Something horrible happened at Virginia Tech University and people want to do something. Preferably something that will keep this from happening again. A natural reaction. A laudable goal. But not an easy one. Duane Ruth-Heffelbower, an experienced counselor and faculty member at Fresno Pacific University, looks at the situation in this week's Scholars Speak.

The subject is timely, the question is timeless and the options are the same as they ever were:

Global warming
What can one person do?

1. Disbelieve
2. Deny
3. Despair
4. Something

For those who answered D, Ken Marten's Friesen, political science and history faculty at Fresno Pacific University, presents a series of practical suggestions and a touch of historical context in this week's Scholars Speak.

Spring Commencement ceremonies for Fresno Pacific University will be Saturday, May 5, on the main campus.

Bachelors degrees will be awarded to approximately 260 undergraduate students and masters degrees to about 70 students. Ceremonies begin at 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the Special Events Center.
 

Cell phones - they call, we answer. It's like living with a cat. Annoying and indispensable, do they say something about us beyond what each of us think is the best ringtone we can buy commercially to most capture our unique personality? Jay Pope thinks so, and shares it with the rest of us this week in Scholars Speak. Pope is a professor of psychology at Fresno Pacific University; a user of cell phones and an observer of the culture they define and encourage.

Milk, cream, ice cream, cheese—what's not to love about the bounty from dairy cows? Unfortunately, cows produce other products not sold in stores. Those creations circulate freely through the air, however, and can damage lungs if not contained and controlled. Fresno County needs to find ways to do just that, says Cynthia Ovando-Knutson in this week's Scholars Speak, and the time to speak out is now.

So students don't read—so what? If anyone is hurt, it's just them, right? Wrong, according to this week's Scholars Speak. Richard Rawls, director of Fresno Pacific University's Hiebert Library and member of the history and philosophy faculty, has a whole list of people who suffer when students slack off in their reading, from classmates to taxpayers.

U.S. News & World Report has again ranked Fresno Pacific University with the best universities in its category.

A seasoned professional with a range of experience and an understanding of the academic mission is the new vice president for business affairs at Fresno Pacific University.

John Ward began January 1, 2003. He will work with the president and others to set financial goals and have day-to-day responsibility for the university’s budget of over $20 million. He will also oversee several departments, including the business office, human resources, information services, auxiliary services and facilities management.

Audiences can expect the unexpected when two nationally known musicians team up for a concert sponsored by Fresno Pacific University.

Philip Aaberg, piano, and Eugene Friesen, cello, will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, November 8, in First Presbyterian Church, 1540 M Street. They will be joined by special guests Milton Friesen, vocalist, and Laurell Huber, organist.

Hosted by Fresno Pacific University

A speaker with a nationwide reputation and a film with an international scope are among the highlights of the ninth annual Restorative Justice Conference at Fresno Pacific University.

The conference, “Building the Restorative Community,” will be October 25-26 on the campus at 1717 S. Chestnut Avenue. The event is sponsored by the university’s Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies.