News

Takahashi joins Tabor as Entrepreneur in Residence

2012-02-03T00:00:00-08:00

Providing access to world-class business minds is a critical component in the world of higher education. Tabor College is pleased to introduce Charlotte Kennedy Takahashi as Entrepreneur in Residence for the spring semester.

Takahashi, an international authority in the field of entrepreneurship, international business, and business ethics will interact and mentor students in the business department. She will be teaching as well as giving leadership to entrepreneurship initiatives on campus and in the community.

She is a Tabor graduate, who received her bachelor’s degree in History in 1968. She also has a M.A. in Chinese history from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She later continued her education at the prestigious Thunderbird School of Global Management where she earned her master’s in international business.

Her career has led her to developing several consulting firms, including Oak Associates, one of the premier executive search and human resource firms in Japan that also includes satellite offices in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Dr. Frank Johnson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, noted that it is an honor to have a distinguished entrepreneur on campus teaching courses.

“We are indeed privileged to have Charlotte on campus this semester and look forward to having her encourage and develop the skills that the next generation of business professionals will need to be successful in their careers,” Johnson said. “The vision of Tabor College is to be the college of choice for students who seek a life-transforming, academically excellent, globally relevant and decidedly Christian education and we believe that Charlotte will help us reach that goal.”

Johnson Family honors professor with estate gift to Tabor College

2012-02-02T00:00:00-08:00

Celebrating a life well lived, honoring the legacy as a 35-year member of the science faculty and encouraging the next generation of young scientists, a gift of $50,000 has been received by Tabor College from the William J. Johnson estate.

Meredith Voran, a sophomore biochemistry major at Tabor College, uses the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer in class. This instrument was upgraded as part of the gift from the William Johnson estate. By having access to modern chemical instrumentation students receive a full and rich educational experience.

Johnson, who spent many of his formative years near Shafter California, came to Tabor College at the urging of then president A.E. Janzen. Although he had received a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the University of California at Davis in 1937, he arrived in Hillsboro in 1939, taking teacher training and Bible classes. Soon after, he received a teaching position at Zoar Academy, near Inman.

In 1947, P.E. Shellenberg, then president of Tabor College, sought out Johnson, who was working on a degree in Chemistry from Kansas State College at the time, and recruited him to teach Chemistry classes in Hillsboro. Johnson accepted the offer and he served the college for a total of 35 years, 33 in the classroom and as the school business manager 1951-52, and 1954. He served as the school’s very first business manager. While teaching at Tabor, he went on to receive his Ph.D in Chemistry from Kansas State in 1962.

One of Johnson’s greatest sources of pride, and he spoke of it during his retirement address to the college in 1982, was the fact that during his tenure in the classroom, of the 99 individuals who majored in Chemistry, more than half went on to finish a Ph.D. or enter the medical profession. The generous estate gift will be used in three distinct areas to improve the capacity of Chemistry studies at Tabor and to encourage students in the field by providing scholarships. The funds will be used to purchase new and necessary equipment for the Chemistry department, further enrich the endowed Wm. J. Johnson Scholarship, and purchase new Chemistry-related materials for the library.

Dr. Bruce Heyen, professor of Chemistry, noted that the gift of the High Performance Liquid Chromatography instrument and updated software for a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer will allow students to more fully engage in their area of study.

“The chemistry department now has some greatly needed equipment that will support undergraduate teaching and research projects. Our instrumentation needs are ongoing, and the timing of this gift occurred just as we were searching for ways to fund some urgent upgrades. We are honored to have received this gift,” Heyen said.

Tabor College is thankful for those individuals who have given generously of themselves and believe strongly in the mission of the school as we prepare people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and His kingdom.

If you would like information on how you can establish an estate giving plan, contact Ron Braun Vice President for Advancement at Tabor College, (620) 947-3121 ext. 1709.

Family weekend planned Feb. 17-18

2012-01-25T00:00:00-08:00

A special family weekend will take place at Tabor College Feb. 17-18. The theater department will be putting on “Steel Magnolias” throughout the weekend. “Expect plenty of laughter and a bit of heartbreak from six small town Louisiana women who spend a good deal of time together in Truvy’s Beauty Parlor,” said Judy Harder, Tabor College drama director. “They deal with whatever life sends their way, adding doses of spice and humor whenever possible.”

Along with “Steel Magnolias,” both Men’s and Women’s basketball teams will be competing against the University of St. Mary on Saturday.

A parent brunch with the President and a legacy picture for students and alumni will take place on Saturday morning.

For those wanting to participate, there will be a hotdog lunch on Saturday with four different kinds to choose from.

“We are looking forward to families visiting our campus,” said Marlene Fast, director of alumni. “It’s a great opportunity to see the student production of ‘Steel Magnolias,’ spend time on campus, and enjoy the women’s and men’s basketball games.”

A package deal for the weekend for $15 per person is available. That price includes brunch, lunch, drama and basketball admission. Individual tickets can also be purchased for the drama production , lunch and basketball games. To register for the parent brunch with President Glanzer, reserve tickets or purchase packages, contact the alumni office at 620.947.3121 ext. 1704 or email alumni@tabor.edu.

Full Schedule for Learning in Retirement Announced. Program moves to new day.

2012-01-25T00:00:00-08:00

Much will remain the same for the coming semester of Learning in Retirement lecture series, although one notable change will be the regular meeting day. According to program director, Connie Isaac, LiR will move to Friday, to better accommodate a busy campus schedule.

“It is with much consideration that we have decided to make this change to our historic meeting day,” Isaac said. “By moving to Friday mornings, it will offer a much more relaxed atmosphere in the cafeteria, where you can relax and enjoy the time spent together over the meal time.”

This semester’s program has a great deal of variety and should appeal for many. The sessions will begin on Friday, Feb. 24. The first session will feature Lori Walsh, a former preacher’s kid who married a ministry man. She will share some of her interesting experiences being involved with ministry and where that path has taken her, including time spent in residential camping ministries.

“We have a wonderful semester planned. The speakers will cover a variety of topics,” Isaac commented. “We have been blessed with capable speakers and artists who are willing to share with our community.”

The programs are held in the lobby of the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center and begin at 9:45 a.m. Registration for the entire series of presentations if $15 per semester for an individual or $29 per couple. Those who wish to only attend a few sessions, admission is $4.

Another added benefit for taking part in the LiR sessions is the opportunity to enjoy lunch in the Tabor Café located in the student center following the program. An additional fee of $4 will be charged for those who wish to partake.

View this years schedule by clicking here.

If you have any questions or need additional information, feel free to contact the Director of the Learning in Retirement Program, Connie Isaac by email at conniei@tabor.edu with any questions.

Braun tapped as next Vice President for Advancement

2012-01-24T00:00:00-08:00

Jules Glanzer, President of Tabor College made the announcement on Friday, Jan. 20. His first day in the role was Monday, Jan. 23.

“We are pleased that Ron is willing to assume greater leadership responsibilities for the benefit of Tabor College,” Glanzer said. “His genuine love for his alma mater is evident and I look forward to working alongside him as the next chapter in the Tabor story is written.”

Braun was previously serving Tabor as the director of development and fills the position vacated by Jim Elliott.

Braun brings significant experience in the advancement field, working previously with Kidron Bethel Retirement Services and the Mennonite Central Committee.
“I look forward to the challenge of the position and am energized by the opportunity to connect with the alumni and many friends of Tabor College to ensure that the school is successful for generations to come,” Braun said.

Farewell reception planned for Jim Elliott

2012-01-12T00:00:00-08:00

The Tabor and Hillsboro community is invited to a farewell reception for Jim Elliott, vice-president of advancement. Elliott, who has served in the role since September of 2002, has accepted a similar position at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Ill.

The come-and-go reception will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 3-5 p.m. in the Java Jays area of the student center. A short presentation and remarks will be given at 4 p.m.

Please come visit with Jim and wish him well as he returns to his alma mater. For more information, please contact Geneva Just, 947.3121 ext. 1709.

Dean's List Announced for Fall 2011

2012-01-05T00:00:00-08:00

Tabor College has announced that 172 students have been named to the Dean’s List for their scholastic accomplishments for the Fall 2011 semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List a student must fit into one of three categories based on his or her GPA: Highest Honors, 4.00-3.85; High Honors, 3.849-3.70; and Honors, 3.699-3.50.

HIGHEST HONORS

POST-BACCALAUREATE

Kayla Brown, Clay Center, Kan.; Jordan Crosson, Minneapolis, Kan.; Corina Enns, Hesston, Kan.; Jordan Funk, Wichita, Kan.; Jennifer Hess, Marion, Kan.; Jason Hett, Marion, Kan.; Tyson Kendrick, Arkansas City, Kan.; Katie Mount, Hillsboro, Kan.; Tabatha Phipps, Gower, Mo.; Rebekah Thiele, Fountain, Colo.

SENIOR

Kady Albrecht, Herington, Kan.; Tiffany Bulk, Leonardville, Kan.; Talia Doerksen, Prescott Valley, Ariz.; Darren Enns, Hesston, Kan.; Amanda Faber, Hillsboro, Kan.; Troy Frick, Durham, Kan.; Emily Friesen, Winnipeg, MB; Rebecca Friesen, Aurora, Neb.; Taylor Funk, Wichita, Kan.; Gina Hullet, McCook, Neb.; Cortney Janzen, Henderson, Neb.; Lauren Just, Hillsboro, Kan.; Tricia Kaethler, Surrey, BC; Jenesa Klose, Hillsboro, Kan.; Allison Krehbiel, Hutchinson, Kan.; Hattie Lee, Fowler, Kan.; Maria Loewen, Andover, Kan.; Louis Morales, Apple Valley, Calif.; Stephanie Silvas, Dexter, NM; David Vogel, Hillsboro, Kan.; Sarah Vogt, Newton, Kan.; Sarah Wyckoff, Blackwell, Okla.; Jessica Yraceburu, Camas, WA; Amanda Zuercher, Whitewater, Kan.

JUNIOR

Ashley Bird, El Centro, Calif.; Molly Coppadge, Matthew, NC; Abigail Epp, Newton, Kan.; Abigail Funk, Siloam Springs, AR; Rachel Goering, Newton, Kan.; Cassie Kroeker, Hillboro, Kan.; Stephanie Lappin, Maize, Kan.; Melissa Lind, Ferndale, WA; Andrea Pankratz, Buhler, Kan.; Kristen Pitschmann, Wichita, Kan.; McKenzie Potter, Wichita, Kan.; Lindsey Radic, Parker, Colo.; Clayton Shewey, Hillsboro, Kan.; Kaitlyn Vogts, Moundridge, Kan.; Rachel Weaver, Inola, Okla.; Candace Weinbrenner, Hillsboro, Kan.

SOPHOMORE

Katherine Becker, Kiowa, Kan.; Molly Clark, Fort Collins, Colo.; Deidre Derksen, Goddard, Kan.; Tyler Dort, Valley Center, Kan.; Joetta Ewert, Wichita, Kan.; Amy Janzen, Lindsborg, Kan.; Makenzie King, Schertz, Texas; Justine Langer, Gettysburg, S.D.; Kaitlin Meyer, Le Roy, Kan.; Cora Ruhl, Leon, Kan.; Kaylyn Spencer, Florence, Kan.; Nathan Vogel, Hillsboro, Kan.; Hannah Vogt, Newton, Kan.; Stacey Warkentin, Wichita, Kan.; Megan Wiebe, Newton, Kan.; Wilhelmina Witt, Central Lake, Mich.; Hollister Wolf, Moundridge, Kan.

FRESHMAN

Andrea Acker, Lakewood, Colo.; Kaylan Blumanhourst, Wichita, Kan.; Cheyenne Derksen, Goddard, Kan.; Rebecca Faber, Hillsboro, Kan.; Kendra Flaming, Hillsboro, Kan.; Anna Friesen, Wichita, Kan.; Marissa Hiett, Dinuba, Calif.; Crystal Holmes, Littleton, Colo.; Hannah Holmes, Littleton, Colo.; Rebecca King, Wichita, Kan.; Diane Krehbiel, Hutchinson, Kan.; Tanner Landstrom, Huron, S.D.; Krista Neifert, Pratt, Kan.; Sara Sagner, Cheney, Kan.; Brennen Smith, Goddard, Kan.; Rebecca Spahr, Wichita, Kan.; Rebecca Spurgeon, Andover, Kan.; Jessica Vix, Sawyer, N.D.; Daniele Wendland, Saint John, Kan.; Matthew Wiebe, Hillsboro, Kan.

HIGH HONORS

SENIOR

Michael Adamyk, McPherson, Kan.; Corissa Bartel, Hillsboro, Kan.; Clarissa Berglund, Gettysburg, SD; Elisabeth Cartney, Olathe, Kan.; MacKenzie Dick, Henderson, Neb.; Melanie Dick, Wichita, Kan.; Stephanie Ens, Wichita, Kan.; Mary Goering, Newton, Kan.; Michael Janzen, Hesston, Kan.; Alyssa King, Wichita, Kan.; Bret Lentz, Wichita, Kan.; Michael Loewen, Huron, SD; Kelsey Mann, Wichita, Kan.; Jared Redding, Hesston, Kan.; Emily Schmidt, Bel Aire, Kan.; Joshua Shaw, Peyton, Colo.; Rebecca Steketee, Hillsboro, Kan.

JUNIOR

Jessica Coldwell, Arkansas City, Kan.; Mallory Flaming, Weatherford, Okla.; Michael Klaassen, Hillsboro, Kan.; Silas Pederson, Gretna, Kan.; Lendon Warkentin, Corn, Okla.; Jessica Wollenberg, Byron, Neb.

SOPHOMORE

Kaitlyn Brown, Wichita, Kan.; Yvonne Brubacher, Hesston, Kan.; Charissa Cohlmia, Wichita, Kan.; Dylan Crawford, Edmond, Okla.; Micah Leake, Lyons, Kan.; Alisa Lynn, Olathe, Kan.; Jessica Vogts, Moundridge, Kan.

FRESHMAN

Brittney Dymnioski, Newton, Kan.; Trevor Morris, Murdock, Kan.; Shelby Spencer, Hesston, Kan.; Zachary Willems, Sedgwick, Kan.

HONORS

SENIOR

Amanda Brown, Hillsboro, Kan.; Ethan Burgess, Lindon, Colo.; Sally Epp, Giltner, Neb.; Katherine Gerber, Wichita, Kan.; Jordan Giffin, Valley Center, Kan.; Benjamin Heyen, Hillsboro, Kan.; Micah Hiett, Dinuba, Calif.; Roxanne Koop, Abilene, Kan.; Aaron Phillips, Hillsboro, Kan.; Mandilyn Phillips, Wichita, Kan.; Jiquon Townsend, Brooklyn, NY; Hanna Vogel, Hillsboro, Kan.; Eric Willems, Sedgwick, Kan.

JUNIOR

Zachary Bissell, Windsor, Colo.; Aaron Brooks, Udall, Kan.; Abigael Burns, Wichita, Kan.; Nolan Dirks, Hillsboro, Kan.; David Ewert, Bingham Lake, MN; Antonio Goodson, Eustis, FL; Brittany Habiger, Spearville, Kan.; David Loewen, Hillsboro, Kan.; Scott Morrow, Bryan, Texas; Ruthann Ralstin, Mulvane, Kan.; Alexa Wilker, Reedley, Calif.

SOPHOMORE

Amy Cofer, Lincoln, Neb.; James Cole, Rose Hill, Kan.; Brooke Eitzen, Hesston, Kan.; Samantha Hines, Newton, Kan.; Elizabeth Janssen, Scandia, Kan.; Ryan Loewen, Huron, SD; Brielle Lund, Green, Kan.; Jordan Moshier, Meade, Kan.; Bradley Prescott, Lakewood, Calif.; Logan Reimer, Wichita, Kan.; Brittany Shaklee, Madison, Kan.; Rachel Strobridge, Northglenn, Colo.; Zachary Trostel, Reedley, Calif.; Nicole Tunks, Olathe, Kan.; Meredith Voran, Kingman, Kan.; Luke Zielke, Wichita, Kan.

FRESHMAN

Landry Cogburn, Walsh, Colo.; Courtney Erwin, Canyon, Texas; Jared Friesen, Meade, Kan.; Katelyn Graber, Pretty Prairie, Kan.; Natalie Hartzell, Concordia, Kan.; Caden Junk, Hays, Kan.; Daniel Krehbiel, Pretty Prairie, Kan.; Hillary McKinney, Weskan, Kan.; Sophie Mills, Balko, Okla.; Jessica Renzelman, Ione, Calif.; Carly Wilhelm, Littleton, Colo.

Wilkens announced as Scholar in Residence

2011-12-20T00:00:00-08:00

Tabor College will welcome Dr. Steve Wilkens as a scholar-in-residence January 4-11 and January 18-26. During his time on campus he will conduct research and present a series of lectures to faculty and staff. The program is a direct outcome of the Tabor Experience, strategic framework and initiatives and will focus on the Christ-centered learning model. Dr. Frank Johnson, Vice President for Academic Affairs was happy to make the announcement of Wilkens’ coming visit.

“We are blessed and privileged to have Dr. Wilkens, a notable expert on integrating faith and education, visit our campus as a true scholar in residence,” Johnson said. “We anticipate great conversations to be had, as we explore the intersections of faith, teaching and learning.”

Wilkens will present sessions tailored to the various campus communities, including the faculty and staff. He will share with the student body during Chapel.

Wilkens, who was honored as the 2010 Tabor College Alumni of Merit award winner, is a Professor of Theology and Ethics at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, Calif. He received his Bachelors of Arts in Humanities from Tabor College in 1977, a Masters in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif., 1983 and a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary, 1988.

He is an accomplished author with more than 30 publications and presentations to his credit. In February 2011, his book Everything You Know about Evangelicals is Wrong (Well, Almost Everything), made the best-of list by Christianity Today.

“As it was purposeful and intentional that Dr. Wilkens was selected as our first scholar-in-residence to address the core issue as to what it means to be a Christ-centered institution, it is our desire that faculty and staff fully participate in this program,” Johnson said. “We can all learn and grow in our own personal faith and be better equipped to share that journey with the students that we are trusted with and in our wider campus community.”

Mini Christmas Concert on Dec. 1

2011-11-28T00:00:00-08:00

Local community members are invited to an informal Christmas concert hosted on the Tabor College campus featuring the Tabor Symphonic Band and Strings Ensemble.

The performance will take place on Thursday, Dec. 1 in the rehearsal hall (room 115) of the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center at 12 p.m., and will last about 30 minutes.

Daniel Baldwin, assistant professor of instrumental music, organized the event and will conduct the ensembles.

“We will be performing several traditional Christmas music selections,” Baldwin said. The program will include two medleys performed by the string players that will include tunes to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Silent Night.” The band will then perform “The Christmas Song” and a set of German Christmas carols.

“At the end, the band and strings will combine to do a holiday sing-along that will include ‘Deck the Halls,’ ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘O Christmas Tree’ and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas,’” Baldwin said.

The concert will be the final performance for both the band and strings ensemble in the fall semester.

“People will be able to come hear Christmas music and still have time to grab lunch before heading back to work,” Baldwin said. “I would like to invite the available community and Tabor faculty and students.”

The event is free and the general public is also invited to attend.

Concert Choir to present Messiah

2011-11-18T00:00:00-08:00

Tabor College’s long-standing Christmas tradition of performing “Messiah”—the 18th century work by George Fredrick Handel about the anticipation and impact of Jesus Christ—will continue on Sunday, Dec. 4 with a performance by the Tabor College Concert Choir, Alumni Chorus and Tabor’s Community Orchestra.

The production will be at the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church, 300 Prairie Point, in Hillsboro. It will begin at 7 p.m. and admission is free and open to the public.

Dr. Bradley Vogel, professor of choral music, will be conducting “Messiah” for his 14th year at Tabor. “For many, it serves as the beginning of the Christmas holiday season,” Vogel said of the performance tradition that dates back nearly a half century in Tabor’s history books. “It brings the college and Hillsboro communities together to celebrate such an important spiritual event.”

Vogel noted that part of his enjoyment of performing “Messiah” is the way in which it is collaborated by so many performers on many different professional levels.

“It’s a focal point that brings current and past choir members together,” he said, “and I very much enjoy maintaining that connection with alums. I’m honored that they enjoy it enough to return and continue to sing.”

Additionally, the stage will be graced by professional instrumentalists, many of whom return to perform with Tabor every December.

“The community orchestra is comprised primarily of members of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra. The majority of the musicians have played for Tabor for many years, which gives us a solid core,” Vogel said.

“Messiah” premiered in Dublin, Ireland, in 1742 as a benefit concert for local charities. Handel composed the entire piece in only three weeks, and it was performed in what Handel described as a “hall of 600,” but more than 700 attended, Vogel said.

“The anticipated attendance was indeed large,” Vogel said of the piece’s first performance. “Local newspapers published a request that ‘ladies of the audience should not wear hooped dresses, nor the men swords.’”

Although neither swords nor hooped dresses have ever caused problems for Tabor’s performance of “Messiah,” Vogel added that it is traditionally one of the most-attended concerts the music department presents each year. “It’s great music,” Vogel said, “and doing it well also speaks well of our musical tradition.”

A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Tabor College music programs.