Rick Fitzgerald graduated from Friends University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and he earned his master's in education from Wichita State University in 1974. Rick is a retired stockbroker for Merrill Lynch and teaches graduate level finance classes for Southern Nazarene University near Oklahoma City. He lives in Oklahoma with his wife, Connie, of 41 years. They have two children, John and Shelly.

Rick enjoys collecting prehistoric Indian artifacts and writing articles for Prehistoric American magazine. He published his first book, "Mississippian Pottery, A Tribute to Roy Hancock," in 2009.

As a former Falcon football player, some of Fitzgerald's fondest memories were on the field.

"In 1968 we finished the season with seven wins and three losses," Rick said. "At that time it was the most wins in a season since 1949!"

Rick began writing as the 1970s Campus Connection class agent for the Summer 2005 issue and served on the Friends University Wichita Alumni Advisory Board from 2007-2010.

Mike Shockley graduated from Friends University in 1986 with a major in business administration and a minor in accounting, and earned his master’s in Management from Friends University in 2001. Mike runs LeaMark Investments, a private investment company founded in 1995. He lives in north Wichita with his wife, June (Storck), G’82, of 26 years. They have two children: Kenneth and Allen. Kenneth (a junior) and Allen (a freshman) are a part of the fourth generation of Mike’s family to attend Friends University.

Mike enjoys photography, hunting, camping, reading, and volunteering at his local church, the Kansas West United Methodist Conference, and at Friends University.

“Our family is steeped in the traditions of Friends University," Mike said. "It has been a part of my family’s lives since the early 1920s. While the facilities have changed over the years, the high excellence of learning has remained a focal point of what embodies the University. Each time I’m on campus I am taken back by the beauty of the grounds, the quality of the students, and the dedication of the administration, staff and professors. I have been blessed by the University in so many ways."

Mike wrote his first article for the 1980s decade class newsletter in spring 2009.

Dr. LaChrystal Ricke is an assistant professor of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She earned a bachelor of arts in communication and graphic design and a bachelor of science in marketing from Friends University. She obtained a master of arts in communication from Wichita State University and a Ph.D. in communication studies from the University of Kansas.

At Sam Houston State, LaChrystal teaches courses in media criticism, media and social history, media theory, and research methodology. She is an appointed member of the Engaged Scholars Committee, which works to increase and incorporate community-based learning into university curriculum. She strives to become the type of professor that she admired in college and feels that working with students is one of the greatest professional opportunities.

When she is not teaching, she can often be found researching (or according to her students, watching YouTube). Her primary area of focus is the intersection of Web 2.0 (user generated) technologies and politics, with a specific focus of learning how to increase democratic engagement through the use of Internet technologies. Her research has been published in the books Politics & Popular Culture and iRhetoric, the Journal of Information Technology and Politics and the Journal of Communication and Media Research. She is currently gathering footage for two documentary projects.

LaChrystal currently resides in Conroe, Texas with her husband, Michael Radcliffe, and their two rescue pit bulls, Abbie and Reggie, and rescue boxer, Molly. She enjoys educating people regarding the misinformation about the pit bull breed and working with animal rescue. In her free time, she loves the beach, reading non-academic books, doing photography, and relaxing at home.

LaChrystal has been writing for Campus Connection since fall 2008.

Nashalla (Needham) Roberts is the second child of four. Her father, who served in the U.S. Air Force in Korea, World War II and Vietnam, had a tremendous impact on Nashalla and her education.

"It was his belief that made me continue my education, as he was a college graduate in his 50s," she said.

Nashalla enjoys scrapbooking, gardening and photography. She also owns a small movie collection of black-and-white films and collects small authentic Native American kachinas and melon glass.

Nashalla has been writing for Campus Connection since the spring of 2004.

Lisa (Sillaway) Henshall completed her bachelor's degree in eCommerce Management at Friends University in 2004. She and husband John (2004 graduate) have two daughters, Isabella and Elizabeth.

Lisa describes herself as a "complete Web-head," so some of her free time is spent on interactive pursuits. She teaches classes in e-commerce and Web design at Cowley College, writes for several magazines regularly, and has a food blog. She loves spending any remaining spare time decorating her beloved, 90-year-old College Hill home. She also enjoys spending time with her daughters.

"Every other hobby or interest is secondary to cooking meals with them, reading to my youngest or just taking walks to the park with the whole family," she said. "Like most parents, my daughters are my reason for getting up in the morning."

When asked what her fondest memories of Friends were, she said they would have to be of the people.

"I was fortunate enough to both work for Friends as Web editor and attend classes in the ECM program," she said. "And whenever I think of Friends, it's always the warm people that I remember first. [My cohort] was a very special group of people that stuck by each other through whatever our program director, Kathy Slemp, would throw at us. In fact, some of us still meet for dinner, networking and gossip occasionally. So, really, I will continue to build fond memories of Friends and ECM for years to come."

Lisa has been writing for the Campus Connection newsletter since the summer of 2004. She has also served on the Friends University Wichita Alumni Advisory Board since 2005 and will be president of that board during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Vince Schmidt received his bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management through the degree completion program in 1989. He currently works in commercial printing sales and production for Sharpe Printing.

Vince and his wife Ruthie have two daughters: Anna, 19, and Allison, 14. His hobbies include home improvement projects. He also enjoys playing most any sport, especially basketball or softball, and coaches his daughter's softball team. Vince also enjoys working with the youth group at his church.

"Ruthie and I shepherd the (9th grade) freshman class," he said.

Vince looks back at his time at Friends with gratitude, particularly because of the genuine care and concern from all his instructors in the HRM program. He is also thankful for being able to complete his degree.

"Walking the platform and receiving my bachelor's degree is a fond memory," he said.

Vince began writing for the HRM class newsletter in the spring of 2004.

Lu Duerksen graduated from the Family Therapy graduate program in 2001. She is currently a staff therapist at Good Shepherd with Via Christi Regional Medical Center in Wichita. Her family includes a greyhound named Gilda, and "many, many wonderful friends."

Lu appreciated the nurturing environment of the University.

"I loved going to classes at Friends," she said. "My experiences in the Family Therapy program were wonderful. Some evenings we brought in meals, and that was a memorable experience."

"My classmates were a fine group of individuals that supported each other through the tough, tough two-year program," she said. "I think of them also with fond memories."

Lu enjoys reading, travel, photography, various art projects and farm interests. She has been writing forCampus Connection since the spring of 2005.

Susan Waters graduated from Friends University in 2004 with a Masters of Arts in Christian Ministries (MACM). She currently holds a district minister’s license and serves as associate pastor for the Church of the Nazarene in Hays, Kan. Susan also serves as chaplain for Hospice Care of Kansas.

When not spending time with her husband, Chuck, she loves playing with her dogs, running, reading, preparing sermons, trying to play guitar and going to superbike motorcycle races.

“I absolutely love to learn: the more challenging the better,” Susan says. “I have several degrees from other universities, but the MACM degree was by far the most challenging and the most loved and respected of all. I would go through it again, in a minute, (if I could get paid of course)!”

Susan's first article for the MACM class newsletter was written in spring 2010.

Laura (Moats) McLemore graduated from Friends University in 1983, majoring in elementary education, again in 1989 when she completed her master's degree in teaching. In 2007 she completed course work for District Level Leadership. Laura also has a PhD in adult education and is licensed in elementary administration and district-level leadership. Laura was Director of Education at Newman University for ten years. After returning to the classroom for two years, Laura was an elementary principal in Hutchinson and Wichita. In 2011 she returned to the classroom and is currently a middle school Language Arts teacher.

Laura and her husband, Ken, who also attended Friends from 1979 to 1980, have two daughters, Meghan and Erin. They also have two grandsons, John and Andy.

Laura enjoys reading, traveling and quilting. She is a member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research society. In the past twenty years, Laura has given presentations on the life and literature of the beloved children's author to over 100 schools and church groups in Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. She performs annually at the Apple Festival at the Ward-Meade Historical Park in Topeka.

Laura has written for the MAT class newsletter since the fall of 2003.

Kurt Richardson graduated from Friends University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and Leadership in 1999 and earned his MBA in 2004.

"I liked having a whole class go through the (OML) program at the same time," Kurt said. "I thought it resembled a work relationship, and my fellow classmates were highly motivated."

Kurt currently works at Boeing as Director of Operations for the 787 41 section in the fuselage business segment for Spirit AeroSystems. He has previously served on the Boeing Management Club Board, is past president and campaign chairman of the Good Neighbor Fund and has served on the Friends University Wichita Alumni Advisory Board.

Kurt has four children. His oldest daughter, Sarah, is also a Friends University alumna, now teaching English at Heights High School.

Kurt enjoys photography, attending art events with his wife Susan, golf and long distance running. He is currently training for the Chicago marathon in October and the New York City marathon in November. He also spends a significant time attending his son's sports events.

"I think every alum needs to find their own way to stay connected and participate in the success in the University," Kurt said.

Kurt's first article was for the summer 2011 issue of Campus Connection.

Daniel Crook graduated from the Master of Business Law (MBL) program in 2005. He is married to Paula and they have a son, Mathias, and a daughter, Krista. Daniel has eight sisters and two brothers.

Daniel's fondest memories of Friends are centered on his education. He said he looked forward to going to class every Thursday.

"I enjoyed my time being in class, participating with other students, and I enjoyed the professors," Daniel said. "I also enjoyed the free coffee!"

Daniel said he highly recommends the Master of Business Law program.

"(Dixie) Madden has a great law program and cares about the education for the students," he said.

Daniel enjoys reading, being with his wife and kids, helping youth, and researching information. In addition to serving as the Campus Connection class agent for the MBL program since the fall of 2005, he was also the 2008-2009 president of the Friends University Wichita Alumni Advisory Board.

Cathleen "Cat" Palmer completed her bachelor's degree in Organizational Management and Leadership (OML) in 2009 and her graduate degree in Organizational Development (MHRDOD/MSOD) in 2011. She currently serves on the academic advisory board for the MSOD program and is as a member of a team working to launch a formal Wichita OD Network.

Cat is a school-age program director with the Greater Wichita YMCA in Wichita. In 2010, she obtained organizational leader status from YMCA of the USA and was recognized in 2008 as the Wichita YMCA Rookie of the Year. She also serves on the YMCA of USA Emerging Leaders Resource Network HUB with 12 other individuals across the nation. In addition she has presented workshops at different statewide childcare trainings since 2010.

Cat's favorite part of the MSOD program was having weekly dinner groups with her cohort class.

"We became a family," Cat said. "We all had separation anxiety when we graduated."

Cat hopes that through her continued involvement with the MSOD academic advisory board and her new role as a volunteer for the alumni newsletter, she will be able to help graduates stay connected to the University. She would like to "create a way for all of us to network and share ideas and let them know that the door is still open after graduation."

In her free time, Cat enjoys spending time with her two dogs, seeing friends and family, traveling and watching BBC America.

Cat began writing for the MHRDOD/MSOD class newsletter in the fall of 2012.

Nick Bennington moved to Wichita from San Diego in 1997 with the intent of raising his children in a family-oriented community and achieving his higher educational goals.

"Wichita and Friends University has enabled me to meet those goals," he said.

Nick graduated from Friends in 2000 with a master's degree in Management Information Systems. It was a very memorable time for him. He said one of his fondest memories was "graduating in the year 2000 (aka Y2K)." He said there was a lot of talk and discussion concerning the apocalypse, and a few of his classmates were stockpiling supplies and purchasing generators.

"Yet, we all know the uneventful outcome!" he said.

Nick enjoys playing guitar and working out at the YMCA. He has two children, Jameson and Jillian. He has been writing for Campus Connection since spring 2004.

Jayneen Hammons graduated from Friends University with a master's degree in Quality Systems Management in 2000. She currently resides in Kansas City, Mo.

Jayneen is a single mom and enjoys walking, skating, reading and cooking.

"One of the things that I remember the most (about Friends) is my classmates and how well we were able to get along and work together,” Jayneen said. “Also the instructor was VERY helpful, patient and understanding. I would recommend Friends University to anyone who wants to continue their education, whether it be undergrad or graduate-level studies."

Jayneen has been writing for Campus Connection since summer 2005.

Laris Pickett graduated in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in Business Management and in 1998 with a master's degree in Management.

Laris is married to Mary Lou (Sullivan), who graduated from Friends in 1998 with an associate degree through the Program for Adult College Education (PACE). They have two adult sons, Brian and Brent.

Laris became involved at Friends University as a yearbook photographer his freshman year. He was asked by the coach to film the football and basketball games.

"Later, while working at KARD-TV (now KSNW), Greg Gamer and I started a film processing business, which processed game films for over 100 Kansas high schools and 30 college and university teams," Laris said. "Many of the Friends football team members became coaches and sent their game films to our film processing company."

Laris worked in the Sedgwick County Appraisal department as tech support manager, then Geographic Information Services as a GIS analyst for Sedgwick County and supported the Sedgwick County GIS web site. Laris retired from the Sedgwick County Information Technology department in 2004. Laris has also worked as a KTVH-TV lab manager, a land developer, Wheatland Cablevision Inc. president, a real estate broker, a fee appraiser and a Friends University adjunct professor.

Laris enjoys growing plants and raising fish. "I have a few bonsai trees growing around the pond I installed a few years ago," Laris said, "I enjoy growing plants in my yard. I have Koi fish in the pond and angel fish in aquariums in the house." His indoor hobby is creating miniature landscapes with small trees, sedum, cactus and succulent plants. "I also grow miniature African violets in self-watering pots I create and my wife paints," he said. Laris also has a pilot license as well as an amateur radio license.

"I have fond memories of Friends University: the homecoming bonfire rally my freshman year, my friendships with football and basketball team members, and teaching at Friends," Laris said. "Friends University has a strong education reputation, and I am very proud to be a Friends graduate."

Laris has been the MSM/MLM class agent since the very first newsletter went out in the spring of 2001.

Becca Hollie is a 2005 graduate of the Organizational Management and Leadership (OML) program and a 2010 graduate of the Master of Leadership and Management graduate program. She currently works in the benefits office at the Department of Veterans Affairs and enjoys helping fellow veterans.

After getting her OML degree, she was thrilled to stay connected to the University by serving on the Friends University Wichita Alumni Advisory Board from 2005 to 2008 and now writing for the OML newsletter.

When reflecting on her time at Friends, she recalled how impressed she was when she realized the incredible support the University offers adult students.

Away from work and studies, she enjoys spending time with her boys, Kielan and Connor.  Her hobbies include photography and volleyball and she plans to continue her education.

"You can never get enough," she said.

Becca has written for the OML Campus Connection newsletter since the spring of 2008.