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McPherson College And Wichita State Announce New Academic Partnership

Posted On: September 29, 2026
By: MC Admin
McPherson College athletic trainer

McPherson College and Wichita State University are expanding their academic partnership by offering a new Guaranteed Admission program for eligible McPherson College students seeking admission to Wichita State’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program.

The new program builds on a growing relationship between the two institutions. Last spring, McPherson College and Wichita State announced a streamlined academic pathway enabling qualifying McPherson College students to earn up to nine credit hours toward a Master of Business Administration degree at Wichita State.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students,” said Molly Brown, director of healthcare initiatives. “It’s a validation of the quality education students experience in all our academic areas, particularly in the exercise science program. And further evidence of the commitment McPherson College and Wichita State have to providing opportunities, access, and success for students.”

The new partnership will give McPherson College’s top five students who meet the Master of Science in Athletic Training program criteria guaranteed acceptance into the program. McPherson College students will complete the same application and admission process as other applicants to the program.

“We are excited to be partnering with McPherson College on this agreement, which will help bridge opportunities for students to pursue a career in athletic training,” said Richard Bomgardner, athletic training program director at Wichita State. “The academic foundation students received at McPherson College will set them up for success in the MSAT program and as clinical practitioners.”

Wichita State’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program prepares students for careers in athletic training through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on clinical education, and professional practice. Students gain experience in a variety of healthcare and athletic settings, working alongside practicing professionals and diverse patient populations.

Beginning in summer 2027, the program will be housed in the new Wichita Biomedical Campus, a 350,000-square-foot facility in downtown Wichita that will serve as a hub for healthcare education, research, and workforce development.

McPherson College’s exercise science degree is designed to meet the growing demand among college-bound students for careers in health, fitness, and sports-related fields. It offers two areas of emphasis: strength and conditioning or exercise physiology.

Students in the program benefit from the significant enhancements to the lab spaces in Melhorn Science Hall made possible through $2.1 million of congressionally directed funding secured by Sen. Jerry Moran, aligning with the college’s mission to foster advances in rural and community health.

MC Theatre Starts Season With Biggest Production

Posted On: September 25, 2026
By: MC Admin
MC Theatre Rehearsal

More than 60 performers. A Shakespearean comedy. Twenty-two songs, sets, costumes, and a stage full of characters.

For Jd. Bowman, professor of theatre, that combination makes the upcoming production of “As You Like It” both energizing and overwhelming. Opening Oct. 2-3, the musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy will launch McPherson College’s theatre season with the department’s largest and most diverse cast ever assembled.

Bowman said that after researching the production, he knew it was the perfect choice to kick off a season focused on community. It premiered in 2017 in New York City’s Central Park with a cast of over 200 that brought together actors and community members from across the city’s boroughs.

For its McPherson College staging, the production pulls in actors from the local community theater, the McPherson College Choir, Inman High School, McPherson High School and middle school, other community members, and many McPherson College alumni coming back for Homecoming.

“When I stumbled across this production, I thought this was a great way to remind us why McPherson is such a strong community,” Bowman said. “I wanted to do something that highlights that.”

The community on stage will feature an age range from six months to 80 years, with many performers — both students and community members —making their stage debuts. McPherson College faculty and staff members will make cameos, along with actors who founded the original McPherson Community Theater, and even an incidental casting of a student and parent.

The nearly 30 alumni performers are learning the songs they will sing on their own. Their costumes will be waiting for them in the lobby when they arrive, and they will join the cast on stage from their seats in the audience. Bowman said it highlights how even the audience is part of the community on stage.

The McPherson College Choir, directed by Andrew Voth, will perform all seven ensemble songs and be joined by the alumni on four of them.

“Preparing for this show has been a wonderful way to start the year,” said Voth. “The rush to get things learned has forced us to get to know each other and find our sound quickly. Beyond getting to work with the theatre department on campus, we’re also excited to join with the larger community for the performances.”

Each performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the box office before production.

“Doing a show like this opens the door to welcome everyone, even people who have never done theater before,” Bowman said.

McPherson College has presented live theatrical events on campus for more than 100 years. Additionally, its season ticket program, First Nighters, has a nearly 50-year tradition of offering themed meal experiences to members. For more information, tickets, or to become a First Nighter member, visit www.mcpherson.edu/programs/theatre/season.

McPherson College Adds Formula SAE Team

Posted On: September 17, 2026
By: MC Admin
Formula SAE student and advisor Michael Stichter

McPherson College will join more than 600 international teams competing in the world’s largest and most prestigious design competition with a Formula SAE team.

The college recently announced it will add the team as an option for student participation on campus beginning this spring, with initial organizing and building, and an intent to compete in spring 2028.

Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) is an international collegiate engineering competition series that serves as a proving ground for aspiring automotive engineers.

“The Formula SAE team will bring together students from across campus, including McPherson College’s new mechanical engineering program, automotive restoration, business, and other academic areas,” said Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration and engineering. “Students will have the opportunity to apply their skills in a collaborative, hands-on environment as they design, build, test, and ultimately compete with a Formula-style race car.”

The McPherson College team plans to develop an internal combustion engine powered car for the 2028 competition year.

Formula SAE competition requires teams to demonstrate vehicle performance in a series of off-track and on-track events against the clock. Competitions challenge teams of undergraduate and graduate students to conceive, design, fabricate, develop, and compete with Formula-style vehicles, including internal combustion, electric, hybrid, and driverless vehicles. Competitions test both engineering and business skills.

Formula SAE competitions also serve as a career fair for student participants, with U.S. and global companies taking part in the judging process and career networking.

Michael Stichter, founding director and chair of the McPherson College engineering program, will serve as one of the faculty advisers for the team. He competed in Formula SAE as a student at Drexel University. As an undergraduate, his team entered a car in prestigious competitions held in Michigan and England, where he focused on testing the vehicle, data collection, and analysis when he wasn’t driving the car. As a graduate student at Drexel, he advised the team and attended Formula SAE events in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Fontana, California.

“Students from any major can contribute to a Formula SAE team,” Stichter said. “A full gamut of opportunities exists, from designing and building to testing and competing, all while applying what they are learning in class to a real project. Many students have used their experience in FSAE to land jobs in motorsports and automotive companies.”

McPherson College will join other collegiate Formula SAE teams in Kansas, including Powercat Motorsports of Kansas State, Shocker Racing of Wichita State, Jayhawk Motorsports of the University of Kansas, and Benedictine College Motorsports.

Meet McPherson College’s Class Of 2030

Posted On: August 28, 2026
By: MC Admin
2026 McPherson College Freshman Class photo

For McPherson College’s Class of 2030, the college search was about more than academics. They looked for a place where scholarship, participation, and service go hand in hand, and they found that fit in a community committed to preparing students for purposeful careers and lives.

The class of 405 students is the largest new-student class in the college’s history. They come from 41 states and 12 countries. Eighty-five students come from Kansas and four are legacy students. Overall student enrollment is expected to reach 920 students this year.

Many in the new class are members of the National Honor Society with an average GPA of 3.3. Some have completed extensive research in areas such as climate change, hydrogen engines, forensics, engineering, agriculture, and the effects of AI on the environment. Others explored their academic curiosity through job shadowing and internships at elementary and middle schools, clinics, hospitals, doctors’ offices, a newspaper, a graphic design firm, family businesses, a fire department, an airplane manufacturer, and other organizations.

The new class participated as student-athletes in high school, and more than 300 will participate on McPherson College teams. They were team captains, district and state champions, MVPs and record setters. Some participated in unique sports like sabre fencing, archery, lacrosse, sand volleyball, and martial arts. Others participated in high school and community organizations, including a few Eagle Scouts.

The Class of 2030 raised money for charities, fed homeless people, coached kids, and protected the environment, all while balancing school and jobs. Most students worked during high school in restaurants and retail, as umpires and lifeguards, babysitters, baristas, and bank clerks. There were also entrepreneurs who owned their own businesses, such landscaping, trading and reselling, window washing, dog washing, car cleaning and detailing, and an Etsy nail tech.

They grew up with fidget spinners, LOL Surprise Dolls, Mario Kart, and TikTok dances. They have watched LeBron, Steph, Messi, and Ronaldo play sports and followed MrBeast, Emma Chamberlain, and Dude Perfect on social media. Cryptocurrency is as old as they are.

This class grew up with Taylor Swift on the radio, YouTube creators on their screens, and smartphones in their pockets. They are true digital natives, never knowing a world without apps. They watched “Frozen,” played Minecraft, learned through a pandemic, and arrived at McPherson College just as artificial intelligence begins reshaping the world.

Their generation has already adapted to remarkable change and now they’re ready for what’s next.

Some more interesting facts about the Class of 2030:

  • Some worked at Whataburger, Smoothie King, at Globe Life Field, a jump park, and a funeral home
  • Was a winery tasting room assistant
  • Made homemade meals for sale
  • Was the high school mascot
  • Some were members of the crochet club, garden club, fishing club, and aviation club
  • Some participated in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, UNICEF, and 4-H
  • Was a drum major
  • Helped build a philanthropic week that raised money for a local nonprofit
  • Raised money for young girls to attend basketball camp
  • Raised over $25,000 for the American Heart Association
  • Created a community closet
  • Raised awareness about period poverty
  • Coordinated a food drive for a homeless shelter
  • Developed a school newscast
  • Worked on landscaping at a mental retreat for veterans
  • Rehomed dogs
  • Coached kindergarten soccer
  • Was a volunteer firefighter
  • Participated in walkouts to protest gun violence and ICE actions
  • Was a camp counselor
  • Created a pop-up dance class
  • Created menus for the school’s bistro
  • Founded a high school auto race
  • Created a safe-driving initiative after a friend’s fatal car crash
  • Involved in restoring a B-17G Bomber from WWII
  • Raised $50,000 to start a trap shooting club
  • Raised awareness about teen dating violence
  • Helped with Thanksgiving dinners at a crisis center
  • Volunteered with the Special Olympics
  • Founded an aviation club
  • Partnered with local schools to provide free swimming lessons
  • Is a WWII reenactor
  • Placed first in West Coast Swing competition
  • Plays Futsal (an indoor sport like football and soccer)
  • Is a pilot
  • Makes costumes for cosplay
  • Played on a state championship football team in Germany
  • Hobbies include dirt biking, chess, baking, sewing, Star Wars, collecting and building Lego sets, beatboxing, collecting CDs, collecting and painting Hot Wheels, writing short stories, pickleball, blacksmithing, collecting military antiques, roller skating
  • Had perfect attendance all four years of high school
  • Is a triplet
  • Is a twin born on Valentine’s Day
  • Accumulated 625 volunteer hours during high school
  • Has visited 12 countries
  • Writes music
  • Broke an arm twice
  • Competed in national 4-H archery
  • Born and raised in Alaska
  • Can do a backflip
  • Can recite the alphabet backwards
  • Has a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo
  • Cannot ride a bike
  • Is one of seven siblings
  • Has a pet bulldog

Theatre Department Announces 2026-27 Productions

Posted On: August 6, 2026
By: MC Admin
26-27 Theatre Season poster

26-27 Theatre Season poster

The McPherson College Theatre Department announces its 2026-27 season, highlighting shows that focus on community.

A musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” will open the season on Oct. 2-3. The production will draw from the McPherson College community, with participation from the McPherson Community Theatre, area schools, and the college’s choir and musical theatre alumni. The adaptation mixes folk, pop, country, and ‘90s boy band songs in a celebration of community.

Other shows in this year’s lineup include

  • “Dr. Cook’s Garden,” by Ira Levin – Nov. 13-14
  • “What the Constitution Means to Me,” by Heidi Schreck – Jan. 29-30, 2027
  • “Drinking Habits,” by Tom Smith – March 5-6
  • “Dear Evan Hansen,” by Steven Levenson, music and lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul – April 23-24

McPherson College has presented live theatrical events on campus for more than 100 years. Additionally, its season ticket program, First Nighters, has a nearly 50-year tradition of offering themed meal experiences to members before each performance.

For more information on the shows and dates, visit www.mcpherson.edu/programs/theatre/season

Hopkins Named Outstanding Bandmaster

Posted On: July 13, 2026
By: MC Admin
Kyle Hopkins - 2026 Outstanding Bandmaster

Kyle Hopkins – 2026 Outstanding Bandmaster

The Kansas Bandmasters Association named Kyle Hopkins its 2026 Outstanding Bandmaster. Hopkins is professor of music, director of bands, and chair of the music department at McPherson College.

Since joining the McPherson College faculty in 2013, Hopkins has led the band program through a period of unprecedented growth and success. Today, McPherson College has one of the largest band programs in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. College ensembles have been selected to perform at the Kansas Music Educators Association State Convention five times in the past eight years. Most recently, the jazz band performed at the 2025 convention.

Hopkins holds degrees from the University of Kansas, Washburn University, and Kansas State University. Before returning to college to earn his first music degree, he was a disability examiner for the State of Kansas specializing in childhood disabilities. He later served as director of bands for McPherson Public Schools for 12 years before joining the McPherson College faculty.

In addition to being a sought-after clinician, conductor, and adjudicator, Hopkins performs as principal horn with the Salina Symphony, and as substitute horn the Wichita Grand Opera and Wichita Symphony.

He will receive the award during the Kansas Bandmasters Association annual convention, July 15-18, in Wichita.

The Kansas Bandmasters Association is the state’s leading professional organization for band directors. Its mission is to build better bands by providing educational opportunities, special programs, and recognition for band musicians, students, and directors throughout Kansas.

New Computer Science Degree Prepares Students For High-Demand Technology Careers

Posted On: July 2, 2026
By: MC Admin

The Higher Learning Commission has approved McPherson College to offer a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science starting in August 2026. The new degree expands the college’s academic offerings and builds on decades of success in preparing graduates for careers in science and technology.

The computer science program will provide students with a strong foundation in programming, computer systems, and emerging technologies while preparing them for careers in software engineering, cybersecurity, information technology, and data science.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034. More than 300,000 openings are projected each year, on average, driven by both industry growth and the need to replace workers leaving the workforce.

The new four-year degree will offer a combination of in-person, online, and hybrid courses. Instruction will be provided by current faculty with expertise in computational sciences, data analytics, and supercomputing, along with industry experts who bring decades of teaching and professional experience.

The computer science degree complements the college’s continued expansion of its STEM offerings. Last year, the college announced the addition of a new Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and recently hired Michael Stichter, an automotive restoration alumnus and professional engineer, to lead the new program. Together, the two degrees build on the college’s longstanding academic strengths while addressing local and regional workforce needs.

In addition to new academic programs, McPherson College has also invested in students’ academic spaces with the addition of new science spaces and equipment in Melhorn Hall as well as a new computer lab in Mohler Hall.

Federal Financial Aid Changes Coming July 1, 2026

Posted On: June 18, 2026
By: MC Admin

Students and families should be aware of the changes to student financial aid that take effect on July 1, according to Andy Olsen, director of financial aid at McPherson College. Significant updates to federal financial aid programs are included in new federal legislation commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill.

The federal changes will apply to all new students and new borrowers. Current students and families may also notice differences from what they have experienced in the past.

“It’s important to remember that each student and family situation is different, and the best way to navigate your options is to reach out to our office,” Olsen said.

The McPherson College financial aid office is monitoring the new federal guidelines and encouraging students and families to contact the office with questions at [email protected].

Key changes in the new guidelines

  • Parent PLUS Loans (new students and new borrowers): Annual borrowing will be capped at $20,000, with a lifetime limit of $65,000.
  • Legacy (limited exception) borrowers: McPherson College students that have already borrowed before the 2026-27 school year, may continue to receive Parent PLUS Loans without the new limits for up to three academic years if they continue to meet eligibility requirements for legacy status.
  • Direct Loans: Loan amounts will be reduced for students enrolled in less than full-time (fewer than 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate.) Students who drop from full-time to part-time enrollment during a semester may be subject to a reduction in loan eligibility in a subsequent semester based on the reduced enrollment level. Students should consult with an academic advisor or the financial aid office before dropping classes to understand the potential impact on aid eligibility.
  • Student Aid Index (SAI): Students with an SAI at or above twice the maximum Pell Grant will no longer qualify for a minimum Pell Grants.

For more detailed information about individual student and family situations, Olsen recommends visiting the One Big Beautiful Bill update page at www.studentaid.gov for guidance on federal student aid changes.

McPherson College Honor Roll, Honorable Mention

Posted On: May 26, 2026
By: MC Admin

McPherson College recognizes its highest academic achievers in the spring 2026 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention. Students must be full-time and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the last term to qualify for the Honor Roll. Students earning a grade point average from 3.25 to 3.54 are named to the Honorable Mention Roll.

Students earning a 4.0 GPA for spring 2026 include:

Oluwapo Adeoye, Severn, MD
Natalie Allen, Forney, TX
Lyla Anderson, Dublin, TX
Scarlett Anderson, Lincoln, NE
Jonavan Asuncion, Mission Viejo, CA
Mitchel Aubrey, Murrieta, CA
Stephan Quentin Baofa Bilambo, Kinshasa, Congo
Bruno Barrientos Molina, Terrassa, Italy
Diego Bejarán, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Olivia Bell, North Las Vegas, NV
Remington Bliss, Holton, KS
Nathan Brown, Concordia, KS
Eric Brown, Atco, NJ
Victoria Buss, Wichita, KS
Fabian Camacho, Liberal, KS
Reagan Chapman, Coahoma, TX
Ancel Classen, Manhattan, KS
Aemon Colyer, Topeka, KS
Mikayla Craver, Topeka, KS
Anthony DeVries, Arvada, CO
Ian Dittmer, Eldridge, IA
Katie Dix, McPherson, KS
Alyssa Dixon, Celeste, TX
Calvin Doyle, Brighton, CO
Noah Durham, Winona, MS
Jaden Ediger, McPherson, KS
Isabella Ellerbee, Winston, GA
Joshua Ferguson, Kensington, KS
Enya Fierens, Lubbeek, Belgium
Ian Flaherty, McPherson, KS
Tyler Foster, Wichita, KS
Caitlynn Frost, McPherson, KS
Maizen Gillam, Corinth, TX
Alexander Gillispie, Pueblo, CO
Lily Gray, Sterling, KS
Madden Griffith, McPherson, KS
Kennedy Halter, Las Vegas, NV
Micah Hansen, Sedgwick, KS
Findlay Haven, Bel Air, MD
Ky-Le Heim, Comptche, CA
Cynthia Herrera, Port Orchard, WA
Maggie Hingst, Saint Francis, KS
Luna Hinkley, Unadilla, NE
Vanessa Hofer, Innsbruck, Austria
Aaron Holland, Malvern, AR
Owen Horvath, Lancaster, PA
Olivia Hough-Tucker, Broken Arrow, OK
Rowdy Humrich, Burlington, CO
Miranda Hunt, McKenna, WA
Dana Imankulova, Wichita, KS
Mikkel Jensen, Hamburg, Germany
MaKenzie King, Wichita, KS
Simon Koontz, North Newton, KS
Ty Kraemer, Mcpherson, KS
Cole Lais, Oregon City, OR
Elijah Leck, McPherson, KS
Eva Lesteluhu, Almere, Netherlands
Parker Martin, Skiatook, OK
Miriam Mason, Marion, KS
Malachi Mazzetti, Odenton, MD
Henry McDonough, Tucson, AZ
Nolan McIlveen, Orangeville, ON, Canada
Carlos Mendez, McPherson, KS
Ty Millis, Castroville, TX
Paige Miltenberger, St. Louis, MO
Joseph Moebius, Portland, TX
Mathew Mossman, Colorado Springs, CO
Abdul Nafiu Moro, Morrison, CO
Arthur Nardy, Eauze,France
Dennis Nguyen, Wichita, KS
Isaac Niedzielski, Marlborough, MA
Noah Nix, Eustis, FL
Garrett O’Connor, North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Tayton Ornelas, Kismet, KS
Dana Parker, Austin, TX
Caleb Pezold, Mokane, MO
Connor Powers, Des Plaines, IL
Kacee Rhody, Brookings, SD
Texas Ranger Schmidt, Camp Wood, TX
Cara Shultz, Kingman, KS
Allyson Slaback, Cypress, TX
Hannah Smalley, Hutchinson, KS
Tegyn Smeltzer, Derby, KS
Aysia Smithhisler, Spring Hill, KS
Charles Snyder, Salina, KS
Gracie Speltz, Midlothian, TX
Davian Spies, Hutchinson, KS
Taylor Starr, Milford, KS
Kaylee Stegora, Monticello, MN
Alexis Sunia, Concord, CA
Max Sweet, North Garden, VA
Jailun Talley, Broken Arrow, OK
Jonathan Tatum, Ore City, TX
Balazs Temesvari, Budaörs, Hungary
Marie van Drunen, Zeist, Netherlands
Roxana Varela Parra, Medelin, Colombia
Christopher Wagner, Maple Valley, WA
Marcus Wagner, Vienna, Austria
Carsen Walker, Ulysses, KS
Jayson Wasserfuhr, Erftstadt, Germany
Corvus Williams, Clay Center, KS
Maddie Willison, Buhler, KS
Von Woleslagel, Hutchinson, KS
Hali Wolke, Wichita, KS
Logan Wonser, Goessel, KS
Kayla Wood, Longmont, CO
Catyn Wright, China Spring, TX
Jayden Wright, Chubbuck, ID
Hamish Wyatt, Brooklyn Park, Australia

 

Students named to the McPherson College Honor Roll for spring 2026 include:

Brent Aamodt, Valley Center, KS
Grace Alltop, Parker, CO
Luis Alvarez, Dallas, TX
Jake Ashley, Dothan, AL
Autumn Baker-Foort, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
James Bates, Coronado, CA
Andrew Beck, Plant City, FL
Dominique Bell, Grand Prairie, TX
Cal Bieler, McPherson, KS
Stewart Bishop, Manhattan, KS
Raeghan Borman, Haslet, TX
Isabelle Bowman, Kinsley, KS
Bryce Boyd-Tucker, Keene, NH
Emma Brackbill, Pawnee Rock, KS
Jasmine Bridges, Manhattan, KS
Alexander Brubaker, McPherson, KS
Melissa Bueno Villegas, Smyrna, GA
Quentin Burgess, Oklahoma City, OK
Marcus Burton, Oklahoma City, OK
Alan Cabrera, San Marcos, TX
Jack Carpenter, Weatherford, TX
Nathan Cartmell, Hutchinson, KS
Canon Cavanaugh, Hutchinson, KS
Tradarrious Coleman, Converse, TX
Tate Collison, Pierce, NE
Bryan Cortez, Muskegon, MI
Mason Cox, Boerne, TX
Jordyn Crain, Carrollton, TX
Reese Curry, Iola, KS
Leann Dalinghaus, Seneca, KS
Armin De La Cruz, Neillsville, WI
Marcello Dean, Placerville, CA
Catch DeLaney, McPherson, KS
Arianna Diaz, Houston, TX
Ellis Dunbar, Walpole, NH
Molly Dunwiddie, Olathe, KS
Aaron Elvin-Temple, Lindsborg, KS
Brian Fackert, Woodland, CA
Octavius Flient, Oklahoma City, OK
William Foote, Roosevelt, UT
Jacob Ford, Tucson, AZ
Dylan Gantz, Stafford, KS
Aubree Gaona, Levelland, TX
Matthew Garcia, Spring, TX
Daphne Garcia, Irvine, CA
Kierstyn Gilbert, Salina, KS
Amanda Goering, Hutchinson, KS
Ethan Gustafson, McPherson, KS
Jake Hardin, Derby, KS
Arianna Harlan, McPherson, KS
Ryan Harris, Boring, OR
Allyson Harrison, Carrollton, TX
Kevin Hasley, Eagle, CO
Zachary Hawley, Meade, KS
Anna Howard, Calgary, AB, Canada
Daniel Jenkins, Forney, TX
Ayden Johnson, McPherson, KS
Ayden Jones, Sanger, TX
Javon Joyner, McPherson, KS
Daniel Kaiser, Parker, CO
Isabella Karabanoff, Pasadena, TX
Keelee Kemp, Calera, OK
Kamal Kennedy, Arlington, TX
Nicholas King, Lafayette, IN
Ryder Konczak, Longview, TX
Aidan Kraft, Atlanta, GA
Charlie Kubena, Midlothian, VA
Michael Kuntz, Justin, TX
Noah Landever, Shawnee Mission, KS
Hailey Lennox, Oak Harbor, WA
Terrence Leonard, Murphy, TX
Landri Lopez, McPherson, KS
Rhyan Lucas, Shawnee, KS
Keegan Macpherson-McNeil, Winnsboro, TX
Seth Madron, McPherson, KS
Luke Magli, Franklin, TN
Leo Maida, Santa Monica, CA
Jaheed Marcus, New London, CT
Ryan Markarian, Fresno, CA
Becky Masengu, Randburg, South Africa
Michael McCarthy, Omaha, NE
Mackenzie McEachron, Kansas City, KS
Qur’an McKinney, Houston, TX
Xander McNitt, Denver, CO
Sean Melotti, McPherson, KS
Trenton Miller, Elizabeth, CO
Molly Minster, Slidell, LA
Stewart Mitchell, Junction City, KS
Brianna Morales, Newton, KS
Simon Mulumba Mukadi, Kinshasa, Congo
Jeremy Nai, Wenham, MA
Amare’ Nedich, Halstead, KS
Elissa Nelson, McPherson, KS
Case Nelson, Eads, CO
Nasir Nelson-Fernandez, Jonesboro, GA
Brian Nguyen, Marion, KS
Jace Norman, Rosenberg, TX
London Norris, McPherson, KS
Demetrious Odiot, Fairview, NJ
Carolina Oliveira, Santa Maria Da Feira, Portugal
Lorenzo Orlandi, Tavernelle, Italy
Francisco Paradis, Maimon, Dominican Republic
Carson Perez, Roseville, CA
Hunter Powell, Lyons, CO
Tyler Powell, Cypress, TX
Acacia Pracht, Lindsborg, KS
Santiago Rendon, Cali, Colombia
Preston Rhodes, Manitou Springs, CO
Ryan Robertson, Ordway, CO
Savannah Robles, Irving, TX
Gillian Rodgers, Justin, TX
Melissa Rogers, Waco, TX
Alena Rupp, McPherson, KS
Diego Salamanca, Richmond, TX
Andrea Salas, Albuquerque, NM
Anna Salazar, Aurora, CO
Rene Salinas Trevizo, Thornton, CO
Caleb Samland, Moundridge, KS
Madilyn Schaffer, Montezuma, KS
Stephanie Schmidt, Altenahr, Germany
Griffin Shepherd, Austin, TX
Wyatt Smith, Pilot Point, TX
Charles Smith, Miami, TX
Jack Southern, Wagoner, OK
Maggie Speltz, Mansfield, TX
Tijs Stumphius, s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
Zane Sullivan, Frisco, TX
Katherine Sullivan, McPherson, KS
Kamden Tackett, Kerrville, TX
Ky’rell Taylor, Junction City, KS
Anthony Thomas, Brookfield, IL
Noah Ryan Thomas, Delta, BC, Canada
Chase Thompson, Runaway Bay, TX
Victoria Thornton, Ennis, TX
Audra Unruh, McPherson, KS
Sijmen Cornelis Wytse van der Zee, Amersfoort, Netherlands
Nathan Van Wyck, London, England
Harrison Vande Brake, Olathe, KS
Tyree Vaughn, West Memphis, AR
Aaron Veenstra, Hartville, MO
Brayden Walters, Canon City, CO
Katie Warden, McGregor, TX
Mandra Wenzl, Wichita, KS
Evan Wessel, Wichita, KS
Veronyca West, Lewisville, TX
Jason Weston, Goodyear, AZ
Brooklynn White Hat, White River, SD
Courtney Wickham, Claremore, OK
Landon Williams, Greenwood, MS
Kyle Wippler, Costa Mesa, CA
Luke Wood, Shawnee Mission, KS
Tuyee Yang, Fresno, CA
Lauren Young, Wichita, KS
Aviana Youngbird, San Marcos, TX

 

Students named to the McPherson College Honorable Mention for spring 2026 include:

Brandon Aguayo, Mounds, OK
Ghaliyah Ali, San Antonio, TX
Tarrance Austin, Pueblo, CO
Luke Beauchamp, Owasso, OK
Mackenzie Birch, Carbondale, KS
Marissa Bogholtz, Nassau, NY
Matthew Bomersback, Kirkland, QC, Canada
Maelynne Bonner, Tonganoxie, KS
Jalil Brown, Rowlett, TX
Autumn Brummer, Colwich, KS
Nathaniel Campbell, Bel Aire, KS
Anthony Campos, Humble, TX
Kaycee Carter, Rocklin, CA
Michael Christensen, Idaho Falls, ID
Jordan Cook, Byers, KS
Donovan Costello, Miami, FL
Clancy Cummings, Howard, KS
Samantha Dean, Hendersonville, TN
Andrew Dehn, Orange Grove, TX
Seth Dennis, Morrison, OK
Austin Easter, Winchester, CA
Jack Finder, Olathe, KS
Danica Floyd, Kinsley, KS
Kadin Gehring, Fort Worth, TX
Austin Glezen, Tonganoxie, KS
Joseph Gonzales, Spring, TX
Nicolas Gonzalez, Wichita, KS
Brooklyn Gosvener, Lucas, KS
Aleaya Guerrero, Corpus Christi, TX
Alexander Haberstroh, Delmar, MD
Kameron Hamid, Spring, TX
Jonathan Harding, Mount Crawford, VA
Major Hart, Tallahassee, FL
Skyler Hemmit- Wells, Cedar Park, TX
Angel Hernandez, Houston, TX
Aaron Hess, Aurora, OR
Lavorius Hewitt, Olive Branch, MS
Makynna Hinkle, Azle, TX
Samantha Hollingsworth, Loomis, CA
Aubrey Huber, Paola, KS
Nolan Huff, Spearville, KS
Devon Hurst, Placerville, CA
Steele Jackson, Hamilton, IN
Kyla Johnson, Forney, TX
Braeden Johnston, Topeka, KS
Brysen Kerby, Big Spring, TX
Wyatt Kiddoo, Dolores, CO
Jackson Kiser, New Castle, CO
Trey Kysiak, Ponder, TX
Aumario Landrum, Wichita, KS
Ari Manoogian, Sarasota, FL
Anna Marks, Elkton, MD
Jaxin Mayer, Beaumont, TX
Claire McCullough, Salina, KS
Brandon McCullough, Aurora, CO
Brooke McHale, Plano, TX
Desirae McQuillan, Weskan, KS
Dallas Metzger, Wichita, KS
Jack Mintz, Agoura Hills, CA
Idrick Montano, Pecos, TX
Breanna Morck, Mount Hope, KS
Cash Nab, Fleming, CO
Sergio Najera, Wichita, KS
Gracie Nelson, McPherson, KS
Evan Norwood, Black Jack, MO
Ryoga Oki, McPherson, KS
Ellie Okikawa, San Antonio, TX
Mason Patrick, Fairborn, OH
Payton Payne, Williston, SC
Owen Phillips, Wilmington, NC
David Poll, Byron Center, MI
Samuel Povod, Palm Coast, FL
Elliot Powrie, Nottingham, England
Nehemiah Prince, Selma, NC
Kenneth Ray, San Antonio, TX
Kyle Rex, Colorado Springs, CO
Gabriel Reyes, Olive Branch, MS
Alyssa Ritchie, Defiance, OH
Kyler Roberts, Laramie, WY
Mathieu Rocha, Lubbock, TX
Sawyer Runnels, Carthage, TX
Santiago Salas, Chula Vista, CA
Hilberto Sanchez, Oakland, CA
Tabor Scanlon, Lansing, KS
Elizabeth Scheuerman, Wichita, KS
LilyAnn Shannon, Amarillo, TX
Emily Singletary, Fort Leavenworth, KS
Jacob Skartvedt, Azle, TX
Blake Slizewski, Three Lakes, WI
Mauro Soria, Inquique, Chile
Madison Stock, McPherson, KS
Brogan Stucky, Pretty Prairie, KS
Roen Taggart, San Diego, CA
Ryan Thornton, Nicholasville, KY
William Tindall, Waterloo, IA
Myles Vazquez, Brooklyn, NY
Adian Villafano, Vidor, TX
Isaiah Villarreal, Grand Prairie, TX
Sophia Walters, Hesston, KS
Ashlee Williams, Strong City, KS
Matthew Williams, Los Angeles, CA
Olivia Williams, Lawrence, KS
Max Younie, Pratt, KS
Nina Zimmermann, Washington, MO

McPherson College Celebrates Class Of 2026 In Commencement Ceremony

Posted On: May 10, 2026
By: MC Admin
Class of 2026

McPherson College conferred Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees on 154 students at the 138th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at McPherson Stadium.

Michaela Valli Groeblacher, professor of art at McPherson College, was the commencement speaker. Professor Valli Groeblacher was a member of the art department faculty for 14 years and retired at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. She received the 2026 Faculty of the Year Award at the college’s recent awards convocation. Known for her figurative ceramic sculptures, her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and has received many awards. Her work is included in private and public collections in the United States and Europe and has been featured on ceramics magazines and art books.

In her speech, Valli Groeblacher shared everyday lessons she has learned from making art and from working with clay.

“When sitting at the potter’s wheel,” she said. “Clay tells me to live in the moment. Honor the present moment and unhappiness and struggle will dissolve.”

Kenya McCain, the senior class representative, also addressed the students, sharing advice from her grandfather to ‘’give it your all’ in everything you do.

The commencement ceremony concluded with Aaron Meis, executive vice president of McPherson College, reminding graduates to remember the lessons they’ve learned during their time at McPherson College to become the whole persons the college’s mission calls them to be.

“Graduates, now more than ever we need you to participate and serve in your communities and in our society,” he said. “Begin each day with a sense of wonder. Remember the importance of staying humble and leaning on your faith in both the good times and challenging times.”

Names of the graduating class of 2026 and the commencement video can be found at www.mcpherson.edu/graduation.