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1950s

Leigh Morris, ’58, La Porte, Indiana, was named interim president and CEO of the South Shore Leadership Center. He previously served as chairman of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and as mayor of La Porte.

1960s

Tim “Timmy” Brown, ’60, Palm Springs, California, was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in November. He spent eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (1960-67) before playing his final professional season with the Baltimore Colts in 1968. Before being drafted by the Green Bay Packers during the 1959 NFL draft, Brown played for Ball State from 1956-58. He set the university’s record for most points scored in a game (25 vs. Illinois State) during his final season. After his retirement, Brown became an actor, using the name “Timothy Brown.”

Nicki (Negangard) Casterline, ’61 MA ’66, Sanford, Florida, wrote the novel, “Elizabeth’s Journey Home,” about an English girl’s travels to America to discover her ancestry and her happiness.

Jerry Johnson, ’63, a retired chief pilot at Pilatus PC-12 fractional provider PlaneSense, received the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The recognition is granted to pilots who have contributed and maintained safe flight operations for 50 or more consecutive years. By the time Johnson retired from aviation, he had logged more than 37,000 hours. 

Frank O’Shea, ’63 MA ’65, Lafayette, Indiana, was named the 1982-83 Ball State Alumnus Football Coach of the Year. In 2012, he was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, having coached high school football, track, wrestling and basketball for a total of 41 years. Since 2009, he has assisted his son, Kevin, head football coach at Lafayette Central Catholic School. 

Daniel Keilman, MA ’64 EdD ’69, Chesterton, Indiana, published his memoirs, “The Un-ordained Priest.” Ball State is a major part of his story. 

Donald Lemish, ’65 MA ’68, Harrisonburg, Virginia, is president and commissioner of the Valley Baseball League, one of 13 summer collegiate leagues affiliated with the National Alliance of Collegiate Summer Baseball. 

Thomas “Tom” Murphy, ’67, New Haven, Indiana, was honored as grand marshal of New Haven’s 2016 Canal Days Parade as the city celebrated its sesquicentennial. Murphy has owned Murphy Insurance, Inc. (the city’s oldest single-family owned establishment) for the past 49 of its 82 years in business. 

Marlene (Herr) Burns, ’68 MAE ’72, Okeechobee, Florida, published her first book, “Kids Kids Kids: My Life Raising 100 Foster Children Over 30 Years.”

James Wilson, ’68, Fishers, Indiana, RE/MAX Legends Group managing broker, has been named co-owner of the real estate franchise serving central Indiana. With three fellow broker/owners, Wilson will guide 70 agents who operate from an office in the Castleton area of Indianapolis. Active in his community, Wilson volunteers every month with Second Helpings Food Rescue in Marion County and has served for three years as a volunteer coach at YMCA and Holy Spirit Geist Athletics.

Deanna (Crabbs) Madden, ’69, Honolulu, published her first novel, “Helena Landless,” a retelling of Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” from the perspective of a young woman with secrets of her own.

Patricia “Patty” (Speer) Unrue, ’69, Columbus, Indiana, received the Clock Award from the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. The annual award recognizes the most outstanding member volunteers in the state. Unrue created a children’s library in Elizabethtown, Indiana, serves as a Book Buddy mentor and works as a volunteer at Columbus Regional Hospital. Unrue also teaches at children’s church and vacation Bible school.

1970s

Jon M. Bailey, ’70, Indianapolis, who practiced law in Indianapolis for nearly 40 years, was named a Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest civilian honor, in April 2016, months before he passed away in July. Bailey received the state’s highest honor for his legal accomplishments, namely for “strengthening public safety as a senior deputy prosecutor in the 1980s, driving the creation of the Marion County Public Defender Agency in 1993, and litigating for desegregation.” At Ball State, Bailey was president of both his freshman and senior classes.

Theodore Levin, ’70, Thetford, Vermont, wrote “America’s Snake: The Rise and Fall of the Timber Rattlesnake,” which takes readers inside the world of rattlesnakes and details the scientists and enthusiasts who study and champion this slithery predator.

Alan McPherson, ’70 MA ’74, Kewanna, Indiana, published “Nature Walks in the Indiana Dunes.” McPherson is a freelance author who has published several books about the state.

Frank Fisher, ’71 MA ’72, Daytona Beach, Florida, wrote “Unloved, Oswego Children’s Home, History and Origins, Final Years Memoirs.” The book details memories of residents and a history of the Oswego Orphan Asylum, later renamed the Oswego Children’s Home, which served Oswego County for more than 100 years.

Stephen Krammes, ’71, Delaware, Ohio, wrote “Charleston,” the third novel in his “Cold Case” mystery series. The detectives take on a case involving young boys being abducted from state parks in West Virginia and Virginia. It’s available at Amazon and by order at Barnes and Noble.

James Ellars, MAE ’72, Cumberland, Indiana, has taught for 50 years in the Greenfield-Central School Corporation in Hancock County, Indiana. He teaches fifth-grade math and science at Maxwell Intermediate School in Maxwell, Indiana, with no current plans to retire.

Willard Mays, MA ’72, Indianapolis, was re-elected vice chair of the National Coalition of Mental Health and Aging, which includes more than 80 national organizations, governmental agencies and state and local coalitions.

Alan Riebe, ’72, Fort Wayne, Indiana, retired at the end of 2015 as vice president and general manager of WANE-TV after 12 years with the Fort Wayne news station and more than 40 years in the business.

Betsy Ross, ’72, Connersville, Indiana, owner of Game Day Communications, helped lead the marketing and promotion efforts for Major League Baseball’s 86th All-Star Game held in Cincinnati. MLB selected Game Day Communications as the local public relations agency overseeing promotion of the event.

Philip Stevenson, ’72 MA ’76 EdS ’88, Centerville, Indiana, Centerville-Abington Community Schools superintendent, was in August named a Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest civilian honor. Stevenson, who began as a teacher at Centerville 43 years ago, serves on a range of area boards and lives in Centerville with his wife, Cathy (Chenoweth) Stevenson, MAE ’79.

Kathleen Cordes, MA ’73, Fallbrook, California, received the Indiana University I Association’s most coveted award for women athletes, the Leanne Grotke Award. The I Association Newsletter stated Cordes was selected for her “long and distinguished career in coaching, administration and academia.” She played on IU’s varsity tennis team, and she served as Ball State’s head women’s varsity tennis coach. She later taught physical education, coached and served in administrative roles at a range of universities, including as the first female varsity coach at the University of Notre Dame. The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and she has earned a range of other state, regional and national awards. Cordes, also a published author, has been loyal to Ball State’s Cardinal Commitment Campaign, specifically for the new golf practice facility.

Mary Ann (McMahan) Spurgeon, ’73, Brownstown, Indiana, married John Spurgeon, Jan. 2.

Robert Meehan, ’73, Indianapolis, released a compilation of his most popular education musings in his second published book, “A Teacher’s Treasures: Bounty for All.” 

Terry Riley, ’73, Franklin, Indiana, retired after 38 years of teaching art and 25 years as department head at Central Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana. During his tenure, his students won 14 national awards in scholastic art.

Richard “Ric” B. McFadden, ’74, Fillmore, Indiana, retired after 29 years of teaching at the Mill Creek School Corporation (Cascade middle and high schools) and 38 years in Indiana Public Schools as a choral director and theater teacher. McFadden earned two Teacher of the Year awards at Mill Creek, as well as a Wal-Mart District Teacher of the Year award.

Donald Noffsinger, ’74 MBA ’80, Lavallette, New Jersey, published his third book, “Where Did She Go?: Experiences of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver.” 

Deborah (Taylor) Givens, ’74, Morgantown, Kentucky, assistant professor of communication at Eastern Kentucky University, was elected to a three-year term on the board of directors of the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors. She is serving a two-year term as Region 5 director and national board member for the Society of Professional Journalists. Prior to teaching, Givens enjoyed a 20-year career as a publisher and editor.

Kathleen Buszkiewicz, ’75, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, is one of 40 Cuyahoga County artists to receive $15,000 through the Creative Workforce Fellowship. A total of $600,000 in fellowships were awarded by the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture, a local arts service and research organization. 

Roger Raymond, ’75, Marco Island, Florida, stepped down in 2015 as athletic director of the Marco Island Academy, the charter school based on the island. He will continue to serve as athletic director for the Marco Island Charter Middle School and coach boys’ basketball at the high school.

Debbie (Millbern) Powers, MA ’76, St. Augustine, Florida, wrote a memoir, “Meeting Her Match,” which won first place in the autobiography/memoir category of the 2014 Royal Palm Literary competition and was a finalist for the sports category of the 2015 International Book Award. Powers, who served as Ball State’s head women’s basketball coach from 1976-82, is an emerita faculty member since retiring in 2006 after teaching physical education for 30 years.

Michael “Mike” Newbold, ’76, Hilton Head, South Carolina, retired as the regional president of Huntington Bank after a 40-year career in banking. He was named a Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest civilian honor, for his distinguished service to the state.

Cynthia (Sharp) Myers, ’76, Philadelphia, attorney and founder of The Sharper Lawyer, was a featured guest speaker at a Maryland State Bar Association’s conference to educate attorneys about running more efficient law practices. She was named dean of the National Speakers Association’s Philadelphia Speakers Academy. Her term began July 1.

David Snively, ’76, St. Louis, was recognized by the Financial Times as being among the top 30 general counsels in the world. He is executive vice president, secretary and general counsel for Monsanto Company in St. Louis, where he resides with his wife, Diane (Hepper) Snively, ’76.

Kevin Beringer, ’77 MAE ’81, Houston, retired after 38 years in education, with 30 years as an elementary school principal in the Houston Independent School District. His most recent campus, Harvard Elementary School, was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and is an International Baccalaureate World School.

Kathy A. Briccetti, attended 1975-77, El Cerrito, California, is an award-winning writer and school psychologist with three decades of experience working in public schools. His latest book, “Beyond Rain Man: What One Psychologist Learned Raising a Son on the Autism Spectrum,” shares her painful and joyous parenting journey in hopes of helping other families.

Harold Chapman, MAE ’77, Waller, Texas, retired in 2010 after 42 years of teaching mathematics. His last 12 years were at Lone Star College in Tomball, Texas, and before that, he taught math for more than 20 years at Eisenhower High School in Houston.

Gregory Erny, ’77, Reno, Nevada, was elected first vice president/president-elect of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. By virtue of his election, Erny will become the organization’s president in July 2017. He is the founder and president of Architects + LLC and is also a commissioner for Reno’s Historic Resources Commission.

David Moffett, ’78 MA ’79, Columbia, Kentucky, is chair of education at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia.

Lori (Norris) Grice, ’78 MA ’87, Muncie, was appointed director of finance and budgets for Ball State’s Miller College of Business in March.

Donna Bays, ’79, Indianapolis, was awarded the Indiana State Bar Association’s Gale Phelps Award for her contributions to professionalism in the area of family law. Bays, a certified family law specialist, is the founder of Bays Family Law in Zionsville, Indiana. She and her four-footed companion, Mordecai, serve as a volunteer Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program therapy dog team.

Jeff Childs, ’79, Barrington, Illinois, Ulta chief human resources officer, was named in April 2015 to the board of directors for Skills for Chicagoland’s Future, which has helped more than 1,500 people secure employment since its launch in 2012. Prior to joining Ulta, Childs served as executive vice president and chief human resource officer at U.S. Cellular.

Eric Shaffer, ’79, Kailua, Hawaii, was promoted to associate professor at Honolulu Community College in August. That same month, his sixth book of poetry, “A Million-Dollar Bill,” was published.

1980s

Robert Anderson, ’80, Winchester, Indiana, retired in October 2015 after 34 years as a field examiner with the Indiana State Board of Accounts. He operates his own CPA practice.

Michael LaFerney, MA ’80, Lakeville, Massachusetts, is a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist at Arbour SeniorCare in Haverhill and an adjunct professor of psychology at Quincy College in Quincy. He was one of five winners of the magazine Long-Term Living’s 2015 Leaders of Tomorrow Award and a 2015 Schwartz Center National Compassionate Caregiver of the Year Award nominee. In March, Current Psychiatry published his article, “You Can Help Victims of Hazing Recover from Psychological and Physical Harm.”

Correen “Faye” Walmsley, ’81, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, retired in December after 31 years of service in the federal government, 29 of them with the National Park Service. Faye has served as chief of interpretation at Ozark National Scenic Riverways since 2010.

Fritz Williams, ’81, Los Angeles, president of FormDecor, started the company in 2000 as a boutique retail operation with clientele extending from the United States to Japan. The company has grown to supply midcentury furniture rentals throughout Southern California and beyond.

David Coyle, ’82, Toledo, Ohio, was named a partner in the Toledo office of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. He was also appointed chair of the Bankruptcy Law Sub-Committee of the Ohio State Bar Association’s Banking, Commercial and Bankruptcy Law Committee.

Dennis E. Hensley, PhD ’82, published a novel, “Pseudonym,” in January.

Leslie Livett, ’82, Mokena, Illinois, is a registered nurse and EMS/trauma nurse coordinator at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center, a Level II trauma center in Joliet. The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Emergency Medical Services for Children program honored her with a special pediatric care Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to childhood care. The Ron W. Lee, M.D. – Excellence in Pediatric Care Awards are given annually to recognize those dedicated to pediatric emergency care and childhood injury prevention initiatives.

John Murphy, MA ’82, New Bern, North Carolina, published a historical novel, The Scarlet Shamrock, which centers on Northern Ireland’s “troubles” and the Vietnam War.

Otis Alexander, MLS ’83, Hialeah, Florida, wrote “Classical Music, Racism and Perceptions:  A Reference Source for Recounting of African-American Pioneers and Contemporaries.” The reference tool challenges and supplements the world of European Classical Music and its relationship to classically trained and educated black performers.

David Conklin, ’84, Matthews, North Carolina, was named senior project architect for Walter Robbs Callahan & Pierce Architects, PA. Conklin brings more than 28 years of experience in the design and construction of a variety of project types, with an emphasis on energy conscious design.

Roger Leeson, ’84, Cary, North Carolina, an architect with more than 30 years’ experience in public education design, joined Moore County Schools as director for Planning and Construction. A LEED accredited professional, Leeson has earned awards of merit from the North Carolina chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the National Schools Boards Association. The city of Cary awarded him with the recipient of its Mayor’s Award of Excellence.

Scott Mills, ’84, Hillard, Ohio, is vice president of development at HighJump. He also serves as an adjunct senior lecturer for computer science and engineering at The Ohio State University in Columbus.

John Schnatter, ’84 LLD ’15, Louisville, Kentucky, founder and CEO of Papa John’s Pizza, was recognized as one of Indiana Minority Business Magazine’s Champions of Diversity.

Gregory Smith, ’84, Arlington, Texas, was appointed director of the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration and vice president for law enforcement of The Center for American and International Law in Plano, Texas. Smith, who served 21 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, is a 23-year veteran of the ILEA. He and his wife, Tammera, have four children, Natjar, Adam, Stanton, and Stayton.

David Long, ’85, Chicago, was named Outstanding Certified Staff Member of the Year by the ECHO Joint Agreement, a special education cooperative that serves 17 school districts in Chicago’s south suburbs. Long has been a special education teacher for 30 years and teaches high school students with moderate mental disabilities, communication disorders, and behavior disorders.

Dodd Kattman, ’86, Roanoke, Indiana, a partner with MKM architecture + design (MKM) was given Ball State College of Architecture and Planning’s Award of Outstanding Achievement, given to selected alumni who are making outstanding contributions to their profession and society. Kattman offers more than 25 years of project leadership with a special focus on senior living and care environments as well as buildings that celebrate civic spirit.

Dave Thomas, ’86, Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a project accountant for The Hagerman Group in Fort Wayne.

Lisa (Daughtery) Combs, ’87 MA ’96, Greenville, Ohio, published “Push to Open: A Teacher’s QuickGuide to Universal Design for Teaching Students on the Autism Spectrum in the General Education Classroom.” She credits her success throughout 28 years in the field of special education to the “exceptional education and experiences” she received through the Ball State Teachers College.

Jeffrey Hammons, ’87, Van Wert, Ohio, was promoted to uniform division lieutenant for the Van Wert Police Department in February. He and his wife, Tiffany, were married on June 13.

Casey Nichols, MA ’87, Rocklin, California, journalism teacher at Rocklin High School, was named awards chair for the Journalism Education Association. Nichols, who advises the school’s yearbook and journalism program, is also responsible for managing awards for the largest scholastic journalism adviser’s association in the country.

John Skelton, ’87, Indianapolis, was promoted to senior vice president and commercial lending division manager in Indianapolis for Stock Yards Bank & Trust, a Louisville-based bank with locations in Louisville, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis.

Mary (Geitz) Willis, ’88, Springport, Indiana, was named Indiana Supreme Court’s first chief administrative officer. Willis, who began work in July, has served as a Henry Circuit Court 1 Judge since 2003. She is president of the Indiana Judges Association and a member of the court’s strategic planning committee and the Indiana Judicial Conference Board of Directors.

Brian Kirkham, ’88, Dallas, Texas, was named vice president of marketing for WatchGuard Video, which manufactures law enforcement video systems. Previously, Kirkham spent five years in regional and global leadership roles for Tait Communications. He has worked for other telecommunications companies, including Tektronix Communications, Anritsu Company, and Memorex Telex.

Bernard “Barney” Wood, ’88, Martinsville, Indiana, founder and president of Wood Innovative Group, LLC received a 2015 Emmy for set lighting, Comcast Newsmakers. The win, within the category of Crafts: Lighting—Studio and Location, was Wood’s second Emmy win and the 10th nomination for Wood and his company since 2005.

Allen “AJ” Williams, ’89, Muncie, in March was named assistant chief of police at Ball State after retiring with 25 years of service from the Muncie Police Department.

1990s 

 

Jeffrey Johnson, ’90 MAR ’92, Lexington, Kentucky, was appointed director of University of Kentucky’s School of Architecture. Originally from Indiana, he has worked in Vienna, Chicago, the Netherlands and New York, where he taught at Columbia University.

Kelly (O’Dell) Stanley, ’90, Crawfordsville, Indiana, wrote a second book, “Designed to Pray: Creative Ways to Engage with God.”

Tammy (Paczkowski) Harwood, ’90, Denver, is the human resources manager for Baseline Engineering Corporation, in Golden, Colorado, and a court appointed special advocate, or CASA, for abused and neglected children in Jefferson and Gilpin counties.

Carolyn Spake-Leeper, ’90, Fort Wayne, Indiana, joined BDN Commercial as a broker in August 2015. She has worked in commercial real estate for the past decade.

Jennifer Haley, ’91 PhD ’07, director of Ball State’s Learning Center, is president of the National College Learning Center Association and chaired its 2016 conference. The Learning Center serves more than 3,600 Ball State students annually, for a combined total of more than 30,000 tutoring sessions, workshops, and testing.

Priscilla (Jackson) Edwards, MA ’91, Amityville, New York, wrote “The Best Things in Life are Dreamed,” which aims to encourage fathers to read with young boys.

Heidi (Egolf) Ludwig, ’92, Avilla, Indiana, serves as associate director of the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. Ludwig, who has been with the company for 17 years, helps facilitate the foundation’s charitable grants and scholarships to address pressing community needs.

Denise Harvey, ’92, Chicago, started in May as the manager of benefits planning for the Center of Expertise at the University of Chicago. She took the previous year off of work to care for her ailing father, who passed away on April 9.

Diana (Hewlett) Brenner, ’92, Indianapolis, president of Brenner Design, was presented with a recognition award at the Annual Indianapolis Construction Specifications’ Institute Trade Show. The honor recognized her firm’s dedication and service to the Indianapolis construction Industry. The firm also received the American School and University’s Outstanding Design Award for Work in Progress for its 2015 architectural portfolio. The Center for Architecture and Design in Columbus, Ohio, displayed her work as part of its American Institute of Architects Ohio Valley Region exhibit about the achievements of women in architecture. Brenner designed Ball State’s new football complex, which is the first campus building designed by a female architect.

Krista (King) Layman, ’92, Fort Wayne, Indiana, co-founder and director of Kate’s Kart, Inc., and her husband, Andrew, are featured in a book, Legendary Locals of Fort Wayne. Kate’s Kart, Inc. is a non-profit that passes out new books to children in 16 northeast Indiana hospitals, including IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. The couple formed the organization, which has given away more than 100,000 books, in honor of their daughter, who died in 2008 due to a congenital heart defect.

Kimberly (Lingerfield) Brown, ’92, West Des Moines, Iowa, is vice president of enrollment management and student affairs at Des Moines University.

Susan (McCaffery) Zoeller, ’92, joined the national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP as a partner and chair of the Indianapolis office’s labor and employment practice group. Zoeller has been recognized in the Best Lawyers in America and Indiana Super Lawyers. 

Kevin West, ’92, is the founder and principal advisor for Oeste Energy, a retail energy sales and marketing consultancy based in Katy, Texas. In December, the company secured its first agreement to provide commercial brokerage to clients in the state, with plans to expand to other states. The 20-year veteran of the energy industry is also an author, having produced a book of photography, “Cuba Behind Closed Doors.”

Col. Scott Benedict, ’93, Cherry Point, North Carolina, relinquished command of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on Sept. 3. Benedict took command of the unit in March 2013 and commanded the first full iteration of special purpose Marine air-ground task force-crisis response in Moron, Spain, from June 2013 to January 2014. Under his command, the team assisted in the evacuation of U.S. citizens from South Sudan.

Lenore (LaGrange) Crone, ’93, Muncie, earned a Master of Human Services from Concordia University, Nebraska, in 2014. She was promoted in July 2015 to Meridian Health Services’ practice manager of medical services and practice manager for Meridian Women’s Health. 

Mindy (Lamey) Winkler-Jarosinski, ’93 MS ’99, Fishers, Indiana, married Robert Jarosinski on Sept. 7 in Negril, Jamaica. Winkler-Jarosinski is the lifestyle 360 activities director at Forum at the Crossing, Independent Living Retirement Community. The couple brings a total of four boys into their family.

Matt Mathias, ’93, Vincennes, Indiana, started in December 2014 as a grain merchandiser with Consolidated Grain and Barge in Olney, Illinois.

Michael “Mic” Roessler, ’93, Indianapolis, received the Beech Grove High School Alumni Hall of Fame Award in March 2016.

Tiffany (Rowe) Stoner, ’93 MS ’94, Zionsville, Indiana, was promoted to partner with Pricewaterhouse Coopers in June 2015 and to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve in July of that year.

Robert Allen, MA ’94, Munster, Indiana, earned a PhD in community psychology from National Louis University in Chicago. Allen, who won the John Jeffry Louis III Award for academic excellence, is a licensed psychotherapist at Regional Mental Health Center in East Chicago, Indiana.

Mary Beth (Chabot) Lufkin, MA ’94, Auburn, New Hampshire, was promoted to vice president of enrollment management in October 2014 and earned her EdD in learning, leadership, and community from Plymouth State University in May.

Joseph Garza, ’94, Terre Haute, Indiana, chief photographer at the Tribune-Star, received two photojournalism awards during the Hoosier State Press Association Better Newspaper Contest banquet in December. Both the first- and third-place awards were in the best sports action photo category. He won four awards in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors Journalism Contest: two first-place awards, one in sports photography and one in spot news; a second-place award in sports; and a third-place award in feature photos.

Lt. Col. Robert Kirtland, MPA ’94, Crestwood, Kentucky, was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate Generals Corps on March 1. Later that month, Kirtland was sworn in to practice law before the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. He was also selected to be the deputy commander of the 91st legal operations detachment located in Forest Park, Illinois.

Stephanie Oberlie, ’94, Michigan City, Indiana, was promoted to chief operation officer at Harbour Trust & Investment Management. Oberlie, who started with the company in 1998, most recently served as senior vice president and trust officer.

Andrew Reiss, ’94, Noblesville, Indiana, was promoted to lieutenant with the Noblesville Indiana Police Department in April. Reiss, who previously served as a sergeant since 2007, is also a firearms instructor, accident reconstructionist, and drug-recognition expert.

Mark Sanchez, ’94, Alamogordo, New Mexico, wrote his first book, “365 Motivational Quotes,” a series of inspirational and motivational quotes to encourage readers to cherish everyday life and inspire well-being. For more than six years, he has served as a guidance counselor at his alma mater, Alamogordo High School in New Mexico.

Gail (Welker) Miller, MA ’94, York, Nebraska, was honored for 10 years of service to the Nebraska State Veterinary Board. She was also awarded the honorary title of admiral in the Nebraska Navy in November 2014. In April 2015, she was honored for 30 years of service as an associate professor of biology at York College.

Heidi (Williams) Spahn, ’94, Pittsboro, Indiana, has been named corporate contributions manager in the public affairs department at Dow AgroSciences in Indianapolis.

Doug Baltz, MAE ’95, Royal Oak, Michigan, an advanced placement physics instructor at Birmingham Seaholm High School and adjunct instructor at Oakland University, was among 11 STEM teachers the U.S. Department of Energy selected to serve as Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows for 2015-16. Baltz served the 11-month fellowship in Washington, D.C. at the National Science Foundation. The award comes on the heels of the PASCO STEM Educator of the Year Award, which he received in March.

Barry Green, ’95, Greenfield, Indiana, is the chief operating officer for Solutionz Conferencing, Inc.

Christopher Lawrence, ’95, Washington, D.C., serves as director of research for global public relations firm, Finn Partners.

Michael Pounds, MM ’95, Muncie, was promoted to full professor in the Ball State University School of Music.

Lori Rader-Day, ’95 MA ’01, Chicago, published her second mystery, “Little Pretty Things” in July. Her first mystery, “The Black Hour,” was a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award, the Anthony Award for Best First Novel, the Macavity Award for Best First Novel and the Barry Award for Best Paperback Original.

Frank Ross, ’95 MA ’00, Troy, New York, was named vice president for student life at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. He is the 2016 recipient of the Robert H. Shaffer Distinguished Alumni Award from the Indiana University School of Education, presented annually to a graduate of the higher education doctoral program who exemplifies outstanding service to the student affairs profession.

Diana (Singer) Withers, ’95 MA ’98, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is the corporate volunteerism coordinator at TCF Bank in Minneapolis. She also teaches speech communication classes for Central Texas College in Killeen, Texas, and Charter Oak State College in New Britain, Connecticut.

Kimberly (Smith) DuBoise, ’95, Springfield, Missouri, wrote the poetry collection “Sing to Me of Words” and the book “A Woman’s Faith.”

Michael Gagliardo, MM ’96, Gadsden, Alabama, was named music director and conductor of the Gadsden Symphony Orchestra, beginning with the 2016-17 season. Gagliardo’s appointment follows his tenure as principal guest conductor of the GSO during 2015-16. He is also in his 22nd season as music director and conductor of the Etowah Youth Orchestras.

Dennis Livesay, ’96, Huntersville, North Carolina, was named dean of the graduate school and associate vice president of research and technology transfer at Wichita State University, effective April 1, 2016. 

Marlowe “MJ” Meneley, ’96, Indianapolis, co-founded Blue Marble Design in 2012. The landscape architectural practice joined forces with Hitchcock Design Group, a leading provider of planning and landscape architectural services in the Midwest. MJ serves on Ball State’s Alumni Council and the College of Architecture and Planning Alumni Board.

Rachelle (Merkel) Diaz, ’96 MA ’98, Brownsburg, Indiana, will lead summer programs at the University of Indianapolis, which offers more than 200 academic courses for students from UIndy and other institutions, immersion experiences for international students, and continuing education for adult learners. He also facilitates a range of academic, arts, and athletic camps for K-12 students and a menu of facilities and services available for summer meetings and conferences. 

Shelley (Ondercin) Jackson, ’96, Indianapolis, was named a partner at Plews Shadley Racher & Braun, LLP. Jackson is a member of the firm’s healthcare and life sciences practice group, operating out of the firms Indianapolis office. She received Indiana Lawyer’s Up and Coming Lawyer Award in 2010, Marion County Bar Associations President’s Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement in 2011, and has been selected each year since 2012 for the Rising Stars list published in Indiana’s Super Lawyers directory. A former teacher, Jackson remains involved in the educational community and serves as secretary of the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation Board. 

Lorie (Rieckers) Carter, ’96, Indianapolis, married Randall Carter, Oct. 25, 2014.

Bradley Schwer, ’96, Indianapolis, was selected for inclusion in Indiana’s Super Lawyers directory.

John Ward, ’96, Chicago, was appointed director of advertising sales for Tennis Channel’s Midwest and central regions. Ward and his wife have two children JT, Payton and Hailey.

Eric Williams, ’96, Lebanon, Indiana, wrote his first children’s novel, “The Summer of Weird Harold.”

Angela (Apple) Gelormini, ’97 MA ’98, Brisbane, California, was promoted to senior director of sales training at SolarCity, the largest residential solar installer in the United States.

Chanda (Fisher) Schwab, ’98, and Steve Schwab, Woodstock, Georgia, welcomed a boy, Wyatt Anderson, March 2.

Matthew Huguenard, ’98, Portage, Indiana, and Lisa Huguenard, welcomed a son, Thomas Matthew, March 11.

Aimee (Jones) Marroni, AA ’98, and Richard Marroni welcomed a daughter, Dec. 20, 2013.

Ernest Jutte, ’98, Homestead, Florida, chief of administration for the Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks, assumed the role in April after serving five years as administrative officer for the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Deirdre Wildman, ’98, Denver, was named vice president of sales and marketing for MorEvents. She is a 14-year veteran of the event planning industry, most recently serving as a senior event designer for 451 Events and its family of brands. A 2012 graduate of Leadership Denver, Wildman was named among the state’s top 25 young professionals by Colorado Biz Magazine in 2013. The Denver Business Journal included her in its 40 Under 40 list in 2012, and she has won dozens of local, national, and international event planning awards during the last 14 years.

Jason Hasty, ’99, El Segundo, California, was promoted to director of the division of pupil services for the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

Daniel Klinger, ’99 MA ’00, Indianapolis, authored Idiot’s Guides: Everyday Makeup Secrets. Klinger is the owner of Neck Up Design, which creates hair and makeup design for theater, events, and individuals.

Michelle (Shawger) O’Keefe, ’99 MA ’11, and Brent O’Keefe, ’98, Indianapolis, adopted a baby boy from China, November 2015.

Jennifer (Villines) Hollingshead, ’99, Greenwood, Indiana, founded nonprofit Restore Old Town Greenwood, Inc. in 2010 to save a third of the downtown’s historic buildings from being demolished. Restore Old Town Greenwood, in a partnership with the city, received an Indiana Main Street Main Street Revitalization Program grant for $400,000 that was used in a $1.3 million facade restoration project, completed in December.

Marcus Weemes, ’99, Moraga, California, began in July as the director of campus housing at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga.

2000s

 

Melody (Cook) Coryell, ’00, Franklin, Indiana, received $25,000 and the 2015 Milken Educator Award, the nation’s preeminent teacher recognition program, dubbed the “Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher Magazine. She is an English teacher and coordinator of the international baccalaureate diploma program at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis.

Jeanne (Eliason) Ferguson, MA ’00, Centerville, Indiana, retired from teaching at Ivy Tech Community College in Richmond, Indiana. Having taught at the college for almost 20 years, the associate professor of life sciences received Ivy Tech’s President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction in 2005 and was named a Master Teacher in 2006.

John Gernand, ’00, Indianapolis, moved to the Bloomington office of BKD, a national CPA and advisory firm. Gernand, who had worked from the company’s Indianapolis office for 13 years, is a member of the BKD National Manufacturing & Distribution Group, the American Institute of CPAs and Indiana CPA Society. He is also on the board of directors for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation.

Dr. Brian Hart, ’00 and Heather (Fosnaugh) Hart, MA ’04, Indianapolis, welcomed twins, Alexandra and Benjamin. March 14.

Blake Miller, ’00, Akron, Indiana, was promoted to global marketing communications manager of Extremities at Zimmer Biomet Orthopedics in Warsaw, Indiana.

Abigail (Seiple) Madden, ’00, Brookfield, Illinois, was named managing director of A Red Orchid Theatre, an ensemble-based professional theatre in Chicago.

Tiffanney (Day) Drummond, ’01 MA ’16, Adam Drummond, ’02 MA ’05 EdS ’11 EdD ’14, Huntington, Indiana, welcomed a daughter, Carter Elizabeth, on November 14, 2014. Carter joins brothers Chase and Carson.

Mindy (Friend) Hearn, ’01, married James Hearn, Portland, Oregon, Sept. 5, 2014.

Sara (Jaromin) Fauquher, ’01 MAE ’07, Christiansted, Virginia, was named a fifth-grade instructor of language arts and social studies at Good Hope Country Day School in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She previously taught fifth grade at Burris Laboratory School in Muncie.

Melissa (Weirich) Zabel, ’01, Indianapolis, was promoted to vice president of operations at Xiik Strategic Marketing Agency in December 2014. She and Steve Zabel, ’01, architect at Rottmann Collier Architects, Inc. and MSKTD & Associates, also welcomed a second son in January 2015.

Katie (Coble) Wilken, ’02 MUR ’05, and Scott Wilken, MUR ’03, Phoenix, welcomed a son, Miles Glen, Sept. 26.

Corrin Foster, ’02, Austin, was promoted to director of marketing and branding at Greenleaf Book Group in January.

Erika (Harrell) Raymond, ’02, and Scott Raymond, ’92, Plainfield, Indiana, welcomed a daughter, Sofia Sue, March 26.

Kelly Jones, ’02, Indianapolis, spoke in Washington, D.C. on behalf of early childhood education.

Nicole (Miller) Weaver, ’02, New Castle, Indiana, was promoted in January 2015 to vice president of investor relations, corporate secretary, and executive assistant for Ameriana Bank. Weaver joined Ameriana in June 2014 as executive assistant and corporate secretary. She serves on the board of directors for Healthy Communities of Henry County and previously served as marketing and development officer for the Henry County Community Foundation.

Nathan Morin, ’02 MA ’08, Chicago, CEO of North Coast Organics, founded the company in 2012 with his mother, Debbie, who manufacturers the certified organic products in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company offers organic deodorants, bath crystals, body butters, soaps, lip balms and other products online and in stores throughout the country.

Alan Rucker, ’02 MA ’03, Henryville, Indiana, was promoted to assistant director of residence education at Morehead State University. In October 2016, he was awarded the Kentucky Association of Housing Officers Unbridled Spirit Award for his significant and lasting contributions to the profession and society.

Eric Sanner, ’02, Muncie, started in October as a technical consultant for Perficient Inc., a technology consulting firm specializing in Microsoft technologies. Previously, Sanner worked for 13 years for nHarmony, Inc., a website and web based software company based in Muncie.

Stacey (Smith) Kauffman, ’02, Folsom, California, was promoted to director of sales for Entercom Communications in December 2015.

Deborah Davis, MA ’03, was elected to the Public Relations Society of America Hoosier Chapter’s College Fellows, a group of more than 350 senior practitioners and educators from around the country, each of whom has left a significant footprint on the public relations profession.

Eric Doland, ’03, Goshen, Indiana, was promoted to assistant director of compliance assurance for the office of risk management and safety at the University of Notre Dame.

Holly Hubbs, PhD ’03, Trappe, Pennsylvania, received the 2015 Laughlin Distinguished Teaching Award at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Hubbs is an associate professor of music and has taught saxophone performance at Ursinus since graduating from Ball State.

Anthony Piaskowy, ’03, Washington, D.C., married Christopher Tate, at the Wonder Bread Factory in Washington, D.C. on July 2. Piaskowy works as a program manager for the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Mike Slocum, ’03, Indianapolis, was named the executive director for student and career development for the Ivy Tech Community College Central Office.

Matthew Sparling, ’03 BAR ’05, Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been promoted to associate partner of MKM architecture + design, an architecture, planning, and interior design firm. He holds the following credentials: AIA, LEED AP ID+C.

Ryan Winsemann, ’03, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Kristen Winsemann, welcomed a son, Hudson David, Sept. 11.

Kim Wolsiffer, ’03, Indianapolis, was promoted to deputy chief of enforcement for Indianapolis Animal Care and Control. Recently named a certified humane animal investigator, Wolsiffer focuses on combating animal cruelty through educational outreach.

Abby Croft, ’04 MA ’07, Ojai, California, was named the director of college counseling and director of experiential learning at Besant Hill School of Happy Valley.

Brian Dingman, ’04, Indianapolis, was named associate partner of public accounting firm, London Witte & Company, LLP.

Heather (Frick) Chastain, ’04, Avon, wrote children’s book, Caroline Girls, published in June.

Neal Thomas Hoffman II, ’04 MA ’06, married Kelly Wilson, ’07, Fishers, Indiana, Sept. 17.

Joseph “JT” Marcum, ’04, Keller, Texas, was appointed to director of business development, contract logistics and warehousing for CEVA Logistics in May.

Andrew Mitchell, ’04, Indianapolis, is an architect and senior associate at MKM architecture + design, an architecture and planning firm. In November, he shared MKM’s best practices and strategies for integrating tablets into daily practice to improve efficiencies and reduce errors at the American Institute of Architects Kentucky/Indiana Annual Conference in Lexington.

Amy (Steenstrup) Kurtz, ’04, and Christopher Kurtz, ’06, Overland Park, Kansas, welcomed a daughter, Teagan Rose, Sept. 17.

Dana (Walsko) Strabavy, ’04, South Bend, Indiana, was named the Indiana Middle School Counselor of the Year by the Indiana School Counselors Association. Strabavy, who works for LaSalle intermediate Academy, is now nominated for the American School Counselor Association’s National School Counselor of the Year award.

Nicholas Zuniga, ’04, Noblesville, Indiana, and Tiffany Zuniga, welcomed a daughter, Caroline Elizabeth, June 3.

Aletha Duston, ’05, Marion, Indiana, started in January 2015 as the north central community liaison for the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

Laura (Farley) Daoud, ’05, Indianapolis, married Alfred Daoud, Indianapolis, April 2.

Pete Felix, ’05, San Diego, California, became the senior development research analyst for San Diego Zoo Global on Aug. 31.

Christopher Haug, ’05, Portland, Oregon, was elected president of the Northwest Association of Student Affairs Professionals. Haug serves as director of residence life at the University of Portland and is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership.

Jonathan Scott, ’05, Indianapolis, became a digital and social media communications manager at Eli Lily and Company in April.

Edil Ajibaev, MBA ’06, London, England, started picVpic.com (other related services bagtobrag.com, staging.willbemom.com, willbemom.com). The company has won four international startup competitions and mentioned in a number of news organizations, including Forbes and BBC.

Ryan Bell, ’06 MBA ’07, South Bend, Indiana, was promoted to assistant vice president and head of 1st Source Bank’s retail business banking group. Bell joined 1st Source in 2009 as a credit analyst and was later promoted to retail sales specialist. He is active in the community as a board member of Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce, Saint Mary’s College SPARK program, Cornerstone Alliance, and the St. Joseph County Chamber’s Leadership program.

Robert Cassidy, ’06, Santa Barbara, California, has served as the pianist of Cleveland-based Almeda Trio from 2008-16 and regularly performs chamber music with members of The Cleveland Orchestra. He maintains a studio at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara.

Kelly (Everling) Bruhn, MA ’06, Des Moines, Iowa, earned tenure and was named associate dean of the Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She leads the public relations major.

Jeralyn (Gonterman) Beach, ’06, Pittsburg, and Robert Beach, welcomed a son, Julian Alexander, Feb.17, 2015.

John Martin, ’06, Mount Vernon, Indiana, started in February as a communications specialist with KFS and Associates in Evansville, Indiana.

Amy (Venderley) Evans, ’06, Herzogenaurach, Germany, married Andy Evans, August 2012.

Christopher Weddle, ’06, Riverside, California, is a digital producer for The Desert Sun in Palm Springs.

Kari (Addison) Sisk, ’07, Anderson, Indiana, and Chad Sisk, welcomed a son, Drew, in May.

Danielle (Blain) Olney, ’07, and Jason Olney, ’07, Pendleton, Indiana, welcomed a son, Ian, Jan. 7, 2015.

Emily (Keifer) Renschler, ’07 MAE ’11, Fort Pierce, Florida, is working as a master instructor in the elementary education department at Indian River State College.

Carrie Manes, ’07, Orlando, Florida, received a Master of Architecture from the University of Florida in May. As a student, she was part of the CityLab-Orlando program of the UF Graduate School of Architecture. Since 2007, she has worked for Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers and Planners.

Brian Whiteley, ’07, New York, featured his solo exhibition, GHOULISH GESTURES, in February at the Bakehouse Art Complex in Miami. The exhibit focused on his most recent body of work, which explores phobia and paranormal experiences through investigatory performance art.

Beth (Zellers) Christian, ’07, and Benjamin Christian, AA ’06, Indianapolis, adopted a baby girl, Lilli Ann, Aug. 15.

Kyle Bell, ’08, Muncie, was promoted to lead program coordinator at Hillcroft Services’ Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic. Bell has been with Hillcroft since 2012, when he stared working as a therapist.

Heidi (Krillenberger) Brugh, ’08, Ypsilanti, Michigan, and Michael Brugh, welcomed a son, Henry Joseph, April 20.

Chris Lowry, ’08 married Christy (Bousum) Lowry, Kokomo, Indiana, June 18.

Nicole (Stroud) Trojanowski, ’08, and Corey Trojanowski, ’08, Indianapolis, welcomed a son, Deacon Alan, Oct. 24.

Kyle Flood, ’09, Washington, D.C., was promoted to deputy chief of staff for the Office of General Counsel, U.S. Department of Education.

Melissa (Lincourt) New, ’09, married Scott New, ’06, Greenwood, Indiana, June 18.

Nicole (Randolph) Pries, ’09, Michigantown, Indiana, English and developmental literacy teacher, was named a fellow in the second class of the Woodrow Wilson MBA in Education Leadership at the University of Indianapolis.

David Caudill, ’10, Palmyra, Indiana, and Athena Caudill, welcomed a daughter, Willow, July 2, 2015.

Amanda Bowman, ’10, Muncie, married Joshua Bowman, Jan. 6, 2012.

Sarah (Smith) Muhlenkamp, ’10 MA ’12, married Cody Muhlenkamp, ’10 MA ’12, Celina, Ohio, June 27.

John Steilberg, MA ’10, Louisville, Kentucky, made first Profession to the Dominican Order on Aug. 9. Before entering the order, Steilberg had worked for the PGA of America-Valhalla Golf Course, located east of Louisville.

Lee Ann DeMoss, MA ’11, Indianapolis, was named president of the Indiana affiliate of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences for the 2015-16 term. DeMoss is a family and consumer sciences teacher for MSD Warren Township at Walker Career Center in Indianapolis.

Josh Norris, ’11, Indianapolis, has served for the past four years as a project engineer for The Hagerman Group in Fishers, Indiana.

Catherine (Thompson) Tsai, ’11, married Andre Tsai, ’11, Louisville, Kentucky, July 11.

Lauren Bailey, ’13, Fort Wayne, Indiana, serves as the director of planning and community development for Whitestown, Indiana. Bailey, who earned her degree in urban planning and development, previously assisted with Fortville’s Main Street Revitalization Plan, which created a multi-modal transportation systems.

Julie Barber, DA ’14, assistant professor at Western Kentucky University, co-stared in the musical production Cabaret Poe during its October run at Theatre on the Square in Indianapolis. Barber also directed The Elves and the Shoemaker at the Indy Eleven Theatre and Guys and Dolls at Western Kentucky University.

Jess Gaze, ’14, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Ryan Lentine, ’13, Fort Wayne, Indiana, are two members of blues band, Trichotomous Hippopotamus, based in Fort Wayne. In July, the trio opened for KC & The Sunshine Band at the city’s Three Rivers Festival.