1997 The Peru Stater (Nebraska)

Peru State Good for Business

As business "tools of the trade" change with lightning speed and the need for training is greater then ever, Peru State College is offering more support than ever.

This past fall the College offered 25 specialized, noncredit classes to meet the needs of area business and industry, according to President Robert L. Bums.

The Prof & The Net

Professor of English Dr. Bill Clemente enjoys his visits to the Conestoga Public Schools in Nehawka and Murray, Neb. But thanks to an innovative, cooperative program involving Peru State, Conestoga and the Internet, he doesn't have to make the trip in order to work with the students. See story, page 8.

Library Experiences 'Information Explosion•

It's an explosion, one that has leveled the field.

The explosion of information available through the World Wide Web to Peru State College library patrons has had a profound effect, according to President Robert L. Burns.

For decades, educational resources available through the PSC library were considerably fewer than those housed at much larger university libraries. The Internet has dramatically changed that.

"When Mr. (Lorin) Lindsay came to direct PSC's library I asked him to move it to be the heart of our technological campus," Dr. Bums said. "He has done exactly that and it is a magnificent achievement for our College."

Whether the person seeking information is actually in the PSC library or is at one of PSC's campus extension sites, residence halls or at home using a computer and a phone modem, accessing materials has never been faster or easier.

A few clicks of a button can open up an incredible - and increasing - volume of information on virtually any topic

the student or faculty member needs, noted Lorin Lindsay, Director of the PSC library.

Results staggering

Since joining PSC in August 1995, Lindsay has been on a mission to enhance campus Internet resources. The results are staggering and, at the same time, essential according to Lindsay.

Many students use these resources in their high schools; to compete, PSC must provide them. "Students have come to expect it," Lindsay noted.

The process of determining which resources to make readily available is a time consuming task, Lindsay said, but is driven by a singular goal: that of providing Peru State users with the resources they need.

The Internet is a mirror of society with all its glory, warts and wrinkles, Lindsay said. So discretion is used to provide the resources within guidelines for campus Internet use.

Needs differ

"We always think of our clientele, be they students or faculty, and what they need for class and research," Lindsay said. "Each individual faculty

member and each academic program has its own specific needs."

The library prepares a "resource guide" for each program. The guide shows users not only what is available through the PSC library, it explains how to access it.

Resource guides for several PSC academic programs already have been completed, and others are on their way, Lindsay said.

Money is always a factor, and one way to cut costs is for libraries to share the cost of a resource; Lindsay used the Encyclopedia Brittanica's Internet version, called Brittanica Online, as an example.

Cost sharing

The Nebraska Library Commission arranged a contract with Brittanica so that a number of libraries could share the cost. If PSC got Brittanica Online by itself, the cost would have been four times as much.

"The costs are so high, and so many materials are available and essential, that cooperation is the only way to go,"

(Continued on Page 3)

Attendance in the classes exceeded 340, including 19 people who took various classes for personal benefit. The rest represented thirty different businesses, industries or organizations from across the region.

"Training partnerships are a continuing emphasis for Peru State, and our new Technology Center has been a primary strength in the development of these specially designed sessions," Dr. Bums said.

The workshops and courses weren't offered for college credit. Most were held at PSC's Regional Technology Center in Nebraska City, though one was held at Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville and another at American Meter in Nebraska City.

Many benefit

Industries, small businesses,

agribusinesses, schools, cities, counties, insurance companies, state agencies and banks all sent staff to one or more of the workshops according to Dr. Robert G. Smallfoot, Director of Continuing Education.

Several were offered at the request of, and to meet specific needs of, particular businesses and industries, Dr. Smallfoot said. That ability to be flexible and to offer what is needed, when and where it is needed, is one of the program's biggest advantages.

"We' re just scratching the surface," Dr. Smallfoot said. "The potential for our offcampus programs is phenomenal. But we don't do (these courses) for our benefit; it boils down to serving our communities."

Communities whose businesses and organizations sent staff to the workshops included Auburn, Brownville, Hamburg (Iowa), Humboldt, Murray, Nebraska City, Peru, Syracuse, Tabor (Iowa) and Tecumseh, Dr. Smallfoot noted.

Computer training

Many of the classes involved computer-based training; the new computer lab at the Regional Technology (Continued on Page 2)

May Reunion '97 Nears

Memories of Peru State will become a reality for those who attend the 1997 May Reunion in a few short weeks.

The Reunion for SO year alumni is set for Friday and Saturday, May 9-10 and it's time to make arrangements to attend.

All Peruvians from class years 1947 - this year's honored class - to 1927 will be invited. A special invite will go out to the 49-year Class of '48 in case they want to come back and see the folks they looked up to as PSC juniors. Friday activities include a campus tour, the ever-popular President's Reception, the May Reunion Banquet and program to follow. Saturday highlights feature breakfast,· 1997 Commencement exercises, luncheon, and a driving tour of the campus and community.

If you have questions, contact Kent Propst at PSC by calling (402) 872-2225.

JFlf@J]]l ltibl lt

The Progress Is Amazing

Hmv can it be possible that the academic year has come so far so.fast?

The quickness with which the PSC year of 1996-97 is passing is all the more a wonder if you have a chance to see the amazing amount of progress that has occurred due to the work of so many of our faculty, staff and students.

Jn spite of a fairly hectic fall and a very harsh winter, the morale and spirit of the Peru State campus community have never been higher in recent years. Perhaps that is because so many are being so positive and productive.

We have installed new and enhanced computer labs on the campus and at the new Regional Technology Center, creating better support for our faculty in the classroom setting and making our students more competitive in the workplace.

Better service

The campus library, though still too small for our needs, has taken giant steps in technology with the result of greatly improved service both to the campus and to our entire sen,ice area of 19 counties.

Business

Workshops like "Using Windows '95 and Word Perfect," "Using Microsoft Excel," "Navigating the Web," and "Power Features of MS Office Pro" require special instruction that probably costs more than most small businesses could afford.

But by using the new equipment at the Technology Center and by having several organizations send staff for training, costs can be a fraction for individual businesses, Dr. Smallfoot said.

We are growing in all the right ways, with strong enrollments and financial status - and with more and more opportunities to grow even more.

Our important outreach to Offutt Air Base, to towns like Beatrice, Falls City, Auburn and Nebraska City, to the metropolitan environments of Omaha and Lincoln and so much more is being refreshed and strengthened so that we can continue to build both numbers and quality.

New opportunities

Faculty are working hard to see to it that our academic programs remain strong and that we are ready with new and renewed opportunities for our students.

It is exciting, for example, to be part of the wide new vistas we are creating to serve the training and educational needs of the working people in our region. Both credit and noncredit opportunities are being designed every day, and our publics are responding with new energy and enthusiasm.

Working together with partners in business, industry, education and government, there is almost no limit to what we can accomplish in producing a workforce that will keep our economy strong.

Pride & enthusiasm

But most of all, it is fun to talk with so many of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni/friends and to learn about their own pride and enthusiasm for the work they do and for Peru State.

Oh, you come to recognize the few sour faces that are out there no matter what happensbut the facts are that Peru State is in the best situation in a long time because of the hard work and dedication of a great majority who are determined to do what is good and right. Working with that kind of attitude, on and off the campus, the College 1vill prosper. Just read through this Stater and you tt'ill see how it is happening!

All Points Bulletin: 'Newly Lost' Alums

Following is a list of Peru Stater's who recently joined our list of "lost alumni."

If you can provide a current, home address for any of these individuals please forward it to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 684210010.

Christopher Michael1996

Kelly Tate - 1996

Teana Kisker - 1995

Kathie Lee Lincoln1993

Michelle Curtis - 1991

James D. Nix - 1989

Dougas Barlow - 1984

Ron Robbins - 1967

Randy Walter - 1979

Michael DeRuntz - 1975

Norma J. Parriott Hatten1943

Sophia Ficke Thornton1938

R.O. Cole - 1934

Evelyn Janssen Lea1927

(' 60), Chuck Colebrook ('66), Ellen Meritt Cotton (' 71 ), Vera Eschen Cox (' 38), Larry Eden (' 66), Robert Eichenberger ('64), Rod Frederick ('90), Richard Good (' 48), Ted Harshbarger (' 77), Ken Heywood (' 34), Mary Henrichs Kellogg (' 51 ), Beth Propst Mierau (' 82), Leland Schmit (' 60), Dorothy Stepan ('47), Jean Glynn Sugden ('69), Thelma Friedly Swisegood ('37), Ruby Redding Thornton (' 53), and Marion Friedly Wittrock ('65 .)

"Managing and Resolving Conflict," "Secrets of Super Service," and "Turning Your Stress Into Strength" were popular - the latter drew the second-highest attendance of any of the 25 classes.

More available

PSC's Continuing Education office listed 33 noncredit courses being offered in the spring term. Businesses, industries and organizations with specific training needs are encouraged to contact Dr. Small foot.

Computer instruction is by no means the only service offered, Dr. Smallfoot added. Last fall, workshops like

I

Peruvians residing in the metropolitan Omaha area are reminded that the Chapter Reunion is almost here!

Chapter Co-Presidents Bob ('62) and Joan Wesolowski ('61) Mulder and their planning group have an informative and enjoyable evening ready for Thursday, April 24. The German-American Society Club at I 20th and I

Northern Californians Ready for Action!

That exuberant alumni chapter in Northern California is ready for action at their Reunion in April.

Chapter Chair John J. Leavitt (' 45), his fellow Navy V- l 2ers and other organizers promise a most pleasant event on Saturday, April I 9 at Travis Air Force Base Officers Club in Fairfield.

If you haven't attended one of these reunions and wonder what all the fuss is about, you owe it to yourself to find out.

This group has fun.

If you have questions, call Mr. Leavitt weekdays at (408) 286-2262, or Kent Propst at Peru State at (402) 872-2225.

"Working with our current partners in business, education and government has been very beneficial for all concerned," Dr. Bums said. "We look forward to a growing level of activity in the immediate future."

April Date in OmahaStreets has proven to be a popu I ar meeting spot for this largest of Peru State alumni chapters. Join the fun!

The Peru Stater

President

Dr. Robert L. Bums

Editor Kent Propst (' 81)

Assistants

Carolyn Bredemeier

Jackie Baker Williams ('8 I)

Sports

Chris Erickson

Photography Genelle Czirr ('97) Tony Koso ('99)

The Peru Stater is published three times per year by Peru State College with the suppport of the Peru State College 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. The Peru State College phone number is (402) 872-3815. Send e-mail to: propst@pscvax.peru.edu

Library

Lindsay said.

Establishing new links with information providers is a formidable task, and the resources arc in a constant state of flux. Many change their Internet address, or their ';-iame, or just drop out of the World Wide Web. What a library offers this year for electronic resources may not be what it offers next year.

For instance, if some of the libraries sharing the costs of Brittanica Online decided not to keep it next year, the PSC library would have to trv to find a comp arab lc resou(ce with other libraries.

Constant change

Lindsay said library staff spends time each month making sure the links arc current and correct. About four or five times a year, a major update with new links is added to the Library Web page.

Lindsay has '·no idea how many links we've established" through the PSC library; on his desk is an inch-thick stack of paper, each with the titles or dozens of sources that have been linked to the library home page.

Educating users on how to use the Internet and its resources is another time-consuming project. This fall Lindsay met with faculty, administrators and key staff to introduce them to resources in their field, to gi vc them a road map of the Library Web page,

and other resource guides. No copy

Resources available include onlinc periodical indexes, fulltcxt journals online, and resource documents that exist only in electronic form. More and more journals exist only in electronic form with no print copy, Lindsay noted.

In 1993 Congress passed a law making the Government Printing Office (GPO) responsible for disseminating information electronically. In December 1995 the GPO started to primarily provide government statistics online via the Internet, free to the public.

The hot trend on the Internet today is the addition of graphics, animation, and audio clips. Keeping up on that technology is one of Lindsay's goals for the next year.

Yet equipment for the visually impaired cannot "read" graphics, so the library will also have to maintain the character-based Web page as well.

Access important

Still another concern is to make sure PSC off-campus students have equal access to the same materials. Students with access to personal computers and a modem can dial into the PSC home page and get to the same library resources.

Another major task is providing access to the sites where PSC off-campus courses are taught.

From Page 1

The overwhelming volume of materials now on the World Wide W cb is. Lindsay asserts, just the tip of the iceberg. Projections arc that only 10 percent of recorded knowledge is available on the Internet, but it is overwhelming because it can be accessed so quickly.

"These resources are just in their infancy:· he said. ''More arc coming like a tidal wave. We're just starting to feel the rise of the wave starting to descend upon us. Good, bad

"People will have to learn how to evaluate and use the good information and throw out the trash." he said.

Library traditionalists need not fear the changes, Lindsay added. The valid useful infonnation will still be put into print. More books are being printed than ever before and more people are buying them.

"Besides," Lindsay said. ''it's hard to curl up in bed with a laptop computer."

''We know that technology is not the answer to every need or problem," Dr. Burns said. ''but it can provide extremely important tools for us and for our studenb. That is our central goal."

NOTE: If you have access to a computer and modem, you can take a look at the PSC Library Web Page at the following address: http://www.peru.edu/-lindsay/ library.html

,-. JIM Memori@m ·---1

Kittie Irene Rhodus Adams ('27) of Peru passed away in January.

Thelma Flies Amidon ('40) of Ft. Collins, Colo. passed away in October.

Karen Weible Bannister (attd. '84-'85) passed away in November near Aurora, Neb.

Word has been received of the death of Anna Baker ('63) of Atchison, Kan. in March of 1996.

Mabel Baller of Normal, Ill., the widow of the late Bobcat basketball coach Stuart Baller, passed away in January.

Eleanor Hall Barkley ('60) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in November. She taught school in the Falls City area and later worked for KTNC Radio and the Falls City Journal as advertising director.

Elsie Homrich Bartram ('69) of Pawnee City, Neb. passed away in December. She was a retired school teacher. Elsie had served as a Peru State College Foundation Trustee.

Ethel Goolsby Bauer ('23) of

Falls City, Neb. passed away in November. She taught in rural schools in Richardson County, and retired in 1960.

Anna Heye Becker ('49) of Nelson, Neb. passed away in November. She taught in Steinauer, Cook, Glenvil, Nelson and Lawrence in Nebraska.

Donald A. Becker ('46) of Union, Neb. passed away in December. He was owner/operator of Don Becker Plumbing and Heating.

Former student Genevieve Frerichs Birkmann of Kearney, Neb. passed away in January.

Camilla Poteet Bookwalter ('36) of Lawrence, Kan. passed away in October. She was active in several fraternal organizations and her church in Lawrence.

Wayne "Red" Buhrmann ('43) of Martell, Neb. passed away in December. He was a former teacher and a retired engineer from Goodyear Tire in Lincoln. His wife is the former Joan Thickstun ('46).

One of Peru State's longest-

surviving graduates, Alta Bell Callen ('11) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in December. She was a retired teacher from the Lincoln Public Schools.

Anna Machovec Chapek ('31) passed away in January in Wahoo, Neb. She taught in several Saunders County schools.

Forrest Corn ('33) passed away in January in Columbus, Neb. He taught music in Scotia, Arapahoe and Columbus for several years before owning and operating the Columbus Music Co. until his retirement in 1976.

Word has been received of the death of Corinne Frye Cotter ('29) of Indianapolis, Ind.

Lois Bearing Dovel ('62) of Pawnee City, Neb. passed away in January. She was a retired music teacher and taught in the Pawnee City schools for many years.

Erna Woitzel Duncan ('26) of Lakewood, Colo. passed away in December. She was an engineering drafter and retired from federal employment after 35 years.

(Continued on Page 16)

Russ Ruth ('50) of Grand View, Mo. \\'as one of the guests at last autumn's Kansas Ci tr Alumni Reunion. The fledgling chapter a/reach' has established itself as a solid alumni organi::.ation 11·ith a great group of chapter ofjlcers and planners already thinking about their next reunion this fall.

f.ru®Mrrunc0rru®si

Lincoln Chapter

The Lincoln-Area Alumni group will begin making plans for its Fall '97 reunion, with tentative plans to meet in early October.

Any Peruvian who lives in the immediate Lincoln area and who isn't on the planning group is encouraged to join; contact Kent Propst at the college, (402) 872-2225.

A Rocky Mountain Reminder

Now that we've all changed over to our 1997 calendars, Peruvians living in Colorado, Wyoming, and western Nebraska and western Kansas need to make a note on them.

The '97 Rocky Mountain Reunion will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16 in Ft. Collins. Details will be included in the invitation to be sent this summer, but do be sure to note the date.

Class of '77: Find the Lost

We're happy to note that the number of "lost alums" on the Class of '77 roster is one of the shortest in our records.

Still, we'd like to shorten it even further. If you can provide us with the current, home address for any of the following please forward itto: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421-0010.

Abner, Henry

Bohling, Randy L. Christie, Raymond Cook, Dixie Dierking, Ray L. Gibson, Michael S. Greening, Jeanne L. (Dewald)

Huston, Susan E. (Faller)

Martin, William E. McClain, Capt. Robert Okoye, Sydney C. Reed, Cindra S. Stordahl, Dean M. Tutson, Curtis Zuehlsdorf, Lora K.

In Lori back she mos1 futu1 is sc•. den!

1Jr<0>rmg (Q) UJ!J]l

:._.ois Christensen (' 48) Trustee PSC Foundation

e Fall 1996 Peru Stater

·ibel wrote that looking her 1984 graduation, ·snow convinced that her nportant role for the \'as to "assure that PSC ly rooted to serve stuito the future. "

ecent II I

The following is a list of gifts presented to various scholarship and memorial funds with the PSC Foundation. It includes gifts received from mid-October through the first week of February.

s to e orial Funds

Kent and Becki Young

Propst

Mary Rishel Rix

Dorothy Stepan

Carl Wirth

John Christ Scholarship

Corwin Arndt

Glenn Jenkins Scholarship

Helen Powell Porr

Victor Jindra Scholarship

Josephine Godown

JoAnn Frerichs Krause

Charles Parnell

Evelyn Stirba Rahe

F· 194( to tlu prm ance

nyself, looking back to a raduation, my first task is k Peru State College for ng the tools and guidhich enabled me to purlife 's adventures and sue goal. ·ith (I hope) some modest success.

Li Lori, I realize that for the future I and other grads mus! enuec ?!p to provide for students of the future, not only acadly, but also financially.

Easy way

Tli easiest way to provide this financial support is to contribu to the Peru State College Foundation. For me, this is "pm 1ck" for what Peru State College didfor me, and is helpi 1 me to insure availability qf support for future students.

In •ese times when there are so many pressures to contribu ·· to a myriad of organizations and worthy causes, it may em that the Foundation is just another such organization. le obviously cannot give to all.

In ; wking choices, a contribution to the Foundation ranks high < n my list. Such a contribution is like a stone cast into a lake · the ripples go out forever and many results may never be known.

Lasting influence

It is comforting to speculate that H-'e have helped influence the future for students far beyond anything we can imagine. Please consider a contribution to the Foundation when you are called in the next fund drive. The satisfaction you will receive for this act of giving to the future is immense.

Alum Establishes Science Stipend

Peru State College alumni interested in studying environmental science can apply for a newly established scholarship funded by Jane Dressler Powell ('37).

There is a catch: the graduate school is the University of North Texas, located in Denton.

Ms. Powell established the scholarship fund at UNT this past winter, to be used by students working on water

resource problems in UNT's graduate program in environmental science.

Qualified PSC alums will be given preferential consideration for the scholarship, according to Ms. Powell.

For more information contact Ted Harshbarger in the Cooperative Education & Career Services office at Peru State by calling (402) 8722420.

Year-End Gift Appeal Yields

The PSC Foundation's yearend letter was once again most successful. A total of $14,297 .50 was received from 213 alums. Many of you dedicated your gifts to specific

scholarship funds, which helps us make available more valuable scholarships to our students. Thanks to each one of you for your gifts. We appreciate your generosity!

If you gave to these or any other PSC Foundation memorial or scholarship fund during this time period, and your name is not included, please notify Carolyn Bredemeier, PSC Foundation, P.O. Box IO, Peru, Neb. 68421-0010.

Ross Adams Memorial

Family & friends

Carolyn Bredemeier

Rita Russell Hanna

Alice De Vore Organ

Kent and Becki Young

Propst

Lester & Esther Holmes

Russell

Lillian Schottenhamel

LeRoy & Nancy Jones

Redfern

Bath Family Scholarship

Ruth Bath

Merle Bauer Scholarship

Margaret Lewis Bauer

Bernard & Elaine Juilfs

Bliefernich

George Blocher

Eugene McMullen

Darrell Mudra

Jack & Shirlee George

Nance

Kent & Becki Young Propst

Robert D. Reed

Al Brady Scholarship

Robert & Mary Bohlken

Gerry Brady

Michelle Hess

Alan & Carol Brady

Lunz man

Mavis Marti

John & Gail Ankrom

Mason brink

Ken & Patricia Dickenson

Musil

Mary Parmenter

Robert Reitz

Jack Stanley

Doug & Jean Colbert

Wymore

George & Iva Seid Brown Scholarship

Sidney & Nancy Brown

Wayne Buhrmann Memorial

Alfred & Eunice Buhrmann

Bogle

David & Nancy Gowans

Richard & Constance Hicks

Jim & Pat Johnson

Kenneth & Ruth Kean

Kuster

Don & Jean O'Dell

Robert & Mary Riley

Bohlken

Gerald W. Kerr

A.B. Clayburn Scholarship

Rosemary Rottman Lucky

Barbara Behrns Vaughn

S.L. Clements Scholarship

Helen Janecek Clark

Mary Mannschreck Mills

LeRoy & Nancy Jones

Redfern

Dorothy Stepan

Phyllis Davidson Scholarship

Floyd & Bonnie Aufenkamp

Heimbuch

Doris Bruening Israelson

Carol Grundman Dougherty

Scholarship

John & Lillian Kincaid

Elizabeth Dougherty Scholarship

Anne Heuer Buethe

James & Jeanne Sherwood

Helms

Ingeborg Jennings

Mc Master

Paul & Pearl Fieselman Library Fund

Robert Utermohlen

Loure Salzman Firoved Scholarship

Scott Hahn

Elsie Fisher Scholarship

Shelley Miller Ferreira

Glen & Verda Frary Scholarship

Sara Beth Donovan

Arthur B. Gelwick Memorial

Richard G. Gelwick

Chris Haddad Scholarship

Betty Haddad

Ursula McLendon

Kent & Becki Young Propst

Pam Reid Williams

Benjamin Harrison

Scholarship

Tracy Gibbons

Walter & Lillian Harrison Scholarship

Carlos Harrison

Marie Lash Hauptman

Memorial

Maxine Metcalf Pankonin

Frances Heim Whited

Pearl Kenton Scholarship

Wilma Rhinehart Handley

Dorothy Harkson Skaar

Dennis Wehrmann

Lillian Pickard Landolt Scholarship

Paul Landolt

Ernie Longfellow Memorial

David & Shirley

Longfellow

Peru friends

L.B. & Ruth Mathews Scholarship

Rose Marie Pfeifer Coe

William B. Edmondson

Marjorie Seeba Holt

Wanna Metcalf McGuire Memorial

James McGuire

Maxine Metcalf Pankonin

Jack Mcintire Scholarship

Rockwood and Penny Hays

Edwards

Charles Francis

Severn Handley

Mike and Ceci Evangelist

Harmon

Bobby Dean Livingston

Eugene McMullen

Hanford Miller Scholarship

Janet Bertram Mortimore

Robert Resz

Nona Palmer Scholarship

Zelma Simon Clark

Virginia Stepan Hunt

Walter Naiman

Dorothy Stepan

Larry Pappas Scholarship

Mark McGuire

Ward & Melissa Tietz

Rugge

Wayne & Adele Reed Scholarship

Stella Rogge Arnold

Troy Rippen Scholarship

Cory & Norma Bums Orton

Ruth Russell Scholarship

Wyman & Donna Duerfeldt

Pryor

Vincent Sabatinilli Scholarship

Rockwood & Penny Hays

Edwards (Continued on Page 5)

Remembering Larry

The PSC Biology Club made a $500 donation to the Larry Pappas Scholarship Fund with the PSC Foundation this past fall. Taking part in the presentation were (from left) Dr. Thomas Klubertan::.. Assistant Professor of Biology and a faculty sponsor of the Biology Club; Lyle Mc Kercher, Emeritus Professor of Math and President of the PSC Foundation; Marcy Eddinger, Club President; and Andrea McCormick, Club Treasurer. Dr. Pappas taught at PSC for 16 years before he was killed in a traffic accident in 1995.

by Kent Propst)

1997 Phonathon fund raiser

By the time you have received this issue of the Peru Stater, you may have already received our annual phone call asking for gifts to our Annual Fund.

is our major fund raiser for the year, and we are dependent on your gifts to help with various needs at PSC.

Alumni Directory

Coming Soon

The new Alumni Directory is on schedule and expected to be mailed to those who ordered a book in May or June. We thank all of you who sent in information for the book. We hope you find it useful and fun!

Thanks to all of you who returned the questionnaire and were given a chance to receive, at no charge, a copy of the directory.

Special thanks to the approximately 2,000 Peruvians who donated to the directory fund - you made it happen!

Peru State and the PSC Foundation published its first directory seven years ago and have. been asked about a second edition many times.

Your wait is nearly over.

Paul Fell Books Benefit. Bobcats

The PSC scholarship fund is richer, as are the libraries of numerous alums, thanks to a special fundraiser by author, former art professor and alumnus Paul Fell ('67).

and collaborations. Dozens more were sold at PSC alumni reunions, too. All were autographed by Fell.

Memorials

We hope that we can exceed this amount in 1997.

Total Phonathon receipts for 1996 were $45,475.87. We hope that you seriously consider making a gift to the Foundation this year through our telemarketing campaign. It

................................ From Page 4

David & Linda Stephens

Gomon

Dennis & Lana Toelle

Kennedy

Julia Kreuzberg Kem

Larry Morrissey

Roy Windhorst, Jr.

Ron Yates

George Schottenhamel Scholarship

Rose Marie Pfeifer Coe

David Fulton

Dan & Jean Birdsley Jones

Linda Beery Moree

G. Holt "Pop" Steck Scholarship

Margery Evans Teel

M.O. Stevenson Scholarship

Ron & Beverly Hawkins

Schwab

Bill & Jeanne Tynon Scholarship

Rockwood & Penny Hays

Edwards

Mike & Sandra Pearson Ramirez

Evan Van Zant Scholarship

Trudy Carsh Fankhauser

Kent & Nancy Van Zant

John & Daisy Clark Wear Scholarship

Donna Winslow

Lisa Weis Scholarship

Janice Miesbach Witty

Al Wheeler Scholarship

Max Burroughs

Floyd & Bonnie Aufenkamp

Heimbuch

Melvin Larsen

Richard Mastain

Jack & Shirlee George

Nance

Donald Niemeier

Ronald and Lila Windle

Paap

Steve & Sharon Pattison

Joyce Alexander Taylor

Alfred G. Wheeler, Jr.

Paul V. & Margaret Wilcox Scholarship

Jean Gibson

Zelma Wonderly Scholarship

Wilma Klein Kelly

Mary Ann Ruzicka

William Wortman Scholarship

Linda Sepp

Remember - you can make donations to any established scholarship fund with the PSC Foundation at any time. For more information about existing scholarship funds, or about how to establish an endowment or memorial fund, contact Carolyn Bredemeier, PSC Foundation, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421 or call (402) 8722304.

Almost 100 of Fell's books were sold through the special fundraiser offered in the last edition of the Peru Stater. Forty percent of the proceeds went to support the scholarship fund.

Some bought one or two books, while others purchased all five of the Fell collections

If you missed your opportunity to. order books through the order form in the last Stater, don't despair. Drop us a note or give us a call and we'll send you another order form.

We thank Paul and all of the readers who ordered his books for their support of Peru State. We trust the readers have never had so much fun giving to the PSC scholarship fund.

Make a Difference: Make It A Match!

Matching Gifts do make a difference! In 1996 the PSC Foundation received over $5,000 in matching funds.

We encourage you to check with the company where you are employed to see if matching funds are available. You must obtain the proper form from your company and for-

ward with your gift to our office.

The Foundation Office will then fill in the proper information and forward it to the matching gift office. You do need to be aware that most companies have a minimum and maximum amount that they will match.

PSCF Yearly Rendezvous

The PSC Foundation Annual Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 1997. Information was sent to all Trustees the first week of March.

With the Alumni vs. Varsity

Spring Football Game, the annual Piano Extravaganza and other activities on campus, Trustees are encouraged to come early and spend the day on campus!

75th Homecoming Shows Its True Colors

The flags were waving and the bands were playing as Peru State College celebrated its 75th annual Homecoming last November.

A good crowd braved the brisk autumn weather to watch a big Homecoming Parade, a football victory by the nationally-ranked Bobcat squad, and other activities, according to President Robert L. Bums.

The day began with a large crowd on hand for the Alumni Reception, including members of the Hall of Fame 1953 Bobcat Football Team and many former Homecoming Kings and Queens who were special guests in the parade.

The patriotic Homecoming

Parade theme of "Add Red to Our Blue & White" brought several special participants to the event, including military color guards representing Peru, Auburn, Tecumseh, Falls City, Nebraska City and Lincoln.

The Parade Grand Marshal was Virgie Lee Johnson Shaw ('44) of Coral Gables, Fla. Virgie Lee was the earliest Homecoming Queen at the celebration and only the thirdever PSC Homecoming Queen back in 1942.

PSC seniors Spencer Duncan and Jonee Roach, both from Lincoln, were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. They were select-

ed by a vote of their fellow PSC students.

Alums Karen Coover ('83) and Diane Coover Emanuel ('84), twin sisters who were consecutive Homecoming Queens in the 1980s, delighted the crowd with their rendition of the National Anthem to start the football game.

The Bobcats routed the Midland Lutheran Warriors 42-0 to the delight of the PSC

faithful who more than filled the Oak Bowl bleachers.

The 1953 Bobcat Football Team, which completed its season 8-0, was inducted into the Peru State College Hall of Fame.

That Al Wheeler-coached team was in the midst of PSC's school-record 26 game winning streak.

Homecoming 1997 has been set for Saturday, Oct. 11.

Homecoming photos by Genelle C:zirr, Tony Koso and Kent Propst

No Sight, But Great Vision

In no way could Amy Rut and Shane Buresh be called ordinary college students.

The seniors at Peru State College keep schedules that make you wonder how they stay on the academic honors list. They've both been involved with student government and are active in a variety of campus organizations. In addition, Amy and Shane volunteer with public service groups in Nebraska City, Peru and Auburn.

Oh, and there's one other thing - they're blind.

It's tempting to tell their story as "a struggle to overcome visual handicaps that ends in triumph."

Or, maybe something like "during a journey to obtain higher education, Amy and Shane inspired those around them and dispelled myths about blindness."

But if Shane and Amy were writing their own biographies, words like inspire, triumph and struggle probably wouldn't make it in the text. That's because they see themselves as, well, ordinary college students.

'A characteristic'

"People ask us all the time about it," Amy said. "I view blindness as a characteristic, just like my hair."

In addition to an inability to see and auburn hair, the 22-year-old woman has a playful sense of humor that quickly disarms people uncomfortable about her blindness. Her quick speech pattern gives the impression that she races to keep up with her thoughts. She laughs easily and often.

Shane, also 22, seems more contemplative, but not to the point that he conceals his wit. As he patiently answers questions, he seems wellsuited to be a teacher.

The two friends have been blind all of their lives. Their loss of sight was tied to premature births and the damage to their optic nerves caused by an overexposure to oxygen.

Shane grew up in Valparaiso and attended Raymond Central High School. In school, he wrestled, sang in choir and was a member of the Madrigal Singers. A National Honor Society member, he graduated fourth in his class.

No big deal

"I think I had a pretty normal school experience," Shane said. "I grew up with my classmates, and they grew up with me, so my blindness wasn't a big deal."

When Amy was 5, her family moved from Tobias to Nebraska City, so she could attend the Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped. In the eighth grade, she began attending public schools in Nebraska City High, she was active in choir, theater and was president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Academically, she thrived. Socially, she felt something was missing.

"It was hard to get to know people," Amy said. "On the surface, I seemed popular, but I had a lot of acquaintances. I didn't have any real friends."

They both chose Peru State College because they felt more comfortable with the idea of a small college - PSC has an enrollment of 1,900 students. Reactions from students and faculty were of less concern at first than simply getting around the hilly campus crisscrossed by sidewalks.

News about people you know 1920s

When actress Carol Channing came to Omaha this past fall to star in a production of "Hello Dolly," her husband/manager Charles Lowe immediately contact Dr. Marion Marsh Brown ('27). Dr. Brown was Lowe's debate coach at Steele City, Neb. a few years ago.

Claire Codington Warman ('29) of Newark, Calif. writes that she stills enjoys traveling and volunteer work at the Senior Center, school and church. She also likes to paint and write during her "spare" time.

1930s

Dorothy Behrends ('37) of Cortland, Neb. was selected for inclusion in the fourth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996. She is a retired fourth grade teacher.

La Verne Shafer Mayfield ('36) and husband Bob celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in November. They live at Nemaha, Neb.

Colorful characters

Amr Rut and Shane Buresh hai·e enriched their own lives, and the lives of their fellow ?SC students, faculty and staff, during their time on the Peru State campus.

Scarv moments

"It was scary,".Amy said. "I had my moments of wondering, 'Will this get any easier?' But it did."

They also coped with learning in a seeing classroom. They tape recorded lectures and asked professors to read aloud anything written on chalkboards. Although they both know Braille, very few books and magazines - and practically no textbooks - are printed in raised bumps. They hired readers to read their assignments and mail.

They both said the transition from high school to college was smooth on a social level. Most instructors went out of their way to accommodate their needs and most students were sensitive, curious and accepting. Shane and Amy made friends quickly.

"I never felt not accepted at Peru," Shane said. Amy agreed, saying she has real friends now.

Although they never set out to do so, they became ambassadors for people with blindness or other disabilities. They founded the Association of Challenged and Enabled Students, which has become one of the most active student groups on campus. They welcomed the opportunities to erase misconceptions.

Not superhuman

"You know, that we feel faces and count steps when we walk, that kind of stuff," Amy said. And for some reason, many people insist on speaking louder whenever they meet a blind person. Which isn't to say blind people have super-human hearing, Shane added.

Some people think "I can hear a bird coming out of a cornfield from six miles away," he said with a wry smile.

(Continued on Page 8)

We received a letter from James McGuire ('30) of Indianapolis, Ind. updating us on his career. He had been on our "lost" list for quite some time, but was located upon the death of his wife, the former Wanna Metcalf ('31). Upon completion of his schooling, James taught for seven years and then entered the University of Iowa where he pursued both his M.S. and Ph.D degrees. He worked for Eli Lilly & Company in industrial microbiological research.

1940s

Dr. Ruth Crone ('42) of Omaha selected as one of '.he first four people to be inducted into the Beatrice (Neb.) Educational Foundation Hall of Fame. Ruth is a retired professor of English and journalism, and has received many journalism awards.

Dr. Margaret Applegate Fitch (attd. '43), an adjunct professor at PSC in 1989-90, was given the College of Education Teacher of the Year Award and the University Teacher of the Year Award from Texas Southern University in Houston this past fall. "I have always given Peru State a lot of credit for my successfol year," Dr. Fitch wrote. She is retired from a post as Assistant Superintendent for Staff Development for the Omaha Public Schools and is Professor· of Educational Administration at Texas Southern.

Richard Good ('48) of Grand Island, Neb. was honored as the Grand Marshal of the 55th annual Harvest of Harmony parade. Dick was the manager of the Chamber of Commerce in Grand Island for many years. He is a Trustee of the Peru State College Foundation.

Marlin Krug (attd. '41) and wife Evelyn of Shubert, Neb. celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in November.

Don Mathews (attd. '41) and wife Doris of Auburn, Neb. celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in November with a reception.

(continued on page 8)

Conestoga + PSC + Internet =Success

For the over 700 students at Conestoga Public Schools in Nebraska. the world is getting a lot bigger. And a group of Peru State students is helping them along on their journey of discovery.

A new and innovative partnership linking the two schools through the Internet provides learning experiences for students at both sites. The twoyear project was made possible by a $113,723 grant to Conestoga from the Nebraska Lottery Council's Education Innovation Fund.

"This project is the kind of partnership we prize," PSC President Robert Bums said. "It combines two of our primary interests: support for K-12 education and enhancement of technology in the classroom."

Conestoga recently purchased and installed 28 microcomputers; another 28 will be added later this year according to Conestoga Media Specialist Herb Kaiman. Many of the Conestoga students are using electronic messaging, or "email," to contact PSC student mentors.

Kaiman and Bonnie Meisinger Rouse ('73), Conestoga's elementary Media Specialist, are the Project Directors. Dr. Bill Clemente, PSC Associate Professor of English, is the College's principal liaison.

$170,000, Two Years

The $113,723 grant awarded to Conestoga this past summer covers most of the expenses, with the school district providing $59,682 in matching resources for a total project cost of $173,405.

Nearly $109,000 goes to purchase the 56 microcomputers for the three different Conestoga school buildings. These acquisitions will increase by more than a third the computer resources previously available to the school district.

The first participants are fifth graders at the Nehawka attendance site who are involved in Creative Writing projects with PSC students.

Next, seventh grade science

students and 12th graders involved in career exploration will link up with PSC students via the Internet to do class projects, homework, and to discuss career plans.

Human resources

As excited as Conestoga officials are about their hardware, they are more excited about the resources their students can now access by the Internet and one of the best resources will be PSC students and staff.

Dr. Clemente has been going to Nehawka for three years to work with teacherJan Madsen's fifth grade students, often taking along PSC students. Though Dr. Clemente is the contact between PSC and Conestoga in all phases of the project, he naturally has a special interest in the creative writing component.

Madsen has already seen results.

"Dr. Bill has taught the children to develop a c'°;-eative love for the written word," Ms. Madsen said. "He encourages them to include the in their writing as well as common sense and a sense of humor."

"I have been impressed with the increasing quality of our students' writing and extremely pleased with the guidance and enthusiasm that is conveyed in the writings and suggestions from the Peru State student mentors," noted Dr. Rick Black ('73), Conestoga superintendent.

Due to Dr. Clemente's teaching obligations at PSC, he can visit Conestoga only about once each month. With the recent installation of the computers and Internet access, the creative writers at Conestoga need not wait for him and his students to come calling.

'Instant contact'

"All of the students in my classroom have been trained in using e-mail," Ms. Madsen said. "Approximately a third have emailed Peru State mentors. The grant has allowed instant contact with Dr. Clemente and the Peru State mentor students."

Dr. Clemente is quick to note

that it's not just the Conestoga students who benefit. Their new-found friends at PSC are having every bit as much fun with their Internet pen-pals at Conestoga.

"Out 'Students learn how to use e-mail to communicate; they learn how to answer questions and to direct (Conestoga) students to find what they need over the Internet," Dr. Clemente said.

"The mentors reinforce what the fifth graders learn in class, and on the other hand, the mentors put into effect what their PSC class experiences taught them," he added.

The opportunities for learning and communicating by way of the Internet have been demonstrated in a very real way to the Conestoga fifth graders. They are also writing what Ms. Madsen describes as a "round robin story" with students in Elwood, Neb. through a contact made by Dr. Clemente. Enthusiasm

Dr. Clemente's enthusiastic methods have helped excite the Conestoga students, Ms. Madsen said.

"His novel approach to teaching helps the children take these techniques far beyond even their greatest expectations," she said. "His thrust has been to encourage the children to make their writing vivid or memorable."

With the fifth grade creative writers well on their way, the next task will be to establish similar links between PSC and Conestoga seventh grade science students and with their 12th grade career exploration students.

Meanwhile, Conestoga is busy training its own faculty to use the newly-acquired equipment and technology. The school district's goal is that in the very near future, every one of its students will learn to trave I the so-called "information superhighway."

Yet for all the bells and whistles, it's the people at the keyboard - both at Conestoga and at PSC - who make the whole project worth all the time, effort and expense.

Great Vision ............................. From Page 1

They also tell their friends they don't have to avoid the "sight" words in their presence. They mentioned people doing verbal gymnastics to avoid asking if they "saw" a movie or "watched" a football game.

Shane and Amy do fit one blind stereotype: They both are musically inclined. Amy plays piano, and Shane is teaching himself guitar. They enjoy karaoke, and Amy dreams of singing professionally some day.

In the meantime, she may continue her education with the goal of becoming a family and

1950s

Dorothy Gillispie Barrett ('53) of Syracuse, Neb. has been selected for the fourth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996. She teaches in the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Public Schools.

Betty Hogue Brackhahn ('57) of Beatrice, Neb. has been included in the fourth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996. She is a teacher in the Wymore-Southern JuniorSenior high School.

Marion Pratt Eilers ('54) of San Diego, Calif. was featured in an article in a December edition of the San.Diego Union-Tribune headlined "Mrs. Eilers' Opus: Counselor listens and helps, and the kids respond." The feature noted her position as counselor at Serra High School and the impact she has on some of the troubled students there. Marion planned to retire from Serra six years ago after a 20-year stint there, but school officials convinced her to stay on.

Jack Hallstrom ('50) received the Metro Conference Basketball Tournament Recognition Award in Omaha recently. Hallstrom was one of the original organizers of the highly successful Tournament over 30 years ago.

C.F. "Jim" Kleine ('59) of Auburn, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. He retired from the Auburn Public Schools last spring after teaching for 38 years.

Gera Powers Stillwell ('54) of Unadilla, Neb. was selected for inclusion in Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996. She is an elementary teacher at Bennet.

Corinne Libal Wilkinson ('54) of Burchard, Neb. has been included in the fourth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996. She teaches in the Lewiston Consolidated Schools.

1960s

Oren Bednar ('69) of Wymore, Neb. has been selected for the fourth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996. Oren teaches at Wymore-Southern Schools.

Dennis Crawford ('64) of Falls City, Neb. reached his 300th basketball victory this winter. Dennis began his coaching career in 1964 at Byron, Neb.

Ellen Hunzeker Hajek ('62) has been included in the 1997-98 edition of Who's Who of American Women. Ellen, a resident of Golden, Colo., has been active in education and publishing and recently published four language arts text/workbooks.

Dennis Kennedy ('67) was featured in an October issue of the Columbus (Neb.) Telegram, noting that the Massachusetts native is "a Nebraskan at heart." Kennedy is President and Chief Executive Officer of First Nebraska Bank in Columbus. He and his wife, the former Lana Toelle ('68), have three children.

Mary Beth Lavigne Kernes ('68) of Nebraska City, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. She is a teacher at the Nebraska City Senior High School.

Jan Harbour Mason ('69) of Stella, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. She is a first grade teacher in the Dawson-Verdon Public Schools.

marriage therapist. Shane plans to teach math and special education.

For now, they'll concentrate on finals before enjoying their final semester at Peru State. Weighing their options. Looking forward to graduation.

Just like any other college students.

Editor's Note: This article appeared in the Sunday, Dec. 15, 1996 edition of the Lincoln Journal Star and is reprinted with permission of the author.

Bob McFarland ('60) was the subject of an extensive feature in the Grand Island (Neb.) Independent newspaper last fall, noting his successes as a teacher, coach, official and athlete. He is in his 35th year teaching and coaching at Grand Island Senior High.

Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast coach Chuck Mizerski ('69) led his Knights football team to the semifinals of the state Class A high school football playoffs.

Gordon Pilmore ('61) led his Dodge Pirates to the state Class D-1 football finals in Lincoln where they won their third consecutive championship.

(continued on page 13)

Schmelzer Richard Good(' 48)

Michael Guilliatt (' 67)

Dr. J C Hauserman

Whyman

Davenport

Kenneth Hutton (' 50) Dale Dyke

Bradley Lockhart ('83) Belva Carder Garst

Vivian Lytton ('38) Paul Landolt

Frank Masek (' 5 I) Wyeth Porr

James Oppenheimer

& Evelyn Gatz

Carolee Garver Heim Depke Andres_ Yanders

Maxine Metcalf Pankonin Mary Schutz Holter

Charles Parnell

Wiley Remmers

Lyle McKercher Jeannette Ruyle Rist Orval Rodgers

Tom Morrissey Dorothy Harkson Skaar Virginia Porr Schock

LeRoy Redfern (' 41 )

Doris Vance Stauss Ralph Scholl

R. Wiley Remmers ('38) Clara Riggert Stevens

Marjorie Stevenson

Lester Russell (' 51) Mildred Jodry Vanderford R.H. Turner

Lori Vrtiska Seibel ('84)

Leland Sherwood (' 57)

Mary Hervey Wolf

John Vanderford ('69) Class of 1934

Wendell Hutchison

Marlin Krug

Harold Lantz

Frank C. Larson

Norma Hays Meyer

Lorene Coatney Moritz

Donna Duerfeldt Pryor

Lucile Ulrich LeRoy Redfern

Frederick Wolter Wilma Parnell Stevens

Margery Evans Teel

Floyd Vrtiska $755 Class of 1939 Cecil Walker

Carol Wheeler ('74)

Armon Y anders (' 48)

Beulah Smith Arnold $2,310

Mathilda Barisas Brown

Ingrid Johnson Alexander Class of 1942

Larrie Bell

Mary Reschke Cashman Class of 1949

·Gertrude Nicho_lson Finley $772.50

Frank Fixemer Elmer Bachenberg

Alice Swenson Gieschke

Ilene Thiltges Good

Leonore Larson Graf

Richard Hanson

Paul Henry

Marjorie Rogers Hunzeker

Andrew Lakey

John Lawrence

Jack Mast

Richard Mastain

Hazel Burke Bergstrom

Bernard Bliefernich

Arthur Brophy

Stan Cameron

Roger Freet

Erma Ehlers Gobber

Floyd Heimbuch

Amber Dougherty Highfield

Jack & SaraJane Lyons Hippe

Ruth Walker Howe

Burdett Cowel Lola Thompson Armstrong $1,842.50

Hazel Niles Emslie Stella Rogge Arnold Ellis & Corinne Whitfield

Classes of 1922-26 Edna Maystrick Fitch

$155

Sarah Thomas Bramer

Minnie Edgington Bennett

Pearl Doig Foose

Evea Ruse Black Adams

Rutheloise Souder Blair

Vincent Petrucci

Marion Iversen Alumni

Rogene Rose Rachow

Esther Merritt Renner

Patrick Rooney

Patricia Carmine Russell

David Lang

Joan Johnson Marfice

Gerald Matschullat

John McQuinn

Hayes Schoenbohm Schreiner Robert Paap

Amethyst Pryor Hawxby

Dressler

Phyllis Steever Redemann Rebecca Graham Norris Moras Shubert

Burroughs John Stuhr Mary Todd Rogers Jeannette

C. Barton Redfern Ross Glover

Claire Codington Warman Rachel Adamson Kerns

Mary Gray Ziegenbein Jeanne Slinker Loken

Class of 1930

$1,085

Margaret Grafft Dickey

Elinor Majors McGee

Lucille McGuire Plihal

Josephine Brissey Smith

James McGuire Class of 1937

Fichter

Beunice Doty Merlin Broers

Harold Fisher Wayne Buhrmann

Charles Gabus

Ellen Evans Greenwald

Gladys Grush

Rita Russell Hanna

Lloyd K. Johnson

W. Hubert & Winifred Hall

Margaret Majors Mclninch $1,142.50 Johnson

Margaret Jenkins Phillips

Pauline Lyle Scott

Everett Blanchard

Frances Axtell Bugbee

Ronald & Doris Conwell

Class of 1931 Clark

$1,255

Zelma Simon Clark

Lucile McDermott King

Kenneth Knapp

Lena Bouse MacNeill

Marjorie Weiler Byers

Class of 1947

Oliver & Opal Reehle

$875 Mayfield

Elsie Williams Arbuckle

Wanda Nicholas Brown

Frances Hoagland Cassel "Buzz" Byers

Leona Bertwell Cline

Betty Pruitt Crain

Margie Neddenriep Eloe

Reuben Fanders

Margaret Applegate Fitch

Nina Kane! Klaudt

Lydia Vosicky Lewis

Robert & LaVara Oakley

Margery Adams Mason McAlexander

Isabella Ullsperger Francois Leora Libhart Muck

Helen Kettering

Glenn Cunningham Willes Ludington

Lucille Russell Elliott George Lytton

Irene Cole Mills

Constance Bright Rodaway

Alphadeen Campbell Norris

James Perdue

Ellen Nora Meisinger Stoehr Leo Petri

Mark Mullins

Virginia Trively Plummer

Eula Redenbaugh

Anna Tiehen Relf

Mearle Shoebotham Rush

Marguerite Robison Russ

Mary Mannschreck Mills

Marjorie Moore Rider

Sophie Bohling Rizor

Gilbert Schreiner

Iva Armstrong Shaw

Margaret Gardner Skoog

Mary Harvey Stupar

Hester Friedly Clark

Lucille Tibbetts Clark

Myrton Hall

Margaret Spellman Harrold

Donald R. McKim

Ed Mincer

Janice Krueger Niedfeldt

Jean Krueger Niedfeldt

Verla Nincehelser Perry

Robert Resz

Bob and Elaine Beethe

Ernest Horacek Roberts

Max & Janice Kimsey Hosier Jacob Samler

Cecil D. Johnson

Frances Finkle McQuinn

William Rachow

Eldon Reutter

Stanley Stukenholtz

Joyce Alexander Taylor

Robert Utermohlen

Gertrude Biendenweg Runyan Class of 1951

Lyle Schreiner $2,462.50

Dorothy Shiveley Sierks

Dorothy Stepan

Doris Wagner Vrtiska

Robert Webber

Evelyn Boseck Brown

Barbara Bragg Clayburn

Dean Duncan

Katherine Lutton Eagle

Mary Lu Hicks McCoy

Romona Ogle Moore

Sackles

Schmidt

Seger

Robert Oliver Marjorie Kreifels Smallfoot

Cheri Combs Petrillo

Lutt Smith

Bruns Seybert

Bachenberg Shurtliff

Forke Springer

Stemper

Stukenholtz

Harmon Becki Young Propst

Carmen

Paczosa Kucera

LaRosa

Beatty Lockhart

Lunzmann

Greg Reinders John Warren

Dwight Reins Roger Wiksell

Robert Ridenour

Marilyn Sugden Scheinost Class of 1972

Roger D. Schumaker

Alan Sherwood

Albert Smith

Richard Smith

$910

Roger Behrns

Vicki Hall Beilke

JoEllen Fichter Heermann Kimball

Patricia Hopp

Mary Hill Howery

Janet Nixon Kirkendall

Richard Leech

Mary Arnn Martin

Dick & June Bottcher

Susan Harpham Bose Morrissey

Larry Sorensen Rodrick Bruce

David Swantek

Diana Schneider Calabro

Linda Eichenberger Robidoux

Jack Stanley

Linda Uher Kirkendall

SueAnne Lamberies Lacy

Robert Little

Debra Vella Mennecke

Richard Ramsey

Jeff Scanlan

Linda Sepp

Karen Doeden Spracklin

Earl Stoakes

Elizabeth Deason Voss

Applegate

Tim Boemer

Polly Clark

Chris Frohberg Dietz

Barbara DuBois

Ellen Eldridge Gibson

Kimberly Hill

Rene Kruse Horath

Chris Hutt

Brad Lockhart

Flanagin Mercure

Deborah Dresher Novak

Corey & Norma Bums Orton

Mari-Ann Henry Pesek

Mary Beth Unvert Rathe

Randy Reeves

Susan Balfour Rice

Linda Correll Shotton

Kent Sutton

Lori Walton Warner

Peggy Hartnett Wiecek

Kim Kuhlman Oliver Walter Williams

1960s (continued)

Marcia Allgood Reeves ('67) of Auburn, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. She is a teacher at the Auburn High School.

Bill Rinne ('67) of Boulder City, Nev. has been given the Meritorious Service Award by the U.S. Department of the Interior. It is the second highest citation given by that federal agency. Rinne was honored for his contributions over the past two decades in the management of environmental programs for the Bureau of Reclamations. Bill's wife, the former Jan Johnson ('67), and other family were on hand for the award presentation last November.

Samuel Smith ('66) of Brock, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. He is a teacher with the Johnson-Brock Public Schools.

Russ Workman ('63) of Wilber, Neb. has been selected for the fourth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996. He is a music instructor at Wilber-Clatonia.

Gridiron Guests

Teachers Take Note!

Dear Alumni Educator -

It has been said that parents never appreciate a teacher until it rains all weekend. Not so at Peru State College. We know the ability that primary and secondary teachers have to inspire young people and to foster a real love of learning.

Alumni often ask, "How can we assist the College?"

Obviously, your generous contributions help us to provide scholarship aid, upgrade facilities and equipment, and to attract high caliber faculty.

Another way to help is to share the Peru State College

Peru

story with your students.

Many colleges depend on alumni sons, daughters, relatives and friends for a large portion of their enrollments. We would like to develop this same kind of tradition.

Because of your close working relations with students, you may very well be in a position to recommend Peru State College.

You are in a unique position to identify students who would benefit the most from PSC and would be the type of students who would contribute the most to PSC.

Below is a PSC application and information form for you to share with a student. Thanks for your continued support. I welcome your suggestions of ways we can reach out to current high school students and their parents; please forward such ideas to me.

We look forward to receiving the names of recommended students, and we promise a prompt response.

Sincerely,

State College Application/Information Form

Your Name: ________________________________

Prospective Student:

Student Address: ____________________________ City: State: Zip: ______

Home Phone: H.S. Graduation Date: __________

Student Social Security Number:-----------------------

Anticipated Major:----------------------------

Return to: Lou Levy, Office of Admissions, P.O. Box IO, Peru, Neb. 68421. Questions? Call Lou at 1-800-742-4412.

Ruth Latshaw Young ('66) of Cortland, Neb. has been selected for the fourth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996. She is a retired teacher.

1970s

Janet Vance Barlow ('77) and her husband Robert are proud parents of son Ethan Joseph, born in September in Omaha. After taking a few months off, Janet has resumed her "Little Angel" pet care service.

Lora Lunzmann Black ('77) read from works by celebrated authors Bess Street Aldrich and Willa Cather during a holiday series on the Nebraska Public Radio Network this past December. She is a host on NPRN. Lora also appears as an extra in the feature film "Citizen Ruth", which was filmed in and around Omaha and Council Bluffs and stars Laura Dern, Mary Kay Place and Tippie Hedren.

Rick Black ('73) of Murray, Neb. has been named the 1997 Superintendent of the Year by the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. Rick is presently superintendent of the Conestoga School District and chairs the Council of School Administrators.

Gale Bly ('74) of Tilden, Neb. led the Elkhorn Valley volleyball team to the 1996 Class C-1 Nebraska state volleyball tournament.

Dennis Brady ('75) of Auburn, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. He is a teacher in the Auburn Middle School and also coaches the cross country teams for Auburn.

Inez Brettmann ('70) of Auburn, Neb. has been selected for the fourth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996. Inez is an English and speech teacher at the Humboldt (Neb.) high school.

Connie Fritsch Collin ('73) of York, Neb. was featured recently in a Grand Island Independent newspaper article. She is the director of Grand Island College and commutes from York each day where her husband, Dan ('72), is publisher of the York NewsTimes. They are the parents of two children, Shannon, 18 and Luke 15.

Richard Dydell, who lives part of the year in Costa Rica, found out that PSC Professor Kelly Asmussen was taking a group of students to that nation for a criminal justice study tour in December and January and offered his assistance. Dydell noted that his aunt, the late Norma Diddell (the traditional spelling), taught art at PSC for over 40 years.

Bill Fitzgerald ('78) of Louisville, Neb. has been selected for the fourth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996.

(continued on page 14)

Students Learn In Costa Rica

With former Peru State staff member Clarence Eash serving as a sort of host and tour guide, eight Peru State Criminal Justice students had a tremendous experience in Costa Rica in January.

The PSC students, along with faculty sponsor Dr. Kelly Asmussen and students from Washburn University and the University of NebraskaLincoln, spent I 0 days studying the criminal justice system in Costa Rica.

While in the Central American nation, the group met with judges, attorneys, law enforcement professionals, convicted criminals, and even the First Lady of Costa Rica, Josette Altmann de Figueres.

Eash, now living in Costa Rica, served as the group's "public relations manager," translator and liaison, Dr. Asmussen noted.

Costa Rica!

The First L<ldy

Alumni Trivia Contest

Producing Winners, Fun

The Peru State College Alumni Trivia Contest on the college's World Wide Web page is a technological treat, as many alums are discovering.

You Internet-types and Webcrawlers may only be a click away from a prize provided by the Bobcat

197Os (continued)

Teresa Kracke Hahn ('77) of Johnson, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. She is a teacher iri the Nemaha Valley Junior/Senior High School at Cook and Talmage.

Dr. Debra Hild ('75) and Gregory Mark Schoemaker of Cantonment, Fla. are proud parents of daughter Alicia Dale, born this past November.

Karen Dierking Johns ('75) of Tecumseh, Neb. received a grant from the Nebraska Mathematics and Science Initiative for her project "The Cost of Electricity." Karen is a fifth grade teacher at Johnson-Brock public School.

Janet Nixon Kirkendall ('74) of Auburn, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. She teachers at Calvert Elementary in Auburn.

Michael McLarty ('71) has been appointed director of sales and marketing for the Cardiovascular Group, Far East Region for Baxter International. Based in Singapore, McLarty is responsible for building a sales and marketing program in the Far East.

Bob Meier ('71) of Council Bluffs, Iowa is an electrical engineer technician with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His wife, the former Glenrose Jackson ('70), is a postmaster in Treynor, Iowa.

Jim ('71) and Cheryl Clayburn ('71) Patera of Le Mars, Iowa were featured in a local newspaper recently when their son Mike completed his college education to become a fifth generation teacher in the family. Although Mike did not attend PSC, the other four generations did - Martha Campbell Aldrich (1881), Elizabeth Aldrich Dougherty ('21), and Ruth Dougherty Clayburn ('48). Cheryl is a fifth and sixth grade science teacher at Gehlen Catholic in Le Mars and Jim is principal at Le Mars Community High School.

Dianne Dietrich Peterson ('72) of Auburn, Neb. is listed in Who"s Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. She is an elementary teacher in the Auburn school system.

Chyrel Roebke Remmers ('75) has been named to Who's Who Among America's Teachers. She is a librarian and English and speech teacher for the Chambers, Neb. schools.

Nancy Herrick Schulenberg ('79) of Table Rock, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. She is a teacher in the Humboldt Public School.

Debra Anderson Stinn ('75) of Bellevue, Neb. has been selected for inclusion in the 1997-98 edition of Who's Who of American Women. She is teaching at St. Matthew's Cardinal Spellman School in Bellevue. Debra was also selected to the fifth edition of Who's Who in American Education for 1996-97.

Larry Veon ('75) has been named Vice President of the Iowa State Bank in Hamburg, Iowa. He had been Vice President of Firstar Bank of Red Oak, Iowa before that, and also worked at banks in Shenandoah and Council Bluffs in Iowa.

Bookstore, as several alums well know.

Recent winners include Kathy Fleming Pitzl ('82) of Omaha, Mick Haney ('82) of Overland Park, Kan., Sam Deaver ('72) of Dubuque, Iowa, and Kim Vrtiska ('90) of Tecumseh, Neb.

Once each month we post a

Peru State College trivia question in the "Alumni & Information" section of PSC's Homepage. The questions are multiple choice, so you've always got a chance to win.

On or about the 15th of each month we'll draw the name of one winner from those who correctly answer the question. We then post a new question.

To play the contest, just dial: http://www.peru.edu We look forward to hearing from you!

Dennis ('70) and Janet Dorrance ('70) Watts are living in Atlantic, Iowa where Dennis is General Manager of the Golf and Country Club in Atlantic.

Dennis Williams ('75) of Stella, Neb. took his Southeast Consolidated volleyball team to the state tournament again this year. They entered the Class D-1 action with a 16-5 record.

Peggy Williams ('77) of Brownville, Neb. was recognized this fall by the Journalism Education Association as a Certified Journalism Educator. Peggy teaches English and Journalism at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb.

(continued on page 15)

I Wecdkdliiirng JEenl§j

Vicki Sudman Adams ('90) of Nebraska City, Neb. and Randall Simon were married in February. Vicki is employed at the State Department of Corrections in Lincoln.

Tiffany Anderson ('96) of Falls City, Neb. and Joseph Keithley were married in July. Tiffany completed her student teaching at Falls City South School this fall before graduating in December.

Robert Bailey (attd. '85-'86, '88-'90) and Melinda Struebing were married in October in Fremont, Neb. He is a police officer for the Bellevue (Neb.) Police Department.

David Baker (attd. '89-'92) and Sherry Gaines were married in January in Syracuse, Neb. Dave works at American Meter in Nebraska City.

Ron Booe ('72) of Lincoln, Neb. and Belinda Ogden were married recently.

Sally Broers Cades ('77) of Lincoln, Neb. and Dennis Bodtke were married in October.

Dan Casey ('87) and Mary Jane Cassady were married in November in Raleigh, N.C. Dan is a computer consultant with Brannon & Tully of Birmingham, Ala.

PSC student Wendy Eggert and Matthew Koeneke were married in September. They reside in Johnson, Neb. Wendy is employed at Pamida in Auburn.

Jason Esser ('95) and Kim Fey ('97) were married in December in Nebraska City. Jason works for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce in the economic development field.

Christine Fricke (attd. '92'95) and Randy Pecha were married in October in Bellevue. Neb. She is an administrative assistant for TMS Design.

MarCel Goracke ('96) of Lincoln, Neb. and Jason W. Lacey were married in November. MarCel is a kindergarten teacher at the AshlandGreenwood public schools.

Jim Head ('70) and Pam Troyer were married in October in Omaha. Jim is an account executive with Hunte! Communications Inc.

PSC student Scott Heese and Jennifer Slattery (December '96) were married in February in Omaha. Jennifer is teaching sixth grade at the Bennington, Neb. Elementary School.

Angie Holtapp ('96) and Jeff Coe are to be married in June. Angie is a pre-school teacher and center trainer for KinderCare in Omaha.

Dr. Ellen Wenzel Kruger ('90) and Dave Arthur were to be married in March. Ellen is teaching at Iowa State University and is senior editor of a book being published by the American Chemical Society.

Wendy Lovenburg ('96) of Falls City, Neb. and Robbie Lee Craig are to be married in April.

Bob Matthies ('94) and Janet Warner ('95) are to be married in Omaha. Janet is teaching in Hastings, Neb. and Bob works for the Site! Corp. there.

PSC students Aaron McCormick and Andrea L. Morris were married in October.

Heath Miller ('91) and Judy Truelsen ('91) of Lincoln, Neb. were married in October.

Heather Nedrow ('96) and Marv Rubenking were to be married in March in Waverly, Neb. Heather is employed in security services with the Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville, Neb.

Angela Petersen ('95) and Aaron Dickey are to be married in May in Lincoln, Neb. Angela is a supervising teacher at University Child Care.

Jamie Reichert ('91) of Lincoln, Neb. and Cinda Abbott were married in December. Jamie works for Fantastic Fountains and for Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.

Jeff Schawang ('95) of Lincoln, Neb. and Audra Williams ('95) of Omaha are to be married in April.

Stephanie Shafer ('94) of Omaha and Dan Kaps are to be married in May. Stephanie is a computer programmer at First Data Resources.

Jeremy Shutts ('95) of Auburn, Neb. and Michelle Allen were married in October.

1980s

Dr. Todd Anderson ('86) of Clemson University was awarded the prestigious Roy F. Weston Environmental Toxicology Award at the 1996 annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) in November.

Duane Arntt ('87) led his Friend (Neb.) Bulldog football team to the semi-finals in Class D-1. They ended their season with a 10-2 record.

Greg Conn ('85) of Wausa, Neb. led his Wausa volleyball team to the 1996 Class D-1 state tournament. They entered the tournament undefeated with a 21-0 record and advanced to the semifinal round.

Bill Cooley ('87) and his wife Monique are proud parents of daughter Audrey Lee, born in January. They live in Clarksdale, Miss.

Mark Czapla ('87) is the Branch Manager of the new Syracuse (Neb.) office of the First National Bank of Unadilla.

Bob Davis ('81) is alive well and owns his own business in San Antonio, Texas. Bob's family includes five-year-old daughter Rachel. In his spare time Bob serves on a local school board.

Linnette Boring Fankhauser ('80) of Humboldt, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. She is a teacher in the Dawson- Verdon School system.

Paula Kaspar Figgs ('86) and her husband Daylan ('87) are now former members of PSC' s '"lost alumni" list. They reside in Gretna, Neb. Paula works at Bryan Memorial Hospital in Lincoln and Daylan, who has a Masters Degree from Southeast Missouri State University, is working on his doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He works for the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. They have one son. Zachary, who is almost two.

Dean Filipi ('82) led his Milligan Roosters football team to the Class D-3 six man football playoffs. They entered the finals with an 11-0 record.

Jack ('87) and Mary Neels ('84) Frary of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of son Patrick Paul, born in January. He was welcomed home by a brother and three sisters.

Naomi Leakey Furnas ('85) of Brownville, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. She is an art teacher at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb.

Doug Goltz ('86) of Falls City, Neb. was honored by the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame for the Falls City Sacred Heart Football team's 87game winning streak from 1989-1995. PSC football player Chris Darnell played for Sacred Heart during that time and was also honored. Doug led his 1996 Sacred Heart team to the semifinal round of the Class D-2 state football finals this fall. Doug will be an assistant coach for the South in the 1997 Shrine Bowl next summer.

Philip Hall ('85) of Humboldt, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. He is a math instructor and also football coach at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb.

Wanda Hartman ('89) is the Principal for grades Kindergarten-3 at the Harvard (Neb.) Elementary School, and K-12 Special Education supervisor. Wanda has a masters degree in special ed and educational administration from Kansas State University, and taught for the past seven years in Seneca, Kan.

Jim ('86) and Theresa Polsley ('85) Krajicek of Papillion, Neb. are proud parents of son Joseph I van, born in January. Joseph's big sisters are Annie, Katie and Meghan.

Julie Kean Martinosky ('84) and husband Scott of Nebraska City, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Ethan Philip, born in November. He was welcomed home by sisters Jordan and Morgan and brother Trevor.

Keith Mullins ('81) of Waterbury, Vt. received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Governor of Vermont's Highway Safety Commission. Keith sponsored and piloted several new programs for that state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Ken Myers ('85) and wife Willo of Newcastle, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Kendra Marie, born in October.

Shawn ('86) and Brenda Palik ('89) Ostransky are proud parents of a son, Tanner Joseph, born in July. Tanner was welcomed home by four year old brother Trenton. Shawn teaches business courses in the Fullerton Public Schools and Brenda is in her second year operating a home daycare center.

Beverly Ramsey ('89) of Tecumseh, Neb. has been appointed to the Nebraska Commission on the Status of Women by Governor Ben Nelson. Bev is the Personnel Specialist at PSC.

Rochelle Rohlfs ('89) of Omaha, Neb. led her Omaha Marian volleyball team to the 1996 Class A state tournament. They entered the tournament with a 19-14 record.

Virginia Schlender ('81) of Pawnee City, Neb. has been selected for the fourth edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers 1996.

Can ANYONE out there help us locate former women's basketball standout Linda K. Shepard ('85)? Her most recent address was in New Jersey but we can't find her. Anyone who can help is asked to contact Kent Propst at Peru State.

Kevin ('87) and Lisa Anderson (attd. '87) Smith of Hoyt, Kan. are proud parents of a daughter, MaRyka Renae, born in October. Kevin is attending Washburn University where he is pursuing a Physical Therapy Assistant Degree. Lisa is employed at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka as an Emergency Room RN.

Stanley Stierwalt ('87) has joined Automated Systems, Inc. as an account representative. The computer sales and service company has offices in Omaha and Lincoln.

Don Strecker ('86), sports reporter for the Columbus (Neb.) Telegram, has been honored by the Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association. Strecker received the group's Media A ward for helping to increase interest in wrestling.

Audrey Mollard Terry ('89) of Papillion, Neb. was one of three Nebraskans earning the Associate Safety Professional designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Ms. Terry is the Occupational Safety and Health Manager for Offutt Air Force Base.

(continued on page I 6)

I liml MemOOim--···---·--1

(From Page 3)

Wilma Novak Eden ('45) of Fremont, Neb. passed away in December. She was a former elementary teacher at Nebraska City.

Arlene Steiner Ellermeier ('39) of Wayne, Neb. passed away in November.

Louise Rogge Fintel ('22) of Deshler, Neb. passed away in November.

Isabella Ullsperger Francois ('37) of Nebraska City passed away in January.

Word has been received of the death of Virginia Francois ('62) of Nebraska City, Neb.

Frances Hardy Gabus ('38) passed away in January in Des Moines. Iowa. Survivors include husband Charles ('40).

Ronald Gardner (attd. '59) of Lampe, Mo. passed away in January. He worked as a project manager for construction companies.

Word has been received of the death of Norma Geary ('93) of Bellevue, Neb. in January of 1996.

Opal Hill Glathar ('27) passed away in November in Fairbury, Neb.

Ula Lyne Hamilton ('23)

passed away in January in Superior, Neb.

Helen Parker Hanika ('17) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in December. She was a former school teacher and also served as Richardson County Superintendent from 1952-1967 when she retired.

Word has been received of the death of Zeta Feighner Hanna ('47) of Tucson, Ariz.

Word has been received of the death of Don J. Harouff ('47).

Barbara Berger Johnson ('48) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in October. She was a retired school teacher, and had taught 32 years at Pershing Elementary School in Lincoln.

Herbert Knutson ('42) of Albion, Neb. passed away in Januarv. He taught in Albion for 40 I 987.

Cecil Larsen ('51) of Gothenburg, Neb. passed away in September. He was a teacher and school administrator at Maxwell and Gothenburg, Neb.

Ruby Fish Lewis ('21) of Shubert. Neb. passed away in November.

Wayne Lewis ('42) of Falls City, ·Neb. passed away in October.

Norman Littrell ('39) of

Htman cy

aDr. Leo M. Hauptman ('32) passed away in February in Muncie, Ind. He was 87.

Dr. Hauptman enjoyed a long and illustrious career in education, and was a 1986 recipient of the Peru State College Distinguished Service Award.

A native of nearby Julian, Neb., Dr. Hauptman served as Registrar at Ball State University in Muncie from 1946 until his retirement in 1974. He began his career as a teacher and administrator at Burr, Nickerson and Alvo in Nebraska.

Dr. Hauptman also worked for the Nebraska State Teachers Association, for the LaPorte, Ind. schools, and at Kalamazoo (Mich.) College before joining Ball State.

His PSC undergraduate research paper on the underground railroad and its alleged local "conductor," Martin Stowell, has remained a valued document as local historians trace that time in local lore.

Dr. Hauptman was preceded in death last July by his wife of 65 years, Marie (Lash) '32.

Douglas, Ariz. passed away in December. He had lived in Douglas for the past 49 years and was a teacher and coach there.

Delma Magnuson Lowell ('25) of Albany, Ore. passed away in October. She taught school until 1970.

Roger G. Maness ('72) of Minden, Iowa passed away in December. He worked in the insurance industry.

Retta Clay Mathiesen (' 15) of Grand Island, Neb. passed away in January.

Ruby Patterson McAdams (attd. '53-'54) passed away in January. The lifelong Peru resident, often called "Mrs. Duffy" after the bar and grill she and husband Bob operated in Peru, also owned and operated a restaurant in Peru for several years.

Bill Melnineh ('53) of Brownville, Neb. passed away in October. He was a teacher, and retired from Cameron, Mo. public schools in 1992 after 20 years with that system.

Former PSC student Edith Boatman Middleton passed awav in December at Silver Md. She taught in a rural school for several years and then worked for General Motors in Texas and for the Naval Department's Bureau of Ships.

Flora Dasher Nixon ('34) of Grass Valley, Calif. passed away in November. She was a retired teacher. Survivors include husband Dana ('36).

Robert J. Oliver ('68) passed away in January. He was a teacher and coach for the Meridian public schools at Tobias, Neb.

Erdine Barnard Pease (' 17) of Kearney, Neb. passed away in November. She was a former teacher and worked for the Iowa State Education Association.

Evelyn Peters (attd. '33-'38) passed away in January. She was a resident of Talmage, Neb.

C. Barton Redfern ('29) of Fullerton, Calif. passed away in January. A member of a prominent Peru family with long ties to the College, Redfern was a retired educator.

Marge Hindman Reisinger (attd. '30s, bachelors '46) passed away in Sioux Falls, S.D. in December. She was a schoolteacher and librarian in Missouri and Iowa.

Glenna Coulter Rhodus ('33) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in November. She was a certified professional secretary and had worked for the Nebraska State Job Service.

(Continued on Page 17)

JPeJf1lllvi ilJ]lit

1980s (continued)

Dr. Doug Thewke ('87) has joined the biochemistry department at East Tennessee State University, located in Greeneville, Tenn.

Michael Voigtman ('85) and wife Shaye of Plattsmouth, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Brady Paul, born in December. He was welcomed home by a brother Austin.

1990s

Kelly Tynon Bequette ('90) of Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. recently returned to the US after a stay in Germany where her husband was stationed in the service.

Jim ('90) and Stacy Montgomery ('90) Berringer, of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a son born in October.

Todd Brauch ('90) and wife Lisa of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Matthew Todd, born in January.

Jerry Breazile ('96) has been appointed Director of the Nebraska Business Development Center office at Peru State.

Jason ('92) and Nancy Overbeek ('90) Brewer of Gretna, Neb. arc proud parents of a son, Colin Dean, born in September.

Ron Britt ('96) has accepted a position with Combined Systems Technology in Des Moines. Iowa. He is employed in the Consumer Safety area where he downloads information onto their computer.

Charles Coleman ('94) has retired after 20 years of service with the United States Air Force.

Kristi Cummins ('95) of Kadoka, S.D. is in her second year of teaching business and computers in Kadoka High School. She also keeps busy coaching volleyball and basketball and as advisor of the newspaper and FBLA.

Paul Czapla ('96) is a software engineer for Computer Task Group of Omaha.

Tony Duffek ('96) has been named corporate sales representative for the Omaha Royals baseball club, the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.

Sherlyn Ehman ('96) is a health teacher and weight room supervisor for the Tecumseh (Neb.) public schools, and is teaching physical education for the Otoe (Neb.) School District, too.

Galen Gaddie ('96) is a substitute teacher with the Lincoln (Neb.) Public Schools and is teaching math for the Lincoln School of Commerce.

Jenny Gibbs ('96) is teaching at the St. Joseph Catholic School in York, Neb.

Monte Ray Glaze ('96) is operations superintendent with the U.S. Air Force and is living in Aurora, Colo.

Brad Goracke ('94) is now a park superintendent for the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission at its Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area.

Casey J. Hakenkamp ('96) is an industrial engineer for Westendorf Manufacturing of Onawa, Iowa.

Shannon Brown Hansen ('91) and her husband Todd are proud parents of twin sons Ty Otho and Trey Isaac, born in November. They live in Fremont.

Kelly Holliman ('96) is a preschool at-risk teacher with the Red Oak (Iowa) Community School District.

Anne Smith-Huenink ('91) and husband Nick of Beatrice, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter born in October.

(continued on page 17)

Vintage Photos Daunting; Try not to trip on Trio

The 1920s and 1930s photos in our "Mystery Picture" section of last autumn's Peru Stater were bound to daunt our readership. But we didn't fool everybody.

Wally Sugden ('29) of Oak Park, Ill. was right on the money in identifying the trio of Snappy Dressers. Wally knew the trio in the picture, provided by Dr. Paul Landolt ('33) of Lincoln, Neb.

They are (from left) James Delzell, William Okrent, and Elmer Hertel.

Dr. John Bath of Ames, Iowa was right on two of the three, mistaking Delzell for Howard Hatcher. Claire Codington Warman ('29) of Newark, Calif. took a shot at it and guessed "Zook, Young & Pike."

We weren't sure if she meant Howard or Owen Zook, or Vincent or Wilber Young;

JP(9Jr1filwJi

1990s (continued)

Chuck Humphrey ('93) and wife Rochelle of Humphrey, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Makenzi Kathryn, born in December. She was welcomed home by a sister Matisyn.

Sara Justesen ('96) is a youth care worker for Children· s Square USA Emergency Shelter in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Linda Meyer Kinghorn ('95) of Auburn, Neb. is the branch services coordinator of American National Bank in Auburn.

we are pretty sure she meant Dale Pike.

(Continued on Page 20)

TIIDl Mem(Q)riiffilITOl I

(From Page 16)

Lillian Stalder Richard (attd. '30s, bachelors '69) passed away in January in Papillion, Neb. She taught in Richardson county schools, in Papillion and in Aurora before retiring.

Marjorie Young Russell ('71) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in November. She was the YWCA director in Beatrice and later worked as a bookkeeper at the Martin Luther Home, also in Beatrice. Her husband, Paul ('71), survives.

Adeline M. "Toots" Schiermeyer (attd. '23, two-year degree '42) of Denver, Colo. passed away in November. She was a former teacher.

Anna L. Short ('42) passed away in December in Tacoma, Wash. She taught and later worked for the federal government.

Freda Klinger Stibal ('67) of Plattsmouth, Neb. passed away in January. She was a former teacher and also owned and operated a variety store in Plattsmouth.

Dorothy McAtee Stueve (attd.

'43) of Axtell, Kan. passed away in November.

Lois Mae Schroeder Tegtmeier (attd. '46) of Clatonia, Neb. passed away in December.

Word has been received of the death of Eleanor May Thomas ('36) of Fairbury, Neb.

Lillian Hylton Todd ('29) passed away in February in Plattsmouth, Neb. She was a former teacher.

Kathryn Harman Tracy ('22) passed away in October in Conrad, Mont.

David Troske, Peru State's sports information director in 1995-96, passed away in December in South Dakota.

Ramona Gatz Tubach (attd. '30s, two-year degree '59) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in November. She had been an elementary teacher in Richardson County schools.

Everett Vanderford ('39) passed away in February in Green Bay, Wis. He was a teacher and school administrator in Nebraska and Montana, farmed in Nemaha

(Neb.) County, and operated a business in Green Bay.

Irene "Jennie" Remmers Warnke ('23) of Springville, Calif. passed away in January.

Sara Jane Whitten ('49) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in November. She was a retired social studies teacher.

We have been informed that Harland H. Whitwell ('25) of Hibbing, Minn. passed away in September 1995. He had taught chemistry at the Community College in Hibbing for nearly 30 years.

Marilyn Diedrichs Wilhelm ('57) of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in December. She was a retired ward aide at the Beatrice State Developmental Center.

Sylvia Mashek Ziegler ('33) passed away in January in Wauneta, Neb. She was a teacher in Wauneta and Superintendent for Chase (Neb.) County schools.

Fern Dunn Zimmer ('62) of Jensen Beach, Fla. passed away in November. She was a former teacher in the Falls City, Neb. area.

Jill Marsden Kinser ('91) is a customer services representative for the First National Bank of Red Oak, Iowa.

Sara Bstandig Koziol ('96) is working as a secretary for Fluor-Daniel Inc. at the Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville, Neb.

Tom Krill ('96) is teaching school for the South Amboy (N.J.) School District.

Dan LaJoie ('95) is the assistant baseball coach at Peru State. Larry ('93) and Susan Kujath ('92) Lawton, of Diller, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Lance Reid, born in October.

William Lockwood ('96) is a substitute teacher for the Papillion-LaVista (Neb.) School District, and lives in Bellevue.

Brett Matteen ('96) is a store manager for Western Auto in Lincoln, Neb.

Mark McMahon (masters '93) of Auburn, Neb. is listed in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1996. He is a former teacher in the Auburn Public Schools and is now employed by the Educational Service Unit #4 in Auburn.

Gina Meier ('94) lives in Dallas, Texas where she is a shift manager for Dial America.

Tina Weichel Meyers ('93) is working as a bookkeeper for First Mid-America Finance in Lincoln, Neb.

Dawn Miller ('96) is a wrangler for the Scottsdale (Ariz.) Police Department and also works as a receptionist for the Baptist Village Retirement facility there.

John Molzahn ('93) is teaching at Austin Middle School in Amarillo, Texas and coaching track. His wife, former PSC student Lori Leth, graduated in December from West Texas A & M University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. John invites friends to email him at: jmolzhan@tenet.edu

Janelle Moran ('95) has returned to Peru State as an Admissions Counselor for 1996-97.

Marlene Oaks ('96) is a document control analyst for the Nebraska Public Power District's Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville, Neb.

Dean Pound ('96) is teaching math and science for the Missouri Valley , • ._ r (Iowa) High School School. Janelle Moran

(continued on page 20

Women's squad overcomes slow start and gains speed

This year's women's basketball team jumped out to a slow start this year but is beginning to put wins in the books in its stretch run.

The 'Cats, 12-15 at press time (late-February), had won six of eight games since the Christmas break, with the two losses coming to teams in the NAIA Top 10.

Leading the Bobcats is senior captain Angie Hubach (Bolckow, Mo.). She was averaging 12.9 points and I 0.6 rebounds a contest, and recently cracked the 1,000 career point plateau to become only the ninth PSC player to do so.

She will likely have moved into the school top five in career scoring and in the top three in career rebounding by the time her career ends. This

season she has consistently been in the NAIA Division II Top 20 individual rebounders. Hubach also leads the team in assists.

Senior JiH Schulte (Westphalia, Iowa) has been a solid defensive player for the Bobcats, leading the team in steals. She was averaging over 8 points and 4 rebounds a game.

Sophomore Celeste Nolte (Salem, Neb.) has proved to be a staple in this year's squad. She is averaging 12.2 points and 8.7 boards a game and is shooting a team-high 51 percent from the field.

Another leader has hit the scene as freshman DeeAnn Othmer (Tecumseh, Neb.) has stepped into the point guard position and has started every

game this year. She averaged over 8 points a game.

Another contributing greatly this season has been sophomore Amy Petry (Tarkio, Mo.) who leads the 'Cats in three-point field goals. She is scoring over 8 points a game.

No Place Like Home For Bobcat Cagers

Using a blend of veterans and new blood, the men's basketball team has been looking for national recognition going into the final stretch of the year.

At press time (lateFebruary) they had jumped out to a 22-8 record including a perfect 14-0 at home.

Senior Tom Riley

(Springfield, Neb.) is once again leading the team in scoring. He was lighting the nets for 17. 7 points a game and was shooting over 50 percent from the field, including nearly 45 percent from beyond the three-point arch.

Freshman Jermel Ward (Valdosta, Ga.) has emerged as

the point guard for the 'Cats. Jermel is the younger brother of Assistant Coach Fredd Ward, an All-American in the early '90s for the Bobcats.

Jermel was averaging 12.1 and 4.8 assists a game, and led the team in steals through its first 22 games.

Other leaders are senior Lance Cohn (Grand Island, Neb.), averaging 10 points; senior Chris James (Omaha), leading with nearly five rebounds a game; senior Lawrence Hollier (Johnstown, Colo.), senior Scott Daniell (Plattsmouth, Neb.), junior Matt Maxwell (Beloit, Kan.), senior Greg Thompson (Shelbyville, Tex.)

and sophomore Shawn Gibbs (Peru).

The Bobcats, nationally rated early in the season, are also winners in the classroom. Celeste

In the Fall '96 semester, the team scored a 2.993 grade point average.

Strap It On: Alumni Football

For the first time in 11 years, PSC will hold an Alumni vs. Varsity spring football game.

The "vintage" Bobcats will square off against the current squad on Saturday, April 12. Activities in the Oak Bowl will commence at 1. p.m., according to Dr. Lori Kildal, PSC Athletic Director.

Invitations were mailed to PSC football alums in early February. Alums who want to participate in the game face a March 28 deadline to register.

All alums are invited to the Oak Bowl to watch this classic(?) contest. For more information, contact Dr. Kildal at (402) 872-2207.

Bobcat football is on the winning track

Winning ways have returned to Peru State's football program. The 'Cats finished 7-3 and were about an inch and a half away from post-season play in '96.

After a 3-0 start, the 'Cats looked down the barrel of a five-game, 2,800m i I e road swing. The win streak reached five before they fell at NCAA Division II nationally-ranked Chadron State, 38-28. On the next Saturday

they fell to Westmar (Iowa), 20-14.

The 'Cats took their 5-2 record to NAIA Division I Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla. and won 40-15.

A 42-0 win over Midland Lutheran in the Homecoming game boosted the mark to 7-2.

In the final game, Peru State needed a win over l -8 Nebraska Wesleyan to secure a post-season appearance. But

rain fell for two straight days and the Oak Bowl was transformed into a mud wrestling pit; the Plainsman gained a I 0-6 win and the Bobcats were left hungry for '97.

Junior linebacker Kevin Vogel (Grand Island, Neb.) was an NAIA Division II second-team All-American while sophomore Zach Sangster (Bennet, Neb.) earned honorable mention. Sangster set a school record for

highest kickoff return average at 30.8, eclipsing Roosevelt Brown's 1979 mark of 27.9.

Junior quarterback Jamie Stinson (Tecumseh, Neb.) moved into the No. 2 spot in career passing with 6,292 yards, surpassing Jason Eaton, who threw for 4,919 yards from 1990-93. Nate Bradley holds the top mark with 10,439 yards from 1988-91.

New names fill softball roster

Coming off their most successful season, the Peru State softball team has many holes to fill in 1997. Nine freshmen will find their names on the 15-player roster.

But coming back is senior Kerry Brandt (Florence, Ky.) who holds umpteen records for the Bobcats and led them in 1996 in several categones.

Coach Mark Mathews knows that with only one starter back, success won't happen immediately.

"This is going to be a challenging year," Mathews said. "When you lose as many good players as we lost, it's going to be tough."

The Bobcats will have a few returning players that will contribute. Sophomore Krissy Tatum (Kearney, Neb.) will anchor the outfield for the 'Cats. Senior Kelly Muhle (Columbus, Neb.) will split time between the pitching mound and the outfield.

Some key additions were made that should benefit the 'Cats. Freshman Amanda Pr aster

Smokin' Joe

Joe Gonyea, a senior shortstop, is one of the top returning players expected to lead the Bobcat baseball squad this spring. A native of Plattsmouth, Neb., Gonyea batted .390 last season.

Seven Starters On The Diamond

The 1997 season looks brighter for the Peru State College baseball squad. With seven returning starters, Coach Dave Teske has reason for optimism.

Two NAIA All-Sectional players return, seniors Greg Wolfe (Calgary, Ontario) and Steve Young (Torrington, Wyo.). Those two, along with senior Chris Cook (Ord, Neb.), junior Aaron Lauby (Lexington, Neb.) and sophomore Seth Perkins (Red Cloud, Neb.) will anchor the outfield that could be touted as the best in the region. Senior Brian Childs will move from catcher to outfield, too.

The infield will be strong up the middle as seniors Joe Gonyea (Plattsmouth, Neb.) and Duncan Patterson (Bellevue, Neb.) will fill the shortstop and second base positions. The corners are still wide open as players are still challenging to fill the

spots.

On the mound, Teske must replace three players he lost to graduation. But the biggest boost is the return of senior Shawn Exner (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) who sat out 1996 after elbow surgery.

Also returning is last year's most valuable pitcher, sophomore Kyle Becker (Nebraska City). Senior Deon Wingert (Wesley, Iowa) will also return to the mound for the 'Cats; the rest of the staff is very young.

"The staff is capable of getting it done," said Teske. "With the leadership from the returners, this staff should be tough by mid-season."

On May 3, the Bobcat baseball team is planning an Alumni Game. There will be batting practice for the alumni, a game and a picnic following. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. For more information contact Coach Teske at (402) 872-2443.

(North Platte, Neb.) will play the outfield. The top pitcher should be redshirt freshman Shannon Briley (Omaha). Freshman Kris Hughes (Imogene, Iowa) will fill the vacancy at third base.

Junior college transfer Erin Mahlberg (Charter Oak, Iowa) will split time between the mound and the outfield. Junior Steph Hornung (Huxley, Iowa) will fight for a position at second base. Freshman Jamie Fletcher (Grant City, Mo.) will fill in at catcher or first base. Freshman Amy Bachle (Daykin, Mo.) will play the role of utility person and could fill the holes anywhere on the diamond.

Mathews knows that the pitching in '97 won't be as dominant as that of his 42-23 season of a year ago. But he is happy with the work ethic of this year's squad.

"This team is willing to work extra hard," he said. "They understand we aren't as physically talented as we have been the past couple of years."

Great year for PSC Volleyball

A lot of questions were answered this season on the volleyball court as Peru State finished 1996 with their best showing ever in the NAIA National Tournament.

Going to nationals for the third time in four years, the 'Cats entered with a 39-11 record. They went 2-2 at the national tourney in San Diego, Calif. in early December.

The Bobcats started the tourney by defeating in-state foe Hastings College. Next they faced the unbeaten, twotime defending national champions Brigham Young University-Hawaii, who had not lost in 52 straight matches

dating back to 1994.

The Bobcats lost the first two games but fought back and won the last three to secure the upset, and probably the biggest win in school history.

PSC then lost to Madonna, Mich. and to the host team, Point Loma Nazarene, to close the season with a 41-13 mark.

Junior Kendra Cory (Council Bluffs, Iowa) was named honorable mention NAIA All-American. Other team leaders were juniors Stacy Fitch (Doniphan, Neb.) and Jaisa Kappas (Bellevue) and sophomore Dana Stube (Iowa Falls, Iowa).

The Bobcats should be set for more success next year as they lose only one senior, Tracy Cochran (Council Bluffs, Iowa). The returning starters and a slew of experienced reserves give Coach Todd Jensen few holes to fill. The Bobcats also now have a 35-match home winning streak; their last loss came in 1993 when they fell to NCAA Division II University of Nebraska- Kearney.

The squad didn't just enjoy success on the court, either. The team grade point average for the Fall '96 semester was 3.4.

Great Year!

The 1996 Bobcat Volleyball season culminated in another trip to the NAIA National Tournament in San Diego, where they knocked off two-time defending national champs BYU-Hawaii in the biggest win in school history. Members of the squad included,frontfrom left, Julie Bixler (Raytown, Mo.), Heather Schroeder (Liberty, Neb.), Jamie Hahn (Brock, Neb.), Brandi Buck (Murdock, Neb.), Renee Moss (Syracuse, Neb.) and Dana Stube (Iowa Falls, Iowa); second row from left Amy Bachle (Daykin, Neb.), Mara Russell (Burnsville, Minn.), Kellie Vallinch (Papillion, Neb.), Tracy Cochran (Council Bluffs, Iowa), Wendy Emken (Aurora, Neb.), and Jaisa Kappas (Plattsmouth, Neb.); and back row from left, Head Coach Todd Jensen, Stacy Fitch (Doniphan, Neb.), Kendra Jacobsen (Hampton, Neb.), Kendra Cory (Council Bluffs, Iowa), Julie Nykodym (Tilden, Neb.), Candy Kasi (Staplehurst, Neb.), Jaci Pingel (Badger, Iowa), and Assistant Coaches Dal!id Collin and Jason_ Meyer._ (Photo courtesy Bill Wolf, Auburn Newspapers)

Vintage Photos ... From Page 17

Claire, by the way, added that "I haven't been back to Peru since my 50th reunion; seems simpler to fly to Russia or Australia." But she promises to try to make it to the May Reunion this spring, and we hope she does.

The other Mystery Picture, entitled the "Boarding House Bunch," was taken at the Farley House in 1925 and was provided to us by Dr. Joseph Robertson of Reno, Nev.

Two people wrote in, both took a guess at only one person in the photo (front row, far right); both guessed the same person (Harold Reed), and both were wrong!

The "Bunch" includes (front from left) Ralph Morgan, Ben Church, Clarence "Skip" Grandy, Lester Parriott and Charles Parriott; and (back row from left) Joseph Naiman, Joseph Robertson and Francis Parish. Church, Naiman and Robertson all hailed from

Alexandria, Neb.

The two guessers included Irene Bentzinger Bareis ('41) of Reeds Springs, Mo., and Erma Reed Conkel (attd. '27) of Douglas, Neb.

Erma noted that her three brothers - Harold, Calvin and Wayne - all attended Peru. Harold taught in several Nebraska communities; Calvin taught at Peru State for a time; and Wayne was President of Peru State before accepting a post with the U.S. Department of Education.

Thanks to our detectives! Now, for this edition's Mystery Picture we selected a shot of a trio of happy grads visiting with their College President on Commencement day.

Can you identify the grads?

If so, send your guess to: Mystery Picture, c/o Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, Neb. 68421.

1990s (continued)

Dawn Bernhardt Schuster ('95) of Beatrice, Neb. was featured recently in the Beatrice Daily Sun after completing a marathon run in Honolulu in December. The run - her first-ever marathon - was to raise money for the Leukemia Society of America. Her husband Michael passed away last April from the disease.

We appreciated the updated address from Marcie Hines Shirley ('94) of Hamburg, Iowa. She is a stay-at-home mom and enjoys her 21 month old daughter, Bailey Marie.

Steve Sims ('92) has left Peru State's computer center to become a programmer/analyst with Mutual of Omaha.

Jacob Stallworth ('96) is working as a teacher, counselor and mentor at the Tarkio (Mo.) Academy, located on the campus of the former Tarkio College.

Heather Cohrs Stutheit ('96) is a dispatch jailer matron for the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office in Auburn, Neb. Husband Kent Stutheit is the Band Instructor for Holt County Schools in Mound City, Mo. They live near Humboldt, Neb.

Sharon Thompson ('96) has been hired as a programmer for Mutual of Omaha. She had been working in the Peru State computer center.

Susan Lunzmann Unruh ('94) is the administrative assistant for the Auburn (Neb.) Agency, Inc.

Barbara Van Der Kamp ('96) is a resident counselor with the Tarkio (Mo.) Academy.

Kim ('90) and Kris Kubert ('94) Vrtiska of Tecumseh, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Baylee May, born in October. Kim is an elementary teacher and coach at Tecumseh Public Schools and Kris is employed with State Farm in Lincoln. Kim recently received a grant from the Nebraska Mathematics and Science Initiative for energy related projects in math and science classes.

Diane Workman Waltke ('90) was honored as the Southeast Nebraska chapter of the National Management Association's "member of the month" this past winter. She directs Blue Valley Community Action Pioneer Foster Grandparent Program, serving five southeast Nebraska counties.

JoAnn Jordan Warren ('96) is teaching kindergarten at Peace Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Mo.

Paul Waters ('96) is teaching fourth grade for the Kansas City (Mo.) School District.

Terrence Wenzl ('92) has begun studies for the priesthood at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Penn.

Jason Werner ('96) is working at Cooper Village in Omaha.

Stacy Williams ('96) of Firth, Neb. is a student at the University of Nebraska College of Law.

Angela Wilson ('96) is the assistant computer analyst at Litton/PRC in Bellevue, Neb.

Kellie Johnson Workman ('94) and husband Doug are proud parents of daCighter Haley Ann, born in January. They live in Humboldt, Neb.

Scott ('92) and Rhonda Wirth ('94) Wredt of Lincoln, Neb. are. proud parents of son Jarod Scott, born in January.

Major Grant To Research Understudied Life Form

The National Science Foundation has awarded Peru State College a grant of nearly $200,000 for a scientific study of one of the worlds' most common, and least studied, life forms.

The three-year study of microscopic parasites of insects will be headed by Dr. Richard Clopton, Assistant Professor of Biology, according to President Robert L. Burns. The project began in mid-May.

"This research project and the federal funding for it are extraordinary steps forward for Peru State and our students," Dr. Bums said.

"Here is an example of the special things that happen

Summer study

when we gather bright productive faculty who care about their work and their students," he added.

The $199,780 study, to be conducted in the Sandhills of western Nebraska, is interesting and valuable on several levels, Dr. Clopton noted.

*The parasites living inside of insects are probably the most common form of life on earth, yet they are almost unknown and the last major study was conducted in Europe in 1899. This will be the first comprehensive New World study ever conducted.

*Research data will be posted on Peru State's World Wide Web page and thus available to (Continued on Page 3)

Rejuvination

Improvements Underway In Peru State Library

Help Celebrate

Homecoming '97

Don't wait until the fall to start planning your involvement in Homecoming '97!

Peru State College cordially invites all alumni and friends to Celebrate Homecoming '97 on Saturday, Oct. 11.

Homecoming traditions like the All-Alumni Reception, Homecoming Parade, Football Game, Coronation of Homecoming Royalty, and Band-0- Rama promise to make it a day to remember.

Fall foliage should be at its peak. So start calling college friends and encourage them to meet you in Peru on Oct. 11 for Homecoming '97!

One of the great resources of the region, the Peru State College library, is undergoing a great deal of improvement.

President Robert L. Burns has explained plans to reconfigure space, improve the electrical system, and add 25 powerful new computers to the 92-year-old library.

"Lorin Lindsay and the library staff developed an exciting plan to strengthen the services of our library to the campus and the region," Dr. Burns said. "It is another step in making the library a technological heart of the college."

The look and the function

of the library - the heart and soul of every college campus - is being made better, Dr. Burns said. The estimated $105,000 cost comes from money generated by the col1ege rather than from state tax dollars, he noted.

And the changes will set the stage for construction of an addition to the 1i brary, built in 1905 and last expanded in 1911.

Expansion is PSC's highest priority for capital construction, Dr. Burns said. Done by August

Renovation began after the school year ended in May and is to be completed by

August for the start of the fall term.

The biggest share of the project's cost - over $60,000 - is for 25 new Pentium computers. Space renovation will run an estimated $24,000, with the rest going to upgrade the electri./ cal system and for equipment and furnishings.

Patrons of the library, be they college personnel or the general public, will see significant change in the interior's appearance, starting with the entryway: the one-storytall double entry doors will be replaced.

(Continued on Page 5)

1FJr©m Campus in Summer

In full stride

Commencement 1997 was a glorious day for all involved. The graduating class and their guests. the alumni back.for the 50th reunion of the Class of 1947, the visiting dignitaries here for the special ceremonies everybody appeared to be having a great time. And so they should - it is a great time at Peru State.

ft does bring a slight grin to hear people ask "What are you going to do this summer now that school is out?" This is one of our busiest times. We are closing dmrn one budget year and preparing for the next. We are recording the accomplishments of the spring semester and enrolling the students ofswnmer session. And we are racing to get lots of projects done on the campus that are best done H·hile the student body (and most faculty) are away.

This year H'e again managed to bring together a large sum of money from cash surpluses and other sources in order to fund many needs that are not covered by the allocation to

Arizonan 's Assemble

The '97 Ari-::.ona Alumni Reunion in February attracted alums of all ages, including some permanent residents and other northern "snowbirds." Sharing a tale or two here are (from left) Barbara Bragg Clm'/Jurn ('51)

Peru State. This year we began our spring efforts with over a million dollars (cash funds and revenue bond dollars) in money available to do special purchases and projects at the end of the yem; for example.

Computers & other tools

We have bought more computers, additions to the College of vehicles, tools and equipment needed by the Physical Plant and Grounds Crews to do their work easier and better, classroom equipment, and much more.

If you were to walk across the campus this afternoon you ivould hear saws and hammers at work as we move ahead }Vith needed upgrades and repairs in the Library (new service areas and study rooms for students), Fine Arts Building (a space for the Division Chair in the main office}, what so many of you remember as the Chapel or Old Gym (three new classrooms in the back of the main floor and needed ceiling repairs in instructional areas for the art program), and new paint and carpet for the campus auditorium.

So we will have the campus in ever-better shape for our students in the fall. And we expect some growth in enrollments then, too. I can tell you that in comparing the enrollment of this last semester (spring 1997) to spring 1991, we see marked improvement.

Major growth

This last semester we broke a significant mark with an unduplicated headcount enrollment of2,062 -compared to 1,496 in 199!. Major growth has come at our "distant sites" (Beatrice, Falls City, Omaha, Lincoln, Milford, Nebraska City, and others). So, lots of people at Peru State are doing lots of things right - and that quality and energy are recognized by the students who decide to invest in Peru State.

Alumni activity is another exciting activity that Pat and I enjoy more every yem: We have just finished visiting the annual meetings of our clubs in Northern California, Phoenix, Kansas City and Omaha. The H·'Ork of our l'Olunteer leaders and <J/ficers of those clubs produces fun meetings and times togetha Pat and I are going into our seventh year at Peru State, so many of you are becoming our old and dear friends.

With all of this activity and growth, you still are welcome to visit the campus any timeand especially while the weather makes travel more possible. Spring came late, but the warm weather will be special this yem: I hope you will stop in to see us i\'hen you travel in this direction. And I promise you won't have to help with the new construction and repairs. Comejoin us!

Fort Collins Site For RMAA Reunion

Fort Collins, Colo. will once again be the host site for the 1997 PSC Rocky Mountain Alumni Reunion in August.

The Rocky Mountain Rendezvous is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Holiday Inn University Park in the central part of town (please note there are two Holiday Inn's in Fort Collins, the other is on I-25).

IPere Schmelzer ('48) and his fellow officers are anxious to follow up on last year's fine reunion with another good show this year. They especially encourage first-timers and others who may not have come in a few years to show their

&i

true colors this year! Invitations will go out in July with full details. In the meantime, if you have questions call Pere at (970) 4820650 or Kent Propst at Peru State, (402) 872-2225.

Arizona Reunion A Warm Affair

The people attending a reunion of one of Peru State's newest alumni chapters acted as though they were among old friends during the Arizona chapter reunion.

The third annual get-together in Phoenix was held in late February, and a good number of northern "snowbirds" joined with year-round Arizonan's for an afternoon of good news, good friends and good food.

Chapter President Charles Ferguson ('81) convened the meeting with 40 in attendance. He thanked his fellow officers, Vice President Jerry Laflin ('67) and Secretary/Treasurer

Annie Billings Berkheimer ('79), for their efforts in staging the reunion.

After lunch, everyone had a chance to introduce themselves and in a few cases to relate humorous experiences during their days on campus. PSC President Robert L. Burns updated the group on recent developments on campus, and spoke about trends and planning to prepare the college for the future too.

Officers for the coming year were elected, with Annie Berkheimer as President, Jerry Laflin as Vice President, and Brian Carey ('88) the new Secretary /Treasurer.

Several volunteered to join the Planning Committee, including Butch ('65) and Barb Lasko ('65) Miller, Alan Shipley ('66), and Dennis Robertson ('73) new members of the group.

Erma (Brown) Miller ('31) gained the prize as Earliest Alum in Attendance

while Brian Carey was recognized as Most Recent Graduate. Officers Ferguson, Berkheimer and Laflin also received gifts for their efforts. Drawings for prizes netted a good sum for the chapter treasury, too.

The 1998 meeting date wasn't finalized but will most likely be held in February once agam.

The Peru Stater

President

Dr. Robert L. Bums

Editor Kent Propst (' 81)

Assistants

Carolyn Bredemeier

Jackie Baker Williams ('81)

Sports

Chris Erickson

Photography

Tony Koso ('99)

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@pscvax.peru.edu

Omahans Enjoy Big-time Fun

Yet another great crowd got together in April for the annual Omaha-Area Alumni Reunion.

Over 80 celebrants of all ages got together at the German-American Society Club for an evening of intensive "Peruvianization," under

Grivpinf! Tales

the capable guidance of Chapter Co-Presidents Bob ('62) and Joan Wesolowski ('61) Mulder.

Raffle tickets were a hot seller and further enhanced the chapter treasury. Jack ('50) and Nancy Hardy ('51)

Hallstrom lead the fundraising effort, with assistance this year from Diane Coover Emanuel ('84) and others.

Mulder began by introducing his fellow officers including co-VPs Ron ('58) and Fran Larson ('58) Witt,

Secretary-Treasurer

Ted Kirby ('61) and his wife Suzanne, and co-PastPresidents Al ('57) and Nancy Taggart ('57) Winseman.

PSC President Robert L. Burns reported on recent achievements at the College. He then introduced Lou Levy, Director of Enrollment Services, and Dr. Robert Smallfoot, Director of Continuing Education, who explained the nature of their respective programs.

The Chapter's newly established scholarship was discussed and criteria reviewed.

The group hopes to make it an annual offering to the child or grandchild of an Omaha-area alumnus.

Ron and Fran Witt were elected Co-Presidents for 1997-98. Lynn ('61) and Pauline Kish ('59)

Osterholm will serve as CoVice Presidents, and Erik ('61) and Mary Jo Scharp ('59) Torring were chosen as Co-Secretary-Treasurer.

President Burns presented gifts to the outgoing slate of officers. Jack Hallstrom received a prize for bringing the oldest letterjacket.

SaraBeth Donovan ('85) brought the oldest PSC memorabilia, while Joan Mulder received a prize for the most recent memorabilia.

Arlene Heinke Mitchell ('38) was honored for being the earliest alum at the Reunion, while Brad Prall ('87) and Matt Roberts ('87) shared the prize for being most recent grads in attendance.

The '98 meeting was scheduled for April 23, and the meeting was adjourned.

Lincoln looks At September Session

The '97 reunion of the Lincoln-Area Alumni Chapter, one of PSC's oldest groups, has been scheduled for Thursday Sept. 18 according to Chapter President Michelle Klopfenstein ('88) Ellis.

Invitations with all pertinent information will be mailed in a few weeks to those in the chapter service area. In the meantime, mark your calendar and keep that date open.

The '96 gathering was the biggest in many years; help keep the chapter growing!

Major grant..................................................

scientists and the general public everywhere - a practice Clopton says is still relatively uncommon in science todav.

*PSC students will be involved in the project "from the outset," he said - "from collecting specimens to cataloging them to presenting research results" at scientific meetings across the country.

Fully funded

Dr. Clopton received 100 percent funding of his grant request from NSF. Equipment including dissecting microscopes, a compound microscope, digital image-analysis systems, and a high-tech digital camera that will allow PSC to post images of specimens on the Internet, and stipends for students are some of the major expenses funded by NSF.

NSF even provides travel money both for summer collecting and research trips to the Cedar Point Biological Station near Ogallala, and for travel so Dr. Clopton and PSC students can present research at national scientific conferences.

This summer and next year, PSC students Bob Kula (senior, Fullerton) and Jackie Pingel (junior, Badger, Iowa) will form the initial student research team. Dr. Clopton hopes to maintain a research team of up to four students at any one time.

'T d like to keep the project manageable while maximizing direct student involvement," he said. "A small team makes the experience more meaningful for each student."

Major project

"The size and scope of the project are such as you'd expect to see at a major research institution," Dr. Clopton said. "This is a big investment by NSF. It shows they believe in us and in our ability to pull it off."

Dr. Clopton cited two reasons for selecting the Sandhills for the project site. The first goes back to the lack of information on these insect parasites.

"When faced with a gulf of ignorance, you just jump in," he said.

The second and more compelling reason is the rich diversity of insects in the Sandhills, which Dr. Clopton said is "a unique ecosystem - the only completely vegetated desert in the world.

Expect discoveries

"The variety of insects there is much higher (than found in southeast Nebraska), and will allow us to find more different parasites. Some of our collaborators tell us that we 'II find new insect species during the survey."

Cedar Point Biological Station facilities and its relatively close proximity (just a few hours' drive), were other considerations, he added.

Some of the parasite specimens they collect will have been identified in the turn-of-thecentury study, but most fall into the category of "new discoveries."

"Here is the most common form of life on earth and we know nothing about it - it's a thrill to see something no human has ever seen before," Dr. Clopton said.

Info accessible

Each new discovery will be named, measured, photographed, and will be the subject of a paper. That information will be published in scientific journals and will be put on the World Wide Web for others to use.

"Science only becomes knowledge when it becomes accessible, and we're trying to make it as accessible as possible," he said.

Though the research process is its own reward for Dr. Clopton and the involved PSC

.From Page 1

students, there may be a practical application too. That involves the possible biological control of the parasite "host" (insects) that humankind deems pests.

"We don't of course know if certain parasites can be used for biological control of insects - which we now control only with toxic chemicals," he said. "This project may be the first step toward that prospect."

Learn by doing

Yet Dr. Clopton knows that Peru State's primary mission is to educate students, with research a secondary priority. In fact, educating students by involving them in research is central to this project.

"The products or my work are not the papers I publish but the people we produce," he said. "That's what distinguishes Peru State from a research university or technical school.

"We do that through guided experience, not just by imparting facts in a classroom," he added. "There comes a time when our students must quit studying biology and become biologists. This is that opportunity."

The opportunity won't end when they pack up their equipment at Cedar Point and come back in August to begin the fall semester, Dr. Clopton said.

Participating students will spend an estimated 20 hours each week analyzing, cataloging and storing specimens, writing papers, and preparing presentations for scientific meetings.

"We have here a very obvious example of the work our Biology faculty have been doing to develop our program," Dr. Burns said. "And it combines excellence, exciting new research, and opportunities for our undergraduate students."

Sunday set for K.C. Assembly

Peru State's newest alumni organization, the Kansas City-Area Chapter, has shown that it's already prepared to try something new.

After a pair of very successful weeknight reunions, Chapter planners led by President Chick Stessman ('61) have planned a Sunday, Sept. 7 get-together. It may not be the first Sunday reunion in PSC history, but it's certainly the first in recent memory.

Complete details will be included in the invitation to be mailed in August. Until then, plan a leisurely Sunday afternoon with Peru friends old and new on Sunday, Sept. 7!

SllJr(O)Wlg JF({))WlWl (O)JfilS

I 1rish to take this opportunity to i·isit H'ith you as the new President of the PSC Foundation. I imagine a large percentage of readers have known me because of my approximately 50 year association with the College as a student, professor, division chair and emeritus professo1:

I am indebted to the College for an excellent undergraduate education that provided a stable foundation for my chosen career in industrial technology and education. The effective instruction, encouragement, guidance and good examples provided by a number of my professors and mentors have had a lasting impact on me, and I am in hopes that in some measure these good qualities were able to make a similar impression on students.

Just recently I read an article concerning higher education suggesting that colleges and universities need to emphasize good teaching, and should reward good instruction on at least the same level as research and service.

This clearly indicates that the values of instruction have for some time been neglected in the reward system for promotion and advancement in higher education.

Teaching emphasis

Fortunately the administration and staff of Peru State have valued excellent instruction and student grmvth and development throughout the long history of the institution. In my opinion the outstanding success of PSC graduates over the years attests to the strong emphasis on instruction with a proper balance of research and service.

I have been amazed at the contributions made and success of graduates in highly technical fields in a variety of areas. A number of them have informed me of their positive feelings about the good basic foundation they received while a student, and their ability to continue the life-long learning so necessary in our society today.

Jn reflecting on my own professional preparation at different major institutions in pursuit of the Masters and Doctoral degrees, I found my undergraduate background to be equal or superior to my peers from major universities.

There has been a dramatic change over the past several years in the use of new tools and machines to improve the efficiency and output of the human potential. Students and teachers alike must master the new skills and knowledge necessal}' to utilize this new technology for use in their chosen professions.

Ink to inkjet

These new innovations continue to be integrated into the ever improving curriculums to insure the graduates are well prepared. For many years writing skills were learned with a pen and ink, but at the present time a computer and word processing program are the standard for business and industry.

The overall cost is considerably higher as well. With the continuing pressure of other social and governmental agencies for a larger share of the taxpayer dollm; it behooves each of us to use our influence to assure that the colleges and universities continue to receive their fair share to keep them viable. This is but one way you may assist the Foundation in supporting Peru State College.

As President of the PSC Foundation, I challenge you to get actively involved, to share your resources of time, talent and money to assist the Foundation in the support of the college that has meant so much to each of us. In this 1ray others in future generations may continue to receive a quality education.

I sincerely believe the investment made in worthy college students will pay handsome dividends in coming years, and your Foundation is dedicated to making this happen.

I would be pleased to receive good ideas to enhance and improve the operation of the Foundation, and to continue its irowth in the overall support of Peru State College.

May I hear from you?

Gifts Make A Better PSC

A gift of $10,000 has been received from Lora Majors Vlasak ('34) of North Bend, Neb. This gift has been designated for Library use.

Lora is a granddaughter of T.J. Majors.

A gift in the amount of $12,485. 78 has been received from the estate of Mildred

Pate Iverson. This gift has been added to the Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Pate Scholarship Fund. Mrs. Iverson was a 1926 grad of PSC.

Recent Memorials A Boost to Peru

The following list includes gifts to the PSC Foundation for established scholarship funds and for recent memorials.

These gifts were received from approximately midFebruary through mid-May. For more information about any of these scholarship funds or memorials, contact Carolyn Bredemeier, Peru State College Foundation, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or call (402) 872-2304.

Merle Bauer Scholarship

Kent & Becki Young Propst

E.C. and M.M. Beck Scholarship

Pauline Lyle Scott

Al Brady Scholarship

Susan Harpham Bose

Wayne Buhrmann Memorial

Joseph and Rosa Lee

Weatherfield Brooks

Marvin and Doris Brown

Harold and Ruth Lantz

Walter and Dorothy Parks

Keith and Bobbie Roberts

Dean and Mary Stuck

Family and friends

John Christ Scholarship

Lillian Gnadt Christ

Merry Holliday-Hanson

Steve Swain

A.B. Clayburn Scholarship

Kent Clayburn

S.L. Clements Scholarship

Willard and Jean Meister

Redfern

Elizabeth Dougherty Scholarship

James and Jeanne Sherwood

Helms

Loure Salzman Firoved Scholarship

Scott Hahn

Chris Haddad Scholarship

Beth Propst Mierau

Kent and Becki Young

Propst

Angelia Rohwer

Kathe Hoffman Vore

Pam Reid Williams

Leo Hauptman Memorial

Kent and Becki Young

Propst

Victor Jindra Scholarship

Margaret Christy Piper

Lillian Pickard Landolt Scholarship

Paul Landolt

A. V. and Wilhelmenia

Larson Scholarship

Helen Larson Seiger

Lewis and Darlene Weick

Ernie Longfellow Memorial

Nick and Cheri Combs

Petrillo

L.B. & Ruth Mathews Scholarship

Pete and Ardis Fisher

Karabatsos

Jack Mcintire Scholarship

Wendell Hutchison

Tyson Oestman Memorial

Jerry and Roxanne

Oestmann

The long awaited Alumni Directory should be in your hands by the time you receive this issue of the Peru Stater. The directory was scheduled to be mailed the end of May or June.

If you participated in and do not receive your

Larry Pappas Scholarship

Genelle Grossman

W.R. Pate Scholarship

Mildred Pate Iverson Estate

Troy Rippen Scholarship

Angelia Rohwer

Kathe Huffman Vore

Vincent Sabatinilli Scholarship

Kathy Copas

George Schottenhamel Scholarship

Richard I. Shuman

G. Holt "Pop" Steck Scholarship

Leora Libhart Muck

Margery Evans Teel

Bill & Jeanne Tynon Scholarship

Mary Tynon Allgood

Carol Tynon Hayhurst

Helen Tynon Pugh

Mike Tynon

Nancy Tynon

Pat Tynon

Rick Tynon

Maude Phelps Vacek Scholarship

William & Carol Smith

Vacek

Evan Van Zant Scholarship

Nick and Cheri Combs

Petrillo

Lisa Weis Scholarship

Anita Downing Hueftle

Beth Propst Mierau

Lloyd and Marcella Weis

Al Wheeler Scholarship

Frank Spizuoco

copy by the end of June, please contact the Foundation Office (402-872-2304).

We appreciate all who responded with information for the directory. We hope that you find it most helpful in contacting PSC friends.

PSCF Leadership

PSC Foundation Selects

1997-98 Leadership

Leaders of the Peru State College Foundation for the corning year took office this past spring.

The Foundation, a private and not-for-profit corporation to support Peru State College, was to have held its annual meeting and elections on April 12. That meeting was cancelled due to a blizzard that weekend.

New officers and Trustees were selected by mail ballot and took office on April 21. Dr. Lester Russell of Peru, a retired faculty member, was chosen President of the corporation. He replaces another retired PSC faculty member, Lyle McKercher of Peru, who continues to serve on the Foundation Board.

Mike Guilliatt ('67) of Fremont, Neb. was re-elected Vice President, John Chaney of Auburn was re-elected Treasurer, and Harvey Fraser ('65) of Humboldt was reelected Secretary.

One new Trustee, Dwain Myers of Auburn, was elected to serve a three-year term.

Other Trustees re-elected to three-year terms include Dr. Clyde Barrett ('56) of Peru,

1997 Phonathon Concludes

The 1997 PSC Foundation Phonathon was conducted during March and a few days in April. 1,259 pledges were received during the calling period for a total of $39, 156.

We thank all who so willingly participated in our annual Phonathon, our single largest fundraising effort each year. We hope your conversation with a PSC student was a pleasant expenence.

Thanks to all who have responded so promptly with their pledge gift. We encourage you to fulfill your pledge as soon as possible to help us avoid additional postage costs with reminder notices.

Library.................

The next thing they seethe circulation desk - will be moved to a different location. Staff offices will be relocated and remodeled.

Training room

A "video room" is being built on the top floor, along with two conference/study rooms, and soundproofing measures taken. A training room with 11 Pentium-grade computers will be used for teaching the new technologies.

The new computers, mostly IBM-compatible but with some Macintosh units too, will be spread throughout the building.

They will replace the older, slower, text-only terminals currently in use.

Chaney, Rhonda Ahl Chomos ( '77) of Omaha, Dr. Lois Christensen (' 48) of Chico (Calif.), Dr. Frank Masek ('51) of Lincoln, McKercher, Dela Polston ('55) of Omaha, LeRoy Redfern ('41) of Cedar Falls (Iowa), Dr. Leland Sherwood ('57) of Peru, Dr. Duane Stehlik of

Falls City, Fred Stehlik ('74) of Omaha, and Floyd Vrtiska of Table Rock.

The PSC Foundation has assets of approximately $4.9 million. It has an annual operating budget of approximately $150,000 including an estimated $95,000 in scholarship support for Peru State.

Service Recognized .

PSC Foundation Past President Bob Engles ('73, left) presents a plaque to outgoing Foundation President Lyle McKercher for hisservice to the non-profit group. As immediate Past President, McKercher takes Engles' spot on the Foundation's Board of Directors. ' (Photo by Carolyn Bredemeier)

Many information providers "aren't even bothering to have a non-graphics option," according to Library Director Lorin Lindsay, "because graphics capability has become the standard."

In other words, more and more of the information available on the World Wide Web was not available to PSC library patrons due to outdated equipment. That situation is

From Page 1

being corrected.

Use of space

The physical renovation, meanwhile, will mean better and more functional use of the very limited space available. Few of the current library holdings will be displaced or removed, save for some older materials and journals that were weeded out.

Dr. Burns notes that while the project will allow for maximum use of library facilities, lack of space remains a critical concern. That's why he will continue to push for funds to build an addition.

"Much of what we have begun will fit with the needed expansion when the state decides what it is going to do," Dr. Bums said. "For now, we are using money we have gathered to make the library a better center for learning.

"We haven't given up on state support, but we can't sit around waiting for it either," he noted.

This summer there is no sitting around in the library. And come this fall, it won't lookor work - the same again.

Shorten The List Of '87 Lost Alums

The number of "lost alumni" from the Class of '87 is, we are happy to note, a relatively short one.

We'd like to shorten it further and bring them back into the Peru State College family.

If you know the address for any of the following, please forward it to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

Aldrich, Helen L. Crumpton, Gregory D.

Darling, Teresa A. Davenport, Brett Draper, Carleen L. Gallaher, Brian P. Howell, John R. Jensen, Jay D. Jones, Valencia A. Koepke, Karen A. Magnifilo, Gino Marsh, Kirby C. Morgan, Robert W. Jr. Munson, William G. Rodgriguez, Raul G. Jr. Slater, David F. Thames, John T. Visnaw, Michael J. White, Richard A. Jr.

Dedication

Celebrating the dedication o{Peru State College's Regio11al Tech110/ogy Center in Nebraska Ci(\' this spri11g \\'ere (from left) President Robert L. Burns, State Senator Roger Wehrbei11 of Plattsmouth, Neb., and Roberta and Dr. Al Gigstad of Nebraska City. Dr. Gigstad is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges.

PSC Dedicates Tech Center

Some of the newest tools of technology were on display as Peru State College formally dedicated its Regional Technology Center, located in southwest Nebraska City, in April.

A large audience was on hand as PSC showcased the facility, recognized the many individuals and groups who helped make it come about, and cut a ribbon dedicating the Center. The ceremony was preceded by dinner at the Lied Conference Center for primary donors and State College Board members to thank them for their support.

The crowd toured the Center's two computer labs, its new videoconference facility, an even newer classroom equipped to receive satellite signals, and several general purpose class/conference rooms.

"We wanted to recognize the efforts and contributions of the many supporters who have made the Regional Center the fine asset it is today," Dr. Burns said. "This was a genuine group effort."

He saluted a number of VIPs on hand, including State Senator Roger Wehrbein of Plattsmouth; members of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges and Dr. Carrol Krause, the system's Executive Director; and local officials from the

News about people you know 1930s

Edna Maystrick Fitch ('34) and husband of Arvada, Colo. celebrated their 60th wedding aniversary this past year. They report a wonderful time with friends and family, which includes eight grandchildren and l 2 great grandchildren.

Ken Heywood ('34) of Manhattan, Kan. expressed his delight in the photo of the '53 football team that was inducted into the PSC Hall of Fame last fall. "I was active in recruiting several of them, they were a great bunch of individuals whose personal qualities and talents went beyond athletic prowess," he opined.

Ralph Scholl ('38) of Columbus, Ohio writes that he has been retired for 18 years. He enjoys growing roses and playing lots of golf!

1940s

Reuben H. Fanders ('43) was one of seven inaugural inductees into the Council Bluffs (Iowa) Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame. Fanders taught at T.J. from 1953-84, and directed and/or acted in over 160 theatrical productions.

Nebraska City Chamber of Commerce and the River Country Industrial Development Corp.

Many supporters

He especially praised the many local individuals and organizations whose financial and/or technical and service contributions have helped establish the high-tech facility at little cost to the taxpayers.

The building and surrounding real estate was purchased with college cash surplus funds, not tax funds, Dr. Burns added.

The Steinhart Foundation gave money to establish the facility's primary computer Jab. The Richard P. Kimmel Foundation has funded a regional Arts Partnership and the new Distance Learning room and satellite dish.

The Kropp Charitable Foundation funded the building's largest classroom. The Paul and Anton Wirth Found at ion supported three other classrooms. The Farmers Bank & Trust Co. (Arvon and Lu Marcotte and family) provided resources to equip the lobby and reception area.

Individual supporters included Jo and Davis of Nebraska City, who funded another classroom.

All classrooms are wired for computer use, Dr. Burns noted.

One of them already has

been equipped as an Apple Macintosh lab for use in training teachers and staff from area K-12 schools, Dr. Burns added.

Communications boost

Dr. Burns expressed his appreciation, too, to Aliant Communications and to the state Department of Communications for their contributions to equipping the facility with state-of-the-art communications and technical services.

Individuals, industries, schools and groups from across southeastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa already ha\e found the facility and its resources useful in its first months, Dr. Burns noted.

Peru State has offered customized training for several regional industries and special programming designed for school staffs, personnel managers, and computer operators.

People have used its videoconference equipmentwhich transmits live audio and visual signals - for "meetings" with others across the entire state.

Demand to grow

Both for-credit and noncredit courses are giving citizens a chance to learn, to retrain, or to study a new subject or topic just for the joy of it.

And as more become aware (Continued 011 Page 8)

Dr. James McCoy ('49) of San Juan, Puerto Rico is in his 38th year with the Inter American University of Puerto Rico. IAU has 44,000 students on seven campuses, plus a Law School and an Optometry School. Jim is musical director for the Taller Lirico of Puerto Rico, an organization which promotes opera and musical comedy especially designed for students who have finished with their college degree programs and wish to perform alongside professional singers and actors. Jim will be back in Auburn, Neb. (his home town) this summer to write, produce, and direct the 5th annual summer musical, Imagination And All That Jazz.

Donna Hathaway Stutheit (attd. '46) and husband Norman celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in March in Auburn, Neb.

Mona Handley Williams (attd. '44) and husband Lloyd of Stella, Neb. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February. The celebration was hosted by their family, Lanny ('71) and Mary Jane (masters '93) of Auburn and Dennis ('75) of Stella.

Dr. Armon Yanders ('48) has been reappointed as chair of the U.S. Veterans Administration's Advisory Committee on Environmental Hazards. The Committee was established by Congress in 1984, and Dr. Yanders joined the group in '85. He has been its chair since '92. The Columbia. Mo. resident is Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri.

1950s

Ken Clark ('58) of Nebraska City, Neb. retired from teaching this spring. He was an Industrial Arts teacher and coach at Southeast Consolidated in Stella for the past 15 years. He also coached varsity football and track at Nebraska City High School for 16 years and gave a total of 34 years to the education profession.

(continued on page 7)

Peru State Shows Broadcast Ability

Whether for a class or an area business, via satellite or telephone line, Peru State College is providing the region an increasing - and everimproving - array of communication technologies.

As with all technologies, the greatest challenge is in keeping up with changes and improvements, according to President Robert L. Bums.

Recent acquisitions are keeping the college current, and providing a great resource for the region too, he said.

"We focused on a leadership role in providing technology in the classroom and in other programs a few years ago," Dr. Bums said. "Our progress and successes have been exciting."

Peru State moved into satellite-transmitted technology in a major way in recent years, largely through the state's NEB*SAT satellite. Peru State has two dishes on campus, including one "send-andreceive" system, and a third dish at its Regional Technology Center in Nebraska City.

Better quality

PSC installed new receivers on its on-campus dishes. They permit the college to get the new, higher-quality digital imaging now carried by NEB*SAT. Previously PSC could get the picture only in

Career Fair

the old analog format, which NEB*SAT no longer uses.

A more accurate, clearer image is the result of the over $3,000 worth of equipment according to Jay Jacobsen, Director of Communications Services.

The new satellite dish and digital receiver installed at the Regional Technology Center in Nebraska City allow that site access to vast new amounts of information.

That and the related equipment to set up a complete Distance Learning room at the Center was acquired through a grant from the Richard P. KimQ1el and Laurine Kimmel Foundation of Nebraska City. Practical

Another exciting new technology involves transmitting videoconferences using something as common as telephone lines.

The Regional Technology Center is equipped with this new resource, which makes two-way - or even more than two-way - audio and video communication not only possible, but practiCal.

The videoconference room has been equipped by the state Department of Communications, Jacobsen noted. The system, worth an estimated $50,000, was installed and is maintained by

the DOC.

Videoconferencing is an excellent resource for meetings, public hearings and for training, Jacobsen said. B.usinesses can save si'gnificant amounts of time and travel costs and yet not sacrifice personal communication and interaction.

This technology allows groups to "meet" on short notice to deal with emergencies or sudden opportunities.

The network of videoconference sites across the state is growing, and national and even international conferences can be arranged.

Low fees

Educational organizations, governmental agencies, hospitals and other non-profit organizations can use the system for just $20 per hour per site; commercial users pay $30 per hour. For conferences with sites outside of Nebraska, the fee is $60 per hour.

The next "hot" trend in broadcast technology may be :videoconferencing by way of the Internet, Jacobsen added. That technology is new and service limited, but as is true with most things in that field, that will certainly changeand change quickly. For now, the college is keeping an eye on it.

1950s (continued)

·Regina Stander Colbert ('54) of Weeping Water, Neb. was honored with a 1997 Husker Service Award given by th.e · Husker Track and Field Officials Association. She has been a teacher and coach for the past 34 years. Jear, also officiates volleyball and track events, and ih her spc:'"e time volunteers for the Lofte Community Theatre.

Joan Vertiska Collins ('55) of Stella, Ne:· retired this spring after 34 years in the teaching She has been the music teacher for K-5 in the Auburn ::<nool district for the past 28 years.

Unadean Armstrong DeFreece ('59) of Cnnd Island, Neb. writes that she and her husband are havin_2' a good time with volunteer activities including t eir church, YMCA/YWCA, the Shrine and the Republican

Ruth Johnson Gerdes ('53) of Auburn, Neb. retired this spring as the library aide for elementary rriedia in the Auburn Public Schools. She served the Auburn schools since 1970.

Norris Hale ('51) of Pella, Iowa has been chosen to recieve. the News Media Award presented annually by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. The award will be presented at a banquet in November.

Mary Hinrichs Kellogg ('51) has retired after a lengthy career as Librarian at the Nebraska City (Neb.) Middle School.

Donna Knoche ('51) of Beatrice, Neb. was featured in the Beatrice Daily Sun recently for her use of 4-H enrichment programs in the classroom. Donna is in her 13th year of teaching fourth and fifth graders at Wymore Southern Elementary School in Blue Springs, Neb. Donna was honored as a "Friend of 4-H" this past fall for her use of the many different 4-H Enrichment programs in her classroom.

Robert Norton ('57) of Sterling, Neb. "semi-retired" this spring after 37 years in education. He has been superintendent at Stering for the past six years. He has accepted a position as part-time superintendent at the Diller School in Diller, Neb.

Dr. Sharon Ocker ('53) has received the Order of Morningside from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. The citation recognizes extraordinary service and committment to the school, which Ocker served from 1967-96. He chaired its Education Department for 20 years and its Graduate Division for 20 years, too.

Phyllis Davenport Rosenquist ('55) of Peru, Neb. retired this spring after 36 years of teaching. Phyllis taught for 23 years in the Ceresco-Raymond Central School system before joining the Nebraska City Public Schools in 1984. She had several teaching endorsements and her assignments varied from grades two through junior high, music, social studies, Title I, reading, math, special education and gifted education.

.

Gwen Hays Vaughn ('56) of Auburn, Neb. retired this year from teaching in the Auburn Public Schools. She has been with the Auburn district for 36 years.

(continued on page 8)

Roland Barrett (Re)Joins The PSC Band in April

A familiar face returned to the Peru State College stage in April when the college bands presented their final concert of the 1996-97 season.

Roland Barrett, Assistant Director of Bands for the University of Oklahoma and a 1977 Peru State graduate, returned as special Guest Conductor.

Barrett directed the Concert Band in the premier of his composition entitled "McKissick's Island." McKissick's Island is a parcel of Nemaha County land just outside of Peru that, because of a change of the Missouri River channel, is on the other side of the river.

"My idea was to do a piece about the forces of nature, as represented by the river changing course," Barrett said. "When nature decides to do something, there is no stopping it. Nature - in this case the Missouri River - will do whatever it wants."

Another Barrett original, "Cimarron Sketches," also was performed that evening.

Roland Barrett grew up in Peru and is a graduate of Auburn High School. His parents - retired PSC faculty member and Vice President Clyde Barrett ('56) and his wife the former Betty Neil ('57) - are Peru residents.

"I don't make it back often and it's always nice to return," he said. "It's never long that I don't think about my college days; I always felt that I got a good education there."

He is drill designer and musical arranger for the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band and is director of the Sooner Showmen basketball band. Barrett is instructor of march-

JPcerU11

1950s (continued)

Lewis Weick (attd. '48-'50, '59-'60) of Washington, Ill. has retired after 32 years as an engineer at Caterpillar's Technical Center. He and his wife, Darlene, plan to travel and also enjoy visiting their hometown of Falls City, Neb. Lew's classmate from 1948, Jacquie Blumel Shipley (' 49) also lives in Washington, and her daughter married Lew's son.

1960s

Russell L. Chappell ('61) of Granite City, Ill. has retired from teaching.

Dale Duensing ('66) of Hastings, Neb. has received the Bandworld Legion of Honor award, presented to I 0 top band directors each year. Recipients must have taught band at least I 5 years, maintaining high quality, and contributed to the profession. Dale has taught in Nebraska for over 30 years. Bandworld is an international band magazine.

Gayle Ellison ('67) of Lewiston, Neb. has "retired" from the Lewiston Village Board. A science teacher at Lewiston Consolidated Schools, Gayle has been with the Village Board since 1977 and served as Mayor for several years.

Shirley Tankersley Gilfert (two-year '59, bachelors '66) of Nebraska City has retired after 30 years as a teacher. She is now working on a career in writing, and has published works in several magazines. Her favorite pieces are ghost stories.

Willard Jensen ('60) was featured in a February edition of the Stromsburg, Neb. newspaper. He has been teaching math and science in Osceola, Neb. for 32 years and has coached football, basketball and track.

Carol Crabtree Martin ('68) received a Masters degree in curriculum and instruction from Doane College in May '86. She teaches in Fremont, Neb.

Roland's Return

Roland Barrett ('77) returned to Peru State's peiforming stage i11 late April to direct the PSC Concert Ba11d. The Assistant Director of Bands at the U11iversity of Oklahoma, Barrett led the group through its premier pe1.forma11ce of his composition "McKissick's lsla11d." as well as a peiforma11ce of his so11g "Cimarron Sketches." (Photo by Kent Propst)

ing band techniques, media techniques, and instrumental arranging at OU, where he is completing his I I th year of service.

Barrett also is an active

composer/arranger, with over 65 published works for marching band, concert band and small ensembles. He has a Masters degree from Oklahoma University.

Dedication ................................From Pages

of the Technology Center's capabilities, Dr. Burns expects demand for its services to grow.

PSC acquired the nearly l 2.000 square foot building in November 1995. Renovation began a month later and was far enough along to to begin holding classes last September.

Peru State now offers a variety of credit and non-credit classes there throughout the year.

Dr. Burns and others emphasized that most of the funds for the Technology Center have come from private support or from PSC's own cash (non-tax) funds.

"We talk a lot about partner-

ships these days and here we have a clear, successful result of several partnerships including the College, the State College system. local leadership, corporate and campus efforts," Dr. Burns said. "It works."

R. Bruce Sweenie ('62) of Nemaha, Neb. retired from the U.S. Postal Service this spring. He was postmaster at Nemaha.

1970s

Richard Bacon ('73) of Humboldt, Neb. was presented the 1997 Jim Lewis Award at the Nebraska Softball Association's Hall of Fame banquet in March. The award is given to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport of softball. Rich coaches various Humboldt teams and coordinates the Humboldt city program. He teaches industrial arts at Humboldt.

Nairn Beituni ('75) of Westminister, Calif. would very much like to have yearbooks for l 973 and I 974. We do not have any extra books in the Alumni Office. If anyone has an extra Peruvian for either year, please contact the Alumni Office.

Inez Brettman ('70) of Auburn. Neb. led her 1997 speech team to the Class DI State Championship Inez is the English and speech teacher at the Humboldt, Neb. Public School.

(continued on page 9)

College-School Alliances Abound

Area K-12 schools and Peru State College have much more in common than as places where teaching and learning occur.

The level of collaboration between area schools and PSC reaches to the very core of both, according to President Robert L. Bums. Examples of interaction and support of all kinds occur often, with both sides giving as much as they receive.

"Interaction with our K- 12 colleagues is a primary goal at Peru State," Dr. Burns explained. "We have built some very productive partnerships - and it only makes sense to do so."

Some cooperative efforts are obvious ones. Area schools give scores of PSC students one of their best learning experiences when they host PSC student teachers, for example.

Peru State offers a broad array of events for area schools.

Late in February, hundreds of high school students took part in the annual PSC Business Contest. Hundreds more visited in April for the annual High School Quiz Bowl.

Arts, sports, technology

A variety of vocal and instrumental music festivals, a High School Volleyball Tournament, the District History Day contest and PSC's Industrial Technology Fair are other high-profile projects for area students held at Peru State.

But they are by no means the only ones, noted Dr. David Ainsworth, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Teacher education students at PSC must have at least 100 hours' time in schools even before they are allowed to student teach. These in-school experiences, or "practicums," give students firsthand knowledge of what it's like to be an educator.

Some PSC faculty involve entire classes in projects with area schools. For example, elementary school Social Studies students at both Peru and Johnson-Brock have PSC student mentors who help them prepare for annual Social Studies Fairs.

Job Olympics

A PSC Special Education class is largely responsible for organizing the annual Job Olympics, which brings dozens of area youth with physical and mental disabilities to Peru for a day of learning and competition.

And of course, area schools are where most of the approximately 120-140 student teachers gain that critical experience. Most student teaching is done within a 70-mile radius of campus.

Not all student teaching is done locally, though, noted Dr. Dan Cox, interim Chair of the PSC Education Division. This past spring alone "we had student teachers from Philadelphia to Indiana to California; next fall we'll place them from Washington D.C. to Washington State."

"We can do our best to simulate school situations in our own classrooms, but when our student-teachers walk into those public school classrooms, they are facing reality," Dr. Ainsworth said.

'Help us prepare'

"The area schools have been very professional and very willing to help us prepare our student-teachers, and we certainly appreciate that," he added.

Another obvious, but often overlooked, example of giveand-take between schools and the College is PSC's graduate program in teacher education. Whether area teachers take a course or two to improve classroom skills or they pursue the Master of Science in Education degree, the graduate program provides vital and valuable training.

Peru State student organizations also often get into the act, Dr. Cox noted, citing the Peru Student Education Association (PSEA) as one example. The group sponsored a trip to the Joslyn Art Gallery in Omaha for a group of junior high students from Johnson-Brock.

Several area schools use PSC students who are working on their athletic coaching endorsements as assistant coaches - and sometimes even head coaches - for their athletic programs.

School principal

Dr. Kass Rempp, PSC Assistant Professor of Elementary Education, knows (Continued on Page 12)

Teaching Standout

Dr. Joel Lundak (left), Associate Professor of Psychology, was awarded PSC's Teaching Excellence Award by President Robert L. Burns during Commencement ceremonies on May 10. Dr. Lundak has been a PSC faculty member since 1989.

(Photo by Tony Koso)

1970s (continued)

Colleen Bates Fulton ('70) has retired from the Lewiston (Neb.) Public Schools.

Larry Humphrey ('72), superintendent of Wymore Southern School in Wymore, Neb. was featured in the Beatrice Daily Sun this spring. The school has recently established an applied technology laboratory which will give students an advantage in the workplace and in further educational opportunities.

Galen Kronhofman ('75) has accepted the head football and girls basketball position at Alma, Neb. He had been a teacher and coach at Madison, Neb.

Maureen Stutheit Marshall ('70) was awarded an "Xtra Mile Award"by the Hastings (Neb.) Public Schools in March. Maureen has taught family and consumer sciences there for nine years.

Bonnie Lewis Mehlin ('73) of Stella, Neb. retired this spring after 17 years as an elementary teacher at Southeast Consolidated.

Paul Mulcahy ('72) of Syracuse, Neb. is an assistant boys basketball coach at Syracuse- Dunbar-Avoca High School. He helped lead the Rockets to the Class C-1 State Tournament this spring. They entered the tournament with a 14-8 record.

Terry Neddenriep ('74) of Lincoln, Neb. received his Doctor of Administration degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this spring. He is curriculum consultant for the Lincoln Public Schools. Previously he taught industrial technology at Guide Rock, Bradshaw and Lincoln in Nebraska. His wife is the former Marlene Meyer ('72).

Willard Peterson ('70) of York, Neb. received a $10,000 grant from Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. for his idea to build a traveling physics laboratory. Willard is a fifth and sixth grade teacher at Bradshaw Public Schools where he has taught for 25 years. The grant will fund the construction of a portable trunk of books, games and equipment for studying physics principles in schools throughout rural Nebraska.

Shirley Snyder ('78) of Auburn, Neb. was recognized for her commitment to literacy at Calvert Elementary School in Auburn with the presentation of the Celebrate Literacy Award by the Apple Valley Reading Council. Shirley teaches Chapter I and reading at the Calvert Elementary School in Auburn.

Diana Sullivan Thomas ('78) of Omaha received her Master of Science in Learning Disabilities degree from UNO this spring. Diana teaches special education at Kim Junior High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Her husband, Doug ('78) is a math teacher and assistant athletic director at Millard North High School in Omaha.

Dennis Williams ('75) of Stella, Neb. has resigned his position as business teacher and volleyball coach at Southeast Consolidated. He will be moving to Atchison, Kan. to be associated with a plumbing wholesale business owned by Dave Lainez ('75). Dennis taught at Southeast for the past 21 years.

(continued on page l 0)

JPeirlfilvi 011t

1970s (continued)

Ario Wusk ('76) of Sterling, Neb. led his Lady Jets basketball team to the Class D-1 state basketball tournament. They entered the tournament with a 17-6 record. Ario will be head coach for the East Team 1997 Nebraska Eight-Man Football Coaches Association all-star football game this summer.

1980s

Valerie Coatney Able ('81) has been appointed elementary principal for the Lourdes Central Catholic Schools in Nebraska City. She had been teaching fourth grade there.

Jeff ('88) and Glenda Chaffin ('89) Beckman of Palmyra. Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Heather Marie, born in April. She was welcomed home by a sister. Amanda.

Dan ('91) and Diane Groff ('89) Blackburn of Madrid, Iowa are proud parents of son Bret Richard, born in January. He was welcomed home by sisters Audra and Erica.

Colleen Chapman ('85) of Callaway, Neb. led her Lady Bears basketball team to the Class D-1 state basketball tournament. They were the top seeded team with a 21-1 record.

Ben Egger ('83) of Wood River, Neb. led his boys basketball team to the Class C-1 State Tournament this spring. The Eagles entered the tournament with an 18-5 record.

Marilyn Bohling Ellingson ('88) and husband Jon of Gretna, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Jacob Johann Glen, born in April. He was welcomed home by a brother Justin.

Luke Galardi ('88) and wife Marcia are proud parents of a daughter, Sophia Jane, born in December. Luke was recently promoted to Micro Computer Project Leader at Woodmen of the World Life Insurance in Omaha, where he has worked since graduation.

Juliann Moerer Gauchat ('88) and husband Rodney of Brownville, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Danielle Marie, born in February. She was welcomed home by a brother Wyatt Austin.

Phil Hall ('85) of Humboldt, Neb. will serve as an assistant coach for the 1997 Nebraska Eight-Man Coaches Association all-star football game this summer. Phil is the football coach and math teacher at Southeast Consolidated at Stella, Neb.

Todd Halvorsen ('85) has been appointed head football coach at Glenwood (Iowa) Community High School. He had been teaching and coaching at Hiawatha, Kan. for the past four years, leading his teams to three playoff appearances and one state runner-up finish ('95).

Rhonda Buethe Heim ('85) and husband Dennis of Plattsmouth, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Taylor Nicole, born in March. She was welcomed home by a six year old sister, Marcy.

Lori Dorn Hollen ('86) and husband Jim are proud parents of a daughter, Grace Laura, born in May. Lori and her husband are stationed in Borsborn, Germany.

(continued on page 11)

Soecial Guests

and (back row.from left) Margaret Wellensiek Mann, Dorothy Stepan, Dorothy Grube Niedermeyer, and Janice Kimsey

'Memories of earlier days on the Peru State College campus were matched only by laughter and smiles at the '97 May Reunion this past spring.

The largest May Reunion

Preview

Icrowd in several years came together for two days of merriment on May 9-10. Leading the way were 14 members of the 50-year Class of '47.

Activities got underway

LUMNI

IIiwith the traditional President's Reception, hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Burns at the President's Home on Friday night.

Dinner (prime rib or that regional classic, catfish) and a program kept the crowd around into the evening as they chatted, looked at vintage Peruvian yearbooks and other memorabilia, and told tales of the "good old days" at Nebraska's first college.

Saturday saw the group come together for breakfast, followed by front-row seating for PSC's unique Commencement ceremony in the AI Wheeler Activity Center. Lunch (no one ever leaves a May Reunion hungry!) and van tours of the college and area wrapped up the event.

Though this youthful group of Peruvians isn't quite ready.for a 50Year Reunion. they came along as guests of those who were - and had a good time anyway. They include (from left) Debbie Niedermeyer

Severyn ( '76 ), Barbara Lehman Evans (attd. '59- '60), Zola Albers (attd. '46- '47), and Bob Clark ('50). Not pictured is Vi1·ian Vermule Schacht ( '62). (Photo by Kent Propst)

The '98 May Reunion has already been scheduled for May 8-9 and many of this year's celebrants were already making plans to return. The Class of '48 will be special guests.

'97 May Reunion

1980s (continued)

Mark Hrabik ('82) of Syracuse, Neb. led his Syracuse Rockets boys basketball team to the Class C- J State Tournament. They entered the tournament with a J 4-8 record.

Chris Hutt ('83) of Tecumseh, Neb. led his boys basketball team to the Class C-2 State Tournament. The Indians entered the tourney with a 25-0 record, and were crowned the State Champions. Chris also received his Master of Science in Education degree from PSC this spring in the area of Pedagogy.

Gail A. Ramsey Hutt ('81) of Tecumseh, Neb. received her Master of Science in Education degree this spring from PSC. Her area of study was Special Education.

James ('88) and Anne LaHood ('89) Larsen of Beatrice, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Meredith Jane, born in March.

Dave ('87) and Libby Bonacci ('88) Norris are proud parents of daughter Colby Elizabeth, born in December. They live in Virginia and both work for the state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

The Guys

Norman Parish ('81) accepted a reporter position with the St. Louis (Mo.) Post-Dispatch last March. He and his wife live in University City, Mo.

Raymond S. Peterson ('84) left a note on PSC's home page to say that he is living in New Jersey and working for AT&T.

Scott Schaefer ('80) of McPherson, Kan. led his high school girls basketball team to the Class 5-A state championship this past season. His wife is the former Brenda Wilkinson ('82).

Brad Sefried ('84) and wife Kris of Sanford, Fla. are proud parents of a daughter, Cynthia Diane, born in February.

Lori Vrtiska Seibel ('84) and husband Bryan of Lincoln, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Trey Jamison, born in March. Lori is employed by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, and is also a member of the Peru State College Foundation Board of Trustees.

Ann Scheitel Severin ('86) of Falls City, Neb. is the new president of the Falls City Area Jaycees. Ann is a teacher in the Falls City Sacred Heart school system.

Jeff Smith ('83) is returning to Lincoln, Neb. as the head boys' basketball coach at Lincoln Southeast. He had been an assistant coach at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Wash. the past two years, and was an assistant coach at UN-L for six years before that. He began his career at Pawnee City, Neb. where he coached and taught for three years. His wife is the former Robin Nelson ('83).

Frank Washburn ('85) has been promoted to chief operating officer of Pamida Holdings Corp. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of its stores, information systems, real estate and store planning.

(continued on page 12)

Wecdlcdlirng JB

Janet Adam ('95) of Odell, Neb. and Kenneth Apfelbeck were married in March.

Todd Ashenfelter ('91) and Becky Swank were to be married in June in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Amy Bausch ('96) of Burchard, Neb. and Christopher Gottula were married in May. Amy is a substitute teacher in southeastern Nebraska.

Shari Brown ('87) of Fairbury, Neb. and Jay Hatfield were to be married in June. Shari works for the Geneva Public Schools.

Tracy Cochran ('97) and Alex Malcom ('95) are to be married in July. Alex is a per-

sonal trainer and fitness consultant for Better Bodies Health Club in Omaha.

Karen Dettmer Caples ('79) of Auburn, Neb. and William Wolf were married in April.

Scott Daniell ('97) of Plattsmouth, Neb. and Amber Schlichenmaier were married in May.

Jennifer Draper ('96) of Lincoln, Neb. and Nathan Grube are to be married in August. Jenny is a health claim representative at State Farm Insurance's Regional Office in Lincoln.

Renae Gerdes ('96) and Tim Oswald were married in March and live in Nebraska

JF><eJfUJl

City.

Casey Hakenkamp ('96) of Blair, Neb. and Carrie Defreece were married in April. Casey is an industrial engineer at Westendorf Manufacturing in Onawa, Iowa.

Charles A. Hamilton ('93) of Topeka, Kan. and Erika Cederberg were married in May. He is a law student at Washburn University in Topeka.

Tammy Hammer ('93) of Osmond, Neb. and Lenard Schaefer were married in June in Randolph, Neb. Tammy teaches fourth grade in Osmond.

(Continued on Page 13)

1980s (continued)

Kathleen Reuter Weiler ('81) of Syracuse, Neb. was honored by the local Jaycees chapter as the Outstanding Educator for 1997. Her husband is Mark ('71).

Darrell Wellman ('82) of Auburn, Neb. received first place in the "Best Spot News Photo" Division of the Class C weekly division at the annual convention of the Nebraska Press Association in April.

Paula Kite Winkelman ('82) of Brownville, Neb. was honored by the Nebraska Press Association at their annual convention with a first place in the "Best Sports Feature Photo" division.

Dayle Trout Wisnieski ('83) and husband Kevin of Scribner, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Lindsey Catherine, born in January.

1990s

Angie Kuker Antholz ('92) of Humboldt, Neb. and husband Carson are proud parents of a daughter, Amanda Sue, born in May. She was welcomed home by a brother.

Leading Students

Student leadership on campus this coming year will be provided by Student Senate President Jessica Damrow (left) of Diller, Neb. and Vice President AnneMarie Taylor (right) of Lincoln, Neb.

(Photo by Kent Propst)

Alliances

.................................. From Page g all about involvement with local schools. She serves as Principal for rural schools in Nemaha (District 32) and Otoe (Harmony, Hazel Dell) Counties.

Dr. Mary Mokris, Associate Professor of English, enjoys teaching a course about the Internet to students for the Auburn Public Schools' Omnibus program. Dr. Anthony Citrin, Professor of Education, often speaks to school groups about child abuse and neglect issues.

Many high school students benefit in an even more direct fashion. PSC offers an "Early Entry" program in 17 area schools, wherein top students take college-level coursework right in their school. Last fall, 34 l students were involved in Early Entry.

Freshman level

Early Entry classes are

freshman-level, general studies courses that transfer to most other colleges and universities, according to Dr. Robert Smallfoot, Director of Continuing Education and Regional Services at PSC.

The College also works in partnership with area Educational Service Units (ESU's), staffing workshops and providing personnel and other resources.

Peru State, ESU #4 of Auburn and the Nebraska City Public Schools recently received a $10,000 grant to teach area school teachers about the Internet and World Wide Web applications to the classroom.

The project proved so popular that three sections of the course had to be offered and nearly 50 area teachers from l 0 different schools in the ESU #4 service area partici-

pated. Peru State personnel taught the workshop. A sampling PSC and the Conestoga Public Schools have developed a cooperative learning project involving Conestoga elementary and secondary students, PSC students and faculty, and the Internet.

While this is a representative sampling of some of the interaction between schools and the College, the list is by no means comprehensive, Dr. Burns said. Both the schools and PSC are always finding new ways to support one another.

"The easy communications we have developed between the college and K-12 education connects faculty and staff in ways that profit our students almost every day," Dr. Burns concluded.

Aaron Bailey ('95) of Mission, Kan. and Dr. Nestor Sherman, who taught at PSC in 1993-94, have co-authored an article that was published in the Kansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance Journal this spring. Dr. Sherman is on the faculty at Texas A & MKingsville.

Jodi Hytrek Becker ('91) is teaching freshman English at Ripon (Wis.) High School.

Lori Alexander Bellar ('90) and husband Jay of Neola, Iowa are proud parents of twin boys born in February. They were named Zachery Jay and Jared Alexander. Lori teaches third grade at Tri-Center Schools at Neola.

Dan Blackburn ('91) has been hired to teach industrial technology for the Morgan County Schools in Versailles, Mo.

Ceci Chandler ('96) is Administrative Assistant with Human Resource Innovations of Lincoln, Neb.

Phyllis Collins ('91) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed the state Certified Public Accountants examination in February.

Joe Davidson ('93) and his wife JoAnn of Tarkio, Mo. are proud parents of son Adler Joseph, born in March.

Andy Donovan ('93) recently graduated from the New York Neighborhood School of Theatre, an intensive twoyear program. Andy is working summer stock at the Cortland (N.Y.) Repertory Theatre as Artistic Designer and actor.

Kristen H. Ellsworth ('94) of Omaha received a Master of Science in Education degree from PSC in the field of Pedagogy.

Kirk Faris ('91) of Tecumseh, Neb. is a teacher and assistant basketball coach at Tecumseh High School. He helped lead the Tecumseh Indians to the Class C-2 State Boys Basketball championship this spring.

(continued on page I 3)

Alumni Trivia: Cyberstumpers?

The monthly Alumni Trivia Contest on PSC's World Wide Web page continues to prove rewarding as well as fun for its contestants - but we also had our first "stumper" this spring.

April's trivia question yielded no winner. FYI, the question was:. "Peru State's first women's intercollegiate athletic team, in basketball, competed during what season?" The answer is 196970.

The May winner was Ruth Ulrich Beethe ('89) of Tecumseh, Neb. March's contest winner was Theresa Polsley Krajicek ('85) of Papillion, Neb., while February's prize went to Beth Propst Mierau ('82) of Crete, Neb.

Each month the names of all who are eligible and who correctly answer the multiplechoice question, are put in a hat and one winner drawn. The prizes are provided courtesy of the Bobcat Bookstore.

To play PSC Alumni Trivia, just dial up the PSC homepage and go into the "Alumni & News" section. You can find us at: http://www.peru.edu

See you on. the Web!

Trustee Tynon

PSC senior Andy Tynon of Peru has been appointed Student Trustee to the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges for 1997-98. He is the son of Mike ( '70) and Kathy Tynon of Peru and of Linda Bedette ('69) Tynon of Gulf Breeze, Fla. Andy will represent PSC and its students on the board which governs PSC and the other state colleges in Chadron and Wayne.

Wcecdlcdliumg IB3celili§

(From Page 12)

Deitra A. Hartman ('94) of Seneca, Kan. and Jamie Claas were married in June. Deitra is a teacher in Seneca, Kan.

Ken Hatten ('92) of Auburn, Neb. and Kelli Anderson were married in April.

Michael D. Holthus ('95) of Plattsmouth, Neb. and Dawn Heilig have announced their engagement. Mike is manager of Country General in Plattsmouth.

PSC students Danelle Jackson and Kelvin 'Whitmore were married rn May in Superior, Neb.

Richard J. Lavson (attd. '87-'90) of Dallas: Texas and Rita Mort vvere married in June. Richard is Regional Operations Director for The

Velvet Elvis in the Houston and Dallas areas.

John McLarnen ('94) of Wayne, Neb. and Tara Nelson are to be married in August. John teaches elementary school and is head girls basketball coach for the Wayne Public Schools and is co-president of the Wayne Education Association.

Ron McVey ('89) of Lincoln, Neb. and Kim Eurek are to be married in June. Ron is a manager at SESCO.

Mark Meadows ('95) of Omaha and Shureen Seery are to be married in July. Mark is a research technologist for the University of NebraskaLincoln.

Anji Potter ('93) of Omaha and Jeff Stanek are to be married in July. Anji is a teacher for the Millard, Neb. school

1990s (continued)

Neil Ferguson ('95) is now the School-to-Work Coordinator for the Weeping Water and the Conestoga schools in Nebraska.

Raymond C. Girard ('96) of Highland, Kan. received a Master of Science in Education degree in the field of Pedagogy from PSC this spring.

Merry Holliday Hanson ('91) and her husband Mike are proud parents of son Jacob Charles, born in April. They live in Roseville, Calif.

Angie Hawley ('97) has been hired to teach K-5 special education for the Gasconade County Schools in Owensville, Mo.

Michelle Heath ('95) of Weeping Water, Neb. has accepted a position as the children's librarian at the Plattsmouth Public Library. Michelle had previously been doing substitute teaching in area schools.

Don Hogue ('96) of Falls City, Neb. is the assistant basketball coach for the Falls City Lady Tigers. They qualified for the state basketball tournament in Class C-1 with a 21-5 record.

Kelly Holliman ('96) of Hamburg, Iowa is a teacher working with preschool at-risk students for the Red Oak (Iowa) school district.

Charles Hopkins ('97) is working as an accountant analyst for Mutual of Omaha.

Jeff Junker ('93) of Beatrice, Neb. is an assistant boys basketball coach at Beatrice Senior High. He helped lead the Orangemen to the Class B State Basketball Tournament this spring. They entered the tournament with a 17-5 record.

Linda Lovenburg Junker ('95) of Falls City, Neb. is employed by the Heart and Home Counseling Service as a Family Support Worker/Home Health Aide. The firm is located in Humboldt, Neb.

system.

Jeff Schawang ('95) of Lincoln, Neb. and Audra Williams ('95) of Omaha, Neb. were married in April. Audra is an assistant controller for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Jeff is an installation/customer support specialist for Information Technology, Inc. in Lincoln.

Kim Thuman ('93) and Steven Tilley of Hastings, Neb. were married in April. Kim is a sales coordinator at Great Plains Packaging.

Barbara L. Van Engen ('90) of Lincoln, Neb. and Robert Schwarz were married in February.

Carrie Nelson Winn ('85) and Bruce Krickbaum were married in March in Meeker, Colo. and are residing in Fort Morgan, Colo.

Michelle Kildow ('97) is a Kindergarten Teacher Associate for St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Elementary School in Omaha.

Margo LaBrie ('92) of Aurora, Neb. received her Master of Science in Education from PSC this spring. Her area of study was elementary education.

Aaron ('97) and Andrea Morris McCormick of Peru, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter born in April. Aaron received a degree this spring and Andrea will complete her schooling next year.

Amy Graf McGooden ('94) is a claims representative for the Sandhills Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, based in Valentine, Neb.

Brian Meyer ('90) works in Omaha for First Data Resources in its Voice Mail Fraud operations department.

Robin Ferris Minard ('95) of Falls City, Neb. is a supervisor of Family Support Work/Home Health Aides for the Heart and Home Counseling Service in Humboldt. Neb.

Patricia Tapee Moody ('93) and husband Mark of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Emily Jean, born in March. She was welcomed home by two sisters. Nikki and Molly, and a brother, Travis.

(continued on page 14)

JPeir1!1IVJi<IUID.

1990s (continued)

Jenny Pasco ('96) of Fremont, Neb. is a houseparent at the Nebraska Masonic Children's Home.

Andrew Plummer ('96) of Wichita, Kan. successfully passed the Certified Public Accountants examination in February.

Jason ('96) and Melissa Friedrichsen ('95) Prante of Auburn, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Lauren Elizabeth, born in May. Melissa is a teacher with the Auburn Public Schools.

Karen Rolf ('97) is a middle school special education teacher for Holton Cooperative at Sabetha, Kan.

Passing the buck

A shift in state offices involving three alums and two state organizations took place this spririg. Bev Ramsey ('89, left), PSC Personnel Specialist and for the past five years the State Advisor to the business group Phi · Beta Lambda, passed that officer's manual onto Ted Harshbarger ('77), who is Director of Cooperative Education and Career Services at PSC. Harshbarger in turn surrendered the post of State Treasurer of the College Placemellt Association of Nebraska (CPAN) to Julia Whisler Perry ('90, right), who is Coordinator of Coop Ed and Career Services at PSC.

Florence Coy Arvidson ('28) of Mendham, N.J. passed away in January.

Dorothy Teachman Bachenberg ('42) of Omaha passed away in April.

Mildred Dickson Beck ('28) of North Platte, Neb. passed away in April.

Esther Kohrs Birkmann ('30) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in April.

Linda Blevins ('70) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in February. She was an elementary school teacher and had taught in the Nebraska City Public Schools for 25 years.

Harold Blount ('36) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in February. He was a retired math teacher in Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska. From 1961 to 1981 he taught at Southeast High School in Lincoln, Neb.

Verta Johnson Boehmer (attd. '31-'32,'65) of Pawnee City, Neb. passed away in April. She was a retired school teacher, and served Pawnee County schools for many years.

Word has been received of the death of William C.

Bowen ('68) of San Francisco, Calif.

Word has been received of the death of Ruth Erickson Brodahl ('16) of Wahoo, Neb.

Frank D' Adessa ('76) passed away in April in Minneapolis, Minn. where he had been a journalist for many years.

Russell K. Dalton ('94) of Beaver Lake, Neb. passed away in April. He was a quality control manager for a ball bearing manufacturing plant.

Grant DeVore ('49) of Visalia, Calif. passed away in March. He was a retired teacher, having taught in Delano, Calif. for 21 years. He later owned the Wood-Yam Chalet at Three Rivers, Calif.

Eunice Mason Dodds (attd. '27-'28) passed away in April in Falls City, Neb.

Nettie Stanton Fernley ('11) of Sierra Vista, Ariz. passed away in May at the age of 101. She enjoyed a 69-year teaching career, and gained noteriety playing piano in the Lucky Cuss Saloon in Tombstone, Ariz. from 198392.

Margaret Gorman Gigax

('65) passed away in February. She taught in Iowa and Nebraska.

Word has been received of the death of Lesa Mary Hunt. Graham ('32) of Salem, Ore.

Severn Handley ('41) of Minnetonka, Minn. passed away in April.

Former PSC student Jean Harvey passed away in February in Beatrice, Neb.

Ruby Hiatt ('29) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in February.

Ila Mae Grush Hunzeker (two-year '49, bachelors '63) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in April. She was a school teacher at Verdon, Neb., Reserve, Kan. and the Falls City Public Schools. She retired from the Falls City school system in 1991 after 27 years.

Ruth Ludington Irwin ('41) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in February. She was a retired teacher, having taught for 40 112 years in rural Otoe and Nemaha County schools as well as in Nebraska City.

(Continued on Page 16)

Bryce ('90) and Carrie Menges ('90) Schaben of Dunlap, Iowa are proud parents of daughter Jess Elaine, born in November. She was welcomed home by brothers Jacob and Joshua. Bryce is Operations Supervisor for Shelby County Conservation, and Carrie teaches middle school science and coaches track at IKM Community Schools.

Todd Shanks ('96) of Stella, Neb. has accepted a position with Kennedy and Coe.

Gayle Steiger ('95) of York, Neb. successfully completed the state Certified Public Accountants examination in February.

Kent Stutheit ('95) of Humboldt, Neb. will be the instrumental and vocal music instructor at Johnson-Brock High School this fall. His wife is the former Heather Cohrs ('95).

Dixie Teten and husband Kurt of Talmage, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Logan Daniel, born in March. Dixie works in the Registrar's Office at PSC.

Curt VanLaningham ('96) is the new Assistant Manager at the Pamida store in Crete, Neb.

Kim Vrtiska ('90) of Tecumseh, Neb. is an assistant boys basketball coach for the Tecumseh Indians. They participated in the Class C-2 State Basketball Tournament this spring, and entered the contest with a 25-0 record. The Indians won the title.

Kris Kubert Vrtiska ('94) of Tecumseh, Neb. is employed with the new Tecumseh Branch of Farmers Bank of Cook. She had previously worked for State Farm Insurance in Lincoln.

Tracie Bellows Wehrbein ('95) and her ht1sband Jeff of Burchard, Neb. are proud parents of daughter Brooke Marie, born in May. Brook has a brother Tyler and a sister Amber.

Lora White ('93) received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in May.

Anne Wieckhorst ('97) is teaching Early Childhood Special Education for the Plattsmouth (Neb.) Community School's "Project Chance."

Kellie Johnson Workman ('94) of Humboldt, Neb. is a teller at the Humboldt American National Bank in Humboldt. She and her husband Doug are proud parents of daughter Haley Ann, born in January; they also have daughter Rachel at home.

Eckmans Revealed

No Mystery to Eckmans; Regal Couple to Baffle?

We doubted that the "Mystery Picture" in the Spring edition of the Peru Stater would prove difficult to determine.

And we were right. Of the many who made an educated guess, nearly everyone aced the "Eckman Test"!

The trio pictured with President Neal Gomon during Commencement 1955 were, of course, from left Mrs. Daisymae Eckman, her two sons Ned and Gayle, and President Gomon.

As guesser Les Russell ('51) of Peru noted, Dr. Gomon was presenting the Bert Swenson Award to Ned.

Dr. Paul Gilbert, a teacher and coach from 1949-53 now living in Fort Collins, Colo., did stumble just a little. He thought Daisymae might be Dorothy Stepan ( '47) and Gayle "looks a little like Dean

Not Lost Long

Thiesfeld ('52)."

The irony there is that all three Eckman 's, Dorothy Stepan, Dean Thiesfeld, and Dr. Gomon's widow Marion all reside in Lincoln, Neb.!

Those who logged a perfect score on the "Mystery Picture" identification included Betty Neil Barrett ('57) of Peru, Ken Heywood ('34) of Manhattan, Kan., Estlene June Slater Janetzke ('55) of Des Plaines, Ill., Jack Nance ('56) of Papillion, Neb., Sharon Peacock Parrish ('64) of Red Oak, Iowa, and Doris Shearer Wuster ('57) of Omaha.

Sharon, who like the Eckman's came from Pawnee City, Neb., and was a student of Daisymae's there before entering the teaching profession, wrote: "There's seldom a day when I don't make use of some bit of wit or wisdom I

Following is a list of alums who in the last coupie of months have been added to our "lost alumni" listing.

Please help us get them back on the Peru Stater mailing list. Send current, home addresses to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010 or call (402) 872-2225.

Timothy Duston - 1996

Still Together

learned from Mrs. Eckman."

Before we move on to the summer "Mystery Picture," we neglected in the spring edition to credit our friend Walter Naiman ('29) of Mission Viejo, Calif. for his outstanding guesses on the mysteries in the Fall '96 Stater.

Walter was able to correctly identify eight out of the 11 gents in our "vintage photos." Congratulations!

Finally, we came across this summer's "Mystery Picture" in a file somewhere; the only explanation on the back of the shot is "King & Queen." (We had figured as much).

If you can tell us who these two are, when the photo was taken, and what the occasion might have been, please forward to: Mystery Picture, c/o Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

Christopher Schock1995

Steven Kleinschmidt1994

William Zeilenga - 1994

Gloria Zuniga - 1994

Fred L. Miner - 1993

Scott A. Allen - 1992

Florence Stuckwisch

Hoffman - 1992

Whitney Nielsen Wallach -1992

Stacy P. Gibson - 1991

Kitt Horn - 1989

Jerry Gallentine, Jr. -

King & Queen

These mysterious looking coeds comprise this edition's "Mystery Picture." We don't have a clue as to who thn might be - can you help?

1988

Leo L. Livengood - 1948

Everett L. Smith - 1986 Verna Sage Hully - 1919

Lee Fellers - 1985

William C. Sell - 1983

Deborah Long - 1977 Thanks to these people

Tallie Van Westen - 1977 who helped locate lost

Anna Stukenholtz - 1974 alums in recent months:

Alvin H. Buck - 1972 Trudy Bullock Bradley

Kathryn Staack - 1972 ('89), Phyllis Antholz Davis

Nancy Olson - 1971 ('73), Dick Good ('47), Ruth

William S. Madden - Meister Lienemann ('47), 1970 Kelli Sells ('92), and Pam

Darwin Olson - 1970 Reid Williams ('88).

Stanley H. Johnson1966

Ward Adams was I mm - I

PSCF Trustee

Ward Adams ('48) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in April.

He was a former member of the Peru State College Foundation Board of Trustees. Ward, who farmed and was in business in Nemaha County most of his life, was involved in many civic activities in the Peru area including president of the Farm Bureau for 1 8 years and secretary of the Peru Kiwanis for 34 years.

Survivors include his wife, the former Luella Tiemann ('46).

Promotions to Five Faculty

Five members of the Peru State College teaching faculty have been given rank promotions for the 1997-98 academic year.

One of the five also received tenure, or continuous appointment, according to PSC President Robert L Burns. Dr. Toney McCrann was promoted to Professor of English, from Associate Professor. He has been a PSC faculty member since 1988.

Dr. Sara Crook was promoted to Associate Professor of History and Political Science, and was granted tenure. Dr. Crook, who had been Assistant Professor, has been a full.;.time faculty member since 1993.

Ms. Peggy Jones was promoted to· Associate Professor of Art, from Assistant Professor. She has been with PSC since 1993.

Dr. Mary Mokris was promoted to Associate Professor of English, from Assistant Professor. She joined PSC in 1993.

Mr. Paul Hinrichs was promotecl to Assistant Professor of Science and TechnoJogy, from Instructor. He came to Peru State in 1990.

Class of '67Lost Along the Way

Somewhere over the course of the past 30 years we've managed to "lose" a goodly number of the Class of '67.

Anyone who can help us remove these names from our "lost alumni" list is asked to send current addresses to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 68421.

Allen, Mary Ellen (Jacobsen) Allen, Roy L. Barr, Thelma M. Barrett, Sheryl K. (Gawart) Brown, Bernard L. Bunch, Gordon D.

Christensen, Larry L.

Conradt, Robert L. Cook, Elizabeth

Deaver, Helen

Estes, Marie

Ewing, H.E.

Franke, Larry L.

Gates, Robert L.

Gayer, Kenneth L.

Hartman, Ricky M.

Hazen, Fanny F.

Hein, Roger L.

Henderson, Ted F.

Hennings, Betty

Hylton, Harold L.

Jensen, LaVern

Kiely, Vernon

Rains, Richard

Regier, Diane

Reid, Katherine M. (Black)

Robbins, Ron

Shafer, Stephen B.

Smith, Eugene W.

Stalder, Regina G.

Stunz, Ruth S.

Sullivan, Allan F. Tomlyn, Leonard T.

Vice, Angie M. (Woods)

Whiteman, Harold

Wilson, Donald R.

Zipper, Alan D.

(From Page 14)

Former PSC student Gwen Jensen (attd. '30s) passed away in February in Junction City, Kan. She was a longtime resident of Fairbury, Neb.

Marvin E. Jewell (attd. '40) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in April. He was a senior partner of Marvin E. Jewell and Co. Certified Public Accountants of Lincoln and was involved in several CIVIC groups.

Helen Kettering ('37) of Irvine, Calif. passed away in January.

Former PSC student Neva Hemphill Dudley Krauter of Beatrice, Neb. passed away in April.

Viola Cudney Lape ('56) of Denison, Iowa passed away in April. She was an elementary school teacher for many years.

Alan Lavigne ('62) of Kansas City, Mo. passed away in February. He began his teaching career at Huntington Beach, Calif. and was a teacher and former superintendent in five Nebraska school districts. He owned and operated a restuarant in Auburn, Neb. before moving to Kansas City, Mo. in I 991 where he was teaching at the time of his death.

Word has been received of the death of Edward M. Leistman ('61) of Brookhaven, NY.

Ella Hutchison Leonard ('28) passed away in March.

Janet Oliver Lewis ('81) passed away in April in Valencia, Calif.

Eldora L. Mclninch (attd. '32) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in March. She worked at the Nemaha County Hospital for many years.

Alice Peshek McKelvie ('20) of Hastings, Neb. passed away in March. She taught in several south central Nebraska schools before retiring in 1969.

Melvin "Mac" McKenney (attd. '41-'42) of Bella Vista, Ark. passed away in March. He was a music instructor and high school principal in Nebraska, South Dakota and Kansas schools. He retired as executive director of the

United School Administrators of Kansas in 1985.

Daisy Beagle Meyer (attd. '60) of Falls City, Neb. passed away in February.

Edna Hall Newton Lohrman Moore ('22) passed away in January in Malvern, Iowa.

Gerald Ogg ('39) of Castle Rock, Colo. passed away in April. He taught industrial arts in Chicago, and had been involved in PSC's alumni chapter in Colorado in recent years.

Rodney Parker (attd. '36'37) passed away in February in Omaha. He was involved in the trucking profession, retiring in '94 as a vice president for Wynne Transport.

Dr. Ruth Patterson ('40) of Fairbury, Neb. passed away in February. She was a retired teacher professor (Hastings College, Frostburg Md. State College).

Wyeth Porr ('33) passed away in May in Pittsburg, Kan. He spent 46 years with the F.W. Woolworth Store, the last 30 in Pittsburg, before retiring in I 980.

Former PSC student Annette Stocking Quantz (attd. '16-'17) passed away in February in Fairfield, Wash.

Ward Reesman of Falls City, Neb. passed away in May in Scottsdale, Ariz. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges for 12 years (1971-83).

Maurice Richards ('50) of Gallup, N.M. passed away in February. He taught in Nebraska from 1950-54, and later operated a very successfu 1 restaurant "Earl's" in Gallup. Among survivors are brother Marvin ('48) of Schuyler, Neb. and sister Alice Richards Smith ('66) of Nebraska City, Neb.

Georgia Roberts ('26) of Omaha passed away in April.

Mark Russell of Broken Bow, Neb. passed away in April. He was an athletic specialist and administered calisth en tics to the V-12 naval fliers who were stationed at PSC. He was a retired teacher, having taught and coached at Broken Bow for 39 years. His wife is the former Patricia

Carmine ('45).

Lowell Samuelson ('56) of Sac City, Iowa passed away in April. He was a teacher and coach there for 35 years.

Lorene Norton Scrimsher ('35) of Crete, Neb. passed away in March. She was a retired music teacher.

Former PSC student Jodi Shaw (attd. '94-'95) passed away in April. Her father is Don Shaw ('69) of Brock, Neb.

Annie Laurie Smith (attd. '36-'37) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in April. She was a librarian at the University of Nebraska for 38 years and was also involved in many civic organizations.

Ida Snyder Spitser (attd. '15-'16) of Pawnee City, Neb. passed away in February.

Lenora Stone Strong (' 11) passed away in February in Grand Island, Neb. at age 105.

Merna Thalmann Thomas ('61) of Crete, Neb. passed away in March.

Lilla Tubach Vignery ('59) of Hiawatha, Kan. passed away in February. She was a retired teacher.

Virginia Isom Wheeldon ('36) of Council Bluffs, Iowa passed away in March. She was a retired school teacher.

Irene Apfelbeck Wick ('29) passed away in January in Pemberville, Ohio. She taught in Indianapolis for many years.

David Wickham (attd. '63'65) of Lisco, Neb. passed away in February. He was manager of the Lisco Grain Elevator. Survivors include his wife Myra E. Morren Wickham ('66) of Kimball, Neb. and children Elizabeth Wickham Brown ('93) of Oshkosh, Neb. and Jay Wickham ('94) of Rapid City, S.D.

Terry .Wiles ('68) passed away in May in Plattsmouth, Neb. He taught for two years, worked for a corporation for several more, and had been farming in the Plattsmouth area.

Darrel Wright ('62) of Steinauer, Neb. passed away in April. He taught, farmed, and worked for the Soil Conservations Service until his death.

Swenson Selection

Brandt Gains Coveted

Bert Swenson Award

The 1997 Bert Swenson Award for the top student-athlete at Peru State College was presented to softball standout Kerry Brandt this past April.

Brandt has been a four-year starter and a record-setting shortstop for the Bobcats. Her father, Tom Brandt, attended PSC from 1967-69 and 197374 and played baseball, and her brother Kevin Cosgrove was a football player for PSC.

Her success begins in the classroom, where she was a national NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete this spring.

Kerry is at the top of seven different career categories at Peru State, including hits, runs scored, home runs, doubles, extra base hits, and RBis. She hit .411 this past season, and graduated in May with a degree in psychology.

The Swenson Award has been presented annually since 1925, when Mark Delzell was honored, except for 1976 when no award was given. Athletic excellence, character, scholastic achievement and contributions to the school are among the selection criteria.

Winners of the Swenson Award read like a "Who's Who" of PSC sports. Following is a list of previous winners.

Fall Sports

Schedules 1997 Bobcat Football

1925 - Mark W. Delzell*

1926 - Earl L. Craig*

1927 - Glenn H. Frary*

1928 - James W. Delzell*

1930 - Helmut F. Brockman*

1931 - Earl Hurst

1932 - Bernard Galloway*

1933 - Rosco Tolly*

1934 - Robert S. Pate*

1935 - Robert J. Punches

1936 - Lowell Lewis*

1937 - Wayne Riggs

1938 - Dean McCormick*

1939 - Lester Mosley*

1940 - Leonard Greathouse*

1941 - Jack Mcintire*

1942 - Robert L. Henderson

1943 - Luther Hutton

1944 - Wendell Handley

1945 - Patrick 0. Rooney

1946 - Rex W. Floyd

1947 - James Mather

1948 - Wayne Linder

1949 - Allen G. Powers*

1950 - Lyle Meier

1951 - Omer Meeker

1952 - Dean Thiesfeld

1953 - Sharon Ocker

1954 - Robert Lade*

1955 - Ned Eckman

1956 - Richard Adams

1957 - Del Stoltenberg

1958 - Ray Ehlers

1959 - Gary Adams

1960 - Charles Francis

1961 - Richard Gerber

1962 - Bob Gibson

1963 - Ronald F. Kelley

1964 - Roger Noell

1997 Bobcat Volleyball

1965 - William Witty

1966 - Jack Rinne

1967 - Ray Dean Cain

1968 - Bruce Vickrey

1969 - John Creamer

1970 - Mike Mulvaney

1971 - Jack Weyers

1972 - James L. Desbien

1973 - John H. Winkel

1974 - Barry W. Reed

1975 - David McDaniel

1976 - No Award

1977 - John Whisler*

1978 - Unknown

1979 - Bob Hruby

1980 - Unknown

1981 - Bill Bruhn

1982 - Alvin Holder

1983 - Glevon Covault

Stephenson

1984 - Doug Barlow**

1985 - Linda Shepard**

1986 - Patrick Mertens

1987 - Sue Schroeder Voiles

1988 - Mike Yates

1989 - Brad Smith

1990 - Kaylee Michalski

1991 - Diane Pokorny Daro

1992 - Beverly Wedding

1993 - Steven Gaines

1994 - Tamir Anderson

1995 - Alex Malcom

1996 - Nick Maher

*Deceased

**On "lost alumni" list. If anyone can provide us with an address, forward to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

December

HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

Volleyball Ranked #9, Set For Successful '97

The preseason ratings are in and the Bobcats are ranked No. 9 in the NAIA Volleyball polls, the highest national ranking in PSC volleyball history.

Second year Coach Todd Jensen guided his '96 team to a 41-13 record and No. l 8 national ranking. The team qualified for the NAIA National Tournament for the third time in four years.

The '97 team returns nine of 12 letterwinners from the '96 squad. Quarterbacking the team for her fourth and final season will be Stacy Fitch, the career leader in assists.

Kendra Cory will lead the Bobcats She was an honorable mention AllAmerican last season and led the 'Cats in kills.

Smack!

Sophomore Krissy Tatumfrom Kearney, Neb. was one of the top pe1formersfor the Bobcat softball squad this past season. She hit .368. had a .561 slugging percentage and tied for the team lead with 21 RBis. (Photo by Chris

Youth start softball Rebuilding process

With the experience of the 1996 NAIA National Softball Tournament to fall back upon, the Bobcats looked to rebuild after losing eight starters. They used the rebuilding year to post a 13-26 record.

The 'Cats relied upon the experience of four-year starter Kerry Brandt, the only returner for the Bobcats. She led the team, batting .411 on the year. Brandt is the all-time leader in many statistical categories and received the 1997 Bert Swenson Award as PSC's athlete of the year (see related article).

Sophomore Krissy Tatum showed she had pop in her bat as she led the team with three

home runs and a .561 slugging percentage. She and Brandt led the team with 21 RBis apiece.

On the mound, the 'Cats were led by redshirt freshman Shannon Briley who posted a 9-10 record a 4.40 earned run average.

The 'Cats produced two AllAmerican Scholar Athletes with Brandt and Erin Mahlberg. Brandt graduated in May with a degree in psychology. Mahlberg, with a perfect 4.0 GPA, returns next year and will graduate with a degree in elementary and special education.

The Bobcats lose only two players (Brandt and Kelly

Muhle) to graduation. With what looks like a strong recruiting class for next year, the Bobcats could once again be riding high on national tournament hopes very soon.

Seeking VB Tourney Info

PSC Head Volleyball Coach Todd Jensen is doing some research into the annual High School Volleyball Tournament held at Peru State each year since 1946. Information about the tournament, old programs and things of that nature would be welcomed by Coach Jensen. Please send materials to: Todd Jensen, Peru State College, PO Box l 0, Peru NE. 68421-0010. Or call him at (402) 872-2297.

volleyball uniform (her sisters Ronda and Sue were key players in the '80s).

Others who should contribute will be Renee Moss, Kellie Valinch and Mara Russell. The 'Cats look to fill the remaining roster spots from a strong '96 JV team and from its strong '97 recruiting class.

The 1997 schedule will find the Bobcats playing seven NAIA Top 25 teams and another four teams that received votes in the preseason poll. Also included will be NCAA Div. II Top 25 teams Morningside and St. Cloud State.

Also returning will be outside hitters Jaisa Kappas, who set the all-time single season dig record last year, and Kendra Jacobsen, who set the season record for aces.

Absent from the '96 squad will be Tracy Cochran and Dana Stube. Cochran will be replaced by Jamie Hahn, who started in '95. Likely to replace Stube will be Heather Schroeder, the third member of her family to wear a Bobcat

Peru State will host six contests in the Al Wheeler Activity Center this year. The biggest may be an Oct. l matchup against powerhouse Rockhurst College. The regular season concludes with a trip to Texas.

Not only did the Bobcats achieve success on the court last year but in the classroom, too, as the team registered an impressive 3.4 grade point average. This qualifies them for the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award.

Women End Rebuilding Year with High Hopes

Although the Peru State women's basketball team would have liked this past season to have finished on a higher note, there seems to be a bright future for the squad.

Graduating only two seniors, the Bobcats gained valuable experience that should pay dividends next season.

The Bobcats ended their 1316 season by losing to second rated Briar Cliff in the Midwest Regional Tournament semifinals.

The squad won six of its last 10 games.

They must replace two impact players from the '96'97 season. Angie Hubach leaves the program at No. 5 in career scoring with 1,138 points; the all-time leader is Linda Shepard.

Angie is also No. 2 all-time in rebounding with 889 boards, trailing Lora White.

Jill Schulte was the defensive standout. Her hustle

didn't always show in the box score, but replacing her determination will be a key for the Bobcats to be successful next season.

Returning for the 'Cats are many outstanding players.

Celeste Nolte will return for her junior season after leading them in scoring last season, averaging 15.3 points. She also was second behind Hubach in rebounding, grabbing 9 .1 caroms a game.

DeeAnn Othmer ended her rookie year at the point guard position and was the team leader in blocked shots, and was one assist behind Schulte for the team lead in that category.

Junior Amy Petry will return for her third season after leading the team in threepoint shooting.

With some key recruits, the '97-'98 Bobcats could be a force to contend with. Look for the 'Cats to soar to new heights next season.

aseball Plays Tough Players Set Individual

Looking at their 18-32 record, you may think the Bobcat baseball squad had a bad season. But a look beyond the box score showed that the level of competition the Bobcats faced was a factor in how the team fared.

The Bobcats played 17 games against teams receiving votes in the NAIA baseball ratings. They also played NCAA Div. I University of Nebraska twice, NebraskaOmaha (NCAA Div. II) four times, and five other games against NCAA Division II schools.

While working through the competition, the Bobcats found some true leaders throughout the year. Senior Brian Childs set a new singleseason record with 15 home

chedule, arks

runs. After legging out six triples this spring, he is now the career leader in that category with 10.

Childs, a transfer, ended his two-year career sixth all-time in batting average at .358.

Senior Steve Young ended his fine four-year career for the 'Cats and now stands at the top of many career categories including home runs ( 30), RBis (l 4 l ), and extra base hits (64).

The leader on the hill was senior Shawn Exner. After missing 1996 because of elbow surgery, he led the Bobcats with a 6-6 record. He now stands atop the record books in several pitching categories, including innings pitched (257), games started (43), and appearances (53).

Senior Deon Wingert pitched the second no-hitter in PSC history when he blanked Huron, S.D. 10-0 on March 28. It came almost nine years to the day after Kevin Mowrey ('89) chucked a noh i tter against Nebraska Wesleyan.

Losing only Exner and Wingert to graduation, the pitching staff should be solid next season. Many underclassmen gained experience that should make the Bobcats tough next year.

In the field the team loses five starting position players, but with a talented recruiting class expected to compliment the young blood in the system, the Bobcats should be tough in '98.

Gridders Look To Build On Last Year's Success

Finishing the year ranked 24th in the NAIA, the Bobcat football squad looks to build on its 7-3 season. It looks like all the tools are in place to do just that.

The Bobcats return 16 starters and 41 letterwinners from a year ago. On offense, Jamie Stinson returns to call the signals for his final season. He is currently second on the all-time passing charts with 6,292 yards, trailing only Nate Bradley.

Senior Anthony Lee returns

as the leading rusher, having run for 632 yards and eight touchdowns. The entire offensive line returns as do the top two tight ends.

On defense, seven starters return who dominated in '96.

The Bobcat defense stymied the opposition to 14 points per game.

The 'Cats must replace two of the four starters on the defensive line.

Honorable mention AllAmerican Kevin Vogel returns to anchor the linebacker corps.

Alumni Gridders Get Year to Prepare

An outstanding group of approximately 60 former PSC football stars were set to do battle with the Varsity squad this past April.

What was to have been the first Alumni vs. Varsity game in 11 years was unable to overcome one obstacle, though.

A 10-inch snowstorm

forced cancellation of what had the makings of a great weekend.

As several Alumni stars noted, that just gives them another year to get into playing condition. So circle your calendars for Saturday, April 18, 1998 and start running those wind sprints.

Up&In

In the defensive backfield the 'Cats return three of four starters. Jeff Govier returns at strong safety to lead the way.

In the special teams department the 'Cats show experience, too. Jeff Morgan, who tallied 4 7 points a year ago, will return to handle placekicking chores.

The Bobcats look to have a favorable schedule this fall after a grueling road schedule last season. The farthest road game is at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan.

Four games are set for the Oak Bowl, plus a game in Beatrice against NCAA Division II Chadron State and the annual Apple Bowl game in Nebraska City against Dana.

Another severe test in the Oak Bowl will come against NAIA Division I powerhouse Northwest Oklahoma, which visits Nov. 1.

Always-tough Hastings is the Homecoming opponent on Oct. 11.With a veteran team and around 60 recruits signed, it looks like an exciting year to be a part of Bobcat football. The season begins Sept. 6 at Doane College.

Men End Season in Style, At NAIA National Tourney

teams scored in triple digits.

The 34 games played by the Bobcats was the most in school history. PSC has now won 21 games in a row in the Al Wheeler Activity Center.

, Excitement ran wild on The Campus of A Thousand Oaks this past winter as the Bobcat men's basketball team reached the NAIA Division II national tournament. It marked their first trip to nationals since 199293.

The Bobcats. who finished the year with a record of 25-9, won their final nine regular season games before heading to the postseason. They started the journey to the national tournament by hosting the Midwest Regional Tournament.

They swept through the event by defeating Clarke (Iowa) 7767, Mt. Senario (Wis.) 82- 74, and Northwestern (Minn.) 9184 to earn the trip to Nampa, Idaho for the NAIA Division II national tournament.

The Bobcats, riding a 12game winning streak, lost their opening round game to the College of the Ozarks IO 1-100 in double overtime. The game set a precedence in two categories: it was the first time a Division II national tournament game went two overtimes, and it marked the first time both

The 'Cats were led in scoring this past season by senior Tom Riley at 17.0 points per game. Lawrence Hollier led them in rebounding with 4.8 per game. Academically, the team produced two All-American Scholar Athletes. Senior Scott Daniell and junior Matt Maxwell were among those receiving the award. Daniell graduated in May with a degree in psychology/sociology; Maxwell is majoring in history and English.

Even with seven seniors leaving the program, the 'Cats should be tough next season as well. Returning will be assist and steals leader Jermcl Ward and Maxwell, who strengthened the inside game.

The 'Cats also have quality players who redshirted last season and some prime recruits who should pick up the pieces left by the graduates. Look for another successful season.

Grin & Barrett

Roland Barrett ( '77) was all smiles this spring when the University of Oklahoma band director andfaculty member returned to Peru State to direct PSC's Concert Band in pe1jor111ing two of his compositions. For more see the article on page 8. (Photo by Kent Propst)

'57 Lost List

The number of members of the Class of '57 who are members of our "lost alumni" roster is way too long.

Can you help put them back on the Peru Stater mailing list?

If so, please send a current address to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box I 0, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

Almond, William 0. Baloun, Betty Bell, Robert Berry, Charles Boyd, Barbara Buckles, Helen Cook, Janet F. (Stangel) Covault, Janice (Gottula) Dennis, John C. Dorste, Shirley Ann Easterday, Arthur M. Easterday, Mary (Winifred)

Furrow, Jim F.

Goings, Garold K. Gutsch, John C. Harring, Evelyn

Hintz, Julia A. (Kingsolver)

Johnson, Eleanor A.

Johnson, Keith

Johnson, Shareen G.

Knadler, Deanna (Brown)

Lee, Lynn H.

Lubben, Janet (Epley)

Lyman, Devald R.

Lyon, Lillian (Crook)

Marron, Bonnie R.

Mas, Nicholas G.

Masek, Barbara

Moreau, Ardis F. (McNutt)

Munn, Ross

Nelson, Melvin E.

Phelps, Eula M.

Schroeder, Betty (McGrew)

Sprague, Jack R.

Steele, Dorothy

Stever, Sara (Witty)

Tillman, Monica (Zack)

Vollstedt, Lorraine (Johnson)

Walker, Donn R. Whitmore, Ralph E. Whitney, Zella P. Zimmennan, Peggy (Borrenpobl)

Marching Bobcats

The 1997 Bobcat Marching Band took its place near the head of the annual Homecoming Parade during that celebration in October, and entertained the crowd at the Homecoming game later that day. Bearing the band's banner are Ben Tammen (left) of Fairfield, Neb. and Clint Williams (right) of Wilber, Neb. For more Homecoming photos, see the center spread in this edition of the Stater.

r tat

Some of southeastern Nebraska's biggest barriers to learning - time and distance

Peru State Awarded tudent Support Grant

A program that has helped hundreds of Peru State College students for seven years will continue to do so for at least five more after the U.S. Department of Education announced continued federal funding.

It's the first time Peru State has received a five-year grant, estimated at a minimum of over $910,000 according to President Robert L. Burns. Previous grants were for three years and four years respectively.

Only 10 percent of the nation's institutions receive the maximum five-year Student Support Services grants from the U.S. Department of Education, noted Pam Reid Williams ('88), Student Intervention Coordinator for the program.

"This five-year funding

award matches our own convictions that the program here is of the highest quality," Dr. Burns said. "It gets very positive comments from both students and faculty."

Peru State's Student Support Services program provides assistance to "at risk" students at the college. SSSP has been in place since 1990, and its success has been well chronicled according to Williams.

Compete for funds

In fact, documentable achievement is essential given the competition for federal funding. More and more colleges and universities are seeking funds to establish student support service programs, at a time when those resources increasingly are targeted for cuts.

(Continued on Page 7)

tthe region is starting to grow.

- are starting to shrink, and that means Peru State College's opportunity to serve Peru State has become affiliated with the Southeast

PSC Main Campus

PSC Extended Campus

Galaxy Sites

tiNebraska Distance Learning Consortium, a $3 million project involving almost 50 schools in southern and eastern Nebraska.

Beginning this fall as the first 16 schools sign on, Peru State will be able to offer college courses and other educational programming to those schools, according to President Robert L. Burns.

"We are taking a major leap forward in our partnership with K-12 schools in our region," Dr. Burns said.

"Many regional leaders have made this happen for the good of students throughout southeast Nebraska."

'Live' sound & picture

tIThe possible uses for the system are enormous, Dr. Burns said. For evcimnl eel students in the schools can take Peru State classes for credit and get a head start on their college careers.

Such a program, called "Early Entry," is nothing new - Peru State already offers Early Entry courses in many schools across the region. But at present it means faculty must physically be at a single school.

Distance learning is coming to southeastern Nebraska's 19 counties in a big way. This map indicates "Galaxy sites" with a diamond, which are area schools that will be linked through fiber-optic cable that will allow them to send and receive audio and video signals in specially equipped classrooms. PSC offcampus programming sites are indicated by a ball, and the main campus is shown with the star.

The network will allow participants to both send and receive, via fiber-optic cable, live or "real time" audio and video signals. A PSC professor teaching class in a specially equipped classroom will be able to see and hear students in similarly-equipped rooms in up to three participating schools.

That is costly and limits the number and variety of classes that can be offered. But by sharing the courses with other schools on the network, more classes can be offered and costs minimized

More than K-12

Adult students in communities served by the system will be able to take evening classes from Peru State without leaving town, Dr. Burns noted, opening up great new opportunities for those whose family and/or work obligations had

JFJf(Q)J]]l ltlbl<e

Dear Peru State rs:

By now you should know at least a little about the plans and studies that involve the physical and other needs of the College.

The attention, interest and concern from so many as we prepare for our next 130 years and beyond is overdue-but 1 hope it will come in the end to benefit our College. After years-decades, really-of a general neglect of our campus '.s physical well-being and needs by too many people, it is high time that Peru State receive the attention it merits.

I understand how some might focus on one issue or another. These are emotionally charged matters. But I am convinced that the Board of Trustees as it now stands is determined to do all that it can to do good for PSC. 1 am certain that they mean to set Peru States needs as their first priority. In order to do so, they must examine all sorts of approaches and gather all varieties of information.

Stronger, better

By any objective standard, Peru State College is stronger and better now than it was just a few years ago. So many of us have worked hard to make it so. And our College will continue to get better. We are as proud of our legacy as we are of our many accomplishments in recent years. We have done a lot with the resources avail-

'First Call' For Northern California Rendezvous

That convivial group of Northern California Peruvians is issuing "first call" for its 1998 rendezvous on Saturday, April 25. As has been the case for several years, Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield will be the Reunion location - and a finer spot would be hard to imagine.

Another tradition will continue - that of inviting, every other year, Peru Stater's from Southern California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and southern Idaho.

Invitations will be forthcoming, but in the meantime make a note on your calendar and get ahold of some Peru friends. Meet them in Fairfield for a wonderful afternoon!

Reu.mfons, IEtco I

able on the campus. But at this point we must have substantial financial support to take the next steps.

Support-solid, measurable support-and the need for it are always a challenge. Financial support (one of many kinds but surely a very necessary kind) has come so far from a growing student population, from gifts and grants from private and public groups and individuals, from our alumni, from our own careful stewardship, and from various state agencies and departments. Now we need the kind of money that can bring new buildings and major additions to existing ones.

Much has been achieved already. Working with the State College Board and the legislature, we have re-established our financial integrity. Together as faculty, students, and administration, we have strengthened our academic programs and reputation and have removed any question regarding our accreditation.

We have more students and more staff to serve them. We have modern computer and technological assets. But has it been enough? Will it be enough?

Never enough

No, I don't think it has been enough. And I know that there are fev.• colleges and universities which believe they are jimded adequately. I do know that the state has built just one building here in over 30 years. At the same time we face the same vexing "deferred maintenance" problems that other colleges.face-and then some.

At the same time, our residence halls require future attention beyond that ivhich we can give using only the resources internal to the campus. Morgan Hall is nearly 70 years old and Delzell Hall will soon turn 60; they have served us well. But we must consider how much longer we can expect them to be an adequate home away from home for hundreds of our students nmv and in the future. The same is true of our academic buildings. A study is underway regarding those questions. What are the needs and how do 11:e meet them?

This much we do kno1v. Within the next couple of years we will retire the bonds that finance our dormitories (tax dollars do not-cannot, by law-go into our residence halls for construction or maintenance). At that time we will take the steps to render our halls second to none in Nebraska, 1vhether bv renovation or replacement. That is not speculation, it is fact.

Students thriving

In the meantime, we provide today's Peru State students with a strong education and vvith an array of social, cultural, and recreational acti1•ities. The pressing need to do more in all of these areas is ivhat we are dealing with now. There is no doubt that the competition is tougher, that the students of today and of tomorrow will expect-vvill require-more from us. We need to do more, we want to do more, and we will do more.

We must give attention also to the needs and expectations of the students who will enroll here I 0 and 20 years ji-orn novi; and beyond. The current planning review 1vill yield a course of action to be determined by our Board of Trustees, and which will pave the 1vayfor the next century of exemplary service by Peru State College.

I ask that you.follow this issue closely, and that you focus on the needs of our students. Use what you learned right here at Peru State College to analyze information, weigh options, and arrive at conclusions. Of course emotion is a.factor.for all of us. Do you really believe that Pat and I, after all this time and 1vork, have no emotional ties to Peru State? But none of us can let emotion be the only factor: And the obscene name calling, insults and character assassinations that some insist on will bring good to nobody.

I do not know what ¥vill be the results of this process as to individual buildings or future plans or locations. I do not agree with those who are saying that it is "a done deal" to move the campus. Certainly moving the campus was not my idea in the first place, nor >vill it be my decision in the last place.

I do know that Peru State College is poised to move to another level of size and distinction. I do know that we can make that happen. Our task is to maintain quality education for our students. We have made our campus the best place it can be with the creativity, resources and facilities available to us. We are determined to continue that work today and for the students coming next. We can, we must, and we will-all of us-turn the present situation into a positive dialogue for Peru State College. That is where I am putting my energies, and I invite you to do the same.

Arizonans Prepare For February Meet

Arizona Alumni are busy getting geared up for their fourth annual Reunion on Saturday, Feb. 21.

The Wyndham Gardens Hotel in Phoenix has been indentified as the meeting site, and the chapter's officers and planners are busy getting prepped for another influx of Peruvians.

We especially encourage any Peru State alumni who will be spending part of their winter in Arizona to make sure we have you on the mailing list. Send your temporary address to: Kent Propst, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 68421, or call (402) 872-2225.

Enjoy the Arizona warmth, Peru-style, on Feb. 21 !

First Notice for May Reunion

Let this serve as first notice of Peru State College's 1998 May Reunion, one of our bestloved alumni activities!

Peruvians from class years 1949 back to 1928 will be invited to the celebration, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 8-9.

The featured group will be members of the Class of '48, and we hope they come back in bunches. Yet the May Reunion is for any of our "Golden Grads," be they Reunion veterans or first time participants.

Don't wait for your invitation this spring - begin laying plans now. And don't assume that old classmate,

Omaha in April

Peruvians who live in the greater Omaha metropolitan area take note.

Grab your 1998 calendars and day planners and pencil in Thursday, April 23 as the date for the annual Omaha-Area Alumni Reunion.

Officers and planners of Peru State's biggest alumni chapter have made arrangements with the GermanAmerican Society Club (I 20th & I) for an evening of merriment.

Don't miss it!

roommate or teammate will be on hand - call them and be sure!

The Peru Stater

President

Dr. Robert L. Bums

Editor

Kent Propst (' 81)

Assistants

Carolyn Bredemeier

Jackie Baker Williams ('81)

Sports

Chris Erickson Photography

Tony Koso ('99)

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@pscosf. peru .edu

Rocky Mountain Fortunes Climbing

The 1997 Rocky Mountain Alumni Association reunion this past August showed that the chapter's fortunes continue to climb.

And we don't mean just the chapter treasury.

Another good group of Peru boosters got together Aug. 16

In Common

in Fort Collins, 40 years after the first meeting of that chapter back in 1957.

Pere Schmelzer ('48), President of the chapter, once again led the group through the activities. Mary Mannschreck Mills ('43) led the sale of raffle tickets, with

many nice items distributed to lucky participants.

PSC President Robert L. Bums reported on many develop men ts at the College, including the opening of the new Regional Technology Center in Nebraska City. He reported that spring term

enrollment was 2,062 including about 1, 100 on campus, and that the fall freshman class will be a big one.

Mary Mills also read notes from several Peruvians who were not able to attend.

Dr. Burns gave gifts to the chapter officers (Pere Schmelzer, Mary Mills, and Pat Benford Bornemeier '52), and to Fern Ferree Pickering ('20) in recognition of her 97th birthday. Bo Cowel ('32) gained a prize for being the second earliest grad in attendance, while EHen

Hunzeker Hajek ('62) was recognized as the most recent grad present.

The chapter tabbed Ellen Hajek as its President for 1997-98. Mick Bornemeier ('51) was chosen Vice President, Carol Duerfeldt Whitcomb ('52), Secretary; and Pat Bornemeier, Treasurer. The group targeted Saturday, Aug. 15 of 1998 for its next Reunion date.

(Information for this article was provided by Pat Benford Bornemeier '52).

The Brass

These three gents have more in common than homes in Fort Collins, Colo. Enjoying some time together at the annual Peru State Rod)! Mountain Alumni Reunion in August are (from left) Dr. Paul Gilbert (teachercoach, 1949-53), Willes Ludington ('37), and Bo Cowel ( '32).

Lincoln Reunion '97; One of PSC's Oldest Alumni Groups

Lincoln-area fans of Peru State College convened at the Legionnaire Club for the annual reunion of one of Peru State's oldest alumni associations.

Michelle Klopfenstein

A Matter of Minutes

Ellis ('88) presided over the assembly on a Thursday evening in September. Secretary Bob Kelly ('69) gave minutes of last year's Reunion.

Everyone on hand had a

moment to introduce themselves and their spouse or guests and give a little background on themselves.

PSC President Robert Burns brought greetings from campus and an update on the start of the 1997-98 academic year. Fall sports programs were both nationally rated, freshman enrollment looked strong, the college had received a major government grant for "at-risk" students and another grant for scientific research, and other exciting developments were reviewed.

Dr. Bums noted that a facilities study was being conducted on campus to determine the cost to renovate buildings at PSC. Dr. Carroll Krause, Executive Director of the Nebraska State College Board, said that relocating the campus is one option.

Doug McGaughey ('68) nominated a slate of officers to lead the chapter in the coming year. Cindy Plantenga Hoffman ('82) as President; Bob Kelly as Vice President; and Pat Bindrum Will ('70) as Secretary-Treasurer, were nominated, seconded by George Lytton ('37), and the slate elected unanimously.

Nelsine Shafer Scofield ('35) received the "Earliest Alum" award, and Lori

Betty's Turn

As we all pay close attention to the discussions of what can be done to meet Peru State's facility and other needs, it is important to note how much has been achieved in the last several years on the campus. Many people, including administrators, faculty, students, the State College Board and the System Administration, representatives from state agencies like the legislature, the Governor's o.ffice, LB 309 Taskforce, and many others have put in great amounts of time, energy and money to make PSC better.

Given the level of incorrect information and rumor that are circulating, it is helpful to take a look at exactly what has been achieved in this decade. It probably isn't helpful at this point to lay blame for the problems Peru State had as the decade began. ft is enough to know that the problems have been solved and progress has been made.

1. In April of 1991, Peru State was visited by a team of educators from our major accrediting agency, North Central Association (NCA) for an evaluation that typically is done every ten years. The new college administration that arrived in May was informed that the visit went well, with only a requirement that a new system for student assessment would be done in three years. That was hardly the case.

The NCA report that was delivered in August made it clear that there would be another visit in three years, but the focus would be on whether the College could establish a "comprehensive budget process" and whether we could implement "an academic planning and review process integrated with the college's resource base." Jn other words, we had to set up a workable budget plan and show that we could live by it.

This team of outside evaluators reported in April 1991 that they had found "a pattern of 'deficit funding' that has added to the uncertainty of the level of College support for funding its obligations." NCA required that we change that pattern. Our accreditation depended on getting this done.

And we did get it done by focusing hard on the effort for the three available years. When the NCA team left Peru State following their 1993 visit, they told us that in 1991 they had thought the task would be impossible. They reported to our accrediting agency that the achievement was "remarkable. "

2. The Nebraska Legislature passed and the Governor signed LB 844 in 1991, a one-time appropriation that was meant to help with what was thought then to be about half of the College's debts and fiscal problems. The bill provided almost $300,000. LB 844 also required that the College submit a report as to how the problems developed and had been solved, and most importantly, what had been done by the Board and the College to insure this wouldn't happen again.

The required report was submitted and the controls were put in place.

But the financial problems were greater and more complex than had been stated in spring of 1991. As the state'sfiscal year ended June 30, additional problems and debts swfaced. When the fiscal year of our federal grants ended in October, we discovered the problems in those areas. And as contracts which had a fiscal year that ended December 30 came up, yet more types of issues came to light. The problems were large and extremely serious.

All through the years it took to deal with those situations we focused on solutions, not blame. And the solutions were found, again with help from many on and off the campus. It is important to remember that 1991 in Nebraska was a tough year without all of Peru State's special problems. At a recent meeting with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce it was

pointed out that 1991 was a year of major budget cuts by the legislature, amounting finally to a reduction in the state budget of $100 million.

3. Once we had settled the College's financial and accreditation issues, we could turn our collective attention to the current and future needs of the students. Gradually, as funds and staff came to be available, much was done:

a. Staff, dollars and equipment have been added to help maintain our campus, grounds, equipment, classrooms and dormitories. This staff, still not at the level we need, works hard and deserves our thanks.

b. Positions have been added in both teaching and support areas in order to serve our growing numbers of students. Teaching labs and classrooms have been added and equipped. Current faculty and staff are sen1ing our students way beyond what should be expected of them.

c. Enrollment has grown steadily. In 1994 a six-year trend of declining numbers of new freshmen was reversed. Our admissions staff does an increasingly excellent job.

d. Major projects have included a million-dollar plus electrical system on the campus which replaced elements which were more than 50 years old, were dangerous, and which limited the productivity of the College.

e. Technology challenges have been met with computers in classrooms and in faculty/staff offices, with broadcast classrooms via satellite, land lines and the newest system via fiber optics linking us to almost 50 K-12 education sites throughout southeast Nebraska. Our staff in technology is talented and dedicated.

f Federal funding to support our programs for our most "at risk" students have been maintained and increased.

g. Good management has resulted in dollars available to invest in the needs of the College for instructional equipment, repair and change in our facilities, staff positions, and so forth. We have moved from a deficit situation in 1991 to a surplus situation in recent Our business staff has done well.

h. Both the residence halls and the Student Center, which must rely on revenues they generate directly, have seen improvements. Every room in the Student Center has been redone, equipment has been improved, and activities have been added consistently in these years. We now face the need for more space since the Center is used so much by our students and other groups. The hall staffs have peifonned beyond reasonable levels to improve the appearance and the efficiency of their buildings and programs.

i. New academic programs in Criminal Justice and in Management Information Systems are being added. Our graduate program in education is flourishing in quality and in enrollments. Continuing Education programs are blossoming.

j. New staff positions,facilities and recruiting dollars have been added in Athletics.

These are just a few examples. We are proud of these and many other achievements over recent years. We have funded these steps with our own internal resources, carefully managed, and with help from our students, our Board, the legislature, and others.

The point now is that we have reached the stage at which major funding is needed to take the next steps. While we are proud to have a fund of $1 million to do projects on the campus, the dollars needed for major building additions (like the library) and new buildings (like a science hall) far exceed that level. We have dealt with our most pressing annual needs by the means available to us on the campus. More is needed.

Bernice Shackelford Shackelford Leaves Gift to Peru State

The late M. Bernice Shackelford spent a career and a lifetime giving to others, and that commitment has continued more than a year after her death.

The longtime schoolteacher and 1940 Peru State College graduate has left a gift of approximately $125,000 to the PSC Foundation scholarship fund.

The gift establishes the Bernice Shackelford Scholarship Fund at Nebraska's first college.

M. Bernice Jacka was born in 1911 at Tecumseh, Neb. and passed away last September in Beatrice, where she had lived since marrying the late Gene Shackelford in 1948.

Bernice enrolled at Peru State in 1930, soon getting a teaching certificate and teaching in rural Johnson County schools for a time. Meanwhile, she continued taking PSC coursework, earning a two-year diploma in 1935 and her degree in 1940.

She taught for a time in Marquette and in Crete, Neb. before accepting a position at Filley High School. Shackelford spent the remainder of her career37 years - at Filley.

Shackelford was active in church and community service both before and after her retirement and until her death.

Recent to P emorials undation

Recent memorials and gifts to the Peru State College Foundation have been received from the in di di viduals, od of mi October.

one can at any time send memorials and gifts to existing, established scholarship funds or to new memorial funds.

Award Brin2s Reward

PSC Teaching Excellence Adds Cash Award

Peru State College has always valued excellence in the classroom, but now that lofty goal carries an added reward.

One PSC educator each year will take home an extra $1,000 for outstanding teaching, thanks to the college's Class of 1940. That class has established an endowment to fund the Peru State College Teaching Excellence Award, noted PSC President Robert L. Burns.

'Tm always pleased with a chance to recognize and reward excellence in teaching," Dr. Burns said.

"A lot of it happens at Peru State. So I appreciate this

financial recognition made possible by Mr. Gabus and the Class of' 40."

Charlie Gabus of Des Moines. Iowa, led his class's campaign to establish the award. The endowment fund has grown to over $26,000, noted Dr. Les Russell, President of the Peru State College Foundation.

Each year Peru State College nominates one faculty member for the Nebraska State College Teaching Excellence Award, as do Chadron and Wayne State Colleges. The State College Board of Trustees chooses a single recipient from amongst the three candidates, and that edu-

cator receives a $3,000 cash award through the Board office.

Should the Pem State nominee be selected, she or he will receive both the Trustees' stipend and the PSC Foundation check, Dr. Burns noted.

Dr. Joe! Lundak, Peru State's 1997 Teaching Excellence Award nominee, has been given the inaugural $1,000 prize from the PSC Foundation.

Dr. Lundak's son Matt ('93), daughter Jocelyn ('94), and stepson Matthew Rennecker ('95) all are graduates of PSC, too.

Davis Kindness Continues at PSC

Jo Davis of Nebraska City and her husband Woolsey continue to support the music and choral department at PSC. A $10,000 gift this summer will

be used for various needs in the department such as accompanist and choreographer for the Misty Blues Swing Choir, new instruments and new

music.

We appreciate this loyal support from Jo, who is a former PSC Foundation Trustee, and Woolsey.

Metcalf Scholarship Established

Lester and Maxine Metcalf Pankonin ('38) of Naples, Florida have established a scholarship in memory of Maxine's parents, William B. and Myrtle Fugate Metcalf (attd. 1904).

A gift of 339 shares of General Electric stock was transferred to the Foundation in

May.

The value of the stock was approximately $20,000 and was to ·be matched by General Electric.

The scholarship funds will be given to a full-time student who is a U.S. citizen and has maintained a 3.0 or higher GPA.

For more information contact Carolyn Bredemeier at the Peru State College Foundation, P.O. Box l 0, Peru, NE. 68421 or call (402) 872-2304.

Ward Adams Memorial

Kent & Becki Young

Propst

Merle Bauer Scholarship

Ernest Strauss

Jo Ellen McNergney

Vinyard

Al Brady Scholarship

Lyle & Norma McKercher

Esther Delzell Brownell Scholarship

Robert Delzell

Wayne Buhrmann Memorial

C.R. Hinman

Ernest Strauss

John Christ Scholarship

George Barrett

Lyle & Norma McKercher

John & Lois Puppe

McMullen

S.L. Clements Scholarship

Robert Leahy

Phyllis Davidson Scholarship

Lois Christensen

Carol Grundman

Dougherty Scholarship

Robert Dougherty

Leland and Karlene

Dougherty Sherwood

Elizabeth Dougherty Scholarship

Leland & Karlene

Dougherty Sherwood

Helen Naeve Douglas Scholarship

Jud Douglas

Glen & Verda Frary Scholarship

SaraBeth Donovan

Marion Gomon Memorial

Frieda Rowoldt

Chris Haddad Scholarship

Steve Matthews

Kent & Becki Young

Propst

Leland & Karlene

Dougherty Sherwood

Pam Reid Williams

Paul Landolt Scholarship

George & Vivian Hawkins

Kuhl

Kent & Becki Young

Propst

Robert & Margaret Resz

Nona Palmer Scholarship

Verona Oetken Scheer

W.R. Pate Scholarship

Armon & Evelyn Gatz

Yanders

Troy Rippen Scholarship

Leland & Karlene

Dougherty Sherwood

George Schottenhamel Scholarship

Camilla Haskins Banks

G. Holt "Pop" Steck Scholarship

Carl & Janet Steck Nuzman

Louis & Barbara Steck

Jerry Stemper Memorial

Carolyn Bredemeier

Kent & Becki Young

Propst

Lillian Schottenhamel

Evan Van Zant Scholarship

Lloyd Heim

Leland & Karlene

Dougherty Sherwood

Ruth Vanzant

Al Wheeler Scholarship

John & Lois Puppe

McMullen

Li wer

As the clock ticked down on their final davs at Peru State College in September, Kelly and Thelma Liewer would pause only briefly to look back.

That's because the Liewer's, who retired Sept. 30 after a combined 48+ years of service to the they met at and were more excited about what lies ahead.

Dr. Liewer had been PSCs strar since l Liewer worked ver I 9 Robert

·'Retirernem is one of life's and it here since the gone.'' Dr. Burns said. '"But you have to be pleased for campus veterans when retirement comes with good health and years of the good life still ahead."

After their busy life raising five children and working, the pace may slow a bit - but as Thelma noted, "We enjoy keeping busy." The activities of their children and nine grandchildren now will take priority.

Unexpected return

That they ended up back in Peru at all, much less spent the bulk of their careers here, brought a chuckle from the 1957 graduates (he with a Bachelors degree, she with a two-year teaching certificate).

They married just days after graduation, spent 1957-58 teaching in Pilger in northeastern Nebraska, then moved to St. Edward. Kelly was principal, then superintendent, and taught math; and Thelma taught in grades kindergarten through eight.

Four of their five children were born in St. Edward, and "we've always considered it one of our homes," Kelly said. Home for Kelly - as in born and raised - is Butte, Neb.; Thelma Conyac was born in Webster, Kan., then her family moved to Tabor, Iowa when she was eight.

After seven years they left St. Edward in 1965 when Kelly became Superintendent of District OR-1, PalmyraBennet. He also attended graduate school at the University of NebraskaLincoln.

Ready to teach

Two years at PalmyraBennet led to a year as a graduate teaching assistant at UNL while Kelly completed his doctorate. That in hand, his plan was to land a teaching job

at a college, teaching Educational Administration.

"I saw a 'help wanted' ad for Registrar and Director of Admissions at Peru State, so I applied." he said. "I thought it would be a good excuse to go down to campus to visit friends and my former professors."

To Kelly's surprise, thenPresident Neal Gamon offered irn the job "before I left took it. just long bills from no: three decades and after registering thousands and thousands of students. he was ready to move on.

Family & work

Besides raising their five children - Michael (Class of '81, now living in Imperial), Patrick (Omaha), Ronda (Reid, bachelors '83, masters '93, of Auburn), Thomas (attd. '81-'82, of Lincoln) and Julie (Jacobson, attd. '83-'84, of Wichita, Kan.) - Thelma worked for the Bank of Peru and for Avco Finance in Nebraska City before joining PSC in 1978.

She worked in the Media Center for four years, then moved to the Business Office for the last 15 years. "I've worked with some wonderful people," she said, a sentiment her husband echoed.

"I've enjoyed Peru State because of it's forever changing environment," Kelly said. "I enjoy new challenges. And the best part has been the people who are here - from the custodial and maintenance staff to faculty and administration to the support staff and my office staff to the people in Peru and the surrounding communities.

"From the first time I stepped into Peru (in January 1955) I liked the people," Kelly added. "There were many great teachers and administrators in the past, and I guarantee there are just as many great ones now." No registration fan Ironically, the one thing PSC's Registrar never cared for is the registration process.

"I never liked it as a student, all of that standing in line," he said. "So when I got the job I thought 'Now I can do something about it!' We've tried everything through the years; I

Moving On

Thelma & Kelly Liew er posed for a snapshot in front of their alma mater's Administration Building, where they combined for nearly half a centure of service to Nebraska's first college. The couple retired in September.

still don't like it."

When asked what has changed the most during their careers, both pointed to development of the computer.

For Thelma's accounting duties in the Business Office, computers have revolutionized her work. "I was doing it. all by hand; computers make it so much easier and faster," she said.

"Now we have e-mail, voice mail, the internet, the fax," Kelly said. ''I've enjoyed learning it, though I could never get it to quite do what I want it to do.

Instant response

"Technology changes your way of doing everything, and that's mostly positive," he said. "It has changed the demands on our office staff; people expect instant response, and the time to reflect on what

a proper response should be isn't there."

For Kelly, another major change has been the growth of off-campus programs, which he said were few when he began. PSC's expanding offcampus programs have provided many challenges for his office but have "been a good development for Peru State."

Thelma cites the way the PSC student body itself has changed over the years.

"At one time there were more organized activities on campus that everyone attended - ball games, plays, concerts," she said. "Now so many of our students have jobs, they have families and other things that take them away from school activities."

See grandkids

As Kelly looks to retirement, he says "we haven't

Peru State Logs On

College classes from Peru State or from Southeast Community College, another consortium partner, are only part of the mix. The public schools themselves will be able to share resources - in a foreign language or an art class, as examples - with other schools, increasing their curriculas without each school having to hire staff.

Peru State is adding the necessary equipment to its distance learning classroom in the

made a lot of definite plans. We have things we want to do, watching grandkids participate in school activities and such. But I'm not too hung up on making plans."

Thelma is a bit more definite on her intentions, but they mostly parallel Kelly's: "Spending time with the kids and grandkids, taking in a lot more of their activities, cooking for the family on holidays.

"Plus I want to get involved in volunteer work and church work," she said. ''I'd like to go on another cruise, go to Europe, and of course go back to Vegas."

Odds are, whatever Kelly and Thelma Liewer do, they will enjoy themselves. Because as Kelly took a brief look back, he said "I can't think of anything in my life that I haven't enjoyed."

From Page 1

..................

T.J. Majors Building on campus. Later on, similar equipment will be added at PSC's Regional Technology Center in Nebraska City so that the college will have two "send and receive" sites.

Already, 43 schools and four southern and eastern Nebraska Educational Service Units (ESU's) are joining the network. Several other schools have expressed an interest in it.

Start-up costs were aided by

a nearly $1.7 million "Excellence in Education" grant and supplemented by two other grants of over $300,000 each. All participating schools will contribute both start-up costs and annual operating expenses.

"This set of technology links will bring us all closer together in these counties. We are excited about the new opportunities it brings to PSC," Dr. Burns stated.

Student Support Grant .............

The SSS program at Peru State will help 230 students each year who are statistically ''at risk" for college success according federal DOE definitions. "At risk," Williams said, means they must have a verifiable physical and/or learning disability, come from an economically disadvantaged household, and/or be a "first-generation" college student (neither parent is a college graduate).

The grant, which funds l 00 percent of PSC's SSS program, provides for three fulltime and two part-time staff members. Fifteen students are hired as "peer mentors" and 15 as tutors who can provide help in every academic field at PSC.

Various aide Students admitted into SSSP can get help planning their academic schedules. They are counseled on study skills and personal habits, and assisted in choosing their career field. One staff member works with them to make sure their financial aid package is the best it can be.

A couple of times each year, SSSP students even take part in "cultural enrichment" programming such as the theater, an art gallery, or a museum.

Each is assigned a "peer mentor," a fellow PSC student who meets with them weekly to talk about their achievements and obstacles. If they are struggling in any academic area, SSSP students meet with

From Page 1

tutors to shore up their performance.

And it works. In the last three years, the percentage of SSSP students who maintained satisfactory academic standing (at least a 2.0 GPA on PSC's 4.0 scale) has averaged between 80 and 95 percent.

High marks

Last spring, the average GPA of SSSP students was an eye-catching 3 .21, Williams noted.

"One of our goals is that over half of our (SSSP) students will maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average," Williams said. Another goal is seeing that over half of all SSSP students graduate from PSC - even though some do enter "pre-professional" programs at the college that are designed for students to transfer after two years.

The SSS program serves students of both "traditional age" (18 to 22) and older students. More females than males are accepted into SSSP. Some live on campus, some have families and jobs and drive in from other communities. And, Williams noted, a growing number of students with disabiities enroll in college and apply for SSSP.

All participants face even odds than most students in the effort to Q'ain an educ

News about people you know

1920s

Minnie Edginton Bennett ('25) of Hastings, Neb. was featured in an August issue of the Hastings Tribune newspaper. The article, headlined "A commitment to education," noted the hardships the native of the Diller, Neb. area overcame to achieve her own education. Minnie taught from 1917to1951.

Miller of Peru State's Student Support Services Program revietv a letter from the U.S. Department of Education notifying the college of its grant for the maximum five-year period. Williams is Student Intervention Coordinator and Miller is Tutorial Coordinator for the program which serves well over 200 students who face special obstacles in their road to success at college. (Photo by Kent Propst)

"With the limited resources we have available, and the large number of students who need our services, I don't know who would fill in the void if SSSP weren't here," she said.

It's clear the need in Nebraska isn't restricted to Peru State. In 1995-96, 10 Nebraska colleges and universities had such programs, serving over 4,200 students at a cost of over $3 million in federal funds.

"At a time when there is decreasing funding from the state for these and related services, it is rewarding to see our efforts recognized in this way by the U.S. Department of Education," Dr. Burns said.

Gladys Harshbarger Taylor (elementary certificate '27) paid a visit to Peru State in early October, where she spent some time with her great-nephew Ted Harshbarger ('77), Peru State Director of Cooperative Education and Career Services. Gladys, who taught in a rural Richardson County school for several years, lives in Lincoln.

1930s

occasion.

Esther PHster (attd. '34-'35) of Omaha a rewarding career in education, the last 23 which were spent as principal of elementary schools in Omaha including 21 at Boyd Elementary. She retired 15 years ago, but she hasn't been forgotten: a city park at 88th Avenue and Boyd Streets was named in her honor.

1940s

Walter ('48) and Ruth Hunzeker ('50) ElweH of Lincoln, Neb. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family trip to Estes Park, Colo. Walter is retired from the Nebraska Wesleyan University, and Ruth is a retired Lincoln Public Schools teacher.

Ruby Ebert Grundman ('49) and husband Ralph of Talmage, Neb. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June. The reception was hosted by their children, including Elaine Grundman Moore ('70) of Lincoln, Neb.

(continued on page 8)

Rockin' Reunion

Dick Clark's American Bandstand Grill was again the site of the Kansas Citr Area Alumni Reunion. Enjoying a bit o(casu.al com·ersation before dinner \\'ere (from Peggy and Don ( '70)

K

( ·77 ).

The annual meeting of Peru State College's Kansas City Area Chapter was a little different this year, in that the group decided to try a Sunday afternoon get-together.

But the different day of the week didn't seem to affect the atmosphere, as the group of almost 40 had as good a time as usual on the September Sunday.

Chapter President Chick Stessman ('61) welcomed the group and introduced fellow officers and planning committee members who were on hand. Vice President Kim Schreiner ('8S) gave the treasurer's report, while Nancy Larson Lyons ('67) delivered the minutes for Randy Hansen ('74), the regular secretary/treasurer, who was not able to attend.

PSC President Robert Burns reported on a busy summer and the start of a productive fall term at the College. Strong enrollment, a healthy budget, federal grant awards and other matters were highlighted, followed by questions from the crowd.

Officers were chosen for 1997-98, including

Almn1

r1

Net surfers and web crawlers continue to enjoy - and in some cases, gain prizes from - Peru State College's monthly Alumni Trivia Contest.

Each month a new PSC trivia question is posted on PSC's World Wide Web home page. Alums are encouraged to attempt to correctly answer the multiple-choice question.

From all correct answers, the name of one winner is drawn for the monthly prize. Prizes are provided courtesy of the Bobcat Bookstore.

Recent winners include Kristi Cummins ('9S) of Kadoka, S.D. in June; Cathy

Kim Schreiner as President, Randy Hansen as Vice President, and Nancy Lyons as Secretary/Treasurer. Volunteers to serve on the Planning Committee were encouraged to sign on.

Several ideas for the '98 Reunion were presented, and the weekend meeting format was deemed a success. Also discussed was the chapter's support of a PSC athletic team should one compete against a Kansas City area school this season.

Jim Lyons ('66) suggested the Chapter consider developing its own scholarship for a student from the Kansas City area to attend Peru State. The chapter endorsed the idea.

Ed Argabright ('42) won the award for Earliest Alum at the Reunion, while Mick Haney ('82) won it for Most Recent Grad. Chapter officers also received gifts from Dr. Burns, and the mee1ing was adjourned.

(Information for this article was provided by Nancy Larson Lyons '67).

Still Hit

Sowards Wemhoff ('89) of Bakersfield, Calif. in July; Sally Dean Berke ('86) of Dixon, Calif. in August; Dan Casey ('87) of Hoover, Ala. in September; and Diane Coover Emanuel (Bachelors '84, Masters '96) in October.

To play PSC Alumni Trivia, just dial up the PSC homepage and go into the "Alumni & News" section. You can find us at: http://www.peru.edu

You'll find lots of great information about Peru State on our website, and be sure to leave a note in the Alumni Guest Book. See you on the Web!

(continued)

Beverly Cowell Moody (attd. '40s) of Auburn, Neb. received the Volunteer of the Year award during the American Red Cross Blood Services Midwest Region annual meeting. Bev was recognized for the consistent excellence of Red Cross bloodmobile visits and for her contributions toward that success.

Verona Oetken Scheer ( and husband Nebraska Neb. celebrated their 50th sarv in June. Verona is a retired M<clthematics and Business for 36 Colbe:rt of 6 years with e ccp business classes as well as physical education and also coached many of the girls throughout her career.

Valda DeFreece Davidson ('57) of Crete, Neb. ended a 28 year teaching profession this spring. The past l 7 years Valda taught fourth grade at Crete Elementary school. She also served two years as Head Start director and teacher in Nemaha County, and taught at Milford, Panama and in a country school in Otoe County.

Phil Fahrlander ('59), band director at Minden (Neb.) for the past 29 years, retired last spring. Fahrlander also taught at Diller and North Loup-Scotia in Nebraska. Twenty-six of his 29 MHS concert bands earned superior ratings at district contests. He plans to write books related to band directing while enjoying retirement with his wife, the former Nadine Adcock ('S9).

Marvin Gerdes ('S3) of Auburn, Neb. retired recently from Auburn Consolidated Industries where he served as Assistant General Manger. Marv spent 19 years with ACI, and was also a Principal at Auburn High School for many years. His wife is the former Ruth Johnson ('S3).

Delores Langenberg Holscher ('S6) and husband Neri of Cook, Neb. celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in June.

Gordon Kenyon, Head of Peru State's Division of Social Science from 1953-58, visited campus in late August.

G. Wayne Kerr ('SS) of Springfield, Ill. retired in April from the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety. At the time of his retirement, Wayne was the assistant manager of the Office of Radiation Safety. This is Wayne's second retirement as he retired in 1987 from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission as an Office Director.

Elinor Fahrlander Mougey ('SO) and husband Richard of Union, Neb. celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary with an Open House.

Charlene Glathar Tomek ('S9) and husband Ed of Table Rock, Neb. celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with an Open House in June. Charlene retired from teaching in 1995.

Fran Larson Witt ('58) of Omaha retired from Omaha Westside Community Schools this spring.

(continued on page 9)

Making Me1nories

Chuck Colebrook's Cove just outside of Worcester, Mass. irns a place this past summer where a group of Peru\'ians came together to not just relive memories, but to make neir ones. Among those pictured inji·ont of the Co1·e are (from leji) Maggie Slayter ( '66), Jim 0 'Donoglwe ( '68), Brenda McCarthy Teleen ('66) and Janey Moore Fml'ler ( '65 ). (Photo contributed)

Massachusetts Mayhem:

Reliving the Crazy '60s

We all know the 1960s were a wild and crazy time. In some cases, it still is.

Case in point: the every-so-often, unofficial reunions of some of Peru State's 1960s-era alumni, held in or around Worcester, Mass. This past summer was another one of those social events, hosted by Chuck Colebrook ('66) at Colebrook's Cove. And once again, it was a mix of Nebraskans (some native, some

transplanted) heading back east for a weekend of revelry with Peruvians living there (some native, some transplanted).

Specific details as to what took place are few, and it's probably better that way. Organizers are said to be plotting a similar get-together in 1999, and then a venture to Peru in 2001. With that much advance warning, we'll be ready.

PSC Gains Trails & Tales Grant

Nebraska's rich history and literary heritage will come alive for several fortunate people next summer thanks in part to a $10,000 grant awarded to Peru State College.

The Nebraska Humanities Council has awarded PSC the grant to once again offer The Trails & Tales Tour and Institute.

Peru State will present the unique program, first offered in June 1996, next June 15-27 according to its coordinators, Dr. Sara Crook and Dr. Dan Holtz.

The NHC grant will be used to cover a portion of the costs for approximately 40 lucky participants.

The Trails & Tales Tour and Institute is an interdisciplinary· history and literature program featuring graduate-level classroom instruction for one week and a six-day, statewide bus tour the second week.

That tour will illustrate Nebraska's roles as a highway for the nation's rail and wagon transportation and as an inspiration for writers such as John G. Neihardt and Willa Cather.

Dr. Holtz, Professor of English at Peru State, will teach the Nebraska Literature component. Dr. Crook, Associate Professor of History and Political Science, will teach History of Nebraska.

Students can earn up to six hours of graduate credit, with the stipends sponsored by the Nebraska Humanities Council available to teachers from the elementary through high school grades, and to personnel from institutions such as libraries and museums.

The first Trails & Tales Tour and Institute filled quickly. Interested persons are encouraged to contact either Dr. Crook (402-872-2279). or Dr. Holtz (402-872-2267) at Peru State for more information.

Carl Cochran. ( recorded his 400th basketball coaching victory last season for Neola Tri-Center School. Carl has been at T-C for over 20 years. His son Cary set the Iowa prep all-time scoring record last season, too.

John R. Cooper ('61) of vears on the staff at the Humboldt counselor.

Neb. retired after 30 School as guidance

Does anyone know where Karen Quinn DiCesare ('66) is now living? The alumni directory brought a response from an alum who would like to get in touch with Karen. After graduation she taught in Nebraska City, Neb. for a few years and then possibly moved back east. If you can be of help please contact the Alumni Office c/o Peru State College, P.O. Box l 0, Pern, Neb. 68421-00 JO.

Dale Duensing ('66), director of bands at Hastings High School, has been awarded the Bandworld Legion of Honor, administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. His bands have earned superior ratings in contests 30 of 31 years.

Jerry Eickhoff ('69) of Hampton, Neb. was honored by the Nebraska Coaches Association this summer with the "Mike Heck Award." This award is presented to a person making significant impact on high school basketball. Jerry has been head boys' basketball coach at Hampton for 28 years. In addition, he has coached volleyball, football and track and field. His teams have earned three state championships and three runners-up.

Ruby Taylor Eschen ('61) of Nebraska City, Neb. was honored with the "People You Can Count On" award. The award is presented by the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool and Channels 10 and I I of Lincoln.

Shirley Tankersly Gilfert ('66) of Nebraska City, Neb. has published a book entitled "Night Shadows, A Storyteller's Collection of True Ghost Tales," Shirley taught English at Nebraska City Junior High for 24 years before retiring.

Paul Fell ('67) of Lincoln, Neb. is teaching art full time this year at the University of Nebraska at Kearney on a oneyear appointment.

Patsy Harpster ('69) of Nebraska City, Neb. retired from the Nebraska City Public Schools this spring after teaching there for 28 years. She was an elementary teacher.

Lee Higgins ('68) of Beatrice, Neb. was named Instructor of the Year at Southeast Community College-Beatrice for 1996-97. Lee is a business teacher at Southeast where he has been teaching full time since 1978.

Ron Kelley ('63) has retired after 23 years with the Lewis Central school district in Council Bluffs, Iowa where he served as principal. Prior to his years at Lewis Central, Ron taught in Nebraska and Iowa schools and worked as a counselor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for four years. Ron and his wife, Nancy, have moved to Falls City, Neb. where he plans to enjoy some carpentry or woodworking in his retirement.

(continued on page 10)

Summer Improvements Pave Way For Prosperous Fall

A growing student population at Peru State College discovered many changes when they returned to campus for the 1997-98 academic year.

Recent summers have found PSC a hotbed of activity, filled with work to improve both physical facilities and academic offerings at the college. But the pace this summer just may have set the standard, according to President Robert L. Burns.

"Money, time and effort are being invested in the College for one reason - to provide quality experiences for our students," Dr. Burns said.

Several hundred thousand dollars' worth of improvements, the majority of which used non-tax funds, took place last summer.

More students

The college's on-campus enrollment growth should, he predicted, be met by growth in Peru State College off-campus attendance, though final offcampus enrollment cannot be determined until late in the semester.

Residence halls were filling up though short of capacity. And those residence halls were the scene of much of the summer activity - over $200,000 worth, in fact.

New furnishings, upgrades to residence hall computers, new mattresses and box springs and other nice changes greeted returning campus residents.

They also found that the last two unpaved parking lots on PSC property had a thick new coating of asphalt. Less obvious to the naked eye but no less important was about $50,000 worth of new food service equipment in the Student Center.

Students cover cost

"Every year we replace a certain amount" of equipment and furnishings, noted Dr. Daryll Hersemann, Vice President for Student Affairs, using student fees rather than state tax dollars. Improvements this summer have been unusually extensive.

The most substantial treetrimming project on campus in at least two decades was comp I e ted, enhancing both the campus' safety and its appear-

ance, according to Susan Udey, Vice President for Administration and Finance.

The Buildings and Grounds staff obtained over $200,000 worth of new equipment to help staff keep the campus running smoothly, she added.

The college is using $150,000 to conduct a "facilities audit" on most of its buildings. The Schemmer Associates of Omaha is conducting the in-depth study of facilities to determine structural integrity, functionality, energy efficiency, condition of heating and plumbing systems and things of that nature.

Plan for future

The audit, a first for the State Colleges, was to be completed by the end of October and will help Peru State understand and prioritize its capital improvement needs.

Physical education students discovered a much improved academic setting, thanks to construction in what had been a little-used part of PSC's Old Gym, built in 1905. A centralized Human Performance lab and two spacious new classrooms were created for student use.

Modifications also were made to PSC's Auditorium. A mammoth new stage curtain, new carpet, and a new coat of

1960s (continued)

paint are in place. Additional improvements are planned.

Tens of thousands of dollars' worth of new science equipment, updated classrooms, new air conditioning and other changes to the nearly 70-year-old Hoyt Science Hall also are in place according to Dr. David Ainsworth, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Better library

Kristine Wewel LaRocca ('66) has been hired as a math teacher at the Wellington-Napoleon School in Wellington, Mo.

A funny thing happened on a Carnival Cruise Lines trip to Alaska this past June. Mary Burlier Morgan ('69) of Park City, Utah thought she spotted a familiar face, and introduced herself to Paul Fell ('67) of Lincoln, Neb. Pretty soon, Mary, her sister Elizabeth "Jan" Burlier Patterson ('70) and Jan's husband Bob ('69), and Paul and his wife Arlene Borcher Fell ('67) were having a floating alumni reunion.

And one of the centerpieces of summer work is the exten- Dr. Arlan Richardson ('63) of San Antonio Texas sive refurbishing of the college received the R?bert W. Award the Library, Dr. Ainsworth added. Society of Amenca last spring. The honor is Both its appearance and given for outstanding research in the field of aging, and was usability will be a pleasant presented _at society's annual meeting in Washington, surprise to patrons, Dr. D.C. He is of the Aging Research and Education Ainsworth said. Center and <;if the Nathan Shock Aging Research New equipment in the A.V. Center at t?e Umvers1ty of Texas Health Science Center in Larson Industrial Technology San Antomo. labs and classrooms will benefit students in that academic area as well, he added.

And as has been a regular occurrence in recent years, tens of thousands of dollars' worth of new computer hardware and software can be , 1 found in labs, classrooms and offices across the campus, Dr. Burns noted.

"Involvement by many faculty and staff have helped identify what our students need," Dr. Burns said. "It is those priorities which get our attention."

Floating alumni reunion

Roger Schumaker ('69) of Omaha has joined Mammel & Associates after selling a major portion of his group insurance business, Schumaker & Company, to Mammel. Roger, who operated his company for 19 years, will serve as account executive for Mammel & Associates.

David Shuey ('67) is serving as President of the Greater Golden (Colo.) Chamber of Commerce for 1997-98. David operates Golden Insurance Associates and also Hamptons Restaurant.

Richard Stock (attd. '64-'65) of Council Bluffs, Iowa has retired from the teaching profession after 37 years. He has been a principal for 36 of those years. Richard began his teaching career in a rural school near Syracuse. His career also included schools at Unadilla and Waverly, Neb., and Stuart-Menlo, Indianola and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Richard's wife, the former Kay Phillips ('60) is employed at Iowa Western Community College.

Gary Stover ('64) has been named Realtor of the Year by the Cheyenne, Wyo. Board of Realtors. Gary, who works at Number One Properties in Cheyenne, is now eligible for Wyoming Realtor of the Year honors.

Dorothy Bock Willis ('66) is the new Library Director at Dana College in Blair, Neb. She had been Dean of Instructional Support Services at Clarkson College in Omaha, where she resides.

1970s

Deborah Ehmen Anderson ('74) was the subject of a 'Teacher Feature" in the Polk County (Neb.) News this past spring. See has been teaching at Osceola High School for 22 years, first as a resource and special education teacher, then as an elementary school teacher.

Vicki Hall Beilke ('72) of Stella, Neb. once again took top honors at the Cornhusker State Games this summer. She won gold medals in three events of the Master Track Division - the discus, shot put and l 00-meter dash. This was her sixth year of competition and she has won 17 golds and one silver medal. Vicki is a teacher and coach at Southeast Consolidated at Stella.

(continued on page 11)

Recently Lost Alums Roster

Following is a list of Peruvians who recently joined one of our least favorite lists - our "Lost Alumni" roster.

If you are able to forward a current home address on any of these people, we would appreciate it - and we' II make sure they get this edition of the Stater, too.

Send addresses to: Kent Propst, Peru Stater, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

William Stallbaumer1995

John Havel - 1994

Paul Howard - 1993

Kelly J. Salzwedel1992

Laura Jilg- 1991

Bruce A. Mey - 1991

Allen D. Hayne - 1986

Robin Mayer- 1986

Don Hardekopf - 1980

Henry Abner - 1977

Barbara Selah Goos1977

Larry Haskell - 1973

Daniel Faverio - 1971

Iva Jean Erisman Peters - 1971

William Austin - 1969

Marcia Wehrli - 1968

Louise Poland Buckles·1965

Mabel Mendenhall1962

Edwin Pharoah - 1956

Erma Cox Pharoah1955

Shirley Wenkellake 1948

Roland Cowell - 1940

Freeda Kennedy Gray1931

Ruth Smedley Kennedy - 1929

David W. Clarke - no year

Thanks to those who recently helped us to locate lost alums: Janet Bailie Bose ('71), Phyllis Antholz Davis ('73), SaraBeth Donovan ('85), AJyce Roberts Green ('61), Patsy Harpster ('69), Brett Nanninga ('83), Karen Kehr Nichols ('57), former student Todd 0. Green.

PSC Presents Arts Series

A memorable performance by Native American singer/songwriter Jack Gladstone at Peru State College in September was just the start of the College's 1997-98 Arts Series.

The PSC Arts Series, in its second year, features quality, culturally diverse entertainment that is open to all area residents, according to President Robert L. Burns.

And best of all, the performances are free of charge, he added.

The next offering is "A Nebraska Brass Holiday" on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The Nebraska Brass, founded I 0 years ago, has become one of the region's most popular brass quintets.

Their repertoire ranges from classical to pop to Dixieland and jazz, but for Peru State they' II present many seasonal favorites and special holiday treats.

Making a return engagement on Monday, Jan. 26, 1998 will be "Voices of Victory," the gospel choir from Omaha's Salem Baptist Church. "Voices" members range in age from 15 years to senior citizens, but they share a love of spiritual music. Whether performing on a Sunday in church or in a special appearance, they are sure to bring the crowd to its feet.

Closing out the Arts Series on Wednesday, April I 5 will be "Irie Caribbean Jazz." PSC welcomes springtime with this concert featuring music from the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The group includes a rhythm section spiced with Latin percussion, a sizzling horn section, and tasty vocals.

For more information or to res.erve a seat, contact Peggy Groff at (402) 872-2332.

Short List From '77

The good news is, our listing of "lost alumni" from the Class of '77 is a fairly short one.

We hope you can help us to shorten it even more by providing current, home addresses on some of these Peruvians.

Should you be able to assist, send the information to: Kent Propst, Peru Stater, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

1970s (continued)

Jerry Bender ('71) of Nebraska City was looking for some good help with his Principal Mutual Life insurance agency last spring. Good help arrived - in the former of his son Branden ('95), who is working as a financial planner for the agency. Jerry's wife and Branden's mom is the former Diane Melichar ('71), who teaches at the Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped.

Dr. Donnell Cattle, who taught in the PSC Industrial Arts department from 1967- 74, has retired after 23 years at Wayne (Neb.) State College.

Dianne Dunn Dickson ('73) has taken over the task of teaching K- I 2 vocal music for the Wahoo, Neb. schools. She lives in Bennington with husband Jim ('72) and their two sons.

Ray L. Dierking ('77) of Broken Bow, Neb. is a game warden in that area.

Zella Hickey Eliason ('73) of Louisiana, Mo. is a computer software installer and trainer for Daffron & Associates of Bowling Green, Mo.

Bill Fitzgerald ('78) of Louisville, Neb. has stepped down after 16 years as the volleyball coach at Louisville High School. He has assumed the Activities Director position along with his previous teaching assignments for LHS.

Henry Abner

Raymond Christie

Dixie Cook

Michael S. Gibson

Barbara J. Selah Goos

Susan E. Faller Huston

Deborah J. Long

William E. Martin

Robert McClain

Sydney C. Okoye

Cindra S. Reed

Dean M. Stordahl

Curtis Tutson

Lora K. Zuehlsdorf

Judy Green Grotrian ('72) of Brock, Neb. was recognized as one of business education's BEST at the Nebraska Department of Education's Vocational Conference. The award is presented to individuals whose professional activities have had an impact and influence on business education in Nebraska during the past year. BEST stands for Belong, Excel, Study, and Travel.

Shirley Badberg Knople ('73) retired last spring after 30 years teaching elementary students at the Elk Creek, Neb. school.

Leona Krause ('71) of Auburn, Neb. was recognized by the Adult Basic Education program with a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of her 71 volunteer hours to the program. Leona has been an ABE volunteer for several years.

Kathy Matthews ('72) of Homer, Neb. was honored this summer for her 25 years as a coach.

Patricia Musil (two-year '78, bachelors '89) of Shubert, Neb. has joined the Peru State College staff as Computer Programmer Analyst. Her husband Ken ('79) works for the Nebraska Public Power District at its Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville.

Allan Oestmann ('75) Air Quality Iowa. Allan

Sam ('71) and Diane Jones ('73) Pittam live in Bensalem, Sam is a manager for an east coast steel exporter, while Diane is a health and wellness teacher at Bensalem High School.

(continued on page 14)

Heroes weren't hard to find this past Oct. 11 as Peru State College celebrated its 76th annual Homecoming.

The '97 Homecoming theme was "Heroes, Past & Present."

The Bobcat football team pulled out a thrilling, come-from-behind 21-14 win over Hastings College in the Homecoming game to give the big crowd of alumni and others

plenty of reason to celeb1 Seniors Jamie Stinso: and Stacy Fitch (Doni crowned PSC Homecomi at halftime of the gaine. And several campus m individuals won priz Homecoming Parade, ao Robert L. Burns.

) celebrate.

Stinson (Tecumseh, Neb.) (Doniphan, Neb.) were necoming King and Queen 5ame.

npus and local groups and 1 prizes in the annual 3.de, according to President

Scores of alumni came to campus for the morning Alumni Reception in the Student Center immediately prior to the Parade. Brilliant sunshine helped to counter the strong autumn breeze that blew throughout the day, but predictions of rain failed to hold true as the weather smiled on Homecoming once again.

Homecoming Photos courtesy of Darrell Wellman ('82) and Bill Wolf of the Auburn Newspapers, and by Kent Propst, Chris Erickson and Tony Koso of Peru State College.

Royalty Now For

It's small wonder our last "Mystery Picture" threw us a curve.

The couple who were pictured after their coronation at a school dance included Steve Krajicek ('74) and Kim Fetters ('74), now Kim Hahn.

But their decidedly un- 70s attire is attributable to the fact that the event was a "'50s Dance" during Spring Week in 1972, according to Chuck ('72) and Muriel Jensen ('71) Sic of Philomath, Ore.

Also providing the proper identification of the Spring Week Royalty were Brent Wilcox ('72) of Shenandoah, Iowa; Ricki Fictum Valentino ('72) of York, Neb.; Robert ('73) and Beth Drees ('77) Rut of Hanover, Kan.; Dean Fornoff ('72) of Omaha; and Zella Hickey Eliason ('73) of Louisiana, Mo.

We thank one and all for solving the mystery!

Before moving on to this issue's mystery, we did want to acknowledge Donna Howard Cordon ('55) of Chanute, Kan. for her correct ID of the Spring "Mystery Picture" of Ned, Gayle and Daisymae Eckman. Donna's answer arrived after the Stater had gone to print.

And now for our latest

ent ack in Time; sonal Mystery

1970s (continued)

The Rieschick Family of Falls City, Neb. goes back a long way at Peru State - and all the way back to the present, too. A recent note in the Falls City Journal indicated that the late Blanche Markman Gilliland ('21) was the first of four generations of Peru Staters. Mildred Gilliland Rieschick ('71) and her daughter Sue Vaughn ('71) are among the long line of alums, and Sue's daug,hter Melissa is a current PSC student.

Chuck Rombach ('74) of Bellevue, Neb. has been named head softball coach of the Bellevue East High team. He replaces another Peru Stater, Shawn Semler ('92). Chuck has taught in Bellevue since 1974.

Robert ('73) and Beth Drees Rut ('77) of Hanover, Kan. brought us up to date on themselves recently. Beth is a medical technologist at the Hanover Hospital and supervises the medical lab there; she has been with the hospital for 20 years. Robert taught for five years in Barneston, Neb. and then moved to Hanover where he teaches industrial technology and works as Assistant Principal. Robert also coaches junior high boys basketball.

'50s in the '70s

Steve Krajicek and Kim Fetters Hahn reigned over a '50s dance in the early '70s. Steve now resides in Lincoln and Kim in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Mystery, and a seasonal one at that. Santa Claus paid a visit to Peru State students sometime in the past, and we' re wondering if anyone can tell us who Santa's helpers might be.

If you can provide an

Ho Ho Ho!

answer (or an educated guess) as to the subjects, when the photo was taken, and what the occasion might have been, please forward to: Mystery Picture, c/o Kent Propst, Peru State College, PO Box 10, Peru NE. 68421-0010.

Nancy Herrick Shulenberg ('79) received a Master of Science degree in mathematics from Peru State College in August.

We enjoyed a visit from Joan Bachenberg Shurtliff ('72) of Big Timber, Mont. this summer. She was delivering some PSC memorabilia that her mother, the late Dorothy Teachman Bachenberg ('42), had saved from her college years. Joan notes that she periodically runs into PSC classmate the Rev. Perry Blanchard at events in Montana.

Chuck Sic ('72) of Philomath, Ore. is managing Copeland Lumber in Corvallis, as he has for the past 11 years. His wife the former Muriel Jensen ('72) is a case manager for the developmentally disabled, a position she has held for six years. They have four daughters and one son.

Fritz Stehlik ('74) is a new principal and director of the Omaha law firm of Gross and Welch. Fritz is a Trustee of the Peru State College Foundation.

Tallie Van Westen ('77) is middle school librarian and media specialist for the Plattsmouth (Neb.) Community School.

Daryl Wusk ('73) was featured in a July issue of the Omaha World-Herald for his work as child support enforcement administrator for the Nebraska Health and Human Services system. He joined that department in 1996.

1980s

Steve Adams ('84) has joined PowerMation, an automation hardware distribution company, as an account representative. He is working out of their Omaha office.

Peg Allgood ('87) has been named social studies teacher and head volleyball coach for Lyons-Decatur (Neb.) Northeast High School. She had been at Humboldt (Neb.).

Lynn Anderson ('80) of Auburn, Neb. is the special education coordinator/school psychologist for the Auburn school system.

(continued on page 15)

Teaching Still The Focus For CoxJust No Longer The Livelihood

As the new Chair of Peru State College's Division of Education, quality teaching remains Dr. Dan Cox's top priority.

It's just that Cox himself will no longer do the teaching.

Dr. Cox began his appointment as Chair of the Education Division - Peru State's largest academic programin August, after serving as interim Chair since this past spring, according to President Robert L. Bums.

"Our education faculty are building an ever-stronger program and Dr. Cox's leadership will help us maintain that positive development," Dr. Bums said.

As Division Chair, along with duties as Director of Graduate Studies and as the college's Teacher Certification Officer, Dr. Cox will be out of the Peru State classroom for the first time since joining the college nine years ago.

And for the 1996 Nebraska State College Teaching Excellence Award winner, it'll be a tough adjustment.

'Would have laughed'

"If you'd have told me a year ago I'd be in this position, I would have laughed at you," Dr. Cox said. "I've been telling people for years that I didn't want to be an administrator.

"When I finally decided to apply, I had made up my mind that if I were offered the job I'd take it," Dr. Cox continued. "But every day I regret not

Dr. Dan Cox teaching. I miss teaching."

Peru State was founded 130 years ago as a teacher-training institution, and Dr. Cox takes special pride in heading up what many consider the college's "marquee" program.

"I tell people all of the time that this is the best teacher education program in the State of Nebraska, and one of the finest in the midwest," he said.

"There are all sorts of really good things going on in our division at Peru State College, both at the undergraduate and the graduate levels," he added.

"As a result, the program is growing; our graduate program is bursting at the seams."

Nine+ years

Dr. Cox came to PSC in

1988 after spending a year at the University of NebraskaLincoln as Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, during which time he completed his Ph.D.

Before that he taught English in Sidney, Iowa for 10 years, taking a year's leave once to teach at Iowa State University. His first teaching job was at Cardinal Community Schools in Eldon, Iowa.

Dr. Cox was born in Bethany, Mo. but grew up in nearby Rock Port, where he graduated from high school. He went down the road just a few miles to the former Tarkio (Mo.) College to get his Bachelor of Arts Degree; his Masters degree is from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

A goal that Dr. Cox intends to work toward is increasing the number of faculty in the Education Division. "Our program is growing so fast, we really do need more," he said.

And beyond that, Dr. Cox simply wants to "continue the improvements in our program that we started several years ago," he said. "I want our program to continue to meet, and exceed, the demanding standards of our accrediting group (the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Educators).

"And I want to continue to make this the best teacher education program in the state," he added.

mni McemOrfuanOO

IFrank Anville (attd. '34) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in July. He was a retired farmer.

Cora Zoeller Bickel ('17) passed away in October in Kansas City. She was 103.

Word has been received of the death of Alice Finney Burke ('35) of Cape Coral, Fla.

Ellen Cahill, assistant librarian at PSC in 1957-58, passed away in May in Columbus, Neb.

Neil Chandler (attd. '36'37) of Springfield, Ore. passed away in September.

Winifred Pelham Crook (attd. '20) of Adams, Neb. passed away in July.

Gerald L. Downey (' 56) of San Jose, Calif. passed away in October. He was employed by Semi Tools in San Jose. Family members include Marian Downey ('52) of Dallas, Texas and Carol Downey Werner ('58) of Allen, Neb.

Pauline Tackett Drumm ('43) of Nebraska City, Neb. passed away in October.

David J. Duey (attd. '40) of Plattsmouth, Neb. passed away in June. Dave owned and operated several jewelry stores in Kansas and Nebraska until

1980s (continued)

Dr. Todd Anderson ('86) spent his summer in Washington on a science fellowship at the Environmental Protection Agency Technology Innovation Office. Then this fall he left Clemson University for a post with Texas Tech University's Institute of Environmental and Human Health.

Gary Bender ('85) has been named the new head volleyball coach at Oakland-Craig (Neb.) High School. He also teaches business there.

We enjoyed a telephone call from Pam Sherwood Cosgrove ('87) this fall. Pam has recently accepted a position as account representative for Sprint Company. Kevin ('88) continues to work for IBM as a network administrator. They moved to Thornton, Colo. a few months ago after living in Colorado Springs.

Mitch ('87) and Carol Davis (attd. '78-'79) Dahmke are living in Taylorsville, Ky. along with their three children. Mitch is General Manager with Sbarro in Louisville, Ky. and Carol is a co-teacher with the Spencer County Elementary Preschool.

Karen Dux ('85) of Fairbury, Neb. is the elementary/K-8 technical coordinator and instructor at the Fairbury Public Schools for 1997-98.

Dean Fahrenholz ('89) received his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha last spring. Dean is assistant vice president in the Portfolio Management & Support department at Farm Credit Services' headquarters in Omaha. Earlier in the year he was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the nation's oldest national honor society in business. He lives in Omaha with his wife Traci and two-year-old son Trevor.

Dean Farley ('87) of Syracuse, Neb. was the volleyball coach for the East team at the Southeast Nebraska All-Star Volleyball game played at Beatrice, Neb. this summer.

Dean Filipi ('82) of Milligan, Neb. was selected to coach the West boys basketball team for the Southeast Nebraska All-Star game held in Beatrice, Neb. this summer.

ITeresa Fischer ('89) is teaching fourth grade for the Macy, Neb. Public Schools this year.

the late l 960's. He then became a bank examiner for the State of Nebraska, and in 1966 co-founded the Cass County Bank in Plattsmouth where he continued to serve as Chairman of the Board. His wife is the former Wilma Lichty ('38).

Mary Alice Engles ('30) of Omaha passed away in September. She taught in Wymore and Auburn (Neb.) high schools and also in the Convent of the Sacred Heart. She was associated with the Omaha School District from 1946 to 1977 and retired as head of Bryan High School's science department.

(Continued on Page 17)

Jackie Gfeller ('81) of Nebraska City has been elected one of Toastmasters International's district governors for 1997-98. She supervises roughly 90 clubs in Nebraska.

Jenny Dunn Gilbert ('89) of Humboldt, Neb. is the director of the Maple Grove Nursing Home of Tecumseh, Neb. Jenny has been in healthcare work since 1972 having worked as director of nursing at Milford (Neb.) and Seward (Neb.) and in acute health care at the Humboldt Hospital and also at Colonial Acres Home in Humboldt.

Nancy L. Glasgow ('87) of Grand Island, Neb. was recently honored as Mid-Nebraska Individual Services employee of the year. She was selected as the employee of the year out of 130 employees. Nancy is currently an instructor with the agency writing programs and teaching staff to work with Developmentally Disabled clients.

(continued on page 16)

Great Coaches

Jerry Stemper (left), who passed away in Lincoln this past July, always enjoyed this photograph of Peru State's coaching braintrust for many years. Pictured with Stemper is the late Jack Mcintire ( '41, center) and the late Al Wheeler.

Coach Jerry Stemper, 1922-1997

Though he didn't graduate from Peru State College, no one loved Nebraska's first college more than "The Coach," Jerry Stemper.

Stemper passed away in July in Lincoln, Neb. He was 75.

A native of David City, Neb. and a Kearney State College graduate, he came to southeastern Nebraska in 1946 to teach and coach at Table Rock, Neb. He joined Peru State in 1950 as athletic director and supervisor of math and physical education at Peru Prep.

In 1954, Stemper was appointed assistant professor at the college along with head track coaching duties and assistant football and basketball responsibilities.

He continued to serve Peru State until resign-

ing in 1973, when he went into the insurance business with the Lincoln National Life company. Jerry and his wife Elsie remained in Peru for several more years before moving to Lincoln.

A former member of the Peru State College Foundation board, Jerry also served on the local school board and the Peru City Council among his other civic involvements. He was active in PSC's Lincoln Alumni Association, too.

His survivors include wife Elsie of Lincoln; son Steve ('72) of Omaha; daughter Bonnie Hiykel ('73) of Omaha; son Dave ('77) of Lincoln; daughter Deb Kinney ('81) of Lincoln; and daughter Donna Frohlich of Papillion.

Peru Loses Paul Landolt

Dr. Paul Landolt, a 1984 recipient of the Peru State College Distinguished Service Award, passed away in August in Lincoln, Neb. He was 85.

Dr. Landolt was born in nearby Shubert, Neb. and moved to Peru when he was one. His parents, Henry and Bertha, operated the Landolt Store (often called the "Avenue Store") across the street from campus for many years.

Paul gained his bachelors degree from Peru State in 1933, later gaining his masters and doctoral degrees from the University of Nebraska. He taught and coached in Nebraska schools until 1953 save for serving the Red Cross during the second World War.

When the war ended he joined Scottsbluff (Neb.) Junior College faculty and stayed until 1953, when he was hired to teach in the University of Nebraska's physiology department. He retired from the University in 1977, though he continued to teach a few courses for Southeast Community College until 1988.

1and Stephanie Neb. are Taylor, born in

Mick Haney ('82) has been named customer consultant for Evolutionary Technologies International, Inc., a leading software vendor in its market.

Naomi Garton Harlan and husband Michael of Beatrice, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Cody Lloyd, born in June.

Vince ('86) and Bonnie Mick ('86) Henzel are commuting to Lincoln where Vince is continuing his insurance business and Bonnie is employed as state documents assistant with the Nebraska Library Commission. Bonnie had previously been employed at the PSC Library.

Matthew Howard (attd. '86-'87) was featured in the Papillion (Neb.) Times last summer noting his fight against multiple sclerosis. The former PSC football player joined the Navy after leaving college, and was diagnosed with MS in 1989.

James Krohn ('89) is the new principal at Hanover (Kan.) Public School. Jim had formerly been a music instructor in Kansas and Nebraska schools.

Shari Sanner McMahon ('89) of Auburn, Neb. won a gold medal in open division of the women's bench press competition at the Comhusker State Games this summer.

Terri McNally ('88) of Morrill, Kan. is teaching learning disabled students at Hiawatha (Kan.) Elementary this year.

Chuck Mittan ('86) has been appointed editor of the Nebraska Si[inal newspaper at Geneva. He had been news editor at a paper in Red Cloud and a reporter for the Hastings, Neb. paper.

Peg Moore ('81) of Trumbull, Neb. was awarded the Dean's Academic Excellence Award for Academic Achievement for the 1996-97 school year at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Peg is presently working toward a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice there.

Jill Novicki ('89) is the new elementary special education teacher for the Clarkson, Neb. public schools.

Jeff Panko ('87) of Lincoln, Neb. is teaching social studies and business at the Palmyra-Bennet schools.

Renee Pappas Rowell ('84) received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Management from Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, Mo. this spring. Renee lives in St. Joe.

Kevin Svec (attd. '88-'90) has been named branch manager of the Gretna branch of the American National Bank of Sarpy County, Neb.

Al Urwin ('82) was named Outstanding Manager for the second quarter of 1997 by Werner Enterprises of Omaha. Al, Werner's Customer Relations Manager, received air fare and lodging for a week in Hawaii for he and his wife the former Sandy Grate ('82).

(continued on page 17)

Royal Heirs

The 1997 Little i'vfiss Applejack, Erin DuBois (left}, and lV!iss Applejack, Carrie Hoback (right), have a close connection with Peru State College. The Nebraska Citians, chosen to reign over that annual arc both Erin is the ('85) and DuBois; is the Dick and :Hit::i Stehlik Hoback.

1980s (continued)

Jerry ('89) and Marcia Stevens ('90) VanNess of Glenwood, Iowa are proud parents of a daughter, Lyndie Eva Marie, born in September.

Maxine Swett Ward ('88) of Fairbury, Neb. was awarded the President's Distinguished Service Award at Southeast College-Beatrice this spring. Maxine is the bookstore manager at sec where she has been emoloved for 25 years - first at the

Sowards Wemhoff has a m California.

has been transferred to Sioux Falls, -S.D. where he is the maintenance stationed for three years in has been in the US Army for 12 years. He is Lori Last '78-'80), and they have a daughter, Megan.

- mm

(From Page 15)

Frank Fixemer ('45) passed away in October. He had been living in St. Louis, Mo.

Zola Gardner ('42) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in June. She was a retired teacher having taught at Lake View and Holmes Elementary schools in Lincoln. Zola taught a total of 46 years in Nebraska schools where her career began in a one room school near Cook, Neb.

Mary Washington Gillett ('11) of Wahoo, Neb. passed away in July at the age of 103.

Marion Eynon Gomon ('65) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in June. She was a retired elementary teacher and taught in the Auburn, Nebraska public schools from 1968-1988. She was the wife of former President Neal Gomon. Among the survivors are son David ('65) and his wife Lind.a (Stephens '64) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and son Thomas ('68) of Lincoln.

Laura Baum Graebner ('39) of Charlottesville, Va. passed away in March.

Stella Steele Graves ('29) of Fremont, Neb. passed away in June.

June M. Hamilton ('40) of Adams, Neb. passed away in August. She was a retired teacher.

Mildred Aufenkamp

MCem(Q)riuBlm I

Humphrey ('61) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in June. She taught in a rural school district in Nemaha County and then second grade in the Auburn Public Schools. She retired after 33 years in the teaching profession.

Buel K. Hunter ('62) of Arvada, Colo. passed away in July. He was a teacher and coach, owned and operated his farm at Nemaha, Neb. and also had a business career.

Zellamae Bennett Huss ('40) of Sierra Vista, Ariz. passed away in July. She was a teacher, and retired from the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin, Texas. She enjoyed traveling, reading and baking and had visited bakeries in all 48 states and six European countries.

Lila Karnes ('60) of Horton, Kan. passed away in September.

Charles F. Kavanaugh ('52) of Tecumseh, Neb. passed away in June. He was a highway engineer for the Nebraska Department of Roads.

Myrtle Risdon Klepinger ('31) of Fairfield, Iowa passed away in October of 1996.

Floyd Lewis (attd. '28-'32) passed away in July in Camdenton, Mo.

Inez Brammeier Lichty ('14) passed away in Deshler, Neb. in August. She was 101.

William Mallory (attd. '38'39) passed away in September in Omaha.

Florence Miner McCaH (attd. '28-'29 and summer school, degree '60) of Pawnee City, Neb. passed away in June. She was a retired school teacher.

Marilyn McCandless (attd. '46-'47) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in June. She was a registered nurse.

Velma McKenzie (attd. '32, '35) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in July. She was a retired personnel manager of J.C. Penney.

Vanlora Rumbaugh McVey (two-year '48) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in August. After teaching for a few years, Vanlora was a county court clerk and then the office manager for the Nebraska Department of Roads office.

Elsie Weber Specht Mehlhop ('36) of LaVista, Neb. passed away in August. She taught in Otoe County rural schools, and later worked for Omaha Public Power District until retiring.

R. Charlotte Wederquist Mort (two-year '37, bachelors '63) of Bellevue, Neb. passed away in June. She taught in rural Iowa schools and later in Malvern, Iowa from 19581974.

(Continued on Page 18)

Mike WiHiams ('89) and wife Amy of Rock Port, Mo. are proud parents of a son, Jacob Browder, born in June.

Susan Lempka WiHiams ('87) and husband James of Tecumseh, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Rebecca Sue, born in June.

Karen Gerking Wolken ('84) of Tecumseh, Neb. is the junior high volleyball coach at Johnson-Brock public school this year. Karen is the English/speech/journalism teacher in the school system.

Brent Yaw ('88) and wife Theresa of Kearney, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Cicely Rose, born in August. She was welcomed home by a three year old sister, Billie.

1990s

John Agee ('96) is working as Production Supervisor for the Lozier Corp, in Omaha.

Ed Ankrom ('91) of Tecumseh, Neb. received his masters degree this summer from PSC. His area of study was Instructional Technology.

Gary Backus ('97) is joining The Mitre Corp in Bedford, Mass. as a member of its technical staff. He had been at the U.S. Air Force's Offutt AFB near Omaha.

Rafael Baronio ('97) is working as a sales correspondent in Latin America for National Crane Corp.

Melanie Barry ('97) is an account executive for the Metromail Corp. in Lincoln, Neb.

Shondel Sailor Baxa ('90) and husband Robert of Beatrice, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Delaney Rae, born in August.

Michael Beck ('93) is the new Clayton County (Iowa) Development Group's development director. He and his wife the former Jona McAlexander ('93) and their two children have moved to that northeastern Iowa county.

Angela Beam ('97) is working as a lab technician for Lloyd/Vetamix in Shenandoah, Iowa.

(continued on page 18)

Gimme a 'P'!

Mim(O)lril<rum

I(From Page 17)

Dr.

He was a registered engineer \Vith the State of Colorado and later worked for Ball Aerospace Systems Group.

Dale Pike (attd. '33-'34) of Lovell, Wyo. passed away in September. He worked in the aircraft industry during World War II, and then as an engineer for The Bureau of Reclamation. He then worked as a recreation director for the cities of Chico, Tehachapi, and El Centro, all in California.

Jeannette Ruyle Rist ('33) of Lincoln, Neb. passed away in August. Family members include a daughter, Shari Hagemeier ('68) of Sun

JPeJr1ID.

1990s (continued)

Susan Bergemann ('96) is teaching sixth grade for the Omaha Public Schools and attending graduate school at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She was one of only 24 applicants selected to teach in OPS's CADRE project.

Jennifer Blackwood ('96) is teaching at Star Academy Charter School in Tucson, Ariz.

Cheryl Mellage Brown ('97) of Stella, Neb. is now the accounts payable clerk for Triangle Pacific Corp. in Auburn, Neb.

Trace K. Buesig ('93) Boley and husband of Durham, N.C. are proud parents of a daughter, Arienne Rose, born in March.

Tom ('94) and Leann Johnson ('94) Booth of Niobrara, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Jacob Thomas, born in August.

Tim Bowen ('93) and wife Lisa of Thurston, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Brooke Leigh, born in June.

Lori Speckmann Broady ('90) of Johnson, Neb. is the new head volleyball coach at Johnson-Brock High School. She is also the social studies teacher at the high school.

Alicia Baxa Buhr ('93) and husband Rodney of Beatrice, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Jasey Lynn, born in August.

Prairie. Wis.

passed away in September. She was a forn1er teacher and also had been the director of the 'Morrill Public Li

June.

Andrevrs ('40) passed away in He had been living rn Farragut, Iowa.

Vern Mae Norvell Smith ('67) of Auburn, Neb. passed away in October. She was a retired school teacher.

Dr. Van B. Tracy ('33) passed away in August in Shenandoah, Iowa. He operated a dental office in that community.

Word has been received of the death of E.G. Vickers ('36) of Waukesha, Wis. in June.

Janice Wilkinson Weast ('65) of Hiawatha, Kan.

\Yee rs

passed away ·n Jul \Vorked in the Nemaha welfare office until 1987, was active in several organizations.

Mona Handley Williams (attd. '44) of Stella, Neb. passed away in July. She taught in rural schools a few years, and was a homemaker. Mona was active in church and civic organizations. Family members include Lanny ('71) and Mary Jane (masters '93) of Auburn, Neb. and Dennis ('75) of Atchison, Kan., and a brother, Wendell Handley ('43) of Lead, S.D.

Letitia Barnell Wolff ('32) passed away in Lincoln last May.

IChristiansen ('95) is working as an accountant/analyst for Mutual of Omaha.

Brad ('96) and Sabine ('96) Clapper of Peru, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter Katharina Kay, born in July. She was welcomed home by brothers Allen and Ryan.

Angela Holtapp Coe ('96) is teaching preschool and the center trainer at KinderCare in Omaha.

Cody Collins ('92) is teaching instrumental music at Pawnee City High School. He is also the coach for junior high boys track. Cody previously taught at Johnson-Brock and Chester-Hubbell-Byron Public Schools.

Laura Coulter ('96) is substitute teaching in the Falls City, Neb. and Hiawatha, Kan. schools. She resides in Falls City.

(continued on page 19)

JPcgJrlJll

1990s (conhnued)

Wendy Lovenburg Craig ('97) is teaching special education in the Hiawatha, Kan. school system. She lives in Falls City, Neb.

Jason CuHison ('94) is now teaching in the Newman Grove (Neb.) Public Schools. at the First Neb.

Brett E. Davis basketball coach at the Dorchester (

Malinda .rnrn utmn \ J J is aide for the Minnie Kline Mo.

m head

Tracy Gibbons ('96) is working as head teller for Alliance Bank'ing Co. in New Buffalo, Mich.

Steve Gifford ('97) is technology education instructor at Central Lyon School in Rock Rapids, Iowa. He also takes masters degree coursework from Peru State.

Cinda Goodrich ('97) is band director and teacher for the Tecumseh, Neb. Public Schools.

Rachel Rathe Goracke ('94) is the new middle school science teacher for the Elkhorn, Neb. Public School. She and husband Brad live at Ames, Neb.

Bausch Gottula ( is teaching six.th and se\enth grade for St. Andrews School in Tecumseh, Neb.

grade in the St. Paul, Neb. Public Schools.

Rosalie Jack ('96) is now teaching eighth grade history with the Leander, Texas Independent School District not far from Austin.

Kara Jenkins ('97) is teaching kindergarten at the Norris Public Schools at Hickman, Neb.

Amy Giitinger Johnson ('95) and her husband Glen "O.J." are proud parents of daughter Molly Jean, born in Omaha in May. They have another daughter, Maria.

Scott ( ('91) of parents of a son, Cale born Scott is a teacher in the Nemaha , Schoo! and is at the Farmers Bank of Cook.

Nancy Dyl ('95) has been named human services director for Oak Arbor, a substance abuse counseling center based in Nebraska City.

Sherlyn Ehmen ('95) of Talmage, Neb. is the new head volleyball coach at Beatrice High School. She previously was an assistant volleyball coach at Tecumseh High School. Sherlyn will also teach physical education and health classes at Beatrice.

Dan Eis ('90) is now teaching junior high language arts at Newman Grove, Neb. Dan also serves as wrestling and junior high football coach and assistant senior high football coach. Eis had been teaching and coaching at Tecumseh, Neb.

Kristen Ellsworth ('94) is teaching Spanish in the Scotia and Greeley, Neb. schools.

Todd Evans ('91) is secondary school principal for the Coleridge, Neb. Public Schools.

Kirk ('91) and Robyn Roesener ('90) Faris of Tecumseh, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Mitchell Joseph, born in June.

Kyle Finke ('90) is the new business teacher and assistant football coach at Southeast Nebraska Consolidated Schools at Stella. He previously taught and coached at Wausa, Neb.

Robb Freeze ('97) is teaching sixth grade in the Elkhart (Ind.) Community School.

April Friedrichsen ('96) is working for Lincoln (Neb.) Benefit Life insurance company.

Bret Fritch ('90) of Enron Corp. was honored as a volunteer team leader for the 1997 Brush Up Nebraska Paint-A-Thon this past summer.

Darren Garrean ('97), a firefighter for the City of Elkhorn (Neb.), is attending paramedic school too.

Jean Gibbons ('97) is serving as elementary school special education teacher for the Wymore (Neb.) Southern Public Schools.

David G:rabowski Omaha Public Schools.

Andrea Graff is

is teach Newman Grove (Neb.) High School.

rn the arts at

Jeremie Gregory ('97) is working for Sun Lakes Rehabilitation and Fitness Center in Warsaw, Mo. and attending graduate school at Central Missouri State University.

Angela Hardin-Bromley ('97) is working as Human Resource Administrator for Mutual of Omaha in Omaha, Neb.

Tom Harmon ('97) is working as Fuels Operations Superintendent for the U.S. Air Force, stationed in the Azores.

Kim Hawkinson ('97) is working as a city carrier for the U.S. Post Office in Ralston, Neb.

Chris ('90) and Stephanie Sanner ('90) Haussler of Lawrence, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Mina Rose, born in July. Chris is a lab technician at the USDA-MARC in Clay Center and Stephanie is employed as a bookkeeper and convenience store manager in Lawrence.

Angela Hawley ('97) is teaching in the Lewis Central Community Schools in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Judith Hayes ('97) is the new fifth grade teacher for the Bellevue (Neb.) Christian Academy.

Jennifer Slattery Heese ('97) is teaching first grade at the Bennington (Neb.) Public Schools. She and husband Scott ('96) live in Omaha, where Scott teaches K-8 physical education at St. Matthews School.

Kelsi Hines ('97) is studying sports management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate school.

Evelynn Hofer ('97) is an elementary school teacher, head girls basketball and assistant volleyball coach at Omaha Christian Academy.

Rebekah Hulet ('97) is second grade teacher in the Cainsville, Mo. school system.

Jennifer Hurt ('97) has been hired to teach third

Pamela Fisher ( is case manager for Kanza Mental Health and Guidance Center in Kan.

Toby Julian ('97) is working as an ex.traction analyst with the Harris Laboratories in Lincoln, Neb.

David Junker ('97) is teaching math and computer science and an assistant wrestling and football coach for the Glenwood, Iowa Public Schools. He and his wife the former Dusk Seger ('96) live in Bellevue, Neb.

Curtis King ('97) is Integrated Avionics Systems Manager for the U.S. Air Force at Kelly AFB near San Antonio, Texas.

Susan Kirkendall-Findlay ('97) is substitute teaching in southeastern Nebraska and lives in Stella. -

Ryan Knippelmeyer ('95) is now teaching sixth grade for the Tri Center Community Schools in Neola, Iowa.

Phyllis Kool ('96) is teaching third grade at St. John's School in Plattsmouth, Neb.

Jennifer Krakow ('97) is teaching math in grades 7-12 for the Meridian Public School near Daykin, Neb.

Nicki Stett Kreifels ('97) is working as resource coordinator for the Homestead Girl Scout Council in Nebraska. She also works parttime as a grant technician with the Martin Luther Home of Nebraska.

Scott Krichau ('97) is pursuing his masters degree in art at the University of Kansas.

Julia J. Lenners ('93) of Beatrice, Neb. has achieved the Certified Manager designation from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers. Julia is a cashier with the Beatrice National Bank & Trust Co.

Tracy Cochran Malcom ('97) is working for Willis & Willis Ltd. of Tabor, Iowa.

(continued on page 20)

i---W©cdlCdlTIDi-g IB3celili§

Mike Bird ('81) of Falls City, Neb. and Carla Howard were married in July. Mike is an Instrumental and Control Technician at Cooper Nuclear Station, Brownville, Neb.

PSC student Lori Cole and Chris Ban.do were were to be married in October in Nebraska City.

April Czapiewski ('96) of Table Rock, Neb. and Todd Binder were married in August. April is an English teacher in the Pawnee City (Neb.) High School.

Miriam Duckett ('92) and John Werner were married in July in Murray, Neb. Miriam works in customer administration for ConAgra Grocery Products.

Melissa Ericson ('95) and Rich Pembo were married in July in Grand Island, Neb. Melissa teaches second grade at Lincoln Elementary there.

Chad Gerking ('97) of Burr, Neb. and Karen Larson were married in May. Chad received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and he is teaching kindergarten in Osaka, Japan.

PSC student Meghan Gilligan and Paul Goeglein were married in August in Gretna, Neb.

Mark Gleason ('90) of Greenwood, Neb. and Angie Thompson were married in September.

Lisa Gottula ( '92) of Woodland Hills, Calif. and Brian Lockwood were married in May. Lisa works as a cataloguer for The Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation founded by Steven Spielberg.

PSC students Shawn Grubb and Anna Heinzman were married in May in Grand Island, Neb.

Kelly Evers Gruber ('77) and Victor Strozier were married in June and are living in Gulf Breeze, Fla. Kelly teaches art at Gulf Breeze High and

L. Hauf were married in June. Julie is a zoo keeper for Riverside Zoo in Scotts Bluff, Neb. They reside in Mitchell, Neb.

1990s (continued)

Martin ('91) has received her doctorate in socioloof

is an adjunct professor of art education at the University of West Florida. She also serves as associate director for the No1thwest Florida Institute for Art Education.

Nicole Heins (attd. '94-'94) and Tim McCoy were married in September in Silver Creek, Neb.

Anthony Hoffman (attd. '92-'93) of Sterling, Neb. and Kristin DeBuhr were married in July. Tony is employed at Southeast Nebraska Cooperative in Beatrice.

Michael Horstman ('95) and Mindi McCoy were married in June. He is a social studies teacher and head football coach at North Nodaway Schools in Missouri.

Andrew Howland (attd. '85- '86) and Cindy Herbranson were married in October in Arlington, Texas. Andrew is an account representative for Sears Tire Group.

Christine Isakson (masters '97) and Corey Wormack were married in July. Christine teaches at Fort Calhoun, Neb.

Clarisa Johnson ('97) of Villisca, Iowa and Bill Mascher were married in June. They now reside in Clarinda, Iowa.

PSC student Julie Liberty of Falls City, Neb. and Keith Frederick were married in September. Julie is employed at Midland Villa Nursing Home in Falls City.

PSC students Colonie Martin of Arthur, Neb. and Scott A. Wiley of Bennington, Neb. were married in July.

Julie May ('96) and Terry

PSC student Brandon Munson of Nebraska Ci Neb. and Cynthia Stukenhotz were married in October. Brandon is pursuing a career in teaching and is employed at Table Creek Golf Course in Nebraska City.

Michelle Nootz ('95) and Curtis VanLaningham ('96), both of Wilber, Neb. were married in June. Michelle is a care staff member at the Wilber Nursing Home and Curt is an assistant manager at Pamida in Beatrice.

Judi Paczosa ('92) and Larry Hughes were married in August in Silver Creek, Neb. Judi works at BectonDickinson Corp. in Columbus, Neb.

Greg Parriott ('90) of Peru, Neb. and Dawn Waskowiak ('94) of Johnson, Neb. were maITied in July.

Brian Priess ('94) and Judy Meyer were married in June in Grand Island, Neb. Brian is a deputy sheriff with the Hall County Sheriff's Department.

Jonee Roach ('97) and former PSC student Andrew Reed Jr. were married in July in Lincoln, Neb.

PSC students Jon Rother and Maggie Van Winkle were married in July.

PSC student Jennifer Skudlarek and Douglas Wilson were married in September. Jennifer works as a computer programmer at Metromail in Lincoln.

PSC student Mandy Spangler of Auburn, Neb. and Mark Hulsebus were married in June. Mandy is a senior majoring in pre-law, accounting and management.

James Steinke (attd. '91'95) and Jill Lowrey were married in August and live in Lincoln, Neb.

Chandra Matteer is working as a microbiologist and food coordinator at Excei Specialty Products in Nebraska City.

Teri Maybee ('97) is a youth care worker at the Tarkio (Mo.) Academy.

Mark Meadows ('95) is working in a research lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Entomology.

Kim Micek ('97) is assistant director and care giver for Just Us Kids daycare in Grand Island, Neb.

Chuck Mitchell ('97) is working in construction maintenance for the Pella Corp. in Pella, Iowa.

Cindy McCune Moran and husband Jay of Peru, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Nathan Robert, born in August. Cindy is the secretary in the Career Services/Coop Ed Office.

Denise Moravec ('97) is teaching math and science for the Auburn Washburn High School in Topeka, Kan.

Victoria David Morgan ('96) is working for Youth Services International's Tarkio (Mo.) Academy as a resident counselor.

Cindy Walla Mowery ('92) of Norwest Bank in Omaha, Neb. was honored as a volunteer team leader for the Brush Up Nebraska Paint-A-Thon this past summer.

Rod Nanninga ('91) and wife Tara of Neola, Iowa are proud parents of a daughter, Ashton Marie, born last May.

Melanie Nanse ('97) is now Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Nebraska City Manor.

Jody Nedley Newcomb ('94) of Beatrice, Neb. received her master's degree from the University of NebraskaLincoln this summer. Her degree was in Human Resources and Family Sciences, and was earned entirely through distance education.

Lori Nickels ('95) of Lewiston, Neb. has accepted a position with Martin Luther Homes of Nebraska as the Early Intervention Services Coordinator for Gage, Jefferson and Thayer counties. Lori will be serving children with disabilities, newborn through age 3, and their families.

Dee Nincehelser ('97) is store manager for Nine West Group at Gretna, Neb.

Mindy Ohnmacht ('97) is working as a member of the care staff at Duff's Friendship Villa in Nebraska City. She's attending the Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing, too.

Wendy J. Oliver ('97) is working as a records analyst at the Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville, Neb.

Cari Ortmeier ('97) of Auburn, Neb. is teaching first and second grades at the Table Rock-Steinauer Public Schools in Table Rock, Neb.

(continued on page 21)

..

IP<eJfllllViUlili.

1990s (continued)

Renae Gerdes Oswald ('96) has recently moved to Cozad, Neb. and is employed at the Plum Creek Bank in Lexington.

Jill Parker ('97) is teaching secondary math at Wilber-Clatonia Public School. She will also serve as the head volleyball and assistant girls basketball coach.

Wayne Payton ('93) is working for the American Embassy in Bucharest, Romania. He'll be stationed there for three years.

Christine Fricke Pecha ('96) is Administrative Assistant for TMS Design in Omaha.

Roxann Penfield ('94) of Brock, Neb. is the elementary media specialist and is also teaching elementary physical education at the Auburn Public Schools.

Sam ('93) and Andrea Brown ('93) Pfeifer of Louisville, Neb. are proud parents of a son, Colton Curtis, born in June. Sam is teaching business education classes at Pawnee City High School. He is also the head boys basketball coach and the assistant footba11 coach.

Dean Pound ('96) is teaching high school math and science at the Missouri Valley, Iowa School District.

Genevieve Ptacek ('96) is teaching special education and is instructional strategist for the Council Bluffs (Iowa) Community Schools.

Kathleen Quinlan ('92) is teaching special education in the Valentine (Neb.) Middle School after four years with the Spencer-Naper (Neb.) schools.

Jamie Rathbone ('97) is the fifth grade elementary teacher for the Loomis, Neb. Public Schools.

Anita Rathjen-Stevens ('93) has recently moved to Westminster, Colo. where she is employed at the Sheridan Denver West in the Accounts Payable Office. She will be responsible for the payables at the Sheridan Denver West and Sheridan Shreveport.

Jeffrey L. Reed ('97) is working as criminal justice coordinator of southeast Nebraska for Project Response, Inc. of Auburn.

Teresa Reed ('96) is working for the Tarkio, Mo. Academy.

Jamie Reichart ('91) and wife Cinda of Nebraska City, Neb. are proud parents of a daughter, Taryn Skye, born in July. She was welcomed home by her sister Taysha.

Korey Reiman ('95) of Lincoln, Neb. is in his second year of law school at UN-L College of Law.

Terry Rice ('97) is working as a personal fitness

trainer at Q The Sports Club in Tempe, Ariz.

Val Richardson ('97) is teaching math for the Fairbury (Neb.) Junior-Senior High School.

Holly Waring Rieschick ('94) of Falls City, Neb. was the coach of the East team for the Southeast Nebraska Girls All-Star Basketball Game held in Beatrice, Neb. this summer. She and her husband Ryan are proud parents of daughter Maggy Kathleen, born in September.

Brenda Russell-Cropp ('97) is teaching grades K-3 special education for the Macy, Neb. Public Schools this year.

Amy Sayer ('97) is attending the University of Nebraska College of Law.

John Sayer ('93) of Auburn, Neb. participated in a TORCH (Teacher OutReaCH) Institute sponsored by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation and made possible by a grant from the Sprint Foundation. The institute was held at Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, Kan., and emphasized methods of teaching chemistry. John is a chemistry and physics instructor at Auburn High School.

Jill Schulte ('97) is working as a credit manager for Norwest Financial in Omaha.

T. Jayne Scott ('97) owns "Designs by Jayne," a custom embroidery, sewing and alterations business in Tarkio, Mo.

Shawn Semler ('92) has been appointed head softball coach for the College of St. Mary in Omaha. He had been head softball coach at Bellevue East High the previous three years.

Joe Sexton ('97) is working as a software engineer for Sony Electronics in San Diego, Calif.

Denys Shafer ('90) is teaching K-12 instrumental and 7-12 vocal music for the Mead, Neb. Public Schools.

Jim Shorney ('97) is working for an irrigation crew for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Maureen Simmons ('97) is working as a greenhouse supervisor for Henry Fields Seed of Shenandoah, Iowa.

Teresa D. Smith ('97) is working as a preschool teacher for Omaha Christian Academy.

Todd M. Smith ('91) is teaching grades 9-12 special education, sponsoring student council, and coaching in the Ogden (Iowa) Community Schools.

Melissa Snyder ('96) is working as a psychiatric technician at the Lincoln, Neb. Regional Center.

Kari Stallbaumer ('97) is now teaching special education in grades K-6 for the Midway-Denton (Kan.) Schools.

Mike Starner ('92) is the new junior high math and physical education instructor for the Sidney, Iowa schools.

Fall 1991 PERU STATER 21

Brian Steele ('95) is bassist for the Nebraska rock band Altered Focus. Current PSC senior David Radke is the band's drummer.

Cynthia Hailey Studer ('91) of Sabetha, Kan. is the secondary counselor at Marysville (Kan.) High School. She previously taught at Seneca, Kan. and has a masters degree from Kansas State.

Tera Stutheit is now teaching high school English and journalism for the Tecumseh, Neb. Public Schools.

Topsche:r ('96) is in his second year teaching at the Valley View Elementary School in Bloomington, Minn.

Matthew ('97) and Jennifer Duerfeldt ('96) Uher are residing in St. Paul, Neb. where Matt is a secondary language arts teacher for the St. Paul Public Schools. He is also assistant coach for the junior high football team. Jennifer is an Advertising Sales Executive for the Grand Island Independent newspaper.

Chuck Wake ('96) was a finalist for Rookie of the Year award from the Nebraska State Education Association this past spring. Wake then taught at Bee, Neb. but is now teaching and coaching for Nishna Valley schools near Hastings, Iowa.

Kelly Ward ('97) is a youth services worker for Children & Farniles of Iowa in Newton, Iowa.

Anthony Weathers ('96) is manager for a Radio Shack store in Bellevue, Neb.

Debra Wherry ('96) is teaching band and vocal music in Unadilla, Neb., and also serves as accompanist for the Auburn and Tecumseh High music groups.

Tressa Whittington ('97) has accepted a post as Executive Assistant for Human Biologics International, a small biotechnology company in Phoenix, Ariz.

Monica Alba Yankus ('97) is the kindgergarten and preschool educator for St. John the Baptist school in Plattsmouth, Neb.

Bobby Gayle Young ('96) of Fairfield, Neb. is attending graduate school at the University of Nebraska- Kearney.

Bobcat Volleyball Squad Shows Early Success

With seven seniors on this year's volleyball squad, the team looks to be in a position to make it back to the N AIA Volleyball Championships once agam.

The Bobcats, \vho were 2 Jl 0 in mid-October. have been ranked in the Top l 6 every week of the season. They also have played one of the toughest schedules in the with J2 matches against rated NAIA schools and six against NCAA Div. II schools.

Defense!

Bobcat sophomore Justin Tlzomalla (87) upends a Hastings Bronco running back during the 'Cats 21-14 win in the Homecoming game 011 Oct. I J. Also in on the play is senior Kevin

Football Team On A Roll After Opening Setback

After a season-opening loss, the Bobcat football team put together a four-game winning streak that was capped by a dramatic win at Homecoming.

At the midpoint of the season, the Bobcats were ranked No. 18 and had a 4-1 record.

The squad dropped their first game, allowing Doane to score 13 unanswered points in the season opener, a 27-14 loss. They bounced right back with wins over Tabor, Kan. (32-0), Dana (25- 7) and Friends, Kan. (28- 7).

Next the Bobcats faced Hastings College at Homecoming on Oct. 11. Hastings controlled the majority of the game and took a 14-0 lead into the fourth quarter.

Midway through the fourth

quarter the tide shifted, with Peru scoring 21 unanswered points in the last 8:21 to escape with a 21-14 Homecoming win-

The final score was a 14-yard pass from senior Jamie Stinson (Tecumseh, Neb.) to junior Zach Sangster (Bennet, Neb.) with 12 seconds remaining.

But the toughest half of the schedule was still to come. Showdowns with Chadron State, Westmar, Northwestern Oklahoma, Midland Lutheran, and Nebraska Wesleyan promised to give the Bobcats a test every week.

Coach Dick Strittmatter was optimistic that things were coming together for the stretch run.

"Things are going well for us this year," he said. "On offense we have cut down on turnovers

With six veterans on the Bobcat softball squad next spring, Coach Mark Mathews is excited for the 1998 campaign. Add five more recruits, and he's optimistic the Bobcats will be in the hunt this season.

Mathews said this season's Bobcats might not be dominant, but they should be able to battle with every opponent.

"We will be competitive," he said. "This is probably our most athletic team since I have been here. We can run, bunt and cover a lot of ground on defense.

"We do have a tough schedule and don't play at home until April, but we should be improved over last year," he added.

With the loss of Kerry Brandt and Kelly Muhle

since the first game. On defense we are getting better every game. Our effort and work habits have been excellent."

The defense is led by senior Kevin Vogel (Grand Island, Neb.), a 1996 NAIA secondteam All-American, and by senior safety Jeff Govier (Lexington, Neb.).

On the offensive side of the ball, the 'Cats have used a balanced attack to frustrate opponents.

Through five games the team had rushed for 836 yards and passed for 1,088 more. Stinson has thrown for over 7 ,300 yards in his career, second on the allti me PSC list behind Nate Bradley ( l 0,439 yards from 1988-91).

Peru State had a disappointing 6-5 start, but had won 15 of its next 20. Coach Todd Jensen said the Bobcats haven't played to their potential thus far.

"From an outsider's point of view things might look pretty good," he said. "The team knows we could be better."

The rest of the season looked just as challenging as the start. In the last eight regular season matches, the 'Cats faced five NAIA ranked teams and one NCAA Div. II school. Jensen said the competition in the regular season will give the Bobcats the edge for the post season.

"We have played a tough schedule this year," he agreed. "We would like to have a few more wins but we have to be able to look at the big picture and prepare for our goal: winning a national championship."

On their quest this season, some Bobcats have sparkled. Senior setter Stacy Fitch (Doniphan, Neb.) jumped on the NAIA career assist charts.

In mid-October she had over 5,800 assists in her career, the fifth highest total in NAIA history.

Fitch also was on the Top 5 in number of matches with double figure digs, at No. 4. Jensen called her irreplaceable.

"She is an extremely hard worker," he said. "She's very determined and focused. In practice she is still improving every day, even though she's a senior. She will be missed next year more than we can imagine.

Senior Jaisa Kappas (Plattsmouth, Neb.) is also in the NAIA record books. By mid-October she had 31 career matches with 20 or more digs, No. 3 all-time in the NAIA.

Jensen is proud of the Bobcats and their accomplishments, but he is looking for the team to put its name on the championship banner in December.

"We have the weapons, and now we need to find a way to get them all firing at the same time," he said.

llll!

to graduation last spring, there seems to be huge holes to fill. Brandt, who was a four-year starter at shortstop, holds six career school records, while Muhle was the No. 2 pitcher a year ago.

This year the 'Cats return their top pitcher, sophomore Shannon Briley (Omaha). She went 9-10 a year ago, pitching in over half the Bobcats' innings.

She will be joined in the rotation this season by junior Melanie Tramp (Lincoln, Neb.) who pitched two seasons at Nebraska Wesleyan before transfernng.

Freshmen Sommer Miller (Omaha) and Selene Cotton (North Platte, Neb.) will battle for catching chores this spring.

Around the infield, look for Ann Momin (Omaha) at first, Sarah Roberts (Omaha) and Steph Hornung (Huxley, Iowa) in the middle, and perhaps Amy Bachle at third.

In the outfield three veterans return. Junior Krissy Tatum (Kearney, Neb.) will play left and lead the offense. Sophomore Amanda Praster (North Platte, Neb.) batted .350 last year and returns in centerfield. Senior Erin Mahlberg (Charter Oak, Iowa) will in right field after leading in stolen bases last spnng.

"We have a good team attitude and as long as we can maintain that, we will compete with all of our opponents," Coach Mathews said.

Women's Basketball Enthusiastic, Aims High

Coach Tara Kreklau is excited. She knows that success on the women's basketball court isn't far away.

With a mixture of veterans and blue-chip freshmen, this year's team could put the Bobcats in the hunt come March.

Coming off a 13-16 season, Kreklau said this year's team is striving to build on last year's late-season success.

"We have great enthusiasm," she said. "We finished the second half of last season on a high note, so the returning players are especially optimistic about this season."

Five veterans return to the 'Cats, including their leading scorer. Junior Celeste Nolte (Salem, Neb.) led the team in scoring, averaging 15.3 points a game; she also grabbed 9.1 rebounds.

The majority of the 'Cats experience comes from outside, where four guards return.

Junior Amy Petry (Tarkio, Mo.) led the three-point attack as she connected 45 times from beyond the arc. She averaged 7.8 points a game.

Team leaders

Junior Angela Steins (Ravenwood, Mo.) came off a freshman knee injury and gave the team spark off the bench last season. Kreklau is looking to those three to step up and be the team leaders this season.

"This year's juniors were part of my very first recruiting class," she said. "I look for them and the other returning players to step forward and put their mark on the team."

Also returning is senior guard Steph Hornung (Huxley, Iowa), who averaged

5.9 points. Sophomore DeeAnn Othmer (Tecumseh, Neb.) started every game at the point guard position, averaged 8.2 points and led the team in blocked shots with 27. Othmer will be free of point guard duties and should see more opportunities to shoot this season.

Sophomores Brandi Buck (Murdock, Neb.) and Amber Friedrichsen (Aurora, Neb.) will see some playing time and give the Bobcats more depth at the post position.

Exciting team Kreklau said with the combination of youth and experience, this year's team should be exciting to watch.

"This is the most athletic team I will have coached here," she said. "We will have overall good team speed and quickness, especially at the

H opsters Hop to eload

Coming off a national tournament appearance, the Bobcat men's basketball squad looks to quickly rebuild for 1997-98.

The Bobcats, who went 259 a year ago, have lost seven members of that team to graduation. They are left with only three players who saw significant playing time a year ago.

But Coach John Gibbs isn't banking on a rebuilding season just yet. He admits the players are going to need some time to acquaint themselves.

"It is going to take us awhile," Gibbs said. "We aren't going to be as good a ball team at the first of the year like we were at the end of last year because we have so many new players."

Naming the three returnees as captains, Gibbs is looking for the trio to show leadership to the new-look Bobcats.

Senior Matt Maxwell (Beloit, Kan.), junior Shawn Gibbs (Peru, Neb.) and sophomore Jermel Ward (Valdosta, Ga.) will be given the task of leading the team. Maxwell, who averaged 7.8 points and 3.4 rebounds a year ago, will be thrust into being the leader down low.

Fill the role

Gibbs said Maxwell will fill his role very well.

"Matt is a great leader," he said. "He is very vocal and is

willing to lay it on the line. He brings a lot of things to the team. He is our best inside scorer and his intensity and competitiveness is important to the team."

According to the coach, his son Shawn may be the hardest worker on the Bobcat squad. Because of his work ethic, Coach Gibbs said, Shawn will be matched against the opponents' top scorer most of the time.

"Shawn does the little things to make him an important part of the team," Coach Gibbs added.

But much of the success may fall on the shoulders of J ermel Ward, the brother of two-time All-American guard Fredd Ward. Jermel averaged 13.2 points and 4.3 assists per game last year. '

"Jermel could be the best point guard at Peru State since I've been here," he said. "Fredd (Ward) was a two-time All-American and Brett Richards is No. 3 on our career

post position. We should be a well balanced team that has many different offensive weapons. We should not have to rely on just two players to score for us."

This year's recruits have Kreklau and her staff excited.

Freshman Alicia Millard (Lincoln, Neb.) is the true point guard Kreklau was looking for.

Another guard who should battle for playing time is junior transfer Erin Bailey (Gibbon, Neb.). Freshman Tammi Christensen (Harlan, Iowa)

should fill a major hole at the post left by Angie Hubach, who graduated last spring. Freshman Sara Dorrel (Bolckow, Mo.) will vie for playing time at the post.

According to Kreklau, this year's team is not going to be content with taking baby steps back to a winning season.

"The team has set some pretty high goals," she said. "We want a trip to the national tournament. Barring injuries to key people and with a lot of hard work and preparation, we have the physical talent to accomplish that goal."

scoring list.

'Complete package'

"But Jermel is the complete package," Gibbs said. "He does a great job running the court. He had to be the best freshman point guard in the country last year."

Yet the squad has voids to fill, most notably inexperience. He looks to patch the holes with a combination of last year's reserves, redshirts, a talented recruiting class and the return of two former Bobcats.

Junior Steve Fleming (Bronx, N.Y.), who played the last half of last season, could contend for a starting forward spot.

Also back is Jeff Curry (Tecumseh, Neb.) who will compete for time at center.

Redshirts Matt Thompson (Harlan, Iowa), Billy Hiatt (Bethany, Okla.) and Dan Stoakes (Bellevue, Neb.) have been around the program a year.

Also back are seniors Nate Caldwell (Phoenix, Ariz.), who last played in 1995-96, and Jamie Stinson (Tecumseh, Neb.) who last played in 1994-95 before electing to concentrate on football.

Top recruits include Tony Vega (Houston, Texas), Cory Cain (Tyler, Texas) and Josh Brandt (Council Bluffs, Iowa), all transfers.

To the bucket

Questions Fill Baseball Camp

With a new coach and a lot of new faces, there are a lot of questions going into this year's baseball season.

New Coach Mark Bayliss inherits a team that lost eight seniors and several others who left the program. But he isn't giving up hope for success in '98.

Six players return who saw significant playing time in 1997. In the infield, senior Aaron Lauby (Lexington, Neb.) will return at first base and will fill in on the depleted pitching squad.

Sophomore Brenden Raybourn (Bellevue, Neb.) will move from third to second this year. At sho1i, Christian Solata (Pago Pago, American Samoa) should be a tremendous boost.

Bayliss said the team strength will be defense and hitting.

"We should be solid in the middle of the infield," he said. "We have a little power and speed, which is a good combination."

At third, junior Scott Douglas (Phoenix, Ariz.) should see action after playing there at the end of last season.

In the outfield the Bobcats will be young. Sophomore Seth Perkins (Harvard, Neb.) should return to centerfield where he batted .342 last spring. Freshman Chris Burke (Omaha) will play both in the outfield and on the mound; the other outfield spot is up for grabs.

Behind the plate, senior Brian Miller

Baseball Coach

Mark Bayliss was named Head Baseball Coach and Intramural Director this fall, ing Dave Teske.

''I had been an assistant coach for seven years and I wanted to be a head coach," Bayliss said. "This was the school that gave me an opportunity.''

Bayliss came to PSC from Siena Heights (Mich.), where he a graduate assistant, assistant coach, and interim head coach for a year.

(Ralston, Neb.) returns; he will be pushed by junior Jason Hale (St. Joseph, Mo.) who transferred from Arkansas Tech.

On the mound the Bobcats will be led by veterans Lance Kurz (Palmer, Neb.) and Wes Haveman (Shubert, Neb.). They will get help from junior transfer Kris Mathews (Benkelman, Neb.).

"If our pitching gets stronger as the year goes on, we could finish over .500," Bayliss said.

He w1.\S .a ing his playing days. After obtaining his Bachelors political

.fl

Siena Heights, he stayed · < · on as a grad assistant Mark BaylJ;ss and received a Master of Arts degree.

During tl\e 1994 season, Bayliss was named the interim. Head aml led Siena Heights to its only appearance in the NAIA Wotld Series. His wife Tammy is now the school nurse at Peru