Monica first graduated from Friends University in 1994 with her undergraduate degree in social sciences. She completed her master's degree in family development and education in 1996, and graduated a third time in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in English language arts education.

Some of her favorite instructors during those three separate times in her academic
career included John Veal (who taught history), Dr. CG Chacko (her faculty sponsor for the Model UN student organization), Dr. Darcy Zabel and Dr. Marvin Hinten (who both taught literature).

When she isn’t working as a high school language arts teacher in the Derby, Kansas Unified School District, Monica enjoys traveling, reading, writing and quilting.

Monica said she wanted to be involved as a member of the Wichita Alumni Advisory Board because “I want to re-establish my ties with the University. It has been such a huge part of my life.”

Rita started at Friends University in the PACE program. She wasn’t sure how she would adapt to the university, however, she did very well. After completing the PACE program Rita enrolled in the Criminal Justice program, graduating with her Bachelor’s in 2006. Rita went on to earn her Master’s in Environmental Studies in 2012. She had so many great classroom experiences she felt it wouldn’t be fair to mention just one.

Rita has been so busy with her classes and family that it’s been hard to work in time for any hobbies. When there is time she enjoys working out and traveling.

Rita wants to see our Friends community continue to thrive. She wants all students to feel comfortable, welcomed and right at home.

Doug received his graduate degree in school leadership (MSL) from Friends University in 2001. He first heard of Friends through his wife, Brenda, who graduated in 1996. When he received a recruitment card for the MSL program, it "sealed the deal."

Doug works for USD 490 in El Dorado, Kan. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his dogs, Murphy and Rocky, coaching middle school football, and being a model railroad enthusiast.

Doug said, "I feel serving on the alumni advisory board is an outstanding way to give back to Friends University in a way that is truly genuine."

Nicole attended Friends University from 2003 to 2008 and received her bachelor's degree in psychology / human services. Her favorite class was being a part of the Concert Choir and Kantorei musical student groups, especially when they had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C.

Nicole and her husband, Chris, live in Wichita and are the proud new parents of a little girl named Piper. When she's not spending time with her family, she enjoys watching movies, knitting, listening to all kinds of music, and family game night.

As a young alumna, Nicole wanted to be a part of the alumni advisory board to stay involved with Friends University. "I want to continue to be in the 'know' of what is going at the University as well as help encourage current students to stay involved as well."

Jean first heard about Friends University when she attended a career fair and requested more information about the Master of Science in Organization Development (MSOD) graduate program. “My favorite professor was Dr. Brenda Cain. She had such energy that it made me feel at ease as an adult returning back to college.”

As a 2011 graduate of the MSOD program, Jean also credited her success to her classmates. “We prayed and celebrated in the hallway as we lined up to walk into the graduation ceremony. No other group seemed to have the energy that we did.”

As a member of the Wichita Alumni Advisory Board, Jean hopes to “stay involved in higher education without actually having to be a student.” She also looks forward to meeting new people and expanding her network of connections.

Troy is a 1997 graduate of Friends University with his degree in Mathematics and Chemistry. He teaches at USD 357 Belle Plaine High School.

In his spare time he enjoys playing his guitar and taking time to do backpacking.

Troy is excited to be a member of the Alumni Advisory Board.

Marvin received a business administration degree in 1982 and finished his computer science degree in 1984, but he was no stranger to Friends University even before then. "My grandmother attended Friends as well as an older cousin."

Currently working for M6 Concrete Accessories, Marvin is happy to spend his extra time investing his skills into the alumni advisory board because it reconnects him with his past and he hopes to offer solutions that will better help students.

In 2004, Marvin adopted his daughter, Zhou Yong "Wei Wei" from China and has come to love learning about China. It is because of teaching his daughter about her home country that he came to know and marry his wife LiHua "Lily".

When he is not spending time with his family, he loves to write, practice his storytelling skills and participate in Renaissance festivals.

Dil received an e-mail from Friends University that got his attention to check out the university. He graduated in 2010 with a degree in Computer Information Systems. He enjoyed his classes and making new friends.

He feels being a member of the Alumni Advisory Board he can give back to the university. He is excited to help promote Friends University to students and the community.

Don graduated from Friends University in 2011 with his Masters in Leadership and Management. While attending his program he found out there were 5 other people attending that were employed at the same place as him, Spirit AeroSystems. Don’s graduation was very special, his daughter Shy graduated with him in 2011.

In his spare time he enjoys running, fishing, museums, art and volunteering in the community. He also enjoys coaching various sports.

I’m very excited to be a part of the Alumni Advisory Board so I can give back to Friends University.

Danielle G’09, transferred to Friends University in 2007. She completed her degree in Religion and Philosophy. Her first class was developing a devotional life with Dr. Jim Smith. Dr. Smith was one of my favorite instructors. Danielle realized she wasn’t just a student ID at Friends University. After graduating from Friends in 2009 she moved to New Jersey to complete her Master’s degree at Princeton.

In her spare time she enjoys hiking, horseback riding, soccer, track, reading, rock climbing and playing pool.

Danielle is very excited to be a part of the Alumni Advisory Board at Friends University.

It was in 2002, when Tyrena started looking to go back to school. She heard about the PACE program that was offered at Friends University and knew that would fit her needs. Her first class was an English class where she met another returning student Lilia. They remain close friends today keeping up with the latest news and kid’s activities. Tyrena graduated in 2007, with her Bachelor’s degree in Management Accounting and again in 2012 with an MBA in Accounting.

In her spare time she enjoys reading self-help books, shopping and volunteering.

Tyrena is honored to be on the Alumni Advisory Board. She is excited to focus on engaging the current students, alumni and fellow classmates on all the great events and opportunities that Friends University has to offer.

Lisa obtained her bachelor's degree from Friends University in 2009, and in 2010 earned her Master's of Business Administration graduate degree. Some of her favorite instructors as a student were Tony Lybarger and Frank Choriego.

Lisa works as an adjunct professor at Friends University in business management and various courses in the College of Adult and Professional Studies, at FedEx in Wichita as operations lead, and is also self-employed as a business consultant. She has four children and loves to volunteer, keep fit, go bicycling and spend time with her kids.

As a member of the alumni advisory board, Lisa hopes to find ways to get students and alumni involved, and encourage traditional and non-traditional students while they attend.

Michael graduated from Friends University in 2004 with a degree in Management Information Systems. He decided to attend Friends University after going to a Senior Welcome day with a friend from High School. They had a blast! Michael’s first class was Business Communication with Mr. Dick Teter. Mr. Teter later became Michael’s advisor
and helped him get involved with campus activities which helped him build several
lasting friendships.

To help pass the time when Michael isn’t working he enjoy’s photography, astronomy
and technology.

I am very excited to start work with the Friends Alumni and Community.

Lynn had the unique opportunity of “growing up” at Friends University. “Both of my brothers attended Friends in the 1970s and early 1980s. This allowed me to spend quite a bit of time on campus with them and their friends.”

Lynn returned later in life to Friends to finish her bachelor’s degree by way of the human resource management degree completion program offered through the College of Adult and Professional Studies. “Graduation was a tremendous personal accomplishment as it signified the completion of something I started 30 years prior.”

She and her husband, Karl, along with their three children, Jacob, Lee and Karly, reside in Wichita, Kansas. Lynn works in the Friends University Financial Aid Office, and in her spare time enjoys reading and doing crafts.

Olivia Martin graduated with a degree in Business Management in 2011. I was looking a school with a program that was going to allow me to work full time but also provide me with a quality, fun atmosphere and education. I loved my experience as a student at Friends University. It was a supportive and positive experience and I was able to make that journey with a group of people that I still stay in touch with.

I keep very busy with work and my ten year old son plus three stepsons. In my spare time I enjoy any outdoor activity and attending the boys’ sporting events.

My goal as a member of the Alumni Advisory Board is to try to get adult students involved on campus so they can feel as much a part of the Friends community as the traditional students. Friends is a very special to me, I want to be involved and hope to build a great network of Friends.

DeeAnn graduated from Friends University in 2007 with a degree in organizational management and leadership and minor in psychology. She lives in Wichita, Kansas and is employed at Friends University in the Registrar’s Office.

While serving on the Alumni Advisory Board, DeeAnn enjoys attending events sponsored by Friends, visiting with faculty and staff, and meeting other alumni. Since DeeAnn was a non-traditional student, she actively searches to find ways to get non-traditional students to feel like part of the campus community.

In her spare time she enjoys reading and spending time with friends.

Paul graduated in 2007 with a degree in Organizational Management and Leadership. Paul and his wife Kim live in Newton, Kansas. We have two daughters Tamaira and Whitney. 

A few of Paul’s hobbies include playing golf, officiating football, attending church activities and reading.

"My time at Friends University as an adult student was very rewarding. The sense of accomplishment and pride is beyond description I want to encourage others to attend Friends. Being a part of the Alumni Advisory Board will allow me to give back to the University and help students the way they helped me."

Caren Remmers graduated from Friends University in 2002 with an associate’s degree in General Studies and went on to obtain a degree in Business Management in 2004.  She has worked in the financial services industry for over 15 years.  When she is not working she enjoys various outdoor activities and spending time with her family and friends.  Caren and husband, Warren, have one daughter, Nicole, son-in-law, Chris, and a precious new granddaughter, Piper.

While attending Friends University, some of Caren’s most memorable experiences included the study groups outside of classes with her friends and classmates.  She particularly enjoyed the Marketing course with Professor Susan Osborne-Howe and the accounting course with Professor Steve Field. 

Caren says she is really proud to be an alumni of Friends University and believes that with a degree she can obtain anything she sets her mind to.

Ashley graduated in 2004 a degree in Political Science/History then again in 2012 with her Master’s in Business Administration. Ashley’s parents Hugh G’68 and Linda G’67 (Koleczek) Nicks graduated from Friends and they have been married for 47 years.  Friends University has always been a part of my life so it just seemed natural to continue my education at Friends.

Ashley and her husband Derek reside in Maize with their daughter, 2 ½ year old Quinn. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf, reading, gardening, cooking, playing piano, and traveling. I am very devoted to my work at
Make-A-Wish-Kansas.

Ashley would like for people to feel the same way she does about Friends. She also wants to convey her love and excitement of the university to others and is very excited to be a member the Alumni Advisory Board.

Jennifer graduated from Friends University in 2000 with her bachelor’s degree in music education. Her first exposure to Friends was when she made a campus visit during fall break. The availability of the administration and music professors to talk with her about attending solidified her decision to attend Friends.

In her spare time, she enjoys being involved in fiber arts, music, traveling and spending time with her family.

Jennifer is excited to serve alumni and also hopes to help the University in the Wichita area via networking events between students and alumni for all the Friends University campuses.