McPherson College plays a prominent role in a newly opened exhibit at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The exhibit features the story of how students raised money to help an 18-year-old refugee escape Nazi persecution and attend McPherson College.

The exhibit, “Americans and the Holocaust,” is a panoramic portrait of American society in the 1930’s and 40s, which examines all influences that shaped the American response to Nazism and the Holocaust.

Rebecca Erbeling, a researcher for the exhibit recently wrote about the McPherson College story in an article for the Kansas City Star:

“Undergraduates from at least 200 colleges and universities raised money to aid refugee students, many of who were Jewish and in need of student visas to enter the United States. The 200-person student body at McPherson College, a small Christian school in McPherson, Kansas, raised $250 (about $4,500 today) to support a refugee student,” she wrote. In her research, she also found a statement made by an aid worker stating: “The student body of the college has raised this money at some sacrifice, since it is not a wealthy school, and they are looking forward to the arrival of a German student.”

The 18-year-old student, Tom Doeppner, was German-born and targeted by the Nazis for his Jewish heritage. According to research compiled by Sarah Snow, Doeppner’s granddaughter, the students at McPherson College were moved to take action after learning about the events in November 1938, known as Kristallnacht – violent anti-Jewish protests throughout Germany and Austria.

“This was an action out of compassion, but also sacrifice and amazing coordination on the part of the students,” Snow said. “Opa (what she called her grandfather) was in a very precarious position, so this scholarship and acceptance to a school in the United States was literally a life-saving invitation.”

Doeppner had escaped Germany and joined his father in Holland when he asked the Quakers for help to immigrate to the United States. He worked through the American Friends Service Committee, an organization formed by the Quakers to assist refugees escaping Nazi persecution. According to the museum’s exhibit, the AFSC worked to get Doeppner admitted to McPherson College. He struggled to obtain a student visa, since he technically did not have a country to return to after graduation.

“The acceptance and financial assistance to McPherson is what enabled him to get a visa, which is how he left Europe,” Snow said. “Immigration was all about obtaining the ever-difficult visa. He was part of a small percent of refugees able to get the visa he needed and left Holland mere months before it was overtaken by Nazi forces.”

Doeppner did not talk much about his past until later in his life, according to his granddaughter. He did share more about his past in an autobiography, where he remembers McPherson fondly. From his first simple greeting of “welcome to McPherson, Tom,” by Phil Myers, president of the McPherson College Student Council, to adapting to a co-educational learning experience, he writes about initial memories of coming to the United States and attending McPherson College.

“The student body, as well as the faculty, welcomed me with open arms,” he wrote. “And whenever the immigration officials gave me a hard time – which occurred frequently – the college President went out of his way to assist me with recommendations and letters.”

Snow said she also experienced how welcomed her grandfather must have felt when she also visited the college a few years ago. It was shortly after she had been to Berlin to see where her grandfather grew up.

Tom Doeppner (seated, second from left), at U.S. Army training camp, ca. 1944-45. Courtesy of Ron Doeppner and Sarah Doeppner Snow.

“I was able to appreciate how different McPherson must have been for Opa,” she said. “And yet, how welcoming and kind the people were to make him feel at home. There are three generations of my family that would not exist if McPherson did not offer Opa this chance to come to the United States. I have become endeared to the hard-working kindness of a group of students in the middle of Kansas and say thank you for embodying the spirit of what it means to treat others how you would want to be treated. They have done that for me and my family beyond expectation.”

Doeppner attended McPherson College for two years then transferred to Kansas State University where he completed a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army, fought in World War II, and spent his career in the military.

“This is an incredible piece of McPherson College history to uncover and share on a national stage,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider, said. “It’s an example of the college’s long-tradition of service to others that continues today through efforts like supporting students studying at the college from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

Research for the exhibit began two years ago when the museum launched a crowd-sourcing project called “History Unfolded.” Museum staff asked students, teachers, librarians and history buffs across the country to research their local newspapers and determine what kind of information their community could have found about Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.

In addition to its national search for information, extensive documentation by Doeppner’s granddaughter, which included articles from the McPherson College student newspaper led museum researchers to Mary Hester, director of library services at the college who oversees the college’s archives. Hester helped the museum track down information from the school’s archives and supplied one original copy of the student newspaper “The Spectator” that is on loan for the exhibit.

This exhibition comes at a critical time, according to a statement made by the museum. A recent study found that two-thirds of American millennials could not identify what Auschwitz was. Doeppner’s personal story is also featured in the museum’s accompanying online exhibition: ushmm.org/americans.

The McPherson College Citation of Merit award recipients exemplify the mission of Service, Scholarship, and Participation through their life-long commitment to the values they developed as students at the college. This year’s recipients were honored at a dinner March 2 at 6:30 p.m. in Mingenback Theatre. Citation of Merit awards were presented to Paul Ediger ’63, Glenn Walker ’68, and Bob ‘78 and Susan (Boehle ‘78) McKellip.

The McPherson College Citation of Merit, the college’s highest award, is given to the college’s most distinguished alumni for lifetime accomplishments in service to profession, community, church, and to McPherson College. The recipients are recommended by the Alumni Awards Committee and approved by the College Board of Trustees.

Paul Ediger ’63

Paul’s commitment to church, community, and college is evident in his more than 50 years of service for each, at times working quietly behind the scenes on numerous fund raising campaigns and other volunteer efforts. Following his graduation, Paul began his work in banking as an examiner with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and in 1967 he began his 50-year association with Home State Bank starting as assistant vice president and named president in 1990. He was recognized by the Kansas Bankers Association as one of just a few of its 50-year members.

He and his wife, Veneta, have been members of the First Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years. Paul has served in virtually every position of the local church and has held several positions in the church’s state organizations. In addition to serving the McPherson community through his banking role, Paul is a long-time member and past president of the Rotary Club. He has served in various roles with the Chamber of Commerce, the McPherson Main Street Committee, the McPherson City Center Committee and the South Central Kansas Medical Education Center. Paul also served on the board and finance committee of The Cedars. While raising their three children, he was also very engaged with his children’s activities and served in leadership roles in 4-H and Boy Scouts.

While a student at McPherson College, Paul began his long commitment to supporting it with his first donation of $25, or the equivalent of $200 today. Paul and Veneta have continued their financial support of the college since that time. In addition, he has served the college as co-chair of the local business campaign on several occasions, served on the alumni board, and served two terms on the board of trustees. His financial expertise was greatly appreciated as he chaired the finance committee, the endowment and investment committee and served on the executive committee.

Glenn Walker ‘68

Glenn is a true teacher and leader whose service has directed him in learning and working with people around the world. He spent the first 22 years of his career teaching social studies, and nine years as a high school principal. In 1975 Glenn earned a Master of Science degree in history and in 2000 completed requirements for an Educational Doctorate in Teaching and Leadership at the University of Kansas. He pursued additional graduate studies at Duke University, University of New York, Penn State, and several other institutions. Following retirement from public education, he headed the secondary education program at Bethany College, Lindsborg, for five years. He is the recipient of two Fulbright Fellowships, has studied in Pakistan, India and Russia and led teams to the Soviet Union for four years as the state chairman of the People to People Initiative for Understanding.

His service to McPherson College is another example of his commitment to learning. He has his wife, Barbara, recently established the Glenn and Barbara Walker Scholarship, a restricted fund at McPherson College, with special consideration given to non-traditional junior or senior students in good academic standing. He has also been a speaker for the campus teacher education club on what it takes to be a successful teacher. His honors and involvement in support of education are many. He is a recipient of the Coe Fellow and a Milken National Educator award. He also worked on state and national advisory teams including a state curriculum development team, the National Education Commission on Time and Learning, and the national ASCD accreditation team for three years.

Glenn and Barbara have been active in the Methodist churches of the communities in which they have lived. Glenn has been a part of Methodist Men, and has served as a trustee, parish-pastor chair, and in other leadership positions. When they lived in Concordia, Glenn was a committee member and county chair of the Cloud County Central Committee which supported two gubernatorial candidates and other local officials. Service clubs have included Lions Club and Rotary International which granted him a Rotary International Fellowship to Lesotho and South Africa.

Continuing their passion for education, Glenn and Barbara established two endowed scholarships for Ell-Saline high school seniors, one for a college-track student, the other for vocational technical education.

Since 2006, Glenn has been ranching and working in rangeland management and in 2013 received the Kansas Wildlife Federation Farm/Ranch state conversation award.

Bob ’78 and Susan (Boehle ’78) McKellip

Bob and Susan receive the Citation of Merit award as a couple because much of their professional, church, and community work has center around their 39 years of farming together. Bob started the Nampa, Idaho farming operation in 1979 raising peppermint, spearmint, sugar beets, wheat and vegetable seed crops. The farm evolved through the years and is currently operating a custom mint still, and raising peppermint, sod, and wheat. Susan worked at a furniture store in Boise after graduating from college, where she used her interior design degree. She transitioned to running the farm office and raising their two children. She also oversees 12-15 employees, several of whom have worked for the family between 20 and 30 years.

Bob serves on local and state boards supporting agriculture and the mint industry in particular. Bob is on the Idaho Mint Commission which is a self-governing agency of the State of Idaho that is concerned with research, market development, promotion and education. Bob also serves as President of the Board of the Idaho Mint Growers Association which is involved in all legislative matters that pertain to mint. At the national level, he is on the Mint Industry Research Council that funds research and promotion for peppermint and spearmint. At the local level he has served as President of the Country Man’s Club, an agricultural civic club. And, he is currently a supervisor on the Canyon Soil Conservation District which works to assist agricultural producers, rural landowners and municipalities with conservation of the county’s soil and water resources.

Susan supports agriculture on the state and national level by serving on the Idaho Women for Agriculture board, but has also been involved in Love, Inc., a Christian non-profit ministry, where she stages furniture in their thrift shop and was a 4-H leader for 20 years. Susan, as well as Bob, served as board members at the Nampa Church of the Brethren, as well as teaching Sunday School and serving on Women’s Fellowship. Bob and Susan presently attend and are active at the Ten Mile Christian Church.

Susan served McPherson College as the Class of 1978 alumni representative for several years. And, in addition to their financial support of each campaign and serving as area leaders for national campaigns, their most significant to date service to McPherson College has been sending their two children, Laina and Nick, to McPherson, where Laina graduated in 2003 with a major in communication and a minor in art, and Nick graduated in 2007 with a major in computer science and a minor in art.

Each year McPherson College recognizes the accomplishments of young alumni during the Honors Convocation at Homecoming. This year three alumni – Erin Cassidente ’97, Gina Railsback McGowan ’97, and Nathanael Lander ’02 – were presented the Young Alumni Awards on October 13.

The purpose of the Young Alumni Award is to recognize the achievement and potential for accomplishment of the college’s young alumni. The award is given to alumni who are meeting significant challenges in pursuit of professional goals as well as involved in service to others and church, and participate in alumni activities.

Erin Cassidente, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduated in 1997 with a degree in fine arts-theatre. McPherson College Associate Professor of Theatre Jd. Bowman presented the award to Cassidente and said of her that from the moment she stepped on campus she, “purposely chose an alternative path,” and “pushed boundaries” to teach people to celebrate their differences. Working as a doula, she is an advocate for mothers and displays a true servant attitude, Bowman said.

In 2003, Cassidente became certified by Doulas of North America as a professional labor assistant and has attended to numerous births. Along with her work as a doula, she is also very active in Milwaukee Mennonite Church. She serves as a sermon giver and worship leader and is a member of the Church Life Team. Since 1997 Cassidente has facilitated support groups for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (today known as National Alliance on Mental Illness), WIC breastfeeding support groups, C-section support groups and other parenting support groups. After becoming a doula, she became active with C.A.R.E. Network of Wisconsin, a non-profit organization for childbirth professionals that serves as a networking resource, advocacy and educational group for women and families during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.  After running the organization as co-chair for many years she currently serves on its board and is the treasurer.  Most recently she testified at a judiciary hearing in Milwaukee in support of a proposed Anti-Shackling Bill for incarcerated pregnant women on behalf of C.A.R.E. and in 2008 supported a bill to legalize certified professional midwives in Wisconsin.

Cassidente encouraged current McPherson College students to spend time finding out what they love and make a difference in their corner of the world. “Seek a life useful and you’ll find a life worth living,” she said. She celebrated Homecoming with her father, Ronald, who was part of the 50-year reunion class, and her daughter, Ayla, who is a freshman at McPherson College.

Gina Railsback McGowan, Ellsworth, Kansas, graduated in 1997 with a degree in elementary education. Dave Barrett, advancement officer at McPherson College presented McGowan the award and said of her, “Gina has made a commitment to service. The world needs more people like Gina serving youth and elderly.”

Through her volunteer service, she has been an advocate for early childhood education and public schools. She serves as Region 7 vice president on the board of directors for the Kansas Association of School Boards. She was a member of the Kansas delegation representing school board members that visited with Kansas congressmen in Washington, D.C. about public schools. She is a member of the Ellsworth/Kanopolis/Geneseo school board and works with the Ellsworth County Community Cares committee working on ideas and activities to promote health and wellness in Ellsworth County. She is involved in Camp Hope, a camp for children with a cancer diagnosis, where she serves as houseparent director and committee member. She also serves as co-director and teacher for Kids of the Kingdom and Kids with a Mission, an afterschool non-denominational program for more than 150 kids, consisting of Bible lessons and weekly service projects. She served two terms on the Alumni Board of Directors for the college. While attending McPherson College, she served on both STUCO and SAB and participated in choir and cheerleading.

McGowan said that through her work with the state board of education she had the opportunity to hear from individuals and professionals across the state and what they expect from Kansas education aligns with McPherson College’s mission. “They are looking for well-rounded students who exhibit scholarship, participation and service. McPherson College had that figured out all along.”

Nathanael Lander, Irvine, California, graduated in 2002 with a degree in automotive restoration. He was the first McPherson College student and first American to intern in the workshops of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Stuttgart, Germany and today is workshop project manager for the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, where he supervises nine full-time workshop staff and manages more than 20 active restoration projects.

Amanda Gutierrez, vice president of automotive restoration, presented the award to Lander and said, “As a student, Nate set out to do something that had never been done before and became the first American to intern at the Mercedes Benz Classic Center in Germany. He then went on to help establish the first U.S. Classic Center and has been an advocate for McPherson College everywhere he has gone.”

He was the second employee hired and assisted in the establishment of the Classic Center in southern California. In 2010 he received the President’s Award from Mercedes-Benz U.S.A. and in 2005 received the Automotive Restoration Department’s Outstanding Alumni Award. He is a 15-time Colorado Grand Mechanic and 15-time participant at the Concours d’ Elegance at Pebble Beach. He mentors McPherson College automotive restoration students through yearly internships at the Classic Center and is serving as an advisor on the department’s Mercedes Benz 300 S “moon shot” project, to compete at Pebble Beach.

“Coming back to McPherson College is always like coming home for me,” Lander, who is originally from Arkansas City, Kansas, said. “The college and my experience here has set me on a path that has taken me to places and experiences that I never imagined.”

McPherson College will induct five alumni into the McPherson College Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 14, honoring former athletes for their achievements in collegiate athletics, professional careers and community leadership.

Homecoming 2017 is Oct. 13-15, 2017
Alumni class reunion events are being planned for the classes of 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012.

By Johanna Hoffman ’17, communication major

McPherson College raised $90,915 from more than 200 donors during it’s third annual “Power Day” event to support students and programs on campus. The event far surpassed the college’s goal to raise $50,000. Donations came from alumni and friends in all 50 states.

“Power Day met and exceeded expectations,” said advancement officer Dave Barrett ’90. “There was an outpouring of enthusiasm, joy, and passion by alumni who shared stories from 50 years ago, as well as from those who graduated last year.”

Brent Paul, ’00, kicked off Power Day’s success with a $20,000 donation to start an endowed scholarship fund.

The Paul family, who now live in California, have also invested in numerous community real estate projects in McPherson, including the Terra Nova Luxury Apartment complex. Paul says he invests both in the college and community, because it has had such a great impact on his life.

“This all happened because of the relationships we built here,” Paul said. “This is a great community and relationships are everything. That’s why we ended up back here today to invest again in McPherson and the college. This particular scholarship means a lot, because we want to invest in this community.”

McPherson College President Michael Schneider says support by alumni, such as the Paul family, is “necessary and important” to the future success of McPherson College.

“Their investment in Terra Nova properties and giving access to our students has been a great partnership and important element to our local economy.”

This year’s Power Day theme was Bulldogs Across the Nation. Leading up to Power Day, alumni in every state were invited to share their experiences at McPherson College. These comments were then posted on McPherson College’s Facebook page.

Donors were also encouraged to leave comments when they made their donations, and those comments are also displayed on McPherson College’s website. Common themes in their stories were relationships, support, and quality of education.

“I support McPherson College not only because the MC family supported me, my spirit and my drive while I was a student there, but also because they continue to support me even now that I’ve moved on,” said Melisa Leiter-Grandison ’11. “I want to help ensure that future Bulldogs have similar opportunities for many years to come.”

Building on the success of this year, Barrett is eager to continue momentum for Power Day 2018.

“McPherson College is a special place because of the people. We’re excited about 2018 and what Power Day might hold. The bar is set really high by alumni, and the college is looking forward to next year.”

Power Day is McPherson College’s one-day, online giving blitz that was held on April 27th. The annual event was conceived as a replacement of the traditional phonathon fundraiser that utilizes the newer technologies of e-commerce, social media and streaming video. More information can be found at www.mcpherson.edu/power

By Channing Wall ’17, interdisciplinary major

Service, Scholarship and Participation is not a lifestyle that ends with graduation, recipients of the Citation of Merit award represent this through their dedication to community. McPherson College hosted a dinner on March 3, 2017 to present the award to four recipients.

Alumni who have displayed a lifetime commitment to service, church, family and McPherson College are the qualities the Alumni Awards Committee uses to find candidates, who are then approved by the College Board of Trustees.

Recipients this year include Daryl K. Beam, Virginia Horn Luty and a joint citation for Gene Railsback and Sheryl Kenton Railsback. Congratulations and appreciation extended to those recipients.

Gene Railsback ‘72

Hope is something Gene brings to many people in his life and for some he’s never met. His biweekly donation of platelets not only helps cancer patients it also promotes better heath and comfort for them and others.

He has served annually for three years as a houseparent at Camp Hope, free to kids, ages 5-17, battling cancer or remission. He and wife Sheryl also assist with the Red Cross bloodmobile when it is in town. They both strive to demonstrate good health and have a goal of 10,000 steps per day!

Gene also enjoys being a role model in his grandsons’ classroom at Ellsworth Elementary School and assisting with the Dads of Great Students (DOGS), of which Gene has been classified as the official Granddad (GDOGS).

Before attending McPherson College Gene was a veteran of US Army serving during the Vietnam Conflict.

Gene’s different experiences show he is no stranger to hard work. His work experience ranges from silo and concrete block construction to Planning & Scheduling Supervisor at NCRA to teaching 6th grade at Park School for USD 418.

He also finds time to volunteer with wife Sheryl at numerous community events including the McPherson Community Christmas Dinner and Elyria Christian School fundraising dinners. Gene is involved in a number of ways with the church including yard work with rotating volunteers who mow, edge and trim March through November.

Together they are an adventurous duo and spend an estimated three months out of the year exploring the USA in their Jeep Wrangler. They also enjoy traveling to attend bluegrass music festivals.

Sheryl Kenton Railsback ‘73

Sheryl recognizes the importance of team leadership as well as the different voices within the team. Her experience and talent in leadership is represented by her different accomplishments over the years.

She graduated from the Leadership McPherson Class in 1985 and has logged over 1000 volunteer hours for the McPherson Hospital. Her volunteer experience with the hospital includes lobby information, special events, Caring for the Future Campaign, and “Voice of the Volunteers” on McPherson radio for the past four years. The hard work earned her Volunteer of the Year in 2015.

Together she and her husband Gene are very active in the church through various committees, Thursday morning Prayer Team, Evangelism and Hospitality, Ushers, Greeters, Communion Stewards, Vacation Bible School rotation leaders, Methodists on the Move, Confirmation mentors, 3rd grade Bible Exploration Class mentors and special mailings. Within their fellowship group they also help with CIRCLES meals, adopt a CIRCLES family at Christmas time and also buy for Angel Tree children.

Sheryl also served for three years on the McPherson College Alumni Nominating Committee and both Gene and Sheryl are supporters of the General Scholarship Fund, Champions Club and Lunch Bunch.

Amongst all of their volunteer activities the two still find time for family and enjoy attending activities of their four grandchildren. When they are not on an adventure the two also enjoy theatrical performances as McPherson College.

“We were humbled to be able to do what we love doing (volunteering and giving back), and to be honored for lifetime achievements by our alma mater.”

“We hope our family and peers gained the importance of accomplishing goals set forth in life through harmonious teamwork. It has taken a strong faith, involved family and friends, and a supportive community. We’ve been blessed!”

Daryl K. Beam ‘78

Daryl demonstrates a commitment to service and participation through being an active member and role model in organizations, such as Hays Recreation Commission and Hays high school Athletic Booster Club, that provide foundations for youth. He has also served for a number of committees such as the United Way committee and the Hospital Executive committee.

His volunteer work also includes helping numerous events centered around providing food, whether it be Trick or Treat so Others Can Eat, helping with the Community Thanksgiving Dinner or being a volunteer cook at the Soup-R-Bowl for the High Plains Humane Society.

Daryl credits the strong educational background that McPherson College provided him for the preparation of post-graduation education, where he graduated in the top three percent. He holds membership in both academic and dental honor societies and in 1984 Daryl received a specialty degree in periodontics and implants. Since then Daryl has been in private practice in Hays, Kansas and has also used his profession to help others by participating with the Hays Dentists in providing free dental care for patients in need.

Involvement with McPherson College includes a range of boards and committees including Science Department Advisory Board, ten years with the Board of Trustees, the Presidential Search Committee that culminated in the selection of President Michael Schneider. Daryl was also honored by the college in 1998 with the Young Alumni Award.

He and wife Carina are active in their church where he has spent time serving as an elected elder, member of the governing body and given support through time and resources. They are also long-term donors to McPherson College because they see that the school is worth both time and finances.

Virginia Horn Luty ‘78

Virginia has touched many lives throughout her 25-year teaching career, along with substitute teaching after retirement. Her passion is driven by the desire to see all students succeed and the importance of reading. She found that 6th grade is an important developmental time in a young person’s life and made it her goal to help them be inspired by their learning.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude while balancing a family of three with husband Bob. Following graduation, in the fall, Virginia began her teaching career at USD 418.

Her leadership roles extend past the classroom and include participation in a range of church activities, the McPherson community as well as the college. After being a founding board member, she also served a second term past retirement on the McPherson USD 418 Education Foundation. Her involvement in the McPherson College Alumni Board of Directors, and on N-CATE, the committee to prepare for accreditation and review, is also added to her list of service roles.

Virginia sees importance in the liberal arts education system and during her time as Alumni Board president she wrote for the Review, an alumni publication, about the significance of alumni committing to being an extension of the college mission statement, “to develop whole persons through scholarship, participation and service”.

Words from Virginia, “please continue to let your liberal arts experience lead you in new and enlightening adventures. Please continue to participate in diverse learning, pleasure and service experiences at the college, at work and at play. Please continue to give selflessly of your time, talents and resources to others” are inspiration and capture the adventurous and generous spirit it takes to be a McPherson College alumnus.

“Receiving the Citation of Merit from my alma mater, the same college from which my father and my husband graduated, was a triple honor. McPherson College has impacted my life in so many ways. What an honor!”

“With the receiving of this award, I hope my family, my friends, my peers and my former students can put into their lives the values that will enrich their lives and the lives of others. The four point criteria of this award makes for a wonderful life. 1. Choose a profession that you love. 2. Give back to your community with service and dedication. 3. Live a spiritual life. 4. Support your education with service and loyalty.”