Nominate a distinguished Malone graduate for one of our prestigious awards
Nominations are due by May 31 each year. Please choose a nominee for one of the categories below:
- Alumna/Alumnus of the Year
- Graduate Programs Alumna/Alumnus of the Year
- Degree-Completion Programs Alumna/Alumnus of the Year
- Young Alumna/Alumnus of the Year
- The Earl H. Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award*
Criteria
- The nominee must be a graduate of Malone University, Malone College, or Cleveland Bible College.
- Young Alumni are graduates from the past ten years who are 35 years of age or younger.
- The nominee should demonstrate success in his or her professional field.
- The nominee should demonstrate activity in two or more of the following areas: public service to community, non-profit organizations, educational organizations, professional organizations, the Malone University Alumni Executive Board, or Malone University.
- The nominee should be a recipient of other honors or recognition.
- The nominee must have high personal integrity and character demonstrating and living the mission of Malone University as a person of intellectual maturity, wisdom, and Christian faith committed to serving the church, community, and world.
Current Alumni Award Recipients
Alumna of the Year 2026: Julianna Smith ‘08
Julianna Smith ’08 graduated from Malone with a bachelor of arts in political science. She later earned a Master of Arts in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (Arabic) from The Ohio State University in 2013, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Portland Seminary of George Fox University in 2018, and a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (Hebrew Bible) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2022.
Julianna currently serves as a seminary professor at Earlham School of Religion, where she walks alongside students as they discern calls to ministry and navigate their vocational, personal, and educational journeys. Her broad professional path reflects a lifelong commitment to teaching and cross-cultural engagement. After graduating from Malone, she lived and worked in Cairo, Egypt, in corporate communications, later returning to work at a hospital and an international K-8 school supporting “third culture kids.” Her teaching background also includes serving as a substitute teacher in Columbus City Schools, coaching youth swimming, and working as a graduate teaching assistant at UCLA, where she mentored undergraduates through key academic milestones. Across every setting, Julianna considers the enduring relationships built with students and colleagues to be her greatest professional achievements.
During her time as a Malone student, Julianna was deeply involved in campus leadership and academics. She served on student senate for four years, holding the honor of student body president, and participated in the honors program. Encouraged by Malone faculty to step outside her comfort zone, she completed a study abroad semester in Cairo—a pivotal experience that shaped her academic trajectory and connected her with lifelong friends and colleagues.
In her community, Julianna spent several years serving through preaching and teaching ministry at The Oregon Community Church.
Julianna and her husband, Nathan Widdicombe, have one daughter, Layla Edith. Her parents, Brenda and Jim Smith have been long-time supporters of Malone, as well. Though an only child, she shares a sisterly bond and many dear memories with her Malone roommate, Jen (Gregg) Tucker ’08.
Julianna resides in Portland, Oregon, and Dayton, Ohio.
Alumnus of the Year 2026: Joe Hudak ‘72
Joe Hudak ’72 graduated from Malone University with a bachelor of arts in mathematics and went on to earn a master’s degree in athletic administration from Kent State University.
Throughout a storied 50-year coaching career, Joe became a respected leader in collegiate baseball, compiling an outstanding 1,124-690 overall record across head coaching tenures at Geneva College, Winthrop University, and Kingsmen Baseball. Joe coached more than 30 future professional players, including six major leaguers, and has been inducted into the Lawrence County, Winthrop University, and Geneva College Halls of Fame.
Driven by a deep conviction to seek Christ’s Kingdom First, Joe has seamlessly integrated faith, mentorship, and athletic excellence into his coaching style and practice. Following five years as Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), he founded Kingsmen Baseball in 2016, a non-profit Christian ministry using baseball to disciple players in character, integrity, and faith in Christ. He later established the Kingsmen Baseball Academy for high school student-athletes. Through daily chapel services, team Bible studies, and personal mentorship, Joe has guided more than 250 young men to make personal commitments or recommitments to Jesus Christ.
During his time at Malone, Joe was a standout student leader and cornerstone of Pioneer athletics. A four-year starter at shortstop and senior co-captain, he earned all-conference honors as a pitcher while helping lead Malone to conference championships and an appearance in the NAIA national tournament. Beyond the diamond, he was active in student government and directed the men’s intramural sports program.
In community and global outreach, Joe puts his faith into action through international mission work. He has led more than 20 mission trips to the Dominican Republic, partnering with local churches and ministries to address food insecurity, construct housing, and launch Christ-centered sports outreach programs for local youth.
Joe is the proud father of three children: daughters Logan and Callie, and son Preston.
Joe resides in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Young Alumna of the Year 2026: Blake Stuckey ‘20
Blake Stuckey ’20 graduated from Malone with a bachelor of arts in social work and a minor in psychology. Immediately upon completing her undergrad degrees, she earned her Master of Social Work degree from Case Western Reserve University in 2021.
Blake currently serves as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) at MetroPlusHealth in New York City, where she provides care management to members living with HIV/AIDS, transgender individuals, and unhoused persons. Dedicated to vulnerable and underserved populations for nearly five years, she previously worked as a social worker at Montefiore Medical Center’s Infectious Disease Clinic. In her professional practice, Blake demonstrates a heart for clinical advocacy, ensuring vulnerable individuals receive trauma-informed care, equitable health resources, and dedicated support.
During her time as a student, Blake was actively involved across campus. She enjoyed helping her peers as a peer tutor, participating in the Social Work Club, and taking part in the mentorship program within her residence hall, Heritage Hall. She also enjoyed participating in beloved campus traditions like Airband.
In her local community, Blake actively lives out her calling to service through numerous organizations. She has served as a Domestic and Other Violence Emergencies (DOVE) volunteer, providing vital support and advocacy to survivors in the Emergency Departments of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. She currently volunteers with GallopNYC, offering therapeutic equine-assisted lessons to riders with disabilities, and helps prepare meals for neighbors in need through God’s Love We Deliver. A passionate advocate for health equity, she regularly participates in the annual AIDS Walk in Central Park to fund essential services, and she is an active member of The New York Public Library.
Blake carries a rich multi-generational family tradition at Malone. She is the daughter of Jon Stuckey ’86 and Shari Taylor-Stuckey ’87, and the niece of Jacalynn Stuckey ’77, Jodi Stuckey Benedict ’78 (and husband Mark Benedict ’79), Jay Stuckey ’83, Heath Taylor ’90, and Richard Griffith ’14. Her Malone ties extend to her cousins Kelsey Taylor ’20, Jairus Taylor ’20, Caleb Griffith ’20, and Cori Stuckey ’24, alongside family members who attended Malone including Janice Stuckey *92, Heather Griffith *92, Derek Taylor *90, and Glenn Taylor *90.
Blake resides in New York, NY.
Young Alumnus of the Year 2026: Brandon Bapst ‘17
Brandon Bapst ’17 graduated from Malone with degrees in computer science and business administration.
Brandon currently serves as a cybersecurity adviser at Ernst & Young (EY), where he helps organizations strengthen their cyber resilience and responsibly leverage artificial intelligence. Recognized for his expertise in navigating complex digital landscapes, he is a published author on cybersecurity and a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events nationwide. Through his advisory work, Brandon guides corporate leaders in safeguarding their businesses while fostering ethical innovation in emerging technologies.
While a student at Malone, Brandon was an integral part of the campus community both on and off the court. A dedicated four-year member of the Malone men’s basketball team, he also served as a resident assistant in DeVol Hall and as a student leader with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Brandon brought energy to beloved campus traditions by organizing and hosting the annual Nike Airband competition and competing on a championship-winning Davenport Derby couch race team. Driven by a desire to equip his fellow peers, he co-founded The Athlete Impact, an initiative focused on helping student-athletes translate the discipline, leadership, and character developed through athletics into successful post-graduate lives.
In his local community, Brandon strives to continue to live out a calling to serve others. Alongside his wife, he serves at their local church and is also the founder of his local F3 community. Expanding on his passion for student support, Brandon continues to build out The Athlete Impact as a broader mentorship organization, recently helping to establish an endowed scholarship at Malone designed to support student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional leadership, character, and service.
Brandon resides in Metro NYC with his wife, Sarah, and two children.
Graduate Program Alumnus of the Year 2026: Brian Hollingsworth ‘02,‘14
Brian Hollingsworth ’02, ’14 graduated from Malone with a bachelor of arts in communication arts with an emphasis in journalism, later earning his master of arts in organizational leadership from Malone in 2014.
Brian currently serves as Vice President for Advancement at Malone, bringing more than 20 years of fundraising expertise in healthcare and higher education to his alma mater. Prior to returning to Malone, he spent nearly two decades at Akron Children’s Hospital. His extensive background spans capital campaigns, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, donor relations, and volunteer coordination. Guided by a passion for philanthropy, Brian finds deep joy in connecting supporters with meaningful projects that make a lasting difference in the world, and he considers it a profound blessing to work alongside dedicated alumni, donors, and colleagues for the glory of God.
During his time as an undergraduate student, Brian was deeply involved in campus culture and creative arts. He participated in theater, Chorale, the Open Frame Film Festival, and the MC Comedy improv group, and was inducted into Alpha Psi Omega, the national theater honorary. He also served as associate editor of The Aviso student newspaper and worked as a course assistant.
Deeply committed to civic leadership and community service, Brian spent ten years in a local men’s Bible study and accountability group called “The Fuzzy Bees.” He has served as a board member for Torchbearers of Akron, the Firestone Park YMCA, and the Akron Children’s Museum, as well as past president of the West Akron Kiwanis and past chair of the Akron Children’s Hospital Employee Foundation Council. A former president of the Malone Young Alumni Council, Brian was honored as Malone’s Young Alumnus of the Year in 2013 and was named one of the Greater Akron Chamber’s “30 for the Future” award winners in 2015.
Brian is married to Ryan Hollingsworth ’03, whom he met at Malone and married in 2008; Ryan currently serves as an instructor in communication arts at Malone. They are the proud parents of a daughter, Chloe. Brian is also supported by his parents, Lois and Bruce Hollingsworth.
Brian and his family reside in Green.
Previous Alumni Award Recipients
Since 1962, the Malone University Alumni Association has presents awarded annually in order to recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves by their outstanding achievements of excellence, loyal support of Malone University, and exemplary service to their church and community. Awards are presented during Homecoming weekend.
Alumni of the Year
- 1962 — Worthy A. Spring ’26
- 1963 — Byron L. Osborne ’16
- 1964 — Emily R. Moore ’19, ’38
- 1965 — John O. Grafton ’30
- 1966 — Amos N. Henry ’27, ’50
- 1967 — Ralph Earle ’32
- 1968 — Harold B. Kuhn ’34
- 1969 — Charles S. Ball ’35
- 1970 — Clifton J. Robinson ’41
- 1971 — Harold B. Winn ’42
- 1972 — John P. Williams ’43
- 1973 — William D. Green ’43
- 1974 — David P. Rawson ’62
- 1975 — Edward L. Mitchell ’51
- 1976 — Edward Escolme ’16
- 1977 — Rev. Irving F. Chase ’45
- 1978 — Curtis A. Chambers ’46
- 1979 — Raymond P. Taggart ’21, ’38
- 1980 — Elsie (Lambright) Matti ’19
- 1981 — Earl M. Smith ’36
- 1982 — None Awarded
- 1983 — Edward O. Linton ’33
- 1984 — Howard S. Lauby ’39
- 1985 — Edward W. Kuehnel ’27 and David R. Van Valkenburg ’64
- 1986 — Charles E. Bancroft ’52
- 1987 — Elisabeth O. Robinson ’40
- 1988 — Howard W. Moore ’46
- 1989 — E. Anna Nixon ’39
- 1990 — Earl H. Bailey ’66
- 1991 — Frank R. Raymond ’66
- 1992 — H. David Bryant ’67
- 1993 — None Awarded
- 1994 — Olive Osborne ’32
- 1995 — Timothy J. Bricker ’74
- 1996 — Connie Hubbard ’75
- 1997 — Italo P. Ventura ’73
- 1998 — David P. Murray ’82
- 1999 — Paul N. Anderson ’78
- 2000 — Mark A. Engel ’78
- 2001 — Bill Casto ’62 & Priscilla (Parcell) Casto ’71
- 2002 — Mervin C. Yoder ’75
- 2003 — John P. Williams, Jr. ’67
- 2004 — Jim Bridges ’66
- 2005 — Meredythe Scheflen ’50
- 2006 — Rick Sams ’75
- 2007 — J. Larry Durstine ’73
- 2008 — Gary W. Mast ’71
- 2009 — John David Geib ’77
- 2010 — Russell Zinn ’54 and Esther Zinn ’54
- 2011 — Cedric Rodney ’58
- 2012 — Paul Miller ’66
- 2013 — Cyrus Mad-Bondo ’98
- 2014 — Jacalynn Stuckey ’77
- 2015 — Martha Mooney ’74
- 2016 — Teresa Purses ’86
- 2017 — Curtis Thompson ’84
- 2018 — Keith Cureton `85
- 2019 — Clark Hoopes `75
- 2021 — David Aufrance ’74 and Cynthia (Hershberger) Aufrance ’74
- 2022 — Deron Boring ’01
- 2023 — Stanley Anderson `80 & Marva (Anderson) Hoopes `76 `97
- 2024 — Charles Goldy ’70
- 2025 — David Yakley ’95
Graduate Programs Alumni of the Year
- 2002 — Nancy McCullough ’92
- 2003 — Thomas Michaels ’95
- 2004 — Tim Dodd ’02
- 2005 — William Sanderson ’96
- 2007 — Beth Clark-Thomas ’94
- 2008 — Ira Wentworth ’93, ’97
- 2009 — Stephanie Snow Werren ’99
- 2010 — Tammy Slayman ’00, ’04
- 2011 — Greg Nettle ’97
- 2012 — Tanya Hockman ’94, ’99
- 2013 — Ronald Crock ’88, ’01
- 2014 — Leopoldo “Polo” Paredes ’12
- 2015 — Susan Stewart ’05
- 2016 — Jane Miller ’97
- 2017 — LaToya Dickens ’06
- 2018 — Norm Wengerd `03
- 2019 — Chad Minor `15
- 2025 — Patricia Sommer ’19 ’24
Degree-Completion Programs Alumni of the Year: Leadership Excellence Award
- 2002 — Nancy Diller-Shively ’94
- 2003 — Donna Nedelk-Boyer ’92
- 2004 — Larry Smerglia ’90
- 2005 — Herb Miller ’89
- 2006 — William Thorla ’00
- 2007 — Carl Ralston ’92
- 2008 — Vicki Haines ’02
- 2009 — Paskel “Pat” Berry ’07
- 2010 — Terri Bate ’01
- 2011 — Yvonne Brake ’98
- 2012 — Melissa Carr ’10, ’12
- 2013 — Lori Jones Stokes ’01
- 2014 — Kathy Catazaro-Perry ’99
- 2015 — Gloria Talarico ’87
- 2016 — Jerome West ’08
- 2017 — Ronald Watson ’93
- 2018 — Barbara Lange `03
Young Alumni of the Year
- 2002 — Amber (Anderson) Johnson ’97
- 2003 — Eric J. Lund ’91
- 2004 — Sue (Doerschuk) Grabowski ’91
- 2005 — Tara (Stringfellow) Bond ’96
- 2006 — Barry A. Naum ’96
- 2007 — Gretchen (Ricklic) Polen ’99
- 2008 — Jason Shilling ’98, ’01
- 2009 — T. Jason Lantz ’02
- 2010 — Rebecca Haver Bell ’00
- 2011 — Deron Boring ’01
- 2012 — Joel Daniel Harris ’04
- 2013 — Brian Hollingsworth ’02
- 2014 — Beau Tiger ’04
- 2015 — Daniel Ziegler ’06
- 2016 — Dustin White ’07 and Jamie White ’10
- 2017 — Kristen (Garman) Foss ’08, ’14
- 2018 — Dishon Kamwesa `10
- 2019 — Joshua Eck `11
- 2021 — Amber Zwick ’14
- 2022 — Rachel Jenkins ’16
- 2023 — Michael Terry `15
- 2025 — Megan Mauck ’16
*Earl H. Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award
The Earl H. Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Malone University Alumni Executive Board. It is not awarded every year; only when an individual is nominated for their exemplary foresight, courage, and significant achievement in their professional lives or for distinguished human service. Friends, faculty, and administrators will be recognized for their meritorious service on behalf of the mission and advancement of Malone University.
To be selected for the Earl H. Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award, nominees must have:
- Attained prominence in their professional careers or
- Performed distinguished human services (in their local community or the world) or
- Conferred meritorious service to Malone University
The individual must be a person of such integrity, stature, and demonstrated ability that the faculty, staff, students and alumni of Malone University will be inspired by their recognition.
Nominees need not be graduates of Malone but must demonstrate a love and commitment to Malone and Malone’s mission that inspires others to live with Pioneer spirit.
Malone University administrators, faculty and staff will not be eligible for the Earl H. Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award until they have completed 30 years of employment or after their retirement or terminating employment. Former students employed by Malone University or serving in a governing position of the university are not eligible during the term of their employment or service. Members of the Malone Alumni Association Executive Board or other governing position of alumni association groups are not eligible during their term of service.
Nominations will be accepted from the following:
- Any member of the Malone University Alumni Association
- Any member of the Malone University faculty or staff
- Any member of the Malone University Board of Trustees
- Any retired member of the Malone University faculty or staff
Past Recipients:
- 2011 — Earl Bailey ’66
- 2014 — Jack Hazen
- 2019 — Deborah (Murray) `76 and Ron Robinson `78
- 2023 — Karen (Leach) Warner `76 `95
Pioneer Pinnacle Award
The Pioneer Pinnacle Award is presented to individuals or groups that have made a difference at Malone through their service, involvement, and support. Award winners have shown a desire to help Malone empower students to seek “Christ’s Kingdom First” both in their vocation and in their daily lives. They have adopted a mindset of service to God and to others, and have given their time, talent, and treasure to Malone University.
Introduced for the first time in 2023, this award is given by the administration at Malone University and is not open to public nominations.
Past Recipients:
- 2023 — Rod ’99 and Liz ’99 Neuenschwander
- 2024 — ProVia
- 2025 — Eric Lund ’91