Men's Basketball News
U.S. Economy May Fall in Global Ranking, Visiting Prof. Says
January 25, 2010
Categories: General News, Men's Basketball News
As the global economic meltdown continues, Dr. Jayakar Dalavai, a business professor and management expert from India, warns that the struggling U.S. economy could fall from first place to third or fourth place behind rising industrial powers China, India, Brazil, or perhaps even Russia.
‘We live in a world in which we, speaking as Americans, thought we had control for a long time,” Dalavai said. “But during the last 30 years, somehow that has changed.”
The first lecturer in Tabor College’s new Scholar in Residence Program, Dalavai presented his thoughtful and sobering perspective January 20 in a public lecture titled, “The Causes and Consequences of the Global Meltdown and Outsourcing, an Ominous Sign for the Future of America.”
A native of India, Dalavai has lived, worked, and been educated in both the U.S. and India, and as an international business expert, he brings a unique bi-national perspective on critical issues such as globalization and out-sourcing.
Standing before a slide show backdrop of some of the world’s most expensive personal residences and luxury hotels built recently in the Dubai and India, Dalavai told his audience the structures symbolize the greed that has reshaped the global economy in recent decades, signaling a sad departure from the Christian ideals of the free enterprise system and the Protestant Work Ethic.
Dr. Jayakar Dalavai, a business professor and management expert from India and the first lecturer in Tabor College’s new Scholar in Residence Program, delivers a public lecture on January 20 on the main campus in Hillsboro. (Tabor College photo by Grant Overstake).
“You may wonder why I am talking about these monumental structures when my topic is about the global meltdown,” Dalavai said. “Simple arithmetic will tell us that it costs between $7 and a half to $8 billion dollars for these three monumental structures. Most of them were to fulfill the egos of those billionaires…. We can see how people who have riches get so ambitious, get so carried away by their wealth, and use it for fulfilling their personal egos. We can see this… even in a country like India, where even now, 50 to 60 percent [of the population] lives under the poverty level.”
Dalavai’s public lecture was attended by local public officials, business professionals, and retired professors, as well as alumni, current faculty, and staff. Students enrolled in Dr. Dalavai’s business class received extra credit for attending. While at Tabor, Dalavai has been teaching management skills and mentoring business students about the changing global business environment during the Interterm session, from January 5 to 28.
“I was overwhelmed to see such an enthusiastic group of people had come to hear about the current day issues that have been impacting the people of the United States,” Dalavai said. “The questions were very thoughtful and to the point and I was glad I was able to answer them.”
The lecture followed a more scholarly lecture Dalavai delivered to faculty and staff on January 15 titled, “Corporate Social Responsibility,” in which he outlined his theory on the negative impact of greed in the corporate world.
Because of its overwhelming debt to other nations and its own weakened industrial capacity due in part to decades of outsourcing, and the subsequent rise of industrial capacities of other nations, the U.S. economy could fall to third or fourth place in the world in the coming years, behind China, India, and perhaps even Russia.
The U.S. has little control over its financial future, Dalavai added.
“The reason why we don’t have control over the global meltdown is because we don’t have control over our own destiny,” he said. “Because we are unable to make decisions that would place us on a path to recovery, the economic decisions that are being made in countries overseas do not make any sense to us. Too much money is finding its way into the hands of people who have control over but do not contribute to the economic activity of the world.”
Offering some suggestions for resolving the issues facing the U.S., Dalavai said the U.S. must focus its attention on providing educational opportunities for students that stress the hard sciences, engineering and physics, which are essential to the future of the future U.S. economy.
Reversing the trend of outsourcing jobs overseas by restoring higher-paying jobs to a rebuilt manufacturing sector, where U.S. workers could be productive and contribute to greater economic growth and stability would also help re-grow America, he said.
Despite the cutthroat economic competition today, the relationship between the United States and India has its roots in a shared belief in the democratic system, and should remain cooperative and strong, he added.
“In a global sense what is good for one country may not be good for another country,” he said. “It’s the same with India and the U.S.A., however, there is a common bond between the U.S. and India. We are both strong democratic countries. Our values about the economic system are the same….”
Following the lecture Dalavai fielded a variety of questions from local government officials and professors, ranging from the wisdom of allowing Tabor College students to “outsource” their education by taking Online courses, to the pros and cons of outsourcing hundreds of parts for Boeing new commercial jetliner to other countries.
Whether or not Americans should consider the welfare of the U.S. economy first before providing outsourced jobs to needy workers in third world countries was also discussed.
In conclusion, Dalavai said, “We may never find all of the right answers for our questions, but we still continue our journey. My purpose is to make sure that I share my Christian business values, as well as ethical business values in the global marketplace with everyone, anywhere I can.”
After earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Osmania University, in India, in 1963, Dalavai came to the U.S. and went to work for what is now Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railways. He obtained his U.S. Citizenship in 1981.
He continued his education in the U.S. while working as a full time employee, gaining valuable management experience for over 30 years. He worked with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company for 17 years and was an IT and Management Consultant for more than 10 years.
Dalavai earned his bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems from Washburn University, in Topeka, Kan., in 1979, and an M.B.A. from Emporia State University, in 1981. He earned his Certified Project Manager diploma in Advance Project Management in 2000 from Stanford University, along with his Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. He earned his Ph. D. in Business Management in 2009 from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India.
Dalavai’s scholarly publications include, “Protestant Ethic, its impact on U. S. Economy,” and “Managing the Multinational Corporations,” both in the Journal of Business Management, Osmania University; and “Christian Business Ethic,” in the Christian Business Men’s Council Annual Publication, 2009. His current article on “Corporate Social Responsibility, a Myth or Reality?’ is under review.
His wife, Julia, a longtime staffer for Campus Crusade for Christ and CBN India, has joined her husband on the Tabor campus for the Interterm session. The couple resides in Bedford, Texas, where he works in semi-retirement as executive vice president of Enterprises without Borders, a small business specializing in global communications and management studies.
Ressler thanked Dr. Dalavai for his “stimulating lecture,” adding, “It has been a delight to have Dr. Dalavai serve as our first Scholar in Residence.
“These are perplexing and very difficult questions we are asking,” Ressler added, “particularly if you’ve been in third world countries where we realize the economics are so different.”
Listen to Dr. Dalavai’s lecture on the Tabor College Provost’s Journal
Basketball Standout and Scholar Orson Thomas Receives John J. Killian Award
September 10, 2008
Categories: Men's Basketball News, General News, Athletics News
Tabor College senior Orson Thomas, a basketball standout and classroom scholar, has been awarded the 2008 John J. Killian Scholarship from the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA). He will be recognized at the society’s scholarship awards luncheon, Nov. 20, in Wichita.
The John J. Killian Scholarship recognizes academic achievement, campus participation, personal character, and leadership, and is awarded annually to an accounting major entering his or her senior year at an independent Kansas college or university.
Thomas, who hails from Saint David on the Caribbean Island of Granada (about 2,835 miles from Hillsboro, Kan.), earned All-KCAC First Team and “Newcomer of the Year” honors in basketball last season. As a junior majoring in accounting and finance, he also made the Dean’s List with Highest Honors.
“Orson is an outstanding student and campus leader,” said Dr. Norman Hope, Professor of Business Administration at the college. “He is actively involved in college activities outside of class such as being a tutor, basketball, peer adviser and as an administrative assistant in the business office. He is positive and hard working.
“Other students see him as a leader in the Business Studies Program.”
Thomas is the second Tabor College student to receive the John J. Killian Scholarship. Angela (Kroeker) Jost, who graduated from Tabor in 2004, also received the award.
Tyler Fenton Signs to Play Baseball and Basketball at Tabor College
July 09, 2008
Categories: Men's Basketball News, Baseball News, General News, Athletics News, Men's Basketball Signees
Garden City Community College transfer Tyler Fenton (Holcomb, Kan.) has signed a letter of intent to play baseball and basketball next season for the Bluejays.
In baseball Fenton, a 6’3, 190-pound pitcher, will bring immediate help to the Bluejays pitching staff next season.
In basketball Fenton, a two time All League guard, and All State player, helped lead Holcomb High School to the Hi-Plains League title.
Head Men’s Baseball Coach Chad Newhard, and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Micah Ratzlaff are very excited that Tyler has chosen to attend Tabor College.
According to Coach Newhard, “Tyler brings experience and a great attitude to the program. He will also bring a tremendous amount of athleticism to our team.”
According to Coach Ratzlaff, “We are very excited to get a player with the size and strength that Tyler brings from the guard position. We look forward to working with him over the next couple of years.”
Tyler is the son of Troy Fenton and Debra Brant.
A.J. Wiens Signs to Play Basketball at Tabor College
June 26, 2008
Categories: Men's Basketball News, General News, Athletics News, Men's Basketball Signees
Cornerstone Family School graduate A.J. Wiens (Topeka, Kan.) has signed a letter of intent to play basketball next season for the Bluejays.
Wiens, a 6’7, forward, will help provide depth down low for the Bluejays next season. While at Cornerstone, Wiens lead his team to an 18-8 record, winning the Division II National Christian Home School Association Championship. Wiens was honored for his efforts by being named to the Metro Christian Athletic Association All-Conference Team.
According to Head Men’s Basketball Coach Micah Ratzlaff, “We are very excited about the commitment from A.J. A.J. gives us really good size, (6’7) and the skills to work on and off the block. His strengths are his soft touch, around the rim, and his ability to shoot the basketball. We are looking forward to having A.J. in a Bluejay uniform for the next four years.
A.J. is the son of Emery and Donna Wiens.
Damon Dechant Signs to Play Basketball at Tabor College
June 26, 2008
Categories: Men's Basketball News, General News, Athletics News, Men's Basketball Signees
Colorado State University-Pueblo transfer Damon Dechant (Kit Carson, Colo.) has signed a letter of intent to play basketball next season for the Bluejays.
Dechant, a 6’6 forward, will transfer to Tabor after playing on season at CSU-Pueblo. While at Kit Carson High School, Dechant was a 3 time All State selection, while leading his team to the Colorado State Championship in 2007, earning Tournament MVP honors. Dechant was honored his senior season by being named Colorado’s Class 1A Player of the Year as well.
According to Head Men’s Basketball Coach Micah Ratzlaff, “Damon is an immediate impact player for our program. With his size (6’6) and athleticism he can play multiple positions in our offense. Damon is very fundamentally sound, and will make everyone around him better. He will also be a force defensively on the boards.”
Damon is the son of Paul and Eleanor Dechant.
Alex Sutter Signs to Play Basketball at Tabor College
May 14, 2008
Categories: Men's Basketball News, Athletics News, Men's Basketball Signees
Goddard High School senior Alex Sutter (Wichita, Kan) has signed a letter of intent to play basketball next season for the Bluejays.
Sutter a 6 foot combo guard will help add depth to the point guard and off guard positions according Head Men’s Basketball Coach Micah Ratzlaff.
“We are really excited about the addition of Alex to our program. He is a great fit for our basketball team as well as Tabor College. His strengths on the court are his ability to pass and shoot the basketball extremely well. We are really looking forward to getting our hands on him in the fall.”
Alex was an Honorable Mention AVCTL All league perform his junior season, and was named to 2007-2008 All AVCTL 2nd Team his senior season while playing for Coach Steve Blue at Goddard High School.
Alex is the son of Steve and Leatha Sutter.
Seth Hardiman Signs to Play Basketball at Tabor College
May 14, 2008
Categories: Men's Basketball News, Athletics News, Men's Basketball Signees
Derby High School senior Seth Hardiman (Derby, Kan) has signed a letter of intent to play basketball next season for the Bluejays.
Hardiman a 6 foot 2 inch point guard for Derby has the ability to play multiple positions next season for the Bluejays.
While at Derby Hardiman was a 3 year varsity player and was named 2nd Team All AVCTL his junior season, and 1st Team All AVCTL and a All State Honorable Mention player his senior season.
According to Head men’s Basketball Coach Micah Ratzlaff “Seth was one of the top pure high school point guards I had seen all year. With his size a 6’2, strength, and his ability to distribute the basketball, Seth is able to compete at an extremely high level. He is the ultimate competitor and he hates to lose, and I want him to bring that same attitude into our program. We are extremely excited to have Seth join our basketball program next season.”
Seth is the son of Paul and Doreen Hardiman.
Cameron Beckman Signs to Play Soccer and Basketball at Tabor College
May 14, 2008
Categories: Men's Basketball News, Men's Soccer News, Men's Soccer Signees, Athletics News, Men's Basketball Signees
Wichita Northwest High School (Wichita, Kan) Senior Cameron Beckman has signed a letter of intent to play both soccer and basketball next season for the Bluejays.
In soccer, Cameron a right defenseman, will provide immediate help to the Bluejays soccer program this fall. While at Wichita Northwest High School Cameron was named 2nd Team Honorable Mention and team captain.
In basketball, the 6-foot 3-inch guard will help add depth to the guard position, according to Head Men’s Basketball Coach Micah Ratzlaff.
Head Men’s Soccer Coach Grant Brubacher and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Micah Ratzlaff are very excited that Cameron has chosen to attend Tabor College.
According to Coach Brubacher, “Cameron is a solid student athlete that comes from a quality high school program. His combination of size, skills, and athleticism will make an immediate impact on our team.”
According to Coach Ratzlaff, “Cameron is a really good athlete with a lot of potential. His athleticism alone gives him the ability to compete at a high level. Cameron also brings good size to the guard position at 6’3. We are very excited about Cameron’s future here as a Bluejay.”
Cameron is the son of Kenny and Teresa Beckman.
Hillsboro High School’s Gavin Serene Signs to Play Basketball at Tabor College
May 14, 2008
Categories: Men's Basketball News, Athletics News, Men's Basketball Signees
Hillsboro High School senior Gavin Serene (Hillsboro, Kan.) has signed a letter of intent to play basketball next season for the Bluejays.
Serene. a 5-foot 9-inch guard. was a starter for Hillsboro High School his senior season, helping lead the Trojans to the sub-state finals, and was named to the All League Honorable Mention Team.
Gavin comes from a quality program and has been well coached under Hillsboro High School’s Darrel Knoll.
According to Head Men’s Basketball Coach Micah Ratzlaff, “What really caught my attention with Gavin, was that I didn’t realize at first how much he loves to play the game of basketball. With that mind set and his ability to shoot the basketball, we are extremely pleased with his decision to become a Bluejay. He is a great fit for our program.”
Gavin is the son of Bruce and Diedre Serene.
Conner Hampton Signs to Play Basketball at Tabor College
May 14, 2008
Categories: Men's Basketball News, Athletics News, Men's Basketball Signees
Highland Community College’s Conner Hampton (Oxford, Kan.) has signed a letter of intent to play basketball next season for the Bluejays.
Hampton a 6-foot shooting guard spent the past year playing for Highland Community College and will transfer to Tabor College in the fall.
While at Oxford High School, Hampton helped lead his team to the League and Tournament Championship Titles with a 19-4 record.
Hampton led Oxford in scoring in both his junior and senior season, earning First Team All-League, and First Team All-State his junior and senior seasons.
According to Head Men’s Basketball Coach Micah Ratzlaff, “Conner is a transfer shooting guard with 3 years of eligibility left. He is a very smart player who brings strength, experience, and a nice shooting touch to our program. He will be a good addition to our back court next season.”
Conner is the son of Rob and Ginger Hampton.
