Two Students Receive Andy Bishop Foundation Scholarship

On the first day of Homecoming, Pacific Union College Professor Dr. Tammy McGuire awarded two communication majors, Jazlynn Hardy and Anna Ramos, with scholarship awards from the Andy Bishop Foundation, created in honor of communication alumni Andy Bishop, ‘15, who tragically passed away in 2021. His parents, Doug and Lori, and other family members and friends have generously contributed to the foundation, which grows yearly.

The foundation focuses on Bishop: a storyteller and connector who was kind, generous, positive, creative, and adventurous—someone who lived generously. Among other projects, the foundation provides scholarships, helps develop communication internships, and awards students funding to support them after graduating, so they have less debt and can more easily pursue their dreams.

Outside of being a communication major, recipients must be creative content creators, such as Bishop was, and share many of his values and qualities. Hardy is a senior from Altamonte Springs, Florida, graduating with a BS in Marketing Communication in June. “She can design a clever advertising poster and has a keen sense of marketing strategies, really above her years,” said McGuire. “She has been an integral part of our women’s basketball team for four years, serving as one of this year’s captains; she plays the game passionately, diving all over the floor after loose balls. I imagine that Andy would approve of that passionate approach.”

"Winning the Andy Bishop Award is truly an honor and honestly means a lot to me!" said Hardy. "As a first-generation graduate this year, it’s really encouraging to be recognized for my creativity and how I bring ideas to life. As a marketing communications major, I’m excited to keep exploring different paths—and this just reminds me to trust my instincts and keep showing up. It’s a great reminder that I’m doing something right!"

Ramos is a communication major who is also minoring in public relations. Born in Colombia and now living in Oregon, Ramos will spend the 2025-2026 school year abroad in France. She is a member of PUC’s cross-country team and co-hosts for the Communication Department’s podcast, “Through the Grapevine”, where she covers engaging and insightful topics ranging from the impact of SDA upbringing to exploring aspects of PUC and reflecting on the journey of the field of communication.

“Anna has spent a great deal of time in our Communication Department’s new podcast studio, being the first to set up our new equipment, problem-solving the sound and lighting, cameras, and editing,” said McGuire. “I’m sure she has experienced much of the learning curve that Andy had as he developed his amazing podcasting craft. Like Andy, Anna is a gifted storyteller. I have no doubt Andy and Anna would have enjoyed each other’s company.”

Receiving this scholarship means a great deal to Ramos. “It brings me closer to achieving my dreams," she said. "Balancing the demands of college can be challenging at times, but knowing that there are people who believe in my potential and want to support my education is incredibly encouraging. This scholarship lightens the financial burden and reminds me that I’m supported in the journey toward my goals."

Since a young boy, Bishop was talented at playing basketball, baseball, and football. At PUC, he led his intramural football team as quarterback to the championships. He was also skilled in wakeboarding, surfing, golfing, and snowboarding. With a love for sports, Bishop always dreamed of becoming a sports broadcaster. At 11 years old, he even practiced virtual broadcasting for a few plays at a fan-fest booth during the Super Bowl in San Diego.

After graduating from PUC and moving on to San Diego State’s Sports Management program, he pursued broadcasting at high school football games. He then created his own sports website and podcast, “Best Coast Sports Connection”, turning his passion into a career. Other than sports, Bishop enjoyed serving people. He volunteered with Big Brothers, went on mission trips, and coached high school basketball.

Bishop was one of this year’s honored alumni during Homecoming, and McGuire also paid tribute to him during church service. His parents and sister, Maddie, accepted his award. PUC’s Communication Department is incredibly grateful to the Bishop family and all who have contributed to the Any Bishop Foundation. “Andy, indeed, lived life generously,” said McGuire. “Here is one of the proofs that his legacy continues.”