Cardinal Pride Alumni News (Spring 2025)
1960s
Robert (Steve) S. Dicken, ’65 MA ’70, New Castle, Ind., self-published a book in 2024 about the history of the New Castle Fieldhouse. The nonfiction book is titled Fieldhouse of Dreams: How Inspired Citizens in a Small Midwestern Community Built the Largest High School Gym in the World. It traces the origin and community impact of the famous fieldhouse and contains forewords by former professional basketball players and New Castle natives, Kent Benson and Steve Alford. Mr. Dicken passed away less than a month after its publication.
1970s
Ralph E. Stuckman, EDD ’70, Lebanon, Ohio, was recognized for his alcohol ink artwork collection, Let’s Talk SHOP: Ralph Stuckman, which was displayed at the Paradigm Gallery + Studio in the Fort Wayne Museum of Art in Fort Wayne, Ind., in the Fall of 2024.
Eugene (Gene) F. Policinski, ’72, Reston, Va., published The First Amendment in the 21st Century: From the Village Green to the Village Screen, a guide to the importance and challenges of First Amendment freedoms. Mr. Policinski is a founding editor of USA Today and a senior fellow for the First Amendment at Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization.
Robert J. Meehan, ’73, Indianapolis, has published two books emphasizing the need for a compassionate and inclusive approach to education: The Teacher’s Journey: The Road Less Traveled (2011) and A Teacher’s Treasures: Bounty for All (2016). His work explores themes of social justice, empathy in education, and the transformative power of teaching.
Jay E. Harker, ’74, Belleville, Ill., is a lawyer and senior manager at Stifel Trust Company, N.A., in St. Louis. He has published an estate-planning book, What Could Go Wrong?, based on nearly 40 years in the trust business. The cover illustration for the book was done by his freshman Shales Hall roommate, William Hugh Haynes.
Stephen M. Terrell, ’74, Indianapolis, a retired attorney and author, released the deeply personal true-crime novel The Madness of John Terrell: Revenge and Insanity on Trial in the Heartland. The book tells the story of John Terrell—Stephen Terrell’s great uncle—and the aftermath of the bizarre murder of his estranged son-in-law in Wells County in 1903.
Daniel M. Luzadder, ’76, Cannon Beach, Ore., has published two new books—The Manchurian Journalist: Lawrence Wright, the CIA, and the Corruption of American Journalism and Street Talk: The Great Flood and Other Stories, both released in June 2024. Mr. Luzadder shared a Pulitzer Prize in 1983 with other Fort Wayne News Sentinel staff writers and has been honored with a national American Bar Association Award for public service for his investigative work on public corruption. He is also a member of the Scripps Howard Journalism Hall of Fame.
Steven D. Shondell, ’77 MA ’80 with the Distinguished Hoosier Award.
Steven D. Shondell, ’77 MA ’80, Muncie, was recently honored with the Distinguished Hoosier Award by former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, LLD ’24. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who make significant contributions to their communities. Mr. Shondell, a retired volleyball coach, enjoyed a remarkable 34-year career at Burris Laboratory School and Ball State. He coached the Cardinals from 2010-2015. When coaching at Burris, he amassed more than 1,100 victories.
1980s
Frederick W. Means Sr., ’81, Brownsburg, Ind., retired as the chief financial officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis. He is continuing with the organization in a transitional mentoring role.
John E. Krause, ’83 MBA ’84, Muncie, returned to Muncie after many years of living and working in various states around the country. Now retired, Mr. Krause volunteers with Ball State’s Department of Veterans Affairs and Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
Diana L. Rogers-Adkinson, ’83, Bloomsburg, Pa., was hired as vice chancellor for academic and student affairs and chief academic officer of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education as of July 1, 2024.
Beth A. Dotson Brown, ’84, Lancaster, Ky., published her debut novel, Rooted in Sunrise, which is described as a coming-of-age story for women in mid-life.
Aaron N. Cutshall, ’86.
Aaron N. Cutshall, ’86, Cedar City, Utah, graduated with a Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree in 2024. He’s worked in healthcare informatics for nearly 40 years and recently accepted a position as director of data services at Honest Medical Group, LLC. Accompanied by his wife, Tonya, Dr. Cutshall is also an accomplished author and a sought-after speaker at national conferences, where he presents on topics such as data architecture, analytics, leadership, and professional development.
Marianne Holdzkom, ’88, Acworth, Ga., is an associate professor of history at Kennesaw State University. She published Remembering John Adams: The Second President in History, Memory and Popular Culture in 2023.
1990s
Courtni L. Pugh, ’93, Long Beach, Calif., who earned a degree in political science from Ball State, has been appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to the Exposition Park and California Science Center Board of Directors.
Christopher R. Anderson, ’94 MS ’95, Carmel, Ind., accepted a position as chief information officer at Schwarz Partners, LP. Mr. Anderson has worked in information technology for nearly 30 years, most recently in cybersecurity and development operations.
Natalie Y. (Tudor) Guzman, ’94.
Natalie Y. (Tudor) Guzman, ’94, Fishers, Ind., executive director of enterprise communications for Cummins, Inc., was appointed to the board of the Greater Indianapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Keith G. Broadnax, MA ’95, Indianapolis, senior vice president of business development for Indiana and Illinois for Cinnaire, was honored with the Indiana Affordable Housing Council (IAHC) Award for Leadership in Afford who serve as role models by prioritizing the provision of safe, decent, and affordable housing in their daily efforts to improve the lives of Hoosiers.
Deiona L. Clayton, ’96, Evansville, Ind., who earned a degree in general studies with a concentration in elementary and special education from Ball State, has been named the new executive director of the Carver Community Organization, becoming the first female leader in the organization’s history.
Kimberly S. (Shull) Unruh, ’96, Huntsville, Ala., has been elected to the Continuing Education Committee with the Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape Architecture. Ms. Unruh has been practicing landscape architecture in Alabama since 2020 with Bostick Landscape Architects. The opening of Legacy Park, a major community asset in northern Huntsville, was a pivotal moment in her career. Designed by Bostick Landscape Architects, Legacy Park has two pavilions, including an entertainment pavilion with terraced seating, a large, modern playground, a plaza, walking trails, and a 132-space parking lot.
Kevin M. Vikery, ’93, Kennard, Ind., is the bassist and lead vocalist for the local band, The Cousin Brothers. He also writes the blog Make Some Noise, chronicling the Indiana music scene. Mr. Vickery earned his degree in telecommunications from Ball State.
Frank E. Ross III, ’95 MA ’00, Indianapolis, vice president for student affairs at Butler University since 2017, was recognized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Foundation (NASPA) as a 2025 Pillar of the Profession. The honor is one of the highest in the field of student affairs and higher education. Dr. Ross will be recognized at the NASPA National Conference in New Orleans this Spring.
Jenny L. Dexter, ’97, Indianapolis, who obtained her degree in graphic design at Ball State, is the chief strategy officer at Veteran Strategies, a veteran-owned communications agency specializing in public relations, marketing, and branding. Recently, she led the communication strategy for the $80 million Indy Parks redesign, funded by the Lilly Endowment.
Michelle M. McGill-Vargas, ’97.
Michelle M. McGill-Vargas, ’97, Merrillville, Ind., published her debut novel, American Ghoul, in the Fall of 2024. The novel adds a fun, vampiric spin on the United States in the Reconstruction Era. She credits much of her success to the Midwest Writers Workshop, where she serves on the board. This annual conference, hosted at Ball State since 1973, has been a cornerstone for writers in the region. Additionally, she is a board member of the Historical Novel Society–North America.
Susan E. (Warnes) Frasier, ’98, Indianapolis, who received a degree at Ball State in biology, works for the U.S. Probation Office performing drug abuse testing. She enjoys wellness activities such as triathlon racing, strength training, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu in her spare time.
Dustin A. Eggink, ’99, Indianapolis, was promoted to principal and hospitality leader at RATIO Design, an Indianapolis architecture and design firm.
Ben A. Saunders, ’99, Oakland City, Ind., published Echoes of Valor: The Timeless Tradition of Military Funerals in September 2024. The book follows the journey of Army veteran James Bryant, focusing on his military funeral with honors. It explores the significance of military funerals, highlighting the rituals and traditions that pay tribute to and commemorate the sacrifices of American military heroes. Mr. Saunders is a funeral director and certified cremation arranger.
2000s
Carrie D. (Rihm) Ervin, ’00 MS ’02, Greens Fork, Ind., was promoted to vice president and chief financial officer of Earlham College in Richmond, Ind.
Amy C. Branam Armiento, MA ’01, Cumberland, Md., received the J. Lasley Dameron Award for Outstanding Essay Collection for her co-edited book Poe and Women: Recognition and Revision. Dr. Branam Armiento published a second edited collection titled More Than Love: The Enduring Fascination with Edgar Allan Poe in 2024.
Tiz A. Arnold, MS ’02, San Antonio, Texas, published a self-help eBook for teens and tweens titled Why Didn’t Somebody Tell Me This Sooner? Lessons You Should Learn (By the Time You’re a Teenager) to Lead a Better Life. The publication draws on Dr. Arnold’s education in sport psychology and work experience as an Army and Air Force human performance contractor. It relates to resilience, positive psychology, academic strategies, critical thinking, communication, and relationships.
Sarah C. Bongiorno, ’02 BAR ’02, Columbus, Ohio, was announced as a co-owner of Planning NEXT, a firm specializing in urban design, integrated visioning, and strategic planning. Ms. Bongiorno currently manages the company’s operations and human resources. She leads the community master plan update for Grand Rapids, Mich., and planning work for Gahanna, Ohio, and Grandview Heights, Ohio.
Kathryn L. (Stevens) Jessup, MAE ’05 EdS ’13 EDD ’17, Brownsburg, Ind., was appointed superintendent of schools of the Brownsburg Community School Corporation (BCSC) in July 2024. She was previously the assistant superintendent and has been with BCSC for 30 years as a teacher, building-level administrator, and central office administrator.
Kelly B. (Everling) Bruhn, MA ’06, Des Moines, Iowa, was named the 2024 Public Relations Society of America’s Outstanding Educator. She accepted the award at the PRSA International Conference in Anaheim, Calif., in October 2024. Former Ball State Department of Journalism faculty members Dr. Melvin Sharpe and Professor Bob Pritchard are past recipients of the honor. Dr. Bruhn serves as associate dean at the Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Cortlan G. Booker, ’08
Cortlan G. Booker, ’08, Cincinnati, was selected by The Cincinnati Courier as one of the Forty Under 40 Class of 2024. The award recognizes young leaders and professionals in the Cincinnati area. Mr. Booker is a sales manager at Spectrum Reach, an advertising agency based in New York.
Brittney L. (Livesay) Francies, ’08, Ingleside, Ill., accepted a position as a financial advisor for Edward Jones. Ms. Francies studied telecommunications and multimedia at Ball State.
2010s
Katie M. (Broering) Lanter, ’12, Osgood, Ind., a seventh- and eighth-grade English and language arts teacher at South Ripley Junior High School, received the Milken Educator Award, which also came with a $25,000 cash prize. The award honors early- to mid-career educators for their achievements and promise in the field.
Bryan Denman, ’13, Plainfield, Ind., who received his degree in environmental management from Ball State, has worked for the State of Indiana Department of Natural Resources for the last 10 years. He recently took leave of his job to complete the journey of a lifetime, hiking the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine—nearly 2,190 miles—in 103 days.
Caryn L. Egan, ’13, Highland, Ind., won Charleston City Paper’s 2023 Female Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year for her song “Barefoot Child.” She is currently fiddle and vocals with the band Mike Martin & the Beautiful Mess, who this year won Music Video of the Year and Americana Band of the Year for the same South Carolina publication.
Colin M. Steitz, ’18, Wheeling, W. Va., who earned his bachelor’s degree in economics at Ball State, defended his dissertation at West Virginia University. Dr. Steitz is now an assistant professor and the MBA program director at Wheeling University in Wheeling.
Michelle E. Kaufman, ’19, Indianapolis, joined the team at Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick as an associate producer. In this role, she writes and conducts interviews for the weekly show that airs statewide. She also contributes to the website. Ms. Kaufman works alongside fellow Cardinals Theresa Wells-Ditton, ’85, Indianapolis, and Kylie N. (Gandolf) Veleta, ’02, Greenwood, Ind.
2020s
Jessi King, MS ’20, Linton, Ind., who earned a master’s degree in nursing administration from Ball State, was named the Outstanding Leader of the Year by Greene County General Hospital.
Ivan S. Ross, MUR ’22.
Ivan S. Ross, MUR ’22, Milton, Ind., who is an aviation planner, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Indianapolis office. He will assist in airport master plans, layout plans, and other aviation-related projects.
