Wayne State College - WSC

[Pages:28]Wayne State

Magazine for alumni and friends

College

Winter 2017 ? No. 1

BEST COLLEGE

IN NEBRASKA - , 2016

in this issue

3 President's Message - Dr. Marysz Rames 4-6 Best College in Nebraska

7 TRiO Marks 25 Years at Wayne State 8-9 Winter 2016 Commencement ? Snyder `90 Receives Alumni Achievement Award 10-11 Faculty News 12 Goal Reached for the Jeanne Gardner Black & Gold Endowment 13 Wayne State Foundation New Trustees Announced 14-16 Wildcat Athletics ? Women's Soccer Team Records Most Wins in a Decade ? Bardou, DeSimone Lead Cross Country Teams ? Volleyball Team Advances to NCAA Tournament ? Five Wildcat Football Players Named All-NSIC 17 Alumni Reunions: Des Moines, Iowa; Grand Island, Neb.; Omaha, Neb.; and Sun City, Ariz. 18-19 Homecoming Recap 20-27 Alumni Notes ? Wisner Yacht Club Reunion ? Kristin (Brudigam) Rosander `04 ? Once a Wildcat...Always a Wildcat ? Dr. John Schneider `73 ? Chris White `96 ? Herb Mignery `59 ? Frederick Bruno `12 ? Phi Sigma Epsilon Fall 2017 Anniversary Celebration ? Karlena Sayers `06 ? Rhonda (Golwitzer) Brunson `00 ? A. Thomas Schomberg `64 ? Terri Jelinek `78 ? Janel Kramer `04 ? Dr. Clayton Ray Diez `72, MSE `79

On the cover: A student studies in the newly renovated Conn Library.

Wayne State Magazine is published semiannually for alumni and friends of Wayne State College. The magazine is funded by the

Wayne State Foundation.

Comments and letters should be mailed to: Wayne State Foundation, Wayne State College,

1111 Main Street, Wayne, Nebraska 68787

Administration Dr. Marysz Rames

President Steven Elliott

Vice President for Academic Affairs Kevin Armstrong

Chief Executive Officer, Wayne State Foundation Dr. Jeff Carstens

Vice President and Dean of Student Life Angela Fredrickson

Vice President for Administration & Finance

Wayne State Foundation Staff Deb Lundahl

Director of Major Gifts Laura Robinett

Director of Alumni Relations Sue Jammer

Controller Janel Kramer

Foundation Office Assistant Cathleen Hansen

Alumni Office Assistant Lori Bebee

Office Assistant

Editorial Staff Jay Collier

Director of College Relations Amanda Broberg

Writing Specialist Trudy Muir

Graphic Designer Angie Steffen

Writer, Photographer

President's Message

Dr. Marysz Rames

Welcome to the winter edition of the Wayne State Magazine for alumni and friends. In the following pages you will see stories celebrating the accomplishments of our students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Each example, in its own way, reflects the values we hold dear: excellence, affordability, and accessibility.

Wayne State was recognized many times in 2016 by a variety of publications that assess colleges on such factors as affordability, quality, accessibility, and outcomes. I am excited to report that seven of these online publications ranked our programs among the best in Nebraska and the nation.

Perhaps my favorite of all the recognitions we received this past year was from Money Magazine. Wayne State earned the title of "Best College in Nebraska" based on the quality of our educational programs, affordability, and the success of you, our alumni. Money ranked Wayne State 145th out of 700 selected schools from around the entire nation using the same criteria as the state ranking.

Money's recognition of our programs, along with similar rankings you will read about in this issue, point to Wayne State's commitment to our mission of student success, learning excellence, and regional service. This focus on the future of our students and the great state of Nebraska sustains the momentum that has helped us remain a cornerstone of higher education.

The following pages also contain examples of the people and services that make us a strong institution: the student support services of TRiO, which for 25 years has worked to assist and motivate firstgeneration, low-income, and disabled WSC students; successful alumna such as Jeanette Snyder of the class of 1990, who now serves as Region Credit Manager for Crop Production Services, managing the trade credit risk within a $4 billion sales portfolio; our faculty, who regularly contribute to the strength and vitality of academics at the college and in their

chosen fields; and our student-athletes, who combine the rigor of their classroom experiences with the demands of college athletics.

Our news also includes the successful conclusion of the campaign to raise $500,000 for the Jeanne Gardner Black & Gold Performing Arts Endowment, which will ensure the college has the funds to bring back annual live professional performances. My sincere appreciation to the donors who supported this initiative and to the Wayne State Foundation for recognizing the value inherent in heightening our students' exposure to the fine and performing arts.

None of these things would be possible without the continued support of our alumni and friends. I enjoyed connecting with you at reunions, Homecoming, and campus events in 2016, and I am confident that the new year holds many promising developments for the college.

Each of you play such an important role in the college's success. You donate the funds needed to maintain and expand our scholarship opportunities for the next generation of students. You provide the college with important connections to ensure we have strong advocates for our initiatives. You support the Wayne State Foundation in our ongoing mission to ensure that the college's facilities provide students with the best possible learning environment. Working with you and for you is an honor, and I am proud to be a part of the Wildcat family.

wayne state magazine 3

Wayne State College IS the

Best College in Nebraska

"Wayne State College is the best in Nebraska because I'm not just a number. I receive one-on-one instruction from my professors who care about my success after I receive my bachelor's degree. I also have the opportunity to work directly with Dr. Rames herself in the President's Honor Society, the Philomatheans, to give my opinion on how to improve the college experience for generations to come. The best part is, Wayne State College has given me more than what I could have ever expected ? countless life-changing experiences and opportunities such as being a resident assistant, working for the Foundation in the annual Phonathon campaign, and being a Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) student. Being a Wildcat is so much more than where I completed my undergraduate studies. Wayne State College is somewhere that my heart will always call home for the rest of my life."

? Lindsay Reifert, Senior, Norfolk, Neb.,

majoring in Pre-Pharmacy and minoring in Business Administration

4 winter 2017 / wsc.edu

Wayne State College accumulated a number of national recognitions in 2016. The most notable? Money Magazine named WSC the "Best College in Nebraska" and placed us at No. 145 out of 700 selected schools that met the criteria for their overall rankings ? out of 2,000 four-year colleges and universities nationwide! Individual programs, such as our education and MBA programs, also received high honors this year.

Read on for the details about Wayne State's 2016 awards and rankings.

Money Magazine ? Named "Best College in Nebraska"

WSC earned the title "Best College in Nebraska" from Money Magazine by measurement of WSC's quality of education, affordability, and alumni success.

Money's Best Colleges rankings are unique because they combine the most accurate pricing estimates available with students' likely earnings after graduation and an analysis of how much value a college adds when compared to other schools that educate similar students.

WSC's Money Magazine rating places the college at 145th nationally from more than 700 selected schools that met the magazine's criteria to be considered for this award out of 2,000 four-year U.S. colleges and universities. Money Magazine also measured comparative value, including assessing how well students at each school did compared with what's expected for students with similar economic and academic backgrounds and the college's selection of majors available.

Great College Deals ? Ranked No. 14 for Best Online MBA Programs

Great College Deals ranked WSC among the top 20 deals for online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. The ranking was published on the organization's website in November. WSC ranked No. 14.

The 20 best deals were selected and ranked based on total number of points. Points were awarded based on the following criteria: the number of specializations and concentration areas within the MBA program; small class size and low student-to-faculty ratios; student body diversity; and the availability of special projects and internships.

Featured colleges scored the highest among schools with tuition and fees less than $12,000 annually, per the National Center for Education Statistics' College Navigator database.

"Wayne State College is the best college in Nebraska because it has the heart of students at its forefront. We get to know our teacher candidates as we help them develop as capable, confident, and caring teachers who will then build relationships and offer the same to their students. How exciting it is for things to come full circle as the students of our graduates in turn have the opportunity to become the next generation of Wayne State College Wildcats."

? Dr. Johanna Barnes BS `97, MS `06, Professor of Education and

Chair of the Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership,

School of Education and Counseling

Best Master's Degrees ? Ranked No. 4 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees

Best Master's Degrees ranked WSC among the top 10 most affordable online Master of Business Administration degree programs. The ranking was published on the organization's website in October 2015. WSC ranked fourth.

A master list of schools offering online MBA programs was compiled based on quality (using rankings from various websites including Forbes magazine and Kiplinger's) as well as price. The top 10 schools were then ranked based on graduate tuition and fees supplied by the National Center for Education Statistics' College Navigator database.

Get Educated ? Ranked No. 3 Best Buy for Online MBAs

's national online degree review team ranked WSC's online Master of Business Administration as the third "Best Buy" among distance MBAs.

This affordability ranking is based on a comprehensive review of more than 450 regionally accredited MBAs. A Best Buy ranking award indicates an online degree program has been independently reviewed and falls below the national average cost of similar programs.

WSC follows only Eastern New Mexico University in New Mexico (ranked first) and Amberton University in Texas (ranked second) for most affordable programs.

"I came to Wayne State to finish my degree and be an assistant coach for the baseball team. We didn't know much about the town or school. We [Ryan and wife Jessica] ended up staying for five years and left WSC with master's degrees (Jessica MBA `11; Ryan MSOM `12). As soon as we came to Wayne State we were both welcomed and supported by everyone on campus. It doesn't matter what your discipline is at Wayne, everyone supports everyone. I enjoyed my almost daily talks with professors, janitorial staff, cafeteria workers, coaches, and students. The small classroom sizes and welcoming faculty make learning interactive and enjoyable."

? Ryan Lennerton '10

Top Counseling Schools ? Ranked No. 3 for Best Value in Nebraska

Top Counseling Schools ranked WSC among Nebraska's top value master's degrees in counseling. WSC ranked third in Nebraska. The ranking was published on the organization's website in October.

This ranking was created using the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) to acquire lists of the accredited counseling degrees available in each state. The top programs in Nebraska were ranked based on program completion rate, job placement rate, licensing exam pass rate, accreditation length, research productivity, and tuition and fees.

President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll ? Recognized for Fifth Consecutive Year

WSC has been recognized on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fifth consecutive year and is one of only six higher education institutions in Nebraska to be named to the Honor Roll in any category.

WSC has been named in the general community service category by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the U.S. Department of Education, which honors the nation's leading colleges and universities, students, faculty members, and staff for their commitment to bettering their communities through community service and service-learning efforts.

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wayne state magazine 5

"Wayne State is important to me because of the depth of relationships that I possess, not only with fellow students, but professors as well. I am beyond thankful for the connections that I have made here, and I could not be more thankful for spending four years of my life at Wayne State College!"

? Jacob Oswald, Senior, Ponca, Neb.,

majoring in Organizational Leadership and Public Relations

"Wayne State is the best because of its focus on student success." ? Michaela Comstock

'00

"Wayne State College is a special place, and I believe it is because we have a great understanding of our students ? where they are when they begin their journey at Wayne State and where they are going when they complete their degree. Our aspiration is to be the best open-enrollment regional institution in our area. I think we live up to that challenge by understanding our students and their backgrounds better than other colleges and universities."

? Dr. Jeryl Nelson BS `86, MBA `89, Professor of Business Administration,

School of Business and Technology

6 winter 2017 / wsc.edu

Affordable Colleges Online ? Ranked in Top 45 for Online Master's Degree Programs in Education

Affordable Colleges Online, a leading education and industry resource for online education information, recognized WSC for having one of the best online education programs in the nation. The program ranks in the top 45 on Affordable Colleges Online's list.

In order for universities to qualify for this ranking they must be public, not-forprofit institutions and offer at least five online master's degrees.

Qualifying schools were then evaluated based on the count of online master's degrees available, graduate tuition and fees, academic and career counseling services, job placement for graduates, and Peer-Based Value.

WSC offers several graduate options in education, including Education Specialist (Ed.S.) and Master of Science in Education (MSE), with the choice to focus on Counseling, Curriculum and Instruction, Exercise Science, or School Administration.

For more about the great things happening at Wayne State College, go to wsc.edu

Social Media Comments From Alumni and Friends Relating to Our Recent Awards and Accolades

"Fantastic professors! Amazing art and education departments! Hands down the best decision I've ever ever made! My dad always said Wayne State was the best kept secret in the state."

? Kalle Wamsat `05

"Exactly why both of our children will have graduated from Wayne State College." (in reference to our awards and criteria)

? Dawn Marie Sladky

"I received an excellent education there and made the best friends of my life." ? Michelle Millard Davis

"Small classes with engaging professors. The counseling department is top notch! Professors are also available and willing to give you their time."

? Craig Smith `12

"Enjoyed my three years attending Wayne State. Go Wildcats." ? Aaron Becker `09

"The Boston cream pie in the gag is delicious."

? Kaitlin Kelly MSE `14

"Wayne State is a great place."

? Dawn Haymart

"My dad (who's 85) and I are both graduates of WSC. Wonderful community/ wonderful college."

? Julie Maben `84

"The people and the location. You can't find a better place for a great college education."

? Terry D. Bailey `74

TRiO celebrates

TRiO Student Support Services Marks 25 Years at Wayne State

TRiO Student Support Services will be celebrating 25

years at Wayne State College this year. The celebration will

include activities with current students, a newsletter featuring

TRiO alumni, and hosting of TRiO Day on Feb. 25. The TRiO

Day celebration will be a regional event hosted at WSC for

colleges and universities in the three-state area (Missouri,

Kansas, and Nebraska). In February the TRiO leaders will be

hosting a campus-wide volleyball tournament. The entry fee for

the tournament will be donations to soldiers' care packages.

TRiO is a federally funded program that provides

opportunities for academic development, assists students with

basic college requirements, and motivates students toward

the successful completion of their postsecondary education.

Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions

of higher education. The goal is to increase the college

retention and graduation rates of its participants.

"We are excited to be

celebrating 25 years of TRiO

Student Support Services at Wayne

State," said Dr. Sandra Driskell,

Director of TRiO Student Support

Services at Wayne State College. "It

is satisfying helping WSC retain and

graduate first-generation college

students. The TRiO students are a

diverse group of students who have

proven successful in competing on

campus and in the job market. We

are pleased with the leadership

Dr. Sandra Driskell

from President Rames, Vice President

Carstens, the Foundation office, and many others on campus.

TRiO has received special funding from Dr. William R. and

Leslie K. Palmer, which has enhanced our program in

many ways."

What Are TRiO Alumni Doing Now?

After participating in TRiO as a student, Kara (Helgoth) Woehler `04 is now working as a Learning Skills Specialist for Wayne State's TRiO program. Last spring, she was recognized as a TRiO Achiever in Kansas City at the annual MO-KAN-NE conference. Woehler presented "Developing and Promoting a Peer Mentoring Program for First-Year College Students" at the Educational Opportunity Association Conference in St. Louis and at Teaching Academic Survival and Success Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 2016.

Woehler was a first-generation student. She said her parents worked hard to help her through college, but TRiO played a big part in her success as well.

"Without the guidance of the TRiO Student Support Services program, my four and a half years at Wayne State would have been more challenging," she said. "I knew there was always someone in the TRiO office who would be able to answer my questions. I

knew there were always tutors who would be able to help me in classes when I was starting to slip. I knew there were people who supported my academic goals and dreams and helped me to reach those dreams. This is what TRiO is all about ? helping students reach their dreams."

Woehler's professional development includes having served on the Professional Staff Senate, the TRUST Coalition, and the President's Council for Diversity. She is also a graduate of Leadership Wayne and a member of Leadership Wayne 2.0.

Tamara Nash `09 is a State of South Dakota Special Assistant United States Attorney. She was recognized as one of three TRiO Achievers for outstanding achievement at the 10-state Educational Opportunity Association Conference in St. Louis in November.

While attending Wayne State, Nash participated in many different student organizations including serving as a Navigator, an Ambassador, and chair of the Student Judicial Board.

Nash points to the value of the TRiO program during her time at WSC.

"Upon arriving to college I quickly found a home in WSC's TRiO program. TRiO became my family, my safe place when the world became unsteady.

"The TRiO program impacted my education in ways that I am still just discovering," she said. "I was empowered to challenge myself and take difficult classes. And through the program I fell in love with the concept of service. I quickly became involved in our TRiO program as a peer-tutor and mentor. It is there where I developed the love of public service ? a love that has guided my academic and professional goals since.

"I will always be indebted to the advisors who invested in me and encouraged me and the peers who walked life's journey with me. TRiO means that you have been afforded the chance to have someone in your corner, an advocate, someone slowly but steadily pushing you until you can push yourself to achieve more."

Lauren Hall `15 utilized TRiO as a student at Wayne State and is currently teaching in South Korea, where she teaches speaking, reading, and writing to a variety of ages.

Hall said she took advantage of TRiO even during semesters in which she had lighter loads. She also expressed advice especially for new students.

"A new school year can be scary," she said. "New classes, teachers, and buildings. It can be overwhelming at times because of how fast paced college is, so it's easy to fall behind. Knowing you have this great place with people that are willing to help you with not only your academic work but also with personal support is a great feeling. Wayne State was more than just a college experience for me, the teachers and the friends I made there cannot be forgotten ? they became family; it became a home away from home."

wayne state magazine 7

commencement

Winter 2016 Commencement

Wayne State College held its commencement ceremony for graduate and undergraduate students at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in Rice Auditorium. A total of 228 degrees were conferred by President Marysz Rames. Those students receiving their degrees include 174 undergraduates and 54 graduate students of the college's Master of Science in Education, Master of Organizational Management, Master of Business Administration, and Education Specialist programs.

Invocation: Ellen Wulf

Ellen Wulf of Nebraska City, Neb., delivered the invocation during the graduation ceremony. She is the daughter of Robert and Patrice Wulf of Nebraska City.

Wulf majored in Natural Science Education with a Coaching Endorsement. She was a Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees Scholar and Presidential Scholar Athlete. While competing in indoor and outdoor track and field and cross country for the college, she was named to the All-Academic Team and was a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference medalist.

She plans to teach high school sciences, coach track and field, and

continue her education in pursuit of a master's and a doctorate in science education after graduation.

Undergraduate Commencement Speakers: Camron Groenke and Rachel Sweeney

Camron Groenke of Lindsay, Neb., delivered the first undergraduate commencement address. Groenke is the son of Cory and Wendy Groenke of Lindsay. He is married to McKenzie Groenke.

He majored in Natural Science Education with a Coaching Endorsement. He was a Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees scholar and was awarded the Gary and Janice Small Scholarship and the Robert and Elayne Jacobsen Scholarship.

Groenke was the founder and past president of the WSC Curling Club, a member of the Science Education Club, and a volunteer with the Wayne State science fair. He served an educational internship with Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

He has accepted a 9-12 Science Education position at Viborg-Hurley

Schools in Viborg, S.D., which he started in January.

Rachel Sweeney of Blair, Neb., delivered the second undergraduate commencement address. Sweeney is the daughter of Rick and Beth Sweeney of Blair.

Sweeney majored in Vocal Music Education K-12 with a Coaching Endorsement. The Music Department selected her as the Outstanding Freshman in 2013 and Outstanding Musician in 2016. She received the Special Ability Scholarship for Music in her freshman year; the Patricia A. Stander Endowed Scholarship in her sophomore year; the Patricia A. Stander Endowed Scholarship and Albert G. Carlson Memorial Music in her junior year; and the Faith Nuernberger Endowed Memorial Scholarship in her senior year.

She was a member of Concert Choir for four years, Show Choir for three years, and performed as the Madrigal Jester for four years. She was a member of the National Association for Music Education for three years, serving as vice president her junior year and president during her senior year.

She plans to pursue a master's degree in Vocal Performance after graduation.

Speakers for winter commencement were: (L-R) Ellen Wulf, Camron Groenke, and Rachel Sweeney.

8 winter 2017 / wsc.edu

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