Commencement Program 2021_GRAD_2

COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM

APRIL 30, 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
Commendation of Class of 2021....................Phil Escamilla, Esq., Vice President for Academic Affairs
Conferral of Degrees...........................................................................................................Dr. John Jackson
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”........................ Dr. Liz Stanley, Professor, School of Humanities and the Arts
Presentation of Graduates.............................Ahmad Shaar, Director of Academics, San Jose Campus;

Dr. Linda Sommerville, Associate Vice President for Professional and Continuing Education
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

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Hailey Sierra Bordenave
Seychelle Andronico Arlene Relevo Braum
Alexandra Michele Anduiza Jenny Cooper
Angelique Marie Bailey Taylor Frances Corrales
Ilya Belitsky Desiree Cox
Hannah Elizabeth Brooks Abby Crandall
Carolin Elise Gardner Rebecca G. Dubovik
Carissa Roanna McDermott Brittany Noelle Gabriel
Jill Michele Henderson Danielle Lynne Guerrero
Victoria Johnk Talia Marie Henderson
Karyn Lamb Loriann Barbra Herrin
Tayler Lee Jamie Maxine Higgins
Megan M. Noriega Ashleigh V. Himmelberg
Megan Violet Sommers Sophia Marie Keen
Cindy Lynn Sweeny Brittany Kelley
Christa Warner Tara Ann Kiser
Mikayla Marie Laymance
Master of Arts in Education Jill LeBeau
Kathalene Aurelia Rendon Jacee Renee Lempner
Falesha Emmalene Lord
Master of Arts in Leadership Claire McNaney
Marc Joseph Hicks Eugene Munger
Richard J. Kirkpatrick Jacqueline Victoria Muniz
Ryan Kenneth Masters Maggie Elisa Neumann
Olivia Miranda Nathaniel Quesenberry
Robert Tennyson Stewart Graziella Bon Raceles Mathews
Craig E. R. Warneking Rhiannon Jo Ritchie
Courtney Robinson
Master of Arts in Sports Management Jamie Marie Rossitto-Doyle
Michael Jerome Allen Linda Saevang
Kenneth Renard Cole Kate Sepe
Kristina Simkins
Master of Arts in Teaching Christina Taylor*
Bruna Gusmao de Almeida Zachary Wall
Rachael Elizabeth Artig Abbie Williams
Rachel Atkinson Rita Pavlovna Wingfield
Reid Owen Bartlett

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GRADUATES AND DEGREES

Master of Business Administration Master of Science in Computer Science
Bijay KC
Jagadeeswara Reddy Amireddy Dylan Hong Jing Ler
Ekaterina Anisimova Kazuki Nakayashiki
Andrew David Butler Sirikalaya Siripattarakul
Thalia Caraveo Siva Chitanya Vattikutti
Junlu Dai Sampath Reddy Yedla
Pranay Deep Devigari
Mangulal Dhanavath Master of Science Kinesiology
Jishuo Ding Megan Audrey Moore
Avinash Gatla Aaron Alexander Speller
Everett James Howard
Michaela Hyde
Prathyaj Reddy Kandimalla
Huy Le Quang
Jacob Donald Leal
Ching Hsuan Lin
Ashwitha Reddy Nalla
Jarett Pitlock
Chienlaing Shen
Yashvender Singh
Megha Singh
Ying Sun
Tarun Reddy Thadisina
Mikhail Tkal
Chiu Chit Tsang
Miao Wang
Silong Wang
Sandeep Athreyas Yelishetti

*Awarded posthumously: On March 17, 2021 a brain tumor unexpectedly brought Christina Taylor home to our Lord and
Savior. Christina was passionate and hard working. Her impact on her family, the students and faculty with whom she
worked, and in the Jessup community was enormous. Christina was just weeks away from completing the Masters of Arts in
Teaching. She will be remembered as someone who took the challenging students and gave them a chance. She never gave
up and was rooted in her faith in Christ. Christina was a wonderful mother, daughter, colleague and friend. May she rest with
Jesus and be remembered for her legacy of passion, work ethic, positive attitude, and hope in the Lord.

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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.

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
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 Vintage Park Community Church - Sacramento, CA
New Season Christian Worship Center - Sacramento, CA Warehouse Christian Ministries - Sacramento, CA
Northwest Christian Church - Newberg, OR WestGate Church - San Jose, CA
Oak Hills Church - Folsom, CA Westside Christian Church - Roseville, CA
OneLife Church - Orangevale, CA Wheatland Baptist Church - Wheatland, CA
Petaluma Christian Church - Petaluma, CA Wheatland Christian Church - Wheatland, 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

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