Tabor College President’s Blog

There was joy in Hillsboro as USD 410 and Tabor College hosted an Anticipation Party for the new Joel Wiens football stadium.  Free admission to the game, cotton candy for the kids, speeches by USD 410 and Tabor leaders at half time (Rusty Allen VP of Athletics, Rod Koons, USD 410 board chair, Max Heinrichs, High School Principal, Del Reimer, former Tabor AD and after whose family the field is named, and Craig Ratzlaff, alum of both schools and campaign chair), souvenir cups with both logos on them, footballs with both logos tossed into the crowd, and cupcakes for everyone.  A rendering of the new stadium were posted for all to see.  Meanwhile in the south east corner stood an imposing 9220 John Deere with a 34 foot disk waiting for the final gun to sound.  Once the game was over, the rig slowly drove to the north end of the field, lowered the disk and ground was broken for the new Joel Wiens Stadium.  Players and students tore down a goal post.  Pylons and other field decor was taken as mementos of the old stadium.  There was joy in the air as we all look forward to the new stadium.

The real story is how two schools in the community are coming together and working to provide a excellent facility for the community.  After overcoming the adversity of litigation, we are now progressing to provide one of the finest football facilities in central Kansas.  The trust, generosity, and collaborative spirit and actions of the leaders is incredible.  Establishing the process and procedures for the entire project is moving along without a hitch.  And in the end, everyone wins… USD 410 will have an elite facility for a high school and Tabor College will have one of the nicest facilities in the KCAC, plus a facility that will encourage high school players across the nation to want to come and play at Tabor.  Additional sporting events such as track meets and soccer play offs will also be able to be hosted bringing additional business to the Hillsboro business community.  No wonder there was joy in Hillsboro on Saturday.  Everyone was a winner.

Friday night we went “WUMPing” with the Wichita Urban Ministry Plunge.

Some 30+ Tabor students traveled to Wichita and conduct a Kid’s Club near Pawnee and Seneca at Grace Baptist Church for 45 to 75 grade school children.

They do this every Friday.

What an experience!

First came the set-up. Thirty college students descending upon a church facility and within 10 minutes, tables and chairs set up, rooms made orderly, kitchen arranged and food preparation beginning. Next was getting the kids. The bus driver did not show. A quick organizational meeting, a reminder of some safety rules, and into the cars they jumped and off to the neighborhoods to gather up the kids. Vans and car loads of kids, all in seat belts being delivered to the church.

Suddenly a gym is full of kids romping, racing, yelling, wrestling, pushing… did I say yelling?… chaos describes it best. Except in the chaos I noticed a lot of loving going on. These kids need love. After a short time of this, the kids were organized into small groups and off to small rooms for crafts and a lesson. Oh, I forgot to mention that before we left, there was a short training time concerning the Bible lesson of the evening that had been written and created by the students.

Following the lesson time, there was some chaotic worship, dinner that had been cooked by two students, and some more gym time. Now it was time to get the kids home. By design, each car had used a magic marker to write on the hand of each kid which car they were to return home in. Organized chaos. I was impressed. And while some delivered the kids, the rest cleaned up the church.

After all the kids were delivered home then came the debrief. We all gathered in a circle and discussed the evening. What went well? What needed improvement? How were you affected? What happened to the kids? Those who were rookies were asked to speak first. Leadership development was happening. I sat there in amazement as they evaluated and made suggestions for improvement. We ended in prayer. Someone was asked to dial and someone was asked to hand up. (That is code for who will pray first and who will pray last.)

Peg and I drove home somewhat in shock, pumped, and incredibly impressed and proud. Our ears were ringing from the noice. Our eyes were glazed from what we had seen. College kids giving a Friday night serving marginalized children in Wichita. I wonder what chance these kids have to make it in life. Yet, here are Tabor students investing in them with the hope that the lessons and love they bring to them will somehow make a difference in their futures.

I know that this is beginning to sound like a broken record or CD, but Tabor College is the best college for the world. These Tabor students are infusing this world with the vision and values of the eternal. The world is a better place because of Tabor. And the face of heaven is changing because of Tabor. “Called to Serve.” It is more than a slogan on the Centennial Plaza at Tabor.

It is happening.

It happened again last night. This time I was there before it all began. I stood on the steps and watched in amazement as students from all over campus made there way to the old historic church for Share, Prayer, and Dare. I was moved as I witnessed streams of students coming towards the church from the various residence halls and student houses. Meanwhile, inside the place was filling up. As if on cue, everyone stood and began singing songs of praise and adoration to God. There was passion and fervor as they sang “You are all I need. Energy filled the air as they sang “When I survey the wondrous cross.” Spiritual vitality was evident. Some students were kneeling. Others had hands outstretched. There was no doubt that these students loved Jesus and wanted their lives to mesh with His life. As I left, I saw groups of students on the lawn huddled together praying.

It was the best Wednesday Night church service I have been to in a very long time.

Earlier in the evening I had walked out of my home to attend SP&D. When I left my house, Obama and McCain were telling us all what needed to happen for our country to be in a better place. As I expereinced Tabor students, I wanted to grab the microphone from our presidential candidates and say, “You do not know what you are talking about. Our country would be in a much better place is there were more Tabor students like the ones at SP&D.” These students get it. They realize that relationship with Jesus is central to life and a life of service can impact a nation. The world is a better place because of Tabor.

It was affirmed for me once again last night… Tabor College is the best college FOR the world.

I find myself often being proud to be part of the Tabor experience.  Sunday afternoon was another one of those times when eight graduates were “pinned” for completing thier BSN degrees.  Congratulations to Abby Bornholdt, Nicol Fleming, Ladean Kolb, Tida McKenzie, Cecelia Nesman (missing from picture), Lisa Slife, Ruth Staats, and Dawn Wilson.  My heart was touched as I heard the stories of those who had worked so hard to become better equipped to serve. I keep saying that Tabor is the best college FOR the world.  The “pinning” ceremony is another example of this being true.  The world is a better place with this group of women giving nursing care to patients wherever they may be. I am sure that you will love these stories.

The student address by Dawn Wilson tells the story best.

This is a bitter-sweet moment, the end of one journey, and the beginning of another.  Eighteen months seemed like such a long time looking forward but in retrospect it has flown by.  The BSN 16 Cohort began as a group of Associate Degree RN’s coming together from a variety of nursing backgrounds and experiences.  We came from a history of psychiatric nursing, oncology, ER/trauma, med/surg and intensive care nursing experiences.  We consist of well seasoned nurses of 20 plus years and “newbies” just a couple of years out of their ADN programs.  Each one of us has been able to bring to the table a wealth of information, experiences and unique perceptions. We started out as individuals and have come together not only as peers and cohorts but as friends. We are truly a unique group in that our relationships have extended beyond the confines of the classroom.  We have seen each other through personal hardships such as the death of a loved one, personal and family illness, and times of family crisis. Tabors RN to BSN program has provided the flexibility and framework to overcome those obstacles and enable us to succeed.  It truly is a wonderful program for the adult learner.  Ladies, we have come so far….remember our very first presentation, the first of many to come?  We really didn’t know each other all that well and were so nervous and intimidated by the though of have to stand up in front of an audience and present.  Some of us got red-necked, dry mouthed, and tongue tied. Some of us didn’t dare look up, and some of us simply sputtered our words.  It was agonizing!  Somehow, just 18 months later as we presented our capstone projects, it was apparent that we were a whole new group of nurses.  Confident, well versed in our topics, and comfortable in our own skin.  We have indeed taken our education to another level.  Nursing is not just a vocation; it is a calling, a passion and we are well prepared to continue to make a difference in the lives of our patients.

You might be interested in hearing some more comments from the graduates.  Two of the students drove from Larned each week for class.  Here are their comments:

I experienced many things in my endeavor of obtaining my RN-BSN degree at Tabor. Some of the many things I learned were:

• when Ruth and I decided to start working on our degree, we were going to pack our lunches to save money and eat at Tabor’s fine dining before starting home. Fine dining we discovered–it lasted one time–on the first trip down together.
• I didn’t start in the program until the 3rd week of the first session. That was because Ruth kept asking me every week and telling me how fun it was going to be and how easy.  She eventually reeled me in when she told me “it’ll be like buying our diploma.”  Since that time I’ve learned I did buy my diploma, if you count the weekly shopping trips and the restaurants and fine dining we experienced week after week after week.
• Even though the RN-BSN program at Tabor was “accelerated” didn’t mean our driving every Wednesday for 8 consecutive weeks in rain to attend classes at Tabor was accelerated.  In fact, I think we decided that 19 months wasn’t really accelerated either.
• We never really came to a clear cut winner on where our favorite place to eat at was in Wichita–we experienced them all–Spangles or maybe McDonalds or maybe Chipotle, or maybe Olive Garden, or maybe Pei Wei or Granite City or maybe one of many more we tried.
• I could convince Ruth to drive so I could actually sleep coming and going–that was 2 hrs of napping one way. The only problem was we had way too many things to talk about and laugh about that I think I only managed about an hour of quality nap time
• That Ruth and I maybe never really knew the way home from Wichita–we often found ourselves talking or laughing so much we missed our turns.
• I was the oldest in the class and had about as many years in nursing as the other classmates combined.

On a more serious note, a few of the things I learned in earning my RN-BSN degree at Tabor was:

• Learning and education is endless.
• There are many phases and aspects to  nursing than one can ever imagine. I began the program as an avenue to open other options in     my nursing career. I didn’t realize how many options in nursing there was and how many fields to choose from.
• To be passionate about what I’m doing.  Do what I love, even if I don’t love it every day. So be passionate about what we’re doing in order to make a difference.
• I learned about self-awareness.  Knowing and accepting some of my own strengths and weaknesses in leadership and management classes.  Being able to recognize my passion, my skills, my temperament and also my limitations.
• I learned to be fearless. Learning how to have courage to take risks where there are no guarantees.  Getting out of my comfort zone and being uncomfortable.

And then there were these comments from a student.

The two most important things I learned by attending Tabor college, whether it was in the RN-BSN program or the additional credit hours I took was persistence and resilience.  Persistence in being able to obtain and reach the goal I wanted.  For many years I wanted to earn my BSN degree.  I’m not sure why, but I did.  In the last 18 months I learned that “life is what happens when you’re making other plans.”

When my husband was diagnosed in February, 2008 of lung cancer and given the unspeakable words of “I’m sorry there’s nothing we can do” speech, I learned that persistence and resilience is critical in obtaining the BSN degree.  Because my husband was persistent and insistent that I complete my degree, regardless of what happened with him, I became resilient and persistent that I was going to graduate.  It was then I spoke with the instructors I had at the time and I learned that every instructor I had, including Tona, Brenda, Susan, Marlene, & Dr. Grubbs, at Tabor also had persistence in not allowing any student to give up or give in.  They offered support, encouragement and reassurance that both issues could be dealt with. I found the classmates were persistent by being kind, helpful and offering a listening ear in ensuring I graduated with them.  And there was Ruth, special tender Ruth, who was able to help me reach deep down and find the inner fortitude and strength to continue coming week after week after week during this most difficult time in my life.

But most importantly it was my two brothers Roger and Jim, Kathy, my two kids and my wonderful husband who convinced me by showing love, support and  encouragement  that the persistence and resilience taught at Tabor is what really gets one through life. It was through them and Tabor, I realized we all face disappointment and struggles that are inconceivable and impossible to predict. But Tabor’s program teaches us to have faith, persistence, and resilience and we will obtain our goals.  In ending I’d like to remind us all. The road less traveled is sometimes fraught with barricades, bumps, and uncharted terrain. But it is on that same road where our character is truly tested, our personal growth realized and our goals reached.  Thank you Tabor.

Congratulations to each.

There was joy on the campus today when we received the news that USD 410 settled their lawsuite making it possible for the stadium project to move forward.  We will be working hard to make it possible for the stadium to be built in time for the 2009 season.

Having all the living presidents along with their spouses on campus was a great honor.  Being able to interview them was a special treat.  So many people told me how much they enjoyed hearing their wit and wisdom.  You can listen to the President’s Forum by clicking below.

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Homecoming.  A great American tradition.  Our Centennial homecoming was a wonderful experience.  Record numbers of alumni made the trek to Hillsboro to see old friends, eat good food, tell stories, take in the play, attend the Festival Dinner, and watch some football.  Of course there was a football game, alumni baseball game, soccer game, a fun run, music festival, and a golf tournament.

“Fiddler on the Roof” was the perfect drama production for a college celebrating a centennial.  The message of the play was as much about Tabor College as it enters the next century as it was about a Jewish family in Russia.  The Festival dinner was energized with a jazz band and the premier reading of the Centennial Poem by Jean Jantzen.

This was my first homecoming as president and also since I graduate in 1974.  The highlight for me was to welcome all the living former presidents of Tabor College.  Hosting a forum with each of them serving on the panel inspired me.  Their wisdom, memories, and stories were enjoyed by all who attended.  

As part of our Centennial celebration, the Board of Directors gave the college a Centennial Quilt made by Karen Huff, one of our board members. 

The dedication of the Centennial Plaza was memorable.  Family members and colleagues of all the past presidents participated in the dedication ceremony.  The artist, Sandra Storm, talked about the impact creating the piece had on her.  Standing in from of my name, I recognized that the stewardship of the college was in my hands.  I was standing on the shoulders of a long list of gifted and godly men who had led Tabor.  I realized that the work I have been called to is not something temporary but for the future.  The decisions that I make and the strategies I implement are not for the short term, but for years to come.

Peg ran in the fun run and came in first in her age category.  I will not tell you which category it was.

I played in the golf tournament and our team tied for first.  So each team member received a $100 gift certificate to the pro shop.  Funny thing was that I played terrible.  But I had these four young men, my two sons jeremy and Matt and two of their friends, Brad Shields, and Mike Jamison who played like pros.  I now have a better understanding of the story in the Bible where people all came to work at different times of the day but all were paid the same in the end.  Our team maybe used two of my shots all day in the scramble, but in the end, the prize money was all the same.

Hosting a Homecomiing is a major undertaking.  So many people gave so much of themselves in planning and preparing for the event.  My thanks to each of the Team Tabor people who made the Centennial Homecoming a time to remember.

Yesterday was a memorable day in the life of Tabor College. When Jefferson Street was closed and made part of the campus some 15 years ago, a circle was placed in the intersection of C Street and Jefferson. Someday something would be placed there to enhance the beauty of the campus. That someday was yesterday. Centennial Plaza came into being. The sculpture that was commissioned for the Centennial celebration arrived and was set into place. Our mission and the image of what Tabor has stood for over the past 100 years and I hope for the next 100 years, was set into bronze and placed on the plaza. No words can describe the beauty of the impact it has on the beholder. But I will try.

A description. The entire sculpture is made of bronze. A cypress wood looking cross suspended by linen with a dove resting on it. A man in work clothes facing away from the cross, kneeling and offering bread with a look of compassion, pleading for the recipient to take it. A stone on which the recipient can sit is in front of the kneeling servant. The sculpture is a beautiful and moving piece to behold.

It is interactive. A participatory art piece. A rock is provided for a person to be receiving the bread. From the right angle, the servant looks into your eyes. Meanwhile the suspended cross is suspended by what appears to be a linen burial cloth which is draped over the cross shouting resurrection.

It is missional. The servant is facing away from the cross offering the bread of life to whomever. The raised cross behind him compels him to serve. There is only one servant. He is serving the world. His service is drawn from the risen Christ who gives peace.

I found my mind flooded with scriptures.

“If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me…”

“I am the bread of life. “

“As the father has sent me, so send I you…”

“I am the resurrection and the life.”

“For the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve…”

“Peace I leave with you…”

I invite you to campus to experience the Centennial Plaza.

Listen to the Centennial Plaza Dedication Ceremony

(Adjust your volume for better listening.)

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Our enrollment numbers were announced. What a wonderful way to celebrate our centennial year. record number students - 612 - up 38 from last year or a 6.6% increase. FTE (full time equivalent) is 562, up 24 from last year or a 4.5% increase - both the highest in Tabor’s 100 year history. This is a gift from the gracious hand of God at a time when Tabor needed it.

Team Tabor made it happen. I am thankful for the courage of former president Larry Nikkel to enlist the services of Noel/Levitz to assist us in enrollment strategies. I admire the excellent leadership of then VP of Enrollment Management Rusty Allen and his hard working admissions and financial aid staff. They are the best and their hard work has paid off for Tabor. I affirm the hard work of our athletic coaches in recruiting athletes to play at Tabor and the faculty that gave above and beyond to demonstrate to prosepctive students what a great place Tabor is. I am deeply appreciative of the faculty and staff of Tabor who sacrificed so that we could engage Noel/Levitz. And I am thrilled to be a part of Tabor at a time when we have reached a record high in enrollment.

I find that today’s young people live life with a passion and desire to make the world a better place. Tabor is a place where a person can be prepared for a vocation that can have meaning and purpose… employment plus. Our mission statement of “preparing people for a life of learning, work, and service for Christ and His Kingdom” is more than words. It is the experience of our students. Our vision statement that we desire “to be a college of choice for those who want a life-transforming, academically excellent, globally relevant, and decidedly Christian education” is becoming a reality in the lives of our students.

The Tabor experience is something that young people are looking for. They want more than just an education. They want to experience, to participate, to connect, to be challenged, and to have a life transforming experience. Being a decidedly Christian college has it’s advantages. We truly are the best college for the world. The more students that Tabor has, the better the world will become.

The future of Tabor is bright because of the people who give of themselves daily to make Tabor a wonderful place where everyone can thrive.

Imagine 400+ vendors and 35,000+ visitors descending upon a town of 3000 people all in one day.  That is what happens on the third Saturday in September in Hillsboro when the city hosts the Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair.  Add to that the many local groups and organizations that want to capitalize on these guests and fund their special projects and you have a good picture of what happened this past Saturday.

The Tabor College Auxiliary was one of the local groups that provided an ethnic dinner consisting of verenika, sausage, zwiebach, cole slaw, and moos. I was so impressed.  People were lined up out the door waiting to eat the ethnic lunch.  Customers left rubbing their tummies telling me how good it was as they left.  Most were return customers from previous years.  (My job was to greet people at the door welcoming them and thanking them.)  Churches from Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma provided the verenika, zwiebach, and moos.   Sausage was donated by Dale’s, Vogts, and Peabody Market.  So many from the Tabor family worked all day in shifts cooking, serving, and cleaning up.  Elaine Nikkel, Peg Glanzer, Edith Regier, Betty Freuchting, and Marilyn Ratzlaff did the planning and organizing for the dinner.  These people gave of themselves above and beyond the call of duty.  I marveled at the Tabor family at work, trying to raise money for Tabor.  So many people working so hard to make Tabor a better place.  I have nothing but admiration and thanks for each person that helped in some way. This years earnings will go for new chairs for the gym floor when major events are held in the gym like commencement, senior dinner, etc.  My deepest heart felt thanks to everyone from all across the midwest that helped make this event a success.  This is what makes Tabor so special… the people who make up the Tabor family.

Last night our volleyball team won their first match.  But is was not the W that impressed me.  It was their hard play, hustle, and team chemistry that is something to behold.  In each of their previous losses, it was obvious that it just was a matter of time until the W would come.  They always were giving it their all.  Watching the team interact with each other and their coach is a neat experience.  It is so obvious that they love each other, love their coach, and their coach loves them.  But what really impressed me was that this morning, the morning after the game, they were on the court for practice.  And it was the team’s idea, not the coach.  Imagine… having just played their hearts out, they request to practice the next morning at 6:00 AM so that they can keep getting better.  Now that is something spectacular.  Oh, I should also mention that 11 of them are biology and pre-med majors.  These are some smart girls.

Tabor students are awesome.  Last night Peg and I took a walk on a moonlit evening through the streets of Hillsboro.  In Hillsboro, all streets seem to lead to Tabor which means that we ended up on the Tabor campus. We noticed that something was going on at the historic church, so we walked by the place. To our surprise, the place was packed with students.  So many that they were standing outside the door looking in.  They were passionately singing and worshipping God.  It was a beautiful sight to behold.  SPD (share, prayer, and dare) is what the event is called.  It is a midweek worship by and for students.  I found out later that part of the evening the group had taken a Prayer Walk around campus praying for faculty, administrators, staff, students, classes…  I was deeply moved.  Students walking the campus praying for all that happens at Tabor.  Students on their own gathering to worship and connect with God.  Where else would such a thing happen.  Tabor College is a wonderful place.  We have wonderful students who want to influence the world with the vision and values of the eternal.

When I was considering the invitation to become President of Tabor, I asked a friend of mine who had been in the pastorate and made the switch to academia what his experience was like.  Specifically, did he experience similar fulfillment of seeing lives changed that comes from pastoring.  His response went a long ways in helping me decide to accept the invitation.  He said, “He witnessed more genuine transformation in the lives of students than he did in the church.  In the church a few people were open to being transformed.  In college, students were more open to the transforming work of God in their lives.”

In our opening chapel last week, I spoke to the students about Transformation.  I wish that we would have been able to catch it on video because it was image rich with my putting on a firefighter’s suit, showing pottery clay and pots while having images on the screen.

But instead of viewing it, you can listen to it.

Hear Podcast

Remember the first day of school? New clothes. Picture taken before you left for school. New school supplies. Riding the bus. Today was the first day of class at Tabor. College is a bit different, but the excitement is still the same. Parents have all gone home. Registration is complete. Yes, each student did have their picture taken for the directory and ID card. Returning students are becoming reacquainted. New students are making new friends. Roommates are adjusting to each other. Books are being purchased. Course syllabi are being explained. And the cafeteria is the center of the activity. And to top it all off, in mid-afternoon, a cold front blew in and it feels like fall. There is nothing like the beginning of school on a college campus.

This year’s class of 2012 has its own uniqueness. Computers and rapid communication are the norm. Land line phones in the rooms will go unused. Texting is the preferred means of communicating. Most of them will never have shared a bedroom with anyone. They all will have Facebook accounts where they have shared their most personal thoughts with the whole world. And Harry Potter could be their classmate.

I am finding that getting to know Tabor students is a real joy. Remembering their names is a daunting challenge. They love to catch me not remembering their names after I have had a conversation with them. They seem so pleased when I remember their names and call it out in a greeting. Connecting with them is sheer joy.

My heart is singing.  The campus is coming alive.  Students sitting on the steps engaged in intense conversations.  The sound of whistles coming from the athletic fileds.  Couples walking hand in hand.  Students carrying bags full of books.  Voices and music flowing from the music hall preparing for Fiddler.  The caferteria is a buzz of activity.  Cars loaded to the gill arriving.  Faculty meeting in preparation for classes.  Office lights on late into the night in administrator’s offices.  This is a wonderful time of year on a college campus.  I am honored to be part of the Tabor experience.

Many of you have asked about the artifacts that Len Sweet presented to me at my inauguration to be placed in my cabinet of curiosities (a curio cabinet given to President Lohrenz by the faculty on his 50th birthday) located in my studio. Here is a brief description of each of them:

• Dr. Seuss’s ABC Book - retain the curiosity of a child and remember that we serve a Google culture and not a Guttenberg world.

• Apple with best seller “Twilight” - unlike an orange that we can take apart in pieces, an apple is an image of a holistic and organic understanding of life.

• Airsickness bag - be passionate and hot for the gospel and not like the church described in Revelations 3:16 which God wants to vomit out of his mouth.Vaseline glass (uranium glass) and griffin - steward the explosive power of the word of God.

• Olive oil and stirring stick - know when to stir up and trouble the water and when to heal and sooth the water.

• Optical illusion book - learn to be cross-eyed and see two opposites that are not in conflict.

• Ostrich egg - keep your eye on Jesus at all times.

Three of the artifacts were given privately to me by Dr. Sweet.

• Jesus action figure - in a Google world, remember that people still need something physical to hold on to.

• Bag of nuts - be nuts for Jesus

• St. Brendan’s artifact - Irish saint known as “the Navigator”, “the Voyager”, or “the Bold”

You are invited to stop by any time and see and touch these “images of leadership wisdom.”

They have great meaning to me as I lead Tabor.

Dirt was turned.  Cement was poured.  Blocks laid.  Work on the Centennial Plaza has begun.  I love the sight of construction on campus.  It demonstrates progress.  The Centennial Plaza will be a beautiful addition to the campus placing in stone our 100 year commitment to the mission of preparing men and women for a life of learning, work, and service for Christ and His Kingdom.  “Called to Serve” is a theme that has been central in our history and will now be memorialized on our campus reminding all of who we are and who we want to be.  The Plaza is the brainchild of President Emeritus Larry Nikkel.  He has and continues to work tirelessly on every detail seeing his vision become a reality.  Thank you Larry for making our campus a bit more beautiful and keeping ever in front of us our mission.

Bricks are still available for those who desire to have their names engraved on the plaza.  Contact  Larry Nikkel at  larrynikkel@tabor.edu if you would like to have your name  engraved on the plaza as a friend and supporter of Tabor College.

Imagine 50 men and women who like to talk, are generally positive people, use to taking initiative, not afraid of the spot light, possess a lot of self confidence, are use to influencing those around them, have opinions on most topics and can articulate and defend them, and are given to forming groups to accomplish a task. This was the group I was with last week on the Harvard campus as I attended the Harvard School of Education Institute of Higher Education’s New President’s Seminar. A memorable experience. A learning experience. A networking experience. Just walking on Harvard Yard was exhilarating. I was like a kid in a candy store. A farm boy going to school at Harvard. Is this for real? I am discovering that Presidents are a unique lot. We talk about vision, institutional culture, and resources. Conversations are often intense and always respectful. Our respective legacies are on our minds. The seminar was very informative. Ideas and strategies that were presented affirmed many of the things that I have been thinking about regarding Tabor. The professors were excellent. The material relevant. The case studies inspiring and challenging. The relationship I made with other presidents I expect will continue. Some will serve as peer mentors for me.

But most of all, I came home grateful to be at Tabor. We really do have a good thing going. Issues and problems that other institutions face we do not face because of the character and commitment of our people. I am convinced more than ever that the world needs Tabor College. Our mission is unique. There is a needed place for us on the higher education landscape.

It was interesting to discover that three Tabor alumni have had distinguished careers at Harvard. Dr. Arthur Dyck is Professor Emeritus in the Divinity School.  Dr. Erwin Hiebert has retired as a research faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences and his wife Elfrieda, daughter of President L.J. Franz was involved in the music program at Harvard.  The influence of Tabor College is impressive.

We live in an image rich society and symbols are very powerful in communicating our identity.  Tabor’s new logo is simple and communicates the core of who we are and will become.  It honors our past while embracing our future.  It is unique and eventually will be identifiable without our name.

Images are powerful communication tools.  They have emotive value and we hold to them emotively.  Our current logo has served us well over the years.  I know that many of us have strong emotive attachments to it.  But the time seems right to me as we celebrate our centennial and as we explore a preferred future, that we make a statement about our commitment to Christ-centered education.  The new logo makes a strong statement to that commitment.  I hope that the new logo will make you proud to be part of the Tabor community.

Here is a description of the meaning of the logo (link)

I hope that it communicates the genuine Tabor brand. 

Together with my sons, we are on a mission of attending a baseball game in every major league stadium. Practically this means a trip a year where we see about three games. This year it was Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, and Shea Stadium.

Yankee stadium is a historic stadium. Monument Park connects you to the baseball greats that played for the Yanks. Watching a game at Yankee stadium was a boyhood dream come true. The stadium lacks charm and definitely needs to be replaced. From what I could see and what I read, the new one next door will be a welcome replacement.

Customer service is everything. I have never been a Yankee fan and after this experience I will never cheer for them again. The customer service is rude and worse than terrible. I will leave it at that except to say that when ushers refuse to take your picture…

Attending a game at Fenway is the ultimate experience in baseball. First. Everyone is so helpful. The customer service is outstanding. Just the opposite of Yankee Stadium.  When you ask a question they answer not only your question but the next one you will have later. High emotional intelligence. The park has a charm all its own and Yawkey Way is memorable. Given the age of the stadium and the need for more fan space they simply during game time make the street part of the park. Very creative and innovative. Then there are the fans. They love their team. They are in the game. Almost like the 12th man in football. No score board has to tell them to make noise.  Finally the choice of music. Really cool. Move over Wrigley Field. Fenway Park is now my favorite experience.

Next on the tour was Shea Stadium.  Having attended hundreds of games in the Astrodome, this felt a bit like coming home.  Shea is the Astrodome without the roof.   The game was memorable.  An American League pitcher, Hernandez, hit a grand slam home run off of Santana.  We saw history.  Ushers were very helpful and the fans were more local.  I like the place and if I lived in New York, I would be a Mets fan… anything but a Yankee fan.

Of course a trip to New York would not be complete with out a trip to ESPN Zone in Times Square.  A sports fan heaven. 

More than the games is the memory that the three of us are making.  Being with my sons, watching a game, and connecting with them is one of the highlights of my life.  I feel the love. 

By the way, I met someone on the subway that knew about Tabor College.  Nice feel when that happens. 

For those of you who enjoyed the trip, here are some YouTube links from the first group that toured Poland and the Ukraine. These are compliments of Glen Wiebe.

Video One

Video Two

Don Enns also has chronicled the second tour with pictures that can be viewed on this site:

Tour Photos

(Click on albums on the left box to see all the albums he has created).

Click here for my entire Heritage Tour Journal 

We are home!

Good to be back on American soil. What is it about soil? There is a mystique about the land. Through out this tour, land seemed to be central to our forefathers and foremothers. And it is still true today. Some were seen kissing the ground as the set foot on USA soil again.

As the plane landed in Chicago, a number of people were taking pictures out of the window. Tourists I thought. But then that is what I have been the past few weeks.

The group scattered in Chicago to their respective places as we said good bye. Amazing how close one can get to someone in such a short time.

Thanks for joining us on this tour. I hope that you received a flavor of the Tabor Heritage Tour. I am told that the first group made a pact as they left the Ukraine and Poland. “What happened in Ukraine stays in the Ukraine.” Well, with this blog, what happened in Poland and the Ukraine was broadcast around the world.

I suspect that Tabor will be offering more tours of various sorts in the future. This is a wonderful way for alumni and supporters to connect with each other and with the college. So stay tuned for more opportunities to Travel with Tabor.

The Blog Will Continue.

In the mean time, I do plan on continuing to host a presidential blog. I found this experience rewarding, time consuming, and enjoyable. The blog will be taking on a different format, but it will be a way to stay in touch with Tabor College. Give me a few days, or a week or so and I will be back keeping you updated with the sights and sounds of Tabor College and the experiences and relationships of the president.

Thanks again for joining us on the virtual Heritage Tour.

With joy,

Jules Glanzer, President Tabor College

I have decided to add rookie blogger to my rookie president status. So here goes…

Peg and I are participating in the Heritage Tour traveling to Poland and the Ukraine. We will be sharing our experiences with all those who decide to read the blog. Whenever we have internet connectivity, we will bring you up to date on our experiences and the new relationships that we are making. We will throw in some impressions, make some observations, post some pictures, and in general take you with us as we tour Poland and the Ukraine. So welcome aboard.

 Heritage Tour Journal

May 24, 2008

Carillon bells resounded for the 98th graduating class of Tabor College Saturday, May 24, as 130 students from the Hillsboro and Wichita campuses received diplomas at commencement exercises in the college gymnasium.

Eighty-seven students who attended classes at the Hillsboro campus received Bachelor of Arts degrees; 19 graduates from the School of Adult and Graduate Studies in Wichita received Bachelor of Science degrees, and 24 AGS students received Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.

The commencement address, “A Planned Life – A Prepared Life,” was presented by President Emeritus Larry W. Nikkel, who had led the college with distinction for nine years prior to his retirement at the end of last year.

Immediately following Nikkel’s speech, Tabor Board Chairman Lyndon Vix conferred upon him the title President Emeritus; the first time the title has been bestowed in the 100-year history of the college.

The commencement exercises began with an invocation by Adult and Graduate Studies class representative David Roth, Kingman, Kan. The capacity crowd was welcomed by President Jules Glanzer, who was presiding over his first official ceremony since his inauguration on May 9.