A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Director of University Relations
765.677.2452
EMAIL
|
|
|
Fellow Alumni,
As summer unfolds, exciting opportunities are on the way for Indiana Wesleyan University Alumni and Friends. In June and July, we are hitting the road to attend various Wesleyan District Conferences. On August 1, you are invited to gather for IWU Alumni & Friends Night at Lexington Sporting Club Stadium, an evening of fellowship, fun, and connection.
Looking ahead to the fall, mark your calendars for Pastors and Church Leaders Day on September 22, 2026, a meaningful opportunity for ministry leaders to engage with the university and one another. Then, join us October 23-24 for Homecoming 2026 as alumni return to campus to celebrate IWU traditions, reconnect with friends and faculty, and experience the vibrant life of the university community. We look forward to welcoming you back and sharing these exciting moments together.
|
|
|
|
|
|
IWU Alumni & Friends Night at Lexington SC Stadium!
Join fellow alumni and friends on August 1 for an exciting evening of soccer as Lexington Sporting Club takes on Monterey Bay FC in Lexington, Kentucky!
Reconnect with fellow Wildcats while enjoying a great match complete with great food and company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pastors and Church Leaders Day 2026
Join us September 22, 2026 for a meaningful day designed to equip and encourage pastors and church leaders as you navigate the shifts facing today’s Church. With the time of cultural change and ministry complexity, the call to shepherd well remains the same. Come get a renewed wisdom, courage, and care
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark your calendars for Homecoming 2026!
|
|
|
|
UNIVERSITY NEWS & PARTNERSHIPS
|
|
|
We’re advancing important work through our Higher Learning Commission initiative as part of the Momentum Plan. This effort reflects our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, continuous improvement, and institutional integrity as we prepare for accreditation processes. It ensures that IWU remains aligned with the highest standards in higher education while strengthening the quality and impact of the learning experience for our students.
|
|
|
|
|
|
IWU launches automotive technology program
|
Indiana Wesleyan University has launched a new Automotive Technology program, expanding its commitment to career-focused, hands-on education. The program combines paid, on-the-job training in partner dealerships with online coursework, allowing students to earn an Associate of Science degree while gaining real-world experience and industry certifications. Designed to meet growing workforce demand, the initiative strengthens IWU’s mission to connect academic learning with meaningful, practical career pathways in high-demand fields.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Want to post your position 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.
|
|
|
|
ALUMNI NEWS & LIFE UPDATES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tetra Tech Inc headquartered out of Pasadena, CA is a leading provider of high-end consulting and engineering services in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure. They have appointed Eric W. Thornburg who recently retired as Chief Executive Officer of H20 America, to the Company’s Board of Directors, effective March 30, 2026. Mr. Thornburg will serve on the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
|
|
|
|
|
|
James Gleghorn has been appointed as head coach of the Valparaiso University tennis program in Valparaiso, Indiana. James is a former Wildcat student-athlete and most recently IWU’s head men’s and women’s tennis coach. Gleghorn led the Wildcats to multiple conference championships, Top 20 national rankings, and earned back-to-back Crossroads League Coach of the Year honors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Grant County Economic Growth Council in Marion, IN has announced the appointment of C. Ted Ward, II as its new Executive Director, effective May 18, 2026. Ward brings extensive experience in regional leadership, workforce development, and higher education, and previously served in leadership roles at Ball State University and Shafer Leadership Academy. He is a Marion native and holds a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thresette (Ross) Briggs '99
|
NAWBO Indianapolis proudly celebrated member Thresette Briggs as she was inducted as the new NAWBO National Board Chair during NAWBO Days. As only the second board chair from the Indianapolis community, Briggs will help lead the organization representing more than 12 million women business owners nationwide, marking a significant milestone for both the local chapter and Indiana’s business community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dawn Forker has been named the new principal of Thelma B. Johnson Early Learning Center in Henderson, KY. In this leadership role, Forker will oversee early childhood education programming and support the development of young learners through a focus on academic readiness, family engagement, and a nurturing learning environment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Hunt has been elected as District 4 Director for the Indiana Funeral Directors Association. David is a fourth-generation funeral director and dedicated public servant, Hunt has built a distinguished career in funeral service, disaster response, and community leadership, continuing to make a lasting impact across Indiana.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) out of Columbus, IN has announced Ashley Collins as the new Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources following a unanimous school board decision. The new leader will join the district’s cabinet team and oversee key areas including recruitment, employee relations, and staff development as part of BCSC’s ongoing commitment to supporting educators and strengthening district operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dejon Gary has been named a recipient of WTWH (Willing To Work Harder) Healthcare’s 2026 Future Leaders in Complex Rehab Technology Award. Recognized for his leadership, innovation, and commitment to patient advocacy, Gary has helped provide life-changing mobility solutions to hundreds of residents across Indiana while mentoring and developing future professionals in the CRT (Complex Rehab Technology) industry. His dedication to ethical leadership and improving patient outcomes continues to make a meaningful impact throughout the healthcare community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiana has been selected as an Indiana Governor’s Fellow, one of the state's most prestigious public service programs. Tiana is a December 2025 graduate in Business Administration and credits her experience as an IWU Presidential Fellow for helping develop the leadership skills and confidence needed for this opportunity. She will begin her fellowship on July 1, 2026, and serve through July 2027, continuing to live out IWU’s mission of Christ-centered leadership and service.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Batesville Community School Corporation in Batesville, IN has named Patrick Maschino as assistant principal of Batesville Primary School. After a decade of teaching and serving in various educational leadership roles, Maschino will join the school's administrative team for the 2026–27 school year. He earned his master's degree in school administration from Indiana Wesleyan University in February 2025 and is excited to invest in the students, families, and staff of the Batesville community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Camden from Berne, Indiana has accepted a position as the Director of Creative and Worship Arts at Mount Joy Mennonite Church in Mount Joy, PA.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Handy has been elected to serve a second term (2026–2030) as National Director of Christian Education for The Wesleyan Church in Haiti. During his first term, they celebrated the reopening of the Wesleyan Theological Seminary of Haiti, launched pastoral training programs, strengthened international partnerships, and expanded Christian education initiatives across the church.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kelley (Russell) Williams '26
|
Kelley has started a nonprofit in her son’s name. It provides scholarships, mentorship, and grief counseling to underserved communities in IN.
|
|
|
|
Pamela (of Marion, OH) passed away in August 2025.
|
|
|
Jerry (of Overland Park, KS) passed away in January 2026.
|
|
|
|
Thaddeus (of Pleasanton, CA) passed away in April 2026.
|
|
|
Duane (of St. Petersburg, FL) passed away in April 2026.
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
IWU Alumni Office | 4201 S. Washington St. | Marion, IN 46953 | 765-677-2110
|
|
|
|
|
