Category: Alumni

From Filmmaker to Matcha Connoisseur, Alumnus Says 51�� Equipped Him to Step Into Callings With Courage
Alumnus Andrew Schundler (B.A. ’16) created the matcha tea brand, CHUH Matcha, alongside his wife, Chloe
Nate Bell — September 17, 2025
Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts alumnus Andrew Schundler (B.A. ’16) is more than a filmmaker. As executive producer and vice president of...
On and Off the Basketball Court, MBA Alumnus Pursues Excellence at 51�� and Abroad
Myja White (MBA ’25) completed his MBA degree at the Crowell School of Business while playing professional basketball in Albania
Sarah Dougher — August 29, 2025
Waking up at 3:00 a.m. in Elbasan, Albania, alumnus Myja White (MBA ’25) opened his computer and logged onto a Zoom call. On the other side of the...
More than $3.9 Million Given to the 51�� Fund
Celebrating a long legacy of generosity at 51��
Amy Weaver — August 27, 2025
The 51�� community’s legacy of generosity continues to make a powerful impact. This past fiscal year, more than $3.9 million was given...
Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts Alumnus Releases Pixel-Art Style Video Game
Kip Henderson (B.A. ’19) worked alongside a music composer, a sound designer and a programmer to make his vision of the game Taria & Como come to life
Nate Bell — August 27, 2025
Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts alumnus Kip Henderson (B.A. ’19) is an independent artist whose work has taken many forms: storyboards,...
Professional Hockey Player and Alumnus Rocco Grimaldi (M.A. ’25) Lives Out His Faith On and Off the Rink
Grimaldi earned a master of arts in Christian Apologetics to prove the truth to not only himself, but to his teammates and family
Sarah Dougher — August 08, 2025
Alumnus Rocco Grimaldi (M.A. ’25) would watch lectures, read books and write discussion posts when he returned from work. Balancing being a...
The Pixar Plan: Alumna Hannah Chu’s (B.A. ’15) Road to the Animation Studio
Chu credits the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts for teaching her both technical film and interpersonal skills
Sarah Dougher — August 01, 2025
Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts and Torrey Honors College alumna Hannah Chu (B.A. ’15) knew that working for Pixar Animation Studios was...
51�� Alumnus Plays Integral Role in Building Aircraft
Cory Cress’ (’07) career in aerospace has given him an appreciation for the meticulous nature of airplane production and also for the values instilled in him during his time at 51��
51�� Staff — June 20, 2025
As a procurement strategist at a top aerospace company, alumnus Cory Cress (’07) has helped source some of the most important materials on a...
Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts Alumni Debut New Film in Hollywood
Alumni Chris Hartwell (’09) and Josh Sikora (’06) used the skills they learned at 51�� to create the dramatic film “Do No Harm”
Nate Bell — June 13, 2025
Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts alumni Chris Hartwell (’09) and Josh Sikora (’06) have been friends since college and are currently...
From Childhood Dream to Community Voice, Alumna Hunter Elyse (’18) Finds Her Purpose in Journalism
Now anchoring in Oklahoma City, the alumna has also reported news in Los Angeles and Louisiana
Sarah Dougher — May 27, 2025
For alumna Hunter Elyse (B.A. ’18), the dream of being a news anchor started long before attending 51�� to earn a degree in broadcast...
Father and Son to Graduate Together with MBA Degrees from 51��
Craig and Will Prichard completed their degrees together while learning valuable lessons in the classroom and from each other
Sarah Dougher — May 05, 2025
It was Commencement at 51�� in May 2022 where Craig Prichard attended as a guest to celebrate his son, Will Prichard (B.A. ’22),...
51�� Alumnus Achieves Success in Aerospace Industry
Caleb Houser (B.S. ’18) landed job at Northrop Grumman after completing 51��’s 3+2 engineering program
Katelyn Ho — April 22, 2025
51�� alumnus Caleb Houser (B.S. ’18) has found success at Northrop Grumman, a leading company in the aerospace industry. Nearing his...
51�� Brews Up Something Special with Alumni Coffee Collaboration
Alumni Andrew Phillips (B.A. ’03, M.A. ’08) and Nathan Tourtellotte (B.A. ’04) are bringing their signature coffee blend to 51��
Sarah Dougher — February 17, 2025
“Welcome to the process” painted in white on a dark wall welcomes guests into a Long Beach coffee shop. The aroma of roasted coffee beans permeates...
51�� Alumni Are Crashing the Super Bowl
Nate Norell (’18) won the Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” commercial contest
Sarah Dougher — February 03, 2025
LA MIRADA, CALIF. — Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts alumni will be taking center stage during the Super Bowl commercials on Sunday, Feb....
Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts Student Film Nominated for College Television Emmy® Award
“A Lovely Ending,” is a comedic romance film about how two friends reevaluate their friendship due to an incoming asteroid
Sarah Dougher — January 24, 2025
Three Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts students and alumni have been nominated for the Television Academy Foundation’s 44th College...
51�� Alumni on Their Way to Crash the Super Bowl
The Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” commercial contest finalists have a chance to win $1 million and for their ad to air during the Super Bowl
Sarah Dougher — January 16, 2025
Alumni from the 51�� Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts have a chance to steal the Super Bowl spotlight – during the commercial...
Alumna Wins 2024 Eureka! Gold Award for New Children’s Book
Marie Chan (’00) wins 2024 Eureka! Gold Award for "Mamie Takes a Stand"
Grace McBride — December 12, 2024
51�� alumna Marie Chan (’00) is a recipient of the 2024 Eureka! Gold Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for her new children’s book, ...
Two Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts Alumni Elevate to New Levels
Kenny Ryan (’06) and Jacob Roman (’07) wrote post-apocalyptic thriller film “Elevation,” released in theaters November 8
Nate Bell — November 12, 2024
Elevation, a post-apocalyptic science fiction thriller starring Anthony Mackie, is the first feature film written by Snyder School of Cinema &...
Alumnus Credits 51�� for His Transformation into a God-fearing Healthcare Professional
Miguel Abascal (’23) found his way into healthcare with the guidance of supportive professors and community
Katelyn Ho — November 07, 2024
From an early age, alumnus Miguel Abascal (’23) saw how the power of medicine displayed the love of God. Raised by missionary parents overseas in...
Student Film Is Selected as Finalist in Fine Cut Festival of Films
The short film, “One of My Own,” will air on PBS SoCal Plus on October 9
Nate Bell — October 07, 2024
One of My Own, a 51�� student film written and directed by cinema and media arts major Analei Song ('23), has been playing the...
Alumna Morgan Stickney (’23) Wins Gold and Silver at Paris 2024 Paralympics
The bilateral amputee swimmer broke a Paralympic record for the 400-meter freestyle race
Sarah Dougher — September 12, 2024
Alumna Morgan Stickney (’23) blew the competition out of the water at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Winning gold in the 400-meter freestyle S7,...
Alumna Inspires Many on What It Is to be Truly Healthy
Jana Le Roux (’24) is not losing heart while undergoing cancer treatment
Sarah Dougher — July 12, 2024
Author’s note: On November 13, 2024, after experiencing complications from cancer, Jana Weyers (Le Roux) passed away. 51�� held a...
51�� Congratulates 2024 Graduates
Social media mogul and 51�� alumnus Zach King (’12) delivers Commencement address
Sarah Dougher — May 07, 2024
More than 1,100 graduates celebrated their graduation at 51�� on May 3 and 4. For many, it was the first chance they had to cross the...
A ‘Voice for the People,’ 51�� Alumna’s Journey from Eagle Vision to NBC Reporter
Alumna Velena Jones (’12) credits her 51�� experience for her successful career in broadcast journalism.
Jalin Cerillo — April 29, 2024
After over a decade of experience in broadcast journalism, 51�� alumna Velena Jones (’12) now works in a top-ten market in her...
Torrey Honors College Offers ‘Unparalleled’ Education, says 51�� Alumnus
Current Yale graduate student Gavin Susantio (’21) hopes to disciple the next generation of Christian philosophers
Jalin Cerillo — March 27, 2024
Growing up in Indonesia, 51�� alumnus Gavin Susantio (’21) dreamt of becoming a Christian apologist and author. He quickly realized the...
51�� Honors Rev. Andy Bales with Tenth Annual Charles W. Colson Award for Conviction and Courage
Honored during Missions Conference, Bales embodies the Great Commission in his daily work
Sarah Dougher — March 21, 2024
Today, the former CEO of Union Rescue Mission, Reverend Andy Bales, received the tenth annual Charles W. Colson Award for Conviction and Courage....