Jaclyn Gidley (Roorbach '12)

Director of Alumni & Church Relations

Happy September, Wildcats!

What a joy it is to welcome a new season and share some exciting updates with our IWU alumni family!

This summer brought a very special adventure for me and my family as my husband, Steven ’13, and I welcomed our daughter Hannah in June. We are incredibly thankful for this precious gift and are excited to begin this new chapter—and our greatest adventure yet!

Here at IWU, there is plenty to celebrate and look forward to. Our Alumni Survey is officially live! We would love for you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts, experiences, and insights with us. Your feedback is incredibly valuable as we continue to strengthen the ways we connect with, serve, and engage our alumni family.

And speaking of connecting, Homecoming is just around the corner! Join us October 23–24 for a weekend filled with opportunities to Celebrate. Connect. Belong. Saturday’s Tailgate Village will be packed with athletic teams, departments, organizations, reunion years, and more. Be sure to visit the Homecoming website for the full schedule and details—we can’t wait to welcome you home!

Coming back to campus and looking for a little piece of your college days? If you graduated from the Marion campus before 2013 and would like to pick up a yearbook (or two!), let us know when you’ll be in town next. We’d be happy to have them pulled and ready for you to pick up during your visit!

We’re also celebrating exciting new academic programs launching across the University and were honored to recognize two outstanding alumni during our Employee Celebration Day in August. There is so much happening across the IWU community, and we’re grateful to have you as part of it.

Thank you for staying connected, cheering on IWU, and continuing to live out the mission of being World Changers wherever life takes you.

We’re inviting you to take our IWU Alumni Survey to share your experiences, perspectives, and ideas. Your feedback is incredibly valuable as we look for ways to strengthen our alumni community and create meaningful opportunities for you to stay connected to Indiana Wesleyan University.

Great news! All participants in the PCI Alumni Story Telling Project should have received their free digital copy of the book! If you have any questions concerning this, please contact them at 1-800-982-1590 or PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com. The hardcopy book is at the printer and should be delivered this fall! 

We are honored to host a special day of encouragement, connection, and celebration — recognizing the vital role you play in the Church and the Kingdom. Whether you're a long-time friend of IWU or joining us for the first time, this is our heartfelt way of saying thank you for the ways you faithfully shepherd God’s people.

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Featured Speakers: 
Dr. Steve DeNeff ('81 & '96) - Senior Pastor at College Wesleyan Church
Dr. Giby Raphael - Distinguished leader in Artificial Intelligence 

Celebrate the Grandparents Who Made a Difference! If you’re an IWU parent, we invite you to encourage your child’s grandparents—or another special person who has filled that role in their life—to join us for Grandparents Day! This special day celebrates the grandparents, caregivers, and loved ones God has placed in our students’ lives. Guests will get a glimpse of college life alongside their IWU student while enjoying a Continental Breakfast, morning Welcome Session, Chapel, and a special musical performance by IWU students. We’d love to welcome your family back to campus and help create memories they’ll treasure for years to come!

It’s time to come home, Wildcats! We are rolling out the red carpet for alumni, families, and friends to return for an unforgettable weekend of celebration, connection, and Wildcat pride. From class reunions and campus tours to thrilling athletic events and family-friendly activities, there’s something for every age and stage. Whether you’re reliving your favorite IWU moments or creating brand-new memories, Homecoming is the perfect time to reconnect with your Wildcat family.

Mark your calendars and register today. We can’t wait to welcome you back to campus!

IWU named alumni Lee ('80) and Lori ('82) Smith recipients of the 2026 Tony Maidenberg Community Service Award in recognition of their career-long service and generosity to Grant County, including their gift of The Wellness Center and The Center for Sports and Physical Therapy.

At IWU, students discover their calling and prepare to make a difference. Today, IWU’s fully online Automotive Technology program equips future automotive professionals with the skills, knowledge, and industry preparation to thrive—all while working full-time in an automotive repair facility.

Know a student or young professional interested in automotive technology? Share this opportunity to gain preparation in nine specialized automotive areas while learning online with Christ-centered confidence.

HELP DRIVE THE NEXT GENERATION TOWARD THEIR FUTURE. ENCOURAGE THEM TO APPLY TODAY!

IWU is excited to offer a new 90-Credit bachelor degree in Intelligence and Criminal Analysis program! This accredited program is offered fully online and designed for working adults who are looking to advance or pivot their career. Earning this fully online degree will equip you with the skills to identify threats, analyze critical information, and support safer communities, empowering you to make a meaningful impact through careers in public safety, intelligence, cybersecurity, and criminal justice. Work at your own pace towards a degree that can help influence your community.

CTA

Be the change, today!

Will J. Sims '00

Will is creating Story Quilt Adventures, a Christ-centered animated series designed to inspire children and strengthen families through Biblical storytelling. His proof-of-concept film is gaining recognition on the independent film festival circuit as he seeks partners to help bring the 30-minute pilot to life.

To learn more or explore ways to support the project, contact Will at willsims17@att.net.

Todd Hitchcock, '07,'09,'10,'17

Todd, a former superintendent of Eastern Shelby Schools, has been named Executive Director of the Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation, where he will help build career pathways and strengthen connections between Indiana schools and the construction industry. Todd holds a master’s degree and Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from IWU and will begin his new journey on October 1. 

Jaclyn (Roorbach) Gidley '12

Jaclyn and her husband Steven ('13) welcomed their daughter Hannah Lynn in June 2026. 

Deborah Mann '14

Deborah, Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Schneck Medical Center, was named on Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 Rural Hospital CFOs to Know list. This marks the third consecutive year she has received this national recognition, and she earned her MBA from IWU. We are proud to celebrate her outstanding leadership and impact in rural healthcare! 

Heather (Vernon) DiFranco '16

Heather has accepted the position of Intervention Specialist in the Behavior Unit at Dodge Intermediate School, located in Twinsburg, OH. 

Michael Reach '18

Michael has two new 31-day devotionals from the book of Proverbs that will be published later this year. 31 Choices: Speaking & 31 Choices: Listening.

Michael John Waite '21

Michael is making an impact through AVGO (Anchor & Vine Global Outreach) a Christ-centered global outreach he founded to respond to crisis, care for communities, and equip and deploy others for service. Through global outposts, Critical Response Teams, missions, and partnerships with local communities, AVGO seeks to carry the light of Christ into places experiencing hardship, crisis, and uncertainty. AVGO is rooted in relationship, service, and a commitment to faithfully showing up when people need help most.

Kaela Klinker '21

Kaela serves as Chief Operating Officer of AVGO (Anchor & Vine Global Outreach), a Christ-centered global outreach focused on crisis response, community care, training, and deployment. In her role, Kaela helps support AVGO’s work through global outposts, Critical Response Teams, missions, and partnerships with local communities.

Hannah (Sterry) Taylor '22

Hannah has accepted the position of principal at Fredericktown Elementary School in Fredericktown, OH, for the 2026–27 school year. A longtime Fredericktown educator, Hannah spent nine years teaching before moving into her administrative roles. Now, she’s returning to a school and community she calls home with a goal of strengthening relationships with students and families. 

Phyllis (of Marion, IN) passed away in August 2026. 

Joan (of Springville, IN) passed away in August 2026. 

Gerald (of Loganville, GA) passed away in August 2026. 

Amy(of Columbus, IN) passed away in August 2026. 

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

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