Class Notes
1954 | 1957 | 1958 | 1959 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1971 | 1972 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | School of Theology
Class of 1954 Top of page
R. Dale Grubbs BA, MDiv ’57 — see The School of Theology, 1957.
Class of 1957 Top of page
Betty Clemens BS lives in an older section of Huntsville, Ala., which “is near everything and has a very quiet and homey atmosphere.” She divorced after 30 years of marriage. She writes, “Since retiring two years ago, I enjoy working in my flower garden, singing with the Huntsville Feminist Chorus, doing some volunteer work at the hospital, being available to help friends, and having time to play. My second daughter, Tamara Boggs BA ’84, and my son, David Helms ’90, live in Anderson, so I get up to Anderson to visit. … I have 11 grandchildren, whom I enjoy visiting. … I enjoy having my brother, Fred Clemens BA ’68, MDiv ’72, here in Huntsville.”
Class of 1958 Top of page
Clifford Schutjer BA was made minister emeritus at the church where he has been the senior pastor for the last 45 years. He and his wife, Patricia, both graduates of Union Theological Seminary, went directly from seminary to The First Congregational Church of Mansfield, Ohio. Patricia is retired from Ashland University, where she was an associate professor of English. They have three adult, married children.
Class of 1959 Top of page
Wayne Davidson BA was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Tarkio College in Tarkio, Mo., on June 22, 2007. Wayne coached the men’s basketball team at Tarkio from 1965-73. From the 1967-68 to 1969-70 seasons, his teams posted a 59 win-15 loss record. His teams consistently ranked with the best Midwest college basketball teams and included wins against such powerful teams as Central Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State University, Peru State College of Nebraska, Drury College, Rockhurst College, and Missouri Western State College. Wayne earned his master’s degree from Kansas State at Emporia in 1962 and his doctorate from the University Missouri-Columbia in 1976.
Class of 1967 Top of page
Mary (Terray) Bellah — see The College, 1971.
Class of 1968 Top of page
Frederick Clemens BA, MDiv ’72 — see The School of Theology, 1972.
Class of 1969 Top of page
Diane (Martin) Lindsey Tultz BA writes, “After my husband, Gary Lindsey BA ’67, died in 1998, I was ordained and have been serving as a pulpit supply pastor. I remarried Dec. 21, 2002, to Russ Tultz. In 2003, I retired from 32 years of teaching in elementary schools in Alexandria, Ind., and Kalamazoo, Mich. Since then we have traveled to many countries as well as in the United States, the highlight being Antarctica.”
Larry Kearns BA writes that he has a new grandson, Humphery Turner Kearns, born May 14, 2007.
Class of 1971 Top of page
Bill Bellah BA and Mary (Terray) Bellah ’67 are ministers of music at Vista de la Montana United Methodist Church in Tucson directing a 55-voice chancel choir and a 20-voice men’s ensemble. Their chancel choir has been invited to join three other choirs from around the country to perform John Rutter’s Requiem in Carnegie Hall in March 2008. They will be accompanied by the New England Symphony.
Class of 1972 Top of page
Robert Waterson BA graduated from Purdue University with a PhD in curriculum and instruction, specializing in social studies methodology, history, and education leadership. He received his degree in May. In June, he was hired as an assistant professor of education at West Texas A&M University.
Class of 1975 Top of page
Debby (Farison) Michalak BA retired in May 2007 after 30 years of teaching in the Meridian Public Schools in Sanford, Mich., the same school she attended from kindergarten through 12th grade. She would love to hear from friends at debcat5@yahoo.com.
Class of 1976 Top of page
Marilyn (McHarg) Davidson BA writes, “Last year, I was the principal of Main Elementary here in Kodiak, Alaska, which received an NCLB Blue Ribbon Award for 2006. We were also pleased to host a group of interns from the AU School of Education under the leadership of Joyce (Duty) Wehneman BA and Dr. Diana Ross. I have moved into a new position as the director of teaching and learning with responsibilities in curriculum development and professional development for all personnel in the district. I will continue as a local representative to the Kennedy Center Partners in Education program, which works with professional development in the arts for teachers. We will also look forward to continuing work with the AU School of Education. I direct the choir at Community Baptist Church. I have two sons who are now in high school, and my husband is a business owner in the community as well as serving on a number of local boards.”
Class of 1977 Top of page
Larry Linamen BA has been named the dean of the graduate business school at Taylor University, Upland, Ind. His appointment began May 1.
Class of 1978 Top of page
Mark DeFazio BA and a friend started a songwriting company called Loramark Music. He will be sure to share with his fellow alums when he has a song out on the market. Jeffrey Tomlinson writes that after 28 years, he has finished his undergraduate degree through the online degree completion program at Mid America Christian University. His degree is in professional ministries. He is now enrolled in the online Master of Theological Studies program at the AU School of Theology.
Class of 1979 Top of page
Lola (Biggs) Mayne BA writes that their two sons are in college, giving her and her husband, Rick, the freedom to be more mobile. Michael is a senior at Shawnee State University. He is also a freelance illustrator, and several of the children’s books he has illustrated have been published. Kipp is a freshman at Notre Dame, majoring in engineering. Lola plans to reenter the workforce, wherever Rick’s work may lead them. Rick is the general manager for a three-station radio group.
Jim Rader BA writes, “It’s been an interesting last couple of years. I was working for a company in the Netherlands that outsourced their IT department to Perot Systems. We bought a cabin overlooking the Grand Lake of the Cherokees in Oklahoma and spend as much time as we can fixing up the place and relaxing.”
Class of 1981 Top of page
Jeffrey Claflin BA has been promoted to managing partner at Plews Shadley Racher and Braun. Jeffrey has been at the firm for 19 years and became a partner in 1996. This is his second stint as managing partner for the firm. He and his wife, Linda, have been married for 17 years. They live in Indianapolis.
Donna Rose-Heim BA lives in Cameron, Mo. She has published a book, Dream Walking, a 28-day guide for women who want to renew their power of dreaming and acting with God. The book can be ordered from Amazon. To learn more about Donna’s book, go to www.DreamWalkingwithGod.com. Donna and her husband, Bill, serve together as area ministers in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They have five children.
Class of 1982 Top of page
Cheryl (Gaskins) Sade BA writes that her family adopted a daughter from China in May 2005. The child is now 3 years old. Cheryl also writes that during the 2006-07 school year, her peers honored her with the title of Teacher of the Year at her elementary school.
Class of 1983 Top of page
Lyn Barnes BA married Doug Freed on Nov. 18, 2006, at the Ithaca Church of God in Ithaca, Mich. Vocalist was Denise (Shaw) Koppleberger BA ’79, cousin of the bride, and the ceremony was officiated by the Rev. James Conn BA ’81, MDiv ’83. Lyn works for the state of Michigan, and Doug is a partner in Freed Farms and Freed’s Tree Service, as well as being employed by Garr Tool. The couple lives in Ithaca.
Carol (Husselton) Williams BA and her husband, Steven, have started their own insurance agency. She writes, “Being an independent agency in central Florida has its challenges, but we have many great carriers that we work with!” She would love to hear from friends at carol.williams@brookeagent.com.
Class of 1984 Top of page
Kevin Niles BA, MDiv ’93 — see The School of Theology, 1993.
Class of 1985 Top of page
Jeff Derrico BA taught 22 years at Garden Grove Unified School District. He and his wife, Sherrie, own a hair salon and a children’s party business. His family attends Saddleback Church and is involved in the music ministry there. He says hello to all of his “R” House roommates, Dativus brothers, and friends.
Danny Dodge is the host of Living the Wildlife, a 13-show television series that focuses on hunting. He is also the show’s narrator, producer, director, cameraman, and editor. He writes, “As a non-traditional hunting show, it includes comic elements to lighten the mood of the show.” Clips from a couple of comic elements in the first show can be viewed at www.roadrunnerproductions.tv/boom.html and www.roadrunnerproductions.tv/hooty_hoot. html. He is currently in negotiations with The Men’s Outdoor and Recreational Channel and with the VS network regarding broadcast.
Steven Von Williams BA, MDiv ’88 — see The School of Theology, 1988.
Class of 1986 Top of page
Carolyn (Greene) Ansley BA — see The School of Theology, 2005.
Paul Maze BA is involved in his home church in Oak Lawn, Ill., as an elder, a member of the worship and arts ministry team, and founder of a disability ministry called Agape Ministries. He works as a registered nurse in the trauma ICU at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
Robyn (Jervis) Miller BA graduated in April with a master’s degree in education from Indiana Wesleyan University. She lives in Pendleton, Ind., with her husband, D.R., and their two daughters, Ashley, 19, and Michaela, 18. Robyn began her 21st year of teaching elementary children this fall in New Castle, Ind.
Christi (Sollars) Stargel BA is the assistant director of advancement and donor services at Taylor University.
Brenda (Jacobs) Williams BA left her music position at Rockvale Elementary School after nine years to take the high school choral position at Riverdale High School. Her career at Rockvale included teaching K-8 general music and directing two after-school choral groups. Her choral groups participated in several competitions where they consistently received superior ratings, including a perfect score in 2003. She was also named her school’s Teacher of the Year in 2005-2006. She is taking over the choral program at Riverdale High School, where both of her children attend school, with hopes of continuing the long tradition of excellence in music at that school. Brenda also completed a piano solo project, My Tribute. She can be contacted at (615) 274-3559 or williamsb@rcs.k12.tn.us for more information.
Class of 1987 Top of page
John James BA works at Virginia Tech as a research specialist and manger of the Urban Horticulture Center, an off-campus research facility in the Horticulture Department. His wife, Michele, is a director of the Service Learning Center at Virginia Tech. They have two sons, Michael, 14, and Vincent, 6. He writes that he has appreciated the thoughts and prayers of people during the Virginia Tech tragedy. “We are obviously shocked that something so tragic could actually happen here,” he writes. He invites friends to e-mail him at jamesderam@aol.com.
DeeAnn (Myers) Lee BA writes, “I just finished up a year being a nanny to a 2-year-old Chinese girl. Having had no children of my own, this was a blessing from God. Note: Age 46 is not the time to start having children. I was tired … still am! But God is so benevolent, and I enjoyed the daily experiences. I will never lose the joy Athena Zhange brought to my life. God indeed gives us the desires of our heart … in his way.”
Class of 1988 Top of page
Dale Benson BA recently premiered his feature film Seventy-two Square Feet. He previously produced award-winning short films. This was his first feature, which he wrote and directed. He is currently writing the screenplay for his next feature.
Barb (Basinger) Koziara BA and her husband, Kevin, welcomed a son, Michael Christopher, on May 17, 2006. Barb writes that sister Brittany, 16, and brother Zack, 15, are having fun with their new brother. The Koziaras make their home in Orlando, Fla. Both Barb and Kevin teach in Orlando Public Schools. Any spare time is filled up with attending soccer, track, and cross country events of their two older children and playing with and watching Michael. Barb would love to hear from friends at basingb@ocps.net.
Class of 1989 Top of page
Jennifer (Anderson) Polsinelli and her husband, Tom, announce the birth of their second child, Sofia Marie, born Oct. 3, 2006. She was welcomed home by a brother, Nicholas, 3. The family lives in Napa, Calif.
Dan Watts is the director of business development at WAKW Radio, a contemporary Christian music station in Cincinnati. Dan and his wife, Susan, live in Fairfield, Ohio, with their daughters, Amanda, 11, and Brooke, 6. He invites friends to e-mail him at dbwatts@yahoo.com.
Class of 1990 Top of page
Beth (Olson) French BA and her husband, David, announce the birth of their second child, Austin Glenn, on Jan. 18, 2007. Beth is teaching and David is a stay-at-home dad.
Kristin Johnson BA received her Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2005. She is now the executive director of OneByOne (www.oneby1.org), which is housed at the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando.
Jennifer (Mosteller) Peeler BA and her husband, Brian, announce the birth of Sierra Joy on July 14, 2007. They have six other children — Josiah, 12; Zachary, 10; Gabrielle, 8; Kyra, 7; Timothy, 4; and Hayden, 2.
Class of 1991 Top of page
Dorcas (Hysell) Strickland BA and her husband, Tim, announce the birth of Kaylie Grace on Nov. 2, 2006.
Class of 1992 Top of page
Susan (Price) Besaw announces the birth of Colin Michael on Sept. 22, 2006. She writes, “With three boys 5 years and younger, I definitely have my hands full.”
Dana (Sander) Caylor BA and Bart Caylor BA arrived back in April from Ethiopia, where they adopted siblings, Ash, 2, and Lily, 1. Dana practices at Olio Road Family Care, and Bart works at Brainstorm, both in Fishers, Ind. Brothers Ben, 7, and Nathan, 5, have been helping Ash and Lily transition into their new family. They would love to hear from friends at bart.caylor@gmail.com.
Katie (Abney) Goar BA and her husband, Steve, welcomed a daughter, Alitza Isabel, in June 2006. She joins brothers Isaac and Asher.
Paul Holm BA has been the executive director at Rebuilding Together Summit County for almost three years. The nonprofit organization assists low-income elderly and disabled homeowners with home repairs in the Akron, Ohio, area. Paul writes, “We have quintupled our service from 52 homeowners per year to more than 250 this year. I was named one of Akron’s up-and-coming leaders by Leadership Akron in 2006.”
Kim (Springer) Sallee BA writes, “We adopted our fifth child, Carly, in May 2006. We still work as missionaries in Texas. We minister to young unwed mothers through their pregnancies and beyond.” Visit their Web site at tksallee.com.
Debi (Daniels) Sibray BA writes, “Last year was a big year. I got married in January 2006, and my husband and I adopted our foster daughter in June 2006.”
Susan (Burkett) Velesig BA and her husband, Shawn, announce the birth of Zoey Marie on June 18, 2007. She joins brothers Ben, 14, and Alex, 8. Shawn is an inspector for Westinghouse Electric. Sue is a part-time adaptive music teacher working with special-needs students.
Class of 1993 Top of page
Molly (Bennett) Barnhart BA announces the birth of Jonathon Edward on June 15, 2007. Her older son turned 1 year old in June. She writes, “It’s a busy time in our household but such a blessing.”
Kellee (Work) Chaffee BA and her husband have moved back home to Ohio with their three children, 7-year-old Zach, 5-year-old Josh, and 2-year-old Chelsee. Kellee writes, “I am very happy being home by my family and teaching.” Her e-mail address is k.chaffee@comcast.net.
Melissa (Golter) Hutsell BA and Keith Hutsell BA announce the birth of their fifth son, Gannon Eric, on April 17, 2007. Melissa writes, “Life is good here in Little Rock working with FamilyLife, a subsidiary of Campus Crusade for Christ.” Melissa is a homeschooling, stay-at-home mom.
Aimee (Claussen) Oldham BSN and her husband, Trey, announce the birth of Malachi Nathaniel on March 6, 2007. Aimee writes, “I thought working full time as a nurse practitioner and being a pastor’s wife was challenging, but now that I’ve added being a mom to the equation, I really know the meaning of ‘busy.’ But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Our son is just amazing!”
Brian Zielke — see The College, 1995.
Class of 1994 Top of page
Cristy (Evans) McKenzie BA announces the birth of her third child, John Andrew, on April 7, 2006. “He is truly a miracle,” she writes. Cristy is a stay-at-home mom, and her husband is a pharmacist in Roscoe, Ill. She would love to hear from friends at jcmack94@yahoo.com.
Deborah (Owens) Sitnikoff-Hice BA and her husband, Jeff, announce the birth of their daughter, Brooke. Deborah is still the band director in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Angela Stroup BA received a Master of Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in May 2007.
Kim (Richie) Wilson BA writes, “We have moved to a new home in the country where we have plenty of room for our four children, six cats, three goldfish, one hermit crab, and a tank full of sea monkeys!”
Class of 1995 Top of page
Mary Ruth (Faust) Bowen BA and David Bowen BA announce the addition of Johanna Amaya Michelle to their family. They have adopted her from their home state of Mississippi. Johanna came to their family when she was 2 months old. She is now a year old. Mary Ruth writes, “Our three older children are thrilled to have a new baby sister! We are also happy to report that God has blessed us with a new home, and recovery is continuing here on the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina. We would love to hear from friends at bowenhome@bellsouth.net.”
Melanie Cannon BA graduated from St. Louis University School of Law in May. She sat for the Illinois Bar Exam in July and is now a staff attorney with the Kankakee office of Prairie State Legal Services. She would be happy to hear from her AU friends at melanie.cannon@gmail.com.
Jennifer (Cole) Hatch BA and Judd Hatch are thrilled to announce the birth of their long-desired first child, Sophia Coco, on April 12, 2007. Judd is a financial adviser with Edward Jones Investments. Jennifer was an elementary school teacher for 12 years and is now a stay-at-home mom to Sophie. They live in Tulsa, Okla. Friends are invited to e-mail them at jjhatch1@cox.net.
Kristin (Murphy) Kazak BA and her husband, David, welcomed their first child, Michael Stephen, on Dec. 4, 2006. Kristin works for the State of Illinois as a rehabilitation counselor. David is a stay-at-home dad with his own business, a media-consulting firm, Media-Answers, which has taken the back burner so he can raise their first child. They live in Elgin, Ill.
Micah Lambert BA and Jennifer (Saddington) Lambert BA ’97 announce the birth of their second son, Owen Micah, on May 23, 2007. Micah is an assistant principal in the Elkhart Community School Corporation. He and his family moved to Elkhart from Indianapolis in July. They would love to hear from friends at micahlambert@sbcglobal.net.
Kurt Martin BA and his wife, Jena, celebrated the arrival of Mackenna Ryan on March 23, 2007. Mackenna was welcomed home by sisters Quincy, 10, and Alexis, 13. The family lives in Greenwood, Ind.
Staci (Bush) Masson BA and her husband, Chris, welcomed a daughter, Annaleisa Grace, to the family in March 2007. Annaleisa joins three siblings — Arianna, 7, and Christian and Cameron, 12. Staci had been working as a realtor but now stays home and homeschools the children. She would love to hear from friends at staci_masson@hotmail.com.
Senora Miller-Logan BA received her Master of Arts in higher education and student personnel from the University of Mississippi. This fall she began her sixth year at the University of Mississippi working as a student affairs professional.
Stephanie (Pfennig) Puckett BA and her husband, Dan, welcomed their second child, Jacob Daniel, on June 19, 2007. Stephanie writes, “He is such a joy, and we are enjoying every minute.”
Christy (Hernbloom) Zielke BA and Brian Zielke ’93 announce the birth of Jonathan Michael on March 16, 2007. He was welcomed home by a brother, Zachary.
Class of 1996 Top of page
Jessica (Smith) Baller and her husband, Lance, announce the birth of their son, William Connor, on Nov. 17, 2006. He was welcomed home by sisters Katie, 4, and Sydney, 2. The family lives in Littleton, Colo., where Lance is a self-employed financial consultant. Jess works full time at home as a mom.
Lisa (Jackson) Bowden BA and her husband, Rodney, announce the birth of their third child, Hope Cheryl, on July 24, 2007. Lisa writes, “Hope is receiving loads of affection from her 3-year-old brother, R.J., and 2-year-old sister, Slone. There is never a dull moment in the house, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! God’s love abounds.”
Joy Herpel BA announces that she is an aunt for the first time. Her nephew, Dylan, was born on March 31, 2007.
Carrie (Kall) Koors BA and her husband, Ryan, welcomed a son, Noah David, on Feb. 17, 2007. He joins a brother, Brady, 4, and a sister, Ella, 2.
Derek Shellabarger BA married Christina Longenecker in Dayton, Ohio, June 9, 2007. Rod Martin BA ’96 participated in the wedding. Derek and Christina live in Vandalia, Ohio. Adam Thompson BA was named the Athletic Trainer of the Year by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Adam also serves as the Region VIII representative to the Athletic Trainers Association. Adam is an athletic trainer at Indiana Wesleyan University and has been instrumental in the Athletic Training Education Program at IWU.
Class of 1997 Top of page
Pete Blosser BA and Michelle (Stephens) Blosser BA announce the birth of their first child, Olivia Hope, on June 26, 2007. The family lives in Greenwood, Ind., and would love to hear from friends at mpblosser@sbcglobal.net.
After working for the Walt Disney World Company for nine years, Andrew Finn BA has taken the role of associate manager in training development with Yum! Brands, Inc. Andrew, his wife, Shannon, and their 1-year-old son, Adrian, have relocated to the Louisville area. In his new role, Andrew will re-design all training for the KFC brand.
Amber (Otis) Helton BA received her master’s degree in education from Wright State University in Ohio in June 2007.
Jennifer (Saddington) Lambert BA — see The College, 1995. Natalie McCoy BA was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in April 2006. After a long year of treatments and surgeries, she reports that things are looking good. She writes, “I attribute that to the grace of God and the prayers of others. I encourage other young women to be proactive in their health, as this is not just a disease that affects older women.”
Class of 1998 Top of page
Paul Christiansen BA and Niki (Carlisle) Christiansen BA announce the birth of Levi Benjamin on July 28, 2007. Levi was welcomed home by a sister, Eliana. Paul serves as minister of worship at West Court Street Church of God in Flint, Mich. For the past seven years, Niki has served as youth pastor at West Court and was ordained in the Church of God in March 2005. She resigned from her position in June 2006 and is currently a stay-at-home mom.
Ember (Jeffers) Gourley BSN and her husband, Scott, announce the arrival of Isaac Parks on June 12, 2006. He was welcomed home by Clara, 3, and Mia, 2. Friends can e-mail Ember at embergourley@yahoo.com.
Heather (Overton) Hambrick BA and Scott Hambrick BA announce the birth of their son, Levi Thaddaeus, on April 22, 2007. Levi arrived just in time to see his daddy graduate with a master’s degree in education from George Mason University. The family lives in northern Virginia. Heather and Scott work for Fairfax County Public Schools. They would love to hear from friends at hnhambrick@verizon.net.
Sheila (Monesmith) Martin BA and her husband, Greg, announce the birth of Grant William on July 14, 2006. “Big sisters Grace, 4, and Hannah, 2, adore him,” Sheila writes. “While staying as close to the Rocky Mountains as possible, we have moved again, this time to the Boulder area, where Greg is pursuing his PhD in accounting at the University of Colorado. I’m grateful to be at home taking care of the kids and serving in our church.”
Kyle Minor BA has accepted an appointment as visiting scholar and writer-in-residence at the University of Toledo for the 2007-08 school year. He has completed co-editing a new selection of Chekhov stories, due in 2008 from New American Press. Recent fiction, essays, and poetry appear in The Southern Review, The Gettysburg Review, and the Random House anthology Twentysomething Essays by Twentysomething Writers.
Daniel Myers BA and his wife, Cie Ann, announce the birth of Madalaina Ann on Aug. 2, 2006. Maddie Ann was welcomed home by her brother, Ethan Daniel. The family lives in Gahanna, Ohio, where Daniel works as an actuary at Nationwide Insurance and Cie Ann stays home with the children. Daniel received his fellowship degree by completing all actuarial exams in 2006. Friends may e-mail them at danandcieann@sbcglobal.net.
Sarah (Reeder) Peterson BA and her husband, Steven, announce the birth of their first child, Matthew Cole, on Feb. 8, 2007.
Becca (White) Rutherford BA graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. She was commissioned at the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church as a deacon. Jessica (Unger) Saunders BA and her husband, Larry, were blessed with the arrival of a baby girl, Maria Ellen, on April 20, 2007, just four days before Jessica’s birthday. It is their first child. The family lives in DeMotte, Ind., where Jessica is a stay-at-home mom and Larry pastors the DeMotte United Methodist Church. You may contact Jessica at jesslunger25@hotmail.com.
Class of 1999 Top of page
Jordan Bingham BA was named the director of health initiatives at Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation in 2006. Jordan has relocated to Madison, Wis.
Tanya (Homan) Stanley BA and Michael Stanley BA ’01 announce the birth of their first child, Alayna Noelle, on May 4, 2007. She was born premature but is now growing strong and healthy. Alayna has her own Web site at www.alaynastanley.net. Tanya and Michael are both teachers. They live in Spring Hill, Tenn.
Jennifer (Young) Vasquez BA and her husband, Eric, announce the birth of Bella Grace on April 3, 2007. The family lives in Macedonia, Ohio. Friends may e-mail Jennifer at shilohluv@aol.com.
Class of 2000 Top of page
Dana Booker graduated from IUPUI in 2003 with a degree in journalism. She works in the registrar’s office at the University of Michigan as a record and enrollment specialist. She has been accepted into the MSW program at Eastern Michigan University.
Bill Grieco MBA was promoted to senior staff accountant of the U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Fla. He served as a senior budget analyst in Baghdad from June to October 2006. Stephanie (Grider) Newsham BA and her husband, Joel, announce the birth of Levi Joel on May 26, 2007. They finalized his adoption in August. Stephanie writes, “He is wonderful, and we just love being parents.” Amanda (Hicks) Pelser BA and her husband, Joshua, announce the birth of their first child, Jonathan David, on Feb. 4, 2007.
Mandy (Helton) Viles BA announces the birth of Lydia Claire on March 25, 2007. She joins sisters Elise and Madelyn. The family lives in Savannah, Ga.
Class of 2001 Top of page
Patrick Bergquist BA has spent the last two years pastoring in Wichita, Kan. He has taken a new position in the residence life department at John Brown University. He completed his master’s degree from Northern Seminary in Chicago.
Philip Browning Helsel BA has moved to New Jersey with his wife, Carolyn, and their infant son, Caleb. Philip is in a PhD program in pastoral theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. Both Philip and Carolyn earned their Master of Divinity degrees from Princeton. Carolyn is seeking a call as a Presbyterian pastor. Friends may contact Philip at helselphil@hotmail.com.
Andrea (Hardy) Ragsdale BA writes that she is teaching full-day kindergarten and loving it. She and her husband, Joe, also brought home a daughter, Rorie Lynn, who is adored by her sister Kayleigh. Friends can write to Andrea at aragsdale@covington.k12.in.us.
Michael Stanley BA — see The College, 1999.
Bronwen Thomas BA married Stacy Griffith on May 5, 2007, at Dayspring Community Church in McMinnville, Tenn. She writes, “Stacy and I are enjoying married life and are very blessed. We are both youth leaders at our church and are busy with that. He is the worship leader as well. Stacy has his own insurance agency in Tullahoma, where we reside.”
Class of 2002 Top of page
Abbey (Whittinghill) Brooks BA and her husband, Michael, announce the birth of their first child, Maya Michelle, on Jan. 25, 2007. Abbey writes, “She is a beauty and enjoys listening to music and mommy playing the clarinet.”
Maribeth (Stora) Dodd BA and her husband, Christopher, announce the birth of their son, Asher, on April 6, 2007. Maribeth and Christopher are both staff pastors at Christ’s Church at the Crossroads in Phoenix. Friends may contact Maribeth at maribeth@thecrossroadsaz.com.
Steven Potaczek BA and Amanda (Montanino) Potaczek BA ’03 submitted an entry to the Gospel Music Association’s Annual Songwriting Contest for 2007. Their song, “How Big Small Can Be,” was among 450 submissions. It won first place in the pop/adult contemporary category and also earned the Overall Song of the Year title out of all submissions. Steven and Amanda tour with their band 1000 Generations supporting Blood:Water Mission. Blood:Water Mission raises support and awareness for clean water in Africa. Visit their band’s Web site at www.1000generations.com.
Michael Frischkorn BA and Haley Wilson BA announce the birth of Sophie on March 10, 2007. Michael graduated from law school in 2006. He works for a firm in Noblesville. Haley finished her master’s degree in teaching English as a second language in 2006. She is employed at Hamilton Southeastern High School. The family lives in Fortville, Ind.
Kelly Hawkins earned her first Dan Black Belt in taekwondo. She has a new job and a new boyfriend who is wonderful to her.
Sarah (Lipps) Ropte BA and her husband, Dan, announce the birth of their second child, Hannah Joy, on May 26, 2007. Sarah writes, “Being the parents of two children 18 months apart has been an adventure to say the least! But we are truly blessed.”
Justin Wallace BA — see The College, 2003.
Class of 2003 Top of page
Rachel (Fast) Billups BA graduated in December 2006 with a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School. She serves as an associate pastor at Evangelical United Methodist Church in Greenville, Ohio. The appointment is part of a new residency program sponsored by the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Renee Ellsworth BA married Joshua Gulledge on June 16, 2007, at St. Mark Missionary Church in Mishawaka, Ind. They live in Mishawaka.
Kira Hallgren BA married Ryan Childers on Sept. 2, 2006, in DeKalb, Ill. Alumni in the wedding party included Kristianne Maxedon BA and Rhiannon Rogstad BA.
Meghan (Ramming) Howard BA became a licensed local pastor within the United Methodist Church on May 1, 2007.
Rachel Johnson BA earned her master’s degree in public communication from American University in Washington, D.C., in May. As a newly appointed U.S. government employee, Rachel serves as VISTA alumni relations and outreach specialist at the Corporation for National and Community Service in D.C.
Janna (Intveld) Kinner BA received a master’s degree in social work from Colorado State University in May 2007. She works as a child and adolescent therapist for Lutheran Family Services in Fort Collins, Colo. Friends may contact her at jmkinner@hotmail.com.
Rebecca Martin BA married David Stroble on March 31, 2007, in Dayton, Ohio. Alumni in the wedding included Abbey Hausmann BA, Christy (Clodfelder) Kihm BA, McKenzi (Mason) Fenn BA, and Alicia (Neher) Denniston BA. David and Becca live in Centerville, Ohio. David is a supervisor for a technical support company, and Becca is an elementary school librarian for Xenia Community Schools.
Amanda (Montanino) Potaczek BA — see The College, 2002.
Curt Rapp BA earned his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer designation. He is a network engineer for a worker’s compensation insurance company headquartered in North Palm Beach, Fla. He writes, “When I’m not dodging hurricanes, I can be found keeping servers up. I enjoy diving and have recently joined an adult baseball league. Life is good.” Friends may e-mail Curt at curtisrapp@hotmail.com.
Nicole (Bielecki) Wallace BA and Justin Wallace BA ’02 are living in community with Nathan Evans BA and Emily (Briggs) Evans BA in Charlotte, N.C. Justin and Nathan are on staff with a church for college students called Impact UNCC (impactuncc.com) on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Nicole is a kindergarten teacher, and Emily is a social worker.
Michael Watts BA and Tara (Sherck) Watts BSN ’04 announce the birth of their first son, Jacob Michael, on Feb. 14, 2007.
Class of 2004 Top of page
Lisa (Nicholson) Bodach BA graduated from IUPUI in May 2007 with a master’s degree in social work.
Mick Schoenradt BA and his wife, Bethany, have two beautiful girls, 3-year-old Madelynn Rose and infant Emily Lynn. Mick has been promoted to a substance abuse program director at the Indiana Department of Correction Central Office. Bethany is employed at Four County Counseling Center in Logansport as a day-treatment counselor. Friends may contact Mick at auravens34@hotmail.com.
Carrie (Ashby) Secrest BA and her husband, Jonathan, announce the birth of a daughter, Avarie Lyn, on Jan. 15, 2007. Carrie writes, “She has brought so much joy to our lives, and she is an amazing baby. Avarie has one of the greatest smiles. When she smiles her eyes pretty much disappear because her cheeks are so chubby. It’s the best. I am loving motherhood, and Jonathan is in such awe of Avarie. He’s a great dad.”
Tara (Sherck) Watts BSN — see The College, 2003.
Class of 2005 Top of page
Jeffrey Bostelman MBA and Peggy Bostelman MBA have moved to the Tampa, Fla., area, where he has taken a new position with Pricewaterhouse Coopers. He writes, “We love the area and are enjoying sightseeing on the weekends.”
James Dickey BA has begun work on his master’s degree at Missouri Baptist in the sports management program.
David Ray BA lives in Anderson, Ind., working as a business manager. He is also the club director and a coach for the Anderson Blitz travel soccer club and the varsity boys soccer coach for Anderson High School.
Andrea Rogers has legally changed her name to Aidan Sala Rogers.
Jennifer (Bredemeyer) Runyan BA and Matthew Runyan BA have moved into their first home in Brownsburg, Ind.
Class of 2006 Top of page
Tracy Fowler BA has been substitute teaching with the Anderson Community School Corporation since graduating from AU. In June she started an apprenticeship with the Plasters and Cement Masons Union. She also married Ken Mullins on June 10, 2007, in the Minnetrista Gardens in Muncie, Ind. AU student Ashley Seyfried participated in the ceremony. Ken is a carpentry foreman for Indy Walls. The couple’s new address is 1517 Jefferson St., Anderson, IN 46016.
Emmanuelle “Emma” Roberts BA has made several television appearances in Gilmore Girls, 7th Heaven, and Desperate Housewives. She also appears in the Will Ferrell film Blades of Glory.
Matt Simpson BA married Toia Harp on April 20, 2007. Matt has joined National City as a licensed banker and financial consultant.
Class of 2007 Top of page
Scott Cox BA writes that he and Tera (Whiting) Cox BA just bought their first house together. They live in Florida.
Philip Larson married Kylee on June 2, 2007. Kylee attends the AU School of Theology.
School of Theology Top of page
1957
R. Dale Grubbs BA ’54, MDiv writes that as senior chaplain at Bethesda Naval Hospital, he has talked with the president, first lady, and congressmen on numerous occasions.
1972
Frederick Clemens BA ’68, MDiv and his wife, Becky, flew with friends to San Diego, Calif., last March. He was last there when his AC Drama Trio visited the Church of God in El Cajon, Calif. Spencer Spaulding MDiv ’70 and Donna Stone BA ’66 were also in the group. Jack Samuels MDiv ’62 was their adviser. Today Fred serves the Latham United Methodist Church in Huntsville, Ala.
1978
Karl Hartmann MRE was honored by Fairfield County, Ohio, American Red Cross with the 2007 Health Care Hero Award. Karl serves as the spiritual care coordinator for FairHope Hospice and Palliative Care in Lancaster, Ohio.
1981
Johnny Graham MDiv is the founder and director of the York Avenue Church of God Treatment Center, an Ohio-certified substance abuse center.
1983
Julie Mikalson MDiv, MA has been appointed to the Board of Governors for the American Biofuels Council and currently serves as the membership chair. She also served on the governor’s 2006 Renewable Energy Working Group for Oregon.
1988
Steven Von Williams BA ’85, MDiv founded Reformation Publishers in 1991. The business has expanded its warehouse in Prestonsburg, Ky., to better meet the needs of on-demand book manufacturing, especially Gospel Trumpet/Warner Press out-of-print titles.
1993
Kevin Niles BA ’84, MDiv has taught music at Cornerstone Christian Academy in Bloomington, Ill., for six years. For the past six years, he has also served as a lay worship leader and musician at East White Oak Bible Church. In July, he became the minister of music at Minier Christian Church in Minier, Ill. In this part-time position, he will develop worship teams of vocalists and instrumentalists to lead the congregation of 300 in worship and will direct the choir. He will continue teaching at Cornerstone Christian Academy. He would love to hear from classmates and friends at kn1003@netzero.com.
Brian Zielke — see The College, 1995.
2005
David Ansley MDiv and Carolyn (Greene) Ansley BA ’86 have four children — Jonathan, 10; Michael, 8; Steven, 6; and Clara, 2. They moved to Blacksburg, Va., at the beginning of the summer, where David has accepted the position of senior pastor of the First Church of God. David writes, “We are excited and humbled at this new opportunity to serve God and minister to our church and the community in the wake of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech.”
