Schedule – 2012 Homecoming

Thursday, Sept. 27

4 to 5:30 p.m. – Music theatre masterclass Room 109, Northlawn

New York theatre producer and voice teacher Ron Shetler Ac61 will lead a music theatre masterclass for current students.

Friday, Sept. 28

11 a.m. – Chapel Hesston Mennonite Church (HMC)

The campus officially welcomes alumni while exploring the history of performing arts at Hesston College with the help of faculty members Matthew Schloneger ’92 and John Sharp ’73. This chapel also will mark the introduction of a new college song written by JD Martin ’68.

11:45 a.m. – Golden Gables Lunch HMC Community Center

Alumni from all college and academy classes who graduated 50 years ago or more join President Howard Keim for lunch and a program featuring The Holy City and the introduction of instrumental music at Hesston College led by music faculty member Matthew Schloneger.
   Alumni are invited to the Larks Nest for lunch specials and fellowship before the afternoon Performing Arts Showcase.

1:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Performing Arts Showcase HMC

5 p.m. – Alumni vs. Varsity baseball game Oswald Field

5:30 p.m. – Tailgate barbecue picnic and family festival Lawn, south of tennis courts

Picnic meal for all alumni, reunion classes and current students. Seating available under the big tent, baseball stadium, or bring your own lawn chairs. Catered by Knackies of Inman, Kan. Reservations required. $11 per adult, $5 children ages 5 through 12. Following the meal, join a fun time for the family. (See opposite side for details.)

7 p.m. – Varsity volleyball match Yost Center

Hesston College vs. Bethany College JV (Lindsborg, Kan.). Cheer on the Larks at this match as part of the Barbecue Picnic and Family Festival. Free admission for alumni.

7 p.m. – Evensong HMC Sanctuary

Contemplative evening worship service with musical and dramatic elements.

7:45 p.m. – Former Performing Arts Faculty Reception HMC Community Center

Connect with former directors and faculty. Among those to be present: Jake Rittenhouse, Ron Garber ’66, Robert Hostetter, Randy Zercher ’61, Megan Tyner, David Gerig and more.

8 p.m. – Alumni vs. Varsity softball game City Diamond (Hess Avenue and Knott Street)

8:30 p.m. – I Go On Singing HMC Sanctuary

Anthony Brown ’69 with collaborative pianist Ken Rodgers ’85 present an acclaimed song-filled, multi-media tribute to Paul Robeson, an all-American athlete and scholar, champion orator, international recording artist and star of the stage and screen during the 1930s and 40s. The show premiered in Princeton, N.J., in 2011 and Wichita, Kan., in 2012. Advance tickets can be purchased for $15 through the attached registration form. Tickets also will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the door.

10 p.m. – Jam session Larks Nest

Pack your instrument and join other alumni, students, faculty and staff for a low-key jam session led by Tim Shue. Complimentary coffee will be available during the jam.

Saturday, Sept. 29

9 a.m. to noon – Performing Arts Showcase Northlawn, HMC

Noon to 1:30 p.m. – Partner Appreciation Luncheon Dining Hall, Bontrager Student Center

This annual event thanks Partners for ongoing financial support. Matthew Schloneger and current music students will peform at this complimentary meal and program. Alumni interested in becoming Partners are invited to participate. Indicate interest with registration. Partners will receive a personal invitation and reservation form. Child care provided.

Noon – Alumni & Friends Luncheon Under the big tent south of the tennis courts

Lunch for alumni and friends not attending Partner Appreciation Luncheon. Catered by Knackies of Inman, Kan. Reservations required. $9 per adult and $4 for children ages 5 through 12.

1 p.m. – Varsity volleyball match Yost Center

Hesston College vs. Northern Oklahoma CC. Free admission for alumni.

2 to 5 p.m. – Class reunions Hesston College campus

See list of reunion locations and class representatives. Alumni can visit www.hesston.edu/homecoming for directions to connect with classmates through your class Facebook group. Please note: Academy and College ’37, ’42 and ’47 class members are invited to attend the Golden Gables luncheon and Saturday evening banquet.

2 to 5 p.m. – Children’s theatre activity Room 109, Northlawn

While parents mingle during class reunions, children in kindergarten through eighth grade are invited to join Tara Hershberger ’06 for an afternoon of exploring theatre activities.

4 to 5:30 p.m. – Alumni and Student Choir rehearsal HMC Sanctuary

5 to 6 p.m. – Performing arts open house Northlawn

See performing arts facilities and learning spaces, meet department faculty and enjoy refreshments while learning about Northlawn renovation plans.

5 p.m. – Varsity women’s soccer game Soccer Field

Hesston College vs. York (Neb.) College JV

6 p.m. – Alumni and Friends Banquet Dining Hall, Bontrager Student Center

All guests are invited to this special event. Enjoy a wonderful dinner, JD Martin performance of a new college song and remarks from President Howard Keim. Child care providers available; contact the Alumni Relations office for details. Reservations required. $25 per person, includes admission to radio show at 8 p.m.

8 p.m. – Radio show: The Fragrant and Velvety Air HMC Sanctuary

The college debuts an original radio show in the style of A Prairie Home Companion—complete with music, drama and humor—written by faculty members Bradley Kauffman and Laura Kraybill. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the attached registration form or at the door.

Sunday, Sept. 30

9 to 9:45 a.m. – Coffee and cinnamon rolls Dining Hall, Bontrager Student Center

Enjoy the traditional complimentary continental breakfast before worship.

10:15 a.m. – Pre-service music HMC Sanctuary

10:30 a.m. – Alumni Worship Service HMC Sanctuary

The campus community, alumni and Hesston Mennonite Church will gather for worship. The Alumni and Student Choir, under the direction of father-son duo Ron Garber ’66 and Joel Garber ’04, will perform. Mother-daughter duo Michele (Schrock) ’81 Hershberger and Tara Hershberger will bring the message with special guest directors on congregational hymns. An offering will provide assistance to refurbish campus pianos.

11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Lunch Dining Hall, Bontrager Student Center

Alumni may gather by class or with friends after worship.

Afternoon – Alumni Advisory Council lunch and annual meeting Newcomer Room, Bontrager Student Center; Lambright Hall, Lemons Center