“Man of La Mancha” is a 1965 musical with a book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, and lyrics by Joe Darion. It is adapted from Wasserman's non-musical 1959 teleplay “I, Don Quixote,” which was in turn inspired by Miguel de Cervantes and his 17th-century novel, “Don Quixote.”  It tells the story of the "mad" knight Don Quixote as a play within a play, performed by Cervantes and his fellow prisoners as he awaits a hearing with the Spanish Inquisition.

Terry McGonigle, director of theatre at Southwestern College, says that this is a timeless musical.

“This is a great show with a story and music that is timeless,” McGonigle says.  “It reminds us how important it is to dream and to allow ourselves to speak out against what we see as “wrongdoing”.   It also reminds us of the importance of reaching for a goal that seems unobtainable, and that it doesn’t matter whether you reach it or not; the important thing is that you tried.”

The cast includes both staff members, students and community members, including: Doug Kinnear as Captain of the Guard, Tyron Spears and Keigan Good as Guards, Andrew Porter as Cervantes/Quixote, John Moberly as Sancho Panza, Emerson Williams as Governor/Innkeeper, Ethan Greene as Duke/Carrasco, Saherena Williams as Aldonza, Vanessa Lopez as Maria, Colton Adams, Kyle Smith, Jack Titgemeyer, and Braden Osborne as Muleteers, The play also features Adam Urich as Padre/Marcos, Abbey Denly as Antonia, MJ Harper as Housekeeper, Austin Fairbanks as Angelina/Barber,  Hannah Brown as Fermina, Gypsy, Jaidyn Soldin as Raquel/Gypsy, and Tony Farmer as Consuelo/Gypsy.

This year’s musical will also utilize live pit musicians to underscore and accompany the show’s story.

The production is the first of four this season.  Other productions include “Eagerheart,” Dec. 3 and 7; “The Wolves,” March 6-8; and “I Want to Make Magic!” April 17-19.

Southwestern College will celebrate 2025 Homecoming Thursday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 26.  Numerous activities have been announced.

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

Thursday, schedule includes:

• 7:30 p.m.—Campus Players will present “Man of La Mancha” in the Richardson Performing Arts Center.

Friday’s schedule includes:

• 4 to 5 p.m.— Registration and welcome in the Dole Alumni Center, 201 N. College.
• 5 to 5:30 p.m.—Athletic Hall of Fame social, Stewart Field House
• 5:30 p.m.—Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner, Stewart Field House (Reservations required, $50 per person or $500 for a table of eight. Athletic HOF Reservation Form.)
• 8 p.m. — “Man of La Mancha,” Richardson Performing Arts Center.

Saturday’s schedule includes:

• 9 a.m. — Homecoming parade, beginning at Viking Blvd and will go west on Warren Ave.
• 9:30 to 11 a.m.—Service learning alumni reunion at College Hill Coffee.  Reunion gathering for discipleship, Leadership, worship outreach, and campus ministry
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Builder block party and registration, Stewart Field House and Wallingford lawn. Fun activities for kids and so much more.
• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.—Homecoming tailgate, Stewart Field House ($13 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. Friends University.
• 5:30 p.m. — Class of 1975 50-year reunion dinner and photo, Winfield County Club, ($30 per person RSVP required).
• 5:30 p.m. — Class of 1985 dinner at El Maguey.
• 7 to 10 p.m.—All class alumni gathering at Ladybird Brewery, 523 Main St.  

Sunday’s schedule includes:

• 10:50 a.m. — Homecoming worship service, Grace UMC, Rev. Gayla Rapp ’85 guest speaker.
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—Builder brunch at the Winfield Country Club.
• 2 p.m.— “Man of La Mancha,” Richardson Performing Arts Center.

Homecoming Registration

The Jinx Shelf has recently been relocated to the Campus Ministry Office on the lower level of the Roy L. Smith Student Center. The Jinx Shelf is a recognized student organization at Southwestern College run by students Eva Navrat, president, and Claire Norton, vice president, and advised by the Campus Minister, Carly Redding, and Dean of Students, Dr. Sarah Hallinan.

CAPTION—Students Claire Norton (left) and Eva Navrat are the vice president and president of the Jinx Shelf at Southwestern College.  The Jinx Shelf provides food and hygiene items for students in need at SC. 

“College life is messy, and many of our students are in practice far before many of us are awake and long after we go to bed,” says Redding.  “They have classes and activities in between all those practices and on a good day, get time to grab a meal or two in the café. We also have many students who do not have the resources to get to the grocery stores here in town. The purpose of the Jinx Shelf is to help fill the gaps of and support students who need it. Whether it is a snack, a dorm meal solution, or they just need a little help getting hygiene items, we are here to help. Our students cannot be successful if they aren’t fed or aren’t feeling clean. We hope that by being able to provide food and hygiene items, we can help our students do their best in the classroom, on the court, and on the field.”

The Jinx Shelf organization invites community members to donate food and hygiene products. Hygiene items that can be accepted are shampoo and conditioner, lotion, soap and body wash, toothbrushes, laundry detergent (small bottles or pods), feminine hygiene products, dish soap, and tissues (to go packages). 

Donations can be brought to The Jinx Shelf between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on weekdays. Financial donations can be made online using the link sckans.edu/jinxshelf.

Inductees will also be introduced at halftime of the Southwestern-Friends University Homecoming football game.  The new members are Carmen Doramus-Kinley ’98, Brett (Bates) Tahah ’12, Chad Hamlin ’96, Christine (Sheppard) Camacho ’14, Lorenzo Fouts, ’14, Timmy Taylor ’87, the 1938-39 National Championship men’s basketball team, and the 1977-78 men’s basketball team.  

Carmen Doramus-Kinley was a dual-sport athlete in volleyball and women's basketball at Southwestern College, excelling academically and athletically through 1994-1998. During her time, she made a significant impact, serving as co-captain for both sports in her senior year, earning KCAC Player of the Week multiple times, and being named the Most Valuable Player in volleyball. Her academic achievements were equally impressive, consistently making the Dean's Honor Roll every semester. Chosen by the student body, she was a candidate of the 1997 Homecoming Court. As a member of Pi Gamma Mu, the largest and preeminent honor society in the social sciences, she held an officer position in her senior year. Doramus-Kinley graduated Summa Cum Laude, was a Presidential Scholar, and ranked in the top 10% of her class, earning induction into the Order of the Mound.

After graduation, Doramus- Kinley pursued her master's degree at West Virginia University in Sports Management. She found a way to stay connected to sports through officiating, which brought her back to Kansas. She has officiated in numerous state high school championships in volleyball, basketball, and football, including the 2024 4A Kansas State Football Championship game in Emporia. Notably, she made history as the first female in Kansas to officiate an Ark Valley Chisolm Trail League (AVCTL) regular season Class 4A football game as referee in 2022, and she is perhaps the first female to officiate in the 2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl. Doramus-Kinley also officiates college football and women's basketball, becoming the first female on-field official to work a national championship game at any level of collegiate football at the 2022 NAIA Football Championship in Durham, NC. She currently resides in Wichita, with her husband, Keith, and son, Carrick.

Brett (Bates) Tahah transferred to Southwestern College in 2011 from Oklahoma City University and made an immediate impact at SC and in the KCAC.  In the 2010-11 season, Tahah was named KCAC Newcomer of the Year and in 2011-12 was named KCAC Player of the Year.  Tahah remains as the only Lady Builder to be named Newcomer of the Year and is one of four players to be named KCAC Player of the Year. She was a first team all-conference selection in both seasons while helping lead the Lady Builders to the National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa.  Tahah earned Honorable Mention All-American status as a junior and Second Team All-American as a senior. She has the third highest free throw percentage in Lady Builder history at .863 making 252 of 292 attempts. She scored 561 points in her senior season, which is third most in the history books. That same season, she made 81 three-pointers which is fourth all-time.

She earned a bachelor of arts degree in biology in 2012 and her master of education degree in curriculum and instruction in 2014. She and her husband, Scott, reside in Okarche, Okla., where she teaches high school science and is the head girls basketball coach.  She has a career coaching record of 174-83 and has led her teams to three state semi-final appearances. They have four children; Zoey, 9; Maddox, 7; Heston, 2; and Hayes is seven months old. 

Lorenzo Fouts played defense and special teams for the football team.  He earned first team All-KCAC as a return specialist twice, and All-KCAC defensive back three times. Following the 2013 season, he earned unanimous All-Conference defensive back, All-Sunflower State defensive back, BSN All-American 3rd team defensive back, and AFCA All-First Team American defensive back. Fouts was also invited to the D2 vs NAIA All-Star bowl game and the National Scouting Combine. By the end of his career, Fouts broke six school records during his four years at Southwestern College.

After graduating with a sports management degree, he earned a contract from the Billings Wolves of the Indoor Football League and shortly after earned a contract to play in the GFL (German Football League) for the Hildesheim Invaders. Fouts currently resides with his wife, Hayley, and his step-daughter, Gemma, in Texas where he works as a supply manager while working through the fire academy process to become a firefighter in the DFW metro-plex.

Chad Hamlin attended Southwestern College as a dual collegiate athlete in track and field, competing from 1993 through 1996 in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump. In addition Hamlin was also a member of the men’s basketball team playing all four seasons of his college career.

Hamlin set the college high jump record at an impressive 7’0” in 1996—a record that still stands today. This jump came just a week after learning that he would require an after season knee surgery to repair a tear in his non lift leg. That same year, he broke both the conference and stadium records at the home conference meet, making his senior season a memorable chapter in his athletic career. Hamlin was a multiple-time conference champion, not only in high jump, but also the triple jump and long jump. He earned All-American honors in high jump at the National Indoor Championships in 1993 and again in 1996.  Hamlin qualified for the outdoor National Championships in all four years of his collegiate career. 

After college, Hamlin continued to give back to athletics as an assistant basketball coach at Hugoton High School for four years. He also dedicated himself to coaching and supporting his three children, cheering them on to multiple state appearances in basketball and even state titles in track. Hamlin currently lives in southwest Kansas with his wife, Pamela (Class of ’98), where they raised their family and run the family farm.

Timmy Taylor attended Southwestern College from 1983-87 and earned scholarships in track and field as well as football.  Taylor was an All-City and All-District football player in high school and was a part of a state runner-up track team two years in a row. 

At Southwestern, Taylor was an eight-time KCAC Champion in the 100 and 200 meter dash, and 4x100 meter relay team in 1984 and 1985, 4x400 meter relay in ’84 and 4x100 meter relay in ’86.  He was a three-time NAIA All-American in the 4x400 meter relay in ’84, and in the distance medley relay in ’85 and ’86.  Taylor was also a five-time NAIA District 10 Champion in the 100 and 200 meter dash, 4x400 meter relay and twice in the 4x100 meter relay.  District 10 included all the NAIA schools in Kansas including Pittsburg State, Emporia State, and Fort Hays State, schools that are now NCAA II. 

Taylor is a former school record holder in nine events.  He was named Southwestern College Relays Most Valuable Athlete in ’84 and ’85.  SC won for consecutive KCAC team titles and was a part of two NAIA District 10 team championships in ’84 and ’85.  Taylor says that coach Jim Helmer and coach Mike Kirkland always had him and his team prepared to perform at a high level.

Taylor earned degrees in health and physical education.  He and his wife, Carol, reside in Oklahoma City.  They were high school sweethearts and have been together for nearly 40 years. They are the proud parent of two sons, two daughters, and two granddaughters.  He still enjoys track and field as he coaches a summer track team, the Eastside Steppers that he formed in 1991.  

Christine (Sheppard) Camacho excelled for the track and field team all four years she was at SC.  She was a four-time NAIA National qualifier, eight-time KCAC individual event champion, seven-time KCAC relay champion, 23-time All-KCAC performer, and three-time Southwestern women’s track and field “Most Valuable Track Athlete.”

At the 2012 SC Relays, she was named “Most Valuable Female Athlete.” At the 2013 KCAC Indoor Track Championships, Camacho won the 60, 200, and 400 meter dash and was a member of the winning 4x400 meter relay team. She established new KCAC Meet Records in the 200, 400, and 4x400 meter relay.  Her performance led to her being named the KCAC “Most Valuable Female Athlete.”

Camacho established six new KCAC Meet Records during her career and she remains ranked in the SC Women’s Track and Field All-Time top 10 for her indoor 60, 200, and 400 meter dash times and 4x400 relay; and in outdoor track and field, she is in the top 10 for her 100, 200, and 400 meter dash times.

Camacho lives in Wichita, and works for the State of Kansas as a financial examiner. She spends the majority of her time running after her four kids, Ian, Sofia, Evelyn, and Eli.

The 1938-39 NAIA Championship SC Men’s Basketball Team joins the Hall of Fame.  The squad enjoyed non-conference victories over the likes of Kansas State University, Colorado State, and Wichita University (now Wichita State).  After a successful conference season, SC was invited to the 32-team National Tournament in Kansas City where SC defeated Eau Claire (Wis.), Westminster of Fulton, Mo., Maryville Teachers of Missouri, and in the championship game, defeated San Diego State University. The Builder team then received a tentative invitation to play at Madison Square Garden in New York, but were ruled out on the basis of freshman playing for the team. 

The SC team was built around a nucleus of four veterans; Lloyd Tucker, Harold Bratches, Edgar Hinshaw Russell Briar.  George Gardner was the head coach.  He was at SC for just two season but compiled a record of 41-8, and claimed the CIAC league title both years, Pan-American Games Championship and the National Championship. Other team members included Marvin Tucker, Ralph Smith, Price Fugit, Carl Dix, Olin Tucker, Charles Grigsby, Harold Stevens, and John Deckert. SC was liberally represented in the choosing of the all-star conference teams.  The Associated Press placed Bratches and Lloyd Tucker on the First-Team and Edgar Hinshaw on the Second-Team, and “Sticker” Briar and Marvin Tucker Honorable Mention. 

The 1977-78 SC Men’s Basketball Team was coached by Bill Stephens.  Picked to win the KCAC, the Builders got off to a 2-8 start.  But with a strong will and resiliency, and leadership from players like Ray Potter, Paul Wilke, Stretch Singleton, and Brad Bruner, SC got back to their winning ways.  A late season win over Bethany, a team SC was tied for first place with, propelled the Moundbuilders to a conference title, their second in a row.    

At the District 10 playoffs, Southwestern faced Washburn University, a team that had beaten SC earlier in the season.  Southwestern proved everyone wrong who had decided that Washburn was the favorite, and SC won 70-67.  Their season came to an end in the next round against #5 ranked Marymount Univ., but the nucleus of the team remained for the next season as SC claimed a third consecutive KCAC title.  

“What an incredible class of inductees; to be able to celebrate these individuals and a team that have strengthened Southwestern through their talent and grit, is truly a privilege,” says athletic director Matt O’Brien.  “We’re excited to host so many who care deeply for Southwestern athletics in historic Stewart Field House for a memorable evening.”

O’Brien adds that nominations for the 2026 Southwestern College Athletic Hall of Fame will be accepted until Dec. 31.  To submit a nomination, go to sckans.edu/athletichof.

The results, released recently in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education, are based on a survey of 199 colleges and universities. In all, 76 of those institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium, and large institutions, with Southwestern College included among the small universities with 500 to 2,999 students.

Southwestern College won honors in nine categories this year:

• Professional Development
• Faculty Experience
• Confidence in Senior Leadership
• Mission and Pride
• Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Inclusion, Community, and Belonging
• Faculty and Staff Well-being

Southwestern College was also named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll, a status granted to only 42 colleges each year who are highlighted most across the recognition categories.

“Our greatest asset and strength as an institution is our people, the faculty and staff who are dedicated to the mission of our college and to the success of our students here on campus and in our global online classrooms. The work required to sustain a small independent college like Southwestern is extremely challenging, but it is equally fulfilling. We are blessed to do this work together, having colleagues who we care about, collaborate with, and put our trust in makes all the difference to our success,” said Dr. Liz Frombgen, Southwestern College President.

The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback.

“This recognition affirms that we are working in a community that values the contributions and needs of each individual — and together, we make Southwestern College a great place to work,” added Dr. Frombgen.

The Great Colleges to Work For® program is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all current and previously recognized institutions, visit the Great Colleges program website at GreatCollegesProgram.com and GreatCollegesList.com. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administered the survey and analyzed the results.

Receipt of the challenge grant funds is contingent on the college raising an additional $354,478 in donations. The deadline to raise the funds for the PA program and achieve the $200,000 grant is July 8, 2026.

The Mabee Foundation’s investment will help fund Phase I renovations at 800 Main in Winfield, where Southwestern PA students will complete their didactic course of study and program faculty will office once opened. Phase I renovations include over 3,300 square feet of the program footprint at 800 Main, including a classatory/classroom, skills lab, simulation center, study collaboration spaces, and office spaces. Additionally, challenge grant funding will support the purchase and installation of classroom technology, furnishings, and a Video Audio Learning Tool (VALT) System to complete the learning spaces.  The program, currently in the accreditation pathway, will address the growing demand for advanced practice professionals across rural and underserved communities in Kansas and the region.  

“We are deeply grateful to the Mabee Foundation for their vision and commitment to advancing healthcare education,” said Dr. Liz Frombgen, president of Southwestern College. “This grant will enable our faculty to prepare talented, compassionate PA graduates who will serve with excellence in clinics, hospitals, and communities that need them most.”

The College has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and anticipates matriculating its first class, a cohort of up to 40, in January 2027, pending the achievement of “Accreditation – Provisional” status at the June 2026 ARC-PA Commission meeting. As part of the accreditation pathway, the College must prepare learning facilities to train PA students.

The grant from the Mabee Foundation supports the College’s aggressive launch timeline for the program, in addition to the College’s mission to serve its students and the broader community through innovative, mission-driven educational opportunities.

The Physician Associate program at Southwestern College will offer a rigorous curriculum blending classroom instruction, clinical simulation, and hands-on clinical experiences in partnership with regional healthcare providers. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to sit for national certification and enter the workforce ready to provide high-quality, team-based care.

Founded in 1948 by John and Lottie Mabee, the Mabee Foundation has a long history of supporting educational, medical, and charitable projects across the Midwest, with a particular emphasis on capital improvements and impactful initiatives. The Mabee Foundation has previously supported advancement work at Southwestern College. 

“This grant affirms that the work we are doing is both timely and vital,” Chandra Lynch PA Program Director at Southwestern College. “The Mabee Foundation’s support is a powerful catalyst as we speed onward toward achieving accreditation and opening a high-quality program; we are incredibly excited by the prospect of welcoming our first cohort of PA students to Winfield.” 

To support development of the PA program at Southwestern College and earn the full support of the Mabee Foundation Challenge grant, please visit www.sckans.edu/give or contact Kaydee Riggs-Johnson, vice president for advancement, communications, and marketing at (620) 229-6343.

Learn more about the future PA program at Southwestern College.

The come-and-go tribute is a free event that honors those who gave their lives and those who answered the call on 9/11.  Participants will carry a photo of a fallen hero and climb in remembrance of the 2,071 steps of the Twin Towers.   

New faculty include:

Gary Mannebach, assistant professor of accounting.  He has a master of accounting from  The University of Kansas; bachelor of science in business administration, and accounting from  Kansas State University; and an associate of arts degree in accounting from Cowley County Community College. He was most recently employed as VP of Finance at a nationally recognized senior living marketing agency and consulting firm.

Jennifer Jin, assistant professor of biology.  She earned her PhD in Neuroscience from the  University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; bachelor of arts degree in biology from  Reed College. Most recently Jin served as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California San Diego and previous postdoctoral research at Freie University, Berlin, Germany.

Tia Bunch, assistant professor of nursing. She earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University and her associate of applied science degree in nursing from Butler County Community College.  Bunch is currently working toward master of science degree in nursing. Most recently she served as the Cowley County Community College Nursing Program Coordinator.

Melanie Burnett, assistant professor of nursing. She earned her master of science degree in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington; bachelor of science degree in nursing from Southwestern College; and her associates degree in nursing from Butler Community College. Most recently Burnett served as Clinical Educator/Professional Development Coordinator for William Newton Hospital. She also served as adjunct faculty for the Butler Community College nursing program.

Jared Pennington, professor of physician associate studies. He earned his PhD in Public Health, Health Policy and Management; master of health sciences degree in physician assistant; and his bachelor of science degree in physician assistant at Drexel University. Currently, Pennington is working toward Juris Doctorate at Northwestern California University School of Law. His most recent experience as associate dean of health sciences and full professor with tenure at Baldwin Wallace University. He is also currently working as a PA at Akron Children’s Hospital.

Monica Fisher, assistant professor of physician associate studies.  She earned her master of science degree in human resource development from Pittsburg State University; bachelor of science degree in physician assistant studies from Wichita State University; and a bachelor of science degree in biology education from Pittsburg State University. She recently served as a physician assistant for Ascension Via Christy Weight Management Program, a clinical research associate for Thermo Fisher Scientific, and has held various PA positions in NW Kansas.

New staff members at Southwestern include:

• Kathleen Biong Percegona, head men’s and women’s tennis coach
• Josh Burt, head women’s basketball coach
• Conner Cheney, admissions representative and assistant football coach
• Cheri Kindt-Gonzalez, office manager for institutional advancement
• Adam Lange, director of choral activity and voice, and interim band director
• Nate Lee, performing arts recruiter and theatre technician
• Carly Redding, campus minister
• Kelly Rowe, Southwestern College Learning Center lead teacher
• Drew Smith, assistant football coach
• Jennifer Witte, administrative assistant, physician associate studies

The SC Learning Center, led by Kelsie Barnhart, director of teaching and learning, and Autumn Watts, director of operations, is a preschool and after-school program being offered to the Winfield community by providing a nurturing environment that supports the growth and development of children and families. Children's ages range from 2 1/2 years old to 10 years old.

Barnhart says this grant will improve the facility and positively impact the teaching and learning environment.

“We want to make SC Learning Center the best it can be for area families, giving parents confidence that their children can flourish in a safe and engaging environment," Barnhart says. "Updates to our building and access to improved equipment will transform our center and positively impact the lives of our students and strengthen our community.”

"Early childhood education and quality childcare are imperative not only to the great beginnings and kindergarten readiness of our community's youngest members, but vital to our ready, employable workforce and opportunities for economic development," stated Legacy CEO Yazmin Wood. "In order to create a just and resilient region, we need integrated solutions in addressing the root causes of our most critical issues.  Ensuring adequate childcare is one of the answers."  

Barnhart says that the grant will be used for classroom maintenance, outdoor play items, literacy and math aides, and creative learning items.

“All of the items and improvements invested in will better the children's learning experience,” Barnhart said.

Barnhart is grateful for the Legacy's philanthropic investment in the future of the SC Learning Center.

“Our vision is simple, to be the best Early Childhood Education Center in Cowley County,” Barnhart adds.  “We are committed to providing a safe, reliable, and consistent learning environment for our students and their families. Early Childhood Education is the foundation of learning for young students. What they are learning during this crucial time in their development carries with them all throughout their lives. Here in Cowley County, access to childcare, in general, is limited. In rural areas, childcare opportunities that offer structured learning do not meet the need, leaving families challenged to find options for their children. Our vision is to go above and beyond those standards to create a high-quality educational experience so that our students can reach their full potential in all areas of their development.”

"We are exceedingly grateful to the board of Legacy Regional Community Foundation for their focus and investment in early childhood development in our region," said Liz Frombgen, president of Southwestern College. "Investing in a vibrant learning environment for students early in their development is a rising tide that lifts all ships in our community. This grant has a secondary impact for Southwestern as it improves the experience of our college-aged education majors who also learn as they practice their future vocation in this space." 

The SC Learning Center is located at 120 West 12th Street in Winfield. For more information, call (620) 402-6470 or visit www.sckans.edu/sclc. 

Southwestern College is a private liberal arts college, founded in 1885 by Methodists in south central Kansas. Today its Winfield campus is the residential hub that guides students to lives of meaning and service, with well-rounded academic and extra-curricular offerings attracting traditional-aged students from throughout the nation and world. Southwestern College Professional Studies provides options for online students in any location and has been named a top provider for persons serving in the military. The college continues to be affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more at www.sckans.edu.

About Legacy Foundation:  Incorporated in 1996, Legacy Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit philanthropic organization regional in its focus.  In 2024, the Foundation awarded over $2,379,357 in grants to benefit the region, in addition to managing Foundation assets of over $11.7 million.  The mission of Legacy Regional Community Foundation, as a leader in area philanthropy, is to enable anyone to GIVE to needs and opportunities in our communities, to GROW resources to preserve regional wealth and to GRANT funds for collaborative impact.  GIVE. GROW. GRANT.   Learn more by visiting www.legacyregionalfoundation.org, find us on Facebook, or call 620-221-7224.

Lowe has been named by the KCA as the Kansas Coach of the Year.  In addition, Lowe will be recognized for his 50 years of coaching.

Lowe has coached or taught in his home state of New York as well as in Turon, Haven, Winfield, Douglass, and Burden.  For the past three seasons he has coached junior high girls basketball at Central of Burden where, for the last two years his teams have gone undefeated and have been South Central Border League champions.  In addition, he has been a steady volunteer for USD 465 Winfield.

The award ceremony honoring Coach Lowe will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 9 a.m., at the Salina Fieldhouse, located at 140 N. 5th Street. The event will be held during the KCA session that morning on court one. Friends, family, and community members are invited to join in celebrating Coach Lowe's outstanding achievements and enduring impact.

Lowe and his wife, Susan, a member of the Class of 1995 and retired director of alumni programs at Southwestern College, live in Winfield.

Pleas, a 1991 graduate of North Central College in Naperville, Ill., is embarking on her 32nd year at Southwestern College.

“I am proud of this honor because my mother (Sylvia Pleas) also received her bachelor’s degree at NCC in 1977 before earning her master and doctoral degrees at Garrett Evangelical Seminary at Northwestern University,” Pleas says. “This award is totally about my work at Southwestern College. After graduating from North Central in 1991, I worked at Open Door Community House in Columbus, Ga., for three years before Carl Martin and Steve Wilke recruited me to SC.  I am so proud to be a Southwestern College Moundbuilder.”

This year, there will be four different move-in dates:

• Wednesday, Aug. 6—Freshman and transfer Fall athletes
• Thursday, Aug. 7—Returning Fall athletes
• Wednesday, Aug. 13—Freshman Spring and Winter athletes and non-athletes
• Saturday, Aug. 16—Transfer and Returning Spring and Winter athletes, and non-athletes

Builder Fest (Aug. 7-23) is an on-campus experience introducing new students to the many aspects of Southwestern College, including Freshman Workday on Saturday, Aug. 16. 

Some of the other Builder Fest activities include:

• Monday, Aug. 18 — classes begin for students.
• Tuesday, Aug. 19 — rock painting party from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Wallingford lawn.
• Thursday, Aug. 21 — annual Moundbuilding Ceremony at 7 p.m., at Cole Mound Plaza at the bottom of the 77 Steps.
• Friday, Aug. 23 — Opening Convocation at 11 a.m. in Richardson Auditorium.

Friends of Southwestern College are invited to attend the Moundbuilding Ceremony and Opening Convocation.

For more information about Moundbuilder Check-In, visit online at www.sckans.edu/checkin or contact the office of admissions at (620) 229-6236. 

Poole will transfer to Southwestern College from Carolina University in Winston-Salem, NC.  She plans to major in business administration and participate in volleyball. Her career goals are to play professional volleyball and be a traveling esthetician.

This merit-based award annually recognizes a transfer student who demonstrates outstanding academic ability as well as strong community engagement. Scholars must be accepted for admission to Southwestern College before they are considered for the Full-Tuition Scholarship competition. 

The scholarship will award full undergraduate tuition and is renewable for three years if certain criteria are met.

This year’s Builder Bound series featured:

Residential Camp (June 3–6): A week-long residential camp for middle school students from Gordon Parks Academy (GPA) STEM Leaders in Applied and Media Arts (Wichita, KS). This immersive experience included mini-courses, campus activities, and leadership development all coordinated and led by Southwestern College admins, staff, students, and faculty with collaboration from Erik Stone, Kansas Teacher of the Year 2025 finalist and band director at GPA, culminating in a powerful and inspiring week for young learners.

Basketball Summer Camp (June 10–12): The camp was held at Gordon Parks Academy, in collaboration with the Southwestern College men’s basketball team and head coach Matt O'Brien, it included skills training, a media day, and mentorship from award-winning college-level coaches for 5th–8th grade boys and girls.

Wichita State Upward Bound Urban Prep Camp (June 13): Designed for high school students, this one-day intensive provided guidance and encouragement as students explore higher education options and career pathways.

Pleas, vice president of special projects and planning at Southwestern College, has spent her entire 35-year career as an advocate for youth development and college readiness.

“This is more than a camp—it’s a celebration of learning, growth, and community. From toddlers to lifelong learners, Builder Bound reflects the values of inclusion and empowerment,” Pleas says.

The three-camp series was successfully completed with partnerships with Gordon Parks Academy Principal LaTonia Kennedy, Upward Bound Wichita Prep Jaya Escobar-Bhattacharjee, community business owner/ activist pastor ODell Harris Jr., and Wichita Police Department’s Chief Sullivan and Captain Beard. 

According to Pleas, the energy, collaboration, and joy were unmistakable as students experienced college life firsthand at and with Southwestern College.

For more information on Builder Bound Camp, how to make a donation, or upcoming HOPE Tour events, contact Pleas by email at dawn.pleas@sckans.edu.

Redding believes that campus ministry is an integral part of creating a bold and dynamic community at Southwestern College.

“Campus ministry allows space for Builders to be spiritually fulfilled,” Redding says.  “Creating this community, based on diverse faith traditions and cultural identities, will allow Southwestern to impact Winfield, students, alumni, staff, and faculty.  I am committed to creating a dynamic community of faith and campus ministry space that is inclusive of all.”

Redding is a 2023 Southwestern College graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and religion with minors in Christian Discipleship, Leadership, and youth ministry.  While she attended Southwestern College she served as the student chapel administrator, was a student pastor at Grace United Methodist Church, and was a podcast and office intern for the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship.

She is finishing her Master of Divinity through Garrett Evangelical-Theological Seminary and is expected to graduate May 2026.  While at Garrett she has served as the Campus Ministry/Seminary Intern at Northwestern University.

Grace United Methodist Church, at 320 College St., is having a welcome back party for Redding on Sunday, June 29, from 2 to 4 p.m., in Fellowship Hall.  The community is invited to attend.    

The 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame members are:

• Christine (Sheppard) Camacho – Track and Field (class of 2014)
• Carmen Doramus-Kinley – Women’s Basketball, Volleyball (class of 1998)
• Lorenzo Fouts – Football (class of 2014)
• Chad Hamlin – Track and Field (class of 1996)
• Brett (Bates) Tahah—Women’s Basketball (class of 2012)
• Timmy Taylor – Track and Field (class of 1987)
• 1938-39 Men’s Basketball Team
• 1977-78 Men’s Basketball Team

The Hall of Fame Induction will take place in conjunction with Homecoming weekend at Southwestern.  The induction ceremony will be Friday, Oct. 24.  The new hall of fame members will also be recognized at halftime of the football game between Southwestern and Friends University on Saturday, Oct. 25.

More information about Homecoming activities and the hall of fame inductees will be released at a later date.

“Dr. Frombgen demonstrates a boundless dedication to the success of our institution and our students. She inspires enthusiasm for the mission of the college and creates genuine connections wherever she goes,” said Scott Hecht, board chair.

Frombgen, the 20th president in the college's 140-year history, began working at SC in the summer of 2022 and was formally inaugurated in April of 2023.

“This has been a tumultuous period for higher education, Southwestern College notwithstanding, Dr. Frombgen has led with focus, care, and a spirit of tenacity that has made our college stronger in many ways; we are grateful for her continued leadership and commitment,” adds Hecht. 

Under President Frombgen's leadership the college completed a strategic planning process that prioritizes the work of the institution until 2029. One priority identified in the planning process was bringing back the college's nursing program; students will begin work in the nursing major this August. Additionally, the college is in the accreditation pathway to launch a master's in physician associate (PA) program, with an anticipated program opening planned for January of 2027. 

Since July 2022, SC has added four new undergraduate majors (including construction management and agribusiness in partnership with Cowley College), three Professional Studies programs, an Honors Program, and a women’s flag football team. President Frombgen has led the college forward while maintaining balanced budgets. Over the past three years, the college has benefitted from an increase in alumni and community participation and increasing philanthropic support. While work continues to sustainably grow main campus and online enrollment, the college continues to make good progress in improving the student retention and graduation rates. To that end, the college has launched a variety of initiatives focused on improving the student experience and strengthening academic outcomes. Under President Frombgen's direction, the institution has taken on strategic facility improvement projects across campus and construction of The Bruce DeHaven Football Complex has begun.

“I am proud of how far we've come at Southwestern and I'm constantly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a team of dedicated trustees, faculty, and staff to serve our students and this community. This isn't an easy time to lead a small private college in a rural community, our progress will continue to be hard-earned, but the work is incredibly important,” said Frombgen in response to the contract extension. “I and my husband, Doug, are committed to this community in every way and I am eager to continue building strength at Southwestern College.”

This seminar is designed to bring together a small group of educators who seek to contribute to the growing national conversation about vocation and calling. The participants in this seminar brought to the table their experiences with vocation on their own campuses, whether in teaching, research, writing, service, or inter-office cooperation. The primary focus of this seminar will extend beyond classroom applications to include research, writing, and institutional leadership on the topic of vocation. Youland is among 10 others chosen during a competitive selection process.

NetVUE is a nationwide network of over 325 colleges and universities formed to support and enrich vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. A program of the Council of Independent Colleges, NetVUE is supported by the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc. and member dues. CIC administers NetVUE with guidance from an advisory council comprising representatives from participating institutions.

McEwen began at Southwestern College in August of 2011.  She teaches biology, cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology 1, 50 shades of green, and medical terminology.  She also advises pre-health professionals and supports students in a myriad of ways by attending competitions and performances.

McEwen, the keynote speaker at Commencement, expressed her gratitude for the honor.

“It is truly a great honor to be named as the recipient of the Kopke award,” McEwen said.  “It is indeed gratifying to be recognized for doing a job about which I am passionate, and I am humbled to be considered in the same category with previous recipients. I truly appreciate the generosity of the Kopkes and am so proud to work at SC, an institution that values teaching. It is a great honor to be able to witness the development, growth, and success of students that you actually know.” 

In her introduction, Southwestern College President Elizabeth Frombgen shared that McEwen is always available for her students.  

“She (McEwen) engages students and motivates them to seek out new ideas. She presses them to consider innovative ways to problem solve and she invites them to regularly question and test assumptions.  For all of these reasons students both respect and love Dr. McEwen,” Frombgen says. “She is known for her consistent assessment and revision of her courses to make sure she is doing everything she can to ensure that her students are well-prepared for success in graduate school and in their careers.  She sees each student’s success as her mission and personal responsibility.  Her dedication to Southwestern and the values that we hold as an institution are evident in the leadership and service she provides - Dr. McEwen makes a difference at this college.”

McEwen earned her bachelor of science degree in biology education and a master’s degree in biology from Pittsburg State University and her Ph.D. in molecular microbiology and immunology from the University of Missouri. Prior to earning her master’s degree, McEwen taught high school biology at Altoona-Midway High School in Buffalo, Kan., and spent her summers as a graduate assistant teaching for Pittsburg State University and was adjunct faculty at Neosho County Community College.

Held at the historic Stewart Field House from May 27–30, the camp was a collaborative effort between Southwestern College and the Winfield Recreation Commission — a long-standing partnership that coach Matt O’Brien deeply values.

“Thankful to partner with the Winfield Rec who does so much to provide awesome opportunities to stay active to so many in our community,” O’Brien said. “Our long-term partnership has been great.”

Campers received instruction in key basketball skills such as shooting, ball handling, and team play, all while enjoying a high-energy environment designed for fun and friendship.

“We try to make the camp as fun as possible, with the mindset that we are going to teach the fundamentals. I hope the campers had fun and learned the fundamentals along the way,” O’Brien added.

Nigel John and Kaiden Abasolo, members of the men’s basketball team, stepped into coaching roles, offering hands-on guidance and leadership.

“It’s good for the players to see the other side and have a chance to coach and have a chance to give back to the sport that has given so much to them,” said O’Brien.

To cap off the week, several campers were recognized for their hard work and improvement. O’Brien emphasized the importance of community engagement at the core of the camp’s mission.

“It is exciting to meet new people from Winfield and surrounding communities who are becoming fans or already are fans of Southwestern Athletics,” O’Brien said.

Dean's Honor Roll - Spring 2025

Weber graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors) with a bachelor of science degree in health science and a minor in Leadership. Peterson graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in business administration and minors in youth ministry, Christian discipleship studies, and philosophy and religion.

CAPTION—President Frombgen introduces the winners of the Fran Jabara Award at the Southwestern College Commencement on Sunday, May 4.  Winners were Hannah Weber (middle) and Trevor Peterson (right).

The Fran Jabara Award is presented to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship and excellence in its recipients.  Jabara, an Oklahoma State University and Wichita State University graduate, was an advocate of the American free enterprise system and founded the Center for Entrepreneurship at WSU in 1977.

Weber was a leader on the volleyball team, president of the Student Government, treasurer for Pre-Health Professionals, a member of the Leadership team, and, importantly to many of her classmates, was a tutor for introductory biology classes and dissector and teaching assistant for the Anatomy & Physiology 2 lab.  Highly respected across campus, Weber was voted a 2025 Masterbuilder, was inducted into the Order of the Mound, and was Homecoming Queen last fall. She is currently attending Oklahoma City University in the Masters of Physician Assistant program.

Peterson participated in track and field, worship outreach teams, and performed in a variety of musical ensembles on campus. He has been a member of the business division’s DECA program, and was a leader in discipleship for all four years that he was in the program. He particularly shined in his junior year when he planned, executed, and led the team mission/service trip. Next year, Peterson will pursue an MBA and serve as the discipleship graduate assistant.

Weber and Peterson each received a plaque and a cash award.

Beginning Friday, June 6, from noon to 1 p.m., Dr. Roshan will lead participants in yoga intended not as an exercise class but as a pathway to quiet the racing mind and cultivate inner peace through mindful awareness. Prior experience is not necessary and all are welcome.

“Whether you're seeking mental clarity, spiritual growth, or simply a peaceful break from your routine, these gatherings offer a welcoming space to learn, reflect, and connect,” Roshan says.  “Yoga is a spiritual tool kit to go deep into one's own self and understand depths of every religion including Christianity, Islamic, Hinduism Buddhism, Taoism, Non duality, and etc.”

Roshan offers regular yoga sessions in Deets Library at Southwestern during the school year. Originally from Sri Lanka, he comes from a tradition of varied spiritual practices. In addition, he has practiced several martial arts since childhood. For the past 10 years, he has been a spiritual seeker.

For more information, contact Roshan at (620) 705-9581, or Southwestern College Deets Library director Emily Hedges at (620) 229-6312.

The Order of the Mound is the official honor society for Southwestern College graduates.  Although the society was formally organized in 1917, membership in the Order of the Mound includes graduates from 1889 onward. The Order of the Mound recognizes students graduating in the top 10 percent of the class who have completed 60 hours or more at Southwestern. 

Graduates receiving this honor were:

• Melody Brinigar, Valedictorian, Winfield
• Trey Topham, Salutatorian, Valley Center
• Wyatt Bell, Keller, Texas
• Adam Brotherton, Mustang, Okla.
• Caitlyn Clark, McAlester, Okla.
• Cameryn Decker, Alva, Okla.
• Dre’Shaun Flowers, Oklahoma City, Okla.
• Paul Kahl, Wichita
• Chad Kearney, Castle Rock, Colo.
• Adeline McIntire, Paola
• Trevor Peterson, Salina
• Samuel Shook, Wichita
• Ilya Shuklov, Jacksonville, Fla.
• Hannah Weber, Goddard

The camp will have two sessions for different age groups starting with first through fifth graders from 9 to 10:15 a.m., and sixth through ninth graders from 10:30 a.m., to noon each day.

Cost for the camp is $55. All campers will receive a t-shirt and an arcade gift card from Pizza Ranch.

The camp is led by head men’s basketball coach Matt O’Brien, the winningest coach in the program’s 100-year history. Under his leadership, the Moundbuilders have recorded 16 consecutive winning seasons and helped launch several professional careers, including Cameron Hunt (Spain) and Andrew O’Brien (Germany). O’Brien has also built a respected international coaching résumé, having coached in Austria, France, Germany, Barbados, and Spain with select teams from the United States. 

According to O’Brien, the campers will learn fundamentals such as shooting and ball-handling, but above that, will have a chance to have fun with kids their own age playing basketball.

The camp staff will include current and former SC players as well as the SC coaching staff. Registration is currently open and can be found on the WRC website at www.winfieldrec.com. 

Inspired by Southwestern College's Beech Science Center, this show promises an evening filled with quick wit, light-hearted science humor, candy, and audience delight. The show will also feature special cameo appearances by members of the Beech Science Center community, including assistant professor of biology Kim Dolphin and Southwestern College senior Nick Strong.

“This show is going to be huge,” says troupe member John Moberly. “Audience members are going to enjoy seeing these incredible educators showcase a side of themselves that's rarely seen. It'll definitely be something special.”

Performers from Nine Lives include Moberly, Jamelle Sanchez, RJ Mader, and Grace Whisenhant.

Masterbuilders for the 2024-2025 academic year at Southwestern College were named. The honor of Masterbuilder is given to graduating seniors who best typify the spirit of Southwestern. 

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

Masterbuilders for 2024-2025 include: Trey Abasolo, Mulvane; Ketura Earl, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Dre’Shaun Flowers, McAlester, Okla.; Lauren Henderson, Douglass; Nicholas Strong, Dallas, Texas; and Hannah Weber, Goddard.

LEFT PHOTO: Front row: Hannah Weber, Ketura Earl, Lauren Henderson. Back row: Nicholas Strong, Dre’Shaun Flowers, Trey Abasolo.

Kyah Hill, Dallas, Texas, was announced as the winner of the Dawn Pleas Student Affairs Leadership Award.

RIGHT PHOTO: Dawn Pleas with Kyah Hill.

In honor of Pleas’s commitment, passion, and love of Southwestern College, this award celebrates a student who has been a role model on campus, regardless of whether or not they held a formal leadership position; a student who has shown personal growth, perseverance, and leadership through service this academic year.

The Southwestern College Student Government Association (SGA) handed out their Faculty and Staff Citations.  SGA President Jaylen Spencer announced the winners.  The Faculty Citation went to Anne Thompson, assistant professor of accounting, and the Staff Citation to Sarah Hallinan, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. Each spring, the students of Southwestern College vote on who they think are most deserving of the awards.

2025 Honors Convocation

Class of 2025 Commencement activities include:

Friday, May 2

• 12-1 p.m.—Business division reception, Mossman 134

Saturday, May 3

• 2:30-4 p.m.—Natural Science & Mathematics division reception, Welcome Center patio

Sunday, May 4

• 10 a.m.—Order of the Mound ceremony and reception at the Cole Mound Plaza (recognition of students graduating in the top 10% of the class and meeting guidelines stated in the college catalog).
• 10:50 a.m.— Class of 2025 Baccalaureate service, Grace United Methodist Church, 320 College St.
• 12:30-1:30 p.m.—Professional Studies reception, Pounds Lounge, lower level of the Roy L. Smith Student Center.
• 12:30-1:30 p.m.—Education division reception, Deets Library.
• 12:30-1:30 p.m.—Creative Technologies & Communications reception, lower level of Christy Administration Building.
• 2:30 p.m.—Commencement ceremony and graduate hooding for main campus and professional studies students, Richard L. Jantz Stadium (In case of inclement weather the ceremony will be held in Stewart Field House.

The 2025 Commencement activities will be live-streamed on closed-circuit television on the Southwestern campus as well as online on the Southwestern College Facebook page and the Southwestern College YouTube channel.  Viewing location on campus will be in Richardson Performing Arts Center.   

Parking for graduation day will be available for persons with handicap permits in the parking lot between Christy Administration Building and Roy L. Smith Student Center.  Security personnel will assist in finding parking and by providing rides on golf carts. 

In case of inclement weather, the decision to move the commencement exercises indoors will be posted on www.sckans.edu/campus and on social media sites.

For more information call (620) 229-6223 or go to www.sckans.edu/commencement.

Team members Hannah Brown, Jaylen Davis, Kudzaiishe Busu, and Kier Masso participated in individual and team events that challenged their problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills in real-world business scenarios.

• Jaylen Davis and Kier Masso earned national honors, placing 5th in the country in the Business-to-Business Marketing case study competition.
• Hannah Brown placed 11th nationally for her strong performance in the Sales Leadership event.
• Kudzaiishe Busu competed in the Financial Accounting category, demonstrating proficiency in financial concepts and analysis.

PHOTO—The SC DECA team recently competed in San Francisco.  Team members are (from L-R) Alleigh Allen, faculty advisor, Kudzaiishe Busu, Kier Masso, Jaylen Davis, and Hannah Brown.

“These students represented Southwestern College with professionalism and skill,” said Alleigh Allen, faculty advisor. “Their success at this level is a reflection of their dedication, preparation, and passion for business.”

Collegiate DECA offers students a chance to compete in over 25 different events related to marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. These competitions are evaluated by business and industry professionals, providing students with valuable career experience and networking opportunities.

DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) is a nonprofit student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. Its collegiate division supports student success through conferences, competition, and career development experiences.

For more information about Collegiate DECA, visit www.deca.org.

The Green Team and Tri-Beta of Southwestern College collaborated with the City of Winfield for an e-waste recycling event on Tuesday, March 26, at the Arkansas City/Winfield Recycling Center located at 7th Avenue and D Street in Strother Field.

 A total of 112 cars showed up to recycle 5,415 pounds of consumer-grade electronics; 1,870 pounds of televisions and display monitors; 346 pounds of laptops; and 14 pounds of cell phones.

Businesses and individuals brought items to the event. GON Recycling collected the items and processed them for recycling. GON Recycling guarantees 100 percent security on all hard drives and customer information. They are e-Stewards, R2 and ISO 14001 certified.

“We look forward to hosting another collection next year,” says Kim Dolphin, assistant professor of biology at Southwestern College.

“The Earth Day extravaganza will be packed full of come-and-go activities to help you learn about your carbon footprint, how to mend clothes and sew patches and buttons, and a test of how much you know about recycling,” says Kim Dolphin, assistant professor of biology at Southwestern College.  “We hope that everyone will attend and learn more about how to minimize our personal impacts on our planet.”

Leading up to the Earth Day event, Tri-Beta and Green Team Southwestern will be holding a denim recycling drive. Through April 21, and even on the day of the event, denim will be collected for recycling.

“In collaboration with Field to Fabric here in Winfield, we are collecting denim that is 90%+ cotton (check those labels) to be recycled through Cotton’s ‘Blue Jeans Go Green’ initiative,” Dolphin says. “The used denim will be recycled and transformed into insulation for houses, pet bedding, and thermal packaging insulation. Also, every piece of denim donated will enter individuals into a raffle that will be drawn at our Earth Day event.”

Articles of clothing can be dropped off all week on the Southwestern College campus at Kim Dolphin's office (Beech 203), with Sammie Lobosco (Reid Hall in room 206), or at Field to Fabric at 907 Main St.

For more information, contact Dolphin by email at kim.dolphin@sckans.edu or Lobosco at samantha.lobosco@sckans.edu.

Entry fee is $125 per person and covers green fees, golf cart, door prizes, and lunch.  Businesses may sponsor a hole for $250, or they may assemble their own four-person team and sponsor a hole for $650.  There will be many prizes available on the course.  All proceeds benefit Southwestern College football. 

Southwestern finished the 2024 season with an 11-2 record which included a home playoff win over the University of Saint Francis (Ind.), 31-24.  Head coach Brad Griffin also became the all-time winningest coach in Moundbuilder football history.

“Our plan is to continue to work hard and do great things on and off the field,” Griffin says.  “It takes a lot of dedication and support to have success and we are very thankful to all those that have helped our program get to where it is. This event is a great opportunity for fans, alumni, and community members to show their support while enjoying a fun day on the course.”

Southwestern will kick-off its 2025 campaign on Aug. 30 vs Bethel College.

Reservations are required by Friday, April 18.  For more information or to register, contact Griffin at (620) 481-0382.

Liszt's musical setting of the 14 Stations of the Cross will feature Aidan Hill as a guest organist and Charles McKinzie as a featured soloist as well as soloists from within the choir.

Simon Hill, director of choral activities and voice at Southwestern College, will be the conductor.

“‘Via Crucis’ is a departure from Liszt's earlier virtuosic compositions and is emblematic of his later sacred works,” Hill says.  “Liszt's blend of austere simplicity and rich harmonies are representative of the composer's approach to creating works of sacred drama. No matter one's religious affiliation, ‘Via Crucis’ is sure to stir the heart.”

The title of her lecture is “The Unifying Force of Human Rights: Our Path Forward Together.”

Jefferson is the former Senior Executive Director of Perry World House, a global policy center at the University of Pennsylvania. She has over two decades of experience in legal and policy advocacy, strategic planning and programming, women’s international human rights, civil-society organizations, and philanthropy. At the Ford Foundation, she worked to advance women’s human rights globally and in the U.S. through field building and investments in the areas of rights advocacy; policy advancement; strategic communications and engagement; intersectional leadership and analysis; women-of-color leadership; research; and capacity building.

She held several leadership positions at Human Rights Watch (HRW), where she directed their women’s rights research and advocacy work, providing strategic and intellectual leadership, crafting and executing long-term advocacy strategies, managing staff across seven regional or thematic foci, attracting and leveraging resources to achieve human rights goals, and representing HRW at the highest levels of national, regional, and international fora. She is the author or editor of dozens of human rights reports on a variety of issues confronting women around the world and has written op-eds and articles that have appeared in the “Wall Street Journal” and “The International Herald Tribune.” She received a bachelor of arts degree from Connecticut College and a master’s of arts degree in International Relations and Latin American Studies from Johns Hopkins SAIS.

The convocation will also include recognition of the 2025 Masterbuilders, Student Government Association faculty and staff citations, members of the Dean’s Honor Roll, and a musical interlude by the SC Singers. 

The Kansas Health Foundation is an organization working to improve health in the state of Kansas. They work closely with other health foundations, nonprofit groups, community foundations, state agencies, universities, hospitals, communities, and advisory groups to develop programs and initiatives and to find answers to complex health issues.

Wilke earned her degree in biology from Southwestern College in 2008, with minors in Leadership Studies and psychology. While at Southwestern, she participated in the Leadership team, the soccer and tennis teams, and was a student ambassador.  She also made some of her best life-long friends and met her husband, Joel, at SC.  She went on to complete her master’s degree in Community Development from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

After grad school, Wilke returned to SC as the assistant director of the Leadership program, where she collaborated with students and played a key role in developing the college’s first Nonprofit Leadership course. Following that, Wilke worked as a grant writer and community organizer, focusing on early literacy and public health.

In her free time, Wilke enjoys watching Builder sports, exploring national parks, and hiking the trails at Camp Horizon with her husband, their three kids, and dog.

The Honors Convocation will be recorded and available on the Southwestern College YouTube channel.

This hour-long presentation will include an overview of types of storms, storm features that indicate a storm's potential severity, and severe weather safety. 

Cowley County Emergency Management will discuss responses to recent severe weather emergencies and present volunteer opportunities.

The National Weather Service will be covering weather preparedness and safety including covering thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, heat, and winter. This includes the alerts for weather hazards, storm features to look for, and weather resources.

Following the presentations, there will be time for the audience to ask questions.

The event is sponsored by the Kansas Creative Arts Commission. 

This is an opportunity to experience the sounds and sights of Pakistan blended with the prairie; live and recorded original music and film combining tastes of both worlds.

The Switchgrass String Quartet plays a variety of styles of music with an emphasis on intricate folk and popular rhythms and improvisation. Featuring styles from around the world they create an individual and unique sound. They are adept at engaging with their audience; interlacing interesting stories about composers and genres as they perform. The Switchgrass String Quartet is a fresh look at the classical genre of the string quartet that audiences of all types and ages will enjoy. They are all seasoned music educators and consummate musicians who delight in working with others.

The Multifarious Trio has performed all over the world.  They are an international trio featuring Susan Mayo on cello, Courtney Long on saxophone, and Tim Snider on violin and guitar.  From jazz and avant-garde via deconstructed bluegrass, the trio weaves inventive improvisations amongst diverse sounds. 

The event is a part of Founders Weekend at Southwestern College.  For more information, contact Ashlee Mayo, director of alumni engagement, at (620) 229-6155.

The college has set a goal of raising $300,000 from more than 350 donors on the day for the annual fund. A group of generous donors has already begun issuing challenges and offering gifts to match all donations given to the Step Up campaign for the Builder Fund. Some of the matching funds have been designated to support the College's launch of a Physician Associate (PA) program.

“Step Up Day is an incredibly important day each year for Southwestern College,” says Southwestern College President Liz Frombgen. “The support we receive directly impacts the lives of our students, faculty, and staff – gifts of support on Step Up Day strengthen our college.”

The Builder Fund helps the college meet current needs across campus, but it is also used to invest in important initiatives that make Southwestern stronger and more attractive.

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 27, by wearing SC apparel and sharing support of the college on social media pages.

“Step Up is intended to create a collective moment for us to consider the ways Southwestern College has impacted our lives and the Winfield community,” said Kaydee Riggs-Johnson, vice president for advancement, communications, and marketing. “On March 27 we will celebrate that meaningful 140-year history by investing in the college's bright future,”

“The success of Southwestern is tightly tied to the support of alumni and friends of the college who generously offer their support and in doing so play an important role in the success of students on campus today and in building a strong future for our college and community,” added Riggs-Johnson.

Donate to Step Up

Step Up for Southwestern Video

The topic of his lecture is “Revive Our Spiritual Strength: Worship Practices Among the Abolitionists of the Revivalist Tradition.”

Dawn Pleas, vice president for special projects and planning at SC, will provide an official response to Sigler's presentation on abolitionism, race, and the theology of worship.

“This year, the Parkhurst Lecture will be an event that allows us to have difficult and honest conversations about race and slavery,” says Jacob Goodson, associate professor of philosophy and the chair of the social science division. “Dr. Sigler will frame the conversation around a theology of worship within the Methodist tradition. After Dr. Sigler gives his presentation on abolitionism and anti-racism within the Methodist tradition, Dr. Pleas will provide an official response making connections between Sigler's historical argument and the realities and struggles of racism in our present day.”

Matthew Sigler holds a PhD in liturgical studies from Boston University, where his work focused on Methodist identity and liturgical praxis. Prior to becoming a professor, Sigler served for 12 years as a music minister in the church, and has written on contemporary worship as well as lyrical theology. He is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and is particularly interested in how the faith practices of communities of the past can serve as resources for renewal in the church today. From 2013-2015, Sigler was the Visiting Scholar of Religion at SC.  

Stephen Rankin, former professor of religion at SC, will have copies of the book, “Awakening to Justice: Faithful Voices from the Abolitionist Past,” (InterVarsity Press) available for purchase at the event as well.

The Parkhurst Lecture is one of three annual endowed lectures hosted by the philosophy and religion department of the social sciences division at Southwestern College.

For more information, contact Goodson by email at Jacob.Goodson@sckans.edu.

The Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship recognizes two student leaders who are well-rounded, hardworking, and community-minded. The Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship will provide full-tuition support to Long and Patkowski. The scholarships are renewable for four years and are valued at approximately $150,000.

Wyatt Long is the son of Robin Long and Steve Long and attends Sapulpa High School.  He plans to major in business and participate in soccer.

Ben Patkowski is the son of Max and Holly Patkowski and attends Mustang High School.  He plans to major in business administration and participate in football, track and field, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

According to Stephannie DeLong, vice president for enrollment management, the college received a number of applications for the Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship.

“Southwestern College has been offering full tuition scholarship competitions for nearly ten years,” DeLong says.  “The Moundbuilder Spirit full tuition scholarship embraces the culture of our students who pursue academic, co-curricular, community, and civic engagement.  We received over 120 applications for this year’s Moundbuilder Spirit scholarship competition and hosted 47 students on campus.  Students participated in an interview with two faculty/staff members and wrote an essay addressing how they have overcome personal or systemic obstacles in their lives.  We look forward to welcoming Wyatt and Ben to the Builder family and seeing them continue to grow academically and personally.”

Southwestern's competitive full-tuition scholarship program began in 2016. As the number of students applying for admission to Southwestern has grown, the number applying to compete for the full-tuition competition has also increased. Since the beginning, the full-tuition program has attracted a talented and diverse group of students to apply. Each year a large proportion of the students who compete for the full-tuition awards, but are not selected as the recipients choose to come to Southwestern.

Four Southwestern College halls of fame will open their doors to new inductees. 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.

“We are pleased to honor the 2025 class of hall of fame inductees and are looking forward to celebrating them on campus in April,” says Southwestern College President Liz Frombgen. “These are incredible individuals who embody the mission of Southwestern and represent our college well in their work and service; they make the extended Builder family proud.”

Hall of fame festivities will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, April 11, 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 following dinner. The cost is $25, limited seating is available, and RSVP is necessary.

On Saturday, April 12, 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 a.m., a reception will be held for the inductees of the Fine Arts Hall of Fame in the Darbeth Fine Arts lobby followed by the induction ceremony at 10:30 a.m., in Messenger Recital Hall; 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.  Dinner cost is $25, seating is limited, and RSVP is needed.

Other events include:

• Thursday, April 10— Honors Convocation, 4 p.m., in the Richardson Performing Arts Center.
• Friday, April 11— Founders Day Lecture, presented by LaShawn Jefferson, Social Sciences at 4 p.m., in Messenger Recital Hall.  The topic of the lecture is “The Unifying Force of Human Rights: Our Path Forward Together.”
• Friday, April 11—Concert at 7:30 p.m., featuring Jaubi & Multifarious Trio, Richardson Performing Arts Center.  

Individuals entering the various halls of fame include:

• Leaders in Service: Ina (Turner) Gray, who will also receive an honorary doctorate degree at the ceremony; Greg Cole ’10; and Thad Leffingwell ’92.
• Fine Arts: Lori (Alexander) Borger ’76 and Bill Borger ’74.
• Business: Jim Thomas ’76 and Vineeta Sherring ’80. Business Builder award will be presented to Millard Management, based in Lawrence. 
• Educators: Jane Bodman-Smith’93; Susan (Ingerson) Porter ’64, and Ken Rickard ’69.

Southwestern College hall of fame displays are located in Mossman Hall, Darbeth Fine Arts Center, Beech Science Center, Deets Library, and Stewart Field House, but may also be found online at www.sckans.edu/hof.

For more information about any of the events for Founders Day, contact Ashlee Mayo, director of alumni engagement, at (620) 229-6155.

Campers will rotate through various drills related to passing, catching, kicking, and blocking.  Several SC football players will be assisting with the drills.

Portillo and Erbe are excited for the chance to work with youth players.

“I wanted to do something for the community, since they have done so much for us and our program,” Portillo says. “I hope someday to become an athletic director, but teaching and coaching is something I have always wanted to do.”

“I would like to coach in the future and this seemed like a great stepping stone,” Erbe says.

Portillo is a junior offensive lineman from Newcastle, Okla., and Erbe is a sophomore quarterback from Chanute. 

Campers are encouraged to register to attend before March 22, although walk-ins will be allowed. Register by emailing either arnold.portillo@sckans.edu or eric.erbe@sckans.edu. 

Portillo and Erbe also would like to invite players coming to the camp to also attend the Southwestern College women’s flag football game versus the University of Saint Mary at 1 p.m. There is no admission charge to attend.

Program Director Begins Work, Downtown Winfield Site Selected 

Southwestern College has announced updates regarding the launch of a Physician Assistant/Physician Associate program (PA). The College has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and anticipates matriculating its first class, a cohort of up to 40, in January 2027, pending the achievement of “Accreditation – Provisional” status at the June 2026 ARC-PA Commission meeting. 

Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. 

Additionally, the College has applied for approval of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies by the Higher Learning Commission and is pending approval. 

(Photo: Dr. Liz Frombgen)

Some of the first steps toward achieving provisional accreditation status require that the college hire an experienced program director, prepare a program location, and begin hiring faculty. Toward that goal, the College has formally entered an agreement with the McNeish family on the lease of a portion of the facility at 800 Main in downtown Winfield.

“We are grateful to the McNeish family, who have long been incredible supporters of Southwestern College, for their willingness to partner with us as we work the launch of the PA program,” said Southwestern President, Dr. Liz Frombgen. “800 Main is a beautiful space offering downtown amenities for our PA students as well as visibility and it will serve as an extension of our Main Campus for these specialized learners.” 

Per the terms of the agreement, the College will occupy the leased space in June of 2025. The College will begin to make renovations to the space in preparation for the arrival of PA faculty and students. 

(Photo: Lynch, Frombgen, Tom McNeish, Dr. Marilyn McNeish at 800 Main Place.)

“Our family built 800 Main Place in 1988 as an investment in the future of Winfield and in support of the vitality of our downtown,” said Tom McNeish. “Our partnership and support of Southwestern as they begin the PA program represents a continuation of that investment and our belief in what is possible for Winfield.” The College is working with Agora Architecture, also located at 800 Main, on renovation plans for the space. 

“This level of investment and educational innovation in Winfield is exciting for many reasons,” said Taggart Wall, Winfield City Manager. “Of course, primary among them is the investment in downtown and the literal doors this will open for further private investment downtown. We look forward to all of the ways Southwestern PA students will positively affect the economy of our downtown businesses and our regional healthcare systems.” 

Additionally, Chandra Lynch, MSHS, MBA, Pa-C has begun work as the inaugural director of the College’s PA program. Lynch has moved to Winfield and has already begun work on meeting the next requirements as outlined by the accreditation pathway standards.

“Chandra has an incredible depth of experience as a PA program director and as a healthcare provider and she is uniquely positioned to lead the continued development of our PA program forward,” said Dr. J.K. Campbell, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty at Southwestern College. “It was clear during the selection process that Chandra is a dedicated educator and a knowledgeable practitioner, she is an exceptional fit.” 

(Photo: Chandra Lynch.)

Lynch comes to Southwestern College from Baldwin Wallace University’s physician assistant program, where she has served since 2012. She has led the program at Baldwin Wallace for the past two years as director. Lynch is a licensed physician assistant with a range of medical experience, including neurology and family practice. She has maintained a PRN position as a clinical physician assistant, treating primary care patients since entering academia. 

Lynch earned her bachelor of science in biology from Cleveland State University. She attended Cuyahoga Community Program for Physician Assistant Studies before earning her master of science in health science at Cleveland State University. Additionally, Lynch holds an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University and is working to complete her Ph.D in leadership in higher education at Concordia University in Chicago. 

“We have made great progress toward launching a PA program at Southwestern College, but one of the most challenging tasks when opening a new PA program is finding a highly qualified and experienced program director,” said Dr. Frombgen. “We are thrilled to have found Chandra during a national search process. Her approach to educating and preparing PAs and her network will serve our college and students well in the coming years.” 

Currently, there are 308 accredited master’s degree level programs in the U.S. Gaining acceptance to PA programs is highly competitive, it is reported that approximately 20% of all program applicants across the nation gain acceptance to a PA program in any admissions cycle and the demand for PAs in the workforce is growing steadily growing according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. PA programs generally take 24-27 months to complete and PA candidates must engage in 2,000 hours of clinical rotations and pass a certification exam. ARC-PA summarizes the work of PAs as members of collaborative healthcare teams, PAs make clinical decisions and provide a broad range of diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services. The clinical role of PAs includes primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice settings. 

With the addition of Lynch to lead the program forward, Southwestern College has launched a search for principal faculty. Southwestern College alumnus, Dr. Bryan Dennett, who is a local family-practice physician is serving as the medical director of the program. 

“Physician Assistants/Associates are a highly sought piece of the healthcare delivery model and in rural communities in Kansas and across the country they will play an increasingly important role,” said Dr. Frombgen. “We are excited to lean into historic institutional strength in the sciences as we’ve reestablished a bachelor of science in nursing program and work to launch a PA program at Southwestern College.”

Businesses and individuals may bring items to the event. GON Recycling will collect the items and process them for recycling. GON Recycling guarantees 100 percent security on all hard drives and customer information. They are e-Stewards, R2 and ISO 14001 certified.

Kim Dolphin, assistant professor of biology, hopes that old electronics don’t just get thrown away during everyone's spring cleaning.

“Don’t throw away your electronic devices,” Dolphin says. “Hold on to those items for the March 26 recycling event.  While buying less is always the best option, we want to avoid those old electronics heading to the landfill when you inevitably have to let go of the old to make room for the new.”

GON Recycling accepts the following electronic items:

• computers
• laptops
• servers
• network equipment
• LCD Monitors
• printers
• scanners
• fax machines
• copiers
• POS scanners and equipment
• stereo equipment
• small household appliances such as toasters, irons, and coffee pots
• telephones
• telecommunications equipment
• phone systems
• security equipment
• industrial equipment
• UPS systems
• cell phones
• VCRs
• radios
• keyboards and computer mice
• lead acid batteries
• re-chargeable batteries
• industrial control panels
• ink and toner

Medical equipment that has been inspected and decontaminated of blood borne pathogens, fluids, solvents, pressure gases or radioactive sources is also accepted. Proof of decontamination is required. This can be a decontaminated sticker or paperwork attached to the unit.

GON Recycling will recycle CRT TVs and monitors for a $5 fee. Everything else is no cost. If you need to recycle these items, please bring the funds to pay the recycling fee.

GON Recycling cannot accept these items:

• refrigerators
• air conditioners that are not properly drained
• light bulbs
• smoke alarms
• alkaline batteries
• items that contain blood borne pathogens, fluids, solvents, Freon, pressure gases, radioactive or gasoline sources

For questions about Green Team, sustainability, or this e-waste event, contact Dolphin by email at kim.dolphin@sckans.edu or call Tad Humphrey at (620) 229-6123.

"We're thrilled to welcome nursing students back to Winfield and our campus. This program is a vital investment in the future of healthcare in south-central Kansas, providing essential training and strengthening our workforce," said Brian Barta, William Newton Hospital Chief Executive Officer. 

Community members, college and hospital trustees, faculty, and staff from the partnering institutions filled the space applauding the signing of a formal partnership agreement and cheering again as administrators cut the large purple ribbon provided by the Winfield Chamber of Commerce.

“Simulation training in an environment with this level of interactive technology gives our students a decided advantage as they hone their clinical skills and build confidence as healthcare providers,” said Shona Turner, Associate Professor of Nursing, Director of the BSN Nursing Program at Southwestern College. 

Event attendees were able to see demonstrations of the realistic high-fidelity patient manikins and pharmaceutical dispensing unit as they toured the space. 

“This collaboration is unique in that it involves two community colleges, a private independent college, and a hospital as a private entity, all in partnership with each other to benefit the community. I am not aware of anything like this in the state. Cowley College is focused on strengthening the workforce in south-central Kansas and we are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings to our students,” said Dr. Michelle Schoon, Cowley College President. 

Projections demonstrate that the ongoing nursing shortage will become more pronounced in the coming years. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects that by 2035 non-metropolitan areas will experience a need in excess of 75,000 registered nurses (RNs) to meet the projected demand. 

“It is no secret that there is a shortage of highly trained and qualified nurses and that need is amplified in rural communities – William Newton needs avenues to recruit a workforce that is familiar with communities like ours. Similarly, we as community members, need and want excellent nurses to care for us and for our loved ones,” added Dr. Liz Frombgen, Southwestern College President.

Rural Kansas hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals, like William Newton Hospital, and rural-based health clinics will be most impacted by the nursing shortage. The Kansas Hospital Association Annual Workforce Survey shows that in 2023 a total of 2,352 full-time, equivalent vacancies were reported for RNs – during that same time, Kansas hospitals reported a 16% turnover rate for RNs, which has improved slightly since the national pandemic, but continues to compound the workforce shortage.

“As community-based institutions of higher learning, we can play an important role in attracting and preparing a new generation of nurses to answer that need and we can have a greater impact and our resources will go further if we are committed to working together,” added Frombgen 

Butler Community College Associates Degree in Nursing students began using the Simulation Center space earlier in the week, while Southwestern College’s first cohort of nurses will begin learning in the space in the fall of 2025.

“Butler knows firsthand that higher education is stronger when our colleges work together to achieve things we would be unable to accomplish alone. This unique collaboration that includes two outstanding colleges, Cowley and Southwestern, plus a dynamic regional hospital, is certain to meet the needs of the communities we collectively serve. The level of cooperation has been remarkable, and we could not have asked for better partners to undertake this difference-making initiative,” said Dr. Jackie Vietti, Butler Interim President. 

News Story on KWCH

KWCH Channel 12 News sent a reporter down to document the ribbon cutting.

► Watch the video here.

About Southwestern College

Southwestern College is a private liberal arts college, founded in 1885 by Methodists in south-central Kansas. Today its Winfield campus is the residential hub that guides students to lives of meaning and service, with well-rounded academic and extra-curricular offerings attracting traditional-aged students from throughout the nation and world. Southwestern College Professional Studies provides options for online students in any location and has been named a top provider for persons serving in the military. The college continues to be affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more about Nursing at Southwestern College by visiting www.sckans.edu/nursing. 

About Cowley College 

Cowley College was founded in 1922 and has a rich history of providing quality education for over a century with multiple campuses located in Arkansas City, Mulvane, Wellington, Wichita, and Winfield Kansas. Cowley College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce development courses, catering to various career paths and interests. Visit cowley.edu for more information.

About Butler Community College 

Butler Community College, Kansas' only Adobe Creative Campus and a recognized Aspen Institute Top 150 U.S. Community College, offers more than 100 degree programs and 30 professional certification programs in person and online. The main campus is in El Dorado, Kansas, with several other campuses throughout the county and beyond. Visit www.butlercc.edu to learn more. 

About William Newton Hospital

William Newton Hospital (WNH) in Winfield, KS is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital serving Cowley County and the neighboring regions with a proud heritage of excellence in patient care. The hospital provides general medical and surgical care for inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room patients. WNH's network includes numerous primary care and specialty clinics spread across south-central Kansas. Just a few of the healthcare services offered include cardiology, orthopedics & sports medicine, foot & ankle care, labor & delivery, OB/GYN care, cardiac rehab, oncology, pulmonary rehab, radiology, wound care, occupational health for business & industry, and rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. With a wide range of services not often found in a rural hospital, WNH strives to provide big-city medicine, with small-town service. Visit www.wnhcares.org to learn more. 

The title of his lecture is “Reading, Writing, & Thinking in the Age of Large Language Models.”

Symons is a professor of philosophy at KU and a member of The Academic Center for Biomedical and Health Humanities. His current work is centered in philosophy of technology with ties to formal epistemology, philosophy of psychology, and metaphysics of emergence. As director of the Center for Cyber-Social Dynamics, Dr. Symons engages in the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural study of the relationship between internet and data-driven technologies and society, politics, and culture in order to help our communities to mindfully and ethically shape technologies to promote human flourishing.

Jacob Goodson, associate professor of philosophy at Southwestern College, is looking forward to this lecture.

“A very popular and well-respected professor at KU, John Symons is one of the leading thinkers on the philosophy of technology and questions relating to artificial intelligence,” Goodson says.  “In his lecture at SC, he plans to talk about how artificial intelligence impacts our thinking and writing — both in positive and negative ways. It feels like such an honor to host him here in Winfield and on campus.”

The Beck lectureship, funded by Paul V. Beck to explore topics relating to science and religion, is an annual event on campus and brings in theologians, scientists, and philosophers from across the nation. 

For more information about the Beck Lecture, email Goodson at Jacob.Goodson@sckans.edu.