It started with late nights in Hansen Hall, Stop Day traditions and a lot of laughter that carried them through their Doane years. Nearly two decades later, that same energy brought Kari Shanahan Gentzler ’09, Sara Thiry Kaltenbach ’09, Janelle Weber Crabbe ’09, and HaLea Messersmith ’08 back together—this time to celebrate their 20-year “friendiversary.” What began as a simple dinner turned into a chance to revisit campus, sit in on a class and relive the moments that sparked lifelong friendships. In the conversation that follows, the group reflects on how Doane shaped their lives and careers, the bond that’s kept them close through life’s biggest milestones, and the memories that still make them laugh today.
Q: Is there/Was there anything in particular that prompted this get-together back at Doane?
A: Most of us met during the Fall 2005 semester, so this fall is our 20-year "friendiversary". While we try to keep in touch regularly, "real life" means we don't see each other as often as we would like. Celebrating 20 years of friendship and being able to see each other while some of us go through big life moments was a reason to gather. Since many of us were gathering for a dinner on a Thursday evening, a few of the girls decided to also make a trip to Doane and visit campus because it had been years since they've been here. A bonus for me was that they got to sit in on my Sociology of Health & Healthcare class!
- Kari Shanahan Gentzler '09
Q: How did your time at Doane and the experiences you shared here shape the paths you’ve taken in your careers?
A: My time at Doane as a student directly contributed to the path that brought me back here as a faculty member. I took an Introduction to Sociology class during my first semester just to fulfill my liberal arts requirement, but sociology quickly became the centerpiece of my time at Doane. Dr. Danelle DeBoer was a shining example of someone who knew how to make learning just the right amount of challenging and fun. Professors I had in other areas reinforced for me the idea that I wanted to continue my journey as a life-long learner by being a professor in a liberal arts environment where I would also have the chance to help students develop their own passions. I headed to graduate school right after Doane, earned my PhD., and have been here for the last twelve years.
- Kari Shanahan Gentzler '09
A: I’m forever grateful for the liberal arts education I received at Doane. It went far beyond high quality education. Knowing I was valued and cared about by my instructors, the staff and my peers built a strong foundation in my self discovery. I ended up in the healthcare field after double majoring in Journalism and Business Administration, but Doane equipped me with the skills to excel in graduate school, the ability to think critically, and a broad perspective that shaped who I am today.
- Sara Thiry Kaltenbach '09
A: While some of us knew exactly what path we wanted to follow, others had to go through college to figure it out. Doane allowed us different opportunities to explore and figure out what we truly wanted to do. Professors at Doane had a way of pulling out your strengths and giving you the self confidence to build those strengths. I ultimately became a pharmacist because one of my track coaches (Ken Marvin) asked if I needed a summer job. While working at his pharmacy, I realized that pharmacy was actually a perfect career for my “math-science” brain. A mix of connections and support at Doane was how I was able to get into pharmacy school and accomplish my goal.
- Janelle Weber Crabbe '09
A: The Doane experience truly shaped the trajectory of my life. Finding professors that believed in me and my abilities and urged me to pursue higher education. I am blessed that I had wonderful mentorship from them and core values that I've adopted now in my own career.
- HaLea Messersmith '08
Q: You all studied different majors but still built a lasting bond. What do you think kept your friendship strong through the years?
A: Common goals and values. Be yourself and find your people. Invest in those relationships. College for me was a chance to choose the people I wanted to surround myself with, people that would love and support you through life's toughest trials and I found those people. There's something valuable in friendships formed through your "growing up years."
- HaLea Messersmith '08
A: The college years are unique and special. Everyone is out on their own and really shaping their belief systems and discovering themselves in new/big ways. Finding “my” people that I could cling to and lean on during the struggles and joys in those formative years was invaluable. I continually thank God for the wonderful friendships I found at Doane, and we continue to support one another through the big moments.
- Sara Thiry Kaltenbach '09
Q: Looking back, what’s a favorite memory you all share from your time as students at Doane?
A: Being on campus means I'm always getting visual reminders that make me nostalgic, and I tend to recall the small moments. I walk past Hansen Hall and think about the amount of laughter, tears, and everything in between that happened in our living space. I walk downstairs in the Learning Commons and have flashbacks to late night study sessions. Every year on Stop Day I text the group a photo of us from back then so we can laugh about the memories from those special days.
- Kari Shanahan Gentzler '09
A: It’s so fun to think back to those years, and it’s always with a big cheesy grin on my face. There are too many favorite memories to name, but I will always fondly recall the countless hours spent in our Hansen Hall commons area playing guitar hero and belly laughing until we cried. There are also several Stop Day memories (ie, accidental swims in the pond during the canoe race) and I treasure the text our roommate group gets annually from Kari (Dr. Gentzler) that it’s Doane Stop Day so we can all collectively celebrate in spirit.
- Sara Thiry Kaltenbach '09
A: My favorite memory I have of all of my friends at Doane was their unwavering support. As a sophomore, I gave birth to my son Jackson. My friends were always there for me, no judgment, no shame, just hugs, encouragement, and support. I still remember the card that Sara wrote to me and the car full of girls that traveled out to meet Jackson. This was a true testament to the type of individuals they were (and still are today!). Regardless of the situation, we support each other and we have each other’s back. And while my life drastically changed that year, our friendship never did.
- Janelle Weber Crabbe '09
A: Stop Day easily- the canoe races and tipping over in the pond. The time spent together in our suites in Hansen, on the softball field, and in Lied. Interterm trips were amazing!
- HaLea Messersmith '08
Q: What advice would you give to current Doane students about building connections and making the most of their college experience?
A: Don't limit the connections you make at Doane to other students only. Your professors and the staff members you interact with are here because we want you to succeed in every aspect of life. Let us get to know you outside of the classroom environment--sometimes it is those conversations that open doors to new possibilities.
- Kari Shanahan Gentzler '09
A: I have always loved the notion that you get out what you put in. I chose Doane because it had a close community feel and I valued relationships and being involved/active. There are so many incredible opportunities at Doane, so take full advantage and be willing to broaden your horizons and step outside your comfort zone.
- Sara Thiry Kaltenbach '09
A: Be open to trying new things- go to events, be active in your Doane education, and your liberal arts requirements. Build relationships with your professors- they are there for you in every facet and they will not only teach you, they will mentor and guide you. Be intentional with your time- college is truly the best time of your life and it goes so quickly. Set goals for yourself but do the random off the wall things from time to time. Truly live in the moment.
- HaLea Messersmith '08
A: Find people who make you want to be a better person and become friends with them. Support each other and be there for each other, it will go a long way!
- Janelle Weber Crabbe '09
