A program on the California Missions has landed Fresno Pacific a national award for interactive learning.

FPU is one of 40 cultural organizations to receive a 2011-2012 Pinnacle Award from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). The Indianapolis-based nonprofit offers videoconferencing presentations from more than 200 museums, state parks, national historic sites and other organizations to educational outlets such as schools and senior citizens centers.

Fresno Pacific University and other colleges and universities where Hispanics make up a significant sector of the student body are being honored this week.

A presidential proclamation designates September 16-22 as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Week. FPU is among the institutions of higher education named an HSI by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Classical harpsichord, jazz saxophone and flamenco guitar will be just some of the sounds audiences will hear at the 2012-2013 Pacific Artist Series.

The inauguration of Pete C. Menjares, Ph.D., as 11th president of FPU will bring together members of the university, academic and regional communities for a week of events September 24-28 on the main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno.

The centerpiece of the celebration will be the inauguration ceremony at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 28, in the Special Events Center.

If experience and the ability to wear many professional hats are any indications of success, the selection of Stephen Varvis, Ph.D., as provost for FPU was inspired.

That’s certainly a sentiment shared by President Pete Menjares. “I can’t think of anyone more qualified than Steve. He’s the total package,” Menjares said.

As higher education becomes more competitive, Fresno Pacific University rises to the challenge by restructuring its communications and marketing efforts.

Diana Bates Mock has been promoted to associate vice president of communications and marketing, and the University Communications Office, which she heads, has become a separate department, reporting directly to the president. The area had been part of the Advancement Office.

President Pete Menjares brought a message of hope in his first President’s Convocation.

“This university has gone through significant changes in the past five to seven years,” Menjares told a full house of students, faculty and staff August 29 in the Special Events Center on the main campus. The name of his presentation, and the theme for the academic year, is “Abounding in Hope in Times of Change.”

A pair of projects should make for a merry Christmas season at Fresno Pacific University.

Work is set to begin in September on a Commuter Lounge and a Fitness Center on the main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. The facilities are to open in December.

Fitness Center

FPU President Pete Menjares and his wife, Virginia, met some of the neighbors at an event sponsored by City Councilman Sal Quintero.

Ted and Joyce Smith continue their life of faith by giving their home to Fresno Pacific University.