An honor from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) recognizes a long-time member of the Fresno Pacific University music faculty.

Patricia Anderson has joined Fresno Pacific University as provost and vice president for academic affairs. Before coming to FPU Anderson was provost of Azusa Pacific University.

D. Merrill Ewert has joined Fresno Pacific University as president. Ewert comes to FPU from Cornell University, where he served as professor, director and associate dean of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

A new forum for fine music opens this fall as Fresno Pacific University debuts its Guest Artist Series.

When it comes to financial stewardship, Fresno Pacific University willingly goes the extra mile. “Accountability raises the bar,” said Mark Deffenbacher, vice president for advancement and university relations and director of planned giving.

Two recent releases contained incorrect information:

In the July 12 release headed “Walter Buster named director/FPU’s Bartsch Institute builds on work of pioneer” the name of the institute should be the Bartsch Institute for Character and Civic Education.

In the July 2 release headed “FPU board casts an eye toward tuition, faculty” Kathy Hitchcox was confirmed as associate dean of Fresno Pacific School of Professional Studies.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these errors.

Walter Buster named director

Supporting educators and honoring the memory of faculty member Silas Bartsch are the reasons Fresno Pacific University created the Bartsch Civic and Character Education Institute.

The institute’s mission is to help elementary, junior-high and high school teachers and administrators set good examples in a changing world. Challenges of society, such as shfting family dynamics and a growing gap between rich and poor, are everyday life for many students. Educators have the potential to reach all children and become positive role models.

A new music group connects the Fresno Pacific University campus and the surrounding community.

The FPU Community Concert Band is open to area musicians at a variety of levels as well as university students, faculty and staff. The amateur ensemble will perform symphonic wind band music in many styles.

Rehearsals begin August 27 and will be from 7-9 p.m. in room 103 of the Marpeck building on the campus. For more information call Wayne Huber, music faculty, at 559-453-2267.

Reports on art and real estate were given to the board of the Fresno Pacific University Foundation during regular meetings June 21.

The foundation entered into new marketing agreements for the university art collections. “We’re optimistic this will open options in national and international art sales,” said Mark Deffenbacher, foundation executive director.

Setting costs and honoring faculty were among the items of business conducted by the Fresno Pacific University Board of Trustees in regular session June 21-22 on campus. 

Tuition for 2003-04 was set at $17,370, up from $16,200 for 2002-03, the upcoming school year. Room rates in 2003-04 will range from $1,065-1,285 and meal plans from $450-1,495 per semester. The average increase of 6.5 percent in room rates was driven by higher utility and insurance costs.