Jaclyn Gidley (Roorbach '12)

Director of Alumni & Church Relations

jaclyn.gidley@indwes.edu

As summer continues, I’m filled with gratitude for the meaningful connections our office has made with alumni at Wesleyan Church District Conferences across the country. It’s inspiring to see the lasting impact IWU graduates are making in their communities and churches. Our Alumni Board is also hard at work, preparing to announce exciting new programs from their committees that will deepen engagement and expand opportunities for alumni involvement. On the Marion campus, our team is eagerly preparing to welcome residential students back next month—always a vibrant and energizing time of year! Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to host Wesleyan pastors and lay leaders on our Marion campus for General Conference in May 2026. We can’t wait to welcome you home!

Below are some pictures of our alumni that we've connected with so far at District Conferences or our Meet & Greet Event!

Herman Baker (1924): A Life of Praise

Herman Baker has been a part of IWU’s story since its earliest days. A lover of music from a young age, Baker became a freshman student in Marion College’s music program during the school’s first years. That same year, he helped found the Eurekans club and joined the Men’s Glee Club, just as fellow freshman Beth Williams was joining the Women’s Glee Club.

While Herman Baker would eventually pass away in 1983, his legacy continues to this day in the memories of his former students.

The Director of the Vocational School provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for Indiana Wesleyan University's Vocational Apprenticeship Program. This position ensures the effective implementation of a dynamic, industry-relevant curriculum while managing faculty and daily operations with excellence.

Love Fort Wayne began by engaging thousands of local leaders at our annual two-day Global Leadership Summit in August. The GLS in Fort Wayne has finally turned the corner and established an everyday vision for the future that will tirelessly serve the needs of Fort Wayne’s families, churches, leaders, and schools!

We’re hiring for one key internal role: Strategic Operations Analyst — a full-time opportunity for someone who loves solving problems, digging into data, and helping great teams get even better.

IWU is pleased to announce the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership program, launching this August. Designed to equip professionals with the essential skills to lead effectively in dynamic environments, this new certificate will provide a strong foundation in business, technology, and leadership.

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) announced today that Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is one of 34 providers from 15 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to receive accreditation for their educator preparation programs.

Ken “Hawkeye” Locke and his wife Sina were recently celebrated for nearly 40 years of dedicated service with The Salvation Army. Ken began as a camp lifeguard in 1975 before serving in the U.S. Army (1975–1979). After an honorable discharge, he worked at a women’s shelter and later attended the Salvation Army School for Officers Training in Chicago, becoming an officer in 1981. He served in various roles across the country before settling in Warsaw, where he was Community Ministries Director (1997–2019) and Corps Administrator/Envoy (2019–2025).

Judy (Fidler) Gregg '90

Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) in Mt Vernon, Ohio has appointed Dr. Judy Gregg as the Dean of its newly-formed College of Arts and Sciences. This appointment is part of MVNU's strategic academic restructuring aimed at enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and student success. Dr. Gregg, who has been with MVNU for over a decade, previously served as Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Her career includes experience in hospital administration, higher education, and public health advocacy.

Dr. Houston M. Logsdon II, Ed.D., is a seasoned higher education professional with over 20 years of experience in student success, leadership, and administration. He holds advanced degrees in educational leadership, organizational leadership, and learning engineering, including a doctorate from Concordia University–Chicago focused on advisor servant leadership and student persistence. His expertise spans enrollment, advising, financial aid, online instruction, and program management, with a strong foundation in secondary education. Dr. Logsdon leads with a servant’s heart, committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments grounded in organizational effectiveness. His strengths include communication, mentorship, and strategic thinking, making him a transformative leader in academic settings.

Sheridan VA (Veterans Affairs) in Sheridan, WY announces Duane Gill as Interim Executive Director to oversee the delivery of health care services to more than 12,000 enrolled Veterans. Gill has served as executive director of the Montana VA Health Care System in Fort Harrison since June 2024 and will continue in that position. The VA is currently pursuing the hiring of a permanent director.

Joseph recently published a children's activity book that teaches macroeconomics and principles of growth mindset.The material in the book was inspired from a discussion with economist Jason Schenker, and utilizes the principles of growth mindset to teach children about economics and personal finance. His book is available on Amazon for purchase. 

Rachel (Stevens) McKuras '20

Great Lakes Eye Care in St. Joseph, MI has announced the addition of Dr. Rachel McKuras, OD, to its team of dedicated eye care professionals. Dr. McKuras brings a wealth of clinical experience, academic excellence, and a heart for service to the Southwest Michigan community. Beyond her work in the clinic, Dr. McKuras has participated in international mission trips that brought eye care to underserved communities in Ukraine (2021), Guyana (2022), and Dominica (2024). She is an active member of both the American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association.

Has been selected as the Director, Learning and Design at Cinereach, a content company based in Brooklyn, NY. She has a work history in higher education and student affairs, media and research incubation and programmatic operations. Brooke is based out of Indiana and when not working she loves being with family and friends. 

Hannah has accepted a Mayoral appointment as part of the partnership with the Young Adult City Council in Fort Wayne Indiana. Hannah is a graduate of Snider High School (2019) and Indiana Wesleyan University (2023) with a BA in Writing. Her education in writing has helped her develop her communication skills. Hannah is blind and was a part of the Leadership Academy at The League. That experience taught her how to be a better advocate for herself and the community.

Chloe is entering her Masters program and will complete it within a year. She will also be getting married the weekend after graduation. 

Aaron Owney '25

The La Porte Community School Corporation is pleased to welcome Dr. Aaron Owney as he begins his role as Assistant Superintendent of Operations. Dr. Owney brings over 20 years of distinguished experience in K-12 education and administration to our district leadership team. Dr. Owney completed his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from IWU and holds multiple advanced degrees in educational leadership from state universities. He previously served as Principal of Hebron High School, since 2018, and also served as Principal of LaCrosse High School, as well as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Kouts Middle/High School. 

Mildred (of Richland, IA) passed away June 2025

Lois (of Birmingham, AL) passed away June 2025. 

Winona (of Jonesboro, IN) passed away June 2025

Ron (of Kokomo, IN) passed away June 2025

Ronald (of Pittsboro, IN)) passed away June 2025. 

Don (of Martinsville, IN) passed away June 2025

Jeffrey (of Beech Grove, IN) passed away June 2025. 

Jose (of Greenwood, IN) passed away June 2025. 

Alice (of Southfield, MI) passed away June 2025

Lisa (of Avon, IN) passed away June 2025. 

Tracy (of Kokomo, IN) passed away June 2025

Lawrence (of Chilhowie, VA) passed away June 2025. 

Ivory (of Goshen, IN)  passed away June 2025. 

Maria (of Indianapolis, IN) passed away June 2025. 

Benjamin (of Beech Grove, IN) passed away June 2025

Ray (of Martinsville, IN) passed away June 2025

Harry (of Evansville, IN) passed away June 2025. 

Jerodd (of Cleveland, OH)  passed away June 2025. 

Margie (of Syracuse, IN) passed away June 2025

James (of Wabash, IN)  passed away July 2025. 

IWU Alumni Office | 4201 S. Washington St. | Marion, IN 46983 | 765-677-2110

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