Despite the present challenges, our instrumental music students are still able to come “together” virtually and create beautiful music!
Hymn Setting from FPU Symphonic Band
Gott des Hummels und der Erden by J.S. Bach
FPU During A Fully Virtual Semester by Joseph Avila
A month ago, I began my first day of college. I woke up, got dressed, had breakfast, brushed my teeth and began my morning commute… to the couch. Many of us had a very similar experience at the start of the semester. I cannot say I was totally disappointed, afterall, I was granted an extra hour of sleep and an extra cozy seat. Under these less than ideal circumstances, I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my university experience.
Did you know that our student newspaper, The Syrinx, is an award-winning paper?
Students from all over campus come together to produce editions of the paper for our FPU community. You’re always sure to find an FPU perspective on current events, the latest news, opinions and more.
news.fresno.edu
U.S. News & World Report placed FPU at number three in the social mobility category and at 27 in best values among Regional Universities—West in its 2021 Best Colleges rankings released today. Washington Monthly affirmed the best value message, ranking FPU at 35 on that list, released August 31. All three rankings were up from last year, when U.S. News rated FPU number four in social mobility and 35 in best value, and Washington Monthly listed FPU at 50 among best values.
“We are most proud of our number three rating as a top performer in social mobility because we love seeing economically disadvantaged students being successful and receiving their bachelor’s degree. The Central Valley has significantly fewer people with B.A. degrees compared to California as a whole. This ranking shows FPU is very affordable and students graduate quickly coming from either high school or community college,” said Jon Endicott, vice president for enrollment management.
Last year, students Seth Garcia and Calvin Abbott created a nearly to-scale replica of the FPU campus on Minecraft. They spent many hours working on this for Professor Chris Janzen’s Fall 2019 Art Appreciation course, as part of the “Creativity Assignment”. The purpose of the assignment was to investigate the root purpose of studying art: the cultivation of creative thought. Students were invited to create their own artwork in whatever media they chose; the more innovative and unprecedented the better.
“The world was my idea, but I totally meant it as a joke,” says Seth. “When Chris Jansen talked about our ‘Creativity Project’, I jokingly told Calvin that we should make the school in Minecraft. But Calvin loved the idea so we asked Chris and he said that it was an idea he had never heard of in his teaching career. We built the school on Calvin’s Xbox and we would each take a building on campus and build it. We would take Calvin’s scooter and scoot around campus taking pictures so we can get accurate images. Even when Calvin would go home for the weekend, I borrowed his Xbox so I could build alone. It was honestly so much fun building it.”
Calvin adds, “I
recall having no clue what I should do for the creativity project. Having sat
by my buddy Seth, one day he said that a good idea would be building FPU in
Minecraft. He didn’t seem serious about it, but from the moment Seth shared his
idea my mind sparked with visions of what FPU would look like in the virtual
world of Minecraft. With 157 hours of collaborative efforts, Seth and I slowly
brought to reality a life size version of FPU in the virtual world of
Minecraft. For me, this project has embodied the outcome of what can be
accomplished when even a few decide to work as a team.”
thesungazette.com
Congratulations to our alumna, Kelly Amend as she becomes the Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force coordinator! Kelly graduated from FPU with a BA in Liberal Studies!
Quentin Kinnison, Ph.D., associate professor of Christian ministry, director of the Christian ministry and leadership program and chair of Biblical & Religious Studies Division, was one of 16 finalists for the 2019 Dr. Dave Pariser Faculty Mentor Award by the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The nomination came in February 2020. The award honors faculty members at Division II institutions for “their dedicated support and mentorship of student-athletes,” according to the letter Kinnison received. Kinnison represents the 12-school Pacific West Conference, in which FPU participates. The national winner was Bennett Cherry of California State University, San Marcos. Kinnison is part of FPU’s Faculty Team Representative program, which pairs a faculty member with each sports team to build relationships between athletics and academics. The FTR program began in 2015, founded and directed by Don Diboll, Ph.D., associate professor of kinesiology.
Although we may not be able to hold classes on campus this semester, the FPU Wilderness crew was still able to get out and adventure this summer during the Sierra Summer trip (socially distanced, of course!)
The Sierra Summer is the hallmark of FPU Wilderness and is a month-long immersion. Students spend three days on an introductory backpacking trip, followed by a 10-day base camp exploring philosophical and theological ideas around environmentalism. After base camp, students embark on a second, 10-day backpacking trek in the Sierra Nevada. The month is capped with a brief return to base camp for a celebration of the learning, experiences and friendships forged. Students complete 6-7 units of their general education requirements
It’s okay not to be okay: An unusual circumstance
by Paola G. Gonzalez Mendez
It is safe to say that this year is far from what we imagined the grand 2020 to be. On December 31 2019, as we were waiting for the clock to strike 12, we filled the air in anticipation of our many hopes and aspirations for not just any year, but for THE year. We were anxious, excited, on the verge of anticipation, and yet we could feel a looming presence. By March 2020 our lives were drastically changed.
Message to the Student Body by SGA VP Laura B. Flores Mora
Welcome new and returning Sunbirds. What a summer! With so many changes occurring, a new way of living and a new way of doing school, I know it has been overwhelming. Always keep in mind that the FPU community is here to help in any way shape or form.
Though this school year may be different, with not much action on campus, SGA is still here to assist the student body virtually. We are open to new ideas and ways to help you all. If you have any comments, concerns, or passions, you can reach us by heading to the myFPU app and clicking on the SGA icon. You will find a feedback section there where you can comment. Comments are anonymous. You can also reach us by emailing us at [email protected].
Remember, do not be afraid to voice what is in your heart! Now, let kick this school year off with faith that God has everything in control.
Claire Samuelson Starbeck, was featured and celebrated on the Alpha Chi national website! Claire is recognized for her excellent presentation entitled “Tolkien and War: The Influence of World War I on The Lord of the Rings.” For more details and to watch her presentation, click here.
Happy first day of school!!
As we begin the new semester, let’s not forget that our faith and hope lies in God! No matter what obstacles we face, may be wait upon God for our fresh strength so that we may not grow weary.
We miss walking into campus and seeing all of our Sunbirds shuffling around to their morning classes, stopping by Charlotte’s Corner to get a latte before pausing to chat with a friend they haven’t seen since last Spring. It’s moments like these that capture what it’s like to be in community on campus, but we know that despite the uncertainties and roadblocks, we will continue to lift each other up and form close bonds this semester!
news.fresno.edu
Through our partnership with California Health Sciences University, you’ll participate in the fast-track program, transferring to CHSU after three years of undergraduate study at FPU and beginning a Doctor of Pharmacy program during your fourth year. This way, you’ll earn your Doctor of Pharmacy degree in just seven years, rather than eight—saving both time and money. Check out recent grad, Savannah Mangrum’s story!
Witt Nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year
Sam Witt is one of
605 nominees nationally for NCAA Woman of the Year. Did you know this award almost always goes to a Division I athlete? Nominees are chosen based on athletics,
academics, and involvement on campus, etc. Check out the article below to learn more about Sam!
The PacWest announced its Academic All-Conference honors on Thursday afternoon, as a school record 122 Fresno Pacific student-athletes earned recognition for their academic performance during the 2019-20 season. FPU’s PacWest sports collectively claimed a 3.11 GPA, another best since joining the league ahead of the 2012-13 school year.
“It’s encouraging to see the fruit of our coaches spending countless hours seeking and recruiting students that are committed to their academic success while competing as a collegiate athlete,” Director of Athletics Aaron Henderson said. “We are extremely proud of our student-athletes, coaches and staff for continuing to strive to be excellent in everything they do. We appreciate the faculty and academic support on our campus, as well, as this truly is a team effort.”
