Chic for a Cause

PUC alumni launch an upscale new venture benefiting a valuable program.

PUC Travels Far on Summer Tour

Representatives of Pacific Union College traveled far and wide over the last few weeks, hosting a series of summer events bringing alumni together across the country.

Dustin Baumbach: For the Beauty of the Earth

For PUC senior Dustin Baumbach, there’s more to being eco-friendly than tossing a few cans in the recycle bin. 

Phonathon Total Surpasses Goals

Phonathon, PUC’s annual fundraising and outreach campaign, ended December 1 with good news. 

Autumn Hunter: A grateful voice on the line

If you’re received a call from PUC’s annual Phonathon campaign in the past three years, there’s a good chance you’ve already spoken to Autumn Hunter. 

Alumni Meet for Getty Center Reception

PUC alumni in Southern California turned out for a unique art experience when the college hosted a special reception for President’s Circle and Committee of 100 members at the world famous Getty Center in Los Angeles, Calif., November 4.

The Hidden Ambition of Midori Yoshimura

When you first meet PUC junior Midori Yoshimura, you might miss something. You’ll instantly notice her gentle voice and her angelic smile. Within moments you’ll discover her humble personality and her conspicuous politeness. But look deeper beyond those tender traits and you might be surprised to find an ambitious student with an unsurpassed work ethic.

From Prosecution to Conviction

As a young man, Dave Steward came from a good Seventh-day Adventist home. He believed in the Bible, attended church, and lived a clean life. At PUC he joined a similar group—other kids who worked hard, did well in school, and avoided drugs and alcohol. Dave valued his spiritual life, but took it for granted. There was nothing wrong.

Inspiration in the Islands

It comes as a bit of a shock when I realize it has been over five years since I graduated from PUC with a 4-year degree in photography. I have fond memories of PUC – walking the trails of the Angwin hills, enjoying Napa Valley’s many treats, and exploring the Northern California coast with friends. Long before graduation, I set my sights on living and working in Hawaii. Right after graduation, I did just that.

Living By Design: Brian Kyle, ‘04

It's been almost six years since I graduated and left behind my dual-residence in Fisher Hall's Art Department and Pacific Studio. I'm not saying that I actually lived in either of those buildings, but I will admit to watching the sunrise from both of those buildings more times than I can count.

Where I Am Now

It’s only been about four months since I graduated from PUC with a BBA in Business Administration, but so much of my life has changed. Just a short time ago, I was making the daily trek from Newton Hall to Irwin Hall for classes, taking a quick break at the campus center for lunch, and then working afternoons at the radio station.

I now have a full-time job with Loma Linda University Medical Center. I work in the Children’s Hospital as a management resident, working on a variety of financial and operational projects. I help produce financial statements, create staff schedules, draft policies, and analyze patient flow. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with chief executives and observe their actions and decision-making process. Having had an internship here in previous years has definitely opened doors for me. 

The Call to Run—Andre Wang, ‘92

When you look at the résumé of Andre Wang, ’92, something quickly becomes clear. State legislature campaign manager. Immigration law. PUC Student Association president. Auburn Academy SA president. All the way back to licking stamps and making phone calls for the Gerald Ford presidential campaign—at the age of four.

“Yeah, I’ve always had political aspirations,” he admits.

After a lifetime of volunteering for candidates, managing campaigns, and serving in student government, Andre is finally making his big move. This November, the voters of Oregon’s District 50 on the outskirts of Portland will decide whether or not this PUC alum will be their representative in the state legislature.

A Song in their Hearts

They had both spent years with a special calling in their hearts. But neither knew the other was out there—or that God had a plan all along to bring them together.

New Scholarship from Young Alumni

Hundreds of PUC students received thousands of dollars in scholarship funds at PUC’s annual Awards Colloquy, May 13. These scholarships included a remarkable gift from a pair of very recent graduates.

Rain Can’t Stop Maxwell Golf Classic

Despite foul weather on the fairways, this year’s Malcolm Maxwell Golf Classic on May 10 raised a healthy sum of funds for PUC student scholarships. Over 100 players braved grey skies and forbidding conditions to participate in the tournament and contribute over $45,000 for the cause.

Alumni Return for Homecoming 2010

On a weekend blessed with sunshine, Homecoming 2010, April 16 through18, was a wonderful success. Diogenes Lanterns pinned to lapels and class ribbons tucked under nametags, alumni flooded campus to celebrate their alma mater, Pacific Union College.

An Artist's Balance

It takes an artist’s creativity to manage two majors, and PUC junior Jasmine Kelley creates works of art every day.

Fighting Senioritis: Alyssa Zima

I honestly did not know what senioritis meant until this year. I mean, I had heard numerous seniors complaining about how they were afflicted with it, and how hard it was for them to concentrate and study — but, until I myself became a senior, I had no idea that it was a legitimate obstacle in studying.

Paraplegic PUC Alum Climbs Kilimanjaro

When she lost the use of her legs a year after graduation, PUC athlete Erica Davis, class of ’04, wasn’t content to give up her active lifestyle. But she never expected to set a world record—as the first paraplegic woman to reach the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Learning Spiritual Service

My name is Danny Chung, and I am a sophomore religion major with an emphasis on health. I am also taking classes to go to medical school. My dream job is to serve as a medical missionary, so right now I’m getting practice in spiritual leadership.

Alum Called to Service in Haiti

When a massive earthquake devastated Haiti this January, one PUC alumnus was especially touched. Nicole Wilson, class of 2006, had just returned from the impoverished island nation, where she and a group of Christian missionaries...

Career Day Connects Students and Alumni

PUC’s Counseling Center hosted Career Day on November 5 for aspiring job-seekers looking for a little advice and direction. The event brought about 70 working professionals from a variety of fields to PUC’s campus for direct consultation with students exploring career options.

Matt Hopkins - The Speed of Sound

I wonder how many PUC grads have ever broken the sound barrier. For Lt. Matt Hopkins, Class of ’99, it’s a daily routine.

Midnight Madness Kicks Off Sports Season

PUC unofficially kicked off its athletic year with Midnight Madness, a late-night pep rally in Pacific Auditorium, in the wee hours of Wednesday, October 14. The Athletics and Student Activities departments coordinated the event, which introduced the rabid student body to its five intercollegiate Pioneers teams.

The Rise of the Geek

A modern public relations consultant has to be image conscious, has to be up on current events and trends, and has to know how to think quickly. She has to be an expert communicator, and crafting a message tailored to her specific audience must be like second nature.

Cracking the Chemistry Code

Complete with two computers, a laptop, and a number of pre-calculus, calculus and computer books, junior computer science major Yuri Costa’s office leaves no mystery how at age 23, he became the creator of an iPod chemistry application called iPeTa for Pacific Union College. 

Kelsey Drake: Responsibilities and Release

It’s a long trek from the main campus to the maze of trails at the top of the hill. That’s just one of the reasons why senior Kelsey Drake wouldn’t live anywhere else on campus besides McReynolds Hall.

Intentional Leadership: a conversation with new PUC president Dr. Heather J. Knight

The setting is wonderful. We're not rural; we're a destination campus, because we are located in the spectacular mountains of Napa Valley! Napa Valley is now the second most frequented tourist location in California, after Disneyland, so it's a little bit of a misnomer to say we're rural. We certainly want to maximize the location, location, location aspect of PUC.

Far From Home at PUC

Kenia Ledezma is very far from home. She was the only student to come to PUC this year from Sandia View Academy, a small Adventist school in her hometown of Corrales, New Mexico. And it must be a jarring transition to find herself in California's mountainous vine country from the small desert farming town where she grew up.

A World of Change in India

Tom is in India working for Deloitte Tax LLP, a large U.S.-based tax services firm, as director of their Hyderabad affiliate. A lawyer and accountant by trade, he worked his way up at the firm's San Francisco office in the late '90s.

Faculty, Staff Aid Freshmen with Porter Power

It takes a lot to get a college freshman moved into her first dormitory. That's why over 50 faculty, staff, Student Association officers, and upperclassmen volunteered for Porter Power, an effort to assist freshmen and their families with the move-in process on the Wednesday before the start of the 2009-1010 school year.

40 Days of Prayer Sweeps Campus

In honor of PUC's 100^th year in Angwin, PUC and the PUC Church are partnering in 40 Days of Prayer for PUC. The event, currently in progress, aims to focus the college's constituents on thanksgiving and petition to God on behalf of the school, its students, its administration, and its faculty. Each of the 40 days will focus on a specific issue of concern, most corresponding to specific events on campus as the college gears up for the start of the new academic year.

Maxwell Scholar Samantha Angeles

The Maxwell scholarship, which awards $10,000 in renewable scholarship funds to worthy incoming freshmen, was Samantha's ticket to Pacific Union College. Before learning she had won the award, she was moving forward on plans to attend nearby UC San Diego. But the scholarship was proof to her that God had better plans. "I prayed a lot as to what college I was going to. I think I knew in my heart that God wanted me to be at PUC," she says. "Winning the scholarship means that PUC is the right place for me."

The Active Pursuit of Passive Architecture

When I use the term "green building," you may have a certain idea of what I mean. If you're like most Americans, you're probably thinking of those coiled light bulbs, a weak-flushing toilet, maybe a solar panel or two. But architect and PUC Class of '96 alum Jarrod Denton sees that as just a snowflake on the tip of a massive, environmentally-friendly iceberg.

Brian Fuller

"In the real world, there's time to just live rather than analyze things," muses Brian Fuller, studio director for artist Ira Yeager. Fuller has been living in the beautiful Napa Valley and fully enjoys the atmosphere and experiences that he has come to call his own.

Kelsi Cadiente - Charles and Miriam Utt Scholarship

When graduation is brought up, a hint of sadness flickers on Kelsi Cadiente 's face, but she immediately covers it with a broad smile. "It's going to be so hard being away from so many people my own age," she muses.

Phyllis Edmonds

Phyllis Edmonds has always worked diligently in order to achieve her goals. For her early education in Savannah, Georgia, Edmonds attended both Adventist and public schools.

Trisha Nichols - Ruth A. Davis Women's Scholarship

Trisha Nichols is as humble as they come-the daughter of an NICU nurse, she understands the value of hard work, dedication, and the importance of prayer.

Erica Davis

"My job is just to be an athlete," said Erica Davis, '04. And an athlete she is. Erica's time is almost completely devoted to her love of sports. She is persistent and unwilling to resolve when it comes to her goals.

Ruthie Sanchez - Business Scholarship

It is hard not to be engaged when talking with Ruthie Sanchez. Her bubbly personality infuses every conversation, and walking away is difficult to do.

Dr. Derek Sakata

Dr. Derek Sakata, M.D., att. ’94, feels good to be at Pacific Union College. “I haven’t been back here in ten years,” he reflects. 

Stacy Catalon - Opportunity with Legacy Research Scholarship

Stacy Catalon is a well-known face on campus. Her outgoing personality and dedication to her life’s passions make her hard to forget. 

Angwin Volunteer Fire Department

On October 10, the PUC campus was threatened by a wildfire that tore across Howell Mountain. Started by a small vehicle fire at the hairpin turn, the flames moved from short grass to a tree in approximately 10 seconds, at which point the winds did as had been promised by local meteorologists and carried the fire quickly along the terrain.

Terry Bork

65 felonies, 25 misdemeanors, 86 bench trials, and five death penalty jury trials are significant parts of PUC alumnus Terry Bork’s, ’82, record, or shall we say his resume.

Peter Katz

Entering his third year at PUC, English/history major Peter Katz is not only pursuing two majors, but he is also a part of the Honors program as well as being well on his way to earning his AS in music.

A Mission in Focus: Alumnus Serves Through Photography

Once Michael started his work in India the cultural contrasts to the U.S. became rapidly apparent. Religion, food, customs - everything is different.

Eva-Mari Thomas

She works with middle school students on the outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden. She travels the United States, Europe and Asia presenting to professionals in her field. She runs her own business on the prevention of depression among teenage girls. Eva-Mari Thomas, ’88, a social worker, keeps a full calendar.

Ben Koo

If the phrase “Renaissance man” was ever adequate, it’s to describe senior biology/biochemistry major, Ben Koo. Not only does Ben have a natural affinity for science — as suggested by his chosen areas of study — but he is also a successful student of the PUC Honors Program, proving that he is equally fit to tackle the humanities as well.

Kristina Reiber - John Christian History Scholarship

Among this year’s John Christian History Scholarship recipients is junior Kristina Reiber. Initially an English major, Kristina wasn’t able to overlook her long-standing interest in history for long, and her sophomore year she decided to major in it also because, she says, “I think it goes well with English.” Moreover, she says, “I love the PUC history department; it definitely influenced my decision.”

Kimberly Veasey: Public Relations/Journalism/French/Honors

Kimberly was in Cannes, France, working at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival when she was awarded the Herbert Ford Journalism/PR Scholarship.

Jose Torres: Theology

Jose Torres is busy every Tuesday evening. In fact, for the past three years, Jose has been impossible to get a hold of during that time of the week.

Darrin Thurber - Nashed Family Scholarship

Darrin Thurber, senior music performance major, is one of five outstanding students who have received the Nashed Family Scholarship, established by Yacoub and Ellen Nashed in 1995 for students with academic achievement.

Jacquelin Romero - Richard A. Jackson Memorial scholarship

We all hate to stand in lines, especially lines that requires us to hand over money, and Jacquelin “Jackie” Romero is no different.

Tina Pruna - Herbert Ford Journalism and Public Relations Scholarship

Tina Pruna is a senior international communication major with an emphasis in Spanish, and she is one of three recipients of the Herbert Ford Journalism and Public Relations Scholarship.

Jessica Philpot - Nashed Family Scholarship

“I haven’t seen a fight here, and that’s totally bizarre,” says Jessica Philpot, a junior liberal studies elementary education major, giving a glimpse into her years in public high school.

Karen Ong: Chemistry

Senior chemistry major Karen Ong has proven herself an excellent student, a quality worker, and one who possesses a spirit of service—which is why she received the Richard A. Jackson Memorial Award from the chemistry department this year.

Jennie Oldenkamp: Nursing

The memory of a young nurse and the generosity of people who loved her seeded new hope for freshman nursing student Jennie Oldenkamp.

Joyalene Onn Lin Ng - Wall Family scholarship

When most families get together they play games or watch television and talk. However, when Joyalene (Joy) Ng’s family gets together, “It’s all about quartet,” says Joy with a brilliant smile.

Guadalupe Martinez-Cruz - J. Andrew Crane, M.D. Scholarship

Guadalupe Martinez-Cruz may have a long name, but she is certainly no snob. In her day-to-day life she goes by Lupita, and the diminutive is very indicative of her friendly and approachable personality. “It’s like calling Michael, Mike,” she says.

Miyoun Lee - Pam Wheeler Accounting Scholarship

Miyoun Lee, a senior accounting major, feels that one of the best things about PUC is the professors, specifically the business department professors.

Cherine Kim - John F. and Anna Wuerth Scholarship

Cherine Kim is an indecisive senior, which, according to her, is not such a good thing. “I’m one of the most indecisive of my friends. I’m still trying to figure out my long-term goal,” she says.

Rick Harter - Clyde R. and Lela Baldwin Scholarship

Rick Harter, a senior aviation major, is the recipient of the Clyde R. and Lela Baldwin scholarship. “Every little bit helps and this was quite a bit,” he says of the scholarship, which was established by Lois Berry in January of 1992.

Katie Craig: Liberal Studies/Education

If busy people get more done, that could be the key to Katie Craig’s phenomenal productivity. She’s held a lot of jobs while a student at PUC, but none has been more demanding than that of her Campus Ministries position as World Missions Director.

Dustin Comm: Film & TV Production/Theology

It was a leadership scholarship that helped convince Dustin Comm that PUC was the place to be; but it was a simple notice on campus—a posting for a taskforce youth pastor in Placerville—that changed the direction of his life.

Cody Carter - Edmund C. Jaeger Endowed Scholarship

Cody Carter, junior biology major, is a true student of the sciences and this year’s recipient of the Edmund C. Jaeger Award. Receiving the award has inspired Cody.

Joshua Barney - Ministerial Training Scholarship

Joshua Barney has divulged a secret, “Greek,” he says, “really is a fun class.” He is currently a student in the class along with fellow theology majors, and will also have to take Hebrew.

Peter Yinka Adeogun: Aviation/Business Administration

Peter’s been at college for a long time—since birth, in fact. His parents teach at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, in Kenya, where his mother is a professor of English and his father is a professor of industrial engineering.

Justin Wright

Not everyone can use John Lasseter as an excuse for why they’re late. As in, “Sorry, I’m late, but I had to pitch an idea to John Lasseter.” But Lasseter, the creative genius behind films like Ratatouille, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, and Monster’s Inc. just happens to be PUC-alum Justin Wright’s boss (okay, more like his boss’s boss) because Justin works as a storyboard artist at Pixar, the Emeryville, CA-based animation studio that doesn’t seem to know how to produce anything but a beloved blockbuster.

Jordan Wareham

Not many people get to see PUC and the surrounding Napa Valley in the golden sun with the view fading off into the San Francisco Bay. Not many people other than the aviation majors at PUC. Jordan Wareham, class of 2004, recalls those kinds of moments in his PUC memories– flying into the airport, on the perfect day, when he could see all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Jessica Shine: Open Doors and "The Gathering"

Were it not for the creative financial work of recruiter Leticia Russell, Jessica Shine wouldn’t have taken the plunge into the life-changing atmosphere of PUC—and the PUC Church probably would have missed out on the dynamic talents of its new outreach and worship pastor.

Alta (Ellegard) Robinson, '30

The letter includes just a few of her memories about her time here at PUC, memories so precious we can only hope to catch a glimpse of them through her words. We love to hear from our alumni; please feel welcome to share your memories with us. We hope you enjoy the letter as much as we did.

Jeremy Price: A Gospel Choir and a Hammond Organ

Right after his graduation in June of 2001, Angwin native Jeremy Price headed for the Big Apple. He took with him degrees in math and music, teaching credentials, and the musical skills he had honed as director of PUC’s Black Student Forum Gospel Choir and its successor, Caught Up.

Scott Moncrieff, Ph.D.

Proving once again that PUC graduates go on to accomplish a variety of wonderful things, Scott Moncrieff, Ph.D., class of 1982, has recently published his first book, entitled Screen Deep. The book is a collection of commentaries on certain items of popular culture — such as American Idol, Crash and GQ Magazine — from a Christian perspective.

Dr. Douglas Marlow

In 1989, Douglas Marlow’s life changed. His best friend since high school, Kevin Wilson, was killed in a car accident. It happened in the winter between Douglas’ junior and senior years at PUC where he was a psychology major. Through the tragedy, Douglas and Ken and Joanne Wilson, Kevin’s parents, became adopted family.

Angel Johnson

In the “Heart of the Bay,” most commonly known as the city of Hayward, lies an oasis for troubled youth, La Familia counseling service. La Familia, an outstanding mission to disenfranchised and underprivileged youth, is run by a multilingual and courageous staff, which includes a PUC graduate.

Marge Jetton: Still Active at 102

Marge Hodge Jetton (SHSHSN '25), PUC’s most celebrated centenarian, keeps a schedule most people her children’s age would find exhausting.  Up every morning between 4:00 and 5:00, she lifts weights, walks a mile and volunteers weekly.

Larry Hofmann

It is not every day that you “arrest” your son, but there is always an exception. Larry Hofmann, ‘84, proves to be the exception in this case, as he would “arrest” his 14-year-old son, Lawrence, Jr., multiple times a day, but for a good cause.

Dan Ganancial

Eleven months after graduating from PUC with a business administration, B.B.A and an associate’s degree in music, Dan Ganancial had to make a choice between continuing to work for an NFL team, the Arizona Cardinals, or go to work for a prestigious investment management organization firm, The Vanguard Group.

Geof Gaines

Geof Gaines grew up in Simi Valley, CA, he went to Newberry Park Academy and was “destined” to attend Pacific Union College. “Destined” he said “because my father, Elvin, went there, and my sisters Geralyn and Daina, and my brother, Darin, also all went to PUC.”

Hadassah Doss

When Hadassah (Rodriguez) Doss received a scholarship from PUC she had already started her freshmen year on the east coast, but still the decision was made to make the move to California.

Tracy Chavez

Tracy V. Chavez credits where she is today to her sister, Judy Chavez Castrejon.  Two years after losing their mother, 21-year old Judy legally adopted Tracy, who was only nine at the time.

Charles Anderson

From the Campus Chronicle to Mt. Fuji, Charles Anderson’s life was rich with journeys and adventures.