NEWS BRIEFS
IWU Expands Community College Partnerships
IWU has recently announced three exciting partnerships with other colleges aimed at streamlining the education process for students. Current partnerships include Ivy Tech Ft. Wayne/Warsaw, Cincinnati State Community and Technical College, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Through these partnerships, students will earn their associate degree at one of the listed institutions before seamlessly transferring to finish their online bachelor’s degree from IWU. These partnerships reflect the commitment of both IWU and its partnering institutions to providing affordable and flexible pathways to higher education.
Professor Jerry Pattengale Receives Indiana’s Highest Honor
University professor and administrator Jerry Pattengale received the highest state honor from Indiana’s governor — the Sagamore of the Wabash. Former Governor Eric J. Holcomb named Pattengale a recipient of this award for his lifetime of service and contributions to the Hoosier state.
“We are so proud of Pattengale and his longtime affiliation with the Indiana Wesleyan University community,” President Kulaga said. “This recognition reflects his unwavering commitment to education, faith, and service. We are so happy for him and appreciate all he does for IWU.”
The award is bestowed to individuals who embody Hoosier values, like hospitality, wisdom, and dedication to their community. Pattengale is the founding scholar at Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, a senior fellow with the Sagamore Institute, CSR associate publisher, and serves on the National Press Club’s Membership Committee.The visit included a tour of IWU’s two Alliance Gardens, located on the North and South edges of campus, as well as the nearby Green Acres Community Garden—a local partner of the Alliance Gardens. At each garden students presented information regarding their work, with the visit concluding with a Q&A (hosted by Dr. Matt Kreitzer of the School of Physical and Applied Sciences) at the North Alliance Garden, during which Donald Lamb answered a variety of questions from students, staff, and local community members.
Grant County Youth Showcase Skill at the 2025 IWU Science Fair
IWU welcomed young minds from across Grant County to the 2025 IWU Science Fair, held Friday, March 28. The event was open to all students in grades 7–12 and provided a unique opportunity to showcase scientific curiosity and creativity.
“This opportunity allowed Grant County’s youth to exhibit their many talents while also helping them develop public speaking and presentation skills,” said Matt Sattley, professor of biology at IWU. “It’s also a chance for students to network with professors, college students, and other members of the Grant County community.”
From innovative experiments to insightful research projects, the fair highlighted the enthusiasm and potential of the next generation of scientists. The event also served as a platform for students to interact with the broader academic community, fostering connections and inspiring future educational paths.
IWU Student Entrepreneurs Showcase Big Ideas in Annual Business Competition
IWU students were given the opportunity to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas to judges and a live audience on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. in the Globe Theatre. The competition was designed to give young entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas to a live panel of judges, resulting in one student winning a cash prize to invest in their idea.
“The Launch It Pitch Competition is more than just a competition — it’s a platform for students to step into their calling as entrepreneurs, take bold risks, and bring their ideas to life,” said Dr. Jen Bennett, associate professor of entrepreneurship at IWU. “We believe that students don’t have to wait until after graduation to start making an impact. They can launch boldly right where they are and begin leading in their entrepreneurial callings now.”
The event celebrated innovation, courage, and the entrepreneurial spirit, empowering students to turn their ideas into impactful ventures. Jackson Bontrager took first place in this year’s competition with a winning pitch for his business, JB Detailing.
IWU Leads Presence Conference 2025
The 2025 Presence Conference took place at College Wesleyan Church and IWU’s Marion campus from March 20-22. The conference served as a gathering for worship leaders of all kinds. Invited by IWU Worship Pastor Josh Lavender, the conference was a time to connect with others and learn what it means to lead presence-based worship.
“God wants worship to fill not only churches, but homes and streets, and prisons, and every place we can imagine,” said Lavender. “I am still captivated by the truth that God fills His people with His presence and sends us out on mission.”
IWU Announces She Gives
She Gives, a philanthropic community of 13 women at IWU, was publicly announced during IWU’s spring board meeting on April 3–4. Rooted in generosity, connection, and biblical stewardship, the group seeks to empower and foster transformation — both in its members and the lives they impact — through grants, mentorship, service, and discipleship.
“I’m a huge advocate for women stepping into all the roles that God calls them to occupy — all the way to the top,” said Connie Erpelding, founder of She Gives. “There is no ceiling when God calls.”
The IWU Theatre Guild Announces The Tempest, Little Women, and More
The Division of Music and Theatre has announced the 2025-2026 IWU theatre season, featuring five productions. The first begins October 22-26 in the Baker Recital Hall with the opening of American Songbook Onstage, as the Lyric Theatre presents beloved standards and scenes from classic films, musicals, and more. November 6-15 sees the Black Box Theater transformed into the setting of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, reimagined as a North myth.
As Christmas approaches, the PPAC Main Stage will hold a production of Handel’s Messiah on December 5, celebrating the incarnation of Jesus Christ through a powerful and enduring choral masterpiece.
Spring will bring Little Women: The Musical from March 13-21 on the PPAC Main Stage as Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel is transformed into a heartwarming and spirited theatrical experience.
The year’s final production, Silent Sky, tells the true story of visionary astronomer Henrietta Leavitt from April 16-18 in the Black Box Theatre.
Fusion Youth Conference Transforms Lives
IWU's 2025 Fusion Youth Conference took place April 4-5, with 917 in attendance. It featured special musical guests KB, Bethel Music, and DJ Iman. Each spring, the conference invites youth groups, grades 9-12, to participate in a weekend designed to prep, encourage, and send high school students to make an impact for Christ.
"Fusion is a campus movement designed to help students experience the love of Christ, sense His power at work, and begin a life transformed," Charlie Alcock, executive director of youth ministry events at IWU, said.
The Supreme Court Comes to Campus
IWU hosted the Indiana Supreme Court on Thursday, April 10 in the Chapel Auditorium. The Court held a consolidated oral argument regarding Kaur v. Amazon, Inc. and Oukbu v. Amazon, Inc. The case covered liabilities concerning the duty that a landowner has to ensure the safety of someone entering their property for businesses purposes — before that person is actually on the property.
Over 850 students from surrounding high schools and universities attended the argument including IWU, Taylor University, various high schools, and more.
Lantern Connects Faith-Driven Leaders
Wesley Seminary announces Lantern, a strategic initiative of the 21st Century Church aligned with the IWU Momentum Plan. Lantern is a digital network rooted in Christ-centered holiness values, designed to strengthen connections among faith-driven leaders.
Lantern offers a platform for ongoing dialogue, live events, direct access to thought leaders, resource sharing, and professional growth. Tailored specifically for pastors, creators, ministry leaders, faculty, alumni, students, and those in the workplace, Lantern fosters thoughtful engagement around theology, the arts, culture, and leadership practice.
The network also provides opportunities to strengthen relationships formed at conferences and similar gatherings, encouraging collaboration and mutual support across a dispersed community.