Alumni Stories

Alumni from involved in the Center for International Development have gone on to pursue their callings in many areas — from ministry and teaching to business and more. Find out what some of our alumni have been doing since graduating from PLNU.

Mark Boerneke Headshot

Student Profile

Mark Boerneke

After graduating, I spent the summer in Ghana as an intern for Edify and Omega Schools in low-cost private schools for poor families.

Read More
Sarah Parker Headshot

Student Profile

Sarah Hamill

During my senior year at PLNU, I focused my attention on investigating the success that economic development strategies have on relieving global poverty.

Read More
Blake Armstrong Headshot

Student Profile

Blake Armstrong

I am currently a partner at TheFamily, a venture capital fund based in Paris, France. My personal goal since graduating has been to drive inclusive societal change through entrepreneurship.

Read More
Joshua Burgner Headshot

Student Profile

Joshua Burgner

I had big goals walking into the Center for International Development freshmen year. The guidance and education I received challenged me to focus on what I truly had a passion for and then provided me a means to reach those goals and do the work God has called me to.

Read More
A headshot of Rachel Christensen

Student Profile

Rachel Christensen

The CID primarily helped me build relationships with professionals in the field, most of them people very willing to guide a passionate yet naive student toward some practical first steps.

Read More
Headshot of Corbyn Small

Student Profile

Corbyn Small

"Robert Gailey and the Center for International Development captured my imagination with the idea that I could combine all my God-given passions and interests through the world of international community development."

Read More
A headshot photo of Coreen Walsh

Student Profile

Coreen Walsh

The CID offered me the support and resources I needed to make valuable connections during and after my time at PLNU. In particular, with the guidance and wisdom of Rob Gailey and the CID, I was able to found and direct a youth leadership camp in Uganda in partnership with existing non-profits.

Read More
Molly Guldin looks out for the next wave coming in while surfing off Sunset Cliffs.

Student Profile

Molly Guldin

The CID has grown my passion for people of low income, and different cultures and ethnicities. Most importantly, it strategically helped me plan next steps and possible paths that are in line with my strengths and values, as well as connect me with professionals in the food security field.

Read More
Orange and purple sunset in San Diego is framed by the iconic Greek Amphitheater on PLNU's campus

Student Profile

Kristin Klein

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in International Development from PLNU in 2013, I moved abroad to Sydney, Australia for nine months through a work experience program with Alliance Abroad Group.

Read More
Orange and purple sunset in San Diego is framed by the iconic Greek Amphitheater on PLNU's campus

Student Profile

Travis Vaughan

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from PLNU in 2009, I used my business skills to work in local, economic development.

Read More
Orange and purple sunset in San Diego is framed by the iconic Greek Amphitheater on PLNU's campus

Student Profile

Megan Christensen

Since I graduated, I have been working in Mexico City. The experiences and opportunities I received from the CID gave me the necessary knowledge, skills, and network I needed to be in the position I am currently.

Read More
The oldest greek amphitheatre in the western hemisphere during sunset at PLNU in San Diego.

Student Profile

Hailey Keeter

After graduation, I moved to the Ventura, CA area to intern at the Patagonia HQ. I interned for 5 months on the Supply Chain Performance Management team.

Read More
Orange and purple sunset in San Diego is framed by the iconic Greek Amphitheater on PLNU's campus

Student Profile

Jenna DeWalt

Entirely orchestrated by God, I was handed a dream position after graduating PLNU that I had prayed for a year earlier.

Read More
Brandon Napoli talks to Congress.

Student Profile

Brandon Napoli

In 2007, while pursuing an MBA in strategic management and NDC’s Economic Development Finance Professional Program, I worked as a community loan officer at CDC Small Business Finance, a job connection provided through Dr. Gailey’s internship requirement.

Read More
Travis Hunter Headshot

Student Profile

Travis Hunter

Since graduation, I have worked in economic development in the greater Boston area.

Read More
The oldest greek amphitheatre in the western hemisphere during sunset at PLNU in San Diego.

Student Profile

Jil Haentges

After graduating, I moved back home to Luxembourg and interned for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of International Cooperation and Humanitarian Action in Luxembourg City.

Read More
Maira Lopes Head Shot

Student Profile

Maira Lopes

I graduated and immediately went back to the Dominican Republic, where I had interned with Hope International, a Christian microfinance organization, the summer prior.

Read More
A group of students sit in a circle and talk about a project in McCollough Park

Partner With Us

Your donation to the Center for International Development will help bring important speakers to campus, send students to relevant conferences, and facilitate internship/job opportunities for our students/graduates who engage in global poverty alleviation, innovative nonprofits, and social enterprises. Help us help students to use business to serve the least of these!