Class Notes
1953 | 1955 | 1959 | 1960 | 1961 | 1964 | 1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1974 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 1984 | 1985 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | School of Theology
Class of 1953 Top of page
Clara Hall Beach — see The College, 1955.
Class of 1955 Top of page
David Beach BA and Clara Hall Beach ’53 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 6, 2004. They first met on the AU campus.
Class of 1959 Top of page
Wayne Davidson BA was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Peru State College, Peru, Neb., in September. Wayne coached the women’s basketball team at Peru State College from 1985-1994 and has the most basketball wins in Peru State basketball history. Wayne earned his master’s degree from Kansas State at Emporia in 1962 and his doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1976. He was a varsity basketball player at AU with the 1952-53 and 1955-56 basketball teams.
Class of 1960 Top of page
Eleanor Ours Burgin married Donald Reynolds in November 2002. The couple moved to Springfield, Ohio, where Eleanor was born and raised. She writes, “We are retired but remain quite active in church music in Springfield and in southern Colorado, where we spend the winter months. Our 30 acres, called Blackberry Hill for all the wild blackberry bushes, also keeps us busy. When not mowing, picking blackberries, singing, or playing music, we love to travel.” Eleanor also enjoys hearing from her AU friends. E-mail her at donellier@msn.com.
Class of 1961 Top of page
Doris Jean (Gray) Browning retired in July 1998 and received the Distinguished Hoosier award from then-Indiana Gov. Frank O’Bannon.
Class of 1964 Top of page
Donley Jones BS had one of his oil paintings selected for the Missouri 50 Competition. The Missouri 50 is a juried professional art exhibit sponsored by the Missouri Arts Council. Donley writes, “I first studied painting under Ruthven Byrum at Anderson College, where I learned to appreciate Byrum’s academic training.”
Class of 1966 Top of page
Dianna (Hartman) Beatty BA retired in May 2004 after 16 years as a counselor to fourth- and fifth-graders on the Fort Huachuca Army Post. Before her retirement, she received the Child and Youth Services Children’s Champion Award. The army gives the award to people on the post for their involvement with children. Dianna’s daughter, Collette, was first runner-up to Miss Arizona and competed for the title of Miss Arizona USA in November. Her two sons are licensed ministers with the Baptist church. Dianna and her husband, Robert, are enjoying their new granddaughter, Nia Beatty. They have four grandsons. She would love to hear from friends at diannabeatty@aol.com.
Class of 1967 Top of page
Connie (Herman) Allen BA is co-author of several lab manuals, including Laboratory Manual for Anatomy and Physiology and Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology for undergraduate courses. She is a full-time professor at Edison College in Fort Myers, Fla. Jim Allen BA ’68 teaches scuba diving through his business Waterland Explorations. He also counsels delinquent youth through a local mental health center in Naples, Fla.
Class of 1968 Top of page
Jim Allen BA — see The College, 1967.
Class of 1974 Top of page
Kristina (Lawyer) Mitchell — see The School of Theology, 1982.
Class of 1976 Top of page
Ron Mitchell BA — see The School of Theology, 1982.
Class of 1978 Top of page
Dale Von Bargen BA married Beth Blauser on Aug. 12, 2004, in Gatlinburg, Tenn., one year after meeting her for the first time at the Ohio State Fair. Dale and Beth live in Cincinnati, where Dale is a state fire marshal.
Class of 1979 Top of page
John Frick BA has been named senior director of ministry partnerships for Food for the Hungry. Food for the Hungry provides assistance to more than 35 countries through child-development programs, agriculture and clean water projects, health and nutrition programs, education, micro-enterprise loans, and emergency relief. John will provide leadership to the organization’s ministry partnership team and will be responsible for developing new relationships with prospective donors and enhancing current relationships with major donors.
Cindy Holby BA announces the release of her novel, Windfall, published by Leisure Books. To read more about Windfall and Cindy’s previous novels, visit www.cindyholby.com.
Jeanine (Bostwick) Root BA was promoted to manager of sales administration for Simpson-Duravent in Vacaville, Calif. In the past two years, several members of her family have responded to the nation’s call to service. Her husband, David Root MDiv ’88, and her brother have been mobilized for active duty. Her son and two of her nephews have also enlisted in the military.
Class of 1980 Top of page
Linda (Morton) O’Dell BA — see The School of Theology, 1987.
Class of 1981 Top of page
Jim Phillis BA earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., and was conferred at the May 2004 commencement exercises.
Class of 1982 Top of page
Bob O’Dell BA, MDiv ’87 — see The School of Theology, 1987.
Ernie Durbin II BA — see The College, 1990.
Donna Jean (Walls) Gafford BA and her husband, Meredith, planted a church in Carroll, Ohio, in the fall of 2003. Donna Jean writes, “We lead a Bible study in our home and have seen nine of our neighbors come to Christ during the first year.” Meredith is an engineer for American Electric Power in Gahannah, Ohio. They homeschool their younger daughter; their older daughter is a junior in college. After 15 years, Donna Jean has been healed of debilitating migraine headaches. She would love to hear from classmates she has lost touch with during the last 15 years. Friends may e-mail Donna Jean at royalt2000@earthlink.net.
Class of 1983 Top of page
Mike Lawrence BA graduated from National Defense University on June 9, 2004, earning a Master of Science degree in national resource strategy. He was deployed to Kosovo to serve for six months as the legal adviser for NATO’s Kosovo forces.
Marianne (Kriege) Lawrence BA teaches chemistry for Virginia Beach Public Schools at Princess Anne High School. Their daughter attends Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., and their sons attend Virginia Beach schools. Mike and Marianne would love to hear from classmates and friends at lawrenceraven@cox.net.
Dean May BA was promoted to head the social work department at Western Kentucky University. He has been on the WKU faculty for nine years and served as the BSW program director for the past eight years. Dean and his wife, Laura, have been married for 21 years. They have two daughters — Natalie, 9, and Claire, 6. E-mail the family at laura_may@bellsouth.net.
David Ritchie BA and Jennifer (Gabe) Ritchie BA ’90 announce the birth of Jessica Anne Grace on Sept. 21, 2004. Dave Triplett BA completed a master’s degree in physician assistance studies, with a specialty in nephrology, at the University of Nebraska School of Medicine. He has worked for Nephrology Associates in Xenia, Ohio, for seven years. His wife, Stephanie, is the nurse manager of the coronary intensive care unit and cardiac cath lab at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. They live in Yellow Springs, Ohio, with their 11-year-old daughter, Katie, and three dogs and two cats. Dave plays tuba in the quintet Yellow Springs Brass. Friends may write to him at dtriplett@woh.rr.com.
Class of 1984 Top of page
Tracy (Coffey) Sargent ASN and her husband, Daniel, have two children — Makayla, 10, and Callie, 3. Tracy is a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Vincent Hospital one day a week. Daniel is a firefighter in Kokomo, Ind. They are active members of Jerome Christian Church.
Class of 1985 Top of page
Donna Kemp BA married Marcelo Mello on May 22, 2004. Friends may e-mail Donna at donkeypanda@yahoo.com.
Class of 1987 Top of page
John Bartels — see The College, 1990.
Aleq Boyle AA and his uncle took a road trip through Texas in early August. The 3,000-mile trip began and ended in Atlanta. They traveled the Texas high plains — to the panhandle through the Big Bend country down to Persidio and followed the Rio Grand. The highlight of the trip was seeing the mastodon skull and tusk discovered in Plainview, Texas.
Lori (Harrison) Vorhees AS, BA and her husband, Ben, adopted twin girls in May 2003. Ava Marguerite and Abby Clark are 5 years old. Lori and Ben also have a 10-year-old daughter, Audrey. Lori stays home with the girls, and Ben is a pilot with the Air Force Reserves and Delta Airlines. The family lives in the Charleston, S.C., area.
Class of 1988 Top of page
Mark Ellis BA is working on a master’s degree in apologetics at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, N.C., and teaching mathematics at Central Piedmont Community College and Wingate University.
Rhonda (Shearer) Galvin BA and her husband, Tom, celebrated the birth of Lexie Nicole on March 26, 2004. Lexie was welcomed home by two sisters — Mindy, 12, and Kinsey, 9. The family lives in Englewood, Ohio. Rhonda homeschools Mindy and Kinsey. She would love to hear from friends at rhondasgarden@earthlink.net.
Class of 1989 Top of page
Coleen Caswell BSN recently moved to Michigan for a job relocation.
Rich Packard BA — see The College, 1990.
Class of 1990 Top of page
Dawn (Claussen) Bartels BA and John Bartels ’87 announce the birth of Reagan Elizabeth on July 13, 2004. Dawn also writes that she became a licensed mental health worker in April.
Karla (Von Pein) Fultz BA and her husband, Brian, announce the birth of their fourth child, Delaney Sarah on Oct. 22, 2004. Delaney was welcomed home by three siblings — Kaitlin, 6, Megan, 5, and Jakob, 2. Karla teaches music part time at Sunnyside Middle School in Lafayette, Ind. Brian teaches middle school social studies in West Lafayette. Friends may e-mail the Fultz family at bfultz@wvec.k12.in.us.
Roger Hamilton BA and his wife, Terri, live in Lansing, Mich., with their three children. Roger is senior pastor at Pennway Church of God. He also does voice work for a local production company. Terri keeps busy with the children and church activities and also loves to decorate.
Brian Howell BA and his wife, Jennifer, announce the birth of Megan Elizabeth on Jan. 19, 2004. Megan was welcomed home by her sister, Emily, 2. After 14 years on the road, Brian is now the worship pastor of Cuyahoga Valley Community Church in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. Friends may e-mail the Howells at howellers@cox.net.
Cheryl (Nicole) Karr BA and her husband, Robert, announce the birth of their first child, Vanessa Nicole, on April 19, 2004. Cheryl was promoted to executive director of The Power House Youth Center, a teen center that reaches out to area youth by providing a safe place with positive Christian adult role models. The Karrs live in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Kelly (Spaulding) Packard BA has been named head coach of the Colorado Chill women’s professional basketball team. The Chill is part of the NWBL and is comprised of many current and former players in the WNBA. The Chill’s season runs January through March. Kelly, Rich Packard BA ’88, and their two sons, Derek and Evan, live in Windsor, Colo.
Angelia (Burchett) Parsons BA and her husband, John, live in Bellefontaine, Ohio. They have two sons, Jonathan, 7, and Benjamin, who will be 2 in March. Angelia received her graduate degree in social work from the University of Kentucky and now works part time as a counselor for Light the Way Christian Counseling Center. John works for Honda of America. Friends may e-mail them at jparsons5438@charter.net.
Cindy Penhorwood ASN ’88, BSN resigned from the AU School of Nursing to assume a new position as health care coordinator for Heart to Honduras, a transdenominational ministry with a holistic approach. She will make eight to 10 trips per year to Honduras with health care teams. Friends e-mail Cindy at cpenhorwood@hth.org.
Jennifer (Gabe) Ritchie BA — see The College, 1983.
Jennifer (Babcock) Stepp BA and her husband, Sean, announce the birth of their first child, Owen Reid, on July 7, 2004. They live in Indianapolis.
Bill Waltenbaugh BA is a co-pastor at Headwaters Contemporary Christian Community along with his brother-in-law, Ernie Durbin II BA ’82.
Class of 1991 Top of page
Heather (Williams) Caudill BA and her husband, Kelly, welcomed a daughter, Kiersten Marie, born June 1, 2004. She weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz and was 19 3/4 inches long despite being born three weeks early. Proud grandma, Marj “Maggie” Williams BA, enjoyed every minute she could with her granddaughter.
Anita Hunt Glaze BA and her husband, Ryan, announce the birth of their second son, Gabriel Josiah, born on Sept. 14, 2004. He joins brother Gavin, 2. Anita continues to serve as the principal at Eastbrook Junior High School, Marion, Ind.
Shanu Kothari BA is the director of minimally invasive bariatric surgery at Gundersen Clinic in La Crosse, Wis. His wife, Peg, is a nurse practitioner turned stay-at-home mom with their daughters, Brittany, 4, and Samantha, 2. Shanu writes, “I am very involved in academic surgical research and presented some of my research at an international surgical meeting in Salamanca, Spain. I also led a medical mission to Gramothe, Haiti, and was the first surgeon to ever visit this village. I performed more than 35 surgical procedures in four days.” Shanu was recently appointed to the National Faculty of Bariatric Surgery by the American College of Surgeons and is the youngest surgeon in the country to achieve this title.
Dawn (Phipps) Matheson BA and her husband, Jim, announce the birth of Arianna Grace on June 25, 2004.
Angie (Black) Mitchell BS writes, “I wanted to say thank you to the women’s volleyball team for their participation in the Race for the Cure. I am a recent survivor of breast cancer. On March 5, 2003, I was 33 weeks pregnant, 33 years old, and diagnosed with a very aggressive breast cancer. On March 13, 2003, I had a lumpectomy and then a couple of weeks later, I was able to have our baby. I have spent the last year and a half going through chemotherapy, radiation, and most recently I had a 22-hour surgery. My cancer was found to be genetic, which meant I had as high as an 88-percent chance of more breast cancer and a 60-percent chance of ovarian cancer. On June 23, 2004, I had a bilateral mastectomy, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and reconstruction done to prevent, as much as possible, more cancer. I am so thankful for people who have given of themselves (like the volleyball team) to help in the research that has helped save my life.” Jerry Socha — see The College, 1993.
Laryssa Solms BA was promoted to regional students services coordinator for the Cleveland Campus of Indiana Wesleyan University’s College of Adult and Professional Studies.
Class of 1992 Top of page
Melissa (Wilkie) Hopkins BA and her husband, Mitchell, announce the birth of their third son, Brandon, on Feb. 18, 2004. Melissa works part time in a local emergency room as a physician assistant. “We are busy with the kids but are having a great time,” Melissa writes. E-mail her at melissa82292@ameritech.net.
David Troutman BA ’92 — see The College, 1994.
Class of 1993 Top of page
Clint Cushman BA and Lori (Welch) Cushman BA ’94 announce the birth of Anna Jeanine on April 24, 2003. Anna has two sisters — Madison, 6, and Emma, 4. Clint is an assistant principal in Indianapolis Public Schools. He coaches the Indiana Bulls baseball team and is a regional scout for the New York Mets. Lori job-shares a gifted and talented teaching position in Noblesville Public Schools. The family lives in Fishers, Ind.
Toby Wells BA ’93 — see The College, 1996.
Jennifer Hatchel-Kirkwood BA — see The College, 1996.
Erin (Moore) Socha BA and Jerry Socha ’92 announce the addition of a third son to their family. Erin and Jerry brought home Andrew Maxim Socha, 9, from Surgut, Russia, in October. He joins two younger brothers, John, 6, and Paul, 3, both adopted from Vietnam. “The boys are adjusting beautifully together! Please feel free to e-mail us at esocha@cinci.rr.com.”
Wayne Thomas is working in the insurance industry as well as toward a career in photography. He plays in the Wyoming Symphony. He plans to travel to China in the spring to photograph remote villages. He would love to hear from other alumni at usawayne@yahoo.com.
Class of 1994 Top of page
Judd Benefiel BA and his wife, Krissa, announce the birth of Jake Michael on July 14, 2004. Judd writes, “His two sisters, Micaela and Morgan, haven’t stopped kissing him yet.”
Magdalyn Burlington BA returned to the Cayman Islands after graduation and would love to hear from anyone who was in her class. Contact her at mdburlington@hotmail.com.
Lori (Welch) Cushman BA — see The College, 1993.
Andrea DeLee BA married Armando Risi on June 7, 2004, on a beach in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Family and friends from the Midwest, Switzerland, and Florida gathered for the celebration. Andrea and Armando live in Tampa, Fla.
Wendy (Wilson) Frank BA and her husband, Clay, announce the birth of their second son, Brendan Clay on Dec. 29, 2003. He was welcomed home by big brother Jacob, age 3.
Penny (Donahue) Hadley BSN and her husband, Dave, announce the birth of Ethan David on June 19, 2004. Friends can e-mail the Hadley family at psdonahue@msn.com.
Sean Hosfield BA and his wife, Heather, announce the birth of their second child, Andrew Douglas, on July 31, 2004. Their daughter, Holly, is 4.
Jamie (Hawes) Jungerheld BA and her husband, Joseph, announce the birth of their second child, Julie Lynn, on April 13, 2004. Jamie works at a hospital in Lansing, Mich. Friends may e-mail her at jamiehawesz1017@hotmail.com.
Jaree (Shockey) Kratzer BA is senior pastor of the Church of God in Bremen, Ind. Bryan Kratzer ’96 is the pastor of worship and student ministries at the Church of God in Bremen. They write, “We are enjoying our ministry. God is blessing our lives in so many ways.” Friends may e-mail them at Bremenchog@kconline.com.
Angela (Beyer) Lurton BA — see The College, 1995.
Gary Sammons BA — see The College, 1999.
Scott Strawn BA accepted a position as director of residence life at Santa Clara University in California. He and his wife, Cambra, would love to hear from AU friends at sstrawn@scu.edu.
Allison (McCormick) Stroud BA and Scott Stroud BA welcomed a daughter, Grace, on March 17, 2004. Allison writes, “Austin, 5, and Lauren, 3, are excited to have baby Grace with us. She is truly a gift from God.”
Cara (Santeusanio) Troutman BA and David Troutman BA ’92 welcomed their first child, Justine Ashley, on Oct. 17, 2003.
Class of 1995 Top of page
Charles Bush BA writes that he and his family are safe and sound in the Cayman Islands. He writes, “The Cayman Islands were devastated by a category 5 hurricane in September. It was a horrifying experience, but God sustained us throughout the night and into the morning. I am thankful for being alive and indeed for the amazingly low loss of life from the hurricane (only two deaths). Despite some damage to my home and the destruction on Grand Cayman, I am encouraged that God will sustain us throughout the many days to come.” Charles adds that Beckie Ebanks BA and Magdalyn Burlington BA ’94 and their families also safely survived the hurricane.
Dale Cardozo BA and Beth (Armstrong) Cardozo BA ’96 welcomed their third daughter, Katherine Louise, on Aug. 27, 2004.
Sheree (Mashack) Gardner and her husband, Mark, have moved from New York to Anderson, Ind., with their two children. Mark works at AU, and Sheree works for the Women of the Church of God.
Matt Lurton BA and Angela (Beyer) Lurton BA ’94 announce the births of Jeremiah Luke and Benjamin Zachariah on June 17, 2004. The twins were welcomed home by brothers Elijah, 4, and Jonah, 2. The family lives in Fishers, Ind. Matt is working for Benefit Concepts of Indiana as a benefit consultant, and Angela is a full-time mom while telecommuting part-time in human resources for DDB Los Angeles.
Jennifer Maurizio BA married Joel Lohr on Nov. 8, 2003. Julia Walden BA was a bridesmaid in the wedding. Jennifer and Joel live at 2050 E. 18 N. Road, Stonington, IL 62567.
Martin Russell BA and Laura (Young) Russell ’97 announce the birth of their first child, Grant Thomas, on July 20, 2003. Martin worked as the campaign director for Congressman Mike Turner, and Laura is a social worker for a retirement community in the Dayton, Ohio, area.
Mike Scheiderer BA is a stay-at-home dad. He works from home due to complications associated with multiple sclerosis. Julie Robinson BA is celebrating her 10th year of being cancer-free. Friends may e-mail them at scheidererj@mechanicsburg.k12.oh.us. Mike and Julie writes that prayers are welcome as they seek to enlarge their family.
Class of 1996 Top of page
Katherine (Louise) Cardoza — see The College, 1995.
Alison (Edgar) Hannon BA — see The School of Theology, 2000.
Pat Hannon BA, MDiv ’00 — see The School of Theology, 2000.
Tal Kirkwood BA and Jennifer Hatchel-Kirkwood BA ’93 welcomed their third child, Charlie, to the family in January 2004. The 3-year-old twins, Jack and Maggie, are adjusting fine to the new addition. Jenny enjoys being a stay-at-home mom. Tal is in his sixth year with Alcon Labs as a medical sales representative.
Carrie (Kall) Koors BA and her husband, Ryan, announce the birth of their second child, Ella Kathleen, on June 8, 2004. She was welcomed home by Bradden, 2. The family lives in Cincinnati, where Carrie is a stay-at-home mom and Ryan works for Johnson & Johnson’s finance department. Their e-mail address is Carrie_K_2002@yahoo.com. Bryan Kratzer — see The College, 1994.
Jenny (Jones) Miller BA had a son, Griffin Tate, on July 27, 2004, two weeks before she graduated from Vanderbilt University with a master’s degree in nursing. Jenny is working part time as an FNP at Hope Clinic for Women, which serves women in crisis. Her husband, Brent Miller BA, also works at the Hope Clinic as a business administrator.
Becky (Weis) Ousley BA is a CPA at Comerford & Company, CPAs. Chris Ousley BA ’97 is a loan officer at Beacon Credit Union in Marion, Ind. Becky writes, “We’re having fun with our 1-year-old daughter, Katie, and our nephew, Nick, who’s 16.”
Kristi (Pentz) Wiebe — see The College, 1997.
Kellie (O’Hair) Shepherd BA and Chad Shepherd BA announce the addition of Aleksandra Elise to their family. They adopted Sasha from Moscow on May 11, 2004. She was born Sept. 22, 2003. Kellie writes, “Big brother Caleb and Mom and Dad could not love little Sasha more, and God could not have made a better match for our family!” Kevin Stanton BA accepted the position of assistant principal at Roncalli High School in Indianapolis for the 2004-05 school year.
Christa (Rogers) Wells BA and her husband, Toby Wells BA ’93, have been blessed with two more babies. Olivia Rowan was born in October 2003, and her brother, Zachary Tobin, was born in January 2004. Christa writes, “Zachary came home from Guatemala in June. It’s been a challenging adjustment, but we are so thankful for all four. Aidan is now 6 and Sofia is 3.”
Christy (Locke) Westberg and her husband, Eric, had their second child, Nathan Eric, on Feb. 2, 2003. He was welcomed home by big brother Austin, 3. The family lives in Andover, Minn., and Christy works as an emergency room nurse in a hospital in the Twin Cities.
Class of 1997 Top of page
Ryan Blackburn BA and his wife, Amy, announce the birth of Cora Louise on March 6, 2004. Ryan, Amy, RJ, and Cora relocated to Granville, Mich. E-mail them at ryan.blackburn@ronblue.com.
JB Bricker BA married Kyle Bone of Kane, Ill., on Sept. 4, 2004. Alumni in the wedding included Stephanie Bricker BS ’00, Christa Shoot BA ’96, Jennifer (Buckner) Atkinson BA ’99, Brian Schermerhorn BA ’96, and mother of the bride Betty Bricker AA ’98, BA ’00. Kyle and Jennifer live in Memphis where Kyle works at Memphis Motor Sports Park and Jennifer is a certified athletic trainer for the University of Memphis men’s basketball team.
Rachel Campbell BA — see The College, 1999.
Ben Davis BA and Marlo (Cookston) Davis BA announce the birth of Jillian Elizabeth on Dec. 19, 2003. The family moved from Dayton, Ohio, to Eaton, Ohio, where Ben is the executive director of the Preble County YMCA.
Greg Etchison BA and Beth (Cross) Etchison BA ’98 announce the birth of their first child, Abigail Nicole, on July 12, 2004. Beth is a pre-school teacher at The Playschool in Pendleton, Ind., and Greg is a product manager in the marketing department at Conseco Insurance Company in Carmel, Ind. The family lives in Anderson and can be reached at grege@insightbb.com.
Amber (Otis) Helton BA and her husband, Bill, announce the birth of their first child, Reese Henry, on Aug. 21, 2004. Amber’s e-mail address is ber23otis@hotmail.com. Natalie McCoy BA and her husband, Mike, announce the birth of Avery Jonathon on April 1, 2004. Natalie writes, “Big brother, Eli, 4, adores him.” Natalie is the controller of a corporation in New Castle.
Sonya McKinley BA has worked with BMG Music since 1998. She was promoted to inventory management three years ago. She oversees the AU Gospel Choir and writes that she “enjoys being associated with the campus once again.”
Karyn (Emerson) Norris BA and her husband, Rick, welcomed their second child, Richard Taylor, on March 30, 2004. He has a sister, Madisyn, who will be 3 in April. Rick and Karyn are pastors at Breakwater Church in Bellingham, Wash. E-mail them at knorris@breakwaterchurch.com.
Chris Ousley BA — see The College, 1996.
Michael Roberts BA and Nicole (Dunn) Roberts BA announce the birth of Luke Michael on Aug. 12, 2004. Michael has completed his residency in internal medicine and started a new job as a hospitalist at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Ala.
Laura (Young) Russell — see The College, 1995.
Chuck Wiebe BA and Kristi Pentz BA ’96 announce the birth of Andrew Noel on Jan. 22, 2004. Kristi’s job as a service coordinator for First Steps allows her to work mostly from home so she is able to spend many enjoyable days with Noel. Chuck teaches algebra and calculus at Lakeview Christian School.
Class of 1998 Top of page
Paul Christiansen BA and Niki (Carlisle) Christiansen BA announce the birth of Eliana “Ellie” Grace on Sept. 20, 2004. Eliana arrived two and a half weeks early because of complications and had to be delivered by emergency c-section. Paul writes, “I never knew that being a parent could bring such joy, love, and emotion (and sleep deprivation), and I am so thankful that God would entrust this precious gift to Niki and me.”
Kathleen (Sullivan) Dear BA teaches first grade at Beckwith Baptist School in DeRidder, La. She and her husband celebrated their first wedding anniversary in August. She is helping to raise two stepchildren, Philip, 12, and Tracy, 16. Friends may write to Kathleen at 155 Paul Dear Rd., DeRidder, LA 70634.
Beth (Cross) Etchison BA — see The College, 1997
Ember (Jeffers) Gourley BSN and her husband, Scott, announce the birth of their second daughter, Mia Grace, on April 16, 2004. Ember writes, “Big sister Clara Joie was very excited to have her at home. I enjoy being a stay-at-home mommy. God has blessed us with two beautiful, healthy children. Life doesn’t get any better than this.”
Abby (Hooley) Knox BA and Benji Knox BSN announce the birth of Sadie Kay on July 24, 2004. Her brother, Cameron James, is 2. Friends may e-mail them at benjiknox@yahoo.com.
Jennifer Martin BA married Adam Bellin on Dec. 27, 2003, in Middletown, Ohio, at Breiel Boulevard First Church of God. Barry Shafer BA ’83 and Martin Grubbs BA ’81 performed the ceremony. Other alumni in the wedding included Tina Duff Castle BA ’94, Cinda (DeYoung) Pelfrey BA ’86, Lanette Shabrae Jackson BA, Becky (Bail) Bell BA, and Earlie (Burkman) Carrao BA. Jennifer works as director of meetings with Music Teachers National Association and is working on her MBA at the University of Cincinnati. Adam is pursuing his MBA at Wright State University. They live in Centerville, Ohio.
Jennifer (Stershic) Ponce BSN and Tim Ponce BA announce the birth of Nora Elise on July 15, 2004. After finishing their assignment in the United Arab Emirates in October, the family moved to Casablanca, Morroco, where Tim is a consular officer at the U.S. Consulate General.
Amber (Lindsey) Snider BA and James Snider BA ’00 announce the birth of Marcus James on Aug. 25, 2004. Their daughter, Jessica, 2, “is very excited and loves her new ‘big sister’ status.”
Angela Targgart BA married Cary Stauffer on Sept. 6, 2003. They live in Columbia City, Ind.
Winter Troxel BA and his wife, Corrie, announce the birth of a son, Braxton James, on Jan. 5, 2004.
Jessica Unger BA teaches science and Spanish to fifth- through eighth-graders at Central Christian School in Fort Wayne, Ind. Friends may e-mail Jessica at JESSLUNGER25@hotmail.com.
Kristi Wilson BA teaches second grade in California. She finished her master’s degree in the fall. Friends may e-mail her at kristilynn75@hotmail.com.
Class of 1999 Top of page
Brian (Campbell) BA is studying in Indianapolis at Christian Theological Seminary and is the student-local pastor at Spiceland United Methodist Church. He received the Saltzburg Second-Chance Academic Scholarship, which will enable him to finish his Master of Divinity degree in 2005. He writes, “I recently participated in a study tour to the new Republic of South Africa. Our group from Christian Theological Seminary went to study how religious, civil, medical, and academic communities are combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic.” Rachel Campbell BA ’97 completed the TIP program at AU in 2004. She is the director of youth and Christian education at Spiceland United Methodist Church. She teaches eighth-grade English at Benjamin Rush Middle School.
Jennifer (New) Dominianni BA and her husband, David, announce the birth of Natania Brianne on July 28, 2004. Friends may e-mail Jennifer at jenniferkathlene@yahoo.com. Dalane Epp BA and his wife, Hannah, announce the birth of Adele Elyse on Aug. 10, 2004. Dalane graduated from Kansas State Veterinary School in 2003 and is a veterinarian in Albia, Iowa.
Tim Forsyth moved to Germany in August to be a manager at an Armed Forces resort in Garmisch. “The Alps are in my backyard, and I love the beauty of Bayern,” he writes. In August 2002, Tim was diagnosed with aniplastic astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer. “It was a lemon-sized cancerous tumor, and I had a crainiotomy.” The operation was followed by radiation. “I currently have clean MRIs, but the cancer is known to grow back,” he explains. “The doctors’ prognosis is that I should be dead by age 30.” Tim has decided to push the limits. Even though doctors said he could never go up or down in altitude due to swelling in his brain, he became certified in SCUBA and climbed up to 16,800 feet in the Indian Himalayas without having to take any medications for altitude sickness or brain swelling. He was told he’d never regain muscular endurance, but he completed a half Ironman triathlon this past summer. “God has used me to reach out to many people who ask how I can still go on in life.”
Sandy Lehman BA married Dennis York on June 20. 2004. Michelle Suits BA ’98 and Suzy Lehman-Wegner BA ’92 participated in the wedding. Sandy teaches music at Northside Middle School.
Jeremy Sampsell and his wife, Kelly, celebrated their second wedding anniversary in January. They live in Marietta, Ga., and are members of First Baptist Church in Woodstock. Kelly is an operating room nurse for Marietta Surgical Center, and Jeremy is a financial center manager for South Trust Bank. They would love to hear from friends at jsampsell@yahoo.com.
Carly Schneider BA returned to Ohio after spending three years as a missionary teacher in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She is the director of youth and children’s ministry at Sulphur Grove United Methodist Church in Huber Heights.
Erin (Mobley) Thompson BA and her husband, Jason, announce the birth of Andrew Scott on June 12, 2004. Erin returned to work only part time so she could spend more time at home with Andrew.
Karina Vaas BA married Gary Sammons BA ’94 on May 1, 2004, in Columbus, Ohio. Alumni in the wedding included Kristian Anderson BA ’96, Jim Alkire ’92, Kori Flaum Bennett ’96, and Courtni Jeffers ’95. Karina mentors high school students at Foresight Training Company, and Gary is an attorney with Sterling Commerce. Friends may e-mail Karina and Gary at karinasammons@yahoo.com or sammons _gs@yahoo.com.
Aeryn Williams BA recently moved back to Connecticut after living in Charlotte, N.C., for the past three years. She is in retail management and is enjoying getting back in touch with old friends.
Josh Winkler BA married Heather Wolfert BA on July 10, 2004. Alumni participating in the wedding included Aimee (Lampert) Kelly BA ’97, Kerri (Whitaker) Harris BA ’97, Jenny (Ifert) Cissell BSN, Jeff Scott BA, and Matt Kettlebar BA. Josh and Heather live in downtown Chicago.
Class of 2000 Top of page
Adam Davis BA married Katie Kaelber BA ’02 on Jan. 24, 2004, in Ohio. They are living in Winston-Salem, N.C. Adam is in divinity school at Wake Forest, and Katie is working on a Master of Fine Arts at the University of North Carolina.
Shannon (Simpson) Deyhle BA and her husband, Vaughn, have taken a three-year assignment at Woodstock School in Mussoorie Uttaranchal, India, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is an international school with students from all over the world. Shannon and Vaughn are dorm parents for ninth-grade boys.
Julie Ann Harness BA married Randy Dickey ’02 on June 26, 2004. Alumni in the wedding including Jennifer Kibbey BA ’01, Kori (Casey) Yancey BA, and Chris Zeilinga BA ’01.
Matthew Ladewski BA married Julia Kaufman ’01 at Cedar Lake, Ind., on July 31, 2004. They live in Buffalo, N.Y., where Matthew works for Credit Management Services and Julia is a strength coach at the University of Buffalo.
Jennifer Laslo BA married Brent Carlson on March 27, 2004 at Anaeho’omalu Bay, Hawaii. Alumni in the wedding included Laura (Laslo) Graybill BA ’94 and Amy (Laslo) Stone BA ’97. Jennifer completed a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Colorado in Denver in May 2003. Jennifer and Brent live in Dallas. Friends may e-mail Jennifer at jenniferlaslo@yahoo.com.
Laura Mackness BA married Aaron Fair on Sept. 5, 2004, in Anderson, Ind. Alumni in the wedding included Sarah Matas BA ’02, Kim Marlow BA ’99, Nancy (Henry) Scott BA, Sara Cook BA ’99, Amy (Mackness) Anthony BA ’94, and Aaron Harrell BA ’02. Aaron is a police officer for the Evansville Police Department.
Aaron Mercer BA married Jenna Stage on Oct. 5, 2002. Jenna, a Ball State graduate, works in marketing.
Jay Noble BA — see The College, 2002.
Kathy Preston BA married Erasmo Garcia on July 3, 2004. Alumni in the wedding included Holly (Aarron) Joplin BA and Elizabeth (Marshall) Keener BA. Friends may e-mail Kathy at kathyterp@yahoo.com.
Beth (Miller) Ramsey BSN and her husband, John, announce the birth of Alexa Paige on June 21, 2004. Beth works in the emergency room for Parkview Hospitals in Fort Wayne, Ind. John works at Paragon Medical in Warsaw.
James Snider BA — see The College, 1998.
Class of 2001 Top of page
Allison Cooprider BSN married Andrew Sampson on Jan. 4, 2004. Lisa Sapp BSN ’04 was an attendant in the wedding. Allison and Andrew are working as a pastoring couple for a church in Baltimore, Md. Allison is also working in the emergency room at John Hopkins.
Steve Davis BA graduated from Indiana University’s School of Law in May 2004. He is an associate at Ice Miller, a law firm in Indianapolis. He and Sara (Graber) Davis BA live in Westfield, Ind. Sara is an art director for Sunrise Greetings/InterArt in Bloomington.
Suzanne Ekstrom BSN married Ed Worthington in Mumford, N.Y., on May 22, 2004. Alumna Melissa VonHolle BA participated in the wedding. Suzanne and Ed live in Baltimore and are “excited about what God has in store.”
Julia Kaufman — see The College, 2000.
Sarah Noble BA attends Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C., where she is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in painting.
Paul Post BA and Kristy (Wilson) Post BA ’02 announce the birth of Wyatt Alan on July 9, 2004. Friends may e-mail them at k5andcop@earthlink.net.
Jason Rowe BA and Sarah (Myers) Rowe BA announce the birth of a son, Talon, on March 26, 2004.
Kami Lyn Schwerdtfeger BA completed a master’s degree in family studies and human services with a specialization in marriage and family therapy. She received her degree in August from Kansas State University. She moved to Lubbock, Texas, and has begun work on a doctorate in marriage and family therapy at Texas Tech University.
Evonne Wheatley BA lives in Branson, Mo., and is the resident director of one of the girls’ dorms at the College of the Ozarks.
Class of 2002 Top of page
Dustin A. Daugherty BA earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from the University of Cincinnati in June 2004. He moved back to central Ohio to be close to family and friends while looking for a position teaching sculpture.
Randy Dickey — see The College, 2000.
Kelly Dittman BA has accepted the position of children’s pastor at the Hucrest Community Church of God in Roseburg, Ore.
Nicole (Ross) Dolson BA and her husband, Chris, purchased a condo in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. Nicole teaches vocal music at eight elementary schools in Orange Unified School District. Friends may contact Nicole at ndolson@orangeusd.k12.ca.us.
Becca Hanning BA lived in Los Angeles for two years. She has returned to her hometown of Cincinnati, where she is an account executive in promotions, marketing, and event planning for Momentum Worldwide.
Katie Kaelber BA — see The College, 2000.
Matthew Kocher BA — see The College, 2004.
Ann Rust BA teaches ceramics full time at Naperville North High School.
Heidi Leitzke BA attends Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C., where she is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in painting. Her husband, Jay Noble BA ’00, teaches undergraduate art courses at WCU. They live in Waynesville, N.C.
Cheryl McDowell BA married Eric Stewart on March 13, 2004, in New Albany, Ind. They enjoyed a two-week honeymoon in Florida and a Caribbean cruise.
Amy Mock BA is assistant director at Tree Climbers Development Center in Anderson, Ind. She has a 1-year-old son, Caleb.
Kristy (Wilson) Post BA — see The College, 2001.
Amanda Sheets BA married Justin Ballard on July 17, 2004. Julie Horstman BA was the maid of honor.
Stephanie (Highley) Simpson BA — see The College, 2004.
Kara (Miller) Strother BSN and Marty Strother BA moved back to Indiana after living in Tennessee for two years. Marty teaches sixth-grade math in the Hamilton Southeastern school district. They are taking classes to become licensed foster parents.
Sarah Thevenin BA is working on a master’s degree in student affairs administration at Indiana University. She has a graduate assistantship as an assistant director of student housing at Hanover College. She writes, “I’m very excited to be living at a small liberal arts college while experiencing the academic life at a large research university.”
Class of 2003 Top of page
Ryan Bertschman BA writes, “A month after getting a job with the Detroit Pistons, we won the NBA World Championship. Then a month after that, I got married to a beautiful woman, Rachel Diane Reed. What a summer!”
Frank Eaton BA teaches physical education and is the athletic director for North Dayton School of Discovery. He is also the youth pastor at Maple Avenue Church of God.
Tia Goodwin BA married Jerry Webb BA on June 26, 2004, in Ohio. They live in Atlanta. Tia is in her second year at the Psychological Studies Institute, where she is completing a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy with a specialization in child and adolescent therapy. Jerry is working at Bank of America, but he is also seeking a position in a church.
Jennifer Jourdan BA married Eric Heuer BA on June 26, 2004. Eric is a new homes specialist for Granite Ridge Builders in Fort Wayne, Ind. Jennifer teaches first grade at Blackhawk Christian School.
Noah Koontz BA lives in Muncie, Ind., and is the database coordinator for Minnetrista.
Jay Lanham BA married Marla Yoder BA on July 19, 2003. Marla is a physical education teacher at Lemon Bay High School. Jay and Marla celebrated the birth of a daughter, Maylee Jae, on July 3, 2004.
Sarah Lantz BA returned from spending six months working at Hospital Loma de Luz in Balfate, Honduras. She is in her first year of medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Jen Meyer BA worked at Starbucks after graduation. “It was something I always wanted to do and now I have. I loved it,” she writes. “But now I am doing what really excites — serving the Lord in residence life.” She is a resident director at Houghton College. “I am reminded daily of those who shaped me from my college residence life experience and am thankful for AU’s impact on me. And my time in Indiana winters will be good practice for the winters in New York!”
Alesha Rowe BA is a counselor in Jackson County, Mich., for Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County. She works with families in crisis. She explains, “I work a 24/7 crisis-intervention program with families that have substantiated abuse and neglect charges. I meet in-home daily with families and help them get back on their feet. I help find transportation, employment, and food; teach parenting skills; and assist clients with basic needs.”
Class of 2004 Top of page
Mandy (Overton) Altum BA writes that she and her husband teach Sunday school at Beech Park Baptist Church in Oliver Springs, Tenn. Her husband owns his own business and she just received her insurance license and is working for State Farm.
Sarah Ashton BA married Matthew Kocher BA ’02 on July 17, 2004. Alumni in the wedding included Jon Walls BA ’02 and Heather Jo Anderson BA ’03, as well as AU students Amy Ferguson and Melissa Fronckowiak.
Sarah Church BA married Jonathan Childress on June 12, 2004. Jon, who is from Farmland, Ind., is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. They live in Pensacola, Fla., where Jon is going through flight school training. Sarah teaches third grade at O.J. Semmes Elementary School.
Faith Gallian BA is an advertising executive for the Sullivan Daily Times. She manages existing accounts and recruits new accounts. She is also in charge of page layouts.
Jason Simpson BA and Stephanie (Highley) Simpson BA ’02 have bought a house and moved to Castleton, Ind. Jason is an electrical assistant for a construction company and Stephanie teaches at a Christian school in Castleton.
School of Theology Top of page
Robert Brooke MDiv lives in Moore, Okla., with his wife, Barbara. After ministry as a home missionary at Wounded Knee, S.D., pastorates in La Junta and Greeley, Colo., and retirement from the U.S. Army Reserve as a chaplain, Bob now coordinates a foster parent recruitment and support program for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services through the Oklahoma United Methodist Church.
Ron Mitchell BA ’76, MDiv was promoted to third-shift manager of G.L. Services, a 180,000 square-foot Cincinnati warehouse and distribution center for Gospel Light Publications. Ron is an ordained Church of God minister. He served as an associate and senior pastor for 24 years before finding employment outside of the church. His wife, Kristina (Lawyer) Mitchell ’74, works for the claims department of Cincinnati Financial Corporation of Fairfield, Ohio. They have two children, Erik and Angela, who attend AU.
Bob O’Dell BA ’82, MDiv was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force on July 1, 2004. He received orders to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where he is the wing chaplain. He is responsible for the spiritual welfare of the Air Force members and their families as the senior pastor assigned to Luke. He and his wife, Linda (Morton) O’Dell BA ’80, have three children.
David Root MDiv — see The College, 1979.
Steve Fritchman MDiv lives in Anderson, Ind. His wife, Becky, works in the Admissions Office at AU. They have two daughters — Megan, 10, and Morgan, 8.
Brenda Burnworth MDiv was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church in 2003.
Pat Hannon BA ’96, MDiv and Alison (Edgar) Hannon BA ’96 announce the birth of Ashlyn Grace on May 9, 2004. Eliana, who will be 2 in February, enjoys her baby sister. Pat began the Doctor of Ministry program at the SOT in September and continues to pastor at Faith Community Church in Grayson, Ga. Alison is a stay-at-home mom. Visit their Web site at www.thehannons.net.
