1960s
[1961]
MARY DUGAN (BA) reports that her son, Tom Louie, married Denise Ovaldson in Los Angeles. Mary completed nearly two years as a part-time grant writer with College and Community Fellowship. “Celebrating my friend Robert Mentken’s 81st birthday now, both of us still running slowly in Central Park and trying to support efforts toward racial justice and climate justice in our country,” she writes.
JOAQUIN DURAN (BA) says that he earned a BS in engineering from the University of Santa Clara after leaving USD, and later earned a master’s degree at San Jose State University.
SISTER LINDA HAYWARD (BA, MA ’68) is writing Legendary Life, a memoir about Sister Frances Danz, the second president of the San Diego College for Women.
[1964]
MIKE McDONNELL (BA, JD ’67) is still practicing law. Mike and his wife, Kathy (Steves) ’65, have 10 in their family, including two grandchildren, who have attended USD. “We have quite the legacy going,” Mike says. “USD and USD Law School have been great for us.”
PAUL NACOZY (BA) is retired from his positions as professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Austin and as chief scientist at an aerospace company. He has two grown daughters — Elizabeth, a pediatric nurse practitioner in Huntsville, Ala., and Kathleen, an attorney and writer in Seattle — and four beautiful granddaughters.
DELLE WILLETT (BA) has more than 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations. Currently, she is managing public relations for three major nonprofit organizations and writing for several community papers and magazines.
[1965]
LARRY MOYER (BS) was inducted into the Marin County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 for his work as a basketball official. He also is in his third year as the observer for the NBA at all Golden State Warrior home games. Larry is still working in his family insurance business and has no immediate interest in retiring. He has 10 grandchildren, “five of each!” he says.
AGNES WEST-KOHLER (BA) says that she recently spent “two delicious weeks in Paris.”
[1966]
VERN SCHOOLEY (JD) received the prestigious A. Sherman Christiansen Award at the U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 25, 2014. At a formal dinner hosted by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the award was presented by Judge Richard Lin of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. On Sept. 13, 2014, Vern was recognized by the Long Beach Bar Association and Ball/Hunt Inn of Court for his efforts to promote ethics, civility and professionalism. Vern is a partner at Fulwider Patton LLP in Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif., where he practices patent and trademark law.
[1968]
FATHER GEORGE BYRNE (BA) earned a master of divinity degree from St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, Calif.
MICHAEL WELCH (BA) writes, “In the last year or so, my wife and I have settled in a home in El Dorado Hills, Calif. We’ve traveled twice to Europe, twice to Hawaii and made a double handful of trips to Alameda Island in the Bay Area and San Diego. We, somewhat by accident, managed to be in France for All Souls Day, Nov. 2, in both 2013 and 2014.”
[1969]
JAMES DYCK (BA) says that following his service as a Navy officer, his career has included rancher, construction worker, electrical contractor and accounting executive for a medical equipment firm. Currently, James is a published author, including a novel and a collection of poetry, which are featured on his website, www.blackmountainlady.com.
WILLIAM GORE (BA) has served in the U.S. Navy and the FBI since graduating from USD. He is currently the sheriff of San Diego County.
1970s
[1971]
VINA (PIRES) PEREIRA (MEd) and her husband, Julian, immigrated to Canada in 1972, were married in 1973 and raised four children in Victoria, British Columbia. They now have seven grandchildren and another on the way. In 2004, Vina, Julian and their four children and their spouses opened a new company, ParetoLogic.com, which Vina and Julian have since retired from and their children run. “We now travel a lot and when we stay home, we babysit our grandchildren often and have our 17-member family over for dinner every Sunday evening,” Vina says. “We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful, loving family. All are doing very well.”
[1974]
VINCENT ADESZKO (JD) joined the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office after graduation and, in 1985, he moved to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, where he served in research and training, and then with the Major Crimes Bureau. As a part of the California District Attorneys Association, Vincent co-chaired the Prison Crimes Committee, which provided statewide prosecutor training related to prison investigations, prosecutions of crimes involving inmates, staff or civilians, and officer-involved shootings. In 2007, he retired from his position with the CDAA and as assistant chief deputy DA with the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office. “My retirement has been blessed with exciting travels and wonderful times spent with Diane, my lovely wife of 45 years,” he says.
[1975]
SUSAN REDELINGS (BA) writes, “Got laid off in 2012 and haven’t looked back! Spoiling myself and the grandchildren!”
[1976]
JANE AUSTIN (BA) is an agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties, where she sells residential properties in the Mission Hills area of San Diego.
[1977]
OLUSUNMADE AKIN-OLUGBADE (MBA) reports that he married Folake Akin-Olugbade on Nov. 20, 2013.
RENNIE BLOCK (BA) recently returned from a two-week Pilates and cooking retreat in Italy.
[1979]
REV. DEACON ANN DUMOLT (BA) graduated on May 20, 2014, with a joint master of divinity degree from Claremont School of Theology and the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont. She is a parish deacon at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Monrovia, Calif., and is preparing to retire from state service to become a hospital chaplain.
ROBERT TRENTACOSTA (JD) is a former presiding judge of the San Diego Superior Court. He is currently the assistant supervising judge of the San Diego Superior Court, Juvenile Division.
1980s
[1980]
NICK KRALL (BA) has served as chairman of the Relay for Life of Sylmar in 2008, 2009 and 2015. He is vice president of the Sylmar, Calif., Chamber of Commerce and sings with Marv Rosenberg’s Safaris, a doo-wop a cappella group; L.A. River, an Americana band; and Fiddler’s Green, a British Isle folk music group. Nick has appeared indozens of television shows and movies, is a horse owner and enjoys hang gliding.
[1981]
NICK CROCE (BBA) writes, “NJ Croce Co. is in its 33rd year of business as a maker of licensed character merchandise sold to retail outlets in the U.S. and Canada.” Nick and his wife of 27 years, Laurie, recently celebrated the birth of their first grandchild.
GINGER (PINTO) INFANTINO (BA, MRE ’85) reports that her husband, Robert Infantino, is a USD professor emeritus.
[1982]
CHERYL BRIERTON (JD) retired in 2012 from her service as a litigation attorney and judge pro tem with the San Diego Superior Court. She now serves as a mediator with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
[1984]
NANCY CAMPMAN-CROFTS (BA) reports that she married Bob Crofts on Jan. 3, 2015. “We met at church!” she says. Nancy provides business and creative development services to clients in the home-building industry in San Diego and Orange County. She holds board positions with the Sales & Marketing Council of San Diego, San Diego Housing Federation membership and fundraising committee, HomeAid San Diego and the 55+ Housing Council of Southern California. Nancy and Bob live in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., with their two dogs: Clairabelle, a basset hound, and Champ, a miniature pinscher.
CAROL DAMON-SCHERER (BBA) has worked for Rady Children’s Hospital for more than 18 years and currently serves as the vice president of development. She lives in Del Mar, Calif., with Frank, her husband of 30 years, and their three children: Frankie, 9; Samantha, 7; and Matthew, 6.
ROGER HAERR (BBA, JD ’88) reports that after 25 years as a partner at Luce, Forward, and later as chair of real estate litigation for McKenna, Long, he took his family on a second sabbatical to Europe and started his own law firm specializing in civil litigation.
GRIFF HARRIS (BBA) was honored at the annual convention of the Professional Insurance Agents Association with the
Community Civic Leadership Award for myriad contributions and dedication to local charities and nonprofit groups.
RANDOLPH HOUTS (JD) has been in the practice of law for nearly 30 years, published four books and was recently accepted for another term on USD’s adjunct faculty.
BILLY PRECIADO (BBA) and his wife, Kym (Marshall) ’85, have three grandchildren. He reports that the last of their three children, Marina, expects to graduate from college this summer. “Bittersweet feeling to finally have an empty nest,” he says.
MARY (DUREN) SWENSON (BA) is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) therapist at the doctorate level. She continues to work at Interpretive Leadership Inc., offering leadership consulting, organizational training and development. “Kids are almost grown; hope they go to USD,” she says.
[1985]
LYN ROSSI SEMETA (JD) was appointed to the Huntington Beach Planning Commission.
DONALD STUKES (BBA) is executive director and chief executive officer of Orange County Veterans.org.
[1986]
GLORIA BADER (EdD) writes, “I recently received a diploma in the supervision of executive coaches and published a book on group coaching, a form of action learning. And, the Bader Group celebrates its 25th anniversary this year!”
NOELLE BERNAL (BA) reports that she is “enjoying a career in insurance by helping people protect themselves.”
CHRISTINA ROUSH (BBA) is investing in and developing office complexes and multifamily units in downtown Las Vegas.
[1987]
REZA ARABNIA (MBA) was awarded the title of “il Cavaliere del Lavoro” by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano on June 2, 2014. “This is the most important recognition in Italy (comparable to becoming ‘Sir’ in England) for my contribution to the country’s growth, business environment and our communities’ well-being,” Reza says.
[1988]
LORI CZOP ASSAF (BA) was recently promoted to full professor in curriculum and instruction at Texas State University. Most of her research is in culturally mediated writing instruction and language learning. For the past four years, she has been working and conducting research in South Africa.
CAPT. JON BLACKER (BBA) and fellow USD alumnus Denis Nolan caught up on old times at a Navy change of command ceremony for Tactical Training Group Pacific. Jon is married with three children: Kelsey, 17; Sarah, 15; and Ryan, 12.
JOAN CHROSTEK (BA) was elected Superior Court judge for the County of Los Angeles after 20 years as deputy district attorney for Los Angeles County.
DAVID QUINN (BA) returned to the Boston area after graduating from USD. He attended his 25th reunion in October 2013. “It was the best decision to be there for that weekend and reconnect with great friends from many differentclass years,” he says. “Thank you, USD, for keeping the spirit alive so many years later.”
RATAN VAKIL (MBA) started a new business, The Castle at Rockwall, a party venue in a castle for weddings, corporate parties and gatherings of all kinds.
[1989]
TIM BAKER (MBA) and Tecla (Guenther) ’91 have been married for 17 years and have three children: Robbie, 14; Matthew, 11; and Katie, 8. “We travel to Maui, where Tecla grew up, take our boat to Catalina Island frequently, and are involved in the community in Huntington Beach, Calif. Life is amazing!” says Tim.
CURTIS DADIAN (BBA, MSEL ’01) is president of California Space Management and is interested in networking with fellow USD alumni. “I’ve had my hands full with my own local business, but realize I may be missing the boat by not engaging more with our local USD family,” he says. “As a local employer for the past 12 years, plus a provider in our community, I hope to build new relationships which could aid in the advancement of my business as well as help facilitate the efforts of other USD alumni.”
KATHERINE (COSTELLO) RAND (BA) recently began a new social studies teaching position at the Cobalt Institute of Math and Science.
ANNA (PATZMAN) UMSTADTER (BA) writes, “I’m in full-fledged mommyhood! We moved to the Bay Area three years ago and are enjoying exploring Northern and Central California.”
1990s
[1990]
THOMAS EDELBLUTE (BA) has worked for the Anaheim Public Library for 15 years and was recentlypromoted to library technology systems administrator.
KELLY (ENGLAND) McELWAIN (BA) says, “After moving to South Carolina in 2008 because of my husband’s job, we’ve fallen in love with the history and the people here.” Kelly continues to teach part time while volunteering in her kids’ schools and in the community. She serves as PTA president, produces community theater shows and mentors at-risk students.
DENIS NOLAN (BA) and fellow USD alumnus Capt. Jon Blacker had a reunion at a Navy change of command ceremony for Tactical Training Group Pacific. Denis is vice president of international licensing and market development for Major League Baseball in New York. He lives in Westfield, N.J., with his wife and three children.
CARMEN WESSON (BA) recently retired from teaching and is developing a teen outreach program with GANAS, a division of the Sheriff’s Community Crime Prevention Unit.
[1992]
ERIKA CHANG (BBA) and her husband recently opened a second Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery at the Headquarters at Seaport District in San Diego. The flagship gallery is in Solana Beach, Calif. “Our two boys are now 14 and 10 and go to Santa Fe Christian School in Solana Beach,” she says.
PETE FAJKOWSKI (BA) works for HomeStart, a real estate and mortgage education site that teaches Americans how to buy and finance property. Pete notes that 90 percent of the education on the site is free.
LARA FURAR (BA) was promoted to director of alumni engagement and programming at the University of Michigan Law School (UMLS). She has been with UMLS for almost nine years and previously was director of alumni relations. Lara lives in Michigan with her husband, Jay Knott, and their 7-year-old son.
MARIE THERESE GAURAUD MARTINEZ (BA) says she has been married for 17 years and notes that she and her husband are blessed with five children.
[1993]
JACQUELINE AUSSIE (BA) reports that she married Greg Weir two years ago and they have a three-month-old son.
KEVIN DOOLEY (BA) reports that he and Heather Manly ’02 married at Founders Chapel on Aug. 16, 2014.
SCOTT MAXWELL (BS) was named executive director of the Freedom of Conscience Defense Fund (FCDF), founded by USD alumnus and attorney Charles LiMandri. FCDF is a nonprofit public law firm that defends religious liberty in the public square.
KRISTIN WATKINS (BA, MA ’13) owns Stephanie Rose Events, a wedding and event planning company.
[1994]
MAYNIL (RAMOS) LAMBERT (BAcc) and her husband, John ’94, returned to the Rockies, settling down in John’s hometown of Evergreen, Colo., after almost a decade in Northern Virginia. “Good to get back to mountain livin,’” says Maynil.
ERIC TORYKIAN (BBA) recently started Energy Intel Advisors, an energy consulting firm that provides comprehensive energy efficiency and system engineering advisory services to commercial and multifamily building owners and operators.
MICHAEL WOORE (BBA) and his wife, Shelly, have four sons and live in Camarillo, Calif. Michael recently completed a consulting position as vice president of technology and operations innovation with Guthy/Renker and is seeking a new chief information officer role in Southern California. Shelly is a part-time registered nurse, full-time mom and “loving every fun-filled moment with her boisterous boys.”
[1995]
SANDEE MAPP (BBA) is working to open her own office for Edward Jones Investments in Lemon Grove, Calif., so she can help others meet their long-term financial needs and reach their long-term financial goals.
JENNIFER (VALADEZ) SAGE (BA) says she and her husband, Richard, are enjoying their five children. Their oldest, Victoria, is getting her driver’s license; Grant just turned 15 and is “going on 21;” Adam is in fifth grade and loves riding his bike to and from school; Isabella is in second grade and loves to dance; and Sophia is 3 and loves going to preschool. “Life is very busy with all that our children are involved in. We have lots of places to visit … daily! I wouldn’t want it any other way!” Jennifer says.
[1996]
TERENCE BANICH (BA) has been practicing law in Chicago for 15 years and, since 2008, has been a member of Shaw Fishman Glantz & Towbin, a boutique commercial bankruptcy and litigation firm. He and his wife, Katherine, have a daughter, Sadie Rose, 2.
SHANNON BILBRAY (BA) recently celebrated her one-year anniversary as director of international sales for BerryBreeze, a start-up company. “It has been an exciting year of travel and learning,” she says.
JACK LEER (JD) is a partner with a San Diego law firm, which recently added him to the firm’s title: Calderelli Hejmanowski Page & Leer. Jack joined the firm in 2013, after 13 years with Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek, where he was a partner and member of the firm’s executive committee. He specializes in business litigation, including real estate and construction disputes, partnership and corporate management matters, and intellectual property litigation. He also is president of the San Diego chapter of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation.
DONALD McELFREH (JD) was elected to the bench as Superior Court judge in Del Norte County, Calif. He thanks the faculty at USD’s School of Law for the excellent education he received.
TONY SCIARRINO (BBA) and his wife, Christine, have been married for 16 years and they have three children: Kaitlyn, 12; Juliana, 10; and Peter, 7. Tony also recently celebrated his 22-year anniversary with Bank of America.
MONICA ZENT (JD) is the founder and chief executive officer of ZentLaw. Her firm’s website is www.zentlaw.com.
[1997]
LUIS MASSIEU (BBA) and his wife, Marta Catala, have a new daughter, Matilda. Luis is the founder and chief executive officer of www.apostille.net, an apostille services company.
BENTON MOORE (JD, MBA ’98) specializes in entertainment law and is co-founder of the San Diego Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization that brings music education to more than 45,000 students in local public schools and produces the annual San Diego Music Awards.
NICOLE SNYDER (BA) was elected to a three-year term on the management committee at Holland & Hart law firm. The five-person committee oversees the management and strategic direction of the entire law firm, which has 470 attorneys in 15 offices. Nicole is in the Boise, Idaho, office, where she is a member of the firm’s corporate practice group and has served as that office’s administrative partner for two years.
BETHANY SUTTON (BA) joined Illumina, a San Diego biotech company, in 2008 as program manager of new product development. “Hiking and traveling as much as possible and enjoying time with my baby niece,” she says.
[1998]
MAGGIE CATBAGAN (JD) moved to Boulder, Colo., with her son and her husband, Michael Cox.
MARIA VILLARREAL (BA) reports that she has been happily married to Julio Villarreal ’97 for 15 years and that they are busy raising three children: Noe, Citlali and Sol.
[1999]
MARIE ELLIOTT (BA) recently spent four months in Guatemala visiting her parents, Stephen and Elaine Elliott. Elaine is the former director of community service-learning at USD. Marie is a paralegal at the Lawrence Holmes immigration law office in Pacific Beach, Calif. She also is a member of the USD Paralegal Association.
ANDREA MUNOZ (BA) is the head counselor at Hoover High School in San Diego.
VICTORIA RAMIREZ (BA, JD ’02) has worked for the San Diego County Office of the Public Defender for nine years and continues mentoring and volunteering in the community through La Raza Lawyers, Justicia and Puente. “My husband and I are parents to fur babies Chubs, Piggy and Mammas,” she says.
2000s
[2000]
LINDSAY LITTLE (BA) writes, “For the past 10 years, I have worked in accounting on television shows and movies. I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the U.S. and internationally on the shows I work on. It’s been fun, exciting and eye opening.”
NICOLE MATTHEWS (MA) reports that she published her first book, Permission: Stop Competing and Start Creating the Life You Want to Live. Find her website online at www.nicolematthews.com.
SARAH MATTINSON (BBA) has owned and operated a local restaurant in San Diego’s Mission Beach area for nearly 10 years.
DENISE (EDSON) STICH (LLM) retired from the U.S. Navy on Jan. 1, 2015, and relocated to San Diego. She intends to enter private practice with a small law firm in 2015.
BETHANY (FISCHER) WILLIAMS (BA) writes, “Donovan Gerard Williams was born on June 22, 2014. He was welcomed by his big brother, Coleman Lawrence Williams (19 months).”
[2001]
LIZET CAMPOS (MA) reports that she married Esteban Moreno last summer. “We feel incredibly blessed to be fulfilled professionally and spiritually,” she says.
PAUL KAPLAN (MA) has been a world history/geography teacher with the San Diego Unified School District for 13 years.
[2002]
LARA BOLLINGER (BA) is the public affairs officer for the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. She will be seeing the crew through a swap in 2015-2016 from the USS Ronald Reagan to the USS George Washington, then finally to the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
GREG BOWDEN (EdD) is associate professor of education at California Baptist University for online and professional studies. He also is the program director for the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in organizational leadership.
HEATHER (MANLY) DOOLEY (BA, MEd ’05) reports that she and Kevin Dooley ’93 married at Founders Chapel on Aug. 16, 2014.
LISA DUVALL (BS/BA) is close to celebrating 10 years in sales at Maxim Integrated. She says she keeps busy with her daughters, Lilly, 4, and Brooke, 3.
AURORA MADUENO (BA) is a marketing liaison for Canyon Villas Retirement and is training to become chief of operations. “Going into my 12th year of working with this wonderful company,” she says.
LESTER SEBASTIAN (MBA) has his own business as a consultant in the electronic payment industry, better known as merchant services.
[2003]
OMAR BECERRA (BAcc) is a partner at AB Tek Productions.
BASIL CONSIDINE (BA) was elected the regional governor of the National Opera Association’s North Central Region.
SARAH McPHERSON (BA) writes, “Expanded my family with a little boy, Andrew, born in October 2013. Big sisters Olivia and Lucy are obsessed with him!”
CATHERINE SANCIMINO (BA) is the director of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Center at Kaiser Permanente San Jose Hospital.
CHRISTOPHER YANOV (MA) founded Reality Changers, a scholarship program for inner-city students, just before beginning his graduate program at USD. In May 2014, Reality Changers held its 14th annual scholarship celebration at USD’s Jenny Craig Pavilion, with Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico, as the event speaker.
[2004]
MATTHEW CARRILLO-VINCENT (BA) reports that he married Christine Carrillo-Vincent ’04 soon after graduation. They now have three children: Emerson, Atticus and Aurora. “We lived for a while back East before returning to L.A. so that I could complete my PhD in English at USC, and now we enjoy spending time with our kids and each other when we are not both teaching,” Matthew says.
KATE (GOODMAN) CRACHY (BA) and her husband, Justin ’00, celebrated the birth of their third child, Jonathan Palmer. Kate recently completed a master’s degree in education and works as a high school religion teacher in San Diego.
ADAM GREGORY (BBA) is a vice president at CommCap Advisors, a commercial mortgage banking firm specializing in long-term, non-recourse financing on commercial properties.
LAUREN (SAPP) HALL (BA) and her husband, Andrew ’04, welcomed their second child, Madeline Marie, in April 2014. Madeline joins big brother, Nolan, age 2.
SHANNON HARRINGTON (BA, MA ’10) lives in Del Mar, Calif., with her husband and two sons. She is a special education teacher at Carlsbad High School.
GAIRD HELDT (BA) and his wife, Katharine (Nabhan) ’04, moved from Geneva, Switzerland, to Plano, Texas, in August 2014 when Gaird took a new job as director of marketing analytics with Market Fusion Analytics. He says they are happy to be closer to family as Gaird and Katherine welcomed their second son, Axel, on Oct. 6, 2014.
KENT KRISTOF (JD) was recognized as a rising star by Super Lawyer Magazine, a distinction conferred on just 2.5 percent of attorneys in Southern California. In addition to his law practice, Kent is the liaison from the ABA’s Young Lawyer Division to the ABA’s Commission on Law and Aging. In 2015, Kent expects to complete his LLM degree in estate planning and elder law.
JOSEPH McKELLAR (BA) and his wife, Megan ’05, returned to California after three years in New York City focused on starting Faith, a community organizing effort. Megan teaches at a Green Dot charter school in South Los Angeles and Joseph is deputy director of PICO California, overseeing organizing campaigns aimed at immigration reform, dismantling the cradle to prison pipeline, and creating living-wage jobs.
CASEY O’NEILL (BA) was appointed to serve as a federal prosecutor and trial attorney for the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice. Casey prosecutes complex economic crimes.
JAY PARKER (MSEL) writes, “Recently enjoyed the holiday season in SD … including a visit with MSEL to the Blanchards!”
JOHN VALENCIA (BBA) is the associate vice chancellor of advancement and communications for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District in San Diego.
[2005]
BRITTANY CATTON KIRK (BA) reports that she married Lt. Brian Kirk in September 2014 in La Jolla, Calif. The couple has relocated to the Washington, D.C., area.
MATTHEW LITT (BBA) works as a fine-home specialist in Las Vegas, where he lists, markets and brands new home developments. He works directly with developers to deliver marketing and branding expertise as well as contractual guidance in order to get their projects sold.
DANIELLE MARCHIORO (BA) is the senior campaign manager for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light the Night Walk in Denver. In her three years in the position, she has helped to raise more than $3.4 million to further the organization’s mission to find a cure for all blood cancers and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
PAUL MISLEH (BAcc) returned to the United States after living in London for two years. He founded an investment firm in Seattle with fellow USD alumnus Mike Boroughs.
DEAN SCRIVENER (BA) is enjoying working with SAIC as a defense contractor supporting the U.S. Navy, growing his professional network and helping veterans find employment.
HEATHER (BROWN) STARK (BA) reports that she married Ryan Stark on Dec. 6, 2014.
[2006]
PAULINE (DAVID) CHANTAKRIVAT (BA) reports that she married her boyfriend of six years, Charles Chantakrivat, on Dec. 13, 2014. “The wedding was an amazing day full of love and support from friends and family,” she says. After the wedding Mass, they celebrated at Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens at Liberty Station in San Diego. The newlyweds plan to honeymoon in Greece later in 2015.
JONATHAN HASKELL (BAcc) joined the Denver law firm of Wade Ash Woods Hill & Farley, specializing in estate planning and administration. His wife, Colleen (Moore) ’06, is a manager at PWC.
ALEXANDRA HECKAMAN (BBA) is the marketing manager for Colorescience cosmetics in Carlsbad, Calif. She also has a photography business in her free time.
JULIANA GAZALLO (BA) graduated from medical school and completed residency training in internal medicine. She now practices medicine in San Diego.
WILLIAM NEGLEY (BA, MA ’08) has taken a leave from the CIA to found Sound Off, a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the way U.S. military veterans seek and receive mental health support in the United States. His website is www.sound-off.com.
ERIN (WIEGHAUS) VAN VEEN (BA) and her husband, Scott, welcomed their first child, Shay Marie, on Sept. 8, 2014.
IRMA VENEGAS (BA, MA ’12) is the KIPP Through College Director at KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy in San Diego. Irma ensures that all of her students are “climbing the mountain to and through college.”
[2007]
ISIDRO BARRAGAN (BA) recently returned from service as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Cameroon, where he taught computer science to 7th-12th graders at a technical high school in a small village. “Integrating into the local culture meant living a new life by opening to new experiences every day,” Isidro says. “It was fun to eat different food, learn to speak the dialect, walk alongside the locals and share in the bounty of life. This expanded my human experience. Now I’m bridging what I learned with my new life at home.”
BRYAN CARPENTER (BBA, BAcc ’07) was selected to be one of 38 certified public accountants in the nation to participate in the American Institute of CPAs Leadership Academy. Bryan is the audit supervisor at LevitZacks Certified Public Accountants.
KATHLEEN KERNS (BAcc) reports that she married Jamieson Kerns ’08 in September 2013 in Santa Monica, Calif. Fellow alumni Carter Anderson and Jason Trujillo were in the wedding party. Jamieson is a senior staff software engineering manager with Google’s Venice Beach, Calif., office. Kathleen is an audit senior manager at KPMG’s downtown Los Angeles office.
KELLY RODRIGUEZ (BA) reports that she and Christopher Freitas married on Sept. 27, 2014, in San Jose, Calif. Kelly and Christopher attended the same middle school but did not officially meet until they were both in graduate school at the University of San Francisco. Fellow alumnae Sara Ramos and Sarita (Hammons) Pitones were matrons of honor. Other alumni in attendance included Monee Dulay and Natalie Garcia. Kelly and Christopher live in Fremont, Calif., with their two cats, Layla and Leonard.
ERIC STERN (BBA) writes, “2014 was a great year for me. I got married in October, recently bought a house in Chicago and expanded my own insurance brokerage, Stern Insurance Group.”
[2008]
ADA CARPENTER (BA) is working toward a master’s degree in social work at the University of Southern California.
EVAN EWALD (BS/BA) has been with General Atomics ASI for six years.
STEPHEN GALANIS (BA, BBA ’08) lives in Los Angeles and is a human resources generalist at Fandango/NBC Universal. He has been a certified professional in human resources since 2013. Stephen graduated from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University with an MBA degree in December 2011 and is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society. During his time at CGU, he studied abroad in Hong Kong. While at USD, he studied in Madrid.
JULIA HOWLAND (BA) is a veterinarian in San Diego.
DIJANA RISTIC (BA) is an admissions advisor at San Diego University for Integrative Studies in Old Town. “I was also able to go to Canada for the first time this summer with my Serbian Folklore dance group, and we were able to visit Niagara Falls,” she says.
MAXINE SUKA (MA) lives in San Diego and is the program manager of the San Diego Metro Region Career Centers operated by KRA Corp. In addition to her master’s degree in peace and justice studies from USD, Maxine earned a specialized certificate in workforce development career advising from the University of California, San Diego, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology, with honors, from Mount St. Mary’s College. She has extensive experience working with ex-offenders, immigrants, refugees, veterans and other populations that use Workforce Investment Act-funded job training and placement services.
[2009]
ANDREW ALDRIAN (BA) started his career as a participant programs assistant at the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, located at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. While earning a master’s degree in comparative and regional studies at American University’s School of International Service, Andrew began working as a logistics analyst at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, a U.S. Department of Defense organization focused on countering threats posed by all forms of weapons of mass destruction.
ARIANNA CORONA (BA) expects to defend her doctoral thesis at New York Medical College in the spring of 2015. She is a PhD student in the college’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
BROOKE GONZALES (MA) teaches 10th grade humanities at High Tech High in Chula Vista, Calif. She has incorporated a curriculum focused on peace and justice in her class, and facilitates an elective class called Peace Leadership League, where students have led peace weeks on campus and created and implemented an annual peace conference. As part of Peace Leadership League, seven students were able to attend the United Nations’ University for Peace in Costa Rica.
SARA HEADDEN (MA) is a lead career services specialist at Ashford University, where she provides one-on-one career guidance and support to nontraditional online students. She also serves as an adjunct online faculty member for Ashford and has been an integral part of the development and implementation of Ashford’s first online career development series.
LOGAN JOHNSTON (BS/BA) is an engineer at General Atomic Aeronautical Systems.
RACHAEL LAUSTRUP (BA) volunteered with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Micronesia from 2010 to 2012, ran an after-school program in Wyoming from 2012 to 2014 and currently works as a resident minister at USD.
MARCIA LUTTIO (MA) spent last year teaching an introductory course on peace studies as well as a class on nonviolence and conflict resolution at San Diego City College. “This year, I’ve been enjoying raising my 1-year-old daughter, Nalu, teaching yoga and facilitating a support group for new mothers,” she says.
BRIDGET ROYER (BA) writes, “I’m happy to report I’m beginning my career as a physician assistant. Living in Boston and loving every minute!”
EMILY SALVESON (BA) reports that she is writing, directing, producing and starring in an original comedy series called The Jessicas, currently in production. “I just returned from New York Fashion Week, where I filmed a lot of material for the pilot,” she says. “The pilot will be available on YouTube later this year. Distribution through other websites and media platforms is currently being negotiated.”
NEHA SOI (BBA) writes, “I miss San Diego every day!”
CASEY SORRELL (BA) has been working in marketing and public relations in San Diego since graduating from USD. She recently accepted a new position as senior publicist with PlainClarity Communications.
LOUIS VARGAS (BA) recently graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute with a master’s degree in exhibition and museum studies. In December 2014, he joined the California Academy of Sciences as an assets review assistant for the nonscientific collection.
2010s
SULAIMAN ABANUMAY (BS/BA) worked at HSBC and Citi Private Bank for three years after graduation. Currently, he is a graduate student working toward an MBA.
DAVID ARSCOTT (MSRE) is vice president in the real estate valuation and advisory services department of FirstCity Financial Corp. David and his colleagues advise other FirstCity departments and third-party clients on matters of real estate valuation, property management and disposition.
MICHAEL BENCH (BA) worked with Colliers International for three years and recently transitioned to CBRE. He was recruited to join forces with the industrial and research and development brokerage team.
JAMIE DICKERSON (BA) developed a passion for photography as a student at USD and has turned it into a full-time career with her own business, J.Dixx Photography. “I have been able to meet and photograph the likes of politicians to some of the most famous musicians in the world,” she says. Her clients include Riviera San Diego magazine, David James Group, Southern Indian Health Council, and more. “Thank you, USD, for allowing me to find my passion and live it every day!”
KRISTIN DRURY (BA) reports that she and Jacob Sandy ’09 married at the Bali Hai on San Diego Bay on Oct. 11, 2014. They met while studying cryptography, the science of secret codes, through a USD study abroad course in London and Oxford, England. The couple honeymooned on the Polynesian islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. Kristin is the middle school math specialist at St. James Academy in Solana Beach, Calif. Jacob is a software engineer in San Diego.
STEVEN KAMPF (JD) moved back to San Diego after three years of living and working in the Los Angeles area.
STEPHANIE LEUNG (BBA) moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where she is the sales and marketing manager for Ko Olina Golf Club.
J.P. MARTIN (BA) spent the past year working as an applications developer for Elon Musk at SpaceX. He worked on developing the cutting-edge enterprise software that allows the business to provide the most economical launch services
by streamlining supply chain, engineering and accounting.
TIFFANY MILLER (BA) is group sales manager at Hornblower Cruises and Events.
WHITNEY McINTYRE MILLER (PhD) recently joined the graduate leadership faculty at Chapman University.
ABBEY STEPHENSON (JD) and her husband, Tyson ’14, recently celebrated the arrival of their first child, Cooper Michael.
MICHELLE SULLIVAN (MSGL) left an executive position to focus on her consulting businesses — Sullivan Global Consulting and Dragonfly Consultants — and on the launch of her handbag business, Belle Michelle.
ADAM TYDINGCO (BBA) is working in real estate investments and residential real estate as an agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Additionally, he continues to develop business opportunities with relationships he holds in Guam. “I am always looking for the next project and opportunity,” he says.
[2011]
ARIELLE ATWOOD (BBA) is a project manager at a small marketing firm in Beverly, Mass., designing packaging for The Home Depot.
BRITTANY BERG (BBA) is a buyer at United Technologies Aerospace Systems. She also is a pursuing a master’s degree in supply chain management at USD and expects to graduate in October 2015.
JULIE BRODFUEHRER (BA) is in her fourth year of medical school at Touro University Nevada, and is applying to residencies for family medicine in California.
ALANA CALISE (BA) recently earned a master of public health degree with a concentration in international health from the Boston University School of Public Health.
CAROLYN CLEMENS (BA) is currently enrolled in the Security Studies Program within the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, working towards her MA. She anticipates graduating in May 2016.
JEFFREY DAVIS (paralegal) graduated from the paralegal certificate program at USD and then spent three years in several professional fields gaining experience he hopes to apply to a new career. He now lives in Northern Virginia, within an hour of the Capitol, and is looking for a professional group of politically interested people to connect with.
ERIN DOWNEY (BAcc, MS ’11) reports that she married Andrew Alton at Founders Chapel on May 17, 2014. Their reception was held at Marina Village, overlooking Mission Bay at sunset. Andrew planned a surprise Hawaiian honeymoon for Erin on the island of Maui, where the newlyweds enjoyed sunsets, sand and snorkeling.
MEGAN ECCLES (BA) writes, “Two kids, grad school, raising goats, making cheese. Super fancy life.”
DENIZ KELEKCI (BA) reports that she is starting up her own business and mobile app.
MONICA KINYUA (MA) has been working with Children Peace Initiative — Kenya, a nonprofit organization she started with her colleagues. “Through working with children in inter-community conflict resolutions and by promoting inter-community interactions, the situation has normalized in some areas. The key highlight is that for three years, no life has been lost and education has not been disrupted due to violent conflict-related incidents,” she says. “I highly appreciate the degree I received from the IPJ. It has been of great help!”
ARMANDO MALDONADO (MA) is serving a two-year tour at the U.S. embassy in Kigali, Rwanda.
LAUREN PAULUS (JD) moved from San Diego to Washington, D.C., where she opened her own immigration law practice, Paulus Immigration.
CALLIE PRENDIVILLE (BA) is currently teaching two classes at USD’s theatre department. Since graduating from USD, she received an MFA in performance in theatre, television, and film from Cal State Los Angeles and has worked as an actress at the La Jolla Playhouse, the Los Angeles Opera, South Coast Repertory and the Long Beach Playhouse.
MEREDITH SCHNEIDER (BA) started a full-time job as the social media manager at BigShot Inbound. She and her sister, Erin, also a USD alumna, still run DoubleTake Productions and they are revamping their website. Meredith is launching a new blog in 2015.
ALEXA TIERNEY-MAHS (BBA) reports that she got married in October 2014 and moved to Los Angeles in December 2014.
JESSICA TISHUE (BA) is director of marketing for Congrats, a new video-based greeting and gifting app developed to transform the greeting card industry by connecting loved ones while serving the environment. The app provides a platform for users to create individual and group custom video messages and to send gifts on the go. “Congrats is steadfast in our commitment to the common good, environmental stewardship and in our efforts to inspire a future of ethical conduct and compassionate service,” she says.
ALYSSA (NAVAPANICH) WALLACE (BA, MEd ’14) reports that she married Tristan Wallace on Oct. 19, 2014, and that they are living happily in Rancho Bernardo, Calif. Alyssa worked at Pharmatek for two years with several fellow USD alumni and she returned to USD in 2013 to complete her MEd. She is now working at Del Lago Academy in Escondido as a biochemistry teacher.
REBECCA WEINRIB (JD) is general counsel for Eddy Pump Corp. and she founded The Animal Pad dog rescue.
JASMINE VILLA (MA) started a new job as assistant director of undergraduate admissions at Vanguard University. She
reports that she got married at Founders Chapel during Homecoming Weekend 2014.
[2012]
ELOISA AMEZCUA (BA) completed an MFA in poetry from Emerson College in May 2014. Her work has been publishedin various literary journals and she currently works as a faculty assistant at Harvard Business School.
KELSEY (BROWN) BOYTE (BA) reports that she married Shaun Boyte.
KELLI DAVIS (BA) graduated with honors from nursing school in Washington, D.C., and is returning to California to practice.
COLLEEN DUNN (BA) is a publicist with a public relations agency specializing in hospitality and real estate.
NATALIE GARCIA (BBA) is working toward a master’s degree in nursing at the University of Arizona.
SAM HARTFIELD (BBA) works for Lockton Insurance Brokers, placing management liability insurance for public and private corporations.
KIAN MESHKAT (JD) is an associate attorney at a boutique law firm in Washington, D.C., dealing with economic sanctions and export controls.
ALEXANDRA PAULUS (BBA) is a professional property manager for a private commercial real estate management company.
HENRY PERAZZELLI (BBA) moved to Boston in December 2014.
JENNA ROHRBACKER (BS/BA) is a design engineer at UTC Aerospace Systems in Chula Vista, Calif.
TYLER WILSON (BA) is a law student at St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio, Texas.
[2013]
MICHAEL BLUMEYER (BBA) worked at Brandes Investment Partners, where his experience included working in the trading department and in risk management.
AFARIN DADKHAH (MA) moved to New York in May 2014 after graduating from USD’s School of Peace Studies. Since June 2014, Afarin has been a part-time consultant for an international human rights organization, Madre. “I am very excited to have an NYC chapter of the USD Alumni Association because the social network in New York can be tough to break into, but having a smaller version of the USD community here provides that opportunity for all of us in the tri-state area to get connected,” she says.
NATALIE ANDREWS (MBA) is social media editor for The Wall Street Journal.
CHRISTIAN FETTERS (BS/BA) was promoted to program manager at ATK.
DAVID HAMILTON (BBA) is in real estate finance with Southwest Realty Services in San Diego. The company organizes financing funded by the correspondent life insurance companies for all commercial real estate property types.
ALVIN JAVIER (BS/BA) expected to begin a new position with InSynergy Engineering in Honolulu, Hawaii, in February 2015.
JAMESON JOHNSON (BA) is with SR Commercial, a commercial real estate acquisition and management company in Solana Beach, Calif. “I have played a key role in the company’s growth as a property manager and asset manager,” Jameson says. “I’m also involved in acquisition analysis, construction management and marketing.”
DELANEY KEPPLE (BA) writes, “As a pharmaceutical sales rep here in San Diego, I’m always proud to tell my clients that I am a graduate of USD. It has not only increased my credibility in my career, but has fostered phenomenal relationships throughout San Diego.”
KELLY LA RUE (BBA) was promoted from business development consultant to account manager at Oracle.
TREVOR OLSON (BAcc) recently switched jobs from working at PricewaterhouseCoopers in San Diego to begin his dream job as a graduate assistant coach in women’s basketball at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark.
ANTHONY PICOZZI (BBA) is the sales director for World Class Driving, a Las Vegas company that provides driving experiences with exotic vehicles such as Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
HEATHER RASAMEETHAM (BA) is a second-grade teacher at Anza Elementary in El Cajon, Calif. “After all of those state tests and student teaching, I finally landed my dream job of educating others, in particular, young children,” she says. “Thanks to USD, I feel that I was well prepared for my career. I thank the amazing professors in SOLES and my advisor, Helene Mandell, for doing their best in helping me earn my teaching credential and, ultimately, a job here in San Diego.”
JUSTIN ROY (MA) is an intern at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
KEVIN WRIGHT (BBA) is working in the music industry. “Could not possibly be happier or more fortunate!”
KATHRYN ZAMBON (BA) is an events planner for the Associated Students of San Diego State University.
[2014]
VIRGINIA BAUMAN (EdD) just published research from a study about using e-books on iPads with adolescents in the Coronado School District. “My hope is that it can be useful in that it shows definite promise for improving comprehension and motivation to read.”
JANET CHAO (BA) is a medical student at George Washington University.
RANDALL CLENDENEN (BA) is enjoying retirement and continuing his education in Web design and development with an emphasis in Web programming.
AFARIN DADKHAH (MA) is working as a consultant with a women’s human rights organization in New York.
JUSTIN DILE (BBA) was hired before graduation to work at Houzz.
RICARDO DIXON (BA) is in his first year of law school at Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law.
HARMONIE EDELSON (BS/BA) is a senior associate business excellence specialist in the Operations Rotation Program at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Carlsbad, Calif. She also is the member services director for the San Diego profession section of the Society of Women Engineers.
JILLIAN HOSLER (MA) is working as an autism counselor for the San Jose Unified School District.
MELISSA GEORGI (BA) spent the summer of 2014 traveling abroad to New Zealand, Australia and Europe, specifically Germany and Austria, with her USD classmates. “We spent the days backpacking through New Zealand rainforests, drinking wine in the Australian countryside and eating lots of pretzels in Germany,” she says. “I am so thankful for the friends I met at USD because without them, I wouldn’t have been able to experience my time abroad with as much joy or adventure. Now, it’s time to move back to San Diego and begin my journey in the workforce.”
JENNIFER GIGLIOTTI (MA) works at the Salvation Army’s transitional living center with victims of trafficking. She also is the Women Peacemakers program assistant. “I have definitely used the skills and experience I gained in the master’s program to get me where I am,” she says.
SLOANE KELLER (MA) moved to Paraguay to serve as a community economic volunteer with the Peace Corps, and is currently living in the pueblo of Ypane, about an hour away from Asuncion.
ESTEBAN LOPEZ (BBA) works for a mortgage bank in North San Diego County.
ANDREA McMULLEN (PhD) received a Learning in Practice Award from Chief Learning Officer magazine. She was given the Gold Innovation Award for accomplishments in applying innovative development practices to address significant business opportunities. Andrea and the other 2014 award winners were featured in a special report supplement to the December issue of Chief Learning Officer magazine.
RACHEL RICE (PhD) is a Common Core support cluster teacher for the San Diego Unified School District.
MARISSA RINGGOLD (BA) is a graduate student at Rutgers University.
BRITTANY ROTHNEM (MBA) has started a marketing consulting business since graduating from USD.
ERIKA URRUTIA (MEd) traveled to Brazil in the summer of 2014 with her husband for the World Cup. She now has her dream job at USD’s English Language Academy. “I am so grateful for my job,” she says. “I am a USD adjunct professor and I am passionate about empowering people through the teaching of English as a second language. I am so excited to be able to use my talent at my alma mater.”
LESLIE WILSON (BBA) is attending the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies to obtain a masters degree in International Relations, and is specializing in International Law and Development Microeconomics.
In Memoriam
JAMES BLUMENTHAL ’89 (BA) passed away on Oct. 8, 2014, in Portland, Ore., after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 47. Jim was born and raised in Southern California, and graduated from USD and the University of Wisconsin, Madison (MA, PhD). He was an associate professor in the School of History, Philosophy and Religion at Oregon State University and a professor of Buddhist studies at Maitripa College. Jim loved music, particularly jazz, rock, and the Grateful Dead. He was a poet as well as a baseball card historian. He and his second wife, Tiffany Patrella, were married in June 2014.
THOMAS F. BURKE, JR. died on March 24 at the age of 78. He joined USD in 1973 as dean of students and served as vice president for student affairs for 28 years. Among his many successes were his contributions to the development of the Hahn University Center, the Jenny Craig Pavilion and USD’s status as a Division I athletics program. While maintaining the school’s academic excellence, Burke also was responsible for expanding on-campus housing and dramatically increasing student clubs and intramural programs. His faith, fairness and hands-on approach helped shape the lives of countless students throughout his remarkable career. He was inducted into the university’s Chet and Marguerite Pagni Family Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. Each year, a USD student affairs employee is the recipient of the Thomas F. Burke Employee of the Year award, which is given to someone who exemplifies the same traits and values: common sense, good humor, honesty, consistent support of the university’s Catholic tradition and the gift of love to others.
MALIA JOY LANGEN ’98 (BA) passed away on Dec. 1, 2014, after battling leukemia for a year. Her father, Ken, reports that while a student, she started an early incarnation of USD TV. After graduation, Malia joined CBS Television as a
page. In 2002, she became part of the comedy development team and was promoted to the executive position of department coordinator in 2005. Despite health challenges that dated back to the age of 12, Malia focused on giving to others, and was involved with a number of nonprofits, including the Renal Support Network, Donate Life and Be the Match.
Liam E. McGee ‘85 (BBA) passed away on Friday, Feb. 13 at the age of 60. A member of USD’s Board of Trustees since 1991, he served as chair of the board from 2001 until 2004. Additionally, he was a sustaining member of the Torero Athletics Executive Cabinet. He was instrumental in guiding the smooth transition of USD presidents in 2003, overseeing the retirement of Alice Hayes, PhD, and the inauguration of Mary E. Lyons, PhD. His connection to the University of San Diego ran deep. In 2008, McGee received the Author E. Hughes Career Achievement Award from the university. He was the 2009 commencement speaker for the School of Business Administration. He had been a generous contributor since 1981, with particular interest in supporting Torero Athletics; notably making a significant gift to the construction of Fowler Park in 2013. Most recently, the university had granted McGee a professorship that would have begun this year, a joint appointment with the School of Law and the School of Business Administration. He retired in 2014 as chairman and chief executive officer of The Hartford, having led a company-wide restructuring effort.
