Diplomas symbolize not just an educational journey completed, graduates at Fresno Pacific University were told May 5—they are guides for the journey of life that lies ahead.

In “Signposts for the Journey,” Howard Loewen’s commencement address, the university provost laid seven navigational aids before the 416 graduates of the undergraduate college, graduate school and Center for Degree Completion. Ceremonies took place in the campus Special Events Center.

Loewen told his audience:

Some 416 students are expected to receive degrees during the 56th commencement at Fresno Pacific University. Ceremonies will be May 5 in the Special Events Center on campus.

As a dean moves to a new challenge, a team will take over at Fresno Pacific Graduate School, part of Fresno Pacific University.

In June John Yoder, graduate dean, begins a two-year appointment as FPU associate vice president for academic affairs. At the same time Rod Janzen will start a one-year term as acting dean of the graduate school and Jean Fennacy as an associate dean. Ken Engstrom will continue as associate dean.

Savannah, Georgia, a city famous for its southern charm and historic landmarks, was the backdrop for the Alpha Chi 2001 National Convention March 22-24. Three representatives from Fresno Pacific University made the cross-country trip: economics faculty Peng Wen served as faculty sponsor, and Karen Crockett and Jaime Huss were student members. Crockett is a junior majoring in music performance and Huss is a senior majoring in English writing. Both are from Fresno.

Pastors from around Fresno and students from Fresno Pacific University and Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary came together to enjoy “In the Presence of the Holy,” a broadcast preaching seminar hosted by Professional Growth Seminars, a ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The university and seminary hosted the local event, which took place April 3 on the FPU campus. Speakers were Marguerite Shuster, Calvin Miller, Ron Smith and Morris Venden.

The story of the Bill Cockerham Track at Fresno Pacific University is the story of a teacher and coach who influenced many in 30 years—and one former student’s desire to say thank you.

The tale will be told April 6-7 when Cockerham, Gregory and others will gather April 6-7 to dedicate the newly completed Bill Cockerham Track. Events include a track meet and hall of fame induction.

“There’s a future for everyone,” says Fresno Pacific University senior Martha Silva. The future looks bright for Silva, who has been awarded more than $10,000 as a Gates Millennium Scholar and plans to graduate in May with a double major in liberal studies-BCLAD and Spanish.

The future of mathematics and science education came to Fresno Pacific University March 2 as ground was broken for AIMS Hall of Mathematics and Science.

Shirley Woods closes a seven-year career at Fresno Pacific University Student Life Division this June. The announcement came at the March 2-3 meetings of the university board of trustees.

Woods has served as dean of students since 1996 after joining the division in 1993 as director of the career resource center. During her tenure the division created programs and services for disabled students, helped develop a plan to develop student leaders and expanded services for commuter students.

FresnoPacific University welcomes back one of its own with the addition of Paul Micu as director of alumni and church relations.

In this role, which he began March 1, Micu will build supportive relationships for the university with graduates and members of the Pacific District Conference of the Mennonite Brethren Churches, which operates FPU, and other congregations.