2023 Commencement Program

Dear Parents, Students, and Friends

Commencement does not merely celebrate a capstone of educational achievement but the commissioning of men and women into a world that desperately needs them.

Scripture reminds us that society progresses from bad to worse (2 Tim. 3:13), moral confusion is ever rampant (Rom. 1:18-32), the need for the light of Christ and the gospel are perpetually present (Eph. 5:14), and the demand for truth in the church is as high as ever (1 Tim. 3:15).

Graduation from The Master’s University marks those who not merely have competence in a variety of disciplines but who champion Christ in all things, subjecting every thought and all of life to the lordship of Christ and Scripture. This is the result of prayerful and sacrificial parents, a tireless faculty, dedicated staff, and a campus community that has not only worked to invest the truth in the next generation but to give one another their own lives (cf. 1 Thess. 2:8). All of this is a result of our faithful God who saved us by the death and resurrection of His Son, called us with the highest calling, brought us together, and has provided for us every single day of our existence.

The moment of graduation reflects the masterpiece of His faithfulness. May we remember these truths as we send out another generation to champion Christ and Scripture. This world may have tribulation, but Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33) and has sent us out to be those who witness to and worship Him (Acts 1:8; Heb. 13:13). May those graduating be men and women who continually offer praise to God and confess the name of Christ in every area of life as they go forth (Heb. 13:15). On behalf of The Master’s University, thank you for joining us in celebrating His sovereign goodness.

DR. ABNER CHOU President

The faculty of The Master’s University considers it a great privilege and responsibility to teach at this institution. One of the most important aspects of that privilege is the extraordinary collegiality enjoyed by the faculty. Faculty members at The Master’s University are friends and partners in a mission, not competitors. As a consequence of this unusual relationship, the retirement of such a colleague leaves a notable void.

Successive faculty members take up the academic mantle and add their own personality, but each departing colleague leaves something distinctive that can never quite be replaced. Each retiree will be missed.

The board of directors, administration, and faculty of The Master’s University wish to express appreciation to these fellow educators for their investment in the lives of hundreds of students and thankfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ for their contributions to His kingdom.

DR. JOSEPH FRANCIS

Years of Service: 2002 - 2023

School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health

DR. ROSS ANDERSON

Years of Service: 1998 - 2023

School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health

DR. RUTA BLOOMFIELD

Years of Service: 1997 - 2023

Paul T. Plew School of Music

During TMU’s long and storied history, God has faithfully provided men and women who arrive at a strategic time to meet a strategic need. Among them are two outstanding members of our board who provided many years of wise counsel, leadership, earned expertise, and resources for us to continue in our shared mission to invest in the lives of our students. We wish to honor these men.

BRAD WETHERALL

Years of Service: 2015 - 2021

Known for his magnanimous nature, Mr. Wetherall was instrumental in helping The Master’s University maintain financial integrity during challenging times through his insight earned by years of experience in the banking industry. In like manner, his generosity in time and commitment to TMU’s mission also expressed itself in leading the Development Office and initiating and overseeing the annual TMU golf tournaments.

DAVID WISMER

Years of Service: 1993 - 2023

Dr. Wismer believes strongly in the importance of Christian higher education. And in his service to The Master’s University, he has been influential in capital campaigns, the recruitment of faculty, and as chair of the board’s committee for academics. This belief is especially highlighted in his love and support for our students through generous scholarships, including future educators in the Pearl C. Shaffer School of Education.

with th A nks from t he m A ster ’ s u niversity A n D the b o A r D of D irectors

MAY 5, 2023

DR. ABNER CHOU, PRESIDING

PROCESSIONAL MARCH

Pomp and Circumstance, No 1 • Elgar

The Master’s University String Ensemble

WELCOME

INVOCATION

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN

Dr. Mitch Hopewell

Brad Armstrong

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Led by Dr. Don Hedges • Prof. Ben Mason, Accompanist

The Master’s University String Ensemble

SPECIAL MUSIC

How Great Thou Art • arr. Dan Forrest

Led by Dr. Paul Plew

The Master’s University Chorale and String Ensemble

PRESIDENTIAL CHARGE

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

CONFERRING OF DEGREES

PRESENTATION of GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023

PRAYER OF BENEDICTION

CLOSING REMARKS

RECESSIONAL MARCH

Dr. Abner Chou

Dr. Grant Horner

Dr. Mitch Hopewell

Dr. Abner Chou

Dr. Mitch Hopewell

Prof. Ben Mason, Keyboardist

DR. ABNER CHOU

President

BRAD ARMSTRONG

Chairman, Board of Directors

DR. GRANT HORNER

Professor of English, Renaissance, and Reformation

DR. MITCH HOPEWELL

Provost and Dean, School of Online Education

DR. THOMAS HALSTEAD

Dean, School of Biblical Studies

DR. JOHN BECK

Dean, School of Business & Communication

DR. JORDAN MORTON

Dean, Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education

DR. GREGG FRAZER

Dean, John P. Stead School of Humanities

DR. DON HEDGES

Dean, Paul T. Plew School of Music

DR. JOSEPH FRANCIS

Dean, School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father There is no shadow of turning with Thee Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow Blessings all mine with 10,000 beside

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

DR. THOMAS HALSTEAD

Dean, School of Biblical Studies

Professor of New Testament and Greek

B.S., M.S., California State University, Northridge

M.Div., Talbot Theological Seminary

Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University

Joined TMU in 1985

For about 38 years I have been the academic chair (and now dean) of the School of Biblical Studies. It has been a distinct privilege to oversee this school. In our undergraduate department, we have six different emphases ranging from languages and theology to biblical counseling, global studies, and Christian education. We also have graduate programs in biblical studies and biblical counseling. Over the years, our school has seen more than 35 graduating classes with approximately 1,600 Bible undergraduates, plus hundreds of MABC and MABS graduates, walking across the stage to receive their diplomas. There have been some exceptional students in these graduating classes who have gone on to become pastors, biblical counselors, Christian educators, missionaries, and even a university president (Abner Chou). This year is no exception; we have some terrific students who will make a significant impact in the world for Christ. We are excited to see what God will do with these new graduates. May our Lord richly bless you all.

BLAKE ADKINS

Cottonwood, CA

MARK BASSETT •••

Pasadena, CA

MAGGIE BOGGAN ••

Bothell, WA

DONALD CARR

Granada Hills, CA

DANIEL CASTAÑEDA

Visalia, CA

DORIS CHUNG •••

Bellevue, WA

JUSTIN TANNER DAUGHERTY

Girard, PA

WAYNE FRANK D e VILLIERS

Soldotna, AK

JULIE MARIE D e VORE

Littlerock, CA

LAN DONG

Dallas, TX

JENNIFER GLADDEN DRAKE •••

Benton, AZ

HANNAH MARIE FULLER

Ketchum, ID

KYLE JENISON

Montgomery, TX

CHRISTOPHER KOGA

Torrance, CA

SARAH ELIZABETH LOWERY •••

Oceanside, CA

TITO D e SIQUEIRA LYRO

Tacoma, WA

MARAN ADELE M c LEOD

Los Angeles, CA

DAVID M. PEDERSON

White Bear Lake, MN

JOE PETRONE ••

San Clemente, CA

ADAM J. SANCHEZ

Pismo Beach, CA

ROBERT SIDLO

Roseburg, OR

TRACI ELLEN SIMANDLE

Camarillo, CA

MARIANA VERA STOUFFER

Alexandria, VA

YAWEN TIAN

Qingdao, China

JENNIFER LOUISE TRIPP

San Antonio, TX

TIMOTHY JOHN VAN WINGERDEN

Wakeman, OH

CRISTINA VILLALBA CISNEROS

Quito, Ecuador

BRIAN DONALD WIPPERMANN

Newcastle, CA

CHUNXIN ZHANG

Clifton Park, NY

JAMES D. AUSTIN

Bell Gardens, CA

MATTHEW AUXT •••

Westminster, MD

JOHN ROBERT AZAM

Andrews, TX

EVAN MATTHEW BANKS

San Clemente, CA

RICHARD JOEL BAUTISTA

Camarillo, CA

BREAUNA ALEXI BOYD

Lancaster, CA

JACLYN NICOLE CLEEK

Salida, CA

CHRISTOPHER COPLEY

Novelty, OH

JOSE LUIS CORTINA

Miami, FL

CHRISTIAN KENZO HEDLAND

Torrance, CA

MATTHEW JOSEPH TURKINGTON

Nowalk, IA

DONALD RAY WENTWORTH ••

Olympia, WA

AKANI SIMON CASEY HLUNGWANE •••

Faerie Glen, South Africa

ANDREW H. HOPKINS

Castro Valley, CA

JEFF J. KATT

Rio Rancho, NM

KEN KISTLER •••

Santa Clarita, CA

JOSHUA NELSON

Bozeman, MT

MARC ORTIZ

Castaic, CA

SONYA PARHAM

Upper Falls, MD

BLANCA ARCELY AGUILA •••

Canyon Country, CA

B.A., Christian Ministries**

RILEY JAMES ALLEN

Bakersfield, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Languages

JARED BAILEY •••

Manassas, VA

B.A., Biblical Studies*

ELIZABETH BAIRD

Kingsville, TX

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling**

JONATHAN G. BALENTINE

San Gabriel, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies**

ISAAC B. D. BATES •••

Jonesborough, IL

B.A., Biblical Counseling

JAMES PHILIP BENEDICT •••

Cortez, CO

B.A., Biblical Studies***

ETHAN BOEKER

Acton, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies*

BETHANY BOLEN

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies***

ELIZABETH BRADLEY

Mount Shasta, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling***

CHRISTOPHER BUCZINSKI •••

Castaic, CA

B.A., Christian Ministries

JANET ROSE CANEPA

Allentown, PA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Theology

ELDA STEPHANIE CANTRELL

Guadalajara, Mexico

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling

JUSTIN T. CLAUSEN

Marina, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies

GRACE ESTHER CRENSHAW

Rough and Ready, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling**

JOHN RAY DENLER

Pekin, IL

B.A., Biblical Counseling

WILL STEPHEN DIETERICH

Fort Worth, TX

B.A., Biblical Studies**

ELI CALEB ECKMAN •••

Butler, PA

B.A., Biblical Studies***

AMANDA ESQUEDA

San Fernando, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling

MITCHELL FELICIANO

Merrillville, IN

B.A., Biblical Studies***

LAURA ELIZABETH FIZELL

Saint Petersburg, FL

B.A., Biblical Studies**

ZACH GAREY

Boise, ID

B.A., Biblical Studies**

CAMRYN GELFO •••

Sun Valley, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling

GRACE JEANNETTE GREENE

Laurel, MD

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling

KARINA GRIJALVA •••

Granada Hills, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling*

ELIZABETH ANNE HAWKES

Fresno, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling**

MICHAEL JOSEPH HILL

Downey, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies

M a KENZIE KNOTTS

Huntsville, AL

B.A., Biblical Counseling**

KAEDON BRYANT LUCAS ••

Chowchilla, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies

LUKE STEPHEN MAYCUMBER

Flagstaff, AZ

B.A., Biblical Studies: Theology*

LYDIA GRACE MAYER

Bakersfield, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies***

JOSHUA JAMES M c CONNELL

Rugby, England

B.A., Biblical Studies: Theology

CALEB EINAR MILLER

Albert Lea, MN

B.A., Christian Ministries***

JACOB MILLER

Carriere, MS

B.A., Biblical Studies: Theology

JOHNSON MUBIRU

Uganda

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Languages*

ALYSSA NACHFOERG •••

Canyon Country, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling

COALTON CLARK PATTERSON

Piedmont, OK

B.A., Biblical Counseling**

CLAIRE BAYLIE SUE PAYNE

Sequim, WA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling**

EZEKIEL MATTHEW PERRY

Cortez, CO

B.A., Biblical Studies**

MARIA PRITCHARD •••

Marrietta, GA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Theology***

ANGEL DANIEL PUPPO ••

Miami, FL

B.A., Biblical Studies

JOSEPH MICHAEL PURTELL

Yorba Linda, CA

B.A., Biblical Counseling

JOSEPH EMMANUEL ROLDAN ••

Covina, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies*

ROMAN SAWARD •••

San Diego, CA

B.A., Christian Ministries*

KATELYN SCHOENEKASE

Parker, TX

B.A., Biblical Studies

ISABELLE GRACE SCHWEITZER ••

Christoval, TX

B.A., Biblical Studies***

MICAH PHILIP SMITH •••

Adrian, MN

B.A., Biblical Studies

KEILAH SOMMER

Seattle, WA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling***

STEPHEN JOEL STRIPLING •••

Stockbridge, GA

B.A., Biblical Studies

TAYLOR ALEXA SWANTEK •••

Genoa, NE

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling

JOEL TIMOTHY SWARTZ

Bakersfield, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies***

ASHLEY CAMILLA VARGAS

Stevinson, CA

B.A., Christian Ministries

JUANITA VELEZ SANIN

Medellin, Colombia

B.A., Biblical Studies***

TYLER WEGER

Virginia Beach, VA

B.A., Biblical Studies**

CHLOE M. WELDON •••

Centerville, TX

B.A., Biblical Counseling**

BRENDEN WENTWORTH

Rancho Cordova, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Theology

SEQUOIA WILCOX

Bakersfield, CA

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling***

RYAN M. WILLIAMS

Newfane, NY

B.A., Christian Ministries

SANTIAGO ZAPATA MONCADA

Somerset, NJ

B.A., Biblical Studies

DR. JOHN BECK

Dean, School of Business & Communication

Associate Professor of Communication and Business

B.S., Ohio University

M.A., University of Southern California

Ed.D., University of Southern California

Joined TMU in 2008

Serving as dean of the School of Business & Communication affords me the privilege of seeing God at work through our world-class faculty and administration. Our departments grant degrees in business administration, marketing media, communication, sport management, and entrepreneurship. These pre-professional programs equip marketplace ministers to proclaim Christ through unquestioned professional excellence. Our goals are to impart a biblical mindset, develop the relational skills of gospel ambassadors, and empower leaders who reflect Christ in their lives and ministries.

m A ster of b usiness A D ministr A tion

ALEXIS ACOSTA

Denton, TX

LANA CHEA

Tustin, CA

AYLIN FERNANDEZ

Los Angeles, CA

ANTHONY MARCO GHIORSO

Meridian, ID

VANESSA LYNN HAYNES ••

Maple Ridge, BC Canada

JOHN AUSTIN HOGG

Baton Rouge, LA

TYLER DUSTIN KERT •••

Cashmere, WA

KATE LAWRENCE ••

Scottsdale, AZ

MASON MADALINSKI

Newhall, CA

OLIVIA M c GEE

Bakersfield, CA

JOHNNY M c WILLIAMS JR.

San Marcos, CA

BRETT NORKUS

Simi Valley, CA

JORDAN KYLE STARR

San Diego, CA

CHRISTIAN RILEY SWEAZIE

Stirling, VA

BRANDON JOSEPH TAYLOR •••

Pepperell, MA

AMANDA MARIE ABIDIN

Canyon Country, CA

B.A., Marketing Media**

LULU MARIE-ELIZABETH

ANTARIKSA

Valencia, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Management***

RACHEL ARNESON

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Marketing Media***

GRACE ATKINSON

Manila, Philippines

B.A., Communication: Cinema & Digital Arts***

STEVEN BARRERA

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Communication: Journalism

BRANDON ROBERT BOTDORF

Thousand Oaks, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Management

MITCHELL DENNIS BRILEY

Chino Hills, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance

CHANDLER ELISE BROWN •••

Granada Hills, CA

B.A., Communication: Creative Writing & Publishing*

SAVANNA GRACE BROWN

San Jose, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Public Relations*

RYLIE ANN BURGETT

Morgan Hill, CA

B.A., Communication Studies***

NATALIE BURKS

Kalaheo, HI

B.A., Marketing Media*

ASHLEY KAREN BUSENITZ

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Marketing Media**

ARIANA CAMPOS L e FORT •••

Pico Rivera, CA

B.A., Communication: Cinema & Digital Arts**

JOSHUA CARRINGTON JR.

Colorado Springs, CO

B.S., Business Administration: Marketing

WILLIAM CAYLOR •••

Parker, CO

B.A., Communication

JOSHUA CERVANTES

Santa Clarita, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance & Marketing

DANIEL ROBIN WAI SUM CHOW

Rugby, United Kingdom

B.S., Business Administration: Finance***

NATALIE G. COLLINS

Merced, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Management

HENRY COOK

Burbank, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Marketing

EVA SUSAN CRAW

Bakersfield, CA

B.A., Communication Studies

JACK STEPHEN D e MAYO

Lee's Summit, MO

B.S., Business Administration: Marketing*

JACK THOMAS DUDECK •••

Fargo, ND

B.S., Business Administration: Finance

RUBY DUNCAN

Newhall, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance

ZACHARIAH EHLEN •••

Santa Clarita, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance & Management

JARED ENGLISH

Manteca, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Accounting

MATTHEW KENNETH EVANS

Maple Valley, WA

B.A., Sport Management

RYAN CHRISTOPHER FOOKS

Bakersfield, CA

B.A., Marketing Media

SCOTT FRENCH

Redlands, CA

B.A., Marketing Media

ADRIEL GARCIA SADLER

North Vancouver, BC Canada

B.S., Business Administration: Management

B.A., Entrepreneurship

BENJAMIN TODD GIESBRECHT

Oberlin, OH

B.S., Business Administration: Management

BROOKE ASHTON GUNNING

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Communication: Speech Communication

JAMES PHILIP HAMORY •••

Lancaster, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Accounting***

VANESSA LYNN HAYNES •••

Maple Ridge, BC Canada

B.S., Business Administration: Accounting & Finance

JEFFREY HEIMEL •••

Great Falls, MT

B.S., Business Administration: Management*

MARIAH KRISTAL HILDEBRANDT

Three Hills, Canada

B.S., Business Administration: Management***

TREVOR STERLING HOFF

Santa Clarita, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Management

CHLOE BEA JOHNSON

Camarillo, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance***

BRINT ETHAN DAVID LAUBACH

Palmdale, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance & Management**

BEKAH ABIGAIL LEMUS

Los Angeles, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Management

ABBY LINN

Mariposa, CA

B.A., Marketing Media

GAVIN MICAH LLOYD •••

Gilbert, AZ

B.S., Business Administration: Marketing

COURTNEY LOTZ

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Marketing Media

COLTON LOW

Federal Way, WA

B.S., Business Administration: Accounting & Finance***

ANDREW M ac ARTHUR

Newhall, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance

RYAN JOSEPH MARTIN

Simi Valley, CA

B.A., Marketing Media

CHRISTOPHER A. M c KEE

San Juan Capistrano, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Management

MELANIE MEDINA

Pico Rivera, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance & Management

ISAAC METHUM

Santa Rosa, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Accounting***

JENNA LEIGH MILINICH

Visalia, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Marketing & Public Relations

RYAN MILLER

Mesa, AZ

B.S., Business Administration: Marketing

HANNAH GRACE MITCHELL

Venice, FL

B.A., Entrepreneurship***

EZRA CECIL MOORE

Newhall, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Marketing

ALEXYS NUNEZ

Fresno, CA

B.A., Communication: Journalism**

REAGAN MAKOA PARKER

Chandler, AZ

B.S., Business Administration: Finance

JOSIAH AARON PENBERTHY

Clovis, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Marketing

ABIGAIL GRACE PERKINS

Yucaipa, CA

B.A., Communication**

NOEMY PORTILLO •••

Panorama City, CA

B.A., Communication: Cinema & Digital Arts*

GRACE M. PRECIADO

Lake View Terrace, CA

B.A., Communication: Cinema & Digital Arts*

KAILEE PRICE

Caldwell, ID

B.A., Marketing Media**

LUKE SAMUEL RASTGUELENIAN •

Valencia, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance

TIMOTHY ALEX RITZ

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Marketing Media

RIEZLE ANNE TUAZON RIVERA

Laguna Niguel, CA

B.A., Marketing Media

CAMERON ROBERTS

Chandler, AZ

B.S., Business Administration: Management

BRETT S. ROELOFFS

Arroyo Grande, CA

B.A., Entrepreneurship

AIDAN D. ROHDE •••

Templeton, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Management*

DANIEL RUSH

Santa Clarita, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance***

GURGEN SAHAKYAN

Sun Valley, CA

B.A., Communication**

RINA ABIGAIL SANTIAGO

CASTELLANOS

Santa Barbara, CA

B.S., Business Administration: International Business**

TREVOR MACKENZIE SECOR

Santa Clarita, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Accounting***

LORIANA SHEAFFER

Mount Airy, NC

B.A., Marketing Media

MATEO SOLANO ZATARAIN

Guadalajara, Mexico

B.S., Business Administration: International Business

CATALINA JO SONNENBURG

Newhall, CA

B.A., Communication Studies

CAMDEN JOSEPH SPECHT

Nashville, TN

B.A., Communication: Creative Writing & Publishing**

MARK RUSSELL SPENCER

Ventura, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Management

CADEN STARR

San Diego, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance**

DARIUS STOICA

Riverside, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Management

SKYLAR GRACE SWANTEK

Genoa, NE

B.A., Communication Studies**

GEORGE TYLER TADDIE IV

San Jose, CA

B.A., Communication

JEREMIAH TURLEY

Inglewood, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance & Management

RACHEL UTAMA

Palmdale, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Accounting & Finance**

OLEKSANDR VAKULIN

Vallejo, CA

B.A., Organizational Management

JOSHUA VARNELL

Murrieta, CA

B.A., Communication Studies

CADE WALKER

Tempe, AZ

BA., Sport Management*

WILLIAM WATSON

San Ramon, CA

B.S., Business Administration: Finance & International Business & Management*

CALEB JAMES WELCH

Westfield, IN

B.S., Business Administration: Management

ADAM WHITNEY

Porterville, CA

B.A., Communication: Cinema & Digital Arts

KASSIDY WILSON

Kingsburg, CA

B.A., Communication

DANIEL WRAGG

Nokomis, FL

B.S., Business Administration: Accounting & Finance & Management

ISAAC D. WRAGG

Tequesta, FL

B.S., Business Administration: Management

SARAH WRAGG

Venice, FL

B.A., Marketing Media

DR. JORDAN MORTON

Dean, Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education

Associate Professor of Education

B.A., University of Oregon

M.Ed., Grand Canyon University

Ph.D., Walden University

Joined TMU in 2013

I am privileged to serve as dean of the Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education. With two bachelor’s degree programs in liberal studies, two post-bachelor teaching credential programs, and (in partnership with the School of Online Learning) an online master’s degree program, our school is well-suited to carry out our mission “to equip and empower effective educators.” Our graduates are in demand, recruited to carry out their calling to serve students and families in public, charter and private schools locally, in other states, and around the world. We are so excited to see where the Lord calls this class of graduates and how He will use them to build His kingdom. Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

EVAN D e 'SHAWN JENKINS ••

Los Angeles, CA

HANNAH JOY LAUBACH

Palmdale, CA

CLARIZE MALONEY ••

Pretoria, South Africa

GRACE COLLINS

Seattle, WA

B.A., Liberal Studies

FAITH A. ELLMS

Tehachapi, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies: Teacher Education***

RAQUEL GODINEZ •••

Delano, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies: Teacher Education*

TYLER GRODELL

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies

AMBER JIMENEZ

Moorpark, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies**

BROOKE MEGAN MILAM

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies: Teacher Education***

MICHAEL NACHFOERG •••

Austria

B.A., Liberal Studies

JENNA NICOLE NOLL •••

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies

KIMBERLY RAE PAGE

Victorville, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies: Teacher Education***

JESSICA E. PENNINGTON

Colleyville, TX

B.A., Liberal Studies**

DELANEY TAYLOR PHILLIPS

Fresno, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies: Teacher Education***

HANNAH GRACE RUDD

Redlands, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies: Teacher Education

REBEKAH ELIZABETH SILLS

Riverdale, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies: Teacher Education**

JESSICA SWENNING

Kingsburg, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies

MAKENNA RILEY WALLACE

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies: Teacher Education**

KATRINA JOY WILDEN

Mount Shasta, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies: Teacher Education*

RUBY-LYNN ZHENG •••

Tehachapi, CA

B.A., Liberal Studies: Teacher Education

DR. GREGG FRAZER

Dean, John P. Stead School of Humanities

Assistant Chair, Department of History & Political Studies

Professor of History & Political Studies

B.A., Los Angeles Baptist College

M.A., California State University, Los Angeles

Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University

Joined TMU in 1988

The John P. Stead School of Humanities consists of five majors: English, history, political studies, classical liberal arts, and interdisciplinary studies. We strive to educate the whole person in human culture from a firmly biblical perspective to produce graduates who are knowledgeable, discerning, and equipped to make an impact in a wide range of careers. From St. Andrews and Duke to the University of Virginia and Harvard Law, our graduates have excelled in graduate schools. From editors to policy analysts, from professors to judges, from missionaries to financial advisers, from think tanks to human rights organizations, from the United States and Canada to Uganda and India, our graduates are making a difference. We are immensely proud of the work this evening’s graduates have done, and we have reason to believe that our graduates in this class will make similarly valuable contributions.

ABBIGAIL ELIZABETH AGHISHIAN

Duarte, CA

B.A., English***

ALIA MARGARET AHTEN

Shadow Hills, CA

B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies

WILLIAM AVERA

Fresno, CA

B.A., Political Studies: Political Theory**

PATRICK BRAYMAN

Canyon Country, CA

B.A., Political Studies: Constitutional Law

ALICIA RENEE CASTILLO

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies

NATHAN DOUGHERTY

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Political Studies: Political Theory***

RYNN MICHELLE FOREMAN

Boise, ID

B.A., English***

D.R. GREENWOOD

Merced, CA

B.A., Classical Liberal Arts

SIERRA FAITH GUTIERREZ

Palmdale, CA

B.A., English: Education*

ALFONSO JONAS HERNANDEZ

Downey, CA

B.A., Classical Liberal Arts

TAGE HERRINGTON

Anthem, AZ

B.A., History: Education**

JOSHUA DYLAN KOSINSKI

Monett, MO

B.A., Political Studies: Constitutional Law***

RAYMOND A. MATIASHOWSKI •••

Juneau, AK

B.A., Political Studies: American Politics & Political Theory

ALEXIS FAVY MENDOZA

Hacienda Heights, CA

B.A., History: Education

ALLIE MARIE METHUM

Santa Rosa, CA

B.A., Political Studies: American Politics***

MELINDA GRACE MOLLOY

Acton, CA

B.A., Classical Liberal Arts

ALYSSA ANGELA V. RAMOS

Philippines

B.A., Biblical Studies: Biblical Counseling

B.A., Classical Liberal Arts**

ELLISON ROBERTS

Chandler, AZ

B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies

MIKA CECILE SEGO

San Diego, CA

B.A., English***

NOEMI SOLANO ZATARAIN

Guadalajara, Mexico

B.A., Classical Liberal Arts**

HANNAH NICOLE WEBER

Wenatchee, WA

B.A., Classical Liberal Arts***

DR. DON HEDGES

Dean, Paul T. Plew School of Music

Professor of Music

B.S., Faith Baptist Bible College

M.M., Ph.D., Indiana University

Joined TMU in 2022

The Paul T. Plew School of Music exists to glorify Christ through passionate pursuit of musical excellence. It is a distinct privilege to celebrate the achievements of our graduates, who embody this mission, and to pray with them about how God will use their gifts and experiences to advance His cause. The class of 2023 comprises the first students to graduate after the University renamed the school in honor of its founding dean — all of whom ascribe to Dr. Plew’s motto of prioritizing “faith, family, and craft.” The Paul T. Plew School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, and offers both Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts degrees. Recent graduates are studying at prestigious music schools including the Eastman School of Music, Peabody Conservatory, the Academy of Vocal Arts, and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Alumni serve with distinction around the world as composers and arrangers, professors and teachers (in schools and studios), worship and music pastors, conductors and ensemble members, arts administrators, missionaries and church planters, producers and editors, sound designers, and audio and post production engineers. Hearty congratulations to the Paul T. Plew School of Music graduating class of 2023!

FAITH LEA BURNETT

Spearfish, SD

B.M., Vocal Performance**

RACHEL ANN COLEMAN

Mukilteo, WA

B.A., Music: Music Production

SARAH MICHELLE FRIAS

Tehachapi, CA

B.M., Education**

GRACE KATHRYN GATES

Glendale, CA

B.A., Music: Communication***

LAUREN ELIZABETH HOFFMAN

Pasadena, CA

B.M., Flute Performance***

MELANIE MACK

North Hollywood, CA

B.A., Music: Music Production

BRITTANY ASHTON MIMS

Ramona, CA

B.A., Music: Biblical Studies

MICHAEL K. MUSELER

Middleburg, South Africa

B.A., Music: Music Production

EVAN TIMOTHY ROY

Simi Valley, CA

B.A., Audio Production & Communication**

KYRIEN OLIVIA JOY SHERIDAN

Summerville, SC

B.A., Music: Music Production

BENJAMIN TODD

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Audio Production & Communication

LAINEY ELIZABETH WHITE

Santa Clarita, CA

B.M., Violin Performance

DR. THOMAS ( MITCH ) HOPEWELL

Provost & Chief Academic Officer Dean, School of Online Education

B.A., The Master’s College

M.Ed., Ed.D., Northern Arizona University

Joined TMU in 2017

The Master’s University’s commitment to serving non-traditional learners began in the 1990s with the Degree Completion Program, which later became the Center for Professional Studies. In 2015 TMU began delivering fully online degrees and today offers eight graduate and undergraduate programs, taught primarily by full-time TMU faculty and rooted in the same scriptural worldview that grounds our traditional program. I have had the honor of serving as the dean of online education since 2017 and have the privilege of seeing adult learners grow in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives as they earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees through TMU Online. I am so thankful for what the Lord is doing in our students’ lives and for the opportunity to partner with them to advance their education, without compromise. Students who attend The Master's University through the School of Online Education are listed as graduates of their respective academic discipline.

DR. JOSEPH FRANCIS

Dean, School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health Professor of Biological Science

B.S., Michigan State University

Ph.D., Wayne State University

Joined TMU in 2002

I have the privilege of being dean of the School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health. We have celebrated over 50 years of science and math education at The Master’s University and our school includes four departments: mathematics, biological and physical sciences, kinesiology, and engineering and computer science. Our biology and physical science department prepares students for the health professions, environmental sciences, and geosciences, and we have physicians, dentists, veterinarians, nurses, geologists, paleontologists, pharmacists, data scientists, bioengineers, medical researchers, and national park rangers working and serving worldwide. Many students who graduate from our kinesiology program complete advanced degrees at prestigious universities and also work in the health fields, such as occupational and physical therapy and sports medicine. Our math graduates have gone on to work in the engineering, data science, cryptography, and education fields, among many others. Graduates from our engineering and computer science department have obtained positions at Fortune 500 companies as systems engineers, analysts, computer scientists, and IT specialists. One thing is common among our graduates: a commitment to serving a creator God who displays His power in the things He has made (Romans 1). This truth provides a basis for all we do in the fields of math and science. I, along with our department chairs, look forward to seeing how our 2023 graduates will salt this world with God’s Word, love, and grace. Congratulations to the Class of 2023.

GRACE VICTORIA BEATRICE

ABENDROTH

Lancaster, MA

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy

DAVIS BRADLEY BEAVERS

Visalia, CA

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy

JORDAN BROCKMEYER

Lynden, WA

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy***

OLIVIA GRACE BUCHAN ^

Thousand Oaks, CA

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Medicine**

KATHERINE CALDWELL

Las Vegas, NV

B.A., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Exercise & Sport Science

CAIHANNAH-JANE WONG

CATABONA

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Exercise & Sport Science

NAOMI M. CHADWICK •••

Dry Ridge, KY

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy***

EMILY KATHERINE CLARK

Bakersfield, CA

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy**

MATTIE CLARK

Hickory, NC

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy

CAROLINE N. CLAUSEN

Marina, CA

B.S., Geoscience: Geology***

MARIE FAITH CONNERS

Ceres, CA

B.A., Biological Sciences: Pre-Nursing**

CALEB J. DARLING

Lucerne Valley, CA

B.S., Geoscience: Geology***

SAMUEL DAY •••

Dayton, TX

B.S., Computer Science: Computing Systems

ANTHONY D e SANTIAGO •••

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Exercise & Sport Science

JAYDEN DIETZEL

Lancaster, CA

B.S., Computer Science: Information Systems

DAVID KEITH DOUGLASS ^ •••

Puyallup, WA

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Medicine***

ALEXANDRIA JOY DUNN ^

Placentia, CA

B.S., Biological Sciences**

SAMANTHA SCHEA DYE ^

Farmington, NM

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Medicine**

KATE ELIZABETH GENTRY

Colorado Springs, CO

B.A., Biological Sciences: Pre-Nursing

DONOVAN HALE

Savannah, TX

B.S., Computer Science: Computing Systems

OWEN CHRISTOPHER HANKINSON

Westfield, IN

B.S., Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence

TATIANA CAROLINA HROMYK

San Mateo, CA

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy**

CARMAN ELIZABETH HUNT

Kitwe, Zambia

B.A., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Exercise & Sport Science*

KEVIN IIYAMA

Torrance, CA

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy

JENNA IRWIN

Frazier Park, CA

B.A., Biological Sciences: Natural History/Environmental Biology***

NAOMI JEZABEL JIMENEZ

GUEVARA ^

Phoenix, AZ

B.S., Geoscience: Environmental Science

JOANNA JOHNSON

Coimbatore, India

B.S., Computer Science: Computing Systems

B.A., Mathematics: Applied Mathematics***

GINGER GRACE KILEDJIAN

Santa Clarita, CA

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy

JACOB KIM

Spokane, WA

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Dentistry**

LOGAN KAI LAMAR ^

Kingston, WA

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Allied Health***

PRESTON J. LANGER

Denver, CO

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Medicine

CHRISTOPHER LEE

Los Angeles, CA

B.S., Computer Science: Information Systems**

LUKE M. LEMONS ^

Frederick, CO

B.S., Biological Sciences: Cellular & Molecular, & Pre-Medicine***

JONATHAN LENGKEY ^

Luebeck, Germany

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Medicine***

JACOB LEWIS

La Mirada, CA

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy

ANIN MARYOUNAN

Porter Ranch, CA

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Medicine***

KIRSTEN ALEXIS MASKE

Southampton, Bermuda

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Medicine***

KALEIGH MOSS •••

Santa Clarita, CA

B.A., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Teaching/Coaching

ARIANNA MUNOZ

Mount Laurel, NJ

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy**

WILLIAM JOSEPH BAYLESS PAYNE

Sequim, WA

B.S., Biological Sciences: Cellular & Molecular, & Pre-Medicine***

THAI MILEISY PEREZ-RODAS ^

Los Angeles, CA

B.S., Biological Sciences: Cellular & Molecular, & Pre-Medicine & Pre-Nursing**

OLIVIA ROSE PRETTYMAN

Hollister, CA

B.A., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Teaching/Coaching***

ELIZABETH GRACE

RADMILOVICH ^ •••

Irvine, CA

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy***

MIKAYLA REYNA

Reedley, CA

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Nursing**

ANDREW DANE SALCIDO

Fullerton, CA

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Medicine

ZED ELLIOT SAYO

Mission Viejo, CA

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Medicine

NELSON GERALD SCHUTTE

Lenexa, KS

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy**

MICAIAH SCOTT

Inglewood, CA

B.A., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Exercise & Sport Science***

SOPHIE SOUTHERDEN

Oxford, United Kingdom

B.S., Geoscience: Geology***

ZACHARY EVERETT SPUUR ^

Mount Angel, OR

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Nursing***

MATTHEW STRELTZOFF

Spokane, WA

B.A., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Exercise & Sport Science

KARLI ALEXA STULTS

San Diego, CA

B.A., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Exercise & Sport Science

NICOLAS REID VAN DUECK ^

Simi Valley, CA

B.S., Geoscience: Geology**

ZOE MAE VONDOLOSKI •••

Owosso, MI

B.S., Biological Sciences: Pre-Medicine***

SHELBY WILLIS

Pacifica, CA

B.S., Kinesiology & Physical Education: Pre-Physical Therapy*

CAPS | The tassel is on the right prior to walking across the stage. The tassel is moved to the left to ceremonially reflect degree completion. Individuals holding a doctoral degree are identified by a gold tassel.

GOWNS | The faculty are wearing three different types of gowns according to the highest degree earned: bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate.

HONORS CORDS | Honors cords are awarded based on cumulative GPA at the end of Winterim.

Summa Cum Laude Navy Cord and Gold Cord

Magna Cum Laude Gold Cord

Cum Laude Navy Cord

HOODS | Hoods are used to distinguish the various levels of degrees, in particular master’s and doctorate degrees. The hood is lined with the academic color or colors of the school that conferred the highest degree. The velvet binding of the hood indicates the field of study to which the degree pertains. Some of the colors worn by faculty and graduate level students are:

Scarlet Drab Crimson

White

Gold

Pink Sage Green

Light Blue

PhD Blue

Biblical Studies, Biblical Counseling, and Christian Ministries

Business Administration, Organizational Management and Marketing Media

Communication

English, History, and Liberal Studies

Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science

Music

Kinesiology

Education

Political Studies

NOTICE: Names and information contained in this program are based on graduation contracts finalized as of April 1. Some individuals who have been included in this printed commencement program are in the process of completing the final requirements for their listed degree. Spring semester grades are not available at the time of program preparation nor are they able to be finalized by the time of the commencement ceremony. As a result, the appearance of a name in this program does not constitute graduation from The Master’s University. Also honors noted in the program may be different from honors noted on a student transcript or diploma after all coursework is completed, grades are turned in, and the degree is posted.