Cardinal Pride Alumni News (Spring 2026)
The class notes reflect news about Ball State alumni and were published in our Spring 2026 print issue of the Ball State Magazine
1950s
Jane (LaRowe) Hamilton-Merritt, ’58 MA ’62, Redding Ridge, Conn., is a journalist, photographer, war correspondent, historian, human rights advocate, and expert on Southeast Asia. As a member of The Explorers Club since 1998, Ms. Hamilton-Merritt recently had an adventure featured in the organization’s new publication, Letters from the Edge. The editor selected her eyewitness account of the massacre of Hmong refugees on the Mekong River along the Thai-Lao border.
The Explorers Club, founded in the early 1900s, is an international society dedicated to promoting scientific exploration, with notable members including Neil Armstrong, Jane Goodall, and Teddy Roosevelt. The story also appears in Ms. Hamilton-Merritt’s award-winning book Tragic Mountains: The Hmong, the Americans, and the Secret Wars for Laos, 1942-1992, written in memory of those lost.
1960s
James D. Yunker, ’69 MA ’74, Cincinnati, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising Award by the Cincinnati chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as part of National Philanthropy Day 2025. Founder of The Yunker Group, a national fundraising and executive search firm, Mr. Yunker has led campaigns for organizations such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and the Capital Humane Society. A longtime volunteer and past chair of the Giving USA Foundation, he continues to advance the fundraising profession and community service from his home in Cincinnati.
1970s
Alan J. McPherson, ’70 MA ’74, Kewanna, Ind., publishes Star Light * Star Bright: A Guide to Astronomy Resources of Indiana. Mr. McPherson is a prolific author of books about Indiana’s nature and history. His latest serves as a guide for those interested in astronomy in Indiana, listing observatories, planetariums, museums, and other resources.
Reta J. (Kirkpatrick) Williams, ’72 MAE ’75, Frankfort, Ind., published Echoes from the Gym. She spent 18 months digging through archives, yearbooks, and community collections to piece together the fight songs of Indiana high schools lost to consolidation in the 1950s and 1960s. Of the 718 institutions that once dotted the state, Ms. Williams managed to recover 643 of their songs.
Deborah Taylor Givens, ’74
Deborah Taylor Givens, ’74, Morgantown, Ky., received the Don Brod Award from the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE), which recognizes significant contributions from its members. Ms. Givens has been a member of the organization since 2007, serving two terms as its president, and has helped plan conferences and launch a college version of the Golden Quill, a contest—hosted by ISWNE—that acknowledges outstanding editorial writing about community issues.
John R. Van Atta, ’75, Northampton, Mass., published The Day They Hanged Old Brown: The Making of Celebrity and Martyrdom in the Civil War Era. Dr. Van Atta taught at Hiram College in Ohio before accepting a position at Brunswick School of Greenwich, Conn, where he was named a Master Teacher and Oaklawn Chair in American History and taught for 36 years. He retired in 2020.
Ron L. Breymier, ’76 MPA ’79, Indianapolis, is executive director of the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association–Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council. He received the David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award for his longstanding leadership in the RV industry. A partner at LegisGroup, he has strengthened state and federal relationships, guided critical legislative efforts, and played a key role in keeping RV manufacturers, dealers, and campgrounds operating during the COVID outbreak. Mr. Breymier was also inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in recognition of his decades of service, advocacy, and board leadership within Indiana and the national industry.
At age 95, Nancy K. (Marvin) Turner, ’82 MLS ’84 MA ’88, Muncie, has never missed a Homecoming Parade since becoming a Cardinal. In 1976, after raising eight children, she began attending Ball State as a non-traditional student, earning a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees—history and library science. She later served for many years as an archivist at Bracken Library. She retired in 1998 as head of archives and special collections with emeritus status.
1980s
Steven T. Folgate, ’81, Yorktown, Ind., owns and operates two Allstate Insurance agencies. The Miller College of Business graduate recently published The Triangle Effect: Your Incredible Journey to Power, Balance, and Energy through Archway Publishing. The book is a blend of memoir and inspirational reading, sharing stories of lessons learned throughout his 40-year career.
Timothy D. Woods, ’83, Huntington, Ind., is a deacon at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Catholic parish in Fort Wayne and is the founder and director of Lincoln Chamber Productions, producing small ensemble concerts with professionals in the Fort Wayne/Huntington area. In March 2025, Tim conducted the Fort Wayne Philharmonic at the Conductor’s Guild conducting workshop. He also has a new position as a custodian for St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntington.
Amy J. (Bube) Nall, ’87, Louisville, who earned her degree in English education, was promoted to superintendent of schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville after serving four years as assistant superintendent.
David M. Jessup, ’88 MAE ’07, Brownsburg, Ind., retired at the end of May 2025 after 37 years as an athletic trainer. Mr. Jessup worked most recently for Franciscan Health Sports Medicine in Indianapolis and provided athletic healthcare at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School for the past 10 years.
1990s
Twanda E. Young, MA ’92
Twanda E. Young, MA ’92, Charlotte, N.C., a retired Brigadier General in the U.S. Army, was named to the Claflin University Board of Trustees. Ms. Young earned her master’s degree in adult education and executive development for public service from Ball State.
Sam Criss, ’94, Indianapolis, was appointed to the board of the Greater Indianapolis chapter of the American Red Cross. Mr. Criss is president and CEO of Tangram, Inc., a nonprofit organization that serves individuals with disabilities and provides a range of services to help meet their specific needs. Mr. Criss has more than 25 years of experience in child welfare and disability services, serving in key leadership roles with the Indiana Department of Child Services and as the founding president and CEO of Indianapolis-based Foster Success. This nonprofit organization serves teens and young adults in the foster care system. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology from Ball State.
William K. Turner, ’95 MA ’03
William K. Turner, ’95 MA ’03, Indianapolis, was the recipient of the 2025 Thomas J. Brennan Award for Excellence from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. This award recognizes excellence in the teaching of astronomy at the high school level in North America. Mr. Turner is a teacher and planetarium director at Carmel High School in Carmel, Ind. Mr. Turner worked at the Charles W. Brown Planetarium while a student at Ball State, and his sons currently attend the University.
Joel A. Edwards, ’96, New Braunfels, Texas, was named chief business officer for U.K.-based Maxion Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing antibody-based KnotBody® drugs for ion channel and G protein-coupled receptor-driven diseases. Mr. Edwards earned his bachelor’s degree in psychological science at Ball State.
John C. Cate, ’97, Carmel, Ind., was named to the 2025 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list for more than two decades of trusted leadership and client-focused service. He has also been recognized on the 2025 Barron’s “Top 100 Financial Advisors” and “Institutional Consulting Teams” lists. Mr. Cate is a financial advisor with the Cate Brunton Luc Group.
Lisa M. (Gebken) Thibault, MA ’98, Indianapolis, who earned her master’s degree in journalism at Ball State, was named member services director at Kappa Alpha Theta. Ms. Thibault has been with the organization for more than 18 years, holding various content and digital engagement roles.
2000s
Julie E. Goodspeed-Chadwick, MA ’02, PhD ’07, Indianapolis, is an Indiana University-Columbus Chancellor’s Professor of English and author. Her work focuses on feminist biography and trauma studies. Dr. Goodspeed-Chadwick released Lives Revised: Assia Wevill, Ted Hughes, and Sylvia Plath, published by LSU Press. The book was named the winner of the 2025 Lewis P. Simpson Award for outstanding literary scholarship.
Leah C. (Boehme) Marone, ’04, Tega Cay, S.C., is a licensed clinical social worker, wellness consultant, and speaker. She published Serial Fixer: Break Free from the Habit of Solving Other People’s Problems. The book explores important themes, including wellness, boundary-setting, and leadership.
Miriam E. (Brack) Webber, ’07, Bemidji, Minn., and many others from Ball State’s Bassoon Studio attended and performed at the International Double Reed Society in Indianapolis. Among the other Ball State alumni are Sarah Lee, ’10, Erie, Penn.; Michael Majors, ’14 MM ’16, Fishers, Ind.; Cameron L. Keenan, ’17, Yorktown, Ind.; Erin B. Gehlbach, ’20, Auburn, Calif.; Lindsey L. Wiehl, ’20, Augusta, Maine; Sierra R. Watson, ’21, West Chester, Ohio; Kirsten Kennedy, MM ’21, Bonney Lake, Wash.; Jacob Fernandez, ’21, Spring, Texas; Susan L. McCardell, MM ’22, Appleton, Wis.; and Samuel K. Peters, ’23, Portage, Ind.
Megan A. Johnson, ’07
Megan A. Johnson, ’07, Plainfield, Ind., a fourth-grade teacher at Central Elementary School in Plainfield, has been named the 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). With 18 years of experience in upper elementary classrooms, Ms. Johnson is passionate about ensuring her students develop strong literacy foundations needed for lifelong success.
2010s
Kyle M. Utter, ’10, Indianapolis, who earned his degree in architecture, was elected to serve on the board of the Greater Indianapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross. Mr. Utter is the director of the central region for Western Governors University (WGU) and specializes in strategic leadership and partnership development, driving organizational growth through innovative strategies, cross-functional collaboration, and strong stakeholder engagement.
T.J. Harris, ’11, Los Angeles, is an actor and the founder and CEO of InstinctiVision Films. His short film, Cottage Grove, was nominated for a 2025 Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy® Award for Outstanding Achievement in Arts/Entertainment. The film has screened across the country, won two Telly Awards, and is now streaming worldwide on AMC+.
Jeffrey E. Mittman, MA ’11 MBA ’13, New Palestine, Ind., is the CEO of Bosma Enterprises. He was appointed by President Donald Trump to the U.S. AbilityOne Commission, the federal agency responsible for overseeing programs that create employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities. Mr. Mittman is a U.S. Army veteran who lost his vision after a 2005 injury in Iraq. Bosma is Indiana’s largest employer of people who are blind.
Zachary T. Barnes, MA ’12, Clarksville, Tenn., was granted tenure and was promoted to associate professor of literacy at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. He earned his master’s in educational psychology at Ball State.
Stephanie L. (Ferro) Sczepankiewicz, ’13 BGS ’13, South Bend, Ind., is a manager of the Radiology Department at South Bend Orthopedics. She was recognized in Michiana’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025, an award that celebrates 40 remarkable young professionals and leaders, under the age of 40, who excel in their respective fields and have a strong commitment to making a difference in their communities.
Gunnar R. Kennedy, ’15, Lexington, Ky., an informatics epidemiologist at the Kentucky Department of Public Health, was inducted into the University of Kentucky’s 2025 Public Health Hall of Fame with the Promising Leader Award. This award honors alumni and leaders whose innovation and service have advanced public health in Kentucky and the nation.
Austin M. Glaub, ’18 MA ’22, Columbus, Ind., was named assistant principal at Batesville Middle School in Batesville, Ind. Mr. Glaub earned his bachelor’s degree in social studies teaching and his master’s degree in educational administration from Ball State.
Malachi H. Henry, ’18 MA ’20, Bloomington, Ind., was named a Distinguished Early Career Professional by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This award recognizes early-career professionals in the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology who are making a significant impact in areas such as leadership, volunteering, or advocacy at the local, state, and/or national level.
Robyn L. Spoon, MA ’18 PhD ’25, Columbus, Ind., CEO of Elevate Childhood Cancer Research and Advocacy, Inc., was appointed to the Indiana State Rare Disease Advisory Council. The council serves as an advisory body to the Indiana Department of Health and the General Assembly, identifying policy and research opportunities to improve diagnosis, care, and treatment for individuals with rare diseases. Dr. Spoon’s appointment runs until June 2029.
Joseph M. McFerren, ’19, Liberty Center, Ind., joined First Bank of Berne as a human resources manager. He has worked in the human resources field for more than 20 years. Mr. McFerren has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ball State and is currently working on a master’s in business administration and management.
Kyle M. Utter, ’10
Malachi H. Henry, ’18 MA ’20
Stephanie L. (Ferro) Sczepankliewicz ’13 BGS ’13
2020s
Bradford N. Peace, MA ’20 MA ’24 MBA ’24, Parkville, Mo., was appointed as the director of residence life and education at Park University in Parkville. In this role, Mr. Peace will manage all Park University residential buildings and oversee live-in paraprofessional and student staff, housing assignments, student housing accounts, maintenance needs, Summer conferences and events, and related budgets. Mr. Peace formerly worked for Ball State as a residential coordinator.
ON BRAND WITH JIMMY FALLON — “Marshalls” Episodie 103 — Pictured: Lauren Karwoski — (Photo by: David Holloway/NBC)
Lauren Karwoski, MA ’21, Tampa, Fla., was cast to star alongside Jimmy Fallon in the reality TV program On Brand with Jimmy Fallon. On the show, Ms. Karwoski competed against nine other contestants in a branding competition, vying for $100,000 and the title of “Innovator of the Year,” while working with top companies such as Pillsbury, KitchenAid, Sonic, and Dunkin’ Donuts. Ms. Karwoski earned a master’s degree from Ball State in journalism. Learn more about Ms. Karwoski and her journey on the show at blogs.bsu.edu
Katlyn B. Cale, ’23, Muncie, accepted a position as ceramics specialist at Arts Place in Blackford County and Jay County, running the ceramics departments at both locations. In 2026, she plans to expand program offerings to include wheel throwing and surface design classes.
