Malone Alumni News

  Dr. Russell K. Carpenter '82, age 71, passed away on 20 April 2026 in San Francisco, California. Russell graduated from Shenandoah High School in Sarahsville, Ohio, and earned two bachelor’s degrees from Malone College. He settled in San Francisco, California, where he obtained a master’s degree from San Francisco State University and a Doctor of Education degree from University of San Francisco. Russell authored Chronicles of King Curtis: The Triumphs, Travails, and Tragedy of a True Soul Legend, published in 2004 and recognized by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He found great joy in supporting his favorite sports teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco Giants. He also enjoyed exploring and relaxing out in nature with his loved ones, as well as playing and appreciating jazz and blues music. Our prayers are with Russell's friends and family, that God would comfort them during this time and bring them peace. For the full obituary link, click here . 

Growing up as an Iowan Quaker, Deborah “Debbie” Meredith Fath ‘76 knew she wanted to attend a small Christian school. She flew from Iowa to Ohio for a Malone campus visit, which quickly confirmed that this was the place she needed to continue her studies. Deborah was one of the few out of state students who started in the fall of 1972. “Malone was a good place for me,” she recalled. “The faculty had a profound impact on my life.” Part of this impact was shaping a focus in Deborah to pursue God’s work–a journey that led her to Goshen College for a semester to participate in their international service program. It was here that she met her husband Steven, and after marrying they soon found themselves serving as full-time missionaries training and equipping church leaders in the Bolivian rainforest. Their international service ended in 1986, but the Faths did not stop caring, praying, or seeking to serve the global church. Decades later, another door opened for them to serve intercultural...

  Kirk Greaves '08 was recently featured in the Louisville Neighbor  for his commitment and service to the Stark County community. Kirk has been a lifelong Stark County resident and has spent his career working with multiple community-forward organizations including the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Hartville MarketPlace. Kirk is now back serving his alma mater, Malone University, as a Major Gifts Officer.  Kirk truly lives out the mission of Malone to impact the church, community, and world at a professional and personal level. He loves the Louisville community, where he has been a resident for almost two decades, and has served on the Security and Logistics Committee as part of Canton's Chamber of Commerce.  Congratulations to Kirk for this recognition on his Christ-centered approach to community! To read about Kirk's life and community involvement, click here .

The governing body of the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve has unanimously appointed Debra “Deb” (Peters) Burke '92 as the organization’s next treasurer/chief financial officer. Deb currently serves as ESCWR’s chief operating officer and brings more than 20 years of experience in educational leadership. Jennifer Felker, superintendent of ESCWR, said Deb has been an integral part of the school’s leadership team. “Her knowledge of our organization, combined with her strong operational and financial expertise, makes her exceptionally well-suited for this (new) role. We are excited to have her continue serving ESCWR in this new capacity.” Debra's professional background includes leadership experience with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and in the private sector, with a foundation in finance, human resources systems and organizational operations. She graduated from Malone University in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in Accounting and a minor in Busin...

Marian L. Christensen '49, age 98, passed away Friday, April 10.  She was born on October 4, 1927, and  grew up surrounded by the values of faith, family, and hard work that would shape the course of her long and meaningful life. Marian earned her bachelor's degree in 1949 from Cleveland Bible College, now Malone University. Marian lived her life for God, family, and her passion for music, beautifully intertwining all three as a member of Salem First Friends Church. She served the church faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and pianist for more than 35 years.  She also shared her talents at East Goshen Friends Church, where she played piano part-time. In addition to her church service, Marian was a member of the Christian Women's Club. Marian's interests extended beyond music, and she found joy in oil painting as well as tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She was known as a loving, faith-filled, and passionate woman whose gentle nature and endu...

  Paul Muklewicz '03, age 44, passed away on March 29. Paul graduated from Malone with his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. He went on to teach and coach at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy. Paul was tragically diagnosed with terminal cancer in July, but that did not stop him from living a life committed to the Lord and his family. Paul and his family were members of Christ Community Chapel.  Paul is survived by his wife, Suzy, his 4 children, and one child that is due this month, his mother, sister, and nieces/nephews. We send our condolences and prayers to Paul's family during this time as they navigate this tragic loss. We pray the Lord's peace and strength would reveal itself to the family. To read the full obituary, click here .

  John Hexamer '68, age 81, passed away on April 2. John obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and his Bachelor's of Science in Education from Malone. John made his career as a teacher, administrator, and driver's education instructor in the Northwest School District in Canal Fulton. John also loved the outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy, his 2 children, 1 grandson, siblings, and nieces & nephews. We send our condolences and prayers to the family of John during this time, and ask the Lord to be present with the family. To read the full obituary, click here .

  Amy Wentworth ʼ92 replaces husband as Indian Valley school superintendent Amy Wentworth, superintendent of New Philadelphia City Schools, was granted a three-year contract, effective August 1, 2026, with Indian Valley, her alma mater. She will be replacing her husband, Ira Wentworth, who is entering retirement. Contrary to appearances, he had nothing to do with the district’s decision to hire her. Rather, she was selected for her years of experience in education, which have included various leadership and administrative roles. Wentworth never imagined serving as a principal or superintendent when she first entered the field of education. Though she cannot pinpoint one exact moment that “shift” happened for her, she is grateful for the people and opportunities that have led her to where she is now. “I was encouraged to try administration, and I’m glad I did because I find this job very rewarding,” said Wentworth. She graduated from Indian Valley High School in 1989 as a c...