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OCH TAMALE News for Alumni & Friends of the University of Redlands

Summer 2026 | Volume 101 | Issue 2

The future we're building From Redlands to Los Angeles to Marin, university leaders are building a future that expands opportunity while preserving the relationships and experiences that make Redlands distinctive.

OCH TAMALE

Summer 2026 | Volume 101 | Issue 2

CONTENTS 1

Letter from the President

Campus News

COVER STORY

16 The future we’re building How historic mergers are expanding opportunities, strengthening academic excellence, and shaping the next generation of student success

28 Bulldog Athletics 32 Alumni Reunion Weekend 34 Passings 36 Class Notes Class Notes Reporters

SARAH TAN

48 Cortner Society SARAH TAN

49 Redlands Dreamers

Cover illustration depicts the Memorial Chapel at the Redlands campus, the Los Angeles Times Library at the Los Angeles campus, and Geneva Hall at the Bay Area campus SARAH TAN

The “Och Tamale” cheer Originally called the “Psalm of Collegiate Thanksgiving,” the “Och Tamale” cheer was written by cheerleader C. Merle Waterman ’20 and classmates Walter J. Richards ’21 and Jack Slutsk ’22.

From curiosity to catalyst

The chalkboard alchemist

Chemist David Soulsby’s discovery could become U of R’s first patent

How beloved professor Art Svenson transformed generations of students

Bulldogs win!

A place of kinship

Community impact

Redlands Softball makes history with NCAA Division III championship

University of Redlands opens the Čañaam Center

Tony Mueller reflects on nearly four decades at U of R

Commencement

Celebrating the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business & Society, and School of Education

Celebrating the Woodbury University MADE Student Showcase, Fashion Show, and Commencement

SARAH TAN

FSC PAPER NOTE

SARAH TAN

*also spelled Deyatty

SARAH TAN

Och Tamale Gazolly Gazump Deyump Dayadee* Yahoo Ink Damink Dayadee Gazink Deyump, Deray, Yahoo Wing Wang Tricky Trackey Poo Foo Joozy Woozy Skizzle Wazzle Wang Tang Orky Porky Dominorky Redlands! Rah, Rah, Redlands!

COCO MCKOWN ’04, ’10

The “Och Tamale” is recited when the Bulldogs score a touchdown, at pep rallies, Homecoming, alumni events, or as a greeting to fellow alumni.

OCH TAMALE President Krista L. Newkirk Honorary degree recipient Lynn Valbuena at the Graduate Commencement Ceremony

SARAH TAN

Čañaam Center ribbon cutting at Hunsaker University Center

Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Communications and Chief Marketing Officer Mariya Palanjian Interim Vice President, Advancement William Torrey Senior Director of Communications Stephanie Johnson

President Krista Newkirk awaits return of champs

SARAH TAN

Bulldog alumni present gift at reunion weekend

Letter from the President E

arlier this summer, the University of Redlands celebrated a truly historic moment. Our softball team captured the NCAA Division III National Championship, bringing home the program’s first national title. Watching their remarkable five-game sweep in person at the Women’s College World Series in Salem, Virginia, was an absolute joy, and we could not be prouder. Their triumph feels especially fitting as I reflect on the theme of this issue: vision. Champions don’t just happen; they are built on a clear vision of what is possible, backed by the dedication to bring that vision to life. That same forward-looking spirit animates everything we do at the University of Redlands. We see it in the exciting future we are building together. For five years, University of Redlands Board of Trustees Chair Jamison “Jim” Ashby ’82 has been an extraordinary partner to me and visionary for the University. He has led with strategic sensibilities and a push for innovation and bold decisions, tempered by his deep connection to the University. With his leadership, we have accomplished profound change and progress. Jim helped guide us through times of both immense opportunity and challenge, always keeping his eyes fixed steadily on what is best for our students. We are blessed that he will continue to serve on the board as we continue our critical work. That excellence of leadership and vision will continue under our new Board Chair, David Enzminger ’85. As a highly respected attorney and someone known by our entire community for his sound judgment, intelligence, and steady hand, I look forward to partnering with David to advance our strategic priorities. That future is bright because it stands on a foundation built by generations of Bulldogs. During Reunion Weekend, it was wonderful to welcome alumni back to campus and feel the enduring strength of our connection. That same collective spirit showed up on Giving Day, when more than

1,700 donors came together to contribute over $470,000. As we celebrate these moments, we are also honoring individuals whose impact on Redlands will be felt for generations. This year, we say goodbye to two extraordinary members of our campus community. Dr. Art Svenson, David Boies Endowed Chair of Government, retired after 45 years of service, having inspired thousands of students, and Tony Mueller, founding Director of Community Service Learning, retired after 40 years of service, leaving behind a legacy that helped make service and community engagement hallmarks of the Redlands experience. Because of people like Jim, Art, and Tony, we continue to boldly expand our horizons. This summer, we finalized our integration with Woodbury University. This exciting expansion establishes Woodbury as the University of Redlands, Los Angeles (URLA), significantly broadening opportunities for students through highly regarded programs in architecture, art and design, business, and media. Of course, my reflection would not be complete without highlighting the Class of 2026. In April, we celebrated over 982 graduates across our campuses as they crossed the stage at Commencement. Watching our graduates turn the page to their next chapters is a powerful reminder of why we do this work. As you read the stories in this issue, I hope you will see what I see: a university deeply rooted in its mission and energized by the possibilities ahead. Thank you for being an essential part of that vision. Go Bulldogs!

Executive Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving Brandon Mulder Director of Donor Relations & Communications Sarah Armes Harwood Editor Jennifer Dobbs ’17, ’22 Graphic Designer Michelle Dang ’14 Contributors Steven Arciniega ’20 Sarah Armes Harwood Alieu Corr ’20, ’22 Clyde Derrick Lance Franey Catherine Garcia ’06 Coco McKown ’04, ’10 Rachel Roche ’02 Sarah Tan Eric Whedbee Och Tamale is published by the University of Redlands.

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to: Och Tamale University of Redlands PO Box 3080 Redlands, CA 92373-0999 Copyright 2026 909-748-8070 ochtamale@redlands.edu www.redlands.edu/OchTamale Please send comments and address changes to ochtamale@redlands.edu. Please also let us know if you are receiving multiple copies or would like to opt out of your subscription.

Krista L. Newkirk, J.D.

REDLANDS.EDU/OCHTAMALE

CAMPUS NEWS

SARAH TAN

David Enzminger ’85

eginning July 1, 2026, David Enzminger ’85 assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees. Enzminger, a cum laude graduate in political science and German, earned his J.D. from Arizona State University. He is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP in Los Angeles, with extensive experience in technology litigation, including patent, trade secret, trademark, and antitrust matters. “Chair-Elect Enzminger brings the kind of leadership that will help our University continue to evolve and thrive,” President Krista L. Newkirk said. “He understands who we are at our core and is committed to expanding opportunities for our students and strengthening our impact.” He has remained close to Redlands since graduation, serving on the Alumni Association Board and the Young Alumni Committee, earning the Ray Whitmus Young Alumni Award before joining the Board of Trustees in 2009. “I am deeply honored to serve the institution that has shaped my life in so many ways,” Enzminger said. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow trustees, the President and her Cabinet, and faculty and staff to advance the University’s mission and foster student success.” President Newkirk thanked former Chair Jamison J. Ashby ’82 for five years of dedicated leadership and service, “which have been instrumental in positioning the University for this next chapter. Jim has been a strong, strategic, and innovative board chair who has continuously pushed and supported us to be better.” Newkirk said. “Redlands has made remarkable progress in expanding its footprint across California and developing programs that are both market-responsive and grounded in the liberal arts,” Ashby said. “I am proud to have helped guide these efforts and look forward to continuing to support ChairElect Enzminger and President Newkirk as they build on this momentum.” OT

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

SAN FRANCISCO THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NEW DEAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOANNE WHITT

NEW CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Reverend Dr. Joanne Whitt

niversity of Redlands has named Reverend Dr. Joanne Whitt as the next dean of San Francisco Theological Seminary. 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 and 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. University leaders said Whitt’s commitments to antiracism, 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 for over 30 years. The seminary is precious to me, and my hope is to work with our exceptional faculty and staff to offer students an outstanding seminary experience on the West Coast,” Whitt said. “SFTS has always been a place where the big questions are encouraged. I look forward to the adventure and challenge of figuring out what that looks like today when attitudes toward organized religion are changing.” OT

CAMPUS NEWS

University of Redlands is putting SoCal sunshine to work through its latest sustainable endeavor, the East Solar Lot.

ALIEU CORR ’20, ’22

POWERING UP FOR SUSTAINABLE SAVINGS On March 2, U of R officially activated the canopied solar array near the corner of Grove Street and Colton Avenue, marking phase one of a two-part clean energy project. “In an era of rising energy costs, initiatives like the East Solar Lot are not only environmentally responsible but also fiscally smart,” President Krista L. Newkirk said. “Reduced utility costs allow us to reinvest savings into academic programs, student services, and campus operations.” The project is a continued collaboration between U of R’s Capital Projects and Central Utilities teams, partner firm McKinstry, and the City of Redlands. Approval from Southern California Edison to switch on the Armacost Library solar array (phase 2) is expected by the end of June. Both arrays are estimated to generate 1.7 megawatts of renewable energy, covering nearly 20-30% of the Redlands’ campus energy needs. OT

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCKINSTRY

REDLANDS.EDU/OCHTAMALE

CAMPUS NEWS

BULLDOGS WIN!

Redlands Softball makes history with NCAA Division III championship

he University of Redlands softball team (48-6) has been crowned the NCAA Division III Softball National Champions for the first time in program history, after winning the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) Championship Series 2-0 following a 7-6 comeback win over Trine University. Just like game one, it was the Thunder jumping out to a big lead, this time a 4-0 advantage after one inning following a sacrifice fly and a three-run home run. The Bulldogs responded in their second at-bats cutting the deficit to two. Natalie Lowthers (Wrightwood, California) started the inning off with a 10-pitch walk and then came in following a Jenay Scott (Merced, California) triple to right field. Adyson Kim (Millbrae, California) kept the line moving with an RBI fielder’s choice, moving the score to 4-2. It then became a one-run game in the 4th Inning with U of R capitalizing on a Trine fielding error. Natalie Lopez (Long Beach, California) reached and advanced to second base and was then subbed out for Saya Fujii (San Jose, CA). Brooklyn Bard (Long Beach, California) then stepped in and singled down the left field line plating Sujii, making the score 4-3. Trine, however, responded with their second home run of the game in the fifth as they extended their lead back to three, 6-3. Redlands, though, continued to battle, scoring three times to tie the game at six in the sixth. Kim started things off with a towering double to left field. Following a groundout by Avery Provenzano (San Jose, California) that moved Kim to third, Lopez then singled through the left side bringing in one. Bard then sacrificed Lopez over and Leila Gomez (San Bernardino, California) followed with a single to the shortstop. She moved up 60 feet with a stolen base and Lowthers picked up the biggest hit of the game a two-run single up the middle, deadlocking the game.

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

PHOTO COURTESY OF BULLDOG ATHLETICS

With the game still tied at six in the top of the seventh, U of R kept the offense going. Maya Holshoe (Redlands) got a single down the left field line before stealing second. Provenzano then stepped in and singled up the middle driving her in, which would be the eventual game-winning run. After relieving Katlyn Gandara (Whittier, California) in the fifth, Brianna Garcia (Riverside, California) got out of the inning by stranding two runners with a strike out. Then in the sixth she sat the Thunder down in order. In the seventh she induced a groundout back to the circle and a pair of fly outs to Scott in right center that secured the win. All nine batters who had a plate appearance had a hit, with Gandara and Lowthers reaching with a hit and a walk. Scott and Lopez each had two hits and a walk as well. Gandara went 4.2 innings with six earned runs allowed and four strikeouts. Garcia did not allow a hit and after a walk to her first batter, she did not allow a player to reach over her final 2.1 innings as she earned the win. Despite getting outhit in terms of home runs 4-0 in the two games, the Bulldogs were plus five in doubles and triples and hit .407 in comparison to Trine’s .283. They also had eight steals to the Thunder’s three. Additionally, after getting outscored 7-0 in the first inning, the Bulldogs were plus 16 the remaining six. This national championship for the Bulldogs comes after never making it to the WCWS prior to last May. The Maroon and Grey won their final six games of the season after starting the NCAA Division III National Championships 3-2. For more information and day-to-day results of Bulldog Athletics, visit GoRedlands.com. OT

SARAH TAN

A PLACE OF KINSHIP

University of Redlands opens the Čañaam Center By Steven Arciniega ’20

nside the Hunsaker Student Center, Nóra Pulskamp stepped to the podium with a quiet sense of anticipation, aware that years of work had led to this moment. University of Redlands community and tribal members gathered in a space that existed, until recently, only as a shared idea between Pulskamp and a small group of advocates. Persistently, they had worked for more than a decade to bring the idea to life in what is now the Čañaam Center. “This center represents the belief that Native students belong here, not in margins, not in borrowed spaces, but at the heart of campus life.” Pulskamp said. Čañaam, the Serrano word for kinship, embodies exactly what Pulskamp, a member of the Navajo Nation who serves as U of R’s Tribal Liaison and Director of Native Student Programs (NSP), hopes students will find when they walk through the doors. “When we chose the name, we thought about what we dreamed for this space,” Pulskamp said. “We want people to feel that connection that is so inherent to Native communities, that sense of kinship when you meet someone and ask where they’re from, and know who their family is and how you’re related. We want everyone to experience that and invite others into it.” The University and the Čañaam Center sit on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the Serrano and Cahuilla peoples, a point Native American Student Union (NASU) Vice President Lana Lansing ’28, of the Navajo Nation, wove into her opening remarks. “Recognizing this land is not just a gesture, it’s a reminder of our responsibility to support Native communities, respect tribal sovereignty, and uplift Indigenous students and nations connected to this area,” Lansing said.

The Čañaam Center took shape through years of collaboration between U of R and community partners, including the Yuhaaviatam of the San Manuel Nation. University President Krista Newkirk spoke to the depth of that partnership. “Their investment reflects a shared commitment to educational quality, equity, to uplifting Native voices, and to creating pathways for Native students to thrive as leaders in their communities and beyond,” Newkirk said. Support extended beyond campus and community. The evening opened with a blessing from Kim Marcus, a member of the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, who also performed Serrano Bighorn Sheep and Bird songs. “We were honored to host members of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s Youth Council, representing the next generation of tribal leadership, and to reconnect with some of the first Native alumni NSP worked with,” Pulskamp said. The evening also brought formal recognition from the California Legislature. District Director Vanessa Brierty offering remarks on behalf of Assembly Member and alumnus James Ramos ’12, a longtime champion of Native American representation in higher education. The celebration provided a moment to honor how far Native Student Programs has come and to look ahead towards what the Čañaam Center will make possible. In the coming months, U of R will also welcome the launch of the Native American Studies minor and the Native Leader Development Program within the Center’s walls. Learn more at www.redlands.edu/ nativestudentprograms. OT

STEVEN ARCINIEGA ’20 AND ALIEU CORR ’20, ’22

BULLDOG COMMUTER LOUNGE OPENS

The Redlands campus community celebrated the grand opening of the new Commuter Student Lounge in March, a dedicated space in Hunsaker University Center designed for commuter students. President Krista L. Newkirk joined Bulldogs at the ribbon-cutting celebration, marking what many hope will become a true hub for connection, rest, and community. The new lounge is intended to provide a sense of belonging, a place to gather, and a home base for commuter students.

REDLANDS.EDU/OCHTAMALE

CAMPUS NEWS

University of Redlands wins 2026 Engage the Vote Championship When the California Secretary of State’s office put out the call, Bulldogs showed up and showed out. University of Redlands has been named the winner of the 2026 Engage the Vote Championship, defeating UC Riverside in the final round of a 10-week tournament that challenged California campuses to help maximize student voter registration and voting-plan commitments ahead of the state’s June primary. University President Krista Newkirk called the win a reflection of something deeper than a competition. “This victory is a powerful testament to our campus’s commitment to leadership and civic engagement,” she said. The championship was driven by the Bulldog Civic Engagement Collective, student government leaders, and campus staff. The victory is proof that democracy at Redlands is practiced far beyond the classroom.

President’s Honor Recital returns for its 44th year Since 1983, the President’s Honor Recital has spotlighted the Conservatory of Music’s most exceptional performers. This year, eight undergraduate and graduate musicians performed at the Memorial Chapel on February 19: Vincent Garavito ’27, tuba; Madelyn Olsen ’27, saxophone; Jaeden Sanchez ’28 and Kaylie Wise ’28, flute; Ethan Vo ’26, violin; Maria Huff, piano; Alexandra Muyshondt ’24, vocalist; and brass performer Ryan Vickrey ’26.

The School of Performing Arts brought Sondheim’s dark fairy tale to life with an eco-friendly twist. “Into the Woods” ran March 28 through April 4 at the Glenn Wallichs Theatre, incorporating “sustainable theatre,” a production approach designed to reduce carbon emissions through green practices on and offstage. Director Gregory Ramos viewed this as an opportunity to prepare students to engage with the real challenges of our time. Sets for the performance were designed by Studio Art major and Lead Set Designer Avery Heidebrecht ’26.

ASA double milestone The Asian Student Association celebrated a double milestone in March: five years of the popular Night Market and 10 years since the association’s inception. The ASA Night Market returned to Chapel Drive in March, and represented 14 Asian countries through food and cultural performances.

Living on Common Ground The 36th Annual Living on Common Ground Multicultural Festival returned to the Redlands campus in April. The event brought together students, faculty, and community members for a full day of cultural performances, music, food vendors, and arts and crafts. The Kid’s Corner offered games, face painting, prizes, and more for younger guests. 6

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

SARAH TAN

“Into the Woods” brings sustainable theatre to Redlands

STEVEN ARCINIEGA ’20

SARAH TAN

REDLANDS.EDU/OCHTAMALE

CAMPUS NEWS

PROFESSOR GERALD GROSHEK

By Sarah Armes Harwood

n Fall 2025, Professor Gerald Groshek, Ph.D., was named as the new University Endowed Chair in Global Business, a position established through the generosity of Richard C. ’52 and Virginia M. ’52 Hunsaker in 2010. Since joining Redlands in 1999, Groshek has held multiple leadership roles for the School of Business & Society, including serving as Professor of International Economics and Business, MBA Director, Director of International Programs, and Salzburg Faculty Fellow. A five-time Fulbright grant recipient, he brings deep expertise in international finance, trade, strategy, and global business operations. In his new role, Groshek will guide the Global Business program into its next era by strengthening curriculum through technology, expanding international partnerships, and cultivating student and alumni engagement. His appointment marks a renewed commitment to one of Redlands’ most distinctive offerings. The Global Business program was founded in 2005 and quickly distinguished itself in rigor and ambition. The Bachelor of Science in Global Business is being redesigned as a multidisciplinary degree, reflecting the reality that contemporary global enterprises operate at the intersection of economics, politics, culture, technology, and organizational systems. Rather than treating business as a standalone field, the program will integrate multiple academic disciplines to provide students with a comprehensive and contextualized understanding of global markets. “In an era of increasing technological change and political uncertainty, the Redlands Global Business degree enables students to respond to the complex forces that are both expanding and disrupting markets and the corporate, non-profit, and government actors that drive and react to these shifts in the real-world,” says Groshek. Known for producing exceptional graduates, Global Business majors focus on a specific world region or an industrial sector and are prepared for the complexities of international markets and cross-cultural leadership. Students immerse themselves in business fundamentals, collaborative learning, internships, study abroad (a requirement of the major), and real-world global experiences. The program’s founding architect was the late Professor Jack Osborn ’69, a global executive whose career spanned TRW, Kibun Products Int’l, and Mitsubishi Consumer Electronics North America. Osborn returned to Redlands in 2001 as the Hunsaker Chair in Management, where he shaped a Global Business curriculum, expanded international study opportunities, mentored hundreds of students, and built Redlands’ Fulbright tradition.

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

ERIC WHEDBEE

New University Endowed Chair in Global Business

The combination has produced remarkable outcomes, with numerous Global Business majors among the Redlands recipients of Fulbright Awards who have pursued research and teaching in countries such as Germany, Spain, Guatemala, and Japan. Graduates have gone on to continue their studies at Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, the London School of Economics, University College Dublin, London University, and Cambridge University, among others. The Global Business program’s success rests on a foundation of remarkable generosity from alumni and friends who believe deeply in the power of global education. Rich and Ginnie Hunsaker were champions of global learning at Redlands, endowing the chair now held by Groshek. Their investment ensures strong leadership and curricular innovation for the program’s future. In addition to the Hunsakers’ generosity, important philanthropic investments during Professor Osborn’s tenure built critical opportunities for students. Former Trustee Jim Schroeder ’65 and his wife Althea Schroeder H’23 strengthened the program’s original linguistic and cultural core by funding summer language study scholarships abroad. Former Trustee Dan Hanson ’75 and his wife, Durene Weiler Hanson ’75, provided students with community service-focused experiential learning opportunities abroad. Trustee Rob Harris provided critical funding for internship opportunities. The Jordan A. Korinke Memorial Endowment for Experiential Learning, funded by Trustee Kimberley Stafford Korinke ’00 and her husband Ryan Korinke, continues to provide critical financial support for Global Business students, and other business-related majors, for meaningful experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom knowledge with the analytic inquiry, active learning, problem solving, and innovation required for success beyond the University. Most recently, honoring the founder of the Global Business program, Osborn’s former students led a successful effort to establish the Professor Jack L. Osborn Memorial Endowed Scholarship, further strengthening access to education and preserving Osborn’s legacy of uplifting students for generations to come. The inaugural recipient of the scholarship will be awarded this fall. With Groshek’s leadership, a rich history to build upon, a proven record of student distinction, and a network of philanthropic partners committed to global education, the program is poised to reassert its place as one of the University’s most distinctive and forward-looking programs. OT

COMMUNITY IMPACT

COCO MCKOWN ’04, ’10

Tony Mueller reflects on nearly four decades at U of R

By Steven Arciniega ’20

hen Tony Mueller arrived at University of Redlands in 1985, community service was not in his job description. He came to work in Residence Life, but a vision was quietly taking shape. One that brought together academic experience, volunteer outreach, and community impact. By 1991, that vision had a name: the Office of Community Service Learning. Nearly four decades later, Mueller is retiring as the Director, a role he helped invent alongside alumna and Vice President of External Affairs and Dean Emerita for Student Life Char Burgess ’69, ’70. What began as a pilot course put Redlands on the map as one of the first universities in the nation to mandate community service for every undergraduate student. “We were right at the forefront of it, and I’ve always been really proud that Redlands did that — because it didn’t have to,” he said. As members of the University community reflect on Mueller’s impact, the picture that emerges is one of a leader who showed up fully every single day. “In one workday, Tony will work on our sustainable farm harvesting food or pulling weeds, attend an on-campus committee meeting, assist a student with their service placement, attend a community meeting, and take the time to check with his staff to ensure they have the support and resources needed to do their job,” Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning and Director of Sustainable Education Erin Sanborn said. President Krista Newkirk echoed Mueller’s drive and commitment to impact. “His vision for embedding community engagement into the culture and curriculum of a liberal arts institution has become a model for universities across the country. Today, community service isn’t something our students do ‘on the side.’ It’s central to the Redlands experience.” As Mueller steps away, his hopes for Redlands are modest yet remain true to who he was when he arrived in 1985 — keep serving. “It would be great if we didn’t need all the service, because problems were solved,” Mueller said. “But I always want this to be a school that embraces serving its community. That’s what I really hope continues forever.” OT

CAMPUS NEWS

$1M LILLY ENDOWMENT GRANT

Launches Mastery-Based Theological Education Program at SFTS By Stephanie Johnson

edlands has been awarded a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch an innovative Mastery-Based Theological Education 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,” University of Redlands President Krista L. Newkirk said. “We are developing practical, skillsfocused 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,” former University of Redlands Board of Trustees Chair Jamison J. Ashby said. “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. 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 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 Co. 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 support 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. OT

REDLANDS.EDU/OCHTAMALE

CAMPUS NEWS

SARAH TAN

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

FROM CURIOSITY TO CATALYST

SARAH TAN

Chemist David Soulsby’s discovery could become U of R’s first patent By Steven Arciniega ’20

avid Soulsby doesn’t just teach chemistry. He also explores what chemistry can make possible. The University of Redlands professor and chemist spends his days developing new reactions, or molecular “tools,” that could help other scientists make their next discovery. His own latest breakthrough, a metal-free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, could improve care for thousands of patients and potentially become the University’s first patent. “Contrast agents are used in MRI to increase image clarity and help with diagnoses. Unfortunately, they all use gadolinium, a heavy metal with significant toxicity issues, and are particularly contraindicated for people with kidney disease,” Soulsby said. “There is a significant number of patients who need safer and non-toxic alternatives so that they can get the highest quality MRI, leading to better outcomes.” During a 2023 experiment, Soulsby discovered a new type of sugar produced through a previously unobserved or reported-on reaction. Working alongside undergraduate researcher Rowan Glover ’24, the duo expanded the reaction to work across multiple sugars and published the findings that year. “Our hope is that this new tool in the chemical toolbox can be used by others to continue the development of important drugs that can help with disease control,” he said. A chance meeting between Soulsby and his graduate school colleague, Dr. David Brook of San José State University (SJSU), brought Soulsby and Glover’s work into focus and opened the door to applying the reaction to a real-world need. “Using the sugar molecule work developed here at Redlands, with some work that Dave developed at SJSU, we were able to fuse them together to develop a non-toxic, heavy-metal-free contrast agent (sugar-based organic radical contrast agent) that could be a replacement for the gadolinium-based agents that are currently used,” Soulsby said. The team filed a provisional patent in September 2024 and converted it to a full patent application in 2025, and they expect approval this summer. Once this happens, Soulsby can seek out licensing partners to “rent the idea,” working alongside them to advance the innovative work shared between the two institutions. Throughout the project, undergraduate researchers like Glover have played a key role, further amplifying experiential learning and mentorship at Redlands. “As the capstone of our program, students bring all the experiences we have taught them in earlier courses and apply those skills to cutting-edge problems with real-world applications,” Soulsby said. “In a few instances, such as this one, the potential impacts of a project can be tremendous. Our students graduate with a powerful skill set that serves them well for graduate and professional schools, setting them up for successful careers.” OT

REDLANDS.EDU/OCHTAMALE

CAMPUS NEWS

SARAH TAN

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

THE CHALKBOARD ALCHEMIST

How beloved professor Art Svenson transformed generations of students with little more than a piece of chalk, a love of constitutional law, and an endless supply of questions. By Jennifer Dobbs ’17, ’22

n most days, if you walked into Professor Art Svenson’s classroom, you would see the same scene: a chalkboard covered edge to edge with abbreviations, arrows, questions, and ideas moving faster than his hand could write them. By the end of class, chalk dust coated his clothes. To an outsider, the board might look like chaos. To generations of University of Redlands students, it was the map of a mind teaching them how to think. To Svenson, a day covered in chalk was a successful one. After 45 years at Redlands, Svenson is retiring. His departure closes a chapter not only for the Political Science Department but for thousands of students whose understanding of politics, law, and life was shaped by a professor who never stopped asking questions. For Svenson, teaching was never simply about constitutional law. It was about curiosity. He grew up in Fresno, where questions were the family language. His father, a political science professor at California State University, Fresno, filled the dinner table with conversations about politics. His mother, a first-grade teacher whom he remembers as the “nicest person he’d ever met,” instilled in him a love of learning. Music also became a lifelong companion. Inspired by his violin-playing father, Svenson performed in orchestras and symphonies throughout college and graduate school, later playing with ensembles in California, Florida, and Beijing. As a young man, travel shaped him as well. “It made me a better person,” he said. “I could navigate my way through the Soviet Union,

navigate my way through Europe, come back alive, and come back with stories to tell.” His path to Redlands, however, was far from certain. Fresh out of graduate school, Svenson applied for more than 100 teaching positions, including one at U of R. He received zero offers. He accepted a job in Florida and prepared for a different future. Then the candidate who had accepted the Redlands position left, reopening the search. Svenson applied again. This time, he got the call. For him, Redlands represented something rare: a place where intellectual rigor and human connection could coexist. Over the decades, he watched thousands of students arrive as firstyears and leave as graduates. Many stayed in touch. Some became lifelong friends. His philosophy was simple: “Read slowly. Think deeply. Question everything. Write carefully. Check, check, check, and doublecheck.” Constitutional law, he often reminded students, is difficult work. The Constitution itself is only a few thousand words long, but understanding its meaning requires grappling with generations of court decisions, legal reasoning, and human stories. (Continued on next page)

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CAMPUS NEWS

(Continued from previous page) That challenge fascinated him from the moment he encountered a Supreme Court case as a college student and realized what he wanted to do with his life. For decades afterward, he shared that fascination with students, guiding them through landmark cases and helping them understand how constitutional questions shape nearly every major issue facing the nation. While technology transformed higher education, Svenson remained devoted to chalk. His classes unfolded as conversations. Students asked questions. He asked more. Ideas emerged in real time and found their way onto the board. The chalkboard was never the point. The thinking was. He met his wife Nancy, associate vice president of graduate enrollment at U of R, at a University holiday event and it was “pretty much love at first sight.” Together, they built a family through adoption, welcoming two daughters from China, Cece and Elle, who became, in his words, “the light of our lives.”

Svenson’s wife, Nancy, smiles during his retirement dinner.

In 2011, the family traveled to Beijing after Svenson received a Fulbright award to teach constitutional law. It was a season filled with learning, travel, and adventure. Then, shortly after returning home, Cece was diagnosed with leukemia. She died six months later. “The worst nightmare is to lose a child.” Svenson said.

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More than a decade later, Svenson speaks of her with tenderness. He sees reminders of her everywhere, including a hummingbird that visits the family window. “We know that’s Cece saying good morning,” he said. Elle graduates with a degree in economics this month from University of California, Santa Barbara, with plans of graduate school and travel in her future. When asked about his future, and what he will miss about Redlands, his answer comes easily. “Everything.” The students. The colleagues. The conversations. The chance to walk across one of the most beautiful campuses in higher education and spend his days discussing ideas he loves. For 45 years, Redlands was the stage where that life unfolded. And while his final class may be over, Svenson’s influence remains. It remains in former students now leading organizations, serving communities, teaching classrooms, practicing law, and raising families of their own. It remains in the musicians who sat beside him during performances of Beethoven and more than 140 Feast of Lights ceremonies. Most of all, it remains in every student who learned that the best education begins not with answers, but with questions. As he looks ahead to train rides across Canada, river cruises through Europe, books waiting on the shelf, and concerts enjoyed simply for the pleasure of listening, Svenson is ready for a new rhythm. But the lessons he leaves behind will endure long after the chalk dust settles. For generations of Bulldogs, Art Svenson was more than a professor. He was a guide, a mentor, a storyteller, a musician, and a reminder that learning is not about memorizing facts. It is about remaining curious enough to keep asking questions. And for 45 years, no one asked them better. OT

SARAH TAN

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THE FUTURE W From Redlands to Los Angeles to the Bay Area, University leaders are building a future that expands opportunity while preserving the relationships and experiences that make each campus distinctive. By Jennifer Dobbs ’17, ’22

SARAH TAN

he future of University of Redlands is being shaped by a simple but powerful idea: every student deserves access to an education that prepares them to thrive in a changing world. Across California, from Redlands to Los Angeles to the Bay Area, the University is expanding its academic reach, strengthening connections to industry, and creating new pathways for students through its recently completed integration with Woodbury University, and previous mergers with Presidio Graduate School and San Francisco Theological Seminary. President Krista L. Newkirk sees a university that is becoming more connected, more interdisciplinary, and

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SARAH TAN

better positioned to serve students across the state. At its core, however, the mission remains unchanged: helping students discover their purpose and build meaningful lives through education grounded in human connection. “I see so much potential with the University of Redlands,” Newkirk said. “And now even more with a location in Los Angeles. “What excites me is creating new opportunities for students and enhancing our current offerings to meet the moment,” she said. “It’s so much more powerful for students because we bring an element of care that you don’t get in a large public institution.”

E'RE BUILDING

Meeting the moment

he integration of Woodbury University emerged from a broader effort to position University of Redlands for long-term success and expand the University’s ability to serve students in meaningful ways. “There has been a national shift from higher education as a public good and an investment we make in society to higher education as a private commodity that people should fund themselves,” Newkirk said. “We have to rethink our business plan so that we can deliver an education at a cost point that is more affordable.”

Woodbury aligned naturally with that vision. “We were looking for strong mission alignment, complementary academic programs, and a way to move our strategic plan forward,” Newkirk said. What she found was an institution whose emphasis on internships, experiential learning, and career preparation closely reflected Redlands’ educational philosophy. “Woodbury really focused on personalized education and requiring every student to have an internship before they graduated,” she said. “When we met with them and saw the

campus and how they were focused on experiential and hands-on learning, it aligned with the U of R’s Core Four (research, service, study away, internships) and what we’ve done for years.” Former Board Chair Jamison J. Ashby ’82 reached a similar conclusion. “I don’t think we could find a more ideal merger for Redlands than Woodbury,” Ashby said. Beyond the academic fit, he was equally encouraged by the cultural alignment between the two institutions. “You’ve got to have great culture for these things to work.”

MEETING THE MOMENT

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THE FUTURE WE'RE BUILDING A DIFFERENT KIND

One University, three campuses

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he Woodbury integration builds on the momentum of earlier partnerships with Presidio Graduate School, now the Presidio Center for Sustainable Solutions, and San Francisco Theological Seminary. Woodbury will be known as University of Redlands, Los Angeles, within which is the College of Architecture, Design, and Media — home to the Woodbury School of Architecture and Woodbury School of Design and Media Arts. The Woodbury Business Institute, with its AACSB accreditation, is now part of the School of Business & Society. For Newkirk, these additions are helping shape a University with distinct campuses connected by shared values and a common educational philosophy. “The larger vision is we’ll have these three campuses spread across California with a liberal arts spine that connects all of them,” she said. “Then each campus will have its own specific programs that align to industry and marketplace needs.” Together, the University’s campuses connect students to some of California’s most influential regions: the creative industries of Los Angeles, the sustainability and innovation ecosystem of the Bay Area, and the growing economic opportunities of the Inland Empire. Students at the Los Angeles campus will gain access to signature Redlands

experiences such as Study Away, Salzburg, and May Term, while Redlands students benefit from nationally recognized programs in architecture, animation, game design, filmmaking, and fashion design. That vision also includes new possibilities for collaboration across disciplines. Newkirk imagines architecture students studying the historic Julia Morgan buildings in the Bay Area, music students composing scores for filmmakers and animators in Los Angeles, and sustainability students working alongside business and design students to address real-world challenges. She also sees entirely new academic pathways emerging from those connections. One example is a potential sustainable real estate development program that could bring together expertise in architecture, sustainability, business, and geographic information systems while using California’s diverse regions as living laboratories for learning. “That’s really where we want to be able to go,” she said. Ashby believes those connections will strengthen the University’s position throughout California. Woodbury’s nationally recognized programs, its location in Los Angeles, and its reputation in creative and professional fields create new avenues for growth while expanding the University’s visibility in one of the world’s most influential markets.

HOLDING ONE UNIVERSITY, THREE

OF STUDENT EXPERIENCE

A different kind of student experience

t the center of Newkirk’s vision is a commitment to helping students connect their education directly to their future. “We want to assure students, as they’re coming in the door, they’re going to get connected to the Core Four and those experiential learning opportunities,” she said. “But also, we’re going to challenge them from day one to be thinking about their LinkedIn profile, building out their resume, thinking about their portfolio.” For Newkirk, career readiness is not something that begins during a student’s final semester. It starts the moment they arrive on campus. Whether it’s an architecture student graduating with a professional portfolio, a sustainability student completing client-based consulting projects, a future teacher gaining classroom experience before earning a credential, or a student researcher presenting original work, the goal is to help students connect learning to meaningful outcomes.

“We really want to help students make those connections and think about their career pathway from day one,” Newkirk said. That philosophy reflects her enduring belief in the value of a liberal arts education. “What students need to have are the skills and the ability to think about and participate in the world in a meaningful way,” she said. “That’s a liberal arts education.” Ashby agrees. “I am absolutely confident there will be winners and losers,” he said of higher education’s future. “Higher ed is not going to go away. Liberal arts will still have its place.” He believes institutions that combine professional preparation with broad critical thinking, communication skills, creativity, and adaptability will be best positioned to thrive.

Holding on to what matters

hile the University continues to evolve, Newkirk remains focused on preserving the qualities that alumni have long valued.

In an increasingly digital world, she believes authentic human relationships have become even more important. “There is a hunger for authenticity,” she said. “That’s what Redlands does really well. It’s those authentic relationships, the human connections, the way our alumni talk about what they gained at Redlands that has impacted them the rest of their lives.” She points to lifelong friendships, faculty mentors who remain in touch with former students, and the culture of care that continues to distinguish the university. “Those are powerful things,” she said. Ashby has seen those same values reflected throughout the integration process. “There’s a new energy there.” He credits faculty, staff, students, and leaders across both institutions for helping create that momentum while remaining committed to preserving the character and strengths of each campus. “The Woodbury board has been very thoughtful about making sure that we preserve Woodbury as we make it part of the Redlands ecosystem,” Ashby said.

ON TO WHAT MATTERS CAMPUSES

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The Next Chapter

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OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

sked what success looks like in the years ahead, Newkirk’s answer extends beyond enrollment numbers or rankings. She sees stronger academic programs, deeper industry partnerships, growing international recognition, and a University known for preparing students exceptionally well for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. She also believes the University’s expanded footprint will strengthen its reputation throughout California, helping attract talented students, faculty, industry partners, and new opportunities while increasing the value of a Redlands degree. Most importantly, she hopes to see the University community embrace what can be built together. “I hope people will engage in it in the same optimistic spirit that I have for it,” she said. Ashby shares that optimism. While higher education continues to change, he remains confident that institutions willing to evolve while remaining grounded in their values will succeed. “And we should be one of those winners,” he said. The University that emerges from this chapter will still be unmistakably Redlands — defined by close relationships, transformative learning, and a belief in the potential of every student. What will be different is its reach, its impact, and the number of lives it can change. For Newkirk, that future is already taking shape. “We just have to let people know about it, experience it firsthand, and prove to them the value of what we have and how it can help them achieve their dreams.” The future of University of Redlands will not be built by one campus, one leader, or one generation of Bulldogs. It will be built together. OT

THE NEXT CHAPTER THE FUTURE

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COMMENCEMENT Celebrating the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony for College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business & Society, and School of Education on April 24, 2026.

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ERIC WHEDBEE

JIM VETTER

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COMMENCEMENT Celebrating the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies Commencement Ceremony on April 23, 2026; Graduate Commencement Ceremony for College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business & Society, and School of Education on April 24, 2026; and the San Francisco Theological Seminary Commencement Ceremony on May 16, 2026.

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COCO MCKOWN ’04, ’10 SARAH TAN

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COMMENCEMENT SARAH TAN

Celebrating the Woodbury University MADE Student Showcase and Fashion Show on April 25, 2026.

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OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

COMMENCEMENT HEWITT VISUALS LLC

Celebrating the Woodbury University Commencement Ceremony on April 26, 2026; and the Presidio Center Commencement Ceremony on May 2-3, 2026.

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GO BULLDOGS

SINCE THE LAST ISSUE… WHAT’S NEW IN BULLDOG ATHLETICS

The next era of sport performance at Redlands

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

PHOTO COURTESY OF BULLDOG ATHLETICS

Sport performance coach Tommy Staup uses an iPad to track student-athlete Pedro Navarro’s ’27 workout performance in real time.

f you’ve spent any time in Bulldog Athletics, you know the goal has always been about more than wins and losses; it’s also about developing people. That standard remains at the heart of the program with the addition of sport performance coaches Liz Falk, PTA, CSCS, and Tommy Staup, CSCS, M.S. Walk into the weight room early in the morning, and you’ll likely find Falk and Staup already there. Their days start around 5:45 a.m., setting up the space, reviewing studentathlete data, and preparing for the first teams to arrive. From then on, the newly-named Jim Schroeder ’65 Sport Performance Center stays active all day, with multiple teams cycling through the multi-functional space. But what stands out isn’t the schedule, it’s how intentional everything is. When they’re not actively coaching, Falk and Staup review performance data, adjust training regimens, and plan what’s next based on competition schedules and team demands. They work one-on-one with student-athletes when needed and stay in constant communication with the coaches to ensure everything aligns. When possible, you’ll see them at practices and competitions, not just supporting but observing, looking for subtle things: movement quality, fatigue, or early red flags that could impact performance or health. Staup and Falk also work closely with the athletic training staff, creating a collaborative model that connects performance, recovery, and return-to-play in a way that feels seamless for the student-athlete.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BULLDOG ATHLETICS

Sport performance coach Liz Falk works with student-athlete Landon Azavedo ’26 on the VALD ForceDeck, analyzing individualized performance for insights into strengths and potential gaps.

What makes this approach different is the level of detail behind-the-scenes, but it’s also the complementary strengths that Falk and Staup bring. Falk’s background as both a licensed physical therapist assistant and certified strength and conditioning specialist gives her a unique lens on student-athlete development. With over a decade of experience across orthopedic, sports, and neuromuscular settings, she brings a deep understanding of how athletes move, where breakdowns occur, and how to build them back stronger. Her expertise with VALD technology allows her to create detailed profiles that go beyond surface-level metrics, identifying asymmetries, force production qualities, and key areas for improvement. She also plays a critical role in deciding when student-athletes may return to play, using objective data to ensure student-athletes are not just cleared, but truly ready to go.

Staup complements this with a strong foundation in strength development, system design, and long-term progression. As a coach and co-owner of a private training facility, he has built programs centered around power development, durability, and performance that translates. His experience working with a wide range of athletes, from collegiate to tactical populations, shows up in his ability to adapt training to the individual while still maintaining structure and progression. He brings a deep understanding of periodization and an ability to connect with people in a way that drives consistency and buy-in. This elite combination allows the Bulldog sport performance program to operate at a high level, where data, coaching, and communication all align. (Continued on next page)

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BULLDOG ATHLE TICS

For more information and day-to-day results of Bulldog Athletics, visit GOREDLANDS.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF BULLDOG ATHLETICS

Liz Falk reviews testing data from max-outs to create comparisons from January to April 2026.

(Continued from previous page) The university currently uses VALD ForceDecks, with hopes to expand into additional VALD systems in the future. This allows for both individual student-athlete profiling and broader team analysis, helping guide more precise and individualized programming while also giving teams clearer insight into collective strengths, potential gaps, and how to better develop training for the specific demands of their sport. For those returning from injury, that same system becomes even more valuable, providing clear benchmarks and a way to track progress with confidence. Although the ForceDecks are currently shared with the Department of Kinesiology, Bulldog Athletics hopes to fundraise for their own set in the future. In-season programming reflects what the best athletic departments in the country are doing – appropriately adapted for Bulldog Athletics. Through methods like priming and microdosing, they can maintain strength, power, and speed without adding unnecessary fatigue. The goal is simple: help student-athletes feel their best when it matters most. Staup and Falk also introduced a weekly group speed session open to all student-athletes. It’s a small addition that’s had a big impact, giving individuals across different teams exposure to speed development while building energy, competition, and a stronger sense of connection throughout Bulldog Athletics. 30

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And while their focus is on student-athletes, Falk and Staup hold themselves to the same standard. They dedicate time each day, often two to three hours in the late morning or early afternoon, to their own training and recovery, and they consistently invest in their professional development through conferences and continuing education. It’s part of the culture they’re building in Sport Performance; one centered on growth, accountability, and doing things the right way. Staup and Falk are excited to build off previous philosophies with fresh perspectives. The level of detail, integration, and care within sport performance at Redlands is evolving. The systems in place, the technology, the collaboration, and the individualized approach are pushing the program well beyond what is traditionally offered at the Division III level. More importantly, it’s being done in a way that still reflects what makes Redlands special: relationships, trust, and a genuine commitment to student-athlete development. It’s not just about training harder. It’s about training smarter, and building an experience that supports studentathletes’ health and well-being long after their time on campus, for the rest of their lives. And that’s something the Bulldog community can take pride in. OT

Q&A with Alex Ortega, new head men’s soccer coach

SARAH TAN

THANKS TO OUR VIDEOBOARD SPONSORS Platinum Bulldog sponsorships: Pepsi and Baker’s Drive-Thru Gold Bulldog sponsorship: Harvest Table and KWB Wealth

Q: Welcome to Redlands. What excites you most about stepping into the role of head men’s soccer coach? A: What excites me most is the opportunity to lead a program with such a strong history and competitive tradition. I’m also energized by the chance to build meaningful relationships with our student-athletes while competing for SCIAC championships. Q: Who is your biggest coaching mentor, and what did you learn from them? A: Justin Serpone at Amherst and Josh Laux at Randolph-Macon. From them, I’ve learned the importance of preparation, building relationships with players, accountability, team culture, and energy. For a program to succeed, these are nonnegotiable. Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your coaching career? A: Winning the 2024 national championship at Amherst. It was an unforgettable year with an incredible group. It represented the culmination of all those non-negotiables coming together. Seeing it result in a national championship was indescribable. Q: If you weren’t a soccer coach, what would you do for a living? A: I would be a private chef. I love cooking and preparing meals for others. Q: What is your go-to pump-up song? Who is on your favorite playlist? A: I don’t have a specific song, but my playlist includes a mix of modern and late-2000s rap, along with some reggaeton. Q: Why Redlands? A: Beyond the beautiful campus, Redlands offers strong academics, passionate alumni, faculty and staff, and a tradition of excellence. It’s a place where we can compete at a high level while developing high-character student-athletes. Q: What should we expect in terms of playing style this fall? A: You can expect a team that is highly organized, energetic, hardworking, and up-tempo. Our identity will center on work rate, discipline, and accountability. Q: Complete this sentence: If there are no soccer commitments on a Saturday, you can find me … A: Playing golf or spending time with family. Q: How do you plan to forge your own path while also honoring coach Ralph Perez’s legacy? A: Coach Perez built a program synonymous with excellence, pride, and high standards. I intend to honor that foundation while bringing my own vision and leadership style to continue the program’s success and growth at the University of Redlands. Q: What message do you want to share with our men’s soccer community — alumni, family and friends? A: This program belongs to all of us. Its history and traditions were built by generations of outstanding players and dedicated supporters. I’m committed to protecting that legacy while striving for even greater success. I will work relentlessly to lead a program that our alumni and community can continue to be proud of. OT

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ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND From May 1-3, 2026, we celebrated the classes of 1976, 1986, 1990-92, 2001, 2010-12, and 2016.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Passings Passings reflect deaths Jan. 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026*

College of Arts & Sciences Marian Merchant Totheroh ’41, Oct. 30, 2025. Muriel Hatch Dinshaw ’48, Nov. 17, 2025. Donald Quisenberry ’48, Oct. 20, 2025.

David NewMyer ’69, Dec. 12, 2025. Family members include brother George P. NewMyer ’64.

Adelle Dungan Beck ’50 ’74, June 2, 2025. Family members include daughter Joycee A. Beck ’77.

John Marsh ’71, Nov. 26, 2025. Family members include wife Paula J. Marsh ’72, and daughter Whitney L. Marsh ’12,

Stewart Nixon ’52 ’57, Jan. 26, 2025.

Bettie Losee ’72, Dec. 4, 2025.

Connie Smith Young ’55, Oct. 30, 2025. Family members include sister Gail. S. Reed ’57.

Linda Robinson Lieberg ’73, April 25, 2025. Family members include husband Prescott O. Lieberg III ’72 and brother Charles W. Robinson III ’75.

Jerry Glenn ’56, Sept. 12, 2025. Robert Kurtz ’56, Nov. 25, 2025. Jean Paff Vieten ’58 ’79, Nov. 25, 2025. Norma Steeples Dreyer ’59, Nov. 19, 2025. Family members include brother Douglas W. Steeples ’57.

Ronald Whipp ’68, Oct. 3, 2025. Family members include wife Dukh Niwaran Kaur K. Whipp ’68.

Terry Bush ’76, Dec. 28, 2024. Family members include spouse Fran Garcia Bush ’77 Cynthia Lages Imada ’80, Jan. 25, 2025. Family members include husband Mark A. Imada ’80.

Johnston Center for Integrative Studies

Robert Charles Bos ’78, Feb. 4, 2026.

John Watt, Nov. 22, 2025. Former professor.

M. Deloach ’81, Sept. 10, 2025.

Kevin O’Neill, Dec. 14, 2025. Former professor.

Janet Elizabeth Beatty ’83, Fall 2025.

School of Business & Society Dosia Griffith ’76, Sept. 30, 2025. Virginia Featherstone ’76, Dec. 7, 2025. Judith Christensen ’81, Oct. 26, 2025. Robert Boss ’83, June 2, 2025. Eugene Morgan ’79 ’85, Nov. 8, 2025. Bernard O’Prey, June 16, 2025. Former adjunct professor. Eva Auchincloss, Nov. 1, 2025. Former Presidio board member.

School of Education Philip Mirci ’79, July 14, 2025. Former professor.

Robert MacDicken ’62, Dec. 27, 2025.

Vincent O’Brien ’85, Oct. 30, 2025. Family members include brother Killian K. O’Brien ’87

Ralph Lehotsky ’63, Sept. 5, 2025.

Michael Rager ’89, Jan. 25, 2025.

Wendy Earl Gibb ’64, June 24, 2025.

Ruth Gomez Dietze ’96, June 24, 2025.

San Francisco Theological Seminary

Larry Nixon ’65, March 1, 2025.

Marni Konsmo Wood ’97, Nov. 3, 2025.

Richard Klein ’53, Feb. 3, 2025.

Steven Manchester ’65, Oct. 24, 2025.

Faith Winter ’02, Nov. 26, 2025.

Richard Chiolis ’57, Sept. 7, 2025.

Warren Arnett ’66, Sept. 17, 2025.

Lauren Craven ’23, Oct. 20, 2025.

Blaine Vestal ’65, Aug. 2, 2025.

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

Jane Keeney Roberts ’92, Nov. 13, 2025. Former coach and professor.

Paul Lance ’83 ’03, Jan. 24, 2025. Alfred Parham ’83, Nov. 24, 2025. Susan Grewe ’87, Dec. 31, 2025. Jackie Leonard ’88, Jan. 12, 2025. William Andrew “Drew” Hayes ’89, Winter 2025. Edward Rankin ’89, Sept. 19, 2025. Howard Boswell ’05, Nov. 17, 2025. Jean Boal ’06, Nov. 12, 2025.

Woodbury Louis Naidorf, Aug. 13, 2025. Former professor.

Friends Jeanne Cahill, April 14, 2025. Family members include former Trustee William R. Cahill and son John Cahill ’11. Lorraine Jorgenson, July 25, 2025. Family members include children John R. Jorgenson ’78, Susan M. Jorgenson Peake ’76, and David R. Jorgenson ’01 John Mirau, June 14, 2025.

ALUMNI NEWS

In Memoriam Eva Seed Auchincloss, longtime board member of Presidio Graduate School (now the Presidio Center for Sustainable Solutions), passed away on Nov. 1, 2025, at age 92. Born in New York City, Eva was educated at Vassar College. After assuming leadership of her late husband’s publishing company and turning it profitable, she moved to San Francisco and began her focus on women’s equity and social impact.

Jane Keeney Roberts ’92, a beloved educator, coach, and global advocate for women, passed away at 84. Jane served the U of R as a French instructor and as women’s tennis coach during the 1960s and 1970s, encouraging generations of students to pursue excellence on and off the court. She and her husband, Julian “Jay” Roberts, a professor of Chemistry who taught for 38 years, were cherished members of the campus community.

Eva became engaged with World College West in 1993 and was a founding board member when WCW became Presidio Graduate School, serving from 2003 to 2011. She helped shape Presidio’s mission-driven model and saw education as a way to create ripple effects of change through future leaders. In her honor, Presidio’s Eva Auchincloss Award for Academic Excellence recognizes graduates who embody academic rigor and a commitment to a more just and sustainable world.

A lifelong champion of gender equality, Jane’s impact extended far beyond Redlands. In 2002, she co founded 34 Million Friends of the United Nations Population Fund, mobilizing grassroots support for reproductive health and education worldwide after U.S. funding was withdrawn. She traveled nationally as a speaker, appeared in Nicholas Kristof’s Half the Sky, and authored 34 Million Friends of the Women of the World. Nominated among the Nobel Peace Prize’s 1000 Women in 2005, Jane dedicated her life to ensuring women’s rights to health, education, and dignity.

Beyond Presidio, Eva was founding director of the Women’s Sports Foundation, testified before Congress for the passage of Title IX, and remained deeply engaged in nonprofit leadership and advocacy. Eva is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchild. Kevin O’Neill, a founding faculty member of Johnston College and longtime professor at the U of R, passed away peacefully on Dec. 14, 2025, at age 84. Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and his master’s degree and Ph.D. in philosophy from Yale University. He began his teaching career at the University of Texas at El Paso before coming to Redlands in 1969 to help build Johnston College. At Johnston, Kevin helped shape its distinctive, academic culture. Over more than four decades, he became legendary for his seminars ranging from Plato and Kierkegaard to culture, ethics, and identity, as well as for his transformative travel courses, including semesters in Greece and Turkey. He served the University in numerous leadership roles and was a tireless advocate for the Johnston vision. Although Kevin officially retired in 2011, he continued teaching for nearly a decade as a Professor Emeritus. Brilliant, caring, and provocative, he challenged thousands of students to think more deeply and live more deliberately. Kevin is survived by his wife, his stepchildren, and his grandchildren.

Her passion, courage, and generosity will be deeply missed. She is survived by her children and grandchildren. John Watt, founding faculty member of Johnston College, died Nov. 22, 2025, at age 91. Born in Rugby, England, John was educated at Rugby School before serving as a lieutenant in the Gordon Highlanders during the Malayan Emergency. He earned degrees from Balliol College, Oxford; Harvard University; and Columbia University, where he specialized in Chinese history. After beginning his academic career at MIT, John came to Redlands in 1968 as one of the two original Johnston faculty, helping plan the College’s launch. At Johnston he taught, performed as a concert level pianist, led musical productions, and became known for spirited classroom debates and his deep devotion to students. His political savvy and sharp wit earned him the title “Chairman for Life” from Johnston’s faculty. John left Redlands in 1974 but remained closely connected, attending nearly every five year reunion. He went on to distinguished work in education, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership. Curious, musical, and humane, John is survived by his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. OT

*Only if the notification date is between August 26, 2025 and March 1, 2026

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ALUMNI NEWS

Ross Gallen ’63 and Rhoda continue their world travels.

Susan Larkey Corum ’65, left, and Nancy Larkey May ’65 recently celebrating their 82nd birthdays together

Class notes

Class Notes reflect submissions from August 22, 2025 to March 1, 2026.

College of Arts & Sciences 1960’s Mary Kay Knaggs Jacobs ’60 spent the past year traveling with her son, including flyfishing trips to Montana and Sierra Nevada. Ross Gallen ’63 retired after 56 years of law practice in California and Texas. He and his longtime companion, Rhoda, continue their world travels. David Ascher ’64 earned a master’s degree in business from UCLA and later served in the U.S. military from 1966 to 1968. He has been active in politics, including serving as a delegate to the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and went on to build and operate several jewelry businesses. David is also a self-published author of “Say What?: The Book That Makes You Go Whooo?” written under the pen name Justin Case, and is now retired with his pet owl, Owly. Rudy Brandt ’64 served as a Navy pilot with deployments to Vietnam and later retired as commanding officer at the Naval Reserve Center in Alameda. He and his wife of 60 years, Beverly, now live in San Rafael near family. W. Ronald “Ron” Gentry ’64 was honored with the creation of the W. Ronald Gentry Chair of Physical Chemistry at the University of Minnesota, where he served for 35 years as professor of chemistry and chemical physics and 10 years as head of the Department of Chemistry before retiring. He now lives in Port Townsend, Washington, with his wife, quilt artist Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry. Sandy Taylor Golnick ’64 and Lon Golnick ’62, explored Ireland and Scotland last fall. They now live in Carlsbad, California, near their daughter and grandchildren and enjoy regular family gatherings.

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

Kurt Van Horn ’66 and his wife, Liz, with the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Art Stephenson ’64 recently spoke during the Class of 1964’s virtual reunion, reflecting on his career as an electrical engineer and executive leader on Space Shuttle–related programs at TRW and later as director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. His autobiography, “Out of the Blue,” was published after his retirement. Dr. Sue Stickney Teele ’64 received the 2025 Alumni Award from Southern Oregon University during Homecoming in Ashland, Oregon. She earned her master’s degree in humanities in 1969 and completed additional coursework at U of R after relocating to Rialto, where she and her husband, Stephen Teele ’63, taught middle school. She is currently collaborating with the School of Education to incorporate the theory of multiple intelligences into a required course for students in the MAT program. Charles “Chuck” Wilke ’64 continues to moderate the Class of 1964 virtual reunions that began after the class’s 60th reunion. The online gatherings bring classmates together for updates and presentations, helping the class stay connected throughout the year. Susan Larkey Corum ’65 and Nancy Larkey May ’65 recently celebrated their 82nd birthdays together. Corum previously served as a dean at Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College, while May taught fourth grade. Both retired in 2008 and continue to travel together. Susan lives in Newport Beach, and Nancy splits her time between San Clemente and South Lake Tahoe. Gary George ’65 published “Mojave Desert Jezebeth,” the 12th book in his “Smoke Tree” series, and is currently working on the next installment, “Desert Resurrection,” expected to be released in March. Brian Hebbard ’65 spent more than 37 years in law enforcement, including nine years as chief of police in a Denver-area suburb. Now retired, he enjoys researching family genealogy in Cornwall and the Isle of Man

and keeping in touch with classmates Bill Thurman ’65 and John Woodbury ’65. These days his most frequent outings are walks with his Shih Tzu. Gilbert “Gil” Lynch ’65 and Joyce Thomas Lynch ’65 recently settled into a new home in Gig Harbor, Washington. In June they celebrated their 60th anniversary surrounded by four generations of family. They continue to spend summers in northwest Montana and now enjoy February escapes to Florida. Beverly “Bev” Lynn ’65 recently took a road trip through Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton national parks, as well as Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. She also continues to volunteer as a docent at Palomar Observatory in San Diego County. Dr. Robert “Bob” McLaughlin ’65 is enjoying retirement after careers in both public and private schools. He remains active through church, volunteer teaching, pickleball, and travel. He and his wife, Helene, recently planned a trip to England, Scotland, and Wales. Thomas “Tom” Miller ’65 completed “Louis de Niverville Pentimenti,” a monograph honoring the life and artwork of his partner of 37 years, Canadian modernist painter Louis de Niverville. Miller continues to donate de Niverville’s works to museums and prepare his archives for the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. Carol Provost Gruber ’65 and her sister, Judy Provost Bonilla ’68, remain active travelers. In 2025 they cruised the coast of South America, including Antarctica, and later explored the British Isles and northern Europe. A highlight of the trip was visiting the restored city of Gdańsk, Poland. Christan “Chris” Schriner ’65 recently published a philosophical paper in the journal “Philosophical Psychology,” available as open access online. Philip “Phil” Shuey ’65 is president and CEO of Shuey Robinson, an international legal change

ALUMNI NEWS

Randy Young ’66, Sharon Uzzel Young ’66, Joyce Thomas Lynch ’65, and Gil Lynch ’65 at a 1920s-themed mystery dinner with friends.

management and technology consulting firm based in Denver and Clearwater, Florida. A longtime attorney and consultant, he has taught law courses, lectured widely, and been quoted in numerous national publications. Donald “Don” Slawson ’65 lives in Orange, California, close to where he grew up. After earning his teaching credential and master’s in literature from U of R, he taught high school English and coached multiple sports before spending 44 years in his family’s business in Santa Ana. He enjoys time with his three children and seven grandchildren. Jerilynn “Jeri” Smith-Crivello ’66 spent the past two years writing a book about her father, Dr. Gerald A. Smith ’37, who played a key role in founding the San Bernardino County Museum. He dedicated his career to local history and education and helped establish an endowment supporting Redlands students. John Keeble ’66 published his ninth book, “Transfigurations,” a collection of stories with Lynx House Press. His previous publications include six novels, an earlier story collection, and a work of nonfiction. He and his wife, Claire Sheldon Keeble ’64, celebrated 60 years of marriage. Kurt Van Horn ’66 and his wife, Liz, recently took a Viking trip to Istanbul, Turkey, and Cairo, Egypt. They spent several days in Cairo visiting the new National Museum, tombs and monuments of Egypt’s past. They then flew on to Luxor/Karnak to board a Viking riverboat to sail up the Nile River to the High Aswan dam.

Bob Ballard ’69, Ken Hunt ’69, Mary Nelson Hunt ’70, Leslie Miller Grafstrom ’69, Bill Lowman ’70, Cathy Curtis Odegaard ’70, Jean McMurry Cole ’70, and Sally Bauman Trost ’70 in Salzburg.

Laura Spencer Davis ’68 published her four-part book series “Carols for a Family Christmas,” now available on Amazon. The piano collections feature arrangements for early skill levels, with lyrics for family singalongs, chord symbols for improvisation, and full-color illustrations. Bob Ballard ’69, Ken Hunt ’69, Mary Nelson Hunt ’70, Leslie Miller Grafstrom ’69, Bill Lowman ’70, Cathy Curtis Odegaard ’70, Jean McMurry Cole ’70, and Sally Bauman Trost ’70 reunited for the U of R Salzburg alumni trip in September 2025. All eight participants studied in Salzburg together during the Fall 1968 Salzburg Semester.

Laura Spencer Davis ’68 published her four-part book series “Carols for a Family Christmas.”

Allen Pritzlaff ’73, author of “Resilience: Investing in Yourself and Your Community.”

1970’s Dennis “Denny” Turner ’70 is in his 20th year teaching silversmithing at the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society, where he leads two adult classes each week. He continues to teach despite experiencing a stroke five years ago that left him partially blind. John Schram ’71 continues to live in the same hometown he moved to in 1957. He married his wife in 1976 after meeting while working as a counselor at Juvenile Hall. Since 1975, he has been dealing in antiques and used books, and he and his wife have one daughter who lives in Sooke, British Columbia, Canada. He also spent a year traveling through Europe by VW van in both 1973 and 1976.

Randy Young ’66 and Sharon Uzzel Young ’66 and classmates Joyce Thomas Lynch ’65 and Gil Lynch ’65 attended a 1920s-themed mystery dinner with friends. Sharon and a fellow guest successfully solved the mystery during the costumed event.

Jennifer Fargo Lathrop ’72 retired after 50 years in healthcare, including 34 years as an audiologist and 16 years as a spiritual care provider and chaplain in hospice and palliative care. She credits her undergraduate training in communicative disorders at U of R as foundational to her career. Lathrop continues her watercolor and pastel artwork and welcomed her first grandchild in 2025.

William “Bill” Lyman ’67 is living on 22 acres in the foothills near Paradise, California, happily working for his daughters and sonin-law who took over his veterinary practice.

Steve Kosareff ’73 published his latest book, “The Glass Eye Invasion: Television Sets Invade the Midcentury Home,” available on Amazon. It explores the rapid arrival of television in

Jennifer Fargo Lathrop ’72 and her family at her retirement celebration.

American homes from 1948 to 1953, offering an engaging look at midcentury culture and the early history of TV for readers of all ages. Allen Pritzlaff ’73 published “Resilience: Investing in Yourself and Your Community,” a guide to improving personal and community preparedness for potential disasters while saving money in everyday life. It covers topics including food, water, energy, transportation, finance, and health, and reflects ideas developed over more than 50 years, beginning with Earth Day at U of R in 1970.

REDLANDS.EDU/OCHTAMALE

ALUMNI NEWS

Kevin Camperell ’74 recently spent four weeks in Ferrara, Italy, serving as a “Mother Tongue Consultant” in a local high school and working with students and teachers in English language classes. He lives in San Marcos, California, with his spouse, Christine Wagoner Camperell ’73. After a 40-year career in public accounting, he retired in 2014.

Steve Kosareff ’73 published his latest book, “The Glass Eye Invasion: Television Sets Invade the Midcentury Home.”

L to R: Nancy Caine ’74, Teri Thomas ’74, Fina Henry Preuit ’74, Heather Carmichael Olson ’74, Janet Blaha Terry ’74, Joanne Cokeley Costanzo ’74

Pam Palmer Carlson ’74, Ann Ewing Kendall ’74, Patty Dewhurst ’88, and Melissa Keylon ’74 reunited to hike a portion of the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Olivia Clark ’76 was elected to the Portland City Council and recently elevated to council vice president and chair of the Transportation Infrastructure Committee.

Paul Arthur ’75, Chris Dahl ’75, Bret Gerdes ’75, Greg Hardy ’75, Bill Knight ’75, Cece Goymerac Kohl ’75, Jill Smoothy Lieberg ’75, Patty Phillips McCauley ’75, Mark McKinley ’75, Marcia Bandel Melcher ’75, Doris Baldwin Moberg ’75, Manina Zscheile Moles ’75, Karen Oliver Montgomery ’76, John Ninnis ’75, Cathy Gilpin O’Neill ’75, Marilyn Rump Schiveley ’75, Chris Sexton ’75, Beth Kimmie Smith ’75, Bob Smith ’74, Tina Blakely Smith ’74, Jim Snodgress (Graduate Assistant), Rita Shearer Stevens ’75, Barbie Rowe Wood ’75, and Margaret Gross Worthington ’75 celebrated the 50-year reunion of their Salzburg Class of 1973 on California’s beautiful Central Coast in September 2024.

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

L to R: Classmates and good friends Robert “Bob” Smith ’74, Kevin Camperell ’74, and Bart Adams ’76 get together several times a year. Recently they were in Fox Island, Washington.

Fran Garcia Bush ’77 was deeply thankful for the love and support from Bulldog friends at the Celebration of Life service for her husband, Terry Bush ’76

ALUMNI NEWS Sue Runnells Berryhill ’74 moved from California to Maine in 2000 and now lives in Garland near Bangor. After careers in developmental disability services, education, and case management, she pursued artisan jewelry and beading. She is active in local government, serving on Garland Select Board. Luther Bjerke ’74 is retired and lives near Lake Arrowhead, California. His interests have included teaching writing and directing school plays, appearing as a film and television extra, portraying the Grinch in community parades, and participating in historical reenactments and Renaissance fairs. Nancy Caine ’74, Joanne Cokeley Costanzo ’74, Evelyn Urrutia Khalili ’74, Heather Carmichael Olson ’74, Fina Henry Preuit ’74, Janet Blaha Terry ’74, and Teri Thomas ’74 first met as freshmen in Fairmont Hall in 1970. More than five decades later, the self-named “Redlands Chums” remain close friends, staying connected through gatherings, travel, retreats, and regular calls and messages. Kevin Camperell ’74 lives in San Marcos, California, with his spouse, Christine Wagoner Camperell ’73. After a 40-year career in public accounting, he retired in 2014. He recently spent four weeks in Ferrara, Italy, serving as a “Mother Tongue Consultant” in a local high school and working with students and teachers in English language classes. Pam Palmer Carlson ’74, Ann Ewing Kendall ’74, Patty Coleman Dewhurst ’88, and Melissa Keylon ’74 reunited for a meaningful journey. These former classmates from a Madrid study abroad semester in 1972 walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain, completing more than 400 miles over seven and a half weeks. The group also honored the memory of late classmate Patrick “Pat” Casey ’74, who passed away in 2020, by carrying and scattering his ashes along the route. Patricia “Pat” Donahue ’74 retired in 2020 as professor of English at Lafayette College after a 35-year career in higher education. She lives in Summerland, California, enjoying travel, piano, learning German, and participating in dog shows with her bichon frise. Christina “Chris” Lloyd Evans ’74 has lived in Natchitoches, Louisiana, for many years, where she raised three sons and taught gifted students in public schools for 32 years. She moved there when her late husband, Ed, pursued graduate studies at Northwestern State University. Keith Hollis ’74 is a semi-retired attorney living in Sacramento, California. He enjoys playing bass with local bands and remains involved with the university as a member of the Greek Alumni Leadership Network. Ward Krause ’74 lives in Plymouth Village in Redlands with his wife, Barbara McCormick

Krause ’73. After a 38-year career as an elementary school teacher, he retired in 2013. A highlight of his Redlands years was the Salzburg program, where he met his wife. Mike McDowell ’74 retired four years ago after a 40-year career in San Diego’s hospitality industry and now lives in the Texas Hill Country with his wife of 38 years. He remains active with community organizations and stays connected with family and classmates. Jim Nolin ’74 retired after selling his business and now lives in Redlands, where he stays active with volunteer work, Rotary, and Scouting America. He married Linda Slade in 2020 and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. Douglas Nord ’74 published “Sister-City Diplomacy: Community Engagement in U.S.Russian Relations from the Cold War to Today,” released by University of Wisconsin Press. Linda Robinett ’74 retired after 32 years of federal civil service with the U.S. Department of the Navy. She moved from Southern California to Northern California following her retirement in 2010. John Sindelar ’74 retired in 2024 after a career in the hotel and Olympic industries. He and his wife, Pat Holmes ’75, have lived in Salt Lake City for 40 years and recently celebrated 42 years of marriage. Daniel Harper Slate ’74 and wife, Susan, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August. Susan continues her work as a psychologist while Dan is semi-retired from law. They relocated to Boulder, Colorado, after losing their home in the Pacific Palisades fire. Tim Snell ’74 and Dawn Rye Snell ’75 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last June. After careers in pastoral ministry and elementary education, they retired and moved to Idaho in 2021 to be closer to family. Juli Spiller ’74 retired after 42 years as a hospital-based speech pathologist, including 27 years at Loma Linda University Medical Center and nearly 15 years at Redlands Community Hospital. She and husband Steve enjoy traveling and staying active in Redlands. Doris Baldwin Moberg ’75, Marilyn Rump Schiveley ’75, and Paul Arthur ’75 hosted a 50-year reunion celebration for their Salzburg Class of Fall 1973 in September 2024. They caught up, reminisced and enjoyed German food and beer at Paul’s beautiful home in Los Osos, CA. The next day they continued their reunion with a brunch, a coastal hike in Montaña de Oro State Park, wine tasting in Edna Valley, and a dinner in Cambria. Alle hatten eine wundervolle Zeit! Rod Bailey ’76 and his wife, Mary, spent December and January in Austria with their son, Kevin Bailey ’09 ’13, and family celebrating the arrival of their second

grandchild, born last August. While there, they enjoyed a sleigh ride and attended a New Year’s concert by the Salzburg Symphony. Rod and Mary remain active in the musical community in and around Redlands. Olivia Clark ’76 was elected to the Portland City Council last year and was elevated to council vice president and chair of the Transportation Infrastructure Committee. Lynne Isbell ’76 retired in July 2025 as Distinguished Professor Emerita from the University of California, Davis. The retirement followed the publication of her third book, “Primate Socioecology: Shifting Perspectives” (Johns Hopkins University Press). She continues to write while also exploring new pursuits away from her laptop. Rod MacAlister ’76 was appointed CEO and vice chairman of the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy in May. The nonprofit organization works through religious leaders worldwide to build peace in conflict zones and help diplomats better understand the religious motivations shaping global affairs. Rod and his wife, Mary, live in the D.C. area. Catherine Moreland Schilling ’76 reunited with classmates from the Fall 1974 Salzburg Semester to celebrate their 51st reunion in San Diego in October 2025. LeAnn Zunich ’76 retired last March and relocated to Portugal, settling in the coastal town of Tavira near the Spanish border. After renting out her home and downsizing, she now enjoys life along Portugal’s southern coast and recently celebrated Carnival with parades and festivities in nearby towns. Fran Garcia Bush ’77 was very thankful and overwhelmed with the love and support she and her family received from lifelong Bulldog friends who attended her husband’s Celebration of Life service on June 28, 2025, at The Packing House Church in Redlands and the reception at The San Bernardino County Museum Courtyard. Terry Bush ’76 was remembered lovingly by everyone in attendance: Mary Clark ’75, Rod Bailey ’76, Mary Cothern Bailey ’76, Don Damschen ’76, Terry Maxwell ’76, Jim Smith ’76, John Van Leeuwen ’76, Cindi Wilkin Wudyka ’76, Rob Challinor ’77, Sarah Bowling Challinor ’77, Pam Emler Clark ’77, Vince Goymerac ’77, Gene Lage ’77, Marianne McKittrick Stegemann ’77, Janet Waldron ’77, Gene ’78JC and Cindy Lefebvre ’78 McWhorter, Bonnie Sanborn Richardson ’78, and Cindy Clamp ’79 William “Bill” Becktel ’78 retired in 2021 after 43 years in engineering and project management in the petrochemical and alternative energy industries. He now lives in Hailey, Idaho, near Sun Valley, where he spends his time skiing, road and gravel cycling, and constructing a new home.

REDLANDS.EDU/OCHTAMALE

ALUMNI NEWS Brian DeRoo ’78 returned to Redlands after his NFL and CFL career and purchased a home near campus in 1986. That summer, he hosted fellow graduates working on campus, including Mike Darnold ’78. Congratulations to Darnold’s son, Sam Darnold, quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks, who led the team to a Super Bowl victory this year. Rita Boykins Foster ’78 spent the past year organizing and celebrating her 50th Morse High School reunion in San Diego. Karen Turnquist Vandenberg ’78 is enjoying time in San Diego, including frequent visits with her granddaughter who lives nearby. She also reconnected with Deborah Sauder David ’78 at a Delta San Diego Alumni Christmas gathering and looks forward to more travel in 2026. Lori Almeida Custodero ’79 published “Before We Teach Music,” which explores how childhood experiences shape musical identity and creativity. Drawing on musical autobiographies from more than 200 music education graduate students, it reflects on how early musical experiences influence development, teaching, and lifelong engagement with music. Greg Damewood ’79 served for many years as a volunteer commissioner for Behavioral Health for Riverside County, advocating to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and supporting programs addressing mental health and substance use disorder. Becky Paxson McFarland ’79 recently reconnected with Anderson Hall dorm friend Martha Armacost Jamieson ’81. Together they volunteer at a breakfast program serving people experiencing hunger and participate in a women’s group. Ruth Ann Irvin Walker ’79 celebrated the arrival of a new granddaughter, Justice Rose, born December 14 to Rusty Walker ’08 and Liddy Price Walker ’08. The newest family

Classmates from the Fall 1974 Salzburg Semester celebrating their 51st reunion in San Diego.

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

member is already cherished by her extended Bulldog family Joe Irvin ’80, Patricia Slaven Irvin ’81, and Andrew Irvin ’84.

1980’s Daralee “Dee” Gowan Baker ’80 retired in June 2025 after a 43-year career as a speech-language pathologist, serving in five states. She expressed gratitude for her U of R undergraduate and graduate programs in communication disorders and appreciation for faculty who supported her. Shout out to Christopher Walker, Randy Anderson, and the lovely Maurice “Maury” Durall. David D’Antonio ’82 retired in June after 34 years of teaching history at Bancroft Middle School in San Leandro. He celebrated by walking 240 miles of Camino de Santiago along the Atlantic coast of Portugal and Spain. He coaches wrestling and returned to U of R in April for his daughter Emeline’s graduation. Kelli Hawley ’82, Craig Adams ’81, Robert Groeber ’81, Jacqueline Harris-Groeber ’80, and Kevin Rosenberger ’03 took first place in the electric boat category at the Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights for their boat, Habeas Porpoise. Brig Barker ’87 spent 26 years working as an Army officer and FBI agent. Most of his career was spent working in Africa and the Middle East as part of the global war on terrorism. He continues to work as a national security consultant and military contractor. He wrote the book, “The Dark Trajectory of Jihad.” Sharilyn Bailey Berry ’87, Cindy Gonzalez Broadbent ’87, Cindy Bishop Dominguez ’87, Margene Mastin Schepps ’87, and Christine “Chris” Hunt Swain ’87 celebrated a milestone 60th birthday, and more than four decades of friendship that began their freshman year at the dear old U of R, with a memorable four-day girls’ getaway in Los Olivos, California.

L to R: Elaine Setsuda Nuuhiwa ’80, Henderson Nuuhiwa ’78, Rhoda Kealoha Spencer ’81, Phil Spencer ’80, Cindy Fry Williams ’78, Gene Williams ’78, and Noel Ching ’78 traveled for three weeks in Japan.

Linda Castaneda McLean ’89 and James McLean ’89 share that their daughter, Katie, is a junior at NC State, and their son, James, is attending culinary school. The family is doing well in Jamestown and enjoying these busy years with their growing children.

1990’s David Gildy ’92 shared that 2025 was a banner year for his restaurant, Wild West Pizza. The business received the Community Service Award from the Base Commander at Vandenberg Space Force Base and was named the National Grand Prize Winner of the Hillshire Farm Great Pizza Giveback Award, recognizing outstanding community impact. They were also one of 12 finalists, selected from more than 300 entries, in the Real California Cheese Pizza Contest, competing at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa. Jeff Hughes ’95 and his wife Jennifer welcomed their first daughter, Addison, into the world in March 2025. Henry Herreras ’95 returned from a trip to Spain. He took his daughter to visit Madrid and Barcelona. He has been appointed as school Superintendent of Leadership Military Academy effective July 1, 2026. He received his doctorate from La Sierra University. Tara O’Connor Shelley ’95 Ph.D. was promoted to Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Excellence for the College of Liberal and Fine Arts at Tarleton State University in Texas. She was also named a Fulbright Specialist by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. State Department, to accompany her previous Fulbright Scholar designation. Carey Begbie Westerfield ’95 and Scott Westerfield ’94 have been reflecting on their time at U of R as their children pursue their own college journeys. Their son Jack is a junior at Cal Poly Pomona, Logan is a sophomore at Cal Poly Humboldt, and their daughters, Des and Bri, are high school

L to R: Chris Hunt Swain ’87, Cindy Gonzalez Broadbent ’87, Cindy Bishop Dominguez ’87, Sharilyn Bailey Berry ’87, and Margene Mastin Schepps ’87 in Los Olivos, California.

ALUMNI NEWS

Gary Koston ’76 traveled with friends to Las Vegas in January and enjoyed seeing Oz at the Sphere.

Ruth Ann Irvin Walker ’79 celebrated the arrival of a new granddaughter, Justice Rose.

Becca Romo Weir ’00, Chris Romo ’04, and their parents, Richard Romo ’71 and Dawn Waters Romo ’72 traveled to Salzburg for the 65th Salzburg Anniversary Celebration alumni trip and made many cherished memories.

Becky Paxson McFarland ’79 and Martha Armacost Jamieson ’81 volunteer at a breakfast program

L to R: Alpha Gamma Nu brothers Hoss Christianson ’77, Tom Harshman ’80, David David ’78, Alex Boggs ’77, and Greg Stanfield ’79 reunite at Boggs’ home in PGA West in La Quinta, California

David D’Antonio ’82 celebrated his retirement by walking the Camino de Santiago along the Atlantic coast of Portugal and Spain.

William “Bill” Southworth ’78 and Debra Davis Southworth ’78 visited their son’s family in Santee, California, and were joined by David David ’78 for breakfast.

Victor Neuman ’78 recently performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, singing works by Brahms and Bernstein as part of a festival with his church choir.

Fred Thomas III ’80 published a book: “A Perspective Cuba.”

Rev. David David ’78 officiated the wedding of Gary Boseck ’78 and Debra Dickstein Boseck’s ’78 son Garrett and his wife Haley in Woodside, California, bringing together several Redlands alumni for the celebration.

REDLANDS.EDU/OCHTAMALE

ALUMNI NEWS

Luke Willard ’04 completed his first Ironman 70.3 race in Richland, Washington, in September 2025.

Zoe Kinsey ’17 and Charles West ’18 became engaged in July 2025.

Isabella Raymond Block ’16 and her husband James Block welcomed their first child, Evelyn, into the world in November 2025.

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

Kelsey De Forge Gormley ’07 and Marissa Jacobus ’07 traveled to Bordeaux, France, to celebrate their 40th birthdays. The trip included cycling through the countryside, visiting the beach at Arcachon, wine tasting in SaintÉmilion, and a stay at a château.

Autumn Day ’14 married Kyle Audick on October 31, 2025.

Corinne Hernandez ’15 began a new role as an ERP implementation consultant with Vision33, continuing her professional growth in ERP consulting.

Evan Baughfman’s ’06 new horror book, “Mauls of the Wild.”

Chevalo Duckett ’17 and Taylor Rano ’18 got engaged on December 27, 2025.

Jack Champlin ’71 published a historical novel, “The Captain and The King” (cover illustration by his son).

ALUMNI NEWS

Dick Kite ’62 with a flute he handcrafted. The drum was made by a friend in Portland, Oregon.

seniors planning for next year. Carey serves as director of a cooperative preschool and loves her work. The family resides in Los Angeles.

2000’s Nicole Ramirez ’03 earned her Ed.D. from California Baptist University in August 2025. Ravi Kumar ’04 and his family relocated to the Chapel Hill, North Carolina, area in December 2024. Evan Baughfman ’06 published his new horror book, “Mauls of the Wild,” a collection of fictional short stories centered on killer animals. The book includes a version of his story “Bring Him Back,” originally written for his Fiction III course at Redlands in 2006. Jessica Healy ’06 worked in the video game industry for a decade and recently relocated to Australia. Alexis Heard ’06 was recently married and honeymooned in Scotland last December. In 2025, she completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice and now works as a dermatology nurse practitioner in Oregon. Jarett Ennis ’09 completed HYROX Anaheim at the Anaheim Convention Center, finishing with a time of 1:30. After earning his B.S. in ’09, he went on to complete his Ph.D. in Physical Therapy at Loma Linda University in 2017. A former football player, Ennis now balances career and family life while continuing to train and plans to compete in future HYROX events. Clarissa Hadge ’09 is now the Simon & Schuster field account manager for New England, representing the publisher’s titles to independent bookstores through the region.

2010’s Ben Grainger ’11 is now dean of student success and counseling at Hartnell Community College in Salinas, California. He has served in various roles in the community college system since 2013, most recently as director of dual enrollment. His wife, Alyssa Barnhart Grainger ’11 teaches high school

Howard Bryant ’71: “History was made June 12, 1971 when five Afro Americans graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary.”

social studies in Monterey and serves as coordinator for the Sports Professions and Recreation Careers (SPARC) Academy. Reed A. McCord ’13 and his wife, Emily Fritze, welcomed their first child, Ellis Lyla, on April 11, 2025, in Palo Alto, California.

Johnston Center for Integrative Studies Denise Davis ’06 is in her eighth year serving on the Redlands City Council and is running for reelection in November 2026. She is currently the only U of R alum on the council.

School of Education Joel Hudec ’14 is principal of Brookside Elementary School in Beaumont, California and is one of 30 recipients nationwide to be presented with the Milken Educator Award. Youna Kwak ’25 recently published “For This and Other Cruelties,” with the University of Iowa Press.

School of Business & Society Dr. Terri Horton ’04, a leading future of work expert, was featured in EY’s Global 2025 Megatrends Report and Google’s 2025 Global Workspace Report, Beyond AI Optimism. She achieved two additional professional milestones in 2025: an invitation to join the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, and the milestone of her LinkedIn Learning courses on AI in the workplace surpassing a quarter million learners worldwide. Together, these accomplishments underscore Dr. Horton’s global impact at the intersection of AI, work, and human capability. Kimberly Golbuff Rankin ’04 has built a career in government, higher education, and entrepreneurship, including senior leadership roles supporting the Federal Aviation Administration. She now serves as director of the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Center and is founder and CEO of Civilian Success Pathways LLC.

Alex Lemos ’09 was promoted to vice president of accounting at Stater Bros. Markets.

San Francisco Theological Seminary 1960s Dick Kite ’62 became interested late in his career 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. Earl Arnold ’68 works on the editorial team of New York State Poor People’s Campaign newsletter and is the clerk for Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea. He and his wife Sandra Brikowski Arnold live in the Paget Price Presbyterian Homes in Owego, New York.

1970’s Howard Bryant ’71 is 97 years old and lives in Hillside, New Jersey. History was made June 12, 1971 when five African 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 and public health and public administration. He published a historical novel, “The Captain and The King.” He is a bilingual Welcome Navigator at Immigration Court in Concord, California, and co-lead of Immigrant Advocacy at LafayetteOrinda Presbyterian Church. He and his wife Marietta celebrate their 50th anniversary. 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, enjoying daily reading and conversation together.

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ALUMNI NEWS Robert Bruce Cumming ’72 has retired to Montreat, North Carolina, after serving churches in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Delaware. Robert notes that U of R 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, his book “AMAZING GRACE: A Journey of Self-Discovery” was published in 2023. William “Bill” Chadwick ’77 is 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 retiring 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 continues working 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. Jim Burklo ’79 celebrates the publication of his eighth book, “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 three times

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

in the past four 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.

1980s 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 wants to be interviewed for the TV program “Why We Are Christians,” please email him at 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.

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. 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 Oakland Veterans Center, and spending time with her husband of 43 years. Peter D. Crouch ’89 retired May 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.

Rebecca Hazen, ’81 was ordained in Cascade Presbytery and served seven 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.

Mark Wheeler ’89 has fulfilled his term as Stated Clerk of the 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 2026 he was honored to conduct a graveside service for classmate William Andrew “Drew” Hayes ’89. He has three children with multiple bachelors and master’s degrees, and his granddaughter lives in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan with his American son and his son’s Kyrgyz wife.

Chris Highland ’83 has recently 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.

George Thompson ’89 and his wife Beverly moved to Black Mountain in the Appalachians in 2019. After coaching pastors for several years, they now serve as Presbytery CoAssociates 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!

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.

1990s

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

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.

ALUMNI NEWS

Dave Emery ’81 and Joyce Emery ’81 celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on August 28, 2025.

Gloria Johnson-Wilson ’88 ’06 is Retired Itinerate Elder in the AME Church and Associate Pastor Emeritus of Disciples of Christ Church.

Chris Highland ’83 and his wife, Carol Hovis

Sahara V. Chea ’93 is part of a team revisiting battle areas in Cambodia helping victims of landmines and malaria.

Winfred Vergara ’90 became Canon Asian Missioner of Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real and founded Holy Child Filipino Church, now Holy Family Episcopal Multicultural Parish. From 2004 to 2022, he was National Missioner for Asiamerica Ministries in New York. Post retirement, he is Interim Priest-inCharge 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 his fellow SFTS alumni regarding the war between Siam/Thai and Cambodia for the past seven months which he has seen firsthand and notes is negatively impacting Cambodians.

He is part of a team revisiting battle areas 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. 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

Kent Philpott ’80 is in his 41st year as pastor of Miller Avenue Baptist Church in Mill Valley.

Bob Gram ’96 was named Chronogram magazine’s 2025 Author of the Year for his novel, “Apocalypses.”

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. 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 is currently holding “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.

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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 2025 Greater Philadelphia Most Admired CEO by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

2000s 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 will be celebrating its 160th anniversary of ministry in November 2026. Additionally, his eldest son graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, in May Stephen Whitney ’03 and Eleanor Whitney ’05 celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in 2025. They live in the 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. 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. Richard Poole ’06 had an eventful 2025. He served as moderator of San Fernando 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.” 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

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Patrick Bailey ’13 retired in 2024 and moved to his present home, a log cabin in Rico, Colorado.

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.”

2010s 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. 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. 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. Barbara West ’16 reports that her thesis is ready to be published and that she has “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 the 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 Ph.D. 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.”

Mollie Mae Winninger Ryan ’19 is finishing her Ph.D. in Religion at Claremont Graduate University.

2020s 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 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, teaching women clergy to use technology in ministry.

Presidio 1980s Elizabeth Foughty ’84 is helping fight wildfires by finding and monitoring them earlier than is currently possible via satellite through other firms. She does this through her new venture, Orbital Sentry, which counts with satellites further up in space that allow for continuous monitoring. They are also bringing an innovative public/private go to market strategy to bear, by having utilities and insurers pay for the data while providing it to first responders at no cost.

Faculty Jennifer Kaplan, adjunct professor for Marketing, took part in Notre Dame’s Management as a Calling program. “At the workshop, faculty will begin developing a version of the course that suits their context. Accepted faculty will be expected to teach the course in the 2026-27 academic year.”

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS NOTES REPORTERS 1959 Marilyn Kerr Solter mjsolter@verizon.net 1961 Judy May Sisk judysisk@sbcglobal.net 1962 Marie Haskell haskellmarie2@gmail.com 1963 Dan King danandlindaking@ montanasky.net 1964 William Bruns wbruns8@gmail.com 1965 Nancy Wheeler Durein dureins@comcast.net 1966 Kurt Van Horn kvanhorn3225@gmail.com 1967 Steve Carmichael scarmic264@aol.com 1968 Nancy Bailey Franich MightyLF@aol.com 1969 Becky Campbell Garnett beckycgarnett@gmail.com 1970 Sally Bauman Trost sallybtrost@gmail.com 1971 Teri Allard Grossman terigrossman@gmail.com 1972 Katy Hucklebridge Schneider kathryn.schneider2@ gmail.com 1973 Lyndy Barcus Dye pldye@sbcglobal.net

1974 Pat Donahue donahuep@lafayette.edu 1976 LeAnn Zunich SmartWomn2@yahoo.com 1977 Mark Myers mmyers@greaterjob.com 1978 David David revdaviddavid@gmail.com 1979 Renee Maclaughlin Bozarth reneemac@sbcglobal.net 1981 Gina Griffin Hurlbut bghurlbut@verizon.net 1983 Nathan Truman truman_nate@yahoo.com 1984 Linda Schulman Uithoven lindau5@yahoo.com 1985 David Enzminger denzminger@winston.com 1987 Cynthia Gonzalez Broadbent broadbentj5c@gmail.com 1988 Tim Altanero timaltanero@gmail.com 1989 Chris Condon condonmanor@mac.com 1990 Kelly Mullen Feeney Kelly.Feeney@disney.com Diana Herweck drdipsyd@yahoo.com 1993 Joseph Richardson Jr. joespeak@gmail.com

To volunteer as a class notes reporter or to send contact information updates, please email ochtamale@redlands.edu. 1995 Ashley Payne Laird alaird@chandlerschool.org 1997 Adrienne Hynek Montgomery amontgomery2000@ yahoo.com 1998 Julie Kramer Fingersh julesif@yahoo.com 1999 Stacie McRae Marshall stacie.mcrae@gmail.com 2000 Rebecca Romo Weir rebecca.d.weir@gmail.com 2001 Maggie Brothers brothers.maggie@gmail.com Kelly McGehee Hons kellyhons@gmail.com 2002 John-Paul Wolf johnpaulwolf@me.com 2003 Brianne Webb Lucero briannelucero03@gmail.com 2004 Stasi Phillips stasiredlands04@gmail.com 2005 Katherine E. Deponty squeeker_kd@yahoo.com 2006 Jocelyn Buzzas Arthun jbuzzas@gmail.com 2007 Annie Freshwater annie.freshwater@gmail.com 2008 Alana Martinez alanamartinez10@gmail.com

2009 Steven Halligan steventhalligan@gmail.com 2010 Samantha Coe Byron samantha.byron88@ gmail.com 2011 Timmy Hendrickson timmyhendrickson@ gmail.com 2012 Porscha Soto Guillot porscha.guillot@outlook.com 2013 Jacque Balderas Cavanagh jacqueleen.balderas@ gmail.com 2014 Alyssa Good alyssaleegood@gmail.com 2015 Samantha Townsend Bundy samanthaptownsend@ gmail.com 2016 Isabella Raymond isabella.a.raymond@ gmail.com 2017 Megan Feeney megan.feeney@comcast.net 2018 Emily Dabrow Remsen erdabrow@gmail.com SFTS: All Classes Rev. Dr. Bear Ride ’78 ’91 bear.ride@gmail.com Retired Faculty and Staff Elaine Brubacher elaine_brubacher@ redlands.edu

REFER A FUTURE BULLDOG Alumni are U of R’s best ambassadors. We know firsthand the impact of a Redlands education and understand how students will thrive at U of R. Let’s ensure that future generations benefit from the same exceptional opportunities by referring promising future Bulldogs to our beloved University. If you refer an individual who enrolls at Redlands, you’ll receive a $100 gift card for the Bulldog Bookstore, a thank you for your referral and for being a Bulldog for Life! For more information, please visit www.redlands.edu/refer

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ALUMNI NEWS

A Return Realized By Catherine Garcia ’06

SARAH TAN

y using the skills he sharpened in his accounting classes and trusting his instincts, Yan Rodgers ’25 made an investment that has already paid off for him — and University of Redlands. For his senior project, Rodgers researched investment opportunities and analyzed financial statements to learn how to forecast and evaluate companies. This was something he already enjoyed doing on his own; Rodgers is an Army veteran who worked for a defense contractor and has years of experience investing in companies that “play on my strengths,” he said. “And what are my strengths? Military defense contracting and tech. Instead of trying to reimagine the wheel, I stick to aerospace and defense and really get an idea of what’s going on.” When he discovered Rocket Lab Corporation, a publicly traded aerospace manufacturer and launch service provider, it seemed right up his alley. But Rodgers doesn’t just dive headfirst into an investment opportunity. First, he conducts meticulous research to “get to the meat and potatoes” of a company and its worth. While looking into Rocket Lab, he found that they were “actually doing what needed to get done to get satellites into space,” Rodgers said. “If you can’t get the actual satellite into space, you just have a giant paperweight.” They had successfully completed over 50 launches, and when he

“looked under the hood,” Rodgers found that many objects in space had “a Rocket Lab logo on it. I thought, why is this not talked about more? These guys are doing something different. They are innovative and going out there and really testing their mettle.” Always wanting to take a chance on an underdog, Rodgers decided to buy Rocket Lab stock at around $4-$5 a share. A year later, it’s now worth more than 10 times that, and Rocket Lab is preparing to launch its Neutron rocket, a competitor to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. “The best is yet to come,” Rodgers said. “We’re still far away from seeing what this company can do.” As more telecommunications businesses launch space components, keeping people on Earth connected in even the most remote locations, this “solidifies” Rodgers’ belief that “everything is going to go up in space at some point,” he said. Rodgers continues to look for similar companies to invest in, following his guiding principles. “My dad used to tell

me when I first started investing, ‘Yan, you’re just lucky,’’’ Rodgers said. “I used to hate that. I don’t want to rely on luck. I like relying on concrete evidence to back my thesis. Kudos to my dad who drove me to want to be able to articulate why I’m making these decisions.” He also credits University of Redlands’ Accounting Department with helping him better understand the investing world and recently donated $10,000 of his stock market earnings to the program. “I like to lead by example and wanted to show that school projects can end up leading to something cool like this,” Rodgers said. Now a staff level auditor for the financial services team at Crowe LLP in Costa Mesa, Rodgers carries with him many lessons he learned at Redlands, and words of advice from Accounting Chair Renee Hall. “I will never forget how she told me one day, ‘Yan, you can’t just sound exceptional, you have to be exceptional, and want to be exceptional,’” Rodgers said. “I took that personal and haven’t forgotten that conversation.” OT

Creating a Lasting Legacy The George P. Cortner Heritage Society, named for a man who selflessly served the University for many years, is comprised of exceptional donors who made philanthropic commitments to Redlands in their estate plans. The University is honored to celebrate those who have chosen to make a lasting difference. Our newest members include: Tim Billups ’89, Kathy Fedorko ’69, and Ann Halligan ’76. See the full member list at www.redlands.edu/cortnerlist If you have included Redlands in your estate plans, contact charlie_goldsmith@redlands.edu so we can welcome you into the George P. Cortner Society. 48

OCH TAMALE SUMMER 2026

REDLANDS DREAMERS

A Lasting Testament Empowering Faith Leaders By Sarah Armes Harwood

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BARBARA RUNGE

The conference is deeply aligned with Tolbert’s long held conviction that thoughtful preaching and meaningful worship can transform communities. A devoted Presbyterian, Tolbert 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. Tolbert’s professional life spanned aviation, finance, healthcare, and global human resources. Recruited by American Airlines in 1954, Tolbert 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, 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. Tolbert’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. Tolbert 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, Tolbert loved gathering friends for spirited dinners. Later in life, she reunited with Leslie “Jack” Tolbert, a pilot she had first met six decades earlier. They married in 2014 and enjoyed a joyful chapter together. By centering her legacy on an enduring preaching conference, Tolbert 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 University through your estate, please contact our Director of Planned Giving Charlie Goldsmith at charlie_goldsmith@redlands.edu or 909-748-8358.

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1200 East Colton Avenue PO Box 3080 Redlands CA 92373-0999

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS

Change Service Requested

Homecoming & Family Weekend www.redlands.edu/homecoming

Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026 For details and registration information, visit www.redlands.edu/homecoming or call Alumni Relations at 909-748-8011.