Point Loma Nazarene University: Honoring Distinguished Alumni

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) has a rich history of recognizing alumni who have distinguished themselves through their commitment, achievements, and impact on both the university community and the wider world. Each year, during Homecoming, these accomplished individuals are celebrated, providing inspiration and encouragement to the entire PLNU community through their stories of global impact.

Alumni Award Categories

The Alumni Association presents several awards to honor alumni achievements across various fields. These awards recognize significant contributions to professions, academics, service to nonprofit organizations, and the embodiment of Christian values. Nominations for these awards are accepted year-round, with recipients selected in the fall and honored at the annual Homecoming event in February. Anyone may nominate a Pasadena/PLNU alum for an alumni award. Please indicate whether the nomination is for the Distinguished Achievement or Spotlight Alumni award.

Distinguished Achievement Alumni Award

This is the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association, recognizing significant and outstanding lifetime accomplishments in a profession, academically, or in service to nonprofit organizations, a strong Christian testimony, and an impact on others’ lives. The Distinguished Achievement Award is further divided into three categories:

Ministerial: For service to church ministry or missions.
Lay: For service in any profession.
Legacy: For direct service to PLNU.

Spotlight Alumni Awards

The Spotlight Alumni Award celebrates graduates who are uniquely and successfully working to make a difference in their communities in significant and creative ways. In 2025, the Spotlight Alumni Awardees included:

Allyson Golden (18): An author, speaker, and part-time pediatric nurse passionate about sharing the Gospel through storytelling and service.
Curtis Hicks, MBA (22): A radiation and laser safety officer combining technical expertise with compassionate care for cancer patients. With over 15 years of experience in radiological sciences, he earned his MBA from PLNU in 2022 to advance his career and break barriers in his field.
Tyler Kuehl (11): A P.E. teacher at Pacific Trails Middle School. A former PLNU baseball player, Tyler discovered his love for middle school education through mentorship and experience.

Rising Alumni Awards

The Rising Alumni Award is given to students who represent the alumni stars of the future - those who are thoughtful, service-minded, pursuing the unique God-given calling in their life, and continuing the mission of Point Loma Nazarene University.

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Nomination Process

Anyone can nominate a PLNU alum for an award at any time. The Alumni Association seeks nominations for individuals who have made a significant impact on the lives of others, demonstrate a strong Christian testimony, and have achieved outstanding accomplishments in their service or profession. Confidentiality is maintained throughout the nomination process, and nominators are asked not to inform the nominee or their family about the nomination. While the Alumni Association can conduct research to gather information, providing a resume and contact information for individuals who know the nominee well can strengthen the nomination.

Featured Alumni Stories

PLNU's website showcases inspiring stories of alumni awardees, highlighting their diverse paths and remarkable achievements. These stories offer a glimpse into the impact PLNU graduates are making across various fields.

Mandy Arioto ('00): The PLNU alum in her journey of leading the major organization MOPS has been her resiliency and trust in God.
Cody Jung ('14): What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion that has led Cody Jung to race his bicycle all over the world with Team USA, including the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Jasmine L. Sadler, MBA ('18): The CEO+Visionary of The STEAM Collaborative where she lives her life on purpose innovating programs to develop educational leaders.
Dr. Jim Johnson ('70): A recognized and noted speaker in working with persons with disability and has been invited to share his expertise often in national and international settings.
Rev. David Potter ('79) & Rev. Sylvia Potter ('80): David and Sylvia Porter have moved across different parts of the world many times throughout their careers, equipping missional leaders for the church.

Notable Alumni in Various Fields

PLNU alumni have made significant contributions in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, ministry, and athletics. The accomplishments of these alumni reflect the university's commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals who are prepared to excel in their chosen fields and make a positive impact on the world.

Alumni from the School of Humanities, Arts, and Public Engagement

Alumni from the School of Humanities, Arts, and Public Engagement have gone on to pursue their callings in many areas - from the arts and teaching to business and more.

Josh Miller, Class of 2014
Kim Jensen, Class of 2011
Lydia Kravchuk, Class of 2014
Dr. John Reynolds, Class of 2003
Channin Fulton, Class of 2014
Nell Sweeden, Class of 2002

Alumni from the School of STEM

Alumni from the School of STEM have gone on to pursue their callings in many areas - from the sciences and teaching to business and more.

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Tommy O'Neil, Class of 2017
Dr. Bill & Marsha McCoy, Class of 1976
Grant Abass, Class of 2016

2025 Distinguished Achievement Awardees

Rev. Steve Scott (77): Steve Scott earned degrees in biblical studies/theology from PLNU (B.A. 1977; M.A. 1980). He is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and has served in full-time ministry for 45 years.
Debbie Holly (79): Debbie Holly’s connection to Point Loma Nazarene University spans five decades and three generations. She has supported PLNU nursing students through placement opportunities, mentorship, and even hiring many into her teams. She also played an active role on PLNU’s Community Advisory Committee for the School of Nursing.
Ethan Hamilton (97): Ethan Hamilton, PLNU’s longtime athletic director, passed away on July 4, 2024, at 48. A 1997 alumnus, he led PLNU’s transition to NCAA Division II, earning 45 postseason appearances and the university’s first national title in women’s soccer. We are proud to honor Ethan’s legacy with a Distinguished Achievement Award, recognizing his outstanding accomplishments, Christian testimony, and lasting impact.

2025 Rising Alumni Awardees

Arwen Martin: At PLNU, Arwen has thrived in a mentorship-driven environment, forging meaningful relationships with faculty and seeking opportunities to integrate academics with service.
Emiko Akamine: Emiko is a Political Science major with a minor in Women’s Studies, driven by a passion for social justice and advocating for marginalized communities.

A Glimpse at Other Prominent Graduates

A list made up of graduates like Hoku and Greg Laswell. This list answers the questions “Which famous people went to Point Loma Nazarene University?” and “Which celebrities are Point Loma Nazarene University alumni?”

Age: 86Birthplace: Williston, North Dakota, USA
Age: 44Birthplace: Oahu, USA, HawaiiRecord producer, Songwriter, Audio Engineer
Age: 51Birthplace: Long Beach, CaliforniaPsychologist, Author, Writer
Age: Dec.

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