“The Earth Day extravaganza will be packed full of come-and-go activities to help you learn about your carbon footprint, how to mend clothes and sew patches and buttons, and a test of how much you know about recycling,” says Kim Dolphin, assistant professor of biology at Southwestern College.  “We hope that everyone will attend and learn more about how to minimize our personal impacts on our planet.”

Leading up to the Earth Day event, Tri-Beta and Green Team Southwestern will be holding a denim recycling drive. Through April 21, and even on the day of the event, denim will be collected for recycling.

“In collaboration with Field to Fabric here in Winfield, we are collecting denim that is 90%+ cotton (check those labels) to be recycled through Cotton’s ‘Blue Jeans Go Green’ initiative,” Dolphin says. “The used denim will be recycled and transformed into insulation for houses, pet bedding, and thermal packaging insulation. Also, every piece of denim donated will enter individuals into a raffle that will be drawn at our Earth Day event.”

Articles of clothing can be dropped off all week on the Southwestern College campus at Kim Dolphin's office (Beech 203), with Sammie Lobosco (Reid Hall in room 206), or at Field to Fabric at 907 Main St.

For more information, contact Dolphin by email at kim.dolphin@sckans.edu or Lobosco at samantha.lobosco@sckans.edu.

Entry fee is $125 per person and covers green fees, golf cart, door prizes, and lunch.  Businesses may sponsor a hole for $250, or they may assemble their own four-person team and sponsor a hole for $650.  There will be many prizes available on the course.  All proceeds benefit Southwestern College football. 

Southwestern finished the 2024 season with an 11-2 record which included a home playoff win over the University of Saint Francis (Ind.), 31-24.  Head coach Brad Griffin also became the all-time winningest coach in Moundbuilder football history.

“Our plan is to continue to work hard and do great things on and off the field,” Griffin says.  “It takes a lot of dedication and support to have success and we are very thankful to all those that have helped our program get to where it is. This event is a great opportunity for fans, alumni, and community members to show their support while enjoying a fun day on the course.”

Southwestern will kick-off its 2025 campaign on Aug. 30 vs Bethel College.

Reservations are required by Friday, April 18.  For more information or to register, contact Griffin at (620) 481-0382.

Liszt's musical setting of the 14 Stations of the Cross will feature Aidan Hill as a guest organist and Charles McKinzie as a featured soloist as well as soloists from within the choir.

Simon Hill, director of choral activities and voice at Southwestern College, will be the conductor.

“‘Via Crucis’ is a departure from Liszt's earlier virtuosic compositions and is emblematic of his later sacred works,” Hill says.  “Liszt's blend of austere simplicity and rich harmonies are representative of the composer's approach to creating works of sacred drama. No matter one's religious affiliation, ‘Via Crucis’ is sure to stir the heart.”

The title of her lecture is “The Unifying Force of Human Rights: Our Path Forward Together.”

Jefferson is the former Senior Executive Director of Perry World House, a global policy center at the University of Pennsylvania. She has over two decades of experience in legal and policy advocacy, strategic planning and programming, women’s international human rights, civil-society organizations, and philanthropy. At the Ford Foundation, she worked to advance women’s human rights globally and in the U.S. through field building and investments in the areas of rights advocacy; policy advancement; strategic communications and engagement; intersectional leadership and analysis; women-of-color leadership; research; and capacity building.

She held several leadership positions at Human Rights Watch (HRW), where she directed their women’s rights research and advocacy work, providing strategic and intellectual leadership, crafting and executing long-term advocacy strategies, managing staff across seven regional or thematic foci, attracting and leveraging resources to achieve human rights goals, and representing HRW at the highest levels of national, regional, and international fora. She is the author or editor of dozens of human rights reports on a variety of issues confronting women around the world and has written op-eds and articles that have appeared in the “Wall Street Journal” and “The International Herald Tribune.” She received a bachelor of arts degree from Connecticut College and a master’s of arts degree in International Relations and Latin American Studies from Johns Hopkins SAIS.

The convocation will also include recognition of the 2025 Masterbuilders, Student Government Association faculty and staff citations, members of the Dean’s Honor Roll, and a musical interlude by the SC Singers. 

The Kansas Health Foundation is an organization working to improve health in the state of Kansas. They work closely with other health foundations, nonprofit groups, community foundations, state agencies, universities, hospitals, communities, and advisory groups to develop programs and initiatives and to find answers to complex health issues.

Wilke earned her degree in biology from Southwestern College in 2008, with minors in Leadership Studies and psychology. While at Southwestern, she participated in the Leadership team, the soccer and tennis teams, and was a student ambassador.  She also made some of her best life-long friends and met her husband, Joel, at SC.  She went on to complete her master’s degree in Community Development from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

After grad school, Wilke returned to SC as the assistant director of the Leadership program, where she collaborated with students and played a key role in developing the college’s first Nonprofit Leadership course. Following that, Wilke worked as a grant writer and community organizer, focusing on early literacy and public health.

In her free time, Wilke enjoys watching Builder sports, exploring national parks, and hiking the trails at Camp Horizon with her husband, their three kids, and dog.

The Honors Convocation will be recorded and available on the Southwestern College YouTube channel.

This hour-long presentation will include an overview of types of storms, storm features that indicate a storm's potential severity, and severe weather safety. 

Cowley County Emergency Management will discuss responses to recent severe weather emergencies and present volunteer opportunities.

The National Weather Service will be covering weather preparedness and safety including covering thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, heat, and winter. This includes the alerts for weather hazards, storm features to look for, and weather resources.

Following the presentations, there will be time for the audience to ask questions.

The event is sponsored by the Kansas Creative Arts Commission. 

This is an opportunity to experience the sounds and sights of Pakistan blended with the prairie; live and recorded original music and film combining tastes of both worlds.

The Switchgrass String Quartet plays a variety of styles of music with an emphasis on intricate folk and popular rhythms and improvisation. Featuring styles from around the world they create an individual and unique sound. They are adept at engaging with their audience; interlacing interesting stories about composers and genres as they perform. The Switchgrass String Quartet is a fresh look at the classical genre of the string quartet that audiences of all types and ages will enjoy. They are all seasoned music educators and consummate musicians who delight in working with others.

The Multifarious Trio has performed all over the world.  They are an international trio featuring Susan Mayo on cello, Courtney Long on saxophone, and Tim Snider on violin and guitar.  From jazz and avant-garde via deconstructed bluegrass, the trio weaves inventive improvisations amongst diverse sounds. 

The event is a part of Founders Weekend at Southwestern College.  For more information, contact Ashlee Mayo, director of alumni engagement, at (620) 229-6155.

The college has set a goal of raising $300,000 from more than 350 donors on the day for the annual fund. A group of generous donors has already begun issuing challenges and offering gifts to match all donations given to the Step Up campaign for the Builder Fund. Some of the matching funds have been designated to support the College's launch of a Physician Associate (PA) program.

“Step Up Day is an incredibly important day each year for Southwestern College,” says Southwestern College President Liz Frombgen. “The support we receive directly impacts the lives of our students, faculty, and staff – gifts of support on Step Up Day strengthen our college.”

The Builder Fund helps the college meet current needs across campus, but it is also used to invest in important initiatives that make Southwestern stronger and more attractive.

Gifts may be made online at www.sckans.edu/stepup, by stopping in at the Dole Alumni office at 201 N. College in Winfield, or by calling (620) 229-6397. The college is also encouraging supporters to share their pride for Southwestern on Thursday, March 27, by wearing SC apparel and sharing support of the college on social media pages.

“Step Up is intended to create a collective moment for us to consider the ways Southwestern College has impacted our lives and the Winfield community,” said Kaydee Riggs-Johnson, vice president for advancement, communications, and marketing. “On March 27 we will celebrate that meaningful 140-year history by investing in the college's bright future,”

“The success of Southwestern is tightly tied to the support of alumni and friends of the college who generously offer their support and in doing so play an important role in the success of students on campus today and in building a strong future for our college and community,” added Riggs-Johnson.

Donate to Step Up

Step Up for Southwestern Video

The topic of his lecture is “Revive Our Spiritual Strength: Worship Practices Among the Abolitionists of the Revivalist Tradition.”

Dawn Pleas, vice president for special projects and planning at SC, will provide an official response to Sigler's presentation on abolitionism, race, and the theology of worship.

“This year, the Parkhurst Lecture will be an event that allows us to have difficult and honest conversations about race and slavery,” says Jacob Goodson, associate professor of philosophy and the chair of the social science division. “Dr. Sigler will frame the conversation around a theology of worship within the Methodist tradition. After Dr. Sigler gives his presentation on abolitionism and anti-racism within the Methodist tradition, Dr. Pleas will provide an official response making connections between Sigler's historical argument and the realities and struggles of racism in our present day.”

Matthew Sigler holds a PhD in liturgical studies from Boston University, where his work focused on Methodist identity and liturgical praxis. Prior to becoming a professor, Sigler served for 12 years as a music minister in the church, and has written on contemporary worship as well as lyrical theology. He is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and is particularly interested in how the faith practices of communities of the past can serve as resources for renewal in the church today. From 2013-2015, Sigler was the Visiting Scholar of Religion at SC.  

Stephen Rankin, former professor of religion at SC, will have copies of the book, “Awakening to Justice: Faithful Voices from the Abolitionist Past,” (InterVarsity Press) available for purchase at the event as well.

The Parkhurst Lecture is one of three annual endowed lectures hosted by the philosophy and religion department of the social sciences division at Southwestern College.

For more information, contact Goodson by email at Jacob.Goodson@sckans.edu.

The Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship recognizes two student leaders who are well-rounded, hardworking, and community-minded. The Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship will provide full-tuition support to Long and Patkowski. The scholarships are renewable for four years and are valued at approximately $150,000.

Wyatt Long is the son of Robin Long and Steve Long and attends Sapulpa High School.  He plans to major in business and participate in soccer.

Ben Patkowski is the son of Max and Holly Patkowski and attends Mustang High School.  He plans to major in business administration and participate in football, track and field, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

According to Stephannie DeLong, vice president for enrollment management, the college received a number of applications for the Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship.

“Southwestern College has been offering full tuition scholarship competitions for nearly ten years,” DeLong says.  “The Moundbuilder Spirit full tuition scholarship embraces the culture of our students who pursue academic, co-curricular, community, and civic engagement.  We received over 120 applications for this year’s Moundbuilder Spirit scholarship competition and hosted 47 students on campus.  Students participated in an interview with two faculty/staff members and wrote an essay addressing how they have overcome personal or systemic obstacles in their lives.  We look forward to welcoming Wyatt and Ben to the Builder family and seeing them continue to grow academically and personally.”

Southwestern's competitive full-tuition scholarship program began in 2016. As the number of students applying for admission to Southwestern has grown, the number applying to compete for the full-tuition competition has also increased. Since the beginning, the full-tuition program has attracted a talented and diverse group of students to apply. Each year a large proportion of the students who compete for the full-tuition awards, but are not selected as the recipients choose to come to Southwestern.

Four Southwestern College halls of fame will open their doors to new inductees. The celebration will include recognition of inductees entering the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame for the Social Sciences, as well as the Fine Arts, Business, and Educators Halls of Fame. All of the induction ceremonies are open to the public at no cost, but there is a cost for associated meals and seating is limited for those meals.

“We are pleased to honor the 2025 class of hall of fame inductees and are looking forward to celebrating them on campus in April,” says Southwestern College President Liz Frombgen. “These are incredible individuals who embody the mission of Southwestern and represent our college well in their work and service; they make the extended Builder family proud.”

Hall of fame festivities will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, April 11, with a dinner in Deets Library for those entering the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame for the Social Sciences.  The induction ceremony will begin following dinner. The cost is $25, limited seating is available, and RSVP is necessary.

On Saturday, April 12, the Business Hall of Fame reception will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Christy lobby, followed immediately by the induction ceremony at 8:45 a.m., in Richardson Performing Arts Center; RSVP is appreciated. 

At 10 a.m., a reception will be held for the inductees of the Fine Arts Hall of Fame in the Darbeth Fine Arts lobby followed by the induction ceremony at 10:30 a.m., in Messenger Recital Hall; RSVP is appreciated.   

A luncheon will be held for the Educators Hall of Fame in Deets Library at noon, with the induction ceremony to begin at approximately 12:45 p.m.  Dinner cost is $25, seating is limited, and RSVP is needed.

Other events include:

• Thursday, April 10— Honors Convocation, 4 p.m., in the Richardson Performing Arts Center.
• Friday, April 11— Founders Day Lecture, presented by LaShawn Jefferson, Social Sciences at 4 p.m., in Messenger Recital Hall.  The topic of the lecture is “The Unifying Force of Human Rights: Our Path Forward Together.”
• Friday, April 11—Concert at 7:30 p.m., featuring Jaubi & Multifarious Trio, Richardson Performing Arts Center.  

Individuals entering the various halls of fame include:

• Leaders in Service: Ina (Turner) Gray, who will also receive an honorary doctorate degree at the ceremony; Greg Cole ’10; and Thad Leffingwell ’92.
• Fine Arts: Lori (Alexander) Borger ’76 and Bill Borger ’74.
• Business: Jim Thomas ’76 and Vineeta Sherring ’80. Business Builder award will be presented to Millard Management, based in Lawrence. 
• Educators: Jane Bodman-Smith’93; Susan (Ingerson) Porter ’64, and Ken Rickard ’69.

Southwestern College hall of fame displays are located in Mossman Hall, Darbeth Fine Arts Center, Beech Science Center, Deets Library, and Stewart Field House, but may also be found online at www.sckans.edu/hof.

For more information about any of the events for Founders Day, contact Ashlee Mayo, director of alumni engagement, at (620) 229-6155.

Campers will rotate through various drills related to passing, catching, kicking, and blocking.  Several SC football players will be assisting with the drills.

Portillo and Erbe are excited for the chance to work with youth players.

“I wanted to do something for the community, since they have done so much for us and our program,” Portillo says. “I hope someday to become an athletic director, but teaching and coaching is something I have always wanted to do.”

“I would like to coach in the future and this seemed like a great stepping stone,” Erbe says.

Portillo is a junior offensive lineman from Newcastle, Okla., and Erbe is a sophomore quarterback from Chanute. 

Campers are encouraged to register to attend before March 22, although walk-ins will be allowed. Register by emailing either arnold.portillo@sckans.edu or eric.erbe@sckans.edu. 

Portillo and Erbe also would like to invite players coming to the camp to also attend the Southwestern College women’s flag football game versus the University of Saint Mary at 1 p.m. There is no admission charge to attend.

Program Director Begins Work, Downtown Winfield Site Selected 

Southwestern College has announced updates regarding the launch of a Physician Assistant/Physician Associate program (PA). The College has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and anticipates matriculating its first class, a cohort of up to 40, in January 2027, pending the achievement of “Accreditation – Provisional” status at the June 2026 ARC-PA Commission meeting. 

Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. 

Additionally, the College has applied for approval of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies by the Higher Learning Commission and is pending approval. 

(Photo: Dr. Liz Frombgen)

Some of the first steps toward achieving provisional accreditation status require that the college hire an experienced program director, prepare a program location, and begin hiring faculty. Toward that goal, the College has formally entered an agreement with the McNeish family on the lease of a portion of the facility at 800 Main in downtown Winfield.

“We are grateful to the McNeish family, who have long been incredible supporters of Southwestern College, for their willingness to partner with us as we work the launch of the PA program,” said Southwestern President, Dr. Liz Frombgen. “800 Main is a beautiful space offering downtown amenities for our PA students as well as visibility and it will serve as an extension of our Main Campus for these specialized learners.” 

Per the terms of the agreement, the College will occupy the leased space in June of 2025. The College will begin to make renovations to the space in preparation for the arrival of PA faculty and students. 

(Photo: Lynch, Frombgen, Tom McNeish, Dr. Marilyn McNeish at 800 Main Place.)

“Our family built 800 Main Place in 1988 as an investment in the future of Winfield and in support of the vitality of our downtown,” said Tom McNeish. “Our partnership and support of Southwestern as they begin the PA program represents a continuation of that investment and our belief in what is possible for Winfield.” The College is working with Agora Architecture, also located at 800 Main, on renovation plans for the space. 

“This level of investment and educational innovation in Winfield is exciting for many reasons,” said Taggart Wall, Winfield City Manager. “Of course, primary among them is the investment in downtown and the literal doors this will open for further private investment downtown. We look forward to all of the ways Southwestern PA students will positively affect the economy of our downtown businesses and our regional healthcare systems.” 

Additionally, Chandra Lynch, MSHS, MBA, Pa-C has begun work as the inaugural director of the College’s PA program. Lynch has moved to Winfield and has already begun work on meeting the next requirements as outlined by the accreditation pathway standards.

“Chandra has an incredible depth of experience as a PA program director and as a healthcare provider and she is uniquely positioned to lead the continued development of our PA program forward,” said Dr. J.K. Campbell, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty at Southwestern College. “It was clear during the selection process that Chandra is a dedicated educator and a knowledgeable practitioner, she is an exceptional fit.” 

(Photo: Chandra Lynch.)

Lynch comes to Southwestern College from Baldwin Wallace University’s physician assistant program, where she has served since 2012. She has led the program at Baldwin Wallace for the past two years as director. Lynch is a licensed physician assistant with a range of medical experience, including neurology and family practice. She has maintained a PRN position as a clinical physician assistant, treating primary care patients since entering academia. 

Lynch earned her bachelor of science in biology from Cleveland State University. She attended Cuyahoga Community Program for Physician Assistant Studies before earning her master of science in health science at Cleveland State University. Additionally, Lynch holds an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University and is working to complete her Ph.D in leadership in higher education at Concordia University in Chicago. 

“We have made great progress toward launching a PA program at Southwestern College, but one of the most challenging tasks when opening a new PA program is finding a highly qualified and experienced program director,” said Dr. Frombgen. “We are thrilled to have found Chandra during a national search process. Her approach to educating and preparing PAs and her network will serve our college and students well in the coming years.” 

Currently, there are 308 accredited master’s degree level programs in the U.S. Gaining acceptance to PA programs is highly competitive, it is reported that approximately 20% of all program applicants across the nation gain acceptance to a PA program in any admissions cycle and the demand for PAs in the workforce is growing steadily growing according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. PA programs generally take 24-27 months to complete and PA candidates must engage in 2,000 hours of clinical rotations and pass a certification exam. ARC-PA summarizes the work of PAs as members of collaborative healthcare teams, PAs make clinical decisions and provide a broad range of diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services. The clinical role of PAs includes primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice settings. 

With the addition of Lynch to lead the program forward, Southwestern College has launched a search for principal faculty. Southwestern College alumnus, Dr. Bryan Dennett, who is a local family-practice physician is serving as the medical director of the program. 

“Physician Assistants/Associates are a highly sought piece of the healthcare delivery model and in rural communities in Kansas and across the country they will play an increasingly important role,” said Dr. Frombgen. “We are excited to lean into historic institutional strength in the sciences as we’ve reestablished a bachelor of science in nursing program and work to launch a PA program at Southwestern College.”

Businesses and individuals may bring items to the event. GON Recycling will collect the items and process them for recycling. GON Recycling guarantees 100 percent security on all hard drives and customer information. They are e-Stewards, R2 and ISO 14001 certified.

Kim Dolphin, assistant professor of biology, hopes that old electronics don’t just get thrown away during everyone's spring cleaning.

“Don’t throw away your electronic devices,” Dolphin says. “Hold on to those items for the March 26 recycling event.  While buying less is always the best option, we want to avoid those old electronics heading to the landfill when you inevitably have to let go of the old to make room for the new.”

GON Recycling accepts the following electronic items:

• computers
• laptops
• servers
• network equipment
• LCD Monitors
• printers
• scanners
• fax machines
• copiers
• POS scanners and equipment
• stereo equipment
• small household appliances such as toasters, irons, and coffee pots
• telephones
• telecommunications equipment
• phone systems
• security equipment
• industrial equipment
• UPS systems
• cell phones
• VCRs
• radios
• keyboards and computer mice
• lead acid batteries
• re-chargeable batteries
• industrial control panels
• ink and toner

Medical equipment that has been inspected and decontaminated of blood borne pathogens, fluids, solvents, pressure gases or radioactive sources is also accepted. Proof of decontamination is required. This can be a decontaminated sticker or paperwork attached to the unit.

GON Recycling will recycle CRT TVs and monitors for a $5 fee. Everything else is no cost. If you need to recycle these items, please bring the funds to pay the recycling fee.

GON Recycling cannot accept these items:

• refrigerators
• air conditioners that are not properly drained
• light bulbs
• smoke alarms
• alkaline batteries
• items that contain blood borne pathogens, fluids, solvents, Freon, pressure gases, radioactive or gasoline sources

For questions about Green Team, sustainability, or this e-waste event, contact Dolphin by email at kim.dolphin@sckans.edu or call Tad Humphrey at (620) 229-6123.

"We're thrilled to welcome nursing students back to Winfield and our campus. This program is a vital investment in the future of healthcare in south-central Kansas, providing essential training and strengthening our workforce," said Brian Barta, William Newton Hospital Chief Executive Officer. 

Community members, college and hospital trustees, faculty, and staff from the partnering institutions filled the space applauding the signing of a formal partnership agreement and cheering again as administrators cut the large purple ribbon provided by the Winfield Chamber of Commerce.

“Simulation training in an environment with this level of interactive technology gives our students a decided advantage as they hone their clinical skills and build confidence as healthcare providers,” said Shona Turner, Associate Professor of Nursing, Director of the BSN Nursing Program at Southwestern College. 

Event attendees were able to see demonstrations of the realistic high-fidelity patient manikins and pharmaceutical dispensing unit as they toured the space. 

“This collaboration is unique in that it involves two community colleges, a private independent college, and a hospital as a private entity, all in partnership with each other to benefit the community. I am not aware of anything like this in the state. Cowley College is focused on strengthening the workforce in south-central Kansas and we are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings to our students,” said Dr. Michelle Schoon, Cowley College President. 

Projections demonstrate that the ongoing nursing shortage will become more pronounced in the coming years. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects that by 2035 non-metropolitan areas will experience a need in excess of 75,000 registered nurses (RNs) to meet the projected demand. 

“It is no secret that there is a shortage of highly trained and qualified nurses and that need is amplified in rural communities – William Newton needs avenues to recruit a workforce that is familiar with communities like ours. Similarly, we as community members, need and want excellent nurses to care for us and for our loved ones,” added Dr. Liz Frombgen, Southwestern College President.

Rural Kansas hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals, like William Newton Hospital, and rural-based health clinics will be most impacted by the nursing shortage. The Kansas Hospital Association Annual Workforce Survey shows that in 2023 a total of 2,352 full-time, equivalent vacancies were reported for RNs – during that same time, Kansas hospitals reported a 16% turnover rate for RNs, which has improved slightly since the national pandemic, but continues to compound the workforce shortage.

“As community-based institutions of higher learning, we can play an important role in attracting and preparing a new generation of nurses to answer that need and we can have a greater impact and our resources will go further if we are committed to working together,” added Frombgen 

Butler Community College Associates Degree in Nursing students began using the Simulation Center space earlier in the week, while Southwestern College’s first cohort of nurses will begin learning in the space in the fall of 2025.

“Butler knows firsthand that higher education is stronger when our colleges work together to achieve things we would be unable to accomplish alone. This unique collaboration that includes two outstanding colleges, Cowley and Southwestern, plus a dynamic regional hospital, is certain to meet the needs of the communities we collectively serve. The level of cooperation has been remarkable, and we could not have asked for better partners to undertake this difference-making initiative,” said Dr. Jackie Vietti, Butler Interim President. 

News Story on KWCH

KWCH Channel 12 News sent a reporter down to document the ribbon cutting.

► Watch the video here.

About Southwestern College

Southwestern College is a private liberal arts college, founded in 1885 by Methodists in south-central Kansas. Today its Winfield campus is the residential hub that guides students to lives of meaning and service, with well-rounded academic and extra-curricular offerings attracting traditional-aged students from throughout the nation and world. Southwestern College Professional Studies provides options for online students in any location and has been named a top provider for persons serving in the military. The college continues to be affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more about Nursing at Southwestern College by visiting www.sckans.edu/nursing. 

About Cowley College 

Cowley College was founded in 1922 and has a rich history of providing quality education for over a century with multiple campuses located in Arkansas City, Mulvane, Wellington, Wichita, and Winfield Kansas. Cowley College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce development courses, catering to various career paths and interests. Visit cowley.edu for more information.

About Butler Community College 

Butler Community College, Kansas' only Adobe Creative Campus and a recognized Aspen Institute Top 150 U.S. Community College, offers more than 100 degree programs and 30 professional certification programs in person and online. The main campus is in El Dorado, Kansas, with several other campuses throughout the county and beyond. Visit www.butlercc.edu to learn more. 

About William Newton Hospital

William Newton Hospital (WNH) in Winfield, KS is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital serving Cowley County and the neighboring regions with a proud heritage of excellence in patient care. The hospital provides general medical and surgical care for inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room patients. WNH's network includes numerous primary care and specialty clinics spread across south-central Kansas. Just a few of the healthcare services offered include cardiology, orthopedics & sports medicine, foot & ankle care, labor & delivery, OB/GYN care, cardiac rehab, oncology, pulmonary rehab, radiology, wound care, occupational health for business & industry, and rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. With a wide range of services not often found in a rural hospital, WNH strives to provide big-city medicine, with small-town service. Visit www.wnhcares.org to learn more. 

The title of his lecture is “Reading, Writing, & Thinking in the Age of Large Language Models.”

Symons is a professor of philosophy at KU and a member of The Academic Center for Biomedical and Health Humanities. His current work is centered in philosophy of technology with ties to formal epistemology, philosophy of psychology, and metaphysics of emergence. As director of the Center for Cyber-Social Dynamics, Dr. Symons engages in the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural study of the relationship between internet and data-driven technologies and society, politics, and culture in order to help our communities to mindfully and ethically shape technologies to promote human flourishing.

Jacob Goodson, associate professor of philosophy at Southwestern College, is looking forward to this lecture.

“A very popular and well-respected professor at KU, John Symons is one of the leading thinkers on the philosophy of technology and questions relating to artificial intelligence,” Goodson says.  “In his lecture at SC, he plans to talk about how artificial intelligence impacts our thinking and writing — both in positive and negative ways. It feels like such an honor to host him here in Winfield and on campus.”

The Beck lectureship, funded by Paul V. Beck to explore topics relating to science and religion, is an annual event on campus and brings in theologians, scientists, and philosophers from across the nation. 

For more information about the Beck Lecture, email Goodson at Jacob.Goodson@sckans.edu.

Dean's Honor Roll - Fall 2024

The theme of the hour-long event is Halftime Show.

“We are planning on having some fun visual things happen,” says troupe director Allyson Moon.  “In the spirit of the Super Bowl, we will have lighting effects, fog, and music from our pep band, The Band-its. The players will be introduced in the spirit of an athletic event.  This show is improv meets athletics. And, of course, there will be candy.”

Moon adds that the show is designed with families and members of the greater Southwestern College, Winfield, and Cowley community in mind. The content is rated G.

Performers from Nine Lives include John Moberly, Jamelle Sanchez, RJ Mader, and Grace Whisenhant. Performers from Snark Side of the Moon include Charles McKinzie, Meg Calvin, Joel Wilke, Liam Cunningham, and Chris Rogers.

One of the games that they will play is called Props Challenge. Audience members are invited to bring fun props like a stuffed animal, a pool noodle, or any other kind of crazy prop is encouraged. Props will be returned to their owners at the end of the show.

The event will begin with a partnership agreement signing at 2:15 p.m.  The partnership includes William Newton Hospital, Butler Community College, Cowley College, and Southwestern College with each entity playing an important role in the launch of the space.  The official ribbon cutting with the Winfield Chamber of Commerce will be at 2:30 p.m.

The Nursing Simulation Center is an educational facility designed to provide hands-on, experiential learning for nursing students. Equipped with realistic patient simulators, advanced medical technology, and interactive learning environments, the center allows learners to practice clinical skills, critical thinking, and decision-making in a safe, controlled setting.

“The Simulation Center is focused on developing clinical competence and confidence in our students, which not only enhances their proficiency but also will ultimately result in improved patient care,” said Shona Turner, Associate Professor of Nursing, Director of the BSN Nursing Program at Southwestern College.

The Nursing Simulation Center includes life-like mannequins that replicate real patient responses, such as breathing, heartbeats, and vocalizations; simulated clinical environments; tools for practicing procedures like IV insertion, wound care, and medication administration; opportunities to collaborate with peers in various healthcare roles; spaces for reflection and feedback, supported by video playback of simulations.

“As we celebrate the completion of Simulation Center project, we also acknowledge the many partnerships and contributions that made it possible. From the commitment of space and support from William Newton Hospital; to the donated patient beds from SCK Health; to the equipment and simulators provided by our partner institutions, Cowley College and Butler Community College, the Simulation Center is truly a collaborative effort to improve access to excellent nursing education in our community,” added Turner.

The open house event will include guided tours of the Simulation Center, information about the state-of-the-art equipment, and information about admission to the participating nursing programs.

Learn more about Nursing at Southwestern College by visiting www.sckans.edu/nursing.

The featured speaker for the event is Odell Harris Jr., with music from soloist Kimberly Paige. Other speakers for the celebration include Southwestern College President Liz Frombgen and vice president for special projects and planning, Dawn Pleas.

Harris is a pastor, teacher, evangelist, and entrepreneur. Since 2008, he has been a Future Ready Advocate Mentor for Wichita public schools.  He assists students from all backgrounds with decision-making, coping skills, leadership development, and study habits. He focuses on improving the lives of students and their families.  He is the co-owner and vice president at Heavenly Gates Mortuary; a supervisor at Making a Difference Shelter Home; an assistant coach for Team Wichita Elite Track and Field, and a young adult, youth, and children’s pastor at Strangers Rest Missionary Baptist Church. Harris was the head cross country coach at Wichita West from 2017-2020, and most recently was interim head cross country coach at Southwestern College.

He was recently named Volunteer of the Year by the Wichita Police Department and has been nationally recognized in the work of Equity, Diversity, Accountability, and Inclusion; restorative practices, and in community uplift and youth justice.

“As a bi-vocational pastor, my life's calling and mission are to walk alongside some of the most challenged and disenfranchised individuals and families,” Harris says.  “This work not only makes my life feel impactful but also purpose-driven.”

Soloist Kimberly Paige is a dynamic vocalist whose soulful blend of jazz and R&B transports listeners to a realm of enchanting musical experiences. Raised in the AME church, she began singing at the age of four, developing a powerful and heartfelt vocal style that continues to captivate audiences. Throughout her school years, she refined her craft, harnessing the warmth and intimacy that define her performances today.

Drawing inspiration from timeless icons like Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and Chaka Khan, Paige infuses each set with effortless improvisation, soulful expression, and a touch of modern flair. Whether serenading a cozy lounge or commanding a larger stage, she radiates a relaxing yet inspirational energy that resonates deeply with listeners.

With a dedication to creating intimate, spellbinding moments, Paige invites audiences into a world of musical magic—one where every note lingers, every lyric tells a story, and every performance becomes an unforgettable journey.

The Pillars Academic Scholarship, a merit-based award that recognizes two students who demonstrate outstanding academic abilities, will provide full-tuition support to Rodriquez and Lopez. Both scholarships are renewable for four years and valued at approximately $150,000.

Rodriquez is the son of Thomas Rodriquez Jr., and Stacie Baumgartel, and attends West Elk High School.  He plans to major in psychology and participate in the Leadership program.

Lopez is the daughter of Imelda Perez and Juan Carlos Lopez and attends Gretna High School in Nebraska.  She plans to major in business and participate in theatre and choir.

According to Stephannie DeLong, vice president for enrollment management, the college received a number of applications.

“With 59 students attending the Pillars competition from all over the United States, we were excited to host such accomplished students,” DeLong says.  “The finalists invited to campus demonstrated their leadership and academic excellence in essays and interviews and exemplify the heart of true Builders.”

Southwestern is currently accepting applications for the Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship, which recognizes student leaders who are well-rounded, hardworking, and community-minded. Two students will be selected to receive a full-tuition scholarship.  Applications are due by January 20.  

Southwestern's competitive full-tuition scholarship program began in 2016. As the number of students applying for admission to Southwestern has grown, the number applying to compete for the full-tuition competition has also increased. Since the beginning, the full-tuition program has attracted a talented and diverse group of students to apply. Each year a large proportion of the students who compete for the full-tuition awards, but are not selected as the recipients choose to come to Southwestern.

“In addition to our Pillars and Moundbuilder Spirit scholarships, we also offer a transfer full tuition scholarship to one incoming transfer student per year,” DeLong adds.  “Applications for the transfer competition open in April with competition on campus this summer.”

“We are thrilled to begin admitting qualified students and are looking forward to next fall when we will get to work preparing students to become highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals,” said Shona Turner, associate professor of nursing and director of nursing.

Southwestern presently offers a pre-nursing pathway in the Natural Sciences division. Students in that pathway will make application to the BSN program as they enter their third year at Southwestern. Qualified students will receive first priority for one of the 20 available seats in each cohort.

“Having a Bachelor of Science level Nursing Program in our community creates an important recruiting source for healthcare delivery in our region. As we’ve worked to launch the nursing program and continue to build it, we have benefitted greatly from the support of many local partners,” said President Liz Frombgen.

The college has partnered with William Newton Hospital to host the simulation lab on the hospital campus, which allows for enhanced networking opportunities and environmental immersion.

“Housing our simulation lab on a hospital campus is unique and will create many interesting learning opportunities for our students,” said Turner.

Additionally, the college has received gifts of furniture and equipment from South Central Kansas Medical Center. The program has garnered generous support from community members who have contributed underwriting support for start-up costs and funding scholarships to support nursing students. The college utilized a matching grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to further the impact of local support.

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners and community members who have in many ways made the aggressive launch timeline and high level of expectation a possibility through their support,” added Frombgen.

One such partnership is with Cowley College in Arkansas City. Following program approval the college signed an articulation agreement with Cowley College allowing students from Cowley College the opportunity to gain a BSN from Southwestern, keeping them in Cowley County as they complete their nursing training.

The agreement between Cowley College and Southwestern College will provide students an opportunity to earn an Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing after two years and a BSN from Southwestern after an additional two years of focused training including clinical rotations. The agreement declares that Cowley College is a preferred partner, if and when seats are left unfilled by Southwestern students, Cowley College qualified pre-nursing pathway students will be given priority for admission to the program.

“We are committed to leveraging the nursing program at Southwestern College to benefit the health and wellness of our community and region as we prepare healthcare professionals who will make our college proud through their work and service.,” said Frombgen 

To learn more about the nursing program at Southwestern College visit www.sckans.edu/nursing.

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According to director Allyson Moon, the tradition of “Eagerheart” from the perspective of the Campus Players, is that “Eagerheart” is their gift to the community and there has never been an admission charge to attend.  And now at a time of great need at the Winfield Food Pantry, Moon hopes the community will give back.

“Eager Heart says to the Holy Family, ‘Enough, enough that you have need and I the hand to give,’ to me, that is what ‘Eagerheart’ is all about,” Moon says.  “So many in our area are in need, those who attend can be the ones to give a non-perishable item.”

This year’s show includes a combination cast consisting of alumni, Campus Players, current students, and students from Winfield High School.

“Eagerheart,” which was written by early 20th century English playwright A.M. Buckton, celebrates the legend that Christ and the Holy Family travel the earth each year, blessing one deserving home where they rest on Christmas Eve.   Eager Heart and sisters Eager Fame and Eager Sense, along with shepherds and kings of Power, Wisdom, and Love, reveal their understanding of Christ and His teachings.  The search for the Holy Family is tested by beggars seeking food and shelter.  The play challenges and inspires audiences to live with charity throughout the year. 

The cast includes:

Meg Calvin playing the role of Prologue/Epilogue. 

Playing the role of Eager Heart will be Jordan Burford.  Arden Mouangdy has been cast as Eager Sense and Alexis Miers as Eager Fame.

The kings will be played by Craig Thompson, King of Power; Terry McGonigle, King of Wisdom; and Liam Cunningham, King of Love. Pat Ross will play the role of the Old Shepherd. Other shepherds will be played by Abegale Denley, R. J. Mader, and John Moberly. 

Alexis Kersten, MaKaylin Kuchar, Savannah Saunders, Breegan Bevan, Austin Fairbanks, Tyler O’Quinn, Emmett Murphy, and Winfield High School Meistersingers and Bel Canto Choirs will play the role of the angels while the Angel of Death will be played by Saherena Williams.

An uncredited but honored woman traditionally plays the role of the beggar woman who later is recognized as one the Holy Family, and infants of the community are cast as the beggars’ child taken in by Eager Heart.   

The technical staff includes:

Allyson Moon, director; Southwestern Singers and musical director and accompanist, Simon Hill; Winfield choir director, MJ Harper; and costume designer, Terry McGonigle.

Winfield High School Bel Canto and Meistersingers Choirs have prepared a prelude for the December 8 performance. Meistersingers Choir will perform “The Candle is a Symbol” by Andy Beck, featuring Elias Moon, Vebi Karalija, and Chris Price, and “We Three Kings” arr. Andy Beck. Seniors Alanah Topper, Kayleigh Weiss, Julie Wedman, Suzie Placey, Haiden Tilley, Isaiah Steele, and Diego Velazquez will perform “O Holy Night” as their senior spotlight. Bel Canto Choir has prepared “Angels' Carol” by John Rutter, “Patapan” by Clare Grundman, and “Children, Go Where I Send Thee” arr. Kevin Phillip Johnson, featuring Aliyah Wilhoite, Jillian Priest, Gabby Fuller, Haiden Tilley, Mariahna Martin, and Allie Clausen. Bel Canto and Meistersingers will combine to perform “The Bells” by Lon Beery under the direction of MJ Harper and collaborative musician Billy Bearden as a finale of the prelude.

For more information, call (620) 229-6328 or email terry.mcgonigle@sckans.edu. 

Winterfest is an annual collaboration between SC’s Pep Band “The Builder Band-Its,” Southwestern Children’s Choir, A Cappella Choir, and the South Kansas Symphony.  Conducting the program will be Jeremy Kirk, director of bands and percussion; Nikki Kirk, director of the Southwestern Children’s Choir; Dr. Simon Hill, director of choral activities and voice; and Dr. Michael Christensen, Conductor of the South Kansas Symphony.  The concert will feature Dr. James Leland who will provide organ accompaniment of Christmas Carol Hymn Singing.  Selections will range from traditional to contemporary Christmas music. The concert will conclude with Dan Goeller’s “Christmas Carol Sing-Along.”

Although there is no admission charge, seats may be reserved by clicking on the link below. Reserved tickets must be claimed by 2:45 p.m., on Dec. 8.

Reserve Winterfest Tickets

SGA Senate Meeting Minutes 10-27-2024 Powerpoint PDF

SGA Senate Meeting Minutes 10-13-2024 Powerpoint PDF

In addition to the gifts received as part of Samuel’s memorial, a local family, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered a $65,000 pledge to endow the fund – challenging community members to contribute. The lead donor hopes that, with additional support, the fund could generate multiple scholarships for Southwestern College nursing students each academic year.

“The nursing program continues to make good progress, we are now in the final phase of approval from the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) and anticipate accepting applicants for entry to the program in the fall of our 2025 academic year,” said nursing program director, Shona Turner. “We presently have students in the pre-nursing pathway who will apply for entry and are excited to begin recruitment efforts in earnest to fill our initial cohort once KSBN approval is received – scholarships are vitally important as we recruit students and build a strong program.” 

The Dr. Shanthi Samuel Endowed Scholarship for Nursing and Health Sciences was created to provide service-minded students financial assistance as they pursue a nursing degree at Southwestern College. 

“The scholarship is named for our friend and neighbor Dr. Shanthi Samuel – while she may not have graduated from Southwestern College, she was a Builder at heart. Dr. Shanthi was a true ambassador of our college, sharing her care and support with numerous students, faculty, and staff for nearly 50 years – we remain grateful to her and the Samuel family and we are excited to honor her legacy through the support of nursing students,” said Kaydee Riggs-Johnson, vice president for advancement, communications, and marketing.

Samuel passed away in May of 2024. She was born in 1941, in the city of Bangalore, South India. She completed her undergraduate and medical school degrees in India, graduating from the Christian Medical College in Vellore in 1967.  It was there that she met and married Chandy Samuel. The newly minted physicians worked together in a small remote mission hospital in South India and provided emergency, primary, and surgical care to a very underserved population before immigrating to the United States in 1971.  They moved to Syracuse, N.Y., to pursue training in their medical specialties; Chandy in surgery and Shanthi in pathology.

They brought their young family to Winfield in 1976 when Chandy (known as Dr. Sam) joined a local surgery practice.  Dr. Shanthi began practicing medicine at William Newton Memorial Hospital in 1980, after completing her pathology residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.  She was a dedicated, patient-centered, detail-oriented pathologist for nearly 35 years and a teacher at heart, offering cancer prevention education to community members and ‘show and tell’ presentations to school children demonstrating the effects of smoking and chronic alcohol use on human organ specimens from her hospital laboratory. 

Samuel loved hosting and caring for Southwestern College students, faculty, and staff and remained a strong supporter and ambassador of the college throughout her lifetime.

“This scholarship will make a great deal of difference in the lives of our students for years to come. The Dr. Shanthi Samuel Scholarship truly is an investment in the future of healthcare in our community. It is a continuation of Dr. Shanthi’s care for others and her dedication to the advancement of healthcare in our community,” said Liz Frombgen, president of Southwestern College.

Obituary for Dr. Shanthi Samuel

“Building a More Socially Connected Community: A listening & learning session with Legacy Foundation and Deets Library,” will address a 2023 report published by the Surgeon General that explains that the "epidemic of loneliness" can be just as harmful as daily cigarette smoking. 

“If you're concerned about loneliness in our community, join us for a conversation about how to build social connections in Cowley County,” says Emily Hedges, Deets Library director.  “All members of the community are invited to attend, including SC students who can speak to the particular challenges faced by young adults new to the area.”

Questions that will be asked include:

• Who is most socially isolated or lonely in our community?
• What makes you feel like you are welcome and belong in our community?
• What makes you or others feel like they don't belong in our community?
• What helps people in our community connect with each other more easily?

“We will discuss factors leading to disconnection and who is most at risk, as well as brainstorm solutions to overcome these challenges,” Hedges says.

A light dinner will be provided by the Legacy Foundation.  For more information, or to RSVP (appreciated but not required), contact Hedges at emily.hedges@sckans.edu.

The celebration will begin at 5 p.m., with a reception and dinner (cost is $25 per person, seating is limited, and RSVPs are necessary) in Deets Library. The induction ceremony will begin following dinner at approximately 6 p.m., all are invited to attend (no reservations are required). To make dinner reservations, contact Ashlee Mayo, director of alumni engagement, (620) 229-6155.

This hall of fame honors Southwestern College alumni who have made significant contributions in the natural sciences.

James Morgan ’77, James Morgan, graduated with a bachelor of science in biology and a minor in chemistry. While at Southwestern he participated in track for four years, A Capella Choir for three years as well as a year each on the cross country, football, and soccer club squads. After Southwestern, he received a master of science degree in biology with an emphasis in comparative endocrinology from the University of Oregon and a PhD in zoology from Oregon State University doing research in Neurophysiology. After graduating from Oregon State, research continued with gastric ion transport and stress physiology at the University of Arkansas. While teaching physiology and anatomy to nursing students at the University of Arkansas, Morgan became interested in sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture combined ecology and environmentalism with experience gained as a youth on a family farm in Kansas.  In the early 2000s, he and his wife, Teresa, were hired to manage the Katahdin Sheep National Breed Association. He used the position to continue teaching, by educating and encouraging shepherds to use “appropriate” science to improve environmentally sound lamb production.  This teaching encompassed several fields of biology including physiology, genetics, ethology, ecology, developmental biology, reproduction, and botany. In addition, Morgan worked with genetic researchers at Universities and USDA to develop new programs to improve sustainable and profitable sheep production in the USA. He was very effective at helping design data collection and recruited flocks to participate in the research. Resulting data were used by academic researchers to develop the first Estimated Breeding Values for parasite resistance and for total pounds weaned per ewe in the USA. This eventually led to incorporating genomics and modern DNA technology to more accurately identify superior sheep genetics. Along the way, he has been invited to speak on sheep genetics at the World Sheep and Wool Congress, as well as conferences in Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and around the USA. He served as President of the National Sheep Improvement Program for all breeds for 10 years, and Chairperson of USDA’s Southern Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education Council (the main granting agency for sustainable agriculture in the Southern USA). He is a member of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control and participates in committees for the American Sheep Industry Association. Jim and Teresa still have a sheep farm, market lamb meat at the Fayetteville Farmers Market, develop lamb recipes and sell sheep breeding stock.

Ken Lockwood ’80, grew up in Brockway, Penn., where he graduated from high school and was offered a football scholarship at Southwestern College which led him to spend the rest of his life in Kansas. Lockwood was one of the original starting players of the Wichita Flyers a semi-pro football team. His employment career included working for a meat packing plant, KGE, and the United States Post Office, where he met his wife of thirty-one years, Susan Ewertz Lockwood. He left the post office in 1999 which led him to a new adventure and passion. He was hired to be an animal and groundskeeper for what is now known as Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Ken and Susan lived on the park grounds for five years while caring for the animals and developing educational tours for the public. Ken owned a Siberian tiger named Maya. In 2003, Ken and Susan built their home in rural Cheney and established the Eagle Valley Raptor Center. Ken acted as the program director and head rehabilitator for eagles, owls, and hawks. Ken also developed educational tours at the site as well as providing educational presentations with animals at schools, churches, and other public events. Ken was an avid lover of all wildlife and nature. He possessed a vast knowledge about many animal species and was passionate about sharing this knowledge. He also volunteered at the Safari Zoological Park. Ken passed away on June 20, 2023.

Michael Porter ’81, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is an Associate Professor of Surgery and is the Program Director of the General Surgery Residency Program at the University of Kansas - Wichita. Born and raised in Kansas, he received his bachelor of science degree from Southwestern College in 1981 with majors in biology and chemistry. He then pursued his medical degree at The University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency in Wichita, followed by a colon and rectal fellowship at the prestigious Ferguson Clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He returned to Wichita to begin his practice with Wichita Surgical Specialists and joined the faculty of the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1991. Over the years, Porter has established himself as a highly respected surgeon and educator, eventually taking on the role of Program Director for the General Surgery Residency Program in 2016. His leadership in training the next generation of surgeons has been recognized for fostering excellence and innovation in surgical education. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Porter is deeply committed to his family. He and his wife, Lori, have three children and are proud grandparents. Outside of medicine, he is an accomplished trombonist, performing in jazz bands, orchestras, and concert bands. His passion for music is matched by his enthusiasm for running marathons. 

To see Southwestern College's halls of fame and a full list of inductees visit sckans.edu/hof.        

“This grant allows us to engage key members across our campus community in leadership development that will help us make progress on strategic initiatives,” says J.K. Campbell, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Southwestern College.  “I appreciate KLC giving Southwestern the opportunity to participate in leadership training experiences that will build our capacity to embrace change and meet challenges in productive and influential ways.”

Organizations that receive a Leadership Transformation Grant will establish a core team of three to six individuals to take on the responsibilities of the grant. Organizations chosen will have one year to participate in KLC’s dynamic program experiences and utilize KLC resources and consultation.

“KLC has been awarding grants to civically engaged organizations around the state for the past 10 years and we look forward to helping them make lasting progress on their biggest challenges. We’re proud to see this program grow every year since we started offering these grants,” said Kaye Monk-Morgan, president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center.

In the 10 years of awarding these grants, KLC has given 700 grants, trained more than 15,000 people, and partnered with more than 350 Kansas organizations and communities.

President Liz Frombgen led the dedication and spoke of the love and spirit that the Grays provided, having spent their professional lives growing the students of Southwestern.

Photo: The Dr. Wallace and Ina Gray Garden in the courtyard at Winfield Hall was officially dedicated during Homecoming festivities at Southwestern College.  Pictured are (from L-R) Toni Gray, Ina Gray, and SC President Liz Frombgen.

“The Grays have offered Southwestern College so much – their time, talent, and resources,” Frombgen said.  “They’ve done this with intention and with love. And today we get to honor their graciousness. For years to come, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who interact with this space will get to feel the welcoming and accepting spirit of Ina and Wallace.”

In addition to the engraved limestone marker which will be set in concrete, there are additional plans for the garden, which include planting more flowering plants.

Dr. Wallace Gray earned his doctorate from Vanderbilt University before beginning his teaching career in 1954 in the undergraduate religion department of Southern Methodist University. Two years later, the family arrived in Winfield. An ordained Methodist minister, Wallace became the Kirk Professor of Philosophy and Religion. One tribute described how his courses “opened the minds of Kansas farm boys and girls to modern historical and literary interpretations of the Bible.”

By the time he retired from Southwestern 40 years later, he had taught more than 5,000 students, but not all were Builders. He had taught English at the YMCA in Hiroshima, Japan, and during summers instructed supply pastors in schools of theology in Kansas City and Dallas, as well as other classes and scholarly opportunities.

Toni Gray, daughter of Ina and Wallace and member of the Southwestern Class of 1976, also spoke at the occasion, "When I asked Ina Turner Gray her favorite quotation about gardens, she chose, 'To nurture a garden is to believe in tomorrow,' attributed to Audrey Hepburn.  In addition to her belief that Southwestern College is key to our tomorrows, she loves flowering and vegetable gardens."

Ina Turner Gray earned her master of arts from Scarritt College in Nashville in religious education and church history and she completed postgraduate work in sociology at the University of Hawaii.  For twenty years Ina served as the Executive Director, Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society in Social Science, retiring in 1996.

“Ina offered thoughtful and creative leadership to Pi Gamma Mu – a society that has offered enrichment to the thousands of faculty and students and that was founded here at Southwestern College in 1924 by Dean Leroy Allen,” Frombgen said.  “So Ina’s work to advance Pi Gamma Mu carries particular weight and perhaps extra admiration here on our campus.”

Frombgen is grateful for her friendship with Ina.

“I regret that I never was able to know Wallace,” Frombgen said.  “In Ina, I have found a great friend."

According to director Terry McGonigle, “The Fantasticks” is a parable; a tongue and cheek look at parenting with children who think they are adults, but aren’t just yet.

“Audience members should expect an evening of fun, laughs, and maybe even a touch of nostalgia,” McGonigle says.   “It’s a fun show with great characters that people will be able to identify with.  The old actor who still wants to be active, parents who think they are smarter than children, and children who think they are smarter than the parents.”

The cast includes: Anika Fairbanks as The Mute; Abbey Denly as Bellomy; Jordan Burford as Hucklebee; MaKaylin Kuchar as Luisa Bellomy; John Moberly as Matt Hucklebee; Simon Hill as El Gallo; Jacob Giger as Henry Albertson; and Pio Hernandez as Mortimer.

“The Fantasticks” ran for 42 years in NYC and closed in 2002.  In 1967 SC performed the show and was one of the first college productions done after it was released for public performances in the mid-1960s.  

McGonigle says that some of that original cast will be in attendance for the Thursday night performance including Ron and Judy Haines, who played the boy and the girl in the show, and eventually married.  Also coming is Roxy Callison and Nelson Warren.  On Friday, Campus Players alumni Marcie Brown ’71 and her husband are coming as well as Donna Bean ’71.

 “The fact that they are supporting us, keeping the program alive is great (Brown is underwriting the production),” McGonigle says.  “I cannot express enough gratitude to those folks, helping with donations, doing what they can.  It is nice to know that the alumni are still very positive about the college and the program.”  

McGonigle also adds that Messenger Auditorium has been upgraded.

“Messenger has been spruced up, seats repaired, ceiling painted, new lighting system, and the sound system has been beefed up,” McGonigle says.  “Our cast of eight is working so hard, wanting to make this a successful production. The set is finished, costumes are ready to go.  The first production of this show was in the Little Theatre with platforms that were built for that show.  Those original platforms will also be used in this show, so they have come full circle.”

The College has shown marked improvement in first to second-year retention, a key indicator of institutional health. Overall retention has improved from 48% in 2022 to 56% 2024.

Photo: Southwestern College’s first-year students, the Class of 2028, gathered for a group picture along with student orientation leaders in August.

“As a campus community we have made retention a priority of our work and while we’ve made incredible progress over a short time, we still have ground to cover,” said Elizabeth Frombgen Southwestern College President. “We are committed to an actionable plan focused on providing support and removing barriers so that our students can complete the work, have a great experience, earn their diplomas, and ultimately be prepared for success and service in their future endeavors."

Southwestern began moving students into residence halls on Aug. 7, classes began on Aug. 19.

“Now, 20 plus days in, we’ve celebrated important institutional traditions, such as the Moundbuilding Ceremony and Opening Convocation, and are looking forward to mid-terms, fall break, Homecoming festivities, athletic competitions, and performances,” said Frombgen. “Students are noticeably more engaged in campus life than they have been in recent years and are embracing the culture of our campus community as they make a home here in Winfield.”

Since 2022, the College has launched new academic programs and initiatives to provide students with additional learning opportunities and support to help them reach their academic goals. In addition to an honors program, new majors include agribusiness, construction management (both in partnership with Cowley College), and criminal justice and legal studies. Also on the horizon is the return of a bachelor of science in nursing, with students now enrolling in pre-nursing as the College works to open the program in the fall of 2025. The College has also added a first-year experience advising program that includes a summer orientation for students and families, all aimed at supporting new undergraduates and their families during the transition to college life. These initiatives support improved retention.

"We are fortunate to have an incredible group of students, faculty, and staff here on the hill and far abroad via our online programs, the work we do together each day as learners and teachers builds opportunity and expands possibility. I am pleased that our College is off to a strong start in this new academic year," added Frombgen.

The new members are Zak Tazkargy ’12, Tracy (Juden) Adams ’86, Brett Annis ’06, Andrae Harper ’07, T. J. Harris, ’04, Jeff Boone ’73, and the undefeated 1967 SC football team. Inductees will also be introduced at halftime of the Southwestern-University of Saint Mary Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 5.  Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Zak Tazkargy

Zak Tazkargy excelled in the classroom and on the football field while at Southwestern College.  He earned First Team All-KCAC Defense three times, was listed as a NAIA First Team player in the preseason leading into the 2012 season, was selected to the KCAC Academic All-Conference team, and NAIA All-American Honorable Mention. He is second all-time in the KCAC for tackles in a single game with 29.   Tazkargy graduated as a Presidential Scholar and was selected to the KCAC Academic All-Conference team. 

Following graduation, he earned a pharmaceutical doctorate from KU School of Pharmacy in 2016. Tazkargy then went on to earn a medical doctorate from KU School of Medicine in 2021. He just finished his residency training in Colorado and is currently working as a primary care doctor in Salina. Zak, and his wife, Sara, have been married for a little over a year now.

Tracy (Juden) Adams

Tracy (Juden) Adams participated and lettered in volleyball and track and field for four years and played and lettered in basketball for one year while at Southwestern.  On the track, Adams was named All-KCAC her junior season and competed at the Outdoor National Championships.  As a senior, she was named Most Valuable Track Athlete and Academic All-KCAC.  Adams held the school record in the 100 and 200 meters for several years.  In volleyball, Adams was an Academic All-KCAC selection three times, First Team All-KCAC as a junior and a unanimous First Team All-KCAC selection as a senior.  As a junior, she ranked 12^th in the nation in kill percentage and was named Most Valuable Offensive Player.  As a senior, she was ranked 6^th in the nation for kill percentage, had an 87% serve reception efficiency and a 93.6% serve percentage. In her volleyball career, she played in 345 out of 383 games.

She is currently in her 37^th year of teaching; she taught junior high girls physical education in Wellington for eight years and has taught elementary physical education for 29 years in Oxford.  She and her husband, Dale, have two step-children, Curstin (Jason) Jinkens and Zach Adams; and three grandchildren, Cydnee, Brooklyn, and Zander.

Brett Annis

Brett Annis played basketball at Southwestern from 2001-2005.  The year prior to joining the Moundbuilder team, SC won just three games.  In his freshman year, SC was 8-21 but by his senior season, the Builders went 21-8.  Annis was a big part of the turnaround which went full circle with a 28-3 record and a NAIA Tournament berth the following season.  Annis was a defensive menace as he accumulated 124 steals in his career and was named to the All-Defensive KCAC team three times.  He played in 106 games as a Builder, became the 12^th member of the 1,000-point club, and finished his career with 1,146 points, 10^th all-time when he graduated. He was respected by his teammates and he was named team captain as a junior and senior.  He was just as tenacious in the classroom as he earned KCAC All-Academic status three times, and twice was named a NAIA Scholar Athlete. 

Annis and his wife, Katie, have two daughters, Avery and Jayci, and live in Oklahoma City.  Brett is the vice president of Wholesale Natural Gas Trading at Clearwater Enterprises.

Andrae Harper

Andrae Harper ran cross country and track at Southwestern College from 2003 to 2007.   He was a three-time national qualifier in cross country and a four-time All-American in track and field. During his time competing at SC, he set the indoor record for the 800-meter run, and he was also part of the indoor 4x800 team and distance medley relay team that made the record books at SC. Harper graduated from Southwestern with an elementary education degree, was named a Masterbuilder, and was the recipient of the Fran Jabara Leadership Award.

Harper resides in Arkansas City with his wife, Nicole, a 2009 Southwestern graduate. They have two daughters, Riley and Kinsley.  He teaches computer science at Ark City Middle School and is the middle school track and high school cross-country coach for the Bulldogs. 

T. J. Harris

T. J. Harris participated in track and field while at Southwestern and graduated in 2004.  He is the current record holder at SC in the triple jump and the long jump.  During his time at Southwestern, he was never beaten in any KCAC meet in those two events.  Harris was a three-time All-American, twice in the long jump and once in the triple jump.  He was a five-time KCAC Champion, twice in the long jump and triple jump, and once with his 4x100 relay team.  He was also a part of two KCAC team titles. Following graduation, Harris began lending his knowledge as a coach.  He is currently coaching at San Jose St. University. Prior to that, he coached eight years at Southwestern producing 31 KCAC champions and three All-Americans; two years at Johnson County Community College producing four national champions and 16 All-Americans; and seven years at Campbell University where 30 athletes became Big South Conference champions and two NCAA All-Americans.  At SJSU he coached their first-ever women’s All-American, seven other All-Americans, and nine Mountain West champions. 

Harris has been married to his wife, Mandy, for 20 years and they have three children; Sydni, Leyla, and Maxwell.

Jeff Boone

Jeff Boone came to Southwestern after two years of playing basketball and tennis at Garden City Community College.  He continued playing those sports at Southwestern.  He was a guard on the SC men’s basketball team from 1971-1973.  The 1973 team finished runner-up in the KCAC with a 12-4 record.  In tennis, he played #1 singles and #1 doubles with his playing partner, Larry Ewart. In 1973, the duo finished as semi-finalist in the KCAC.  After graduation, he ran the marathon at the 1979 Drake Relays and finished in 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Boone, M.D., M.S., is the President, CEO, and Medical Director of the Boone Heart Institute, a Denver-based healthcare organization dedicated to the eradication of heart disease and stroke.  In addition, Dr. Boone is an expert Consultant in Cardiometabolic Health, Preventive Cardiology, and Stress Medicine.  In 2007, he was selected as one of the 160 Top Doctors in America by Men’s Health Magazine, and listed as one of the 17 Top Cardiovascular Doctors in America for Men. Boone served as a member of the NFL Cardiovascular Committee from 2010 to 2013.  He also served as the National Co-Director of the NFL Player Care Foundation Cardiovascular Program sponsored by the NFL, NFL Player’s Association and the NFL Alumni Association, from 2006 to 2013. Boone’s work with professional sports organizations has expanded in subsequent years to include consultation and cardiovascular testing of the Pittsburgh Pirates (2016-2020) and the San Francisco 49ers (2017 through present).

The 1967 SC Football Team

The 1967 SC football team is the first team to be inducted into the hall of fame.  SC finished the season by beating Emporia 25-10 giving SC their undefeated season.  Only the 1918 team had ever accomplished that feat.  They had a smothering defense that recorded three shutouts on the season.  In 10 games, the most points scored against them in a single game was 14, while the offense scored 30 or more points five times.  They finished with a record of 9-0-1 and claimed the KCAC title.  The Moundbuilders placed nine team members on the all-conference team, Dennis Cavalier was a unanimous choice for All-KCAC and was named as an NAIA All-American, and head coach Bud Elliot was voted KCAC Coach of the Year. 

Individually, 12 members of the 1967 team have entered the SC Athletic Hall of Fame along with head coach Bud Elliot.

“What an incredible class of inductees; to be able to celebrate these individuals and a team that have strengthened Southwestern through their talent and grit, is truly a privilege,” says athletic director Matt O’Brien.  “We’re excited to host so many who care deeply for Southwestern athletics in historic Stewart Field House for a memorable evening.”

O’Brien adds that nominations for the 2025 Southwestern College Athletic Hall of Fame will be accepted until Dec. 31.  To submit a nomination, email Matt.O’Brien@sckans.edu.

Community members and educators are invited to a discussion of civics education in American classrooms. The event features Steven Steinbach, a Winfield native and co-editor of “With Liberty and Justice for All?: The Constitution in the Classroom” (Oxford University Press).

“With Liberty and Justice for All?” will be of interest to anyone—whether teacher, student, or citizen—seeking a better appreciation of how constitutional disputes have influenced the course of U.S. history. The book combines essays by constitutional scholars with a wealth of supporting primary source documents, discussion topics, and suggested classroom strategies.

Steinbach taught United States History and American Government courses and served as history department chair at Sidwell Friends School in Washington D.C. Prior to becoming a teacher, he was a partner in the Washington, D.C., law firm of Williams & Connolly LLP, where he specialized in criminal and civil litigation. Steinbach grew up in Winfield, graduated from Winfield High School in 1974, and attended Harvard College and Yale Law School.

“On the heels of Constitution Day, and with the coming election, it’s the perfect time to discuss the important role of civics education in schools,” said Emily Hedges, Southwestern College librarian. “Preparing the next generation of educators is a key mission for Southwestern College. By partnering with the Winfield Public Library and their work to support community and civic engagement, we open this important conversation to our combined communities, including current and future teachers, and anyone who is interested in civic education.”   

Copies of the book may be purchased at a discount from the publisher at www.oup.com with promotion code AAFLYG6.

Unfortunately, the Hawaiian Gala Fundraiser has been canceled.

If you would still like to support the SC music students for their trip to Hawaii, please contact Denise Stephens in Institutional Advancement at (620) 229-6397 or make an online gift here (be sure to designate Other: SC Music Hawaii Trip).

The Southwestern College music department is having a Hawaiian Gala fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m., at The Barns at Timber Creek, located at 14704 91st Road in Winfield.  The cost of the event is $50 per person and the deadline to RSVP is Sept. 26. 

“We want to invite everyone for an evening of Hawaiian food and music to support our upcoming student trip to Hawaii,” says Simon Hill, director of choral activities and voice at Southwestern College.

 According to Hill, patrons will enjoy a delicious and authentic Hawaiian dinner catered by Noble House in Wichita.  Noble House has been serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine to Wichita since 2013.  The menu will include Kalua pork, Huli chicken, mac salad, and steamed rice.  

Following dinner, the World Music Ensemble and the A Cappela Choir will perform. 

All proceeds from the event will directly support the SC students' nine-day tour to Hawaii in May of 2025.

“This incredible journey will allow them to share their talents with new audiences, receive personalized instruction from renowned hula practitioners, and immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture in ways that ordinary tourists simply can't,” says Jeremy Kirk, director of bands and percussion at Southwestern. 

For more information or to make reservations, contact Hill by email at Simon.Hill@sckans.edu, call (620) 229-6302, or go to the RSVP web page at https://bit.ly/scmusicgala.

Hawaiian Gala Fundraiser Registration

The 2024 Paris Olympics offered a number of memorable moments, notably a Southwestern College graduate had a hand in making history.

Prince Ezeala, a 2007 Southwestern College graduate, was an assistant coach for the Nigerian women’s Olympic basketball team. With wins over heavily favored Australia and Canada, the Nigerian squad advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament.  It marked the first time ever that an African Nation basketball team, men or women, advanced that far in Olympic play.

“We won our first game against Australia and our confidence shot through the roof,” Ezeala says.  “Maybe too much because then we lost to France.  But then we beat Canada and advanced.  All the teams we played had at least three or four WNBA players and we didn’t have any. It was amazing.”

Ezeala is no stranger to winning.  At Southwestern, he was a member of the 2006 KCAC regular season and KCAC tournament championship team that finished with a record of 28-3, under then head coach Doug Hall, and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament. In his time playing at SC, the Builders went 51-11.

“Prince Ezeala is a winner,” says Hall.  “I knew when we were recruiting Prince that he loved basketball and it was evident in his approach every day. He was always in the gym working on his game. He was an unbelievable teammate as well. It was never about Prince, he was all about the team. He knew his role and thrived in it. I would say Prince was the best positional rebounder I ever coached. He had a knack for the ball and played way bigger than his size.”

Now an assistant coach for the El Reno (Okla.) High School girls basketball team, Ezeala helped guide that squad to a 28-0 record and a 5A State Championship this past season.

He credits Hall and his staff for teaching him about transition basketball. 

“Coach Hall, along with coach (Greg) Hackerott and coach (Mike) Collins taught me how to run transition, and how the post players’ first three steps have to be long and fast,” Ezeala says.  “I use this today, our transition offense is fun. We like to run and play hard.”

Ezeala shares that his time at Southwestern led to the successes he’s found since graduation. He earned a bachelor's degree in sports management at SC and later earned a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from Langston University.  He still stays in contact with many of the people he met and went to school with at SC. Many of those friends became fast fans of the Nigerian women’s basketball team in the past month, watching all of the games and sharing their support for Ezeala and his team.

“The best time of my life was my time at Southwestern College,” Ezeala says. “I made a brotherhood with my friends from SC. We sometimes go months without seeing each other but then we get together and our friendships are the same. It’s like we are family for life.”

Ezeala’s immediate family is just as important to him.  He was born in the United States but his parents were from Nigeria.  He says he is grateful for his parents taking him to Nigeria on three or four occasions to meet aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. With a smile, and a tear in his eye, he says he knows his mom is looking down on him from heaven with a smile on her face. 

Hall says he is not surprised with the success Ezeala is having.

“Knowing he had the opportunity to coach on the world's biggest stage in the Olympics should bring all of us who were privileged to coach and play with Prince great pride,” Hall says. “Those young ladies that have had Prince as their coach, whether at the Olympics or the high school level, are fortunate to be around someone like him - just as I was fortunate to get to coach him at SC. I am so proud of him.”

Ezeala plans to continue coaching with the Nigerian women’s team as well as his team at El Reno. his team at El Reno.

For more information on any of the Homecoming festivities, contact Ashlee Mayo, director of alumni engagement, at (620) 229-6155. For schedule updates or to register for events, refer to the homecoming website— www.sckans.edu/homecoming.

Homecoming Registration

2024 Homecoming Schedule

Friday, October 4

• 3 to 5 p.m.— Registration and welcome in the lobby of Stewart Field House
• 5 to 5:30 p.m.—Athletic Hall of Fame Social, Stewart Field House
• 5:30 p.m. — Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and dinner, Stewart Field House (Reservation required, limited seating, $50 per person or $500 for a table of eight). Inductees include Zak Tazkargy, ’12, Tracey (Juden) Adams, ’86, Brett Annis, ’06, Andrae Harper, ’07, T. J. Harris, ’04, Jeff Boone, ’73, and the undefeated 1967 Southwestern College football team.

Saturday, October 5

• 9 a.m. — Homecoming parade on Warren Ave.
• 10 a.m. — Builder block party and registration, Wallingford lawn. Fun activities for kids and so much more
• 10 a.m.—All-Class brunch, Roy L. Smith Dining Hall (reservations required, $8 per person)
• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.—Homecoming tailgate, Stewart Field House ($12 adults, $6 child under 6)
• Noon – President’s Luncheon for 51+ years alumni, Winfield Country Club (Reservation required, alumni/free, non-alumni spouse/guest $17)
• 1:30 p.m. — Homecoming football game vs. University of Saint Mary, Richard L. Jantz Stadium
• 5 p.m.—Class of 1974 50-year photo, Winfield Country Club.
• 5:30 p.m. — Class of 1974 50-year reunion dinner, Winfield County Club, ($30 per person RSVP required)
• 5 to 8 p.m.—Childcare available at First United Methodist Church, ($5 hour)
• 7 to 10 p.m.—All-Class alumni gathering at Ladybird Brewery, 523 Main St. Dine with a local food truck. 

Sunday, October 6

• 10:50 a.m. — Homecoming worship service, Grace UMC, Rev. Connie Wooldridge ’79 guest speaker.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—Sunday brunch buffet, Roy L. Smith dining hall ($9 per person)

Community members will have an opportunity to view the Academy-Award winning documentary “20 Days in Mariupol,” followed by a discussion with Lev Mitin, local high school senior who lived through the event; Stephen Woodburn, local historian to offer perspective on the Russian/Ukrainian conflict; and Joe Hedges, a local business man who spent time on the ground in Ukraine, involved in the project to monitor the contact line between Ukraine and Russia in the years leading up to war.

The viewing of “20 Days in Mariupol” will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with discussion to follow. Attendees are welcome to join in for the discussion only.  “20 Days in Mariupol” is available to screen anytime at pbs.org/frontline, on Frontline's youtube channel, or on the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel. The film tells the story of the 20 days director Mstyslav Chernov spent with his colleagues in the besieged city of Mariupol in February-March 2022 in the first weeks of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chernov compiled footage that he collected in Mariupol together with the team from PBS's Frontline and the Associated Press.

For more information, contact Emily Hedges by email at Emily.Hedges@sckans.edu. 

The opening convocation will wrap up the festivities for Builder Fest 2024 and officially start the academic year. It will feature the recognition of students included on the Dean’s Honor Roll for the spring 2024 semester and the announcement of the Scholar of the College.

Kelly is from Newport News, Va., but now calls Wichita home.  He is a graduate of Old Dominion University where he earned a bachelor of science degree in corporate communication and a master’s degree in management from Colorado Technical University.

Kelly is responsible for supporting current and cultivating new corporate and business partners that foster greater value for communities and organizations served by KLC. Before joining KLC he was assistant vice president – project manager with Equity Bank headquartered in Wichita. A proud Air Force veteran, Kelly understands the idea of servant leadership and aims to exemplify it on the job and in the community.

Kelly has received numerous awards and recognition throughout his military and civilian career. In 2020, he was named Wichita Business Journal’s 40 under 40 and received the Diversity & Inclusion award. Additionally, he was honored with the Exceptional Young Leader Award in 2021, presented by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. Kelly serves on multiple boards and committees including the Greater Wichita YMCA Metro board, Wichita Art Museum board, The Gathering committee, and is a proud Rotarian. One of Darryl’s passion projects is supporting efforts to revitalize Wichita’s Historic Dunbar Theatre and surrounding areas. Darryl is a staunch proponent for getting involved and believes that you must be the change that you want to see.

2024 Opening Convocation Livestream

John Haskell “Tex” Gibbons, from Elk City, Okla., played at SC in the late 20’s.  In 1929, Gibbons was named First Team All-Conference and Second Team in the annual Inter-collegiate Tri-State Basketball Tournament held in Stewart Field House. After graduation in 1931, Gibbons joined the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and played for several teams.  In 1935 he was a member of the AAU National Champion McPherson Oilers team that qualified for the 1936 Olympic Games.

Photo: John Haskell "Tex" Gibbons from the 1929 SC Moundbuilder Yearbook.

According to Wikipedia, basketball at the 1936 Summer Olympics was the first appearance of the sport of basketball as an official Olympic medal event. The tournament was played in Berlin, Germany, under the watchful eye of Adolf Hitler. Twenty-three nations entered the competition, making basketball the largest tournament of the team sports, but Hungary and Spain withdrew, meaning 21 competed.

The International Olympic Committee and International Basketball Federation, which is the governing body of international basketball, used the 1936 tournament to experiment with outdoor basketball. Lawn and dirt tennis courts were used for the competition, but this caused problems when the weather was adverse, especially during the final of the tournament when the USA played the game on a clay and sand court in the rain.

The US team beat the Philippines 56-23 in the quarterfinals, beat Mexico 25-10 in the semifinals, and defeated Canada 19-8 to capture the gold medal.  The team finished the Olympics with a record of 8-0. James Naismith, the game's inventor, watched many of the 1936 Olympic basketball matches and helped award medals at the end of the basketball competition.

Gibbons, a captain on the team, went on to teach and coach at UCLA before joining Phillips Oil where he made his career in the petroleum industry.

Gibbons passed away in 1984 at the age of 76. 

This year, there will be four different move-in dates:

• Wednesday, Aug. 7—Freshman Fall athletes.
• Thursday, Aug. 8—Transfer and returning Fall athletes.
• Wednesday, Aug. 14—Freshman Spring and Winter athletes and non-athletes.
• Saturday, Aug. 17—Transfer and Returning Spring and Winter athletes, and non-athletes.

Builder Fest (Aug. 7-23) is an on-campus experience introducing new students to the many aspects of Southwestern College, including Freshman Workday on Friday, Aug. 16.  

Some of the other Builder Fest activities include:

• Monday, Aug. 19, classes begin for students.
• Tuesday, Aug. 20, rock painting party from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Wallingford lawn.
• Thursday, Aug. 22, annual Moundbuilding Ceremony at 7 p.m., at Cole Mound Plaza at the bottom of the 77 Steps.
• Friday, Aug. 23, Opening Convocation at 11 a.m. in Richardson Auditorium.

Friends of Southwestern College are invited to attend the Moundbuilding Ceremony and Opening Convocation.

For more information about Moundbuilder Check-In, visit online at www.sckans.edu/checkin or contact the office of admissions at (620) 229-6236. 

The team is put together by PhD Hoops Travel Tours which offers a selection of distinct travel tours each summer.

The team consisted of players ages 17 to 21 and competed against teams from Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, and France.  The USA team, which consisted of players from New York, Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, went 3-2.

“It’s an awesome experience to represent the United States,” O’Brien says.  “You cannot duplicate the feeling of coaching a team with USA on their chest.”

According to O’Brien, the team had just three practices before competing.

“I like putting together a team; figuring out our strengths and weaknesses,” O’Brien says.  “It’s exciting getting young people to play for each other and for our country.”

O’Brien credits his longtime friendship with Richie Schueler, owner and CEO of PhD Hoops, for the opportunity.  Schueler is a former college basketball player, 10-year college basketball coach, and current basketball analyst for Fox Sports and the ESPN family of networks. PhD Hoops was designed to give players and coaches a platform to exchange basketball knowledge, ideas, and resources with the intent of enhancing the game worldwide.

The eight-day trip also incorporated some sightseeing which included visiting the beach of Normandy, the Eifel Tower, and The Louvre Museum. O’Brien was particularly awestruck with the Olympic rings that are currently hung on the Eifel Tower.  The Summer Olympics will be held in Paris beginning July 26. O’Brien says that they would light up at 11 p.m. and were amazing.