August
- Theme verse – Revelation 21:5A, “I am making all things new.”
- Opening Weekend
- Volunteer at Dyck Arboretum
Hesston College womenʼs soccer team lent a helping hand at Dyck Arboretum to clean up the day after a storm, demonstrating the inspiring power of teamwork and hard work - Campus Celebration
Following dorm move-in, it was a full house for the annual campus celebration which wrapped up with a lot of smiles at the ice cream social.
September
- Increase in New Student Enrollment
Hesston College total enrollment was up 21% to 373 students, the largest single-year enrollment growth in 15 years. New student headcount was also up 55% from last year with 234 students, including the largest freshman class since 2012 with 209 first-year students. - Roots and Branches Art Exhibit and Auction
This special event featured works by local and alumni artists created from trees felled on campus and the stockpile of wood cutoffs from art program founder Paul Friesen. It also served as a fundraiser for the Friesen Fund which allows the art program to commission new art pieces for campus and bring in visiting artists. - Villa Service Nights
Students have the pleasure of connecting with residents multiple times throughout the year, bringing joy to both residents and students! - Athletic Hall of Fame
The second annual induction ceremony included two coaches and administrators, four individual athletes and two teams of distinction. Among those recognized were Joel Kauffman ’80, the winningest coach in HC athletic history, and Art Mullet, coach and athletic director who played a crucial part in the expansion of athletics at Hesston. - Homecoming
From indoor and outdoor art exhibits and a theatre production, to Lark sporting events, Homecoming 2024 put creativity on display. Several new activities added to the excitement, including a golf simulator long drive tournament. - “Antigone”
Inspired by the ancient Greek tragedy by Sophocles, this 1944 version about the then-current Nazi occupation of France invoked thought relevant to current issues.
October
- Home Sweet Hesston
HC campus was the place to be following the community parade, hosting food trucks, yard games, live music and the community pep rally. - Esports and Powerlifting Debut
The Hesston Larks Esports and Powerlifting teams made a statement in their debut seasons with championship performances and standout achievements. - Spiritual Life Week
Focused on renewing studentsʼ relationships with Jesus under the theme “True Salvation,” the week featured worship nights, small group gatherings and reflective activities, encouraging students to experience God’s love in a fresh, life-giving way. - Cultures Fair
The campus community gathered in Bontrager Student Center to enjoy home cooking from international students, following a lighthearted presentation on the 28 countries represented on campus and the students who call them home. - M2 Prison Ministry
After a brief hiatus, students relaunched their participation in M2 where they pair up to visit inmates the first Tuesday of every month. The goal is simple — show love to people in the prison as implied in Matthew 25:40. Through the gifts of their time, conversation and even games, students are able to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
November
- Phonathon 2024
Hesston College is grateful to everyone who answered the call — literally and figuratively — during this year’s Phonathon which raised $43k. This generosity allows HC to continue providing scholarships, enhancing campus resources and creating opportunities for students to thrive. - Aviation Visits FlightSafety
First-year aviation students visited FlightSafety Internationalʼs Wichita East Learning Center to learn about FlightSafetyʼs role in the continual development of professional aviators through the use of world-class flight simulation devices. Students learned about different types of simulation technology utilized in training, were able to sit in two simulators and were also introduced to career opportunities that exist within FlightSafety. - Masterworks Concert, “Te Deum”
The Masterworks Chorus and Orchestra delivered a memorable performance featuring works by Bach and Haydn that celebrated the spirit of thanksgiving through music.
December
- Business Students Host Virtual ATL Experience
This online experience connected high school and college students with sports and business industry leaders in an engaging panel discussion. Organized as a class project, the event featured sports management professionals whom students met on a recent trip to Atlanta and highlighted the value of networking, mentorship and the growing opportunities within Hesston’s new sports management program. - Nursing Club Scentsy Buddy Drive
The nursing club hosted a donation drive to collect nearly 80 Scentsy buddies for pediatric patients at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. The drive aimed to bring comfort and joy to children in the hospital, with members delivering the stuffed animals to various pediatric units. Additional funds raised from the drive allowed the club to adopt a young girl with a serious illness, providing her family with Christmas gifts and financial support. - “’Twas the Night After Christmas”
A special effort between Hesston College’s theatre and music departments created an enchanting performance in this devised theatre piece, uniquely crafted by current Hesston College theatre students and the program director. - Stanley Black & Decker Leadership Training
HC hosted a talented group of employees from Stanley Black & Decker for a three-day Leadership Training Program on campus. These dedicated professionals from across the U.S. immersed themselves in skill-building sessions designed to inspire personal growth, enhance teamwork and empower effective leadership. - Theatre Shines at KCACTF
For the first time ever, Hesston College Theatre was invited to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region V, placing Hesston students among the best in the region. - Engineering Partnership
Engineering students partnered with Electrex, a Hutchinson-based company, on an innovative senior capstone project. Students worked to improve the quality of the company’s wire harnesses, providing valuable recommendations to decrease product variability, as well as options to automate the process. Hands-on experiences like these prepare students to make a difference in their fields and meet the needs of a local business.
January
- Mark Landes Named 10th President of Hesston College
- Treble Choral Festival
More than 200 area high school students visited campus for this annual event.
February
- Virtual Class Reunions
The academy and college classes of ’59 led the way as alumni from all reunion classes, spanning 65 to 15 years, gathered virtually to reconnect. More than 80 alumni registered for the event, representing 23 states and two countries. - Bel Canto Singers Winter Tour
Hesston’s elite choir ventured to Topeka and Kansas City to present “Singing Through the Ages,” a program emphasizing the importance of music through generations of believers, in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism. - Winter Community Day
The community came together in Yost Center for a variety of activities including a pair of Lark basketball games, photos with Clark the Lark and free haircuts offered by alumna Christy (Berkey) ’03 Pickerill.
March
- Alumni Phoenix Event
Alumni and friends came together with members of HC administration in the Phoenix area for a special gathering of connection, inspiration and a chance to hear the latest updates from campus. - “Urinetown”
The spring musical showcased the successful collaboration between students, staff and community members. Full houses enjoyed the social commentary and eclectic music that explored themes of corporate greed, sustainability and rebellion, all with a comedic twist. - Fly or Drive Visit Weekend
Admissions hosted a special visit weekend for students who live out of state to stay a night in the dorms, hang out with student ambassadors and participate in Community Day festivities. - Spring Community Day
The Hesston community gathered on campus once again for a variety of activities including baseball games, Little Larks Dance Clinic performance and a performance of the spring musical.
April
- Announcing Three New Bachelorʼs Degree Programs!
- Health Science
- Health and Human Performance (with tracks in pre-athletic training and exercise science)
- Sports Management
Hesston College is pleased to announce these programs have all been approved by the Higher Learning Commission and will be offered to students beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
- Acuity Creative Writing Contest
Winners of the 2025 contest were named and compiled into a magazine for publication. - Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit
Students of all majors submitted works in any medium for judging on their merit by an outside juror.
May
- “A Comedy Cabaret”
Theatre students put their skills on display for an evening of improv and sketch comedy. - Larkfest
Students and faculty will be recognized for their academic and leadership achievements in this annual ceremony. - Bel Canto Singers Spring Tour
The elite choir will have a send-off concert Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at Hesston Mennonite Church before traveling May 19 to 29 for performances in Washington and Oregon. - Commencement
Hesston’s 2025 graduates are preparing for this long awaited day, marking the 115th commencement ceremony where approximately 36 bachelor’s degrees and 55 associate degrees will be awarded. This includes the first bachelor’s degrees in engineering to be awarded by Hesston to four graduating seniors.
June
- Summer Theatre Camp
Students ages 11 to 18 will be on campus for a weeklong immersive theatre experience June 15 to 21. Their efforts will culminate in a performance of “Beetlejuice” in Hesston Mennonite Church. Register by June 13 at hesston.edu/theatrecamp. - Wind Surge Event
Join Hesston College for a night of baseball and community at a Wind Surge game Saturday, June 14 in Wichita. Be on the lookout for details coming soon!