Summer 2017 Class Notes

CATCH UP WITH FELLOW TOREROS

Torero Notes may be edited for length and clarity. Photos must be high resolution, so adjust camera settings accordingly. Engagements, pregnancies, personal email addresses and telephone numbers cannot be published. Please note that content for USD Magazine has a long lead time. Our current publishing schedule is as follows: Torero Notes received between Feb. 1-May 30 appear in the Fall edition; those received June 1-Sept. 30 appear in the Spring edition; those received between Oct. 1-Jan. 31 appear in the Summer edition. Email Torero Notes to classnotes@sandiego. edu or through our online form.

1950s

[1958]

MICHELE (GENNETTE) LITTON (BA) is a volunteer ESL teacher and facilitator of Bible studies.

1960s

[1966]

GLENN (LAMB) McCOY (BA) just finished her second novel, and reports that she is still seeking an agent or publisher.

VERN SCHOOLEY (JD) was recognized as a Distinguished Gentleman by the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House for his dedication and passion in helping better the community. Vern was a guest of American Inns of Court at the U.S. Supreme Court, where he met with Justices Samuel Alito and Sonia Sotomayor. Vern continues in his practice of patent and trademark law with Fulwider Patton LLP in Los Angles and Long Beach. He serves as counselor to the Joseph A. Ball Clarance M Hunt AIC in Long Beach and to the Michel IP AIC in Los Angeles.

[1969]

STEPHEN RONALD CLOUD (JD) lives in Fresno, Calif., and is president of the Fresno Distributing Company and R.V. Cloud Co. in San Jose, Calif. Both companies are in the wholesale plumbing and appliances sector. Steve says “hello” to those who remember him.

1970s

[1975]

SUSAN REDELINGS (BA) writes that she is “spoiling grandchildren and traveling!”

[1976]

ANNA RYAN (BA) PhD LMFT, is the owner of San Diego Therapy Center; she continues to provide mental health services. She writes, “Equines and You, our adjunct psychotherapy program, supports everyone wishing to involve themselves in equine psychotherapy. My son, Joseph Gabriel Ryan, is a senior at Cogswell Polytechnic College, graduating in May of 2016 with a BS in software engineering.”

SERGIO SANTOS (BAcc) has been in public accounting practice as senior staff for the first 14 years and as partner with Hutchinson & Bloodgood LLP for the past 26 years. He writes, “At the urging of my wife, Marie (Bower) ‘76, who is also a CPA in private industry, a transition process is on for retirement in 2017. Two of our three adult kids have graduated from universities and are successfully ‘gainfully employed!’ Our third is set to graduate in May 2017. So, the transition process to retirement is on!”

[1977]

CHRISTINE BOLOGNA (JD) writes, “We are looking forward to our 40-year School of Law reunion in October 2017, and visiting with our son, Jeff, a mechanical engineering/naval science USD undergraduate.”

JOAN STEIDINGER (BA) has published a book in hardcover titled, Sisterhood in Sports: How Female Athletes Collaborate and Compete. It is the winner of five literary awards and is due out soon in paperback. She writes, “Without the education at USD, I would never have achieved all I have in my life. I am now a licensed psychologist and certified sports psychology consultant, happily married, and living on Mt. Tam with our two golden retrievers, Parker and Spencer.”

[1978]

TONY SALAY (BBA) is now working with a former classmate at GM Realty, expanding the Orange County area for the firm.

[1979]

ANN DUMOLT (BA) retired from the State of California’s Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing in August 2016 and started clinical pastoral education at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier and Downey, Calif., in September.

JANE HAUPT (BA, MEd ’81) has been living in Bakersfield, Calif., for the past 35 years, where she teaches at a charter homeschool working with special needs students and families. She met her husband of 35 years, Bruce Haupt, at Loyola of Rome Center in 1977 and has four children and 1 granddaughter. She writes, “Life is good! God is great!”

1980s

[1981]

RICHARD HUSSEY (JD) received the award for 2016 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year for the 17th Judicial Circuit in Florida on January 19, 2017. TriMark Press published his first novel, The Hedgecock Friasko, in January 2017.

STEVE VASQUEZ (BBA) provided this update: “Just moved to San Clemente and fulfilled a dream to live by the beach. Still running a financial services business with Primerica (30 years in 2017). Completed my 50th triathlon in 2016 up to, and including two at the Ironman distance. This year, I celebrate 33 years of marriage to my beautiful wife, Debbie.” 

[1982]

RUSSELL O. PARKMAN (JD) loves his work as the graduate accounting academic director (lead) at National University. He has also recently been named to Point Loma Nazarene University’s Phi Delta Lambda national honor society board.

[1983]

KEVIN MADOK (BAcc) was recently elected to the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Monroe County, Fla. “If you find yourself in Key West, stop by the Old Courthouse on Whitehead Street to say, ‘Hi!’”

LINDA MORALES (BA) recently returned from a five-year stay in Madagascar as senior advisor for maternal/child health and gender. She is excited to report that her kids, Steve (14) and Sylvia (7) are now fluent in French and Malagasy. Linda writes, “Happy to be back in beautiful San Diego and looking forward to reconnecting with many of you!”

LUIS PRECIADO (BA) recently completed a commissioned oil painting of Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. Luis has been painting since graduating from USD.

RODRIGO VALDIVIA (BA) celebrated 25 years in Diocesan administration, the last 13 as chancellor of the Diocese of San Diego.

[1985]

BARBARA ELLIOTT-SANDERS (BA, MEd ’88) was recently re-elected to her second term on the South Bay Union School District Board of Trustees.

GREG GIULIANO (BA, MA ’88) and his wife, Theresa Apodaca ’84, recently moved their now-empty nest from Southern California to Portland, Ore. Greg works as an executive coach and change leadership consultant. His most recent book, Ultra Leadership, was published in July 2016 and was #1 on the Amazon Hot New Bestsellers List.

KENNETH WINANS (BBA) has a new book out: Investment Atlas II, Using History as a Financial Tool aims to show readers how to “become profitable users of investment history rather than future victims of it.” His book is the recipient of the 2016 Beverly Hills Book Award and the Next Generation Indie Book Award.

[1986]

STEPHANIE GARCIA (MBA) writes that she is “back at USD as member of 2018 cohort working towards a master’s in executive leadership and loving it.” She finished her career at Pratt & Whitney/Sundstrand after 31 years, due to the closure of its local facility. “Looking forward to my second career as teacher and executive coach.”

[1987]

JIM REAL (BA) is director of creative services for the newly opened Shanghai Disneyland Resort. In his new role, Jim oversees all integrated creative/marketing efforts for the resort. Previously, he served as Group Creative Director for Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group in California. He and his family relocated to Shanghai in December 2016.

[1988]

JOHN HARBY (BA) writes that he “invented solar magnification technology,” and points those interested to his blog at johnharby.blogspot.com.

SID REBELL (LLM) writes, “I had a wonderful time in Lisbon in 2016 for the European Alumni Reunion and look forward to seeing my alumni friends in Italy this year!”

ROBERT REINCKE (MBA) reports, “I am an artist and writer. I write business plans for investor immigrants (immigrationbusinessplans.com) and wrote two books (spunkybooks.com).”

[1989]

KRIS KILDAHL (BBA) is preparing for a mission trip to Rwanda to visit sponsored children and work in partnership with Africa New Life Ministry.

TAMARA KOLANGUI (LLM) reports that she is “working hard to promote peace education, while building a culture of peace, based on values.”

[1991]

JOHN GILLIS (BBA) has been in the mortgage business for 26 years, and is area manager for Finance America Mortgage. He writes: “married, raising six wonderful kids in Carlsbad and coaching baseball and flag football.”

ERJA JAERVELAE (MIB) writes, “After graduation and spending 16 years in the global hectic telecom world I started pursuing another type of career. I quit my job, enrolled in a new type of studies and graduated from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition in 2012. There, I studied ancient Andean healing practices and established my own company for holistic well-being services in 2013. I have had mostly private clients so far but trying to make my way to corporate well-being as well, as I have experience from that world in my previous life.”

KAARIN JONES (BA) is enjoying time with family and friends.

LORENZO ZETINA (BBA) has two children from his first marriage and remarried this past year in April while on an international assignment in Argentina. He returned to Mexico in July and is currently the HR Manager for Gerdau’s operations in Mexico.

[1992}

DAVE KRIPPNER (BA) writes that he “served 10 years as business analyst/finance analyst/business intelligence analyst,” and that he is seeking the next similar opportunity.

[1994]

POLLY (PRESTON) SHAW (BA) is an elementary technology teacher for the Blue Valley School District.

[1995]

VALESKA McDONALD GUADALUPE (MEd) obtained her Family Mediation Certification through the Supreme Court of Florida and is the co-founder of Florida Agents of Change, LLC, a private practice specializing in parenting coordination and family mediation in South Florida. She is also an ESE support facilitator for Broward County Schools and the coordinator for the American Youth Soccer Organization’s Very Important Player Program in Weston, Fla.

CHRISTOPHER HOFFMAN (JD) was recently recognized as a “super lawyer” in the 2017 edition of San Diego Super Lawyers.

DANA McDONALD lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., with her husband of 12 years and their three boys, ages 10,
9, and 6.

JENNIFER SAGE (BA) reports, “I’m enjoying life with my husband and five children. My oldest is a senior and applying to colleges, including USD! My other children are in grades 11, 7, 4 and kindergarten.”

NOLI ZOSA (BA), ’99 (JD) is a partner in the Dirty Birds restaurant group, which recently opened up a third location in San Diego’s Liberty Station. Noli was recently elected chairman of the Linda Vista Planning Group and was appointed to the City of San Diego’s Parking Advisory Board.

[1996]

BETH FRATT (BA) writes, “I’m still living in Vegas raising my three girls with my husband of nearly 19 years. We are preparing our daughters for those college years. USD is at the top of the list!”

STEFFANIE HOIE (BA) has been working at the University of San Diego for 15 years. She has three beautiful children ages 13, 9, and 5 years. Steffanie has been married to USD alumnus William Hoie ’02 (BA) for 20 years; they family resides in Santee, Calif.

ANGELA PALTRAM (BA, MBA ’98) has been an owner/trainer at AP Dressage since 1998, one of the leading dressage training and dressage-horse sales operations in Southern California.

ALEXIS ROBIN (BA) is the cofounder and COO of p.Link Coaching Center for Excellence, working globally as an executive coach and leadership strategist. She hosts a radio show called The Bright Side: A Life Coaching Radio Show and published her first book last year, Leap of Faith, Cultivating Your Brave Heart. She’s living in North Lake Tahoe, Calif., with her husband and 11-year-old twins.

STERLING STIRES (BA) is a partner at the San Diego office of Holmes Weddle and Barcott, and has been recently re-certified as a specialist in the area of admiralty and maritime law by the Board of Legal Specialization of the California State Bar.

[1997]

WADE GOCHNOUR (JD) has been selected to the Class of 2017 Leadership Henderson Program, an eight-month course devoted to the education and empowerment of civic-minded professionals. Wade works in the Las Vegas office of Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC, where he concentrates on business law, commercial litigation and construction law.

RYAN SABA (JD) is a general partner in the civil litigation and trial firm of Rosen Saba, LLP in Beverly Hills. In October 2016, California’s premiere legal newspaper, The Daily Journal, recognized his firm as one of the top 20 boutique law firms in California.

[1998]

ROBERT PALM (MIB) and his wife moved to Athens in May of 2014 to work at the U.S. Embassy.

[1999]

DINA DAVALLE (JD) has accepted a position as associate general counsel of Booz Allen Hamilton in New York.

SUMEET NANGIA (LLM, ’02 LLM) provided this update: “Business and legal strategic advisor for companies wanting to do business in India, particularly in the real estate, retail and education sectors. I am also a commercial real estate lawyer and broker advisor.”

STEFAN PETERSON (BA, BBA) writes, “I just celebrated 17 years as the creative director of the nonprofit, Habitat for Humanity International, where I’m using my business and art degrees to manage the visual brand and design the flagship magazine for the organization. My highlight has been working with President Carter and traveling to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake to help rebuild houses. I also just completed my master’s in international development from the University of London, and will be attending the graduation next year. I started the program as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya, and very happy to have completed it! And I’m excited to have started as a contract designer with the United Nations Development Programme, designing communication material to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement to combat climate change. I also want to say thanks to Saba Oskoui in the art department for her encouragement during my time at USD and since. She’s mailed design books to Kenya, kept up email correspondence, and generally been a great mentor! I’m teaching design part-time at our local community college, and her support and help has been invaluable.”

2000s

[2000]

CHRISTY GRAY (JD) has joined Jackson Lewis P.C., a Law Corporation, in their Honolulu office as an associate. She focuses her practice on representing employers in state and federal court, arbitrations, mediations and before administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Hawai`i Civil Rights Commission and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, in all aspects of workplace law. While attending the USD School of Law, Ms. Gray was a board member of the Women’s Law Caucus. Prior to her work in employment law, Ms. Gray was a deputy district
attorney in Orange County, Calif.

NICHOLLE WYATT (MA) is head college counselor at Academy Our Lady of Peace. “Recently started a nonprofit organization to help first generation students through the college application process,” she writes.

[2001]

ANNE MARIE PETERSEN WICK (BA) reports, “At the end of 2016, I left my nearly 17-year career in television news and WFAA-TV in Dallas. I decided to take some time off of working altogether and spent three weeks in San Diego with my family. Then, on November 6, 2016 I walked down the aisle and said, “I do” to my husband, Andrew Wick, a graduate of Southern Methodist University, who is an artist, and an elementary teacher. We honeymooned over the holidays in Munich, Salzburg and Vienna. On the career side of things, I’m venturing into the field of public relations through an agency called promote on purpose.”

KARINA VOLLMER (BA) lives in Virginia with her husband, two kids, and their dog, Dasher. She recently moved back stateside after spending five years in Singapore. Karina is an in-house Senior Compliance Counsel for a telecommunications company and loves catching up with her fellow alums.

[2002]

ROBERT DAVID DUNSTON (MSGL) was promoted to Center Director of the Palm Beach Retail Center for Florida Blue, formerly Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida. He is responsible for a combined sales, service, and nursing staff of 16 employees serving Palm Beach County, Fla.

PRENTICE LE CLAIR (BA) writes, “I recently launched my own management consulting and business development firm. Our vision is to bring the values and ethics to business relationships that are lost in bottom lines and profit margins. We specialize in federal contracting, from zero exposure to full market engagement, creating sustainable companies that reshape our lives and community. Learn more at www.harmonycouncil.com.”

ERIK NAGEL (BA) recently welcomed his second child, Kayla Marie Nagel. He has separated from the Navy and now is an anesthesiologist with Kaiser in San Diego.

JACOB SCHWARTZ (BA) is focused on urban mixed use development in his hometown of San Diego.

AUBREE (SPEAR) VALENTINO (BBA) writes, “Scott and I welcomed our fourth child, Emilia Joyce, on Aug. 30, 2016. She joins big brothers Luke, 7, Carter, 5, and big sister Gracie, 3. Additionally, our family relocated to Dallas prior to her arrival, leaving our beloved San Diego after 18 years. We are enjoying our new city but miss the beach and our friends and family back in California dearly!” 

MINORU YANO (MBA) is a general manager of Integrated DNA Technologies KK, the Japanese subsidiary of U.S. based biotechnology research reagent company, Integrated DNA Technologies Inc.

[2003]

LESLIE HELMBACHER (BBA) reports, “I am currently enjoying my greatest adventure yet by staying home with my two young daughters while continuing my professional passion as a freelance writer.”

CHARLES MEYER (BA, JD ’07) reports that he married Zarah Maginot in Murrieta, Calif. on Sept. 4, 2016.BETT SIMPSON LUCAS (BA) is Vice President of Sales at Targa Sound Terminal, a petroleum logistics company in Tacoma, Wash. She lives in Gig Harbor, Wash. with her husband, Spencer, and four kids (Emme Lou, 6, Elliette, 5, Beau, 3 and Ladd, 1). She currently is serving on the boards of MultiCare Health Foundation and Citizens for Healthy Bay.

[2004]

PEDRO ANAYA (MA) was recently appointed by Southwest Strategies, a full-service public affairs, public outreach, and strategic communications firm, to lead the company’s binational efforts as the Senior Manager of Binational Affairs and Community Relations. Pedro will be looking to provide clients with new opportunities on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border.

EVAN HELMY (BA) and his wife had a baby on May 5, 2016 named Asher Louis Helmy.

JILLIAN KYDE (BA) writes that she is enjoying her two sons and her role as director of sales at Mandarin Oriental.

[2005]

TOM CONGDON (BS/BA) is a lead electrical engineer at Cue, Inc.

REBECCA DURAN-OJEDA (BSN) says that after completing her BSN, she went on to obtain an MSN. She currently works full-time as a women’s nurse practitioner and nurse midwife at Borrego Health Clinic.

JAMES FESSENDEN (JD) was recognized as a “rising star” in the 2017 edition of San Diego Super Lawyers.

DANIEL GUNNING (BA) is now a partner at Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP. He continues to specialize in defending employers in employment litigation. When not representing clients in court, Dan and wife Erin (Burke) Gunning ‘05, with their son, Caden, enjoy cheering on the Toreros on the men’s basketball court.

 

TOM MANTIONE (BAcc) reports that he married Amy (Myers) Mantione in Founders Chapel. The wedding was officiated by Fr. Mike White with a beautiful musical ensemble, led by Annette Welsh. In attendance at the wedding were several long-time USD friends and alumni. Tom and Amy are both CPAs in public accounting and active community volunteers for the Boy Scouts of America and Make-a-Wish Foundation, respectively.

[2006]

MARGARET (BANKOFF) ARREOLA (BA) and Juan Enrique Arreola ‘04 married in Antigua, Guatemala surrounded by USD family and friends including: Carlos Bernal ‘01, Nick Depner ‘06, David Duron ‘05, Katy Jones ‘06, Evangeline ‘06 and Rob Kowslowsky ‘06, Jared Kushida ‘03, Daniel Lacarra ‘01, Ally Dolkas Losness ‘06, Ryan Pittman ‘03, Gil Saguid ‘05, Chris Simmons ‘04, Sean Williams ‘03 and Zack Zarrilli ‘03.

MELISSA DIAZ-CISNEROS (BA) writes, “We welcomed Samuel Joseph Cisneros into our family on Oct. 31,2015.”

KATHLEEN BROSNAN HELM (BBA) reports, “I’ve been working for E&J Gallo Winery for the past 10+ years since graduation in 2006 and recently took a new assignment as the manager of private and control labels. In August, my husband and I welcomed our second baby girl, Nora Kathleen. Big sister Bridget loves the new addition to the family!”

NICK LEWIS (BA) played professional basketball from 2006 until 2012 in the NBA, NBADL, and European leagues. He now lives in Seattle with his wife, Jessica ’06, and their two children. Nick is currently a full-time firefighter/EMT.

ALEXANDER NICHOLS (BA) is a licensed master of vessels up to 3000GT, endorsed by the Cayman Islands. He is currently sailing as the chief officer on a 200-foot super yacht in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

MEGAN WOOD (BA) married Daniel Wood in 2015. She graduated the Yale PA program in 2013 and works in family medicine in Thornton, Colo.

[2007]

BRYAN CARPENTER (BAC/BBA), an audit manager for LevitZacks in San Diego, has developed a brand as the “craft beer CPA” to attract clients. He was featured in the December 2016 issue of the Journal of Accountancy.

ALLISON CORDOVA (BA) reports that she married Brandon Monette on Sept. 17, 2016 at Edgewood Lake Tahoe Golf Course. Alumni in attendance were bridesmaid Samantha Pisani Petrucci ‘07 and Matthew Petrucci ‘07. The newlyweds reside in Las Vegas, where Allison serves on the USD Las Vegas Alumni Chapter committee.

TAMMY DePETRO (MS) is currently relocating back to Phoenix for a new position, commodity manager for textile/leather/glass. In the past year, she was supply chain manager for a team of 15 buyers in Colorado Springs. Tammy is looking forward to returning to Phoenix and joining the USD alumni group there again.

JEANNE (FAVERMAN) HARREL (BA) was recently promoted to project manager for Eurofins Frontier Global Sciences, specializing in heavy metals analysis for nutraceutical samples.

MICHAEL MAHEU (BAcc) Is currently a forensic accountant with Grant Thornton, and has been enjoying the last few years in Chicago.

RAQUEL (ROWLAND) MARTINEZ (BBA) had a baby girl last April, named Alessandra Martinez.

JAZMIN MEMON (BA) is a Spanish and Adult ESL teacher. She plans trips abroad with her students and is also currently completing a graduate program in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

KATE SHEETS (BA/BAC) is currently living in Los Angeles and working as senior legal counsel for Anschutz Entertainment Group. She reports that she is married to Tim Sheets from San Diego.

[2008]

SHEENIKA GANDHI (BBA) reports marrying Varun Gandhi in Dec. in Fullerton, Calif. Sheenika started a new job in January 2017 as director of marketing for Payne & Fears, LLP: “This is a promotion from my previous role as a digital marketing specialist,” she says.

PAULINE GONZALES (BA) graduated in 2016 from UCSD with a PhD in Literature.

SHAWN LYONS (BS/BA) has been traveling the world and working for the military.

JENNA McKNIGHT (BA) ’16 (MSN) writes, “loving my role as a new grad RN on the surgical unit at Rady Children’s Hospital!”

MARY STURGEONS (BA) is a licensed architect in Illinois and currently works in Chicago for the international architecture and interiors firm, Gensler. She specializes in luxury automotive dealership design and construction, and several of her completed projects and ongoing projects are in Southern California and the Bay Area. She completed her master’s of architecture in 2013 at the University of Texas at Austin.

[2009]

LAUREN (BLANEY) BLASEK (BA) reports that she married Eric Blasek on June 25, 2016 at The Immaculata.

JILL COVERT (MA) is working at Restorative Justice Mediation Program and teaching at National University and San Diego City College.

CHASE EDWARDS (BBA) and Beth Edwards, D.O. ‘09 recently welcomed their first child and future Torero to the world. Elle Marie Edwards was born on July 27, 2016.

DARREN FEENEY (BA) writes, “After graduating from USD, I went on to the University of San Francisco’s sport management program and did public relations internships with the Chargers and Padres. After full seasons with both, I landed a position with the Miami Heat’s Media Relations staff and was there for three seasons, including the championship season in 2013. In April, I returned to San Diego and the Padres and am excited to be back.”

MARCIA LUTTIO (MA) writes, “Over the years I’ve enjoyed teaching in a variety of settings. Some experiences have included teaching the introductory course on peace studies at San Diego City College, as well as a class on nonviolence and conflict resolution. Primarily I’ve been enjoying raising my three-year-old daughter Nalu. I also teach yoga, and have facilitated a support group for new mothers.”

JESSICA MONTAÑO (BBA) has been promoted as the deputy director of the New Mexico Association of School Business Officials (NMASBO) effective July 1, 2016. Montaño previously was the marketing and technology specialist for NMASBO and has seven years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She is now responsible for the association’s marketing, communications and membership outreach. She has a master’s degree in marketing from the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico.

LORENA SAUCEDO RAMOS (BA) provided the following update: “I married Bruno Ramos on October 22, 2016 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in the city of Santa Ana. We got married in the parish where I grew up and made all my sacraments. We currently live in Fountain Valley, Calif., and enjoy going down to USD a few times a year.”

2010s

[2010]

BENJAMIN BRENNERS (MSN) has transitioned from his role as a clinical informaticist into “a leadership position over Cardiology/CV Surgery/Cardiac Cath Lab at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego.”

ELIZABETH CUMMINGS-HAUSMANN (BA) was a graduate of the 2010 chemistry program and honors program. She obtained her masters of public health at Loma Linda University and attended Touro University Nevada School of Osteopathic Medicine and received her doctorate degree in 2016. She is currently a resident physician in the dual Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine Residency Program at Loma Linda University. She reports that she married her husband in June 2016; the couple lives in Fallbrook, Calif., with their dog and cat.

CHRISTOPHER R. FOSS (BS) began his residency at County USC Medical Center in Los Angeles after graduating from the University of Arizona College of Medicine in May.

XOCHITL GLASER (BA) decided to follow her dream of working in the NFL after 8 years in San Diego. With the help of USD alumni and professors, her dream became a reality. She has now spent two years working for the Kansas City Chiefs.

CAITLIN (WIDNER) HEYDE (BBA, BAcc) writes, “I have been working for Globalization Partners since May 2015; we were recently listed as sixth on Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest-growing private companies. I also started a bow company with a fellow graduate alum, Danielle Heyde, for little girls called Little Aries (littleariesbows.com). My husband and I have two children, Jake and Taylor, and are moving to Carlsbad, Calif.”

JOHN-RAY INGALLA (BA) reports, that he recently moved to Seattle, upon his promotion as the manager of strategic initiatives for our Amazon logistics program. “This May, I will be completing the MIT MicroMasters credential in supply chain management,” he writes.

RYAN MULVEY (BA) reports that he married Olga Kroytor in September 2016 in Washington, D.C. at the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family. The couple has relocated to London. Ryan continues to work for his non-profit public interest law firm in Washington, D.C.

RYAN SHELTON (BA) is rowing for the U.S. National Team as well as expanding his family of three to a family of four. He is also working to promote and grow Premier Image, a full-service marketing company.

RUTH SOBERANES (BA) began a new job in 2016 as the director of communications and strategic initiatives at the Arizona-Mexico Commission, Office of the Governor.

HEATHER WARLAN (MSN, PhD ’14) has published two papers since earning her PhD in Nursing from USD. “Currently, I am an assistant director of regulatory affairs and the chair of the nursing research and evidence based council at UC San Diego Heath. My husband and I welcomed our second child, a baby girl, on Thanksgiving Day, 2016.”

[2011]

JULIE BRODFUEHRER (BA) writes, “I finished medical school in 2015 and am now in my second year of family medicine residency at Marian Regional Medical Center on the central coast of California. I love living in wine country!”

NATALIE DIAZ (BA) is a social worker in the department of veteran affairs.

KEVIN HARRINGTON (LLM) recently joined the Los Angeles planning estate office of Schwartz & Shapiro LLP.

ARMANDO MALDONADO (MA) is currently serving a two-year tour at the U.S. Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua. He was previously posted at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda.

JUSTIN MATTI (BA) reports, “Post-undergrad, I worked in the academic publishing industry, and now I work in the defense industry for General Dynamics. I’ve also taken on the role of chairman for a local non-profit, Global Conservation Force.”

DANIELA MODIANO (BA) says that she just had a baby boy named Marius.

BHAVDEEP RAI (MBA) was recently promoted and moved to Minneapolis, Minn.

MEREDITH SCHNEIDER (BA) is the editor in chief at the internationally acclaimed Impose Magazine, as well as for moshery.com. She and her sister, Erin Zimmerman, run a successful production company, and she recently welcomed home a cat named Schmidt.

[2012]

KEVIN BOBROW (BBA) reports, “I was recently hired by Merrill Lynch (UTC office) in July of this year. I will be working on an investment advisory team with my father, who has been an adviser with Merrill Lynch in San Diego for over 35 years. I am truly excited about the opportunity and I look forward to introducing our team to the Torero network.”

COLETTE CUSTIN (BA) is happy to report that she has moved back to her hometown of Chicago, where she has accepted a position as enterprise systems administrator for the John Marshall Law School.

HANNAH EMORY (BBA) is an underwriter for Chubb Insurance.

KELLI HAGAN (BA) recently started a new position at experiential marketing company Hadley Media. After three years working in Los Angeles in public relations for clients like Disney, SONY and Warner Brothers, she has now landed a new position back in San Diego and will continue to work in PR with entertainment industry clients.

DEVON MORRIS (BA) is “currently finishing up a book about architecture in Myanmar, specifically the historic preservation of colonial structures in Yangon and the informal adaptive reuse through squatter communities.”

MARGARET REYNOLDS (MA), after graduating from the SOLES Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in 2012, lived and worked in Las Vegas for four years, where she earned her clinical professional counselor license. She has applied for license by endorsement in Illinois and expected to become a licensed clinical professional counselor practicing in Chicago.

PHILIP STEMLER (JD) writes that he’s married, has a two-year-old son and lives in Newport Beach, Calif. He is a deputy district attorney in San Bernardino County.

[2013]

RICHARD BAKKEN (PhD) writes, “I co-authored a paper, along with SOLES PhD grad James Dobbs, entitled, ‘The Relevance of Four Types of Knowledge for Leader Preparation in Radically Different Settings: Reflections on Data from a Case Study in Qatar and Teaching at a United State Military Academy,’ published in the Creighton Journal of Interdisciplinary Leadership.”

ANNE CHMILEWSKI (MA) just graduated from a three-year family medicine residency working with the underprivileged in Chula Vista, Calif. She’s now looking for her next opportunity to continue the same type of work at a community health center.

TONI DeGUIRE (BA) reports that he earned his masters of education in higher education administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio in December 2016. “I will also be starting a new position with Teach for America in Dallas, Texas as their manager of alumni transition.”

KEVIN FOLEY (BBA) works in real estate asset management for Oaktree Capital.

KAYLEY STUMPE (BA) has been working as a producer at Entertainment Tonight since graduating.

KARISSA VALENCIA (BA) writes, “Happy to share I’m currently working at Disney Junior!”

[2014]

LIVIER GOMEZ (BA) is currently volunteering for a non-profit organization. She loves to travel, meet new people, and taste new foods. Livier is currently working full-time, but is seeking a career that makes an impact.

ALEXIS HEARD (MSN) says, “Since USD, I have been working as an ICU nurse, creating as well as implementing unit and hospital projects, and recently gave birth to a son. Can’t wait to catch up with everyone!”

CHARLES MACKAY (BBA) was recently named partner at Marine Street Financial in La Jolla, Calif.

ALEXA McANENEY (BA) writes, “After I graduated I spent my time dental assisting while I applied to dental school. I just started my first year of dental school and I absolutely love it! Roseman University College of Dental Medicine has an incredible program. It is a blessing to know I am doing what I was meant to do with my life. This first year is predominantly lecture-based, preparing us for Boards. I am definitely looking forward to doing more patient care, because that is my favorite part. USD helped foster a desire in me to be a Changemaker, and I am enjoying finding ways to continue being a Changemaker in the dental field.”

CHRISTINA MURPHY (MA) writes, ”In October 2016, I moved to Washington, D.C. to begin a new position as a programs associate at The Fund for Peace. I work on programs that deal with conflict early warning and violence against women and girls, primarily in West African states.”

IAN RODGERS (BA) recently moved to New York to begin working on his masters of public health in epidemiology at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.

SEAN URBAN (BBA) worked for two years after graduation with the USD baseball team as director of baseball operations and was a part of the coaching staff for the 2015 WCC Champions. In the fall of 2016, Sean moved on to university relations at USD and now works in advancement services, processing the donations the school receives.

[2015]

TYLER BOYCE (BA) reports, “I recently moved from the Sacramento area to Los Angeles County. My first job was part of a nonpartisan voter registration drive organized by Method Campaign Services. Currently, I work two jobs: as a file clerk for Warner Bros. TV and as a bakery wrapper for Costco. In my spare time, I am taking a class in acting and VO, taught by voice actor Marc Cashman.”

BRITTNEY CAIRNS (MEd) has been teaching English at Cathedral Catholic High School since graduating from SOLES.

JACQUELINE CORTES (BA) writes, “I recently finished my year of service with Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest/AmeriCorps in Hillsboro, Ore. I served as a program coordinator at Bienestar, an affordable housing agency for Latino farmworker families, whose mission is to build houses, hopes and futures for the well-being of the families and seniors.”

KELSEY ENGELHARDT (BBA) has been working for almost two years at a sales and marketing consulting firm in Chicago. Kelsey has loved the new location and her job.

JASPER FOREST (BA) writes, “I’m working for Industry! We are creating a platform for service and hospitality to find jobs easier. Check it out at www.industry.com.”

HENRY HICKS (BA) is a technical recruiter at Aerotek Clinical LLC.

SIENNA LA ROCCA (BA) was just promoted to global communications specialist. She’s now launching and leading the consumer PR sector at Dolby.

JASMINE MALLEN (BA) is attending graduate school at SDSU at the School of Public Affairs and majoring in public administration with an emphasis in city planning. Jasmine is interning at San Diego City Hall, Council District 9. She writes, “Over the summer, I studied immigration and refugee policy in Munich, Germany. (My first study abroad experience was through USD, to Madrid).”

REESA MORALA (MA) is a treatment coordinator/program therapist for the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program at Aurora Behavioral Health Care.

JOJI PETERS (MBA) reports that he is working at Northrop Grumman and enjoying life in San Diego.

ANGEL TORRES (MS) moved to Chicago after graduating and enrolled in the Kellogg School of Management to get his MBA. He will graduate and simultaneously retire from the Navy after 27 years.

[2016]

MICHAEL BURRAFATO (BBA) is an incoming investment banking analyst with Lazard, Ltd. in their New York office where he will be working in M&A and Restructuring.

ESTHER CHO (BS/BA) is working as an Internet of Things engineer at Clarity Design, Inc., designing iOS apps and web.

EMILY DAVIS (MA) moved to Northern California to become the college programs coordinator for Rachel Carson College at UC Santa Cruz.

GIULIA DUGO (BBA) is working at Adobe in Seattle as an international program manager on the globalization team.

DAVID EMERY (MA) writes, “I recently landed an amazing job working for a non-profit in downtown San Diego. We provide STEM education opportunities for underserved youth in the San Diego region, as well as nationally, with the mission of providing the fundamental fluencies necessary for underprivileged students to succeed in STEM fields. Three of our eight employees are Toreros, serving as Changemakers in our community and nation. Not only do I help some really amazing students create cool inventions, but I also get to feel a sense of real accomplishment in my work, knowing that we’re making real impacts on students’ self-identity and expanding what they think they are capable of.”

AUSTIN GALY (BS) writes, “Prior to graduating this December, I was offered the opportunity to come work for USD as a student advisor. I now work with students in USD’s Mulvaney Center for Community Awareness and Social Action. Through my role, I am able to help facilitate student’s growth by helping to contextualize their educational experiences. Through establishing new partnerships with local community members and non-profit organizations, we create pathways for students’ experiential learning outside of the traditional classroom setting.”

BIANCA GUZMAN (BA) writes, “Currently serving as an Americorps VISTA for Generation Citizen in San Francisco.”

HOLLY HINH (MEd) was recently selected to be a part of the EL Roadmap Committee for the CDE.

DANIELLE JONES (BAcc) reports that she is working at Ernst and Young, a big four public accounting firm, while studying to become a CPA.

SEAN JONES (LLM) reports, “I recently started a new law firm, using my LLM to transition my career focus from criminal defense to real estate development. (My criminal defense practice is still going strong, but I’ve moved to a strictly managerial capacity so I can focus on growing the new firm.)”

MINA KRENZ (BA) is working as a research assistant in the Office of Vaccines Research and Review at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

FIORELLA MORALES (BA) reports, “After graduation, I started working at USD with the department of undergraduate research as the program coordinator for a federally funded program, NSF REU. This fall I also started graduate school at SDSU to acquire a master’s in postsecondary educational leadership with an emphasis in student affairs. I work in international engagement in the Division of Undergraduate Studies advising The Weber Honors College and Compact students on how to go abroad. This semester I became an ambassador for ACPA and am the USD liaison for the Lessons from Abroad Conference!”

SWASTIK MUKHERJEE (MBA) recently joined a supply chain startup in greater Seattle as an implementation consultant.

JENNA OWENS (BS/BA) is designing a medical device intended for use in developing countries for Clarity Design, Inc. in San Diego.

ANGELA PARKER (MEd) is a high school English teacher in Rocklin, Calif.

NATASHA RIDLEY (MA) is currently a RISE Urban Fellow working on arts community engagement project in Southeast San Diego.

JUDITH SCOTT (PhD) writes, “I’m pleased to be teaching community health nursing at the RN to BSN level at UCCS in Colorado Springs, and applying my new doctoral knowledge to a fledgling program of research. The mountains are beautiful, and there is much outdoors to enjoy!”

CARMEN SIERRA (BBA) writes, “I am currently an Americorps VISTA member in the Bay Area working at Alameda Point Collaborative through St. Mary’s College.”

PATRICK VOGT (BBA) is furthering the future of the entertainment industry from 20th Century Fox Film.

In Memoriam

DALE R. ANDERSEN ’73 (MEd) passed away on May 22, 2016.

RENNIE BLOCK ’77 (BA) passed away on October 19, 2016. Rennie was born in San Diego and grew up in the USD neighborhood of Linda Vista. He attended USD from 1973 to 1977, obtaining a BA in non-western studies and attended the University of Denver, where he obtained an MA in international studies. He had been married to Debbie McGraw-Block since 1983. Rennie moved back to San Diego in 1985 and worked in Continuing Education at USD for 29 years, retiring in February 2014.

LOU MAGANA ’80 (BA), manager for events and special services, passed away on Jan. 6, 2017. Lou had worked at USD since 1974 and graduated with a degree in English. He was well known by many people on campus and we are thankful for his years of service to the university community.

DAVID MALICKY, associate professor of mechanical engineering in the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, passed away on Feb. 22, 2017, after an extended illness. Professor Malicky was instrumental in developing the design skills of engineering students by giving them meaningful hands-on experiences. The design studio classes in mechanical engineering, such as his guitar design course, reflect his belief that the most effective engineers are those who can create with their hands the ideas they envision with their minds.  He developed curriculum, designed the renovated machine shop and project spaces in Loma Hall, and worked closely with students to help them achieve their goals.