The Central Valley’s first summit on how faith-based organizations can address unemployment was a rousing success.

Some 123 pastors, non-profit leaders and faith-based business people attended the Work of Our Hands May 30, 2013. This was about twice the number of people expected, according to Randy White, D. Min., chief architect of the summit.

A half dozen Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary students have been accepted into the Hispanic Summer Program June 22-July 5, 2013, at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX.

Elizabeth Cortez is pursuing an M.A. in marriage and family therapy, as are Monica Heredia and Cindy Hernandez. Hector Hernandez is studying for a master of divinity, Cindy Mendez for an M.A. in urban missions and Ivan Paz for an M.A. in theology.

On-Site Counseling celebrated its 20th anniversary May 17 with a reception in the BC Lounge at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary.

Founded by former Professor of Marriage, Family and Child Counseling Al Dueck, Ph.D., the agency provides quality, affordable and professional counseling to individuals, couples, families and groups. There are about 40 people on staff, nine of whom are full time. Counseling students and recent graduates work part-time under the supervision of licensed marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers and clinical psychologists.

FPU celebrated a year, and some careers, during the Faculty-Staff Appreciation Luncheon.

The annual event was May 9 in Shehadey Dining Room on the main campus. Among the highlights was the presentation of President’s Distinguished Service Awards. Registrar Linda Pryce-Sheehan, Ed.D., received the award for administration and Zachary Durlam, D.M.A., director of choral activities for faculty. Staff awards went to MaryJo Burchard, assistant director, School of Education graduate admissions, Visalia Center, and Jonathan Maher, director of systems analysis.

Commencement usually takes a backseat to athletics when it comes to statistics, but several records were set May 4.

• 7,000 family, friends and loved ones in the audience at the two ceremonies
• 7,500 bottles of water distributed by FPU staff
• 5,000 complimentary paper fans waving in California’s Central Valley sun

And, most important:

Members of the university Alpha Chi chapter earned individual and group honors at the academic honor society’s national convention.

More than 500 new Sunbirds will take flight into the Valley spring when FPU hosts commencement.

The May 4 ceremonies will be at 10:00 a.m. for 184 traditional undergraduate and 117graduate students, including 20 from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. Ceremonies for the 227 bachelor’s degree completion students will be at 6:00 p.m.

A new book from a well-known author was celebrated April 16.

Administrators, faculty and staff enjoyed ice cream topped with accomplishment at the WASC celebration.

President Pete C. Menjares, Ph.D., was among those scooping out the goodies during the April 8 event in Shehadey Dining Hall. Polo shirts were also given out to the many from departments across campus who helped prepare for the visit. Stephen Varvis, Ph.D., provost, and Linda Pryce Sheehan, Ed.D., associate dean for accreditation and registrar, led the effort.

Another year of doing good and having a good time took place April 5-6 on the main FPU campus.

The 46th West Coast Mennonite Sale & Auction for World Relief raised more than $200,000 for the international relief work of Mennonite Central Committee. The multidenominational agency works “In the name of Christ” in more than 50 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Canada and the United States.

A special feature of this year’s sale was a car auction. Other activities included: