The inauguration of Pete C. Menjares, Ph.D., as 11th president of FPU will bring together members of the university, academic and regional communities for a week of events September 24-28 on the main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno.

The centerpiece of the celebration will be the inauguration ceremony at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 28, in the Special Events Center.

If experience and the ability to wear many professional hats are any indications of success, the selection of Stephen Varvis, Ph.D., as provost for FPU was inspired.

That’s certainly a sentiment shared by President Pete Menjares. “I can’t think of anyone more qualified than Steve. He’s the total package,” Menjares said.

As higher education becomes more competitive, Fresno Pacific University rises to the challenge by restructuring its communications and marketing efforts.

Diana Bates Mock has been promoted to associate vice president of communications and marketing, and the University Communications Office, which she heads, has become a separate department, reporting directly to the president. The area had been part of the Advancement Office.

The annual Bunko Night was held Tuesday, September 6. In this fast-paced dice game partners compete against other teams by rolling certain number of die and progressing through different tables and teams. A “Bunko” is rolling a three-of-a-kind, and the winners compete for an FPU sweatshirt.

The fall 2012-2013 semester has begun—but even before the first day of school many students were already buzzing around the main campus.

Becca Rhodes, one of Fresno Pacific’s women’s residence directors, opens the doors of her apartment for Becca’s Bakery one morning each week for fellowship over warm homemade bread. You can check it out on Wednesday mornings from 7:30-9:00 in Warkentine 122.

A variety of events kept the summer busy on Fresno Pacific’s main campus. From athletic camps to music camps and educational workshops, there was something for everyone. 

President Pete Menjares brought a message of hope in his first President’s Convocation.

“This university has gone through significant changes in the past five to seven years,” Menjares told a full house of students, faculty and staff August 29 in the Special Events Center on the main campus. The name of his presentation, and the theme for the academic year, is “Abounding in Hope in Times of Change.”

A pair of projects should make for a merry Christmas season at Fresno Pacific University.

Work is set to begin in September on a Commuter Lounge and a Fitness Center on the main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. The facilities are to open in December.

Fitness Center

FPU President Pete Menjares and his wife, Virginia, met some of the neighbors at an event sponsored by City Councilman Sal Quintero.