Commencement usually takes a backseat to athletics when it comes to statistics, but several records were set May 4.

• 7,000 family, friends and loved ones in the audience at the two ceremonies
• 7,500 bottles of water distributed by FPU staff
• 5,000 complimentary paper fans waving in California’s Central Valley sun

And, most important:

More than 500 new Sunbirds will take flight into the Valley spring when FPU hosts commencement.

The May 4 ceremonies will be at 10:00 a.m. for 184 traditional undergraduate and 117graduate students, including 20 from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. Ceremonies for the 227 bachelor’s degree completion students will be at 6:00 p.m.

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.

Stephen Varvis will become vice president for enrollment management. This new position will oversee recruitment and retention efforts for all students: traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and professional development at the main campus in Fresno as well as the university centers in Bakersfield, Visalia and North Fresno.