Efforts to better cultivate the varied population of its region begin to bear fruit at Fresno Pacific University.

FPU is virtually tied for first with one other institution among Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) in the number of Hispanic undergraduate students, according to the latest annual enrollment report furnished to the U.S. Department of Education. The same report ranks FPU first among California CCCU institutions and in the top 10 among members of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU).

Matthew Blackwood has been selected as the new director of alumni and church relations at Fresno Pacific University.

The 1998 graduate begins work April 1 in the advancement division. As a student, Blackwood majored in biblical and religious studies and was involved in the gospel choir.

Duane Ruth-Heffelbower may have been on leave from the Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies at Fresno Pacific University—but he was still making peace.

Ruth-Heffelbower returns to campus after more than two years on leave in Indonesia. From August of 1999 to December of 2001 he helped set up and operate a peace center at Duta Wacana Christian University and volunteered with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), an international relief and development organization. His wife, Clare Ann, served as MCC Indonesia country director.

A baker’s dozen of Fresno Pacific University teacher education students have been awarded $20,000 scholarships in a state program to draw new educators to the schools that need them most.

Helping older English learners achieve in school is the goal of a new book by Fresno Pacific University graduate faculty.

A member of the Fresno Pacific University staff is part of a statewide program to create leaders and promote social justice and equity in higher education.

Silvia Rojas Arrendondo is a founding board member of the Educational Leadership Institute, sponsored by The James Irvine Foundation. Young professionals from public schools and agencies as well as public and private colleges and universities throughout California were nominated for the group.

Helping people manage choices, skills and gifts in ways that integrate Christian faith with financial responsibility is the goal of an educational and spiritual program coming to Fresno Pacific University March 23.

Stewardship University, sponsored by Mennonite Mutual Aid, offers four-hour seminars on key stewardship topics:

In deciding to honor educators, Fresno Compact honored Fresno Pacific University President Harold Haak.

The creation of the Harold Haak Business Partnership Educator of the Year Award was announced March 6 during Fresno Compact’s Business-Education Shareholder’s Luncheon. The prize will be given each year to an educator with an outstanding track record of building partnerships between business and education.

See a step toward solving the teacher shortage and talk to school administrators, the teachers of tomorrow and those who educate the educators as Fresno Pacific University hosts its annual Education Job Fair March 14 in the campus Special Events Center. Interviews will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and about 40 school districts are expected to send representatives to interview approximately 100 FPU graduates.

Lions and Christians and Fresno Pacific University—Oh my!

Androcles and the Lion is the spring mainstage production at FPU. Performances will be at 8 p.m. March 21-23 and at 2:30 p.m. March 24 in Ashley Auditorium on the university campus. Admission is $6 for general audiences, $3 for FPU students, faculty and staff and $3 for other students and those over 65.