A former student rejoined his teacher in the latest Pacific Artist Series concert. Upcoming performances are new music by the Del Sol Quartet; the songs, stories and history of Yosemite by Tom Bopp and a cantata composed by FPU emeritus Larry Warkentin. 

Soprano Deborah Sauer-Ferrand and pianist Douglas Sumi (BA ’05) performed October 17 in the McDonald Hall Atrium on the main campus.

FPU Art Gallery is located in Sattler Hall 104 and open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday and Friday, or by appointment.

Pictured are works by Brandon Jacobs, who has spent the last 10 years perfecting an organic style that draws the viewer into his multimedia art pieces. His three-dimensional, large-format art feature found objects, paint and varnish. "My hope is to create an object that not only acts as a record of a cathartic act, but one that has the ability to touch an audience," he says.

The inauguration of the Center for Anabaptist Studies was celebrated October 11 in Ashley Auditorium on the main campus.

A new program developed by the center will be the Millennial Scholars. The initiative will bring together young adults to learn about Anabaptism and how to apply its principles in today’s world.

Some 76 supporters of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, including students, faculty, staff and friends, gathered in BC Lounge September 23 for the Seminary Celebration Dinner. 

Lynn Jost, Ph.D., seminary dean and vice president of FPU, gave an update on enrollment; Cory Seibel, Ph.D., assistant professor, sang and played the piano and students Jennifer Lerma and Trent Voth spoke on the effect the seminary has had on their lives. Mark Isaac, director of seminary advancement, served as emcee. Above, from left, Virgil and Nancy Goossen visit with Jost.

The 3,603 students in class at FPU in the fall of 2011 represent an increase of 9 percent over 2010, and 51 percent over the last three years. 

With official figures available as of the university’s 16-day census September 23, enrollment is up in traditional undergraduate, bachelor’s degree completion and graduate programs, including the seminary.

About 175 student leaders attended the 2011 Leadership Retreat the weekend of August 20 at Hume Lake Christian Campground. Their time was focused on growth together as they prepared for the start of the new school year.

Students in attendance represented 12 different campus groups including:

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.

Students looking for a church away from home can start with Church Rush, sponsored by the Office of Spiritual Formation. Representatives from about a dozen congregations gathered September 6 in Alumni Plaza on the main campus.

 Turbulent times, be they starting college or leading a generation, call for courage. 

Fortunately, the Bible has a verse for that, and the words for the 2011-2012 academic year at Fresno Pacific University come from Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Douglas Noll (MA '01) celebrated the publication of his book, Elusive Peace, with a booksigining September 9 in BC Lounge on the FPU main campus. The FPU Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies and San Joaquin College of Law hosted the event.