News

103rd Commencement Complete

May 18, 2013

Categories: General News, Adult & Graduate

The largest graduating class in Tabor College history marched through Joel H. Wiens Stadium on Saturday, May 18, 2013 as the Tabor College Commencement ceremonies were held. In all, 127 Bachelors of Arts, 11 Master of Business Administration, 13 Bachelor of Science, 42 Bachelor of Science in Nursing and 1 Associate of Arts degrees were presented to the 103rd graduating class.

The band, under the direction of Mr. Daniel Baldwin, opened the event with a concert and the traditional Pomp and Circumstance processional. Representing the school of Adult and Graduate studies, Anna Reid provided the invocation. Michael Klaassen was the speaker representing the Tabor College Hillsboro class, while Leilani Schenkel spoke on behalf of the class from Tabor College Wichita. Tynan Honn, president of the senior class presented the Graduating class response.

President Dr. Jules Glanzer presented the Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award. It was given to Becky Steketee and Michael Klaassen. They each received a cash award of $1,000 and plaque in honor of their leadership skills demonstrated not only during their time as Tabor College students, but for their potential leadership capabilities.

The commencement address was given by Dr. Richard Kyle, long time history professor who is retiring at the close of the school year. His address was titled “It’s the beginning, not the end.”

The graduating class was presented their diplomas by Dr. Jules Glanzer and the Tabor College Alumni Association, represented by Dr. Allen Hiebert, member of the class of 1963 and Marlene Fast presented each graduate with a bible.

The graduating class is as follows:

Master of Business Administration

Jason Thomas Aubrey, Bartlesville, OK

Erin Ann Barocio, Newton, KS

Dustin Matthew Dick, Buhler, KS

Matthew E. Fuqua, McPherson, KS

Jacqueline Ann Hromada, Novelty, OH

Elizabeth D. Maury, Hesston, KS

Jareau T Montgomery, Wichita, KS

Grant True Myers, Bakersfield, CA

Loren Severs, Macomb, IL

Erica Ann Woods, Smith Center, KS

John Hugh Wright III, Wichita, KS

Bachelor of Arts

Rachel Marie Alberti, Henrico, VA

Kady Dyan Albrecht, Herington, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Aaron Jeffrey Annis, Mapleton, MN

Jon-Michael Guy Bergeron, Houston, TX

Zachary L. Bissell, Fort Collins, CO

Andrea DelCarmen Bray, Bonham, TX

Aaron Edward Deming Brooks, Udall, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Jakob Paul Brucks, Wichita, KS

Samuel David Brucks, Wichita, KS

Ethan Wayne Burgess, Lindon, CO

Derick James Burkhard, Dodge City, KS

Abigael C. Burns, Leon, KS

Matthew George Cardona, LaGrange, CA

Michael D. Cater Jr., New Caney, TX

Ryan August Chippeaux, Wichita, KS

Benjamin Ryan Clark, Andover, KS

Destinee R. Cogburn, Walsh, CO

Kyleen Elizabeth Condon, Mulvane, KS

Molly Elizabeth Coppadge, Matthews, NC Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Andrew Richard Curtis, Wichita, KS

Julia Anna Dalavai, Bedford, TX

James C. Davidson Jr., Columbus, MS

Nolan I. Dirks, Hillsboro, KS

Brenda Kay Drake, White City, KS

Abigail Elissa Epp, Newton, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Sally Epp, Giltner, NE

Loren M. Erway, Wichta, KS

Kamron K. Ewald, Fairview, OK

David Robert Ewert, Bingham Lake, MN Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Rebecca Marie Friesen, Aurora, NE Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Max George Frise, Castroville, CA

Whitney Kyla Frise, Clovis, NM

Abigail Rosemary Funk, Siloam Springs, AR Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Isain Garcia, Houston, TX

Jason Giffin, Sedgwick, KS

Sean Michael Giroir, Lakewood, CO

Rachel Amelia Goering, Newton, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Brandon Jermeal Gooden, Bakersfield, CA

Brittany Ann Habiger, Spearville, KS

Nathaniel Harrison Jr., Suisun City, CA

Jacob Andrew Heil, Wichita, KS

Erin Jaye Heizelman, Buhler, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Tessa Leigh Hoduski, Kansas City, KS

Tynan Marie Honn, Hutchinson, KS

Gina Dawn Hullet, Indianola, NE

Dylan Ryan Janzen, Aurora, NE

Michael Wayne Janzen, Hesston, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Thaddeus Joesph Jarosz III, Colorado Springs, CO

Phillip D. Jimenez, Shafter, CA

Rae’shon Evette Johnson, Fontana, CA

Tricia Kaethler, Surrey, BC, Canada Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Jacob Kerschenske, Stafford, KS

Cortnie Renee Killen, Derby, KS

Annie King, Basehor, KS

Tracie Elizabeth Kithcart, Boulder, CO

Michael Wayne Klaassen, Hillsboro, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Keaton D. Kleiner, Liberal, KS

Shelby Elaine Koons, Hillsboro, KS

Cassie Lynn Kroeker, Hillsboro, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Matthew Robbins Lambert, Ponca City, OK

Jake R. Landers, Kansas City, KS

Stephanie Kay Lappin, Maize, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Jeremiah T. Lauts, Atchison, KS

Bryant Michael Leinen, Wichita, KS

Bret Thomas Lentz, Andover, KS

Korie A. Lewis, Marietta, GA

Tamara Lee Lio, Phoeniz, AZ

Aaron Lawrence Magee, Vallejo, CA

Moustapha Mbaye, Bronx, NY

Derek Thomas McBride, Westminster, CO

Darien Patrice McCollins, Richmond, CA

Adam C. McCormick, Pittsburg, KS

Derek Robert Mendenhall, Derby, KS

Wesley Moody, Broken Arrow, OK

Ishmael M. Morris, Hillsboro, KS

Melissa Danielle Mueller, Ferndale, WA Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Juan J. Oceguera, Newton, KS

Andrea N. Pankratz, Buhler, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Nathan Keith Panttaja, Reedley, CA

Yverdon Joe Penn, College Park, MD

Andrew Daniel Perez, Corpus Christi, TX

Jordan R. Perez, Grand Prairie, TX

Caleb Paul Phillips, Hillsboro, KS

Kristen Marie Pitschmann, Wichita, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Michael Thomas Polley, Shafter, CA

Emily Nicole Post, Wray, CO

McKenzie Logan Potter, Wichita, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Bradley C. Prescott, Lakewood, CA

Spencer Putman, Wichita, KS

Lindsey Marie Radic, Parker, CO

Logan Alan Reimer, Wichita, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Jeremy P. Reiswig, Wichita, KS

Anna Marie Richert, Jefferson City, MO

Zachary Allen Richert, Medicine Lodge, KS

Tim Alan Roesch, Quinter, KS

Timothy D. Rozzell, Andover, KS

Christopher David Sanborn Jr., Pinellas Park, FL

Kruze Sanders, Wichita, KS

Nikol Marie Sandoval, Wichita, KS

Alisha Ann Schale, Newton, KS

Michael Phillip Scheele, Hillsboro, KS

Caleb John Schmitz, Westmoreland, KS

Cody Eugene Schroeder, Goddard, KS

Paul Edward Sciacca, Fairfield, CA

Clayton John Shewey, Hillsboro, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Mallory Brooke Shewey, Weatherford, OK

David Simmet, Mainz, Germany

Aziz J. Spellman-Smith, Aliso Viejo, CA

Rebecca Dawn Steketee, Hillsboro, KS

Koby Scott Temple, Mesa, AZ

Colby D. Tessendorf, Newton, KS

Joshua Edwin Trieglaff, Wheaton, IL

Kelsey Leigh Unruh, Hillsboro, KS

Andre Tavares Vestfahl, Pelotas, Brazil

Kaitlyn Nicole Vogts, Moundridge, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Meredith Leslie Voran, Kingman, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Kyle Jacob Wallace, Anaheim, CA

Lendon Ron Warkentin, Corn, OK Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Rachel Lynne Weaver, Inola, OK Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Matthew Burr Weger, Sebastopol, CA

Aaron James Wiens, Topeka, KS

Alexa Joy Wilker, Reedley, CA Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Trevor A. Wimer, Phoenix, AZ

Jessica Lynne Wollenberg, Byron, NE Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Logan Scott Zielke, Wichita, KS

Bachelor of Science

Zachary M. Blake, Denver, CO

Chris Costello, Syracuse, NY

Charity J. Dennison, Haysville, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Jacqueline D. Floyd, Boley, OK

Lisa Ann Hargadine-Clary, Wichita, KS

Matthew Joseph Gervaise Moore, Arlington, WA Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Jack Norris, Clinton, OK Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Robert F. Ritter, Wichita, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

J. Javier Segoviano, Wichita, KS

Chelsi Dawn Smades, Andover, KS

Aubrey Smith, Wichita, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Maegan A. Thornton, Eureka, KS

Stevie Mae Warren, El Dorado, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Peggy P. Arnold, Wichita, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Sierra Lanae Barr, Valley Center, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Shannon Barus, Emporia, KS

Krista Anna Briar, Newton, KS

Nancy Cervantes-Salas, Newton, KS

Elveanna Gay Crabtree, Americus, KS

Jennifer M. Dawson, Leon, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Charlotte Deaton, Hutchinson, KS

Heidi Rochelle Demuth, Clearwater, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Kimberly Ann Folck, Galva, KS

Martha A. Garcia, Newton, KS

Debra C. Gould, Lebo, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Dera J. Harvey, Wichita, KS Summa Cum Laude, 3.85-4.00

Kimberly Dawn Jones, Wichita, KS

Melicia Gay Jordan-Yette, Derby, KS

Christopher M. Keen, Hutchinson, KS

Elizabeth A. Kelley, Phillipsburg, KS

Dorothy J. Kisslinger, Ransom, KS

Stacy L. Koschney, Valley Center, KS

Maria G. Lopez, Wichita, KS

Janell Maust, Hesston, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Barbara L. Miller, Wichita, KS

Brigid D. Monnin, Wichita, KS

Jessica Celeste Navarro, Newton, KS

Holli Dawn Newman, Lyons, KS

Kelly Jean Otott, Washington, KS

Kary Ann Przymus, Hutchinson, KS

Robin A. Reed, McPherson, KS

Anna Marie Reid, Kingman, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Leilani Leah Schenkel, Great Bend, KS

Jennifer Ann Scheuber, Augusta, KS

Dana R. Sommers, El Dorado, KS

Dawn Stasser, Goodland, KS

Brandelein Marie Stefonek, Wichita, KS

Glenda J. Steinert, Wichita, KS

Melissa Lyn Sullivan, Kennesaw, GA

Christy Marie Tennissen, Valley Center, KS

Jessica Turner, Augusta, KS

Melany D. Webster, Marquette, KS

Elizabeth Asheley Wiener, Sedgwick, KS

Deena Woodall, Gove, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Maria J Zimmerman, Grinnell, KS Magna Cum Laude, 3.70-3.849

Associate of Arts

Tyler James Entz, Yukon, OK

CMBS to host intern from Bluffton College

May 13, 2013

Categories: General News

Tabor College is glad to welcome Amanda Bartel to campus the week of May 13. Bartel has been selected as the intern for the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission and will be spending a week at each of the MB Archive sites. The Center for the Mennonite Brethren Studies at Tabor College will be the first stop during the four-week internship experience.

Bartel is completing her first year at Bluffton College and majoring in history. She is the niece of Daryl and Darlene Bartel, and will be staying with them during her time in Hillsboro.

The internship is made possible by the financial support of the Katie Funk Wiebe Fund and administered by the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission, Jon Isaak, executive director. The experience is designed to give college students practical archival experience at each of the four MB archival institutions.

Peggy Goertzen, director of the Center for MB Studies at Tabor College, anticipated the visit of Bartel and the ability to share some of the rich MB heritage and collection housed in Hillsboro.

“This is a great opportunity, enabling us to continue to share and preserve the stories and culture of our heritage and the history of the MB Church,” Goertzen said. Bartel will work with Goertzen May 13-17, 2013.

KCAC Commisioner's Cup comes to Tabor

May 10, 2013

Categories: General News

Tabor College accumulated 126 points over the three sport seasons during 2012 – 2013 to claim the inaugural KCAC Commissioner’s Cup. The award will be formally announced at the 2013 – 2014 KCAC Sport Management Conference on Tuesday, August 6 at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.

This Spring, the Bluejays earned their first championship points by becoming co-regular season baseball champions with Sterling College. Tabor earned significant points with second place finishes in six sports (football, men’s soccer, men’s indoor track & field, women’s basketball, men’s basketball, women’s outdoor track & field) and third place finishes in two sports (women’s indoor track & field, men’s outdoor track & field).

The Bluejays captured the cup by scoring 44 points in the Fall (3rd best among all 10 conference members), 35 points in the Winter (Tied for 1st among all 10 conference members), and 47 points in the Spring (3rd among all 10 conference members). Tabor was one of two schools (Southwestern) to finish in the top five in scoring and not compete in all 17 scored events (men’s golf).

Tabor College’s Vice President of Athletics, Rusty Allen, spoke on winning the award. “We are honored to win the inaugural Commissioner’s Cup. The athletic department at Tabor College embraces the philosophy that excellence enhances the primary goal of Christian ministry. As we seek to help student-athletes come to know and grow in Christ, a foundation of excellence provides much needed leverage. We have great respect for the KCAC schools and enjoy the broad scope of competition created by the introduction of the Commissioner’s Cup. The Tabor community is excited to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments and will look forward to the ongoing pursuit of the Commissioner’s Cup.”

Buller hired as Director of Development - West Coast

May 09, 2013

Categories: General News

Dr. Jules Glanzer, President of Tabor College and Vice President of Advancement Ron Braun, announced that Charles Buller, Visalia, Calif., has been hired to fill the newly created position as Director of Development – West Coast. Buller will work to better serve Tabor’s constituency, alumni and friends on the west coast.

“Chuck brings pastoral experience and a passion for Biblical stewardship to the college,” Glanzer noted.

Buller has a M.Div. in Theology from Fresno Biblical Seminary and a BS in Psychology from Fresno Pacific University.

President Glanzer noted that the hiring of Mr. Buller is part of a larger plan to decentralize the focus of the advancement team, with Buller serving the West Coast area, Steve Warkentin as the Director of Development – Midwest and Kim Wiens, a major gift officer located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “This structure will allow us to serve our constituents and churches more effectively.”

Buller noted with anticipation the challenge of the work. “I am so thrilled to be working for Tabor College. We have prayerfully considered this opportunity and feel blessed to partner with an institution that is decidedly Christian.”

Buller previously served as the executive director of the USMB conference from 2003-06, pastor at two growing churches and most recently as vice president of advancement for a Reedley, Calif., retirement complex.

Buller began his role with Tabor College May 1, 2013. He and his wife Barbara will continue to reside in California.

Spring concert Sunday, May 12

May 06, 2013

Categories: General News

The Tabor College choirs will present a spring concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church. The public is invited to attend. In this year’s spring performance the women of the Concert Choir and Concerto Bella Voce women’s chorale will join together to perform Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, a work accompanied by harp. Janie Brokenicky, assistant professor of choral music, will direct the choir and Jane Hyde, harpist for the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, will accompany. Holly Swartzendruber, voice professor for Tabor, will be a featured soloist and will also perform a duet with senior Jessica Coldwell.

The men of the Concert Choir will be joined by ten recent choir alums to present five hymn settings by Mennonite composer J. Harold Moyer.

Two current Tabor students will be featured instrumentalists: junior Benjamin Wiens on oboe and freshman Kirsten Neufeld on horn. Several Tabor alums will be featured as well including Ralph Vogel on tuba and Steve Hanneman and Paul Epp on trumpet. Also featured will be adjunct instructors Howard Glanton on guitar, Stephen Vincent on organ and piano and Brian Postier on trombone. Daniel Baldwin, director of bands and orchestra, will also be a featured trombonist.

“With Ms. Brokenicky on staff and the opportunity to feature our choirs as separate men’s and women’s choruses, we decided to perform works that highlighted literature written specifically for the separate voices,” Vogel said.

“It provides an opportunity for both of us to conduct at the concert and to work with voices for which we are specialists.”

Tabor to host KCAC Track Championships

April 25, 2013

Categories: General News, Athletics News

Tabor College is privileged to be selected as the host of the 2013 KCAC conference Track & Field Championships.

The meet, scheduled for May 2-3 will feature the performances of nearly 400 athletes competing in 21 events, according Dave Kroeker, head track coach at Tabor.

“Tabor College is excited about hosting the conference meet. We are pleased to be able to offer our facilities, which we are proud to showcase. It is also good for our own athletes, who will be competing where they are most comfortable,” Kroeker said.

Concert Band and Chamber Strings to perform in Hillsboro

April 19, 2013

Categories: General News

The Tabor College Symphonic Band will perform their home concert on Sunday, April 28 at 4 p.m. in the Tabor College Chapel. The Chamber Strings performance will be on Thursday, May 2 at the Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church.

Both groups have recently returned from their annual Spring Tour, which took place April 19-23. The band and string ensemble appeared at seven locations in western Kansas including Hesston College, North Oak Community Church in Hays, Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Meade, the Presbyterian Church of Garden City, Garden City High School and Newton High School.

Under the direction of Daniel Baldwin, director of bands and orchestra, the theme for this year’s tour is “Out of the Darkness and Into the Light,” based on 1 John 1:5.

“We have all experienced dark times in our lives,” said Baldwin. “The solution to combat Darkness is Light. The way we come to that Light is through a relationship with God.”

During the home concert the band will play a wide variety of pieces, including two marches by Sousa, a medley of tunes from Disney’s The Lion King and an arrangement of three hymns entitled “Three Chorale Preludes.”

The strings will perform pop selections from The Chronicles of Narnia and Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as jazz and hymns. They will also accompany congregational singing of hymns.

Spring Athletics Showcase April 20

April 11, 2013

Categories: General News, Athletics News

The Tabor College athletic and alumni and parent relations departments will host the annual spring showcase on Saturday April, 20 on the campus of Tabor College. Fans and Tabor athletic supporters are invited to a fun filled day that will feature six of the Bluejays athletic teams in action.

The day kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with an alumni golf outing at the Hillsboro Golf Course. To register for golf, contact the alumni office at 620.947.3121 ext, 1706. Funds raised at the outing will go toward purchasing the Bibles presented at Commencement.

The football scrimmage will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by the volleyball scrimmage in the gym at 11 a.m.

The baseball team will take on Sterling at 1 p.m. at the field on campus. Also at 1 p.m. the softball team will play at the Hillsboro Sports Complex, taking on Southwestern.

The women’s soccer alumni scrimmage will be at 1:30 p.m., followed by the men’s alumni soccer scrimmage at 3:30 p.m. in the Joel H. Wiens Stadium.

Lunch will be available from 12-1 p.m. at the stadium. Cost is $5 per person and will feature a full meal deal with either a sloppy joe or a grilled hot dog.

Women’s group to sing at Parkview

April 08, 2013

Categories: General News

Tabor College’s Concerto Bella Voce women’s choir will present its home concert at 4 p.m., Sunday, April 14, at Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church in Hillsboro. The choir recently returned from its Spring Tour in which they gave performances in Dallas, Texas, several locations in Oklahoma and finished with a performance in Wichita, Kan.

Under the direction of Janie Brokenicky, assistant professor of choral music, the women’s choir will perform their concert series entitled “His Guiding Hand.”

The theme is based on the text of the book of Ruth and the piece “The Song of Ruth” by David Childs will be performed.

“The concert is divided into three sections of music,” said Brokenicky. “Wherever you go, praise Him, follow Him and trust Him.”

As well as two pieces by Childs, the choir will perform works by Bingen, Powell, Rutter, Costantini, Clausen, Lange, Dilworth, Culloton, Ray and Bart, as well as Brokenicky’s own arrangement of “Down in the River to Pray.”

The choir will be accompanied on piano by Director of the Music Preparatory School Tiffiney Harms.

Weibe to present during Lifelong Learning

April 08, 2013

Categories: General News

We live in a difficult time when it comes to economics, politics and faith. Even though these are rough times, we can still exercise generosity in various ways. President and CEO of MB Foundation, Hillsboro, Jon Wiebe, will encourage and inform about changes retirees are facing on Friday, April 12 at 9:45 a.m. in the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center.

Jon C. Wiebe is President and CEO of MB Foundation who lives in Hillsboro Kans. He has over 16 years of experience in stewardship ministry. He graduated from Tabor College in 1986 where he was very active in vocal music and met his wife, Ellynne Faul. He went on to earn the MBA (Masters in Business Administration) from the University of Denver, Denver Colorado. He joined the staff of MB Foundation in 1996.

Fall of 2001 Jon was named a Tabor College Young Alumnus Medallion winner. This award is based on the recipient’s success in his/her chosen career and their service to humanity as well as the Church.

Lifelong Learning is held regularly through the school year according to program director Connie Isaac. Fees are $4 per session or $15 per semester ($29 per couple) payable at the door. Registration allows for optional lunch at discount in the cafeteria after the session.

For more information, contact Connie Isaac, coordinator at 620-947-5964, or conniei@tabor.edu.

The next Lifelong Learning will take place on Friday, April 19 with Betty Lofland, Pasadena, CA, presenting “Pleasures and Hazards of Teaching Abroad.”