Alumni Updates – Spring 2026
Bryan Hammontree ’11, alternative programs principal at Elkhart Academy, has been named the recipient of Indiana Youth Institute’s D. Susan Wisely Youth Worker of the Year award. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of youth workers across Indiana. Under Hammontree’s leadership, Elkhart Academy has been transformed into an innovative alternative school built on strong relationships, restorative practices and student-centered design. Hammontree has created programs that provide multiple pathways to success, including a middle school, high school and suspension program, ensuring that students with diverse needs have access to the right learning environments for them. This award is especially meaningful as Bryan attended this same alternative high school when he was younger.
Dick ’74 and Carol Patterson ‘68 were honored with the Community Champions Award from the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association for their work on the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens Committee. Known for their unwavering dedication and spirit, the Pattersons have volunteered at the gardens for more than a decade. Often arriving before sunrise, they lead trail maintenance, share the park’s rich history with visitors, mentor new volunteers and so much more.
Russ Fish ‘84 published the book A Happy Ending – The Life Story of a Redeemed Rebel through Morgan James Publishing. It focuses on his life and testimony as a Missionary Church pastor who helped start Cornerstone Community Church (which became Harvest Bible Chapel and is now Gospel City Church). Fish was inspired to write a book for his kids and grandkids, but the more he wrote, the more he felt this was a redemption story that could be used for others.
CONNECTION POINTS
Bethel Night at the Ballpark
South Bend Cubs: We welcomed over 300 alumni for our annual Bethel Night with the South Bend Cubs on August 19, 2025. We enjoyed good food and baseball with Bethel friends and ended the evening with fireworks.
Indianapolis Indians: On September 12, 2025, we expanded our love for the ballpark by hosting Bethel Night with the Indianapolis Indians. Indy-area alumni and friends heard from Sam Lewandoski ‘23, ticket sales executive, and his father Randy Lewandowski, president and CEO of the Indians. We enjoyed a great game from the Indians and fireworks to end the night.
Rise ‘n Run 5K
On October 25, 2025, over 80 people participated in our fourth-annual Rise ‘n Run 5K! After the race, we enjoyed donuts from our sponsor, Rise ’n Roll Bakery, as well as coffee. It was a beautifully sweet morning for all!
Homecoming: “Into the Woods” Dinner and Hoops and Hot Dogs
We celebrated our Homecoming during the Inauguration Weekend. On November 14, 2025, we hosted an “Into the Woods” character dinner, featuring some of the main characters from the fall musical. November 15, was Hoops and Hot Dogs, where alumni enjoyed free admission and hot dogs during our men’s and women’s basketball games. Halftime included a hot dog eating contest with student Carter Hunt, Resident Director Trent Parmley, Athletic Director Jason Lewkowicz and Professor Dave Schmidt; Hunt was the victor.
President’s Christmas Reception
Each year we host our Founders Society members (donors who give $500 or more annually), members of the Heritage Society (those that have Bethel in their estate plan), and Endowed Scholarship holders to a reception with the President. This year, guests were invited to attend the matinee performance of the Christmas concert, followed by a reception in the Rotunda with hors d’oeuvres and a special musical performance by President McDonald, showcasing his remarkable piano talent.
IN MEMORY
Joyce D. (Kidney) Carpenter ’95, age 78, passed away April 20, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Eugene Carpenter and dedicated eight years to working as an art instructor at Bethel. She was a long-time member of St. Mark Missionary Church. Read More.
Linda Cary ’71, age 76, passed away Oct. 18, 2025. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from Bethel and went on to earn a Master’s in Library Science from Western Michigan University, dedicating 52 years as a librarian at Elkhart Public Library. Read More.
Loren Clark ’66, age 82, passed away Aug. 18, 2025. He married his wife Brenda (Knappins) in 1966 and they were married for 59 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bethel University, joined the U.S. Army and later served in the Vietnam War, where he was awarded two bronze stars. He owned Clark and Associates for 40 years prior to retirement. Read More.
James Coffman, age 82, passed away July 25, 2024. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged, attended Bethel and eventually earned his B.S. in Agriculture from Andrews University. While at Bethel he met his wife Lois (Geiger) and they were married for 56 years. Read More.
Nancy (Clapper) Dake (attended in the 60s), age 79, passed away Feb. 24, 2026. She earned an associate degree from Bethel and married David Dake in 1978, who preceded her in death in 2022. She served as a nurse’s assistant for many years. Read More.
Dale Fish ’89, age 63, beloved husband of Carrie (Bennett) ’84, passed away Oct. 20, 2025. He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained as a medic, stationed in West Berlin, then served in the reserves for over a decade. He earned degrees in ministry and nursing from Bethel University, and first served as a youth pastor in the Missionary Church. Read More.
Jerry Freed, age 94, passed away Jan. 2, 2026. He attended Bethel in the 1950s, where he met his beloved wife, Esther, who preceded him in death. He was the manager of Bethel Bookstore and Publishing Co. He was a member of Beulah Missionary Church before moving to Oregon. Read More.
Stan George ’79, age 69, passed away Feb. 23, 2026. He received his degree in Biblical Literature at Bethel, where he met his wife of 47 years, Annette. He worked at UPS and then Entered the U.S. Air Force. He retired as a Lt. Col. after more than 34 years of service in 2016. He also held a civilian position at the 911th as an Air Reserve Technician (ART). Read More.
Joanne Hill ’97, age 91, passed away May 1, 2025. She married Kenneth Hill Sr., in 1952, and together they had six children. In the late 1960s she founded one of South Bend’s first crisis intervention hotlines, and later chartered S-O-S (Sex Offense Services) for victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. A lifelong learner, Joanne was among the first women to attend classes at the University of Notre Dame after it opened to female students in the 1970s. At age 60, she earned her degree in writing from Bethel. Read More.
Verle Hochstetler, age 68, passed away May 28, 2025. He worked for his dad’s company, Equipment Service (known at the time as The Welding Shop) and eventually purchased the shop from him. He built and co-owned Mint City Villas, as well as multiple business enterprises. Verle was a member of Nappanee Missionary Church and was active in the Acts 29 small church. Later in life, he and his wife Marcia (Cramer) ’77 shared many adventures together. Read More.
Linda (Miller) Lange ’05, age 77, passed away May 27, 2025. She graduated from Bethel with a degree in management and worked at Prudential-Bache Financial and Bendix Aviation. She also worked at University of Notre Dame as the Copy Center manager until retirement. Read More.
Kaitlinne LeGault, age 22, passed away Oct. 16, 2025 after a battle with cancer. She loved God, her church, her family and friends, and working at Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. She was a current Bethel student. Read More.
Marilyn (Wells) Lerche (attended in the 50s), age 88, passed away June 18, 2023. She married the Rev. Gerald Lerche in 1965 and he preceded her in death. She attended Bethel and completed her education at Michigan State University. She was an elementary teacher at Beecher School District and attended Faith Missionary Church (Mich.). Read More.
Rev. Dale Linhart, age 87, passed away May 15, 2025. A devoted pastor in the United Methodist Church, Dale faithfully served congregations in Swayzee, New Paris, Churubusco and LaGrange. A longtime Bethel friend and parent, he is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marian (Lehmer) and children Dr. Terry (Kelly) Linhart and LeAnne (Keith) Koteskey. In addition to his pastoral ministry, Dale was a longtime volunteer firefighter. Read More.
Dr. Tom Murphy, age 94, passed away Sept. 5, 2025, survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Eloise. He served as the Pastor of United Methodist Churches in Indiana, Kentucky and New York, then as Pastor at Gospel Center Missionary Church, in South Bend, Ind. He served as a chairman of the board of trustees at Bethel, Chairman of Bethel Publishing and Director of Development and Communication for the Missionary Church denomination. Read More.
Terry Powell ’72, age 75, passed away Sept. 22, 2025. He graduated from Bethel with a degree in ministry. In 1972, he married Peggy (Clark) and together they celebrated 53 years of marriage. Terry served as a dedicated leader and Missionary Church pastor in the area for more than 50 years. He also served at the denominational level and with World Partners. Read More.
Carol (Bender) Shearer, age 80, passed away April 19, 2025. Carol graduated from Taylor University in 1966 and was married to her husband Frederick H. (Rick) Shearer in August 1967 until his passing in 2023. Carol taught for five years while earning her master’s degree. When her children were older, Carol served as a teacher’s aid at Bittersweet Elementary School for 23 years. She was a servant in her church community where she was an active member for over 50 years. She is survived by her son, Brian F. Shearer, daughter Kathryn M. (Shawn) Holtgren ’96 and three grandchildren. Read More.
John Snyder, Jr. ’66, age 63, passed away Dec. 1, 2025. In September 1992, he married Tracey Lynne (Wilcox) Snyder, and they raised three children. Professionally, John worked as a dedicated salesman of office products, but his true calling was in fire service and journalism. He spent many years as a reporter for WSBT and served more than 40 years with the Penn Township Fire Department. Read More.
Sarah (Miller) Stouffer ’64, age 85, passed away Dec. 14, 2025. She will be loved forever by her husband of 62 years, Allen. She served as an elementary teacher in the Mishawaka Public School system, but her primary focus was preschool children. An author, she published “This Way To Canada” (children’s book) and “Loaves & Fishes,” both in 1980. Read More.
David Troyer ’94, age 56, passed away Nov. 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife Amy and sons Ace and Jack. He attended Bethel, was on its NCCAA National Champion Basketball Team and was considered to be the most dominating scorer in Bethel College history. A natural-born educator, teacher, administrator and student services director over the course of his career, he most recently served at School City of Mishawaka. Read More.
Mattie (Cripe) Ulrich, age 91, passed away Oct. 10, 2025. She married Earl Ulrich, who preceded her in death in 2016 after 57 years of marriage. Surviving is Mattie’s daughter Sharon Minnich ’86, three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her daughters Judy Ann and Lyn Marie. A devoted member of St. Mark Missionary Church for nearly 50 years, she lived out the Gospel in word and deed. For over 25 years, Mattie faithfully stewarded Osceola Cleaners. Read More.
