Three pivotal Fresno Pacific leaders have been named the first presidents emeritus by the FPU Board of Trustees: (Pictured, from left) Richard Kriegbaum, Arthur Wiebe and Edmund Janzen.

“Whatever success we may be enjoying at Fresno Pacific today is built upon the foundation of the past. We must never forget those who came before us, and served so sacrificially and well,” said President D. Merrill Ewert, who also read citations for each honoree, which are quoted below.

A new lectureship honors a lifetime of contributions to Fresno Pacific University.

In his 35 years at FPU, Edmund Janzen served with distinction and passion. Steeped in knowledge of the Scriptures, he was also full of ideas on and stories about applying its eternal truth in everyday ways. Students knew Janzen as a teacher who cared not only about the content of his courses, but also the course of their lives. Those who took Janzen up on his frequent invitations for informal discussions received thoughtful counsel on both the biblical text and the Christian life.

A new budget, improved off-campus facilities and other issues of growth were on the agenda for the Fresno Pacific University Board of Trustees March 7-8.

The budget for 2003-2004 was set at $27.4 million, up from $25.3 million in 2002-2003. The board also looked at ways to aid the university’s off-campus centers.

“We’re happy in these times to be able to grow and reach out to more students in more places,” said President D. Merrill Ewert. “We have the classes, the programs and the facilities to serve the Valley.”