Jaclyn Gidley

Director of Alumni & Church Relations

jaclyn.gidley@indwes.edu

As summer unfolds, I hope you’re finding moments to slow down, rest, and enjoy meaningful time with the people who matter most. Whether it's a quiet evening on the porch or a lively weekend with loved ones, this season is a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, reflection, and renewal.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to invite you home for Homecoming 2025 on October 24–25! We’ve made the intentional choice to carry forward last year’s theme—Celebrate. Connect. Belong.—because it continues to capture the heart of what it means to be part of the Wildcat community. These three words reflect the spirit of Homecoming: a time to rejoice in our shared legacy, rekindle relationships, and embrace a deep sense of belonging. Mark your calendar and get ready for a weekend full of joy, reconnection, and unforgettable memories.

Finally, we’re thrilled to share continued progress on Momentum: The President’s Plan for IWU’s Future. From innovative academic offerings to deeper church partnerships and enhanced alumni engagement, we’re leaning into the work of preparing IWU for the next generation of world changers. Thank you for being part of the journey.

We’re Hitting the Road Again This Summer!

Our team is excited to travel across the country once more for the Wesleyan Church District Conferences! Last summer was an incredible time of reconnecting with alumni and friends, and we can’t wait to do it all again. We’d love to see you along the way—stay tuned for details on where we’ll be as we'll have Meet & Greets at certain conferences! 

NAWBO - Indianapolis proudly congratulates our member Thresette Briggs, on her election as Chair Elect of the NAWBO National Board of Directors. The announcement was made during the 50th Annual Women’s Business Conference (WBC) in Washington, D.C.

Thresette has been a dedicated leader on the National Board since 2021 and will assume the role of Chair for 2026–2027. We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone in her distinguished service and leadership journey.

The 2023 class of Orr Fellows has just completed the two-year Fellowship, and five Indiana Wesleyan University graduates now join the program’s network of 650 alumni who are making a significant positive impact on Indiana’s economy. Orr Fellowship is Indiana’s premier early-career development program, connecting high-achieving recent graduates with future-focused companies across the state. Over the past two years, the 2023 class of Fellows has worked to exemplify what it means to be an Orr Fellow while also creating value at some of Indiana’s most dynamic and high-growth companies and organizations.

The latest edition of The Triangle is now in print and online. This issue celebrates Women Called to Lead. Anchored in truth. Leading with grace. In an ever changing world, our women stand firm as champions of biblical values. You’ll meet IWU women who are answering God’s call in extraordinary ways.

Gain a strong foundation in business, technology, and leadership through the Graduate Certificate of Strategic Leadership program. Launching fall 2025, this brand-new 12-credit program equips professionals with the skills to lead effectively in dynamic environments with an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and teamwork to solve complex challenges. Graduates will be equipped to lead well with business strategies deeply rooted in Christian values. Find your way forward today.

Are you ready to advance your career in executive management, tech leadership, or organizational development? Through this program, students learn to become equipped for roles in information technology, change management, and business consulting as they grow as both professionals and leaders. Graduates will be able to pursue new opportunities or enhance their current position. Spread the word or enroll yourself today.

IWU Alumni who have moved to other countries for their work have a unique opportunity to intentionally engage in global disciple-making as Global Marketplace Multipliers (GMM). These GMMs play a great part in providing access to the gospel in places where their job gives them access. If you work overseas or are interested in working abroad in the future, just click this button for more information and for free resourcing and peer relationships along the way.

Linda turned 85 at the end of May and is In good health. She retired five years ago from teaching 1st and 2nd grade Sunday School classes at her church for 40+ years! 

Scott Martin will join the Bettendorf Community School District as the new Director of Operations, effective April 28. Martin brings a wealth of experience in school district operations, having most recently served as the Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Superintendent for Indianapolis Public Schools. His extensive background also includes serving as Director of Operations for both the Davenport Community School District and Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation in Indiana. His proven leadership and operational expertise will be a valuable asset to the Bettendorf Community School District as he steps into this important role.

Indy Chamber named Jason Hester from Indianapolis, IN, its new Chief Economic Development Officer (CEDO). “We are thrilled to welcome Jason to the team at such a pivotal moment for the region,” Matt Mindrum, president and CEO of Indy Chamber. “His deep expertise, collaborative spirit and proven leadership will be essential as we work with partners across the Indy region, nation and globally to generate investment and create opportunity.”

Tonya Adams was recognized by Women We Admire as one of the Top 50 Women leaders in Wellness and Fitness for 2025. She is the Chief Health Services Officer of Cambia Health Solutions. Cambia Health Solutions is a family of companies headquartered in Portland, OR, working to create a person-focused and economically sustainable healthcare system.

Joining as Vice President, Residential Mortgage Sales Manager, Whitney Steltenkamp of Kokomo, IN brings 27 years of industry experience, with deep expertise across every stage of the mortgage process. Steltenkamp is a dedicated community leader, serving as Treasurer of the Home Builders Association of Howard County since 2019 and as a Commissioner for the Kokomo Housing Authority since January 2025. 

Goshen Community Schools in Goshen, IN announced the appointment of the next principal for West Goshen Elementary School following the approval from the GCS Board of Trustees at their Monday meeting. Long-time educator Carrie Garber will officially become the school's principal on July 21.

Recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Chief Diversity Officers of 2025, LaTricia is the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Southern Bancorp in Fayetteville, AR. With nearly three decades of experience in the field, she serves as an executive at Southern Bancorp, an Arkansas-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). She was selected to lead the company’s commitment to representation, fairness, and belonging among its employees, customers, and communities. 

The West Aurora School District 129 in Montgomery, IL Board of Education approved Catherine Orin's appointment during its regular board meeting June 2. Orin comes to District 129 from Kaneland School District 302, where she serves as a multi-tiered systems of support coordinator. In the role, she leads the development and implementation of tiered academic and behavioral supports by analyzing student data, facilitating problem-solving meetings, and coordinating interventions to meet students' needs.

Wawasee Community School Corporation in Syracuse, IN has announced the appointment of Jessica Barkby as the new Assistant Principal of Wawasee Middle School, following formal approval at the Tuesday, June 10 school board meeting. Jessica Barkby brings over 20 years of classroom experience - most recently serving as a second-grade teacher at Middlebury Elementary School, where she represented her school on several key district committees, including the Math Curriculum Committee, the Guiding Coalition Committee, and the Curriculum Coordinating Council. Jessica has also served as a mentor for new teachers, a presenter at professional learning conferences, and the President of the Middlebury Teachers Association. During her tenure as association president, she led contract negotiations, supported teacher growth, and helped navigate policy shifts, earning a reputation for her steady leadership and student-centered approach.

As of May 21, Ms. Tara Hackerd assumed the role of Acting Associate Director, Patient Care Services (ADPCS) in Danville, IL. In her new role she will oversee nursing operations, while working collaboratively across disciplines to promote high-quality, patient focused care throughout the organization. She began her nursing career in 2003 as a student nurse, driven by a deep commitment to patient-centered care and service excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakeview College of Nursing and went on to complete a Master’s of Science in Nursing Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Senior Vice President of Business Development and Planning at American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) Patrick Sutton of Corydon, Indiana was elected chairman of the board of directors for the American Waterways Operators (AWO). The news was announced at AWO’s spring convention and annual membership meeting, held in Washington D.C. in May.

Matt Hastings brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience to APH (American Printing House) based out of Louisville, KY most recently serving as Senior Director of Finance and Global Operations Controller at Dana Incorporated. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer, where he oversees APH’s financial operations, financial planning, analysis, and risk management. Throughout his career, Matt has led complex financial operations across manufacturing environments, driven process improvements, and successfully supported organizations through periods of growth and change. His expertise in financial strategy, operational efficiency, and technology implementation (including SAP) will prove beneficial to APH.

Westfield Washington Schools (WWS) in Westfield, IN welcomes Jennifer Hunt as the new Assistant Principal at Westfield Intermediate School. Hunt brings a wealth of experience, having dedicated 27 years to La Porte High School, where she served in various educational and leadership roles. With a deep commitment to student growth and staff collaboration, she says she is excited to join the Westfield Intermediate team and contribute to a thriving learning environment focused on academic excellence, wellness, and career readiness.

Jackie Thurston, interim principal at Rykers’ Ridge Elementary School in Madison, IN since March, was officially named the school’s new principal at Wednesday’s meeting of the Madison Consolidated Schools Board of Trustees.

John is presently in Calgary Alberta where the Lord has been able to found a ministry by the name Acceptance Ministry. He will be starting another ministry in the USA in 2025. The mandate is to teach God people Holiness and remind them how to praise and worship God. In this ministry, we believe in the power of prayer and in the living word of God to handle challenges, problems, and the battles of life as the finger of God does the miraculous, salvation, deliverance, and healing (Obadiah 1:17)

Joe (Of Indianapolis, IN) passed away May 2025

Jeffery (Of Coldwater, OH) passed away May 2025. 

Sharon (Of Florence, KY) passed away May 2025. 

Frieda (Of Gas City, IN) passed away May 2025. 

Gretchen (Of Rossville, IN) passed away May 2025. 

Ronald (Of Newburgh, IN) passed away May 2025. 

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

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