Alumni Council

Ali Adams

I am a 2020 business management alumna with a focus in event planning, currently living in Indianapolis, and working as the digital content manager for the Anderson Madison County Visitors Bureau. My family has strong ties to Anderson University, with several relatives, including my parents, grandmother, uncle, and aunt, all alumni. During my time at Anderson, I was involved in various roles, including admissions ambassador, resident assistant, resident conference assistant, and Mocha Joe’s barista and head manager. I was also active in academic societies like Alpha Chi, Alpha Mu Gamma, and Delta Mu Delta, where I served as president. Anderson provided me with the opportunity to form lasting connections with professors and peers, creating memories I cherish, from bonding in Martin Hall to reconnecting with friends at Homecoming. Those experiences, both good and challenging, shaped who I am today, and I look forward to continuing to connect with fellow alumni.

Drew Beechler

I am a 2013 marketing alumnus, currently living in Indianapolis, where I serve as the CEO and Founder of Holder. Anderson University played a pivotal role in shaping my leadership abilities, and I’m passionate about ensuring AU remains a premier institution for future generations. During my time at AU, I met my wife, Lydia, and was actively involved in various organizations, including Dativus, Enactus/SIFE, Anderson Media Group, and Delta Mu Delta, as well as participating in worship band and Encore concerts. Post-graduation, I’ve continued my involvement through the FSB Marketing Advisory Board. With more than 10 years of experience in tech, startups, and venture capital, I look forward to leveraging my background to bring a unique perspective and network to the AU alumni community.

Austin Boon

I am a 2011 psychology alumnus, currently living in Springfield, Missouri, and working as a self-employed counselor. During my time at Anderson University, I was involved in Dativus and participated in intramurals. My experiences at AU helped shape my career path, and I remain connected to the values and community I found there. I have a strong passion for helping others, and I’m committed to using my background in psychology to make a difference. My family includes Lisa, Leo, and Hudson, and I continue to cherish the relationships I built during my time at AU.

Kirk Carpenter

I am a 1973 graduate.  My wife and I are both retired and snowbirds living in both Phoenix, Arizona and Louisville, Kentucky. I played both football and baseball for the Ravens. I also served as an RA. There is no doubt the AU atmosphere shaped and molded me to help become a better person and prepared me for my career as an attorney and judge. 

Annie (Thornhill) Cheek

I am a 2004 exercise science alumna, currently working as a healthcare administrator at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis. My time at Anderson University was marked by memorable experiences, including attending AU soccer camp, volunteering for Connie Hippensteel’s yoga classes, and traveling with Tri-S to Brazil. The cohesive environment created by Dr. Doug Seelbach and the exercise science professors had a lasting impact, and I’m grateful for the genuine love and support from the staff. I’m committed to supporting AU’s mission by enhancing programs, creating new ones, and helping ensure others have access to the education and spiritual growth I experienced. I look forward to building my network of AU alumni and supporting current students.

Jeff Claflin

I graduated in 1981 from Anderson College with a business and history major and a music minor. Participated in student ministry, representing Anderson College, on weekends and through the summers, first as a member of a 10-person singing group, “New Nature” (one year), and then as the bass singer for the Anderson College Quartet (three years part-time, followed by one year full-time). I enrolled in the Anderson School of Theology, 1982-85, followed by Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, night division, in 1985, and graduated from the Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis in 1990. I currently live in South Bend, Indiana, with my wife, Linda K. Krueger (Claflin) of 35 years.

Connie (Gove) Graham

I am a 1975 alumna with a degree in elementary education and humanities, currently retired after a fulfilling career in education and youth ministry. My time at Anderson University was truly transformative, where I met my late husband, Dale Myers BA ’75, and formed lasting friendships, many of which remain to this day. My involvement in the band, Christianity in Action, and Alpha Lambda Delta helped shape my passion for service and community. After retiring, I continued my work in youth ministry, serving as the state youth director for the Church of God in Michigan for 16 years. Anderson University gave so much to my family, and I am committed to giving back by staying engaged, promoting the university, and supporting future generations. The AU experience has had a lifelong impact on me, and I want to ensure that future students have the same opportunities to grow and thrive.  

Eric Lindley

I am a 2002 and MBA 2011 graduate working at Old National Wealth Management. I am married to Sarah (Beynon) ’03 and joined the council because I love the atmosphere of campus where I can build lifelong friendships. I was also highly involved in Tri-S and the Falls School of Business.

Trisha McHugh

I am a 2017 chemistry alumna, currently working as a mental health pharmacist at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in Indianapolis. During my time at Anderson University, I was actively involved in Alacritas, the pre-professional health society, and student leadership. Some of my fondest memories include participating in social clubs, attending chapel, and forming lasting friendships with both my peers and professors. Anderson University has had a profound impact on my life, and I hope to serve as a point of connection for others in my area to share how the school has shaped my personal and professional journey.

Eryn (Britt) Morrow

Bio coming soon.

Kelly (rider) Pariliament

I am a 2006 alumna who studied biology, and I am now a scientist working for Beckman Coulter. I live in the Indianapolis area with my husband Nathan ’06 and our two sons. I cherish the time that I spent at AU. It is the relationships that were developed that stand out as my favorite memories. My professors taught lessons that resulted in a deep love of learning and science, but also the more important skills of truly caring about the individuals that I interact with daily. My friends and roommates from my time at AU have developed into extensions of family. They are the people that I laugh, cry, and continue to grow as an adult with. My time at AU has genuinely changed who I am as a person and how I view the world.

Dean Smith

I began my journey at Anderson College in 1969, where I met my wife, Karen. We married in 1972, and I graduated in 1974 with a degree in Math/Education. After teaching in the U.S. and Kenya, I earned a Master’s in Natural Resources from Ball State University and worked in various public service roles, including Director of the Madison County Environmental Management Office and the East Central Indiana Solid Waste District.

Karen, an elementary teacher and AC alum, and I both retired in 2015. We enjoy traveling and volunteering locally. I cherish my Anderson College memories, maintain close friendships from my time there, and am proud to serve on the Alumni Council, supporting students, alumni, and the university through this transition.