Marriages, Births & Deaths

MARRIAGES

Faith Brunt (BA ’24) married Christian Sweet August 5, 2023.

Magda Solis (BA ’23) married Anthony Fengthong November 11, 2023.

Noami Coronado (BA ’22) married Miguel Santana in October 2024 in Exeter, CA. They purchased their first home, which was to be completed in October 2025. She is in her fourth year as a preschool teacher for Central Valley Christian Schools in Visalia.

Ryanne Luchau (MA ’21, BA ’19) married Chandler Ball March 20, 2021.

BIRTHS

Levi Garcia was born June 25, 2024, to Elizabeth (Wilson TC ‘23, BA ‘21) and Seth Garcia (TC ’23, BA ’22). He is their first child.

Lincoln Dennis Oxford was born on February 1, 2025, to Abigail (Taylor MA ‘23, TC ‘17, BA ‘16) and Ryan Oxford.

Sofia Schmidt was born August 29, 2024, to Madisen (Moore MA ‘23, TC ‘23, BA ‘21) and Jake Schmidt (TC ’15, BA ’14). She is their first child.

Yadira Covarrubias (BA ’22) gave birth to a baby girl, Olivia, on her birthday, October 9, 2024.

Ryanne (Luchau MA ‘21, BA ‘19) and Chandler Ball had Avery Lyn Ball June 5, 2022, and Carsyn Paige Ball May 16, 2024.

Rowen Malachi Diliberto was born to Sam (Diaz BA ‘21) and Nicholas Diliberto May 26, 2025. He is their first child and weighed 8 lbs., 6 oz. and was 21 inches long.

Kalene (Null BA ‘20) and Phata Chanthavisouk had Emmeric Wade on July 4, 2022, and Edwin James on May 14, 2024.

Baker Grace Medeles was born April 25, 2025, to Joshua (TC ’20, BA ’16) and Allison (TC ’17, BA ’16) Medeles.

Brett Franklin Kaufmann was born June 21, 2024, to Montana (Lowe BA ‘17) and Steven (TC ’18, BA ’17) Kaufmann.

Michaela Lanie Baker was born February 9, 2025, to Erin (Baker BA ‘15) and Ryan Baker. Delivered eight weeks early via emergency C-section, she spent five weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She joins half-sisters Addison and Harper.

Nathan Benjamin Solis was born December 20, 2024, to Cinthia (Gordillo BA ‘14) and Andres Solis.

DEATHS

Sandra Denham Islas (BA ’04), 64, died April 15, 2025. Born April 8, 1961, to Roger Alfred Denham and Florence Ann Denham, she married Eddie Islas in 2012. Sandra graduated from Hanford High School and was in the top 5% of her class at FPU. She attended Koinonia Church and later New Beginnings Church, both in Hanford. Survivors include her husband, parents, brother Gary Denham and sister Pennie Denham; children Alfred Tamayo III, Reanna Diaz and Roman Tamayo.

Maria Fatima Milton (MA ’00), 71, died May 7, 2025. Born on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores, her family immigrated to the United States when she was 10. After graduating from Hanford Union High School, she completed her B.A. from Fresno State and her M.A. from FPU. Her career took her to Kings County Office of Education, Soquel Elementary School District, Kings Canyon High School and Lemoore High School. Survivors include husband Abel Ramirez and son Tyrus Milton; sisters Natalie Fontes, Adelia Soares, Reis Soares and Madeline Medeiros Taylor; and brothers Eddie Medeiros and Adam Medeiros.

Norma Jean Zorrilla (MA ’93), 91, died May 5, 2025. Norma overcame polio at 19, relearning how to talk and walk. She earned a bachelor’s from Western Michigan University and an M.A. in English as a Second Language from FPU. After working in Colombia, Costa Rica, California and Spain, she taught at John Muir Elementary School, McLane High School and Older Adult Social Services (OASIS), all in Fresno. She and husband Carlos Hugo Zorilla, a former FPU faculty member, were members of Willow Avenue Mennonite Church until moving to Pennsylvania. Survivors include Hugo and children Ruth Henry (Scott), Andres Zorrilla (Amy Boydell) and Ana Zorrilla (Carlos Diaz).

Kelly Marcia Davis (MA ’84) of Farmington, MN, died May 15, 2025. Born in Albany, CA, she taught in Tulare and later in the Farmington (MN) School District. She taught both special education and general education students, with a passion for sixth grade language arts. In Tulare, she married naval aviator Craig Davis, who preceded her in death. At The Well Church in Rosemount, MN, she served in numerous capacities and volunteered at the Simpson Shelter in Minneapolis. Survivors include children Ashley (Seth) Bohlken, Trey (Jessica) Davis, Trevor Davis and Averi Davis.

ADDITIONAL REMEMBRANCES

Oliver Chukudi Ezenwugo (FS ’81-82), 65, died February 21, 2025. A native of Nigeria, he came to the U.S. in 1981 and played soccer at FPU before transferring to Fresno State. Oliver served as the manager of Universal Health Network and Systems in Fresno, providing health education and counseling, and was active in the local Nigerian community. He earned a B.A. from Fresno State, a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from Northcentral University. Survivors include wife Tochi; sons Brian, Sidney, Sean and Brandy; his mother and siblings.

Samuel Michael Pack (MA ’80), 75, Fresno, died March 17, 2025. Born in San Antonio, TX, he went by his middle name “Mike.” He taught sixth grade at Vinland Elementary School in Fresno for 19 years, beloved for his spirit and encouragement. He was also a dedicated violinist and bodybuilder. Survivors include sister Sharon Bailey and brother Jay Pack.

Doris Jane Harder (PBI ’52) died July 12, 2025. Born in Fairview, OK, she was a successful secretary and a loving housewife, mom, grandma, and a wonderful partner during husband Henry’s many years of pastoring and ministry. Survivors include son John Harder (JoAnn); sister Luella Dick; brother David Karber (Elaine); and brother-in-law, Leo Franz.

Anna Rachel Enns (PBI ’46), 99, Reedley, CA, died March 15, 2025. Born in Paxton, NE, her family moved to Reedley when she was about 9. Ann was part of the first graduating class of Pacific Bible Institute. She and her husband, David Enns, ran Kings River Grocery. Survivors include son Greg Enns (BA ’73) and his wife, Debbie Enns (BA ’74); grandchildren Jennifer (Enns TC ’01, BA ’00) and her husband, Phil Ogden, and Julie (Enns BA ’03) and her husband, Dana Doris (BA ’03); and four great-grandchildren.

Susan Elaine Ludekens Cox, 70, died April 29, 2025. She was an adjunct instructor in the FPU School of Business and interim director from 2016–17. Susan worked in human resources with the Tulare County Planning Department, the City of Visalia, Visalia Unified School District, and the County of Tulare. Survivors include husband David H. Cox and sons Phillip Ray Cox (Megan) and Stephen Robert Cox. Susan also considered Suzana Dobríc Veiss (MA ’03, BA ’99), Ph.D., assistant professor of business, a surrogate family member, along with her husband, Victor Veiss (MA ’04), and their children.