Alumnus to direct development
Ron Braun of North Newton is the new director of development for Tabor College.
“We are very fortunate to have Ron Braun join the Tabor advancement team,” Tabor President Jules Glanzer said. “Ron has a passion for Tabor, experience in development, and understands our constituents. His strong faith and time spent in ministry coupled with an understanding of Christian stewardship is a perfect Tabor fit.”
Braun has been director of development for Kidron Bethel Retirement Services, Inc., for the past six years. He completed two capital fundraising campaigns during his time there.
He also has 20 years of involvement with the Mennonite Central Committee, and spent three years as a project manager in Bangladesh.
“Ron’s background in fundraising and administration will serve him well as director of development at Tabor College,” said Jim Elliott, vice president for advancement. “As an alumnus, father of two T.C. graduates, churchman, and longtime board member of the Center for MB Studies, Ron knows the Tabor constituency and is passionate about his alma mater.”
Braun has a psychology degree from Tabor College and is mayor of North Newton.
“I am excited and look forward to partnering with current and new donors to further the mission of Tabor College and prepare students for a lifetime of service,” Braun said.
He and wife, Dena, have two grown children, Heidi and Andrew, who also have Tabor College degrees.
Former Grass & Grain editor is communications director
Marion County native Beth Riffel began work as Tabor College’s new director of communications July 1.
Riffel has edited Grass & Grain, a weekly farm and ranch newspaper based in Manhattan, for 17 years. Previously, she worked for the Texas Hereford Association in Fort Worth, Texas, and National FFA in Alexandria, Va.
“Beth brings considerable editorial and management experience to her new role as director of communications,” Jim Elliott, Tabor’s vice president for advancement, said.
Riffel, 41, has a degree in agricultural communications from Kansas State University.
She and husband, James, live and farm near Tampa. They have three children: Karl, Kyle, and Kara.