MCPHERSON, Kansas — McPherson College recognized its most notable alumni with the Citation of Merit Award in a video tribute released Thursday, April 29.
Ethmer Erisman ’46 was one of the recipients of this year’s Citation of Merit Awards.
The McPherson College Citation of Merit award is the college’s highest award given to the college’s most distinguished alumni for lifetime accomplishments in service to profession, community, church and to the college.
A McPherson College press release states Wilbert Ethmer Erisman, 96, is a shining example of the McPherson College mission. Erisman spent more than 75 years in service to the Church of the Brethren as a minister and as an educator.
Erisman is a retired pastor from his most recent pastorates, Shoal Creek Church of the Brethren in Leeton and the Warrensburg Church of the Brethren .
In retirement, Erisman remains active in the Warrensburg church and still preaches occasionally.
In his trademark overalls, Ethmer is also an example of stewardship to the land.
Erisman continues to work on his farm and is known for sharing the produce from his garden, eggs from his chickens and occasionally bringing small animals to the children’s church service.
Erisman was an active volunteer in his community for many years serving in the Kiwanis Club as president and an active fundraiser.
Erisman also served 10 years as a member of the Board of Trustees for McPherson College.
Other Citation of Merit Awards recipients include Dwight Hill ’53, Eleanor Draper Hubbard ’62 and Dale and Christy Young Dowdy ’72 and ’76 respectively.
A McPherson College press release states recipients exemplify the college’s mission of Service, Scholarship and Participation through their life-long commitment to the values they developed as students at the college.
The awards video is available online at mcpherson.edu/merit.
