
Get to Know the Class of 2021
Just four short years ago, the Class of 2021 began their journey at George Fox University. Today, they’re heading out into the world with diploma in hand, ready to make an impact in the boardroom, on the mission field or wherever else in life God calls them. Before they left campus, we asked some of our most outstanding graduating seniors to answer a few questions about their experiences at George Fox, how they’ve grown and what the next steps in their lives will be.

Daniel Simchuk
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Major: Biochemistry
What stood out to me the most about Fox, and more specifically the chemistry department, was a unique balance of character. A weird balance of rigorous prep and constant push to be prepared for the challenging field I want to go into, paired with a very lax and thoughtful attitude when it came to out-of-lecture help, really came in clutch over the years. Being on a first-name basis and always willing to help me with my many, many questions definitely helped lessen the impact of some incredibly brutal classes I had to go through.
The other aspect of Fox that I really appreciate is the predominantly down-to-earth and humble attitude I got to see on campus. I am very thankful I was able to attend this school and only worry about what I came here to study. I love that my professors in all my subjects had enough respect for their students to present them with controversial issues and topics, and let us think through and decide for ourselves. They would push us intellectually, but never talk down or belittle us for any reason.
Living in the dorms and making an effort to interact with people I didn't think I would get along with really helped me realize a lot about myself. What turned out to be most important is to just tell the truth. When you’re honest with those around you, you will be pleasantly surprised. I got to surround myself with good-hearted folk who pushed me to be better in almost every aspect, whether that be physically, intellectually, socially, etc. Because there are plenty of down-to-earth folks here, I got to befriend a strange yet exciting mix of people who definitely have changed me for the better.
I am planning on going straight into graduate school to pursue a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, with a concentration on medical chemistry. While I may not want to go to school for another three to five years, I have clear goals in mind, and as of right now this is the best route to achieve them. I want to run my own pharmaceutical lab and study novel compounds that have medical applications, and then eventually transition into an academic position in my golden years.
If apothecaries were still (legitimately) around I’d be there, but this seems like the next best thing. Hopefully, my main career will be successful enough for me to have an opportunity to start a hospitality or property development side hustle. But all I can do right now is nail my grad school interviews and move up to the next stage in my chemistry career.

Brent Wilson
Hometown: Issaquah, Washington
Major: Biblical Studies (History Minor)
George Fox has been a season of both fun and growth. From freshman year shenanigans to late-night In-and-Out runs with friends, staying up until 4 a.m. Yes, surprisingly, you can actually have fun in college. My time at George Fox has taught me a lot about life. However, there were many times of growth and pruning. Looking back four years ago, I wouldn’t recognize myself, in a good way. God truly worked on my heart and life during this season, and I am thankful for it. The community here at Fox, from the professors and the staff (shout-out to Barbi Doran), to the students and friends around me, made this the best four years of my life.
Each year was different. Moving into a new environment freshman year was difficult, but some of my most memorable moments were from that year. My sophomore and junior years mostly consisted of studying and internships. I even took a semester off junior year to work and take online classes, which was such an underrated move. Don’t be afraid to take some time to work and set yourself up for your future financial goals. COVID-19 obviously had a huge impact on my routine and life. However, being able to be on campus senior year was a blessing. Senior year is when I really started to see how much I’ve grown from a confused freshman to a hopefully responsible senior and young adult.
Ministry! As a biblical studies student, I am excited to jump into the calling on my life and see what God has in store for me on this journey!

Ashley Skinner
Hometown: Albany, Oregon
Major: Accounting and Management
What I will remember most about my time at Fox is how much my professors really cared about my success throughout my educational experience. The main reason I transferred to George Fox was to Be Known by faculty and students. Building personal professional relationships with professors and other faculty members has helped me so much in asking for help when feeling overwhelmed or being open in communicating when I had an issue that needed to be worked around. They have also helped me work on my skills that helped me secure an internship that led to a future job offer after college. The skills and advice I have gathered from my mentors here will be the things I remember most when looking back at my college experience.
Since coming to Fox my confidence in myself and my professional skills has grown, helping me become a well-rounded business professional. I have been supported by my friends and professors to be the best I can be, which has given me a new view on how special I am. I now know my worth and know that a good attitude will get me far in life. I am confident in who I am, what I can do, and how or when I might need to ask for help, and that will be a permanent foundation for me to hold onto as I enter into the business world.
After graduation, I will spend the summer studying for the Certified Public Accounting exam and getting the majority of the exams done before I start my career in September. I was extended an offer from Aldrich CPAs and Advisors after my internship with them in the summer of 2020 and am eager to begin with them full time this fall.

John Phifer II
Hometown: Mililani, Hawaii
Major: Mechanical Engineering
My experience at George Fox has been challenging and fulfilling. I can say that I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of the George Fox community. I will never forget late nights studying, long practices on the football field, and lifelong friends I have made along the way.
Professors have also had a huge impact on my experience here. The professors I got to know have not only taught me about thermodynamics and control systems, but they gave me great advice on life and were huge mentors when faced with big-life decisions. I’ve gained great life experience and a degree to lead me to a successful life. I would say I have been challenged throughout these years, and now that it is coming to an end, it was all worth it.
My first semester was very hard for me. Coming from Hawaii and being away from my family weighed heavily on me. That was also evident in my grades that semester. But since then, I have refocused my efforts on the important things and have since made the dean’s list every semester except one.
I feel that the transition from my freshman fall semester to spring semester has been a turning point in my life. That year I had to learn to be both independent and manage my time well. Although it may have been a rough 16 weeks, the aftermath of that experience has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am truly grateful to have gone through that experience.
I have been applying to a lot of jobs lately. I was hoping to stay in Oregon, but I have a job offer back home in Hawaii that will be hard to turn down. In the future, I hope to eventually go back to school for either a PhD or a masters in a subfield of mechanical engineering, such as robotics or aerospace engineering. Right now, I will just be focusing on getting the best starter job I can find and paying off all my student loans ... there's a lot! But all in all it was worth every penny.

Daria Brandt
Hometown: Sherwood, Oregon
Major: Psychology (Christian Ministries: Theology and Vocation Minor)
George Fox is good soil. There are so many places where you can grow, and there are people here who want to help you grow. From any of my classes in the psychology department to the Christian ministries world to athletics to the mail room to everywhere I have been involved, there are people who want to know you and to help you become more of who God created you to be. I won't even begin to name the people who have impacted me here at Fox, but if I haven't written you a letter, shoot me an email and I will write one to you because I am so grateful for you all!
Throughout my time at Fox, I have learned the importance of trusting in God in all circumstances and to pray in all of those circumstances. When the homework, projects, papers and tests are too much, prayer is that one more thing that needs to be added to find his peace that transcends all of my understanding. I could go on about the things that I have learned, but learning where my identity is rooted in has been one of the biggest. I have many identities, but being a child of God who is loved unconditionally is the first and most important one to understand all of my other identities.
I think I grew in all areas you could think of except height! Apparently, I have shrunk an inch since high school! My faith has deepened since being at Fox. Classes like Biblical Interpretations and World Religions wreck your childhood understanding of what faith is and what you had always known as true and a solid foundation. But that’s where Jesus gets to step in! In each and every area where I felt inadequate or was inadequate, as much as I hate to admit that, Jesus had all the more space to step in and be the center of what I was doing. It has been so humbling to be used by him rather than doing things for him. It is not by my will power or ability that I did anything at Fox, but him working through me. I pray I remember this lesson as I go on.
I am excited for what is next even though I am not entirely sure what it will be! I have through August figured it out! I will be interning at Twin Rocks Friends Camp, getting to hang out and learn from some pretty cool people and invest and learn with some youth! Past that, only Jesus knows! Possibly another season of soccer and then wherever Jesus leads!

Samantha Lawson
Hometown: McMinnville, Oregon
Major: Elementary Education (ADP)
My experience at George Fox has been incredible. Many people tend to begin their college journey right after high school, but that was not the path that was meant for me. Instead, I have been raising my two children alongside my husband while going to school full time to earn my degree. This isn’t the easiest feat, and I am not sure that I could have accomplished all that I did without my Fox Family.
While all of my professors at George Fox have impacted my life with their impeccable guidance and wisdom, there are two who stand out from the rest, as they have been with me since the beginning: Dr. Saurra Heide and Dr. Randall King. To Saurra and Randy, thank you for always believing in each one of us, showing us grace, and pushing us to become the best versions of ourselves not only as educators, but purely as humans, too.
The thing about accelerated programs such as the elementary education Adult Degree Program is that you are in a constant state of growth. We are hyper-focused on just one class/subject for a short amount of time, and I immediately noticed how substantial my learning became through this model. The rigor of the program was intense, and the expectations were high, but my cohort and I consistently rose to meet and exceed the challenges. To my cohort, our collaboration and teamwork has been a huge part of my personal growth and success at George Fox. I am incredibly grateful for you. Thank you for providing me with so many different perspectives from your brilliant minds. Being able to look at the world through the experiences of another is priceless.
My current career goal is to find a position at a public elementary school that shares my passion for teaching the whole child through a well-rounded, engaging and culturally relevant educational experience. As a teacher, I hope to inspire my own students in the way that I was inspired by my own teachers who pushed me to reach their high expectations, and who never gave up on me when I needed them most.
After gaining some experience in the classroom, I plan to earn my master's degree in education. After that, I am considering furthering my career by earning my doctorate in educational leadership through George Fox. Above all, I am planning on following my heart to wherever it is called to be.
"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." - Aristotle

Ethan Whitted
Hometown: Brownsville, Oregon
Major: Information Systems (Computer Science Minor)
It’s impossible to describe the last four amazing years succinctly. College life left me with more incredible memories than I can count. I will always look back fondly on the crazy, spontaneous, late-night conversations among friends, on the random trips around the state to get desserts or go on a hike, on the campus events like dances and Polar Plunges, and everything else in between. My experience at George Fox has been one of huge growth in every area of my life, and I’ve built friendships that I’m going to have for the rest of my life.
I think it will forever be impossible for me to overstate the impact that my college experience at George Fox had on my life. I always thought it was dumb and cheesy when people made vague statements like "this experience really transformed me," or "through this I learned so much about myself," yet at the end of these four years I can’t find a better way to sum up this experience! It has literally touched every aspect of who I am!
Academically, I went from someone who thought I was job-ready and thought I could teach myself everything online to someone who now knows how to adapt and succeed in any tech-related career. Emotionally, I went from someone who had a whole slew of assumptions I was basing my life on to someone who is vastly more open to new ideas and who thinks critically and fairly about everything I am presented with. Spiritually, I went from someone who thought I had peaked in my relationship and understanding with God to someone who is light-years away from where I started in my understanding four years ago and who is so, so excited to spend the rest of my life learning more about the innumerable aspects that go into Christian living and being a servant of God.
The future will probably see me marrying my girlfriend, traveling out of state, and then eventually out of country for a few years. I’m still waiting to hear back on a number of product management jobs that I’ve applied for this year, though I have back-up plans in Newberg for whatever opportunities the Lord decides to open or have me wait on. I’m very excited to start this next stage of life, continue the relationships I’ve built over the past four years, and create new ones!

Jensyn Lown
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Major: Marketing (Entrepreneurship Minor)
At George Fox, I found home. There are so many things I will always remember. I will always remember my RA my sophomore year who would bring us homemade bread every week; the house I was placed in with six random girls (and now I am a bridesmaid in two of their weddings); the trips to California and Ohio with my track and field family; driving nine hours to/from Walla Walla for the NWC Women's Basketball Championships; bringing game shoes to a friend who forgot; and the amazing, supportive community around me that feels a lot more like family than anything else.
It's funny listing the things I think I will remember most. In reality, I don't think I will have to remember much, because I am taking so much with me. The people who have most impacted my life or the largest lessons I have learned are people or ideas that will be with me the rest of my life. I won’t have to remember them because I know they will always be with me. I know that I am leaving George Fox with a community of friends the Lord has placed in my life who bring so much joy, understanding and healing to my life. I know should I ever need prayer or life guidance, my coaches, John Smith and Gabe Haberly, are just one text away. I know that should I ever need a role model and advice for the type of woman warrior of God I hope to be, Mindy Mickleson, Jenea Shoemaker and Elise Trask are always down for getting coffee. I know that should I ever need any career guidance or a push to produce my highest quality work, my professors, Laurie Koehler and Dongjun Rew, are overflowing with information and have a heart to help. These staff and faculty members have truly lived out the Be Known promise, and I feel blessed to have known them in return.
As for what I learned, it is simple: God is good. The Lord takes away, but he also replenishes and gives more than I could imagine. He sometimes seems silent, but he never abandons and is there every time I seek his presence. He knows the desires of my heart better than I could ever put into words, and when we seek him above all else he will fill our cup until it is overflowing. This is what I have learned most during my time at George Fox, and what I have seen modeled to me from the faculty and staff.
At George Fox, I have grown into the person I have always wanted to be. I came into college with no true passion for who I wanted to be or what I wanted to do. In fact, I wasn't even enrolled at George Fox my freshman year. I went to school in Los Angeles because I thought I wanted to be a Hollywood filmmaker. I can never say that last part now without laughing. It wasn’t until I stepped foot here on campus that I felt a sense of calling and home. I knew nothing about business operations, but for some reason marketing just felt right. I came to George Fox the next year and took one introduction to marketing class. After the first day of class, I walked out knowing that this is exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
George Fox has given me so much passion and drive for what I want in my life. My education here has made me ambitious, focused and qualified to pursue my wildest dreams. In my junior year, I reached out to the athletic department wanting to get more involved or share some ideas. I walked away from that meeting with a job as a marketing events and promotions coordinator working alongside Elise Trask, the associate athletic director. Since then, I have known that combining my passions for athletics and marketing is exactly what I want to be doing. It is almost as if George Fox has shown me who I was meant to become.
The Lord has opened so many doors for me here and has presented me with so many opportunities. As a little girl, I always knew I wanted to have a voice and be a leader among my peers; I knew I wanted to be a collegiate athlete and travel with my team through the airports; I knew I wanted to live a life like I heard in Sunday school and trust in and honor God; and I knew I wanted to make my parents and family proud. George Fox has allowed me to grow into this person that I always wanted to be. I still have a lot of work to do, but I am so grateful for my time at George Fox for shaping me into who I am and allowing me to pursue Christ through all areas of my life.
I have recently been accepted into the graduate school program here at George Fox to pursue my MBA. I am enrolled for this fall and will spend one more year here studying and competing with my track family. I guess you could say I wasn’t quite ready to entirely walk away from George Fox yet ;).
Since high school, it has always been my goal to travel through Europe the summer following my college graduation. With the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, my travel plans will need to be halted and pushed off until next year. This trip is something that has always been a goal of mine, as I so badly want to see the beauty of God's creation that exists around the world, and I want to experience other cultures and learn what makes each unique.
I wanted to remain a part of the George Fox community, but my decision to pursue my master's degree comes from a deep calling of leadership I feel within myself. When I think of where I want to be in 10 years, I know I want to be a team leader or hold an executive position. I want to use the leadership skills I have honed while at George Fox to lead a company or department to success. More than anything, my business classes at George Fox have taught me that ethical leadership will always, in the long run, make a company more successful. I feel called as a Christian to be an observable light in this world, implementing positive change and spreading the love of the Father. I believe that achieving my MBA will allow me to further grow my leadership skills, but will also open more doors and give me the necessary qualifications to be the business woman I hope to be.
I will spend this summer post-graduation yet pre-grad school working with the Portland Timbers and Thorns, assisting them in the rebranding and relaunch of their youth soccer camp programs.

Liam Rudd
Hometown: Norton Shores, Michigan
Major: Mechanical Engineering
George Fox is a great community that is fueled by the students and the faculty. The friends I have made over these past four years will be lasting relationships that will always be a part of who I am. The community is small enough that you can walk through the quad and always know at least one person in the crowd of students. Whether they be teammates, classmates or just friends you have met some other way, there is always someone to say hi to and ask about their day.
The faculty genuinely care about students, not just our grades. My professors have always been happy to talk about any subject, whether it’s your faith, your well-being, or the game this past weekend. They are genuinely interested. It is evident in their attitude and openness toward you that they genuinely care about you, which is special for a university.
I think I have become a much more confident person over these past few years. I don’t think there was ever a particular moment when I noticed this change, but I know it has happened while at my time at Fox. I remember starting out at Fox a bit shy and guarded around new people. But throughout my time here I have learned to open up and initiate conversations. I have learned that my opinion is important, and people should hear it.
Who really knows what’s next? I am still deciding what my next steps will be, but I have some options I may pursue. I have been accepted into Oregon State University’s graduate program, where I hope to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. I hope that that degree will lead into a promising career in some form of mechanical engineering, whether it be in robotics, design or aerospace.
I have also considered heading straight into industry to begin making some money. I am still applying to many jobs and doing my best to make connections with people who may be interested in hiring me. Ultimately, I don’t know what my path will be, but I feel prepared and ready to take on whatever comes next.

David Demaree
Hometown: Bellevue, Washington
Major: Mechanical Engineering
I think what I will remember the most is doing copious amounts of homework with my friends. At Fox I learned that what you do is not particularly important; it is who you do it with that matters most. I was taught by Neal Ninteman that Jesus and physics are always the answer. I discovered how rewarding hard work and persistence can be. Most importantly, I learned that everything of interest can be modeled with a second order differential equation.
I have grown and changed significantly through my experience at Fox. The technical skills and friendships I have forged here will shape the rest of my life. Of the changes I have undergone over the last four years the most significant has been the prioritization of God in my life. Junior year I had a beautiful (and painful) realization that if I believe that God is who he says he is, that must change my life. I haven’t looked back since.
I will be attending the University of Utah in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Grad school in Salt Lake City is appealing to me because I want to experience life outside the PNW, and I love the mountains. The quality of skiing in the area may or may not have been a significant factor in my choice of location. I am excited about the classes I will be taking, and I hope that this experience will help launch me into a fruitful career.

Joshua Ishimwe
Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda
Major: Civil Engineering
It is tough to miss home, but it gets easier if the place you end up in becomes a new home. George Fox became a new home. The friendships and relationships are not just about memory; I think they will forever be part of who I am wherever I end up.
Part of the amazing journey about my time at Fox is that I do not necessarily have any turning point. I have become a more mature, loving and happy person even in the small aspects of my life, so it’s hard to pinpoint one single turning point.
I got a job offer with a highly respected civil engineering company called Parametrix. A George Fox alumnus and my professors did a lot to make this happen, so I will be starting there in June.

Abby Anderson
Hometown: Arlington, Washington
Major: Cognitive Science; Neuroscience
My experience at Fox has been overflowing. It has been one filled with uncontrollable laughs and lifelong friendships. Full of late nights finishing up procrastinated assignments and also bingeing TV shows and movies. A journey full of new emotions and countless tear-filled hardships. Most importantly, I think it has been one filled with overflowing joy and love from those around me. I have found a community of people here who I consider a second family, and I am so grateful for the memories and support that they have given me over the years.
My experience has been far from perfect, nonetheless, and there were moments where everything I previously thought to be true and right went wrong and left me confused. However, I think it was in those moments where I found the most beauty, knowing that I was being humbled by God and seeing that I didn’t have it all figured out like I thought (and still don’t). Fox has taught me lessons and skills that go far beyond the classroom and textbooks that I have read, and for that I am beyond grateful.
Through my time at Fox, I have seen the greatest growth in my confidence. Walking into my freshman year, I was unsure of who I was as a person outside of athletics and my peer group. I struggled in believing in my talents and capabilities and doubted every strength I had. Fast forward three years and now I have learned to embrace my gifts and the strengths that God has equipped me with. I now lead and empower others with a confidence that was instilled in me by others in my life because they chose to believe in me. The greatest thing I have come to realize is my true identity in Christ and who he has formed me to be. Jeremiah 1: 5 says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Once I understood that I was chosen by God, I was able to fully walk in his call in my life.
This fall I plan to attend Messiah University in Pennsylvania to pursue a master's degree in higher education, with a concentration in athletic administration and sports ministry. While there, I will be working as a graduate assistant in their Agape Center for Local & Global Engagement.
Beyond that, I am trusting in the Lord to open doors so that I can continue pursuing my passion for loving and encouraging people through athletics and ministry.

Brooke Vossler
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Major: Elementary Education
The Be Known piece is not just a saying. From the very first class, I could tell that connection was the underlying gold in this program. Our little Central Oregon cohort welcomed each person so instantly and kindly, jump-started by the community-building skill of each professor. We quickly became strong and supportive friends, getting to know each other through the challenges faced not only by returning to school under difficult life circumstances but also those of online classes and then student-teaching online.
The high-quality education made me feel so prepared for my next steps in working in classrooms. I was endlessly impressed by the skill with which our professors presented such child-friendly, research-based and experience-based tools. And they never just taught it. They "did it" to us. Our classes were filled with the very approaches they know that work.
I will always remember our quick walks and talks around the campus during our marathon hours-long classes as part of a program designed to allow students to work their normal day jobs. And the supportive ways in which our professors taught, encouraged and made this program possible. Katy, Natalie, Sarah and Jennifer ... thank you!
I don't know how rare it is to find such a cohesive group of people from wide-ranging backgrounds as our cohort. But they are truly the ones that have changed me. Each one has offered friendship, their own views on life, their personalities, their gifts. I have been changed by each one, and I count them forever friends. Because of their influence, I understand more about this world, and I am grateful they have changed me.
We shall see! I have to decide if I want to use what I have learned to expand my tutoring business or become a full-time elementary teacher. I am holding it all loosely as I pursue each avenue and see how God guides this future.

Ben Shannon
Hometown: Battle Ground, Washington
Major: Psychology (Communications Minor)
A quality education is only one of the many things that George Fox University has given me. During my four years here, I have met some of the greatest people I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. Friends, mentors, professors ... sometimes all three in one. I think this is the true joy of a community like George Fox - no matter what age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual identity, we are all here in pursuit of growth both within ourselves and in community with one another.
I’ve been fortunate to build such a tremendous support system here. I’ll miss the movie nights every Friday, walking with friends to the restaurants here in town, sitting in Coffee Cottage, and the seemingly limitless wisdom of my favorite professor, Sue O’Donnell. I won’t miss it too much, though, because I know the relationships I’ve built during my time here are made to last.
If I were to come face-to-face with my freshman self, I’m not sure I would recognize him. I mean this in the best way. As much as I’ve loved learning about psychology and communication over these four years, my favorite subject of study has ultimately been myself. As I enter into this next adventure in my life, I can rest assured, knowing that I have never been more confident in who I am and what I’m called to do than I am now. My professors - Sue, Kris, Chris and Kelly - have helped me to understand and have inspired me to fulfill my greatest potential. I am so thankful for the role they have played in my life!
This fall, I’m very much looking forward to continuing my journey at George Fox University in the Doctor of Clinical Psychology program. For me, this is a natural next step in my life-long journey to learn, grow, and thrive - and help others to do the same. One day, I hope to work as a child and adolescent psychologist, working with kids, teens and families to help their children reach exceptional life outcomes. It would be such a great joy if I could make a lasting difference in the life of even one child!

Christina Nase
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Major: Master of Social Work (MSW)
I have loved George Fox. I think that I am a different person because I went to this school. I think the thing I’ll remember most is the number of people who are willing to advocate for me and be on my side. It felt so empowering. Being a student-athlete struggling with a disability is not the easiest, but when you have everyone backing you up and supporting you in your corner it gives you a great opportunity to succeed.
The biggest thing I have grown in since coming here is my confidence. Before going to this school I had many people saying I wouldn't make it. Once here, it’s not a question of whether you will make it or not, it’s "How can we work together so that you can do it." I have realized that is how I want the rest of my life to be: finding the people who you can build up and they will build you up as well.
As of now I am in grad school at George Fox, and I am hoping to become a hospice social worker. I have had the opportunity to work with hospice patients at my internship, and it is my dream to work with families and clients until their last breath. George Fox has helped give me an opportunity to feel confident in what I want to do and that I will succeed in it.

Sophia Lawrence
Hometown: Bellingham, Washington
Major: Elementary Education
My experience at Fox has been nothing short of life-giving and a chance for growth. So many of my favorite memories are with my volleyball team or tennis team, and not just on game days but in the small moments as well. All of our travel trips, jam sessions, practice days and bonding moments are ones that I will never forget. Those teammates and coaches have helped me grow more than they will ever know, and I am so grateful. Especially my class of 2021 that has been together since we got here as little freshmen, they have been and will continue to be some of the most impactful women in my life.
I have learned so much about who the Lord has called me to be while being here and how to serve others around me with gifts he has given me. Most would see that my experience has been spent either in the volleyball gym or on the tennis court, but I have enjoyed so much more than just that. I have loved diving into the call the Lord has on my life with my professors and classmates.
In the elementary education department we have somewhat of a unique experience where we have ALL of our classes together from sophomore year. I am so thankful for the professors who believe in us and model for us what an impactful teacher looks like. I learned most that surrounding yourself with people who love and support you and your call from the Lord is truly one of the best things one can have in life. The hard days will be tough and the good days will be lovely, but people who stand by your side pointing you back to the Lord through it all will be more than enough to get you through it.
I actually came to Fox thinking I would be a physical therapist and wanted to head down that career path. The Lord quickly showed me that he had a different plan, and halfway through freshman year I changed majors. With the help of some of my best friends and mentors I switched (with fear clouding my brain), and it was one of the best decisions I made here at Fox. I felt so passionate about the work I was doing and the information I was learning because I knew it was fulfilling my call to serve the Lord.
My teammates of both my teams have helped me grow also in that my identity is not just in the sports that I play, but in what the Lord has already called me to be, which is loved by him. For the first time in my life I began to feel that I had more to myself than just sports. I am so excited to take all the wonderful things I have learned here at Fox and put them into my classroom someday to teach the younger generations to come!
The biggest plan at the moment is to get my master’s degree in teaching, but I hope to someday have my own classroom where I teach my students not only lifelong technical skills to survive but the social-emotional abilities to love and care for others like our world so desperately needs. And I hope to travel once the world opens up someday ;)

Katie Diaz
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Major: Christian Ministries
As I look back on my time at George Fox, I find myself being overwhelmed with gratitude. My education here has equipped me for so many things, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue higher education in general. I am most grateful for my professors who have taught me so much about Christianity, practical ministry, the Bible and the world. My professors have truly empowered me throughout my time at Fox. I know that each day when I go to class I will be faced with the realization that there is a lot that I do not know, but because of the challenge and kindness that my professors have provided I also know that there is so much that I can learn.
I have grown immensely during my time at George Fox in my voice and confidence to utilize the gifts that God has given me. During my third year at Fox, I discovered God’s call for me to pursue ministry. Through the process of discovering and pursuing that call, I have found the greatest sense of inner peace that has helped me to feel steady during these ever-changing times.
This fall I will be attending Duke Divinity School to get a Master of Divinity. This will mean moving across the country to North Carolina, and I am so excited for what this next chapter of my life may hold. My hope is that this will lead to ordained ministry in the church.

Micah Morgan
Hometown: Lincoln City, Oregon
Major: Civil Engineering
My Fox experience has been incredibly positive and formative. From winning the Bruin Brawl my freshman year to serving in residence life for three years, I’ve made countless memories and friendships in my time at Fox that will stay with me forever. I've learned a lot about who I am as a person and what drives me, and I owe a lot of that development to my ACs Liz, Grant and Brett, and my res life staffs over the years. I'm really going to miss those sunny days on the quad with friends, late nights in the Maker Hub working on engineering projects, impromptu snowball fights, intramurals - all of the things that gave me the opportunity to build relationships and community.
Since being at Fox I’ve really learned to embrace challenges and persevere through hardship. Whether that was facing a challenging exam or something in my personal life, the amount of self reflection and personal growth I’ve been able to experience at Fox has given me the tools to engage with and overcome those challenges. It’s really opened my eyes to how much I care about relationships and community and how fostering those things is such an important piece of life.
I'm getting married in May to fellow Fox graduate Jenna Richards, at which point we’ll be making the move to Princeton, New Jersey, where I'll start my career as a staff engineer at Langan Engineering & Environmental Services and she will continue her master’s degree at Princeton Theological Seminary. We’re hoping to end up back in the Pacific Northwest someday, but for the time being I’m just excited to start my career and our life together on the East Coast!

Gwen Thomas
Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda
Major: Nursing
I will most remember the memories I made with my friends - the study sessions full of laughter, (sometimes) fretful studying, and persevering in one of the hardest majors with incredible individuals. I will remember the days of self-care as we hammocked in the mountains, made art in coffee shops, and had music jams in apartments. I will remember my professors’ pride as we began to develop into incredible nurses with their careful mentoring. College was extremely difficult but deeply rewarding as I developed stronger faith and a caring community.
I am nearly a completely different person from my freshman self. Back then, I was dealing with a transition into a new continent, culture and community. I struggled to know where I belonged and who I was supposed to be in this community. Today, I feel excited in my continual growth in faith and realization that life is so much more than trying to find my place by fitting in. I embrace the fact that I am always learning more, developing who I am, and changing with life experiences.
I will be moving to Laos, in Southeast Asia, in the fall to work as a nurse at a children’s hospital and an educator in the medical university nearby. My main vision is to develop relationships in the local community as we share life together. I am excited to be learning their language, customs and culture as I follow God’s call on my life.

Isabella Gray
Hometown: Mukilteo, Washington
Major: Nursing
Attending Fox was an experience I could have never anticipated. I felt so supported during my time here growing friendships, gaining mentors and working toward my nursing degree. The nursing staff have been so encouraging; it is clear that each educator remembers what it is like to be a new nurse. Some of my best memories include going whitewater rafting, competing in the Lip Sync, and studying for finals on a web of blankets out on the quad. This experience has been a whirlwind from the start, but I have felt supported and known throughout this journey. George Fox gave me a lot of direction when I felt lost and unsure. I am so thankful for my friendships, my future vocation and my mentors, all of which I have gained at my time at Fox.
My interest in nursing quickly became a deep passion in my sophomore year when we began studying pathophysiology and health assessment. We got to learn about the human body and how to listen, feel and assess each system. It felt wonderful to immerse myself into God’s creation more and more each week.
In the future I plan to join one of the perioperative residency programs I am interviewing for now. My long-term goals include CNOR certification and further education to become a RN first assistant in surgery. I have discovered a passion for surgery that I intend to follow after graduation.

Haley Jones
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Major: Nursing
My experience at George Fox has been great. I have learned so much from my professors and peers that I will take with me throughout the rest of my nursing career and life. The things I will remember most about my time here are the great friendships I have made that have produced so much laughter and support through some of the most difficult times (nursing school is no joke!).
I have met some lifelong friends here, and I have grown so much as a person. My turning point was the start of my senior year in the nursing program because I could see the finish line, and I was so much closer to being able to achieve the dream I have had for as long as I could remember - the dream to care for people when they are experiencing some of the most vulnerable and difficult times in their lives.
As I pursue my dream career as a nurse, I hope to find a position in a labor and delivery unit, and I plan to stay in Oregon. I am also planning on going back to school to eventually become a midwife. These dreams would not be possible without my education here, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

Paige O'Rear
Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Major: Biology
Attending George Fox led to so many things that I didn’t think were even possible. Not only was I able to play volleyball for four seasons, but I was able to really be able to dedicate time to my classes and the material that I was learning. I came in with so many ideas and plans for my life that God completely wrecked, but the direction that he showed me is something that is a perfect fit for me. What I can remember the most is how intentional the people at Fox are. My professors and coaches made a point to know about me, my aspirations, and even things that I was struggling with in my personal life. The fact that they cared about me so much truly showed just how unique George Fox is from other universities. I know that these people want the absolute best for me and are always willing to help me get there!
There are two distinct times that I can remember that I’ve grown the most while being at Fox. The first time was about halfway through my sophomore year, when I decided that I wanted to completely change what I wanted as my career, and the second time was the beginning of my senior year when I began to invest in some new relationships. In both these instances, I was having a lot of doubts and thoughts that I struggled to resolve. So I brought them to God in prayer and just asked that he give me some discernment for these decisions. God showed in some very clear manners what was in store for me and where he had me headed. The journey that started two and a half years ago is still continuing on today, and trust me there are plenty of times that I am still as lost as I was back then, but the fact that I saw how God provided for me in those instances has completely changed how I go about both big- and small-life decisions
I am planning to attend a masters program for museum studies to pursue my dream of being a collections manager in a natural history museum. I will most likely be in the Denver area within the next couple of years and hopefully find a job at a museum in that area. I hope that the experiences I have learned at Fox and the time spent in grad school will eventually help me to obtain a position at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Delaney Search
Hometown: Sandpoint, Idaho
Major: Biology (Chemistry and Women’s Studies Minor)
My time at George Fox has been marked by immense growth. I could not be more grateful for the professors, teammates and friends who have spoken truth over my life. Not only do I appreciate the challenge that comes with studying biology, but I also treasure the way that this program has sparked my interest for the dialogue surrounding the intersection of science and faith. Studying God’s creation here at Fox has allowed me to fall more in love with who God is and his intricate ways of designing people and our world. It has been quite a pleasure to study intently and learn alongside my thoughtful peers. Moreover, I am thankful for my professors, especially Matt Stump, who have sought to care and offer guidance consistently throughout my four years here.
Through developing close relationships with my volleyball teammates, I have cherished the times we have spent pouring into each other’s lives. I am continually overwhelmed with thankfulness for the way that God used this team to show me his faithfulness and comfort. Consistently being in community with others who are seeking God daily has created an atmosphere of servanthood and sheer joy. I leave George Fox more trusting in God’s goodness and more confident in my identity as a compassionate woman striving to follow Christ’s example.
My next step is to start applying for medical school this summer. I desire to honor the passion that God has placed on my heart to serve women by becoming an obstetrician/gynecologist. In the meantime, I hope to work in the research or healthcare-related fields.

Grace Cupp
Hometown: Myrtle Creek, Oregon
Major: Biomedical Engineering
My experience at George Fox could be described as a joyful challenge. I transferred to Fox at the beginning of my junior year and, even though I was made a part of a class that I didn’t yet know, I immediately loved the community that I got to be a part of. My professors challenged me far beyond my comfort zone and provided me with the opportunity to discover my interests and strengths.
Over the summer, I had the opportunity to be a part of the Richter Scholar program and conduct research in the field of cancer studies. I was trained in the fascinating process of cell culturing, maintenance and research. I created microfluidic devices and conducted experiments to create microscopic tumors and study their behavior as would occur in a living body. My love of research and the study of the human body ultimately culminated in my senior design project. My team created a fully functioning vascular flow system similar to that in the human body. The system included an anatomically accurate rigid heart model and was really fun to create. My experience at Fox has taught me to work to the best of my ability and to do so joyfully, with a serving heart, and I am very grateful to the Lord for my time here.
Since coming to George Fox I have grown and learned many lessons, but probably one of the most important I learned is that I am going to fail at things in life. That may sound terrible, but it is really important to realize that failure is a huge part of life, and how you deal with failures is really what matters. Especially in engineering, I have learned how to work through problems, be flexible, and adapt to scenarios that don’t always go as planned (or how the math says it is supposed to). The Lord has taught me how to be patient and gracious with myself and others through all these things. I will continue to take on challenging problems, as have been presented through the curriculum at Fox, and work to improve myself and the world around me in the process.
As I begin the next chapter of my life I am not sure exactly what will happen. I have a passion for science and medicine and would love to work in a related field. Eventually I hope to pursue a master of medical science degree and career as a physician assistant. However, I would also really enjoy working in the field of medical research. In whatever I do, my ultimate hope is to glorify Christ in my work and continue to have a servant's caring heart to those around me.

Josh Lee
Hometown: Poulsbo, Washington
Major: Mechanical Engineering
I’d describe my time at George Fox as exactly what I needed in this period of life. The greatest blessing has come in the form of my housemates, most of whom I have lived with since the freshman days in Gulley (RIP Coffin). I have truly been able to draw close with these guys; I can’t imagine spending these years without this companionship, and I’ve probably forgotten more moments together than I remember. I’m thankful to my other friends around campus for broadening my horizons, from the gym guys to fellow Hadlock staff to the many classmates I’ve gotten to know in my engineering cohort. I also want to thank the professors in the engineering department who took the time to invest in me, to celebrate my accomplishments and to provide a source of mentorship. My biggest takeaway from all this is that often all it takes is choosing to engage with who/what is in front of you, and not being afraid to push yourself into the deep end.
My time at Fox has definitely been a period of growing up, of learning how to work hard and place value on that which is actually important. It took nearly failing my Engineering Dynamics class sophomore year to realize I had officially graduated and had to put in serious work to do well in my classes. This was a turning point for me, and a change of perspective on both my role as a student and in other areas of my life. With this has come, over time, a measure of self-assuredness I feel I lacked before and an understanding that it’s perfectly all right to seek to better myself and pursue my own expectations.
This summer I plan to accept a mechanical engineering position that combines a mix of training and field work. After graduating from this program in a few years, I will transition into an official engineering role working in the Seattle area. This job is privacy sensitive, so I can’t share any more. I am looking forward to a few months this summer of getting to do absolutely nothing beyond pursuing my hobbies and spending time with friends and family back home. As for my housemates, we’re working on setting plans in stone for an annual trip to stay in touch over the years.

Greg Hatley
Hometown: Tigard, Oregon
Major: Nursing
When I started looking for a nursing program to transfer into, George Fox was the only school that came looking for me. It was very evident from the moment that George Fox first reached out to me that this was a different kind of school. It felt like the people whom I encountered, from admissions to financial aid to the faculty within my major, really cared about me and my success. The nursing major is challenging, and it would be easy not to succeed, but the faculty REALLY care. I had conversations with nursing faculty that ranged from academic to personal, and they were always available to me.
I feel like George Fox is a special university and that the nursing program in particular is a special program because the people who make up the university and the program are special. I have felt throughout my time here, and will continue to feel that I could reach out to any of my faculty, day or night, and they would be there for me. That is a unique university experience. I didn't come looking for George Fox; they came looking for me, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have had, and will have, as a result.
My situation is a little different. I arrived on the George Fox campus when I was 38, so I had some life experience that some other students may not have had. I think the most dramatic change for me has been within my major. When I look back at the clinical experiences I have had, and the way I think critically about situations, I can see the growth. I am in a good position to pursue nursing as a career. I have been prepared well by the program to step into that role.
I am looking forward to starting my nursing career. It has been quite a journey, and though I am sad my time at George Fox is coming to an end, I am anxious to repay my wife and son for traveling with me on my educational journey. I do have aspirations to continue my education in nurse practitioner school, but not until I work as a nurse for 10 years or so. It is time to get to work!

Cana Buckley
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Major: International Studies (Spanish Minor)
I was challenged to grow academically, spiritually and socially while I was a student at George Fox. My classes pushed me to think in new ways and coached me in how to interact with opinions other than my own with grace and charity. I was supported by people like Dr. David Martinez, who inspired me to love traveling and experiencing other cultures. My participation in the George Fox University Honors Program in particular showed me the value of learning for the purpose of cultivating Christlike character that can be lived out in the ways I think, worship, live and serve.
I have grown to be a more compassionate critical thinker. I feel equipped to handle difficult situations and build strong communities, thanks to the people who exemplified that for me at Fox.
I am actively applying for jobs in the Portland area, hoping to gain work experience in community engagement and international relations before looking for a long-term job overseas.

Jen Wright
Hometown: Oregon City, Oregon
Major: Journalism
When I first came to Fox, I felt completely alone and definitely not "known." As a transfer student and a new member of the honors program, I wasn’t included in many groups and activities on campus. I had to go searching for opportunities to make friends and form relationships. Thankfully, I met some wonderful professors who took me under their wings and taught me how to reach high, challenge myself and believe in my abilities. I also gained many, many wonderful friends and peers I can’t wait to continue to get to know.
Working on the student newspaper, The Crescent, had the biggest impact on me. During the three years I worked on the team I learned how to become a better reporter, build a team ethic, and lead my own staff. Even though I didn't feel "known" by a lot of the university, I knew I was a leader, and I wanted to help my own team feel like I knew them personally and cared about their success.
In my time at Fox, I have become aware of many, many inequalities both on and off campus. I came in wanting to solve all the problems, but not knowing where to start, and not having any confidence in myself. After three years, I feel like I’ve grown into someone who has not only the tools, but also the drive to create a platform to make people’s voices heard. A poet I admire, Kim Namjoon, once said that if everything he says and accomplishes in his life could bring one person’s pain from a 100 even to a 99, it would all be worth it. I have taken that to be my life philosophy, and I want to be a comfort and a source of truth to everyone around me.
Like anytime in the past year, the immediate future is uncertain. I will be working as a summer intern at a branch of NPR, and I hope that will lead to a job opportunity. My dream is to work as a reporter for NPR, OPB or National Geographic. I want to help tell the stories we need to hear, and a good friend and mentor to everyone around me. I can’t wait for the next step!

Anna Smoll
Hometown: Spokane, Washington
Major: Music; Pre-Teaching and Performance
My experience at George Fox gave me so many things I didn’t know I needed. God gifted me with a support system that will last for years to come. My professors are people I will be calling down the line because they know me so deeply. I admire them as people and academics, and one of the most valuable parts of my George Fox education was getting to be a work-study student alongside them, every day, for three years.
The friends I found here are people who encourage and challenge me daily. I have discovered the importance of a learning community. It is such a gift to be in a relationship with people who are passionate about their studies. So much of my personal growth is done around the dinner table, in laughter, joy, and hard conversations, everyone bringing their perspectives and their realms of study for the betterment of us all. This is the power of the liberal arts.
Four years ago I started in the music department feeling like an imposter. It seemed like everyone was way ahead of me, but my professors helped me realize just how capable I am. They helped me come to a place where I finally felt like I could claim the title of "musician," and they believed that I had what it took to succeed in this profession long before I did. They continue to believe in me more than I believe in myself, and I am beyond grateful.
One specific meeting with Dr. Danielle Warner, director of choral activities, comes to mind. I went in thinking I would pursue a masters in music education; it was the safe choice and a logical next step. Danielle listened patiently as I explained this plan, and we went over some options. She stopped me and asked why I didn’t want to do a masters in choral conducting. I thought about it. It was because it was a less certain path, more complicated and risky. But she knew it was the degree that focused on what I am the most passionate about, the art of conducting. I asked her what jobs were available if I decided to go that route, and she gave me a piece of advice that I will never forget: "You will serve the world at the intersection of your God-given gifts and the needs of others. Pursue your gifts, and the jobs where you are needed will open." So, I am doing my best to move forward with boldness, believing that I was created with a love for conducting on purpose.
First up is the long-awaited "Seniors, not-so-abroad!" After so many delays in our Juniors Abroad trip, I am looking forward to celebrating the end of a chaotic couple of years in Puerto Rico with friends.
I am in the midst of figuring out the next step, but I hope to earn a masters in choral conducting and take a position directing choir, whether it be at a high school, community chorus or church. I also hope to begin teaching private voice lessons and sing in a choir as opportunities become available.
I am excited for the way music will be coming back in a big way, post-COVID, and I am looking forward to being a part of the healing that I know will happen through music in the coming years, especially on a community level.

Berkley Hill
Hometown: Port Townsend, Washington
Major: Computer Science; Cybersecurity
My experience at Fox was nothing short of extraordinary. From my first time in the freshman dorms to the final weeks before graduation, I have been surrounded by so many outstanding people who I am glad to be able to call friends. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about my college experience. I have loved every second, whether that be cheering on my teammates on the track or the late-night grind to finish the group project. My professors and coaches have taught me so much and made my time here so enjoyable. I am very grateful.
George Fox really helped me grow and mature into the person I wanted to be. I have learned so much in my education, but most importantly I have grown closer to God. Being surrounded by people who want to see you succeed and really care about you is extremely motivating. I definitely came into college as an immature freshman, but I’m leaving a new man ready to take on life.
Looking forward to the future, I hope to get a cyber security job somewhere in the Portland area. I am excited to get real-world experience and see where God takes me.

Dorothy Pope
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Major: Nursing
While being in the nursing program here at Fox, I was also able to be a part of the George Fox University Honors Program. The thing that drew me to George Fox initially was the honors program. It offered a space to read great books, think about important ideas, and discuss them with peers and professors. As it was a newer program when I started, no one had gone through the honors program while being in the nursing program. I was met with a lot of doubt as to whether it was possible to be in both, and I was questioned about how it was relevant to my education as a nursing major, but the faculty of the honors program saw the importance and value of seeking both programs and sought ways to support me and make both possible. As I graduate completing both, I am so grateful to those who saw my desire to be in both and worked to make it feasible for me to complete them.
Freshman year, I made the move from Colorado to Oregon not having any family or friends nearby. I had never moved before, let alone been on my own, so transitioning to living in Oregon on my own was hard for me. Struggling to find stability and a sense of belonging in this new place, I decided to join a Life Group freshman year. Once a week I got to go into a home off campus to meet with Kearsten McCoy and a group of girls as we set aside the time and space to build relationships with each other and to seek God together. This became such a sacred space for me freshman year. When overwhelmed by the transition into college, I was met with a sense of belonging and connection as we created a place of trust and friendship with one another.
Over the past four years, I have developed deep friendships with those around me, and have gotten to have the joy of having my best friends also be my roommates. Looking over the past four years, I am moved most deeply by the ordinary moments - long meals in the Bon, getting to know my clinical groups on our drives to the hospital, going to small groups on campus, cooking meals with my roommates, reading an inordinate number of books, rock climbing with my classmates, going on hikes with friends. I have learned the importance of connectedness. I will always be connected to this place and these people, and for that I am grateful.
As I begin my nursing practice very soon, I have many interests I hope to pursue in the future, including working in pediatric oncology, the neonatal intensive care unit, and home health and hospice care. I am looking to move back to Colorado and start working at a pediatric hospital. Entering the nursing profession, I will have the sacred opportunity to support people who are going through some of their hardest days. Wherever I start out, I hope to honor this sacred space by walking through moments of both suffering and healing with those who are placed in my care.

Jacob Hawley
Hometown: Hillsboro, Oregon
Major: Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries
Where to begin? I will remember most the adults who invested in me (Sharon Shaw and Anderson Campbell come to mind), conversations about the meaningful and the mundane with friends around Canyon Commons tables, and introductions to new streams of thought that helped me sharpen and nuance my beliefs in classes and discussions. And, of course, I can’t forget the stories. To get specific, I will never forget the plywood bike in the basement of Gulley, pranking my roommate with a hundred rubber ducks, and the impromptu Nerf wars across the entirety of HMS. I will never forget the fire alarms going off at the ’80s dance, the deer family that would cross through campus at just the right time, and skateboarding through the Bon at midnight.
My time at Fox was more than academics. It was filled with spur-of-the-moment plans, half-baked ideas, and ridiculous inside jokes. Fox is where I developed a personality, and it’s where I began to think for myself. It’s where I identified my interests and passions, and it was the birthplace of my adulthood. I made some good and bad decisions, wise choices and foolish ones. But all in all, it breathed life into my nascent independence, and gave me a safe setting to practice my autonomy. The Fox experience wasn’t perfect, but it was mine, and that’s what made it valuable.
I would say that the major turning point in my four years at Fox was in how to approach theology. I don’t mean that the particulars of my beliefs changed, although of course, a few of them did, but rather that the way I see theology as an activity has changed. I realized through my time here that theology is no easily imposed system, and that each person will bring different cards to the table that will influence their theology in subtle or drastic ways. In short, we don’t all see God the same. I had a very myopic view of theology entering Fox, and through intense conversations, well-articulated lectures, and a few friendly debates, I am leaving with a much humbler view of my own theology and with the tools to engage in categorical and productive dialogue with those who do not see God through my eyes. My appreciation for other traditions and practices within the gates of Christendom has skyrocketed. And I attribute that to George Fox’s emphasis on ecumenical community and their hope of the different Christian traditions sharpening each other in that community.
In early February of this year, I was offered a full-time position by Sonrise Church, my home church and the place in which I have been volunteering, interning and interim directing during the last four and a half years. I am now their part-time youth pastor, and (Lord willing) I will transition to full-time ministry upon graduation from Fox. Entering Fox, I was set on becoming a vocational pastor, and in my last semester here, I began my first pastorate position. For my long-term plan, I hope to go, stay and move where Christ wants me, and to glorify him wherever I am. To plan beyond that is his, not mine. But, if the Lord wills, I want to be teaching in a Christian context no matter what. It is the activity that brings me the most life, that inspires me to keep learning, and that fuels my relationship with Christ.

Lydia Peplinski
Hometown: Oak Harbor, Washington
Major: Biochemistry (Biblical Studies Minor)
My experience at Fox, in summation, was about learning how to pursue God while earning a degree. For much of my time here I was pursuing God separate from pursuing a degree, and it took so long to understand how to mesh the two. I appreciated the multitude of opportunities to redirect my heart to God through services and people at Fox. Although it’s hard to say, I think I remember most the culture of the school. Underlying the university’s goals of education was always this understanding that life is about God. I believe that is a very special environment to grow and continue discovering a sense of self within. The people who have had the biggest impact in my life at Fox are my friends and fellow classmates who challenged me to love who I am and struggled alongside me as we learned challenging concepts.
Coming into Fox I had ideas of what I wanted to do, why I was here, and where I wanted to go. I was passionate about who God was and didn’t want to ever leave that relationship. The big change, and I’d say it’s a massive shift, was that I realized I was doing all of "this" (education, pursuit of medicine, friends, growth) because I believed that I should or because it "seemed to work out for others that I admired." Growth at Fox looked like facing the fact that I never took the time to develop personal conviction based off of my sense of self outside of others’ opinions, judgments and desires for me. It looked like asking myself the questions, "What has God placed on my heart?" and "Why do I care to please man and have success in the eyes of the world so badly; what am I left with?" These questions have shaken my world in so many ways, which I won't write all here!
This challenging shift began at the beginning of my senior year, but the Lord used experiences from my entire time here at Fox to give me insight into the tendencies of my heart. These are a few beautiful quotes that summarize this well:
"Sooner or later we must distinguish between what we are not and what we are. We must accept the fact that we are not what we would like to be. We must cast off our false, exterior self like the cheap and showy garment that it is." (The Road Back to You)
"If we do not know who we are, we just end up taking from others." (Beyond Colorblind)
"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a ] Christ - the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." Philippians 3: 8-9
What's next for me is a wedding to come on June 5 (woo-hoo!), and moving over near Yale University, where my soon-to-be husband is getting his PhD. I am discerning whether to apply to a counseling degree, but am trusting God will reveal or confirm my next pursuits in his perfect timing.

Chloe Shumaker
Hometown: Sherwood, Oregon
Major: Cognitive Science
My experience at George Fox has been full. I have gotten to experience college soccer that tested my dedication; family who have supported me financially and psychologically, allowing me to start and complete college; friendship rooted in a desire of the absolute best for one another; and professors who expect your best while providing continuous support and belief.
The past four years haven’t been easy, but the outcome of the challenges have been well worth the struggle. I will forever remember each year’s events fondly. Amidst the struggles, when looking back on my experience, it is hard not to see all the good that was in the past four years at Fox. I gained friends for life, mentors who have guided me, a further love of travel and a stronger attachment to my home at the same time, belief in my abilities, and passions for important matters.
I will remember all the little things like going to the Bon to eat breakfast after getting soaked at morning practice or late-night study sessions at the library before a big anatomy exam. I will also remember the big things like winning the Lip Sync competition my sophomore year and getting to speak in front of more than 500 people at the Georgies. I hope to remember it all and to hold onto all of my experiences closely.
Since arriving at George Fox in August of 2017, I have grown in and experienced things that I couldn't have anticipated. It is difficult at times to look back at the person I was the summer before college, and I have my time at George Fox to thank for my growth since then. I have been able to explore what it means to be a Christian and follower of the Lord, and to wrestle with challenging topics over the past four years. I have been repeatedly blessed with an amazing community wherever I have gone, whether it be to a new living situation within Newberg or to Lithuania, where I studied abroad. I am thankful for these people who have pushed me to pursue the Lord independently and have created spaces without fear of conversation on any topic.
Alongside the community that I have gained at Fox I have had amazing classroom experiences. I have been pushed to truly try my best, and I accomplished greater results in my academics than I expected, gaining greater knowledge on topics I was previously ignorant of. I am thankful for my personal development since coming to George Fox, and I have to thank the Lord, my community, and my education for this.
This is the big question that everyone wants to know once you hit senior year. I didn’t have an answer for a while, and I still don't have a firm answer. I have applied to teach English abroad in South Korea in the fall and am waiting on a response from the program. I am looking into research opportunities for the summer or possibly continuing into the fall. I want to gain more experience working before I commit to grad school on a specialized topic. I can see myself returning to school after finding something that I am passionate about that requires me to complete a masters or doctoral degree. I enjoy school and know there is a lot more to learn, so I hope to have the opportunity to go back to school in the next few years. I would love to work with misunderstood people such as addicts, adolescents and people across different cultures.

Madison Sitzmann
Hometown: Kirkland, Washington
Major: Mechanical Engineering
I will never regret my decision to attend George Fox. I have made so many great friendships, and I have been stretched academically and spiritually. I will always have fond memories toward events such as the ’80s dance or Sadie Hawkins, staying up late with my peers to finish our engineering homework and projects, and the excitement of when I went to Dr. Singer’s office to check my homework and I get it right on the first try. George Fox gave me a community that I belong to - a community that is not only made of students but also my professors. I am surrounded by a group of people who care about me and want me to succeed. I have gained friendships that will last a lifetime and an education that sets me apart from engineers from other schools.
I am not the same person now that I was four years ago. School has always come easy to me, but my sophomore year was extra challenging. During this time, I truly learned what grit meant, and I also learned how to lean into God and trust him. I have also learned how to balance time with my friends and homework a lot better, which is definitely beneficial for my stress level.
I am still in the interviewing stage with a few companies. My dream job is to become a manufacturing engineer. I love learning about the engineering techniques used to mass produce a product, and I also like how a position like this is a mixture of project management and engineering. I am also getting married this summer and plan to get settled back home in Washington.

Catrina Hulbert
Hometown: Sherwood, Oregon
Major: Cognitive Science; Neuroscience (Psychology Minor)
The only words I can seem to find to truly encapsulate my experience at Fox is to call it a "journey of growth." Coming into my freshman year at Fox as a student from a public high school, I was faced with a lot of factors that I had never seen in an educational setting before. Never before had my professors prayed for me before every class or invited me to bring my faith into class discussion, regardless of the topic. It’s encouraged me to strengthen my faith but also learn how to integrate my love for Christ into my work in a way that is both appropriate and sensitive to others’ beliefs. I’ve been encouraged by faculty mentors to consider where I feel the Lord calling me rather than where I feel pressured by expectations to follow. Now, leaving Fox, I feel like a much more integrated and confident version of the girl who stepped onto campus three years ago, thanks to the support of my friends, family and faculty who have continuously encouraged me to go deeper in my love for Christ.
The largest period of personal growth for me actually probably didn’t happen until this last year. As I was struggling with my next step leaving the university, as education has always been an important part of my life and identity, I had many conversations with the faculty in my department. They provided me a lot of guidance on how to dig deeper into questions that would help steer me in the right direction, as well as provide me opportunities to explore my interests more. Importantly, they never made me feel judged for my indecisiveness in the next step, but saw the fact that I had many passions pulling me in different directions. The support in these decisions was pivotal in building my confidence and self-efficacy regarding occupational and personal decisions.
I'll be taking a gap year to gain work experience in the human resources field before applying to graduate programs in I-O psychology. During this time, I may also continue conducting research with Dr. Chris Koch, who has been so kind in helping me conduct research over the past few years, in order to strengthen my graduate applications and continue pursuing my love for research!

Kalynn Oliver
Hometown: Keizer, Oregon
Major: Nursing
My experience at Fox has been absolutely phenomenal, full of challenges and opportunities for growth and encouragement. All of my professors have been incredible. I learned how to provide complex nursing care in a compassionate and Christ-centered manner while engaging in evidence-based practice and integrating my clients’ preferences. I learned how to be a comfort while someone is hurting. I learned how to give medication when it provided healing. I learned how to care for someone who was so burned, they couldn't care for themselves. I also learned the importance of my faith and how it grounds me and provides me with strength to continue on, even when I feel absolutely empty and exhausted. Christ has been with me through it all and has given me his strength and love to care for others.
My turning point occurred just after I finished my sophomore year, the first year of the nursing program. After I received my grades I thought, "Wow, I can do this!" My confidence and ability to critically think has increased exponentially. I feel that I can approach any professional situation with excellent clinical judgment and clarity of thought.
Next I plan to work as an RN at an outpatient urgent care facility while obtaining my doctor of nursing practice at the University of Portland. After that, I'll see where God leads!

Karsten Montgomery
Hometown: McMinnville, Oregon
Major: Vocal Performance and Accounting
As a double major, I had an extremely diverse set of experiences. My first two years were centered around theatre and choir. I vividly recall our annual Christmas concerts with over 100 musicians on stage! Meanwhile, there is nothing like the opening night of a play, and I was fortunate enough to be cast in no less than four: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Our Town, Jane Eyre, and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. I am particularly grateful to Danielle Warner and Rhett Luedtke, who gave me the confidence and entrusted me with many roles and solo opportunities.
My last two years were geared toward my accounting degree. This is where I obtained an internship at Moss Adams, which ultimately led to a job offer. Although debits and credits don’t quite have the same appeal as performing in a play, I found immense satisfaction in finally understanding the complexities of taxes and feeling secure about making good financial decisions in the future. I truly appreciate Seth Sikkema and Joshua Sauerwein for their strong commitment to the Lord and their deep desire to raise accountants of integrity, not simply skilled professionals.
George Fox challenged me to take an academic approach to the Bible and my faith. Prior to this, I had a fairly casual relationship with Christianity. During my four years at Fox, I finally read the Bible in its entirety and had countless conversations with professors and peers about some of the more challenging topics of today. My primary takeaway: No matter your beliefs, make sure they are well-thought-out, be prepared to defend them, and at the same time be open to learning more each day!
I am very fortunate to have landed a job at Moss Adams, one of the top-15 public accounting firms in the country. I will be located at their Portland office as part of their auditing team. As an auditor, I will have many opportunities to travel in-state and out of state as I go onsite to various local businesses and verify that they are following correct accounting procedures.
One of my first vacation spots I hope to see after college is New Zealand. I am a longtime fan of The Lord of the Rings and have dreamed of an opportunity to visit some of the iconic scenes from the movies in person!

Andrew Neumann
Hometown: Burien, Washington
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology (Chemistry Minor)
George Fox has been instrumental in transforming me from a curious high schooler to a passionate, questioning and determined biologist. My initial biology and chemistry classes as a freshman introduced me to a world of science that I had not experienced before. They opened my eyes to the enormous complexity of life at the cellular and molecular level, while also emphasizing the majesty of our Creator who could design life with such care and precision. As I continued into upper-division courses specialized to my interests, I became passionate about asking questions and seeking answers about the unknown and undiscovered aspects of cellular biology. My time spent in labs and pouring over class content was challenging, but more importantly, it was an opportunity for me to learn, grow and fill the holes in my knowledge.
My time at Fox was also filled with mentorship and friendship from professors and peers. I spent a lot of time in EHS; however, this time was filled with more than just lectures and labs. I was well-known to be found in Jim Smart’s office for hours on end or chatting with faculty in the halls, having long conversations that went well beyond science. We talked about life, faith and the future. The professors genuinely cared about me, in the academic, physical and spiritual senses. They wanted to be mentors and help me to be the best version of myself. This culture was assimilated by the students, as classes of individuals came together to form a caring scientific community with true friendships.
My sophomore and junior years, the courses I took stretched me academically. I had to learn how to properly balance life, school, activity and faith. I found that when I spent all my time in my studies, I had academic success, but I burnt out and didn’t feel fulfillment from my accomplishments. It took prodding from some friends to recommit time for God, discipleship and friendships. Doing this allowed for me to grow immensely in both my faith and in my relationships with others.
I have been accepted into the molecular biology PhD program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus for this coming fall term. Once I obtain my PhD, I plan on staying in academia and pursuing new research questions in the lab. One day, I hope to run my own lab, allowing me to ask my own questions while mentoring other up-and-coming scientists. On a non-academic and exciting note, this winter I plan on marrying my best friend!

Chris Stone
Hometown: Roseburg, Oregon
Major: Mechanical Engineering
My experience at Fox was not like many who come here their first year. I transferred in after taking two years at a community college, so I didn’t know any of my classmates who had been in every class together for the previous two years. I came here to continue my baseball career, so those were the main people I surrounded myself with. I have to give a lot of thanks to Craig Inglesby who took me in and got me into the Bridge Network, which was a really good way for me to form my new community. It allowed me to have a mentor in my field of study, but also allowed me to mentor someone who was younger than me. This taught me to be more open and portray my thoughts and experiences to others.
While at Fox I have grown by learning more about myself and the impact I have on those around me. The turning point for me was when I got into the Bridge Network. Craig really showed me how much I had to offer to other people, so I am humbled to realize that about myself.
My hope is that I can get a job or internship in the engineering field to get some experience so I can decide fully what I want to do. I have a couple interviews lined up and am excited to see where they take me.

Meredith Green
Hometown: Spring Arbor, Michigan
Major: Biology (Philosophy Minor)
I absolutely love George Fox. I know I will remember this time of life fondly. I’ve met my best friends here (shout-out to Antoinette Crowfield, Hailie Bishop, Micah Trevizu and Grant More!) I have learned so much about biology and been stretched academically until I thought I would break at points. I have also learned a lot about God and grown in my relationship with him more than I imagined I could in four years. From soggy walks in a downpour to get coffee, to laying in the sun photosynthesising on the quad, the times I have had at Fox are some of the absolute best in my life. It has been hard, and there have been times I wasn’t sure if I would make it, but the love and support I found made it more than worth the hard parts.
My time at George Fox has opened the door to much growth, and my friends have challenged me to take the step through the doors. I have learned patience, grace and perseverance while here. I have learned to lean into the still, small voice of God when the rest of the world and even my own logic screams to move a different way. I have learned how to have grace with people, as well as accept grace from others. I have learned that everyone deserves love, even when you feel like screaming (and that includes yourself). Lastly, I have learned that perseverance is VERY easy to talk about but harder to live through, and impossible to teach others. I am thankful beyond words for these lessons as well as others that I will hold onto forever.
I'm not exactly sure what the path will look like to get there, but I plan to be a pediatric optometrist with a specialty in vision therapy. I have applied to graduate schools, and I am waiting to hear back. I’m really looking forward to living out my calling to give kids glasses!

Jessica Daugherty
Hometown: Spokane, Washington
Major: English
Impactful. Fox is a special place, and everyone who steps foot on campus understands that. The people here are genuine and giving. I have never met people so focused on giving back to others and cultivating those around them. It creates such a fun and loving community. I will always look back on the big beach trips I took with my freshman year dorm or the massive games of midnight capture the flag on the quad.
There are so many people here who had such a big impact on me. I am grateful for the people, like President Baker and Mrs. Baker, who took me in when I did not have a place to stay, or for my professors, who invited me to their family dinners every week. I learned not only to be confident in myself and the work that I set out to do, but to love those around me fiercely. Fox cultivated my character in a way that no other school could have. It was more than an education of the mind but of the heart and soul as well. I will miss it dearly.
Fox opened my eyes to the person I was supposed to come to. It instilled in me a deep sense of character and integrity in the work I do and how I treat others. I could not have become the person I am today without the people here who cultivated me and helped me grow. I remember going into professor Gary Tandy’s office after every paper I had written freshman year, eager to improve on my writing - convinced that I was a big nuisance to him, but he was always so happy to help me learn. It was there that I began to change as a writer and a person. He showed me where to improve on my writing and then we just sat and chatted for a long time, talking about our favorite TV shows, books and big philosophical questions. The next year, I remember writing a paper for him in his Shakespeare class, and he commented on how much I had changed as a writer, that he thought he was reading a completely different person’s paper. That inspired me so much and gave me the confidence to go forth with my passion. There have been so many people who have changed me for the better here. I am forever grateful that they could be such an influential part of my story.
I don’t have anything set in stone quite yet. I have been in contact with a few places in Portland for a copywriting position, so I am hoping to stay in the area and get more writing experience. Whatever path that takes me down I am grateful for. I also have a novel that I am working on and will be looking at getting that finished and on track to being published in the future. After that, my plan is to return to England for grad school.

Elizabeth Wilson
Hometown: Milwaukie, Oregon
Major: Civil Engineering
My time at George Fox built a foundation of hope, resilience and spiritual strength for my life. As a high achiever, I learned how to take a step back from the unknown of the future and live intentionally each day. I will never forget the long hours spent studying in the cozy nooks around campus, the deep conversations at Chapters Books & Coffee, or the 13-page homework assignments that consisted of only two dynamics problems.
At George Fox, I gained a new perspective on how to think critically, but also how to think relationally and empathetically with those around me, regardless of our differences. My professors have invested in me as a whole person, praying in our classes, taking the time to get to know me, and providing a source of encouragement and knowledge! I have had the incredible opportunities to think outside the box for challenging projects, and have learned that failure isn’t the end ... It's an opportunity for growth.
My next adventure is to start a full-time position as a staff civil engineer for Century West Engineering in Lake Oswego, Oregon. I was connected to this company through one of the engineering career fairs at George Fox, and have loved getting to see the industry side of engineering alongside my academic journey as an intern!

Carlee Matsunaga
Hometown: Pearl City, Hawaii
Major: Computer Science; Cyber Security
My time at George Fox allowed me to grow as an individual. I have learned so much about myself and other people. George Fox created an environment that allowed me to feel supported. There was always someone I could talk to. This support gave me the security and the confidence to feel free to learn and grow academically, as well as personally.
A huge testing point in my college career came during sophomore year. I went through my own version of a "midlife college crisis" where I was not sure if computer science was the major for me. My computer science professors, as the incredible mentors they are, really encouraged me to keep pursuing the degree, no matter how hopeless I felt. Without them, I would not have had the opportunities during my time here and a job after graduation as a software engineer. I am forever grateful to my professors for the amount of time they dedicate to strengthening their students’ programming and technical knowledge, as well as the mentoring, counseling and life lessons they have taught me along the way.
I plan to stay in the Oregon area working at Apex Clearing as an entry-level software engineer! Grad school might be in my future, but I wanted to get experience in industry first before potentially pursuing higher education. I also want to travel to expand my horizons and to maintain the lifelong relationships that I have established here at Fox.

Dylan Hughes
Hometown: Bothell, Washington
Major: Mechanical Engineering
These past four years at George Fox have been incredible. Along the way I have met so many great people and made friendships that will last a lifetime. I will always remember the late nights working on engineering homework in the Maker Hub, the adventures with friends on and off campus, the projects I worked on in my classes, and the time spent getting to know professors. I’d like to give a shout-out to Professor Todd Curtis for being a great professor and giving me the opportunity to work for him since sophomore year. I have learned so much from him about physics and how the world works, but also what it means to love your job and be passionate about what you do.
I have grown so much since freshman year. At this point in time, I now have two internships under my belt, and I have learned so much from them. At those internships, I was able to apply something that has been instilled in me since freshman year: the ability to learn. George Fox and its professors have helped me learn about engineering but have also prepared me for the real world after school. I am no longer the quiet, introverted kid that I was after high school. I am now more confident, less introverted, and ready to take on the world.
I hope to work in the aerospace industry for a year or so, hopefully returning to the company I worked at last summer that makes components for satellites. After that, I would like to go to graduate school for a master’s degree and potentially a PhD in mechanical engineering. And one day, I’d like to become a professor.

Taylor Morris
Hometown: Happy Valley, Oregon
Major: Sociology (Psychology Minor)
I have had the most wonderful experience in my time at Fox. I was a part of the women'’s tennis team, and the memories from our seasons, trips and wins are some of the things that I will remember the most. Dr. Kim, who was the main professor of the sociology department, has been with me through all four years. He has supported me in school, sports and my internships each step of the way. He has challenged and pushed me to be a better writer and critical thinker, and how to apply these skills to the real world. More importantly, he cares about each of his students and celebrates their successes with them. I am very thankful for all the time and effort Dr. Kim has put into helping me over these past four years.
Before coming to Fox I needed to be in control of everything and had a full plan for my life. However, God shut the door on all the plans I had made and showed me a new path that I had not even considered because I had my mind made up. Since coming to Fox I have grown in my ability to give up my control to the Lord and let him take the reins on my life and live into what he has for me. While this has been incredibly challenging, it has also been incredibly rewarding and fruitful. I am thankful for this community of friends, coaches, the athletic department and professors, who have supported me during these seasons of change and growth.
I have no idea what this summer will hold. I have applied for jobs in hopes of hearing back. Ultimately, I would like to work in the criminal justice system, more specifically, in juvenile probation. I feel like the Lord has called me to work with youth and be someone who not only believes in them and their ability to change, but also helps support them in any way that I can. While this is the end goal, I will take any experience in the criminal justice field to get started.

Elyse Bradford
Hometown: Modesto, California
Major: Theatre; Acting/Directing, Tech/Design (Creative Writing Minor)
I will of course remember my friends. George Fox has created such a powerful support system that has acted as a launchpad into my future. I attribute the success of the Be Known promise to my professors, Rhett Luedtke, Bryan Boyd and Cristi Miles; they truly have made sure that I am acting and thinking critically from an empathetic perspective.
I’ve come to see the people around me as God-breathed, beautiful and wonderfully unique. I am forever grateful for the folks of all livelihoods I’ve come to call my friends, and I am thankful for an environment that tells us it’s OK to ask questions.
I'll be working full time at a local winery, acting with the local theatre company Penguin Productions, and writing/producing an audio show set to release this summer! A play of mine is being produced virtually by Lime Arts in California, and I hope to keep growing as a playwright and artist in the coming years.

Jack Reamy
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Major: Computer Engineering and Computer Science
My four years as an engineering major and honors student have pushed me to my limits, brought me to the doors of the ancient church, and given me numerous opportunities to take on new and exciting challenges. After taking Data Structures with a friend for fun, I wound up adding a computer science major to the many things I was undertaking. Sophomore year I took an independent study in machine learning that has transformed into nearly three years of work on my senior design project. Fox has given me many opportunities like these to discover and pursue new academic challenges in both STEM and the liberal arts.
I had a faith crisis going into sophomore year in a good way. At the time we were reading and discussing a bunch of early church authors as part of the honors program curriculum, and I felt a disconnect between the doctrines and structure of the church I’d grown up with and the church described by Luke in Acts, or by Justin Martyr and Eusebius in their writings defending the church’s beliefs and history. I started to believe that "the gates of Hell would not prevail" - that the church founded by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was never "lost" and that it wasn’t in need of "restoring," that the church I was reading about was still around just waiting to be rediscovered rather than recreated. I started reaching out to professors, friends, pastors and priests and found myself caught reliving the schism between the Eastern Orthodox and the Roman Catholic churches.
Long story short, my now-fiancé and I joined the Eastern Orthodox Church that Easter and continue to grow deeper in our faith in Christ and our understanding of the beauty and mystery of the church he has given us.
Last year I connected with a Fox alumnus at the winter networking event held by the engineering department. I sent him my resume and was interviewed for a summer internship. Now, almost a year later, I’m still working part time at Circle while finishing out senior year and getting ready to get married!

Emma Hodges
Hometown: Puyallup, Washington
Major: Interdisciplinary; Writing and International Studies
My experience at George Fox feels too big to put into words. In these last four years, I’ve had the opportunity to experience education that’s truly transformative to the heart, mind, body and soul. It’s been beautiful and painful and hilarious and frustrating and so much more.
I read an absurd number of books, became fluent in memes, stepped into my identity as a writer, learned lots of different ways to make rice, accepted that life is infinitely more complex than younger-me could’ve ever imagined, and wrestled miserably with God (but came out mostly intact). I’m so thankful for the roommates and faculty who walked alongside me and taught me that questions only hurt when we don’t know how to carry them well, and I’m thankful for the God whose grace is truly boundless. Some days, he’s all that carried me through.
While there are many experiences I’ve had at Fox that I could point to as moments of growth, I think the most significant ways I’ve grown in these four years have been more subtle. The way I move through the world and think about things has been completely transformed by my time here, and most of these changes have been cultivated in the honors program.
Reading old books and talking about them in seminar for a few hours each week sounds simple, but the ideas and relationships fostered in those spaces transformed me from the inside. I learned how to charitably engage with people and ideas, even when my initial instinct is to ignore or shut them down. I learned how to love truth, think critically, ask good questions, seek justice, and - most importantly - acknowledge my own ignorance. Charity, thoughtfulness, humility, love of truth - all of these things help me to better love God and my neighbors.
I'm getting married in June! My fiancé and I have been doing long distance for all four years of college, so we're looking forward to finally being able to build a life together. We’re moving to Missouri for some training he has to do, then we’ll be settling down in Savannah, Georgia. I hope to start working (writing) for a humanitarian organization, ideally an organization that works with refugees, but I can't start applying quite yet because of the multiple moves.

Faith Burns
Hometown: Kapaa, Hawaii
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology (Chemistry Minor)
Fox has definitely been a home away from home for me. Practically from the first moment I stepped foot on campus, I experienced what it was like to be a part of a close-knit community. Prior to arriving at Fox, I had never visited campus, let alone Oregon. Never did I imagine that I could become so comfortable in a place that used to seem so foreign. A large component to that would be the faculty and staff at this school. Professor John Schmitt, Ed Gierok, Elrike Shaw, and many of the res life staff members have poured into me in more ways than one. I feel so privileged to call these amazing people my mentors. It has been such a blessing to learn from them over the past four years.
Another thing that I have truly cherished about my time at Fox is the opportunity to contribute and give back to the community. I have been an RA for the past three years, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to help others throughout their college journey. It is amazing to be able to walk alongside another person, and be a means of support and encouragement. Even within the biology department, I have felt like there are countless opportunities to be involved in something. For me, these opportunities establish a sense of purpose outside of academics which, in turn, has immensely contributed to my personal and spiritual growth.
Since arriving at George Fox, I have grown in both my confidence and understanding of the world. Freshman year, I remember first applying for a leadership position and feeling a wave of inadequacy wash over me. Even after I got the position, I still felt like there must have been some mistake. Eventually, I learned to acknowledge my strengths and be comfortable with who I am. This largely came about through the deep relationships I built at Fox.These relationships provided me a space to feel heard and understood. It was definitely a process, and is still something I am working on. However, I am grateful for the relationships and friendships I have made. I realize now that each opportunity to put yourself out there can be a stepping stone for growth.
I am planning on studying for the MCAT and working as a research assistant at OHSU. Eventually, I am hoping to get into medical school. The dream is to become a primary care physician and work with underserved communities both nationally and internationally.

Meg Cecil
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Major: International Studies and Sociology (Politics Minor)
George Fox has been full of the unexpected. I anticipated coming to college to study, get a degree, and get out. Fortunately, the Be Known promise and the beautiful people that embody it did not let that happen.
To my professors: I am forever thankful for your support, your dedication and your willingness to challenge me every step of the way. Thank you for encouraging my curiosity and creating space for my passions. Because of you, I moved to the Middle East for four months, I interviewed sex workers, former extremists, and sat in on a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. I even became Orthodox. For all these adventures, thank you.
To my friends: Thank you for accepting me as I am and feeding me when I forget. Because of you I have learned to argue charitably, laugh unabashedly, and love more deeply. I cannot wait to see all the places you will go and the lives you will change.
To my soon-to-be husband: As much as I resisted, Fox gave me you. Thank you for making me a better person every day.
Four years later, I find myself leaving Fox with more than a degree. I have found a faith richer than I could imagine, a community more encouraging than I often deserve, and a renewed passion to listen to the stories of those around me. I cannot wait for the next chapter.
In an unsurprising turn of events, I am leaving George Fox more aware of my own fallibility. With every class and conversation, my understanding of the world and the people in it has been stretched to unimaginable and uncomfortable spaces. The foundation of my beliefs has been destroyed more than once, and the rebuilding process has often been tear-filled; nevertheless, I am thankful beyond words.
I have grown to deeply love tradition and the ability to participate in a conversation that extends far beyond myself. I have learned to value community over competition and grace over perfection. I have discovered my weaknesses and ways to ask for support. These are lessons that can often only be taught in painful ways, but if I have learned anything while at Fox: Christ is working through it all.
Post-graduation I will be getting married and taking a well-earned break before preparing for graduate school. Although COVID has made the job market a little less than favorable, the expansion of remote work is providing me with an opportunity to access international policy fellowships from the backyard of the PNW. The application process is underway! I hope to eventually pursue a master’s degree focused on international conflict resolution. For now, I am content to continue entering uncomfortable spaces to ask hard questions and listen to hard answers. I still have so much to learn.

Josh Gibbs
Hometown: Hillsboro, Oregon
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Right out of high school there were three things I was looking for: a solid engineering program, a place I could run competitively, and a place that I would be free to explore my faith. All these things blaringly pointed me toward George Fox, and it actually ended up being the only place I applied to because I was just so sure, and I can just as surely say now that I was not wrong. I got all of what I was looking for and more, especially out of athletics.
While it adds another challenge, being a student-athlete was a huge blessing. It’s easily my biggest advice for anyone going into college to join a team, because for me it quickly gave me the best friends, family and mentors I could have asked for. Being with a group that is all united under the strange pastime of distance running is special. We were all striving to get faster and grow in our faith together, and I always found a ton of motivation in wanting to show what a team running for God could do. The coaches and their ability to make a really competitive program without sacrificing the fun is something I never took for granted. Having good coaches is one thing, but coaches that are great friends, too, is something else entirely. They helped me reach beyond goals I thought I couldn't even touch, but I’ve now smashed some of those. So a huge thank you to Collin Cram, Rachel Gibbs (love ya, sis), Bryant Quinn and Mike Wilson for being such big mentors and fantastic coaches in my time here. I wouldn’t be where I am now without you guys.
Beyond athletics, my experiences as an engineering student have been special, too. Some of my best memories have come out of the crazy late nights in the lab studying with other engineers. As tough as the work was, the people in my class always found a way to get a good laugh out of the time we spent, deliriously sleep deprived or not. Something else special was the engineering professors. So many of them consistently found a way to revolve science around a relationship with God. Todd Curtis with his verses of the day, Neal Ninteman with his uncanny ability to relate physics with Jesus, and professor-led prayers before tests. All those things really went a long way in allowing me to work on centering all aspects of my life around Christ.
Some of my biggest growth came after sophomore year. That was an especially tough year of classes and cross country/track wasn’t any easier. It was the first time in my life I started to truly feel overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure if my assignments were going to get done, if I could pass the next test, and on top of that keep my body together for a practice in the afternoon. Somehow these things always got done, and I realized that I had just been putting a blind trust in God that all these things would be fine and work out. So, I learned to worry less no matter how down to the wire things got, because he had my back through whatever it may be.
Going on beyond sophomore year, whenever I face challenges, I just think, "Well, he got me through all that, so why wouldn’t he be able to hold me up now?" Having those trials thrown my way has given me something to fall back on when I’m in a low spiritually. Due to struggles and uncertainties brought about by COVID, I had definitely hit some lows in my faith. Knowing the trials that God got me through in the past has been a huge help in my journey out of that spot. If I hadn’t had the challenging and faith-oriented experience that Fox gave me I don’t know how well I would be equipped to get out of tough spots and deal with the worries of life. I was given a great space to challenge myself and depend on God to get me through it while letting go of worry. That is something I can’t get many other places and it will stay with me the rest of my life.
Next steps at this point are still pretty uncertain (surprise, surprise). Ideally, I want to take my mechanical engineering degree into the medical world. I want to be engineering devices that will be there when people are in need of healing and comfort. Whether it’s prosthetics to allow someone to walk again or tools to make a doctor’s life easier, this is what I have felt called to do and feel would be the most fulfilling for me as an engineer. I’ve faced serious injuries as a runner and have had amazing people be there to get me through them. I want to be one of those people who is able to give someone another chance at the life they love.

Ashtyn Butler
Hometown: Elk Grove,California
Major: Elementary Education
My experience at George Fox was more than I could have ever imagined! I am leaving here a completely different person than I was when I got here, in the best way! I have grown in my relationship with the Lord and made lifelong friends. I am so thankful for my time here and would not trade it for the world.
I have truly learned how to take control of my life and do the things that I want to do! I have been so supported through academics, athletics, friendships and family. I have found my passion and pursued it wholeheartedly, and I cannot wait for what will come next.
I will be starting my masters program in May 2021 and hopefully landing a teaching position in the Newberg School District!

Baxter Anderson
Hometown: Kodiak, Alaska
Major: Financial Planning
The word I would use is "fulfilling." I have loved being a part of the community here. There are so many good memories I have of campus. I loved going to the sporting events my first couple of years and also being involved in res life. I don't know that I could describe my experience because there are so many parts to it. My time has flown by, and yet I also have experienced and learned so many things. There are so many people who have had a huge impact on my life here. The person that comes to mind the most is Ryan Halley. He has been a huge proponent for me feeling like I am pursuing my dreams. I can't imagine where I would be right now without him.
I think the biggest thing I have learned at Fox is how little I know and how long of a journey I have to go. I have developed my faith as well as an innate sense of connection. I think my turning point at Fox was when I started getting involved with the clubs on campus. I have learned about so many other people’s points of view. I have also realized my passion for helping and connecting people and have realized that I can intersect that with my passion for finance and money. The opportunities to share my passions on campus have been endless. I don’t know if I would be the man I am today without the guidance and help of the people at Fox.
I have no idea. I will be working in Kodiak the summer of 2021 commercially fishing, and after that I plan on moving down to the Portland area to find a job. I hope to work in the financial planning industry and work toward my CFP certification while letting God lead me where he wants me.

David Applegate
Hometown: Aloha, Oregon
Major: Interdisciplinary; Business, Accounting, and Communications
On April 30, 2020, my 23rd birthday, I had no idea what to do with my life. I was stuck in a program I no longer liked, at a college that I never liked, and was losing a fight with disabilities. I had no direction whatsoever. Then along came the opportunity to take my dead-end degree and turn it into a more applicable combination of interdisciplinary studies, as well as graduate quicker than I thought possible.
I’ll remember three things more than anything else. First, the heart-to-heart conversation with Pastor Rusty St. Cyr that gave me the very first realization that the people here at Fox actually were empathetic to my situation in life and wanted nothing more than to see me succeed. Second, the opportunity with Debbie Berho to act as a teacher’s assistant for LANG 340 Linguistics, which ended up being my favorite class ever. And finally, Ryan Halley’s extension of an award to me for excelling in ways that I didn't even know that I was adequate in. My entire outlook on life changed over the course of one year.
And on April 30, 2021, my 24th birthday, I graduated. I couldn't be happier with this journey.
I didn’t have a community of people that helped me build my education on Christian principles until I came to Fox. Partway through my first term here, I realized that the skills and information that I was learning was no longer being served to me in a vacuum. Instead of having to figure out for myself what information could or could not be incorporated into my faith, I could instead absorb it all at once and have my faith be reinforced instead of attacked like it had been before. Once I realized that, my outlook on school began to change dramatically.
I have no immediate plans in place, but unlike one year ago when I had the exact same scenario play out at the end of the school year, I feel upbeat and at peace with where I’m at. I’ve discovered that I love to write and play with languages and linguistics, and so I hope to be able to take my interdisciplinary skills into something regarding translation or communications or the like. But for now, I am going to pursue writing a novel full time until the right doors open for me to move on in my life.

Judy Márquez
Hometown: Woodburn, Oregon
Major: Elementary Education
Attending Fox has been an amazing experience, so much so that I have already decided that I will return to obtain my master’s degree in the near future. I will always remember how encouraged I felt by my professors here, how supportive the whole faculty was, whether it came to assisting me with grant applications, learning to use technology, finding resources or simply just to converse about how life was going. Each person had an impact on my life, in and out of the building. I will definitely miss this very much.
There has been one professor who has made an impact on my life, and that is Dr. Randy King. I felt that he empathized with his students a lot and really understood how to support each one of us accordingly. I remember him sharing how, with our cohort, it would have been his first year as a cohort leader as well, and for that reason I highly believe that he not only gave it his all each class session, but that he also understood us as adult students better and would go that extra mile to ensure that we were successful every step of the way. For that, I greatly thank you, Dr. King. You have encouraged me to get to know my students better and to be more than just their teacher. To be that person they can rely on to find support, and maybe even some encouraging words or a prayer. It’s those little details that impact a person’s life, and it’s those little details that I will always cherish.
I have grown in many ways. I feel more confident as a teacher, I am more knowledgeable, I am a stronger leader, I have a solid teacher tool belt, and I have a powerful voice - one that will be used to teach future generations as best as I possibly can. I believe that I came to realize that I was truly molding into a unique individual teacher when student teaching came around.
I found myself placed in a classroom of my own without a lead teacher to mentor me for weeks and where I had to deal with scenarios I had only learned about in class. It was here where I took everything I learned and began experimenting with techniques. I searched for new strategies, and I connected with my professors for support. Weeks later I realized that I had many of the tools I needed, and that knowledge and further resources would come along with experience. This also made me realize that I had to trust myself and that I had to simply teach from the heart while always staying true to my style.
I plan on having my own classroom in the near future and afterwards applying to George Fox to obtain my master’s degree. I have decided that I will not obtain my masters in education but rather in something else that I have a great interest and passion for. I’m still narrowing down my options. My plans are to teach for years to come and gladly motivate and encourage my students to think about higher education since I now know the importance of it and understand the positive impact it can have on a person’s life.

Haliey Chrisman
Hometown: Milwaukie, Oregon
Major: Electrical Engineering
I would describe my experience at George Fox as "impactful." George Fox is different and special because of the community here. The engineering program feels like a team. I remember my junior year feeling like I was going to have a breakdown from a microprocessor architecture program that I was spending hours and hours on without success. I was working on it alone until one of the other students told me to join them in the computer lab. Of course we weren’t allowed to show code to each other or collaborate on the programs, but even being in the room with other people doing the same thing as me helped so much. That entire semester we would all work on our homework in the same space, go to dinner with each other, and hang out outside of classes. People were selfless and willing to help at Fox, and it really felt like a no-one-left-behind kind of community.
I am also so thankful for all of the hands-on experience I got to have as an undergrad that prepared me for jobs and internships and set me apart from other schools. Additionally, the professors were always there to support and help me. I remember going to Gary Spivey’s office when I was confused about something in digital logic, and he essentially gave me my own 30-minute lecture to help me understand the material better. In the times of COVID, I would email him a question and he would typically respond with a Zoom link. I will always remember this support and community I had at George Fox; it truly fostered an environment of learning and success.
Coming to George Fox was one of the best decisions I could have ever made, not only for my education but also my faith. So while I have learned a lot about engineering in my four years at Fox, the most significant growth I’ve seen has been in myself as a Christian. I remember the spring semester of my freshman year being the major turning point for me. I went from allowing my life to be centered around school and grades to being centered around God. I found an amazing church to call home (shout-out to RockPoint!), got plugged in with Delight Ministries on campus, and started attending a small group with my physics professor Todd Curtis. The faith-based community at Fox has helped me develop a strong foundation in my faith that has made me ready for whatever comes next in life after college.
I recently accepted a position at Tektronix as a hardware engineer. I interned there for two summers after meeting them my sophomore year at the Engineering Expo that George Fox puts on in the fall each year. I’ve been told that I would be a great manager, so at Tektronix I’ll have the ability to try out different types of jobs and advance into management if I want to.

Jamie Zuckerman
Hometown: Salem, Oregon
Major: Biochemistry
George Fox has been my home for the last four years. Being able to spiritually connect with professors, coaches and friends has been nothing short of a blessing. Throughout the years, I have experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with those whom I fellowshipped with. It was here that I discovered the beauty of the unique gifts that God gives to each person, and how I can use each of those gifts to glorify him and to help those around me.
Being in a Christ-centered environment allowed me to strengthen my admiration and faith in the Lord as I learned about the elaborate details of his creation. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry, though challenging, is a decision that I will never regret. I am eternally thankful for all my professors and fellow students who have inspired me and ignited my burning desire to learn.
During my time at George Fox, I have grown in my faith more than I could have ever imagined. It was here that I began to experience God’s presence in everything and everyone, and I became more aware of him working throughout my environment. I learned to lean on the Lord during the hard parts and to be consumed with thankfulness in each moment. I credit this development to my mentors and peers that I have been so blessed to have met here.
This summer, I plan to apply for biochemical research jobs at OHSU in hopes of gaining lab experience and to learn more about God’s wonderful creation. I hope to one day get my PhD in biochemistry so that I can continue to learn and help people who are affected by diseases.