Celebrate the Spirit of Marian: Homecoming Highlights and Alumni Connections ⚔️

September 18, 2025

Dear ,

Serving as President of the Marian University Alumni Association is a true privilege, especially as I witness the incredible ways our graduates continue to shape their communities and professions. Marian has always been a place where lives are transformed, and that spirit of discovery and purpose continues to flourish today.

This fall is full of opportunities to reconnect and celebrate. Homecoming is just around the corner, inviting you back to campus to see how Marian has grown and to reunite with fellow Knights. Highlights include the M-Club Wall of Fame induction, the Wellness 5K, the Nursing Alumni Reception, reunion celebrations, and so much more throughout the weekend.

One of the great joys of Homecoming is honoring the accomplishments of alumni and friends who exemplify leadership, service, and excellence. Their stories inspire us and remind us of the values that connect us all as Knights.

Looking ahead to the new academic year, I encourage you to find ways to be part of Marian’s momentum—by gathering at Homecoming, offering guidance to current students, or lending your voice to alumni leadership. However you choose to engage, your involvement strengthens our community and ensures its continued growth.

Go Knights!

Kameron Utter '17

President, Marian University Alumni Association

Alumni Events

Calling All Knights!

Celebrate MU Homecoming Weekend October 17–18

Mark your calendars for October 17–18 and make plans to return to campus for Marian University’s Homecoming Weekend—two days filled with connection, school spirit, and unforgettable memories.

This is your chance to reconnect with classmates, celebrate milestone reunions, and enjoy events for alumni, friends, and families of all ages. All alumni in attendance will receive an exclusive gift by visiting the designated alumni check-in spots on campus and be entered to win a special MU swag basket valued at $250!

Saturday’s highlights include a morning Rosary Walk, coffee and donuts with President Daniel J. Elsener and the Deans, campus tours, and a lively tailgate with family-friendly activities. The afternoon features lunch on the Quad, live music, and the Knights football game against the University of Saint Francis (Ind.). The day concludes with Alumni Mass followed by reunion class dinners.

One ticket covers it all: $25 individual / $50 family

Includes parking, lunch, game tickets, and access to all Saturday events. Reserve a tailgate spot for $10 more (while they last).

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate tradition, friendship, and the spirit of Marian!

View the full schedule and register today!

Celebrate Our Inductees at the M-Club Wall of Fame Dinner

Join us for the M-Club Wall of Fame Dinner on Friday, October 17, 2025, as we honor four outstanding Marian alumni.

This year’s inductees are Lakan Hasser-Smith ’16 (Women’s Basketball), Wes Stowers ’19 (Men’s Basketball), Emily Gwaltney ’13 (Softball), and Garland King ’91 (Baseball). Each made a meaningful impact on Marian Athletics while embodying our Franciscan values.

Click here for full event details, inductee bios, and to reserve your seat.

Marian University Celebration of Wellness 5K

The Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine invites you to the Celebration of Wellness 5K at Riverside Regional Park. Join MU-WCOM alumni, students, and friends for a morning of fitness and fun.

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Time: Registration at 7 a.m. | Race at 8 a.m.

Location: Riverside Regional Park

All participants will be entered to win prizes such as hotel stays, restaurant and athletic gift cards, and more. Athletic Annex gift cards will be awarded to the top male and female finishers in each age group.

Alumni News

Congratulate Denise Feser ’77 With Us at the Marian University Gala

We are proud to honor Denise Feser ’77 as the 2025 recipient of the Dillon Family Distinguished Alumni Award.

Denise has dedicated her life and career to advancing education and providing opportunities for students. She made history as the first laywoman to serve as Chair of Marian’s Board of Trustees in 2019 and served in that role for five years. She continues to serve on the board and several committees as a board emeritus member.

Her professional journey began at Marian, where she worked as an admission counselor and later as director of alumni relations. She built a distinguished career at USA Funds, retiring as senior vice president after years of helping students nationwide pursue higher education.

Denise’s commitment to Marian goes beyond her service. Along with her family, she established the Brennan-Feser Family Scholarship, opening doors for future Marian students. Her leadership, generosity, and dedication to Marian’s mission make her a natural recipient of this award.

Celebrate Denise at the Gala and read more about her story at marian.edu/gala.

From Capstone to Catalyst: Dr. Patrick Jones ’23 Wins 2025 Driving Change Award

Congratulations to Dr. Patrick Jones ’23 (Class VII), recipient of the 2025 Driving Change Award from the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation. His Capstone project, MathWays: Exponentia Prime, began as a vision to bring both joy and rigor to math and has now expanded to serve more than 80 students across Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and St. Louis.

Through math camps, K–5 competitions, and Math Circles, Dr. Jones is helping students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and pride in learning—transforming math from a barrier into a bridge for countless young learners.

Read more here.

Engagement Opportunities

Make a Difference as an MUAA Board Member

Looking for a meaningful way to stay connected with Marian? Consider serving on the Marian University Alumni Association (MUAA) Board of Directors!

Board members help shape alumni engagement by attending meetings and events, serving on a committee, and sharing their time and talent to strengthen our alumni community. It’s a great way to be an ambassador for Marian, celebrate Homecoming, and live out our Franciscan values.

If you’re ready to share your passion for Marian and grow with fellow alumni, we’d love to have you join us! Fill out this form by Friday, September 19.

Please email Autumn Martin at amartin4@marian.edu with any questions.

Kicking off the 2025 Richard G. Lugar Speaker Series: Holcomb & Donnelly

The Richard G. Lugar Speaker Series kicks off with two of Indiana’s dynamic speakers discussing civics, public service, and economics. Join a panel session between former Governor Eric Holcomb and former Senator Joe Donnelly moderated by Robert Vane, President of Veteran Strategies.

The speaker series is free and open to the public, but tickets are required to reserve your seat.

The Richard G. Lugar Speaker Series is powered by the Penny and Jock Fortune Institute for Civic Leadership and Capitalism. At Marian University, the Fortune Scholars Program is empowering young leaders to build a thriving society through civic engagement.

The event is September 25: Get tickets