Arthur Wiebe, former Fresno Pacific University president, received two honors recently. Fresno Compact, an association of educational, civic and business leaders, announced Wiebe will be the 2003 winner of the Harold Haak Award for Educational Excellence. The award was created in 2002 and named for Harold Haak, FPU president from 2000-02, who was also its first recipient. The presentation to Wiebe is set for March 5.

A new position at Fresno Pacific University reflects a new priority on information technology.

Norm Rempel has been appointed vice president, chief information officer and registrar. The cabinet-level position reports to president and is charged with reorganizing and coordinating computer systems across the campus. “Now we can bring together our efforts in this critical area to better serve students, faculty and staff,” said FPU President D. Merrill Ewert. “Information is what universities are about.”

Have fun with music through the years at a concert hosted by Fresno Pacific University.

“Rockin’ Round the Clock!—A Musical Journey Through Time” is the name and the theme of this year’s Unconcert. The music begins at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, January 24-25, in Sunnyside High School Performing Arts Theatre, 1019 S. Peach Ave.

John Ward began as president for business affairs at Fresno Pacific University January 1, 2003. He will work with president D. Merrill Ewert and others to set financial goals and have day-to-day responsibility for the university’s budget of over $20 million. He will also oversee several departments, including the business office, human resources, information services, auxiliary services and facilities management.

A seasoned professional with a range of experience and an understanding of the academic mission is the new vice president for business affairs at Fresno Pacific University.

John Ward began January 1, 2003. He will work with the president and others to set financial goals and have day-to-day responsibility for the university’s budget of over $20 million. He will also oversee several departments, including the business office, human resources, information services, auxiliary services and facilities management.

Music for woodwinds will be the theme of the fourth Fresno Pacific University Artist Series concert.

The Winds of the San Joaquin will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, January 17, in the McDonald Hall Atrium on the university campus. Since its founding in 1998, the ensemble has performed in traditional concert venues as well as at civic functions and events for groups such as Habitat for Humanity and Global Action.

This year more Fresno Pacific University students are spreading the university mission of service while defraying the cost of college.

During the 2002-2003 school year FPU will receive $300,000 in state work-study funds, double the amount for 2001-2002. Federal funds also doubled to $180,000. Matching contributions of $160,000 from community agencies bring the total work-study budget to $640,000.

Focusing hearts and thoughts on Jesus, whose birth Christmas celebrates, is the theme of a concert hosted by Fresno Pacific University.

“Lessons and Carols” is a collection of songs and Scripture readings performed by the FPU Concert Choir. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Sunday, November 24, in First Congregational Church, 2131 Van Ness Blvd. There is no admission charge. A freewill offering will be taken.

The Fresno Pacific University community came together November 8 to inaugurate D. Merrill Ewert as 10th president.

About 75 people attended events related to the Ninth Annual Restorative Justice Conference October 25-26, organized by the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPACS) at Fresno Pacific University. The conference took place at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary.