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February 2007
Bethany News--Interim President Named Presidential Search
We want you to share your news with us. Let us know of important and even regular things that are happening in your life. We will even post pictures. To post your news click here, or email us at greenupj@bethanylb.edu . The plan is to grow toward on-line communities by decade, but until then we will have a monthly news update.
All are welcome. Hmmm, wondering what that means ~ just click here!
Special Link of interest: http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/hiedfuture/index.html Learn more about Higher Education and the US Dept. of Education.
Alumni & Friend News
February 25
Tim Wallace ’04 of Wichita has decided to take the lead on reigniting the Wichita Bethany Alumni chapter. Stay tuned for more information. Tim is doing this as a result of hearing about the Kansas City Chapter in his class newsletter. Roper DeGarmo ’00 is the person responsible for expanding Kansas City activities.
February 21
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Bill and Carol Gusenius (both of the class of ’73) recently went to New York City and were in the CBS Early Show audience for the outdoor weather segment. Notice Carol has a Bethany stocking hat on! |
February 13
Patrick Chotaifil '81 (Colonia, Alaska) is now working at his home island as the principal of his elemantary school. He uses a computer at their Central office in Yap mainland when he's there for principal meetings. Since at his school they are not accessible to the internet.
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Jack Bowman '56 will be inducted into the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame this coming June at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was nominated by the Kansas Coaches Association officers. In his athletic career, Bowman achieved what few others have done. He held the yard dash record here at Bethany College for 21 years until yards were changed to meters. Jack was a four-sport letterman at Bethany in football, basketball, track, and baseball. During his reign as coach he coached at Burdett, Plains, Riley County, Ellinwood, and Great Bend. He served as a head coach in football, basketball, track & field, and cross-country. His major interest held in track & field and cross-country. His record as head football coach is 39 wins and 12 losses, and as a JV coach, 4 wins and 13 losses. Jack has made many kids realize their potential. Courtesy Photo The Ellinwood Leader. |
Jeron '03 and Jerilynn (Beckman) '05 Weisshaar are enjoying their lives in Alma, KS. They are also very excited to announce that they are expecting September 1st! Jeron is getting ready to start baseball again and Jerilynn is keeping busy with her studying. On top of this they are also trying to get their remodeling complete so they can soon start on the nursery.
February 7
Stephen Larson '85, Ph.D., CFP is working as an assistant Professor of Finance as well as Program Director of Minnesota State University's Financial Planning Certificate Program and he is residing in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Ellen (Tapley) ’84 and John ’84 Conrad married in May 2003. From her first marriage she had four children. They lived in Edmond, OK until 2005. Then they moved to Redondo Beach, CA where John became lead pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church. As of recently she just started a job at Redondo Beach Union High School working in a classroom for mild-moderate Special Education students and she is taking classes to get her Special Education Credential.
Greg ’97 and Tiffany (Heier) ’98 Gillespie- Greg continues to work as a medical technologist at Gove County Medical Center in Quinter, KS (since April 2000) and Tiffany just began her 6th year as Clerk of District Court in Wakeeney, KS.
Kurt Zavishlak ’89 was promoted to Sergeant of the Dallas Police Department. He has been on the Dallas Police force for 18 years in July. He and his wife, Jana, had a fourth addition to their family in December of 2005. They now have four children, Emma (6), Kate (4), Jack (3) and Luke (1).
Maggie (Hogoboom) Strait ’97 has two children, Megan (4 years) and Connor (5 months). She runs an embroidery and screen printing business out of her home and spends lots of time with her children and husband.
Chad '03 and Elizabeth (Baskerville) Hiltgen '02 were married on June 18, 2005 in Greenleaf, KS. Libby is an Associate Attorney at Galloway, Wiegers & Brinegar, P.A. in Marysville, Kansas, and is also the Assitant Washington County Attorney. Chad is in equipment sales at KanEquip, Inc. in Marysville.
 Katy Harder '06 Sends her November Newsletter from Slovakia. MORE.
February 1
Christa (Schumann) Schuette '95 is teaching all-day kindergarten at Sabetha Elementary School. Christa is also pursing her Master's Degree from Baker University and will graduate in November 2007.
Robert Marin '91 has just started his Masters of Information Systems program at the University of Phoenix.
Mike Narr '84 writes, "October of 2006, I took a promotion and joined the corporate division of Sysco Foods after 10 years as a Regional Supervisor in Kansas City. Since being promoted I've have moved to Humble TX, a Houston Suburb, where I have just built a new home on Lake Houston. My new position as Operations Implementation Manager. I am responsible for initiating cost saving procedures for 15 Sysco operating companies in 11 states. I fly to 10 plus cities each month and love the air travel and chance to see many different city attractions. Single again for the last year, gives me lots of time to play and travel."
Kristy J. Kahrs '99 In December 2006, she was promoted to Orchestra Manager of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra (KCOHO) at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The 64 musicians of the KCOHO play for ballets, musical theater productions, and concerts at The Kennedy Center. In addition, she continues to manage all pianos and keyboards at the Center and coordinate the annual piano sale.
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Alumni & Friends Scrapbook
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Dr. Robert Habiger '69 has accepted the position of Chief Technical Officer for the geophysical company, Spectracics in Zurich, Switzerland. He and his wife, Celeste (Bohman) Habiger '69 will be relocating from Houston, Texas to Zurich in February 2007.
Courtesy photo at left is Robert and Celeste at his retirement party after serving 28 1/2 years with Conoco Phillips.
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Todd and Kim (Pitts) Schultz ’91 sent this cute picture of their children: Katie Ruth (6) started school this year in Overland Park. Gretchen (4) and Matthew (3) are doing the preschool thing and give Kim a much needed break one day a week. And Audrey (1) is a very busy girl.
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Courtesy photo Joel '01 and Sandra '02 Cromwell these are their children Megan (2) who will be 3 in April and Jason (6 months).
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Steve '93 and Dawn (Brodine) '98 Howie welcomed home new baby girl Maiah Elyse January 18, 2007. Courtesy photo My Babysite.
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Courtesy Photo: Mark '99 and Ashley (Schultz) '99 Wiles. At left is a their family photo. At the right is their two daughters Amelia and Annabella. |
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Many of you share your pictures with us. When you do just let us know if it is ok for me to post one on here.
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Births
Send us your birth announcement and we will send you a Swede baby bib for your new arrival!
 Courtesy Photo: Joel '01 and Sandra '02 Cromwell their son Jason.
Melissa (Keesecker) Fernandes '91 is happy to announce the arrival or her daughter Olivia Marie, born July 1, 2006.
Ron (Associate Professor of Business and Technology) and Debbie Sickler are happy to announce they have a new granddaughter, Emma Ryan Sickler, born February 19th, 2007 over in Wiesban, Germany. Their son is in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stationed there for the past three years and will be home next year.
Wayne '99 and Molly (Walter) '99 Ryan are happy to announce the arrival of their son, Patton Alexander. born on January 27th, 2007. He joins his older sister Aben, 4.
Mark '97 and Ashley (Schultz) '96 Wiles were blessed with another baby girl, Amelia, on December 21, 2006. She joins big sister, Annabella.
Steve '93 and Dawn (Brodine) '98 Howie welcomed home new baby girl Maiah Elyse January 18, 2007.
Tricia (Krebs) '93 and husband David Finkenberg were blessed with a beautiful healthy baby girl, Abigail Grace Finkenberg, on July 27, 2006 in Charleston, South Carolina.
Lyle and Maggie (Hogoboom) '97 Strait had new baby Connor September 9, 2006.
Greg ‘97 and Tiffany (Heier) ‘98 Gillespie announce the birth of daughter, Bryn Johanna born September 18, 2006 she was welcomed home by sister Ava Catherine 2 ½.
Barbi Hill Harris '93 and husband had baby Marley January 24, 2006 whom joins siblings Alby (13) and Grant (10).
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Marriages
Chad '03 and Elizabeth (Baskerville) Hiltgen '02 were married on June 18, 2005 in Greenleaf, KS
Ellen (Tapley) ’84 and John ’84 Conrad married in May 2003.
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Deaths
POCATELLO-Thomas Martin Holt, 72, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007. He was born September 2, 1934 in Marquette, KS, to John Charles Lucas and Eunice Louise (Johnson) Holt. Tom was raised and educated in Marquette. After graduation he attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas and graduated with a BA in business administration in 1956. Tom married Judith Corinne Miller in 1956 who also attended Bethany College. The two then spent a few years teaching and coaching in the Midwest where they had two children, Keri and Kris. They moved to Denver, CO where he attended Denver University graduating with an MBA in 1963. Upon graduating Denver University he accepted a job with Boise Cascade as an accountant. He moved the family to Boise, Idaho where they had another son, Kurtis. He moved up the ranks within the company and was asked to take on a controller position in a regional office in La Grande, Oregon. The family migrated further west and settled on a small ranch in Summerville, Oregon where Tom and Judy spent 32 years raising kids and becoming a part of the community and church; including serving as president of the congregation at Zion Lutheran Church La Grande, OR. He retired from Boise Cascade in 1993 and while in retirement became active in the Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative and served on the Board of Directors for several years. While in Eastern Oregon Tom participated with the three kids in all their endeavors including sports and academia. He was elected and served on both local and state school boards. It is in Oregon where Tom pursued his true interests in raising and trading horses and mules. His hobby expanded into raising Draft Horses, Mules and Race Horses. He enjoyed being outside with the animals and his big red barn became one of his favorite dwelling places. His role expanded to creating a favorite gathering place for his grandchildren. They often had a choice for many vacation spots; but when it came down to it they wanted to go to “Grandpa’s farm and play in the creek and ride the horses”. He was a very committed father and grandfather and never missed an opportunity to see one of his children or grandchildren participate in a sporting event. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Dr. Mike Francisco and his staff; as well as Creekside Hospice for there unending support, kindness, and caring. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; daughter, Keri (Randall) Fowler of Pocatello, ID, sons Kris (Vicki) Holt of Murphy, TX, Kurtis (Lisa) Fowler also from Pocatello, ID; 8 grandchildren, Corinne, Katrice, Lucas, Domenic, Wyatt, Sarah, Olivia and Emmett. He is preceded in death by his father, Lucas Holt; mother, Eunice Holt; brother, Dennis Holt.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in his name to Bethany College, Lindsborg, KS 67456. Arrangements are under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. Fourth Ave., Pocatello, Idaho.Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.colonial-funeralhome.com.
Hans Peter Ahlers, 71, of Lindsborg, died February 15, 2007. Dr. Ahlers was born on April 24, 1935, at Hamburg, Germany the son of Arthur W. and Ilse C.F. (Freund) Ahlers. Dr. Ahlers was a former German professor at Bethany College. A funeral service was held on Monday, February 19, at 1:30 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, Lindsborg. Burial was in the Smoky Hill Cemetery, Lindsborg. Memorials may be given to Bethany College or Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery.
Doris A. Abercrombie died February 18, 2007. She was born August 23, 1910 in Marquette. She was passionate about any pursuit she undertook. She was always volunteering with things in the community because she liked to serve others. She held many positions of responsibility at Messiah Lutheran Church and held the office of treasurer many times. Other activities included acting for Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers, Sewing Club, BPW, Hospital Auxiliary and The March of Dimes. Doris was an enthusiastic supporter of Bethany College, especially women's basketball, she also enjoyed watching KU basketball on television. She moved from Kansas City to Lindsborg in 1945 to marry Chester Abercrombie. She helped him as director of the original Farmers State Bank until his retirement in 1973. He died in 1980. A memorial service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. on Thursday following a private burial. Friends of the family may call at the Christians Funeral Home between 5 and 7 pm. Wednesday. Memorials may be given to Messiah Lutheran Church or Bethany College.
Rev. Jerry Shaft, former campus pastor, died February 19, 2007. Pr. Shaft was ordained 50 years ago in May, and served St. John in Schuyler NE, Christ the King in Raytown MO, St. James in Kansas City MO, and Bethany College in Lindsborg KS. Pr. Shaft served as deployed staff with the LCA Division for Mission, and then with the ELCA Division for Outreach, working with new congregations in Kansas and Missouri (and several other nearby states) until his retirement in 1997. Visitation will be on Thursday at the Amos Family Chapel in Shawnee KS, and services will be Friday 9:30a.m. at Westwood Lutheran in Kansas City, where Pr. Shaft served part-time in his retirement and burial will be at 12:30 p.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetary. Notes of condolence may be sent to his widow, Phyllis Shaft, at 9015 W. 70th St, Merriam KS 66204. Memorial donations may be made to Kansas City Hospice 10100 W. 87th St. Suite 100, Overland Park, KS or Westwood Lutheran Music Department. Condolences may be expressed at www.amosfamily.com
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Alice Viola (Swenson) Giesecke, a 50-year resident of Mentone, Alabama, died of age-related causes February 11, 2007 in Loma Linda, Missouri. She was 102. She was born October 29, 1904, here in Lindsborg, and graduated from Bethany College in 1926. Courtesy Photo |
Jeannette (Sjogren) Flohr died January 30, 2007 at age 78.
Upcoming Events
Catch the Swedes North American Tour 2007!
The Swedes North American Tour is just about half way through. If you live near one of the following cities, please plan to join us for the event.
Manhattan, KS
Longmont, CO
Lindsborg, KS
Colorado Springs, CO
Wichita, KS
Topeka, KS
Tulsa, OK
Lawrence, KS
It is a time to get a state of the college report and mix and mingle with perspective students. We hope you will join us! MORE.
Check out Homecoming 2006 pictures! MORE
The 2nd annual Thank a Thon was held the week of February 5-9, 2007. Students wrote 482 thank you Valentine’s notes to donors of the college. MORE.
The Kansas Music Educators Association had their annual event at the Century II in Wichita, KS February 20-22, 2007. The Music, Admissions, and Alumni Offices combined efforts to host a huge booth in the exhibit hall. It was a fun and festive place for over 40 alumni to stop by and visit along with many many students. Daniel Masterson (DMA chair) quoted “Even though we as musicians benefit by attending the clinics and concerts, the highlight of this weekend was seeing current students, Bethany Alums, the music faculty and the staff renew friendships and connect again. There was such energy created around the booth.” The Music and Admissions office indicated this was one of the finest KMEA events. Click here for pictures.
Bethany College has begun a 10-month process designed to help the college live up to its full potential. Bethany has contracted with Carnegie Communications to conduct a branding study for the college. The process includes market research, brand-plan development, and development of creative vehicles to help communicate with our constituents. The end result will be clearly articulated, consistent, compelling ways to communicate what Bethany does best to prospective students, alumni, donors, and the community.
Odds and Ends ~ Classifieds
Want a 2006 Homecoming Choir CD/DVD? They are available for purchase for $13.00. Contact Cheryl Rasmussen '82 to order. Cheryl_rasmussen@hotmail.com
The Monthly Email News list is being revamped, if you are not receiving the link and would like to get it please email me at greenupj@bethanylb.edu and we will make sure to get you on the list. Thank you for your patience as we continue to improve our services to alumni. Ask you friends if they are receiving it, if not have them forward their email so they can get on the list.
A message from the Bookstore....
We’re excited about a link on the Bethany Bookstore website.
It’s called My Garb and it lets you create Bethany apparel that suits even unique needs.
Please take some time to look at it; I think you will find it fun. I can help you with it if need be but it’s very user-friendly.
Simply go to the bookstore website or click on this link.
http://www.mygarb.com/BethanyCollege.
GET CREATIVE!!!
Important Note: A quick note about the archives. You will notice that we are now producing one publication monthly rather than two. After experimenting with the website and electronic news it appears that one is sufficient to get all of the news to you. We will continue to forward the monthly news links to you at the end of each month. Thank you for your feedback regarding our online publications.
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