Commencement Program 2021 December_2

COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM

DECEMBER 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 it feels
like this might be our “new normal”. You are an overcomer and you have achieved in the midst
of challenging circumstances.
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 with you. May we offer three
suggestions 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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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, Vice Principal of
Academics, Valley Christian High School,
Clifford Daugherty, EdD (Chair), President San Jose, CA
and Superintendent, Valley Christian Schools,
San Jose, CA John Jackson, PhD, President, William Jessup
University, Rocklin, CA
Edward Lee, MBA (Secretary), Real Estate
Developer; Healthcare Administrator, Elim Chris Mann, MS, Principal, CPA/CFP, Mann,
Care, Inc., Granite Bay, CA Urrutia, Nelson CPAs, Roseville and South Lake
Tahoe, CA
Steven Olds (Treasurer), Principal and CPA,
Williams & Olds CPAs, Sacramento, CA Rick Pickering, MBA, CEO, California
Exposition & State Fair, Sacramento
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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GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021

Processional (all rise)............................................................................................... Candidates and Faculty
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”.................................................................................. Participants and Audience
Prayer, Welcome, & Class Biography..............................................................Dr. John Jackson, President

(please be seated)
Commencement Address......................................................................................................... Dr. Ed Silvoso,

President of Harvest Evangelism
Commendation of Class of 2021................................................................................... Phil Escamilla, Esq.,

Vice President for Academic Affairs
Conferral of Certificates and Degrees............................................................................ Dr. John Jackson
Special Music “The Blessing”........................................ Vocals: Charlotte Jeffries, WJU Music graduate

Accompaniment: Eunice Aldrich, WJU Music Faculty
Presentation of Graduates....................................................................................... Dr. Stephanie Everhart,

Associate Professor, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, and
Yi Sun, Director of International Services

Prayer of Consecration.........................................................................................................Dr. Lois Harmon,
Associate Professor, School of Education

Closing.................................................................................................................................. Dr. John Jackson
Recessional (all rise)...................................................................................................Graduates and Faculty

Please join us for a small reception to congratulate our graduates.

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UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

Processional (all rise)................................................................................................ Candidates and Faculty
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”.................................................................................. Participants and Audience
Prayer, Welcome, & Class Biography..............................................................Dr. John Jackson, President

(please be seated)
Presentation of Honorary Doctorate............................................................................ Phil Escamilla, Esq.,

Vice President for Academic Affairs
Conferral of Honorary Doctorate..................................................................................... Dr. John Jackson
Commencement Address......................................................................................................... Dr. Ed Silvoso,

Founder of Harvest Evangelism
Special Awards and Recognitions.................................................................................... Dr. John Jackson
Commendation of Class of 2021....................................................................................Phil Escamilla, Esq.
Conferral of Certificates and Degrees............................................................................ Dr. John Jackson
Special Music “The Blessing”........................................ Vocals: Charlotte Jeffries, WJU Music graduate

Accompaniment: Eunice Aldrich, WJU Music Faculty
Presentation of Graduates..................................................................................... Dr. Melanie Trowbridge,

Associate Professor, School of Psychology, and
Yi Sun, Director of International Services

Prayer of Consecration.......................................................................................................Dr. Erin Ambrose,
Professor, School of Psychology

Closing.................................................................................................................................. Dr. John Jackson
Recessional (all rise)...................................................................................................Graduates and Faculty

Please join us for a small reception to congratulate our graduates.

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GRADUATES AND DEGREES Master of Arts in Leadership

Master of Accountancy Dabrina Bet Tamraz
Ryan W Bangs Sarah Boyd
Sandeep Hundal Karri Eggers
David Kernohan Erika Lisa Figueira
Assadullah Sultani Giana Frye
Tia Thao Hannah Jordan
Tara Kingsley
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Nicholas Nieland Lynch
Amanda Barthelmes Megan Nebozuk
Abigail J. Battenfield Roland Resendez
Tatiana Caoagdan Justin M. Shumaker
Kimberly Carter Michael F. Smith
Steven Michael DeCristofaro Jared Yttrup
Angelica Gomer
Dulce Espinoza Master of Arts in Sports Management
Heidi Marcoux
Hannah Reyes John Kazel
Annika Elizabeth Sanderson Brock K. Ragatz
Paul Singh Jr.
Kristy Taylor Master of Arts in Teaching
Brian Earl Warrensford
Kaitlin Webber Rebekah Bartkovsky
Darlene M. Woo Madalyn D. Cottingham
Hayley Zacharia Abby Lynn Crandall
Rebecca Dubovik
Alyse Fong
Ana Maria Lopez
Graziella Mathews
Patricia Valeria Pinedo
Ana Liseth Reed
Douglas Roush
Peter Sorensen

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GRADUATES AND DEGREES Lanwei Su
Christina May Villa
Master of Business Administration Lei Wint
CasonDaire Wohlwend
Pooja Arondekr Rengui Xu
Sean Barksdale Xiaohui Yan
Katie Ann Camerer Zhao Zhang
Kai Chan Xuyan Zhao
Shanna Cho Saleem Abdul, IT concentration
Sin To Hugo Chong Damnesh Aery, IT concentration
Richard Jay Climenhage Fatima Purificacion May B. Cernardo, IT concentration
Daniel Connelly Rahul Gulati, IT concentration
Jacklyn R. Cunningham Suchita Variava, IT concentration
Luiz Gonzaga de Ataliba Nogueira Neto Lina Yin, IT concentration
Carl Richard Eberle
Jo Ann Elias Master of Science in Computer Science
Ricardo Ernesto Espinoza-Ibarra
Jacob Kamaka’eu Gribbin Rumi Asano
Ziang Gu Xinqu Chen
Istvan Hanzel Divija Kandukoori
Hannah Christian Henriksen Vinay Kudumula
June Holstrom So Mei Lam
Mini Jomon Terukazu Nakano
Dildeep Singh Kaile Jagan Pentakota
Amninder Kaur Santosh Ranganatha
Sudheep Kolipaka Hao Sun
Sicong Ma Manoj Virigineni
Kevin Marchuk Zhe Xu
Tamara Marderosian
Sawa McRitchie Master of Science in Kinesiology
Anoop Pazhaya Purayil
Surat Pimsakul Bailey Cossentine
Sreenivasa Rangareddygari Shanmuka Caitlyn Christine Jacobs
Kelly Roner Kreighton Tsuruda-Gaspar
Jeffrey Richard Sewell
Joshua Michael Solso
Brennon DeSean Spence
Kyle Edward Stuart

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GRADUATES AND DEGREES

Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Jeremy Mark Palacio Makayla Altheide
Alhan Bakideh, Magna cum laude
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Leadership Samuel Evan Fletcher
Kayden Michelle Nyborg Lucas Lee Fuller, Cum laude
Elizabeth Jisun Ha
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Communication and Design Xaviera Angela Newman
Jabali Taylor-Alvarado Jamison Percival
Yi Yi Wong, Cum laude Rory Micahel Petersen

Bachelor of Arts in English Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy
Camilla Spangler, Magna cum laude Mikaela Pinkham
Harrison Zea, Summa cum laude
Bachelor of Arts in Leadership
Erica Marshall, Summa cum laude Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
Kateryna Koryaka
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Sarah Mackenzie Schlepp
Claire Ayer, Magna cum laude
Danielle Alexis Barker Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Fine Arts
Maddison Christopher, Summa cum laude Samantha Bradley, Summa cum laude
Mariah Kalene Coffer, With distinction Teresa Faber, Cum laude
Rachel Daniels, Summa cum laude Eric Juan Phillips Tomlin, Magna cum laude
Rachel DeVecchio, Summa cum laude
Erika Lyon
Kari L. Morris, Summa cum laude
Kjerstn Roop
Miranda Jewel Smith, Cum laude
Jessee Louise Solari, Magna cum laude
Alyssa Renee Soto
Taylor Muses

Bachelor of Arts in Music
Jennifer Rustad, Magna cum laude
Kana’ipaku’i Takemura

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GRADUATES AND DEGREES

Bachelor of Science in Business Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Aidan Barnhart
Youki David Arai, Summa cum laude Liana Maggie Castro
Kristen Dewell, Summa cum laude Charisse Feaster
Matar Pindo Drammeh Jordan Grant, With distinction
Adolfo Guzman Evelyn Lopez Lira
Jourdan Johnson Haven Marie Lundy
Bradley Jones Hailey Marie Morton, With distinction
Zihui Li Nathan Yoshio Ogawa, Cum laude
Zhen Liu, Magna cum laude Jasmine Pinon, Summa cum laude
Natalie Evelyn Dorothy Loo, Magna cum laude Katharine Primm
Andrew Massengale Matthew Ryan
Alissa Mathes Natalia Seuthe, Magna cum laude
Jiahao Pan Sarah Sturm
Katie Ruiter, Magna cum laude Kawaiola Takemura
Serena Ruth Schuler, Summa cum laude
James Thompson, Summa cum laude Bachelor of Science in Leadership
Mulin Yang Dawn Herrick, Magna cum laude
Zhaoyuan Zhang Nathan J. Holland, Summa cum laude

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Jacob James, Magna cum laude
Anglin Anthony Baker, Jr.
Allison Dooley Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Jackson Mathews Kelsey Albertazzi
Sive Nogada, Magna cum laude Cynthia M Flaherty, With distinction
Allison Robinson, With distinction Marissa Nichole Hernandez
Jilliana Higashino
Certificate in Leadership (Graduate)
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Nicholas Nieland Lynch

Robert Alexander Gutshall Certificate in Project Management (Undergraduate)
Sarah Marie Lima, With distinction Michelle E Johnson
Tabbitha Victoria Mendoza
Esperanza Moreno, Cum laude

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Tice Marshall Damigo

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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.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

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 scholar-
ship,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 students, 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 Crossroads Community Church - Yuba City, CA
Adventure Christian Church - Sacramento, CA Crosswalk Community Church - Sunnyvale, CA
Adventure Christian Church - Patterson, CA Destiny Christian Church - Rocklin, CA
Antelope Road Christian Fellowship - Citrus Heights, CA District Church - El Dorado Hills, CA
Antelope Springs Church - Roseville, CA El Camino Baptist Church - Sacramento, CA
Arbuckle Community Church - Arbuckle, CA Emmaus Church Community - Lincoln, CA
Auburn Grace Community Church - Auburn, CA Fairview Community Christian Church - Nicolaus, CA
Bay Area Maranatha Christian Center - San Jose, CA Family Life Christian Church - Galt, CA
Bayside Church (All Campuses) - Granite Bay, CA First Baptist Church of Fair Oaks - Fair Oaks, CA
Bayside Church Woodland - Woodland, CA First Baptist Church of Lodi - Lodi, CA
Bayside Covenant Church in Galt - Galt, CA First Baptist Church of Rocklin - Rocklin, CA
Bridgeway Christian Church - Roseville, CA First Christian Church - Napa, CA
Centerpoint Community Church - Roseville, CA First Christian Church - Orland, CA
Central Christian Church - San Jose, CA First Christian Church - Pleasant Hill, CA
Central Christian Church - Lancaster, CA First Japanese Baptist Church - Roseville, CA
Ceres Christian Church - Ceres, CA Foothills Church - Cameron Park, CA
Christ Community Church - Carmichael, CA GateWay Church of Visalia - Visalia, CA
Christ Community Church - Modesto, CA Glory Bound Fellowship - Burson, CA
Christian Church of Santa Clara - Santa Clara, CA Gold Country Church - Auburn, CA
Christian Church of the Valley - Merced, CA Grace Community Christian Church - Ceres, CA
Christ’s Church of Prescott Valley - Prescott Valley, AZ GraceLife Church - Lincoln, CA
Church on the Rock - Woodland, CA Gracepoint Church - Lodi, CA
Cold Springs Church - Placerville, CA Granite Springs Church - Lincoln, CA
Compass Community Church - Grass Valley, CA Gray Avenue Christian Church - Yuba City, CA
Concord Bible Church - Concord, CA Greenville Southern Baptist Church - Greenville, CA
Cornerstone Community Church - Manteca, CA Groveland Evangelical Free Church - Groveland, CA
Cornerstone Fellowship - Livermore, CA Harvest Church - Elk Grove, CA
Creekside Christian Church - Elk Grove, CA Harvest Community Church - Roseville, CA
Creekside Church - Rocklin, CA Heights Church - Citrus Heights, CA
CrossCity Christian Church - Fresno, CA Hillsdale Blvd. Baptist Church - Sacramento, CA
Crossroads Christian Church - Vacaville, CA Hope Christian Church - Fairfield, CA
Crossroads Church - Carmichael, CA Horizon Community Church - Roseville, CA

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THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH PARTNERS

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

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