In 2009 FPU celebrates the 30-year anniversary of the President's Circle. This special group of friends promotes the university, prays for its people and needs, encourages students to attend, gives at least $1,000 annually and offers advice and encouragement. "At this time especially we honor the generosity and the example of these founding President's Circle members. Their vision and support still means so much to the mission and students of Fresno Pacific," said Mark Deffenbacher.

Lowell and Betty (PBI '51) Bergman, of Shafter, arrive at the Bakersfield dinner.

Circle membership has grown to 624 since 1979. Those who have been here from the beginning are:

"FPU is important to us personally as well as to our Mennonite Brethren Conference because it produces people trained in the arts and sciences by faculty members who are motivated by truths consistent with their Christian heritage. On a more personal level, three of our children have attended FPU and we are expecting two grandchildren to enroll in fall 2009." --Dr. Jake and Ruth Friesen (parents of Ken (BA '84) and Fran Martens Friesen (FS '84), faculty members and President's Circle members)

"Fresno Pacific has been a part of both of our lives for so many years. Judy's mother, Katherine (Suderman) Harder attended Pacific Bible Institute. George has a business degree from Pacific. Both of our sons, Chris (BA '04) and Dave (BA '07), are graduates of FPU. We are thankful for the way the university has enriched our lives and are happy we can invest in the FPU community." --George and Judy Franz