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2010-06-01 issue:

News Briefs - June

by Compiled by Anna Groff

Print Article

Goshen alumnus one of most influential people
GOSHEN, Ind.—Time magazine has announced that Goshen Center for Cancer Care medical director Douglas Schwartzentruber, a 1978 Goshen College alumnus, has been named to the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, the "2010 Time 100."Schwartzentruber has been the lead author and principal investigator of a breakthrough study on the use of a vaccine in treating skin cancer. The clinical trial was one of the first studies to prove vaccines might have a medical benefit against cancer. Schwartzentruber brought the clinical trial from the National Cancer Institute to Goshen Center for Cancer Care almost seven years ago, when he accepted the medical director position in his hometown. According to a news release, the Center is in the planning stages for the next clinical study. Results of the initial trial have been submitted and are currently being reviewed for publication. —Goshen College


Paetkau ends term
WATERLOO, Ontario—President Henry Paetkau will conclude his term of service at Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, in June 2011. Paetkau began his service in January 2003, went through a presidential review in late 2005, and was reappointed for a second term through June 2011. Paetkau arrived in the midst of a major building project that saw the residential community grow by some 50 percent. The academic program has also been expanded in a number of areas since then with the appointment of several new faculty, the establishment of a bachelor’s degree in peace and conflict studies, and the approval of a conjoint Master of Theological Studies degree with the University of Waterloo.—Conrad Grebel University College


Group questions Elkhart, Ind., building project
PITTSBURGH, Pa.­­––A group of Mennonite Church USA members are protesting the Mennonite Church USA Elkhart, Ind., building project and how this project may affect the denomination's future. Spark Renewal is the group’s name, and their Web site is www.sparkrenewal.org. "Because of the depth of unresolved questions about the wisdom of building a large new office building in Elkhart at this time," says the group's Web site, "we are asking Mennonite Church USA to put the planned building project on temporary hold, not break ground in June, as planned, and initiate a thorough review of the process, including a broad invitation for public comment and suggestion of alternatives."

Sarah Thompson and Nekeisha Alexis-Baker, both of Elkhart, described the group’s concerns on May 4: What is missional about the building? How do church members feel about the building as an identity piece? How do young adults feel about the building and its location? How does the building affect the denomination’s anti-racism goal? How does the building affect Elkhart? How have the plans changed, or not changed, due to the economic recession?

Leanne Farmwald, director of communications for Mennonite Church USA, responded to the questions on May 12. "All these questions were considered at various points along the way by Mennonite Church USA Executive Board and the Mennonite Mission Network board,” Farmwald said. "Though we weren’t able to connect with everyone we would have liked to, discussions were informed by opinions gathered from a wide variety of individuals across the church.

"The decision to move ahead with a building in Elkhart was not because this is a perfect solution to the many issues that Mennonite Church USA needs to address. It was a decision made in good faith given the goals, information and resources available at the time," Farmwald said.––Anna Groff


The Mennonite awarded
GOSHEN, Ind.—The Mennonite received awards for poetry, original reporting, cover design and a letter to the editor at the May 6-8 Associated Church Press convention in Washington. The poem "Heavens" by Jesse Nathan (May 5, 2009) took top honors in its category. A letter to the editor from Harvey Chupp, Shipshewana, Ind., also received a top award for its plaintive and poignant criticism of the Internet and the loss of print magazines (May 5, 2009). Assistant editor Anna Groff received honorable mention for "Mennonite Churches Decide If and How to Minister to Convicted Sex Offenders" (April 21, 2009). Designer Dee Birkey also received an honorable mention for her Dec. 15, 2009, cover. —Everett J. Thomas


Rempel new conference minister for WDC
NORTH NEWTON, Kan.––Clarence E. Rempel of Newton, Kan., has accepted the position of conference minister for Western District Conference. Rempel will succeed Dorothy Nickel Friesen, who gave notice last fall of her plans to retire in July. Rempel will be commissioned as the new conference minister July 11 at the annual WDC assembly in Waxahachie, Texas. Currently working alongside Friesen as the WDC’s associate conference minister for churches in Kansas and Nebraska, in his new role Rempel will give overall leadership to one of the largest area conferences in Mennonite Church USA. Ordained Jan. 6, 1980, Rempel led Mennonite congregations for 32 years. Rempel will begin the new role on July 1.––June Galle Krehbiel


Bethel receives grant
NORTH NEWTON, Kan.,––The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., has awarded Bethel College, North Newton, a $725,000 challenge grant for renovation of Old Science Hall into the Academic Center. To receive the grant, Bethel must raise an additional $921,424 by April 2011. The Old Science Hall, constructed in 1925, is the second oldest building on campus after the Administration Building.––Bethel College


Menno Simons College gets permanent  home
WINNIPEG, Manitoba––For the first time in its 20-year history, Menno  Simons College has found a permanent home. Through a significant legacy gift from the David and Katherine Friesen Family Foundation, MSC has purchased the first two floors of 520 Portage  Avenue––the building where it has leased space since 2005. MSC is a college of Canadian Mennonite University and is affiliated with and located adjacent to the campus of the University of Winnipeg. MSC plans to renovate the 16,500-square-foot area beginning May 2011. Since its inception in 1990, MSC had been leasing available space at the University of Winnipeg.––Menno Simons College


Buller retires as Third Way Media director
HARRISONBURG, Va.––Burton Buller, director of Third Way Media, Harrisonburg, since 1999, has announced his retirement effective June 30. Buller will continue to host the Shaping Families radio program on a volunteer basis and  work as an independent contractor to complete a new documentary exploring peace traditions in both the Christian and Muslim faiths in cooperation with Third Way Media and Odyssey Networks. Program manager Sheri Hartzler and business manager Lowell Hertzler have been named interim co-directors of Third Way media. During Buller's 11-year tenure, the Third Way Media team (formerly Mennonite Media) has produced nine full length documentaries.––Third Way Media


Hesston students conduct Earth Day projects
HESSTON, Kan.––Students in Nelson Kilmer's College Physics II class at Hesston College presented their class projects during a campus Earth Day celebration April 29. Kilmer’s students tested photovoltaic solar collectors and explored methods of connecting home systems to the power grid. Students completed feasibility studies and cost analysis for faculty members Bob and Lorna Harder and President Howard and Tami Keim. The Harders are considering installing a system to power their rural home with the goal of generating nearly all the power they consume. One group evaluated four proposals that Kilmer’s son Ron, a Phoenix resident, is considering for his home.––Hesston College

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