Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2026

22 23 THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD SPRING 2026 EDITION Megan Aumiller Tenney ’16 earned her master’s in social work from University of Missouri Columbia, while raising three sons. “Accomplishing this was truly something great for myself and to show my kids,” she shared. Taylor Kudalis ’17 and her fiancé fell in love at Lindenwood and were engaged in Italy. Dave Ananayo ’19 received the Lindenwood Alumni Merit Award. He trains a wide variety of clients including those with disabilities or injuries, athletes, and members of the general population seeking to improve their fitness. Matthew Carr ’19, ’23 was promoted to assistant principal of Galena R-II Schools, and will be serving students and teachers at Galena Elementary and Galena High School. Chital Mehta ’19 won the 2025 James Alan McPherson Prize for the manuscript, ‘Have you seen Romit.’ Her book is scheduled for release in 2026, and lives in Delaware with her family, where she is working on her next novel and a collection of short stories based on Asian immigrant themes. Courtney Wombacher ’19 is working as a lead teacher and part of the management team at the first O2b Kids preschool in O’Fallon, Illinois. 2020s Daniel and Sarah (Marler) Kennebeck, both Lindenwood Class of 2020, tied the knot in July 2025. The pair met at Lindenwood and are continuing their lives together as newlyweds. Sheila Bitts ’21 completed a collection of short stories titled Worth, “based on workshopping and inspirations from my time as a student in the MFA program.” Marco Lee ’21 received the Lindenwood University Young Alumni Award and is pursuing his law degree at Saint Louis University. 1950s Martha Faxon Kinney ’57 is living in Columbia, Mo., and was honored to stay in close contact with her former roommate, Marion, until her passing. 1970s Eric Stuhler ’78 , longtime Lindenwood employee, retired from the University at the end of the academic year. Over his time at LU, he wore many hats including general counsel and management professor and was named Faculty Advisor & Mentor of the Year. Congratulations to Eric, who has big plans for great adventures with his grandchildren. 1980s James (Jim) Winka ’86, ’91, retired from the federal government after 24 years of federal service, and an additional 10+ years with McDonnell Douglas / Boeing. He remains an active member of the St. Charles Alumni Chapter. 1990s Tracy Reed ’92 joined BJC Medical Group as a podiatrist at Christian Hospital. Elisa Bender ’98 was named the 2025 Lindenwood Alumni Service Award recipient. She is a board member and development coordinator for Hispanic Festival, Inc., and sits on the board for the St. Louis Visionary Awards. Sara (Schaefer) Drost ’98 earned her master’s in social work from Saint Louis University and is currently serving as president of Abide in Love Ste. Genevieve, an organization supporting immigrants in their community. Robert Coaft ’99 launched EVE Online, a community-driven spaceship MMORPG where players can play free, choosing their own path from countless options. 2000s Dante Buscaglia ’01 received the inaugural Real Floors Core Values Award, voted on by employees within the company. Mark Dillon ’03 returned to Lindenwood this spring, joining the Athletics Department staff as the new Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance. Luca Squinzani ’03 continues his work with Juventus as Director of Goalkeeping and a coach for U20 goalkeepers. James Allison ’08, ’11, ’15 is the CYS Training Specialist and School Liaison Officer with USAG Bavaria Garmisch FMWR Child & Youth Services (CYS). “I have the opportunity to serve as an advisor and advocate at the intersection of military family support and educational excellence. My responsibilities include leading professional development across youth programs, coordinating cross-agency collaboration, and supporting the social, emotional, and academic success of military-connected children and youth,” he shared. 2010s Jason Rakers ’10 was named High School Principal of the Year for the southern Illinois Egyptian region. His son is continuing the Lindenwood legacy and is a member of the LU Baseball team. Koi Nikole ’13, ’16 joined Northwest Mutual as a financial advisor. She provides clients with a comprehensive wealth & legacy plan including life insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance along with investments. Christian Hake ’15 has built a career in technical theater and stage production. He is the Technical Coordinator at Mesa Arts Center, working with touring productions like Dear Evan Hansen and Beauty and the Beast. Alex Moraes ’15, ’17 earned his US Citizenship this February. “This is a major achievement because I came to the U.S. with dreams and aspirations back in the fall of 2011,” he shared. Lindsey Young Dunn ’16 released her debut album, FOREAL. Her work is available on many platforms under her artist name, Lotus Lunabelle. NEWS & NOTES THE ALUMNI COMMUNITY SPRING 2024 EDITION Bella Rainey ’21, ’23 , was honored as one of Delta Zeta National’s “35 Under 35.” Robby Hamilton ’22 was married in May 2025! Paige Sorensen ’22 earned her JD from Yale Law School in 2025. René Parks Wendinger ’22 was selected to the inaugural poet laureate by Ottawa Illinois. Liam Bentein ’24 played in the Soudal Open in Belgium May 21-24. He was invited by the Belgian Golf Federation to play this DP World Tour Golf event as an amateur. Brenden Bohr ’24 proposed to fellow Lindenwood grad Mikayla Smith ’22 at Eagles Nest Lake in New Mexico. Brooke Shoemaker ’24 is pursuing her DVM at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Macy Nesslage ’25 received the Lindenwood University Young Alumni Award and is a teacher in the Wentzville School District. THE ALUMNI COMMUNITY SHARE NEWS WITH US! We want to hear about the exciting things happening in your life. Submit your happy moment today.