John Paul the Great Catholic University

“JPCatholic gave me the space to take creative risks and build something tangible. Starting in the Business Launchpad program, what began as a senior project has grown into The Forsaken Archives, an immersive escape room company in Escondido built around original storytelling and intentional design.

I approach The Forsaken Archives as a creative director first. We don’t just build puzzles; we build worlds. Each experience is crafted to challenge players, immerse them fully, and leave them feeling like they were part of something bigger than a single room.”

-Alumnus Sebastian Conant Guy ‘23, Founder

Try out his escape rooms for yourself at www.theforsakenarchives.com

entrepreneurship gamedesign

Join us Thursday for the next lecture in our Power of Beauty series! RSVP for free, and join us in person or on Zoom:
https://jpcatholic.edu/events/the-power-of-beauty/index.php

Calling all alumni! You’re invited to our first official Alumni Reunion, a weekend of reconnection, celebration, and prayer on June 26-28. The event will be held on our campus in Escondido, at the brand new Creative Arts Complex. Register now at jpcatholic.edu/go/reunion

Winter Quarter is over and Spring Break has begun! Congratulations to the transfers who graduated this quarter, and safe travels to everyone going on our Europe Trip! It's been a great 10 weeks on campus, and we're grateful for all the fun events, creativity, and community at JPCatholic. This quarter included our first ever trip to the national March for Life in DC, a book launch by Prof. Eccles, the annual Pelly's Awards, Taming of the Shrew, Winter Formal, a new Pelican's Plume issue, and much more!

Prof. novel Sing the Night is officially published! Thanks to and everyone who joined us last night at the book launch party! Learn more about the fantasy novel and find links to buy a copy at www.meganjaureguieccles.com

Established author Loretta Larkin has the most picturesque life in the county: money, a reputation, and above all, peace and quiet... Until her life is upended by the arrival of her nephew, a young man who desperately wants a place of his own, even if that means turning hers on its head.

“Young Man, You’re a Genius” is an original one act play written by senior Acting student Emily Alber, who also stars as Loretta. She wrote and produced the play through an independent study under Prof. Katelyn Slater, and the full recording is now available to watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suHxySdZBIE

Congratulations to the cast of “Taming of the Shrew” on their wonderful performances this weekend. What a fun show! Look forward to our backstage video and the full performance coming soon!

“When I visited JPCatholic almost three years ago, I didn’t expect to fall in love with the school, but I’d made up my mind before I even made it back home. Now that I’m nearly halfway through my time here, I couldn’t be happier. I’ve found lifelong friends, made incredible memories, and been a part of more projects than I can count. I’m surrounded by creativity and faith every single day. I love it here, and as excited as I am to move into the real world someday, I know I’ll be devastated to leave.”
~ Julia Sengenberger, Sophomore Acting and Screenwriting student.

Through a partnership with Coronation Media and EWTN Studios, twelve JPCatholic students are in Pennsylvania right now helping on the set of their feature film The Shepherd! This is the first narrative feature inspired by the life of Blessed Stanley Rother, a Catholic priest who was martyred in Guatemala. The Shepherd began production in Guatemala last fall, and now our students are joining the U.S.-based portion of the filming. The hands-on experience is also fostering connections with alumni, such as 2nd AD Katerina Gerlach and Haley Rossi, Associate Creative Director at Coronation, who are both working on the film. Learn more at www.rothermovie.com

JPCatholic is excited to announce the launch of our Impact + Master Accelerator Fund! This new initiative will award up to $25k in funding each year to student teams who successfully pitch their businesses, films, games, or other projects with cultural impact. By reallocating resources from the Feature Film Program, which will sunset this year, the IMA Fund will empower students to bring their own creative visions to life. Learn more at https://jpcatholic.edu/news_press/new-ima-fund.php