
One way we stay in touch with you is through the Alumni Council. Each member represents their local area and partners with us to make sure alumni all over the country can be involved.
Ali Adams
I am a 2020 Business Management alumnus with a focus in Event Planning, currently living in Indianapolis, IN, 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.
Jon Barleycorn
I am a 2005 Business Administration alumnus living in Columbus, OH with my wife and our children: 2 sons and 1 daughter. I am the COO of Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment. Anderson was a place that welcomed me with open arms, and even through my struggles that I had and rebellious nature, Anderson stood by me and believed in me. They could have easily turned their shoulder but they did not. Each leader at the school from Coach Fridley to Brent Baker to Joe Davis to Dr. Fox, helped me through my 5 years and made me the man I am today. I would not be where I am today without my experiences at AU, good and bad.
Drew Beechler
I am a 2013 Marketing alumnus, currently living in Indianapolis, IN, 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 over 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, MO, 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.
Annie (Thornhill) Cheek
I am a 2004 Exercise Science alumna, currently working as a Healthcare Administrator at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, IN. 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.
Suze (Robbins) 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.
Dwayne Goldman
I am a 1992 alumnus with a degree in Psychology and Christian Education, currently serving as a Chaplain at Lake Wales Care Center. I live in Florida with my wife, Kara (Weaver) Goldman ’93, our son, Troyer (born in 2020), and our daughter, Abigail, who is currently a student at Anderson University. During my time at AU, I was actively involved in Dativus, AUCME, Tri-S, and intramurals, and had the opportunity to travel with Tri-S to Peru, Grand Cayman, Belize, and Hong Kong. Some of my fondest memories include Dativus club meetings, Cheap Thrills, and The Valley. Anderson University holds a special place in my heart, and I love connecting with fellow alumni, especially those in the Florida area.
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.
David Hughes
I am a 2013 Bible and Religion and Christian Ministries alumnus now serving as the youth pastor at Church at the Crossing in Indianapolis. My wife, Brook, is also an alumna of AU and we have two young boys. I wanted to join the council to be able to create a space for alumni to build stronger connections and community while creating a pathway for the university to thrive.
Kenita Kyle-Turner
I am a 2015 BA and 2017 MBA graduate of AU. I live in Atlanta, Georgia with my husband, Ethan. I am an associate underwriter at Hallmark Financial Services. I was a Resident Assistant in my undergrad days and a graduate assistant in student engagement as I completed her MBA. I love serving on the council because of a deep care for AU and its future.
Eric Lindley
I am a 2002 and MBA 2011 graduate working at Old National Wealth Management. I am married to Sarah (Beynon) 2003 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 Falls School of Business.
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.
Trisha McHugh
I am a 2017 Chemistry alumna, currently working as a Mental Health Pharmacist at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in Indianapolis, IN. 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.
Kelly (rider) Pariliament
I am a 2006 alumna who studied Biology major, and I am now a scientist working for Beckman Coulter. I live in the Indianapolis area with my husband Nathan, a 2006 alumnus, 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.
Jason Samuels
I am a 2014 Computer Science graduate and alumnus of the AU football team. I married alumna Chelsa (Lee) Samuels and I work for Indiana Farmer’s Mutual Insurance. I serve because I love the all-around family culture I had at AU. I love the close connections and relationships I developed with friends, professors, and other faculty and staff members of the University.
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.
Joe Thomas
I am a 2006, 2012, and 2013 alumnus with degrees in Business Management, Theology, and an MBA, currently working as a Case Manager at Illinois State University in Normal, IL. My time at Anderson University, where I also served as a Resident Director for five years, has always felt like home. It’s where I met my wife, Lorelei (’07), and where we raised part of our family on campus. My involvement in football, tennis, intramurals, SGA, SIFE, and working with international students deeply shaped my career and leadership aspirations. AU provided me with a life-changing experience, and I want to ensure that future students have even better opportunities. I’m passionate about keeping Anderson University a central part of alumni lives, fostering engagement, giving back, and ensuring AU remains a place of lifelong impact. The AU experience is more than a chapter—it’s a lifelong journey.
Dr. Mamie (Thompson) Thorns
I am Dr. Mamie Thorns, a 1973 graduate out of the School of Education. I work for Saginaw Valley State University as Chief Diversity Officer. Thorns was the 2023 MOSAIC Alumni Award winner and serves on the council because of the opportunity to give back to the university to show her appreciation for the support given to her when she was an AC student. Thorns’ primary affinity areas for AU are the Center for Intercultural Engagement and the James Massey Leadership scholarship.