Alumni Updates

Jessup alumni are making their mark in the marketplace, government, sports entertainment and in the Church. Read our latest updates below.

Sandrea (Donna-Smithers) Welch (‘18) married Peter Welch last year. The couple are expecting their first child next year.

Ronin Ewell (‘23) is pursuing his master’s degree at Cal Baptist in Riverside to further his music and education. He plans to enlist in the U.S. Navy to continue his service to the nation.

Pam Schmoll, is currently serving mid-term in Prague at Open Door Libraries, a nonprofit founded by SJCC alumnus, Willard Black.

Zoey Nunes (‘15) and her husband welcomed their youngest child, Emma in May 2024. The couple wish their fellow alumni the best and pray regularly for the Jessup community.

Joseph and Vanessa Torres (‘18) tied the knot in September of 2023 with many former classmates, teammates, and coaches in attendance. The couple reside in Livermore and welcomed their beautiful daughter Emilia into the world this past July.

Hannah (McFadden) Taylor (‘22) married Ethan in March 2023. She works for Farmers Insurance and the couple are active in their church.

Caitlyn (Jacobs) Anckner (‘21) is a secondary science teacher at John Adams Academy in Lincoln and pursuing her second master’s degree at Jessup where she is enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching and Single Subject Credential program.

Jonathan Strickling (‘12/’20) is serving at Center of Praise Ministries in Midtown Sacramento as the social media pastor and director of men’s ministry. He and his wife Tonya welcomed three new grandchildren in 2023, now the couple have a total of seven grandkids!

Robert Ward (‘15) was recently promoted to budget officer for the Bureau of Reclamation’s California-Great Basin Region. He started at the Bureau of Reclamation shortly after graduating from Jessup and worked in a variety of roles in budget, finance and rate setting. He, his wife and children continue to live in Marysville, CA.

Jamie Womack (‘20) is the head baseball coach at Bushnell University.

Alyssa Flores (‘23) recently returned from serving with Steiger Missions School in Germany, where she had the chance to dive deep into missions work. She is preparing to move to Minneapolis to serve part-time as a missionary and communications lead. In this role, she will support Steiger’s city movements across the United States, helping to reach young people who might not otherwise encounter the message of Jesus.

Kent Cusick (‘22) opened Ace Handyman Services, a Roseville/Rocklin franchise shortly after graduating with his MBA. Nearly two years later, he and his family continue to serve bringing the light of Jesus into homes through their handyman business. While opening the business with his wife and youngest son, Ken encountered many opportunities to put his education to work while teaching small business owners key points of sales to help them be more effective in their chosen field.

Barbara (Bobbi) Cahan Boyden (‘58) moved to Willamette Oaks, a retirement community in Eugene, OR to be near her daughter.

Sara (Williams) McDaniel (‘08) moved to Montana during the summer of 2017 and was married in October, 2023. She and her husband welcomed their first child this past September.

Sierra Wagner (‘18) is a therapist at a local non-profit counseling agency serving clients of all ages and diagnoses. She specializes in working with pre-teens to young adults, as well as those struggling with trauma. She recently started a professional Instagram account (@2_boundaried_babes) intended to provide education and insight into mental healthcare in an accessible and affordable manner.

Stephania Herrera Vazquez (‘16) officially becomes an undergraduate and graduate Jessup alumna after graduation this December. She plans to complete her therapeutic hours for licensure as a LMFT at La Familia Counseling Center while continuing to pastor the youth of her church alongside her husband at New Season Sacramento.

In Memoriam

Frank Bergandi

Frank Bergandi, 73, of Chicago, IL, passed away May 9, 2024, in Los Gatos, CA. Frank was a man of immense integrity and wisdom, surrounded by his loving family in his final days. He was a proud graduate of DePaul University, including his MBA.

Frank was a longtime member of former WJU President Bryce Jessup’s Dream Team and WJU Board, contributing much wisdom and wit as a campus move from San Jose was being planned. When the first attempt to move the campus to Morgan Hill ultimately failed and the Rocklin campus was secured, Frank’s wry comment was, “It’s a good thing we prayed about Morgan Hill or we might have got it!” Frank was a man of much serious prayer for individuals and mission. He was a generous contributor to his church, missions, and Jessup University where a building is named in his honor.

With an illustrious career in the technology industry, Frank worked at various companies and served on several boards. He was dedicated to charitable work with organizations like “Hills and Hollers Ministries” and Adopt-A-Chaplain. Frank found his spiritual home at Calvary Church of Los Gatos where he was an elder for over 15 years and had a deep love for Jesus. An avid baseball fan, especially when his sons were playing, Frank’s unwavering spirit and humor will be cherished.

He is survived by his wife Terri and his two sons Matt (Natalie) and Joey (Erica). Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Cecilia Bergandi.

Don Brewster

After leaving a successful career in sales and marketing, Don Brewster became the executive pastor at Adventure Christian Church in Roseville, California, contributing to its growth from 400 in attendance to over 7,000. 

In 2005, Don and his wife, Bridget moved to Cambodia to fight against the evils of child sex trafficking. Under their leadership, Agape International Missions (AIM) has grown to become a leader in the international anti-trafficking community. The couple spearheaded the innovative holistic approach to end trafficking and their story has been featured on CNN, ABC Nightline, Christianity Today, TEDx, The Washington Post and more. 

Don received his Bachelor of Science degree from William Jessup University, Masters in Christian Leadership from Liberty University, and an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Northwest Christian University (now Bushnell University). Don was a member of Bryce Jessup’s Dream Team, the group that inspired the University’s move from San Jose to Rocklin, California. He also received Jessup’s Faith and Service award in 2009.

Learn more about the life of Don Brewster

Marilyn Hicks

At the age of 91, Marilyn passed away peacefully to Jesus while surrounded by family at home on September 19, 2024.

Marilyn attended San Jose Bible College earning her certificate in biblical studies and music. She was married to Robert Hicks, and enjoyed 54 1/2 years of marriage until his passing in 2006. The couple raised four children. 

All of her activities flowed from her faith and love for Jesus. Marilyn was extremely active at First Christan Church of Napa where she was a member for 81 years. She served in leadership and teaching, initially in the nursery and children’s programs. She also taught a women’s Sunday Bible group for over 35 years. That group still meets to this day. She led choirs (both youth and adult), sang in small groups and as a soloist as well as planning and leading music for worship services. In addition, she was the pastor’s secretary for 11 years until her retirement. 

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, November 2 at First Christian Church of Napa.