Joel Gackle
Director of Alumni Relations
Joel is responsible for cultivating relationships with alumni and increasing their involvement with the university, both in giving and participation. He supervises the management of the alumni online community and alumni communication, and contributes to the Vanguard magazine.
In his own words – “I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Joel Gackle, and it is with humility and great joy that I have accepted the position as the Director of Alumni Relations for Vanguard University. I look forward to serving the community, and watching how God continues to use Vanguard to build His kingdom. As I look at Southern California Bible School’s 1925 graduating class with eleven students, I can’t help but marvel at our 2011 incoming class with over 570 students.
While serving our university, I have had the privilege of interacting with each component of our community. I had the honor of serving as Resident Director of Balboa and Newport Halls. In fact, this was the first home I shared as a newlywed with my beautiful bride Kristin. In addition, I have worked with our School for Professional Studies coordinating our business students. I also attained my MBA Master’s degree from Vanguard. These past 5 years of service at Vanguard has allowed me to experience the vibrant community we all love. I look forward to expanding on the solid work that has already been done in the alumni office. It is with your help we can make the alumni office a transformative department for alumni and current students alike.“
If you are on campus, please stop by my office in Smith Hall and introduce yourself.
I look forward to meeting you!
Email Joel at joel.gackle@vanguard.edu
Heather (Rachels ’02) Clements
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
There is much to say about how much Heather enjoys working at Vanguard University. The past few years working at VU makes her feel even more proud of her education. Heather graduated in 2002 with a degree in Communication.
After graduation, she spent a year working in Vienna, Austria. She says, “It was amazing!” After coming home she married Caleb Clements ’02. They are happily married and have a home in Costa Mesa. Caleb, a worship pastor at Mariners Church, and Heather are proud parents to daughter Emily Ruth, 3, and son Charles “Charlie” Timothy, born September 2011.
With Heather’s favorite word being Accomplish, it is sometimes hard for her to sit and relax. Lately, that stillness discipline is something she is tackling. Some things that help are: great meals with friends, Starbucks, The Office, any sort of chocolate, fun conversation, hot french fries, diet coke, and her husband when he has had one too many Swedish fish candies.
“It is truly a privilege to serve you!
I look forward to helping you reconnect with your friends from Vanguard.”
Email Heather at hclements@vanguard.edu
Chelsea Belardo ’04
Advancement Coordinator
Chelsea was born in Hawaii and raised in South Carolina. Her first time ever flying by herself, and coming to California was also her first day of Music Camp at Vanguard University.
Chelsea has fond memories of working in the Alumni office as a student helping Rosemary Jackson with the daunting task of updating the Alumni Directory and participating in various Homecoming events. Upon attaining an English degree in 2004, she became officially employed on staff as the Alumni Relations & University Excellence Fund Coordinator.
Currently, her job roles include event-planning, facilitating our Phonathon Annual Fundraiser, writing for the Vanguard Magazine, and maintaining records of university alumni & friends. As a student, she was involved in several dance ensembles, on-campus cultural events, and Frontline New Student Orientation.
“I’ve never missed a Vanguard Theatre show; I still adore going to chapel; and my favorite college sports team are the Vanguard Lions. I guess it’s true… I bleed blue and gold!”
Email Chelsea at cbelardo@vanguard.edu
For more info on the staff at Vanguard University’s Office of Advancement,
visit our website.
Vanguard Advancement Interns
UNIVERSITY EVENTS
Katie Heemstra
Hometown: Auburn, CA
Junior| Anthropology
Katie is an up-and-coming Event planner, especially with her previous projects as a student worker in the Vanguard Event Relations office. Her Anthropology studies have only enhanced her natural affinity to observe people of all backgrounds and cultures.
ALUMNI
Rosalyn Brickman
Hometown: Hobbs, NM
Senior | Theatre
Rosalyn’s Vanguard career includes being an RA for Catalina Hall, a member of the Women’s Chorus, and working in the Undergraduate admissions office. She is our resident actress and has been involved with many Lyceum Theatre productions, one of which was the coveted role of Juliet… in William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.
ADVANCEMENT
Kelly Douglas
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Junior | Liberal Studies
In addition to working in the Advancement office, Kelly is an excellent babysitter and assists with her family business, Douglas Masonary Inc. She is a proud of her Liberal Studies major and hopes to have a classroom of her own one day.
