IWU Alumni Association

FROM THE DIRECTOR

November 2025 Update

Jaclyn Gidley

Jaclyn Gidley (Roorbach '12)

Director of Alumni & Church Relations

jaclyn.gidley@indwes.edu

As we step into this season of gratitude, we’re reflecting on what a wonderful blessing Homecoming was last month. The campus was alive with joy as alumni, families, and friends returned to celebrate their IWU story—reminding us once again how special this community truly is.

November also marks a time of preparation and anticipation. Our team is already looking ahead to winter commencement, along with several special events coming this spring that will continue to bring our Wildcat family together in meaningful ways.

Through it all, we pause to recognize God’s goodness. We are deeply thankful for the many blessings He has provided—from the students entrusted to us, to the alumni who continue to serve, lead, and shine His light around the world.

Thank you for being a cherished part of the IWU community. May this season fill you with gratitude and renewed hope.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Encourage Our Marion Students with a Wildcat Care Pack!

Finals Week can be a challenging time for our Marion campus students — and you can make a difference! Send a Wildcat Care Pack filled with snacks, encouragement, and a touch of home to remind our current Wildcats that their IWU family is cheering them on. It’s a simple, meaningful way to bless students as they finish the semester strong.

Order deadline: Friday, November 28, 2025, by noon

Place Order Today

Red & Gray Day January 10th, 2026

Get ready to show your Wildcat spirit at Red & Gray Day! Join us on the Marion campus for a full day of excitement, energy, and meaningful connection. Cheer on our men’s and women’s basketball teams and spend time with fellow Wildcats. Whether you’re a student, alum, friend, or future Wildcat, Red & Gray Day is a wonderful moment to celebrate all things IWU—where passion, community, and purpose come together!

Register Today!

IWU Alumni & Friends Tour: Washington D.C. Trip April 2026

The Indiana Wesleyan University Alumni Association is partnering with Revelate.Travel by NTS to host a Freedom & Faith Tour to Washington D.C. in April 2026! Don't miss this chance to explore the history of our nation in the very place it began. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3JW4irN

Learn More Here

UNIVERSITY NEWS & PARTNERSHIPS

Distinguished Military Alumni Award Recipient

IWU honored Capt. Britton C. Shoellhorn as its inaugural Distinguished Military Alumni Award recipient on Tuesday, Nov. 11, during the university’s Veterans Day Breakfast. This new award was the result of collaboration between multiple departments and was created to celebrate the achievements of IWU’s many alumni with military service careers. If you would like to watch the event, click on this link and start at the 10:45 mark.

Shoellhorn holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Human Resource Management from IWU, as well as a Master of Practical Theology from Wesley Seminary. He is a U.S. Army officer and chaplain who also serves as a Texas law enforcement investigator, community pastor, and certified firefighter. He and his wife, Staff Sgt. Hollie Shoellhorn, have two children, Jayden and Zach.

Read Full Article

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.

Shop the Online Store

Our Marching Wildcats Need Your Vote!

IWU’s Marching Wildcats are excited to participate in a national competition hosted by the legendary rock group Metallica. The marching band with the most fan votes will receive $10,000 in new equipment to enhance their program. We invite you to cast your vote and help the Marching Wildcats achieve this exciting opportunity. Please consider sharing this message with friends and colleagues to encourage even more support for our talented musicians. Thank you for helping IWU’s Marching Wildcats march to victory!

Text #indwesu to 833-609-0330 and cast your vote!

ALUMNI NEWS & LIFE UPDATES

Susan (Moore) Finkam '92

Susan was selected to serve on the annual leadership Day taking place Nov. 6, 2025 at Carmel Clay Public Library in Carmel, Indiana by the Leadership Connection. She will help students develop leadership skills, explore future opportunities and learn how they can positively impact their communities.

Louis Cowie '97

Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Louis Cowie as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at its Fort Smith facility. With over 35 years of leadership experience, Louis joins Hytrol bringing a strong track record in operational excellence, team empowerment, and continuous improvement

Elijah McKnight '08

Elijah began a new position as Clinical Supervisor with Indianapolis Comprehensive Treatment Center. Please join us in celebrating this new opportunity and the important work being done to help individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders.

Sheryl Benson '22 & '24

Sheryl E. Benson, DNP, MSN-NE, RN, has been honored for her more than 40 years of dedication to nursing education, including her role as a professor at South University and earlier work at Coastal Bend College. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2024 where her doctoral project focused on novice nurse resilience using mindfulness and time-management initiatives. 

FOR THOSE WE REMEMBER

Howard Cress '47

Howard (of  Warren, IN) passed away in October 2025. 

James Blaine '51

James (of  Wilmington, DE) passed away in October 2025. 

Richard (Dick) Deisler '51

Dick (of  Marion, IN) passed away in October 2025. 

Sarah Norris '57

Sarah (of  Asheboro, NC) passed away in November 2025. 

Donald Bray '64

Donald (of Port St. Lucie, FL) passed away September 2025.

David Sibalwa '74

David (of Lafayette, IN as well as Zambia) passed away November 2025.

Teresa (Richardson) Wanbaugh '84, '87, & '89

Teresa (of Pensacola, FL) passed away in September 2025. 

Ruth (Kibbey) Botkin '92

Ruth passed away September 2025.

Theresa Morris '92 & 94

Theresa (of Fort Wayne, IN) passed away in October 2025. 

Vicki (Davis) Colley '02 & '18

Vicki (of Marion, IN) passed away October 2025.

Mary (Wellnitz) Schmidt '07 & '10

Mary (of Fort Wayne, IN) passed away in October 2025. 

Tanya Turner '09

Tanya (of Merrillville, IN) passed away in October 2025. 

RECENT LIFE CHANGE?

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! 

Update Information Today

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

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