Notable Alumni of Huntington University: A Legacy of Impact
Huntington University, since its founding in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, has been dedicated to educating individuals who will impact the world for Christ through scholarship and service. Over its history, the university has produced numerous alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. This article highlights some of these notable individuals and their achievements, showcasing the legacy of Huntington University.
Honoring Alumni Achievements: The Alumni Awards
Huntington University annually recognizes outstanding alumni through its Alumni Awards program. These awards celebrate alumni who have demonstrated exceptional service, achievement, and dedication to their communities and professions. The awards are presented during Homecoming Weekend.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes distinguished service or achievement over a longer period of time, akin to a lifetime achievement award.
Greg Smitley (Class of 1980): A recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, Smitley has had a distinguished career in the banking industry, spanning over 40 years. He has held various roles, including branch manager, senior lender, and bank president. Smitley was selected as the Indiana representative to the Bankers Advisory Board of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also served on the Education Committee and as a guest lecturer. Smitley has contributed to his local community through organizations like Junior Achievement, the Grabill Town Board, Huntington County Economic Development, Rotary International, and the Huntington County Community Foundation Board. He has also served his alma mater as Alumni Board president, a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Excellence (PACE), the Huntington University Foundation Board, and the Board of Trustees. Smitley's contributions as HU’s vice president for finance for five years included negotiating the lease and directing remodeling for the Arizona location, coordinating construction of the Ware Plant Science Production Facility (greenhouse) and the new admissions wing, outsourcing maintenance services, and overseeing various campus improvements.
William Smith-Hinds (Class of 1968): William Smith-Hinds, a graduate of the Class of 1968, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Born in Honduras, he became a naturalized United States citizen. He earned his Master of Arts degree from Temple University in 1971 and a PhD from Notre Dame in 1980. He taught at various institutes of higher education and pastored churches, including the United Brethren Mission in Honduras.
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Alumnus of the Year Award
The Alumnus of the Year Award recognizes recent outstanding achievement, recognition, or service.
Kevin Byerley (Class of 2000): Byerley received the Alumnus of the Year Award for his leadership of Elevate USA. He joined Colorado UpLift in 2002 as a teacher-mentor, developing the Adventure Program. He later served as director of staff operation. As CEO of Elevate USA, Byerley promotes innovation and mission alignment.
Sharon (Kershner) Metzger: Metzger received the Alumnus of the Year distinction for her role as the executive director of Place of Grace. She leads a team in redemptive and relational ministry, collaborating with the courts system and other organizations.
Brian More: More received the Alumnus of the Year distinction. He serves as the CFO for Micropulse Corporation. He has demonstrated integrity and innovative leadership, shepherding start-up companies and championing corporate chaplains.
Alumni Shaping Huntington University's History
Huntington University's history is intertwined with the contributions of its alumni. Many have played vital roles in the institution's development and growth.
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Fred Loew: An alumnus, Loew served as professor of biology. He also revived the Alumni Association and instigated the Huntington College Foundation.
Clarence A. Mummert: Mummert was elected as the fifth president and the first alumnus in that role.
Alumni in Leadership and Service
Huntington University alumni have consistently demonstrated leadership and service in various capacities, impacting their communities and beyond.
Isaac H. Osgood: Osgood was the first student body president when the first Student Union was organized.
Alumni Contributions to Academic and Cultural Life
Alumni have also made significant contributions to the academic and cultural life of Huntington University.
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Leora Ellabarger Stoudt: Stoudt composed the Alma Mater, a cherished tradition.
Matt Web (Class of 1998): Web was the writer and producer of Wayfaring Stranger, the first feature film produced by Huntington University.
A Timeline of Alumni Impact
Throughout Huntington University's history, alumni have been integral to its growth and development.
- 1897: Central College is dedicated, marking the beginning of a legacy of alumni achievement.
- Early Years: Alumni form literary societies, such as the Philomathean Literary Society for male students and the Zetalethean Literary Society for female students.
- 1911: Clarence A. Mummert is elected president, the first alumnus in that role.
- 1938: The Alumni Association is revived by Dr. Fred Loew.
- 1989: The Class of 1989 secures funds to restore the steeple to the Administration Building.
Celebrating a Century of Achievement
In 2022, Huntington University celebrated 125 years of God's work through its people, places, and ideas. Alumni around the globe participated in the festivities, sharing how their HU experience shaped them.
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