If a healthy student body is a happy student body, then the campus new weight room will thrill Fresno Pacific University students.

A contribution by Associated Students of Fresno Pacific College, an undergraduate student organization, is funding a variety of new equipment, and students are also renovating the rooms themselves.

A dozen years at Fresno Pacific University round out a 38-year education career for Anita Andresen, who retires this spring.

Joining the faculty in 1989, Andresen served as dean of the school of professional studies for seven and one-half years and faculty in the administrative services program for four and one-half years. She was the first woman to serve as an academic dean at the university.

Celebrating the first installment on a matching gift and a successful audit were on the agenda of the Fresno Pacific University Foundation Board. The panel met in regular session June 8-9.

During 1999, the AIMS (Activities Integrating Science and Mathematics) Foundation Board loaned Fresno Pacific University $500,000 with the understanding that the loan would be forgiven if the university could raise $125,000 in new gifts each year for the next four years. The foundation was begun by former FPU President Arthur Wiebe.

The first and current athletic director, a quiet but effective teacher of biblical and religious studies and a long-time coach were among those honored during the annual Fresno Pacific University Faculty and Staff Appreciation Dinner.

Diplomas symbolize not just an educational journey completed, graduates at Fresno Pacific University were told May 5—they are guides for the journey of life that lies ahead.

In “Signposts for the Journey,” Howard Loewen’s commencement address, the university provost laid seven navigational aids before the 416 graduates of the undergraduate college, graduate school and Center for Degree Completion. Ceremonies took place in the campus Special Events Center.

Loewen told his audience:

Some 416 students are expected to receive degrees during the 56th commencement at Fresno Pacific University. Ceremonies will be May 5 in the Special Events Center on campus.

As a dean moves to a new challenge, a team will take over at Fresno Pacific Graduate School, part of Fresno Pacific University.

In June John Yoder, graduate dean, begins a two-year appointment as FPU associate vice president for academic affairs. At the same time Rod Janzen will start a one-year term as acting dean of the graduate school and Jean Fennacy as an associate dean. Ken Engstrom will continue as associate dean.

Savannah, Georgia, a city famous for its southern charm and historic landmarks, was the backdrop for the Alpha Chi 2001 National Convention March 22-24. Three representatives from Fresno Pacific University made the cross-country trip: economics faculty Peng Wen served as faculty sponsor, and Karen Crockett and Jaime Huss were student members. Crockett is a junior majoring in music performance and Huss is a senior majoring in English writing. Both are from Fresno.

Pastors from around Fresno and students from Fresno Pacific University and Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary came together to enjoy “In the Presence of the Holy,” a broadcast preaching seminar hosted by Professional Growth Seminars, a ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The university and seminary hosted the local event, which took place April 3 on the FPU campus. Speakers were Marguerite Shuster, Calvin Miller, Ron Smith and Morris Venden.