Commencement Program 2021_Undergrad_2

COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM

MAY 1, 2021

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Graduating Class of 2021,
You are a hero! In this, most challenging of times, you have finished the course and now you are
receiving your degree. As you celebrate with your family and friends, we recognize that now
is not “normal.” But we are believing that this is a time of “new possibilities” that will take you
beyond anything you have ever previously dreamed possible.
As you experience these moments, it is our prayer that you will drink deeply of the joy of this
season in your life. Just as God instructed the children of Israel to establish monuments to
honor His working, so we mark this moment of accomplishment. May we offer three sugges-
tions for having a God-honoring celebration?
1. Honor God as the source of your life, gifts, and opportunities. Remember that before the

foundation of the world, Jesus ordained this day and by His love made it possible for you to
experience His grace and gifts. He has a great future in store for you as well (Eph. 2:8-10).
2. Give thanks for your family, friends, and all who have sown into your life with their love and
kindness. All of us today are standing on the shoulders of those who went before us. A heart
of gratitude is a wonderful thing to cultivate.
3. Remember, you are not at the end! This is a milestone, but not the end of the journey. Jesus
will continue to grow and develop you as you entrust your life to Him. He will finish what He
has started in you (Philippians 1:6). Lean into His future and trust Him as you help transform
the world around us.
We are delighted to be part of the story God is writing with your life. As faculty, staff, and admin-
istration, we join your family and friends in honoring your accomplishments and we continue
praying for you. Thank you for walking faithfully in Christ as you glorify Him with your life.
For His Glory,

John and Pamela Jackson
President and First Lady of William Jessup University

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COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM

Processional (all rise)................................................................................................ Candidates and Faculty
Prayer, (please be seated)............................................................................... Dr. John Jackson, President
Welcome, & Class Biography, and Address
Special Awards and Recognitions.....................................................................................Dr. John Jackson
Commendation of Class of 2021....................Phil Escamilla, Esq., Vice President for Academic Affairs
Conferral of Certificates and Degrees..............................................................................Dr. John Jackson
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”........................ Dr. Liz Stanley, Professor, School of Humanities and the Arts
Presentation of Graduates..................Dr. Cynthia Shafer-Elliott, Associate Dean, Faculty of Theology;

Associate Professor, Hebrew Bible & Archaeology;
Dr. Fungai Mukome, Associate Professor - School of Natural and Applied Sciences
Prayer of Consecration....................... Dr. Kay Llovio, Vice President for Educational Effectiveness and

Dean, School of the Humanities and the Arts
Closing...................................................................................................................................Dr. John Jackson
Recessional (all rise).................................................................................................. .Graduates and Faculty

Accompaniment: Andrey Andrievskiy, WJU Music Graduate

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WILLIAM JESSUP UNIVERSITY

Today’s Commencement ceremony celebrates “What God has done, how awesome His
works on our behalf!” (Psalm 66:5). As we celebrate the lives of our graduates, we rejoice
at the privilege to share in His work in our history, in our graduates’ lives and in the future
lives they impact.
William Jessup University has a rich heritage with humble beginnings dating back to the
Great Depression era when Eugene Sanderson saw the need for a Bible college in the
greater San Francisco Bay Area. He purchased two large houses across from what is now
San Jose State University.
During the next five years, he prepared for the future by improving the property and
building a chapel that served the faculty and student body for many years. In January of
1939, Sanderson asked William L. Jessup to carry on the vision and start the college. On
September 20, 1939, San Jose Bible College was established with a class of just 14 students.
Over the years, the University has been served by five other presidents including
Al Tiffin, Woody Phillips, Chuck Boatman, and Bryce Jessup. It was during Dr. Bryce
Jessup’s tenure that the school became regionally accredited by WSCUC and moved
its main campus here in Rocklin in 2004, when the University’s name was changed to
William Jessup University.
Dr. John Jackson serves as WJU’s sixth president. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational
Administration and Organizational Studies from the University of California at Santa
Barbara. His leadership has been marked with significant growth in numbers and reputation
as we have simultaneously expanded facilities and program offerings to fulfill our mission.
In the midst of today’s celebration, we pause to reflect. We see God’s faithful hand over
eight decades. We celebrate the past, are grateful for the present, and are confidently
expectant of our future. God is calling us to His future and we are leaning in to His call!

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WILLIAM JESSUP UNIVERSITY

EXECUTIVE TEAM Kay Llovio, Vice President
for Educational Effectiveness
John Jackson, President
Scott Fera, General Counsel and
Phillip Escamilla, Vice President Vice President of Special Projects
for Academic Affairs
Diane Ahn, Vice President of Finance
Judy Rentz, Vice President
for Operations Aaron Robbins, Director of
Marketing & Communication
Gordon Flinn, Vice President
for Resource Development

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jennifer Silva Griffin, EdD, Vice Principal
of Academics, Valley Christian High School,
Clifford Daugherty, EdD (Chair), San Jose, CA
President and Superintendent,
Valley Christian Schools, San Jose, CA John Jackson, PhD, President, William Jessup
University, Rocklin, CA
Bonnie Gore (Vice Chair), Placer County
Supervisor, District 1, Roseville, CA Chris Mann, MS, Principal, CPA and CFP,
Mann, Urrutia, Nelson CPAs, Roseville and
Steven Olds (Treasurer), Principal and CPA, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Williams & Olds CPAs, Sacramento, CA
Rick L. Pickering, MBA, CEO, California
Edward Lee, MBA (Secretary), Real Estate Exposition & State Fair, Sacramento, CA
Developer & Health Care Administrator, Elim
Care, Inc., Granite Bay, CA Robert “Bob” Reeve, Retired CEO, Reeve-
Knight Construction, Inc., Roseville, CA
Laura Chiappe, JD, Founder, HISTORY Rocks!,
Charter School Contractor, El Dorado Hills, CA

Paul Edwards, MDiv, Retired Senior Pastor,
Citrus Heights, CA

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GRADUATES AND DEGREES

Certificate in Addiction Studies Bachelor of Arts in Leadership
Marina Marie Mendonca Aleah Nicole Arnett, Summa Cum Laude
Associates in Ministry Noah Boerstra, Cum Laude
Nicholas R. Owens Debra Ann Hay
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies Emily Lazzini
Jessica Christine Bates Ryan Jacques Lopez, Summa Cum Laude
Matthew Szczepanski, Summa Cum Laude Kayla Makenzie Perham, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Leadership Sophia Ann Steele, Cum Laude
Emily Rae Millard, Magna Cum Laude Emily Louise Stole
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Communications
Joshua James Carson, Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
Shannon Marie Stastny
Casey Wellington, Cum Laude Ellise Benedict
Bachelor of Arts in English Shannon Nicole Blue, Cum Laude
Allison Allen Sara Daniels, Summa Cum Laude
Elizabeth Boyko Kaela Jean Vaughn Hangebrauck
Carrie Michelle Gulliford, Cum Laude Melisa Hansen, Summa Cum Laude
Michaela L. Haines Megan Hardcastle
Caitlyn Alexis Harney , Summa Cum Laude Dana A. Jones, Summa Cum Laude
Hunter G Leonard, Summa Cum Laude Katherine Sarah Kamangar, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Arts in History Sydney Taylor Owens, Cum Laude
Alvaro Daniel Ascencio Serena Lin Sloan, Summa Cum Laude
Ryan Edward Humphrey Mia Smith, Summa Cum Laude
Audrey Pauline Lokteff, Summa Cum Laude Nga Wai Tsang
Ethan Stout Shauna Nicole Watson, Magna Cum Laude

6 Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
Ryan Lee Crawford, Magna Cum Laude
Marissa Ann Thomas
Shayann Trent, Magna Cum Laude
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Asia Una Jamosmos, Summa Cum Laude
Charlotte Elizabeth Kinsella
Brady Sossaman

GRADUATES AND DEGREES

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Bachelor of Arts in Theology
Keegan Wayne Stephen Lewis
Isaija Anaya Benjamin Shade, Cum Laude
Lizbeth J. Brambila Medina, Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Fine Arts
Chloe Valerie Bush, Magna Cum Laude Grayson Romig, Magna Cum Laude
Katelyn Nicole Campana, Summa Cum Laude Hao Yang
Xiaoke Fan Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry
Kayla Farlow, Summa Cum Laude Josiah Noah Delgado
Allison Lynn Kabai, Summa Cum Laude Brendan Edward Hammar
Calvin Lundberg, Cum Laude Ryan Andrew Hanks, Summa Cum Laude
Jonathan Montgomery, Summa Cum Laude David-Israel N. Lozada
Paige Murlyk, Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in Biology
Jake Penix Gabrielle Aldona Brann
Anna Lise Rose Marie Reiner, Magna Cum Laude Marilyn Karina Civil Campos, Summa Cum Laude
Dylan Remahl Wyatt Cooper
Annie Elizabeth Rollins Linmary DaRosa
Christion Seymour Connor Matthew Franco, Magna Cum Laude
Tessa Tafarrodi Rasman Kaur Kaile, Magna Cum Laude
Brandon Anthony Nathaniel Vaccaro Stefanie Magana
Emma Whigam Roah Eugene McCloud III, Summa Cum Laude
D'Andrea Williams Christopher Teo
Aycee Willis Kelly Valenzuela
Alyssa Kay Walker, Magna Cum Laude
Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Miranda Zaragoza, Magna Cum Laude

Zachary Loop Alesci, Magna Cum Laude 7
Emmalee Ilene Bates, Magna Cum Laude
Fritzlin Joseph, Summa Cum Laude
Bethany Kamstra, Magna Cum Laude
Isaiah Traub, Magna Cum Laude
Nallely Lizhet Velasco

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts

Jonee Carter-Washington
Delanie Faherty
Spencer T Gayden, Magna Cum Laude
Bridgette N Kinsella
Elizabeth Malekos, Magna Cum Laude
Ciera Mackenzie Miller, Magna Cum Laude

GRADUATES AND DEGREES

Bachelor of Science in Business Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Martha Elizabeth Ayala, Cum Laude
Paul David Anderson, Magna Cum Laude Leonel Isaac Cruz Guido
Elijah Arnold, Summa Cum Laude David Michael McRae, With distinction
Jadon Bernier Andrea Renee Mead
Raymond John Christensen Matthew C. Musolf, With distinction
Olivér Csányi Melody Christine Rauser, Summa Cum Laude
Kyla Marie Danielson, Summa Cum Laude
Tanner Anthony Federico Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Zachary Paul Gardner, Cum Laude Kevin Wayne Jordan Jr, Cum Laude
Tiffany Ann Gibson, Magna Cum Laude David Yao, Summa Cum Laude
Jacob Glaspy
Tyus Jordan Goring Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Joelle Hameister, Summa Cum Laude Madison Leonhardt, Summa Cum Laude
Rebecca Joy Hardy David E McCants
Hadassah Higashi, Summa Cum Laude Tristin Alyssa Mikolowski
Christine Kovaly Ricardo Torres Jr.
Man Ian Lee, Magna Cum Laude
Zhuobin Ma, Cum Laude
Alex Martin, Cum Laude
Mayra Carolina Olarte Zepeda
Cody John Ortmann, Summa Cum Laude
Jordan Derek Andrew Paton
Ashley Mikaela Sloan, Summa Cum Laude
Austin Douglas Smith
Alyssia Spraggins, Summa Cum Laude
Heriberto Treviño Fernandez
Lyndsey Van Groningen
Joshua G. Vavra
Teya Chanice Vickers, With distinction
Derek Vredenburgh, Summa Cum Laude
Matthew Whitt, Summa Cum Laude
John Matthew Wynne, Summa Cum Laude
Jordan Yu

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GRADUATES AND DEGREES

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
Jason Gardner Aberle, Summa Cum Laude
Kasia Rae Nichol McCann, Summa Cum Laude Miguel Angel Cervantes
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Matthew Aaron Barela Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Caitlin Bowman, Cum Laude Alexandra Aodish, Cum Laude
Cynthia Caroline Civil Campos, Summa Cum Laude Audrea Bedial*
Brook Drewry Gina Brown, Summa Cum Laude
Bailey Scott Duckett, Summa Cum Laude Lisa Marie Clark
Maleah Rochelle Eddings, Summa Cum Laude Brittany Dickey, With distinction
Allison Eskenazi, Summa Cum Laude Marissa Hernandez
Sarah A. Foulk, Cum Laude Nicole Lai Ping Love
Mehana Kanahele Johns, Cum Laude Marina Marie Mendonca, With distinction
Brendan Kihara, Cum Laude Kaelin Mercedes Morris
Kimberly Lynch, Summa Cum Laude Nicohlas Anthony O'Connor, Magna Cum Laude
Max Mouras Brittany Radovich
Alec Richmond Cheryl Ann Sampino, With distinction
Alexa LeeAnne Roberts, Summa Cum Laude Grant Sork
Matthew James Tibbitts Jackie Yang
Brett Wetteland Mindee Yeager, Magna Cum Laude
Savanna Allyn Wittman, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science in Leadership
Brock Andrew Elliot, Cum Laude
Kristen Michelle Maggitti, With distinction
Jordan Daniel Sakovich
Nicole Ludita Svistun
Inna Topal

*Awarded posthumously: Audrea Badial was an online Psychology student who was set to graduate soon and already serving
passionately in her gifts for social work with veterans. On Friday, February 19, 2021 she was in a tragic car accident and
suffered fatal injuries. She was a wonderful person and student who loved God and her family with her whole heart. She
always gave 110 percent with a smile and worked to make the world a better place.Audrea will be missed by many. May she
rest in God’s loving arms.

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COMMENCEMENT HONORS

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATE HONORS
Summa Cum Laude 3.85 to 4.00 GPA (cumulative of all institutions)
Magna Cum Laude 3.70 to 3.849 GPA (cumulative of all institutions)
Cum Laude 3.50 to 3.699 GPA (cumulative of all institutions)
With distinction 3.75 to 4.0 WJU GPA (exclusive of transferred credits)
William Jessup University recognizes exceptional academic performance. Upon completion of all
degree requirements, bachelor degree students are eligible for Latin Honors or “With distinction.”
Undergraduate certificates and second bachelor degrees are eligible for the honor of “With
distinction.” All undergraduate honors students wear the gold honor braid, and Latin Honors wear
the gold tassel with their regalia.

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CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

American Medical Student Association Jessup History
Business Club Latin American Student Association
Black Student Union Teaching Club
Cross Training Club SAGE (Spiritually Active Governmentally
Dance Club Engaged Society)
Hiking Club Veterans Organization
History Makers Writer’s Block
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

ALUMNI RELATIONS

For more than 80 years, William Jessup University has faithfully educated men and women to
become Christ-honoring leaders in their families, workplaces and ministries in which they serve.
Today, many of these graduates are an active part of Jessup’s Alumni Relations.
The mission of the Jessup Alumni Relations is to provide relevant resources in the lives of Jessup
graduates around the world, to foster thriving networks and to create a culture of generosity that
leaves a meaningful legacy to the glory of God.
Class of 2021, welcome to the alumni family. Thank you for being an integral part of the legacy of
WJU. To learn more about Alumni Relations and its related benefits, please go to jessup.edu/alumni.

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UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
The Jessup Fund | Accessible Christ-centered Excellence in Higher Education
We believe future leaders of our nation and world should have access to an exceptional academic
experience that enriches the spirit of tomorrow’s leader. Access, innovation and discipleship are
keys to transformation. Through The Jessup Fund Accessible Christ-centered Excellence in Higher
Education is made possible by donors like you.
Your support of The Jessup Fund helps to meet our annual objectives in the areas of scholarship,
academic programs and spiritual formation. These priorities help transform leaders for service
in ministry, education, government, business, science, and the arts. The genesis of our students’
cultural influence starts here.
To learn more please visit jessup.edu/jessupfund.

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP
Become a President’s Circle Member today by giving $100/ month or a special gift of $1,000 or
more to any program, project or initiative at WJU. As a President’s Circle Member you will receive
a number of benefits and opportunities to engage with our student, faculty and president. To
learn more or make a gift today please go to jessup.edu/giving.

JESSUP FAITHFUL
The Jessup Faithful is a vibrant group of loyal supporters who believe in Christ-centered higher
education and its role in transforming the world for the glory of God. This distinct and diverse
group demonstrates their passion by giving monthly or giving two or more consecutive years.

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If you have an interest in supporting Jessup or have questions please contact David Pineschi,
Senior Director of Advancement at 916-577-1809 or [email protected]

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THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH PARTNERS

180 Church - Rocklin, CA First Baptist Church of Fair Oaks - Fair Oaks, CA

Adventure Christian Church - Sacramento, CA First Baptist Church of Lodi - Lodi, CA

Adventure Christian Church - Patterson, CA First Baptist Church of Rocklin - Rocklin, CA

Antelope Road Christian Fellowship - Citrus Heights, CA First Christian Church - Napa, CA

Antelope Springs Church - Roseville, CA First Christian Church - Orland, CA

Arbuckle Community Church - Arbuckle, CA First Christian Church - Pleasant Hill, CA

Auburn Grace Community Church - Auburn, CA First Japanese Baptist Church - Roseville, CA

Bay Area Maranatha Christian Center - San Jose, CA Foothills Church - Cameron Park, CA

Bayside Church (All Campuses) - Granite Bay, CA GateWay Church of Visalia - Visalia, CA

Bayside Church Woodland - Woodland, CA Glory Bound Fellowship - Burson, CA

Bayside Covenant Church in Galt - Galt, CA Gold Country Church - Auburn, CA

Bridgeway Christian Church - Roseville, CA Grace Community Christian Church - Ceres, CA

Centerpoint Community Church - Roseville, CA GraceLife Church - Lincoln, CA

Central Christian Church - San Jose, CA Gracepoint Church - Lodi, CA

Central Christian Church - Lancaster, CA Granite Springs Church - Lincoln, CA

Ceres Christian Church - Ceres, CA Gray Avenue Christian Church - Yuba City, CA

Christ Community Church - Carmichael, CA Greenville Southern Baptist Church - Greenville, CA

Christ Community Church - Modesto, CA Groveland Evangelical Free Church - Groveland, CA

Christian Church of Santa Clara - Santa Clara, CA Harvest Church - Elk Grove, CA

Christian Church of the Valley - Merced, CA Harvest Community Church - Roseville, CA

Christ’s Church of Prescott Valley - Prescott Valley, AZ Heights Church - Citrus Heights, CA

Church on the Rock - Woodland, CA Hillsdale Blvd. Baptist Church - Sacramento, CA

Cold Springs Church - Placerville, CA Hope Christian Church - Fairfield, CA

Compass Community Church - Grass Valley, CA Horizon Community Church - Roseville, CA

Concord Bible Church - Concord, CA Iglesia Nueva Vida - Woodland, CA

Cornerstone Community Church - Manteca, CA Ignite Community Church - Elk Grove, CA

Cornerstone Fellowship - Livermore, CA Impact Community Church - Sacramento, CA

Creekside Christian Church - Elk Grove, CA Jesus Culture - Sacramento, CA

Creekside Church - Rocklin, CA Journey Christian Church - Tracy, CA

CrossCity Christian Church - Fresno, CA Journey Church - Elk Grove, CA

Crossroads Christian Church - Vacaville, CA Lakeside Church - Folsom, CA

17 Crossroads Church - Carmichael, CA Life Community Church - Roseville, CA

Crossroads Community Church - Yuba City, CA LIFEhouse Church - Rocklin, CA

Crosswalk Community Church - Sunnyvale, CA LifePoint Church - Minden, NV

Destiny Christian Church - Rocklin, CA LifePointe Christian Church - Elk Grove, CA

District Church - El Dorado Hills, CA Lifepointe Church - Woodland, CA

El Camino Baptist Church - Sacramento, CA Lighthouse Christian Church - Oceanside, CA

Emmaus Church Community - Lincoln, CA Morello Hills Christian Church - Martinez, CA

Fairview Community Christian Church - Nicolaus, CA Mosaic Christian Church - Rocklin, CA

Family Life Christian Church - Galt, CA Mother Lode Church - Lotus, CA

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THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH PARTNERS

New Hope Christian Fellowship - Vacaville, CA Warehouse Christian Ministries - Sacramento, CA
New Season Christian Worship Center - Sacramento, CA WestGate Church - San Jose, CA
Northwest Christian Church - Newberg, OR Westside Christian Church - Roseville, CA
Oak Hills Church - Folsom, CA Wheatland Baptist Church - Wheatland, CA
OneLife Church - Orangevale, CA Wheatland Christian Church - Wheatland, CA
Petaluma Christian Church - Petaluma, CA
Rancho Murieta Community Church - Rancho Murieta, CA
Real Life Church - Sacramento, CA
Redding Christian Fellowship - Redding, CA
Redeemer Covenant Church - Orangevale, CA
River City Christian - Rancho Cordova, CA
Rolling Hills Christian Church - El Dorado Hills, CA
Saratoga Federated Church - Saratoga, CA
Sebastopol Christian Church - Sebastopol, CA
Shasta Way Christian Church - Klamath Falls, OR
Sierra Grace Fellowship - Auburn, CA
Southside Community Church - Sacramento, CA
Spring Valley Church - Rocklin, CA
St. Matthew Lutheran Church - Rocklin, CA
Summit Christian Church - Sparks, NV
Sun Grove Church - Elk Grove, CA
Sun River Church - Rancho Cordova, CA
Sunrise Community Church - Fair Oaks, CA
The Call Church - Pine Grove, CA
The Gathering - San Jose, CA
The Life Center - Orangevale, CA
The Orchard - Sacramento, CA
The Pointe Church - Antelope, CA
The Rock of Roseville - Roseville, CA
The Work of God’s Hands Ministry - San Jose, CA
Twin Cities Church - Grass Valley, CA
Valley Christian Church - Lake Berryessa, CA
Valley Christian Church - Concord, CA
Valley Church - Vacaville, CA
Valley Springs Presbyterian Church - Roseville, CA
Valley View Church - Lincoln, CA
Vantage Point Church - Placerville, CA
Venture Christian Church - Los Gatos, CA
Verde Valley Christian Church - Cottonwood, AZ
Vintage Grace - El Dorado Hills, CA
Vintage Park Community Church - Sacramento, CA

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WILLIAM JESSUP UNIVERSITY | 2121 UNIVERSITY AVE., ROCKLIN, CA 95765 | 916-577-2200 | JESSUP.EDU