Alumni Awards

Kevin Sheward BA ’13, MBA ’14

Kevin Sheward showed from an early age a strong desire to serve and lead others. In the 4th grade, Kevin made passionate speeches from the top of the playground slide to be selected for class president; a role that didn’t exist. His first election was sobering; the candy and no-homework platform of his opponent led to a 22-1 drubbing in the polls. Four years of unsuccessful student government elections in high school (in a graduating class of 65), Kevin came to Anderson University still longing to fulfill his dream of idealistic politics and hoping to flip the script. And he did. 

At AU, Kevin was elected as a freshman class senator and immersed himself in campus life through intramurals, ultimate frisbee, campus activities, and the brotherhood of Dunn Hall. In his junior year, Kevin was elected for the privilege of serving as student body president. That experience was one of the highlights of his time at AU and was instrumental in his development as a leader and redefined his understanding of service. Studying political science and nonprofit leadership, Kevin had found his niche: being an advocate for good in the community. 

After graduating in 2013, Kevin continued his AU story through the residential MBA program, hoping to strengthen the skills he could bring to nonprofit work. It was through the MBA program that he met Alex Hammel, his future wife. Thanks to an introduction by then President Edwards, Kevin began his professional career with the Madison County Community Foundation, guiding the foundation’s grants and scholarships programs. Kevin loved the opportunity to work alongside so many organizations reaching those in need and seeing the talent of students from across the county. Kevin’s impact on the foundation was expanding the community’s awareness and utilization of its resources. “Grant Madness” was his claim to fame, a social media contest supporting Madison County nonprofits that garnered regional radio and national print coverage for its success in expanding the social media following of dozens of nonprofits in the county. It was during his time at the Foundation that he was selected to participate in the Madison County Leadership Academy and selected for Madison County’s “20 under 40” in 2017.

Kevin took on a new challenge and joined Aspire Indiana Health in 2016. Aspire is a non-profit healthcare organization serving more than 20,000 unique individuals in central Indiana, whose mission is making health and well-being a reality. Now in his eighth year with the organization, Kevin has served in multiple business development roles and has been a fierce champion for those in need in our communities. Through grants, fundraising, contracts, and other revenue streams, more than $70 million has been raised by Kevin and his team to support primary care, behavioral health, housing, employment, child advocacy, and addiction recovery programs. Aspire’s growth was instrumental in Kevin’s selection as a fellow for the Geiger Gibson Health Policy Fellows Program through George Washington University in 2020. 

Outside of work Kevin has served on a number of boards, church teams, and on the Anderson University Alumni Council. He is a problem solver at heart who loves helping those around him and organizations be their best selves. 

The focus of this last year for Alex and Kevin has been parenthood, welcoming Charlie Thomas into their lives in May of 2022. It has been their joy the last year in introducing Charlie to some of their favorite places on campus and planting the seeds now for their own little raven.

Previous Award Recipients

Dr. David Baird BA ’80

As a P.K. (preacher’s kid), a young David Baird spent many summers on campus during Church of God camp meeting before enrolling at Anderson College in the fall of 1976. After a couple false starts, his final major ended up being Speech/Broadcasting. He graduated in 1980 and then spent some time in his home state of Michigan before coming back to work on the Anderson College communication staff. In 1990, after beginning grad school, he joined the faculty as an instructor in communication. He went on to teach at AU for 33 years, retiring this past May as department chair.

Dave’s wife, Inge, actually started teaching at AU before Dave did…and she continues to teach for the Department of Modern Languages.

Dave and Inge have two adult children:

• Heike, an Anderson grad who is married, is the mother of 2-year-old Aquinas, and lives in Los Angeles
• and Wesley, now 32, who was born with a genetic syndrome that left him with special needs of various kinds; Dave and Inge continue to care for him at home

Dave always felt that he was doing the Lord’s work at Anderson. He enjoyed teaching, recklessly dropping Dad jokes, mentoring, leading Tri-S trips to Europe, advising student publications, playing basketball with students and colleagues for many years, and serving as chief of the chain crew for AU football games.

Dave says he felt deeply the responsibility of being a college professor, and he tried to do his best during his tenure at Anderson—but that if he failed anyone along the way, as he surely did, he humbly asks for their forgiveness. He’s exceedingly grateful to Anderson University for giving him the opportunity to do his life’s work at this good place.

Previous Award Recipients

Sandy (Moore) Baker BA ’62

Sandra Moore grew up and graduated from high school in Eustis, Florida in 1958. Raised in a pastor’s home, Sandy followed her brother, Jim Moore, to Anderson College after being encouraged to attend there by various musical groups from A.C. who visited their church.

On her first day on campus, Sandy met her future husband H.L. Baker – he taught her
how to play Rook in the rec hall.

Sandy’s college involvements included Arete Pep, social club, Anderson College Choir, class officer, traveling with Melodaires Trio, two summers to visit churches, youth camps, and encourage students to come to A.C.

Sandy and H.L. married during her junior year; H.L went into to six months active duty with National Guard while she continued in school. Sandy worked in the Alumni Office part time pounding out addresses on the Address-o-gram machine (no computers then.)

H.L. returned to A.C. to begin his working career while she finished her senior year, and Sandy graduated from A.C. in 1962 with degree in elementary education. She worked in various short term jobs while awaiting birth of their first child, Brent. Sandy spent the next years as a stay-at-home mom caring for Brent and their second child, Becky. During those years, Sandy was very involved with North Anderson Church of God which is now Madison Park. She used her education to teach Sunday School, direct Vacation Bible School, and serve on boards as well as being part of the musical  program every week. She has continued to be involved in a variety of ways; on the building committee for the new facility, former chair of the bereavement committee.

As H.L.’s work involved dealing with students in many ways, the Bakers enjoyed inviting students into their home for meals, conversations and larger gatherings. Some of those students became life long friends that they still keep in contact with. They have continued to attend activities on campus such as sporting events, musical concerts, plays and occasional chapels.

Sandy began her teaching career after 15 years of subbing and earning her Master’s Degree with a library certification from Ball State while being a stay-at-home mom. She first subbed in elementary and middle school before spending ten years as librarian at Madison Heights High School. Sandy then changed careers and began a 23 year stint as a realtor with F.C. Tucker/O.C. Clark.

Sandy retired in 2014 and spent some time being a volunteer with Killbuck Kindergarten Center. Most recently, Sandy became a Charter Member of the Anderson University Women’s Philanthropy Council, and she currently serves as one of the co-chairs of this group.

She is excited to find ways to support the University with physical and programmatic improvements as well as extra “home-made comfort food” around finals weeks. Sandy remarks: “I have been blessed to be a part of the Anderson University community along with H.L. and our family. Both Brent and Becky are AU graduates along with our three grandsons. We were honored to receive the William Reithmiller Award for Community Service and recently had an award named for us that goes to a faculty member and a staff member chosen by the student body. We believe in this place that has given us opportunity to grow and to serve in many ways.”

Previous Award Recipients

Amber May BA ’05, MBA ’09

Amber May is a proud graduate of Anderson University. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in 2005, followed by a Masters of Business Administration in 2009. She is the eldest of two sisters, one being fellow AU alum Ashley James. As a first generation college student, Amber was drawn to Anderson for many reasons: feeling sought after to be a part of a family, being accepted by so many in the community, and the opportunity to acquire friend and mentor relationships. These relationships have lasted decades! 

As a student, Amber participated in the music ensembles Fruit of the Spirit and AU Gospel Choir. She was supported and guided by Jimmy and Joyce Terry. Amber could also lean on Michelle Williams and Cassandra Day while participating in multicultural initiatives on Anderson’s campus. Faculty such as Dr. Lewis, Dr. Morehead, Sharon Collins, and Lisa Pay pushed her to learn and serve at her best potential. Amber was supported, guided, and equipped by AU’s social work department to learn and lead in service to the greater Anderson community. 

Following graduation, Amber worked in Indiana as a social worker for seven years. Her foundation as a social worker provided nearly every tool needed to work and excel in all of her career paths. 

Amber then began a career in higher education at Anderson University. As resident director for Rice Hall, she was able to lead and establish relationships with talented RAs. Amber attributes her leadership development as both an RA and RD to leaders such as the late Linda Cummins, Brent Baker, and various other Department of Student Life leadership. She is grateful for her AU education and preparation. 

From her start in student development, Amber transitioned to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles in higher education. She has led at multiple institutions including Temple University, Marquette University School of Dentistry, and Carroll University in centering diverse identities. 

In 2022, Amber left higher education and began her DEI career in manufacturing. Currently, Amber May is the DEI Manager of Learning & Engagement for Clifbar Mondelez, which covers brands such as Clifbar, Oreo, Sour Patch Kids, and more. She leads the diversity programming, inclusive training, and advocacy for marginalized groups throughout the company. Her favorite part of the job is hearing personal stories of employees and collaborating with colleagues in varied departments to lead equitable workshops. She is a tireless advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion and appreciates AU’s recognition of her work and passions.

Previous Award Recipients

Previous Award Recipients

Previous Award Recipients