Alison and Brad Gudeman with their boys, seven-year-old Maxwell and five-year-old Spencer.

After 11 years of marriage, Brad Gudeman ’95 and Allison (Snyder) Gudeman ’98 both recall their Wesley College days as the most influential time in their lives. Having met at Wesley during Allison’s freshman year and Brad’s senior year, the two knew they were destined for each other from the start. “Allison’s entire college experience reflected our relationship,” remembered Brad. “We were engaged in Allison’s junior year and married three months after she graduated.”

Yet, the fond Wesley memories the Gudemans hold do not just include their courtship. Both were captivated by what Wesley College offered as a whole. “We were drawn to Wesley for its small class size, teacher to student ratio, and close proximity to our families,” Allison reminisced. Brad had been recruited by an upperclassman who had participat­ed in the Wesley College ambassador program and Allison was introduced to the College through the guidance coun­selor at her high school. Both knew that Wesley had exactly what they were seeking in a college.

Both Allison and Brad were active participants in the Wesley College community and gained experiences that fos­tered their development and prepared them for the profes­sional realm. During his sophomore year, Brad pledged Alpha Phi Delta. He stated, “The bond of brotherhood with college friends extended well beyond my college years.” Allison graduated with a degree in elementary education and has since used her skill-set as a childcare director and substi­tute teacher in the Baltimore County Public School District. She has also been an educator at her local church. Brad is currently an owner in a commercial modular building construction company known as Modular Genius, Inc. He attributes his ability to run a business to the fundamentals he learned at Wesley. “Dr. Jacobs thoroughly challenged all business majors and truly prepared them for the real world,” he noted.

Feeling that they owe much of their success to their Wesley education, Allison and Brad have recently joined other dedicated alumni and friends in financially supporting the College. As new members of The Wesley Society, the Gudemans believe in the College’s mission and have pledged to become partners through their involvement and financial support. They were proud to make their first major gift to help maintain Wesley’s proud traditions and provide oppor­tunities for future generations. “Without Wesley our life together would have never happened and our business opportunities would have never come to fruition,” said Allison. “Giving to The Wesley Society is a satisfying way to give back what Wesley has given to us.”

The Gudemans were pleased to be updated on campus developments and view a glimpse of the new master plan during a recent meeting with Chris Wood, vice president for institutional advancement. “The potential growth in the next 10 years is very exciting,” stated Brad. “Already, since the 10 years of our graduations, the changes that have occurred on campus are amazing.” The Gudemans continue to stay con­nected with fellow graduates through annual Homecoming events and stay abreast of campus and alumni news through Wesley magazine.

Enthusiastic about the vision for Wesley’s future and eager to demonstrate their support to make it possible, the Gudemans encourage their peers to do the same. Allison expressed, “It is a great way to support our College and get reconnected. Go Wolverines!”

To learn more about The Wesley Society click here.