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Citation of Merit Awards
The Citation of Merit is McPherson College’s most prestigious recognition for alumni who graduated more than 25 years ago. It is presented to alumni who exhibit extraordinary leadership and selfless service to their professions, their communities, their churches and McPherson College.
Five recipients were honored at the 2006 Citation of Merit awards ceremony held on the McPherson College campus on Saturday May 20. They include Elva Jean Naylor, Vernon Dossett, Mike Rausch, from McPherson, Charles Horner, Fort Morgan, Colo., and Cynthia Mines, Wichita, Kan.
 Vernon Dossett, Elva Jean Naylor, Charles Horner, Cynthia Mines, Mike Rausch
Since graduation Elva Jean Naylor (’46) has spent most of her life helping people, usually the very young or senior citizens. She and her husband Kent spent two years in Italy in the Brethren Volunteer Service beginning in 1947. Following her husband through many moves, Elva Jean always found ways to serve others. In McPherson she spent five years as the coordinator of volunteer services at the Cedars, and is currently the Cedars Guild president. Very active in the church, she has served on the church board, been a deacon, pianist, organist, Sunday school teacher and a member of the choir. The Naylors reside in McPherson.
McPherson native Vernon Dossett’s (’56) education at McPherson College was interrupted by service in the Navy during the Korean War. After graduation in 1956, Vernon eventually managed the Warren Hotel in McPherson where he had worked part-time since he was nine years old. He enjoyed a 30-year banking career and currently is president and co-owner of Mid-Kansas Cylinder Head, Inc. Vernon served as mayor of McPherson for nine years and has served on many committees and boards. He currently is co-chairman of BPU. He has been honored for his outstanding service several times. He is also very active in the Lutheran church serving in numerous leadership positions.
Mike Rausch (’66), McPherson, graduated from McPherson College with a BS degree in business administration. Since then Mike has worked in the insurance, banking and real estate industries. He has been the president of Security Title Company in McPherson since 1997. Mike has given many years in community service including serving on numerous boards, the chamber of commerce, the All Schools Day committee and McPherson Main Street. During his years as a member of First Christian Church, Mike has served in many leadership roles. Mike’s service to McPherson College includes 38 years on the football "chain crew" and volunteering for the local business campaign and area campaign events.
After graduating with a BS in Biology, Charles Horner (’66), Fort Morgan, Colo., spent seven years teaching at Little River High and Seward County Community College. He earned a Masters in science from Emporia State University in 1975, and has since taught high school science class in Springfield, CO and Wray, CO. He is very involved in church activities including serving on the Western Plains District Board for many years, as a Camp Colorado trustee, and as manager of Camp Colorado and Camp Mt. Herman. He is a presenter at Colorado Science Conventions and works with SCORE Science Camp.
Cynthia Mines, Wichita, Kan., graduated summa cum laude in 1977 with a BA in English. She earned a MA in English from WSU in 1982. Well recognized by many and various awards on a state, regional and national level, she published her first free-lance articles in area newspapers while still an undergraduate. She is currently the owner, publisher and editor of "Wichita Times" and "Travel Kansas". She is also a free-lance writer and the author of several books. Cynthia has served on the Alumni Board of Directors and is currently on the board at the Wichita Radio Reading Service and student publications at WSU.
For additional information, please contact Sally Nelson at (620) 241-0742, ext. 1283.
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