hcc now! spring 2014

2 HCC Now! SpriNg 2014

Hutchinson Community College strives to not only serve the needs of the community but also anticipate changes that might be on the horizon. Many program areas that have been developed in recent years are a direct reflection of changes in the needs of the community, state and nation. To meet these needs, facilities were remodeled, equipment purchased and faculty employed.

The Shears Technology Center is a great example of the responsiveness of the College. Business and industry was asked if there was a need for a technology center, they responded positively. The College asked if they would help with programing, and again business and industry were affirmative. Then the community came forward with resources to make the Center a reality. One important requirement the College had for this and all buildings was the need to be flexible. Many spaces that had been designed for a particular type of instruction, have since been reconfigured in a

variety of ways. This need based usage design has been a part of the campus master plan, recognizing that community colleges and higher education should be about evolutionary change.

The College takes many factors into consideration as it has expanded, improved and enhanced curriculum and facilities. One career area forecasted to have the greatest growth in the next decade is allied health. Programs in allied health serve not only the local health care community including nursing homes, but also the aging population in Kansas and Reno County. These demographic shifts are going to continue making allied health careers in high demand into the foreseeable future. Hutchinson Community College has offered paramedic, radiology, certified nurse aide, associate degree nursing , and health information technology programs for a number of years. These programs have been augmented with the addition of physical therapy assistant, respiratory therapy, and pharmacy technology, all located in the Bob and Lou Peel Allied Health Training Center. Additionally, with the merger of the Central Kansas Area Technical School in 1992, the College added a practical nursing program. With access as a major component of the mission of Hutchinson Community College, these programs use technology to expand student physical access through strong online components to each curricular area.

The local need for a variety of trade programs continues to be strong with job forecasts underscoring a need that often exceeds graduates. Welding, heating ventilation and air conditioning, machining, and alternate energy programs all have significant demand. Labs in all of these areas reflect the needs of business and industry, with the College relying heavily on input from advisory committees. The Ade-Wifco welding facility is the largest welding and fabrication training center in Kansas with the Industrial Technology Center accommodating HVAC , industrial electronics, and alternate energy.

Public safety training continues to be a growth center for HCC. The construction of a new Fire Science Training Facility adjacent to the Hutchinson Fire Department will meet the needs of not only traditional students but also individuals throughout the region who are seeking retraining and training.

Although the success of technical programs has been dramatic, the transfer mission of Hutchinson Community College is foundational for the College. Students who transfer successfully to universities typically outperform native students. Outstanding faculty, small class size and technology all

contribute to transfer success. Universities often refer students to Hutchinson Community College so that general education and prerequisites can be taken before entering the university. This is outstanding reinforcement for the achievements of these excellent students. The transfer option has the potential of growing significantly over the next few years not only because of the quality of instruction students receive at HCC but also because of the increasing cost of tuition at universities. Student debt can be reduced dramatically by a student choosing to enroll in his/her first two years at a community college. When calculating the percentage of income of graduates dedicated to debt service after graduation, the choice of a community college for the first two years seems logical.

As Hutchinson Community College looks forward to the next decade, it is evident that partnerships are essential to survival. HCC has benefited from its tradition of partnering with both public and private entities for efficient and effective delivery of education. Partnerships that exist with area unified school districts have enhanced access to higher education and provided for a cost effective method of delivering education. The best example of a partnership that works is the cooperative agreement between USD 308 and the Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Center. Secondary and post-secondary students in the same classroom receive training and education in high demand programs. The State of Kansas has encouraged this arrangement with the passage of Senate Bill 155. Students can graduate from high school with a certificate in a high demand technical programs and either enter the workforce or continue to a community college where they can complete an associate degree. These students, if they choose, can even use that training to help pay for their baccalaureate degree. This partnership is a model for the state.

Partnerships with the private sector will also need to be expanded and enhanced. Several years ago Hutchinson Community College was cited for having more partnerships than any other college in Kansas. To be responsive and cost effective, this model will need to be expanded.

Hutchinson Community College will continue to be an integral partner with all of Reno County. The HCC mission, “Expanding the tradition of excellence through learning and collaboration” underscores all of the elements that make the College strong. HCC will continue to provide access to quality learning in a cost effective manner while responding to and anticipating the needs of the community for an educated citizenry and a highly skilled workforce.

president’s Corner

Spring 2014 • Vol. 21, No. 1 HCC Now! is published twice

yearly by the office of Marketing and Public Information.

[email protected]

Contributors: Steve Carpenter

A publication of Hutchinson Community College

1300 N. plum • Hutchinson, KS 67501www.hutchcc.edu

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association,

30 North LaSalle, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org

312-263-0456

hutchinson community college • hcc now!

“HCC will continue to provide access to quality learning in a cost effective manner while responding

and anticipating the needs of the community for an educated

citizenry and a highly skilled workforce..”

Dr. Edward Berger

HCC Now! SpriNg 2014 3

retirees

Tom Dillwith, a third-shift custodian, retires with five years of service to HCC.

Tom was known as Mr. Dragon during his tenure with the college. While working in Lockman Hall, Dillwith became a self-taught expert in the history of HCC and, in particular, the HCC Dragon mascot.

Dillwith, who has a strong interest in history, is retiring to write a history of his California hometown and also wants to update the HCC history record from 1975 to present.

Dillwith was recognized as the 2011 Employee of the Semester for his outstanding work at HCC.

Tom dillwith

Chuck Fann retires with 24 years of service to Hutchinson Community College.

Fann has served as the coordinator of the Criminal Justice program. In his tenure, many of his graduates have gone on to distinguished careers in the law enforcement and corrections field throughout the state of Kansas.

Fann has also served on numerous campus committees and groups.

Fann plans to stay in the Hutchinson area and pursue his many hobbies in retirement.Charles

Fann

Priscilla Hearn will retire with 24-years of service to HCC, including 19 as a full-time employee in Fine Arts.

Hearn, an accomplished musician in her own right, has taught several music courses and lessons through her career at HCC. She has also been the primary musical accompanist for many of the HCC musical groups, including Badinage and Sonance vocal jazz ensembles.

Hearn taught piano lessons to many in the Hutchinson area, and plans to remain active in the musical field through private lessons and performances.priscilla

Hearn

Rose Fragoza has been with Radio Kansas as secretarial support and traffic director for 23 years.

Fragoza has been instrumental in the growth of Radio Kansas. She assisted with the annual fundraising drives and coordinated a variety of events and activities for the station.

Fragoza was also famous for sharing her legendary cooking skills with station volunteers, many of whom would sign up to work the fund drives to enjoy one of her breakfast burritos.

Fragoza is looking forward to spending more time with her family in her retirement.

roseFragoza

Steve Swartz has been a part of HCC’s Business and Industry Institute for 13 years.

Swartz has served as an instructor for a variety of courses, including in boiler maintenance, welding and other industrial technology offerings.

He has also been instrumental in developing industry partnerships for both training and student learning opportunities.

SteveSwartz

Vince Puyear retires this spring with 21 years at Hutchinson Community College.

Puyear has been an instructor, primarily in computer aided drafting, and also in video game development and animation. He helped establish the SkillsUSA chapter at HCC and led the team to numerous medals at the state and national level.

He was a member of the SkillsUSA Board of Directors and won the Kansas Council of Workforce Education Leadership Award in 2013. He was also selected as the HCC Golden Dragon award winner for teaching in 2008.Vince

puyear

Roger Mitchell retires from the HCC Maintenance staff after 20 years of service to the college.

Mitchell, who is the Carpenter for HCC, performed a variety of jobs throughout his time at HCC. He was primarily responsible for the construction of cabinets and other woodworking projects. In addition to those duties, he also maintained the master key directory and repaired or replaced locks and issued keys to members of the HCC staff as needed.

rogermitchell

Additional Retirees Dr. Edward E Berger and

Bonnie Neville honored on pages 6-7; page 11.


This year’s Alumnus of the Year ended up at HCC by a series of almosts. Retired businessman and HCC Board of Trustees member D. Tony Dyer, a 1958 graduate, has been chosen as the Alumnus of the Year by the HCC Alumni and Friends Organization. Dyer will be honored with his award as part of the 2014 HCC graduation ceremonies. Dyer didn’t start his career at HCC. After graduation from Mount Hope High, Dyer headed to Kansas State intending to play football for the Wildcats. “I went to my first class at KSU,” Dyer said. “I remember it well, it was (a class called) Man’s Physical World. There were more people in that class than lived in all of Mount Hope. They gave us a seat number, and that was how they took roll for class.” After that experience, Dyer decided that KSU might not be the place for him, and headed to Wichita [State], where he happily played a season for the powerhouse Shocker football team and coach Jack Mitchell. “In those days, WSU was the football power in the state,” Dyer said. “They had a bunch of young coaches and had been very successful.” But, when Mitchell and his staff left at the end of the season, Dyer was at another crossroads. One of the WSU assistants wanted to have Dyer come play for him at the University of New Mexico, but there was a catch. Dyer would either have to sit out a year to be eligible, or play a season at a junior college. Luckily for HCC, Dyer chose the latter. “I knew people here,” Dyer added. “I had friends that came here and loved it (at HCC).” So, Dyer decided a year as a Blue Dragon would be his path to New Mexico. But, when he came on campus, Dyer found a place to stay and never headed West. “Everything took place at Lockman Hall in those days,” Dyer noted. “Classes probably looked about like they do now, with 25 to 30 kids in a class. It was a terrific fit when you came out of a class of 15 kids.” “When I left WSU, I intended to go on to New Mexico,” Dyer continued. “(HCC) just had a comfort level for me. I knew a lot of the guys here, from playing football, basketball and running track. I loved it here.” Dyer counts those years at HCC as some of his best collegiate experiences. He was a very successful player for the Blue Dragons, and finished his two-year degree. He remembered fondly courses with Hugh McMillian and Margaret Randles, among others, that provided a great foundation for his education. “The classes were sized right and the instructors had time for you,” Dyer said. “They knew your name and you weren’t just a seat number. Almost all of us would have stayed at Hutch if it had been a four-year school.” After graduation, Dyer headed to Emporia State to pursue a career as a teacher. “I was going to go to Pittsburg (State), but my in-laws had attended ESU, and gave me some help there,” Dyer noted. “I got along fine there with the coaches, and I was going to be a teacher and Emporia was the place to be for that at the time.” After two years at Emporia, Dyer had completed his degree and had a choice to make. He could return for one more season to play football and work on his master’s degree, or leave and apply for coaching jobs. It was then that another “almost” brought Dyer back to Hutchinson and HCC.

2014 Alumnus of the year

Tony DyerTony DyerAlumnus of the Year

2014


2014 alumnus of the year

Dyer was on his way to an interview for a coaching and teaching job at a nearby high school. He decided to stop in town on the way and see some old friends and catch up. “I was at Carl’s Bar catching up with some HCC friends, and Sam Butterfield comes by.” Dyer said. “He asked me what I was doing in town, and I told him I was on my way to a job interview. He said, ‘so, you’re looking for a job’ and wished me luck.” A few minutes later, Bill Goldsmith, who was the head football coach at the time and had coached Dyer as a player, came over to the table and asked Dyer to interview for a job on the HCC coaching staff. “The very next morning I met with Dean (Ellsworth) Briggs, and I got the job,” Dyer said. Dyer would spend four years coaching the HCC defense in football and field events in track. While he enjoyed the experience, the time came for Dyer to try something new. Dyer worked for five years as an insurance adjuster in Hutchinson, then moved again into education, working in textbook publishing and sales. After a few years in higher-education publishing for Doubleday and then Harcourt Brace, Dyer was offered a promotion. However, the promotion required a move to New York, and Dyer decided that leaving Hutchinson just wasn’t in the cards. “My daughter, Kelly, was in high school, and my son, Mike, was in eighth grade, and my youngest (Linda) was in grade school,” Dyer noted. “I had moved a lot as a kid, and I wasn’t going to do that to them.” So, Dyer went back to his former boss Don Sherrick, and was hired on in insurance sales at Kansas Farmers Services Association (KFSA). Dyer’s outgoing personality and tireless work ethic saw him rise quickly through the company, and he retired as President of KSFA after more than 25 years with the company. But Dyer wasn’t quite done with HCC. He had remained a loyal Blue Dragon fan throughout his years living in Hutchinson, and remained a proponent of the college and the opportunities it provided. For Dyer, HCC had been good to him and his family. His first wife, father-in-law, three

children and three grandchildren had all attended HCC, and he was proud of the school. Ron Sellers, who had been on the HCC Board of Trustees for many years, had been elected to a seat on the City Commission for Hutchinson, and resigned his seat on the HCC Board leaving an open term. Bob Snyder, another HCC Board member and friend of Dyer, approached him about taking over for the remainder of Sellers’ term. “Bob asked me about taking over the rest of Ron’s term,” Dyer said. “I thought about it and finally, my wife Karon talked me into it. She said ‘you love that school and have a lot of connection to it, you should do it.’” The HCC Board appointed Dyer for the remaining term vacated by Sellers, and Dyer was again part of HCC. “Tony Dyer is a True Blue success story,” said President Ed Berger, “Using the foundation of his experience at HCC, he rose to the Presidency of Kansas Farmers Service. Now he has gone full

circle from student, coach

and ultimately the Board of Trustees. What a wonderful example of the opportunity for growth, change and improvement that Hutchinson Community College provides.” “It’s been fun talking to people in town about what is available here (at HCC),” Dyer added. “What is available to kids in this community at this college is tremendous.” While Dyer enjoyed his term on the board, he almost didn’t rejoin it when his initial term was up. “Darrell Pankratz had to talk me into (running for another term),” Dyer continued. “We had just got all these projects going, and he told me I had to

stay until we finished them.” “I’ve served with Tony since he joined the Board,” said Pankratz. “What comes out to me is his love for the college and extreme pride in having attended, played, coached, and served on the board here. He makes me envious that I was never a Blue Dragon. He is a tremendous ambassador for the college throughout the community.” Dyer was elected to the board for a term of his own, and since that time has served 11 years on the HCC Board. “We’ve had really good people on the board,” Dyer noted. “People that want the best for the students and the school. When you take care of your customers, and the kids are our customers, then they will take care of you. A lot of our students are referrals and a lot come here because they knew someone who came here and had a good experience.” For Dyer, the best part of serving on the HCC Board has been talking to current and potential students about the college he cares so much about. “I was out in the parking lot talking to some parents here with their son from

Clay Center,” Dyer said. “They had been to Concordia, Pratt and others, and said, this campus is beautiful.” “I feel like you’re really at college, here, you just have that feel about the campus,” Dyer said. “I think this is the best community college in the state of Kansas, when you look at the academics, athletics, music programs and the whole campus. It is just an impressive place.”

“HCC has been so good to me, personally,” Dyer added. “To Karon, and our kids as well. This is a great place for kids to come. More kids are undecided, and come here out of high school not knowing what they want to do. HCC gives them an opportunity to see what they want to do. It gives them time to grow up and think about what is out there. The College is just a perfect environment for that. Everytime I think I know everything about what we do at this school, I’ll learn something I didn’t know we did here. It’s just a great place.”


Dr. Berger retirement

Dr. eDwarD e BergerDr. eDwarD e BergerExpansion Under His Leadership

On June 30, 2014, the end of an era will be marked as long-time HCC President Dr. Edward E. Berger walks out of his Lockman Hall office for the last time as Presi-dent of the College.

Berger began his career with Hutchinson Community College in 1981, when he left Seward County Commu-nity College to become Dean of Continuing Education at HCC. While Dean, Berger made several significant contributions to the college, including increasing the outreach programs at HCC, and helping with the creation of the Dillon Lecture Series on the campus.

In 1991, Berger became the sixth President of HCC, and retires as the second longest-tenured president (C.M. Lockman is first with 29 years) with 23 years of service as President, and 33 years of service at HCC.

Since he became President in 1991, HCC has seen a 60 percent increase in enrollment, and a number of signifi-cant changes to the college and community.

On July 1, 1991, Dr. Edward E. Berger succeeds President

James Stringer as the sixth president of Hutchinson Community College.

July 1,

1991 The dedication of the Richard and Jack Parker Student Union in the fall

of 1996, was a major advancement forward in student services at HCC. Students now had a single location for all services, including enrollment, advising and financial aid in a central campus location.

1996The summer of 2003 brought the completion of the

Rimmer Learning Resource Center. Encasing the previous JFK Library into a new technologically-advanced study and tutoring center, the RLRC is designed to help students find the resources necessary to succeed academically at HCC.

June 16,

2003

The first major achievement of Berger’s career came with the merger of

Central Kansas Area Vocational School (CKAVS) with Hutchinson Community College. The merger set a statewide model for the collaboration and cooperation between higher education and technical education. Berger’s leadership provided for a smooth transition and accelerated growth in technical education in Reno County.

1993

Improving technology resources on campus took a major step forward with the completion of the Shears Technology Center in the fall of 1999.

1999

“The opportunity to see students grow, change, improve and discover their potential has been incredibly rewarding. A Board of Trustees, faculty, administration, and staff that has a commitment to being student-centered makes it possible for student growth to be achieved.” - Dr. Edward E. Berger


2005-2006 brought the rededication of the

Elland Hall dormitory. The Dorms were expanded with a new wing of suite-style rooms, and improvements throughout the dorms to provide student services.

Berger helped gain a community coalition and

partnership to renovate the aging Gowan’s Stadium on campus for use by all of Reno County. Opened Fall 2006, as a symbol of cooperation and resource management.

Dr. Berger retirement

BERGER HONORED NATIONALLYDr. Edward Berger, President of HCC, was honored as a recipient of the prestigious Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award by Phi Theta Kappa. He was honored at the annual PTK convention on April 24-26 in Orlando, Florida.

The Bennett Award recognizes retiring college presidents, campus CEOs and state community college directors, based on outstanding support provided to Phi Theta Kappa over many years. Winners must be nominated by their local PTK chapter, and go through a rigorous selection process to be selected as an honoree.

Berger, who has been a tireless advocate for the PTK program at both HCC and statewide, was inducted into the HCC Kappa Gamma chapter as an honorary lifetime member at the annual chapter induction ceremony held in February.

2006

A nationwide need for trained health care workers drove a need to purchase the former Quest Center on Main Street. The building, with support from Bob and Lou

Peel, was renovated into a new classroom building with fully-functional laboratory spaces for the HCC Healthcare programs, including surgical technology and physical therapy.

September 14,

2013

Dr. Edward E. Berger announces that he will retire after 33 years of service to Hutchinson Community College and a career in higher education that spanned

more than forty years in Kansas Community Colleges.

November 14,

2013

October 8,

2006

The Richard E. Smith Science Center

opened in the fall of 2010. The former building was renovated into a marvel of science and health-related lab and classroom space.

June 16,

2010

Photos Courtesy of Carolyn Durbin- The Collegian


Campus News

all-Kansas academic Team awardsall-Kansas academic Team awardsPhi Theta Kappa selected two HCC students for the All-Kansas Academic Team. The duo will receive a $300 scholarship and an additional $1000 scholarship if they attend a Regents School. 53 students were selected from the community colleges in the state of Kansas. The team is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, The Kansas Association of Community College Trustees and the presidents of the state’s community colleges.

Emma Flynn (Lindsborg) is a pre-medicine student with a 4.0 grade point average. She is an executive officer for Phi Theta Kappa, and is the vice president of the HCC Student Government Association. She is a tutor on campus, in the HCC symphonic band and the Hutchinson Symphony Orchestra, a community volunteer with Dillon Nature Center, Reins of Hope and the Soup Kitchen. She has also been named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and as a Newman Civic Fellow Award winner. Flynn has also been recognized as a Coca Cola Gold Scholar by PTK. Selection as a Coca-Cola Gold Scholar was based on scores earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition. This program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by PTK.

Evan Wondra (Hutchinson) is majoring in architectural drafting with a 3.78 grade point average. He is an executive officer of Phi Theta Kappa, and a member of both the Campus Activities Board and Circle K. He is a coach for the All-Star team for Hutchinson Special Olympics and has been on the HCC President’s Honor Roll. He plans to attend Fort Hays State after graduation.

Martin named newman Civic FellowMartin named newman Civic FellowFreshman Zach Martin (Manhattan) has been recognized by the Campus Compact organization as a 2014 Newman Civic Fellow.

Campus Compact has named more than 100 student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country as 2014 Newman Civic Fellows. Nominated by their college and university presidents, these students are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. The Newman Civic Fellows Awards are made possible through the generous support of the KPMG Foundation.

Martin is an honors program student at HCC, with an interest in a career in psycholinguistics. He is a member of the Honors Student Council and is involved with the HCC residence halls and has worked out with the HCC Blue Dragon Track and Field team.

Martin, a native of Manhattan, has been an active volunteer with the Flint Hills Breadbasket, recording more than 200 hours of service with that organization. He has also chaired the student committee that is working with the HCC Faculty Senate to address issues of hunger on the HCC campus. He is a former Paul Harris/Rotary Youth Exchange Leader, and has been a member of the HCC Vice President’s Honor Roll.

Campus Compact is a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents who are committed to fulfilling the public purposes of higher education. As the only national higher education association dedicated solely to campus-based civic engagement, Campus Compact promotes public and community service for students and faculty/staff. Campus Compact’s membership includes public, private, two- and four-year institutions across the spectrum of higher education. For more information, visit www.compact.org.


Campus News

Chess Club exhibition & TournamentChess Club exhibition & Tournament

welding Supportwelding SupportThe HCC Welding Technology Program has a long time partnership with the American Legion in the area to create unique metal items which the Legion auctions at fundraisers. The groups split the proceeds and the efforts benefit scholarships at HCC.

Al Longstaff with the Legion recently presented a check for $2500 to Dave Fitzgeralds, Welding Program Coordinator, and other HCC adminstration for the most recent auction event.

Farm Bureau Club winsFarm Bureau Club wins

HCC Collegiate Farm Bureau Club had 4 students compete in the state wide quiz bowl at the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Manhattan, January 25-26, 2014.

The HCC team won the Quiz Bowl state championship, defeating both two- and four-year schools for the win. A team highlight was knocking off agricultural power Kansas State University in the first round of competition. The group members were Cami Roth (Sterling), Jill Holcomb (Plevna), Austin Schweizer (Sterling) and Ryan Kinsler (Kingman).

Duane Schmidt used chess in the classroom to develop skills like patience, professionalism, concentration and strategy. Due to a large interest in the activity, a

Chess Club has recently been established on the HCC campus. They have planned and promoted two major events this semester.

The Chess Club hosted a 50-Game simultaneous exhibition as a fund raiser and to raise awareness of the club on campus. Chess Expert Gabriel Purdy took on 50 players at once, moving from board to board to face each individual. Mr. Purdy is one of the highest-ranked chess players in the state of Kansas and has the rating of Expert by the World Chess Federation (FIDE-Fédération Internationale des Échecs). Purdy is also the manager and an instructor at the Anatoly Karpov International

School of Chess in Lindsborg. Purdy defeated a field of 18 competitors, ranging in age from 6 to 60+, in 90 minutes at the exhibition.

The first tournament was held April 4. The event was open to all HCC students, with 8 participating in the tournament. Several prizes were awarded, including competition caliber chess boards and chess clocks.


athletic news

QuarTerBaCK CluB Hall oF FaMeQuarTerBaCK CluB Hall oF FaMeClass of 2014

The HCC Quarterback Club and Hutchinson Community College Athletic Department welcomed four new members into the Hall of Fame on February 22, 2014.

andy Dirksandy DirksDirks was one of several local players who helped the 2005 Blue Dragon baseball team win Region VI for the first time in 30 years and go to the NJCAA World Series for the first time ever. A centerfielder/pitcher who batted leadoff for HCC’s Jayhawk West championship teams in 2005 and 2006, Dirks then spent two years at Wichita State starting for the Shockers before being drafted by the Detroit Tigers.

Maurice BrittianMaurice BrittianBrittian was the Most Valuable Player of the 1988 NJCAA Tournament. He helped the Blue Dragons win their first men’s basketball national championship. Brittian was enshrined posthumously after losing his life in an auto accident on June 25, 2006 in his home state of Georgia.

Pat BecherPat BecherPat Becher has served 29 seasons as Blue Dragon head coach. In that time, he has coached 22 individual NJCAA national champions and 29 NJCAA national runners-up and more than 700 track and field All-Americans. His most famous athlete is 1988 NJCAA decathlon national champion Steve Fritz, who placed fourth in the decathlon at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. HCC track has also produced more than 150 Academic All-American’s in the past 12 years, including two No. 2 Women’s Academic All-America teams of the year and two men’s Academic All-America team of the year and five more teams in the top five.

rusty Hilstrusty HilstRusty Hilst has been involved in radio sports broadcasting since 1969 and with the Blue Dragons since 1971. His first involvement with Blue Dragon athletics came while he was broadcasting sports for KWHK radio in Hutchinson. He later joined long-time HCC broadcaster Jerry Kershaw with KWBW in 1980. Hilst took over the play-by-play duties for both football and basketball when Kershaw retired in 1995. Hilst currently serves as Blue Dragon football “play-by-play” announcer and provided analysis for Blue Dragon men’s basketball games. In addition, he continues to broadcast Hutchinson High football and boys and girls basketball as broadcast play-by-play announcer as well as assisting with the NJCAA National Basketball Tournament.


Athletic News

neville retirementneville retirement

Bonnie Neville, the director and choreographer for the HCC Dragon Dolls dance team for the past 44 years, announced her retirement at the end of the 2014 season.

Neville, who was honored at a special halftime reception on Feb. 10, with a reunion of many of her former dancers. Current Dragon Dolls wore a collection of historic costumes from her tenure as director.

She and her husband, Lyle, will be moving to Phoenix Ariz. in their retirement.

lady Dragon Basketball Comes up one Shortlady Dragon Basketball Comes up one ShortThe Lady Dragon Basketball team fell just one game shy of a memorable finish, as they fell to Trinity Valley Community College (Tex.), 65-46, in the NJCAA National Championship game, held at the Bicentennial Center in Salina on March 22.

The loss was the first of the season for the team, which finished with a record-setting 35-1 record on the year. The team posted a 36-consecutive game winning streak, that tied for the longest run in school history.

The Lady Dragons have been in the national championship game twice in the past three years, and finished third in the nation in the other appearance at the national championship tournament.

Two outstanding Lady Dragons, Jamie Patrick and Kalani Purcell were named to the all-tournament

team for the tournament. Patrick ends her career at HCC as the all-time career

scorer with 1,098 points and set a season record for scoring with 626 in 2013-14. Purcell, who will return next season for her sophomore year, finished second in single-season rebounds, steals and blocks in the HCC record book.

Head coach John Ontjes was honored as the Jayhawk Coach of

the year, while Purcell was honored as the league Freshman of the Year. HCC won

their third straight Region VI title in 2014, and the fourth Jayhawk West title enroute to an undefeated regular season.

Patterson Pro BowlPatterson Pro Bowl

Former Blue Dragon All-American Cordarrelle Patterson was named to the 2014 NFL Pro Bowl Roster. Patterson, who completed his rookie season in 2013 with the Minnesota Vikings, played on Team Deion Sanders as a return specialist and special teams member.

Patterson set a record for the longest kickoff return in league history of 109 yards this season while returning 43 kickoffs for an average of 32.4 yards per return.


[Name of page here]blue dragon notes & wedding Bells

Blue

Drag

on N

otes ANDrEw BrOwN has been

named a Corrections Specialist II at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility. He has been with HCF since 1999.

JEAN COOk is sharing her painting skills with students and adults in Marshall County as part of a three-year agreement with the Arts Cooperative there. She will also have an exhibition of her artwork at the Lee Dam Center for Fine Art. She resides in Paola.

ChiEf MAStEr Sgt. JEBODiAh EAtON is the producer for the U.S. Air Force Band. He coordinated a “flash mob” by the band for the holiday season at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington. The video of the performance has been viewed more than 1 million times since the performance.

kriStiN friESEN is the new events coordinator for the Inman Chamber of Commerce and City of Inman. She is also employed with Grant Ringler, DDS in Hutchinson. She and her husband, Eric, reside in Inman.

tErESA J. JAMES, ‘79 has been appointed a United States Magistrate Judge for the district of Kansas in Kansas City. She is also on the board of the Kansas Continuing Legal Education Commission and is a member of the Johnson County and Wichita Bar Associations.

StEphANiE JOhNSON is a laser technician with Innovative Vein in Wichita. The Kansas native has 20 years of medical experience in the state.

DAriN LEE is a top salesman for Long McArthur Dealership in Salina. He and his wife, Gina, have two children and reside in Salina.

gEOrgE (‘76) AND ShArON Light have moved to the family farm in Clearwater. The couple has four sons and plan to raise cattle on the farm that has been in the Light family since 1874.

JOANELLE LuCAS has announced her retirement as the USD373 Career and Technical Education Director. She has been a key force in the cooperative agreement between HCC and USD373 in providing technical education opportunities in Newton.

DAviD Lux has been named the interim chief of police for the city of Kingman. He has been with the department since 2001.

kOrEy MALDONADO is a credit analyist with the Hutchinson Credit Union. Prior to joining HCU, he worked at Central Kansas Credit Union.

AArON MCkiNNEy is a Physician’s Assistant for the Emergency Room at Sheridan County Health Complex. He and his wife, Tanya, have three children and reside in Hoxie.

MiNDy MiLLEr has signed a recording contract with Margond Records to record her third studio album, and release her first country music single. She currently resides in Minnesota and performs throughout the country as both a headline and supporting performer.

JOE MitChELL has been honored as the NAIA Division II National Player of the Year. Mitchell, a guard with Friends University, averaged 32.2 points per game for the season.

SOCOrrO pAtE has opened a new restaurant, The Pepper Patch, in Carbondale. The family-owned business specializes in Mexican dishes.

kELLy pAyNE has been honored as the 2013 Firefighter of the Year in Derby. He has been an employee with the department since 2008.

kELLy pittS has joined the lending team for Citizens State Bank in Moundridge, specializing in agricultural loans. Pitts and his wife, Michele, have two children and reside in Moundridge.

MitChELL riCE, ‘93 won the 2013 Client Distinction Award from Martindale-Hubble for his excellence in the legal field. He was also named one of the top lawyers in Kansas by the Legal Network. He resides in Hutchinson.

kArEN rOhLiNg has joined the staff of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Reno County. She served more than 20 years in the corrections field, including 10 years as the Warden at Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility before her retirement in 2010.

ryAN rOSS, ‘91 is the manager of application development for network performance for Sprint in Overland Park. He resides in Olathe.

BrANDON ruiz has been promoted to Corrections Counselor II at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility. He is currently working on his master’s degree at Fort Hays.

SALLy SALDANA has retired after 40 years of service with the Pik-Quik stores in Hutchinson. She and her husband, Dan, reside in Hutchinson.

Diana Yarmer / Brad Harmony July 20, 2013

Chelsy Coen / Marc Champlin August 10, 2013

Emily Paine / Brad Irvin March 22, 2014

Desiree Fourad / Brandon Crain April 24, 2014

Erin Brown / Joey Sanders June 2014

Samantha Comer / Gregory Gonzales May 3, 2014

Krista Turner / Jeffrey Moore July 12, 2014

Katelin Morton / Brett Goetz June 12, 2014

Megan Wood / Luke Schroeder August 2, 2014

What’s New with You?We’d like to share your career news, weddings & engagements, educational news and in memoriam updates.

Contact the Alumni & Friends at 620-665-3348 or by emailing: [email protected]

Weddings & engagementsAlumni, former students, current students and staff are indicated by italics.


[Name of page here] in Memoriam

Eva ruth hirst, 81, Partridge, November 1, 2013

philip C. Bloom, 96, Hutchinson, November 2, 2013

M. June updegrove, 91, Hutchinson, November 9, 2013

Judy vizner, 64, Salina, November 10, 2013

Edith Susie Ann gould, 73, Hutchinson, November 13, 2013

harriet g. Stevens, 86, Lawrence, November 13, 2013

Mary Bele Shea, 68, Hutchinson, November 13, 2013

Luke william Shafer, 41, Inman, November 13, 2013

georganna froetschner, 89, Larned, November 18, 2013

Donna Louise peterson, 75, Arlington, November 20, 2013

James thomas ‘Jim’ kite, 87, Lyons, November 22, 201

David Eugene Mcintosh, 54, Hutchinson, November 24, 2013

Margret Emma Leach Schleske, 100, Kansas City, Mo, November 28, 2013

John Dukelow, 99, Hutchinson, November 29, 2013

Alan r. Allison, 60, Greensburg, November 30, 2013

Jeffrey Lee headings, 52, Hutchinson, December 11, 2013

Dorinda Ediger, 84, Buhler, December 16, 2013

Nicholas James ‘Nick’ Craig, 21, Hutchinson, December 20, 2013

richard D. Crump, 78, Topeka, January 6, 2014

Linda Sanchez hernandez, 68, Hutchinson, January 11, 2014

Margie Joyce kelly, 63, McPherson, January 11, 2014

robert p. ‘Bob’ hinson Jr., 56, Inman, January 13, 2014

Carol D. van pelt, 69, Fairland, OK., January 17, 2014

Michael ‘Mike’ kretzer, 61, Derby, January 19, 2014

Barbara Jean wilson, 60, Hutchinson, January 24, 2014

rosalind hoskinson, 75, Hutchinson, January 24, 2014

ida Mae Sutton, 90, Lawrence, January 29, 2014

preston v. Smith, 65, El Dorado, February 8, 2014

Beverly A. hensley, 81, Hutchinson, February 9, 2014

Dr. terril Leon granger, 72, Fort Collins, CO, February 12, 2014

Mary Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Dealy Craig, 92, Hutchinson, February 16,2014

Leonard paul Aupperle, 97, Hutchinson, February 21, 2014

Lewis C. taylor, 80, Hutchinson, February 25, 2014

Allyson rae yutzy, 20, Partridge, March 1, 2014

ruby Sara tuggle, 97, Johnson, March 1, 2014

Douglas Dean ‘Doug’ wheaton, 70, Hutchinson, March 4, 2014

Duane v. Ely, 79, Lawrence, March 7, 2014

Beverly Ann goering, McPherson, March 10, 2014

Benjamin w. Leake, 28, Sterling, March 16, 2014

James L. Savage, 77, Hutchinson, March 24, 2014

Mary C. Means, 63, Hutchinson, March 27, 2014

Friends Remembered


campus news

Doctorates awardedDoctorates awardedTwo members of the Hutchinson Community College staff were recently awarded their doctorial degrees.

Karen Baehler, Economics Instructor, received her doctoral degree from the University of Kansas. Baehler, a native of Belleville, Kansas, and a graduate of Belleville High, completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teaching, with specialization in Economic Education. Dr. Baehler’s dissertation title was Does Introductory Economic Course Venue Affect Economic Understanding? Baehler has been an instructor of economics at HCC since 1999.

Carter File, Vice President of Finance and Operations, received his doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska. File, a native of Beloit, Kansas, and a graduate of Beloit Junior & Senior High, completed his Ph.D. in Educational Studies, with specialization in Educational Leadership and Higher Education. Dr. File’s dissertation title was Understanding the Influence Career Paths Have on Community and Technical College Chief Business Officers’ Satisfaction with their Position: A Mixed Method Investigation. File has been in his current position at HCC since his hiring in 2005.

Debate Finishes 2nd at national ChampionshipsDebate Finishes 2nd at national ChampionshipsFor only the second time in school history, the HCC Blue Dragon Debate and Forensics team finished second at the 2014 American Forensics Association-National Individual Events Tournament (AFA-NIET).

HCC qualified a record 12 students in 28 events to the tournament this season. The team also finished 36th among all schools (both two- and four-year) at the tournament.

Sophomore Jahman Hill (Larned) was the first HCC student to advance past preliminary rounds at the national tournament, making it to the quarterfinal round in impromptu speaking. He finished 24th out of 154 competitors in the event. He also placed 26th in Program Oral Interpretation, missing the quarterfinal round by a single spot.

For the year, HCC won 317 individual and team trophies throughout the season of competition.


Campus News

livestock Judging Teamlivestock Judging TeamThe Hutchinson Community College sophomore livestock judging team finished the season strong with a top five finish at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March.

The team was fourth overall with two students finishing in the top ten overall rankings.

Ashley Fischer (Dodge City) was the high individual in the Sheep and Goat division, and was third high individual overall in the contest. Pat Arkfeld (Dunbar, Neb.) was eighth high individual in reasons and same in the overall individual rankings. Caitlin Ohnoutka (Valparaiso, Neb.) was 11th high individual in beef judging. The team never placed out of the top seven teams at a national contest in the spring.

There were 23 teams from across the country who competed in the event.

HCC Livestock Judging Team: (front row, from left) Patrick Arkfeld (Dunbar, Neb.), Ashley Fischer (Dodge City), Caitlin Ohnoutka (Valparaiso, Neb.); (back, from left) Barrett Carlisle, Assistant Coach, Cory Craver (Gypsum) Nate Pitts (Buhler) Chance Berry (Washington, Ind.) Ryan Coulson (Abilene) Ben Williams, Head Coach.

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