Southwestern College Natural Science
Hall of Fame
to Induct New Members
Winfield,
Kan., Nov. 2, 2023 — Three
Southwestern College graduates will be inducted into the Natural Science Hall
of Fame on Saturday, Nov. 11, in Deets Library on the campus of Southwestern
College. The new members are Dustin Wilgers, Stephanie Kesler, and Bryan
Dennett. Dennett is a member of the 2022 induction class but will be formally
recognized at the 2023 induction ceremony.
The
celebration will begin at 5 p.m., with a reception and dinner (cost is $25 per
person, seating is limited, and RSVPs are necessary) in Deets Library. The
induction ceremony will begin following dinner at approximately 6 p.m., all are
invited to attend (no reservations are required). To make reservations, contact
Ashlee Mayo, director of alumni engagement, (620) 229-6155.
This
hall of fame honors Southwestern College alumni who have made significant
contributions in the natural sciences.
- Dustin Wilgers ’01,
received his bachelor of science degree in biology with honors from
Southwestern College. While at Southwestern, Wilgers participated in golf
and was an athletic trainer for one year. He was active in Beta Beta Beta
Biological Honors Society. He went on to earn a master of science degree
from Kansas State University in 2005 and a Ph.D. from the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011. Wilgers has been a professor at McPherson
College since 2011. He has taught a variety of courses in biology and
environmental science and earned multiple teaching awards during that
time. His passion centers on teaching students of all ages about science,
and training the next generation of scientists. He has contributed to the
field with his ecological research that focused on diversity found in the
prairie and understanding the communication and behavioral systems of
spiders. Wilgers has published 22 scientific papers and one book chapter.
He co-authored many of his papers with undergraduate students. He has
presented his research at numerous international, national, and regional
scientific meetings; winning awards for his research at several of them.
He served as President of the Kansas Academy of Science and the Kansas
Entomological Society. Since being a faculty member, Wilgers has worked
extensively with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks through their
Chickadee Checkoff program, doing both research on the state’s arachnids
and educational outreach programs. His drive to educate society about
nature has taken him all across the state and to many elementary schools.
Recently, to extend his outreach, he has published multiple children’s
books that aim to both entertain and educate younger children about
science and his favorite animal group. Dustin is married to Autumn (Strauss), who he met at
Southwestern College. They have two kids, Noah and Hannah. Much of their
family time centers on spending time in nature or playing and watching
sports.
- Stephanie
Kesler ’80,
graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in biology and
a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics. She also earned a master of
science degree in science management from the University of Alaska
Anchorage in 1990. Her strong passion for community and justice was
nurtured at Southwestern where she was involved in numerous
extracurricular activities, including Campus Players and Tri-Beta.
Kesler’s professional career as a telecommunications technologist and
architect spanned the dawn and evolution of the internet era from 1991 to
present day. Over the decades, she was a key member of the teams that
built out Alaska’s modern telecommunications infrastructure and services.
She also participated in several national standards setting initiatives.
Community involvement at all levels is extremely important to Kesler. Her
service runs the gamut from her neighborhood council to President of the
Board of Providence Alaska Medical System Region. Above all, Southwestern
holds a special place in her heart. Her Southwestern education and
experience prepared her for a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and a
commitment to community.
- Bryan
Dennett ’92,
is a Family Physician in Winfield. He received his undergraduate degree
from Southwestern College and his medical degree from the University of
Kansas School of Medicine. After completing his family practice residency
through Via Christi in Wichita, he started practicing medicine in
Winfield. He has been in private practice since 2002. He is also
board-certified in Hospice and Palliative Care and works as the medical
director for a non-profit hospice. Dennett is passionate about primary
care and focuses on preventative and quality measures. He serves on the
Board of Elders at Trinity Lutheran Church and the Southwestern College
Board of Trustees. When not working, he enjoys staying active, going to
the lake, and spending time with his wife, Debbie, and four adult
children.
To see Southwestern College's halls of fame and a full list of inductees
visit sckans.edu/hof.
