Within the framework of the council’s mission and purposes, what we do follows the interests of the members, and so is in a continuing stage of development. There is a weekly seminar, an annual luncheon and access to on campus lectures.
The weekly seminar, however, serves as a core, common activity of the council. This seminar series runs each year from September to May. While a membership activity, guests are also welcome to attend seminars of interest. People who wish to attend regularly should consider becoming a member of the council.
FRESNO PACIFIC UNIVERSITY AND BIBLICAL SEMINARY
COUNCIL OF SENIOR PROFESSIONALS
SPRING 2026 SEMINARS
The Twenty-Third Year of the Council
Wednesday, 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
(unless otherwise noted)
Pioneer-Johanson Conference Room, FPU Steinert Campus Center
SCC103
(unless otherwise noted)
- Alison Noble & Laura Schmidt Roberts - Grounds of Flourishing: A Vision for Faculty Development at Fresno Pacific
Provost Alison Noble and Director of Faculty Development Laura Schmidt Roberts will share their vision for faculty development at FPU and present on some of the good work happening this year through dedicated in-service days, faculty learning cohorts and the revived Faculty Seminar.
Alison R. Noble, Ph.D.
- Prior to joining Fresno Pacific University as Provost and Sr. Vice President of Academic Affairs, Noble, Ph.D. served as Interim Provost and Professor of Chemistry at Messiah University, PA. In 2016, she was recognized with the Robert & Marilyn Smith Award for Outstanding Teaching and has published research in numerous chemistry and surface science journals including Langmuir, Applied Surface Science and the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Prior to her time in higher education, Noble worked as a senior engineer for Intel Corporation. She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, A BS in Chemistry summa cum laude from Westmont College and completed the Institute for Leadership and Management in Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In addition to her leadership at FPU, Noble is currently a mentor for the Lilly Network Faculty Fellows program and is a regular panelist, speaker and workshop leader in the areas of vocation, institutional mission, church-related higher education and faculty development.
Laura Schmidt Roberts, Ph.D.
- Roberts, Ph.D., has served as Biblical and Theological Studies faculty member at Fresno Pacific since 1994. In 2024 she was appointed Director of General Education for the university and in 2025 she became the Director of Faculty Development. In May 2025, she received the President’s Distinguished Service Award for faculty. She is currently running a $28,000 faculty development grant from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education. Roberts holds a Ph.D. in Philosophical and Systematic Theology from the Graduate Theological Union (Berkeley), and MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena), and a BA in English from the University of California at Berkeley. She is also an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church USA. Roberts is co-editor of the T & T Clark series Studies in Anabaptist Theology and Ethics, editor of several books, and has published several book chapters as well as numerous journal articles on Anabaptist-Mennonite theology, ecclesiology and environmental ethics.
Moderator: Al Dueck
- Todd Vasquez: Crypto Currency
Todd D. Vasquez, Ph.D., will not only define the term and explain how it works, but will also address its purpose and reason for being created. He will describe its strengths and weaknesses, and there will be a “question and answer” time to deal with all the questions we have about this new financial technology.
Todd D. Vasquez, Ph.D.
- Todd is a member of the Fresno Pacific University faculty, holds a Ph.D. in Constructive Theology from Loyola University, Chicago; and teaches “Ethics in Computing” along with philosophy and theology courses. He spoke to us about “Artificial Intelligence” (ai)) last semester, and we are bringing him back this semester to explain the new financial concept of “Cryptocurrency”.
Moderator: Alan Peters
- Johann Matthies -Fresno Pacific University Heritage Week - 10:50 a.m. - Special Events Center (no ticket required)
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. - Community Luncheon - Johann Matthies, Ph.D.
Open to local church and community members
Free event – Registration is required
Limited seating so register early at Eventbrite
During the last week of January, FPU is honoring its Anabaptist and Mennonite Brethren roots. A core value has always been living one’s life in obedience to the teachings of Jesus—or Radical Discipleship. For Christians, following Jesus not only brings profound healing to ourselves and our broken world, it also compels us to invite people to discover and follow Jesus for themselves. Extending this gospel invitation is what evangelism and global missions are all about. This year, we are pleased to welcome Johann Matthies, FPU alum to share with us stories and insights from a life dedicated to mobilizing people and agencies who seek to summon all to Radical Discipleship.
Johann Matthies (FPU BA ’89, MA ’93)
- Johann serves as Multiply's (formerly MB Mission) Regional Team Leader for Europe and Central Asia, giving direction for ministry in this region and mobilizing regional and global partners, churches and schools for world mission. He is also a member of ICOMB (International Community of Mennonite Brethren) and serves as a representative for the Alliance of Evangelical Churches in Germany.
Moderator: Pat Unruh
(Thursday) - Kate Baer: Poet
The Jean and Louis Janzen Visiting Writers Series is pleased to bring the poet Kate Baer to Fresno Pacific University for the 2026 reading. Thanks to Jean and Louis for setting up this series that continues to bring prominent writers to campus every year.
Kate Baer
- Kate is a 3x New York Times bestselling author of four books of poetry. Her most recent book, What About Now, was published in Nov. 2025. Kate will read some selections from her books and will have a conversation with us about being a poet who is also Mennonite.
Moderator: Hope Nisly
- Elsa Azrat, Rodolfo Venegas: Loving and Leading others
Elsa Asrat and Rodolfo Venegas
- Elsa and Rodolfo are alumni of FPU will share their story and future plans. Elsa was born and raised in Ethiopia—a land rich in history, beauty, and deep need. In 2012, she came to Fresno Pacific University as an international student from Canada, after spending several years in Kenya as a refugee. Her time at FPU profoundly shaped her understanding of the gospel and what it truly means to serve others. FPU is also where she met her husband, Rodolfo who was an international student from Mexico. After graduation their friendship blossomed into a romance. They have two beautiful children. In the last few years they have felt the Lord’s call to return to Ethiopia to serve vulnerable women and children, bringing hope, empowerment, and the love of Christ to those in need. They are raising support to begin their first mission assignment in Ethiopia under the organization they founded, “Loving and Leading Others.”
Moderator: Pat Unruh
- Roman C. Rain Tree - California Native Americans
There are two types of Native Americans: Federally Acknowledged and Non-Federally Acknowledged Tribes. Non-Federally Acknowledged Tribes do not have Sovereign rights. California has more Non-Federally Acknowledged Tribes indigenous to its land than any state in America. Half of all California Non-Federally Acknowledged Tribes are indigenous to the Sierra San Joaquin Valley. This reality perpetuates a continued cultural genocide. Learn how you help end this California Indian genocide and empower local Tribes to reconnect with their ancestral homelands.
Roman C. Rain Tree
- Roman is a prominent Native American leader, community advocate and educator, born and raised from Fresno County, California. He is a UC Davis graduate, where he studied Native American Studies. He is locally Tribally Indigenous as a member of the Dunlap Band of Mono Indians and a descendant of the Choinumni and Wukchumni tribes. He is also part of the Bear Clan. Roman is deeply committed to preserving his tribes’ cultures, languages and identities, as they face the ongoing challenges of cultural genocide and extinction.
Moderator: Hope Nisly
- Lauren Friesen - Acting up
This session will highlight selections from Acting Up: Anthology of Mennonite Plays, 1970–2025 (Gelassenheit Publications, 2026). This six-volume series includes plays that premiered in professional, academic or experimental theaters. Peace, justice or faith issues form the core narratives in these plays.
Lauren Friesen
- Lauren is the David M. French Professor of Theatre Emeritus at the University of Michigan. In addition to Acting Up, he published A Primer on Theatre and Aesthetics: Performance and Social Change (Pickwick Publications, 2025). Lauren and his wife Janet now reside in North Newton, Kansas.
Moderator: Hope Nisly
- Bill Siemens - ‘A Life Overwhelmed by Providence.’
When writing his autobiography for his children, Bill realized how often he was describing the operation of God's providence in his life and career as minister and university professor. Often God was showing His will in contrast to Bill's mistaken idea of what was best for him.
Bill Siemens
- Bill was born and grew up in Shafter, California. He graduated from Wheaton College, received the M.Div. degree from Gordon Divinity School, an M.A from Mass and a PHD from the U of Kansas. He was ordained in 1963 and was the pastor of the Pacoima Mennonite Brethren Church. He taught Spanish at Fresno Pacific 1966–68 and also taught at West Virginia U, the U of Oklahoma and Houghton College. He has three books and some 50 journal articles in print. He was a research fellow at the U of Texas and taught hermeneutics in the Santa Barbara Presbytery's Lay Leadership Training Program.
Moderator: Pauline Kliewer
- Hristo & Dobrinka Bijev: Immigration Lawyers
Hristo and Dobrinka Bijev
- Hristo and Dobrinka Bijev immigrated from Bulgaria in 1998 after Hristo was accepted at UC Davis for Post-Doctoral Degree in International Commerce Law. They will be sharing their personal story of coming legally and staying legally in America and their path of becoming US citizens.
- Dobrinka is currently working for Fresno Unified School District Health Department and Hristo is a Criminal and Immigration Law Attorney in Fresno. They will share the reality of representing individuals and families who are facing criminal charges or immigration deportation. He will speak about the need for comprehensive immigration law changes which can protect the constitution and the rule of law.
- The discussion will cover whether the American dream has changed; whether the undocumented immigrants who commit crimes should have forgiveness; whether the tax payers have to pay the living expenses of undocumented immigrants; whether or not incarcerated people should work.
- They will be answering any questions you may have Re: the routes to legal immigration according to the current law and any recent changes in the criminal system reducing the prisoners’ sentences with court proceedings. Hopefully Hristo will give us suggestions as to what he feels the US Government could do now to deal with the 30–40 million undocumented immigrants who desire to remain in the U.S. and have a free and more prosperous life with their families.
Moderator: Pat Unruh
– Field Trip: Anthony “AP” Armour: The Story of
Neighborhood Industries.
Field Trip: We will gather at 2:00 p.m. at the facilities of Every Neighborhood Partnership (1631 N. Van Ness Ave. in Fresno). AP Armour will address our group and answer our questions. After our time with him, he will lead us on a tour of the facilities operated by Neighborhood Industries. We will take sign-ups so we can plan transportation for this excursion.
Anthony “AP” Armour
- Anthony is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Neighborhood Industries, a Fresno-based social enterprise built on the belief that every person has value and the potential to contribute meaningfully to their community. A husband, proud girl dad and soccer enthusiast, AP has called Fresno home for the past 20 years, but his journey began far from stability. Raised in Twenty-Nine Palms, California, he lost both parents by age 12 and grew up under the care of his older brothers. His teen years were marked by instability, periods of homelessness and justice involvement, before pursuing his calling between places like Seattle, British Columbia and Mexico. From 2005 to 2008, he attended Fresno Pacific University, where he continued to pursue his love for soccer while shaping his vision for service. These experiences shaped AP’s commitment to service. He understands how a single opportunity can change a life and has dedicated himself to creating spaces where others are seen, supported and given a chance to thrive.
- In 2008, AP and two close friends—including Andrew Feil, whom he met while attending Fresno Pacific University—turned their vision into reality by founding Neighborhood Industries, beginning with their first social enterprise, Neighborhood Thrift. Their mission is: to operate businesses that reveal value in people, so they can be positive contributors in their homes and neighborhoods. Profits from Neighborhood Thrift fund employment training and job opportunities for individuals overcoming homelessness, justice involvement and poverty.
- Later, AP also launched Neighborhood Recycling, further expanding the organization’s social enterprises and commitment to sustainability and community impact. Over the years, Neighborhood Industries has grown into a regional leader in workforce development and social enterprise. Its Pathways to Employment program has helped thousands gain work experience, rebuild stability and transition into long-term employment. By 2024, the organization entered a new phase of growth, opening a second Neighborhood Thrift location, expanding its team, and making strategic decisions guided by sustainability and longterm thinking. Today, Neighborhood Industries continues to reveal value in people, neighborhoods and the future of Fresno. Offering second chances and building pathways for individuals to become confident and capable contributors in their homes, workplaces and communities.
Moderator: Pat Unruh
- Lynn Jost - My Pilgrimage
Lynn Jost
- Lynn Jost retired from Seminary teaching in 2024. Lynn and his wife Donna (nee Voth) are the parents of Alisa (a geriatrician in Wichita, KS, married to Ben Schmidt and mother of June, Hudson and Pearl) and Robert (lives in Fresno and works for Fresno Unified as a behaviorist). Lynn and Donna served a three-year short term mission assignment with MB Missions in Spain and pastored in Kingsburg and in Hesston, KS. Lynn taught at Tabor College and at MB Biblical Seminary and Donna taught public school in Nashville, Newton, KS and Fresno).
Moderator: Alvin Dueck
- Michael Kunz - Living in Shalom Within our Watershed
The natural world has a history. The watershed we inhabit has been shaped by geological and climatological forces that have welcomed and sustained unique, biodiverse communities of life. Humans are a recent addition to this community, and we have profoundly impacted natural ecosystems. Learning the natural history of this place provides understanding, motivation and wisdom needed to live in shalom within our watershed.
Michael Kunz
- Michael Kunz is Professor of Biology & Environmental Science and is the AIMS Chair of Science at Fresno Pacific University. He teaches courses in ecology, botany, environmental science and the history & philosophy of science. Formative experiences include service in Peace Corps in Africa, Anabaptist community & theology, contemplative spirituality and encounter with the natural world.
Moderator: Al Dueck
- Professor Safeeq Kahn - Securing a Water-Stressed Future: Natural Climate Solutions for Building California's Water and Watershed Resilience
California’s water and watersheds are facing compounding threats from natural and anthropogenic factors, including droughts and wildfires. This presentation will provide an overview of current state of water and source watersheds, ongoing and emerging threats and discuss possible pathways for building resilience.
Safeeq Khan, Ph.D.
- Safeeq Khan, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Merced. His research broadly focuses on understanding interactions between climate, regolith and terrestrial ecosystems in the Earth’s critical zone with an emphasis on natural and human disturbance and climate change.
Moderator: Hope Nisly
- Ed Russell - Human-Modified Soils and Landscapes of the San Joaquin Valley and Adjacent Foothills with Associated Environmental Impacts
How has human activity, primarily for agriculture, permanently changed the soils and landscapes of the San Joaquin Valley? These changes have had consequences for water quality and quantity, wildlife and human health.
Ed Russell
- Ed Russell, a member of the Council of Senior Professionals, studied Forestry at the University of New Hampshire with a minor in Soil Science. He spent his life as a soil scientist who has also done church planting with Multiply in Thailand. He was raised in the Christian Science religion; is now an Anabaptist by choice and a member of Butler Church.
Moderator: Hope Nisly
Yosemite Clean Energy (often referred to as Yosemite Clean) is a renewable energy startup company headquartered in Mariposa, California, focused on transforming forest and agricultural wood waste into carbon-negative biofuels, including green hydrogen and renewable natural gas (RNG), through advanced gasification technology. The company’s mission is to deliver zero-emission fuel solutions that support California’s climate goals while reducing wildfire risk, improving air quality and strengthening rural economies. By partnering with landowners, tribes and local communities, Yosemite Clean develops locally owned biofuel production facilities that create economic value while advancing ecosystem health by repurposing biomass that would otherwise be burned or left to decay, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Loren Dubberke
- Loren Dubberke, Executive Director of Fresno Area Community Enterprises (FACE), is a seasoned community engagement leader with deep roots in workforce and community development. With over 30 years of experience working with diverse and underserved communities, Loren focuses on creating meaningful partnerships and fostering inclusive opportunities that support economic and social progress. He serves as a Managing Member at Yosemite Clean Energy, where he plays a key role in building community relationships, advancing social impact initiatives and ensuring that the company’s sustainability goals align with local needs. Outside of Yosemite Clean Energy, Loren has a long track record of leadership in community benefit organizations, including executive roles aimed at helping people break cycles of poverty and participate fully in the economy.
Moderator: Rory Angulo
- Jean Janzen - Crossings: New and Selected Poems
Jean Janzen
- Fresno poet and Council of Senior Professionals member, Jean Janzen, is publishing her book of poetry, Crossings: New and Selected Poems, in the spring of 2026. Jean will read from this collection, which is the culmination of her repertoire as a Fresno poet and a Mennonite poet. Over the years, a number of Jean's poems have been set to music and appear in Mennonite hymnals, to be sung by future generations.
Moderator: Hope Nisly
2025–2026 Senior Professionals Steering Committee:
- Emily Muñoz
- Al Dueck
- Pauline Kliewer
- Hope Nisly
- Alan Peters
- Steven Redekop
- Morgan Schlesselman
- Pat Unruh