Staying Connected to Your Alma Mater: The Power of Giving Back, Building Community and Growing Together

1. Giving Back & Making an Impact

• 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (NIV) states, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Maybe you attended FPU on an athletic or academic scholarship, participated in a student club that received funding, or accessed the Food Pantry or Career Closet. Thanks to the generosity of those who came before you, those opportunities were made possible. Now, you have the chance to pay it forward and invest in the next generation. No amount is too small to express your gratitude and leave a legacy of generosity.
• Giving back doesn’t have to be limited to financial contributions. Using your time and talents is a way to steward what God has given you. As 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Whether it is mentoring a student, sharing career advice, helping with mock interviews or cheering on athletes at their sporting events, you can make an impact in the lives of current students.

2. Continued Learning & Resources

• By accessing a powerful alumni network and utilizing FPU job boards and FPU career services, you can advance your career and build important connections with fellow Sunbirds across industries. By networking in an “iron sharpens iron” way, you are building up fellow alumni and strengthening the reputation of the university.
• FPU events ranging from Leadership Forum to Believers Church Lecture Series to the Visiting Writers Series provide continued learning opportunities across a multitude of subjects and disciplines.
• The Council of Senior Professionals is a membership organization of FPU for the mutual benefit of participating senior professionals, the university and seminary, and the constituencies that they serve. Recognizing that seniors often have much yet to contribute, the council is designed to bring together senior scholars, artists, educators, church leaders and other professionals, from near and far, who wish to actively pursue particular interests in the context of an academic community and continue to contribute to the common good of the academy, church and community. Stay connected to FPU and be a lifelong learner!

3. Sense of Community and Pride

• Remember the unique bonds you shared with fellow classmates, teammates and roommates while you were a student? The FPU community and sense of belonging doesn’t have to end after graduation. By following along on social media, returning to campus for events and giving back when you can, you can contribute to the university and celebrate its successes—and take pride in being a Sunbird for life.
• When you have the chance, we’d love to welcome you back to campus! Whether you graduated two years ago or 25, there’s so much to see with all the exciting updates and new projects around FPU. From the recently renovated Charlotte’s Coffee Corner and updated classrooms, to new buildings such as the Warkentine Culture and Arts Center and Dan Martin Baseball Stadium, the campus has evolved in ways that we can’t wait to show you. Come take a stroll down memory lane and experience the growth firsthand.

Please reach out to alumni@fresno.edu to schedule your tour. I’d be thrilled to reconnect and show you all the ways FPU is continuing to grow. Once a Sunbird, always a Sunbird.