Class Notes
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June 2024
Mike Procter, ’74, ran into Nathan and MaKenna Ayers, ’23, while the couple was celebrating their second anniversary. They worshipped together
at the Kino'ole Baptist Church in Hilo, HI where Mike has been serving as Transitional
Pastor.
James E. Florence, ’74, was recently appointed Dean of Public Health at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy.
James also began a new interprofessional doctorate in public health leadership in
fall 2024.
Jamie Elam, ’83, and Gail (Gilliam) Elam, ’81, were married in 1981 at Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church. They served a church as minister of music and youth in Missouri, then as minister of music and youth in Omaha Nebraska. Their son Andrew was born January 1983 and is now 41 living in Rantoul Illinois. Gail taught 2nd grade at a private school in Rialto and Jamie taught Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th/6th bilingual combination classes in the Fontana School District. In 1995, they moved to Texas where Gail taught 3rd grade and Jamie taught Kindergarten, and Music for Kindergarten through 6th grade. In 2000, they moved back to California where Gail taught 3rd grade in a private school and Jamie taught computer science for 12 years. Jamie earned his master’s in computer science in 2005 and his doctorate in education in 2007. After retirement, they moved to a small town called Roberts in Illinois where they bought a Victorian home on an acre which Jamie restored single handedly. Jamie has his very own music hall with a Rodgers Classical organ and a Theatre organ and plays for various churches. Gail does crafts, cooking, and baking and cares for their two Yorkshire puppies.
Carolyn (Bennett) Cummings, ’05, has returned to CBU as a student in the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program. She presented at the American Association of Suicidology Conference May 2024 in Las Vegas. The presentation was titled, "The Next Act of Love: Effective Organizational Postvention Supports for Mental Health Professionals."
After Carissa Potter, ’07, graduated from CBU, she launched a focused on mobilizing children to know God's heart
for the nations. A few years later, she was recruited by another organization, called
Via, to design and launch a department focused on mobilizing entire families. In September,
she celebrated 10 years since the launch of Via Families. Since then, they have trained
and resourced over 20,000 parents in 99 countries and developed several resources
that have been translated into multiple languages. The last 17 years of global ministry
has all been the fruit of what she learned and what God birthed in her during her
time at CBU.
Hear more about her story at viafamilies.org/10years
Aubrey (Stelzner) Redinger, ’11, M.S. ’14, obtained her certification in Perinatal Mental Health in June 2024 through Postpartum
Support International.
Logan Altman, ’14, has been promoted to Chief Impact Officer at Doing Good Works. He was ASI's (Advertising
Specialty Institute) 2020 Bess Cohn Humanitarian of the Year for outstanding demonstration
of social & environmental impact. He assisted in procuring over 20 million medical-grade
face masks for healthcare workers across the US in 2020 and 2021. He married his wife,
Kaitlin, in 2016 and they have two children, Ella (four) and Liam (two).
Austin Mercadante, ’14, and his wife Marissa welcomed a baby boy, born April 17. His name is Silas Timothy
Mercadante, he’s a little CBU engineer in the making!
Over a year ago, Sabrina Clayvon, ’14, published her first book entitled: Broken Truth (available on Amazon). Attending CBU helped her reach her potential as a student
and obtain three degrees. As a transferring student to the university, she learned
who she was and what she could accomplish. As a graduate student, the guidance of
Dr. Susan Studer empowered her to challenge herself. It was a blessing to attend such
a wonderful school, and she would not trade the experience.
Bradford Gerl, ’16, has been married to his wife, Emily, for the last two years and they have a one-year-old
baby boy! He is the biggest blessing of their life!
Jennifer (Morgan) Lozano, ’18, launched Playing Our Part Speech Therapy, P.C. in 2022, where she specializes in
speech sound disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), early language
development, and family coaching. The private practice is located in Yucaipa, CA.
What began with home visits has now grown into a dedicated office space, allowing
her to better serve her clients. She’s excited to expand their services to include
AAC evaluations and parent/staff coaching for school districts. She is deeply grateful
for the education and opportunities she received at CBU during her master's program,
which has inspired her to live her purpose beyond her wildest dreams.
Kimberly Nellie Ann Fong, ’20, was accepted into Claremont Graduate University’s DrPH program for fall 2024.
Samantha (Emerick) Romero, ’21, and David Romero, ’21, have been friends since the seventh grade. They had remained close through high school
but went their separate ways for college. David was away at college in West Virginia,
while Samantha was at CBU. Towards the end of Samantha’s junior year, she was walking
into the women’s restroom in the business building when David came out of the men’s
room, knocking her down! She realized he had transferred to CBU. Running into each
other sparked their friendship once again. Fast forward to August 18, 2023, they officially
tied the knot and knew that it was God’s perfect timing all along.
May 2024
Susan (Perricone) Barackman, ’75, retired in 2013 after 27 years of teaching in the public school system in Texas and
started Susan's Saddle Stands (the second-best place to set your saddle!) She’s celebrating
10 years of designing and selling custom saddle stands for equestrians of all disciplines.
She continues to create paintings and other art.
Dr. Alycia Benson, ’03, is an adjunct professor for the CBU School of Education. Her son, Robert Benson got
married on April 14, 2024.
Zina (Anderson) Runyan, ’05, and her husband Travis are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary on May 29.
Mikayla (Lammons) Long, ’14, and her husband, Allen, welcomed Cameron Anthony Long, who was born on March 16,
2024. He was 8 lbs., 19.5 in. He joins big brother, Jaylen (2.5 years old).
Brittany (Peterson) Myregard, ’15, and her husband, Adam, got married in November 2021 and welcomed their first daughter
in March 2023.
Ashlee von Pertz, ’19, and her fiancé are getting married on August 2, 2024, in Temecula California.
Eric Gonzales, ’22, and his wife, Eilene Gonzales, ’22, welcomed their baby boy, Elias Benjamin, on December 1, 2023.
Vasile T. Giulea, ’23, and his wife, Brenda, recently welcomed a third boy into their family. The 6 lbs.,
10 oz. baby boy couldn't wait to see the world and arrived earlier than expected,
he was delivered at home. It was a very scary situation, however, delivering his baby
boy before the EMT's arrival was an experience that Vasile cannot explain. He prayed
and then everything was clear moving forward. It was as if he knew what to do, and
he thanks God for guiding him through that process. The feeling of calmness that came
over him at that time is hard to explain.
Maria (Medrano) LaZor, ’23, says that for the first time since teaching Special Education at King Middle School her students were able to participate in "Sunshine Days" held at the National Orange Show. She has tried several times but was not able to secure busing due to overbooking or unforeseen circumstances, but her principal was able to secure the funding this year. This activity is a unique experience for special education students (K-12), as it’s closed to the public and free. They were able to partake in many rides and socialize with fellow students in a safe environment that fosters community engagement. Her students also got to pet alligators, watch pig races, see acrobatics, watch sea lion shows and enjoy various treats. This experience was a delight for her students, and the memories will stay with them for a lifetime.
Terry Valadez, ’23, was promoted from User Support Technician to IT Project Manager at Kern County Superintendent of Schools.
April 2024
Darrell Adcock, Sr., ’62, passed away on January 31, 2024. His last place of service was as Pastor at Red Rock Baptist Church (Las Vegas, NV). Darrell served in many capacities including with the California Southern Baptist Convention.
Vaughn Brewster, ’66, passed away on March 10, 2024. His wife, Grace Brewster ’66, will remain at their home in Irvine, CA.
Dr. Henry Peterson, ’66, passed away on December 9, 2023 at the age of 84. Henry was meant to graduate CBC earlier, but served in the military causing him to delay graduation. He went on to serve as a pastor in the Carlsbad area for many years. His wife, Judy (Heap) Peterson is living in Carlsbad.
Neta Young, ’69, shares that Dr. LeVern Young passed away on March 22, 2024 in Fresno, CA at the age of 98. Dr. Young was a professor of Life Science from 1953, when California Baptist (at that time) College was started in El Monte, until his retirement in 1983. He served as Chairman of the Life Science Department and of the Natural Science Division, and was named Professor Emeritus in 1994.
Callie (Logan) Jones, ’99, and her husband Paul Jones, ’99, will celebrate 25 years of marriage in August, 2024. Callie has recently been hired
for the 2024-25 school year as an elementary school assistant principal for the North
Thurston School District in Washington State. She completed her Master of Education
in Educational Leadership with a Principal Certification in June 2023. Paul has been
the lead pastor at Reality Church in Olympia, WA for 16 years. Paul and Callie have
three children: Kayla, Kelsi, and Logan.
Doris (Parker) Chamberlain, ’04, is, once again at 77, teaching in Texas. There is a shortage of Special Education teachers all over the US. She was given the opportunity to teach once again and support students at an elementary school level. “What a joy once again to see this population of students become successful in school and life.” She says, “God can even use us at our ‘old’ age. All things are possible with God if we just listen and act on what blessings he has for us.” She began her college experience at the age of 50. Graduating in 2000 with a BA, teaching certificate and a Master's in SPED in 2004. “I grew up, went to school with no support of SPED in the 50's-60's even though I am still ADHD, Dyslexic and Dysgraphia (diagnosed at 55). Without my California Baptist University degrees, teacher certification and computers, I would have missed the most important part of my life. Because I was called to teach and chose to listen, I have been blessed to be able to teach three years (middle school) in California, 13 years high school in Arizona, and retired at 74.”
Joshua Atkinson, ’12, and his wife Katie (Stein) Atkinson, ’13, just shared their 10 Year Anniversary on April 6, 2024. They first met in the University
Choir and Orchestra under direction of Dr. Gary Bonner. “Katie actually asked me out
on our first date (a group date with choir friends) during TWIRP Fall 2011,” Joshua
says, “without having more than maybe one or two conversations together. We had so
many common interests, and truly enjoyed our time together, that we started exclusively
dating not long after. God answered our dreams and prayers by sending us exactly the
person we needed. The rest was history!” They now have a small family with two beautiful
girls, Harper and Holland. “God blesses us every day with amazing families and friends
that support us through every part of our lives.” He says, “We know that we never
would have made it this far without CBU and its amazing influence in our lives.”
Jana (Moore) Cunningham, ’12, and her husband Zachary, celebrate the birth of their first child, a son, William,
on April 3, 2024 (8 lbs, 7oz).
Mark Sigman II, ’19, is celebrating his fifth anniversary at Riverside University Heath System. He is his team's lead and has successfully led two county-wide projects.
Kasaan Hammon, ’20, is teaching middle school English full-time and also writing and releasing music
as a Christian artist under the name Rigsi. Her latest single, "Daughter," based on
Mark 5:34, just came out this March. It was based on the testimony of a friend, and
her hope is that it will encourage and inspire women from all walks of life.
Payton (Roth) Masterson, ’20, got married on October 26, 2023. She also graduated with her master’s degree in
Sport Business from Temple University.
Nichole Y. Stinson, ’21, recently graduated from Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) with an MFA in creative
writing (June 2023) and just started Stockton University's (Galloway, NJ) Master's
in Holocaust and Genocide Studies program (January 2024).
Karla Alvarez, ’22, was promoted from primary therapist at a residential home to the Program Director
for their Mental Health Outpatient Program.
Stephen Olufemi Bankole-Wright, ’22, recently released a project called "YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE." It has amassed about
50k streams and has been promoted on Gospel Music Buzz and Gospel Grind Radio. It
features his hit single, "Brand New," which was released right around the time that
he received an award from the State Assembly for his performance in the "Young Gifted
and Black" event put on during Black History Month. The project is available on all
platforms as well as CD format.
Frank Richard Chacon, ’23, is enjoying more time with his one-year-old daughter. He has been promoted to a Campus Operations Lead at Sandals Church Banning and looks forward to using his degree to lead with the leaders of the future. At Inland Leaders Charter School, he developed a Leadership Conference for Middle Schoolers that aims to develop their leadership style and grow as a leader. The event was so successful that 97 percent of their 300 students participated in the conference. God is so good!
Lilandra Lipari, ’23, recently got hired at her dream hospital in her dream job. “I truly have CBU to
thank!” she says, “I loved my time here! The best part was being able to work a full-time
job and be a full-time student thanks to the online programs they offer.”
March 2024
Duane Chism, ’65 and his wife, May (Campbell), ’64, have been married almost 60 years. They will celebrate their anniversary in December
2024. Duane “Butch” retired from the United States Airforce in 1991 after 25 years
at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. He retired again in 2017 after 15 years as a credentialed
Federal Investigator conducting National-level background security investigations
for 3-letter agencies in Washington. May retired from Defense Language Institute as
an English Instructor after 15 years in 2003. She served overseas in both Taiwan and
Slovenia, as well as at the home campus, Lackland AFB. The couple has three children,
twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pictured are 10 of their 12 grandchildren.
James Forkum, PhD, ’69 and his wife, Sharon (Rehling), ’64, will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary in August 2024. Jim is also celebrating his 54th year in the general field of education, coaching, and athletics administration while Sherry celebrates her 51st year as an educator from elementary school through graduate school.
Steve Quinnelly, ’69, passed away in October 2023. After graduating from CBC, Steve was called as a youth minister. He also served as school teacher and principal in both private and public schools for over 22 years. He was then called to pastor Mannford Christian Fellowship church in 1993, where he served for the past 30 years until his death in October 2023. He loved God, his family, and baseball. His wife, Connie, remarks, “I am most grateful for our preparation years at CBC, for the many lasting friendships from there, and for the blessing of the past 55 years of serving our Savior together.
Darwin Reynolds, ’70, passed away on October 9, 2023 after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer. Read more about Darwin’s life here.
Wanda Scruggs, ’03, recently published a children’s book entitled “What in the World?” It is for children
ages 3 to 7 years of age and it highlights the unique things kids may not know about
in the world and encourages them to just enjoy being who they are - beautifully created
by God. It is available on Amazon.
Asusena (Herrera) Soren, ’12, was recently promoted to Deputy City Manager with the City of San Bernardino.
Andreana (Banuelos) Battaglia, ’13/’15, and her husband, Joseph Battaglia welcomed a son, Jaxson John Battaglia born in
2023. Jaxson joins sister, Brooke Sophia (3yrs).
Consuelo Lopez, ’16, just completed her first year as Riverside County Department of Public Social Services'
Public Information Officer. She leads the department's award-wining communication
team. Her team recently won their first Public Relations Society of America Inland
Empire Chapter Polaris Award and a National Association of Counties Achievement Award.
Shannon Richardson, ’18, recently accepted the position of Director of Learning and Development at the California University of Science and Medicine. She has been with the organization for the past five years.
Beau Wright ’19, works as an Inventory Lead at GEODIS Logistics. Because of the help of professor Lilly Szeto, Beau was able to develop his Chinese language skills and apply them into real life job opportunities and translate Chinese for Apple executive working with high tech machinery.
Laura Farley, ’20, is completing her second year teaching at a title one school site. She has recently been been promoted to the ELD (English Language Development) Coordinator for Clement Middle School in Redlands, CA.
Isabel (Abril) Acosta, ’22, married Zack Acosta, ’22. Isabel works as an Account Executive at Worldwide Express.
Sophie Botello, ’22, is an ER nurse at Temecula Valley Hospital.
Alondra Espinoza, ’22, welcomed a baby girl, Elizabeth Rose, in August of 2023. Alondra works as a Early
Childhood Developmental Specialist and is in the process of opening her own daycare.
Jazmin Gonzalez, ’23, was accepted into Loma Linda University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Class of 2027.
Timothy Summers, ’23, married Zoe Grammer, ’23, in July 2023 after graduating from CBU last spring.
February 2024
Dewight “Ike” Riddle, ’77, retired after many years of pastoral work due to health issue stemming from working on fighter jets while serving in the Air Force many years prior to becoming a Christian. Ike previously pastored at First Baptist of Norco. He then felt led to plant a new church, Olive Branch Community Church, in Corona in 1988. During his seventeen years at Olive Branch, he was blessed to go on many mission trips, including twice to Uganda, once each to the Philippines, Macao, China, Mexico and South America. He also went to Israel three times, two of which he led tours there. Ike now lives in Texas with his wife and many of his family also reside there.
Tom Hixson, ’78, recently retired from Gateway Seminary. He spent 40+ years (20 years in higher education
and 21 years as President of the Northwest Baptist Foundation) working for Southern
Baptists in the field of business and finance. He and his wife, Becky (Tillman) Hixson, ’77, have relocated to Prescott, Arizona.
Aaron Dishno, Ed.D., ’02, is the patented inventor of 3D internet browsing. (USA Patent #9,940,404). Aaron
is the CEO and founder of HTTP3D Inc. – WalktheWeb.
Sandra (Bennett) Hughes, ’05, and her husband, Anthony, welcomed their fifth baby, Isabella Michelle Hughes. Baby
Isabella was born November 16, 2023.
Kylee (Magby) Jones, ’12, was promoted to the position of Clinical Director at Indigenous Circle of Wellness at the start of February 2024.
Anna (Megli) Barkman, ’14, and her husband Timothy Barkman welcomed daughter Opal Louise on January 18, 2024 in Lawton Oklahoma. (Photo Credit - Frozen Photography)
Meghan (Iteen) Anderson, ’15, and her husband, Curtis Anderson, ’18, recently welcomed their second daughter.
Christian Valdivia, ’19, was called home to God on January 29, 2024. Christian had dedicated eight years of his life to serving as a classroom teacher and administrator for Highland Academy in Beaumont, CA. He leaves behind a wife and young daughter. Please lift up his loved ones in prayer as they mourn this tragic loss.
Mauro Moreno, ’22, relocated to Oregon and works for a nonprofit that employs and supports people with disabilities. Mauro also married in December 2023 to Michelle Corona.
January 2024
Bryant Sinkler, ’79, traveled from the East Coast to enjoy A CBU Christmas concert. He then traveled to
Beverly Hills for the city’s Centennial Celebration. As a former resident, Bryant
was happy to be able to be there to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Mark Wilson, ’84, graduated in December 2023 with a Ph.D. in Applied Theology – emphasis in Ecclesiology
– from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO. Mark has been privileged
to serve as Lead Pastor of Sierra Baptist Church of Visalia, CA, for 30 years and
is also a NAMB endorsed healthcare chaplain with Kaweah Health Medical Center in Visalia.
Mark and his wife Valerie (Overstreet, ’86) have been married for 38 years and have four adult children (all CBU alums) and five
grandchildren (future Lancers).
Keith Bacon, ’17, was recently named Vice President of Administrative Services for San Bernardino Valley College. Prior to this, Keith spent three years working as an executive in the K-12 public school system.
Analy (Garcia) Jarboe, ’18, was recently promoted to Senior Planning Specialist at Southern California Edison.
Anthony Lozano, ’17, is the Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Cal State East Bay in Hayward,
California.
Joey Aszterbaum, ’22, and his wife, Keisha Campbell, have recently launched their real estate business,
First Team Real Estate. They are also a part of an exciting new church plant in Oceanside
called St. Brigid's. After a long hiatus from performing live music in front of strangers,
Joey has begun playing local open mic nights in Oceanside.
Colin Mueller, ’22, is an elementary band teacher for Rancho Christian School. The number of students
in band has doubled since he first started working at the school, and he was able
to start a brand new strings class this year. Colin is so thankful for this amazing
opportunity God has given to him.
Gabriela Estrada Toro, ’23, and her husband, David, celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in Costa Rica in December 2023. She works as an administrative
assistant for Moreno Valley College. Gabriela notes that when she was obtaining her
bachelors, “Going back to school with a fulltime job, two children, and a household
to run is not easy, but CBU was there for me and made it possible to juggle it all.”
She was recently accepted to the Organizational Leadership Master's program at CBU.