Monday, September 19, was a time to celebrate in the Special Events Center as five athletes were inducted into the FPU Hall of Fame. They were joined by current hall of fame members, family and friends to share in the occasion over dinner.

Added in the student category:

• Lin Gao—women’s volleyball 1999-2003
• Rafael Baines De Cicco—men’s soccer 1983-1986
• Randy Pfost—men’s basketball 1970-1974

Added in the coach category:

The 3,603 students in class at FPU in the fall of 2011 represent an increase of 9 percent over 2010, and 51 percent over the last three years. 

With official figures available as of the university’s 16-day census September 23, enrollment is up in traditional undergraduate, bachelor’s degree completion and graduate programs, including the seminary.

Fostering community among FPU undergrads was the goal of Engage, an event hosted by Student Executive September 15 on the Campus Green. 

The evening began with a BBQ and a chance for students to talk to representatives of campus clubs. Student government representatives were introduced and the incoming freshmen candidates were given the spotlight to share their stories. After that, students grabbed their blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the band SirenSinging as the sun went down.

About 175 student leaders attended the 2011 Leadership Retreat the weekend of August 20 at Hume Lake Christian Campground. Their time was focused on growth together as they prepared for the start of the new school year.

Students in attendance represented 12 different campus groups including:

The mix of strong academics and convenient access that FPU is known for has come to Merced and the surrounding area.

 After more than a decade of classes in different locations in the city, FPU’s Merced Center opened this week at 3379 G Street, Building P, in the El Portal Plaza. Presently 45 students are enrolled in the bachelor’s degree completion program in early childhood development. Bachelor’s programs in liberal arts and business administration with an organizational leadership emphasis are coming in spring 2012.

Students looking for a church away from home can start with Church Rush, sponsored by the Office of Spiritual Formation. Representatives from about a dozen congregations gathered September 6 in Alumni Plaza on the main campus.

 Turbulent times, be they starting college or leading a generation, call for courage. 

Fortunately, the Bible has a verse for that, and the words for the 2011-2012 academic year at Fresno Pacific University come from Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Douglas Noll (MA '01) celebrated the publication of his book, Elusive Peace, with a booksigining September 9 in BC Lounge on the FPU main campus. The FPU Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies and San Joaquin College of Law hosted the event. 

FPU staff and faculty members met on August 22 for the annual university convocation in preparation for the new school year. President D. Merrill Ewert, Ph.D., Board Chairman John Thiesen and other administrators adressed faculty, staff and new students with encouraging news in the Special Events Center.

“That Thing at FPU” gets new and returning students together at the start of each semester. 

On August 30 each leadership group performed a skit to promote its work. The student activities board, for example, highlighted upcoming student activities. Between skits were drawings for gift cards for fun stuff like Starbucks and iTunes. The event concluded with a showing of the movie Thor on the University Green.