Wednesday, June 4: Beavercreek, Ohio
The Show Must Go On! – Rain or Shine (VIEW PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT)Despite forecasts calling for storms throughout the Miami Valley, more than 70 AU Alumni and friends turned out at The Greene center in Beavercreek for an outdoor concert in the Town Square. (We Ravens are an optimistic bunch, aren’t we? … ) Rising star Jon McLaughlin (BA ’05) was the headliner, with a couple of local bands scheduled to open for him.
You know how those meteorologists often don’t seem to know what they’re talking about? Well, this time they got it right. About half an hour into the opening band’s set, the skies opened up and unleashed a 20-minute downpour along with an electrifying lightning display. Wind gusts – which the Dayton Daily News says reached nearly 50 m.p.h. – swept away blankets, umbrellas, perhaps a few small children … and also the AU Alumni Event sign that I picked up from the printer less than 24 hours ago. At least it died doing what it loved best.
Meanwhile, concert-goers dashed into nearby shops and restaurants for shelter. During the half-hour delay, Books & Co. served as the official AU Alumni hang-out. The author who was giving a book talk inside the store wasn’t pleased, but we had fun and stayed dry.
Shortly, the storms passed over and the show went on. Jon took the stage around 8:30pm and did a great, energetic set that was split between songs from his major-label release "Indiana" and new material that hopefully will be on his forthcoming album. He acknowledged the AU group in his banter in between numbers, much to the delight of the orange-glow-necklace-wearing throng.
Afterward, our contingent headed straight to the local Caribou Coffee, which stayed open after-hours just for our group, and we packed the house. Alums mingled, caught up on university news, and perused the new AU Alumni Directory to find out who was where and doing what. After signing autographs outside for his fans, Jon McL (as he is now branded) joined the AU group to meet and greet. He warmly thanked everyone for their support and signed T-shirts, album covers and Signatures magazines, among other items. We knew he had to get on the road for a show in Knoxville the next night, so we greatly appreciated the 45 minutes he spent with us.
Below is at least a partial list of the alums and friends who turned out for the event – mostly alumni and their families but also some current AU students and current/former AU parents. A few who had registered to come were M.I.A. (cowards!) but we also picked up some extra friends who we weren’t expecting. We had the pleasant surprise of being joined by AU staff members both current (Tim Johnson, Debbie Sebastian, Jill Miller, etc.) and former/prodigal (Shane Peters, Skip Trudeau) who were at nearby Cedarville University for a conference.
All in all, what a great start to this new season of taking AU Alumni Relations "On The Road." Everyone seemed genuinely thankful and excited to have the opportunity to gather for a fun event with others who share the AU connection. Can’t wait for the next stop – on to Louisville!
| In attendance: Jon and Amy McLaughin John Howard Erin Marler Ben and Marlo Davis Ted and Susan Julian and family Bruce and Keri Smith and family William and Caitlyn Hackett Gary and Debbie Hardman Patrick and Marci Spearman Christopher and Amanda Gilmore Jerry and Julie Eddy Tom Bruce Brian Schermerhorn and friends Dave and Amy Ohlinger and family Annie and Laura Gormas Justin Cantrell Michael Parker Ashley Dawkins Sara Ramke Amanda Wharton Kym Wharton Karilynn Quillen | Rachel Ramke Cameron, Carly, Candi Marler John Frame Matt and Leslie Stone Colleen Dillon Joseph and Merry Cookston Sylvia and Emily Kindell Tim and Angela Woodward Rebecca and David Stroble Lauren Crouch Kelley and Megan Mitchell David and Donna Cox Jennifer Miller Chris Williams Jeannine Fox Elaine Harmon Debbie Galvin Ryan Deeter Denise Palen Shane Peters Joy (May) and Steve Sherman |
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June 6: Louisville, Ky.
A Funny Thing Happened After the Ballgame (VIEW PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT)More than 200 AU alumni reside in the greater Louisville area, making it a natural choice for the next alumni gathering. So, we headed south for this Friday evening gathering at the Louisville Bats baseball game.
Beforehand, though, the Davises met up with Paul Mumaw and his family at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, where Paul serves as one of the pastors. SECC is a megachurch unlike any I’ve ever seen before, and I marveled at their campus facilities as well as the programming that Paul described. This might make a great location for a future Louisville alumni gathering.
That evening we headed to the game at Louisville Slugger Field, which is a very nice, newer, family-friendly baseball stadium that sits right on the banks of the Ohio River. We had reserved a meeting space in the concourse where our group could gather and reconnect prior to the game. Friends started arriving around 5:30 p.m. and we spent the next hour or so sharing stories and catching up with each other.
Attendees ranged from Bernard (’59) and Annalee Mendenhall (’54) to current AU junior Caleb Cunningham and his family, and lots in between. Several kids tagged along too – some members of the AU Class of 2025 were already busy discussing roommate preferences. Overall we had almost 60 in attendance. Great turnout for this first-time event! Below is a list of who came. (see group photo)
Unlike the monsoon conditions at the Dayton alumni gathering a few days earlier, we had nothing but sunny skies in Louisville; too sunny, perhaps – as the record-tying temperatures hovered in the mid-90s. So, we all loaded up on sodas and lemon ices as we headed for our seats on the Patio Deck in right field. The ballgame became a backdrop for lots of fun conversation and family frolicking. When all was said and done, we left as a more connected group. (And the Bats won, 8-2.)
But the reunion wasn’t over! After the post-game fireworks show, my four-year-old daughter, Jillian, and I walked back to the hotel ready to crash for the night (Marlo and our baby, Lauren, had left the game in the fifth inning or so). As we waited for the lobby elevator, another family of five approached. The dad saw the logo on my shirt and hat and asked if AU stood for Anderson University. Assured that it did, he smiled and revealed that he, too, was an alum from out of town – but he wasn’t in Louisville for the ball game. It turns out that Brian Yost (BA ’86) from Sarasota, Fla. and his family were passing through Louisville earlier that day and had a run-in with another vehicle on I-65, necessitating this unplanned pit stop while the car was being repaired.
Brian revealed that he ran around in conspicuous circles during his AU days, including with now-V.P. of Student Life, Dr. Brent Baker. In a few encounters during the rest of our brief stay (at breakfast on Saturday morning, poolside with the kids, etc.) Brian and I talked about AU days and played the "degrees of separation" game. This chance meeting-turned-new-friendship was a poignant reminder of how powerful and special our alumni network really is. Good luck on the rest of your journey, Yost family!
The Davis family had plenty of drama of our own as we headed home on Saturday. After leaving Louisville around 1 p.m., we cruised north toward Anderson and covered about 40 miles until traffic on I-65 came to a standstill – for more than an hour and a half. We figured it was construction or a bad accident of some kind. It wasn’t until we finally reached the Seymour exit that we found out the interstate was closed due to flooding.
Along with the caravan in front of us, we were redirected onto back roads, and finally onto a state highway … which was also closed due to flooding. Using a road atlas and a GPS navigator, we spent the next several hours trying to find a way home, to no use. There were simply no roads from the southern Indiana heading north, that were fully passable (at least if you weren’t driving a Hummer). So, after finding out that there were also no vacancies at hotels in the area, we retraced our steps back to Louisville, then up through Cincinnati to Dayton where we arrived near midnight and spent the night at the in-laws (and where I am currently writing this blog). Maybe we’ll make it back to Anderson someday …
In attendance:
Ben, Marlo, Jillian and Lauren Davis
Angela (Cox), Michael and Braedon Reynolds
Paul, Jenny, Joel and Luke Mumaw
Ann Taylor
Ken Cordle
Margaret Harlow
Vanessa and Corey Giancola
Angela (Leichty), Chris and Burke Thomas
Dan Skinner
Mary and Stephanie George
Bobby Dobson
Pete and Rhonda (Dalton) Compise
Shandra (Mitchell), Jeff, Samantha and John Holbrook
April (Fair), Helier and Amelia Rodriguez
Sarah (Williams), Ben Hardman and family
Betty Baylor
Elnora Leim Kuehler
Bernard, Analee and David Mendenhall
Chelsea (Melnik), Jeremy, Maddie and Carter Graham
Dwight and Dottie Hargett
Caleb, Erin and Steve Cunningham
Chris, Leasa and Cameron Ball
Amy (Jacobus), Shawn, Julianna and Saylor Sizemore
Carl and Mary (Kagin) Kramer
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July 16: Vienna, Va.
Jon McLaughlin concert @ Jammin' Java (VIEW PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT)
AU Alumni Relations hits the national capital! For this concert we packed into Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia -- acclaimed as one of the best venues around for live music. And Jon certainly didn't disappoint.
Jon actually played guitar for the first couple of songs, and played more new material than "old." He also revealed that his new album, "OK Now," will be available on October 7.
We had AU alumni in attendance from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s, as well as some current (and prospective) AU students. Janis Katsu (BA '76) and her daughter, Meredith, took the prize for the longest distance traveled to attend (82 miles!) while Jean (BA '83) and Hamed Fadiga fought their way through trademark D.C.-traffic on the expressway. Jean was among those who were thoroughly impressed upon hearing Jon for the first time -- and as a long-time music teacher, she knows good music when she hears it!
As usual, Jon gave a shout out to the AU group from the stage on a number of occasions during the show. Then, afterward, he stopped by to visit our group for a few photos and autographs. We also got a visit from a concertgoer, April Walker, whose mother was an AU grad and was so excited to hear that we had a gathering at the concert. Her daughter, April, now wants to come to AU to study Broadcasting!
In attendance:
Melissa (Hirschfeld) Gardner and friends
Linda Anderson
Janis (Trimble) Katsu and Meredith
Brenda (Starr) Barnes
Brian and Christy Zielke
Travis McSherley
Erin Coffman
Loretta (Rogers) Cooper
Cynthia Unis and family
Kristina Unis
John Pistole, Kathy Harp and Lauren
Holly Baumann and Suzy Kratzig
Aimee Bough and friends
Rebecca Pozo-Olano
Jean and Hamed Fadiga
Lindsay Emmick
Bob Coffman
Ben Davis
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JULY 18: ANDERSON
Ice Cream & Movie in the Park (VIEW PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT)| In attendance: Rudy Pyle Caroline Pyle Kaisha Pyle Keanu Pyle Sherri Fields Jared Fields John Gunter Carlene Gunter Tom Bruce Scott Wilson Jennifer Wilson Michael Wilson Sharon Thompson Kevin Bowling Taylor Bowling Ronald B. Carrell Brooke A. Carrell Ruth Ann Huber Murrell Dan Murrell Julie Lierman Michaella Lierman Rita Teeters Eva Looper Devin Looper Natalie Looper Norm McMillian Norm's wife Norm's daughter Bonita Stinson Cheryl Hill Jim Hill James Hill Jordan Hill Meagan Hill Michelle Curtis Chandler Henry Chandler Kevin Starks Joanne Steele MaryAnn Hawkins Jim Hawkins Mike Kee Wendi Kee Donna Thor Jason Bravender Kim Wolfe Dusten Tryon Cheryl Hoppes Amanda Tryon | Heather Caudill |
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JULY 26: SYMPHONY ON THE PRAIRIE
Conner Prairie -- Fishers, Ind. (VIEW PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT)In attendance:
| Angela Wand Jamie Lunsford Tom South Dana South Jimmy Winner Joyce Winner Connie Bruzzese Wayne Bruzzese Darlene Miller Barbara Jones Arlan Landey Sena Landey Tony DelaRosa Erika Landey-Delarosa Jamison Landey Candace Runkle Roy Scott Audie Scott | Ben Davis Marlo Davis Paula Stohler Don Stohler Clark Simpson Lynn Simpson Sharon Collins Sam Collins Jeff Collins Scott Collins Jeanie Han Mona Carroll Kirsten Milliron Levi Milliron Autumn Carroll Carl Olson Megan Collins Jeff Collins |
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AUGUST 6: SPRINGFIELD, OHIO
Alumni Social @ Springfield Campmeeting (VIEW PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT)In attendance:
Melissa Potts
Retha Brechmacha
Faith Pencil
Edna Mae Spears
Charlene Hubbard
Rick Bowersock
Marcille Welcome
Anita Riddle
Paul Riddle
Trent and Julie Nourse
Kathy Valante
Karen Angles
Heather Boyer
Polly Boyer
Ruth Reed
George Reed
Cheryl Orebaugh Klapp
Jack David Klapp
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AUGUST 7: INDIANAPOLIS
AU Alumni Night @ The Children's Museum (VIEW PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT)| In attendance: John Gunter Carlene Gunter Timothy Westerfield Maren Westerfield Sam Westerfield Patrick Schwinghammer Erica Schwinghammer Cherie Clark Micah Clark Olivia Clark Ben Clark Diana (McKinney) King Dale King Sarah King Amanda King Candra Thatch Lennie Thatch M.E. Thatch Chris Williams Emma Williams Lorri Barnett Kevin Barnett Lacie Barnett Cheryl Stanley Jami Stanley Kiley Stanley Braidan Stanley Shelley Coale Kindra Hubble Michael Hoak Katrina Hoak Shaun Hoak Audrey Mattingly Dena Sipe Kevin Sipe Allison Sipe Emily Clark Ashley Fletcher Julie Corbin Kyle Corbin Tyler Corbin Jen Kendall Todd Kendall Caroline Kendall | Jeff Neal Sarah Neal Claire Neal Hayden Neal Mark Farmen Sara Farmen Abigail Farmen Lydia Farmen Pam Farmen Bill Farmen Lisa Ruehr Tim Ruehr Alwine Smothers Cheryl Ruehr Shawnee Ruehr Laura Ruehr Amanda Ruehr Stephanie Lesnet Chad Lesnet Malachi Lesnet Ellen Snow Andy Snow Isabelle Snow Denise Kriebel Matthew Kriebel Kristin Katsu Jenn Stroh Stephanie Newsham Joel Newsham Levi Newsham Michelle Pierce Meaghan Pierce Jennifer Carson Andy Carson Nick Carson Katy Carson Cheryl Hill James Hill Megan Hill Jordan Hill Brian Webb Benjamin Webb Brian Wicker Jill Wicker Peyton Wicker Paige Wicker |
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AUGUST 22: ATLANTA, GA.
Jon McLaughlin concert @ Georgia Tech (VIEW PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT)See a complete list of AU Alumni in the Atlanta area
In attendance:
Adam Newton (2005)
Lindsey (Sandberg) Newton (2005)
Troy Cossel (1997) and Shelly
Erin Coffman (2004)
Gena (Buskirk) Ford (1986) and Jessica
Lynda (Borders) Henderson (1969) and Morris
Ben Davis (1997)
Steven Darst (1982)
Chris Martin (2001)
Sarah (Vettrus) Martin (2001)
Tom Bruce (1971)
Marlyne Bruce (1983)
Darrell Dean (1964), Linda and Lauren
Michael Burchette (1977), Katie and Evan Burchette
Jeri (Wright) (1976)
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AUGUST 23: NASHVILLE, TENN.
AU Alumni @ Nashville Sounds baseball game (VIEW PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT)See a complete list of AU Alumni in the Nashville area
In attendance:
Krissy (Stora) Nordhoff (1996) and Eric, Alex, Kaden
Cindy Hopkins (1991)
Robert Maurer (1997) and Lisa
Mark McCaw (1987) and Beth (Smith) McCaw (1987), Grace and J.C.
Doug Smith (1962) and Bernadine (Goede) Smith (1962)
Michele Dreger (2006)
Adrienne Packer (2006)
Brady Church (2007)
Rollie Grauman (1968) and Bonnie
Jerry Flowers (1968) and Ardie (DeYoung) Flowers (1960)
Greg Cowan (1983) and Christine (Courtney) Cowan (1986), Kelby, Avery, Addison
Ted Bluemel (1993) and Brandi, Landon, Reagan, Kaitlin
Beth (Rudnicke) Harms (1998) and Tim, Abigail, Noah
Mary (Fry) Braschler (1984) and Mike, Anthony, Adam, Clara, Clarissa
Bob Nealeigh (1984) and Janet (Hull) Nealeigh (1966)
Angela (Moscheo) Escueta (1993) and Jake
Kali (Millen) Shadday (2005) and Jerret Shadday (2004)
David Turner (1968) and Doreen (Martin) Turner (1954)
Ryan Kamper (2000)
Daren Belardo (1996) and Vanessa, Nathan, Grace
Tara (Treat) Lenger (1994) and Steve, Emaline
Karen (Puplava) Stanley (2005) and David
Karen (Haynes) Hollis (1982) and Carl, Sarah, Matthew
Perry Muse (1978) and Denise
Peter Bales (2000) and Stephanie (Bennett) Bales (2000) and Noah, Abby, Anna
