Alumni Honorees 2026

Buckles-Hanna Service Award:

Kyle Krecklow ’04

Kyle Krecklow, a General Business graduate and four-year member of the men’s basketball team, has spent more than 12 years serving as a volunteer assistant coach for Northwestern men’s basketball. Balancing a demanding career and growing family, Kyle has faithfully invested countless hours into practices, games, recruiting, and mentorship—often giving his own time and resources without seeking recognition. His commitment to coaching goes far beyond basketball.

He approaches the role as a ministry, building relationships with student-athletes and encouraging them to grow in character, faith, and their walk with Christ. His humility, integrity, and selflessness have made a lasting impact on generations of young men. Outside of coaching, Kyle serves as a New Home Consultant with Robert Thomas Homes, where he has spent more than 21 years in the home construction industry. He credits Northwestern with deepening his faith and teaching him the importance of putting others first. Kyle and his wife, Megan, serve at Hillside Church through Tot Time and a small group, and Kyle serves as president of the Shepherd’s Foundation board, supporting ministry to children and families in Ukraine through Camp Maximum. Together, they are raising their three children, Bailey, Carter, and Cameron. What sets Kyle apart is the consistency of his character. He is widely known as a man of integrity, discipline, and deep faith.

In every role-coach, mentor, husband, father, and friend-he seeks to reflect Christ. He approaches life with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what matters most and encouraging others to do the same.

Eagle on Mission Award

Dr. Carl Christenson, MD ’14

Carl Christenson, a graduate in Biology and Music, serves as a physician anesthesiologist and holds multiple leadership roles at Indiana University School of Medicine and IU Methodist Hospital, including Assistant Professor of Clinical Anesthesia, Director of Simulation, Director of Pediatric Anesthesia, and anesthesia lead for complex neurosurgical and ENT procedures. Throughout his career, God has opened remarkable doors for service and teaching. Carl served as Chief Resident of Anesthesia at the University of Cincinnati, established an accredited medical mission program in Tanzania that equips local physicians and trainees, completed a pediatric anesthesia fellowship, authored a chapter on ventricular assist devices, and has been honored multiple times as Physician Educator of the Year for his dedication to mentoring residents and students. He has also been invited to share his expertise nationally, including as a featured panelist at a leading ENT conference. Today, he remains deeply committed to resident education, faculty mentorship, and preparing new physicians for board certification, viewing these opportunities as a calling to invest in the next generation of caregivers.

Carl credits every step of his journey to God’s grace. He seeks to reflect Christ in his work with patients, colleagues, and trainees, while faithfully supporting missions and maintaining a life centered on prayer and daily devotion. Grateful for the blessings God has given his family, he strives to lead with humility and to point others to Christ through both his profession and his service. He and his wife, Christina ’14, worship at Zionsville Fellowship in Indiana, where they serve in children’s ministry and lead a small group Bible study. Together they are raising their three children—River, Havilah, and Zuri—with the desire that they too would know and follow Christ.

Music & Theatre Hall of Recognition:

Karlyn Moyer ’07

Karlyn Moyer, earned a B.A. in Music Performance, and now devotes her gifts as a musician and servant of Christ to cross-cultural ministry in the Middle East. For more than a decade, she has faithfully served through an international organization that supports children with disabilities and their families, helping to equip local staff, encourage language learners, and bring hope to remote communities. Through worship leadership and musical performance in both Arabic and English, Karlyn uses music to proclaim truth and foster unity in prayer. She also helps organize regional prayer gatherings and encourages women in remote desert communities through regular visits and personal ministry. Her deepest desire is to see God bring holistic transformation to the lives of those around her, and she pursues that calling each day through faithful service, prayer, and compassionate love.

God continues to teach Karlyn to trust His character and sovereignty, even when lasting change unfolds slowly. Encouraged by countless answers to prayer, she remains steadfast in hope, believing that the Lord is at work in ways that are often unseen. Inspired by Christ’s example of steadfast compassion, she seeks to serve others with grace and perseverance, trusting that God can multiply even the smallest offerings for His glory. Karlyn worships at Madaba Nazarene Church, where she occasionally serves on the worship team, and she remains actively involved in regional prayer networks and ministry opportunities throughout the area.

Athletic Hall of Fame:

Michael Vowels ’18

Michael Vowels distinguished himself as one of the most consistent and accomplished golfers in University of Northwestern history, pairing individual excellence with a clear impact on team success. He finished tied for 1st in program history for lowest single-season scoring average and ranks 3rd all-time in career scoring average—an impressive reflection of both his talent and sustained consistency. He also ranks among the program leaders in rounds played, while contributing to several of the team’s lowest single-round and single-season marks.

Beyond the numbers, Michael’s impact is seen in how he helped elevate the program during his time on the course. His standout senior season, which included a 75.0 scoring average along with conference recognition and a championship, highlighted both his competitive drive and leadership. Through the faithful witness of teammates, friends, and mentors, Michael came to faith during his junior year—a life-changing decision that transformed the direction and purpose of his life. Today, Michael is learning to faithfully steward every season God provides.

Athletic Hall of Fame:

CJ Lloyd ’18

C.J. Lloyd was a cornerstone of Northwestern men’s tennis during his four-year career, taking on the challenge of playing both #1 singles and #1 doubles in every match—a role that speaks volumes about his talent, competitiveness, and trust from his coaches and teammates. Even while consistently facing top competition, he built an impressive résumé that includes ranking 2nd all-time in #1 singles wins, 1st in #1 doubles wins, and 6th in career combined wins. His single-season performances also rank among the program’s best, and he earned NCCAA Second Team All-American honors twice, in 2016 and 2018.

Beyond the accolades, C.J.’s impact on the program and community runs deep. By holding down the top spots in the lineup, he created opportunities for his teammates to succeed and helped elevate the entire team. His connection to Northwestern didn’t end after graduation—he returned for his MBA, served as an assistant coach, and continues to show up in support of the program. Rooted in his faith and the relationships he built during his time at UNW, C.J.’s legacy is defined not just by wins, but by the lasting investment he’s made in the people and community around him.

Athletic Hall of Fame:

Katie DeWitt ’11

Katie DeWitt put together one of the most dominant and well-rounded careers in Northwestern women’s basketball history. A 1,000-point scorer and 500-rebound performer, she ranks 4th all-time in total points and holds the program record for career scoring average at 20.2 points per game across 81 games—an incredible reflection of her consistency and ability to impact every time she stepped on the court. Her influence showed up across every facet of the game, finishing among the program’s top performers in rebounds, shooting, and assists, while also setting the standard defensively as the program’s all-time leader in defensive rebounds.

Her excellence was recognized on a national level, earning NCCAA First Team All-American honors in 2010, Second Team honors in 2011, and NCAA Division III All-American Honorable Mention in 2011. Whether it was her record-setting single-season performances, standout individual games, or her place on the UMAC All-Decade Team, Katie consistently delivered at a high level. Combined with her versatility and competitive presence, she left a lasting mark on the program. Today, God is teaching Katie to slow down, be present, and trust Him one step at a time rather than trying to plan every detail of the future. After years of serving in faith-based institutions, she remains grateful for the opportunity to invest in students, families, and communities where Christ-centered relationships can flourish.

Athletic Hall of Fame:

2016 UNW Volleyball Team

The 2016 University of Northwestern Volleyball team authored one of the most memorable seasons in school history, establishing a new standard of excellence both on and off the court. The Eagles finished with a program-record 34 victories, captured both the UMAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships, earned the opportunity to host an NCAA Regional for the first time in program history, and advanced to the NCAA Division III Final Four—the deepest postseason run in Northwestern Volleyball history. Along the way, the team defeated defending national champion Cal Lutheran and outlasted Eastern University in a thrilling five-set match to earn a place among the nation’s final four teams. Led by AVCA Division III Player of the Year Lindsey Peterson and AVCA Coach of the Year Beth Wilmeth, the Eagles demonstrated remarkable talent, resilience, and unwavering trust in one another.

Yet the legacy of the 2016 team extends far beyond wins and championships. From the beginning of the season, the players committed themselves to using any success God might provide as a platform to honor Christ. That commitment was powerfully displayed in the closing moments of their Final Four match, when an honor call by Abby Neuberger reflected the team’s character and integrity even in the face of defeat. As assistant coach Jacki Smith later reflected, “That’s why we were here. For that moment.” A decade later, the 2016 Eagles continue to be remembered not only for breaking barriers on the national stage, but also for demonstrating what it means to pursue excellence while remaining wholly committed to reflecting Christ regardless of the outcome.

Athletic Hall of Fame:

Wally Parish – Administration

Wally M. Parish has dedicated 36 years to University of Northwestern–St. Paul as a professor of kinesiology and Faculty Athletic Representative, investing deeply in the lives of students and the mission of the University. Among his career highlights, Wally founded the Pre-Therapy program for kinesiology majors, helping prepare students to pursue careers in physical therapy and other health professions. He was also twice honored as Teacher of the Year, reflecting the lasting impact of his teaching and mentorship. For Wally, his years at Northwestern are best summed up as a blessing from God and an opportunity to serve alongside close friends who share a common mission. Year after year, the encouragement and gratitude of students have renewed his passion and reminded him that the work being done at Northwestern can make a difference in homes and communities around the world.

Wally is entering a new season of life as a widower and preparing for retirement. Through this season, God has taught him to depend more fully on His strength and guidance. His prayer life has deepened, and his heart has grown more compassionate toward others who are struggling. As he looks toward retirement, Wally trusts that God is preparing him for what comes next and remains grateful for the many ways He has allowed him to serve. He attends North Church in Mounds View. Wally is grateful for his late wife, Darlene, and for his children, Effie and Collin, and daughter-in-law Kristy.

Media Arts Hall of Fame:

Lisa (Nagell ’87) Barry

Lisa Barry earned a degree in Speech Communication and Broadcasting and has spent her career using Christian radio to encourage listeners and point them toward Christ. She began her broadcasting journey at KTIS while still a Northwestern student, later serving as a longtime on-air personality before expanding her ministry through Christian FM Media Network. Along the way, Lisa announced Elisabeth Elliot’s nationally syndicated Gateway to Joy program, became a respected leader in radio show preparation, and mentored fellow broadcasters through industry workshops. Her influence extends beyond the airwaves through a thriving online ministry, including thousands of followers across social media and a growing podcast ministry. In 2024, Lisa received the Christian Music Broadcasters Industry Achievement Award—the organization’s highest honor, voted on by her peers—in recognition of her lasting impact on Christian broadcasting. She credits Northwestern with nurturing her young faith and providing a Christ-centered community that shaped both her personal walk with the Lord and her lifelong calling in media.

God continues to expand Lisa’s ministry in new and exciting ways. Through her daily radio program, social media presence, podcast, and upcoming educational resources, she seeks to help others grow spiritually, strengthen their relationships, and draw closer to Christ. Lisa remains grateful that the Lord has faithfully sustained her calling over the years and continues to open doors for gospel-centered encouragement. She and her husband, Ken, enjoy spending time with their daughters—Emily, Molly, and Marissa—and are prayerfully continuing this next season of ministry together.

Media Arts Hall of Fame:

Neil Stavem ’95

Neil Stavem earned a B.S. in Organizational Administration and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and devoted 46 years of faithful service to Northwestern Media before retiring in 2022. Throughout his distinguished career, he served in a wide range of on-air and network leadership roles, providing broadcast coverage of major evangelistic and missions events and traveling extensively to support stations across the country. His tenure culminated in leading the talented team behind the Faith Radio Network, where he helped shape programming that has encouraged listeners and proclaimed the gospel for generations. Neil credits Northwestern with deepening his faith, confirming his calling to Christian broadcasting, and introducing him to the woman who would become his wife of fifty years.

With God’s help, Neil continues serving faithfully in new seasons of life. He invests in relationships with his six grandchildren, faithfully praying for them and encouraging them in their walk with Christ. Through his part-time work with a patient recovery program and his ongoing volunteer ministry in Christian radio, voice work, and fundraising efforts, Neil remains committed to using his gifts to bless others and point them to Jesus. He and his wife, Shari, worship at Eagle Brook Church in White Bear Lake and are grateful for the rich legacy of faith shared by their children, Katrina, Derek, and Karl, and their growing family.

Media Arts Hall of Fame:

Dan Wynia ’95

Dan Wynia, earned a degree in Broadcasting, and devoted 43 years to Christian radio, using the airwaves to encourage, inform, and point listeners to Christ. Throughout his career with Northwestern Media, he hosted radio programs, organized listener cruises and Holy Land tours, and coordinated countless concerts that brought people together in worship. One of the defining highlights of his career was helping oversee the Joyful Noise Music Festival during its remarkable 11-year run, creating opportunities for thousands to gather in praise and hear the hope of the gospel. Dan credits Northwestern with confirming his calling to Christian broadcasting and providing the lifelong friendships that have faithfully encouraged him throughout his life and career.

Dan is finding joy in serving God faithfully in every season of life. Alongside his wife, Susan, he invests deeply in his children and grandchildren while continuing to serve through ministry leadership. Dan serves on the boards of Sharing International, which equips Christian media leaders around the world, and Mentor a Mentor, which provides sports and educational programs for children in underserved communities. He also enjoys working part-time at Twin Cities Orthopedics, where he has found new opportunities to encourage and serve others. Whether supporting his family, mentoring ministry leaders, or caring for friends facing health challenges, Dan seeks to reflect Christ’s love in both ordinary and extraordinary moments.