Your Story Matters
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Welcome to Vanguard.
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Welcome to Vanguard University of Southern California. We’ve been equipping students for their journeys since 1920 when we welcomed our first class of world-changers. Today we continue to offer a top-rated education, excellent practical skills and training in the liberal arts and sciences to prepare you for the next chapter in your life. Let us show you how we go beyond scholarship, beyond the classroom and beyond the expected. You’ll understand why we say, “Welcome to Vanguard.
Your story matters.” 1
Vanguard — You’ll love it for all the right reasons. We’ve put together an exceptional academic program
You’ll also enjoy our location close to the beach
with a faculty who care about the story God is telling
and a variety of opportunities for fun and learning
through you. You’ll enjoy freedom of intellectual inquiry
in Southern California. You will be welcomed by our
and a classroom environment that puts you in close
community of current students, alumni, faculty and
contact with professors. You’ll flourish in our close-knit
staff who’ll mentor and encourage you all the way to
campus community where lifelong relationships are
graduation and beyond.
born and Christ is the center of everything we do.
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Wherever your story takes you, a Vanguard education is a great place to start. Our alums are restaurateurs, pioneers in Christian
Beyond learning.
music, radio hosts in major markets, and scientists on the cutting edge of research. Our students become master teachers in local
At Vanguard, we teach you to think critically, to explore questions
school districts, and three out of four VU pre-med graduates who
and get at the truth. For 90 years, this approach has yielded
apply for medical school are accepted.
a distinguished list of alums — leading scientists, best-selling There’s a reason U.S. News & World Report has ranked authors, network television producers, high-level military leaders Vanguard as one of the top ten colleges in the West, and it and world-changing ministers. Your next chapter can start where starts with excellent academics. We go beyond the expected theirs did — in our classrooms, at our library, in our computer to offer the best possible academic program. The combination labs and study halls. With over 30 majors and concentrations to of outstanding faculty and low student-to-faculty ratio—15 choose from, we’ve got a path that’s right for you. students per professor—means every diploma we grant is backed by personalized instruction. From your first class to your final
“The education I received at Vanguard University prepared me for a career and life. The professors challenged me to excel, and the caring campus community encouraged me to develop as a person.” 6
Eduardo Lee ’87, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco
exam, there’s no hiding in the back of a lecture hall because at Vanguard, the most important person in the classroom is you.
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“I fell in love with Vanguard. I felt like I fit in. Being at Vanguard helped me become more confident in myself and confident in being in front of people. I made lifelong friends.” Kristina Kuzmic-Crocco ’01, host of Kristina’s Fearless Kitchen on the Oprah Winfrey Network
“Vanguard gave me a terrific broad-based liberal arts education that has allowed me to move into many different career areas.” Terrance R. Lindvall, VU ’70, former president of Regent University and executive producer of films appearing on HBO and Fox cable TV
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Professors as mentors. Our faculty are something special. We’ve brought together a team
and been quoted as sources in the Los Angeles Times. They are
of the best-trained, best-qualified professionals who love God
recognized leaders in the fields of science, sociology, religion,
and are passionate about teaching. The result is one of the finest
theater, missions, business and education. As a student, these
faculties for a school of our size and mission. Our professors have
same professors are there to encourage and guide you as you live
advised the President at the White House, testified before state
out the story God has prepared for you.
committees, received a guest maestro position at Carnegie Hall
“Professor Ed Rybarczyk was one of the most influential people God has brought me in contact with. He helped me to turn information about God into practical life change and discipleship. Ed taught me how to think. Josh Houston ’08, took seven of Rybarczyk’s classes
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Our classes are taught by professors, not teacher’s assistants. You will be engaged and enlightened on topics from business administration to literature to biology—topics the professors have devoted their careers to studying. When your story intersects with theirs, the results are powerful.
• Our student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. • 75% of full-time teaching faculty hold doctorates. • Our professors are recognized experts in dozens of fields. • Nearly 70% of our teaching faculty are published authors.
“At Vanguard I found a lot of support from the administration and teaching staff. I could go to any one of them at any time and ask them questions. I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was very stimulating and challenging. I feel strongly that I was founded in my faith in those classes.”
Danny de Leon ’67, pastor of Templo Calvario in Santa Ana, the largest Hispanic church in the U.S.; Spanish host for The 700 Club; frequent advisor to the White House; and head of the fastest-growing church-based, faith-based organization in the nation
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The heart of the matter. Spiritual growth is at the heart of the Vanguard journey. We want students to discover their God-given calling, and then engage the culture around them from a Christian point of view.
Regular chapel meetings and dozens of student-led ministry opportunities bring faith and service to life. If you like, you can travel overseas on a missions trip, or spend the summer ministering at kids camps. We make ministry accessible and fun because having a vibrant spiritual community—where you can ask questions and seek truth—is a big part of the journey.
“Vanguard awakened my mind, my spirit… my whole being. Through my experiences there I developed a desire to go to the mission field and reach out in ministry—to counsel people on a spiritual basis in my medical practice.” Dr. Paul Brillhart, VU ’78, M.D., general practice, former medical missionary to Guatemala
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• More than 40 denominations are represented at VU. • There are more than 20 student-led ministries based on campus. • Each year VU students visit half a dozen countries on missions trips. “Vanguard helped to build a great spiritual foundation to sustain and strengthen me throughout my life. I learned skills that helped me in the opportunities God has given me.” Kent Ingle ’84 MTS ’94, president of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida 16
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329
days of sunshine per year in Southern California.
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types of food available on a typical day in the VU cafeteria.
30%
of VU undergrads own a Disneyland annual pass.
18%
of VU students are from out of state.
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campus clubs, from College Republicans to men’s volleyball to Evangelicals for Social Action.
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wet suits hang out to dry on VU balcony rails on any given day.
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palm trees on campus.
1,400
undergraduates. 19
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Sharing your story. From the moment you step on campus you’ll feel
Once you get into the rhythm of campus life you’ll wonder how you lived
welcomed into the Vanguard family. You’ll join a small
any other way. We’ve got a near-perfect climate, the beach just three
group with current students. They’ll show you around and
miles from your dorm room and a world of possibilities for off-campus
answer your questions. You’ll enjoy an all-school party,
learning and fun in Southern California. Add to that a culturally diverse
bonfires on the beach and a lot more with fellow incoming
surrounding community and on-campus clubs and you’ve got one of the
students. Within no time you’ll have found a home.
best university environments imaginable.
You’ll be amazed how much you can pack into a year. You’ll share laughter, late-night study tips, dreams about the future and prayer. You may learn to surf or ride a skateboard, sing with Vanguard’s choir at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, or learn how to use a UV visible spectrophotometer in your biology class. But of all the enduring prizes of a Vanguard education, one of the biggest is the friendships that last a lifetime. 21
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Practice. Compete. Win. Vanguard Sports. Vanguard is for the serious athlete. We are a member of
For recreational athletes we’ve got plenty to keep the body healthy
the NAIA (Division I) and every year our teams advance
and moving. The campus has a new sand volleyball court. All kinds of
to national competition. In 2008, our women’s basketball
students have a blast playing intramural sports.
team won the NAIA national championship. Sports is a thrilling part of student life, from the thundering gymnasium (affectionately called “The Pit”) to the crack of bats in spring. Speaking of which, VU baseball players are regularly drafted into the major leagues.
“I always dreamed of pursuing a professional baseball career. Thanks to the people at Vanguard, I got the opportunity to play baseball and get my degree.” Nikolaus Crouch, VU student drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2005 Major League Baseball draft
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Vanguard Lions intercollegiate teams: Men’s • baseball • basketball • cross-country • soccer • swimming • tennis • track and field • water polo
Women’s • basketball • cross-country • soccer • softball • swimming • track and field • tennis • volleyball • water polo
“I’m glad I chose to go to Vanguard. The coaches have your best interests in mind and help make you the best you can be. All the opportunity is there.” Chad Chop, VU student drafted by the Montreal Expos in the sixth round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft 27
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Finances. Making the next chapter possible. At Vanguard, we make a great education affordable.
scholarship, a need-based grant, or a scholarship
Last year, Vanguard students received $18 million
for a particular area of study, like forensics, fine arts
in gift aid. To make sure you receive the grants,
or athletics. You might be offered an on-campus job.
scholarships or loans you qualify for, our admissions
Whatever the case, we put the Vanguard experience
counselors will walk you through the financial aid
within reach of every student who wants their journey
application process. You might get an academic merit
to pass through here.
“Here at Vanguard I’ve seen many doors open, and I feel like I’m being developed spiritually, academically and socially. I really admire the education I’m getting. I enjoy being around people, hearing their stories, where they came from, how students have this desire to change the world with all these creative ideas. It’s been really encouraging.” David Vazquez, student body president 2010-2012
• 90% of VU students who applied for financial aid received some type of financial assistance. 29
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If you like what you see, let’s get started. Come join the Vanguard community and let
VU practices selective admission, meaning
us equip you for the story God specifically
your eligibility is determined after we review
has for you. We’ll prepare you for a career
your application, essay, academic record
of your choice and encourage you to grow
and references. Academic preparation is
in your Christian faith. You’ll make lifelong
very important, but we consider all aspects
friends and become part of Vanguard’s
of a prospective student’s experience. We
global community of alums. Interested?
look forward to getting your application and
Fill out and submit an application. For
helping you fulfill your God-given purpose.
information, an application or to set up
Because at Vanguard…
a tour of the VU campus call us at (800)
your story matters.
• Average GPA of incoming students: 3.34 • 410 incoming freshmen in a recent year • VU gives priority to applicants with 2.8 GPA or higher
“I am where I am thanks to a great staff and faculty at Vanguard that polished me and challenged me to work hard.” Jennifer Rivera ’09, production assistant at Fox News in New York City
722-6279, or visit us at www.vanguard.edu. 31
Your Story Matters. VU Alums Making a Difference. Eduardo Lee - Co-founder and co-owner of Wahoo’s Fish Taco Daniel Amen - M.D., NY Times best-selling author and pioneer in psychiatry and brain imaging procedures Vanda Andel - Pediatric physical therapist at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Doug Fields - Youth leader and former youth pastor at Saddleback Church; author of “Purpose Driven Youth Ministry” Larry Mantle - Award-winning host of AirTalk on National Public Radio station KPCC Bonnie Brigman - Mentor teacher and former Teacher of the Year at Newport Mesa Unified School District Jesse Miranda - Consultant to three U.S. Presidents on Hispanic affairs. President of Alianza de Ministerios Evangelicos Nacionales (AMEN) Ralph Carmichael - Christian music pioneer, composer and conductor of Young Messiah tour 32
Peter Kuzmic - Founder of Evangelical Theological Seminary in Croatia, a diplomat and internationally recognized peacemaker
Lisa Espinoza-Johnson Speaker, author of three books on motherhood, columnist for Christian Parenting Today
Becky Stilling - President of EdFund, one of the nation’s leading providers of student loan services
Torry Martin - Comedian, author and speaker who currently writes for Adventures in Odyssey produced by Focus on the Family
Darren Cottriel - Partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP law firm
Nathan Gonzalez - Political editor for the Rothenberg Political Report in Washington, D.C., ABC News Consultant
Melinda Rediger - Producer of Disney’s “House of Mouse” television show Larry Kraiss - Surgeon and associate professor of surgery at the University of Utah Medical School Robin Landauer - Legislative Assistant (Majority Staff) - Senator Coburn, R-Colo Kristina Kuzmic - host of Kristina’s Fearless Kitchen on the Oprah Winfrey Network Ron Prettyman - Director of Athletics at Indiana State University Dennis Lindsay - President of Christ for the Nations Institute
Ron and Michelle Bueno Managing directors of ENLACE, an organization that fosters economic development in El Salvador LCDR Jim Peugh, CHC, USN Command Chaplain to Commander Naval Special Warfare Group One Danny de Leon - Pastor of nation’s largest Spanish speaking church, founder of Obras de Amor (a social services ministry), former host of the Spanish “700 Club” Reba Toney - Radio Announcer - 99.5, the Fish and KKLA
Bob Bowman - Co-founder and former president of Far East Broadcasting Company, which is touted by Billy Graham as being “one of the most effective and consistent voices in evangelical Christianity in the entire world” Stewart Ramsey and Travis Hartanov - Co-founders of Krochet Kids International, a non-profit organization that employs women in Uganda and Peru to create crocheted hats and accessories B.J. Birtwell - Former director of Youth Marketing for Chrysler Corporation Constance Wells - Senior Vice President for The Walt Disney Studios/Touchstone Pictures Olivia Klauss - award-winning documentary filmmaker who directed and produced Sin by Silence
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VANGUARD’S UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE OFFERS A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN THE FOLLOWING MAJORS: Accounting Biological Sciences Business Administration Communication Communication Studies Cinema Arts Cultural Anthropology English Literature and Textual Analysis Writing History/Political Science International Business Liberal Studies Various Emphases Marketing Music
Music Education Music Ministry Performance Music and Worship Arts Psychology Religion Biblical Studies Christian Formation and Discipleship Studies Intercultural Studies Pastoral Leadership Studies Youth Leadership Studies
VANGUARD’S UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE OFFERS A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN THE FOLLOWING MAJORS: Biochemistry Biology Botany and Ecology Education Neuroscience Pre-Medical Studies Chemistry Kinesiology Exercise and Sport Science Sport Studies Pre-Health Sciences Mathematics
Sociology Theatre Arts Performance/Directing Technical/Design Musical Theatre
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A Los Angeles International Airport B
John Wayne Airport
C
Disneyland
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Knott’s Berry Farm
E Universal Studios F
Angel Stadium
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Dodger Stadium
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Staples Center/Nokia Theatre
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Segerstrom Center for the Arts
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Vanguard University 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa California 92626 714.556.3610 800.722.6279 vanguard.edu admissions@vanguard.edu
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