Sterling College’s Hans Nickel, assistant professor of sport management, was presented with The William M. McCreery Teaching Award at commencement on May 13, 2017. Nickel, the former sports information director at Sterling, was recognized for noteworthy and innovative instruction to Sterling College students during the academic year. The award is given to one faculty member each year after being nominated by peers.

Emily Fuller of Miltonvale, Kansas, and Austin Mettling of Udall, Kansas, were named the 2017 recipients of the Outstanding Male and Female Graduate Award in conjunction with the Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award.

The awards are given to two students who exemplify outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills and involvement, and who portray an enthusiastically Christian faith. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher and are voted upon by faculty and staff.

Friends and family gathered on East Cooper Lawn at Sterling College on Saturday morning, May 13, 2017, to celebrate with 146 graduates for their achievements. The City of McPherson Pipe Band led the procession, and speaker and alumnus Larry Dashiell ’76 spoke to the graduates about his time at Sterling College and how God knows the story each graduate will create, including the ending. The presentation of degrees followed with students walking the stage to shake hands with President Scott Rich and completing their time at Sterling.

Continuing an eight-year streak, the Sterling College Debate Team finished the 2016-17 season with a trip to the National Forensic Association National Tournament in Lincoln-Douglas debate. Seasoned juniors Gage Brookman and Bryce Harner, both of Hutchinson, Kansas, represented the College as they landed a 12th-place finish in overall team sweepstakes.