Jaclyn Gidley (Roorbach '12)

Director of Alumni & Church Relations

Fellow Alumni,

April is an exciting and meaningful season on campus, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay connected with you—our incredible alumni community. As we look ahead, we are eagerly preparing to celebrate our graduates on May 2, a milestone that reflects both achievement and the enduring impact of Indiana Wesleyan University. Just two weeks later, we will be honored to host the 15th General Conference of The Wesleyan Church, May 17–20, welcoming leaders and guests from across the globe to our Marion campus.

In the midst of these special moments, we invite you to continue engaging with IWU in meaningful ways. Be sure to join the alumni directory through the Wildcat Community portal to stay connected with fellow Wildcats, and consider participating in our upcoming virtual conference in May. We’re also looking forward to gathering with many of you at summer regional events across the country. In addition, we’re excited to share two new videos highlighting updates to the Momentum Plan, created specifically with our alumni in mind. As always, this newsletter is a place to find the latest news and updates from the university—stories that reflect the strength, growth, and mission we all share.

Thank you for being an important part of the IWU story.

Want to post your job opportunity on our new Wildcat Community Portal? This new online platform is available for anyone! Join today by clicking the button below. To submit your open position, click on the button below.

A one-day virtual conference will be hosted by the DeVoe School of Business, Technology, and Leadership.

Join faculty, alumni, students, and professionals for thoughtful conversations on leadership, purpose, and how individuals and organizations can flourish.

Date: Thursday, May 21 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST

Cost: $35

Register and Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Regional Alumni & Friends Events!

June 5: Fort Wayne TinCaps Game at 7:05pm

June 12: Indianapolis Indians Game at 7:05pm 

August 1: Lexington Soccer Club Game at 7pm

Registration Information is on our Events Page

We’re excited to share two new Momentum Plan update videos created specifically for our alumni, offering a closer look at key initiatives shaping the future of IWU. These updates highlight progress on the Center for Faith and Learning, as well as the Hospitality Center and its associated academic programs—both designed to enrich the student experience and expand opportunities for learning, connection, and vocational calling.

The Story of Everything is a cinematic exploration of the cosmos that reveals the hidden hand behind our universe. From the precise laws that govern the stars to the intricate patterns found in every living cell, the film traces evidence of intentional design throughout nature. Whether examining distant star-forming clouds or the spiral structure of DNA, we discover a consistent signature woven into the fabric of existence.

The Wesleyan Church's theme for their 2026 15th General Conference is "EMPOWERED," encompassing a significant prayer initiative focused on unified prayer and spiritual preparation, emphasizing being filled with the Holy Spirit to equip believers for impactful service and kingdom advancement, drawing from core Wesleyan beliefs in spiritual transformation. 

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with a variety of roles throughout the event. Opportunities include guest hospitality, wayfinding, registration support, event setup and teardown, and more. Whether you have a few hours or multiple days to give, your time and presence will play a vital role in creating a welcoming and seamless experience for all who attend.

If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up via this link: General Conference 2026 Volunteer Form

Steven Parker '71

Steven Packer (‘71) and Linda (Jacobsen) Packer celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 6, 2025.

Julius Edwards '03

Julius Edwards has been named president of Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor, Maine with his new role beginning April 1. He currently serves as a Vice President at Ivy Tech Community College, bringing extensive leadership experience in higher education. 

Tracey (Kinzel) Smithson '07 & '09

Tracey Smithson, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, has been named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Medicine for 2026 by Women We Admire. She serves as Chief Nursing Officer at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi and is recognized for her leadership in advancing patient care and elevating the role of nursing within healthcare organizations.

Penny (Young) Callaway '08 & '19

Penny Callaway has been elected to the Workforce Development Board through the office of Indiana Governor Mike Braun representing Hamilton County. 

Chris Mulkey '09 & '21

Chris Mulkey has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer with Fort Financial Credit Union. This signals the organization’s continued focus on expanding its lending capabilities and long-term growth strategy. Mulkey will lead all lending operations, overseeing product development, portfolio performance and the credit union’s member-focused lending strategy.

Emily (Gross) Riley '13

Emily Riley has been announced as the varsity head coach for St. Paul High School girls basketball team located in Norwalk, OH. 

Chantell (Patrick) Manahan '14, '22, & '24

Chantell Manahan recently published Capes Optional, Communication Essential: Leading Out Loud in the Era of School Choice, a book focused on helping education leaders strengthen communication, build trust, and increase visibility in their schools and communities. As a former classroom teacher turned district leader, she currently serves as Director of Technology for MSD of Steuben County and actively involved in state and national education leadership organizations, including CoSN, SETDA, IEI, and ERDI. Her book can be purchased here.

Kaela (Indyk) Klinker '21

Kaela Klinker recently began working for Anchor & Vine Global Outreach: A Christ-centered global outreach and crisis response organization. They host mission trips and crisis response trips to six different outpost locations: Orlando, the Florida Keys, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Peru, and Malawi. Kaela loves the opportunity to share about Anchor & Vine in anyway that she can! She is looking for youth groups, church groups, or student groups to participate on these trips.

Danica A. Rice '21

Danica Rice (MHRM) has been recognized as an Influential Women HR Leader for her work in driving people-centered growth. She is known for her commitment to empowering others and fostering strong organizational culture through servant leadership.

Amy (Knepp) Mocas '23

Amy Mocas has been appointed Principal at WD Richards Elementary School in Columbus, OH. She previously served as the Assistant Principal at Parkside Elementary School since July 2024. She is known for being a passionate, dedicated, trustworthy and exceptionally talented leader. 

Marie (of Advance, NC) passed away in February 2026. 

Wayne (of Pioneer, OH) passed away in January 2026. 

Beverly (of Knightstown, IN) passed away in March 2026. 

James (of Clermont, FL) passed away in February 2026. 

Roger (of Fort Wayne, IN) passed away in March 2026. 

Diana  (of Fort Wayne, IN) passed away in March  2026. 

Clinton (of Kokomo, IN ) passed away in January 2026. 

Keith (of Punta Gorda, FL) passed away in January 2026. 

Patsy (of Fort Wayne, IN) passed away in March 2026. 

Larry (of New Palestine, IN) passed away in March 2026. 

Carolyn (of Indianapolis, IN) passed away in January 2026. 

Lisa passed away in March 2026. 

Edmond (of Kokomo, IN) passed away in February 2026. 

Connie (of Fort Wayne, IN) passed away in February 2026. 

Rayna (of Bloomington, IN) passed away in January 2026. 

Belinda (of Crothersville, IN) passed away in March 2026. 

Lora (of Corona, CA) passed away in January 2026. 

Debbie (of Crothersville, IN) passed away in February 2026. 

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

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