More than 500 alumni, friends, partners, and members of the Life Pacific University community gathered on May 26 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk during Foursquare Connection 2026 for the annual LPU Alumni & Friends Lunch, an afternoon marked by celebration, gratitude, meaningful connection, and the honoring of lives faithfully impacting the Kingdom across generations.
Held each year during Foursquare Connection, the luncheon serves as a special opportunity for the LPU family to reconnect, celebrate shared mission, and recognize alumni whose lives and leadership reflect the heart of the university’s mission: developing transformational leaders prepared to serve God in the Church, the workplace, and the world.
From the moment doors opened, the ballroom carried an atmosphere of joy and anticipation. Alumni embraced longtime friends, pastors and ministry leaders reconnected across decades of shared history, and supporters of the university gathered around tables filled with conversation, encouragement, and celebration.
One of the most meaningful parts of the afternoon was seeing the response to each Alumni of the Year honoree. As their names were announced and their stories were shared, the room rose again and again in standing ovations. It was a clear reflection of the respect, gratitude and admiration felt for their faithful service and lasting impact.
The 2026 Alumni of the Year honorees included:
- Dr. Glenn C. Burris Jr. ’76 – Lifetime of Service Award
- Dr. Marion Ingegneri ’15 – Kingdom Leadership Alumnus of the Year
- Pastor MartÃn Ruarte ’20 – Entrepreneurial Spirit Alumnus of the Year
- Pastor Steve – Beyond Borders Alumnus of the Year
- Pastor Anais Macias ’22 – Young Alumnus Award
Several awardees offered brief remarks following their presentations, each marked by humility, gratitude, and deep acknowledgment of the people and community who helped shape their journey. Again and again, honorees pointed back to mentors, professors, churches, classmates, family members, and the faithfulness of God as foundational influences in their lives and ministries.
The event also included a special formal recognition of the 2025 Alumni of the Year Award recipients, who were initially honored during a more informal gathering at last year’s Foursquare Connection. The moment created a meaningful bridge between past and present celebrations, allowing the broader LPU community to once again celebrate these faithful alumni in a formal luncheon setting.
In addition to the award presentations, President Angie Richey shared encouraging updates regarding the continued growth, momentum, and vision of Life Pacific University. Guests were reminded not only of the university’s rich legacy, but also of the exciting opportunities ahead as LPU continues equipping Spirit-empowered leaders for generations to come.
As the afternoon concluded, many guests lingered in conversation throughout the ballroom, reluctant to let the moment end. The event served as a powerful reminder that while years may pass and ministries may span cities and nations, the shared spiritual heritage and community formed through Life Pacific University continue to unite alumni and friends in lasting and meaningful ways.
