by Megan E. Richard

MB Biblical Seminary values its over 1,400 alumni and over the past three years has been increasing alumni relations efforts for graduates of the Seminary’s three campuses.

“Over the past two years we have worked hard to develop a sustainable program that will nurture our alumni, keep them up to date on current Seminary life and encourage them to support the Seminary through prayers and finance,” says Director of Public Relations, Brad Thiessen.

The spiritual and the intellectual are both necessary to life, graduates were told during commencement ceremonies May 7 at Fresno Pacific University. "It will always be important to analyze data carefully, to evaluate critically where information comes from, to rely on original sources and to compare one's understandings with friends and colleagues — and to do all this with Christian humility, with intellectual hospitality," speaker Rod Janzen told 299 graduates, their families and friends.

Dedication to service and an eye for organization are two of the strengths Nicole Linder brings to Fresno Pacific University.

Linder holds the newly created post of associate director of events and alumni programs in the university’s Advancement Office. Among her responsibilities are to communicate with alumni, organize and assist volunteers, oversee special events such as Homecoming and the Alumni Phonathon and coordinate the church relations program.

Matthew Blackwood has been selected as the new director of alumni and church relations at Fresno Pacific University.

The 1998 graduate begins work April 1 in the advancement division. As a student, Blackwood majored in biblical and religious studies and was involved in the gospel choir.

More information and better organization are among the features of the newly redesigned Fresno Pacific University Internet site.

Alumni, donors and the Center for Degree Completion are among the areas new to the site. Other departments and programs, such as the bookshop, and information linking students and prospective employers are updated and easier to find.