Alumni Awards

2025 Award Recipients

Alumnus of the Year Award

2025 Recipient - Paul Beardslee '85

District Judge at 10th District Court

Paul’s roots run deep in Spring Arbor. He was raised just two blocks from campus by Kenneth (SAJC '48) and Estella (SAC '67) Beardslee.  The example set by Paul's parents, through their leadership in college, community, and church, has greatly influenced his life. Two of Paul’s sisters Janice Johnson and Linda Adams are also proud alumni of SAC.

After studying for one year at Greenville College, Paul transferred to Spring Arbor College in 1982, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1985. He then pursued a law degree, graduating from Wayne State University Law School in 1988. Paul soon joined a law practice with offices in Concord and Marshall, Michigan.

Life in Marshall took root when Paul and his wife, Tonya (McIlroy), welcomed their two sons, Andrew (b. 1992) and Nicholas (b. 1995). Tonya's passing in 2015 marked a profound loss. Her legacy lives on through their sons, who now reside in Grand Ledge, Michigan and Brooklyn, New York.

Throughout his legal career, Paul has dedicated himself to community service. He has held positions on the Marshall City Council, Marshall Chamber of Commerce, Marshall School Board, the SAU Alumni Board, the Marshall United Methodist Church, and the Board of the renowned Brass Band of Battle Creek.

In March 2016, Paul was appointed Judge of the 10th District Court in Battle Creek, where he presides over a diverse docket of civil and criminal cases. His judicial service includes significant work with the Sobriety Court and, currently, the Veteran's Treatment Court.

A new and joyful chapter began for Paul when he married Victoria (Banfield) in October 2022. Paul is grateful to God for this fruitful season of life. He enjoys serving God and the common good through his profession, and he loves being a father, father-in-law, stepfather, and grandfather to some amazing young people.

Professional Excellence Award

2025 Recipient - Andrea Harp '09

Chief of Staff and Director of Culture and Community at the Michigan Science Center

Andrea Harp is a purpose-driven leader with nearly 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and mission-based sectors. As Chief of Staff and Director of Culture and Community at the Michigan Science Center, she champions operational excellence, team empowerment, and a workplace culture that helps people thrive.

For over six years, Andrea has worked with a dedicated team to elevate the Michigan Science Center’s national profile. Together they’ve helped secure funding for major improvements, including the renovation of the beloved planetarium, and have built national partnerships/collaborations with LEGO Playful Learning Network, the Smithsonian, and NASA.

Andrea is committed to uplifting communities across metro Detroit. She mentors emerging professionals, contributes to local and national dialogue on leadership, and champions the role of museums and science centers as catalysts for hope, learning, and innovation. She serves on the Leadership and Field Development Committee for the Association of Science and Technology Centers and was recently appointed to the City of Detroit Lead Reduction Task Force, a citywide effort to reduce childhood lead exposure.

A proud alumna of Leadership Detroit’s Class 44, Andrea has earned several honors, including the MichBusiness Shooting Star Award and recognition as a 40 Under 40 and Women of Excellence honoree by the Michigan Chronicle. She was also selected for the CultureSource Research and Development program, supporting leaders as they explore the intersection of arts, culture, and technology.

Andrea holds a B.A. in Social Studies from Spring Arbor University and an M.P.A. from the University of Phoenix. She finds her greatest joy in being a mom to Ashlyn, wife to Dr. Ernest Harp, and dog mom to Gizmo.

Young Leader Award

2025 Recipient - Brandon Marken '08

CEO of Lean Rocket Lab, Partner at Agile Growth Shop, Managing Partner of Michigan Air Compressor Technologies

Brandon is a passionate entrepreneur and community leader who has spent his career helping people and companies grow. He currently serves as the CEO of Lean Rocket Lab, a high-energy business incubator supporting startups and entrepreneurs in Michigan. Brandon is also a partner at Agile Growth Shop, a marketing company focused on helping businesses scale, and a managing partner of Michigan Air Compressor Technologies, an industrial air compressor service company acquired in 2024 that serves hundreds of customers across the state.

With a background in sales and marketing in the manufacturing industry —Brandon brings deep experience in business development, strategy, and leadership. His entrepreneurial journey has been driven by a commitment to creating companies that serve employees and customers well.

A 2008 graduate of Spring Arbor University, Brandon holds degrees in business administration. He credits his time at SAU with helping shape his leadership perspective, Christ centered worldview and passion for making a difference.

Brandon lives in Spring Arbor with his wife, Jaci, and their vibrant crew: three sons - Max, Charlie, and Leo—and two beloved foster children. They attend the Arbor Church, live next door to family, enjoy fishing and sports, they live a life centered on family, faith, and service to others.

Faithful Servant Award

2025 Award Recipient - Ellie Schupra '80

Retired – Executive Director at Dream Centers of Michigan

Ellie earned her degree in Psychology from Spring Arbor and holds a graduate degree in Christian Education from Michigan Theological Seminary. Ellie has devoted 28 years to church ministry and the past seven years to the nonprofit world, faithfully serving in a variety of volunteer roles in every community she has called home. Her heart for mentoring others, pursuing justice, and partnering with God to make all things new, has made a lasting impact. Ellie is married to Greg Schupra, a 1978 Spring Arbor College graduate. They are the proud parents of two daughters and sons-in-law, and the joyful grandparents of four grandchildren.

LeRoy M. Lowell Award

2025 Award Recipient - Brian Walrath

Retired – Professor of Music & Worship Arts and Outreach Ministries Coordinator at SAU

Brian dedicated 30 years to Spring Arbor University, serving as a Professor of Music & Worship Arts and Outreach Ministries Coordinator from 1992 until his retirement in 2022. During his tenure, he was the lead professor in the Worship Arts Major program, shaping countless students through courses in music, music ministry, and worship studies. Notably, Brian pioneered the transition of the weekend college music appreciation course to a fully online format, a course he taught annually for two decades.

Beyond the classroom, Brian's influence extended broadly. He provided consultation on the transition to contemporary morning services at two Free Methodist churches and served on local and national Free Methodist worship planning committees, including the Bishop's Worship Planning Committee for the National Free Methodist General Conference in 2007.

Brian's commitment to scholarship holding a Master of Arts in Choral Music from the University of Saskatchewan and a Doctorate in Worship Studies from The Robert E. Webber Institute For Worship Studies. He is also a published author, with works including "The Message in the Music: Studying Contemporary Praise and Worship" and "Free Methodist Worship in America: An Historical-Critical Analysis."

Prior to his long and impactful career at Spring Arbor, Brian served in Music and Discipleship Ministry with Youth for Christ-Canada and as a High School Band and Choir Director in Rosetown, SK.