Judson Alumni Stories

JudsonU is really proud of its alumni.

To celebrate all the great personal and professional accomplishments of our graduates, we're gathering their stories here for everyone to read. Are you a JU alum? Join the rest of your peers and tell us what you're up to! Share your story with us by filling out this survey and we will post it online!

Jonathan Krager

"Enjoy the pursuit of knowledge while in school because that isn't the focus in the workplace, and grow strong in your faith because storms will come."

Mary and Anthony Yeboah

"My Judson experience influenced me professionally by providing the foundational skills for effective teaching along with the skills of integrating my Christian faith into my life and my work. Judson reinforced my vision for using my vocational skills to impact the world for Christ."

Nickolas Coile

"A Judson University education is well worth the investment!"

Samuel Lima

Samuel Lima

"Judson's architecture program is one-of-a-kind. It is one of only a few architecture schools found within the context of a Christian university. The architecture history courses at Judson are incredibly robust in an age when history is often marginalized in schools of architecture, and the focus on environmentally and socially responsible design at both the building and city scale is commendable." Sam Lima graduated in 2010 with a Masters in Architecture and currently serves as a Graduate Architect for Kil Architecture and Planning.

Thomas Meyer

"My advice is to pay close attention to your Judson professors. They know what they are talking about and the skills they teach will help you to have credibility with the non-architect, construction, and developer communities."

Alyssa Low

“Judson has been tremendously influential for me personally and professionally. They have given me a solid design foundation and taught me, how to apply that in the creative industry.” Alyssa Low graduated in 2011 with a B.A. in Visual Communications and is currently a Product Designer at Eight Bit Studios in downtown Chicago

Brittany Hayes

Brittany Hayes 3

Brittany Hayes

Brittany is a 2013 graduate of the Judson’s Graphic Design program, and currently works on the design team at Leo Burnett, a global advertising company with clients such as Samsung, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, GM, and McDonald’s.

Collin Koetz

On his time at Judson, Collin says,“ Judson’s Art + Design program gave me the abilities to become an asset to a creative team right out of school. In addition, Judson gave me an appreciation for learning on my own outside of academia which has helped me to develop new skills and has made me a bigger asset in the creative industry.” Collin Koetz graduated in 2011 and is a graphic designer at Remedy, a branding agency in Chicago.

Jessi Swenson

“I think Judson really taught me to be confident in my work and to take time to make it a quality piece or job but, at the same time, not be afraid to take chances and experiment.” Jessi Swenson graduated with a B.A. in Visual Communications in 2008, and currently serves as Senior Graphic Designer for 515 Design Group.

Kevin Lipp

“Judson definitely set me up for success in the print-based industry of graphic design. They gave me a chance to discover my own aesthetic and prepare myself for the reality of the competitive nature of the industry, especially in the freelance realm.” Kevin Lipp graduated in 2010 with a B.A. in Visual Communications and currently serves as a graphic designer for Crossway Books.

Roger Lugo

“I can’t never stop drawing or painting, it’s something that I can’t live without. Judson Professors opened my eyes to see what I was capable of. They always encourage me to look for more, to stay hungry, always pushing me. I will thank them my entire life for that.” Roger graduated from Judson in 2009 with a BA in Studio Art, and went on to earn an MFA in Illustration from the Savanna College of Art and Design.

Benjamin Wakefield

Judson prepared me profoundly for daily ministry in the pastorate. Interpreting the Bible and other classes that focused on interpreting specific books of the Bible laid a foundation to help prepare my weekly preaching, Bible study classes, and small groups. All the books I used at Judson are in my office and I still use them today as I confidently prepare to teach the Word of God.

Andrew Yaklich

Andrew Yaklich

“Judson shaped my career. The skilled and caring professors that took time to meet me where I was and challenged me to be better helped get me where I am today."

Jillian Los

“By learning excellent time management skills through taking multiple classes each semester I am now able to successfully prioritize my tasks at work and accomplish them successfully. Also, through the opportunity to work on campus in the Advancement Office I was able to understand office environments very well, which has aided my current position."

Joshua Stoxen

"Judson gave me a real taste of Christian community and what it is like to share life’s joys and challenges together. It also influenced my commitment to pastoral care and mentoring, which was a highlight of my time at Judson. My classes challenged me to think about ministry in new and important ways, extending the horizons of how I could integrate what I knew of Scripture with what I could see in our culture."

Vicki (Scambler) Syverson

Vicki (Scambler) Syverson

"Take the time to seek God, learn from the lives of your professors and build strong friendships. Head knowledge can be learned from anywhere, but Judson can be a place where God can shape you into the person He wants you to be if you will allow Him to do that in your life."

Darren Wilson

Wilson is the founder of Wanderlust Productions, now known as WP Films, which has created award-winning Christian films. In addition to completing six movies, he has written two books, Filming God, and Finding God in the Bible, and has a regular blog for Charisma Magazine called “Behind the Lens.” Wilson “concentrates on asking great questions and letting God answer them through reality filmmaking."

Ed Gilbreath

"Judson’s English department helped me discover my love for journalism and nonfiction writing, and then gave me opportunities to develop and sharpen my craft. I can draw a direct line from the training I received at Judson to the career I have today. I’m forever grateful for this school, and especially for the faculty and staff who guided me toward my future."

Gabrielle Pflaum

Taking English as a minor was one of the best choices I could have made on both a personal and professional level. From reading “The Screwtape Letters” to creative writing classes, my understanding of literature and the craft of writing grew. The greatest contribution of all was the encouragement and amazing support of professors who believed in and wanted me to succeed. They helped me pursue my passion for writing and it’s through them that I’ve reached my dream of becoming a published author.

Sharon (Frank) Northington

Sharon (Frank) Northington

"Don't regret a second! Take the classes that appeal to you, major in what you want to major in, but have a back-up plan. What will you do if you can't make it as an artist or writer or youth minister? That's what is great about Judson in my opinion, because no matter what major or program you decide on, it's only a small part of the whole experience."

Dana Collins

" When I left Judson, I felt prepared to teach in any school using any curriculum."

Doug Olsen

"The educational methods that I learned at Judson help me greatly to present information in the best and most direct manner."

Jeron Shelton

" The strength of Judson’s Elementary Education program is the professors. The professors are able to provide individual support and mentoring to the students. In my current position, I work with struggling teachers and I sometimes wonder why they didn't learn some of the things that I learned in college. I learned many of the small things about teaching that textbooks don't tell you from my professors. The strength of the MAOL program is the curriculum. I was able to tailor each class to my personal interests and professional goals. I don't think I would have the job I have today if it weren't for the research and projects from my MAOL program."

Jose Resto Figueroa(1)

Jose Resto Figueroa

"The strengths of the programs presented at Judson University is that they transformed me into a mega-force of excellence."

Kate Siscoe

"The strengths of the Elementary Education program are without a doubt the professors. They truly care about where we are headed as educators and as learners."

Mary and Anthony Yeboah

"My Judson experience influenced me professionally by providing the foundational skills for effective teaching along with the skills of integrating my Christian faith into my life and my work. Judson reinforced my vision for using my vocational skills to impact the world for Christ."

Rebekah Youtzy

"Judson gave me many opportunities to get involved that really developed my leadership. Through these experiences, I was better prepared to lead a classroom of students and their parents."

Laura Williams

"Judson’s ESS Department helped inspire me to become the PE and health teacher I am today. If it weren't for Dr. Ensign personally meeting with me during my first year of teaching, I wouldn't have been able to get through the difficult year and possibly ended my career that I am still so passionate about. The professors nurtured me while I was part of the ESS Department and are some of my most loved mentors today."

Tess Tyton

"Dr. Ensign and Dr. Headley were outstanding professors and truly made my experience at Judson a great one. They helped me to realize my academic potential and motivated me to be the best student I could be. The exercise science classes, while being fun and interesting, sparked my interest to pursue a graduate degree and provided the fundamental knowledge I needed to begin my career in sport science."

Aaron Niequist

"[At Judson] I discovered my calling to be a worship leader, and I’m so thankful my professors saw my potential in those settings. They were not just involved in the development of my musical skills, but a handful were also involved in my actual life—and still are."

Ben Calhoun

"As a music education major, I had lots of hands-on experience. There were regular opportunities to learn to fly with humility and fall with grace, and the professors were great people to study under."

Jeffrey Martin

"From office hours and open doors to private lessons and pushing students to reach their potential, the music faculty at Judson combines sincere care with top-notch teaching"

Rev. Huntley Brown

"Attending Judson was one of the most important decisions I have ever made. The skills I acquired in the music department enabled me eventually to travel the world spreading the gospel through music."

Lisa (Matthews) Petrina

Lisa (Matthews) Petrina

"Judson changed my life. I found my direction, my purpose, lifelong friends, and the career path I have had for almost 20 years."

Laura (Wood) Gumbiner

Laura (Wood) Gumbiner

"There is more time, and there are more friends, in college - take advantage of that! My years at Judson were formative and priceless, though I wish I had done more while there. Gain as many experiences as you can, including in your field of choice, and connect/collaborate with as many people as you can. Those experiences and connections will transform you and set you up for great things in the future."

Amanda (Johnson) Babic

"Judson University was a great experience for me. Get to know your peers, get to know your professors. The small class sizes are great because you are not just a number. When I started Judson, I wasn't sure it would be a great fit for me, but once I found the major that was meant for me, I found out how great Judson is."

Greg Herron

"I play with kids and help them develop holistically. I'm a kid at heart and aim to stay that way!"

Jason Kennell

"My time at Judson showed me that science and faith aren't mutually exclusive. They exist simultaneously and impact each other. My science and mathematics professors especially were influential in this area."

Kristy Engle

Kristy Engel

"Judson was a great influence on my work ethic because I always had to work hard for every grade or every accomplishment. It taught me to value my education and also to help others learn."

Ben Shenkin

"Through my time at Judson as a Worship Arts major, I was placed in many different opportunities to connect with the local and international church community."

Jake Cartmell

"I believe that worship leaders need to develop an unrelenting love and passion for people. My education and experience in the Worship Arts program at Judson University helped mold me into a person who has come to appreciate and understand this truth."

Christine TreDenick (Russo)

"The strength of the Adult Undergraduate and Master's programs is that it gives adults a realistic way to complete a Bachelor's and Master's degree while carrying on with their home and work lives. I was able to complete both degrees (BA and MAOL) in under 6 years as a single mother working full-time."

Lori Heiselman (Perry)

"Judson gave me an amazing education that really prepared me to go and make my own path. Work hard, make life-long friends, and enjoy your time at Judson!"

Suzann Jonson

"Judson helped me gain confidence in presentations and public speaking. The experience also helped with my writing skills for the next level of plan design, plan evaluation and statistics with my current job." Suzann Jonson graduated from the Adult Professional program in 2010 with a Bachelors in Human Services and currently serves as a Corporate Payroll/Benefits Manager for The Middleby Corporation.

Quicklinks

Judson Alumni Stories

JudsonU is really proud of its alumni.

Brittany Hayes

Collin Koetz

Roger Lugo