Alumni Stories

Jonathan Pope

April 2025

Meet Jonathan Pope, a proud 1999 SVSU graduate and current CEO of the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana!

Jonathan’s SVSU journey was all about connection and community. From impactful mentors like Dr. Roosevelt Ruffin to friendships formed across campus, those relationships helped shape the path he’s on today. It was Dr. Ruffin who encouraged Jonathan to apply for a position at the YMCA—and that one opportunity turned into a 30-year career of service and leadership.

Now, Jonathan leads a team dedicated to making a difference—and he’s not slowing down. This month, he’s celebrating a major milestone: the opening of a brand-new YMCA facility that will serve a rural community in Indiana!

Tara Welch

April 2025

Tara Welch, a 2014 SVSU grad, went from aspiring art teacher to nonprofit CEO at The ROCK! From shaping young artists at the Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum to empowering youth and educators through Discover You ^TM, she’s making a lasting impact. Her biggest takeaway? The power of mentorship & community—something she found at SVSU and continues to foster today.

Want to learn more about her work in education and resilience training? Check out discoveryou.org!

Jason Wolverton

March 2025

Get to know Jason Wolverton, the 2025 Alumni Board President, a little better. Jason is a two-time SVSU alumni, graduating in 2007 and 2014. He joined the alumni board because SVSU made such a difference in his life that he wanted to give back. He loves that you can still feel the buzz of campus even decades after you graduate. SVSU helped to instill in him a sense of community that he brings to every job and new environment that he encounters. Jason is most proud of his friends and family, and when not at SVSU you can find him golfing, reading, relaxing, or working out.

Eric Rutherford

March 2025

Meet Eric Rutherford, a proud 1996 SVSU graduate and a dedicated force in the Great Lakes Bay Region! This year, he stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer at Saginaw Community Foundation, where his passion for community service continues to shine. Eric has a long history of collaboration with the Foundation, including his pivotal work on the Great Lakes Bay Miracle League Field, providing children of all abilities the chance to enjoy baseball. His commitment to making a difference is inspiring! We're excited to see all the great things he will accomplish in this new position.