A board member befriended him and gave him a job while attending Pasadena College. Every Friday, this board member took time from his schedule to treat the young student to a steak dinner. This relationship continued even after the student transferred to another college since chemistry was not a viable major at Pasadena College in the early days. About twelve years ago, the benefactor began looking for a program where students were being mentored in a professional relationship. He was impressed by the benefit students received from the undergraduate research program in biology and chemistry.
Professors work closely with students and become their mentors.
These experiences greatly benefit students when they apply to graduate or medical schools, and when they seek employment. The biology and chemistry faculty at Point Loma are committed to working closely with students and to carrying out the vision of this gracious benefactor, which also honors the kindness of a Pasadena College board member over fifty years ago. Now that this donor is with the Lord, his wishes are that this gift will grow. Dr. John A. Payton has recently joined PLNU's office of University Advancement as associate director of Planned Giving. Rev. Payton will have primary responsibility for the Los Angeles and Anaheim districts, and will work from the university's office on the Pasadena campus.