At Life Pacific University, we want to amplify the voices of our students, staff, faculty, and alumni whenever possible. It’s important for us to display what God is doing in and through the lives of the members of the LPU community. We believe there is power in testimony, so here are a few to catch a glimpse of what God is doing at Life Pacific. 

Marissa Ryerson // Current Student: Junior // Major: Ministry 

Marissa is a member of our Life Pacific Women’s Volleyball team and serves as the Marketing Chair on our ASG team as a student leader. Marissa is part of who makes Life Pacific what it is, with her commitment to schooling, athletics, and serving. 

She says, “I love that the ministry program hasn’t just taught me how to preach. I’ve learned what a healthy church looks like, how to plant a church, how to be creative in Bible teaching, I’ve gained a deep Biblical literacy, learned to step into my authority in Christ and do spiritual warfare, and have been completely transformed from the inside out into a leader on fire for the Lord. Most of all I’ve learned about the priesthood of the believer and the responsibility I have as a kingdom carrier”.

Michael Potter // Alumni: Class of 2020 // Major: Mass Communications 

Since graduation, Michael is now an Account Executive with GALE Partner, a creative consultancy headquartered in the World Trade Center. He is the agency and client’s go-between, ensuring direct mail, digital ads, SEM, and other marketing collateral. He also does analytics reporting and project management. Michael started at GALE in March of 2022 after spending a year doing in-house marketing for Olive Tree Bible Software.

He got married to Michelle Michiko Pillay (’21), and they have a son named Theo.

Michael graduated from LPU with a BA in Communication.

Emily Norton // Alumni: Class of 2021 // Major: Human Development and Psychology 

After graduation, Emily Horton began her graduate program at Azusa Pacific University in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. She began her practicum at the Chaffee Joint Union High School District this August and will be counseling high school students as a trainee. While taking the next steps, she is also serving on the worship team at Fellowship Monrovia.

She also married her husband, Kyle Horton (‘22). 

Emily graduated with a BA in Human Development and Psychology.