Alumni Council

Austin Boon

I graduated from AU in 2011 with a BA in Psychology. I am contracted with Missouri State University to provide counseling for faculty, staff, and their families. I am also self-employed for counseling individuals, couples, and families, as well as providing an educational program for males who have been convicted of domestic abuse.

At AU, I loved learning from my professors and peers in the classes. It was more than just an education, it was food for my soul. 

I serve on the council because I want AU to continue to be a “home” for students to learn and become connected to God’s plan for their lives. I want to support the staff and faculty in each of their victories and challenges.

I am married to my wife Lisa, and we have two sons, Leo and Hudson.

Suze Fair

I am a 1987 BA Marketing and Management alumna, and I live in Fort Wayne with my husband Kelly BA ’86 & MDIV ’93.  I also had two daughters come through AU: Katie ’16 and MacKenzie ’20.  I serve as the Vice President of Clearspace Coaching and Consulting. During my student day, I was in Lami’Fidel social/service club, was involved in theatre and drama productions, and was on the student leadership team at North Anderson Church of God.

Gena (Buskirk) Ford

I graduated from Anderson University in 1986 with a degree in Communications and Religion as well as a sociology minor. I have good memories of building long-lasting friendships that continue today with fellow students and professors. I have been married to Wendell Ford, II for 26 years, and we have two children: Jessica and Wendell Ford, III. I volunteer as a youth leader for high school senior girls at Grace-Snellville, and while I have worked in the PR field for many years, I also am a certified personal trainer and photographer.

Eric Lindley

In 2002, I graduated from AU with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Then, returned to graduate with an MBA in 2011. Some of my greatest memories of AU include Tri-S trips, Encore, meeting my wife, friendships, and the Falls School of Business faculty. Currently, I serve as in-house legal counsel for Old National Bank’s trust division. My wife is a 2003 graduate from AU. We have two children, Grayson and Hannah. AU has had a great impact on my life, and as a result, I am excited to serve AU through the Alumni Council.    

Dr. Shanu Kothari

I graduated in 1991 with a bachelor of arts in Biology with a Chemistry minor from AU. I am a General Surgeon with the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Some of my favorite things about AU are the friendships made and the spiritual growth I experienced. I am a past president of the Wisconsin Surgical Society, ASMBS Board member, ACS Governor for Wisconsin. I am married to my wife, Peg, and we have two daughters, Brittany and Samantha.

I practiced as a general surgeon in Wisconsin for 19 years. I am currently the Vice Chair of Medical Staff Affairs, Department of Surgery, Prisma Health, Greenville SC. I am the President-Elect of the Southwestern Surgical Congress and the President-Elect of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Kenita Kyle

I graduated in 2015 from AU with my BA in Marketing. I work as an Associate Underwriter at Hallmark Financial Services. 

I have so many favorite moments and memories of Anderson University. My time serving in residence life and CAB graduate assistant was one the most enriching AU Experiences. The people I met during my time at AU have continued to enrich my life. 

Anderson University enhanced my life richly. I serve with a heart full of gratitude with the desire to help students and the leadership of Anderson University.

Phil Martinez

I graduated from AU in 2009. My degree is in Marketing and Psychology. I now work with Carter Logistics as management of logistics and supply chain. My favorite parts about AU are Dativus, chapel, the community, Falls School of Business, and SIFE (now Enactus). My wife Jaime and I have a baby daughter named Remi.

Karen (McDonald) Mayerick

I am a 2002 Informations System alumna, and I live in West Chester, Ohio with my husband Joe ’02 and our two daughters. I work for Zscaler as a Sales Engineering Manager. At AU, I was on the volleyball team for three years, was an RA, worked in Admissions and Advancement, and did one Tri-S trip with the volleyball team.

Philip Peters

• Lives in Franklin, TN
• Graduated in 2002 with a Marketing degree.
• He does Music Management for True Artist Management and also started a non-profit called Restore Haiti.
• Philip is married and has one son.

“My favorite thought about AU center around the close bond you can create with the people you are in contact with….from dorm life, classmates and the faculty and staff.”

Allyn (Samuel) Powell

I graduated from AU in 2005 with a degree in Biology. I work at the University of Maryland in the University Career Center. Some of my favorite things about AU were the Gospel Choir, Discipleship Coordinator program, Cultural Resource Center, and my time as an RD in Myers Hall.

AU was transformative for me. Serving on the Council allows me to stay connected and give back. 

I am married to Victor Powell BA, a 2005 alum, and we have two kids.

Ariana Milla Ramirez

I graduated from Anderson University in 2017 as a general study, business administration major, and I am currently working on my MBA at AU as well. I work as a graduate assistant and academic coordinator at Anderson University. During my time as a student, I enjoyed being able to build community through working in Res Life for 3 years and being fully involved in the Cultural Resources Center, especially with HLSA, and served on the MOSAIC committee for 4 years.

Amy (Ransom) Rouse

I graduated in 1988 with a degree in mass communication/public relations from AU. I am a self-employed musician, and I have traveled with the Gaithers, Sandi Patty, and the Discovery singers, as well as doing studio singing in many area studios. I am still actively doing sessions and have also done children’s ministry and some substitute teaching at our kids’ school. My husband, Jay, and I have two awesome kids, Thatcher (22) and Londyn (17) who is attending AU starting in 2017. Some of my dearest and most treasured friendships began at AU, as well as meeting my best friend and husband of 29 years.

Jason Samuels

I graduated from AU in December 2014 with a bachelor of arts in Computer Science. I am also an AU football alum and former team captain, playing for four years for the university while also serving as a musician for the AU Gospel Choir. I have worked for multiple companies as a software engineer. I am currently working as an Integration Engineer and also serving as an active member of the ICare Committee for Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance located in Carmel, IN. I have a passion for software engineering and over the years, I have had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with students within the Anderson University Computer Science Department. AU has given light to my career and calling, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve and give back to a community that has given so much for me to succeed. 

Kevin Sheward

• Lives in Fishers, IN
• Graduated in 2013 with a degree in Political Science and 2014 with an MBA in Non-Profit Leadership
• He is the manager of Resource Development for Aspire Indiana/ Indiana Health
• Kevin met Alex, his wife, during the residential MBA program, having never met in undergrad. His sister and a sister-in-law both attended AU, as well as both of his in-law parents. He enjoyed serving as Student Body President while at AU, and he considers it to be one of the most defining opportunities of his life thus far. He is a Madison County Leadership Academy graduate, 2017 Madison County 20 Under 40 selection, and he enjoys being connected to the communities he calls home.

When reflecting on his favorite thoughts about AU, Kevin says: “I love how invested AU is in its mission and how I was personally changed by it. As someone who was determined not to go to AU, I am so glad that is the place God called me to go.”

Ryan Stuthers

I am a 2020 BS Engineering alumnus living in Lafayette with my wife Abbigail. I work for Tipmont REMC as a Lead Distribution Engineer.  During my time at  AU, I was a Resident Assistant in Smith Hall for two years, Avanti Boosters Social Service Coordinator 2018-2019 and President 2019-2020, was in Chapel Band, Engineering Club Officer, Alacritas Action Hero, and participated in lots of intramurals. 

Dr. Mamie Thorns

I graduated in 1971with a BA in Elementary Education, and I live in Michigan with my husband O’Dail.  I am an educator at Saginaw Valley State University.  I was involved in multicultural clubs at AU and was recently named the 2022 MOSAIC Multicultural Alumni Award winner. 

Lauren (Vail) Votaw

I graduated from AU in 2008 with a degree in Physical Education/Health and 5-8 Math. I am a teacher and the varsity assistant girls basketball coach at Fishers High School and also work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In my time at AU, the relationships I formed and the spiritual growth I experienced were life-altering. Those 4 years were the most transformative of my life and I am grateful I had the opportunity to attend AU! I attend Grace Church in Fishers and enjoy working with the youth there.

Cindy Wiggins-Kardatzke

• Lives in Wichita, KS
• Graduated in 1985 with a Vocal Performance Major
• She volunteers at the Director of Women’s Ministry for Central Community Church
• Cindy and her husband Scott (an ’86 AU alum) have two children (one married) and one granddaughter. Their daughter Ali was a fourth-generation Kardatzke to attend AU. Music is still very much a part of Cindy’s world and she loves serving the women of her church.

Her favorite thoughts about AU are: “The joy and laughter and community. I enjoyed Cheap Thrills and musical productions. I loved my college experience and met my husband!”