Two Point Loma Nazarene University students were named “Rising Alumni” ahead of the 2026 Homecoming weekend. The award, given once a year, recognizes thoughtful, service-minded individuals who embody PLNU’s mission of a Christian community.
Jacob Le, a fifth-year mechanical engineering major, and Trey Weedman, a fourth-year applied health science major, were selected through a nomination, review and decision process conducted by university staff and alumni leaders, according to Lexi Case, assistant director of alumni engagement.
Case said that the purpose of these awards is to “affirm that leadership and impact don’t begin after commencement — they’re already happening,” while also inspiring the rest of the student body “to lead with integrity, serve with humility and pursue the unique God-given gifts they have to offer.”
Le and Weedman will accept their awards on Feb. 20 during the Homecoming chapel at 9:45 a.m. in Brown Chapel.
The Point talked with the awardees to hear more about their time at PLNU and their hopes after graduation.
The Point: Has there been a moment or experience at PLNU that has most shaped who you are today?
Jacob Le: I would say getting involved with RA (residential assistant) and being a part of (Residential) Life. Getting involved in the community and being a part of campus life … Part of that is one-on-ones with your RD (residential director) and just taking on the responsibility of managing academics and extracurriculars, and being a part of a team.
Trey Weedman: Definitely being a part of the soccer team. This team has been a family to me throughout my time here, and I’m grateful to have been able to share so much life with these guys at training, on travel trips, at Bible studies … God has used the game of soccer to help me keep my mind focused on him and not let the things of this world define me. … And I related this to my faith, because it showed me that I can’t take any days off when it comes to my faith.
TP: In what ways has your understanding of “calling” evolved during your time in college?
JL: I think that exploring a lot of different interests and finding what I like to do, and finding my calling through that. … I’ve taken classes like robotics and discovered new hobbies and passions that I wouldn’t have been exposed to if I hadn’t gone to college or pursued higher education.
TW: My understanding of calling has grown mainly during my senior seminar class and when Battalion Chief Miller at the San Diego Fire Department spoke. … this class helped me understand the character of Jesus and how I can become more like him. We also talked about how vocation is something that someone else calls you to do, and you do it for them. … It really helped me realize that I had the mindset of “What should I do?” instead of “What does God want me to do?” But I realized that what I wanted to do was to be a firefighter, and if I pursued that for God, then he would equip me to be his hands and feet in that way.
TP: The Rising Alumni Award recognizes “thoughtful, service-minded students.” How do you seek to embody those qualities?
JL: I try to be involved in the community. Being an RA and also involved in ASB … For example, the setting up and tearing down of events. I think that’s one part of being a servant and doing stuff for the community and for your friends that maybe other people don’t wanna do.
Also, getting involved in the local church. For me, that looks like being a Sunday school teacher for 4- and 5-year-olds at College Ave Church. Working in the Sunday school is a way to see there’s a bigger world out there beyond just you and your tests and your exams. … it works two ways, you’re serving others, but also it’s rewarding for you to be in the community.
TW: A few months ago, Chris Hilken, the pastor at College Ave Church, said that one of the most important questions you can ask yourself is “What does love require of me right now?” That question has really helped me because … It helps me remember that I should be living out the love of Jesus in everything that I do. There are a lot of earthly distractions that try to steal my joy and take my attention away from God, but this has helped me stay focused on things with eternal significance.
TP: What are your hopes or goals for the season following graduation, and how has PLNU helped prepare you for it?
JL: I hope to get a full-time job, be employed after graduation and continue what I’m doing in engineering. Also, to transition well and hopefully leave a legacy. I would say I don’t have any regrets in my college career. … I feel like I checked all my boxes … I think the connections that I’ve made here and all the mentorships and the faculty in engineering who have been gracious to me have prepared me for the bigger world ahead.
TW: Biggest thing is I’m getting married soon after I graduate, so that’s what I’m thinking about the most immediately following graduation. But apart from that, I would love to be a firefighter because I think that God has prepared me for that through my soccer career, through my love of healthcare, my desire to serve and through leadership qualities that I’ve grown in Bible studies and on sports teams. I’m also really looking forward to getting more involved in College Ave Church with my wife, Ashley. For now, Ashley and I are not sure where we will end up long-term, but we wanna enjoy living in Southern California for a little while longer and see where the Lord takes us.
Sydney Brammer 
Carson Dillon