Bennet-Olhava didn’t just return to school, she rewrote what she believed about herself. Not only did she spend many active years raising five kids, but for 35 years, her life followed a definite rhythm: early mornings, sorting envelopes, familiar routes and the structure of her job with the U.S. Postal Service. During that time, she served as Postmaster for ten years, a role that significantly impacted her life. But life, as it tends to do, interrupted.

A series of personal events—losses, betrayals and questions that didn’t have neat answers—nudged her toward the field of psychology, perhaps as a way to understand pain, healing and ultimately people. Her curiosity became a calling.

Her journey led to enrolling in introductory psychology courses, but when those were complete, her desire for more grew stronger. In 2023, she enrolled at Jessup, knowing that Christian higher education would meet her needs. It was a divine encounter that enabled her to fully experience forgiveness and strengthen her relationship with the Lord. It wasn’t surface-level forgiveness, it was the real, costly, liberating forgiveness toward people who hurt her deeply. That transformation didn’t just restore her spiritually, it redirected her academically. She knew she would pursue her degree within a Christian framework allowing her to integrate both faith and psychology. 

Her studies began to fuel her interest in neuropsychology and using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to research the effect emotions and prayer have on brain activity as well as chemical changes. As an online student, she adapted to software learning platforms like Moodle, discussion boards and using digital libraries. And then there were the subjects she once avoided. “I used to steer clear of English,” she admitted with a laugh. “It was my ‘no thank you’ subject,” which ironically became her strongest. Her professors quickly noticed, and her papers came back with high marks not just for content, but for clarity, depth and insight. In many ways, the feedback was transformative. 

Bennet-Olhava also became a member of Jessup’s Psychology Club where she enjoyed the banter and the exchange of ideas and thoughts among fellow students. She also had the opportunity to attend a few courses in person as well as in a Zoom format.  

What transpired is a love of learning and a desire to go deeper in her research. Bennet-Olhava isn’t finished. Graduate school is on her mind and she’s considering further study in attachment theory or possibly researching the effectiveness of therapeutic self-help programs, especially those that intersect with faith. 

Her story isn’t just about academic success, though a 4.0 GPA at 76 is no small feat. It’s about something more difficult: change. She changed her mind about her abilities, she changed her understanding about forgiveness and changed the trajectory of her later years in life. In doing so, she offers a subtle change to anyone convinced it’s too late to begin again. She also encourages others to avoid accepting the status quo. “Ask more questions,” she says. “If you think there is more to be uncovered, keep pushing: God will give new insights.” 

Sometimes the most compelling graduates aren’t the ones who followed a straight path—but the ones who circled back, pushed forward and never gave up on their dreams.

The packed room was aglow with excitement as family, friends and faculty arrived to celebrate these stand-out students. The doors for the event opened at 5 PM. Soon, a mocktail and mingling hour began. Before long, students, staff and supportive parents were sharing stories among themselves, singing the praises of the individuals who would be honored that night. 

Next up, was a full catered dinner followed by dessert. Then, the three Presidential Scholars from the prior year were invited on-stage to share how winning this award forged their path forward at Jessup. Each year, three Presidential Scholars receive Jessup’s most prestigious and generous award. The scholarship provides an incredible four years of tuition. 

This year, 97 incoming students applied for the scholarship. That’s the largest number of applicants in Jessup’s history. Applicants are required to have a GPA of 3.75 or higher, and academics aren’t the only requirements. Students are assessed on their leadership, spiritual life, and Christian character. 

As the Scholar Showcase event concluded on February 20, Carter Mitchell, Liam Sacopaso and Noah Brandt were invited onto the stage to receive a check representing their scholarships. Each student was blessed to receive recognition for their hard work, servant’s heart and excellence. 

Get to know your 2026 Presidential Scholars

Carter Mitchell — Pre-Nursing, El Dorado Hills

Carter has a smile that’s just about as warm as she is. Her natural warmth combined with calmness will carry her far in her chosen career of nursing. Carter’s passion is setting people at ease, while caring for them with real kindness. She loves sharing Jesus and was drawn to Jessup’s Christian community as a place to deepen her faith. 

“Winning this full tuition award has been such a reminder of God’s provision in my life. My parents have always sacrificed so much to support me, and this scholarship allows me to give back in a way that honors their sacrifices.”

Liam Sacopaso — Pre-Nursing, Rocklin

Liam was raised in Rocklin and has a true sense of compassion for his own community. He sees nursing as a way to give back to people in his own hometown. Caring for those who are struggling with their health is one way Liam plans to show his love for Jesus and faith in action. 

“To my family and me, this scholarship is a true blessing that provides the freedom for me to prioritize my studies and personal development. I’m most excited to join the close-knit community at Jessup, meet my future classmates, and grow in faith alongside them.”

Noah Brandt — Aviation, Roseville

Noah’s sights have been set on a career in aviation since he was young. Noah already holds his private pilot’s license, plus 40 college credits. Noah sees Jessup as a place where he can connect with believers in aviation, as he moves towards his goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot.

“Receiving this full tuition scholarship is an incredible blessing for my family, especially as the oldest of four kids and as I pursue aviation, which comes with significant expenses. I’m most excited about being part of a community of fellow believers while growing in Aviation, working toward all the licenses and ratings I need to eventually become an airline pilot.”

The 2026 Scholar Showcase event was a successful night of celebrating the dreams, hard work and dedication of these three stand-out students.

Interested in learning more about the Scholar Showcase? Applications open in late fall each year. Learn more at jessup.edu/scholarshowcase or contact the Jessup Admissions team at admissions@jessup.edu or 916-577-2200 with any questions.

When Michael Obermire talks about a4yyÎçŇš¸ŁŔű, it’s clear that this institution is much more than a job to him.

“Being at Jessup,” he says, “feels like coming home.”

After more than three decades in industrial engineering, operations, sales and executive leadership, Obermire followed what he now sees as a God-directed path into higher education. Long corporate days gave way to a desire for family, purpose and impact. “When you look back on it,” he reflects, “you can see doors opening and closing, all leading me right here.”

At Jessup, Obermire brings real-world business experience into the classroom—but never without faith at the center. “The best textbook they can use is the Bible,” he tells his students. “You own your honor. Nobody else owns it.” Integrity, he insists, is non-negotiable. “It’s better to be fired than to do something dishonorable.”

That philosophy has shaped countless students—including Jett Ropke and Cole Spake.

Spake came to Jessup looking for exactly what Obermire values most: small classes, Christian community and personal relationships. “I wanted a place where you get to know your teacher,” Spake says, “and every part of your class is leading you to Jesus.”

Ropke arrived more reluctantly. Originally planning to attend junior college, Ropke had double elbow surgery that altered his plans and opened the door to scholarships that made Jessup possible—but his heart wasn’t convinced yet. “I didn’t really want to come,” he admits. “But it totally changed my faith and all my relationships. It became the best thing that happened to my life.”

The two met on the baseball team and quickly became inseparable friends. As injuries and life transitions slowly pulled Ropke away from athletics, something else took shape. “God was slowly calling me out of sports,” Ropke says. “That was my whole identity. But once I let go, so many new things popped up.”

One of those things was business.

Spake, raised in an entrepreneurial family, felt called to create rather than consume. “I want to build something I care deeply about,” he explains. “One of the best ways I can honor God is through business—through what I can build.” Ropke, who once ran his own lawn care business, found the same joy in creating, connecting and problem-solving.

Jessup’s business faculty became catalysts. “We have professors with real-world experience,” Spake says. “You can call them up with any questions and if they can’t help, they’ll connect you with someone who can.” Ropke adds, “They actually care about you and what you’re building.”

That care proved formative when Ropke joined a Jessup Global Outreach trip with Filter of Hope. Installing water filters for families without clean water changed everything. “A lot of people had to choose between buying water or buying food,” he says. “Kids were getting sick. I had never seen anything like that.”

When he returned home, an idea surfaced—one rooted in both faith and action. Living Water Co. was born: a purpose-driven bottled water company that funds clean water initiatives while sharing the gospel. “Every bottle has a mission behind it,” Spake explains. “We want to be the most purpose-driven bottled water company in the world.”

For both students, the line between business and ministry doesn’t exist. “Our faith is the foundation of the company,” Spake says. “We pray before meetings. We lean on God for every decision.” Ropke agrees: “If God’s not in it, we don’t want it.”

That integration is exactly what Obermire hopes students will carry forward. “Success doesn’t have to mean the biggest job or the greatest car,” he says. “For a Jessup student, it’s more internal.” Leadership, he adds, starts small—with consistency, humility and character.

Today, Spake and Ropke are both in their first year of Jessup’s MBA program. Both are building Living Water Co. in real time, applying classroom learning directly to their company. “Every class,” Spake says, “we’re thinking about our business and applying it immediately.”

For Obermire, watching students like Spake and Ropke is confirmation of his calling. “God wanted me here—for one student or many,” he says. “Everybody needs to feel loved.”

At Jessup, that love takes tangible form: mentorship, opportunity and faith in action. From a professor who teaches integrity as a life principle to students who build businesses as acts of worship, the mission is lived—not just taught.

And for all three, it still feels like home.

While graduation is a wonderful time, it also leads to an entirely new phase of life, one that is filled with uncertainty as you step into uncharted territory. However, you can walk in confidence because God is directing your steps through this chapter and into the next.

“The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” – Proverbs 20:24

From faculty, staff and alumni, this Post-Graduate Survival Guide is filled with encouragement, advice and support from your a4yyÎçŇš¸ŁŔű community during this beautiful, messy and life-changing time. 

Remember, you were meant to make a difference. Now, you’re ready!

Victoria Thompson

The Indeterminable “In-Between”: College & Full-Time Work

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The Indeterminable “In-Between”: College & Full-Time Work

Victoria Thompson, Asst. Director of University Events

There aren’t too many seasons in my life where I look back and wish I had that time back.  However, I desperately wish I could relive the summer between when I graduated from college and started working full time. This “In-Between” season gets a bad rap. All the friends you would see every day are distant. All the expectations you had for yourself seem very far away as you sit in your childhood bedroom scrolling through LinkedIn, thinking about getting your old job at the mall back until you find something full-time. Let me challenge you to instead look forward to the “In-Between.”  

You have something that you have never had before: Time. You have just spent your entire childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood going to class and doing homework. You will likely spend the next few decades working full time. My two pieces of advice are this: Build Lasting Habits and Do What Matters.  

Life is routine-less in the “In-Between,” so build yourself something reliable and stick to it! Don’t sleep indefinitely every day; pick a time to wake up and keep that routine every day. Make a commitment to spending time reading the Bible every day. If you haven’t already, make sure that church is a habitual commitment, not a week-by-week decision. This is when you have time to do all of these things, I guarantee it will be significantly harder when you’re working 40 hours a week. Do your future self a favor and create habits that will last.   

The main reason that I look back and yearn for the “In-Between” is because I had almost unlimited time to do meaningful things for God’s glory and my good. [Working full time is for God’s glory and my good, too, it just feels a little different!] Take this “In-Between” time and serve others. Look for people in your church that you can serve, whether that is a teenager who needs someone to look up to or someone older than you who just needs encouragement.  Life gets busier in a moment, and serving gets 100x harder. Do things that enrich your soul: read books, go on day trips to the beach, experiment with different recipes, and make new friends. Really, the possibilities are endless!  

Don’t let the “In-Between” be wasted as you long for another season of life, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks…” (Colossians 3:17).

Deb Hay

Cultivating Community After Graduation

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Cultivating Community After Graduation

Deb Hay, Campus Min Connections Coordinator

Congratulations, Graduate! What an incredible achievement! First things first, celebrate this milestone. Seriously, don’t downplay it. You’ve worked hard, and you deserve to be recognized and celebrated by those around you.

One of the biggest transitions after college is adjusting to life without the built-in community that campus provides i.e. roommates, classmates, study groups, and spontaneous late-night conversations. As you step into this new season, your daily rhythms will shift. Work will take up most of your day, evenings will be for rest, and weekends will fill up with responsibilities you didn’t have before. It’s all too easy for community to slip away in the busyness of life.

My encouragement to you? Be intentional. Make connecting with friends, family, mentors, and church communities a priority. The sooner you create space for relationships in your new routine, the smoother your transition will be. We aren’t meant to do life alone! We need people! So, lean in. Check in. Schedule coffee dates. Start group chats. Show up for each other.

Don’t underestimate the power of small moments. Just recently, I was feeling emotionally exhausted, and my first instinct was to isolate myself. Instead, I invited a couple of friends on a spontaneous ice cream run. We talked, we prayed, and by the time I headed home, I felt a weight lifted. Those little moments matter more than you think.

Finally, recognize that the reality of post-grad life won’t hit all at once. For many, the “drop” happens later when you would normally be starting classes but, instead, find yourself navigating full-time work or job searching. Prepare your heart for this shift. Seek God in prayer, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom in your next steps, and trust that Jesus will walk with you as a faithful friend.

I’m praying for you as you step into this next season. May God open doors, provide clarity, and surround you with the right people.

Be Blessed, 
Deb

PC Walker

It’s Not Built In “Out There”

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It’s Not Built In “Out There”

PC Walker, Resident Director

College is wonderful, right?! As you step into the vast, uncharted territory of “real life,” one of the most jarring transitions isn’t about the workload or responsibilities—it’s about your community. In college, meaningful friendships and mentorships were built into your daily experience. Your support network was delivered to your doorstep through shared classes, dorm life, and campus activities. Nobody tells you that maintaining this vital support system post-graduation requires deliberate effort.

The days of spontaneously running into friends at the caf or having professors with dedicated office hours are behind you. Cultivating meaningful friendships will now mean actively reaching out, scheduling time together, and sometimes traveling across town (or even farther) to nurture these connections. It’s easy to let friendships slide when life gets busy, but these relationships become even more crucial as you navigate career challenges, personal growth, and significant life decisions.

Similarly, mentorship doesn’t happen automatically once you leave campus. Finding guides offering wisdom for your professional, personal, and spiritual journey requires intentional searching and relationship-building. Look for potential mentors within your workplace, professional organizations, alumni networks, and community. Remember that mentorship doesn’t always need to be formal—sometimes it’s simply a coffee with someone whose path or life approach is one that you admire. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable about what you’re struggling with or curious about.

Your effort to build these relationships will yield dividends throughout your life. While it might feel overwhelming to actively pursue friendships and mentorship alongside all your other adult responsibilities, think of it as an essential investment—not just in your career but in your overall well-being and sense of belonging in this next season.

Megan Springer

Maintaining Long Distance Friendships

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Long Distance Friendship

Megan Springer, Resident Director

No one learns how to do adult friendships well, especially at college when you are naturally around your community all the time.  

When you leave campus, have a 9-5 job, and don’t live in the same building as your friends, friendship feels different, and likely harder. Without the touch points of seeing someone in the stir fry line at the caf, sitting outside on the blue couches, or as you walk into chapel, our connections may feel less. Transitioning from campus life can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be.  

So, how do we combat this? 

• Reach out. Don’t expect a friend to message first. If your friendship was built on a foundation of being in close physical proximity, it will be hard to keep up the relationship when you don’t have that anymore. Don’t assume the other person doesn’t want to connect, be willing to be the one to initiate a time to hangout! 
• Recognize that some friendships are just for a season. This doesn’t negate the relationship, it just means that not all friendships are designed to be kept up once a life season is over. 
• Be okay with long catch-up times that are less frequent, instead of constant contact that is less feasible to keep up with. 
• Don’t mistake seeing someone’s social media updates as “staying connected.” True engagement with a friend means communication, not just liking a post or watching their content. 
• Build connections where you are. College friends are so special and sweet, but don’t let that prevent you from engaging in finding new friends in the new season. 

New community where you will land is also necessary and possible. And long distance friendship is possible with intentionality and realistic expectations. It may be hard but relationships, both old and new, are worth the work.  

Kayla Balangue

Sabbath Rest

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Sabbath Rest

Kayla Balangue, Assistant Director of Campus Ministries, Local & Global Outreach; Jessup Alumni

Graduating is such an exciting time, but it can also be an incredibly stressful time as you navigate potential new jobs, living arrangements, changes in community, and new rhythms of life. If you’re anything like me, you’ll quickly fill all of that time you used to spend doing homework with other responsibilities, without even realizing it. I learned (the hard way first) how necessary it was to prioritize a Sabbath day of rest every week. 

Let me be clear, a Sabbath day is not just a “treat yo’ self” day, or a day to catch up on chores, or binge watch a show. It’s part of the rhythm of work and rest that includes ceasing, resting, embracing, and feasting. We cease from all work and the things that drain us. We rest in God’s presence. We embrace simplicity, our community, and our time with the Lord. And we feast with a good meal, celebrating all that God did the previous week and anticipating all that is to come in the week ahead. 

In my own study of Scripture, the practice of Sabbath seemed to be pretty essential to the life of a follower of Jesus. In Genesis 2, God Himself models a day of rest after He creates the whole world, and then later includes Sabbath in the ten commandments for all of us in Exodus 20. In Exodus 16, the Lord taught the Israelites to trust Him with provision as they practiced Sabbath. In the New Testament, Jesus reminds us that the Sabbath was made for us (Mark 2) and the writer of Hebrews even reveals that the practice of Sabbath reflects the promise of our eternal rest with God. 

Post-grad life can easily become filled with distractions and a constant striving towards the next thing. But practicing Sabbath reminds you that you are not what you produce or achieve. You are God’s beloved, and He is trustworthy and faithful to provide for your every need. 

So in this next stage of life, make it a practice to prepare for a weekly Sabbath. Choose a day and be consistent to protect that day each week. Find the activities that are life-giving to you. Put your phone away and choose to create instead. In your solitude time,  find how you best connect with God and allow Him to refresh your soul. Be intentional with your community, spend your time with people that make you laugh and leave you feeling filled up. You were created with a rhythm of work and rest in mind, so work hard and rest well. You got this!

Erin Ambrose

Holding On To The Real You!

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Holding On To The Real You!

Erin Ambrose, School of Psychology

Congratulations! 

I know you thought this day would never come and yet here it is. You may be thinking, “But now I’m not ready!” or “Shouldn’t I feel more ‘adult’ than this?” or “Everyone else seems to know what to do and I feel like an imposter.”  Please take a deep breath. Okay, now take another one. One more…

The reality is, everyone feels uncertain in times of change and transitions. Although this is a big accomplishment and new doors will open for you as you graduate and move forward to what comes next, what hasn’t changed is the you that God intended is still YOU! And that is a very good thing. 

Although you will graduate with a degree and a good amount of knowledge in your major, what has been added to your resume doesn’t remove what was there from the beginning and will remain with you throughout your life. The God who loves you, who created you, and designed you for the life you live is continuing to shape and mold you. This time is part of that shaping. You don’t need to worry about all the upcoming changes. Instead, allow yourself to dream and to imagine being you (the real you, the fun quirky you, the maybe a little dorky you) in new places and doing new things. 

When we allow ourselves to BE ourselves, we can relax a bit more. Just hold on to the real you and enjoy the ride! 

“For we are what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we may walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Emma Askew

Finding Employment After Graduation

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Finding Employment After Graduation

Emma Askew – Jessup Career Services Student Assistant; Jessup Nursing Major

1. Preparing for the Transition After Graduation: It is an exciting time, but it’s important to stay grounded and prepare well for what comes next. Begin the job-hunting process now—don’t wait until after you walk the stage. Gather written references from professors, coaches, or leaders you’ve connected with, and ask if they’d be open to providing future references, as well. Take note of how they describe your character, academic proficiency, communication skills, or motivation and rephrase those into soft skills for your resume. As you prepare to leave campus, make sure you’ve paid all debts to the institution so you can move forward with a clean slate. 

2. Finding and Landing a Job: The job market can be tough, and competition is often intense, with single job openings attracting hundreds of applicants. Finding employment may take significant time, effort, and perseverance. Relying solely on online applications may not be enough—networking can open doors to hidden opportunities. Leverage the connections you’ve made with professors, students, alumni, friends, and family. Jessup’s tight-knit community can be a great resource, so take advantage of it. Don’t overlook any opportunity, and be realistic: most graduates start in entry-level positions that involve long hours and low pay. Still, these roles often offer valuable experience and the chance to move up. 

3. Navigating the Professional World: While your Jessup education and possible internship experience have prepared you well, expect the unexpected. You’ll need to collaborate with many types of people, some of whom may be difficult to work with. Jobs will require teamwork, professionalism, and the ability to manage both time and responsibilities. Your college degree qualifies you for a position, but it’s your skills, work ethic, and contributions that will help you succeed. Your first job may not match your dreams, and that’s okay. It could simply be a stepping stone. Track your accomplishments, because many graduates change jobs or even career paths within their first few years. 

4. Thriving in Your New Life: Time management will be crucial in your new role, as will professionalism and positivity. Show up on time, meet deadlines, and maintain a strong work ethic. Expect a more structured schedule and less vacation time than college offered. Find a mentor to guide your career growth, and strive to be seen as dependable and motivated. Bring excitement and fresh ideas to your team, especially during your first few months on the job. This is a time to prove your value. Embrace the adventure—get involved in your new community, build relationships, care for your well-being, and remember that you are stepping into a new season with purpose and opportunity. 

Rob Gore

Faithful Finances After College

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Faithful Finances After College

Rob Gore, Personal Finance Mentor & Jessup Faculty

Graduation and subsequently getting your first full-time job is an exciting time, but can also instill financial unknowingness and stress. The first job after college, for many, may be the highest income they have ever achieved. Some may also find it difficult to immediately find that first career job in their chosen major. In all situations it is important to develop a strong personal finance plan and budget.

Most college students learn to live on a very limited budget and survive just fine. Often with a new higher income comes a desire to increase your lifestyle. Upgrading your car, finding a better place to live, or even taking that vacation you think you deserve because you graduated from college and all your friends are doing it. Fight the desire to majorly change your lifestyle right away because, with an increased lifestyle comes increased expenses. The first principle you should live by is, “spend less than you make and save and invest the rest.” You are young and you think you have many years to save for retirement. You do, and that is why it is important to start saving and investing early, because of the power of “compound interest.” Albert Einstein said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it, … he who doesn’t … pays it”. You will find that when you are young and broke you will survive. When you are old and broke, survival is more difficult.

If you don’t already have a written budget, make one now. Keep adjusting that budget as your life changes. Pay off any debt and stay out of debt. Proverbs 22:7: says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” When choosing a job, the salary is not the only important factor. Think about health insurance coverage and retirement benefits. These are benefits that can reduce your annual expenses and get you started on saving for your future.

It’s sometimes difficult to think and plan for a future that may be many years away. Delayed gratification is important to understand and master. You just spent years obtaining a degree and you now want that career you studied for to begin right away. But, it may take years to develop that career you are hoping to achieve. Along that career path will be joyful moments like marriage, children, business opportunities, and travel, but life is also filled with many unforeseen obstacles and challenges. Building a strong financial plan will not only open up a peace in you and your family’s life, but will also allow you to better follow God’s purpose for your future.

Lastly, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask and receive help. We all make mistakes and it is okay to admit them. Finances are difficult for most people. Money issues are among the top reasons for depression, anger, fear, and failed marriage. So, pray to God to bring financial peace in your life, but seek financial wisdom from people around you.

Attending Sierra college as an English major and unsure about where he would transfer, Lucero’s former pastor and Jessup alumnus Jose Ochoa suggested he transfer to Jessup. He took his advice and in spring of 2023, Lucero became a biblical studies major. “Since my first day on campus, I’ve never regretted coming here,” Lucero said. “I have free range to express my views and I’m so happy I’ve found my people! We have similar passions and there’s a lot of energy in the discussions we have as we bounce ideas off each other.” 

His Jessup education is equipping him to learn new information, explore advanced ideas and gain fresh perspectives. But what stands out most is the community he’s part of. “At Jessup, I’m getting rigorous academics coupled with the ability to see how people live biblical lives. There’s lots of learning that takes place, but what makes it unique are the people I’m learning with and from.” 

As a commuter student, Lucero enjoys spending time with his professors. “I didn’t expect the faculty to be so welcoming,” he said. “I think of them as giants of intellectual theology. I’m over at their offices so much, I would’ve expected them to turn me away. Instead, they make time for me and appreciate my input. I feel welcomed whether I’m there to borrow books, ask questions or just to check in.”

Lucero facilitates a Spiritual Formation Group (SFG) on campus called Fellowship in Theology and Church History. “We focus on a specific figure of church history and reflect on their biggest contribution to Christian theology and discuss its benefits and potential deficiencies. I enjoy this time with other students because these discussions help to spur us on in our faith.” One of his favorite classes was contemporary theology that helped him understand that church history hasn’t ended and is still making an impact today. 

When he’s not studying and keeping up his 4.0 grade point average, Lucero works in the admissions office processing transcripts, helping out in the welcome center and answering phones. A tireless scholar in the grand library of life, Lucero graduates next year and plans to pursue his master’s degree and doctorate to later become a full-time professor teaching historical theology.

Swann certainly made the most of her college years, engaging in experiences to grow spiritually. Her first student worker position was in the Career Services office where she helped students develop resumes, cover letters and take career-related assessments. She also managed social media and events. “The experience helped me identify and pursue many of the qualities I apply to my leadership skills,” she said. Swann originally declared psychology as her major but changed to Christian leadership.

Also serving as Jessup’s local outreach intern, Swann planned events and advised students to better understand the importance of developing a lifetime of service. “Helping students live out their faith in acts of service was so inspiring to me,” Swann said. “It opened my eyes to working in full-time ministry.” 

Crediting her professors for pouring into her to stretch and build her faith, Swann especially enjoyed her leadership courses. “One of the main takeaways I’ve learned from my classes is to be a healthy leader, you have to be healthy yourself,” the Loma Rica native said. “I’ve learned a lot about myself which has been really impactful.”

Recognizing her passion for ministry, and the impact her high school youth group had on her, Swann jumped at the opportunity to assist Bridgeway Christian Church where she interned with their high school ministry team. Building relationships with over 100 students each week, Swann has an optimistic outlook. “I notice most of the kids in our group really want to be there. It’s so encouraging to see a younger generation that wants to grow strong in their faith.”

During her senior year, she took on a brand new role with campus ministries serving as the inaugural women’s discipleship intern. In this highly social role, Swann worked hard to build relationships with female students, getting to know them on a more personal level, while providing encouragement and guidance along their spiritual walk. “It’s so important to have good theological conversations with people your own age,” she said. “I wanted to be able to create a safe space for girls to get together to be themselves and build genuine relationships. I’ve always been considered the ‘counselor’ type of friend or the one to look to for advice. I love helping people and have a gift for listening to them as well.”

Attending Jessup also cultivated her love for missions. Last summer she was part of the Middle East missions team that provided ministry and administrative assistance at a local library, helped with children’s programming, put on a conference for local educators and ministered in the community. “These experiences helped me recognize that Jesus has given me His eyes to see people how He sees them, which gives me a greater ability to love others.” 

In similar fashion, Lowery has continued his desire to excel academically, making the dean’s list every semester since transferring to Jessup in the fall of 2021. “Paying attention and asking clarifying questions on course material has helped me excel, but it isn’t everything,” he said. “I was taught to be studious, but I was also taught to value my hobbies, job, and community. I attribute my academic success to a balanced social schedule and my desire to be the best student I can be.” When he isn’t studying or involved with friends on campus, Lowery tends to head to the gym or work part-time at a local fast food restaurant.

Declaring a biology major, Lowery gravitated to the sciences. “For some reason, science comes naturally to me,” he said. “I really enjoy anatomy and physiology and learning medical terminology.” Passionate about researching how the human body works, Lowery excelled in his anatomy and physiology course. “Dr. Stubblefield is such a great teacher. He is interactive with the class, making the material easy to understand.” It wasn’t long after taking the course that Lowery became Stubblefield’s teaching assistant for the same course where he graded papers and found reviewing tests helpful for reinforcing material he learned previously.  

Jessup’s Biopsychology course also impacted Lowery’s educational experience, particularly due to the opportunity to learn while working with cadavers, a highly unusual opportunity in an undergraduate college setting. “Being in the lab with a cadaver gives you a sense of humility and reverence that is hard to describe,” he said. “It is very engaging and intriguing to be able to learn in this capacity.”

Lowery has benefitted from the personalized learning he receives at Jessup. “Not only are our facilities and labs nice, our faculty are so knowledgeable and accessible,” he said. “For example, Dr. Trowbridge is a professor and practicing medical doctor who brings so much on-the-job experience to class. She even hosts “lunch bunch” meetings in the cafe encouraging students to come and discuss course concepts they might find challenging or want to know more about. By far, having a good close relationship with teachers has been helpful to my quality of learning here at Jessup.” 

Continuing his strong work ethic, Morales persevered to achieve his goals. In addition to taking a full load of coursework, his weekend routine meant commuting at 5 a.m. to Sacramento to work 30 hours at Starbucks, his employer for the past five years. “I have a strict routine and know what it means to get up early, stay late or pick up an extra shift if they need me, and still make time to study,” he said. Morales also continued to earn excellent grades while achieving top honors on the dean’s list.

No stranger to hard work, Morales excelled in Jessup’s aviation program, earning his private pilot’s license in just 57 hours compared to 76, the national average. “I knew I wanted to be a pilot, even when I was 17, playing varsity baseball in high school,” he said. Morales compares the dedication he serves with now to what he remembered as a ball player. “In some respects, being in this program is akin to being an athlete. Athletes train everyday, I study everyday, and need to have good focus as well as organization and time management skills.” 

Challenged to be the first pilot in his family, Morales’ grandfather worked on the first Boeing 747 prototype, and his father worked for American Airlines as a flight attendant. As a young boy traveling with his dad, he was intrigued by the idea of landing in vastly different places within hours and having the opportunity to learn about various cultures and worldviews. 

While most would consider aviation academically rigorous, Morales rose to the challenge. “Maybe it’s because I love flying, but I really enjoyed all my coursework. Aviation law was strenuous, and learning aerodynamics had its challenges, but there is a lot of support and camaraderie among faculty and students in the program.” With his coursework under his belt, Morales currently spends much of his time completing required flight hours to obtain his commercial pilots license to meet the demands of a profession experiencing a severe shortage of trained pilots.

Morales acknowledges what his journey has taught him. “I have to remember where I come from,” he said. “Working hard to earn my education as a Hispanic male has taught me to be proud of my accomplishments and to never give up. No matter who you are, or where you are from, with hard work and faith, you can have success tenfold. I’m so thankful for all the support I’ve been given.”

When asked to describe his reaction the first time he piloted a plane, Morales said, “There is no greater feeling than being the pilot in command. Realizing you are responsible for the aircraft, doing maneuvers, in charge of power or the bank angle, it can become overwhelming when you realize you have the ability to do this so you have to stay in control. It just goes to show you what hard work can do and overall – to know that if you have a dream, you can make it happen.”

That’s when Buitrago learned about Jessup’s Upward Bound scholarship, a scholarship aimed at helping students from challenging circumstances who demonstrate financial need or might not otherwise have funding or the ability to attend college. “If it weren’t for the scholarship, I wouldn’t be at Jessup,” she said.

Passionate about deepening her relationship with Christ, Buitrago appreciates Jessup’s faith integrated curriculum. “When I first came to campus, I knew right away that Jessup was the University for me. I liked the opportunity to be part of a faith-based campus community where prayer, biblical truth, chapel and growing in Christ is a priority. Growing my faith is the most important thing to me.”

As a psychology major, Buitrago is drawn to the field largely due to challenges her family encountered with mental health. “My experiences have given me a lot of compassion for those who are suffering with mental illness. Fortunately for us, navigating the impact of mental illness actually helped our family grow closer, but for many, that’s not the case.” 

After graduation, she anticipates working on the criminal side of psychology, perhaps one day doing behavioral analysis work for the FBI. “The experiences I’ve had growing up motivate me for what I want to do in the future.”

Buitrago also is part of Jessup’s concert choir performing at local churches and events. The group also joins the University Choir and Orchestra at the Celebrate Christmas concerts in the fall and the Night of Classics concerts in the spring, giving the opportunity for these young women to experience both a small group feel where they can be trained and also have the experience of performing upper-level repertoire with full instrumentation.

someone to look to, if I were gone,” she said. “I realized this was Jesus calling me back to Him. I found a local church where my family attended the next Sunday. After the service, the pastor’s wife came up to us and introduced herself. It was from that moment on that we gave our lives to Christ.”

Six months after Heinrick’s diagnosis, her mother received a cancer diagnosis, unfortunately, losing her battle in January of 2021. “As I was caring for her during her final moments, I was able to comfort and introduce her to Christ. It was the most powerful moment in my life letting my mother know she need not be afraid because Jesus was waiting for her. She died knowing Christ, and at peace.” 

Not long after her mother’s passing, Heinricks sensed God calling her to become a nurse. “I know it sounds strange but cancer gave me the opportunity to pursue nursing,” she said. “When my mom went on hospice care, I knew nursing was my calling.”

A recipient of five scholarships, Heinricks saw God working in all aspects of her journey to Jessup. “Receiving the scholarships was an affirmation of my calling. For me, it solidified that I heard God’s call accurately and that I am doing the right thing.” Without assistance from these much needed scholarships, Heinricks may not have been able to attend. 

For the past 15 years, Heinricks worked in the administrative side of the healthcare industry as a program coordinator for trauma patients at Kaiser. With a bachelor’s degree in health science under her belt, she credits her prior experience in preparing her for the academic rigor first semester nursing students face. 

As part of the diverse, tight-knit 29-member inaugural nursing cohort, she put it this way, “We are competitive, but very supportive of one another. We spend a lot of time together. If we aren’t in class or clinicals, we are studying together. We want to see everyone do their best and we celebrate our wins together.”

Having the opportunity to train in Jessup’s state-of-the-art simulation labs is another bonus. “We have an amazing learning environment here on campus,” she said. “I am convinced that our cohort is going to make some of the best nurses out there. I have friends in other nursing programs and when we compare notes, I recognize the top-notch, faith-based education I’m getting here.”

A strong believer in prayer, Heinricks appreciates the opportunity to freely pray for and support her classmates. “We pray for each other and often integrate our faith into so much of what we are learning in class,” she said. “Bringing prayer to nursing care is another level of caregiving, especially since prayer is so essential to healing.”