Class Notes

Photojournalist Amanda Andrade-Rhoades ’14 (above) is part of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning team at The Washington Post that was recognized for its coverage of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Several of her photos were part of the coverage that won the Pulitzer for public service. She is pictured here on Jan. 6. Photo by Mukul Ranjan

’63

Dennis Lucey was featured in an article in The Irish Echo, the oldest Irish American newspaper, about his family’s emigration to the U.S. and how it inspired his philanthropy, including support for USF. He said the Jesuit values at USF, including learning to be a person for others, have framed his life.

’65

Jana Doyle Hollenbeck gathered with classmates from the School of Nursing Class of 1965, including Patricia Anne Galli, for three days in May at The Pines Resort in Bass Lake, California, to celebrate 61 years of friendship. The women met in September 1961 as they began their college education. They were among the first women to attend USF. “USF is about relationships that create a whole person,” Galli said.

’67

Michael George Borelli writes, “My wife, Meg, and I recently treated our children and grandchildren to a week-long vacation to Kauai. All of us (11 total) had a great time.”

’73

Margaret Juanita Norris is the mother of three sons, a motivational speaker, and an educational consultant. She has published a memoir, My Beloved Journey: Faith, Family, Fortitude. She says she is committed to fighting for social justice, breaking barriers of systemic racism, and building bridges of peace and unity.

’75

Jeanne Fisichella Hahne, a graduate of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, invented a clear surgical mask 40 years ago to help burn patients communicate with her. The clear mask saw a steep increase in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she was awarded an “Excellence in Innovation” award last year from the University of Florida, where she received an MSN degree.

Lisa L. (Dunmire) Nance is retiring after more than 40 years as a nurse practitioner. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, Bob, and their dog, Luna. Their two adult children live nearby.

’76

John B. Raynor, who retired as athletic director in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, writes, “Every night I thank USF and God for having a tremendous impact on my career as a 40-year teacher, coach, and athletic director. A special thanks to Professors Neil Laughlin and George McGlynn for their huge influence on my career in education.”

’78

Christine A. Ramos writes, “I am retired now after 38 years with my company (Kaiser Permanente). After USF I attended University of Southern California Pharmacy School. I am so grateful for my USF education.”

’87

Carolyn Jean “Lindy” Chris writes, “(USF staff member) Charles George and I were included in the ‘80 Over 80 San Francisco’ interviews on the 80over80SF website. Charles was the lab manager in the USF chemistry department and I was the program assistant.” Chris is 84. George is 98.

’91

Marc Daniel Pecha is the president and owner of a rehabilitation medical practice in San Antonio, Texas, where he specializes in electrodiagnostic medicine. He and his wife, Margarita Perez Pecha ’91, have six children and now have their first grandchild. Their oldest son is completing medical school at Baylor University and will train in ophthalmology. Their second son is also in medical school at Baylor.

’94

James Zappa Kennedy is living in Guatemala and working as a musician.

’95

Cristina Shimizu Chung writes, "I am excited to celebrate my daughter's graduation from USF (in May 2022). I never expected any of my five kids to attend my alma mater. Carlina's choice to apply to and attend USF brings great joy knowing she chose without pressure from me. And she was selected to be part of the first cohort for the new Honors College.”

John Timothy Gonzaga writes, “I am married with two kids, living in the Philippines. My kids are presently at Brent International School, Manila, and the College of St. Benilde, Manila. I am working for our family business, Gonzaga Lopez Enterprises Inc. in Manila as a managing director.”

Diana Lynn Kaysen is an Ampact AmeriCorps in Action literacy tutor. She works with second-grade students at Malaga Elementary School in Turlock, California. Kaysen also introduces the students to visual art elements, charts, and graphs. She was recently honored by the Turlock Gospel Mission Homeless Shelter for her volunteer work teaching workshops and serving meals. "My organizational behavior degree from USF prepared me for successful careers in volunteer program development and management in the health care and education fields. I graduated from USF with the essential skills to develop a training curriculum and facilitate successful staff development and training workshops.”

’96

Michelle Londoño, principal at ProActive Network Consulting, has reshaped company culture and what IT looks like there. Her nursing skills, learned at the School of Nursing and Health Professions, transferred seamlessly to the tech world. In August, she celebrated 25 years in business.

’97

Lauren Harwell Godfrey is a Corte Madera, California, jewelry designer whose work is worn by Kamala Harris and Ayesha Curry, among others. She launched her Charity Heart series in 2020, donating 100 percent of the proceeds to nonprofit organizations including the NAACP, Futures Without Violence, Human Rights Campaign, Every Mother Counts, and World Central Kitchen.

Brig. Gen. Gregory S. Johnson was named the 63rd adjutant general in June to oversee the human resources service of the U.S. Army. He supports soldiers, families, and veterans while accounting for and keeping soldiers combat-ready.

’01

Umala Mitchell-Palley is an Oakland realtor with a focus on helping Black people who have been denied the opportunity to own real estate in the past. “I recently put four African American women-owned companies in retail spaces, and I helped a fellow USF African American woman and alum purchase a home in our hometown of Oakland,” she said. “I am thankful for my USF education and network, and I look forward to giving back and sharing my services and knowledge as much as possible within our community.”

’03

Nasaa Narmandakh, an entrepreneur and business leader in Mongolia, was featured on the cover of Forbes in recognition of International Women’s Day. She is chair of Monpolymet Group Mongolia and oversees the group's work in mining, mineral explorations, and land rehabilitation. She is also founder and CEO of Moncement, which produces eco-friendly cement in Mongolia.

’04

Mary C. Abler was promoted to deputy director of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District in southwest Washington. She also graduated from Portland State University with a master’s degree in public administration in June 2022.

Melanie Willingham-Jaggers is the first Black, nonbinary executive director of the Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network. They were named to the leadership post earlier this year with a plan to prioritize racial justice, gender justice, and disability justice.

’05

Anna Gracia MA ’12 writes books for young adults. Her first novel, Boys I Know, published in July, is about a high school senior who is navigating relationships. The book explores the overlap of Asian American identity and teen sexuality.

Kaitlin E. O'Donnell MA ’13 works as a marriage and family therapist in the North Bay where she specializes in anxiety, women's mental health, trauma, and personal growth. This year, she published a book, A Little Less of a Hot Mess: The Modern Mom's Guide to Growth and Evolution, to encourage mothers to prioritize their mental health.

’09

William Jacobson, a dentist, professor, and artist (he majored in fine arts) in San Francisco, has published his first book, Clinical Dentistry Daily Reference Guide.

Jessica (Casas) Chew, Argel Sabillo ’09, and Alden Cruz ’12 helped create the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation, a nonprofit in honor of the Chew family's 150-year legacy as one of the first Chinese families in Red Bluff, California. The nonprofit has a scholarship fund for high school students seeking to pursue college. They also successfully petitioned Red Bluff officials to name an alleyway "Historic Chinatown Alley.” Chew said they “aspire to embody the USF mission of educating hearts and minds to change the world from here.”

Jess Montejano MA ’11 is president of the public affairs firm Riff City in San Francisco, which was named by Inc. as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America and placed No. 111 on the Inc. Pacific region list. Riff City has also been recognized by Fast Company for innovation, particularly for its work with autonomous vehicle companies and cannabis tech.

’10

Patrick W. Visconti has been named the inaugural assistant principal for mission integration at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Southern California.

’11

Art Joseph Francis Mercado writes, "I am now the mayor-elect of San Pedro Laguna (Philippines), garnering over 90,000 votes. I (studied) economics at the University of San Francisco, and I am excited to use all that I have learned to govern wisely and help our local economy. I have USF to thank for giving me quality education, fully preparing me for the big role ahead.”

Ariel L. Takata-Vasquez, founder and creative director of Viscera Studio in Oakland, writes, “My creative and design studio is growing! I started Viscera Studio by accident in some ways. I had my brick-and-mortar shop and often fellow business owners would ask who did our creative, and the answer was always ‘Me!’ I started taking on small freelancing projects in 2017 and in 2021 started working on Viscera Studio full time. My studio has grown and we are now a team of 11.”

’14

Danielle Marie Wong writes, “My second novel was published in June.& Last Liar Standing is a twisty psychological thriller set along the West Coast.”

’15

Megan McCarthy, a Japanese studies major, earned her nidan, or second-degree black belt, in the martial art aikido and was recently the subject of a Japanese TV show about her life since moving to Japan. She works as an international department specialist at the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo.

'19

Emily Rose Brazis is a corporate recruiting coordinator with Salesforce in Bellevue, Washington.

’20

Cindy Reyes-Martinelli teaches third grade in Mesa, Arizona, and chose USF for a college readiness program at her school. “My USF degree helped me grow as an individual and achieve several of my personal goals, as well as developed lasting connections and friendships. I have a lot of fond memories as a student at USF.”

’22

Charmian Lee has founded a start-up, Char Corp, to support celebrity events in Singapore and the U.S. She is a marketing major who expects to graduate this month.

Cullen Joseph Smyth writes, “I have committed to a service member position at the FoodCorps and I am so excited. I also feel confident in my ability to engage with my community in this role because of my time at USF.”

’76

Levi B. Zangai MA has been named president of the William R. Tolbert Baptist University in Liberia, a new university founded in memory of Dr. William R. Tolbert Jr., Liberia's 20th president. Previously, Zangai was president of Grand Bassa Community College in Liberia.

’79

Marcia Joan Gonzales-Kimbrough JD writes that her maternal grandparents, Fermin and Sabinita Arguello, were the subject of PBS' "The Legacy List With Matt Paxton: Our Adobe Home (season 3, episode 8)". Gonzales-Kimbrough’s ancestors settled in northern New Mexico more than eight generations ago. She and her siblings have inherited the Arguellos’ home in Taos, New Mexico, and she is featured on the show.

’81

Stephen Michael Murphy JD has published his third novel in the Dutch Francis legal thriller series, Abiding Conviction, which was released in July.

Barry J. Vitcov MA, of Ashland, Oregon, has published a short story collection, The Wilbur Stories & More. This is his second book and follows a collection of poetry, Where I Live Some of the Time.

’85

Lowell Winston EdD, assistant superintendent of Shelby County Schools in Tennessee, writes, “My education development and academic preparation at the University of San Francisco provided me with a powerful education philosophy, effective school leadership skills, strong vision in curriculum development, and instruction that improved my school organization management concepts."

’90

Steven Buchsbaum MBA is a talent manager living in La Jolla, California.

’91

Keith Howchi Kilburn MA is an author in Petaluma, California. He has published a book, Another Butterfly, about four friends and a journey of soul and spirit.

Thomas Douglas Maday MA, who works for the U.S. Navy on San Nicholas Island near Ventura, California, writes, “From grade school to graduate school, a Catholic setting has been an important part of my life. And St. Ignatius Church for graduation was a memorable moment. USF’s organizational development education has been most helpful to me in understanding and contributing within economic, academic, and military work organizations.”

’92

Craig Simmons JD, father of twin sons Justin ’21 and Maverick Simmons ’22, was featured in an episode of the web series “Lights, Camera, Leadership,” about people making a difference in the Bay Area. It was filmed in part at the USF campus and also includes his sons.

’95

Mona Sabah Earnest MA is an adjunct professor of business at Southern New Hampshire University.

’98

Ana Luisa Aldana Sechell MBA, a client account director at Accenture Inc., joined the SPUR board of directors in April 2022. SPUR — the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association — is a public policy nonprofit that brings people together from across the political spectrum to develop solutions to the problems cities face.

’01

Herbert W. Funk MA is working at Butte Community College in Oroville, California, as a football coach and as director of the student-athlete success program.

’03

Conchita Lozano-Batista JD is general counsel for Earthjustice, a nonprofit public interest organization based in San Francisco that litigates environmental issues.

Keith Richard Pokrywa MBA is president of Perera Construction, a general contractor and construction company based in Southern California.

’04

Yvonne Chan MSN is COO and senior vice president of clinical services at Hospice of the East Bay in Pleasant Hill, California.

Christian Clifford MA, a teacher in the San Francisco archdiocese and author of books about Spanish and Mexican history in California, received two Catholic Media Association Book Awards this year. He was awarded second place for Pilgrimage: In Search of the Real California Missions and third place for Who was Saint Junipero Serra?

Devin James Kinyon MA, JD ’11, a professor at Santa Clara University School of Law, has been elected a fellow of the American Bar Foundation. He is the director of the Office of Academic & Bar Success at Santa Clara Law. He oversees academic support and bar exam preparation at the law school and teaches real property and community property. He is also chair of the State Bar of California’s Law School Council.

George Michael Payne MNA is executive director of The New True Light Creation Church founded in 2021 in Berkeley, California.

’05

Sriya Chakravarti MBA, EdD ’11 is program chair for business studies for a federal education institution in the United Arab Emirates.

’09

Cameron R. Cloar-Zavaleta JD is managing director and deputy general counsel for litigation and regulatory law at Alaska Airlines in Seattle.

Susan Kang Gordon JD and Jennifer Fiore JD ’99 obtained a $13.5 million judgment in a group elder abuse action in Alameda County in 2021, with the court requiring a Hayward nursing home be monitored for the next two years.

’10

Cali L. Gilbert MA has released her second film, What If? This film was shot 100 percent remotely with a global cast. Her company, Tower 15 Productions, is in Los Angeles.

Adrian Peterson MA, EdD ’16 was appointed superintendent of Catholic schools for the Santa Rosa, California, diocese. She has served as a teacher, vice principal, and principal of St. Matthew Catholic School in San Mateo. “I want to see Catholic education grow and prosper and develop future leaders for the church and the world. I want to develop individuals who are formed to walk like Jesus,” she said.

’11

Doug Evans EdD is the new principal of Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland. He has 20 years’ experience working in Catholic communities in the East Bay, including St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School in Vallejo, St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, and Moreau High School in Hayward.

Angel Constantino Fabian MNA, a nonprofit health consultant, has dedicated their career to connect, advocate for, uplift, and celebrate community members of the LGBTQ community. In addition, as an undergraduate at Stanford University, they founded Mi Vida Loca Collective, the first student-led Latinx social support group at Stanford.

’12

Kimberly Shane Hochradel JD was promoted to vice president and chief privacy officer of Premier, Inc., a health care company of approximately 4,400 U.S. hospitals and health systems and more than 225,000 other providers and organizations.

Corinne Spencer JD chairs the labor and employment practice group at Pearlman Brown & Wax, and she developed a new practice focusing on the California Environmental Quality Act. She also served as a mentor to USF School of Law students.

’13

Brandon C. Wiebe JD was appointed general counsel and head of privacy at Transcend, a data privacy infrastructure platform for corporate legal, engineering, and data governance departments. Previously he was lead product counsel at Twilio.

’14

Masha V. Chernyak MA writes, “As a graduate student in public affairs, I did my capstone project with the Latino Community Foundation. Ten years later, I've helped take the foundation from a staff of three to more than 20 people, from a $1 million budget to now a $20 million budget. I've helped launch the largest network of Latino donors in the nation, via our Latino Giving Circle movement, and created the groundbreaking Latino Nonprofit Accelerator.”

’16

Guilliean M. Pacheco MFA is associate site editor at TechTarget and was selected to be a 2022 Anaphora Arts fellow in poetry.

Genaro Alberto Solis MGEM, MS ’21 writes, “Hi, USF! My application to the California state licensing board was approved! Soon I will be a licensed General (B) Contractor. With this license, I plan to build modern, sustainable living structures while empowering subcontractors."

Gregory Hamilton Taylor MGEM was promoted to vice president of growth at Media.Monks, a digital marketing company based in the Netherlands.

’19

Jean Pierre Ndagijimana MA, EdD ’21 is a coordinator for Partnerships for Trauma Recovery in Berkeley, helping survivors of human rights abuses in Africa. His work grew out of his dissertation at USF, which looked at ways to decolonize mental health approaches in Rwanda to address collective post-genocide trauma. He grew up amidst genocide in Rwanda.

’21

Amanda Montez MA received the Emerging Leaders for Justice award from the Ignatian Solidarity Network for her work to create racial equity as the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon.

’22

Kevin Steve Tellez Ramos MA, program manager for CommonSpace Community Land Trust in Sebastopol, California, writes, “I have been motivated to pursue social justice in my career, inspired by Catholic roots and my Mexican American heritage. I appreciate my experiences with the Graduate Student Senate and the master’s program in urban and public affairs. My professors, peers, and colleagues have shared their knowledge and guided me to use my skills to be able to accomplish the change I want to see as an activist.”