Class Notes

Left to right: Mark Shook, Eddie Gomez '08, Dr. Kyle Blackburn '10, Jordan Sprunger, Brandon Cox '10, Scott Kramer '87, Dr. Ryne Williams '12, Brad McCrady '06 and Ken Pernisek '75

Alumni Give Back Day

A Different Way for Alumni To "Give" to Their Alma Mater

By Summer (Crick) Aldridge '14, Director of Alumni Relations

Sweat equity. At KWC, that means more than hard work. It means teamwork, laughter, a sense of accomplishment, the joy of giving and some sweat, too. It is The Wesleyan Way in action. And it all came about thanks to the Young Alumni Committee of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

"How can we get young alumni more engaged?" That was the first question posed at the Young Alumni Committee's first brainstorming meeting in late 2020. An energetic discussion and a gem of an idea followed.

"What if we invite our young alumni to campus to roll up their sleeves and give some sweat equity?" posed board member Dr. Jodi (Parks) Krahwinkel '93. "They will feel like they're 'giving back' even if they're not ready to write a check. I'm sure there are plenty of little things like

Continues on page 34

Above: Give Back Day captains Josh Baldwin '05, Shawn Tomes '94 and Scott Kramer '87 Below: Selena Coalter '20 and Margaret (Stinnette) Pickerill '75

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1956

Joe Roop was inducted into the Muhlenberg County High School Athletic Hall of Fame's Class of 2021. 1 Joan and Timothy Holly celebrated 67 years of marriage. 2

1961

Panther basketball alumnus Lyle Dunbar was inducted into the latest class of the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame. Lyle was a four-year starter for the Panthers, including the 1960 NCAA third-place team. 3

1964

Longtime local businessman and Trustee Emeritus Terry Woodward was featured in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer about his music memorabilia which spans decades and music genres. 4

1965

Tom Johnson recently traveled from Ft. Thomas, Ky,. to gift a beautiful antique mirror to the College. The ornate 11-foot mirror had been in his family for many generations. It is now in the Ralph Center for the Arts, where it will be appreciated by our students and visitors. 5

1968

Panther Basketball Alumnus Dallas Thornton Sr. was inducted into the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame this year. His basketball career spanned 27 years at Louisville Male High School, KWC, Miami Floridians (ABA) and the Harlem Globetrotters. Thornton led the Panthers as a four-year starter to two NCAA Division II National championships in 1966 and 1968 plus a third-place finish in 1967. He averaged 17.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game in his career.

1971

Seretha (Summers) and George Tinsley '69 received the Tinsley Inclusive Changemaker Award from the Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation. The award will be given each year at the National Annual KFC Franchise Convention. 6

1975

Sports Information Director Emeritus Roy Pickerill was chosen as the inaugural recipient of the D2SIDA Roy Pickerill Service Award by the Division II College Sports Information Directors of America. 7

1979

Ramona (Hill) Logsdon retired after over 30 years with WDRB Media in Louisville. 8

1983

Mitch Settle was recognized as a Barron's Ranked Advisor 2022, his 12th year to earn this honor. Mitch is a trustee emeritus and a member of the Alumni Hall of Fame. 9

1984

Doug Hoyt was named chairperson for LeadingAge Kentucky's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Committee. He is CEO of Wendell Foster in Owensboro, Ky., and president of the KWC Alumni Association Board of Directors. Michael Darrell-Hicks, son of president emeritus Bart Darrell, signed with the MLB's Los Angeles Angels. He is a right-handed pitcher and was the fifth-ranked slider in college baseball last year for Jacksonville University.

1985

Kirk Duncan celebrated 35 years at WFIE TV in Evansville, Ind., as a photojournalist. Kirk has spent 37 years in television news. 10

1987

Scott Kramer, KWC's vice president of facilities and executive initiatives, was named the Owensboro YMCA Board Member of the Month.

1988

David Taylor is the new director of external events and mailroom supervisor at KWC.

1989

Dr. Julie Gurwell was promoted from associate to full professor status in UK's Department of Neurology. She was inducted into the Kentucky Wesleyan College Hall of Fame during Homecoming.

1990

Adam Wojtelwicz was named chief financial officer at Trinity Valley School in Fort Worth, Texas.

1991

The National Peace Corps Association featured Lawson Glasergreen, including him celebrating the first Peace Corps Week in Antarctica in 2015, earning of the Antarctica Service Medal awarded by the Secretary of

Defense and a teaser about the volume of writings and photographs he is compiling.

1992

Jonathan Moore's short film, "Listening," was chosen as an official monthly selection of the Indie Shorts Fest Film Festival in Los Angeles, Calif. 11

1993

Marjory (Rightmyer) Pippin was named principal at Sorgho Elementary School. Greg Risch finished the Nashville Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon. Kelly (McCoy) Wathen was named senior vice president and market leader at PNC Bank in Palm Beach County.

1994

Chris Tracy is the new principal at Franklin County High School. Shawn Tomes became the College's first ever vice president of mission and culture in June.

1995

Wesleyan Sweethearts Chris and Laurie (Owen) Herrell '97 celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. 12

1996

Kelly Frank was named president and general manager of CBS News and Stations in Philadelphia, including KYW-TV, WPSG-TV, the CBS News Philly streaming channel and CBSPhilly.com. 13

1997

Byron Hall was elected to serve on the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) X12 Board of Directors. 14

1999

Carrie (Bridgeman) Wedding is the new director of special education at Owensboro Public Schools. Mod Williams and Christy Birdine were married. 15

2000

The Owensboro Innovation Academy, led by Principal Beth (Linder) Benjamin, was awarded Education and Workforce Development Institution of the Year by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. Major Joseph Dowell retired from the U.S. Air Force. He has accepted a position with the Applied Research Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University. He and his wife, Anna, and their three daughters reside in State College, Pa. Jami (York) Hernandez began a new role as vice president of commercial lending at MidSouthern Savings Bank, FSB in Louisville, Ky. 16

2001

Panther Head Baseball Coach Todd Lillpop was named the G-MAC Co-Coach of the Year.

2005

Josh Baldwin was promoted to assistant director of online enrollment at Kentucky Wesleyan. He also serves his alma mater on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer featured Trustee Dr. BC Childress, director of outpatient pharmacy at Owensboro Health, regarding his coordination of COVID-19 vaccine efforts for the hospital. Allyson (Forrest) Sanders was named Leadership Owensboro's Class Member of the Year by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. She was also promoted to director of sales and marketing for workforce solutions at Owensboro Community & Technical College. 17 Matt DeVault, Clint Houk '08, Zach Woodard '06, Greg Brown and their team, the Kentucky Tile Smokers, earned first place in the Backyard Cook Division at the International BBQ Festival. Rachelle (Jones) Brown '09 made the team's aprons. 18

2006

Jennifer (Hendricks) Wright was recognized as the Best Attorney in the Best of Owensboro Living Awards. 19 Brad McCrady was featured in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer for his work as one of the Top 20 Elvis Tribute Artists in the world.

2007

Brandon Brooks was named principal at College View Middle School in Owensboro. The Panther baseball alumnus was inducted into the Kentucky Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019. Dr. Amy French accepted a new position as associate professor of college student personnel at Bowling Green State University. The program is one of the top student affairs programs in the country.

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2008

Brittany (Leach) Cottoner has begun a new role as director of agency operations at EM Ford in Owensboro. Wesleyan Sweethearts Alaina (Morris) and Corey Gant welcomed baby girl Sloane Lillian. Corey was also recently featured in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer for his work as captain of the Owensboro Fire Department's Special Ops team. 20 Lauren (Bishop) Wood began a new role as counselor at the Hopkins County Career & Technology Center. She was also recently named Administrator of the Year for Hopkins County Schools.

2009

Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid Matthew Ruark and Vice President of Student Affairs Rebecca McQueen-Ruark adopted baby boy Asher Charles. 21 Trevor Banks was named head coach and sporting director for Michigan Stars FC. 22 Whitney (Washington) Powers was selected by Today's Woman Magazine as the 2022 Most Admired Woman (Home & Garden). 23 Cassandra (Lockard) Oliver received the "Remember Your Why" Award from the Hopkins County Board of Education.

2010

Stephanie Green was promoted to keeper III of Glacier Run at the Louisville Zoo. 24 Brandon Cox earned his MBA from Louisiana State University. Brandon is the chief marketing officer at LynnGroup and serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Aaron Wingo began a new role as senior systems analyst at The Home Depot. He recently received a citation for a mathematics paper.

2011

Bartley Weaver earned seventh place in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on ESPN July 4. Bartley was the first Kentuckian to participate in the contest and was one of only 16 contestants. 25 Eric Rhodes was named defensive coordinator at Frostburg State University. 26 Alanna (Miller) Osborne received the Mary Harriman Award from the Junior League of Evansville. 27 Lori and Eric Feldpausch welcomed baby girl Vivienne Clare into their family. 28 Scott Woodburn graduated from the Louisville Teacher Residency Program. He plans to begin teaching at an elementary school designated as an Accelerated Improvement School (AIS). 29 Cara and Seth Carden welcomed baby girl Sayler June. Sammy Bland (aka DJ Prymtime) was named the official gameday DJ for the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2022 NFL season. 30 Anne and Levi Ray were married.

2012

Wyatt Foust was named women's basketball assistant coach at the University of Buffalo. 31 Collin MacQuarrie was featured in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer regarding the musical talents he shares with the Owensboro community. 32 Josh Eaves was accepted into Tennessee State University's master of science program in speech and hearing science, his next step to becoming a vocologist and voice disorder clinician. Mitch Jones received the Legends of Possible Award from US Bank and was named to the 2021 Scotsman's Guide Top Mortgage Loan Originator List. Grace and Jordan White welcomed baby boy Jackson Phelps White into the world. Wesleyan Sweethearts David Wathen '12 and Dea (Brandon) '14 welcomed son Denver into their family. David recently graduated and began working as a nurse practitioner with Norton Healthcare in Louisville. 33

2013

Ryan and Samantha Fletcher-Taylor welcomed twin girls Oaklynn and Sadie into their family. 34 Chyna Kelton began a new role as HR manager at Yager Materials. Chyna has a master's degree in industrial organizational psychology with an emphasis in human resources from Southern New Hampshire University. Travis Long was promoted to branch manager of the Paducah (Park Avenue) location of Enterprise. After graduating from Kentucky Wesleyan, Travis earned his MBA from WKU and then began the Enterprise Management Trainee Program. This new position is with a Big 10 branch. 35 Quentin Gordon was promoted to unit administrator at the Green River Correctional Complex in Central City, Ky.

Cory Coble was named head coach for the Union County High School girl's basketball team. CB Walker was named the head men's and women's basketball coach at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Mo. 36

2014

Panther basketball alumnus James Herzog began a new role as a realtor with the Harris Jarboe Group of Keller Williams Elite Realty in Owensboro. Hillary (Lantrip) Croft was named a Distinguished Faculty Fellow at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Since graduating from KWC, Hillary has returned to campus numerous times to share her knowledge and experience with our students. She was the keynote speaker for 2022 Honors Convocation and was a member of the Young Alumni Panel for Leadership Wesleyan. 37 Luke Shelley was chosen to participate in TikTok's Agency Accelerator Program. The program selected 30 future media agency leaders within the Australia media industry. Director of Alumni Relations Summer (Crick) Aldridge was voted Staff Member of the Year at KWC. Panther Women's basketball alumna T'Essence Phelps joined the Fayetteville Middle School's girls' basketball program as an assistant coach. T is also finishing her master's degree in psychology from Capella University and plans to pursue her Ph.D. in holistic sports psychology. John Gleason has accepted a new role as a financial advisor at EM Ford. Chase Durrance was named interim dean of students at West Kentucky Community & Technical College in Paducah, Ky.

2015

Nix and Natalie (Hobgood) Crawford '17 welcomed baby boy John Nix into the world. 38 Zack Duvall and Emily Riney welcomed baby girl Lola Mae into their family. Dr. Haleigh Stringer began a new role as an optometrist at Family Eye Care of Henderson, Ky. 39 Sara (Fleischmann) Williams was named Young Professional of the Year by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. 40 Stephanie (Pearson) Charville was promoted to projects controls analyst III at Boardwalk Pipeline Partners. 41

2016

Alex Velez and Jake Herth are engaged. Alex is pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology from Spalding University in Louisville, Ky. 42 Dr. Avery (Keller) and Dr. Eric Schmidt, assistant professor of political science, welcomed baby girl Maren Loretta into their family. 43 Wesleyan Sweethearts Marcus and Bria (Wright) Fillyaw '17 welcomed baby girl McKenna Dae. 44 Crysta Coble and Michael Sanchez are engaged. Dr. Emily Yocom graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Marian University in Indianapolis. Dr. Yocum will complete her residency in family medicine at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif.

2017

Wesleyan Sweethearts Audrey (Sanders) and Logan O'Bryan were married. 45 Casey Smith and Jacob Kueker were engaged. 46 Wesleyan Sweethearts Megan (Pryor) and Shon Chisom '16 were married. 47 Rhiannon (Moore) Miller began a new role as district instructional coach with the Waynesville RVI School District in Waynesville, Mo. Kirk Aldridge began a new role as inside sales coordinator at Gryphon Environmental. Marissa Olivero was named Lowe's Region 6 Unsung Hero of the Year and was included in their 100% Club. 48 Sydney Morabito and Andrew Roby were engaged. Sydney graduated from the Bellarmine University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. 49

2018

Alyssa and Dillon Schueler were married. Dillon recently started a new job as graphic designer at Greenwell Chisholm. 50 Dr. Matthew Quattrocchi matched with Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Ind., for his pharmacy residency. Jake Carter and Emme Taylor were engaged. 51

Dr. Morgan (Uebelacker) Harrington

matched with University of South Florida's Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa for her residency in emergency medicine. Morgan is a member of the inaugural class of the UK College of Medicine-Bowling Green and graduated in May. 52

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59 Caitlin Crabtree began her "dream job" as a PA in vascular and interventional radiology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C. Tyler Jacobs began a new role as a physical therapy assistant at Breckenridge Health Therapy Services. Crystal Hopkins earned her master of science in healthcare quality and safety (MSHQS) from Jacksonville University. Anna (Lake) Crasher was named director of campus ministries at Kentucky Wesleyan and the Messenger-Inquirer did a feature on her and her new responsibilities in August. She married Carlton in June.

2019

Shayla Wright and PJ Dimmig were engaged. 53 Panther volleyball alumna Dr. Hannah Pierce graduated from the Bellarmine University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She is engaged to Jake Ryan. Panther volleyball alumna Nicole Venema earned her master of science in sports administration from UofL. Nicole has accepted a position with Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC as their partnership activation coordinator. Mallory Sacre began a new role as marketing account executive at Regional Land Title Company in Owensboro. David Thorp began a new role as a legal administrative assistant at Springer Law PLLC in Madisonville, Ky.

2020

Keelie Lamb is a member of the Baerum Basketball Team, which won the Norwegian National Championship. Sam Bland finished the Nashville Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon. Morgan Carroll opened her own business, Carroll Trading Co., where she sells "fun, lightweight earrings" and more. 54 Cody Bridges began his new role as a fifthgrade teacher at Newton Parrish Elementary School in Owensboro.

2021

Nilah Roy graduated from basic military training. Max Dubree began his career as an admissions counselor at KWC. Jessica (Shelton) and Samuel King were married. 55 Wesleyan Sweethearts Madison (Vowels) and Tripp Grenier were married. Madison began her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at Sutton Elementary School. 56 Panther bowling alumnus Tanner Johnson bowled a perfect game (300) in the U.S. Bowling Congress Open. 57 Wesleyan Sweethearts Tia Chavella and Zach Williams '22 were engaged. 58

2022

Haley Stevens began her career as assistant athletic director and head softball coach at Central High School in Louisville, Ky. Adan Cano Gandarilla was accepted into Chatham University's physician assistant program. Wesleyan Sweethearts Ariel Kennedy and Seth Taylor were engaged. 59 Benton McGill began his new role as a tax accountant at Brown and Cheek Inc. in Bardstown, Ky. Austin Minton was accepted into UK's integrated biomedical sciences doctoral program. 60 Vincient Whatley accepted the position of analyst (billing) at Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline in Owensboro. 61 Megan Crawford has accepted a new position as choir director at Booneville Middle School and Booneville High School. Shyann Worthington has begun her career as a reading intervention instructor at Alliance Academic in Cincinnati. She works with grades 3-6. Felicia Velotta accepted a kindergarten teaching position at Audubon Elementary in Owensboro. Abby Tivitt was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Senior Committee Member of the Year Award. This new award was introduced by the Alumni Office to recognize a graduate for their exemplary service on the Senior Committee. Michaela Payne has accepted her first teaching job as a sixth-grade math teacher at Meyzeek Middle School in Louisville, Ky. Lacie Mills is selling real estate full time at Farmer's House Real Estate, LLC. Camron Blandford began her career at Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline as financial analyst 1.

Above: Ed Krahwinkel '93 and Mark Luckett '95 Below: Beth (Robinson) Ronk '73 and Kathy Sherman '73

The Young Alumni Committee is a group within the Alumni Association Board of Directors tasked with engaging with the College's Senior Class and Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD alumni). painting and landscaping that would be a big help."

And just like that, planning for the inaugural Alumni Give Back Day began.

The committee was thrilled that 40+ alumni and friends ranging from the 1950's to 2021 worked together at the inaugural event during summer break. The volunteers, many sporting free Alumni Give Back Day t-shirts sponsored by Hendrick Screen Company, did everything from low-impact jobs (writing letters to prospective students) to heavy-lifting jobs (relocating desks and other classroom furniture). After the hard work, volunteers enjoyed a delicious free lunch provided by Chicken Salad Chick. The twohour contributions made a nearly $2,000 impact on the College.

The second annual event grew in numbers of volunteers and financial impact, and many who attended the inaugural day returned for more fun in 2022.

"Alumni Give Back Day is an excellent mixture of work and fellowship. KWC does a great job of organizing the event so there is a mixture of sweat and camaraderie," shared Chad Lyons '92. "The first year, my wife and I worked on the new Jack T. Wells Activity Center and this year on the mulch bed under the pine trees on the soccer field. Whenever I talk to my son (Aric Lyons '23), I ask him if he uses the Wells Activity Center and mulch bed. Doing physical service gives me the satisfaction of seeing my contribution at the end of the day. On both days, I feel the work done by the group made a significant impact on the beauty of the school."

Selena Coalter '20, one of the youngest alumni who volunteered, shared that it was a great experience to make a difference in the KWC community as a young alumna. "While I am working on being able to give back financially, serving and giving time to make a difference meant so much. My love for KWC is still very strong, and it was nice to be a part of something that just required my free time!"

Plans for the third Annual Alumni Give Back Day are underway. Watch for the 2023 date!

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Send us an update for Class Notes or update your contact information, and you will receive a purple surprise in the mail! Whether it's a move, promotion, wedding or other good news, we would love to know about it!

alumni@kwc.edu Office of Alumni Relations

3000 Frederica St Owensboro, KY 42301 You may also submit Class Notes information online at

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