|
|
As we look ahead with excitement to all that 2026 will bring, we are grateful for the strength, faith, and impact of our alumni community. In this issue, we invite you to celebrate the people and stories that make IWU so special—through nominating outstanding alumni for our various alumni awards, exploring upcoming events, and rejoicing in the incredible life updates being shared by Wildcats across the country.
The year ahead is filled with meaningful opportunities to reconnect. We’re thrilled to host a variety of regional alumni events in 2026, including gatherings in Florida, Michigan, and throughout Indiana, creating space for Wildcats to come together, build relationships, and celebrate our shared mission—no matter where life has taken you. Next month we are honored to welcome pastors to our Marion campus for our inaugural Pastors Appreciation Day, a special time set aside to express gratitude for faithful leadership and ministry within our church community.
We also encourage you to stay connected through the Wildcat Community Portal. This growing online space allows you to engage with fellow alumni, review and promote job opportunities, and remain connected to IWU wherever you are. Thank you for being an integral part of the Wildcat family. We can’t wait to see how God continues to work through you in 2026 and beyond.
|
|
|
NOMINATIONS & UPCOMING EVENTS
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Your Calendars for Homecoming: October 23 - 24
|
We are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards and the Alumni World Changer Award.
This is your opportunity to recognize and celebrate outstanding Indiana Wesleyan University alumni who exemplify excellence in their profession, community, church, or alma mater—living out the spirit of Jesus Christ in meaningful ways. If you know an alumnus who deserves recognition, we encourage you to submit a nomination by March 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST.
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Your Calendars for Veterans Day: November 11
|
We are pleased to share that nominations are now open for the Distinguished Military Alumni Award.
This award honors an IWU alumnus who has demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and impact through their military career and beyond. It is a meaningful way to recognize those who have served with distinction and continue to make a difference in their communities. Do you know an IWU alumnus worthy of this honor? Submit a nomination by March 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST., and help us celebrate their dedication to both country and community.
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Your Calendars for our Career Fair: March 18
|
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 18, 2026! Looking for a job change or pivoting to a new career? Or are you an employer who is looking to connect with IWU students and alumni? This is the event of the year for launching your next step or meeting your next hire! Meet with recruiters from all industries—business, ministry, community development, healthcare, government, and more. Available for all IWU-Marion students & National & Global students, & Alumni (recent grads & career changers). Alumni - no need to register, just show up to event!
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Your Calendars for FUSION: April 10 - 11
|
FUSION exists to partner with the local church by creating a Christ-centered, high-energy environment where students encounter Jesus, grow in their faith, and return home inspired to live out the gospel in their everyday lives. This is more than an event, it’s an investment in the spiritual formation of the next generation.
|
|
|
UNIVERSITY NEWS & PARTNERSHIPS
|
|
|
Wesley Seminary’s Graduate Certificate in Church Multiplication equips pastors and ministry leaders with practical strategies for growing churches and launching new ministries. This 12-credit-hour program provides focused training for church planters and pastors who want to see God’s Kingdom expand through fresh expressions of church. Blending online courses with in-person intensives, this program will help you maximize missional effectiveness as you live out your calling with clarity and impact. Learn More Here Today!
|
|
|
|
|
Orr Fellowship, Indiana’s premier early-career development program, has announced its newest cohort for 2026. More than 90 college seniors and recent graduates have been matched with leading Indiana-based partner companies and will begin their two-year Fellowships upon graduation. Among this cohort are seven students and graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University’s Class: Alexis Sutton '26, Benjamin Greiwe '25, Harrison Stomps '25, Isabelle Lucas '26, Joshua Cartwright '26, Kara Simison '26, and Mitch Gunn '26.
Learn More Here about the Orr Fellowship
|
|
|
ALUMNI NEWS & LIFE UPDATES
|
|
|
|
|
Erick Hoversholm '93 & '10
|
Erick is proud to announce his retirement from the Army, as he served 39 years in uniform and as a Department of Army Civilian. He completed his career as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Army Command Assessment Program assigned to the Army G1 in Washington. His experiences and journey have been lifechanging and continues to work with IWU as an Adjunct within the School of Business, Technology and Leadership. He looks forward to traveling, lifelong learning and teaching with IWU.
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Trent Lehman, previously superintendent at Southern Wells Community Schools, has been selected as the next superintendent for Whitley County Consolidated Schools. The WCCS Board of School Trustees announced his appointment following a district-wide search and community input process. Lehman brings experience leading a neighboring Indiana district and will begin leading WCCS in the 2026–27 school year.
|
|
|
|
|
Chaplain Brandon serves as a minister and pastor to our US Army Soldiers at 1-43 ADA BN stationed in Fort Bliss, TX.
|
|
|
|
|
Plainfield Community School Corporation in Plainfield, Indiana welcomed Andy as its new superintendent on January 2, 2026. He brings 26 years of experience in education, most recently serving as principal at Batesville High School, and holds advanced degrees in educational leadership. He plans to build on the district’s strong performance while exploring expanded career and community opportunities for students.
|
|
|
|
|
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) has named Amy Crouch, MBA, CPA, FHFMA, as the new Chief Financial Officer for its Wisconsin market, transitioning from her interim CFO role there. She will oversee financial planning and performance for multiple HSHS hospitals in Wisconsin, including HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan. Crouch previously served as CFO at Riverview Health in Noblesville, Indiana, and brings broad financial leadership experience to the position.
|
|
|
|
|
Nichole serves as Vice President of Global Sources, Procurement, Real Estate, and Sustainability at Arrow Electronics, a company that develops technology solutions to improve business and everyday life. With more than 20 years of experience across IT, sales, and business operations, she leads global strategies spanning indirect spend, commercial real estate, and environmental sustainability. A proud IWU alumna, she holds an MS in Management and has built a distinguished career driving transformation and operational excellence for Fortune 100 organizations.
|
|
|
|
|
Drew has recently been promoted to EV Specialist within Chevrolet. He shares the passion he learned at IWU within the automobile industry.
|
|
|
|
|
We’re excited to introduce the Wildcat Community Portal—a new way for alumni and friends of IWU to stay connected and make your relationship with IWU more meaningful than ever. This secure, personalized space allows you to update your contact details, view your giving history, connect with the University Advancement team, and explore opportunities to get involved. You can also search our alumni directory and explore our interactive job board—all in one convenient place.
|
|
|
Timothy (of Athena, OR) passed away in January 2026.
|
|
Linda (of Santa Fe, NM) passed away in January 2026.
|
|
|
Mark (of Eloy, AZ) passed away in February 2025.
|
|
Sandra (of Greenfield, IN) passed away in January 2026.
|
|
|
Chuck Caldwell '02, '05,'09
|
Chuck (of Peru, IN) passed away in January 2026.
|
|
Jennifer (Wells) Shourds '03
|
Jennifer (of Bowling Green, KY) passed away in January 2026.
|
|
|
Theodore (of New Haven, IN) passed away in December 2025.
|
|
Missy (of Kokomo, IN) passed away in December 2025.
|
|
|
Noel (of La Fontaine, IN) passed away in December 2025.
|
|
Kevin Coryell '13 '15, '18
|
Kevin (of Seymour, IN) passed away in December 2025.
|
|
|
Tony (of N Ridgeville, OH ) passed away in December 2025.
|
|
Hunter (of Middlebury, IN) passed away in December 2025.
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
The IWU Alumni Capsule blends the best of IWU's heritage with a modern edge. From the Marion College Seal to the Mascot, every piece pays homage to the legacy that connects generations of Wildcats. These are not just clothes, they're stories you can wear. A fresh take on tradition. A nod to the past. A look made for now.
|
|
|
IWU Alumni Office | 4201 S. Washington St. | Marion, IN 46983 | 765-677-2110
|
|
|
|
