Tabor College President's Journal

A new semester has begun at Tabor College, and with it here’s another go at the President’s Journal.

While I make no promises, I will do my best to keep you up to date on life on our wonderful campus from my perspective as president of The Best College FOR The World.

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Read The Tabor College Connection Online

To catch up on the goings-on at Tabor and our wonderful alums, take a look at the new Online version of Tabor College Connection Magazine.

Interterm Trips

I find myself praying harder and give a huge sign of thanksgiving when all our student have returned home from their Interterm trips.  Here is a sampling of the three trips Tabor students took this past month:

Gulf Coast Disaster Relief

Rachel Unger, left, and Jera Tessel serve on Gulf Coast.

Eight Tabor College students participated in the Disaster Relief and Service Travel Study Tour during the Interterm, from January 11-29. They experienced the impact of natural disasters as they worked alongside survivors of Hurricane Katrina (which killed 1,836 people and caused some $81.2 million in damage in August, 2005) and more recent hurricanes in the region. Read the Disaster Relief and Service Travel Study Tour Journal

India

Student Body President Andrew Wiens meets new friends in India.

Ten Tabor students were fully immersed into the fascinating culture of India during Interterm, from Jan. 8 to 27.  Students were introduced to the inspiring work of the Indian Mennonite Brethren in the Andra Pradesh region of India, and were challenged to think globally as they engaged with a wide variety of people and situations in another culture. Read the India Tour Journal

Europe

Dr. Richard Kyle led his 25th Tabor College Tour

Sixteen Tabor students traveled to six European countries during the January Interterm, from Jan. 6 to 26.

The group visited Germany, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom, and saw several historical and cultural sites in Munich, Zurich, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and London. They were led by Dr. Richard Kyle, Professor of History and Religious Studies, who was guiding his 25th college tour.  Read the European Tour Journal

The students will be adding thoughts about their trips and more photos to these journals as time permits, so be sure to sign up/subscribe to receive email updates as they are posted.

Let’s hear it for Nursing!

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has approved the substantive change in our Nursing Program. We also have launched the Larned, Kan., extension site this past week.  Word is getting out and other sites are now coming to us asking if we can offer our program at their location.

Alumni Recognition

Dr. Carl Gerbrandt

The National Opera Association (NOA) has awarded former Tabor College professor and alumnus Dr. Carl Gerbrandt its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant and distinguished contributions to the area of sacred opera.  Dr. Bradley Vogel, Professor of Choral Music and Director of the Tabor College Choir,  was one of his students.  Our music legacy continues.

Read full story on the Tabor College Music Journal

And the really big news!

Campbell Grace Glanzer

Last but not least, Campbell Grace Glanzer was born to Jeremy and Jodi Seibel Glanzer on Jan. 28. She weighed-in at 8 lbs 8 oz and is 20 inches long. This is #7 for us.   She will be Gramp’s little “Chicken Noodle.”

1. Total enrollment – 640 up 5% from last year
2. Total FTE – 596 up 6% from last year
3. Full time Students in Hillsboro – 504 up 5% from last year
4. Total full time students – 521 up 5% from last year
5. Number of Grad students – 22

In the little village of Hillsboro a weekend to remember was experienced by many.

Arts and Craft Fair. Tens of thousands descended on our hamlet for the annual Hillsboro Arts and Craft Fair. Some say 40,000+.  The streets were lined with booths, parking was at a premium, and people came from all over the United States.  My job was to greet people at the door of the food booth that was sponsored by the Tabor Women’s Auxiliary which served verenike, sausage, zwieback, and moos.  People came licking their chops and left rubbing their stomachs.  This is a day when groups and families from all over the nation come to Hillsboro to meet, enjoy the fair, and catch upon each others lives.  I met one group that had people from California, Colorado, Texas, and Kansas gather for the weekend and take in the fair.  My thanks to Edith Regier, Betty Fruechting, Beth Cox, Debbie Allen, and Peg Glanzer for all the planning and organizing that they did to make it a success.  And to the many volunteers who worked so hard to raise money for a special project at Tabor.  In the past they have purchased chairs, banners, office furnishings, Christmas lights, china, outdoor lighting, and many other improvements.  This year it will be a new ice cream freezer for the cafeteria.  Churches from both the Central District and Southern District provided the verenike, moos, and zwieback.  Sausage came from Dale’s, and Vogt’s. Even the president’s granddaughter got in on making verenike.

Adams House Reunion. For five years, Tabor alumni who lived in Adams house have gathered to reminisce and reconnect.  This year it was in Hillsboro.  At Tabor, one makes friends for life.

Stadium Christening.  The new Joel H. Wiens Stadium and Reimer Field was christened with two soccer games on Friday and a football game on Saturday.  The stands were almost full for the football game.  Tailgating parties in the parking lot.  The Bluejay suite hosted the USD 410/Tabor College Task Force that worked so hard in building the stadium along with the USD 410 School Board.  The game was a hard fought contest with Tabor coming out on the short end of a 41-37 score.  At halftime we remembered Marcus Manny, the player who was tragically killed in a car accident last year.  His family traveled to Hillsboro to witness the first game on the field.

Hillsboro, home of Tabor College and a place that people love to visit.

College students are basically asking two questions… Who am I?  and What am I to do?  The Tabor experience is designed to help students answer these questions.  One of the ways is by having each student take the Clifton Strengthsfinder assessment administered by Gallup.  The assessment reveals to each student their top five strengths.  This information is then used to assist the student in a variety of ways from career selection to applying their strengths to the career of their choice and to helping them be better students.  It is a wonderful experience.  I have taken the assessment and it helps me be a better president.  If you want to discover your strengths, go to strengthsfinder.com and purchase a code and take the assessment.  The top five aggregate strengths of Tabor students are Adaptability, Restorative, Competition, Developer, Achiever.  In case you are wondering what mine are… Futuristic, Positivity, Belief, Woo, and Activator.  I am delighted that Tabor is a strengths-based campus and that we have already received the Strengthsfinder Leader Award given to us by the Gallup organization for the work we do with the assessment instrument helping students discover who they are and what they are to do.  Just another of the wonderful things about Tabor.

The old historic church was packed.  Even the standing room was full.  We got there a few minutes late so we had to stand just inside the door.  Those who came later were standing just outside the door.  It was Prayer, Share, and Dare – the Wednesday evening student led worship time.  What an experience to see the students singing songs of praise and worshipping God with passion and heart felt emotion.  It was “church” at it’s best.  These students came to connect with God.  They want their hearts to be fed, their lives to be touched, and their whole being to be encompassed with God’s love.  It is all part of the Tabor experience.  An experience that produces graduates that love Jesus, love His people the church, and see their vocations as a way to make the world more what God intended it to be.

It’s official.  The 2009-10 academic year has been launched.  As Provost Ressler announced to the packed Hillsboro MB Church at the 2009 Academic Convocation, “Learning season is officially open.  You are free to learn.”  Dr. Ressler continued to inspire us by recognizing the many academic accomplishments by faculty and alumni during the past year.  Here are some of them:  Doc Kyle published his 9th book, John Knox: An Introduction to His Life and Works;  Dr. Bill Kostlevy published Historical Dictionary of the Holiness Movement; Professor Shin-hee Chin has published a website of her art work  www.shinheechin.com, Dr. Doug Miller was recognized for his work on The Believer’s Church Commentary, Professor Aleen Ratzlaff for contributing three chapters to Seeking a Voice: Images of Race and Gender in the 19th Century Press, alumnus Bryce Unruh as a principle engineer for the NASA Kepler Mission, and alumnus Dr. Louis L’Abate for receiving the American Psychological Association Life Time Merit award.  He then challenged us to be courageous, curious, critical, and committed.

We also recognized three National Merit Scholars, Allison Isaac, Crystal Prieb, and Rachel Unger, 23 Presidential Scholars, Michael Adamyk, Ashley Bird, Erin Dick, David Ewert, Amanda Faber, Sarah Friesen, Benjamin Gottsch, Benjamin, Heyen, Courtney Janzen, Lauren Just, David Loewen, Maria Loewen, Emily Miller, Emily Olson, Kristen Pitschmann, Jeremy Reiswig, Jenae Rempel, Caleb Schmitz, Carrie Schroeder, Clayton Shewey, Naomi Toews, Andrew Wiens, and Jordan Zielke.  Add to that the 96 Dean Scholars, and you can do the math… about 25% of our student body received high academic awards.

All this to say that we have a gifted faculty, accomplished alumni, and some very smart students. But then, this is an academic institution, so what would you expect.  I love hanging around them.

Today the Women’s soccer team christened the new Joel H. Wiens Stadium and the updated Reimer Field by playing Mid American Nazarene University in a pre-season scrimmage.  What a thrill to see students sitting in the lower bleachers, parents and fans in the upper section, and athletes on the field giving it their all in competition.  Construction workers are still working on the fence, track, concession stand, and road.  But the field is ready for competition and the stands for the fans to cheer and support the Tabor and USD 410 teams.  Watching the inaugural competition on the field was a thrill.  The vision of former president Nikkel and superintendent Mohn along with the support of the many people of the Hillsboro community and Tabor friends and alumni is becoming a reality.

For the 6th year in a row, Tabor College has been recognized by US News as one of the BEST colleges in the Midwest.  It is always nice when others recognize what many of us already know… Tabor is a high quality place.  Excellence is something that we strive for and our faculty, administration, and staff are committed to continuing in a tradition of providing a high quality education at an affordable price.  All of us have worked so hard to continue this tradition of excellence.  My thanks to our faculty, staff, and administrators for their faithfulness, dedication, and plain hard work in making it possible for our students to receive a quality education.  Most gratifying is that our peer institutions also recognize the quality of a Tabor education.

After 4 months of silence, I am back on the blog.  I could give you some excuses, maybe even a good reason or two, but basically I stopped writing.  Something called discipline or lack thereof.  Most people make resolutions around new years, I do as the academic year gets started.  So my academic year resolution is to blog more this year.

The campus is alive with excitement and activity.  Faculty are busy preparing for classes.  The maintenance crew is working long and hard to have the campus looking nice… and they have done a marvelous job. Student leaders arrived last week.  Athletes showed up this week.  And today there were traffic jams in Hillsboro.  The freshman along with their parents descended on the campus transforming it into one massive moving day.

Meanwhile the construction crews are working against the clock to get the stadium and athletic center finished in time for the first football and soccer games.  The stands are up, the crew is attaching the railings and final pieces, and the press box is set in place.  The last coat is being laid down on the track.  The teams are already using the field and locker rooms.  The Joel Wiens Stadium and athletic center will be the crown jewel of the KCAC.  If you want to see some pictures, here is the link to the site. Stadium construction pictures

Saturday is orientation day.  While the parents attend workshops, the freshman are off to prticipate in service projects in Wichita and the surrounding area.  This is a tradition at Tabor… making serving a part of our life together.

In 1970 I arrived on the Tabor campus from South Dakota to enroll as a freshman.  I was constantly being asked if I knew Bob Glanzer or if I was related to Bob.  Bob had graduated from Tabor in 1967 and was from South Dakota.  So most people assumed that we either were related or knew each other.  Truth was I had never met Bob, was not related to Bob, and did not know Bob.  In my travels as president meeting alumni the question was asked again by people who attended Tabor during the 60’s.  My answer was the same.  I do not know Bob, never have met him, nor am I related to him.

This past week i met Bob.  At an “Expanding Our Influence” campaign event in Huron, SD who should be at the event but BOB.  It was great.  I finally met the man who had been the motivation for many questions.

Bob is a very likable person.  I now know why so many people asked if I was related or knew him.  Who could not like Bob?  But meeting him became secondary as I heard his Tabor story.

Like so many who attend Tabor, he came for a variety of reasons, many of which were not academic.  Somewhere between his sophomore and junior year the faith of his parents, the experiences of his church while growing up, and the environment of Tabor took hold and Bob decided that following Jesus was for him.  After graduation he applied for grad school.  In the interview one of the professors asked him what happened between his sophomore and junior years being his transcript showed that his grades had improved dramatically from one semester to the next?  Bob replied, “That is when I decided to follow Jesus Christ and turned my life over to Him.”  What a transformation story.

Life transformation is part of the DNA of Tabor.  For 100 years life transformation has happened and it will continue for the next 100 years.

The stadium campaign is about life transformation.  The gifts that many people are making to the campaign are an investment in life transformation experiences for our student athletes.  Yes, the money purchases steel, concrete, wood, and turf.  But the investment is in an environment where young men and women experience life transformation.

Each morning I walk on to the Tabor campus, I am greeted by the sign on the Centennial Plaza “Called to Serve.” I am reminded why I am at Tabor College and exactly what it is that I am to do… serve. I am called to serve the Tabor community regardless of the difficulty or pain involved.

Just over a week ago the responsibility of serving Tabor required making the most difficult speech I have ever given in my life. The economic downturn is affecting Tabor like all other schools which required us to make some difficult decisions that resulted in some significant budget cuts for 2009-10 including releasing some of our personnel. The day before I had paid a visit to the ones who were most effected by the cuts. Our people are so gracious. The morning I gave the speech, I wrote in my journal, “This would not be so difficult if I did not love these people so much.” What follows are some excepts from what I said that afternoon.

For 100 years Tabor College has been participating in what God is doing in His world. The imago dei of the institution is the missio dei. Tabor College is and always will be doing God’s work in the world. During these 100 years Tabor has overcome some significant obstacles… fire, wind, wars, depression, and bad investments, to name a few. I am confident that we will also overcome the current economic downturn that has led to our current financial situation.

Our mission to prepare people for a life of learning, work, and service for Christ and His Kingdom is our driving force. Our vision to be the college of choice for those who want an academically excellent, life transforming, globally relevant and decidedly Christian education, is as clear, strong, and relevant as it ever has been. Our graduates circle the globe making the world more what God intended it to be infusing their respective locales with the vision and values of the eternal. The face of heaven is not the same because of Tabor and all those who have and will work here. Tabor College has, is, and will continue to be a lighthouse in this world. Our faculty, staff, and administrators all can have a deep sense of satisfaction that their work is of eternal significance.

Tabor College is made up of wonderful people. People who sacrifice, believe in our mission, and are committed to Christ and His way in life. Being a part of the Tabor community and participating in the mission and vision of Tabor is something that I, even today, consider a gift from God. I love this place and I love the people that make up Tabor College.

Back in November I realized the possibility of this day. During December and January I devoted myself to understanding our economic times and the impact on Tabor. It wasn’t until I spent time in Washington DC in late January that I knew this day was inevitable. My understanding of the presidency is that the stewardship of Tabor has been placed in my hands. I hold this stewardship gingerly and tenderly as I execute the responsibilities of the office. I find myself dependent on the risen Christ as I work to honor and trust God with my life by being a person of influence, impacting and inspiring with integrity and relevance the lives of those who will influence others.

I am convinced that Tabor has a bright future. The shape and face of higher Christian education is in the midst of some major paradigm shifts and we need to be prepared for these external changes that will affect Tabor College. It is my conviction that these forces will require some paradigm shifts for us as well. Tabor will need to embrace change, not because things are broken at Tabor but so we can be prepared for a future which we do not know and in which we want to continue our mission being accomplished and the vision becoming a reality. We are preparing a new generation for a new world that is hard for us to even imagine. This then requires a new Tabor as well.

Our current economic climate has caused us to take a hard look at ourselves. And the self examination has only begun. The effect both directly and indirectly of the economic conditions on our endowment, recruiting, and financial aid has required us to make some significant budget adjustments for the 2009-10 academic year. I am thankful that because of excellent leadership in the past, our situation is not anywhere near what other institutions are experiencing. Every president that I have talked with is leading their institutions in some kind of budgetary reductions. Most are more severe than we are experiencing.

From my vantage point, it appears we will need to go through a three phase redesign of Tabor College.

Phase 1 – Reduce our work force to a size we can afford. Currently we have a workforce that is larger than we can afford. I believe that a smaller workforce paid well is better than a larger workforce paid poorly. We need to decide what we do best and focus on that rather than attempting to be too many things to all people.

Phase 2 – Redirect programming costs as needed. The redirecting of funds needs to increase revenue streams and address some financial realities, namely borrowing for operating costs, not dealing with deficits the following year, and not having a contingency fund to draw on in times like these. Phase two will consist of investing in opportunities for growth, and establishing financial policies that reduce our borrowing for operating costs, and establishes a contingency fund of $200,000 by 2015. It might also require additional budget reductions based on our enrollment in the fall.

Phase 3 – Redesign of the college. Tabor has been a survivor. This is good. But surviving has become the goal rather than thriving. I propose that we take a serious look at redesigning Tabor College so that we can move from survive to thrive. I also propose that for this phase we hire an outside consultant who would establish a process involving the many internal and external constituents, guide us in that process, resulting in a strategic plan for a new and more vibrant Tabor. Our curriculum, our delivery, our sales force, and our retention practices need to be reviewed. We need a clear picture in writing of our preferred future so that we all know what it is we are working towards.

The decisions that I am announcing today are all part of phase 1. The goal of phase one is to balance the 2009-10 budget, prepare us for a better Tabor, and position us for a college redesign. These decisions combined enable us, for the time, to present a balanced budget for 2009-10.

These decisions result in the following:

• An operating budget reduction in excess of $500,000 or approximately 5%
• The release of 3 full time faculty
• The release of 8 administrative and support staff
• Vacancies of one and a half positions not being filled
• Reduction of one faculty teaching load
• Discontinuation of computer science program
  
• All combined this is a 11% reduction in the workforce
• Numerous sacrifices of those who continue to serve at Tabor
• Increase all employees salaries by 2%

Yes, we all hurt with these decisions. Our love for each other is deep and because of these relationships, we hurt even more. I also do not expect that everyone will agree with these decisions. I am thankful to the Executive Team for their hard work and assistance in the decision making process. I also am grateful to the president’s faculty advisory council, provost faculty advisory group, the division chairs, the administrative teams of the Vice Presidents, and the many individual conversations that provided insights, wisdom, and guidance along the way. Given the nature of these decisions, we have attempted to be as collaborative as possible. But in the end, the decisions are mine and I am the one to be held responsible for them.

On following Monday morning as I walked on the campus, I was greeted with sidewalk graffiti all over the campus. The night before students had written Bible verses of encouragement all over the campus sidewalks. I was touched deeply as I read these verses of encouragement. Our students were sending a message of hope to all who work at Tabor.

Delft, MN. Population 200 and declining. A seemingly insignificant town in southeastern Minnesota that over the years has had a huge impact on the world and the face of heaven. The Carson Center for Mission, Service, and Global Education at Tabor College hosted the first ”Carson Week” on campus this past week. A banquet was held on Saturday evening and various activities were hosted during the week to promote mission, service, and global education.

The Carson Center was initially funded when the Carson MB Church in Delft, MN decided to close its doors and distribute the physical assets of which Tabor College was one of the beneficiaries. We used the money to establish an endowment that would help us continue the legacy of the church and increase the influence of Tabor on the international scene. Today’s students must understand that they are living in a glocal world.

The story of the Carson MB Church is a missional story. During its entire history, the DNA of the church was to send missionaries, be involved in mission activities, and promote kingdom service. Person after person was sent out for mission service. The sound track of the church was global missional service. And when it came time to close its doors because of the changing demographics of the area, the leaders insured that the missional service of this small American village would continue to have a missional impact.

God must love small places to do his work. The scripture is full of people who came from small insignificant places and had huge kingdom influence. King David was from Bethlehem. Many of the prophets were from small towns. And Jesus himself came from Nazareth. “Can any good thing come from Nazareth?” was the question in his day. Yes, good things come from small places. And I would suggest that the same is true with Hillsboro… a small Kansas town that through Tabor College is making a global kingdom impact. Dare I say… God is in love with us.

As part of the Carson Week activities, the Ewert Family from Delft was featured in the programs. On Saturday morning Peg and I had the pleasure of hosting the entire Ewert family in our home. All six children and their spouses (except one) were together for the first time since their mother’s funeral in 2004. The story of this family is worth retelling.

Dave and Minnie Ewert were farmers. David completed 7^th grade, Minnie the 9^th grade. All six of their children attended Tabor with five of them graduating from Tabor and one completing all but one year at Tabor. After Tabor, Norm and Merrill each received a PhD, Lowell a Juris Dr, Phyllis and Elaine Masters degrees and Bob completed his bachelors from the University of Minnesota. Merrill, Lowell, and Bob each served for three years with MCC and Merrill also served with MBMSI for two years. Norm has traveled extensively internationally in his work with Wheaton College and Ten Thousands Village projects. Elaine served in Nigeria for 2 years and Phyllis did work in Brazil and also worked with MCC stateside. All of them are successful in their vocational endeavors.

But education and vocational success is not what is the most impressive about the family even though all are models of vocational success. It is the heart for service and global influence with eternal values that is so impressive. All of the family including the spouses thinks service, thinks world, and thinks eternal. Each of them has served in international settings making these places more like God intended them to be. Each have infused these settings with values of the eternal while participating in answering Jesus’ prayer “…your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” The story was told by Merrill that when he told his Dad that he was going to Zaire to serve with MCC, his father’s response was, “I have given them my money, I have given them my cattle (canning project), and now I am giving them my boy.” What a missional legacy heralding from none other than Delft, MN.

Teaching feeds my soul.  Once again my tank is full as I reflect on my most recent teaching experience.  For my own continued intellectual stimulation and to stay informed and in touch with my discipline of study, I have agreed to teach one intensive course each year George Fox Evangelical Seminary.  So for the past two days I had the joy of teaching a group of high capacity influencers who are enrolled in their Leadership and Spiritual Formation doctoral program.  Students from all over the world (Australia, England, Korea, and United States) gather at Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast for the face-to-face component of their course work.  I spent two days talking with these twenty five high capacity leaders about the person and work of a leader.  We talked about how who we are impacts what we do.  We examined emotional intelligence and how we can provide strength-based leadership to our respective settings.  The focus of the course was on self discovery that will lead to increased effectiveness as a leader.  They were engaging, highly participatory, and inspiring.  Their questions, comments, and stories were challenging and affirming.  Their commitment to increasing their capacity to lead was inspiring.  They motivated me to bring my A game to the classroom.  And beyond that, they affirmed in me the importance of leadership and higher education.

Leadership is being resulting in doing.  What a leader does flows from who they are and who they are determines what they do.  I have never been more convinced of that truth.  The work of Christian higher education is to create an environment in which our students can learn, grow, and be shaped in such a way that they influence the world to  be more the way God intended it to be.  They come to us from a variety of settings.  They all are gifted in unique ways.  We work with them in formative ways.  We help them discover their strengths.  We provide settings where they can explore and increase their relational skills.  we challenge them academically and encourage them in their vocational choices.  And God reaches down and transforms them into His masterpieces.  It is a beautiful thing to behold.  And a privilege to be able to participate with what He is doing in the world.

Yesterday, February 23, the Tabor College community experienced what every college president dreads from the first day they take office. We all know that it will happen at some time, and we have thought through possible responses. But we sincerely hope it will not happen. We received word that the night before one of our students had been killed in a car accident. Shock, disbelief, questions, tears… we are a family and one of us is gone.

Marcus Manny, a senior student who was the kicker on the football team had a car accident that took his life. While traveling back to Tabor after having been to his home in the Dallas area for his mothers birthday on Sunday, he lost control of the vehicle.

Here is what was posted on our website.

We canceled chapel and brought the students together for a time of reflection and grieving. We are hosting numerous small groups during the week to assist the students in dealing with this tragic loss. Marcus’ mother told me that she was so thankful for the “Skittles guy” but did not know who this person was. What she did know is that Marcus had made a significant commitment to Christ as a result of the “skittles guy.” The skittles guy is Brian Classen, the pastor at Papillion NE who was our spiritual emphasis week speaker this fall. He had used a package of skittles to illustrate his point. Marcus had gotten the point, made a commitment which resulted in a change, and now is with the one to whom he committed his life. We do not have answers to the questions we all have, but we do have hope. Hope in the only one who has conquered death… Jesus Christ.

Arrangements are still pending. We will have a memorial service on campus for Marcus and will also participate in some way at the service in Dallas. We are considering chartering buses for the football team to be present.

Hanging around college students often gives the illusion of immortality. Young, full of energy, with a world to conquer. And then we have a reality check such as this. We are citizens of two realms… the visible and invisible. We live with a sense of here and there… the temporal and the eternal. May we infuse this world with the vision and values of the eternal. “Marcus, we will all miss you in this world but our hope is in Jesus which gives us a confidence that you are with Him.”

I have been to many “kickoff” events but this one was for a football and soccer stadium.   So calling it a kickoff event is in every way an accurate description.  About 200 people from the Hillsboro community gathered in the Tabor gym for a feast of stadium food (hotdogs, chicken on a stick, nachos, tater tots, pop corn, funnel cakes) and to hear about the Joel Wiens Stadium that will be built.  The mood was upbeat.  The tone was positive.  The smiles and laughter from those attending told the story… they were having an enjoyable time.  It felt like a “I love Tabor” party.  Everyone came to hear about the stadium and how they can be involved in making it happen.

The advancement team of Geneva Just, Leda Graybill, Jeremy Jordan and Marlene Fast had the gym looking like a sports party.  Balloons in blue, gold, and maroon tied to Gatorade bottles brought a smile to everyone.  All us men were able to eat hot dogs that most of our wives forbid in the house.  The set up of the stage by Chris Glanzer and Brad Just made it look like something big was about to happen.

Jim Elliott got the crowd going by having us all wave our complementary rally towels.  Mayor Delores Dalke communicated how important this is to the community.  President Emeritus Larry Nikkel gave us a short history of the project.  Vice President of Athletics told us about the features of the project.  I communicated about the life transforming mission of Tabor.  MB Foundation president Jon Wiebe talked about planned giving.  VP of Advancement Jim Elliott presented the numbers.  Campaign chair Craig Ratzlaff challenged us to become involved.  We all got on base for student Spencer Brown to hit a home run with his speech.

He was interrupted by cheers and applause as he told about the transformation that happens to our student athletes.  All in all it was a wonderful evening of launching Expanding Our Influence Athletic Facilities Campaign.

Teaching is the profession that makes all other professions possible.  During Interterm, one of the on-campus courses for education majors is Introduction to Education.  The course has a major field education component where all the students spend time observing classrooms.  Each morning the students gather in the cafeteria to eat breakfast and pack a lunch for the day.  Then off to the classroom to observe.  I often eat breakfast on campus so most mornings I was able to engage students about their experiences of observing the classroom.  The stories were funny and at times sad as they told of the kids that they encountered in the classroom.  The class is divided into two groups.  One group is assigned to observe schools in rural Marion County while the other group is assigned schools that are multi-cultural and multi-ethnic in Wichita.  After a week, the two groups switch locations making it possible that each student has the opportunity to observe both settings.

What was most interesting was listening to students from rural backgrounds talk about their urban experiences and students from urban backgrounds talk about their rural experiences.  Together it caused me to reflect on the nature of education and the Tabor Experience.

Education expands ones horizons.  New paradigms are explored.  Frames of reference are expanded.  Life insights are learned.  Values are reflected on.  Life meaning is considered.  And gratefulness for their own growing up setting is expressed.  It is not an exaggeration to say that significant formation happens in this course.

What is even more evident is the love that the students have for the children.  I now understand why Tabor education graduates are in such hot demand.  Combine a great education program with love and you have the makings of graduates that will influence the world making it more what God intended it to be.

January Interterm.  A time honored Tabor Tradition. Each January Tabor students travel the world and experience other cultures and gain knowledge that only can be gained by participating these trips.  My freshman year I took “Investments” and Mr. Sellberg took us to New York City to experienced Wall Street.  For this South Dakota farm boy to spend a week in New York City broadened my world view beyond anything else I did in college.  January Interterm at Tabor is a wonderful tradition that helps us see our vision of becoming globally relevant a reality.

This year we have four international trips and one domestic trip… Israel, Southeast Asia, Belize, Europe, and New Orleans.  You can follow them by signing up and reading their blogs.  Go to the Tabor web site and click on read blogs. Here is a bit about the tours.

Israel Tour. Read the Jerusalem Seminar Blog. (Be sure to subscribe to updates via email or RSS reader).

A 27-member group of Tabor College students, Bethel College students are visiting the land of Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, the disciples, and early Christians, on an educational tour of the Holy Land, Jan. 5 to 25, 2009.

Tabor Bible Professor David Miller will co-lead the tour with Bethel College professor Patricia Shelly, a licensed guide with over 25 years of experience leading tours and living in the Holy Land.

Based in Jerusalem for most of the trip, the group will travel to Mt. Nebo, where Moses gazed into the Promised Land, and other sites in Jordan, including ancient and dramatic Petra. Also on the travel itinerary are Bethlehem, Hebron, Joppa, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, and Dan.

The purpose of the three-week trip is to give participants an opportunity to understand the Bible in its context; learn about the three major religions of the area (Judaism, Islam, Eastern Christianity); gain a better understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; and spend special time in worship, reflection, and prayer.

In addition to 15 persons going from Bethel, the following 12 from Tabor are making the trip:

Ben Faul (Martin, N.D.); Ben Heyen (Hillsboro, Kan.); Janae Rempel (Meade, Kan.); Kayla Vix (Maize, Kan.); Judy Harder, Associate Professor of Communications and Drama, and her husband, Keith; Myron and LaVon Vetter (Onida, S.D.); Richard and LuWanda Schroeder  (Moundridge, Kan.); and Professor Miller and his wife, Holly Swartzendruber, Assistant Professor of Vocal Music.

Indonesia Tour. Read the Southeast Asia Seminar Blog. (Be sure to subscribe to receive updates via email or RSS).

A 10-member entourage from Tabor College will tour the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore from Jan. 9-29, led by Professor Emeritus Frank Brenneman and Assistant Professor of Family Studies Jeanelle Herrel. 

The group departed Jan. 5 from Wichita, Kan., arriving in Singapore Jan. 7. There the group will visit historical museums and art museums and several historical, cultural and religious sites, some dating from colonial days.  On Jan. 9 the group will fly to the island of Borneo to visit a long house of the Iban people.

On Jan. 12 the group will fly to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, to visit important religious places including the Batu Caves (Hindu) and the National Mosque (Islam). The group also will spend time with the staff of Focus on the Family, and dine with members of the Christian Brethren Church.

On Jan 12, the group will fly to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, where they will work on service projects alongside Advocate’s Reach missionaries Michael and Naomi Phillips. The Phillips’ have two sons presently attending Tabor College, Aaron and Levi, and Aaron will be on the trip.

On Jan. 24, the group will travel to Chiang Rai and will be there for the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year, on the 26th.

The group will fly to Bangkok, Thailand on Jan. 27 to visit the historical Grand Palace and the world famous Buddhist temple, Wat Po, as well as the National Museum, before their return trip back to Wichita.

In addition to Aaron Phillips, additional Tabor students making the trip are Ben Hlad (Sylvan Grove, Kan.); Maria Loewen (Hillsboro, Kan.); Josh Paulus (Corona, Calif.); Brandon Voth (Lynden, Wash.), and Faith Wanja (Wichita, Kan.). Also going are Lisa Burns, a student at Wichita State University, and Professor Herrel’s son, Jacob.

Europe Tour. Read the Europe blog (Be sure to subscribe to receive updates via email or RSS).

Thirty-three Tabor College students will travel to six European countries during the January Interterm, from Jan. 9- 29, led by Dr. Richard Kyle, Professor of History and Religious Studies, who will be guiding his 24th tour.The group will tour the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Vatican City, and visit cultural, religious, and historical locations in London, Paris, Zürich, Munich, Venice, and Rome.

The educational trip counts toward academic credits in history, religion, political science, or art, and requires students to read materials, write reports, listen to lectures, take a test, and keep a daily journal. Dr. Kyle and local instructors will be lecturing throughout the tour.

Students also will have an opportunity to see a theater production in London, ride a gondola in Venice, or watch a fùtbol game in Rome.

Trip participants include: Andy Adrian (Buhler, Kan.); Whitney Allen (Hillsboro, Kan.); Katie Camp (Fresno, Calif.); Julia Carlton (Hesston, Kan.); Katie Chlumsky (Wichita, Kan.); Ashley Cohlmia (Wichita, Kan.); Jordan Crosson (Minneapolis, Kan.); Stephanie Friesen (Wichita, Kan.); Annie Gramza (Olathe, Kan.); Emily Heizelman (Buhler, Kan.); Jessica Henion (Wichita, Kan.); Jason Hildebrandt (Wichita, Kan.); Cassondra Huxman (Moundridge, Kan.); Lichelle Large (Hayes Center, Neb.); Scott Latimer (Wichita, Kan.); Marcus Manny (Dallas, Texas); Heidi McCarthy (Liberal, Kan.); Megan McCarty (Hillsboro, Kan.); Andrew Pankratz (Abilene, Kan.); Jenae Pauls (Inman, Kan.); Jessica Perrault (Westminster, Colo.); Sarah Ratzlaff (Pottsville, Ark.); Josh Reiswig (Wichita, Kan.); Zac Remboldt (Topeka, Kan.); Jacob Riley (Derby, Kan.); Tessa Siebert (Henderson, Neb.); Megan Souter (Fairview, Okla.); Jessica Spunaugle (Wichita, Kan.); Michael Suderman (Hillsboro, Kan.); Jera Teselle (Downs, Kan.); Bekah Thiele (Fountain, Colo.); Danelle Thieszen (Henderson, Neb.); Andrew Wiens (Topeka, Kan.); and Richard and Joyce Kyle.

Belize. This tour is first leaving later this week and I will update it as soon as I have more information.

Domestic tour. We also one domestic tour.  A group will travel to New Orleans to assist in Katrina rebuilding.

I encourage you to follow Tabor as then travel the world.

You have heard me talk about but our awesome students.  Our faculty are just as world class.  As one example… Professor Shin-Hee Chin’s art work (Choon San) Spring Mountain was accepted for the Quilt National -09 Exhibit and will be on display in the Cultural Arts Center from May 23 through September 7, 2009.  The Quilt National has showcased the contemporary quilt as art form for 30 years. Here is the artist’s description of her work: “Through this series of pieces I wanted to highlight the interconnectedness of humankind, that humanity constitutes one family.

“I began portraits of my family, but expanded by including marginalized and forgotten people. In Spring Mountain, a portrait of my mother, I wanted to depict an Asian female who has remained faceless and voiceless, sacrificing for family. I wanted to convey her vitality through a floral pattern, like the mountainsides in spring alluded to in her name. Through this work, I wanted to give her a face and voice.”

In addition, her quilt “Imago Dei” has been on display at the 9th Quilt Nihon Exhibition at the 2008 World Quilt Festival in Shanghai, China.  Congratulations to Professor Chin.

It is early Christmas morning.  The house is still quiet.  The grandchildrem and their parents are still asleep.  I have a fire going, a cup of Starbucks in my hand, and thinking about the Christmas event.

There is a mystery to all this that somehow inspires me.  God… the God of the universe… the author of life… the big, powerful, and might One… he who is unapproachable… the holy one… comes to earth.  But it is more than coming to earth.  He had been here before that night in different forms.  This time he became like us.  God took on skin.  He moved into the neighborhood.  The theological word is incarnation. What it really means is that now God has a belly button.  I do not understand.  What was he thinking?

I do not presume to know, but from my limited vantage point, I find myself making some observations that become a model for my own leadership.

Creativity and Innovation. God coming to earth as a baby had never been done before.  The idea alone is off the creativity chart.  A new paradigm to deal with the sin problem.  It is said that necessity is the mother of invention.  God solved the sin problem through a very creative and innovative idea… come to earth as a human being and live among us and take care of the sin of the world.

Empowerment. God coming to earth affirms humanity and equips us for a better life.  We now see how we are to live life.  A model for holistic living is provided.  The mission of God becomes clear to us.  We are invited to participate in the activity of God in the world.  God has empowered each of us to live life to the fullest.  He has given away all the secrets and revealed them to us in Jesus. His coming to earth as a human being was for us, so that we know how to live life with a capital L and can together with Him make the world a better place.

Generosity. God left the beauty of heaven and gave himself to us in human form.  What a generous gesture.  A story comes to mind of a GI in WW II that was walking on the streets some place in Europe and came upon an little boy that was peering into the window of a bakery.  The GI went up to the boy and asked him if he wanted some fresh baked bread.  “Yes, mister.  That would be great.”  So the GI went in and bought a loaf and gave it to the boy.  As he was walking away, the GI felt a tug on his coat.  It was the little boy.  “Mister, are you God?”  God is a giving God.  His heart is a generous heart.  I believe that we are most like God when we give and live generous lives.

Results. God coming to earth was not a random act.  He was intentional, strategic, and had a clear objective.  God had a mission and the mission was accomplished… make the world a better place and make it possible for us to live eternally with Him.  Both find the beginning of their fulfillment in the Christmas event.

These four values inspire me as I lead Tabor.  They are leadership values that I want to practice and infuse into Tabor’s culture.  They are a model for me as I provide leadership.  They are a lighthouse for the many decisions that are made as I guide Tabor into the future.  I offer them to you as you celebrate Christmas.

Merry Christmas from Tabor

The Tabor College Music Department presented its annual “Christmas Festival,” on Sunday, Dec. 14, at Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church. The Concert Choir, Symphonic Band and the Handbell Choir performed a variety of entertaining and inspirational holiday music.

I was inspired and touched as I listened to the music. There is nothing like Christmas music to help us experience the meaning of Christmas.

The Concert Choir, under the Direction of Dr. Bradley Vogel, Professor of Music, sang Veni Emmanuel, arranged by Bradley Vogel; Bogoroditse Devo, by Sergei Rachmaninoff; O Magnum Mysterium, by Tomas Luis de Victoria; Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, by Dale Grotenhuis; What Is This Lovely Fragrance? by Michael Larkin; and, “Good Christian Men, Rejoice,” arranged by Dan Forrest.

I am amazed at the talent of the Tabor musicians. Their musical ability is incredible.

With Dr. Richard Cantwell, Professor of Instrumental Music, on sabbatical, the Symphonic Band was conducted by Paul Epp, a Tabor alum and former band director at Hillsboro High School.

The band played Assurance, Jingle Bells Forever, Variations on a Theme of Wondrous Love, and a Christmas Festival.

The Handbell Choir played four numbers, including Carol of the Bells, Coventry Carol, and O Come, All Ye Faithful, arranged by handbell choir director Stephen Vincent, Adjunct Professor of Organ.

Christmas on a college campus is very special. The student activities, campus lighting, and the musical concerts all provide a setting of experiencing the joy of Christmas.

So that you can have a taste of Christmas at Tabor, here is the concert for you to enjoy.

May you have a Merry Christmas.

Listen to the concert!

Part One

Part Two

Conclusion

What college students won’t think of, and what a president won’t do:

Add another experience to the life of a college president. Peg and I participated in the record setting longest jumping on a trampoline event. The Mind, Body, and Soul theme house sponsored the event with the goal of getting into the Guinness Book of World Records. Evidently there was no record in the book, so the group contacted Guinness and did what it takes to set an initial record. You can read about the event on the Tabor Website.

It was a lot of fun. I was amazed at how the news spread that I was going to jump. I had a couple of dozen people ask me if I was going to jump over the weekend. Not sure if they thought that I was that out of shape or what. We arrived about 30 minutes before our time to jump. As the time neared, a small crowd began to gather. Included in the crowd was the Chairman of the Board. His daughter informed me that what I was about to do was the same as running a mile. I have not run a mile in years. I think she is a lot like her Dad trying to mess with people’s minds. Some of the Executive Team also arrived. I became convinced that many were arriving to see the president make a fool of himself.

So being the gentleman I am, I let Peg go first.

She definitely won on style points jumping effortlessly with a smile the whole time. When I started jumping, I could not help but notice that cameras started flashing. Even the local paper started taking pictures. I can only imagine that it will be front page news… President jumps… However, as the record setting event grew close to the close, I noticed some students that seemed to want to be jumping when the record would be set. So I invited them up on the trampoline and I got off so that students could set the record. This was a student event so students needed to take it home. That’s my story and I am sticking to it. Never mind that my legs were killing me.

All in all, it was a great event. College students having a great time with good clean fun and bringing some notoriety to Tabor with a Guinness World Record. My compliments to Sara Sigley and Melanie Johnson for their creativity and working with the students to make it happen. It makes me proud to be a part of Tabor.

This past week I attended the funeral of a great man — a person of impeccable character, strong passion, and someone who was determined that his legacy would be the values he passed on to his family. As the story was told, Marvin Jost loved when his extended family would gather for a holiday meal. Before grace was said, he would remind the family of the importance of tithing and the significance of Tabor College. Both he and Rosella attended Tabor, all of his children, and all but one of his grandchildren.

At the service, his son James spoke of the passions of his dad. He had a passion for God, the church, family, and the community. At that point James was overcome with emotion as he began to talk about another of his Dad’s passions. Tabor College. Through the tears we heard of Marvin’s love for Tabor. I was touched.

It is families like this that have made Tabor College what it is today. It is more evidence to me that Tabor College is the BEST college for the world. The prayers, gifts, counsel, and commitment of men like Marvin Jost and his family is what has built Tabor. The foundation is Jesus Christ. And the walls are the men and women who over the years have had an unswerving commitment to Tabor.

I returned to my studio following the Memorial Service with a deep sense of pride that I have the privilege to lead Tabor and a keen awareness of the stewardship that is placed in my hand. I am resolved to honor these men and women by continuing to see our mission and vision become reality.

Oh, one more thing. Marvin gave me my first loan. As a college student just married, I needed to establish credit worthiness. I went to Marvin who gave me my first loan. I discovered there are many of us who have this first lending experience with Marvin. A great man. A friend of Tabor. May his tribe increase.

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.