Biola University has selected a total of 42 graduating undergraduate students for membership into the university’s honors baccalaureate society, Epsilon Kappa Epsilon (EKE) for the Spring 2026 semester.

Induction into the honors society is offered exclusively by invitation, with students selected by department faculty. The selection criteria are based upon academic achievement, with students earning a GPA of at least 3.75, Christian character and individual contributions to the university and community. Only top 5% of the graduating undergraduate class are invited into the honors society.

“Students selected for the Epsilon Kappa Epsilon Honor Society are to be lauded for their distinguished scholastic achievement, faithful service and Christian character,” said Dr. Melissa Schubert Johnson, associate provost of undergraduate education. “They exemplify core values of Biola University, which we know will be crucial to their excellence in all that God calls them to. We celebrate each and every honoree.”

The 42 students selected represent all eight of Biola’s academic schools and range in majors including nursing, art, political science, communication sciences and disorders, accounting, philosophy, cinema and media arts, elementary education and psychology.

The students inducted into the honor society are Abby Nordell, Abigale Morris, Amanda Arias, Chloe Laurin, Christina Nghiem, Dana Jimenez, Enqi Chen, George Bode Horton, Grace Hewitt, Gracie Ghattas, Halle Hartwig, Han Lin, India Young, Jack Sapyta, Jacob Cohen, Jacqueline McCauslin, Joshua Dachenhausen, Juliana Shellans, Kaden Van Hook, Kaitlyn Stetzer, Karis Brown, Kassandra Hiller, Kelly Van Duine, Knox Covington, Kristy Lowe, Kyah Kang, Kylie Kim, Lauren Luevano, Livi Thompson, Maleah Bell, Maria Vidal Poy, Matthew Kim, Maya Joseph, Natasha Salvador, Olivia White, Perrin Mullinax, Riley Jones, Sage Anderson, Serena Shu, Sierra Vollmar, Tobias Pak and Zurisaday Arreola.

Stetzer, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, noted that Biola provided her an environment perfectly fit for growth academically, spiritually and personally.

“Biola has strengthened my faith by teaching me to pursue goodness in all that I do, not merely through academic coursework. To be a student at Biola is to grow in friendship, childlike-ness, kindness, appreciation of beauty, and love for others. This growth is a natural result of Biola's mission to equip young men and women in leadership and service for the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Stetzer. “If Biola does one thing right, it is that they view creation in tandem with the Creator; Every grade, every achievement, and every piece of recognition is for his glory. I leave Biola knowing that no servant is greater than his master, and I am fully prepared to serve wherever I am called next.”

As she prepares to step into clinical psychology, she feels equipped to serve others.

“My academic experience at Biola has prepared me for a life of service. Though Christ certainly encourages us to be excellent in our callings, he most importantly commands us to abound in love, humility and faithfulness,” said Stetzer. “The education I received here has provided me with the framework to do just this; after Biola, I will not just be an excellent clinician, but a clinician who loves abundantly, leads with humility, and exemplifies faithfulness.”

The students will be recognized for their induction into EKE at the Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on May 8 and 9 as well as at an induction ceremony on May 6 at 6 p.m. in Calvary Chapel.

Founded in 1908, Biola University is committed to the mission of biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 5,000 students at its Southern California campus and around the world, Biola’s eight schools offer more than 250 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. Recognized as the most comprehensive Christian university, ranked highest in North America for operationalizing its mission and ranked as one of the “Best National Universities” by U.S. News and World Report, Biola offers its students a premier educational and co-curricular experience. For more information, visit biola.edu or call (562) 777-4061.

Become part of Biola’s Christian community and biblically centered academics by applying for the 2026-2027 academic year by May 1.

Written by Sarah Dougher, strategic communication manager. For more information, email sarah.m.dougher@biola.edu.