Traditional undergraduate enrollment passed a milestone in the fall of 2012, surpassing 1,200 for the first time in the school’s 68-year history.

Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary enrollment also grew, from 116 in 2011 to 143 in 2012. A total of 3,460 students study at the main FPU campus and at centers in Merced, North Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield, down from 3,603 in the fall of 2011.

Ministry education with an Anabaptist and evangelical theme is going online through Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. First classes planned for fall 2012.

Lynn Jost, seminary dean and vice president and dean of Fresno Pacific University, is directing the creation of a two-step online program. First will come eight courses students can take for 3 units of credit each, or audit them. (These courses will fulfill Mennonite Brethren denominational credentials for pastors.) Part two will consist of making these courses part of a 39-unit master of arts degree in ministry.

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.

Friends, family and colleagues of Seminary President Emeritus Henry J. Schmidt gathered February 24 to dedicate a tulip tree and two rosebushes planted in honor of him and his wife, Elvera, when he retired as seminary president.

Dr. Henry J. Schmidt, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary President Emeritus, formerly Professor of Evangelism and Mission, 1976-2003 and President, 1993-2003, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening February 8 at about 11 p.m. in Reedley, CA. 

Fresno, CA May 2010: MB Biblical Seminary announces that more than 30 students have become part of their 1,500 alumni after graduating this year from their Fresno, California and Langley, British Columbia campuses. On May 16th at the Fresno First Baptist church the MB Biblical Seminary community gathered to celebrate the seminary’s 54th annual commencement program. A total of 20 students from Fresno graduated with Master’s degrees and diplomas. At the MB Biblical Seminary-ACTS campus in Langley, British Columbia another 10 graduates received their diplomas during commencement in April.

A press release from the U.S. Conference
U.S. Mennonite Brethren leaders convened the presidents and board representatives of MB Biblical Seminary, Tabor College and Fresno Pacific University April 14-15 in Denver, Colo., to renew the national mission of pastoral leadership development through graduate theological education, including a review of recent reorganizational development and exploration of future collaborative efforts.

David Ewert, former professor and beloved servant of the church, passed away on April 23, 2010.
Dr. Ewert had a teaching career that stretched over some 65 years. For 7 years he taught in Bible schools; for 25 years at the Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg; for 3 years at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Virginia; and 9 years at the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California.

In David’s memory, donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee or Columbia Bible College.

MBBS will be giving a gift to MCC in David’s honor.

Dr. Allen Guenther passed away on the morning of December 23. His wife, Anne, and all their sons, Ron, Barry and Michael, were present the afternoon before to spend time with him. The family is grateful for the goodness of God in Allen’s life and in his passing. Allen has lived with Parkinson’s disease for many years, his character and intellect shining through to the end. Dr. Guenther, a Professor of Old Testament, was honored as a faculty emeritus after his retirement.

Memorial gifts may be given to: