Class Notes

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May 2026

Lilian (Betancourt) Jezik, ’67, relocated to Ventura, California. She is currently attending Northpointe Baptist Church in Ventura.

Dr. Grace Smart, ’00, has been teaching special education for 18 years. Last year, she was hired in the Moreno Valley Unified School District and earned her tenure. She also received a nomination email from one of the pastors at her church to become a licensed minister. Finally, her women's soccer team won the championship, and she received the MVP award.

Dr. Carolyn (Bennett) Cummings, ’05 & ’25, published a peer-reviewed journal article based on the research study she completed during her dissertation. The article is titled, Supporting Mental Health Professionals After a Patient Suicide: A Delphi Consensus Study and is published in the OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying.

Suyen (Herrera) Campos, ’14, was promoted to Vice President of Operations and Payments at SMW 104 Federal Credit Union, this accomplishment reflects years of dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving the sheet metal workers community and their families. At the same time, she and her husband Freddy celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary—honoring a lasting partnership built on love, resilience, and shared memories alongside their three wonderful children.

 

Vijay Geejula, ’18, founded ModernBuild Construction LLC, a Texas-based construction company specializing in commercial and residential construction projects, including restaurant buildouts, retail finish-outs, and development projects across Texas. He has also expanded into education consultancy and IT consulting businesses. “I am truly grateful for the education, mentorship, and support I received at CBU,” he says, “which helped shape my career and entrepreneurial path.”

Kristin (Rego) Huneau, ’19, says that all her challenges added up to having experience that helped her grow and feel at home in her role as a Behavioral Health Services Supervisor with the County of Riverside. She is celebrating 17 years of marriage and hoping to come back to CBU for her PhD. She is still working on her ultimate goal of owning her own non-profit for military veterans.

 

Jenna McKune, ’20, works as a naturalist, deckhand, and wildlife photographer on whale watching boats for Newport Whales. Dr. Bonjun Koo brings his students there every semester for field trips. She and her husband, Noah Carter, ’20, were married this year.

 

 

Dr. Estera Borcsa, ’22, received the Artificial Intelligence Innovator Award from the State of California, State Treasury Office. Through Teach Train Transform International they integrate neuroscience, ethical artificial intelligence, brain inference and AI assisted clinical platforms to create a compassionate Brain Report Card that transforms how healing is understood.

 

Dyana Villa ’22, was promoted to Anchor/Executive Producer for Univision Salt Lake City.

Jasmine Soto-Gastelum, ’23, was promoted to an LXR Experience Specialist. LXR is a luxury branch of Hilton Hotels. In this role, she will support high-spend leisure guests, LXR groups, and owner equalization across both Beach Village and Shore House. She started her journey with Hilton right after graduating CBU and found a passion for hospitality. She is also happy to say that she and her fiancé were engaged last May. “It was the most beautiful proposal,” she says, “and I thank God for guiding me through life to put me in this very moment I am living. Thank you CBU!” 

Paul Saldana, ’24, after receiving his degree from CBU, he was offered a term appointment at Fresno Pacific University as an Assistant Professor of Business for the 2024-25 academic year. He was then given a tenure track appointment as an Assistant Professor of Business in the current year (2025-26). He was recently named the new Program Director for Traditional Undergraduates for the Department (School) of Business, a role he will begin on July 1, 2026.

Jamie (Jones) Barrera, ’25, and her husband, Marco, will celebrate 24 years of marriage on May 19. She says, “God had blessed us to endure it all.”

 

 

 

Alexis Frausto, ’25, obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from CBU. Shortly thereafter, she began her career as a Registered Nurse at CHOC Children’s Hospital of Orange County, where she was honored to join her preferred unit as a NICU nurse. She’s also been given the opportunity to work alongside her mom on the same unit, an experience that feels truly full circle. “Beyond preparing me for my career,” she says, “CBU also played a transformative role in deepening my relationship with Christ, which remains my highest priority above all other accomplishments. Go Lancers!”

April 2026

David Valerio, ’73, is in the process of closing his law practice and retiring. He entered Law School and became an attorney in 1988. He was a healthcare attorney for 27 years and served the last 10 years as a volunteer attorney with two Adult and Teen Challenge Centers in Northern California, and several clients at the Teen Challenge Ministry Institute in Southern California. He says that the last 10 years as a volunteer have been the most rewarding of his career. He and his wife Jolie will celebrate 47 years of marriage this October. They have six children and 10 grandchildren and are planning to retire in Lincoln, California.

Transitional Pastor Mike Procter, ’74, met CBU graduates Daniel and Theo Heihn,’11, while they were participating on a mission trip to the First Baptist Church in Haleiwa, Hawaii.

 

 

 

Shayna Moreno, ’12 & ’14, was promoted to Vice President of Public Relations at Braintrust Agency. She leads all agency public relations efforts for a variety of hospitality, non-profits, gaming and corporate organizations including Hard Rock International and the City of Las Vegas.

 

 

Garrett Newton, ’17, was engaged to Faith Schifani on March 22, 2026, at the Dallas Arboretum in Dallas, TX.

 

 

 

March 2026

During his time at CBU, Dewight "Ike" Riddle, ’77, was part-time pastor at First Baptist Norco, planted Olive Branch Community Church in Corona and pastored it for 17 wonderful years. The last eight years were a challenge due to the state of his health from his time in the military as a jet fighter crew chief. “Loved my time at CBC/CBU.” He says, “It greatly prepared me for ministry.” He is currently living with his family in Texas.

Marie "Kaci" (Cutshaw) Rigney, ’87, and her husband Kevin, ’93, celebrated 40 years of marriage on June 22, 2025. Kevin is a loan supervisor for Golden 1 Credit Union, planning to retire in 2029. Kaci is still singing and writing music and performed with the Eugene Opera from 2007–2010. Kaci was an award-winning poet in CBU's The Dazed Starling Unbound: Nested, and has published nine illustrated poetry eBooks in the last three years. They live in Visalia, California, and have two daughters and six grandchildren.

Jim Ringdahl, ’99, has been working for the past 21 years caring for the missionaries of Greater Europe Mission. He does most of the psychological interviews for the organization and is thankful for getting his master’s degree in psychology at CBU.

In January 2026, Dr. Carolyn (Bennett) Cummings, ’05 & ’25, became a continuing education provider for mental health clinicians in California. She also continues her work as a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical supervisor in Bakersfield, CA, and as an adjunct professor and teaching assistant for California Baptist University.

Nikki (Lowe) Campbell, ’09 & ’11, is so incredibly grateful and honored to have been inducted into the CBU Hall of Fame for softball.

 

 

 

Patricia Victoria Hernandez Bittner, ’17, ’20, & ’21, and her husband, Daniel, were married on October 13, 2025. She is so thankful for her husband for being her biggest supporter through all her years of education and standing by her side through the ups and downs. In 2024, she transitioned from sports medicine to industrial health. She recently took a new position to work with the Southern California Edison Company to promote the health and safety of their workers as an Injury Prevention Specialist.

 

Anastasia (Morris) Peterson, ’20, is honored to have been elected as a Board Member for the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce for the 2026–2028 term. She is happy to serve and be a steward to the community.

 

 

 

Richard Andrew Steele, ’20, has been with Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City for four years and recently accepted a promotion to be the lead Exercise Physiologist at the Cardiopulmonary Rehab Clinic at the Intermountain Riverton Hospital. In 2023, he married his wife, Kylie. They are blessed to be serving the Salt Lake Community and living their purpose.

Elizabeth (Pollock) Vander Weide, ’20, and her husband, Nicolas, ’20, are expecting their first child, a baby boy coming May 13, 2026. This June 26, they will also be celebrating five years of marriage.

 

 

 

Shaunna McIntyre, ’21, and her fiancé, Nathan Taylor, were high school sweethearts. They reconnected two and a half years ago and were engaged on October 23, 2025. They are very excited that God has brought them back together.

Lorraine Anastacia Rosas, ’25, and her fiancé, Kraig were engaged on December 11 at CBU, right after she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in human services. They also purchased their first home in February. She will begin the master’s program in Counseling Psychology at CBU this coming May. “So blessed and so excited for this new chapter my life!” She says, “Glory be to God!”

 

 

On March 2nd, Robyn Van Petten, ’26, was promoted to Director of Quality Assurance at SIFCO Industries. She recently earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from California Baptist University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership. “This promotion is not just a personal milestone, it’s a reminder that growth is possible when you stay committed to learning, serve others well, and remain open to opportunity,” she says.

February 2026

After a close brush with death, Franklin L. Smith, ’71, spent four months in a rehabilitation center. He says, “God has been gracious to me, and has brought me back to life.” He celebrated his new life by taking a cruise and will soon be taking a second cruise. He says, “God really does know how to take a bad situation and turn it into good!”

On February 4, 2026, Larry B. Woodruff, ’75, bowled his first perfect 300 game at Plano Super Bowl in Plano, Texas. It had been on his bucket list since bowling with Mickey Smith and Larry Zimin on CBC's Intercollegiate Bowling Team. “It only took me 75 years.” He says, “But better late than never.”

 

 

This year marks 26 years ago that Dale Lee Dickerson, ’77, had heart surgery. He says he read a news story that said the average heart patient lives 17 years after surgery. Dale says he is in the capable hands of the VA Medical. He encourages anyone who was in the service to get to the nearest VA Medical center and enroll. He’s also had the privilege of preaching in various churches in the area, including a few in San Diego County.

Rebecca Langston-George, ’95 and ’00, recently had a work of fiction published after a long career writing children's nonfiction. Her debut middle grade historical novel One Fine Voice was recently recognized as an Amazon #1 hot new release.

Destiny Cuellar-Braun, ’19, graduated from California Baptist University and immediately began pursuing a career in law enforcement, applying to agencies nationwide. In August 2025, she was appointed as the School Resource Officer (SRO) for all schools within the City of Atascadero, CA. This is a two-year specialty assignment focused on campus safety, youth mentorship and community engagement.

 

Carla Torres Rogel, ’19, says her husband has always been her number one fan. She remembers telling him that she wouldn't consider marriage until after she completed her master’s in education at CBU. During that time, he remained by her side during her endless homework, case studies, and student teaching. She was hired at Van Buren Elementary in Jurupa Unified School District and her husband proposed shortly afterward. They recently married on October 10, 2025.

 

Jared Stephen, ’20, and Abigail (Cate) Stephen, ’20, have been given the opportunity to serve full-time as the Pastoral Residents at Calvary Church located in Moorhead, Minnesota. After graduating from Cal Baptist and Gateway Seminary and spending many months applying to multiple churches, God led them to Calvary, which they feel further confirms their calling to pastoral ministry. They have been faithfully serving since September and have seen continued growth in Jared’s ability to preach and shepherd the flock.

Sulgi Lee, ’22, and her family welcomed their third baby. She is also thriving in her career; thanks to the education and preparation she got from CBU. She continues to work in the field placement she received through the Master of Social Work program.

 

 

 

Alicia Perkins, ’22, married the love of her life, Phillip Inzunza, on December 7, 2025. They had a beautiful Christian wedding celebrating their shared Mexican heritage in Los Angeles, CA amongst many cherished loved ones.

 

 

 

Emily Yang, ’25, landed her first job in December of last year. Her role as a school psychologist at Suncoast Prep enables her to live out her purpose, which is to care for her students through assessments, behavior supports and teaching necessary skills to make learning easier and fun.

 

January 2026

James Florence, ’74, recently retired as dean of the Doctor of Health Science program at Appalachian College of Pharmacy in Oakwood, Virginia. Prior to this he served as professor of public health at Liberty University (nine years) and chair of the department of Community and Behavioral Health at East Tennessee State University (18 years). He lives with his wife, Annette, in Piney Flats, TN with two happy dogs. The Florences have three daughters and four grandchildren.

 

Bryant Sinkler, ’79, is a published author. His book, “The A Cartel,” was featured via Readers Magnet at the Frankfurt Book Fair (October 2025) in Germany.

 

 

Pastor and Chaplain Mark Curts, ’81, is completing his ninth year as chaplain at Adventist Health Hospital in Hanford, California. Previously, he served as Intentional Interim Pastor at FBC Walnut Valley, as well as pastoring other Southern Baptist churches throughout California.  Pastor Curts' stepson, Dr. Mike Lovato, recently completed his twentieth year on staff at Magnolia Church, Riverside. Pastor Curts enjoys playing pickle-ball and grandpa jokes!

 

 

 

Jessica (Debrick) McIntyre, ’98, completed a Master's in Reading, Language, and Literacy with an emphasis on Dyslexia through CSUSM, graduating on December 15, 2025. She was honored to be the Grand Marshall for the ceremony, walking in at the front of the class with the ceremonial torch.

 

 

Sandra Rose (Bennett) Hughes, ’05, recently had three children's poems published in "I've Got a Bad Case of Poetry," a children's poetry anthology by Bandersnatch Books.

 

 

 

Andrew Thill, ’11, had one of his logo designs selected and published in LogoLounge Book 15, one of the most respected and influential logo design publications in the world. “To have my work recognized among such an extraordinary field of international talent is both humbling and deeply meaningful.” He says, “…and a significant milestone in my creative journey that began at CBU.”

 

 

Kimberly Yocum, ’14, graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center with her Master of Science in Nursing (education track) in December of 2025.

 

 

 

Tanya (Long) Polstra, ’16, CEO of Deaf Kids Connect and Deaf Harbor, shares that, In 2025, both organizations formally united under one shared mission and leadership. This merger has strengthened their capacity to serve the Deaf community while expanding discipleship, leadership development, and access to Scripture in American Sign Language. She says: “I am profoundly grateful for the ways CBU opened the Disability Studies and invested in my life and career.”

Ammie (Sandoval) Gomez, ’17, took on two new teaching roles: teaching art and ceramics at Rancho Christian School and leading her first college level graphic design course at Chaffey College. Her artwork was also licensed and will be sold at one of her favorite stores, HomeGoods. She and her husband, Renso, also purchased their first home this year.

 

Sarah (Spaulding) Miller, ’17, was married on June 8, 2025, and they are expecting their first baby, a girl, on March 20.

 

 

Makenna (Lammons) Peters, ’17, and her husband, Mitchell Peters, ’19, welcomed their first child, Callen Anthony Peters, on May 8, 2025.

 

 

Lauren (Cagle) Springer, ’17, graduated in May of 2025 from Johns Hopkins University with her Master of Science in Individualized Genomics and Health.

 

 

Caleb Taufi, ’20, is celebrating three years in IT & Digital Services Support with the LA Clippers.

 

 

 

In the fall of 2025, LaToya (Hill) Butler-Gaines, ’20, returned to California Baptist University to pursue her master’s degree in social work. LaToya is a devoted wife and the proud mother of three boys, ages 20, 16, and 14. She is also a committed member of her church community, where her faith plays a central role in both her personal life and professional calling. LaToya believes her story reflects the heart of a California Baptist University education, one rooted in faith, purpose, and service to others.

 

In early 2025, Yesenia Gomez, ’21, received an extraordinary opportunity: she was entrusted with piloting an ESL Online Program at Burbank Adult School. Their students have not only strengthened their English language skills but have also gained exposure to digital literacy—an essential tool for immigrant communities. As a child of immigrant parents, Yesenia has had to pave the way for her family. “Their choice to come to this country was very hard, and they sacrificed so much,” she says, “but glory to God that he has allowed me to contribute back through education.”

Butch Maier, ’21, has written, produced, and directed six movies in the past two years for Sumbadhat Productions. He will continue his college teaching work at Old Dominion University and was just named editor of Coastal Virginia magazine.

 

 

Ian Schultheiss, ’21, will be graduating medical school in May, and will find out what Internal Medicine program he matches into in March. He was also married in July 2025.

Katelyn Ann (Cagle) Short, ’21, graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Baylor University. She says, “CBU Health Science courses were foundational in my success of earning a doctorate degree!”

 

 

 

DeShanai Padilla, ’22, graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Academy and is now a Deputy Sheriff.

 

 

 

Nayann Brown, ’25, and her husband Kenneth were married on November 15, 2025.

Since 2020, Vincent Baum, ’15 and ’25, has worked in Aurora Public schools in Colorado as a physical education teacher, football coach and track and field coach. At the beginning of the 2025/2026 school year, he accepted a position as Dean of Students at Valor Christian High School where he gets to integrate his love of God and his care for students in an immediate and tangible way. He and his wife Nikki also welcomed their third daughter into their family in May of 2025.

 

Grace (Thurston), ’23, and Harrison Spohn, ’22, were married on November 29, 2025.

 

 

 

 

2025 Class Notes

2024 Class Notes

2023 Class Notes

2022 Class Notes

2021 Class Notes

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