Four years ago, I came to FPU to learn English, but they gave me the opportunity to complete my degree in Graphic Design as well as to go for my dream major, Psychology. FPU and the International Programs and Services Office (IPSO) have been one of my biggest blessings, and I am very thankful for each opportunity I have had through them. It was an honor to lead the International Club and to work with other international students. Additionally, I enjoyed assisting the FPU community with Moodle through my work with the Center for Online Learning (COL) and learning more about social initiatives for the Central Valley in working with the Center for Community Transformation (CCT). Today marks the end of my time at FPU, but I will miss the university and its people. #loveFPU#sunbird4life#fpugrad2020
Catherine Jalomo, SGA Representative for the School of Natural Sciences and Alpha Chi
scholar, writes a senior reflection on her experience at FPU. She was awarded the Benedict
Scholarship for Graduate School at the Alpha Chi virtual awards ceremony.
My name is Catherine Jalomo. I am a senior majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Biology at
Fresno Pacific University. Throughout my high school (at Edison) and college career, I have put
most of my time and effort into studying and exploring science. One of the things that amazes
me most about science is that a lot of time is spent figuring out how things happen, with or
without human influence.
As amazing I find science, it can also be a little overwhelming at times. One of the ways I enjoy
turning away from the stresses of being a college student is through spending time outdoors.
Since it is often difficult to find free time to head to the mountains, my time outdoors turns into
going for a walk around campus. My favorite stopping place is the pond by AIMS Hall. It is the
perfect spot to unwind, call a friend, have a devotional, and wave at those walking by. While our
campus often seems small, everyone has a favorite spot that I’m sure they miss right now.
The word “transition” has been used a lot recently, but is definitely a word that most seniors
could easily use to describe this last semester at Fresno Pacific. Like many seniors, I am in the
middle of figuring out next steps, and I often find myself reflecting on everything that has
happened since my freshman year. Every journey has its ups and downs, and my journey at FPU
has been no different. I am amazed at the many components of FPU life that I have been
immersed in and have shaped me to be the young person I am. At Fresno Pacific, the
communities we are a part of are often difficult to distinguish from each other. Those we live
with, work with, learn with, and worship with all overlap. I am grateful for every RA, professor,
lab partner, and roommate that I have had over the past four years – we have influenced each
other irreversibly. I have been stretched by professors and inspired by their patience. I have been
supported and encouraged by my roommates and peers in ways I didn’t think was possible. As I
recall all the challenges and disappointments that I have worked through and celebrated the
accomplishments that have come as well, I realize my time at FPU will be unforgettable.
However, as I look ahead, looking back seems impossible.
When I was younger, I often went camping with my family and our youth group. We were told
to be prepared, of course, but the lesson about the outdoors that I remember the most was to
leave the campsite better than I had found it. Since camping always left me feeling more
refreshed and happier than I was before, I never minded cleaning up after an outing. Like my
camping experiences, the many opportunities I have been given here have made me want to
leave FPU a little better than I found it. My involvement around campus has been widespread
and even more meaningful than I anticipated. I have been involved as an SI leader, a lab TA, a
student assistant, and most recently on the Student Government team as the Natural Sciences
representative. I have been challenged academically, spiritually, mentally, physically, and
socially. Over the past year, facing the task of ending one part of my journey and beginning
another, I could not help but wonder if I would leave FPU as prepared as I should be. I wanted to
leave Fresno Pacific a little better than I found it; instead, as I worked and tried, it left me a little
better than it first found me.
Whether you will be graduating soon or are just finishing your first year, make your time at
Fresno Pacific count. Let others influence you. Learn from each other, and build each other up.
The work you put into your studies cannot be taken from you, but it is something that you can
freely share. As we grow together, we have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
Dr. Walter Saul was the first professor I met at FPU. When I walked into Music Theory 110, he
was ready with a verse, a prayer, and a smile for all the new Music Majors who were taking his
class. Dr. Saul is an inspiration to me and an example of the teacher I am working to become. He
always advocates for students, and not just the ones taking his classes, though those certainly
benefit greatly. He is a strong advocate for learning by doing, and he goes above and beyond the
call of duty to help people understand his subject matter. When he taught ear training, Dr. Saul
and I spent two hours in his office trying to figure out the best way for me to hear chord
inversions. He was willing to go over homework in person, and his policy was that you could
redo an assignment as much as you were willing, so that you could really learn the material. This
provision was a major help, especially in upper-division Music Theory.
If something was going on in your personal life, he would take time to pray with you. He
anticipated and accommodated when Music Majors would be the busiest. I remember vividly
when we were rehearsing for Guys and Dolls, every person in our class, except Dr. Saul himself,
was involved in one way or another. During Tech Week, he delayed assignments until after the
performance was done, and canceled class when he heard that our tech rehearsal had gone until
after 1:00 in the morning.
Dr. Saul makes it to every performance that you tell him about. I have witnessed him going
straight from one performance to another, simply to watch his students perform. All in all, Dr.
Saul is a very loving man, and it is an honor to be a part of his final graduating class. He is a man
whom I truly consider a mentor and a friend. He deeply deserves this honor, along with any other
that we have to give.
The first class I had as a freshman at Fresno Pacific University was Dr. Shawn Wirts’
Pre-Calculus class. I still remember the first time I needed to visit during his office hours. I
waited outside Shawn’s office for 30 minutes; I ended up leaving and just returning the next day
because I was so nervous to go inside. I distinctly remember a time where I had worked ahead on
homework and then I missed a homework assignment that I thought I had completed. Shawn
immediately sent me an email asking if I was doing okay as this was unlike me. Even though I
haven’t missed another assignment in any of my other classes, this experience spoke volumes to
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me. Most people mention how in college your professors don’t care if you fail their class, or if
you even understand the material. This is definitely not the case with professors at FPU, and it
most definitely does not describe Shawn.
Over my almost four years at FPU, I have been challenged, frustrated, and encouraged in
Shawn’s classes. Shawn provides an open door and open ear to listen to any student and goes out
of his way to get to know his students. I stop by his office at least once a day to talk about
“mathy” things or just to stop-by for a check-in. Some may think that Shawn’s office has
actually become my office with how often I stop in. He has consistently encouraged me and
others to grapple with difficult concepts in mathematics, life, and graduate school. He
encourages students to incorporate their Christian values and find purpose in the work that they
are doing in mathematics. He inspired me to challenge myself and write a Syrinx article
addressing ways to discuss faith and the natural sciences. He is an advocate for involvement of
women in mathematics, and in his classes I am more than simply a “woman in STEM” but I am
an equal, a fellow mathematician. Shawn is very intelligent and well-versed in mathematics, but
is also relatable and a professor that I am comfortable around. I appreciate that I have been able
to get to know him as a mathematician, Christian, and fellow scholar.
-Kelsey Lowrey, mathematics and software engineering
Every Earth Day, FPU celebrates by showcasing booths of environmental organizations, goodies, student poster presentations and a parade of electric vehicles. This year, we’re going virtual!
THEO 425 - Theological Ethics & Environment students presented their work virtually and now these presentations are available for all to peruse. Additionally, there are links to environmental information/education and connections to local options to enjoy and care for the environment.
Check it out and explore topics like “What’s Your Carbon Footprint” or “How to Reduce Waste” at http://fpubio.com/kunz/earthday/
🌎
We miss all our Sunbirds! Here’s how graduating senior, Mary Reitz, is navigating these times!
Most
days I try and stick to a routine. Mornings while in quarantine begin with
breakfast, quick workout, then working from home or doing class assignments.
Then I usually practice for my band courses or work on my jury piece. At that
point it’s barely 2:00pm, so I try and do something creative such as making
cloth masks for those in need like first responders, friends, neighbors, or
family members. My family and I also started painting rocks to leave on our
walks so that way others can see them, it’s about letting people know we’re
thinking about them and praying for them. It’s been nice virtually talking to
people but I do miss face to face interactions.
We asked current Sunbirds how they’re navigating these new and strange times. They shared what their days look like and how they’re staying encouraged and motivated.
I start my morning off at 5:30 am with a
ritualized routine I created. This consists of an hour
in which I listen to an audiobook, mediate, and do chess puzzles, for ten
minutes each, and then 30 minutes to read a book not related to my academics.
This sets me off to a good start in the mornings feeling stress free and
mentally available for any forthcoming challenges.
After that, I prep my
things, review material for my first class either at 8:00 am, or at 9:30 am,
and have breakfast as well. My usual class experience everyday is to have 1-2
zoom meetings with professors, and it’s usually either a full length lecture or
a quick check in. I appreciate the concern and understanding that professors
have for us during these times! My professors so far have been very
comprehensive and patient with me and other students and I think that creates a
push for me to keep doing my best with the online coursework.
Besides my
classes, I’m also actively taking my shifts at the pantry Monday through
Friday! I’m really glad that the pantry has remained open for students to
utilize, and that the pantry team has been working really hard to continue providing
students essential resources. The Pantry Express has been a great new service
we offer and I hope we can expand it further in the future!
Due to current circumstances, the Alpha Chi Convention 2020 in Albuquerque was canceled. Students who were prepared to go were still able to record their presentations which you can find here. By following the link, you can see the presentations of sunbirds Kelsey Lowrey, Claire Starbeck, Margaret Bowlin, Taylor Benton, and Kassandra Klein. We are so proud of them!
Wednesday morning Alpha Chi National had the virtual awards ceremony. It was a model of how to carry on in our new context.
Catherine Jalomo won the Benedict Scholarship for Graduate School, and Pamela Johnston won the Distinguished Service Award for Region VII! We are reminded that even by national standards, FPU students and faculty are special!
SGA President and Paragon Scholar Kelsey Lowrey writes a senior reflection on her experience
at FPU. You may see her work in the virtual conference presentations below.
My name is Kelsey Lowrey, and I am a senior mathematics major with a minor in software
engineering. Although I find great joy in differentiating equations, one of my favorite activities
to do is read books. The part of a book that I hate the most is the ending, the last chapter, the
unseen future that is alluded to. I become so intertwined with the details, the development of the
plot or the purpose of the book, the journey that the character is on that I feel a sense of loss
when it is all over. At first I feel a sense of relief that I have finally finished the book and have
discovered where all roads were leading to. However, shortly after, I find myself longing to
continue reading that story, to wake up and want to find out what happens next from where I left
off, to enter a world that is not my own, to be on the edge of my seat with suspense and thrill
from the book. This is where I and I am sure many other seniors find themselves about now.
Interdenominational Dialogue at FPU during College Hour
Veronica Mendez is an Alpha Chi member and Co-Editor of this newsletter.
I was born into a Roman Catholic family, but we were never the type of family that attended
church every Sunday morning—we attended occasionally. Nevertheless, I was raised in the
general beliefs of the faith. With this background, my first encounter with the chapel sessions at
FPU felt odd. I continued to attend chapel and developed mixed feelings about it. Worshipping
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God through singing in front of other students was not something I was used to. Yet, the
experience also gave me a feeling of devotion and surrender towards the Lord.
Over the last two years my faith has become increasingly important to me and after almost four
semesters at FPU I’ve grown not only very comfortable with the chapel service, but I also feel
appreciated. On January 29 the FPU community welcomed Father Paul Keller from St. Paul
Newman Center at the weekly chapel service, where he delivered a beautiful message of our
calling to serve others. Less than a month later, on February 26th we happily welcomed him back
for Ash Wednesday. The collaboration between different departments on campus and community
ministries has demonstrated FPU’s openness to interdenominational – ecumenical – dialogue to
create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Father Keller’s second visit at FPU was to offer all college hour attendees with an Ash
Wednesday Service. He delivered a beautiful speech about what Ash Wednesday and the Lenten
season represents. He reminded all of us, regardless of where we are in our faith journey, that
this is the season to acknowledge that we are imperfect beings. He repeated that this is a time to
accept that “there is something wrong with our spirit,” but also that we are loved and forgiven by
the Lord. His overall message was, even in our imperfectness, the important thing is our
willingness to acknowledge the brokenness within us to seek solutions, build a relationship with
God, and above all honor God. Lastly, he distributed ashes to all who felt called to receiving
them, whether a member of the Roman Catholic Church or not.
In February, FPU sent ten of our students to Boston to compete in the Harvard National Model United Nations 2020 where they competed against other colleges who were assigned to different countries. Our dual delegates (partnered students) represented the country of Jamaica in five committees in the General Assembly. Disarmament and International Security discussed foreign interventions in civil war, Economic and Financial focused on banking policies for avoiding global recessions, Legal explored the rights and limitations of digital citizenship, the World Health Organization (WHO) argued on global disparities in health professional training, and the 2055 Futuristic General Assembly worked to resolve refugee concerns in terms of coping with a broken climate. The General Assembly is the largest and contains the most global committees at the conference. The goal is to tackle issues that affect all nations, large or small, developing or highly developed.
Delegates must work with other countries to find solutions that would correspond with their ideals. A draft resolution is written and sent to the dais, the Harvard students running the committee, for voting. The end goal is to have your writing in the final resolution paper and voted on by the majority of the delegations. Matthew and Shawn in WHO, Alyssa and Candy in Legal, and Luke and Elizabeth in Economic and Financial had their resolution papers passed. Congratulations to the Sunbirds who participated!
Exciting news! The Fresno Pacific Biblical and Theological Studies department has added a new Honors Society chapter, Theta Alpha Kappa. This chapter honors the studies of religious studies and theology, and we can’t be more thrilled to join! If interested, contact Dr. Melly Howard here.
Junior Class Rep and Communication Major Carlos Garcia attended the San Joaquin Valley Town Hall featuring General John F. Kelly
On January 15th, Dr. Friesen and a small group of students attended the Town Hall in Fresno welcoming former White House Chief of Staff, John F. Kelly, also a retired U.S. Marine general who served as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, and as leader of the U.S. Southern Command. The group of students consisted of Veronica Mendez, Matthew White, and myself, Carlos Garcia. Gen. Kelly discussed his experiences in these positions. Among other topics, he discussed the drug epidemic affecting America in the Southern border. Gen. Kelly explained that any American who participates in the distribution of these illegal and harmful drugs such as 2 heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine is funding the cartels. He also acknowledged the healthcare issue affecting the U.S., arguing that Washington is not making progress because the focus seems to be elsewhere such as on the impeachment. He talked about global influence and the direction that America seems to be heading.
I found it interesting to learn about Gen. Kelly’s perspective on what he deems as truth: he suggested that those in power should be investigated. I was lucky enough to listen and observe Gen. Kelly from close proximity before the main lecture as he spoke to a small audience of students, including our FPU group. He gave us important life advice on making wise choices as well as focusing on the future and working hard. A meaningful suggestion he made was that everyone should seek ways to serve the country. Towards the end of the event Gen. Kelly allowed for a Q&A session. The event was an excellent experience that was made possible thanks to USP, Dr. Friesen, and SJVTH.
Simon Biasell, B.A. Organizational Leadership, and M.Div. shares his story of discouragement in school and a renewed love for learning through a sense of belonging in Fresno Pacific’s Degree Completion and Seminary programs. Through hard work and dedication to his programs, he became an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church after previously believing he would never go back to school. For the full story, follow the link below.
“Awesome experience.” “The real deal.” “Opportunity of a lifetime.” “So worth the drive.” These are just a few of the comments from students who traveled to Sacramento on October 4 to make a presentation to the California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) and tour the Sacrament State Aquatic Center.
Hands-on experiences like this are a part of what makes FPU so great!
A collection of all things FPU, by the community, for the community! Tag your posts with #featuremeFPU and explore our posts by clicking on a category below.
