2001 The Peru Stater (Nebraska)

The Renewal Con.tinues: A

New Role

Plans

to

Renovate Library, Old Gym

The plan to tum the Hilltop campus's Old Gym into the library and the current library building into an Academic Resource Center (ARC) is more than just renderings and budgets and timelines.

The plan is a symbol, according to President Ben Johnson, a symbol of what Peru State once was and what it is well on its way to becoming.

The college been trying to expand and renovate its library for a couple of decades, Dr. Johnson explained. Something always happened to scuttle the plan, and the repeated sidetracking of the project seemed to sum up the attitude about the school itself.

The attitude has now changed.

Center School Preservation

''Little Red Schoolhouse" Is Going To

The Little. Red Schoolhouse has been spared the wrecking ball. Now it's off to coll,

Enough money was at a January meeting to move the one-room native brick schoolhouse from its location west of Peru along Highway 75 to the Peru State College campus, according to President Ben Johnson.

Wo.rk is underway and will continue through the winter, weather permitting, Dr. Johnson said.

The cost to move the 1905 structure - literally brick-bybrick - is an estimated $50,000, he. explained. Over 50 percent of that amount was pledged at the Jan. 8 meeting, ·which was attended by about 25 people.

The existence of the Center School was jeopardized by the impending expansion of Highway 75. Though that has

The $6.6 million plan for both buildings is the number one capital improvement project amongst all public colleges and universities in the state, Dr. Johnson said. It's the top priority out of all projects submitted to the Coordinating Commission for Post Secondary Education - the first time a Peru State College project has held that position.

Decision in May

Final decision on whether the funding will be approved by the Nebraska Legislature is expected in May, according to Dr. Johnson.

"It's been my priority," he said. "It's an emotional thing to get a new library - it's a sign of the strength of the college."

Aside from potent symbolism, tliere's a practical need for the new library - the current library now nearly a century

old is simply too small.

"There's just no shelf space," Dr. Johnson explained. "There's just plain no room. For a college to be competitive, the library has to expand with the growth of the college."

The current library building, built in 1905-06 with the top floor added in 1911, is 11,070 square feet. That was great early in the 20th century when a couple of hundred students attended PSC.

College chapel

The Old Gym, built in 1905 as the campus chapel and first converted to a gym in 1920, is 25,973 square feet. That roughly equates to the size the current library would· have been had a proposed addition to it been funded.

(Continued on Page 18)

a long-awaited and muchneeded improvement in the region, the expanded right-ofway would have resulted in the di:struction of the Center School, which has stood for nearly a century adjacent to Highway 75 at its intersection with Nebraska Highway 67 approximately six miles west of Peru.

Class of '60

A schoolhouse has stood on that site since the late 1800's, Dr. Johnson noted, and the last classes were held in the brick building in 1960.

For Gary Schaffer ('68) of Nebraska City, the success of the Jan. 8 meeting was the realization of a dream that's been with him for almost 15 years, ever since he saw a similar museum on the Wayne State College campus. Shaffer was elected to chair the committee to save the school.

(Continued on Page 2)

r.c1·as1 of ··'51 Featured

May 1=1eul1i<?rt ... · ....

AtJt'$ •lnlost here, and rtnnblings are thatthe qass of '51 ls determ,ined .·to .prove that it's the. classiest bundi of lJof>Cats yet. .·. .· ..•. ·

· :Pel1;1State annual. May ReJ1nionfor ·so-year' alumni the bend,setfoJ;" the of May 4-5. the Honored Class will .be those memorable · -Ulembel'$ Class of. '51 Their. special ·guests will be the youngsf-e1$ flvm the Class <Jf '52. ·.·.· . . ·

·. B11tthe Reµnion is notjust for those groups. AJJY Peruvian fr9m the. Class of '31 oinvard to '52 will be invit·ed·. to .bi the celebrati<u• and to.·. in tile .of sll'Jtdirlg a couple of sf)ring daYSiOll

.·

$e.Dt .but don't wait.

··.old roonimates, -meet YOJ1•.iJJ.·Per11; Pe!)U,··. C)t ·1.fuP.

lF$m

The Momentum Builds

Piece by piece, brick by brick, and student by student, the renaissance continues.

The renewal of Peru State College is in some respects very tangible. Come on to campus, see the Hoyt Science Hall project · or the Campus Services addition as they take shape, see our student body grow, and you'll know what I mean.

. In other respects, it is more abstract

Iand psychological. This is not your father's Peru State, if you'll pardon the paraphrase.

A couple of years back, as we all remember, Peru State College was told in effect to get its house in order. The criticism, I've discovered, was not altogether fair; in some regards PSC was and is held to a higher standard and more intense scrutiny than other public educational institution in Nebraska.

On the mark

But much of what was identified as shortcomings was right on the mark. As a result we are much more aggressive than perhaps PSC has been in the past. I may be wrong but, to an extent, Peru State's approach seems to have been "Keep quiet and maybe no one will bother us. "

Wrong or not, that has changed; we' re being noticed. We want to be. We have a great story to tell and a great "product" to sell, and we are doing both.

Whether it's our aggressive marketing campaign, the efforts of our Admissions office staff (in some cases aided by alumni volunteers who do things like attend high school "College Fairs" for us in places we cannot go), or the enhancement of services to off-campus students, we have fundamentally changed the way Peru State College goes about its business.

I realize that to some, my use in the preceding paragraphs of terms like "business," "marketing," "product" and "sell" may be considered unseemly. But believe me, folks, that's where the game is played, and that is where we 're going to win the game.

Help wanted

And that brings me to the point of the matter. We need your help.

The State of Nebraska, which for a long time ignored Peru State_:__ and I'll debate anyone who says otherwise - is doing what it can. A million dollars a couple of years ago to rebuild the electrical distribution system was a good start. The nearly $2 million to renovate and expand the Campus Services Building (built in 1907) was a big step.

The one we're most proud of right now . is the over $4 million Science Hall I expansion and renovation. It will be ' magnificent. Did you know that it house the first new classroom space built at Peru State College since the mid1960s?

We 're also very excited and optimistic that the state will vote this spring to pro- · vide moil• of the over $6 million needed to change our Old Gym into a "new" library, and our current library into an Academic Resource Center.

Not enough

Those are vitally important "building· blocks" to the new Peru State College. But by and of themselves, they will not do the trick.

The idea that state government will "take care of" our needs is wrong.

Our operational Dr. Ben E. John.son budgets have been essentially stagnant for many years, with any new revenue only able to cover (and in some cases, to not even fully cover) salary and benefit increases. The effect of inflation on stagnant operating budgets is insidious.

The problem is particularly acute at the Nebraska State Colleges. Right now, our students pay a larger percentage of their cost of education (through tuition, fees, etc.) than do public University or community college students in this state.

Every indication we get is that these trends will continue.

Do your part

So my challenge to you is, do something about it.

In the past, this college was not very aggressive in its effort to increase private support. That is another fundamental change that has taken place here - and not a moment too soon. It used to be that funds given to the Foundation were the frosting; more and more, they will be the cake.

Include the Peru State College Foundation in your estate plans (and ask your financial planner how that simple step can actually leave your heirs with MORE money rather than less!). Respond to specific appeals such as the Phonathon. Give to the programs here on campus that appeal to you, be they music, education, athletics, or whatever; I can't think of a single budget that couldn't use some extra funds.

Our faculty and staff are doing everything they can to take this place to where it can go. But they are hampered by inadequate operating budgets. How far they go., and how far Peru State College goes, depends more and more on where you take us.

Roast Vrtiska

If you'll allow me to make one more quick pitch, please note the story elsewhere in the Stater about our "Roast" on · - appropriately enough April l for State Senator Floyd Vrtiska.

This tireless champion of Peru State College deserves credit for so many things here at PSC that l couldn't begin to list them. But I don't want to thank him, l want to lambast the guy.

Not really- but we are planning afun evening here on campus to pay tribute to Senator Vrtiska. I know we'll have a tremendous turnout, and I hope you'll be in the audience. Order your tickets today.

Little Red ................... .From

"The whole concept [of the oneroom schoolhouse] is such a link to the panorama of Nebraska history," said Schaffer, counselor at the Nebraska City Middle School.

He didn't think his idea would e.ver happen, until about a year ago, when he heard Dr. Johnson speak at a meeting and outline the idea he'd carried with h:lm for so many years.

Now, Schaffer said, he's "amazed" that the school is going to be moved.

Museum & visitor center

Dr. Johnson explained that once the schoolhouse is reassembled on the PSC campus, between the A.V. Larson building and the T.J. Majors building, it will cost another $100,000 to restore the building and transform it into a high-quality museum and campus visitor center.

All funds to relocate, restore and equip the building must come from private sources, he emphasized.

The whole project, including reassembling the building on campus, should take between three and four months, Dr. Johnson said.

"By this summer, we will have a new, old building on campus," he said.

Meantime, fundraising will continue. Not only is money still needed for the move and refurbishing, but for ongoing maintenance.

Donors to the project have included Center School alumni and those interested in local history and education. All gifts to the Peru State College Fonndation are taxdeductible.

One-room legacy

The schoolhouse is a monument to the heyday of the one-room schoolhouses so prevalent across Nebraska and the midwest, Dr. Johnson said, and to the "high-quali ty teaching" that took place in them.

It's also a monument to the impact of PSC on education. "The

college taught most of the teachers who taught there," Dr. Johnson said.

Donations to the Little Red Schoolhouse project can be sent to Karen Fritschle, Special Assistant to the President, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE, 68421.

Checks should be made out to the Peru State College Foundation, and the memo line shou,ld indicate the donation is for the Little Red Schoolhouse.

President Dr. Ben E. Johnson

Editor Kent Propst (' 81)

Features

Kristi Nies

Assistants

Carolyn Bredemeier

Jackie Baker Williams ('81)

Sports

Chris Erickson

Scott Nelsen

Photography

Elizabeth Olsen ('02) Amy King ('04)

The Peru Stater is published .three times per year by Peru State College with the suppport of the PSC Foundation. The Stater is printed at the Beatrice (Neb.) Daily Sun.

Send comments, news items and address changes to: The Peru Stater, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Nebraska 68421-0010. The Peru State College phone number is (402) 872-3815. Send e-mail to: propst@bobcat.peru.edu

ARC Launched

On a cold and snowy December day during finals week at Peru State College, the Academic Resource Center is a haven of warmth and comfort and good cheer.

Students pop in and out of the ARC, housed on the third floor of the T.J. Majors classroom building. Some sit at tables with tutors, some sit at tables to read. One student steps in the doorway, shakes the snow off her coat, and asks if she can stay for a while to warm up.

Marie Meland, tutor coordinator for the ARC, has worked hard to create just that kind of atmosphere --:- a place where students feel comfortable asking for help, comfortable asking if they can be the ones to help their fellow students, and comfortable just hanging out.

"It's just so peaceful here," she said.

Gift gives lift

A recent gift to the Peru

Peru State College

State College Foundation of $30,000 has contributed significantly to the atmosphere.

The gift, from John ('32) and Elaine Bath of Ames, Iowa, allowed PSC to acquire computers and related equipment and software, a variety of audio-visual equipment, round study tables, comfortable chairs in Bobcat blue, sturdy bookcases and more.

John Bath is a southeast Nebraska native as well as a graduate of Peru State. He taught at Peru Prep high school from 1935 to 1938, and in 1946 received a doctorate in educational psychology from UNL.

The Baths toured the ARC last October, when they were on campus to serve as grand marshals for the PSC Homecoming parade, Meland said.

Just about a month later, the new furniture arrived. Before the Bath's gift, the ARC relied on furniture snagged from classrooms in the building and on the use of computers and audio-visual equipment in other areas, when not in use for other purposes.

"It was kind of a hodgepodge," Meland said. "The new setup has been really welcomed by the students."

The round tables and blue chairs have already seen a lot of use. During the Fall 2000 semester, with little publicity, the ARC provided tutoring for 42 students and referred another 18 to Student Support Service, according to Meland. Open to all

The ARC is open to any student on campus. Student

On the ARC

high time.. we do aJittle

P•nl· in the PSC Student per person, with proceeds the lleW a,nd l;)oris (Wagner. t48) Vrtis.ka the PSC F:oundation. The F:9undation is sponsorin,g the event. .· < For inforniation or. to order tickets, l{aren Fritschle at Peni State at (402)872..

Having this programming available to all is a great step forward in Peru State's efforts to help students succeed and to supplement PSC's efforts to retain more students, noted PSC President Ben Johnson.

The ARC also used 24 students as tutors, Meland noted. The tutors are paid and must fill out an application.

Some students seek assistance at the ARC on a volun-

tary basis, and faculty members recommend others.

Those wanting tutoring must also fill out an information form. Students can receive tutoring for a day on a specific assignment, or for the whole semester for a specific class. The tutors and students sign a "respect contract," Meland said, which outlines the expectations and responsibilities of both parties.

Warm reception

Meland is more than pleased with how the campus has welcomed the ARC during its first semester of existence.

"I'm really heartened by the

response from the students and faculty," she said. "The first semester has gone remarkably well. We're really breaking new ground here."

Spending some quality time in Peru State College's new Academic Resource Center (ARC) last semester were (from left) freshman Momtaz Chowdhury of Auburn, senior Alan Gregersen of Lincoln, Center Director Marie Meland, and junior Angela Haisten of Creston, Iowa. The Center opened last fall, and recently benefited from a $30,000 gift from Dr. & Mrs. John Bath to acquire equipment andfurnishinJ?s: (Photo by ElizabeTh Olsen) Support Services, on the other hand, is a federally funded program that provides tutoring and other services only to students who meet specific criteria.

Even more new ground may be broken by the ARC within the next couple of years. PSC will be approaching the Nebraska legislature in the coming session to seek funds to remodel the current library building into a center for the Academic Resource Center and other programming.

That project is part of a twostage effort that would convert the existing Old Gym into a new library.

Good Times Roll At Lincoln Reunion

A good crowd. Good times. And a good deed to top it off.

That's the story of the 2000 version of the Lincoln Alumni Reunion of Peru Staters, held this past October in Nebraska's capitol city. Over 60 Peru boosters got together at The Knolls country club to celebrate Peru State. By the time the evening ended, the chapter had voted to donate $500 from its treasury to support the Peru State College Foundation.

The Reunion was ably organized and run once again by chapter officers Bob ('69) and Kathy Gregory ('75) Kelly, Vince ('86) and Bonnie Mick ('86) Henzel, and Cindy (Plantenga '82) and Tim ('84) IJoffman.

Nebraska State Senator Floyd Vrtiska was a special guest at the assembly. Peru State was represented by President Ben and Dale Johnson, Dr. Dan Johnson and Carolyn Bredemeier of the PSC Foundation, and Dr. Korinne Tande, Bob Lopez, Dick

Strittmatter (masters '97) and Kent ('81) and Becki (Young '80) Propst.

President Johnson, Dr. Dan Johnson, Dr. Tande, Lopez and Coach Strittmatter all spoke of changes and improvements taking place at PSC, while Sen. Vrtiska gave an update on legislative matters.

Near the end of the Reunion, Lincoln chapter member Gerald Carnes ('57) moved and Vivian McKhm:ney Lytton ('38) seconded it to contribute $500 from the Lincoln chapter treasury to the PSC Foundation. It was passed unanimously.

The prize to the Earliest Alums in Attendance went to George and Vivian Hawkins Kuhl, Class of '35. Joy Huber ('99) was given a prize for being the Most Recent Grad at the Reunion.

Bob and Kathy Kelly agreed to serve another term leading the Chapter.

College Recognizes Two Pillars In Its History

It is often said that history has a way of repeating itself. Nowhere is this more evident than in the over 133-year history of Peru State College. One recurring cycle is that of challenge, distinguished leadership and institutional renewal.

Many know of the struggle Peru experienced during the late '90s. The College met those challenges and is now rising to new heights of service to students and the people of southeast Nebraska.

Something similar happened during the late 1940s. In those troubled times two key administrators exercised distinguished leadership, taking PSC to new levels of quality education.

The issue was whether Peru and the other Nebraska teachers colleges should become beral aits institutions. These . ifficulties raged for more than ;vo years among state leaders nd legislators. Nebraska's ·rivate colleges argued that the tate teachers colleges should ot be permitted to offer the iberal arts degree.

Some people called for the lose of the teachers colleges. There was talk of adding the Milford Trade School to PSC or converting it into an alcoholic treatment facility. ·

Friends & leaders

Senator John McKnight, a stalwart friend of the College, worked with two of Peru's leading administrators to navigate these treacherous waters: President William Nicholas and Educational Division Head Dr. Paul A.' Maxwell. With Senator McKnight leading the fight, the teacher's colleges won the day.

The headline of the Omaha paper on April 21, 1949 read, "Unicameral Vote Favors Libera·! Arts BilL"

President Nicholas was born July 13, 1901 in Mason City, Nebraska. He devoted his life to the furtherance of education in his home state as a teacher, high school principal and superintendent, college dean, State Guidance Director and finally President of Peru State Teachers College.

Married and with one child, Dr. Nicholas entered Kearney State Teachers College in 1924. After two years of schooling, during which he supported his family as a laborer, he became the principal at Tyron, Neb. During the next 12 years Dr. Nicholas served as principal or superintendent at various Nebraska schools.

School & work

By attending summer sessions he earned his B.S degree in 1930 and in 1937 his M.S. degree from Colorado State Teachers College at Greeley. In 1941 he went to Kearney State Teachers College as

Dean of Men and Director of Placement, where he stayed until 1945. In 1943 he received the Doctor of Education from the Colorado State College of Education.

·During the 1945-46 academic year Dr. Nicholas served as Nebraska State Superintendent of Occupational Information. And, in the fall of 1946, he was elevated to the Presidency of Peru State Teachers College.

Dr. Nicholas turned down offers of bett.er paying positions at largei· institutions to remain at Peru because he saw a great future for this institution. He expected to build the enrollment to around 500. One of his final projects was plans to beautify the campus with additional shrubs and grass.

Paul A. Max well was born February 16, 1894 in Pittsburgh, Penn. He attended the University of Pittsburgh where he receive.d his B.S. degree in 1916, M.S. degree in 1920, and his Ph.D in 1928. Educator

Between 1916 and 1928 Dr. Maxwell completed work on his doctorate while teaching at various high schools in the Pittsburgh area. During the summer of 1928 he taught at the College of William and Mary at Williamsburg, VA. And, in the summer of 1929, immediately before corning to Peru, Dr. Maxwell taught at Emporia, Kansas State Teachers College.

At Peru Dr. Maxwell developed a reputation as one of Nebraska's most brilliant educators. His work and writings were known internationally. Dr. Maxwell's work in guidance counseling is cited in the writings of Dr. Parvin

Paul A. Maxwell

Khalabari Harding. She and her husband the late Dr. Clifford Harding (' 44) taught at Peru during 1947 and 1948 while completing their doctorates from New York University.

Dr. Parvin Harding was a native of Persia, now Iran. She was asked by her government to return and introduce Dr. Maxwell's ideas on student guidance into tlie Persian State school system.

Dr. Maxwell worked with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to implement the new state teacher certification law. This was passed in 1937 by Nebraska's first Unicameral. He organized well-attended campus summer workshops for PTA groups. State exam site

And, he arranged for PSC to become a Graduate Record Examination testing center.

Dr. Maxwell himself became one of the state's most qualified Graduate Record Examination overseers.

While Dr. Nicholas worked to ensure the permanence and growth of Peru State Teachers

Teacher's Gift Provides Scholarship Support

A bequest by the late Inez Pettinger Warren ('34) to the Peru State College Foundation is one of the biggest in the history of Nebraska's first college.

The Foundation has received $500,000 from the estate of the longtime school teacher, noted President Ben Johnson. Some additional funds are anticipated from the sale of property in Nebraska and Oklahoma.

''This if 1 wonderful development and a testament to the obvious affection Mrs. Warren had for Peru State College," Dr. Johnson said. "The gift will make a great difference in the lives of many of our cur-

rent and future students."

Mrs. Warren passed away in May 1999. Her gift is to be used to establish an endowment to support scholarships. The first scholarship will be offered this coming fall, according to PSC Foundation Executive Director Dr. Dan Johnson.

"Mrs. Warren has proven to be a wonderful example of so many generous PSC graduates who have included the Foundation in their estate plans," Dan Johnson said.

"These graduates realize that the education they received at PSC was instrumental in their being able to accomplish so

much in their personal and professional lives," he added.

"They realize there are many students at the College now who are like they were, students in need of a little financial assistance in order to make their dreams come true.

"Nothing allows these generous PSC alums the opportunity to help today's college students like scholarship assistance," he said.

"The College and the Foundation are very grateful to Mrs. Warren and others like her who haven't forgotten their roots."

College on the state and legislative levels, Dr. Maxwell worked to develop the school's academic programs and to enhance its reputation.

In the Spring of 1950 these men were memorialized in the Peru Pedagogian student newspaper. "Both Drs. Nicholas and Max well believed that Peru serves an important function in Nebraska education and in several adjacent states. They believed Peru is destined to grow and play an even more important role in the future.

"Both men believed it to be a fine school and worked steadily to make it even finer. They were never satisfied that Peru was as good as it can be.

"The most fitting tribute we could pay them is to take up where they left off. Each of us, students and faculty members alike, can let it be known that Peru will go on. We can, and must continue encouraging others to come to Peru, and perpetuate those traditions of which these men were so very proud.". .

In May of 2000 during a reunion of the Class of 1950, Dr. William Nicholas and Dr. Paul .Maxwell were remembered for their contributions to the College. Dr. John Maxwell, Dr. Maxwell's son, and Mrs. Wanda Brown, President Nicholas' daughter, were present to receive from President Ben Johnson a remembrance of the occasion.

A plaque memorializing the service of Drs. Nicholas and Maxwell is affixed in the entranceway to the administration building.

PSC Foundation Annual Assembly

The 2001 annual meeting of Foundation Trustees will take place on March 31. The evening will commence at 5 p.m. with a social hour at Dale & Ben Johnson's home. Afterwards dinner will be served in the Student Center followed by the annual meeting.

Included on the agenda is the adoption of a new set of bylaws, a financial report from the Foundation's auditor and the election of new Trustees, Directors and Officers.

It is anticipated that in addition to Nebraskans, Trustees from southern California, Texas, Colorado and Iowa will be in attendance.

PSC V-SN-12 Alumni Notes: Charles Martin

The editors of The Stater would like to devote a section of the paper occasionally to those alumni who participated in the Navy's V-5/V-12 program at Peru. This officer candidate training program was on campus from 1943 through 1945.

The purpose of this section will be to feature a detailed career and biographical update of one PSC V-5N-12 participant and to publish shorter biographical updates and notes from others who send information about themselves.

We invite past PSC V-5N12 cadets to send us information about themselves and their families. Periodically, we will publish this information as part of "PSC V-5/V 12 Alumni Notes." Address your materials to: Peru State College Foundation, P.O. Box 10, 600 Hoyt Street, Peru, NE 68421-0010.

The editorial committee assisting with this ongoing feature includes the following PSC V-5/V-12 alumni: Ken Boxley, Beverly Hills, CA, Pat Rooney, Ventura, CA, Andy Lakey, Fall River Mills, CA, Rex Floyd, Fairfield, CA, Leo Gamble, Manteca, CA, Rudy Jacuzzi, Lafayette, CA, John Leavitt, San Jose, CA, Jack Mast, Zamora, CA, Dick Mastain, Ashland, OR, John Slaven, Woodland, CA, and Bob Webber, Bellevue, WA.

V-5N-12

HISTORY

As America's role in World War II went into full-swing in 1942, the Navy and Marine Corps needed tens of thou-' sands of officers to man the ships, fly the planes and command the troops. To ensure a constant supply of welltrained, intelligent officers, the Navy initiated a training program at 131 colleges and universities across the nation.

The V-5 component was for aviation cadets while the V-12

Blue Dev;il/

Chuck & Lynn Martin

Chuck and Lynn Martin enjoy their time together and with family. Chuck was a member of PSC's storied Navy officer training program during World War II: (Photo contributed) portion trained Naval surface Diner" in honor of the cafeteline officers. ria manager.

In 1943 when 175 V-12s One noteworthy occasion: arrived on the Campus of A on New Year's Eve of 1943 Thousand Oaks, the Peru stu- "The entire crew 'mutinied' dent body, which consisted and celebrated the coming of mostly of Nebraskans, was the New Year in a fashion instantly diversified. Seventy- which was to bring ten days of seven of the men were from restriction." the West Coast, and 17 mem- This historical information bers of the football squad were is taken from the recollections from Los Angeles. of PSC alumni and from

Typical of the warm wel- James G. Schneider's book come accorded the V-12s was The Navy V-12 Program: an all-campus reception given Leadership For A Lifetime, in their honor four days after Published by the Houghton they arrived. All members of Mifflin Company, in 1987. the faculty were there, and the Profile of Chuck Martin presence of the coeds ensured Chuck Martin was born in a successful evening, which Fremont, Nebraska in 1926. concluded with a dance. He attended Peru State

The Peru Pedagogian College in 1944 and graduated reported weekly on the from the U.S. Naval Academy school's activities, which in 1949. In 1955 he received included many dances with - an MS in Engineering music furnished by the Solid Electronics from the U.S. Macs, the Navy swing band. Naval Postgraduate School.

All the men were quartered · And in 1972 Chuck attendin Delzell Hall, which was ed the. Advanced Management called ''The Ship." The dining Program of Harvard Business hall was dubbed "Steiner's (Continued on Page 6)

During Hall of Fame·. activities·1a:st fall, the idea of establishing a Blue Devil and White Angel Scholarsbip. was advanced. The notion caught on to such an extent that in. the following fall and. winter montlts Sid Brown{'59) worked With the PSC Foundation to contact all former. Blue Devils and \Vhite Angels.

tel Scholarship· ,

Initfally hopes. were to raise $5,000 to begin .. tbe scholarship. The -plan was that in succeeding years. generous Devils .and Angels· would be em;ouraged ·to build the e11dow01ent principle. . .. . . ...· .

Atpress time than has been received with d<matfons continuing. on a daUybasis. ·.

and spent many of their early years in Pawnee County before moving out of state. But the couple retained their affection for the area, and Ann Buman left $175,000 to Peru State College to provide scholarships to students from Pawnee County.

Buman Estate Gift Of $175,000 To Peru State

Though the late Ann Buman's own education lasted only thro1,1gh the eighth grade, she always realized the value and importance of education.

Buman's belief in the power of education is going to make i1 easier for students from Pawnee (Neb.) County to attend Pen State College and to get the kind of education that wasn't avail· able to her.

That's because she left $175,000 to PSC when she passec away last January, according to President Ben E. Johnson.

"As a kid, she always loved school and she wanted to learn,' noted her brother Henry DeKoning of Burchard. "But we lived 12 miles from town and in those days there weren't busses or things like that, so she didn't get too much education herself.

"I think that's why she believed that all deserving students should have a chance to get an education," he added.

'A big heart'

"Ann Buman obviously was a very special lady with a big heart," noted President Johnson. "For her to provide this kind of a gift to a college she didn't even attend is amazing. This gift will enrich the lives of Pawnee Countians from now on, and it ensures that her good deeds and her generosity will never be forgotten."

One of eight children, Ann DeKoning was born near Gillette, Wyo. but moved with the family at an early age to rural Pawnee County. There she met Andy Buman, and after World War IIwhen Ann worked at the Martin Bomber Plant in Omaha - they were married and settled down in Pawnee City.

Andy sold cars and Ann was a hairdresser there for several years before they packed up and moved to Colorado. Still later, they bought property including a trailer court in Mesa, Ariz.

It was there Andy passed away about 18 years ago. Ann continued to live in Arizona until her death, but she retained her love for P,awnee County - as well as her belief that every student should have a chance at an education. Ironically, her brother Henry DeKoning isn't certain if his sister ever even stepped foot on Peru's Campus of A Thousand Oaks.

Endowment

Sid, a former Devil \Vrote a letter asking more than 750 Devils a11d Angels tojoin him in buildil}g.a Blue DeviJ/VVb,ite. Angel·Endowed· Scholarship to annually a male c>r female PSC.

Sid hopes to ke.ep !he.contiibutio11s ing, we•comes additio11al participation. If you to join.this worthy et'fort, sendyout dollationto thePSC Foundation at P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 68421·0010. Please, indicate the giftis to be to "Blue Devils and White AD.gels Forever!" was the campaign's successful battle cry. the .Blue Devils/White· Angels .Endowed

According to the terms of the gift, the $175,000 will be administered by the Peru State College Foundation, with investment earnings used to provide scholarships to PSC. Recipients must be full-time students and must have been a Pawnee County resident for at least the five years just prior to enrolling at PSC.

Preference will be given to those students with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books and related expense, though room and board and travel expenses are omitted.

For more information, contact the Peru State College Office of Admissions by e-mail at admissions@bobcat.peru.edu or by calling (402) 872-2221 or toll free, 1-800-742-4412.

Student Interns With Fo-undation Johnson Team Receives Ovation

The PSC Foundation is fortunate to have Sheryl Ehmke as a student intern this semester. Sheryl is from Syracuse, Neb. and is a candidate for graduation in May with a B.S. in Business Administration. Her major field of study is Marketing and Management.

Sheryl is a tremendous asset to our office as evidenced by her contributions to this issue of The Stater. In the near future, you will see more of Sheryl's creative talent as she is designing the first ever web page for our Foundation.

Stay tuned to www.peru.edu and read about what's happening at the PSC Foundation.

Sheryl chose to do her internship with us because "The Foundation allows me to gain valuable experience in fundraising, financial management and marketing and to create a network for my future career.

"I chose this opportunity to work with Dan (Johnson), Dale (Johnson) and Carolyn (Bredemeier) so that I could be close with the people and the place that has given me so much pleasure over the last four years."

Sheryl indeed leads an exemplary life here among the Thousand Oaks.

She is presently President of the Student Senate as well as Peru's student member of the State Board of Trustees. She holds the title of PSC's 2000 Homecoming Queen and is on the Academic Honors List.

Her numerous activities include Phi Beta Lambda, Admissions Ambassador, Misty Blues Show Choir, Madrigal Singers, Theatrical Productions, and a former member of the Bobcat women's basketball squad.

We are very pleased to have one of Peru's brightest stars as a member of our staff and hope that her experience with us leaves Sheryl with another good memory of her years at PSC.

Drs. Ben and Dan Johnson together led two sessions of the National Leadership Forum For Public College and University Foundation Boards. The Forum, targeting state college foundations with assets of less than $100,000,000, took place in Sanibel, Florida during January.

The first session focused on foundation board development. Ben and Dan Johnson explained how foundation boards are essential to the process of raising significant gifts, .and spoke of ways to develop a fundraising leadership team. Those attending represented an international mix of state college foundations.

The second session concerned non-traditional ways to develop revenues. The College President and Foundation Director explained why foundations have begun to be interested in venture capital issues, entrepreneurial business start ups, real estate investments and royalties from patents, research and discoveries.

The audience packed a large meeting hall during this final session of the Forum. Represented were executives from large eastern foundation systems as well as senior administrators from government foundations in foreign countries.

After their presentat,ion, Ben and Dan Johnson answered questions for well over an hour. Issues included management, tax, legal, public relations and investment topics.

When their session concluded the PSC speakers received the only ovation given a presentation team at the three day conference. In addition to participating in the conference, the President and Foundation Director were in Florida to meet with alumni and friends of the College.

Arizona Recap In Next Stater

The 2001 Arizona Alumni Association Because of the deadline for this edition of social was set for Saturday, March 3 in the Stater, a review of the celebration wiII be Tempe. contained in the summer issue.

Omaha Reunion Just Around the Bend

Do You Believe in Peru State College? The 1,000 Oaks Campaign - Winter 2001

Labeled The 1,000 Oaks Campaign, this year's phonadiet-iit really a story of why people believe in Peru State College.

Jack and Nancy Hallstrom ('50 and '51) respond to that burning question with, "Our continuing love and assistance for Peru State is our way of saying 'thank you' for the great education we received there. The progress the college has made in recent years can be attributed to the professional leadership of PSC and the outstanding support of the thousands of loyal alumni and friends. Our roots are deep in Peru."

The campaign began in February with the goal of reaching all alumni of PSC, and was to stretch over several weeks. Do you need extra incentive? Ken Boxley, '43 Navel Cadet, has offered a challenge to all alumni: "I will match - dollar for dol- · lar - every new and increased gift to the 1,000 Oaks fund, up to $250,000.,,

Ken sees what is happening at PSC, where the leadership, the people, and the talent have all come together to build an organization that is succeeding and achieving more than some thought possible.

The Ccillege and the Foundation are excited about setting the phonathon into high gear. We believe in Peru State College and all of the faculty and students who have come and gone.

So, as your phone rings in the next couple of weeks think to yourself, do you believe in Peru State College?

Peru State's largest and most active alumni chapter will hold. its. annual celebration on Thursday, Apn119 at the-German-American Sociecy Club in Omafia. ·

Monty Judy

witlr PresidentEle.cr- and

Secretary-Treasurer Diane Coover Emanuel ('84) are cooking up plans for another outstanding get-together.

Invitations will be sent to area alums in the near future. Peruvians who haven't attended this event in the past are especially encouraged to come see what all the noise is aQout.

Chu.c-kl\lellin- ..................................

From _Page 5 School.

Chuck retired as a Navy Captain in 1976 after 32 years of service. And, he retired a second time in 19 8 7 as an Engineering Program Manager for the Missile Systems Radar Division of RCNGE.

In his 32 years of Naval service Chuck's experience centered largely around electrical engineering management. He served in various sea and shore billets including the Operations Officer of a destroyer and a laboratory program officer. In this latter position Chuck participated in two nuclear field tests.

During his last four years in

the Navy Chuck was the Officer in charge of the Naval Ship Engineering Center in Norfolk, VA. He was responsible for maintenance engineering and fleet support of most Navy sonars, search radars, tactical data systems, and communications and electronic warfare equipment and systems.

In this capacity he was ranked first among nine captains in positions of comparable responsibility and specifically commended for financial management successes.

As Ship Integration Program Manager for RCNGE, Chuck worked with

the maintenance of computer programs, including system engineering; the development of combat system test procedures and the conduct of shipboard tests. His job was to insure the smooth integration of the RCA Aegis Combat system into a class of cruisers, and later destroyers, being built at two U.S. shipyards. Since his second retirement Chuck and Lynn, his wife, have lived the good life in North Carolina and Florida. They are blessed with good health and three daughters. They enjoy the frequent company of a grandson and a granddaughter.

··stater Begins ·volume 50

In the first issue of the Peru Stater, Peru State College Alumni

Association Secretary

Kenneth M. Heywood ('34) posed -this to the Hilltop campus' loyal alumni:

"The verdict is up to you. Will the PERU STATER live or die?"

The verdict in October of 1952, and every year for almost 50 years since that first issue, has stayed the same.

Since that first issue, the Peru Stater has· been a connection to the Bobcat spirit for alumni and former and current faculty and staff. Articles, pictures and the popular Peruviana section keep the PSC family in touch.

The PSC Alumni Association donations from 122 alums to publish the first issue of the Stater. The largest contribution was $25, and many made $1 contributions. The first issue was mailed to 4,000 "former Peruvians."

Ralf O. Graham '48, served as Alumni Association president, with Art Majors '28, as vice· president. Ruth Comstock Brine, '46, was the second vice president. Dave Duey '51, served as secretary, and Helen Clineburg Jones '28, served as treasurer.

Stay the same

And, as the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

As recent issues of the Stater have reported, the PSC campus is undergoing a major construction boom - the Centennial Complex has been renovated, the new Campus Services Building is taking shape, and the addition to Hoyt Science Hall is progressing nicely.

That first issue of the Stater reported on a construction boom as well - $500,000 spent to give the campus a "new look." Alumni were told of the dedication of the new gymnasiumthe former chapel, extensively remodeledand work done on almost all other campus buildings.

" ... the Peru campus is now more beautiful than ever," the first issue reported.

The goals of the college have remained the same, as well.

As Peru State welcomed one of its largest freshman classes on record this fall, plans are underway for continued growth, both in on campus programs and in the establishment of off-campus learning centers, such as the Energy Square facility in Lincoln.

"We who are on the scene daily are convinced of an important fact - Peru State College has what it takes in leadership, facilities and personnel. There is every indication that the school is beginning a period of steady growth, and is 'building' Nebraska's finest state college."

Spirit of PSC

No, that quote isn't from current Peru State President Dr. Ben Johnson, although the quote echoes the spirit he brought with him to campus.

1920s

...

The contents of the Stater have remained essentially the same through the years - articles on students, faculty and staff, new academic programs, campus construction, and alumni updates.

And Bobcat athletics have always been enthusiastically reported.

The first issue of the Stater touted Coach Al Wheeler's Bobcat football team as possible conference champs, four games into the 1952 season.

The story on the basketball team, however, took a much different tone: "Cagers Play Dismal 10-17 Season in 1951-52."

The May, 1953, issue celebrated a predication come true: Coach Al Wheeler was named the Little All-American Coach of the Year and the Omaha World-Herald Coach of the Year. Bobcat tackle Bob Lade of Tecumseh was the first Nebraska football player ever named to the Associated Press Elite Eleven, the Stater reported.

The greatest?

According to the report, the 1952 'Cats were the "greatest team in Bobcat history."

That sentiment was repeated in the Spring, 1991, issue, when the Hilltop campus again celebrated a football triumph with a National Championship team.

While the names and fashions have changed freshman generally don't ·beanies anymore, as those on the cover piCture of the first issue did - the look of the Stater has remained essentially the same-."' ' ' •, '

For the first 20 published hf a magazine si2e.4" Tm.igWfrch to >the current newspaper format came in September of 1974.

Ff'•'°'

And while pictures an important part in the Stater, the first color picture on the front of the publication didn't appear until the Winter, 1992, issue.

Vice President for College Advancement and Institutional Relations Kent Propst has been at the helm of the Stater since the Fall, 1983, issue.

''Putting together a Stater is a challenge, but it's one of the most enjoyable things we do," Propst said. "We know a lot of Peruvians enjoy it, because they don't hesitate to tell us as much.

"Our goal with each issue is that every reader, no matter when they were at Peru State, sees at least one familiar name," he added.

The Stater is now published three times a year, and over 9000 copies are distributed to PSC alums in all 50 states and some foreign countries.

The verdict has been a resounding "live."

Readers of Colorado's Rocky lvfountain News newspaper this past November saw a major feature article one of PSC's premier alumnae - Fem Ferree Fair Pick1 who is always a annual Rocky Mountain Alumni chapter reunion each The story told of her energy and her volunteer 100) teaching reading to graders at an mentary school.

1930s

Lu Dreibus Mcintire is now ii ving with her ter, Karen Hamm, in East Alton, Glema Miers Mahr ('39) of Madisonville, Ky. had a particularly enjoyable "Leap Year" day last year when, on Feb. 29, 2000 the "Glema Mahr Center for the Arts" was dedicated on the campus of Madisonville Community College. The 37,000 square foot performing and visual arts center was named after this dedicated community servant who has served on countless boards and committees and supported cultural and youth activities throughout her adult life.

GlemaMahr

1940s

Iva Armstrong Shaw ('43) of Jonesboro, Ark. shared her disappointment with a lack of 1940s-era Peruviana in the Stater. She taught for a year after graduation and then enlisted in the Navy WAVEs program, serving six and a half years, much of it in Philadelphia. After marrying a Navy man, when it came time to retire they moved to Jonesboro. She remains active in several service-related groups such as WAVEs National, Women in Military Service, and The Retired Officers Assoc. And, she notes, she stops by Peru State on occasion when visiting family in Nebraska.

1950s

Robert Faunce ('52) of Safford, Ariz. was inducted into the Arizona Interscholastic Association Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame in September. Bob was a coach and athletic director for 39 years. He retired from teaching in 1987 and retired as AD from Stafford High School in 1995. active in many organizations and has an extensive list of honors and achievements.

Jack Hallstrom ('50) of Omaha received one of the top honors a person can get this past October when the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals presented its inaugural "lack Hallstrom Friend of Education Award" during the NSASSP annual meeting in Kearney. Fittingly, the initial award went to its namesake.

Harley Rector ('53) was featured in the Norfolk (Neb.) Daily News in a December article entitled "RectorNorfolk's Tom Osborne." The story drew comparisons between Rector and Osborne the retired University of Nebraska football coach elected to U.S. Congress in November (and w.ho spent a good deal of time in Peru in the 1950s, playing football and basketball for Hastings College). Rector just finished his political career, after eight years as mayor of Norfolk. And as many Bobcat faithful well know, Rector had a notable career in athletics at PSC and spent much of his professional career improving the lives of young people before he retired as principal at Norfolk Junior High. The article also noted the growth and improvements in Norfolk during Rector's term as mayor.

(continued on page 8)

e m o r e things change

lu bl r

Dr. Dan Holtz had great respect for Peru State College graduate, educator and noted Nebraska author Marion Marsh Brown before beginning his sabbatical research on her work.

After spending the Fall semester studying her papers in the PSC library and interviewing her family and friends, his respect for the woman and her work has only deepened.

"She is one of the, if the not the, most notable Peru State College graduate," Dr. Holtz said.

The PSC professor of English was granted the sabbatical, which freed him from his teaching duties and gave him the time to delve into Brown and her works.

Brown was born July 22, 1908, in rural Nemaha County near Brownville on the farm of her aunt and uncle, George L. and Annie I. Kennedy.

Writing, college background

Her father, Cassius H. Marsh, was a newspa"'perman in Brownville. Her mother, Jenevie H. Marsh, became dean of women at Peru State following Cassius' death in 1924.

Brown became a published author at the age of 10, when she won a story writing contest in the Omaha Bee newspaper. She never stopped writng, writing or co-authoring 20 books in a wide ange of genres and topics, most aimed at a young audience.

She also wrote hundreds of short stories and trticles.

"One of the things that impressed me was her ledication to writing, her persistence," Dr. Holtz ;aid. "She produced an incredible body of work."

She kept up her output of about one book every wo years while creating a home for her husband, tttomey Gilbert S. Brown, raising their son, Paul, and teaching full-time at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

At the age of 15, Marion Marsh enrolled at Peru State College. She graduated in 1927 with a degree in English, and began high school teaching. She returned to PSC in 1934 as an assistant professor of English and advisor to the college newspaper, and remained on the faculty for several years.

College prof

She joined the then-Omaha University faculty in 1953, and retired in 1968.

In 1980, she donated her papers to her alma mater. The Marion Marsh Brown Collection in the Special Collections Room at the PSC Library

Recent .. I s Boost

A common way of expressing one's love, respect and friendship for Peruvians is through a memorial gift when someone passes away.

In some cases, an endowment is established to provide a permanent legacy; only the earnings on the principal are used to support Peru State College and its students.

In other cases, a memorial fund is set up to receive gifts, and those gifts are then used to support PSC.

Both are excellent ways to serve two great purposes. If you would like to contribute to an endowed or memorial fund, sim-

erl!Il.

1950s (continued)

Dale Vanderford ('50) and family of Murdock, Neb. were featured on TVs Food Network in November. The subject of the program was "Thanksgiving Across America" and featured the Vanderford's getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner. The filming took place in 1999. Their daughter-in-law works for Scripps Howard Broadcasting Inc. and arranged the show.

1960s

Lee Arellano ('68) of Lincoln, Neb. received the Quality Career Trainer Award from Modern Woodmen of America this fall. Lee is a district manager for Modern Woodmen's Nebraska South agency.

Marion Brown Dr. Dan Holtz

houses most of Brown's first and final drafts, galley proofs, outlines and research notes.

Dr. Holtz has prepared a pamphlet to accompany the special collection, which gives a brief biography of Brown and lists her books. He's also prepared an annotated bibliography of her 20 publications.

He's also putting the finishing touches on a full-length scholarly article about Brown and her contribution to Nebraska literature.

"We're just delighted that one of our own is the first to work extensively with this collection,"· said Peru State College President Dr. Ben Johnson. "Marion Marsh Brown's works and the collection is a major contribution to Nebraska literature and the literature of the nation. We're pleased to have it here on campus."

Additional materials

Dr. Holtz spoke with Brown's son, Paul, as well as other relatives and friends. Her son, an attorney, provided him with three boxes of his mother's materials.

Due to health problems, and Dr. Holtz was able to visit with the author herself only briefly.

In reading through her papers, visiting with those who know her, and watching tapes of previous interviews, Dr. Holtz has formed a picture of a woman who loves her family, loves her work, and loves Nebraska.

"She's articulate and witty," Dr. Holtz said. "This has been very interesting and challenging. I've had a good time."

Through the work achieved during Dr. Holtz's sabbatical, a clearer and more complete picture of Marion Marsh Brown's life and work is now available.

emorials at PS

ply call the PSC Foundation at (402) 872-2304 for more information.

Following is a list of memorial gifts received since the last Peru Stater was published.

Merle Bauer Scholarship

Margaret Lewis Bauer

Blue Devil/White Angel Scholarship

Van Allen

William and Norma Heywood

Allen

Loren Argabright

Corwin Arndt

John Barton

Jerry Beckman

Patsy Melcher Beran

Carolyn Timmerman Biere

Connie Erisman Biggers

Robert and Mary Riley Bohlken

John Bookwalter

Lowell Brown

Sid Brown

Diane Schneider Calabro

Bonnie Rutz Carlile

Rose Marie Pfeifer Coe

Anita Cox

Jess Crane

John and Ramona Crookham

Beverly Hauptman Dea

David and Charlotte Jones Duey

Daisymae Eckman

Gayle Eckman

Ned Eckman (Continued on Page 9)

Pat ('63) and Karen Mcintire ('63) Hamm of East Alton, Ill. have retired again after selling their daycare center. They had owned the day care since retiring from teaching in 1994. They hope to spend more time visiting their children and grandchildren. Karen sends greetings to all Peruvians.

Rick Harbaugh (attd. '65-'67) has been named the new president and chief executive officer of the Equitable Building & Loan Association of Grand Island, Neb. He had been community bank president for the Grand Island Wells Fargo bank. Rick is also chair-elect of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

Russell Hicks ('63) of Johnson, Neb. was recognized this fall by The Nebraska Association of School Administrators for 34 years in administrative positions.in education. Russ is superintendent at the Johnson-Brock Public Schools.

Ernie Madison ('60) of Omaha has retired from the Omaha Public Power District after 17 years of service. He held positions as construction services engineer, nuclear design engineer, and nuclear construction engineer.

Chuck Mizerski (69) of Lincoln, Neb. led his Southeast Knights to another Class A (large school) football state title this fall. The number one Class A team ended their season with a 13-0 record. His wife, the former Alice Massoth ('69) recently became the Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Science, for Cass County (Neb.). Her office is based in Weeping Water where she grew up. Alice had previously been employed by the UJ\T-L College of Ag Sciences and Natural Resources.

Mary Hamer Simmons (attd. '67-'68) was honored as The Diplomat of the Year for 2000 by the Nebraska Diplomats, a statewide economic development group. Mary is director of economic development in Nebraska for Peoples Natural Gas/Utilicorp United. The Lincoln resident, it was noted, becomes the first woman ever to receive The Diplomat of the Year citation.

Russ Workman ('63) was the guest clinician for the Pioneer Conference Honor Band, held in January. The Pioneer Conference includes a number of southeastern Nebraska high schools. Workman, a native of Humboldt, Neb. now living in Wilber, Neb., retired in 1999.

1970s

Ray Dierking ('77) of Broken Bow, Neb. recently received the Wildlife Officer of the Year Award from the Association of the Midwest Fish and Game Law Enforcement Officers. One person in each state receives the award, and Ray was recognized for his outstanding efforts and capabilities as a Nebraska Conservation Officer.

(continued on page 9)

FeU Returns

Cartoonist Paul Fell has been a student at Peru State College, an athlete at Peru State College, and an art professor at Peru State College.

Last fall he added a new title to his repertoire: Artist in Residence at Peru State College.

The nationally known cartoonist, illustrator and author was on campus from Oct. 2327, spending his days producing work and entertaining students, staff and visitors in the Student Center.

In addition, he gave a lecture in college's Art Gallery, located in the Jindra Fine Arts Building. His work was on display at that same time.

This marked the second year for the artist in residence program at Peru State. Last year, Brownville artist Tom Palmerton created a sculpture of a bobcat (PSC's mascot) while working in the Student Center.

Met wife at PSC

A native of Worcester, Mass., Fell graduated from PSC in 1967 with bachelor of fine arts and bachelor of arts degrees. He also played football and met his wife, Arlene, while a student. She's a native of Steinauer, also graduated in 1967 with a degree in home economics, and later was on the PSC faculty, too.

·He came to school as a physical education major, but a simple bit of logic put him in the art program. Early in his academic career at Peru, he earned an "A" in an art class, and a "B" in a physical education class.

"Had I not come to Peru as a student, I don't know what my life would be like," Fell said in a telephone interview from his studio in Lincoln. "Peru State meant I had a chance in my life to go to college. It turned my life around."

Peru State As Guest Artist

1970s (continued)

Dennis Ehmke ('75) of Auburn, Neb. was recognized by the Nebraska Music Educators Association for his 25 years as an instrumental music director. He currently directs the Auburn High School band.

Bob Engles ('73) of Auburn, Neb. was recognized by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce as founder of the New Business of the Year. Bob opened The Engles Insurance Agency early in 2000.

Fell Deeds

Paul Fell, Class of '67, was back on the Campus of A Thousand Oaks this past fall as PSC' s 2000 Artist in Residence. The editorial cartoonist and illustrator demonstrates technique to PSC students Angelia McKey (center) of Auburn, Neb. and Jenifer Busing (right) of Fairbury. Fell also did this "Bobcat Dripping Mad" cartoon at the request of President Ben Johnson. (Photo by Elizabeth Olsen)

In 1973, he earned a master's degree from the University of NebraskaKearney. He has done postgraduate work at both UNK and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Fell coached and taught art for a year in the public schools in East Jordan, Mich., then in 1968 to Nebraska as a coach and art teacher in the Auburn Public Schools.

Faculty members

From 1975 to 1984, he was an assistant professor of art at Peru State. Arlene taught in the home economics department at PSC from 1974 to 1984, when budget cuts forced the elimination of that program.

Though his artwork is his main vocation, Fell continues to teach and serve as a visiting lecturer at several different schools, including UNK.

"I like teaching," Fell said. "It is an extension of who I am.''

He was the editorial cartoonist and newsroom artist for the Lincoln Journal (now Lincoln Journal Star) from

1985 to 1992. Cost cutting at the paper lead to the elimination of his full-time job, but Fell now creates three editorial cartoons a week for the paper.

Weekly work

In addition, he creates a weekly cartoon for the Nebraska Press Association that is distributed statewide with the "Capitol News" column. He also creates two cartoons a week for Huskers Illustrated magazine.

Fell has two recent additions to his agenda: his latest book of cartoons, Bipartisan Efforts and Other Mutations, has just been published, and he is self-syndicating a cartoon, "Mulch," which he illustrates.

Readers of the Lincoln Journal Star have been invited to vote as to whether they want to add "Mukh" to the paper's cartoon roster.

Fell has been nationally recognized for his editorial cartoons.

In 1977, he was awarded the "Best Editorial Cartoon in a Weekly Newspaper" honor by the National Newspaper Association.

Recent Memorials ........................... From Page a

Rockwood and Penny Hays

Edwards

Robert Faunce

Rex and Ethel Nincehelser Filmer

Charles Francis

Doug Gibson

Richard and Martha Caldarulo

Gibson

David and Linda Stephens

Gomon

Raymond Graves

Duane Haith

Jack and Nancy Hardy Hallstrom

Ed and Betty Rademacher Hanna

Henry Hart

Robert and Carolyn Schacht

Henry

Linda Ehlers Hilfiker

Ernest Horacek

Doris Bruening Israelson

Gerald Jeanneret

Dale Johnson

Jack Johnson

Jessie Rhoten Johnson

Jean Birdsley Jones

Mary Hinrichs Kellogg

Ron Kelley

Margaret Svoboda Kilibarda

Charles Klingler

Fred Koudele

Roy Laue

Carolyn Wing Law

Rosemary Rottman Lucky

Jack Ludwig

Gerald Ludwig

Harold Marshall

Oliver and Opal Reeh! Mayfield

Robert McFarland

Eugene McMullen

John and Lois Puppe McMullen

Virginia Ferguson Meyerkorth

Mervil Miller

Tom and Janice Johnson Moen

Richard and Romona Ogle Moore

George Morrisson

Jack and Shirlee George Nance

Donna Lair Nenneman

Charles Niemeyer

Jerry Paden

Allen Pokorny

Harold Prather

Monica Zeiner Prim

Pearl Allgood Rainforth (Continued on Page JO)

Deborah Gerdes Grotrian ('73) has been promoted to the Board of Directors of the Auburn State Bank. The promotion was announced in January. She has been with ASB since 1980.

Richard Pflaum ('75) of the Table Rock-Steinauer (Neb.) schools was recognized in the 2000 edition of "Who's Who Among America's Teachers."

Dominic Vitticore ('72) of Shortsville, NY retired this fall as the Red Jacket high school football coach. He had been head coach for 27 seasons and compiled a 161-78-4 record. He was named Section 5 Coach of the year nine times during his coaching career. Dom will continue as Athletic Director.

(Editor's Note: C'mon, '70s grads..,..- we know there are more of you out there who are making your mark! Please send your news items in to the Peru Stater!).

1980s

Michael Apple ('86) and wife Stephanie of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Charlie Jo, born in October. Mike is the principal at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb.

Doug Duis ('89) has been promoted to manager of conversion programming by Information Technologies, Inc. of Lincoln, Neb.

Dean Farley ('87) of Syracuse, Neb. took his Syracuse volleyball team to the Class C-1 State Volleyball Tournament in November. They entered the tourney with a 23-4 record and ended the season ranked number six in Class C-1.

Terry Graham ('89) and wife Erika of Sidney, Iowa are proud parents of a son, Austin Terry, born in September. He was welcomed home by a brother, Garrett, and a sister, Autumn.

Lori Kimball Gottula ('87) of Falls City, Neb. is spending much of her time developing her skills in writing. She has written several screenplays and is hoping that eventually one will be selected and produced into a movie.

Tim Hoffman ('84) of Lincoln, Neb. received the Sunrise Optimist Club Member of the Year Award recently. He was cited for his role in developing the Optimist Youth Sports Complex, to open this year in southwest Lincoln.

Marlene Houtwed ('85) of Fairbury, Neb. has been named an outstanding teacher for Who's Who Among American Teachers for the second time. She taught special education at Diller (Neb.) Community Schools, but retired last spring. Three generations of her family attended PSC, including her mother Ruth Rosenquist ('21) and her son Kevin Houtwed, now of Grand Island, Neb.

(continued on page 10)

oran an't Stay way from P

Her return to Peru State College has been a happy one for Janelle Rathe Moran.

Moran came to PSC once as a student, then came back as an admissions officer for the college. Now she has returned to the Hilltop campus as Tutorial Coordinator for the Student Support Services program.

"I'm excited to be back," she said. "It feels like home."

A graduate of Tecumseh, Neb. High School, Moran graduated from Peru State in 1995 with a degree in business administration management.

While a student, she served , as a peer mentor and as an administrative assistant in Student Support Services.

Admissions officer

In 1996, she joined the college's staff as an admissions counselor, helping to recruit new students. From 1997 to 1998, she served as assistant director of admissions.

After working for a time at MBA Poultry L.L.C. in Tecumseh, she returned to PSC in 1999 as the temporary assistant director of admissions.

Before taking over the Tutorial Coordinator position, Moran worked as an area recruiter and advising specialist at Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Neb.

Recruiting students requires traveling to high schools and college fairs. Moran enjoyed the work, but the birth nine months ago of her daughter, Madison, led to a desire to get off the road.

Also, Moran's husband, Eric, works in Peru in the family business, Moran Plumbing

Student Support

Peru State College stuaents like David Gregory, left, are getting the benefit of not only the talents but the knowledge of PSC possessed by Janelle Moran, right. Moran, a PSC alum and former member of the Admissions department, is now working to help students stay on course academically through her position with ihe college's federally funded Student Support Services program. Gregory is a sophomore from Bellevue, Neb.

and Heating. The couple and their daughter live in Sterling.

'Skills & background'

"We_'re very excited about Janelle," said Pat Beu, director of the Student Support Services program.

"She has a lot of skills and background. We'll be asking her to help in a number of areas."

And the chance to help students succeed in college is something Moran couldn't pass up.

"This was another avenue to explore in higher education," she said. "I was a college student, too, and I realize the importance of having something to help students."

Student Support Services is a federally funded program that assists low-income and learning disabled students, as well as first-generation students.

1980s (continued)

B. Jeanie Jones ('83) recently retired as an administrator for the state of New Mexico and has moved to Haviland, Kan. Jeanie was manager of the college bookstore for eight years.

Denise Cave Kinkaid ('89) and her husband Shane, of Tucson, Ariz., are proud parents of son Justin William. He was born last November.

· Alan Loos ('85) of Lincoln, Neb. has been appointed relationship manager by Wells Fargo Bank Nebraska. He had been in a similar position with National Bank of Commerce.

Bob Olander ('87) was featured in the Lincoln (Neb.) Business Journal last fall. He is a partner and operations manager in the Lincoln firm Contemporary Woods Furniture, which designs and produces custom-made furnishings.

Moran's main task is to find PSC students to serve as tutors for other students served by the program, and to track the grades of those participants. The funding requires that a set percentage of the program participants achieve grade improvement. Help them graduate

"Those students are at high risk for dropping out," she explained. "Our end goal is retention - to help them make it to graduation."

In other words, instead of recruiting students to come to Nebraska's first college, Moran's job is to help those who come to remain in college and graduate.

The program also offers mentoring, workshops and other seryices to help students.

"We help in many ways," Moran said. "We do whatever's needed."

Recent Memorials ........................... From Page g

Harley Rector

Dale Rexilius

Dick and Jean Ruyle Rottman

Lloyd and Betty Painter Russo

William and Frankie

Montgomery Saul

Bill and Jean Redfern Schulte

Alan Schuster

Donna Francis Schwertley

Curtis and Mary Campbell

Sederburg.

Karleen Dougherty Sherwood

Joan French Sterns

Chick Stessman

John Stilwell

John and Virginia Altaffer Stuhr

Carol McLain Sudik

Joyce Alexander Taylor

Dean and Eilene Beethe Thiesfeld

C. Robert Utermohlen

Gwen Hays Vaughn

Tom Vincent

Lawrence Webb

Frances Heim Whited

Samantha Williamson

Ron and Fran Larson Witt

Al Brady Scholarship

Robert Reitz

George and Iva Seid Brown Scholarship

Sid Brown

Ralph Chatelain Memorial

Albert and Ruth Chatehi.in Epley

S.L. Clements Band Scholarship

Helen Janecek Clark

Esther Cole Franklin Scholarship

Ted Harshbarger

Foreign Student Scholarship

Wei Hoe Chong

Chris Haddad Scholarship

Kent and Becki Young Propst

Mark and Pam Reid Williams

Benjamin Harrison Scholarship

Ted Harshbarger

Walter and Lillian Harrison Scholarship

Carlos Harrison

Lucy Hovey Memorial

Jerry and Diane Bender

A. V. and Wilhelminia Larson Scholarship

Frank Larson

William Longley Scholarship

Patricia Longley

Charles Masopust Scholarship

Ted Harshbarger

Dr. Paul A. Maxwell Scholarship ··

John Maxwell

Laura McGinnis Memorial

Bob and Elaine Beethe Roberts

Lyle McKercher Scholarship

Larry and Ramona Swett (Continued on Page I I)

Shawn ('86) and Brenda Palik ('89) Ostransky of Fullerton, Neb. are proud parents of (), son, Chase Adrian, born in October. He was welcomed home by brothers Trenton and TJ. Shawn is a business teacher at the Fullerton Schools and Brenda is a home Day Care provider.

Natalie Hart Sisco ('84), a teacher in the Lewiston (Neb.) Public Schools, was cited in the sixth edition of "Who's Who Among America's Teachers 2000."

Kevin ('86) and Lisa Anderson (attd. '85-'87) Smith are proud parent.s of son Karsen James, born in November. Big sister MaRyka was at home in Topeka, Kan. to welcome him. Kevin is a physical therapists assistant at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, where Lisa is a registered nurse in the emergency room.

Sharon Van Ert ('87) was promoted to divisional statistician for the Western Division of The Salvation Army in Omaha. She collects stats for Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.

Cheri Schreiner Welter ('89) of Murray, Neb. was promoted to Captain of the Air Force Reserve. ·

Kurk Wiedel ('87) of Hebron, Neb. led his Hebron High volleyball team to the Class C-2 State Volleyball Tournament. They ended their season· with an 18-6 record and ranked sixth in the state for Class C-2.

Walt Williams ('87) of Columbus, Neb. has joined Loup Public Power District as chief accountant for its Columbus general office. He had been working in accounting for the Nebraska Public Power District.

1990s

Lori Alexander Bellar ('90) is now teaching sixth grade and is elementary guidance counselor for the Battle Creek (Neb.) Public Schools.

Lori Speckman Broady ('90) has been selected as one of just 25 Nebraska teachers to participate in this summer's Lewis & Clark Institute at the University of NebraskaLincoln. The program will be held in June. Lori teaches for the Johnson-Brock (Neb.) Public Schools.

(continued on page 11)

ollege avings nnounced

Calling it one of the best plans in the country, Nebraska State Treasurer Dave Heineman outlined the new College Savings Plan of Nebraska during a press conference on the Peru State College campus.

State Senator Floyd Vrtiska (Table Rock) and Peru State College President Dr. Ben Johnson joined Heineman at the Jan. 19 event.

The savings plan helps parents, grandparents and others to invest money, with both federal and state tax benefits, to help pay for a college or vocational education for a designated recipient.

The cost of a college education is rising about five percent a year, Heineman noted.

"Families need help saving for college now more than ever before," he said.

Employers in the state will also benefit from the program because they need workers who have the skills a college or vocational education pro-

Honorarv Bobcat

Nebraska State Treasurer David Heineman (left) tallied a Peru State College shirt from President Ben Johnson during his visit to campus in January. Heineman, a Falls City, Neb. native, held a press conference to announce details of the new Nebraska College Savings Plan.

by Elizabeth Olsen) vides, he added.

Minimum, maximum Family members or others can invest as a little as $300 a

year ($25 a month) or as much as $50,000, equaling five years of gifts, or $10,000 per year.

(Continued on Page 16)

Recent Memorials ...................•...... From Page 10

Doreen White Meier Memorial

Margaret Meier Schrepel

Lyle Meier Memorial

Margaret Meier Schrepel

Lois Meier Memorial

Margaret Meier Schrepel

Louise Meier Memorial

Margaret Meier Schrepel

Joy Elmer Morgan Scholarship

Ted Harshbarger

Nona Palmer Scholarship

Zelma Simon Clark Trust

Ted Harshbarger

Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Pate Scholarship

Armon and Evelyn Gatz Yanders

LeRoy and Nancy Redfern Scholarship

LeRoy and Nancy Jones Redfern

Benjamin Sheldon Memorial

Margaret Meier Schrepe!

G. Holt "Pop" Steck Scholarship

William Fankhauser

Jerry Stemper Scholarship

Sid Brown

Bill and Jeanne Tynon Scholarship

Sid Brown

Evan Van Zant Scholarship

Kent and Nancy Van Zant

Al Wheeler Scholarship

Al Wheeler, Jr.

Paul V. and Margaret Thomas Wilcox Scholarship

Robert and Jean Gibson

The PSC Foundation also has

Jli!J]l(Q

1990s (continued)

Joan Christen ('96) is one of just 20 teachers or teaching teams from Nebraska to receive the prestigious Peter Kiewit Foundation 2000 Nebraska Teacher Achievement Award. The program recognizes excellence in classroom teaching. Joan teaches high school science for the Southeast Nebraska Consolidated Schools in Stella.

Phyllis Collins ('91) of Nebraska City, Neb. was recognized for 45 years of employment at American Meter in Nebraska City this past fall. She began in the die-casting department and through the education program provided by American Meter she earned a degree in accounting and also became a CPA.

Cord Coslor ('99) is national marketing and promotions director for RoeWil Entertainment Group, Inc. in Florida. RoeWil is a personal management company for musicians and other celebrities. Cord also continues to publish The Archive News magazine.

Shane Dolph ('92) has joined the Lincoln engineering consulting firm The Flatwater Group.

Travis Dunekacke ('99) is an extension assistant in the Johnson/Nemaha/Pawnee County Extension Office located in Tecumseh, Neb. Travis' duties will be primarily with the 4-H programs.

endowments for the following scholarships; again, you can add to these funds at any time, and your gifts are tax-deductible. Just contact the PSC Foundation for details.

C.E. Andrews

Laurine Anderson Tri Beta

Bath Family

E.C. Beck

Esther Delzell Brownell

Ann Buman

Pearl Morgan Butler Campus of A Thousand Oaks

Roy Chamberlain

C.C. Choyce

John Christ

A.B. Clayburn

Dr. Crabtree

Ada Crooker

Davidson Estate

Phyllis Davidson

Carol Dougherty

Elizabeth Dougherty

Helen Naeve Douglas

Mac Dunning

Lura Henricks Eichler

Loure Salzman Firoved

Elsie Fisher

Emma Hart Fuller

Dr. Robert Flynn/Senator Floyd Vrtiska

Glenn and Verda Frary

Lovisa Glaze

Amzie V. Grass

Helen Parker Hanika

Dr. Clifford Harding

Arnold and Bertha Hilterman

Lena Huff

Harry and Mary Hutchinson

Dee and Kathleeen Jarvis

Glenn D. Jenkins

Victor Jindra

Pearl Kenton

Georgia Klasek

Paul and Lillian Landolt

Art Majors

Hollis Masopust

Joe Masopust

John and Francis Schima Masopust

Ruth Mathews

Jack Mcintire

Irene and Mason Miller

Evalyn B. Newton

Omaha World Herald

Larry A. Pappas

Lester and Maxine Pankonin

Dale and Evelyn Park

Elaine Gerdes Pratt

Dale Priest

Ernest Rawson

Wayne 0. and Adele Penterman Reed

Troy Rippen

A.B. Ritchie Basketball

Clarence and Mildred Russell

Lester and Esther Holmes Russell

Ruth Russell

Vincent Sabatinelli

George Schottenhamel

Bernice Shackelford

Ken Sims

Beatrice Spohn

G. Holt "Pop" Steck

Jerry Stemper

M.O. Stevenson

Maude Phelps Vacek

Inez Warren

Dr. John and Daisy Clark Wear

Bereniece McHirron Weigand

Charles Weigand

Lisa Weis

Harold E. Willey

Gil and Mary Ruth Wilson

Jack D. and Eula M. Wolken

Zelma Wonderly

William Wortman

Troy ('96) and Malinda Jorn ('97) Dunn of Savannah, Mo. are proud parents of a daughter, Carsyn Rebecca, born in January. She was welcomed home by a sister, Adriann, and a brother, Brendan.

James Frerichs ('90) and wife Shannon of Nebraska City, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Joseph Orlen, born in September

Lori Remmers Gerking ('95) of Brock, Neb. has joined Waddell and Reed as a financial advisor. Lori is a CPA with Reese and Roker of Nebraska City, Neb.

Penny Gibbons Gerking ('94) of Talmage, Neb. is a special education aide with the Johnson-Brock school system. She works primarily with the first grade.

Todd Gottula ('95) of Kearney, Neb. was selected to be one of eight statewide media to cover President Bill Clinton's visit to Kearney in December. Todd is a staff writer for the Kearney Hub.

Jason Heft ('99) has joined the South Sioux City (Neb.) Police Dept. as a patrolman.

Scott Hochstein ('99) is an outside plant communication engineer for Huntel Engineering of Blair, Neb.

Stacey Kinghorn ('92) of Lincoln, Neb., business manager of Advantage Personnel, attended the National Convention and Expo of the American Staffing Association in Las Vegas, Nev. last fall. Advantage Personnel provides temporary and temp-to-hire employees for industrial and office positions in the Lincoln area.

Kendra Cory Koehler ('98) and husband Chad of Firth, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Kaleigh Ray, born in December.

Class of 1988 &1989

$270

Diana Reeves Lind

Beverly Hawkins Schwab

Pam Reid Williams

Class of 1990

$120

Duane Blass!

Marge Ely

Gayle Martin

Bea Patterson

Julia Whisler Perry

Steve Sayer

Janice Volker

Class of 1991

$37.50

Sandra Hilding

Erin O'Grady Sayer

Class of 1992 & 1993

$371

Susan Den Cade

Wei Chong

Delyn and LeAnn Clifton

Gayle Martin

Catherine Duryea Ramos

Steve Sims

Mary Jane Williams

Class of 1994

$368.26

Peter Dennis

Darren Marshall

Chris Stangl

John C. Stewart

Susan Lunzmann Unruh

Alexander Zambrano

Class of 1995

$247.50

Alicia Guenther Aue

Alfred Fingar

Jeannettia Ford

Lisa Parriott

Jeff and Audrey Williams Schawang

Class of 1997

$77.50

Lynn Caldarulo Gibson

Frank Hollier IV

Brent Lottman

Dick Strittmatter

Class of 1998 & 1999

Chris Aue

.Bequests Received

$825,713.23

Lee Borrenpohl

Anne Buman

Zelma Simon Clark

Katharine Schill

Virginia Speich

Inez Pettinger Warren Businesses

$32,439.83

Auburn Ford

Auburn Insurance Center

Coca Cola Inc.

Dettmer Farm Service

First National Bank of Johnson

Founders Dev. of College Bookstores

Greenwood Capital Corporation

Humboldt Speciality Manufacturing Co.

Kearney Hub

Magnolia Metal

Midwest Business

Pizza Hut

Schneider OK Store

Smith Vending UtiliCorp

Faculty and Staff

$11,161.24

Annonymous

Phyllis Adams

Chris Alberts

Jack Allen

Carolyn Allgood ('63)

Ken Anderson

Alma Anthony

Kelly Asmussen

Jolene Bantam

Sue Bauer

Mark and Tammy Bayliss

Deb Breazile

Carolyn Bredemeier

Janet Bryan

Jenny Bums

Eulanda Cade

Yvonne Chandler

Ardi_e Chapin

Renae Church

William Clemente

Delyn Clifton ('93)

Richard Clopton

Tracey Conz

Nancy Cooper

Therese Crary

Tom Ediger

David & Malinda Edris

Janice Ellner

Karen Ackley Frit?chle

Kelly Furnas

Barb George

John Gibbs

Peggy Kreifels Groff('76)

Judy Green Grotrian ('72)

Terry Hager

Ted Harshbarger ('77)

Steve Hassler

Janet Hawley

Nancy Green Hawley ('72)

Robert and Barbara Heckathorn

Linda Hinrichsen

John Hnida

Dan and Alice Holtz

Julie Hopp

Linda and Jay Jacobsen

Teresa Jensen

Ben and Dale Johnson

Dan and JoAnn Johnson

Connie Kearney

Julie Kerns

Joe Kincaid

David Klee

KenLemke

Richard Lemke

Diana Reeves Lind (' 89)

Daryl Long

Robert Lopez

Jerry Martin

Gayle Martin ('92)

Mark Mathews

Toney McCrann

Connie Moody

Linda Moody

Deb Morris

Patty Musil ('78)

Amy Rita Myers

Margaret O'Rourke

Lisa Parriott ('95)

Bea Patterson ('90)

Julia Whisler Perry ('90)

Kent Propst ('81).

Nancy Reeves

Jim Reynolds

Pat Rippe

Jim Robbins

Erin O'Grady Sayer ('91)

Don Seger (' 70)

Steve Sims ('92)

Bill Snyder

Tim & Antonia Spangler

Les Stonebarger

Deb Weitzenkamp

Jackie Baker Williams ('81)

Pam Reid Williams (' 88)

Foundations

Matching Gifts

ARCO

$16,480.69

Caterpillar Foundation

General Elecrric

General Motors

Lucent Technologies

May Department Store

Oklahoma Gas and Electric

Pfizer

Principal Financial Group

Shell Oil

State Farm Insurance Co.

Union Pacific

Friends, Former Students, Faculty and Staff

Allen and Deb Adams

Brenda Pawling Anderson

Joe Antecki

Nancy Tynon Bartek

Bernadine Bixler

Gary and Elizabeth Bowen

Bill and Grace Brooks

Richard and Elizabeth Brownell

Leigh Bruggeman

Art Chapjn

Linda Coleman

Jo Davis

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fike

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Feldman

Ruth Fritz

William Fager

Darrick and Jane Fisher

Jerry and Connie Gieseking

Jean Gibson

Ophelia Gilbert

Perry Gray-Reneberg

Karem Haddad

Bernard and Nancy Hazuka

J.C. and Jeanne Hauserman

Chuck Hawley

Richard Holliday

Barbara Kermoade

Robin and Todd Jensen

Pamela Johnson

Susan Johnson

Barbara Kennedy

John Kohout

Ervin and Elsie Kracke

Paul and Loretta Kruse

JoAnne Majors

Lyle McKercher

Dick Moody

Celeste Nolte

Ron Norman

Fred Obermeyer

Lester Pankonin

Curtis and Annette Powers

Quercus Club

Jerry Reeves

Gary Richert

Maynard Rippe

Shirley Robbins

Ila Rohla

John Sanders

Lillian Schottenhamel

Robert Schreiner

Steve Schulte

Joan and William Schwalm

Robert and Nancy Shively

Leonard and Dee Skov

Elizabeth Slagle

Jane Snodgrass

Staff - State College Board of Trustees

Mary Steele

Joe Stehlik

Barbara Strugals

Ross and Susan Udey

Ken and Nancy Van Zant

Ruth Van Zant

Patricia Vacek

Dan and Donna Weber

Mr and Mrs Lloyd Weis

Jeanette Welch

Al Wheeler, Jr.

Keith and Gail Wilhelm

Ardith Wininger

Nancy Zantell

PLEASE NOTE: If you gave a gift t-0 the Peru State · College Foundatfon in 2000 and your name was inadvertantly omitted, please let usknow and we will ho11-0r y-0u. in the next issue of The Peru Stater.

$68.50

Sean & Susan Picray

McLaughlin

Celeste Nolte

Steffany Nowaczyk

Michelle Degraw Steadman

Sara Crook

Al Dalbec

Phyllis Antholz Davis ('73)

Todd Drew

Susan Dunekacke

Lynn Dyer

DiAnna Eason ('86)

Dick & Nancy Strittmatter

Kurt Stutheit

Dixie Teten

Jim Thomas

Kathy Tynon

Susan Lunzmann Unruh ('94)

Janice Volker (' 90)

Darlene Lane

Robert Leahy

Mrs. Jerry Lee

Lincoln Alum Assoc.

Patricia Longley

Nancy Lopez

Barney Oldfield

And if you did NOT give a gift last .isn't it time to join in and show your support for The Campus of A Thousand Oaks?

Contact: The Peru State College Foundation, P.O• Box 10, NE. 68421 or can·(402) 872-2304.

New Peru State Program Helps Freshmen Adjust

Melissa Freese struggled during her first few weeks as a freshman at Peru State College.

The special education major would go home to Papillion, Neb. as often as she could to see her parents and friends from high school.

Then, as many college freshmen do, she started finding friends on campus while hanging out with others in the college's Centennial Complex where she lives.

Working Together

A new program at Peru State College that puts first-year students in close contact with "veteran" students has been a positive experience for (from left) Alan Gager of Table Rock, Melissa Freese. of Papillion, Amy Sullivan of Allen, and Brett Roberts of Blue Springs. First-year students like Freese and Roberts are teamed up with ongoing students like Gager and Sullivan, who serve as mentors and friends to the newcomers.

"I haven't been home in a month," Freese said shortly before finishing up her first semester on the Hilltop campus. "My parents hate it!"

What helped Freese and 24 other freshman successfully navigate the transition from high school to college was PSC's First-Year Experience Program (FEP), a new initiative pairing freshmen with student mentors and sponsoring activities for the group.

"It really helped me to get through," Freese said.

First-come, first-served

Freshman participants were chosen on a firstcome, first-served basis, according to Erin O'Grady Sayer {'91), director of residence life at Peru State. All incoming freshmen were informed of the program last summer, and those who applied first were chosen. FEP students pay a special $25 activity fee.

Program participants, including the mentors, live in L.B. Mathews Hall in the Centennial Complex. The rooms are more like apartments - several students in a suite with its own bathroom and living room.

All those in the FEP had to sign a pledge to be substance free, Sayer said - no alcohol, drugs or even in off-campus situations.

FEP participants can go to parties and other off-campus activities, she said, but they can't drink or smoke. They can serve as designated drivers, or show others that it is possible to have fun without alcohol or drugs.

"It really gives them an opportunity to be role models," Sayer said.

No second thoughts

Freshman Brett Roberts didn't give a second thought to signing the pledge to be substance free in order to be a part of the program.

"It really wasn't any big thing for me," said Roberts, a social sciences education major from Blue Springs, Neb. He also hopes to earn a coaching endorsement while at Peru State.

He was attracted to the FEP for the chance to live at the Complex, with its air conditioning and suites. Aside from learning how to clean a bathroom, Roberts said he's also discovered a tight-knit group of new friends.

"We all pretty much hang out together all the time," he said.

Roberts said that although he might have met more people if he had lived in Delzell Hall,

JPerrMvin<n

1990s (continued)

Greg Kotas ('92) and wife Angel are proud parents of twin girls born in January. They live in Emery. S.D.

Michelle Curtis Krueger ('91) and husband Mark of Omaha are proud parents of a son, Mason Luke, born in October. He was welcomed home by a sister McKenna Leann. Michelle is employed at Arrow Distrubuting.

Deana McAiexander ('93) recently received her Master of Arts in Education degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is teaching social studies at Humphrey (Neb.) St. Francis schools.

Seth McClain ('99) is teaching for the Yutan, Neb. Public Schools.

Tamara Bright McNabb ('95) of Seward, Neb. led her Malcolm volleyball team to the Class C-2 State Volleyball Tournament this fall. They ended their season with a 25- 7 record and number l 0 ranking in the state.

well."

Three-to-one

Roberts' mentor in the FEP is Alan Gager, a junior psychology/sociology major from Table Rock, Neb. Each mentor in the program has three "mentees," or freshman they are assigned to.

The mentors have constant contact with their charges, Gager said, from chatting after classes to group meetings. There have also been group activities, such as trips to haunted houses at Halloween and a holiday party.

"It's been a good experience," Gager said. "It's made me learn more about incoming freshmen and their experiences, and to remember what I went through as a freshman."

The mentors are there to provide inspiration, advice, and, if needed, a shoulder to cry on, said Ted Harshbarger {'77), vice president for student services and enrollment management at Peru State.

"They can have one-on-one contact with somebody who has been through it," he said.

Stay in school

The ultimate goal of the FEP is to keep the freshmen in college, he added. By helping to ease the transition between high school and college, the FEP participant is more likely to stay at Peru State.

Amy Sullivan, a senior special education/elementary education major from Allen, Neb. could have used the FEP program when she was a freshman.

"I had a really hard freshman year," said Sullivan, who is now a mentor in the program. "I think it would have helped me out."

Among the freshman FEP participants and the mentors, Sullivan said she sees a bond. "All the students here are really close," she said. "We just hang out with the people, and I think they learn to trust you."

Sayer is looking at .some refinements to the program next year, and perhaps expanding it to include students in the Delzell Hall and Morgan Hall, the female residence hall.

"We've done what we wanted to do," she said. "Now we need to take it to the next level."

John {'93) and Lori Leth {attd. '93-'94) Molzahn of Amarillo, Texas are proud parents of son Noah Eli, born last November. John is a computer technologist for the Austin Middle School and a coach for the boys and girls wrestling teams there.

Neil Nichols ('98) and his wife Patricia of Raeford, N.C. are proud parents of daughter Layla Jenee, born last July. She was welcomed home by brothers Neil II and Jamil. Neil is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force at Pope AFB in North Carolina; he was promoted to Technical Sergeant last June.

Jill Parker ('97) of Wilber, Neb. took her Wilber-Clatonia volleyball team to the Class C-1 State Volleyball Tournament in November. Her team entered the tournament with a 22-2 record and advanced to the semifinals. They were listed as number eight in the final rankings for Class C-1 volleyball.

Tammy Buss Rowe ('96) and husband Michael are proud parents of a son, Dylan Michael, born in November. They live at Brock, Neb.

Terry Sample ('90) is the Service Manager for Wolf Automotive in Kimball, Neb .. His wife, the former Rolinda Saathoff {'90) is the Executive Director for the Kimball County Hospital Foundation. Terry, Rolinda and son, Trenton, recently moved from Laramie, Wyo. to Kimball for their new positions.

Amy Sayer ('97) graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law last May. She recently accepted a commission as a Lieutenant with the U.S. Army and is serving as a JAG attorney at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Kristine M. Sorenson {'97) received her masters in Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney this past summer. She is currently working as an Exercise Specialist at a Sports & Orthopedic Rehab Center in Tampa, Fla.

Angie Vermeer {'98) has joined Midwest Laboratories in Omaha as a laboratory technician in its microbiology department.

(continued on page 16)

PSC student Tracy Barnes and Brett Davis ('97) of Johnson, Neb. were married in November. Brett teaches and coaches at Johnson-Brock (Neb.) Public Schools and Tracy is pursuing a secondary education degree.

Vince Birdsley ('93) of Savage, Minn. and Jill Seviola were married in April 2000 in Kauai, Hawaii. Vince is Vice President and Chief Information Officer for CIO Partners in St. Paul, Minn.

Steve Epler ('94) of Brock, Neb. and Teri Remmers were married in December. Steve is currently taking graduate classes at Grace University in Omaha and serves as pastor of the Brock Christian Church.

Steven Felthousen ('97) of Plattsmouth, Neb. and Bonita Barber were married in October in Jamaica. Steve is a produ_ction manager at William H. Harve in Omaha.

Tracie Jensen (attd. '91'92) and James Herbers were married last August in Manning, Iowa.

PSC student Carae Lenz and John Oehlerking were

married in Elmwood, Neb. last June.

Julie Lutz ('92) of Omaha and Brian White were married in November. Julie is working as a data administrator at First Data Resources in Omaha.

PSC student Shane Maloley of Lexington, Neb. and Jamie Bernadt were married in January.

Kelly Muhle ('97) and Jeff Voelker of Omaha were married in October. Kelly is employed by Mutual First Credit Union in Omaha.

Ellen Pappas, daughter of

1990s (continued)

Kim Vrtiska ('90) of Tecumseh, Neb. earned his lOOth win as the junior varsity boys basketball coach this past December.

Clayton Waddle ('99) of Louisville, Neb. has received the AmeriCorps Education Award. Through this program Clayton will complete 1700 hours over a one year period engaged in the activities of teaching, and will include the application of service learning.

2000s

Amy Bachle ('00) is now a crop insurance adjuster for American Agrisurance in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

former PSC faculty members Dr. Carol Howard and the late Larry Pappas, and Leonardo Ortiz are planning a May wedding. Ell.en is a graduate of Florida State University with a B.A. in International Affairs. She is attending Florida State University College of Law and is employed by the Law Office of James C. Banks.

Kelli Sells ('92) of Omaha and Don Maas were married in December 1999.

Jamie Sopoci (attd. '96-'97 and '99-'00) and Travis Witt were married in October in Falls City, Neb.

College Savings Plan ......................

The money is invested in well-known mutual funds, such as Vanguard, Janus and Fidelity. The earnings are taxdeferred.

When the money is withdrawn to pay for higher education, the withdrawals are exempt from state income tax and are taxed at the student's tax rate. Heineman also announced that those who make contributions to the program qualify for a state income tax deduction of up to $1,000.

The recipients can use the money to attend a private or public college, or a graduate, vocational or trade school anywhere in the United States. Parents or relatives can also start a fund for a recipient who does not live in Nebraska.

Flexibility lauded

Peru State's Dr. Johnson lauded the plan's flexibility, which compares favorably to other plans he's familiar with. In fact, he said, he's going to start an account for his fifth grandchild, due in July.

"It's a good program," he said.

Heineman, a native of near-

by Falls City, Neb. explained that those setting up accounts have a number of investment options: four age-based portfolios, which grow more conservative in the investments as the child grows closer to attending school; and seven targeted portfolios, which allow for varying combinations of equity and fixed income investments.

The money can be used to cover all school costs: tuition, fees, books, supplies and required equipment, no matter how many credit hours the student is taking.

Housing covered

The money will cover room and board if the student is at least a half-time student. Otherwise, $2,500 can be used for off-campus living, and $1,500 if the student is living at home.

The Union Bank and Trust Company of Lincoln is administrating the Nebraska plan.

"The appeal of the program is for all citizens of the State of Nebraska," said Jay Steinacher, first vice president with Union Bank and Trust.

A college saving plan

.From Page 11

account would have a "minimal impact" on a student's financial aid, Steinacher noted.

An account must be established by the time the potential student is 18 years old, Heineman explained, and withdrawals must start by the time the potential student is 30 years old.

Limits may change

A bill now in the Nebraska legislature would change those age limits to accommodate those who have delayed going to or are returning to school, according to Heineman, whose brother, Bill ('68), is a Peru State College graduate.

"We'd prefer no age rarige," he said.

Since the plan went into effect Jan. 1, Heineman said, in excess of $1 mill ion has already been invested.

"I think that speaks volumes about what's going to happen with this plan," he said.

For more information on the College Savings Plan of Nebraska or to receive an enrollment kit, call 1-888-9933746 or log onto the Internet at http://www.PlanForCollegeN o w.com.

Anthony Carlson ('00) is a PC and web programmer for Farm Credit Services of America's Omaha office.

Angela Davidson ('00) is now a Victim Advocate for Project Response of Auburn, Neb.

Joseph Dowling ('00) is working as an instructor for ITT Technical Institute in Omaha.

Wendy Eggert Duerfeldt ('00) is a senior accountant and billing specialist for Computer Services Inc. of Lincoln, Neb.

Martha Jessurun ('00) is working as a collection specialist for Advantage Receivable Solutions in Bellevue, Neb.

Jennifer Lockner ('00) is now a classroom teacher for the Bellevue (Neb.) Public Schools.

Brian Miller ('00) is now a deputy sheriff with the Harrison (Iowa) County Sheriff's Department. He started work last August.

Kimberly Muth ('00) is now a residence life coordinator for Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln.

Eric Perkins ('00) has joined the Omaha Public Schools as a teacher.

DeeAnn Othmer Richardson ('00) is a massage therapist for Physical & Respiratory Therapy Serivces, Inc. in Hiawatha, Kan.

Rhonda Whitten Sheldon ('00) has joined the Hamburg, Iowa Schools as a junior high and high school science teacher.

Judy Smith (masters '00) is now teaching business at Valley, Neb. Public School.

Rodney Wheeler ('00) is now a network engineer for Home Account Network in Omaha.

Tammy Haack Westhart ('00) and husband John of Johnson, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Shane Raymond, born in October. Shane was welcomed home· by a sister, Brandie.

Internships Popular

One of the more popular programs at PSC is its Cooperative Education internship program. The program allows students to earn on-the-job, real-world experience in actual job settings, while also gaining credit hours toward their degree. For example, PSC junior Sheri Grotrian, pictured here, served an internship last fall at the Educational Service Unit #4 office in Auburn under the supervision of its director Jon Fisher ( '70). Sheri is the daughter of Charlie ( '71) and Judy Green ( '72) Grotrian of rural Brock, Neb. Judy is a faculty member at PSC. (Photo

Roe Mountain

PSC's Rocky Mountain Alumni Association looks to build on its momentum when it assembles next August.

Chapter President J.M. "Mick" Bomemeier ('51) of Greeley, Colo. and his exuberant band of officers are already laying plans for the cele-

ims for August

bration, set for Aug. 4 at the Mt. Vernon Country Club near Golden, Colo. Alums in Colorado, Wyoming, western Kansas and western Nebraska are encouraged to pencil in the date on your calendar.

The Peru Stater mailing list is constantly evolving. A day doesn't go by but what Peru State College receives notice of a number of changes of address; keeping track of this mailing list of well over 9,000 Peruvians is a challenge.

Sometimes, alums move but they forget to tell us about it - and thus become part of the "lost alumni" list.

Following are the names of PSC alums who have joined our "lost" list in recent months.

If you can help us find any of them, please contact us right away - we' !I make certain they get this issue of the Stater.

Forward addresses to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421 or e-mail him at propst@bobcat.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.

Christopher Scott - 2000

Dary I Howard - 1999

Catrina Lemke - 1999

Kevin Stanley - 1997

Callie Young - 1997

Gary Domke - 1995

April Friedricksen - 1995

Todd Hamre - 1994

Tammy Clark - 1992

Lowell Whitley - 1992

Kenny Korus - 1991

Ricky Fruge - 1989

Lynette Matthews - 1989

Richard Rummel - 1983

Ardis Hansen Swanson - 1980

Joanne Grosserode Doxon1974

Sandra Grivel - 1973

Otto Deuchler - 1971

Richard R. Jensen - 1970

Donna Farson Lovejoy1970

Barbara Aylsworth Foged1969

Terry Bentley - 1968

Erik Foged - 1967

Sheryl Davis Johnson - 1967

Robert Kepler - 1965

Kathleen Streich Heard - 1961

Dorothy Holm Tyson- 1961

Mary Settell Anderson1958

Virginia Handley Jensen1951

Glenn Hulsebus - 1945

Arline Tesar Hromodka1941

Louise Sonderegger Foresman - 1932

Mabel McGinnis Neiswinter1926

Jean Robertson Hughey1925

Ethel Pearce Zimmerman1909

The Peru Stater staff s< thanks to those who ha helped us find lost alumni recent months:

Joan Thickst Buhrmann ('46), Dick Go ('48), Ted Harshbarger ('77), Mary Jane Henrichs Kellogg (' 51), Ruth Damon Leslie ('51), John Masonbrink ('70), Wilbur Scheitel ('52), and Bob Utermohlen ('50). f&

[§ll@Q rthern eadyt al if ele Ill rn1a rate!

In just a few weeks' time, Peruvians in the western part of the nation will be getting an invitation to attend the 2001 PSC Northern California Alumni Reunion in Fairfield.

Organizers are especially anxious to see some new faces at the event on Saturday, April 21 in Fairfield, Calif. Whether you are a Northern Californian who hasn't been a "regular" at the celebration, or a Bobcat from Southern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho or Nevada getting a special invitation, make the effort to attend!

The annual celebration will once again be Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield.

This year the Reunion is being coordinated by John J. Leavitt ('45) and his fellow Navy V-5N-12 mates. Rex ('42) and Hope Carter (' 42) Floyd once again are making the arrangements at Travis.

If you have questions contact any of them or Kent Propst at the college (PO Box 10, Peru, NE. 68421, e-mail to:propst@bobcat.peru.edu or call 402-872-2225).

National Committee

PSC senior Joanna Stauffer (left) was honored on campus recently after she was named to a national committee by the education honorary Kappa Delta Pi. Among those congratulating her was PSC's KDP sponsor Dr. Barbara Heckathorn (right). (Photo by Elizabeth Olsen)

Peru State College Student On National Education Committee

The international educational organization Kappa Delta Pi doesn't usually have students serve on its Publications Committee.

In fact, the appointment last fall of Peru State College senior Joanna Stauffer marks the first time in at least five years a student has been on the committee - perhaps longer, but as KDP's Grant Mabie explained, he's only been with the group that long.

Stauffer, a PSC senior from Auburn, Neb., is President of PSC's Beta Mu chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. She majors in elementary education, physical education and psychology at PSC.

Peru State has been affiliated with KDP since 1929. Membership is limited to students with a career interest in education and -whose :academic performance ranks thein in the top 25 percent of PSC's senior, junior and sophomore classes. ,;

Dr. Assistant Professor of Special Education af''Per1i'State and a faculty advisor for PSC's Kappa Delta Pi chapter, said that Stauffer attended her first Publications Committee meeting last November.

That meeting of the eight-member committee was held at the new KDP headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind.

"Joanna is the only student on the Committee - and is the first in the five and a half yearsJ have been employed here at KDP," noted Grant Mabie, Director of Publications Development for the group and Managing Editor of its publication The Educational Forum.

"Our mission to recognize and promote the best. in educational theories and practices encourages a spirit of selfless service in the cause of learning," Mabie noted. "Joanna has committed to that work, and we will all benefit from her decision."

The Committee aims to improve all KDP publications. Stauffer and other members are tasked with determining how well KDP publications meet members' needs, discovering what educational issues aren't being addressed that should be, and to review and analyze KDP print and nonprint materials, Mabie said.

Word has been received of the death of Phyllis Bugbee Adamson ('32) of Long Beach, Calif. in March of 1999.

Barb Allgood, known to hundreds of PSC alumni for her work at the Peru VFW Club, passed away in January. Survivors include her husband, Albert.

Dorothy Lyn Cowan Armstrong ('30) of Franklin, Neb. passed away in December. She taught school for 14 years before going into private business.

Glen Armstrong (attd. '47) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in January. He owned and operated the Dairy Sweet in Auburn for many years and then served as a rural mail carrier for 25 years.

Edith Argabright Bath ('64) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in December. She was a retired teacher and had taught in Brownville and Nemaha (Neb.) and Yellowstone National Park.

Ray Beamer ('38) of LaMars, Iowa passed away in November. He dedicated his life to children and their education. He taught in rural schools in southeast Nebraska and then became principal and superintendent of the Syracuse, Neb. schools. He then moved to Iowa and taught and coached at Murray, Deloit and Denison, Iowa. He later was director of special education for Sioux and Plymouth counties in Iowa until his retirement in 1977.

Herman Bienhoff ('45) of Pleasant Hill, Calif. passed away in September. He attended PSC under the V-SN-12 program. He was a retired plant superintendent of PG&E.

Edna Petersen Bollmeier ('41) of San Antonia, Texas passed away in November.

Gery "Punky" Rumpeltes Bowhay (attd. '78-'81) passed away in November. She had been living in Beatrice, Neb. and working as a physican assistant at the Wymore (Neb.)

Medical Clinic since 1991.

William Brandt (attd. '43) of Unadilla, Neb. passed away in December. He was a retired attorney, banker, rancher, and farmer. He practiced law for 36 years. A former state senator. he was active in many professional and local organizations.

Edra Formanek Broz of Wilber, Neb. passed away in November. She was a teacher.

Harriett Leach Burch ('35) of Plattsmouth, Neb. passed away in November.

Ruth Casey ('53) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in January. She was a retired school teacher.

Opal Davenport ('67) of Hiawatha, Kan. passed away in January.

Lorena Davis (attd. '35) of Fort Worth, Texas passed away in December. She taught school and later worked for American Airlines.

(Continued on Page 19)

Renovate Library, Old Gym .................From

Page 1

centers," he explained. ''The ARC will house a pus we have, our current library is too small," variety of support services designed to help said Linda Jacobsen, vice president for admin- people learn, and the two serve the same puristration and finance at the college. pose. You can't separate the two - they are

"Everybody agrees that for the size of cam-

Part of her job is to prepare budgets, meet tied together." with architects and designers, and help oversee Which brings us to the walkway. construction projects. Tied together

Design and development of the Old Plans also call for a 400-square foot enclosed Gym/Academic Resource Center is on track to walkway literally tying the two buildings be completed by July 1, Jacobsen said. The bid together. , ,.. , process will then begin, and a contract from a hamster be awarded by January or February of 2002. the>walkway will be brick arn;l designed Jacobsen estimates it will take about t'0"match.the exterior of both buildings. It will months to convert the Old Gym into· a for Dr. and then about a month to move the library ;tc:r"" "J'ohn'§Sif saiq.:,: ' ., · ',, ,, its new home. 4 ,_-:'ii·He the environChange to ARC . , metjfll()f'1'Jotf1 the·1rew:fibratyttnd the ARCWork can then begin in the current library!' weleoming, ehc6uraging. building, transforming it into the ARC. (For The two building will create, Dr. Johnson more about the nature of an ARC program, see said, a single "learning center." related article on page 3). Both projects should "It will become the most popular place on be done by October of 2003, Jacobsen said. campus," he said.

The Old Gym now houses the Art The exterior of both buildings will remain Department, Communications Services, essentially the same, Dr. Johnson said, for a Carpentry Shop, and the Campus Security very important reason - the Old Gym and the Office. The art department will move into the library are the two oldest buildings on campus, AV Larson Building, and the other departments and reflect the college's historic past. will move into the new Campus Services 'Preserve history' Building, scheduled to be completed in April or "This represents the college's continued goal May. to preserve its historical buildings," he said.

There's a practical reason why the two pro- Jacobsen, surrounded in her office by binders jects are bundled together, she explained. That and printouts and project reports, eagerly anticimakes it a bigger project than-just one building, pates the day the ribbon is cut on the completed and a bigger project means a more attractive sit- projects. uation for contractors, which in turn often "This is the most invigorating thing I do," means better, more competitive bids. she said of her work with campus construction. pr. Johnson, again, sees something symbolic "When the ribbon is cut, I'll be the one standing in the two projects being packaged as one. there with tears streaming down my face."

"New libraries need to be seen as learning A lot of alumni will feel the same way.

(From Page 18)

Adelaide Redmond Davis ('54) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in January.

Word has been received of the death of Frank J. Davis ('57) of Amazonia, Mo.

Christina Rosenthal Fisher ('39) of Coin, Iowa passed away in October. She taught for awhile in rural schools near Sterling, Neb.

William "Bill" W. Fitzgerald ('61) of Exeter, Neb. passed away in October. He was a retired teacher, coach, activities director and principal. He taught for 37 years in the Brock and Exeter Public Schools. He played semi-pro baseball for over 20 years, and was active in several education associations.

Virginia Palmer Freeman (attd. '30s-'60s) of St. Paul, Neb. passed away in

Rose Kotera Furasek (attd. '42) passed away in October. She had been living near Valparaiso, Neb.

Donna B. Harms Gadeken {attd. '54) of Wilber, Neb. passed away in October. She was the town librarian in Sterling, Neb. for many years and also taught piano lessons.

Alice Gilbert {'19) of Huron, S.D. passed away in December. She taught in Plattsmouth, Neb. and Red Oak, Osc_eol:a-anc.tc Tabor in Iowa,, amt fate:r in:South Dakota;:_

ball, basketball and track coach. He continued his career in Idaho until his retirement in 1983.

Longtime friend of Peru State College, Otto Kotouc, Jr., of Omaha passed away in October. He was a well know banker and attorney in southeast Nebraska.

Malinda Frieda Rinne Kroemer (attd. '43) of Pawnee City, Neb. passed away in November.

Ron Kucera {attd. '49-'51) of Tempe, Ariz. passed away in November. He was a retired Captain in the U.S. Navy.

Vivian McNitt Kuhlmann (attd. '32) passed away in October in North Platte, Neb.

J. Sam Lewis ('31) of Daykin, Neb. passed away in October. He was a retired dairy farmer.

Doris Bright Loney (attd. '30s) of Kansas City, Kan. passed away in December. She was a retired school teacher and administrator. She served the communities of Shubert, Stella and Southeast Consolidated Schools for 45 years.

Margery Jean Adams Mason ('40) of Storm Lake, Iowa passed away in November. Margery taught for a short time, and then with her husband owned and operated a Coast to Coast Store from 1970 until retirement in 1995.

Lincoln in November. She taught in rural schools for a time.

Raymond Mullens (attd. '51-'52 and '54) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in October. He was a retired school teacher and administrator.

Word has been received of the death of Irene Nelson ('61). She had been a resident of Hamburg, Iowa.

Charles P. Nickeson ('33) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in December. He was a retired teacher and superintendent, and was associated with various schools in southeast Nebraska for 43 years.

Mildred Oberst Pflaum (attd. '30s-'60s, bachelors '65) of Pawnee City, Neb. passed away in January. She was a retired elementary school teacher. Family members include children Dale ('62) of Ada, Okla., Richard ('75} of Pawnee City and Karen Harlow ('61) of Pawnee City.

Word has been received of the death of Nadine Haulk Powers ('49). She had been living in Ohio.

Mabel Atkins Reed (attd. '31-'32) passed away in November in North Platte, Neb.

years.

Lydia Dux Traeger ('62} of Fairbury, Neb. passed away in October. She was a retired teacher.

C. Dwight Waldo ('35) of Falls Church, Va. passed away in October. He was a professor in public administration at the University of California at Berkeley from 1946-1967 and then became a professor at Syracuse University until his retirement in 1979. His wife is the former Gwendolyn Payne ('35).

Vada Lisle Warren ('76) of Cook, Neb. passed away in October. She retired from

employment with the Lincoln Regional Center in 1999.

Fern Fisher Wenger ('60) of Sabetha, Kan passed away in October. She began her teaching career at a rural school in Richardson County (Neb.). She taught in Illinois for a number of years and was named Teacher of the Year for Illinois in 196970. She finished her 40 year teaching career with the Sabetha School System.

Becky Zook of Peru, a longtime food service worker in the PSC cafeteria and later proprietor of the local cafe Becky's Cottonwood, passed away in January.

Class of '91 'Lost Alumnr

The Peru State College Class of '91 has a reasonably short list of classmates who have become separated from the Campus of A Thousand Oaks.

But it's never as short as PSC officials would like. That's where you come in.

Christine Goldie Frederick If you know of the current, Reuter (attd. '30-'31) passed home address for any of the away in December in Lincoln, following Peruvians, please Neb. She taughter in Nebraska send that information to Kent Ridfi=:Wiln.ea McRae (attd. for several years. Propst at PSC.

'-3-$J:t>:f passed He can be reached at a:wax: i&-Cleteb_u;_ .$he taught" - · Darlene Barta Richards or by ('48) ?f Schuyler, Neb. paS§ed cal!Jng (402) 872-2225 or by _away m ··· writing him .at Peru State Neb. Gip €ountf·- HFghway College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, She was a formtt: teacw arid - Florence Hall Richardson Neb. 68421. in · _.,,

('73) of Verdon, Neb. passed

nizations. Her children include EofS M. Meier ('44) of away in January. Miriam Stewart ('65) of Chico, Calif. passed away in Huntsville, Texas, Barbara October. She was a retired Wheeler ('70) of Cathedral teacher. She started teaching in City, Calif., and Dr. Carole a country school and spent the Obermeyer ('73) of Lakeland majority of her career teaching Fla. ' fifth grade in Sterling, Ill. She

Helen Martin Harris (cert. '38) of Arvada, Colo. passed away in November.

Phyllis Masters Heather ('39) of Wadena, Minn. passed away in October. She was a retired school teacher.

Robert L. Henderson ('42) of Sidney, Iowa passed away in November. He taught physical education and coached at Falls City, Neb. from 1946 to 1964 where he served as head foot-

had enjoyed extensive traveling throughout the years including a trip to Israel.

Maxine Russell Moore ('63) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in January. She was a retired Lincoln Public Schools teacher. Family members include Jo Ann ('55) and Virgil ('55) Mulligan of Murdock, Neb. and Linda ('60) and Fred ('60) Regnier of West Lafayette, Ind.

Maybeth Malone Morrell (attd. '27) passed away in

Ruth Stock Schulenberg ('56) of Verdon, Neb. passed away in October. She was a retired elementary school teacher.

Bessie Crews Shubert (cert. '20) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in November.

Vera Ruhge Stovall (cert. '32) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in October.

Margaret Engelkemier Terryberry ('32) of Louisville, Neb. passed away in November. She taught school for a short time in South Dakota before returning to Murray. She was a volunteer 4-H leader for over 40

Ashenfelter, Todd E. Brooks, Lynnea A. (Moyer) Brookshire, Keith M. Evans, Todd J. Fletcher, Tamra K. Gerkensmeyer, Bevin K. Gibson, Stacy P. Hinz, Jeff A. Hogan, Scott Hopf, Denise A. Jilg, Lauri L. Korus, Kenny M. Mclver, Roger Mey, Bruce A. _.

GurjtSelfers-., GjndUa Webster; Cfai&c,

Wring, IrarrclFL :·

Shorten the Short List Of '81 Lost Alumni

Only 14 members of the Class of '81 can be found on the PSC "lost alumni" roster. That makes it one of the smallest "lost" lists on the rolls.

But the editor of the Peru Stater, himself a member of the great Class of '81, would like to make it even smaller.

If you know the current, home address for any of the following, please e-mail them to Kent Propst at propst@bobcat.peru.edu, or call him at (402) 872-2225, or write him c/o Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421.

Anderson, Denise K. (Gourley) Crow, William T. Davis, Robert A. Dreyer, Dee C. (Janssen) Gray, David L. Hill, Mary M. (Nicola) Ingram, John McKim, Jennifer (Pugh) Neubauer, Ricky L. Petersen, Robert Prater, Phyllis (Wiggins) Riddle, Tammy L. Victor, Michael W. Wright, Elizabeth Renee (Fajardo)

.,

Softball Has Experience And Desire to Succeed in 2001

Like many things in the spring, the Peru State College softball team is looking for a new start. The Bobcats look to rebound after a disappointing end to the 2000 season.

Peru State returns 11 players off last year's 22-36 squad that began the season 17-12. This year the Bobcats begin competing in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference. Peru softball coach Mark Mathews said a conference championship is right at the top of this year's goals.

Outlook Bright

Bobcat baseball fortunes look bright this spring. A solid core of returning players like junior third baseman Monte Scott (Calgary, Alberta) will be aided by a strong recruiting class for Coach Mark Bayliss. Scott batted .418 and drove in 41 runs for the 'Cats last year on his way to NA1A Honorable Mention AllAmerican honors.

Baseball Looks to Continue Success

Peru State baseball coach Mark Bayliss is entering his fourth season. Each year he has seen his squad improve. Last year the Bobcats finished 30-24 and advanced to the NAIA Region IV Tournament for the first time in school history.

This year Bayliss expects more. Peru begins play in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference, a powerful baseball conference. Three teams are receiving votes in the 2001 NAIA pre-season poll. Bayliss sees it as a challenge.

"Being in a conference, our goal is to win it. An.other goal is to keep improving everyday, in practice and in games. We want to qualify for the regional tournament again and that is going to be really tough in this league," Bayliss said.

The Bobcats' ·strength will be the pitching staff, Bayliss said. A majority of last year's key contributors return. Senior Jeremy Hale (St. Joseph, Mo.) and junior Derek Dallorto (St. Albert, Alb.), according to Bayliss, will be a tough combination.

"Jeremy and Derek are two starters we can throw ill a doubleheader and feel confident we have a chance to win both games," Bayliss said. Ten wins Hale went 6- 7 last year with a 4.74 ERA. Dallorto finished 4- 7 with a 4.89 ERA.

Bayliss also expects pitching help from seniors Cam Pentland (Calgary, Alb.) and Wes Haveman (Shubert), junior Scott Campau (Calgary, Alb.) and sophomore Troy Litvinchuk (Spruce Grove, Alb.).

Pentland spent the 2000 season on a medical redshirt after injuring his Achilles tendon. Haveman was also injured most of the 2000 season with an arm injury. Bayliss said both are healthy.

Campau went 3-0 with a 3.88 ERA. He struck out 40 and walked 31 in 30.2 innings pitched. Bayliss said Campau has worked on his control and should be a force this spring.

The catching chores will be on the shoulders of three freshmen. Brad Wolansky (St. Albert, Alb.), Michael Winakur (Loveland, Colo.) and Josh Ziemba (Lincoln) will battle for time on the field. Bayliss said early indications show Wolansky has the best defensive skills.

Utility player

Senior Joe Shimerdla (Omaha) may also see time behind the dish. He is a valuable .utility player, according to Bayliss.

"Joe will be a vital part of our success. He can play most of the infield and outfield positions plus catch. We will ask him to help us the most with his bat," Bayliss said.

The infield will be led by junior third baseman Monte Scott (Calgary, Alb.). He was named an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American in 2000. He batted .418 with four home runs and 41 RBI.

"Monte will be an anchor of the infield and in our batting lineup. He will also be used as a closer on the mound," Bayliss said. Scott went 2-1 with a save last year. He struck out 23 and walked four in 11.2 innings pitched.

Sophomore Steve Whitten (Jackson) has assumed the shortstop duties and has made big improvements, according to Bayliss. He batted .240 with one home run and seven RBI while platooning at the position as a freshman.

Impressive early

Freshman John McHugh (Edmonton, Alb.) looks to be the starting second baseman. Bayliss has been impressed in pre-season drills.

"John is very solid defen- · sively. He has a very good stick on the left side of the plate. Combined with Steve, they could be the best middle infielders since I have been at Peru," Bayliss said.

Junior Ben Kassera (Omaha) will also see some time at second base, Bayliss said. "Ben will be in the lineup. He will see some time at second base but will likely be (Continued on Page 21)

"Jessica is an experienced, tough competitor," Mathews said.·

Frosh contend

Two freshman will also jump into the mix. Shannon Cole (Auburn) and Amanda Metzger (Cozad) should add depth.

"Shannon has the skills that are starting to be refined. With some experience she could be a tremendous player. Amanda brings high quality high school and club softball experience. She is very quick behind the plate," Mathews said.

"The MCAC is a tough league. We want to win both the regular season and tournament championship right away. If we can do well in our conference, we stand to do well in the regional tournament and advance to nationals," Mathews said.

Defense should be the top game for the Bobcats, according to Mathews. "We have a lot of depth all over the field. Our pitching will be very solid and if we can manufacture some runs we should be very successful," he said.

Pitching depth

The Bobcats return four pitchers off last year's squad. Sophomore Christy Bulson (Mexico, Mo.) was 7-8 last spring with a team-best 1.59 ERA.

Junior Angela Godfrey (Bakersfield, Calif.) went 5-10 with a 3.19 ERA.

Mathews said Bulson and Godfrey will begin the season assuming a majority of the pitching burden.

Three other pitchers will be pushing for time on the rubber as well. Junior Stacie Sell (Glenwood, Iowa), sophomore · Michelle Wedge (Kearney) and freshman Anna Tennal (Morrill, Kan.) are vying for time. Sell went 6-10 with a 4.78 ERA last spring. Wedge saw limited time. She went 1-0 on 10 innings pitched with a 3.39 ERA.

"We look for Stacie to improve this year and for Michelle to provide more innings. Anna will be eased into the college realm just like Michelle was a year ago," Mathews said.

The catching position has the most question marks. Three catchers should battle for time. Sophomore Jessica Joe (Fairbury) began the 2000 season as a red-shirt but injuries forced her onto the playing field. She batted .237 with four RBI.

The infield also returns a lot of experience. Three seniors lead the group. Ann Momin (Omaha) is a three-year starter ·at first base. She batted .295 with a team-high 20 RBI. She committed only one error in 302 defensive chances last year. She was selected to the All-Region team last year.

"Ann has strong leadership skills and has a desire to be the best. She has an excellent glove and knowledge of the game," Mathews said.

Shortstop Sara Roberts (Omaha) is also a returning All-Region selection a year ago. She batted .280 and tied Momin with a team-high 20 RBI. Mathews said she brings tremendous on-field game savvy. "She has great determination and durability," he said.

Third-baseman Corina Rodriguez (Chino, Calif.) was ajunior college transfer last season. She batted .264 with 13 RBI. She is very consistent, according to Mathews. Tenacious "Corina has a calm tenacity at the hot corner. She keeps her head in the game but has a lot of desire and heart," he said.

Sophomore Jamie McBride (Atlantic, Iowa) was the only Bobcat to start all 58 games last spring. She batted .239 with 11 RBI.

Mathews said McBride along with freshmen Jiree Carpenter (Roca) and Tennal will add solid depth to the middle· infield.

Wedge will provide depth at third base, Bulson could see action at first base and Godfrey can play both comers of the infield.

Mathews said the Bobcat outfield is one of the most talented, quick and athletic groups he has ever coached. Junior Samantha Robinson (Omaha) returns as last year's centerfielder.

(Continued on Page 21)

Women's Basketball Starts Strong Against Tough Competition

Peru State women's basketball coach Tab Jefferson likes a challenge. After taking the Bobcats to the NAIA Division II National Tournament in his first season, he scheduled a brutal non-conference schedule before entering a rigorous conference slate.

Jefferson was pleased how the Cats have responded. Through mid-January, the Bobcats were 13- 7 overall and 5-0 in Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

The Bobcats opened the season by defeating the University of Mary (N.D.), the reigning NAIA Division II National Champions. Mary defeated Peru State in the first round of the national tournament a season ago.

"I was hoping to enter the holiday break at least .500. We ended the first half 7-4 against so.me very respectable competition," Jefferson said.

The B,obcats have taken the driver's seat in the conference run. They have won their first five conference games with five yet to play. But Jefferson knows the Bobcats have to face each

conference opponent again.

Stay intense

. "The MCAC has some good teams. We have to continue to play with the same intensity, at home and on the road," Jefferson said.

Junior Tonya Volk (Battle Creek) has led the Bobcats with over 13 points and seven rebounds a game. She is closing in on the career block record in only her second year with the squad.

Senior Tammi Thompson (Harlan, Iowa) was averaging over 10 points and 1,1early five rebounds a game. Senior Tiffany Volk (Battle Creek) averages nearly nine points a game and has led the three-point attack, averaging nearly two three-pointers a contest.

Jefferson said the Bobcats must continue to work. "We have played a tough schedule to help us realize we need to be at a high level to play every game. We can't let down at any time."

Drivinf! Hard

A deep bench including newcomers like freshman guard Tiffany Taylor (Fairfax, Mo.) has blended with a strong roster of returi!ing players to boost the Bobcat tt omenfs basketbaU sqllad into the national ratings two-thirds of the way through irs season. The squad is also contending for a conference crown in its first year in the Midlands Collegiate Athletics Conference. (Photo by Elizabet11 Olsen)

Bobcat Men's Basketball Continues to Rebuild

Peru State men's basketball coach John Gibb.s knew ing in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference would be tough. Through late January, the Bobcats were 6-15 overall and 1-4 in conference play.

Coach Gibbs said the biggest factor this season has been poor execution on defense. "We need to improve defensively. We have not done what we need to do," he said.

Many bright spots can be seen through the dark clouds, Coach Gibbs said. Junior forward Joey Maggett (Omaha), a junior college transfer from Southwestern (Iowa) is leading the team with over 13 points and five rebounds a game.

"Joey has come in and done a great job getting used to our system. Usually it takes a player a year to adjust and Joey has made an immediate impact," Coach Gibbs said.

Senior center Dan Stoakes (Omaha) has also stepped up, according to Coach Gibbs. Stoakes is averaging over 12 points and five rebounds a contest.

"Dan has played very well. He has really made improvemen.ts in his senior year. He is making personal bests in scoring and rebounding this year. He has been a team leader,"

Basebal I

penciled in as a designated hitter."

Veterans are also scattered throughout the Bobcat outfield. Junior Michael Hunt (Edmonton, Alb.) returns in right field. He batted .294 with two home runs and 25 RBI last spring.

"Michael has worked very hard in the fall to improve his swing. He will be counted on heavily at the plate," Bayliss said.

Everyday player

Haveman looks to be the Bobcats' left fielder this fall when not on the mound. "Wes will get a chance. to play everyday and could add some power from the left side of the plate," Bayliss said.

The center field position is a three-way battle between senior Nate Munter (O'Neill), Campau and freshman Jeremie Larkins (Lincoln). Bayliss said all three have the

Coach Gibbs said. Injuries hurt

The injury bug has depleted the guard set for Peru. Junior Scott Gibbs (Peru) missed the first half of the season with a broken foot. Just as he returned, sophomore Brian Lemerond (Falls City) was Jost for the remaining of the season with the same injury.

Lemerond was leading the Bobcats with three assists a game. He was also averaging just shy of eight points a game. Freshman Josh Rhodd (Falls City) has moved from shooting guard to run the point for the Bobcats. Rhodd is averaging over nine points a game. Coach Gibbs said he has adjusted well. "Right now we have a lot of people playing different roles than we planned. As a freshman Josh is doing a good job running our offense."

Even with all the adversity this winter, Coach Gibbs said the Bobcats are optimistic.

"We have always been a stronger second half team. We are playing in a tough conference. Many of the squads have veteran teams so we need to keep our head up."

From Page 20

defensive skills but the one who plays will be the one with the hot bat.

Bayliss said the Bobcats are not only looking to be successful at the plate, but also in the classroom. Peru finished fourth in the country last year with a .361 team batting average. They also placed four on the NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete list.

He said Peru's recipe for recent success is the blend of student-athletes. "We have tried to recruit quality student-athletes to go with the talent we have in place. That has helped improve the program and our depth has developed younger athletes.

"We are excited with the challenges ahead of us this year. With a mix of veterans and newcomers we feel we can compete with anybody," Bayliss said.

Softball •••• From Page 2<

Mathews said she has a renewe1 dedication to be successful this yea after batting only .197 with eight RB1 last spring.

Sophomore Carrie Alexander (Johnson) flanked Robinson in both left and right field last year. She batted .232 with 12 RBI. "Carrie is a consistent player and has a great determination to improve everyday," Mathews said.

Newcomers push

Two newcomers will also battle Robinson and Alexander for outfield positions. Junior Sandra Owen (Council Bluffs) transferred from Iowa Western Community College. Mathews said Owen has the willingness to give her all with every play.

Freshman Jill Solomon (Kearney) is very athletic, according to Mathews. "Jill has the talent and athleticism to develop into a great player with more experience," Mathews said.

Tennal and McBride may also see. time in the outfield. Mathews said both are very quick and can run the outfield well.

Mathews said for the Bobcats to take the conference crown the offense needs to develop. "We don't have the bats to hit the big home runs. We need to back our strong pitching and defense by manufacturing some runs.

"We need to be patient at the plate. get people on base and move them around with bunts and timely hits. We have the talent and desire and just need to work on executing."

Softball Squad Sponsors Projects

The Bobcat softball team is sponsoring two projects that they want to make known to all alumni.

The first project involves a chance to show your pride in being a PSC alum by flying the Bobcat flag all year long. The flags are 2.5 x 3.5 feet, blue with white lettering. The flags are just $35 each including shipping and handling. If you would like to order one or more, just fill out the form below and return it to: Mark Mathews, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru Neb. 68421-0010. Make checks payable to BAA-Softball. ·

Bobcat Flag

Address ______________________________

Peru State Football Finishes Nom 20

With an attitude from begin- , ning to end, the Peru State football squad put their name back on the NAIA map in 2000. The Bobcats ended the season 8-2 and were ranked No. 20 in the final NAIA poll.

Coach Dick Strittmatter said this year's success went beyond the efforts put forth in the fall. "We had a group of determined gentlemen. They worked hard last spring and summer to prepare," he said.

Many other factors contributed to the Bobcats' success, according to Strittmatter.

"We had two things we have missed in a while. We had great team unity and I with a great coaching staff," Strittmatter said.

Peru State finished in second place in the inaugural season of the Central States Football League. The CSFL champion, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, lost in the NAIA championship in December. Peru State was a pre-season fourth place pick by the league coaches.

Many honors were bestowed upon the Bobcats at seasons' end. Senior offensive lineman Nate Armagost (Lexington) was named Honorable Mention AllAmerican by the NAIA. He was a co-captain for the Cats this fall.

Scholar athletes

many post-season conference accolades. Five players were named First Team AllConference. Six more were named to the Second Team.

Armagost and Bishop were named First Team AllConference offensive linemen. They were joined on the First Team by sophomore kicker Austin Arnold (Stromsburg).

Two Bobcats were First Team AH-Conference at two different positions. Junior Chad Beckman (Stromsburg) was honored as both a tight end and punter. Senior Darin Garfield (Aurora) was touted as a defensive back and a punt returner.

More awards

Peru State was represented on the Second Team AllConference scribe with senior runningback John Bosco (Bakersfield, Calif.), senior defensive lineman Joe Martin (Glenwood, Iowa), junior defensive lineman Shane Maloley (Lexington), more linebacker Matt Shelsta (Omaha), senior defensive back Kyle Lee (Shelton) .and freshman defensive back Nolan Reil (Milford).

The Bobcats also led the CSFL with 25 Academic AllConference selections.

Strittmatter said the willpower of the Bobcats made all the post-season awards possible.

Phone ( )

No. of Flags x $35

Amount Enclosed _____________________________

Bobcat Sculpture

The second fundraising project involves a "one-of-a-kind" sculpture of a Bobcat, made out of brick from Endicott Clay Products of Fairbury, Neb.

This sculpture was created by Larry Joe, PSC Class of '79 and the father of current Bobcat softball player Jessica Joe.

Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Alumni are given a special opportunity to get 30 tickets for $20, available only by completing and returning the form below. The drawing is to be held in late April during a home game; the form must by returned by April 1.

Send to: Mark Mathews, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421-0010.

Name Address ____________________________

#of Tickets

Amount Enclosed$'---------------'-------------

Call Coach Mathews at (402) 872-2204 if you have questions.

Two others were named NAIA All-American Scholar Athletes. Senior offensive lineman David Bishop (Milford) and junior defensive lineman Ross Luzum (Broken Bow) were honored for their accomplishments on the field and in the classroom.

Peru State also received

"This was a group of determined guys but this is only the start. We want to build on this. We have a long way to go to ·close the gap with Northwestern Okla.

"With a good recruiting class and the core of returners I feel confident we can keep improving this spring and next fall," Strittmatter said.

Big Fr umbJocks? Former ot At Peru S otball Players t

Used to be, football players were looked at as musclebound Neanderthals. Thickbrowed, academic numbskulls, with only jobs as day laborers in their futures.

Times have changed, college requirements have changed, and Peru State is no exception. Nestled in the southeast corner of Nebraska along the Missouri River, the oldest college in the state has quietly changed with the times.

Oh, there was the rumblings of closing it's doors in favor of a new multi-million dollar community college in Nebraska City, but, just like the previous 100+ years, Peru has withstood, with the help of its outspoken alumni and supporters. It weathered the storm, and is now better than

ever.

Part of the reason it has become a role model for other colleges in the new age of cutbacks and spending caps, is the success of not just its students, but of its student-athletes. Whereas many large University football programs are quick to point out graduation rates among their players, Peru simply expects it.

Win on & off field Football players have been coming to Peru for a century now, and besides winning a few games and a championship here and there, lately, they are winning some high tech jobs.

Travis Martensen ('00), Brian Keul ('95), and Mark Meadows ('95) have stepped off the field, out of the classroom, and into the world of 'high tech.' And each one has

Volleyball ends season 21-12

After playing their first season in the tough Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference, interim head coach Becki Wetjen Deisley ('96) knows bright things are on the horizon for the Peru State volleyball program.

The Bobcats finished the 2000 season with a 21-12 record and finished the season in third place in the MCAC.

Many post-season honors were bestowed upon the Bobcat squad. Junior Janelle Findlay (Stella) was named NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. She was also named to the Omaha World-Herald First Team Midlands Team, NAIA Region IV First Team and MCAC First Team All-Conference. Senior Randi Mayberry (Nebraska City) was named to the World-Herald Honorable Mention list. She was also listed on the NAIA Region IV Second Team and MCAC First Team AllConference.

AH-stars

Seniors Sandi Brown (Bellevue) and ReeAnna Morgan (Lincoln) along with freshman Amanda Hedin (Bellevue) were named MCAC Honorable Mention All-Conference.

Deisley said the Bobcats are looking to reload, not rebuild next year. She said as many as eight new faces could be in fall camp.

"I feel we have some highly recruited talent coming and all could compete in their first year in the program," she said.

"A lot of people will see we have a lot of freshmen and think we are rebuilding. With the nucleus of returners plus the recruits we plan to compete at a high level next fall."

How to Reach es ter

Contacting

igh ech

Peru State and its academic programs to thank.

These three have more in common than just the job titles. Their careers intertwined early on; in fact Martensen and Meadows are from the same hometown. Meadows and Keul were roommates. Keul was Martensen's coach. Martensen is in rocket science. Keul and Meadows work in genetics. Martensen could have gone to any school of his choosing. But, Travis, an excellent high school student from Neligh, Nebraska, needed a place where he could play ball, and prepare for his future. Peru gave him that. His brother Jeremy ('98) was already playing at Peru (recruited by Meadows' older brother), and Peru was offering a scholarship to play football.

Travis played four years on the offensive line, and graduated in 2000. Now a software engineer for Lockheed-Martin Space, Aeronautics Division, Travis, from tiny Peru State, is competing in a job market filled with MIT, Yale, and Stanford graduates.

Different route

Keul took a slightly different route to Peru. After graduating from tiny Norwalk, Iowa, Brian made stops at Iowa State University and Simpson College, before walking onto Peru's campus and its football team. He found the larger schools were not con-

cientists

ducive to his goals and were affecting his study habits, so a transfer to Peru and its smalltown family atmosphere were a good fit.

Keul started for two years on the offensive line, winning All-Nebraska honors. After a season as a student assistant coach in 1996 (where he tutored Martensen), Brian took his diploma in Biology and is now working for DuPontPioneer Hybrids, working on gene expression on seed crops. His work helps farmers grow more resistant and productive crops.

Meadows too, took the long way to Peru. Accepting an academic scholarship to Kearney State after graduating from Neligh, Mark quickly learned that larger mean less attention to detail, in his case, students. After two and a half non-directional years, and the loss of the scholarship, Meadows decided it was time to change.

A chance stop at a Peru football home game with his parents to watch his brother coach, he liked the campus, and decided this was his next step. Like Keul, Meadows walked on to the football team, talked to the late Dr. Larry Pappas about possible academic majors, and set out to achieve those goals.

Roommates & friends

Mark and Brian would end up roommates and taking many of the same classes, and

are still the best of friends. Meadows earned a scholarship, but a knee injury ended his playing days at Peru, but graduating in 1995 proved more significant.

Now a Technical Specialist for Transgenomic Inc., Meadows is on the cutting edge of DNA analysis and cancer research. All because he stumbled onto Peru's 'Campus of A Thousand Oaks' as a spectator.

Keul and Meadows agree the biggest impact of their futures would not come from the football field, but from the late Dr. Pappas who introduced them to the 'real-world' of genetics and research while at Peru.

"He was upfront and honest about what to expect once we left school" indicated Meadows. The three reun in April to take part in t annual Alumni vs. Varsi football game. With t exception of Meadows, w still plays semi-pro ball Omaha, the Alumni gar gives the three an opportun to relive their playing da; and reflect on the paths tr got them to where they a today.

So much for the dumb jock theory, and so much for the idea that to get high tech jobs, one must attend a high priced school. The success comes from the individuals, and people who teach them along the way.

Class of 1971 Has A Long "Lost" List

A note to the Class of '71: your list of the lost is too long. We' re referring of course to the "lost alumni" roster. We were surprised to find well over 40 names on that list.

What we now hope to do is to find current, home addresses on a goodly number of the Class of '71 lost alums. If you can provide us with information on any of the following, please forward it to Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Pem, Neb. 68421 or e-mail him at propst@bobcat.peru.edu or caH (402) 8722225.

Atkinson, Donald L. Beery, Kathryne M,

Bennett, Margaret E.

Bodie, Ralph M.

·Boice, Carole Ann

Bolinger, Michael D.

Bourne, Richard L.

Bower, Neal W.

Comstock, Judith K.

Cotner, Ronald L.

Deal, Michael S.

Deuchler, Otto C.

Dory, Harold Jr.

Ellis, John R.

Ernest, Stephen J.

Faverio, Daniel J.

Ford, Warren N.

Fox, Nancy S. (Hunzeker)

Hatten, Roger L.

Johnson, Wanda

Justice, Rose M.

Koehler, Linda S. (Glathar)

Laporte, Dowayne

Lenhoff, Bradley H.

Mahlendorf, Michael S. Maunson, Richard R. McBride, Donald E. McClintock, Melvin B. Olson, Nancy

Owen, Clifford D. Pallman, Richard L. Parrish, Gerlad E. Peters, Iva Jean (Erisman) Riensche, Roger R. Romero, Daniel R. Rybolt, Paul W.

Shellhase, Charles R. Siefken, Thomas K. Staley, James R. Stewart, John R. Taylor, Steven K. Thomason, Elizabeth A. Togafau, Ma1aetasi M. Tuiolosega, Trevor Wilson, Paul (Hewett) Yamahira, Kimiko

of the following, please forward

know where we can locate any

Gilmore, John Griffith, Luella (Wicklund)

are on our "wanted" list. If you

of the members of that class who

Bohlken, Mary A.

improvement. Following is a list

Barricklow, James H.

But there is room for

Ballue, Thomas H.

officials like it.

a short one. That's the way PSC

call (402 )872-2225.

Stater's from the Class of '76 is

at propst@bobcat.peru.edu or

Peru, Neb. b8421 or e-mail him

the number of "lost" Peru

After a quarter of a century,

Peru State College. P.O. Box 10,

the information to Kent Propst,

about people you know!

Moody, Ida B.

Lueke, Jay F.

25 Years and Counting:· Class of '76 "Lost" List

... And LOTS of news

Leonard, Judi (Moul)

Kline, Jeffrey D.

Simmons, Robin C. Peru State College

Pappion, Patrick Robertson, Thomas Simmons, Alan R. The Peru Stater

• Bobcat Sports .................................................... pages 20-23

• Helping Freshmen Adjust page 15

• Honor Roll of 2000 Donors page 12-14

•Dr. Marion Marsh Brown ............................... page B

•Oldest Buildings Face Renewal .. , ................. : ............. page 1

Peru, NE 68421-0010 Address Service Requested

P.O. Box 10

Inside you'll find ... Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peru, NE 68421 PERMIT NO. 4

c n tr tio Ahead:

Donovan Returns To Peru State

Even though she's worked from California to Washington, D.C., SaraBeth Donovan never really left Peru State College behind.

The 1985 graduate always stayed involved with her alma mater, serving as an officer in the Omaha Alumni Association and as a trustee for the Peru State College Foundation, keeping in contact with college faculty and staff and returning often to the Campus of A Thousand Oaks.

Now, the former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska is making a full-time commitment to the hilltop campus as the Director of Planned Giving for the PSC Foundation.

Donovan will assist prospective donors in including Peru State in their wills and bequests. and will help them navigate the legal and tax aspects of planned g1vmg.

··Planned giving really is the future of the Foundation and of Peru State.'' said President Ben Johnson. "It is through being remembered in wills and bequests that a college endowment grows. Grow with college

"And. we know that for the college to increase in size, scholarships and service to Southeast Nebraska, we will need an increasingly larger endowment as the years pass," he added.

Rebirth for Historical Buildings

The

Library, Old Gym Get Green Light

There's now money where the drawings are. And the renaissance at Peru State College continues.

The Nebraska Legislature has approved the almost $6.5 million needed to convert the Old Gym into a library and the current library building into an Academic Resource Center (ARC).

Gov. Mike Johanns approved the bill in midMay, clearing the way for the next stage of development - preparing construction documents and bid specifications. The action involves the two oldest buildings on the campus of Nebraska's first college.

"The library and ARC project will be the single most important construction project to impact PSC in the last 30-40 years because it affects all students, faculty and staff," said President Ben E. Johnson.

The design and development documents have already been prepared, and were presented to college administrators in late May, according to Linda Jacobsen, vice president for administration and finance.

Bids this winter

Jacobsen said if all goes according to plan the college should be ready to let bids on the project early this winter. The first chunk of money for the project - $1.3 million - will become available July 1. Other sums will become available in subsequent fiscal years.

"We are entirely grateful to the Governor and the legislature for supporting this project and approving the action," Jacobsen said.

Work on the Old Gym will be more than a simple remodeling project - plans leave 12-14 months for the conversion into a new library.

Built in 1905 as the campus chapel, the Old Gym is 25,973 square feet, and will almost double the size of the current library, alleviating a long-standing problem of a lack of shelf space.

The target date for the massive task of moving the library collection is May of 2003, Jacobsen said - and they are planning for that task to take a full month.

(Continued on Page 2)

Attorney, based in Omaha.

"I feel like with my legal skills and association with the college, I could really make a contribution to the school that would be everlasting," sheAsaid. SaraBeth Donovan positive experience

Donovan stayed involved with Peru State during her career, she said, because of the positive experience she had as a student.

"I have a lot of wonderful memories," she said. "I formed some really strong friendships. Peru State gave me the tools to be successful."

PSC Foundation Director Dr. Dan Johnson said he feels Donovan brings an unmatched set of skills to her new duties.

"'We are so very fortunate to have someone like SaraBeth fill this position," he said. '"A committed Nebraska [native] alumna like Sara is in it for the long term and is a professional around whom one can build a program with confidence."

Home work

The Lincoln native earned an education degree from Peru State, then a law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1992. Her grandparents, the late Glenn and Verda (Hauptman) Frary ('27), attended Peru State.

She taught high school in Omaha and San Diego, California, before entering law school.

From 1992-1995, she served as a trial attorney in the voting section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. In 1995, she returned to the Midwest as an Assistant U.S.

Donovan began her duties with the PSC Foundation in April. She'll be working primarily out of her home office in Omaha, and travelling to speak with potential donors.

She understands that donors care a great deal about how their assets are used, and wants to balance their wishes and the needs of the school.

"We have to be responsible with how we utilize people's money," she said.

With Donovan on board, both donors and the college can be even more optimistic about the potential for Nebraska's first college and for the PSC Foundation.

Celebrate Bobcat Style; Homecoming is Oct. 6

Homecoming 2001 has been scheduled, and it's time for you to mark your calendar accordingly!

Peru State College will entertain alumni and friends on Saturday, Oct. 6 on and around the Campus of A Thousand Oaks. Specifics aren't finalized yet but will include an Alumni Reception, Parade, Homecoming Football and Volleyball Games and other traditional offerings.

For more details contact Kent Propst at PSC, propst@bobcat.peru.edu or phone (402)

Get ready to enjoy a beautiful autumn day in the hills of Southeast Nebraska - and while you're making plans, call a friend or two and tell them to meet you there.

Success lsn 't Easy

Welcome to my tri-annual report to Peru alumni and friends on the general state of affairs here at Nebraska s first and finest institute of higher learning. I know you want to read that things are going well at Peru State, and they are.

But it's not all peaches and cream, sweetness and light. And you need to know about it. Those of you who bleed blue - and there a ton of you - deserve candor. You've been through too much, working on behalf of your college, for me to sugar-coat things.

You've no doubt already read the article about the renovation of our two oldest buildings, the Library and the Old Gym. Thats another $6.5 million more on top of what has already been invested in the Campus of A Thousand Oaks in the last couple of years.

In case you've forgotten, the Hoyt Science Hall project is well over $4 million; we spent about $2 million to improve and expand the Campus Services (formerly Physical Plant) building. We dropped another $1.5 million into the Centennial Complex, spent about $400,000 on telephone/internet hookups in our residence halls, and we put $270,000 into a new water distribution system on campus.

A million went into the electrical distribution system a couple of years back, and we did over a quarter of a million dollars' worth of improvements to the T.J. Majors Building last summer. So after many years of neglect and inactivity, your Campus of A Thousand Oaks is getting back into shipshape. We have a long way to go, though.

Alum ranks swell

Enrollment was a good story last fall. In May, I had the privilege of handing out degrees to probably the largest graduating class in Peru State history (our records aren't always the best so I'm hedging a bit). You now have over 300 more fellow Peru alumni than you did a year ago.

Our graduate program (Master of Science in Education) is growing quickly, our internet-based coursework is just beginning to catch fire, and we anticipate another large class of freshmen and transfers this fall. All bode well for our future.

After years of being "Interim State College," we are assembling an outstanding administrative team, and Peru State is attracting some very excellent new faculty to go along with our great group of veteran educators. Vacant positions have been a chronic problem here in recent years - but they've also become a source of dollars to do lots of other things. When a position went unfilled, PSC used those salary savings to pay for something else. In fact, we'd become overdependent on these so-called "vacancy savings."

We have recently made a considerable investment in student scholarships sponsored by the College. For many years our sister institutions were taking advantage of these scholarship programs that Peru State had also been approved to offer but chose not to. In essence, they allow us to grant "tuition waivers" to students based on a variety of qualifications. The flip side is that we don't collect tuition funds from these students.

The other great success story, of course, is the Peru State College Foundation. Under the expert guidance of its officers, LeRoy Redfern, Charlie Gabus, Ken Boxley, Jud Douglas and the rest of its Board of Directors and Trustees, and Executive Director Dan Johnson and his staff, the Foundation has performed extraordinarily well - and I believe has just begun to realize its potential.

What's the problem?

So what, then, is the problem I alluded to earlier?

If you've been reading between the lines, you have already noted them. We have invested or are investing millions and millions of dollars in the facilities of Peru State, but its only a start. We have millions more in deferred maintenance still to be addressed. I wrote earlier of the "neglect" Peru State has experienced. Thats not hyperbole, its fact.

This fall, when we open the doors to our new classrooms in the Hoyt Science Hall addition, it will mark the first new classroom space at Peru State College since the Jindra Fine Arts Building. In case you didn't know, Jindra was built in the mid-1960s. That,folks, is way too long a time between new academic facilities at any college large or small, public or private.

I noted our large graduating class this spring, which follows on the heels of a big class a year ago. But remember, during the major contra- Dr. Ben E. Johnson versy a couple of years ago we had two consecutive, very small, freshman classes in 1998 and '99. So we are finding ourselves caught in a bit of a vice.

On the one hand we are pushing big graduating classes out the door. On the other, our junior and senior classes this fall are very small. It doesn't take a math major to see that until those two small classes work themselves through the system, they will have a dampening effect on enrollment.

I also mentioned that we are getting close to being fully staffed for the first time in many years, and that we have greatly expanded our tuition-waiver scholarship programs. Those are great developments for our college and the students we serve.

Vacating vacancy savings

But the down side is, this college has come to depend on a lot of extra cash through these "vacancy savings," and that source of revenue is gone. And by not collecting the tuition that we are 'forgiving" as scholarships, that reduces our revenue base, too.

These factors have all converged to make us reach some very difficult decisions. Since the vast majority of our budget is spent on salaries, and since our operating budgets have essentially been stagnant for years, our only recourse has been to take a critical look at our payroll. Which functions contribute least to the essential mission of the College?

After years of austere budgets, any 'fat" has long since been eliminated. We are cutting good programs and, in some cases, parting ways with good people (where possible we have chosen not to refill some vacancies, but that wasn't enough).

It's important to note that we have not reduced the size of our faculty, though we will go a year - hopefully no more than that - before refilling a couple of vacancies, and some other teaching positions in lower-enrollment areas may need to be shifted to areas with growing demand.

This has been one of the most difficult periods of my short time at Peru State. But it is necessary, and in the long run I believe it will give PSC a better and sharper focus. It will make us a more efficient operation. Its not pleasant to make these kinds of changes.

On the upswing

The next year or two will have their ups and their downs. Yet I think virtually everyone knows that the momentum is building and Peru State College is on the upswing. We are determined we are not going to take Peru State College back to where it was before all of the controversy erupted a few short years ago.

No, we are going far beyond that point, to places this college has never been before. The potential is there, but to reach it we have to continue to implement changes. Some are "fun" changes; some are not.

As an alumnus, its important that you not stand back and watch, but that you be a part of what we call the "Bobcat Renaissance. " I don't need to tell you the many ways you can help Peru State College. Our students, faculty, and staff, and many of our alumni and friends, are doing their part and more. If you've not done your share, now is the ti11J.e.

Construction •• From Page 1

Finish by '04

Renovating the current library into the ARC building - which will ho.use now-scattered learning support and other student services - will take about eight months, Jacobsen said. The target date for completion of both projects is Jan. 1, 2004.

The Old Gym and the current library building - built in 1905-06 with the top floor added in 1911 - are the two oldest buildings on campus, and the renovation plans continue a concerted effort to maintain the historical nature of the buildings.

Even the planned connecting walkway between the two buildings will reflect the history of the buildings, using brick to match both structures.

Said Dr. JOhnson: "This project will have a profound effect in shaping the future of Peru State College."

Editor Kent Propst ('81)

Features Kristi Nies

Assistants

Carolyn Bredemeier

Jackie Baker Williams ('81)

Sports Kent Propst Scott Nelsen

Photography Elizabeth Olsen ('02) Amy King ('04)

The Peru Stater is pub1i shed three times per year by Peru State College with the suppport of the PSC Foundation. The Stater is printed at the Beatrice (Neb.) Daily Sun.

Send comments, news i terns and address changes to: The Peru Stater, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Nebraska 0010. The Peru State College phone number is (402) 872-3815. Send email to: propst@bobcat.peru.edu

Rocky Mountain Reunion Time!

The word is out: stick-in-the-muds need not bother to RSVP for the 2001 Rocky Mountain Alumni Reunion.

The first alumni bash of the fall season is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 4 at Mount Vernon Country Club in Golden (24933 Clubhouse Circle). And as Chapter Officers have insisted, participants had best come ready to celebrate.

Festivities begin with a reception and registration at 11 a.m., with lunch at noon. Peruvians are encouraged to bring along their favorite PSC memorabilia to share with others.

IOh sure, there will be drawings for prizes, some short reports and presentations, and things like that. But the accent is on having a good time and looking into the current and future

Bobcat Faithful

Wei Hoe Chong ('92) and her husband Stan Tan of Fremont, Calif. enjoyed visiting with Rex Floyd ( '42) and the rest of the Bobcat faithful at PSC's annual Northern California Alumni Reunion this past April. An outstanding crowd came from northern and southern California, Arizona, Washington, Oregon and even Iowa to support Peru State College.

Northern California Reunion Recap

As usual, the Peru State CoJJege Northern California Alumni Reunion proved that it doesn't matter when you were on the Campus of A Thousand Oaks - you'll find things in common with all fellow Peruvians.

The assembly took place in late April at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, but alums traveled from across the west coast - even from Iowa and Arizona - to take part in the festivities.

Under the guidance of John Leavitt ('45) and his fellow "Delzell Hall Shipmates" from the WW II-era Navy V-5/V-12 program, the day began with a registration and reception, and much reminiscing.

The arrangements at Travis were handled in expert fashion, as always, by hosts Rex ('42) and Hope Carter (' 42) Floyd.

Three longtime leaders of the NorCal chapter who no longer live in that area were given an especially warm welcome. Ansel ('52) and Barbara Bragg ('51) Clayburn of Apache Junction, Ariz. just hap-

pened to be in the neighborhood (celebrating a golden wedding anniversary) and chose to stop in.

And Carlos Harrison ('51), long the Master of Ceremonies at the NorCal Reunion but now residing in Shenandoah, Iowa, made the trek westward to see many old friends.

PSC President Ben Johnson brought encouraging messages from campus and fielded several questions from the attentive audience. Dr. Dan Johnson spoke briefly on behalf of the PSC Foundation, too.

Elinor Majors McGee ('36) and Dana Nixon ('36) gained the prize for Earliest Alum in Attendance. Wei Hoe Chong ('92) once again collected the honor for being the Most Recent Grad in Attendance.

Fifty-year alumni medallions were presented by Pres. Johnson to six members of the Class of '51: Barbara Clayburn, David Duey, Carlos Harrison, Laurine Clayburn Johnson, Jess Ray, and Bob "Red" Wilson.

Golden Years

state of affairs at Peru State College.

Invitations were mailed to alumni in Colorado, Wyoming, western Nebraska and western Kansas in early July. If you didn't get yours - or if you don't live in one of those areas but would like to participate - contact Kent Propst at Peru State by e-mail at propst@bobcat.peru.edu or by calling (402) 872-2225.

Or you can contact any of the chapter officers, including Mick ('51) and Pat Benford ('52) Bornemeier at TBGMAD@aol.com or (970) 352-6149; Beth Propst ('92) Mierau at pscfan@att.net or (970) 613-1959, or Carol Duerfeldt ('52) Whitcomb at kcwhitcomb@aol.com or (970) 377-3025.

Reservations are due July 25.

maha Chapter Sees Fortunes Increase

Once again, upwards of a hundred Peruvians came together on an April weeknight in Omaha to celebrate together.

And once again, that group proved itself more than willing to commit not only time, but resources, to support the Omaha Chapter through that organization's auctions and drawing.

Chapter Co-Presidents

Monty ('63) and Judy Adams ('62) Allgood put together another outstanding event on April 19 at the unofficial home of the Omaha Chapter, the GermanAmerican Society Club. They had a lot of help from other officers and chapter supporters, as is always the case.

The chapter welcomed not one but two State Senators to the celebration: Sen. Floyd Vrtiska and his wife Doris (Wagner '48) of Table Rock, Neb., and Sen. Mark Quandahl and his wife Stacey of Omaha. Stacey is the daughter of Bob ('60) and

Good Times

Curt Lindell ('54), Bob Davis ('53) and Lee Ogle ('57) had a chance to rehash "the good old days" during PSC's Omaha-area alumni reunion this past April. (Photo by Kent Propst)

Joan Wesolowski ('61) Mulder, longtime chapter supporters.

After dinner, the group heard from PSC President Ben Johnson about the many good things happening on the Campus of A Thousand Oaks.

They also listened to PSC Dean of Education and Graduate Studies Dr. Korinne Tande, who talked about the college's graduate program in teacher education and about PSC' s new Graduate Center in southwest Omaha.

Many nice prizes were sold by auctioneer Tom Rine, and by the end of the night the chapter treasury had grown by a record amount. Credit for that goes to Jack ('50) and Nancy Hardy ('51)

Hallstrom, who work overtime lining up donations for the good of the chapter. Karnie Sundell ('24) was lauded once again as the Earliest Alumnus at the event. Monty and Judy Allgood and Chapter Secretary-Treasurer Diane Coover Emanuel ('84) were awarded gifts for their work for the good of the chapter, too.

Chapter Vice President SaraBeth Donovan ('85), who was not able to be at the Reunion, was elected President for the coming year. Dr. Otto Rath ('51) will serve as Vice President, while Diane Emanuel will continue as secretary-treasurer. The Allgoods will serve as Past CoPresidents.

Foundation

Greetings from the PSC Foundation '.s Board of Directors! Your Foundation is critically important to the stability, life, and success of the College. It is the only vehicle for raising private fonds which do so many wonde1ful things, providing supportfor students upgrading the facilities and programs on campus.

The State of Nebraska has been good to PSC in the past few years. It has funded the renovation of and addition to the Hoyt Science Building and the physical plant/Campus Services Building. Hmvever, we must keep in mind that although state dollars may ensure the basic survival of the College, it is private generosity which makes the difference between an average program and a great one. State dollars by themselves will not be enough for the College to compete effectively in the 21st century.

YOU, alumni and friends, will determine the fature quality of Peru s program! YOU, alumni and friends, who worked so hard just a few years ago to convince our public officials that Peru State College is a viable institution with tremendous promise.

The next step

Now is the time to take the next step. It is your financial contributions which will secure a quality fature for the College's pro-

grams for generations to come.

The Foundation has always been strong, due to many generous individuals. Howeve1; we can do even bettn: In the past 20 months, we have raised two and a half million dollars. Moreover, in a recent Foundation survey a significant number of alumni and friends said that they have already included Peru in their estate plans. And, many more Judson Douglas HI are willing to consider doing so. This is the way to start building a quality program which will show the College's full potential!

With the completion of the 2000 audit and the implementation of new fandraising software, our administrative house is in order. We are turning our attention to increased major, estate and annual gift fandraising. We have directed Dr. Dan Johnson to focus on cultivating major donors and we have hired SaraBeth Donovan, an attorney from Omaha and PSC alumnus, to develop our Planned Giving program.

The College and the Foundation are moving ahead full steam. Exciting things are happening on the Campus of a Thousand Oaks. Won't you be a part of this renaissance?

PS Foundation Annual ing Brings Change

For the second year in a row, the annual meeting of the Peru State College Foundation resulted in exciting and significant changes for the non-profit corporation which supports Peru State College.

A complete overhaul of Foundation bylaws was accomplished at the March 31 assembly at the College, convened by Foundation Chairman LeRoy Redfern ('41). In addition, Directors and Trustees reviewed a highly successful year in terms of generating private support for Nebraska's first collegethe best year, in fact, in the over 45-year history of the Foundation.

PSC President Ben Johnson briefed Foundation officials on activities at the college. He noted enrollment gains, construction activity involving the Hoyt Science Hall and the Campus Services building among others, and plans for renovating the Old Gym and Library.

He also discussed evolving plans to develop a new activity and athletic complex involving renovation of the Oak Bowl and construction of a new building to house health services, coaches' offices, classrooms, a weight room and more. Dr. Johnson showed preliminary architectural drawings of the project; the drawings were funded by a gift from an anonymous donor who serves on the Foundation.

President Johnson noted that the College is working to develop a National Alumni Association, an organization that would be separate from but would complement the PSC Foundation.

Dr. Dan Johnson, Executive Director of the Foundation, discussed accomplishments of the past year. The 2000 audit was complete, and Directors and Trustees had an opportunity to hear from and question representatives of the auditing firm Bland & Associates P.C.

Dan Johnson also announced that Directors had approved the appointment of the firm Salomon Smith Barney Consulting Group to assist in managing Foundation assets. New fundraising software was noted, a successful Winter 200 l fundraising campaign was reviewed, and the hiring of SaraBeth Donovan as Planned Giving Officer was announced (see related story).

(Continued on Page 5)

Memorial, Scholarship Gifts Great Way to Show You Care

Bertha Clayburn Sutton Ted Harshbarger Stater we exhibit a list of Scholarship

In each edition of The Peru Blue Devil/White Angel Donna Hill Ruth

Russell Ruth alumni and friends who have Richard Adams

Bob Simpson

S.L. Clements Band

Victor Jindra Scholarship made recent gifts to the PSC Geraldine Com Allen George Slaughter

Scholarship

Gene & Charlotte Pryor Foundation to specific scholar-

William Almond

Frank Spizuoco

Bill & Dorothy Cawthorne Sailors ships and memorial funds.

Karen Fankhauser Bethel Earl Webb

Shumard

These gifts are a wonderful Paul Carothers

Anita Vanderford Webster

Franklin & Pearle McGinnis way to show how much you

Rex Coatney

Phyllis Davidson Scholarship

Jones Memorial appreciate those whose lives

Leland Covault

Dennis Curtis

Al Brady Scholarship

Gerry Brady

Lois Christensen

Carol Madsen have touched yours.

P. Elaine Gleason

Charles Masopust

At the end of this article is a

Bob Davis roster of other established

Dean Duncan

Marion Marsh Brown

Dean Duncan Memorial Scholarship scholarships that haven't had

Katherine Lutton Eagle

Tom Eastman

Memorial

Paul Brown

Jack Brawner

Ted Harshbarger any activity since the last edi-

Cecil & Mary Case

Maxine Moore Memorial ti on.

Consider sending a message

Gertrude Metzger Ettleman

Louis Fritz

Frank Gaines

Kent & Becki Young Propst

Laura Duncan

Mary Jane Hinrichs Kellogg

Friends and family

Lester & Esther Holmes about how much you care, by

Judith Beran Hetherington

Ken & Kathy Swartz

Russell sending a gift to one or more

Harvey Ideus

Maury & Joan Udls

Wayne Filmer Memorial of these funds. Contact the Ron Jones

Ruth Filmer

Joy Elmer Morgan PSC Foundation for details.

Louella Thieman Adams

Al Linder

Maxine Norvell Chatelain Scholarship

Bobby Dean Livingston Memorial

Jerry & Charlotte Wheeler

Memorial Lunsford

Allan and Deb Adams

Laurine Anderson

Tri Beta Scholarship

Moras Shubert

E.C. Beck Scholarship

Pauline Lyle Scott

Gerald & Arlene Lowe

Matschullat

Richard E. Neale

Sharon Ocker

Harlan Oestmann

Charles & Vickie Lecure

Charles & Beverly Coatney

Lori Mills

Kent & Becki Young Propst

Leonard & Dee Skov

John Christ Scholarship

George Barrett

John Christ

Dr. Richard Flynn/Senator

Floyd Vrtiska Scholarship

Kent & Becki Young Propst

Chris Haddad Scholarship

Kent & Becki Young Propst

Ted Harshbarger

Nona Palmer Scholarship

Ted Harshbarger

Mr. & Mrs. W. R. Pate

Mark & Pam Reid Williams Scholarship

Benjamin Harrison

Louise Pate

Armon & Evelyn Gatz

Pickering Scholarship Yanders

Annabelle Eis Rumbaugh

A.B. Clayburn Scholarship

Tracy Gibbons Donner

(Continued on Page 5)

·congratulations

Drra Downey Annual Meeting

The PSC Foundation heartily congratulates one of its own, Dr. Ma:rlan Downey. Dr. Downey was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by PSC President Ben Johnson at the May 5th commencement exe:rdses.

"....

The Foundation's budget for 2001 was explained, and Dan Johnson explained his thoughts on opportunities for increased fundraising efforts in the year ahead.

Trustees unanimously approved a motion to support the current direction of the PSC Foundation and to support its Executive Director and Board of Directors in their efforts.

is the sixth honorary doctorate to by PSC and the ever

In addition to approving new bylaws, Trustees reelected several members to their board, including Gary Schaffer ('68) of Nebraska City, Jim Krajicek ('86) of Papillion, Neb., and Dr. Ron ('58) and Fran Larson ('58) Witt of Omaha. Monty Allgood ('63) of Omaha was elected as a new Trustee.

Other Trustees in attendance included John Chanev of Auburn, SheUey McAdams Cygan ('81) of Neb., Sara.Beth Donovan ('85) of Omaha, Marea Downey of Dallas, Texas, Dick Good (' 48) of Grand Island, Neb., Mike GuiUiatt ('67) of Fremont, Neb., Jack ('50) and Nancy Hardy ('51) Hallstrom of Omaha, Michelle Hess ('78) of Nebraska City, Jim Krajicek ('86) of Omaha, Beth Propst Mierau ('82) of Loveland, CO., Sharon Ocker ('53) of Sioux City,

Fred and Pam Robertson of Westlake awarded i:n the field of science. Downey his wife, Ma:rea, serve

The previous slate of Foundation officers was reelected, including LeRoy of Cedar Falls, Iowa as Chair, Charlie Gabus (' 40) of Des Moines, Iowa as Vice Chair, Ken Boxley (V-5 program '43) of Beverly Hills, Calif. as Secretary, and Judson Douglas HI of Lincoln as Treasurer.

Robert of Johnson, Neb., Fritz of Omaha, Annie Thomas of of Falls City, Neb., Floyd

Vrtiska of Table Neb., Dwight Wininger of Lincoln, Neb., and Dr. Annon Yande:rs ('48) of Columbia, Mo.

Calif., D:r. Lester Peru, Gary Sherwood Vrtiska Seibel of Lincoln, as Trustees on Board of Directors f01· the Fm.mdation. They have played an active role recent success of the Ir'oumiation's fundraising efforts and we appreciate all they do fo:r Peru State College.

emorials, Scholarships ..................................................From

Wayne & Adele Penterman

Reed Scholarship

Adele Penterman Reed

Ruth Russell Scholarship

Rita Russell Hanna

Lester & Esther Russell

SaraBeth Donovan

Paul Douglas

Nebraska Bankers Association

Nebraska State Education

Marlan & Marea Downey Association

Susan Dunekacke

Thomas Ediger

David & Malinda Edris

Bill & Barb Ely

Rebecca Engle

Scholarship Falls City Journal

SaraBeth Donovan

Lester & Esther Russell

G. Holt ''Pop" Steck

Scholarship

William Fankhauser

Nancy Steck Lavigne

Margery Evans Teel

Bill & Jeanne Tynon

Scholarship

Farmers Bank of Cook

Karen Ackley Fritschle

Dan & Mary Gerdes

Dorothea Weatherfield Gerdes

Dick & Virginia Good

Randy & Lori Kimball Gottula

Guy & Joann Grafton

Richard Halbert

Myrt & Dee Leonard Hall

Northern Natural Gas

Trent & Dawn Nowka

Sharon Ocker

O'Hara & Associates

Peg O'Rourke

Melvin Pettit

Lois Pietzyk

David & Virginia Pippert

Kent & Becki Young Propst

Michael Prosser

Walt & Mary Radcliff

Mary Ruth Wilson

Ardith Wininger

Dwight Wininger

Judith Zohner

Robert Weber Memorial

Kent & Becki Young Propst

Mildred Knoflicek Weber

Lisa Weis Scholarship

Maxine Mehus

Lloyd & Marcella Weis

The PSC Foundation also

Arnold & Bertha Hilterman

Lena Huff

Harry & Mary Hutchinson

Dee & Kathleeen Jarvis

Glenn D. Jenkins

Pearl Kenton

Georgia Klasek

Paul & Lillian Landolt

A.V. & Wilhelminia Larson

William Longley

Art Majors

Hollis Masopust

Joe Masopust

John & Francis Schima

Dennis & Maxine Rasmussen has endowments for the fol- Masopust

Otto Rath

lowing scholarships; again,

James & Sheila Reed you can add to these funds at

Lester & Esther Holmes any time, and your gifts are

Wayne & Rose Haller Russell

Jack & Nancy Hardy

Nancy Bartels Hallstrom

Carol Tynon Hayhurst

Helen Tynon Pugh

Evan Van Zant Scholarship

Dorothy Meister Farrow

Debra Larson

Maude Phelps Vacek

Scholarship

John & Doris Kerl Vacek

Floyd & Doris Vrtiska

Scholarship

Auburn Newspapers

Robert & Mildred Bartels

tax-deductible. For details con-

Loren Schmit tact the PSC Foundation, c/o

Gil & Hayes Schoenbohm

Rita Russell Hanna Schreiner

Margaret Spellman Harrold

Ted Harshbarger

Michelle Hess

Earl Hicks

Russ & Kay Hicks

Peru State College, P.O. Box

Paul A. Maxwell

Jack Mcintire

Lyle McKercher

Irene & Mason Miller

Evalyn Booth Newton

Omaha World-Herald

10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or Larry A. Pappas

Lillian Schottenhamel call (402) 872-2304.

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Scott

Eric Seacrest

C.E. Andrews

Bath Family

Bryan & Lori Vrtiska Seibel Merle Bauer

Leland & Karlene Dougherty

Ken & Joyce Kennedy Hutton Sherwood

Robert & Deloris Hutton

Jay & Linda Jacobsen

Ben & Dale Johnson

Dan & Jo Ann Johnson

John & Virginia Skold

Leonard & Dee Skov

Randall & Jane Smith

Robert & Maxine Sherstad

KTNC Radio/Falls City Smith

Barry Kennedy

Joe Kincaid

Jim & Theresa Polsley

Ron & Marilyn Bath Krajicek

Loretta Bauers

Norma Binder

Glen Krueger

Chuck & Elaine Spier

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Krumme

John & Lillian Bowen

Brandt, Horan & Hallstrom

Carolyn Bredemeier

Mildred Brown

Campbell & .Associates

Stan & Noreen Carpenter

Terrence & Laurie Lage

Roger & Shirlee Lempke

Ruth Meister Lienemann

John Lindsay

Daryl & Peggy Long

Gerald & Arlene Lowe

J ohri & Mary Ann Chaney Matschullat

Polly Clark

John & Debi Crotty

Bruce Cutshall

Duane & Yvonne Dalluge

Esther Divney

Joseph & Karla McDermott

Lyle & Norma McKercher

Gary & Linda Meyer

Beth Propst Mierau

John Morehead

·

William & Shirley Snyder

Ruth Ann Crook Steele

Duane Stehlik

Joe Stehlik

Nettie Stehlik

Richard Stinger

Dick Stitch

Gayle Swisegood

Korrine Tande

Annie Thomas

Debbie Thomas

James Thomas

Ed & Charlene Glathar Tomek

Susan Lunzman Unruh

Carolyn Van Horne

L.C. & Elda Hamel Vejraska

Kim & Kris Kubert Vrtiska

Lloyd & Betty Vrtiska

Terri Vrtiska

E.C. Beck

George & Iva Seid Brown

Esther Delzell Brownell

Lester & Maxine Pankonin

Dale & Evelyn Park

Elaine Gerdes Pratt

Dale Priest

George & Rosine Rath

Ernest Rawson

LeRoy & Nancy Jones

Ann Buman Redfern

Pearl Morgan Butler

Campus of A Thousand Oaks

Roy Chamberlain

C.C. Choyce

Dr. J.W. Crabtree

Ada Crooker

Davidson Estate

Carol Dougherty

Elizabeth Dougherty

Helen Naeve Douglas

Mac Dunning

Lura Henricks Eichler

Loure Salzman Firoved

Elsie Fisher

Emma Hart Fuller

Esther Cole Franklin

Troy Rippen

A.B. Ritchie Basketball

Clarence & Mildred Russell

Vincent Sabatinelli

George Schottenhamel

Bernice Shackelford

Ken Sims

Beatrice Spohn

Jerry Stemper

M.0. Stevenson

Inez Warren

Dr. John & Daisy Clark Wear

Bereniece McHirron Weigand

Charles Weigand

Al Wheeler

Paul V. & Margaret Thomas

Glenn & Verda Frary Wilcox

Lo visa Glaze·

Amzie V Grass

Helen Parker Hanika

Harold E. Willey

Gil & Mary Ruth Wilson

Jack D. & Eula M. Wolken

Clifford Harding Zelma WonderlyWilliam

Walter & Lillian Harrison Wortman

PSC V-SN-12 Alumni Notes: Bob Webber

Editor's Note: This is part of an ongoing series of stories about some of the people who were involved in the Navy V5/V-12 Officer's Training Program at Peru State College during World War 11 - and who have remained close to the Campus of A Thousand today.

In 1943 Bob Webber, a native Iowan, was serving in the Navy at Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii. He had been in the service for three years, since December 8, 1941. One day, as he was about to be shipped to the South Pacific, Bob was told that he had been selected to attend the V-12 officers training program.

Two weeks later Bob and three other men from the Pacific area, John Scott, Jim Young, and Bob Widmark, were assigned to Peru State Teachers College. They were mystified at being sent to a college in Nebraska, while other midshipmen were assigned to better known schools like Yale, Notre Dame, and the University of Iowa.

Bob says, however, that Peru State proved a great experience.

Arriving in Lincoln, Nebraska, Bob and his buddies got off the. train and onto a bus for their final destination. The bus driver and the other passengers heading for Peru were bombarded with questions the whole distance.

Ready for recruits

Arriving in Peru, the four midshipmen were allowed to rest for a couple of days. They were then put to work, prepar-

ing for the arrival of other V12ers, all new recruits.

Delzell Hall, a new building, was to become their home. As experienced Navy men, Bob and his fellows were assigned the task of bringing the beds and furniture stored in the basement up to each room and assembling them.

The rooms themselves had to be cleaned and windows washed, as the new recruits were due any day.

When they did arrive, Bob and his colleagues could understand the amazement of the new arrivals as they stepped off the bus. None of the recruits had any concept of Navy life, but most, being from California, at least had seen the ocean.

Bob and fellows were given the task of instructing the recruits on wearing the uniform, stowing their gear, cleaning their rooms and making their beds.

Became Bobcats

Although college classes were not easy, Bob and his three buddies made it through the two semester program at Peru. Bob says that this was in spite of the fact that he and Widmark turned out for football. They had a great time and the team did very well.

Bob was then transferred to College for the next two semesters, completingthe V-12 program. After this he was sent to Fort Schuyler in New York City to become a commissioned officer.

This program compressed two years of Military school into four months. He began the program with 3,000 others, but

IInow have a very date Ust of

Great Experience

only 1,600 finished it. Bob was one of those commissioned and he served out the rest of the War in the Pacific'.

Late in 1945 Bob was released from active duty so that he could return to Peru and obtain a degree. He graduated in August of 1947. After teaching in Emmetsburg, IA for two years, Bob was recalled to the Navy because of the Korean War.

Throughout the war and afterward Bob served as an aircraft maintenance officer, involved in anti-submarine warfare.

Well traveled

During his Naval career Bob spent time in Iceland, Morocco, Spain and the Naval Test Center in Patuxant River, MD. While at the Test Center he worked with astronauts including John Glenn, John Young and Jim Lovell.

After retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 1967, Bob worked for Boeing and later managed a sports facility in Bellevue, WA. In 1977 he and his son opened a deli and restaurant called The Feed Store. Bob retired from civilian work in 1985.

tthe Thousand Oaks fund, lege programs wm enjoy needed financial support.

Mr. Boxley's matching dollars themselves wm support our Masters Program Education.

In addition to supporting the Thousand Oaks Fund, alumni donations were directed athletics, resources, art,stu-

For the last sixteen years Bob has been a volunteer, assisting people whose drivers licenses have been revoked or suspended.

Bob works as many as 35 hours a week in cooperation with the Probation Office and the District Court.

In looking back over his life and his time in Nebraska, Bob says that Peru State College was the best thing that ever happened to him. He enjoyed every minute, especially quarterbacking the Bobcat football team.

1We are indeed blessed to have such a generous, giving support

group. of us sincerely thanks all of for doing the dents!"

rmake Peru for stu-

you were not contacted pate.

Foundation Web Site Established

The Peru State College Foundation has a new web site and we invite you to visit it. Go to the college's web page and click on the for the Foundation.

Sheryl Ehmke who interned with the Foundation this past semester, designed the Foundation's first web site.

We will continually be adding new information and updating this site. Please leave your name email address in our guest book as we would like to add you to our email address book.

We also welcome suggestions and questions you may have regarding this web site. Thanks for your visit!

News

1920s-1930s people

The editors of the Peru Stater regret to that, apparently, no one who graduated in the: is doing much of these days. At seem from the lack news items submitted

1940s

Virginia "Ginger" Trively Plummer

Va. sent along a lovely note to her alma She remains extremely active in local clubs and raising African violets. She read of the

readers 1930s would ing the Old Gym with special interest: "When Peru I worked as a secretary to Coach Glen Gi!keson and Coach Stu Baller." She wondered if the angels painted the Old Gym ceiling were still there; several others have made similar inquiries. When the high, steepled roof was torn down in the early 1950s the angels were said to have been carefully removed - but no one knows where they ended up.

We received a nice note from Elda Hamel Vejraska (' 42) of Omak, Wash. She and her husband, Louis ('42) will be married 58 years this September. Louis practiced dentistry for 50 years, and is now retired and raises Black Angus cattle.

Shirley Schlauker Wenzel ('45) of Weeping Water, Neb. joined others from the Weeping Water elementary school and traveled to Costa Rica this summer as part of the In Vision (Spanish) class. They will be in Costa Rica for ten days attending Spanish classes at the University.

1950s

Jon Appleget ('59) of Fremont, Neb. was honored in April when the Fremont High School track facility was officially named Appleget Field. Jon was the Fremont track coach from 1966 until 1997, and led his teams to five state titles.

Dr. Clyde Barrett ('56) of Peru was honored in March when he received the Distinguished Service Award from Alpha Chi, the national college honor scholarship society. The longtime PSC professor and administrator, who served his alma mater from 1965-93, was recognized at the group's national convention in Savannah, Ga. It was the first time Alpha Chi, founded in 1922, presented its Distinguished Service Award and only 16 people were so honored from among Alpha Chi's 300 active chapters.

A. Wayne Benson (attd. '49-'51) of Pittsburgh, Penn . wrote to PSC to say how much he has enjoyed catching up on college news since being removed from PSC's "lost alumni" list.

Laura Argabright Duncan ('57) of Nehawka, Neb. was inducted into the Golden Cougar Hall of Fame at Conestoga High School this spring. Laura retired in 1995 after 37 1/2 years as an art instructor at Conestoga. She still enjoys doing substitute work at the school.

Mary Hinrichs Kellogg (two-year '51) of Nebraska City, Neb. was one of five Morton-James Public Library Board members to be recognized by the Nebraska City Chamber of Commerce as "Group of the Year" in January. Mary is a retired librarian from the Nebraska City Public Schools and now devotes much of her time to the Nebraska City Alumni Association.

Bill McAdams (' 57) of Anchorage, Alaska was featured in a recent article about the Land Title Co. of Alaska. He was appointed last year as the firm's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. McAdams, a native Peruvian, began with the firm in 1981

(continued on page 8)

'The Coleman. House' B&B

The 1905 Victorian house in Peru where Betsy Rosenquist Reed ('80, masters '93) and Kent Coleman ('79) lived while she cared for him during the last decade of his life is once again - three years after Coleman died - open to visitors.

The house that has always received visitors of all ages and walks of life is open as Coleman Bed & Breakfast, renamed after Reed's companion, who lived as a paraplegic the last 15 years of his life.

Coleman B&B

The downtown Peru home shared by the late Kent Coleman ('79) and Betsy Rosenquist Reed ('80) was always open to Peru State friends - and it still is today. Reed has opened the home as the Coleman Bed & Breakfast. (Photo contributed)

When the slender-built Reed, with sparkling eyes and long, wheat-colored hair, came to Peru for college in the late 1970s she was sure she wouldn't stay long in the little town where her mother (the late Phyllis Davenport Rosenquist '55) grew up, and her great-great-grandfather, T.J. Majors, had initiated a long line of football players.

Now, she probably will never leave, Reed said, because Coleman's spirit will always be there with her.

"We met in Square and Social Dancing class. Here was this huge, overactive man and all I could think was, keep me away!" said Reed, smiling at the memory of their initial encounter.

Athletics

The 6-foot-4 Coleman was at Peru State College to wrestle and play football, and because Reed's brothers were state champion wrestlers, she found she enjoyed talking to the burly man with reddish blonde hair and a thick beard.

Reed and Coleman became friends and part of the same crowd. Coleman even introduced Reed to her ex-husband. Reed had two children and an amicable divorce while still living in Peru and teaching across the Missouri River.

Meanwhile, Coleman's wanderlust and his Harley Davidson motorcycle led him to teach and coach his way from Nebraska to Colorado to Alaska. After several years of substitute teaching and coaching and working odd jobs near Palmer, Alaska, a 1983 automobile accident changed his life.

Coleman was a passenger in the car when his friend tried to beat an oncoming train. The driver broke his leg, but Coleman was thrown from the car and broke his neck.

According to doctors, the break was so high Coleman should not have been able to breathe on his own, but he did - propelling himself around in his wheelchair using puffs of air.

Stayed in touch

Reed, whose father is the late Darrell Rosenquist ('55), stayed in contact with Coleman, traveling to visit him and the friends who cared for him in Alaska, Minnesota, Colorado and Arizona. She and her two children, Morgan and Drew, spent a year in the tiny town of Palmer, Alaska, with Coleman.

Finally, Reed brought Coleman back to Peru to care for him and they settled in the historic old house on Fifth Street, filling the dining room with a huge waterbed for Coleman. The living room housed a special sand bed where he could receive treatment for bedsores, and stare at a map on the ceiling.

"He'd look up at that map and ask me if we'd ever driven such-and-such road," Reed said. "I finally took it down just last week."

Back in Peru, Coleman was known to everyone, as he wheeled himself around. He and Reed also traveled across the nation, camping and sightseeing.

Reed said Coleman was a wonderful influence on her children.

"The kids loved and respected him," Reed said. "They learned a lot from him." Morgan learned to feed the incapacitated man and turn the pages of a newspaper for him. Although Coleman and Drew Reed clashed at times, today the young man is in college in South Dakota on a wrestling scholarship, thanks to coaching from the man his mother loved. Promises made

"We were married before God," Reed explained quietly, blinking. "Kent didn't think that piece of paper was what made you married, it was the promise you made to each other and to God, and we did that."

In early 1998, Coleman went with some friends on a trip to New Orleans. He wouldn't take prescribed antibiotics and when he passed out at a gas station, he refused to go to a hospital. His friends brought him home to Peru, but his kidneys were failing, and then he contracted pneumonia.

Reed said she believed he knew his body was failing and had decided to let go.

"The morning he died, Kent sat out back and listened to the birds," Reed said. "Before the ambulance arrived, he was gone." He was 45. Reed traveled to the valley near Palmer, Alaska and scattered Coleman's ashes in one of the places he loved.

Two years later under Reed's care, the Coleman house has been transformed into a warm, comfortable haven with polished wood floors, high beds plump with quilts and pillows, and light streaming through the lace curtains. The aroma of baking bread fills the air, and each corner says, "Sit down, you are welcome here."

Editor's Note: This article is reprinted with permission of the author and the Lincoln Journal Star. For more infomwtion about the Coleman B&B, call Betsy at (402) 872-7725 or e-mail her at kc62544@alltel.net.

1950s (continued)

Cecil McKnight ('52) of Plattsmouth, Neb. has added one of the greatest honors to his string of awards. He has been named one of the 2001 inductees into the Nebraska Coaches Hall of Fame. He was a longtime Plattsmouth High track and cross country coach whose career spanned 40 years. Induction ceremonies will be held in October.

Reg Speak ('55) received the Iowa Sports Medicine Specialist Award this past March. The Davenport, Iowa resident retired in 1992 after 38 years as a Certified Athletic Trainer at Bettendorf. He also worked with the Class A farm team of the California Angels baseball club. Reg was the first Athletic Trainer ever to receive the Sports Medicine Specialist Award. His wife is the former Barbara Davis ('60).

Ron Wagner ('58) of Syracuse, Neb. has retired as the Otoe County Veterans Service Officer. He spent 22 years in that position, helping area veterans get medical or financial assistance they were entitled to receive.

1960s

Gary Anderson ('60) of Cook, Neb. has retired following a 40 year career in the field of education. Twenty-six of those years has been with the Nemaha Valley Schools at Cook and Talmage. Throughout his career he has taught social studies, math and industrial technology and coached football, basketball and track. He began his career in Fremont-Mills, Iowa followed by various other schools in Iowa. In 1975 he began his career as principal and activities director at Nemaha Valley Schools.

Gail Beckstead ('61) has concluded a 39-year career in education, the last 27 at Holdrege, Neb. He was credited with developing the school's industrial technology curriculum and writing $150,000 in grants for the school district as well as for his teaching and coaching abilities.

Ron Callan ('61) has retired from a 40-year teaching career at Columbus (Neb.) High School. He has taught English and biology, was a football coach, track coach and wrestling coach, and has been girl's and boy's cross country coach too.

Chuck Colebrook ('66) of Boyleston, Mass. is hosting what he is billing as "the last" Peru Alumni bash at his "Colebrook's Cove" near Worcester this spring. Anyone interested in joining in the fun - a group of '60s-era Peruvians has been getting together periodically for several years - should call Chuck at (508) 856-7469 or (508) 869-6406. The dates are July 21-22.

Janice Tucker-Rains Dawson ('64) of Nebraska City, Neb. retired this spring from the Nebraska City Public Schools where she was a fourth grade teacher. Janice began teaching in Nebraska City in 1977 and was a Chapter I teacher. She then taught second grade for 13 years before beginning her time as a fourth-grade teacher.

John Eickhoff ('66) of Dawson, Neb. retired from the teaching profession this spring. John has been the school principal for the past 10 years at Dawson-Verdon School and was a faculty member for 28 years. He has assisted at the school in many different capacities over the years. John hopes to work on his golf game during his retirement and will also continue to teach some driver's education at Auburn, Neb. and Southeast Community College in Lincoln.

(continued on page 9)

Jodie Kluthe Relishes First Year

Jodie

Peru State College.

The Dodge native was nervous before starting school, worried about making friends, worried about what other people would think of her, worried about being three-and-a-half hours away from home.

Unlike her peers, Kluthe had some additional concerns about starting college. She has been blind since the end of her sophomore year of high school.

On a warm April day near the end of her first year of college, Kluthe seemed to have overcome those initial concerns. Dressed in jeans and t-shirt, with her golden blond hair pulled back in a ponytail and a smile Julia Roberts would envy, the 19-year-old exuded effortless confidence.

Concerns faded

"I was scared people were not going to talk to me because they wouldn't know what to say [because of her blindness]," Kluthe said of her concerns about coming to Peru State. "But everybody here has been really nice."

Kluthe has taken two classes each semester of her freshman year. She lives at the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired in Nebraska City, and is learning Braille there.

"At first, I thought I could just listen and remember everything the teacher said," Kluthe said of her first experience with a lecture in a college class.

Pals

Freshman Jodie Kluthe and her friend Erica have made an easy adjustment to the Campus of A Thousand Oaks this year. And both have enjoyed more than their share of popularitv, too.

When that didn't work, she turned to her typing skills and a lap top computer that "talks." She can scan documents into the computer, and it will read them out loud to her. She takes notes on paper with raised lines, and also uses a tape recorder.

She takes tests on computer discs that her laptop then reads for her. She is also accompanied to class by Jolene Neemann, a paraprofessional from the school in Nebraska City.

Keeping up with Jodie

Neemann said her job is to assist both Kluthe and her professors. Listening to Kluthe and watching her interact with her fellow students, however, one gets the feeling that the faculty may need the assistance to keep up with her.

And then here's Erica.

The black Labrador is Kluthe's guide dog. The dog is also something of a people magnet.

"Everybody always comes up to talk to her," Kluthe said. "It's like having a baby."

Kluthe picked up Erica from a training institute in New Jersey. She spent almost a month working with the dog, then came back to Nebraska and reported to Peru State for New Student Weekend last August.

For her two years of high school after the car accident that took away her vision, Kluthe's friends and family assisted her, taking her places and helping her live like any other teenager.

She tried using a cane for a while.

"No, no way, nope, didn't work," she said, shaking her head emphatically.

Adjusting

Kluthe said she remembers what things look like. For example, she said, while shopping for a prom dress while still in high school, her friends described one dress as "looking like a curtain." She knew exactly what they meant, and picked out another dress.

Not that the adjustment to the loss of her vision hasn't been hard.

"I cried for three months straight after the accident," she said. The town of Dodge rallied around her, helping to lift her spirits.

The May 8, 1998, car accident also crushed some of Kluthe's vertebrae, severed an artery, and broke just about every bone in her face. Today, the scars on her face are not noticeable until Kluthe herself points them out.

"Sometimes I think it is all a dream," she said.

Kluthe said she sometimes gets "flashes" of vision in her eyes. Doctors have told her that there is a possibility that her sight may someday return. She's not waiting around. She plans on living in Eliza Morgan Hall on campus next year. She also works part time at a hair salon in Nebraska City.

"Everything's hard at first," she said.

After visiting with Kluthe, one comes to the conclusion that for her, nothing's going to be too hard for very long.

Devil/Angels On the Links?

Homecoming Get-Together

All former Blue Devils and White Angels take note: here's your chance to prove you were never a sub-par organization.

Several former members of the long-time PSC pep clubs are trying to put together a special golf tournament to coincide with Homecoming 2001. The golf outing would be held Friday, Oct. 5 at Table Creek Golf Course near Nebraska City.

Homecoming will be the following day at Peru State.

Proceeds of the golf tourney will go to the Blue Devil/White Angel Scholarship Fund to support Peru State College, according to principal coordinator Jon Ruby ('58) of Aurora, Colo.

And, as Ruby notes, you need not have been a

member of Blue Devils or White Angels to support the cause and golf in the event. Plans call for a social hour and a banquet after the golf benefit.

Advance reservations will be necessary so they know how many to plan for. People are asked to call or write Jon Ruby and express a preference for 1. Golf only, 2. Golf & banquet, or 3. Banquet only. If you write to him, please include a stamped, selfaddressed envelope for return information.

Jon indicates that good attendance is necessary so that, for once and for all, the issue of the all-time "logwalking champion at Heywood's pasture" can be determined.

Contact: Jon Ruby, 11224 E. Alameda #13, Aurora CO. 80012 or call (303) 365-0542.

1960s (continued)

Ruby Taylor Eschen ('61) of Nebraska City, Neb. was honored for 50 years' service to the Girl Scouts this spring. Ruby has worked with every level of Girl Scouts. Ruby began teaching when she was 17 years old and taught for a total of 43 years - most of those years at the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children Who are Blind or Visually Impaired. Ruby also keeps busy with many community activities.

Karen Rathe Estes ('66) of Humboldt, Neb. led her speech team to third place in the Class C-2 State Speech Tournament this spring.

Paul Fell ('67) of Lincoln, Neb. spent 10 days in Cuba this past spring. He was invited to take part in a special "Humor Biennial" program there, and was laying groundwork to take agribusiness groups to that nation this coming fall or winter.

Don Glaesemann ('65) of Lincoln, Neb. retired in November 2000 after 35 years with the Social Security Administration. He served in social security offices in Kansas City, Mo., Hibbing, Minn. and Lincoln.

Michael Guilliatt ('67) of Fremont, Neb. recently earned membership in the Principal company's prestigious Million Dollar Round Table, which is attained by those who have demonstrated exceptional professional knowledge, expertise and client service.

Les Hlavac ('69) of Louisville, Neb. received the Coach of the Year award in trapshooting at the 32nd National Cornhusker High School Trap Shoot. He was recognized for his dedication, leadership, and guidance of young shooters. Les has coached the Nemaha Valley (Neb.) team for over 22 years.

Jerry Joy ('64) has been appointed by National American University to oversee the development of a new NAU branch campus in Overland Park, Kansas. He had been heading NAU's campus in Rapid City, S.D.

Alice Massoth Mizerski ('69) is the new Extension Educator for Family and Consumer Science for Cass County, Neb. Her office is in Weeping Water, not far from her hometown of Manley. Alice had been with the College of Ag Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Tom Morrison ('67) is the new Superintendent at Nebraska's beautiful Indian Cave State Park near Shubert. Morrison has served the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission for over 28 years, the previous 21 having been spent as superintendent of Buffalo Bill's Scout's Rest Ranch at North Platte.

Anita Redstrom Norman ('69) recently moved to Longmont, Colo. to be near her daughter and grandchildren. Anita worked for the University of Nebraska at Kearney for 19 years where she was the head ofreference at the library.

Dr. Jim Pilkington, a physical education professor and coach at PSC through much of the 1960s, has been awarded the National Federation of Officials' Missouri Cross Country Coach of the Year 2000 award. He is a Professor Emeritus at Central Missouri State University, and is now retired and living in Grovois Mills, Mo. He remains active in track and field and cross country as a starter.

(continued on page 10)

Award to Nancy Reeves

The key to her longevity at Peru State College, Nancy Reeves said, is that she's never been bored.

Since joining the college's staff in December of 197 4, Reeves has worked as a cashier, payroll clerk, secretary, and in her current position as institutional researcher in the office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance.

Reeves was honored for her work for the school with this year's PASS (Professional and Support Staff) Award for professional staff members. She was presented with the award and a $500 check at an all-college meeting in April.

"I was very honored," Reeves said. "I think there are other people who are more deserving. It really brings tears to your eyes."

This academic year, Reeves has been pulling double duty for the college From October of last year to March of this year, Reeves also acted as the college's human resources director, with, she said "the help of many others."

Reeves has also done more than just work for the collegeshe's responsible for three alumni.

All three of her children are PSC graduates - Diana Lind ('89), who is now the college's director of financial aid; son Wade ('88); and youngest daughter Lisa ('91).

Both Diana and Wade married PSC alumni - Diana married Kory Lind, and Wade married Tammy Filbrandt.

Reeves is a graduate of Auburn High School, and has taken some classes at PSC. She and her husband Jerry live in rural Peru.

Members of the college's professional staff nominate candidates for the PASS Award. The

entire professional staff then votes on the winner, and their recommendation is passed along to PSC President Dr. Ben E.

Award Winner

Johnson.

The Peru State College Foundation provides the funds for the award.

1960s (continued)

Gary Schaffer ('68) of Nebraska City, Neb. has retired as the middle school counselor at the Nebraska City Public Schools. He began his career at Nebraska City as a junior high science teacher in 1969. In 1983 he became the guidance counselor. Gary is now busy chairing the Little Red Schoolhouse committee, leading the effort to rebuild a red brick school on the Peru State campus.

1970s

Dennis Brady ('75) of Auburn, Neb. was recognized for his 25 years of service to the Auburn School District this spring. Dennis is a middle school science teacher and has coached high school track and cross country.

Dan Comn ('72) has left his position as publisher of the York (Neb.) News-Times to become the director of advertising at the Waterloo/Cedar Falls (Ia.) Courier.

Donald W. Duncan H ('70) of Lincoln, Neb. and his wife celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary with a cruise through the Panama Canal last November. Don worked in various capacities for the Nebraska Department of Corrections from 1971 until 1999. He is presently working for Ford Motor Credit Company in Omaha. He and his wife have two sons, including Spencer, a 1997 graduate of PSC.

Dennis Hammer ('71) has been inducted into the Red Oak (Ia.) Community High School Hall of Fame. He was a multisport star at Red Oak High, and later was a catcher for the Bobcats. He has been teaching and coaching at Fremont-Mills (Ia.) High School in Tabor.

Nancy Reeves was about the only one who was surprised this past spring when she was honored as PSC's professional staff recipient of its annual Professional and Support Staff award. Reeves, who has served the Campus of A Thousand Oaks since 1974, did double duty for much of the past year - her regular position in Institutional Research and filling in as Human Resources Director.

PSC Prepares For Accreditation Visit

Peru State College is preparing for a comprehensive evaluation later this year by a team representing The Higher Learning Commission of The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The evaluation team will be on the Peru State campus Monday, Oct. 22 through Wednesday, Oct. 24.

Peru State has been accredited by the Commission since 1915, is accredited at the master's degree level and includes sites at other locations within the state, including Offut Air Force Base.

The Higher Learning Commission is one of six accrediting agencies in the United States that provides institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Accreditation is voluntary, and the Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Higher Education, accredits about 950 institutions of higher education in a 19-state region.

During its October visit to the Peru State campus, the evaluation team will gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the Commission a continuing status for the college, and following a review process, the Commission itself will take the final action.

Alumni are invited to submit comments regarding

the college to: Public Comment on Peru State College, The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, Ill., 60602. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of Peru State or its academic programs.

Written, signed comments must be received by Sept. 21. The Commission cannot guarantee that comments received after that date will be considered. Comments should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments. Comments will not be treated as confidential.

Individuals with a specific dispute or grievance with Peru State should request the separate Policy on Complaints document from the Commission office.

The Higher Learning Commission cannot settle disputes between institutions and individuals. Complaints will not be considered third party comments.

For more information about the accreditation process, contact Dr. Jerry Martin, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 684210.

Ed Harris ('78) of Falls City, Neb. received the Good Neighbor Award at the annual Falls City Area Jaycees' Distinguished Service Awards banquet earlier this year.

Doug Kingery ('75) of Tarkio, Mo. has succeeded again. Doug guided his Tarkio Indians girls basketball team to another Missouri State Basketball tournament appearance. The Indians were defeated in the semi-finals by the eventual state champions, but did come back to win the 3rd place game. Tarkio finished the season at 29-2 and have gone 106-8 over the past four seasons. Kingery's career record at Tarkio is 184-40.

Shirley Patterson Lewis ('79) of Lexington, Neb. has been named Lexington's "Employee of the Year." She was honored for her dedication to the community and city government at a banquet in January.

Rob McKercher ('79) and his wife Rhonda Lake have been promoted to co-Executive Directors of the Lincoln (Neb.) Community Playhouse. Rob retains his title as artistic director, too.

Karen Ramsay Milstead ('73) of Auburn, Neb. has retired from her music teaching position at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb.

Ruth Dodge Petersen ('70) of Griswold, Iowa has been honored by Griswold Community Schools for 60 years of service to education.

(continued on page 11)

Martin Gains Peru State Honor

Gayle Martin liked attending Peru State College so much that when he was offered a job on campus in computer support services, he readily accepted.

Now, Martin has been recognized for his outstanding work for the College with the

Super Suvportive

2000-2001 PASS (Professional and Support Staff) Award for the support staff category. The honor was announced at an April all-college meeting. The award includes a $500 check from the Peru State College Foundation.

Martin, a native of

Lewiston, graduated from. Peru State in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in business management and a minor in computer science. He joined the college's support staff fulltime in 1995.

He came to Peru State as a student after serving 21 years in the Navy. He retired from military service in 1985, and attended a large university for a time. Martin enrolled at Peru State, he said, because he liked the school's atmosphere, with "most people on a firstname basis."

Martin is a familiar figure around the Hilltop Campus as he spends part of his days fixing computers in offices. He also works for the college's financial aid office, writing and generating reports.

He said he really appreciates the recognition of the award, but there are also others who are deserving.

"There are a lot of dedicated people working to maintain a good educational environment on campus," he said.

1970s (continued)

William C. Peterson ('72) has been sworn in by the U.S. Department of Justice as Immigration Judge in the United States Court of International Trade in New York, N.Y. He is responsible for conducting proceedings to determine whether foreign-born individuals who are charged with violations of federal immigration law should be removed from the U.S. or granted relief from removal. Judge Peterson had been district counsel for the Immigration

San Francisco, appointment.

Peterson

Fritz has been named a of the Omaha law firm Gross & Welch. He joined the firm in 1997. His areas of practice include commercial and corporate, business litigation, orobate and law.

Dave Stemper ('77) has been named to direct a new First National Bank mortgage office in Lincoln, Neb. Dave, who serves on the board of the Nebraska Mortgage Association, had been with First Commerce for the past 11 years.

John M. Thomas ('73) has ended his 21-year banking career to manage education and documentation for Jack Henry and Associates in Springfield, Mo. The company markets computer software to financial institutions.

Alumnus Gayle Nfartin was honored by his peers this past spring when he was presented with the college support staff's version of the Profe.0 sional and Support Staff award. He works in both the communication services area and in the financial aid office.

Members of the college's support staff nominate candidates for the PASS Award. The entire support staff then votes on the winner, and their recommendation is passed along to President Ben E. Johnson.

Martin lives in Peru.

Peru State College's Recent Lost & Found

Rarely does a day go by when Peru State College isn't making a change to its alumni mailing list.

We're always happy to change and our mailing records, except in one instance.

instance is when we are forced to put a Peru Stater on our "lost alumni" roster.

Following is a list of Peruvians who have been added to that list in the last couple of months. discovered that if we make the effort to track we have a good success rate.

So please, help us find these recently "lost" alumni. Send current, addresses to:

Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or e-mail him at propst@bobcat.peru.edu or call (402) 872-2225.

Rebecca Sykes - 2000

Jared Dannelly-1999

Kendra Jacobsen - 1999

Michael Kearney-1999

Nathaniel Leach - 1999

Raymond Esquivel - 1998

Jennifer Kopplin Binns - 1997

Charlotte J om - 1997

Deborah Lusardi - 1997

Michael Allbaugh -

Cauie Barbaglia- 1996

Shawn Gerdes - 1996

Douglas Jorn - 1996

Cynthia Yates Wymore - 1996

Ben Smith - 1995

Randal Wymore -

Kristopher Citrin - 1994

Deborah Barker Bronhaugh1992

Peter

Jamie Reichart -

Timothy Bohling -

Rhonda Erb - 1990

Jeffrey Ford- 1990

Sharon M. Davis - 1989

Tony Foster - 1989

Keith Hopkins - 1989

Mark Osmun-1989

Jeannette Bowers Chamberlain -1988

Jay Huwaldt - 1988

James Elkins - 1986

Mary Kenady - 1986

Todd McFarland - 1983

Mary Vandeloo Brooks-1975

Mary J. Green - 1974

Jerome Symancyk - 1974

James Robinson - 1973

Jay Van Housen - 1973

John Brooks- 1972

James R. Gibbs - 1971

Lutt Faverio - 1970

Lynn Miller - 1969

Robert Morris - 1969

Ralph Plummer - 1963

Audrey Rieger - 1963

Lee- 1957

Janecek - 1952

· Richard Tjersland - 1950

Esther Meints Huls - 1949

Doris Dallam Chapman1948

Daisy Dahlstrom Timmons1936

Ferne Stephens - friend

Thanks to those who helped find "lost" alumni since the last Peru Stater: Cheryl Armstrong ('67), Don Dougherty ('70), Diane Coover Emanuel ('84), Mary Hinrichs Kellogg ('51), Maxine Marcum, Verona Oetken Scheer (44), Carolyn McFadden Sipes ('51), Jeanne Standerford (' 49).

Norma Schatz Thompson ('73) of Salem, Neb. received the Outstanding Educator Award at the annual Falls City Area Jaycees' Distinguished Service Awards banquet. Norma is a teacher in the Falls City Public Schools.

Robert Tipton ('72) is the new co-Superintendent for the South Central Unified School District in Superior, Neb. He had been principal of Superior's two elementary schools. South Central encompasses Superior, Guide Rock, Nelson, Lawrence and Sandy Creek school districts.

Ricki Fictum Valentino ('72) has been named the 2001 Teacher of the Year for the York (Neb.) Public Schools. She has been a kindergarten teacher there for nearly 20 years.

Diana Robinson Wohlers ('70) of Weeping Water, Neb. was among a group of teachers from the Weeping Water schools to attend a day session at the University in Costa Rica attending classes. The Weeping Water Schools has been asked to adovt a Costa Rican Elementary School.

Randy tant coach the They earned a

of DeWitt, Neb. was an assisTrojans girls basketball team. to the state tournament in Class C-1 and were defeated in with an 18-5 record. round. They ended the season

Ado Wusk Neb. led his Sterling Jets to the state tournament in Class D-2. They entered tournament with a 15-6 record and were defeated in the opening

Doug ('78) of Syracuse, Neb. was recently elected vice president of the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association.

Steve Wymore ('71) has been honored by the Council Bluffs (Ia.) chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution as the Iowa "Outstanding American History Teacher." He has spent his entire career teaching in the Council Bluffs Lewis Central schools, and even student taught there while a PSC student.

(continued on page 15)

Bill Snyder Earns Campus Teaching Award

On pleasant days during the school year, Dr. William Snyder likes few things more than to take a few minutes each day to stroll across the Peru State College campus, coffee mug in hand, greeting colleagues and students with a hearty hello.

The Professor of Business has now been recognized for his considerable accomplishments inside the classroom as the winner of the 2000-2001 Peru State College Teaching Excellence Award.

Tbe honor brings with it a $1 ,000 cash award.

The Pawnee City native earned his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Both his master's

and doctorate are in curriculum and instruction.

He first served Peru State from 19741975 as the first development officer for the Peru State College Foundation. Banker, principal

He then worked for the Bank of Peru, and later served for three years as the principal of the Johnson-Brock Public Schools. He joined the Peru State College faculty in 1979.

"I just missed the place," Dr. Snyder said of his return to the Hilltop Campus. And he's stayed at Peru State because of what he sees as a campus-wide commitment to educating students.

"The involvement with the students is at all levels," Dr. Snyder said. "From janitors and groundskeepers to administrators, they are people who truly care

about students."

Dr. Snyder knows that commitment from all sides. He has also served the college in a number of other capacities, including sitting on several college committees, serving as a past president of the Peru State College Faculty Senate, and advising over 30 students each year.

Top administrator

From 1989-1990 and from 19911992, he was the college's vice president of academic affairs. From 1990J991, he was the school's interim president. He said he sometimes misses the administrative work of running a college.

"There were parts of it I did enjoy," he said. "I liked helping people who have ideas bring them to fruition."

It is the students, however, who provide Dr. Snyder with his greatest joy and motivation.

"[They are] a neat group of people," he said.

In his time at Peru State, he's seen the student population come to include more non-traditional students, and he thinks that's very positive. "The mix of non-traditional students into the student body has raised the expectations for all students," he explained.

Dr. Snyder and his wife, Shirley ('78), a Title I reading teacher, live in Auburn. He's been very involved in civic affairs. serving as a City Councilman in Auburn, an elder of the Christian Church in Auburn and as a tennis coach for the Auburn Youth Recreation Program.

Civic duty

He also is regular at the noon faculty tennis games on campus. He said he sees civic service as an important part of his life, because he's been given so much by others.

"It's what we have to do to give

r y ru tat I ti

Bart Gray has been appointed Athletic Director to lead the collegiate athletics program at Peru State College.

Gray had been head men's and women's track coach and chair of the physical education department at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo.

"Bart has a great background in intercollegiate athletics, he knows the unique opportunities and obstacles found in small colleges, and his vision for the future of Bobcat athletics is right on the mark," noted President Ben Johnson.

Peru State is a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) institution with

three women's and three men's athletic programs. The Bobcats are members of the Midlands Collegiate Athletics Conference in all sports save football, which is allied with the Central States Football League.

"This was the appropriate opporBart Gray tunity in my professional timeline to move into the administrative arena," Gray said. "I have a very strong sense for the dual role that

athletics plays in both lives of our student-athletes and the crucial impact it has on our campus environment."

Gray has his bachelors and masters degrees in physical education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He has taught and coached at Minnesota State UniversityMankato, Hastings College, the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, and Viterbo College and Carthage College, both of Wisconsin.

Gray was attracted to Peru State for many reasons, including the Bobcats' reputation for both competitive and "clean" programs. The fact that his job will be to enhance rather than rebuild the athletic

back," he said.

His son Scott has accepted a position teaching biology at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and will soon be moving there from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

His daughter Amy Jones ('91), who lives in Aurora with husband Scott ('93), has just given birth to the Snyder's second grandchild, Cameron. Daughter Mandy is a student at UN-L and director of mentoring at the Hispanic Center in Lincoln.

"This award is really what the institution is all about- quality teaching," said Dr. Jerry Martin, PSC vice president for academic affairs. "Our emphasis is on the learning done by the students and our commitment to the students. He [Dr. Snyder] really does represent the best of what we are as an academic institution."

Peer selection

For Dr. Snyder, the recognition from his peers is the highlight of winning the award.

"It is always nice to have that external validation," he said.

President Ben Johnson neatly summed up Dr. Snyder's qualifications for the Teaching Excellence Award.

"Dr. Snyder's reputation for lence in the classroom is widely known," Dr. Johnson said. "He's a good teacher and a fine advisor, and always highly thought of by his students."'

Dr. Snyder was presented with his award at the college's Saturday, May 5, Commencement exercises. And expect to see Dr. Snyder at Peru State College Commencement exercises well into the future.

'Tm a local boy, and this is home," he said.

rrdepartment was appealing, he said.

"After visiting with the administration and staff at Peru State, I came away with a genuine feeling of renewed vitality not only in the letic department, but across the entire campus," Gray said.

Quality of life issues of Uving in a small community and working at a small college also appealed to Gray and his wife Pam, the parents of 11year-old Britni. Likewise, Gray has worked both in NCAA and NAIA schools and is comfortable with the NAIA approach to intercollegiate athletics.

Neither Rain, nor ...

A springtime shower didn't deter Marian Dmvney ( '52, right) from planting a tree in his honor during Commencement activities in early 1\!lay. Downey was back on campus to receive PSC's jlrst-ever Honorary Doctor of Science degree. Sheltering him.from the rainfall was D1: Jerry Martin, Vice President for Academic Affairs. (Photo by Kent Propst)

Fun in the lley of the un

A great mix of Arizona Peruvians, winter "snow birds," and ambassadors from Peru were on hand on Saturday, March 3 for the Arizona Alumni Chapter's annual fiesta.

Forty-nine true blue Bobcat supporters convened in Tempe at Monti's La Casa Vieja for the soiree. Under the capable guidance of Chapter officers, especially President George Peterson ('81) and Vice President Dennis Robertson ('73), the reunion attracted a great cross-section of Peru Stater's of various ages and interests.

Barbara Bragg Clayburn ('51) gave the invocation. Participants had a chance to introduce themselves and their guests, after which PSC President Ben Johnson reviewed some of the activities occurring on the Campus of A Thousand Oaks.

The afternoon passed all too quickly, as they do when one is among friends. Plans for the Spring 2002 assembly will be formulated in the near future, with Peterson, Robertson and Mrs. Clayburn once again providing the guidance.

Marian Downey Gains Rare Double on Top Honors

Unlike a lot of institutions which bestow "special" honors almost like grains of sand on a beach, Peru State College is selective when giving out its highest awards, the Distinguished Service Award and the Honorary Doctorate.

So when Marlan Downey received PSC's first-ever Honorary Doctor of Science degree during Commencement festivities on May 5, he was in select company. It was only the sixth Honorary Degree ever bestowed in the nearly 135-year history of PSC.

Add to it the fact that Downey became only the second individual in Peru State history to receive both of the top honors - he received the Distinguished Service Award in 1988and you see the select company in which he finds himself.

Downey is a 1952 PSC alumnus and a native of nearby Falls City, Neb. He is the Chief Scientist with the Sarkeys Energy Center at the University of

Rare Honor, Rare Gift

Oklahoma, and is a Senior Fellow of the Institute for Study of Earth and Man at Southern Methodist University. He's also President of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

From 1957 to 1987 he worked at Shell Oil Co. in a variety of capacities, including Vice President of Shell and later President of its overseas subsidiary Pecten International.

He then spent six years with Atlantic Richfield Co. as Senior Vice President of ARCO International, President of ARCO International, and Senior Vice President and Executive Advisor of Atlantic Richfield Co.

During his years with Shell and ARCO, Downey's international teams made discoveries in 19 countries - five of which yielded over a billion barrels of oil.

Downey and his wife Marea reside in the Dallas, Texas area.

Both serve on the Board of Directors of the Peru State College Foundation.

Lincoln Reunion in Formative Stages

50-Year Al m Celebrate Sprin time in P ru

The Class of '51 and friends came back together May 4-5 for PSC's annual May Reunion, and created new memories in addition to recalling past ones.

The "Golden Grads" rolled onto campus on Friday afternoon (May 4) to look around the Campus of A Thousand Oaks. Official activities began with a reception in the President's Home, hosted by Ben and Dale Johnson.

As one alum remarked, one result of the passage of the years was that "The grades got better, the girls got prettier, and the runs got longer."

Dinner that evening in the Student Center was next, after which the group moved into a large room for the May Reunion Program. That's when things really got exciting.

Moments after the group was seated, sirens went off and members of PSC Campus Security arrived to ask the group to head for the basement - a tornado had been spotted nearby. The resulting detour to the lower level of the

The Class(iest) of '51

The Class of '51 was well represented during May Reunion activities this past spring. Among those returning for their golden anniversary reunion were (front row from left) Jess Ray, Mary Jane Henrichs Kellogg, Sherry Clites Penny, Esther Holmes Russell, Betty McCollum Hardy, Evelyn Boseck Brown, Carolyn McFadden Sipes, and Lawrence Webb, and (back row from left) Eldon Teten, Jack Tillman, Gale Eshelman, Lester Russell, Willis Johnson, Bob "Red" Wilson, David Duey, Carlos Harrison and Bill Cummins. Not pictured is Grace Pfister.

Student Center didn't deter the alumni in the least.

Eventually the group was allowed to return to the upper level to complete the program, after which the alums stayed

around to visit.

Several of the alums came back on Saturday for a light breakfast, "VIP Seating" in the Al Wheeler Activity Center to watch the newest group of

PSC alumni join the ranks (the Class of 2001), and a luncheon.

The College wants to thank the members of the Class of '51 and the rest of the May

Representatives

for sharing their time with us, and we invite them to return soon. Now the question is, can the Class of '52 out-do their peers next May 3-4, 2002?

Student-To-Staff For Sara Glathar

Sara

went from Peru State College student to Peru State College staff member in record time.

Glathar, 21, graduated from PSC in December with a bachelor's degree in business administration-management. In January, she began her duties as an admissions counselor in the college's Office of Admissions, helping to recruit new students to her alma mater.

"I was very lucky that it [the admissions counselor post] opened up when it did," she said.

Glathar graduated from Dawson-Verdon High School in 1997, and now Ii ves in Dawson.

Quick transition

While a PSC student, Glathar worked in both the college's Business Office and the Office of Admissions, helping out with office chores. That's helped her make a quick and smooth transition into her new job.

Her tasks include traveling to high schools in southeastern Nebraska and northeastern Kansas, talking to high school juniors and seniors about Peru State and helping them make an informed choice about their higher education.

"When high school students hear that I'm a Peru grad, it

means a little more to them," she said.

She's more than just a Peru grad - she's something of a PSC legacy. Her parents, Terry ( '7 5) and Carolyn Boring ('78) Glathar of Dawson, are also Peru alums.

Reputation rebound

The reputation of Peru State among high school students is improving as the college continues to grow and rebound from its recent tumultuous past, she said. One of the most important parts of her job is to get the word out that the col-

lege is planning for a bright future.

"The students who know about Peru State are positive," she explained. Glathar said she enjoyed working in the Office of Admissions while a student, and thoroughly enjoys her new job. She's planning on sticking around for a while.

"I really like Peru," she said. "I really like the people here."

And the people there were obviously anxious to keep her around.

1970s (continued)

Mark Yori ('78) has started up a wrestling program at St. Gregory's grade school in North East Erie, Penn. Yori was an All-American wrestler while at Peru State.

Steve Zimmers ('75) of Syracuse, Neb. received the 2001 Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Education Association Community Service Award. He is the extension educator for Otoe County, and has been instrumental in introducing a variety of educational programs to the S-D-A students.

1980s

T. Perry ('81) and Marsha Stortenbecker ('82) Biaggi of Nebraska City, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Samuel David, born in March. He was welcomed home by a brother Jacob.

Lilly Blase ('81) of Lincoln, Neb. received her Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in May.

James Conins (attd. '82-'88) has once again been named "Employee of the Year" at First Data Resources in Omaha. James, who has been with FDR for 12 years, has won the honor three times in the past five years.

Bob Cook ('89) has been appointed secondary school principal for South Central Unified School in Superior, Neb. He had been teaching business at Harvard, Neb.

Immediate Contribution

Sara Glathar ('OJ) decided not to wait to start contributing to her alma mater. She began work this past winter as an Admissions Counselor for Peru State College, helping to bring new students to the Campus of A Thousand Oaks. She is pictured here working with one of PSC's Student Ambassadors, Doug Jamison. (Photo by Elizabeth Olsen)

Jeffrey Birkel ('92) of Blair, Neb. and Amy Siemek were to be married in June in David City, Neb. Jeff, who has a masters degree in business from Creighton University, is a marketing analyst with Physician's Mutual Insurance Co. in Omaha.

Former PSC Admissions Counselor Kelly Boucher and Mark Lindsay are to be married in July in Lincoln, Neb. Kelly is an admissions officer with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Donelle Breitenfeldt (masters '99) of Omaha and Nathan Underwood were married in December. Donelle teaches seventh and eighth grades for the Millard Public Schools.

PSC student Sally Boelter and Brent Kummer were married in May in Creighton, Neb.

Julie Denkinger ('00) and Stephen Kerkman were to be married in June in Omaha. Julie is teaching at Millard South High School.

Patty Dickenson-Musil ('78) and Steve Sims ('92) were married in March in Humboldt, Neb. with PSC Professor Emeritus Rev. Dr.

Esther Divney conducting the service. Patty and Steve work in communication services at Peru State.

Marcy Eddinger ('98) and Scott Andersen were married in June in Lincoln, Neb. Marcy works for Li-Cor in Lincoln.

Danielle Goings ('01) of Auburn, Neb. and Jeffery Ottemann were married in June. Danielle is working at Sandhills Publishing in Lincoln, Neb.

PSC student Christen Hale of Nebraska City, Neb. and Robert Winton ('01) of Peru, Neb. were married in May. Christen is employed at the Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City, and Robert works at Tarkio Academy in Tarkio, Mo.

(Continued on Page 16)

Paul Crawford ('84) has accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Medieval and Early Modern History at Alma (Mich.) College, effective this August.

Janet Dunn Dingman ('82) is the Director of Finance for the Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails Council, Inc. in Springfield, Mo.

Doug Goltz ('86) of Falls City, Neb. earned his 300th basketball victory this past season. He has been coaching at Sacred Heart Schools for 15 years. His basketball team also went to the Class D 1 state tournament again

Dave Harrington ('86) is co-owner of First Impressions, an advertising specialty company featuring "all of that fun stuff you can get your name, logo or function printed on." The business is located in Columbus, Neb.

Denise James Hunzeker ('89) of Humboldt, Neb. helped direct the Humboldt High School Quiz Bowl team to a second place finish in Division III at the annual PSC Quiz Bowl competition.

Kathy Nolte Keithley ('87) and husband Jon of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Elizabeth Rose, born in April. She was welcomed home by four brothers and a sister.

Jim Krajicek ('86) of Papillion, Neb. has been named Manager of Environmental Affairs for the Omaha Public Power District. He does multimedia environmental work associated with OPPD's coal, nuclear, and gas-fired generating stations.

Leigh Moss LaRosa ('87) will be the fifth grade teacher at the Plattsmouth Public Schools next year.

Rod Miner (attd. '81-'82) is now teaching high school science at Mojave High School in Las Vegas, Nev.

(continued on page I 6)

undil New PS Student Board Rep

Tammie Mundil has been named Peru State College's student representative to the Nebraska State Colleges' Board of Trustees.

Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns annually appoints a student representative to the board from each of the three state colleges: Peru, Chadron State, and Wayne State.

Mundil succeeds Sheryl 'T' • M d"l Lammie un Ehmke, who graduated m May.

She officially began her year of duties at the board's May meeting. Mundil, a junior psychol.ogy/sociology major with a criminal justice option, said she is looking forward to her duties on the board.

"I hope to use my voice to stress the importance of the state colleges," she said. "I also believe that understanding the needs of the college, believing in the educational value of the state system, and creating an effective link between students, schools and the board are a few of the necessary contributions of a student trustee to ensure that certain goals will be met."

Governor calling

Mundil said that when she found out she had been appointed- by seeing the phone number

of the governor's office on her caller I.D. machine- she was "very excited and proud."

A native of Hooper and a 1998 graduate of Logan View Junior and Senior High School, Mundil will graduate from PSC in the spring of 2002. She maintains a 3.74 grade point average, and is an honors student.

In the summer of 2000, Mundil worked with the federal district court in Lincoln, assisting in the selection of jurors and observing court procedures and the U.S. Marshals. Active student

On campus, Mundil is an active in extra-curricular and volunteer activities. She works with the college's Student Support Services and is a PSC Ambassador, taking prospective students on campus tours and answering their questions. She has also been a member of the college's Cheerleading squad.

She has volunteered at the Jefferson House for abused and neglected children in Fremont, painted windows for the Care Center in Hooper, and collected food and clothing for the SiennaFrances House in Omaha.

Student board members attend all meetings, serve on committees, and fulfill all of the duties of "regular" State College Board members except that their votes are non-binding.

1980s (continued)

Mark Ortmeier ('85) of Harvard, Neb. was head coach of the girls basketball team this year. They earned a trip to the State Tournament in Class D-1 and were defeated in the opening round. They finished the season with a 17-4 record.

Paula Remmers ('86) successfully passed the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy CPA exam last fall. It's the first step toward becoming a licensed CPA. Paula is employed with Melinda Clarke CPA in Nebraska City.

Christy Piper Riggins ('87) of Brock, Neb. has accepted a position as special education instructor at the JohnsonBrock Public Schools.

Virginia Hazen Schlender ('81) of Pawnee City, Neb. has retired from teaching after 38 years. Virginia began teaching at the age of 17 in a rural school. Her 38 years were divided among rural schools and Burchard and Pawnee City schools - the last 14 years as a fourth grade teacher in Pawnee City. Virginia's plans for retirement include spending more time with her grandchildren, substitute teaching and taking some vacations.

Lori Vrtiska Seibel ('84) and husband Bryan of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Thea Anne, born in May. She was welcomed home by brother Trey.

Ann Scheitel Severin ('86) of Falls City, Neb. was honored with the Falls City Area Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award at their annual banquet earlier this year.

From Page 15

Todd Hamre ('94) and Carrie Ables of Omaha were married in June. Todd is employed with Valmont Industries in Omaha.

Michael Harling ('92) and Tracy Lienemann were married in February in Lincoln, Neb. Mike is a commercial loan officer at NebraskaLand National Bank, and they reside in North Platte, Neb.

Lindsey Heiden (cert. '01) of Sterling, Neb. and Darrell Pohlmeier were married in April. Lindsey is a secondary English teacher at Lincoln East High School.

Katherine "Ketti" Hilgenfeld ('97) and Joe Heim Jr. were married in Dawson, Neb. in June. Ketti is a math teacher at Pius X schools in Lincoln, Neb.

Dana King ('99) of St. Helens, Ore. and Christopher Gerdes were married in May. Dana is currently employed by Children's Intensive Services and McBride Elementary School in St. Helens.

Scott Macholan ('01) and PSC student Krystal Northouse will be married in July in Norfolk, Neb. Scott has accepted a position as a

sixth grade science teacher in the York Public Schools. Krystal will be student teaching in Language Arts in the middle school and high school in York. This summer Scott has been working for Lawn Order in Nebraska City which is owned by PSC graduate Perry Biaggi ('81). Krystal is working for the PSC School of Education and Graduate Studies and the Foundation Office this summer.

Adam Malcom (attd. '93'95) and Kelli Hill are to be married in August. He lives in Tabor, Iowa and works for a local farming operation.

PSC student Janice McPherson of Nebraska City and Chris Groth were married in April. Janice is pursuing a degree in criminal justice.

PSC student Amber Meredith of Nebraska City and Matt Hower were married in June. Amber is majoring in elementary and special education.

PSC student Delana Rinne of Nebraska City, Neb. and Scott Whipple were married in April. Delana is majoring in psychology/sociology and criminal justice.

PSC students Brandy

Robbins and Steven VanDerKamp plan to be married in September. Brandy is the daughter of Jim Robbins who is employed by the custodial staff at PSC.

Kimberly Rosenthal ('00) of Tecumseh, Neb. and Steve Nolte were married in April. Kim graduated with a degree in criminal justice and is currently employed at Belle Terrace in Tecumseh.

Dennis Schmidt ('95) of Diller, Neb. and Shawna Fields were married in March. Dennis is a computer network manager at Southeast Community College.

Heather Schroeder ('00) and Terry Zessin ('00) were to be married in June in Lincoln, where they reside. Heather is an accountant for the State of Nebraska, while Terry is teaching social science for the Tri-County Schools near DeWitt.

Mary Sughroue ('95) of Lincoln, Neb. and Steve Weber are to be married in July in Lincoln.

Candace Willey ('70) and Richard Stewart were to be married in June. Candace teaches first grade in Grand Island, Neb.

Jeff Smith ('83) of Lincoln, Neb. led his Southeast Knights boys basketball team to another state tournament appearance in Class A. They entered the tournament with a 20-1 record and were defeated in the opening round.

Paul Stanosheck ('88) and wife Michele of Beatrice, Neb. are proud parents of a son, William David, born in April.

1990s

Spencer Anderson ('94) and wife, Jeanine, are proud parents of a son, Logan Spencer. He was welcomed to his Beatrice, Neb. home by a brother, Dalton.

Rod Beyke ('93) of Peru, Neb. had some of his art work published recently in the Arts and Activities Magazine. The article was one of his projects while working on his masters degree at PSC. Rod is an art instructor with the Auburn Public Schools.

Leigh Calfee ('97) has been appointed Lay Ministry Coordinator and Director of Religious Education for St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hamburg, Iowa.

Deitra Hartman Claas ('94) and husband Jamie of Seneca, Kan. are proud parents of a daughter born in May.

Terry Clark (attd. '88-'91), who returned to Peru State a year ago to serve as defensive coordinator for the Bobcat football team, has returned to Dakota State University in Madison, S.D. He is defensive coordinator and athletic fundraiser for DSU, the college he had worked at prior to returning to PSC.

Todd Crownover ('92) and his wife Candice of Tyndall, S.D. are proud parents of son Joshua Boots, born last January. He was welcomed home by brothers Lucas and Kaleb. Todd is a game warden for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

(continued on page 17)

Job Placement Strong

The employment status report from the Peru State College Career Services Office is pretty easy to sum up:

PSC graduates get jobs. Good jobs. And most of those good jobs are in Nebraska.

Compiled each year, the employment status report tracks Peru State graduates, where they are working and the average starting salaries. Questionnaires were sent to all 212 graduates from 1999-2000 at PSC. Over 45 percent of those graduates responded.

And the news they've returned has been good.

Plug 'brain drain'

The School of Education and Graduate Studies at Peru State is doing its part to alleviate teacher shortages and "brain drain" in the state, according to the survey.

That school graduated 59 students in 19992000, and 35 of them responded to the survey, a rate of 59 percent. Of those 35 students, 34 are employed. And 26 of those employed - over 77 percent - are living and working right here in Nebraska.

The average starting salary was $27 ,000 for the PSC grads who reported back, with salaries ranging from $16,500 to $45,000.

All 44 of the 116 graduates of college's School of Professional Studies who responded to the survey are employed. Seventy-five percent of those graduates, which includes PSC' s business program, are employed in the state of Nebraska, with an average starting salary of $34,500.

Iowa is the only neighboring state with a

Student Leaders

higher average starting salary, and just by $1,000.

Professional studies graduates are holding such positions as crop insurance adjuster, customer support analyst, police officer and network engineer, according to the survey.

Graduates of Peru State's School of Arts and Sciences are working as copywriters, software engineers and communications engineers. Average salary $30K

That school had 37 graduates, and 19 of them responded to the survey. Ninety percent of them are employed, and sixty-five percent of them are living and working in Nebraska. Their average starting salary in the state is $30,750, according to the survey.

Only Colorado and Nevada offer higher starting salaries of the states in which PSC grads took jobs, according to the survey.

The survey results reflect well on the college itself, according to Ted Harshbarger ('77), vice president for student services and enrollment management at PSC.

"I think it speaks highly of the collegewe've boasted for a number of years that 90 percent of our graduates are employed," he said. "Our graduates have an excellent work ethic."

And employers notice that, Harshbarger explained. Peru State has a positive reputation among employers.

"We have employers who come back to us to ask if we have any students graduating in a certain area," he said.

1990s (continued)

Paula Mautz Darling {'90) of Nebraska City, Neb. was appointed to the State Tourism Advisory Board. Paula is currently sales manager for Arbor Day Farm Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City.

Jeffrey Dean ('99) has been promoted to Assistant Vice President at Farmers Bank of Cook (Neb.). He is the bank's agricultural lending officer.

Terry Dugan ('97) has left the Sioux City (Iowa) Journal newspaper to become an editor at Sandhills Publishing in Lincoln, Neb.

Spencer S. Duncan ('97) of Lincoln, Neb. completed his masters degree at Northwest Missouri State University in April of 2000. He is teaching math at Lincoln Southeast High School.

Joe Dunn ('96) of Falls City, Neb. has accepted a teaching position with the Falls City Public Schools. He formerly was a physical education teacher at Southeast Consolidated at Stella.

Ben Essam ('98) of Beatrice, Neb. was an assistant coach for the Beatrice High boys basketball team which earned a trip to the Class B state tournament. The Orangemen entered the tournament with a 19-2 record and were defeated in the championship game.

Tony Fitzgerald ('94) of Crete, Neb. was an assistant coach for the Crete Cardinals boys basketball team. They earned a trip to the Class B state tournament and were defeated in the opening round. They ended their season with a 13-8 record.

Blake Faulkner, who served as an assistant football coach at Peru State in 1989-90, has been named President of National American University campus in Rapid City, S.D. Faulkner had been vice president of administration and distance learning there and has been at NAU since 1994. He becomes the third consecutive NAU-Rapid City President with Peru ties, following Dr. Jerry Gallentine, former PSC President, and Jerry Joy ('64).

Jeff ('96) and Laura Lea Lowery ('97) Fossenharger of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Cole Jeffrey, born in April.

Steve Goldsberry {'92) of Falls City, Neb. was awarded the Robert J. Chab Human Service Award by the Falls City Area Jaycees.

Matt {'95) and Stefanie Wolfe ('98) Grewe of Omaha are proud parents of a daughter, Molly Grace, born in March. She was welcomed home by a sister, Madison.

Ben Hall (attd. '98-'01) of Auburn, Neb. has purchased the Casey-Witzenburg-Hall Funeral Home. Ben graduated from mortuary school in May 2000 and has been serving an apprenticeship at the Casey-Witzenburg Funeral Home.

Michelle Larsen Heath ('95) of Weeping Water, Neb. attended a ten day session in Costa Rica taking Spanish classes at the University. Michelle is an elementary teacher in the Weeping Water Schools.

Scott ('99) and Erin Mahlherg ('98) Hochstein of Missouri Valley, Iowa are proud parents of a son, Brennan David, born in April.

Kent Propst)

Peru State Bids Farewell

One of the most remarkable of all Peru Stater's past and present, Marion Marsh Brown ('27), passed away in February. She was 92.

Mrs. Brown enjoyed a rich and incredibly productive career as an author, an educator and a humanitarian. Her roots in Peru State College ran deep, and she retained a strong affection for her alma mater to the end of her days.

In 1995, Mrs. Brown was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Peru State. Sixteen years earlier she received PSC's other highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award - making her the first person, and until this past May the only person, to have been awarded both of the college's highest citations.

Marion Marsh Brown was born on a farm between Peru and Brownville. She graduated early from Auburn High

nSchool and received her bachelors degree from PSC in 1927 at the tender age of 18.

T hr e e years later, in her free time while teaching school, she earned her Masters Degree at the University of Nebraska.

Brown Miss Marsh returned to Peru State to teach English from 1935-37, when she was married to Gilbe1t Brown and they established a home in Omaha.

They raised one son, Paul. She also began writing in earnest, and Mrs. Brown went on to write or co-author 20 books, from history to biographies to fiction, as well as

(g]fl!Jl Jl 11

1990s (continued)

rscores of articles - the vast majority of which dealt with Nebraska subjects.

She served on the faculty at the former Omaha University from 1953-68.

Marion Marsh Brown's books have been cited by the Children's Book Club, the Boys Clubs of America, and the Junior Literacy Guild among others. She served two terms as President of the Nebraska Writers Guild, and received Nebraska's Sower Award from the Nebraska Humanities Council and Mari Sandoz Award from the Nebraska Library Association.

The Nebraska Council of Teachers of English selected Marion Marsh Brown as one of the 10 best writers in Nebraska.

Mrs. Brown donated her manuscripts to the Peru State College library several years ago.

L-----lrrn Mf;ffioritalm ·. ]

Ingrid Johnson Alexander ('39) of Roseburg, Ore. passed away in March. She lived and worked in Medford, Mass. for many years before retiring.

Louise Walker Morrison Armstrong ('68) of Brownville, Neb. passed away in May. She taught in Craig, Mo. for some time.

Pauline V. Aue ('38) of Chatsworth, Calif. passed away in January.

Scherrm Whitlock Baker ('59) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in April. She was employed at the Martin Luther Home.

Eddie Baroud ('66) of Sutton, Mass. passed away in February. He was a teacher in Sutton.

Word has been received of the death of Rita Berlett ('49) of Omaha.

Former Bobcat Coach Larry Brown (masters '91) of Fremont, Neb. passed away in April. He was a teacher and coach for many years and directed his 1982 football team from Republican Valley at Indianola, Neb. to the Class C-1 State Football title. He then came to PSC where he coached both football and softball, and

was an assistant football coach when Peru won the NAIA National Football Championship in 1990. Larry finished his coaching career at Dana College in Blair as the recruiting coordinator and defensive coordinator. His wife, Joan, was a secretary at the Physical Plant while they were living in Peru. His children include Brad ('87) of Gretna, Neb. and Shannon Hansen ('91) of Fremont, Neb.

Ida Pearl Wiltse Bucher (attd. '28-'31) of DuBois, Neb. passed away in March. She taught for a short time in rural schools.

Maxine Norvell Chatelain ('72) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in February. She was a former teacher and Adult Basic Education tutor. She was active in many local organizations. Survivors include sons Paul ('72), Dave ('75), John ('76) and Steve ('78).

John "Jack" Cook (attd. '68) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in April. He was an iron worker until becoming disabled.

Lucme Richards Dalrymple ('31) of Sidney, Iowa passed away in January.

Georgina Brown Davison ('47) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in February.

Lisa Hronik-Medsker ('98) and her husband Peter, of King City, Mo., are proud parents of son Carson Andrew. He was born in January.

Scott ('93) and Amy Snyder ('91) Jones, of Aurora, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Cameron Emil, born in April. He was welcomed home by a brother, Cale.

Pam Fisher Joy ('97) and husband Ray of Verdon, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Jacob James Edward, born in March. He was welcomed home by two sisters.

Jeff Junker ('93) of Beatrice, Neb. was an assistant coach for the Beatrice Orangemen men's basketball team. They earned a trip to the state tournament in Class B and were defeated in the finals. They ended their season with a 21-3 record.

Mark Junker ('96) of Falls City, was assistant girls and boys basketball coach for Sacred Heart. Both teams advanced to the the Class D-1 state basketball tournaments.

Jaime Hahn Langley ('98) and husband Jason are proud parents of a daughter, Lexie Rae, born in January.

Wendy Livingston ('95) has been in training for a late June marathon in Anchorage, Alaska. Livingston was prepping for the 26.2-mile run to help raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Word had been received of the death of Hazel Ditloff ('35) of Bradshaw, Neb.

Word has been received of the death of Dean Duncan ('51) of Jericho, Vt. in March.

Zelda Carmine Dunlap ('38) of Tecumseh, Neb. passed away in March. She was a retired teacher. She was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran. Her sister, Ardis Bates ('43) resides in Tecumseh.

Marjorie Ely ('90) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in February. She was actively involved in many organizations in the community and was a former PSC Foundation Trustee.

Catherine Harris Falk (attd. '36-'38) passed away in January in Red Oak, Iowa.

Gertrude Nicholson Finley ('45) of Rosewell, N.M. passed away in March. She was a retired elementary teacher.

Hazel Thompson Fridell ('64) of Hiawatha, Kan. passed away in January. She was a retired elementary school teacher. She began her teaching career in rural schools and retired from the Hiawatha, Kan. schools in 1973.

(Continued on Page 19)

Debbie Pfeil ('85) Mmer and her husband Phil are proud parents of son Zachary Ryan, born last December. The Millers recently moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she is an EVMS process manager for Raytheon.

Pearl Nanninga ('97) and husband Kip of Lima, Ohio are proud parents of a son, Josiah Claude, born in March.

Cyle Nolte ('90) and wife Suzanne of Bellevue, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Casey Benjamin, born in February.

Laura Osborne ('93) is the new Director of Community Safety at the Safety & Health Council in Omaha. She began her work in May.

Amanda Ray ('98) of Lincoln, Neb. is attending graduate school at UN-L. She is pursing a masters degree in American History.

Kip ('91) and Autumn Stuhr ('95) Reeves of Brownville, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Sydnie Morghan, born in April. She was welcomed home by a sister, McKinsie.

Tim Rice ('94) has joined Essman/Associates Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa as Art Director. He had been working in a similar capacity for Strategic America in Ames. Essman specializes in integrated marketing communications.

Jeff ('95) and Audra Williams ('95) Schawang of Waverly, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Halle Angelo, born in May.

Kristine Sorenson ('98) is now Health and Fitness Specialist with Medifit Corp., located at the Union Pacific Railroad headquarters in Omaha. She finished her masters degree in exercise science at the University of Nebraska at Kearney last December and did a graduate internship at Green Mountain at Fox Run Resort in Vermont.

(continued on page 19)

From Page 18

Mary Byrne Hart (attd. '28) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in April. She taught school for a short time. Survivors include her son Larry ('65) of Burchard, Neb.

Ida May Heywood ('25) of Peru, Neb. passed away in March. She was a retired teacher. She taught in Coon Rapids and Shenandoah, Iowa and taught math and biology at Auburn, Brock, Johnson and Bratton Union in Neb. She was active in many local organizations, and was an avid bird watcher.

Helen Angela Hixson (certificate '39) passed away in Hebron, Neb. last December.

Mary Ann Schutz Holter (' 41) of Steinauer, Neb. passed away in February. She was a retired stenographer for Tecumseh (Neb.) Building and Loan.

Mary Collin Jensen ('42) of Corvallis, Ore. passed away in March. Her husband, Merritt, is a 1940 grad of PSC.

Eleanor Starmann Karloff ('31) passed away in January in Fremont, Neb. She taught in rural schools and in Elkhorn, Neb. for many years.

Word has been received of the death of Ray Kellogg ('38) of Citrus Heights, Calif.

Ruth Pribbeno Loy (attd. '28- '29) of Salem, Ore. passed away in January. She taught for a short time in Nebraska and then worked for the State of Oregon after moving to Salem.

Ray Lubben ('72) of Tensed, Idaho passed away in March. He wrote short stories and poetry in recent years.

Ethel Reed Malicky ('28) passed away in March in Baldwin City, Kan. She taught home economics for many years.

Harold E. Matthews (attd. '57-'58) of Omaha passed away in April. He sold insurance for a time and then owned and operated a carpet cleaning business.

Word has been received of the death of Merchant McSwan ('31) of Indio. Calif.

Mildred Fritch Meier '30s, two-year '59) of DuBois,

Neb. passed away in February. She was a retired school teacher - first teaching in rural Nebraska schools and later as a high school librarian and communication center director in Seneca, Kan. She retired in 1985. Her daughter, Cynthia Weddle ('66) of DuBois, and granddaughter, Kristi ('97), of Tecumseh, Neb. are graduates of PSC.

Maxine Vaughn Menninga (cert. '40) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in February.

Gladys Hayes Nelson ('37) of Kerrville, Texas passed away in May. She was a retired teacher from the Rio Grande Valley school system where she taught for 28 years.

Mildred Heinke Nelson ('29) of Toms River, NJ passed away in March. She taught in a one-room school in Otoe County, Neb. for many years.

Doris Weiler Schacht ('67) of Syracuse, Neb. passed away in January. She was an elementary school teacher.

Iola Corinne Barnts Sherman ('37) of Prairie Village, Kan. passed away in March. She was very active in her church throughout her lifetime. Her husband, Richard, also attended PSC in 1937.

James D. Stanley ('59) passed away in May. He was a longtime resident of Glenwood, Iowa, where he taught, coached, and was city administrator. He was also in private business in the community and was extremely active in school and civic affairs.

Dr. L. Fred Thomas ('51) of Denton, Texas passed away in March.

Leota Krall Timblin ('31) of Loveland, Colo. passed away in May. She was an elementary school teacher.

Milton Uerkvitz ('39) of Sun City, Ariz. passed away in March.

Neva Mae Russell Walker of Brownville, Neb. passed away in April She taught school for a short time. She was an active member of many organizations in the community. Her daughter, Carol Bins ('84), lives in Omaha.

Robert Weber ('39) of Shubert, Neb. passed away in

March. He was a former teacher and retired as a professional Boy Scott executive. His wife is the former Mildred Knoflicek ('39). Daughter, Mary Barker ('75) and husband Jeff ('74) also live near Shubert.

Marie WeHensiek Wens ('39) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in May. She was a retired medical technologist, and had been active in many organizations in the Lincoln area.

Leonard West ('58) of Peru, Neb. passed away in February.

Ada Mastin Wheeler (certificate '32) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in February. She taught school for nine years before becoming a farm wife. She was active in many community organizations. Family members include son Alan Wheeler ('61) of Cheyenne, Wyo. and Beth Eickhoff ('73) of Stella, Neb.

Keith W. Whitham (attd. '46) of Santa Barbara, Calif. passed away in January. He retired from the military service in 1967 after serving for 22 years in various parts of the world, including Austria, Germany, Japan and Hawaii. Keith retired from the Santa Barbara School District in 1968 having served as the Senior Army Instructor for the school. He was then employed by the University of California at Santa Barbara ROTC Department and retired in 1992.

Word has been received of the death of Isabelle Anderson Williams ('41) of Boulder, Colo.

Marylee Swanson Rea Windle ('79) passed away in May in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Alice Garratt Witfoth ('29) of Plymouth, Neb. passed away in April. She was a retired school teacher.

Aaron Eugene Wright ('63) of Bellevue, Neb. passed away in April. He held leadership positions for the Nebraska and the National Association for Gifted Children.

Mary Majerus Zaucha ('31) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in February. She was a former teacher in the Falls City school distiict and later was a buyer for a department store in Kansas City.

1990s (continued)

Teri Maybee Stukenholtz {'97) and husband Curt of Nebraska City, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Jason Tyler, born in May.

Angie Vermeer ('98) has joined the staff of Midwest Laboratories in Omaha. She is a lab technician in the biology department.

Pat ('94) and Sheila Sughroue ('93) Vomacka of Omaha are proud parents of son Brady Matthew, born in January. He was welcomed home by brother Bryan and sister Brittney.

Jason Werner ('96) of Lowell, Mass. was recently promoted to adolescent counselor supervisor at Harbor School and Family Services at Haverhill Mass. Jason also served as the head coach for the girls basketball team and coached them to their first undefeated season.

Curt Wilwerding ('90) has joined the Omaha Public Power District as an energy marketer.

2000s

Jonna Vanderfeltz Adams ('01) and husband Dustin of Wymore, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Drake John born in May. Jonna graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education this spring. She will be teaching second grade for the Southern Public Schools in Blue Springs this coming year.

David Botsford ('01) is working in Information Assurance for the U.S. Air Force at its Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue, Neb.

Brandi Buck ('01) will be a special education teacher for the Malcolm, Neb. Public Schools this coming year. She is also taking graduate classes through Doane College.

Denika McKenzie Bush ('01) is substitute teaching for the Bellevue and Plattsmouth (Neb.) Public Schools.

Tracy Ried DeVorss ('01) is the accounting manager for the Fort Western Outpost store in Nebraska City.

Jamie Chandler Frederick ('00) and husband Gary of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Dylan Edward, born in February. He was welcomed home by two brothers, David and Cody.

Rebecca Hundley ('01) of Falls City, Neb. is substitute teaching for Falls City and Dawson-Verdon schools and works as a receptionist for Binder Studio, too.

Roblyn Mohr ('00) is Revenue Manager for United Parcel Service in Omaha.

Carne Lenz Oehlerking ('01) is a para-educator for elementary and special education students at the ElmwoodMurdock (Neb.) Schools.

Sasha Kuke:r RightseU is working in Humboldt, Neb. as a Family Development Associate for Southeast Nebraska Community Action (SENCA).

Richard .::nuu.n:1 serve the U.S. Air sioned officer.

Bellevue, Neb. continues to and plans to become a commis-

Bobcat Football Team

Gains Wheat Bowl Invite

The Peru State College Bobcat football squad has accepted an invitation to play in the seventh annual Wheat Bowl Football Classic this coming season.

The small-college version the "Kie koff Classic," the Wheat Bowl is the only preseason bowl game in the nation endorsed the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Peru State will face Baker University of Baldwin City, Kan. in the contest on Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Ellinwood (Kan.) Sports Complex. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Both squads are coming off outstanding seasons and were rated in the Top 20 at the

Bowl-bound Bobcats

Peru State Football Coach Dick Strittmatter (left) introduces the Chairman of the Wheat Bowl, J.D. Gilmer, during a conference on campus this past April at which the Bobcats were invited to participate in the annual football game. The Wheat Bowl, set for Aug. 25 in Ellinwood, Kan., is the NA/A's only pre-season football game. The Bobcats will face Baker (Kan.) University in the clash.

Bobcat Football Seeks Respect

One might think that a football team which finished 8-2, nationally rated, and runner-up in a conference whose winner played for the national championship last season wouldn't suffer from a lack of respect.

But for veteran Bobcat Coach Dick Strittmatter, he believes the Bobcats still haven't gotten their due in the respect department. And his sixth PSC squad is bound and determined to earn respect this fall.

The 'Cats obviously gained some respect around the country, as they have been invited to participate in the seventh annual Wheat Bowl this August in Ellinwood, Kan. It's the only NAIA-sanctioned pre-season bowl game in the nation (see related story).

Strittmatter will rely on eight returning starters on offense and eight on defense to maintain the momentum they picked up last fall, when they finished the year rated 20th in theNAIA.

That's a great year by any measure, but the success only left the 'Cats wanting more. Team goals include winning the Wheat Bowl, taking the Central States Football League crown, and qualifying for the NAIA national playoffs for the first time since 1991.

In order to do that, though, they'll have to overcome a rugged schedule that includes only three games in the Oak Bowl. Another key will be the health of his front-line players and how quickly they can develop some depth. And getting off to a fast start will be critical.

Quarterback Tommy Aldana (Nebraska City) will be back at the helm of the PSC offense. The dangerous senior passed for 1,036

yards and a dozen touchdowns and led the Bobcats with 632 rushing yards and seven tallies last fall.

He'll be throwing to his top four receivers from last fall, including wideouts Matt Beck (Omaha), Jason Niec (Castle Rock, Colo.) and Brett Schnitzer (Nebraska City) and tight end Chad. Beckman (Stromsburg). Beckman was a first-team all-conference performer in 2000.

Leading the charge up front will be seniors Matt Arend. (Ankeny, Iowa) and Josh Smulling (Nebraska City) and junior Josh Johnson (Valley). Strittmatter said filling the holes on the offensive line will be critical.

Defensively, the Bobcats have a veteran linebacking corps with senior Brian Maher (Valley), junior Matt Shelsta and sophomore Chris Masek (Lincoln) back for more. They'll be backed by senior cornerback Jason Hurt (Dannebrog) and sophomore safety Nolan Reil (Milford).

The defensive line leaders will include seniors Ross Luzum (Broken Bow) - an NAIA All-American Scholar-Athlete last fall - and Tod. Schneider (Glenwood, Iowa) at the end spots and tackle Shane Maloley (Lexington) at tackle.

Strittmatter is also fortunate to have two veteran and talented kickers back this season. Both punter Chad Beckman and placekicker Austin Arnold (Stromsburg) were first-team all-conference performers in 2000.

If the Bobcats stay healthy and fill a couple of holes, and can fare well while playing seven of 10 games away from the Oak Bowl, they'll have earned the respect they seek in 2001.

end of the 2000 campaign. For information on the Wheat Bowl Football Classic, write Wheat Bowl headquarters at P.O. Box 115, Ellinwood, Kan. 67526 or call (316) 564-3359.

Grid Coach Moves On

Bobcat Football Coach Dick Strittmatter announced just prior to Peru Stater press time that he was stepping down to accept the head coaching position at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa.

Briar Cliff is just starting its football program and Strittmatter, an Iowa

native, will have an opportunity to build it from the ground up.

He joined PSC in 1995, and in six seasons guided the 'Cats to a 31-26-1 record.

Only three other PSC head coaches recorded more career victories with the Bobcats.

Men's Basketball Seeks Turnaround

Veteran Bobcat mentor John Gibbs knew the 2000-01 season would present plenty of challenges for the Peru State College men's basketball team. He couldn't have anticipated just how many obstacles the squad would face.

The loss of several veteran players and subsequent addition of new faces had Gibbs wondering how, and when, the team would gel. PSC also entered its first season as a member of the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference not knowing what to expect.

But it was a rash of injuries, especially to his guard corps, that had the biggest effect on his team. The result was a final record of 6-20, including losses in the final nine games of the season.

The 'Cats posted a 1-9 record in the MCAC, and they were a perfect 0-12 in games on the road.

Gibbs, who has coached Peru State to more basketball wins than anyone in PSC history, knows what two things it will take to turn the program's fortunes around. One he can control: getting in players who can compete on the MCAC level.

And he's been busy scouting around the country for players who can come in and make an immediate impact.

But the other factor that will determine the success of the program is something Gibbs cannot control: keeping the players healthy.

read t?

Most peopte us "'.Pe:ruviana"' u.wrk hard news.

Champions!

The women's basketball teams in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference got a good introduction to their newest member this past season. The Peru State Bobcats, coached by Tab Jefferson (front left), claimed the regular-season and post-season conference titles and grabbed a spot in the NAIA National Tournament. At nationals the team posted only the second national tournament victory in school history with an opening round win, then fell to the eventual national champs in the second round. Presenting Jefferson with the conference tournament championship plaque is PSC Vice President for Student Services Ted L. Harshbarger ( '77).

Bobcats ve re t Vear

The Peru State College women's basketball team assaulted the books in more ways than one during their outstanding 2000-2001 season.

The squad posted a 20-10 record, won the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference regular-season and post-season crowns in their first year as members, made the NAIA National Tournament, and posted a national tourney win for just the second time in school history.

The Bobcats advanced to the second round of the NAIA national tournament, where they lost to eventual national champion Northwestern (Iowa). It was the second year in a row the 'Cats were ousted from the national tourney by the eventual champ.

Five members of the team were named AllAmerican Scholar-Athletes by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA); in addition, junior Tonya Volk (Battle Creek) was selected as a Second-Team NAIA All-American. Volk led Peru State in scoring, 13.1 points per game, and rebounding, 8.1 per game, while swatting a school season record 81 blocked shots.

Tonya Volk, Tiffany Volk (senior, Battle Creek), Lexi Ehlers (senior, Superior), Sarah Dorrel (senior, Bolckow MO.) and Caprecia Christianson (junior, Omaha) all were chosen as All-American Scholar-Athletes by the NAIA.

Tiffany Volk, Dorrel and Ehlers all were repeat choices on the academic squad.

The Bobcats were every bit as successful in the classroom as they were on the court for Coach Tab Jefferson this year. The team cumulative grade point average for all squad mem-

bers stands at a sparkling 3.58.

In fact, every member of the team has a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on PSC's 4.0 grading scale.

Several members of the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference championship team moved up the charts in the Peru State record book, too.

Tiffany Volk is now second place on the single-season chart for both three point field goals made (71) and attempted (175). Her 40.6 percent three-point shooting percentage is fifth on the single-season list. She also stands third on the PSC career list for three pointers made (122) and fourth in attempts (319).

Lexi Ehlers moved up to fourth in three point field goals made in a season (57) and tenth in attempts (133), and her 37.6 three point field goal percentage is eleventh on the single-season list. Ehlers is now second all-time in career three point field goals (13 2) and third in attempts (336).

Tonya Volk set a new single-season record at PSC with her 81 blocked shots. She also finished ninth on the single-season field goal list with 175. Though just a junior, she also owns the career blocked shots record (135) and is now seventeenth in career rebounds (436).

Sarah Dorrel made the career chart in two different categories. Her 114 games played is now sixth all-time in PSC history, and her 536 rebounds is good for twelfth place.

Tammi Thompson (senior, Harlan Iowa) also finished on the career charts in two categories. Her 576 rebounds places her tenth alltime, and her 987 points scored is tweflth on the career list.

But we read every newspaper tind • .nnb o:lher scurce·for alumni news. We need ym,rr.Mlp.

Did you. ora Peru Sm.ter you know, recently get promoted? ChmlgeJobs? Htl:OO a baby? Get··mamed? Be featured m a neu1spaper or magat:ine article? Receive an hotu.Jr or awiard? Retire?

We Want To Know About It M And So Do Your Pem :mends!

It's· so easy. complete .Q.Td send in ·this Please type cr prlttt l4gibly Md send w: The Pem Stat.a;. P.O. Box 1O Peru, Nebt'a:$ka 68421

Volleyball Heads in New Direction

Though the veterans on the Peru State College volleyball team will open the 2001 season with their third head coach in the past 12 months, expectations remain high for one of the strongest collegiate programs in the area.

Fred Aubuchon joined the PSC program this past spring. While he won't have the services of several outstanding seniors who finished their careers during the 21-12 season last fall, the cupboard is hardly bare.

'Cats to Di2 In

Meghan Scanlan and the rest of the Bobcat volleyball team is getting geared up for the 2001 campaign. A solid nucleus of returning players and a good recruiting class will need to come together under a new coach, Fred Aubuchon, for the Bobcats to continue their successful tradition. Meghan's father is '78 alumnus Jeff Scanlan of Plattsmouth, Neb.

(Photo by Elizabeth Olsen)

The Peru State College softball squad made a big impression in its first year of membership in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference by placing six players on the conference all-star squad.

Four Bobcats were on the MCAC first team, and two more were on the second team, according to Bobcat Coach Mark Mathews. Only two of the all-stars were seniors for the 'Cats, who posted a 19-27 record and made the MCAC playoffs this season.

"I'm happy with what I've seen of the current players," Aubuchon said. "I think we will be as competitive as Peru State has been in the past couple of years. If the leaders can do their job and the incoming players live up to expectations, we'll do well."

The "leaders" Aubuchon referred to are seniors Janelle Findlay (Stella) and Jenny Pitzl (Omaha). Both will be heavily counted on both as performers and as inspiration for their teammates. Aubuchon said both will be asked to play two positions and he called them his "go-to players."

Findlay was an honorable mention NAIA All-American during her award-winning junior season and is a strong contender for All-American honors this fall.

Heading the list of newcomers is Anna Wheeler (Bellevue), who is transferring from the University of Kansas and who will be expected to

the void left by the graduation of PSC's middle hitters. Wheeler needs to come to fall camp ready to play: "It's (middle hitter) the position where we have the least experience." Another transfer who Aubuchon said will be counted on will be Katie Mathiesen (David City), who is coming

Alexander and catcher Shannon Cole made the second team.

''We were a young team, and though we lost a lot of one-run games it was a rewarding year," Mathews said. "This was a team that tried hard and was always in every game."

The Bobcats dropped 14 one-run games on the year. Still, they managed to qualify for the MCAC post-season tournament in their first year in the conference, and the team's youth makes prospects for next season promising.

Godfrey had a record-setting season on the mound for the 'Cats as she went 9-8. Her 2.17 earned run average was the tenth best on the PSC single-season charts, and her 82 strikeouts ranks her third all-time. She started 22 games, tied for sixth alltime in PSC history, and her 16 complete games for ninth.

Godfrey's 132 innings pitched were good for all-time. She threw five shutouts on the year. Godfrey also sported a .258 batting average.

Jamie McBride, a sophomore center fielder from Atlantic, Iowa, led the Bobcats with a .346 batting average. She had 11 extra-base hits including five

over from Southeast Community College-Beatrice.

As to his approach to the game, Aubuchon said Bobcat fans will see some fundamental changes - partially brought about by rule changes going into effect this fall.

"We'll play with intensity but not with false enthusiasm," he said. "You'll see us show a lot of composure and not get overly excited."

With the implementation of rally scoring this seasonbasically, a point is scored on each serve, with side-outs counting one point Aubuchon said his team will play a more "European style" of volleyball. The games will move along at a much faster pace, he predicts.

Though Aubuchon is optimistic about PSC prospects for 2001, he's also realistic and knows it will take time for the newcomers to blend in with veterans, and for all of the players to adjust to a new coach and a new style.

"We can't get too excited too early in the year - our goal will be to build toward conference play," he said. "The (Midlands Collegiate Athletic) Conference will be very tough - we hope we can finish the year in the top three."

Aubuchon New Volleyball Coach

Fred Aubuchon brings a sparkling record to Peru State College, where he has been appointed H e a d Volleyball A b h Coach of u u.c on the Bobcats.

Aubuchon was chosen from a strong pool of candidates vying to head the Bobcat program, which has enjoyed winning seasons eight of the past 10 years and has had equal success in the classroom, noted President Ben E. Johnson.

"We are setting some lofty goals," Aubuchon said. "We have some powerful players coming back and Peru State has had some good seasons recently. I'll do everything I can to get us to the national tournament."

For the past five seasons, Aubuchon was head volleyball coach at Owens Community College Toledo, Ohio. Each of those seasons he took his squad to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national tournament, finishing third the last three consecutive seasons.

triples, tied for sixth on the school charts. McBride had a .975 fielding percentage, eight steals, and a dozen RBis.

First baseman Ann Momin (Omaha) posted a .341 batting average and a teamleading 20 RBis. Momin racked up 42 hits and a .434 on-base percentage. The senior co-captain was nearly flawless in the field with a .994 fielding percentage.

Sara Roberts (Omaha), the Bobcat shortstop and co-captain, posted another solid season for the Bobcats. She batted .333 while being the only player on the team to start every game. Her 46 hits were best on the squad, as were her 13 extra base hits. Roberts drove in 19 runs on the year, too.

Carrie Alexander (sophomore, Johnson) had an eye-catching· second season for the squad. She batted .290 with 17 runs and 13 RBis. Her eight steals were tied with McBride for best on the team, and she had a .966 fielding percentage in the outfield.

Auburn freshman Shannon Cole turned a lot of heads in her first year of college softball. The catcher batted .305 and drove in 19 runs, while registering 32 hits and scoring 13 runs.

His squads have posted a 152-76 record and have finished first or second in their conference in each of Aubuchon's five seasons. Aubuchon has coached nine NJCAA All-Americans, and two of his players were voted as the conference "Player of the Year."

Aubuchon competed at the collegiate level at the University of Toledo and at Central Michigan University. His bachelors degree is from Central Michigan and his masters is from the University of Toledo.

"We have some nice talent returning, maybe more than I anticipated, with a couple of seniors who I would call 'impact players'," he said. The Bobcats were 21-12 last season.

Aubuchon is the tenth head coach in PSC history.

obcat Baseball Pl rs H nor d

Though the Bobcat baseball squad didn't enjoy the collective success that it hoped for this past season, it was a good year for several members of the team.

The youthful Bobcat squad battled through injuries all season long enroute to a 13-28 season. They did qualify for the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference playoffs in their first season of confer-

ence affiliation, and five PSC baseball players collected post-season honors from the MCAC.

The five include first-team all-conference third baseman Monte Scott and four honorable mention choices: pitcher Derek Dallorto, outfielder Wes Haveman, first baseman Ben Kassera, and catcher Brad Wolansky.

Of the group, only Haveman is a senior, noted Bobcat Head Coach Mark Bayliss.

"In order to be all-conference, a player has to be consistent and put up good numbers all year," Bayliss noted. "All five of these men were leaders not just on the field but off the field, too."

Scott, a 6-1 junior from Calgary, Alberta, had another outstanding season on the heels of his honorable mention NAIA All-American campaign a year ago. Scott batted .381 on the year, and a dozen of his

Where Is the Class of '61?

Actually, we know where most of the members of the Class of '61 are these days. But we've lost contact with about 30 of them over the course of these last 40 years.

With a little help from you, we would like to take them off the "lost alumni" list and get them back on the Peru Stater mailing list. So if you know of a current, home address for any of the following, please contact us. Send the information to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P:O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421 or call (402) 872-2225 or e-mail him at propst@bobcat.peru.edu.

Allen, Richard E. Anderson, Sara (Blue) Andrews, Loma

Baehr, Rosalie

Barnard, Janice (Magill)

Boden, Kaye (Jacobson)

Brady, Peg (Malcom)

Brown, Sharon L. (Bailey)

Broyles, Annabelle (Ross)

Carlson, Pat (Shelly)

Enright, James

Frey, Nancy

Hardy, Jack

Harroun, Edna (McGovern)

Heard, Kathleen (Streich)

Lee, Joseph W.

Lindell, Orvin A.

Mincer, Tom R.

Morgan, Larry W.

Pardue, David

Partridge, Jerry G.

Ridgeway, Ernest

Schauer, Eulalia

Sheehan, Tom

Snyder, Donna L. (Johnson)

Tyson, Dorothy I. (Holm)

Wach, Deanna W. (McNemy)

Yost, Pamela

team-high 51 hits were for extra bases.

Scott also led the team in runs batted in with 40 and in on-base percentage at .445. He was the only member of the team to start all 41 games. Scott was also a factor on the mound, posting a 3.20 earned run average and five saves in 10 relief appearances.

Dallorto, a 6-4 junior from St. Albert, Alberta, led the Bobcat pitching staff with a 3.09 earned run average. He was 3-4 in his eight starts, and his 25 strikeouts were secondbest on the staff. Dallorto has pitched 197 .1 innings in his Bobcat career, fourth-most on the all-time charts. A three-

A Sterling Career

PSC President Ben Johnson presented Hastings College women's basketball Coach Ken Rhodus ( '62) with a plaque commemorating the longtime Bronco mentor's outstanding career. Dr. Rhodus hung up his whistle after leading his squad to another appearance in the NAIA national tournament this past season.

(Photo by Kent Propst)

year starter, his 12 career victories puts him tenth on the Bobcat all-time list with an entire season to go. Dallorto also cracked the school Top 10 list in career strikeouts; his 137 is good for eighth all-time in Bobcat history. And his 33 career starts ranks fourth alltime, too.

Haveman, a 6-2 senior from Shubert, batted .327 with 22 runs batted in as an outfielder. The Bobcat veteran was also in the starting rotation on the mound, and his 27 strikeouts was tied for tops on the squad. Haveman posted a 2-6 record and 5.74 earned run average.

Kassem, a 5- 7 junior from Omaha, played first base for

the Bobcats.

He hit a team-best .382 with 50 hits, and his 17 doubles rates fourth on PSC's singleseason list.

His 36 career doubles stands second on PSC's all-time list. Kassera smacked a team-best 20 extra base hits overall this year, and he was second on the squad in both RBis (37) and hits (50).

Wolansky, a 6-0 freshman catcher, got a great start to his Bobcat career by hitting .327 in 38 starts. He piled up hits and 22 RBis, and his .435 on-base percentage rated second on the team. He led the Bobcats with a .980 fielding percentage, too.

Enrollment Stays On Course, Grows On-Line

Enrollment for the spring semester at Peru State College showed strength in the two of three traditional sectors, and in a relatively new one, too.

Overall enrollment was surprisingly strong given a relatively large number of mid-term (December 2000) graduates. On-campus emollment was up sharply, while off-campus emollment dipped, according to President Ben E. Johnson.

Total enrollment was 1, 77 4 compared to 1, 780 at the same time a year ago, a decline of just six students. On-campus enrollment was 962, a gain of almost nine percent from a year ago, while off-campus attendance was 812, down by 9.5 percent.

"I'm happy to see the positive trends, but I can't say it is a surprise," Dr. Johnson said. "Our faculty and staff are working harder than ever to provide a quality experience for our students. That makes a big difference.

"I think, too, the excitement of all of the construction activity on campus adds to the atmosphere," he added. "People want to be a part of Peru State College these days."

If the emollment figures didn't surprise him,

Johnson did confess that the number of students taking internet-based coursework raised his eyebrows.

A total of 264 students studied on-line at Peru State College this semester.

That computes to 14.8 percent of the student body, which led to another surprising discovery. Only 111 were "internet-only" - meaning that 153 took a mix of traditional courses at the main campus or at one of PSC's extension sites, as well as internet-based courses.

"We're really only now entering the field of internet coursework, and to have this type of response is extremely encouraging," Johnson said. "We knew it would be a great resource for place-bound students, but we didn't anticipate our own continuing students would be so quick to take advantage of these classes.

"Part of our mandate from the Legislature and the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education is to do a better job of serving people who cannot take courses on our home campus," Johnson noted. "Our growing focus on internet classes is a direct result of that charge. I suspect we've only scratched the surface."

Peru State College, P.O. Box 10

Office of Admissions

Telephone Number ,

'HAiL TO:

Your Name ___________________ _

attending Peru State College. Just fill out the fonn below and send it in. Student, ________ _

Your greatest contribution may well be the name of so:meone interested in Name

in the mid-1960s. (Photo by Kent Propst) AFUTU 8'1.-u&tat

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.... And LOTS of news

•Sara.Glathar Stays Home .•. ................. '.., ..... 15

• lt'sDr!OowneyNow, ........ , ....................................... page 13

• Snyder Cited For Excellence page 12.

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Peru, NE 68421-0010 Address Service Requested

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Peru. Nebraska 68421 The Peru Stater

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Peru State College

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New Hoyt Science Addition Opens; First New Academic Space Since '60s

Peru State College alumni, faculty and friends have been telling state officials for years that the Campus of A Thousand Oaks has been neglected for too long when it comes to facilities.

That pattern came to a screeching halt this past August when PSC science students walked through the doors and into the new addition to W.E Hoyt Science Hall. The multi-million dollar project added almost 14,000.square feet to Hoyt.

More importantly, it marked the first newly-built academic space at PSC since the Victor H. Jindra Fine Arts Building was completed in 1966.

"It's pretty amazing to think that it has been 35 years since this college, or any college for that matter, had new academic facilities," noted President Ben Johnson. "That's too long. But we're catching up in a now."

Remodel original

Johnson noted that even now, construction crews are doing a complete remodel of the original part of the over .70-year-old Hoyt, and that should be done next spring. Not long after that, work should begin on the $6.5 million project to turn the Old Gym into a new Library, and the current Library into the new Academic Resource Center.

In fact, when one totals up all of the construction projects recently completed, the projects currently underway, and those that have been approved and funded, it adds up to nearly $16 million worth of work on the campus of Nebraska's first college.

Not by a long shot is all of that money being provided by Nebraska taxpayers, Johnson is quick to point out. Residence hall fees and other student fees make up nearly $2 million that went into PSC dormitories. The PSC Foundation, and the College's own "cash fund" (primarily from tuition income), are other major sources of support.

"No one expects Nebraska citizens to be anything more than partners in the progress WP are making at Peru State College," Johnson said. "In fact, we're going to have to rely more and more on ourselves and our supporters to make the kinds of enhancements that our students deserve. And that's not just at

Criminal Justice May Stand Alone At Peru State College

Dr. Kelly Asmussen, associate professor of criminal justice, is one step away from seeing his dream of having a stand-alone criminal justice major become reality.

A New Era

Something remarkable happened at Peru State College this past fall. For the first time in 35 years, students on the Campus of A Thousand Oaks walked into a newly-built academic facility. Joston Wassam (pictured), a PSC sophomi>re physical science major from Deshler, Neb., is pictured working in one of the labs in the new addition to Hoyt Science Hall. ·

Kent Propst)

Peru State, but at most public colleges and universities across the country."

Buildings, grounds

Though the Hoyt addition was the most notable, and most expensive, project to be wrapped up this fall, Johnson was quick to point to the nearly $2 million renovation and addition to the Campus Services building as a major step forward.

"Our buildings and grounds, and the crews that take care of them, have been given short shrift for too long," Johnson said. "And it shows in the condition of some of our facilities. We've come a long way, but we realize we still have a ways to go to make this beautiful campus as aesthetically appealing as it can and should be."

Never one to wait around for things to happen, Dr. Johnson and his staff are hard at work on a plan to renovate Eliza Morgan Hall, the women's residence hall at

PSC.

And he and Dr. Dan Johnson with the PSC Foundation are actively pursuing private gifts for a significant upgrade to the Oak Bowl football stadium and the Al Wheeler Activity Center multipurpose facility.

Facilities, he acknowledges, are but one piece of the pie. People and programs are even more important. Progress has been made on those fronts as well.

Yet when a college goes decades with little new construction and without a significant investment in its infrastructure, it can have a negative effect on those people and programs. The entire atmosphere can be impacted.

"That's not the case at Peru State , College any more," Johnson said. "We have a glorious history. And now we have an exciting future to match it and to, quite literally, build upon."

After receiving approval from the State Board of Trustees in September, only the approval of the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education was needed to implement the new major. PSC officials were optimistic for approval at the CCPE meeting in midNovember.

It would mark Peru State's first new undergraduate major since 1982-83 when Computer Science was added. In fact, PSC's cuniculum has dropped from 19 majors then to a dozen today, noted President Ben E. Johnson.

Adding the major is a process that has been in the works since Asmussen, who is now in his eighth year at PSC, an·ived on campus.

"I saw that the demand and need was there. It has been my focus since I came here than we would have a standalone criminal justice major because I believed it was

going to be a very viable, good program to be able to offer, and that has been substantiated _ the numbers." said Asmussen.

The numbers He criminal justice gram is currently a psychology/sociology Students within the major have the option of.pursuing criminal justice as their area of concentration, thereby graduating wi.th a degree in psychology/sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice.

Student interest in the criminal justice option was the primary motivator for creating the stand-alone program.

"I have seen the demand from students grow from my first year with 15 students enrolled in the criminal justice option to over 80 today," said Asmussen.

"Todd Drew [Dean of Professional Studies at PSC] and I have worked on this very hard to really challenge ourselves to determine what is the best use of the resources we have available, what really are the student needs," said Asmussen.

(Continued on Page 2)

You May Not Want To 'Miss May Reunion.

It's time for all of you. "Golden Grads" to start thinking about the 2002 May Reunion!

Peru State's annual Reunion for its 50-year (and earlier) alumni is scheduled for the weekend of May 3-4. All alumni. from the class years 1942-1953 will. receive invitations sometime th.is spring.

This year's Honored Class will. be that great Class of 1952. A search is underway for "lost" members of that class (see listing inside this edition of the Stater). Their special guests will be the Class of

For more information about the May Reunion contact Kent Propst atthe College by calling (402) 872'-2,22,5.

Drew Now Permanent Dean, Professional Studies

Todd Drew, formerly interim dean of the School of Professional Studies, has made quite a name for himself at Peru State College.

"I probably have the fastest career track of anyone in higher education," joked Drew.

That statement may not be far from the truth. Drew came to Peru State College in 1999 as an assistant professor of management. He taught for a year before being asked to act as division chair for PSC's business program during the summer of 2000.

At the end of the summer PSC switched from an administrative system of four academic divisions to that of three schools. Drew's division head position became obsolete and a dean was sought to head the newly formed School of Professional Studies.

After an unsuccessful search PSC was without a dean as the

Dean Drew

academic year rapidly approached. This prompted Peru State to ask Drew to serve a two-year term as interim. In September, Drew was asked to make dean his permanent title.

"Todd's performance has been exceptional, and I've been very impressed by his leadership skills and his managerial insights," said Dr. Jerome Martin, vice president of academic affairs.

Uncertain at first

"I was ambivalent at first about doing an administrative role like this because it's hard work," said Drew of the dean position.

"It's frankly hard to keep up with President (Ben) Johnson and Vice President (of Academic Affairs) Martin. They have all these plans and visions, and they set a breakneck pace for turning Peru around and making it the best college it can be.

"The reason I agreed to do it

is because everyone here is so supportive. I'm very, very lucky in this role because the people I work with are people with a lot of experience; they are experts in education, they are self-motivated to do the right thing for students as much as they possibly can."

Much of the same

The biggest change that Drew anticipates is a reduction in the number of classes he'll teach. His first year as interim dean he taught a full load of classes. This semester he has only one, but next semester he will have three because of a faculty vacancy.

"One of the big goals I have for this year is getting all of our open positions staffed. I can't continue to teach this much and fulfill my ad11Ii'nistrative duties," said Drew.

He credits the staff he works with for the success he's had thus far in juggling teaching and administrative work. ·

"Several of the faculty in the school (of professional studies) have been administrators before," said Drew. "It's good to work with people that know both sides of the fence, what it's like to be on the administrative end of things and the teaching end of things.

"We have some of the best faculty in this school that I have seen in my travels either sitting in the classroom or actually teaching and talking with colleagues in other places. Those kinds of things make me feel better about the opportunity. 'Changes that matter'

"Drs. (Jim) Thomas and (Kelly) Asmussen being such strong, capable department heads really made this opportunity attractive. And if it weren't for Linda Staples (the secretary)

I wouldn't be doing this at all; she's been great to work with and keeps everyone up to speed. Basically everyone in this school has worked hard to develop ideas and to get things implemented · and to make changes that matter."

Many of Drew's goals for the school of professional studies were completed earlier this year as an extension of work begun last year.

"Last year we stmted a rather comprehensive campaign to completely revise the curriculum in all the areas of the school with an eye toward making every one of those degrees more powerful in the market," said Drew. "We have two simple missions in this school. One is that we want to prepare people to 'Work and be successful. We also want to make sure that those who want to pursue graduate studies can do that and compete with the best to get into graduate programs. We used these two perspectives to review our programs."

Look ahead, abroad

Looking even further ahead, Drew is looking abroad.. Inspired by work he did in the Philippines as part of his own schooling in business administration, Drew hopes to provide students at Peru with similar experiences.

"A longer term goal I have is to develop more of a sustainable competitive advantage for our programs, think of something really interesting, develop some very unique program ideas that we can use to market our school-like the international trips Dr. Asmussen has been successfully conducting over the years for our Criminal Justice students," said Drew. "It might have something to do with inter-

Criminal Justice.................................................. From Page 1

"It's not about what I or Todd want, it's about what are the students' needs, and how can we best meet those needs."

"What we're trying to do is reinforce the successful growth of this [criminal justice option] program and hopefully encourage it to continue to grow," said Dr. Jerome Mmtin, vice president of academic affairs at PSC.

Responding to needs

Students were not the only factor in the decision to add the new major.

"I think the addition of this degree also demonstrates our desire to respond to employer needs in Southeast Nebraska," said Martin. "The work that we did talking with employers across the region, gaining insight into .their desires for new graduates, helped us in shaping a degree that meets the needs of those who are hiring."

Building the major around employer needs is expected to not only help the via-

bility program, but also to improve the employability of students graduating from the program.

"By creating a stand-alone major, we are looking at what skills employers are requesting students to have when they graduate," said Asmussen. "What we are doing is restructuring the criminal justice program to better develop those skills. An example of that is within the major there will be two options."

Costs will be minimal

The cost to add the new major will be minimal because it involves restructuring the current program rather than creating a totally new program. Existing classes have been revised, combined, or eliminated. Though new classes have been added, additional faculty have not.

Instead of hiring new faculty, responsibilities have been shifted within the School of Professional Studies to accommodate i:he needs of the new major.

Martin said that the college does plan to hire a criminal justice faculty member in the future to complement Asmussen.

"We believe that in the future the demand will require us to add additional faculty," said Asmussen. "I think the demand is there, we just have to get the program going and demonstrate that there is a need to expand the faculty, just as we had to demonstrate the need for the major."

There are high hopes for the new program.

"I'm excited about being able to see this come to fruition," said Asmussen. "I'm excited about what the future holds for the program."

"When we build a program like this, we expect it to be strong academically, and it should be something we will be proud to say is a key program here at Peru State College," said Martin.

national programs or it might take another direction entirely."

Changes at the workplace are not the only ones Drew has experienced recently. Shortly after being named permanent dean, Drew and his wife, Suzanne, welcomed their firstborn into the world. William Tucker Drew was born on Oct. 3 in Lincoln, where Drew and his family live.

Upon Drew's return from paternity leave, the staff of the school of professional studies threw him a baby shower. That spirit of camaraderie is one of Drew's favorite things about his job, and about Peru.

Another is the vast amount of opportunity that he sees in the college.

"One of the great things about Peru is we have all kinds of upside potential," said Drew. "We've got all this fabulous construction going on, we remain one of the least expensive options for four-year higher education in the region, and we've got the small class sizes and the commitment to education that puts students first. We've really got a mix of things we can use to increase enrollment substantially.

"That's the thing I'm really excited about-there's so much potential you almost wonder which opportunity to exploit first," Drew said.

Il1k<e !PenWt St@tte1r -)

President

Dr. Ben E. Johnson

Editor Kent Propst (' 81)

Features

Kay Stander, Kristi Nies

Assistants

Carolyn Bredemeier

Jackie Baker Williams (' 81)

Sports Jerre Cole

Scott Nelsen ('03)

Photography

Elizabeth Olsen ('02)

The Peru Stater is published three times per year by Peru State College with the suppport of the PSC Foundation. The Stater is printed at the Beatrice (Neb.) Daily Sun.

Send comments, news items and address changes to: The Peru Stater, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Nebraska 68421-0010. The Peru State College phone number is (402) 872-3815. Send e-mail to:kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu

Rocky Mountain Reunion Finds Spectacular Setting

It would be µard to imagine a more spectacular location for a reunion of Peruvians than Mount Vernon Country Club near Golden, Colo., the site of the 2001 Rocky Mountain Association meeting.

Thirty-five Peru Stater's gathered on a Saturday in early. August to feast on the visual splendor, as well as the excellent food, at Mount Vernon. And of course there was plenty of laughter, chatter and news passed around to boot.

The meeting was called to order by Chapter President James "Mick" Bornemeier ('51). Minutes of the 2000 meeting by Carol Duerfeldt Whitcomb ('52) and a current treasurer's report by Pat Benford Bornemeier ('52) were handed out.

Jon Ruby ('58) talked about his hopes for a Blue Devils/White Angels reunion in the fall back on the Campus of A Thousand Oaks.

PSC President Ben Johnson reviewed the many improvements and new initiatives underway at the College. In particular he pointed with pride to the soon-to-open additions to Hoyt Science Hall and the Campus Services Building, and plans to renovate the Old Gym and the Library at PSC.

About the only thing that can slow momentum, Dr.

Nice to Meet You

One of the best things about PSC alumni meetings is when people from different eras meet and discover they have something in common - the Campus of A Thousand Oaks. Rocky Mountain Alurnni,participants Ken Denning ('80) of Loveland, Colo. and Joyce Hladik Bowling ('49) of Arvada, Colo. share a conversation during the reunion in Golden this past summer.

(Photo by Kent Propst) Johnson said, was the prospect President Beth Propst Mierau of budget cuts being discussed ('82) for their exemplary serby Nebraska state government vice to the chapter in the past leaders. year.

The Chapter presented spe- Gifts were also presented to cial gifts to President Johnson the irrepressible Fern Ferree and his wife Dale, as well as to Pickering ('20) as the Earliest PSC alumni officer Kent Alumnus in Attendance, and to Propst ('81) and his wife, the Jon Mierau ('00) for being former Becki Young ('80). the Most Recent Graduate.

Dale ('54) and Ann Officers were chosen to (Fellows '56) Moore were guide the RMAA fortunes in also honored for bringing the 2001-02. Beth Mierau will be chapter reunion to Mount President, Dale Moore will Vernon and for their help in serve as Vice President, Mick coordinating the event. Bornemeier as Past President, They in turn gave gifts to Carol Whitcomb as Secretary, the Bornemeier's, to Carol and Pat Bornemeier as Duerfeldt, and to Chapter Vice Treasurer.

Remember When ... ?

Catching up on old times at the reunion ofl960s alums in Massachusetts this past summer were, among others, Kevin O'Connor, Jack O'Connor, Garth Adams, and Dave Gomon. Bobcatfaithfulfrom across the country converged on Chuck Colebrook's Cove in Worcester for two days of playing the "remember when" game.

The '60s Live AgainMassachusetts Reunion

It's not a "real" chapter; no "officers" run the show, and you'd never get this group to agree to an agenda. They don't meet every year, and if you're on the list of invitees, you' re one of the fortunate few.

But you aren't likely to see a more fun-loving, Peru-loving bunch of alums in one place than you saw in Worcester, Mass. this past July during the "unofficial" reunion of 1960sera Bobcats.

Coordinated and hosted by Chuck Colebrook ('66) at his "Colebrook's Cove" in Worcester, the event drew an

estimated 50 or so Bobcats from across the country. Two days of tall tales and laughter were the orders of the weekend in late July. Will they do it again? Who knows, but given the true blue spirit of the group, we'd say the odds are good. When? Again, nobody knows for certain. Even the Where? is a mystery.

But one thing is for certain: this is a very special event, and anyone who has an opportunity to participate should make every effort to do so. This is an atmosphere that is completely unique.

r.One of the great challenges in maintaining our Peru Stater records is trying to keep track of our alumni.

Our mailing list changes almost literally on a daily basis. Updating an address is never a problem; what does cause us distress is when we lose track of a Peruvian gether.

Following is a list of Peruvians who have been added to our "lost alumni" list in the fast couple of months. Thanks to many alert readers, we've determined that finding them quickly is much easier than tracking them down after they've been on our "lost" list for years.

So please, help us find these recently "lost" alumni. Senq current, home addresses to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 6842L-0010 or e-mail him at kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu

or call (402) 872-2225.

Daniel Stoakes - 2001

Tiffany Chisholm - 1999

Eric A. Johnson-1999

Charles Walling - 1998

Anna Heinzmann Grubb1997

Shawn Grubb - 1997

Katherine Hilgenfeld Heim -1997

Allyson Mcinerney - 1997

Linda Estes - 1995

Amy Hartgrave - 1995

Kimberly Thuman Tilley1993

Dawn Walton - 1993

Cheryl Warchol Renker1988

Cary Culler - 1984

Geraldine Hammers Bassinger-1982

M. Eleanor Preston - 1982

Dawn Lytle Holmes -1979

Catherine Pfeiffer Knoll1977

Steven Frerichs - 1976

Michael Kent Knoll - 1976

Annie Jones Rucker - 1976

Elda Lindquist - 1972

Richard Bencivenni - 1968

Bernard Scott - 1968

Sarah Dotson - 1966

John Parli - 1962

Marvin Johnson - 1957

Virginia Handley Jensen1951

Don Jenson - 1950

Irene Roberts - 1949

Sophia Antholtz Petersen1942

Mildred Hubka Guida1941

Olin C. Keithley - 1936

J.W. Jones - 1928

Frances Lorbeer - friend

Our special thanks to those who helped in recent months to find "lost alumni": Judy French Jensen ('63), Linda Stephens Gomon ('64), Richard Good ('49), Judy Green Grotrian ('72), Florence Duda Smith ('51), and Earl Webb ('53).

Omaha Alums Clean Highway

In the Spring of 2000, under the leadership of co-Presidents Myrt ('47) and Dee (Leonard '42) Hall, the Omaha-Area Alumni Association "adopted" a two-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 75, north of the "Peru corner" on Highway 67.

The group involved itself in the project as a means of visibility for Pern State College and the OmahaArea Alums and as a service project in Peru State's service region.

For continued participation in the program, Omaha-Area alumni must clean its designated portion of highway at least twice a year. In return, the State Department of Roads has erected a sign signifying that the road has been adopted by the Omaha Alumni Association.

Those helping to beautify Southeast Nebraska in September of this year were: Monte ('63) and Judy (Adams '62) Allgood, Mark Shively ('79), Theresa Polsley Krajicek ('85) and SaraBeth Donovan ('85). Those who made the first "sweep" last year were Myrt Hall, Nick Stolzer ('58), and SaraBeth.

A big thank you to all who have participated in this worthy project!

If you are interested in lending a helping hand next Spring, please contact SaraBeth Donovan, this year's OAA President. You can reach her by calling the PSC Foundation office at (402) 872-2304 or by e-mailing her at sdonovan@oakmail.pern.edu.

Editor's Note: T h i s is part of an ongoing series of stories about some of the people who were involved in the Navy V-SN-12 Officer's Training Program at Peru State College during World War II and who remain close to the Campus of A Thousand Oaks today.

In 1943 Rudy Jacuzzi entered the University of California at Berkeley but left after the first semester to join the Navy. He was immediately deployed to Peru State College for training and studies in the V-5 program.

where in addition to training and studies he played drums in the unit's swing band "The Solid Macs."

At Peru Rudy was known for his charming personality, his sense of percussive rhythm and his exceptional ability in engineering and mathematics. It was never clear which of these characteristics was responsible for the crowds of admiring coeds which would surround the drummer for the Solid Macs whenever the group would play.

Rudy says that, vicious rumors to the contrary, the girls were only interested in checking their math homework with his.

Houston, Texas until the war ended. After the war Rudy attended the University of California at Berkeley, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering.

Emerging industry

From 1948 until 1954 Rudy worked for Jacuzzi Bros., Inc, rising to the position of district sales manager. In the early '50's he saw great potential in the emerging home swimming pool building industry and approached management with the idea of forming such a division. The company decided against this direction.

In 1954 Rudy left Jacuzzi Brothers and formed International Manufacturing Company. The new company made swimming pool equip- He served a year at Peru

After Peru the Navy sent Rudy to Rice Institute in .,

Sllir<o>filll

Greetings from the Foundation!

I am now six months into my new job as Director of Planned Giving at PSCand1 love. it! Why? Because every single day is an enjoyable experience. I spend my days talking to interesting alumni and friends, updating folks on the many exciting things happening on and off campus, and assisting people in one of the most emotional, but necessary, processes they must undertake - - estate planning.

_

Such planning is often difficult because it is time-consuming, many don't think it is necessary, and it forces us to think about our eventual demise.

My job is easy, because Peruvians are genuine and we enjoy a special bond. I am now in the process of contacting those of you who expressed, through our ongoing sun1ey, some level of interest in including Peru State College in your estate plans. Please keep in mind, when contacted, that your comfort level is most important. I am here to assist, not to make people uneasy. After all, I am just a Peru State graduate like many of you and that is what is most important.

It's necessary

So what about those of you who think estate planning is not necessary because you don't have kids or you believe you don't have an estate worth anything? Well, everyone has an estate of some kind, because everyone owns some personal property or has financial dealings of some kind. Do you realize that if you die without a will, the IRS could become your beneficiary and the court will determine how your property and assets are distributed? It is much easier to plan nott'\ than to have the system and your.family, !f they even get the chance, sort it out later.

Estate planning is absolutely essential, even with the recent changes in the tax code and the graduated repeal of the.estate tax,

regardless o[whether you are married, single or have children, regardless of your current salary or monthly benefits, and regardless of whether you intend for your assets to go to your f amity or to charity.

Charitable planned giving consists of two main parts: current plann.ed gifts,. which SaraBeth Donovan are given dunng your lifetime, and deferred planned gifts, which are realized after death. Examples of current planned gifts are: transfers of appreciated property (stock, real estate, or personal property), or gifts through Charitable Remainder Trusts (assets are placed in trust, the trust provides income during your lifetime and remaining assets go to a named charity after death). Examples of deferred giving include naming PSC as the beneficiary in a will, of a life insurance policy, or of a pension or retirement plan.

Many opportunities

The above list of examples is certainly not exhaustive. Numerous vehicles for charitable giving exist, all of which will allow for some type of current and!orfuture tax savings, such as current income tax deductions, capital gains tax avoidance and estate tax reductions. All individual circumstances are unique; therefore, planning is essential.

If you take nothing else away from this article, please take this: Plan, Plan, Plan, for yourselves and for your loved ones.

For more information on planned giving, or Peru State College and Foundation in general, please contact me at: 402-8912487; P.O. Box JO, Peru, NE 68421; sdonovan@oakmail.peru.edu. Thank you.fot your continued interest and support!

ment. He built equipment by night in a friend's machine shop and sold it by day from the back of his car.

The business grew and in 1955 he moved into a rental facility in Walnut Creek, CA. In 1958 he purchased two acres of land in Concord, CA. and built his own fac- Recreation

for Rudy

(Photo contributed)

nies were gone, he became the bank's president and CEO until 1983.

Still busy

tory. Rudy Jacuzzi pictured here dressed up for a day Dunng this of lrate1fowl hunting, does manage to find time period he <level- for recreational pursuits. The former Navy Voped many new 5/V-12 program participant at PSC in the midproducts for the 1940s went on to a sterling career in the busigrowing swim- ness world. ming pool industry. Products continued to be added to the line until all mechanical equipment required to build a swimming pool was available from International.

In 1957 Rudy formed a second company, · Sierra Manufacturing, to develop vinyl liner pools and air domes. In 1962 Rudy added a second factory in Concord to build fiberglass filters and diving boards. The plant turned out 100 boards per day.

Rapid growth

In 1967 be moved the Concord factories to a 67 ,000 square foot factory in Benicia, CA, adding an automotive division to manufacture mag wheels. This division grew rapidly and was soon marketing worldwide and manufacturing 16,000 wheels per month.

Rudy sold the swimming pool division to the company's employees in 1969, allowing him to concentrate on his automotive products.

In 1972 Rudy formed Auto Styles, a company that customized pick-up cab chasses into styled step-side pick-up trucks. The company built all of the step-side pickup trucks for General Motors, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan.

Auto Styles grew and prospered until the gasoline crisis and the automotive industry crash of 1979. Within months Auto Styles was closed and International was sold to a New Zealand firm.

In 1976 Rudy and a group of associates founded a bank in Pittsburg, CA. Rudy was chairman of the board and after his automotive compa-

Since 1983 Rudy has lived a life of semi-retirement, managing and expanding his holdings in real estate. He and Mary,. his wife of 52 years, live in Lafayette, CA and in their mountain getaway home in Truckee, CA.

Rudy enjoys gardening in both locations. A life long avid duck hunter, he always looks forward to the hunting season. He and Mary have five grown children and are expecting their tenth grandchild early next year.

Rudy has vivid memories of the happy times he spent at Peru, the geniality and hospitality of the little town and the companionship of the many people he met there. After many years of being out of touch with his old school, he was delighted to attend the V5N-12 reunion to rekindle old friendships and witness the revitalization of Peru State. He is excited to be a part of its promising future.

Any of PSC's VSN-12 alumni are reminded that many of their colleagues get together each spring in Fairfield, Calif. during Peru State's Northern California Alumni Reunion. Any V-5 or V-12 alum who doesn't live in Northern California but would like an invitation to attend that event should contact Carolyn Bredmeier, PSC Foundation, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421 and ask to be placed on the invitation list.

Year-End Giving to The Right Place, Right Time!

By now you should have received a letter and flier from the Foundation regat:ding end giving. As we reach the holidays and the e11d of the year, please take a moine:ntto review your :finances,. your .tax situation, and. your apilit,y for charitable. giving. .·

Many exciting thbigs are happening at th.e College and Foundation, however, we cannot continue.. to. exc.el without yoµr support. Please be generous; our ;:in insti.tution. depends on you. ·

Support Peru State Through Memorial, Scholarship Gifts

In each edition of The Peru Stater, we exhibit a list of alumni and friends who have made gifts to the PSC Foundation in recent months to specific scholarships and memorial funds.

These gifts are a wonderful way to show how much you appreciate those whose lives have touched yours. At the same time, such gifts can and do make a difference to Peru State College students each and every day.

Consider sending a message about how much you care, by giving a gift to one or more of these funds. Contact the PSC Foundation (402-872-2304) for details.

Gifts can be mailed to: PSC Foundation, c/o Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

At the end of this list of recent gifts is a roster of other established scholarships that haven't had any donor activity since the last edition; gifts to one or more of these funds is always appreciated.

The next edition of The Peru Stater will include our annual "Honor Roll of Donors" to the PSC Foundation for the calendar year 2001. Be sure your name is on this very special honor roll - please give generously, and give today!

Blue Devil/White Angel Scholarship

Jere and Jan Lillethorup

Krakow

Donald Niemeier

Ralph and Maxine Chatelain Scholarship

David Chatelain

John Chatelain

Paul Chatelain

Stephen Chatelain

A.B. Clayburn Scholarship

Ansel and Barbara Bragg

Clayburn

S.L. Clements Band Scholarship

Thomas and Lori Clements

Robert Leahy

Carol Grundman Dougherty Scholarship

(ll1]l about people you know

1930s

George ('35) and Vivian Hawkins ('35) Kuhl of Lincoln, Neb. celebrated a most marvelous achievement recentlytheir 65th wedding anniversary.

Vivian McKimmey Lytton ('38) has passed a class to become a certified bridge instructor and that, among many other activities, manages to help her "fill my days." Husband George ('37) still works four days each week in his medical praetice. This dynamic duo lives in Lincoln, Neb.

Fem Dougherty Johanns

Elizabeth Dougherty Scholarship

Fem Dougherty Johanns

Helen Naeve Douglas Scholarship

Jud Douglas

Lura Henricks Eichler Scholarship

Veva Wilson

Dr. Richard Flynn/Senator

Floyd Vrtiska Scholarship

Delyn and LeeAnn Kadel

Clifton

Kent and Becki Young Propst

Esther Cole Franklin Scholarship

Ted Harshbarger

Chris Haddad Scholarship

Kent and Becki Young Propst

Benjamin Harrison Scholarship

Ted Harshbarger

Walter and Lillian Harrison Scholarship

Carlos Harrison

Charles Masopust Scholarship

Ted Harshbarger

Paul Maxwell Memorial Scholarship

Evelyn Stepan Neve

Joy Elmer Morgan Scholarship

Ted Harshbarger

Jack Nance Memorial

Friends

Dale and Darlene Bradley

Richard and Penny Kimball

Shirlee George Nance

Lee and Peggy Eickhoff Norris

Bob and Shirley Gess Simpson

Ron and Fran Larsen Witt

Nona Palmer Scholarship

Ted Harshbarger

Mr. and J\!Jrs. W. R. Pate Scholarship

Dorothy Applegate Todd

Ruth Russell Scholarship

Ellis and Corinne Whitfield

Adams

Ray and Rita Russell Hanna

Roger and Grace Hannaford Russell ·

G. Holt "Pop" Steck Scholarship

Evelyn Stepan Neve

Jerry Stemper Scholarship

Dick and Jean Ruyle Rottman

Bill and Jeanne Tynon Scholarship

Kathy Tynon

Floyd and Doris Wagner Vrtiska Scholarship

William Amack

Col. Barney Oldfield

Floyd and Doris Wagner Vrtiska

Robert Weber Memorial

Charles and Simone Parnell

Al Wheeler Scholarship

Al Wheeler, Jr.

Paul V. and Margaret Wilcox Scholarship

Jean Gibson

The PSC Foundation also has endowments for' the following scholarships; again, you can add to these funds at any time, and your gifts are tax-deductible. Simply contact the Foundation at the above address or phone number for details.

C.E. Andrews

Laurine Anderson Tri Beta

Bath Family

Merle Bauer

E.C. Beck

Al Brady

George and Iva Seid Brown

Esther Delzell Brownell

Ann Buman

Pearl Morgan Butler

Campus of A Thousand Oaks

Roy Chamberlain

John Christ

C.C. Choyce

Dr. Crabtree

Ada Crooker

Davidson Estate

Phyllis Davidson

Mac Dunning

(Continued on Page 6)

We received a nice note from Wally Sugden ('32) who lives in Oak Park, Ill. Wally is a retired teacher and administrator. He began his career in rural schools in Nebraska and moved to Illinois in 1940. He ended his career as superintendent in the River Forest Schools. Wally celebrated his 90th birthday this past July. His sister, Myreta Nicholls ('32) resides in the P.E.O. Home in Beatrice, Nebraska.

1940s

Joan Thickstun Buhrmann ('46) of Martell, Neb. was featured in the Hickman (Neb.) Voice News in September as "Cook of the Week." Joan has a collection of over 300 cups, many which she purchased as she traveled over the world with her late husband, Wayne "Re(!" ('46), when he was working for Goodyear. Joan likes to travel in her spare time and visits her children and grandchildren often. She is active in several organizations in the Sprague area. Joan evidently finds time to cook, also, because she had several interesting recipes included in the article.

Denzel Fankhauser ('45) of Tecumseh, Neb. was honored by the Nebraska Pharmacists Association for 50 years as a registered pharmacist. Denzel began his career working as a relief pharmacist in Kansas and Nebraska. He worked in Pawnee City, Neb. for a short time before moving to Tecumseh.

Bob Logsdon ('47) of Lincoln, Neb, has been appointed chairman of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission. Bob was general manager of the Lincoln Legion Club from 1958 to 1997 ,' and was appointed to the Commission in 1999.

Margaret Wellensiek Mann ('47) and her husband George celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Nebraska City this past August. They are regular visitors to the PSC campus.

LeRoy Redfern ('41) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, was one of 13 Iowa lawyers and one judge honored with the second annual Community Service Award presented by the Iowa State Bar Association. He was also one of 11 Waterloo-Cedar Falls area attorneys included in the Woodware/White Inc. compilation of "The Best Lawyers in America." Less than two percent of all licensed attorneys nationwide are thus listed. LeRoy is the President of the Peru State College Foundation. LeRoy's wife, the former Nancy Jones ('41), is also very active in the Cedar Falls community.

Wilma Parnell Stevens ('41) of Harrison, Ark. was featured in the Ellinwood, Kansas newspaper this past fall when the Peru State Bobcats played in the Wheat Bowl. After graduating from PSC, Wilma began her long teaching career with a three-year stint (1945-48) at Ellinwood High School where she taught Latin and English. She also served as the school librarian and directed school plays. Wilma taught German for many years after leaving Ellinwood, and retired from teaching in the Grand Island, Neb. school system in 1985.

Martin Svoboda (' 49) and several members of his family traveled to visit the Czech Republic last spring. After a fascinating trip he returned home to Elwood, Neb.

(continued on page 6)

Foundation makes dreams possible

Have you ever considered supporting a scholarship through the PSC Foundation? Scholarships make a tremendous difference in the lives of students. As many of our students are the first in their family to pursue a college education, they depend on help from private scholarships and grants in addition to other types of financial aid.

It is not unusual for some of our prospective students to put their dream of a college. education on hold when they see, for example, what a small portion of the cost is paid for by the state and federal government through need-based aid.

Dollars raised through the Foundation Scholarship program make a big difference. They offer students the opportunity to change their lives and destiny by earning a college degree.

PSC freshman Sara Blecha received a Foundation scholarship this fall.

Dream within reach

Sara Blecha slipped the tip money into her pocket. It had been a long evening after a full day of classes and Swing Choir practice at Pawnee City (Neb.) High School. She thought about her dream of going to college and teaching music.

Dr. Ben Johnson, the PSC President, came to Pawnee City a few weeks earlier to talk about the positive changes at the Campus of A Thousand Oaks and how the College was moving forward. Sara had heard that PSC had an excellent School of Education and also an excellent music program.

She made her decision. After hearing Dr. 'Johnson, Sara knew that Peru State College was the right place for her.

Sara and her mom had lived in Pawnee City since Sara was in 6th grade. Sara commented, "It has always been just the two of us." Money in their household had to stretch to make ends meet. After her classes in high school, Sara worked as a waitress in a local cafe or at Casey's Convenience Store for minimum wage and tips.

Sara is smart, "But so were my classmates in high school, " she said. Even as a member of the National Honor Society with a 96% grade point average, Sara competed for position in the top class rankings and for scholarships.

In addition to being a top academic student, Sara is a violinist. She played percussion in her high school band, and was involved in drama and plays. Her greatest accomplishment and love, however, was participating in the Pawnee City High School Swing Choir.

Her music teacher became her mentor and showed a love for teaching that Sara. wants to emulate. By the time Sara became a senior, she was one of the class leaders.

Sensational Sara

PSC freshman Sara Blecha (right) of Pmvnee City, Neb. is one of scores of students whose education is being enhanced thanks to support from the Peru State College Foundation. Sara was chosen by her classmates to be one of two Freshman Class Attendants at Homecoming this pqsf /(Ill, along with Steve Fuller (left) of Bellevue. (Photo by Elizabeth Olsen)

At Peru State College, Sara is already a leader. She is in the Mathews Mentoring program that helps freshmen make a successful adjustment to college. She is a member in both the PSC Swing Choir and the Music Educators National Conference.

Her peers chose her as the Freshman Attendant at the PSC 2001 Homecoming. And, Sara is enrolled in 19 credit hours her first freshman semester. She just started a job with JRW, a telemarketing firm in Peru.

Although Sara received other financial assistance, her college career would not b.e possible without the Ann E. Buman Scholarship from the PSC Foundation.

Ann valued education

Ann Buman, according to the recollections of her brother, never stepped foot on Peru State's campus. She grew up in Pawnee County and was a hairdresser for several years in Pawnee City. She and her husband, Andy, eventually moved to Arizona where she lived until her death after Andy passed away.

Although she loved to learn, Ann didn't have an opportunity to continue her own education. She believed so strongly that every student should have a chance at education, she bequeathed the Ann E. Buman scholarship possible for students from Pawnee County-a dream that wasn't available to her.

For more information on how you can make a difference in a student's life, call the Peru State College Foundation at 800-742-4412, ext. 2304.

Memorials, Scholarships ... .......From Pages

Loure Salzman Firoved

Elsie Fisher

Emma Hart Fuller

Glenn and Verda Frary

Lovisa Glaze

Amzie V. Grass

Helen Parker Hanika

Clifford Harding

Arnold and Bertha Hilterman

Lena Huff

Harry and Mary Hutchinson

Dee and Kathleeen Jarvis

Glenn D. Jenkins

Pearl Kenton

Georgia Klasek

Paul and Lillian Landolt

A. V. and Wilhelminia Larson

William Longky

Art Majors

Hollis Masopust

1950s

Carolyn Timmerman Biere ('56) of Creston, Iowa retired this spring from teaching second grade in the Creston Community Schools. Carolyn and Arlan ('64) plan to spend more time with their grandchildren and also do some traveling.

Mildred Bunch ('50) was featured in an April edition of the Red Cloud (Neb.) Chief newspaper recounting her 94 years. She and her late husband, former 1920s Bobcat football standout D.J. Bunch, moved to Red Cloud in 1941. They left for Oregon in the mid-50s, then to Arizona upon retirement.

The late Thomas Peter Doran (attd. '49-'50) was killed in the Korean War. But that supreme sacrifice was recently remembered, and properly honored, when the government of South Korea awarded him a medal. It was all thanks to Doran's sister, longtime PSC secretary Maryanna Gnade of Auburn, Neb. Until recently the U.S. government prohibited Americans from receiving medals made by foreign governments, but that regulation was changed and Maryanna promptly contacted the South Korean government. The medal arrived in July along with a letter of appreciation from South Korea.

Eldon Epley ('57) is the new principal in Funk, Neb. He had retired from a 38-year career in education but returned to administrative duties this fall.

Jack ('50) and Nancy Hardy ('51) Hallstrom of Omaha celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss with an anniversary open house this past July. They are two of PSC's most active and involved supporters.

Cecil McKnight ('52) of Plattsmouth, Neb. was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame this past September. Cecil was a long-time teacher and coach in the Plattsmouth Schools.

Dean D. Miller ('51) has decided to return to teaching as a substitute teacher in the Reno, Nev. area. Dean writes that he has "fantastic memories" of his days at Peru, and feels that his education at PSC was a sound basis for "a truly remarkable career."

Donald Niemeier ('57) has recently retired after 45 years in the classroom as a teacher and an administrator in higher education. Don is now living in Amelia, Ohio.

Joe Masopust

John and Francis Schima

Masopust

Jack Mcintire

Lyle McKercher

Irene and Mason Miller

Evalyn B. Newton

Omaha World Herald

Larry A. Pappas

Lester and Maxine Pankonin

Dale and Evelyn Park

Elaine Gerdes Pratt

Dale Priest

George and Rosine Rath

Ernest Rawson

LeRoy and Nancy Redfern

Wayne 0. and Adele

Penterman Reed

TroyRippen

A.B. Ritchie Basketball

Clarence and Mildred Russell

Lester and Esther Russell

Vincent Sabatinelli

George Schottenhamel

Bernice Shackelford

Ken Sims

Beatrice Spohn

M.O. Stevenson

Evan Van Zant

Maude Phelps Vacek

Inez Warren

Dr. John and Daisy Clark Wear

Bereniece McHirron Weigand

Charles Weigand

Lisa Weis

Harold E. Willey

Gil and Mary Ruth Wilson

JackD. andEulaM. Wolken

Zelma Wonderly

William Wortman

Jerry Payne ('58) took a job teaching science in Algona, Iowa 36 years ago, and ended it last spring when he retired.

Dr. Lester ('51) and Esther (Holmes '51) Russell were honored this past July at a celebration for their 50th wedding anniversary. Lester, the longtime PSC professor and former President of the PSC Foundation, and Esther have lived in Nemaha County their entire married life.

Ron Wagner ('54) of Syracuse, Neb. has retired after 22 years as the county veterans service officer of Otoe County. Upon graduation from PSC, Ron became a coach at Syracuse High School, and earned the Lincoln Journal Star coach of the year award in 1970. He taught for 24 years, and then managed the Vet's Club in Syracuse which led to his interest in the county veterans service position.

(continued on page 8)

It Was Good Talking To You!

Our 2001 Thousand Oaks Campaign was a tremendous success, thanks to YOU!

Our telephone campaign was supported by a wonderful challenge from· Ken Boxley, an alumnus who resides both in Los Angeles and New York City. Thanks to Ken's encouragement, for the first time in recent phonathon history, we attempted to contact every single alumnus of the College.

Second Challenge Met

President Ben Johnson (left) and Ken Boxley (right) met not long ago to discuss the second "Boxley Challenge" gift campaign. As he did once previously, Boxley challenged PSC supporters to come up with $250,000 for the PSC Foundation, which he would match dollar-fordollar. Once again, Bobcat faithful came through. The two challenges have thus enriched the PSC Foundation bv

PSC Foundation Meets Second Boxley Challenge

As Ken Boxley accepted the Distinguished Service Award at the 2000 PSC Commencement, he issued a challenge to PSC friends and alumni, announcing that he and his wife, Tess; would match every dollar given to the PSC Foundation up to a total of $250,000.

This was Ken's and Tess' second challenge to Peru State. Several months earlier, in late 1999, they issued their first $250,000 challenge. Within months alumni and friends matched that challenge with several large gifts.

Ken, a member of Peru State College Foundation's Board of Directors, asked the Foundation to approach his s.econd challenge in a different way. "The second $250,000," Ken said, "is to be matched with smaller gifts."

Ken said, "The Foundation, with the involvement of a few friends and alumni, did an outstanding job of matching our first challenge. Now it's time for the Foundation to involve more people.

"In order to grow, the Foundation needs both major as well as smaller gifts," he explained. "Our second Boxley Challenge is to encourage the Foundation to spread its net wider than ever before."

In September 2001, more than a year after the second challenge was announced, Drs. Ben and Dan Johnson expressed the PSC community's deep appreciation to Mr. Boxley. and showed him that the Foundation raised

$259,782.36 in small gifts from 2,187 generous PSC supporters.

The average gift was $152. Mr. Boxley immediately agreed to match these gifts with a check for $250,000.

These matching funds represent the results of several efforts on the part of the Foundation. Dr. Dan Johnson, Foundation Director, said, "by far the most effective part of the program to meet Mr. Boxley's second challenge was PSC's Alumni Phonathon that began in March.

Nearly 1,400 individuals gave an average 2001 Alumni Phonathon gift of $49.

Other funding efforts included gifts from the Faculty and Staff campaign, gifts from alumni and friends in Auburn, Neb. who gave to the Auburn Drive, and gifts from the many people who helped move the Little Red Schoolhouse to campus.

Dr. Ben Johnson, PSC President, congratulated Mr. Boxley for developing a second successful project to help the Foundation expand its fundraising efforts. "Ken helps the College and Foundation reach beyond their traditional horizons in many ways. He is a strong leader, showing us how to involve new people, organizations and connections in the life of Peru. On behalf of PSC students, alumni, faculty and staff, I want to extend to Ken the warmest expression of appreciation."

I've experienced at Peru State," noted President Ben Johnson. "Ken's generous challenge, and the overwhelmingly positive response from alums across the nation, is having a wonderful effect on our College and its students."

From the standpoint of college major, Biological Science graduates gave the highest average gift, $85.78, with Business Education graduates following closely with $83.88.

99 % paid in full

You were first mailed a letter from Ken, accompanied by the Thousand Oaks Campaign brochure. Remember the Beverly Hills 90210 return address? More than 10,000 alumni received this mailing. We then called 7,000 alumni for whom we had current phone numbers. Our goal was to "reach out and touch" as many of you as possible, and we are so glad we did. New & increased Ken graciously matched dollar-for-dollar every new and increased donation. Your generous gifts, coupled with his, totaled more than $120,000. This is the largest amount raised through a telephone campaign in PSC history. Itwas VERY good talking to you!

"The broad support received from this initiative is one of the most heartwarming things

As a result of this massive campaign we have a much better understanding of who supports the college. You may see yourself reflected in the following facts.

Most alumni we reached graduated from 1965 through 197 4. The second highest number graduated between 1985 and 1995.

Those giving the most individually graduated from 1965 through 1969. And, coming next were those who graduated between 1955 and 1959.

The states where we reached the greatest numbers of alumni in descending order are Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, California, Colorado, Texas, Illinois, Arizona and Florida.

Nebraskans, representing more than sixty percent of our alumni, gave over 50% of the total dollars.

Florida alumni gave the highest average gift, $151.67, followed by Texas alums whose average gift was $77.89.

The campaign achieved an overall average pledge of $49 with 55% of those who gave in the past, upgrading their previous gift. We are delighted to report that more than 99% of the dollars pledged have been paid.

While these statistics are interesting, what was so evident in our conversations was the unending support you have for your alma mater. You shared with us fond memories of PSC and your satisfaction in knowing that Peru continues to grow and prosper.

You asked questions about the campus today, and we gladly shared exciting stories of increased enrollment, new buildings, exceptional faculty and a very progressive administration. We so much appreciate sour time and financial support.

On behalf of President Johnson, the Foundation, Ken Boxley and the students, faculty and staff at PSC, we extend a warm thanks to every one of you.

Alumni Phonathon Breaks Records

Phonathon 2001, thanks to a challenge from alumnus Ken. Boxley, smashed several Foundation' rec'ords.

With the exception of the year 2000, the Foundation has had an Alumni Phonathon every year dating back to 1986.

Total gifts received ranged between a low of $39,330.87 in 1997 to a high of $57,359.00 in 1999. Total gifts received in 2001 were $69,641.87, almost 21 % higher than 1999.

The 2001 Phonathon generated $70,442 in total dollars pledged. The preceding phonathons ranged from a low of $30,720 pledged in 1998 to a high of $41,103 pledged in 1999. Compared to 1999, 2001 saw a 71 percent increase in pledge responses.

A First

Alumni eagerly accepted a new way to give to their alma mater by using their Visa or MasterCard. Credit card giving was nearly ten percent of the total number of pledges and resulted in about ten percent of total gifts, setting the bar for the next Alumni Phonathon.

Average pledge amounts during the last six Phonathons ranged from a low of $31.99 in 1996 to a high of $39.67 in 1999. Phonathon 2001 saw an average pledge of $49.23, a 24%

increase over the 1999 result.

As a result of your enthusiasm, the 2001 Alumni Phonathon set new records and broke new ground in giving to our College. The increased number of dollars raised and pledged combined with the use of credit cards made the 2001 Phonathon the most successful in the history of Peru State.

Greatjob, Bobcats!

She's moving to her new post from Student Support Services at PSC, where since January she had been its Tutorial Coordinator.

"This is my background, what I've come from," Moran said of college admissions work. "It's someplace I think I can contribute to at PSC."

"Janelle's background and credentials are a great match for this position," President Johnson said. "She's a native of the area, a Peru State graduate, and has great admissions experience in higher education. We have assembled a strong team in our Admissions department and we believe she'll do a fine job leading that group."

degree in business administra-

tion manage- Janene Moran ment.

While a student, she served as a peer mentor and as an administrative assistant in Student Support Services. In 1996, she joined the college's staff as an admissions counselor, helping to recruit new students. From 1997 to 1998, she served as assistant director of admissions.

After working for a time at MBA Poultry L.L.C. in Tecumseh, she returned to The Campus of A Thousand Oaks in 1999 as the temporary assistant director of admissions.

Before taking over the

services and enrollment management at PSC.

Her previous admissions experience at PSC and at a community college will be invaluable in her new post, Harshbarger added.

"She knows Peru and believes in Peru, and can convey that message," he said.

Moran should have no problem sharing her enthusiasm for Peru State and what it offers.

"I just want to let [prospective students] know what a great educational opportunity Peru State College is," she said. "There are great things ahead for new students coming to Peru, and it is one of the most affordable educational opportunities around."

Schilling Steps To The Plate

Cody Schilling began working in Peru State College's Office of Admissions early this year as a temporary admissions counselor, working for 10 weeks.

That first 10 weeks turned into another 10 weeks. That second 10 weeks has now turned into a full-time appointment as an Admissions Counselor for Peru State.

"I really enjoyed it," Schilling said of his first two tours of duty in the Office of Admissions. "I'm looking forward to doing it all over again."

The Columbus native earned an associate's degree in business administration in 1985 from Taft College in Taft, Calif., where he went to play baseball.

Academic honors

When his wife, Laurie, was offered a job at Cooper Nuclear Station in Brownville, he enrolled at Peru State. He graduated with academic honors last May with a bachelor of science degree in social science.

While he didn't play baseball for the Bobcats, Schilling volunteered to help coach the team. His own experiences as a student-athlete can help him

Welcome to PSC, USA!

Peru State's newest Admissions Counselor Cody Schilling (right) welcomes new student Farai Marshall Tsimba-Chitsva to the Campus of A Thousand Oaks this past August. Schilling, who graduated from PSC last spring, has been added to the Peru State admissions staff after helping out in the office last spring. Tsimba-Chitsva, of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in Africa, hadn't been in the United States prior to enrolling at Nebra.ska 's first college. (PSC photo by Kent Propst)

talk to prospective Bobcats, Prospective students usually Schilling said. ask about the size of the college

"You are coming to get an and what opportunities it education - that's number one," offers, Schilling said. he said he emphasizes to stu- "It is a small campus, but it dent-athletes. "School should has that 'college atmosphere' be the top priority." students seek," he said. "At a Schilling will travel to high small school, I think you actuschools and college fairs in ally have a chance to meet Iowa and in Douglas, Sarpy, more people. The classes are Cass and Dodge counties. in smaller, and the professors take Nebraska. an interest in how you are Opportunities doing."

his • with the Holdrege,

Jon Iverson ('62) retired in May from a 40-year career. He spent over 17 years at Missouri Valley, Iowa and another 17 at Sioux City (Iowa) West High before closing out with five years teaching chemistry and physics at Western Iowa Technical Community College in Sioux City.

Gary Jenkins (attd. '61-'62) of Woodland, Hills, Calif has been promoted to senior vice president and chief sales officer for Health Net of California, one of the state's largest health plans. Prior to his promotion, Gary was vice president of Labor and Trust for Health Net.

Ray Johnson ('66) has retired from his position teaching in Algona, Iowa. His field of expertise was special education.

Edd McCartney ('64) has closed the book on his 37-year teaching career, the last 32 of which were spent in Loup City, Neb. He taught math and computer programming.

Nile McCoy ('66) has retired from the Newton, Iowa Schools. He spent the last 30 years teaching math and coaching there.

Chuck Mizerski ('69), the much-decorated head football coach at Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast High School, was one of the Nebraska Coaches Association's 2001 Coaches of the Year.

Gary Schmucker ('65) of Gering, Neb. retired this spring as superintendent of the Gering Schools. Gary received the Nebraska Council of School Administrators Distinguished Service Award earlier this summer. He was honored for his outstanding service and contribution to education. Gary began his career with the Gering schools as band director at the high school He continued his career at Gering until 1985 when he left education to work in banking. In 1989 he became principal at Sidney High School and in 1990 he returned to Gering as high school principal. He also served as the district's business manager before assuming the superintendent duties in 1996.

Donald (masters '60) and Glenna ('60) Scoby of Fargo, N.D. stopped by this summer as they were traveling from their home in Fargo to Sabetha, Kan. Don was one of the first to receive a master's degree from PSC. He was teaching at Sabetha and took night courses and summer school classes to complete his degree. Glenna also finished her degree at the same time at PSC, and was grateful that Peru could combine all the classes that she had taken from various colleges and grant her a degree.

Roy Windhorst ('66) recently retired from teaching technical education and coaching after 34 years in the Clinton, Wis. school system. His students built six houses in the community as part of their Advanced Carpentry course. Roy coached track, basketball and football. For the last 25 years, he coached the golf team. Besides teaching, Roy was half owner of his own construction company. Roy would enjoy hearing from his former classmates.

(continued on page 9)

1960s (continued)

Bruce Vickrey ('68) of Rochelle, Ill. has retired from the Rochelle Township High School after 28 years. He also taught at Bradford, Illinois for five years. His duties thoughout the years included teaching physical education and driver education. He also coached football, basketball, boys and girls track and was an athletic director. In his retirement he will be teaching driver education part time and working in a local bank.

1970s

Vicki Hall Beilk.e ('72) of Stella, Neb. was recognized this summer by the Nebraska Coaches Association with a 25 year coaching award. Vicki is a teacher and coach at Southeast Consolidated

Peru Callinf! ...

Admissions Staff Gains Promotions

>{.

They've got new titles and new duties, but Micki Willis and Sara Glathar are still just as excited about their jobs as when they started in the Office of Admissions at Peru State College.

Willis is now the interim Coordinator of Admissions Services. She began at Peru State in August 2000 as an Admissions Counselor. Glathar ('00) has now added Financial Aid Counselor to her duties as Admissions Counselor, a post she began last January.

Willis's duties now include supervising the admissions counselors, planning travel schedules to high schools and college

I

recrnitment programs.

She graduated from Doane College in Crete, Neb., and is a native of Wilber.

New chores

Willis said she enjoyed her time as an ·admissions counselor, and is looking forward to her new chores.

"It's something new all the time," she said. "It is always a challenge - it's fun."

Glathar graduated from Peru State last December with a bachelor's degree in business administration-management, coming to the school from Dawson- Verdon High School.

She was already pretty familiar with the Hilltop Campus - her parents, of ii\11 I r I r '

The Peru State College Foundation has received a gift of nearly $25,000 from the estate of the late Miriam McGrew.

McGrew, formerly of Auburn, was living in State College, Penn. at the time of her death in January. She graduated from PSC in 1932 with a degree in art education.

As stated in her will, the gift is "to be used by that institution [PSC] for the benefit of its

While a student at PSC, Glathar worked in both the college's· B usihess Office ·and the Office of Admissions.

A natural

She'll now spend some of her time in the Financial Aid Office, helping review student aid files and It's a natural for Glathar to know more about financial aid programs, since that's usually some of the first questions prospective students and their parents ask when she is out recruiting.

She'll continue to travel, spreading the word about Peru State College.

"I've enjoyed it a lot," Glathar said of her work with students. "It's fun with all areas of 1111 I rt

library through the purchase of art works created by its former students and for gallery exhibitions thereof."

"We are gratified by the support Miss McGrew has demonstrated for Peru State College through this gift," noted President Ben Johnson.

"Her generosity makes our institution a better and stronger place."

Jim ('70) and Donna Alff ('70) Cripe of Bloomfield, .Neb. were honored this past summer when the Knox County fair book was dedicated in their honor. The pair were saluted for their distinguished service to the Bloomfield Neb. Community Schools. Jim teaches social studies and economics; Donna, history and social studies. Both have coached there as well.

Karen Ackley Booe Fritschle ('74) received her master of science in marketing degree from the University of Maryland's University College in May. She works for Peru State College and the PSC Foundation.

Kevin Hart ('78) has been named the new superintendent for tl:le Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Schools in Iowa. He had been serving as High Principal the Hinton, Iowa Community Schools.

Larry Humphrey ('72) of Barneston, Neb. has retired after nearly 30 years in the education profession in Nebraska. Larry began his career at Southeast Consolidated where he taught and coached for four years. He also taught and coached at Exeter before moving to Clarkson where he was principal and athletic director. He has been superintendent of the Wymore Southern Public Schools for the past 14 years.

Torn Kunkel ('71) is the new superintendent for Newman Grove, Neb. Schools.

has been named superintendent of He had been servthe oast six

Alyce Weiss ('75) of Sterling, Neb. is the elementary music instructor for the Lewiston Consolidated Schools at Lewiston, Neb.

1980s

Lonnie Bane ('80) of Scottsdale, Ariz. has been appointed senior vice president, human resources for America West Airlines. Lonnie will be responsible for overseeing human resources functions for America West Airlines, The Leisure Company and America West Holdings Corporation's e-business division.

(continued on page 10)

Support Services Gains $225,000 Grant

It can be anything from meeting with a tutor for help with a paper to a pat on the back about a good grade on a test

Student Support Services program at Peru

CoHege offers those services more, to the U.S. Department of Education, PSC will continue to provide them to low income, first generation and disabled students at the school.

The U.S. Department of Education this past summer renewed the Student Support Services program grant at PSC for four years, according to Dr. Pat Beu, director of the program at Peru State. The grant will begin with the Fall 2002 semester with a $225,554 annual budget.

That amount reflects a nine percent increase over the previous grant, Dr. Beu noted. The college has operated the federally-funded Student Support Services program since 1990. The program's goal is to assist students who are statistically less likely to succeed in college, to achieve their educational goals.

One in four

The program assisted 238 students in the 1999-2000 academic year, the most recent year for which statistics are available, Dr. Beu said. That's about a fourth of the on-campus student population at Peru State.

And the program works. Those students maintained an average grade point average of 3.05 on a 4.0 scale.

"All that we do, from providing computer-aided assistance to a copy machine to a simple word of encouragement, is intended to help the student be successful," Dr. Beu said. "The best part of the program is the atmosphere of support and friendship that is combined with tutoring services and peer mentoring."

The tutoring servicesprovided by fellow students and program staff membersare phenomenally successful, Dr. Beu said. Of the 152 students who received tutoring, Dr. Beu said, 82 percent of them completed the course for which they were being

Direction For Support Services

.,,...,, •...,.,., is driving the efforts of Student Support Q+.,+<. College this year. Gray, Kristi a riit'i'Pll"Ant few years.

Student Support Servic.es is a federally funded. pro'.' gram designed to enlumce college retentio1:1 a11d graduation among low income, first generation, or physically or learning di.;;abled students.

Gray, .a native of Wis. is new to Peru State College. She comes from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., where she was· auassistanfprofessor of physical education. Her I,msband, Bart Gray,,joined Peru State last semesteras.·athletics director.

Similar to coaching

Gray's duties include supervising the )nentoring. program and the inv()lvemept -0f merators W;ith th.eit students., and coordinating activitjes for SSS She likens her involvement in Student Support Services to her involvement in coaching. ··..

"It's as if. I .. a coac:h bringing in a new ;team. It really is the. same ilialot of ways," said ·for nie is. fojust f}o lltave d(Jnf tO dents on board and do S()methiO:gs more mt}! the · .• · • .· .··. · · ·..

Nies was bornjn Xan:kton, ·S.D., butshe considers Peru, where she now .lives on )ler farD.l, t() be lier hometown. U:er grapdparents are the late Ross ('41) and Mary on. Thomas. ('59) Adams.· The farmJs the Jotmer T.J. Majots llomeu()rthwest of

In 1997, Nies .ioine<l Pei;u State College as an adjunct faculty member of the English She taught peginf!ing_ and. advanced English composition courses, as well as several journalism.courses,and, w()rked_.as .a .staff writer. for the Office of College Advancement and Institutional Relations before beginning her new position in Student Support Services. She to teaeh courses at PSC.

Her new duties include·overseeingthe.summer STAR (Students Taking Academic: Responsibility) program and the tutoring program at Student Support Services.

"Hopefully by ;the time they [STAR participants] roll u1to New Student Weekend and by the. time classes actually start, they're an old hand at all this and they're ready to go in, and they're confident and they're feeling good about starting school. Because it is a scary thingstarting college is freaky, no matter what!" said Nies.

tutored with an increase in their grade.

Stay in college

Such success in the classroom also helps keep students in college. Sixty-eight percent of the participants were retained from one academic year to the next, Dr. Beu said, and 61 percent of the eligible seniors graduated.

Student Support Services is key to the student retention efforts at the college, according to Dr. Jerome Martin,

1980s (continued)

Bob Bowman ('85) runs the printing department at Burkley Envelope Co. in Wahoo, Neb., where he and his wife the former Jody Johnston ('86) reside along with their two sons. Bob also serves as an assistant coach for the Cedar Bluffs, Neb. High football team, helping Mitch Egger ('84). They have guided Cedar Bluffs to the state playoffs each of the past three years.

Jeff Camey (attd. '84-'85) is Assistant Managing Editor for the Omaha World-Herald newspaper. He was in charge of the newspaper's recent redesign, along with photo, art, design and pagination departments for Nebraska's largest newspaper. He had been an award-winning photographer for the World-Herald and was named Nebraska Newspaper Photographer of the Year for the fomth consecutive year this past year.

Pat Dennis ('86) has been appointed Circulation Director for The Oklahoman newspaper. He joined the firm a year ago after 14 years with the Omaha World-Herald newspaper. He is joined in Oklahoma by his wife, the former Amy Sass ('86) and their three sons.

Mark Hrabik ('82) of Syracuse, Neb. was appointed athletic director for the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca (Neb.) Public Schools. He has been a teacher and coach at S-D-A for nine years.

Jackie Hutton ('89) of Nemaha, Neb. is the Title 1 teacher at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb. She had taught the past 10 years with Locust Grove rural school.

Leigh Moss LaRosa ('87) of Plattsmouth, Neb. is teaching fifth grade social studies in the Platsmouth Schools. She had taught at St. John the Baptist School in Plattsmouth for the past five years.

Tom Milke ('80) is now teaching computers for the Moravia (Iowa) Schools.

Libby Bonacci Norris ('88) is the Riparian Lands Coordinator for the James River Association in Virginia. She works to protect and improve wildlife habitat and water quality within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. She also recently completed requirements for a masters degree in biology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Phyllis Severson ('88) is teaching math for the Milligan (Neb.) Schools this year.

Michelle Taylor Sievers ('86) of Lincoln, Neb. received her masters in education degree in August from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is currently the Library Media Specialist at Clinton Elementary School in Lincoln.

vice president for academic affairs.

"It provides support to individuals who may not be as well prepared for college as we would normally want," Dr. Martin said.

"The personal contact with the Student Support Services staff, the advice that they provide, the skills that they teach and the encouragement that they provide is very important to the student's eventual success," he said.

Dave Thomas ('80) has left the Nemaha County Wellness Center in Auburn to join the staff at the new Nebraska Department of Correctional Services facility near Tecumseh, Neb.

1990s

Sara Anton ('98) is teaching skills development, skills biology and skills English at Cozad (Neb.) High School.

Julie Ramsey Bauman ('95) of Falls City, Neb. has been promoted to senior manager of Prosser Professional Corporation in Falls City. Julie has been with the firm since her graduation from PSC. She is active in many professional organizations as well as local groups.

(continued on page 11)

New Residence Hall Directors

Peru State College's newand-improved residence halls are under new management this year. Jason Adams and Paula Czirr are new hires joining returning residence director, Charles Leirer, in overseeing the halls.

The duties of the three in their respective halls include budgeting of hall funds, scheduling of staff and student employees, management of maintenance and custodial problems, sponsorship of hall government, discipline and sanctioning of residents, supervision of in-hall events, and crisis intervention and prevention.

Czirr, a native of Superior, Neb., is overseeing the Centennial Complex. The Complex is comprised of six buildings-five coed residence halls and one building of campus apartments.

Czin is not new to the Peru campus or to residence life. She received her bachelor of science in education from PSC in 1994. During her undergraduate career she served for three years as an RA in Morgan Hall and in Clayburn/Mathews (a part of the Centennial Complex).

Since then she has worked as assistant director of residence life at PSC and as a residence director at the Centennial Complex. She sees her experience with Peru and her loyalty to the school and its residence life program as great assets to her position that will help her achieve her

Hall Staff

All of the principal student housing facilities at Peru State College are under "new management" this yectr, but two of the three staff members are veterans of PSC's residence life program. Chuck Leirer (left) has moved from the Centennial Complex to Eliza Morgan Hall; Jason Adams (center) is new to PSC and is providing leadership in W.N. Delzell Hall; and Paula Czirr (right), a longtime residence hall staff member, has returned to PSC.

goals.

"I also want to geUhe halls back into the mindset of being one community. They are pretty separate buildings right now, and I want to bring them together," she said. "The main thing to overcome is the aesthetic part of it, the fact that the buildings are not connected. The challenge is to get the people of each building to interact with students in the other buildings."

Leirer is from Minden, Neb. and is starting his second year as a residence director (RD) at Peru. He moves this year from the Centennial Complex. to Morgan Hall, the women's residence hall, where he resides

with his wife, Melissa. Leirer is also an assistant football coach at PSC.

Leirer is in the unique situation of being only the second male RD in the history of Morgan Hall, which was built in 1929.

Adams, also a native of Superior, Neb., is at the other end of the spectrum. He is RD of Delzell Hall, the men's residence hall which was built in 1939.

He comes to PSC with a long history of working in residence halls, having served as an RA for four years during his own undergraduate career at the University of Nebraska-

( Continued on Page 14)

Calling All Sleuths; Help Find the Lost, '52

This spring the great Class of 1952 will be invited to return to campus to celebrate its Golden Anniversary reunion. Sadly, about three dozen class members won't be invited - unless you can help.

Following is a list of members of the Class of '52 currently residing on our "Lost Alumni" list. They may have received their four-year degree, or perhaps their twoyear degree, or maybe they simply left after that year without a degree or certificate.

Regardless, PSC is anxious to try· to track down a cunent, home address on as many of these Peruvians as possible so they can get an invitation to the Reunion next May.

If you can help, please send the information to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010, or send via e-mail to kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or call him at (402) 872-2225.

Augustyn, Cecilia A.

Badberg, Marceille Y. Bartell, Dale M.

Berry, Betty Jo (Howard)

Burger, Corinne

Coe, Ruth

Coolican, Verlamae (Rigby)

Dobrovolney, Emil Lee Downey, Elizabeth

Effken, Theodore F.

Falksen, Annamae Lollman

Frederick, Vincent B.

Freed, Eunice E. Gobber, Nadine (Sodmann)

1990s (continued)

Amanda Cave Bensley ('99) of Auburn, Neb. has been promoted to Financial Analyst at Time Warner Cable in Lincoln, Neb.

Nathan Bradley ('91) of Rochester, NY was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in August. Nate was a record-setting quarterback for PSC from 1988-1991.

Joan Christen ('96) of Lewiston, Neb. was selected the 2001 Outstanding Biology Teacher for the State of Nebraska. Joan is a biology teacher in the Southeast Consolidated Schools at Stella, Nebraska. Joan was also responsible for the Southeast Consolidated Stream Team which was recently chosen the 2001 Stream Team of the Year for the State of Nebraska by the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Wildlife Federation. Southeast science students participated in the Adopt-A-Stream program and monitored water in area streams and lakes.

Sabine Clapper ('96) of Peru, Neb. was successful in passing the Nebraska CPA examination in May.

Wendy Lovenburg Craig ('96) of Falls City, Neb. is teaching K-2 special education in the Falls City Public Schools. She had previously taught fifth grade special education at Hiawatha, Kansas.

Jon Critser ('99) is teaching industrial technology and coaching junior high track for the Cedar .Bluffs (Neb.) Jurrior/Seµior lfj.gh year.

Teri Dorn ('99) of Ames, Iowa is a Title Reading Teacher in the Ames Community Schools.

Former PSC professor Dr. Joy Dunnigan is the director of special education at the Beatrice Public Schools in Beatrice, Neb. During her five years at PSC, Dr. Dunnigan trained teachers in early childhood and special education.

Kendra Fraser-Seaman (masters '98) of Omaha, Neb. received a master of education degree in educational leadership from Doane College in May.

Lori Gerking ('95) of Brock, Neb. has recently opened her own accounting business in Nebraska City, Neb. She had previously worked for Reese & Roker CPAs.

Harpenau, Richard Hietbrink, Elvera (Oestmann) Johnson,. Marlene (Boardman) King, Nina R. (Griffing) Matthews, Marjorie (Whipple) McMaster, Kenneth Mitchell, Marilynn (Foss) Montgomery, Charley A. Moran, Lee D. (Dick) Otis, Ernest Santiago, William P. Schafer, Charlene (Hesterman) Sharp, Mary (Kavanaugh) Sitzman, Rebecca P. (Roberts) Stanley, Claudia (Case) Startzer, Robert Taylor, Mary H. Todd, Eunice L. Traudt, Zella (Elliott) Vencil, Mariam (Newton) Volz, Roy Weible, Hazel J. {Leeper)

Dr. and Mrs. Al 0. Gigstad of Nebraska City, Neb. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September. Dr. Gigstad is a former member of the Nebraska State College Board of Trustees.

Raymond Girard (masters '96) of Peru, Neb. is a math instructor at the Nebraska City High School.

Dee Hannaford (masters '95) was featured in the Alliance (Neb.) Times-Herald this fall. She teaches girls physical education at the Alliance Middle School.

Mike Harris ('91) of Des Moines, Iowa has an interesting hobby when he is not working as Manufacturing Manager for Interstate Batteries in Des Moines, Iowa. On the weekends, "Mad Mike" runs drag-racing motorcycles across the country. Interstate Batteries serves as his sponsor.

Stephanie Hetzel ('96) is now an internal auditor for Vetter Health Services of Omaha: She had been senior accountant for Seim, Johnson, Setak & Quist LLP in Omaha.

Sandy Hilding ('91) is the new principal for the Fanagut (Iowa) Community School. She had been a math teacher at Shenapdoah (Iowa) High for the previous decad(i (continued on page 14)

With the theme "A Blast From The Past," Peru Stat(! celebrated its 80th annual Homecoming on Saturday, ( a picture-perfect autumn day.

day filled with activities began Saturday morning '1 Alumni Reception concluded that with al Homecoming were crowd on move.

PSC Seniors Nate (Burchard, Neb.) were crowned as the college's Homec1 King and Queen on Saturday afternoon.

In the Homecoming Parade, both on-campus groups off-campus organizations took part and shared in the p. An ''Ugly Truck" contest, a Decorated Vehicle Float contest comprised many of the Parade's entries*

The Bobcat Volleyball Team made the Homecoming happy with a quick three-game victory over Wesleyan University. The Bobcat Football Team came touchdown short against Midland Lutheran in their giJ the Bobcat Varsity Softball Squad downed an Alumni §1 winning in both the fast pitch and the slow pitch ven•

Tom Palmerton, a Brownville artist and longtime Pe supporter, served as Grand Marshal of the Homecomin Parade.

Homecoming 2002 has been scheduled for - plan to be there!

lB t From Tfie Past!

College kt. 6 on vith an 1e annuSejkora . )ming 1and . 1r1zes. and the rcrowd a me. And iquad, res. eru State lg

1 , Oct. 12

Decades Of Service End For Bob Judd

The person who knows the most about the inner workings of Pem State College has hung up his tool belt for good.

Bob Judd, who spent 28 years on PSC's maintenance crew, called it quits in late September. He'll be 62 soon, and he decided it was time to slow down after almost three decades of keeping things mnn ing on the Campus of A Thousand Oaks.

"If I had to do it all over, I'd come back again for 28 years," Judd said. "I've enjoyed it. I worried about this place, maybe more than I should sometimes. But I liked all the work I've had to do."

One of the most recognizable people at the college, Bob Judd has seen nearly every square foot of the Campus of A Thousand Oaks. He told PSC officials that although he'll be retired, they can call if they have questions about where to find things or how to fix them.

Expect calls

He's likely to get a few calls, noted Paul Pate, PS(; Campus Services Director. ·

"Bob has been an asset to Peru State for almost 30 years. His experiences and history of the college, especially how it pertains to the what, where, and why of things will be greatly missed," Pate said.

Like all staff member at the College, his top priority is service to PSC students. Being around students has been one of the favorite pa.its of his job through the years.

"They (students) were fun when I started, and they're still fun - there are just a lot more of them now," he laughed, alluding to PSC's enrollment growth. "The thing to remember is, how you treat them is how they treat you."

That version of The Golden Rule was especially imp01tant for Bob and his late wife Colleen to live by from 1983 'til 1993. For those 10 years, they were PSC Residence Hall Directors at the Centennial

heat on Peru State College's Campus of A Thousand Oaks is just one task that Sob

faces. Judd retired at the end of September, t1ie college that began in 1973.

Complex.

Though in many respects Bob Judd never really "left work" - when he went home in the evening he had a residence hall to watch over - it was a task he and Colleen loved.

Married Peru native

The native of Murdo, S.b. came to Peru in a roundabout way. He met his future wife in Grand Island when Bob was working on a construction crew. Colleen, a Peru native, was a waitress in a cafe. They struck up a conversation one evening and one thing led to another.

They came to Pem often to visit her parents. After they married the Judds lived in Kearney for 11 years while Bob worked at a furniture store. One day, during a visit to Pem, Colleen's brother told Bob of an opening in the maintenance department, and Bob decided to apply.

When he was hired, Dr. Douglas Pearson was brand new as President of the college and George Wendel was the head of maintenance. In those pre-budget cut, pre-automation days, though the student body was smaller the maintenance crew was much larger.

"I really had a lot of fun with the guys I started here

with," Judd said. "We all got along great and helped each other when we needed it."

Work to do

Few people are happier to see the millions of dollars' worth of renovations on the Campus of A Thousand Oaks than Bob Judd. Iri his 28 years at the College, he saw just one new building built - the Al Wheeler Activity Center.

And he saw years of what is known as "deferred maintenance" - essentially, fixing things only when they break rather than doing preventive work - as a further byproduct of reduced staff and lack of funds.

He sees more work to "get our buildings back up to date" as a key objective for Peru State in the near future.

Ironicaily,' a good part of his plans for his own future aren't all that much different than what Bob Judd has been doing for years. There will still be work to do on buildings: "I need to do some things on the house." He'll have to tend to the grounds: "I want to re-do my yard next spring."

The best part of it is, now it will be on his own terms. "I'm going to do whatever I feel like doing," he chuckled.

Residence Directors From Page 11

Lincoln and having served as a conference hall director (a summer RD supervising those who attend conferences and camps) at the University in 1995 and 2000.

The past three years he has been a teacher and coach at

Rock Port High School in Rock Port, Mo. Along with his RD duties, Adams is attending PSC, working toward a masters degree in education.

Erin O'Grady Sayer ('91), director of residence life, is enthusiastic about the new RD

1990s (continued)

Kelsi Hines ('97) is now working as an assistant at the Nemaha County Wellness Center in Auburn, Neb.

Kristine Meeske Kapustka ('94) continues to gain accolades for her theatrical work. She was once again featured in the Sunday Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star newspaper noting her ongoing work with the Kountze Memorial Theatre at Mahoney State Park near Gretna, Neb. She has appeared in nearly 600 consecutive melodramas there.

Mike Knake ('90) is now teaching instrumental music in grades 5-12 for the Bayard, Neb. Public Schools.

Ryan M. Knippelmeyer ('95) of Lincoln, Neb. received a masters degree in education from UN-L this past summer.

Tricia Boeck Kruse ('96) is now teaching English and creative writing for the Mead, Neb. Public Schools. She had been working for the Nemaha Valley schools in southeast Nebraska.

Toni Michelle Adams Landenberger ('94) of Plymouth, Neb. received her masters degree in education from UN-L this past summer. She is on the staff at Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska.

Tim Mathison (masters '98) has joined the sales team for P&L Capital in Omaha. He had been teaching at the Vista prior to his new J?OSt.

Mark Meadows ('95) is now working in biotechnical support for Transgenomic, Inc. in Pacifica, Calif.

Jon Molzahn ('93) has joined the Sutherland (Neb.) Public Schools as Technology Director. He teaches computer applications and also serves as assistant track coach. He and his wife, former PSC student Lori (Leth), and their son, had been living in Amarillo, Texas where Jon taught.

Craig Moody ('97) is teaching and coaching at the Holbrook Schools in Holbrook, Ariz. He was formerly a coach and teacher in the Falls City Public Schools in Falls City, Neb.

Cindy Walla Mowery ('92) has been promoted to assistant vice president of treasury management for Wells Fargo Bank Nebraska.

Celeste Nolte ('99), fom1er admissions counselor at PSC, had a fascinating and life-changing experience this past summer. Now in the physicians assi$tant program at Union College in Lincoln, Neb., she spent several weeks in the wilds of Peru, South America tending to the sick and injured. "This trip was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but was undoubtedly the most rewarding experience of my life," she wrote. "Words cannot describe what I saw and experienced in Peru .I can't wait until next year to do this again," she added.

Melissa Ericson Pembo ('95) of Grand Island, Neb. received a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction fromDoane College in Crete, Nebraska this past May.

team. "We've brought back some great experience with Paula and Chuck, and we've brought Jason Adams in with excellent experience. So I think we have a very solid staff, one I'm very excited about/' she said.

Julia Whisler Perry ('90), who worked for her alma mater for the past 17 years, has joined the staff of the Auburn (Neb.) State Bank. She and her family continue to live in Pem.

(continued on page 15)

Togetherness

Gerry (left) and Grace Stuck of Peru State College do nearly everything together, as their friends know. They began work together at Peru State over two decades ago, and now they've retired together, too.

Stucks Start, End Service To PSC Together

They both started work at Peru State College on the same day - September l, 1980. And they agreed that when one was ready to retire, the other would retire at the same time.

That day was June 8, when Grace and Gerald "Gerry" Stuck ended their combined 41 years taking care of the Hilltop Campus and its buildings.

Grace began as the custodian for the A. V. Larson Building. She also worked in the Student Center, and most recently has been the custodian for the Hoyt Science Hall.

Gerry retired as maintenance repair worker, doing work in buildings all over campus.

"The time was right [to retire]," said Grace, who is known around campus for her friendly and helpful nature. "It's time to do the things we want to."

That will probably include a vacation, maybe to Arkansas or California, Grace said. Gerry has a different vision of his post-retirement life.

"I really haven't found any free time," he said with a grin. "I've moved from working to the honey-do list."

His over 20 years at Peru State were "all decent," he said. "There are so many things to miss."

While his coworkers at the Stucks' retirement reception were pretty sure there were some things Gerry wouldn't miss, one of things he knew he would miss was not being around for the completion of some of the construction work on campus, and not being able to help maintain it once it is done.

"I will miss all the new stuff," Gerry said. But, he added, it was a good time to go so someone new could learn all the ins-and-outs of, say, the new heating and cooling systems for the addition to the Hoyt Science Hall.

Grace said she enjoyed her support staff coworkers.

"They always made you feel welcome," she said.

1990s (continued)

Lisa Peters ('99) of Elk Creek, Neb. is the resource teacher at the Nemaha Valley Schools in Cook and Talmage (Neb.) She previously taught kindergarten, first and second grade at St. Andrew's School in Tecumseh.

Kathleen Quinlan ('92) has joined the teaching the York, Neb. Public· Schools. She is the special education resource teacher there.

Annette Reardon ('96) of Lincoln, Neb. received her master of education degree from UN-L this summer.

Amy Berkey Reeves ('94) has received certification in Human Resources and is the Director of HR at the Heart Hospital of Austin, Texas. She has been working for that facility for over a year.

Jamie Reichart ('91), who works for Tucson, Ariz.-based Larson Co., has been back in Nebraska recently as the lead artist for the new Desert Dome being built at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo.

Lou Saban, Peru State's head football coach in 1991, is now the head coach at Chowan College in North Carolina.

Steven Sayer ('90) of Dunbar, Neb. is teaching history and government at the Syracuse-Avoca-Dunbar (Neb.) Public Schools. He had previously taught and coached at the Rock Port, Missouri Public Schools.

Stacey Schelbitzki ('99) was a finalist for the Nebraska State Education Association "Rookie of the Year" teaching award this past year. She teaches art in Dorchester, Neb.

Daniel Spearow {'99) was ordained a Deacon at the annual Nebraska conference of the United Methodist Church. He is serving UMC's in Culbertson and Trenton in western Nebraska.

Dick Strittmatter (masters '97) resigned as PSC football coach this summer to begin a new football program at Briar Cliff in Sioux City, Iowa. His wife, Nancy, had also been employed at the college as a secretary for Career Services and then for the Vice President of Student Services. Dick will also be athletics director at Briar Cliff.

PSC Business Professor Dr. James Thomas has been appointed by Governor Mike Johanns to the Nebraska Professional Practices Commission. The Commission holds hearings and makes recommendations to the State Board of Education concerning alleged violations of standards by holders of public schools certificates.

1Cynthia Wingert ('97) is the new high school math teacher and flag corps and winter guard instructor with the Elk Horn-Kimballton (Iowa) schools.

rCarrie A. Barton (masters '99) of Auburn, Neb. and Jeff Jeanneret were married in July. Carrie is an English teacher in the Auburn Public Schools.

Jeffrey Birkel ('92) of Blair, Neb. and Amy Siemek were married in June in David City, Neb. Jeff is a marketing analyst with Physician's Mutual Insurance Co.

Jennifer Blake (attd. '92'96) and Eric Prusa were married in September in Cairo, Neb. She is a customer ser-

vices rep for Nebraska Wireless.

Rachel Callahan ('01) and Jeffrey Morgan ('98) were married in July. Jeff is the athletic coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club in Springfield, Mo. and Rachel is a publications assistant in Springfield.

Amy Carnes ('99) and Steve Flynn were married in June in Elkhorn, Neb. Amy teaches kindergarten for the Millard (Neb.) Public Schools.

J. Rollie Clark ('89) and Carey Kinghorn ('90) were married in June. Carey is a first grade .teacher for Nebraska City Public Schools. Rollie is an engineering technician for ERIN Engineering and Research, Inc. They are living in Auburn, Neb.

Jill Dougherty ('94) and Torrey Smith were married in July in Lincoln, Neb. Jill is a physical therapist assistant for the Tabitha Health Care Services in Lincoln. , (Continued on Page 17)

Laura Witte ('96) of Peru, Neb. is employed with the Auburn Public Schools as the Title 1 teacher.

Brian Woebbecke ('98) is teaching computers, physical education and math for the St. John the Baptist school in Plattsmouth, Neb. this year.

2000s

Angela Bassinger ('00) of Dunbar, Neb. is teaching kindergarten at the St. Andrews' School in Tecumseh, Neb.

Ann Brugger ('00) is a third grade teacher in the Plattsmouth Schools at Plattsmouth, Neb. She is also the freshman volleyball coach. Ann had been a substitute teaching in the Lincoln Public Schools.

(continued on page 17)

A Farewell

Peru State took the unusual step this fall of having its Hall of Fame Banquet in the Old Gym. Because work is expected to begin soon to convert the Old Gym into a "new" Librarv 011 the Campus of A Thousand Oaks, PSC officials decided to have one, final athletic event in this storied venue. Pat Hamm ( '63) of East Alton, Ill., who spent a good amount of tfrne on the fonner Bobcat basketball court in his younger days, came back to campus to share some thoughts on what the facility meant to PSC. Hamm is the son-in-lav.· of the late, legendary PSC basketball Coach Jack Mcintire ('41 ), whose daughter (and Pat's Karen (Mcintire '63) Hamm and widow Lu (Dreibus

Yeah Team!

Members of the 1987-88 Women's Basketball Team were

were also on hand. (Photo by Kent Propst)

Hall of Fame Recognition For Fritz, Krzycki, 87-88 8-ball

The Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame grew by three this past September, as two individuafs and one team were inducted for exemp fary athletic achievements while .at Peru State. Those honored include former baseball standout Pat Krzycki, cross country and track star Lou Fritz, and the 1987-88 Women's Basketball team.

Run Into the Hall

A crowd of almost 200 gathered for what was billed as "the last athletic event ever" in PSC's Old Gym, the Hall of Fame Banquet on Sept. 21.

The Old Gym is scheduled to be remodeled into PSC's library. The folthe honorees a Bobcat l\ """a" Pat

A native of Neb., Krzycki played centerfield for the Bobcats from 1985-1988. The 1988 graduate of PSC was one of three brothers to play baseball for the college.

At the time of his graduation, Krzycki had set nine individual and career records and still ranks in the top ten in 14 Bobcat baseball categories. He was a threeyear NAIA All-District

performer for the Bobcats from 1986-88.

Krzycki lives in Lincoln with his ,wife Lisa ai1d three daughters and works for the National Student Loan Program.

Louis ''Lou" Fritz

Lou Fritz is widely considered one of the top distance runners to ever compete for the Bobcats.

A native of Verdon, Neb., Fritz led Peru State to a third place team finish at the 1965 NAIA National Cross Country Meet, finishing 14th overall individually. That

same year, Fritz earned a spot on the NAIA AllAmelican Cross Country Team.

Upon graduation from PSC in 1966; Fritz owned 15 cross-country and several track records.

He is a retired teacher and coach who lives in Verdon. He and his wife Judy are parents of four children.

1987-88 Women's Basketball Team

The 1987-88 Women's Basketball Team set a new standard for excellence at Peru State in women's basketball.

The Bobcat squad set a school-best 23- 7 overall record, including a streak of 17 consecutive home-court wins. The 'Cats outscored their opponents by an average of almost 14 points per game.

Directed by Head Coach Dr. Wayne Davidson, Peru State finished the memorable season with a narrow loss in the N AIA District 11 Playoffs. The balanced squad was led in scoring by eight different players in games during the 1987-88 season.

ominees Iways Icorned

at No,mina1tio11s can be sent Peru State C Peru NE, 6842l-0010, and sent writing. The College will then start a file on the nominee, and that file win .be reviewed eaeh spring when. the Hali of Fan1e Committee meets to review candidates.

/Animportantreminder: itisthe responsibility of the person(s) ·.making the nomination t() docu.ment the.aecomplishments/ofthe Hall of .Eame. candidate. It is not the res.pollsibility Qf the College

to Newspaper .,.,,,, ,,,,.. copies of an of those things can greatly enhance the odds of a nom* inee.

PSC HaH of Fame byla.ws restrict the Committee to typically no more tlaan th:ree inductees per yea:r, and with an outstanding pool of candidates waiting in the wings, patience is requested• For more informatiou, contact Propst at PSC by writing the above address, by e"mail at kpropst@.oakmail.peru.edh, ·or .by cttlling ( 402) 872•2225.

oirs of the

the campus )gnition of Pat's mance in the classroom and on the athletic field, he received the prest,igious Swenson Athletic Award in 1945.

After serving in the Navy Pat graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1948 and eventually received his doctorate of education from the University of Southern California in 1954.

Pat served as superintendent of Schools for the newly formed Ventura, California school district for 21 years, retiring in 198 L

For the next seven years Pat was a professor of education at Southern California University

/l Memoirs of Depression: The Life Times of Brownville, Nebraska.

What follows is a summary review of the book as published in "The Nebraska Alumni Association," spring 2001.

"This is a fascinating analysis of the virtues, lifestyles and attitudes in a post-depression rural Nebraska town in the 1930s. Rooney began with a detailed questionnaire of the surviving members of his high school class and their close associates.

The questionnaire called for recollections about everything

of timely to the picture of Brownville, Nebraska, when the small village and the entire United States were rising from the Great Depression. The book may stimulate many good and some difficult memories for those who lived through that period.

More importantly the book provides a clear record of that generation's heritage, a time that taught Americans to face adversity with a positive attitude."

Dr. Rooney's book may be obtained by sending a $15 check to Pat Rooney at 3137 Breaker Court, Ventura, CA 93003.

Sarah DeF:reece ('01) is teaching sixth grade special education at the Plattsmouth Schools in Plattsmouth, Neb. She is also serving as the cheerleading sponsor.

Sheryl Ehmke ('01) of Lincoln, Neb. is employed as a Customer Suppo1t Analyst for Information Technology, Inc. in Lincoln, Neb. ITI provides computer software to banks, and Sheryl will be traveling throughout the US with her new job.

Jill Halama ('01) is teaching second grade for the Friend (Neb.) Public Schools.

Greg Harpin ('01) is teaching in the resolution room and is head girls basketball coach in Sidney, Neb. He was assistant women's basketball coach for PSC the past two seasons.

Bill Hennigar, who is currently pursuing a master's degree at PSC, is teaching business and computers to junior and senior high students at the Weeping Water Public Schools located in Weeping Water, Neb.

(From Page 15)

Ginger Hall ('94) and Keith Feek were married in August. Ginger is a second grade teacher in the Fairfax, Missouri school system.

Kevin Heller ('94) and Christy Owens were married in September. They reside in Council Bluffs, Iowa where Kevin is a business management supervisor.

Lynn Jurgens ('99) of Seward, Neb. and Tami Hofstetter were married in July. Lynn is a physical education teacher and head foot"." ball coach at Benedict Public School.

Jennifer Krakow ('96) and Colin Bargen were married in June in Hebron, Neb. She is teaching math at Marysville (Kan.) Junior-Senior High School.

Jennifer Krysl ('99) and Jeffrey Schmaderer were married in September in O'Neill, Neb. Jennifer teaches special ed for the Omaha Public Schools.

Jason Libal ('95) of Wahoo, Neb. and Michelle Syverson were married in August. Jason is a Middle School and High School

Behavioral Disorder teacher at the Wahoo Public Schools.

Meghan McCartney, a current PSC student, and Shawn Walters ('01) were married in September in Omaha, where they reside. Meghan works at Republic Western Insurance and Shawn is a lab technician for Physicians Laboratory.

Duncan Patterson ('00) and Stacee Wieser ('97) were married in September in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Duncan is a lab technician for MVP Laboratory and Stacee is a senior accountant for World Co.'s.

Pamela Ritchie ('95) and Tyson Holcomb were married in June in Broken Bow, Neb. Pamela teaches second grade at Anselmo-Merna Schools.

Dawn Bernhardt Schuster ('95) and Jerry Enns of Beatrice, Neb. were married in September. Dawn is a first grade teacher in the elementary schools in Beatrice and is working on her master's degree at Doane College.

Gretchen Stukenholtz ('98) of Topeka, Kan. and Vernon Golladay were married in July. Gretchen has been teaching high school English

and coaching at Royal Valley High School. She is also pursuing a master's degree in school counseling.

Loretta Tammen ('01) and Joshua Rinker were married in Omaha in September.

Seth Tausen (attd. '96-'98) and Rene Olson were married in August in Rushville, Neb. He is manager of Tausen Weed Control.

Jeremy Tomjack (attd. '97'98) and Hollie Henry were married in September in O'Neill, Neb. Jeremy is a supervisor at Sack-N-Save in O'Neill.

PSC graduate student Kristen Wakely and Shawn Holzer were married in July in Omaha. She teaches biology at Millard West High School.

Angela Vermeer ('98) and Eric Johnson were married in September. Angela is a microbiologist and food production technician at Midwest Laboratories in Omaha.

Chrissy Zimmerman ('98) of Lincoln, Neb. and Tony Fisher were married in September. Chrissy is employed as a department manager at Wal-Mart in Lincoln.

Jeanne Q:olloway ('01) of Sabetlia, Kan. is the Structured Resource Room teacher at the Falls City Schools in Falls City, Nebraska.

Stephanie Huffman ('01) is teaching vocal music in the Nebraska City High School and Middle School.

Brian Johnson ('01) is a math instructor at the Nebraska City High School

Brent Jorgensen ('00) has joined The Auburn Sport Shop as a partner in the business. Brent worked at the Sport Shop as an intern while still at PSC where he earned a business degree. Brent previously worked for two Fortune 500 companies in Omaha.

Jared Knapp ('01) is teaching physical education at Southeast Nebraska Consolidated in Stella, Neb. He is also assistant volleyball, head boys basketball and power lifting coach.

Scott Macholan ('01) is teaching sixth graders in the York (Neb.) Middle School this year.

Randi Mayberry ('01) of Nebraska City, Neb. is the assistant volleyball coach at Nemaha Valley High School.

Andrea McGrath ('01) is a special education teacher at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb.

PSC student Jack P. Munford graduated from Bellevue University in June with a Bachelor of Science degree iri health care management. He is currently pursuing a teaching degree in social sciences with a business major and coaching endorsement.

Carae Lenz Oehlerking ('00) of Elmwood, Neb. is a second grade teacher in the Elmwood-Murdock Schools. She had previously worked for the district as a para-educator.

(continued on page 18)

Peru State Classroom Building Improvements Planned

Still solid as a rock at over 85 years of age and housing nearly half of all classroom space at Peru State College, the T.J. Majors Building nonetheless has been in need of some attention.

PSC officials this fall were told help is on the way in the form of a $240,000 upgrade to the building's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Nebraska's LB 309 Building Renewal Task Force is providing 85 percent of the funding and Peru State will fund the rest, nearly $34,000 worth.

"No building is more important to our College than T.J. Majors," noted President Ben Johnson. "The (LB 309) Task Force and Gov. Mike Johanns deserve our gratitude for making this project a priority.

"It's a continuation of the many improvements that have taken place, are taking place or will take place on The Campus of A Thousand Oaks," Dr. Johnson added. "Since T.J. Majors houses our two largest academic programs - teacher education and business - it's essential we do all we can to make it a quality learning environment."

Begin right away

Work will begin as soon as arrangements are made with the general contractor.

Completion is targeted for March 1. The project has been designed so that work will take place while classes are in session, resulting in some shuffling of classes, offices and the like.

Originally built as the campus Training School and the home of kindergarten-through12th grade "Peru Prep" from 1915 until 1967, the T.J. Majors Building has been the site of multiple renovations through the years. The last major work was completed in 1989, but time would show the HVAC work done then was inadequate.

For the last 12 years, T.J. Maj ors' climate has been almost impossible to regulate, and humidity has been an ongoing concern. This project will address problems with the return air system, replace the controls and replace fan coil units.

Efficiency

"We will be able to heat and cool the building by zone, allowing us to better meet the needs of the students, faculty and others in that building," noted Linda Jacobsen, PSC Vice President for Administration and Finance.

"Peru State College should expect not only dramatically improved climate control, but energy savings too," she

Changes on the Inside

Changes are in store for the T.J. Majors Building, PSC's primal}' classroom building, thanks to a quarter of a million dollar project recently approved by Nebraska state government. This longtime home to the former "Peru Prep" K-12 school was built in 1915. It may be hard for readers to .believe because the exterior is little changed, but this picture of T.J. Majors - named after one of the founding fathers of Peru State - was taken in 1926. (File photo) added.

Coupled with $270,000 worth of remodeling and renovations done to the third floor of T.J. Majors a year agowork necessitated at least in part by problems due to climate control - Peru State's · largest classroom facility is on its way to once again being a great place to study and work, President Johnson said.

2000s (continued)

Charles Pierce ('01) is teaching math and science at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb. He is also the assistant football coach.

Cameron Reiners ('01) is teaching seventh and eighth grade math at the Conestoga Schools located in Murray, Neb.

IJohnny "Flash" Alexander (attd. '63-'65) passed away in July in California.

Edwin Argabright ('42) of Archie, Mo. passed away in August of 2000. Edwin served as a teacher, principal and superintendent of the Archie School District from 1946 to 1985.

Harold Barnett (attd. '58'59) of Omaha passed away in August. He was retired from the Omaha Public Power District.

Doris Schnepp Brazael ('39) of Columbus, Neb. passed away in September. Her family owned and operated a furniture store in Columbus for many years.

Ron Broers ('60) of Lewellen, Neb. passed away in Septem.ber. He taught or was a school administrator for many years in Alliance and

Lewellen, Neb. before retidng in 1995. Among his survivors is his wife, the former Nancy Jo Kunkel ('60).

Alice Carlson Brooke (attd. '26) passed away in June in York, Neb.

Marvin L. Brown ('50) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in October. He was a teacher and coach and retired as a sales representative for GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Company where he was employed for over 28 years.

Word has been received of the death of Ethel Fliek Bruce ('30) and G. Arthur Bruce ('38) of San Francisco, Calif.

Selma J. Diehm ('43) of Blue Hill, Neb. passed away in July. She was a retired teacher and had taught in several Nebraska schools. She retired from the Hastings (Neb.)

Public Schools after teaching 23 years in the Longfellow

Gerhard Deubler ('35) of Wichita, Kan. passed away in August. He was a retired school teacher and principal and also from the Internal Revenue service where he was a supervisor.

Lloyd Eickhoff ('41) of Gladstone, Mo. passed away in June. He was a teacher for several years working as a principal, music teacher and grade school coach. He then worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for over 30 years. He was also employed with First National Bank of Kansas City and the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kan. Lloyd enjoyed a musical career, playing with a number of bands arid orchestras.

(Continued on Page 19)

DeeAnn Othmer Richardson ('00) of Tecumseh, Neb. is director of the Wellness Center of Nemaha County in Auburn, Neb. DeeAnn is also a licensed massage therapist and will continue providing massages at the Center.

Genny Harris Sides ('00) is the new English teacher and assistant volleyball and track coach and yearbook sponsor for the Cambridge, Neb. Public Schools.

Freedom Robinson Steele ('00) is teaching English at the Nebraska City High School.

Dan Stoakes ('01) is now Capital Assets Accountant for Peter.Kiewit & Son's Inc. in Omaha.

Jara Tharp ('00) is a second grade teacher at the Nebraska City Public Schools. She previously served as a substitute teacher in the Nebraska City schools.

Tina Thormahlen ('00) of Adams, Neb. is teaching mathematics at the Lewiston Consolidated Schools in Lewiston, Nebraska.

Lanette VanMeter ('01) is teaching first and second grade in the Plattsmouth Public Schools located in Plattsmouth, Neb. Send

Fall 2001 PERU STATER 19

Wymore and in Odell in Western Nebraska Community Nebraska for a number of College in Scottsbluff. years.

(From Page 18)

Dave Fox (attd. '57-'58) passed away in July in Gresham, Ore.

Lucille Rogers Geldmeier ('55) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in September. She was a retired school teacher

Ruth Gfeller, a former employee of the food service at PSC, passed away in June. Her husband, Fred, was with the PSC maintenance staff for many years.

Marcene McCunn Gillespie ('5l)of Gretna, Neb. passed away in September.

Evelyn Boesiger Hamlow (attd. summer '28) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in August. Evelyn was a retired school teacher. She taught for 10 years at Firth, Neb. previous to her 32 years at Waverly (Neb.). She was an elementary teacher except for the last nine years when she served as principal. She was a very popular teacher, and an elementary school in Waverly was named for her.

Frances Burgan Hardin ('65) of Tecumseh, Neb. passed away in August. She was a retired elementary school teacher. She taught in

Kansas as well as several Newhouse Kluherz ('27) of schools in Johnson (Neb.) Torrington, Wyo. County.

Marilyn Lair Hatch ('51) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in August. Marilyn was a nurses aide in Falls City for many years.

Dr. John Hoban (attd. '36'37) of Scottsbluff, Neb. passed away in August. John was a retired dentist.

June Hadley Hyslop ('46) of Adams, Neb. passed away in June. She taught school for a short time, and then farmed with her husband.

Dennis Kennedy ('67) of Columbus, Neb. passed away there in September. He was an executive with First Nebraska Bank in Columbus, where he had worked since 1984.

Roger Killion ('61) passed away in June. He was a teacher and had lived in Fort Collins, Colo. before returning to Auburn, Neb.

Grace Clark Klein ('56) of Merriam, Kan passed away in July. She had been active in many organizations in her community.

Betty Miller Knoll (threeyear '42, bachelors '58) of Nebraska City passed away in July. She was a resident of Nebraska City and a retired teacher. She taught for a total of 28 years with 20 years in the Nebraska City Public Schools. She was active in many organizations in Nebraska City. Among her survivors are sons Kevin ('76) of Dayton, Ohio and J. Kent ('79) of Omaha.

Robert B. Knowles (' 45) of Harker Heights, Texas passed away in January.

Harold Knople ('50) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in June.

Wayne Linder (' 49) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in September. He was a district sales manager for Road Builders, and was active in many organizations. His wife is the former Cody Anderson ('49).

Grace $ieckmann Matthies ('20) of Tobias, Neb. passed away in September.

Grace Goes McCune ('31) Word has been received of of Beatrice, Neb. passed away the death of Laurine in September. She taught near

PSC Hosts State Lit Fest

the annual

Festival this past September.

Marlin D. Mercer (attd. '47) of Emerson, Iowa passed away in July.

Merna DeRoe Meyer (attd. '37) passed away in July. She was a Lincoln, Neb. resident and was a retired rural school teacher.

Mable Reynolds Moon ('30) of Shelby, Neb. passed away in August. She was a retired elementary school teacher.

Word has been received of the death of Lorene Moothart ('33) of DeLand, Fla.

Marie Mosher ('30) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in June. Marie was a retired school teacher. She taught in a rural school for many years and at Johnson High School during WWIL She started the home economics program at the School for the Blind in Nebraska City. She was active in many local organizations. Her son, Ralph ('53), lives in Orange, Calif.

Gwen Schieferdecker Mullins (attd. '37) of Rogers, Ark. passed away in August. She met her late husband Mark at PSC in the 1930s.

Alice Jeffries Munnis ('38) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in September.

Word has been received of the death of Dorothy Jean Robinson Tippin Roush ('67) of Roseville, Minn. in June.

Mary Wrightsman Rucksdashel ('36) of McPherson, Kan. passed away in August. Mary was employed for many years at the McPherson Public Library. She was active in a number of organizations in the community.

Grace Muenchau Russell ('42) of Chattanooga, Tenn. passed away in August. Grace was a retired teacher and had been active in many music groups throughout the years. Relatives include husband Ross ('41), Rita Russell Hanna ('40) and Roger ('59) and Grace Hannaford ('60) Russell.

Hallie Shearer (attd. '36) passed away in August in Shenandoah, Iowa. She was a teacher, a nurse and a bank cashier.

Anton "Jack" Shinn (attd. '28-'31) passed away last April in Sterling, Colo.

Janis Roos Siepelmeier ('58) of Dunbar, Neb. passed away in August. She was a former teacher and worked for the United States Postal Service.

Irene Tejcka Stehlik (attd. Jack Nance ('56) of '29) of Crete, Neb. passed Papillion, Neb. passed away in away in July. • June. His wife is the former Shirlee George ('56). Flora Warner Stevens ('18) of McCook, Neb. passed Arthur Nelson ('29) of away last June. Stella, Neb. passed away in August Arthur was a teacher Marge Lynn Thomas (attd. and school superintendent for '26-'27) passed away in June many years before moving to in Laramie, Wyo. Stella where he farmed until his retirement Irene Argabright Trenerry Merna Brownson Painter ('32) of Rawlins, Wyo. passed away in June. She taught school and later was on the staff of Carbon County Library in Rawlins where she retired in 1981. ·

Alice Wakelin

Rademacher (attd. '34) of Johnson, Neb. passed away in August. Alice taught school for a short time, but the majority of her life was devoted to being a homemaker and farm wife.

Donald Reed ('49) passed away in May in Morrill, Neb.· He was a teacher and coach in Nebraska including 20 years at

('46) of Omaha, Neb. passed away last December.

LaVern Fisher Vogele (certificate '34, bachelors '67) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in June. She was a retired school teacher and had taught for 56 years in Richardson County rural schools and at Dawson, Nebraska.

Alberta Ernst Walkington ('27) passed away in August. She had been living in Bartley, Neb.

Marylee Swanson Rea Windel ('79) passed away in May. She was a resident of West Des Moines, Iowa.

Sovhomore Power!

Sophomore Brooke Placke (Grand Island, Neb.) sets the ball to teammate and classmate Anna Wheeler (Bellevue, Neb.) during volleyball action this season. The 'Cats, despite a schedulefilletbwithnationallyrated opponents, were playing .500 ball at Peru Stater press time and will lose just two seniors from the current squad. (Photo by Elizabeth Olsen)

Volleyball Struggles to Find Consistency

Head Coach Fred Aubuchon hoped for a better record for his Peru State College volleyball team heading into the finale of Midland Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

"We have played 13 ranked opponents out of our 24 matches, which makes for a difficult schedule," said Aubuchon.

The Bobcats, 15-15 overall and 6-4 in MCAC at Stater press time, look to their final six matches in anticipation of the MCAC tournament on Nov. 9-10. "I hope that the difficult schedule pays off for us when we get into the tournament."

Bert Swenson Award Winners Honored

Each year since 1925, an outstanding student-athlete has been recognized with the Bert Swenson Award for his or her paiiicipation in athletics, their personality and chai·acter, and their service and loyalty to Peru State College.

Last year, the Swenson Award was expanded to include both a female and a male student-athlete at PSC.

At halftime of PSC's 2001 Homecoming football game, the two recipients were recognized as the Bert Swenson Award winners for 2000-01. The award was created in memory of the late Bert and Stella Swenson's infant son, Bert Jr. who passed away. Bert Swenson Sr. was a football great who graduated from Peru State College in 1909.

Tonya Volk was honored as the female recipient. A native of Battle Creek, Neb., Volk received the award for her prowess both on the basketball court and in the classroom. She was a key member of the past two Bobcat teams which qualified for the NAIA national basketball tournaments. Following last season, Volk was recognized as the Midland Collegiate Athletic Conference Player-of-the-Year and also earned NAIA Division II AllAmerican honors. Additionally, she was an NAIA Scholar-Athlete the past two yeai·s. She is presently in her first year of Dental School at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Darin Garfield was recognized as the male recipient of the award. A native of Aurora, Neb. Garfield played football a.t Peru State the past four years and served as cocaptain his senior season. He was selected to the Central State.s Football League First Team last season as a defensive back and return specialist. He was selected as a member of the Second Team AllCSFL as a junior. He and his wife Wendy reside in Hemingford, Neb. where he is a physical education teacher and serves as the assistant football and wrestling coach.

PSC Women Look To Continued Dominance

For Head Coach Tab Jefferson, the 2001-02 Peru State College women's basketball season will be the most challenging of recent years.

The 'Cats have been led by senior co-captain Janelle Findlay (Stella, Neb.), a NAIA Honorable Mention AllAmerican last season, in kills (244), aces (36), service receptions (415), and digs (461).

"Janelle has been very solid all season for us. She has earned her place among the top players in NAIA in my opinion," noted Aubuchon.

Sophomore Anna Wheeler (Bellevue, Neb.), a University of Kansas transfer, leads the 'Cats in blocks (105) while also collecting 201 kills. The Bobcats have also got strong play from junior Brooke Placke (Grand Island), who has distributed 549 assists this

season, and senior co-captain Jenny Pitzl (Omaha), who has contributed with 192 kills, 35 aces, and 257 digs.

While the season record might show a dip in wins from last season's 20-win season, not all is at a loss for the Bobcats. Only' two seniors graduate from this year's squad.

"I am very optimistic about the future of the program. Being from Ohio, I have been very impressed with the talent level in Nebraska," stated Aubuchon.

"It is imperative to our future success that we get a strong recruiting class for 2002."

Eight players return from the Bobcat squad that finished last season as the Midland Collegiate Athletic Conference Champions, qualified once again for the NAIA National Tournament, and finished with an overall record of 20-10, the 'Cats second straight 20-win season.

However, Jefferson warns that this year's team may take time to find the chemistry that has made the 'Cats so successful in the past. "This could be a tough year for us. We have a very tough schedule, especially in the pre-conference season. Plus, everyone is gunning for us as the defending MCAC champions."

Heading the Bobcats will be

senior forward Jessie Stehlik (Omaha) and junior forward Jaci Ideus (Beatrice, Neb.). Both Stehlik and Ideus were pait-time starters on last year's team, roles that they must expand on this season.

The Bobcats will also look to five newcomers to help continue their winning ways. The combination of freshman and transfer recruits will be counted on to provide both starting and reserve roles.

"We feel that our newcomers can help us," said Jefferson. "We had five junior college recruits not show up and that has really hurt. We will definitely need the returners to step up if we are to be successful."

Overall, Jefferson says that the 'Cats simply want to play the best basketball they possibly can and let the wins and losses fall where they will.

SC Football Heads Into tretch

Coming off an 8-2 season and a national ranking, the Peru State College football team had.high hopes for the 2001 season. Those expectations have yet to be met, as the Bobcats stood at 5-4 overall and 3-1 in the Central States Football League at Stater press time.

"Obviously, we were expecting a better record at this point in the season and that is disappointing," said Head Coach Ryan Held. "We are optimistic about our chances and we hope to find

·Hot Beveridl!e

that winning track that has eluded us all season."

Unfortunately, injuries have played a big part in the fortunes of the Bobcats in the first half of the season.

Players have been forced to perform at positions that many are not accustom to playing.

"We have had to play a lot of young guys on defense," stated Held. "The loss of (veteran quarterback) Tommy (Aldaµa) for two games really hurt our offensive consistency and chemistry."

On offense, the Bobcats

have struggled to get first downs, forcing the defense to play long stretches of time.

"We can't seeni to put it together on offense," noted Held. "We have our moments but we continue to hurt ourselves with untimely penalties and turnovers."

Leading the Bobcats on offense are seniors Tommy Aldana (Nebraska City, Neb.) and Chaney Smith (Ankeny, Iowa). Aldana has thrown for nearly 500 yards and four touchdowns in five games this season, moving him into fifth place on the career-passing list.

He is also the 'Cats second leading Smith leads the Bobcat running game with 183 yards on 74 carries in the first six games.

Defensively, the 'Cats have given up an unusual amount of yardage on the ground, averaging 162 yards per game. However, a high forced turnover rate has kept opponents out of the end zone and the Bobcats in the ballgame. "Our ability to force turnovers has been the difference in our season to date," noted Held.

On defense, the Bobcats are led by senior defensive back Jason. Hurt (Dannebrog, Neb,) with 54 total stops on the season. Junior linebacker Paul Heusinkvelt (Crete, Neb.) ranks second with 50 tackles including 4.5 sacks, and six stops for a loss.

Ryan Held New Peru State Grid Coach

Ryan Held is the new head coach of the Peru State College football program following his appointment this past summer.

Held joined Peru State last winter as Defensive Coordinator. He will serve as PSC's 20th Head Coach on an interim capacity through the 2001 season.

"Ryan Held is one of the bright young minds in college football, and we knew when we hired him that he would one day lead his own program," President Ben Johnson said. "We are confident he'll build on the recent success of the Bobcat football program."

Player, coach

Held is a native of Overland Park, Kansas and a graduate of the University of NebraskaLincoln. He was a quarterback and wide receiver on Cornhusker national champi-

ichPartof en&tater· t?

Most people tell us they rend the "Peruviana" sectinn flrst, which is why we work hard t'O bring you so much alumni net.vs.

But we can't read eoory newsrmper , mtb evenJ other source for alumni news. We need your l'tf!ip.

Did yoo. or a .Peru Stater you know. recently get promDted? Changejobs? Have a ha.by? Get rmuried? Be Jeatured in ·ti newspaper or magazine article? Receive an honor or auxud? Retire?

We Want To Know About It And So Do Your PemFriends!

Ifs so easy. <lust complete and send in this form .Please type orprtnt legibly and send to: The Pent Stater. P.O. Box 10 Peru. Nebraska 6842.l

onship season. He remained at UT until last year, 1 as special teams coordinator and kicking coach and working with defensive backs for the Volunteers. He received his Master of Science degree in Human Performance and Sports Studies from UT.

Held succeeds Dick Strittmatter, who joined Peru State in 1995. Strittmatter left for the opportunity to mold the new football program at Briar Cliff College in Iowa as well as to serve as its Athletics Director.

Ryan Held onship teams in 1994 and '95, then was an undergraduate assistant coach at NU during the 1996 and '97 national championship seasons.

Held was defensive graduate assistant coach for the University of Tennessee during its 1998 national champi-

Strittmatter has a Masters degree from Peru State, and one of his sons, Brent, was. a starting offensive lineman for the Bobcats. His wife Nancy worked at Peru State. And he was a Bobcat fan for eight years before joining PSC, while he was head coach at nearby Auburn High School.

Cole New Sports Info Director, Hoops Coach

Jerre Cole was looking for the next step in his career and a place a little closer to his hometown of Washington, Kan.

Peru State College fit the bill on both counts. Cole began his duties as interim Sports Information Director at the college in July. He also serves as assistant men's basketball coach under Bobcat Head Coach John Gibbs.

"I was a coach, and I have an appreciation for the things that athletics can highlight," Cole /k said. "It's a way to promote the Jerre Cole school through athletics."

Bringin' It

A group of Bobcat softball alumni challenged the varsity to a game during Homecoming festivities in early October. Here, current PSC Director of Residence L(fe Erin O'Grady Sayer ( '91) demonstrates the form that established numerous PSC records during her career. The alums made a good showing early on but the varsity eventually pulled away for the win - but a good time was had by all.

Alumni Softball Game a Success

This year at Homecoming (Oct. E), the mighty Bobcat Alumni challenged this year's varsity softball· team. It was the first AlumniVarsity game in many years.

The score was close ... for awhile, anyway!

The "younger" alums started the game at1d held the Bobcats for one inning, maybe two. Then the varsity, who had already been in Fall training, keep in mind, pulled away.

Before the alumni knew it, they were behind 6-1 after six innings of fast pitch. The one run scored by the alums was, shall we say, questionable!? Erin O'Grady Sayer ('91) pitched the first four innings quite well, and was relieved by Jennie Slattery Heese ('96).

Several alumni managed to get hits off whirlwind pitchers, including: Erin Mahlberg Hochstein ('98), Diane Pokorny Daro ('92), Kelly Burnside Duffek ('96), Paula Czirr ('94), Kim Hawkinson ('97), Teresa Frye Rischling ('92), Heese, and Bev Harris ('87). (Notice only one of the "thirty-somethings"

ever reached first base!?!).

After six innings, the alumni encouraged Coach Mathews to allow the teams to play a couple innings of slow pitch so they could "get back into the game." Needless to say, the score ended up 19-3 after two more innings!

Despite the score, a good time was had by all. There were no injuries, the current Bobcats were able to play a preseason game, there were lots of laughs and camaraderie formed between the alumni and the current team. Many expressed hope this is the beginning of an annual event!

Those alumni participating but not listed previously include Nancy Glasgow ('85), SaraBeth Donovan ('82-'84), Carol Latham ('81-'84), Kim Hill ('81-'84), Becky Gauchat ('84), and Karen Lechner ('81).

A big thank you to this year's team for hosting, to all the alumni who.participated iri the game, and to all alumni and friends who came out to cheer!

" Cole earned his associate of arts degree at Highland Community College in Highland, Kan., in 1991. He earned a bachelor of science degree in secondary education in 1995 from Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo., where he also served as the head freshman and assistant varsity basketball coach.

Grad assistant

In 1999, he completed his master's degree in physical education from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan. While at Emporia, Cole.served as a graduate assistant in athletic administration and as a graduate assistant physical education instructor.

Cole came to Peru State from Porterville College in Porterville, Calif., where he had numerous duties: assistant , men's basketball coach, athletic eligibility coordinator, and adjunct physical education instructor.

"Jerre had the right combination of skills for us, and we offered the right ingredients that he was seeking," noted Kent Propst, Vice President for College Advancement and Institutional Relations.

"He has been a student-athlete, a coach, a physical education teacher, and he has done sports information work," Propst said. "Jerre is a sharp young man who will be as good for Peru State College as the college is for him."

Focusing on the players is key for Cole.

"I'm here promoting Peru State College student-athletes," he said.

Softball, Baseball Look to Spring, Diamond Success

The 2002 Peru State College softball team will look to the return of three starters to improve on last season's 1927 overall record.

Pitchers Angela Godfrey (senior, Bakersfield, Calif.) and Christy Bulson (junior, Mexico, Mo.) will combine with. infielder/outfielder Jamie McBride (junior, Atlantic, Iowa) to hopefully improve on a 5- 7 mark in the Midland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Last season, Godfrey and Bulson combined for 14 wins. Godfey was honored as First Team All-MCAC and Second Team All-Region IV. McBride led the team with a .346 batting average en route to First Team All-MCAC and All-Region IV honors. She was

also named Honorable Mention AllNebraska NAIA following the season.

"Defense will be a strength for us. We have good team speed and a lot of utility depth that gives us a variety of defensive looks," said Head Coach Mark Mathews. "Our pitching should be solid."

For the 'Cats, offense will be the key to their success. "We need to find ways to score runs," said Mathews. "Our players must accept their roles when asked to execute offensive situations."

Mathews projects the Bobcats to be picked in the middle of the conference pack. "If we get great team chemistry, we could be contenders for the MCAC crown."

Baseball optimistic

For Head Baseball Coach Mark Bayliss, a solid combination of recruits and returners make for a promising outlook for the 2002 Peru State baseball team that finished last season with a 13-28 overall record and 10-12 in the MCAC.

"We have a good group of players returning combined with a mix of freshman recruits and transfers," said Bayliss.

Heading those returning is senior infielder's Monte Scott (Calgary, Alberta) and Ben Kassera (Omaha). Junior infielder Steve Winton (Jackson, Neb.) will also be counted on for offensive and defensive leadership.

Scott was honored with his second straight Honorable Mention All· American selection and was selected First Team All-MCAC after leading the 'Cats with 51 hits and 40 RBI's. Kassera was selected as Honorable Mention All-MCAC following last season after leading the Bobcats with a .382 batting average.

For the Bobcats, a high conference finish is one of the key goals to the season. The MCAC always boasts some of NAIA's top baseball every year and this season will be much the same this spring.

"We expect to have a very good season and hope to finish in the top half of the conference," noted Bayliss.

obcat Men's Basketball Looks For Rebound

Peru State College Head Coach John Gibbs hopes a strong recruiting class paired with the return of senior forward Joey Maggett (Omaha), last season's leading scorer, will be a winning combination for the Bobcats in 2001-02.

Coming off a dismal 6-20 overall record and 1-9 record in the Midland Collegiate Athletic Conference, the Bobcats look to return to prominence· with a deep and talented group of players, most notably the addition of eight junior college transfers.

"We are excited about the new guys combined with the talent we already had. Our biggest concern is that it will take time to get everyone to play together," said Gibbs. "If we can stay healthy and take care of ourselves, we should have a successful season."

The goal of this year's Bobcats will be to move up in the MCAC standings. "Obviously, we would like to win the conference so that we host the tournament, but it is a very competitive league with very good teams," noted Gibbs.

Heading that group is guard-forward Montsho Wilson (Chicago, Ill.) and point guard Julian Seay (junior, Keokuk, Iowa). Wilson, a junior, transfers from Porterville College (Calif.) where he started on a team that won the 2000 California State Championship and had a record of 62-5 over his two years of play.

Seay, a two-year starter for Waldorf Junior College (Iowa) is a quick and fast 5'5 guard that can penetrate, shoot the three or find the open man.

Point guard Jeremy Parker Uunior, Porterville, Calif.), another Porterville College transfer, should provide depth to a position that was clearly the 'Cats weakest last season. J.J. Oberg Uunior, Columbus, Neb.) transfers to the

Bobcats from Platte Junior College. The versatile 6' 6" forward is expected to play both inside and out for the 'Cats this season.

S o ·u t h e a s t Community CollegeBeatrice transfer Kip Shestak (Western, Neb.) is a defensiveminded off-guard with outstanding athletic ability. Still recovering from an early ankle injury, Shestak was expected. to be ready for the season opener.

Brian Lemerond (junior, Falls City, Neb.) returns after starting part-time on last season's squad. He is expected to see quality time at both the point guard and offguard positions. Junior center Steve Vanderkamp (Auburn) returns after a one-year hiatus and will be a part of the inside rotation for the 'Cats.

Jason ('92) and Nancy Overbeck ('90) Brewer of Gretna, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Jenna Ann Louise, born in May. She was welcomed home by brothers Colin and Devin.

Cheryl Mellage Brown ('97) and husband Bruce of Shubert, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Ethan Dale, born in September. He was welcomed home by a sister, Brandee.

Cory Catterson ('92) of Tucson, Ariz. and his wife are proud parents of son Mason Eljohn, born this past July.

Wendy Eggert Duerfeldt ('00) and husband Glen ofLincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Chad Steven, ·tmrn in July. He was welcomed home by two brothers.

Marilyn Bohling Ellingson ('88) and husband Jon of Gretna, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Marissa Jean Marie, born in June. She was welcomed home by three brothers, Justin, Jacob and Joshua.

Tom ('95) and Carla Glathar ('95) Farrell of Riverview, Fla. are proud parents of a son, Riley Thomas, born in July. He was welcomed home by big sister Tyler.

Susan Kirkendall Findlay ('96) and husband Jeff of Stella, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Jackson Harvey, born in August. He was welcomed home by a sister, Ellie.

Scott ('92) and Melissa Swinney ('92) Gerdes of Gretna, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Tyson David, born in July. He was welcomed home by a sister, Paige.

'Ruth ·uutton Heywood ('96) and husband Mark of Peru, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Grant Everett, born in September. He was welcomed home by two sisters, Ashley and Amanda.

David ('97) and Dusk Seger ('96) Junker of Blair, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Cadence. She was welcomed home by a three year old brother Allen. Dave is a computer specialist at Great Plains Communications in Blair and Dusk is a stay-at-home mom.

Leading the Way

Bobcat fonvard Joey Maggett of Omaha, who led the team in scoring last season, will be counted on to help the men's basketball team rediscover its winning ways this season. Maggett averaged over 14 points and nearly six rebounds for the 'Cats last winter.

The only freshman to join the 'Cats this season is Kevin Turner (Omaha) from Omaha-Bryan High School. Turner's ability to knock down the three will give him the opportunity to play minutes at the off guard

spot.

Tim Knaak ('85) and his wife Patty are proud parents of daughter Spencer Kay, born in October. They live in Omaha along with Cooper (5). and Tucker (2). Tim is a bank examiner for the Comptroller of the Currency.

Jamie Liberty ('99) and Jay Babb of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Easton J, born in January. He

was welcomed home by three brothers. Jamie is a sixth grade special education teacher in Hiawatha, Kan.

Morris Liesemeyer ('84) and wife Connie of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Courtney Ann, born in July.

Julie Findlay Lambert (masters '00) and husband Jason of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Josh Findlay, born in July. He was welcomed home by a brother John.

Barry Lockard ('90) and wife Anne are proud parents of a son, Trent Joseph, born in. May. He was welcomed home by a brother, Trevor.

Valerie Leising Masin ('88) and husband Rick of Ord, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Richele Lynne, born in June. She was welcomed home by her big brother James.

Paul ('95) and Heather Layson ('97) McKay of Atlantic, Iowa are proud parents of son Zachary Robert.

Deb Carlson Moss ('92) and husband Keith of Burr, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Sarah Marie, born in May.

Allen Prengel ('89) arid his wife Shelly are proud parents of daughter Gabriella Michelle, born in August. They live in Topeka, Kan.

Chris Raabe ('97) and his wife Melanie are proud parents of daughter Reagan Grace, born in September. They reside in Peoria, Ariz. along with daughter Emma. Chris is head baseball coach at Independence High School in Glendale, Ariz. and as such is the youngest head coach in Arizona's Class 4A system in the state.

Mary Beth Unvert Rathe ('87) and husband Tom of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Lydia Catherine, born in July. She was welcomed home by two brothers, Ben and Joseph, and a sister Emma.

Holly Waring Rieschick ('94) and husband Ryan of Falls City, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Macy Lee, born in August. She was welco.med home by two sisters, Maggy and Meg.

resigned to move to Aurora, Neb. along with her husband Mark ( '87) and their chil(lren. (Photo by Kent Propst)

member, who worked first in Admissions and laterfor the college's Student Support Services progrmn.

Parn Reid Williams ( '88) was the guest of honor at a Going Away Par()' in June. The longtime PSC sh?tf

Farewell Pam!

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