All Fresno Pacific men were invited to the annual Man Camp at Calvin Crest. This two-day event gave males students the opportunity to learn about what it means to be a true man of God from speaker Brad Bell, as well as play fun games and get to know one another. To find out more about future FPU events, visit the Student Life Office.

Filling the Central Valley’s need for teachers is the goal of a partnership between FPU and UC Merced.

Called the Central Valley Teacher Prep Partnership (CVTPP), the program “will provide a seamless career pathway from undergraduate education at the University of California to professional preparation programs located at Fresno Pacific University’s center in Merced,” according to the memo of understanding between the universities. 

Middle schools from around the Valley participated in this year's Battle of the Books in Ashley Auditorium January 25. Students square off in game-show-style competitions to test their knowledge of selected books they have read. FPU has hosted the area Battle of the Books for eight years.

The week of January 21 was a busy one for the Career Services Center.

Senior Day on January 23 provided soon-to-be FPU graduates with free t-shirts and refreshments, as well as information from graduate services and the Registrar's Office.

On January 24, representatives from camps around the state came to Steinert Campus Center to recruit students for summer job opportunities at their camps.

If you missed these events and would like more information, visit the Career Services Office located in the Student Life Division in the SCC.

As the season came to a close, the Fresno Pacific women's soccer banquet was held in Ashley Auditorium January 23. Athletes and their families were treated to an Italian dinner, and head coach Erik Farfan gave out awards to seniors and other team members, including Newcomer of the Year, Breakout Bird and Sunbird of the Year. He also spoke about the season's highlights, including the team's induction into the NCAA/PAC West.

Internationally known guitarist and recording artist Corey Whitehead entertained a packed house in the McDonald Hall Atrium on the evening of January 17. Whitehead, on the faculty of FPU and California State University, Fresno, showcased a number of classical and flamenco favorites as well as one of his own works.

Fresno Pacific staff and faculty and their families enjoyed food, fun and games at the Fiesta Celebration during the women's and men's basketball games January 19. Look for more staff and faculty appreciation nights throughout the semester in collaboration with other events.

The FPU health services office, The Nest, run by Campus Nurse, Amy Berger, promotes student health and wellness through a variety of services from flu shots to emotional and mental care. Stop by The Nest in Schlicting 117 to get your flu shot and to meet Amy.

Robert Smith, Jr., took the mic in College Hour guest January 18—but he didn’t need it.

Smith is professor of divinity and Christian preaching at Beeson Divinity School at Samford University. He does research on passion in preaching, and put that passion into practice for students, faculty and staff in the Special Events Center.

Fresno Pacific forward Paul Islas will fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the MLS.

By Brandon Tripp, assistant director of sports information

The Fresno native was drafted in the first round with the 19th pick of the MLS Supplemental Draft by Chivas USA. In Fresno Pacific's first year in NCAA Division II Islas was the first player from DII to be drafted in 2013.