Becky Campbell, B.A. music ’07 and M.A. education ’12, completed her master’s degree at Chapman’s College of Educational Studies in December. Devin Chang, B.S. business administration ’05, and Michelle Medeiros, B.S. accounting and business administration ’09, got engaged in October with plans to marry in 2014.
Working with Betty White on her NBC show is as amazing as he imagined, says Matt Jekowsky ’12.
Life with Betty By Sarah Van Zanten ’11
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hat could be better than working with one of the greatest television actresses of our time? “Nothing,” said Matt Jekowsky ’12, who is building on the skills he developed at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts in his new job as a production assistant for NBC’s Betty White’s Off Their Rockers. During his senior year and after graduation Jekowsky worked at a marketing agency but stayed in touch with friend Jamie Reiff ’11, when the two collaborated on projects. One day Reiff called Jekowsky to offer him a position with the show. “At first, I had to say no,” explained Jekowsky. “I was really excelling at the agency, but I loved working with Jamie.” After some coaxing, he finally said yes, deciding that “it was just great timing — the perfect opportunity to try something new.” Working with White is as amazing as he imagined. “She is unbelievable. You can truly see the love and passion she has, and that is why she has enjoyed doing what she does for so long,” he said. His favorite day of work was the episode with Gangnam Style sensation Psy on set. “Seeing Psy do his dance was definitely the highlight.” he said. Jekowsky confirms, “Betty White really is America’s Grandma.”
Tracy Clifton, BFA theatre and dance ’02, married Michael Andrew Pierce in a children’s book-themed wedding Oct. 20 at The Vineyards in Simi Valley, Calif. Chapman alumni in attendance included April Wade, BFA theatre and dance ’03; Lira Kellerman, BFA theatre and dance ’02; Kristin Quinn, BFA theatre and dance ’03; Shaun-Mathieu Smith, BFA theatre and dance ’01; and Kristy Chavez, BFA theatre and dance ’01. The bride was walked down the aisle by Alyssa Bradac, daughter of Professor Tom Bradac. Jeff Cole, BFA film and television production ’01, was hired as a producer at Chapman University’s Panther Productions. He serves on the Chapman University Alumni Association Board of Directors. Colin Druce-McFadden, B.A. theatre and dance ’05, got engaged to Katie Chadwick. The couple plan to marry in summer 2014. Colin recently published a novel, The Unshorn Thread, which he describes as fantasy mixed with steampunk. He began the first drafts of what ultimately became the novel in an undergraduate creative writing class at Chapman with Professor James P. Blaylock. The Unshorn Thread is the first in a planned trilogy and can be found on Amazon.com. F Chris Eggleton, B.A. economics and B.S. business administration '02, and Melissa (Powell) Eggleton, B.A. sociology '01, have been living in Park City, Utah, with their three children
(Bennett, 3, Zach, 8, and Jacquelyn, 5) for the past eight years. Chris started a hotel management company that operates Newpark Resort & Hotel. Melissa is a full-time mom and is actively engaged with the local school system, volunteering at both the public elementary school and as an administrator for the Shining Stars School. G Brittney Fowler, B.A. English and journalism ’07, married Matthew Fink at the Turnip Rose in Newport Beach, Calif., on Nov. 11. Alumni in attendance included Mary Plummer, B.A. English and journalism ’07, and Alborz Kamalizad, BFA film production ’09.
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Jackie (Newman) Gandenberger, B.A. sociology ’08, married Guy Gandenberger in August 2011 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in San Jose. The couple live in San Jose, where Jackie is a production control planner at Micrel Semiconductor Inc. and also works as a travel agent for Ticket to Travel and JusCollege. Jeremy Gantz, BFA film production ’04, was nominated for an American Cinema Editors (ACE) Eddie Award in the Best Edited Non-Scripted Series category. This is Jeremy’s third consecutive nomination. He won in 2011 for his work on the MTV program If You Really Knew Me. He is nominated this year for his work on A&E’s Beyond Scared Straight. Angela Guajardo, B.A. public relations/advertising ’08, and Andy Armstrong, B.S. business administration ’08, got engaged in December.
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Bernadette (Zita) Guerrero, BFA theatre performance ’07, married Damien Guerrero in October in Corona del Mar, Calif. The couple are expecting a baby boy in March. Tianna (Avalos) Haradon, BFA theatre and dance ’01, was recently promoted to assistant to the assistant vice president in University Advancement at Chapman.
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