Alumni Blog

Keith Blackburn is a 2013 graduate of the Masters of Divinity whose story is that of a redeemed life that now reconciles others to the Lord, Jesus Christ. Serving as a chaplain with the Indiana Department of Correction he now uses his story of redemption to help others. His story begins before his degree from IWU but his degree through IWU helps him to be a more effective communicator and chaplain especially since his story has become popular.

Having been featured on TV shows like Oprah to tell his story has been an opportunity to be a World Changer through a national audience.

In a recent conversation I held with Keith he said;

“I am blessed to be an alum of an institution that is truly a World Changer. Indiana Wesleyan University demonstrated the grace of God in a real and tangible way in my life. My experience with IWU goes beyond the Seminary, I was welcomed on campus with open arms and my past did not hinder my educational pursuits.”

To view his story: http://www.iwuspectrum.com/former-prisoner-now-seminary-student-to-speak-at-iwu/.

When asked about the impact of IWU helping him develop his ministry he replied,

“The community of Faith on campus walked along side of me as the Lord was continuing to unfold my testimony of his love and grace. My experience with IWU goes way beyond just a degree and the class room. God has blessed me with relationships that have transformed me in ways that I do not fully understand at this time.”

Keith will be speaking during Chapel on November 6th, 10 am & 11 am on the Campus of Indiana Wesleyan University.

A new service center is now open in Naperville, Illinois. Indiana Wesleyan University now has its first center for the purpose of providing service and promotion for its educational degree programs.

The Naperville Service Center will be staffed by Enrollment Specialists, and Conference Service staff as well as an Evening Manager. With a desire to serve the community, these employees will work with prospective students to assist them in their educational goals as well as provide conferencing for businesses in the region.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Dr. David Wright shared his vision for servicing the region in providing educational alternatives in cooperation with the community needs. He spoke of the importance of having a Christian worldview when providing educational curriculum. Others who participated include regional Dean’s, community leaders, and the Naperville chamber of commerce. Rev. Josh Howard is a graduate of IWU who gave a prayer of invocation and blessing.

“This is a great opportunity not only for prospective students but for our local alumni as well,” says Rick Carder, Director of Alumni. Carder plans to host alumni events at the center in the coming year. He hopes to establish a local chapter of alumni and parents will help serve the needs of the center as well as the community.

Alumni from across the region and nationally are beginning to organize locally. They are working together through diverse strengths and networking strategically to reach out and serve alumni.

Last year we added three groups. They include Indy North, Fort Wayne, Cincinnati, OH yet many other alumni have hosted events in places like, Southern, CA; Atlanta, GA; Roanoke, VA; and throughout Florida. Alumni are finding these networks beneficial in helping to better serve the needs of local alumni.

We invite alumni to join or help start a regional network. “Alumni are a vital resource for students and fellow alumni,” says Rick Carder, IWU Alumni Director. The value of local alumni contributing to the growth of these chapters are the goals of organizers.

“Local volunteer leadership is an effective way to further the reach if the Alumni Association,” says Greg Smith, Alumni Board President. Alumni are encouraged to take charge of their networks and give leadership to others networks by sending a request to increase local opportunities beyond the classroom. Contact alumni@indwes.edu to lead these efforts.

IWU is called to make the world a better place by preparing students, faculty, and staff to live out the truths and the example of Jesus Christ in this world. – Dr. David Wright

Dr. David and Helen Wright become the President and First Lady of IWU effective July 1st. They bring a passion for people and Christian Higher Education.

The President’s Vision

Follow Dr. Wright through social media options.

Instagram – Twitter @IWUPresident

Congratulations to Reading 8th grade Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Rita McCormack, who is Reading’s Teacher of the Year and received the Celebrate Excellence Educator Award from the Hamilton County Education Service Center. The 26-year veteran teacher was honored on May 24, at Sharonville Convention Center with a breakfast and awards ceremony. She received her award from former Bengal and Hall of Famer, Anthony Munoz, who was the Master of Ceremonies.

“Rita McCormack is passionate about education and loves teaching. She sets high expectations for her students and challenges students to reach levels they never thought were possible,” said RMS Principal, Bob Longworth.

Mrs. McCormack is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and earned her Masters Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. While at Reading, she served as Student Senate Adviser for 18 years. Mrs. McCormack retired from teaching at the end of this school year. Students, parents, and her peers will miss her energy and enthusiasm.

“Mrs. McCormack is one of the finest teachers I have ever worked with in my career. She loves her students and they succeed because they know how much she cares and that she will never give up on them,” said Reading Superintendent, Scott Inskeep.

Article adapted from:
http://www.readingschools.org/docs/BlueDevileNewsMay2013.pdf