FRIDAY, MAY 8 | 2:30PM
MARINERS CHURCH, IRVINE, CA GRADUATE
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
DR. MELISSA J. ALFARO
PhD in Rhetoric from Texas Woman’s University
MA in English from Texas Woman’s University
BS in Biblical Studies from Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Dr. Melissa Alfaro and her husband of 20 years are Senior Pastors of The Tabernacle (known as Tab Church) in Houston, Texas. She is an ordained minister with the Texas Louisiana Hispanic Network of the Assemblies of God. She is the Executive Presbyter representing ordained female ministers for the Assemblies of God and the National Leader of the Assemblies of God Network of Women Ministers. Prior to that, she served as the Ordained Under 40 Executive Presbyter (2017-2023). She is a preacher, educator, writer, and blogger and has had the privilege of collaborating with the Influence Magazine, My Healthy Church, and the AG Network of Women Ministers. She loves to chronicle her personal journey on her blog, Melissa’s Memoirs. It is her desire to help individuals have an intimate relationship with God, become rooted in His Word, and enjoy their journey as they live out their God-given purpose. Her greatest assignment and delight is being “mommy” to her beautiful children, J. David III and Jalissa Jael.
STUDENT SPEAKER
GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER
DEANNA WOODS
Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
DeAnna Woods is graduating with a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Vanguard University of Southern California. A proud U.S. Army veteran, she served on active duty, including a combat deployment, where she developed a deep commitment to leadership, resilience, and service, values that continue to guide her today.
Following her military service, DeAnna earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and pursued graduate studies focused on workplace well-being, leadership development, and organizational change. She is passionate about fostering environments where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Above all, DeAnna is a devoted mother of three, whose strength, perseverance, and faith have been central to her journey. She is committed to advocating for others and making a meaningful impact in organizations and communities through integrity and justice.
COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM
CLOSED CAPTIONING
Scan the QR code for live English and Spanish closed caption
COMMENCEMENT 2026
PRESIDING
MICHAEL J. BEALS, PHD (BA ’81, MA ’89) PRESIDENT
GRAND MARSHAL
JOHN SIM, PHD
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY
PRELUDE MUSIC
VANGUARD UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE
KENNETH R. FOERCH, DMA, DIRECTOR
PROCESSIONAL*
POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE………………………………………………………SIR EDWARD ELGAR ARR. MARK WILLIAMS
VANGUARD UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE
WELCOME
MICHAEL J. BEALS, PHD PRESIDENT
INVOCATION*
THE REVEREND RICHARD M. GUERRA (BA ’78, MA ‘89)
SUPERINTENDENT, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NETWORK OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
GREETING
THE REVEREND DALE OQIUST
SENIOR PASTOR, PEOPLES CHURCH CHAIR, VANGUARD UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
*THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE STAND
COMMENCEMENT 2026
SONG OF PRAISE AND ADORATION*
CAN’T HELP BUT PRAISE
JORDAN COLLE
VANGUARD WORSHIP COLLECTIVE
BODIE KULJIAN (BA ’15), WORSHIP DIRECTOR
INTRODUCTION OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
MICHAEL J. BEALS, PHD PRESIDENT
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
THE REVEREND MELISSA J. ALFARO, PHD CO-PASTOR, TABERNACLE CHURCH
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
RYAN T. HARTWIG, PHD
PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
CONFERRAL OF BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
SONG OF DEDICATION*
ALL THE PRAISE ................................................................
VANGUARD WORSHIP COLLECTIVE
INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER
RENE MOLINA, MA (BA ‘15)
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
PATTY ARVIELO SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
GRADUATE STUDENT SPEAKER
DEANNA WOODS
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MASTER’S DEGREES
RYAN T. HARTWIG, PHD
*THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE STAND
COMMENCEMENT 2026
CONFERRAL OF MASTER’S DEGREES
HOODING OF MASTER’S DEGREE RECIPIENTS
SONG OF DEDICATION*
THE BLOOD ............................................................................................................ BETHEL MUSIC
VANGUARD WORSHIP COLLECTIVE
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WELCOME
HEATHER (RACHELS BA ‘02) CLEMENTS
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI
CLOSING REMARKS
MICHAEL J. BEALS, PHD PRESIDENT
BENEDICTION*
THE REVEREND STEVE VINSON
EXECUTIVE PASTOR, CANYON HILLS CHURCH
MEMBER OF THE VANGUARD UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PARENT OF GRADUATE
THE REVEREND RENEE (TRIGGS ‘18, MA ‘20) VINSON
PARENT OF GRADUATE
RECESSIONAL*
IN THE STONE………..……………………………..………………………………......ARR. PAUL MURTHA
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
NOTE: PLEASE REMAIN IN YOUR SEATS UNTIL THE RECESSIONAL HAS LEFT THE WORSHIP CENTER.
WE ENCOURAGE ALL PARTICIPANTS AND GUESTS TO REFRAIN FROM ENGAGING IN BEHAVIOR THAT DISRUPTS THE CEREMONY OR PREVENTS ANYONE IN ATTENDANCE FROM HEARING EACH GRADUATE’S NAME OR SEEING EACH GRADUATE WALK ACROSS THE STAGE.
LIVE COVERAGE OF COMMENCEMENT IS AVAILABLE AT VANGUARD.EDU/LIVE
*THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE STAND
CLASS OF 2026 GRADUATES
HONORS
Provisional honors are noted in this program for graduating undergraduates who have completed the requisite number of credits at Vanguard University according to the Academic Catalog and have met one of the grade point average requirements as of the end of the fall 2025 semester:
*cum laude (with honor) 3.50-3.69
**magna cum laude (with high honor) 3.70-3.89
***summa cum laude (with highest honor, signified by gold cords) 3.90-4.00
†active military service and veterans
PLATINUM & BLUE CORDS are worn by members of Psi Chi, International Honor Society of Psychology.
GREEN & GOLD CORDS are worn by members of Sigma Beta Delta, International Honor Society of Business.
PURPLE & WHITE CORDS are worn by members of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing.
BURGUNDY & GOLD CORDS are worn by members of Tau Kappa, National Honor Society for Alpha Sigma Lambda of adult learners.
RED, WHITE & BLUE CORDS are worn by graduates of all branches of the United States military. This is a service recognition and we are grateful for their service to our country.
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Woojung Josephine Chong**
Katrina Nguyen***
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Liliana Barros**
Erika Carranza Benavides***
Catherine Connie Blanton*
Corrinne M. Douglass***
Alysee Marie Katuzin-Sullivan**
Christian R. Martinez
Macyn Grace Quitoriano**
Christopher Scott Turner** †
Taylor Marie Wolf**
Veronica Hope Young*
Graduates will be announced in order of academic college/school and department
DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
MASTER OF SCIENCE
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Paige I. Anderson
Melody Avanesi
Allee M. Ayers
Isaac Angus Blackreach
Kathryn Blissmer
Amaya D. Bolling-Mcdevitt
Hernandez
Robert Taylor Buchanan †
Swasti Chandrashekhara
Anna Isabel Cordero
Jill Devlin
Mariah Ann DeWeerd
Cameron Michael Fenton
Alyson Faye Fullbright
Jessica J. Governale
Laura Annette Haney
Karol Vanessa Hernandez
Corinne M. Hill
Brian C. Hockett
Ashley Giselle Ibarra
Scott Cole Macias
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Manjinder K. Bath
Vanessa Ann Buksa
Alexandra D. Gash
Bria Lacey Hebert
Pauline Chloe Karis Dagdag Lising
Graduates will be announced in order of academic college/school and department
Claire Elsie Miller
Kellie E. Modugno
Andrew Michael Moore
Samantha Joy Ogawa
Gladys Osorio
Kayla Nicole Piper
Andrew Donald Robinson
Edward David Salgado Tenorio
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Ann Semsen
Sarah Elizabeth Fuchs Sheppard
Pablo Guillermo Small
Lauren Spencer
Adam Michael Stevens
Kimberlee Strain
Isabella R. Thompson
Anthony Luis Valdez †
Hannah Kathleen Whitney
Hongying Xu-Gelok
Lixia Zhang
Phillip Tristan Cendana Madamba
Kokoni Martinez
Danae Emily Piccoli
PATTY ARVIELO SCHOOL OF
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
BACHELOR OF ARTS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Cynessa Jaiden Aguirre
Tony Bagatourian
Adriel Jesus Esparza
Kylie Madison Garcia*
Daniel Martinez
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
DEPARTMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
MASTER OF SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
MASTER OF SCIENCE
INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Timothy John Byers
Kathryn F. Davis
Madeline DeLucia
Trina Hiroko Harris
Aidan Matthew Hay
Oliver Kim †
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY
JC Conner
Matthew John Wilkes
Graduates will be announced in order of academic college/school and department
Sam McKee*
Gregory Morris***
Xavier Alejandro Padilla
Alfaro**
Amy Ruth***
Joshua Landon Song**
Aleksandra Michelle Lucio
Annia Mercado
Maxwell Montplaisir
Brooklyn Motske
Daisy Navarrete
Evalina Grace Parlier
Austin T. Tubbs
DeAnna Lorraine Woods †
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Andrea Louise Barton**
Hannah Diane Clark
Kelli Shae Ehret
Kristy Ngoc Han Hoang
Alicia Hunter**
Alma D. Marquez
Bethany Marie Mora
Theresa R. Robertson***
Mabel Elizabeth Talavera***
DEPARTMENT OF GRADUATE EDUCATION
MASTER OF ARTS
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Emily C. Baer
Nicole Marie Bussell
Dafne Yanet G. Calderon Cevilla
Amber Carlson
Sydney Elizabeth Corrigan
Gabriella Gorven
Lauren Josephine Jaime
Zachary A. Krueger
Elijah W. Lemna
Sydney Grace Luttrell
Vanessa Rachel Marcoe
Jorge Alberto Marquez Jr.
Steven P. O’Neil
Rebekah Natalia Pinedo
Payton R. Siurek
Gwen Elizabeth Spady
Kianna N. Vair
Kyle Andrew Vitwar
Kaytlyn Elizabeth Westmoreland
Aaron Robert Zubiate
SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY & MINSTRY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
DEPARTMENT OF UNDERGRADUATE THEOLOGY
BACHELOR OF ARTS
DEPARTMENT OF GRADUATE THEOLOGY
MASTER OF ARTS
Brandon Eugene Getachew
Grace Hanash*
Patsy Ann Hill***
Jessica Holguin †
Alexcia L. Lopez
Eileen Patricia Martin***
Jennifer Nichelle Neil*
Juli Anna Powell**
Edgar Roach
Yutzil Ramirez Salcedo
Mario Solis
Skylar P. Sorrentino
Grace Renee Vinson
Steve J. Walker***
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
LEADERSHIP STUDIES
Aillin Arteaga
Wen Tai Wayne Choong
Taylor A. Coleman
Zhen Ying Ee
Helen Malabanan Gianchand
Steven James Henning
Jadyn Maverick Johnson
Jennifer Martinez
Jacob Isaiah Morales
Christopher Paul Paruleski
Stephanie Anastasia Pavlakis
Marleen S. Sosa
Heather Justine Stolte
Sandra Tan
Christopher Lawayne Watson
Wong Wei Ling Wendy
THEOLOGY
Cody J. Adams
Cynthia Mai Doan
Nalleli E. Garcia
Edin Valeria Gomez Herrera
AFTER THE CEREMONY
Please remain seated until all graduates have exited. Reception areas are arranged for graduates, faculty, family and friends to gather—use the flag colors and map to find your designated location.
LAWN
WORSHIP CENTER
FLAG MAP
LEGEND:
GREEN | College of Arts and Sciences: Clinical Psychology
PINK | College of Arts and Sciences: Nursing
LIGHT BLUE | College of Arts and Sciences: Undergraduate Psychology
RED | School of Education
GOLD | Patty Arvielo School of Business and Management
PURPLE | School of Theology and Ministry
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Vanguard University is to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith and equip each student for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service.
VANGUARD UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dale Oquist, Chair*
Lettie Cowie, Vice-Chair*
Danny de Leon, Jr., Secretary*
Michael J. Beals (ex-officio)*
Tony Choi
Dylan Christenson
Cindee Frenn
Doug Green*
Richard M. Guerra (ex-officio)*
Cindee Heath*
Kendall Kasper (ex-officio)
Byron Klaus †
Bonnie Livingston
Jeff Motske
Michelle Norman*
David Oddo*
Jim Peugh
Donn Rediger †
Philip D. Robinette †
Melinda Sweany
Allen Tennison
Steve Vinson
Donna K. Wallace
Debora Wondercheck
*Executive Committee Members
†Trustee Emeritus
