Purpose changes your perspective.
California Lutheran University is committed to helping every student pursue his or her passions, both in the classroom and outside of it. We believe that living your passion means finding your purpose and that by following your purpose you will transform your community – and the world.
About Cal LutheranView Our ProgramsMeet our graduates
Learn how our graduates are pursuing their purpose
Jackie Whitehead ’13
Bioengineer and National Science Foundation Research Fellow
“I’ve always been fascinated by the earth, and now I’m harvesting its potential for energy.”
Jackie Whitehead came to California Lutheran University from a small town in rural Northern California. During her time at Cal Lutheran, Jackie achieved university, departmental, and Latin honors while obtaining her B.S. in bioengineering with minors in chemistry and math.
Jackie conducted independent research at Cal Lutheran for three years and published her findings about acai berry-derived dye-sensitized solar cells. She was awarded an external undergraduate research position at Vanderbilt University, in the summer of 2012, where she conducted research on metabolic engineering and systems biology. This experience, in particular, solidified her desire to pursue a higher degree in bioengineering. After obtaining her M.S. in bioengineering at the University of California, Riverside, she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at University of California, Davis.
In 2014 she was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, the highest honor a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) graduate student can receive.
Eric Rogers ’12
Professional Football Player
“As a kid, I was at home on the field. Now, I’m doing what I love every day.”
Eric first learned to play football from his older brother around age 6. Eric’s brother was quarterback, and they would play catch in the backyard.
A multi-sport athlete, Eric competed in football, basketball and track and field during high school. He also participated in track and field at California Lutheran University, but the football field is where he made history as one of the greatest Cal Lutheran players of all-time, breaking seven different school records in his senior year, becoming the all time leader in scoring and receiving, and being awarded First Team All-American honors. He was a three-time Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) All-Star selection, and was named the conference’s offensive player of the year in 2012.
After brief appearances in the NFL and the Arena Football League, Eric signed as a wide receiver for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. As a starter in the 2014 CFL Grey Cup, he was the team's leading receiver with five catches for 108 yards.
Jacquelynne Fontaine ’05
Touring Soprano
“The arts are essential to our communities. I’m shining a spotlight on that.”
Jacquelynne remembers her first performance was at 7 or 8 years old when she sang "Take me out to the ball game" at a school talent show. She recounts that her first attempt at stardom was terrible, and she was teased about it for a long time.
Starting college as a pre-law major, Jacquelynne later took the suggestion of her voice teacher, who challenged her to do opera. In her junior year, she opted for a music major. She toured in England with the university choir and performed in Italy.
Fontaine was crowned Miss California in 2006 and finished in the top 10 at Miss America 2007, also winning the talent award. With numerous musical theater credits, Jacquelynne is currently playing Carlotta in the Phantom of the Opera North American Tour.
Asked what advice she has for Cal Lutheran students, Fontaine replies, “Don’t be afraid. Be honest with yourself. Take risks. Find a quiet place in your heart and listen — and then do things that are true to you. As an actor, with all the rejection, you have to be really solid in who you are.”
Jason Carignan ’95
Marketing and Design Executive
“As a kid, my imagination was endless. I was always trying to create the next big thing in my dad’s garage.”
Jason Carignan is Chief Marketing Officer at Kretek International, a $200 million manufacturing and distribution company with 3 distinct and highly differentiated business divisions ranging from premium cigars to organic food to sports nutrition.
Jason began his career in marketing but his passion for design, innovation and trend-spotting quickly expanded his repertoire and he now works seamlessly across many fronts as marketing executive, brand consultant, experience architect, product designer, entrepreneur and writer.
In 2003, he formed Tonic, a brand and design consultancy launching innovative products and experiences for leading healthcare, hospitality, financial services and technology brands. By 2009, Jason’s experience developing breakthrough products led to the creation and co-founding of Vapur, the original foldable reusable water bottle. Vapur’s eco-friendly Anti-Bottles® have won a number of awards.
Tonic eventually merged with Red Marketing in 2010, where Jason continues to serve as an Advising Partner. He formed Miravante in 2013 to design and incubate innovative new wine and spirits brands. The company’s first product, Nuvino, a single-serve, world-class wine in a pouch, was launched through Kretek International in early 2014.
Jason holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising from California Lutheran University where he is also a frequent guest speaker and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the School of Management.
Bianca Santos ’13
Television and Film Actress
“I always knew I was meant for the big screen, I just never dreamt I’d make it this far.”
Southern California native Bianca first discovered she loved acting in second grade when she played Mary in the Christmas play. Growing up in Santa Monica, California, she wasn’t far from Hollywood, but never planned on landing there.
At Cal Lutheran, Bianca majored in psychology with a minor in sociology, planning a career as a therapist. Inspiration to chase her early dream came during a lecture from world-renowned psychologist Albert Bandura who advised students “you only regret the things in life you didn’t do.” Shortly after graduation Bianca began taking acting classes.
In 2013, she was cast in a recurring role on the ABC Family’s teen drama The Fosters quickly followed by a primary role in the MTV series Happyland. In just a few short years, Bianca has added several film credits to her resume, including Ouija, The Duff and the 2015 release Wild For The Night.