Julia Reimer, Ph.D.</h1> <article> <h1>Julia Reimer, Ph.D.</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:59:00 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> Julia Reimer, Ph.D., associate professor of theater, completed a master’s in applied theater from City University of New York (CUNY), as part of her two-year sabbatical/study leave. She also joined the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission and attended the annual meetings in Winnipeg in June 2013. After the meetings, she performed her one-woman drama <em>Geertruydt</em> at River East MB Church, Winnipeg. The drama recounts the life of Menno Simons—the early Anabaptist leader from whom Mennonite groups take their name—and the struggles of the early Anabaptists through the eyes of the Menno's wife, Geertruydt.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-story-photos"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>FPU, MCC co-sponsor institute for young adults</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:51:29 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p>West Coast Mennonite Central Committee’s Global Anabaptist Institute, June 13-21 at Fresno Pacific University, is intended for young adults who want to be challenged by the diverse opinions and backgrounds of other participants, spiritual concepts and study of peace and justice.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-copy"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> See more of this story from the U.S. Mennonite Brethren Conference at <a href="http://www.usmb.org/fpu-mcc-co-sponsor-institute-for-young-adults">usmb.org/fpu-mcc-co-sponsor-institute-for-young-adults</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>New summit helps the faithful alleviate unemployment</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:44:25 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> The Central Valley’s first summit on how faith-based organizations can address unemployment was a rousing success.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-copy"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> Some 123 pastors, non-profit leaders and faith-based business people attended the Work of Our Hands May 30, 2013. This was about twice the number of people expected, according to Randy White, D. Min., chief architect of the summit.</p> <p> “It was a great shot for our first experience. We will do it again,” said White, executive director of the Center for Community Transformation at Fresno Pacific University. The CCT sponsored the summit, which took place at First Presbyterian Church, Fresno.</p> <p> The morning-long event featured opening remarks from Fresno mayor Ashley Swearengin, eight workshops, Skype presentations on what other churches and communities are already doing and resources available to get the work started here. Many of the ideas centered on how churches and nonprofits can start businesses and provide support and training for those who find it difficult to get a job. </p> <p> Workshops included:</p> <p> <strong>Social Entrepreneurship for Churches and Non-Profits</strong></p> <p> Mark-Peter Lundquist, vice president with Urban Ventures in Minneapolis, and Randy Wallace, Ph.D., associate professor of business at FPU, explained what social entrepreneurship is, and gave examples of churches and agencies launching social enterprises.</p> <p> <strong>How to Incubate a Small Business Idea</strong></p> <p> Craig Scharton, director of business development for the city of Fresno, explored how churches and non-profits can make a product or service into a sustainable business.</p> <p> <strong>Funding Your Venture: Crowd Sourcing and Micro Loans</strong></p> <p> Jeremy Hofer (1999 FPU grad), business development manager at the Fresno Community Development Financial Institution, talked about micro lending, crowd sourcing and other ways of funding a small business start-up.</p> <p> <strong>Unemployment Support Groups</strong></p> <p> Carlotta Curti facilitated an unemployment support group at NorthPointe Community Church, Fresno. She shared what they’ve learned from such activities as resume help, dealing with the emotional aspects of unemployment and job referral services. She also made recommendations for churches wishing to provide this ministry for their members.</p> <p> <strong>Social Business and the Triple Bottom Line</strong></p> <p> Brice Yocum, J.D., assistant professor of business administration/law and ethics at FPU, and Kyle Kennington, Lanna Coffee in Fresno, defined social business and their financial, social and environmental benefits.</p> <p> <strong>Learn2Earn: How Your Church Could Make Fresno More Attractive to Industry</strong></p> <p> Linda Davidson-Gafford, project coordinator for Learn2Earn, explained mechanisms in place for those in Fresno who want to improve their chances for employment through education.</p> <p> <strong>Modest Models 1: Chocolate, Soup and the Jolly Green Giant Modest Models 2: Cars, Resumes and Brooms</strong></p> <p> Presenters gave examples of businesses started by churches and agencies for vulnerable groups such as youth and young mothers as well as communities at large.</p> <p> The Work of Our Hands will not stop between summits. The CCT is sponsoring a business plan competition for youth groups, congregations and individuals. Plans are to award three $2,500 prizes October 1. “With $2500 you can do materials, make a web presence and market nationally,” White said.</p> <p> Other activities are also in the works. “We’ve got to find ways to leverage this, to keep it alive,” White said.</p> <p> The Center for Community Transformation is based in the Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, a school of FPU. Its purpose is to transform the region into communities of abundance and peace and its vision is a Central Valley defined by access to the blessings of entrepreneurial creativity, spiritual freedom, economic vitality and justice, environmental integrity, cross-cultural/social collaboration and political health.</p> <p> See a report from Channel 24, KSEE-TV at</p> <p> <a href="http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/Faith-Based-Unemployment-Summit-209577831.html">ksee24.com/news/local/Faith-Based-Unemployment-Summit-209577831.html</a></p> <p> More about the Center for Community Transformation at <a href="http://www.transformcentralvalley.org/">TransformCentralValley.org/</a></p> <p> Large photo: Randy White addresses Work of Our Hands participants Small photo: Randy White and Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin (Photos by Steve Skibbie) </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-story-photos"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>FPU-UC Merced offer path to aspiring teachers</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:04:43 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> Armanti Hardesty is ready to join the next generation of teachers.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-copy"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> “We’re all going into a more technological age,” said Hardesty, an alumnus from Long Beach. “It’s great to have new teachers learning the best ways to help students.”</p> <p> Hardesty left UC Merced in May with a degree in sociology and a minor in natural sciences education, and is planning to enroll at Fresno Pacific University to pursue a multi-subject teaching credential. He’s one of nine other students headed to that university. Their path to teaching was guided by the campus’s<a href="http://naturalsciences.ucmerced.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/calteachuc-smi-program">CalTeach/UC Science and Math Initiative</a>.</p> <p> See more of this story from UC Merced News Services at <a href="http://www.ucmerced.edu/news/science-math-program-offer-more-paths-aspiring-teachers">ucmerced.edu/news/science-math-program-offer-more-paths-aspiring-teachers</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Seminary students take part in international Hispanic Summer Program</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:37:00 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> A half dozen Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary students have been accepted into the Hispanic Summer Program June 22-July 5, 2013, at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-copy"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> Elizabeth Cortez is pursuing an M.A. in marriage and family therapy, as are Monica Heredia and Cindy Hernandez. Hector Hernandez is studying for a master of divinity, Cindy Mendez for an M.A. in urban missions and Ivan Paz for an M.A. in theology.</p> <p> “With a growing Latino population in the seminary as well as in the San Joaquin Valley, the seminary considers it essential to offer this opportunity for students to study in a Latino setting with Hispanic peers and professors,” said Lynn Jost, Ph.D., vice president of Fresno Pacific University and dean of the seminary. “I am pleased that we have such a strong cohort of students in our first year in this program, which includes many of the most prominent seminaries across the nation.”</p> <p> Cindy Mendez is excited at the opportunity. “Being a seminary in the Valley makes our participation in HSP that much more important. The Latino church is growing and as future pastors, ministers and counselors it is important to fully understand our Latino perspective of the Bible,” she said.</p> <p> Being part of HSP reflects the seminary’s vision for Fresno and the church, Paz said. “The partnership between Fresno Pacific and the Hispanic Summer Program is definitely a strategic move toward the development of a new generation of leaders in Fresno, and beyond, which will bridge cultural gaps and a variety of barriers,” he said.</p> <p> The Hispanic Summer Program is a non-profit educational service operated by a group of more than 50 seminaries, universities and theology departments. These sponsors represent Roman Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical and Pentecostal institutions in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.</p> <p> The mission of the Hispanic Summer Program is to “supplement and enrich the theological and ministerial education being offered in seminaries and universities, with academic courses and other activities directly addressing Hispanic history, ministry and theology. As an ecumenical program it seeks to heal the divisions in the Latina/o community fueled by denominational and theological differences. As a Hispanic program, the HSP tries to find ways to restore connections and build bridges between Hispanics and non-Hispanics,” according to the HSP website at <a href="http://www.hispanicsummerprogram.org/">hispanicsummerprogram.org/</a></p> <p> Since HSP began in 1989, more than 1,000 Hispanic graduate students, and more than 100 non-Latinas and Latinos, have taken about 150 courses from approximately 100 different Hispanic faculty.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>On-Site marks 20 years of counseling</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:55:33 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> On-Site Counseling celebrated its 20th anniversary May 17 with a reception in the BC Lounge at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-copy"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> Founded by former Professor of Marriage, Family and Child Counseling Al Dueck, Ph.D., the agency provides quality, affordable and professional counseling to individuals, couples, families and groups. There are about 40 people on staff, nine of whom are full time. Counseling students and recent graduates work part-time under the supervision of licensed marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers and clinical psychologists.</p> <p> In all, On-Site has served more than 16,000 clients, estimates Mary Shamshoian, L.M.F.T., director of the agency for 12 years. On-Site has contracts with about three dozen elementary, middle and high schools and several Head Start programs in a half dozen school districts, as well as FPU. The agency has also worked with churches and other organizations.</p> <p> More on on-Site Counseling at <a href="http://studentlife.fresno.edu/student-care/counseling">studentlife.fresno.edu/student-care/counseling</a></p> <p> Photo (from left): David Bruce Rose, Ph.D., associate professor of marriage and family therapy; Angela Turner, L.M.F.T.; and Tanja Fridolfs, M.F.T.I.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-story-photos"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Luncheon honors faculty and staff</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:51:59 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> FPU celebrated a year, and some careers, during the Faculty-Staff Appreciation Luncheon.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-copy"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> The annual event was May 9 in Shehadey Dining Room on the main campus. Among the highlights was the presentation of President’s Distinguished Service Awards. Registrar Linda Pryce-Sheehan, Ed.D., received the award for administration and Zachary Durlam, D.M.A., director of choral activities for faculty. Staff awards went to MaryJo Burchard, assistant director, School of Education graduate admissions, Visalia Center, and Jonathan Maher, director of systems analysis.</p> <p> Recognition was also given for those completing milestones in their years of service. Dennis Janzen, Ph.D., director of athletics, and Peter Wasemiller, assistant professor of business administration/law and ethics, were honored for 30 years. Gary Estes, chief accountant; Delores Friesen, Ph.D., professor of marriage and family therapy; Mike Miles, athletics facilities manager; and Paula Seminario, student loan coordinator; were honored for 25 years. Mark Deffenbacher, executive director of the FPU Foundation; Dina Gonzalez-Pina, assistant dean of multicultural ministries; Linda Hoff, professor of education; Jeanne Janzen, Ed.D., associate professor of curriculum and teaching; Deborah Sauer-Ferrand, associate professor of music; and Billie Jean Wiebe, Ph.D., associate professor of communication/English; were honored for 20 years.</p> <p> Four faculty were honored on their retirement: Brian DeMars, assistant professor of undergraduate kinesiology; Dave Derby, assistant professor of education; Don McHatten, assistant professor of special education; and Paul Toews, Ph.D., professor of history. A colleague paid tribute to each retiree:</p> <p> Kevin Enns-Rempel, director of Hiebert Library, on Paul Toews:</p> <p> “Paul was a masterful teacher, who elevated the study of history far beyond a simple recitation of names, dates and places. In his lectures, Paul wove rich tapestries that helped students understand not merely the facts of our past, but their meaning and significance.” </p> <p> Gary Gramenz, Ph.D, dean of the School of Education, on Dave Derby:</p> <p> “His leadership guiding lights are: Be proactive—I want my students to know that we have the choice that only mature people can make and the freedom to become empowered, self-assessing, self-directed, self-monitoring individuals who think and make sense of their world and work. Second—begin with the end in mind: determine where you want to be, what you need to have and what you need to do together. Third—put first things first.”</p> <p> Peter Kopriva, Ed.D., professor of special education/early childhood development, on Don McHatten:</p> <p> “Among Don's achievements was to help bring the Adult Life Enrichment program--classes for college-age students (18-22 years old) with disabilities--to FPU. The lives of administrators, students, faculty and staff were enriched because of this welcoming, and countless FPU students benefited from opportunities to volunteer inside the classrooms as well as to participate on campus with these students. Many decided upon careers in education and other career paths because of these opportunities."</p> <p> Jim Ave, Ph.D., associate professor kinesiology, on Brian DeMars:</p> <p> “When I think of Brian, I think of his example of a person who loves, follows and is devoted to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is encouraging, hospitable, compassionate, dedicated to helping students, a man of integrity and always willing to help others.”</p> <p> PHOTO (from left): Retirees Don McHatten, Paul Toews and Brian DeMars (Dave Derby was not present)</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-story-photos"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Cory Seibel, Ph.D.</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:37:43 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> Cory Seibel, Ph.D., assistant professor of pastoral theology, published an article in <em>Christian Leader</em>, the magazine of the United States Mennonite Brethren Conference. “Faith that Sticks,” appeared in the April/May 2013 issue.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-story-photos"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>FPU spring commencement sets records</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:27:28 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> Commencement usually takes a backseat to athletics when it comes to statistics, but several records were set May 4.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-copy"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <ul> <li> 7,000 family, friends and loved ones in the audience at the two ceremonies</li> <li> 7,500 bottles of water distributed by FPU staff</li> <li> 5,000 complimentary paper fans waving in California’s Central Valley sun</li> </ul> <p> And, most important:</p> <ul> <li> 555 new alumni—235 from bachelor’s degree completion programs, 189 traditional undergraduates and 131 graduate students (including 20 from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary)</li> </ul> <p> Ceremonies took place on the University Green at the main Fresno campus, beginning at 10:00 a.m. for traditional undergraduate, graduate and seminary students and at 6:00 p.m. for degree completion students. In his welcome, President Pete C. Menjares, Ph.D., summed up several accomplishments of the 2012-2013 academic year, including the opening of a Fitness Center, a successful visit from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (FPU’s accrediting body) and progress toward complete membership in the NCAA Division II.</p> <p> Provost Stephen Varvis, Ph.D., gave the commencement addresses. Varvis--an FPU professor, dean and administrator for 28 years--asked students to examine the “hidden curriculum”: the virtues that underpin all the facts and figures students learn and all the tests and projects they undertake, the characteristics that define a Fresno Pacific education.</p> <p> Varvis spoke of truthfulness, imitation and care.</p> <p> Truthfulness is defined as “working with each other and living in truthfulness” and spoken of as “academic integrity”; either way it’s more than a euphemism for not cheating.</p> <p> “Truth must be shown in truthful action; it is most clearly seen when we live in the truth,” Varvis said. “The truth exists in God. And Jesus, we believe, is the way, the truth and the life. This is our beginning—we see no contradiction between the truth we seek in the laboratory, the library and the classroom and the truth we seek in Scripture, in worship and in following Jesus.”</p> <p> Imitation is a way of learning how to be as well as what to know. The world believes that learning is about facts and skills. “All you have to do is get the right information, practice the skills to manipulate that information and you will have what you need,” Varvis said. “How simple it would be if that were the case.”</p> <p> Varvis quoted Paul’s letter to the Philippians, part of the commencement Scripture passage: '"What you received and saw in me…do,'" he said. “Your professors and others have let you in on their lives and professions. They have modeled the life of Christ followers who are also scholars and scholarly practitioners of the professions you will enter."</p> <p> The final virtue is caring or love. FPU faculty care for their students. “Graduates, you know this about your professors. They have shown it to you consistently—in the attentiveness they bring to your questions, in their creativity, in their preparation for class, in their responses to your work, in their availability when you need their time,” Varvis said.</p> <p> Graduates succeed by embodying these virtues, and passing them on. “Someday you will find yourself saying something familiar and you won’t be able to place it. Or you will pursue a problem or question all the way to the bottom until you are sure you have as much of the truth as you can acquire. Or you will respond to a colleague, a student or a customer with care and love for their needs and hurts. You will say, ‘I remember…you fill in the name...said or did that,’ and you will be reminded of the hidden curriculum of truthfulness, imitation and care and love that is now a part of who you are,” Varvis said.</p> <p> Awards went to students, faculty and local agencies. The Nickel Excellence in Teaching Award was given to Quentin Kinnison, Ph.D., assistant professor of Christian ministry and leadership. Michaelynne Whitsitt (Fresno), B.A. graduate in history, received the Harold Haak Award for contributions to the university, community and church, and the Academic Award for highest grade point average. The Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary Community Service Award went to The Salvation Army Fresno Adult Rehabilitation Center.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-story-photos"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>FPU students win national Alpha Chi honors</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Fri, 03 May 2013 20:21:42 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> Members of the university Alpha Chi chapter earned individual and group honors at the academic honor society’s national convention.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-copy"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> Angela Ellington won The Robert Blake Prize in British Literature for her presentation: "Julia's Rise and Fall: Sex and Feminism in George Orwell's <em>1984</em>” at the convention April 4-6 in Nashville. She was one of 26 prize winners among more than 260 students who made scholarly, creative and artistic presentations. The FPU chapter, named California Zeta, was given its seventh Star Chapter Award, an honor that went to 34 of the about 300 Alpha Chi chapters nationwide.</p> <p> Ruth Dahlquist, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology; W. Marshall Johnston, Ph.D., associate professor of history/Latin; Brian Schultz, Ph.D., assistant professor of biblical and religious studies; and Nathan Smith, Ph.D., assistant professor of business administration/finance and economics, are the chapter sponsors.</p> <p> Alpha Chi inducts no more than the top 10 percent of juniors, seniors and graduate/professional students on each campus, representing all academic disciplines. The organization promotes academic excellence, undergraduate and graduate research, campus academic dialogue and civic engagement.</p> <p> PHOTO: California Zeta members, front row (left to right): Brennen Henry (Sanger), Jorge Cubillos (Kerman), Chase Conklin (Modesto), Alfredo Ramirez (Waterford). Back row (left to right): Allison Ens (Olathe, KS), William DePledge (Oakhurst), John Koretoff (Fresno), Elijah Roth (Fresno). (FPU photo provided by Brennen Henry)</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-story-photos"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>FPU celebrates with End of the Year BBQ (video link)</h1> <p>Media Team — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:23:27 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><p> FPU's Student Activities Board hosted its annual End of the Year BBQ on the East Hall Green on the evening of April 30. The BBQ featured a photo booth, snow cones and cotton candy, water slides, inflatable games and a rock wall. To keep up to date with student life events, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fpustudentactivities">facebook.com/fpustudentactivities</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Walter Saul, D.M.A.</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:16:14 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> Walter Saul, D.M.A., released a CD of original compositions titled <em>Walter Saul: Sonatas and Meditations for Piano</em>. The recording will be released by Enharmonic Records in the summer of 2013. Compositions include “Sonata #5 for Piano,” “On the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus,” “Sonata #2 for Piano, “Palingenesia,” “Sonata #1 for Piano,” “For God Alone My Soul Waits in Silence” and Sonata #4 For Piano.” A CD release event is planned for January 2014 as part of the Pacific Artist Series.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-story-photos"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>CCT hosts "I Believe in Downtown" (video link)</h1> <p>Media Team — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:19:15 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> Attendees of "I Believe in Downtown," an event hosted by the Center for Community Transformation, heard from two experts on downtown Fresno: Craig Scharton and Kate Borders. The April 26 breakfast was held in Ashley Auditorium. To find out more about the CCT, visit <a href="http://transformcentralvalley.org/">transformcentralvalley.org</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>FPU student leaders honored at annual banquet (video link)</h1> <p>Media Team — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:03:37 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><p> All student leaders were invited to FPU's annual Leadership Banquet in Ashley Auditorium on April 25. The ceremony was an opportunity for FPU staff to recognize and honor student leaders for their exemplary service throughout the school year. Awards were presented to a member of each cadre, or leadership group, including residence life student staff, mentor's assistants, ministry leaders, worship team members and many other groups.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>FPU students honored for high academic achievement (video link)</h1> <p>Media Team — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:22:10 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><p> Fresno Pacific recognized and honored many undergraduate students for their achievements during the 2012-2013 school year at the Second Annual Honors Banquet, held in the Seminary Rose Garden. The April 19 event was attended by many prominent members of the FPU community including President Pete C. Menjares, Ph.D.; Master of Ceremonies Pamela Johnston, Ph.D.; and keynote speaker Ryan Schellenberg, Ph.D. Awards presented included junior and senior honors, as well as highest honors.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>FPU scholarship recipients meet donors at 2013 Scholarship Dinner (video link)</h1> <p>Media Team — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:44:38 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><p> Those who gave and those who received scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year were invited to FPU's Annual Scholarship Dinner. During the April 16 event, held in McDonald Hall Atrium, donors and recipients had the opportunity to meet for the first time and share about what the scholarship has meant to them. The evening included remarks from President Pete C. Menjares, an invocation from his wife, Virginia, and personal stories about scholarships from recipients and donors. To find out more about Fresno Pacific scholarships, visit <a href="http://scholarships.fresno.edu/">scholarships.fresno.edu</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>FPU's undergraduates showcase their research (video link)</h1> <p>Media Team — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:40:16 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p><p> Undergraduate students who conducted research projects this semester displayed their work in AIMS Atrium on April 18 for FPU's Undergraduate Research Day. Students, staff and faculty, including President Pete C. Menjares, gathered to listen to the students present their research. To find out more about FPU's School of Natural Sciences and our other undergraduate programs, visit <a href="http://fresno.edu/academics">fresno.edu/academics</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>More than 500 new Sunbirds to fly May 4</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:22:57 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> More than 500 new Sunbirds will take flight into the Valley spring when FPU hosts commencement.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-copy"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> The May 4 ceremonies will be at 10:00 a.m. for 184 traditional undergraduate and 117graduate students, including 20 from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. Ceremonies for the 227 bachelor’s degree completion students will be at 6:00 p.m.</p> <p> FPU’s commencement is always among the first in the San Joaquin Valley. This year it’s also the first spring commencement for President Pete C. Menjares, Ph.D. “I’m really looking forward to a great day on the University Green,” he said. “Commencement is a time for graduates to look back and thank all of those—faculty, family and loved ones—who supported them on their journey to a degree. It is also a time to look forward as they reap the benefits of their hard work and dedication.”</p> <p> The address at both ceremonies will be given by Stephen Varvis, Ph.D., FPU provost. Varvis will speak as one who has served as professor, dean and administrator at the university for 28 years. The title of his address is “The Hidden Curriculum.”</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-story-photos"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Reception honors John E. Toews</h1> <p>Wayne.Steffen — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:34:37 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> A new book from a well-known author was celebrated April 16.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-copy"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> John E. Toews, Ph.D., dean and professor emeritus of the Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, was honored in NOH 103 (BC Lounge). Toews’s latest book, <em>The Story of Original Sin</em>, has been released by Wipf & Stock. Following a reception, Toews lectured from the book, offering a proposal to advance the church’s teaching on sin and atonement. Mark Baker, Ph.D., associate professor of theology, gave a response. The event was sponsored by Senior Professionals and the seminary. (Photo, from left, Baker and Toews)</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-story-photos"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>FPU Athletics celebrate the end of the year (video link)</h1> <p>Media Team — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:19:45 +0000</p> <div class="field field-type-text field-field-story-teaser"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item odd"> <p> <em>FPU Athletics hosted the annual Sunbird Athletics Awards, where the year's accomplishments were honored through awards presented to athletes, a highlight video and a message from guest speaker and YouTube sensation, Jeff Bethke. To learn how you can support Sunbird Athletics, visit <a href="http://fpuathletics.com/">fpuathletics.com</a>.</em></p> </div> </div> </div> </article> </main></body></html>