A new group of graduates will be part of commencement Saturday, May 7.

Those earning master’s degrees through the Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, formerly MB Biblical Seminary, will join graduates of the traditional undergraduate and master’s programs. The seminary became a school of the university in February 2010 and this May marks the completion of the first full academic year since the merger. These are the first joint ceremonies.

Fresno Pacific’s growing reputation is leading to a new center in Merced.

The university began bachelor’s degree completion classes in Merced in the 1990s. Three years ago FPU began considering another center, to join those in North Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield, and satellite programs in Hanford and Lemoore.

Irvin Marquez talks to us about his experiences in the degree completion program at Fresno Pacific University.