Chimes
News for Alumni & Friends of San Francisco Theological Seminary at University of Redlands
SUMMER 2026
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID C. ISOM ’18
A Street Named for a Lifetime of Commitment By Clyde Derrick
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n July 2025, something quite remarkable occurred for an SFTS alumnus in Fairfield, CA. As reported on Facebook, “At the corner of Peach Tree Drive and Union Avenue, a new street sign was unveiled,’ Pastor David C. Isom Way.’ Dr. David C. Isom ’18 was recognized for a lifetime of leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice, education, faith, and healing.” David felt the call to ministry at 13 years old. “My father was a bishop in the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME),” which inspired David’s sense of purpose. When he joined the U.S. Army to pay for his college education, David found meaning in chaplaincy work.
After earning his B.A., David found his next steps almost divinely laid out. Living in Seattle, he worked in Tacoma Associated Ministries and Tacoma disaster response. This led to David to the Pastor Leadership program at Seattle University. After meeting Rev. Warren Lee, Director of the Advanced Pastoral Department at SFTS, David was accepted into the D.Min program, with the master’s requirement waived. “It was like a ‘Get into SFTS Free’ pass,” David remarked. To support his move, the CME Church transferred him to Fairfield. When reflecting on his time at SFTS, David remarked, “You got a sense of full support, ‘we’re going to hold you to our academic standard,’ which is rich. The classes, the professors, spiritual formations, writing, conversation—all of these were so intense. […] SFTS prepared me to experience things that I would not have been ready for.” Among David’s numerous accomplishments, his commitment to addressing domestic violence stands out. His attendance at a conference on
Domestic Violence in the Faith Community called him to action. “There I was charged by the conference leader that the ministers had not done enough regarding domestic violence. God was putting that into my spirit for ministry.” Supported by the State of Washington, he visited faith communities to minister on domestic violence, which informed his dissertation. David also has been extremely dedicated to education, including service on the school board in Fairfield for 15 years; Tacoma, five years; and Kansas City, three years. David retired in 2023 and moved with his wife, Stephanie Jean, to Liberty, MO, to be near their grandchildren. The naming of a street came a year later as a complete surprise. While honored by the naming, David is mostly proud of, “helping people overall, the sum of my life has been helping people. You make a difference in their lives. I love God, I love people, and if we all loved God and loved people, this world would be a much better place.”
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JIM VETTER
COMMENCEMENT AT SAN FRANCISCO THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY U
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOANNE WHITT
Reverend Dr. Joanne Whitt Named New SFTS Dean
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niversity of Redlands has named Reverend Dr. Joanne Whitt as the next dean of San Francisco Theological Seminary, effective July 6, 2026. An ordained Presbyterian minister within the PCUSA, Whitt brings decades of experience in ministry, theological education, spiritual formation, and organizational leadership to the role. Whitt succeeds Reverend Dr. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina, who has led the seminary for the past three years. Garrett-Cobbina will continue serving the seminary community as chair of the Shaw Chaplaincy Institute for Spiritual Care and Compassionate Leadership. Deeply connected to the seminary and its mission, Whitt has served congregations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including nearly 15 years as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo, located directly across from the SFTS campus. She currently serves as an adjunct instructor of preaching at SFTS, is a credentialed spiritual director, and regularly guest preaches in Bay Area churches. A triple alumna of the seminary, Whitt earned a Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity, and Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from SFTS. She also served on the SFTS Board of Trustees for 10 years, further strengthening her longstanding ties to the institution. Before entering ministry, Whitt built a distinguished legal career in both Texas and California. She served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Houston, a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice in San Francisco, and later as a partner in private practice. University leaders said Whitt’s commitments to anti-racism, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and compassionate spiritual leadership align closely with the values at the heart of SFTS and will help guide the seminary into its next chapter. “I’ve been associated with San Francisco Theological Seminary in one way or another, as a student, teaching assistant, trustee, internship supervisor, pastor to faculty and students, and instructor, for over 30 years,” Whitt said. “The seminary is precious to me, and my hope is to work with our exceptional faculty and staff and University of Redlands to continue to offer students an outstanding seminary experience on the West Coast.” She added that SFTS has long encouraged students to engage deeply with questions of faith, justice, and humanity. “SFTS has always been a place where the big questions are encouraged; where students are given room to explore faith, what it means to be human, and what it means to help build a society that is concerned with justice, economics, and welcome,” Whitt said. “I look forward to the adventure and challenge of figuring out what that looks like today when attitudes toward organized religion are changing, but the need for wrestling with those big questions has never been more important.”
ALUMNI NEWS
Funding will support innovative approaches to leadership development and strengthen community partnerships.
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edlands has been awarded a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch an innovative Mastery-Based Theological Education (MBTE) program within the San Francisco Theological Seminary. The grant is part of the Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative 2025, which supports theological schools in building stronger capacity to prepare and support leaders in faith-based and community settings. The University of Redlands is one of only 58 programs nationwide selected for this highly competitive grant. “This grant gives us an opportunity to rethink how we prepare leaders for complex, real-world challenges,” said University of Redlands President Krista L. Newkirk. “We are developing practical, skills-focused programs that will give students more opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference in the communities they serve.” The MBTE program builds on long-standing academic strengths while addressing the evolving needs of today’s diverse leadership environments. By focusing on “structural competencies,” including skills such as fundraising, volunteer engagement, conflict resolution, organizational assessment, and creative approaches to education, the program equips leaders to navigate change with confidence and clarity. “This grant is a significant step for the University of Redlands,” said Jamison J. Ashby, former Chair of the University of Redlands Board of Trustees. “It strengthens our theological seminary at a pivotal moment and positions Redlands as a leader in shaping programs that have meaningful impact locally, nationally, and globally.” Christopher L. Coble, the Lilly Endowment’s Vice President for Religion, added, “Theological schools have long played a central role for most denominations and church networks in preparing and supporting pastoral leaders who guide congregations. The grants will help these schools engage in wide-ranging, innovative efforts to adapt their educational programs and build their financial capacities so they can better prepare pastors and lay ministers to effectively lead the congregations they will serve in the future.” The proposal was developed under the leadership of Dean Rev. Laurie Garrett-Cobbina with special contributions from John P. Falcone, Visiting Professor of Practical Theology, whose expertise and dedication helped secure this award. Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. As a separate entity from the company, in keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports community development, education, and religion. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, by supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of religion and lift up in fair, accurate, and balanced ways the roles that people of all faiths and various religious communities play around the globe.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BARBARA RUNGE
$1M Lilly Endowment Grant to Launch MasteryBased Theological Education Program
A Lasting Testament: Empowering Faith Leaders By Sarah Armes Harwood
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hrough the Velma Guy Tolbert Endowed Preaching Conference, San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS) will annually bring together students, pastors, musicians, and homiletics leaders to explore the craft of preaching in all its depth, artistry, and spiritual power. Made possible by a generous estate gift from Velma Guy Tolbert (1931-2024), the conference will offer keynote lectures, hands on workshops, musical collaborations, and opportunities for emerging preachers to be recognized and encouraged. Designed to strengthen community building, the gathering will nurture leaders who can speak with clarity, courage, and compassion in today’s rapidly changing world. The conference is deeply aligned with Velma’s long held conviction that thoughtful preaching and meaningful worship can transform communities. A devoted Presbyterian, Velma supported preaching scholarships at SFTS during her lifetime and understood firsthand how a well crafted sermon and music that stirs the spirit can inspire and strengthen congregational life. Her estate gift ensures that these values continue shaping future generations. Velma’s professional life spanned aviation, finance, healthcare, and global human resources. Recruited by American Airlines in 1954, Velma became the first stewardess hired who was not a nurse, a groundbreaking shift in the industry. She rose to Supervisor of Stewardesses and built lifelong friendships with fellow flight attendants. Her career continued upward when she joined the New York Stock Exchange in 1966 and was subsequently promoted to Supervisor of the Wage, Salary, and Benefits Division, (continued on next page)
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ALUMNI NEWS
(continued from previous page) an exceptional achievement for a woman of that era. While working full time, she earned her degree from Bernard Baruch College and a certificate from New York University. Velma’s talent for recruitment led her to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center during a critical nursing shortage, and eventually to Aramco Services Company, where she spent nearly two decades as a respected authority in global medical staffing. Velma traveled widely for both work and pleasure and could speak insightfully about nearly any country she encountered. A devoted reader of The New York Times, she relished conversations about global events, politics, and culture. Known for her warmth and wit, Velma loved gathering friends for spirited dinners. Later in life, she reunited with Leslie “Jack” Tolbert, a pilot she had first
Passings
Passings reflect deaths between Jan. 1, 2025 and Mar. 1, 2026* Richard Klein ’53, February 3, 2025. Richard Chiolis ’57, September 7, 2025. Blaine Vestal ’65, August 2, 2025. Robert Charles Bos ’78, February 4, 2026. M. Deloach ’81, September 10, 2025. Janet Elizabeth Beatty ’83, Fall 2025. Paul Lance ’83 ’03, January 24, 2025. Alfred Parham ’83, November 24, 2025. Susan Grewe ’87, December 31, 2025. Jackie Leonard ’88, January 12, 2025. William Andrew “Drew” Hayes ’89, Winter 2025. Edward Rankin ’89, September 19, 2025. Howard Boswell ’05, November 17, 2025. Jean Boal ’06, November 12, 2025. *Only if the notification date is between August 26, 2025 and March 1, 2026
Class notes
Class Notes reflect submissions from August 22, 2026 to March 1, 2026
1960’s Dick Kite ’62 became interested in parallels between Native American and Celtic spirituality. While serving as minister of music at Lake Washington UMC in Kirkland, Washington, he and his congregation explored worship through instrumental “centering time,” communion, and a meditational drumming group he formed, using Nubian-style frame “Tar” drums. 4
Chimes Summer 2026
met six decades earlier. They married in 2014 and enjoyed a joyful chapter together. By centering her legacy on an enduring preaching conference, Velma extends her love of thoughtful communication and her faith rooted commitment to community. Her gift will empower SFTS students and ministry leaders for generations, ensuring that strong, prophetic, and grace filled voices continue to rise in pulpits and communities everywhere. For more information about how you can leave a lasting legacy at the Seminary through your estate, please contact our Director of Planned Giving Charlie Goldsmith at 909-748-8358 or charlie_goldsmith@redlands.edu
Earl Arnold ’68 works on the editorial team of the New York State Poor People’s Campaign by-weekly newsletter and is the clerk for the Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea. He wife Sandra Brikowski Arnold live in the Paget Price Presbyterian Homes in Owego, New York.
1970’s Howard Bryant ’71 is now 97 yrs old and living in Hillside, New Jersey. History was made June 12, 1971 when five Afro Americans graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Jack Champlin ’71 retired as Deputy Regional Administrator, U.S. Dept of Transportation, NHTSA Region 9, after a career in substance abuse prevention, mental health, public health and public administration. In 2024 he published a historical novel, The Captain and The King. He is a bilingual Welcome Navigator at the Immigration Court in Concord, California and co-lead of the Immigrant Advocacy Group at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. He and his wife Marietta are celebrating their 50th anniversary. Contact at jchamp@comcast.net Dean Kokjer ’71 ’97 served 41 years as pastor in Oregon, Washington, California, Norway, and Japan. Now 13 years retired, he serves on three committees at First Congregational Church in Eugene, Oregon. He and his wife Sandie have been married 59 years and live northeast of Springfield, Oregon, where they enjoy daily reading and conversation together. “Unfortunately I’ve had to give up the two glasses of wine!” Robert Bruce Cumming ’72 has retired to Montreat, North Carolina after serving churches in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Delaware. Robert notes that University of Redlands alumnus Byron Wade ’85 is General Presbyter of the Western North Carolina Presbytery.
Rev. Dr. Vernon Bittner ’73 has reinterpreted the Twelve Steps of Alcoholic Anonymous in light of Christianity in his book You Can Help with Your Healing. Originally published in 1979, this book and study guide is in its third edition. The Twelve Steps for Christian Living has served worldwide ecumenical communities. Also, in 2023, Dr. Bittner’s book AMAZING GRACE: A Journey of Self-Discovery was published. William “Bill” Chadwick ’77 recently fully retired after six years as part-time visitation pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, Minnesota—the same congregation he first served following seminary from 1977 to 1984. He continues to perform storytelling and stand-up comedy throughout the Twin Cities and became a grandparent in 2024, with a second grandchild expected in summer 2026. Rodger Mattson ’77 is moving into full retirement from medicine to devote his time to his wife Beth. They still travel by motorcycle, but no longer on two bikes, rather, “on a trike.” Last summer they did an 8,000 mile trek to the West Coast from their home in Virginia, traveling through national parks as well as Banff and Jasper. Most recently they were in Guatemala as Beth is on the board of CEDEPCA USA. Jeffrey Cheifetz ’78 and Diana Nishita Cheifetz ’96 ’03 live in Tacoma, Washington, near their grandchildren. Jeff retired from pastoral ministry in 2020; Diana works as a spiritual director with faith leaders of color nationally and internationally. They attend Bethany Presbyterian Church and sing in choir. Their interests include Scottish Country Dancing, family, food, and the beauty of Puget Sound. They wonder if God led them from the Bay Area so their daughter could serve as Transitional Executive Presbyter of San Francisco Presbytery without parental influence.
ALUMNI NEWS
Dick Kite ’62 with a flute he handcrafted. The drum was made by a friend in Portland, Oregon.
Kent Philpott ’80 is in his 41st year as pastor of Miller Avenue Baptist Church in Mill Valley.
Howard Bryant ’71: “History was made June 12, 1971 when five Afro Americans graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary.”
Dave Emery ’81 and Joyce Emery ’81 celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on August 28, 2025.
Jim Burklo ’79 celebrates the publication of his eighth book, available April 7, 2026: Water In The Wilderness: Progressive Christianity for the Spiritually Thirsty, from Chalice Press. He serves as pastor of the United Church of Christ in Simi Valley, California. His weekly “musings” blog, which he’s produced for 23 years, offers inspiration for the personal and social practice of progressive Christianity. He and his wife Roberta live in Ojai, California. Ann Eichorn ’79 writes that she and her husband Bill, also Reverend, celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on March 13, 2026. Both are active volunteer Disaster Spiritual Care Responders for the Red Cross. Ann has been virtually deployed 3 times in past 4 months. She encourages all, stay active in your retirement years! Bryce Little ’79 is now living at Monte Vista Grove Homes in Pasadena, California. Bryce retired in 2001 after serving as Executive Presbyter of San Gabriel Presbytery in Southern California. After that, Bryce served as a volunteer chaplain on Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line.
1980’s Kent Philpott ’80 remembers Lou Rambo was his class’s major professor. He is in his
41st year as pastor of Miller Avenue Baptist Church in Mill Valley, writing books and doing weekly television programs at Marin TV. If anyone would be interested in being interviewed for the TV program Why We Are Christians, Kent asks that they please contact him. kentphilpott@comcast.net Dave Emery ’81 and Joyce Emery ’81 celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in 2025. They reside in Vancouver, Washington near their four children and ten grandchildren. Joyce serves as pastor at East Woods Presbyterian Church, while Dave is seeking an interim pastorate and serving the Presbytery of Olympia as Co-Chair, Commission on Ministry. They participate in the Conflict Resolution Team of the Presbytery of the Cascades and the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. emery.joyce@gmail.com Rebecca Hazen, ’81 was ordained in Cascade Presbytery and served 7 PCUSA churches as the first clergywoman at each. She later served as a hospice chaplain and Kaiser Permanente chaplain in Oregon. Rebecca has served on multiple Committees of Ministry and as a clergy consultant listening to fifth steps in Alcoholics Anonymous at a residential treatment center.
Jack Champlin ’71 published a historical novel, The Captain and The King (cover illustration by his son).
Chris Highland ’83 and his wife, Carol Hovis
Chris Highland ’83 published two more collections of his essays, The Universal University, and A Curious Atheist at the Christian Cross. He teaches classes on Freethought and Christian Nationalism on the campus of the University of North Carolina, Asheville. He writes weekly columns on Religion for two newspapers in the South. Chris and his wife, Carol Hovis, a teacher and counselor, live in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina. Gayle Sweet Pickrell ’84 and her husband have moved from Santa Rosa, California to Silverdale, Washington, and have affiliated with the Suquamish UCC, a vibrant social justice faith community. Jeff Sievert ’87 retired over three years ago, an ongoing transition. He and his wife Lori are active at Portland First Presbyterian Church. Jeff preaches monthly at Multnomah Presbyterian Church and provides pastoral support. After cardiac events more than a year ago, he has recovered well. He enjoys movies, cooking, reading, geology, connecting with friends and family, and has dabbled in bonsai, sailing, and travel, on occasion to see a total eclipse of the sun.
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ALUMNI NEWS
Gloria Johnson-Wilson ’88 ’06 is Retired Itinerate Elder in the AME Church and Associate Pastor Emeritus of Disciples of Christ Church.
Sahara V. Chea ’93 is part of a team revisiting battle areas in Cambodia helping victims of landmines and malaria.
Bob Gram ’96 was named Chronogram Magazine’s 2025 Author of the Year for his novel, Apocalypses.
Gloria Johnson-Wilson ’88 ’06 is Retired Itinerate Elder in the AME Church and Associate Pastor Emeritus of Disciples of Christ Church. She continues community chaplaincy through funerals, baptisms, weddings, grief workshops, and mentoring. She enjoys crocheting, quilting, reading women authors, “porch ministry,” volunteering at the Oakland Veterans Center, and spending time with her husband of 43 years.
masters degrees, and his grandaughter lives in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan with his American son and his son’s Kyrgyz wife.
this spring, taking food, medicine, and other resources Cambodians severely lack. Sahara and his team are helping soldiers, families of soldiers, and civilians who are victims of landmines and malaria.
Peter D. Crouch ’89 will retire May 1, 2026, after 37 years in executive funds development positions for PCUSA-related ministries, such as Church World Service, Chicago Presbytery, SFTS, and Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, after having led teams that raised over $150M. In retirement, he will divide his time between Round Rock, Texas and Burnsville, Minnesota, where he and wife Suzanne enjoy son Taylor, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and grandkids Rowan and Iris. George Thompson ’89 and wife Beverly moved to Black Mountain in the Southern Appalachian mountains in 2019. After coaching pastors, they serve as Presbytery co-Associates for the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. George’s latest publications include Welcome to the One Great Story and a young adult novel What Hardy Found. George likes to walk nine holes on the hilly golf course nearby, but his teenage grandsons outplay him! Mark Wheeler ’89 fulfilled his term as Stated Clerk of Presbytery of the Inland Northwest and immediately joined Global Immersion Peacemaking Cohort 2026, a nationwide multi-denominational organization training people in making peace in times of turbulence. He is still pastoring at Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church in Spokane, Washington. In January he was honored to conduct a graveside service for classmate William Andrew “Drew” Hayes ’89. Mark has three children with multiple bachelors and 6
Chimes Summer 2026
1990’s Kris Moore ’90 facilitates two groups at Dougy Center and chaired its annual Reflection event in 2025. He is ending three years as board president of Garden Home Community Library Association which included helping to pass the operating levy for Washington County (Oregon) libraries and taking over management of a neighboring library. He invites all SFTS graduates to join him in enjoying his garden. Winfred Vergara ’90 became Canon Asian Missioner of the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real and founded Holy Child Filipino Church, now Holy Family Episcopal Multicultural Parish. From 2004 to 2022, he served as National Missioner for Asiamerica Ministries in New York. Post retirement, he is Interim Priest-in-Charge of St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Queens Village. “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 7:17). Selisse Berry ’91 was invited to join and appointed to the SFTS Board. Bruce Reyes-Chow ’91 and his partner are returning to San Francisco in 2026. An author, speaker, coach, and occasional pastor, Bruce has published six books including In Defense of Kindness: Why It Matters, How It Changes Our Lives, and How It Can Save the World, and Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. He speaks nationally, shares content on The Amalgamation Newsletter & Podcast and serves on the Board of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity. Sahara V. Chea ’93 asks for prayers from fellow alumni regarding the war between Siam/Thai and Cambodia for the past 7 months which he has seen firsthand and notes is negatively impacting Cambodians. He is part of a team revisiting battle areas
Martha Lubitz, ’94, lives in Albany, New York and considers herself a Jewish Roman Catholic. She is developing a lecture on Images of Judaism in the Gospel of John, sees clients for spiritual direction, is a lay Dominican Associate, and participates in an online Jewish Catholics community. She is deeply grateful to SFTS for the wonderful education she received. “And a special shout out to Chris and Varda!” Bob Gram ’96 was named Chronogram Magazine’s 2025 Author of the Year for his novel, Apocalypses. Of the award, twice NYT Notable Book of the Year recipient, Steve Hamilton, wrote, “Don’t let the high fallutin’ jacket copies fool you; this is simply one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read.” Bob’s “dear thesis advisor and friend,” Howard Rice, always encouraged him to write, and he thinks of him. Edgar Shirley Welty, Jr. ’97 was ordained by the United Church of Christ in 2000. He has since served in several denominations. He is now a Chaplain to veterans’ organizations and serves as Chief of Chaplains and Major in the 31st California Regiment, U.S. Volunteers-America. His father established the Panamerican Institute in Tijuana, Mexico which provides education and business skills for promising students from underserved families. His wife Amy is a professional wedding dress designer. Beth Hessel ’99 was named a 2025 Greater Philadelphia Most Admired CEO by the Philadelphia Business Journal in recognition of her transformational leadership of The Athenaeum of Philadelphia, a historic 19thcentury membership library and National Historic Landmark that now serves as a vibrant cultural hub for the city.
ALUMNI NEWS
L to R: Molly Fisherkeller, Katie Brendler ’18, Lora East ’16, and Brooklynn Smith ’17 reunited at the Luminosity Conference in Orlando.
Beth Hessel ’99 was named a 2025 Greater Philadelphia Most Admired CEO by the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Katie Morrison ’99, after 15 years in formal congregational ministry, including the out queer ordination event of 2001 leading to accusations of heresy, has “widened” her calling, moving into teacher credentialed ministry in public schools, ultimately finding home in Special Education. She now holds “sanctuary” for young learners which is just as fulfilling. She thinks fondly of her SFTS community from Fall ’94 through Spring ’99, and would love to connect on Facebook.
2000’s Teresa Blythe ’00, Spiritual Director and UCC minister, has graduated over 80 new spiritual directors since The Apprentice Training Program of the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction opened in 2019. Her 20 module, 9-month, 1:1 online training grew quickly during the pandemic and offers flexibility for people seeking a Certificate of Completion. Kent Moorlach ’03 is in his 13th year of ministry at Richland Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Rosemark, Tennessee. The church celebrates its 160th anniversary of ministry in November 2026. Additionally, his eldest son will be graduating from the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, this May.
Patrick Bailey ’13 retired in 2024 and moved to his present home, a log cabin in Rico, Colorado.
Presbytery in 2025 and led governance restructuring efforts. He became Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Newhall after 15 years at Faith Presbyterian Church of Valley Village. He was honored when the Valley Village Neighborhood Council named April 20 “Pastor Rich Day.” “I am consistently grateful for the education I received at SFTS and the ongoing work they engage in.” B.J. Threatt ’06, on her 20th reunion year, offers her congratulations to this year’s graduating class. SFTS shaped her preaching, pastoral care, and eventual call to military chaplaincy, honoring both God and Country. She credits her grandmother’s wisdom: “‘Your job is to do a good thing every day.’ SFTS became the foundation from which I’ve tried to live out that calling. My deepest hope and prayer is that it becomes the same for each of you.”
2010’s Andrew Hoeksema ’10 is now serving as the Vice President of Community Programs at Ecology Action. He joyfully leads a team of 40 in climate action and environmental justice work on the California Central Coast.
Stephen Whitney ’03 and Eleanor Whitney ’05 celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in ’25. They live in South Bay Area (San Francisco) with their three young adult kids. Steve is a Parish Associate at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church and Eleanor is the Director of the Contemplative Center of Silicon Valley.
Patrick Bailey ’13 retired as Army chaplain 2008, did service in Iraq, and earned a bronze star. He was the first brigade chaplain of newly formed brigade combat team in Alaska, now part of the 61st Airborne Division. He also served as pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Telluride, Colorado from 2008-2024. He retired in 2024 and moved to his present home, a log cabin in Rico, Colorado.
Paul Soderquist ’05 published a book, What the Bible is About: One Reader’s Journey of Discovery, with Study Guide. Retired, he is living in Mesa, Arizona.
Molly Fisherkeller ’18, Katie Brendler ’18, Lora East ’16, and Brooklynn Smith ’17 reunited at the Luminosity Conference in Orlando, Florida from March 9-11, 2026.
Richard Poole ’06 had an eventful 2025. He served as moderator of San Fernando
Barbara West ’16 reports that her thesis is ready to be published and that she has
Want to submit a class note? Submit online at www.redlands.edu/alumni/class-notes
Mollie Mae Winninger Ryan ’19 is finishing her PhD in Religion at Claremont Graduate University.
“solved the theodicy debate once and for all.” Her thesis is titled The Murphy Mullens Discourse of Neighborly Love and Mutual Affection for Each Other. Liz Zupp ’18 is an MTS student at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and begins studies at University of Pittsburgh for an MSW in Fall ’26 as a dual enrollment student. Mollie Mae Winninger Ryan ’19 lives in Pacific Northwest and works as a 988 Supervising Clinician, directing crisis hotline teams. She teaches about disability literacy, grief, mourning, and hope. She is finishing her PhD in Religion at Claremont Graduate University, researching femme chronic pain, hysteria, and the folk-healing stories of Jesus. You writes on Substack and her latest work in A Queer Lectionary: (Im)Proper Readings from the Margins, Year A + B.
2020’s Sam Codington ’23 is the pastor of McGregor Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, and previously a pastor in San Diego. His new book on preaching and the environment is titled Searching for Speech: Preaching in the Ruins of the Anthropocene. He interrogates experiences in the borderland and dynamics of power from when he was a pastor in San Diego. Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg, Principal of Emmanuel College, wrote a foreword for the book. Debra A. Whitlock Lax ’23 recently officiated her daughter’s wedding and became the grandmother of three wonderful children. She relocated to Kansas City, Missouri and is publishing The Dirt We Don’t See: Exposing the Inner Life God Calls Us to Clean. Assigned to Pastor Allen St. John AME Church, she preached at the denomination’s Missouri Annual Conference. She served as keynote speaker for Missouri’s Women in Ministry, talking about technology in ministry.
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