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. 

“That Thing at FPU” gets new and returning students together at the start of each semester. 

On August 30 each leadership group performed a skit to promote its work. The student activities board, for example, highlighted upcoming student activities. Between skits were drawings for gift cards for fun stuff like Starbucks and iTunes. The event concluded with a showing of the movie Thor on the University Green.  

Orientation weekend, August 26-28, went off with a bang as a flash mob of 100 students ended Sunday’s commissioning ceremony with dancing, back flips and a cannon.

Well…a small cannon. Shooting streamers.