Category Archives: Staff Profile

Get to Know Lem Garcia: Associate Pastor for Worship & Administration 

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Pastor Lem Garcia began pastoring in 2009 at Grand Advent Church in his hometown of Oakland, CA. When the opportunity came to join the PUC community, he could not pass it up. Since October 2022, Pastor Garcia has been the associate pastor for worship and administration and feels blessed to be a part of an amazing pastoral team.

What made you decide to work at PUC? 

The short answer is that God brought me here! The long answer is that I could not pass up the opportunity to join an amazing community and the group of professionals who collaborate to advance the mission of our college. This requires a lot of hard work, commitment, presence, and creativity to take on the challenges that come with ministry on a college campus. We are blessed to have an amazing pastoral team and I believe that together we can make a meaningful impact on the spiritual life of our campus and the wider community. 

What makes pastoring a campus special to you? 

I really enjoy being able to collaborate with very talented multi-disciplinary teams on various projects throughout the year. I also appreciate the energy and creativity that our students bring to the life of the college and church. 

How do you stay connected with young people and be a mentor through their spiritual lives? 

I think the secret sauce is authenticity, self-awareness, and presence. My job is not to be an expert on all spiritual or worship matters, but I am an expert on my own story and journey. Faith and spirituality require space for relating, asking questions, partaking, and expressing. It all begins with creating and holding space for us to journey together, and I’m quite passionate about doing that. 

What goals do you have for the PUC church and community? 

That we can be one, as Jesus prayed. Just as He is in the Father and the Father in Him, we are invited to be part of something bigger than ourselves. God invites us into a community because he exists and works in the community. I believe we begin to enjoy this oneness when we learn to behold God and each other. 

What is your favorite thing about PUC? 

After its people, definitely the location- the surrounding nature, the mountain, Napa Valley. 

How can the PUC family support you as you minister to us? 

Through prayer first and foremost. I also don’t mind Giugni’s or Gott’s!  

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Visiting family and friends, working on my cars, growing my vinyl collection, going on bike rides, and finding new places to eat. 

Q&A with Aimee Wyrick-Brownworth: Dean of the School of Sciences, Associate Professor Biology Department

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Aimee Wyrick-Brownworth has been working at Pacific Union College for 19 years. She is an associate professor of biology and was made the Dean of the School of Sciences in April. The dean’s job description has many facets, and though academics is the primary responsibility, she will take on enrollment, student life, and advancement initiatives. 

PUC will be a three-school model this coming school: Nursing & Health Sciences; Arts, Humanities, & Professions; and Sciences. Aimee will be one of three deans to help lead the college and will protect the School of Sciences faculty and guarantee they are at their best for the students. Her vision is to increase awareness of and accessibility to PUC academically excellent and Christ-centered education. 

Tell us about being a dean. 

These are the early days, so I am meeting with faculty and leaders of each department and others across campus. I am lucky to have colleagues committed to working as a team, and we are working together to identify priorities and action steps. The dean’s job description is multifaceted, and though academics is the primary responsibility, I will take on enrollment, student life, and advancement initiatives. I look forward to ongoing collaboration with the School of Sciences team to complete necessary and aspirational tasks that are currently difficult to implement or complete. 

I support, encourage, and protect the School of Sciences faculty and ensure they are happy, healthy, and at their best for our students. I work with the other deans and the VPAA to minimize distractions – ensure systems are consistent, inefficiencies are minimized, and processes are streamlined. As a result, faculty can focus on their students and classes. I advocate for departments in the School of Sciences and will (loudly) share firsthand knowledge of the great things going on here. I will help to recruit top-notch students that are a good fit for PUC and the School of Sciences. I plan to connect more (and more often) with the community and constituency that lies beyond our immediate campus.

What’s your vision for your school?

My vision is to increase awareness of and accessibility to our academically excellent and Christ-centered education. Our graduates think critically, are well-prepared for their profession, and show kindness. We want to expand the number of students that we train so that they, in turn, can increasingly serve others and the planet. I want to ensure that the School of Sciences faculty and staff find satisfaction in their work, feel supported, and are given the space and time to access their creativity and pursue passion projects. I want us to illustrate to our students, constituency, and others that the personal and financial investment at PUC is worth it and, even, that the education gained is priceless.

How can PUC help you accomplish your department goals?

PUC, as an institution, should support initiatives that enhance campus morale. The administration must clearly communicate with the campus about challenges and opportunities. At every opportunity, faculty and staff should collaborate to create and pursue campus initiatives and to problem-solve. PUC should ensure that student voices are heard and that all students feel safe and respected. 
The greater PUC (constituency and alumni) can support us by sharing the good news and great things that are going on at PUC. Our constituency can build us up by refusing to engage in negative speculation or spreading misinformation about our campus and future. The School of Sciences also needs your tangible support – send students our way and donate to student scholarships or other worthy causes on our campus.

What is your favorite part about working in academics?

I can interact with others (colleagues, students, church community) to encourage open discussion and inclusion. Though different views will persist, I hope that we can avoid emphasizing who is right or wrong and instead reflect God’s love and be Christ-like. I enjoy serving the diverse students who are in my classes. Doing this well requires me to juggle a multitude of duties, but doing this relies effectively on my personal enthusiasm and currency in these course areas. I gain strength from my students and my colleagues. The encounters and relationships with these people keep me coming back for more. 

What is one thing you want people to know about PUC?

The faces and names may be different, but PUC is and offers what we always have- an excellent Christ-centered education within a supportive environment. Unfortunately, many don’t understand why this is an advantage and/or how this translates in a world so focused on the immediate and tangible. I know that Adventist education is different and is, in most cases, superior to other public or private schools. I am excited to be at PUC, where I see from day-to-day the difference my colleagues and I make in the lives of these students. We are invested in their academic success, but that’s not all – we are interested in them as people and want them to have personal success as well.

What do you love most about living in the Napa Valley?

California, the Bay Area, and particularly the Napa Valley location can’t be beaten. We live amid an internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot. As a biologist, you can’t ask for a more diverse and interesting part of the world to study and study in. I enjoy PUC’s extensive acres of wildlands and can even watch bald eagles soar overhead and see pileated woodpeckers in my backyard! PUC is truly “Where Nature and Revelation Unite in Education”.

Never Say Never – A Mission Trip to Neiva, Colombia

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by Vivian Geow (PUC accreditation specialist & MBA program advisor)

Between July 26 – August 8 of 2023, I participated in a mission trip conducted by ShareHim ministries to Colombia. Participants with ShareHim are tasked to preach – something I said I would never, ever do. Yet, I was to deliver 11 prepared sermons to a Spanish-speaking audience in Colombia. The assigned location was Neiva, a bustling city of 365,000 people, 200 miles south of the capital city of Bogota. Our group consisted of 12 people- five from northern California (Yountville SDA church) and seven from North Carolina. Within the two subgroups were four to five young adults led by their respective home church pastors.

Once we arrived in Neiva, we were paired with our interpreters and assigned to our churches in an orientation session at the South Andean Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist church. Over the next nine days, we settled into a routine of sermon preparation, gathering for mealtimes, and preaching in the evenings. With each passing day, I came to understand what it meant to trust God. Neiva was a completely foreign place where I had no control over the environment. How will our sermons be received? Can the interpreters deliver the messages effectively? We had to trust God that things will work out according to His will.

By the third day, the nervousness on my first day gradually transformed into excitement for the messages I was to share at Sion Rivera SDA church, my assigned church. I began to recognize visitors among the regular church members who faithfully showed up every evening. Among the topics I presented were the origin of sin, prophecy, and Jesus’ second coming. One topic I was eager to present was regarding the state of the dead, as it was the basis of my conversion to the Adventist faith. How’s that for saying I would never preach? 

Preaching my first sermon “How You Can Know The Future!”

Our days were interspersed with fun activities – a walking tour of Neiva city center and Tatacoa desert, where we hiked among rock formations and cooled off in natural spring-fed pools. We played basketball and volleyball with high school students at the Adventist K-12 school in Neiva. Throughout the week, we were treated to local fruits, Colombian food, and snacks. We learned that maraschino cherries on pizza were delicacies – this was tough for me to accept. On my last Sabbath, I witnessed the baptism of a young lady from my church, Sion Rivera – a wonderful finale to a hugely memorable time in Colombia. 

Participants from Northern CA at Tatacoa Desert with Pastor George Hilton

Perhaps, most importantly, this experience gave me a chance to focus and ponder the reasons for my conviction in the Adventist faith. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” This trip has stretched my comfort zone in so many beautiful ways. I met wonderful people, walked into their culture, and learned how God can use me to further His kingdom. My only regret is not having joined one sooner, and thus, I strongly recommend that other young adults undertake a similar trip if the opportunity comes along for them. As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Go! 

Meet Garrison Chaffee: Youth & Associate Pastor 

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Pastor Garrison Chaffee has been working at PUC for three months but is no stranger to the campus. He graduated from PUC in 1999 with a bachelor’s in fitness management and a religion minor. Afterwards, he received his masters in pastoral studies and earned his teaching credential. Pastor Garrison loves PUC and the chance to show Jesus’s love to students. 

What made you decide to work at PUC? 

I love PUC! It is an incredibly beautiful place to live, and the community is amazing. Kids can ride bikes around town, we have the back 40 available to enjoy anytime, and most importantly, I love the real-life, real Jesus vibe that is PUC.

What hopes and goals do you have for the PUC church and community? 

To follow God’s lead in building closer relationships across the students, faculty, staff, and community and to grow closer to God as we serve Him.

What makes pastoring a campus special to you? 

I love the energy the high school and college students bring throughout the year! I love their deep thoughts and questions, they have their whole lives ahead of them and we have a chance to show them the love of Jesus and have the opportunity, by God’s grace to have a part in guiding and influencing them into hope and by faith into a saving relationship with Jesus!

How do you stay connected with young people and be a mentor through their spiritual lives? 

I love investing in relationships. I am honored at the opportunity to speak into another person’s life, just as my teachers, pastors, youth leaders, and youth parents influenced and made a difference in my life. I am in the church today and in a relationship with Jesus today because of those that loved me into faith!

What is your favorite thing about PUC? 

I love so much about PUC! The beauty, the nature all around this place! Not just the back 40- trails to hike and mountain bike, but also the airport, the community, the church and college family and student body, the community of Prep and PUCE, and the community at large! Community swim and pizza nights! Lake Berryessa! So much!

How can your PUC family serve and support you and your family as you minister to us? 

I think it is such a gift to enter into a relationship together. To know and be known, to share the good and the bad, and the ups and downs of life together. What a gift from God to walk the road together towards God with brothers and sisters in Christ, and how amazing that Jesus walks with us too!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?  

I love mountain biking, road biking, wakeboarding, wake surfing, surfing, snowboarding, and volleyball. I am grateful to God for health and love for all the ways we can enjoy God’s beautiful creation together!

Meet Timothy Robertson: Assistant Professor of Data Science

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Coming from Southwest Michigan is Timothy Robertson, PUC’s assistant professor of data science. When he was given the chance to work at PUC, it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Since January, Timothy has been teaching data science, machine learning, statistics and mathematics, and advises students.

Do you have a favorite class to teach?

My favorite classes to teach are Calculus I & II because they involve thinking about abstract concepts that have very practical applications.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers family? 

My favorite thing about being a Pioneer is making connections with the students and faculty. It is much easier to get to know people at PUC than at larger schools I’ve been at.

Do you have a favorite place to eat in the Napa Valley? 

I prefer home cooked meals over restaurant meals, so any place I can get a home cooked meal is my favorite place to eat.

What would students be surprised to find out about you? 

I won five intramural racquetball titles during graduate school.

How are you spending your summer break? 

Summer break is when I work on my personal projects that were undone during the school year, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing.

Where is your dream vacation? 

Visiting a volcano is my dream vacation. I’ve seen a number of geographies across the USA, but volcanoes are still on my bucket list.

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings you can find me… 
On Sunday mornings you can find me either at the gym training or sleeping.

PUC’s 2022-23 Staff Member of the Year: Chris Vance

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This past school year was the first time the human resources department at Pacific Union College recognized a staff member of the year. They planned to start this award in 2020 but got off track when COVID hit. In May, Chris Vance, information technology support services operations manager, was named Staff Member of the Year. He was honored during an award ceremony for his tremendous work overseeing and handling the campus’ information technology systems. One of Vance’s strengths is his amazing communication skills– all while juggling responsibilities with different departments and offices. There is no doubt this award is well-deserved.

What brought you to PUC? Why did you decide to work here?  

I crept in the door as a temp when the old analog phone system took a detour to doom. Before that, I performed audio design. However, most of the local sound jobs churned out promotional material. I became miffed that all the work I performed was for content designed to interrupt the shows people wished to view. Computer technology has always tugged my interest; the temp position morphed into a full-time client support job. I decided to convert audio work into a hobby and make a career in IT at that point.

Describe your typical work day. 

I brew up a loose schedule in my head when I amble toward work each day. That plan rarely survives the first half hour. Variety exudes from this type of IT work. A certain allure exists to avoiding daily routine. I am always delving into new projects and support requests requiring that I accomplish something altogether new. The helpdesk requests tend to form avalanches, too. This leads to a jolly match of ping pong where I am the ball. Fortunately, I am dense enough to shrug off the back-and-forth.

What is your favorite thing about your job? 

Evicting gremlins and smiting bugs brings catharsis. That said, I most enjoy concocting workarounds to bizarre problems with the team down here in IT.

You were named this year’s staff member of the year. What does this recognition mean to you? 

It means I roused from my root cellar often enough to be noticed by the denizens of the overworld. Sassy quips aside, it feels great to have my efforts seen and recognized. I am far from alone in those accomplishments, as we have all had a taxing year. 

What is your favorite thing about PUC? 

The faculty, staff, students, and community are bodacious. IT work engenders and intertwines with stressful situations. This leads to wailing, gnashing of teeth, and rending of hair in many businesses. However, in all my years working here, no one has barged down the stairs to my office, spoiling for a fight. 

What are your hobbies? 

I enjoy reading, writing, music, video games, baking, and canning.

What is something you do or want to do that might surprise people? 

I am in a band where I play saxophone and cello. 

Where is your favorite place to eat in the Napa Valley? 

The Azteca Market holds the position of prominence, as it is the traditional film major hangout. I spent many a pre-production meeting on the metal patio furniture adorning that place.

Q&A with PUC’s Director of Enrollment, Pauline Cidro 

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Coming from Manila, Philippines, is PUC’s Director of Enrollment, Pauline Cidro. Pauline started working at PUC in 2020 as a part-time enrollment counselor and enjoyed it so much that she continued as a full-time. One of the perks of her job is getting to travel around the country for work- but the best part is interacting with students and their families—sharing with them what PUC has to offer and providing them assistance from the beginning until they officially become part of the PUC family.

How does PUC stand out from other colleges and universities?  

We are located in the very beautiful town of Angwin in Napa Valley, CA. Our campus is surrounded by great spots for outdoor activities and tourist attractions, and we have nice weather up here in Angwin with very low air pollution, so you definitely have clean air to breathe! Lastly, and most definitely, our students and faculty are able to build personal relationships that make it easy for the students to live away from home but still feel at home with the community they are part of here at PUC.

What’s the average amount of financial aid students receive? 

Last year, PUC awarded over $30 million in financial aid with the average award of about $23,000 per student.   

What health and academic support services are available for students?  

PUC offers a free health clinic, counseling, disability, and tutoring services to our students. These resources are available to all PUC students to make sure they are physically and mentally healthy and striving academically.

Why should high school students consider attending PUC?  

We have small class sizes with an average of 12:1 student-faculty ratio. I find this beneficial to the majority of students because I believe it helps improve their learning. We also have a one-on-one advising system which many students find very helpful as their advisors would walk them through each step in achieving their academic goals.

How do you support your students during their enrollment process?  

As their main person during the enrollment process, I walk my students through the steps they need to complete and connect them with the vital people they will be interfacing with when they start attending PUC: financial aid advisor and academic advisor.

What advice do you have for students applying to PUC? 

My advice is to understand there are many resources and help available to them, especially during the enrollment process. Their enrollment counselor (like myself) is their number-one resource when finding answers to their questions regarding anything. Our enrollment counselors always look forward to talking with the students and having authentic conversations with them to understand what they really need so we can continually support them while they go through the decision-making process. 

Meet PUC Chaplain, Arturo Lopez

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Pastor Arturo Lopez felt God calling him to serve after being baptized at the South San Francisco Latin-American SDA Church in 2009. He received his BA in theology from PUC and with nearly 13 years in ministry, Pastor Lopez is deeply grateful to God for orchestrating a plan for him to serve as a pastor. 

When and where did you begin your pastoral ministry?

I started full-time ministry at the Central California Conference of SDA in 2014. My first assignment was to serve as the associate/youth pastor for the Fresno Hispanic SDA Church under the leadership of Dr. Antonio Huerta. 

What made you decide to accept this position at PUC?

When I was presented with the opportunity to serve as the PUC chaplain, I reflected on my own experience as a student at PUC. My first months at PUC were tough. However, amidst some difficulties, my chaplain recognized my struggles and extended a personal interest in  my life. He prayed with me, offered encouragement, and became a valuable mentor during my PUC journey. Through his guidance, I learned the significance of a relational approach to ministry. I am eager to minister to students embarking on new career paths or experiencing significant life changes. This is why I gladly accepted the opportunity to come to PUC. 

Where did you previously work, and for how long?

Over the past nine years, my journey of service has unfolded within the Central California Conference of SDA. I began as an associate/youth pastor in Fresno and San Jose. Later, I transitioned into the role of district pastor, serving communities in Bakersfield, Taft, Salinas, and Seaside. Most recently, I held the position of pastor at the Monterey Bay Academy Church while also serving as the school chaplain. Now, I embark on a new chapter as I join the vibrant community of PUC. 

What are your spiritual focuses or goals for the college?

As the chaplain, I aim to implement three crucial spiritual goals. First, I seek to inspire students to prioritize love and unity within the PUC community. Building personal connections requires effort with such a vast and diverse campus, but we can all contribute to fostering an environment of genuine care for one another. Second, I aspire to collaborate with the school and church in creating opportunities for students to participate in purposeful discipleship programs and mentorship initiatives. These avenues will give the students guidance, wisdom, and accountability necessary for their spiritual growth. Lastly, I want to instill in students a passion for servant leadership, following the example of Jesus. At PUC, students have a unique opportunity to learn how to serve others through the careers they are pursuing, embracing a mindset of selflessness and compassion. 

How do you connect with young people and be a mentor throughout their spiritual lives?

I prioritize being present and accessible. I actively engage with young people by participating in various activities, attending student-led events, and being visible in communal spaces. Doing so lets students know I am available for conversations, ready to answer their questions, and offer guidance when needed. I also strive to create a welcoming environment where young people feel safe to express their spiritual thoughts and questions without judgment. This fosters an atmosphere of trust and openness. Lastly, I take pride in being a supportive listener. I provide a space where young people can freely share their joys, struggles, and doubts. By actively listening and building trust, I encourage them to develop a vibrant prayer life, seeking guidance and strength from God firsthand. 

How can the PUC family serve and support you as you minister for us? 

There are two essential things I would love my new PUC family to do. First, I ask for patience. I am eager to fully engage in campus life and serve the PUC community. However, to effectively fulfill my role as chaplain, I believe this first year should be dedicated to learning, supporting others, implementing new ideas, and allowing us to become acquainted, ensuring effective collaboration. Secondly, I ask you to pray for me. Feel free to reach out to me If you have spare time during the week to offer a prayer. As a pastor, it is not very common to have someone pray for you apart from your spouse and immediate family. Having someone approach you and say, “pastor, can I pray for you?” is truly uplifting. 

What are you looking forward to at PUC?

During my visit to PUC for interviews, I had the privilege of meeting numerous incredible individuals who were wholeheartedly dedicated to serving and working for the betterment of the PUC community. The warm and inviting atmosphere, the inspiring vision, and the ongoing commitment to nurturing students professionally and spiritually ignited a strong passion within me to be part of this fantastic community. This experience has filled me with enthusiasm and motivation to serve and collaborate with the leadership as we collectively shape the future of PUC. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Beyond work, there are several activities that bring me joy. First, I cherish spending quality time with my wife and our two very energetic elderly beagles. Second, my wife and I share a deep passion for traveling. Through our journeys, we have encountered remarkable individuals, immersed ourselves in different cultures, and beheld breathtaking landscapes. Third, I am an avid reader who embarked on a fun literary adventure during the pandemic. I decided to read books from every country, beginning with Afghanistan and currently making my way through Mexico. This literary exploration has fostered my appreciation for the similarities and differences across various cultures. Additionally, I find great enjoyment in playing golf, not only for the game itself but for the connections it allows me to forge beyond the professional sphere. Lastly, I proudly declare myself a devoted Star Wars fan, and May 4th holds a special place in my heart as a cherished holiday.

With growing up in Napa, working for the Napa Valley Register at a young age, then years later proposing to his wife in Napa- it is a full circle moment for Pastor Lopez to be back in the city that holds a special place in his heart and being the new chaplain at PUC. 

A Glance Into PUC’s Film Program from Professor Tim de la Torre – Assistant Professor of Visual Arts

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Tim de la Torre has been working at PUC for 10 years now. He graduated from PUC’s film program in 2006, with the college’s location and the Visual Arts Department holding a special place in his heart. There was a moment of transition in his life when Dean Milbert Mariano (then chair of the visual arts department) called to ask if Tim would be interested in interviewing for an instructor position. He’s so thankful Dean Milbert and his department saw potential in him because “It’s been a fantastic fit”. 

Tell us about PUC’s film and television production program.

Our program here at PUC is unique in so many good ways! The diversity of our student body is a real benefit to our writers and artists who are exploring topics that matter to them. It allows them to have the benefit of input from people from different intersecting identities that can help each other avoid stereotypes and cliché’s that are easy to miss when you create in an echo chamber. 

I am really proud of the culture we’ve created where students learn hands-on production skills with the equipment and make high-quality films through practice. Our rural location and residential campus housing mean students end up spending a lot of time in Fisher Hall and feel a sense of belonging and shared ownership of the space. We are like a family. It also means we are always making and creating because we live our lives in this space. 

What are the class sizes?

Our department has 40-50 students in 3 disciplines: film, graphic design, and fine art. Our small class sizes mean you will know all of your professors and student cohort. It allows faculty to really help mentor and guide you as we get to know you throughout the years of your program. 

Is there a class you enjoy teaching the most?

Group Production is my favorite class. It’s where we meet twice a week, and students pitch ideas for film projects they want to create, and we support the students in producing their ideas. There are always incredible projects that come out of that class! 

What equipment is available for students? 

We have everything you would expect to see on the set of a major motion picture production. We have a fully loaded grip truck for location production, high-end cinema cameras, and smaller cameras with differing unique use cases, such as documentary and low-light environments. We also have a huge range of lenses, including anamorphic, cinema zooms, probe lenses, tilt-shift lenses, and vintage glass. 

In the last couple of years, we even taught classes using Unreal Engine for film production and have a senior finishing her thesis project using Unreal Engine. The best way to understand is to reach out to the professors and come and visit us. If there is something specific you want to explore, chances are we have the tools to do that or the ability to obtain them and support you in pursuing your interests.  

Do students need internships? 

I always say the most important class you’ll take at PUC is your internship, which ideally, does not take place at PUC! It’s where you take your skills, knowledge, and professional and interpersonal skills and go out and get real-world experience that often leads to a job after graduation! 

What are the highlights from your department this year? 

We worked on multiple projects funded by the Sonscreen Film Festival, which allowed us to cast professional actors and even hire some professional crew to work alongside our student crew. The level of production quality and experience our students gained from this really helped us make up for the time we were teaching online during COVID when those students didn’t have as many opportunities to develop set experiences. 

Where do some of your graduates work? 

We have many alums in LA working in film as writers, directors, editors, and in the camera department. Others created their own companies and are documentarians, corporate and non-profit production. Some have gone on to work for various church-based organizations such as Hope Channel, Amazing Facts, and 3ABN. 

What should future film and television students know and prepare for before college? 

Bring your curiosity and hunger to learn. Be prepared to work hard. It’s the only way to close the gap between your taste and skill.  

PUC faculty and students and alumni attend the Sonscreen Film Festival in April 2023. Eight PUC student films were selected as official entries and PUC won three categories and was runner-up in two other categories.

The Visual Arts Department grip truck makes transporting all of the equipment necessary for location production possible!

Running a demo shoot for College Days in 2023.

On the set of “Radish Soup” which will be completed in late 2023. 

Tim de la Torre and student Josue Hilario prepping the location before production begins of “Inner Space” in May 2023. 

Prepping the location before production begins of “Inner Space” in May 2023. 

“Inner Space” production in May 2023. 

Make sure to check out their YouTube channel www.youtube.com/pucfilm and follow their Instagram @pucart for upcoming projects!

Coaches Corner: Patrick Taaffe 

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Meet PUC’s new men’s volleyball coach, Patrick Taaffe. This is Coach Taaffe’s (pronounced TAF) first time coaching at a collegiate level, with a background of coaching high school girls and guys volleyball along with club. When asked what made him decide to take this coaching position at PUC, Coach Taaffe replied, “Honestly, it was a God thing.” While at a basketball tournament for prep as an athletic director, he spoke with Coach Melissa and JR, and they both asked him to take the position.

Coach Taaffe graciously answered questions for us to get to know more about him. 

What makes PUC athletics different from other colleges and universities? 

For me, it’s the atmosphere of family. Even before I knew much about PUC, I had talked with many people both faculty and visitors, who all said how nice people were here. I have totally found this to be true- as everyone I meet is friendly and smiles. 

How would you describe your coaching style?

I am a passionate and motivating coach.

How do you support your student athletes on and off the court?

I do my best to meet the student-athletes where they are. I want to know about their lives and what is happening with their families or relationships and grades. These can all affect what is going on while they are on the court. While they are on the court, I try my best to adjust to their needs. If I know they’re having a really bad day, I try to be more supportive, vs. when they are having a good day, I might try to push them more.  

Outside of competing, are there activities you try to get your students involved with? 

Team building and communicating with each other. I fully believe that life is more than just sports. So I want them to make lasting friendships and be an example to these gentlemen of what God’s love looks like as best I can.

What values do you instill in your players?  

Love, honesty, integrity, and hard work. These values will serve them the rest of their lives in everything from the field of work they choose all the way to their family lives. 

How do you incorporate spiritual life within your team? 

Personally, I try to be a beacon of love and light for them. I am an open book, and bring Jesus to them and set the best example I can. As we begin to develop and create that family atmosphere, I want to start to have team vespers and join in worship together to make it personal for them. 

Why should prospective high school athletes choose PUC over another program? 

From what I have seen thus far, you get a great college education from faculty who care. You get the feeling of a large college education mixed with a small-town vibe, and it makes for a very dynamic environment. 

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers family? 

Learning the different backgrounds of each person, where they come from, and where they want to go.

When you’re not coaching, what do you enjoy doing? 

Well, I love being with my family. My wife and I have four daughters, so they keep us pretty busy. I like to play video games or listen/read books during my personal “quiet” time. I also love playing music, whether it be writing something with my wife or just playing the drums on Sabbath.