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.

The second annual FPU Church Rush was held Tuesday, September 11. Hosted by the Office of Spiritual Formation, this event gave students the opportunity to find a local church to attend during the school year.

The Sunbird Conservatives club placed numerous miniature American flags on the East Hall lawn Tuesday morning in remembrance of the victims of the 9/11 attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.

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.

The annual Bunko Night was held Tuesday, September 6. In this fast-paced dice game partners compete against other teams by rolling certain number of die and progressing through different tables and teams. A “Bunko” is rolling a three-of-a-kind, and the winners compete for an FPU sweatshirt.

The fall 2012-2013 semester has begun—but even before the first day of school many students were already buzzing around the main campus.