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Success Stories

Real people, remarkable results.

Behind every achievement is a

journey worth sharing.

Southern Adventist University

Abigale Madonia – Marketing Entrepreneur

Field: Marketing & Entrepreneurship

Achievement: Founded Reyka & Lu Creative in 2020 while still a student—a full-service marketing and advertising firm helping small and medium-sized businesses grow and thrive.

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Scott Hodges – Medical Innovation Leader

Field: Medical Devices/Spinal Surgery

Achievement: Developed the MOTUS implant for transforming spinal injury treatment, the first motion-preserving joint replacement for the lower back. Over 50 patents related to spinal innovation, published 100+ peer-reviewed papers.

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Carley “Elle” Cole-Cavins – Nonprofit Founder & Media Strategist

Field: Healthcare Advocacy/Media

Achievement: Podcast producer and media strategist. Hosts “The Cleverly Changing Homeschool Podcast” (ranked #3 on Feedspot’s Top 20). Produces VitaminSC3 Podcast amplifying sickle cell patient stories. Bronze Congressional Award recipient. Featured on NPR, ABC 7, BBC World Service Radio, Good Morning Washington.

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Pacific Union College

Dr. Peter Han – Facial Plastic Surgeon

Field: Medicine/Surgery

Achievement: Graduated with B.A. in Biology and B.S. in Film/Television Production. Completed medical school (2016), residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (2021), head and neck surgical oncology fellowship (2022), facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship (2024). Now Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA Department of Head and Neck Surgery.

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Amanda Barnes – Educator

Field: Education

Achievement: Teaches middle school English and history at Hawaiian Mission Academy Ka Lama Iki in Hawaii. Earned BA in English with minor in History, plus California State Credential and SDA Credential.

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Jarrod Denton – Architecture Founder

Field: Architecture

Achievement: Partner and founder at Signum Architecture, LLP. Launched firm in St. Helena (2011), relocated to Napa (2023). Specializes in holistic architecture and low-carbon construction.

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Walla Walla University

Annetta Gibson – Accounting Professor & Author

Field: Accounting/Education

Achievement: Degree in accounting from WWU, MBA from Andrews University, PhD in accounting (1992). Taught at collegiate level, hosted international seminars, wrote textbook on Christian business ethics.

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Doug Taylor – Information Technology Pioneer

Field: Information Technology/Business

Achievement: Served WWU for 44 years starting 1978. First systems analyst at the university, designed first networked computer system. Founded bill collection consulting business (1997), served healthcare offices nationwide. Received WWU Award for Community Service (2021).

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Marci Knauft – Special Education Leader

Field: Education/Special Education

Achievement: Elementary education graduate who became special education teacher and high school principal working with at-risk students for 19 years. Earned master’s degree in students at risk from WWU (2003).

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Andrews University

Claudia M. Allen – Humanities Leader

Field: Humanities/Nonprofit Leadership

Achievement: First student to earn leadership minor (2013). Currently Director of Advancement for Maryland Humanities. Keynote speaker at Andrews Research Week 2025.

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Dr. Vanessa I. Corredera – English Professor

Field: Literature/Academia

Achievement: Former Chair of Department of English at Andrews, now professor at Baylor University. Winner of 2025 Siegfried H. Horn Excellence in Research and Creative Scholarship Award.

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Union Adventist University

Hannah Drewieck – Career Professional

Field: Multi-disciplinary

Achievement: Graduated with two majors, found meaningful work aligning with values and purpose.

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Erynn Johnson – Biochemistry Researcher

Field: Biochemistry/Science

Achievement: Fifth-year PhD candidate in biochemistry research laboratory. Runs experiments, trains undergraduate students, documents and presents research results.

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La Sierra University

Nicole Tiburcio – Music & Pre-Law

Field: Music/Law

Achievement: Lead role in 2024 musical production “Into the Woods.” Won All-Stars concerto competition (2022). Switched from biomedical science/pre-med to music major with pre-law courses. Pursuing law school.

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Ashley Rollin Frais – Physician

Field: Medicine

Achievement: BS from Oakwood University (2016), MD from Loma Linda University (2021), Master’s in Healthcare Management from La Sierra University.

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Oakwood University

Pastor Paul Graham – Religious Leader

Field: Ministry/Leadership

Achievement: Oakwood Theology graduate with Master’s from Andrews University. Lead Pastor at Community of Hope SDA Church in Takoma Park, Maryland. Motivational speaker, founder of Full Circle Ministries, CEO of Advent Mingle.

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