IWU Announces Five Distinguished Alumni for 2024 Awards Ceremony
September 3, 2024 (Marion, IN) – Indiana Wesleyan University is pleased to announce the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. This year includes five recipients from across all major areas of the university. These individuals have all exemplified the IWU spirit in their various fields and will be celebrated during the upcoming Homecoming Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony.
Lainie Holland Adams is the 2024 Distinguished Marion Young Alumni Award recipient for her philanthropic work. Adams graduated in 2020 with a major in Biblical and Theological Studies, a major in Spanish, and a minor in Church Music. Adams has also achieved a Master’s in Nonprofit Business and serves at Cultivate Food Rescue as the Director of Planning and Programs. Her parents, Troy and Lori Holland, have always pushed her to do her best, challenging her to grow and instilling a foundation of faith that inspires what she does and why. The loving support of her husband, Noah Adams, has also been invaluable, walking with her through life’s ups and downs. Adams was highly involved with the Grant County Rescue Mission during her time at IWU. At Grant County Rescue Mission, Adams was called to live her faith out in a tangible way, meeting the needs of her community through meaningful work.
Adams currently volunteers at Hope Ministries and is part of a small group at South Bend City Church. She is thankful for her journey, every stop she’s made along the way, and how curiosity and uncertainty allow her to continue growing in her faith, career, leadership, relationships, and personal development.
Dr. Jessica Littrell is the 2024 Distinguished National & Global Young Alumni Award recipient for her work in Occupational Therapy. Littrell graduated in 2018 with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Following her residency placement at Opportunities for Positive Growth Inc., Littrell developed a service within the organization for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is passionate about supporting the disability population that otherwise would not receive occupational therapy services. Littrell also helps young children within the Indiana First Steps Program in home and community-based settings. She has hosted many associate and doctoral level Occupational Therapy students who shared her passion for both her discipline and community.
Littrell’s passion for supporting the disability population originated while in elementary school and grew throughout grade school and college. Littrell’s “why” behind what she does is her daughter Eleanor, who always amazes her with her love and passion for exploring the world. She hopes to always support her dreams and celebrate the joy she brings to those around her. Littrell is grateful for her parents, Evette and Erron, and her husband, John, for always supporting and believing in her. Littrell says, “Remember to always guide and support the next generation to achieve their dreams.”
Olivia Wright is the 2024 Distinguished Marion Campus Award recipient for her work in education. Wright graduated in 2000 with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education, Kindergarten. In 2011, Wright received her master’s degree from IWU, followed by an Administrator License in 2016. Wright’s IWU education prepared her for teaching, with the guidance her professors provided always pointing her to Jesus.
Growing up, Wright aspired to be the kind of teacher her first grade teacher had been to her. This teacher helped her to find ways to focus and learn so that she could make a difference for other students. When she graduated from IWU, Wright knew that she wanted to give back to the place that helped mold and shape her so that she could have the same impact on other kids in the community. In her current role as Director of Special Services at Marion Community Schools, Wright helps students with disabilities and their families be included, allowing them access to the same curriculum as their peers.
Wright’s “why” is simply Jesus. “I am unworthy of his grace and mercy, and yet he gives it freely to me,” she says. Wright views each interaction she has as divine appointments and strives to look for how to show Christ to those around her. Olivia Wright is supported by her husband Derek, daughter Katelyn, son Payne, and son-in-law Isak.
Chris Lowery is the 2024 Distinguished National & Global Award recipient for his work in education. Lowery graduated in 2018 with a Master of Science in Management. Lowery is currently employed at the Indiana Commission for Higher Education as Commissioner.
During the 1980s, Lowery served on a team working on Indiana’s first successful education reform effort before building a successful career at Hillenbrand over the course of almost twenty years, concluding with leading Public Policy and Engagement. Additionally, Lowery served as President of the Batesville School Board, starting and leading the Workforce and Careers side of Ivy Tech, doubling the institution’s awarding of credentials over six years. Lowery’s time at IWU provided an excellent education to support his background in leading and managing organizations. Additionally, it introduced him to other learners and instructors with varying backgrounds. Through his graduate program, Lowery pursued his long-held desire to complete a master’s degree in management.
Lowery’s “why” is his faith, which guides his life. He firmly believes that education and training provide the platform for economic and social mobility and prosperity. Additionally, history has shown education is critically necessary for the fabric of civil society, the development and thriving of a vibrant middle class, the enhancement of positive outcomes for individuals, and the mitigation of negative outcomes. Lowery goes to Batesville United Methodist Church with his wife, Jerilyn.
Dr. Darren Whitehead is the 2024 Distinguished Wesley Seminary Award recipient for his pastoral work. Whitehead graduated in 2015 with a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership. In 2018, Whitehead earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Capital Seminary and Graduate School in Lancaster, PA. Whitehead now works at Church of the City as the Lead Pastor and founder of the church.
Originally from Australia, Whitehead has lived in the United States for over twenty-five years. In 2013, he and his wife Brandy planted Church of the City in Nashville, TN, where they live with their three daughters—Sydney, Scarlett, and Violet. Nashville has recognized Darren and Brandy for their engagement and advocacy with the foster care system. The Whiteheads have established partnerships with the state government of Tennessee, working closely with the Governor and the Department of Children Services Commissioner. Whitehead is also the author of three books and has co-launched the non-profit Hold Fast. This organization hosts annual retreats that pour into the health and well-being of pastors and their spouses.
Whitehead is incredibly grateful for his education through IWU and says, “It has served as a strong foundation when navigating church leadership.” Whitehead believes that the local church is God’s appointed movement for redemption in the world. This mindset motivates his work and personal life every day.
Speaking about these choices, Director of University Advancement Gidget Hamner stated, “These alumni exemplify the true spirit of service and leadership that we celebrate at Indiana Wesleyan University. Their dedication to making a difference in the world reflects the core values of our university, and we are honored to recognize them as Distinguished Alumni.” In addition to these five alumni, the 2024 Alumni World Changers will also be celebrated during the ceremony, with their identities to be announced soon.
