Wichita, KS— Former CEO of Spirit AeroSystems Jeffrey “Jeff” L. Turner was announced as the Friends University Keynote Speaker for the Commencement Ceremony on May 9, 2026. 
Since June 2005, Turner served as the President and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. until the divestiture of the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Wichita Division. As CEO, he successfully led the transition from Boeing Division to an independent company completing the company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) in November 2006.  Mr. Turner was a member of Spirit AeroSystems’ Board of Directors from 2005-2014.  

A Kansas native, Turner worked for The Boeing Company for more than 30 years. He started in 1973 as a part-time computer programmer while completing his degree at Wichita State University. During his tenure with The Boeing Company, Turner held key management and director positions at Boeing Computer Services, Boeing Military Airplane Company and Boeing Commercial Airplanes located in Wichita and Seattle, Washington. From 1995 until the divestiture in June 2005, he served as Vice President-General Manager for the Wichita Division. 

Turner received a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science in 1973 and a M.S. in Engineering Management Science in 1977, both from Wichita State University.  In 1984, he was selected as a Boeing Sloan Fellow to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Sloan School of Management, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Management. 

Turner is a partner in the Turner Nichols Williams Group, which focuses on developing small businesses in the Wichita, KS area. He served on the Board of Directors of Rockwell Collins and Spirit AeroSystems and served on the board of INTRUST Bank. He has also been very involved in the local community having served on a number of boards and Co-Chaired the community Leadership Council, as well as the Board of Directors for “Doc’s Friends”, a non-profit organization which owns and flies a WWII vintage B-29 aircraft.  Turner and his wife, Rhonda, are active members of their community and have two adult children and six grandchildren. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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Gifts to the university can be made online, in person or by mail to support the Friends Annual Fund or individual funds. Whether you support scholarships, academic programs or other vital initiatives, your contributions have a profound impact on the Friends community. 

“The scholarships I have received from Friends have given me so much more than just financial aid. It has allowed me to come to a new country and obtain friends and acquire knowledge that will stick with me throughout my whole life,” said senior Sander Fjell, a Friends University student. “Without the financial aid from Friends University, I would not have been able to pursue a degree and career in finance, which I am very passionate about.” 

To participate in the university’s annual Day of Giving on April 8, visit our website at http://friends.edu/dayofgiving or contact Sanya Wiles at sanya@friends.edu. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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“IN MOTION” is a dynamic concert exploring music driven by energy, momentum and expression. The program features works by Kevin Day, John Philip Sousa, Franz Doppler and others, blending contemporary voices with enduring traditions to create a performance that is both reflective and forward-looking. 

Principal flutist Courtney Dunagan will be featured in the evening as a soloist, taking on the expressive and virtuosic work of Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise with both technical brilliance and lyrical depth. 

“Through ‘IN MOTION,’ we’re exploring how music moves us, physically, emotionally and collectively,” said Dr. Shawn Knopp, conductor of the Friends University Wind Ensemble. “Each piece carries a sense of purpose and forward energy and together reflects where we’ve been and where we’re headed.” 

The concert will also feature special guests from Junction City High School, whose jazz ensemble and wind ensemble will join Friends University for an evening that celebrates collaboration, mentorship and shared musical momentum across generations of musicians. 

Tickets for the performance start at $6 for adults and $3 for students, children and seniors. ADA and ADA Companions Seating is available. Tickets can be purchased at friends.edu/fine-arts-tickets/ or at the door prior to the performance. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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This monumental 12-win season was solidified by the Falcons breaking 5,979 Rushing Yards in a single season and averaging 54.2 points per game (named the leader in all 4-year, NAIA universities nationally). This momentum was carried over to their second consecutive Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Championship, before reaching the NAIA Football Championship Series Quarterfinal game, the furthest in program history. 

Including head coach, Terry Harrison, and assistant coach, Eric Kelly’s, respective Bissell Division Coach of the Year awards, the Falcons received seven American Football Coaches Association NAIA All-American recognitions. Two Falcons, K’Vonte Baker and Kyree Watkin, were named KCAC Player of the Year, selected by the conference’s coaches and sports information directors. 

“We are proud of the work Coach Harrison and the football program have put into this season,” said Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Expansion Dr. Rob Ramseyer. “They excel not only on the field but as leaders on campus and in the classroom.” 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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The partnership has allowed intentional and impactful service to the community, bringing meaningful opportunities to ensure families experience joy and generosity during the holidays. As part of Friends University’s RISE values (respect, inclusion, service, excellence), our annual service is a commitment to servant leadership, caring for each other and the community.   

Beyond the gift distribution Salvation Army is known for, the organization has been launching a number of innovative initiatives. These include a new urban farm, a home for addiction recovery, and a program designed to aid in situations of long-term, intergenerational poverty. 

The university community will sort toys and gifts, prepare and disperse donated gifts, decorate the Salvation Army distribution center, wrap gifts and assist with the organization’s Angel Tree and Star of Hope programs.   

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ken Stoltzfus, serves as the chair of the Salvation Army’s advisory board, and looks forward to the impact Friends’ service will have on the Wichita community. “I’m constantly impressed by the Salvation Army’s service to our community in the name of Christ,” said Stoltzfus. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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This year’s celebrations will shine brighter with generous donations from Even Temp of Wichita Inc., Evergy and Tree Top Nursery and Landscaping to make the lighting event special and to fund the lighting of the tower for the holiday season. 

Dr. Jerry Smartt, celebrating 50 years of service at Friends University, will be honored for her dedication and inspiration to the university by flipping the lighting switch this year. 

Activities will begin at 6 p.m. on the front lawn of the Davis Clock Tower. Friends of the university and members of the Wichita community are welcome to enjoy an evening of fellowship with carols and festive music from the Singing Quakers and the Friends University Band, and a reading of the Christmas Story. Look at our display of decorated Christmas trees, grab some cookies and cocoa, and greet the jolly man, Santa Claus, with a photo. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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Musical selections include Carnival of the “Animals” by Camille Saint-Saens, “Bugs” by Roger Cichy, “Firefly” by Ryan George and “Iditarod: Dog Sled Race” by Robert Buckley. 

Doors open at 7 p.m. for the standard concert performance. In addition to our traditional evening concert, Friends University has included a sensory-friendly concert at 10 a.m. to ensure our musical performance is accessible to all populations in the Wichita area. 

“Our students have worked incredibly hard to bring ‘Wild Wonders!’ to the stage and I’m thrilled for audiences to experience the energy, artistry and imagination they’ve poured into this performance,” said Friends University Director of Bands, Dr. Shawn Knopp. 

Ticket sales start at $3, and can be purchased online at https://vivenu.com/event/wind-ensemble-concert-11-24-2025-10kxnm  

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/

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Merrill is regularly called upon to be the guest of governmental and cultural international leadership. His international business accomplishments and accolades have seen him named the Honorary Ambassador of Chuncheon City, South Korea as well as receiving several international awards. 

As both a global and local influential leader, Atwater’s focus on charitable growth and public service has been immense. He sits on the International Board of Directors for People to People International, the Menaul School and the United States Congressional Award Foundation, the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Circle, and previously sat on the National Association of State Aviation Officials. 

He was recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration with the prestigious Impact Award, was selected for the Business Magazine, Ingram’s, 40 Under 40, and Keeper of the Memories for the March of the Living. His most recent position update was in 2021, when Merrill Joined Legacy Health as the Chief Strategy Officer with the primary focus of saving rural healthcare in the state of Kansas. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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In August 2024, during the annual Breakfast with the President event, Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, the university’s president, announced the unveiling of the Center for Enterprise and Community Engagement (CECE). In addition, she shared the exciting news of a generous $1 million donation that would fund the center’s development and operations.  

Since then, Rachel Steiner has led the center, where students have provided resources, project assistance and business support to the non-profit and business community around Wichita. In the past academic year, students that opted in have attended the Wichita Business Journal Talent Summit, announced connections with the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Wichita, met with IMA Financial Group, Inc. leadership, and much more.   

“We are very grateful for the amazing gift that started our dynamic center for our students and community. Propelled by one of our Friends University core values of service, I look forward to seeing more of the students engaging with the business and non-profit communities, in what we expect will be transformational learning experiences,” said Dr. Carey. 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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Gifts to the university can be made online during this 24-hour period. Whether it’s supporting scholarships, academic programs or other vital initiatives, all contributions have a profound impact on the Friends community.  

“It was incredible to have a scholarship in my specific interest that I could apply for,” said Nathan Wachtler, a recipient of the Leroy and Eva Brightup Scholarship. “It’s really been incredible to participate in practical ministry here, from Sundays @9, to being given the opportunity to preach at a church. I can never express enough thanks for the donors.” 

To participate in the university’s annual Day of Giving on April 8, visit our website at http://friends.edu/give or contact Sanya Wiles at sanya@friends.edu.

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/ 

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The Distinguished Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame Awards dinner and banquet will take place on Friday, Oct. 4 at Crown Uptown Theatre at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 (or $38 online with a service fee) and can be purchased here on the Crown Uptown website. 

The 2024 Distinguished Alumni award recipients include Dr. Christopher Cassidy, for the Outstanding Achievement in R.I.S.E. award, Eric Stone, for the Outstanding Achievement in the Fine Arts award, and Stephen Campbell, for the Outstanding Christian Leadership and Service award. 

Friends welcomes four inductees into the 2024 Hall of Fame: Noah Morford ‘07 (football), Cecilia Benton ‘13 (track & cross country), Rachel Strickland ‘09 (volleyball), and the 2008 Football Team. 

Friends will also honor 2024 Young Student-Athlete Alumni recipients Daniel Littler ’13 (soccer) and Tiffany Trotter ’10 (volleyball). 

For a complete schedule of events and purchase of tickets, visit the Friends University Homecoming page at https://www.friends.edu/homecoming/ 

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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/   

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Thomas will present his book Sacred Pathways: Nine Ways to Connect with God in the new chapel in Riney Fine Arts center at 7 p.m.  

Thomas will describe the nine spiritual temperaments and encourage the audience to investigate the most natural ways to express themselves with their relationship with God. Thomas will define the traits, strengths, and tendencies in devotional approaches to eliminate the barriers that keep one locked into rigid methods of worship and praise. 

He is the author of over 20 books that together have sold two million copies and have been translated into more than a dozen languages. These books include When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People; Sacred Marriage: What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?, The Sacred Search: What If It’s Not About Who You Marry, but Why?, and the Gold Medallion award winner Authentic Faith. 

Gary holds a B.A. in English Literature from Western Washington University, an MA degree in systematic theology from Regent College (Vancouver, BC), and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Western Seminary (Portland, OR). 

He is the teaching pastor at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and an adjunct faculty member at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon.  

Gary’s speaking ministry has led him to speak in all 50 states and nine different countries, and on numerous national television and radio programs, including multiple appearances on Focus on the Family and Family Life Today. Gary’s interviews on Focus on the Family have been chosen among the “Best of 2013,” “Best of 2014” “Best of 2017” “Best of 2021” and “Best of 2022.” 

The FriendsTalks series with Gary Thomas is free and open to the public to attend. For additional information, visit friends.edu/talks. 

Newman University is a Catholic university named for St. John Henry Newman and founded by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ for the purpose of empowering graduates to transform society. 

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/  

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