Alumni News – Fall 2021

1970s

Rev. Dr. George Plasterer ’74 published a 2-volume work, In the School of Scripture with Karl Barth: A Discussion of Church Dogmatics (Pinnacle Leadership Press, 2021).

1980s

Mike Keaffaber ’85 is celebrating the marriage of his son and fellow IWU alumnus, Grant Keaffaber, who was married December 19, 2020.

Lenora (Durham) Eastes ’87 is celebrating becoming a new great-great-great grandmother in Swayzee, IN.

1990s

John Kynek ’93 is now retired and enjoys traveling with his wife and spending time with their children, their spouses, and grandchildren.

Darren Anderson ’96 is the Lead Pastor at Waypoint Community Church in Zeeland, MI and the father to two girls: Providence and Hosanna.

Tim Mulherin ’98 has published a collection of nonfiction essays and stories entitled Sand, Stars, Wind, & Water: Field Notes from Up North. The predominant themes are identity, place, and belonging; an enduring best friendship; and the increasing interest in and pressure on Michigan’s Great Lakes regions from visitors and how to respect this national treasure and the people who call it home. The pieces convey this by chronicling his outdoor adventures over the past 30+ years in northwest lower Michigan. Click here to read more about Tim and his work.

2000s

Robert Mondor ’01 is celebrating his son graduating from the Louisiana Center for the Blind and becoming a US citizen.

Julia Hurlow ’04 published the book Transcendence at the Table: A Transfigurational Experience While Breaking Bread Together, available on Amazon.

Zachary Bahorik ’05 is a Partner in the Business Law Practice Group of Ulmer & Berne LLP in Cincinnati, OH.

Jonathan Schaller ’07 is a visiting Assistant Professor of Instrumental and General Music Education at the Crane School of Music, State University of New York College at Potsdam. He graduated with his PhD in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in August, 2021.

Detra L. Mills, MBA ’08 is the Executive Vice President & General Counsel for The Basement, a full-service integrated agency in Indianapolis that delivers radical clarity to agile brands by leveraging modern storytelling and data. In her role, Detra provides operational leadership and legal guidance in service to the productivity, development, and advancement of one of the fastest growing agencies in the US. Detra and her husband, Doug, have four adult children and reside on the North Side of Indy.

Elijah McKnight ’08 is a Counselor at Community Medical Services in Marion, IN.

2010s

Belinda (Matheny) King ’10 was appointed and promoted from Vice President to President/CEO of Disciples Church Extension Fun.

Alicia Abney ’15 was promoted to the Academic Advising Manager for the Middle Tennessee State University College of Education. She was also the recipient of the October 2021 Woman of Achievement Award through Women in Higher Education – Tennessee. Click here to read more.

Dr. Michael Blanchard ’15 co-authored the following article entitled “Are Current Security Protocols the Best Use of Funds in Public Schools.” Click this link to read.

Parker ’16 and Faith Snowden welcomed a baby girl, Avis, on October 12, 2021. She joins sister Charity (4) and brother Bardon (2). The Snowdens live in Elkhart, IN.

Tyler Laubach ’16 has completed medical school at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine and has entered residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Ascension Via Christi Hospitals in Wichita, Kansas.

Justin McMurray ’18 is a doctoral student at George Fox University, specializing in Accounting and Management.

Taylor Shippy ’18 has been the Pastor of Gibbon Baptist Church in Gibbon, NE for one year. He received his Master of Divinity after completing seminary this past May, with preparation from IWU and STM.

2021

Brianna Tragesser ’21 began her social work career as the Social Services Coordinator at Janus Developmental Services in Noblesville, IN.

 

 

 

 

 

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