Megan Lupek ’08, associate teaching professor of forestry and environmental resources at North Carolina State’s College of Natural Resources, has received the university’s 2025–26 Outstanding Teacher Award, recognizing excellence in teaching and student learning. Her courses emphasize hands-on, student-centered learning through fieldwork, group projects, and real-world environmental applications. Lupek is also active in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning research, studying strategies such as open educational resources and climate-focused coursework. She currently leads a global sustainability project connecting NC State students with peers in Nice, France.

Submitted by: Alumni Office

Samuel Swift ’23, a Grand Rapids native, serves as a supply officer aboard the future Navy warship PCU Bougainville in Pascagoula, Mississippi. A 2019 graduate of Forest Hills Northern High School, he earned degrees from Grand Rapids Community College and Albion College. Swift joined the Navy to grow as a leader and make his family proud, crediting his hometown with instilling a strong work ethic. He is most proud of commissioning as an officer and supporting his fellow sailors. The Bougainville, a large-deck amphibious assault ship, will carry more than 1,200 crew and up to 1,800 troops, supporting global readiness and security.

Submitted by: Alumni Office

Jacqueline Zablocki ’08 has joined Miller Johnson’s Education practice, where she advises public and private school clients on legal and compliance challenges. In her new role, she brings extensive experience in civil rights and educational equity, helping institutions navigate issues related to Title IX, ADA, and nondiscrimination laws.

Previously, Zablocki served as a Civil Rights/Title IX Coordinator for a southeast Michigan intermediate school district, leading investigations, overseeing compliance, and providing training on accessibility and equity. She earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from Chicago-Kent College of Law and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Albion College.

Submitted by: Alumni Office

Dr. Charles Cash ’03 recently joined PrecisionIR, a growing outpatient medical practice. He brings a strong academic and clinical background to PrecisionIR and earned degrees in biology and economics from Albion College before receiving his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, where he served as Chief Resident, followed by fellowship training in Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Beaumont.

He is double board-certified by the American Board of Radiology in Diagnostic Radiology and Vascular and Interventional Radiology and has served as a clinical assistant professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine since 2013. Dr. Cash is a nationally renowned speaker and has co-authored publications on topics in interventional radiology such as Y-90 radioembolization and the endovascular management of utreteroarterial fistulas.

Submitted by: Alumni Office

Dr. Frank R. Gould, ’63, passed away July 31, 2025, at age 84. A standout quarterback at Albion College, he led the Britons to multiple MIAA championships and earned 1963 Detroit Free Press Scholar Athlete of the Year honors before later induction into the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He received his M.D. from the University of Michigan and practiced urology in Grand Rapids for 27 years, known for his skill and compassion. A U.S. Army Medical Corps captain from 1969–72, he was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In retirement, he enjoyed fly fishing and golf.

Submitted by: Alumni Office

Sara (Shunk) Maurer ’00 published her debut novel, A Good Animal, on February 24, 2026.

A Good Animal is a coming-of-age literary fiction novel set on a sheep farm in Sault Ste. Marie in 1995. Seventeen-year-old Everett is determined to stay put, rebuild his family’s sheep farm, and carve a future from the land he loves. Then he meets Mary, a new girl in town with restless energy and bigger plans. When their relationship reaches a crossroads, they make an impulsive choice—one that could change everything.

The book is available through the publisher’s website, major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Books-a-Million, Powells, and Bookshop.org, as well as independent bookstores everywhere.

Maurer also visited campus to share her work as part of the Albion College Reading Series on March 25 in Bobbitt Visual Arts Center Auditorium (Bobbitt 113).

Submitted by: Sara Maurer

Jane Bell Bogart Sellers, cherished by family and friends as “Jens,” passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio, at age 85, with her children by her side after a courageous journey with frontotemporal dementia.

Born December 9, 1940, in Evanston, Illinois, and raised nearby in Kenilworth, Jane attended New Trier High School and earned her BA from Albion College, where she formed lifelong friendships as a member of Zeta Tau Alpha.

Summers at Sylvan Beach, Michigan, were central to Jane’s life, filled with sailing, music, and lifelong friendships she later shared with her children and grandchildren.

After marrying Tom Sellers, Jane settled in Danville, Kentucky, where she raised Kristin and Tim and became deeply involved in the community. She helped found West T Hill Community Theatre, served on the Danville Independent School Board, including as President, and later worked at Centre College. She eventually moved to Cincinnati, continuing her work at Cincinnati Country Day School and supporting Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati.

A gifted pianist, Jane filled her home with music and was an avid reader with a quick wit and playful spirit. She cherished her family and many friendships and took great pride in her children and grandchildren.

Jane is survived by her daughter Kristin Sellers Schneider (Chris) and son Dr. Tim Sellers (Andrea Campbell); and grandchildren Anthony Schneider (Jon Meister), George Schneider, Lily Sellers, and Owen Sellers. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Peter Bogart, Mary Lou Jenkins, and Betsy Grein.

She will be remembered for her infectious smile, warmth, generosity, and lively personality. The family thanks The Barrington of Oakley and Hospice of Cincinnati for their compassionate care. A family service will be held to celebrate her life. Donations may be made in her honor to the West T Hill Community Theatre in Danville, Kentucky.

Submitted by: Kristin Schneider

Matthew Burgess ’81 and Kelly (Howerth) Burgess ’81 welcomed their second grandchild, Graham Kenneth Burgess, on January 5, 2026, to son Cullen Burgess and Brianna (Rudolph) Burgess. Graham’s birth comes shortly after the birth of Matthew and Kelly’s first grandchild, Beverly Rose Ward, daughter of Caitlin (Burgess) Ward ’10 and Eric Ward, in November.

Submitted by: Caitlin (Burgess) Ward

Beverly Rose Ward was born to Caitlin (Burgess) Ward ’10 and Eric Ward on November 9, 2025. Grandparents, Matthew Burgess ’81 and Kelly (Howerth) Burgess ’81 are overjoyed.

Submitted by: Caitlin (Burgess) Ward

Jayden VanMaurick ’22 has been accepted into the 2026 Boston Marathon as well as the 2026 Chicago Marathon. At Albion, Jayden ran for the cross country and track programs.

Submitted by: Jayden VanMaurick

Pathward, based in Atlanta, has appointed Oz Lindley ’89 as Managing Director of Business Development.  In this position, Lindley is responsible for originating and structuring asset-based transactions to lower and middle-market companies throughout the southeast region of the U.S. Lindley brings more than 30 years of diversified senior secured lending experience to Pathward. Most recently, he was Senior Vice President/Managing Director at Cadence Bank. He previously held business development, underwriting, credit and portfolio management positions at CapitalSource, PNC Business Credit, RBS Business Capital and Comerica Bank.

Submitted by: Courtney Heidelberg

Jackson District Library’s Local History Librarian Nathaniel Arndts ’14 received the Community Impact Award from the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society for his efforts in preserving and celebrating Jackson County history. Arndts received the award at the historical society’s 5th annual County History Banquet at the Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson in November 2025.

Hired in November 2023, Arndts has worked tirelessly to archive the district’s historical archives and artifacts. He often partners with local history authors for library book talks and fulfills research requests about county history from interested parties across the U.S

Submitted by: Dawn Hernandez

Paul L. Hartman died at home in Okemos, Michigan, on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the age of 80. Paul was born on February 15, 1994, in Evanston, Illinois, to Fred and Martha (Gardner) Hartman. Paul was a graduate of Evanston Township High School, Albion College, and Boston University School of Theology. He was an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church, serving Churches in Alden, Lansing Central, Litchfield, and Sunnyside in Kalamazoo. He was also the Director of Education and Youth at Okemos Community Church. He especially excelled at helping youth at UMC summer camps.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Randels; his former wife, Mary Ellen (Neller) De Ridder; his daughters Beth Magennis, Andrea Hartman, and Angela Young; stepson David Randels; and his grandchildren, Erin, Kyle, Emma, Anna, Audan, and Oliver

Submitted by: Dylan Elliott

“This letter serves as documentation that a Liberal Arts Education prepares a person to challenge themselves throughout their life. I never believed that I would be writing books after I graduated from college. I was not a high-performing student who enjoyed the requirement for English writing class. I was always looking for physical challenges: Basketball, Football, Military pentathlon, and Ski instructor were all challenges that I accepted.
Friends have been saying for years that I should write a book about the terrible things that my wife did to survive during World War II. Finally, I wrote the book and it has proved to be quite popular. My wife alone has sold close to 100 books. It is listed on Amazon. Recently, I finished a book on my memoirs, and I will soon write a book. My wife and all our travels. All because I took a class that was required of me.”

–Dr. Tim Williams, Professor Emeritus of Physical Education

“Brigitte’s Journey From World War II to America” written by Dr. Timothy Williams can be purchased on Amazon.

Submitted by: Dylan Elliott

Dr. Melody (Mercer) MacMartin passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, on the island of Sint Maarten, after living with adult-onset Muscular Dystrophy for more than ten years. She was 73. Her husband of 49 years, Dr. Craig MacMartin, DDS, was by her side.

Dr. MacMartin was born on December 21, 1951, to Rev. Dr. William Douglas Mercer and Elouise Bratton Mercer. She graduated from North Farmington High School and Albion College in 1974, where she met her future husband and joined Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1978. A family practice physician in the Metro Detroit area for nearly 40 years, Dr. MacMartin owned and operated Livonia Medical Center for 29 years. She was recognized for her work in women’s health, particularly in the study and treatment of osteoporosis and bone density.

Submitted by: Dylan Elliott

George William Shipman ’63, 85, passed away on February 26, 2025, in Bend, Oregon. Born on April 9, 1939, George grew up in Monroe, Michigan, where he graduated from Monroe High School. His passion for history and knowledge led him to pursue higher education at Albion College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History. He continued his academic journey by obtaining a Master of Arts in Latin American History from Western Michigan University and later earned a Master of Arts in Library Science from the University of Michigan.

George dedicated his career to academia and library sciences, making significant contributions to the institutions he served. He began as an instructor at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico before being specially recruited for an internship at the Library of Congress. His expertise and leadership took him to the University of Tennessee, where he served as Associate Director. Later, at the University of Oregon, he became a professor and University Librarian. During his tenure there, he establised a library development program and among other things, played a key role in forming Orbis, a consortium that enhanced library services across universities in Oregon and Washington.

Beyond his professional achievements, George served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961.

George is survived by his wife, Krystyna; his sons Brian ’91 (wife Parinaz Pahlavi) and Andrew (wife Colleen); and his grandchildren: Cameron, Persia, Soraya, McKenzie, and Madison. He was predeceased by his parents, Arnold Shipman and Vandalay (Dale) Wagner, as well as his sister Barbara Shipman List ’56.

Submitted by: Krystyna H. Shipman

Lindsay ’10 and Mark McLaughlin ’10 moved to the Old Mission Peninsula in 2023 with their son, their dog, and a dream. The two have since become co-owners of Moondance Flower Farm–named after their wedding song, “Moondance,” by Van Morrison. Read more about the McLaughlin’s business at www.moondanceflowerfarm.com.

Submitted by: Alumni Office

Darcy Muns ’20 and Colton Wiskur ’22 married on Sept. 13 in Saline, Michigan. Guests included Paige Dredge ’21, Carly Schwarz ’21, Ashley Iglesias ’21, Jacob Molitz ’21, Marah Taylor (Ranger) ’20, Kirk Myers ’22, Zac Besant ’22, Kim Besant (Freitas) ’21, Austin Stoll ’24, Tony Hopkins ’22, Drew Fogel ’22, Lauren Miller ’19, Patrick Sheperd ’19, Isabel Stella ’22, Spencer Moeggenberg ’22, and Alex Mileski ’22.

Submitted by: Darcy Muns

Marie Ames ’11, alumna and former Albion College employee, received the 2025 Calhoun County Joanne Konkle Senior Services Outstanding Volunteer Award. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to senior centers, Ames worked with Lee Township leadership to establish the Lee Township Senior Social in 2021. What began with eight participants has grown into a weekly gathering of around 40 senior citizens. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a homecooked meal, entertainment, and social engagement.

Submitted by: Marie Ames

Kayleigh Harvey ’15 married Lev Tsidilkovski on Oct. 10, 2025, at Loon Mountain Summit in New Hampshire. Fellow alumna Paige Gustafson ’15 was also in attendance to celebrate the happy couple.

Submitted by: Paige Gustafson