IWU Announces 2024 Alumni World Changers
September 5, 2024 (Marion, IN) – Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is pleased to announce the 2024 Alumni World Changers. Since 2012, IWU has consistently honored at least one alumnus or alumna with the distinction of Alumni World Changer every year and, in 2024, two alumni will be given this award.
Kim Kargbo is a 2024 Alumni World Changer Award recipient for her work in the mission field. Kargbo graduated from IWU with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing before receiving her Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is currently employed at Accessible Hope International, where she has served as the President and CEO since its founding in 2009.
Kargbo first became involved in mission work when she moved to a small West African village at the age of nine. Since then, her life’s focus has been reaching those with no access to the Gospel. Kargbo’s passions lie at the intersection of advocating for those who are victims of injustice and facilitating the spiritual formation of those who labor toward that end. Kargbo has lived in Sierra Leone for most of her life, working in various health and development leadership roles. Through Accessible Hope International, Kargbo reaches people with disabilities in Sierra Leone and globally, giving the hope of Christ and creating a lasting Kingdom-impact in countless lives. Kargbo also leads retreats and spiritual formation experiences for ministers of the Gospel worldwide, helping them grow closer to the Lord. She has three grown children and two additional “children-in-love” living outside Orlando, Florida. Through teaching, training, and consulting Kargbo helps the global Church reach the unreached.
Speaking about Kargbo, General Superintendent Emerita and Ambassador of The Wesleyan Church Jo Anne Lyon stated, “I know of no one who deserves the award of world changer [more than her].” Director of University Advancement Gidget Hamner also said, “Kim Kargbo’s lifelong dedication to serving the most vulnerable and bringing the hope of Christ to those without access to the Gospel is truly inspiring… Kim has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to justice, spiritual formation, and empowering those who serve on the front lines.”
Colonel Gary M. Walker is a 2024 Alumni World Changer Award recipient for his work in the United States Air Force. Colonel Walker graduated from Marion College in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology before pursuing a doctorate in medicine. In 1980, Walker joined the Air Force, serving in several roles before leaving active duty in July 1999. After this, he continued his military service as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee in the USAF Reserve before returning to active duty in September 2002, after which he was deployed twice to Afghanistan in medical command roles. Colonel Walker was later made Director of Healthcare Operations for the Air Force Medical Support Agency.
With keen insight and operational experience, Walker exhibited flawless guidance and oversight of healthcare operations worldwide at seventy-five medical treatment facilities. Additionally, he led an Air Force Medical Service-wide collaborative effort to review, update, and rewrite medical treatment facility inspection criteria and the associated Air Force Instructions. Later service included time as the Air Force Surgeon General’s champion for implementing numerous improvements throughout the Air Force Medical Service and advocacy for wounded warriors as he directed over nine million dollars and nearly one hundred personnel to improve the Integrated Disability Evaluation System and drove the medical evaluation board processing timeline down by forty-one percent. Walker also led the suicide prevention program and was essential in the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration’s implementation of the electronic health record and secure messaging to support the virtual lifetime electronic record.
In 2016, Walker retired, concluding a thirty-three-year career of dedicated service full of unequaled contributions to the success of the Air Force Medical Service. Throughout his time in service, he earned various medals, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and many more. Personal friend Bill Dixon stated, “I can’t think of anyone who would be more deserving of this recognition.” Regarding Colonel Walker’s selection, Hamner also stated, “Colonel Walker exemplifies the highest standards of leadership, service, and commitment to excellence. His dedication to providing quality healthcare to our military personnel and his remarkable career in both medicine and the Air Force are truly inspiring.”
Kargbo and Walker will receive the distinction of Alumni World Changers at the 2024 Homecoming Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony, where they will be honored alongside five other distinguished alumni. Kargbo and Walker will then receive permanent plaques near the Jackson Library rotunda, where they will join thirteen previous inductees.
