Joel W. Hunt '15 & '22

Executive Director of University Relations

765.677.2452

August is here, and with it comes the excitement of a new academic year at Indiana Wesleyan University! Early move-in days are happening, bringing the Marion Campus back to life as students begin settling in, reconnecting with friends, and preparing for the year ahead. Our Wesley Seminary Students started classes on August 14th, while our National and Global Students start on August 25th. We are looking forward to meeting with Alumni and Friends on August 22nd and 23rd at our booth during the last weekend of the Indiana State Fair. We are in the Meijer Family Fun Park between the Splash Pad and the Little Hands on the Farm attraction. Please stop by and say hello!

We also invite you to be part of several special events during the beginning of the Fall Semester. Please join us for the Alumni Family Social on New Student Move-In Day, August 29th, as we celebrate the newest members of the IWU family and reconnect with alumni. This will take place in the Piazza Terrace in the Barnes Student Center. Then, on September 3rd, we will gather in person and virtually for the IWU Family Prayer Gathering, coming together to pray over all of our students, faculty, staff, and families who make up our Christ-centered community. And looking forward, please mark your calendars for Homecoming 2026, October 23–24! We cannot wait to welcome our Alumni and Friends back to campus for a weekend filled with Wildcat traditions, meaningful connections, and opportunities to make new memories. We look forward to seeing you this Fall!

Indiana State Fair

If you're visiting the fair this week, be sure to stop by the IWU Booth in the Family Fun Park (next to the splash pad). Spin the prize wheel for your chance to win IWU prizes and say hello to our team!

📅 Saturday - Sunday:  August 22 & 23
📍 Family Fun Park
🕜 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Alumni Family Social

Join us during Wildcat Welcome Week! This special gathering is for families of incoming students who are proud IWU alumni. Enjoy light refreshments, connect with fellow alumni families, and celebrate this exciting new chapter for your student and your family.

Event Details:
📅 Saturday, August 29
📍 Piazza Terrace | Barnes Student Center
🕜 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

IWU FAMILY PRAYER GATHERING

Families, parents, grandparents, and IWU friends across the country are invited to gather on September 3, 2026, to pray for Indiana Wesleyan University. We will intercede on behalf of students, faculty, staff, and families who make up our Christ-centered community.

Questions? Want to host a group? Contact the University Relations Office at parents@indwes.edu or 765-677-4971.

Pastors and Church Leaders Day 2026

In a time of cultural change and ministry complexity, the call to shepherd well remains the same. 

Join us for a day designed to encourage, equip, and refresh pastors and church leaders as they navigate the shifts facing today's church. 

Event Details:
📅 Tuesday, September 22
📍 Phillippe Performing Arts Center | Barnes Student Center
🕜 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

HOMECOMING - October 23 - 24, 2026

Bring the Family for a Weekend of Fun

We’re planning a memorable weekend filled with connection, celebration, and IWU spirit. Check back soon for event schedules, registration information, and ways you and your family can be part of the festivities.

Want to post your position on our new Wildcat Community Portal? This online platform is available for anyone! Explore various opportunities below.

The phrase "I am third" embodies the belief that God comes first, others second, and oneself third. This principle serves as the foundation for IWU's men's basketball program but it is also lived out across the entire IWU athletic and campus culture, emphasizing humility, service, and community.

The I AM THIRD arena will be multilevel, with spectators entering on the second level. In addition to the main court, it will include a full-sized practice court, a weight room, a training room, a team shop, a broadcast/filming area, two team rooms, five suites, and concessions.

Micah Gallegos '00

Micah has accepted the position of athletic director and dean of students for Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools in the Middle School and High School located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. This comes after the retirement of Joe Hollenbeck at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Gallegos brings more than a decade of leadership experience in Christian education and athletics, most recently serving as co-head of school and director of athletics and facilities at Traverse City Christian School. He is passionate about student development and looks forward to building on Frankfort's strong tradition of academic and athletic excellence. 

Denise (Weber) Jett '04

Denise published a book called "Not My Child". It is a heartfelt romance weaving my major and education into a heartfelt story. The book can be purchased on Amazon. 

PURCHASE HERE

Shaun Farmer '09

Shaun Farmer has accepted the role of principal at Maple Grove Elementary School in Bargersville. IN. He is a familiar face to the school community as Shaun previously served as a teacher and assistant principal at Maple Grove. It is exciting to celebrate our alumni who continue to make a difference in the lives of students and their communities. 

Maribeth Miller Stapleton '13

Maribeth and her husband welcomed a baby girl! Abby Stapleton was born in November 2025. 

Katherine Fitch '15

Katherine got married on August 1st, 2026 to Allen Gonzales-Willert. They met while serving in the Peace Corps in Ukraine. 

Matthew Hooper '16

Matthew graduated in May 2026 from Asbury Theological Seminary with his Doctorate in Ministry in Church Multiplication.

Jack Pladdys '17, '22

Jack has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making an everlasting difference in the lives of teens through music, the arts, dance, mentorship, and meaningful relationships. In this role, he provides strategic and organizational leadership as Solid Rock strengthens its three Arizona teen centers and prepares for future expansion. 

Sydni (Mock) Hoos '23 & '26

Sydni and her husband, Nicolas Hood, '23, welcomed our first child, Colter Allen, on May 28, 2026!

Lj Weems '24

LJ Weems has accepted the position for Health and Physical Education teacher as Tippecanoe Valley High School. He will also serve as the varsity football running back coach. Lj is from Indianapolis and attended college at Indiana Wesleyan University. He is coming to Tippecanoe from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School in Fort Wayne.

Johngerlyn (Traylor) Young '24

Dr. Johngerlyn Young has been appointed as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Bringing nearly 30 years of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and institutional advancement, Dr. Young will oversee fundraising, donor relations, capital campaigns, planned giving, and board engagement.

Hadessah Vandaveer '26

Congratulations to Hannah for graduating from CST and being commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant! 

David (of Marion, IN) passed away in July 2026. 

Ronald (of Owensboro, KY) passed away in July 2026. 

Gary (of Howe, IN) passed away in July 2026. 

Gary (of Howe, IN) passed away in August 2026. 

Susan (of Batavia, IL) passed away in July 2026. 

Rick (of Zionsville, IN) passed away in July 2026. 

Meddie (of Indianapolis, IN ) passed away in May 2026. 

James (of North Manchester, IN) passed away in July 2026. 

Angela (of Springville, IN ) passed away in June 2026. 

Susan (of Anderson, IN) passed away in July 2026. 

Brian (of Phoenix, AZ) passed away in July 2026. 

Amee (of Garrett, IN ) passed away in July 2026. 

IWU Alumni Office | 4201 S. Washington St. | Marion, IN 46953 | 765-677-2110

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