Adult students face challenges as they return to school to complete their bachelor’s degree: family, work, sometimes health and personal issues. Romelia “Romie” Gonzalez has endured challenges enough for all 280 of her degree completion classmates.

Community leaders welcomed the FPU Merced Regional Center during grand opening ceremonies March 29.

Merced Mayor Stan Thurston, Merced College President Ben Duran and District 2 County Supervisor Hubert Walsh were among the speakers to about 70 visitors at the center, 3379 G Street, Building P, El Portal Plaza. All expressed appreciation to the university for bringing bachelor’s degree completion and graduate programs to Merced.

To keep Valley students and families investing in higher education, FPU continues to keep tuition below national averages and increase services students need to succeed. 

“A high-quality private education can be affordable,” said Stephen Varvis, FPU vice president for enrollment management. “Fresno Pacific has the faculty, academic programs, facilities and financial aid to make this happen.”

The mix of strong academics and convenient access that FPU is known for has come to Merced and the surrounding area.

 After more than a decade of classes in different locations in the city, FPU’s Merced Center opened this week at 3379 G Street, Building P, in the El Portal Plaza. Presently 45 students are enrolled in the bachelor’s degree completion program in early childhood development. Bachelor’s programs in liberal arts and business administration with an organizational leadership emphasis are coming in spring 2012.