Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Appointed
It is with great delight that we announce the appointment of Ms. Amy Thompson to become the next Director of Alumni and Parent Relations. Amy graduated from Sterling in 1996 and served as Sterling’s Director of Alumni from 1998-2003. After leaving Sterling she completed a Master of Arts in Communication at Bethel College in St. Paul, MN. From there, she worked in communications, oversaw volunteers with the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee in Kenya, and administrated the program for international students at Lamar Community College in Lamar, CO.
Amy’s references described her as a positive force within and outside the campus community. Over her career, she has honed her administrative and planning skills, and brings a sense of passion to her work.
“This position has great significance as we reach for the institutional goals set out in the board-approved 2020 Vision for Sterling College. These big goals will require a significant increase in activities that reach out to and engage alumni. No college ever rises above the engagement of its alumni and Amy brings energy and maturity to the leadership of the alumni portfolio,” said Dr. Marvin Dewey, Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
Students Use Sterling Connections to Expand Study Opportunities
Senior Rebecca Barnes will embark on a global experience this Fall through the Council for Christian Colleges and University’s (CCCU) Best Semester program in India. This program “challenges students to discover for themselves a variety of ways to address the needs of the poor and disenfranchised, acting as an agent of salt and light in broken world” (www.cccu.org). We wish Rebecca the very best as she embarks on this great experience to study abroad.
Senior Houston Smith, an active and talented thespian at Sterling College, has been accepted into a one-semester program this Fall at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. We are delighted for this wonderful opportunity for Houston to expand his theatric skill, ability, and experience; we wish him the very best and look forward to his return to Sterling College in the Spring.
Come, Tell Your Story … October 14 and 15
The 2011 Homecoming activities will provide a wonderful setting to connect alumni near and far, from students, faculty, and staff to the greater Sterling community. There will be class reunions for the classes of 1956, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001, and 2006. There will also be a Jim Chroust Era reunion that includes all classes from 1971 to 1991. Each class planning committee is communicating directly with class members with more details on reunion events.
One of the highlights of every Homecoming is the Alumni Banquet, where alumni awards are announced. Also, this year’s Homecoming musical will be “Children of Eden,” the last Fall production Gordon Kling and Diane DeFranco-Kling will direct before their retirement at the end of the 2011-2012 academic year.
Alumni Healthcare Profession Forum, October 15
Dr. Greg Kerr, VP of Academic Affairs will be facilitating a Health Professions Alumni Forum on Saturday October 15. The conversation focus will be on strengthening our pre-health profession curriculum and pipeline into graduate and professional schools. This forum will be an opportunity for alumni to learn about our program, provide guidance, help craft a vision, and meet with current students, perhaps even connect with other Sterling College alumni in the health professions.
Sterling College Increases Regional Alumni and Friends Events
The College is intentionally increasing the number of regional events to connect/reconnect with alumni and friends, recognizing that alumni are essential partners in reaching Sterling’s potential and that no institution rises above its ability to engage its alumni. “Building on Sterling’s historical strengths and expanding these, Sterling can rise to greatness. Sterling is on the move, growing stronger, and we have a compelling story to tell,” said SC President Dr. Paul Maurer.
Our goal is to have 12 to 14 events during the current fiscal year that will be announced in the monthly eNews. Whether you live in the area or are traveling through the area, you are invited to any or all of the following events.
Friday, September 9, Alumni and friends are invited to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 309 SW 2nd Ave., Aledo, Illinois 61231. The event will begin at 6:30 pm. RSVP by September 5 to norm_cheryl@hotmail.com or call 309-582-7781.
Saturday, September 10, Alumni are invited to Bob and Barbara Meanor’s home, 4815 S 122nd Ct, Omaha, NE from 5:00-7:00 pm. RSVP by August 25 at bbmeanor@tconl.com or 402.894.2055. The Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Greg Kerr, will join you by Skype to provide an update and to respond to your questions. Dr. Kerr began his tenure at Sterling College in July 2010 after 18 years at Bluefield College, where he was chair of the science programs.
Saturday, September 17, “Warriors in the Woods” are invited to the Heather McCreery and Scott Carter residence at 1400 McCreery Lane, Estes Park, CO from 3 pm – 5 pm. President Dr. Paul Maurer, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Amy Thompson, and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Marvin Dewey will be present for this event. RSVP by September 15 to davidscottcarter@gmail.com.
Sunday, September 18, Alumni and Friends are invited to “Warriors at the Springs” event from 3 pm – 5 pm, at Embassy Suites, 7290 Commerce Center Drive, Colorado Springs, CO. President Dr. Paul Maurer, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Amy Thompson, and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Marvin Dewey will be present for this event. RSVP by September 13 to Amy Thompson at alumni@sterling.edu.
Saturday, October 29, Alumni and Friends are invited to the Kansas Museum of History, 6425 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS, at 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm. Admission to the museum is free for alumni and families attending the Sterling event. The museum is open from 1-5 pm on Saturdays.
Volunteers Needed for SC Booth at Kansas State Fair
Once again the Sterling College Alumni will have a booth at the Kansas State Fair alongside Sterling Online. Volunteers are needed to work the booth from 9 am to 9 pm, September 9-18. You can volunteer for a few hours, part of a day, or a whole day - whatever fits into your schedule.
Last year several alumni stopped by the booth to connect and say how wonderful it was to see Sterling College at the fair. It was great fun to connect with so many alumni, so please consider giving some time in service. If you are interested in helping contact Deanna Henning in the advancement office at advancement@sterling.edu or 620.278.4219.
Students getting ready for a new year
New and returning students will soon be arriving on campus for the 2011-2012 school year. Student leaders return August 14, athletes return on August 15, and non-athletes return on August 19. Click here for more information.
Estate Giving Strengthens Sterling College to do its Mission
The college benefited from the marvelous charity and foresight of six alumni and friends. These six estate gifts received totaled $1,696,214. Of this amount, $1,312,559 was given to be invested for 20 years to generate annual earnings for Sterling and $383,655 was provided for the college to use where most needed. An additional $165,939 was given during the year to memorials, endowed scholarships, special projects, and life-income gifts. Also during the 2010-2011 year, 21 new members were added to Sterling’s Kelsey Society, which includes those who make plans to provide a future gift to Sterling College through their estate or a life-income arrangement.
Sterling to Receive Charitable Trust gift
Sterling College received written confirmation that an anonymous Pennsylvania Charitable Trust will provide $55,000 toward replacing science lab equipment. “Sterling College is undergoing a transformation. Part of that transformation is in the area of academic excellence. The College has begun to address curricular changes to more broadly challenge students intellectually so that we can fulfill our vision to be the finest Christ-centered liberal arts college in the Great Plains. We recognize that strong programs in the natural sciences are keys to this distinction, so I am thrilled that this donor has partnered with us to strengthen our science labs. This new equipment will have a broad impact on enhancing the laboratory experiences of students majoring in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and secondary education.” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Gregory Kerr.
Sterling Fund Exceeds $1M goal
Thanks to alumni and friends, giving to the Sterling Fund in 2010-2011 totaled $1,182,604, exceeding our fundraising goal by 18%. Strong, consistent giving is playing a significant part in strengthening the college and allowed us to end the year in good financial health with reduced institutional debt. “In thanking our partners for the past year’s giving, I want to emphasize how big of an impact you are having on the college. A strong financial base allows us to make strategic advances that line up with our 2020 Vision to grow our student enrollment to 1,500, improve the rigor of our academic programs, and add new academic programs, and strengthen the College’s financial position,” President Paul Maurer said.
New Baseball Coach Announced
Sterling College Athletic Director Gary Kempf announced on July 20 that interim Head Baseball Coach Adrian Dinkel would become Sterling’s new Head Baseball Coach for the 2011-2012 season, replacing Jared Hamilton who resigned on June 17.
“We are excited to have the experience that Adrian brings to Sterling,” Kempf said. “Having coached both in the region and at the junior college level has prepared Dinkel with the knowledge of the Midwest and recruiting that, coupled with the excitement level and work ethic of a first time head coach, will improve our baseball program on the field while Dinkel’s spiritual leadership will improve our baseball program off the field.” Click here for more information
College of Emporia Alumni Reunion Scheduled for 2012
This is what many of you have been waiting for: an announcement of the first College of Emporia Reunion to be held on the east coast this millennium. The reunion will be held the weekend of October 6, 2012. For more information go to: COE
Scholarships Available for Descendents of Alumni, Former Students or Former Employee of the College of Emporia
If you know a descendent of a College of Emporia alumni, former student, or former employee who is interested in going to Sterling College, please encourage them to apply for the $2,000 scholarship. For more information go to COE
Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kan., with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.
