MARION, Ind. (Sep. 12, 2025) – Indiana Wesleyan University is pleased to announce the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. This year's honorees represent five distinct areas of the university and reflect the spirit of IWU through their service, compassionate leadership, and Christlike character. These individuals will be celebrated during the upcoming Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony at Homecoming.
Mercedes Smith
Mercedes Smith is the 2025 Distinguished Marion Young Alumni Award Recipient for her social work and dedication to the Marion community. In 2022, Smith graduated with degrees in social work and psychology and is on track to complete her Master of Social Work this December.
Inspired by her great-grandmother's battle with dementia, Smith dedicated herself to helping others through hardship. This directly led to her pursuit of both her psychology and social work degrees. During her time at IWU, Smith met Dr. Lauren Zwirn, who became a trusted mentor. Over the course of several classes together, Zwirn became someone Smith knew she could rely on for consistent support and guidance due to her genuine care and wealth of knowledge. Smith cherishes the experiences she’s had throughout both programs, the friendships she’s made, and the spiritual growth she’s undergone during her time at IWU.
Throughout her life, Smith’s friends and family have provided essential support to her. Today, she has the additional motivation of her students. Smith currently works at Frances Slocum Elementary School where she serves as a home/school coordinator, working with children and their families every day. She has also served with Kids Hope, Second Harvest, Wonderspace, and her church. Through her work, faith, and dedication, Smith is living out the IWU mission — serving her community with compassion, excellence, and Christlike love.
Dr. Tom DuFore
Dr. Tom DuFore is the 2025 Distinguished National & Global Alumni Award Recipient for his leadership as CEO of the Big Sky Franchise Team and his wide-ranging community contributions. DuFore earned his Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in management in 2022. He credits his research chair, Dr. Bogner, as a key figure in helping him balance family, work, and academic demands throughout the program. Through the support of friends, family, and professors, DuFore was able to achieve his life goal of earning his terminal degree while balancing work and family.
Professionally, DuFore has helped over 600 businesses expand through franchising, including national brands. He has coauthored a book, hosted a top-ranked podcast, and contributed to countless entrepreneurial ventures. In addition, DuFore has served as a youth baseball coach for 16 teams, led a book club for fifth graders, served on the board of several organizations, received numerous awards, and more.
He is most grateful for the support of his wife, Jen, and their three children, Macy, Matt, and Michael, who continually encourage him to give the best. DuFore hopes to inspire others to pursue their calling, believing that if he can reach his goals, others can too.
Kris Rowe
Kris Rowe has been selected as the 2025 Distinguished Marion Campus Award Recipient — an honor that recognizes not just his craftsmanship, but his Christ-like character and unwavering investment in others. From an early age, Kris has understood the value of hard work. Whether baling hay, mowing lawns, or repairing things for friends and family, Kris was developing generosity, humility, and faith.
Though he studied general studies and criminal justice, Kris’ greatest education came through experience and mentor relationships. Thanks to mentors like Kevin McDowell and Kyle Wakeman, Kris navigated challenges as a student worker and discovered his calling: to lead with humility, serve with joy, and reflect Christ in everyday moments. A ten-year IWU employee and third-generation team member, Kris continues the legacy of faith, integrity, and dedication started by his father and grandfather. Kris goes above and beyond to encourage and support his coworkers, family, and friends – always ready with a joke or word of encouragement.
Kris’ impact extends to his weekly pickleball league, fitness events, small group, and home life with his beloved wife Kayla and daughter Carli. No matter the setting, Kris demonstrates compassion, humility, and a servant’s heart.
As a skilled carpenter, he’s known across campus not only for his work ethic but also for his quick wit, encouragement, and ability to connect with people. He’s an irreplaceable mentor to student workers and constant source of joy throughout the IWU community. Kris leads quietly, gives generously, and lives out his faith with consistency and care, displaying what it truly means to reflect Christ every day.
Phillip Morton
Phillip Morton is the 2025 Distinguished Marion College Alumni Award Recipient for his work with vulnerable communities, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Christ. Morton graduated from Marion College in 1987 with a major in sociology and a minor in political science. Now retired, Morton served as a substance abuse counselor and mental health coordinator with the Allen Oakwood Correctional Facility.
Since 2004, Morton has served on the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ), where he has helped focus on economic mobility, family support, community safety, and more. He’s also served as a community mentor and coach, supporting youth through various educational and spiritual programs, helping them develop a strong understanding of God’s plan for their lives. Motivated by his faith, Morton has trusted God throughout the journey of his life. In 2017, Morton received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Award from the state of Ohio.
Looking back on his education, Morton firmly believes the entire Marion College community made his experience a lifelong bond with Christ that has impacted his spiritual, personal, and professional growth. Morton’s education increased his skills, provided a spiritual foundation, and equipped him to face complex situations, providing support for his faith ever since.
Morton has been married to his wife, Erin, for 31 years, with whom he’s raised two daughters – Morgan and Syndey. Morton appreciates the support of his family, friends, and the entire Marion College community.
Rev. Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr.
Rev. Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr. is the 2025 Distinguished Wesley Seminary Award Recipient for his decades of ministry and community service. Sulivan graduated from Wesley Seminary in 2019 with a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership, strengthening both his intellect and leadership abilities and inspired him to pursue doctoral work.
For Sullivan, his calling has always been to foster spiritual growth in others. Born of a sincere desire to see people grow in faith, Sullivan has been in ministry for two decades. Since 2006, he has served as senior pastor of New Direction Christian Church, growing it from a congregation of 50 to over 3,000.
In addition to his pastoral work, Sullivan has helped run the 38th Street Renaissance Economic Development Campaign, served with the NDC Food Pantry, and participated in his local mayor’s citizens review board. He has also helped build 13 churches and one Bible college in Kenya, founded or cofounded four non-profits, been published three times, been featured in Indy Far East Magazine, and currently teaches a course through the Talent Ladder at IWU.
Sullivan is thankful for his wife Roxie and children Gabrielle, Kennedy, and David, as well as his father, Dr. Kenneth E. Sullivan Sr., who helped inspire and drive him toward sacrificial service to the people of God.
Speaking about these choices, Director of University Advancement Gidget Hamner stated, “This year’s selection of alumni highlights individuals who, despite different career paths, have all made a Christ-like mindset central to who they are. Through their dedication to living the Kingdom mission Christ calls us to, the 2025 Distinguished Alumni showcase what Indiana Wesleyan University graduates are capable of.”
In addition to these five alumni, the currently unannounced 2025 Alumni World Changer will also be recognized during the same ceremony.
