Carry On Winter 2022
A publication for alumni, partners and friends of Life Pacific University with news, current events, and stories, including updates for alumni from LPU, or LPU-VA, LIFE Bible College, Mount Vernon Bible College, and LIFE Bible College - East. Check out the latest and greatest at LPU!
A publication for alumni, partners and friends of Life Pacific University with news, current events, and stories, including updates for alumni from LPU, or LPU-VA, LIFE Bible College, Mount Vernon Bible College, and LIFE Bible College - East. Check out the latest and greatest at LPU!
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WINTER <strong>2022</strong><br />
CARRY ON<br />
LIFE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY<br />
“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations,<br />
whose architect and builder is God.”<br />
HEBREWS 11:10 NIV<br />
IN THIS ISSUE:<br />
The Next 100:<br />
Transforming the Generations p.3<br />
<strong>On</strong>e Body on Mission:<br />
LPU Building Forward p.6<br />
The Power of Partnership:<br />
Immersive Training & Affliate Programs p.14
Dear LPU Family,<br />
As we cross over into a new year, I am encouraged by the hope and possibility that<br />
<strong>2022</strong> holds for us. Having served the LPU community for more than two decades,<br />
and as President these past two years, I am in awe of the profound move of God we<br />
are experiencing right now at LPU and what His Presence means for our future. I<br />
thank the Lord every day for His continued faithfulness! While the past season has<br />
been challenging, we are witnessing our students embrace their calling with great<br />
enthusiasm and a revived faith on both the East and West campuses.<br />
This year, we are building forward. Aligning with the truth found in<br />
Hebrews 11:10 which says, “For he was looking forward to the city with<br />
foundations, whose architect and builder is God”, we are planning and<br />
working with a renewed sense of purpose and destiny. We are building<br />
forward in partnerships, programs, and staying on mission by preparing<br />
our students to serve Christ in the Church, the workplace, and the world.<br />
We are seeing an explosive growth of regional, national, and international<br />
partnerships with educational institutions and ministry opportunities for<br />
our students. Preparing our students to be successful post-graduation is<br />
at the forefront of our efforts. So much so, that LPU has been recognized<br />
by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional leader for social<br />
mobility. This means that our students’ socio-economic standing shifts<br />
upward after graduation. Truly, we are impacting current students and<br />
generations to come through them!<br />
Our heart is just that - to impact the next 100 years even greater than we’ve been<br />
doing since 1923. You’ll see this desire in our Strategic Plan as well as in the stories<br />
that highlight the amazing work of our alumni like Naomi Lyford on page 4, and<br />
current students like Jessica Acosta on page 8. You won’t want to miss watching<br />
their video testimonies!<br />
I hope you’ll find this issue of <strong>Carry</strong> <strong>On</strong> worth sharing. More than ever before, the<br />
world needs what God is doing through LPU. With this issue of <strong>Carry</strong> <strong>On</strong> being<br />
digital, making LPU known is easy! You can copy and paste the shareable <strong>Carry</strong> <strong>On</strong><br />
link into an email or text and send to your family and friends.<br />
My prayer for you is that you will know the love and light of Jesus. And together, we<br />
will build forward His Kingdom.<br />
Rise with Courage,<br />
Angie Richey ‘97<br />
LPU President<br />
Scan for a<br />
special video<br />
message from<br />
President<br />
Angie!<br />
vimeo.com/552606185/9f73ea899c<br />
1 / CARRY ON MAGAZINE
LPU ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL<br />
Angie Richey ‘97, M.Ed., M.A., L.M.F.T.<br />
President<br />
Dr. Daniel Ruarte ‘15, Ed.D.<br />
Vice President of Academic Affairs<br />
Rachel Au, M.A.<br />
Chief Financial Officer<br />
CARRY ON<br />
WINTER <strong>2022</strong><br />
George Bostanic, M.A.<br />
Vice President of Student Development<br />
Brian Tomhave, ‘90, M.A.<br />
Dean of Institutional Effectiveness<br />
Bruce Primrose ’99, M.Ed.<br />
Enrollment Director and Senior Registrar<br />
Heidi Bonadie, Member SHRM<br />
Human Resources Director<br />
Lynnette Lozoya, M.A ’13, CFRE<br />
Executive Director of Development<br />
4 7 10<br />
IN THIS ISSUE<br />
Marcus Robinson, M.A.<br />
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion<br />
Jeffrey Bird, MBA<br />
Interim Chair of Business Administration<br />
Faculty Representative<br />
Rick Meyer ‘77<br />
Director of Facilities, Campus Safety<br />
Staff Representative<br />
MAGAZINE STAFF<br />
Lynnette Lozoya, M.A. ’13, CFRE<br />
Executive Director of Development<br />
Kristi Montes, M.A.<br />
Assistant Director, Advancement and Alumni<br />
Relations, Chief Editor<br />
Melissa Rufener ‘12<br />
Advancement Services Coordinator,<br />
Assisting Editor<br />
Tayler dela Cruz ‘21<br />
Advancement Services Administrator,<br />
Contributing Author<br />
Andres Ruiz<br />
Marketing Director<br />
The Next 100: Transforming the Generations<br />
LPU Alumna Naomi Lyford: Serving in Cambodia<br />
MLSP: Master of Arts in Leadership Spanish<br />
<strong>On</strong>e Body on Mission<br />
In the Spotlight/News Worth Sharing<br />
LPU: Standing Out and Rising Above<br />
Giving Impact<br />
It’s a New Day at LPU-VA<br />
Athletics Warrior Report<br />
The Power of Partnership<br />
Alumni Updates<br />
Your Giving Counts<br />
Save the Dates<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
6<br />
7-8<br />
9<br />
10<br />
11-12<br />
13<br />
14<br />
15-16<br />
17<br />
18<br />
Michael Gilbert<br />
Graphic Designer<br />
Lorraine Felix<br />
Graphic Designer<br />
Life Pacific University is an institution of biblical higher education existing for the<br />
transformational development of students into leaders prepared to serve God in the<br />
Church, the workplace, and the world.<br />
lifepacific.edu<br />
WINTER <strong>2022</strong> / 2
THE NEXT<br />
TRANSFORMING THE GENERATIONS<br />
Approved by LPU’s Board of Trustees in<br />
February 2021, The Next 100: Transforming<br />
the Generations Strategic Plan provides the<br />
university with a course of action to guide<br />
institutional efforts and assure long-term viability<br />
over the next five to seven years. Developed<br />
by the Strategic Planning Committee made up<br />
of representatives from the Board of Trustees,<br />
executives, faculty, staff, the student body<br />
president, and alumni, the Plan contains five<br />
strategic goals with supporting objectives and<br />
specific initiatives to accomplish each objective.<br />
According to President Angie Richey, the Plan<br />
is “flexible and thoughtful with the purpose of<br />
engaging the whole community to meaningful<br />
action.” Aligning with the mission and vision of<br />
the university, the Plan builds upon LPU’s rich<br />
heritage, pentecostal ethos, and commitment to<br />
empowering generations of Christ followers.<br />
LPU CULTURE<br />
MISSION<br />
Life Pacific University is an institution of<br />
biblical higher education existing for the<br />
transformational development of students into<br />
leaders prepared to serve God in the Church,<br />
the workplace, and the world.<br />
VISION<br />
Life Pacific University will be recognized<br />
worldwide as a premier pentecostal institution,<br />
within the Foursquare tradition, characterized<br />
by a diverse community of Spirit-empowered<br />
students, scholars, and practitioners whose<br />
hearts and minds are devoted to Christ and<br />
His Kingdom.<br />
VALUES<br />
Excellence, Unity, Service, Empowerment,<br />
and Celebration.<br />
FIVE STRATEGIC GOALS<br />
OF THE PLAN<br />
ONE: LPU will achieve long-term sustainability<br />
through resource stewardship, quality programs,<br />
and institutional advancement.<br />
TWO: LPU will develop a vibrant culture and solid<br />
infrastructure that manages the complexity of a<br />
university model.<br />
THREE: LPU will demonstrate high levels of student<br />
success and wellness through transformative<br />
learning experiences and quality support structures.<br />
FOUR: LPU will pursue missional advancement<br />
through strategic partnerships.<br />
FIVE: LPU will strengthen its brand visibility and<br />
reputation in the marketplace, recognized for its<br />
creativity and quality.<br />
Scan to read<br />
the plan in its<br />
entirety or visit:<br />
3 / CARRY ON MAGAZINE<br />
lifepacific-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/<br />
LPU_StrategicPlan_2021.pdf
LPU ALUMNA NAOMI (HOKYO) LYFORD ’07:<br />
SERVING IN CAMBODIA<br />
Called to missions at the age<br />
of 8, Naomi Hokyo knew she’d<br />
serve God by going to the<br />
nations. Graduating from Life<br />
Pacific in 2007, she worked<br />
abroad many years through<br />
YWAM, starting schools in<br />
Africa and then Malaysia,<br />
before working with the<br />
Burmese people in Myanmar.<br />
When Naomi met Uriah Lyford,<br />
another YWAM missionary, the<br />
couple knew God had positioned<br />
them to partner together in life<br />
and in ministry. Now married<br />
with two daughters, Uriah and<br />
Naomi consider themselves<br />
a “family on mission” as they<br />
work to strengthen and expand<br />
their ministry in Cambodia.<br />
Ministry efforts keep them<br />
busy, and God continues to<br />
bless their labor. Even though<br />
the Lyfords are experiencing<br />
a fruitful harvest for their work,<br />
Naomi is quick to explain, “It’s not<br />
just numbers. It’s about the people.<br />
We are connected to these people<br />
in a way that we are going to get to<br />
walk with them.”<br />
“IT’S ABOUT THE PEOPLE.”<br />
Currently, Naomi and Uriah<br />
are focused on establishing a<br />
youth movement to help young<br />
Cambodians understand their<br />
identity as children of God and as<br />
Cambodians. Seeking to empower<br />
young people so that they will not<br />
just survive but thrive is at the heart<br />
of this endeavor. The strategic<br />
importance of this vision is immense<br />
considering the nation’s history of<br />
war characterized by a targeted<br />
persecution of the educated adults<br />
in the nation, leaving behind scores<br />
of orphaned, impoverished, and<br />
disenfranchised children.<br />
Naomi’s connection to the LPU<br />
community remains strong and<br />
she is grateful for her time at LIFE<br />
as a college student, “I believe the<br />
education and training I received<br />
at LIFE is directly connected to<br />
the ‘success’ I’m having now in<br />
ministry.” According to Naomi,<br />
LPU is “the kind of institution that<br />
will adequately train you for life,<br />
to be a light and example in your<br />
community and in the world in<br />
whatever vocation you choose.”<br />
CAMBODIA<br />
WITHIN THE PAST YEAR,<br />
NAOMI & URIAH<br />
IMPACTED...<br />
42,000<br />
STUDENTS<br />
2,500<br />
FAMILIES<br />
40<br />
FT STAFF/STUDENTS<br />
4 MILLION+<br />
REACH<br />
Enrolled over<br />
42,000 students in<br />
their online school.<br />
Provided a 1-month supply<br />
of food to 2,500+ families<br />
in the poorest communities<br />
most affected by COVID-19.<br />
Led a discipleship<br />
community of over<br />
40 full-time staff &<br />
students.<br />
Managed a social<br />
media platform which<br />
has reached over 4<br />
million people.<br />
Watch this interview to learn more about<br />
how God is using the Lyfords in Cambodia:<br />
vimeo.com/668025198/8583d18823<br />
Scan to<br />
watch.<br />
WINTER <strong>2022</strong> / 4
MLSP:<br />
MASTER OF ARTS IN LEADERSHIP - SPANISH<br />
BUILDING FORWARD A GLOBAL LEGACY<br />
PICTURED ABOVE: The second MLSP cohort represents eleven different nationalities and is comprised of men and women who are pastors, educators, and national<br />
leaders in business, science, education, and government.<br />
For almost 100 years, there<br />
has been an inseparable bond<br />
between LPU’s classrooms and<br />
the mission field. Faithfully, LPU<br />
has equipped and sent students as<br />
Spirit-led, biblically trained, highcapacity<br />
leaders into the world.<br />
Today, in the entrepreneurial spirit<br />
of our founder Aimee Semple<br />
McPherson, and because of a<br />
significant gift from a generous<br />
supporter, LPU offers a completely<br />
Spanish online academic program,<br />
strengthening our ability to develop<br />
international leaders who come to<br />
us from around the world.<br />
For years, Hispanic Foursquare<br />
leaders in the U.S. and abroad<br />
prayed and worked for a resource<br />
to help equip Spanish-speaking<br />
pastors, executives, and leaders.<br />
Implemented in 2018-19, LPU’s<br />
Master of Arts in Leadership-<br />
Spanish (MLSP) degree is a fully<br />
accredited, cross-cultural program<br />
providing academic and professional<br />
leadership training within a biblicaltheological<br />
framework.<br />
More than just providing additional<br />
learning opportunities for students<br />
from around the world, the MLSP<br />
degree clearly fulfills the vision<br />
of LPU as it is “characterized by<br />
a diverse community of Spiritempowered<br />
students, scholars,<br />
and practitioners whose hearts and<br />
minds are devoted to Christ and His<br />
Kingdom.” Grateful for the privilege<br />
of participating in this innovative<br />
program, the pioneer cohort of 13<br />
students from Colombia, Mexico,<br />
Argentina, and El Salvador as well<br />
as California, Oregon, Virginia, and<br />
Texas graduated in May 2021.<br />
To learn more about the MLSP, visit:<br />
lifepacific.edu/academic-programs/maestr%C3%ADa-en-liderazgo<br />
or scan the QR-code to visit webpage.<br />
5 / CARRY ON MAGAZINE<br />
DR. DANIEL PRIETO<br />
Administratively housed at the LPU San Dimas<br />
campus, the MLSP program is led by Dr. Daniel Prieto,<br />
the program’s full-time director, and supported by a<br />
part-time student service and faculty coordinator, 10<br />
adjunct faculty, an admissions counselor, a writing<br />
mentor, a librarian, and a financial aid counselor.
ONE BODY ON MISSION<br />
As we reflect upon the unique<br />
and challenging season<br />
experienced during COVID-19,<br />
I can’t help but think that the<br />
mission of Life Pacific University<br />
is greatly needed.<br />
Challenging times have always<br />
called for well-prepared leaders<br />
who will continue to be strong in<br />
the midst of the storm.<br />
Since our beginning, LIFE has<br />
been committed to developing<br />
leaders who serve the Lord. From<br />
our founder and first president,<br />
Aimee Semple McPherson, to<br />
our current president, Angie<br />
Richey, developing leaders to<br />
advance the Kingdom has been<br />
at the center of our endeavors.<br />
Unfortunately, challenges can<br />
hold back progress, but I believe<br />
this season is an opportunity for<br />
us to build forward. By uniting and<br />
working together, we can partner<br />
as one body and one team to<br />
position LPU for fruitful ministry<br />
as we enter the next 100 years.<br />
I have been a Foursquare<br />
pastor, along with my wife<br />
Yadira, for over fifteen years,<br />
and have read and preached<br />
about Paul’s exhortation to the<br />
church at Ephesus. It is simple;<br />
we are one body. Christ is the<br />
head, and we all play a critical<br />
role as members of His body to<br />
further His mission. LPU is a key<br />
part of the body of Christ and our<br />
Foursquare movement.<br />
EPHESIANS 4:16 SAYS,<br />
“FROM HIM THE WHOLE BODY,<br />
JOINED AND HELD TOGETHER<br />
BY EVERY SUPPORTING<br />
LIGAMENT, GROWS AND<br />
BUILDS ITSELF UP IN LOVE, AS<br />
EACH PART DOES ITS WORK.”<br />
The same day Aimee dedicated<br />
Angelus Temple in 1923,<br />
she dedicated a training and<br />
development center now known<br />
as LPU. Aimee believed that<br />
training and developing leaders<br />
was a vital part of her ministry.<br />
Today, LPU continues forward in<br />
that mission.<br />
Whether you work for LPU, are<br />
an alumnus, a friend of this great<br />
university, a Foursquare pastor or<br />
leader, or a local church member,<br />
please consider praying for us<br />
on a regular basis. Pray for our<br />
students, staff, and faculty, that<br />
we will continue to be an effective<br />
and fruitful ministry for years to<br />
come. Pray for the Lord to provide<br />
all the resources we need, for<br />
students with a heart to seek<br />
and serve the Lord to choose us,<br />
that we hire the right teams, and<br />
together faithfully continue the<br />
mission until our King returns.<br />
Through your prayers, you will<br />
become a part of LPU’s mission<br />
to build forward. We can’t do it<br />
without you!<br />
Your brother in Christ,<br />
Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Ed.D.<br />
Enjoy this Build Forward<br />
video message:<br />
Scan to watch<br />
video.<br />
vimeo.com/592830737<br />
DR. DANIEL RUARTE<br />
Named Vice President of Academic Affairs in June 2020, Dr. Daniel Ruarte has served the LPU community<br />
since 2018. An alumnus of the MA in Strategic Leadership (’15), Dr. Ruarte first came to LPU as a full-time<br />
faculty member to develop, direct, and teach the MA in Leadership (Spanish). He also has a M.A. from Azusa<br />
Pacific Seminary and a Ed.D. from University of Southern California. Also an ordained Foursquare minister,<br />
Dr. Ruarte lives with his wife, Yadira, and two children David and Sarah in Chino, CA.<br />
WINTER <strong>2022</strong> / 6
NEWS WORTH SHARING >>><br />
GIVING TUESDAY: GOAL EXCEEDED<br />
This year at Life Pacific University,<br />
we exceeded our highest ever Giving<br />
Tuesday goal of $100,000 to raise<br />
more than $150,000 supporting the<br />
transformational development of future<br />
leaders. The money raised will be used<br />
to fund five key university projects:<br />
Scholarships, Athletics, LPU-VA, Media<br />
Campaign, and Student Care. Thank you<br />
to our faithful and generous partners for<br />
being on mission with us!<br />
NATIONAL FOURSQUARE<br />
HISPANIC DISTRICT YOUTH<br />
CONFERENCE<br />
Over 300 Foursquare Hispanic<br />
youth and young adults from<br />
across the United States<br />
gathered on the LPU San Dimas<br />
campus in November for the<br />
first-ever Empower Conference.<br />
During this weekend, attendees<br />
were challenged, equipped, and<br />
empowered to take the love of<br />
Jesus to the world.<br />
IN THE SPOTLIGHT<br />
LPU SENIOR, JESSICA ACOSTA<br />
MASS COMMUNICATION MAJOR<br />
It is only because of the Dream Big Scholarship that Jessica is able to finish her degree program this year.<br />
Even more importantly, the provision of her scholarship has been a witness to her family that God exists<br />
and cares for His children. After graduation, Jessica wants to use her degree and gift of storytelling to help<br />
others learn how much God loves them and cares for them.<br />
7 / CARRY ON MAGAZINE
LPU STUDENTS SERVE OUR CITY DURING NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION<br />
City Serve during New Student Orientation helps students demonstrate LPU’s value of love in action.<br />
PROFESSOR RYAN LYTTON PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT PROFESSOR & DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC SERVICES<br />
AT LPU EAST (VIRGINIA) CAMPUS<br />
In his tenth academic year of teaching at LPU-VA, Ryan Lytton (’07) is experiencing a dream come true as<br />
he trains future pastors. As the first full-time faculty member at LPU-VA, Lytton will continue his Director of<br />
Academic Services role. Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Daniel Ruarte, says, “Ryan is a professor<br />
and administrator at heart. We have seen firsthand what he is capable of doing and he is more than deserving<br />
of this promotion.” Lytton has also served in various pastoral roles and is helping former students plant a<br />
church. He has an M.A. in Christian Thought from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and is currently<br />
pursuing a Ph.D. in Theology at Ridley College.<br />
CLICK THE VIDEO TO HEAR<br />
JESSICA’S STORY:<br />
(CLICK ON PLAY BUTTON)<br />
WINTER <strong>2022</strong> / 8
LPU: STANDING OUT &<br />
RISING ABOVE<br />
Building forward from its beginning almost 100<br />
years ago, LPU’s current vision to “be recognized<br />
worldwide as a premier Pentecostal institution within<br />
the Foursquare tradition, characterized by a diverse<br />
community of Spirit-empowered students, scholars,<br />
and practitioners whose hearts and minds are<br />
devoted to Christ and His Kingdom” is being fulfilled.<br />
RISING IN THE RANKS, U.S. NEWS AND WORLD<br />
REPORT BEST COLLEGES LISTS LPU AS 7TH AMONG<br />
TOP PERFORMERS IN SOCIAL MOBILITY (UP FROM<br />
A 9TH PLACE RANKING THE PREVIOUS YEAR), 11TH<br />
FOR THE BEST VALUE AND ECONOMIC DIVERSITY IN<br />
THE WEST, WITH AN OVERALL PLACEMENT OF 17TH<br />
IN THE BEST REGIONAL COLLEGES IN THE WEST<br />
(FIVE PLACES HIGHER SINCE 2020).<br />
With two campuses located in San Dimas, CA<br />
and Christiansburg, VA as well as a vast network<br />
of training partnerships spanning the globe, LPU<br />
is ensuring the transformational development of<br />
students into leaders prepared to serve God in the<br />
Church, the workplace, and the world. Certainly,<br />
it is the faithfulness and sustaining power of God<br />
as well as the diligent efforts of LPU faculty and<br />
staff that makes LPU the place it is and continues<br />
to become. Alongside the recognitions from U.S.<br />
News and World Report, LPU stands out among<br />
other Christian colleges and universities by holding<br />
numerous accreditations, authorizations, and<br />
memberships validating its status and visibility as<br />
a premier institution of higher education.<br />
ACCREDITATIONS<br />
• WASC - Western Association of Schools and<br />
Colleges<br />
• ABHE - Association for Biblical Higher Education<br />
MEMBERSHIPS<br />
• AACRAO - American Association of Collegiate<br />
Registrars & Admissions Officers<br />
• CASE - Council for Advancement and Support of<br />
Education<br />
• CCCU - Council for Christian Colleges & Universities<br />
(affiliate)<br />
• CHEA - Council for Higher Education Accreditation<br />
• CIC - Council for Independent Colleges<br />
• ECFA - Evangelical Council for Financial<br />
Accountability<br />
• PACRAO - Pacific Association of Collegiate<br />
Registrars & Admissions Officers<br />
• SCUP - Society for College and University Planning<br />
• SCELC - Statewide California Electronic Library<br />
Consortium<br />
• UPCEA - University Professional and Continuing<br />
Education Association<br />
Authorization for Extension Campus Certified to<br />
operate by the State Council of Higher Education<br />
for Virginia.<br />
To read more about how LPU is rising<br />
through the ranks, visit:<br />
lifepacific.edu/article/life-pacific-university-continues-risethrough-ranks-among-national-colleges-and<br />
Scan to visit<br />
webpage.<br />
In 1923, the Echo Park Evangelistic and Missionary Training Institute opened its doors with<br />
almost 100 ministerial students enrolled in classes. Created to serve the rapidly growing<br />
Foursquare Church movement founded by Aimee Semple McPherson, the institute continued<br />
to evolve and expand, eventually becoming what is now known as Life Pacific University.<br />
9 / CARRY ON MAGAZINE
GIVING IMPACT<br />
Thank you for being a part of what God is doing through LPU. Your gifts and prayers make a significant impact<br />
in the lives of LPU students. Together, we are raising up a generation of transformational leaders prepared to<br />
serve God in the Church, the workplace, and the world. Here is a glimpse of the difference your generosity has<br />
made this year.<br />
MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE<br />
In August, President Angie learned that 29 students, including<br />
seniors who were starting their final semester before graduation,<br />
were in danger of not returning in the fall due to finances. Your<br />
generous response raised more than $99,000 allowing these<br />
students to continue their education and pursue the dreams God<br />
has placed in their hearts.<br />
ONLY THE BEGINNING<br />
Officially opening in August 2021, the Aimee Semple<br />
McPherson Digital Media Studio System is already the heart<br />
of creativity and innovation for students. The Carol Shelton<br />
Digital Media Studio has been the primary filming location for<br />
student projects such as athletic photo shoots, the new Life<br />
Collective Music Video, “TAKE IT ALL”, and a Biblical Studies<br />
Certificate Program Masterclass. Also, the Computer Lab is<br />
open with students harnessing the power of M1 Macs and the<br />
Adobe Creative Suite for their ideas and projects. Renovation<br />
of the Rolf K. McPherson Chapel started in September with the<br />
unveiling of the LED Wall during Fall Preview in October. This<br />
new addition was made possible by the generosity of Pastor<br />
Bernie Federmann (‘78) and the Lompoc Foursquare Church.<br />
BRIDGING THE GAP<br />
While traveling to road games in October, the LPU Women’s<br />
Volleyball team had their luggage and personal items stolen from<br />
the rental van. Upon hearing about this unexpected and urgent<br />
situation, you stepped up and filled in the gap helping alleviate<br />
the burden of replacement costs for students and coaches.<br />
WINTER <strong>2022</strong> / 10
IT’S A NEW DAY AT<br />
LPU-VA<br />
Nestled in the New River Valley in Christiansburg,<br />
Virginia, the serene location of LPU-VA sets a<br />
marvelous stage to see God at work. But, more than<br />
the scenery, there’s a revived dedication to equip<br />
students to become influential leaders through LPU-<br />
VA’s innovative 2+2 program.<br />
Together, LPU-VA, the Foursquare Church, and<br />
dozens of ministry partners are collaborating<br />
with the Residency Network to cultivate the next<br />
generation of missional leaders. Whether serving in<br />
a local church congregation, the mission field, or in<br />
a business as mission context, students are being<br />
prepared to serve as leaders to expand the collective<br />
body of Christ.<br />
THE 2+2 PROGRAM ALLOWS STUDENTS TO SPEND<br />
THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF CLASSES GAINING A<br />
STRONG ACADEMIC & SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION IN A<br />
TRADITIONAL UNIVERSITY SETTING AND THE FINAL<br />
TWO YEARS IN A MINISTRY RESIDENCY WHILE<br />
COMPLETING A BACHELOR’S DEGREE ONLINE.<br />
Developing undergraduate student leaders who<br />
are passionate to serve and support those around<br />
them benefits individual students, their campus,<br />
students’ future employers (Chughtai, 2018), plus<br />
our collective culture (Kiersch & Peters, 2017).<br />
11 / CARRY ON MAGAZINE
Higher education programs that<br />
utilize a multi-disciplinary approach<br />
facilitate best practices in servant<br />
leadership learning and training.<br />
At LPU-VA, the values of servant<br />
leadership are interwoven into all<br />
aspects of student engagement<br />
including chapels, classes,<br />
outreach projects, and leadership<br />
labs. What an abundant opportunity<br />
God has given us, as we continue<br />
to steward the gift of developing<br />
young women and men into worldchanging<br />
leaders!<br />
This year’s theme, Build Forward, is a<br />
reminder that God is doing a new thing.<br />
He is pouring out His Spirit in fresh ways<br />
for the seasons ahead. Philippians 3:12-<br />
17 reminds us that we are pressing<br />
forward together to reach the victory that<br />
is before us. By God’s grace, LPU-VA will<br />
build an environment that fosters each<br />
student’s relationship with God while<br />
practically developing their passion and<br />
skill for local community transformation<br />
and the global church.<br />
GRETCHEN ABNEY<br />
Joining the LPU-VA family in 2021, GRETCHEN ABNEY (M.A. ‘16) serves as the Director<br />
of Campus Life. With more than 25 years of ministry experience and currently<br />
pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Southeastern University, she<br />
is well qualified to oversee the practical development of students into leaders by<br />
organizing dynamic chapels, leadership labs, and on-campus student activities.<br />
Married to Trey and the mother of three adult children, Gretchen also co-pastors<br />
Refuge West Foursquare Church with her husband.<br />
WINTER <strong>2022</strong> / 12
LPU HOSTS FIRST-EVER WARRIOR OPEN<br />
Men’s and Women’s Wrestling represented LPU<br />
well as they dominated with two championships<br />
throughout their first-ever Warrior Open in<br />
November. Coaches Roye Oliver, Jesse Jaime Jr.,<br />
and Jesse Jaime Sr. are enthusiastically looking<br />
toward Nationals as the wrestlers “grow as a team<br />
and thrive, continuing to Build Forward.”<br />
WARRIOR REPORT:<br />
ATHLETICS<br />
LPU Athletics will advance the mission of Life Pacific<br />
University through intercollegiate competition that promotes<br />
integrity, discipline, and Christ-like character development.<br />
MORE THAN JUST ATHLETES<br />
Demonstrating determination and hard work while holding<br />
onto the integrity and boldness of LPU’s mission and<br />
vision, LPU’s Warrior family of sports teams rose above<br />
the challenges of the 2020 and 2021 seasons to display<br />
courageous faith and victory. Excelling not only in the gym<br />
and on the court, several athletes also achieved Dean’s<br />
List status clearly showing a true Warrior spirit.<br />
DEAN’S LIST RECOGNITION IS EARNED<br />
BY A STUDENT RECEIVING A GPA OF 3.65<br />
OR HIGHER IN THE PREVIOUS SEMESTER.<br />
CAITLIN RIDEN<br />
WOMEN’S INDOOR VOLLEYBALL<br />
For Caitlin, being on the Dean’s List means<br />
keeping priorities straight and balancing<br />
her schedule because she knows that<br />
hard work produces good character.<br />
ISAAC KEPHART<br />
MEN’S WRESTLING<br />
Isaac is motivated through past failures to<br />
push himself to be the best he can be on<br />
the mat and in the classroom.<br />
WARRIOR TICKETS GO VIRAL<br />
Through a new partnership with HomeTown<br />
Ticketing, LPU now offers exclusive online tickets for<br />
home sporting events. By presenting a QR code at<br />
the door, fans now experience streamlined ticketing<br />
alongside safer and easier access to LPU facilities.<br />
For information about upcoming sporting events, go<br />
to: lpuwarriors.com or visit the livestream channel<br />
at: gsacsportsnetwork.com/lifepacific.<br />
LPU WELCOMES NEW OUTDOOR SAND COURTS<br />
FOR BEACH VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM<br />
Throughout the summer and fall, LPU’s beach<br />
volleyball program held numerous volleyball<br />
clinics for local 5th-12th graders. Utilizing LPU’s<br />
new outdoor sand courts, the clinics specifically<br />
featured the fundamentals of playing beach<br />
volleyball including skill drills ranging from hitting<br />
techniques to rallying. The new outdoor courts<br />
were dedicated in a ribbon cutting ceremony on<br />
August 6th.<br />
TOP HONORS<br />
Seven of the LPU Women’s Volleyball Warriors<br />
received GSAC Student Athlete awards in<br />
November 2021. Additionally, Hannah Caddow<br />
and Sydney Culpepper were named to the 2021<br />
NAIA AVCA All-Region Women’s Volleyball Team.<br />
LPU WARRIOR TEAMS<br />
13 / CARRY ON MAGAZINE<br />
MEN’S<br />
BASKETBALL<br />
SOCCER<br />
WRESTLING<br />
BASKETBALL<br />
SOCCER<br />
WRESTLING<br />
WOMEN’S<br />
INDOOR VOLLEYBALL<br />
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
THE POWER OF<br />
PARTNERSHIP<br />
For nearly 100 years, LPU has prepared students to be<br />
effective leaders for the Kingdom of God. In obedience<br />
to the Great Commission, LPU continues to equip and<br />
send students throughout the world. However, we know<br />
that we cannot do this alone. Recognizing the power<br />
of collaboration, LPU is actively building an expansive<br />
network of training partnerships.<br />
These collaborations are creating new and unique<br />
opportunities for students to receive hands-on ministry<br />
experiences in conjunction with an accredited online or<br />
classroom education. Receiving more than just a college<br />
degree, students are transformed, equipped, and ready<br />
to answer God’s call on their life and serve Him in the<br />
Church, the workplace, and the world.<br />
TYPES OF LPU PARTNERSHIPS<br />
IMMERSIVE TRAINING PARTNERS<br />
LPU works directly with church and ministry staff to<br />
develop space for students as they serve in ministry,<br />
pursue their education, grow in community, and develop<br />
transferrable skills under the supervision of pastoral<br />
staff and committed leaders.<br />
AFFILIATE TRAINING PARTNERS<br />
LPU collaborates with an existing institute, ministry<br />
training school, or comparable organization to build<br />
onto an existing program so that students complete their<br />
degree through LPU online while remaining actively<br />
involved with the affiliate organization.<br />
STRATEGIC EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS<br />
LPU establishes multifaceted relationships with other<br />
academic institutions who align with the missional focus<br />
of developing students into leaders through Biblical<br />
education.<br />
LPU TRAINING PARTNERS AROUND THE WORLD<br />
• Abundant Living Family Church – Rancho Cucamonga, CA<br />
• The Bridge – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA<br />
• Calvary Chapel Bible College– Murrieta, CA<br />
• Colorado Multiethnic Certificate Program, Foursquare<br />
Missions International – online (pilot program)<br />
• Crescent City Foursquare Church – Crescent City, CA<br />
• Daybreak Church – Carlsbad, CA<br />
• Dream Center NYC / Grace Place NYC – New York, NY<br />
• East Hill Church – Gresham, OR<br />
• Faith Center – Eureka, CA<br />
• Grace Capital Church – Pembroke, NH<br />
• Living Waters Church – Medford, OR<br />
• Pacific Life Bible College – Canada<br />
• The River Ukiah – Ukiah, CA<br />
• Summit International School of Ministry – Grantville, PA<br />
• University of the Nations, Cambodia – Battembang,<br />
Cambodia<br />
• University of the Nations, Poipet – Poipet, Cambodia<br />
• University of the Nations, YWAM Montana – Lakeside, MT<br />
• Victory Education and Training Institute (VETI), Victory<br />
Outreach International – San Dimas, CA<br />
• Wellhouse Church – Sisters, OR<br />
While some of the listed partner programs have been impacted<br />
by COVID-19 in varying degrees, LPU continues to cultivate<br />
relationships with prospective partners and develop additional<br />
program opportunities for students.<br />
BOBBY HOWELL<br />
Director of Immersive Training<br />
Partner and Affiliate Programs,<br />
Bobby Howell (‘07) oversees the<br />
cultivation, development, and<br />
implementation of LPU’s various<br />
training partnerships. If your<br />
church or organization is interested<br />
in learning more about this exciting<br />
and innovative opportunity, contact<br />
Bobby at bhowell@lifepacific.edu.<br />
You may also call or text him at<br />
909-706-3103.<br />
WINTER <strong>2022</strong> / 14
ALUMNI UPDATES<br />
Rev. Bob &<br />
Saundra<br />
Hutchinson<br />
1970’s<br />
Cheryl (Soviak) Vincent ’70 invests her<br />
time and life in being an AACC Coach.<br />
Rev. Sally Arter ’74 is an Assistance<br />
Specialist at a senior center, and also an<br />
Independent Tax Preparer.<br />
Rev. Bob ’74, MASL ’14 and Saundra ’72<br />
Hutchison have faithfully honored their<br />
Mt. Vernon Bible College degrees with<br />
decades of ministry service primarily on<br />
the east coast.<br />
Rev. Joan (Erickson) Blackmon ’75 serves<br />
as Assisting Minister at her church in<br />
North Carolina.<br />
Rev. Cyndi (Ashmore) Valdez ’78 serves<br />
alongside her husband Greg in pastoral<br />
ministry in Yucaipa, CA.<br />
Rev. Ken Swett ’79 and Wanda (Jackson)<br />
‘77 Swett serve as senior pastors at<br />
Modesto Foursquare in California.<br />
Rev. Jim &<br />
Allison Wells<br />
1980’s<br />
Jim Henderson ’80 is a professor of Biblical<br />
Studies & Christian Ministry at Regent<br />
University.<br />
Rev. Jim Wells ’82, M.A. ’18 and Allison<br />
(Uelmen) Wells ’08 pastor New Hope<br />
Fellowship in Shingle Springs, CA. Jim is<br />
also a Missions Fundraising Coach for FMI.<br />
Kevin Barry ’86 is retired and pours his<br />
pastoral heart into various leadership<br />
positions in a local Reformed Evangelical<br />
Church in Southern California.<br />
Rev. John Mazariegos ’88 serves as a<br />
missionary in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.<br />
1990’s<br />
Rev. Tim Schwiebert ’90 is an Assisting<br />
Minister.<br />
15 / CARRY ON MAGAZINE
(continued)<br />
Penelope<br />
Jane<br />
Tapp<br />
2000’s<br />
Sofia<br />
Chantal<br />
Stover<br />
Pastor Abe Pfeifer ’00 is lead pastor of<br />
New Life Church in Frederick, MD and<br />
Principal at a Christian school.<br />
Rachel (Strube) Toth ’08 is an R.N. and<br />
works as a school nurse. She just became<br />
the mother of a newborn.<br />
Matthew ’15 and Rylee (DeMent) ’17<br />
Tapp welcomed their first bundle of joy,<br />
Penelope Jane, in Nov 2021.<br />
Justin ’19 and Kristina (Davis) ’16 Stover<br />
welcomed daughter Sofia Chantal into the<br />
world in Nov 2021, and their family is now<br />
a “party of five”!<br />
2010’s<br />
Whitney Lewellyn ’12 is now<br />
senior pastor at Life Center<br />
Church in Clarkston, WA.<br />
Sam and Destiny (Denbo) DeCosta<br />
(both ‘21) married in 2021.<br />
Rev. Shea (Vercellono) Hood<br />
‘19 married in 2021. She and<br />
husband Sean serve as NextGen<br />
pastors at Thrive Worship Center<br />
in Concord, NC.<br />
Revs. Jeremiah ’17 and Brittany<br />
(Holbert) Girard ’19 married in<br />
2021. Together they serve in<br />
various pastoral roles at Faith<br />
Community Church in San Diego.<br />
Jeremiah also works for local<br />
nonprofit Big Table.<br />
Kagan Kaczmar ’19 works as an<br />
Athletic Trainer at South Tahoe<br />
High School.<br />
Natalie (Johnson) Bell ’19 is a<br />
Youth Pastor at Grace Covenant<br />
Church in Cornelius, NC.<br />
Whitney<br />
Lewellyn<br />
Sam & Destiny<br />
DeCosta<br />
Rev. Shea<br />
(Vercellono) Hood<br />
& her husband Sean<br />
Revs. Jeremiah<br />
& Brittany<br />
Girard<br />
WINTER <strong>2022</strong> / 16
YOUR GIVING COUNTS<br />
Every gift makes a difference in the lives of LPU students. We’re excited to report that<br />
because of your faithful generosity, this year your gifts are continuing to make a significant<br />
impact for the Kingdom of God. Below is a summary report how your gifts were distributed July<br />
1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 as well as a progress report for the first half of the current fiscal<br />
year (July 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021).<br />
17 / CARRY ON MAGAZINE<br />
To help LPU build forward, give today at:<br />
tinyurl.com/Give2LPU<br />
or scan the QR-code to visit the webpage.
SAVE THE<br />
DATES:<br />
<strong>2022</strong><br />
IN MEMORIAM<br />
FRIDAY, MARCH 4<br />
Spring Preview at LPU West (California) Campus<br />
FRIDAY, MARCH 18 - SATURDAY, MARCH 19<br />
Spring Preview at LPU East (Virginia) Campus<br />
FRIDAY, MAY 6<br />
LPU East (Virginia) Commencement<br />
SATURDAY, MAY 14<br />
LPU West (California) Commencement<br />
Dr. Jack Hamilton ‘65, fifth president of LPU, entered<br />
into his heavenly reward on November 2, 2021 and<br />
was honored at services held in Laconia, NH, and<br />
LPU in San Dimas, CA.<br />
The Dr. Jack Hamilton Presidential Endowed<br />
Scholarship for Pastoral Ministry has been established<br />
by the family in his memory.<br />
Dale Downs ’69, Foursquare pastor and missionary,<br />
entered into the rest of His Lord and Savior Jesus<br />
Christ on December 30, 2021. He is survived by his<br />
wife Patti ‘69 and family.<br />
Joan Hamrick ’67 entered into glory on October 7,<br />
2021. She is survived by her husband Ron Hamrick<br />
’69 and family.<br />
Dr. Mason Hughes ‘52, legendary Foursquare<br />
missionary who established Foursquare ministry in<br />
Papua New Guinea, joined his wife Virgene ‘52 in<br />
heaven on October 2, 2021.<br />
We also honor the memory of the following alumni<br />
who were welcomed into the arms of the Father in<br />
2020-2021: Rev. Timothy Beck ’57, Rev. Anna Brown<br />
’48, Diane Cavanaugh-Metz ’73, Rev. Eloise Clarno<br />
’55, Ethel (Schimmick) Dunlop ’49, Fermin Gomez<br />
’48, Carol Hoffine ’57, William LaVigne, Rev. John<br />
Lundgren ’55, Johnny Martin ’48, James Phipps ’79,<br />
Carolee (Darden) Randall ’61, Velma Salvaggio ’48,<br />
Rev. Dawn Scott, Kay Sloan-Benedetti ’80, Harold<br />
Smith ’55, Philip Steiner ’72, Elvin Wells ’76, Anna<br />
Marie (Shalla) Wells ’66, and Henry Yahn.<br />
WINTER <strong>2022</strong> / 18
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