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Recent News

Freshman 2024
Orientation 2024

Sep. 30, 2024

Last weekend, JPCatholic welcomed 100 new freshmen and transfer students to campus for Orientation.

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U.S. News Ranks JPCatholic Among Top Western Colleges
U.S. News Ranks JPCatholic Among Top Western Colleges

Sep. 24, 2024

Among the 104 colleges in the region, JPCatholic is ranked #10 overall, along with #3 in Best Value, the second consecutive year of increased rankings in both categories.

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No Reception Premieres
“No Reception” Premieres at the Ritz Theater

Sep. 10, 2024

The family comedy was produced by students and faculty as the second project in JPCatholic’s Feature Film Program.

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Graduation 2024
Graduation 2024

Sep. 03, 2024

Our Graduation Week celebrations included the premiere of No Reception, a variety of senior showcase events, and Commencement for 90 new alumni.

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Fashion Design
Fashion Design Program Announced for Fall 2025

Aug. 09, 2024

JPCatholic is pleased to announce the addition of a Fashion Design emphasis within our BFA in Visual Arts, along with a new minor in Costume Design.

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Open Book and Anjanette Barr
Novel Writing Capstone Connecting Students With Literary Agent

July 16, 2024

The Novel Writing III Class will provide students with one-on-one meetings for feedback from Catholic literary agent Anjanette Barr.

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Pelicans Plume Journal
“Pelican’s Plume” Journal Wins Awards From Catholic Media Association

July 08, 2024

Students Delaney Rayner and Evan Mock were recognized for their excellence in layout, design, and photography for JPCatholic’s student journal.

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No Reception Movie
Tickets available for “No Reception” premiere!

July 01, 2024

JPCatholic is proud to present No Reception, the second project in our Feature Film Program! The public is invited to join us for the family comedy on August 28th at the Ritz Theater.

Get Tickets

Performer
Acting Practicums 2024

Apr. 30, 2024

From short films to theatre productions, our acting seniors have been busy in pre-production for their practicum projects!

See the List

Clapboard
“Pickle for Pickleball” Greenlit for JPCatholic’s Feature Film Program

Apr. 17, 2024

The comedy written by Anna Engel ‘24 is about an unlikely group of elderly women who find themselves caught up in a high-stakes pickleball tournament.

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Storytelling & the Gospel
New Free Course: Storytelling & the Gospel

Apr. 15, 2024

Experience a deeper encounter with the Gospel message and the role storytelling plays within our lives as humans and as Christians.

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Creative Arts Academic Complex
JPCatholic Begins Construction on Creative Arts Academic Complex

Mar. 06, 2024

The 30k square foot property will more than double the University’s academic space.

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Akimbo Studio Partner with JPCatholic
Akimbo Studio Partners with JPCatholic for Student Internships & Jobs

Feb. 08, 2024

Founded by Nate Sjogren ‘11, the design studio will offer JPCatholic students first opportunity to apply for new openings.

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Parents Weekend
Parents Weekend 2024

Feb. 07, 2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us on campus this past weekend!

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Reflections from Sundance 2024
Reflections from Sundance 2024

Jan. 30, 2024

Students who participated in the Sundance experience this year reflect on the trip and their top films from the festival.

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2023 Year in Review
JPCatholic's 2023 Year in Review

Dec. 18, 2023

Explore a summary of highlights from the past year.

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Christmas Concert 2023
Christmas Concert 2023

Dec. 15, 2023

This month JPCatholic hosted a public Christmas Concert led by Prof. Robert Giracello, PhD.

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Clapboard
Senior Film Projects 2024

Dec. 14, 2023

The senior film capstones this year range from a cultural documentary to fantasy comedies and heartfelt dramas.

See List of Projects

A Tyranny of Kindness
“A Tyranny of Kindness” – Alumni Q&A with Author Matt Sawczyn

Dec. 06, 2023

Matt Sawczyn ‘17 discusses his new dystopian novel, inspirations like Aldous Huxley and Dostoevsky, and his own journey as a storyteller.

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Eucharistic Film Festival + Feature Film Pitch Night
Eucharistic Film Festival + Feature Film Pitch Night

Dec. 04, 2023

JPCatholic hosted a joint event to award $8k in prizes to the Eucharistic Film Festival winners, and to host our 3rd Annual Pitch Night for the Feature Film Program.

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Letting Go of Jack Poster
Alumni Feature “Letting Go of Jack” Wraps Production

Nov. 02, 2023

Written and directed by Andrew Koltuniuk, the road trip drama is a collaboration by a group of JPCatholic alumni through their production studio The Guild.

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St. John Paul II Relic
JPCatholic Acquires Relic of St. John Paul II

Oct. 23, 2023

The relic was announced to the student body on the saint’s feast day Oct. 22, and added to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Chapel on campus today.

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Freshman 2023
Orientation 2023

Oct. 04, 2023

Welcome to our incoming class of freshmen and transfer students!

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JPCatholic Campus
JPCatholic Ranked #15 by U.S. News for Best Regional Colleges West

Sep. 18, 2023

Of the 103 school in the category, the University also ranked #4 in Best Value and #31 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.

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Graduation Class of 2023
Graduation 2023

Aug. 28, 2023

Congratulations to our Class of 2023! Click through to see this year’s Institutional Award winners and photos from Graduation Week.

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O Brawling Love Film Screening
“O, Brawling Love!” Premieres at the Ritz Theater

Aug. 25, 2023

The Shakespearean-inspired rom-com is the first project in JPCatholic’s Feature Film Program.

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Dont Get Eaten Film Screening
Faculty’s Film Screening: “Don’t Get Eaten”

Aug. 15, 2023

The indie feature is a family-friendly zombie comedy from Profs. George and Melinda Simon.

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Hailey and Jessie
Alumnae Win Emmy for Documentary on POW Hero Fr. Kapaun

July 19, 2023

The documentary short was produced by Spirit Juice Studios and highlights Servant of God Fr. Emil Kapaun, a military chaplain who died in the Korean War.

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Cinematography and Digital Music
JPCatholic Adds Emphases in Cinematography and Digital Music

July 10, 2023

The two new emphases will launch in 2024 under the B.S. in Communications Media.

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Chapel Renovation Project
Major Gift To Accelerate JPCatholic Chapel Renovation Project

June 13, 2023

A very generous $1M gift, which comes from a family who have asked to remain anonymous, brings JPCatholic closer to funding the St. Teresa of Calcutta Chapel renovations.

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Parents Weekend and Scholarship Gala
Feature Film Project “No Reception” Begins Production

June 5, 2023

No Reception, the second project in JPCatholic’s annual Feature Film Program, began principal photography today in the University’s soundstage.

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Parents Weekend and Scholarship Gala
Parents Weekend and Gala 2023

May 23, 2023

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating our 20th anniversary this past weekend.

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Spring Art Show 2023
Spring Art Show

May 16, 2023

JPCatholic’s Art Club hosted their second annual art show at the Escondido Arts Partnership Municipal Gallery.

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Yellow Line Digital Partnership
Yellow Line Digital Partners with JPCatholic for Student Internships and Jobs

Apr. 28, 2023

While a close relationship has existed, the formalized partnership gives JPCatholic students priority for future openings.

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Living an American Dream Documentary
“Living an American Dream”–Alumna’s Documentary Spotlights the Cowboys and Cowgirls of Eastern Oregon

Apr. 18, 2023

The documentary from Clare McKay ‘18 gives an inside look at the rodeo lifestyle of her family’s ranching community.

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Mural
JPCatholic Hosts Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots Project

Mar. 27, 2023

The University’s building at 220 W Grand Ave is now home to an America Connects mural representing over 1500 artists from the west coast.

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Clapboard
Senior Film Projects 2023

Feb. 15, 2023

Our senior class has been busy in producing their capstone film projects! See the full list of short films, from Westerns and period epics, to heartfelt animated dramas.

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JPCatholic Students and Professors in Sundance
Reflections from Sundance 2023

Feb. 8, 2023

Students who participated in the Sundance experience this year reflect on the trip and their top films from the festival.

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CatholicGigs Founders
Alumni Launch CatholicGigs.com with Seed Funding from Investor

Jan. 23, 2023

Paul Massell (‘13) and Jacob Spence (‘14) have raised one year of seed funding for their new entrepreneurial venture, an online Catholic job board.

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Mark Westin & Natalia Roberts
“No Reception” Greenlit for Year 2 of JPCatholic’s Feature Film Program

Jan. 19, 2023

The film, written by students Mark Westin and Natalia Roberts, will enter production this June.

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Entrepreneur Spotlight: Paul Massell & Jacob Spence
Entrepreneur Spotlight: Paul Massell & Jacob Spence

Dec. 16, 2022

Q&A with two JPCatholic alumni who founded New Eve Media, a video production service based in San Diego.

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Yssa Mitra and John Paul Diodati Creating Graphis for World Cup Qatar 2022
Alumni Spotlight: Creating Graphics for World Cup Qatar

Dec. 15, 2022

Three alumni at |drive| studio share about their experience creating motion graphics for the 2022 World Cup.

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Haley Rossi and Team at Emmy Award
Alumna Haley Rossi Wins Emmy for Work With Spirit Juice Studios

Dec. 8, 2022

“Fill These Shoes”, a vocations video for the Archdiocese of Chicago, took home an Emmy in Outstanding Achievement in Branded Content at the Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards. Watch the Film

Dr. Derry and Rocio Fuentes
JPCatholic's 2022 Year in Review

Dec. 7, 2022

Explore a summary of highlights from this past year.

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Concept Art Creative Academic Complex
Renovation on Creative Arts Academic Complex to Begin in 2023

Nov. 21, 2022

John Paul the Great Catholic University is pleased to announce that construction will begin early next year on the property at 131 S. Broadway in Escondido.

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What Remains Poster
“What Remains” Gets December 2nd Release Date

Nov. 9, 2022

Prof. Scoggins’ murder mystery film What Remains will be simultaneously released in theaters and on streaming next month.

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Prof. Lee Eskey and Christopher West
Theology of the Body and the Art of Acting

Nov. 4, 2022

Prof. Lee Eskey was live with Theology of the Body Institute today to discuss acting with Christopher West.

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Prof. Joe Connolly and Students
New LaunchPad Model Introduces Pitch Competitions for Seed and Growth Funding

Nov. 3, 2022

The newly restructured Business LaunchPad will include pitch competitions with the chance for two rounds of funding.

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2nd Annual Feature Film Pitch Night
2nd Annual Feature Film Pitch Night

Oct. 20, 2022

Students and alumni submitted over 50 stories to be considered for next year’s project in the Feature Film Program. Six of those pitched to a panel of film professionals in front of a live audience.

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A Scene from What Remains
Nathan Scoggins’ Film “What Remains” to Premiere at Austin Film Festival

Sep. 30, 2022

Written and directed by Prof. Scoggins, the film stars Anne Heche, Cress Williams, Kellan Lutz, and Marcus Gladney Jr.

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Freshman 2022
Orientation 2022

Sep. 26, 2022

Last weekend, JPCatholic welcomed 113 new freshman and transfer students to campus for Orientation.

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Bailey Garland Hosts JP2 Radio
Student Bailey Garland Launches Weekly Show on JP2 Radio

Sep. 21, 2022

“Letter to Artists” is a weekly radio show and podcast offering conversations with students, faculty, and alumni about their creative pursuits and professions.

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Student Working on Laptop
JPCatholic Ranked #19 by U.S. News for Best Regional Colleges West

Sep. 15, 2022

In addition, the University ranked #9 in Best Value and #14 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.

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Student Working on Laptop
Graphic Design Capstone: Working on Client Projects

Aug. 29, 2022

Through Prof. Del Rosario's design firm and its Creative Aid project, students got to work on real client projects for the Ronald McDonald House and local small business, building up their portfolio with professional design experience.

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Graduation Class of 2022
Graduation 2022

Aug. 29, 2022

JPCatholic held its 14th annual commencement on August 27th. Learn more about the events of Graduation Week, the Senior Film Screening projects, and the Institutional Award Winners.

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State of Art Logo and Kaitlyn Krikorian
San Diego Union-Tribune Article Spotlights JPCatholic

Aug. 1, 2022

Featured in the L.A. Times and on the front page of the Union-Tribune, the article talks about our recent feature film “O, Brawling Love!”, upcoming campus expansions, the mission of the school, and more.

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State of Art Logo and Kaitlyn Krikorian
Alumna's Organization “State of Art” Offers Community, Support to San Diego Artists

July 18, 2022

Kaitlyn Krikorian (‘20) founded the organization last year to provide networking for creative professionals, facilitate paid work opportunities, and raise funds for mental health initiatives.

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Fr. Dominic Smith Being Ordained
Alumnus Dominic Smith, O.S.A., Ordained a Priest

July 6, 2022

Fr. Dominic Smith, O.S.A. was ordained a priest in the Order of Saint Augustine last month. He is the eleventh JPCatholic alumnus to be ordained.

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Drawing Flower
JPCatholic Announces BFA Degree Starting Fall 2023

June 30, 2022

The BFA in Visual Arts degree will be the new home for our emphases in Animation, Game Development, Graphic Design, and Illustration.

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JPCatholic Feature Film Production Crew
JPCatholic Feature Film “O, Brawling Love!” Wraps Production

June 29, 2022

The inaugural project in JPCatholic’s Feature Film Program finished filming in Escondido on Tuesday.

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NET Ministries Ireland Logo
JPCatholic Launches Study Abroad Program with NET Ministries Ireland

June 3, 2022

The program will provide students the opportunity to spend several months in Ireland doing evangelization work.

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Feature Film Project “O, Brawling Love!” Begins Production
Feature Film Project “O, Brawling Love!” Begins Production

June 2, 2022

The first project in JPCatholic’s Feature Film Program began filming today in Escondido.

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JPCatholic Scholarship Gala
JPCatholic Day & Scholarship Gala 2022

May 25, 2022

Last weekend, we welcomed alumni, parents, and benefactors to campus for our inaugural JPCatholic Day, celebrating faculty and student accomplishments.

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Dr. Shalina Stilley and Her Book
Dr. Shalina Stilley Publishes New Theology Book

May 23, 2022

Paradoxes of Faith and Reason grapples with aspects of the Catholic faith that seem to contradict reason at first glance.

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Alumnus Tristan Farida Ordained a Priest
Alumnus Tristan Farida Ordained a Priest

May 16, 2022

Tristan Farida (‘19) was ordained a priest of the Chaldean Catholic Church. He is the eighth Chaldean seminarian to graduate from JPCatholic and become a priest.

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Bishop Brom with students of JPCatholic’s first class
Rest in Peace Bishop Brom

May 10, 2022

Bishop-Emeritus Robert Brom was Bishop of San Diego when JPCatholic was founded.

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Virtual Production Class and Taylor Prudencio
New Virtual Production Electives Prepare Students for Growing Industry

May 9, 2022

Prof. Max Hulburt's new sequence of electives has already launched alumni into virtual production careers.

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Maggie Mahrt
Alumna Maggie Mahrt to Direct Feature Film “O Brawling Love!”

May 6, 2022

Maggie Mahrt (‘10) will return to JPCatholic to direct the inaugural project in JPCatholic’s Feature Film Program.

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Fr Andy Younan and his book
Fr. Andy Younan Publishes New Book “Advice from Aristotle”

May 4, 2022

Advice from Aristotle: Life Lessons from the Nicomachean Ethics is now available on Amazon.

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Paul Bonner and Miracle at Manchester
JPCatholic Freshman Cast in a Lead Role in Upcoming Feature “Miracle at Manchester”

Mar. 30, 2022

Paul Bonner, along with several other JPCatholic students, have been cast in the feature film from JCFilms Studios. Production will begin in April in San Diego.

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Chris Riley with The Defining Moment Book
Prof. Chris Riley Releases New Book “The Defining Moment”

Mar. 15, 2022

Written by screenwriters Chris and Kathy Riley, the book offers essential insights into the forces that create character, using dozens of examples from film, television, and literature.

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O, Brawling Love! Teaser Poster
Feature Film Project Greenlit, Pre-Production to Begin Immediately

Feb. 16, 2022

O, Brawling Love!, written by senior screenwriting student Bella Lake, has been selected to be produced as the inaugural project in JPCatholic’s Feature Film Program.

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Collection of Senior Film Posters
Senior Film Projects 2022

Feb. 4, 2022

Our senior film class has been busy in producing their capstone projects! From comedies to war dramas to post-apocalyptic, see the full list of short films and links to follow them on social media.

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Build for Impact Logo on Red Background
JPCatholic Launches “Build for Impact” Capital Campaign

Nov. 30, 2021

The multi-year $18M campaign will provide student scholarships, a dedicated chapel, and a creative arts academic complex.

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Art Show Flier
Student Art Show Hosted at Escondido Municipal Arts Gallery

Nov. 22, 2021

JPCatholic’s Art Club “Created to Create” hosted its first art show at the Escondido Municipal Arts Gallery. A total of 22 students showcased 32 pieces.

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Prof. George Simon Speaking in Feature Film Pitch Night.
Nine Semi-Finalists Pitch Their Stories for Production

Oct. 19, 2021

Students and alumni submitted 45 stories to be produced as part of JPCatholic’s new Feature Film Program. Nine of those projects were pitched.

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JPCatholic Students & Alumni Work on Prof. Scoggins’ Feature Film “What Remains”

Oct. 18, 2021

Over 20 students and alumni worked on Prof. Nathan Scoggins’ film shoot.

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Rest in Peace Dr. Luis Calingo

Oct. 4, 2021

Dr. Luis Calingo, a trustee and longtime friend of JPCatholic, passed away on October 1, 2021.

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Orientation 2021: JPCatholic Welcomes Record Incoming Class

Sept. 30, 2021

Last weekend, JPCatholic held new student Orientation, welcoming 119 new freshmen and transfer students to begin classes this fall.

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Alumni Produced Sci-fi Podcast “Project Foxtrot” Premieres Pilot Ep.

Sept. 16, 2021

Project Foxtrot is a narrative sci-fi mystery podcast centered on a 13-year old Blake Johnson resurfaces five years after his disappearance.

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JPCatholic Ranked #19 by U.S. News for Best Regional Colleges West

Sept. 13, 2021

In addition, the University ranked #8 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.

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Graduation and Senior Screening 2021

Aug. 30, 2021

On Saturday, August 28th, John Paul the Great Catholic University held its 13th annual commencement at the Ritz Theater in Escondido.

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WSCUC Reaffirms JPCatholic’s Accreditation for Eight Years

July 13, 2021

JPCatholic has received formal notification from the WASC Senior College and University Commission that our accreditation is reaffirmed for eight years.

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California Reopening and COVID-19 Updates

July 10, 2021

Learn more about California reopening and JPCatholic's COVID-19 policies.

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Dr. Samuel Keyes Ordained to the Priesthood

June 29, 2021

Dr. Samuel Keyes, Professor of Theology at JPCatholic, was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood today at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham in Houston, TX.

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Two Alumni Ordained to the Priesthood this Summer

June 23, 2021

Fr. Roni Schamoun was ordained in the Chaldean Catholic Rite, and Fr. George Perez as Eudist priest in the Roman Catholic Rite.

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Student Showcase: 3d Environments with “Abandoned” Theme

June 16, 2021

Over the past several months, students in Prof. Sartain’s courses have been producing immersive 3d environments based on the prompt “abandoned”.

See Projects

2021-2022 Theatre Season Announced

June 14, 2021

Our students recently performed Shakespeare's “As You Like It” to close out the Spring Quarter, and we're excited to announce the coming season.

See Upcoming Shows