FROM THE DIRECTOR

August 2025 Update

Jaclyn Gidley (Roorbach '12)

Director of Alumni & Church Relations

As summer draws to a close, we’re excited to share how our alumni community continues to make an impact near and far. In this issue, you’ll read inspiring updates from fellow Wildcats, learn about the launch of our new Distinguished Military Alumni Award honoring those who have served with excellence, and join us in celebrating 40 years of adult education innovation at IWU. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the energy and connection we experienced while representing IWU at the Indiana State Fair—where Wildcat pride was on full display!

We are grateful for the many ways you continue to live out the mission of Indiana Wesleyan University, and we look forward to sharing in your journey as a world changer.

Below are some pictures of our alumni that we've connected with at the Indiana State Fair!

RECENT LIFE CHANGE?

We’d love to celebrate life’s milestones with you and keep your IWU family in the loop! Whether you’ve started a new job, relocated, or added a little Wildcat to your family, be sure to update your information with us.

✨ If you’ve recently had a baby, or have a young child(ren), let us know and we’ll send you a free IWU onesie or youth shirt to help welcome them to the IWU family!

Update Information Today

UPCOMING UNIVERSITY RELATIONS EVENTS

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Esperance Mwiza '25

Esperance Mwiza’s journey has been shaped by unwavering faith, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Today, she may appear to be a typical American college student, acting in plays, forming close friendships, and participating in Indiana Wesleyan University’s Presidential Fellows program. But her path to IWU was anything but typical.

Read Her Full Story in the Digital Triangle

UNIVERSITY NEWS & PARTNERSHIPS

Nominate a Military Alumni Today!

We’re proud to announce the launch of the IWU Distinguished Military Alumni Award—honoring alumni who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and impact through their military career and beyond.

Do you know an IWU alumni who has served with distinction? Nominate them today and help us celebrate their service and commitment to both country and community.

Nominate Someone Today!

Learn More Today

IWU Celebrates 40 Years of Adult Education Innovation

The first program under what was then called LEAP, or Leadership Education for Adult Professionals, launched July 29, 1985, in Marion, Ind., with a Bachelor of Science in Management cohort of 18 students. At a time when degree programs for working adults were still rare, especially among Christian universities, IWU became one of the first institutions in the country to offer an accelerated, cohort-based model tailored to adult learners. That early innovation laid the foundation for what would become one of the largest and most respected adult education programs in the nation.

Learn More Today

IWU Awarded Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana

IWU has been awarded the inaugural Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana (CPSI) by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA). The CPSI recognizes eligible postsecondary institutions that have successfully demonstrated a supportive environment for U.S. military-affiliated students from application to graduation.

“Indiana Wesleyan University has always had a strong commitment to military students,” said President Jon Kulaga. “From President McConn fighting to ensure students returning from World War II wouldn’t need to pay for the remainder of their education, to modern day efforts to serve our military-affiliated students, IWU remains committed to serving those who have served our country.”

ALUMNI NEWS & LIFE UPDATES

Matthew Grimshaw '96

Governor Andy Beshear has appointed Matthew Grimshaw, president of Saint Joseph Health, to the Kentucky State University Board of Regents. Grimshaw will serve through June 30, 2030, completing the remainder of the current term. He joined Saint Joseph Health in December 2024 and brings more than 25 years of health care leadership experience from across the nation. Grimshaw holds an MBA from Wake Forest University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from IWU.

William Shrewsberry '99

The IU Southeast Board of Advisors recently announced new officers, along with the addition of one new board member and two emeritus members, at its year-end meeting. Among the new members is William Shrewsberry, founder of Shrewsberry & Associates, a DBE/MBE engineering and consulting firm based in Indianapolis, IN. Shrewsberry holds a B.S. in Business Management from Indiana University Southeast and an M.S. in Business Management from IWU. With 27 years of management experience at Indiana Bell/Ameritech, he founded his own firm in 2001, building a respected presence in the engineering and consulting industry.

Mary (Southerland) Prows '01

Fifteen years ago, Mary Prows founded The Training Center with just eight children. Today, the program enrolls 80 and has become a vital resource for the community. IWU students have played a key role in its success, contributing through work-study, internships, practicums, mentorship, and more. The Marion Chronicle has recognized The Training Center as “the premier after-school program in Grant County.” A few years ago, Mary transitioned from her role as Executive Director to serve as CFO. Beyond The Training Center, she has made a lasting impact through service on numerous boards in Grant County, including the Marion School Board. She also serves on the boards of a start-up women’s pregnancy center and Life-Wise Academy, a Christian education initiative in Florida.

Matthew Hicks '04

The School Town of Munster has extended an offer to Matthew Hicks, who most recently served as superintendent of Northeastern Wayne Schools in Richmond, Indiana, a position he has held since 2020. Hicks previously served as principal of Northeastern High School from 2018–2020 and as assistant principal of Noblesville West Middle School from 2012–2018. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, a master’s degree from IWU, and an educational doctorate from Ball State University.

Kelli (Zeller) Hine '04

Frankton-Lapel Community Schools has announced the appointment of Kelli Hine as assistant principal at Lapel Elementary-Middle School for the 2025–26 school year. Hine brings more than 20 years of experience in education, most recently serving as interim assistant principal and instructional coach at Elwood Intermediate School. Her background includes roles as a high-ability curriculum coordinator and classroom teacher, reflecting her dedication to supporting student growth and academic excellence.

Melissa (Masterson) Shaffer '06

Melissa Shaffer has been promoted to Anderson Market Manager at STAR Bank. She brings more than 12 years of management experience and a strong commitment to team development, customer service, and community engagement. In her new role, she will lead five STAR branches across the Anderson area, focusing on strategic growth and exceptional service.

Paulette Woodard '06

Paulette Woodard, DNP, MHA, RN, has been named chief nursing officer at Medical City North Hills in North Richland Hills, Texas. She began her HCA Healthcare career in July 2016 with Methodist Healthcare System, serving in progressive leadership roles. Most recently, she was ACNO at HCA Healthcare’s Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant in San Antonio, where she oversaw nursing teams, advanced the Culture of Safety training for the emergency department, strengthened nursing leadership, and implemented effective hiring strategies to attract new nurses.

Russell L. Soots '11 & '18

Russell L. Soots, system director at Columbus Regional Health, has authored and published three books rooted in faith, leadership, and resilience. His works include The Woo, The Coo, and The Boo, a relationship parable exploring relational dynamics across seasons of connection; Held Together, a relationship and leadership-focused book on trust and communication in the workplace; and I Don’t Eat Elephant, a humorous, story-driven approach to overcoming life’s biggest challenges.

BOOK LINK

Susan (Smelser) Carr '15 & '19

Huntington University has promoted Susie Carr to vice president for enrollment management and marketing as part of a strategic realignment within the Enrollment Management and Marketing Division. In this expanded role, she will oversee enrollment and marketing efforts across all program areas, including residential, online, undergraduate, non-traditional, and graduate studies. Carr’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to the mission of Huntington University and a strong strategic vision for the future.

Scarov Victor '16

Pastor Scarov D. Victor has released his new book, Serving Requires: Practical Strategies of Servant Stewardship. More than a spiritual guide, the book offers a heartfelt call to action rooted in biblical wisdom, personal testimony, and real-world application. It delivers a timely and transformational message for a world in need of selfless leaders and meaningful change.

BOOK LINK

Savannah (Bakker) Fongers '20

On July 25, 2025, Savannah Bakker and Aaron Fongers (’19) were married in West Olive, Michigan. While their paths did not cross during their time at IWU, they share a deep appreciation for the university and the ways it helped shape their journeys.

Justin Maurer (JD) '20

JD Maurer has transitioned from his role as assistant principal at Whitko Junior-Senior High School in Larwill, IN, to lead grades 6–8 at the Junior High. Maurer joined Whitko Community Schools as a physical education teacher in 2021 and previously taught business at the high school in 2018–2019. A graduate of Angola High School (1999) and Trine University (2003), he earned a master’s degree from IWU in 2015. With experience in education, coaching, and business management, Maurer brings a well-rounded leadership style to his new role.

Desmond Wilkins-Maxwell '23

Desmond Wilkins Maxwell, a graduate of IWU with a degree in criminal justice, has been welcomed to the Elkhart Police Department. Raised in South Bend and now residing in Elkhart with his family, Maxwell has completed training at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and brings experience from the Marion and Goshen Police Departments. His hiring was unanimously approved by the commission.

Hannah Ruppert '25

Hannah Ruppert, a recent graduate of IWU, has been hired as an electrical engineer at DC (Design Collaborative). She previously interned with the firm over the past two summers, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field.

Jeremy Johnson '25

Jeremy Johnson has authored a book titled Let’s Grow, which is designed to equip readers with practical tools for personal and professional development while encouraging a mindset of resilience, faith, and purpose. The message behind this book reflects the very values that were nurtured and strengthened during my time at Indiana Wesleyan.

BOOK LINK