — Class of 1968 reunion dinner, Winfield County Club, $30 per person RSVP required.
• 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Class reunion dinner gatherings. (For full details on class reunion activities, check the Homecoming website for specific class—www.sckans.edu/homecoming).
• 5:30 p.m.—Women’s soccer versus Tabor College, Jantz Stadium.
• 8 p.m.—Men’s soccer versus Tabor College, Jantz Stadium.
• 8 p.m. — “Eternal Quest Game Show” Campus Players game show of the century, Richardson Performing Arts Center. RSVP to perform or to be a contestant. Campus Players of all ages - alumni and current students - will compete to name actors, characters, designers, song titles, play titles, and other miscellaneous tidbits of information from the 100th anniversary SC theatre season and the theatre seasons from the Homecoming 2018 reunion years.  Questions will feature super short scenes, songs, or other memorable moments from productions performed by current students and alumni volunteers.

Sunday’s schedule includes:

• 9:30 a.m. — Alumni breakfast buffet, Roy L. Smith dining hall, $7 per person.
• 10 a.m.—Class of 2010 farewell breakfast at Hunters Café, 1020 Manning.
• 10:50 a.m. — Homecoming worship service, Grace UMC, Rev. Ashley Alley Crawford ’98 guest speaker.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—Sunday brunch buffet, Roy L. Smith dining hall, $8 per person.
• 6 p.m. – SC Youth Symphony Concert – RPAC. $8 adults/$5 children (5-18)/Free children under 5

The new members are Brad Weigle, Koloa, Hawaii, and Terra Ceia, Fla.; James Anderson, Duncan, S.C.; and Ernest Reid (deceased).

This hall of fame honors Southwestern College alumni who have made significant contributions in the natural sciences.

“We are always excited to welcome new members into our halls of fame,” says Charles McKinzie, director of alumni engagement at Southwestern College.  “It reminds us of how much we have to be proud of and how important it is for us to continue our tradition of excellence for current students. We are privileged to welcome these Moundbuilders into this prestigious hall.”

Inductees include:

James A. Anderson ’62 is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of South Carolina Upstate.  From 1989 to 2007 he was professor of mathematics at the school, where he chaired the Division of Mathematics and Computer Science. He was awarded the first University Annual Award for Scholarly and/or Creative Pursuits. He also had been director of academic computing and coordinator of computer sciences at Emporia State University, and for six years was a software engineer and research scientist at Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His duties there included technical responsibility for the eight ground software systems of NASA’s Galileo Space Project, which contained more than two million lines of code and involved more than two hundred personnel. His 40 publications in number theory, abstract algebra, and computer science include four books.

Ernest W. Reid 1916 was a chemical engineer who became a pioneer in using agricultural products to produce chemicals. He was associated with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research in Pittsburgh when he received his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. During World War II, Dr. Reid helped establish the chemicals branch of the Office of Production Management (which became the War Production Board) and served as its deputy director general and head of its chemicals division. Reid left that board in 1943 to become vice president of Corn Products Refining. After organizing the chemical division and directing research and development he was named a director in 1947 and president in 1951. He was board chairman from 1956 to his retirement in 1958. Dr. Reid was awarded the medal of the Society of Chemical Industry in 1951. He died in 1966.

Brad Weigle ’72 was hired as a research scientist at the Florida Marine Research Institute in St. Petersburg even before he finished his graduate degree at the University of South Florida.  His thesis, a study on the abundance and movement of bottlenose dolphins through Tampa Bay, preceded 13 years leadership of statewide manatee, dolphin, and whale studies. A pioneer in the work of Geographic Information systems, he initiated the vector mapping system for the laboratory; this became a valuable tool for storage and analysis of environmental data. Weigle transitioned into private industry and managed a national GIS contract with the USDA Forest Service. During 17 years he completed more than 30 projects. He retired in 2016 and is now mapping remote areas of Kauai as a volunteer at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens.

It’s a rare Southwestern student who doesn’t hear the same advice Aidan Goodrich heard as a new freshman: “You’re going to get out of it what you put into it,” someone told him.

It’s a rare student, though, who takes this advice as seriously as Goodrich. He graduated from SC in May with a biology degree. But in addition to the activities expected of a biology major (Beta Beta Beta, Pi Gamma Mu) he completed internships with Legacy Regional Community Foundation, SeaWorld Orlando, and the Georgia Aquarium. He was a member of the Leadership Team and was also elected a MasterBuilder.

“I was excited – I wanted to do things, challenge myself, learn about myself,” he says. “If there’s anything you’re passionate about, you’re going to put a lot of energy into it, and one thing led to another.”

When meeting with prospective students as an ambassador he shared that they were in for a special experience.

“I told them they were going to learn a lot about themselves, and other people, and the world, but they were also going to learn the spirit of service,” he says. “Our college is built on four pillars – knowledge, hope, courage, and freedom—but the fifth invisible pillar is service.”

Now Goodrich is working as a husbandry assistant in the animal training department of SeaWorld San Antonio, and spends his days observing killer whale calves, feeding sea otters, and caring for sea lions.

“It’s exactly what I was hoping it would be, and more,” he says – just like his Southwestern experience.

Kayla Demel admits that she came to Southwestern to play basketball, but that decision opened the door to more than she ever expected.

“I saw upperclassmen getting involved, and I thought ‘I want to do that – I want to be an RA, and be involved in Builder Camp, and in student government, and in things I’m passionate about.’”

During her freshman year, Kayla admits, she was mostly focused on basketball and hanging out with friends.

“School wasn’t the first thing on my mind all the time, but then I realized I was only in college for four years,” she says. “I had to be ready to make decisions, and decisions you make in college are going to affect you for the rest of your life.”

Seeing older students model the possibilities Southwestern offered turned into a whirlwind of activities for Demel, who graduated in May as SGA president, student ambassador, treasurer of the Athletic Training Society, and member of the Pre-Health Professionals organization. And she continued to play basketball – she was an NAIA Div. II scholar-athlete and participated in all 31 games during her senior season.

“I told (dean of students) Dan Falk in February that my main goal was to leave Southwestern better than I found it, and I think I did that,” she says.

Next up for Kayla is a position with Advanced Orthopedic Associates in Wichita, where she will be working with a surgeon as a physician extender and athletic trainer.

For a quarter of a century the college needed David Nichols to serve in a progression of roles. Though he considered opportunities elsewhere he was compelled to stay at SC. He taught economics, headed the business department, led institutional advancement, and finally was vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college before he retired in 2003. And still, he says, he didn’t find out what he was really good at until he left SC.

(Pictured: David Nichols signs copies of his latest book about Dwight Eisenhower during an event on the Southwestern campus April 27. The book has been favorably reviewed by major national media.)

Today Nichols is a nationally-recognized author who is being called the foremost scholar on the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. His latest book, Ike and McCarthy, was released in March 2017 and has been favorably reviewed by such media as the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Atlantic Monthly, and the Dallas Morning News. It was called “a thrilling new history” by The Daily Beast.

“I wasn’t going to play golf, and I needed something to do,” Nichols explains his late-life career as an author. Trained as a historian (his doctorate from College of William and Mary was in history), he told colleagues when he retired that he planned to write a book. Few predicted how successful he would be, though.

Abilene, he explains, was close and cheap so he decided to concentrate his research on the 34th president. Overlooked by East Coast scholars because of its out-of-the-way location, Eisenhower’s presidential library turned out to be a researcher’s treasure trove and Nichols reveled in the information he found.

An editor at Simon and Schuster took an interest in Nichols’ work, and in 2007 the respected publisher released A Matter of Justice: Eisenhower and the Beginning of the Civil Rights Revolution. This was followed in 2011 by Eisenhower 1956: The President’s Year of Crisis – Suez and the Brink of War.

Critics took note of the books, with the Christian Science Monitor calling Year of Crisis one of “seven history books worth checking out in 2011.”

With the publication of Ike and McCarthy, Nichols has taken his place as the nation’s foremost expert on the Eisenhower presidency. National book tours, media interviews, and a second printing have followed its March 21 release.

“It’s the best written of the three books by far,” Nichols admits. “It’s not a who-done-it, it’s a how-done-it. It’s like a Sherlock Holmes mystery.”

At the center of the book is the fascinating general who became a president.

“Eisenhower was deceptive, almost to a fault,” Nichols says. “He appeared to be a bumbling grandfather in public but behind the scenes he was profane, ruthless, tough. When he finally went to war he could be lethal. He was both ethical and ruthless, which is a strange mixture.”

Now that Nichols has taken his place as a leading presidential scholar, he looks back on the careers that came before, and the Southwestern influence that occurred during his student days even before these careers began.

“During that transformative (for me) 1956-60 period, I learned that I – this untutored farm kid – could be a lifelong learner. Since then, I have lived by the maxim: ‘A liberal arts education equips you to learn whatever you have to learn to do whatever you have to do,’” Nichols says. “That principle has informed my life right up to and including the new book.”

“I’m a teacher at heart,” he says, “but if I had only been a classroom teacher I wouldn’t have understood Eisenhower.”

Moundbuilders meet in the most unexpected places, as Kent Lundy ’90 and Kevin Galo ’14 discovered during the past year. Chaplain (Maj.) Lundy, a member of the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard, and Staff Sgt. Galo, an active duty U.S. Air Force Security Forces member from F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, were deployed to Eskan Village in Saudi Arabia from July 2016 to January 2017 as members of the 879th Expeditionary Security Forces squadron. Eskan Village is a United States Secretary of State Training Mission compound where approximately 1,000 military members and contractors live and work. The 879th provided the force protection for the entire compound.

“We did not know each other before we arrived,” Lundy says. “We realized the connection one day when Kevin was talking with me about the incredible military-friendly college he was attending!”

Lundy earned his SC bachelor of arts in 1990, and Galo finished his criminal science degree from Professional Studies in 2014. In addition to his military duties Lundy is a full-time elder in the Indiana conference of the United Methodist Church, and as of July 1 will be senior pastor of Churubusco United Methodist Church.

“And yes,” Lundy adds, “we both deployed with our SC T-shirts.”

This year’s inductees included:
•         Eric Kurtz ’92 is CEO and president of Union State Bank, the culmination of a career that began immediately after graduation. Kurtz progressed from night processor to senior vice president of Pioneer Bank and Trust in Ponca City before the bank was acquired in 2006. During his tenure the group became one of only three Oklahoma banks with Preferred Lender Program status with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Following acquisition by RCB Bank, Kurtz became senior vice president of commercial lending. In 2009, he joined Union State Bank. He became president of the bank in 2011, rising to CEO and president in 2014. During his tenure, the bank has expanded into Bartlesville, Okla., and Wichita, acquired RelianzBank, and has been recognized as one of the healthiest banks in the nation. 
 •      Brian Pettey ’96 is CEO of Robotzone, LLC, a business he founded in a Reid residence hall room during his senior year at Southwestern. Located in Winfield, the initial focus of Robotzone was designing and manufacturing robots and robotic components for educational purposes. In 2002, Robotzone began developing more advanced products that were suited for more diverse markets. Robotzone has assisted companies with NASA missions, had robots displayed at the Kennedy Space Center, and constructed robots to help kids learn in thousands of classrooms worldwide. Pettey has also assisted in the development of robots used to protect solders in war zones as well as in television programs and movies. Currently, Robotzone is designing a modular robotic construction system. Pettey has invented numerous products and holds more than 30 patents.
•       Dennis Hodges ’81 is the founder/CEO of Creatalyst, a global strategy boutique that teaches executives, educators, students, and entrepreneurs how to unlock creativity and drive innovation.  Hodges started with a self-designed degree in aesthetics and humanities that taught him to see relationships and connections among seemingly dissimilar items. This set the course for his life’s work, which combines photography, creativity, and strategy. Living for 14 years in Hungary taught him to look at issues from multiple perspectives and appreciate the local nuances that shape world views. He has worked on five continents, including speaking at TEDx Danubia. His work has been shown globally and is in the permanent collection of museums and private collectors.  Dennis also launched the lifestyle brand Dream. Believe. Do. and hosts its podcast.
•    Kline Motors was established in 1963 by Don and Virginia Kline as a family-owned business and has served Winfield and the Cowley County area for more than half a century. Its mission stresses the company’s commitment to the community. Pat Biddle started his career in 1975 in the service and parts departments and continued the tradition of supporting the community that included Southwestern College as he assumed leadership of the company. Kline Motors is now a third-generation business with Pat’s son, Jeremy, set to take ownership of the business. Following in the family footsteps, Jeremy’s son, Wyatt, 14, works summers in the dealership. 
 

From Zimbabwe to Chapel Hill

by Zach Read - zachary.read@unchealth.unc.edu

Nearly a decade ago, fearing for her life, UNC medical student Tendai Kwaramba fled Zimbabwe and the ruthless regime of Robert Mugabe. Today, she's a political refugee living in the United States, on her way to becoming a physician.

In December 2008, as Tendai Kwaramba crossed the southern border of Zimbabwe into South Africa, she wondered if she would see her native country again. She was 18 years old, had just graduated from high school, and was fleeing to the United States, where her mother, Christinah, and brother, Farai, awaited her...

Read Full Article

The goal of the Giving Tuesday movement is to pause and focus on serving others. After two days for getting deals – Black Friday and Cyber Monday – Giving Tuesday is a day for giving back, says Jessica Dibble, director of annual fund for Southwestern College.  The day is an opportunity to raise money for local nonprofits, schools and arts organizations; run food and clothing drives; teach children about philanthropy; encourage acts of kindness; collaborate with neighbors; and celebrate generosity.

Since Southwestern began promoting Giving Tuesday to in 2014, significant funds have been raised for the college’s Builder Fund. In the past two years more than $20,000 have been raised from Giving Tuesday gifts.

“We have been very excited by the response to Giving Tuesday,” Dibble says.  “We are hopeful that Builder Nation will once again help us participate in this extraordinary day of generosity.”

Annual fund gifts collected for the Builder Fund are unrestricted, which allows Southwestern to be responsive to emerging opportunities and fund quality enhancements across the campus. 

Giving Tuesday donors are encouraged to support Southwestern  by mailing Intuitional Advancement at 100 College Street Winfield, KS 67156, calling 620-229-6279, or making a secure gift online at www.sckans.edu/makeagift.

Southwestern College is a private institution granting undergraduate and graduate degrees and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.  About 1,700 students attend classes at the main Winfield campus, at six professional studies sites in Kansas and Oklahoma, or online around the world.

The new members are Charles Hunter, Winfield; Gerald “Eddie” Weigle, Burden; and Arthur Hertzler (deceased). The hall of fame plaques will be on display prior to the 5 p.m. dinner in the Deets Library.  The induction ceremony will begin at the conclusion of the meal.  
This hall of fame honors Southwestern College alumni who have made significant contributions in the natural sciences.

“The legacy of Southwestern College’s natural science program has been in place for over 100 years, as is evidenced by the induction of this year’s notable alumni,” says Susan Lowe, director of alumni programs at Southwestern. “Dr. Arthur Hertzler, class of 1896, was a man ahead of his time in the field of medicine, and the education background he received at Southwestern undoubtedly was a part of that success.  The other two 2016 inductees bear witness to the fact that this legacy remains as strong as ever.  It is truly an honor to recognize these outstanding individuals for their work.”

Inductees include:
•    K. Charles “Charlie” Hunter ’67 turned his fascination with invertebrate animals and his love for teaching into a 42-year career on the Southwestern College faculty. He returned to the college as a sabbatical replacement in 1974 after earning his graduate degrees from the University of Oregon, but plans for a short stay changed when he fell in love with undergraduate teaching and the quality and character of SC students. During this time, he fostered undergraduate research and designed a number of courses that continued to be taught at SC, including his favorite, Animal Physiology. He was the driving force behind SC’s marine biology program and for 16 summers taught students (including Moundbuilders) at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. Hunter’s awards included several SGA Faculty Citations, the Kopke Distinguished Teaching Award, and the United Methodist Exemplary Teacher Award.

•    Gerald E. Weigle II ’93 received undergraduate degrees in both biology/chemistry and physics from Southwestern and a master’s in electrical engineering from Kansas State University before going to work for Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. While at SwRI he worked on software for numerous NASA spacecraft missions, including Deep Impact, Cassini (Saturn), New Horizons (Pluto), and the Curiosity Rover (Mars). Weigle took on leadership of several of the project: On the Pluto project he was lead engineer for operations, and he was software project manager for the Curiosity Rover. He left SwRI in 2013 to move home to Burden, Kan., where he formed Big Head Endian LLC. The professional engineering and software firm continues to work on the projects Weigle had at SwRI, in addition to new mission work. 

•    Arthur E. Hertzler, class of 1896, was known as the “Horse and Buggy Doctor” and brought health care to Kansas which rivaled that found anywhere at the time.  Having received his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School, Dr. Hertzler continued with three years of intensive medical study in Berlin before returning to Kansas.  His reputation for diagnosis and treatment was well known and physicians from a wide area consulted with him.  Hertzler had been offered a position as Professor of Anatomy at Northwestern, but chose instead to establish the Halstead (Kan.) Hospital in 1902.  During that same year, he accepted a position to teach pathology, histology, surgery, and gynecology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, although he still held office hours two days a week in Halstead.  In 1946, after more than 50 years of 18-hour days, Hertzler retired.  The legacy of this outstanding Kansas country doctor lives on through the Hertzler Research Foundation, Agnes Hertzler Memorial Clinic, Kansas Health Museum, and Halstead Hospital. 

Pat Ross, chair of the division of natural sciences and mathematics at Southwestern, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the induction.  Prior to the hall of fame inductions, there will be introductions of the science advisory council members, biology activity grant scholars, internship participants, and the Tri-Beta officers.

View the online Natural Science Hall of Fame gallery here.

For more information about the Natural Science Hall of Fame, contact Lowe at (620) 229-6334.

• Nathan L. Eckert '01 is one of the nation’s foremost authorities in the propagation and culture of freshwater mussels. After earning his master’s degree from Missouri State University, he was hired by the Virginia Department of Game and Freshwater Fisheries to run their Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center for the purpose of freshwater mussel restoration. In 2010 he took a position raising freshwater mussels for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Genoa (Wis.) National Fish Hatchery.  Over the first decade of his career he was responsible for the production of over 20 million juvenile mussels of 38 species, 14 of which are federally endangered.  In 2014 he received the Rachel Carson Award for Scientific Excellence in recognition of his creativity and tenacity in developing new techniques for culturing freshwater mussels.
• Harold E. “Gene” Miller ’62 was a senior principle scientist for General Mills Research Center from 1968 to 2002. During his research and development there, he was heavily involved in development of one of the company’s most popular products, Cheerios. His research resolved details of the chemical activity during processing that provides stability to oxidative rancidity in cereals.  He led research that gained important cost reduction regarding vitamin and mineral use and won FDA approval to label high purity limestone as calcium. The team documented phytochemicals and micronutrients in whole grain products, providing new information to help explain positive health benefits of whole grains besides their fiber content, and he was principal researcher on a paper that compared the antioxidant activity of whole grain, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals to that of fruits and vegetables.
• Esther Winkelman Overstreet ’28 was one of the earliest women physicians in America and was a family physician in Kansas City for 51 years until retiring in 1987.  She was on staff at Research Medical Center and Baptist Medical Center, and in 1965 she was the first woman awarded Family Physician of the Year by the Kansas City Academy of General Practice.  In 1992 Winkelman was recognized as one of 12 outstanding persons in the 25th anniversary edition of “MD Magazine,” and she received the Award of Merit from the Metropolitan Medical Society of Kansas City.  Following her retirement she was considered to be the 10th most traveled person in the United States.  She died in 1993 after a car accident on her way to the airport.

Pat Ross, chair of the division of natural sciences and mathematics at Southwestern, will serve as the master of ceremonies.  Prior to the hall of fame inductions, there will be introductions of the science advisory council scholars, biology activity grant scholars, internship participants, and the Tri-Beta officers.

For more information about the Natural Science Hall of Fame, contact Susan Lowe, director of alumni programs at Southwestern College, at (620) 229-6334.

Call 1-800-877-6554 before November 8, 2015 to secure your copy!

Congratulations to Peggy Ginn '63 for winning the custom SC blanket from Crochet from the Heartland.

Custom SC Blanket Giveaway

Everyone who responds by August 31, 2015, will be entered into a drawing for a custom SC blanket provided by Crochet from the Heartland.

Thursday, April 16

3 p.m.  Readings and book signing by Strohl family members of their parents' book, "Fifty Years to Shape a Dream, 1933-1983", by Helen & Orville Strohl, held in Deets Library.  Books are available for purchase, $24.99 each.

Friday, April 17

2 p.m. Book presentation, Irenaeus on the Trinity, by Jackson Lashier, associate Professor of Religion, held in Deets Library.  Dr. Lashier analyzes Irenaeus' Trinitarian conception of God and how it contributes to the development of Tinitarian thought in early Christianity.  A book signing will follow the presentation.

5:30 p.m.  Leaders in Service Hall of Fame for the Social Sciences dinner & induction ceremony, Deets Library.  Cost $20, limited seating, RSVP necessary to susan.lowe@sckans.edu.

Inductees:
F. David Froman '68
Sandra Gasca-Gonzalez '94
John William "Bill" Todd '51

Saturday, April 18

8:30 a.m.  Open House, Darbeth Lobby to view Fine Arts Hall of Fame and display in the President's Gallery
9 a.m.  Fine Arts Hall of Fame brunch & induction ceremony, stage in Richardson Performing Arts Center.  Limited seating, RSVP necessary to susan.lowe@sckans.edu.

Inductees:
Michael R. Brummett '79
Terry L. McGonigle '73
Madeline (Magnusson) Norland '83

12 noon  Business Hall of Fame lunch & induction ceremony, Deets Library.  Cost $15, limited seating, RSVP necessary to susan.lowe@sckans.edu.

Inductees:
Shawn L. Fanshier '83
Gregg A. Howell '73
Leo T. "Pete" Whalen '51

Recipient of the Business Builder Award for 2015:  Winfield Economic Development Committee (board members are Craig Duncan, Jill Long, Warren Porter and Rodger Steffen)

3:30 p.m.  Educators & Scholars Halls of Fame reception, Deets Library, followed by hall of fame ceremonies.  No charge, but to insure adequate seating, your RSVP to susan.lowe@sckans.edu is appreciated.

Educators Hall of Fame Inductees:
Gyla (Brock) Conklin '58
Cheryl (Bernard) Schasteen '71
Kenneth E. Valentine '70

Scholars Hall of Fame Inductees:
Dale B. Sims '80
Philip R. Schmidt

6 p.m.  Founders Day Dinner, Roy L. Smith dining hall, by invitation only.

8 p.m.  RPAC Presents, Richardson Performing Arts Center.  Show details will be announced at a later date.

Sunday, April 19

3 p.m.  Spring Choral Concert, Richardson Performing Arts Center.

For more information on Founders Weekend events, call 620-229-6279.

Cost of the meal is $20, seating is limited and RSVPs are necessary to susan.lowe@sckans.edu.

Outstanding alumni that will be honored are Michael R. Brummett '79, Terry L. McGonigle '73, and Madeline (Magnusson) Norland '83.

Seating for this event is limited and RSVPs are necessary to susan.lowe@sckans.edu.

Outstanding alumni to be recognized are Shawn L. Fanshier '83, Gregg A. Howell '73, and Leo T. "Pete" Whalen '51.  Recipient of the Business Builder Award for 2015 is the Winfield Economic Development Committee, board members are Warren Porter, Craig Duncan, Rodger Steffen, and Jill Long.

Cost of the luncheon is $15.  Seating is limited for the event and RSVPs are necessary to susan.lowe@sckans.edu.

At 4 p.m., the Educators Hall of Fame will begin and will recognize Gyla (Brock) Conklin '58, Cheryl (Bernard) Shasteen '71, and Kenneth E. Valentine '70.

The Scholars Hall of Fame will immediately follow in the same location and will honor Dale B. Sims '80, and beloved longtime SC professor, the late Philip R. Schmidt.  There is no cost to attend, but to insure adequate seating, your RSVP is appreciated to susan.lowe@sckans.edu.