Class Notes
1956 | 1957 | 1962 | 1968 | 1969 | 1971 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 1988 | 1990 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 School of Theology
Class of 1956 Top of page
Norma (Englund) Smith — see The College, 1957.
Class of 1957 Top of page
Tom Smith BA and Norma (Englund) Smith ’57 have five Christian schools in south Sudan. They have trained leaders while in Egypt, where they served more than 1,000 students every year for eight years. They then turned their attention to Sudan.
Class of 1962 Top of page
Nyle Kardatzke BS retired as the head of school at Sycamore School in Indianapolis in June 2006 and began full-time work with Liberty Fund as a senior fellow in September 2006.
Class of 1968 Top of page
Frederick Clemens BA, MDiv ’72 — see The School of Theology, 1972.
Carl Kramer BA writes that his newest book, This Place We Call Home: A History of Clark County, Indiana, was published in September by Indiana University Press. Carl teaches at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Ind.
Class of 1969 Top of page
Charles “Skip” Pluhar BA has retired from teaching after 32½ years. His career included two years at Ball State and six years at AU in the chemistry department.
Class of 1971 Top of page
Bonnie (Callison) Newell BA, MRE ’80 — see The School of Theology, 1980.
Class of 1976 Top of page
Jodie (Gross) Ackerman BA is in her 10th year of teaching kindergarten at Quisqueya Christian School, an international school in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Larry Hughes BA — see The College, 1978.
Eric Newell BA, MDiv ’79, DMin ’05 — see The School of Theology, 1980.
Class of 1977 Top of page
Sherman Critser BA, MA ’79, DMin ’05 — see The School of Theology, 2005.
Class of 1978 Top of page
Nancy (Neubacher) Hughes BA continues to use her administrative skills to serve nonprofit organizations. She currently directs the St. Louis Poetry Center, a 60-year-old nonprofit serving poets and literacy issues for the St. Louis community. She continues to stay involved in the visual arts. She and Larry Hughes BA ’76 have two sons — Harper, a high school senior, and Jake, an eighth-grader.
Class of 1980 Top of page
Desiree (Sheetz) Flowers has taken a position as business/operations manager for an audio-video integration company. She is learning how to do all types of sound conferencing and audio-video conferencing. She has gone back to school to finish her degree at Indiana Wesleyan University in Louisville, Ky. Her oldest son is enrolled at the University of Louisville. Her youngest is in eighth grade.
Debbie McNuer BA, MRE ’84 — see The School of Theology, 1984.
Timothy Joseph Yoakum was married in June to Kelly. He has a stepdaughter, Kayleigh.
Class of 1981 Top of page
Cindy (Runyan) Tucker announces that she is now a grandmother. Hailey Grace Leslie was born Oct. 24, 2006. Cindy’s daughter is married and on her own. Cindy’s oldest son is a high school senior and planning a career in the Marines. Her youngest son is a high school freshman. Both boys are wrestlers.
Class of 1982 Top of page
Jane (Hammond) Wendt BA — see The College, 1983.
Class of 1983 Top of page
Joy (Joannides) McKay BA lives in Scottsbluff, Neb. She has been at First National Bank for almost eight years. Her husband, Brent, is operations manager at Staples. Their younger son, Andy, is a high school senior, and older son, Ben, is in his second year of college in Laramie, Wy.
Barry Shafer BA has been named the lead pastor of Centerville Christian Fellowship Church in Ohio. Barry has been the congregation’s interim pastor since August 2007. In an effort to equip young people and youth workers with a comprehensive understanding of the Bible, Barry founded InWord Resources in 1996. It is a nonprofit Bible study ministry. Through InWord, Barry has written or co-written 16 Bible studies and student devotionals. He is a frequent speaker for Youth Specialities’ National Youth Workers conventions and has led numerous youth conferences, retreats, and youth camps through the United States.
Bob Wendt BA and Jane (Hammond) Wendt BA ’82 are working as SEND International Missionaries in Glennallen, Alaska. Bob is the vice-president of student development and dean of men at Alaska Bible College. Jane is an English instructor at Alaska Bible College. Jane is also very active as a substitute at the high school where their 16-year-old son, Daniel, is a junior. Bob is worship leader at their church and assistant coach for the high school hockey team.
Class of 1985 Top of page
Troy Akers BA completed 23 years of coaching high school football. His son, Tyler, is a freshman at AU and playing on the football team. His daughter, Tara, is a junior at Warsaw High School and involved in athletics and drama. His wife, Tracey, is a school nurse.
Class of 1986 Top of page
Maria (Carnegis) Williams BA writes, “I moved from Hawaii back to the mainland in 2004 when my son was born. I’m enjoying being a full-time mom and living in Kernersville, N.C. My son, Ted, is 3 years old.” Maria would love to receive news from classmates at koele77@yahoo.com.
Class of 1987 Top of page
James “Jay” Barnes BA and his wife, Sharon, announce the birth of their fifth child, Keiryn Alannah, on Nov. 30, 2007. She was welcomed home by Kayle, 21; Kendre, 17; Garyth, 15; and Kelcea, 13. The family lives in Omaha, Neb., where James works at Union Pacific Railroad. Friends may e-mail him at jeb865@ hotmail.com.
Paula Diehl BA married Tim Davis in November 2006. Tim is a PGA golf pro. Paula received her Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification in 2005 and is perfecting her craft as the HR director for national quality supplier Preferred Sourcing. The couple live in Noblesville, Ind. Paula can be e-mailed at pdavis@preferredsourcing.com.
Jeff Nelson BA and his wife, Jill, announce the arrival of son Jesse, born Feb. 1, 2007. Jesse was adopted from Guatemala and was welcomed home on Nov. 3, 2007, by his sister, Kendal, 14, and brother, Elijah, 4.
Jean Ann Whitsell-Sherman BA was named the Gruenewald House Director in the fall of 2005.
Class of 1988 Top of page
Craig Palmer BA announces the birth of his son, Brody Wilson, on Dec. 11, 2007.
Class of 1990 Top of page
Carmen D’Arcy BA has signed Brickstreet Records and Martingale Music as a worship artist. Her debut CD is titled A Place Called Grace. It was released April 15.
Alan Leach BA and Kimberly Leach BA have moved back to the Midwest after spending six years in beautiful Mesa, Ariz. Alan is pastoring at New Springfield Church of God in Northeast Ohio. They would love to hear from friends at Alkim@att.net.
Kyle Lewis BA and his wife, Tresha, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Kyra Lillian. Kyra was welcomed home by 12-year-old brother, Trei. To see pictures of the baby or to get in contact with the family, visit their Web site at www.thekman.com.
Class of 1993 Top of page
Shirley Blaize BA received a sales license in real estate after graduating from AU. She has been active in that career ever since in the Anderson/Madison County area.
Heather (Ferguson) Brock BA writes, “Since moving to Minnesota in 2005, our family has experienced a lot of big changes. Our best change was welcoming Lucas Matthew into our family on June 8, 2007. He is truly a gift to all of us, including big brother Ryan.”
Brian Burnett BA and Michelle (Ruthenburg) Burnett BA ’95, MEd ’99 live in Alexandria, Ind., with their two children. Michelle is a high school math teacher at Alexandria-Monroe High School. Brian was sworn in as police chief on Jan. 1, 2008. Jeremy Rasmussen BA ’96 was sworn in as assistant chief on the same day.
Chris Dibble BA writes, “On Oct. 22, 2007, I lost my spiritual super hero — my 67-year-old father. My father encouraged me to attend a Christian university. Since leaving AU, I can see why my father wanted me to attend a Christian school. My life and what I do in ministry are certainly because of my father. … A month after my father’s passing, God brought life back into my life. On Nov. 21, 2007, we welcomed home our new healthy daughter, Kaylee Grace. Every time I see my children, I see my father in them, and it makes me proud and blessed.”
Angela (Casassa) Sipe and her husband, Larry, announce the birth of their sixth child, Daniel Josiah, on Sept. 27, 2007. Last year, they also moved to Thermopolis, Wy., where Larry serves as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Angie continues to be a full-time homeschooling mom.
Class of 1994 Top of page
Angela (Royer) Hahn BA writes, “We have been blessed with two beautiful children, Zach, 3, and Elizabeth, 1. I would love to hear from friends at royerhahn@comcast.net.”
Heather (Kuck) Kendall BA and Darrell Kendall BA announce the birth of their second child. They write, “Shannon has been a wonderful addition to the Kendall family.”
Class of 1995 Top of page
Michelle (Ruthenburg) Burnett BA, MEd ’99 — see The College, 1993.
Charles Bush BA has moved to Atlanta and is working on a Master of Divinity degree at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He intends to pursue ordination in the Episcopal Church. His latest short story, “Broken Pieces,” was published in the fall 2007 issue of Open Minds Quarterly, a publication of Northern Initiative for Social Action in Ontario. He invites friends from the class of 1995 and former Smith Hall residents to contact him at cdbush@emory.edu.
Class of 1996 Top of page
Lydia Bootz BA married Richard Armstrong on Sept. 18, 2007. They live in Speedway, Ind. They celebrated the birth of their daughter, Kathleen Elizabeth, on Nov. 20, 2006. Lydia is a development officer for Purdue University, but she also continues to sing at and work with churches in areas of music ministry.
Lois Castillo BA has started her own business as a licensed chemical dependent counselor on Sept. 1, 2007. She has her LBSW and will test for her LMSW this year. She plans to eventually get her LCSW.
Brodey Hill is living in Grand Rapids, Mich. He and his wife, Dianne, have a 5-year-old son, Harrison. Brodey is a GIS analyst for the local Kent County government.
April (Carrell) Justice BA announces the birth of Landon Isaac on Aug. 27, 2007. “He is adorable, and we are so lucky to have him!” she writes. Her husband, Aaron, celebrated nine years as pastor of Faith Fellowship Church (www.strawchurch.com). April is in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker.
Jeremy Rasmussen BA — see The College, 1993.
Class of 1997 Top of page
Tricia (Leatherman) Miller BA announces the birth of a daughter, Carley, on May 12, 2006. She was welcomed home by sisters Madalynne and Gretchen. Tricia teaches part time in Elkhart Community Schools. She lives in Goshen, Ind., with her husband, who is a lawyer.
Jeff Webb BA — see The College, 2001.
Class of 1998 Top of page
Jennifer (Pierce) Denton BA announces the birth of Pavin Rhys on Nov. 6, 2007. He was welcomed home by a sister, Gracen.
Sarah Hall BA married David Noble BA ’01 on Dec. 29, 2007, in Mt. Sterling, Ky. Alumni in the wedding included Angela (Duran) Blessing BA, Mike Koch, Collin Taylor, Kendrick Mattocks, and Jim Gray BA ’99. Sarah will graduate from the University of Kentucky College of Law in May. David is an independent contractor. They live in Lexington, Ky.
Stephanie Lesnet BA announces the birth of Malachi James on Jan. 18, 2008. She writes, “I am loving life as a mom and enjoy seeing him grow and change every day.” Stephanie is a senior manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Indianapolis. Friends may reach her at lesnets@hotmail.com.
Josh Wright BA, MTS ’01 — see The School of Theology, 2001.
Class of 1999 Top of page
Jennifer (Buckner) Atkinson BA announces the birth of a son, Carter William, on Nov. 29, 2007. He was welcomed home by his sister, Evelyn Grace.
Michelle (Ruthenburg) Burnett BA ’95, MEd — see The College, 1993.
Jamie Conkling BA and his wife, Bev, have two children — a daughter, Reagan, 5, and a son, Hudson, 2. Jamie and Bev have served as worship pastors for the past seven years in Kansas and Missouri. Bev teaches fifth grade and is finishing her master’s degree in administration. Jamie received his ordination in 2004 from the Church of God. He currently serves as the worship pastor at the First Church of God in St. James, Mo. He continues to sing with the gospel group, Vision of Hope. In the last few years, they have released two more CD projects. PBS recently used one of their recordings in a documentary of Charles M. Schulz.
Candi (Kingsbury) Einspahr BA and her husband, Cliff, celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Lorelai Kaye, on July 1, 2007. Candi quit her job to stay home with Lorelai, but she plans to open a small in-home daycare. Lisa (Lamb) Felix BA and her husband, Barry, announce the birth of Levi Andrew on Dec. 26, 2007.
Carla (Warthan) Miller BA and her husband, Darrin, announce the birth of triplets. Delaney Joelle, Clark Harrison, and Dara Ann were born on July 10, 2007. Carla is now a stay-at-home mom. She writes, “Life is a blur right now, but we are so grateful that God blessed us with this special family.” Carla would love to hear from friends at carlaemiller@yahoo.com.
Katherine (Ewald) Olson BA and her husband, Lars, announce the birth of their first child, Carl Lawrence, on Oct. 4, 2007.
Benjamin Orewiler — see The College, 2001.
Class of 2000 Top of page
George Donovan BA married Kim Hahn on Sept. 4, 2007. Matt Barnett BA ’01 served as best man. George is a chemist at Eli Lilly. Kim is a broker at Charles Schwab. They live in Indianapolis.
Todd Hagerman BS was promoted to senior applications engineer in September 2007.
Kelly (Sanders) Olonoh BA and Ade Olonoh BA write, “Our second son, Jax, was born Oct. 17, 2007. Big brother Kai has been very sweet to him.”
Class of 2001 Top of page
Chris Martin BA and Sarah (Vettrus) Martin BA announce the birth of their first child, Benjamin Thomas, on June 17, 2007. “Ben is a wonderful blessing,” they write. “We’re enjoying watching him discover the world around him.” The family lives near Atlanta, where Chris is a communications project manager for Cox Enterprises, and Sarah is enjoying her new role as full-time mom. Friends may e-mail them at sarahmartin01@hotmail.com.
David Noble BA — see The College, 1998.
Jasmine (Guinn) Orewiler BSN and Benjamin Orewiler ’99 announce the birth of a son, Maddux Daniel, on Dec. 7, 2007. They write that big sister Aubrey is thrilled to have a brother.
Jenni (Reilly) Shaffer BA and Jason Shaffer BA ’02 announce the adoption of three sons — 3-year-old Justice and 2-year-olds Kiah and Boaz. They write, “Life with our three boys — often assumed to be triplets — is ever-changing and exhaustingly beautiful.” The Shaffer family has purchased a house in Houston, Texas, with the Webb family, headed by Monica Shay BSN ’02 and Jeff Webb BA ’97. The Shaffers and the Webbs are daily seeking out intentional community while striving to be the church in their neighborhood. Friends may reach Jenni and Jason at jrei407@hotmail.com or jshaffer@hbu.edu.
Heidi (Creech) Tankersley BA received her master’s degree in education from Olivet in April 2007. She married in July and purchased a new home. She would love to hear from friends at hstankersley@yahoo.com.
Class of 2002 Top of page
Kelly Hawkins writes that she is loving her new job with Hamilton County as the Help Desk coordinator. She is enjoying life with her boyfriend, Kevin, and his energetic 6-year-old son, Dylan. She obtained her first Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo last summer.
Cory Hooley BA taught at Carachipampa Christian School in Cochabamba, Bolivia, during the 2005-06 school year. In November 2006, he married Sarah. She teaches Bible at Blackhawk Christian School in Fort Wayne, Ind. Cory is the director of programming at Power House Youth Center, a Christian youth center located in New Haven, Ind. He also coaches a local high school girl’s basketball team. Friends may write to Cory at crhooley@yahoo.com.
Julie (Schimmoller) Jones BA announces the birth of her second daughter, Sarah. Sarah’s older sister, Megan, loves her and likes to help take care of her. Kari (Genzink) Ledebuhr BA and her husband, Mike, announce the birth of their first son, Ty Michael, on July 28, 2007.
Melanie Porter BA is pursuing a master’s degree in education at Medaille College in Buffalo, N.Y. She graduates May 16. She was nominated for the National Dean’s List for 2006-07. She was also nominated to participate in the International Scholars Laureate Program for the 2008 delegation in International Diplomacy and Relations. In May, following graduation, she will be sent to South Africa for two weeks.
Jennifer (Turner) Newell BA — see The School of Theology, 1980.
Jason Shaffer BA — see The College, 2001.
Monica Shay BSN — see The College, 2001.
Class of 2003 Top of page
Brad Ayres BA married Meggan Daniel on July 20, 2007, in Bristol, R.I. Alumni in the wedding included Aaron Larue BA and Andrew Smith BA. Brad and Meggan live in Boston, where Brad works as a project manager for John Hancock. Meggan works in sports marketing. Brad can be reached at bradleystephanayres@hotmail.com.
Matthew Cherry BA completed a master’s degree in sport pedagogy and sport administration at Purdue University in December 2007.
Joel Newell BA — see The School of Theology, 1980.
Class of 2004 Top of page
Alyssa (Henderson) Jameson BA writes, “After graduation, I moved to Springville, Calif., to work as an intern at an outdoor school, SCICON. It was a great year, and I met my current husband, Michael, while working there. He was a resident of Birmingham, England. It was a long process to get his visa to live here, despite his being married to a U.S. citizen. He has been here for just over a year (married for almost two) and slowly settling in. We have one dog and seven cats, but no kids yet. We are both teachers and stay plenty busy with lots of activities. I teach fifth grade at Springville Elementary, and Michael teaches eighth-grade science in Visalia.”
Amber Wojton BA married Josh Haas on Oct. 6, 2007, in Dayton, Ohio. Amber and Josh live just north of Dayton in the village of Phillipsburg. Both Amber and Josh work for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office as deputy sheriffs.
Class of 2005 Top of page
Miriam Newell — see The School of Theology, 1980.
Class of 2006 Top of page
Denise (Roman) Donelson BA and her husband have moved to Denver. Denise is working on a master’s degree in community counseling at Argosy University. She is also working in the behavioral health services field as a vocational coordinator.
Sheree “Ree Ree” (Mashack) Gardner BS has been married to Mark A. Gardner MTS ’07 for 11 years. They, along with their two children, Tehela, 8, and Levi, 6, have moved to Miami, Fla., to pastor the Northside Church of God. Friends may e-mail them at shereegardner@gmail.com or contact the church at (305) 693-2591, especially if you’re going to be in town.
School of Theology Top of page
1972 - Frederick Clemens BA ’68, MDiv welcomed his brother, Byron Clemens BA ’63, MDiv ’68 over the Thanksgiving holidays. Their sister, Betty Clemens BS ’57, joined them for a family get-together. Becky, Fred’s wife, also shared the meal and the visit.
1979 - Sherman Critser BA ’77, MA, DMin ’05 — see The School of Theology, 2005.
Eric Newell BA ’76, MDiv, DMin ’05 — see The School of Theology, 1980.
1980 - Bonnie (Callison) Newell BA ’71, MRE received the Doctor of Religious Studies degree from Trinity College of the Bible and Seminary in August 2007. Her dissertation project took her to Kenya in the summer of 2006 to pilot teacher training sessions at the Kima International School of Theology. Eric Newell BA ’76, MDiv ’79, DMin ’05 is pastor of pastoral care at the Breiel Boulevard Church of God in Middletown, Ohio. The Newells have two children, Joel Newell BA ’03 and Miriam Newell BA ’05. Joel received his juris doctor degree in 2007 from the Thomas Cooley School of Law. He lives in Phoenix with his wife, Jennifer (Turner) Newell BA ’02, and their daughter, Isabella Grace. Miriam is a senior at the School of Theology. Bonnie teaches second grade for the Middletown City Schools in Middletown, Ohio. The couple can be reached at enewell@cinci.rr.com.
1984 - Debbie McNuer BA ’80, MRE lives in Hickory, N.C. She is in her 11th year with Catawba County School System and ninth year at Bandys High School. She teaches social studies, career management, and principles of business. She is actively involved in local politics and plans to run for city council in 2009. She is active in her local congregation. She has a Jack-Poo named Maude. She would love to hear from friends at crazywrits@gmail.com.
2000 - Todd Hagerman BS was promoted to senior applications engineer in September 2007.
2001 - Josh Wright BA ’98, MTS is working on a master’s degree in classics at Wayne State University in Detroit. He has been hired as the volunteer coordinator for Royal Oak First United Methodist church in Royal Oak, Mich., where Josh lives.
2005 - Sherman Critser BA ’77, MA ’79, DMin and his wife, Kay, are regional coordinators for Africa for the Church of God. They live in the Ivory Coast, West Africa.
Eric Newell BA ’76, MDiv ’79, DMin — see The School of Theology, 1980.
2007 - Mark A. Gardner MTS — see The College, 2006.
