Huntington recognizes alumni for accomplishments
FOR RELEASE: Sunday, October 4, 2009
Huntington, Ind.-During Homecoming ceremonies Oct. 3, Margaret Roush, Huntington University's director of alumni relations, recognized Dr. Dave Rahn as Alumnus of the Year and Beth Waterman as Young Alumna of the Year. In addition, Edward and Kaylene Souers were chosen to receive the Distinguished Alumni Citation. Rahn, a 1976 graduate, serves as the vice president and chief ministry officer of Youth for Christ/USA and directs the Master of Arts program in youth ministry leadership at Huntington University. He was lauded for "his commitment to the mission of Huntington University and its youth ministry leadership program as well as for his outstanding contributions to the youth ministry field and significant work with Youth for Christ/USA." A youth ministry researcher, author, and leadership strategist, Rahn guides a team at Youth for Christ whose focus is to coach, train, resource, and serve YFC men and women from all across America. This team leads nearly 2,100 community-based relational outreach ministries for teenagers.
A 2004 alumna, Waterman is a staff member for Word Made Flesh, a non-profit organization existing to serve among the most vulnerable of the world's poor. She currently directs the brothel visitation ministry in the red-light district of Calcutta, India, and assists with training courses offered at Sari Bari, a business initiative offering women freedom from the sex trade industry. Through Sari Bari, women create blankets and bags out of saris, a traditional Indian garment. Waterman was recognized for "her outstanding work with women and children in India's red-light district as well as her involvement with placing Huntington University PRIME students in Calcutta." PRIME, or Practical Research Immersion through Ministry Effectiveness, is a seven-month immersion into a ministry setting for senior students.
The Souers were honored for their significant service to Huntington University, the business world, the church, and the community. Edward Souers earned Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, management and business education from Huntington University in 1977, the same year Kaylene Souers received an Associate of Arts degree in secretarial science from Huntington. Edward Souers currently serves as the managing partner of Christen Souers LLC, a certified public accounting firm, and Kaylene Souers is a private piano teacher, professional accompanist and an accountant for a variety of non-profit organizations. Christen Souers LLC has offices in Fort Wayne, Angola and Marion, Ind.
Having served on the Huntington University Board of Trustees since 1998, Edward Souers is completing his fifth year as chair. Kaylene Souers has assisted with scheduling and planning events for the trustees' spouses. At their church, the Souers have served as worship leaders, board members and leaders in a church plant effort. Additionally, the Souers are involved in Lions Club International. Edward Souers has served as a district governor, club president and membership chair for the State of Indiana and has received the W.P. Woods Fellowship award. Kaylene Souers is the current vice district governor as well as a past club president, past women's membership chair for the State of Indiana and founder of two new clubs.
Robin Wright, president of the Huntington University Alumni Association board of directors, officiated the evening ceremony, attended by approximately 100 alumni.
