As an alumnus of Indiana University East, Rev. Mark Wesler has volunteered his time on the alumni board of directors and provided the invocation at commencement, celebrating with each new class as they graduated. Even though he has since moved away from Richmond, Wesler continues to visit the campus and is involved in alumni activities.

Indiana University recognized Wesler for his volunteer service and dedication to the University. Wesler is a recipient of the 2009 Indiana University Alumni Association President’s Award. He and eight alumni were presented with the President’s Award on Friday, Dec. 4, during a ceremony at Scholars Hall at the University Place Conference Center and Hotel in Indianapolis. Established in 1993, the President’s Award is the highest award given by the Alumni Association to a volunteer leader and honors the volunteer service to IU and their local communities.

Terry Wiesehan, director of Alumni Relations and Campus Events, said Wesler has provided leadership and support to IU East.

“Mark is a dear member of our alumni family who continues to offer his loyalty and support to not only IU, but most especially IU East. Alumni leaders like Mark Wesler are invaluable to our campus,” Wiesehan said.
Wesler earned his Bachelor of General Studies degree from IU in 1988.

“I am blessed to be among those who have received this prestigious IUAA President’s Award. My education at IU East prepared me well for seminary and I will be forever grateful,” Wesler said. “That is why I continue to be an ambassador for IU – promoting my Alma Mater every chance I get. I wear my IU ring with great pride. Finally, I, like most other alums, continue to support IU East and the IU Alumni Association because I love IU and the great people connected to her.”

Wesler served on the IU East Alumni Association board of directors from 2000 to 2006. He was president of the board from 2005 to 2006. Wesler was ticket sales coordinator for IUEAA’s Get Away Weekend program and was a top seller of Alumni Association memberships at the campus’s annual Senior Shindig. In 2008, he began a three-year term as an at-large member of the IUAA’s Executive Council.

Wesler, a life member of the IUAA, is senior pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Westfield, Ind. He and his wife, Brenda, live in Westfield and have three children and four grandchildren.